bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Crestal Approach for Lifting Sinus in the Extremely Atrophic Upper Maxillae
Authors: Soardi Carlo M. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Sinus augmentation, when performed with simultaneous or delayed implant placement, is a predictable procedure in augmenting deficient ridges. Traditionally, sinus augmentation was performed with either the lateral window or crestal osteotome approaches. In this case series, a new sinus floor elevation technique is proposed to treat specific cases of extremely atrophic maxillae.

Case Series: In this technique, a window is opened from the ridge crest instead of the lateral wall. Particulate bone graft is subsequently packed through the crestal window to elevate the Schneiderian membrane. Primary closure is achieved and implant placement is performed after healing is completed.

Conclusion: This new crestal sinus elevation technique combines direct visualization of the Schneiderian membrane with minimal flap reflection in the augmentation of severely atrophic maxillae in preparation for subsequent implant placement.
Treatment of Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis With Enamel Matrix Derivative and Implant Prosthesis: A Case Report
Authors: Takanashi Takuya , Fujinami Koushu , Matsuzaki Mai , Sekine Hideshi , Saito Atsushi
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Aggressive periodontitis is characterized by relatively rapid loss of connective tissue attachment and alveolar bone in apparently healthy young adults. Ideally, treatment aims at regeneration of lost periodontal tissues and functional and esthetic restoration of lost dentition.

Case Presentation: This case report describes an interdisciplinary approach to aggressive periodontitis in a 23‐year‐old woman involving a periodontist, dental hygienist, and implantologist. After initial periodontal therapy, periodontal lesions were treated by regenerative therapy using enamel matrix derivative. Treatment yielded a mean clinical attachment level (CAL) gain of 3.0 mm (range: 2 to 5 mm; 41% of the preoperative CAL) at 1 year. A trend toward a progressive increase in radiopacity, suggestive of bone fill, was also observed. After extraction of the upper incisors, transitional implants were immediately placed to support a provisional prosthesis. Two osseointegrated implants were then inserted. After confirming suppression of periodontal pathogens, an implant‐supported prosthesis was placed for esthetic and functional restoration of the anterior dentition.

Conclusion: This collaborative approach yielded a favorable outcome in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis.
Use of an Extracellular Matrix Membrane for Root Coverage: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bhola Monish , Sanchez Shayna , Kolhatkar Shilpa
Published: April 2012

Introduction: The treatment of gingival recession (GR) is a growing need in patients as a result of functional, esthetic, and preprosthetic demands. Techniques that primarily use autogenous grafts, although well established, often require a remote second surgical site. Clinicians have attempted to achieve comparable results without a donor site by using substitutes for autogenous grafts, such as allografts. Recently, the efficacy and predictability of an extracellular matrix (ECM) membrane for root coverage procedures has received close attention. This case series investigates whether the use of an ECM membrane for root coverage procedures achieves objectives, such as complete root coverage (CRC), stable results, and good esthetics in the form of uniform gingival color and contour. The results of six such cases in a variety of clinical situations are presented.

Case Series: Six cases of Miller Class II and III GR defects were treated using an ECM membrane. The flap operation was conducted with a trapezoidal or sulcular flap, followed by placement of the ECM over the GR defect. A follow‐up range of ≤15 months showed complete (two cases) to partial (four cases) root coverage and an increase in tissue thickness.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the use of an ECM membrane is a viable alternative to the use of autogenous grafts when treating GR defects or for soft‐tissue thickness augmentation.
Management of Retrograde Peri‐Implantitis by Apical Resection and Guided Bone Regeneration in Adjacent Maxillary Implants
Authors: Thompson‐Sloan Tamika N. , Kolhatkar Shilpa , Bhola Monish
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Retrograde peri‐implantitis (RPI) is defined as a clinically symptomatic periapical lesion that develops shortly after implant insertion while the coronal portion of the implant sustains a normal bone‐to‐implant interface. The etiology of RPI is unclear and may be attributed to several causes. Regardless of etiology, the management of RPI has been attempted by either resective or regenerative techniques.

Case Presentation: A 61‐year‐old male was screened and evaluated for three maxillary anterior implants placed 10 years previously. Evaluation included a thorough periodontal and dental exam, radiographs, and cone‐beam computed tomography. Probing depths around all implants ranged from 2 to 4 mm with no bleeding on probing/mobility. The apices of implants #8 and #9 exhibited radiolucencies, and a draining fistula was associated with implant #8. Treatment consisted of sectioning and removal of the affected portion of the implants and collection of a specimen for histopathologic examination. Demineralized bone matrix putty was placed in the residual bony defects and covered with a collagen barrier. At 1 year, radiographs revealed both lesions around implants #8 and #9 appeared to be resolving. The lesion associated with implant #9 had a more remarkable radiographic change, because it was smaller than the lesion around implant #8. Both implants continued to function with no recurrence of fistula formation. Histopathologic analysis was consistent with the diagnosis of a periapical granuloma.

