bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rueda suelta entre los nazis: la aversión teórica de Carl Schmitt frente al nazismo
Authors: Duque Silva Guillermo Andrés
Published: January 2016

El interés por Carl Schmitt en los primeros años del siglo XXI se hace cada vez más evidente, especialmente en autores que buscan renovar la tradición liberal apelando a los argumentos de este polémico autor. Pese al lugar común que significa Schmitt, su reconocimiento general viene acompañado de una suerte de estigmatización difícil de superar, con la que en ocasiones se le califica de “cómplice” de la tragedia del nazismo. En este artículo se presenta una reflexión en torno a la comprensión que tenía Carl Schmitt sobre el derecho. En dicho análisis se emplea un método hermenéutico de estudio de la primera obra de Schmitt; su tesis de habilitación de 1914. El artículo permite ver que muchos de los elementos de la filosofía política schmittiana en su conjunto, se definen en esta primera obra, la que ideológicamente se ajusta mejor al pensamiento burgués-conservador que a los fundamentos del nazismo. 
Editorial
Authors: Amat Joan , Camargo Mayorga David Andrés
Published: January 2016

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Stan wojenny w opowieściach biograficznych polskich artystów emigrantów
Authors: Ferenc Tomasz
Published: January 2016

Wprowadzenie stanu wojennego w Polsce w 1981 r. miało poważne konsekwencje polityczne, społeczne i gospodarcze. Jest to okres, w którym znacząco wzrósł potencjał emigracyjny wśród Polaków. Znalazło to swoje odzwierciedlenie także wśród środowisk twórczych. Artykuł ukazuje losy artystów, którzy zdecydowali się na wyjazd z kraju lub też na trwałe pozostanie poza Polską. Korzystając z opowieści biograficznych twórców mieszkających w Paryżu, Berlinie, Londynie i Nowym Jorku, wyodrębniono te fragmenty narracji, które dotyczyły właśnie tego okresu. Ukazano roz¬maite okoliczności wyjazdów w kontekście czynników osobistych, środowiskowych oraz historycznych. Mimo że losy poszczególnych artystów mają za każdym razem indywidualny rys, możliwe jest zrekonstruowanie społecznych mechanizmów wpływających na podejmowane przez nich decyzje oraz ukazanie wspólnych doświadczeń emigrantów. Istotnym elementem tekstu jest też zwrócenie uwagi na system represji stosowanych przez ówczesne władze, np. na tzw. politykę paszportową. Tekst obok prezentacji losów polskich twórców podejmuje problem emigracji w kategorii kulturowej straty, którą ponosi nie tylko jednostka opuszczająca swój kraj, lecz także pozostawiane przez nią społeczeństwo.
Edukacja – emancypacja – emigracja. Sytuacja polskich artystek na przełomie XIX/XX wieku
Authors: Wejbert-Wąsiewicz Ewelina
Published: January 2016

Celem artykułu jest opis społeczno-historycznej sytuacji polskich artystek na przełomie XIX i XX w., które w celu zdobycia wykształcenia wyjeżdżały na emigrację. Poprzez wybrane studia życiorysów i twórczości pokazano relację, jaka zachodziła pomiędzy edukacją, emigracją, twórczością i losem malarek. Przywołane nazwiska kobiet należą do bardzo znanych, ale i tych nieznanych w obiegu sztuki. Powody nieobecności malarek w historii sztuki są złożone. Wydaje się, że jednym z istotnych czynników może być emigracja. Jeśli artystki cieszyły się popularnością na obczyźnie, nierzadko przeoczono ich talent w kraju, a ich sztuka była nieobec¬na w rodzinnych stronach. Z kolei udana kariera zagraniczna nie oznaczała uznania w Polsce. Ważnym aspektem rozważań pozostaje kwestia kobiecej roli społeczno-kulturowej, zwłaszcza w aspekcie autonomii, autorytetu, zobowiązań. Artykuł jest szkicem odwołującym się do płaszczyzny socjologii artysty i historii sztuki oraz socjologii sztuki. Materiał źródłowy stanowiły różnego rodzaju studia i teksty: opracowania historyczne, artykuły naukowe, dzienniki, listy, wystawy malarstwa i albumy, recenzje, kalendaria twórczości, dokumenty życia społecznego i artystycznego, wywiady prasowe.
A COMPOSITE INDICATOR OF HOUSEHOLD DEMAND FOR DEBT (KONSTRUKCJA WSKAŹNIKA ZŁOŻONEGO POPYTU NA KREDYT GOSPODARSTW DOMOWYCH)
Authors: Białowolski Piotr
Published: January 2016

In this paper we present a novel approach for construction of a leading indicator for household demand for debt, i.e. consumer credit demand index. In order to derive the proper set of indicators we first present a theoretical background for the dimensions of the index. With all dimensions of the index at hand we search for indicators in the State of the Households Survey and consumer finance survey. We later aggregate the dimensions into a single index with generalized mean which does not allow for full compensability between dimensions. Finally, we check the leading properties of the index.
THE APPLICATION OF GARCH (1.1) MODEL FOR MESEARING SHOCKS TRANSMISSION IN BOND MARKET
Authors: Karkowska Renata
Published: January 2016

