bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precisão do conhecimento de resultados no processo adaptativo em crianças
Authors: Henrique Rafael dos Santos , Siqueira Aline Kety Maria de , Beltrão Natália Barros , Epifanio Amanda Polyane Porto , Cattuzzo Maria Teresa
Published: April 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos da precisão de Conhecimento de Resultados (CR) na aquisição de uma habilidade motora. Quarenta e oito crianças com idade entre oito e 10 anos (♂ = 9,33 ± 0,70 anos e ♀= 9,16 ± 0,81 anos) praticaram uma tarefa de acertar um alvo sobre uma mesa, mediante o lançamento de discos metálicos. Foram formados três grupos experimentais de acordo com o nível de precisão do CR: pouco preciso (GPP), preciso (GP) e muito preciso (GMP), além do grupo controle (GC), sem CR. A medida de desempenho foi o erro absoluto (EA). Os resultados indicaram diferença estatística a favor do GMP em comparação aos demais grupos, indicando que a maior precisão do CR favoreceu a estabilização da estrutura e a adaptabilidade do sistema, numa tarefa com meta de precisão espacial, em crianças.
O nível de aptidão física afeta o desempenho do árbitro de futebol?
Authors: Vieira Caio Max Augusto , Costa Eduardo Caldas , Aoki Marcelo Saldanha
Published: April 2011

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram: a) descrever a demanda física imposta aos árbitros de futebol brasileiros durante partidas oficiais e b) analisar se o nível de aptidão física interfere no desempenho da arbitragem. Os árbitros (n = 11) foram avaliados durante jogos oficiais (n = 21) do campeonato Potiguar 2009. A média de idade foi de 36,36 ± 6,34 anos. A distância percorrida, a velocidade (média e máxima) e a frequência cardíaca (média e máxima) foram registradas durante as partidas. A análise da arbitragem foi realizada por avaliador credenciado pela Federação Norte-Rio-Grandense de Futebol (FNF), seguindo os critérios estabelecidos pela Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF). A distância percorrida, a velocidade e a frequência cardíaca foram, respectivamente, 10,50 ± 0,35 km, 6,43 ± 0,26 km/h (média), 19,84 ± 1,56 km/h (máxima), 162,77 ± 7,44 bpm (média) e 182,22 ± 7,72 bpm (máxima). Foi evidenciada correlação significativa entre o VO2máx e a distância percorrida no segundo tempo (r = 0,517) (p < 0,05). O VO2máx também apresentou correlação com a velocidade máxima de deslocamento (r = 0,506) (p < 0,05). Já o percentual de gordura apresentou correlação negativa com a velocidade máxima no segundo tempo (r = -0,471) (p < 0,05). Foi detectada correlação positiva entre o desempenho da arbitragem e o VO2máx (r = 0,530) (p < 0,05). Com relação ao percentual de gordura, o mesmo apresentou correlação negativa com o desempenho do árbitro (r = -0,496) (p < 0,05). Os resultados do presente estudo indicam que os árbitros de futebol são submetidos à alta sobrecarga física/fisiológica durante as partidas. Os resultados obtidos também sugerem que os parâmetros associados com a aptidão física (composição corporal e o VO2máx) podem interferir no desempenho da arbitragem.
Análise descritiva do desempenho em uma prova de 100 m nado livre feminino baseada em variáveis biomecânicas
Authors: Farah Breno Quintella , Silva Windson Carlos Motta , Santos Marcos André , Melo Wilson Viana de Castro
Published: April 2011

Na natação, atualmente, a avaliação do desempenho dos nadadores, apóiam-se em diversas metodologias de observação da competição. As variáveis biomecânicas representam um importante recurso para análise da performance esportiva por serem indicadores da eficiência do nado, com aplicação simples e objetiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma análise descritiva do desempenho na prova de 100 metros nado Livre feminino, baseada nas variáveis: comprimento de braçada (CB), frequência de braçada (FB), velocidade de nado (VN), índice de nado (IN), velocidade média escalar (Vm), tempo de saída (Ts) e tempo de virada (Tv), a fim de observar o comportamento e influências na performance. Foram capturadas imagens por uma câmera mini-DV, analisadas por um "software" editor de vídeo. As variáveis CB, VN e IN foram encontradas indiretamente, sem considerar as fases de saída e virada. Ts e Tv foram obtidos através da linha do tempo do software. A análise de dados mostra para atleta 1: CB 2,00 m, FB 0,89 Hz, VN 1,78 m/s e IN 3,56 m²/s; atleta 2: CB 1,82 m, FB 0,97 Hz, VN 1,76 m/s, IN 3,20 m²/s; atleta 3: CB 1,91 m, FB 0,92 Hz, VN 1,75 m/s, IN 3,32 m²/s. Conclui-se que: o desempenho final apresentou comportamentos similares nos três primeiros trechos da prova indicando uma influência semelhante dessas variáveis sobre o desempenho das atletas. No último quarto da prova as variáveis apresentam maior interferência na performance final, sendo este decorrente de uma possível diminuição da eficiência mecânica do nado devido ao aumento do arrasto e redução da força propulsiva.
Visual experience of quality degradation when viewing computer and notebook displays from an oblique angle
Authors: Brunnström Kjell , Nordström Lukas , Andrén Börje
Published: April 2011

