bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A reflection on construction mediation in Scotland
Authors: Agapiou Andrew , Clark Bryan
Published: November 2014

Recent research in different parts of the UK has pointed to growing acceptance of the mediation process from legal professionals with promises of potential costs savings for end-users. Nonetheless in many jurisdictions take up is low despite positive evidence relating to use and there is scant empirical knowledge about the construction lawyers' role in the referral of cases to mediation and sophisticated evidence relative to lawyer and client interaction in expediting the use of the process. This paper draws on recent work (both interview and questionnaire based) conducted over the past 24 months with construction lawyers and end-users relative to their experiences of mediation in the Scottish construction field. The findings reveal a small yet significant measure of generally successful mediation activity and growing support for the process among both lawyers and end-users. Nevertheless, barriers to mediation's acceptance remain well grounded, both throughout legal and client circles, and various solutions to overcoming such obstacles are examined in the paper. Evidence gleaned in Scotland has significance beyond its borders given the commonality of issues pertaining to mediation growth across all developing jurisdictions and the presence of a dominant adjudication regime that can be seen as a significant inhibiting factor in the use of mediation.
Transport accessibility and infrastructure in Singapore – pedestrian facilities
Authors: Chin Kian-Keong , Menon Gopinath
Published: November 2014

Since the mid-1990s all land transport master plans for Singapore have focused on public bus and rail transport. However, as the final leg of any public transport journey is generally on foot, the provision of walking and road-crossing facilities has been accelerated to meet the diverse needs of pedestrians – ranging from small children to senior citizens and the disabled. This paper describes the physical measures that have been used to make pedestrian facilities in Singapore barrier-free, safe and secure. These include lighting of all facilities at night, sheltered footpaths, kerb-cut ramps when footpaths meet carriageways, raised zebra crossings, extensions of crossing times for senior citizens using concession fare-cards, special alarms at pedestrian signals for the visually handicapped, and ramps, escalators and lifts in addition to staircases for access to pedestrian bridges and underpasses. Whereas it is possible to make new pedestrian facilities barrier-free, retrofitting older facilities poses problems. It is hoped that the 2013 Land Transport Master Plan will spur a more concerted and accelerated effort towards achieving a truly accessible transport system for all by the year 2020.
Late-Emerging Lethal Exacerbation of Cardiomyopathy in a Patient with Mitochondrial Myopathy After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Mimura Tomohiro , Imai Shinji , Kawasaki Taku , Furuya Yuki , Mori Kanji , Matsusue Yoshitaka
Published: November 2014

Case:

Mitochondrial myopathy comprises heterogeneous neuromuscular disorders caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. Acute exacerbation of mitochondrial myopathy infrequently occurs sequentially after perioperative stress. We present an unusual case of a late-emerging and lethal exacerbation of mitochondrial myopathy after total hip arthroplasty. Despite special attention paid to perioperative control, the patient’s condition drastically deteriorated on postoperative day thirteen, and she died later as a result of cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion:

When performing surgery on a patient with mitochondrial myopathy, the merits of surgery must always surpass the possible grave risk of this condition.
Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting as Severe Shoulder Pain Following Small Quantities of Alcohol Ingestion
Authors: Feldman Viktor , Nyska Meir , Barchilon Vidal
Published: November 2014

Case:

Shoulder pain is a common symptom. We report a case of a twenty-two-year-old man who had shoulder pain that was induced by small quantities of alcohol ingestion, which is an unusual presenting sign of Hodgkin lymphoma. The history, physical examination of the shoulder, and imaging revealed no noteworthy findings. Chest computed tomography and subsequent biopsy led to the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusion:

This report emphasizes the need to consider Hodgkin lymphoma as part of the differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with shoulder pain that is precipitated by alcohol ingestion.
Treatment of a Chronic Multidrug-Resistant Cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae Infection of the Hand with Wide Debridement and Skin-Grafting
Authors: Wang Mark L. , Vosbikian Michael M. , Abboudi Jack , Beredjiklian Pedro K.
Published: November 2014

Case:

We present a case of a healthy thirty-seven-year-old woman with a chronic cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae infection of the hand recalcitrant to antibiotics and excisional biopsies. She was treated with wide excision of the lesion and staged full-thickness skin-grafting. At the sixth-month follow-up, she reported no activity limitations and demonstrated full painless digital motion without evidence of recurrent infection.

