bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation strategies for reducing vulnerability to future environmental change
Authors: Fazey Ioan , Gamarra Javier GP , Fischer Joern , Reed Mark S , Stringer Lindsay C , Christie Mike
Published: November 2009

Many adaptation strategies focus on improving short‐term capacities to cope with environmental change, but ignore the possibility that they might inadvertently increase vulnerability to unforeseen changes in the future. To help develop more effective long‐term strategies, we present a conceptual framework of adaptation. The framework emphasizes that in order to ensure that existing problems are not exacerbated, adaptation must: (1) address both human‐induced and biophysical drivers of undesired ecological change; (2) maintain a diversity of future response options; and (3) nurture the kinds of human capacities that enable the uptake of those response options. These requirements are often not met when adaptation strategies rely on technological fixes, which tend to concentrate on coping with the biophysical symptoms of problems rather than addressing human behavioral causes. Furthermore, to develop effective, long‐term adaptation, greater emphasis is needed on strategies that enhance, rather than erode, the human values, skills, and behaviors conducive to sustainable activities. Participatory approaches to environmental stewardship are part of the solution to this problem.
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms as a Mediating Factor on the Effects of Exposure to Community Violence Among Children in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Shields Nancy , Nadasen Kathy , Pierce Lois
Published: November 2009

Research conducted over the past 20 years has linked exposure to violence to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children both in the United States and South Africa, but very little research has investigated PTSD as a mediating variable between exposure to violence and other problems. The purpose of the current research was to determine if PTSD acts as a mediating variable between exposure to violence and depression, and exposure to violence and aggressive and violent behavior at school among a sample of 247 South African children. Regression analysis suggested that PTSD mediated the effects of exposure to violence on depression, whereas the effect of exposure to violence on aggression and violent behavior was only direct. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for intervention and treatment.
Driving forces and patterns of water policy making in Egypt
Authors: Luzi S.
Published: November 2009

In studies on transboundary river management, it is often assumed that national water policies are made by ‘governments’ or ‘water ministries’ as unitary, rational decision-makers. This article analyzes actors, institutions, and decision-making processes in the Egyptian water sector and explores implications for the design and implementation of water policies. Rational choice is assumed to be only one possible pattern of water policy making, and is distinguished from other mechanisms driven by organizational routines or bargaining over stakeholders' interests. It is found that in Egypt, despite considerable planning capacities, many water policy outcomes are influenced by developments beyond the control of the water ministry. Water governance is also influenced by top-level strategic decision-making, conflicts of interest between sectors, enforcement priority given to policies that prioritize political stability and/or certain privileged interest groups, and intra-organizational resistance to institutional reform. Policies in the traditional core tasks of the water ministry, i.e. water supply and drainage provision, and important strategic decisions regarding water allocation priorities are mainly made in a ‘rational choice’ fashion by the respective authorities. Issues that have emerged more recently, such as water quality or demand management, are subject to interest bargaining between different stakeholder groups in both the planning and the implementation phases.
Mitigating water shortages in a multiple risk environment
Authors: Robinson John R. C. , Michelsen Ari M. , Gollehon Noel R.
Published: November 2009

This paper estimates the economic value of irrigation water shortfalls and mitigation responses of farmers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The water shortage levels closely correspond to supply shortfalls experienced by the U.S. during the 1990s when Mexico fell behind on treaty delivery obligations. We identify and evaluate a range of crop choices, appropriate irrigation technology use, water source substitution, and other mitigation strategies used by farmers to deal with water shortages. The effects of exogenous crop price and yield risk, as well as other structural considerations are incorporated in the estimation of the marginal value of irrigation water. Results show that South Texas farmers react to risk by diversifying their crop mix, with implications for the imputed value of water and soil resources. The inclusion of exogenous risk refines the prediction of what decision makers would have grown assuming strict Mexican treaty compliance. The resulting marginal values reflect grower adjustments for risk using crop mix, irrigation level, and irrigation technology. The aggregate damage estimates using this approach are realistically smaller than previous damage estimates that were based on fixed cropping patterns and average water values.
Water management in Bangladesh: an analytical review
Authors: Chowdhury Nasima Tanveer
Published: November 2009

Water management in Bangladesh is a critical issue owing to growing demand and increasing conflict between alternative uses. Demand for water is growing rapidly in agriculture mainly from irrigation for cereal production, the urban and industrial sector, fishery, inland navigation and salinity control. The supply of clean and uncontaminated water has fallen far short of demand owing to inadequate flows in the Ganges, pollution caused by the disposal of effluents and chemicals, salinity intrusion in the coastal area and arsenic contamination. Further, the availability of freshwater is highly seasonal depending on the presence and duration of the monsoon. The incidence of both flood and drought in a yearly cycle profoundly affects river morphology. This paper identifies various geographic, socioeconomic and environmental factors that shape the water management issues of Bangladesh. The paper mainly concerns the status and trend of these issues.
An international comparison of the institutional governance of water utility asset management and its implications for Finland
Authors: Vinnari E. M. , Hukka J. J.
Published: November 2009

