bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Influence of Parameters of Micro-electrical Discharge Machining on Wear of Tool Electrode
Authors: Puthumana Govindan
Published: June 2017

To achieve better precision of features generated using the micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM), there is a necessity to minimize the wear of the tool electrode, because a change in the dimensions of the electrode is reflected directly or indirectly on the feature. This paper presents a novel modeling and analysis approach of the tool wear in micro-EDM using a systematic statistical method exemplifying the influences of capacitance, feed rate and voltage on the tool wear ratio. The association between tool wear ratio and the input factors is comprehended by using main effect plots, interaction effects and regression analysis. A maximum variation of four-fold in the tool wear ratio have been observed which indicated that the tool wear ratio varies significantly over the trials. As the capacitance increases from 1 to 10 nF, the increase in tool wear ratio is by 33%. An increase in voltage as well as capacitance would lead to an increase in the number of charged particles, the number of collisions among them, which further enhances the transfer of the proportion of heat energy to the tool surface. Furthermore, to model the tool wear phenomenon, a regression relationship between tool wear ratio and the process inputs has been developed.
Numerical Modelling of a Piezo Roof Harvesting System: The Right Component Selection
Authors: Di Leo Romeo , Viscardi Massimo , Tuccinardi Francesco Paolo , Visone Michele
Published: June 2017

The present work focuses on a first study for a piezoelectric harvesting system, finalized to the obtaining of electrical energy from the kinetic energy of rainy precipitation, a renewable energy source not really considered until now. The system, after the realization, can be collocated on the roof of an house, configuring a “Piezo Roof Harvesting System”. After presenting a state of art of the harvesting systems from environmental energy, linked to vibrations, using piezoelectric structures, and of piezoelectric harvesting systems functioning with rain, the authors propose an analysis of the fundamental features of rainy precipitations for the definition of the harvesting system. Then, four key patterns for the realization of a piezoelectric energy harvesting system are discussed and analysed, arriving to the choice of a cantilever beam scheme, in which the piezoelectric material works in 31 mode. An electro-mechanical model for the simulation of performance of the unit for the energetic conversion, composed of three blocks, is proposed. The model is used for a simulation campaign to perform the final choice of the more suitable piezoelectric unit, available on the market, which will be adopted for the realization of the “Piezo Roof Harvesting System”.
Application of Monte Carlo Method for Evaluation of Uncertainties of ITS-90 by Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer
Authors: Palenčár Rudolf , Sopkuliak Peter , Palenčár Jakub , Ďuriš Stanislav , Suroviak Emil , Halaj Martin
Published: June 2017

Evaluation of uncertainties of the temperature measurement by standard platinum resistance thermometer calibrated at the defining fixed points according to ITS-90 is a problem that can be solved in different ways. The paper presents a procedure based on the propagation of distributions using the Monte Carlo method. The procedure employs generation of pseudo-random numbers for the input variables of resistances at the defining fixed points, supposing the multivariate Gaussian distribution for input quantities. This allows taking into account the correlations among resistances at the defining fixed points. Assumption of Gaussian probability density function is acceptable, with respect to the several sources of uncertainties of resistances. In the case of uncorrelated resistances at the defining fixed points, the method is applicable to any probability density function. Validation of the law of propagation of uncertainty using the Monte Carlo method is presented on the example of specific data for 25 Ω standard platinum resistance thermometer in the temperature range from 0 to 660 °C. Using this example, we demonstrate suitability of the method by validation of its results.
Recent advances in surface plasmon resonance imaging: detection speed, sensitivity, and portability
Authors: Zeng Youjun , Hu Rui , Wang Lei , Gu Dayong , He Jianan , Wu Shu-Yuen , Ho Ho-Pui , Li Xuejin , Qu Junle , Gao Bruce Zhi , Shao Yonghong
Published: June 2017

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor is a powerful tool for studying the kinetics of biomolecular interactions because they offer unique real-time and label-free measurement capabilities with high detection sensitivity. In the past two decades, SPR technology has been successfully commercialized and its performance has continuously been improved with lots of engineering efforts. In this review, we describe the recent advances in SPR technologies. The developments of SPR technologies focusing on detection speed, sensitivity, and portability are discussed in details. The incorporation of imaging techniques into SPR sensing is emphasized. In addition, our SPR imaging biosensors based on the scanning of wavelength by a solid-state tunable wavelength filter are highlighted. Finally, significant advances of the vast developments in nanotechnology-associated SPR sensing for sensitivity enhancements are also reviewed. It is hoped that this review will provide some insights for researchers who are interested in SPR sensing, and help them develop SPR sensors with better sensitivity and higher throughput.
Socioeconomics Influences on the Water Competencies of Young Adult Polish Males
Authors: Moran Kevin , Podstawski Robert , Mańkowski Stefan , Choszcz Dariusz , Sarevic Zoran
Published: June 2017

Despite the popularity of aquatic recreation and its well-promoted prophylactic and therapeutic values, not a lot is known about how socio-cultural background influences the acquisition of water competency. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of socio-economic and environmental factors on the swimming and rescue skills of male university students (n = 521) aged 19-20 years residing in the Region of Warmia and Mazury, Poland.

