bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Western Studies of the Quranic Narrative: from the Historical Orientation into the Literary Analysis
Authors: Ikhwan Munirul
Published: October 2013

The beginnings of Western interest in the Quran can be traced back to the appearance of the first complete translation of the Quran into Latin by Robert of Ketton in the twelfth century when the Muslim and Western Christian worlds has begun a long-running confrontation. In the eighteenth century, Western scholars began to be interested in studying the history and sources of the Quran. The Quranic narrative, which has its parallels in the Judeo-Christian traditions, has been studied from the historical perspective. In this approach, everything in the Quran that can be also found in earlier scriptures, is considered as borrowed, and every story that the Quran modifies is viewed as distorted. Recent Western studies have shifted into a new arena, studying the contents and styles of the Quranic narrative by analyzing its discourse and narrativity.
The Importance of This and That: Reflections on Context in Early Islamic Philosophy
Authors: Enns Phil
Published: October 2013

The discussion over the relationship between what is true globally and what is true locally is not new. It might be helpful, therefore, to consider issues surrounding the relationship between globalization and local values in light of previous forms of this discussion. To this end, I would like to reflect on the discussion of context in the writings of al-Farabi, Ibn Sina and al-Ghazali. To focus this paper, I will consider only three issues, namely that of history, science and the role of reason in religion. I will argue that al-Farabi and Ibn Sina present an account of context that begins with experience as a foundation and then moves to the universal, emphasizing the importance of tradition, demonstration and rationality. Against these two, al-Ghazali argues for the importance of leaving behind experience in order to reach that which is certain, emphasizing the supernatural, intuition and mystical. My goal is to draw out some implications these writers recognized followed from their often dense and esoteric discussions of the nature of particulars and universals, and conclude with some suggestions for our contemporary situation.
Leveling the Unleveled? Syariah Advocates’ Struggle for Equality in Indonesian Legal Pluralism
Authors: Lukito Ratno
Published: October 2013

One of the ongoing problems faced by many Syariah advocates in Indonesia is how they can maintain their important role in the practice of law in the midst of the domination of common advocates. They are always trapped in double burden in concern of their position. On one side, they are challenged with the long historical inequality of educational access between religious (Islamic) groups and secular groups, while on the other, they have to deal with the problem of being part of Muslim society with a legal culture where Islamic  law is commonly viewed as irreconcilable with secular legal traditions. This paper specifically discusses the role played by the Association of Indonesian Syariah Advocates (Asosiasi Pengacara Syariah Indonesia, APSI) in their struggle to assert equality between Syariah advocates and common advocates. It shows that although APSI has successfully attracted attention from the state and public in general, the interest shown by Syariah faculties remains even relatively low. Embedded traditional culture of studying Islamic law in many Syariah faculties seems to have influenced their attention towards APSI. Yet, with inclusive approaches in expanding the institution, APSI can attract many advocates, not only from Muslim law graduates but from those of non-Muslims as well.
Advancing Larger Democracy in Indonesia through Islamic Print Media
Authors: Muzakki Akh.
Published: October 2013

Over the past one decade, Indonesia has been renowned for its achievement in consolidating and establishing democracy after having experienced thirty two year political authoritarianism. The power is now step by step leased back to the people. In the least form, people are little by little getting access to the processes of policy-making. Their aspirations, instead of being undermined, are considered to be as gradually important as those of political elites. This paper is an attempt to examine the role of print media in enhancing the democratisation processes through the analysis of the production of Islamic ideas within print media publication. For the purpose of simplification, print media publication can be regarded as part of the essential translation of the press, a pillar of democracy. As a focus of analysis, this paper deals with print publications, in the form of both Islamic books and magazines, produced by Muslim scholars or activists in Indonesia. Islamic books are presented by those produced by publishers, such as Mizan, Gema Insani Press, and Wihdah Press. Islamic magazines are presented by Sabili, Hidayah, and Jihadmagz.[Lebih dari satu dekade terakhir, Indonesia dikenal sebagai negara yang berhasil melakukan konsolidasi demokrasi setelah mengalami tiga puluh dua tahun otoritarianisme Orde Baru. Kekuatan politik secara perlahan dikembalikan ke rakyat. Setidaknya, rakyat sedikit demi sedikit semakin memiliki akses atas pembuatan kebijakan. Aspirasi mereka kemudian diperhitungkan dan dianggap penting seperti aspirasi elit politik. Artikel ini mendiskusikan peran media-cetak dalam proses demokratisasi, yaitu dengan mengalisis produksi gagasan-gagasan tentang Islam yang dimuat dalam media cetak. Secara umum, media cetak merupakan salah satu bentuk pers yang menjadi salah satu pilar demokrasi. Pembahasan dalam artikel ini difokuskan pada buku dan majalah yang diterbitkan oleh ulama atau aktifis di Indonesia. Mizan, Gema Insani Press, dan Wihdah mewakili penerbit buku, sementara Sabili, Hidayah dan Jihadmagz mewakili kelompok majalah.]
Islamism & Democracy: A Gender Analysis on PKS’s Application of Democratic Principles and Values
Authors: Octavia Lanny
Published: October 2013

