bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O papel do enfermeiro na organização de procura de órgãos
Authors: Teles Samara Franco , Nogueira Maicon De Araujo
Published: March 2017

Objetivou-se com o estudo salientar a importância da atuação do profissional enfermeiro no processo de doação de órgãos e tecidos para transplante. Pesquisa de natureza descritiva, exploratória com abordagem qualitativa. Os participantes da pesquisa foram 5 enfermeiros da Organização de Procura de Órgãos (OPO) de um hospital público de média e alta complexidade, referência em traumatologia, localizado no município de Ananindeua no Estado do Pará. Existe um forte teor ético e humanístico na práxis dos enfermeiros que atuam nesse serviço, além da grande importância que a sua atuação expressa. Verifica-se que conhecendo bem suas atribuições existe a formulação de boas práticas no processo de transplante. Portanto, este estudo permitiu compreender alguns dos aspectos envolvidos na práxis de se trabalhar como enfermeiro em uma OPO, o que possibilita a elaboração de estratégias que possam contribuir para ajudar esse profissional em campo e tornar mais eficiente e eficaz o processo de transplante.Descritores: Transplante, Doação de Órgãos e Tecidos, Papel do Enfermeiro. Nurses role in the organs of search of organization Abstract: This study aimed to with the study emphasize the importance of the professional practice of nursing to donate organs and tissues for transplantation. Search for descriptive, exploratory nature with a qualitative approach. The research participants were 5 nurses of the Organization of demand for organs (OPO) of a public hospital of medium and high complexity, reference in Traumatology, located in the municipality of Montreal in the State of Pará. There is a strong ethical and humanistic content in the praxis of nurses who work in this service, in addition to the great importance which his activity expressed. Verifies that knowing well their attributions there is the formulation of good practices in the process of transplantation.Descriptors: Transplantation, Organ Donation, Nurses Role. Papel del enfermero en los órganos de búsqueda de organización Resumen: Este estudio pretende con el estudio enfatizan la importancia de la práctica profesional de la enfermería para donar sus órganos y tejidos para trasplantes. Buscar descriptivo, exploratorio con abordaje cualitativo. Los participantes de la investigación fueron 5 enfermeras de la Organización de la demanda de órganos (OPO) de un hospital público de mediana y alta complejidad, referencia en traumatología, ubicada en el municipio de Montreal, en el Estado de Pará. Hay un fuerte contenido humanista y ética en la práctica de las enfermeras que trabajan en este servicio, además de la gran importancia que su actividad expresada. Verifica que conociendo bien sus atribuciones se encuentra la formulación de buenas prácticas en el proceso de trasplante.Descriptores: Trasplante, Donación de Órganos y Tejidos, el Papel de las Enfermeras.
Aceitabilidade da terapia larval no tratamento de feridas
Authors: Franco Letícia Cunha , Franco Washington Cunha , Barros Sávio Bertone Lopes , Araújo Caroline Marinho , Rezende Hanstter Halisson Alves
Published: March 2017