An anonymous questionnaire was used as a diagnostic tool to elicit information on participants’ social backgrounds (such as parental income and level of education). Participants provided self-estimates of swimming and rescue competency that included non-stop distance swimming, familiarity with selected swimming strokes, and their estimated rescue ability.

The results suggest that students’ self-estimated swimming competency, the distance they could swim non-stop, and the capacity to swim various strokes increased in association with higher levels of educational background of the father, higher levels of monthly income, and increased size of residential agglomeration. The level of rescue skills also improved with increases in the educational background of both parents, the size of residential agglomeration, and the monthly budget. No significant differences were found in rescue competency levels when analyzed by the mothers’ educational experience. Levels of both swimming and rescue competencies were lower than those reported in comparable studies.

Socio-economic status (such as a lack of discretionary time and income for families with a lower socio-economic status) and place of residence (such as lack of facilities in small villages and towns) mediated the opportunity to acquire water competencies or gain experience with aquatic activity. Methods for addressing socio-economic barriers to the acquisition of swimming and rescue competency are discussed and recommendations for further research are made.
Bioclimatic regionalization of Moldova west of the Prut River
Authors: Bistricean Petruț Ionel , Mihăilă Dumitru , Liliana Gina Lazurca
Published: June 2017

Bioclimatic research for the regionalization of Moldova west of the Prut River (hereinafter Moldova), focused on the use of various climate indexes, is scarce. Using 9 bioclimatic indexes (THI, Pr, Tpr, ISH, TEE, DI THOM, HUMIDEX, SSI and ISE) calculated based on statistical and cartographic methods, we identified, delineated and outlined the major characteristics of the three bioclimates of Moldova. Following our analysis, three bioclimatic regions were identified: the cold, wet and windy bioclimate, the comfortable bioclimate and the warm-dry and contrasting bioclimate. They fall broadly within the existing bioclimatic regionalization and provide new, complementary quantitative and qualitative information.
Meteorological and agrometeorological weather characterization of summer drought of 2015, in the Republic of Moldova
Authors: Puțuntică Anatolie , Motruc Ala
Published: June 2017

The summer of 2015 in the Republic of Moldova was dry, with significant negative consequences for agriculture. The analysis of drought conditions was conducted through soil moisture reserves (first 100 cm), monthly amounts of precipitation, monthly average temperatures, hydrothermal coefficient Seleaninov, etc. In conclusion, it is stated that the territory of the Republic of Moldova is not an exception to global climate change and every year the drought affects intensively the agriculture of the republic, and there were proposed solutions to adapt to the new climate conditions.
Patient satisfaction with health care in an oncology setting
Authors: Obročníková Andrea , Majerníková Ľudmila
Published: June 2017

Aim. The purpose of cross-sectional study is to investigate the patient satisfaction with health care services provided in inpatient departments of clinical oncology and radiation oncology at the Faculty Hospital in Prešov and at East Slovak Oncology Institute in Košice (Slovakia). The assessment of patient satisfaction contributes to identification of services (factors) which are needed to be constantly improved and to maintenance of the quality of provided healthcare.

Material and methods. For the collection of data a questionnaire EORTC IN-PATSAT 32 with closed answers in a five-point Likert scale was used. Out of 64 recruited patients, who were hospitalized in oncology departments over a week, 63 returned a completed questionnaire. Patient satisfaction was assessed in relation to gender, age, marital status.

Results. patients reported low satisfaction with the hospital access and comfort in inpatients. In terms of the monitored variables, women and patients without life partner reported a lower level of satisfaction with providing care (waiting time, hospital access, comfort).

Conclusions. Patients referred to the deficits in health care in areas such as worse access to care in terms of transport accessibility and orientation in health care facilities. At the same time the environment was not rated high value. These defects are very important elements that significantly affect the survival of cancer patients. The management of health organization should focus attention on this issue and implement internal measures to improve patient satisfaction.
An appraisal of the properties of bottom waste obtained from bio-mass congestion to estimate the ways of its environmental use
Authors: Śliwka Małgorzata , Uliasz-Bocheńczyk Alicja , Pawul Małgorzata
Published: June 2017

The bottom waste obtained from bio-mass burning shows a huge variability of chemical and physical properties, depending on the kind of bio-mass, the type of a cauldron and burning parameters. The huge variability of the bottom ashes from the incineration plant and co-combustion of bio-mass makes it difficult to find any way to its management. In reality, only the bottom ashes from coal combustion and the small amount from lignite combustion are used, mainly in the building industry and in mining industry. The article presents the initial research, concerning the estimation of the properties of the bottom ashes obtained from bio-mass congestion in the fluidized-bed boiler to use them safely for the environment. To determine the influence of the tested waste on plants, a number of pot experiments have been conducted. The plants which have been used are recommended for phytotoxicity estimation, and are also used for biological reclamation.
Preliminary study on the influence of UV-C irradiation on microorganism viability and polyphenol compounds content during winemaking of ‘Regent’ red grape cultivar
Authors: Mijowska Kamila , Cendrowski Krzysztof , Grygorcewicz Bartłomiej , Oszmiański Jan , Nawrotek Paweł , Ochmian Ireneusz , Zielińska Beata
Published: June 2017

