bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of thermophysiological body model in CFD
Authors: Pichurov George , Stankov Peter
Published: June 2013

A two-node mathematical model of the human thermophysiological system has been integrated into a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation of the airflow in a room. Temperature inputs from the CFD are used by the model to evaluate the dry and latent heat flux from the body surface and output them as boundary conditions. This is an iterative process and convergence is ensured by under-relaxation of the latent heat flux. The model also considers the dry and latent heat resistance of clothing. Numerical predictions of the body heat loss and airflow are compared against physical measurements in a climate chamber. Good agreement was observed when using the low Reynolds number turbulence model. The integrated simulation performs well under wide set of conditions, predicting body core and skin temperature, blood flow, skin wittedness, as well as the transfer of heat and moisture released by the body into the room.
A fractal circular polarized RFID tag antenna
Authors: Chaouki Guesmi , Ferchichi Abdelhak , Gharsallah Ali
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we present a novel fractal antenna for radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags. The proposed antenna has a resonant frequency equal to 2.45GHz and circular polarization. The fractal technique was very useful to obtain a miniaturization of antenna size by more than 30%. The gain and directivity of the antenna are acceptable for the desired RFID application. All the results are obtained using CST Microwave simulation tool.
Correlation between permanent deformation-related performance parameters of asphalt concrete mixes and binders
Authors: Adorjányi Kálmán , Füleki Péter
Published: June 2013

This paper examines methods to predict the performance of hot asphalt concrete mixes based on performance parameters of binders. Specifically, relationships between binder parameters determined from multiple stress creep and recovery tests were correlated to the creep parameters of hot asphalt concrete mixes obtained from cyclic load compression testing. For the determination of creep parameters, a modified expression of the creep curve is proposed to cover the entire spectrum of permanent deformation; including the tertiary creep phase. Non-recoverable compliance, unrecovered strain, and recoverable strain of binders show good correlation to creep parameters of hot asphalt concrete mixes such as creep rate and high temperature performance ratio. Additionally, unrecovered strain and non-recoverable compliance of binders correlates well with mean rut depth of asphalt concrete mixes. However, no correlation has been detected between the difference in non-recoverable compliance of binders and permanent deformation parameters of asphalt concrete mixes.
Coordinated signal control for arterial intersections using fuzzy logic
Authors: Kermanian Davood , Zare Assef , Balochian Saeed
Published: June 2013

Every day growth of the vehicles has become one of the biggest problems of urbanism especially in major cities. This can waste people’s time, increase the fuel consumption, air pollution, and increase the density of cars and vehicles. Fuzzy controllers have been widely used in many consumer products and industrial applications with success over the past two decades. This article proposes a comprehensive model of urban traffic network using state space equations and then using Fuzzy Logic Tool Box and SIMULINK Program MATLAB a fuzzy controller in order to optimize and coordinate signal control at two intersections at an arterial road. The fuzzy controller decides to extend, early cut or terminate a signal phase and phase sequence to ensure smooth flow of traffic with minimal waiting time and length of queue. Results show that the performance of the proposed traffic controller at novel fuzzy model is better that of conventional controllers under normal and abnormal traffic conditions.
Biodiesel production from low cost and renewable feedstock
Authors: Gude Veera , Grant Georgene , Patil Prafulla , Deng Shuguang
Published: June 2013

Sustainable biodiesel production should: a) utilize low cost renewable feedstock; b) utilize energy-efficient, nonconventional heating and mixing techniques; c) increase net energy benefit of the process; and d) utilize renewable feedstock/energy sources where possible. In this paper, we discuss the merits of biodiesel production following these criteria supported by the experimental results obtained from the process optimization studies. Waste cooking oil, non-edible (low-cost) oils (Jatropha curcas and Camelina Sativa) and algae were used as feedstock for biodiesel process optimization. A comparison between conventional and non-conventional methods such as microwaves and ultrasound was reported. Finally, net energy scenarios for different biodiesel feedstock options and algae are presented.
Zoonotic aspects of cryptosporidiosis in Nepal
Authors: Paudyal Sushil , Shrestha Swoyam Prakash , Mahato Narsingh
Published: June 2013

