bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lições em engenharia social: a lógica da matriz de projeto na cooperação internacional
Authors: Vianna Catarina Morawska
Published: July 2014

Este artigo explora os princípios da engenharia social que embasam o trabalho das agências internacionais de desenvolvimento. A partir de um relato etnográfico de um treinamento na Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, a agência católica de desenvolvimento internacional da Inglaterra e País de Gales, será apresentado o pensamento lógico da matriz de projeto a partir do qual os técnicos da organização são incitados a operar. Argumenta-se que o fracasso crônico dos projetos, em geral atribuído à pouca familiaridade dos parceiros com as ferramentas de aplicação do pensamento lógico à solução de problemas sociais, decorre da temporalidade subjacente aos projetos, que supõem o vácuo social e a sucessão de eventos tal como previsto no papel. Isso nunca ocorre, já que nas organizações parceiras que trabalham diretamente com os beneficiários as contingências do dia a dia criam um descompasso entre a composição fixa vislumbrada no projeto e as composições efêmeras que emergem durante a sua implementação.
Combinando heterogeneidades em espaços globais de mobilização: os casos do fórum social mundial e globalsquare
Authors: Campos Geraldo Adriano Godoy de , Lorin Carminda Mac , Canet Raphaël
Published: July 2014

O presente artigo propõe desenhar uma antropologia da espacialidade com um olhar crítico para compreender a emergência de diferentes espaços globais de mobilização que se inscrevem em uma perspectiva altermundialista. Para tanto, realiza-se inicialmente, um retrato do contexto histórico que permitiu o surgimento desses espaços. Em seguida, são apresentadas e analisadas comparativamente as lógicas inerentes a cada um dos dois casos selecionados, que aparentam ser particularmente representativos na trajetória dos espaços globais de mobilização (o Fórum Social Mundial e o GlobalSquare). No final, busca-se trabalhar com a hipótese de uma "epistemologia do paradoxo", que seja capaz de reconhecer as contradições básicas próprias aos processos estudados e que contribua para a compreensão dos processos de mobilização, ampliando seu alcance e sua força.
Eficiência do hidrogel e respostas fisiológicas de mudas de cultivares apirênicas de citros sob défice hídrico
Authors: Ferreira Ester Alice , Silva Vania Aparecida , Silva Elisângela Aparecida , Silveira Helbert de Rezende Oliveira
Published: July 2014

A água é um dos fatores limitantes ao desenvolvimento de plantas cítricas, o que faz da reposição hídrica uma prática comum, em plantios onde a sua distribuição é escassa. O gel hidroretentor tem sido uma das tecnologias disponíveis de fornecimento de água para plantas, podendo ser uma alternativa no plantio de mudas cítricas, contribuindo para o uso racional da água. Neste trabalho, foi avaliada a eficiência do hidrogel como alternativa para minimizar os efeitos do défice hídrico, em mudas de cultivares apirênicas de tangerineiras ('Ortanique', 'Okitsu'e 'Clemenules') e de laranjeiras ('Navelina', 'Navelate' e 'Lanelate'), todas enxertadas sobre Poncirus trifoliata. O experimento foi conduzido em casa-de-vegetação, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, no qual plantas com hidrogel foram comparadas a plantas sob irrigação convencional e a plantas submetidas a estresse hídrico, em fatorial triplo. Foram determinadas as taxas de assimilação líquida de carbono, condutância estomática, transpiração e razão entre concentrações interna e externa de CO2. Verificou-se que o efeito do hidrogel na manutenção do status hídrico de mudas cítricas é variável e dependente de mecanismos fisiológicos de resposta ao défice hídrico. As mudas de 'Ortanique'e 'Navelate'não responderam à aplicação de hidrogel. Este promoveu recuperação e manutenção do status hídrico das mudas de 'Okitsu', 'Clemenules', 'Navelina' e 'Lanelate', porém, estas cultivares foram sensíveis a variações no status hídrico, apresentando redução considerável nas trocas gasosas.
Farinha de minhoca em dietas para juvenis de jundiá
Authors: Mombach Patrícia Inês , Pianesso Dirleise , Adorian Taida Juliana , Uczay Juliano , Lazzari Rafael
Published: July 2014

Uma das demandas, na nutrição de peixes nativos, é a avaliação de fontes proteicas alternativas, que possam ser utilizadas em dietas. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o crescimento e a composição corporal de juvenis de jundiá submetidos a dietas com diferentes níveis de farinha de minhoca. Um total de 300 exemplares, com massa inicial média de 15,6 ± 5,65 g, foram distribuídos em 15 tanques de polipropileno (250 L), durante 30 dias. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, composto por cinco tratamentos (10%, 20%, 30% e 40% de inclusão de farinha de minhoca e uma dieta controle) e três repetições, com 20 peixes por unidade experimental. Os peixes foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia, recebendo 5% do seu peso vivo em ração dia-1. Ao final do período experimental, foram avaliados a massa final, comprimento total e padrão, taxa de crescimento específico, fator de condição e ganho em massa relativo. Também foi realizada análise de composição corporal, sendo determinadas a umidade, cinzas e gordura e proteína corporal, além da glicose sanguínea. Para a massa e comprimento total e padrão, não houve influência da adição de farinha de minhoca na dieta. Os níveis de inclusão de farinha de minhoca influenciaram a taxa de crescimento específico, ganho em massa relativo e o fator de condição dos peixes. A farinha de minhoca pode ser incluída em até 30%, na dieta de juvenis de jundiá, sem comprometer o crescimento dos peixes.
First report of two Mesocriconema (Nematoda: Criconematidae) species in mulberry trees in Costa Rica
Authors: Peraza-Padilla Walter
Published: July 2014

Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of mulberry (Morus alba L.) trees, in a 1,000 m² plot, at the Experimental Farm Santa Lucia, in Barva, Heredia, Costa Rica, in August 2013. The plants showed symptoms of yellowing, declining and poor development. Specimens of two ring nematode were collected from the soil and identified as Mesocriconema sphaerocephalum (Taylor 1936) Loof 1989 and M. anastomoides (Maqbool & Shahina 1985) Loof & De Grisse 1989, based on the morphological and morphometrical analysis of females. Both nematodes have been previously found in Costa Rica. However, this is the first report of nematodes from the Criconematidae family associated to mulberry trees and it provides additional information on the distribution of this phytoparasite.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Parasitoid Wasps Aphidius balcanicus, Aphidius rosae, and Aphidius urticae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae)
Authors: Petrović Andjeljko , Tomanović Željko , Kavallieratos Nickolas G , Bogdanović Ana Mitrovski , Starý Petr , Ivanović Ana
Published: July 2014

In this study, we explored variations in the magnitude and the direction of sexual dimorphism in three parasitoid species from the genus Aphidius Nees (Aphidius balcanicus Tomanović and Petrović, Aphidius rosae Haliday, and Aphidius urticae Haliday). We also explored the variation in sexual dimorphism within one of these species, A. urticae, which parasitizes and develops in three different hosts that belong to three aphid genera. To estimate sexual size dimorphism, we selected two developmentally and functionally unrelated morphological structures: the mesoscutum and the wing. Our results showed that sexual dimorphism in mesoscutum and wing size differ (sexual dimorphism in mesoscutum size appears to be insignificant, whereas the wings are larger in males). We found a high level of variation in sexual dimorphism in wing shape within and between species. We also found that the observed shape changes are not due to size-related, allometric changes in wing shape. These results indicate that sexual dimorphism in wing size and wing shape is highly variable and could be influenced by various factors, including host effects, whereas mesoscutum size appears to be a conserved trait in aphid parasitoids.
Construction techniques for bored piling in sand using polymer fluids
Authors: Lam Carlos , Jefferis Stephan A. , Suckling Tony P.
Published: July 2014

This paper is concerned with the use of polymer fluids for the construction of bored piles in silty fine sand, a situation which has been found to significantly increase the risk of ‘soft toes' and concrete contamination due to the settling of the suspended soil particles in the fluid. To illustrate how these problems can be avoided by adopting a simple fluid-testing regime and improved construction practice, this paper presents a case history of polymer use at a site in Glasgow where the ground conditions consist of silty fine sand. Fluid testing showed that the used polymer fluid was heavily laden with soil particles and that cleaning using chemical additives alone was not sufficient to reduce the amount of suspended solids to an acceptable level. The pile bores were therefore left open overnight to allow the particles to settle out of suspension, the effect of which was confirmed by further fluid testing. The settled solids were removed with a base cleaning bucket. Structural integrity tests conducted on over 50 working piles constructed using this method showed no sign of defects. High-strain dynamic loading tests on two completed piles also confirmed their performance despite the extended pile bore open period.
Heat transfer modelling of global anthropogenic warming
Authors: Neelameggham Neale R. , Davis Brian
Published: July 2014

A simple heat transfer model is developed considering thermal wastes while applying thermodynamic engine phenomenon as well as principles of flow along paths of least resistance to explain the global anthropogenic warming (GAW) of atmospheric mass. This Neale’s GAW model indicates that the effect of water vapour in radiation forcing is considerable. It has not been looked at from the simple thermodynamic point of view because measurements of absolute global humidity are more elusive than measurements of non-condensable carbon dioxide, as well as cloud effects. The elegance of this heat transfer model is that it is very simple and far less complicated than meteorological modelling. This model notes that GAW can be minimised not by choosing one fuel over another but only by improving energy efficiencies of processes for power generation or material production. The importance of nanotechnology in improving process energy efficiency and facilitating clean coal use is worth noting.
Temperature effects on long‐term population dynamics in a parasitoid–host system
Authors: Meisner Matthew H. , Harmon Jason P. , Ives Anthony R.
Published: July 2014

