bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Short review on the use of renewable energies and model predictive control in buildings
Authors: Santos-Herrero Jose Maria , LOPEZ-GUEDE Jose Manuel , Flores Ivan
Published: February 2018

This short review is based on an overview of the most recent works of the literature related to climatization in buildings. A total number of 40 relevant papers that have been published in the last years in prestigious international journals have been reviewed with the aim of showing the current state of the art in this field. It is very important as the new European regulations that will be applied in the next years in the construction of buildings, aiming to achieve nearly-Zero Energy Buildings (nZEBs), will require a multidisciplinary work in the different areas that affect the design of buildings. For this reason, it is relevant the envelope, the user behavior, the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning applied (HVAC) and the influence of the meteorological conditions, among others. But apart from this, it would be very interesting any other alternative which helped to reach these targets. This article proposes the possibility of using Model Predictive Control (MPC) besides to Renewable Energies in order to optimize the energy management of air-conditioning in public and office buildings through a radiant floor by solar system and high-performance heat pump systems for their heating / cooling. In this paper, a short review is initially exposed where the different "Input data and information" are analyzed, to end up proposing an Operative for a Predictive Control using these Renewable Energies.
A case study of PV-wind-diesel-battery hybrid system
Authors: Uğurlu Adem , Gökçöl Cihan
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a mountain house in Sakarya, Turkey,
which are mainly powered by renewable energy resources rather than the
conventional ones, are designed. Therefore, numerous hybrid renewable power
generating systems including the components like wind turbine, PV, diesel
generator and battery are considered in different configurations. Eventually,
they are technically and economically analyzed by using the well-known HOMER
software. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is also performed considering
variations in two important parameters, namely wind speed and solar
irradiation. According to the results, the hybrid power generation with the
optimal hybrid configuration system includes a 2 kW photo voltaic array, a 1 kW
wind turbine, a 1 kW diesel generator, a 1 kW power converter and 12 batteries.
In addition, this system has the net present cost of 29,304 $ as well as the
cost of energy as 0.752 $/kWh. Lastly, the optimum hybrid system is then
compared to the other hybrid systems regarding some non-eco-friendly
pollutants.
Properties of SnO2:F thin films prepared by using HF or NH4F after exposure to atmosphere
Authors: IKHMAYİES Shadia
Published: February 2018

Nanocrystalline fluorine
doped tin oxide (SnO2:F) thin films were produced by the spray
pyrolysis technique (SP) on glass substrates at a substrate temperature Ts
= 450 °C. The hydrated stannous chloride (SnCl2.2H2O) was
used as a precursor and ammonium fluoride (NH4F) was used as the
doping compound for one set of films, and hydrofluoric acid (HF) was used as
the doping compound to produce another set of films. After exposure to
atmosphere for about one month, a comparison between the compositional,
morphological and optical properties of the films obtained by using the two
doping compounds was performed by using scanning electron microscope (SEM)
observations, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and transmittance
measurements. Both sets of films are found to be oxygen rich, but the films
prepared by using NH4F have higher oxygen content. SEM images showed
that the films prepared by using HF have larger grain size, and EDS analysis
showed that these films have higher fluorine to oxygen ratio. In addition, the
films prepared by using HF have lower transmittance and higher direct optical
bandgap energy. These results are interesting for the use of SnO2:F  as a fore contact in CdS/CdTe solar cells.
Acil Serviste Pantopaque Kullanımına Bağlı Farklı Bir İntraserebral Görüntü; Pantopaque Droplets.
Authors: AYDIN İrfan , POYRAZ M.kaan , POYRAZ Melahat , ALGIN Abdullah
Published: February 2018

Bel
ağrıların tanısında manyetik resonans görüntüleme kullanılmadan önce radyografi
ve  miyelografi kullanılıyordu. Myelografi,
Omuriliğe kontrast madde verilerek çekilen omurilik röntgenidir. Pantopaque geçmişte
myelografi amacıyla kullanılmış olan yağlı bir kontrast maddedir. Etken maddesi
iodophenylundecylic asittir. En önemli yan etkisi subaraknoid mesafelerde
damlacık şeklinde kalıntılar bırakmasıdır. Günümüzde yerini tamamen suda eriyen
kontrast maddelere bırakmıştır. Bu yazıda acil servisimize baş ağrısı nedeniyle
başvuran ve  subaraknoid bölgede
pantopaque’ye  bağlı yağ damlacıkları
olan bir vaka sunumu yaptık.
Ani ve beklenmedik ölümlerde kardiyak tamponad. Araştırma ve bir olgu sunumu
Authors: KAFADAR Hüseyin
Published: February 2018

Perikard
içerisinde sıvı birikimine sekonder meydana gelen ve intraperikardiyal basınç
artışı ile ventriküllerin diyastolde doluşunun kısıtlanması, atım volümü ve
kalp debisinin düşmesi ile ortaya çıkan klinik tablo kalp tamponadı olarak
tanımlanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada ani ve beklenmedik ölümler arasında görülen
kardiyak tamponada bağlı ölümleri, bir olgu eşliğinde, adli tıp uygulamaları
açısından tartışmayı amaçladık.                Olgumuz 82 yaşında yalnız
yaşayan bir bayandır. Yakınlarının telefonla ulaşamaması sonucu kapı kilidi
kırılarak eve girilmiş ve vaka ölü olarak bulunmuştur. Yapılan otopside non
travmatik aort rüptürüne bağlı meydana gelen kardiyak tamponad sonucu öldüğü
tespit edildi.       
      Ani ve beklenmedik ölümlerde en sık
neden kardiyovasküler hastalıklar olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. İkinci sıklıkta
ise santral sinir sistemi hastalıkları yer almaktadır. Ani ve beklenmedik
ölümler arasında yer alan kardiyak tamponada bağlı ölümlerin adli tıp
uygulamaları açısından irdelenmesi ve verileri ile tartışması gerektiğine
inanıyoruz.
Korozif madde içimine bağlı mide perforasyonu sonucu ölüm. Olgu sunumu
Authors: KAFADAR Hüseyin
Published: February 2018

Korozif
maddelerin kazara içilmesi çocukluk çağında, intihar amacıyla alınması ise
adolesan çağında sık görülen bir durumdur. Bu çalışma intihar amacıyla korozif
madde içilmesine bağlı mide perforasyonu sonucu ölüm ve erişkin intiharlarına
dikkat çekmek amacıyla sunulmuştur.

