bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Efficient E-Recruitment System for University Staff in Nigeria
Authors: D. G. Amusan , M. O. Oyediran
Published: March 2017

The development of e-recruitment system is web-based tool used in order to reduce communication gap between job seekers and employers. E-recruitment, also known as online recruitment, is the practice of using technology and in particular Web-based resources for tasks involved with finding, attracting, assessing, interviewing and hiring new personnel. Most of the existing mode of recruitment (manual recruitment) takes much time in processing the application form, existing system will not automatically send feedback to all applicant whose meet up with the job requirement but with the help of the developed system there is reduction in time to process the application form and there is automatic feedback from the employer to the job seeker that meet up with requirement. The objective of this work is to developed an efficient e-recruitment system capable of managing all stages of the e- recruitment process, including multi-job posting, agency channel management and candidate filtering to identify the most relevant candidates.

The development e-recruitment system employs 3-tier web architecture. The system consisted of design activities that produce system specifications satisfying the functional requirements that were developed in the system analysis process. A Unified Modeling Language (UML) was used to build a formal model of the university recruitment system. The Web-based University Recruitment System (WBURS) was designed to be user friendly and it is easy to navigate. A Macromedia dream wave was used in coding and developing website; SWISHmax was also used for creating graphics and animation in developing the website. Structured Query Language (SQL) was employed in creation of the database for the website and adoption of PHP (Hypertext Processor) was adopted to connect the website to a database.

The performance of the developed system was evaluated by consulting three university staff and relevant information was collated through personal interviews and questionnaires was administered to the staff of those university, Human Resource Departments and other relevant professionals of these university.
Image Stitching Algorithms - A Review
Authors: Suman Srishty , Rastogi Utkarsh , Tiwari Rajat
Published: March 2017

Image stitching is the process of combining two or more images of the same scene as a single larger image. Image stitching is needed in many applications like video stabilization, video summarization, video compression, panorama creation. The effectiveness of image stitching depends on the overlap removal, matching of the intensity of images, the techniques used for blending the image. In this paper, the various techniques devised earlier for the image stitching and their applications in the relative places has been reviewed.
2D Groundwater Depth for Analysis of The Zone Unconfined Aquifer
Authors: Juandi M , Sarkowi Muh
Published: March 2017

Abstract—Changes in land use have occurred quite significant in the city of Pekanbaru. The increasing of building spaces, the decreasing of plantations and forests are continues to grow with the increasing of population and industries. This means, it can cause impact on   groundwater resources. This condition shall continue in effect, along with the population and industrial growth. This means, it can cause impact on   groundwater resources of Pekanbaru City, thus the analysis of groundwater zone of Pekanbaru city is needed. The data used in this research is related with the biophysical and social economic. Data analysis method was using numeric simulation programming using finite difference method. The results showed that in 2016, its depth ranges between 16-46 m, this indicates that the unconfined aquifer was in trapped position but not included to the confined aquifer system. In 2017, it was predicted that the depth is about 6-38 m, and in 2018 the depth of unconfined aquifer will go deeper to 31,4-34 m. This is influenced by the changes of population and industrial and the automation of extraction of groundwater by those population and industrial is getting bigger. While in 2019 and 2020, the depth of the unconfined aquifer will be between 41,8-44,4 m and 44-46,8 m. It was predicted that the growth of population and industries will grow rapidly in the future. This rapid growth will cause the damage of the aquifer.   Keywords—Zone, groundwater, numerical method.
A Model-Based Simulator for Content Delivery Network using SimEvents MATLAB-Simulink
Authors: Harahap Erwin , Sukarsih Icih , Gunawan Gani , Yusuf Fajar M , Darmawan Deni
Published: March 2017

Abstract—Simulation methodology has become popular among network researchers due to the availability of various sophisticated and the flexibility of simulation packages in model construction and the result’s validation. The objective of our research is to introduce a discrete simulator tools known as SimEvents toolbox that runs on MATLAB-Simulink with the advantages of graphical user interface (GUI) system and a total customized simulator design. In this paper, we design a model-based network simulator named as “CDNlink”. CDNlink is designed based on a queuing model and functioned to study the content delivery networks (CDN). As a result, we have designed the simulator for Client, Router, DNS, and Server. Moreover, we simulate the CDN system for packet round trip time (RTT) and server’s queue length.Keywords—simulink, content delivery network, model-based simulation, simevents, cdnlink.
Implementation of User Anthropometry Bale “Sakenem” Buildings based on Height Bataran and Height Bale-bale in Singapadu Tengah Village, Gianyar
Authors: Parwata I Wayan , Agung Gede Oka Wisnumurti Anak , Wayan Meidayanti Mustika Ni
Published: March 2017

