bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of prevalence and clinical spectrum of seizures in children in a teaching hospital in rural Telangana, India
Authors: Sastry C. P. V. Ramana , Reddy R. Manohar
Published: April 2018

Background: To study the prevalence and clinical spectrum of seizures and treatment outcome in children.Methods: A hospital based prospective study was done at Maheshwara Medical College and Hospital, Patancheru, Telangana in the department of Paediatrics over one-year period. A total of 75 cases presenting with seizures were studied for demographics, clinical features, imaging studies where possible and patient response to treatment.  Results: T Patient age ranged from one week to 14 years with male to female ratio of 1:4. Majority were in the age group of 1-3 years 25/75 (33.3%). Fever was present on admission in 66.6% of cases in 1 month to 6 years. Unprovoked seizure was common 20/75 (26.6%) in age group 6 to14 years. Neonatal seizures were seen in 6.6% cases. Generalized tonic clonic seizures were common and were seen in 63.3% cases. Only 5 (6.6 %) cases presented with status epilepticus. CT scan was done in 20 cases in unprovoked seizures and showed various etiologies. Conclusions: Seizures in children are a common indication for hospital admission. They can be febrile or unprovoked. CNS infections and space occupying lesions are common causes for paediatric seizures. Early detection of the cause of seizures helps in instituting appropriate treatment. Children with unprovoked seizures should be on regular long term follow up and treatment.
Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue infection among parents of children hospitalized for dengue fever
Authors: S. Srinivasa , S. Harish , Patel Shruthi , Devaranavadagi Ranganatha A. , G. Bhavya , Anjum Syeda Kausar
Published: April 2018

Background: Dengue fever is a rapidly emergent infection and is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and health care burden in India. Dengue vectors, human knowledge and behavior have each been reported to play an important role in the transmission of the disease. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge regarding dengue fever, its transmission, identification of the disease and its complications and its preventive measures among the parents.Methods: This is a hospital based cross sectional survey among parents of dengue patients admitted in Department of Pediatrics, KIMS Bangalore during a period of 6 months. Parents were interviewed with pre-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into 4 parts-knowledge on 1) transmission, 2) signs and symptoms, 3) attitude towards the illness and 4) practices of prevention and treatment.Results: Overall 195 individuals were interviewed. 7% were illiterate while 17% had a college degree. 91% individuals knew mosquito as the vector, 32% identified clear stagnant water as the breeding place. 88% identified fever as a symptom while 22% knew about bleeding manifestations. 71% felt dengue as a severe disease and 84% had a positive attitude towards consulting a doctor for the illness. 58% relied on mats and coils for personal protection followed by bed nets (12%). Majority of the awareness was through television followed by radio and newspapers.Conclusions: It is of utmost significance to identify barriers to action and to seek ways to translate the knowledge of population about dengue into positive preventive practices that would ultimately reduce the transmission of dengue fever in the community.
A comparative study of Mantoux test and BCG test in diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis
Authors: Chatterjee Kripasindhu , Mandal Pradyut Kr , Rahaman Sk. Rafikul , Dutta Amit , Karmakar Mrinal Kanti , Banoth Narshima Rao
Published: April 2018

Background: India has one of the highest tuberculosis (TB) burdens globally. However, few studies have focused on TB in young children, a vulnerable population, where lack of early diagnosis results in poor outcomes.Methods: The present study was undertaken to assess the sensitivity and specificity of tuberculin test (Mantoux) and BCG test in diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis and to compare above tests as a diagnostic tool and to assess the impact of factors affecting the test. Mantoux test was done with 1 TU contained in 0.1 ml of PPD R23 with tween 80 solution. BCG test was done using a heat stable freeze-dried vaccine, after fresh reconstitution and injected intradermally in left deltoid region with a tuberculin syringe and 27 G hypodermic needle.Results: Tuberculous cases were more common in malnourished subjects more so with severe malnutrition. While maximum positivity 89% was obtained with BCG test, it was only 63% with Mantoux test, done with 5TU of PPD-RT-23. BCG was always positive whenever PPD was positive in any group of children. Sensitivity of Mantoux test was around 63% whereas that of BCG test was 89%. BCG test was more significantly associated with disease than tuberculin test (p <0.001).Conclusions: BCG test is a very sensitive and specific test for diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis. Mantoux test is affected by malnutrition and severity of disease whereas BCG test is affected only minimally. BCG test is more sensitive than Mantoux test (with 5TU PPD RT 23 Tween 80). A BCG induration of ≥10 mm or Mantoux induration ≥15 mm or an accelerated BCG test is indicative of active disease, irrespective of vaccination status of the patient.
Study clinical response and parasite clearance response to Artemisinins in severe malaria in children
Authors: Ghanghoriya Pawan , Srivastava Purusharth , K. Bharti Praveen
Published: April 2018