Conclusion: Resection of the apical portion of implants is a viable treatment modality in the management of RPI.
Is There an Interaction Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Gingival Inflammation?
Authors: Özçaka Özgün , Ceyhan Banu Öztürk , Akcali Aliye , Biçakci Nurgün , Lappin David F. , Buduneli Nurcan
Published: April 2012

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva, and serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), TNF‐α receptor‐1 (TNF‐αR1), TNF‐αR2, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in non‐obese females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and either clinically healthy periodontium or gingivitis.

Methods: Thirty‐one females with PCOS and healthy periodontium, 30 females with PCOS and gingivitis, and 12 systemically and periodontally healthy females were included in the study. GCF, saliva, and serum samples were collected, and clinical periodontal measurements, body mass index, and Ferriman‐Gallwey score (FGS) were recorded. Sex hormones, cortisol, and insulin levels were measured. TNF‐α, TNF‐αR1, TNF‐αR2, and IL‐6 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Kruskal‐Wallis followed by Bonferroni‐corrected post hoc Mann‐Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data.

Results: The PCOS + gingivitis group revealed significantly higher GCF, saliva, and serum IL‐6 concentrations than the PCOS + healthy group (P <0.0001). The two PCOS groups exhibited significantly higher saliva TNF‐α concentrations than the control group (P = 0.024 and P = 0.013, respectively). The FGS index was significantly higher in the PCOS + gingivitis group than the PCOS + healthy group (P = 0.030). The PCOS + gingivitis group revealed significantly higher insulin concentration than the PCOS + healthy and control groups (P = 0.014 and P <0.0001, respectively). Serum TNF‐α, TNF‐αRs, and serum, GCF, and salivary IL‐6 levels correlated with the clinical periodontal measurements.

Conclusions: PCOS and gingival inflammation appear to act synergistically on the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Thus, PCOS may have an impact on gingival inflammation or vice versa. Additional studies are warranted to clarify the possible relationship between PCOS and periodontal disease.
Effect of the Timing of Restoration on Implant Marginal Bone Loss: A Systematic Review
Authors: Suarez Fernando , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Monje Alberto , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: April 2012

Background: The advancement in implant dentistry has allowed shortened treatment time by restoring the implants earlier. Whether the timing of restoration has an impact on implant marginal bone level has not been systematically analyzed. The aim of this study is to compare marginal bone loss (MBL) between implants that were restored with the following protocols: 1) immediate restoration/loading (IR/L); 2) early loading (EL); and 3) conventional loading (CL).

Methods: An electronic literature search from three databases (until November 2011) and a hand search in implant‐related journals were conducted. Clinical human studies in English language that had reported a comparison of MBL between implants with IR/L, EL, or CL with ≥12‐month follow‐up were included. In addition, the minimal number of implants had to be 10 for each group. Implants with both immediate placement (IP) and delayed placement (DP) were included and analyzed separately. An assessment of the publication bias for the included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed.

Results: The initial search resulted in 1,640 articles, of which 27 articles in full text were further evaluated for eligibility. Finally, 11 studies (eight RCTs, two controlled clinical trials, and one retrospective study) were qualified and classified into four groups: 1) IR/L + DP versus CL + DP (n = 6 articles); 2) IR + DP versus EL + DP (n = 2 articles); 3) EL + DP versus CL + DP (n = 1 article); and (4) IL + IP versus CL + IP (n = 2 articles). A meta‐analysis performed for group 1 showed 0.09 mm (95% confidence interval = −0.27 to 0.09 mm) difference in the mean MBL, favoring the IR/L protocol but without significant difference (P = 0.33). No significant difference in MBL was found for groups 2 through 4 after adjusting for the implant placement level. The eight RCTs were determined to be at moderate‐to‐high risk of publication bias.

Conclusions: This meta‐analysis does not show an effect of the timing of restorations on implant MBL. The selection of restoration protocols should be based on factors other than MBL.
Evaluation of the adsorption capacity of alkali-treated waste materials for the adsorption of sulphamethoxazole
Authors: Kurup Lisha
Published: April 2012

The present work is to develop potential adsorbents from waste material and employ them for the removal of a hazardous antibacterial, sulphamethoxazole, from the wastewater by the Adsorption technique. The Adsorption technique was used to impound the dangerous antibiotics from wastewater using Deoiled Soya (DOS), an agricultural waste, and Water Hyacinth (WH), a prolific colonizer. The adsorption capacity of these adsorbents was further enhanced by treating them with sodium hydroxide solution and it was seen that the adsorption capacity increases by 10 to 25%. Hence a comparative account of the adsorption studies of all the four adsorbents, i.e. DOS, Alkali-treated DOS, WH and Alkali-treated Water Hyacinth has been discussed in this paper. Different isotherms like Freundlich, Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich were also deduced from the adsorption data. Isotherm studies were in turn used in estimating the thermodynamic parameters. DOS showed sorption capacity of 0.0007 mol g−1 while Alkali-treated Deoiled Soya exhibited 0.0011 mol g−1 of sorption capacity, which reveals that the adsorption is higher in case of alkali-treated adsorbent. The mean sorption energy (E) was obtained between 9 and 12 kJ mol, which shows that the reaction proceeds by ion exchange reaction. Kinetic study reveals that the reaction follows pseudo-second-order rate equation. Moreover, mass transfer studies performed for the ongoing processes show that the mass transfer coefficient obtained for alkali-treated moieties was higher than the parent moieties. The breakthrough curves plotted from the column studies show percentage saturation of 90–98%. About 87–97% of sulphamethoxazole was recovered from column by desorption.
Photocatalytic oxidation of humic acid and its effect on haloacetic acid formation potential: a fluorescence spectrometry study
Authors: Xiaoju Yan , Ruiling Bao , Shuili Yu , Qiongfang Li , Wei Chen
Published: April 2012

