bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving to Top Quartile Well, Reservoir and Facility Management Through Process Standardization and System Integration
Authors: Clinton Robert , Paterson Paul , Adun David , Vosloo Jacques , Wallace Chris , Vosbergen Remmert , Doup Marcel , Parvin Rad
Published: August 2016

Integrated Production Surveillance Tools are gaining wider recognition and adoption in E&P organizations as an effective technology enabler. Key operational data is now at the finger-tips of end-users, enhancing efficient diagnosis and optimization of production issues.

This paper will focus on Shell's ongoing journey from process standardization, toolkit development to early deployments and lessons learnt along the way. Best practices, our value delivery approach and usage metrics collected to date will also be shared.

Shell has embarked on a journey to improve the execution of Well, Reservoir and Facility management (WRFM) in its operated assets. This multi-year programme involved standardization of best practice business processes. A comprehensive, integrated surveillance capability was identified as key to this standardization drive. In 2013, Shell started a project to develop and deploy "The WRFM Next Generation Surveillance toolkit".

The project applies a broadly consistent, systematic, iterative approach to product development and deployment allowing for continuous input from the business thus helping to build ownership of the surveillance toolkit when in production.

The project successfully developed the first suite of tool capabilities to support the following business processes:

– Production reports and charts to quickly highlight deviations from plan for daily and monthly reviews. – Non-Compliance summary report for well and surface facilities. – Exception Based Surveillance for well and surface facilities using complex algorithms and multiple real-time data sources. – Live Operating Envelopes and multi-variable real-time trends for well and surface facilities surveillance. – Well comparison charts, Creaming curves and integrated limit diagrams for production system optimisation.

Given the geographically diverse user base, high usage frequency and large data volumes, the surveillance toolkit is built using new technology that offers a cost effective solution to meet very high performance standards and visualization capabilities.
CrawNet: Multimedia Crawler Resources for Both Surface and Hidden Web
Authors: Pech-May Fernando , Martínez-Rebollar Alicia , Estrada-Esquivel Hugo , Pedroza-Landa Eduardo
Published: August 2016

The web is the most used information source in both academic, scientific and industry forums. Its explosive growth has generated billions of pages with information which may be categorized as surface web, composed of static pages that are indexed into a hidden web, accessible through search templates. This paper presents the development of a crawler that allows searching, queries, and analysis of information in the surface web and hidden in specific domains of the web.
Análisis de la Penetración de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación TICs y su Influencia en la Reducción de la Brecha Digital en el Valle de Aburrá, Caso Internet
Authors: Rosales-Acevedo Gloria Amparo , Botero-Botero Sergio
Published: August 2016

El presente artículo es un estudio sobre la importancia del desarrollo de la penetración de internet en un área geográfica, para tal fin se hace una descripción de como el internet como tecnología permite la disminución de la brecha digital por medio del desarrollo económico, esta investigación se hace revisando Latino américa y Colombia. A partir del desarrollo teórico se efectúa una revisión histórica del comportamiento de la penetración de internet en un periodo de 10 años en el Valle de Aburrá (2003 – 2012), en este periodo de tiempo se identifican las siguientes variables que afectan el aumento de suscriptores durante el tiempo de acuerdo a la literatura: Nivel de educación, población, PIB per cápita, con las cuales se desarrollan tres modelos de regresión lineal. El primero se toma como variable dependiente la penetración de internet dedicado, el segundo y tercero se toma como variable dependiente el PIB per cápita de Antioquia y del Valle de Aburrá respectivamente, como sinónimo de desarrollo económico
Review of advanced IGBT compact models dedicated to circuit simulation
Authors: Igic Petar , Jankovic Nebojsa
Published: August 2016

The paper aims to review the research area of the IGBT compact modelling and
to introduce different device models. The models are separated in two groups,
one that solves ambipolar diffusion equation (ADE) and one that does not.
Both types of compact models have been successfully used in the past for
power electronic circuit design.
Topology, analysis, and CMOS implementation of switched-capacitor DC-DC converters
Authors: Wong Oi-Ying , Wong Hei , Tam Wing-Shan , Kok Chi-Wah
Published: August 2016

This review highlights various design and realization aspects of three
commonly used charge pump topologies, namely, the linear, exponential, and
the Fibonacci type of charge pumps. We shall outline the new methods
developed recently for analyzing the steady and dynamic performances of these
circuits. Some practical issues for the CMOS implementation of these charge
pump structures will be critically discussed. Finally, some conventional
voltage regulation methods for maintaining a stable output under a large
range of loading current and supply voltage fluctuations will be proposed.
A review of diode and solar cell equivalent circuit model lumped parameter extraction procedures
Authors: Ortiz-Conde Adelmo , García-Sánchez Francisco , Muci Juan , Sucre-González Andrea
Published: August 2016

This article presents an up-to-date review of several methods used for
extraction of diode and solar cell model parameters. In order to facilitate
the choice of the most appropriate method for the given particular
application, the methods are classified according to their lumped parameter
equivalent circuit model: single-exponential, double-exponential,
multiple-exponential, with and without series and parallel resistances. In
general, methods based on numerical integration or optimization are
recommended to reduce the possible uncertainties arising from measurement
noise.
Evaluating system security using Transaction Level Modelling
Authors: Bushager Aisha , Zwolinski Mark
Published: August 2016

