Showing papers by "Jessore University of Science & Technology published in 2017"

Function of the SIRT3 mitochondrial deacetylase in cellular physiology, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: In mammals, seven members of the sirtuin protein family known as class III histone deacetylase have been identified for their characteristic features. These distinguished characteristics include the tissues where they are distributed or located, enzymatic activities, molecular functions, and involvement in diseases. Among the sirtuin members, SIRT3 has received much attention for its role in cancer genetics, aging, neurodegenerative disease, and stress resistance. SIRT3 controls energy demand during stress conditions such as fasting and exercise as well as metabolism through the deacetylation and acetylation of mitochondrial enzymes. SIRT3 is well known for its ability to eliminate reactive oxygen species and to prevent the development of cancerous cells or apoptosis. This review article provides a comprehensive review on numerous (noteworthy) molecular functions of SIRT3 and its effect on cancer cells and various diseases including Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.

Distribution of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of the Bay of Bengal Coast.

Abstract: The concentrations of major (Si, Al, Ca, Fe, and K) and minor (Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, U, Zn, Co, Cr, As, Cu, Rb, Sr, and Zr,) elements in the surficial sediments were studied in an attempt to establish their concentration in the Bengal coast. It was revealed that the majority of the trace elements have been introduced into the Bengal marine from the riverine inflows that are also affected by the impact of industrial, ship breaking yard, gas production plant, and urban wastes. The concentration of heavy metals was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence instruments. The highest concentrations for several trace elements were thus recorded which generally decrease with distance from the coast. It was observed that the heavy metal concentrations in the sediments generally met the criteria of international marine sediment quality. However, both the contamination factor and pollution load index values suggested the elevation of some metals’ concentrations in the region. Constant monitoring of the Bengal coast water quality needs to be recorded with a view to minimizing the risk of health of the population and the detrimental impacts on the aquatic ecosystem.

Performance improvement of modified dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract: Considering increasing energy demands, it is still a challenge to find finite resources of alternative energy. Owing to their wide range of applications, transparency, simple structure, and low cost, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been extensively studied as one of the most promising new generation silicon-based solar cells. During last decade, tremendous research efforts have been invested to improve the efficiency of solar energy conversion of DSSCs. In this review, we overview various strategies that lead to better performance and stability of the fabricated cell. Recent challenges associated with nanostructured electrodes, device layer structure design, types of dyes and electrolytes with DSSCs performance were studied and discussed.

Quality Properties and Bio-potentiality of Edible Oils from Atlantic Salmon By-products Extracted by Supercritial Carbon Dioxide and Conventional Methods

Abstract: Fish processing industries produce a large amount of by-products every year which are just dumped or used for less productive purposes. This paper instructs the approaches for the production of edible oils from Atlantic salmon by-products for value addition of fish wastes and meeting the increased demand of omega polyunsaturated fatty acids. Atlantic salmon by-products (belly part, trimmed muscle, frame bone and skin) oils extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and n-hexane were compared with belly part oil (PBePO) obtained from traditional pressing. Oil extracted by n-hexane, was considered as total oil and the yield was higher amongst with 45.46 ± 0.57–49.26 ± 0.90 %, followed by SC-CO2 and pressed oil with 76.12 ± 1.02–86.99 ± 1.14 and 61.83 ± 0.0.84 % (of total oil, dry matter basis), respectively. SC-CO2 extracted oils showed attractive color and better viscosity property than PBePO and n-hexane extracted oil. The acid value, peroxide value and free fatty acid value of PBePO were lowest (6.29 ± 0.32, 0.97 ± 0.12 and 2.37 ± 0.19 respectively) followed by SC-CO2 (7.48 ± 0.62–8.03 ± 0.35, 1.10 ± 0.2–1.25 ± 0.14 and 3.23 ± 0.31–3.89 ± 0.40 respectively) and n-hexane (10.28 ± 1.25–11.03 ± 0.52, 1.36 ± 0.28–1.68 ± 0.20 and 4.08 ± 0.22–4.74 ± 0.18 respectively) extracted oils. p-Anisidine value and total oxidation value of SC-CO2 extracted oils were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than PBePO and n-hexane extracted oils. SC-CO2 extracted oils displayed higher radical scavenging activity and longer oxidative stability period (1.37 ± 0.03–2.14 ± 0.03 h). There was no significance difference in fatty acid compositions among the extracted oils. Extraction of edible oil by SC-CO2 from fish by-products may play a key role for obtaining financial benefits, nutrition and reducing environmental pollution.