The increasing popular support for Islamist parties in democratic countries incites public suspicion concerning whether the Islamists’ participation in procedural democracy guarantees their commitment for substantial democracy, which in principle requires equality of rights among citizens regardless of their religion and gender. Indeed, gender politics often appears at the centre of the lslamist agenda, as they seek to construct a new moral order based on a conservative gender perspective. A greater concern arises on whether the Islamists will eventually lead society towards democracy or, conversely, towards theocracy. In Indonesia, the Prosperous Justice Party (Partai Keadilan Sejahtera/PKS) shows a remarkable development and significant electoral achievement. Some observers viewed that PKS is opportunistically using democratic means to “hijack” it for their Islamist agenda waiting for when political power is in their hands. Others believe PKS’s involvement in real politics will, in the end, lead to a “gradual secularisation” of their Islamist agenda. Based on a gender analysis, this paper examines whether PKS’s fulfillment of the formalist criteria of democracy is compatible with their application of democratic principles and values.[Semakin menguatnya dukungan terhadap partai Islam memincu kecurigaan publik yang mempertanyakan apakah partisipasi kalangan islamis dalam demokrasi prosedural menjamin komitmen mereka bagi tegaknya demokrasi substansial, demokrasi yang mensyaratkan kesetaraan bagi semua orang tanpa terkecuali. Sebenarnya, agenda politik gender yang didengungkan oleh kalangan islamis tidak bisa dilepaskan dari perspektif konservatif mereka mengenai relasi gender. Pertanyaannya kemudian, apakah yang mereka agendakan akan berlabuh pada pemantapan demokrasi atau --sebaliknya‍‑­‑ menuju teokrasi. Di Indonesia, Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS) adalah satu-satunya partai Islam di Indonesia yang berhasil berkembang pesat dan mampu mendulang suara secara signifikan. Bagi beberapa pengamat, PKS merepresentasikan partai Islamis yang berhasil “menunggangi” demokrasi untuk memperjuangkan agenda islamis mereka. Ini akan tampak jelas jika PKS berhasil menjadi partai penguasa. Kendati demikian, beberapa kalangan lainnya berkeyakinan bahwa keterlibatan PKS dalam politik demokratis akan “mensekulerkan” agenda islamis mereka. Dengan analisis gender, tulisan ini hendak menjawab apakah kriteria formal mengenai nilai dan prinsip demokrasi yang melekat pada PKS sejalan dengan apa yang mereka praktekkan.]
The Paradox Between Political Islam and Islamic Political Parties: The Case of West Sumatera Province
Authors: Wanto Adri
Published: October 2013

The aim of this paper is to explain the apparent paradox between political Islam and Islamic political parties in Indonesia. On one hand, the support for Islamic political parties is in decline, while, on the other religious intolerance and the implementation of local regulations based on the shari’ah laws have increased in many provinces. This paper argues that political Islam and Islamic political parties are not synonymous. Moreover, the aim of achieving an ideal society according to an Islamist’s vision and their religious interpretations does not only by adopt a top-down strategic model through participation in formal politics but also by using bottom-up strategic model by focusing on the societal level. By adopting gradualist approaches, hardliner Islamist ideas disseminate peacefully in Indonesia today. This study will focus on West-Sumatra as a case study, considering West Sumatra is one of the most widely province issued the shari’ah laws in Indonesia. This article will shed light on local and often underestimated dynamics.

[Artikel ini menjelaskan paradoks antara Islam politik dan partai politik Islam di Indonesia. Jika pada satu sisi, dukungan terhadap partai politik Islam menurun, namun pada sisi berbeda tingkat intoleransi dan angka peraturan daerah berbasiskan syariah meningkat. Karena itu, artikel ini berargumen bahwa Islam politik dan partai politik Islam tidak selalu sejalan. Selain itu, cita-cita untuk mewujudkan masyarakat yang Islami tidak melulu harus diwujudkan dari atas-ke-bawah melalui partisipasi politik, namun juga dari bawah-ke-atas, yakni menitikberatkan pada level masyarakat. Dengan strategi gradual -perlahan-lahan-, gagasan fundamentalis Islam tanpa sadar telah menginfiltrasi. Artikel ini menjelaskan Sumatra Barat sebagai studi kasus persoalan di atas. Pilihan Sumatra Barat berdasarkan pada realitas bahwa di propinsi inilah, perda shari’ah paling banyak diberlakukan. Artikel ini akan berkontribusi pada diskusi mengenai politik lokal dan dinamikanya.]
Catholics, Muslims, and Global Politics in Southeast Asia
Authors: Al Qurtuby Sumanto
Published: October 2013

This article discusses the role of catholics, muslims, and civic associations in the global politics of the Philippines and Indonesia. The two countries have shared in common with regard to the geographical feature (both are archipelagic countries), the diversity of societies and cultures, and the history of colonialism, dictatorship, ethno-religious violence, and political movement, to name but a few. In addition to their similarities, both countries also have significant differences in particular pertaining to religious dominance (the Philippines dominated by Catholicism, while Indonesia by Islam) and the structure of their societies: while the Philippines is a class-stratified society, Indonesia has long been ideologized by colonial and post-colonial religious and political powers. Apart from their parallels and distinctions, religion --both Catholicism and Islam-- has marvellous role, negatively or positively, in global politics and public cultures, indicating its vigor and survival in global political domains. This comparative paper, more specifically, examines the historical dynamics of the interplay between religion, civil society, and political activism by using the Philippines and Indonesia as a case study and point of analysis.

