bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical approach of the bond stress behavior of steel bars embedded in self-compacting concrete and in ordinary concrete using beam models
Authors: Almeida Filho F.M. , El Debs M. K. , El Debs A.L.H.C.
Published: July 2013

The present study evaluates the bond behavior between steel bars and concrete by means of a numerical analysis based on Finite Element Method. Results of a previously conducted experimental program on reinforced concrete beams subjected to monotonic loading are also presented. Two concrete types, self-compacting concrete and ordinary concrete, were considered in the study. Non-linear constitutive relations were used to represent concrete and steel in the proposed numerical model, aiming to reproduce the bond behavior observed in the tests. Experimental analysis showed similar results for the bond resistances of self-compacting and ordinary concrete, with self-compacting concrete presenting a better performance in some cases. The results given by the numerical modeling showed a good agreement with the tests for both types of concrete, especially in the pre-peak branch of the load vs. slip and load vs. displacement curves. As a consequence, the proposed numerical model could be used to estimate a reliable development length, allowing a possible reduction of the structure costs.
Poéticas da precariedade
Authors: Cury Maria Zilda Ferreira
Published: July 2013

A precariedade é um dos efeitos perversos dos mecanismos inerentes à globalização. A literatura contemporânea, como outras formas de expressão artísticas, dela trazem a marca. O propósito deste ensaio é de abordar esta temática da precariedade tomando como objeto diferentes manifestações artísticas contemporâneas.
Vidas desperdiçadas?: uma análise de Estamira, de Marcos Prado, e No quarto de Vanda, de Pedro Costa
Authors: Azeredo Mônica Horta
Published: July 2013

Vanda e Estamira seriam apenas mulheres comuns, inseridas em universos sociais desfavorecidos e em vias de extinção. Mas, alçadas pelas mãos de cineastas, são transformadas em personagens de si mesmas e ganham o lugar que historicamente lhes foi sempre negado: o da fala. Ao mesmo tempo em que aproximam o real do representado essas docu-ficções convidam à reflexão acerca do que Zygmunt Bauman define como "vidas desperdiçadas". Com uma linguagem cinematográfica contrária à dos cânones, os cineastas Marcos Prado e Pedro Costa contribuem, por meio de um raro recorte, para a construção identitária de parte das sociedades portuguesa e brasileira. E ainda que seja grande a distância espaço-temporal que separa essas duas mulheres, a comparação das obras é algo possível e fecundo.
Diagrama de desvio fonatório e análise perceptivo-auditiva pré e pós-terapia vocal
Authors: Pifaia Letícia Ribeiro , Madazio Glaucya , Behlau Mara
Published: July 2013

OBJETIVO: Verificar se o Diagrama de Desvio Fonatório (DDF) demonstra a mudança vocal obtida por meio da terapia fonoaudiológica e se acompanha as alterações da análise perceptivo-auditiva. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas amostras da vogal sustentada /ε/ de 34 indivíduos, com diversos tipos de disfonia, nos momentos pré e pós-terapia. As vozes foram submetidas à análise acústica pelo DDF e perceptivo-auditiva pela escala analógica visual (EAV) de 100 pontos. No DDF, as vozes foram classificadas quanto à densidade (concentrada ou ampliada), à forma (horizontal, vertical ou circular) e à localização nos quadrantes do diagrama (inferior esquerdo = 1; inferior direito = 2; superior direito = 3 e superior esquerdo = 4). Procedeu-se à análise estatística dos parâmetros acústicos, da distribuição das amostras e da correlação entre a análise acústica e a auditiva, nos momentos pré e pós-terapia. RESULTADOS: Os dados acústicos mostraram melhora na situação pós-terapia. A densidade do DDF não se diferenciou nos dois momentos. Já as formas diferenciaram-se nos dois momentos (p=0,031), sendo que a vertical caracterizou as amostras no momento pré-terapia (12; 35,29%), e a circular (7; 20,59%) no momento pós-terapia. No momento pré-terapia, as amostras estavam distribuídas em três dos quatro quadrantes; no pós-terapia, 90% localizaram-se no quadrante 1 (área de normalidade). A média da avaliação auditiva passou de grau moderado a leve-moderado (p<0,001). Houve diferença entre a localização no quadrante e a avaliação auditiva (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O DDF é útil para identificar mudanças em relação à terapia vocal, correlacionando-se à avaliação perceptivo-auditiva.
Fresh Frozen Plasma as a Successful Antidotal Supplement in Acute Organophosphate Poisoning
Authors: Vučinić Slavica , Zlatković Milica , Antonijević Biljana , Ćurčić Marijana , Bošković Bogdan
Published: July 2013

