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journal-basic-applied-scien

The Impact of Technology in Mathematics Education: A Case Study of Pakistan
Pages 67-72
M. Arif Hussain, Mujeeb Ahmed Khan, Shaheen Abbas, M. Ilyas, Bulbul Jan and M. Rashid Kamal Ansari

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.10

Published: 12 March 2014

Open Access

Abstract: As we know that computers have become fountain pens of twenty first century. This paper discusses Computer Algebra System (CAS)activities used as part of a study conducted by the authors using Mathematica. It also emphasizes the use of Matlab for students and researchers for the purpose of verification of results of the problems at hand. This study will attempt to show the positive effect of the use of technology on students’ motivation by taking three examples from calculus, advanced algebra and sequence and series problems. The graphic illustration of functions helps students towards a proper understanding of mathematical science problems. The work carried out will be useful for students, researchers, and teachers understand both theory and use of computer applications in order to become master of the subject.

Keywords: Computer Algebra System, Mathematica and Matlab, mathematical science problem.
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journal-basic-applied-scien

Effect of Biofertilizer Addition on Nitrous Oxide Emission
Pages 44-52
Endah Retnaningrum, Irfan D. Prijambada, Sukarti Moeljopawiro and Budi S. Daryono

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.07

Published: 05 March 2014

Open Access

Abstract: Application of nitrogen fixing biofertilizer, such as Azotobacter, has a potential for reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emission. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nitrogen fixing biofertilizer addition to common practices of urea and fresh cattle manure usages for maize (Zea mays L.) growing on N2O emission. The field experiment was conducted at GunungKidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The treatments were addition of fresh cattle manure (M), fresh cattle manure added with nitrogen fixing biofertilizer (MB), urea (U), urea added with nitrogen fixing biofertilizer (UB), and control (no N fertilizer added). Nitrogen contents of the added urea and fresh cattle manure were adjusted to be equal. Urea and fresh cattle manure were given three times throughout the experiment period, i.e. 12, 30, and 48 days after planting (DAP). Urea was given at a rate of 44, 29, and 15 kg.ha-1, respectively while fresh cattle manure was given at a rate of 6000, 4000, and 2000 kg.ha-1, respectively. The emitted N2O was collected using a closed-chamber method at 24, 42, 60, and 72 DAP and were determined using Gas Chromatograph. Soil properties including available N (NH4+-N and NO3--N) and organic C contents were also analyzed. On the harvesting time, the harvest index and the grain yield were determined. Biofertilizer addition influence decomposition process of cattle manure and urea that led to mineralization and nitrification of residual organic matterand hence to cause soil NH4+N in the order concentration of M treatment > MB > U > UB>C, and soil NO3--N of MB treatment > M > U > UB>C. Reduction of NO3-N was resulted in the highest N2O emission of M >U>MB>UB>C(P < 0.01). The grain yield, and harvest index of maize wereresulted in the order value of MB> UB > U > M>C treatments.Available mineral N and soil organic C contents strongly affected N2O emission (P < 0.01).The results suggested that biofertilizer addition to common agricultural practices reduce N2O emission and simultaneusly increased grain yield, and harvest index of maize.

Keywords: Azotobacter, urea, cattle manure, nitrous oxide.
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journal-basic-applied-scien

A Survey of the Relationship Between Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride to Glaucoma: A Case Control Study
Pages 33-38
Mohammad Hossien Davari, Toba Kazemi and Azame Rezai

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.06

Published: 20 February 2014

Open Access

Abstract: Purpose/Aim:primary Open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is an asymptomatic, progressive optic neuropathy characterized by enlarging optic disc cupping and visual field loss. POAG is a major cause of blindness and is characterized by progressive degeneration of the optic nerve and is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure.

Regarding the fact that dyslipidemia has a relationship with some ophthalmic diseases such as cataract,it sounds that the same relationship also exists with POAG. Therefore, it was decided to study the relationship between serum cholesterol and triglyceride to POAG.

Methods:The present study was done on 40 primary Open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients (cases) and 40 healthy individuals (controls). In order to diagnose POAG, Intra ocular pressure (IOP) was measured by means of Applanation tonometry, and then was confirmed through perimetry and ophthalmoscopes. The controls were patients' attendants who had referred to Birjand Valli-e-asr clinics but did not have POAG. After a fasting of 12 hours, blood samples were derived to determine serum level of triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Then, the results of the tests together with the participants' demographic information were individually registered in a questionnaire.

The obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS software (version 15) and statistical tests including T-test and Chi- square.

Results:Mean levels of cholesterol (211.18± 51.91mg/dl in cases, 162.38±39.56 mg/dl in controls) and triglyceride (165.92±88.58 mg/dl in cases, 99.46± 43.08 mg/dl in control) were significantly higher in cases than in controls. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly higher in the cases compared with the controls. There was a positive association between POAG and dyslipidemia (OR=7.14 [95% CI: 2.3-22.2] for Hypercholesterolemia and OR=16.9 [95% CI: 2.1-14.8] for hypertriglyceridemia.

Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia can be a risk factor of getting POAG.

Keywords: Primary Open-angle glaucoma (POAG), Triglyceride, Cholesterol, Case-Control study.
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Gender Differences in Nicotine Induced Dyslipidemia and Hyperglycemia in Mice
Pages 33-38
Samina Bano and Shabana Saeed

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.05

Published: 20 January 2014

Open Access

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in nicotine treated male and female mice and to evaluate gender related differences. For these purposes adult male and female BALB/C mice were subjected to chronic nicotine treatment (3.08mg/100ml in drinking water) for 4 weeks. Serum glucose, albumin, corticosterone and lipid profile levels were determined. Body weight changes were also monitored. We have found that nicotine treatment raises total cholesterol and glucose levels more in male as compared to female mice. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were increased by 35% (P<0.01) only in male mice. However rise in triglycerides were greater in females (28%) than males (21%) when compared with their respective controls. Serum albumin levels were increased in both sexes showing 13% greater increase in males as compared to females. However nicotine treatment had no effect on high density lipoprotein cholesterol, corticosterone levels and body weights in both genders. It is concluded that nicotine use is positively associated with LDL-C in males; the results are discussed in relation to prevalence of metabolic syndrome andrisk of cardiovascular events in nicotine users.

Keywords: Cholesterol, lipid profile, metabolic syndrome, corticosterone, nicotine, mice.
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