bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Visual Versus Auditory Concurrent Tasks on Reducing the Distress and Vividness of Aversive Autobiographical Memories
Authors: Kristjánsdóttir Katrín , Lee Christopher William
Published: July 2011

This study investigated the benefits of eye movement similar to that used in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on reducing the vividness and emotionality of negative autobiographical memories. It was hypothesized, based on the working memory model, that any task that disrupts working memory would reduce the vividness and emotionality of distressing memories. In addition, it was predicted that the more visual a memory, the greater the reduction in vividness by a concurrent visual task over an auditory task (counting). Thirty-six nonclinical participants were asked to recall an unpleasant autobiographical memory while performing each of three dual-attention tasks: eye movement, listening to counting, or control (short exposure). Results showed that vividness and emotionality ratings of the memory decreased significantly after eye movement and counting, and that eye movement produced the greatest benefit. Furthermore, eye movement facilitated greater decrease in vividness irrespective of the modality of the memory. Although this is not consistent with the hypothesis from a working memory model of mode-specific effects, it is consistent with a central executive explanation. Implications for enhancing exposure treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are discussed.
Influence of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery on the Periodontal Condition
Authors: Pataro André Luiz , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca , Cortelli José Roberto , Dupim Souza Ana Carolina , Nogueira Guimarães Abreu Mauro Henrique , Girundi Marcelo Gomes , Costa José Eustáquio
Published: July 2011

Background: Recent studies have shown that being overweight or obese is associated with a higher risk of periodontitis. However, the literature offers an insufficient number of published reports regarding the effect of bariatric surgery on oral health. As such, the present study aims to determine the association between periodontal status and being overweight/obese in prebariatric and postbariatric surgery populations of Brazil.

Methods: Three hundred forty‐five participants between 18 and 60 years of age, from both sexes, were grouped according to prebariatric or postbariatric surgery and underwent a complete periodontal examination. Biologic, demographic, and behavioral variables were analyzed in a Poisson regression model.

Results: Considering the timing of bariatric surgery, the sample was divided into three groups: PRE‐OP (preoperative, n = 133), POS‐OP1 (postoperative ≤6 months, n = 72), and POS‐OP2 (post‐surgery >6 months, n = 140). Regardless of the type of surgery (PRE‐OP, POS‐OP1, POS‐OP2), the prevalence of periodontitis proved to be high (81.45%). There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of periodontitis among the PRE‐OP, POS‐OP1, and POS‐OP2 groups (P = 0.040). In the Poisson regression model, after adjusting for biologic, demographic, and behavioral risk variables, only bleeding on probing remained significantly associated with the prevalence of periodontitis (P <0.001).

Conclusion: Differences in periodontal condition were observed in individuals at different times of the bariatric surgery, showing a high prevalence of periodontitis in both preoperative and postoperative follow‐up.
Biological Phosphorus Removal Performance and Relevant Microorganism Characteristics of Activated Sludge in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants, China
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Zhijian , Wang Hang , Xu Xin , Lin Yuan , Zhang Jianying , Jun Zhu
Published: July 2011

Municipal wastewater discharge is threatening the ecological security of the local water environment. This study investigated the field process performance and microorganism characteristics of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in China. The results showed that three WWTPs met the required criteria of phosphorus for discharge (≤1 mg/L), but with a low level of Accumulibacter (6.4 to 3.8%, on average) and a relatively high level of Competibacter (3.2 to 9.1%) in sludge. The phosphorus release and uptake rates were varied from 0.224 to 7.770 mg/gVSS·h and 0.386 to 7.901 mg/gVSS·h, respectively. Denitrifying polyphosphate‐accumulating organisms were estimated to be 28.2% of the polyphosphate‐accumulating organisms. Sludge characteristics (phosphorus release and uptake rates) were positively correlated with the abundance of Accumulibacter and negatively correlated with the proportion of Competibacter. Moreover, the lower the ratio of anaerobic phosphorus/acetate (e.g., 0.496) is, the more abundant the Competibacter would be. Further discussion on an improvement strategy for these WWTPs for EBPR should be comprehensively based on the data of periodic investigations on field operation, sludge activities, and microbial populations.
Treatment of Wastewaters Containing Bisphenol A: State of the Science Review
Authors: Melcer Henryk , Klečka Gary
Published: July 2011