Background: The research was conducted to study the clinical response and parasite clearance response to Artesunate therapy, in children admitted with severe malaria at a tertiary care centre in Central India.Methods: It is a prospective analytical study. 18 microscopy positive children diagnosed with severe malaria were included. Baseline blood samples collected for microscopy and biochemical tests. All patients were administered standard intravenous Artesunate therapy and were watched every 12 hourly for: 1. Resolution of clinical signs and symptoms. Clinical parameters included level of consciousness in form of GCS, vital signs like pulse rate, respiration, signs of bleeding, development of icterus, pallor, urine output and laboratory parameters included blood sugar levels, renal and liver function tests. 2. Time taken for conversion of microscopic Smear positive to Smear negative.Results: The mean age was 8.34±4.35 years. Males and females were equally affected. 61% of severe malaria patients were infected by P. falciparum and remaining were infected by P. vivax. The most common clinical features were Pallor: 100%, Respiratory distress: 66.7%, Cerebral malaria: 55.6%. After giving Artesunate therapy, Mean GCS in Cerebral malaria patients showed improvement (on admission: 9±1.15, at 72 hours: 12.5±3.7). Effect was marginally better in P. vivax cases. Respiratory distress and tachycardia improved in majority of patients (75% and 80% respectively). The number of patients with icterus progressively increased. Improvement in liver function and renal function was minimal. 100% parasite clearance was achieved. The mean parasite clearance time is 46±9.43 hours. 72.2% were successfully discharged, 22.2% took Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA) and 5.6% certified dead.Conclusions: Artesunate is an effective drug in severe malaria patients in terms of rapid improvement of cerebral function, improvement and stabilization of vitals, parasite clearance with favorable long-term outcome. There is no evidence of plasmodium resistance to Artesunate currently as per the present study.
A comparative study of associated risk factors of overweight in normal and overweight children of 12-16 years of age
Authors: Patil Mohan A. , Rana Ritu Raj
Published: April 2018

Background: In 21st century childhood obesity has become one of the most serious public health problem. This now a global problem and affecting all the countries of the world. Overweight and obesity in children and adolescent is defined by American medical association as BMI between 85-95 centile and BMI >95th centile respectively for children aged 2-16 years. Risk factors for overweight and obesity in children are different for different regions, places, cultures and food habits of different people and society. New factors are coming up due to economic prosperity and change in lifestyle of the young population. Habit formation occurs mainly during childhood and adolescence so primary intervention targeting this age group has high possibility of yielding good results.Methods: A comparative study of associated risk factors of overweight and obesity was conducted in D. Y. Patil Medical College in Children’s age 12-16 years. The independent variable (parameters) for the study were age, gender, type of family, paternal education, maternal education, father’s occupation, mother’s occupation, socio-economic status, at least one overweight parent, sleeping time, TV viewing time, type of food, mode of transport to reach school, frequency of eating out and level of physical activity. Children were given questionnaire that was filled by their parents and return back to us.Results: The analysis revealed that at least one overweight parent, mode of transport to reach school and frequency of eating out are associated with obesity while TV viewing duration and level of physical activity are strongly associated with obesity.Conclusions: Childhood obesity is a chronic multifactorial medical condition. Its risk can be significantly reduced by avoiding and preventing some factors.
Incidence of hypoglycaemia within 72 hours after birth in low birth weight babies who are appropriate for gestational age
Authors: Amarendra M. , Sethi Rajesh Kumar , Pericherla V. Prudhviraju
Published: April 2018

Background: Neonatal hypoglycemia is a very common metabolic disorder which is due to inability to maintain a normal glucose homeostasis. The most effective method of preventing hypoglycemia is early breast feeding which is preferred to formula feeding. Therefore, author conducted this study to document incidence of hypoglycemia both symptomatic and asymptomatic in exclusively fed with breast milk, low birth weight neonates who are appropriate for gestational age. Aims and objectives of this study was to determine incidence of hypoglycaemia in first 72 hrs of life in low birth weight neonates (1500-2499gm) who are appropriate for gestational age and who are exclusively fed with breast milk.Methods: Prospective cohort study conducted in between December 2015 to November 2017 in which 150 consecutive neonates with a birth weight between 1500 to 2499 grams and appropriate for gestational age, being fed exclusively with breast milk were studied.Results: Out of 150 neonates, 36 (24%) developed one episode of hypoglycemia, 14 (9.4%) newborns had recurrent episodes while 13 (8.66%), and 1 (0.7%) newborn had two and three episodes of hypoglycemia respectively. Applying a cut-off of blood glucose level of 40 mg/dl, the incidence of hypoglycemia was 24%. The less is the gestational age there is higher chance of occurrence of hypoglycemia. PIH is the most common maternal risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia. Incidence of hypoglycemia is highest during the first 24hrs after birth and jitteriness is the most common symptom of neonatal hypoglycemia.Conclusions: Healthy new-borns in postnatal wards can be exclusively breastfed, but there is needing to closely monitor their blood glucose levels at least in first 72 hrs and asymptomatic hypoglycaemia in new-borns can be managed with frequent breastfeeding without any formula feeds.
Trend in distribution pattern of anaemia in children 6 months to 5 year: a prospective hospital based study
Authors: Shankar Poornima , Patel Shruthi
Published: April 2018