[Artikel ini mendiskusikan peran Katolik, Muslim dan asosiasi warga dalam politik global di dua negara; Indonesia dan Filipina. Kedua negara tersebut memiliki kesamaan, baik dalam hal ciri geografis sebagai negara kepulauan, keragaman masyarakat dan budayanya, sejarah kolonialisme, pemerintahan diktator, kekerasan etnik-agama, serta gerakan keagamaan. Terlepas dari kesamaan tersebut, keduanya memiliki perbedaan, utamanya menyangkut agama dominan (di Filipina didominasi oleh Katolik, sementara di Indonesia oleh Islam) dan struktur masyarakatnya (Filipina ditandai dengan stratifikasi masyarakat berdasarkan klas sosial, sementara di Indonesia ditandai dengan ideologi agama kolonial, paska-kolonial, politik). Terlepas dari kesamaan dan perbedaan antara keduanya, agama -baik Katolik maupun Islam- memainkan peran penting, baik negatif maupun positif, dalam politik global dan budaya publik. Ini menandai kuatnya peran agama di kedua negara itu. Artikel ini menggunakan analisis perbandingan, utamanya terhadap dinamika sejarah hubungan antara agama, masyarakat sipil, dan aktifisme politik.]
A Contrastive Study of the Passive Voice in
Journal Articles in Theoretical and Applied
Linguistics
Authors: Lu Lu
Published: October 2013

The passive voice is an important construction for packaging information. Many textbooks,
style manuals or academic papers, however, offer different or even contradictory advice on the
use of passives. Previous findings show that passives exhibit disciplinary variation, thus special
treatment should be given to different disciplines. However, even within the same discipline,
such as linguistics, there are different types of academic writing, namely theoretical articles
versus empirical ones. To test whether a difference in the use of passives exists between these
two sub-disciplines, the passives in articles sampled from Language and Applied Linguistics
are counted and compared. The results show that applied linguistics articles demonstrate a
significantly higher (Sig. = .000, p < .001) occurrence of passives than theoretical ones.
Occurrence, food habits, and activity patterns of Eurasian otters Lutra lutra in northwestern Greece: implications for research and conservation
Authors: Karamanlidis Alexandros A. , Hornigold Karen , Krambokoukis Lambros , Papakostas Giorgos , Stefanidis Konstantinos , Quaglietta Lorenzo
Published: October 2013

Eurasian otters (
Altered Intrinsic Neuronal Interactions in the Visual Cortex of the Blind
Authors: Hawellek David J. , Schepers Inga M. , Roeder Brigitte , Engel Andreas K. , Siegel Markus , Hipp Joerg F.
Published: October 2013

In congenital blindness, the brain develops under severe sensory deprivation and undergoes remarkable plastic changes in both structure and function. Visually deprived occipital cortical regions are histologically and morphologically altered and exhibit a strikingly remodeled functional state: absolute levels of neural activity are heightened and are modulated by nonvisual sensory stimulation as well as higher cognitive processes. However, the neuronal mechanisms that underlie this altered functional state remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the visual cortex of the congenitally blind exhibits a characteristic gain in frequency-specific intrinsic neuronal interactions. We studied oscillatory activity in 11 congenitally blind humans and matched sighted control subjects with magnetoencephalography at rest. We found increased spontaneous correlations of delta band (1–3 Hz) and gamma band (76–128 Hz) oscillations across the visual cortex of the blind that were functionally coupled. Local delta phase modulated gamma amplitude. Furthermore, classical resting rhythms (8–20 Hz) were reduced in amplitude but showed no altered correlation pattern. Our results suggest that both decreased inhibition and circuit mechanisms that support active processing are intrinsic features underlying the altered functional state of the visual cortex in congenitally blind individuals.
Visuomotor Adaptation Changes Stereoscopic Depth Perception and Tactile Discrimination
Authors: Volcic Robert , Fantoni Carlo , Caudek Corrado , Assad John A. , Domini Fulvio
Published: October 2013