The design of secure systems requires the use of security analysis
techniques. Security objectives have to be considered during the early stages
of system development and design; an executable model will give the designer
the advantage of exploring the vulnerabilities early, and therefore enhancing
the system security. In this work we create an executable model of a smart
card system using SystemC with the Transaction Level Modelling (TLM)
extensions. The model includes the security protocols and transactions. The
model is used to compare a number of authentication mechanisms with different
probabilities of failure. In addition, a number of probable attacks,
including theft of a private key and denial of service were modelled to
examine the vulnerabilities. The executable model shows that security
protocols and transactions can be effectively simulated in order to design
improvements to withstand different types of security attacks.
On local fractional Volterra integral equations in fractal heat transfer
Authors: Wu Zhong-Hua , Debbouche Amar , Guirao Juan , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: August 2016

In the article, the fractal heat-transfer models are described by the local
fractional integral equations. The local fractional linear and nonlinear
Volterra integral equations are employed to present the heat transfer
problems in fractal media. The local fractional integral equations are
derived from the Fourier law in fractal media.
Inheritance of Sterile Brachytic and Sterile Dwarf Plants in Peanut
Authors: Branch W. D. , Clevenger J. P. , Schwartz B. M.
Published: August 2016

Infraspecific cross combinations between the two subspecies of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. ssp. hypogaea and ssp. fastigiata) result in sterile brachytic plants. These sterile brachytic plants have short stem internodes with clustering of the four leaflets without apparent rachis, shortened petiole, and absent of flowers. In the present study, phenotypically similar sterile dwarf plants were also found but with apparently fertile pollen, female sterile flowers, and visible rachis and petiolate leaflets, within subspecies hypogaea cross combination. Inheritance data suggested two or four recessive genes controlling the sterile brachytic plants found in F2 populations between the two subspecies hypogaea x fastigiata crosses. However, only one recessive gene (sdw) was proposed for the similar sterile dwarf plants found in different F2 populations within ssp. hypogaea x hypogaea crosses.
Book Reviews
Authors: Jackson Sam , Bakos Áron , Refslund Sørensen Birgitte , Weisdorf Matti
Published: August 2016

FAR-RIGHT FANTASY: A Sociology of American Religion and Politics
By James Aho. New York: Routledge, 2016. 168 pp. Paper ISBN 978-1-138-96242-2.
Review by Sam Jackson

LIMINALITY AND THE MODERN: Living through the In-Between
By Bjørn Thomassen. Farnham, Surrey; Burlington, Vermont: Ashgate, 2014, 263. Hardcover. ISBN 978-1-4094-6080-0
Review by Áron Bakos

AFTER WAR: The Weight of Life at Walter Reed
By Zoë Wool. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2015. 264 pp. Paperback. ISBN: 9780822360032.
Review by Birgitte Refslund Sørensen and Matti Weisdorf
Plastination: A plastic, human presentation of anatomical specimen
Authors: Shamim K.M.
Published: August 2016

No abstract is available
Role of single dose prophylactic antibiotic in elective caesarean section
Authors: Pervin Hasna Hena , Kazal Rezaul Karim , Begum Kazi Farhana , Islam Nilufar , Rahman Reefat , Ara Rowshan , Noor Farah
Published: August 2016

Background: Maternal morbidity related to infection after caesarean section has been reported to be higher than that of vaginal delivery. The prevention of infection in patients undergoing caesarean section is a major challenge, particularly in hospitals, where there is frequent chance of cross infection due to overcrowding. Objective: The present study was undertaken to see the efficacy of single dose cetriaxone as a prophylaxis in elective caesarean section to prevent postop­erative infection. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 100 patients who underwent elective caesarean section where single dose of Ceftriaxone was used as prophylaxis in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Bang­abandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, between January to June 2010. The outcomes measures were post­operative febrile morbidity, wound infe-ction and other infections (urinary tract infection, chest infection). Data were analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 11.5.Results: Over one-third (38%) patients age group was between 18 -25 years, 56% in between 25 -35 years and 6% were over 35 years old. Nearly half(46%) was anemic (haemoglobin< 11 g/dl) and 16% was obese (BMI?28 kg/m2). All the patients were operated by obstetricians of same level. Three per cent patients developed wound infection, 5% developed other infections like UTI and chest infection and 7% had febrile illness. Among the several factors suspected to be associated with post operative complications, preoperative anaemia, long duration of operation (>60 minutes) and prolonged hospital stay (>1 week) were found to be significantly assocated with postoperative complications.Conclusion: The present study suggests that single dose prophylactic antibiotic ceftriaxone given 1 hour before operation in patients with cesarean section deliveries reduces the chance of postoperative infection to a bare minimum.
Assessment of HIV disease progression before and after initiation of anti­retroviral therapy by CD4 & CD8 T-lymphocyte count and viral load assay
Authors: Tabassum Sahina , Islam S.M. Rashed-ul , Nessa Afzalun , Jahan Munira , Munshi Saif Ullah
Published: August 2016