Background: Anaemia is a global Public health problem, in our study we aimed at assessing trend in the distribution pattern of anaemia and etiology among the children.Methods: It’s a prospective study conducted in Department of Pediatrics, KIMS Bangalore for a period of 1 years. Children aged 6 months to 5 years admitted in ward for various purposes in whom Hb value is suggestive of anaemia according to WHO guidelines were included after consent and were further evaluated for the cause of anaemia.Results: Total 435 cases met our inclusion criteria, out of which 147 cases gave consent for further workup and were enrolled in the study. 81 cases of mild anaemia, 42 cases of moderate anaemia, and 24 cases of severe anaemia were reported. Further, most common etiology in all groups was Iron deficiency anaemia. Nutritional Anaemia was most commonly seen in low socio-economic background.Conclusions: Nutritional anaemia is the most common etiology found in our study. By improving nutritional status we can improve the quality of life in children.
Is calcium a concern in neonates undergoing phototherapy?
Authors: Sridhar N. L. , S. Sreeram , Srinivas Madoori
Published: April 2018

Background: Neonatal hypocalcemia is defined as total serum calcium concentration of < 7 mg/dl or ionized calcium concentration of <4 mg/dl (<1 mmol/L). The current aim was to look the effect of phototherapy on ionized calcium levels before and after phototherapy in otherwise healthy term and late preterm (35 to 37 weeks) neonates.Methods: The study group included 50 neonates. Measurement of serum ionized calcium levels was done before and at the end of phototherapy.Results: At the end of phototherapy in study group, a significant fall in calcium level in 64% of term and 76% of late preterm neonates was observed, but almost all except one remained asymptomatic.Conclusions: The efficacy of phototherapy in the prevention and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in newborn infants has been well established. The mean duration of phototherapy in our study was 32 hours. Duration of phototherapy may influence the severity of hypocalcaemia. The regulation of calcium homeostasis in the newborn period has been of considerable interest. Phototherapy increases calcium absorption by the bones and leads to the reduction of melatonin levels. Changes in melatonin levels affect the incidence of hypocalcaemia-induced phototherapy. The mechanism of hypocalcaemia effect of phototherapy was reported by inhibition of pineal gland via transcranial illumination, resulting to decline of melatonin secretion; which blocks the effect of cortisol on bone calcium. It is suggested that serum calcium levels be assessed in neonates treated with phototherapy. Neonatal Jaundice is one of the most common problems that can occur in the newborn. Hypocalcaemia during phototherapy has been reported in literature.
Pre-operative nutritional status affects enteral feeding in post-operative period among pediatric laparotomy cases
Authors: Singh Santosh Kumar , Agrawal Nitika , Das Kunal , Naaz Aisha
Published: April 2018

Background: Early introduction of enteral feed in postoperative settings, although advocated, is not practiced universally. This study reviews post-operative feeding practices amongst pediatric surgery cases and variables affecting it.Methods: A retrospective analysis was done for children operated for abdominal conditions during 2013-2015. Data were analyzed for pre-operative variables, operative indications and procedure, post-operative events and feeding practices.Results: Seventy children underwent laparotomy during study period. Median time of starting enteral nutrition was 3rd post-operative day and full feed attainment was day 6. Severely thin/malnourished children could be started on enteral feed on 3.89+1.76 days while normal nourished children were started on 2.2+0.87 days (p<0.05). Eleven cases noted interruption of feed, regurgitation was the commonest cause. Cases of abdominal Koch’s and cases requiring gut incision showed delay in feed onset.Conclusions: Post-operative onset of enteral feed and tolerance depends on pre-surgery nourishment status, baseline disease condition and type of surgery.
The effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on breast feeding at the time of NICU discharge
Authors: C. D. Tharashree , M. R. Shravani , S. Srinivasa
Published: April 2018

Background: The WHO has defined KMC as early, continuous, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the mother and preterm babies. Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most important essential components of Kangaroo Mother Care in preterm babiesMethods:   This a cross sectional study, 265 consecutive premature newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between May 2015 and May 2016 in KIMS NICU Hospital in Bengaluru were evaluated. All of candidate mothers were educated for KMC and compared with a CMC group.Results: In this study 159 mothers performed kangaroo mother care (KMC group) versus 106 in conventional method care (CMC group). In KMC group exclusive breast feeding was 99 (65.2%) versus 40 (37.7%), and P = .00 in CMC group, at the time of hospital discharge. Receiving KMC, and gestational age were the only effective factors predicting exclusive breastfeeding. Present result indicated that there was a 2.7 time increase in exclusive breastfeeding by KMC, and also weekly increase in gestational age increased it 0.9 times, but maternal age, birth weight, mode of delivery, and 5-minute Apgar score had no influence.Conclusions:  KMC is more effective, and increases exclusive breast feeding successfully. It can be a good substitution for CMC (conventional methods of   care). It is a safe, effective, and feasible method of care for LBWI even in the NICU settings.
A study of haematological profile of malaria in a tertiary care centre of western Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Prasad P. L. , Rai Preeti Lata , Hussain Mohd. Shoaib
Published: April 2018

