bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparação das variáveis cardiorrespiratórias de adolescentes obesos e não obesos em esteira e bicicleta ergométrica
Authors: Milano Gerusa Eisfeld , Leite Neiva
Published: September 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) em adolescentes obesos e não obesos em esteira e bicicleta ergométrica. O estudo foi transversal e descritivo com a amostra de 54 indivíduos obesos (23 meninos e 31 meninas) e 33 não obesos (16 meninos e 17 meninas) com idade entre 10 e 16 anos. Utilizou-se o critério dos Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2000) para a classificação do índice de massa corporal (IMC). Foram avaliados o peso, estatura, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e IMC-escore Z. Para avaliação cardiorrespiratória foi realizado teste máximo em esteira e bicicleta ergométrica. Foram avaliados a frequência cardíaca máxima (FCmax), coeficiente respiratório (RER), consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max), tempo total de teste (TT) e carga final (w) na bicicleta ergométrica. Utilizou-se o teste de t de Student para a comparação dos ergômetros. Nas análises dos grupos, utilizou-se a ANOVA fatorial. Considerou-se significante p < 0,05. Os resultados revelaram que o peso, IMC e IMC-escore Z foram maiores nos obesos. Os valores de VO2max absoluto (l.min-1) foram mais altos nos obesos, em ambos os gêneros, na esteira, sem diferenças entre os grupos na bicicleta. Entretanto, o VO2max relativo ao peso corporal (ml.kg-1.min-1) foi menor no grupo obeso e nas meninas, em ambos os ergômetros. A carga de trabalho na bicicleta foi similar entre os obesos e não obesos. Concluiu-se que os obesos apresentaram valores de VO2max mais baixos que os não obesos em ambos os ergômetros. Entretanto, o fato de o indivíduo obeso na bicicleta suportar a mesma carga final que o não obeso sugere-se que a bicicleta pode ser indicado como o melhor ergômetro para obesos.
Influência da distância intereletrodos e da cadência de movimento no domínio da frequência do sinal de EMG de superfície
Authors: Tank Flávia Fernandes , Silva Gustavo Telles da , Oliveira Carlos Gomes de , Garcia Marco Antonio Cavalcanti
Published: September 2009

A eletromiografia de superfície (sEMG), apesar de amplamente utilizada em investigações biomecânicas, ainda apresenta inúmeros questionamentos sobre a influência das distâncias intereletrodos (DIE) na morfologia do sinal, principalmente em contrações isotônicas. Logo, muitos dos trabalhos desenvolvidos ainda se limitam ao âmbito do laboratório de pesquisa, onde é possível estabelecer maior controle nos protocolos de registro e análise, o que não é comumente observado na prática clínico-desportiva. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo foi examinar os efeitos de dois protocolos de colocação de eletrodos e a realização de contrações isotônicas no domínio da frequência do sinal de sEMG. Quinze sujeitos do sexo masculino (idade: 22,8 ± 3,5 anos), todos destros, realizaram contrações dinâmicas do bíceps braquial direito com carga estimada em 20% da contração voluntária máxima em três diferentes cadências (30, 45, 60bpm). Os sinais de sEMG foram registrados por meio de dois canais, cujas DIEs foram de 4,2 e 13cm, respectivamente. A avaliação dos sinais de sEMG foi baseada na frequência mediana do espectro de potencial do sinal, calculado via transformada rápida de Fourier. A DIE e a cadência foram definidas como fatores (ANOVA two-way; α = 0,05). Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas e qualquer interação entre ambos os fatores nas três cadências (P > 0,05). Sugere-se que, independentemente da distância utilizada entre os eletrodos, uma investigação no domínio da frequência do sinal de sEMG em tarefas dinâmicas seja evitada, mesmo a partir de DIEs reduzidas, como é sugerido pela literatura, dado que variações no torque e no comprimento muscular podem corromper o sinal e, portanto, sua interpretação.
Imersão em água fria para o manejo da hipertermia severa
Authors: Viveiros Jacqueline de Paula , Meyer Flávia , Kruel Luiz Fernando Martins
Published: September 2009

A incapacidade de dissipar o calor gerado pela atividade muscular prejudica o desempenho e aumenta a predisposição a lesões do organismo. A hipertermia severa induzida pelo esforço físico (HTE) prejudica a saúde e está associada à morbidade e mortalidade de indivíduos em diferentes atividades ocupacionais e atléticas. Estudos sobre a eficiência de métodos de resfriamento corporal têm recomendado a imersão em água fria para o tratamento da HTE. Sua utilização nos minutos iniciais pós-hipertemia parece a melhor recomendação por reduzir o tempo no qual a temperatura central permanece elevada. A manutenção de infraestrutura necessária para a realização desse procedimento deve ser considerada em atividades físicas e condições ambientais nas quais os indivíduos estão mais suscetíveis ao acometimento da HTE. As taxas de resfriamento observadas através da imersão em água a diferentes temperaturas podem servir de referência para o controle da duração do procedimento. Esta revisão analisa a recomendação da imersão em água fria como procedimento de resfriamento corporal para o manejo da HTE.
Effect of morphodynamics on annual average zonation pattern of benthic macrofauna of exposed sandy beaches in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Alves Eliana dos Santos , Pezzuto Paulo Ricardo
Published: September 2009

