bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Mineralogy and Paleoenvironments in the Late Pleistocene Kalimati to Sunakothi and Thimi Formations, Kathmandu Basin, Central, Nepal
Authors: Paudel Mukunda Raj
Published: November 2015

The investigation was carried out on mineralogical composition of the three different stratigraphic units of the Kathmandu Basin-fill sediments. On the basis of the variation of the non-clay and clay fraction, here the investigation was interpreted to establish the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic condition during the deposition from the lacustrine facies of the Kalimati Formation to the fluvio-lacustrine facies of the Sunakothi Formation and probable caused of these change. Both Kalimati and Sunakothi sediments contain same mineral composition while Thimi sediments did not contain carbonate (calcite) minerals and amount of mica is higher than the Sunakothi and Kalimati sediments. Higher amount of smectite within the clay fraction and presence of calcite within both clay and non-clay fraction in the basal part of the Sunakothi Formation indicates seasonal and prolong dry climatic condition occurred during the deposition of the Kalimati Formation to Sunakothi Formation. On the other hand, lower amount of kaolinite/smectite ratio, and excess amount of carbonate mineral within the basal part of the Sunakothi Formation shows depositional environmental changes from deep to shallow, and lake water became more alkaline. Gradually lacustrine condition changes into the fluvio-lacustrine condition. On the other hand, higher ratio of the kaolinite/smectite within the Kalimati Formation to lower ratio of the kaolinite/smectite within the basal part of the Sunakothi Formation indicates that climatic condition was more seasonal and cold/ dry than the Kalimati Formation. Both kaolinite/smectite and smectite/illite value indicate paleoprecipitation of the Kathmandu valley, was higher during the Kalimati phase than the Sunakothi.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(1): 86-95
Hydrogeological Features of Mount Fuji and the Surrounding Area, Central Japan: An Overview
Authors: Adikari Danda Pani
Published: November 2015

Mount Fuji (3776 m), Japan's highest mountain and one of the world's most picturesque stratovolcano was studied to give an overview of its hydrogeological features. The mountain was made from voluminous lava flows and pyroclastic materials produced through three generations of volcanic activities. The volcanic products, characterized by abundant pore spaces and fractures, play a role as productive aquifers by absorbing and storing rain and snow melt as groundwater and releasing it over a long period. Its foot slopes contain abundant water with Fuji-Five-Lakes in the north and hundreds of springs with enormous discharge to the south, leaving the upper slopes dry. Approximately 2.2 billion tons of rain and snow fall annually at Mt. Fuji, and ~4.5 million tons of groundwater is stored each day in average. The total amount of spring or groundwater discharge from Mt. Fuji is estimated at 6.55 x 106 m3/day and that in its southwestern slopes is ~1.76 x 106 m3/day. Rain and snow falling above the altitude of ~1,000 m is their main source of recharge. The water provides vital resources for the people living around it; however, over exploitation of this resource have already caused some decline in its quality and quantity.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(1): 96-105
Analysis of Agricultural Drought and its Effects on Productivity at Different District of Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Govinda , Panthi Bhanu B.
Published: November 2015

This paper examines the variation of productivity brought by the change in rainfall and temperature and the possible cause and effect of 1992 agricultural drought in Nepal. Agriculture seems to be very sensitive to short term changes in weather and that leads effects to the production of different crops. Productivity of different crops was analyzed in 1992 at regional level and different ecological zones. In 1992, insufficient rainfall (monsoon) might have caused the drought and reduces ground water recharge. This imposed effect to the change in normal rainfall pattern and duration of monsoon season. The year 1992 was seems to be dry, which has decreased the yield of major cereals crops in 3 districts of Western Development Region, 5 districts of Mid Western Development Region and 4 districts of Far Western Development Region. A total of 12 districts were significantly affected by drought in 1992 based on the meteorological data and productivity of crops.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(1): 106-110
Aviation Hazards Over the Jomsom Airport of Nepal as Revealed by Numerical Simulation of Local Flows
Authors: Regmi Ram P.
Published: November 2015

Jomsom Airport of Nepal is considered to be one of the world’s most extreme airports. The frequency of aircraft crashing along the Kali Gandaki River Valley and over the Jomsom Airport is very high. Pre-monsoon time local flow characteristics over the Kali Gandaki Valley has been studied to understand the meteorological hazards for aviation activities along the valley and over the Jomsom Airport with the application of the WRF Modeling System initialized with NCEP meteorological, USGS 24 categories land use, and 30 second terrain data. Four days long simulation was carried out for the period of 15 May 0000 UTC to 19 May 0000 UTC, 2012 to capture the 16 May 2012 incidence of light aircraft crashing in the late morning time of the day. The study revealed that there are enough grounds to believe that the crashing of the plane resulted due to the adverse local flow system prevailing over the Jomsom Airport area during the period. The significant subsidence from the relatively strong boundary layer wind aloft, the ground level opposite wind and the low-level turbulence might have leaded the airplane to crash just after its takeoff from the runway. The local flow system over the Kali Gandaki Valley makes afternoon time flights over the Jomsom Airport almost impossible and the narrow slot of time during morning time is also not free from difficult situation. Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(1): 111-120
Bayesian Modelling by Method of Normal Regression: A Case of Modelling Gluten Content in terms of Protein Content in a Variety of Wheat
Authors: Khatiwada Ram Prasad
Published: November 2015