Background: Malaria is a major health problem in tropics with a high morbidity and mortality. Malaria causes wide spectrum of manifestation both clinical as well as hematological. A variety of haematological alterations like progressively increasing anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leucocytosis or leukopenia and rarely disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) have been reported in malaria. Though clinical manifestation has been widely studied but there is paucity of work in hematological abnormality.Methods: The hospital based observational study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Shri Rammurti Smarak Insitute of Medical Sciences (SRMSIMS), Bareilly. Ninety-eight cases were positive for malaria by peripheral smear or by rapid diagnostic test for malaria or by both.Results: In the present study, prevalence of malaria found to be (11.6 %). Out of 98 cases, 60 were males, majority of cases belonged to 9-12 years of age, followed by 4-8 years of age. Male:Female ratio is 1.57:1. There was neutrophilic predominance and low monocyte count in cases positive for plasmodium falciparum malaria. All the patients had microcytic hypochromic anemia as per mean of MCV. In haematological profiles of malaria neutrophil and monocyte showed statistically significant variations (P value ≤0.001)Conclusions: Anemia is the most common hematological abnormality. There was neutrophilic predominance and low monocyte count in cases positive for malaria which is highly significant. All the patients had microcytic hypochromic anemia as per mean of MCV. Profound thrombocytopenia is very common in malaria.
Clinical profile and outcome of H1N1 influenza in children during August 2016 to January 2017 at KIMS hospital in Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Authors: H. S. Ramya , Reddy N. Varsha Monica , Shekar Kavya
Published: April 2018

Background: Influenza virus is a common respiratory pathogen. In April 2009, a new strain of Influenza virus A H1N1 was evolved and spread in several countries around the world and caused pandemic. After that the resurgence of H1N1 epidemic occurs almost every year and it has caused significant morbidity and mortality. Author present the clinical profile of suspected cases of swine flu infection among children attending our hospital.Methods: This prospective study was conducted at KIMS hospital among 70 children aged 1month to 17 yrs admitted with pneumonia from August 2016 to January 2017 and who consented for the study were included. Institutional ethical clearance obtained. All cases were classified according to WHO ABC category and PRESS (Pediatric Respiratory Severity Score) was applied. Outcome of patients were calculated based on requirement for PICU care, ventilation and PRESS score 4-5. Suspected high risk cases, category B2, and category C cases were started on antiviral Oseltamivir and throat swabs were sent for detection of H1N1 by rRT-PCR.Results: Out of 70 pneumonia cases 44 cases improved with antibiotics and supportive therapy, 26 cases who belonged to category B2 and C and PRESS score 4-5 (severe) were screened for H1N1 influenza and 26 cases were started with empirical antiviral drug oseltamivir.10 out of 26 cases (38.4%) were positive for H1N1 influenza. In our study, fever, cough, breathlessness, and chest x-ray abnormalities were the most common clinical features in both suspected and confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza. Out of 10 cases 2 succumbed (20%). Both the cases had prolonged hospital stay.Conclusions: During monsoon, high degree of suspicion is required in patients presenting with fever, cough, cold and hurried breathing with supportive lab investigations and early administration of antiviral drug provides better outcome, reduces the length of hospital stay and mortality.
Giant Omphalocele with skeletal deformities: a case report
Authors: Meshram Rajkumar M. , Phatak Amruta , Bhurke Arvind , Chaudhari Chetan
Published: April 2018

Omphalocele is an anterior abdominal wall defect at the base of the umbilical cord, with herniation of the abdominal contents which are covered by a membrane and associated with a very high incidence of structural and chromosomal anomalies including heart defect, vesical, genital or diaphragmatic malformations. A 1000 gm preterm neonate was born vaginally, to a non-consanguineously married primi mother with uneventful pregnancy. On examination baby had a large anterior abdominal wall defect covered by a thin membrane with widely open and bulging anterior fontanellae. Eyes, ears and lips were well developed but eyelids were fused. Liver, spleen and intestine were visible under a thin transparent membrane. Rib cage was formed, and ribs were palpable but lower limbs were directed posteriorly and genitalia was ambiguous. Baby was in gasping condition and died within 30 minutes after birth. Prenatal accurate diagnosis by providing adequate antenatal care and ultrasonogram would permit an opportunity to counsel the family and to prepare for optimal postnatal care.
An atypical case of Rheumatic Chorea in a rural tertiary health centre of South India
Authors: Manjunath Chaitra , H. R. Vinay , Das Keya , Ghorpade V. A. P.
Published: April 2018