Geochemical characteristics of modern river sediments in Myanmar and Thailand: Implications for provenance and weathering

Abstract: The elemental composition of organic matter and the major and trace element compositions of stream sediments from Myanmar (Ayeyarwady and Sittaung rivers) and Thailand (Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers, and their tributaries) were determined to examine their distributions, provenance, and chemical weathering processes. Higher total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents in the finer grained sediments indicate hydrodynamic energy may control their distributions. TOC/TN ratios indicate inputs of both aquatic macrophyte and higher vascular plant material to the river sediments. The major element abundances of the sediments are characterized by predominance of SiO2 in coarser fractions and a marked negative correlation with Al2O3, representing primary grain size primarily control on SiO2 content. Marked depletion of most labile elements (Na2O, CaO, K2O, Ba and Sr) relative to UCC (upper continental crust), indicate destruction of feldspar during chemical weathering in the source area or during transport. However, enrichment of some high field strength elements (Zr, Th, Ce and Y) relative to UCC and higher Zr/Sc ratios indicate moderate concentration of resistant heavy minerals in finer-grained samples. Discriminant diagrams and immobile trace element characteristics indicate that the Mekong, and Chao Phraya river sediments were largely derived from felsic sources with compositions close to typical rhyolite, dacite/granodiorite, UCC, I- and S-type granites. Relative enrichment of ferromagnesian elements (e.g. MgO, Cr, Ni) and high Cr/V and low Y/Ni ratios in Ayeyarwady and Sittaung sediments indicate the presence of a mafic or ultramafic component in their sources. The ICV (Index of Compositional Variability), CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration), PIA (Plagioclase Index of Alteration), αAl, Rb/Sr and K2O/Rb ratios indicate that the Ayeyarwady and Sittaung sediments record low to moderate degrees of chemical weathering in their source, compared to moderate to intense chemical weathering in the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins. These results are compatible with existing major ion data for river waters collected at the same locations.

Solar Pyrolysis: Converting Waste Into Asset Using Solar Energy

Abstract: This chapter focuses on the incorporation of solar energy into pyrolysis reactor heating and investigates its feasibility in replacement of conventional heating. At the beginning of the chapter, an overview of pyrolysis and the historical background of pyrolysis are discussed. Furthermore, the chapter presents the issues and challenges of conventional heating of reactor during thermal decomposition of biomass. The background of solar heating and different approaches along with its updated design concepts are presented to give attention for integrating solar-assisted heating reactor in pyrolysis. The chapter also depicts the applications and feasibility of solar-integrated pyrolysis technology. At the end, possible challenges and future development scope of solar-integrated pyrolysis technology are explained.

β-Cell protection and antidiabetic activities of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Asteraceae) Benth. S. Moore extract against alloxan-induced oxidative stress via regulation of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Abstract: Medicinal plants are becoming more popular in the treatment of various diseases because of the adverse effects of the current therapy, especially antioxidant plant components such as phenols and flavonoids have a protective role against oxidative stress-induced degenerative diseases like diabetes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate β-cell protection and antidiabetic activities of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Asteraceae) Benth. S. Moore. The in-vitro study was conducted by the pancreatic β-cell culture and α-amylase inhibition technique which includes two methods, namely starch-iodine method and 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA) method. On the other hand, the in-vivo study was performed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) method and alloxan-induced diabetes method by using Wistar albino rat. At the end pancreatic specimens were removed and processed for histopathological study. The plant extract showed significant (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01) effect on hyperglycemia as compared to standard (Gliclazide) in OGTT. The plant extract showed efficient protection activity of pancreatic β-cell from cell death in INS-1 cell line by significantly reduced (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01) the levels alloxan-induced apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. In addition, the plant extract showed a significant (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01) effect on hyperglycemia by increases in percent of β-cells present in each islet (45% – 60%) compared to the diabetic group. The result showed that C. crepidioides had β-cell protection and antidiabetic activities in pancreatic β-cell culture and Wistar albino rat.