In this study, UV-C light was tested as an alternative method to inactivate microorganisms in the must of ‘Regent’ red grape cultivar. The control sample containing the microorganism diluted in a physiological NaCl solution was prepared to take into consideration different conditions of liquids, such as turbidity and colour. Additionally, the changes in the composition of polyphenol compounds in the ‘Regent’ must after UV-C exposure were evaluated. The viability of yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and bacteria (Oenococcus oeni) significantly decreased with time; however, the highest decline was noted after the first hour of exposure. The polyphenol compound content was significantly lower after UV-C treatment and this was mainly the result of anthocyanin decomposition. The total content of flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives increased after irradiation.
Oral hygiene in patients using removable dentures
Authors: Szalewski Leszek , Pietryka-Michałowska Elżbieta , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Properly designed and used denture is conducive to proper rehabilitation of edentulism.

Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and hygiene habits of patients using removable partial dentures (RPDs) including selected sociodemographic characteristics.

Material and methods. The survey comprised 321 individuals wearing RPDs, the residents of the Lublin Province. They were asked about the age, gender, place of residence, education, duration of denture usage, repairs made to RPDs, preparations used for cleansing and disinfection of RPDs, storage at night, causes of visiting the dentist, which was associated with the use of the RPD and the frequency of visits. The results were statistically analyzed.

Results. The average duration of removable partial dentures use was 7.8±5.7 years. The vast majority of respondents cleaned RPDs with a toothpaste – 90.9%, almost 2/3 of the surveyed population – did not disinfect their RPDs, 56.4% people not remove them for the night. Only 3.7% people visited the dentist on regular basis associated with the use of RPDs.

Conclusions. Among people wearing RPDs, too long duration of current RPD usage is confirmed. Moreover, the dentist does not check them regularly because patients do not visit dentists for check-up. RPDs are cleaned using improper preparations and usually are not disinfected. They are inadequately kept at nighttime, if ever removed from the mouth during sleep. Incorrect handling related to the use of removable partial dentures applies to persons regardless of their level of education and place of residence.
Comparison of two treatment methods of congenital clubfoot in the orthopaedists’ opinion
Authors: Okoński Piotr , Misztal-Okońska Patrycja , Okoński Marek , Książek Piotr , Goniewicz Mariusz
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Clubfoot is the second most common birth defect of the lower limb. In Europe (including Poland) it concerns about 1-2 in 1000 newborns. What is characteristic for a clubfoot, is change in the foot shape and its impairment with preserving anatomical structures.

Aim. The aim of this work is to gather opinions of orthopedic physicians on the effectiveness of the two methods used to treat congenital clubfoot: the Turco method and the Ponseti method.

Material and methods. The research method used in the work was a diagnostic survey and research technique was the author’s questionnaire designed to gather opinions of orthopedic surgeons on the two methods of clubfoot treatment. The questionnaires were collected in the Orthopaedic Clinics in Lublin and Rzeszów, as well as during the specialization courses for orthopaedic surgeons in Lublin.

Results. The most important advantages of the Ponseti method according to respondents are high clinical effectiveness (average 4.48) and short duration of hospitalization (average 4.31). While the most important disadvantages of the method is length of rehabilitation (average 2.85) and convalescence (average 2.36). Top assets of the Turco method in turn, according to respondents, are high clinical efficiency (average 2.92) and certainty of the patient’s recovery (2.74). In turn, the downsides of the Turco method according to the respondents are high invasiveness (average 4.11) and length of convalescence (average 3.87).

Conclusion. The Ponseti method is the surveyed doctors’ preferred method of congenital clubfoot treatment.
Community system of social support
Authors: Włoch Krzysztof , Jaroszyński Janusz , Warchoł-Sławińska Ewa , Jurek Anna , Drop Bartłomiej , Furtak-Niczyporuk Marzena
Published: June 2017

Community System of Social Support is the basis of modern health care systems not only in Poland but all over the world in the prophylaxis-treatment-rehabilitation procedure.