Cryptosporidiosis is a common protozoal cause of diarrhea in humans and animals in Nepal, acquired by ingestion of oocysts that were excreted in the feces of infected individuals. Contaminated water represents the major source of Cryptosporidium infections for humans and can be transmitted from person-to-person, from animal-to-person, animal-to-animal, by ingestion of contaminated water and food or by contact with contaminated surfaces. Being highly resistant to environmental and chemical processes and representing the only group of pathogen surviving chlorination, it has no effective chemotherapy identified for the treatment which makes cryptosporidiosis a debilitating and persistent disease with high potential of transmission among immune-compromised ones like children and AIDS patients. Ghimire et. al.,(2010) and Feng et. al., (2012) have mentioned potential transmission of the oocyst among humans and animals in Nepal through common niche like river water, tap water sources and also from wild animals through the interaction on buffer zones. Studies have shown prevalence rate of 16 % in Children (Dhakal et. al., 2004), 11% in HIV infected patients (Basnet et. al., 2010); 14% in Calves, 19% in buffaloes and 12.5% in swamp deer in Nepal (Feng et. al., 2012). The persistent shedding of oocysts by reservoir hosts like calves, kids, poultry and wild animals like deer and monkeys possess great threat to the transmission to general public. The epidemiological studies of cryptosporidium and the knowledge of the pattern of the disease outbreak can guide therapy and effective preventive measures against this disease.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.7959 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): 21-26
Comparative genomic studies and in-silco strategies on Leishmania brazilensis, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania major: Conserved features, putative functions and potential drug target
Authors: Rakesh N. R. , Pradeep S.
Published: June 2013

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease found largely in the tropics, which the World Health Organization has estimated infects 12 million people worldwide each year. More recently cases have been reported in Europe among intravenous drug users with HIV. At least 20 Leishmania species infect humans. New world parasite Leishmania. braziliensis is the causative agent of mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis. The old world species Leishmania. major and Leishmania. infantum, which are present in Africa, Europe and Asia, are parasites that cause cutaneous and visceral Leishmaniasis respectively. Aim of this Study is determination of major common genes and Protein identified Gene location on each of the chromosomes, and identification of a common protein drug target Promastigote surface antigen with available lead molecule acetylglucosamine (6-(acetylamino)-6-deoxyhexopyranose) and docking studies on those considered Leishmania species.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.8077 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): 63-67
Milestones in Molecular Biology
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh Prasad
Published: June 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.8196Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): i-ii
Comparison of helminth infection between the sexes of Clarias batrachus (LINN.) from Rupandehi, Nepal
Authors: Lal Sudhir Kumar
Published: June 2013

One hundred and twenty specimens of catfish Clarias batrachus were examined for parasites. They comprise sixty specimens each of males and females. 25(41.67%) males and 25(41.67%) females showed parasitic infection. A total of seventy six intestinal helminthes belonging to three taxonomic groups were recovered. They are cestodes – Lytocestus indicus, Pseudocaryophyllaeus clariae; nematodes – Paracamallanus sp., Procamallanus cancilus and acanthocephalan – Acanthocentis sp. Of these, twenty nine were recovered from males and forty seven from females. Total prevalence of infection was the same for both sexes but total intensity of infection was different. There was no statically significant difference in the infection between the two sexes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.8197 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): 72-74
Influence of corn (Zea mays L) seed processing with a locally produced sheller on seed quality and their damage
Authors: Pandey Pratima , Bajrachrya Jwala , Pokharel S.
Published: June 2013

Maize (Zea mays dis.L.) is one of the most important staple crops in the world. Sindhupalchok, Kavre and Nuwakot were the three districts selected for the maize CBSP groups under the respective Agriculture Development Offices identified by CDD for the present study. Altogether 2x6x3 samples for the study were collected. Seed damage as broken seeds, damages on embryo, seed quality assessments like seed moisture content, pure seed percentage, seed vigor measured by root and shoot length, seed germination, and embryo damages were carried in seed testing laboratory in Seed Science & Technology Division (SSTD) Khumaltar following the ISTA Rules, 2007. For the embryo damage test, tetrazolium salt test (TZ) was conducted following the procedures prescribed for maize seed in ISTA Rules, 2007. All the samples possessed of 99 % of pure seed. It ranged from 99.51 % in Nuwakot to 99.96 % in Kavre for samples using corn sheller. They were found within the standards for pure seed and were of acceptable range. The corn sheller was found as efficient as that of hand shelling. There was not found the effect on the quality of seed that they were within the standard values. The germination percentage decreased from initial 96 to 85 (Kavre); 94 to 87 (Sindhupalchwok) and 91 to 83 (Nuwakot). This study concludes that the corn sheller techniques offer Wooden corn sheller is a simple but traditional device made locally for shelling the maize kernels and distributed to Community based seed production (CBSP) farmers contribute to minimizing the impacts of hand sheller on agricultural systems.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.8198 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): 68-71
Ethnobotany of Arghakhanchi District, Nepal: Plants used in dermatological and cosmetic disorders
Authors: Panthi Mohan P. , Singh Anant Gopal
Published: June 2013