Varied presentation of infectious diseases like the rheumatic fever is on the rise especially in rural areas where a great proportion of communicable diseases are undiagnosed and untreated. Keen clinical examination and early treatment with minimal laboratory aid reduce healthcare expenditure in low socioeconomic regions. An 18-year-old adolescent girl presented with acute onset of motor tic for 2 weeks which progressed to vocal tic in a span of 6 weeks. As per the initial presentation, the patient was worked up as a case of Transient Tic Disorder and later as Tourette Syndrome. All the test results including Rheumatic Heart Disease workup were negative. But the patient developed Pure Chorea 2 weeks after this. The patient was treated on a presumptive diagnosis of Rheumatic Chorea and is now in remission for 6 months. Even though tics and other movement disorders can be associated with Rheumatic chorea, it is seldom to present as pure tic disorder at the first encounter and in relatively uncommon age group making this case special. Rather than early referral to movement disorder center, detailed observation of disease progression can prevent unnecessary work up.
A MESA NACIONAL DE NEGOCIAÇÃO NO SUS: REFLEXÕES SOBRE O SEU MARCO REGULAMENTAR
Authors: Guerra Neto Custódio Leopoldino de Brito , Hekis Helio Roberto , Luiz de Castro Jorge , Alves Robinson Luís de Souza , Barbosa Janio Gustavo
Published: April 2018

A Mesa Nacional de Negociação Permanente do Sistema Único de Saúde (MNNP-SUS) é um fórum paritário e permanente de negociação, que reúne gestores públicos, prestadores de serviços privados da saúde e entidades sindicais nacionais representativas dos trabalhadores da saúde. O Sistema Nacional de Negociação Permanente do SUS, SiNNP-SUS, foi criado no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde, aprovado pela MNNP-SUS e é constituído pelo conjunto de Mesas de Negociação Permanente, instituídas regularmente, de forma articulada, nos níveis Federal, Estaduais e Municipais, respeitada a autonomia de cada ente político. O artigo tem como objetivo apresentar reflexões sobre a mesa nacional de negociação no SUS, com ênfase sobre o seu marco regulamentar. O SiNNP-SUS hoje, aprimora os processos laborais das mesas de negociação, aproxima os participantes criando um ambiente próprio para os debates das diversas temáticas e dá agilidade na troca de experiências, processo este importantíssimo para o continuo desenvolvimento das atividades. Por fim, conclui-se que Mesa Nacional de Negociação Permanente do Sistema Único de Saúde (MNNP-SUS) é um fórum paritário e permanente de negociação, que reúne gestores públicos, prestadores de serviços privados da saúde e entidades sindicais nacionais representativas dos trabalhadores da saúde.
REDE OBSERVATÓRIO NACIONAL DE RECURSOS HUMANOS EM SAÚDE DO BRASIL E DOS PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE DO MERCOSUL E DA REDE DE NEGOCIAÇÃO
Authors: Pereira Giveldna Maria Costa , Hekis Helio Roberto , Barbosa Janio Gustavo , Coutinho Karilany Dantas , Alves Robinson Luís de Souza , Guerra Paulo Victor de Azevedo
Published: April 2018

A Plataforma da Força de Trabalho em Saúde é um sistema de informação baseado em web capaz de integrar dados dos Recursos Humanos em Saúde do Brasil. Esse sistema foi desenvolvido para subsidiar a formulação de políticas de gestão, de formação, de qualidade e de regulação da provisão do RHS nacional. Além disso, com a utilização de seus sistemas informacionais, constituídos pelos módulos Indicadores e sistemas Rede ObservaRH, Mesa de Negociadores, Mercosul, Cadastro Nacional de Especialistas e SUSConecta–a plataforma propicia o intercâmbio de informações entre pesquisadores, profissionais e alunos da área da saúde, bem como auxilia a negociação entre segmentos do governo e trabalhadores da saúde. Além disso, o Ministério da Saúde, mediante o desenvolvimento da Plataforma da Força de Trabalho do SUS – desenvolvida em parceria com instituições como o Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde e Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (LAIS/UFRN) – tem demonstrado interesse em realizar o monitoramento constante desses recursos humanos, bem como promover a interação entre esses recursos. Desse modo, é observado que há uma preocupação geral e diferentes ações em curso envolvendo os Recursos Humanos em Saúde no Brasil. Entretanto, as mudanças pretendidas envolvendo os planos atuais do Sistema Único de Saúde frente à potencialização da Atenção Primária à Saúde demonstram que, o setor de RHS no país ainda necessita de transformações significantes.
Integration of Learning Outcomes and CBT Data Facilitates Individual Medical Student Support in Basic Medical Education
Authors: Jin Kim Na , Young Kim Su
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to manage each course in the spectrum of curriculum and to monitor the students’ individual sequential performances. We developed a relational database containing data on learning outcomes, computer-based test results, tutors, and students. In addition, we restructured the students’ test results in terms of learning outcomes to produce competency portfolios of individual students. We found that test reliabilities were variable among the courses. Reuse of test items significantly increased the difficulty and compromised the discrimination of items. By building the relationships among the items, the test results and learning outcomes helped us to monitor and manage each test. And it provided not only the students’ status but their sequential changes. This made it possible to clearly visualize each individual student’s current and past competencies. By building the relational database, we could evaluate diverse aspects of our curriculum and we got an idea to improve it. The database will help us to guide data-driven curriculum management to complement pedagogy-driven medical education. This would be an effective tool to manage undergraduate medical education in an integrated manner.
Concerns that Linger: Medical School Perspectives on the UKMLA and Shared Assessment
Authors: MacDougall Margaret
Published: April 2018