Abstract— This study focused on evaluating the user experience of the viewing‐angle‐dependent quality of computer and notebook displays. The tests were performed in a test lab using a notebook with a prismatic display and a computer monitor with a conventional LCD. The notebook display was tilted and turned during an image‐quality test and tilted during an acuity test. On the computer monitor, the turn and tilt was simulated in the image‐quality test, for checking the TCO requirements. The results from the image‐quality test show that the parameter used in the TCO requirement, luminance ratio, would be a reasonable predictor of image quality. However, the experiment with the notebook display shows that, in general, this is not the case, especially for larger viewing angles where the physical characteristics do not show a gradual variation in luminance. Therefore, the luminance ratio in TCO requirements shall be used with caution. In addition, the results for the notebook display show that the visual acu ity decreased faster with increasing viewing angle than predicted from the luminance decrease alone. This means that it will be harder to resolve small details and will, therefore, have a negative influence on the visual ergonomics.
Switching of carbon‐nanotube emitters by an integrated MOSFET
Authors: Bae Na Young , Ryu Je Hwang , Oh Hye Mi , Lee Eun Hye , Bae Woo Mi , Ha An Na , Jang Jin , Park Kyu Chang
Published: April 2011

Abstract— The integration of carbon‐nanotube (CNT) emitters with a metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) can stabilize and control the emission current of CNTs. CNTs were grown by using the resist‐assisted patterning (RAP) process and plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and were connected to the drain part of an external MOSFET. The electron‐emission current of CNTs was switched by applying a low gate voltage to the MOSFET, and the switching current was very stable because the MOSFET was operated in the saturation region. Based on these results, the emission current of CNTs was stabilized and switched by using a low‐voltage‐driven MOSFET.
Attentional Bias in Anxiety Disorders Following Cognitive Behavioral Treatment
Authors: Tobon Juliana I. , Ouimet Allison J. , Dozois David J. A.
Published: April 2011

A substantive literature suggests that anxious people have an attentional bias toward threatening stimuli. To date, however, no systematic review has examined the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety on attentional bias. A better understanding of the extant literature on CBT and its effect on attentional bias can serve to bridge the gap between experimental research on cognitive bias and the implications for clinical treatment of anxiety disorders. The present review examined studies that measured the effects of CBT on attentional bias. Of the 13 studies reviewed, 10 demonstrated that attentional bias, as assessed by dichotic listening tasks, the emotional Stroop test, or probe detection tasks, was significantly reduced from pretreatment to posttreatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, spider phobia, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. Methodological issues are considered, and implications for cognitive behavioral treatments of anxiety are discussed.
Posttraumatic Stress and Alcohol Use Motives
Authors: Vujanovic Anka A. , Marshall-Berenz Erin C. , Zvolensky Michael J.
Published: April 2011

This investigation first examined the incremental validity of distress tolerance in terms of alcohol use coping motives within a trauma-exposed community sample of adults, beyond the variance contributed by posttraumatic stress symptom severity, difficulties in emotion regulation, alcohol consumption, and other (noncriterion) alcohol use motives. Secondly, the potential mediating role of distress tolerance in the association between posttraumatic stress symptom severity and alcohol use coping motives was tested. Participants were 83 community-recruited individuals (63.8% women; Mage = 22.98, SD = 9.24) who endorsed exposure to at least one traumatic life event and past-month alcohol use. Participants were assessed using structured diagnostic interviews and a series of self-report inventories. Results were consistent with hypotheses, because distress tolerance was significantly and incrementally associated with alcohol use coping motives; and distress tolerance at least partially mediated the association between posttraumatic stress and alcohol use coping motives. Theoretical and clinical implications as well as future directions regarding the association between distress tolerance and alcohol use motives among trauma-exposed persons are discussed.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Nurses’ Attitudes Toward eICU® Scale
Authors: Kowitlawakul Yanika , Baghi Heibatollah , Kopac Catharine A.
Published: April 2011

The eICU® technology system has been implemented nationwide to facilitate efficient and safe care for patients. The purpose of this study was to provide psychometric evidence of the reliability and validity of an instrument, the Nurses’ Attitudes Toward eICU® Scale (NATES). The study involved 117 registered nurses working in critical care units that had not yet implemented eICU® technology. The reliability for the total scale was .91. Factor analysis results supported construct validity and indicated that five factors accounted for 67.3% of variance in the data: Cost and Benefit; Patient Care and Quality; Anxiety and Confidence; Effort; and Anger and Fear. The NATES showed promise as a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing nurses’ attitudes toward eICU® technology.
Supporting Adolescent Orphan Girls to Stay in School as HIV Risk Prevention: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial in Zimbabwe
Authors: Hallfors Denise , Cho Hyunsan , Rusakaniko Simbarashe , Iritani Bonita , Mapfumo John , Halpern Carolyn
Published: April 2011

Objectives. Using a randomized controlled trial in rural eastern Zimbabwe, we tested whether comprehensive support to keep orphan adolescent girls in school could reduce HIV risk.