Conhecer a opinião de pessoas hospitalizadas acerca da terapia larval como opção terapêutica. Estudo do tipo transversal e descritivo, realizado no setor de clínica médica e cirúrgica de um hospital de ensino, por meio de entrevista. Participaram da pesquisa 105 pessoas, dentre essas, 6 souberam dizer o que é uma bioterapia, 95 afirmaram que utilizariam a terapia larval, 32 se sentiam motivadas em aderir o tratamento devido à possibilidade de diminuir seus níveis de dor e 73 referiram medo em perder a vida. A terapia larval foi bem aceita entre as pessoas hospitalizadas e que referiram medo de morrer. Ressalta-se a importância da divulgação e do acesso a essa terapia natural, para ampliar as opções de tratamento e a qualidade de vida das pessoas hospitalizadas.Descritores: Larvas, Feridas, Cuidado. Acceptability of maggot therapy in wound care Abstract: Know the opinion of people hospitalized about maggot therapy as a treatment option. Cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted in medical clinic and surgical medicine in a teaching hospital, through interviews. The participants were 105 people, among these, six were able to say what was a biotherapy, 95 said they would use the maggot therapy, 32 felt motivated to join the treatment because of the possibility to reduce their pain levels and 73 mentioned fear of losing their lives. Maggot therapy was well accepted among hospitalized people and those who feared losing their lives. It emphasizes the importance of dissemination and the access to this natural therapy, to expand treatment options and quality of life of hospitalized persons.Descriptors: Maggot, Wound, Care. La aceptabilidad de la terapia larval en el tratamiento de heridas Resumen: Conocer la opinión de las personas hospitalizadas acerca de la terapia larval como una opción en el tratamiento. Es un estudio transversal y descriptivo, realizado en el departamento médico y quirúrgico de un hospital universitario, a través de entrevista.  Participaron de la encuesta 105 personas, entre ellos, 6 supieron lo que era una bioterapia, 95 dijeron que usarían la terapia larval, 32 estaban motivados en la adhesión de este tratamiento, debido a la posibilidad de disminuir sus niveles de dolor y el 73 dijeron tener miedo de perder la vida. La terapia larval fue bien aceptada por las personas hospitalizadas y que dijeron tener miedo de morir. Se hace hincapié en la importancia de la publicidad y el acceso a esta terapia natural, para ampliar las opciones de tratamiento y la calidad de vida de las personas hospitalizadas.Descriptores: Larvas, Heridas, Cuidar.
Retrospective study on outcome of macular hole surgery
Authors: Singh S , Byanju R , Pradhan S , Lamichhane G
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Macular hole is a common and treatable cause of central visual loss. Classic macular hole surgery consists of vitrectomy, posterior vitreous cortex removal and intraocular gas tamponade, but during the past decade focus has especially been on internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling as adjuvant therapy for increasing closure rates. Objective: To determine and evaluate anatomical and visual outcome of macular hole surgery. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of all cases of macular hole surgery done by single surgeon between 2014 -2015. Results:16 eyes were analysed with follow up of 3 months. Macular hole closure after vitrectomy was 75% with visual improvement of two or more line in 62.5%.Post surgical complication included cataract 18.8%, Increased IOP 12.5% and retinal detachment 6.2%. Conclusion: Vitrectomy along with ILM peeling and Gas Tamponade with effective positioning improves in visual acuity and achieve hole closure in people with macular hole.
Phaco-nucleotomy techniques in management of pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: Bansal Amol , Malik K. P.S. , Malik V. K. , Jain Kirti
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a common clinically important systemic condition characterized by the pathological production and accumulation of an abnormal fibrillar extracellular material in many intraocular and extra ocular tissues. Many studies have shown that pseudoexfoliation syndrome patients have higher rates of intraoperative complications during cataract surgery compared to the patients without it. Objectives: To compare Phaco-chop and Divide and Conquer techniques of phacoemulsification, in the management of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in terms of intraoperative complications. Materials and methods: It is a hospital based prospective study of 90 patients with cataract and pseudoexfoliation syndrome attending ophthalmology outpatient department in our hospital. Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 61.7 years with equal number of unilateral and bilateral cases. Intra operative complications noted in vertical chopping technique was only pupil constriction in 6.7%, no other complications were seen in this technique, whereas in horizontal chopping, 13.3% had pupil constriction, 6.7% had difficulty in chopping, 3.3% had zonular dehiscence and 3.3% had posterior capsular rent . In divide and conquer technique 16.7% had pupil constriction, 10% had difficulty in trenching, 3.3% had posterior capsular rent. Almost all the patients (97.8%) were implanted with intraocular lens after employment of various surgical modifications. Conclusion: Vertical chopping techniques scores over horizontal chopping and divide and conquer technique of phacoemulsification with good surgical outcome because of less complications.
Lens induced glaucoma: An experience in tertiary eye care center in eastern Nepal
Authors: Sitoula Rakshya Pant , Sarkar Indrajit , Nayak Devdutta , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Lens Induced Glaucoma (LIG), is one of commonest cause of secondary glaucoma due to senile cataracts. The purpose of this study was to see the outcome of cataract surgery in patients with LIG. Methods: This was a prospective case series of 40 patients with LIG who presented to our hospital between April to June 2014. The purpose of this study was to look into the age and sex distribution, causes for delayed presentation, immediate post-operative visual outcome and the reasons for poor visual outcome. Result: There were 23 phacomorphic cases and 17 phacolytic glaucoma patients included in our study. The mean age at presentation was 63±10 years. Female to male ratio was 2.1:1. The majority of patients 57% presented after 2 weeks of symptoms and the reason for late presentation in more than half of the patients (52.5%) was financial constraints. At presentation, mean preoperative intra ocular pressure was 39±10 mm Hg. Following surgery, 36 of 40 eyes (90%) had an IOP less than 21 mm Hg at discharge. Visual acuity was either hand-movement or just perception of light in all eyes before surgery. At discharge, 26 of 40 operated eyes (65%) achieved 6/60 or better, 2 (5%) had less than 6/60 and 12 (30%) less than 3/60. The reasons for poor VA in these 12 patients were optic atrophy in 5 patients, uveitis in 5 patients, macular cause in one and corneal edema in one. Conclusion: Cataract surgery proves to be effective in lowering the Intraocular pressure and visual recovery in patients with lens induced glaucoma.
Ocular myiasis in a glioma: a case report
Authors: Mathew David J. , Selvin Satheesh Solomon T. , Kuruvilla Shilpa E. , Kuriakose Thomas
Published: March 2017

