bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical Study on the Effect of Corrosion to the Construction Performance
Authors: KOÇER Mustafa , ÖZTÜRK Murat , BOĞA Ahmet Raif
Published: February 2019

Corrosion is one of the most important factor to achieve in completing the service life of reinforced

concrete structures also cause significant losses in energy damping capacities of structures. In this

study, the reinforced concrete column designed in ½ geometrical scale was subjected to accelerated

corrosion test for 26.5 days under 1 ampere constant current. As a result of the experiment, weight

loss and strength reductions was obtained. Loss of strength in reinforcement due to corrosion

damage was obtained with experimental procedure. Loss of cross section and reduction of

compressive strength of concrete were obtained with empirical formulas in the literature. Thanks

to this data, 3 different scenarios applied on a sample building in Hatay province. Static pushover

analyzes of the sample building designed in accordance with the regulations were carried out with

Sap 2000 program under the specified corrosion scenarios. The load-displacement curves obtained

by the scenarios are compared with the curves of the reference building. As a result of the

comparisons, it was observed that corrosion damage caused significant loss in horizontal load

carrying capacity of the building. The corrosion scenarios show that corrosion in columns or beams

changes collapse modes of the structure.
Efficiency of a Herbal Liquid Extract Mixture for the Prevention of Salmonella Growth in Whipped Cream
Authors: ÖZOĞLU Özüm , ALTUNTAŞ Evrim Güneş
Published: February 2019

In this study, a herbal liquid extract mixture (ASATİM® ST 1412; recommended for milk-based

product and whipped cream by company, Kayseri, Turkey) was used to exhibit the inhibitory effect

on Salmonella Enteritidis growth in whipped cream. For this aim, 8 different groups (K1, K2, K3,

K4, K5, 0.1%, 1%, 10%) were designed and the samples were left 1 to 3 hours at room temperature.

Then, the bacterial counts were obtained. The experiment was performed in duplicate. In the first

experiment number of the bacteria of whipped cream (K1) showed roughly 1 logarithmic unit rising

as from 4.6 to 5.5 in 3 hours. Calculated results were at the end of the 3rd hour for cream added

Salmonella and the herbal liquid extract mixture of 0.1%, 1%, 10% to the samples; 3x107

cfu/g,

2.05x108

cfu/g and 1.3x105

cfu/g respectively for the first experiment. Then, in the results of second

experiment these values were found as <108

cfu/g, 4.5x108

cfu/g and 3.5x104

cfu/g respectively.

Thus, 10% ratio herbal liquid extract mixture was much more effective on Salmonella growth than

the other ratios. According to the results of this study, the commercial herbal liquid extract mixture

is an alternative and natural method for precluding Salmonella growth in whipped cream.
Unsupervised mitral valve segmentation in echocardiography with neural network matrix factorization.
Authors: Corinzia Luca , Provost Jesse , Candreva Alessandro , Tamarasso Maurizio , Maisano Francesco , Buhmann Joachim M.
Published: February 2019

Mitral valve segmentation is a crucial first step to establish a machine learning pipeline that can support practitioners into performing the diagnosis of mitral valve diseases, surgical planning, and intraoperative procedures. To this end, we propose a totally automated and unsupervised mitral valve segmentation algorithm, based on a neural network low-dimension matrix factorization of the echocardiography video. The method is evaluated in a collection of echocardiography video of patients with a variety of mitral valve diseases and exceeds the state-of-the-art method in all the metrics considered.
Bullying; A Psychosocial Stressor
Authors: Saleem Yusra , Noushad Shamoon , Kazmi Shahana Urooj , Shaikh Salman , Noor Nabeela , Asim Mariyam
Published: February 2019

Background: The bullying incidences have been increasing in the past few years resulting in a number of psychosocial traumas including depression, anxiety, violence and many other health concerns. Despite being a global issue, not a large number of studies have addressed this distressing act. This social threat causes negativity on both sides whether the victim or the perpetrator. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of this psychosocial stressor, its associated characteristics and bullying perceptions among the study population.

Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted for 5 months from July 2017 to December 2017.  Data was collected from 399 victims between the age of 15-27 years via a structured questionnaire inquiring victim’s demographics and its associated psychosocial outcomes. Collected data was then analyzed using SPSS ver. 22.

Results: Out of the total study subjects there were 204 females and 195 males with the mean age of 25.10 + 5.70 years. Around 76% participants reported daily bullying events. Bullying incidences were found more common in females i.e. 48.6% of the females were bullied by called out with mean names while only 45.8% males reported so. Majority of the bullying cases were reported from educational institutes. The most prominent psychological outcomes observed and reported by the victims in response to bullying was getting revengeful thoughts for the bully.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the study evaluated the psychological distress resulting from bullying incidences. Our study indicated a high prevalence of this public health concern in both genders and majorly in educational sectors.
Why Am I Not Happy Anymore?
Authors: Batool Syeda Farah
Published: February 2019

Background: A person needs to be happy to be a functional unit of the society and to add a positive and productive contribution on his behalf to the welfare of humanity. There is a very close interaction between sex and joy, and no one can escape from the fact that sexual interaction is mostly a pleasurable experience. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of compulsive sexual behavior among youth and to find a relation between happiness and sexual activity.

Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Karachi-Pakistan. 300 subjects of both genders participated in this study while Sadaf Stress Scale (SSS) was used to evaluate the stress level of the individuals and a section of the questionnaire contained questions about the routine activities, sexual needs and its severity.

Results: Results have shown that the symptoms of hypersexuality are prevalent among the youth of ages between 18 to 25 years. While 27% of unmarried subjects have experienced sex and 49% reported masturbation or phone sex is found to be the source of happiness.

Conclusion: Unfortunately, hypersexuality is not yet considered as a psychological disorder/issue in many regions of the world which gives rise to brutal and feeble act like “Sexual abuse”. It's high time to look into this matter before it’s too late.
Dealing with the psychosocial and spiritual aspects in palliative care
Authors: Rehman Naureen
Published: February 2019

Background: Palliative care is the provision of end of life care to the patient with a terminal disease; its primary focus is on improving the quality of life rather than quantity of life.  While palliative care emphasizes over physical body pain reduction, it also suggests psychological comfort and spiritual wellbeing. Several research studies corroborate that interventions are done to keep the patient mentally relaxed greatly affects the patient's bodily functions and reduces the sensation of pain.

Case Presentation: In this case, the physical attributes were excellently managed but neglect was done in terms of mental and spiritual need that was evident through her verbalization of hopelessness and fear, that the disease condition is a severe punishment by God. In addition, the patient was less likely to socialize with people including friends and family. Therefore, this case has been investigated in light of multiple recent articles (2010-2015) and pointed out the evidenced-based practices that need to be done to provide care emphasizing holistic approach in order to enhance comfort to the terminally sick patients. 

Management & Results: It was observed that the health care providers were only concerned for the physical problems and they provided care focusing only physiological component whereas the psychological and spiritual determinants of health were greatly neglected as such that they were not included in the plan of care of the patient. 

Conclusion: Palliative care involves not just physiological, but also psychological and spiritual care. Based on the findings of the case study, caregivers must consider psychological and spiritual aspects of care in order to provide holistic as well as peaceful end of life care.
Frequency of somatic complains among patients with mental illness
Authors: Haider Anum , Asad Usama
Published: February 2019

Background: It is established that physical and mental disorders share common risk factors, among those the unhealthy lifestyle is most common. In order to achieve complete health, it is crucial to monitor both physical and mental health. Mental health problem is the most deserving area to work with because physical health issues are often neglected or mismanaged. This study intends to unveil the frequency of somatic (physical) health complains among patients with mental illness.  

Methodology: In this cross-sectional study total 85 patients were enrolled from Psychiatry Out Patient Department, Civil Hospital Karachi, during 16th October to 13th November 2015. Patients were asked about the demographic details and existing somatic complaints from the pre-formulated questionnaire while data was analyzed on SPSS.

Results: 32.9% of the subjects were diagnosed with particular medical comorbidity. However, among undiagnosed somatic (physical) complains; endocrinological complaints were more frequent i.e.16.7% followed by 14.2% Gastrointestinal (GIT) and 13.68% Central Nervous System (CNS).

Conclusion: The current study supported the fact that there is a high frequency of somatic complaints in patients with mental illness. Physical monitoring is crucial for early identification and better prognosis.
Empowering Women by sharing life struggles: A critical Discourse Analysis of Muniba Mazari’s inspirational speech.
Authors: Shaista Shahzadi  , Muhammad Hanif  , Hifza Imtiaz
Published: February 2019

Background: The study presents the critical discourse analysis of Muniba Mazari speech (confined to one speech about her life struggles in her own words in TEDx) to unveil the concept of empowering women by sharing life struggles in Pakistani socio-cultural context. Muniba Mazari is UN representative of women of Pakistan and considered as the ‘iron lady of Pakistan’ that is why in this research her one speech at TEDx Malaysia in 2017,which went viral on social media. Her life story and struggle in the form of speech is analyzed by using Textual dimension of Three dimensional model of Fairclough (1989) approach to critical discourse analysis which is integrated with M.A.K. Halliday’s (1985) Systematic Functional Grammar (SFG).

Methodology: This qualitative study analyzed linguistic elements used by Muniba Mazari in her speech while sharing her life struggles in order to unveil the concept of women empowerment.

Results: The finding include the excessive use of Pronoun ‘I’ which shows the explicit power as a woman. By using words with negative connotation like ‘disable’ she gave new direction to look at these words which have negative connation. Moreover, the key findings include how she was trapped in her societal customs and at last after her tragedy she took step for herself.