This article is about the Bayesian modelling of the parameters of a simple linear regression with normal errors. It studies the use of non-informative normal priors to the regression parameters. It has an application on modelling gluten content in terms of protein content of a variety of wheat. The exact estimations of credible sets of the regression parameters obtained from real and simulated data by using MCMC. The posterior estimates of the gluten content in terms of protein content are better in this regression model with normal non-informative prior.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(1): 121-128
Review of Journal of Institute of Science and Technology (JIST), Vol. 18 No. 1, 2013
Authors: Singh Nanda Bahadur
Published: November 2015

Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(1): 160
Sequencing Time Window for the Total Product Rate Variation Problem
Authors: Khadka Shree Ram
Published: November 2015

Abstract on the PDFJournal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(2): 20-23
Medical Ethnobiology and Indigenous Knowledge System of the Lapcha of Fikkal VDC of Ilam, Nepal
Authors: Tamang Pradip , Singh Nanda B.
Published: November 2015

The main aim of this paper is to investigate the medico-ethnobiological information along with indigenous knowledge system of Lapchas, one of the endangered indigenous nationalities of Nepal from Fikkal VDC of Ilam district. They were found to have rich and profound indigenous knowledge on the use of plants and animals for various purposes. Analysis of data revealed that local Lapcha people had a rich tradition on the usage of animal species and plant species of medicinal values for medicinal use for their primary health care services. Different medicinal plant and animal species were used for the treatment of different disease/ailments. The respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal disorders, skeleto-muscular problems and dermatological infections were the most frequent ailments/diseases treated. The findings revealed by the present study have also been supported by the works previously done on other part of the country.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(2): 45-52
Aquatic Macro-invertebrates as Bio-indicators: An Approach for Wetland Water Quality Assessment of Rampur Ghol, Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Gautam Birendra , Maskey Rejina , Sapkota Ramesh Prasad , Dangol Dharma Raj
Published: November 2015

The present research was conducted to study seasonal limnological parameters and record composition pattern of aquatic macro-invertebrates of the Rampur Ghol. GRS-BIOS/ASPT index was used to calculate the water quality class, Shannon Weiner diversity index (H’) and Piélou evenness index (e) were used to determine taxa richness of the macroinvertebrates. Altogether 281 individuals of 14 families and 313 individuals of 18 families were recorded in dry season and rainy season, respectively. Similarly, diversity index and evenness index values were recorded 0.98 and 0.85 in dry season; 1.075 and 0.86 in rainy season. On the basis of different aquatic macro-invertebrates, GRS-BIOS/ASPT Index value of four sampling sites fall in class II (moderately polluted), four sampling sites belong to water quality class IIIII (critically polluted) and remaining two sampling sites belong to water quality class III (heavily polluted). Similarly, in rainy season seven sites fall in water quality class II (moderately polluted) and three sampling sites belong to water quality class II-III (critically polluted).Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(2): 58-64
Population Projection under Changing Fertility Conditions
Authors: Aryal Tika Ram
Published: November 2015

This paper attempts to derive model for population projection under gradual change in fertility schedule on stability conditions using birth trajectory at time t for 0 < t ? a . The projected population can be obtained when the data of the rate of natural increase, net reproduction rate, age variance of the net maternity function, birth rate of the initial stable population along with its age distribution are available of the population.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(2): 86-88
Bayesian Methods for Obtaining X-bar Chart: An Application on Food Quality Control
Authors: Khatiwada Ram Prasad
Published: November 2015

This article is about the Bayesian methods of constructing control chart for process mean. The control chart for mean based on the use of normal prior distribution seems to be robust for normal observations. The concussion is derived from an experiment of a set of real dada of the weights of a food product filled in pouches. The results were also supported by the simulated data.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(2): 100-104
Number and Linear Attenuation Coefficient Variation in Hypertensive Patients with Brain Hemorrhage and Infarction Using CT Scan
Authors: Gnawali Suresh , Aryal Sheskant , Shreshta Ananda Prasad
Published: November 2015

The aim of this paper is to study the variation of brain matter of Nepalese patients using CT scan. CT number and linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of cortical bone are found largest among other brain matters, indicating the largest density. All brain matters except cortical bone show low association indicating slight changing trend with age. The cortical bone under 10 years shows low value of LAC and CT number, indicating cortical bone towards maturation whereas cortical bone shows no significant increase with age above 10 years. There is no much significant relation by gender in brain hemorrhage and infarction.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(2): 129-134
Review of Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, Volume 18 Number 2, 2013
Authors: Bhatta Chet Raj
Published: November 2015

No AbstractJournal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(2): 141
Microstructure Representation of Steels by Means of Ferrofluids
Authors: Biehler J. , Kerbs O. , Hoche H. , Oechsner M.
Published: November 2015