Long‐term environmental changes will likely alter the strengths of interactions between species and consequently their population dynamics, leading to changes in the stability of ecological systems. While an increasing number of empirical studies have shown that environmental changes can alter the strengths of species interactions, these studies are typically short (<1–2 generations) and therefore give only partial information about longer term population dynamics. To focus on longer term dynamics, we investigated population cycles of pea aphids and their most common parasitoid, Aphidius ervi, in Wisconsin, USA. Data collected over three years in alfalfa fields showed an apparent host–parasitoid population cycle. Furthermore, higher pea aphid population growth rates and increased parasitism were correlated with higher naturally occurring temperatures. While these effects were observed with seasonal fluctuations in temperature, they beg the question of how long‐term changes in mean annual temperature might change aphid–parasitoid population cycles, a question which we further pursued with laboratory experiments. To quantify temperature‐dependent demographic parameters, we used short‐term (<1 generation) experiments conducted at 20°C and 27°C. The higher temperature increased aphid and parasitoid development rates, adult aphid life span and fecundity, and parasitoid attack rates. We then conducted multi‐generation population‐level laboratory experiments to reveal the effects of temperature (20°C vs. 27°C) on population dynamics. We fit the resulting time series data using a nonlinear age‐structured state‐space model to estimate population‐level processes that could not be estimated in short‐term laboratory experiments. Using the model, we parsed out the demographic rates that had the largest impacts on aphid–parasitoid population cycles. This analysis showed that there were frequent contrasts in the effects of temperature operating through different demographic rates. For example, the temperature‐dependent increase in aphid development rate decreased cycle amplitude, while the increase in parasitoid attack rate increased cycle amplitude. There were also striking interactions among demographic rates. For example, the temperature‐dependent increase in aphid development rate could either increase or decrease the cycle period depending on the values of other demographic rates. Although these complexities make predictions difficult, overall they suggest that increasing long‐term mean temperature will decrease the period, increase the amplitude, and tend to destabilize pea aphid–A. ervi dynamics.
On tests of spatial pattern based on simulation envelopes
Authors: Baddeley Adrian , Diggle Peter J. , Hardegen Andrew , Lawrence Thomas , Milne Robin K. , Nair Gopalan
Published: July 2014

In the analysis of spatial point patterns, an important role is played by statistical tests based on simulation envelopes, such as the envelope of simulations of Ripley'sKfunction. Recent ecological literature has correctly pointed out a common error in the interpretation of simulation envelopes. However, this has led to a widespread belief that the tests themselves are invalid. On the contrary, envelope‐based statistical tests are correct statistical procedures, under appropriate conditions. In this paper, we explain the principles of Monte Carlo tests and their correct interpretation, canvas the benefits of graphical procedures, measure the statistical performance of several popular tests, and make practical recommendations. There are several caveats including the under‐recognized problem that Monte Carlo tests of goodness of fit are probably conservative if the model parameters have to be estimated from data. Finally, we discuss whether graphs of simulation envelopes can be used to infer the scale of spatial interaction.
Water allocation reform to meet environmental uses while sustaining irrigation: a case study of the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Bark Rosalind , Kirby Mac , Connor Jeffery D. , Crossman Neville D.
Published: July 2014

Governments are developing policy to reallocate water to environmental uses in many of the world's major river basins developed for irrigation. These policies can place considerable pressure on the irrigation sector to adjust, and may be perceived to conflict with food security and rural development goals. This paper reviews the literature examining opportunities to reduce irrigation district and third party externalities associated with rapid adjustment to water reallocation, with emphasis on recent water reform in the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB), Australia. We focus on opportunities to improve joint environmental and regional economic outcomes, by targeting and sequencing policy instruments operating at different scales.
The effect of salinity on the sorption of cadmium ions from aqueous medium on Fe(III)-sepiolite
Authors: Habish Amal , Lazarevic Slavica , Jankovic-Castvan Ivona , Potkonjak Branislav , Janackovic Djordje , Petrovic Rada
Published: July 2014

In this study, the sorption of cadmium ions onto sepiolite modified with
hydrated iron(III) oxide, Fe(III)-sepiolite, has been investigated in natural
seawater, artificial seawater, aqueous solution of NaCl of the same ionic
strength as the seawater and distilled water. The sorption experiments were
performed as a function of the initial solution pH value, the initial metal
concentration and the equilibration time, using the batch method. The
equilibrium sorption data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips
isotherm models and the kinetics of sorption was analyzed using the
pseudo-first-order and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The maximum
sorption capacity and the strength of the sorbate-sorbent bonds at initial pH
= 7 were found to decrease in the following order: distilled water > NaCl
solution > artificial seawater > natural seawater. The values of parameter nS
in the Sips model, which fitted the equilibrium sorption results best, showed
that heterogeneity of the sorbent surface was the highest in distilled water
and the lowest in natural seawater. The sorption kinetic data fitted well
with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which suggests that the
rate-limiting step in Cd2+ sorption onto Fe(III)-sepiolite could be
chemisorption. The low desorption percentage in both distilled water and
0.001 M HNO3 indicated that sorption occurred mainly by chemisorption
mechanisms.
Magnetic resonance imaging features of Great Danes with and without clinical signs of cervical spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Martin-Vaquero Paula , da Costa Ronaldo C.
Published: July 2014

Objective—To characterize and compare the MRI morphological features of the cervical vertebral column of Great Danes with and without clinical signs of cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM).