Scenario of future e-waste generation and recycle-reuse-landfill-based disposal pattern in India: a system dynamics approach

Abstract: The fundamental requirements of the e-waste management system are the forecasting of the future generation of e-waste and in situ planning to minimize the risk. The prediction analysis (a simulation exercise with base year 2012 and end year 2025) for several e-waste items (desktop, notebook, refrigerator, television and washing machine) reflects an increasing waste generation pattern. The present study deals with the prediction of e-waste generation and the percentage distribution of e-waste through different disposal pathways (landfill, second-hand market and recycling) based on the system dynamics approach (using STELLA software, version 8.0) for the purpose of improved management practice in near future in India. During the prediction of disposal options, the role, importance and functionality of various pathways are also critically analyzed. The simulation results indicate that the specific route of e-waste disposal will largely control the e-waste generation in India as informal sectors, in future, will solely utilize recycle and reuse pathways due to the economics of the specific components of the generated e-waste. On the other hand, the percentage of landfillable e-waste will decrease from 8.06 to 6.54 % within a decade (2012–2025). Finally, the study emphasizes on delineation of a well-composed guideline for policy orientation to protect the human health and environment, as e-waste items and their various components often emit toxic substances particularly during informal trade chain practices.

Silicon ameliorates chromium toxicity through phytochelatin-mediated vacuolar sequestration in the roots of Oryza sativa (L.)

Abstract: High chromium (Cr) in rice causes reduced yield and health hazards. This work investigates how Si alleviates Cr toxicity in rice. Addition of Si under Cr stress restored the growth parameters, total protein content, and membrane stability along with reduced Cr content in shoots, confirming that Si plays critical roles in Cr detoxification in rice. However, Si supplementation under Cr stress caused no significant changes in root Cr content but decreased shoot Cr concentrations compared with Cr-stressed plants, indicating that alleviation of Cr toxicity might be associated with Cr sequestration in roots. Further, concentration of Fe and expression of Fe transporter (OsIRT1) showed no significant changes due to Si supplementation under Cr stress, implying that Fe regulation is not involved with Si-mediated mitigation of Cr toxicity in rice. Further, phytochelatin accumulation and OsPCS1 (phytochelatin synthase) transcripts strongly induced due to the dual treatment of Si and Cr compared with Cr-stressed plants, suggesting that phytochelatin might bind to Cr, which leads to vacuolar sequestration in roots. Furthermore, increased glutathione reductase activity in roots implies that active involvement of ROS scavenging partially ameliorates Cr toxicity in rice plants. The study illustrates first evidences on the effect of Si alleviating Cr toxicity in rice plants.

Rapid Biological Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Ocimum sanctum and Their Characterization

Abstract: With development of nanotechnology, the biological synthesis process deals with the synthesis, characterization, and manipulation of materials and further development at nanoscale which is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly and rapid synthesis process as compared to physical and chemical process. In this research silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from silver nitrate (AgNO3) aqueous solution through eco-friendly plant leaf broth of Ocimum sanctum as reactant as well as capping agent and stabilizer. The formation of AgNPs was monitored by ultraviolet-visible spectrometer (UV-vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) have been used to characterize the morphology of prepared AgNPs. The peaks in XRD pattern are in good agreement with that of face-centered-cubic (FCC) form of metallic silver. Thermal gravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) results confirmed the weight loss and the exothermic reaction due to desorption of chemisorbed water. The average grain size of silver nanoparticles is found to be 29 nm. The FTIR results indicated that the leaf broths containing the carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amine groups are mainly involved in fabrication of silver AgNPs and proteins, which have amine groups responsible for stabilizing AgNPs in the solution.