Backgrounds: As there is no published data regarding the response to Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) among HIV patients from Bangladesh. The present study was designed to determine the immunological and virological responses of HIV infected Bangladeshi adults starting ART. Objectives: To monitor the changes of CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocyte count and Viral load (VL) before and after three and six months of starting ART.Methods: 20 symptomatic HIV infected patients with CD4 T-lymphocyte count of <350 cells/µ] of blood were initiated ART.CD4 and CDS T-lymphocyte counts were estimated by Flowcytometer and VL was dete1mined by real-time PCR technique.Results: The mean CD4 T-lymphocyte count among the sn1dy patients were 177±127 cells/µl before initiation of ART. After ART initiation, their mean CD4 count increased significantly to 368±181 and 452±183 cellshll after three and six months respectively (P<0.0001).The mean CDS T-lymphocyte counts were 901±650 cells/µ! before initiation of ART, which increased to I 085±393 and 1121±372 cells/µl after three and six months respectively after ART initiation (P>0.05). Before ART initiation, the mean VL was 5.25±1.19 log10 (copies/ml) among the study population which became undetectable in 15 (75%) patients after three months of ART and in another 2 (10%) patients after 6 months of ART initiation.Conclusion: Our study concluded that, ART is effective in slowing the progression of HIV infection to AIDS with good immunological and virological outcome among the ART initiators.
Empty sella syndrome presenting as panhypopituitarism in a child
Authors: Jahan Sharmin , Hasant Masfiq-Ul- , Sultana Nusrat , Fariduddin Md. , Hussain Mohammad Enayet , Hasanat M. A.
Published: August 2016

Empty Sella refers to the absence or relative absence of the pituitary gland on radiologic imaging of the Sella turcica. This is usually an incidental finding, and as few as 10% patients presents with Hypopituitarism. The authors report a 13.5-year-old boy who presei1ted with short stature and absence of signs of pubertal onset. Hormonal assay showed panhypopi­tuitarism. X-ray left wrist joint showed delayed bone age and finally MRl of the brain revealed empty Sella. Growth hormone replacement therapy was started to increase the height. The boy is now on regular follow up to monitor response to treatment.
Pregnancy outcome of a patient following myomectomy performed during first trimester for red degeneration of fibroid
Authors: Habib Asma , Khatun Shahla , Khanum Nafisa
Published: August 2016

Pain due to red degeneration of fibroid during pregnancy is usually associated with large myomas. Necrobiosis / red degeneration typically manifests itself about midpregnancy when Lhe leiomyoma suddenly becomes acutely painful, enlarged and tender. The common differential diagnosis of this condition are torsion of the pedicle of an ovarian cyst/a leiomyoma, abruplion placentae, acute pyelitis or any abdominal catastrophe. Ultrasound can easily delineate the presence of myomas of mixed echogenicity along with pregnancy and clinical findings usually suggest the diagnosis of pregnancy complicated by red degeneration of fibroid. The acute pain usually subsides within 3-10 days of conservative treatment. Only refractory cases (2% of patients) may demand surgical intervention in early gestation with the known risk of miscarriage. Here we report a pregnancy managed at 13 weeks by myomectomy for red degeneration. The patient ultimately delivered a healthy female child at 38 weeks by lower segment caesarean section.
Evaluation of clinical parameters related to methotrexate therapy in lichen planus
Authors: Hazra Samaresh Chandra , Choudhury Agha Masood , Khondker Lubna , Khan Md. Shirajul Islam , Rashid Muhammad Munir
Published: August 2016

Background: For better management of lichen planus a clinical trial of oral methotrexate is necessary in ow· country. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety ofmethotrexate therapy in the treatment of lichen planus.Methods: It was a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the department of Dermatology and Venereology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from January 2009 to December 2010. Forty four patients of lichen planus were included in the study. Cases (group-A, n=23) were treated with methotrexate (10 mg) single morning dose and control (group-B, n=21) were treated with mini pulse betamethasone (5mg) single morning dose on 2 consecutive days during the period of 12 weeks. Results: Clinical parameters were measured by follow up clinical examination. Morphological lesion of lichen planus improved 95. 7% in group-A and only 28.6% improved in group-B. At the end of study 82.6% bad no complaints of itching in group-A and 100% had no complaints of itching in group-B. 16(69.6%) patients in group-A were completely cured clinically but 10(47.6%) in group-B. Anemia 3(14.2%) and edema 12(57.1 %) developed in group-B but none in group-A. In group-B, dyspepsia 15(71.4%), acne 10(47.6%),mooning face 8(38.1%), striae 8(38.1%) and hyper­trichosis 4(19.0%) developed but none in group-A lntermittenr diarrhoea, headache, nausea and fatigue complained in both groups of patients but the percentage of complaints was higher amog group-8 compared to group-A. Menstrual abnormality developed in group-B 5(71.4%) but none in group-A.Conclusion: The overall adverse effects were less in group-A than group-B. Therefore, methotrexate can be used as an alternative safer option for the treatment of lichen planus.
Fine needle aspiration cytological diagnosis of thyroid nodule with its clinical correlation
Authors: Hassan M. Q. , Hasanat M.A. , Fariduddin M. , Emran M. S. , Mustari Marufa , Jahan Sharmin , Sultana Nusrat , Banu Nurjahan , Biswas Sunil K. , Alam M. Rafiqul , Kamal M.
Published: August 2016