Despite improvements to intensive care management and specific pharmacological treatments (atropine, oxime, diazepam), the mortality associated with organophosphate (OP) poisoning has not substantially decreased. The objective of this examination was to describe the role of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in acute OP poisoning. After a deliberate ingestion of malathion, a 55-year-old male suffering from miosis, somnolence, bradycardia, muscular fasciculations, rales on auscultation, respiratory insufficiency, as well as from an inhibition of red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), was admitted to hospital. Malathion was confirmed in a concentration of 18.01 mg L-1. Apart from supportive measures (including mechanical ventilation for four days), antidotal treatment with atropine, oxime - pralidoxime methylsulphate (ContrathionR), and diazepam was administered, along with FFP. The potentially beneficial effects of FFP therapy included a prompt increase of BuChE activity (from 926 IU L-1 to 3277 IU L-1; reference range from 7000 IU L-1 to 19000 IU L-1) and a reduction in the malathion concentration, followed by clinical recovery. Due to BuChE replacement, albumin content, and volume restitution, FFP treatment may be used as an alternative approach in patients with acute OP poisoning, especially when oximes are not available.
Marketing Researches of Market of Medications of Neuroprotective Action in Ukraine
Authors: Kotvitska A.A. , Lobova I.О.
Published: July 2013

The assortment of neuroprotective medications, presented in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, has been investigated in
the article. Correlation of medications of home and foreign manufacture within the limits of each pharmacotherapeutic group
of medications was determined.
The analysis of the assortment of neuroprotective medications has been also conducted regarding dosage forms.
During research of assortment of neuroprotective action medications, present in the market of Ukraine, we used data of the
State Register of Medicinal Remedies of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. While conducting marketing analysis of the market of
medications, we adhered to the АТС classification system.
It was determined that home manufacturers supply the internal pharmaceutical market with 38.8% of preparations of the investigated
group. Herewith, leading positions in terms of supply volume belong to ZAT (Close Joint-Stock Company), pharmaceutical
firm “Darnytsia” and JSC “Galychpharm”. Preparations of each of the above-mentioned firms make 10.7% of the general
assortment of home-produced medications.
Rating of 25 foreign countries–suppliers of medications of neuroprotective action to the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine
showed that the leader in terms of volume of the presented medications is Russia, whose medications make 16.4% of the assortment
of neuroprotective medications of foreign manufacture. The second place belongs to Germany (15%), and India (11.6%)
takes the third place.
There was disclosed expediency of expansion of home-produced preparations nomenclature and their dosage forms for ischemic
stroke treatment.
eNOS Promoter Activation by Red Wine Polyphenols: an Interaction Study
Authors: Kurin E. , Fakhrudin N. , Nagy M.
Published: July 2013

Beneficial effects of red wine polyphenols on cardiovascular health are well known. The aim of our research was an interaction
study of four red wine polyphenols – resveratrol (R), quercetin (Q), kaempferol (KF) and isorhamnetin (IR) of their ability to activate
endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) promoter when used alone and in equimolar mixtures. To determine their activity, we performed
a luciferase reporter gene assay on EA.hy926 cells stably transfected with a luciferase reporter gene construct containing
eNOS promoter. The Bradford assay was also performed to account the cytotoxicity and/or the cell number differences. The
median effect equation, as an interaction analysis evaluating synergy or antagonism of the combinations was done according to
mass-action law principle. Isobolographic method was performed on selected double mixtures and dose reduction index was
calculated for all mixtures. All single polyphenols activated eNOS promoter. The EC50 values were in micromolar concentrations
ranging from 3.44 μM (R2 = 0.96) for kaempferol to 9.89 μM for isorhamnetin (R2 = 0.94). All mixtures activated eNOS promoter,
but their interactions varied from synergy (Q+R, Q+IR+KF, Q+R+KF and Q+R+IR+KF), through additive (R+IR+KF) to antagonistic
interaction (R+IR, R+KF, Q+IR, Q+KF, IR+KF and R+Q+IR). In this study, we show for the first time that red wine polyphenols activated
eNOS promoter when used alone and in mixtures with different type of interactions.
Immunohistochemical study of Aquaporin-1, Cyclooxygenase-2 and Apoptosis Protease-Activating Factor-1 expression in breast cancers. Preliminary study
Authors: Dénes L , Pap Zsuzsanna , Fehér I , Emőke Horváth , Mezei T , Bődi Zsuzsanna , Brînzaniuc Klara , Pávai Z
Published: July 2013

The aim of the present study is to establish possible associations between Aquaporin-1, Cyclooxygenase-2 and Apoptosis Protease-Activating Factor-1 expression in breast cancers and pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the examined tumors.

For the purpose of this study we used paraffin embedded archived tumor material of 31 breast cancer patients from the Pathology Department of the Odorheiu Secuiesc Municipal Hospital. We performed immunohistochemistry reactions ER, PR, HER2, AQP1, COX2 and APAF1, and following independent evaluation by two pathologists the obtained data was statistically analyzed. The tumors were divided into three groups based on their histological properties, and correlations were made with the examined markers.

AQP1, COX2 and APAF1 immunostaining results produced significant correlations with HER2 status and histological groups. There were no statistical correlations between ER or PR status and the three examined markers.

Lobular carcinomas showed AQP1 and COX2 overexpression, and loss of APAF1 expression, which all correlated with HER2 negative status.