            Hastaneye şuuru açık olarak
getirilen 67 yaşındaki hasta korozif madde (tuz ruhu) içtiğini söylemiştir.
Muayenede batın distandü olup, rebaunt alınamadığı, hastaya yatış verilerek
endoskopi yapıldığı, endoskopide; özefagusta parşömen şeklinde nekrotik alanlar
ve mide mukozasında yaygın hemorajik alanlar izlendiği yazılmıştır. Otopside;
batında massif hemorajik mide içeriği, ince bağırsak mezosunda yaygın hemorajik
irritasyon bulgusu, mide antrumunda 2X1 cm hemorajik perforasyon ve mide
mukozasında hemorajik alanlar tespit edildi.

            Korozif
madde içimi sonrası erken dönemde yapılan endoskopik inceleme hastalığın seyri
ve hastanın takibi açısından önemli bilgiler verebileceği gibi otopsiyi yapan
hekime de yol gösterici olabilir. Ancak, korozif madde içimi sonrasında meydana
gelen perforasyonların antemortem veya postmortem meydana geldiğinin ayrımının
yapılması adli tıp açısından önem arz etmektedir.
Erkek ve Bayan Futbolcularda Nar Suyunun Kan Lipoproteinleri ile Demir ve Demir Bağlama Kapasitesi Üzerine Etkisi
Authors: Öncü Bekir , İRİADAM Mehmet
Published: February 2018

Amaç: Bu
çalışmanın amacı Spor geçmişi olan genç erkek ve
bayan futbolcularda nar suyunun kan lipoproteinleri ile demir-demir bağlama
kapasitesi üzerine olası etkilerini belirleyip futbolcuların performansına ne
şekilde ve hangi düzeyde etkilediğini belirlemek olacaktır.Araştırma;
Şanlıurfaspor (U-19, 17 ve 16) erkek takımları ile Şanlıurfa Gençlikspor bayan futbol
takımından spor geçmiş olan, yaşları 16-19
arasında değişen futbolculara anket formu uygulanan 22 Erkek, 22 Bayan olmak
üzere toplam 44 gönüllü futbolcu belirlenerek çalışma yapıldı.  Belirlenen
futbolcular 11’ er kişilik dört gruba ayrıldı. Gruplar; bay, bayan deney ve
kontrol grubu olarak belirlendi. Futbolcular haftada beş gün, dört hafta
süreyle submaksimal aerobik ve dirençli egzersizler ile futbola özgü
teknik-fonksiyonel çalışmaları içeren antrenman
programına devamları sağlandı.  Bulgular: Günlük olarak 200 ml nar suyu
içirilen deney grubundaki erkek futbolcularda egzersiz öncesi (EÖ) ve egzersiz
sonrası (ES) kan Fe++, Demir Bağlama Kapasitesinde istatiksel olarak
anlamlı bir artma (P<0.05) belirlenirken, VLDL ve Trigliserid değerlerinde
ise istatiksel olarak anlamlı bir azalma belirlendi (P<0.05). Bayan deney
grubundaki futbolcularda ise egzersiz öncesi (EÖ) ve egzersiz
sonrası (ES)  kanda Total
Kolesterol ,  Fe++,
 Demir Bağlama Kapasitesinde istatiksel
olarak anlamlı bir artma (P<0.05) tespit edilirken, LDL değerlerinde
de anlamlı bir azalma belirlendi (P<0.05). Sonuç: Bay ve bayan futbolculara dört hafta boyunca hafta da beş
gün olmak üzere her gün 200 ml. günlük nar suyu verilmesi sonrası erkek
futbolcularda VLDL ve Trigliserid değerlerinde düşme, Demir (Fe++) ve Demir Bağlama Kapasitesi değerlerinde ise artma
yönünde olumlu sonuçlar belirlendi. Aynı zamanda; bayan futbolcularda ise Total
Kolesteroldeki artış istatiksel olarak anlamlı olmasına karşın aynı yaş
grubundaki sporcularda normal referans sınırında olduğundan, Demir (Fe++) ve Demir Bağlama Kapasitesindeki erkek futbolcularda
olduğu gibi artma yönünde olumlu etkilerinden dolayı futbolcularda performansı
ve başarıyı arttırabileceği gibi aynı zamanda sporcularda kalp damar
hastalıklarına karşı koruyucu bir rol oynayacağı şeklinde düşünülmektedir.
Kalça Kırığı sebebiyle Ameliyat Olmuş Yaşlı Hastalarda Albumin ve Hemoglobin Değerlerinin Hastanede Kalış Süresi ve Mortalite Üzerine Etkisinin Retrospektif İncelenmesi
Authors: GÜLER Abuzer , DOĞUKAN Mevlüt , KAYA Recai , ULUDAĞ Öznur , Tutak Atilla , Duran Mehmet
Published: February 2018