The presence of microconstituents in effluents from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and their receiving waters has attracted considerable recent attention. This review summarizes the state of the science on the removal of bisphenol A (BPA) by WWTPs and presents evidence that the compound should be effectively removed in well‐operated activated sludge systems. The biological treatment of BPA has been extensively studied in laboratory, pilot, and full‐scale municipal WWTPs. Although removal efficiencies varied, the average of the reported removal efficiencies for BPA in full‐scale facilities was 84%. Mass balance studies conducted in the laboratory with 14C‐labeled BPA and studies of full‐scale facilities show that biodegradation is the dominant removal process, consistent with the fact that BPA is readily degradable and able to support microbial growth. Many of the plants were able to reduce BPA concentrations in the wastewater effluent to significantly less than 1 µg/L. This review examines operating parameters important for optimizing and sustaining the performance of wastewater treatment systems including solids residence time (SRT), which proved to be the most critical. The weight of evidence suggests the optimum SRT needs to be approximately 10 days to ensure high treatment efficiencies. Other optimum operating conditions include maintaining dissolved oxygen concentrations of greater than or equal to 2.0 mg/L, elevating the SRT during periods of low temperature, and implementing step‐feed control during storm‐induced high flow conditions to avoid the washout of biomass.
Groundwater Remediation Using an Enricher Reactor—Permeable Reactive Biobarrier for Periodically Absent Contaminants
Authors: Kasi Murthy , McEvoy John , Padmanabhan G. , Khan Eakalak
Published: July 2011

A combined enricher reactor (ER)‐permeable reactive biobarrier (PRBB) system was developed to treat groundwater with contaminants that appear in batches. An enricher reactor is an offline reactor used to enrich contaminant degraders by supplying necessary growth materials, and the enriched degraders are used to augment PRBB to increase its performance after a period of contaminant absence. Bench‐scale experiments on PRBBs with and without bacterial supply from the enricher reactor were conducted to evaluate PRBB removal performances for benzene, which was used as a model contaminant. Benzene absence periods of 10 and 25 days were tested in the presence and absence of ethanol. The PRBBs without the bioaugmentation from the enricher reactor experienced a decrease in performance from approximately 65% to 30% after benzene reappeared. The presence of ethanol accelerated the benzene removal performance recovery of PRBBs. The 25‐day benzene absence period caused greater changes in the bacterial community structure, regardless of the ethanol availability.
Inhibition of Nitrification by Low Oxygen Concentrations in an Aerated Treatment Pond System with Biofilm Promoting Mats
Authors: Jechalke Sven , Rosell Mònica , Vogt Carsten , Richnow Hans H.
Published: July 2011

Inhibition of nitrification in the presence of low oxygen concentrations (below 1.2 mg/L) and temperature dependency at oxygen saturation levels were observed in an aerated treatment pond system with biofilm promoting mats in two parallel ponds for remediation of ammonium, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), and benzene‐contaminated groundwater. Within the first 18 months, at an average oxygen concentration of 0.7 ± 0.5 mg/L along the ponds, no significant decrease of ammonium or significant formation of nitrification products were observed. After increasing the aeration to oxygen saturation levels, the ammonium removal increased up to a maximum of 27%, with concomitant formation of nitrite and nitrate (up to 26 and 0.6 mM). The subsequent reduction of aeration in one pond to the previous level resulted in a definitive stop of nitrification, while, in the other pond, nitrification was well‐correlated with the water temperature, reaching up to 45% ammonium removal.
The Offsetting Duty Norm and the Simultaneous Application of Countervailing and Antidumping Duties
Authors: Kelly Brian D.
Published: July 2011

World Trade Organization (WTO) members have long expressed a norm concerning the trade “remedies” of countervailing (anti-subsidy) duties and antidumping duties: that these measures offset the behavior that gives rise to them, restoring trade to a “level playing field.” The WTO agreements provide that the duties imposed should be calculated accordingly, that countervailing duties are measured against subsidies and anti-dumping duties are measured against the excess of a benchmark “normal” value over export price. This paper makes two principle contributions in light of this norm. First, it develops formal models of antidumping and countervailing duty actions conforming to the offsetting duty norm. Economists have often shown little patience with the rationale for these duties, leading to a dearth of formal analysis that takes into account the social welfare function—the offsetting duty norm—incorporated in the WTO agreements; the formal models here provide that analysis. Second, the paper extends this analysis to the simultaneous prosecution of countervailing and antidumping cases. Once rare, simultaneous countervailing and antidumping duty proceedings have become perhaps the most prominent expression of trade protection permitted under WTO rules. The analysis establishes the conditions to identify any overlap in the application of countervailing and antidumping measures and demonstrates that recent practice of WTO members has created excessive application of duties. The analysis also provides the methods for preventing this double-count in simultaneous cases. These results have direct application to current policy debates.
FDI, Technology Spillovers, Growth, and Income Inequality: A Selective Survey
Authors: Clark Don P. , Highfill Jannett , de Oliveira Campino Jonas , Rehman Scheherazade S.
Published: July 2011

The present paper, restricting its attention to the empirical economics literature, attempts to gauge current thinking on the question of whether FDI causes economic growth. Since technological spillovers are a key determinant of long run economic growth, the survey begins with the firm level evidence on technological spillovers of FDI on domestic firms. The macro FDI and growth literature is covered next. Finally, we examine the effect of FDI on income inequality and/or employment, skills, or jobs. In many contexts policies that exacerbate income inequality come under special scrutiny even if they are welfare enhancing. Our major finding is that FDI is generally associated with positive technological spillovers, economic growth, and increasing income inequality. For all three of these results, however, there are significant counter examples in the literature which must be respected.
A Review of the Crises
Authors: Shoham Amir , Pelzman Joseph
Published: July 2011

The literature on the financial crisis is very large and diverse. The intent of this article is to summarize these and other mainstream articles through the lens of two key questions: (1) what caused the crisis? and (2) why have the spillover effects been so devastating in so many industrial countries?