Conclusion:

The technique presented offers the advantage of early digital range of motion with temporary soft-tissue coverage prior to definitive coverage with a full-thickness skin graft while laboratory analysis is performed.
Compositional Reasoning for Explicit Resource Management in Channel-Based Concurrency
Authors: Francalanza Adrian , DeVries Edsko , Hennessy Matthew
Published: November 2014

We define a pi-calculus variant with a costed semantics where channels are
treated as resources that must explicitly be allocated before they are used and
can be deallocated when no longer required. We use a substructural type system
tracking permission transfer to construct coinductive proof techniques for
comparing behaviour and resource usage efficiency of concurrent processes. We
establish full abstraction results between our coinductive definitions and a
contextual behavioural preorder describing a notion of process efficiency
w.r.t. its management of resources. We also justify these definitions and
respective proof techniques through numerous examples and a case study
comparing two concurrent implementations of an extensible buffer.
Classical propositional logic and decidability of variables in intuitionistic propositional logic
Authors: Ishihara Hajime
Published: November 2014

We improve the answer to the question: what set of excluded middles for
propositional variables in a formula suffices to prove the formula in
intuitionistic propositional logic whenever it is provable in classical
propositional logic.
Ambiguity of {\omega}-Languages of Turing Machines
Authors: Finkel Olivier
Published: November 2014

An {\omega}-language is a set of infinite words over a finite alphabet X. We
consider the class of recursive {\omega}-languages, i.e. the class of
{\omega}-languages accepted by Turing machines with a B\"uchi acceptance
condition, which is also the class {\Sigma}11 of (effective) analytic subsets
of X{\omega} for some finite alphabet X. We investigate here the notion of
ambiguity for recursive {\omega}-languages with regard to acceptance by B\"uchi
Turing machines. We first present in detail essentials on the literature on
{\omega}-languages accepted by Turing Machines. Then we give a complete and
broad view on the notion of ambiguity and unambiguity of B\"uchi Turing
machines and of the {\omega}-languages they accept. To obtain our new results,
we make use of results and methods of effective descriptive set theory.
Power of Randomization in Automata on Infinite Strings
Authors: Chadha Rohit , Sistla A. Prasad , Viswanathan Mahesh
Published: November 2014

Probabilistic B\"uchi Automata (PBA) are randomized, finite state automata
that process input strings of infinite length. Based on the threshold chosen
for the acceptance probability, different classes of languages can be defined.
In this paper, we present a number of results that clarify the power of such
machines and properties of the languages they define. The broad themes we focus
on are as follows. We present results on the decidability and precise
complexity of the emptiness, universality and language containment problems for
such machines, thus answering questions central to the use of these models in
formal verification. Next, we characterize the languages recognized by PBAs
topologically, demonstrating that though general PBAs can recognize languages
that are not regular, topologically the languages are as simple as
\omega-regular languages. Finally, we introduce Hierarchical PBAs, which are
syntactically restricted forms of PBAs that are tractable and capture exactly
the class of \omega-regular languages.
Answering Non-Monotonic Queries in Relational Data Exchange
Authors: Hernich Andre
Published: November 2014

Relational data exchange is the problem of translating relational data from a
source schema into a target schema, according to a specification of the
relationship between the source data and the target data. One of the basic
issues is how to answer queries that are posed against target data. While
consensus has been reached on the definitive semantics for monotonic queries,
this issue turned out to be considerably more difficult for non-monotonic
queries. Several semantics for non-monotonic queries have been proposed in the
past few years. This article proposes a new semantics for non-monotonic
queries, called the GCWA*-semantics. It is inspired by semantics from the area
of deductive databases. We show that the GCWA*-semantics coincides with the
standard open world semantics on monotonic queries, and we further explore the
(data) complexity of evaluating non-monotonic queries under the
GCWA*-semantics. In particular, we introduce a class of schema mappings for
which universal queries can be evaluated under the GCWA*-semantics in
polynomial time (data complexity) on the core of the universal solutions.
Effect of Ligation Method on Maxillary Arch Force/Moment Systems for a Simulated Lingual Incisor Malalignment
Authors: Seru Surbhi , Romanyk Dan L , Toogood Roger W , Carey Jason P , Major Paul W
Published: November 2014

Introduction:

The objectives of this study were to determine whether there is a difference in the magnitude of forces and moments produced by elastic ligation when compared to passive ligation, and whether these forces and moments propagate differently along the arch for the two ligation types. A lingual incisor malalignment was used in this study.

Methods:

The Orthodontic Simulator (OSIM) was used to quantify the three-dimensional forces and moments applied on the teeth given a lingually displaced incisor. A repeated measures MANOVA was performed to statistically analyze the data.

Results:

The interaction factor illustrated convincing evidence that there is a difference in maximum force and moment values for all outcome variables between ligation types considering all tooth positions along the arch. The mean differences for FX and FY between ligation types were found to be clinically significant, with values for elastic ligation consistently higher than passive ligation.