The metastable austenitic steels 1.4307 and 1.4404 are characterized by a fcc lattice with paramagnetic properties which can be transformed by cold forming to ferromagnetic bcc martensite with acicular structures via a defect-rich intermediate stage. However, using classical wetchemical etching methods, defects and bcc martensite can visually not be clearly distinguished. Usually, magnetic or X-ray diffraction methods are used to quantify the ferromagnetic fractions. However, they do not allow for imaging the bcc phase distribution in the microstructure. Even with EBSD measurements in defect-rich phases, which, for process-related reasons, involve high investigation costs and long measurement durations, this is often only possible to a limited extent. The present study presents fast and simple contrasting by means of ferrofluids. It allows for a precise and spatially resolved differentiation between (ferromagnetic) martensite and (paramagnetic) defect structures on metallographic cross-section by optical microscopy. Furthermore, it is shown that, after a ferrofluid treatment of metallographic cross-sections made of duplex steel, ferromagnetic ferrite areas already show evidence of grain orientations.
Does Clinical and Laboratory Markers are Predictive of Radiological Joint Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: Ahmedullah Abul Khair , Nasrin Zinat , Shahin Abu , Ahmed Shamim , Choudhury Minhaj Rahim , Haq Syed Atiqul
Published: November 2015

Aims and objectives. To identify the association of following variables with radiographic findings in rheumatoid arthritis cases in Bangladesh: Age at onset, Duration of suffering, Sex, Clinical indexes of disease activity & Rheumatoid factorMethods. In this observational study, 100 consecutive rheumatoid arthritis patients who met ACR criteria 1987 were enrolled from rheumatology OPD of BSMMU from the period of August 2009- April 2010. Clinical evaluations and laboratory investigations were done in all cases. Final evaluation was done on 96 patients, because 4 patients were dropped out, due to inconclusive radiological report. Radiographs of hands and wrists were scored by Van der Heijde modification of Sharp scoring method.Results. Out of 96 patients 73 were female and 23 male with female male ratio of 3.1:1. Age of onset was 41.0±11.0 (mean ± SD) in male and 37.7±12.9 in female. 90 patients had severe RA among them 21 (23.3%) were male and 69 (76.6%) were female. Rose Waaler (RW) test was positive in 68 cases. Bony erosions were observed in 58 cases, out of them 15 (65.2%) were male and 43 (58.9%) female. Bony erosions were observed in 60.3% cases of positive Rose Waaler and 69.8% in patients whose age at onset was < 45 yrs. Hemoglobin level (gm/dl) was 12.2±1.6 in male and 10.9±1.5 in female. Platelet count was 312142±111233 in male and was 379114±115574 in females.Conclusion: Hemoglobin levels were significantly lower among the anemic women than anemic men. Thrombocytosis was also more in women than men. Higher percentage of bony erosions was observed among the cases of positive RW and whose age at onset was < 45 but it was not statistically significant.Bangladesh J Medicine Jan 2015; 26 (1) : 13-17
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Report
Authors: Shahrin Sabrina , Panday Rakesh , Mostofa Md Niaz , Sanyal Mousumi , Rahman Md Motlabur , Haque AKM Aminul
Published: November 2015

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a multisystemic microvascular disorder that may be caused by an imbalance between unusually large vWF multimers and the cleaving protease ADAM TS 131 (A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 13). This disease was first described by Moshococowitz in 1924.2 It is clinically characterized by five typical syndromes: thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anaemia, renal impairment, fluctuating neurological abnormalities and fever. It is a rare disease and fatal in 50 to 80 per cent of cases5. TTP can be idiopathic or secondary. Here we are describing a case who developed fever, purpuric spot, jaundice, renal impairment and fluctuating neurological features. Initially it seems to us as a case of DIC, but later hematological evaluation reveals it as a case of TTP, as the patient fulfills the pentad criteria. Unfortunately we could not do the serum ADAM TS 13 level because of lack of facility in our country and in abroad it is costly.Bangladesh J Medicine Jan 2015; 26 (1) : 35-38
Case Report of Isolated Hepatic Tuberculosis
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Maksud Maria , Baral Prianka , Hossain Mahbub , Kabir Ahmedul
Published: November 2015

Tuberculosis is one of the most common diseases in Bangladesh and has variable clinical manifestations. Isolated Hepatic tuberculosis is not a common disease; in fact the presentation of hepatic tuberculosis may be without having history of any active Pulmonary TB or military TB. Patient usually present without having any typical symptoms; so it is difficult for a physician to diagnose the disease quickly. Patient presenting with space occupying lesion in liver is confused with abscess, hepatoma or metastases. Here we are presenting a case report of isolated hepatic tuberculosis.Bangladesh J Medicine Jan 2015; 26 (1) : 43-45
Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2015- An evidenced based clinical practice recommendation
Authors: Islam Quazi Tarikul , Amin Md Robed
Published: November 2015

