bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does inflation targeting work in emerging East-Asian economies?
Authors: Sek Kun , Har Mun
Published: December 2012

This paper evaluates on the performance of the inflation-targeting regime in
three emerging East-Asian economies that have experienced changes in
monetary policy regimes, from rigidities to a flexible exchange rate and
inflation targeting, after the financial crisis of 1997-98. In particular,
the evaluation focuses on the inter-relationship between inflation and the
output growth/gap in these emerging economies between the pre- and
post-inflation targeting periods. A bivariate GARCH (1,1) model is applied.
The results reveal lower variability in inflation and output growth after
the implementation of the inflation targeting regime. The persistency of
inflation and output also decline. The study finds no evidence of greater
disinflation cost experienced in these economies after the implementation of
the inflation-targeting regime. Overall, the results imply that inflation
targeting works well in these emerging markets.
Environmental Kuznets curve and growth source in Iran
Authors: Asghari Maryam
Published: December 2012

Recent empirical research has examined the relationship between certain
indicators of environmental degradation and income, concluding that in some
cases an inverted U-shaped relationship, which has been called an
environmental Kuznets curve (EKC), exists between these variables. The source
of growth explanation is important for two reasons. First, it demonstrates
how the pollution consequences of growth depend on the source of growth.
Therefore, the analogy drawn by some in the environmental community between
the damaging effects of economic development and those of liberalized trade
is, at best, incomplete. Second, the source of growth explanation
demonstrates that a strong policy response to income gains is not necessary
for pollution to fall with growth. The aim of this paper investigates the
role of differences source of growth in environmental quality of Iran. The
results show the two growth resources in Iran cause, in the early stages, CO2
emission decreases until turning point but beyond this level of income per
capita, economic growth leads to environmental degradation. I find a U
relationship between environmental degradation (CO2 emission) and economic
growth in Iran.
Bond markets and banking crises in emerging market economies: The role of institutions
Authors: Boukhatem Jamel
Published: December 2012

This paper deals with the question of knowing if countries whose activity of
financing is mainly bank based face crises more expensive than those where
the bond markets are broader and more developed. The results of the
empirical tests on a panel of emerging countries suggest that bank based
financial systems are associated with crises slightly more expensive,
whereas the relationship between the bond markets and the crises? costs is
fragile. Moreover, financial systems where bond markets play an important
role are associated with a higher growth of the production, and this,
independently of the presence or not of crises. The consideration of the
combined effect of financial liberalization and institutional framework on
the bond markets development shows the importance of the direction of the
financial liberalization. We join in this case one of the most significant
aspects of the ?sequencing? theorized by McKinnon (1973). Finally, an
effective prudential regulation tends to reduce significantly the
probability of occurrence of banking crises.
Boyle’s corpuscular theory and the introduction of the distinction between primary and secondary qualities
Authors: Bogdanovski Masan
Published: December 2012

The distinction between primary and secondary qualities was not only
motivated by the epistemological consequences of the corpuscular hypothesis.
The way Boyle introduced the distinction for the first time in its modern
sense had been largely determined by the details of his corpuscular theory of
matter. This paper examines Boyle?s justification for his inferences from
observables to unobservables, and the way methodological backgrounds of his
arguments shaped the character of the distinction.
Emotions and perception: The first physiological theory of emotions
Authors: Trajkovski Miroslava
Published: December 2012

The first physiological theory of emotions was formulated at the end of XIX
century. According to this theory, set by William James and C.G. Lange,
emotions are perceptions of bodily changes. In late 1920s this theory was
abandoned due to W.B. Cannon?s criticism. Recently the interest in
James-Lange?s theory has been revived especially due to neurological
researches done by Antonio Damasio ? he claims that the emotion is the
perception of bodily changes. Note that this is not James? thesis, but its
modifications. In the paper I show how James-Lange?s theory could have been
defended in the framework of their theories alone, independently of recent
neurological results. It follows that for understanding emotions it is
essential to understand the nature of perception.
On pitfalls of naturalism
Authors: Adzic Milos
Published: December 2012

This paper examines some arguments directed against naturalism in the
philosophy of mathematics. These arguments are formulated from the
platonistic standpoint with the intention to show that we can coherently
describe the faculty of mathematical intuition, which is unacceptable to
every kind of naturalism.
Fichte or the permanent Aboriginal Revolution
Authors: Goddard Jean-Christophe
Published: December 2012