Background: Nodular goiter is common in Bangladesh. Thyroid nodules are important for their malignant potential especially the solitary and cold ones and when functionally euthyroid. Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the frequency of malignancy and cellular aberration detected by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in euthyroid nodules and its correlation with clinical findings. Methods: Subjects with nodular goiter attending Endocrine out patient department [n=150, nonpregnant, age (mean± SD): 37±12 years; sex (male: female): 21:129] were recruited for this study. All subjects underwent clinical risk stratification, estimation ofFT4 and TSH as well as ultrnsonogram (USG) and isotope scan of thyroid. Thyroid nodules were categorized into malignant, suspicious, benign and indeterminant on the basis of cellular character by FNAC. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square and multiple regression analysis. Results: Patients were mostly females (86%) and 4.7% had family history of thyroid problems. Some had recent changes of size (14.7%), pain in the nodule (4%) and dysphagia (6%). Nodules were solitary in 45.3% and the rest (54.7%) had multinodular goiter. Enlarged regional lymph node was found in 12.7% patients. About 41 % were partially-cold followed by cold nodules (26.7%), patchy (16.7%), isoform (12%) and hot (4%) by isotope scan. Frequency of malignant (10%) character was highest in cold nodules followed by uniform (5.6%), patchy (4.0%) and partially cold (1.6%) while none in hot nodules; which were 22.5%, 11.1 %, 4.0%, 9.8% and 16.7% respectively for suspicious nodules. About 17% showed cellular aberration and 4.7% were clearly malignant, whereas 124 (82.7%) were benign. Of the malignant, 4 were solitary and 3 were multinodular; which were 10 and 9 among the suspicious ones. A significant number (77%, 20 out of 26) among the malignant/suspicious nodules fell into moderate to high risk category (x2=22.861, p<0.001), while 23.1 % of the FNAC proven malignant/suspicious nodules were of low risk category. Enlarged lymph nodes (p<0.001), increased diameter of nodules of >4 cm (p=0.039) and recent changes in nodular size (p=0.042) were independently and signifi­cantly related to cellular aberration. Conclusions: FNAC is a useful tool for cellular diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Clinical suspicion for malignancy strongly correlates with the FNAC findings. But a good number of clinically Low risk categories would escape malignant cellular character unless FNAC is done.
Psychiatric morbidity among rural and slum female population: A comparative study
Authors: Nahar Jhunu Shamsun , Haque Monami , Chowdhury Nafia Farzana , Qusar M. M. A. Shalauddin , Rahman Wasima , Chowdhury Hafizur Rahman , Islam Monirul , Pathan Mohammad Ahraful Siddike
Published: August 2016

Background: Psychiatric disorders are more prevalent among women than men worldwide. The lifetime risk of depres­sion and dysthymia are twice as common in women as men. Rural women usually undergoes more stressful situations and also scores more on stress scale than that of urban and slum population. Objectives: The research objectives of this study are: 1) To find out the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the study population. 2) To compare the disorders among the rural and slum female population. 3) To find out the influence of existing socio-demographic factors on psychiatric disorders. Method: This is a community-based study, which is also cross sectional and descriptive in nature. The sample for the main study constituted 366 randomly selected respondents. A two-staged screening procedure was carried in the study. First, the total population was studied by screening test-Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) to divide the sample into 'screen positive' and 'screen negative' subjects. In the second stage, full assessment of a mixture of all 'screen positive' and 25% 'screen negative' was carried out by structured clinical interview for diagnosis (SCID-NP). Later SCID filled by the respondents was assessed by consultant psychiatrists by using DSMIV in order to put exact clinical diagnosis. Stress was scored according to Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLE). The total duration of the study was from July 2010 to June 2011. Results: Higher prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was found among rural sample (22.8%) than slum (10.90%) population. Regarding pattern of psychiatric disorders among rural sample (22.8%) than slum (10.9%) population.See the PDF for the rest of the abstract.
Efficacy of prophylactic phototherapy for prevention of hyperbilirubinemia in very low birth weight newborns
Authors: Mannan M. A. , Jahan Ismat , Moni Sadeka Choudhury , Hasan Zahidul , Dey Arjun Chandra , Shahidullah Mohammod
Published: August 2016

Background: Jaundice is a common clinical condition in newborn occurring in approximately 60% of term and 80% of preterm infants. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is universally common in all preterm infants especially in newborns with very low biLth weight. Low birth weight and premature infants are at major risk for exaggerated hyperbilirubinemia that can lead to bilirubin encephalopathy. Significant heterogeneity in the approach to the treatment of jaundiced neonates exists throughout the world. Phototherapy is the most common treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and could be most effective in preventing the sequelae of hyperbilirubinemia if initiated prophylactically. This randomized clinical trial has been proposed with the objective of assessing the efficacy of prophylactic photo therapy in preventing significant rise of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in premature neonates weighing less than 1500 gram and therefore to decrease the need for exchange transfusion and finally to reduce hospital stay due to hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled sixty newborns with birth weight less than 1500 gram. They were divided into two groups: 1) Prophylactic group, in whom phototherapy was started within 24 hours of birth and continued for 7 days and 2) Control group in whom therapeutic phototherapy was started considering serum bilirubin level and other clinical condi­tions as per institutional guidelines. Mean value of total serum bilirubin (TSB), duration of phototherapy, the need for exchange transfusion and duration of hospital stay in both groups were analyzed.Results: The maximum mean TSB level in prophylactic group was observed on 7th day and in control group it was observed on 3rd day of life. The total serum bilirubin levels were significantly lower in the 3rd and 5th days of life in the prophylactic group in comparison to control group (P value 0.001). Total serum bilirubin level exceeded therapeutic range in 6 (21 %) and 14 (50 %) newborns of the prophylactic group and control groups respectively (P value 0.026). No documented side effects of prophylactic photo­therapy was observed. Conclusion: The use of prophylactic photo therapy for infants weighing less than 1500 grn is effec­tive and sate when compared to the control group, considering satisfactory maintenance of low total serum bilimbin levels during first 7 days of life.
ANCA-negative Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Authors: Abdal Syed Jamil , Sarker Md. Zilan Miah , Ali Syed Md. Monowar , Bhuiyan A. K. M. Motiur Rahman , Shazzad Md. Nahiduzzaman
Published: August 2016