Conclusion:

It was found that the maximum forces and moments produced by elastic ligation are greater than those produced by passive ligation and that the magnitude of this difference for the mesiodistal and buccolingual forces is clinically relevant. Additionally, it was determined that elastic ligation causes forces and moments to propagate further along the arch than passive ligation for all outcome variables.
Effects of Transverse Magnetic Field with Different Alternating Currents on Heat Flux Density Distributions of Plasma Arc
Authors: Dong Xiaojuan , Meng Jianbing , Wei Xiuting , Yin Zhanmin
Published: November 2014

An external transverse-alternating magnetic field with sinusoidal and triangular alternating currents was applied
to a combined plasma arc to create a plasma arc for expanding the cross section of arc column and flatting the
distributions of arc temperature. Two mathematical models were developed to describe the heat flux density distributions
of the combined plasma arc driven by a transverse-alternating magnetic field with sinusoidal and triangular alternating
currents. The behavior of plasma arc under the external transverse-alternating magnetic field imposed perpendicular to the
plasma current was discussed theoretically and experimentally by changing various parameters such as working gas flux,
arc current, magnetic flux density including its wave form and the standoff from the nozzle to the workpiece. The
analytical results show that it is feasible to adjust the shape and heat flux density of the combined plasma arc by the
transverse- alternating magnetic field, which expands the region of combined plasma arc thermal treatment and uniforms
the heat flux density upon the workpiece. Changing the waveform of the alternating current can also control the heat flux
density distribution. As well as, calculated heat flux density distributions of combined plasma arc driven by the external
transverse-alternating magnetic field show a good agreement with experimental data. The magnetic field with triangular
alternating current can flat the heat flux density distribution on the anode rather than sinusoidal one. This approach to flat
the heat flux density distribution on the anode surface will give an effective controllability to the combined plasma arc
application.
States on bounded commutative residuated lattices
Authors: Kondo Michiro
Published: November 2014

We define states on bounded commutative residuated lattices and consider their property. We show that, for a bounded commutative residuated lattice X,
(1)If s is a state, then X/ker(s) is an MV-algebra.(2)If s is a state-morphism, then X/ker(s) is a linearly ordered locally finite MV-algebra.

Moreover we show that for a state s on X, the following statements are equivalent:
(i)s is a state-morphism on X.(ii)ker(s) is a maximal filter of X.(iii)s is extremal on X.
On a strengthened multidimensional Hilbert-type inequality
Authors: Krnić Mario
Published: November 2014

The main objective of this paper is a study of the general refinement and converse of the multidimensional Hilbert-type inequality in the so-called quotient form. Such extensions are deduced with the help of the sophisticated use of the well-known Hölder’s inequality. The obtained results are then applied to homogeneous kernels with the negative degree of homogeneity. Also, we establish the conditions under which the constant factors involved in the established inequalities are the best possible. Finally, we consider some particular settings with homogeneous kernels and weighted functions. In such a way we obtain both refinements and converses of some actual results, known from the literature.
Estimates on the dimension of an exponential attractor for a delay differential equation
Authors: Habibi Sakineh
Published: November 2014

We study the long time behavior of delay differential equation, considered in a bounded domain in ℝd. Using the short trajectory method to prove the existence of the exponential attractor. Also we have estimates on the fractal dimension of an exponential attractor.
A representation of skew effect algebras
Authors: Chajda Ivan
Published: November 2014

It was shown by the author and R. Halaš that every effect algebra can be organized into a conditionally residuated structure. Skew effect algebras were introduced as a non-associative modification of effect algebras. Hence, there is natural question if a similar characterization by a certain residuated structure is possible. For this we use the so-called skew residuated structure introduced recently by the author and J. Krňávek. It is shown that this is really a suitable tool for the representation.
Low-temperature synthesis of zeolite from perlite waste — Part II: characteristics of the products
Authors: Król Magdalena , Morawska Justyna , Mozgawa Włodzimierz , Pichór Waldemar
Published: November 2014

The paper investigates the properties of sodium zeolites synthesized using the hydrothermal method under autogenous pressure at low temperature with NaOH solutions of varying concentrations. During this modification, zeolites X, Na-P1 and hydroxysodalite were synthesized. The synthesis parameters, and thus, phase composition of resulting samples, significantly affected the specific surface area (SSA) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). SSA increased from 2.9 m2/g to a maximum of 501.2 m2/g, while CEC rose from 16 meq/100 g to a maximum of 500 meq/100 g. The best properties for use as a sorbent were obtained for perlite waste modified with 4.0 M NaOH at 70 °C or 80 °C.
Chiari malformation I and autism spectrum disorder: an underrecognized coexistence
Authors: Jayarao Mayur , Sohl Kristin , Tanaka Tomoko
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

Patients with symptomatic Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) frequently present with headaches, neck pain, difficulty swallowing, and balance disturbances. In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), diagnosing CM-I can be a challenging task. Moreover, even if symptomatic, some patients do not undergo further evaluation or management, as their presentations are attributed to autism and its myriad symptoms. Therefore, cranial MRI findings were reviewed after evaluating and treating patients with coexisting ASD and CM-I. In this paper, the authors report on 5 children with ASD and symptomatic CM-I, including their clinical presentation, imaging studies, management, and outcomes, and discuss the likely underrecognized coexistence of these conditions.