Perceptual judgments of relative depth from binocular disparity are systematically distorted in humans, despite in principle having access to reliable 3D information. Interestingly, these distortions vanish at a natural grasping distance, as if perceived stereo depth is contingent on a specific reference distance for depth-disparity scaling that corresponds to the length of our arm. Here we show that the brain's representation of the arm indeed powerfully modulates depth perception, and that this internal calibration can be quickly updated. We used a classic visuomotor adaptation task in which subjects execute reaching movements with the visual feedback of their reaching finger displaced farther in depth, as if they had a longer arm. After adaptation, 3D perception changed dramatically, and became accurate at the “new” natural grasping distance, the updated disparity scaling reference distance. We further tested whether the rapid adaptive changes were restricted to the visual modality or were characteristic of sensory systems in general. Remarkably, we found an improvement in tactile discrimination consistent with a magnified internal image of the arm. This suggests that the brain integrates sensory signals with information about arm length, and quickly adapts to an artificially updated body structure. These adaptive processes are most likely a relic of the mechanisms needed to optimally correct for changes in size and shape of the body during ontogenesis.
Briefing: Urban-mining of landfills
Authors: Armisheva Galiya , Sliusar Natalia , Korotaev Vladimir
Published: October 2013

The proposed approach for the recirculation of land used as waste disposal sites will increase landfill lifespan, allow for greater access to recyclable materials and save land resources. Previous study of old landfills and dumping sites in the Perm region, Russia has shown that older landfills primarily consist of the remains of the municipal solid waste component and unsorted friable materials possessing low organic carbon content and high mineralisation. This composition allows for the classification of old landfill bodies as a mix of either soil materials or inert fractions. Using a biodegradable municipal solid waste components weight change analysis and assuming that biodegradation processes have completed, the maximum loss of biodegradable components is estimated at 75%. Earlier research revealed a volume loss of 45–61% over a 20-year period.
Dimensional Influence of Interproximal Areas on Existence of Interdental Papillae
Authors: Kolte Abhay P. , Kolte Rajashri A. , Mishra Pratima R.
Published: October 2013

Background: Restoring papillae in the gingival embrasures of the esthetic zone is a key consideration in periodontal, restorative, and orthodontic treatment. This study analyzes the existence of interdental papillae with regard to the vertical dimensions between the contact point and the alveolar crest and horizontal dimensions between adjacent roots.

Methods: A total of 259 papillae, in 60 patients, were examined. All patients were indicated for full‐thickness periodontal flap surgery. A mucoperiosteal flap was raised and, after thorough debridement, horizontal and vertical dimensions between adjacent roots were recorded. The incidence of papillae was analyzed using χ2 for linear trend analysis.

Results: Interdental papillae were present in 85.7% of the cases when the vertical dimensions were 4 mm (P <0.05). Also, papillae were present in 78.5% of cases when the horizontal dimensions were between 0.5 and 1 mm (P <0.05).

Conclusion: The vertical and horizontal dimensions of interproximal areas had a substantial, independent, and combined effect on the existence of interproximal papillae.
A 60-year experience in the treatment of pancreatic insulinoma in the Military Medical Academy, Belgrade
Authors: Tavcar Ivan , Kikovic Sasa , Bezmarevic Mihailo , Rusovic Sinisa , Perisic Nenad , Mirkovic Darko , Kuzmic-Jankovic Snezana , Dragovic Tamara , Karajovic Jelena , Hajdukovic Zoran
Published: October 2013

Background/Aim. Insulinomas are rare benign tumors in the most cases and the
most frequent endocrine tumors of the pancreas. A wide spectrum of clinical
manifestations in patients with insulinoma is the reason for difficult
recognition of the disease with a long period of time between the onset of
symptoms and the diagnosis. Diagnostic procedures include Whipple?s triad,
72-hour fast test and topographic assessment. The only currative therapy for
patients with insulinoma is operative treatment. Methods. This retrospective
study included 42 patients with diagnosis of insulinoma treated in our
institution in a 60-year period. In all the patients a demographic and
clinical data, types of biochemical methods for diagnosis, and diagnostic
procedures for insulinoma localization were analyzed. Tumor size and
localization, surgical procedures, postoperative complications and outcome
were assessed. Results. A study included 42 patients, 29 women and 13 men.
The median age at diagnosis was 43 years. Median time between the onset of
symptoms and diagnosis was 3 years. The most common clinical symptoms and
signs were disturbance of consciousness and abnormal behavior in 73%,
confusion and convulsions in 61% of patients. The diagnosis of insulinoma was
estimated by Whipple's triad and 72-hour fast test in 14 patients.
Determination of insulinoma localization was assessed by angiography in 16
(36%) of the patients, by ultrasound (US) in 3 of 16 (18.8%) patients, by
abdominal computed tomography (CT) in 8 of 18 (44.5%) patients, and magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) in 2 of 8 (25%) patients. Insulinoma was found in 13
of 13 (100%) patients by arterial stimulation with venous sampling (ASVS) and
in 13 of 14 (93%) patients by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Of the 42
patients, 38 (90.5%) underwent operative procedure. Minimal resection was
performed in 28 (73.6%) of the patients [tumor enucleation in 27 (71%) and
central pancreatectomy in one (2.6%) of the patients], and the major
resection was performed in 9 (23.6%) of the operated patients [distal
splenopancreatectomy in 8 (21%) and pancreaticoduodenectomy in one (2.6%)
patient]. The overall mortality rate in postoperative period was 2.6% (one
patient). Conclusion. A combination of ASVS and EUS as diagnostic procedures
ensures high accuracy for preoperative determination of insulinoma
localization. Minimal resection such as enucleation shoud be performed
whenever it is possible.
SH2B1 in β-Cells Regulates Glucose Metabolism by Promoting β-Cell Survival and Islet Expansion
Authors: Chen Zheng , Morris David L. , Jiang Lin , Liu Yong , Rui Liangyou
Published: October 2013