This study investigated the effect of environmental factors on the annual average zonation pattern of benthic macrofauna of sub-aerial profile of three exposed sandy beaches of Santa Catarina with different morphodynamic characteristics. Sampling was carried out between March 2000 and March 2001, with monthly frequency on reflective and dissipative morphodynamic extremes and bimonthly frequency on the intermediate state. Results showed that macrobenthic zonation presented marked differences across the morphodynamic spectrum. The main differences observed from reflective to dissipative conditions were: a) increase in the number of species in lower zones of the beach; b) expansion of zones characterized by high water content of sediment and c) increase in the overlapping of zones, mainly on lower levels of the beach. Canonical Correspondence Analysis related these differences to distinctive cross-shore gradients in sediment moisture levels, sediment reworking and mean grain size that exist across the morphodynamic spectrum, showing that it is important to analyze these environmental factors in studies conducted to investigate zonation on microtidal exposed sandy beaches.
Plasma Fibrinogen Levels and Prognosis in Patients with Ovarian Cancer: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Polterauer Stephan , Grimm Christoph , Seebacher Veronika , Concin Nicole , Marth Christian , Tomovski Caroline , Husslein Heinrich , Leipold Heinz , Hefler-Frischmuth Katrin , Tempfer Clemens , Reinthaller Alexander , Hefler Lukas
Published: September 2009

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the role of fibrinogen in coagulation and the inflammatory response and explain its importance in tumor proliferation, migration, and escape from immune regulation.Evaluate fibrinogen as a prognostic blood marker for survival and disease-free survival in patients with ovarian cancer.Incorporate fibrinogen testing as a relatively inexpensive, reliable, and available technique in the prognostic evaluation of ovarian cancer patients.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Introduction.

To evaluate pretherapeutic plasma fibrinogen levels as a prognostic parameter in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Materials and Methods.

In the present multicenter study, pretherapeutic plasma fibrinogen levels were evaluated in 422 patients with EOC. Plasma fibrinogen levels were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival.

Results.

The mean (standard deviation) pretherapeutic plasma fibrinogen level was 450.0 (150.1) mg/dl. Elevated plasma fibrinogen levels were associated with advanced tumor stage (p = .01) and the presence of a postoperative residual tumor mass (p < .001), but not with histological grade (p = .1) and histological type (p = .8). In a multivariate Cox regression model, tumor stage (p < .001 and p < .001), postoperative residual tumor mass (p = .001 and p = .008), and plasma fibrinogen level (p < .001 and p = .002), but not histological type (p = .8 and p = .2), patient age (p = .9 and p = .9), and serum cancer antigen 125 (p = 0.2 and p = 0.3) and C-reactive protein (p = .2 and p = .3) levels, were associated with disease-free and overall survival, respectively. Histological grade was associated with overall but not with disease-free survival (p = .01 and p = .8), respectively.

Conclusions.

Pretherapeutic plasma fibrinogen levels can be used as an independent prognostic parameter in patients with EOC.
Dexamethasone enhances cell resistance to chemotherapy by increasing adhesion to extracellular matrix in human ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Chen Yu-Xia , Wang Yan , Fu Chen-Chun , Diao Fei , Song Liang-Nian , Li Zong-Bin , Yang Rui , Lu Jian
Published: September 2009

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used as co-medication in the therapy of solid malignant tumors to relieve some of the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. However, recent studies have shown that GCs could render cancer cells more resistant to cytotoxic drug-induced apoptosis, but the mechanism is largely unknown. In the present study, we found that the treatment of human ovarian cancer cell lines HO-8910 and SKOV3 with synthetic GCs dexamethasone (Dex) significantly increased their adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) and their resistance to apoptosis induced by cytotoxic drugs cisplatin and paclitaxel. Dex also increased the protein levels of adhesion molecules integrins β1, α4, and α5 in HO-8910 cells. The neutralizing antibody against integrin β1 prevented Dex-induced adhesion and significantly abrogated the protective effect of Dex toward cytotoxic agents. We further found that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) alone not only increased cell adhesion and cell survival of HO-8910 cells in the presence of cisplatin, but also had synergistic pro-adhesion and pro-survival effects with Dex. Moreover, TGF-β1-neutralizing antibody that could block TGF-β1-induced cell adhesion and apoptosis resistance markedly abrogated the synergistic pro-adhesion and pro-survival effects of Dex and TGF-β1. Finally, we further demonstrated that Dex could up-regulate the expression of TGF-β receptor type II and enhance the responsiveness of cells to TGF-β1. In conclusion, our results indicate that increased adhesion to ECM through the enhancement of integrin β1 signaling and TGF-β1 signaling plays an important role in chemoresistance induced by GCs in ovarian cancer cells.
Modeling Fluid Separation Processes Using a Complementary Approach
Authors: Kenig Eugeny Y.
Published: September 2009

