bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption among Brazilian Adolescents according to the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE 2012)
Authors: Malta Deborah Carvalho , Machado Isis Eloah , Porto Denise Lopes , Silva Marta Maria Alves da , Freitas Paula Carvalho de , Costa André Wallace Ney da , Oliveira-Campos Maryane
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of alcohol consumption among Brazilian students and identify the sociodemographic factors associated alcohol consumption in the last 30 days. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a cluster sample of 109,104 9th grade students in Brazilian public and private schools in 2012. The prevalence and 95% confidence intervals of the indicators of alcohol consumption were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the students analyzed, 50.3% (95%CI 49.0 - 51.6) experimented one dose of alcoholic beverages or more. The consumption of alcohol in the last 30 days was 26.1% (95%CI 24.5 - 27.7), and there was no difference in prevalence between students from public and private schools. Drunkenness episodes were reported by 21.8% (95%CI 21.1 - 22.5) of the students. The perception of students about the negative reaction of their family if they came home drunk occurred in 89,7% (95%CI 89,6 - 89,9) of cases, and 10% (95%CI 8.9 - 11.1) of them reported having problems with their families or friends because they had been drinking. Among adolescents aged less than 14 years old, the first alcoholic drink intake was predominantly at 12 to 13 years old. The most common way to get a drink was at parties, with friends, buying in them in supermarkets, stores or bars and at home. The consumption of alcohol in the last 30 days was less frequent among boys, increasing with age. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates the extension of alcohol as a problem, making it important to advance in measures such as the improvement of protective legislation for children and adolescents and stricter enforcement in alcohol sales.
Prevalence of self-reported arterial hypertension in Brazilian capitals in 2011 and analysis of its trends in the period between 2006 and 2011
Authors: Andrade Silvania Suely Caribé de Araújo , Malta Deborah Carvalho , Iser Betine Moehlecke , Sampaio Patricia Chueri , Moura Lenildo de
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of self-reported arterial hypertension in the adult population in the Brazilian state capitals and Federal District in 2011, and analyze the trend from 2006 to 2011. METHODS: A time series study was conducted with data from the monitoring system by telephone survey (Vigitel) in the period between 2006 and 2011. Approximately 54,000 individuals were assessed per year in the locations studied. A polynomial regression model was used for trend analysis according to gender, age, education and region of the country. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 22.7% in 2011, higher in women (25.4%; 95%CI 24.2 - 26.5) than in men (19.5%; 95%CI 18.4 - 20.7). In the period between 2006 and 2011, the lower frequency of hypertension was observed in 2006 (21.5%), and the higher in 2009 (24.4%), with no statistically significant difference in the period. CONCLUSION: There was no significant sex-specific trend, maintaining the higher frequency among women. The prevalence of hypertension increased progressively with age and was higher among adults with lower education (0 - 8 years of study). The South was the only region that showed a statistically significant increasing trend for the years between 2006 and 2011 (15% per year).
Comparison of risk and protective factors for chronic diseases in the population with and without health insurance in the Brazilian capitals, 2011
Authors: Malta Deborah Carvalho , Bernal Regina Tomie Ivata
Published: July 2014

INTRODUCTION: The article compares the risk and protective factors for Non-communicable Diseases (NCD), referred morbidity and access to preventive examinations in the population with and without health insurance in all Brazilian State capitals. METHODS: The study population consists of adults (≥ 18 years old) living in households with landlines in 26 Brazilian State capitals and the Federal District. Estimates of selected variables are presented according to possession of health plans ("Yes" or "No") and sex. A post-stratification was performed according to age, gender and education in both populations, and prevalence ratios were calculated, adjusted for age and sex between people with and without health insurance for the risk and protective factors for NCDs. RESULTS: A total of 54,099 people at the age of 18 or older were evaluated, 47.4% of them were beneficiaries of health plans. The coverage of health insurance tends to increase with age and level of education. Compared to non-beneficiaries of health plans, beneficiaries were more likely to have protective factors, such as healthy eating, physical activity, coverage tests, such as mammography and Pap test, and lower prevalence of risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor health assessment and hypertension. Alcohol abuse, consumption of excessively fat meats, overweight, obesity and diabetes were not associated with the variable possession of health insurance. When controlled by education, individuals who have health insurance generally have better indicators. CONCLUSION: This information is important to establish measures for reducing differences among people with and without health insurance.
Interannual variability: a crucial component of space use at the territory level
Authors: Uboni Alessia , Vucetich John A. , Stahler Daniel R. , Smith Douglas W.
Published: July 2014