By fluorescence spectrometry method, molecular conformation changes of humic acid (HA) during the photocatalytic oxidation process were studied. Haloacetic acids formation potential (HAAFP) changes during the oxidation process were also measured. The results indicated that aromatic rings of HA decreased and conjugated double bonds were destroyed at the beginning of the process. Meanwhile, organic matter with large molecular weight decomposed into intermediates with smaller molecular weight, such as tryptophan and tyrosine. HA can be degraded almost completely, but not be mineralized thoroughly. Structures of the intermediates were changing during the oxidation process. Molecular structure transformation of HA led to the fluctuation tendency of the HAAFP changes during the photocatalytic oxidation process. HAAFP increased to 1.22 times that in raw water after 30 min of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and decreased to 0.66 times that in raw water after 60 min of photocatalytic oxidation.
Local head loss monitoring using acoustic instrumentation in partially full sewer pipes
Authors: Romanova A. , Tait S. , Horoshenkov K. V.
Published: April 2012

After an increase in capital investment in UK sewers to reduce hydraulic capacity problems, the proportion of sewer flooding incidents now linked to blockages has increased. It is clear that if sewer operators are to continue to reduce flooding incidents, then better blockage management is now required. Sewer blockage formation is poorly understood; blockages are intermittent and occur in a number of circumstances. This paper reports on the development of low-cost acoustic instrumentation that can identify the location of a pipe blockage and then estimate the local head loss as a result of the presence of a blockage. A set of experiments were carried out in two full-scale laboratory pipes. The pipes' condition was altered by inserting blockages of different sizes. Acoustic data were recorded and presented in terms of the acoustic energy reflected from the partially blocked pipe. The results of this study show that the total reflected acoustic energy correlates with the measured head loss. A new empirical relation between the reflected acoustic energy and head loss due to a blockage is derived. This knowledge can then be used to estimate the reduction in flow capacity resulting from a blockage based on a single remote measurement.
Decision support system to divide a large network into suitable District Metered Areas
Authors: Gomes Ricardo , Marques Alfeu Sá , Sousa Joaquim
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a new approach to divide large Water Distribution Networks (WDN) into suitable District Metered Areas (DMAs). It uses a hydraulic simulator and two operational models to identify the optimal number of DMAs, their entry points and boundary valves, and the network reinforcement/replacement needs throughout the project plan. The first model divides the WDN into suitable DMAs based on graph theory concepts and some user-defined criteria. The second model uses a simulated annealing algorithm to identify the optimal number and location of entry points and boundary valves, and the pipes reinforcement/replacement, necessary to meet the velocity and pressure requirements. The objective function is the difference between the economic benefits in terms of water loss reduction (arising from the average pressure reduction) and the cost of implementing the DMAs. To illustrate the proposed methodology, the results from a hypothetical case study are presented and discussed.
SBR treatment of olive mill wastewaters: dilution or pre-treatment?
Authors: Farabegoli G. , Chiavola A. , Rolle E.
Published: April 2012

The olive-oil extraction industry is an economically important activity for many countries of the Mediterranean Sea area, with Spain, Greece and Italy being the major producers. This activity, however, may represent a serious environmental problem due to the discharge of highly polluted effluents, usually referred to as ‘olive mill wastewaters’ (OMWs). They are characterized by high values of chemical oxygen demand (COD) (80–300 g/L), lipids, total polyphenols (TPP), tannins and other substances difficult to degrade. An adequate treatment before discharging is therefore required to reduce the pollutant load. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate performances of a biological process in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) fed with pre-treated OMWs. Pre-treatment consisted of a combined acid cracking (AC) and granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption process. The efficiency of the system was compared with that of an identical SBR fed with the raw wastewater only diluted. Combined AC and GAC adsorption was chosen to be used prior to the following biological process due to its capability of providing high removal efficiencies of COD and TPP and also appreciable improvement of biodegradability. Comparing results obtained with different influents showed that best performances of the SBR were obtained by feeding it with raw diluted OMWs (dOMWs) and at the lowest dilution ratio (1:25): in this case, the removal efficiencies were 90 and 76%, as average, for COD and TPP, respectively. Feeding the SBR with either the pre-treated or the raw dOMWs at 1:50 gave very similar values of COD reduction (74%); however, an improvement of the TPP removal was observed in the former case.
Municipal wastewater treatment by biofiltration: comparisons of various treatment layouts. Part 2: assessment of the operating costs in optimal conditions
Authors: Rocher Vincent , Paffoni Catherine , Gonçalves Alexandre , Azimi Sam , Pauss André
Published: April 2012