In Section II of this review, we address the demand side for liquidity. Section III presents the supply side of liquidity. Section IV tackles the second question: namely, the contagion effect. Section V introduces the other articles in this special section of the journal.
Influence of Nanofillers on the Surface Electrical Discharge Resistance of Epoxy Insulation Used in HV Power Apparatus
Authors: Preetha P. , Thomas M. Joy
Published: July 2011

Resistance to surface electrical discharge was investigated for epoxy alumina and epoxy silica nanocomposites. Epoxy alumina nanocomposites with 0.1, 1, 5, 10 and 15 wt% nanoalumina fillers as well as epoxy silica nanocomposites with 0.1, 1 and 5 wt% nanosilica fillers were prepared in the laboratory using direct dispersion method. Experiments were conducted at 10kV ac voltage for different durations using IEC (b) type electrodes. The degradation of the sample surfaces were analyzed using SEM techniques, surface roughness measurements and FTIR spectroscopy. The effect of interface on the material properties were investigated by DSC analysis. It was observed that the resistance to surface degradation improved for both epoxy alumina and epoxy silica nanocomposites as compared to the performance of unfilled epoxy. Also epoxy alumina nanocomposites showed better resistance to degradation as compared to epoxy silica nanocomposites for all the filler concentrations considered. The enhancement in degradation resistance for epoxy nanocomposites is attributed to the surface modifications of the nanocomposites when exposed to discharges and the nature of the interface in the region around the nanoparticles. The filler concentration and thereby the interparticle distance also has a significant effect on the discharge degradation resistance.
Simulated annealing technique to design minimum cost exchanger
Authors: Khalfe Nadeem , Lahiri Kumar , Wadhwa Kumar
Published: July 2011

Owing to the wide utilization of heat exchangers in industrial processes,
their cost minimization is an important target for both designers and users.
Traditional design approaches are based on iterative procedures which
gradually change the design and geometric parameters to satisfy a given heat
duty and constraints. Although well proven, this kind of approach is time
consuming and may not lead to cost effective design as no cost criteria are
explicitly accounted for. The present study explores the use of
nontraditional optimization technique: called simulated annealing (SA), for
design optimization of shell and tube heat exchangers from economic point of
view. The optimization procedure involves the selection of the major
geometric parameters such as tube diameters, tube length, baffle spacing,
number of tube passes, tube layout, type of head, baffle cut etc and
minimization of total annual cost is considered as design target. The
presented simulated annealing technique is simple in concept, few in
parameters and easy for implementations. Furthermore, the SA algorithm
explores the good quality solutions quickly, giving the designer more degrees
of freedom in the final choice with respect to traditional methods. The
methodology takes into account the geometric and operational constraints
typically recommended by design codes. Three different case studies are
presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of proposed
algorithm. The SA approach is able to reduce the total cost of heat exchanger
as compare to cost obtained by previously reported GA approach.
Modelling the process of Al(OH)3 crystallization from industrial sodium aluminate solutions using artificial neural networks
Authors: Smiljanic Radenko , Lazic Dragica , Gligoric Miladin , Jotanovic Milovan , Zivkovic Zivan , Mihajlovic Ivan
Published: July 2011

This paper presents an attempt to define the non-linear correlation
dependence between the degree of decomposition of the aluminate solution, the
average diameter of the crystallized gibbsite, the total Na2O content in the
obtained alumina and the specific utilization level of the process on the one
hand and important input parameters of the process on the other. As input
parameters having an influence on the process, the concentration of Na2O
(caustic), the caustic ratio and the crystallization ratio, the starting and
final temperature of the process, the average diameter of the crystallization
seed and the duration of the decomposition process were considered. As the
result of measurements of these process parameters and the acquisition of the
resulting output parameters of the process, a database with 500 data lines
was obtained. To define the correlation dependence, with the aim of
predicting the process parameters of the decomposition process of the sodium
aluminate solution, the artificial neural network (ANN) methodology was
applied.
Assessment Methods of Partnering Relations of Polish, Slovak and Ukrainian Construction Enterprises with the Use of Fuzzy Logic / Metodyka Oceny Relacji Partnerskich Polskich, Słowackich I Ukrainskich Przedsiebiorstw Budowlanych Z Wykorzystaniem Logiki Rozmytej
Authors: Radziszewska-Zielina E.
Published: July 2011