An attempt was made to explore, identify, and document medicinal plants used in dermatological and cosmetic disorders by the people of Arghakhanchi district of western Nepal. The study was conducted during 2006-2008 using semi-structured, open-ended questionnaires, informal interviews, and group discussion with traditional healers and persons of different age and occupation having knowledge about plants and plant based remedies. A total of 31 plant species belonging to 24 families were identified and documented. Arghakhanchi district has a rich repository of medicinal plants. The indigenous traditional knowledge has been transmitted orally for years is becoming extinct, with the introduction of modern and alternative facilities of treatments in the district. Hence, these traditional practices need proper documentation and this reinforces the need for screening new active compounds. These documented plant species may be used for development of new, cheep, and effective medicines in future.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.8199 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): 27-32
Study on thermophiles reveals the presence of Actinobacillus lignieresii in cattle compost
Authors: Saggu Gagandeep Singh , Shrivastava Divya
Published: June 2013

Introduction- Moderate environment is important to sustain life any environment condition that can be perceived as beyond the normal acceptable range is extreme condition and if we are talking in the terms of temperature than its called thermophillic environment.Aim & objective- The study was designed to study the diversity of thermophiles present in compost and characterization of the properties which are responsible for their adequate nature to sustain high temperature. Material and method- Microorganisms were isolated from cattle compost and initially screened by biochemical tests to characterize till genus level. Confirmation of Actinobacillus spp. was done by fermentation reactions of nine carbohydrates and amplification of 16S rRNA region. Results- Isolates from compost showed wide range of growth temperatures which suggest their important activity during the whole composting process. This study initially designed to study the diversity of thermophiles in compost which turned specifically to A. lignieresii.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.8200 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): 33-41
Investigation of the effect of formation water disposal on ground water in oil fields of Assam, India
Authors: Sahoo B. N. , Baruah D. C.
Published: June 2013

One of the major waste products of oil industry is formation water which comes with crude oil from underground and this is considered as pollutant because of the presence of several undesirable elements exceeding the permissible limits. The conventional oil field practice is to dispose the formation water by injecting underground. Such underground injection is practiced in many oil fields across the globe. The ground water pollution threat by injected formation water has been a subject matter of investigation in some oil producing regions. The oil fields in Assam (India), some of which have been operating for about 50 years, also resort to similar disposal practice through some designated wells. The present study concerning underground disposal of formation water in 15 disposal wells of 3 oil fields in Assam analysed water samples collected during three consecutive years and could not detect migration of pollutant formation water to nearby ground water.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.8201 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): 50-59
Genotype by environment interaction and yield stability analysis of quality protein maize genotypes in Terai Region of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Jiban
Published: June 2013

Grain yield stability for the new maize genotypes is an important target in maize breeding programs. The main objective of this study was to identify stable high yielding quality protein maize (QPM) genotypes under various locations and years in terai region of Nepal. Six quality protein maize genotypes along with Poshilo Makai-1 (Standard Check) and Farmer’s Variety (Local Check) were tested at three different locations namely Ayodhyapuri-2, Devendrapur, Madi, Chitwan; Rajahar-8, Bartandi, Rajahar,  Nawalparasi; Mangalpur-2, Rampur,  Chitwan during  2011 and 2012 spring and winter seasons under rainfed condition.  The experiment was conducted using Randomized Complete Block Design with two replications in farmer’s fields. There was considerable variation among genotypes and environments for grain yield. The analysis of variance showed that mean squares of environments (E) was highly significant and genotypes (G) and genotype x environment interaction (GEI) were non significant. The genotypes S03TLYQ-AB02 and RampurS03FQ02 respectively produced the higher mean grain yield 5422±564 kg/ha and 5274±603 kg/ha across the locations. Joint regression analysis showed that RampurS03FQ02 and S03TLYQ-AB02 with regression coefficient 1.10 and 1.22 respectively are the most stable genotypes over the tested environments. The coefficient of determination (R2) for genotypes Rampur S03FQ02 and S03TLYQ-AB02 were as high as 0.954, confirming their high predictability to stability. Further confirmation from GGE biplot analysis showed that maize genotype S03TLYQ-AB02 followed by Rampur S03FQ02 were more stable and adaptive genotypes across the tested environments. Thus these genotypes could be recommended to farmers for general cultivation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.8202 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): 75-79
A study of air borne fungal distribution and species diversity in Hill Fort Region of Channagiri, Karnataka, India
Authors: Thirumala S. , M. Pradeep Nathu , Aravinda H. B.
Published: June 2013

Air borne fungi of Hill fort region of Channagiri is studied with help of Petriplate exposure method using Pottato dextrose agar media, petriplate exposure time is 15min. Sampling is taken in the month of  January 2013 total 74 fungal colonies represented 07 fungal types were observed during the present investigation period. Environmental condition plays an importance role in the distribution of the fungal spores. Out of 07 fungal species most numbers of fungi are anamorphic groups. The fungal species were Aspergillus, Pencillium, Curvilaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium Rhizopus, Alternaria species were identified. Aspergillus species (47.2%) showing maximum contribution is observed where as Rhizopus shows minimum contribution.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.8203 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): 60-62
Synthesis, characterisation and reactions of cationic complexes of Arylantimony (III) chlorides ArnSbCl3-n with perchlorate and tetrafluoroborate anions
Authors: Yadav Ram Nath Prasad
Published: June 2013