A rare and a disease of unknown etiology, Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a granulomatous necrotizing small vessel vasculitis characterized by the presence of asthma, sinusitis, and hypereosinophilia, which is initially described by Churg and Strauss in 1951. Because of its clinical and pathological features that overlap with those of the other anti-neutrophil antibody (ANCA)-associated systemic vasculitides (AASVs) and now the disease is classified as AASVs. The ANCA status may dictate the clinical phenotype. ANCA-positive patients are significantly more likely to have disease manifesta­tions associated with small-vessel vasculitis, including oecrotising glomemlonephritis, mononeuritis and purpura, whereas ANCA-negative cases predominantly likely to have cardiac and lung involvement. The objective of this case report is to point out the possibility of vasculitic rash in ANCA-negative CSS in a 35-year-old man and the disease rarely occurs in Bangladeshi population. We analyze the history, clinical examinations and relevant investigations related to the patient to establish the diagnosis in our department. The clinical scenario and biopsy help us to attain the diagnosis. But due to unavailability of patients' cohort we have limitations of comparison of ANCA status in Bangladeshi populations. Though ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative CSS differ phenotypically, primary therapy for both the conditions is systemic glucocorticoids. Additional immunosuppressive agents like cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, rituxin1ab are occasionally added in patients with more advanced or refractory disease.
Efficacy of nebulised L-adrenaline with 3% hypertonic saline versus normal saline in bronchiolitis
Authors: Sharmin Shabnam , Helaly Laila , Sarker Zakir Hossain , Amin Ruhul , Ahmed Shafi , Alam Sayeda Tabbassum
Published: August 2016

Background: Bronchiolitis is one of the most common respiratory diseases requiring hospitalization. Nebulized epineph­rine and salbutamol therapy has been used in different centres with varying results. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of nebulised adrenaline diluted with 3% hypertonic saline with nebulised adrenaline diluted with normal saline in bronchiolitis. Methods: Fifty three infants and young children with bronchiolitis, age ranging from 2 months to 2 years, presenting in the emergency department of Manikganj Sadar Hospital were enrolled in the study. After initial evaluation, patients were randomized to receive either nebulized adrenaline I .5 ml ( 1.5 mg) diluted with 2 ml of3% hypertonic saline (group I) ornebulised adrenaline 1.5 ml (1.5 mg) diluted with 2 ml of normal saline (group II). Patients were evaluated again 30 minutes after nebulization. Results: Twenty eight patients in the group I (hypertonic saline) and twenty five in groupII (normal saline) were included in the study. After nebulization, mean respiratory rate decreased from 63.7 to 48.1 (p<.01), mean clinical severity score decreased from 8.5 to 3.5 (p<.01) and mean oxygen satw·ation increased 94.7% to 96.9% (p<.01) in group I. In group II, mean respiratory rate decreased from 62.4 to 47.4 (p<.01), mean clinical severity score decreased from 7.2 to 4.1 (p<.01) and mean oxygen saturation increased from 94. 7% to 96. 7% (p<.01). Mean respiratory rate decreased by 16 in group I versus 14.8 (p>.05) in group 11, mean clinical severity score decreased by 4.6 in group versus 3 (p<.05) in group, and mean oxygen saturation increased by 2.2% and 1.9% in group and group respectively. Difference in reduction in clinical severity score was statistically significant , though the changes in respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that both nebulised adrenaline diluted with 3% hypertonic saline and nebulised adrenaline with normal saline are effective in improving respiratory rate, clinical severity score and oxygen saturation in infants with bronchiolitis; and nebulised adrenaline with hypertonic saline is more effective than nebulised adrenaline with normal saline in improving clinical severity score in bronchiolitis.
Diagnostic delay in clinical practice: A case report of Coeliac disease
Authors: Kabir Ahmedul , Deb Sudip Ranjan , Akhter Ruma , Bhuyian Mamunur Rashid , Hasan Pratyay
Published: August 2016

Once considered a gastrointestinal disease of childhood affecting mainly whites, Coeliac Disease is now recognized as a systemic disease that may affect persons of any age and many races and ethnic groups. In this paper we present a case of a 60-year-old woman presented with protein-losing enteropathy associated with partial villous atrophy on distal duodenal biopsy. In Coeliac enteropathy the changes in intestinal permeability is sufficient to cause excessive loss of protein into the gut leading to hypoproteinaemia. The patient had presented with peripheral oedema without liver or renal impairment. The case emphasizes that clinicians should have a heightened suspicion about the disease that may be present at any age in both sexes and in a wide variety of clinical circumstances.
Autoimmune pancreatitis presenting as obstructive jaundice
Authors: Miah Nurul Amin , Mahbub Tania , Jahan Ferdous , Ananna Mehruba Alam , Arafat Shohael Mahmud , Jahan Salma
Published: August 2016