METHODS

All pediatric patients with ASD and cranial MRI conducted for any reason in the period from 1999 to 2013 were considered for analysis. All cases with concomitant symptomatic CM-I were eligible for this retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-five pediatric patients diagnosed with ASD had undergone MRI, and 9 of them had evidence of cerebellar tonsillar herniation. Five patients were symptomatic and underwent suboccipital craniectomy, a C-1 or a C-1 and C-2 laminectomy, and duraplasty with bovine pericardium or Type I collagen allograft. There were no intraoperative complications. All patients showed symptom improvement and/or resolution of presenting symptoms, which included headache, dysphasia, speech, and irritability.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no identified cause of autism. Children with ASD can be difficult to assess specifically in a neurological examination. Thus, cranial MRI considered when completing a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. While cranial MRI is not a routine part of ASD evaluation, this study demonstrates that CM-I and ASD may coexist and be underrecognized. The study reinforces the importance of a comprehensive medical evaluation designed to elucidate neurological findings in children with impaired communication abilities and suggests the judicious use of neuroimaging.
Identical twins with lumbosacral lipomyelomeningocele
Authors: Hanaei Sara , Nejat Farideh , Mortazavi Abolghasem , Habibi Zohreh , Esmaeili Arash , Khashab Mostafa El
Published: November 2014

Lipomyelomeningocele, a congenital spine defect, is presented as skin-covered lipomatous tissue that attaches to the cord in different ways according to its subtypes. Unlike other types of neural tube defects, the exact cause of this birth defect has not been confirmed yet, but it is proposed to be a multifactorial disease with involvement of both genetic and environmental factors. The authors describe identical twins with lipomyelomeningocele of the same subtype and location without any familial history of similar abnormality. Therefore, the same genetic and/or environmental risk factors could have played a part in their condition.
Triceps motor branch transfer for isolated traumatic pediatric axillary nerve injuries
Authors: Chim Harvey , Kircher Michelle F. , Spinner Robert J. , Bishop Allen T. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

Transfer of the triceps motor branch has been used for treatment of isolated axillary nerve palsy in the adult population. However, there are no published data on the effectiveness of this procedure in the pediatric population with traumatic injuries. The authors reviewed demographics and outcomes in their series of pediatric patients who underwent this procedure.

METHODS

Six patients ranging in age from 10 to 17 years underwent triceps motor branch transfer for the treatment of isolated axillary nerve injuries between 4 and 8 months after the inciting injury. Deltoid muscle strength was evaluated using the modified British Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system. Shoulder abduction at last follow-up was measured.

RESULTS

The mean duration of follow-up was 38 months. The average postoperative MRC grading of deltoid muscle strength was 3.6 ± 1.3. The median MRC grade was 4. One patient who did not achieve an MRC grade of 3 suffered multiple injuries from high-velocity trauma. Unlike in the adult population, age, body mass index of the patient, and delay from injury to surgery were not significant factors affecting the outcome of the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

In the pediatric population with traumatic injuries, isolated axillary nerve injury treated with triceps motor branch transfer can result in good outcomes.
Violence Against Doctors
Authors: Ahasan H A M Nazmul , Das Aparna
Published: November 2014

Not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i2.20680 J MEDICINE 2014; 15 : 106-108
Hyponatraemia in Community Acquired Bacterial and Tubercular Meningitis in Hospital Admitted Adult Patients
Authors: Sengupta Poly , Ali Md. Roushan , Mohammed Fazle Rabbi , Biswas Rama , Rashid Mamunur , Nahar Shamshun
Published: November 2014

Background: Bacterial and Tubercular Meningitis is a life-threatening disease. Hyponatraemia in bacterial and tubercular meningitis is a known complication with unknown true prevalence and clinical importance. This study was conducted to find out how commonly hyponatraemia occurs in community acquired bacterial and tubercular meningitis, to evaluate its severity, to see the pattern of presentation and to observe the level of consciousness. Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive cross sectional study performed in 30 admitted patients with clinically diagnosed bacterial and tubercular meningitis in medicine wards of Medical College for Women & Hospital (MCWH) and Dhaka Medical College & Hospital (DMCH) since August 2009 to March 2010. Serum electrolyte and level of consciousness on admission was recorded in all patients. Results: Twenty Nine patients (96.7%) with meningitis had hyponatraemia, serum sodium level ranged from 115-138 mmol/l; mean sodium level is 128.57 ± 5.56 SD mmol/L. Serum sodium level was mild (>125-135 mmol/L) in 20 (66.7%) patients with meningitis and moderate (110-125 mmol/L) in 9 (30%) and severe (<110 mmol/L) in 1 (3.3%) patient. GCS ranged from 8 to 14, mean 11.56±1.40 SD in day 1. In tubercular meningitis (n=8) and bacterial meningitis (n=22) serum sodium level was 128.63±7.44 and 128.55±4.93 while mean GCS was 11.38±2.13 and 11.95±1.40 respectively on the day of admission. Conclusion: Although the true prevalence, severity and clinical importance of hyponatraemia in bacterial meningitis are unknown, its presence may influence the outcome in such patients depending on severity. So knowledge about its prevalence and severity will guide physicians to take decisions about its management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i2.20682 J MEDICINE 2014; 15 : 114-117
Kyrles Disease: A Rare Skin Manifestation of Systemic Diseases
Authors: Sahoo Aswini Kumar , Rauta Sudhasmita
Published: November 2014