The object of the study is identification of the bond yields volatility in selected European countries, during the crisis of Greece’s public finances from 2010 to 2013. For this purpose used GARCH (1.1) model. The specific aim of the study is to determine: do we have to deal with so-called contagion effect in Treasury bonds market? The analysis was conducted in two trials : 1/ for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, represented by Czech Republic and Poland, 2/ for developed countries – Austria and France.
Oskar Ryszard Lange (1904-1965)
Authors: Domański Czesław
Published: January 2016

Profesor m.in. Szkoły Głównej Planowania i Statystyki (rektor w latach 1952-1955), Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego. Ekonomista, statystyk, działacz polityczny i społeczny. Podstawowym jego dziełem z zakresu statystyki jest praca pt. „Teoria statystyki”. Członek rzeczywisty PAN, Międzynarodowego Instytutu Statystycznego, Międzynarodowego Towarzystwa Ekonometrycznego. Twórca ekonometrii, pełnił funkcję redaktora naczelnego „Econometrica”. Jego dorobek naukowy obejmuje prace z zakresu ekonomii politycznej, polityki ekonomicznej, statystyki, zastosowań matematyki. Do najważniejszych prac należą m.in. „Teoria statystyki” (1952), „Wstęp do ekonometrii”(1958), „Ekonomia polityczna” (1959), „Optymalne decyzje”(1964), „Wstęp do cybernetyki”(1965).
The Cabin Crew Blues. Middle-aged Cabin Attendants and Their Working Conditions
Authors: Bergman Ann , Gillberg Gunnar
Published: January 2016

This article examines how an airline company uses the labor of a group of middle-aged cabin attendants in an industry increasingly characterized by deregulation and competiveness. The study was based on in-depth interviews with seven women, all with between 24 and 30 years of work experience as cabin attendants. The article focuses on the women’s working conditions and well-being and the analysis reveals three key aspects—intensification of work, vulnerability, and aging—that affect the cabin attendants’ experiences and emotions in relation to the work. It is at the intersection of these three aspects that the cabin attendants’ concerns must be understood. The study’s findings indicated that positive emotions such as job satisfaction and commitment have diminished because of exploitative and otherwise poor working conditions. Taking the cabin attendants’ concerns as its point of departure, the article shows that there is a need to move away from a discussion about emotional labor toward a discussion of working conditions.
“You Feel The Threat From Asia”. Onshore Experiences of IT Offshoring To India
Authors: Blomqvist Martha , Peterson Helen , Dhar-Bhattacharjee Sunrita
Published: January 2016

This article investigates the experiences of employees and managers in Swedish companies that offshore IT services to India, focusing on how implementation of offshoring is changing the work organization and working conditions for software developers onsite. Our analysis highlights the fact that the working conditions have been significantly redesigned in several different ways because of offshoring, most obviously due to the need for knowledge transfer between the onshore and the offshore working sites. The study illustrates how employees and managers onsite utilized different strategies for knowledge transfer and how these strategies were more or less successful, sometimes due to resistance from employees. The article concludes that, although offshoring contributed to a separation of conception from execution in these companies, there were few signs of routinization of daily work tasks for onsite employees. Instead, it was the routinized and noncore tasks that were offshored while project management tasks were taken over by onsite staff, which meant that they ended up in a superior position vis-à-vis their Indian colleagues as new global hierarchies were created. Power relations at work, both within firms and between firms, are thus brought to light.
Patterned Inequalities and the Inequality Regime of a Swedish Housing Company
Authors: Boréus Kristina
Published: January 2016

In this article, the authors analyze inequalities between different groups of employees at a housing company in a larger Swedish city. The concept of inequality regime is taken as a point of departure. The purposes of the article are three: first, to add to knowledge of how inequality is generated at an organizational level at specific workplaces; second, to contribute to the understanding of how different practices, processes, and meanings of inequality regimes may interact to create and reinforce inequalities between natives and immigrants; and, third, to contribute to the empirical usefulness of the concept of inequality regime by demonstrating how it can be operationalized and combined with other concepts in the analysis. The study shows how the practices, processes, and meanings at the given workplace generated and reproduced different kinds of inequalities: unequal wages, an ethnic division of labor, unequal influence and job security, and unequal opportunities to capitalize on useful skills (i.e., language competence). Important conclusions are that different kinds of inequalities may reinforce each other by creating vicious circles, and subtler forms of inequality may partly explain explicit wage inequalities.
Evaluation of Collaborative Assessment of Work Integrated Learning
Authors: McNamara Judith , Ruinard Elizabeth
Published: January 2016

The international trend towards an increasingly standards-based approach to higher education and the resultant focus on the assurance of learning in tertiary programs have generated a strong emphasis on the assessment of outcomes across the higher education sector. In legal education, curriculum reform is highly prevalent internationally as a result of various reviews of legal education. As legal education focuses more on the attainment of a broader set of outcomes encompassing soft skills, capabilities and attributes, more authentic assessment will need to be developed appropriate to this new environment, meaning that modes of assessment with strong application in real-life settings should be preferred.