Background: Ocular myiasis though rare, is usually found in association with basal cell carcinoma. It is rarer still in tumors other than basal cell carcinoma. We report a case of ocular myiasis in a glioma which is hitherto unreported to the best of our knowledge. Case: A 50 year old male presented with bleeding and maggots emanating from a tumourous outgrowth which had replaced his right eye. He complained of swelling and pain in his right eye for the last 2 years. Manual removal of maggots was carried out following which he underwent total excision of the mass and local debridement. Biopsy of the mass was consistent with astrocytoma. Conclusion: Myiasis though rare should be suspected in long standing neglected lesions with suggestive history. Infection, ischemic necrosis and malignancy coupled with overcrowding, poor living conditions, presence of excessive arthropods in the locality and low levels of hygiene drastically increase the risk of myiasis.
Augmented superior rectus transposition surgery for vertical strabismus in moebius syndrome
Authors: Mehta Raman , Suma Ganesh , Gupta Reena Reena
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Moebius syndrome is a rare disease characterized by unilateral or bilateral congenital nonprogressive facial nerve palsy along with limitation of ocular abductions. Vertical Rectus Transpositions with posterior fixation suture is known to correct abduction deficiencies in case of Moebius syndrome. Traditionally both superior and inferior rectus transposition are done to prevent any post operative vertical imbalance. The purpose of reporting this case is to evaluate superior rectus transposition augmented with posterior fixation suture along with bilateral recession of medial rectus as a useful and safe alternative for treating large esotropia and abduction limitation with a significant vertical deviation in patients of Moebius syndrome. Case: We report a rare case of a seven year old male child with large esotropia and with limited ocular abductions along with a significant vertical deviation which is not common in classic Moebius syndrome. We performed a superior rectus transposition in the eye with vertical deviation along with bimedial recession and our post operative results indicated a significant correction in the horizontal as well as vertical deviation along with an improvement in head posture. Conclusion: We advocate a superior rectus transposition surgery in cases of moebius syndrom whenever there is a significant vertical deviation.
Isolated Bilateral Complete Cryptophthalmos
Authors: Farooqui Javed Hussain , Hà Thanh Huy Thiên , Gomaa Ahmed
Published: March 2017

Cryptophthalmos is a rare congenital anomaly, characterized by extension of the skin continuously from forehead onto the cheeks and covering eyeballs. Although cryptophthalmos, as a part of Fraser syndrome, has been reported many times, isolated cryptophthalmos without systemic associations is very rare. We present a 6-month- old child with isolated bilateral complete cryptophthalmos, which to the best of our knowledge, is the first case of cryptophthalmos being reported from Vietnam.
Travel Quality Assessment of Urban Roads Based on International Roughness Index: Case Study in Colombia
Authors: Abudinen Daniel , Fuentes Luis G. , Carvajal Muñoz Juan S.
Published: March 2017

Roughness is the main feature of the pavement surface that defines user comfort. Pavement roughness is generally defined as irregularities in the pavement surface that adversely affect ride quality, specifically user perception of the road condition. This paper highlights the limitations associated with the evaluation and implementation of the international roughness index (IRI) on urban roads. The paper focuses on ( a) roughness evaluation with full-scale profilers and ( b) conditions particular to urban roads—namely, traffic, intersections, and operating speeds. Given that the speed of urban networks is typically less than the 80 km/h used in the IRI quarter-car model, the implementation of the IRI model on urban roads was evaluated. Even though a given pavement surface reported a unique IRI value, user experience of the profile depended on the travel speed. This result was evidence that user perceptions of road condition are highly influenced by travel speed. The results suggested the need to develop a roughness index that captures the unique characteristics of urban roads and can estimate the road condition as perceived by users. For that reason, this research study focused on establishing thresholds for IRI on the basis of the weighted vertical acceleration parameter as an aid to assessing user perception. The proposed method allows the maximum allowable IRI value for a given road to be established on the basis of the road’s operational speed. The results indicated that IRI thresholds agreed with international and local Colombian standards.
Method for Ranking Relative Importance of Structures to Virginia’s Roadway Network
Authors: Moruza Audrey K. , Matteo Adam D. , Mallard Jonathan C. , Milton Jeffrey L. , Nallapaneni Prasad L. , Pearce Rex L.
Published: March 2017

In 2011, the Structure and Bridge Division of the Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) requested assistance from the Virginia Transportation Research Council to develop a structure scoring tool that would rank the relative importance of Virginia DOT–maintained structures to the highway network and to the economy of Virginia. The new score was intentionally based exclusively on data related to the structure’s role in the highway system and is unrelated to structure condition or age. The new tool produces a structure score dubbed the “importance factor” (IF) for all open structures in the Virginia DOT’s current inventory database. IF scores are based on current data in the structure inventory database, supplemented by geopositional data that identify schools, hospitals, and fire or rescue stations within 3 mi of each eligible structure. The IF score adds the critical dimension of the structure’s role in the connectivity of the highway system and the economy of Virginia to other structure scoring tools that measure condition and age factors. IF scores are relative rankings of eligible Virginia DOT–maintained structures and have no standalone value. The scores may be updated each time a structure inventory database is refreshed. The staff of the Virginia DOT’s Structure and Bridge Division has incorporated this method into a multiobjective prioritization formula for Virginia structures in response to requirements related to a “state of good repair” in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. The new formula incorporates independent, normalized, dimensionless variables that address functionality, risk, importance, condition (health index), and cost-effectiveness. This method fulfills the importance component.
Use of Recursive Partitioning to Predict National Bridge Inventory Condition Ratings from National Bridge Elements Condition Data
Authors: Bektaş Başak Aldemir
Published: March 2017