IGF-1 and insulin promote β-cell expansion by inhibiting β-cell death and stimulating β-cell proliferation, and the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/Akt pathway mediates insulin and IGF-1 action. Impaired β-cell expansion is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Here, we identified SH2B1, which is highly expressed in β-cells, as a novel regulator of β-cell expansion. Silencing of SH2B1 in INS-1 832/13 β-cells attenuated insulin- and IGF-1–stimulated activation of the PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway and increased streptozotocin (STZ)-induced apoptosis; conversely, overexpression of SH2B1 had the opposite effects. Activation of the PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway in β-cells was impaired in pancreas-specific SH2B1 knockout (PKO) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). HFD-fed PKO mice also had increased β-cell apoptosis, decreased β-cell proliferation, decreased β-cell mass, decreased pancreatic insulin content, impaired insulin secretion, and exacerbated glucose intolerance. Furthermore, PKO mice were more susceptible to STZ-induced β-cell destruction, insulin deficiency, and hyperglycemia. These data indicate that SH2B1 in β-cells is an important prosurvival and proproliferative protein and promotes compensatory β-cell expansion in the insulin-resistant state and in response to β-cell stress.
Correlation of sports activity with stress and satisfaction with life among adult Slovenians
Authors: Planinšek Sandra , Škof Branko , Leskošek Bojan , Tomori Martina Žmuc , Pori Maja
Published: October 2013

Izvleček

Izhodišča: Namen raziskave je bil ugotoviti povezanost med športno dejavnostjo (ŠD) in doživljanjem stresa ter vrednotenjem zadovoljstva z življenjem odraslih Slovencev.

Metode: Podatki so bili pridobljeni s pomočjo anketnega vprašalnika na reprezentativnem vzorcu 856 odraslih Slovencev in Slovenk (povprečne starosti 39 ± 13,7 leta). ŠD je bila opredeljena s številom dni ukvarjanja s katero koli športno dejavnostjo tedensko. Stres je bil opredeljen s pogostostjo doživljanja devetih znakov stresa na štiristopenjski lestvici. Pri oceni zadovoljstva z življenjem so udeleženci raziskave izrazili strinjanje oziroma nestrinjanje s petimi postavkami na petstopenjski lestvici. Vrednosti prve glavne komponente stresa in lestvice zadovoljstva z življenjem je bila določena z Anderson-Rubinovo metodo. Povezanost spremenljivk je bila ocenjena s Spearmanovim koeficientom korelacije in s splošnimi linearnimi modeli.

Rezultati: ŠD je bila statistično značilno povezana s stresom (p = ,03) in z zadovoljstvom z življenjem (p < ,01). V linearnih modelih imajo izbrani dejavniki (ŠD, starost, spol in izobrazba) skupaj statistično značilen vpliv (pri stresu: R2 = ,040; p < ,001; pri zadovoljstvu: R2 = ,068; p < ,001); ŠD ima statistično značilen vpliv le na oceno zadovoljstva z življenjem (η2part.= ,020; p = ,002). Na stres statistično značilno vplivajo vsi preostali dejavniki, na zadovoljstvo z življenjem pa le izobrazba.

Zaključki: Na podlagi dobljenih rezultatov lahko sklepamo, da so športno dejavnejši odrasli Slovenci manj pod stresom in bolj zadovoljni s svojim življenjem, vendar je ta vpliv ob upoštevanju vpliva starosti, spola in izobrazbe razmeroma majhen.
The role of sports clubs in sports activity of students
Authors: Golja Petra , Robič Tatjana
Published: October 2013

Objective: Exercise is a recognised means for improving quality of life. In general, students perform less sports activity than previous generations. In contrast, however, children’s participation in competitive sports has increased. The present study therefore aimed to assess how many students participate in sports clubs, how active in sports student (non)members are, and what actual effect sports clubs have on enabling sufficient sports activity.

Methods: Students (N=213) in the first year of university studies (19-20 years) were recruited for a study approved by the Slovenian Ethics Committee. They answered a questionnaire on their sports club membership and on their sports activity during organised sports training and/or in their free time. Results were statistically analysed and compared to our previous results obtained from primary and secondary school children (1).

Results: Only 16% of students participate in sports clubs, which is less (p<0.001) than in primary and secondary school children. The average (SD) sports activity of student sports-club members is 11.7 (6.8) h/week, with students non-members being significantly (p<0.001) less active with 4.6 (3.0) h/week. Participation in sports clubs is lower (p<0.001) in female (15%) than in male (21%) students, which is similar to children.

Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrate that sports clubs in Slovenia are important for promoting sufficient sports activity. Namely, most of the student members participate in sports activity more than the recommended 1 h/day and are more than two times more active than their peers. Females, however, participate less often in sports clubs, which calls for further attention.
Adherence factors to paperless primary healthcare: a focus group study
Authors: Iljaz Rade , Meglič Matic , Petek Davorina , Kolšek Marko , Susič Tonka Poplas
Published: October 2013

Background: Information and communication technology (ICT) and paperless practices have been shown to improve “existing processes in the workplace” “as well as being an important component of modern primary healthcare”. The aim of our study was to analyse the attitudes of health-care professionals and patients with regard to paperless practice and the most frequently used information and communication technology tools in Slovenian primary healthcare.

Methods and participants: Qualitative methodology using focus groups of 22 primary care physicians, 14 nurses and 18 patients.

Results: The areas recognised by all participants as important for further information and communication technology development were: computer-supported decision making, accessibility and completeness of personal e-health data, emergency cases, support for chronic disease management, ICT related time savings, e-prescriptions and e-discharge letters. The most important identified barriers impeding the use of ICT were: the heavy workload of primary care physicians and nurses, health insurance reimbursement rules and duplication of work using both paper and electronic health records.

Conclusions: This study highlighted a number of strengths of ICT use in primary care as well as numerous areas where changes in procedures and improvement of ICT tools to support them are needed.
Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease in Neonate in a Tertiary Level Hospital
Authors: Islam Md. Nazrul , Hossain MA , Khaleque MA , Das MK , Khan MRH , Bari MS , Bhuiyan MKJ
Published: October 2013

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) has already been recognized as one of the important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The reported prevalence of CHD in live newborns tends to vary a lot due to various unrecognizable lesions at birth and lack of technical expertise. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Neonatology at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Bangladesh from January to December 2010 to find prevalence of CHD in neonates. Results: Out of 6560 admitted neonates, 51 were found to have CHD. The prevalence was 7.8/1000 live births. Mean age was 10.2±9.8 days and weight was 2380.5±590.5gms. Respiratory distress was the commonest symptom (71%) followed by cyanosis (26%) and reluctant to feed (24%). Among the CHD Ventricular septal defect (VSD) was the commonest 15/51 and then Atrial septal defect (ASD) 12/51, Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) 5/51, Transposition of great arteries ( TGA) 4/51, Complex heart disease 4/51 and Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) 3/51 cases. Some associated non-cardiac anomalies like Down’s syndrome, polydactyly, syndactyly, cleft lip, cleft palate and cataract were found. Risk factors associated with CHD were diabetes mellitus (10%), hypertension (8%) and maternal infection (4%). Among the drugs, anti-pyretic by 20%, anti-emetic by 18%, anti-epileptic by 4%, vitamin-A and hormone each by 2% of mothers respectively. Conclusion: VSD and ASD were the commonest CHD in this study. Thorough clinical examination and proper investigations immediately after admission is essential, which may help us for proper counseling and early intervention. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 91-95 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8942
Staphylococcus aureus: Prevalence among normal healthy individuals
Authors: Finney D , Ranganathan R , Khan AKS , Shanmugam J
Published: October 2013

Background: To determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus among normal healthy individuals in relation to age, gender and site of isolation. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among healthy students and staff volunteers between the age group 15-65 years from Gulf Medical University (GMU) and Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (GMCH&RC), Ajman. Aseptically collected nasal and throat swabs were processed for direct Gram stain Microscopy and cultured on appropriate media. Based on the growth on Mannitol Salt Agar and tube coagulase test Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) were grouped. Results: Of the 127 voulnteers screened 67 were from GMU and 60 from GMCH&RC. From 49/127 (38.5%) volunteers 124 Staphylococci isolates were isolated. Of which 62 (50%) were Staphylococcus aureus and 62 (50%) were CoNS. Among the 62 Staphylococcus aureus 35 (56.45%) were from nasal swab and 27 (43.54%) were from throat swab. Of the 62 CoNS 44 (70.96%) were from nasal swab, 4 (6%) from throat swab and 14 (22.58%) were from both nasal and throat swabs. Conclusion: The study revealed the asymptomatic inhabitation of Staphyloccus aureus in the nose and throat of healthy individuals. This should be seriously looked into since this in future may lead to carrier status. This alarms the hospital infection control committee to screen students and staff on regular basis to minimize the carrier status to protect the community. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 160-164 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8968
Acquired diaphragmatic hernia in an adult male: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Sachdeva R , Sachdeva S , Solanki S
Published: October 2013

A rare case of acquired diaphragmatic hernia in a middle aged adult male farmer following occupation related weight lifting is described which was missed at initial presentation. High index of suspicious in conjunct with related investigation can clinch early diagnosis. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 194-196 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8977
Project Quality Assurance Organization Selection for Highway Design and Construction Projects
Authors: Kraft Elizabeth , Molenaar Keith R.
Published: October 2013