Abstract not availableBangladesh J Medicine Jul 2015; 26 (2) : 47-48
A Study of Peripheral Lymphadenopathy with Correlation between Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and Biopsy in A Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Hoque Md Azizul , Ekram ARM Saifuddin
Published: November 2015

Background: Lymphadenopathy is a common clinical problem in our country among all age groups and in both sexes. In this study an attempt has been made to evaluate the clinical presentation and diagnosis of peripheral lymphadenopathy, which is commonly encountered in medical wards and diagnostic value of FNAC has been evaluated.Methodology: This hospital-based descriptive study was done in thirty adult cases, of clinically apparent peripheral lymphadenopathy of at least more than two weeks of duration. Study was conducted over a period of 6 months from July, 2005 to December, 2005 in inpatients and outpatients of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. After thorough examination, fine needle aspiration from several accessible enlarged lymph node groups were taken and sent for cytopathological examination and later biopsy of the significantly enlarged lymph node from the same anatomical region was performed and was sent for histopathological examination.Results: Cytopathological study was successful in correctly identifying 84.6% of tubercular case, 85.7% of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, 66.7% of Hodgkins lymphoma, 83.3% of mitotic nodes and 100% of reactive nodes. Statistical correlation between aetiology of lymphadenopathy and cytopathological diagnosis with Spearmans rank correlation coefficient revealed a strong positive statistically significant correlation of cytopathology with aetiology, i.e. histopathology. Calculation of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, likelihood ratio for a positive test result and likelihood ratio for a negative test result confirms the diagnostic value of cytopathology in peripheral lymphadenopathy by demonstrating high values for different aetiology.Conclusion: The result of this study may not exactly reflect that of similar studies conducted home or abroad, probably due to smaller sample size and limited scope, but its strength remains in the fact that it attempted to address a widely prevalent condition in a practical way.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2015; 26 (2) : 49-54
Study of FVC,FEV1 & FEV1/FVC% in adult male smokers
Authors: Akhter Shamima , Mustafa Ekramul , Salehin Masood , Yeasmin Nahid , Amin Md Ruhul
Published: November 2015

Background: Smoking is most common in East Asia, where two thirds of all adult male smoke tobacco; cigarette smoking is by far the most common. Smoking is the primary cause of chronic obstructive lung disease, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory symptoms. Many studies have shown a significant change of FVC,FEV1 &FEV1/FVC% in adult smokers. Objective: To assess the change of FVC,FEV1 & FEV1/FVC% in adult male smokers. Method: This cross-sectional comparative study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka and National institute of Diseases of Chest and Hospital, Dhaka during the period of 1st July, 2007 to 30th June, 2008. For this purpose, 160 adult male subjects ranging from 18 to 52 years were selected. The subjects were divided into two groups - A and B. Group A consisted of 40 apparently healthy adult male non-smokers. Group B consisted of 120 apparently healthy adult male smokers. The experimental group was again subdivided into group B1 consisting of 40 smokers consuming 2-10 cigarettes/day for more than 5 years, group B2 consisting of 40 smokers consuming 11-20 cigarettes/ day for more than 5 years and group B3 consisting of 40 smokers consuming >20 cigarettes/day for more than 5 years. Analysis of data was done with the help of computer by SPSS 12.0 programmer and significant tests were done by unpaired students t test. Results: There were no statistically significant differences of FVC,FEV1 in group A vs. group B1, group B2 vs. group B3. The mean FVC,FEV1 were significantly lower (<0.05) in group A vs. group B, group A vs. group B2, group A vs. group B3, group B1 vs. group B2 & group B1 vs. group B3. There were no statistical significant differences of FEV1/ FVC% among different groups. Conclusion: From the statistical analysis of the results obtained in the present study and their comparison with those of published reports, it may be concluded that smoking causes significant change of FVC,FEV1 among the smokers and no significant change of FEV1/FVC% who consumed more than 10 cigarettes per day for more than five years.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2015; 26 (2) : 61-66
Editorial 5(3)
Authors: Winker MA , Ferris LE
Published: November 2015

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2015; 5(3): 134
Prescribing Pattern in Outpatient Departments of Two Tertiary Care Teaching Hospitals in Dhaka
Authors: Begum Halima , Rowshan Mahfuza Mazeda , Khanom Sayeda , Haque Shammin , Afroze Farhana , Dina Ashrafun Naher
Published: November 2015