A 39-year-old man of diabetic nephropathy presented with pruritic papulo-nodular brown lesions in both arms and legs on extensor surface characterized by central keratin plugs. Lesions were non-tender and numerous, crusted lesions which histologically were perforating disorders, showing features of Kyrle disease. The blood sugar of the patient was kept under control & hemodialysis was started. Dermatological lesions were treated by Isotretinoin, vitamin A, Tretinoin cream and oral antihistamines.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i2.20689 J MEDICINE 2014; 15 : 144-145
Extraction of Response Waveforms of Heartbeat and Blood Pressure to Swallowing
Authors: Ogawa Y. , Kotani K. , Jimbo Y. , Numata T.
Published: November 2014

Background: Evaluating the accurate responses of the cardiovascular system to external stimuli is important for a deeper understanding of cardiovascular homeostasis. However, the responses should be distorted by the conventional time domain analysis when a frequency of the effect of external stimuli matches that of intrinsic fluctuations.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to propose a mixed signal processing of time domain and respiratory phase domain to extract the response waveforms of heartbeat and blood pressure (BP) to external stimuli and to clarify the physiological mechanisms of swallowing effects on the cardiovascular system.

Methods: Measurements were conducted on 12 healthy humans in the sitting and standing positions, with each subject requested to swallow every 30 s between expiration and inspiration. Waveforms of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and respiratory-related BP variations were extracted as functions of the respiratory phase. Then, respiratory effects were subtracted from response waveforms with reference to the respiratory phase in the time domain.

Results: As a result, swallowing induced tachycardia, which peaked within 3 s and recovered within 8 s. Tachycardia was greater in the sitting position than during standing. Furthermore, systolic BP and pulse pressure immediately decreased and diastolic BP increased coincident with the occurrence of tachycardia. Subsequently, systolic BP and pulse pressure recovered faster than the R-R interval.

Conclusions: We conclude that swallowing-induced tachycardia arises largely from the decrease of vagal activity and the baroreflex would yield fast oscillatory responses in recovery.
Ex vivo kinematic studies of a canine unlinked semi-constrained hybrid total elbow arthroplasty system
Authors: Lorenz N. D. , Channon S. , Pettitt R. , Smirthwaite P. , Innes J. F.
Published: November 2014

Objectives: Introduction of the Sirius® canine total elbow arthroplasty system, and presentation of the results of a passive range-of-motion analysis based on ex vivo kinematic studies pre-and post-implantation.

Materials and methods: Thoracic limbs (n = 4) of medium sized dogs were harvested by forequarter amputation. Plain orthogonal radiographs of each limb were obtained preand post-implantation. Limbs were prepared by placement of external fixator pins and Kirschner wires into the humerus and radius. Each limb was secured into a custom-made box frame and retro-reflective markers were placed on the exposed ends of the pins and wires. Each elbow was manually moved through five ranges-of-motion manoeuvres. Data collected included six trials of i) full extension to full flexion and ii) pronation and supination in 90° flexion; a three-dimensional motion capture system was used to collect and analyse the data. The Sirius elbow prosthesis was subsequently implanted and the same measurements were repeated. Data sets were tested for normality. Paired t-tests were used for comparison of pre- and post-implantation motion parameters.

Results: Kinematic analysis showed that the range-of-motion (mean and SD) for flexion and extension pre-implantation was 115° ± 6 (range: 25° to 140°). The range-of-motion in the sagittal plane post-implantation was 90° ± 4 (range: 36° to 130°) and this reduction was significant (p = 0.0001). The ranges-of-motion (mean and SD) for supination and pronation at 90° were 50° ± 5, whereas the corresponding mean ranges-of-motion post-implantation were 38° ± 6 (p = 0.0188).

Conclusion: Compared to a normal elbow, the range-of-motion was reduced. Post- implantation, supination and pronation range-of-motion was significantly reduced at 90° over pre-implantation values.

Clinical relevance: These results provide valuable information regarding the effect of the Sirius system on ex vivo kinematics of the normal canine elbow joint. Further, this particular ex vivo model allowed for satisfactory and repeatable kinematic analysis.
Biometric Authentication for the Cloud Computing
Authors: Jaiswal Sumit , Kumar Santosh , Patel Subhash Chandra , Singh R. S. , Singh S. K.
Published: November 2014

As the data being stored to a distant server away from direct control of user cloud presents various security risks and threat issues associated with the user authentication and access control mechanisms, it is of upmost importance to ensure the security of confidential business data in the cloud storage along with making sure that only properly authenticated and authorized personnel can access the data and applications in the cloud. An important step in this regard is to execute biometric security mechanisms, which increases the competence level of security and only permits authenticated individuals by verifying different biometric parameters of human biometric characteristics (traits): patterns like fingerprints, retina, iris, voice, face, ear, palm, signature, and DNA recognition. Implementation of biometric authentication mechanism will take security of data and access control in cloud to higher level. This chapter discusses how a proposed biometrics system with respect to other recognition systems so far is more advantageous and result-oriented because it does not work on presumptions: it is unique and provides fast and contact-less authentication.
Recent Trends in Cloud Computing Security Issues and Their Mitigation
Authors: Siddesh G. M. , Srinivasa K. G. , Tejaswini L.
Published: November 2014