 
How do we assess in Clinical Legal Education? A “reflection” about reflective learning
Authors: Garcia-Añón José
Published: January 2016

Institutional assessment must be distinguished from the assessment of learning. Traditionally, assessment is reduced to institutional assessment: that is, to give a mark depending on the achievement of knowledge instead of focusing in the student’s learning. However, I propose (to remember) that: 1) (Formative) assessment is part of learning; 2) Reflective learning (and reflective skills) is/are a part of assessment. This implies a process of continuous evaluation instead of summative evaluation, for example, through an exam or a similar procedure. So, I agree with the idea that assessment "is not a measurement problem but an instructional design problem."

To clarify what assessment is, we have to discuss several interlinked aspects (validity, reliability and fairness), which are connected to questions that must be answered: When is the assessment considered valid? How do we assess? What do we assess? Some ideas to answer these questions may include the need to provide space (s) and time (s) to reflect on the learning (as a way of learning and as a skill to be acquired), which in turn implies a multiplicity of assessments and/or reflection about learning. This should also include a variety of assessments: self-assessment, peer-assessment, team-assessment, and (external) assessment. And last, but not least: as it is said, reflection should be considered not only a skill but a part of learning. Reflection about learning is an exercise that promotes life-long learning (including that among future lawyers). A reflection about context and experience is the first step for future professional action. The benefits of experiencing autonomy and reflection are the same in a real or in realistic environments. But the experience of responsibility requires a real environment.
Integration of effective microorganisms and membrane bioreactor for the elimination of pharmaceutical active compounds from urine for safe reuse
Authors: Abdel-Shafy Hussein I. , Mansour Mona S. M.
Published: January 2016

The present study aims to investigate the efficiency of integrated effective microorganisms (EM) and membrane bioreactor (MBR) for eliminating pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) from urine. Natural urine was separated using a ‘diversion toilet’. The toilet users were under medication with some pharmaceuticals, namely levofloxacine (LEF), ibuprofen (IBP) and atorvastatin (ATV). For correlation, three MBR pilot-scale sequences were examined. In Sequence 1, the MBR was used without pre-treatment. In Sequence 2, EM was added as pre-treatment in the mixing tank. The effluent was further treated with the MBR. In Sequence 3, EM was added directly to the activated sludge of the MBR. The results showed that Sequence 1 could decrease the PhACs from 10 mg/L to 1.5 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L and 0.9 mg/L for LEF, IBP and ATV, respectively. Sequence 2 exhibited remarkable improvement in PhACs removal. The overall residual concentration reached 0.7, 0.13 and 0.28 mg/L for LEF, IBP and ATV, successively. Applying Sequence 3 gives higher removal efficiency, where the residual concentration of LEF, IBP and ATV decreased to 0.50 mg/L, 0.10 mg/L and 0.22 mg/L, respectively. It was concluded that the contaminated urine was efficiently treated by adding EM directly to the activated sludge of the MBR, and the treated urine can be safely used as fertilizer.
Stones in Motion: Cost units to understand flint procurement strategies during the Upper Palaeolithic in the south-western Pyrenees using GIS
Authors: Prieto Alejandro , García-Rojas Maite , Sánchez Aitor , Calvo Aitor , Dominguez-Ballesteros Eder , Ordoño Javier , García-Collado Maite Iris
Published: January 2016

Studies on lithic resource management –mainly flint– by prehistoric groups south of the western Pyrenees have significantly increased during the past decades. These studies usually focus on identifying outcrops and characterising the different varieties found at archaeological sites. However, the understanding of mobility and territorial management patterns based on raw materials is still very limited and has only been tackled in terms of lineal distance.This paper proposes a methodological approach for the territorial analysis of flint distribution with the three following aims: 1) to determine the expansion ranges of each variety of flint from its outcrop; 2) to spatially relate these outcrops with archaeological sites; and 3) to improve our knowledge on the catchment strategies of Upper Palaeolithic groups.The methodological tool chosen to fulfil these objectives is the Geographic Information System (GIS), because it allows to relate spatially the flint outcrops and flint varieties identified at archaeological sites based on: 1) isocost maps showing the cost of expansion for each variety of flint across the territory built on topography; 2) the quantification of the cost of expansion using Cost Units (CU); and 3) the relationship between the percentage of each variety of flint at each archaeological site and the cost of accessing its outcrop. In order to demonstrate that cost is a powerful way to relate spatially raw material distribution and archaeological sites with outcrops, we contrasted its results with the ones obtained by more classic means (Euclidean distance and distance across the most optimal route). It was therefore shown that cost is better at explaining the spatial relationship between flint outcrops and archaeological sites, which, in turn, provides new data on catchment strategies, mobility patterns and territorial management of Upper Palaeolithic groups.
Morphological diversity and widespread hybridization in the genus Bythotrephes leydig, 1860 (Branchiopoda, Onychopoda, Cercopagidae)
Authors: Litvinchuk Larisa , Litvinchuk Spartak
Published: January 2016

Morphological variation in the genus Bythotrephes was studied. We analyzed
samples from 29 locations through the generic range. Based on the core body
length and the total length, as well as several other morphological
characters, differences were found that are consistent across five groups of
populations previously described as a separate species (B. cederstroemii, B.
crassicaudus, B. transcaucasicus, B. brevimanus, and B. longimanus).
Individuals with intermediate morphological characteristics were detected
where B. cederstroemii, B. brevimanus and B. crassicaudus have geographic
overlap. Based on allozyme analysis, hybrids of B. cederstroemii and B.
brevimanus were revealed in the zone of contact of these two species in the
Volga River drainage and northwestern Russia.
A study of the health profile of rubber plantation workers in rural Kerala
Authors: Nair Tapas Sadasivan , Garg Suneela , Singh Mongjam Meghachandra
Published: January 2016