Conclusion: This study will play an important role in the emerging trend of women empowerment in Pakistan by analyzing the language of an iron lady of Pakistan.
Women Empowerment: Key to Socio-Economic Development
Authors: Saima Khan
Published: February 2019

Background: Empowering a women is the key issue in developing nations. Despite of the fact that women are an integral part of any society, yet their involvement in decision making via their active contribution in economic activities is very low. Women empowerment and economic development are interlinked, where on one hand, development alone can play a major role in driving down inequality between women and men while on the other hand, empowering women can benefit development.

Methodology: A short communication of 5 years i.e. 2014-2018. Databases used were Google Scholar, PubMed, Research gate, Scopus and web of science.

Results: Providing consideration of working at individual consciousness level in order to develop women's sense of their own potentials and critical recognitions of the obstacles within social dimensions, so that women identifies their potentials and put efforts together with other women like a distinctive power to confront inequalities and injustice, will turn out to be ‘power for’ positive societal modifications. Also setting resources in hands of underprivileged women while discouraging gender inequality not only at home but also in society results in enormous development settlements. Those Expanding opportunities for women’s in communal works, investment, agricultural and further areas hasten economic progression, helping to lessen the effects of current and future financial crises.

Conclusion: For improving quality of life there is high necessity of fundamental alterations. Policies should be created to improve the women status as useful society members. There is a high necessity of women’s active participation not only in decision making processes but also in planning and implementation of development programs.
La Argumentación como Modo de Organización Discursiva en la Construcción del Genero Ensayo
Authors: Méndez Omaña Magdaly Carolina
Published: February 2019

En el presente ensayo se expone la relevante temática de la argumentación en la construcción del género ensayo en la que se involucra una comunidad efectiva, permitiendo la comunicación entre las personas con una lengua en común que trascienda las particularidades históricas y locales, conllevando a que las ideas expuestas en la producción argumentativa deben inducir a pensamientos generalizadores de temas circundantes, que se lleva a cabo en el discurso intersubjetivo. En tal sentido, el objetivo general de la investigación es generar a partir del análisis del discurso y de la didáctica de la lengua una propuesta pedagógica para la construcción del género ensayo en el nivel de educación media general. Para ello, el estudio se inserta en el paradigma interpretativo con un enfoque metodológico cualitativo. En correspondencia con la temática se puede afirmar que la argumentación es de uso común y espontáneo en la vida diaria y en las prácticas educativas, incluso sin percatarse de ello. Sin embargo, cuando se hace consciente el propósito de comunicar las ideas en forma argumentada es para su posible comprensión, esta argumentación estaría estructurada en las intenciones de los sujetos discursivos y en los intereses de los interpretantes, ya que sería válido cierto argumento o no de acuerdo con las características de los propios interlocutores con relación a sus creencias históricas y culturales. Se plantea entonces que en las prácticas educativas en especial en el nivel de media general se intenta construir el género ensayo con el propósito de comunicar. No obstante, no se hace énfasis en la argumentación como modo de organización discursiva.
El Trabajo Colaborativo: Una Oportunidad para el Desarrollo del Pensamiento Práctico del Profesional Reflexivo
Authors: Márquez De Pérez María Esther
Published: February 2019

El ensayo expone aspectos pertinentes a la temática “Praxis Colaborativa del Docente desde la Perspectiva Reflexiva-Vivencial”, a fin de develar la debilidad en la práctica colaborativa de los docentes, debido a la ausencia de aplicación de proyectos de trabajo compartido en la cotidianidad pedagógica, lo cual podría generar una actitud de cambio que, eventualmente, no se da por la falta de comunión dialógica, colaboración y reflexión. Este manuscrito pretende ilustrar el valor de la experiencia como hecho fundamental del proceso reflexivo y autocrítico de la labor colaborativa de los docentes, en el desarrollo del pensamiento práctico del profesional reflexivo. Dicha revisión considera al trabajo colaborativo como modelo co-constructivo de la práctica reflexiva, herramienta de y para los docentes, miembros proactivos y participativos en un centro educativo. Por tanto, es necesario que los docentes, como un esfuerzo de construcción social y colectiva, le otorguen relevancia a esta tarea en la institución escolar donde laboran.
Rol del Gerente Educativo y su Interacción Comunitaria: Una Perspectiva Sociocrítica
Authors: Palacio Useche Ciro Alberto
Published: February 2019

En el actual momento histórico de transformación educativa que vive el mundo, se requiere reafirmar y consolidar el trabajo conjunto del binomio escuela-comunidad. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo generar la aproximación teórica del rol del gerente educativo y su interacción con la comunidad, bajo el enfoque socio crítico, así como también en su entorno, representado en este caso, por los Consejos Comunales. Dichos Consejos Comunales como instancia de participación protagónica de los ciudadanos y ciudadanas en las acciones de la cotidianidad del quehacer social, se han convertido en una herramienta técnica, operativa y funcional que viabiliza la vida comunitaria en sana paz. La investigación fue desarrollada bajo el enfoque cualitativo - interpretativo, a través del método fenomenológico – hermenéutico, lo que permitió develar, conocer, interpretar comprender y construir la aproximación teórica desde el conocimiento empírico y epistémico de los informantes clave. Las técnicas de análisis para el procesamiento de la información fueron el análisis categorial, la estructuración, la contrastación, la triangulación y la teorización. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron conocer las debilidades sobre la interacción de la gerencia con los integrantes de comunidad, así como el desconocimiento en el contexto jurídico y alcance en las políticas públicas y sociales, denotándose una separación que perjudica la formación integral de los estudiantes. Por tanto, se recomienda profundizar el trabajo aquí planteada a fin de permitir la práctica de estrategias y acciones pedagógicas que pudieran beneficiar en ambos sentidos.
Hermenéutica de la Flexibilidad Cognitiva de las Decisiones Estratégicas Empresariales desde la Transcomplejidad
Authors: Pérez María Auxiliadora
Published: February 2019