Abstract—Bale Sakenem Building is one of the buildings that were in the order of Traditional Bali House. This study identified Bale Sakenem building located in the Central Singapadu Village and that is observational research by using cross sectional design. This research was done by means of retrospective observational that is considered the factor that can affect Bale Sakenem Building Anthropometry. From the data analyze of research identification, 30% height bataran not in accordance with the average size of an ideal height bataran and 20% height bale-bale also not in accordance with the average of the ideal height bale-bale in Bale Sakenem building in the Central Singapadu Gianyar have not yet undertaken anthropometry users and more dominant to follow measurements that based on the size of Undagi, as a consequence there was uncomfortableness. Height bataran and height bale-bale is based on the tolerance of anthropometry using the 95 percentile and 5 percentile for tolerance limitKeywords—Anthropometry, Balinese Architecture, Culture, Percentile, User Comfort.
Case Study: Maintenance Proposal of Press Parts Production for Minimize Waste by Lean Manufacturing – Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
Authors: Agustina Sari Dessy , Sukanta Sukanta
Published: March 2017

Abstract—Higher competition in businesslike field demanded each company acted as a value creator with progressive fixing performance. One of effort in increasing productivity was reducing waste. Enterprise T have seven type of extravagance were over production, transportation, inventory, over processing, motion waiting and defect. Minimize waste have bond with production time which could increase efficiency on using electricity and decreased lead time. Production process in this company showed non-value added time such as excessively material transportation in picking area and so the workers too much waited for the next schedule activity. This condition caused higher product lead time. Lean manufacturing idea necessary was implemented with using tool Value Stream Mapping – VSM. This strategy would resumed for the company maintenance and the result showed that lacking as much 26,45% of lead time could be a problem solution. Reducing lead time could be higher if the company have applied and played continue improvement.Keywords—lead time, lean manufacturing, value stream mapping.
At-a-glance - Emergency department surveillance of thermal burns and scalds, electronic Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program, 2013
Authors: Crain Jennifer , McFaull Steven , Rao Deepa , Do Minh , Thompson Wendy
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Although fatality and hospitalization rates for burns in Canada have declined over time, less serious cases still commonly present to the emergency department (ED).

Methods

The Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) is an injury and poisoning surveillance system administered by the Public Health Agency of Canada, operating in emergency departments of 17 hospitals.

Results

Overall, cases reported in 2013 were scalds and contact burns from hot objects. The leading direct causes of scalds were hot beverages and hot water. The leading causes of contact burns were stoves/ovens and fireplaces/accessories. While the overall proportion of burns was highest among females, males comprised a higher proportion of burns from all mechanisms except scalds.
Research degrees in journalism: What is an exegesis?
Authors: Nash Chris
Published: March 2017

This article addresses the question of what might constitute an exegesis for a higher degree by research in journalism, and briefly canvasses issues for journalism as a disciplinary research practice. It starts by considering the craft/profession/discipline dichotomies to clarify the sort of journalism that might qualify as research, typically but not necessarily long form and/or investigative. It identifies the three core elements of the exegesis as a literature review, an exposition of the methodology and an evaluation of the success of the journalism component of the project in answering the research question. It notes that all journalism, like history and other humanities disciplines, is necessarily interdisciplinary, and therefore the journalistic methodology should interface with that of the cognate discipline. It argues that the singularity and value of journalism as a research practice lie in its combination of a reflexive empirical focus, a focus on contemporary phenomena and an intense engagement with the politics of knowledge. It suggests that meta-theoretical debates about reflexivity, space, time and fields are strongly applicable to methodological debates in journalism.
Communicating climate change in the Pacific using a bottom-up approach
Authors: Harris Usha Sundar
Published: March 2017

While scientific evidence in support of climate change is growing, awareness and education about its effects, especially among vulnerable communities, is lacking, due to language and cultural barriers. Communities are unlikely to respond to government policies promoting mitigation and adaptation strategies without an improved perception of climate change risk at a local level. Mapping the flow of information between decision makers and citizens is an important part of this process. This article broadly explores the communication channels that are being used for awareness and knowledge sharing in the Pacific. At its core, the article discusses a way in which participatory media has been piloted to enable community discussion about issues around climate change in the Pacific Islands. The ‘bottom-up’ approach encourages participation of marginalised groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities who bring diverse perspectives in content creation. This discursive space enables citizens to share knowledge and acquire better understanding of the impacts on livelihood and culture. However, a strong community network and consistent mentoring support are prerequisites for participatory media to have long term benefits.
Frontline Interview: Whistleblowers inside the Australian building racket
Authors: Bull Lawrence
Published: March 2017