Background: The state of Kerala produces nearly 90% of India’s natural rubber output. Rubber plantation workers are vulnerable to a variety of health hazards and being in the unorganized sector, do not enjoy the benefits that their counterparts in organized sector enjoy. Hence, monitoring of their health needs to be done periodically.Aims and Objectives: 1. To assess the health status and common illnesses of rubber plantation workers. 2. To detect the prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension among rubber plantation workers.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 154 rubber plantation workers in Pathanamthitta District in the state of Kerala, India in September 2014. Data was collected using a predesigned pretested and semistructured questionnaire containing items to assess the socio-demographic profile, their medical history and individual hazard exposure. Data was analysed in SPSS Version 16.Results: Chemical exposure was the most common hazard reported by rubber plantation workers (70.1%). The most common health complaints were musculoskeletal (66.2%), respiratory (31.2%), dermatological (26.6%) and ophthalmological disorders (22.7%). 20.1% prevalence of diabetes and 29.9% prevalence of hypertension was detected among study subjects; awareness and treatment seeking behaviour was poor.Conclusions: Proper health and safety training of rubber plantation workers on workplace hazards and ergonomics is essential to reduce work-related morbidities. Efforts should be made to enhance their access to healthcare and provide periodic health checkups.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 7(3) 2016 103-107
Estrogen Receptors, Progesterone Receptors and their Correlation with respect to HER-2/neu Status, Histological Grade, Size of Lesion, Lymph node Metastasis, Lymphovascular Involvement and Age in Breast Cancer patients in a hospital in north India
Authors: Nabi Mushood G. , Ahangar Andleeb , Kaneez Subiya
Published: January 2016

Background: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer overall (1.4 million cases, 10.9%) and ranks 5th as cause of death (458,000. 6.1%).The present study was aimed to find the pattern of expression of ER, PR, HER-2/neu and to correlate ER, PR status with respect to various clinicopathlogical factors like HER-2/neu over expression, histological grade, tumor size, lymphnode metastasis, lymphovascular invasion and age of the patient.Materials and Methods: Data from 139 patients was collected and correlation of ER, PR status with various clinicopathological factors was analysed.Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 48.5 years, 56.8% cases being ?50years of age. Tumor size ranged from 1 to 12 cm. Most lesions (57.5%) were>2 to 5 cm in size. The predominant morphology was Infiltrating Duct carcinoma-NOS (90.6%). Majority of cases presented as grade II(46.7%) lesions and lymph node involvement was seen in 66.9%. 49.6% cases were ER+, 49.6% cases were PR+, and HER-2/neu was positive (3+) in 15.8% cases. Older patients were mostly ER+PR+. Low grade tumors were mostly ER+PR+ as compared to high grade tumors. HER-2/neu status revealed an inverse association with hormone receptor positivity. No correlation was found between hormone receptor positivity and lymph node metastasis. Lymphovascular involvement was noted more in hormone negative ER-PR- tumors.Conclusion:  ER and PR expression in our patients was found to be comparable to the studies done in Indian subcontinent, but lower than studies done in west, but triple negative breast cancer prevalence was relatively higher in our study (34.5%).Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 7(3) 2016 28-34
Unprovoked hemothorax : an unusual presentation in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever
Authors: Manappallil Robin George
Published: January 2016

According to WHO, Dengue fever (DF) is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. Dengue Haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a severe and more serious form of DF, characterised by fever, bleeding manifestations, plasma leakage and thrombocytopenia. This is a case of a 28 year old male, who presented with history of fever and myalgia and was diagnosed to have DF. He had developed acute onset dyspnoea and his chest X-Ray showed right sided pleural effusion. Pleurocentesis revealed haemorrhagic fluid in the absence of trauma.Unprovoked hemothorax as an initial presentation of DHF has rarely been reported.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(3) 2016 121-122
Multiple urethral calculus misdiagnosed as urethral stricture: The role of imaging in unknotting the confusion
Authors: Danfulani M. , Saidu S.A. , Musa M.A.
Published: January 2016

Urinary Tract Calculi Impaction / finding in the male urethra is extremely uncommon and can usually be secondary to upper urinary tract calculus formation or primarily arising from the urethra either due to stricture or post-trauma. There is paucity of urethral stricture report in Nigeria, thus this case is reported to highlight the role of imaging in the prompt diagnosis and management of urethral diseases; and to advise urologists to at least always request for imaging modality in their routine evaluation of urethral pathologies. We report a case of a 55 years old male farmer who presented in the Accident and Emergency Unit of our facility with signs and symptoms of acute urinary retention. A working diagnosis of urethral stricture was entertained and prompt diagnosis was made on image. Existing literatures outlining the pathologies, clinical presentation, therapeutic consideration and imaging as it relates to urethral calculi were reviewed. We thus concluded that imaging is very vital and fundamental in order to correctly assess any form of urethral pathology.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 7(3) 2016 118-120
Evaluating the role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in asthmatic Iraqi patients and its correlation with parameters of patients’ clinical characteristics and pulmonary function tests
Authors: Najdat Muhammed Saleh , Lutfi Ahmed M
Published: January 2016

Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the relevance of high-sensitivity assays for C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as a sensitive marker of inflammation in asthmatic Iraqi patients. Additionally, correlations of serum levels of hs-CRP with patients’ clinical characteristics and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) will be studied in a cross-sectional design.Materials and Methods: A random sample of 58 individuals were divided into a healthy (control) group (n = 12) and two groups of adult patients with chronic stable asthma; (n = 22) patients had been receiving inhaled corticosteroids (inhaled corticosteroid-positive, or ICS+VE, group) for the past 2–3 months, and (n = 24) steroid-naive patients (inhaled corticosteroid-negative, or ICS-VE, group). The selected individuals were subjected to hs-CRP measurement and PFTs.Results: The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC), was measured in all subjects. In the ICS+VE and the ICS-VE groups, there was a significant correlation between the level of hs-CRP and FEV1/FVC with r: ?0.891 and a p-value of < 0.0005 for both groups. In the ICS-VE group, 78.5% had significant clinical symptoms, whereas only 22.7% of the ICS+VE group had significant clinical symptoms. This difference (for the prevalence of clinical symptoms) was significant with a chi-square value of 19.59, degree of freedom (df) = 1, and p < 0.0005.Conclusion: In the ICS-VE group, the level of hs-CRP was significantly higher than in both the ICS+VE group and the control group. The values of the PFTs were significantly lower in the ICS-VE group. The prevalence of clinical features was significantly higher in the ICS-VE group.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 7(3) 2016 47-53
Patients with type 2 diabetes have reduced levels of plasma vitamin D3 and are well correlated with the oxidative stress parameters
Authors: Saha Pinaki , Dasgupta Sayantan , Sen Santanu , Kumar Arun , Biswas Utpal Kumar
Published: January 2016

Background: Diabetes has emerged as an epidemic in this country as well as worldwide. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defense are established etiological factors of this multifactorial disease. Some of the recent studies reported deficiency of vitamin-D3 in type-2 diabetic patients. Aims and Objectives: This study was aimed to estimate the total oxidative stress (TOS), the total antioxidant defense (TAD) and the plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels in patients of type-2 diabetes patients with an objective to elucidate if there is any significant correlation between the TOS, TAD and vitamin D3 levels.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in forty patients recently diagnosed type-2 diabetic and the findings were compared with age/sex matched healthy controls. Total oxidative stress and TAD values was estimated by two simple colorimetric tests developed and standardized in our laboratory, plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 by standardized ELISA method.Results  and Discussion: The levels of vitamin D3 in patients was found to be 50.17 ± 15.85ng/ml which was significantly decreased (P<0.001) when compared to healthy control group (75.42 ± 9.59 ng/ml). The plasma vitamin D3 levels show a significant positive correlation (r=0.564, P<0.001) with the TAD values and a significant negative correlation (r=-0.561, P<0.001) with the TOS values in the study subjects. There is significant positive correlation of 25-OH vitamin-D3 with antioxidant defense and significant negative correlation with oxidative stress observed in the current study, and the levels of vitamin D3 were significantly decreased in type-2 diabetes when compared to the healthy controls.Conclusion: The type-2 diabetes patients are usually associated with vitamin D3 deficiency which is significantly correlated with the oxidative stress conditions in this group of patients.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 7(3) 2016 35-40
Etiology of bacterial and parasitological pediatric diarrhoea in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Panda Animesh , Chandrakar Shiv Kumar , Bawankar Smita , Chandi Dhruba Hari
Published: January 2016

Background : Before starting to discuss about Diarrhoea, we have to remember diarrhoea is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Aims and Objectives : The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic and bacterial infections as cause of childhood diarrhoea. Materials and Methods : During the study period, a total of 116 stool samples were collected and processed. Examined grossly and microscopically for presence of ova/cyst. They were also cultured on MacConkey agar and E. coli isolated were identified by standard biochemical tests.Results : Out of 116 stools samples, Entamoeba histolytica (63.33%) and Giardia lamblia (23.33%) were more common parasitic cause diarrhoea among children by either ova or cyst. E.coli (74.13%) was common bacterial cause of diarrhoea among children. E. coli isolated in pure culture and sent for sero typing to Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli. Maximum percent were found to be pathogenic Escherichia coli i.e. EPEC 22.5%. Conclusion :  According to the result, the most common cause of bacterial diarrhoea is E.coli. EPEC were more prevalent followed by EHEC. Thus, macroscopic and microscopic stool examinations as well as culture were important for finding out the course of diarrhoea in childhood.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 7(3) 2016 54-57
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in tertiary care hospital
Authors: Chandrakar Sunita , Enam Sk. Khairul , Panda Animesh , Bawankar Smita , Chandi Dhruba Hari
Published: January 2016