This work aims to compare the operation costs (energy, reagents, waste management) for the three layouts usually used in wastewater treatment plants incorporating biofilters, using technical and economical data acquired during 10 years of operation of a Parisian plant (Seine Centre, 240,000 m3 d−1 –800,000 equivalent inhabitants). The final objective is to establish general economical data and tendencies that can be translated from our study to any biofiltration plant. Our results evidenced the savings achieved through the treatment process combining upstream and downstream denitrification. To use this layout reduced the operating costs by some 10% as compared with conventional processing only comprising downstream denitrification. Operating costs were respectively estimated at 37 and 34 €/1,000 m3 for downstream denitrification and combining upstream and downstream denitrification layouts.
Voluntary Disclosure Incentives and Earnings Informativeness
Authors: Roychowdhury Sugata , Sletten Ewa
Published: April 2012

We propose that the value of the earnings reporting process as an information source lies in limiting delays in the release of bad news, either by inducing managers to disclose it voluntarily or by directly releasing the negative news that managers have incentives to withhold. We compare earnings informativeness in bad-news and good-news quarters. Using returns to measure news, we find, consistent with our prediction, that earnings informativeness relative to other sources is higher in bad-news quarters than in good-news quarters. Further, cross-sectional tests indicate that earnings differential informativeness in bad-news quarters is more pronounced when managers do not voluntarily disclose the news, information asymmetry is stronger, and managers are net sellers of stock.

JEL Classifications: G3; M4; M40; M41; M48.

Data Availability: Data are available from Compustat, CRSP, First Call, I/B/E/S, ISSM, TAQ, and Thompson Financial.
Two-jets of conformal fields along their zero sets
Authors: Derdzinski Andrzej
Published: April 2012

The connected components of the zero set of any conformal vector field v, in a pseudo-Riemannian manifold (M, g) of arbitrary signature, are of two types, which may be called ‘essential’ and ‘nonessential’. The former consist of points at which v is essential, that is, cannot be turned into a Killing field by a local conformal change of the metric. In a component of the latter type, points at which v is nonessential form a relatively-open dense subset that is at the same time a totally umbilical submanifold of (M, g). An essential component is always a null totally geodesic submanifold of (M, g), and so is the set of those points in a nonessential component at which v is essential (unless this set, consisting precisely of all the singular points of the component, is empty). Both kinds of null totally geodesic submanifolds arising here carry a 1-form, defined up to multiplications by functions without zeros, which satisfies a projective version of the Killing equation. The conformal-equivalence type of the 2-jet of v is locally constant along the nonessential submanifold of a nonessential component, and along an essential component on which the distinguished 1-form is nonzero. The characteristic polynomial of the 1-jet of v is always locally constant along the zero set.
Baryon number cumulants and proton number cumulants in relativistic heavy ion collisions
Authors: Asakawa Masayuki
Published: April 2012

Baryon number cumulants are invaluable tools to diagnose the primordial stage of heavy ion collisions. In experiments, however, proton number cumulants have been measured as substitutes. In fact, proton number fluctuations are further modified in the hadron phase and different from those of baryon number. We give formulas that express the baryon number cumulants solely in terms of proton number fluctuations, which are experimentally observable.
Wireless communication for control of manipulation systems
Authors: Belda Květoslav , Rychnovský Václav , Píša Pavel
Published: April 2012

Wireless communication for control of manipulation systems

The paper deals with a novel application of the wireless data communication for a continual control of the distributed manipulation systems. The solution is intended for industrial robotic plants. A considered way of the wireless communication is based on ZigBee protocol. The protocol is tested for a real time bidirectional data communication within a manipulation system. The system consists of several moving manipulation units, several stationary auxiliary units and one control computer. The computer provides the cooperation of all units in the system in relation to the user requirements. The system is controlled by a simple feedback multi-level control realized in MATLAB - Simulink environment. The paper is focused on the realization of the boards of power electronics, transmitters, optical positional sensors, optical gates and their networking in accordance with ZigBee protocol definition. The behavior of the ZigBee is illustrated by several records from real experiments.
Lagrange and practical stability criteria for dynamical systems with nonlinear perturbations
Authors: Krumov Assen
Published: April 2012

Lagrange and practical stability criteria for dynamical systems with nonlinear perturbations