En el mundo empresarial de hoy, dinamizado por el ritmo exponencial de los cambios tecnológicos y una altísima competitividad, el ecosistema empresarial global, requiere que los directores ejecutivos que conforman equipos de alta dirección amplíen su percepción de este nuevo contexto y de las capacidades individuales que pueden aportar en el complejo mundo de las decisiones estratégicas. Adoptando la postura epistemológica de la transcomplejidad y enmarcada en el paradigma interpretativo, en esta investigación indago el papel que juega la flexibilidad cognitiva en las decisiones estratégicas empresariales, interpretando los hallazgos que emergieron del proceso intersubjetivo con los informantes clave. Por tanto, el enfoque metodológico utilizado es el cualitativo, bajo la corriente filosófica de la fenomenología apoyada en la hermenéutica. Como resultado se obtuvo que la flexibilidad cognitiva en las decisiones estratégicas empresariales se configura como la capacidad del alto ejecutivo para percibir el cambio, explorar nuevas ideas, adoptar nuevos enfoques, centrado en el conocimiento de sí mismo y su experiencia profesional, que le permite romper paradigmas y crear cosas, explorar nuevas ideas y asumir con audacia nuevos retos.
Knowledge Management System pada Biro Administrasi Akademik Akademi Pariwista Nusantara
Authors: Akbar Yudi
Published: February 2019

Knowledge Management System (KMS) aims to improve the quality of human resources in an organization by improving communication among employees and to increase skill by transferring knowledge. Knowledge Management System (KMS) is one of many ways to foster a culture of knowledge sharing among individuals and organizations. In this research, the researcher tries to develop a model of knowledge management system suitable for existing condition at the Academic Administration Bureau of Nusantara Tourism Academy. The method used in this research is SSM model framework, while the knowledge is formed using SECI model. The system is designed by using Unified Modeling Language (UML) method. The functional system is tested using using FGD method with success rate of 90% and software quality is tested using MCcall's method with success rate of 87.75%. The result of this research is the Knowledge Management System prototype that can be a solution to share knowledge because it can properly record the employees’ knowledge and experience and can support the employees’ performance at Academic Administration Bureau of Nusantara Tourism Academy.
Eficiencia del anillado y profundidad de corte óptima para el control de dos especies leñosas exóticas invasoras del Chaco Serrano argentino
Authors: Bernasconi Salazar Javier , Cora Amanda , Karlin Marcos Sebastián , González Laura
Published: February 2019

Alien invasive woody species (AIWE) in mountain systems usually have high hydric demand and their rates of propagule production are generally elevated. The suppression of AIWE individuals through girdling should reduce propagule input, lowering their expansion rates and improving the conditions for native flora competition. The objective of this work was to evaluate the girdling efficiency and the optimal cutting depth over Morus alba L. and Melia azedarach L. mortality. With chainsaw, one or two girdles were made over the main stem in mature individuals of the mentioned species, and after two years, the survival and vigor of the treated individuals were evaluated. For both species the optimal cutting radio was defined through a percentage of the stem diameter: cutting critical threshold varied between 11 and 13 % of the stem diameter. These values assure for M. alba and M. azederach a treatment efficiency higher than 40 %. The single girdling is the most convenient treatment because of its efficiency and because it is cheaper than double girdling.
Diversidad e infectividad de hongos micorrícicos arbusculares nativos provenientes de algarrobales del Parque Chaqueño argentino con características edafoclimáticas contrastantes
Authors: Sagadin Mónica Beatriz , Monteoliva Mariela Inés , Luna Celina Mercedes , Cabello Marta Noemí
Published: February 2019

In severe environments, the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is essential for plant survival and a balanced ecosystem e. The aim of this work was to characterize the mycorrhizal fungi present in algarrobales (Prosopis alba) areas of contrasting humid and semi-arid climatic conditions, Colonia Benítez and Padre Lozano respectively, both in the Parque Chaqueño region in Argentina. The Colonia Benítez and Padre Lozano sites showed significant edaphological differences, the most important being the lower content of organic matter and phosphorus, and the higher percentage of exchangeable sodium in Colonia Benítez, associated with a higher infective capacity and greater mycorrhizal potential of inoculum. Only one species was found in both soils: Acaulospora laevis, typical of arid environments. In the inocula, three species were identified in both sites: Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices, Claroideoglomus etunicatum; two species were only identified in Colonia Benítez: Septoglomus constrictum and Rhizophagus clarus; and two species were only identified in Padre Lozano: Claroideoglomus claroideum and Diversispora spurca. This is the first study in Argentina to analyze AMF diversity in Prosopis alba areas (algarrobales) and their infectivity in the soils and their inocula.
Diversidad y análisis fitosociológico de malezas en un cultivo de musáceas del trópico ecuatoriano
Authors: Vera A. D. , Palacios Z. M. , Liuba D. A. , Suarez C. C. , Mendoza H. C.
Published: February 2019