We concluded that AQP1 could be a useful marker for detecting more aggressive subtypes and also for evaluating tumor angiogenesis. COX2 and APAF1 immunoexpression, although somewhat specific to certain histological groups, needs to be further characterized in order to be a useful marker for the clinical setting.
Gorilla gorilla: un mannequin anatomique, démontable, grandeur nature du 19ème siècle, en papier mâché de la maison Auzoux, exemplaire non coloré
Authors: Le Floch-Prigent P. , Gillot J.-B. , Barbet J.-P
Published: July 2013

L’anatomie du Gorille est peu étudiée et publiée, le plus souvent de manière partielle ou incomplète. Dans la deuxième moitié du 19ème siècle, le Docteur Auzoux, fabriquant français de modèles anatomiques en papier mâché qui avait atteint une notoriété internationale, avait reproduit l’anatomie d’un exemplaire de Gorilla gorilla qu’il avait disséqué lui-même. Malgré des spécificités esthétiques : pose accrochée à une branche, représentation en écorché à gauche et pour la partie médiane, représentation essentiellement osseuse à droite, ce modèle était une véritable pièce scientifique car chacun des éléments musculaires, démontables comportait sur sa face non visible outre un numéro d’ordre, l’innervation et l’action, parfois la vascularisation, en en faisant ainsi un véritable recueil de données anatomiques. Cet animal étant en danger d’extinction, ces données quasiment uniques en faisaient un conservatoire morphologique précieux en trois dimensions. Cet exemplaire était non coloré.
Obesity, an independent risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in NAFLD non-cirrhotic patients
Authors: Suceveanu Andra-Iulia , Mazilu Laura , Voinea F. , Suceveanu A.P , Parepa Irinel Raluca , Catrinoiu Doina , Tuta Liliana-Ana
Published: July 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies with increasing incidence in developed countries. Epidemiological studies show that the cause of new discovered HCC cases remains unclear in 15%-50% of cases. Obesity and the subsequent/ underlying nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be responsible for most of these cases. The aim of our study was to estimate the risk of HCC in obese patients diagnosed with NAFLD, without clinical or imagistic features of liver cirrhosis, in order to see if HCC can develop in fatty liver in the absence of cirrhosis. Patients with regular/daily alcohol consumption or diagnosed with liver viral infections were excluded. We studied 214 obese patients with NAFLD over a period of 5 years. We evaluated all patients using abdominal ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein every 6 month, in order to detect the HCC occurrence. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the cumulative incidence of HCC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to assess associations between HCC and obesity. The median follow-up was 4.3 years. During the study period, 16 from 118 cirrhotic NFLAD patients (13.5%) and 12 from 96 non-cirrhotic NAFLD patients (12.5 %) developed HCC (p = 0.07, ns). The cumulative incidence of HCC was found to be 2.9% in obese patients with NAFLD-cirrhosis, compared with 2.2% in obese patients without cirrhosis (p = 0.09, ns). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that older age (p = 0.04) was independent variable associated with development of HCC in patients with/without NAFLDcirrhosis. Obesity seems to be an independent risk factor for HCC occurrence, regardless the presence of mild or advanced liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients.
Analysis of the horizontal structure of a measurement and control geodetic network based on entropy
Authors: Mrówczyńska Maria
Published: July 2013

The paper attempts to determine an optimum structure of a directional measurement and control network intended for investigating horizontal displacements. For this purpose it uses the notion of entropy as a logarithmical measure of probability of the state of a particular observation system. An optimum number of observations results from the difference of the entropy of the vector of parameters ΔHX̂ (x)corresponding to one extra observation. An increment of entropy interpreted as an increment of the amount of information about the state of the system determines the adoption or rejection of another extra observation to be carried out.
Analysis of geodetic and legal documentation in the process of expropriation for roads. Krakow case study
Authors: Trembecka Anna
Published: July 2013

Amendment to the Act on special rules of preparation and implementation of investment in public roads resulted in an accelerated mode of acquisition of land for the development of roads. The decision to authorize the execution of road investment issued on its basis has several effects, i.e. determines the location of a road, approves surveying division, approves construction design and also results in acquisition of a real property by virtue of law by the State Treasury or local government unit, among others.

The conducted study revealed that over 3 years, in this mode, the city of Krakow has acquired 31 hectares of land intended for the implementation of road investments.

Compensation is determined in separate proceedings based on an appraisal study estimating property value, often at a distant time after the loss of land by the owner. One reason for the lengthy compensation proceedings is challenging the proposed amount of compensation, unregulated legal status of the property as well as imprecise legislation.