The paper shows methods of analysis and assessment of partnering relations of construction enterprises with the use of questionnaires, statistics, and fuzzy logic. The results were obtained from Polish, Slovak and Ukrainian enterprises. The definition of partnering in the construction industry indicates that it is a qualitative concept. By applying a scale in the questionnaire, and due to mathematical analysis of the data, the final research result, showing the level of partnering relations of construction enterprises, is rendered quantitatively
A Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Method for Dynamic of Fully Saturated Soil / Rzwiazanie Zadania Dynamiki Całkowicie Nawodnionego Gruntu Przy Zastosowaniu Mes Z Nieciagłym Sformułowaniem Galerkina W Czasie
Authors: Wrana B.
Published: July 2011

The fully coupled, porous solid-fluid dynamic field equations with u-p formulation are used in this paper to simulate pore fluid and solid skeleton responses. The present formulation uses physical damping, which dissipates energy by velocity proportional damping. The proposed damping model takes into account the interaction of pore fluid and solid skeleton. The paper focuses on formulation and implementation of Time Discontinuous Galerkin (TDG) methods for soil dynamics in the case of fully saturated soil. This method uses both the displacements and velocities as basic unknowns and approximates them through piecewise linear functions which are continuous in space and discontinuous in time. This leads to stable and third-order accurate solution algorithms for ordinary differential equations. Numerical results using the time-discontinuous Galerkin FEM are compared with results using a conventional central difference, Houbolt, Wilson θ, HHT- α, and Newmark methods. This comparison reveals that the time-discontinuous Galerkin FEM is more stable and more accurate than these traditional methods.
PWM Switching Strategy for Torque Ripple Minimization in BLDC Motor
Authors: Salah Wael , Ishak Dahaman , Hammadi Khaleel
Published: July 2011

PWM Switching Strategy for Torque Ripple Minimization in BLDC Motor

This paper describes a new PWM switching strategy to minimize the torque ripples in BLDC motor which is based on sensored rotor position control. The scheme has been implemented using a PIC microcontroller to generate a modified Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals for driving power inverter bridge. The modified PWM signals are successfully applied to the next up-coming phase current such that its current rise is slightly delayed during the commutation instant. Experimental results show that the current waveforms of the modified PWM are smoother than that in conventional PWM technique. Hence, the output torque exhibits lower ripple contents.
Disturbances in the European Nuclear Power Plant Safety Related Electrical Systems
Authors: Duchac Alexander , Noël Marc
Published: July 2011

Disturbances in the European Nuclear Power Plant Safety Related Electrical Systems

This work is part of the European Clearinghouse on Nuclear Power Plant Operational Experience Feedback (NPP-OEF) activity carried out at the Joint Research Centre/Institute for Energy (JRC/IE) with the participation of ten EU Regulatory Authorities. It investigates the Forsmark-1 event of July 2006, as well as about 120 disturbances in the plant electrical systems that were reported to the Incident Reporting System (IRS) and US Licensee Event Reports (LER) in the period 1985-2008. The aim of the work was to provide important insights from the Forsmark event of July 2006 and illustrate some vulnerabilities of the plant electrical system to over voltage transients. It identified electrical equipment involved, failure modes, contributing factors, actual and potential consequences, and corrective actions. Initiating factors and associated root causes were also analysed. The analysis of International Operation Experience Feedback revealed number of events that involved disturbances in the plant electrical systems, and which may have features in common with the Forsmark-1 event. It underlines the importance of sharing lessons learned from design modifications made at another unit of similar design that if known, it could have identified susceptibility of emergency diesel generators to common mode failure before the event occurred. This paper also summarizes international projects that were initiated by Forsmark event, as well as important lessons that still can be learned from Forsmark event. This paper presents actions taken at nuclear power plants and regulatory authorities in different countries to prevent similar event to occur.
Can expansion or strengthening of the existing medical schools be compensated with the opening up of new medical schools in the country?
Authors: Gautam AP
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4973 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 59-60
Randomized controlled trial comparing dynamic compression plate versus intramedullary interlocking nail for management of humeral shaft fractures
Authors: Chaudhary P , Karn NK , Shrestha BP , Khanal GP , Rijal R , Maharjan R , Kalawar R
Published: July 2011