Background: Medically inappropriate, ineffective and economically inefficient use of drugs is very common in our country. About 40% or more drugs expenditure may be wasted through irrational prescribing and dispensing. The need for promoting rational use of drugs is not only because of economic considerations; also it is an essential element for achieving quality of the health and medical care for patients and the community. For this purpose a cross sectional study was carried out among the individuals attending the outpatient departments (OPD) of Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Dermatology & Venereology, Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology of two tertiary care teaching hospitals of Dhaka, Bangladesh.Objective: To observe the prescribing pattern in outpatient departments of two tertiary care teaching hospitals (Dhaka) by using World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators.Materials and Methods: Six hundred prescriptions of patients attending the OPD of Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Dermatology & Venereology, Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology of Enam Medical College Hospital (private hospital) and Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital (public hospital) were collected randomly on working days from April to September 2014. Then the prescriptions were analyzed by following the Prescribing indicators form as recommended by the International Organization of Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD)/WHO.Results: Average number of drugs per prescription was significantly high (3.07 in public hospital and 3.00 in private hospital). Generic prescribing was significantly lower in private hospital (4.00%) than that in public hospital (21.00%). Antibiotic prescription was higher in private hospital (42.35%). Injection prescribed in public hospital was 5.74% whereas 5.66% in private hospital. Drugs prescribed from Essential Drug List of Bangladesh were less in both the hospitals (42.85% in public hospital and 40.06% in private hospital).Conclusion: Average number of drugs per prescription was higher in both hospitals. Generic prescribing was lower in private hospital and prescribing from EDL was low in both hospitals.J Enam Med Col 2015; 5(3): 157-160
Neonatal Tetanus, Yet Not Gone: Infectious Disease Hospital Experience
Authors: Ehsan Amimul , Akter Shaheen , Salam Fatema
Published: November 2015

Background: Although neonatal tetanus (NT) has been declared eliminated from Bangladesh in June 2008, it is not uncommon in Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Dhaka. There are various presentations of NT cases and treatment practices also vary.Objective: This study was conducted to describe our experiences with NT at IDH outlining the clinical characteristics, maternal immunization and treatment outcome.Materials and Methods: Thirty neonates admitted with tetanus in IDH from March 2011 to December 2012 were observed prospectively to study risk factors, clinical features and outcomes during hospital stay.Results: Among 30 neonates with tetanus 80% were male. Eighty seven percent of these cases were delivered at home and 83% of mothers did not receive any dose of tetanus toxoid (TT). Fifty percent of the neonates were admitted within 35 days of age. Shidur (Vermillion) was applied to the cord stump in 23% neonates. Hot soak was applied to the umbilicus in 5 (17%) neonates. Presenting features were convulsion and/or stiffness or rigidity (93%), inability to suck (90%) and umbilical infection (70%). During hospital care multiple cardiac arrests developed in 86% neonates and apnea developed in 60% of the neonates. Treatment was given in pediatric ward. Case fatality rate was 50%.Conclusion: Risk factors observed in NT cases were maternal non-immunization, unhygienic delivery practices and application of substances in the umbilicus. Antenatal TT administration and universal immunization under school health program should be more emphasized to prevent NT.J Enam Med Col 2015; 5(3): 161-165
Behcets Disease: Presented with Genital Ulcer
Authors: Afroz Sayma , Ara Gulshan
Published: November 2015

Behcets disease which can affect almost every organ system of the body and is diagnosed mainly clinically is a rare condition. The presence of certain clinical features, elimination of other possible causes of patients symptoms and if possible proof of vasculitis by biopsy of an involved tissue supports a diagnosis. We report a young female presented with 7-day history of vulval ulcer and erythema nodosum. Diagnosis was made according to International Study Group criteria for Behcets disease and histological findings. She was treated with corticosteroid, colchicine and dapsone which caused significant clinical improvement. We report this case to increase awareness among physicians on Behcets disease to improve its management.J Enam Med Col 2015; 5(3): 175-178
College News 5(3)
Authors: Khan Md Aminul Haque , Parvin Rukhsana
Published: November 2015

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2015; 5(3): 185
Reviewers in this Issue 5(3)
Authors: Editor The
Published: November 2015

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2015; 5(3): 187
Grand Opera and the Decline of Ballet in the later Nineteenth Century: A Discursive Essay
Authors: Sasportes José
Published: November 2015

Up to the end of the nineteenth century, the history of ballet and the history of opera were closely entwined in a war for supremacy, with opera often in the dominant role; this was particularly the case during the second half of the nineteenth century, when ballet was widely perceived as being in decline. Some historical background is necessary to provide a brief outline of the long process that led to this outcome.
A Choreographer's Approach to Opera
Authors: Collins Aletta
Published: November 2015

My first professional commission as a choreographer was not for a dance company but for an opera company, for the Bregenz Festival in Austria. In 1988, while I was still a student at London Contemporary Dance School, I was approached to choreograph Camille Saint-Saëns's Samson et Dalila; the commission also included giving ‘movement’ to the chorus (a group of 120 singers) and directing the dancers when they were not dancing. The dancers were a classical company from Sofia, Bulgaria, a company of thirty none of whom spoke English.
Coupling of α,α-difluoro-substituted organozinc reagents with 1-bromoalkynes
Authors: Zemtsov Artem A , Volodin Alexander D , Levin Vitalij V , Struchkova Marina I , Dilman Alexander D
Published: November 2015

α,α-Difluoro-substituted organozinc reagents generated from conventional organozinc compounds and difluorocarbene couple with 1-bromoalkynes affording gem-difluorinated alkynes. The cross-coupling proceeds in the presence of catalytic amounts of copper iodide in dimethylformamide under ligand-free conditions.
Vaincre la mort : reproduction et immortalité à l’ère du numérique
Authors: Gamba Fiorenza
Published: November 2015