L'article se propose, ? partir d'une interpr?tation strictement litt?rale de
la diff?rence anthropologique que fait Fichte au d?but du septi?me discours
des "Discours ? la nation allemande" entre l?"Ausland" et l?"Urvolk",
d'engager un principe de lecture enti?rement renouvel? de la
"Wissenschaftslehre". A la "Nichtursprunglichkeit" de l'"Ausl?nder",
l'article oppose la dimension litt?ralement aborig?ne de l'"Urvolk", la
dimension essentiellement native de tout peuple dans la mesure o? son ?tre
n?est pas seulement factuel ou historique, mais g?n?tique, c?est-?-dire est
int?gralement constitu? par les pratiques symboliques, immat?rielles, non
g?n?alogiques, ? travers lesquelles il s?imagine et se forme ("sich bildet")
contin?ment lui-m?me pour lui-m?me. Cette r?volution permanente du peuple
aborig?ne est ce ? quoi la "Wissenschaftslehre", en tant que performance
orale et purement actuelle, qui ne survit dans aucun texte, mais dans sa
seule reprise orale, se propose d'initier ses auditeurs. Les multiples
expos?s de la "Wissenschaftslehre" ?tant, en r?alit?, autant de parcours
uniques, incommensurables, consistant dans des exp?rimentations actives,
dynamiques et collectives, d'un "sich bilden" sans fondement et libre de
toute forme arr?t?e.
Two impossibility results in public choice theory
Authors: Jovanovic Radmila
Published: December 2012

In this paper we deal with some problems of public choice theory. We start
with exposition of Arrow's impossibility result which was the starting point
in constitution of a whole problematic: the impossibility of existence of a
social welfare function. We will mention one solution to the paradox,
proposed by Duncan Black, namely, the existence of single-peaked structure of
preferences. Then we will pass to another impossibility result that of
impossibility of aggregation of judgments over multiple interconnected
propositions. We will introduce the idea that this problem represents a
larger frame in which the problem of aggregating preferences can be embedded.
We will expose one solution to that paradox as well - the existence of
unidimensional alignment in the structure of individuals. The main question
then is by what means do we achieve this kind of a structure? We will propose
a skecth for a future study in which a belief revision theory play important
role in finding a solution to these problems.
Is armageddon the alternative to moral enhancement?
Authors: Rakic Vojin
Published: December 2012

Eudaimonic agents have to become dominant in humanity if it is to seriously
diminish the probability of its self-annihilation. In order for this to
happen, humanity ought to be morally enhanced. It will be argued that moral
and cognitive enhancement have to be combined in such a way that all
cognitive bio-enhancement leads to moral enhancement.
Cosmological argument for a/theism: Craig's and Smith's interpretation of big bang cosmology
Authors: Djuric Drago
Published: December 2012

In this paper we shall consider over 30-Years larg disscusion between
theistic philosopher of religion William Lane Craig and athestic philosopher
Quentin Smith about kalam cosmological argument and big bang cosmological
hypothesis. Main issue of their's disscusion is the problem of the cause of
the beginnig of the universe. Craig tries to give us arguments for the thesis
that the big bang cosmology is compatible with the his kalam kosmological
argument, and, consenquently, that God is cause of the big bang. Smith but
tries to give us the arguments for the thesis that the kalam cosmological
argument is not sound, and that cause of the big bang is not God. At the
beginnig of the discussion Smith has defended thesis that big bang has no
cause. Lather but he defends the thesis that the universe is self-caused.
During this larg and intensive discussion are developed interesting
arguments, some of which we shall present here.
Locke’s anticipation of idealism
Authors: Soc Andrija
Published: December 2012

The primary purpose of this paper is to establish that some aspects of
Locke?s philosophy can be read as an anticipation of Kant?s idealism. The
paper consists of three main parts. In the first part, I examine the
continuity of the conception of substance that exists between otherwise very
different philosophical systems of Aristotle and Descartes. Identifying the
difference between the questions of ?what? substance is and that to which
the concept refers, I examine in some detail Locke?s conception of
substance, as well as his distinction between nominal and real essence, the
latter being unknowable just like the substance. This unknowable character
leads Locke to claim that we can cognize only one side of the existing world
- the nominal one. In that sense, there is a striking parallel between the
aforementioned distinction and the one Kant draws between appearance and the
thing-in-itself. I also introduce philosophy of Richard Burthogge and his
corresponding distinction I attempt to show how Locke indeed was
anticipating Kant?s idealism, even if he wasn?t an idealist himself. Aside
from anticipating the content of some of Kant?s basic tenets, I also attempt
to show how Locke is also anticipating the Kant?s way of arguing for one of
the essential components of his idealism - the thing-in-itself, where I draw
the parallel between that concept and the concept of real essence.
Wittgenstein and Heidegger: Language as universal medium and inexpressibility of semantics
Authors: Sumonja Milos
Published: December 2012

In this paper I will try to show that Ludwig Wittgenstein and Martin
Heidegger defended conception of language as a universal medium in both
phases of their work. Both philosophers believe that we are ?prisoners? of
the language that we speak, so that we can not step outside of it and
describe the semantic relationships of language and the world from
metalinguistic point of view. For both thinkers the basic problem is of
methodological nature: for, if we can not speak about the relationships
between language and the world, then how can we say that we can not speak
about the relationships between language and the world? I will argue: a) that
the universalism of early Wittgenstein and late Heidegger is transcendentally
motivated, and that they both deal with the problem of inexperessibility of
semantics by invoking the language of poetry as a way to express a
universalist point of view, and b) that the universalism of late Wittgenstein
and early Heidegger is pragmatically motivated, and that the difference
between two philosophers is that early Heidegger accepts, while late
Wittgenstein rejects semantic paradox of universalism. For early Heidegger
inexpressibility of semantics is evidence that there is something that eludes
the ordinary language and that that something has to be grasped by use of
special method, for late Wittgenstein it is the evidence that there is
nothing that can not be expressed in ordinary language and that the problem
of inexpressibility of semantics is a pseudo-problem.
Effect of feeding a selected combination of galacto-oligosaccharides and a strain of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum on the intestinal microbiota of cats
Authors: Biagi Giacomo , Cipollini Irene , Bonaldo Alessio , Grandi Monica , Pompei Anna , Stefanelli Claudio , Zaghini Giuliano
Published: December 2012