In Poland, family doctors, commune councils and territorial self-governments are involved in it. Family doctors perform a substantial function, whereas commune councils and territorial self-governments an administrative one. The principle of the system work is evaluation of its benefits. Its aim is the reduction of the number of patients who abuse alcohol and those who abuse alcohol despite treatment.
Whistle Blowing: What Do Contemporary Ethical Theories Say?
Authors: Bosupeng Mpho
Published: June 2017

The rising number of scandals leading to the closure of many large companies is worrisome. The traditional belief is that business and ethics are oxymorons and one is not expected to be totally virtuous during business operations. Nonetheless, this does not mean ethical standards should be side-lined. Professional associations such as the Chartered Financial Institute (CFA) uphold moral values and urge members to exercise high moral standards and diligence in their duties. Philosophically, major accounting scandals could have been nipped in the bud by whistle blowing before the wrong deeds escalated. However whistle blowing is a major issue and is viewed as disloyalty. In this paper, the dilemmas of whistle blowing are evaluated using contemporary ethical theories which are: egoism, deontology and utilitarianism. The analysis shows that deontology and utilitarianism are based on altruism and may support whistle blowing because they are grounded on consideration of other people. It is worth noting that morally upright adults are often a result of being brought up as ethical children from a psychological standpoint.
Strategic Business Espionage: An Ethics and Business Practices to Gain Opportunity or Community Problems
Authors: Budiono Gatut L. , Sawitri Ni Nyoman
Published: June 2017

The Research mainly focus on the business of espionage, it should be done but must adhere to ethical standards to be able to increase the efficiency of products, lower costs, accelerate business growth. Meanwhile it has been feared able to cause social problems as in theft, causing casualties and harm to the company personnel as well as other individuals. Several strategies have been found to prevent business espionage happening within the business enterprise. The study was conducted through a research library.
Are There Causal Relationships between Islamic versus Conventional Equity Indices? International Evidence
Authors: El Amri Henda , Hamza Taher
Published: June 2017

This paper investigates Islamic Versus Conventional market indexes’ performance. It analyzes also their short and long term relationship by testing cointegration, causality and impulse response functions. The sample period is from 2003 to 2011 and splited into 3 sub-periods: pre, during and post subprime crisis. Our findings provide evidence that first, index performance are somewhat mixed over the different period and through the different indices under consideration, and support the hypothesis that the impact of faith-based screens on investment performance is insignificant. Second, over the three sub-periods, there is no long run relationship between the Islamic indices and their conventional counterparts’ performance, except for the Islamic emerging markets indices. Third, in the short-run, we find different causal links between Islamic Versus non-Islamic indices over the three sub-periods. This finding is robust even after testing an impulse responses functions. Our findings have important implications for international portfolio diversification.
A Review on the Evolution of Calendar Anomalies
Authors: Kumar Satish
Published: June 2017

In this article, we provide a detailed review on the behavior of calendar anomalies (day–of–the–week, January and turn–of–month in particular) to understand their evolution over time. The research in the area of stock market indicates negative returns on Monday and positive returns on Friday; however, in the currency markets, results are opposite, that is, the returns on Monday are positive and higher than the returns on Friday which show negative returns. For the January (TOM) effect, the literature suggest that the returns during January (TOM trading days) are higher (lower) than the returns during rest of the year (non–TOM trading days). Further, these calendar anomalies were stronger during the 1980s and 1990s and have gradually diminished in the recent times which indicate that the markets have achieved a higher degree of efficiency.
Dynamic Externalities and Regional Manufacturing Growth: Evidence from India
Authors: Sharma Anand
Published: June 2017

Using Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) dataset for 11 two-digit manufacturing industries and 20 states, this paper tests the relationship between dynamic agglomeration externalities and regional manufacturing growth for India. Three types of dynamic externalities have been proposed in the literature for explaining this relationship – Marshall-Arrow-Romer (MAR) specialization externalities, Jacobs’s diversity externalities, and Porter’s competition externalities. This paper examines the effect of these dynamic externalities on regional manufacturing employment and total factor productivity (TFP) growth for selected Indian industries between 2001-02 and 2011-12. The panel data model results show that dynamic externalities are important in influencing employment growth but they do not seem to have an impact on the growth of manufacturing productivity. Further, the results show that specialization externalities positively affect the employment growth of capital-intensive industries whereas diversity externalities favourably affect the employment growth in labour-intensive industries. Our results suggest that the importance of dynamic externalities should not be examined by pooling all industries. The results also highlight the importance of infrastructural investments for boosting the growth of manufacturing employment and productivity.
Insult or prejudice: a study on the racial prejudice expression in football
Authors: Ferreira Andreza Silene Silva , Leite Eldo Lima , Muniz Aíla Souza , Batista José Roniere Morais , Torres Ana Raquel Rosas , Estramiana José Luis Álvaro
Published: June 2017

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar em que medida o preconceito racial no futebol medeia a relação entre o uso de agressões verbais e a concordância com posicionamentos que negam a existência do preconceito racial no futebol. Participaram desta pesquisa 295 estudantes universitários da Paraíba, com idades entre 15 e 61 anos (M = 21, DP = 6,01) sendo 109 do sexo masculino e 185 do sexo feminino. Os resultados indicaram que a variável “preconceito racial” mediou totalmente a relação entre a agressão verbal e a concordância com as ações judiciais. Assim, as agressões verbais não seriam apenas manifestações de atitudes negativas direcionadas ao time rival, mas ao estarem associadas, de maneira significativa, com o preconceito, convertem-se em uma poderosa forma de legitimação do preconceito racial ao negar sua existência.
Relaciones de pareja homosexual y heterosexual: un estudio comparativo
Authors: García Felipe E. , Garcia Escobar Carlos , Hein Helly , Hernández Álvaro , Torres Patricio , Valdebenito Rayén , Vera Camilo
Published: June 2017