Multiple Walkley Award winners Nick McKenzie and Richard Baker from Fairfax’s Melbourne newspaper, The Age, have rocked venerable Australian institutions to their foundations with their investigative reporting. Previous investigations have exposed drug smuggling within Australian Customs, bribery on behalf of the Reserve Bank and organised criminals’ manipulation of horse racing. The duo started this year with an investigation deemed worthy of a Royal Commission. Their reports across the Fairfax network and on the ABC’s 7.30 programme featured interviews with whistleblowers risking their lives to go on the record to publicise the relationship between Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and organised crime. The stories also exposed registered businesses owned by major organised crime figures winning lucrative construction contracts from the Victorian state government, and dealings within the New South Wales government’s Barangaroo development. Freelance reporter and University of Technology, Sydney, Journalism Masters student Lawrence Bull spoke with Nick McKenzie and Richard Baker about their latest project in two careers full of influential investigations, ‘Inside the Building Racket’.Frontline editor: Professor Wendy Bacon
Review: Capitalism's obsessions lead society awry
Authors: Hoar Peter
Published: March 2017

Review of: Beyond Consumer Capitalism: Media and the Limits to Imagination, by Justin Lewis. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2013. 232 pp. ISBN 978-0-7456-5024-1When critics take aim at a society gone awry through an obsession with consumption, wealth and individualism, their arguments are usually about political interests and structural forces. Justin Lewis’s book is a breath of fresh air, not only because it’s beautifully written and argued, but because he asks us to think about these pressing problems on an imaginative level. Imagine, he asks, if advertisements were banned? Or imagine if advertising creatives were told to produce any story rather than one aimed at selling?
Review: Useful but flawed survey of media role in bleak political landscape
Authors: Cass Philip
Published: March 2017

Review of: Politics and the Media, edited by Babak Bahador, Geoff Kemp, Kate McMillan and Chris Rudd. Auckland: Pearson, 2013. ISBN 978144255826A generaton after the capitalist roaders took over the New Zealand Labour Party, the country’s political landscape is bleak. As described in this new book, it is one in which no political party is interested in any ideology except staying in power, no party will do anything that might offend a focus group, PR hacks control policy, political party membership has all but disappeared, the public is almost totally disengaged and most of the media has neither the time, the skill nor the inclination to cover politics.
Pacific Journalism Review: Twenty years on the front line of regional identity and freedom
Authors: Duffield Lee
Published: March 2017

Pacific Journalism Review has consistently, at a good standard, honoured its 1994 founding goal: to be a credible peer-reviewed journal in the Asia-Pacific region, probing developments in journalism and media, and supporting journalism education. Global, it considers new media and social movements; ‘regional’, it promotes vernacular media, human freedoms and sustainable development. Asking how it developed, the method for this article was to research the archive, noting authors, subject matter, themes. The article concludes that one answer is the journal’s collegiate approach; hundreds of academics, journalists and others, have been invited to contribute. Second has been the dedication of its one principal editor, Professor David Robie, always somehow providing resources—at Port Moresby, Suva, and now Auckland—with a consistent editorial stance. Eclectic, not partisan, it has nevertheless been vigilant over rights, such as monitoring the Fiji coups d’etat. Watching through a media lens, it follows a ‘Pacific way’, handling hard information through understanding and consensus. It has 237 subscriptions indexed to seven databases. Open source, it receives more than 1000 site visits weekly. With ‘clientele’ mostly in Australia, New Zealand and ‘Oceania’, it extends much further afield. From 1994 to 2014, 701 articles and reviews were published, now more than 24 scholarly articles each year.
‘Stifled aspirations’: The 2014 General Election under restrictive laws
Authors: Bhim Mosmi
Published: March 2017

On 17 September 2014, eight years after the 5 December 2006 coup, Fiji held a General Election under repressive laws curtailing freedom of expression and the media, government accountability and the judiciary. A notable number of 248 candidates aspired for the 50 parliamentary seats under the 2013 Constitution and an Electoral Decree released a few months prior to elections. In an atmosphere of lavish campaign advertisements on billboards, public transport vehicles and the print and television news media by the post-coup Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s political party FijiFirst, recently activated political parties struggled to have their voices heard. Two daily media companies—the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and the Fiji Sun—displayed bias towards the FijiFirst party by providing them with excessive and preferential coverage and portraying other parties in a negative light; other media organisations attempted to give fairer coverage. The debate heated up amid crackdowns by police on ‘trouble-makers’ vandalising FijiFirst posters. The country headed for the polls as celebrations marked the release of 45 Fijian soldiers held hostage by Al-Nusra in the Golan Heights. Amid complaints by five political parties, the election was declared ‘free and fair’ by the Electoral Commission. This article, through analysis of media materials, campaigning, polling and results calculations, contends that the elections only satisfied part of the international criteria for ‘free and fair elections’.
The evolution of media laws in Fiji and impacts on journalism and society
Authors: Singh Shailendra
Published: March 2017