Modern fluid separation processes occur under very complex conditions. As a result, their modeling is usually based on severe assumptions and experimentally estimated gross parameters. On the other hand, the process optimization can only be achieved with reasonable model accuracy, whereas the process rates should be considered in a rigorous way, with respect to both transport phenomena and chemistry.Depending on the complexity of process fluid dynamics, different modeling ways can be applied, their rigor and complexity stretching over a wide range. Among these ways are a direct application of the equations of fluid dynamics, the hydrodynamic analogy method and the rate-based approach. These methods are complementary in the sense that, together, they are able to govern both simple and very complex process fluid dynamic conditions. Moreover, there is also another complementarity between the different approaches, namely, they can be applied in combination, for instance, by estimating process parameters by a more rigorous method and delivering them to the less rigorous one. In this contribution, the complementary modeling is discussed in detail and illustrated with case studies.
The Futility and Failure of Flawed Goals: Efficiency Education as Smoke and Mirrors
Authors: Thomas P.L.
Published: September 2009

Educational reform in the USA is traditionally grounded in mechanistic assumptions about accountability paradigms and narrow concepts of assessment; those reforms tend to ignore the burden of poverty and other external factors on student and school success. Focusing on accountability and testing strategies in the United States during the post-Nation at Risk era (1983), this article argues that mechanistic assumptions about school reform are inherently destined to fail because they are aiming at the wrong goals and ignoring the inherent imbalance of power among the stakeholders of teaching and learning; these patterns identified in US practices parallel dynamics and policies found internationally (standardized national tests in the United Kingdom, outcomes-based education in South Africa, and bureaucratic policies and corruption in Mexico, for example). Further, the discourse and tone of the discussion is a parallel argument about the nature of our scholarly discussions of education, often bound themselves by traditional (and mechanistic) assumptions about the nature of academic writing.
The New Neoliberal Cultural and Economic Dominant: Race and the Reorganization of Knowledge in Schooling in the New Times of Globalization
Authors: McCarthy Cameron
Published: September 2009

The fundamental insecurity and vulnerability with which we live has profound implications for education and for young people who must increasingly be prepared to live in a world that offers little recourse to personal, social or economic stability. This instability frames the need to move beyond conventionalism and the institutional practices of confinement to embrace more critical understandings and interventions in the field of education and in social life. However, although it is neither conceptually nor theoretically useful to isolate the variable of race from the social complexities in which it is located, this idea of movement must also be connected to stasis and to the confining circumstances that underwrite the lives of modern racialized subjects. Proper attention must be paid to the powerful patterns of historical incorporation and the work of culture and signification in specific contexts. This article seeks to expand an understanding and a delineation of the new terms of context and existence, showing the ways in which the logics of neoliberalism and globalization are defining the new discursive categories and new relations between education and society.
Some Characteristics of Nocturnal Bird Migration in Israel According to Radar Monitoring
Authors: Dinevich Leonid , Leshem Yossi , Matsyura Alexander
Published: September 2009

Some Characteristics of Nocturnal Bird Migration in Israel According to Radar Monitoring

The present study is aimed at obtaining radar data on nocturnal bird migration over central Israel to be used for improvement of air traffic safety in complicated ornithological settings. The data obtained, together with the radar monitoring procedure previously developed (Dinevich et al. 2004), resulted in establishing a radar network over Israel that forwards information on bird movements to air traffic control stations every 15-30 minutes.

The results of radar monitoring of nocturnal bird migration over central Israel are presented (1998-2002) enabling to determine a number of characteristics which are of importance for air traffic control, including average and maximum flight altitudes, altitudes of maximum bird density, the dominant directions and velocity of bird flights.

The average flight altitude was found to be mainly within the limits of 1800 to 2000 m in autumn and of 2400 to 2900 m in spring. The absolute maximum altitude was estimated at 5700 m in spring and at 5200 m in autumn. Average altitudes of maximum bird density are considerably higher in spring (ca 1500 m) than in autumn (ca 1000 m). The study of flight directions and speed of over of 20 000 bird echoes showed that the dominant direction of migration was 183° in autumn and 6° in spring. Within the altitude band of 0 to 500 m, deviations from the dominant migratory route were observed, being approximately 135° in autumn and 315° in spring, which can be explained by intensive migration of songbirds from the Mediterranean Sea towards winter-quarters in autumn and back in spring. Cases of reverse migration were relatively rare and were not characteristic for the nocturnal bird migration over central Israel. The average speed of bird flights was found to be around 14 m/s in spring and 13 m/s in autumn, the minimum and maximum flight speed being 8 m/s and 18 m/s, respectively.
Variation in the Extent of Greater Wing Coverts Moult in Robins (Erithacus rubecula) Migranting in Autumn Through the Polish Baltic Coast
Authors: Ginter Małgorzata , Rosińska Katarzyna , Remisiewicz Magdalena
Published: September 2009

Variation in the Extent of Greater Wing Coverts Moult in Robins (Erithacus rubecula) Migranting in Autumn Through the Polish Baltic Coast