Concerns over the condition of water and sewerage networks and their facilities are especially topical as several countries, including Finland, are approaching a stage where their aging and deteriorating pipelines will demand extensive repair, renewal and replacement. Solving the problems related to the construction and, in particular, the maintenance of water service infrastructures requires the methods of long-term planning and strategic decision-making, which are often referred to as water utility asset management. Since maintaining the operational capacity of water service systems has a crucial role in preventing hazards to human health and to the environment, the policy-level consideration of issues related to asset management planning seems well justified. A review of the institutional governance of asset management and investment planning in countries that are facing similar challenges provides several replicable principles for the water sector in Finland. A combination of legal requirements and professionally established norms could be expected to set an appropriate balance between securing adequate service levels and allowing utilities to decide autonomously on additional improvements.
Economic valuation of aquatic ecosystem services in developing countries
Authors: Korsgaard Louise , Schou Jesper S.
Published: November 2009

An important challenge of integrated water resources management (IWRM) is to balance water allocation between different users. While economically and/or politically powerful users have well developed methods for quantifying and justifying their water needs, this is not the case for ecosystems—the silent water user. A promising way of placing aquatic ecosystems on the water agenda is by economic valuation of services sustained by ecosystems. In developing countries, the livelihoods of rural people often depend directly on the provision of aquatic ecosystem services. In such situations, economic valuation of ecosystem services becomes particularly challenging. This paper reviews recent literature on economic valuation of aquatic ecosystem services in developing countries. “Market price” is the most widespread method used for valuating marketed ecosystem services in developing countries. “Cost based” and “revealed preference” methods are frequently used when ecosystem services are non-marketed. A review of 27 existing valuation studies reveals a considerable range of estimated total economic value of aquatic ecosystem services in developing countries, that is from US$30 to 3,000/ha/year. The paper concludes that economic valuation is vital for bringing ecosystems to decision-making agendas in developing countries and that great effort must be made to bridge the gap between scientists and decision makers.
Comparison of the effect of sevoflurane and desflurane on postoperative arrhythmia and QT dispersion
Authors: Gozdemir Muhammet , Yeter Ekrem , Akcay Murat , Kurdoglu Elvin , Gumus Tülin , Keleş Telat , Bilen Emine , Kanbak Orhan
Published: November 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sevoflurane and desflurane on cardiac arrhythmias in adult patients who will be anesthetized. A total of 40 patients who were in the ASA I–II group and who were to undergo elective surgery were included in the study. No pre-medication was administered to the patients. They were monitored with the Holter equipment at preoperative 24 hours, and also at postoperative 24 hours on condition that Holter monitoring will begin before induction. Following routine monitoring, the patients were randomly divided into two equal groups; group one was given sevoflurane and group two was given desflurane. In this study, desflurane and sevoflurane resulted in both a significant prolongation of QT and QTc and a significant increase in QT and QTc dispersion when compared with the basal values. In the sevoflurane group, there was no significant increase in postoperative ventricular arrhythmia, compared to that during the preoperative period. However, this increase was significant in the desflurane group (p = 0.009). Sevoflurane and desflurane result in an increase in QT dispersion. Postoperative rhythmic control should carefully be monitored, especially in the desflurane group.
Interleukin-6: A Sensitive Parameter for the Early Detection of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Noor M Khaled , Shahidullah M , Rahman Hamidur , Mutanabbi Mahbub
Published: November 2009

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Though blood culture is the gold standard and has higher sensitivity and specificity over the hematological value and cytokine, it is not available in our community health situation and also in most of health care facilities. It is also time consuming. Therefore hematological value and interleukin-6 can be evaluated for the early diagnosis of neonatal bacterial infection. Objective: This study was conducted to see the usefulness of IL-6 as an early marker of neonatal sepsis and also to compare the sensitivity in comparison with CRP, hematological value and blood culture. Study Design: It was a quasy experimental study. Setting: This study was carried out in the neonatal unit of pediatric department, BSMMU during the period of September, 2005 to February, 2006. Method: Forty five suspected septic cases were enrolled in the study and thirty healthy newborn were taken for comparison. Venous blood sample from peripheral vein was collected on the 1st day of symptoms and/or 1st day of admission and was sent for IL-6 estimation within half an hour and estimation of IL-6 was done by using immunolyte DPC USA which employed automated chemiluminescent immunoassays. Results: Out of forty five cases of suspected-neonatal sepsis, IL-6 were positive in twenty five cases. In culture proven sepsis 100% cases had raised IL-6. In control group only five babies had raised IL-6. Three cases were culture positive, of which all were also positive for IL-6 (100%). Among the cases twenty six were CRP positive, of which twenty were also positive for IL-6 (76.92%). Conclusion: In the present study IL-6 was found to be an early marker of neonatal infection. Sensitivity was more than CRP and other hematological parameter in the first twenty four hours. Key words: Interleukin-6, Neonatal Sepsis.DOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v1i1.3687 BSMMU J 2008; 1(1): 1-5
Motor Neuropathy in Hypothyroidism: Clinical and Electrophysiological Findings
Authors: Yeasmin Sabina , Begum Noorzahan , Begum Shelina
Published: November 2009