It is important to properly develop geodetic and legal documentation which accompanies the application for issuance of the decision and is also used in compensation proceedings.
Bio-methanization of organic fraction from municipal solid waste: temperature effects
Authors: Fernández-Rodríguez J. , Pérez M. , Romero L.I.
Published: July 2013

The main objective of this study was to analyse the development of dry anaerobic digestion process of OFMSW in batch reactors under two temperature ranges, thermophilic (55°C) and mesophilic (35°C). The experimental results lead to the conclusion that the thermophilic range has a greater rate of hydrolysis and is therefore more effective to degrade wastes, shortening the overall operating time. For example, the hydrolytic step in the thermophilic (T) process lasted an average of 8 days versus 14 days in the mesophilic (M) range. The methanogenic phase lasted for 18 and 29 days in the T and M processes, respectively. The mesophilic range showed higher removal of the organic effluent but with greater uptime requirements. Moreover, the thermophilic range showed greater productivities than the mesophilic range, and the productivities were approximately doubled in terms of the produced biogas from a given amount of consumed organic matter.
Inclusion of the Corporate Income Tax Revenue into the Municipal Budget: Needs, Risks, and Solutions
Authors: Pūle Biruta
Published: July 2013

The author assesses the opportunities for inclusion of the corporate income tax into the budgets of the local governments on whose territories there are legally registered companies. For this purpose the same territorial code principle is recommended, which is applied to administer personal income tax. In order to motivate companies to register legally and engage in business activities in the regions of Latvia, tax incentives should be established. The application of tax incentives need to be delegated to the local governments, thus ensuring their interest in business development in their territories. The diversion of corporate income tax into the budgets of local governments would significantly strengthen their budget revenue base, increasing the interest of municipalities into the development and modernization of the companies, as well as creation of new jobs. Inherent risks are defined, and possible solutions how to eliminate these risks are suggested.
Effect of Crown Restriction on the Growth and Productivity of Sweet Cherries
Authors: Rubauskis Edgars , Skrīvele Māra , Ruisa Silvija , Feldmane Daina
Published: July 2013

The canopy of sweet cherry trees grown under cover has to be adapted to this growing system by canopy lowering, narrowing and renewing. Tree growth and productivity parameters were compared three years before and three years after canopy restriction (2006-2011) for cultivars ‘Iputj’ and ‘Krupnoplodnaya’ on rootstocks Gisela 4 and 5, Weiroot 154 and F 12/1 during the full production period. The largest trees with wider canopy both before and after canopy restriction were observed on rootstock F 12/1. Limiting pruning of trees on Weiroot 154 did not cause stronger shoot growth. On Weiroot 154 the canopy was slightly bigger than for trees on Gisela 4 and 5. Canopy volume was bigger for ‘Iputj’ before adaptation to the cover system than for ‘Krupnoplodnaya’. After canopy reduction the fruiting wood renewed slowly, and therefore, yield per tree even in the third year after pruning was almost three times less than before pruning. As cultivar ‘Krupnoplodnaya’ renewed fruiting wood faster, it was 5-37% more productive than ‘Iputj’. Productivity renewed more rapidly for trees on dwarfing rootstocks, especially on Gisela 5. The fruits of cultivar ‘Krupnoplodnaya’ were bigger both before and after pruning compared with ‘Iputj’. Of the tested rootstocks, F 12/1 was found to be not suitable for plantations under cover.
Raspberry Cultivar ‘Glen Ample’ Growing Under High Tunnels in Latvia
Authors: Strautiņa Sarmīte , Kalniņa Ieva , Lūsēns Roberts
Published: July 2013

Raspberries are among the most important berry crops in Latvia, but innovative solutions for their growing have not been very popular due of high implementation expenses. Use of rain shelters or other ways to protect berry production from unfavourable weather conditions can significantly increase their quality and consumer acceptance. The aim of this study was to compare different cover systems and assess their suitability for raspberry growing in Latvia. The study was conducted at the Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing. The cultivar ‘Glen Ample’ was grown in two types of high tunnels: Haygrove IV series and FVG (Folien-Vertriebs GmbH), and in open field. The temperature and air humidity regime in high tunnels promoted cane growth resulting in increased number of fruit laterals and yield, as well as weight of berries. Floricane length and number of fruiting laterals was significantly higher than in the open field. Similarly, the average berry weight and yield per row meter was significantly higher in tunnels than in open field, in both years of the evaluation.
Incidence of Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) Storage Rot in Latvia
Authors: Vilka Līga , Bankina Biruta
Published: July 2013

The American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is a promising perspective and marketable crop both in Latvia and foreign markets, but an important problem is fruit rot in storage. The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of cranberry fruit rot in storage from fruit collected in different locations in Latvia. In 2007-2011, two hundred sound berries (total 1200) were randomly collected by hand along a diagonal from six different cranberry plantations from locations all over Latvia in every year. Berries were kept in plastic polyethylene (PE-LD 04) bags for four months, refrigerated at +7 °C, 83% relative humidity. At the end of each month, berries were evaluated and rotten berries were separated from the sound ones. Over the period of 2007-2011, the optimal time for cranberry storage was two months, when losses due to fruit rot reached up to 18-21%. The incidence of storage rot at the end of storage period after four months (February) reached 50-88%. The hot and rainy summer of 2010 significantly reduced the quality of fruit in storage, and spoilage reached on the average 88% (74-100%) of berries in the plantations. The incidence of fruit rot varied among the surveyed cranberry growing sites. Storage rot is a problem in cranberry samples from all inspected plantations in Latvia and in the future, the incidence of fruit rot is expected to increase, because the greatest part of growers believe that American cranberries can grow in the same way as wild cranberries, without fertilisation and pesticide use
Performance of Blackcurrant Cultivars Bred at I. V. Michurin All-Russia Research Institute for Horticulture
Authors: Zhidyokhina Tatyana , Rodyukova Olga , Laugale Valda
Published: July 2013