Intra-seasonal variation in the number of unmoulted coverts in immature Robins caught during 2001-2003 autumn migrations was studied at two ringing stations (Mierzeja Wiślana and Bukowo-Kopań) located at the Polish Baltic coast. To determine the number of unmoulted greater wing coverts we counted immature-type coverts with light spots at tips. In the analyses data on the number of spotted coverts from ca 11 000 migrating individuals were used. We analysed the number of spotted coverts in each season and at each ringing station separately. Based on migration dynamics we distinguished migration waves and the number of spotted coverts were compared among the waves. Trends of seasonal changes in mean values of this parameter were assessed. To explain these tendencies, percentage distributions of wing spots for each wave were presented, with distinguished three categories: 0-3 (low), 4-5 (medium) and 6-8 (high) number of spotted coverts. Next, we compared distribution of this parameter among waves by Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunn's tests.

Late waves generally differed in the distributions of spotted coverts' number from the earlier ones in all seasons and at all stations. Our results showed the same tendencies within a season in all cases: the mean number of unmoulted coverts fluctuated in September, but starting from the end of this month and in October the trend was clearly increasing. This was due to changes in frequencies of Robins assigned to the distinguished categories - in September birds with medium number of spotted coverts constituted over 50% of all migrants, while in late September and/or October waves individuals with high number of spotted coverts predominated. Both in 2002 and 2003, the moment of the shift in this domination from birds with medium to those with high number of unmoulted coverts was synchronised between the two stations.

These intra-seasonal differences in moult advancement can be explained by two overlapping phenomena - subsequent migration over the Baltic coast of populations with different moult characteristics and by less advanced moult of birds from later broods. Correspondence of the observed trends in moult advancement with literature data on migration timing of Robins of different breeding origin and winter quarters indicates that the populational differences play an important role in the observed variation.
Age Structure of the Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus) Migration at Bukowo-Kopań Station (Southern Baltic Coast) in Autumns 1996-2003
Authors: Michalonek Damiana , Busse Wojciech , Lasecki Robert
Published: September 2009

Age Structure of the Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus) Migration at Bukowo-Kopań Station (Southern Baltic Coast) in Autumns 1996-2003

Over 2000 Long-eared Owls were caught (217 adult and 1827 immatures) at Bukowo-Kopań station (54°21'N, 16°17'E / 54°28'N, 16°25'E), in the central part of the Polish Baltic coast, during autumn seasons 1996-2003. Migration of this species had wave-like pattern with three distinguished passage waves. There were differences between young and adult birds passage in subsequent passage waves (statistically significant only in autumns 2000 and 2003, in other seasons they were non-significant. The value of X
2-test calculated for all seasons together was high and differences were significant (X
2 = 10.96, p < 0.01). Generally, very high variation must be stressed. Young birds dominated during autumn migration (on average they constituted 89%) but this number varied distinctly in different years. The immatures were the most numerous in the second and third wave (they were especially numerous in the third wave in years with the highest number of caught birds). Adult owls migrated a bit earlier - average passage data was earlier by 1 to 16 days in various seasons. All data point at very high variability of the Long-eared Owl migration and necessity of deeper studies on this phenomenon.
IMPLEMENTATION OF STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL (SPC) FOR MANUFACTURING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
Authors: Sultana Farzana , Razive Nahid Islam , Azeem Abdullahil
Published: September 2009

This paper intends to combine the Hourly Data System (HDS) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) practices to improve manufacturing performances in manufacturing companies. The focus of this work is to find out the frequencies and time duration of machine breakdowns as well as the major causes of breakdowns affecting productivity. Total quality management (TQM) was introduced to improve continually the products or services to increase the customer satisfaction level. SPC is an important tool of TQM. Again HDS is the real time view of production floor of any manufacturing industry. In usual practice, SPC is used as quality control tool. However in this research SPC is used to increase total output identifying major loss times from various machine breakdowns using HDS. Successful implementation of the recommendations of this paper can significantly improve the manufacturing performance of a manufacturing environment. Keywords: Total Quality management (TQM), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Hourly Data System (HDS)   doi: 10.3329/jme.v40i1.3466 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME40, No. 1, June 2009 15-21
THERMAL BUCKLING AND POSTBUCKLING CHARACTERISTICS OF EXTENSIONAL SLENDER ELASTIC RODS
Authors: Saha Sumon , Ali Abu Rayhan Md.
Published: September 2009