Several hitherto unreported cationic complexes of the general formula [Ar2SbL][Y] and [ArSbL2][Y]2 [ Where, Ar  =  C6H5, L =  α-Picoline, Pyridine, Ph3AsO, hexamethyl phosphoramide (HMPA), thiourea (TU) and Y = ClO4− BF4− ] have been synthesized and characterized by solid state IR, 1H NMR, elemental analysis, conductance and molecular weight measurements. The physico-chemical data, cations [Ar2SbL]+1 and[ArSbL2]+2  are assigned a pyramidal structure.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i2.8204 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(2): 42-49
Mongolian Spots as a Clue to Mucopolysaccharidoses
Authors: Parmar PN , Kalathiya MB , Rathod VB
Published: June 2013

Mongolian spots are generally considered to have no clinical significance. However, if excessive or at unusual sites, they may be a clue to mucopolysaccharidoses.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.5758 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):83
Comparative Analysis of Birth Weight in a Hospital Over a Decade: Low Birth Weight Still a Major Problem
Authors: Sachdeva S , Nanda S , Sachdeva R
Published: June 2013

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare the magnitude of birth weight and proportion of low birth weight in a hospital over a decade. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was undertaken in a public funded hospital catering to rural and urban population of northern India. Pertinent information was collected for all intramural singleton births using structured proforma for a sample period in a calendar year. For comparison purpose birth data was extracted from log books for the corresponding period of previous decade also. Data management was done using MS excel sheet and analysis carried out by computing descriptive statistics using software statistical package. Results: The mean (2568 + 596.7 gm) & median (2600 gm) birthweight recorded for 2011 was low in-comparison to 2657 + 581.7gm (2750 gm) for 2001. The prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) was 36.1% (2011) in comparison to 30.5% (2001) and the state of deterioration was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Higher proportion of LBW birth was observed amongst un-booked ANC, pre-term, anemic mothers and whose residence was from outside the district of location of study institute (<0.001). Statistically significant (<0.001) and higher perinatal mortality was noticed in LBW neonates. Rising level of maternal education was protective against LBW. Mothers with their first pregnancy gave higher proportion of LBW births in comparison to mothers with higher gravida status (<0.001). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.6176 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):15-20.
11-Beta-Hydroxylase Deficient Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in a Toddler: Clinical Presentation and Management Challenges in a Developing Country
Authors: Onyiriuka AN , Shaibu M
Published: June 2013

This paper reported a case of an eighteen-month old Nigerian girl with 11-beta-hydroxylase-deficient congenital adrenal hyperplasia who presented with hypertension and heart failure. The hypertension resolved with steroid therapy. Her blood pressure has remained normal on maintenance prednisolone. The abnormal external genitalia was probably missed at the private hospital where the child was born as it was not mentioned to the parents before discharge on the second day of life. When the child presented at about the age of two months with an enlarged clitoris, she was referred to a paediatric surgeon in another private hospital. It would have been more appropriate to refer her to a paediatric endocrinologist in the nearest tertiary healthcare institution. This case highlights the importance of thorough physical examination of the external genitalia at birth and appropriate referral. The management challenges encountered in the care of this patient included lack of laboratory facilities for diagnosis and monitoring of therapy, non-availability of necessary drugs (oral hydrocortisone) and late presentation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.6181 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):48-51
Osteogenesis Imperfecta: An Uncommon Association with Non-Communicating Hydrocephalus
Authors: Chatterjee K , Dolui S , Das S , Paul A
Published: June 2013

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a generalised disorder of connective tissue presenting with fragile bones, blue sclera and early deafness. Hydrocephalus is usually associated with type 2 OI. Here we present a rare case of noncommunicating hydrocephalus and patent foramen ovale in type 3 OI. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.6692 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):63-65
Kearns-Sayre Syndrome: A Rare Mitochondrial Deletion Disorder
Authors: Roy B , Mondal G , Nanda D , Das S , Das MK
Published: June 2013