A 71 years cachexic male presented with sign symptoms of biliary tract obstruction. There was a large mass in the head of pancreases with raised CA 19.9. But elevated serum lipase raised the suspicion of paocreatitis. Elevated immunoglobu­lin IgG4 confmned this case as a auto immune aetiology. Initially there was much difficulty to differentiate auto immune pancreatitis from pancreatic carcinoma but after successful stenting and a course of corticosteroids, patient improved dramatically along with nonnalisation of all the radiological, bio-chemical and immunological parameters.
In vivo Studies of Protein Binding of Ketorolac in Rat Model by UV-VIS Spectrophotometry and High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Methods
Authors: Karim SM Rezaul , Koly Sabiha Ferdowsy , Amran Md Shah , Kabir Shaila
Published: August 2016

In this study, an attempt has been made to determine the protein binding of ketorolac at different time and concentration in rat model. A total of ten rats were used for this study. The rats were subdivided into two groups and 100?g/ml and 200?g/ml of ketorolac were administered through the intra-peritoneal route to rats of group 1 and group 2, respectively. The serum from the rats were collected and analyzed using UV-VIS spectrophotometry and HPLC. In the UV-VIS Spectrophotometric study, the highest percentage of protein binding for ketorolac was found to be 63.067% in group 1 and 74.63% in group 2. In case of HPLC method, the highest protein binding of ketorolac for group 1 and group 2 were 89.72% and 95.07%, respectively. The observed protein binding percentage of ketorolac by HPLC method was slightly higher than that found in UV-VIS Spectrophotometric method. The result obtained in this study showed that the protein binding of ketorolac changes with the time and drug concentration. The percentage of protein binding was higher for higher drug concentration.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(1): 63-67, 2016 (June)
Retention of Atmospheric Particles by Local Plant Leaves in the Mount Wutai Scenic Area, China
Authors: Shi Shuai , Wu Zhihui , Liu Fenwu , Fan Wenhua
Published: August 2016

To evaluate the characteristics of atmospheric particle retention by plant leaves during the tourism season in Buddhism-based scenic areas, plants distributed in the core area of the Mount Wutai scenic area were selected for study: Populus davidiana (Po. davidiana), Rosa hugonis Hemsl. (R. hugonis), Betula platyphylla Suk. (B. platyphylla), Rosa xanthina Lindl. (R. xanthina), Periploca sepium Bunge (Pe. sepium), Spiraea salicifolia L. (S. salicifolia), Vitex negundo var. Heterophylla (V. negundo var. heterophylla) and Pinus tabuliformis Carrière (Pi. tabuliformis). Before rain, the atmospheric suspended particle-retaining weight of the plant leaves varied in the range of 6.95 ± 1.55 (Pi. tabuliformis) to 38.60 ± 18.32 mg/cm2 (Po. davidiana); the light shaded areas caused by particles on leaves were in the range of 7.25 ± 0.04 (Pi. tabuliformis) to 126.50 ± 6.66 cm2/leaf (Po. davidiana); and the atmospheric particle-retaining horizontal density of leaves varied in the range of 110 ± 2 (Pi. tabuliformis) to 255 ± 11 per cm2 (Po. davidiana). After rain, the atmospheric suspended particle-retaining quality of plant leaves varied in the range of 0.65 ± 0.23 (Pi. tabuliformis) to 3.50 ± 1.83 mg/cm2 (Po. davidiana); the light shaded areas by particles on leaves were in the range of 4.26 ± 0.02 (Pi. tabuliformis) to 45.96 ± 2.42 cm2/leaf (Po. davidiana); and the atmospheric particle-retaining horizontal density of leaves was in the range of 97 ± 2 (Pi. tabuliformis) to 147 ± 7 per cm2 (Po. davidiana). The broad-leaved plants, particularly Po. davidiana, R. hugonis and B. platyphylla, were appropriate species for purification of atmospheric particles. Plants with lower dust-retention abilities than the above three species (e.g., R. xanthina, Pe. sepium, S. salicifolia and V. negundo var. heterophylla) could be alternative plants for purification. However, the needle-leaved plant Pi. tabuliformis was not recommended as a tree species for purification of atmospheric particles in the core area of the Mount Wutai scenic area.
Effects of Surface Epitope Coverage on the Sensitivity of Displacement Assays that Employ Modified Nanoparticles: Using Bisphenol A as a Model Analyte
Authors: Lu Yang , Peterson Joshua , Luais Erwann , Gooding John , Lee Nanju
Published: August 2016

With the ever-increasing use of nanoparticles in immunosensors, a fundamental study on the effect of epitope density is presented herein, with a small molecule epitope, on the performance of the displacement assay format in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thiolated bisphenol A (BPA) functionalized gold nanoparticles (cysBPAv-AuNPs) and specific anti-BPA antibodies are employed for this purpose. It is shown that the displacement of cysBPAv-AuNPs bound to the immobilized antibodies was influenced by both the avidity of bound cysBPAv-AuNPs and the concentration of free BPA to displace it. The importance of surface epitope density was that it changed the number of epitopes in close proximity to the antibody-binding site. This then influenced the avidity of cysBPAv-AuNPs bound to the immobilized antibody. Furthermore, the molar epitope concentration in an assay appears to affect the degree of antibody binding site saturation. Controlling surface epitope density of the functionalized nanoparticles and molar epitope concentration in an assay leads to a decrease of the concentration of free BPA required to displace the bound cysBPAv-AuNP, and hence better assay performance with regards to the D50 value and dynamic range in the displacement assay.
The Importance of Heating System Transient Response in Domestic Energy Labelling
Authors: Bennett George , Elwell Clifford , Lowe Robert , Oreszczyn Tadj
Published: August 2016