The assignment of project quality roles and responsibilities in the highway industry makes up a project quality assurance organization (QAO). Historically, all project quality roles and responsibilities have been assigned to the state highway agency (SHA), an accepted and well-understood practice in the industry. However, increasing use of alternative project delivery methods and reductions in SHA staffing are having an impact on traditional QAO practices. In response, SHAs are increasingly selecting QAOs in an informal manner because of time constraints, limited staff knowledge and experience, and a lack of guidance from the research community. Most highway quality research focuses on inspections, observations, corporate quality, warranties, and materials testing, with a resulting gap in the research about shifts in roles and responsibilities in project QAOs. This research attempts to bridge this gap by investigating and identifying fundamental QAOs in the industry, identifying factors that influence the selection of QAOs, exploring relationships between QAOs and selection factors, and presenting a systematic process to assist SHAs in selecting QAOs. The process presented in this paper provides a consistent, efficient, justifiable, and defensible approach for selecting project QAOs. The QAO selection process also provides SHAs with opportunities for identifying, discussing, and understanding potential impacts of different QAOs on different projects.
Influence of Thermal Segregation on Asphalt Pavement Compaction
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Grenfell J. R. A. , Arulanandam S. J. , Ianakiev Anton
Published: October 2013

Aggregate and thermal segregation during asphalt compaction can cause premature failures in asphalt pavements. Although aggregate segregation can be identified by visual observation, thermal segregation is impossible to locate in this manner. A thermal imaging technique was used to evaluate thermal segregation. Continuous profiles of mat temperature were recorded during field compaction to identify possible locations of cold spots and rate of temperature loss. The temperature difference was found to be approximately 14°C immediately after laying the material, with scattered cold spots and faster heat loss at the lane interface and edges. Laboratory investigations on roller-compacted asphalt slabs showed that this difference resulted in 5% to 7% higher voids at the edge compared with the center, indicating inferior compaction. The effect of layer interface was also evaluated, and it was found that air void contents were 6% to 10% higher at the interface. The compaction level in these places was improved when slabs were produced in heated molds (simulating a heated adjoining layer): this result indicated that better compaction could be achieved if temperatures at the interface were elevated while laying the material. Three-dimensional finite element modeling was conducted for transient thermal analysis to evaluate heat loss at the interface when a hot mixture (150°C) was laid on a cold layer (5°C) and on a layer at ambient temperature (22°C). The temperature at the contact path between new and existing layers showed that the inner part of the adjoining layer had considerably lower temperature compared with the upper part, with resulting nonuniform compaction between the top and bottom of the layer.
Innovative Approach for Asphalt Pavement Compaction Monitoring with Ground-Penetrating Radar
Authors: Shangguan Pengcheng , Al-Qadi Imad L. , Leng Zhen , Schmitt Robert L. , Faheem Ahmed
Published: October 2013

This paper demonstrates that ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an effective tool for quality assurance and quality control during flexible pavement compaction and after construction. Density is one of the most important properties of asphalt concrete layers in flexible pavement. It is critical to monitor the change in asphalt concrete density during compaction; GPR can be used to measure asphalt mixture density nondestructively and rapidly. However, it is challenging to apply the GPR method during compaction because of the unknown effect of roller-sprayed water on the GPR signal. This paper presents the results of a study on the effect of surface water on the GPR signal when a 2-GHz antenna is used. It was found that the higher-frequency components of the ultrawide band signal were affected by water; however, the lower-frequency components were not significantly influenced. The process consisted of a band-pass filter with a passing band from 200 to 800 MHz and extracting the surface reflection amplitude after filtering. The extracted feature was found to be insensitive to the presence of surface water. Therefore, this technology could be used effectively during the compaction process. Field data collected from two construction projects were used for validating this approach. The proposed approach was found to be feasible for monitoring compaction status. Pavement thickness and density profiles were also obtained by GPR after construction. The density values obtained by GPR were similar to those obtained by nuclear density gauge.
Quantifying Key Errors in Household Travel Surveys
Authors: Son Sanghoon , Khattak Asad , Wang Xin , Agnello Paul , Chen Ju-Yin
Published: October 2013

Identifying and minimizing potential errors in household travel surveys can facilitate collecting more representative and accurate data. Through a comparison of two recent travel surveys with census data, this paper presents how sampling, noncoverage, nonresponse, and measurement errors work their way into surveys. The 2009 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) Add-On in Virginia was implemented with a comprehensive survey instrument and random-digit-dial (RDD) sampling. The 2008 National Capital Region Household Travel Survey collected behavioral data with a concise instrument, while adopting address-based sampling (ADD). Focusing on a common area of Northern Virginia, this study examined differences in sociodemographics and travel behavior of the extracted samples (N = 597 and N = 3,581, respectively). Results show that the ADD survey collected data on more single-person households, younger individuals, and Hispanics and Mexicans, which are generally identified as hard-to-reach groups. A comparison of the two samples with the census data shows that the ADD sample was more representative of the population and area, partly because of the inclusion of mobile phone-only households (28%), which were not fully covered in RDD. To quantify a measurement error, this study estimated rigorous statistical models in regard to reported trip frequency. Results show that the NHTS captured 10% more trips, partly as a result of diary instructions and the presence of walking and biking questions in the instrument. Details of other errors and implications for reducing key survey errors are discussed.
On New Measures for Detection of Data Quality Risks in Mobility Panel Surveys
Authors: Wirtz Matthias , Streit Tatjana , Chlond Bastian , Vortisch Peter
Published: October 2013