Deviation of the typical AAA substrate-threading pore prevents fatal protein degradation in yeast Cdc48.

Abstract: Yeast Cdc48 is a well-conserved, essential chaperone of ATPases associated with diverse cellular activity (AAA) proteins, which recognizes substrate proteins and modulates their conformations to carry out many cellular processes. However, the fundamental mechanisms underlying the diverse pivotal roles of Cdc48 remain unknown. Almost all AAA proteins form a ring-shaped structure with a conserved aromatic amino acid residue that is essential for proper function. The threading mechanism hypothesis suggests that this residue guides the intrusion of substrate proteins into a narrow pore of the AAA ring, thereby becoming unfolded. By contrast, the aromatic residue in one of the two AAA rings of Cdc48 has been eliminated through evolution. Here, we show that artificial retrieval of this aromatic residue in Cdc48 is lethal, and essential features to support the threading mechanism are required to exhibit the lethal phenotype. In particular, genetic and biochemical analyses of the Cdc48 lethal mutant strongly suggested that when in complex with the 20S proteasome, essential proteins are abnormally forced to thread through the Cdc48 pore to become degraded, which was not detected in wild-type Cdc48. Thus, the widely applicable threading model is less effective for wild-type Cdc48; rather, Cdc48 might function predominantly through an as-yet-undetermined mechanism.

Biosorbents for Removing Hazardous Metals and Metalloids.

Abstract: Biosorbents for remediating aquatic environmental media polluted with hazardous heavy metals and metalloids such as Pb(II), Cr(VI), Sb(III and V), and As(III and V) were prepared from lignin waste, orange and apple juice residues, seaweed and persimmon and grape wastes using simple and cheap methods. A lignophenol gel such as lignocatechol gel was prepared by immobilizing the catechol functional groups onto lignin from sawdust, while lignosulfonate gel was prepared directly from waste liquor generated during pulp production. These gels effectively removed Pb(II). Orange and apple juice residues, which are rich in pectic acid, were easily converted using alkali (e.g., calcium hydroxide) into biosorbents that effectively removed Pb(II). These materials also effectively removed Sb(III and V) and As(III and V) when these were preloaded with multi-valent metal ions such as Zr(IV) and Fe(III). Similar biosorbents were prepared from seaweed waste, which is rich in alginic acid. Other biosorbents, which effectively removed Cr(VI), were prepared by simply treating persimmon and grape wastes with concentrated sulfuric acid.

A Study of Time Series Model for Predicting Jute Yarn Demand: Case Study

Abstract: In today’s competitive environment, predicting sales for upcoming periods at right quantity is very crucial for ensuring product availability as well as improving customer satisfaction. This paper develops a model to identify the most appropriate method for prediction based on the least values of forecasting errors. Necessary sales data of jute yarn were collected from a jute product manufacturer industry in Bangladesh, namely, Akij Jute Mills, Akij Group Ltd., in Noapara, Jessore. Time series plot of demand data indicates that demand fluctuates over the period of time. In this paper, eight different forecasting techniques including simple moving average, single exponential smoothing, trend analysis, Winters method, and Holt’s method were performed by statistical technique using Minitab 17 software. Performance of all methods was evaluated on the basis of forecasting accuracy and the analysis shows that Winters additive model gives the best performance in terms of lowest error determinants. This work can be a guide for Bangladeshi manufacturers as well as other researchers to identify the most suitable forecasting technique for their industry.