Design—Prospective cohort study.

Animals—30 Great Danes (15 clinically normal and 15 CSM-affected).

Procedures—All dogs underwent MRI of the cervical vertebral column (C2–3 through T1–2). Features evaluated included sites of subarachnoid space compression, spinal cord compression, or both; degree, cause, and direction of compression; MRI signal changes of the spinal cord; articular process (facet) joint characteristics; internal vertebral venous plexus visibility; and presence of extradural synovial cysts as well as presence and degree of intervertebral disk degeneration and foraminal stenosis.

Results—Clinically normal and CSM-affected dogs had 11 and 61 compressive sites, respectively, detected with MRI. All CSM-affected dogs had ≥ 1 site of spinal cord compression. No signal changes were observed in spinal cords of normal dogs, whereas 14 sites of hyperintensity were found in 9 CSM-affected dogs. Foraminal stenosis was present in 11 clinically normal and all CSM-affected dogs. The number of stenotic foraminal sites was significantly greater in the CSM-affected group, and severe stenosis appeared to be more common in this group than in the clinically normal group. Significant differences were identified between clinically normal and CSM-affected dogs with regard to amount of synovial fluid evident, regularity of articular surfaces, degree of articular process joint proliferation, and internal vertebral venous plexus visibility.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Abnormalities were detected with MRI in several clinically normal Great Danes. Severe spinal cord compression, number of stenotic foraminal sites, and signal changes within the spinal cord distinguished CSM-affected from clinically normal Great Danes.
Efficacy of systemic adjuvant therapies administered to dogs after excision of oral malignant melanomas: 151 cases (2001–2012)
Authors: Boston Sarah E. , Lu Xiaomin , Culp William T. N. , Montinaro Vincenzo , Romanelli Giorgio , Dudley Robert M. , Liptak Julius M. , Mestrinho Lisa A. , Buracco Paolo
Published: July 2014

Objective—To determine prognostic factors for and compare outcome among dogs with oral malignant melanoma following excision with or without various systemic adjuvant therapies.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—151 dogs with naturally occurring oral malignant melanomas treated by excision with or without adjuvant therapies from 2001 to 2012.

Procedures—Case accrual was solicited from Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology members via an email list service. Information collected from case records included signalment, tumor staging, tumor characteristics, type of surgical excision, histologic diagnosis, adjuvant therapy, and survival time.

Results—The overall median survival time was 346 days. Results of multivariate analysis indicated that tumor size, patient age, and intralesional excision (vs marginal, wide, or radical excision) were considered poor prognostic indicators. All other demographic and clinical variables were not significantly associated with survival time after adjusting for the aforementioned 3 variables. A clear survival benefit was not evident with any systemic adjuvant therapy, including vaccination against melanoma or chemotherapy; however, the number of dogs in each treatment group was small. Ninety-eight dogs received no postoperative adjuvant therapy, and there was no difference in survival time between dogs that did (335 days) and did not (352 days) receive systemic adjuvant therapy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—For dogs with oral malignant melanoma, increasing tumor size and age were negative prognostic factors. Complete excision of all macroscopic tumor burden improved survival time. Long-term survival was possible following surgery alone. Although systemic adjuvant therapy was not found to improve survival time, this could have been due to type II error.
Thermodynamics of a 3 — D charged rotating hairy black hole
Authors: Naji Jalil , Heydari Saba , Amjadi Ali
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we consider a charged rotating black hole in three dimensions with a scalar charge, and discuss thermodynamics quantities. We find effects of the black hole parameters on the temperature, entropy, free energy, total energy and specific heat. We also investigate the stability of the black hole and study phase transition. We consider the first law of thermodynamics and find that satisfied.
Elastic properties of (PbySn1−y
)2P2S6 solid solutions
Authors: Bilanych Rostyslav , Yevych Ruslan , Kohutych Anton , Perechinskii Sergij , Stoika Ivan , Vysochanskii Yulian
Published: July 2014

Elastic properties of (PbySn1−y
)2P2S6 solid solutions were studied using Brillouin scattering technique. Different scattering geometries were used for sound velocities determination that make it possible to find all components of the stiffness tensor. The concentration dependencies of volume compressibility, the Grüneisen parameter and Debye temperature were investigated. The results obtained were used to analyze chemical bonding with substitution of tin by lead at room temperature in the crystals under consideration.
The occurrence of ocular diseases in patients with Turner syndrome
Authors: Brunnerova Renata , Lebl Jan
Published: July 2014