Security in cloud is to be increased to strengthen the confidence and trust of cloud service consumers. In the upcoming years, the scientific research and education teams will have to investigate finding new ways to handle the issue of cloud security. This chapter discusses the major threats and their impact on clouds, security measures to handle the attacks in clouds, security as a service in research and education, and steps to enhance security feature in clouds.
Verifiable Response in Heterogeneous Cloud Storage
Authors: Wahid Abdul , Quadri Mohatesham Pasha , Siddiqui Ahmad Talha , Kirmani Mudasir M. , Ahmad Khaleel
Published: November 2014

A Distributed Cloud Storage Provider (DCSP) is used for managing the client's data. However, the platform is vulnerable to security attacks, which results in huge losses of client data. The confidential data in an enterprise system may be illegally accessed through a remote interface provided by a heterogeneous-cloud and archives. The data may be lost or tampered with when it is stored in a storage pool outside the enterprise on a cloud. To achieve reliability, consistency, security, and confidentiality of user information Kerberos Protocol is used. The Kerberos protocol is designed to provide reliable authentication over open and insecure networks. The symmetric-key cryptography is maintained for transaction over the network. In this chapter, a cooperative Key-Distribution Center (KDC) scheme is proposed to support dynamic scalability on multiple storage servers. The results of the research work show that KDC provides effective security properties required by Kerberos protocol to mitigate the impact of various attacks in any cloud.
Cloud Security Using Face Recognition
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Sadhya Debanjan , Singh Durgesh , Singh S. K.
Published: November 2014

Establishing identity has become very difficult in the vastly crowded cloud computing environment. The need for a trustworthy cloud authentication phenomenon has increased in the wake of heightened concerns about authentication and rapid advancements in cloud computing, database access, and Internet communication. Face recognition is a non-intrusive method, and facial characteristics are probably most common biometrics features used by humans to identify others. Authentication for cloud computing using face recognition is based on security issues related to data access and cloud database in a cloud. It can provide a satisfactory level of security measures to users and service providers, cloud consumers, and different organizations. In this chapter, the authors cover different research aspects related to cloud security.
Privacy Preserving Text Analytics
Authors: Veluru Suresh , Rahulamathavan Yogachandran , Gupta B. B. , Rajarajan Muttukrishnan
Published: November 2014

An e-mail address is a source of communication for major social networking sites. In general, e-mail addresses hold identity in the form a surname as a substring in it. Identities such as names are far from random and can exhibit community distributions over populations. However, these identities reflect cultural, ethnic, and genetic structures generated among populations. Hence, identity establishment in e-mail address mining can be seen as a categorization of e-mail address-based community structure in names data set. It involves community modeling in names, categorization of an e-mail addresses, and identity privacy preservation. This chapter presents a survey of text mining and privacy preserving techniques followed by research challenges and strategies in name analysis. The research challenges are: (1) e-mail address categorization based on community structure of identities, (2) correlation of surnames and forenames within and across communities, and (3) privacy preserving of identities in communities.
Refugee Women
Authors: Nash Mary , Umugwaneza Antoinette
Published: November 2014

This chapter approaches the topic of resettlement social work with women refugees portrayed as resilient yet reluctant users of social work services. While the field of social work with refugees has already been widely introduced and discussed, less attention has been paid to resettlement work with women refugees. In order to contextualise this discussion, key terms are briefly defined, and relevant legislation together with demographic features are covered. The chapter includes a case study presented by one of the authors, an expert by experience. Research relating to this field of practice is presented and ethical issues discussed. Practical applications and cultural concerns derived from the research suggest how practitioners and refugee women may work together, drawing on the strengths and experience of the refugee women to achieve goals that are consistent with those set out by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
More than Pills and Beds
Authors: Rosenberg Sebastian , McDermott Fiona
Published: November 2014

Contemporary models of mental healthcare emphasise the importance of multi-disciplinary approaches in supporting recovery for consumers. There is growing evidence of the key role to be played by social workers derived from both the principles of recovery and those underpinning social work theory and practice, particularly a focus on person-in-environment. However, pressures on the way mental healthcare is provided in Australia are threatening this confluence. These pressures are much more concerned with the needs of funders than professionals, consumers, and their families. The aim of this chapter is to explore the evidence to support social work as an integral element in mental health recovery and to better understand these emerging challenges. The role of social work in good mental healthcare is too important to become marginalized; yet this prospect is real. Better understanding of the contemporary landscape of social work can help ensure this does not occur.
Post-Qualifying Practice
Authors: Nash Mary
Published: November 2014