Effect of external shading and window glazing on energy consumption of buildings in Bangladesh

Abstract: Energy efficiency of buildings is attracting significant attention from the research community as the world is moving towards sustainable buildings design. With fast increasing energy consumption attributed to residential buildings in Bangladesh, there is a need to concentrate on construction and design of building in order to improve the energy performance of buildings. This paper provides some guidelines to minimize the building energy use choosing best window glazing types of residential buildings in Bangladesh. External shading influences the solar energy on a window and the transmitted energy within the room through the window. In the present study using EnergyPlus software, advanced glazing and shading on the solar energy transmitted into or lost from the room through the fenestration areas have been evaluated for usual residential buildings in Jessore, Bangladesh. Huge reduction in the annual energy transferred into the buildings is possible with appropriate overhangs or side fins in the wi...

Nanoparticles Modified ITO Based Biosensor

Abstract: Incorporation of nanomaterials with controlled molecular architecture shows great promise in improving electronic communication between biomolecules and the electrode substrate. In electrochemical applications metal nanoparticles (NPs) modified electrodes have been widely used and are emerging as candidates to develop highly sensitive electrochemical sensors. There has been a growing technological interest in modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes due to their prominent optoelectronic properties and their wide use as a transducing platform. The introduction of NPs into the transducing platform is commonly achieved by their adsorption onto conventional electrode surfaces in various forms, including that of a composite. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of metallic NPs for surface fabrication of ITO thin films leading to detection of specific biomolecules and applications as a biosensor platform.

Prospect of castor oil biodiesel in bangladesh: Process development and optimization study

Abstract: In this study, Castor oil (CO) has been investigated as a potential source for biodiesel production in Bangladesh. Castor oil has been extracted from the seeds by mechanical press and Soxhlet extraction method. Maximum oil content of 55.7% has been found by Soxhlet extraction method. The physicochemical properties such as free fatty acid (FFA) content, kinematic viscosity, saponification value and density of the oil have been measured by different standard methods. The FFA content and viscosity has been found considerably higher such as 33.5% and 253 mm²/s respectively. Biodiesel has been prepared using a three-step method comprises with saponification of oil followed by acidification of the soap and esterification of FFA. The overall yield of FFA from CO is found to be around 89.2%. The final step is esterification that produces fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and a maximum 97.4% conversion of FFA to biodiesel has been observed. The effect of oil to methanol molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and time has been investigated for esterification reaction and optimized using response surface methodology. 1H NMR of crude castor oil and castor oil methyl ester (COME) was studied and analyzed that confirms the complete conversion of castor oil to biodiesel. Finally, the biodiesel, produced at optimum condition, was characterized under various standard method and found comparable with petro-diesel and biodiesel standard.

Effects of intensification of the Indian Summer Monsoon on northern Andaman Sea sediments during the past 700 years

Abstract: Recent studies have revealed an intensification of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) over the past 700 years, but its influence on the sediments in the northern Andaman Sea is unclear. To examine this influence, we used radiocarbon-dated sediment core StMY6, acquired 100 km offshore in the northern Andaman Sea from the Ayeyarwady River mouth, and obtained a 700-year-long record of the grain-size distribution and geochemistry of the sedimentary sequence. The ISM influences precipitation surrounding the Ayeyarwady River, and thus the river water and sediment discharges to the northern Andaman Sea near the river mouth in the Ayeyarwady River and the weathering intensity in the river catchment. Based on the system, we propose that higher sedimentation rates and larger modal grain size (the most abundant size in the grain-size distribution of sediments) and lower carbonate concentrations after about AD 1600 can be attributed to higher ISM intensity. Profiles of total organic carbon (TOC) content and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios, however, did not show any trends after about AD 1600, which suggests that the ISM has had little influence on these proxies at this site.

Secretion of an immunoreactive single-chain variable fragment antibody against mouse interleukin 6 by Lactococcus lactis.