In the United States, National Bridge Inventory (NBI) condition ratings, since the 1970s, and AASHTO’s commonly recognized (CoRe) element condition data, since the 1990s, have provided two major sources of bridge condition data. Although these separate systems of condition assessment had their individual uses, comparing the two, and mapping one from the other had uses for both state and federal agencies and the bridge management community. Alternative methods for this mapping have been proposed in the literature with varying predictive accuracy. With the publication of the new AASHTO Manual for Bridge Element Inspection in 2013, national bridge elements (NBEs) replace the CoRe element condition data as the comparable condition data for the NBI condition ratings. This paper investigates the use of the recursive partitioning method to develop classification trees that predict NBI condition ratings from NBE condition data. On the basis of data from a 2016 submission and 12 transportation agencies, classification trees were developed that presented the most likely NBI condition ratings for a set of logical conditions based on the relative element quantities and the percentage of element quantities in the condition states. The predictive accuracies for the trees are sufficient, and the percentages of exact matches and matches within one error term are better than other studies in the literature. Although the trees can be improved in the future with the availability of more NBE data submissions, the study presented preliminary decision trees with sufficient predictive accuracy that could be adopted by transportation agencies for a variety of bridge management functions.
Addressing Raveling Resistance in Chip Seal Specifications
Authors: Adams Javon , Castorena Cassie , Im Jeong Hyuk , Ilias Mohammad , Kim Y. Richard
Published: March 2017

Chip seals are applied to existing roadways to slow deterioration and improve pavement surface conditions without increasing the pavement’s structural capacity. The raveling of chip seals can cause damage to vehicles and thus is a safety concern. Raveling resistance is related to both material application rates and material properties. The current chip seal specifications fail to adequately address the material-related aspects of raveling resistance. This study seeks to develop recommendations to address raveling resistance in future chip seal specifications. Strain sweep binder tests, binder bond strength (BBS) tests, and Vialit chip seal mixture tests were conducted to assess early raveling, late raveling, and wet raveling at two intermediate temperatures. The results demonstrate that the bond that develops between the residual binder and the aggregate is highly dependent on the interaction between the emulsion and the aggregate during curing. The importance of emulsion–aggregate compatibility in raveling resistance indicates that raveling resistance cannot be addressed in binder specifications alone. Rather, it is recommended that intermediate temperature raveling resistance should be addressed during chip seal mixture design. Vialit and BBS tests, in which emulsion is cured on rock, can both be used to effectively quantify the aggregate loss potential of a chip seal. These two tests are able to capture the benefits of polymer modification and produce results that correlate. However, the Vialit tests are easier to implement than the BBS tests and require no expensive equipment. Therefore, Vialit tests are recommended to address early, late, and wet raveling resistance in future chip seal specifications.
UrbanAccess: Generalized Methodology for Measuring Regional Accessibility with an Integrated Pedestrian and Transit Network
Authors: Blanchard Samuel D. , Waddell Paul
Published: March 2017

Measures of accessibility have long been an important metric in regional transportation planning and modeling. However, new methods are needed to provide computationally efficient, multiscale, free, transparent, and customizable tools that harness open and disparate sources of transportation network data at fine spatial resolution over large geographic extents. This research presents a new open source tool, UrbanAccess, which uses a generalized and scalable methodology to measure transit accessibility with a multimodal network comprising both pedestrian and operational schedule transit networks at a fine spatial scale over large metropolitan extents. A typical use for this tool is illustrated in a case study that characterizes regional transit accessibility in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.
Wal-Mart Goes to Germany: Culture, Institutions, and the Limits of Globalization
Authors:   Matthias Kaelberer
Published: March 2017

Wal-Mart’s failed entry into the German retail market represents a
puzzle for theories of globalization, which assert that more efficient producers
will drive out poorly performing competitors, producing profits for themselves
and gains for consumers. Wal-Mart’s ability to dominate its input
network and to provide low-cost leadership through lean production has
often been seen as the global example of creating efficiencies in the retail
sector. In 2006, however Wal-Mart abandoned an eight-year effort to
become a dominant player in Germany’s retail market. I argue that efficiency
is not absolute, but rather context-specific and socially constructed.
Domestic culture and institutions interact to constrain convergence towards a
single business model in the retail sector. In the end, it was not the rigidity of
German market conditions—such as high labor costs or union power—that led
to failure, but rather the inflexibility of Wal-Mart’s strategy in coping with
complex local conditions.
Germany and Russia Since Reunification: Continuity, Change, and the Role of Leaders
Authors:   Randall Newnham
Published: March 2017