The General Medical Council have closed their formal consultation process soliciting recommendations on how to develop a UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA). The output of this consultation goes a considerable way to identifying concerns about implementation of such an assessment. However, there is scope for more attention to detail in specifying concerns held by individual UK medical schools, even where these schools have indicated acceptance or approval of the UKMLA. There is therefore a need for increased transparency in identifying stakeholder viewpoints to ensure these lingering concerns can be addressed during the current development phase. The current study contributes to addressing this need through providing an overview of UK medical school views on introducing a UKMLA and relatedly, on shared assessment as a source of uniformity in competency across medical schools. Using a secure online survey system, response data were collected during 13-30 January, 2014 from recommended assessment specialists, representing their respective medical schools. Likert scale and free text response data were collected. Based on Likert sale data, more medical schools appeared accepting of these ideas than either those who expressed disapproval or those who expressed uncertainty.  Nevertheless, concerns still lingered. Areas of concern included stifling of curriculum innovation, supporting students who fail the UKMLA and quality and administration of assessment. Eleven recommendations have emerged for addressing respondent concerns. In presenting these recommendations arising specifically from participant feedback, I invite responses from all categories of stakeholder in order to promote open discussion beyond the formal consultation period.
Creating Welcoming Schools: A Practical Guide to Home-School Partnerships with Diverse Families
Authors: Sclafani Chris
Published: April 2018

The connection between the school life of students and their home lives is extremely important in today’s world. Learning must be extended beyond the walls and doors of the physical school environment. In order to impress this point upon children, parents must be fully involved in the educational process. When families feel a sense of detachment towards the stakeholders in their child’s learning, a sense of apathy towards school-related items can begin to occur. This must avoided at all costs. JoBeth Allen delves into the various ways that schools, communities, and parents can come together to form an optimal pedagogical environment. Allen places well-developed narratives throughout her book to allow the reader to reflect and understand the complexities that exist within the challenges of forming these vital home-school-community bonds. The ideas contained in Creating Welcoming Schools: A Practical Guide to Home-School Partnerships With Diverse Families are useful for a vast range of age and grade levels, and the recommended strategies can be gradually employed according the comfort and experience level of the individual educator who is implementing them.
Map Archive Mining: Visual-analytical Approaches to Explore Large Historical Map Collections
Authors: Uhl Johannes , Leyk Stefan , Chiang Yao-Yi , Duan Weiwei , Knoblock Craig A.
Published: April 2018

Historical maps constitute unique sources of retrospective geographic information. Recently, several map archives containing map series covering large spatial and temporal extents have been systematically scanned and made available to the public. The geographic information contained in such data archives allows extending geospatial analysis retrospectively beyond the era of digital cartography. However, given the large data volumes of such archives and the low graphical quality of older map sheets, the processes to extract geographic information need to be automated to the highest degree possible. In order to understand the salient characteristics, data quality variation, and potential challenges in large-scale information extraction tasks, preparatory analytical steps are required to efficiently assess spatio-temporal coverage, approximate map content, and spatial accuracy of such georeferenced map archives across different cartographic scales. Such preparatory steps are often neglected or ignored in the map processing literature but represent highly critical phases that lay the foundation for any subsequent computational analysis and recognition. In this contribution we demonstrate how such preparatory analyses can be conducted using classical analytical and cartographic techniques as well as visual-analytical data mining tools originating from machine learning and data science, exemplified for the United States Geological Survey topographic map and Sanborn fire insurance map archives.
A Quantitative Prediction Method for Fracture Density Based on the Equivalent Medium Theory
Authors: Sun Liang , Peng Suping , He Dengke , Wang Shu
Published: April 2018

Fracture density, a critical parameter of unconventional reservoirs, can be used to evaluate potential of unconventional reservoirs and location of production wells. Many technologies, such as amplitude variation with offset and azimuth (AVOA) technology, vertical seismic profiling (VSP) technology, and multicomponent seismic technology, are generally used to predict fracture of reservoirs. they can qualitatively predict fracture by analyzing seismic attributes, including seismic wave amplitudes, seismic wave velocities, which are sensitive to fracture. However, it is important to quantitatively describe fracture of reservoirs. In this study, based on a double-layer model, the relationships between fracture density and the double-layer model’s physical parameters, such as velocity of fast shear-wave, velocity of slow shear-wave, and density, were established, and then a powerful quantitative prediction method for fracture density was proposed dramatically. Afterwards, the Hudson model for crack was used to test the applicability of the method. The result shown that the quantitative prediction method for fracture density can be applied suitable to the Hudson model for crack. Finally, the result of validation models indicated that the method can predict fracture density effective, in which absolute relative deviation (ARD) were less than 5% and root-mean-square error (RMSE) was 4.88×10-3.
Social Assessment of Renewable Energy Sources Usage and Contribution to Life Quality: The Case of an Attica Urban Area in Greece
Authors: Ntanos Stamatios , Kyriakopoulos Grigorios , Chalikias Miltiadis , Arabatzis Garyfallos , Skordoulis Michalis , Galatsidas Spyros , Drosos Dimitrios
Published: April 2018