A spiritual approach to social work practice is gaining recognition. This chapter considers the implications for practitioners who draw on spirituality in their work and the requirements for post-qualifying practice or Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Key terms are defined drawing on research and publications relating to CPD, and spiritual worldviews and their influence on social work are discussed. A case study illustrates how practitioners may choose to reflect on their own spiritual worldview in order to be better equipped when working with clients for whom the spiritual or religious dimension is important. It is suggested that this helps the practitioner to establish good working relationships across cultures and beliefs, and it consequently increases the chances of successful interventions. A second case study provides an example of how the social work practitioner, through involvement in a creative project, drew on spirituality in order to promote her own self-care.
Worldwide prevalence and risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism: A review
Authors: McLean Joanne L. , Lobetti Remo G. , Schoeman Johan P.
Published: November 2014

Since first reported in the late 1970s, there has been a steady but dramatic increase in the worldwide prevalence of hyperthyroidism in cats. It is now regarded as the most common feline endocrine disorder, with diabetes mellitus coming a close second. Not only is there evidence for an increased worldwide prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism, but also for geographical variation in the prevalence of the disease. Despite its frequency, the underlying cause(s) of this common disease is or are not known, and therefore prevention of the disease is not possible. Due to the multiple risk factors that have been described for feline hyperthyroidism, however, it is likely that more than one factor is involved in its pathogenesis. Continuous, lifelong exposure to environmental thyroid-disruptor chemicals or goitrogens in food or water, acting together or in an additive fashion, may lead to euthyroid goitre and ultimately to autonomous adenomatous hyperplasia, thyroid adenoma and hyperthyroidism. This review aims to summarise the available published evidence for the changes observed in the worldwide prevalence of the disease, as well as risk factors that may contribute to development of hyperthyroidism in susceptible cats.
Dynamic upper respiratory abnormalities in Thoroughbred racehorses in South Africa
Authors: Mirazo Javier E. , Page Patrick , Rubio-Martinez Luis , Marais Hendrick J. , Lyle Catriona
Published: November 2014

Upper airway endoscopy at rest has been the diagnostic method of choice for equine upper respiratory tract (URT) conditions. Development of high-speed treadmill endoscopy improved the sensitivity of URT endoscopy by allowing observation of the horse’s nasopharynx and larynx during exercise. However, treadmill exercise may not always accurately represent the horse’s normal exercise as track surface, rider, tack and environmental variables are altered. Recently, the development of dynamic overground endoscopy (DOE) has addressed some of these shortcomings. A retrospective study was undertaken to describe the URT abnormalities detected during DOE in racehorses presenting with poor performance and/or abnormal respiratory noise. Patient records of Thoroughbred racehorses undergoing DOE from November 2011 to August 2012 were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, primary complaint, distance exercised, maximum speed and dynamic airway abnormalities detected. Fifty-two horses underwent DOE for investigation of poor performance and/or abnormal respiratory noise. The main abnormalities detected included axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (40%), vocal cord collapse (35%), abnormal arytenoid function (33%) and dorsal displacement of the soft palate (25%). A total of 40 horses were diagnosed with one or more abnormalities of the URT (77%). Fifteen horses (29%) had a single abnormality and 25 horses (48%) had multiple abnormalities. This study showed that DOE is a useful technique for investigating dynamic disorders of the URT in racehorses in South Africa. The total number and type of dynamic pathological conditions were comparable with those identified in similar populations in other geographical locations.
Comparative Study of Fasting Plasma Glucose Concentration and Glucose Challenge Test for Screening Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sham Sujaya , Bhat B Poornima R , Kamath Aruna
Published: November 2014

Background

To compare the sensitivity and specificity of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with that of standard glucose challenge test (GCT).

Materials and methods

Eighty-nine eligible pregnant women underwent GCT between 24th and 28th gestational week, followed by a diagnostic 3 hours 100 gm oral glucose tolerance test within 1 week. Out patient clinic in Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore. Data was analyzed for significance by chi-square test.

Results

Fasting plasma glucose concentration at a threshold value of 90 mg/dl and GCT at recommended standard threshold of 140 mg/dl yielded sensitivities of 66.7% and 100% respectively and specificities of 87.3% and 46.5% respectively. Reducing the threshold value of FPG to 80 mg/dl increased the sensitivity of test to 91.7% with specificity of 54.9% which was comparable to standard GCT, in our study.

Conclusion

Measuring FPG concentration using a cut-off of. 80 mg/dl is an easier, tolerable and more cost effective procedure than GCT for detecting more severe cases of GDM, i.e. the diabetes mellitus group. In resource poor settings with population belonging to average risk or high risk category, FPG at a cut-off of 90 mg/dl can be used to screen GDM.