Background: Hypothyroidism is a clinical condition associated with low levels of thyroid hormones with raised TSH. Peripheral neuropathy may be associated with hypothyroidism which usually develops insidiously over a long period of time due to irregular taking of drugs or lack of thyroid hormone replacement. Objectives: The present study was done to evaluate the clinical and electro-physiological findings in hypothyroid patients in order to evaluate the neuromuscular dysfunction as well as motor neuropathy. Method: In this study, 70 subjects with the age range from 20 to 50 years of both sexes were included of whom 40 hypothyroids were taken in study group (B) with the duration of 6 months to 5 years and 30 healthy euthyroid subjects were taken as control (Group A). On the basis of their TSH level, group B was further divided into group B1 with TSH level <60 MIU /L (less severe) and group B2 with TSH >60 MIU /L (severe group). The d latency and NCV for motor nerve function were measured by NCV machine in median and ulnar nerve for upper limb and in common peroneal nerve for lower limb. TT3, TT4 were measured by RIA and TSH by IRMA method. All these parameters were measured on the day 1 (one) of their first visit. Data were analysed statistically by ANOVA and Z test. Result: Both TT3, TT4 levels were significantly (P<0.01) lower in hypothyroids in comparison to those of control. Diminished or absence of most of the deep tendon reflexes were found in all the hypothyroids. Most of the patients (67.5%) showed significantly higher (P <0.01) motor distal latencies (MDL) with lower (P> 0.001) conduction velocities (MNCV) and all these changes were more marked in group B2. Conclusion: So, the study revealed that motor neuropathy may be a consequence of hypothyroidism.DOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v1i1.3692 Key Words: Hypothyroidism; neuropathy; electrophysiology BSMMU J 2008; 1(1): 15-18
Low Viral Load Does Not Exclude Significant Liver Damage in Patients with Chronic HBV Infection in Bangladesh
Authors: Al-Mahtab Mamun , Rahman Salimur , Kamal M , Shrestha Ananta , Akbar SM Fazle , Karim Fazal , Dhar Swapan Chandra
Published: November 2009

Background: In general, it is assumed that patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with high viral load exhibit increased liver damages. Accordingly, the treatment guidelines emphasize on reducing viral load in chronic HBV carriers. The ethical and scientific basis of these observations was mainly accumulated from investigations from developed countries of the world. More than 80% chronic HBV carriers live in the developing nations of the world, but little is known about relationship between HBV viral load and extent of liver damages in these countries. In this study, we addressed this issue to provide insights about this. Methods: In this retrospective study we reviewed the records of 210 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients from our pool of 561 Bangladeshi CHB patients. All of these 210 patients had low HBV DNA (<105 copies/ml by PCR). Of them 16 were HBeAg +ve and rest 194 HBeAg -ve. They have also been tested for other serologic markers of HBV (i.e. HBsAg, anti-HBe), HCV (i.e. anti-HCV) and serum alaninetransaminase (ALT) level. All patients also underwent per-cutaneous liver biopsy. Results: 37.5% (6/16) HBeAg +ve patients with low HBV DNA had significant hepatic necro-inflammation (HAI-NI ≥7), whereas this figure was 31.44% (61/194) in case of HBeAg -ve patients. On the other hand significant hepatic fibrosis (HAI-F ≥3) was observed in 31.25% (5/16) and 14.4% (28/194) in HBeAg +ve and -ve patients respectively. Conclusion: This study shows that a correlation could not be established between viral load and liver damage in patients with CHB in Bangladesh. A significant percentage of patients with low HBV DNA may have marked hepatic necro-inflammation and fibrosis, more so in case of HBeAg +ve CHB. Further study may be needed to find out the influence of other factors on liver damages in CHB patients in developing nations like Bangladesh, where about 8 million chronic HBV carriers are living. Most of these patients have not been characterized and treatment modalities have not been defined for them. Our study may suggest the research direction for management of these cases. Key Words: Low HBV DNA; Chronic hepatitis B; Hepatic necro-inflammation; Hepatic fibrosis.DOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v1i1.3693 BSMMU J 2008; 1(1): 19-21
Alteration in Bone Mineral Metabolism in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): A Review
Authors: Jamal Chowdhury Yakub
Published: November 2009