Background : Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are important causes of morbidity, mortality in hospitals & the community worldwide. MRSA has been known to acquire resistance to most antibiotics like ?- lactams & aminoglycosides so these strains are more virulent. Aims and Objectives : Therefore the knowledge & determination of prevalence of MRSA & their current antimicrobial profile becomes necessary to the clinicians to avoid clinical complications from community-acquired & hospital acquired MRSA infection. Materials and Methods : A total of 205 of different samples from different clinical specialties were collected & processed by appropriate microbiological technique like staining, culture, biochemical test & antimicrobial susceptibility test by the use of different antibiotic discs. Results :  The present study shows that 47 out of 105 men comprising 44.76%, whereas in case of females it was 29% i.e 29 out of 100 cases. MRSA percentage of males was higher than the MRSA percentage of female. It proves that men were more prone to acquire the infection by MRSA strain.  Out of 205 clinical samples, 76 were identified as MRSA so the prevalence rate was 37.07% but all the multidrug resistance MRSA were mostly sensitive towards antibiotics like Vancomycin (100%), Rifampicin (100%), Amoxicillin (77.77%) & Amikacin (61.19). Conclusion : In conclusion, vancomycin are considered for treatment to eradicate the MRSA.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 7(3) 2016 72-77
Analysis of the Error in Retrievals of Aerosol Optical Properties from Sunphotometer Measurements of CARSNET Due to a Variety of Objective Factors
Authors: Gui Ke , Che Huizheng , Chen Quanliang , Yu Jie , Zheng Yu , Lu Sai , Wang Hong , Wang Yaqiang , Zhang Xiaoye , Shi Guangyu
Published: January 2016

In situ observation of the aerosol optical properties is important to the validations of satellite and modeling results; however, the operational measurements can be affected by some objective factors. An experiment study has been performed in order to analyze the error in retrievals of aerosol optical properties from sunphotometer measurements caused by a variety of in situ objective factors. The standard instrument relative error analysis method was used to determine the relative error of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Ångström exponent (AE) under the effects of five factors: spider web inside the collimator (F1); collimator bending (F2); dust inside the optical head (F3); incrustation scale inside the optical head (F4); and dust and incrustation scale inside the optical head (F5). The results showed that the five factors caused error for AOD retrieved at 1020, 870, 670 and 440 nm, with the maximum error occurring at 870 nm due to the more sensitive measurement signals. The error ranges of AOD derived from the direct solar measurements in the four bands were −0.34%–8.77%, −6.22%–9.68%, −0.05%–2.52%, −0.96%–3.48% and 5.42%–13.38% for F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5, respectively. The maximum error occurred under the influence of F5 with an average error value of 10%, while the minimum occurred owing to F3 with an average error value of 1%. All of the AEs retrieved from the experimental instruments were smaller than that from the reference instrument. The AE error values were 15.19%, 25.57%, 4.56%, 4.41% and 8.83% for F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5, respectively. The average AE retrieval error value was 11.7%.
DNA and RNA Extraction and Quantitative Real-Time PCR-Based Assays for Biogas Biocenoses in an Interlaboratory Comparison
Authors: Lebuhn Michael , Derenkó Jaqueline , Rademacher Antje , Helbig Susanne , Munk Bernhard , Pechtl Alexander , Stolze Yvonne , Prowe Steffen , Schwarz Wolfgang , Schlüter Andreas , Liebl Wolfgang , Klocke Michael
Published: January 2016

Five institutional partners participated in an interlaboratory comparison of nucleic acid extraction, RNA preservation and quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) based assays for biogas biocenoses derived from different grass silage digesting laboratory and pilot scale fermenters. A kit format DNA extraction system based on physical and chemical lysis with excellent extraction efficiency yielded highly reproducible results among the partners and clearly outperformed a traditional CTAB/chloroform/isoamylalcohol based method. Analytical purpose, sample texture, consistency and upstream pretreatment steps determine the modifications that should be applied to achieve maximum efficiency in the trade-off between extract purity and nucleic acid recovery rate. RNA extraction was much more variable, and the destination of the extract determines the method to be used. RNA stabilization with quaternary ammonium salts was an as satisfactory approach as flash freezing in liquid N2. Due to co-eluted impurities, spectrophotometry proved to be of limited value for nucleic acid qualification and quantification in extracts obtained with the kit, and picoGreen® based quantification was more trustworthy. Absorbance at 230 nm can be extremely high in the presence of certain chaotropic guanidine salts, but guanidinium isothiocyanate does not affect (q)PCR. Absolute quantification by qPCR requires application of a reliable internal standard for which correct PCR efficiency and Y-intercept values are important and must be reported.
Ni Catalysts Supported on Modified Alumina for Diesel Steam Reforming
Authors: Tribalis Antonios , Panagiotou George , Bourikas Kyriakos , Sygellou Labrini , Kennou Stella , Ladas Spyridon , Lycourghiotis Alexis , Kordulis Christos
Published: January 2016

Nickel catalysts are the most popular for steam reforming, however, they have a number of drawbacks, such as high propensity toward coke formation and intolerance to sulfur. In an effort to improve their behavior, a series of Ni-catalysts supported on pure and La-, Ba-, (La+Ba)- and Ce-doped γ-alumina has been prepared. The doped supports and the catalysts have been extensively characterized. The catalysts performance was evaluated for steam reforming of n-hexadecane pure or doped with dibenzothiophene as surrogate for sulphur-free or commercial diesel, respectively. The undoped catalyst lost its activity after 1.5 h on stream. Doping of the support with La improved the initial catalyst activity. However, this catalyst was completely deactivated after 2 h on stream. Doping with Ba or La+Ba improved the stability of the catalysts. This improvement is attributed to the increase of the dispersion of the nickel phase, the decrease of the support acidity and the increase of Ni-phase reducibility. The best catalyst of the series doped with La+Ba proved to be sulphur tolerant and stable for more than 160 h on stream. Doping of the support with Ce also improved the catalytic performance of the corresponding catalyst, but more work is needed to explain this behavior.
Intermittent Very High Frequency Plasma Deposition on Microcrystalline Silicon Solar Cells Enabling High Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Hishida Mitsuoki , Sekimoto Takeyuki , Matsumoto Mitsuhiro , Terakawa Akira
Published: January 2016