Interannual variability in space use and how that variation is influenced by density‐dependent and density‐independent factors are important processes in population ecology. Nevertheless, interannual variability has been neglected by the majority of space use studies. We assessed that variation for wolves living in 15 different packs within Yellowstone National Park during a 13‐year period (1996–2008). We estimated utilization distributions to quantify the intensity of space use within each pack's territory each year in summer and winter. Then, we used the volume of intersection index (VI) to quantify the extent to which space use varied from year to year. This index accounts for both the area of overlap and differences in the intensity of use throughout a territory and ranges between 0 and 1. The mean VI index was 0.49, and varied considerably, with ~20% of observations (n = 230) being <0.3 or >0.7. In summer, 42% of the variation was attributable to differences between packs. These differences can be attributable to learned behaviors and had never been thought to have such an influence on space use. In winter, 34% of the variation in overlap between years was attributable to interannual differences in precipitation and pack size. This result reveals the strong influence of climate on predator space use and underlies the importance of understanding how climatic factors are going to affect predator populations in the occurrence of climate change. We did not find any significant association between overlap and variables representing density‐dependent processes (elk and wolf densities) or intraspecific competition (ratio of wolves to elk). This last result poses a challenge to the classic view of predator–prey systems. On a small spatial scale, predator space use may be driven by factors other than prey distribution.
Projecting current and future location, quality, and connectivity of habitat for breeding birds in the Great Basin
Authors: Fleishman E. , Thomson J. R. , Kalies E. L. , Dickson B. G. , Dobkin D.S. , Leu M.
Published: July 2014

We estimated the current location, quality, and connectivity of habitat for 50 species of breeding birds in four mountain ranges in the central Great Basin (Lander, Nye, and Eureka Counties, Nevada) and projected the future location, quality, and connectivity of habitat for these species given different scenarios of climate‐induced land‐cover change. In the United States, such models are relevant to federally mandated management of wild animals by state‐level agencies. We sampled birds during the breeding seasons of 2001–2009 with fixed‐radius point counts. For each species, we used boosted regression trees to model incidence (proportion of years a location was surveyed in which the species was present) as a function of topography and current land cover and climate. To assess model fit, we calculated the proportion of binomial deviance explained. We used cross‐validation to estimate the predictive accuracy of the models. We applied the conservation planning program Zonation to identify locations where incidences of multiple species were maximized through time given current land cover and two scenarios of land‐cover change, expansion of pinyon–juniper woodland into sagebrush shrubsteppe and contraction of riparian woodland. Models based on a set of 13 covariates derived from remotely sensed data had some predictive capacity for 41 of 50 species. Model outputs suggested substantial changes in amount of habitat for many species following projected expansion of pinyon–juniper woodland, but less pronounced changes following projected contraction of riparian woodland. Zonation analyses indicated that the spatial distribution of the highest‐quality habitat for the avian assemblage was relatively consistent through time under both scenarios. Breeding birds in the Great Basin commonly are grouped in management plans on the basis of their general association with land‐cover classes such as pinyon–juniper woodland, sagebrush shrubsteppe, and riparian woodland. However, even within these groups, the environmental attributes that explained a high proportion of variation in species' incidences and the projected responses to different scenarios of land‐cover change varied considerably among species.
A Pilot Study on the Diagnostic Accuracy of
Proadrenomedullin and Proatrial Natriuretic
Peptide in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Ruiz-González Agustín , Esquerda Aureli , Porcel José M , Bielsa Silvia , Valencia Horacio , Cao Gonzalo , Falguera Miquel
Published: July 2014

Background :

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among infectious diseases in developed countries. However, the severity of pneumonia requiring hospitalization often makes the initial diagnosis difficult because of an equivocal clinical picture or interpretation of the chest film. The objective of the present study was to assess the usefulness of the plasma levels of mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) and mid-regional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) in differentiating pneumonia from other lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).

Methods :

A retrospective study was conducted. The plasma levels of MR-proADM and MR-proANP were measured in 85 patients hospitalized for LRTIs, 56 of whom with diagnosis of pneumonia and 29 with other LRTIs.

Results :

The patients with pneumonia had increased MR-proADM levels (median 1.46 nmol/L [IQR 25-75, 0.82-2.02 nmol/L]) compared with the patients with other LRTIs (median 0.88 nmol/mL [0.71-1.39 nmol/L]) (p= 0.04). However, the MR-proANP levels did not show differences between the groups. The optimal threshold of MR-proADM to predict pneumonia was 1.5 nmol/L, which yielded a sensitivity of 51.7% (95% CI, 38.0-65.3), a 79.3% specificity (95% CI, 60.3-92.0), and an odds ratio of 6.64 (95% CI, 1.32-32.85). The combination of this parameter with C-reactive protein in an “and” rule increased the specificity for detecting pneumonia significantly.

Conclusion :

MR-proADM levels (but not MR-proANP levels) are increased in patients with pneumonia although its discriminatory power is moderate.
Laser Cyclophotocoagulation Enhances the Regulative Capacity of Retinal Vessels in Glaucoma
Authors: Kremmer Stephan , Anastassiou Gerasimos , Schallenberg Maurice , Steuhl Klaus-Peter , W Vilser , J Michael Selbach
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To determine the effects of laser surgical IOP reduction by means of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) on retinal blood flow parameters in glaucoma patients using Dynamic Vessel Analysis (DVA).