Methods. All orphan girls in grade 6 in 25 primary schools were invited to participate in the study in fall 2007 (n = 329). Primary schools were randomized to condition. All primary schools received a universal daily feeding program; intervention participants received fees, uniforms, and a school-based helper to monitor attendance and resolve problems. We conducted annual surveys and collected additional information on school dropout, marriage, and pregnancy rates. We analyzed data using generalized estimating equations over 3 time points, controlling for school and age at baseline.

Results. The intervention reduced school dropout by 82% and marriage by 63% after 2 years. Compared with control participants, the intervention group reported greater school bonding, better future expectations, more equitable gender attitudes, and more concerns about the consequences of sex.

Conclusions. We found promising evidence that comprehensive school support may reduce HIV risk for orphan girls. Further study, including assessment of dose response, cost benefit, and HIV and herpes simplex virus 2 biomarker measurement, is warranted.
Informal Caregiving and Self-Reported Mental and Physical Health: Results From the Gazel Cohort Study
Authors: Buyck Jean-François , Bonnaud Sophie , Boumendil Ariane , Andrieu Sandrine , Bonenfant Sébastien , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Ankri Joël
Published: April 2011

Objectives. We investigated whether, and under what conditions, informal caregiving is associated with improved self-reported physical and mental health, most notably in terms of cognitive functioning.

Methods. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 2008 data from the Gazel Cohort Study, which involved 10 687 men and women aged 54 to 70 years. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between self-reported health and caregiving status and burden.

Results. Regular caregivers with the highest burden scores reported significantly worse health status than did noncaregivers for almost all of the physical and mental outcomes evaluated after adjustment for potential confounding factors. In particular, they reported more cognitive complaints (odds ratio [OR] = 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21, 1.73). Conversely, caregivers with the lowest burden scores reported better perceived health status, less physical and mental tiredness, and fewer depressive symptoms (OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.37, 0.68) than did noncaregivers; however, they did not report decreases in cognitive difficulties (OR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.81, 1.18).

Conclusions. Our findings support the hypothesis that caregiving can have positive effects on health, provided that caregiving activities themselves are not too heavy a burden.
Beyond Faith-Based Organizations: Using Comparative Institutional Ethnography to Understand Religious Responses to HIV and AIDS in Brazil
Authors: Muñoz-Laboy Miguel A. , Murray Laura , Wittlin Natalie , Garcia Jonathan , Terto Jr Veriano , Parker Richard G.
Published: April 2011

Religious institutions, which contribute to understanding of and mobilization in response to illness, play a major role in structuring social, political, and cultural responses to HIV and AIDS. We used institutional ethnography to explore how religious traditions—Catholic, Evangelical, and Afro-Brazilian—in Brazil have influenced HIV prevention, treatment, and care at the local and national levels over time.

We present a typology of Brazil's division of labor and uncover overlapping foci grounded in religious ideology and tradition: care of people living with HIV among Catholics and Afro-Brazilians, abstinence education among Catholics and Evangelicals, prevention within marginalized communities among Evangelicals and Afro-Brazilians, and access to treatment among all traditions.

We conclude that institutional ethnography, which allows for multilevel and interlevel analysis, is a useful methodology.
An Overlooked Priority: Puberty in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sommer Marni
Published: April 2011

Early adolescence remains an overlooked window of opportunity for public health intervention with girls and boys in sub-Saharan Africa. Minimal health data exist on pubescent girls and boys.

Considerable morbidity and mortality related to HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy emerge soon after puberty, suggesting the importance of targeting early adolescents. The fundamental goal of primary prevention would be better served if girls and boys between the ages of 10 and 14 years were targeted for effective and contextually relevant interventions.

Such interventions should address healthy transitions to young adulthood to effectively advance the public health agenda with postpubescent (aged 15 to 24 years) young women and men. The global health community is overdue to build the empirical database for intervention with this age group.
Classical Mechanics - A Review
Authors: R. Afnan Iraj
Published: April 2011

This chapter is devoted to a short review of classical mechanics with
the aim of defining the classical Hamiltonian, and establishing the relation
between space symmetry and conservation laws.
Wave Packet and the Uncertainty Principle
Authors: R. Afnan Iraj
Published: April 2011

We devote this chapter to the concept of the superposition of
waves to construct wave packets that satisfy the uncertainty principle and
the Schrodinger equation.
Molecular Vibration - The Harmonic Oscillator
Authors: R. Afnan Iraj
Published: April 2011

In the present chapter we turn to the one-dimensional harmonic
oscillator potentials for which the Schrodinger equation admits analytic solutions.
This will allow us to examine the vibrational spectrum of quantum
systems, and in particular, diatomic molecules.
Central Force Problem II
Authors: R. Afnan Iraj
Published: April 2011

This chapter is devoted to the solution of the radial Schrodinger
equation for three different spherically symmetric potentials whose solutions
are used to discuss the approximation methods in atomic, molecular and
nuclear problems in Chapter 13.
Scattering by a Central Potential
Authors: R. Afnan Iraj
Published: April 2011