In the paper two classes of nonlinear dynamical system with perturbations are considered. The sufficient conditions for robust Lagrange and practical stability are proven with theorems, applying the theory of nonlinear operators of the functional analysis. The presented criteria give also the bounds of the analyzed dynamical processes. Three examples comparing the numerical computer solutions and the analytical investigation of the stability of the systems are given. The method can be applied to analytical and computer modeling of nonlinear dynamical systems, synthesis of computer control and optimization.
Learner Perceptions and Teacher Beliefs about Learner Autonomy in Language Learning
Authors: Joshi Khem Raj
Published: April 2012

Learner autonomy is one of the intriguing phenomena in the field of SLA. This has become the focal point for many scholars and researchers these days. The present study was carried out to make a survey of autonomous learning activities of the Master level students, majoring in English Education, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. It also explored their perceptions on the roles of their own and their teachers’ roles, and how it has been looked at from the teachers’ viewpoint. Adopting a mixed methodological design and analyzing the data collected through questionnaire and semi-structured interview, it was found that the learners make a good practice of autonomous activities. They view their role as an important factor in learning. The teachers have also suggested the learners to be autonomous. The teachers as well as the learners were found highly positive towards autonomous learning. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6126 NELTA 2011; 16(1-2): 13-29
On Nepalese English Discourse Granting Citizenship to English in Nepal via Corpus Building
Authors: Karn Sajan Kumar
Published: April 2012

The adoption and adaptation of the English language across the globe have given birth to several nativized varieties such as Indian English, Japanese English, Singaporean English etc. A good number of papers have appeared to argue that a divergent variety of English has grown in Nepal with its own distinctive features at all language levels. The emergence and growth of new English in Nepal, however, have generated heated debates amongst scholars. Whereas some argue that English should be owned and promoted for it has become an inevitable component of not only Nepalese academia but also socio-political life, others fear the development as fatal to indigenous linguistic and cultural heritages. In this article, I propose to own Nepalese English but cautiously i.e. the way it does not ruin our local inheritances. Nonetheless, I primarily advocate building a corpus of Nepalese English to authenticate it and pave the way for owning DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6127 NELTA 2011; 16(1-2): 30-41
Vocabulary in the New B.Ed. General English under Tribhuvan University
Authors: Luitel Binod
Published: April 2012

This paper reports a study on the curricular policy direction regarding vocabulary instruction, and the characteristics of words focused in the course books of General English for B.Ed. under Tribhuvan University. The research aimed at linguistic analysis of items, their frequency in general use, their usefulness considering the students’ career prospect, and the nature of their occurrence in course materials. The focus offered to vocabulary component in the course is found reasonably high; frequent vocabulary items focused for learning in the books are more than infrequent ones; and about two-thirds of the focused words are useful while the remaining one-third are not so useful for students. Out of the two course books used for vocabulary teaching, ‘Academic Vocabulary in Use’ has offered much more appropriate lexical content than ‘New Generation English’. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6130 NELTA 2011; 16(1-2): 59-69
Teacher Perspectives on Student Placement in University EFL Programs
Authors: McMillan Brian , Joyce Paul
Published: April 2012

In many language programs, students are placed in streamed, relatively homogeneous classes according to their proficiency in the target language. However, proponents of mixed-ability classes believe that through forming mixed-ability groups lower-proficiency learners feel less stigmatized, and that both higher- and lower-proficiency learners benefit from peer tutoring. This paper reports on the results from a survey that explored the perceptions of 31 EFL teachers at four Japanese universities regarding streamed and mixedability first-year EFL classes. Most teacher-participants expressed a preference for teaching streamed classes, citing advantages related to the effectiveness of instruction, appropriateness of materials, student motivation, and the quality of learner-learner interaction. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6131 NELTA 2011; 16(1-2): 70-81
Assessment and Feedback Practices in the English Language Classroom
Authors: Rahman Md Fazlur , Babu Rasel , Ashrafuzzaman Md
Published: April 2012

The study mainly focused on exploring the nature of English language classroom assessment and feedback practised within Junior Secondary schools of Bangladesh. A qualitative approach was used to collect data by using classroom observation checklists, English teachers' and head teachers' interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with students. Thematic analysis was conducted to pull out the findings of the study which showed that teachers assessed the students learning through questioning and the questions were closed-ended by nature. Most of the students liked written assessments. Students had contradictory opinions about liking speaking skills. In the classroom, teachers provided only verbal feedback to the students and in the observation it was found that teachers gave feedback on few occasions. Teachers recommended that listening and speaking test items be included within the national assessment system. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6133 NELTA 2011; 16(1-2): 97-106
The Potential of Mobile Technologies for (English) Language Learning in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Prithivi
Published: April 2012

Mobile technologies have proven to be beneficial to language learners in both developed and developing countries around the world. However, they do not seem to have been exploited for language learning in Nepal although they have already been used for other purposes and their use is rapidly growing. This article proposes a number of ways that mobile technologies, particularly, mobile phones, can be deployed for language learning and teacher professional development. A number of potential challenges are also discussed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6134 NELTA 2011; 16(1-2): 107-113
Blogging as a Means of Professional Development for ELT Professionals
Authors: Yadav Praveen Kumar
Published: April 2012