The aim of this paper is to analyze and evaluate Renewable Energy Sources (RES) usage and their contribution to citizens’ life quality. For this purpose, a survey was conducted, using a sample of 400 residents in an urban area of Attica region in Greece. The methods of Principal Components Analysis and Logit Regression were used on a dataset containing respondents’ views on various aspects of RES. Two statistical models were constructed for the identification of the main variables that are associated with RES’ usage and respondents’ opinion on their contribution to life quality. The conclusions that can be drawn show that the respondents are adequately informed about some of the RES’ types while most of them use at least one of the examined types of RES. The benefits that RES offer, were the most crucial variable in determining both respondents’ perceptions on their usage and on their contribution to life quality.
Preliminary Analysis of Wind Retrieval Based on GF-3 Wave Mode Images
Authors: Wang Lei , Han Bin , Yuan Xinzhe , Lei Bin , Ding Chibiao , Yao Yulin , Chen Qi
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we analyze the measurements of the normalized radar cross-section(NRCS) in Wave Mode for Chinese C-band Gaofen-3(GF-3) synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Based on 2779 images from GF-3 quad-polarization SAR in Wave Mode and collocated wind vectors from ERA-Interim, we verify the feasibility of using ocean surface wind fields and VV-polarized NRCS to perform normalized calibration. The method uses well-validated empirical C-band geophysical model function (CMOD4) to estimate the calibration constant for each beam. The Amazon rainforest experiment results show that the accuracy of obtained calibration constant meets the requirements. In addition, the relationship between cross-pol NRCS and wind vectors is discussed. The cross-pol NRCS increases linearly with wind speed and it has an approximate cosine modulation with the wind direction when the wind speed is greater than 8m/s. The cross-polarized system noise floor is low enough to ignore it in wind retrieval. Furthermore, we also investigate the properties of the polarization ratio, denoted PR, and show that it is dependent on incidence angle and azimuth angle. Two empirical models of the PR are fitted, one as a function of incidence angle only, the other with additional dependence on azimuth angle. Assessments show that the σ_VV^0 retrieved from new PR models as well as σ_HH^0 is in good agreement with σ_VV^0 extracted from SAR images directly. And it is also shown that considering the azimuth angle can improve polarization conversion accuracy.
Network Medicine and Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy
Authors: Jarrell Juliet T. , Gao Li , Cohen David S. , Huang Xudong
Published: April 2018

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that currently has no known cure. The principles of the expanding field of network medicine (NM) have recently been applied to AD research. The main principle of NM proposes that diseases are much more complicated than one mutation in one gene, and incorporate different genes, connections between genes, and pathways that may include multiple diseases to create full scale disease networks. AD research findings as a result of the application of NM principles have suggested that functional network connectivity, myelination, myeloid cells, and genes and pathways may play an integral role in AD progression, and may be integral to the search for a cure. Different aspects of the AD pathology could be potential targets for drug therapy to slow down or stop the disease from advancing, but more research is needed to reach definitive conclusions. Additionally, the holistic approaches of network pharmacology in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research may be viable options for the AD treatment, and may lead to an effective cure for AD in the future.
Effect for a Paddy Weeding Robot in Wet Rice Culture
Authors: Sori Hitoshi , Inoue Hiroyuki , Hatta Hiroyuki , Ando Yasuhiro ,   National Institute of Technology, Tsuyama College 624-1 Numa, Tsuyama-city, Okayama 708-8509, Japan,   IKOMA Robotech Corporation 634-28 Toshima, Tsuyama-city, Okayama 708-0016, Japan
Published: April 2018

In recent years, wet rice farming that does not use chemical herbicides has come in demand owing to the diversified consumer needs, preference for pesticide-free produce, and need to reduce the environmental load. In this paper, we propose a “weeding robot” that can navigate autonomously while weeding a paddy field. The weeding robot removes the weeds by churning up the soil and inhibits the growth of the weeds by blocking-off sunlight. It has two wheels, whose rotational speed is controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM) signals. Moreover, it has capacitive touch sensors to detect the rice plants and an azimuth sensor used when turning. To demonstrate its effect in wet rice culture, we conduct a navigation experiment using the proposed weeding robot in two types of paddy field: conventional and sparse planting. The experiment results demonstrate that the proposed weeding robot is effective in its herbicidal effect, promoting the rice seedling growth and increasing the crop yield.
A Non-Linear Manifold Alignment Approach to Robot Learning from Demonstrations
Authors: Makondo Ndivhuwo , Hiratsuka Michihisa , Rosman Benjamin , Hasegawa Osamu ,   Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan,   Mobile Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa,   Data Engineering Group, Recruit Lifestyle Co., Ltd. 1-9-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku 100-6640, Japan,   School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa,   Faculty of Engineering, Department of Systems and Control Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
Published: April 2018