With the central role played by scattering in any measurement
on a quantum system, in this chapter we introduce the basic formulation of
scattering theory for a central potential. As a simple application we consider
scattering by a square-well, as well as the scattering by a Coulomb potential.
Matrix Formulation of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: R. Afnan Iraj
Published: April 2011

Having solved the Schrodinger equation for several potentials, we
turn our attention in this chapter to the matrix formulation of quantum mechanics
and the different representations we can use to simplify the solution
of problems for both bound and scattering problems.
References
Authors: R. Afnan Iraj
Published: April 2011

Full text available
Thinking Styles: Maximizing Online Supported Learning
Authors: Bishop Carolyn , Foster Christopher
Published: April 2011

Internet supported teacher education programs at the university are increasing, as is the need for qualified teachers in rural areas and inner cities. This study focused on the thinking styles of online learners in a post baccalaureate teacher education program. In order to more effectively meet students individual learning needs, 184 students were asked to take the Sternberg-Wagner Thinking Styles Inventory. Additionally, an initial marker of potential academic success—first semester grades—were analyzed in relationship to student thinking styles as categorized by the Sternberg-Wagner Thinking Styles Inventory. Are there dominant thinking styles present in the analysis of Sternberg-Wagner Thinking styles in student population of a post baccalaureate teacher preparation program? A cluster of thinking styles was not found in the survey results. The findings led to the conclusion that all thinking styles profiles must be considered in instructional systems design to ensure student learning is maximized.
A Multiple-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Scores for Online Social Presence: Do They Measure the Same Thing across Cultural Groups?
Authors: Yen Cherng-Jyh , Tu Chih-Hsiung
Published: April 2011

Online learners and instructors are more diverse in their social and cultural backgrounds than their counterparts in face-to-face classrooms. The diversified social and cultural backgrounds of online learners and instructors complicate the conceptualization of online social presence and pose challenges to instructors in course design. This study conducted a multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis of the scores from the Computer-Mediated Communication Questionnaire (CMCQ), using Structural Equation Modeling, to assess the equality of the underlying factor structure across the low-context culture (LCC) and the high-context culture (HCC) groups. The results suggested that cultural groups perceived online social presence in a slightly different manner. Perception differences were observed in three of the four dimensions of online social presence.
Comparative Advantage and Skill-Specific Unemployment
Authors: Larch Mario , Lechthaler Wolfgang
Published: April 2011

We introduce unemployment and endogenous selection of workers into different skill-classes in a trade model with two sectors and heterogeneous firms. This allows us to identify three different channels through which trade liberalization can affect unemployment: specialization, changes in productivity, and mobility. These three channels may work in opposite directions and their relative importance depends on the type of trade (intra-industry trade vs. inter-industry trade) and the skill-class of a worker.

We show that the gains from trade are distributed very unequally. When a skilled worker abundant country opens up to trade with a country that is unskilled worker abundant, the biggest losers are the skilled workers in the import sector in the skill abundant country. However, average unemployment among skilled workers goes down, while average unemployment among unskilled workers goes up.
Atorvastatin and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: März Winfried , Genser Bernd , Drechsler Christiane , Krane Vera , Grammer Tanja B. , Ritz Eberhard , Stojakovic Tatjana , Scharnagl Hubert , Winkler Karl , Holme Ingar , Holdaas Hallvard , Wanner Christoph
Published: April 2011

Background and objectives

Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis are at high cardiovascular risk. Lowering LDL-cholesterol with statins reduces the incidence rate of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease. In contrast, two randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled trials have been completed in hemodialysis patients that showed no significant effects of statins on cardiovascular outcomes.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A post hoc analysis was conducted of the 4D (Die Deutsche Diabetes Dialyze) study to investigate whether LDL-cholesterol at baseline is predictive of cardiovascular events and whether the effect of atorvastatin on clinical outcomes depends on LDL-cholesterol at baseline.

Results

High concentrations of LDL-cholesterol by tendency increased the risks of cardiac endpoints and all-cause mortality. Concordantly, atorvastatin significantly reduced the rates of adverse outcomes in the highest quartile of LDL-cholesterol (≥145 mg/dl, 3.76 mmol/L). The hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 0.69 (0.48 to 1.00) for the composite primary endpoint, 0.58 (0.34 to 0.99) for cardiac death, 0.48 (0.25 to 0.94) for sudden cardiac death, 0.62 (0.33 to 1.17) for nonfatal myocardial infarction, 0.68 (0.47 to 0.98) for all cardiac events combined, and 0.72 (0.52 to 0.99) for death from all causes, respectively. No such decrease was seen in any of the other quartiles of LDL-cholesterol at baseline.