Turner syndrome is among the most common chromosomal aberrations. It is caused by a missing or anomaly of one X chromosome, alternatively a chromosomal mosaicism. It is often connected with a more frequent occurrence of some ocular diseases. In our study 81 girls and women with Turner syndrome from the age of 5 to 23 years old were examined. The occurrence of ocular diseases and their possible connection with karyotype was the main focus of our attention. Myopia had the highest incidence in these girls, further there were hyperopia, epicanthus, colour vision deficiency, amblyopia, strabismus and ptosis. The occurrence of colour vision deficiency was higher than in the general population where it differs in sexes. The occurrence of strabismus and ptosis was higher than in the general population. The total range of refractive errors was slightly higher than in the general population, with a different distribution according to karyotype. Hyperopia was recorded more often at the 45,X karyotype, namely 28 %, while for chromosomal mosaicism it was only in 18%. For myopia the ratio was reversed — chromosomal mosaicism in 31% and in 45,X karyotype in 26 %.In total, while comparing individual eye defects incidence in 45,X karyotype and chromosomal mosaicism, similar findings were recorded. These results were also assessed with the help of statistics.
Satisfaction with health care services of out patient department at Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Rajbanshi L , Dungana GP , Gurung YK , Koirala D
Published: July 2014

Patient satisfaction is one of the most desired outcomes of health care and it is directly related with effective utilization of health service. The objective of the study was to find out the outpatients’ satisfaction with health care services provided in the hospital. The cross sectional study was conducted on April 2013. Through stratified systematic random sampling technique, 776 patients were selected and interviewed at exit point using semi structure interview schedule. Out of the total patients, 63.9% were female and 36.1% were male. Majorities (45.5%) of them were of age group 20 to 39 years, 79.3% were married, and 15.2% were illiterate. Overall satisfaction level was 75.9% with mean score was 24.19 ± 2.92. Level of satisfaction was high: 764(98.5%) with access to care, 710(91.5%) with quality of care and 437(56.3%) with physical facility but low in 476(61.3%) with cost of healthcare and 394(50.8%) with courtesy of healthcare provider. Satisfaction level was significantly associated with availability of drugs and services in the hospital. It also had significant association with waiting time for showing report to doctor. Time taken for registration, consultation and investigations were not significantly associated with age, educational level, and socioeconomic status of the patients. Similarly sex, occupation and income of the patients had insignificant effect on the satisfaction. Thus, to make the service more responsive to the patient, the hospital management needs to improve the staff behavior, adequate supply of drugs and focus on reducing the waiting time. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i1.10841 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(1): 11-18
A comparison of epidural analgesia provided by Bupivacaine plus Pethidine, Bupivacaine plus Morphine, or Bupivacaine plus Morphine plus Midazolam for lower limb Orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Sharma NR , Rai U , Panthee S , Shrestha P
Published: July 2014

Epidural anaesthesia and analgesia in orthopaedic surgeries helps to prevent thromboembolic phenomenon by increasing venodynamics. Adequate post operative analgesia with good patient satisfaction has been observed with this technique. The objective of this study was to assess the duration of postoperative analgesia and complications in patients receiving epidural anesthesia with morphine, midazolam and pethidine in combination with bupivacaine. We prospectively studied 75 Patients who were scheduled for elective lower limb orthopaedic surgery with epidural anaesthesia. This study was conducted from March 2010 to March 2012 at Lumbini Medical College Palpa. They were randomly divided by lottery method into three equal groups. Group ‘A’ (BP) received 50 mg epidural pethidine (3 ml) with 0.5 % bupivacaine 13 ml. Group ‘ B’ (BM) received 5 mg (3 ml) epidural morphine with 13 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and Group’ C’ (BMM) received 5 mg (1 ml) epidural morphine with 13 ml 0.5% bupivacaine and 2 mg (2 ml) epidural midazolam. All the patients were observed for 24 hours for quality of analgesia and other side effects like nausea vomiting, and pruritus. Data were analysed by SPSS-16.0 software. The result of the study shows the duration of analgesia was prolonged in BMM group than BM, and BP group and was statistically significant (P value <0.001). Incidence of nausea and vomiting in BMM group was lower than that of BP and BM group but was statistically insignificantly (P value 0.489). Pruritus was absent in BP group and was more with BM and BMM group (P value 0.007). In conclusion the use of epidural morphine and midazolam in combination with bupivacaine is the satisfactory method of post operative analgesia. By adding midazolam, duration of analgesia can be increased with decrease in incidence of nausea, vomiting and pruritus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i1.10842 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(1): 19-21
Prevalence of dental caries among public school children in the Eastern Nepal
Authors: Bhagat TK , Shrestha A
Published: July 2014

Aim: To assess the prevalence of dental caries among public school children of eastern Nepal using DMFT and dft index. Methods: Six hundred and sixty six school children were examined for decayed missing and filled teeth. Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT), decayed and filled teeth (dft) and prevalence were calculated. Results: The mean decayed and filled teeth were 1.82 whereas mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth were 0.37.The prevalence of dental caries were 60.3% and 55.6% in the primary and permanent dentition respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries was low in permanent dentition compared to primary dentition. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i1.10845 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(1): 30-32
Gender Role in School Bullying
Authors: Neupane D
Published: July 2014