A 9 yr girl presented with bilateral ptosis and deafness of gradual onset for the last four years. Associated ophthalmoplegia and pigmentary retinopathy, heart block, raised CSF protein and serum lactate was suggestive of the diagnosis of Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS), a rare entity in the spectrum of the mitochondrial deletion syndrome. Search for endocrinopathy revealed no abnormality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.6696 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):61-62
Study on the Prevalence of Beta Haemolytic Streptococcus Among School Children
Authors: Manandhar A , Shah Y , Shrestha J
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Βeta haemolytic streptococcal infections have a worldwide distribution among children and it poses an important health problem globally. So, a five months study was conducted to know the prevalence of beta haemolytic streptococci (BHS) in the throat of school children. Materials and Methods: Throat swabs from 200 school children of Kirtipur were collected, transported to the laboratory and were processed for BHS following standard microbiological procedures. Group A Streptococci (GAS) were identified by beta haemolytic colonies, bacitracin sensitivity and catalase negativity test. ASO test was also performed from serum samples. Result: Altogether 18 (9%) BHS isolates were identified from 200 samples, out of which 11 (5.5%) isolates were from males and 7 (3.5%) were from females. Among the 18 BHS isolates, 10 were identified as GAS isolates. The number of GAS presented only 5% of total sample. There was no significant sex difference in colonization of GAS (p> 0.05). Majority of cases were asymptomatic. All GABHS isolates were sensitive to Penicillin. In Serological examination, i.e. Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titre, all serum samples showed less than 200 IU ASO titre. Conclusion: This result highlights the current situation of GABHS throat infection in school children of Kirtipur. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7004 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):45-47
Bacteriological Profile of Sepsis Outbreak in the NICU of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Nepal
Authors: Malla KK , Malla T , Rao KS
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a serious problem for the neonates who are admitted to the intensive care and outbreak of sepsis is not uncommon. This paper aims to describe a sepsis outbreak as a result of too many admissions, overcrowding of babies with limited working staffs in the unit and compares microorganisms with their antibiogram in newborn and environmental samples. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study from 1st April -15th August 2011 in Neonatal Intensive Care unit of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara and included all babies admitted for sepsis. Results: There were 103 (57.22%) episodes of neonatal septicemia (Term =47.8%; Preterm = 84.8% p<0.001), 14/20, 70% of whom died of sepsis. 47.52% had early onset sepsis and 52.42% had late onset sepsis and 39.8% had nosocomial infection. The predominant isolates in newborn (NB) were E. coli, staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia and in environmental sample it was Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus. aureus. Imipenem, Vancomycin, Netilmycin, Tobramycin and chloramphenicol were sensitive (S-100%) while Carbenicillin and Piperacillin, Ampicillin, most cephalosporins, Penicillin were resistant (R-100%) to organisms in newborn and environmental samples. Other S-100% antibiotics for newborn were Ceftazidime, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin while S-100% for environmental sample isolates were Cephoperazone, Cloxacillin, Cefuroxime and Tetracycline. Other (R – 100%) antibiotics for newborn were Amoxicillin and Amoxyclav and for environmental sample were Gentamycin and Erythromycin. Conclusions: Sepsis is a severe problem for neonates. Periodic evaluation of bacterial antibiotic susceptibility and judicious selection of antibiotics is necessary to reduce the resurgence of multidrug resistant strains. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7016 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):8-14.
Effect of Distraction Technique During Immunization to Reduce Behaviour Response Score (FLACC) to Pain in Toddlers
Authors: Gedam DS , Verma M , Patel U , Gedam S
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Distraction techniques are important non pharmacological tools to reduce pain in infants and children. Few data are available regarding their effectiveness in toddlers. We have assessed effectiveness of audio-visual distraction techniques in toddlers during and after vaccination. Materials and Methods: The study used a quasi experimental three group pretest post test design. For all the three groups, the injections were administered by same staff nurse. Group- 1 (120 Patient) was encouraged to see and play with light and sound producing toy. Group- 2 (120 Patient) children were encouraged to see cartoon movie and children of control group- 3 (110 patient) were immunized without any distraction technique. A question form was used to determine the infant’s characteristics and the Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) Pain Scale was used to assess the level of pain. Data was collected between 1st April 2012 and 30th September 2012. Results: The mean pain score of test group during procedure (Group-1: 2.30 & Group-2: 3.65) were lower than the score of control group (Group-3: 5.30). Similarly after procedure Score (Group-1: 4.62 & Group-2: 2.79) were lower than the score of control group (Group-3: 6.20). Conclusion: The lower pain score in response to vaccination in test group indicates that distraction technique i.e. light & sound producing toys and cartoon movies are practical way to reduce pain during routine medical interventions in toddler. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7017 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):25-30
Successful Conservative Management of Neonatal MRSA Associated Tricuspid Valve Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Sodhi MK , Chhabra GS , Sarin SS
Published: June 2013

Prognosis in neonatal endocarditis depends on early diagnosis and the status of the patient at the time of diagnosis, and effective treatment with appropriate antibiotics. The current case report describes a case of successful conservative treatment of endocarditis in a 26 day old male neonate, previously inadequately treated for septicaemia in another hospital. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7045 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):70-73
Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome
Authors: Das N , Ghosh N , Biswas S , Nayek K
Published: June 2013