This article examines the cultural, political, ethnic and economic forces that have shaped the evolution of media legislation in Fiji and the evident impacts on journalism and society. The article argues that despite Fiji’s British colonial heritage and its smooth transition to democracy after Independence in 1970, the spectre of stricter legislation has been a constant threat. This threat finally materialised in the post-2006 coup period, when media-related laws underwent a major overhaul, including the promulgation of the punitive Media Industry Development Decree 2010, which was later ‘preserved’ under the 2013 Constitution despite being labelled ‘undemocratic’. The 2006 coup leader Voreqe Bainimarama, who was decisively voted back into power as Prime Minister in the 2014 General Election, justified the media reforms in the name of social stability and progress. This research uses document review to examine the genesis, nature and efficacy of Fiji’s media-related laws, from the colonial to postcolonial periods, and beyond.
Launching Loading Docs: A reflection on the first year of a documentary innovation experiment from a producer/researcher perspective
Authors: Jackson Anna, G.
Published: March 2017

Loading Docs is a New Zealand documentary initiative that supports the development, production and distribution of three-minute documentary films. Loading Docs is also a development and innovation initiative, building the capabilities of local filmmakers to fund, promote and distribute their work and increase their presence online. More broadly, Loading Docs aims to create a supportive community of filmmakers, increase opportunities for feature documentary development, and cultivate audience awareness of and appetite for New Zealand documentaries. This paper presents an account of the development of Loading Docs from the author’s perspective as co-founder, co-executive producer and practice-led researcher. Reflecting on the experience of acting as both researcher and producer in the capacity of an experimental initiative, this article argues that research/practice partnerships create beneficial opportunities for knowledge-transfer and innovation.
Review: Why the Pacific status quo is no longer an option
Authors: Hezel Francis X
Published: March 2017

Hezel, Father Francis X. (2015). Why the Pacific status quo is no longer an option. Pacific Journalism Review, 21(2): 195-196. Review of Idyllic No More: Pacific Island Climate, Corruption and Development Dilemmas, by Giff Johnson. Majuro, Marshall Islands: CreateSpace. 2015. 153 pp. ISBN 978-1-512235-58-6Giff Johnson’s latest work, Idyllic No More: Pacific Islands Climate, Corruption and Development Dilemmas, is a call to serious planning and more. The Marshall Islands Journal editor summons leaders to recognise that life has changed in the country and the status quo is the road to disaster. There was a time when this might not have been true—when people who wanted to kick back and live a simple island life could quietly opt out of school and retire to the family land to provide for themselves as their ancestors had done for generations in an island society that offered the resources, physical and social, to support its population.
‘Journalism of hope’ realities in post-election Fiji
Authors: Morris Ricardo
Published: March 2017

Commentary: In the lead up to Fiji General Election in September 2014, there was an air of positivity among media workers that despite the difficulties since the military takeover in December 2006—including the imposition of the Media Industry Development Decree in 2010—their operating environment would possibly be easing. The Fiji Sun, which had chosen in 2009 after the abolition of the 1997 Constitution to change its stance, adopting an editorial policy unabashedly partisan towards the Voreqe Bainimarama-led government, opened up its pages to all political parties and candidates giving them relatively free rein to comment on the political landscape as they saw it. Media organisations ran reports that criticised the military-led regime’s performance as campaigning began to pick up. However, not long after the much-hailed return-to-democracy election it became clear that the reappearance of media vibrancy and plurality would not happen overnight. The author critically examines the post-election climate and draws on his personal experience as a Fiji news media editor.
FOI scholarship reflects a return to secrecy
Authors: Treadwell Greg
Published: March 2017

When Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto launched the third summit of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in October 2015, protesters disputed his highly scripted account of his government’s transparency. The OGP may be growing but increasingly scholars and journalists are reporting a degradation of freedom of information (FOI), even in comparatively open societies like Aotearoa/New Zealand. Stemming from a doctoral review of FOI scholarship, this article traces FOI’s origins and role in democratic governance and finds scholarssituate access to state-held information as a fundamental human right. However, it describes scepticism among journalism practitioners and researchers alike about the realpolitik success of FOI regimes. Researchers have recorded tendencies back to state secrecy since the declaration of the so-called war on terror and document various other FOI failures, from blatant disregard for the law to an ever-growing structural pluralism that is casting shadows over state expenditure. This article also considers literature on Aotearoa-New Zealand’s FOI regime, work largely produced by legal-studies and policy-studies scholars. It outlines what research does exist within journalism studies but contends a lack of more significant contributions has restricted our understanding of the regime.
Journalism capstone units based on agreed principles and standards
Authors: Cullen Trevor Anthony
Published: March 2017

The concept of capstone units is gaining currency within the Australian Higher Education system, with a growing focus on enhancing graduate employability and assuring graduate outcomes. The aim of this paper is to report on an 18-month study of undergraduate journalism capstone units in Australian universities. Just over half of the universities in Australia that teach journalism (16 out of 30), embed capstone units in their programmes, and the study, which began in September 2015, is part of part of an Australian Learning and Teaching Fellowship. It is divided into three stages. The first stage involved face-to-face interviews with journalism academics at 16 universities in five States, to discover what type of capstone unit they use, the principles they employ and the skills students need to demonstrate and apply. This data then underwent a validation process. Stage three of the study will develop resources to support journalism educators in the design or redesign of capstone units, especially in the area of agreed principles, standards and best practice.
2016 JOSPT Reviewer of the Year Award
Authors: Abbott J. Haxby
Published: March 2017

The winner of the JOSPT Reviewer of the Year Award was Roy Bechtel, PT, PhD, who performed with consistent excellence across 3 categories: (1) willingness to serve the Journal by conducting reviews, (2) insightfulness and constructiveness of the reviews, and (3) promptness of turnaround. We are very grateful to all of the many reviewers who served the Journal during 2016 by providing excellent, timely, and constructive reviews, and thank and congratulate Dr Bechtel in particular for consistently providing high-quality peer reviews for JOSPT and the authors who submit their work to the Journal.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(3):131–132. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.0103
Unilateral accessory muscles of forearm-and its clinical implications
Authors: Chakravarthi Kosuri Kalyan
Published: March 2017

An accessory or aberrant musculature may stimulate a ganglion or a soft tissue tumour or if in close proximity to a nerve, it may cause pressure neuritis. Identification of these variations is important in defining the anatomical features for clinical diagnosis and surgical procedures. During routine cadaveric dissection of the forearm in the department of anatomy, we observed an accessory muscle in the flexor compartment and additional extensor carpi radialis longus muscle in the extensor compartment of the forearm in left upper limb of a middle aged female cadaver. The accessory muscle belly has taken its tendinous origin from the medial surface of the ulna deep to the flexor digitorum superficialis and crossed the median nerve from medial to lateral, when traced below in the carpal tunnel it merged with the tendon of the index finger of flexor digitorum superficialis. An additional extensor carpi radialis longus muscle with unusual course of radial nerve in the extensor compartment of the forearm was found on the medial side of brachioradialis and superficial to extensor carpi radialis longus and its tendon ended by getting inserted into the base of the dorsal surface of the second metacarpal bone. Although many anatomical variations of flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor carpi radialis longus muscle were reported in the past, we describe a rare case, first of its kind, which to our knowledge has not been mentioned in the literature till date. Such variations are clinically significant in the anatomical, surgical and radiological procedures. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 94-96
Effect of pre-anesthetic anxiety and heart rate on propofol dose requirement for induction: A correlation study
Authors: SM Manjunatha , Hazra Rajdip , Das Ashok , Chakraborty Sisir , Bose Rajarshi , Garain Swadesh , Purkait Debaditya
Published: March 2017

Background: Though anxiety is associated with increase in heart rate and cardiac output, there is conflicting reports regarding its effect on propofol induction dose.Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to delineate the correlation between pre-anesthetic anxiety and heart rate on propofol requirement for induction.Materials and Methods: Total 42 patients of ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status I and II, 13 male and 29 female, aged between 18 to 50 years and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, were enrolled in this study. Trait anxiety in the waiting room and state anxiety both in the waiting room and operating room were assessed using Spielberger’s revised State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale. After heart rate (HR) recording, anesthesia was induced with 200 ml/hr 1% propofol infusion till loss of verbal contact.Results: Pre-anesthetic trait anxiety and HR had strong positive correlation with propofol requirement (ρ>0.6, P<0.05)while state anxiety had not. But pre-anesthetic state anxiety measured just before induction is strongly associated with increase in HR (ρ>0.6, P<0.05).Conclusion: Pre-operative anxiety should be considered and the dose of propofol should be titrated for induction accordingly. Further, larger trials with more sophisticated monitoring are needed to confirm our findings.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 64-68
Comparison of two different doses dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in sub-arachnoid block for abdominal hysterectomies. A randomized double blinded study.
Authors: Prabhu R Krishna , Radhakrishnan A
Published: March 2017