Objective—To evaluate the growth kinetics of a strain of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (BP) on 4 oligo- or polysaccharides and the effect of feeding a selected probiotic-prebiotic combination on intestinal microbiota in cats.

Animals—10 healthy adult cats.

Procedures—Growth kinetics of a strain of cat-origin BP (BP-B82) on fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), lactitol, or pectins was determined, and the combination of GOS and BP-B82 was selected. Cats received supplemental once-daily feeding of 1% GOS–BP-B82 (1010 CFUs/d) for 15 days; fecal samples were collected for analysis the day before (day 0) and 1 and 10 days after the feeding period (day 16 and 25, respectively).

Results—Compared with the prefeeding value, mean fecal ammonia concentration was significantly lower on days 16 and 25 (288 and 281 μmol/g of fecal dry matter [fDM], respectively, vs 353 μmol/g of fDM); fecal acetic acid concentration was higher on day 16 (171 μmol/g of fDM vs 132 μmol/g of fDM). On day 16, fecal concentrations of lactic, n-valeric, and isovaleric acids (3.61, 1.52, and 3.55 μmol/g of fDM, respectively) were significantly lower than on days 0 (5.08, 18.4, and 6.48 μmol/g of fDM, respectively) and 25 (4.24, 17.3, and 6.17 μmol/g of fDM, respectively). A significant increase in fecal bifidobacteria content was observed on days 16 and 25 (7.98 and 7.52 log10 CFUs/g of fDM, respectively), compared with the prefeeding value (5.63 log10 CFUs/g of fDM).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that feeding 1% GOS–BP-B82 combination had some positive effects on the intestinal microbiota in cats
Evaluating Math Recovery
Authors: Smith Thomas M. , Cobb Paul , Farran Dale C. , Cordray David S. , Munter Charles
Published: December 2012

Mathematics Recovery (MR) is designed to identify first graders who are struggling in mathematics and provide them with intensive one-to-one tutoring. We report findings from a 2-year evaluation of MR conducted in 20 elementary schools across five districts in two states. The design allowed for the estimation of the counterfactual growth trajectory based on those students randomly assigned either to a tutoring cohort with a delayed start or to a wait list. Results demonstrate strong end of first grade effects on a diagnostic measure developed by MR and weak to moderate effects (effect size, .15–.30) on measures administered by external evaluators. By the end of second grade, no significant effects were found on any measures. Practical and research implications are discussed.
The Impacts of Success for All on Reading Achievement in Grades 3–5
Authors: Hanselman Paul , Borman Geoffrey D.
Published: December 2012

We evaluate the impact of Success for All literacy instruction in grades 3 through 5 using data from the same cluster randomized trial used to evaluate effects in the earlier grades (K–2). In contrast to the early benefits, there is no effect on reading achievement in the later grades, either overall or for students and schools with high or low baseline reading achievement. This suggests that the impact of Success for All—including established long-term positive effects—may depend on early exposure. As a result, educators may experience difficulty replicating the typical positive achievement impacts of the intervention when children participate in Success for All only during the later elementary grades, as is common for mobile students in program schools.
Dr Pralad Yonzon (1951–2011): In memoriam
Authors: Sharma Pitambar
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjs.v7i9.7108 Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.7 Issue 9 2011 pp.31-32
A tribute to Pralad B Yonzon
Authors: Kattel Bijaya
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjs.v7i9.7110 Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.7 Issue 9 2011 pp.33
Using Free and Proprietary Data to Compare Shortest-Path Lengths for Effective Pedestrian Routing in Street Networks
Authors: Zielstra Dennis , Hochmair Hartwig H.
Published: December 2012

Ubiquitous mobile devices, such as smartphones, led to an increased popularity of pedestrian-related routing applications over the past few years. Because pedestrians typically aim to minimize their walking distance, especially in nonrecreational and multimodal trips, pedestrian routing systems will be fully used only if they can find the correct shortest path and thus help to avoid unnecessary detours. The standard equipment of car navigation systems based on the Global Positioning System several years ago led to the availability of accurate street network data for car-based routing applications. However, pedestrian routing applications should consider pedestrian-related network segments besides those used by motorized traffic, including footpaths and pedestrian bridges. The authors of this paper performed a shortest-path analysis of pedestrian routes for cities in Germany and the United States. For a set of 1,000 randomly generated origin–destination pairs, the authors compared the lengths of pedestrian routes that were computed by different freely available network sources, such as OpenStreetMap and TIGER/Line data, and proprietary data sets, such as TomTom, NAVTEQ, and ATKIS. The results showed that freely available data sources such as OpenStreetMap provided a relatively comprehensive option for cities in which commercial pedestrian data sets were not yet available.
Development and Application of Volume Model for Pedestrian Intersections in San Francisco, California
Authors: Schneider Robert J. , Henry Todd , Mitman Meghan F. , Stonehill Laura , Koehler Jesse
Published: December 2012