The breeding of blackcurrants in I. V. Michurin All-Russia Research Institute for Horticulture (ARRIH) has a history of 55 years. Joining of high productivity and quality of fruits, technological properties and resistance to abiotic and biotic stress in new generation cultivars are the main concepts in breeding of blackcurrants today. At the beginning of the 21st century, 11 new blackcurrant cultivars were developed: ‘Charovnica’, ‘Elevesta’, ‘Malenkii Princ’, ‘Tamerlan’, ‘Chernavka’, ‘Shalun’a’, ‘Karmelita’, ‘Sensey’, ‘Divo Zvyaginoy’, and ‘Talisman’ with black coloured fruits, and ‘Izumrudnoye Ozherel’e’ with green coloured fruits. The complex evaluation of the newly released cultivars ‘Lebeduscha’, ‘Lyubava’, ‘Malenkii Princ’, ‘Talisman’, ‘Tamerlan’, ‘Charovnica’, ‘Elevesta’ was performed during 2007-2012 at I. V. Michurin ARRIH. In 2004, several cultivars from the I.V. Michurin ARRIH breeding programme, namely ‘Charovnica’, ‘Elevesta’, ‘Malenkii Princ’, ‘Tamerlan’ and ‘Talisman’, were planted in the collection of Pūre Horticultural Research Centre, Latvia, for evaluation of cultivar adaptability to local agro-meteorological conditions. The cultivars ‘Elevesta’ and ‘Talisman’ showed the best results among the tested cultivars
Monilinia Species Causing Fruit Brown Rot, Blossom and Twig Blight in Apple Orchards in Belarus
Authors: Lesik Katsiaryna
Published: July 2013

The aim of the study was to describe the fungi of the genus Monilinia and their damages on apple trees. During 2008-2012, surveys of apple orchards in various regions of Belarus were carried out to collect infected material for isolation of pathogens in pure culture. Fungi identification has been made by features of the cultures and morphology. It was found that in Belarus, moniliosis of apple mainly is caused by Monilinia fructigena. For the first time, in Belarus the fungus Monilinia laxa on apple-tree was recorded. In orchards of Belarus, the most widespread form of apple moniliosis was brown rot. Under favourable conditions for pathogen development, harvest losses of apple due to brown rot can exceed 50%. In recent years, an increase in damage caused by the spring form of moniliosis (monilial blight) has occurred in apple orchards. Monilial blight of twigs and fruit-bearing branches was caused by M. fructigena and M. laxa fungi. The increasing trend of this form of disease was shown in orchards older than ten years.
Registration of untypical 3D objects in Polish cadastre – do we need 3D cadastre?
Authors: Marcin Karabin
Published: July 2013

Polish cadastral system consists of two registers: cadastre and land register. The cadastre register data on cadastral objects (land, buildings and premises) in particular location (in a two-dimensional coordinate system) and their attributes as well as data about the owners. The land register contains data concerned ownerships and other rights to the property. Registration of a land parcel without spatial objects located on the surface is not problematic. Registration of buildings and premises in typical cases is not a problem either. The situation becomes more complicated in cases of multiple use of space above the parcel and with more complex construction of the buildings.

The paper presents rules concerning the registration of various untypical 3D objects located within the city of Warsaw. The analysis of the data concerning those objects registered in the cadastre and land register is presented in the paper. And this is the next part of the author’s detailed research. The aim of this paper is to answer the question if we really need 3D cadastre in Poland.
Maintaining the Legacy
Authors: Boards Editorial
Published: June 2013

Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages v-vi DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8275
The Bajanama Inscription of Jagatasena
Authors: Das Basudevlal
Published: June 2013

The Sena dynasty was established in Nepal after its downfall in Bengal. The Senas were orthodox Hindus. The kingdom of Makawanpur was ruled by the kings of Sena dynasty. Janakpur was situated within its territory. The condition of Janaki Temple Monastery of Janakpur became pitiable and the monk called the king for the betterment of the monastery. But the state was unable to do, so the Bajanama, a kind of desistance paper, was given in 1733 AD. This paper is written to thirough lights on the matters of economic condition of the state, the official language which is a mixed form of Hindi, Bhojpuri and Urdu words and the writing of script Nagari. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 1-4 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8276
Higher Order Thinking in Education
Authors: Mainali Bhawani Prasad
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this article is to focus on pedagogical process that can be utilized to develop in students higher order thinking skills considered necessary for quality of life. Moreover, it also describes the rationale of developing higher order thinking skills and its implications in educational context. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 5-10 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8277
Chemistry of Diabetes and its Impact
Authors: Mishra Birendra Kumar
Published: June 2013