The number and variety of robots active in real-world environments are growing, as well as the skills they are expected to acquire, and to this end we present an approach for non-robotics-expert users to be able to easily teach a skill to a robot with potentially different, but unknown, kinematics from humans. This paper proposes a method that enables robots with unknown kinematics to learn skills from demonstrations. Our proposed method requires a motion trajectory obtained from human demonstrations via a vision-based system, which is then projected onto a corresponding human skeletal model. The kinematics mapping between the robot and the human model is learned by employing Local Procrustes Analysis, a manifold alignment technique which enables the transfer of the demonstrated trajectory from the human model to the robot. Finally, the transferred trajectory is encoded onto a parameterized motion skill, using Dynamic Movement Primitives, allowing it to be generalized to different situations. Experiments in simulation on the PR2 and Meka robots show that our method is able to correctly imitate various skills demonstrated by a human, and an analysis of the transfer of the acquired skills between the two robots is provided.
La búsqueda de la diferencia en la traducción
Authors: ECHEVERRÍA ARRIAGA CARLOS I.
Published: April 2018

En contraste con trabajos anteriores en el ámbito de los estudios sobre la traducción que se han centrado en las dificultades para distanciarse del texto original y en la dependencia excesiva de la traducción “directa”, este artículo trata sobre el hábito que muestran algunos traductores de intentar de transmitir el contenido y los efectos textuales originales de un modo arbitrariamente divergente con respecto al material traducido, sin otra meta que la diferencia. Luego de un primer acercamiento al fenómeno, este se caracteriza como una empresa sin sentido que, al excluir las alternativas de la lengua meta que resultan más obvias, puede ocasionar diversos problemas al traductor. Finalmente, el trabajo concluye con una recapitulación y algunas proyecciones para futuros estudios.
Is audit committee expertise connected with increased readability of integrated reports: Evidence from EU companies
Authors: Velte Patrick
Published: April 2018

This study contributes to the recent “managerial ability” literature and analyses the impact of audit committees’ financial and sustainability expertise (i.e. combined and separately as individuals) on the readability of integrated reports. Analyses were conducted with data on a sample of European Union (EU) public interest entities (PIE) from the Examples Database of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) for the fiscal years 2014–2016 (i.e. 215 firm-year observations). Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to evaluate possible links between either financial or sustainability expertise and combined financial and sustainability expertise in audit committees and the readability of integrated reports, as measured by the Flesch Reading Ease and Gunning Fog indices. While audit committees’ financial and sustainability expertise has a positive impact on the readability of integrated reports, combined expertise has a stronger effect compared with either financial or sustainability expertise. This finding is in line with the idea that, to combine financial and sustainability information in integrated reports, audit committees need to have more diverse expertise. Companies, regulators and researchers could be significantly affected by the finding that managerial ability variables such as audit committee expertise can have a considerable impact on integrated reporting.
Effect of different hydrolytic enzymes pretreatment for improving the hydrolysis and biodegradability of waste activated sludge
Authors: Chen Jiahao , Liu Shihu , Wang Yingmu , Huang Wei , Zhou Jian
Published: April 2018

In this study, the effects of lysozyme, protease and α-amylase pretreatments for improving the hydrolysis and biodegradability of waste activated sludge (WAS) were investigated. The results showed that lysozyme was more effective in increasing the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) concentration in the liquid phase of sludge and improving the release of protein and carbohydrate from sludge flocculation to enhance sludge hydrolysis. After 8 h hydrolysis, the net SCOD increase in a reactor with lysozyme was 2.23 times and 2.15 times that of the reactors with protease and α-amylase, respectively. Meanwhile, lysozyme and protease could improve the lysis of microorganism cells and the dissolution of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to a certain extent, and lysozyme was more effective. Furthermore, the compositional characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and EPS were analyzed by EEM fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence regional integration (FRI) analysis. Tryptophan-like protein was the main component of sludge, which accounted for 31% and 38% of DOM and EPS, respectively. Lysozyme could decrease the percentage of non-biodegradable materials in sludge, such as humic acid-like substances and fulvic acid-like substances, so it could improve the biodegradability of sludge. This study can provide valuable information for future studies about hydrolytic enzyme pretreatments for WAS disposal.
Reflexões sobre o que é ser professor do ensino superior atualmente
Authors: DA SILVA Janaína Carneiro
Published: April 2018

Vivemos em um mundo pleno de contradições. Por um lado, o rápido desenvolvimento das tecnologias, dispararam um estilo de vida - life style - que até a pouco estava circunscrito aos roteiros de filmes futuristas. Por outro, ainda podemos nos considerar na idade da pedra se considerarmos a distância que separa, por exemplo, um país da África subsaariana em conseguir erradicar a pobreza extrema e a fome em comparação com nações territorialmente imensas como o Brasil que enfrentam desigualdades equivalentes dentro de seu próprio território nacional.