How can we understand German-Russian relations since German
reunification? Both the geopolitical positions of the two states and the political
and economic ties between them have been transformed over the past twentyfive
years. This paper will argue, however, that the role of the two countries’
leaders in shaping these relations has been surprisingly important. Building on
the tradition of “first image” analysis in international relations, this paper
shows that, along with larger political and economic trends, personal relations
between these leaders have helped to set the tenor of bilateral ties. When the
leaders were able to build trust and personal friendships, relations improved.
Yet more recently, since 2012, relations have soured sharply. While there are
obviously larger reasons for this, more negative personal ties between leaders
have also played an important role. In short, just as issues of trust and friendship
matter in personal ties, they also matter in International Relations.
Anticorruption: A Case of “Good, but Could Do Better”
Authors:   Dan Hough
Published: March 2017

This article utilizes a neoinstitutionalist framework to argue that
while Germany’s anticorruption infrastructure remains strong, resilient pathdependent
tendencies often make it difficult to reform. The article analyzes
three specific areas: the state’s attitude to regulating German business, meeting
international anticorruption commitments, and doing justice to the rising
transparency agenda. High-profile examples of corruption in multinational
businesses prompted significant changes to these companies’ compliance
regimes. This critical juncture, however, did not prompt reform across much
of the Mittelstand. Germany’s preparedness to fulfill international commitments,
meanwhile, has been strongly dependent on correspondence with the
internal logic of German politics and law. Where this was not so and in the
absence of any critical junctures, change has been infrequent. Finally, the rise
of an international transparency agenda has not fit with the logics of German
public life, and change has been minimal. Thus, despite a strong anticorruption
record, German elites would benefit from proactively thinking about
where corruption lurks and what could be done.
Tumors of the eyelid - a histopathological study at tertiary care hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Paul Rita , Islam Md Nasimul , Kabir Enamul , Khan Harunur Rashid , Kundu Utpal Kumar
Published: March 2017

Background and objective: Eyelid growth is a common clinical condition presented to ophthalmologists. Accurate diagnosis of eyelid tumors is necessary to guide ophthalmologists to design optimal management. We carried out the study to assess the histopathological types of different eyelid growth in tertiarycare hospitals of Dhaka city.Methods: This is a cross sectional study performed at the Department of Pathology of Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Samples were collected from hospitals of SSMC and National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Study period was from January 2012 to December 2013. A total of 93 cases with eyelid growth of both sex were enrolled in the study. After obtaining informed written consent, tumors were excised by the ophthalmologist and the specimens were collected in 10% formalin for histopathological examination.Results: A total of 93 cases of eyelid lesions were examined. The most common age group affected was between 26-50yrs (50.54%). Mean age was 43.22±17.42 (range 19  90 years). Gender distribution of the patients was almost equal (male 51.6%, female 48.4%). Neoplastic lesions were found in 86 cases (92.47%) and non neoplastic growth was present in 7 (7.53%) cases. Benign, pre-malignant and malignant tumors were found in 52 (55.91%), 01(1.08%) and 33(35.48%) cases respectively. Among the malignant lesions, basal cell carcinoma was the most common malignant tumor (36.4%) followed by sebaceous gland and squamous cell carcinoma (27.3%). Nevus was the most common benign lesions (26.9%) followed by sudoriferous cyst (19.2%) and haemangioma (15.4%).Conclusions: All the eyelid lesions removed surgically should be examined histopathologically to establish the correct diagnosis. Accurate diagnosis of specific tumors is important for proper treatment and favorable prognosis.IMC J Med Sci 2017; 11(1): 5-10
A study on knowledge of patients with end stage renal disease towards dialysis in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka city
Authors: Chowdhury Tufayel Ahmed , Iqbal Sarwar , Talukder Umme Salma , Ananna Mehruba Alam , Bhuiyan ASM Manzur Morshed , Billah Mustarshid , Rahim Md Abdur , Samad Tabassum , Hossain Rana Mokarrom
Published: March 2017

Background and objective: There are approximately two million patients suffering from end stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the form of dialysis. There are very few statistics regarding the knowledge and attitude towards dialysis among ESRD patients in Bangladesh. The present study was undertaken to understand the existing knowledge of the patients with ESRD regarding dialysis.Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was done on 104 patients with ESRD requiring immediate dialysis. This study was conducted in the department of Nephrology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh over a period of six months. After obtaining informed consent the participants were given a self-administered questionnaire that included questions on socio-demographic status, age, gender, different aspects of knowledge about dialysis and the reasons to accept and refuse dialysis for the treatment of ESRD.Results: A total of 104 patients with ESRD were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 54.20(±11.82) years, 87.5% were more than 40 years of age, and 72.1% were male. Eighty two percent mentioned diabetes as the cause of kidney disease. About half of the respondents (52.88%) knew dialysis as an option for the treatment of ESRD followed by kidney transplant (11.54%). A few (7.3%) mentioned medicine and dietary modification as the treatment. There was no statistical association between prior knowledge and agreeing to do dialysis (?2= 0.7814; p=0.376699). Most of the patients (78%) gathered knowledge about dialysis from doctors. Seventy two patients (69.2%) agreed to do dialysis. Among them 37 patients (51.4%) agreed as they considered it as a part of treatment and 32 patients (44.4%) agreed because they were advised by doctors. Reasons for refusal to do dialysis were - fear of death (59.37%), financial constraints (31.25%) and lack of availability of dialysis centre (9.37%) Among study populations, only 20 patients (19.2%) mentioned about peritoneal dialysis (PD) and all of them (100%) were informed by doctors.Conclusion: The present study has demonstrated that prior knowledge on dialysis has no influence on the decision to do dialysis for the treatment of ESRD. Availability and access to dialysis facility and counseling on beneficial aspects of dialysis is required to motivate the patients for dialysis with ESRD. In addition to health care providers, social media may play an important role in promoting public awareness regarding dialysis as a treatment modality of ESRD.IMC J Med Sci 2017; 11(1): 11-14
Dark Solitons and Grey Solitons in Waveguide Arrays with Long-Range Linear Coupling Effects
Authors: Mai Zhijie , Xu Haitao , Lin Fang , Liu Yan , Fu Shenhe , Li Yongyao
Published: March 2017