Diabetes mellitus is caused by defects in insulin production as will as action. In absence of insulin ,the body’s primary source of energy and the brains only source of energy, glucose is unable to enter into cells. Infact diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease i.e. it is caused by an abnormal metabolism resulting from, for example nutritional deficiency, enzyme deficiency or abnormal secretion of hormones. In a case study among Nepalese people it has been found that diabetes mellitus is mainly caused by deterioration of renal function (Chronic Kidney Disease) . Obesity and type 2 diabetes relation is an active and exciting area of research now a days . In this article an attempt has been made to overview the life threatening disease diabetes mellitus. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 16-22 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8279
Communication in Business Organizations
Authors: Niraula Ganesh Prasad
Published: June 2013

Now a day, communication has become central part of management. It has been used by different business houses like sole trading, partnership and joint stock companies in their different managerial and non-managerial activities. Its role is inevitable not only in the business organizations but also in our day to day life. Communication is the transformation of information from one person to another to fulfill common interest. It is the exchange of facts, opinions, ideas suggestions and other information. This paper deals with the relevance and role of communication in business organization. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 23-27 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8281
Assessment and Test in Teaching and Learning
Authors: Sah Kedar Prasad
Published: June 2013

Needless to mention that assessment is an indispensable part of teaching and learning. This article is an attempt to explain how teaching, learning and assessing are intimately interrelated. However, it primarily focuses on the crucial role of assessment in enhancing teaching and learning in general and English language teaching in particular. While doing so, assessment has been compared to testing which is more often used in the Nepalese academia. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 28-32 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8282
Corporate Social Responsibility in Nepal
Authors: Shah Krishna Kumar
Published: June 2013

This article discusses the concept of social responsibility of corporate and its significance in Nepal. It, however, emphasizes on the part of companies/corporate to comply with and motivates their activities for the protection of vulnerable section of society for promotion of research and development activities and helps government and social institutions to face several social problems like poverty, unemployment and environmental risk and others. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 33-37 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8283
Ageing Population in Nepal: Challenges and Management
Authors: Yadav Raj Kumar
Published: June 2013

Ageing is not yet understood as a demographic as well as socio-economic problem in Nepal with adequate reflection in the policy and plan documents. However, gradual decline in fertility, rapidly increasing technological diffusion along with considerable control in mortality increasing ageing have challenged it’s properly management. Internal conflicts, poor socio-economic and inadequate resource base of the country have difficulties in coping with the problems of aging espoused with unemployment among adults. Transitions in social status, economic motive and family attitude, norms and values and transformation from joint to nuclear family structure have also challenged its properly rearing and caring. Coherent and aggressive policy and programmed measures are required to combat the issues of elderly as well as welfare for all in Nepal Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 48-53 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8287
Metals in Oncology: An Overview
Authors: Yadav Ram Nath Prasad
Published: June 2013

This paper is an attempt to survey the literature of metal in oncology and also to give relative insight of effectiveness of different metals and their compounds against tumors cell lines. In this article I have summarized the anticancer activities of the certain active metals such as arsenic, tin, gallium, bismuth, and antimony. Arsenic is present in the anomaly of displaying anti-cancer and oncogenic properties simultaneously. Organic compounds of tin exhibit anti-cancer activity similar to cis-platin compound of platinum. The anti-proliferative effect of gallium could be related to its completion with iron atom. Bismuth directly affects Helicobacter pylori and gastric lymphoma: the effect of bismuth complexes of 6-mercaptopyrine are promising. Some antimony organic compounds show interesting result. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 54-58 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8288
Poverty Incidence in Nepal by Caste/Ethnicity: Recent Levels and Trends
Authors: Patel Shambhu Prasad
Published: June 2013

Nepal Living Standard Survey (NLSS) 1995/96 is the first survey in Nepal which provides data on poverty by caste and ethnicity. This paper attempts to trace out the levels and trends of poverty in Nepal by caste and ethnicity on the basis of available data. The findings show wide disparity in poverty between and within the social groups. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 59-62 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8290
Safe Motherhood Practice in Dalit Community
Authors: Pasad Subhash
Published: June 2013

Safe motherhood practice is still poor among the unprivileged groups like the Dalit of Nepal. Low socio-economic condition and lack of awareness in the Dalit community seems to have negative impact on women health and safe motherhood practice. This paper describes the practice of safe motherhood in the Dalit community based on quantitative data collected from 120 mothers. The respondents were interviewed by using interview schedule. It is concluded that lack of education and awareness, low socioeconomic condition, teenage marriage and early pregnancy, improper antenatal care service, unsafe delivery at home, improper postnatal checkup and traditional attitudes indicate that safe motherhood practice is not satisfactory in the Dalit community. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 63-68 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8291
Transfer of Teacher Training Skills in Classroom
Authors: Thapa Tara Bahadur
Published: June 2013

Teacher training helps to increase teaching and learning process in the classroom. Its impact in classroom situation brings a good result in all teaching learning process and children’s overall development. However, in spite of the intensive teacher training, the public school’s achievements seem poor day by day in the context of Nepal. Many factors play the role to transfer the training skills to the classroom successfully. The effect of training in teaching and learning denotes the betterment of overall situation of classroom activities. So this article highlights on the existing situation of teacher training and the transfer of its skills in the classroom. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 69-73 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8292
Psychological analysis of Devkota’s Shakuntal Mahakavya
Authors: Mishra Uma
Published: June 2013