Materials and Methodology:

26 patients (average age: 70 years) with a long history of primary open angle glaucoma underwent CPC. The effect on the reactive capacity of retinal vessels was assessed before and 6-8 weeks after CPC by means of the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (DVA) using flicker light provocation.

Results:

In our group of POAG patients, IOP was significantly reduced about approximately 20% by CPC while systemic blood pressure and heart rate were not changed.

The most obvious differences between the pre- and postoperative DVA measurements could be observed in the maximal dilation of the retinal arteries which increased from 0.75 % (+/- 0.6) to 3.17 % (+/- 0.5) with an average increase of 2.4 % (p<0.01). In addition, the ability of the arteries for constriction improved significantly (p<0.05) while the dynamic responses of the veins and the initial baseline values (MU) of the vessel diameters did not change.

Conclusions:

Our results of DVA measurements after an IOP-lowering laser surgical intervention (CPC) reveal a significant recovery of the regulative capacity of retinal arteries in glaucoma patients that has up to now neither been properly documented nor appreciated. Future studies with long-term follow-up must determine the clinical importance of these findings for the treatment of glaucoma patients.
Asymptotics of a renewal-like recursion and an integral equation
Authors: Backhausz Agnes , Móri Tamás
Published: July 2014

We consider a renewal-like recursion and prove that the solution is
polynomially decaying under suitable conditions. We prove similar results for
the corresponding integral equation. In both cases coefficients and functions
are of more general form than in the classic cases.
Study on network architecture of big data center for the efficient control of huge data traffic
Authors: Park Hyoung , Yeo Il , Lee Jongsuk , Jang Haengjin
Published: July 2014

The network architecture of typical data centersis characterized bytiered
networks and aggregation-based traffic controls. The emergence of big data
makes it difficult for these data centers to incorporate big data service.
The tier and aggregation based traffic management systems can magnify the
seriousness of the traffic congestion and extend the congested region when
big data moves around in the data center. As a consequence, big data has been
forcing data centers to change their architecture dramatically. In this
paper, we first address the important paradigm shifts of network architecture
caused by big data traffic. We then show the new network architecture which
resulted from our experience of the CERN LHC data service. Finally, we
illustrate the effect of the throughput improvements of the proposed network
architecture using a NS2 simulation.
A new detection scheme of software copyright infringement using software birthmark on windows systems
Authors: Han Yongman , Choi Jongcheon , Cho Seong-Je , Yoo Haeyoung , Woo Jinwoon , Nah Yunmook , Park Minkyu
Published: July 2014

As software is getting more valuable, unauthorized users or malicious
programmers illegally copies and distributes copyrighted software over
online service provider (OSP) and P2P networks. To detect, block, and remove
pirated software (illegal programs) on OSP and P2P networks, this paper
proposes a new filtering approach using software birthmark, which is unique
characteristics of program and can be used to identify each program.
Software birthmark typically includes constant values, library information,
sequence of function calls, and call graphs, etc. We target Microsoft
Windows applications and utilize the numbers and names of DLLs and APIs
stored in a Windows executable file. Using that information and each
cryptographic hash value of the API sequence of programs, we construct
software birthmark database. Whenever a program is uploaded or downloaded on
OSP and P2P networks, we can identify the program by comparing software
birthmark of the program with birthmarks in the database. It is possible to
grasp to some extent whether software is an illegally copied one. The
experiments show that the proposed software birthmark can effectively
identify Windows applications. That is, our proposed technique can be
employed to efficiently detect and block pirated programs on OSP and P2P
networks.
A true Random-Number Encryption Method employing block cipher and PRNG
Authors: Huang Yi-Li , Leu Fang-Yie , Chen Jian-Hong , Cheng-Chung Chu
Published: July 2014

In January 1999, distributed.net collaborated with the Electronic Frontier
Foundation to break a DES (i.e., Data Encryption Standard) key, spending 22
hours and 15 minutes, and implying that the DES is no longer a secure
encryption method. In this paper, we propose a more secure one, called the
True Random Number Encryption Method (TRNEM for short), which employs current
time, true random numbers and system security codes as parameters of the
encryption process to increase the security level of a system. The same
plaintext file encrypted by the TRNEM at different time points generates
different ciphertext files. So these files are difficult to be cracked. We
also analyze the security of the DES, AES (i.e., Advanced Encryption
Standard) and TRNEM, and explain why the TRNEM can effectively defend some
specific attacks, and why it is safer than the DES and AES.
A secure e-mail protocol using ID-based FNS multicast mechanism
Authors: Chen Hsing-Chung , Yang Cheng-Ying , Su Hui-Kai , Wei Ching-Chuan , Lee Chao-Ching
Published: July 2014