The process of modeling pedestrian volume in San Francisco, California, refined the methodology used to develop previous intersection-based models and incorporated variables that were tailored to estimate walking activity in the local urban context. The methodology included two main steps. First, manual and automated pedestrian counts were taken at a sample of 50 study intersections with a variety of characteristics. A series of factor adjustments was applied to produce an estimate of annual pedestrian crossings at each intersection. Second, log-linear regression modeling was used to identify statistically significant relationships between the estimate of annual pedestrian volume and land use, transportation system, local environment, and socioeconomic characteristics near each intersection. Twelve alternative models were considered, and the preferred model had a good overall fit (adjusted R2 = .804). As identified in other communities, pedestrian volumes were positively associated with the number of households and the number of jobs near each intersection. This San Francisco model also found significantly higher pedestrian volumes at intersections (a) in high-activity zones with metered on-street parking, (b) in areas with fewer hills, (c) near university campuses, and (d) under the control of traffic signals. Because the model was based on a relatively small sample of intersections, the number of significant factors was limited to six. Results are being used by public agencies in San Francisco to understand the risks of pedestrian crossings better and to inform citywide pedestrian safety policy and investment.
Evaluating Effectiveness of Infrastructure-Based Countermeasures for Pedestrian Safety
Authors: Pulugurtha Srinivas S. , Vasudevan Vinod , Nambisan Shashi S. , Dangeti Mukund R.
Published: December 2012

This paper summarizes an evaluation of the effectiveness of selected infrastructure-based countermeasures to enhance pedestrian safety. The countermeasures evaluated in this paper were high-visibility crosswalk, median refuge, Danish offset, and pedestrian channelization. The selected countermeasures were deployed at eight locations in the Las Vegas, Nevada, metropolitan area. The evaluations were based on field observations of pedestrian and driver behaviors before and after the installation of the countermeasures. The selected countermeasures were evaluated with measures of effectiveness such as pedestrians who were trapped in the street, pedestrians who looked for vehicles before they began to cross, pedestrians who looked for vehicles before they crossed the second half of the street, pedestrians who were captured (those who modified their path to use the crosswalk but did not go out of their way to do so), pedestrians who were diverted (those who had to go out of their way to use the crosswalk or changed their course of action), drivers who yielded to pedestrians, the distance at which drivers yielded or stopped before the crosswalk, and drivers who blocked the crosswalk. Results showed that a high-visibility crosswalk and a median refuge helped to improve pedestrian as well as driver behavior, whereas a Danish offset increased the proportion of diverted pedestrians. At sites with those countermeasures, the distance at which drivers stopped or yielded for pedestrians before the crosswalk increased. Results based on analysis of data at the site with pedestrian channelization were inconclusive.
Safer Midblock Environments for Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossings
Authors: Dougald Lance E. , Dittberner Randy A. , Sripathi Hari K.
Published: December 2012

The 45-mi multiuse Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail traverses Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties in Northern Virginia and has more than 70 highway crossings. In April 2009, in an attempt to increase safety at two of the crossings, the Virginia Department of Transportation installed zigzag pavement markings in Loudoun County where the W&OD Trail crosses Belmont Ridge Road and Sterling Boulevard. The purpose of this research was to assess the effectiveness of the zigzag pavement markings. “Effectiveness” was defined in three ways: (a) an increase in motorist awareness ahead of the crossing locations, (b) a positive change in motorist attitudes, and (c) a confirmation of motorist understanding of the markings. Motorist awareness was measured by computing the difference in vehicle speeds before and after the installation of the markings. Attitudinal changes were measured through a survey targeting motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists familiar with the markings. Motorist understanding was measured through another survey administered elsewhere in the state that targeted motorists unfamiliar with the zigzag markings in Loudoun County. The study found that the markings installed ahead of the two crossings heightened the awareness of approaching motorists. This finding was evidenced by reduced mean vehicle speeds within the marking zones. Further, the majority of survey respondents indicated an increase in awareness, a change in their driving behavior, and a greater tendency to yield to pedestrians than felt before the installation of the markings. The study also found that motorists had limited understanding of the purpose of the markings.
To Go or Not to Go
Authors: Bradbury Kate , Stevens Jaedi , Boyle Linda Ng , Rutherford Scott
Published: December 2012