Background: Abdominal hysterectomy is often a long duration procedure and warrants intense pain relief in the post-operative period. Dexmedetomidine when added to bupivacaine in subarachnoid block prolongs the duration of surgical anaesthesia, decreases blood loss and prolongs duration of post-operative pain relief. Aims and Objective: To compare two different doses dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in sub-arachnoid block in abdominal hysterectomy surgeries. Materials and Methods: 60 patients of age group 30-60 years posted for elective abdominal hysterectomies under American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical classification I or II were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 30 each. Group A received 5 micrograms (μg) of dexmedetomidine along with 3.5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine in sub-arachnoid block. Group B received 10 μg of dexmedetomidine along with 3.5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine in sub-arachnoid block. Changes in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, ephedrine consumption, blood loss, duration of sensory block, duration of motor block, duration of analgesia were compared between two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in change in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, duration of sensory block, duration of motor block between two groups. Patients in group B had significant decrease in blood pressure, blood loss and significant increase in ephedrine consumption compared to Group A. The duration of analgesia was also prolonged in group B compared to Group A. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine in dose of 10 μg is a better adjuvant to bupivacaine for abdominal hysterectomy surgeries.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 59-63
Major histocompatibility complex and its importance towards controlling infection
Authors: Longjam Langamba Angom , Das Dipmala
Published: March 2017

It is well documented that infectious pathogen burden and infected cell mass determine the clinical severity of infectious diseases, however, the ability of the host to recognize and process antigens to produce antibodies or the cellular immune response during infection could be under genetic control. The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) or Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system is the most intensively studied of all genetic systems because of its influence to many important traits, including resistance to infectious diseases, autoimmunity and immunological self or nonself compatibility. This is understandable in the light of the evolutionary pressure so that we are equipped to face the multitude of infectious challenges. Infectious diseases are a major selective pressure;and genes involved in the immune response are the most numerous and diverse in the human genome; reflecting the evolutionary advantages of a diverse immunological response to a wide range of infectious pathogens.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 1-13
Oxidant and antioxidant status in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Latha Vonteru Lakshmi Asha , Suchitra Musturu Manohar , Bitla Aparna Rajeswara Rao , Srinivasa Rao Pemmaraju Venkata Lakshmi Narasimha , Rajasekhar Durgaprasad
Published: March 2017

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the major disease leading to cause mortality and morbidity. The imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the intrinsic antioxidant defense system leading to the oxidative stress, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular disease. The formed free radicals and subsequent lipid peroxidation may be responsible for myocardial damage in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Therefore, the understanding of the pathophysiological role of ROS generated during or after coronary interventions is essential to improve the success rate of these procedures.Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the time course changes of oxidant and antioxidant status, in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).Materials and Methods: The study included 120 consecutive patients (117 males, 3 females; mean age 58.4 years) who underwent elective PCI. Coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty were performed according to the standard protocols. Blood samples were taken just before (0hrs) and at 4 hrs and 24 hrs after coronary interventions to determine the oxidative status i.e. plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and for antioxidative status, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx), erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) and plasma ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP).Results: There was significant increase in MDA levels (1.87±0.34, 1.90±0.46, p=0.000), at 4hrs and 24hrs after coronary interventions when compared to baseline levels. After coronary interventions, the GPx activity (12.96±8.37, 12.3±7.76, p=0.000) and FRAP levels (0.73±0.21, 0.70±0.23, p=0.001 respectively) were found to be increased significantly at 4hrs and 24hrs. However, the glutathione levels (2.40±0.57, 2.47±0.53, p=0.040) were decreased at 4hrs and 24hrs after coronary interventions.Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that presence of oxidative stress in coronary interventions. The increase in antioxidants in the present study may be due to paradoxical increase in oxidant levels in patients undergoing coronary interventions.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 29-33
Nonketotic hyperglycemia: The culprit behind refractory seizures in a case of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Manappallil Robin George , Supreeth Ramesh Naga
Published: March 2017

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 101-102
Eating disorder/and or eating behavior researches from West Bengal, India: Suppressing the facts??
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arup Ratan
Published: March 2017