Mourir et se reproduire sont pour le vivant deux actes fondamentaux et complémentaires. Entre ces deux moments l’homme a situé un imaginaire de survie, où récemment ont trouvé place de formes hybrides entre l’imaginaire et le physique, gérées par les usagers et connues comme Afterlife numérique. Dans certains cas elles activent un imaginaire d’auto génération interpellant la reproduction et ses transformations, l’immortalité et leur rapport au sexe et à la mort.
Ritualité féminine de la mort en milieu Wolof du Sénégal
Authors: Ndiaye Lamine
Published: November 2015

Les Wolof du Sénégal aiment la vie au point de devenir « thanatophobes ». Sous ce rapport, mettent-ils en œuvre une gamme de pratiques rituelles qui, au demeurant, les aide à mieux exorciser le démon de la « mort-néantisation. » A cet égard, nous sommes amené à penser que cette quête, parfois exacerbée, de la vie n’assure l’éternité qu’aux hommes au détriment des femmes qui, dans cette perspective, sont, tout simplement, les « laissées-pour-compte. »
Spalling behavior and residual resistance of fibre reinforced Ultra-High performance concrete after exposure to high temperatures
Authors: Xiong Ming-Xiang , Richard Liew J. Y.
Published: November 2015

Experimental results of spalling and residual mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete after exposure to high temperatures are presented in this paper. The compressive strength of the ultra-high performance concrete ranged from 160 MPa~185 MPa. This study aimed to discover the effective way to prevent spalling for the ultra-high performance concrete and gauge its mechanical properties after it was subjected to fire. The effects of fiber type, fiber dosage, heating rate and curing condition were investigated. Test results showed that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the ultra-high performance concrete declined slower than those of normal strength concrete after elevated temperatures. Polypropylene fiber rather than steel fiber was found effective to prevent spalling but affected workability. The effective fiber type and dosage were recommended to prevent spalling and ensure sufficient workability for casting and pumping of the ultra-high performance concrete.
A Conservative Formulation and a Numerical Algorithm for the
Double-Gyre Nonlinear Shallow-Water Model
Authors: Kuang Dongyang , Lee Long
Published: November 2015

We present a conservative formulation and a numerical algorithm for the
reduced-gravity shallow-water equations on a beta plane, subjected to a constant
wind forcing that leads to the formation of double-gyre circulation in a closed
ocean basin. The novelty of the paper is that we reformulate the governing
equations into a nonlinear hyperbolic conservation law plus source terms. A
second-order fractional-step algorithm is used to solve the reformulated
equations. In the first step of the fractional-step algorithm, we solve the
homogeneous hyperbolic shallow-water equations by the wave-propagation finite
volume method. The resulting intermediate solution is then used as the initial
condition for the initial-boundary value problem in the second step. As a
result, the proposed method is not sensitive to the choice of viscosity and
gives high-resolution results for coarse grids, as long as the Rossby
deformation radius is resolved. We discuss the boundary conditions in each step,
when no-slip boundary conditions are imposed to the problem. We validate the
algorithm by a periodic flow on an f-plane with exact
solutions. The order-of-accuracy for the proposed algorithm is tested
numerically. We illustrate a quasi-steady-state solution of the double-gyre
model via the height anomaly and the contour of stream function for the
formation of double-gyre circulation in a closed basin. Our calculations are
highly consistent with the results reported in the literature. Finally, we
present an application, in which the double-gyre model is coupled with the
advection equation for modeling transport of a pollutant in a closed ocean
basin.
Fully Discrete A-ø Finite Element Method for
Maxwell’s Equations with a Nonlinear Boundary Condition
Authors: Kang Tong , Wang Ran , Chen Tao , Zhang Huai
Published: November 2015

In this paper we present a fully discrete A-ø finite element method to solve Maxwell’s
equations with a nonlinear degenerate boundary condition, which represents a
generalization of the classical Silver-Müller condition for a
non-perfect conductor. The relationship between the normal components of the
electric field E and the magnetic field H obeys a power-law nonlinearity of the type H x n = n x (|E x n|α-1E x n) with α ∈ (0,1]. We prove the existence and
uniqueness of the solutions of the proposed A-ø scheme and derive the error estimates. Finally, we
present some numerical experiments to verify the theoretical result.
A Two-Grid Finite Element Method for Time-Dependent Incompressible Navier-Stokes Equations with Non-Smooth Initial Data
Authors: Goswami Deepjyoti , Damázio Pedro D.
Published: November 2015

We analyze here, a two-grid finite element method for the two dimensional time-dependent incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with non-smooth initial data. It involves solving the non-linear Navier-Stokes problem on a coarse grid of sizeHand solving a Stokes problem on a fine grid of sizeh, h « H.This method gives optimal convergence for velocity inH1-norm and for pressure inL2-norm. The analysis mainly focuses on the loss of regularity of the solution att= 0 of the Navier-Stokes equations.
Fitted Mesh Method for a Class of Singularly Perturbed Differential-Difference Equations
Authors: Kumar Devendra
Published: November 2015