Stopping the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) once and maintaining the film in a vacuum for 30 s were performed. This was done several times during the formation of a film of i-layer microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si:H) used in thin-film silicon tandem solar cells. This process aimed to reduce defect regions which occur due to collision with neighboring grains as the film becomes thicker. As a result, high crystallinity (Xc) of μc-Si:H was obtained. Eventually, a solar cell using this process improved the conversion efficiency by 1.3% (0.14 points), compared with a normal-condition cell. In this paper, we propose an easy method to improve the conversion efficiency with PECVD.
Versatile Strip Seed Drill: A 2-Wheel Tractor-Based Option for Smallholders to Implement Conservation Agriculture in Asia and Africa
Authors: Haque Md. , Bell Richard , Kassam Amir , Mia Md.
Published: January 2016

Smallholders in Asia and Africa require low-cost seed drills for minimal soil disturbance while establishing various crops. A seed drill that can be drawn by the widely-available two-wheel tractor (2WT) is an attractive option for mechanization of no-till in small-sized fields. The Versatile Strip Seed Drill (VSSD) was designed with the capacity to make up to 40 mm wide and 60 mm deep strips in untilled land along with seed and basal fertilizer application in a single-pass operation, while powered by the 8.95 to 11.93 kW 2WT. An important innovation of the VSSD was to fit the seed box with both fluted roller-type seed meters for delivery of sufficient small-size seeds to achieve adequate plant density per unit row length; and vertical disk-type seed meters for precision and spaced row planting of larger seeds. Both incessant seed dropping by fluted roller seed meters and spaced planting by vertical disk type seed meters provided optimum plant populations that were generally higher than in conventional, full-tillage plots with the same rate of hand broadcasted seed and fertilizers. Time required for crop establishment by VSSD ranged from 0.13 to 0.18 ha·h−1. When the VSSD was attached to the 2WT for crop establishment, the diesel fuel consumption varied from 4.4 to 6.1 L·ha−1, which was lower than for most 2WT-based planters previously used in Bangladesh. In on-farm multi-locations trials, wheat crops established with the VSSD had statistically similar grain yield compared to conventional tillage; however, significantly higher grain yield was obtained from mustard and lentil, by 14% and 19%, respectively. The VSSD is a unique, minimum-soil-disturbance multi-crop planter, and can be a platform on which to build conservation agriculture systems for small farms in Asia and Africa.
Chitosan Microgels and Nanoparticles via Electrofluidodynamic Techniques for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Guarino Vincenzo , Altobelli Rosaria , Ambrosio Luigi
Published: January 2016

Electrofluidodynamics techniques (EFDTs) are emerging methodologies based on liquid atomization induced by electrical forces to obtain a fine suspension of particles from hundreds of micrometers down to nanometer size. As a function of the characteristic size, these particles are interesting for a wide variety of applications, due to the high scalability of chemical and physical properties in comparison to the bulk form. Here, we propose the optimization of EFDT techniques to design chitosan systems in the form of microgels or nanoparticles for several biomedical applications. Different microscopy techniques (Optical, SEM, TEM) have been used to investigate the morphology of chitosan systems at multiple size scale. The proposed study confirms the high versatility and feasibility of EFDTs for creating micro and nano-sized carriers for cells and drug species.
Developing a Tool to Support Communication of Parental Concerns When a Child is in Hospital
Authors: Heath Gemma , Montgomery Hermione , Eyre Caron , Cummins Carole , Pattison Helen , Shaw Rachel
Published: January 2016

The involvement of parents in their child’s hospital care has been strongly advocated in paediatric healthcare policy and practice. However, incorporating parental worries about their child’s condition into clinical care can be difficult for both parents and healthcare professionals. Through our “Listening To You” quality improvement project we developed and piloted an innovative approach to listening, incorporating and responding to parental concerns regarding their child’s condition when in hospital. Here we describe the phases of work undertaken to develop our “Listening To You” communications bundle, including a survey, literature review and consultation with parents and staff, before findings from the project evaluation are presented and discussed.
A Two-Stage Method to Estimate the Contribution of Road Traffic to PM2.5 Concentrations in Beijing, China
Authors: Fang Xin , Li Runkui , Xu Qun , Bottai Matteo , Fang Fang , Cao Yang
Published: January 2016