The present attempt is to review the research articles concerning to eating disorder/ and or eating behavior on anthropological approach from West Bengal, India. The review, concentrated on the five published research work (between 2014 and 2016) including a review article (funded by University of Calcutta) mostly funded from Biological Anthropology unit of the Statistical Institute, Kolkata India.  Most of the studies, concerned with socio demographic concomitants particularly, without addressing the major issues related to the well known insight of genetics of eating disorder /and or eating behavior.  Moreover, the review article (2016) on Eating Behaviours and Body Weight Concerns among Adolescent Girls attempted to find out the probable factors which are devoid of any genetic study on eating behaviours and body weight concerns among the adolescent. Most of the research article miserably failed either to justify the research article title or ended up with much known facts. Under this circumstances, the present review is the dual endeavor firstly, earnest plead to the researcher to avoid the over simplification concerning research on eating disorder /and or eating behavior and on the other hand, to sketch a probable direction of the research for the scholars, who might have inclination to undertake such an important research issue in this century.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 14-19
Feasibility and acceptability of computer based online certifcation program for frontline community health workers of Wardha district, India
Authors: Patil Manoj S , Gaidhane Abhay M , Telrandhe Shital , Zahiruddin Quazi Syed , Jadhav Navnita
Published: March 2017

Background: In India, different types of Frontline Community Health Workers are recruited under different departments and health programmes. These include Anganwadi Workers (AWW) under ICDS, ASHA and ANMs under NRHM and health services. Training and recruitment of this staff cadre is an ongoing process. Most of the trainings are aimed at improving the knowledge and skills. A set of test is needed to assess the post training knowledge of trainees which should be feasible, acceptable and easy to administer. Team of Health Experts from DMIMSU, Wardha has developed such specifc Computer based online certifcation tests which were administered to selected Frontline Community Health Workers engaged with DMIMSU. This study was conducted to assess the feasibility and acceptability of these tests.Aims and Objectives: Team of Health Experts from DMIMSU,Wardha has developed specifc Computer based online certifcation tests which were administered to selected Frontline Community Health Workers engaged with DMIMSU. This study was conducted -1] To assess the feasibility and acceptability of Computer based online certifcation tests for frontline workers. 2] To assess the scope for generalization of these tests to entire frontline health cadre of the district.Materials and Methods: Data was collected from 30 randomly selected Frontline Health Workers who were engaged in Community Outreach Activities/Projects of DMIMS and had undergone trainings and Online Certifcation tests. Questionnaire with Likert type scoring scale was administered. Data was compiled in MS Excel and Weighted Means and proportions of responses towards agreement and disagreement were calculated.Results: Average Weighted Mean was 4.07 showing Strong Agreement towards the feasibility and acceptability. Only 10.3% participants showed disagreement towards the feasibility and acceptability of this test whereas 89.7% participants showed agreement and among them, 47.67% showed strong agreement towards the feasibility and acceptability of this test.Conclusion: These tests were found quite feasible and well accepted by Frontline Health Workers. Similar tests should be made compulsory for all Frontline Health Workers Cadre and their performance in tests should be linked to provisions of incentives and seniority benefits.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 82-85
Waist: Hip ratio is a more reliable risk assessment tool for acute myocardial infarction: A hospital based case – control study among rural Maharashtra, India
Authors: Rajsinh Mohite , Vashali Mohite , Fadzli Mohamad Fathni Bin , Azizan Mohamad Izzat Shafiq , Ahmad Safian Mohamad Farhan Bin , Fahm Mohamad
Published: March 2017

Background: Worldwide, incidence of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) has been increasing over the years and now reflected as the leading cause of death universally.Aims and Objectives: To determine the strength and degree of association between obesity indices and serum lipid profile with incidence of AMI in rural Indian population.Materials and Methods: Hospital based case-control study was conducted among newly diagnosed cases of AMI and matched controls. A total of 40 patients admitted in ICCU at rural tertiary care centre and equal number of healthy age/sex controls were enrolled in the study. Over the period of three months, by employing personal interview, anthropometric, clinical and laboratory examination information was obtained. Data were analysed by using SPSS version17 and results were expressed on Mean ± SD, Chi-Square test and Odds ratio.Results: Mean age of cases and controls was 58.5 and 60 yrs respectively with mean difference of 1.5 years. Maximum, 47.5% cases were in age 60-69 yrs and shown 1.5 times risk of getting AMI. The Overweight, Waist- Hip ratio and hyperlipidemia (cholesterol, H:L ratio and triglycerides) were significantly associated with AMI (p < 0.05 at 95% CI) and risk predicted by odd’s was of 9.3, 3.4, 2.4, 4.8, and 9.4 respectively. Every unit rise in overweight, Waist:Hip ratio, serum cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides; the risk of occurrence of AMI increases by 1.7, 2.8, 1.02, 1.01 and 1.03 times respectively.Conclusion: Study demonstrated, W:H ratio is a more valid, single, reliable risk assessment tool for AMI could be practiced at health care institutions as well as community surveillance.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 38-43
Correlation of hearing loss with various biochemical and disease parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Gautam Dipendra , Paudel D. , Thapa S. , Sharma S.K.
Published: March 2017