Abstract: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is an important pathogenic factor in development of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and cancer. Blocking antibodies against molecules associated with IL-6/IL-6 receptor signaling are an attractive candidate for the prevention or therapy of these diseases. In this study, we developed a genetically modified strain of Lactococcus lactis secreting a single-chain variable fragment antibody against mouse IL-6 (IL6scFv). An IL6scFv-secretion vector was constructed by cloning an IL6scFv gene fragment into a lactococcal secretion plasmid and was electroporated into L. lactis NZ9000 (NZ-IL6scFv). Secretion of recombinant IL6scFv (rIL6scFv) by nisin-induced NZ-IL6scFv was confirmed by western blotting and was optimized by tuning culture conditions. We found that rIL6scFv could bind to commercial recombinant mouse IL-6. This result clearly demonstrated the immunoreactivity of rIL6scFv. This is the first study to engineer a genetically modified strain of lactic acid bacteria (gmLAB) that produces a functional anti-cytokine scFv. Numerous previous studies suggested that mucosal delivery of biomedical proteins using gmLAB is an effective and low-cost way to treat various disorders. Therefore, NZ-IL6scFv may be an attractive tool for the research and development of new IL-6 targeting agents for various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases as well as for cancer.

Class A CpG Oligonucleotide Priming Rescues Mice from Septic Shock via Activation of Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase.

Abstract: Sepsis is a life-threatening, overwhelming immune response to infection with high morbidity and mortality. Inflammatory response and blood clotting are caused by sepsis, which induces serious organ damage and death from shock. As a mechanism of pathogenesis, platelet-activating factor (PAF) induces excessive inflammatory responses and blood clotting. In this study, we demonstrate that a Class A CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-A1585) strongly induced PAF-acetylhydrolase, which generates lyso-PAF. CpG-A1585 rescued mice from acute lethal shock and decreased fibrin deposition, a hallmark of PAF-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation. Furthermore, CpG-A1585 improved endotoxin shock induced by lipopolysaccharide, which comprises the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria and inhibits inflammatory responses induced by cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. These results suggest that CpG-A1585 is a potential therapeutic target to prevent sepsis-related induction of PAF.

Ergonomic considerations for designing truck drivers’ seats: The case of Bangladesh

Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this work was to investigate the fitness of the existing truck seats for Bangladeshi truck drivers and suggest a guideline for drivers' seats based on their anthropometry. Methodology: In this study, eight anthropometric measurements of 120 Bangladeshi truck drivers and seven seat dimensions of ninety trucks of three brands namely, TATA, ASHOK LEYLAND, and ISUZU were considered for investigating the considerable mismatch between seat dimensions and drivers' anthropometry. The data were analyzed using two-sample t-tests to identify the relationship between existing seat dimensions and drivers' anthropometry. Results: The results showed a mismatch in seat dimensions and anthropometric measurements for nearly all truck brands and the existing seat dimensions were found to be inappropriate for Bangladeshi drivers. For all the truck brands, the percentage mismatch of seat height, seat depth, seat width, backrest height, and steering wheel clearance varied between 71% and 98%, 23% and 79%, 33% and 84%, 28% and 65%, and 53% and 100% respectively. Subsequently, an attempt was made to provide ergonomically correct seat dimensions for Bangladeshi truck drivers. Further, generalized equations to design the appropriate seat dimensions were developed using the least square regression technique. The recommended seat height, depth and width, backrest height, and steering wheel clearance were found to be appropriate for 82%, 79%, 76%, 98%, and 100% of drivers respectively. Conclusion: The analysis and results of this study can be useful in developing guidelines for design and manufacture of truck driver seats in Bangladesh.