One of the first steps for the development of new control tactics and integrated weed management, is to know the composition and diversity of the weed flora affecting the crop. Knowledge of the dominant weed species is the basis forplanning suitable control strategies and determine the management of the crop. This work analyzes the diversity of weeds and identifiesthose species predominant within the ecosystem of Quevedo (Ecuador). Results showed 55 weed species belonging to 22 families, with the Compositae, Poaceae and Euphorbiaceae families having the higher number of species in the monitored area. The ecosystem presented slightly high diversity, high dominance, and medium specific richness. The functional analysis revealed 43 dicotyledonous species and 12 monocotyledonous species. Among the dominant weed species, we found the “piñita” (Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan) that presented medium agresiveness, followed by the “caminadora” (Rottboellia exaltata L. f.) with high agresiveness and “tridax” (Tridax procumbens L.) with slight to medium level of agresiveness.  No species had an importance value greater than 28.2 % in the monitored area.
A Mendelian Randomization dictionary: Useful definitions and descriptions for undertaking, understanding and interpreting Mendelian Randomization studies
Authors: Lawlor Deborah A , Wade Kaitlin , Borges Maria Carolina , Palmer Tom , Hartwig Fernando Pires , Hemani Gibran , Bowden Jack
Published: February 2019

Mendelian randomization (MR) has been increasingly used to interrogate the causal effects of modifiable risk factors on human health and disease over the last 15 years. As MR becomes more commonplace in clinical guidelines and drug development, there is a need for researchers and practitioners from multiple disciplines to understand the existing and rapidly evolving ‘language’ of MR. The MR Dictionary provides useful definitions and descriptions for undertaking, understanding and interpreting MR studies to a wide, inter-disciplinary audience – both those new to MR and those who are experienced in its use but who want to remain up to date. The full searchable (with terms cross-referenced throughout) version of the MR Dictionary is provided on the journal website. In the first instance, we aim to update the MR Dictionary annually and encourage users of the Dictionary to help us in this endeavour. By the first update (August 2020), we aim to have moved to an open, collaborative and interactive online tool on the journal website that will support more rapid and extensive linked searches and more immediate updates and online discussion.
The characteristics of occupational Tuberculosis risk in health care workers
Authors: Zein Rizqy Amelia , Wulandari Ratna Dwi , Ridlo Ilham Akhsanu , Hendriani Wiwin , Suhariadi Fendy , Rianto Anang
Published: February 2019

Tuberculosis remains to be one of the most common causes of morbidity worldwide, but the discourse of its prevention has disproportionately singled out the occupational risks that affect healthcare workers. In this research, we aimed to: (1) investigate the underlying factor structure of risk characteristics, specifically the risk of nosocomial TB transmission in health care facilities; (2) estimate the effects of work-related determinants and risk characteristics on risk perception; and (3) compare occupational risk perception of contracting TB with expert risk assessment. A paper-based questionnaire was administered to 179 HCWs working at ten public health centres and two hospitals in Surabaya, Indonesia. We analysed our data using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to unravel the latent structure of risk characteristics and structural equation modelling (SEM) to identify determinants of risk perceptions. EFA revealed a two-factor solution for nine qualitative risk characteristics: controllability of damage and knowledge-evoked dread. Our SEM analysis found evidence that the controllability aspect of the TB risk was a more profound determinant in predicting risk perception than knowledge-evoked dread, implying that HCWs might benefit from training aims to increase their beliefs on the controllability of TB risk despite its severity. Although further research is necessary, our study highlights the importance of addressing occupational risk perceptions in health facilities, encouraging HCWs to become more active in advocating for the necessary allocation of resources for their workplaces, and raising communities’ awareness of TB transmissions.
The Look Over Your Shoulder: Unethical Behaviour Decreases in the Physical Presence of Observers
Authors: Köbis Nils , van der Lingen Simone , Dores Cruz Terence Daniel , Iragorri-Carter Daniel , van Prooijen Jan-Willem , Righetti Francesca , van Lange Paul
Published: February 2019