Amaç: Çalışmamızda kalça
kırıklı hastalarda albümin ve hemoglobin değerlerinin hastanede kalış süresi ve mortaliteye olan etkisini inceleyerek literatüre katkıda bulunmayı amaçladık.
Materyal ve Metod: 2017/3-19 karar sayılı
Etik Kurul onayı
alındıktan sonra 2015-2016 yılları arasında kliniğimizde 60 yaş ve üzeri minör
travma sonrası femur kırığı tanısı ile ameliyat olmuş 151 olgu çalışmaya dahil
edildi. Hastaların yaşları, cinsiyetleri, mortalite oranları, anestezi süresi,
anestezi tipi incelendi. Operasyon öncesi albümin değeri 3,5 g/dl üstü
ve altı,  hemoglobin değeri 12 mg/dl üstü
ve altı ve hemotokrit değeri %36’nın üstü ve altı olarak iki gruba ayrıldı bu
grupların yatış süresi ve mortalite ile olan ilişkisi araştırıldı.  Bulgular: Çalışmamızda hastaların yaş ortalamasının 77,9±9 yıl olduğu,
%41,1’inin erkek olduğu belirlendi. Hastaların %4,6’sının hastanede taburcu
olmadan önce eksitus olduğu saptandı. Grupların hastanede yatış süresi ve
mortalite ile olan ilişkisi istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değildi (p>0,05). Yaş ve cinsiyetin
mortalite ile ilişkisine rastlanmadı (p>0,05). Eksitus olan ve yaşayan
hastalarda operasyon esnasındaki SKB, DKB ve SPO2 değerleritüm
zaman dilimlerinde birbirine benzerdi (p>0,05). Yaşayan
grubun indüksiyon ve ilk 30 dakikadaki
KAH’ları istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olarak daha
yüksek bulundu (p<0,05). Diğer zaman dilimlerinde gruplar arasındaki KAH
hızları benzer olarak tespit edildi ve oranlar istatistiksel olarak anlamlı
değildi (p>0,05). Yaşayan ve exitus olan hastaların zaman içindeki SKB,
DKB ve SPO2 değişimleri benzer olarak bulundu (p>0,05).

Sonuç: Kalça kırığı
nedeniyle ameliyat olan hastalarda mortalite ve yatış süresine etki eden birçok
faktör mevcut olup, bunlardan ikisi de hemoglobin ve albümin değeridir. Bizim
çalışmamızdaki hastaların albümin ve hemoglobin değerleri düşük bulundu fakat
bu değerlerin mortalite ile ilişkisi anlamlı değildi.  Daha düşük albumin ve hemoglobin düzeyleri
baz alınarak yapılacak çalışmaların daha anlamlı sonuç verebileceğini
düşünüyoruz.
Barsak Obstrüksiyonu Bulguları ile Başvuran Pediatrik Meckel Divertikülit Olgusu
Authors: ŞİRİK Mehmet , ABEŞ Musa , İNAN İbrahim , APAYDIN Hasan Öğünç , BAYKAN Ali Haydar , KAFADAR Safiye
Published: February 2018

Gastrointestinal
sistemde gen sık görülen konjenital anomali Meckel divertikülüdür. Bireylerin
büyük bir kısmı asemptomatiktir, ancak üçte birine kadar klinik semptomlar
görülebilir. Ağrısız intestinal kanama çocuklarda sıklıkla oluşan bir
komplikasyondur. İntestinal obstrüksiyon çocukluk çağında nadir görülen bir
komplikasyondur. Bu yazıda uzun zamandır ara ara karın ağrısı şikayetleri olan,
renal taşları nedeniyle takip edilen, ancak üç gündür devam eden akut
başlangıçlı karın ağrısı, bulantı ve kusması olan yapılan klinik ve radyolojik
değerlendirmede meckel divertikülüti ile uyumlu bulgular saptanan acil olgu
tartışılmıştır.  İntestinal obtrüksiyonu
bulunan olgularda Meckel divertiküliti mutlaka akılda tutulmalı ve klinik ve
radyolojik değerlendirmede göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır.
Prostat Volüm Ölçümünde Transabdominal Ultrasonografi ile Kontrastlı Bilgisayarlı Tomografi Sonuçlarının Karşılaştırılması
Authors: ŞİRİK Mehmet , ŞAHİN Şükrü , İNAN İbrahim
Published: February 2018

Amaç: Çalışmamızda transabdominal
ultrason (TAUS) ile prostat hacim ölçümleri yapılmış olan, aynı dönemde
kontrastlı Bilgisayarlı Tomografi (BT)’si çekilen hastaların, prostat
hacimlerini karşılaştırarak, BT ile TAUS arasındaki korelasyonu ve
farklılıkları değerlendirmeyi amaçladık.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya kliniğimizde ocak 2015- mayıs 2017
yılları arasında transabdominal ultrasonografi ile prostat volüm ölçümleri
yapılan ve bu incelemeye yakın dönemde kontrastlı batın BT’si  bulunan 50 hasta dahil edildi.
Ultrasonografik(US) volüm ölçümleri retrospektif olarak taranıp ayrı ayrı
kaydedildi. Bu hastaların Batın BT görüntülerinden görüntülerinde üç planda
elipsoid formül kullanılarak prostat volümleri değerlendirildi. US ve BT
prostat volümleri istatistiksel olarak analiz edildi. Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil olguların
ortalama yaşı 60,52±13,77 olarak hesaplanmıştır.  Prostatın BT hacmi median değeri 42 cc, US
hacmi median değeri 36 cc hesaplandı. Ultrason ve BT’de ölçülen prostat hacmi
arasındaki Spearman korelasyon analizinde pozitif ve istatistiksel olarak
anlamlı korelasyon saptanmıştır(p<0,0001, r=0,89).
BT’de ölçülen prostat hacmi US’ye göre %19 daha yüksektir. Prostat boyutları
arttıkça BT ve US ölçümleri arasındaki fark oranı artmaktadır. Ancak bu fark
istatistiksel olarak  anlamlı
değildir(p=0,224).