Multiday and multiperiod panel surveys are state-of-the-art methods to assess changes in individual travel behavior. Though important for transport planners, these surveys are rather time-consuming for participants and therefore might lead to erroneous and biased mobility data. Variability in the data quality significantly affects statistical analyses of mobility figures as well as common microscopic travel demand models that use the mobility data as the basis for generating activity plans. Supplementary to the well-known approach of weighting biases in key figures of mobility, this paper focuses on methods for detecting data quality differences between individual travel diaries. These quality measures address aspects of motivation loss at different stages of the survey. A classification approach based on these new quality measures helps to detect erroneous data and possible dropouts. The results might help reduce dropouts in general by addressing the potential dropouts individually in advance and boosting their motivation. Quality measures are tested with recent data from the German Mobility Panel. For participants older than 60 years of age, the quality measures show good classification results in regard to accuracy, but for participants younger than 35 years of age the quality measures are not effectual in identifying dropouts. Such an individual approach combined with the partial inspection and correction of travel diaries may be useful for microscopic travel demand modeling based on external activity chains.
Future Mobility Survey
Authors: Cottrill Caitlin D. , Pereira Francisco Câmara , Zhao Fang , Dias Inês Ferreira , Lim Hock Beng , Ben-Akiva Moshe E. , Zegras P. Christopher
Published: October 2013

The Future Mobility Survey (FMS) is a smartphone-based prompted-recall travel survey that aims to support data collection initiatives for transport-modeling purposes. This paper details the considerations that have gone into the survey's development, including the smartphone apps for iPhone and Android platforms, the online activity diary and user interface, and the background intelligence for processing collected data into activity locations and travel traces. The various trade-offs concerning user comprehension, resource use, and participant burden, including findings from usability tests and a pilot study, are discussed. Close attention should be paid to the simplicity of the user interaction, determinations of activity locations (such as the false positive and false negative trade-off in their automatic classification), and the clarity of interactions in the activity diary. The FMS system design and implementation provide pragmatic, useful insights into the development of similar platforms and approaches for travel and activity surveys.
MicroRNA in Human Glioma
Authors: Li Mengfeng , Li Jun , Liu Lei , Li Wei , Yang Yi , Yuan Jie
Published: October 2013

Glioma represents a serious health problem worldwide. Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeting therapy, the disease remains one of the most lethal malignancies in humans, and new approaches to improvement of the efficacy of anti-glioma treatments are urgently needed. Thus, new therapeutic targets and tools should be developed based on a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of glioma. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, non-coding RNAs, play a pivotal role in the development of the malignant phenotype of glioma cells, including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, tumor angiogenesis, and stem cell generation. This review will discuss the biological functions of miRNAs in human glioma and their implications in improving clinical diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, and anti-glioma therapy.
Patterns of Insect Abundance and Distribution in Urban Domestic Gardens in Bangalore, India
Authors: Jaganmohan Madhumitha , Vailshery Lionel , Nagendra Harini
Published: October 2013

Domestic gardens may play a vital role in supporting urban insect biodiversity, despite their small size. This paper assesses the abundance, diversity and distribution of insects in urban domestic gardens in the tropics, through a study in the rapidly expanding Indian city of Bangalore. Fifty domestic gardens were studied using a combination of light traps and pitfall traps. We recorded a large number of insects, 2,185 insects from 10 orders, of which ants, bugs, beetles and flies were the most common. We found 25 species of trees (from 160 individuals) and 117 species of herbs and shrubs in the 50 sampled domestic gardens. The number of insect orders encountered was significantly related to the number of tree and herb/shrub species. Garden management practices also influenced the abundance and richness of insect orders. Thus, greater numbers of insects were observed in gardens with a greater proportion of bare soil relative to grass area and with less intensive weeding practices. More insect orders were encountered in gardens with a composting pit. Insect numbers were significantly reduced in gardens subjected to pesticide application. Most residents avoided application of pesticides and herbicides, citing health concerns.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Updates and Therapeutic Outlook in Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Pers Yves-Marie , Jorgensen Christian
Published: October 2013

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells exhibiting functional properties that have opened the way for cell-based clinical therapies. MSCs have been reported to exhibit immunosuppressive as well as healing properties, improving angiogenesis and preventing apoptosis or fibrosis through the secretion of paracrine mediators. This review summarizes recent progress on the clinical application of stem cells therapy in some inflammatory and degenerative rheumatic diseases. To date, most of the available data have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical efficacy needs to be evaluated through controlled randomized double-blind trials.