Article in Nepali.Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 74-77 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8293
Incorporating Bioinformatics into Biological Science in Nepal: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh Prasad
Published: June 2013

The huge amount of data created by proteomics and genomics studies worldwide has caused bioinformatics to gain prominence and importance for urgency to process and analyze those data. However, its multidisciplinary nature has created a challenge to meet the unique demand for specialist trained in both biology and computing. Several countries, in response to this challenge, have developed a number of manpower training programs. This review presents a description of the meaning, scope, history and development of bioinformatics with focus on prospects and challenges facing bioinformatics education worldwide. The paper also provides an overview of attempts at the introduction of bioinformatics; describes the existing bioinformatics scenario and suggests strategies for effective bioinformatics education for the sustainable growth and development in Nepal. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 78-85 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8294
Resources and Environment for Economic Development
Authors: Sharma Yadab Raj
Published: June 2013

The study of environmental economics is essential and is concerned to allocation of resources among alternative uses in such a way that there is an efficient reduction of the waste, discharged to the environment which causes an increase in welfare. Excessive exploitation of the natural resources brings negative changes in the environment mainly in ecological balance. Resources are essential for economic development but modernization, industrialization and some kinds of socio – cultural practices are degrading the natural environment. This article presents the way of the sustainable development and control of the environmental problem due to developmental activities. Some recommendations are made which may help to improve the environment, and slowdown the rising damage. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 86-89 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8295
Thakur Ram: Base Campus for Proposed Birgunj University
Authors: Board Editorial
Published: June 2013

Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 90-92 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8296
Concepts of P Drug Selection
Authors: Banerjee Indrajit
Published: June 2013

Personal (P) drug selection is an important part of the pharmacology teaching and learning session. Most of the textbooks that are commonly followed by the medical schools of Nepal merely tell about the concepts of P drug selection. Most of the time it is found that student cannot follow the concepts of P drug. Most of the literature that is available is in the international level, like international journals, guide to good prescription, teachers guide to good prescription etc. At the national level very few references are available. The activity of P drug selection can reduce the chances of irrational prescribing that is common problem in developing country like Nepal. Some of the important concepts regarding P Drug selection like it is a personal drug for a doctor and it is not for a patient, P drug is selected for a disease and not for a particular patient is also has been emphasized in this paper.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v3i1.8280 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2013;3 (1): 226-229
Appropriateness of Antibiotic Use in Enteric fever inpatients in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Western Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alam Kadir , Mishra P , Angsulee NK
Published: June 2013

Background: Enteric fever, also known as typhoid fever, is a commonly diagnosed disease in Nepal. Globally, enteric fever affects 21.6 million people and causes 216500 deaths annually. Appropriate use of antibiotics is a key element in the successful treatment of enteric fever. Objective: The study was aimed to study antibiotic use and their appropriateness in the patient with Enteric Fever. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in two tertiary-care hospitals viz. Manipal Teaching Hospital (MTH) and Western Regional Hospital (WRH) in western Nepal between Aug- September 2010. Appropriateness in this study was assessed using Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) criteria which include indication, effectiveness, dosage, correct directions, practical directions, drug-drug interactions, drug-disease interactions, duplication, duration and expense.  Results: Mean use of antibiotics in WRH (2.18±0.87) was not significantly different (P = 0.015) from MTH (2.13±1.11). The Cephalosporin group of antibiotics was used widely to treat enteric fever in both hospitals. On average 1.12 Cephalosporin per patient in MTH and 0.93 Cephalosporin per patient in WRH were used. On average, we found that 31.7% in MTH and 39.5% in WRH of patient’s treatments with antibiotics were inappropriate. Other common types of inappropriateness are expensive drugs [90% (MTH), 92% (WRH)] duplication of antibiotics [53% (MTH), 822% (WRH)], prescribing high generation antibiotics [80% (MTH), 89% (WRH)], and practical direction [17% (MTH), 33% (WRH)]. Conclusion: Conclusively, more than thirty percent of patients in both of hospitals treated for enteric fever received inappropriate antibiotics. Hence we recommend future education or managerial intervention to improve appropriateness. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v3i1.8289   Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2013;3 (1): 236-242
Cartographic Visualization of Vulnerability to Natural Hazards
Authors: Opach Tomasz , Rød Jan Ketil
Published: July 2013

Vulnerability to natural hazards has many components. It is about exposure to various natural disasters, but a place's vulnerability also depends on its capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from shocks resulting from natural extreme events. To avoid increased place vulnerability due to the anticipated negative effects of climate change, local authorities need to know which places are the most vulnerable and what makes these areas vulnerable. We have developed ViewExposed to provide this information. Knowing where the most vulnerable areas are is very useful for local stakeholders, since these places may be most in need of adaptation strategies. However, stakeholders also need to have an understanding of what makes these areas vulnerable. ViewExposed provides this information using a parallel coordinates plot, a table view, sparklines, and a profile report. Although vulnerability assessment data are complex, ViewExposed has an easy-to-use interface facilitating a high degree of user interaction through multiple and linked views. An improved understanding of the many aspects of vulnerability has a far-reaching potential to inform users efficiently about factors that influence the overall vulnerability and, as a consequence, can help raise people's awareness of what makes places vulnerable to natural threats.
Impact of Feed Opening Width and Position on PVC Extrusion Process Effectiveness
Authors: Sikora J. W. , Samujło B.
Published: July 2013