Sonuçlar: Prostat hacminin ölçümünde
transabdominal ultrason ile kontrastlı BT arasında korelasyon bulunmaktadır.
Ancak BT’de ölçülen prostat hacmi TAUS’a göre daha yüksek olup (%19) bu fark
operasyon ve tedavi planlamasında göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır.
The Influence of Destination Image on Tourist Intention and Decision to Visit Tourist Destination (A Case Study of Pemuteran Village in Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia)
Authors: Satyarini Ni Wayan Marsha , Rahmanita Myrza , Setarnawat Sakchai
Published: February 2018

This study examines the effects of the destination image to tourist intention and decision to visit tourism destination in Pemuteran Village, Bali. Destination image is an independent variable, tourist intention to visit serves as an intervening variable and decision to visit is a dependent variable. Explanatory research with quantitative method is employed. The number of sample is 112 respondents. Purposive sampling techniques is applied with criteria of Pemuteran village tourists. Data are collected with questionnaires and processed with path analysis. These results indicate that the variable destination image has a direct and significant effect on tourist intention to visit by 11.3%. Variable destination image has a direct and significant influence on the decision to visit by 37.5%. Variable tourist intention to visit has been direct and significant influence on the decision to visit amounted to 16.2%. Based on these results, Pemuteran village should keep trying to build a positive image and to improve the communication between the local government and local communities to strengthen cooperation to improve the natural environment in Pemuteran village.
Project Work Writing in BBS Fourth Years Course: Procedures and Practices
Authors: Sharma Puspa Raj
Published: February 2018

This paper has been prepared with an objective to provide the guidelines to the BBS students to write the project work and teachers to guide their students in writing the project work and preparing the paper has included procedure of project work assignment prescribed by Office of the Dean, Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University. The paper give some insight on necessary procedures of the submission of project work writing. It also give some practical insight to the faculty members who involved in the supervision.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. X No. 1 December 2017, Page : 1-7
Practices of Micro Enterprises in Nepal
Authors: Karki Bir Bahadur
Published: February 2018

Entrepreneurship is perceived as an effective way to escape from poverty and paternalism. In developing countries, the informal sector is an important source of employment. Micro-enterprise is a tiny industry usually of 1-10 people that is profit-oriented and may be owned by a man or a woman. Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDEP) is launched in the country with technical and financial support of United Nations development Programme (UNDP) since 1998. Parbat and Baglung districts are selected for the purpose of fieldwork. Objectives of the study are to identify practices of business registration, nature and types of enterprises, location of business, conducted of main business and entrepreneurs manage their business premises. The study is based on survey research approach. Data are collected through primary sources. Both qualitative and quantitative data have been used in this study. The result shows that out of total respondents 78.6 percent respondents did not register their firm in concern authority. Main reasons for not registered their business in concerned authorities is as follows: respondents have no knowledge, lengthy procedures; registration office is too far, costly, difficult to fill in the forms, and other reasons for not being registered. The result of study shows that out of total micro enterprises, 83.9 percent enterprise belongs to sole proprietorship and 10.8 percent belongs to partnership. To identify nature of business, there were given seven options. It is found that out of total respondents, near about fifty percent entrepreneurs have agro-based enterprises, 15.8 percent and 15.2 percent entrepreneurs have forest –based enterprise, and skilled-based enterprises respectively. The result shows that most of the entrepreneurs conducted their business in rural area i.e. 90.6 percent. An attempt has been made to identify conducted main business through questionnaire and it is found that out of total entrepreneurs, more than two third entrepreneurs conducted their business in their own land and building. Another survey result showed that 80.6 percent entrepreneurs arrange their business premises in without rent. It seems that most of the entrepreneurs conduct their business in rent free premises.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. X No. 1 December 2017, Page: 20-27
Current Status of Mutual Fund Schemes in Nepal
Authors: Rakhal Dhaneshwar
Published: February 2018

The development of the mutual fund industry is the greatest investment success story of the twentieth century in United States and this industry also emerged as the most dynamic segment of the Indian financial system on that time. But the history of mutual fund in Nepal started only with the establishment of "NCM Mutual Fund 2050" in 1993. Currently there are ten mutual fund schemes listed and traded in Nepal Stock Exchange that provide investment opportunities for investors in mutual funds market. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to provide necessary facts and figures related to the mutual fund schemes in Nepal based on secondary data. The paper includes mutual fund companies, development mutual funds and review of empirical studies on mutual funds as preliminary discussion, and includes current mutual fund schemes; funds sizes, maturity periods, market price, net asset value and dividend income of mutual fund schemes on analytical section.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. X No. 1 December 2017, Page: 85-95
Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Khadka Mohan , Kafle Brindeshwori , Sharma Sashi , Khadga Prem Krishna
Published: February 2018