Conclusions

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing hemodialysis, atorvastatin significantly reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiac events and death from any cause if pretreatment LDL-cholesterol is >145 mg/dl (3.76 mmol/L).
Recurrence of Secondary Glomerular Disease after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Ponticelli Claudio , Moroni Gabriella , Glassock Richard J.
Published: April 2011

The risk of a posttransplant recurrence of secondary glomerulonephritis (GN) is quite variable. Histologic recurrence is frequent in lupus nephritis, but the lesions are rarely severe and usually do not impair the long-term graft outcome. Patients with Henoch-Schonlein nephritis have graft survival similar to that of other renal diseases, although recurrent Henoch-Schonlein nephritis with extensive crescents has a poor prognosis. Amyloid light-chain amyloidosis recurs frequently in renal allografts but it rarely causes graft failure. Amyloidosis secondary to chronic inflammation may also recur, but this is extremely rare in patients with Behcet's disease or in those with familial Mediterranean fever, when the latter are treated with colchicine. Double organ transplantation (liver/kidney; heart/kidney), chemotherapy, and autologous stem cell transplantation may be considered in particular cases of amyloidosis, such as hereditary amyloidosis or multiple myeloma. There is little experience with renal transplantation in light-chain deposition disease, fibrillary/immunotactoid GN, or mixed cryoglobulinemic nephritis but successful cases have been reported. Diabetic nephropathy often recurs but usually only after many years. Recurrence in patients with small vessel vasculitis is unpredictable but can cause graft failure. However, in spite of recurrence, patient and graft survival rates are similar in patients with small vessel vasculitis compared with those with other renal diseases. Many secondary forms of GN no longer represent a potential contraindication to renal transplantation. The main issues in transplantation of patients with secondary GN are the infectious, cardiovascular, or hepatic complications associated with the original disease or its treatment.
Icodextrin Increases Technique Survival Rate in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy by Improving Body Fluid Management
Authors: Takatori Yuji , Akagi Shigeru , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Inoue Junko , Kojo Shoichiro , Morinaga Hiroshi , Nakao Kazushi , Wada Jun , Makino Hirofumi
Published: April 2011

Background and objectives

There are still controversies whether peritoneal dialysis (PD) with icodextrin preserves residual renal and peritoneal membrane functions in patients with diabetes. However, there are no randomized controlled and long-term clinical trials in newly started PD patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Forty-one patients with diabetic nephropathy with ESRD were enrolled and randomly assigned to the glucose group (GLU) treated with 8 L of 1.5% or 2.5% glucose or an icodextrin group (ICO) treated with 1.5 or 2.0 L of 7.5% icodextrin-containing solutions. Technique failure, body fluid management, glucose and lipid metabolism, and residual renal and peritoneal functions and were evaluated over 2 years.

Results

The technique survival rate was 71.4% in ICO and 45.0% in GLU, with most of the technique failure due to volume overload. ICO showed significantly better cumulative technique survival. Net ultrafiltration volume was significantly higher in ICO throughout the study period. There were no beneficial effects of icodextrin on hemoglobin A1c, glycoalbumin, and lipid profile at 24 months. Urine volume and residual renal function declined faster in ICO, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. For peritoneal function, no differences were observed in dialysis-to-plasma creatinine ratios during the observation.

Conclusions

In PD therapy for diabetic nephropathy, the use of icodextrin-containing solutions has a beneficial effect on technique survival, but there are no apparent benefits or disadvantages in residual renal and peritoneal functions compared with conventional PD with glucose solution.
Effects of phytogenic additive on production and quality of table eggs in early stage of laying cycle
Authors: Vekic M. , Peric L. , Djukic-Stojcic M. , Milosevic N. , Bjedov S. , Steiner T.
Published: April 2011

The aim of this paper is to present results achieved by adding dietary
phytogenic additive (Biomin? P.E.P. 125 poultry) on production and quality of
table eggs in the early stages of laying period in commercial Hy Line Brown
hens. The experiment was conducted from 16 to 28 weeks of hens age. During
the experimental period the following parameters were determined every week :
egg production, percentage of second grade eggs and egg weight. The
examination of egg quality was conducted at 21, 24, 26 and 28 weeks of hens
age. Based on the obtained results we can conclude that the addition of
dietary phytogenic additive induced an increase in egg production and egg
weight and reduced the percentage of second grade eggs. Significant effects
of phytogenic additive on some egg quality parameters were not established.
The presence of toxigenic Fusarium species and Fusariotoxins deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in winter wheat
Authors: Krnjaja V. , Stankovic S. , Levic J.
Published: April 2011

The frequency of fungi and mycotoxin concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON)
and zearalenone (ZON) were studied in winter wheat grains harvested in 2009.
The most frequently isolated species belonged to genera Alternaria (81.55%)
and Fusarium (12%), followed by Rhizopus spp. (3.75%), Acremoniella spp.
(1.15%) and other fungi (Acremonium spp., Arthrinium spp., Aspergillus spp.,
Bipolaris spp., Chaetomium spp., Nigrospora spp., Penicillium spp. and
Ramichloridium spp.) isolated in less than 1%. The following species of the
genus Fusarium were identified: F. graminearum (82.50%), F. sporotrichioides
(5.42%), F. proliferatum (4.17%), F. subglutinans (4.17%), F. poae (1.66%),
F. semitectum (1.25%), and F. verticillioides (0.83%). In 100% of wheat grain
samples DON was detected (110-1200 ?g kg-1, average 490 ?g kg-1), while ZON
was detected in 10% of samples and in the lower average of 70 ?g kg-1 with
the limit values ranging from 60 to 80 ?g kg-1. Statistically significant
positive correlations were established between the concentration of ZON with
the frequency of F. graminearum (r = 0.63) or with the frequency of Fusarium
spp. (r = 0.58). A negative insignificant correlation was determined between
the DON level and the percentage of present Fusarium species.
Determination of shelf life of marinated carp fillets
Authors: Pelin Can , Arslan A.
Published: April 2011