In recent years there has been a significant increase in event free survival (EFS) and overall survival in children with cancer. As survival rates for childhood cancer have radically improved, late effects associated with the successful but highly intensive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy have dramatically increased. Many possible late effects of cancer treatment are recognized in pediatric cancer patients as infertility, endocrine deficiency, renal failure, pulmonary and cardiac toxicity, obesity and osteopenia/osteoporosis. Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism disturbances have been recognized and reported in literature. Osteopenia/osteoporosis skeletal abnormalities, osteonecrosis and pathological fractures are known to occur frequently in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at diagnosis, during and after treatment with chemotherapy. Various studies have revealed different metabolic alterations related to ALL. Some suggestions have been made about their relationship with the disease process. Various metabolic abnormalities may be encountered in the newly diagnosed ALL patients. It includes decreased and increased serum levels of calcium and phosphate. Hypercalcemia may result from leukemic infiltrations of bone and release of parathormone like substance from lymphoblast. Elevated serum phosphate can occur as a result of leukemic cell lysis and may induce hypocalcemia. It has been postulated by other authors that leukemic cells may directly infiltrate bone and produce parathroid hormone related peptides, prostaglandin E and osteoblast inhibiting factors. Hypomagnesemia, hypocalcaemia and hypothyroidisum have been demonstrated in patients with ALL. Some patients may have poor nutrition and decreased physical activities during treatment. However postulations have also been made that chemotherapy may play a role in creating metabolic alterations in children with ALL. Corticosteroid, methotraxate and cranial irradiations have all been assumed as a cause of loss of bone mass. Continuing chemotherapy in children with ALL was assumed with normal growth and normal or high collagen turnover and reduced alkaline phosphatase or impaired osteoblastic activity on mineralization of bone. Considering the derangements in bone mineral metabolism in ALL at diagnosis or with chemotherapy, it is imperative that specific attention and therapeutic measures should be considered.DOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v1i1.3695 BSMMU J 2008; 1(1): 29-32
Reconstruction of Mandibular Defect by Free Re-Vascularized Fibula Graft: A Case Report
Authors: Rahman Quazi Billur , Rahman Mahmudur , Mamun Showkat , Iqbal Munjur , Das Binay Kumar
Published: November 2009

Background: In maxillofacial surgery tumor ablation often causes continuity defect of mandible which results anatomical and functional morbidity of the patient. The reconstruction of the mandibular defect is mandatory to restore the oral function and speech. Various methods of immediate reconstruction are implemented by different authors time to time including autogenous non vascularized bone graft, allogenic bone graft , auto frozen mandible or reconstruction plates and others. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages including donor site morbidity, failure and others. The purpose of the present case report is to establish micorvascular free fiblula is as a better option to other methods in immediate reconstruction of mandibular continuity defect. Objective: Anatomical, functional and esthetic rehabilitation of patients after mandibular resection Method: Revascularization of free fibula graft by microvascular anastomosis of paroneal artery with facial artery at the segmental defect site of mandible. Result: Remarkable contour, cosmesis and early functional rehabilatation of the patient. Conclusion: Microvascular reconstruction with fibula is the better option for defect correction and early rehabilitation in patients with mandibular continuity defect. Key words: Mandible, defect; reconstruction; microvascular technique; fibula graftDOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v1i1.3698 BSMMU J 2008; 1(1): 35-38
The Qur'an Made Linear: A Study of the Geschichte des Qorâns' Chronological Reordering
Authors: Stefanidis Emmanuelle
Published: November 2009

The chronological reordering of the Qur'an remains one of the main entrance gates to the Muslim sacred text for researchers today. However, if chronology produces a strong sense of coherence by providing both an organising principle and a narrative context, its historical accuracy is difficult to assess. Recurrent criticism points to its dependence on traditional materials, the circularity of its argumentation, and the inability to appreciate, and account for, the present state of the Qur'anic text. This article engages these questions through a close reading of one of the most influential chronological reorderings, that of the Geschichte des Qorâns by Nöldeke and Schwally, taking the different versions of this seminal text into consideration so as to explore its assumptions, methodology and originality. Particular attention is paid to the textual impact of this linear reading on the Qur'anic text and to the inherent difficulties encountered in any chronological arrangement of the Muslim scripture.
‘Fire Cannot Harm It’: Mediation, Temptation and the Charismatic Power of the Qur'an
Authors: Zadeh Travis
Published: November 2009

This paper examines debates concerning the theological status of the material Qur'anic codex (muṣḥaf), by focusing on a range of interpretations of a widely circulated ḥadīth which states ‘if the Qur'an were written on a hide, fire would not harm it’. This particular saying appears as a flashpoint in a series of on-going debates, which begin during the third/ninth century, concerning the otherworldly status of the Qur'an. By exploring the broader implications of these debates, as they inflect Ḥanbalī, Muʿtazilī, Imāmī, Ashʿarī and Māturīdī theological positions, this paper demonstrates how broad disputes over the eternality and inimitability of the Qur'an impacted on the status of scripture as a material object. Thus, while the physical Qur'anic codex became a sanctified object of veneration, the exact nature of its charismatic power remained contested.
Imagery, Representations and Imagination in al-Zamakhsharī’s al-Kashshāf
Authors: Daud Nadwah
Published: November 2009

This study explores the terminology of al-taṣwīr (‘imagery’), al-tamthīl (‘representations’) and al-takhyīl (‘imagination’) in al-Zamakhsharī’s al-Kashshāf. It first explores the meanings of the terms themselves, and then moves on to discuss their roles in elucidating the underlying signification of the Qur'anic text. Al-Zamakhsharī regards taṣwīr, tamthīl and takhyīl as indispensable exegetical tools, the primary function of which is clarification and explanation. After analysing the meaning of these three terms, this article also considers al-Zamakhsharī’s commentary on the Qur'anic text.
Combined Molecular Algorithms for the Generation, Equilibration and Topological Analysis of Entangled Polymers: Methodology and Performance
Authors: Karayiannis Nikos Ch. , Kröger Martin
Published: November 2009