Background: Fine particulate matters with aerodynamic diameters smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) have been a critical environmental problem in China due to the rapid road vehicle growth in recent years. To date, most methods available to estimate traffic contributions to ambient PM2.5 concentration are often hampered by the need for collecting data on traffic volume, vehicle type and emission profile. Objective: To develop a simplified and indirect method to estimate the contribution of traffic to PM2.5 concentration in Beijing, China. Methods: Hourly PM2.5 concentration data, daily meteorological data and geographic information were collected at 35 air quality monitoring (AQM) stations in Beijing between 2013 and 2014. Based on the PM2.5 concentrations of different AQM station types, a two-stage method comprising a dispersion model and generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) was developed to estimate separately the traffic and non-traffic contributions to daily PM2.5 concentration. The geographical trend of PM2.5 concentrations was investigated using generalized linear mixed model. The temporal trend of PM2.5 and non-linear relationship between PM2.5 and meteorological conditions were assessed using GAMM. Results: The medians of daily PM2.5 concentrations during 2013–2014 at 35 AQM stations in Beijing ranged from 40 to 92 μg/m3. There was a significant increasing trend of PM2.5 concentration from north to south. The contributions of road traffic to daily PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 17.2% to 37.3% with an average 30%. The greatest contribution was found at AQM stations near busy roads. On average, the contribution of road traffic at urban stations was 14% higher than that at rural stations. Conclusions: Traffic emissions account for a substantial share of daily total PM2.5 concentrations in Beijing. Our two-stage method is a useful and convenient tool in ecological and epidemiological studies to estimate the traffic contribution to PM2.5 concentrations when there is limited information on vehicle number and types and emission profile.
miRNAs Regulation and Its Role as Biomarkers in Endometriosis
Authors: Marí-Alexandre Josep , Sánchez-Izquierdo Dolors , Gilabert-Estellés Juan , Barceló-Molina Moisés , Braza-Boïls Aitana , Sandoval Juan
Published: January 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (18–22 nt) that function as modulators of gene expression. Since their discovery in 1993 in C. elegans, our knowledge about their biogenesis, function, and mechanism of action has increased enormously, especially in recent years, with the development of deep-sequencing technologies. New biogenesis pathways and sources of miRNAs are changing our concept about these molecules. The study of the miRNA contribution to pathological states is a field of great interest in research. Different groups have reported the implication of miRNAs in pathologies such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and gynecological diseases. It is also well-known that miRNAs are present in biofluids (plasma, serum, urine, semen, and menstrual blood) and have been proposed as ideal candidates as disease biomarkers. The goal of this review is to highlight the current knowledge in the field of miRNAs with a special emphasis to their role in endometriosis and the newest investigations addressing the use of miRNAs as biomarkers for this gynecological disease.
Thickness Influence on In Vitro Biocompatibility of Titanium Nitride Thin Films Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Duta Liviu , Stan George , Popa Adrian , Husanu Marius , Moga Sorin , Socol Marcela , Zgura Irina , Miculescu Florin , Urzica Iuliana , Popescu Andrei , Mihailescu Ion
Published: January 2016

We report a study on the biocompatibility vs. thickness in the case of titanium nitride (TiN) films synthesized on 410 medical grade stainless steel substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The films were grown in a nitrogen atmosphere, and their in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed according to ISO 10993-5 [1]. Extensive physical-chemical analyses have been carried out on the deposited structures with various thicknesses in order to explain the differences in biological behavior: profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction and surface energy measurements. XPS revealed the presence of titanium oxynitride beside TiN in amounts that vary with the film thickness. The cytocompatibility of films seems to be influenced by their TiN surface content. The thinner films seem to be more suitable for medical applications, due to the combined high values of bonding strength and superior cytocompatibility.
Effects of the F4TCNQ-Doped Pentacene Interlayers on Performance Improvement of Top-Contact Pentacene-Based Organic Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Fan Ching-Lin , Lin Wei-Chun , Chang Hsiang-Sheng , Lin Yu-Zuo , Huang Bohr-Ran
Published: January 2016

In this paper, the top-contact (TC) pentacene-based organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) with a tetrafluorotetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ)-doped pentacene interlayer between the source/drain electrodes and the pentacene channel layer were fabricated using the co-evaporation method. Compared with a pentacene-based OTFT without an interlayer, OTFTs with an F4TCNQ:pentacene ratio of 1:1 showed considerably improved electrical characteristics. In addition, the dependence of the OTFT performance on the thickness of the F4TCNQ-doped pentacene interlayer is weaker than that on a Teflon interlayer. Therefore, a molecular doping-type F4TCNQ-doped pentacene interlayer is a suitable carrier injection layer that can improve the TC-OTFT performance and facilitate obtaining a stable process window.
In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Acids from a Commercial Aleurone-Enriched Bread Compared to a Whole Grain Bread
Authors: Dall’Asta Margherita , Bresciani Letizia , Calani Luca , Cossu Marta , Martini Daniela , Melegari Camilla , Del Rio Daniele , Pellegrini Nicoletta , Brighenti Furio , Scazzina Francesca
Published: January 2016

Wheat aleurone, due to its potentially higher bioaccessibility and bioavailability of micronutrients and phenolic acids, could represent a useful ingredient in the production of commonly consumed cereal-based food. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro bioaccessibility of phenolic acids both from an aleurone-enriched bread and from a whole grain bread. The two bread samples were firstly characterized for the phenolic acid content. An in vitro digestion was then performed in order to evaluate the release of phenolic acids. The results obtained suggest that the bioaccessibility of the phenolic acids in the aleurone-enriched bread is higher than in the whole grain bread. These in vitro results suggest the potential use of aleurone in the production of foods, and this may represent an attractive possibility to vehicle nutritionally interesting components to consumers.