This paper deals with a more general class of singularly perturbed boundary value problem for a differential-difference equations with small shifts. In particular, the numerical study for the problems where second order derivative is multiplied by a small parameter ε and the shifts depend on the small parameter ε has been considered. The fitted-mesh technique is employed to generate a piecewise-uniform mesh, condensed in the neighborhood of the boundary layer. The cubic B-spline basis functions with fitted-mesh are considered in the procedure which yield a tridiagonal system which can be solved efficiently by using any well-known algorithm. The stability and parameter-uniform convergence analysis of the proposed method have been discussed. The method has been shown to have almost second-order parameter-uniform convergence. The effect of small parameters on the boundary layer has also been discussed. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed scheme, several numerical experiments have been carried out.
Geostationary Emission Explorer for Europe (G3E): mission concept and initial performance assessment
Authors: Butz A. , Orphal J. , Checa-Garcia R. , Friedl-Vallon F. , von Clarmann T. , Bovensmann H. , Hasekamp O. , Landgraf J. , Knigge T. , Weise D. , Sqalli-Houssini O. , Kemper D.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The Geostationary Emission Explorer for Europe (G3E) is a concept for a geostationary satellite sounder that aims to constrain the sources and sinks of greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) for continental-scale regions. Its primary focus is on central Europe. G3E carries a spectrometer system that collects sunlight backscattered from the Earth's surface and atmosphere in the near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave-infrared (SWIR) spectral range. Solar absorption spectra allow for spatiotemporally dense observations of the column-average concentrations of carbon dioxide (XCO2), methane (XCH4), and carbon monoxide (XCO). The mission concept in particular facilitates sampling of the diurnal variation with several measurements per day during summer. Here, we present the mission concept and carry out an initial performance assessment of the retrieval capabilities. The radiometric performance of the 4 grating spectrometers is tuned to reconcile small ground-pixel sizes (~2 km × 3 km at 50° latitude) with short single-shot exposures (~2.9 s) that allow for sampling continental regions such as central Europe within 2 h while providing a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. The noise errors to be expected for XCO2, XCH4, and XCO are assessed through retrieval simulations for a European trial ensemble. Generally, single-shot precision for the targeted XCO2 and XCH4 is better than 0.5 % with some exception for scenes with low infrared surface albedo observed under low sun conditions in winter. For XCO, precision is generally better than 10 %. Performance for aerosol and cirrus loaded atmospheres is assessed by mimicking G3E's slant view on Europe for an ensemble of atmospheric scattering properties used previously for evaluating nadir-viewing low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites. While retrieval concepts developed for LEO configurations generally succeed in mitigating aerosol- and cirrus-induced retrieval errors for G3E's setup, residual errors are somewhat greater in geostationary orbit (GEO) than in LEO. G3E's deployment in the vicinity of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites has the potential to make synergistic use of MTG's sounding capabilities e.g. with respect to characterization of aerosol and cloud properties or with respect to enhancing carbon monoxide retrievals by combining G3E's solar and MTG's thermal infrared spectra.
3-D models and structural analysis of analogue rock avalanche deposits: a kinematic analysis of the propagation mechanism
Authors: Longchamp C. , Abellan A. , Jaboyedoff M. , Manzella I.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Rock avalanches are extremely destructive and uncontrollable events that involve a great volume of material (> 106 m3), several complex processes and they are difficult to witness. For this reason the study of these phenomena using analogue modelling and the accurate analysis of deposit structures and features of laboratory data and historic events become of great importance in the understanding of their behavior. The main objective of this research is to analyze rock avalanche dynamics by means of a detailed structural analysis of the deposits coming from data of 3-D measurements of mass movements of different magnitudes, from decimeter level scale laboratory experiments to well-studied rock avalanches of several square kilometers magnitude. Laboratory experiments were performed on a tilting plane on which a certain amount of a well-defined granular material is released, propagates and finally stops on a horizontal surface. The 3-D geometrical model of the deposit is then obtained using either a scan made with a 3-D digitizer (Konica Minolta vivid 9i) either using a photogrammetric method called Structure-from-Motion (SfM) which requires taking several pictures from different point of view of the object to be modeled. In order to emphasize and better detect the fault structures present in the deposits, we applied a median filter with different moving windows sizes (from 3 × 3 to 9 × 9 nearest neighbors) to the 3-D datasets and a gradient operator along the direction of propagation. The application of these filters on the datasets results in: (1) a precise mapping of the longitudinal and transversal displacement features observed at the surface of the deposits; and (2) a more accurate interpretation of the relative movements along the deposit (i.e. normal, strike-slip, inverse faults) by using cross-sections. Results shows how the use of filtering techniques reveal disguised features in the original point cloud and that similar displacement patterns are observable both in the laboratory simulation and in the real scale avalanche, regardless the size of the avalanche. Furthermore, we observed how different structural features including transversal fractures and folding patterns tend to show a constant wavelength proportional to the size of the avalanche event.
Women with Cervical Cancer: Perceptions about the Papanicolau Test
Authors: Urrutia María Teresa , Poupin Lauren
Published: November 2015