We review the methodology, algorithmic implementation and performance characteristics of a hierarchical modeling scheme for the generation, equilibration and topological analysis of polymer systems at various levels of molecular description: from atomistic polyethylene samples to random packings of freely-jointed chains of tangent hard spheres of uniform size. Our analysis focuses on hitherto less discussed algorithmic details of the implementation of both, the Monte Carlo (MC) procedure for the system generation and equilibration, and a postprocessing step, where we identify the underlying topological structure of the simulated systems in the form of primitive paths. In order to demonstrate our arguments, we study how molecular length and packing density (volume fraction) affect the performance of the MC scheme built around chain-connectivity altering moves. In parallel, we quantify the effect of finite system size, of polydispersity, and of the definition of the number of entanglements (and related entanglement molecular weight) on the results about the primitive path network. Along these lines we approve main concepts which had been previously proposed in the literature.
Spectroscopic Analyses of the Biofuels-Critical Phytochemical Coniferyl Alcohol and Its Enzyme-Catalyzed Oxidation Products
Authors: Achyuthan Komandoor Elayavalli , Adams Paul David , Simmons Blake Alexander , Singh Anup Kumar
Published: November 2009

Lignin composition (monolignol types of coniferyl, sinapyl or p-coumaryl alcohol) is causally related to biomass recalcitrance. We describe multiwavelength (220, 228, 240, 250, 260, 290, 295, 300, 310 or 320 nm) absorption spectroscopy of coniferyl alcohol and its laccase- or peroxidase-catalyzed products during real time kinetic, pseudokinetic and endpoint analyses, in optical turn on or turn off modes, under acidic or basic conditions. Reactions in microwell plates and 100 μL volumes demonstrated assay miniaturization and high throughput screening capabilities. Bathochromic and hypsochromic shifts along with hyperchromicity or hypochromicity accompanied enzymatic oxidations by laccase or peroxidase. The limits of detection and quantitation of coniferyl alcohol averaged 2.4 and 7.1 μM respectively, with linear trend lines over 3 to 4 orders of magnitude. Coniferyl alcohol oxidation was evident within 10 minutes or with 0.01 μg/mL laccase and 2 minutes or 0.001 μg/mL peroxidase. Detection limit improved to 1.0 μM coniferyl alcohol with Km of 978.7 ± 150.7 μM when examined at 260 nm following 30 minutes oxidation with 1.0 μg/mL laccase. Our assays utilized the intrinsic spectroscopic properties of coniferyl alcohol or its oxidation products for enabling detection, without requiring chemical synthesis or modification of the substrate or product(s). These studies facilitate lignin compositional analyses and augment pretreatment strategies for reducing biomass recalcitrance.
Silica Sulfuric Acid Promotes Aza-Michael Addition Reactions under Solvent-Free Condition as a Heterogeneous and Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Wang Yan , Yuan Yan-Qin , Guo Sheng-Rong
Published: November 2009

A highly efficient, inexpensive, recyclable, convenient, and green protocol for chemoselective aza-Michael addition reactions of amines/thiols to α,β-unsaturated compounds using silica sulfuric acid (SSA or SiO2-SO3H) was developed. This method is simple, convenient and the title compounds are produced in good to excellent yields.
Seedless Fruit Production by Hormonal Regulation of Fruit Set
Authors: Pandolfini Tiziana
Published: November 2009

Seed and fruit development are intimately related processes controlled by internal signals and environmental cues. The absence of seeds is usually appreciated by consumers and producers because it increases fruit quality and fruit shelf-life. One method to produce seedless fruit is to develop plants able to produce fruits independently from pollination and fertilization of the ovules. The onset of fruit growth is under the control of phytohormones. Recent genomic studies have greatly contributed to elucidate the role of phytohormones in regulating fruit initiation, providing at the same time genetic methods for introducing seedlessness in horticultural plants.
Integration of Relational and Textual Biomedical Sources
Authors: Maojo V. , Billhardt H. , Crespo J. , García-Remesal M.
Published: November 2009

Objectives: Bringing together structured and text-based sources is an exciting challenge for biomedical informaticians, since most relevant biomedical sources belong to one of these categories. In this paper we evaluate the feasibility of integrating relational and text-based biomedical sources using: i) an original logical schema acquisition method for textual databases developed by the authors, and ii) OntoFusion, a system originally designed by the authors for the integration of relational sources.

Methods: We conducted an integration experiment involving a test set of seven differently structured sources covering the domain of genetic diseases. We used our logical schema acquisition method to generate schemas for all textual sources. The sources were integrated using the methods and tools provided by OntoFusion. The integration was validated using a test set of 500 queries.

Results: A panel of experts answered a questionnaire to evaluate i) the quality of the extracted schemas, ii) the query processing performance of the integrated set of sources, and iii) the relevance of the retrieved results. The results of the survey show that our method extracts coherent and representative logical schemas. Experts’ feedback on the performance of the integrated system and the relevance of the retrieved results was also positive. Regarding the validation of the integration, the system successfully provided correct results for all queries in the test set.