Synergistic oligodeoxynucleotide strongly promotes CpG-induced interleukin-6 production

Abstract: Bacterial genomes span a significant portion of diversity, reflecting their adaptation strategies; these strategies include nucleotide usage biases that affect chromosome configuration. Here, we explore an immuno-synergistic oligodeoxynucleotide (iSN-ODN, named iSN34), derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) genomic sequences, that exhibits a synergistic effect on immune response to CpG-induced immune activation. The sequence of iSN34 was designed based on the genomic sequences of LGG. Pathogen-free mice were purchased from Japan SLC and maintained under temperature- and light-controlled conditions. We tested the effects of iSN34 exposure in vitro and in vivo by assessing effects on mRNA expression, protein levels, and cell type in murine splenocytes. We demonstrate that iSN34 has a significant stimulatory effect when administered in combination with CpG ODN, yielding enhanced interleukin (IL)-6 expression and production. IL-6 is a pleotropic cytokine that has been shown to prevent epithelial apoptosis during prolonged inflammation. Our results are the first report of a bacterial-DNA-derived ODN that exhibits immune synergistic activity. The potent over-expression of IL-6 in response to treatment with the combination of CpG ODN and iSN34 suggests a new approach to immune therapy. This finding may lead to novel clinical strategies for the prevention or treatment of dysfunctions of the innate and adaptive immune systems.

Overview and Current Status of Alzheimer's Disease in Bangladesh.

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurological disorder with economic, social, and medical burdens which is acknowledged as leading cause of dementia marked by the accumulation and aggregation of amyloid-β peptide and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein and concomitant dementia, neuron loss and brain atrophy. AD is the most prevalent neurodegenerative brain disorder with sporadic etiology, except for a small fraction of cases with familial inheritance where familial forms of AD are correlated to mutations in three functionally related genes: the amyloid-β protein precursor and presenilins 1 and 2, two key γ-secretase components. The common clinical features of AD are memory impairment that interrupts daily life, difficulty in accomplishing usual tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. Age is the most significant risk factor for AD, whereas other risk factors correlated with AD are hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, smoking, obesity, and diabetes. Despite decades of research, there is no satisfying therapy which will terminate the advancement of AD by acting on the origin of the disease process, whereas currently available therapeutics only provide symptomatic relief but fail to attain a definite cure and prevention. This review also represents the current status of AD in Bangladesh.

Scheduling Project Crashing Time Using Linear Programming Approach: Case Study

Abstract: In today’s competitive environment completing a project within time and budget, is very challenging task for the project managers. This aim of this study is to develop a model that finds a proper trade-off between time and cost to expedite the execution process. Critical path method (CPM) is used to determine the longest duration and cost required for completing the project and then the time-cost trade–off problem (TCTP) is formulated as a linear programming model. Here, LINDO program is used to determine the solution of the model. To implement the proposed model, necessary data were collected through interviews and direct discussion with the project managers of Chowdhury Construction Company, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The analysis reveals that through proper scheduling of all activities, the project can be completed within 120 days from estimated duration of 140 days. Reduction of project duration by 17% is achieved by increasing cost by 3.73%, which is satisfactory.

Determination of Optimum Smoothing Constant of Single Exponential Smoothing Method: A Case Study

Abstract: Exponential smoothing is a sophisticated forecasting method that works based on previous forecast plus a percentage of the forecast error. A key issue of this technique is the proper choice of exponential smoothing constant. In order to minimize forecasting errors, choosing an appropriate value of smoothing constant is very crucial. In this study, a framework is developed for the selection of optimal value of smoothing constant that minimizes a measure of forecast errors like mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute deviation (MAD). Both “trial & error” and Excel based non-linear optimizer (“Excel Solver”) are used for this purpose. To validate the proposed model, necessary demand data of Ruchi Jhal Muri from years 2010-2016 from Square Food & Beverage Ltd. in Mohakhali, Dhaka were collected. The optimum values of smoothing constant under trial & error method are 0.31 and 0.14 for minimum MAD and MSE respectively whereas for excel solver, values are 0.314 and 0.143 with respect to minimum MAD and MSE. Although both methods provide approximately the same results but excel solver is much easier & requires less time for deriving optimum solution. This study will provide an outline for the forecast planners as well as manufacturers to improve the accuracy of exponential forecasting through using Excel Solver for determining the optimum value of smoothing constant.