In the present study, sensory, microbiological and chemical changes during
manufacturing and storage of marinated and baked fillets were investigated.
For this purpose, the fillets were divided in to three groups. One group was
control and the other two groups were marinated with two different marination
mixes (group A and group B). The control fillets were cooked at 150?C for 55
minutes. The marinated groups were cooked after holding at +4?C for 6 hours.
Central temperatures of cooked fillets were chilled to +4 ?C and vacuum
packaged. Vacuumed fillets stored at +4?C. Then fillets were analysed for
sensory, microbiological (mesophilic aerobic bacteria, psycrophilic aerobic
bacteria, mesophilic anaerobic bacteria, yeast and mould counts) and chemical
(pH, moisture, total volatile - nitrogen, tiobarbituric acid and salt) on 0,
7 th,14 th,28 th,42 nd,56 th,70 th,84 th and 98 th days of storage. In the
microbiological analysis, counts of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria,
psycrophilic aerobic bacteria, mesophilic anaerobic bacteria, yeast and mould
counts were determined as < 10 cfu/g in all groups during the storage. There
was no significant difference among the groups in pH, moisture, TVB-N and
salt level (p>0.05). The TBA value increased during the storage period in
control group. As for the TBA value, the difference between control group and
group A and group B was significant (p<0.05). When fillets have been
investigated from sensory characteristics, A and B products found beter than
control group throughout the storage period.
The promotion of corporate social responsibility in Serbia
Authors: Ivanovic-Djukic Maja
Published: April 2011

Enterprises are part of society they function in; therefore, they must,
besides the implementation of economic objectives, pay attention to the
impact they have on society and environment i.e., they should act
responsibly. Corporate social responsibility involves the execution of all
tasks in the enterprise in socially acceptable manner, with respect of:
economic, legal, ethical principles, with volunteer participation of the
enterprise in solving social and environmental problems. In Serbia, only
relatively small number of enterprises broadens their economic objectives
with socio-environmental objectives and get involved in solving social
problems. As a consequence, there are a large number of social problems that
have a reverse negative impact on an enterprise?s business. For problems to
be solved, it is necessary for the enterprise to pay attention to the impact
of its business activity on society, for the state to, with different
programs and measures, promote and support responsible business activity of
the enterprise. The measures that can incite socially responsible business
activity of enterprises in Serbia will be discussed in the paper. The aim of
the paper is to, incite and develop socially responsible business activity
that will lead to gradual solving of certain social problems (such as
corruption, poverty, violence, different modes of disturbance), by using
experience and good business practice of developed European countries.
Epistemic arguments against dictatorship
Authors: Litwack Eric
Published: April 2011

In this article I examine what I term epistemic arguments against epistocratic dictatorships against the background of Harry Frankfurt’s claim that truth is a fundamental governing notion, and some key reflections of Václav Havel and Leszek Kolakowski. Some of the key epistemic arguments offered by Karl Popper, Robert A. Dahl and Ross Harrison are outlined and endorsed. They underscore the insurmountable problems involved in choosing and maintaining a state of allegedly perfectly wise and efficient rulers. Such rule by virtue of supposed supreme knowledge and expertise denies a truthful recognition of the inevitable fallibility of the state, and of government policies. Moreover, the repression of both citizens’ commitment to truthfulness and their attempts at political falsification will necessarily render dictatorships both continually prone to error and inevitably oppressive. Fallibilistic epistemology is thus seen as a formidable philosophical arsenal for anti-totalitarian and democratic thought, alongside ethical and historical arguments against dictatorship.
Medical school and residency influence on choice of an academic career and academic productivity among neurosurgery faculty in the United States
Authors: Campbell Peter G. , Awe Olatilewa O. , Maltenfort Mitchell G. , Moshfeghi Darius M. , Leng Theodore , Moshfeghi Andrew A. , Ratliff John K.
Published: April 2011

Object

Factors determining choice of an academic career in neurological surgery are unclear. This study seeks to evaluate the graduates of medical schools and US residency programs to determine those programs that produce a high number of graduates remaining within academic programs and the contribution of these graduates to academic neurosurgery as determined by h-index valuation.

Methods

Biographical information from current faculty members of all accredited neurosurgery training programs in the US with departmental websites was obtained. Any individual who did not have an American Board of Neurological Surgery certificate (or was not board eligible) was excluded. The variables collected included medical school attended, residency program completed, and current academic rank. For each faculty member, Web of Science and Scopus h-indices were also collected.