Rubinstein Taybi is a rare genetic syndrome with characteristic facial features, broad thumb and toes, mental retardation. Diagnosis is mainly clinical. Here we report a 2 and ½ year old female child with typical facial features and other anomalies characteristics of Rubistein Taybi syndrome. Among the different features described-polydactyly, syndactyly, micrognathia are occasional abnormalities to be found in this syndrome. Bilateral pits on posterior aspect of helix is also a feature described in very few literatures. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7091 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):68-69
Incontinentia Pigmenti: A Case Report
Authors: Shrestha R , Kayastha Bhaskar MM , Reema Aishath
Published: June 2013

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare X-linked dominant condition characterized by abnormalities in skin, eyes, teeth, bones and the central nervous system. A seven year old female child presented to the Dermatology Out Patient Department (OPD) of Bir Hospital with vesicles, bullae, verrucous papules and plaques and hypopigmented streaks on the trunk and extremities of six years duration. Based on the clinical findings she was diagnosed as a case of Incontinentia pigmenti. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7126 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):57-60
Unilateral Hypoplastic Kidney in a Case of Holt-Oram Syndrome
Authors: Dasgupta MK , Dutta A , Sarkar S , Patra C , Dey C
Published: June 2013

Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS) is characterised by skeletal abnormalities of the upper limb & congenital cardiac defects. Here we report a case of one day old male baby with skeletal abnormalities of forearms and hands, atrial septal defect of ostium secundum type and unilateral hypoplastic kidney. Till date, other associated anomalies like extra-hepatic portal hypertension, renal artery malformations etc have been reported with Holt-Oram syndrome, but it is the first case to be reported in association with hypoplastic kidney. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7127 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):77-79
Giant Brain Abscess in a Neonate Managed with External Drainage
Authors: Sedain G , Ali N , Bhattachan M , Sharma MS , Shilpakar SK
Published: June 2013

Brain abscesses in neonates are extremely rare and usually occur in patients with certain risk factors. A 26 days child presented to the emergency with fever, irritability and not sucking well. CT revealed a large left frontal lobe abscess which was managed with burr hole and a drainage tube with concurrent intravenous antibiotics. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7317 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):55-56
Risk Factors for Acute Respiratory Infections in Hospitalized Under Five Children in Central Nepal
Authors: Yadav S , Khinchi Y , Pan A , Gupta SK , Shah GS , Baral DD , Poudel P
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Acute respiratory infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under 5 children in developing countries. There are various modifiable risk factors associated with Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI). Hence, identification of associated risk factors for ARI may be helpful to reduce the burden of disease. The aims of this study were to study the risk factors for ARI in under five hospitalized children and to correlate risk factors with ARI related morbidity. It was a hospital- based prospective study. Materials and Methods: Children of less than 5 years admitted in ward with diagnosis of ARI were enrolled in the study as cases. Control included children under 5 years of age attending to Well Baby Clinic, Immunization Clinic and siblings or relatives under 5 years who came with patients in the Paediatric outpatient department of the same institution during the same period. Various risk factors, demographic and clinical data of each child were recorded in a pre-designed proforma of both groups. Results: A total of 200 cases and 200 controls were enrolled. The various risk factors associated with ARI on stepwise logistic regression were male gender, rural residency, overcrowding, history of ARI in any family member within two weeks and undernutrition. The statistically insignificant risk factors were infancy, economic status, illiterate parents, cooking fuel other than LPG, low birth weight, prematurity, lack of exclusive breast feeding, vitamin A deficiency and incomplete immunization. Conclusion: The various risk factors for ARI identified in this study were male gender, rural residency, overcrowding, history of ARI in any family member within two weeks and undernutrition. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7358 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):39-44
Assessment of Nutritional Status: A Case of Tribal Children in Assam, Northeast India
Authors: Singh J , Mondal N
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Thinness is a major underlying problem among children and adolescents in the developing countries including India. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of nutritional status among the Sonowal Kachari children aged 6-18 years of Dibrugarh district of Assam, Northeast India. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional data on height and weight measurements were collected among 1343 (670 boys, 673 girls) children belonging to Sonowal Kachari tribal ethnic group using multi-stage stratified sampling procedure. The Body Mass Index {BMI=weight (kg)/height2 (m2)} was calculated. The new international cut-off points of Cole et al. were used to classify the magnitude of thinness. Results: The overall mean BMI was found to be significantly higher among girls than the boys (p<0.01). The overall prevalence of thinness was observed to be 25.99% (28.08% boys, 23.92% girls) (p>0.05). The prevalence of thinness was generally higher in the early age (6-11 years), but thereafter decreased with age in both sexes. Conclusion: The results of the present study clearly indicate that the nutritional status of these children is unsatisfactory. Nutritional intervention in terms of a comprehensive supplementary balanced diet and micronutrient rich or protective foods should be introduced to ameliorate the nutritional status.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7404 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):1-7.
Etiology of Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children
Authors: Joshi Binita Gurubacharya
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints during childhood and most frequent presentation in paediatric clinics. RAP has been classified etiologically into two broad groups: organic and functional. Functional causes of RAP were reported to be present in 90% of cases in the past. Because of the new diagnostic tools and an improved knowledge, the prevalence of RAP has been now increasing. The current study was done to find out the etiology of RAP in Nepalese children. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in Civil Services Hospital, Paediatric department from April 2010 to March 2011 in children aged between 4 and 15 years, attending the outpatient department. All the children with RAP, who fulfilled the Apley’s criteria were included in this study. Results: Out of 47 children with RAP, organic causes were found in 41 children while non-organic causes, in 6 children. Parasitic infestation was the commonest organic cause of RAP, followed by idiopathic chronic constipation. Other causes were culture proven urinary tract infection, antral gastritis and H. pylori infection. Conclusion: Organic disorder is still the commoner cause of RAP in our part of the world. The key step in the management of RAP is to first investigate for the organic cause based on the symptoms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7413 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):31-33
Role of Paediatricians in Paediatric Ophthalmology
Authors: Shrestha Ujjowala Devi
Published: June 2013