European National Calculation Methods (NCM), such as the UK Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), are used to make standardised and simplified assessments of building energy performance. These NCMs contain simplifications to aid ease of use and comparability of resulting Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). By comparing SAP with a modern, dynamic modelling system, this study quantifies internal temperatures and thereby heating energy consumption. Results show that for the considered test house SAP results correspond closely to a dynamic model using an idealistic heating system, with perfect control and instant responsiveness. However, the introduction of a dynamic, physically realistic gas fired boiler and water based heating system to the model results in a consistent increase in internal temperature (0.5 °C) and energy demand (by ca. 1000 kWh/a). Variation of further parameters within the dynamic model, controls and heat source size, are presented and compared to SAP results and assumptions. The inclusion of more realistic dynamics in building energy modelling for NCMs may provide a better basis for effective decision making with respect to a wide range of heating systems.
Simulation of Polymer Crystallization under Isothermal and Temperature Gradient Conditions Using Particle Level Set Method
Authors: Liu Zhijun , Ouyang Jie , Ruan Chunlei , Liu Qingsheng
Published: August 2016

Morphological models for polymer crystallization under isothermal and temperature gradient conditions with a particle level set method are proposed. In these models, the particle level set method is used to improve the accuracy in studying crystal interaction. The predicted development of crystallinity during crystallization under quiescent isothermal condition by our model is reanalyzed with the Avrami model, and good agreement between the predicted and theoretical values is observed. In the temperature gradient, the computer simulation results with our model are consistent with the experiment results in the literature.
A Five Species Cyclically Dominant Evolutionary Game with Fixed Direction: A New Way to Produce Self-Organized Spatial Patterns
Authors: Kang Yibin , Pan Qiuhui , Wang Xueting , He Mingfeng
Published: August 2016

Cyclically dominant systems are hot issues in academia, and they play an important role in explaining biodiversity in Nature. In this paper, we construct a five-strategy cyclically dominant system. Each individual in our system changes its strategy along a fixed direction. The dominant strategy can promote a change in the dominated strategy, and the dominated strategy can block a change in the dominant strategy. We use mean-field theory and cellular automaton simulation to discuss the evolving characters of the system. In the cellular automaton simulation, we find the emergence of spiral waves on spatial patterns without a migration rate, which suggests a new way to produce self-organized spatial patterns.
Hawking-Like Radiation from the Trapping Horizon of Both Homogeneous and Inhomogeneous Spherically Symmetric Spacetime Model of the Universe
Authors: Chakraborty Subenoy , Saha Subhajit , Corda Christian
Published: August 2016

The present work deals with the semi-classical tunnelling approach and the Hamilton–Jacobi method to study Hawking radiation from the dynamical horizon of both the homogeneous Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) model and the inhomogeneous Lemaitre–Tolman–Bondi (LTB) model of the Universe. In the tunnelling prescription, radial null geodesics are used to visualize particles from behind the trapping horizon and the Hawking-like temperature has been calculated. On the other hand, in the Hamilton–Jacobi formulation, quantum corrections have been incorporated by solving the Klein–Gordon wave equation. In both the approaches, the temperature agrees at the semiclassical level.
The Energy and Environmental Performance of Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Systems—A Timely Update
Authors: Leccisi Enrica , Raugei Marco , Fthenakis Vasilis
Published: August 2016

Given photovoltaics’ (PVs) constant improvements in terms of material usage and energy efficiency, this paper provides a timely update on their life-cycle energy and environmental performance. Single-crystalline Si (sc-Si), multi-crystalline Si (mc-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) systems are analysed, considering the actual country of production and adapting the input electricity mix accordingly. Energy pay-back time (EPBT) results for fixed-tilt ground mounted installations range from 0.5 years for CdTe PV at high-irradiation (2300 kWh/(m2·yr)) to 2.8 years for sc-Si PV at low-irradiation (1000 kWh/(m2·yr)), with corresponding quality-adjusted energy return on investment (EROIPE-eq) values ranging from over 60 to ~10. Global warming potential (GWP) per kWhel averages out at ~30 g(CO2-eq), with lower values (down to ~10 g) for CdTe PV at high irradiation, and up to ~80 g for Chinese sc-Si PV at low irradiation. In general, results point to CdTe PV as the best performing technology from an environmental life-cycle perspective, also showing a remarkable improvement for current production modules in comparison with previous generations. Finally, we determined that one-axis tracking installations can improve the environmental profile of PV systems by approximately 10% for most impact metrics.
Forest Biomass and Net Primary Productivity in Southwestern China: A Meta-Analysis Focusing on Environmental Driving Factors
Authors: Liu Li , Yang Hua , Xu Yue , Guo Yin , Ni Jian
Published: August 2016