How to cite this article

Sham S, Bhat BPR, Kamath A. Comparative Study of Fasting Plasma Glucose Concentration and Glucose Challenge Test for Screening Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2014;6(2):75-78.
H1N1 Influenza Virus Infection in Pregnancy: A Study of 32 Cases
Authors: Prabhu Thangappah Radha Bai
Published: November 2014

Reports from the past pandemics (1918-1919) and the 2009 outbreak have shown that pregnant mothers are at risk of complications from the H1N1 influenza virus infection. This study was undertaken to analyze the clinical course of H1N1 infection in pregnancy, the maternal and perinatal outcome and the treatment efficacy of oseltamivir in H1N1 infected mothers. This is a descriptive study from the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the case series were collected from September 2009 to December 2010. Influenza like illness (ILI) was suspected in 207 pregnant women, and the 32 cases who were positive for H1N1 influenza infection by RT PCR test were taken for this study. 90.6% were in the age group between 21 and 29 years of age and 34.4% were multigravid women. The most common presenting symptoms were fever and cough. Co-morbid conditions such as gestational hypertension, bronchial asthma and others were seen in 9 cases. In 53% of cases treatment was initiated with oseltamivir within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. All the patients recovered completely at the end of 5 days of treatment. There were no maternal or perinatal deaths.

How to cite this article

Prabhu TRB. H1N1 Influenza Virus Infection in Pregnancy: A Study of 32 Cases. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2014;6(2):93-97.
A Comparative Study of Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy and Non-descended Vaginal Hysterectomy
Authors: Reena De , Goswami Sebanti
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The present study was done to compare nondescended vaginal hysterectomy (NDVH) and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) with reference to indications, operative complications and outcome.

Materials and methods

This prospective longitudinal comparative study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, from November 2010 to October 2011. Judging the inclusion and exclusion criteria a sample size of 36 patients for NDVH and 31 patients for LAVH were selected randomly. The outcome of each surgical procedure was analyzed by standard statistical methods. Appropriate test of significance was applied (t-test) with p < 0.05 as level of significance.

Results

The mean duration of NDVH was 65 minutes and that of LAVH was 93.87 minutes. The difference was highly significant as p value was 0.000. The mean pain score analyzed by visual analog scale (VAS) in NDVH was 2.334 and 2.581. This was not statistically significant (p = 0.636). There was no significant difference in hospital stay in either group.

Conclusion

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy has the advantage of visualization of the pelvic structure from above and occasional dissection and adhesiolysis. But NDVH supersedes in its approach through the naturally created route, being faster, less expensive and results in a similar hospital stay and convalescence.

How to cite this article

Reena D, Goswami S. A Comparative Study of Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy and Non-descended Vaginal Hysterectomy. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2014;6(2):101-103.
Iatrogenic Mitral Valve Perforation following CABG and Aortic Valve Replacement: A Rare Complication detected by Post-bypass Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Mathew Sarin , Raj Ravi
Published: November 2014

Iatrogenic mitral valve perforation following aortic valve replacement is a rare complication. We present a case of anterior mitral leaflet perforation following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and aortic valve replacement detected by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A 57-year-old male patient with preoperative diagnosis of coronary artery disease, sclerodegenerative aortic valve with severe aortic stenosis and mild central mitral regurgitation (MR) underwent CABG and aortic valve replacement. A post bypass TEE in midesophageal long axis view showed an additional MR jet across the body of the anterior mitral leaflet. We present intraoperative TEE images with a discussion on role of TEE in detection of mitral valve perforation and surgical decision making.

Abbreviations

AVR: Aortic valve replacement C ABG: Coronary artery bypass grafting 2D: Two-dimensional MR: Mitral regurgitation TEE: Transesophageal echocardiography TTE: Transthoracic echocardiography

How to cite this article

Raj R, Mathew S, Puri GD. Iatrogenic Mitral Valve Perforation following CABG and Aortic Valve Replacement: A Rare Complication detected by Post-bypass Transesophageal Echocardiography. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2014;2(2):75-76.
Interfaces entre a Pedagogia do Teatro e os Estudos da Performance
Authors: Hartmann Luciana
Published: November 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984644413816Este texto propõe o debate sobre pontos de contato entre a nova terminologia utilizada nos processos de ensino-aprendizagem em teatro, a Pedagogia do Teatro, e os Estudos da Performance. Partindo de uma análise dos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais (PCN Arte I e II) e das perspectivas histórico-críticas trazidas por alguns dos principais pesquisadores brasileiros que tem se dedicado ao tema, busca-se, ao longo do texto, refletir sobre as contribuições que os Estudos da Performance podem trazer para o desenvolvimento do campo da Pedagogia do Teatro.
Tempo e performance no trabalho docente
Authors: Conte Elaine
Published: November 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984644414250A emergência de um tempo que é performativo, embora interaja com as dimensões humanas irrestritas ao aspecto formal do processo de formação (Bildung), também revela uma racionalidade instrumental que trata do passado como meio para legitimar o agir técnico do presente. O ensaio repensa, de um ponto de vista filosófico, o tempo próprio da formação docente levando em consideração a performance como pressuposto inevitável à ação linguístico-expressiva no mundo. Cada vez mais, o tempo surge como um fator importante à performance, uma vez que o trabalho docente exige atitudes de criação e de reconhecimento de valores receptivos à alteridade. É necessário pensar o tempo como inseparável de sua linguagem, na medida em que fornece novas possibilidades de abertura crítica e renovação do trabalho educativo, conferindo novos sentidos ao agir performativo.