Background: The optimal method of humeral shaft fracture fixation remains debatable. With the dramatic success of intramedullary fixation for fractures of the femur and tibia, there was speculation that IM-ILN might be more appropriate for humeral shaft fractures than DCP. Objectives: To compare the fixation of fracture shaft of humerus with interlocking nail and dynamic compression plate in terms of duration of operating time, amount of blood loss, rate of infection, pain at the fracture site, time to achieve union, functional outcome (DASH score) and complications of surgery. Methods: This was randomised control trial study. All patients with fractures of shaft of humerus that met the criteria for operative interventions presenting to the Department of Orthopaedics, BPKIHS in the study period and giving informed consent were included in the study. Sample size was taken 30 in each group. Results: The usual mode of injury in both the groups were road traffiic accident followed by fall from height, work place injury. The operating time for nailing was 100 mins with standard deviation of 11.24 while that of humerus plating was 90.25 with standard deviation 15.6.The mean blood loss in nail group was 148.75 with standard deviation of 36.70 while that in plate group was 205.00 with standard deviation of 45.60. Post operative hospital stay was similar in both groups with mean stay of 4.5 days. DASH was significantly higher in plating group at 6,12,18 and 24 weeks follow up. This showed better functional outcome in nailing group. Conclusion: Dynamic compression plating is better than interlocking nail for fracture shaft of humerus. Keywords: shaft of humerus; interlocking nail; plate fixation DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4974 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 61-66
Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Baral R , Khanal B , Acharya A
Published: July 2011

Background: Staphylococcus aureus, versatile pathogen causes many serious and life threatening infections. Resistant S aureus has become a serious matter of concern. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of local isolates is essential for the selection of appropriate therapy for the management of staphylococcal infections. Objective: To find out the current status of antimicrobial resistance among the clinical isolates in our set up. Method: S aureus isolated from the clinical specimens submitted to the microbiology unit of clinical laboratory services, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) hospital were studied. Isolation and identification of S aureus was done by standard microbiological technique. Results: A total 300 S aureus isolates were obtained from various clinical specimens. S aureus showed susceptible to chlorampenicol (95%), tetracycline (94.3%), cefotaxime (93.3%), erythromycin (89%), ciprofloxacin (88.35%) and gentamicin (78%).Sixty four percent of isolates were found to be resistant to co-trimoxazole and 26% were methicillin resistant (MRSA). Nearly half (52.66%) of S aureus showed resistance to penicillin. All the isolates were susceptible to vancomycin in disc diffusion method. It was isolated frequently from pus 223(74%) followed by blood (14%). Forty eight percent of isolates were from abscess, followed by sepsis (17%). Conclusion: Resistant S aureus is a common pathogen causing a wide spectrum of infections in our set up. Existence of MRSA among local isolates is a serious matter of concern. Although no isolate exhibited resistance to vancomycin, screening test and MIC determination are recommended in monitoring the response to therapy and for early detection of impeding resistance among local strains. Keywords: staphylococcus aureus; antimicrobial susceptibility; BPKIHS DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4977 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 78-82
ICU admission and outcomes in a community-based tertiary care hospital: an audit of one year
Authors: Koirala S , Ghimire A , Sharma A , Bhattarai B
Published: July 2011

Background: The most serious patients requiring advanced organ system support are admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of hospitals for achieving better outcome. B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) hospital ICU is the only multidisciplinary unit that has been catering care for the whole of the eastern region of Nepal. Medical audit of ICU provides important feedback for improvement in care and policy making. Objectives: To audit the indications analyse and outcome of patients admitted to the multidisciplinary ICU of BPKIHS in a period of one year. Methods: Data of all the ICU admitted patients for the period of one year were analyzed retrospectively from the ICU register and patients’ folder. The variables analysed included age, gender, diagnosis, duration of ICU stay and outcome. Results: Altogether 255 patients were admitted in the study period; 150 (58.8%) males and 105 (41.2%) females. Majority (49%) were surgical patients followed by medical (39%). Mean duration of stay was 8 days. Discharge rate was 61% and the mortality rate was 26%. Thirteen percent of the patients left against medical advice (LAMA). Admission from operation theatre and emergency ward was associated with better outcome while admission from general wards was associated with poor outcome. Peritonitis with sepsis was associated with the worst outcome; organophosphorous poisoning was associated with good outcome. Conclusion: The most common patients admitted in the multidisciplinary ICU of BPKIHS are mostly general surgical and general medical. Significant fractions of the patients admitted in the ICU are taken home by their relatives against medical advice. Keywords: intensive care unit; organ support; audit; BPKIHS. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4978 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 83-87
A study to evaluate the role of suction drains in orthopedic surgery
Authors: Khanal GP , Rijal R , Shrestha BP , Karn NK , Chaudhary P
Published: July 2011