Esta investigación tiene el propósito de evaluar y comparar a personas heterosexuales y homosexuales, con relaciones de pareja estables, respecto a los componentes de la teoría triangular del amor, tácticas de resolución de conflictos, ajuste con la pareja y bienestar psicológico. Participaron 157 adultos jóvenes chilenos, 77 homosexuales (30 lesbianas y 47 gays) y 80 heterosexuales (45 mujeres y 35 hombres). Se utilizaron la Escala de Ajuste Diádico, la Escala Triangular del Amor de Sternberg, la Flourishing Scale de Diener y el Conflict Resolution Style Inventory de Kurdek. Los resultados muestran algunas diferencias significativas en tácticas de resolución de conflicto, componentes del amor y ajuste en la pareja, según la orientación sexual; además existen diferencias entre las mujeres que conviven y no conviven.
Estrés, afrontamiento y calidad de vida relacionada a la salud en mujeres con cáncer de mama
Authors: Lostaunau Vanessa , Torrejón Claudia , Cassaretto Mónica
Published: June 2017

Este estudio examina la contribución que tienen el estrés traumático, el estrés percibido y el afrontamiento sobre los componentes físico y mental de la CVRS de 53 mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el cuestionario de salud SF-36, el inventario de estimación del afrontamiento COPE, la escala de estrés percibido EEP y la adaptación peruana de la escala de estrés traumático. Se encontraron niveles promedio y altos de CVRS. La condición de migración, el tipo de tratamiento y el estrés traumático explican el 30% de la variabilidad del componente físico; mientras que, el estrés traumático, el estrés percibido y el estilo orientado a la emoción, explican el 43% de la variabilidad del componente mental.
Research on language and gender in Iceland: History and current trends
Authors: Friðriksson Finnur
Published: June 2017

Abstract not available
Den otidsenliga böjningen: Föreställningar om den adjektiviska a- och e-böjningen 2002–2014
Authors: Bylin Maria
Published: June 2017

Abstract saknas
The I/eye is in the verb: Towards a poetics of the feminist poetic I
Authors: Hallgren Hanna
Published: June 2017

Abstract is not available
Den jämlika äktenskapslagen i Finland: Ett nedslag i medieoffentligheten
Authors: Siivonen Jonita
Published: June 2017

Abstract saknas
I’m fine: Gender and modest displays of mental distress
Authors: Sternudd Hans T.
Published: June 2017

Abstract not available
Behov av språkkunskaper på exportföretag
Authors: Rosén Christina
Published: June 2017

Abstrakt saknas
La transposición musical-narrativa en la literatura latinoamericana contemporánea
Authors: De Oliveira Mattos Anna Paula
Published: June 2017

El artículo aquí presentado se concentra sobre una importante vertiente de la literatura contemporánea en América Latina y Caribe, identificada por la crítica especializada como “narrativa de lo musical popular” o “narrativa de la música popular latinoamericana”. La apropiación de la temática y el lenguaje musicales de formación erudita y folclórica en obras de ficción ya era, en la mitad del siglo XX, un recurso bastante común en la literatura del continente. Sin embargo, a partir de la década de 1970, el uso de la dramaticidad característica de las canciones de masa y el universo cultural que las rodea, fue ganando espacio en la escritura de autores de varias nacionalidades. En ese sentido, es posible afirmar que la industria de la cultura y el conjunto de los grandes medios pasaron a ser reconocidos como agentes de formación identitaria y a proveer material estético y simbólico para la creación literaria. Abordamos, así, algunos ejemplos de repragmatización de los géneros musicales populares realizadas por escritores como Guillermo Cabrera Infante, Lisandro Otero, Oscar Hijuelos, Umberto Valverde y Washington Cucurto, tanto para exponer los recursos utilizados en sus narrativas como para apuntar algunos caminos analíticos posibles en este cruce peculiar de lenguajes.
Going on safari: the tales of two Koos Prinsloos
Authors: Cloete Elsie
Published: June 2017

In Kiswahili, the word safari simply means going on a journey. This article is about journeys begun, aborted and ended by two people with the matching names of Koos Prinsloo. Koos Prinsloo Senior used his handwritten memoir about his journeys and hunting adventures as a symbolic reference to his masculinity and frontiersman status in Kenya at the height of British colonialism. Koos Prinsloo Junior, his Kenyan-born grandson, who left Kenya as a youngster and lived in South Africa, embarks on journeys where his short stories explore, amongst other issues, matters of homosexuality and notions of the father, power and colonial nostalgia. Koos Prinsloo Junior uses excerpts from his grandfather's memoir, descriptive references to his parents' past and present homes, mementos and trophies from the erstwhile British colony to provide a critique on bravado and male inadequacy. Using Veracinia's outline of circular and linear colonial narratives a contextual and historical background on Koos Prinsloo's grandfather's memoir and his hunting tales is provided by briefly examining settler life-writing from Kenya, the hunting safari and ideas of homecoming. Before turning to Prinsloo Junior' relevant short stories and examining his attempts to debunk ideas of colonial masculinity, patriarchy, nostalgia, and loss, the notion of going home, not feeling quite at home and homesickness are explored.
Wole Soyinka’s A Play of Giants and King Baabu: The crises between ideology and (social) vision
Authors: Afolayan Kayode
Published: June 2017