Electronic mail (e-mail) has been used to transfer various types of
electronic data in Internet. Usually, a user has to send an e-mail to a
specific group of users with a secure delivery mechanism. In this paper, a
novel and feasible e-mail delivery mechanism using the secure multicast
protocol with an ID-based factorial number structure (FNS) is proposed in the
multicast system. In the proposed e-mail delivery mechanism, the e-mail is
required to be encrypted before sending out in order to safeguard the message
via a public channel, such as wire public switching communication links and
wireless communication systems. Without loss generality, the public-key
system is adopted in the proposed secure multicast system for a convenient
and easy key management. The proposed scheme outperforms the existing methods
for more easily to construct secure e-mail system. Furthermore, the security
of the proposed scheme is analyzed, including replay attack, sender
impersonation attack, unknown key-share attack, forgery attack and insider
attack. Finally, the computation complexities of the proposed mechanism are
discussed. The result shows that the proposed scheme outperforms the
CRT-based secure e-mail scheme.
An approach for selecting candidates in soft-handover procedure using multi-generating procedure and second grey relational analysis
Authors: Shih Neng-Yih , Chen Hsing-Chung
Published: July 2014

The objective of this paper is to develop a decision-making approach for
selecting candidates in soft-handover procedure in 3th or 4th generation
mobile communication through grey relational analysis of the series
similarity and approximation. The multi-generating and second grey relational
analysis procedure is applied to select candidates in soft-handover procedure
with considerations of the velocity and acceleration similarity of
multi-generating data. The validation of computer simulation models
illustrate how the approach can be applied in candidates selection in
soft-handover, and obtain the best results of feasibility and effectiveness
for user equipment (UE) in 3th or 4th generation mobile communications.
Moreover, the approach could be easily applied to soft-handover procedure for
the mobile communication systems. In this proposed approach is performed to
select the candidate target cells by UE instead of eNodeB. It could provide a
first solution to choose the candidate target cells through comparing
multiple measured data for candidate-selecting with the target communication
cell.
3-hydroxyflavone-bovine serum albumin interaction in Dextran medium
Authors: Voicescu Mariana , Ionescu Sorana
Published: July 2014

Spectroscopic analysis of a bioactive flavonol, 3-Hydroxyflavone (3-HF), in
systems based on Dextran 70 (Dx70) (an important bio-relevant polysacharide)
and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) (a carrier protein), have been studied by
fluorescence and circular dichroism. Changes produced by different
concentrations of Dx70 on the fluorescent characteristics of 3-HF, and on the
excited - state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process were studied.
The influence of 3-HF binding and of Dx70 on the secondary structure of BSA
were investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The influence of
temperature (30-80?C range) on the intrinsic Tryptophan fluorescence in
3-HF/BSA/Dx70 systems, was investigated. The results are discussed with
relevance to 3-HF as a sensitive fluorescence probe for exploring
flavone-protein interaction in plasma expander media and also for its
biological evaluation.
Globalization and the African Economic Crisis: An Overview
Authors: Onimisi Timothy
Published: July 2014

Globalization is a phenomenon that is fast sweeping through the world and of which Africa is not immune to, and it is very instrumental in molding the world from politics to economy, from religion to culture. In understanding the relationship that existing between the African economy and the wider world some economic indicators will be a useful tool in this analysis. The research focuses on how globalization has shaped the African economy, taking into cognizance the impact of the concept on African’s key sectors like Poverty, Trade Relations, and Debt Burden. Haven identified the crisis associated with globalization as it relate to Africa’s economy, the research recommend  sustained and profitable engagement of Africa with the developed world and good governance is needed to strengthen the development process in African states if these recommendations are  implemented the African economy will be strategically positioned in the complex theater of world economy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i3.10477 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(3) 2014: 113-119
Similarities of Vietnam and South Korea – Linking to the Strategy Cooperation Partnership and Its Future Direction
Authors: Bach Thi Ngoc Trang
Published: July 2014

The relationship of Vietnam and Korea was making by warmth, close friendship and understanding. On 22 December 1992, the two countries established the formal diplomatic relation, thus opening a new era in their bilateral ties. Since then, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries have been developing very dynamically in all areas. In 2001, during President of Vietnam Tran Duc Luong’s State visit to the Republic of Korea, both sides agreed to establish the “Comprehensive Cooperation Partnership in the 21st Century”. In October 2009, during President Lee Myung Bak’s State visit to Vietnam, relationship was upgraded to Strategic Cooperation Partnership, setting a new important landmark in Vietnam-Korea relations. The two countries are closely cooperating and developing in the fields of trade, investment, education and training, science and technology, culture and tourism, and through a wide spectrum of people-to-people contact. Vietnam and Korea shared many commonalities and similarities in the geographical and natural conditions as well as historical and cultural traditions. For example, Vietnam and South Korea have experienced thousands years in history and were much influenced by Confucianism. Both Vietnam and Korea from the ancient time were the poor agricultural countries with water rice production, which heavily depended on the natural conditions. Hence the peoples of the two countries have the same or very similar psychology, mentality and the way of life. With their basic characteristics, the two countries have plentiful literature treasures. The most important factor which has promoted the bilateral ties between the two countries is sharing the common interest of building a prosperous and happy country for its people in a peaceful, stable, friendly and cooperative environment in the region and the world over. The similarities between two countries shared interests in building a peaceful and stable world.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i3.10573 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(3) 2014: 88-92
Early Childhood and Education Development Center in Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Koirala Amit
Published: July 2014