INTRODUCTION: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common public health problem. The condition is characterized by a scarcity of biological markers; thus, diagnostic definitions and classifications have relied to a large extent on symptoms, gastrointestinal manifestations of patients. While thyroid disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with IBS symptoms, it is not clear if thyroid disturbances amongst patients with IBS are high enough to warrant routine screening. This study was done to see the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in IBS patients and hence its significance.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted at the Gastroenterology OPD of the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal between March 2015 and April 2016. All the consecutive patients presumed to be Irritable bowel syndrome by Rome III criteria were enrolled in the study. Thyroid Function Test (TFT) was performed in all patients in addition to routine investigations for the study group that include measurement of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) together with thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH).  RESULTS: Thyroid dysfunction particularly subclinical hypothyroidism was substantially found among patients with IBS. CONCLUSION: Routine TFTs in patients with presumed IBS seems reasonable. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016) Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 1-5
Intention to Use Contraceptive Methods among Women Undergoing Comprehensive Abortion Care (Cac) in Maternity Hospital Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Rubina , Taechaboonsermsak Pimsurang , Siri Sulkontha
Published: February 2018

INTRODUCTION: Unplanned and unwanted pregnancy is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity and still continues despite availability of a range of modern and effective contraceptives. Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) is to provide safe, high quality services to women in an affordable and acceptable way. The study is intended to identify the proportion of the women who have intention to use contraceptive methods following CAC, in the future and to know the reason for current nonuse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of women undergoing CAC in maternity hospital Kathmandu was conducted from 1st February to 21st  February 2011. Different factors affecting Intention to use contraceptives following CAC and their association were identified and analyzed. SPSS statistical software was used to perform analysis. RESULTS: Following CAC 61.5% had an intention to use contraceptives, injectables being the most common method followed by IUCD and pills. Side effects were the main reason for stopping and not having an intention to use. There was a significant association between duration of marriage,current use of contraceptive methods, attitude towards contraceptive method, subjective norm and intention to use contraceptive methods. CONCLUSION: The acceptance of contraceptives can be increased by having positive attitude, providing sufficient information to avoid fear related to side effects. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016) Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 10-13
Prevalence of anemiain Pregnant women attending a Tertiary level hospital in western Region, Nepal
Authors: Rayamajhi Nabin , Mishra Satyendra Kumar , Gautam Narayan , Doshi Nilesh Raj
Published: February 2018

INTRODUCTION: In South Asian Region, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women has been estimated to be 75% which is highest in the world. Hence, this study was drafted to evaluate the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women in western part of NepalMATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a hospital based cross-sectional study. A total of 200 pregnant ladies aged 15-45 years giving consent for the study were included and their detailed medical history, clinical examination and lab investigations focusing on hematological parameters were documented. Data were entered in excel sheet and analysed by SPSS (17.0).RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women was 48% with increased prevalence as the pregnancy proceeds and reaching its highest during third trimester of pregnancy. Young adults with age ranging from 15-30 years had highest prevalence of anemia. Mild anemia (Hb: 9-10.9 g/dl) was the commonest entity.CONCLUSION: With this high prevalence, screening for anemia during pregnancy should be done. Moreover, exogenous supplementation of iron capsules or diet rich in iron can be advised to those anaemic pregnant women.Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016)Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 17-19
Spectrum of Lipid Abnormality among Thyroid Disorder Patients in Ucms-Th, South Western Region
Authors: Gautam N , Jayan A , Dubey Raju Kumar , Jha AC , Sharma B , Bohara S , Shrestha S
Published: February 2018

INTRODUCTION: Hypothyroidism is the most common cause of secondary dyslipidemia. Thus, thyroid function test should be carried out before starting any hypolipidemic drugs. Even among thyroid disorder, hypothyroidism is more associated with cardiovascular and associated problems and if not detected earlier, it leads to severe clinical consequences. Our study assesses the frequency and spectrum of dyslipidemia in various types of thyroidal illness in the population residing in south western part of Nepal.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross sectional study carried out in suspected thyroid disorder patients (n=276) and categorized as Euthyroidism (n=55), Subclinical Hypothyroidism (n=89), Primary Hypothyroidism (n=122) and Primary Hyperthyroidism (n=10) patients and to see the association with lipid profiles in the Department of Biochemistry, Universal College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa Nepal. Serum fT / fT4 and TSH estimations were carried out by competitive 3 ELISA method and Sand-wich double antibody ELISA method respectively using commercially supplied reagents (Human, Germany). The criteria for dyslipidemia was obtained by National Cholesterol Education Expert Panel/ Adult Treatment Protocol III (NCEP/ATPIII).RESULTS: Out of 276 cases the dyslipidemia was observed in 183 cases (66.30%).The dyslipidemia was mostly associated with  primary hypothyroidism (55.07%) followed by Subclinical Hypothyroidism (38.04%) than Euthyroid (5.79 %) and Primary Hyperthyroidism (3.62 %) respectively. Out of all cases, the spectrum of dyslipidemia was mostly observed for decreased HDL (18.5 %) followed by increased TG (10.1 %). Moreover, it is significantly differ in relation in HDL (p=0.009), TG/HDL (p=0.02) and Non-HDL/HDL (p=0.033) where as non significant as compared to other lipid profile in different groups.CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the close association of thyroidal illness with dyslipidemia with increased TG, low HDL, increased TG/HDL and Non-HDL/HDL. The increased TG/HDL and/or Non-HDL/HDL could be better indicator than single lipid abnormality which needs to be ascertained prospectively in large population. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016) Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 20-24
From the “L Chamber” to the Wood-Pile: Negotiating Space in Harriet E. Wilson’sOur Nig
Authors: Green-Barteet Miranda A.
Published: February 2018

This article examines the ways Harriet E. Wilson’s autobiographical protagonist Frado interacts with various spaces represented in Our Nig. Specifically, I argue that Frado’s attempts to claim subjectivity and agency over herself are contingent upon the architectural spaces she occupies. By identifying several sites as interstitial—that is, as spaces that defy easy categorization—Frado gains some power over her life and resists the oppressive system that limits her to a marginalized position. I further argue that Frado uses interstitial locations to challenge her own interstitial positions, both as an unpaid servant and a free biracial woman of New England.
Bleeding Edge, Neo-Liberalism, and the 9/11 Novel
Authors: Keeble Arin
Published: February 2018