Reading and publishing articles in journals and organizing conferences, seminars and trainings are common traditional modes of professional development. For journals, they are selective in nature and restricted by money and its turn out is very slow as well. Likewise, physical space and time along with a lot of people are required to get together to organize conferences, seminars and trainings. Furthermore, such traditional modes of developing professionalism in ELT are limited in the scope, not easily accessible resources and they do not provide autonomy to the individuals. But blogging is one of the emerging professional development tools for ELT Professionals. The innovative tool is easily accessible and affordable as it is neither limited in scope nor restricted by money. The present article draws some ideas about how blogging can help, enhance and enrich English Language Teachers and Learners to develop themselves as ELT Professionals. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6136 NELTA 2011; 16(1-2): 123-132
Teacher development in the EFL contexts: Principles and strategies
Authors: Adhikari Mandira
Published: April 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6137NELTA 2011; 16(1-2): 133-135
Dermatoglyphics A Good Tool In Preventive Medicine
Authors: Mollik MJH , Habib MA
Published: April 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v7i2.10374 JAFMC 2011; 7(2): 1-2
Outpatient Management Of Low Velocity Gunshot Wound Experience In United Nations Level-Ii Hospital
Authors: Rahman M , Sikder AI , Haque M , Asaduzzaman AKM
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Gunshot wounds are commonly encountered in war as well as in civilian situation. Experience of treating low velocity gunshot wounds (GSW) as outpatients in a war situation is depicted in this study. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience of treating low velocity gunshot wounds by simple wound irrigation and marginal excision in war situation. Method: This was a retrospective observational study carried out in a Level-II Hospital of United Nations in Ivory Coast over a period of 7 months. All patients of low velocity GSW were treated with simple wound irrigation with normal saline and povidone iodine solution with excision of wound margin of doubtful viability under local anesthesia, rather than wound debridement. Result: All wounds healed with 6% superficial wound infection that was controlled with oral antibiotics. Conclusion: Outpatient management of low velocity GSW with wound irrigation and marginal excision is an effective method of treatment that can save time, money and hospital-stay. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v7i2.10388 JAFMC 2011; 7(2): 12-14
Lorazepam As Anxiolytic Sedative Night Before Operation
Authors: Karim ME , Rahman MH , Hossain MHMD , Ahsan MN
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Surgical patients have a high incidence of anxiety and there is a significant inverse relationship between anxiety and smoothness in induction of anaesthesia. The benzodiazepines are very effective at melting away the active terror of anxiety. Diazepam, a long acting benzodiazepine, is widely used by the anaesthesiologist to allay anxiety and provide sedation. The metabolism of diazepam is slow and is depressed by many factors such as old age, disease states (e.g. hepatic cirrhosis) and concomitant drug administration (e.g. cimetidine). Lorazepam, an intermediate acting benzodiazepine, is well absorbed orally. It is conjugated in the liver to the pharmacologically inactive glucuronide and its metabolism is less impaired by the above factors. Objective: To compare the anxiolytic properties of lorazepam with diazepam before elective surgical procedures. Method: One hundred patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and grade II, who were scheduled for general surgical, gynaecological operative procedures under general and regional anaesthesia in Combined Military Hospital, Saidpur Cantonment, during the period between June 2008 to June 2010, were included in this study. They were randomly distributed into two groups. Subjects of group A (n=50) received diazepam (Sedil) orally in a dose of 5 mg for <30 kg body weight or 10 mg for 30-70 kg body weight or 15 mg for >70 kg body weight. Subjects of group B (n=50) received lorazepam (Ativan) orally in a dose of 2 mg for <30 kg body weight or 4 mg for 30-70 kg body weight or 6 mg for >70 kg body weight. The effects of the two drugs as anxiolytic sedatives were compared on the basis of haemodynamic parameters, side effects and quality of sleep. Results: There was no significant change in haemodynamic parameters between the two groups. Drugs on group B (Lorazepam group) were found to be more anxiolytic than drugs on group A (Diazepam group). Twenty percent of patients in diazepam group complained of moderate anxiety but it was absent in lorazepam group (p<0.01). Six percent of patients were restless/agitated in preoperative period in diazepam group, but it was absent in lorazepam group. Percentage of tranquil patients was significantly higher in lorazepam group (44%) than that in diazepam group (30%). Hangover effect was noted markedly in group B patients (44%) which was nil in group A patients (p<0.01), but it was beneficial for induction of anaesthesia. Moreover this hangover effect was significantly higher (p<0.01) in female population (50%) than in male population (21.05%). Some other side effects like nausea, vertigo were also noticed in patients of both groups and females were more susceptible to these side effects than males which might be an individual variation. Conclusion: Considering all the factors, lorazepam appeared to be a better option than diazepam as anxiolytic sedative night before operation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v7i2.10392 JAFMC 2011; 7(2): 25-28
Effects Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens) On Patients With Acute Low Back Pain
Authors: Ahmed B , Alam S , Rashid I , Rahman N , Rahman A , Uddin T , Azad GN
Published: April 2012