Objectives: the ethnography study was undertaken to assess the situation early childhood education development centre (ECED) based on community and school as per ECED minimum standard and also to explore teaching pedagogy, infrastructure and environment of teaching at ECEDs. Similarly this study also tries to identify the challenges and issues to implement the ECED minimum standards.Method: a qualitative research design was applied for this evaluation research. The primary data were gathered through interview and observation. Conclusion: from the effectiveness perspective learning environment of early childhood development centre for children is satisfactory at home as well early childhood development (ECD) centre due to parental care. From the sustainability, ECD management committee are starting to collect fund for ECD centre (Admission and monthly fee), ECD management committee has clarity of organizational vision. ECD centers have been found to have trained and experienced ECD facilitator and are able to get Government quota for sustainability of center running cost and similarly from the equity, most of ECD parents are belong to marginal families whose children benefit from ECD center and since they cannot afford costly Montessori, children of marginal family can also afford quality education in ECD centers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i3.10585 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(3) 2014: 103-107
Customers Preference Attributes in the Usage of Core Banking Services: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Giddaiah Repalle , Karamala Padmasree
Published: July 2014

Core banking services are increasingly becoming popular because of convenience and flexibility.  The study was undertaken all the banking customers of Nandyal town. The sample size of the study was 250. The present study is based on the primary as well secondary data. The primary data is collected from the bank customers who are residing in Nandyal town. Data is analyzed and presented in tables. Statistical tools like percentages and weighted average method were used with the help of SPSS packages. The paper examines to know the customer preference attributes in the usage of core banking services and factors affected them in using core banking services. The finding of the study is majority of the customer’s are preference is given by attributes convenience, availability of places, safety and security and familiarity of services followed by attributes cost of transactions, reliability, availability of time and accessibility of services. The study is useful to the corporate world to tap this area and improve the e-service standards of the banking sector. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i3.10586 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(3) 2014: 108-112
Climate Change and Global Challenges
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh Prasad
Published: July 2014

No AbstractDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i3.10765 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(3) 2014: 86-87
Laparoscopy in Children, A Brief Outline and Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Hannan Md. Jafrul
Published: July 2014

Not available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v2i2.19541
Post A-H Pyeloplasty Analysis of Renal Function in Unilateral Hydronephrosis Due to Congenital Pelviureteric Junction Obstruction
Authors: Majumder Nandan Kumar , Amin Md. Ruhul , Khastgir Rajib , Rahman Mizanur , Akan Md. Abu Bakar
Published: July 2014

Background: The objective of this study was to analyze the functional improvement of renal function in terms of split renal function (SRF) & glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by DTPA renogram in early post operative period who underwent A-H pyeloplasty for unilateral hydronephrosis due to congenital pelvi ureteric junction obstruction.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted to see the post operative renal function improvement in patient with unilateral hydronephrosis due to congenital pelvi ureteric junction obstruction in department of paediatric surgery, BSMMU from July 2007 to October 2008. All the patients were followed up at 4 weeks interval for 12 weeks.Results: Total 13 Patients both male & female were observed with age ranging from 03 months to 15 years. Out of 13, eleven patients showed gradual improvement of renal function in terms of SRF & GFR in three successive DTPA renogram done at 4, 8 & 12 weeks post operatively but two patients showed deterioration of renal function in 1st two renogram but improved at 12th weeks period.Conclusion: DTPA renogram is the best method to see the functional improvement of renal function after A-H pyeloplasty but should be done on 12th post operative day.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v2i2.19543
Early Post-operative Outcome of Primary Repair of Bladder Exstrophy With or Without Osteotomy
Authors: Uddin S. M. Borhan , Akan Md. Abu Bakar , Khastgir Rajib , Amin Md. Ruhul
Published: July 2014