This paper presents an exact mathematical model for the postbuckling of a uniformly heated slender rod with axially immovable simply supported ends on the basis of geometrically nonlinear theory of extensible rods. The material is assumed linear elastic and its thermal strain-temperature relationship is considered nonlinear. Two approaches have been used in this study. The first approach is based on the extensible elastica theory. The governing equations are derived and solved analytically for the exact closed form solutions that include the equilibrium configurations of the rod, equilibrium paths, and temperature gradients. The exact solutions take the form of elliptic integrals of the first and second kinds. In the second approach, the multisegment integration technique is employed to solve a set of nonlinear differential equations with the associated boundary conditions. The equations are integrated by using the Runge-Kutta algorithm. A comparison study between the analytical elliptic integral solutions and the numerical multisegment integration technique solutions show excellent agreement of results. Special features of the solutions in the form of determination of buckling temperature, effects of slenderness ratio and nonlinear strain-temperature coefficients on the buckling and postbuckling behavior as a function of temperature are also discussed extensively. Keywords: Thermal postbuckling, elliptic integral, multisegment integration, critical buckling temperature.   doi: 10.3329/jme.v40i1.3467 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME40, No.1, June 2009 1-8
FORCED CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER PERFORMANCE OF AN INTERNALLY FINNED TUBE
Authors: Islam Asharful , Mozumder A. K.
Published: September 2009

Heat transfer performance of T-section internal fins in a circular tube has been experimentally investigated. The T-finned tube was heated by electricity and was cooled by fully developed turbulent air. Inside wall temperatures and pressure drop along the axial distance of the test section at steady state condition were measured for different flows having Reynolds number ranging from 2x104 to 5x104 for both smooth and finned tubes. From the measured data, heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number and friction factor were calculated. From the measured and calculated values, heat transfer characteristics and fluid flow characteristics of the finned tube are explained; the performance of the finned tube is also evaluated. For finned tube, friction factor on an average was 5 times higher and heat transfer coefficient was 2 times higher than those for smooth tube for similar flow conditions. The finned tube, however, produces significant heat transfer enhancement. Key Words: Heat Transfer, Internal Fin, Reynolds Number, Nusselt Number, Pressure Drop. doi: 10.3329/jme.v40i1.3473 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME40, No. 1, June 2009 54-62
A REVIEW OF HAPTIC FEEDBACK IN VIRTUAL REALITY FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
Authors: Aziz Faieza Abdul , Mousavi Maryam
Published: September 2009

This paper discusses the application of haptic feedback in Virtual Reality to enhance user performance in manufacturing industry. Haptic interfaces have the potential to enhance communication and interaction via the computer enabling affective expressive interpersonal communication and enriching interaction by haptic feedback. The aim of this study was to investigate and develop a better understanding of using haptic feedback in manufacturing. Keywords: Virtual Reality, haptic, manufacturing   doi: 10.3329/jme.v40i1.3476 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME40, No. 1, June 2009 68-71
Cardiac Complications of Hyperthyroidism: Echocardiographic Evaluation of 69 Hyperthyroid Patients
Authors: Ansari SM , Haider S , Awal MA , Khanam N , Siddique AB
Published: September 2009

Echocardiography were done on 69 patients suffering from hyperthyroidism. All of them presented with palpitation and tremor. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by radioimmunoassay of thyroid hormones. Echocardiography as well as Electrocardiography and chest radiography were done in all of them. Forty seven patients showed different types of cardiac pathology, results of which are demonstrated in details. We conclude that thorough cardiac evaluation is necessary in all hyperthyroid patients.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3481 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 6-9
Study of Workplace Radiation Dose Rate during the Brain Scanning Procedures
Authors: Ahasan MM , Badruddoza SM , Paul AK , Dey SK , Ahmed FU
Published: September 2009

Radiation dose rate in the gamma camera workplace were measured during brain scanning procedures using a dose of 15-20 mCi99mTc-pertechnetate (99mTcO4-) given intravenously to each patient. The study based on randomly selected 20 patients duly registered for brain scan at Centre for Nuclear Medicine & Ultrasound (CNMU), Rajshahi. Radiation dose rate at the patienthandling place and computer-operating place were measured by a high sensitive portable dose ratemeter and a NaI detector. Brain imaging procedures were usually done two hours post injection. Radiation dose rate at the patient-handling place found to be 20±4μSvhr-1 and the computer-operating place were 2±0.4μSvhr-1. Patient skull surface doses were measured also and found to be 120±24μSvhr-1 (one hour post injection) and 80±13μSvhr-1 (two hours post injection). The results showed that the radiation dose rate in the gamma camera workplace during brain scanning procedures found to be nearly 6 to 60 times higher than the background level. The research goals of the study were to measure the workplace radiation level during brain scanning procedures and sketched some special remedial measures to reduce the radiation exposure rate in the gamma camera work environment. doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3486 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 27-30
Evaluation of Opinion about the Clinical Refresher Courses Conducted for the Teachers of Undergraduate Medical Institutes in Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder MHK , Chowdhury Fatema P , Shuvra MR
Published: September 2009