Background: Acute low back pain (LBP) affects a significant proportion of the population. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was introduced more than 30 years ago as an adjunct to the pharmacological management of pain. However, despite its widespread use, the usefulness of TENS in LBP is still controversial. Introduction: LBP is a common problem in Bangladesh. Acute LBP is usually defined by a period of complaints of LBP of six weeks or shorter. TENS may improve acute LBP. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of TENS on acute LBP and also to ensure the patients wellbeing by shortening recovery time who have acute LBP. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangubandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2008 to December 2008. The patients were divided into two groups (A and B). Patients of Group A (30 patients) were treated with TENS, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and activities of daily living (ADLs) instruction. Patients of group B (28 patients) were treated with NSAIDs and ADLs instructions. Results: A total of 58 Patients of acute LBP were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 38.5 ± 9.01 years. Main causes of pain were muscle strain (39.65%), nonspecific LBP (22.41%), prolapsed lumber intervertebral disc (17.24%), lumbar spondylosis (13.79%) and sciatica (6.91%). After treatment the result was compared and student's 't' test was done to see the level of significance. Method was found significant after treatment (p<0.05). Twenty four (80%) patients were improved in group A and 18 (64.28%) patients in group B. Patient compliances of group A were better than that in group B. Conclusion: Effect of TENS on patients with acute low back pain is beneficial. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v7i2.10393 JAFMC 2011; 7(2): 29-32
Gastric Variceal Obliteration By Cyanoacrylate Glue Injection
Authors: Hussain SMB , Hossain MR , Rahman MM , Parvin S , Hossain MD
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Rupture Gastric varices (GVs) can lead to catastrophic gastrointestinal bleeding, though it is much less in number than that of rupture oesophageal varices (OVs). Successful haemostasis of such bleeding is difficult specially in the back ground of non availability of appropriate drugs and instruments. Case Report: Introduction of intra-variceal injection of cyanoacrylate glue since 1980s has changed the scenario, it is cheaper and effective in controlling GVs related bleeding. A case of successful control of gastric variceal bleeding is reported. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v7i2.10397 JAFMC 2011; 7(2): 44-46
The “Id” Knows More than the “Ego” Admits: Neuropsychoanalytic and Primal Consciousness Perspectives on the Interface Between Affective and Cognitive Neuroscience
Authors: Solms Mark , Panksepp Jaak
Published: April 2012

It is commonly believed that consciousness is a higher brain function. Here we consider the likelihood, based on abundant neuroevolutionary data that lower brain affective phenomenal experiences provide the “energy” for the developmental construction of higher forms of cognitive consciousness. This view is concordant with many of the theoretical formulations of Sigmund Freud. In this reconceptualization, all of consciousness may be dependent on the original evolution of affective phenomenal experiences that coded survival values. These subcortical energies provided a foundation that could be used for the epigenetic construction of perceptual and other higher forms of consciousness. From this perspective, perceptual experiences were initially affective at the primary-process brainstem level, but capable of being elaborated by secondary learning and memory processes into tertiary-cognitive forms of consciousness. Within this view, although all individual neural activities are unconscious, perhaps along with secondary-process learning and memory mechanisms, the primal sub-neocortical networks of emotions and other primal affects may have served as the sentient scaffolding for the construction of resolved perceptual and higher mental activities within the neocortex. The data supporting this neuro-psycho-evolutionary vision of the emergence of mind is discussed in relation to classical psychoanalytical models.
Sulfur Tolerant Magnesium Nickel Silicate Catalyst for Reforming of Biomass Gasification Products to Syngas
Authors: Long Richard Q. , Monfort Scott M. , Arkenberg Gene B. , Matter Paul H. , Swartz Scott L.
Published: April 2012

Magnesium nickel silicate (MNS) has been investigated as a catalyst to convert tars and light hydrocarbons to syngas (CO and H2) by steam reforming and CO2 reforming in the presence of H2S for biomass gasification process at NexTech Materials. It was observed that complete CH4 conversion could be achieved on MNS catalyst granules at 800–900 °C and a space velocity of 24,000 mL/g/h in a simulated biomass gasification stream. Addition of 10–20 ppm H2S to the feed had no apparent impact on CH4 conversion. The MNS-washcoated monolith also showed high activities in converting methane, light hydrocarbons and tar to syngas. A 1200 h test without deactivation was achieved on the MNS washcoated monolith in the presence of H2S and/or NH3, two common impurities in gasified biomass. The results indicate that the MNS material is a promising catalyst for removal of tar and light hydrocarbons from biomass gasified gases, enabling efficient use of biomass to produce power, liquid fuels and valuable chemicals.
Preparation, Characterization and Thermal Degradation of Polyimide (4-APS/BTDA)/SiO2 Composite Films
Authors: Bin Ahmad Mansor , Gharayebi Yadollah , Salit Mohd. Sapuan , Hussein Mohd. Zobir , Ebrahimiasl Saeideh , Dehzangi Arash
Published: April 2012