School bullying with reference to gender was performed in Kathmandu. The general aim of this research was to analyze the relationship between bullying and victimization with response to gender among Nepalese school adolescents. The study was correlational in design employing a pen-and-paper self-report survey. Within the survey, two separate instruments measured the criterion variables bullying and victimization. Participants were drawn from three private schools of Kathmandu. These schools were chosen in random selection. The number of participations was 104 school students. The study investigated the prevalence of bullying in the school with reference to gender. The result from the survey indicates that the boys are more bully than girls are. Boys have reported higher mean scores of physical bullying, verbal bullying, physical victimization and verbal victimization. On the other hand, girls have reported higher mean scores of indirect bullying and victimization. Gen­der differences in bullying and victimization were as expected and as social role theory and previous research would predict, with boys reporting higher direct and overall levels of bullying and victimization than girls. Similarly, and in accordance with the literature, girls reported higher levels of indirect bullying and victimization than boys are. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i1.10847 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(1): 37-41
Poison Intake a Social Issue in Nepal
Authors: Piryani Rano Mal
Published: July 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i2.10851 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(2): 2
Immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2 in an experimental progression model of oral cancer
Authors: Shrestha B , Subedi S , Bayracharya D , Radhakrisnan R
Published: July 2014

The progression from normal to dysplasia to carcinoma involves series of molecular events. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), proteolytic enzyme causes the degradation of the basement membrane, which is a primary step in cancer invasion and progression. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of MMP-2 in normal mucosa (NOM), oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and Oral Squamous cell Carcinoma (OSCC).MMP-2 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in NOM (n = 10), OED in each of its histological grades (n = 26) and OSCC of the lining mucosa (n = 19). A semi quantita­tive retrospective analysis was carried out in 100 cells in each of 5 different fields at 40x magnification in each case and the proportion of cells expressing MMP-2 were estimated. Suitable positive and negative controls were used for all our analysis. Expression scores of basal cells as well as adjacent stromal cells of OED and tumor cells as well as adjacent stromal cells of OSCC were analyzed. Expression of MMP-2 increased from NOM to OED through different grades to OSCC. Mann Whitney U test for comparison of expression for MMP-2 was statistically significant. However, the comparison for the ex­pression of MMP-2 in mild and moderate dysplasia (p=0.018) as well as moderate and severe dysplasia (p=0.026) was not statistically significant. Increase in the expression of MMP-2 from normal oral mucosa to dysplasia to oral cancer suggests it as an early event in oral carcinogenesis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i2.10852 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(2): 3-8
Are personal accessories safe in hospital settings?
Authors: Maharjan U , Rajbanshi L , Gurung G , Gautam R , Nepal HP
Published: July 2014

The main goal of this study was to find out whether personal accessories of Health Care Workers (HCWs) harbored microbes which would inhibit good hand hygiene, and would act as breeding grounds for various disease causing microorganisms. Twenty six culture swabs were taken from the bangles, watches and rings of HCWs. We observed the growth of micrococcus species and coagulase negative staphylococci in 50 % of the samples. Of the positive bacterial growth, 45.5% were in bangles, 60% in watches and 40% in rings. Health Care workers have solemn responsibility to safeguard their patients as well as themselves by complying with good hand hygiene compliance by not wearing these accessories during direct patient contact and washing their hands according to WHO Hand Hygiene guidelines. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i2.10858 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(2): 29-31
The Effects of Soft Contact Lens Wear on Corneal Thickness, Curvature, and Surface Regularity
Authors: Sah RP , Paudel N , Chaudhary M , Adhikari P , Mishra SK
Published: July 2014

Contact lenses have various cosmetic and optical advantages over spectacles. However, long term lens use might affect the normal corneal anatomy and physiology in a variety of ways. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of soft contact lens wear on corneal thickness, curvature, and surface regularity.A total of 138 eyes of 69 subjects wearing contact lenses for more than 1 year were evaluated. One eye of each case was randomly selected for the analysis. Nidek Magellan Mapper corneal topography system was used to evaluate the anterior corneal topography. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured using Quantel Medical Axis II PR. Corneal topography and CCT measurements on 138 eyes of 69 subjects were performed. The mean age of the cases and controls was 24.76 ± 5.52 25.13±5.49 years respectively. The mean dura­tion of contact lens wear was 4.83±4.19 years. The mean CCT in case and control group was 527.56±37.40 microns and 544.60±26.10 microns respectively. The mean central corneal thickness in the cases was significantly less by about 16.31 μm in comparison to controls (P <0.05, 95% CI of the difference: 9 μm - 24μm). The SRI and SAI indices were significantly greater in contact lens wearers than in the control group (P = 0.00 for both SRI and SAI).Regular corneal pachymetry and topography assessments are mandatory in soft contact lens users as long term lens wear appears to reduce the central corneal thickness and increase the corneal surface irregularity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i2.10861 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(2): 35-39
Knowledge and attitude of nurses regarding mental illness
Authors: Gurung G
Published: July 2014