The influence of the feed opening axis width and position in relation to the plasticizing system axis on the effectiveness of the extrusion process of poly(vinyl) chloride has been studied. The research was conducted on the extrusion line for profiles with the extruder of the screw diameter 25 mm and L/D ratio = 25. In the extruder, the extruder head was mounted with a die of a rectangular cross-section shape for extruding a sheet of a defined width and thickness. The extruder was adapted for mounting five feed segments in the feed zone of the plasticizing unit; the segments differed from one another in terms of their feed opening width, the values of which were 0.6 D, 0.7 D, 0.8 D, 0.9 D and 1.0 D, respectively, whereas the values of the longitudinal axis shift of the opening relative to the longitudinal axis of the plasticizing unit were 0.2 D, 0.15 D, 0.10 D, 0.05 D and 0.0 D, respectively, which corresponded to 5 mm, 3.75 mm, 2.5 mm, 1.25 mm and 0 mm, respectively. The effectiveness of the polyvinyl chloride extrusion process was determined by dependences of extrudate temperature, extruder screw torque, polymer mass flow rate, power supplied to the extruder and conveyed by the polymer, unit energy consumption and energy efficiency of the extrusion process on the feed opening width and its axis position relative to the plasticizing unit axis, at different values of the screw rotational speed. It was stated that the width and position of the feed opening in relation to the plasticizing system axis can be adjusted in such a way that the extrusion process will be the most effective and other conclusions were also drawn.
Improving the Accuracy of Electronic Moisture Meters for Runner-Type Peanuts
Authors: Lamb M. C. , Butts C. L. , Blankenship P. D.
Published: July 2013

Runner-type peanut kernel moisture content (MC) is measured periodically during curing and post harvest processing with electronic moisture meters for marketing and quality control. MC is predicted for 250 g samples of kernels with a mathematical function from measurements of various physical properties. To examine the accuracy of the function used in the Dickey-john GAC2100 for measuring MC of runner-type peanuts, 421 samples were measured with the meter and compared to oven MC data subsequently determined using ASAE Standard S410.1. Peanut moisture content for the peanuts according to the meter averaged 19.1% with a SD of 15.4%. Oven moisture contents had a mean of 17.3% and a SD of 8.5%. Means were significantly different (P  =  0.001). A calibration equation was derived from capacitance, conductance, temperature, and test weight data provided by the meter and compared to oven MC data. Moisture contents calculated from the calibration equation had a 17.3% mean and an 8.5% SD equaling values for oven determined moisture contents. Results of the study indicate that the accuracy of the meter in predicting moisture content can be improved considerably utilizing currently collected data and the derived calibration equation developed.
Temporal Analysis of Branches Pod Production in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Genotypes with Different Growth Habits and Branching Patterns
Authors: Giayetto O , Morla F. D. , Fernandez E. M. , Cerioni G. A. , Kearney M. , Rosso M. B. , Violante M. G.
Published: July 2013

Peanut is an annual crop with indeterminate growth habits and different branching patterns. The combination of these parameters produces different modes of pod distribution in the soil, mainly due to spatial and temporal variation in the gynophore penetration and subsequent pod development. Different levels of lateral and main stem branches have variable influences on plant yield. Branch influence on yield also is significantly different among virginia, runner, and spanish cultivars. The objective of this study was to describe and quantify the number and weight of pod determinations for each branch type, and to estimate the relationship with prevailing mean temperature and solar radiation during the respective moment. The study was carried out under field conditions using two genotypes sowed at three different dates. The differences in the relative contribution to pod yield provided by each branch are due to the critical period of determination of number and weight of pods. Critical periods differ between genotypes, and are dependent on the growth habit and branching pattern. Branches with a greater contribution to pod yield (n+1 cotyledonary and others with 65 to 67%, and n+2 cotyledonary with 24 to 26%) have an earlier onset, higher rate of appearance and pod growth, and longer duration of these critical stages. However, there was no difference in the amount of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) and mean temperature due to temporal overlap of these stages in the main branch categories (cotyledonary n+1 and n+2, and other n+1). Instead, the partitioning coefficient (p) was different among branch types, due to the sink strength (number and weight of pods) in both cultivars. Thus, p ranged 0.01–0.32 and 0.01–0.33 in Utre, and between 0.02–0.24 and 0.03–0.26 for number and weight of pods in Granoleico, respectively. This sink strength, in turn, is greater in the branches that first define the yield components, thus giving them a comparative advantage with respect to later ontogenetic development branches. These results suggest that to improve peanut yield it may be desirable obtain cultivar with lower indetermination growth level and more branch types of earlier onset.