This article argues that Thomas Pynchon’s Bleeding Edge (2013) can be read within the canon of 9/11 novels in unexpected and productive ways. Its rich, intertwined narrative of the Internet and 9/11 both echoes early 9/11 novels and departs from them as it builds a trenchant critique of neo-liberalism.
Sample Preparation and Analytical Considerations for the US Aflatoxin Sampling Program for Shelled Peanuts
Authors: Davis J. P. , Jackson M. D. , Leek J.M. , Samadpour M.
Published: February 2018

The USDA aflatoxin sampling program for shelled peanuts is an important component of broader industry efforts to minimize aflatoxin occurrence in the edible market. In this program, official samples are milled with either a traditional hammer/automatic sub-sampling mill, commonly called the Dickens Mill (DM) or with a vertical cutter mill (VCM). Particle size reduction and sample homogenization are the primary objectives of sample preparation (milling) to generate subsamples which best represent the parent sample composition for downstream analysis. DM particle size reduction is limited by the 3.2 mm round hole screens internal to the mill which prevent pasting of the sample. VCM grinding converts the sample to a paste while simultaneously homogenizing the sample. Experiments demonstrate that when testing aflatoxin contaminated peanuts for equivalent sized subsamples prepared from the two mill types, made into water slurries per USDA specifications and subsequently extracted and tested for total aflatoxin per USDA specifications, VCM subsamples are more normally distributed around the sample aflatoxin mean, whereas DM subsamples are more positively skewed (median lower than mean) around the sample aflatoxin mean. Accordingly, milling official samples with a DM compared to VCM promotes more lot misclassifications. It is also demonstrated that for a given subsample after extraction and immunoaffinity column (IAC) purification, the total aflatoxin measured by either high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or fluorometry (both USDA approved) are practically equivalent from an accuracy perspective. There are costs (time and resources) associated with decreasing natural variation due to sampling, sample preparation and analytical testing in an aflatoxin sampling/testing program. Sample preparation is a greater source of variation compared to that of the analytical testing. Resources would be better spent replacing DM with VCM mills than converting the final analytical step from IAC-fluorometry to IAC-HPLC in an effort to best classify peanut lots for the edible market.
MYC Regulates α6 Integrin Subunit Expression and Splicing Under Its Pro-Proliferative ITGA6A Form in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Groulx Jean-François , Boudjadi Salah , Beaulieu Jean-François
Published: February 2018

The α6 integrin subunit (ITGA6) pre-mRNA undergoes alternative splicing to form two splicing variants, named ITGA6A and ITGA6B. In primary human colorectal cancer cells, the levels of both ITGA6 and β4 integrin subunit (ITGB4) subunits of the α6β4 integrin are increased. We previously found that the upregulation of ITGA6 is a direct consequence of the increase of the pro-proliferative ITGA6A variant. However, the mechanisms that control ITGA6 expression and splicing into the ITGA6A variant over ITGA6B in colorectal cancer cells remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the promoter activity of the ITGA6 gene is regulated by MYC. Pharmacological inhibition of MYC activity with the MYC inhibitor (MYCi) 10058-F4 or knockdown of MYC expression by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) both lead to a decrease in ITGA6 and ITGA6A levels in colorectal cancer cells, while overexpression of MYC enhances ITGA6 promoter activity. We also found that MYC inhibition decreases the epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2 (ESRP2) splicing factor at both the mRNA and protein levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that the proximal promoter sequences of ITGA6 and ESRP2 were occupied by MYC and actively transcribed in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, expression studies in primary colorectal tumors and corresponding resection margins confirmed that the up-regulation of the ITGA6A subunit can be correlated with the increase in MYC and ESRP2. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the proto-oncogene MYC can regulate the promoter activation and splicing of the ITGA6 integrin gene through ESRP2 to favor the production of the pro-proliferative ITGA6A variant in colorectal cancer cells.
In-Situ Liquid Hydrogenation of m-Chloronitrobenzene over Fe-Modified Pt/Carbon Nanotubes Catalysts
Authors: Li Feng , Liang Jinrong , Zhu Wenxi , Song Hua , Wang Keliang , Li Cuiqin
Published: February 2018

In-situ liquid-phase hydrogenation of m-chloronitrobenzene (m-CNB) based on aqueous-phase reforming (APR) of ethanol and catalytic hydrogenation was carried out over Fe-modified Pt/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) catalysts. The effects of Pt loading over CNTs and Fe modification on the catalytic performance of Pt/CNTs catalysts were studied. In-tube loading of Pt particles, compared with out-tube loading, considerably improved the catalytic activity. With in-tube loading, Fe-modified Pt/CNTs catalysts further improved the m-CNB in-situ hydrogenation performance. After Fe modification, Pt–Fe/CNTs catalysts formed, inside CNTs, a Pt–Fe alloy and iron oxides, which both improved catalytic hydrogenation performance and significantly enhanced ethanol APR hydrogen producing performance, thereby increasing the m-CNB in-situ hydrogenation reactivity.
Optimization of Polycistronic Anti-CCR5 Artificial microRNA Leads to Improved Accuracy of Its Lentiviral Vector Transfer and More Potent Inhibition of HIV-1 in CD4+ T-Cells
Authors: Urusov Felix , Glazkova Dina , Omelchenko Denis , Bogoslovskaya Elena , Tsyganova Galina , Kersting Katerina , Shipulin German , Pokrovsky Vadim
Published: February 2018