Background: There is controversy in routine use of suction drain in orthopedic surgeries. Devastating postoperative infection and years of treatment had forced on extra measures of postoperative wound care and use of drains. Objective: To find out the necessity of intraoperative drains in routine orthopedic surgery. Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled in the study. All of the patients were followed up on 2nd, 14th days and 3 monthly till one year of period. All the demographic data and preoperative investigations and intraoperative and postoperative parameters were recorded in standard proforma. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical method. Results: All the patients were followed up to one year period. Six patients had superficial infection on 2nd postoperative day. They were managed with antibiotics and no patient showed signs of infections on 14th postoperative day and thereafter. No patient needed postoperative reinforcement of dressing. Conclusion: Routine use of intraoperative drain in hip surgeries has beneficial effect of decreasing reinforcement of postoperative dressing. Keywords: orthopedic surgery; suction drain; BPKIHS DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4980 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 91-94
Alcohol consuming habits and its effects on adherence and blood glucose level in type-2 diabetes mellitus in a town population in eastern region of Nepal
Authors: Thapa BP , Pokharel PK , Jha N , Paudel IS , Sharma SK , Shyangwa PM , Sangraula HP , Sharma A
Published: July 2011

Introduction: Non-adherence to prescribed medications continues to be a major problem worldwide and mostly in developing countries like ours. Keeping blood glucose level normal has become the greatest challenge among alcohol consumers to the health personnel because of the different factors for non adherence to the drugs prescribed for diabetes. Objectives: To measure the magnitude of non- adherence to the prescribed medications along with the habit of alcohol consumption and the reasons of continuation of alcohol consumption along with the medication. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out from February 2008 to July 2009 at diabetic clinic of Department of Medicine at BPKIHS, Dharan, Nepal. A total of 300 Type2 diabetic patients aged 24 years and above residing in Dharan Municipality in the eastern region of Nepal, taking treatment for diabetes for at least six months were included using convenient sampling method along with the informed consent and interviewed by reaching them individually to their houses. Results: The prevalence of nonadherence was 48%. Among the factors that were independently associated with non-adherence alcohol was also the main factor which played the significant role in non- adherence. Around 59% who had blood glucose level >126mg/dl were found non- adherent to the medicine because of several reasons and among them one was the habit of alcohol consuming at least once daily regardless the quality, quantity, brand and type of alcohol. Conclusions: Adherence to diabetic treatment was suboptimal. Alcohol has played a significant role in non- adherence. Blood glucose level among drinkers was found significantly higher than others. There is a need to improve the alcohol habits of the patients to improve the adherence to the drugs prescribed for the disease. Keywords: adherence; type 2 diabetes mellitus; alcohol; blood glucose level; Dharan Municipality DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4981 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 95-101
Study of nutritional status of children attending OPD at a tertiary-care hospital in eastern region of Nepal
Authors: Rajbandari RM , Lewis O , Singh R , Smith S
Published: July 2011

Background: Prevalence of malnutrition is high in Nepal. Early intervention improves outcome of children. Objectives: To study the occurrence of the malnutrition in under five children coming to the OPD at BPKIHS and to find out the age group & sex most severely affected by malnutrition. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional hospital-based study was carried out from 2003-04. 500 children aged 1-5 years were taken as a sample The children needing emergency care were excluded. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and WHO classification were used for grading malnutrition. Results: Total patient were 500 aged 1-5 yrs group. Total malnutrition cases were 124 with a prevalence of 24.8% .Malnutrition was highest in 3-4 years group (33.3%). Conclusion: It is found that total malnutrition cases were about 24.8%.A more elaborate and community based study would help to find prevalence of malnutrition in children of Eastern Nepal. Keywords: nutritional status; PEM; affected by malnutrition DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4982 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 102-105
Halitosis: a serious social problem
Authors: Sharma S , Shankar TP , Koirala B
Published: July 2011

Halitosis means an unpleasant odor of the expired air, regardless of the source of this odor. The foul breath originating from the oral cavity itself is termed as oral malodor and it is usually the main contributor of unpleasant breath in an otherwise healthy individual. The most predominant causes of halitosis are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tongue coating. However, several non-oral pathologic conditions have also been related to halitosis, including infection of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, the gastrointestinal tract, and some metabolic diseases involving the kidneys and the liver, which should never be overlooked. Though this complaint of bad breath has existed from time immemorial, it has only recently come to scientific platforms of analysis and is being increasingly recognized as a social stigma in an ever-growing sensitive society. Breath malodor has important socio-economic consequences. Literature reveals almost $1 billion a year is spent in the United States on deodorant-type mouth rinses and mints which provide only short-term masking effects, instead of spending the money on a proper diagnosis and etiologic care to manage bad breath. Sulfur containing volatiles are the main constituent of oral malodor and that their levels correlate with the intensity as determined organoleptically. The treatment of intraoral halitosis consists of scaling/root planing and daily removal of tongue coating, and for extraoral halitosis, treatment of underlying systemic disease by a specialist. Keywords: halitosis; bad breath; oral malodour DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4983 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 106-111
Vaccinating children against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and poliomyelitis in Nepal
Authors: Jha N , Niraula SR
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4984 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 112-115
Female hydrocele
Authors: Bajracharya A , Adhikary S , Agrawal CS
Published: July 2011