Children are primarily examined by paediatricians. In Nepal, child health is in low priority due to illiteracy, there is total lack of awareness about children’s eye health. The common avoidable causes of childhood blindness are refractive errors, amblyopia, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), vitamin A deficiency (VAD), xerophthalmia, ophthalmia neonatorum (ON), congenital cataract, and retinoblastoma. Paediatricians could be the key persons for early referral of these children to a paediatric ophthalmologist. Paediatricians can send the patients for eye examination after birth within 6 weeks, at 6 months, at one year and before going to school. In conclusion, early screening and referral by the paediatricians to the paediatric ophthalmologist prevents children from being sightless. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7605 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):80-82
Turner Syndrome, Uncommonly Diagnosed Cause of Short Stature: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Basnet S , Eleena A , Sharma AK
Published: June 2013

Many children are frequently brought to the paediatric clinic for evaluation of short stature. Evaluation for these children does not go beyond x-ray for bone age estimation and growth hormone analysis. Most of them are considered having constitutional or genetic cause for their short stature. However, shuttle dysmorphic features could be missed in many of them. Hence, many children might be having chromosomal anomaly as an underlying cause. We report a case of 40 months who had been evaluated several times in the past for pneumonia, otitis media and short stature is finally diagnosed to have Turner syndrome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.8174 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):74-76
“Black, Patched and Pennyless”: Race and Crime in Burney’s The Wanderer
Authors: Czechowski Tara
Published: June 2013

In Frances Burney’s The Wanderer; Or, Female Difficulties, an English heiress escapes Revolutionary France disguised as a black woman. While in this disguise, she is accused of theft, beggary, and prostitution, and, despite her innocence, she is ultimately advertised as a criminal even after her black makeup fades. This article historicizes Juliet’s criminalization within metropolitan alarm about the alien black population of former African slaves living in Britain at the close of the eighteenth century. Rather than merely reproducing racialist thought as other critics have claimed, Burney’s novel interrogates the idea of black as criminal by exposing how the fraught, anti-Jacobin rhetoric of Edmund Burke and the class anxieties of the French Revolution contributed to the entrenchment of this early stereotype.
Natural History and Narrative Sympathy: The Children’s Animal Stories of Edward Augustus Kendall (1775/6?–1842)
Authors: Spencer Jane
Published: June 2013

Edward Augustus Kendall (1775/6?–1842), a late eighteenth-century writer of children’s animal stories, deserves recognition for his sustained attempt to offer an empathetic rendition of imagined animal experience in fiction. His early fiction, including the dog story Keeper’s Travels (1798) and several tales of bird life, contributed to the development of more sympathetic attitudes to non-human animals in the late eighteenth century. Two factors influenced the development of Kendall’s innovative treatment of animal characters. First, the natural history of Buffon and his English translators and followers, in particular William Smellie, informed Kendall’s detailed attention to animal behaviour and to questions of animal mind and sentience. Second, the contemporary development of narrative techniques designed, on the basis of the imaginative sympathy theorized by Adam Smith, to encourage readers to identify with protagonists’ feelings, prompted Kendall to extend such methods to the representation of animal characters. He helped shift animal representation away from fable and satire towards naturalism and empathy. His use of third-person narrative proved most fruitful in this regard, and anticipated later developments in the imaginative apprehension of non-human experience.
Is There Still a Southwest Effect?
Authors: Salam Sakib bin , McMullen B. Starr
Published: June 2013