Polyimide/SiO2 composite films were prepared from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and poly(amic acid) (PAA) based on aromatic diamine (4-aminophenyl sulfone) (4-APS) and aromatic dianhydride (3,3,4,4-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride) (BTDA) via a sol-gel process in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP). The prepared polyimide/SiO2 composite films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The FTIR results conﬁrmed the synthesis of polyimide (4-APS/BTDA) and the formation of SiO2 particles in the polyimide matrix. Meanwhile, the SEM images showed that the SiO2 particles were well dispersed in the polyimide matrix. Thermal stability and kinetic parameters of the degradation processes for the prepared polyimide/SiO2 composite films were investigated using TGA in N2 atmosphere. The activation energy of the solid-state process was calculated using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa’s method without the knowledge of the reaction mechanism. The results indicated that thermal stability and the values of the calculated activation energies increased with the increase of the TEOS loading and the activation energy also varied with the percentage of weight loss for all compositions.
A Support Vector Machine Classification Model for Benzo[c]phenathridine Analogues with Topoisomerase-I Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Thai Khac-Minh , Nguyen Thuy-Quyen , Ngo Trieu-Du , Tran Thanh-Dao , Huynh Thi-Ngoc-Phuong
Published: April 2012

Benzo[c]phenanthridine (BCP) derivatives were identified as topoisomerase I (TOP-I) targeting agents with pronounced antitumor activity. In this study, a support vector machine model was performed on a series of 73 analogues to classify BCP derivatives according to TOP-I inhibitory activity. The best SVM model with total accuracy of 93% for training set was achieved using a set of 7 descriptors identified from a large set via a random forest algorithm. Overall accuracy of up to 87% and a Matthews coefficient correlation (MCC) of 0.71 were obtained after this SVM classifier was validated internally by a test set of 15 compounds. For two external test sets, 89% and 80% BCP compounds, respectively, were correctly predicted. The results indicated that our SVM model could be used as the filter for designing new BCP compounds with higher TOP-I inhibitory activity.
A New Isorhamnetin Glycoside and Other Phenolic Compounds from Callianthemum taipaicum
Authors: Wang Dong-Mei , Pu Wen-Jun , Wang Yong-Hong , Zhang Yu-Juan , Wang Shan-Shan
Published: April 2012

A new flavonol glycoside together with five known phenolic compounds were isolated from the whole herb of Callianthemum taipaicum. The compounds were identified as isorhamnetin-3-O-α-L-arabinoside-7-O-β-D-glucoside (1), isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside (2), dibutyl phthalate (3), (+)-1-hydroxylpinoresinol-4'-β-D-glucoside (4), pinoresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucoside (5) and 2-phenylethyl-β-primeveroside (6). Compound 1 was identified as a new flavonol glycoside. The compound 6 was isolated for the first time as natural product. All compounds were isolated for the first time from the Callianthemum genus. Furthermore, the 2D-NMR data of the four known compounds 2–5 are given for the first time in this paper. All the structures were identified on the basis of detailed spectral analysis. The compounds 1 and 4 exhibited certain antifungal activity.
Dynamics of a Coupled System: Multi-Resolution Remote Sensing in Assessing Social-Ecological Responses during 25 Years of Gas Field Development in Arctic Russia
Authors: Kumpula Timo , Forbes Bruce C. , Stammler Florian , Meschtyb Nina
Published: April 2012

Hydrocarbon exploration has been underway in the north of West Siberia for several decades. Giant gas fields on the Yamal Peninsula are expected to begin feeding the Nord Stream pipeline to Western Europe in late 2012. Employing a variety of high- to very high-resolution satellite-based sensors, we have followed the establishment and spread of Bovanenkovo, the biggest and first field to be developed. Extensive onsite field observations and measurements of land use and land cover changes since 1985 have been combined with intensive participant observation in all seasons among indigenous Nenets reindeer herders and long-term gas field workers during 2004–2007 and 2010–2011. Time series and multi-resolution imagery was used to build a chronology of the gas field’s development. Large areas of partially or totally denuded tundra and most forms of expanding infrastructure are readily tracked with Landsat scenes (1985, 1988, 2000, 2009, 2011). SPOT (1993, 1998) and ASTER (2001) were also used. Quickbird-2 (2004) and GeoEye (2010) were most successful in detecting small-scale anthropogenic disturbances as well as individual camps of nomadic herders moving in the vicinity of the gas field. For assessing gas field development the best results are obtained by combining lower resolution with Very High Resolution (VHR) imagery (spatial resolution < 5 m) and fieldwork. Nenets managing collective and privately owned herds of reindeer have proven adept in responding to a broad range of intensifying industrial impacts at the same time as they have been dealing with symptoms of a warming climate. Here we detail both the spatial extent of gas field growth and the dynamic relationship between Nenets nomads and their rapidly evolving social-ecological system.