This descriptive type of cross-sectional study was carried out among the faculty members of different government and non government medical colleges selected by simple random sampling from October 2003 to March 2004 using self-administered structured questionnaires - one for the participants and another for their Heads of the departments to evaluate the opinion about the clinical refresher course conducted for them which was organized by WHO & DGHS at the conference room of DGHS. Sample size was 237.From the participants perspectives study revealed that the contents of the refresher clinical course were adequate, 71 (38.6%) respondents strongly agreed that speakers of the workshop were competent, 11 (6.0%) respondents strongly agreed that supplied handouts were adequate but 52 (28.3%) strongly disagreed about it. 45 (24.5%) respondents strongly agreed that audio-visual aids were used adequately, 21(11.4%) disagreed and 4(2.2%) strongly disagreed about it. 47(25.5%) respondents strongly agreed that the duration of the workshop was adequate, 92(50.0%) also agreed but 29(15.8%) respondents disagreed with it. 84(45.7%) respondents strongly agreed that the environment of the workshop was good and 91 (49.5%) also agreed with it. 177 (96.2%) respondents asserted ‘yes'- that attending these workshops benefited them, 178 (96.7%) respondents asserted ‘yes - that such workshop is essential for them every year. Perspectives of departmental Heads study also revealed that out of 53 respondents 49(92.5%) agreed that the clinical refresher course conducted for the teachers of their departments has enriched their knowledge about the subject concerned but 4(7.5%) responded negatively. 35 (66.0%) respondents agreed that the conducted clinical refresher course for the teachers of their departments helped to develop their skill and 18(34.0%) respondents told that it did not help to develop skills of the teachers of their departments. Out of 53 respondents 49 (92.5%) mentioned that the clinical refresher course conducted for the teachers of their departments could make an attitudinal change among the teachers in their teaching for using updated knowledge and skill of the subject. 46(86.8%) respondents agreed that the clinical refresher course conducted for their teachers has helped to think about their continuing professional development (CPD) through continuing medical education (CME) but 7(13.2%) respondents replied negatively. It can be concluded that the evaluation of opinion about clinical refresher course conducted for the teachers of different medical institutes in Bangladesh was positive and inspiring.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3487 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 31-37
Study on ABO & Rhesus Blood Groups in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital
Authors: Hossain MM , Ataturk SFM Khyirul , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Kalam M Abul
Published: September 2009

About fifty two thousand admitted patients in different wards & cabins of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital are grouped in the Transfusion Medicine Department for the purpose of blood transfusion during the period of July/ 1997 to June/2000. It is found that out of 51966 patients, 16928 (32.38%) are group B, 16704(32.15%) are group O 13005 (25.02%) are group A, & 5329 (10.25%) are group AB, Among those patients, 50141 (96.51%) are Rh D positive, 1828(3.49%) are negative.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3488 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 38-40
Recurrent Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma in the Left Parietal Region of Cranium: A Case Report
Authors: Rahman ML , Ali ASM Shawkat
Published: September 2009

A male of 20 years of age presented with features of intracranial space occupying lesion of cranium involving the brain. He came with the history of previous surgery in the head one-year back. On operation, an osteolytic growth from the skull bone invading the meninges and brain parenchyma. Who found Histopathological report revealed malignant fibrous histiocytoma.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3492 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 55-56
Charles Wesley Hargitt (1852–1927): American educator and cnidarian biologist
Authors: Calder Dale R.
Published: September 2009

Charles Wesley Hargitt was born near Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA, and died at Syracuse, New York. After a brief career as a Methodist Episcopal minister, he carried out graduate studies in biology at Illinois Wesleyan University and Ohio University. He served briefly on the faculty at Moores Hill College and later at Miami University of Ohio before receiving an appointment at Syracuse University. Hargitt spent 36 years at Syracuse, and for 21 years was a trustee of the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts. His research encompassed animal behaviour, cell biology, development, ecology, natural history, and taxonomy, as well as education, eugenics, and theology, and he wrote or contributed to more than 100 publications in science. Approximately half of these were on Cnidaria, with 41 of them on Hydrozoa. His most important works in hydrozoan taxonomy were on species of the Woods Hole region, the Philippines, and south China. Hargitt was author of three genera and 48 species and subspecies ascribed to Hydrozoa, seven species of Anthozoa, and one species of Cubozoa. Four species of hydroids are named in his honour.
Amphibian Declines Are Not Uniquely High amongst the Vertebrates: Trend Determination and the British Perspective
Authors: Beebee Trevor J. C. , Wilkinson John  W. , Buckley John
Published: September 2009

Although amphibians have experienced major global declines and an increasing extinction rate, recent results indicate that they are not as uniquely disadvantaged as previously supposed. Acquisition of robust data is evidently crucial to the determination of both absolute and relative rates of biodiversity declines, and thus in prioritising conservation actions. In Britain there is arguably a longer history of recording, and attempting to conserve, a wide range of species groups than anywhere else in the world. This stems from the early activities of Victorian naturalists in the nineteenth century, the establishment of natural history societies and, since the mid-twentieth century, a range of national recording schemes and organisations actively involved in conservation. In this review we summarise comparative evidence for British amphibians and reptiles concerning historical abundance, population trends and their causes, and outline how they relate to the situation elsewhere in Europe (and possibly the World). We discuss possible reasons why the plight of ectothermic vertebrates (fish, amphibians and reptiles) seems generally worse than that of endotherms (birds and mammals), as well as research priorities and factors likely to impact amphibians and reptile conservation in future.
Implementation of a Reuse Process for Liquid Crystal Displays Using an Eccentric-Form Tool
Authors: Pa Pai-Shan
Published: September 2009