Background: Bladder exstrophy (BE) is a variety of infraumbilical midline anterior abdominal wall defect. This rare spectrum of anomalies involves the urinary tract, genital tract, musculoskeletal, system and sometimes the intestinal tract. Surgical reconstruction with or without osteotomy is the treatment of choice for BE. Objective: To evaluate the intersymphyseal gap (ISG) before, during and after operation (pubic diastasis) and to evaluate the status of post-operative wound healing.Materials & Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 18 patients of paediatric age group over a period from February 2007 to October 2008 who were admitted with classical bladder extrophy (BE) in the department of paediatric surgery, BSMMU.. They were divided into two groups. In group-A: 8 patients of BE were undergone primary repair with osteotomy and in group-B primary repair done in 10 patients without osteotomy. Results: Two (2) months post-operative follow-up revealed that all osteotomy patients (group- A) developed re-diastasis of pubic symphysis. Statistically no significant difference of ISG was observed in two groups of patients. Wound healing was better in without osteotomy (group-B) patients (80% vs 50%) and wound failure was more in osteotomy patients (50% vs 20%). Moreover, osteotomy group need hospitalization for longer period of time.Conclusions: Although osteotomy is an essential step in the management of BE, this study revealed that it does not improve the early post-operative outcome.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v2i2.19546
Decreased Morbidity and Mortality from Intestinal Ascariasis: Experience of a Single Center
Authors: Bhuyian Md. Akbar Hossain , Farooq Md. Abdullah Al , Sajid Md. Minhajuddin , Rahman MA Mushfiqur , Hoque Md. Momtazul , Sarwar Khurshid Alam , Chowdhury Tanvir Kabir , Kabir Mahfuzul , Banu Tahmina
Published: July 2014

Background: Ascariasis is a common gastrointestinal infestation worldwide. It affects more children who live in poor hygenic condition. Pediatric surgeons are supposed to manage related surgical complications of ascariasis.Objective: To evaluate the recent pattern of occurrence of intestinal and biliary ascariasis with morbidity and mortality related to it.Materials and Methods:Study design: Retrospective study.Period of study: Study was conducted between Jan 2006 - Dec 2011 (total 06 years).Place of study: This study was carried out in the department of Pediatric Surgery, Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Chittagong; Bangladesh.Study Subjects: Patients admitted and diagnosed as intestinal (1591) and biliary (181) ascariasis in the department of Pediatric surgery, CMCH were evaluated.Results: A total of 1772 patients were admitted with surgical complication of ascariasis. Among them 1591 (89.78%) patients were diagnosed as intestinal ascariasis and 181 (10.22%) patients as biliary ascariasis. Age range was 6 months to 12 years with mean age of 6 years for intestinal ascariasis. Biliary ascariasis presented between 3 years to 12 years with mean age of 7 years. Male (1060) suffered more than female (531). Male to female ratio was 2:1 for intestinal ascariasis while females (120)  suffered more than male(61) in biliary ascariasis ( ratio 2: 1). Total 231 surgery both elective and emergencies were done.Discussion: Most of the patients (52-81% ) were treated by endoscopic removal of worm from common bile duct. Some patients (15 - 31 %) were treated successfully by conserevative approach. Only a few patients needed open surgical procedure. No patient had died from biliary ascariasis and death from complications of intestinal ascariasis reduced from 20% to 4% over the last 6 years.Conclusion: There has been a reduced number of disease burden over the last few years from ascariatic and biliary ascariasis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v2i2.19551
Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour (DSRCT) - A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Morshed AKM Amirul , Afroz Farhana , Galib Chowdhury Md. Fuad , Islam Shahnoor , Hasina Kaniz , Ghosh Ashish Kumar
Published: July 2014

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare pathologic entity that most frequently affects the peritoneal cavity and presents in pediatric and adolescent boys. It often presents at an advanced stage and has a generally poor prognosis. Sometimes it may involve liver at diagnosis. We present an unusual case of DSRCT who was present with mass in lower abdomen, pain, hepatomegaly and mild ascites. This tumor is characterized by nests of small undifferentiated cells that show immunohistochemical evidence of epithelial, mesenchymal and neural differentiation. In our patient histologicaly tumor had the characteristic features of DSRCT and were composed of small round cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm. With various difficulties in diagnosis we ultimately reached at diagnosis by open biopsy and immunohistochemistry. Now patient is on multidrug chemotherapy (modified p6 protocol). Diagnosis and management of a rare tumor needs high level of suspicion and in time intervention.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v2i2.19552
Spontaneous Common Bile Duct Perforation on The Background of Pancreatic Lithiasis: A Case Report and The Review of The Literatures
Authors: Farooq Md. Abdullah Al , Rahman M A Mushfiqur , Kabir Mahfuzul , Bhuiyan Md. Akbar Husain , Sajid Md. Minhajuddin , Talukder Rupam , Chowdhury Tanvir Kabir , Banu Tahmina
Published: July 2014

Spontaneous bile duct perforation (SBDP) is a relatively rare condition. The cause of SBDP is still speculative. Presentation , site of the perforation and management varies. Pancreatic lithiasis ( PL) is a very rare entity in childhood. Biliary perforation on the background of PL is still a rare event. This is a case report of 10 years old girl presented as acute abdomen with theclinical diagnosis of acute on chronic pancreatitis, for which conservative treatment followed by laparotomy was carried out.Common bile duct (CBD) perforation was found near its junction with cystic duct. T tube was instituted and a drain was kept in situ. Postoperative period ( POP )was uneventful. T Tube Cholangiogram was carried out on 12th postoperative day( POD ) that showed dye had passed to duodenum easily and patency and caliber of the CBD was found normal. Multiple stones were noted in the vicinity. No apparent cause of CBD perforation was found. After one month, in follow up visit the patient was found alright. She was asked to come after 3 months for further evaluation. The plan is to evaluate the patients conditions clinically and biochemically and to do an MRCP to see details ofpancreatic pathology. As SBDP in children with PL is a rare condition, high index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis and proper management of such patient.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v2i2.19553
How do Companies Invest in Corporate Social Responsibility? An Ordonomic Contribution for Empirical CSR Research
Authors: Will Matthias , Hielscher Stefan
Published: July 2014