Results

Ninety-seven academic neurosurgery departments with 986 faculty members were analyzed. All data regarding training program and medical school education were compiled and analyzed by center from which each faculty member graduated. The 20 medical schools and neurosurgical residency training programs producing the greatest number of graduates remaining in academic practice, and the respective individuals' h-indices, are reported. Medical school graduates of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons chose to enter academics the most frequently. The neurosurgery training program at the University of Pittsburgh produced the highest number of academic neurosurgeons in this sample.

Conclusions

The use of quantitative measures to evaluate the academic productivity of medical school and residency graduates may provide objective measurements by which the subjective influence of training experiences on choice of an academic career may be inferred. The top 3 residency training programs were responsible for 10% of all academic neurosurgeons. The influence of medical school and residency experiences on choice of an academic career may be significant.
Effect of liquid embolic agents on Gamma Knife surgery dosimetry for arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Mamalui-Hunter Maria , Jiang Thomas , Rich Keith M. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Drzymala Robert E.
Published: April 2011

Object

The effectiveness of Gamma Knife stereotactic surgery to obliterate brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may be diminished by the preoperative adjunctive use of endovascular liquid embolic agents. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if commercially available liquid embolic agents reduce the radiation dose to the target because of attenuation of the 60Co beam.

Methods

The apparent linear attenuation coefficients for 120- to 140-keV radiographs in embolized regions were retrieved from CT scans for several patients with AVMs who had undergone embolization procedures with liquid embolic agents to reduce nidal volumes. Based on these coefficients and a virtual model of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) with basic ray tracing, the authors obtained the path lengths and densities of the embolized regions. The attenuation of 60Co beams was then calculated for various sizes and positions of embolized AVM regions and for the number of beams used for treatment. Published experiments for several high-atomic-number materials were used to estimate the effective 60Co beam attenuation coefficients for the N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA, suspended in ethiodized oil) and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH, with suspended micronized tantalum powder, Onyx) used in the AVM embolizations. Dose reductions during GKS were calculated for a theoretical model based on the CT-documented apparent linear attenuation coefficients and for the 60Co energy attenuation coefficient. Dose measurements were obtained in a phantom study with EVOH for comparison with the estimates generated from the two attenuation coefficients.

Results

Based on CT (keV) apparent attenuation coefficients, the authors' theoretical model predicted that the cumulative effect of either of the embolic agents decreased the number of kilovoltage photons in an embolized nidus by −8% to −15% because of the increased atomic number and density of NBCA and Onyx. However, in using the effective attenuation coefficient for the 60Co energies as is used in GKS, the authors' theoretical model yielded only a 0.2% dose reduction per beam and a < 0.01%–0.2% dose reduction in total. These theoretical results were validated by measurements in a head phantom containing Onyx.

Conclusions

Dose reduction due to attenuation of the 60Co beam by the AVM embolization material was negligible for both NBCA and EVOH because of the high-energy 60Co beam.
Effect of a cold margin on ice flow at the terminus of Storglaciären, Sweden: implications for sediment transport
Authors: Moore Peter L. , Iverson Neal R. , Brugger Keith A. , Cohen Denis , Hooyer Thomas S. , Jansson Peter
Published: April 2011

The cold-based termini of polythermal glaciers are usually assumed to adhere strongly to an immobile substrate and thereby supply significant resistance to the flow of warm-based ice up-glacier. This compressive environment is commonly thought to uplift basal sediment to the surface of the glacier by folding and thrust faulting. We present model and field evidence from the terminus of Storglaciären, Sweden, showing that the cold margin provides limited resistance to flow from up-glacier. Ice temperatures indicate that basal freezing occurs in this zone at 10−1 −10−2 m a−1, but model results indicate that basal motion at rates greater than 1 m a−1 must, nevertheless, persist there for surface and basal velocities to be consistent with measurements. Estimated longitudinal compressive stresses of 20–25 kPa within the terminus further indicate that basal resistance offered by the cold-based terminus is small. These results indicate that where polythermal glaciers are underlain by unlithified sediments, ice-flow trajectories and sediment transport pathways may be affected by subglacial topography and hydrology more than by the basal thermal regime.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Versus Computed Tomographic Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Begum SMK Nahar , Ekram ARMS , Uddin D , Islam QT , Bhaduri J
Published: April 2011

Image guided FNAC of pulmonary lesions are widely applied now a days. Most of the lesions which are located nearer to the chest wall can be well visualized by ultrasonography. Whereas smaller lesions, deeply located ones, mediastinal or juxtra-hilar lesions may not be visualized sonographically. In those cases CT-guidance becomes beneficial. We report 127 FNACs done during a 2 year period. In considering the poor economic ability of the patient USG-guidance was preferred provided the lesion could be well visualized. Ultrasound guided method was successfully performed in majority of cases except a few where CT-guidance was necessary. After first aspiration an immediate cytological assessment was done by a quick staining method and in case of inadequacy of the specimen a second pass was made within an hour. Different pathological spectrum of diseases were diagnosed cytologically and was compared with their final diagnosis. Negligible immediate or late complications were noticed. Image guided FNAB of intra-thoracic masses can therefore be made with minimum complication, can allow the physician to decide the mode of treatment in a shortest possible time and in most of the cases an ultrasound guidance is sufficient enough considering the poor economic status of people in this subcontinent. Key Words : CT Guided FNAC; USG FNAC; Diagnostic Accuracy DOI: 10.3329/akmmcj.v1i1.7453 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal 2010; 1(1): 09-14
Tuberculosis: Global and Regional Scenarios
Authors: Rahman Md Mahfuzar
Published: April 2011