Biomass and net primary productivity (NPP) are important factors for studying terrestrial carbon storage and the carbon cycle. Using data from existing literature, this study synthesized and analyzed a comprehensive database of direct field observations of forest biomass and NPP for Southwestern China. The biomass of mature natural forests and mature planted forests range from 81.2 Mg·ha−1 to 692.6 Mg·ha−1 (mean = 288.1 Mg·ha−1) and from 76.8 Mg·ha−1 to 670.1 Mg·ha−1 (mean = 181.5 Mg·ha−1), respectively. Mature natural forests have higher biomass than mature planted ones. The NPP values of natural and planted forests range from 1.4 Mg·ha−1·year−1 to 29.6 Mg·ha−1·year−1 (mean = 13.6 Mg·ha−1·year−1) and from 0.6 Mg·ha−1·year−1 to 26.5 Mg·ha−1·year−1 (mean = 9.9 Mg·ha−1·year−1), respectively. Correlations among biomass, NPP, and environmental factors show that NPP significantly decreases with latitude and increases with mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, growing degree-days on a 0 °C base, and mean annual drought index, whereas biomass positively correlates with stand age and leaf area index strongly. Karst forests exhibit almost the same NPP as non-karst forests, but the former have significantly lower biomass compared to the latter. Comprehensive regional data synthesis and analysis based on direct field observations of forest biomass and NPP are important for benchmarking global and regional vegetation and carbon models, estimating regional carbon content, restoring vegetation, and mitigating climate change.
Major Changes in Growth Rate and Growth Variability of Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Related to Soil Alteration and Climate Change in Belgium
Authors: Latte Nicolas , Perin Jérôme , Kint Vincent , Lebourgeois François , Claessens Hugues
Published: August 2016

Global change—particularly climate change, forest management, and atmospheric deposition—has significantly altered forest growing conditions in Europe. The influences of these changes on beech growth (Fagus sylvatica L.) were investigated for the past 80 years in Belgium, using non-linear mixed effects models on ring-width chronologies of 149 mature and dominant beech trees (87–186 years old). The effects of the developmental stage (i.e., increasing tree size) were filtered out in order to focus on time-dependent growth changes. Beech radial growth was divided into a low-frequency signal (=growth rate), mainly influenced by forest management and atmospheric deposition, and into a high-frequency variability (≈mean sensitivity), mainly influenced by climate change. Between 1930 and 2008, major long-term and time-dependent changes were highlighted. The beech growth rate has decreased by about 38% since the 1950–1960s, and growth variability has increased by about 45% since the 1970–1980s. Our results indicate that (1) before the 1980s, beech growth rate was not predominantly impacted by climate change but rather by soil alteration (i.e., soil compaction and/or nitrogen deposition); and (2) since the 1980s, climate change induced more frequent and intense yearly growth reductions that amplified the growth rate decrease. The highlighted changes were similar in the two ecoregions of Belgium, although more pronounced in the lowlands than in the uplands.
The Covariance between Air Pollution Annoyance and Noise Annoyance, and Its Relationship with Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Shepherd Daniel , Dirks Kim , Welch David , McBride David , Landon Jason
Published: August 2016

Air pollution originating from road traffic is a known risk factor of respiratory and cardiovascular disease (both in terms of chronic and acute effects). While adverse effects on cardiovascular health have also been linked with noise (after controlling for air pollution), noise exposure has been commonly linked to sleep impairment and negative emotional reactions. Health is multi-faceted, both conceptually and operationally; Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) is one of many measures capable of probing health. In this study, we examine pre-collected data from postal surveys probing HRQOL obtained from a variety of urban, suburban, and rural contexts across the North Island of New Zealand. Analyses focus on the covariance between air pollution annoyance and noise annoyances, and their independent and combined effects on HRQOL. Results indicate that the highest ratings of air pollution annoyance and noise annoyances were for residents living close to the motorway, while the lowest were for rural residents. Most of the city samples indicated no significant difference between air pollution- and noise-annoyance ratings, and of all of the correlations between air pollution- and noise-annoyance, the highest were found in the city samples. These findings suggest that annoyance is driven by exposure to environmental factors and not personality characteristics. Analysis of HRQOL indicated that air pollution annoyance predicts greater variability in the physical HRQOL domain while noise annoyance predicts greater variability in the psychological, social and environmental domains. The lack of an interaction effect between air pollution annoyance and noise annoyance suggests that air pollution and noise impact on health independently. These results echo those obtained from objective measures of health and suggest that mitigation of traffic effects should address both air and noise pollution.
Effects of Long-Term Exposure to 60 GHz Millimeter-Wavelength Radiation on the Genotoxicity and Heat Shock Protein (Hsp) Expression of Cells Derived from Human Eye
Authors: Koyama Shin , Narita Eijiro , Shimizu Yoko , Suzuki Yukihisa , Shiina Takeo , Taki Masao , Shinohara Naoki , Miyakoshi Junji
Published: August 2016

Human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) and human lens epithelial (SRA01/04) cells derived from the human eye were exposed to 60 gigahertz (GHz) millimeter-wavelength radiation for 24 h. There was no statistically significant increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency in cells exposed to 60 GHz millimeter-wavelength radiation at 1 mW/cm2 compared with sham-exposed controls and incubator controls. The MN frequency of cells treated with bleomycin for 1 h provided positive controls. The comet assay, used to detect DNA strand breaks, and heat shock protein (Hsp) expression also showed no statistically significant effects of exposure. These results indicate that exposure to millimeter-wavelength radiation has no effect on genotoxicity in human eye cells.