The processus vaginalis is an envagination of parietal peritoneum which accompanies the round ligament through the inguinal ring into the inguinal canal. The portion of processus vaginalis within the inguinal canal in women is called ‘the canal of Nuck’. When the processus vaginalis fails to close, it can result in a hernia or hydrocele in both men and women. Female hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is uncommon. A literature search revealed that little has been published on this condition. We present a case of a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck in a 23-year old female who had an irreducible swelling over the left groin for three months and increasing in size on straining. The cyst was excised with round ligament and a repair of inguinal canal with closure of deep ring was done. Keywords: hydrocele; female hydrocele; canal of Nuck DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4985 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 116-118
Metronidazole induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Maskey R , Sharma SK , Poudel KN
Published: July 2011

Metronidazole is a little known cause of drug-induced neuropathy.We report a patient who developed paraesthesia of both limbs after one month course of metronidazole. The electrophysiologic test confirmed a bilateral motor-axonal neuropathy. This neuropathy improved dramatically with cessation of the drug. Keywords: metronidazole; peripheral neuropathy; hepatic amebiasis DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4986 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 119-121
Bilateral fusion of permanent canine and lateral incisor
Authors: Singh VP , Dhital S , Babu TP Shankar , Agarwal M
Published: July 2011

Fusion is described as the union of two or more tooth buds. It is characterized by a reduced number of teeth , when fused tooth is counted as one . The prevalence of fused teeth in primary dentition is below 1% and even more less in permanent dentition. The occurrence of fusion in primary dentition may be followed by dental anomalies in permanent dentition. This case report presents a case of bilateral fusion of lateral incisor and canine in primary dentition which was followed by similar fusion in permanent dentition. The aim of this report is to highlight the rarity of such condition by virtue of the number of such cases reported in literature and to evaluate their pulpal morphologies to understand the type of fusion and presence of any other associated pathologies. Keywords: dental anamoly; fusion; gemination DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4987 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 122-124
Chronic osteomyelitis of clavicle in a 25 year-old male
Authors: Chaudhary P , Karn NK , Shrestha BP , Khanal GP , Maharjan R
Published: July 2011

Osteomyelitis of clavicle is very uncommon. The most common locations include metaphysic of long bones.1 Here, we present a case of 25 year old male who had presented to the Orthopaedic department of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal with complain of pain and Chronic discharging sinus from left clavicle for last 1 year. There was history of abscess over the clavicle and incision and drainage was performed 1 year back by the general surgeon. With all these characteristics and literature reviewed, we report this case for its rarity and unique characteristics. In this part of world (Nepal) patients commonly present late to the hospital DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4988 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 125-127
Meeting MMR Target in Nepal by 2015
Authors: Paudel Ishwari Sharma
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i2.4989 Health Renaissance 2011: Vol.9 (No.2): 128-129
Parting the 'Wine Lake'
Authors: Jung Yuson
Published: July 2011

Europe has been suffering from an overproduction of wine and declining wine consumption, which has compelled the EU commission to handle unsold and unconsumed wine in Europe. This article explores the implications of the recent wine reform (part of CAP reform) of the European Union from the perspectives of the Bulgarian wine producers. Bulgaria is one of the newest members of the EU and its wine industry has traditionally been oriented towards the export sector, making it susceptible to agricultural and trade policies in national, international and supranational levels. How will the Bulgarian wine industry benefit from and/or suffer from the agricultural policies of the EU to which it now subjects itself as a member state? What are the limits of the discourse of multifunctional agriculture in the EU for these marginal wine producers? The efficacy of the CAP reform will depend on attending to the diverse historical and political legacies of the member states without sacrificing the more marginalised communities.
'We're European Farmers Now'
Authors: Welch-Devine Meredith , Murray Seth
Published: July 2011

In this article, we discuss the economic constraints and opportunities that Basque farmers in two neighbouring valleys in France faced before the 2003 reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In the last decade, constraints and opportunities have shifted, and farmers have diversified their economic strategies in order to cope with a rise in rural tourism and second home ownership, an expansion of leisure activities into what has historically been an agricultural territory, and the implications that the uncertain future of the European Union's CAP has for small family farmers in this area. We examine this diversification of household economic strategies to include non-agricultural activities and the implications it has for economic health and rural livelihoods in the Basque region.
An Invitation to Molecular Magnetism
Authors: Pinkowicz Dawid , Chorąży Szymon , Stefańczyk Olaf
Published: July 2011

Molecular magnetism is a new and extremely fascinating field on the borders of chemistry, physics and materials science. The design and synthesis of molecule-based magnets requires the chemist to exert considerable control over the molecules to arrange them appropriately. It also demands the development of new theories to explain the complex magneto-structural behaviour of these intriguing solids. Molecular magnetism is still at a very early stage of development. The main challenge is to increase the strength of the magnetic interactions between spin carriers so the resulting materials can be usable at room temperature. However, molecular magnets exhibit true potential to become multifunctional materials. They show some considerable advantages over conventional magnets: optical transparency, chemical sensitivity and low weight to name just a few. The following article is not a complete review of the field. Its aim is rather to show how beautiful and versatile magnetic molecular solids can be, and to encourage the in-depth study of the subject.
Recent Initiatives in Experimental Thermodynamic Studies on Ionic Liquids [IL]-the Emergence of a Standard Thermochemical Database for ILs
Authors: Jenkins Harry Donald Brooke
Published: July 2011