This paper takes both a conceptual and an empirical approach to answer the question as to how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be connected to the company’s role as an agent of social value creation when it operates within an imperfect institutional framework of market competition. To develop a functional design for an empirical study, we draw on the concept of ordonomics, which provides a heuristics for responsible business activities in society. Drawing on ordonomics, we devise three questions: Referring to action responsibility we ask in which CSR activities companies do invest in their day-to-day business. Referring to governance responsibility we ask as to how companies realize win-win solutions through strategic commitments. In addition, with regard to discourse responsibility we ask in which stakeholder dialogues companies engage in order to discuss and find functional rules for organizing win-win solutions. In our empirical study, we reveal insights into the micro-level analysis of the CSP-CFP link and generate several new questions to be the subject of future research.
Dental Trauma and Mouthguard Usage among Soccer Players in Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Uzel Ilhan , Aykut-Yetkiner Arzu , Ersin Nazan , Ertugrul Fahinur , Oncag Ozant , Attin Rengin
Published: July 2014

The aims of this study were to verify the occurrence of dental injuries in 343 amateur Turkish soccer players in İzmir and the level of knowledge of the teams’ soccer players about mouthguards. The soccer players were interviewed to determine the occurrence of dental trauma during soccer and mouthguard usage level. The data were analyzed with descriptive analysis to determine absolute and relative frequencies of answers for each one of the questions. Only 35 (10.2%) soccer players reported the occurrence of some type of dental injury during soccer practice. Regarding emergency conducts, approximately 84 players (24.48%) answered that replantation could be obtained after teeth avulsion, 23 players (27.38%) answered that successful replantation could be obtained within 2 hours immediately after injury, and 60.71% were not able to answer this question. Regarding mouthguard use, 61.8% of soccer players did not know about mouthguards. It was possible to conclude that dental injuries are common during amateur soccer practice and that there is a lack of information in the soccer players related to the emergency conducts and prevention of dental trauma.
The in Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy of Propolis against Four Oral Pathogens: A Review
Authors: Waldner-Tomic Nadine , Vanni Rosmarie , Belibasakis Georgios , Thurnheer Thomas , Attin Thomas , Schmidlin Patrick
Published: July 2014

This study screened the available evidence for the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of propolis, a natural herbal resin bee product, against a selection of three bacterial species of relevance to oral diseases. For this purpose, papers dealing with laboratory studies assessing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) or the agar diffusion method to analyze the antimicrobial properties of propolis on three oral pathogens (S. mutans, P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum) and a yeast (C. albicans) are reviewed. Overall, a positive antimicrobial effect could be shown. However, when compared to the commonly used control substances (e.g., specific antibiotics, antiseptics and antifungals), propolis appeared less effective, depending on the bacterial strain, and required higher concentrations than the control substances, in order to show a measurable effect. Nevertheless, propolis as a natural herbal resin bee product can be considered as a natural antiseptic agent within the range of other herbal products, like sanguinarine. Therefore, it may be a valuable compound of non-synthetic, natural origin for patients seeking complementary agents and alternatives for “hard” chemicals.
Numerical Investigation on the Temperature Characteristics of the Voice Coil for a Woofer Using Thermal Equivalent Heat Conduction Models
Authors: Lee Moo-Yeon , Kim Hyung-Jin
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study is to numerically investigate the temperature and heat transfer characteristics of the voice coil for a woofer with and without bobbins using the thermal equivalent heat conduction models. The temperature and heat transfer characteristics of the main components of the woofer were analyzed with input powers ranging from 5 W to 60 W. The numerical results of the voice coil showed good agreement within ±1% of the data by Odenbach (2003). The temperatures of the voice coil and its units for the woofer without the bobbin were 6.1% and 5.0% on average, respectively; lower than those of the woofer with the bobbin. However, at an input power of 30 W for the voice coil, the temperatures of the main components of the woofer without the bobbin were 40.0% higher on average than those of the woofer obtained by Lee et al. (2013).
The Composition and Biological Activity of Honey: A Focus on Manuka Honey
Authors: Alvarez-Suarez José , Gasparrini Massimiliano , Forbes-Hernández Tamara , Mazzoni Luca , Giampieri Francesca
Published: July 2014