In J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 83, 034404 (2014), we designed a scheme of waveguide arrays with long-range linear coupling effects and studied the bright solitons in this system. In this paper, we further study the dynamics of dark and grey solitons in such waveguide arrays. The numerical simulations show that the stabilities of dark solitons and grey solitons depend on the normalized decay length and the scaled input power. The width of dark solitons and the grey level of grey solitons are studied. Our results may contribute to the understanding of discrete solitons in long-range linear coupling waveguide arrays, and may have potential applications in optical communications and all-optical networks.
Characteristics and Formation Mechanisms of Fine Particulate Nitrate in Typical Urban Areas in China
Authors: Ge Xinlei , He Yanan , Sun Yele , Xu Jianzhong , Wang Junfeng , Shen Yafei , Chen Mindong
Published: March 2017

Nitrate is a very important aerosol component, thus elucidation of its characteristics and formation mechanisms is essential and important for effective reduction of aerosol pollution. In this work, highly time-resolved submicron aerosol (PM1) data measured by Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometers (AMS) in Nanjing, Beijing and Lanzhou during both summer and winter were integrated to investigate the nitrate behaviors in urban China air. Results showed that nitrate occupied 1/8–1/4 of PM1 mass, typically higher than those observed in rural/remote regions. Relative mass fractions of nitrate also varied significantly at different pollution levels. Nitrate mass fractions generally increased with the increase of PM1 loadings during summer, while the contributions during winter increased first and then decreased with the increase of pollution levels. We further propose that there are at least three mechanisms that likely govern the urban nitrate behaviors: Type I—thermodynamics driven, Type II—photochemistry driven, and Type III—planetary boundary layer (PBL) dynamics driven. Analyses of the ammonium-sulfate-nitrate data revealed that ammonium nitrate was able to form before sulfuric acid was fully neutralized in some urban areas. Our findings provide useful insights into the characterization and reduction of fine particulate nitrate pollution.
Graphene Oxide-Supported Oxime Palladacycles as Efficient Catalysts for the Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reaction of Aryl Bromides at Room Temperature under Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Gómez-Martínez Melania , Baeza Alejandro , Alonso Diego A.
Published: March 2017

Palladacycles are highly efficient precatalysts in cross-coupling reactions whose immobilization on carbonaceous materials has been hardly studied. Herein, we report a detailed study on the synthesis and characterization of new oxime palladacycle-graphene oxide non-covalent materials along with their catalytic activity in the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. Catalyst 1-GO, which has been fully characterized by ICP, XPS, TGA, and UV-Vis analyses has been demonstrated to be an efficient catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling between aryl bromides and arylboronic acids using very low catalyst loadings (0.002 mol % of Pd) at room temperature under aqueous conditions.
Highly Selective Solid Acid Catalyst H1−xTi2(PO4)3−x(SO4)x for Non-Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Methanol and Ethanol
Authors: Mitran Gheorghiţa , Mieritz Daniel , Seo Dong-Kyun
Published: March 2017

The conversion of alcohols towards aldehydes in the presence of catalysts by non-oxidative dehydrogenation requires special importance from the perspective of green chemistry. Sodium (Na) super ionic conductor (NASICON)-type hydrogen titanium phosphate sulfate (HTPS; H1−xTi2(PO4)3−x(SO4)x, x = 0.5–1) catalysts were synthesized by the sol-gel method, characterized by N2 gas sorption, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), NH3 temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD), ultraviolet–visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, and their catalytic properties were studied for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol and ethanol. The ethanol is more reactive than methanol, with the conversion for ethanol exceeding 95% as compared to methanol, where the conversion has a maximum value at 55%. The selectivity to formaldehyde is almost 100% in methanol conversion, while the selectivity to acetaldehyde decreases from 56% to 43% in ethanol conversion, when the reaction temperature is increased from 250 to 400 °C.
Case Studies of Energy Storage with Fuel Cells and Batteries for Stationary and Mobile Applications
Authors: Belmonte Nadia , Luetto Carlo , Staulo Stefano , Rizzi Paola , Baricco Marcello
Published: March 2017