One of the ultimate goals in the exciting on-going development and study of ionic liquids (ILs) must be the quest to establish “before synthesis” tools that could be used to predict and guide synthetic chemists towards ILs having “tuned” target properties. The tools needed in this exercise will come from many sources, not least from the acquisition of standard experimental thermodynamic data. The routine measurement of such data for new compounds had become very much a thing of the past in traditional chemistry. However with the surge of interest across the globe seen in these relatively new IL materials has come a recognition of the need to acquire experimental data and this review article seeks to assemble much of the emerging thermochemical data for ILs in one place. After all, there are very few data in current existing thermochemical databases that could offer much of a clue concerning the specific thermodynamic behaviour of ILs. We are charting new territory here. Development of any new large scale commercial process is preceded these days by a full study of its thermodynamic feasibility, usually at the pilot stage, and thus such data as are reported here are of the utmost value in this respect. It has a secondary role too in enabling predictions of missing data to become feasible and hence in predicting synthetic outcomes ahead of practical experiment.

This commentary tracks very recent trends and developments on the more quantitative and thermodynamic aspects of this exciting chemistry.
Joint Operation of the Multi-Reservoir System of the Three Gorges and the Qingjiang Cascade Reservoirs
Authors: Guo Shenglian , Chen Jionghong , Li Yu , Liu Pan , Li Tianyuan
Published: July 2011

Optimal utilization of available water resources has become more urgent due to the rapid growth of the economy and population. The joint operation of the Three Gorges cascade and Qingjiang cascade reservoirs in China was studied in this paper. Choosing maximization of hydropower generation and hydropower revenue as objective functions respectively, optimal models were established for individual and joint operation of the cascade reservoirs. The models were solved by the progressive optimality algorithm. The storage and electric compensation benefits among cascade reservoirs were analyzed. The daily inflow data of consecutive hydrological years of 1982–1987 were selected for a case study. Compared with the design operation rule, the joint operation of the multi-reservoir system can generate 5.992 billion kWh of extra power or an increase of 5.70% by the objective function of maximum hydropower generation. Through reservoir storage compensation, the spilled water of the Three Gorges and Qingjiang cascade reservoirs was decreased by 78.741 and 5.384 billion m3, respectively.
Controlled Delivery of Gentamicin Using Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Microspheres
Authors: Francis Lydia , Meng Decheng , Knowles Jonathan , Keshavarz Tajalli , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Roy Ipsita
Published: July 2011

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB), produced from Bacillus cereus SPV using a simple glucose feeding strategy was used to fabricate P(3HB) microspheres using a solid-in-oil-water (s/o/w) technique. For this study, several parameters such as polymer concentration, surfactant and stirring rates were varied in order to determine their effect on microsphere characteristics. The average size of the microspheres was in the range of 2 µm to 1.54 µm with specific surface areas varying between 9.60 m2/g and 6.05 m2/g. Low stirring speed of 300 rpm produced slightly larger microspheres when compared to the smaller microspheres produced when the stirring velocity was increased to 800 rpm. The surface morphology of the microspheres after solvent evaporation appeared smooth when observed under SEM. Gentamicin was encapsulated within these P(3HB) microspheres and the release kinetics from the microspheres exhibiting the highest encapsulation efficiency, which was 48%, was investigated. The in vitro release of gentamicin was bimodal, an initial burst release was observed followed by a diffusion mediated sustained release. Biodegradable P(3HB) microspheres developed in this research has shown high potential to be used in various biomedical applications.
Adaptative Techniques to Reduce Power in Digital Circuits
Authors: Amrutur Bharadwaj , Mehta Nandish , Dwivedi Satyam , Gupte Ajit
Published: July 2011

CMOS chips are engineered with sufficient performance margins to ensure that they meet the target performance under worst case operating conditions. Consequently, excess power is consumed for most cases when the operating conditions are more benign. This article will review a suite of dynamic power minimization techniques, which have been recently developed to reduce power consumption based on actual operating conditions. We will discuss commonly used techniques like Dynamic Power Switching (DPS), Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVS and DVFS) and Adaptive Voltage Scaling (AVS). Recent efforts to extend these to cover threshold voltage adaptation via Dynamic Voltage and Threshold Scaling (DVTS) will also be presented. Computation rate is also adapted to actual work load requirements via dynamically changing the hardware parallelism or by controlling the number of operations performed. These will be explained with some examples from the application domains of media and wireless signal processing.