Research in behavioural ethics repeatedly emphasizes the importance of others for people’s decisions to break ethical rules. Yet, in most lab experiments participants faced ethical dilemmas in full privacy settings. We conducted three experiments in which we compare such private set-ups to situations in which a second person is co-present in the lab. Study 1 manipulated whether that second person was a mere observer or co-benefitted from the participants’ unethical behaviour. Study 2 investigated social proximity between participant and observer –being a friend versus a stranger. Study 3 tested whether the mere presence of another person who cannot observe the participant’s behaviour suffices to decrease unethical behaviour. By using different behavioural paradigms of unethical behaviour, we obtain three main results: first, the presence of an observing other curbs unethical behaviour. Second, neither the payoff structure (Study 1) nor the social proximity towards the observing other (Study 2) qualifies this effect. Third, the mere presence of others does not reduce unethical behaviour if they do not observe the participant (Study 3). Implications, limitations and avenues for future research are discussed.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Drug Abuse among Male of Rural Community, Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Masih Orung Zaib , Hussain Muhammad , Afzal Muhammad , Emanual Safina
Published: February 2019

Substance mishandle in Pakistan is one of the real reasons for worry that influences all sections of society. It has not just destroying consequences for the physical and mental prosperity yet in addition has the unfriendly impacts on labor and financial development of the nation. Roughly 6.7S million peoples in Pakistan have been related with various sorts of prescriptions. For instance, Cannabis is the most frequently used solution, with an inescapability of 3.6% of the people, after that poly-calm use is ordinary. With reference to sedatives, a normal 860,000 masses are general heroin customers and 320,000 are opium.

Methods: The quantitative cross sectional study was used.

Results: The discoveries of the examination. in 23 tables and 27 figures have been utilized to demonstrate comes about. That just about 80 for every penny of respondents viewed every single illicit medication as similarly hurtful to one's wellbeing recommend an inability to perceive the distinctive different impacts related with various medication writes (Cocaine, Grass, and Heroin). More than 94 for every penny of respondents announced that they had known about cannabis, and the larger part of respondents detailed having known about bliss (96.3%), cocaine (96.4%) and heroin (92.3%).

Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude, and beliefs of drug abuse among male are good.
Pregnancy Outcome in Women Having Oligohydramnios in Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Tripathi Malati , Gurung T , Ghale TM , Gurung B , Pandit C , Shrestha R , Adhikari A , Sherchan K
Published: February 2019

Background: Amniotic fluid index is one of the most commonly used methods of amniotic fluid volume assessment and is a predictor of adverse maternal and perinatal outcome.

Objectives: To compare the maternal and perinatal outcome in women with singleton term pregnancies having amniotic fluid index (AFI) ≤5 cm to those having AFI ≥5 to 20 cm.

Methods: This is a prospective, case-control study which was conducted at Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital over a period of one year from July 2017 to July 2018. It included 60 pregnant women at term pregnancy with amniotic fluid index ≤5 cm. The control group included 60 pregnant women at term pregnancy with amniotic fluid index ≥5 cm. The two groups were compared. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test to calculate the P- value.

Results: There was a significantly higher incidence of overall cesarean rates due to fetal distress, low birth weight babies and adverse neonatal outcome like 5 minute Apgar score ≤7, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rates, and meconium aspiration syndrome in the group with oligohydramnios as compared to the group with normal liquor volume.

Conclusion: Oligohydramnios adversely affects the perinatal outcome. However a favorable outcome can be expected by good antenatal and intrapartum surveillance and neonatal care.
Dry Eye among Medical Students of Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Tuladhar S , Poudel B , Shahi D
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Dry eye disease results from decreased tear production, increased evaporation of tears and inflammation. Medical students of­ten have dry eyes due to use of projectors, computers for study and also due to use of mobiles.

Objective: The present study was undertaken to find out dry eye by Schirmer 1 test with local anesthesia and measurement of wetting of Schirmer test strip.

Methods: Schirmer 1 test with anesthesia was performed on 200 medi­cal students from June 1, 2017 to June 1, 2018 after obtaining informed consent and after applying some exclusion criteria. The test was per­formed by first applying 4% topical lignocaine and then using Whatman filter paper no 41 and wetting of the filter paper measured after five minutes and time noted.

Results: 146 (73%) Among 200 Students, were males and 54 (27%) were females. Mean age of patients was 21.73 ±1.42 years. Mild dry eye was seen in 19.5%, moderate in 13% and severe dry eye in 13.5% of medical students

Conclusion: Dry eye is one of common ocular disease among medical students.
Measurement of Length of Styloid Process by Orthopantomography
Authors: Sharma BR , Singh S , Timilsina M , Sharma P , Sharma K
Published: February 2019

Background: Styloid process (SP) is an anatomical structure whose elongation is not well understood. Proper clinical and radiological assessment is needed to detect an elongated SP. Anatomical variation is also common. SP is said to be elongated if longer than 30 mm. Orthopantomogram (OPG) is also an imaging modality by which we can view SP.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the SP on OPG and identify eagle syndrome.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on archived OPG radiographs available in the Department of Oral Radiology, Gandaki Medical College Teaching hospital and Research Centre. These radiographs were from patients who were subjected to radiographic examination for other dental problems. The length of SP was measured on both sides using the measurement tool bars on the accompanying analysis software.