Conclusions: The results of the experiment suggest that text-based sources including a logical schema can be regarded as equivalent to structured databases. Using our method, previous research and existing tools designed for the integration of structured databases can be reused – possibly subject to minor modifications – to integrate differently structured sources.
Bivariate Random-effects Meta-analysis of Sensitivity and Specificity with SAS PROC GLIMMIX
Authors: Menke J.
Published: November 2009

Objectives: Meta-analysis allows to summarize pooled sensitivities and specificities from several primary diagnostic test accuracy studies. Often these pooled estimates are indirectly obtained from a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics (HSROC) analysis. This article presents a generalized linear random-effects model with the new SAS PROC GLIMMIX that obtains the pooled estimates for sensitivity and specificity directly.

Methods: Firstly, the formula of the bivariate random-effects model is presented in context with the literature. Then its implementation with the new SAS PROC GLIMMIX is empirically evaluated in comparison to the indirect HSROC approach, utilizing the published 2 x 2 count data of 50 meta-analyses.

Results: According to the empirical evaluation the meta-analytic results from the bivariate GLIMMIX approach are nearly identical to the results from the indirect HSROC approach.

Conclusions: A generalized linear mixed model with PROC GLIMMIX offers a straightforward method for bivariate random-effects meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity.
An Analysis Framework for Electronic Health Record Systems
Authors: Berry D. , Bisbal J.
Published: November 2009

Background: The timely provision of complete and up-to-date patient data to clinicians has for decades been one of the most pressing objectives to be fulfilled by information technology in the healthcare domain. The so-called electronic health record (EHR), which provides a unified view of all relevant clinical data, has received much attention in this context from both research and industry. This situation has given rise to a large number of research projects and commercial products that aim to address this challenge. Different projects and initiatives have attempted to address this challenge from various points of view, which are not easily comparable.

Objectives: This paper aims to clarify the challenges, concepts, and approaches involved, which is essential in order to consistently compare existing solutions and objectively assess progress in the field.

Methods: This is achieved by two different means. Firstly, the paper will identify the most significant issues that differentiate the points of view and intended scope of existing approaches. As a result, a framework for analysis of EHR systems will be produced. Secondly, the most representative EHR-related projects and initiatives will be described and compared within the context of this framework.

Results: The main result of the present paper is an analysis framework for EHR systems. This is intended as an initial step towards an attempt to structure research on this field, clearly lacking sound principles to evaluate and compare results, and ultimately focusing its efforts and being able to objectively evaluate scientific progress.

Conclusions: Evaluation and comparison of results in medical informatics, and specifically EHR systems, must address technical and nontechnical aspects. It is challenging to condensate in a single framework all potential views of such a field, and any chosen approach is bound to have its limitations. That being said, any well structured comparison approach, such as the framework presented here, is better than no comparison framework at all, as has been the current situation to date. This paper has presented the first attempt known to the authors to define such a framework.
Semantic Interoperability in Czech Healthcare Environment Supported by HL7 Version 3
Authors: Hanzlícek P. , Precková P. , Ríha A. , Dioszegi M. , Seidl L. , Zvárová J. , Nagy M.
Published: November 2009

Objectives: The data interchange in the Czech healthcare environment is mostly based on national standards. This paper describes a utilization of international standards and nomenclatures for building a pilot semantic interoperability platform (SIP) that would serve to exchange information among electronic health record systems (EHR-Ss) in Czech healthcare. The work was performed by the national research project of the “Information Society” program.

Methods: At the beginning of the project a set of requirements the SIP should meet was formulated. Several communication standards (open EHR, HL7 v3, DICOM) were analyzed and HL7 v3 was selected to exchange health records in our solution. Two systems were included in our pilot environment: WinMedicalc 2000 and ADAMEKj EHR.

Results: HL7-based local information models were created to describe the information content of both systems. The concepts from our original information models were mapped to coding systems supported by HL7 (LOINC, SNOMED CT and ICD-10) and the data exchange via HL7 v3 messages was implemented and tested by querying patient administration data. As a gateway between local EHR systems and the HL7 message-based infrastructure, a configurable HL7 Broker was developed.

Conclusions: A nationwide implementation of a full-scale SIP based on HL7 v3 would include adopting and translating appropriate international coding systems and nomenclatures, and developing implementation guidelines facilitating the migration from national standards to international ones. Our pilot study showed that our approach is feasible but it would demand a huge effort to fully integrate the Czech healthcare system into the European e-health context.
A MULTIPLE CRITERIA DECISION‐MAKING APPROACH TO THE SELECTION OF CONCRETE PUMPS
Authors: Ulubeyli Serdar , Kazaz Aynur
Published: November 2009