The U.S. airline industry is in a period of consolidation through mergers between leading carriers. A number of recent mergers have been approved by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ), in part because of the presence of Southwest Airlines in the affected markets. In its approval of the mergers, DOJ makes a key assumption that Southwest is unresponsive in its pricing strategy to the reduced competition when its competitors merge. Numerous studies have validated the so-called Southwest effect, through which potential or actual entry into a market by Southwest Airlines is associated with lower market fares. However, considerably less work has examined Southwest's postentry pricing strategies. This study finds that Southwest raised fares more between 2005 and 2010 in markets affected by the Delta–Northwest and US Airways–America West mergers than in other markets. Southwest's fares either decreased or rose by less when the company was facing direct or adjacent competition from a low-cost carrier (LCC). DOJ's approval of Southwest's merger with AirTran, its biggest LCC competitor and strongest deterrent to raising fares in merger-affected markets, raises questions about Southwest's ability to continue as a suitable deterrent to postmerger fare hikes, particularly in the absence of other LCCs in those markets.
Behavioral Traits and Airport Type Affecting Mammal Incidents with U.S. Civil Aircraft
Authors: Biondi Kristin M.
Published: June 2013

Wildlife incidents with aircraft are estimated to have cost the U.S. civil aviation industry more than $1.4 billion in damages and lost revenue from 1990 to 2009. Mammal incidents are five times as likely to cause damage as other wildlife incidents. The behavioral traits, the size of mammal species, and the differences in mammal management techniques may produce incident variation. The FAA National Wildlife Strike database (1990 to 2010) was used to characterize and analyze these incidents by airport type: Part 139 certified (certificated) and general aviation (GA). Relative hazard scores were generated for the species most frequently involved in incidents on the basis of damage and effect on flight. Incidents were found to be most frequent in October (n = 215) at certificated airports and in November (n = 111) at GA airports, but more incidents were reported in August (n = 310) at all airports. Most (63.2%) incidents at all airports (n = 1,523) occurred at night, but the greatest incident rate occurred at dusk (177.3 incidents per hour). Certificated airports had more than twice as many incidents as GA airports and other airports, but more incidents with damage (n = 1,594) occurred at GA airports (38.6%) than at certificated airports (19.0%) or other airports (n = 1.76%). Overall, the relative hazard score increased with increasing log body mass. From these findings, it is recommended that biologists evaluate mammal species on airport grounds on the basis of aircraft hazard information provided here and consider prioritizing management strategies that emphasize reducing the occurrence of species on airport property.
Benefit and Trade-Off Analysis of Continuous Descent Approach in Normal Traffic Conditions
Authors: Cao Yi , DeLaurentis Daniel , Sun Dengfeng
Published: June 2013

The continuous descent approach (CDA) has long been known as a fuel-efficient procedure because it eliminates level flights at low altitudes. However, many studies that examine fuel savings fail to consider the increased separation uncertainties that accompany CDA and that may cause extra fuel consumption for safe spacing. This study evaluates the fuel benefits of CDA at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia and takes into account the delays that result from conflict resolutions. Fuel burn is estimated by using a corrected thrust-specific fuel consumption model that is designed specially for descent. The conflict-free CDAs are determined in such a way that total arrival delays are minimized in each look-ahead time window. Resultant delays are converted to speed advisory or air-holding commands executed in cruise phase to account for the impact of increased separations in CDAs. The fuel consumption of CDA is compared with that of real step-down trajectories extracted from radar track data. Results show that executing CDA to avoid conflicts does not guarantee fuel savings for individual arriving flights, but overall fuel consumption at the airport is reduced. The estimated fuel savings is less than that observed in the terminal airspace only because deconfliction entails extra fuel consumption for delay absorption beyond the immediate terminal airspace.
Dispersion Modeling of Lead Emissions from Piston Engine Aircraft at General Aviation Facilities
Authors: Feinberg Stephen N. , Turner Jay R.
Published: June 2013

In 2008, the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for lead was tightened by an order of magnitude. General aviation is now the largest source of lead emitted to the atmosphere. The accuracy of modeled lead impacts from general aviation airports is unclear because of uncertainties in both emissions estimation and dispersion modeling. Aviation industry and environmental policy makers must understand how well such modeling can perform when data on aircraft activities at an airport are limited. To estimate the lead impacts at an airport with lead monitoring, this study used aggregate activity information and simple assumptions about the nature of activities; the goal was to evaluate the level of accuracy that could be achieved in the collection of data on lead emissions. Dispersion modeling of general aviation lead emissions was performed for Centennial Airport, Englewood, Colorado, to estimate near-field impacts from airport operations in 2011. Emissions were estimated with the use of FAA's Air Traffic Activity System and Emissions and Dispersion Modeling System. The annual emission estimate for 2011 was 0.43 ton, much lower than the 0.73 ton estimated by the 2008 National Emissions Inventory. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by varying several emission parameters. Modeled concentrations at the on-site lead sampler were quite sensitive to the amount of run-up emissions. Concentrations modeled with Automated Surface Observing System meteorology have greater correlation with on-site measured values than those modeled with integrated surface hourly meteorology. Three-month average impacts modeled at the on-site lead-sampling location ranged from 10 to 20 ng/m3, well below the lead NAAQS of 150 ng/m3.