Results: Average length of SP on males was 26.5 mm ±14.4 mm in right and 25.5 mm ±6.19 mm in left; and on females was 23.78 mm ±5.93 mm on right and 24.7 mm ±10.44 mm in left. Elongated SP was more on males compared to females. Elongated styloid process (ESP) was more prevalent in 21 - 30 years of age group, similarly unilateral and bilateral elongation was also predominant on males compared to females.

Conclusion: OPG is also useful for detection of an ESP in patients with or without symptoms and helps to avoid misdiagnosis of tonsillar pain or pain of dental, pharyngeal or muscular origin as well as Eagle syndrome (ES).
Anxiety and Stress among B.Sc. Nursing First Year Students in a Selected Nursing College at Lekhnath, Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Silwal M , Gurung R , Gurung A , Sah I , Koirala D , Ojha S
Published: February 2019

Background: Nursing students are important human resources in the field of health. Detection of potential anxiety and stress among nursing students is crucial since anxiety and stress can lead to low productivity, low quality of life, and suicidal ideas. Identifying factors affecting anxiety and stress in initial period of college among nursing students can help nursing educators to find ways to decrease anxiety and stress.

Objectives: To assess the anxiety and stress among B.Sc. nursing first year students in their initial college life.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used for this study. Consecutive sampling technique was used to select the subjects. Total 13 students (100%) were taken as a sample and standardized Beck anxiety scale and modified scale for academic stress was used to collect data.

Results: The study shows that majority of the students, 8 (61.5%) were in the age of 18 years old, follows Hindu religion, 10 (76.9%) belonged to upper caste, 11 (84.6%) stayed in urban area, 7 (53.8%) had no difficulty in this college. Out of 13, 2 (15.4%) students had moderate anxiety and 11 (84.60%) had low level of anxiety with 1.15 ±0.37 whereas 6 (46%) students had mild stress and 7 (54%) had moderate level of stress with 1.53 ±0.51. There were no significant association of anxiety score and stress score with age, ethnicity, residence, feeling difficulties in the college with p < 0.05; 6 (46%). There was low positive correlation between anxiety and academic stress with rp = 0.395. It was found that the cause of anxiety was due to college environment, seniors ragging, difficult subjects, delay session and can be reduced by stopping seniors ragging, providing transportation, starting session on time, counselling, providing lunch in canteen, friendly environment, free hours for library.

Conclusions: Students who are newly taking admission to nursing profession will have mild form of psychological variation. Students are mainly faced with practical and academic stressors and anxiety. Hence the study strongly suggests that, starting session on time, time management, avoid ragging, student counselling are the most important factors to reduce anxiety and academic stress to the newly admitted students.
Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Medicinal Plants against Human Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Sakha Hira , Hora Rejila , Shrestha Shilpa , Acharya Shreeya , Dhakal Dinesh , Thapaliya Srijana , Prajapati Kamil
Published: February 2019

Objectives: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants against human pathogenic bacteria and perform Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of plants extracts.

Methods: Rhizome of Curcuma longa, dried buds of Synzygium aromaticum, seeds of Zanthoxylum armatum and leaves of Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Psidium guajava, Azadirachta indica, and Artemisia vulgaris were collected from hilly regions of Nepal. The plant parts were air-dried at room temperature for several days and grinded to powder form. The ethanolic extracts of medicinal plants were prepared by using the percolation process of extraction using separating funnel and tested against human pathogenic bacteria by disc diffusion method. Then, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the plant extracts were performed.

Results: All plants extracts exhibited antibacterial properties against bacteria under study. However, extract from S. aromaticum (Clove), P. guajava (Guava) and E. ganitrus (Rudraksh) leaves showed most promising result against Staphylococcus aureus with zone of inhibition of 14mm, 16mm and 16 mm respectively. Likewise, S. aromaticum (Clove), C. longa (Turmeric) and P. guajava (Guava) showed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with zone of inhibition of 11mm, 11mm and 10mm respectively. A. vulgaris (Titepati) and A. indica (Neem leaves) showed promising activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with zone of inhibition of 11mm. Z. armatum (Timur) showed good result against E. coli with zone of inhibition 10mm. MIC values of ethanolic extracts of S. aromaticum and E. ganitrus were found to be at the range of 12.5-25mg/ml.

Conclusion: This study has helped to understand the use of these plants as traditional medicine in an economic and safe alternative to treat infectious diseases.
Microbial Profile of Various Catheter Tips among Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Shrestha Pushpa Man , Thapa Nisha , Dahal Navraj , Adhikari Nabaraj , Shrestha Upendra Thapa
Published: February 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the microbiological profile of various catheter tips, and multidrug resistance pattern of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of 263 catheter tip specimens processed for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out in B&B Hospital, Lalitpur. Five different types of catheter tips were analyzed for microbiological growth and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Results: Among catheter tips, the highest percentage of microbial growth was observed in tracheostomy tip. Monomicrobial growth was recorded in 82.9% catheter tips and polymicrobial growth was observed in 17.1% tip samples. Of 180 isolates, gram negative rods (76.6%) followed by yeast (19.4%) and gram-positive cocci (3.9%) were isolated. Gram negative Acinetobacter spp. (25%) and Pseudomonas spp. (23.3%) and gram-positive Enterococcus spp. (2.2%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria. However, carbapenam was the most effective antibiotic for both groups.