Pedestrian safety is a major concern at signalized intersections because of an increased likelihood of pedestrian–vehicle conflicts. The objective of this study was to examine the factors possibly influencing the likelihood that a pedestrian would cross against the signal at an intersection. In Seattle, Washington, 800 pedestrians were observed at six intersections. Examined factors included gender, weather, the number of times the call button was pushed, the impact of other pedestrians at the crosswalk, and whether pedestrians returned to push the button. The model was also adjusted for differences in each intersection attributable to volume-to-capacity ratio, cycle lengths, and location. The findings from a logistic regression model showed that females were more likely to wait for a “Walk” signal than were males and that people were more likely to wait for a “Walk” signal when other pedestrians were at the intersection. Pedestrians were more likely to wait for the light to indicate the “Walk” signal if they pushed the button. This study suggests that the type of pedestrian call buttons placed at intersections may need to be tailored to the location and to the willingness of individuals to trust that the push button will activate a green pedestrian signal. Therefore, feedback on whether the push button is activated could be quite useful and should be further explored.
Characteristics of Congenital Heart Disease and their Surgical Outcome in a Private Hospital: Importance of Team Concept in Paediatric Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Kabir Jahangir , Rima Rezoana , Hassan Rezaul , Khatoon Soofia , Hossain Md Zakir , Badruddoza AMM
Published: December 2012

Background: Congenital heart disease poses much morbidity and mortality to children. During the past one-decade there have been encouraging improvements in the care of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) seen in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to determine the demography, characteristics, surgical result and complications of the entire operated patient with CHD during last four year and five months in United Hospital and to find out the importance of well-coordinated paediatric cardiac team in reducing case fatality rate. Method: This is a retrospective study based on patients record. The records of 457 patients were reviewed. Data of all patients with CHD who were operated from November 2006 to March 2011 at United Hospital, Dhaka were analyzed in this study. Result: Proportion of cyanotic congenital heart disease was 25%, among them tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) constitutes maximum number. Acyanotic heart diseases were mostly shunt lesion where 60% were associated with different degrees of pulmonary hypertension. Varied types of surgical procedures were done for correction of different types of CHD. Post operative complications were found in 125 (27%) patients. Since 2008 after implementation of well-coordinated paediatric cardiac team outcome of surgical procedure were improved. Case fatality rate which was 16% in 2007 came down to 8.3 % in 2010. Conclusion: Spectrum of CHD in our set-up was varied in nature. Though we have an acceptable mortality rate further improvement will be achieved from multidisciplinary progresses through developing a good, well-coordinated pediatric cardiac team.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v36i2.13079 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2012; VOL 36 (2) : 61-65
Disease Profile and Death Pattern Among Children Admitted in a Medical College Hospital
Authors: Hasan M Shameem , Barua Sanat Kumar , Mahmud M Nasiruddin , Kamal AHM , Enayetullah M , Karim M Rezaul
Published: December 2012

Background: An understanding of epidemiological trend in hospital admissions, including diseases and death pattern, is critical for health care planning, appropriate resource allocation & improving existing services facilities. Objectives: To evaluate the disease and death pattern of children admitted in the department of Child Health, Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Chittagong. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. The case records of all patients admitted in the department from Jan 1, 2008 to Dec 31, 2010 were analyzed. Result: Total 38,692 children were admitted during this study period; among them total 1897(4.9%) patient died. Infant and under five age groups constitute 45.2% and 75.9% respectively, total admission whereas deaths from the same groups were 43.7% & 79.3% respectively. Bronchopneumonia (22%), acute watery diarrhea (15%), hereditary hemolytic anemia (12%), and bronchiolitis (10%), topped the first four positions in each of the three years of admission. Septicemia and encephalitis, with a case fatality rate of 24% and 35% respectively, were found as top two causes of death. Highest case fatality rate was found in hepatic encephalopathy (54%). Other common causes of death include meningitis (19%), severe malaria (21%), leukemia (22%), severe malnutrition with complications (11%), and congenital heart diseases (12%) Conclusion: Comprehensive evaluation of admission and death related findings of this study will help to determine possible gaps in patient care and planning for more effective case-management strategies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v36i2.13081 Bangladesh J Child Health 2012; VOL 36 (2) : 66-70
Hajdu-Cheney Syndrome: First Case Report from Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Shahana A , Akhter Shohela , Bayes Farhana , Musharraf Mashura
Published: December 2012

Hajdu-Cheney syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder of the connective tissue characterized by severe and excessive bone resorption leading to osteoporosis and a wide range of other potential symtromes. The clinical presentation and typical radiological features help in confirming the diagnosis. Hajdu-Cheney syndrome had not been reported previously in our country. Because of the rarity of the problem, we are interested to report a case of Hajdu-Cheney syndrome who was admitted in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v36i2.13086 Bangladesh J Child Health 2012; Vol 36 (2): 98-100
Actinomycosis: An Update
Authors: Moniruddin ABM , Begum Hamida , Nahar Khairun
Published: December 2012

Medicine Today 2009 Volume 21 Number 02 Page 38-42 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v21i2.12478
Effective Teaching and Learning
Authors: Uddin MJ , Salam A
Published: December 2012