This study presents a new nanotechnology application involving an ITO thin-film removal reuse process using an eccentric-form negative electrode, offering a fast removal rate from the surface of liquid crystal displays (LCDs). For the precision removal process, a small amount of eccentricity of the negative electrode or a higher rotational speed of the negative electrode corresponds to a higher etching rate for the ITO. A higher flow velocity of the electrolyte and a higher working temperature also correspond to a higher removal rate. The average effect of the eccentricity is better than the effects of a pulsed current, while the current rating need not be prolonged by the off-time.
Three-Dimensional “Shape-of-Anomaly” Gravity Inversion with an Application to Gravity over an Abandoned Underground Limestone Mine in Indiana
Authors: René R. M.
Published: September 2009

A method is developed for three-dimensional modeling of gravity measured at the earth’s surface. The model is built of many rectangular parallelepipeds (prisms) of constant horizontal dimensions. Each prism is assigned a density contrast; however, all density contrasts must be of the same sign. An initial model of filled prisms, “seed model,” is specified. Other prisms are either left empty or are filled automatically with the pre-assigned density contrast. One prism is filled for each pass through an algorithm that minimizes the difference between the shapes of the modeled and observed gravity. This “shape-of-anomaly” criterion was previously developed and applied to two-dimensional modeling of gravity profiles. Other criteria help to maintain the model’s compactness. The method readily yields models containing several hundreds or thousands of filled prisms and a very close approximation of the observed gravity by the modeled field. Applications are first demonstrated using synthetic gravity. For the gravity of a buried sphere, the inverse model closely approximates a sphere if the depth to center of gravity is unconstrained. Suites of inverse models are generated by specifying different density contrasts or different allowed ranges for depths to center of gravity. To treat random noise, including measurement errors and high spatial-frequency “geologic” noise, a filter is applied to both the observed and modeled gravity. Effects of bias are also shown. An inverse model is also derived from a negative [Formula: see text] gravity anomaly of the flooded underground Gheen’s Mill Cementville Mine in southeastern Indiana. The anomaly is defined by gravity at 837 stations in nineteen profiles with a [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] station spacing. The model is constrained by 17 boreholes that penetrated cavities and 39 boreholes that did not find cavities. Inversion of the gravity anomaly helped define the mine’s boundaries and to estimate the total mass deficit that resulted from mining.
3-D Velocity Imaging in the Shallow Subsurface using Multi-well, Multi-offset, VSP Data: A Case Study from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Site
Authors: Milligan Paul A. , Rector James W. , Bainer Robert
Published: September 2009

A vertical seismic profiling (VSP) method was developed to produce compressional (p-wave) velocity sections in a 3-D survey volume, down to a maximum depth of [Formula: see text]. The VSP method consisted of a multilevel hydrophone tool deployed down several wells. Multiple offset surface shotpoints were recorded at multiple azimuths around each well head, using an impact source. The VSP data were processed and inverted to produce p-wave interval velocities. These velocity sections were then projected into a model of the survey volume, together with borehole log information and other geologic information, to produce a 3-D visualization which aided the location and interpretation of aquifer boundaries below the water table. The final image displayed several low velocity zones, and these were attributed to partially saturated pore spaces, possibly both natural, or pump induced by air suction. Low velocity layers appeared above several actively pumped aquifers, and it was concluded that the multi-offset, multi-azimuth, VSP method may be suitable for mapping both aquifer channels, and zones of pumping influence.
Comparing Shear-Wave Velocity Profiles from MASW with Borehole Measurements in Unconsolidated Sediments, Fraser River Delta, B.C., Canada
Authors: Xia Jianghai , Miller Richard D. , Park Choon B. , Hunter James A. , Harris James B.
Published: September 2009

Recent field tests illustrate the accuracy and consistency of estimating near-surface shear (S) wave velocities calculated using Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW). To evaluate the technique in a variety of near-surface conditions and through a wide range of velocities, MASW-derived S-wave velocity profiles (S-wave velocity vs. depth) were statistically compared to S-wave velocity profiles measured in seven boreholes in the unconsolidated sediments of the Fraser River delta, near Vancouver, B.C., Canada. An overall difference of approximately 15 percent was observed between these two uniquely determined sets of S-wave velocities from the seven well locations. A blind test of the standalone accuracy of MASW was conducted at an eighth well. For this blind test, S-wave velocity measurements made in and interpreted from the borehole were not made available during MASW data processing. Differences between S-wave velocities using MASW from those measured in the blind test borehole averaged nine percent. No systematic differences between these results were observed in data from any of the eight test sites. The MASW method provided reliable S-wave velocity profiles from [Formula: see text] below the ground surface at some sites in the Fraser delta.
Induced Polarization—A Tool for Mapping Titanium-Bearing Placers, Hidden Metallic Objects, and Urban Waste on and Beneath the Seafloor
Authors: Wynn J. C. , Grosz A. E.
Published: September 2009