In this study, the ELECTRE III method, which is one of the most common techniques among multiple criteria decision‐making (MCDM) approaches, was considered in a selection problem of concrete pumps. As a methodological framework, a two‐step questionnaire survey was conducted by 70 firms that have and use concrete pumps. A solution of the problem was then found in the light of the real world data by means of ELECTRE III. The paper can be of value to researchers studying the anatomy of decision‐making in equipment selection in general and investigating selection criteria of concrete pumps in particular. It also contributes to the academic environment as an application practice of ELECTRE III to correspond with the nature of equipment selection and as an effective means for the formalization of knowledge possessed by industrial practitioners. On the practical side, ELECTRE III offers an efficient and convenient tool that forces the users into orderly and methodical thinking, and guides them in making logical and robust decisions. In addition, the example illustrated in the present study can be helpful for decision‐makers dealing with similar equipment selection issues. Santrauka Šio tyrimo ELECTRE III metodas – vienas dažniausiai taikomų metodų iš daugiatikslių sprendimo priėmimo metodų – buvo pritaikytas betono siurblių parinkimo uždaviniui spręsti. 70 įmonių buvo apklaustos dviem etapais. Tuomet buvo išspręstas realus uždavinys realiais duomenimis, taikant ELECTRE III metodą. Straipsnis gali būti naudingas tyrėjams, nagrinėjantiems įrenginių parinkimo uždavinių prigimtį ir esmę. Šis straipsnis turi akademinę ir praktinę vertę, nes išreiškia efektyvių sprendimų priėmimo proceso esmę ir pateikia tvirtą sprendimo priėmimo pagrindą. Pateiktas praktinio uždavinio sprendimas yra gera metodinė priemonė parenkant statybinius mechanizmus.
https://journals.vgtu.lt/index.php/JCEM/article/download/6449/5589
Authors: Plebankiewicz Edyta
Published: November 2009

Contractor prequalification makes it possible to admit for tendering only competent contractors. The undertaken decisions demand taking into consideration many criteria, including among others, experience and financial standing of the candidates. It is often difficult to be quantified. The objectives of the construction owner in a given project are also meaningful. All these factors cause difficulties in working out a mathematical prequalification model. In the paper a model based on fuzzy sets theory is proposed. It takes into consideration both different criteria, objectives and evaluations of numerous decision ‐ makers. To illustrate the model operation a simple numerical example is presented. Santrauka Išankstinis rangovų kvalifikacijos vertinimas leidžia dalyvauti konkurse tik kompetentingiems rangovams. Priimant pradinį sprendimą, reikia atsižvelgti į daugelį kriterijų, tarp jų į kandidatų patirtį ir jų finansinę padėtį. Šiuos kriterijus paprastai sunku įvertinti kiekybine išraiška. Taip pat svarbūs ir statytojo tikslai nagrinėjamame projekte. Šie išvardyti veiksniai sukelia sunkumų, rengiant matematinį išankstinio rangovų vertinimo modelį. Straipsnyje pasiūlytas neapibrėžtųjų aibių teorija pagrįstas modelis. Jis apima skirtingus kriterijus, tikslus ir sprendimus priimančių asmenų gausius vertinimus. Pateiktas nesudėtingas skaičiavimo pavyzdys rodo pasiūlyto modelio taikymą.
MODELLING OF CORROSION PROTECTION AS STANDBY SYSTEM FOR COATED REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES
Authors: Kamaitis Zenonas
Published: November 2009

Various protective barriers are used in practice to protect reinforced concrete structures in severely aggressive environments. In this paper, we consider a multi‐component corrosion protection system (CPS), taking into account the performance of protective surface barrier, concrete cover and steel reinforcement, which is modelled as a three‐unit of non‐identical components cold standby system. The system is non‐maintained. This is the case when the system is not easily accessible for repair, repair; is time‐consuming and costly. In this system it is assumed that degradation rates of all components are exponential and different. Under these assumptions, using the Markovian degradation process, some important reliability indices such as the system reliability and mean time to failure are defined. In addition, we present simulation results to substantiate the analytical model and to demonstrate the sensitivity analysis to estimate protection system reliability. Santrauka Įvairios apsauginės dangos naudojamos gelžbetoninėms konstrukcijoms stipriai agresyvioje aplinkoje apsaugoti. Straipsnyje nagrinėjama daugiasluoksnė antikorozinė apsauga, susidedanti iš apsauginio barjero, betoninio apsauginio sluoksnio ir plieninės armatūros. Sistema modeliuojama kaip trijų nevienodų komponentų šaltai rezervinė sistema. Ši sistema yra neremontuojama. Tai atvejai, kai sistema sunkiai pasiekiama, remontas ilgai trunka arba brangus. Tariama, kad sistemos visų komponentų irimo intensyvumas yra eksponentinis ir skirtingas. Remiantis šiomis prielaidomis, naudojant Markovo suirties (atnaujinimo) teoriją, kai kurie svarbūs patikimumo rodikliai, tokie kaip sistemos patikimumas ir vidutinis laikas iki suirties, gali būti nustatyti. Skaitinis pavyzdys iliustruoja analitinio modelio taikymą ir jo jautrumą vertinant antikorozinės apsauginės sistemos patikimumą.
ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL PLANS AND TECHNICAL DESIGNS WITH REGARD TO TRAFFIC SAFETY
Authors: Čygas Donatas , Jasiūnienė Vilma , Bartkevičius Mantas
Published: November 2009

Traffic safety situation in Lithuania, despite the progress made in 2008, is still not good enough compared to the other European Union countries. Therefore, Lithuania implements the traffic safety improvement measures affecting all the elements of the traffic safety system “Road user‐road‐vehicle”. In 2008 Lithuania started implementing the road safety audit procedure which substantially contributes to the improvement of safety situation on Lithuanian roads. This article gives the analysis of road safety audits of special plans and technical designs for road construction and reconstruction in Lithuania, makes the analysis of the main deficiencies of plans and designs and gives recommendations for their elimination.