Honey has been used as a food and medical product since the earliest times. It has been used in many cultures for its medicinal properties, as a remedy for burns, cataracts, ulcers and wound healing, because it exerts a soothing effect when initially applied to open wounds. Depending on its origin, honey can be classified in different categories among which, monofloral honey seems to be the most promising and interesting as a natural remedy. Manuka honey, a monofloral honey derived from the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), has greatly attracted the attention of researchers for its biological properties, especially its antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities. Our manuscript reviews the chemical composition and the variety of beneficial nutritional and health effects of manuka honey. Firstly, the chemical composition of manuka honey is described, with special attention given to its polyphenolic composition and other bioactive compounds, such as glyoxal and methylglyoxal. Then, the effect of manuka honey in wound treatment is described, as well as its antioxidant activity and other important biological effects.
The Patient’s Conceptions of Wound Treatment with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Authors: Fagerdahl Ann-Mari
Published: July 2014

During the last two decades, additional methods have been developed in wound care where traditional treatments have been insufficient. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is one such method. This method has been described in multiple studies, but still, many pieces of the puzzle are missing to get a complete picture of NPWT’s impact on the patient’s health-related quality of life and how the patient experiences the treatment. The purpose of this study was to describe the patient’s conceptions of wound treatment with NPWT. The study was inspired by phenomenography, and eight interviews were conducted with patients treated with NPWT. The results of the study were grouped into two main categories: stress and adaptation. Three descriptive categories were presented under stress: personal environment, competence of the nursing staff and organization and continuity of the dressing changes. Two descriptive categories were presented under adaptation: knowledge and creativity and confidence with the healthcare. Patients were affected by the treatment, and at times, the stress meant that they had difficulty coping. The most common source of stress observed in this study was the care environment, particularly the organization of the dressing changes and deficiencies in the healthcare personnel’s competence.
Risk-Adjusted Survival after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Implications for Quality Improvement
Authors: Efird Jimmy , O'Neal Wesley , Davies Stephen , O'Neal Jason , Kindell Linda , Anderson Curtis , Chitwood W. , Ferguson T. , Kypson Alan
Published: July 2014

Mortality represents an important outcome measure following coronary artery bypass grafting. Shorter survival times may reflect poor surgical quality and an increased number of costly postoperative complications. Quality control efforts aimed at increasing survival times may be misleading if not properly adjusted for case-mix severity. This paper demonstrates how to construct and cross-validate efficiency-outcome plots for a specified time (e.g., 6-month and 1-year survival) after coronary artery bypass grafting, accounting for baseline cardiovascular risk factors. The application of this approach to regional centers allows for the localization of risk stratification rather than applying overly broad and non-specific models to their patient populations.
Iodine Excess as an Environmental Risk Factor for Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Authors: Luo Yuqian , Kawashima Akira , Ishido Yuko , Yoshihara Aya , Oda Kenzaburo , Hiroi Naoki , Ito Tetsuhide , Ishii Norihisa , Suzuki Koichi
Published: July 2014

The global effort to prevent iodine deficiency disorders through iodine supplementation, such as universal salt iodization, has achieved impressive progress during the last few decades. However, iodine excess, due to extensive environmental iodine exposure in addition to poor monitoring, is currently a more frequent occurrence than iodine deficiency. Iodine excess is a precipitating environmental factor in the development of autoimmune thyroid disease. Excessive amounts of iodide have been linked to the development of autoimmune thyroiditis in humans and animals, while intrathyroidal depletion of iodine prevents disease in animal strains susceptible to severe thyroiditis. Although the mechanisms by which iodide induces thyroiditis are still unclear, several mechanisms have been proposed: (1) excess iodine induces the production of cytokines and chemokines that can recruit immunocompetent cells to the thyroid; (2) processing excess iodine in thyroid epithelial cells may result in elevated levels of oxidative stress, leading to harmful lipid oxidation and thyroid tissue injuries; and (3) iodine incorporation in the protein chain of thyroglobulin may augment the antigenicity of this molecule. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding excess iodide as an environmental toxicant and relate it to the development of autoimmune thyroid disease.
WNT16B from Ovarian Fibroblasts Induces Differentiation of Regulatory T Cells through β-Catenin Signal in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Shen Cong-Cong , Kang Yu-Huan , Zhao Ming , He Yi , Cui Dan-Dan , Fu Yu-Yin , Yang Ling-Lin , Gou Lan-Tu
Published: July 2014

Treatment for cancer can induce a series of secreted factors into the tumor microenvironment, which can affect cancer progression. Wingless-type MMTV (mouse mammary tumor virus) integration site 16B (WNT16B) is a new member of the WNT family and has been reported to play growth-related roles in previous studies. In this study, we found WNT16B could be expressed and secreted into the microenvironment by human ovarian fibroblasts after DNA damage-associated treatment, including chemotherapy drugs and radiation. We also demonstrated that fibroblast-derived WNT16B could result in accumulation of β-catenin in dendritic cells and secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which contributed to the differentiation of regulatory T cells in a co-culture environment. These results shed light on the roles of WNT16B in immune regulation, especially in regard to cancer treatment.