Recent experiments with a new marine induced polarization (IP) streamer system show that the system is capable of identifying and mapping placer concentrations of titanium-rich minerals on and beneath the seafloor, as well as facies changes in the substrate beneath sandy shoals. Examination of profile data acquired in the Mississippi Sound and Cape Fear shows that the system can also detect ferrous∕non-ferrous metallic objects buried beneath the seafloor which are not discernible by seismic or other geophysical means. The streamer system was originally designed to detect and map polarizeable titanium-bearing placer deposits to at least [Formula: see text] below the sediment-water interface. Recent data show broad phase-shift (a measure of the IP effect) anomalies from titanium sands along the east side of Cat Island (off the coast of Biloxi, Mississippi), and possibly over the now-submerged portion of the PeeDee river on the Atlantic Continental shelf southwest of Cape Fear (North Carolina-South Carolina border). Interspersed in these data are a number of narrow resistivity and coincident resistivity-IP spikes. Both kinds of anomalies show pronounced drops in the already-low resistivity expected for seawater-saturated unconsolidated sediments, but a number of the anomalies also have coincident phase-shift (induced polarization) excursions. These range from less than 5 to over [Formula: see text] across (half-amplitude measurement), but the IP anomalies can be seen [Formula: see text] laterally from their centers. The sources of these anomalies are apparently man-made objects, buried under a veneer of modern sediments. We speculate that the coincident resistivity-IP spikes are caused by shipwrecks, sunken buoys or parts thereof, or other man-made metallic objects lost and later buried beneath inert, modern sediments. The data imply that this marine IP system should be immediately applicable to finding metallic (ferrous and non-ferrous) unexploded ordnance, as well as buried sub-sea cables and pipelines.
Electromagnetic Response of an Earth Having a Continuous Conductivity Variation in Depth
Authors: Won I. J. , Novikova Elena I.
Published: September 2009

A new solution for the electromagnetic response of a horizontally stratified earth having an arbitrary conductivity-depth function is presented. The primary field is assumed to be a magnetic dipole. Based on a classical expression for a distinctly layered earth, a new kernel function that represents continuous changes in conductivity is derived. It is shown that the new kernel function satisfies a Riccati type differential equation for which no general solution is known to exist and, therefore, its analytic inversion is still an outstanding problem. When reduced to the distinct layer cases, the new kernel function shows numerically that its shape and behavior are identical to those derived from the old layered model expression. Several examples computed from both the old and the new kernels are compared. The new representation is suitable for forward problems and provides a theoretical basis that can convert a wideband electromagnetic response into a continuous conductivity-depth section. The ability to handle an earth model having continuously changing conductivity is urgent and timely, particularly with the advent of broadband sensors that can collect the entire spectral response.
Estimating Hydraulic Conductivity and Porosity of Soils from Spectral Electrical Response Measurements
Authors: Boadu Fred Kofi , Seabrook Brian
Published: September 2009

A procedure is developed to estimate the hydraulic conductivity and porosity of soils from the laboratory measurements of their frequency dependent electrical response (FDER) using inversion schemes and regression models. The FDER (resistivity and phase spectra) of a soil contains valuable information about its porosity, hydraulic conductivity, texture and fluid properties. In this study the FDER of the soil is modeled as a heterogeneous system using the multi-Cole-Cole model. The intrinsic parameters, which innately describe the response of the multi-Cole-Cole model, are retrieved by an inversion scheme and are used in empirical regression models to predict the hydraulic conductivity and porosity. Measurements of hydraulic conductivity, porosity and spectral electrical response of a variety of soil samples at laboratory scale were also performed. Multiple regression analyses suggest that the porosity and permeability can be well predicted by the parameters of the multi-Cole-Cole model. Establishing such direct relationships between parameters characterizing the spectral electrical response of soils and their hydraulic properties may provide a versatile non-invasive methodology of obtaining hydraulic conductivity and porosity of soils using geophysical measurements. This study is the beginning of a new class of geophysics that links the flow properties to the geophysical data.
Imaging UXO Using Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Daily William , Ramirez Abelardo , Newmark Robin , George Victor
Published: September 2009

This paper reports the results of tests where electrical impedance tomography (EIT) was evaluated as a tool for detecting and locating buried unexploded ordnance (UXO). The method relies on the electrolytic polarization induced at the boundary between soil and buried metal. This induced polarization (IP) produces a measurable phase delay between the electric current imposed on the subsurface and the resulting voltage distribution. If natural sources of induced polarization are small compared to those due to buried metal objects, then tomographs of impedance phase may be used to indicate where metal-soil polarization may be present. Three controlled tests were performed at a field site containing inert UXO buried in known locations. These tests produced a phase anomaly of about [Formula: see text] that closely matched the known location of buried UXO objects. A fourth uncontrolled or blind test was performed under a building without prior knowledge of UXO presence. That test yielded phase anomalies as high as [Formula: see text]. Limited excavation was performed at some of these anomalies but only a small amount (a few tens of grams) of metal was recovered. More extensive excavations are too costly until the building is razed.