Although recent advances in psychiatry have increased our understanding towards psychiatric disorders, many people are unaware about mental illness and its treatment. The negative attitude is known hindrance of providing quality service to mental ill people. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitude about mental illness among nurses. The study was carried out in chitwan medical college, Bharatpur, Nepal. One hundred nurses working in different departments were the study population. A structured questionnaire was provided to the nurses for their responses. It was a purposive, descrip­tive study with 100 respondents of more than 2 years clinical experience. Almost all (99%) respondents mentioned that not all mentally ill are mad. Majority mentioned biochemical disturbances (99%) and genetic (51%) as cause of mental illness respectively. Respondents expressed their faith in psychiatrist (86%) in faith healers. This study revealed that there was overall adequate knowledge and positive attitude towards mentally ill people among the nurses. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i2.10863 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(2): 40-43
Intraoral cysticercosis of the masseter muscle- A rare finding; correlation of histopathology with MRI and USG
Authors: Shrestha M , Shakya P , Shrestha S
Published: July 2014

Cysticercosis refers to infection of tissues after exposure of eggs of pork tapeworm Taenia solium. The authors report a rare case of a solitary intraoral cysticercosis in a thirty-four year female who presented with a mass in the left buccal mucosa of two months duration. The attending dentist could not have an impression of the lesion and sent for ultrasonography. The ultrasonographic report described a well defined hypoechoic lesion with central hypoechoic mural nodular area in left buc­cal region with muscle plane along with posterior enhancement suggestive of cystic nature. The impression was of benign cystic lesion in left buccal region (muscle plane). The MRI report revealed a 12 mm diameter T2 high signal intensity area noted in the anterior aspect of the left masseter muscle that showed iso to low signal in T1 weighted images. An ill margin­ated T2 high signal intensity was seen in left masseter muscle which also showed slight enlargement. The impression was of cystic lesion in left masticator space with edema in surrounding soft tissue plane. The lesion was enucleated and the histological findings revealed a cystic lesion containing parasitic larva. The cystic cavity was surrounded by a collagenous capsule of multinucleated foreign body giant cells with admixture of lymphocytes, plasma cells and histiocytes. The para­sitic larva showed thick integument with projections and a myxomatous inner stroma. Thus a definitive diagnosis of “oral cysticercosis” was given. Oral cysticercosis rarely involves the oral cavity. This case reports a rare involvement of cysticer­cosis involving the masseteric space. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i2.10864 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(2): 44-47
Buried in the rubble of communism
Authors: Burawoy Michael
Published: July 2014

In any given state socialist country, the mode of its collapse lay at the intersection of two forces—struggles within the dominant classes, on the one hand, and struggles between dominant and subordinate classes, on the other hand. The two fed each other in different but complex ways.
Phytochemicals and Antioxidative Properties of Borneo Indigenous Liposu (Baccaurea lanceolata) and Tampoi (Baccaurea macrocarpa) Fruits
Authors: Bakar Mohd , Ahmad Nor , Karim Fifilyana , Saib Syazlina
Published: July 2014

Two underutilized indigenous fruits of Borneo, Liposu (Baccaurea lanceolata) and Tampoi (Baccaurea macrocarpa) were investigated for their total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), anthocyanin (TAC) and carotenoid (TCC) contents as well as antioxidant properties in vitro. The fruits were separated into three different parts (i.e., pericarp, flesh and seed) and extracted using 80% methanol. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging, ABTS decolorization and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays. The results showed that B. macrocarpa pericarp contained the highest amount of total phenolics, total flavonoid, total anthocyanin and total carotenoid with the values of 60.04 ± 0.53 mg GAE/g, 44.68 ± 0.67 mg CE/g, 1.23 ± 0.20 mg c-3-gE/100 g and 0.81 ± 0.14 mg BCE/g. Results from DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays also showed that the pericarp of B. macrocarpa displayed the highest antioxidant capacity. The antioxidant activity of the extract was significantly correlated with the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, but not with the carotenoid contents. In conclusion, B. macrocarpa displayed high potential as natural source of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties.
Cellular and Developmental Biology of TRPM7 Channel-Kinase: Implicated Roles in Cancer
Authors: Yee Nelson , Kazi Abid , Yee Rosemary
Published: July 2014

The transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) is a ubiquitously expressed cation-permeable ion channel with intrinsic kinase activity that plays important roles in various physiological functions. Biochemical and electrophysiological studies, in combination with molecular analyses of TRPM7, have generated insights into its functions as a cellular sensor and transducer of physicochemical stimuli. Accumulating evidence indicates that TRPM7 channel-kinase is essential for cellular processes, such as proliferation, survival, differentiation, growth, and migration. Experimental studies in model organisms, such as zebrafish, mouse, and frog, have begun to elucidate the pleiotropic roles of TRPM7 during embryonic development from gastrulation to organogenesis. Aberrant expression and/or activity of the TRPM7 channel-kinase have been implicated in human diseases including a variety of cancer. Studying the functional roles of TRPM7 and the underlying mechanisms in normal cells and developmental processes is expected to help understand how TRPM7 channel-kinase contributes to pathogenesis, such as malignant neoplasia. On the other hand, studies of TRPM7 in diseases, particularly cancer, will help shed new light in the normal functions of TRPM7 under physiological conditions. In this article, we will provide an updated review of the structural features and biological functions of TRPM7, present a summary of current knowledge of its roles in development and cancer, and discuss the potential of TRPM7 as a clinical biomarker and therapeutic target in malignant diseases.
Topology of a Bidirectional Converter for Energy Interaction between Electric Vehicles and the Grid
Authors: Jiang Jiuchun , Bao Yan , Wang Le
Published: July 2014

In vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, electric vehicles interact with the grid as distributed energy storage systems that offer many potential benefits. As an energy interface between a vehicle and the grid, the bidirectional converter plays a crucial role in their interaction. Its reliability, safety, cost, efficiency, weight, size, harmonics, and other factors are of essential importance for V2G realization, especially for on-board operations. Beyond the common existing topologies for bidirectional chargers, this paper introduces a novel high-power-factor bidirectional single-stage full-bridge (BSS-FBC) topology, which offers advantages in power density, size, weight, cost, efficiency, power quality, dynamic characteristic, reliability, and complexity. Its operational principles and control strategies are presented. Harmonic analysis on the basis of double-Fourier integral is performed with detailed comparison of line current harmonic characteristics between the BSS-FBC topology and unipolar/bipolar controlled single-phase pulse width modulation (PWM) converters. A dynamic model of the topology is derived, its dynamic behavior analyzed, and its compensator design method developed. Simulation and experimental results are employed to verify the design and analysis. Design considerations for the key parameters are discussed. A 3.3 kW prototype is developed for this topology and validated in its vehicle applications. The results demonstrate clearly the benefits and advantages of the new topology.
Cycle Life of Commercial Lithium-Ion Batteries with Lithium Titanium Oxide Anodes in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Han Xuebing , Ouyang Minggao , Lu Languang , Li Jianqiu
Published: July 2014

The lithium titanium oxide (LTO) anode is widely accepted as one of the best anodes for the future lithium ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs), especially since its cycle life is very long. In this paper, three different commercial LTO cells from different manufacturers were studied in accelerated cycle life tests and their capacity fades were compared. The result indicates that under 55 °C, the LTO battery still shows a high capacity fade rate. The battery aging processes of all the commercial LTO cells clearly include two stages. Using the incremental capacity (IC) analysis, it could be judged that in the first stage, the battery capacity decreases mainly due to the loss of anode material and the degradation rate is lower. In the second stage, the battery capacity decreases much faster, mainly due to the degradation of the cathode material. The result is important for the state of health (SOH) estimation and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of battery management system (BMS) for LTO batteries in EVs.
Discrepancies between VEGF −1154 G>A Polymorphism Analysis Performed in Peripheral Blood Samples and FFPE Tissue
Authors: Marisi Giorgia , Passardi Alessandro , Calistri Daniele , Zoli Wainer , Amadori Dino , Ulivi Paola
Published: July 2014

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be associated with the response or toxicity to different types of treatment. Although SNP analysis is usually performed on DNA from peripheral blood, formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is often used for retrospective studies. We analyzed VEGF (−2578C>A, −1498C>T, −1154G>A, −634C>G, +936C>T) and eNOS (+894G>T, −786T>C, VNTR (variable number of tandem repeats) 27bp intron 4) polymorphisms by direct sequencing or Real Time PCR in 237 patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Peripheral blood was used for 153 patients, whereas only FFPE tumor tissue was available for 84 patients. All SNP frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE), with the exception of VEGF −1154, which was only in HWE in peripheral blood specimens. We therefore analyzed this SNP in DNA extracted from FFPE tumor tissue compared to FFPE healthy tissue and peripheral blood from 20 patients. Numerous heterozygous patients in peripheral blood DNA were homozygous for the A-allele in both tumor and healthy FFPE tissues. Our findings indicate that, although FFPE tissue might be a suitable specimen for genotyping, VEGF −1154 does not give reliable results on this type of material. As other SNPs may also have this limitation, genotype concordance should first be confirmed by comparing results obtained from FFPE and fresh sample analyses.
β-Defensin 2 Ameliorates Lung Injury Caused by Pseudomonas Infection and Regulates Proinflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in Rat
Authors: Shen Zhenwei , Fang Lu , Zhao Liming , Lei Han
Published: July 2014

An important member of the defensin family, β-defensin 2, is believed to play an important role in defense against foreign pathogens. In the present study, we constructed lentiviral vectors to express and knockdown β-defensin 2 in rat lungs. The results showed that the infection of β-defensin 2 overexpression lentivirus and β-defensin 2 shRNA effectively increased and suppressed the expression of β-defensin 2 in rat lung, respectively. The overexpression of β-defensin 2 mediated by the lentiviral vector protected lung from infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but shRNA targeting β-defensin 2 aggregated the damage of lung. In addition, we also found that β-defensin 2 overexpression increased basal expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 and decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines which include IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, and TNF-α. Moreover, in the process of cytokine regulation, NF-κB pathway may be involved. Taken together, these data suggest that β-defensin 2 has protective effects against infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in rat and plays a role in inflammatory regulation by adjusting cytokine levels.