DOI: 10.3329/akmmcj.v1i1.7455 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal 2010; 1(1): 19-22
Exploring the Link Between Food-Hygiene Practices and Diarrhoea Among the Children of Garments Worker Mothers in Dhaka
Authors: Mannan Sultana Rokeya , Rahman Md Atiqur
Published: April 2011

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the potential factors of food-hygiene practices of mothers on the prevalence of diarrhoea among their children. Mothers who had children aged 6 months–5years were recruited in a Garments factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The food-hygiene practices included hand-washing, method of washing utensils, separation of utensils for raw and cooked food, and the location where foods were prepared for cooking. A face-to-face interview was conducted, and data on 206 mothers were analyzed. The risk of diarrhoea was significantly higher among children whose mothers prepared food without proper neatness and kept the food to be fed by the children throughout the following day, compared to children whose mothers prepared and preserved food hygienically. (adjusted odds ratio=2.85, 95% confidence interval 1.11-7.28). The results indicate that food-hygiene practices of mothers, such as preparing food with neatness and preserving consciously has a potential impact in preventing diarrhoea among children of garments working mothers. Key words: Cross-sectional Studies; Diarrhoea; Infantile; Food Handling; Hygiene; Knowledge; Attitudes and Practice DOI: 10.3329/akmmcj.v1i2.7458 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal 2010; 1(2): 04-11
Nipah Virus Endemic in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Tahminur
Published: April 2011

DOI: 10.3329/akmmcj.v2i1.7463 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal 2011; 2(1): 03-05
Effect of Antenatal Anaemia of the Mother on the Volume of the Placenta
Authors: Begum Mahamuda , Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Ara Shamim , Begum Gul Newaz
Published: April 2011

In pregnancy, anaemia has a tremendous effect on the placenta. Maternal anaemia increases the volume of the placenta. Foetal hypoxaemia usually develops as a consequence of maternal anaemia, due to lower haemoglobin concentration, and stimulates placental growth. A prospective study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Maternal and Child Health Training Institute (widely known as Azimpur Maternity), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from August 2005 to June 2006 on 60 Bangladeshi women who were within 35-40 weeks of gestation. Among them, 20 had normal uncomplicated pregnancies (considered as control group or group A) and another 27 had pregnancies with mild anaemia (considered as group B1) and 13 had pregnancies with moderate anaemia (considered as group B2). Severe anaemic (considered as group B3) mother was not found during the period of collection of data for this study. The mothers were selected as who were suffering from antenatal anaemia i.e. having heamoglobin level <10 gm/dl (mild, if <10 gm/dl; moderate, if <8 gm/dl; and severe, if <6 gm/dl) and control i.e. having heamoglobin level ≥10 gm/dl. The placentae of the mothers were collected after delivery and their volume were measured by water displacement method and recorded. The present study showed that mean volume of placenta in group A, group B1 and group B2 were 444.00±38.37, 472.59±17.34 and 485.38±24.62 ml respectively. The difference between group A & B1, and A & B2 were found statistically significant. The volume of the placenta was found to increase with ascending grade of antenatal naemia of mothers in comparison to that of normal pregnancy. Key Words: Antenatal Anaemia; Maternal Anaemia; Volume of Placenta DOI: 10.3329/akmmcj.v2i1.7467 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal 2011; 2(1): 22-25
Making Middlebrow Culture, Making Middlebrow Literary Texts Matter: The Crisis, Easter 1912
Authors: Ardis Ann
Published: April 2011

The Crisis was established in 1910 by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at the behest and under the editorship of W. E. B. DuBois. Its earliest years of publication are distinctive, as Anne E. Carroll has argued, for their dual focus on ‘protest[ing] against racial injustice and…affirm[ing] the achievement of African Americans’. Both building on and taking issue with recent research on the Crisis by Carroll and Russ Castronovo, this essay offers a materially based, object-oriented account of how the Crisis engaged an aspirational black middle class readership—and sought to make middlebrow literary texts matter—in its Easter 1912 issue. Instead of employing the methodologies of author-based literary study, I read Charles E. Chesnutt's ‘The Doll’ and Jesse Fauset's ‘Rondeau’ in tandem with and in relation to the magazine's non-literary and commercial content. Doing so not only brings into high relief the Crisis's outreach to an aspirational black middle class. It also helps us recognize the magazine's interest in having its readers find beauty in both a barbershop and in literary forms that cannot—or rather, should not—be subsumed within expansive new definitions of modernism.