Medicine Today 2009 Volume 21 Number 02 Page 48-49 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v21i2.12543
Electrophoretic Pattern of Hereditary Haemoglobin Disorders in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md. Kazim , Aziz Md. A , Bhuya Md. Fakhruddin , Dipta Tashmim Farhana , Begum Masuda , Yunus ABM , Rahman Md. Jalilur
Published: December 2012

Medicine Today 2009 Volume 21 Number 02 Page 58-60 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v21i2.12546
Impaction of Permanent Canine due to Retaining of Deciduous Teeth
Authors: Nessa Jebu , Akter Mahmuda , Hasan Md. Kamrul
Published: December 2012

Medicine Today 2009 Volume 21 Number 02 Page 82-83 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v21i2.12554
Pattern of Acne Vulgaris in Women, Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Khondker L , Wahab MA , Khan MSI
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v23i2.13100 Medicine TODAY Vol.23(2) 2011 pp.76-79
Effects on Induction of Labour by Intravenous Oxytocin in Multiparous in Dhaka National Medical College & Hospital
Authors: Pervin MS , Begum MM
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v23i2.13102 Medicine TODAY Vol.23(2) 2011 pp.80-82
Association of Microalbuminuria with Glycemic Status
Authors: Saiedullah M , Begum S , Rahman MR , Khan MAH , Hayat S , Shaha SS
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v23i2.13104 Medicine TODAY Vol.23(2) 2011 pp.88-90
Head Injuries with Skull Fracture and Intracranial Lesion - An Analysis of Admitted Patients in Rajshahi Medical College
Authors: Hossain MZ
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v23i2.13106 Medicine TODAY Vol.23(2) 2011 pp.97-99
Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis
Authors: Uddin MR , Akter F , Bhuyain MMH , Rahman MA , Chowdhury MA
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v23i2.13113 Medicine TODAY Vol.23(2) 2011 pp.112-113
The Assessment of the Use of Eco-Friendly Nets to Ensure Sustainable Cabbage Seedling Production in Africa
Authors: Muleke Everlyne , Saidi Mwanarusi , Itulya Francis , Martin Thibaud , Ngouajio Mathieu
Published: December 2012

High seed cost accompanied by poor germination and seedling performance renders cabbage nursery and field production enterprises unsustainable to many small-scale growers in tropical and sub-tropical countries. In most nurseries, adverse ecological conditions and pest damage are among the major factors responsible for poor seedling performance. The objective of this study was to test the potential use of eco-friendly net (EFN) covers as a low cost technology for sustainable cabbage seedling production. The study was a two-season experiment conducted using a randomized complete block design with five replications and two treatments. Treatments were: the standard open field transplant production (control) and transplant production under 0.4 mm mesh polyethylene net covering. EFN covering increased both temperature and relative humidity, enhanced seedling growth and reduced insect pest damage. Seed germination and seedling emergence were under the net covering earlier. Higher seed germination and seedling survival were recorded under the EFN treatment, indicating a potential for reducing the seed requirement per unit area of cabbage production. Seedlings grown under the nets had higher stomatal conductance and leaf chlorophyll content; furthermore, they grew taller, with more leaves within a shorter period of time compared to the control seedlings. The use of EFN in cabbage nurseries offers a sustainable technology for enhancing seedling performance by reducing pest infestation, thereby lowering production cost and improving the grower’s income.
Ordered Regions within a Nonlinear Time Series Solution of a Lorenz Form of the Townsend Equations for a Boundary-Layer Flow
Authors: Isaacson LaVar
Published: December 2012

A modified form of the Townsend equations for the fluctuating velocity wave vectors is applied to a laminar three-dimensional boundary-layer flow. These equations are cast into a Lorenz-type system of equations. The initial system of Lorenz equations yields the generation of masked output signals containing internal ordered regions. The self-synchronizing property of the Lorenz system of equations is then exploited by considering the initial Lorenz system as a transmitter system providing chaotic masked information signals to a series of identical Lorenz receiver systems. The output signal from each successive receiver system indicates the growing recovery of ordered regions in the chaotic output signal. Finally, the three-dimensional graph of the output velocity wave vector signal from the fourth receiver system and the spectral entropy rates for the output axial velocity wave vector indicate the presence of ordered regions which are characterized as axially-directed spiral vortices.
Operation and Power Flow Control of Multi-Terminal DC Networks for Grid Integration of Offshore Wind Farms Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Pinto Rodrigo , Rodrigues Sílvio , Wiggelinkhuizen Edwin , Scherrer Ricardo , Bauer Pavol , Pierik Jan
Published: December 2012