Conclusion: Of the total isolates tested, 61.4% were found to be multidrug resistant (MDR). Among gram negative rods, 22.2% E. coli and 27.3% Klebsiella spp. were confirmed as ESBL producer. It is recommended to apply standard protocol during insertion and removal of catheter which may help in managing nosocomial infection associated with catheters.
Drug Susceptibility Profile of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolated from Patients Visiting National Tuberculosis Centre, Nepal
Authors: Dahal S. , Banjara M.R. , Khadka D. , Ghimire G. , Sharma S.
Published: February 2019

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess drug susceptibility pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB).

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 145 clinically suspected and previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis patients visiting National Tuberculosis Centre, Bhaktapur, Nepal. After obtaining written informed consent, questionnaire was administered and sputum samples were collected from each patient. Each sample was subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining and cultured on Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) medium at 37ºC for 8 weeks. MTB isolates were identified by growth rate and colony morphology, confirmed by biochemical tests and drug susceptibility testing (DST) of identified isolates was performed by proportion method.

Results: A total of 49.7% (n=72) sputum samples were positive for MTB by culture and 46.9% (n=68) were positive by ZN staining. Among culture positive isolates of MTB (n= 72), 25% (n=18) were resistant to at least one drug. The prevalence of multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) was 15.3% (n=11) of which 5.56% (n=4) were resistant to rifampicin (RIF) only, 1.39% (n= 1) were resistant to isoniazid (INH) only. Out of 18 resistant isolates, 61.1% (n=11) were resistant to both RIF and INH, 21.43% (n=3) resistant to INH were susceptible to RIF and 26.67% (n=4) resistant to RIF were susceptible to INH. Smoking (P=0.001) and coughing (P=0.009) were statistically significant with isolation of MTB.

Conclusion: Since the prevalence of MDR-TB was high, MDR-TB strains should be identified in order to initiate second line treatment.
Poor Quality of Treated Water in Kathmandu: Comparison with Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standards
Authors: Maharjan Sujan , Joshi Tista Prasai , Shrestha Sujen Man
Published: February 2019

Objectives: In order to evaluate the quality assurance of drinking water in Kathmandu valley, this study analyzed selected physiochemical and microbial parameters of treated water samples and compared with Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS).

Methods: Treated water samples were collected from all over the Kathmandu valley and analyzed in terms of physicochemical and microbiological parameters over the period of one year from July 2017 to July 2018. The physio-chemical parameters of water samples were performed according to standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. The total coliforms were enumerated by standard membrane filtration technique.

Results: We report that microbiological aspect of treated water was the major problem as 66% of the water samples crossed the guideline value for total coliform count. Above 92% of jar water samples, 77% of tanker water samples and 69% of filtered water samples had the total coliform count exceeding the NDWQS. Moreover, 20% of bottled water was contaminated by coliform bacteria. Iron and ammonia content were found to be higher than the guideline values in 16% and 21% of the total treated water samples respectively. Analyzing the types of treated water samples showed that 35% and 15% of tanker water samples had higher ammonia and iron content respectively, and the same parameters were higher in 23% and 19% in the filtered water samples respectively than the standard criteria recommended by NDWQS.

Conclusion: The treated water samples exceed the standard values set by NDWQS and hence had poor quality. The presence of faecal pollution indicating coliform bacteria was the key problem for treated drinking water of Kathmandu valley. Therefore, monitoring and proper treatment of water should be conducted to prevent dissemination of waterborne diseases.
Intestinal Parasitosis among the School Children of Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Dahal Chetana , Katwal Puja , Thapa Anju , Sharma Deepa , Khadka Rama
Published: February 2019

Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the intestinal parasitosis among the school children of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Methods: This study was carried out from February 2018 to May 2018. During the study, a total of 194 stool samples were collected from school going children of age above 5 years to below 15 years old and processed in Padma Kanya microbiology laboratory. The detection technique used for the parasites was concentration technique (Formal-ether Sedimentation method) and iodine mount was used for slide preparation. Data were entered into SPSS and analysis was done employing Chi square test.

Result: Among 194 total cases, 12.4% (24/194) children were infected with parasites where female were highly infected (70.8%) and children of age group 9-11 were highly infected (58.3%).Parasitic infection was high in non-vegetarian children (83.3%) than vegetarian, symptomatic cases (66.7%, 16/24) than asymptomatic cases, public school (66.7%, 16/24) compared with private school, higher in children who don’t wash hands with soap before meal (87.5%) than who wash hands before meal and in children not taking anti helminthic drugs (95.8%) than children taking anti-helminthic drugs recently within six months. Further, children using direct tap water for drinking purpose were highly infected than others.

Conclusion: The parasitic infection among school children was found closely related to their health hygiene, sanitary condition, water consumption and other activities.