Any valid inquiry into the meaning of any imaginative writing will lend itself to the salutary credentials of its content and form. This recourse has always created a divide that seeks on the one hand the aesthetic value of the art and on the other its functional or social values. The social themes discernible in the works of many African writers have provided the impetus for an assessment that digs up the social relevance and the ideological slants of such works. For Wole Soyinka, many critics, building on the ideas of Chinweizu, Madubuike and Jemie, have identified a gap between social responsiveness and ideology in his works. This paper, using Soyinka's A Play of Giants and King Baabu, re-examines the centrality of ideology to texts of social engagement in the postcolonial space. Within the context of the humanistic values that the playwright esteems, this essay scrutinizes the social conditions in the plays and the dramatist's "vision". The conclusion asserts the social relevance of the texts but queries the lack of absolute prescription in Soyinka's work under scrutiny.
Deep digital poetry: Interrogating Tiv oral poetry within postmodernity
Authors: Ikyer Godwin Aondaofa
Published: June 2017

Poetry is one of the most vibrant artistic forms for socio-economic and political reconstruction of society among the Tiv of North Central Nigeria. The poets fix themselves in the forefront of arousing and propagating cultural consciousness, exposing vices, extolling virtues and personalities with such attributes, mobilizing people for unity and development, ensuring progressive change, maintaining social order and cohesion, unmasking socio-economic contradictions of class and polity, expressing the unheard voices of the voiceless in society and charting out a direction for the future of society. By reflecting the jeers, fears, aspirations, visions and general character of the society, they occupy a popular place and position in the social structure of Tiv society and their poetry is reinvigorated, in the usual popular way, in the new sensibilities of the digital technology being they dynamic in thematic exploration, traditional or modern. This article presents an exploratory overview of Tiv poetry in its changing digital forms of "secondary orality" which not only preserve the material but transform its productive, aesthetic and performance bounds to unending digital spaces creating in the wake a new character, a special effect, a new transmitting and storage pattern and the commodification of an individual's creations. The paper finally locates digi-orature, this new way of interrogating oral poets and their creations, within the ambience of postmodernity capable of attracting audiences outside the Tiv linguistic and geographical space.
Poetic devices as part of the trauma narrative in Country of My Skull
Authors: Anker Johan
Published: June 2017

This article investigates the role of poetic devices in a trauma narrative like Country of My Skull. The nature and characteristics of a trauma narrative are described with reference to Country of My Skull and Antjie Krog's style as poet and journalist. The theory and role of figurative language in trauma narratives suggest an attempt to describe that which is indescribable and unrepresentable about traumatic events and experiences like Krog attempts to do in Country of My Skull. Different tropes like skull, language, body, sounds and landscape or country are identified and followed through the text as part of the working through of a traumatic experience. Krog is the narrator in this 'highly personal account', describing the traumatic testimonies of witnesses during the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She is confronted with her own traumatic experience as secondary witness to these events as a reporter, journalist, and translator-interpreter of stories of unspeakable horror. The broadening of perspective in the different tropes shows signs of the working through of this trauma and the process of healing to the reintegration of a divided, fragmented identity and agency.
Paris as ‘unreal city’: Modernist conceptions in Michiel Heyns’s Invisible Furies
Authors: Wessels Andries
Published: June 2017

Michiel Heyns's sixth novel, Invisible Furies (2012) is deeply inscribed in the author's profound engagement in and knowledge of the grand modernist tradition. The article aims to illuminate and discuss this underrated novel in terms of some of its modernist attributes by relating the work conceptually to the works of great modernist writers, particularly T. S. Eliot and E. M. Forster, in order to demonstrate its impressive literary scope and density of meaning. While there are direct allusions to Eliot's poetry in the text, it is a certain sensibility and perspective that reminds the reader forcibly of Eliot's vision, particularly in The Waste Land (1922) and The Hollow Men (1925). Eliot's image of the "Unreal city", derived from Baudelaire's Les sept veillards, is particularly pertinent. A number of modernist concerns or themes are addressed in this context, in particular the ambiguous merits and value of the aesthetic, social alienation, the city and the concept of Forster's "eternal moment" (his equivalent to Joyce's "epiphany", Virginia Woolf's "moment of being" and Eliot's "moment in and out of time") as a possible means of salvation in the face of the meaninglessness of a spiritu- ally and emotionally arid, modern existence.
Melancholia and the search for the lost object in Farah’s Maps
Authors: Eruvbetine A.E. , Azumurana Solomon Ombatsola
Published: June 2017