In this paper, hydrogen coupled with fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries are considered as alternative energy storage methods. Their application on a stationary system (i.e., energy storage for a family house) and a mobile system (i.e., an unmanned aerial vehicle) will be investigated. The stationary systems, designed for off-grid applications, were sized for photovoltaic energy production in the area of Turin, Italy, to provide daily energy of 10.25 kWh. The mobile systems, to be used for high crane inspection, were sized to have a flying range of 120 min, one being equipped with a Li-ion battery and the other with a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell. The systems were compared from an economical point of view and a life cycle assessment was performed to identify the main contributors to the environmental impact. From a commercial point of view, the fuel cell and the electrolyzer, being niche products, result in being more expensive with respect to the Li-ion batteries. On the other hand, the life cycle assessment (LCA) results show the lower burdens of both technologies.
Two Organic Cation Salts Containing Tetra(isothiocyanate)cobaltate(II): Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Spectroscopic, Optical and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Xu Junwei , Yan Sisi , Chen Yangli , Wang Yan , Chen Zhuo , Ni Chunlin
Published: March 2017

Single crystals of two hybrid organic-inorganic molecular solids, benzyl pyridinium tetra(isothiocyanate)cobalt ([BzPy]2[Co(NCS)4]) (1) and benzyl quinolinium tetra(isothiocyanate)cobalt ([BzQl]2[Co(NCS)4]) (2), were grown using a slow evaporation growth technique at room temperature and their IR, UV-Vis, X-ray crystal structures, luminescence, and magnetism were reported. The crystal structural analysis revealed that two molecular solids crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c of 1 and P21/n of 2. The cations form a dimer through weak C–H···π/π···π interactions in 1 and 2, and the adjacent cation (containing N(6) atom) in 2 forms a columnar structure through π···π weak interactions between the quinoline and benzene rings, while the anions in 1 form a layer structure via short S···Co interactions. The anions (A) and cations (C) are arranged alternatively into a column in the sequence of ···A–CC–A–CC–A··· for 1, while the two anions and cationic dimer in 2 form an alliance by the C–H···π, C–H···S and C–H···N hydrogen bonds. A weak S···π interaction was found in 1 and 2. The two molecular solids show a broad fluorescence emission around 400 nm in the solid state at room temperature, and weak antiferromagnetic coupling behavior when the temperature is lowered.
Borates—Crystal Structures of Prospective Nonlinear Optical Materials: High Anisotropy of the Thermal Expansion Caused by Anharmonic Atomic Vibrations
Authors: Bubnova Rimma , Volkov Sergey , Albert Barbara , Filatov Stanislav
Published: March 2017

In the present study the thermal structure evolution is reviewed for known nonlinear optical borates such as β-BaB2O4, LiB3O5, CsLiB6O10, Li2B4O7, K2Al2B2O7, and α-BiB3O6, based on single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data collected over wide temperature ranges. Temperature-dependent measurements of further borates are presented for the first time: α-BaB2O4 (295–673 K), β-BaB2O4 (98–693 K), LiB3O5 (98–650 K) and K2Al2B2O7 (98–348 K). In addition to the established criteria for nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of crystals, here the role of the anisotropy and anharmonicity of the thermal vibrations of atoms is analysed as well as changes in their coordination spheres and the anisotropy of the thermal expansion of the crystal structure. Non-centrosymmetric borates, especially those that have NLO properties, often show distinct anisotropies for each cation in comparison to centrosymmetric borates. All considered NLO borates contain BO3 triangles, which are the principal cause of the strong anisotropy of the thermal expansion.
Prevalence of Malocclusion in 3- to 5-Year-Old Children in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhou Xinhua , Zhang Ying , Wang Yan , Zhang Hao , Chen Li , Liu Yuehua
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present study was to obtain the prevalence of malocclusions in preschool children in Shanghai, China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2335 children aged 3–5 years from kindergartens. Several occlusal parameters were clinically assessed, including second deciduous molar terminal plane, canine relationship, degree of overjet and overbite, anterior and posterior crossbite, and the presence or absence of physiologic spaces and crowding. All parents of subjects were asked to fill in the oral health knowledge questionnaires. The prevalence of malocclusion in primary dentition in Shanghai was 83.9%, and no significant differences were found in genders. Data showed that the prevalence of deep overbite (63.7%) was the highest in children with malocclusion, followed by deep overjet (33.9%), midline deviation (26.6%), anterior crossbite (8.0%) and anterior crowding (6.5%). The results revealed a high prevalence of malocclusion in primary dentition in children aged 3–5 years old of Shanghai, especially in vertical anomalies. The need for preventive orthodontic therapy is extremely desired and oral health education about malocclusion should be strengthened.
A Pilot Study to Examine Exposure to Residential Radon in Under-Sampled Census Tracts of DeKalb County, Georgia, in 2015
Authors: Stauber Christine , Dai Dajun , Chan Sydney , Diem Jeremy , Weaver Scott , Rothenberg Richard
Published: March 2017