C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) is utilized by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a co-receptor for cell entry. Suppression of the CCR5 gene by artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) could confer cell resistance. In previous work, we created a lentivector that encoded the polycistron of two identical amiRNAs that could effectively suppress CCR5. However, tandem repeats in lentiviral vectors led to deletions of the repeated sequences during reverse transcription of the vector RNA. To solve this problem, we have created a new amiRNA against CCR5, mic1002, which has a different microRNA scaffold and targets a different sequence. Replacing one of the two identical tandem amiRNAs in the polycistron with the mic1002 amiRNA increased the accuracy of its lentiviral vector transfer while retaining its ability to effectively suppress CCR5. A lentiviral vector containing two heterogenic amiRNAs significantly inhibited HIV replication in a vector-transduced human CD4+ lymphocyte culture.
High Pressure Induced Insulator-to-Semimetal Transition through Intersite Charge Transfer in NaMn7O12
Authors: Delmonte Davide , Mezzadri Francesco , Orlandi Fabio , Calestani Gianluca , Amiel Yehezkel , Gilioli Edmondo
Published: February 2018

The pressure-dependent behaviour of NaMn7O12 (up to 40 GPa) is studied and discussed by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and resistance measurements carried out on powdered samples. A transition from thermally activated transport mechanism to semimetal takes place above 18 GPa, accompanied by a change in the compressibility of the system. On the other hand, the crystallographic determinations rule out a symmetry change to be at the origin of the transition, despite all the structural parameters pointing to a symmetrizing effect of pressure. Bond valence sum calculations indicate a charge transfer from the octahedrally coordinated manganese ions to the square planar ones, likely favouring the delocalization of the carriers.
The Carbonate Platform Model and Reservoirs’ Origins of the Callovian-Oxfordian Stage in the Amu Darya Basin, Turkmenistan
Authors: Xu Wenli , Wen Huaguo , Zheng Rongcai , Li Fengjie , Huo Fei , Hou Mingcai , Zhou Gang
Published: February 2018

The Calloviane-Oxfordian carbonates in the northeastern Amu Darya Basin of southeastern Turkmenistan are composed of medium- to thick-bedded, mostly grainy limestones with various skeletal (bivalves, brachiopods, echinoderms, foraminifera, corals, and sponge) and non-skeletal grains (intraclasts, ooids and peloids). Two facies zones, six standard facies belts and some microfacies types were recognized, and sedimentary model “carbonate ramp-rimmed platform” was proposed and established that can be compared with the classical carbonate sedimentary models. In this model, favorable reservoirs not only developed in the intraplatform shoal of open platform, or reef and shoal on the platform margin, but also in the patch reefs, shoal and mound facies on the upper slope. The reservoir’s pore space is dominated by intergranular and intragranular pores and fissure-pore reservoirs exist with medium porosity and medium to low permeability. Sedimentary facies and diagenetic dissolution are the key controlling factors for the development of high-quality reservoirs.
Ecophysiological Response of Rhizophora mangle to the Variation in Hydrochemistry during Five Years along the Coast of Campeche, México
Authors: Chan-Keb Carlos , Agraz-Hernández Claudia , Muñiz-Salazar Raquel , Posada-Vanegas Gregorio , Osti-Sáenz Juan , Reyes Castellano Jordán , Conde-Medina Kenia , Vega-Serratos Beatriz
Published: February 2018

We evaluated the phenological response and litterfall production of Rhizophora mangle to changes in pore water chemistry over a five-year period (from 2009 to 2014 and 2010 to 2016) along the coast of Campeche, México. Severe drought conditions were recorded in 2009 with a Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) of −1.5 and again in 2015 with a SPI of −1.16). A precipitation deficit of 22.1% was recorded between 2009 and 2016 ranging from 9.5% in Laguna de Terminos in the south to 64.4% in Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve in the north. Precipitation varied significantly per year (p < 0.001), seasonally (p < 0.001), and between years and seasons (p < 0.001). An interaction was observed in the salinity (p < 0.05), redox potential (p < 0.001), and precipitation (p < 0.001) of the Laguna de Terminos, Rio Champoton, and Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve regions. Significant differences were found between the years in the leaf and propagule production (p < 0.001), and between seasons in production of leaves, flowers, and propagules (p < 0.001). The determining factor in the production of flowers during both the rainy and dry seasons was the salinity, and the determining factors for the production of propagules were the redox potential and salinity. The results of this study suggest a low phenotypic plasticity in R. mangle.
Phylogeography of the Red Algal Laurencia Complex in the Macaronesia Region and Nearby Coastal Areas: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Machín-Sánchez María , Gil-Rodríguez Maria Candelaria , Haroun Ricardo
Published: February 2018

Abstract: Since the conception of the genus Laurencia by Lamouroux in 1813, several red macroalgal species have been included in it. In recent decades, the development of modern molecular tools has resulted in multiple taxonomic modifications, and presently, eight related genera are recognized in the so-called Laurencia complex. In the Macaronesian Region (Central East Atlantic Ocean), species from the Laurencia complex are keystone elements of the benthic communities, especially in the intertidal zone. In this review, we consolidate the existing knowledge about the Laurencia complex within the Macaronesian archipelagos and nearby areas. Morphological descriptions and phylogeographic remarks of the 16 currently accepted species—whose records were molecular or morphologically confirmed—are included together with an identification key for the Macaronesian Region. The phylogeographic data allowed us to re-visit the role of the Macaronesian archipelagos as a bridge area for the marine flora of the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas (remnants of the former Thetyan Sea) or contemplate their marine flora as the result of successive processes of recolonization after the Quaternary glaciations from those donor areas. Finally, some comments about the frontiers of the research in the Laurencia complex in the Macaronesian Region and nearby coastal areas are included.
Assessing News Contagion in Finance
Authors: Cerchiello Paola , Nicola Giancarlo
Published: February 2018