Maps, given its intriguing narrative thrusts and multi-axial thematic concerns, is arguably the most studied or analysed of Nur- rudin Farah's nine prose fictions. The novel's title as well as its synopsis has naturally dictated the focus of critics on the Western Somalia Liberation Front's war efforts geared towards liberating the Ogaden from Ethiopian suzerainty and restoring it to Somalia. The nationalist fervour, the war it precipitates and its fallouts of a strife-ridden milieu have such a pervading presence in the novel that the personal experiences of the novel's two major characters, Askar and Misra, are quite often discussed as basic allegories of ethnic and nationalistic rivalries. This paper focuses on the personal experiences of Farah's two major characters. It contends that the private story of Askar and Misra is so compelling and central to the many issues broached in the novel that it deserves significant critical attention. Drawing upon Sigmund Freud's and Melanie Klein's concepts of melancholia, the paper explores how central the characters' haunting sense of melancholia is to the happenings in Farah's Maps.
Comparative study between readjustable gastric balloon filled with air and others filled with saline inserted for obese patients and their effect on weight loss
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Abdel Monem
Published: June 2017

Background: Gastric balloon is widely used nowadays for weight loss for a category of patients that need loss of weight with average from 15 to 40 kgs and there is a  long time of revolution for design and construction of gastric balloon beginning from non-inflatable air filled to re-inflatable saline filled ones.1 The gastric balloon we used in our study is the re-inflatable saline filled type which formed from very tough type of elastic material resist gastric acidity for long as more than one year,2 and the advice period for insertion ranging from 6 months to one year before removal.3 Aim was to compare the effect of filled material that we inject inside the balloon either air or saline on the reduction of weight of patients at the end of one year insertion of the re-inflatable gastric balloon.Methods: Thirty obese patients (19 female) and (11 male) undergoing gastric balloon insertion at Alsalama hospital Abu Dhabi  are classified into two groups (group I) 15 patients (9 female and 6 males) are subjected to insertion of re-inflatable gastric balloon filled with 700 ml air and (group II) 15 patients (10 female and 5 male) are subjected to the insertion of re-inflatable gastric balloon filled with saline mixed with methylene blue and both groups was followed at 2,4 and 12 months postoperative.Results: The use of gastric balloon filled with saline causes more weight loss in patients than re-inflatable gastric balloon filled with air at the end of study.Conclusions: The use of saline filled re-inflatable gastric balloon insertion for weight reduction gives more good results in reduction of patient’s weight in our study.
Simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy with abdominoplasty
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Abdel Monem
Published: June 2017

Background: The use of laparoscope in surgical removal of gall bladder became one of the most popular surgical procedures and abdominoplasty which was used from long time even during 1900, mostly done as a separate surgical procedure in our research we combined both procedures in the patients subjected to the study.Methods: Thirty-two patients presented to our hospital with abdominal wall laxity and symptomatic cholelithiasis. All of them wanted to undergo a cosmetic procedure (abdominoplasty) to reduce the abdominal wall laxity. They were also diagnosed to have cholelithiasis and had intermittent episodes of pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The ports for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were made in such a way that all the ports sites were under the elevated skin flap that was excised during abdominoplasty, and there was no scar in the upper abdomen.Results: The procedure was completed without leaving any tell-tale signs of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and this led to a better cosmetic result from the patients’ point of view.Conclusions:On conclusion, we recommend asking for abdominal ultrasound examination for all patients coming for abdominoplasty especially following weight loss after surgery for morbid obesity even if the patient is asymptomatic. We recommend the use of the technique which we used for port placement as it is convenient, easy, and has no side effects on patients in comparison with other techniques.
Helicobacter pylori colonization of gallbladder in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis
Authors: Gunasekaran Prabakar , Vinson Izhar
Published: June 2017

Background: The relation of Helicobacter pylori and its presence in gallbladder mucosa in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis has been a topic of various studies. In order to establish this relation, this study has been performed so as to bring to light the capability of the organism to harbor in the gallbladder.Methods: The patients underwent gastroscopy for specimens of gastric mucosa followed by laparoscopic/open cholecystectomy and histopathological examination of gallbladder specimen.Results: The results showed H. pylori in 16 (40%) in gastric mucosa specimens and 4 (10%) in gallbladder mucosa specimens.Conclusions: This revealed a significant correlation of H. pylori colonization in gallbladder mucosa with respect to gastric mucosa colonization.
A study on microbiology culture of acute appendicectomy specimen and its correlation with wound infection
Authors: Parthiban N. , Harish Mamilla
Published: June 2017