Objectives: To correlate the hearing loss with duration of the disease, stage of the disease, ototoxic drugs use, co-morbidity and biochemical parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Material and Methods: This prospective study of 50 CKD patients was conducted in the department of ototolaryngology head and neck surgery and department of internal medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, between December 2008 to November 2009. The blood investigation report of the patients were noted. Otological examination was carried out including tunning fork test and pure tone audiometry. Middle ear pathology and conductive hearing loss were excluded. Data was collected and analyzed.Results : Sensory neural hearing loss was higher in patients with; end stage renal disease (stage-5), co-morbidity, haemoglobin level less than 8.5, duration of CKD greater than 2 years, and ototoxic drug administration, but not statistically significant (P-value >0.05). Hearing loss in patients with CKD was not influenced by fasting blood sugar, serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium and serum phosphorus. (P-value >0.05)Conclusion: The hearing loss in patients with chronic kidney disease was not significantly related with stage of CKD, co-morbidity, ototoxic drug use, fasting blood sugar, serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium and serum phosphorus (P-value >0.05). The sensory neural hearing loss in these patients may be due to the advanced age and possible accelerated presbyacusis by the disease.
Outcome of functional endoscopic surgery for chronic rhinosinusitus
Authors: Acharya Rabin Chandra , Pradhan B. , Thapa N.M.
Published: March 2017

Objective: To measure the outcome of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) for Chronic Rhinosinusitis in early postoperative period.Materials and Methods: This is a prospective comparative study conducted in Ganesh Man Singh Memorial Academy of ENT-Head and Neck Studies, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal from November 2009 to March, 2011. Thirty cases of Chronic Rhinosinusitis diagnosed by clinical and radiological criteria were included in this study. Modified sinonasal outcome test was used to record the pre and postoperative scores and compared by using paired t- test.Results: All the cases showed significant improvement in postoperative scores in both physical and psychosocial domains of modified sinonasal outcome test. Two symptoms, concentration and misery of psychosocial domain didn’t improve significantly.Conclusion: This study attempts to measure the outcome of FESS in patients with CRS. Nepali version of SNOT-10 has been used in the Nepalese population. Significant improvement in quality of life score has been observed in early postoperative period.
Community acceptance and HIV sexual risk among gay and bisexual men in a ‘typical’ Canadian city
Authors: Bauer Greta R. , Giblon Rachel , Coleman Todd A. , Aykroyd Gloria , Fraser Meredith , Pugh Daniel
Published: March 2017

Included in Statistics Canada's largest geographical “peer group,” London, Ontario is typical of many mid-size Canadian cities. A local health forum identified community acceptance and homophobia as key factors impacting LGBTQ health; we studied these with regard to HIV-related sexual risk in gay and bisexual men. Survey data were collected from 201 gay and bisexual men in Middlesex-London, Ontario; 173 reported their HIV status as negative/unknown and were included in this analysis. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence risk ratios (PRRs) were modelled using modified Poisson regression. First, a model was fit for non-modifiable sociodemographic and background factors. Community factors were then added: social support; internalized homonegativity; perceptions of community acceptance of people like oneself (based on orientation, racialization, gender identity). Older age was associated with decreased risk; other sociodemographic and background factors were not. For each 10-year increase in age, prevalence of high-risk sex decreased by 24% (PRR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.95). Controlling for age, we found an interaction between perception of broader community acceptance and gay community acceptance of people like oneself. As broader community acceptance increased, high-risk sex decreased; however, this effect varied depending upon perceptions of gay community acceptance, with men feeling most accepted within the gay community having the smallest reductions in high-risk sex. This interaction raises a series of questions. Among these: How do community norms and availability of partners shape sexual risk-taking? Are conventional “contextualized” measures of sexual risk sufficient, or do they miss important risk-mitigation strategies used within gay communities?
Romans
Authors: Paterson Janet M. , Hebert Pierre
Published: March 2017

Reviews of French-Canadian novels published in Canada in 1991.
Theatre
Authors: McEwen Barbara
Published: March 2017

Reviews of French-Canadian books on theatre published in 1991.