For achieving the European renewable electricity targets, a significant contribution is foreseen to come from offshore wind energy. Considering the large scale of the future planned offshore wind farms and the increasing distances to shore, grid integration through a transnational DC network is desirable for several reasons. This article investigates a nine-node DC grid connecting three northern European countries — namely UK, The Netherlands and Germany. The power-flow control inside the multi-terminal DC grid based on voltage-source converters is achieved through a novel method, called distributed voltage control (DVC). In this method, an optimal power flow (OPF) is solved in order to minimize the transmission losses in the network. The main contribution of the paper is the utilization of a genetic algorithm (GA) to solve the OPF problem while maintaining an N-1 security constraint. After describing main DC network component models, several case studies illustrate the dynamic behavior of the proposed control method.
An Efficiency-Optimized Isolated Bidirectional DC-DC Converter with Extended Power Range for Energy Storage Systems in Microgrids
Authors: Shi Xiaolong , Jiang Jiuchun , Guo Xintao
Published: December 2012

This paper proposes a novel extended-single-phase shift (ESPS) control strategy of isolated bidirectional full-bridge DC-DC converters (IBDCs) which are a promising alternative as a power electronic interface in microgrids with an additional function of galvanic isolation. Based on the mathematical models of ESPS control under steady-state conditions, detailed theoretical and experimental analyses of IBDC under ESPS control are presented. Compared with conventional single-phase-shift (CSPS) control, ESPS control can greatly improve the efficiency of IBDCs in microgrids through decreasing current stress and backflow power considerably over a wide input and output voltage range under light and medium loads. In addition, ESPS control only needs to adjust one single phase-shift angel to control transmission power, thus it retains implementation simplicity in comparison with dual-phase-shift (DPS) control for microgrid applications. Furthermore, an efficiency-optimized modulation scheme based on ESPS and CSPS control is developed in the whole power range of IBDC for power distribution in microgrids. A 10 kW IBDC prototype is constructed and the experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, showing that the proposed strategy can enhance the overall efficiency up to 30%.
Environmental Contamination by Dog’s Faeces: A Public Health Problem?
Authors: Cinquepalmi Vittoria , Monno Rosa , Fumarola Luciana , Ventrella Gianpiero , Calia Carla , Greco Maria , De Vito Danila , Soleo Leonardo
Published: December 2012

The risk to public health from the large number of dog stools present on streets of urban areas is cause for concern. Dog faeces may be a serious hazard because they may contain microorganisms that are both pathogenic to humans and resistant to several classes of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for zoonotic infections and for the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in canine faeces which contaminates the urban environment. A total of 418 canine faecal samples were collected from streets in seven areas of Bari, Southern Italy. We have isolated multi-drug resistant Enterococci and meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from these dog faecal samples. The presence of the resistant bacteria in an urban environment may represent a public health hazard which requires control measures by competent authorities. No Salmonella, Yersinia or Campylobacter species were isolated. Giardia cysts were detected in 1.9% of the samples. The predominant Enterococcus species were E. faecium (61.6%), E. gallinarum (23.3%) and E. casseliflavus (5.5%). Other species, including E. faecalis were also isolated. These strains were resistant to clindamycin (86.3%), tetracycline (65.7%), erythromycin (60.27%) and ampicillin (47.9%). High-level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR) was found in 65.7% of enterococci. Resistance to three or more antibiotics and six or more antibiotics were observed in 67.12% and 38.4% of Enterococcus spp., respectively. Resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin was not detected in any of the Enterococcus spp. isolated. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 0.7% of the faecal samples. Canine faeces left on the streets may represent a risk factor for transmission of microorganisms and a reservoir of multidrug- resistant bacteria thus contributing to the spread of resistance genes into an urban area.
Visibility and Social Recognition as Psychosocial Work Environment Factors among Cleaners in a Multi-Ethnic Workplace Intervention
Authors: Hviid Kirsten , Smith Louise , Frydendall Karen , Flyvholm Mari-Ann
Published: December 2012

This article focuses on the psychosocial work environment of immigrant cleaners at a Danish workplace. Today, many cleaners working in Danish cleaning jobs are women from the established immigrant communities, but also labour migrants from the newer EU member states have found their way to the cleaning industry. Studies have drawn attention to immigrants’ low position in the cleaning industry and their increased risk of work injuries. This article is based on a case study of an intervention called “Make a Difference” designed to improve the work environment among cleaners at a multi-ethnic workplace. We used semi-structured interviews, photo logs, observation and participation to investigate how the cleaners experienced their work environment. The cleaners reported an overload of heavy work, related to the concept of a classroom’s “readiness for cleaning”, and they expressed strained social relations and communication in addition to a lack of social recognition and invisibility at the workplace, a school. We analysed these psychosocial work environmental problems by investigating the different forms of social relationships and communication within the group of cleaners, and between the cleaners and the teachers and pupils at the school. Moreover, we discussed why the intervention, based on training of language and cleaning skills and social interaction, only partially improved the cleaners’ psychosocial work environment problems. In this article, we argue that social divisions based on ethnicity between the new and the established group of cleaners, combined with their marginal position and poor work organisation at the school, reinforced the cleaners’ experiences of psychosocial work environment problems. This article suggests that increased effort towards social inclusion at work and improved work organisation, especially for the new labour migrants from newer EU-countries, should be considered.
Spontaneous Crystallization in Athermal Polymer Packings
Authors: Karayiannis Nikos , Foteinopoulou Katerina , Laso Manuel
Published: December 2012