Background: Appendicitis is a common condition which frequently requires emergency surgery and has postoperative wound infection has been reported in few cases which can be influenced by many factors, the most important being surgical skill and technique and the criteria used to define the infection. Bacteria play an important role in appendicitis and the local application of antibiotics or antiseptics can reduce the incidence of wound infection. In this study, we analyse the microbiology culture of acute appendicectomy specimen and its correlation with wound infection.Methods: This is a randomised control test study which was carried out 56 patients with appendicitis. The swab was taken from appendix lumen after appendicectomy and wound infection was sent to laboratory to carry out histology findings and infective organisms respectively. All patients were followed postoperatively for wound infection.Results: Bacteria was isolated from 60% swabs taken from appendix lumen in which gram-negative bacilli isolated as commonest bacteria among which perforated appendicitis shows 66.7% isolation of bacteria. Wound infection among patients underwent appendicectomy was 21%. Gram-negative bacilli were isolated from almost all swabs (100%) taken from wound infection.Conclusions: From this study and results, it shows gram negative bacilli was the commonest organisms isolated from the swabs taken from both appendix lumen and wound infection.
Evaluation of Alvardo score in diagnosis of acute appendicitis
Authors: Mokati Uday Kiran , Rao L. Hari Prasada , Durgesh N. Siva , Avinash P. , Lakshmi K. Baby , Prasad K. S. S. V. R. A. , Teja V. Viswa , Bhargavi P. , Deepika B. Anu , Krishna P. Rama
Published: June 2017

Background: Acute appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal pain for which a prompt diagnosis is rewarded by a marked decrease in morbidity and mortality. Right Iliac fossa pain is the hallmark of acute appendicitis until proven otherwise. Decision making in a case of acute appendicitis may be difficult, especially for junior surgeons. Hence, we aimed at analysing the Alvarado Score in patients with right iliac fossa pain.Methods: A prospective study involving 120 patients with right iliac fossa pain attending KIMS casualty during May 2015- April 2016 were included in the study. Results: The least was in the age group of 56 to 65 years (2%). Out of 120 patients, 84 were males (70%) and 36 were female (30%). The male to female ratio was 1:0.4. Patients with Alvarado score 7-9 (Group I) includes 60 male and 26 females (71% of total study group). Alvarado score 5-6 (Group II) includes 17 males,19 female (22% of total study group). Alvarado score 1-4 (Group III) includes 7 males, and 1 female (7% of total study group). In patients of Group I, among 60 males, 51 were confirmed with acute appendicitis. Among 26 females, 19 were confirmed with acute appendicitis, with a positive appendicectomy rate of 81.3% and negative appendicectomy rate 19.7%. The numbers of patients were highest in the age group 15 to 25 years (38%) followed by 36 to 45 years (30%).Conclusions: The Modified Alvarado scoring system was found to be highly effective in the diagnosis of the acute appendicitis in men and can be widely used to avoid expensive time consuming and non-readily available additional investigations. However, this system was not very effective in women. Therefore, ultra sound examination of abdomen and pelvis and diagnostic laparoscopy are also advised to minimize the high false negative rate in women which excludes common pelvic pathology that mimic clinically acute appendicitis.
Preparing for laparoscopic surgery: a quick note
Authors: Sahay Nishant , Akhilesh Kumar
Published: June 2017

Laparoscopic surgeries are performed even in the remotest areas of the world today and are not bereft of complications. This article is an effort to provide the surgeons with a quick check note on patient preparation before a laparoscopic surgery. It hopes to remind them of some of the unique difficulties brought about by pneumoperitoneum and positioning and the measures which may be needed to counter them.
Study of respiratory distress syndrome in newborn with special reference to the role of bubble CPAP in its management
Authors: Sanghvi Avi , Rasania Manish
Published: June 2017

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation with surfactant therapy was standard treatment of RDS. IIPV is invasive, costly and requires expertise. It is not a viable option for many of the resource limited SNCU set ups of our country. Trials have showed that CPAP is noninvasive, easy to use, safe and effective. This study was done to find out effectiveness of CPAP in RDS, and also to find CPAP failure factors.Methods: This was a prospective observational study, carried out at SNCU of Dhiraj hospital, Piparia, Vadodara district, Gujarat, India form February 2014 to March 2015. Neonates with diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome were included in this study.Results: Total 57 (42 inborn and 15 out born) cases of RDS were analyzed in this study. Incidence of RDS was 3.68% of live births. 5(8.8%) settled down with low flow oxygen only. 24 (42.1%) successfully treated with CPAP only. 15 (26.3%) were treated with CPAP and surfactant. 13 (22.8%) were CPAP failure cases which required ventilator support. The variables significantly associated with failure of CPAP were: no exposure to antenatal steroids (p value of 0.025), grade 3-4 RDS on CXR (p value of 0.03), PDA (p value of 0.0264), sepsis/pneumonia (p value of <0.001) and Silverman Anderson score of ≥7 at admission (p value of 0.001). 3 (5.3%) went on DAMA. 5 (8.8%) expired and 49 (85.9%) were discharged. 4 out of 5 (80%) death occurred in very preterm group. 4 (80%) of death occurred in neonates whose mothers did not receive any dose of antenatal steroid. There was no mortality in neonates who were in need of surfactant and received within 6 hours of life. 75% of neonates having sepsis and asphyxia both along with RDS expired.Conclusions: Bubble CPAP is safe and very effective in low resource settings. CPAP failure is significantly associated with no antenatal steroids, grade 3 to 4 x-ray changes of RDS, Silverman Anderson score of ≥7 at beginning of CPAP, presence of significant PDA and association of sepsis/pneumonia.