Objective: Examine perceptions about the Papanicolaou (Pap) test from the perspectives of Chilean women with cervical cancer. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in Santiago, Chile. Participants: 127 Chilean women. Results: The principal reasons for not having had a PAP test were procrastination and barriers related to fear, embarrassment, discomfort, not caring, lack of time, and lack of knowledge. Conclusion: All the reasons given by the Chilean women who took part in the study must be considered by health care professionals who are in a position to advocate for education and cervical cancer screening for women, especially in countries where the disease is still prevalent. These results can serve as a guide for education programs and can be applied in intervention research.
Neurofeedback from the Posterior Cingulate Cortex as a Mental Mirror for Meditation
Authors: van Lutterveld Remko , Brewer Judson
Published: November 2015

Meditation has several beneficial effects. However, learning how to meditate is not easy, as there are no clearly visible outward signs of performance, making it difficult for teachers to provide feedback. Neurofeedback from the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a brain region that is associated with both meditation and mind wandering, may provide a valuable tool to help individuals learn to meditate.
Mindfulness at the Mind–Body Interface
Authors: Gilbert Christopher
Published: November 2015

The concept and practice of mindfulness can enrich the biofeedback process in several ways: interpersonally, intrapersonally, and in the “triad” relationship that includes two people plus the ongoing biofeedback data display. Improving the relationship between clients and their somatic changes underlying the biofeedback data—including sensations, emotions, and the ever-fluctuating self-image—seems central, and benefits from mindfulness are apparent—specifically, the act of pulling back and accepting instead of striving for change. Even the familiar “body scan” promotes a detached observing attitude, with transient benefits similar to a more formal mindfulness focus. Knowing the related brain-processing correlates of meditation can enhance confidence in the process, and a prime element of modern mindfulness training—compassion—can be extended toward one's own bodily processes being revealed during biofeedback.
The Integration of Mindfulness-Based Biofeedback and Compassion in the Healthcare Setting
Authors: Klich Urszula
Published: November 2015

Compassion has emerged as a major factor in the therapeutic benefit of mindfulness-based techniques, which have been integrated into mainstream healthcare. Combining compassion practices with biofeedback can maximize the advantageous psychological and physical changes that are seen with both. This article will provide a framework for augmenting biofeedback treatment with compassion-based techniques and discuss treatment considerations.
Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Biofeedback
Authors: Khazan Inna
Published: November 2015

Mindfulness and acceptance practices have become increasing popular and better accepted in Western culture in the recent decades. There now exists a wealth of empirical evidence demonstrating the positive effect of mindfulness meditation on physical and mental health, as well as its ability to influence brain structure and function. Mindfulness and acceptance skills may enhance internal awareness of physiological states, facilitate passive volition, improve learning, memory, and attention, and encourage structural and functional brain changes conducive to lower sympathetic arousal. All of these factors are vital to biofeedback success. This paper will introduce a framework for integrating mindfulness and acceptance skills into biofeedback and provide treatment relevant example of using these skills.
Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Compassion in Biofeedback Practice
Authors: Moss Donald , Khazan Inna
Published: November 2015

The cover of this issue of Biofeedback shows a photograph reflecting the mindfulness theme of this special issue. Thanks to Shutterstock for the use of this photo.
Efeitos da imunonutrição no tratamento de pacientes com câncer e suas complicações – uma revisão
Authors: Oliveira Victor Alves de , Oliveira Thayse Wilma Nogueira de , Oliveira Virlleny Maria Alves de , Damasceno Andressa Nathanna Castro , Rodrigues Gilmara Peres , Silva Felipe Cavalcanti Carneiro da , Peron Ana Paula , Sousa João Marcelo de Castro e
Published: November 2015

O objetivou deste trabalho foi revisar, de forma sucinta e objetiva, as evidências disponíveis nos bancos de dados digitais, sobre os efeitos da imunonutrição para a resposta ao tratamento de pacientes com câncer em pré e pós-operatório. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura, por meio de buscas bibliográficas nos bancos de dados informatizados Medline/Pubmed, Scielo e Lilacs, no período de julho a setembro de 2014, de artigos que investigaram os efeitos da imunonutrição na recuperação do estado nutricional e em procedimentos pré e pós-operatório de pacientes com câncer. Foram encontrados 32 artigos, dos quais 27 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão do estudo, compreendendo artigos de revisão, caso-controle, epidemiológicos e transversais. A partir desta revisão de literatura foi possível verificar o benefício do uso da dieta imunomoduladora em pacientes oncológicos submetidos ao tratamento no pré-operatório de cirurgias de grande porte abdominal, diminuindo complicações sépticas e inflamatórias no período pós-operatório e consequentemente o tempo de internação hospitalar. Dessa forma, o uso da imunonutrição mostra-se com capacidade de reverter alterações orgânicas e imunológicas causadas tanto pela desnutrição como pelo próprio tumor em pacientes com câncer.