Santrauka

Eismo saugumo situacija Lietuvoje, nepaisant 2008 m. pasiektos pažangos, vis dar yra nepakankamai gera, palyginti su kitomis Europos Sąjungos šalimis. Atsižvelgiant į tai, Lietuvoje įgyvendinamos eismo saugumo gerinimo priemonės, darančios įtaką visiems eismo saugumo sistemos „Eismo dalyvis–kelias–transporto priemonė“ elementams. Lietuvoje 2008 m. buvo pradėta taikyti kelių saugumo audito procedūra, kuri prisideda prie eismo saugumo gerinimo Lietuvos automobilių keliuose. Straipsnyje pateikta Lietuvoje atliktų specialiųjų planų ir automobilių kelių tiesimo bei rekonstrukcijos techninių projektų kelių saugumo auditų analizė, išanalizuoti pagrindiniai planų ir projektų trūkumai, pateiktos rekomendacijos jiems šalinti.
A 19-Year-Old Man with Auditory Hallucinations
Authors: Kotbi Nabil , Freeman Sarah , Mahgoub Nahla
Published: November 2009

A 19-year-old man presented with auditory hallucinations and paranoia. His psychotic symptoms were of 8 weeks’ duration and were preceded by more than 1 year of social isolation and poor functioning. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with schizophrenia. Organic causes were ruled out, and risperidone was started. He was treated with risperidone 6 mg daily and was referred to psychotherapy. Although his positive symptoms were well-controlled, he remained isolated with limited social interactions.
Two Senior Men with a History of Schizophrenia
Authors: Vasireddi Srinivas Rao , Mall Gagan Deep
Published: November 2009

A 73-year-old black man with a history of schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type, dementia-not otherwise specified) was admitted a few years ago. In addition to psychiatric problems, he had hypertension, intermittent arrhythmia (bradycardia), chronic renal failure, and hypothyroidism. His most recent thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test was within normal limits. He had been experiencing constipation, hyperuricemia, had a positive purified protein derivative (PPD) test, anemia, and had gastroesophageal reflux disease.
A 50-Year-Old Woman Who Hears Voices
Authors: Maududi Tazeen , Mall Sunita Kumari , Mall Gagan Deep
Published: November 2009

A 50-year-old, divorced black woman, with no previous history of psychiatric illness, was initially admitted as an emergency order of detention in a crisis stabilization unit and was later transferred to a regular psychiatric unit under court commitment. Family members of the patient called the police because they said she said she was hearing voices and was “talking” to her deceased mother. As per a third-party statement, the family members noticed gradual deterioration in her mental condition for the past 5 years, so much so that she was not able to take care of herself. They believed she might have been depressed and was having hallucinations. On admission, the patient denied any mental illness and argued that it was a family member who was having mental illness and not her. The patient stressed that her mother was still alive and that they saw each other daily. She also mentioned that she owned the family’s day child care center. She denied suicidal, homicidal, or auditory/visual hallucinations on admission. The patient refused to sign release of information on admission, and therefore, collateral information was limited.
A 58-Year-Old Woman Who Had Attempted Suicide Several Times
Authors: Annalett Diane S. , Annalett Margeaux J. , Grace Jeffery J. , Trigoboff Eileen , Olympia Josie L. , Watson Thomas H.
Published: November 2009

A 58-year-old black woman was referred to a long-term state institution after a 56-day psychiatric hospitalization for depression at an acute care psychiatric unit within a general hospital. It was discovered through treatment records sought and obtained from her private psychiatrist and previous hospitalizations that she had a longstanding history of bipolar disorder, with almost yearly admissions to a local, private psychiatric hospital for 34 years.
Clinical Experience and Evidence-Based Medicine
Authors: Fawcett Jan
Published: November 2009

The November issue of Psychiatric Annals features a series of clinical reports, much like we used to hear in Grand Rounds in various medical teaching institutions. It seems to me that presenting interesting, and sometimes unusual, cases is an activity that has less emphasis in psychiatry than in the past, with some rare exceptions. Case reports, nonetheless, serve an important function in striving for excellence in the practice of clinical psychiatry.
Older Patients in the Emergency Department: What Are the Risks?
Authors: Nolan Margaret R.
Published: November 2009

The emergency department (ED) can pose an increased risk for frail older adults. As the number of older adults in the general population grows, so will the number of older adults who seek care in the ED. This article examines the kinds of problems for which older adults visit the ED and the assessments that can be performed to help reduce risks. Geriatric-friendly waiting areas, comprehensive discharge planning, and alternatives to ED visits are explored.