We review recent results from extensive simulations of the crystallization of athermal polymer packings. It is shown that above a certain packing density, and for sufficiently long simulations, all random assemblies of freely-jointed chains of tangent hard spheres of uniform size show a spontaneous transition into a crystalline phase. These polymer crystals adopt predominantly random hexagonal close packed morphologies. An analysis of the local environment around monomers based on the shape and size of the Voronoi polyhedra clearly shows that Voronoi cells become more spherical and more symmetric as the system transits to the ordered state. The change in the local environment leads to an increase in the monomer translational contribution to the entropy of the system, which acts as the driving force for the phase transition. A comparison of the crystallization of hard-sphere polymers and monomers highlights similarities and differences resulting from the constraints imposed by chain connectivity.
The Dynamics of Embolism Refilling in Abscisic Acid (ABA)-Deficient Tomato Plants
Authors: Secchi Francesca , Perrone Irene , Chitarra Walter , Zwieniecka Anna , Lovisolo Claudio , Zwieniecki Maciej
Published: December 2012

Plants are in danger of embolism formation in xylem vessels when the balance between water transport capacity and transpirational demand is compromised. To maintain this delicate balance, plants must regulate the rate of transpiration and, if necessary, restore water transport in embolized vessels. Abscisic acid (ABA) is the dominant long-distance signal responsible for plant response to stress, and it is possible that it plays a role in the embolism/refilling cycle. To test this idea, a temporal analysis of embolism and refilling dynamics, transpiration rate and starch content was performed on ABA-deficient mutant tomato plants. ABA-deficient mutants were more vulnerable to embolism formation than wild-type plants, and application of exogenous ABA had no effect on vulnerability. However, mutant plants treated with exogenous ABA had lower stomatal conductance and reduced starch content in the xylem parenchyma cells. The lower starch content could have an indirect effect on the plant’s refilling activity. The results confirm that plants with high starch content (moderately stressed mutant plants) were more likely to recover from loss of water transport capacity than plants with low starch content (mutant plants with application of exogenous ABA) or plants experiencing severe water stress. This study demonstrates that ABA most likely does not play any direct role in embolism refilling, but through the modulation of carbohydrate content, it could influence the plant’s capacity for refilling.
Exploration of the Role of the Non-Coding RNA SbrE in L. monocytogenes Stress Response
Authors: Mujahid Sana , Bergholz Teresa , Oliver Haley , Boor Kathryn , Wiedmann Martin
Published: December 2012

SbrE is a ncRNA in Listeria monocytogenes, reported to be up-regulated by the alternative sigma factor σB. Initial quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments on parent strains and isogenic ΔsigB strains demonstrated σB-dependent expression of SbrE across the four L. monocytogenes lineages and in L. innocua. Microarray and proteomics (MDLC/MS/MS with iTRAQ labeling) experiments with the L. monocytogenes parent strain and an isogenic ΔsbrE strain identified a single gene (lmo0636) and two proteins (Lmo0637 and Lmo2094) that showed lower expression levels in the ΔsbrE strain. qRT-PCR demonstrated an increase in SbrE transcript levels in stationary phase L. monocytogenes and in bacteria exposed to oxidative stress (mean log2 transcript levels 7.68 ± 0.57 and 1.70 ± 0.71 greater than in mid-log phase cells, respectively). However, no significant differences in growth or survival between the parent strain and ΔsbrE strain were confirmed under a variety of environmental stress conditions tested. Our data suggest that σB-dependent transcription of SbrE represents a conserved mechanism that contributes, across Listeria species, to fine-tuning of gene expression under specific environmental conditions that remain to be defined.
Nitric Oxide Synthesis Is Increased in Cybrid Cells with m.3243A>G Mutation
Authors: Gamba Juliana , Gamba Luana , Rodrigues Gabriela , Kiyomoto Beatriz , Moraes Carlos , Tengan Celia
Published: December 2012

Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical and a signaling molecule in several pathways, produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) from the conversion of L-arginine to citrulline. Supplementation of L-arginine has been used to treat MELAS (mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke like syndrome), a mitochondrial disease caused by the m.3243A>G mutation. Low levels of serum arginine and endothelium dysfunction have been reported in MELAS and this treatment may increase NO in endothelial cells and promote vasodilation, decreasing cerebral ischemia and strokes. Although clinical benefits have been reported, little is known about NO synthesis in MELAS. In this study we found that osteosarcoma derived cybrid cells with high levels of m.3243A>G had increased nitrite, an NO metabolite, and increased intracellular NO, demonstrated by an NO fluorescent probe (DAF-FM). Muscle vessels from patients with the same mutation had increased staining in NADPH diaphorase, suggestive of increased NOS. These results indicate increased production of NO in cells harboring the m.3243A>G, however no nitrated protein was detected by Western blotting. Further studies are necessary to clarify the exact mechanisms of L-arginine effect to determine the appropriate clinical use of this drug therapy.