While DeKalb County, Georgia, offers free radon screening for all eligible residents, portions of the county remain relatively under-sampled. This pilot study focused on 10% of the census tracts in the county with the lowest proportion of radon testing; most were in southern DeKalb County. In total, 217 households were recruited and homes were tested for indoor radon concentrations on the lowest livable floor over an eight-week period from March–May 2015. Tract-level characteristics were examined to understand the differences in socio-demographic and economic factors between the pilot study area and the rest of the county. The pilot study tracts had a higher proportion of African Americans compared to the rest of DeKalb County (82% versus 47%). Radon was detected above 11.1 Bq/m3 (0.3 pCi/L) in 73% of the indoor samples and 4% of samples were above 148 Bq/m3 (4 pCi/L). Having a basement was the strongest predictive factor for detectable and hazardous levels of radon. Radon screening can identify problems and spur homeowners to remediate but more research should be done to identify why screening rates vary across the county and how that varies with radon levels in homes to reduce radon exposure.
Physical Limitations, Walkability, Perceived Environmental Facilitators and Physical Activity of Older Adults in Finland
Authors: Portegijs Erja , Keskinen Kirsi , Tsai Li-Tang , Rantanen Taina , Rantakokko Merja
Published: March 2017

The aim was to study objectively assessed walkability of the environment and participant perceived environmental facilitators for outdoor mobility as predictors of physical activity in older adults with and without physical limitations. 75–90-year-old adults living independently in Central Finland were interviewed (n = 839) and reassessed for self-reported physical activity one or two years later (n = 787). Lower-extremity physical limitations were defined as Short Physical Performance Battery score ≤9. Number of perceived environmental facilitators was calculated from a 16-item checklist. Walkability index (land use mix, street connectivity, population density) of the home environment was calculated from geographic information and categorized into tertiles. Accelerometer-based step counts were registered for one week (n = 174). Better walkability was associated with higher numbers of perceived environmental facilitators (p < 0.001) and higher physical activity (self-reported p = 0.021, step count p = 0.010). Especially among those with physical limitations, reporting more environmental facilitators was associated with higher odds for reporting at least moderate physical activity (p < 0.001), but not step counts. Perceived environmental facilitators only predicted self-reported physical activity at follow-up. To conclude, high walkability of the living environment provides opportunities for physical activity in old age, but among those with physical limitations especially, awareness of environmental facilitators may be needed to promote physical activity.
Reducing Risk of Salmonellosis through Egg Decontamination Processes
Authors: Keerthirathne Thilini , Ross Kirstin , Fallowfield Howard , Whiley Harriet
Published: March 2017

Eggs have a high nutritional value and are an important ingredient in many food products. Worldwide foodborne illnesses, such as salmonellosis linked to the consumption of eggs and raw egg products, are a major public health concern. This review focuses on previous studies that have investigated the procedures for the production of microbiologically safe eggs. Studies exploring pasteurization and decontamination methods were investigated. Gamma irradiation, freeze drying, hot air, hot water, infra-red, atmospheric steam, microwave heating and radiofrequency heating are all different decontamination methods currently considered for the production of microbiologically safe eggs. However, each decontamination procedure has different effects on the properties and constituents of the egg. The pasteurization processes are the most widely used and best understood; however, they influence the coagulation, foaming and emulsifying properties of the egg. Future studies are needed to explore combinations of different decontamination methods to produce safe eggs without impacting the protein structure and usability. Currently, eggs which have undergone decontamination processes are primarily used in food prepared for vulnerable populations. However, the development of a decontamination method that does not affect egg properties and functionality could be used in food prepared for the general population to provide greater public health protection.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Conditioning the Main Biomass Yield Components and Resistance to Melampsora spp. in Salix viminalis × Salix schwerinii Hybrids
Authors: Sulima Paweł , Przyborowski Jerzy , Kuszewska Anna , Załuski Dariusz , Jędryczka Małgorzata , Irzykowski Witold
Published: March 2017

The biomass of Salix viminalis is the most highly valued source of green energy, followed by S. schwerinii, S. dasyclados and other species. Significant variability in productivity and leaf rust resistance are noted both within and among willow species, which creates new opportunities for improving willow yield parameters through selection of desirable recombinants supported with molecular markers. The aim of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked with biomass yield-related traits and the resistance/susceptibility of Salix mapping population to leaf rust. The experimental material comprised a mapping population developed based on S. viminalis × S. schwerinii hybrids. Phenotyping was performed on plants grown in a field experiment that had a balanced incomplete block design with 10 replications. Based on a genetic map, 11 QTLs were identified for plant height, 9 for shoot diameter, 3 for number of shoots and 11 for resistance/susceptibility to leaf rust. The QTLs identified in our study explained 3%–16% of variability in the analyzed traits. Our findings make significant contributions to the development of willow breeding programs and research into shrubby willow crops grown for energy.