The analysis of news in the financial context has gained a prominent interest in the last years. This is because of the possible predictive power of such content especially in terms of associated sentiment/mood. In this paper, we focus on a specific aspect of financial news analysis: how the covered topics modify according to space and time dimensions. To this purpose, we employ a modified version of topic model LDA, the so-called Structural Topic Model (STM), that takes into account covariates as well. Our aim is to study the possible evolution of topics extracted from two well known news archive—Reuters and Bloomberg—and to investigate a causal effect in the diffusion of the news by means of a Granger causality test. Our results show that both the temporal dynamics and the spatial differentiation matter in the news contagion.
The Effect of Government Debt and Other Determinants on Economic Growth: The Greek Experience
Authors: Pegkas Panagiotis
Published: February 2018

This study empirically investigates the relationship between economic growth and several factors (investment, private and government consumption, trade openness, population growth and government debt) in Greece, where imbalances persist several years after the financial crisis. The results reveal a long-run relationship between variables. Investment as private and government consumption and trade openness affect positively growth. On the other hand, there is a negative long-run effect of government debt and population growth on growth. Furthermore, the study addresses the issue of break effects between government debt and economic growth. The results indicate that the relationship between debt and growth depends on the debt breaks. Specifically, at debt levels before 2000, increases in the government debt-to-GDP ratio are associated with insignificant effects on economic growth. However, as government debt rises after 2000, the effect on economic growth diminishes rapidly and the growth impacts become negative. The challenge for policy makers in Greece is to halt the rising of government debt by keeping a sustainable growth path. Fiscal discipline should be combined with the implementation of coherent, consistent and sequential growth-enhancing structural reforms.
Increasing Trustworthiness of Face Authentication in Mobile Devices by Modeling Gesture Behavior and Location Using Neural Networks
Authors: Rexha Blerim , Shala Gresa , Xhafa Valon
Published: February 2018

Personal mobile devices currently have access to a significant portion of their user’s private sensitive data and are increasingly used for processing mobile payments. Consequently, securing access to these mobile devices is a requirement for securing access to the sensitive data and potentially costly services. Face authentication is one of the promising biometrics-based user authentication mechanisms that has been widely available in this era of mobile computing. With a built-in camera capability on smartphones, tablets, and laptops, face authentication provides an attractive alternative of legacy passwords for its memory-less authentication process, which is so sophisticated that it can unlock the device faster than a fingerprint. Nevertheless, face authentication in the context of smartphones has proven to be vulnerable to attacks. In most current implementations, a sufficiently high-resolution face image displayed on another mobile device will be enough to circumvent security measures and bypass the authentication process. In order to prevent such bypass attacks, gesture recognition together with location is proposed to be additionally modeled. Gestures provide a faster and more convenient method of authentication compared to a complex password. The focus of this paper is to build a secure authentication system with face, location and gesture recognition as components. User gestures and location data are a sequence of time series; therefore, in this paper we propose to use unsupervised learning in the long short-term memory recurrent neural network to actively learn to recognize, group and discriminate user gestures and location. Moreover, a clustering-based technique is also implemented for recognizing gestures and location.
“Sacred Work”: Reflections on the Professional and Personal Impact of an Interdisciplinary Palliative Oncology Clinical Experience by Social Work Learners
Authors: Middleton Alyssa , Schapmire Tara , Head Barbara
Published: February 2018

This study explored the impact of an oncology palliative care clinical experience with older adults on social work learners. A three-member research team conducted a qualitative content analysis of reflective writings. 27 Master of Science in Social Work students enrolled in an interprofessional palliative oncology curriculum and completed a reflective writing assignment to summarize the clinical scenario, analyze the patient/family care provided, and describe the impact of the experience. Using a constant comparison approach based on grounded theory, the research team analyzed the reflections to come to consensus related to the overall impact of the experience. Two overarching themes (professional and personal impact) and 11 subthemes (appreciation of interdisciplinary teams, recognition of clinical skills of other disciplines, insight into clinical skills of the social worker, perception of palliative care, embracing palliative care principles, centrality of communication, importance of social support, family as the unit of care, countertransference, conflict between personal values and patient/family values, and emotional reactions) were identified. Experiential learning opportunities for social work learners in interprofessional palliative care build appreciation for and skills in applying palliative care principles including teamwork, symptom control, and advanced care planning along with a commitment to embrace these principles in future practice.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Adolescents in Northwest Russia: A Population Registry-Based Study
Authors: Usynina Anna , Postoev Vitaly , Odland Jon , Grjibovski Andrej
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to assess whether adolescents have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) compared to adult women. We used data on 43,327 births from the population-based Arkhangelsk County Birth Registry, Northwest Russia, for 2012–2014. The perinatal outcomes included stillbirth, preterm birth (<37 and <32 weeks), low and very low birthweight, 5 min Apgar score <7 and <4, perinatal infections, and the need for neonatal transfer to a higher-level hospital. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess the associations between age and APO. Altogether, 4.7% of deliveries occurred in adolescents. Both folic acid intake and multivitamin intake during pregnancy were more prevalent in adults. Adolescents were more likely to be underweight, to smoke, and to have infections of the kidney and the genital tract compared to adult women. Compared to adults, adolescents were at lower risk of low birthweight, a 5 min Apgar score <7, and need for neonatal transfer. Adolescents had no increased risk of other APO studied in the adjusted analysis, suggesting that a constellation of other factors, but not young age per se, is associated with APO in the study setting.