bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Capacity of Nettle Leaves During Osmotic Treatment
Authors: Knežević Violeta , Pezo Lato L. , Lončar Biljana Lj. , Filipović Vladimir S. , Nićetin Milica R. , Gorjanović Stanislava Ž. , Šuput Danijela
Published: November 2018

Osmotic treatment (OT) of nettle leaves was assessed in various osmotic solutions (sugar beet molasses – SBM and ternary aqueous solution – TAS), at temperatures of 20, 35 and 50 °C, under the atmospheric pressure. The influence of the kind of utilized osmotic solution, process temperature and osmotic time on the antioxidant activity (AOC), expressed with the spectrophotometric assays (ABTS, FRAP and DPPH), as well as two direct current polarographic assays, Hydroxo Perhydroxo Mercury (II) complex assay, based on the decrease of anodic current and assay based on the decrease of a cathodic current of Hg (II) reduction. For determination of the total phenolic content Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used. The Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI), obtained by setting equal weight for every involved assay was applied in order to get an extensive comparison among analyzed samples and between the used assays. Based on these results, after the OT of nettle leaves in TAS, the AOC decreased, while the OT in SBM increased AOC values. The phenolic antioxidant coefficients (PAC), calculated as the ratio between particular AO capacity and TPC, were used to achieve a more comprehensive comparison between analysed samples, as well as applied assays. The results of RACI evaluation revealed that the most favorable osmotic treatment is the one performed for 5h at 35 °C.
Planning the Electrification of Rural Villages in East Nusa Tenggara Using Renewable Energy Generation
Authors: Giwangkara Jannata , Van Campen Bart
Published: December 2018

Providing accessible, affordable and renewable electricity to rural areas in developing countries like Indonesia, is arguably challenging. The higher initial cost of renewable, as compared to conventional energy technologies, is often viewed as an obstacle in the rural electrification decision-making process. This study is conducted to examine the techno-economic feasibility of renewable energy generation options to bring electricity to the rural villages in Indonesia with Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (ENT) as a case study. In this study, three village electrification scenarios were generated: basic (with the demand load of 150,5 kWh/day), moderate (359,9 kWh/day) and advanced electrification (579 kWh/day). To supply the load, three energy technologies were compared: conventional technology (diesel-powered); renewables technology (solar PV, and wind turbines); and hybrid technology (combination of diesel, solar PV and wind). The Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resource (HOMER) software was selected to model the best-optimised system configuration for the scenarios with defined constraints and sensitivity analysis. The study also investigates the impact and benefit of each system on the environment, specifically on CO2 emissions and pricing options. The results found that the renewable energy village-grid system (mostly powered by solar PV) is more competitive than the diesel-powered system in all scenarios. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of renewable energy system for each scenario is 0,66 USD/kWh (basic), 0,74 USD/kWh (moderate) and 0,55 USD/kWh (advance) respectively. This preliminary study concludes that rural electrification with renewables is a feasible option for a generic, modeled village in ENT. More, specific case research would be needed.

JEL Classification: Q42, Q54Keywords: East Nusa Tenggara, electrification planning, HOMER, LCOE, renewable energy, rural electrification.
Study of Refractive Errors on School going Children in North West Zone of Bangladesh
Authors: Kader Md Anwarul , Tarafder SR , Anwar AFM Azim , Sajj Abir Bin , Badiuzzaman - , Karmokar Provash Kumar , Das CK
Published: December 2018

Refractive error is one of the most common cases of visual impairment around and it is quite common among the children but neglected. Children of age 5-15 years constitute a large portion of the country population. If the refractive errors may not corrected lead to reduced vision (amblyopia) and strabismus. Main ophthalmic problem in children is refractive errors and maximum children live in rural area of Bangladesh but a few studies on such ground had been carried out previously. Therefore it is matter of investigation in this ground. As such study of refractive error of age 5-15 years of low health facilitated area like Chapainawabgonj district situated in the North West Zone of Bangladesh have been considered in this study. On basis of the collected 500 samples the prevalence of refractive error has been computed and it was found to be 9.2% which is similar with the existing study.TAJ 2016; 29(1): 1-6
Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan MMR , Sana NK , Basak PM , Sarker BC , Islam M Akhtarul , Jahan KI , Rahman MK , Rashid MHO , Sarker A , Das CK , Majumder SC
Published: December 2018

Background: The impacts of socio-demographic characteristics on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are not well understood and have not yet been studied much more in our country. Acute myocardial infarction is the most common form of coronary heart disease and the single most important cause of premature death worldwide.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of the socio-demographic characteristics on AMI patients and to investigate the association between socioeconomic status and its various indicators and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study will help in awareness building in reducing AMI by early detection of socio-demographic variables.Patients and methods: This was a prospective observational study consisted of 325 persons of AMI patients who were aged >20 years. Patients with first time AMI arriving in Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Rajshahi medical college during the period of 2012-2014, were included. Data were collected through interview.Results: Among the AMI patients, male were more sufferer than female (68.3% vs. 31.7%) and male and female ratio was 2.15:1.0. Highest percentage of education was up to primary level (53.85%). Most of studied subjects (92.0%) monthly income were ≤15000. More than half (59.38%) of the studied population were from rural area, mostly they were Muslim (94.46%) and smokers (50.15%). The mean±SD age of the acute Myocardial infarction patients was 53.75±11.64 years. Mean age of the female patients were a little bit higher than the male patients (female 54.28±11.78 vs. male 53.51±11.63). Highest percentage was in the age group 51-60 years (32%) followed by 41-50 (26.8%) and then age group >60 (23.7%). Among the male patients highest percentage was in the age group 51-60 years (31.1%) followed by 41-50 years (27%) and then age group >60 (24.3%). However, among the female patients, highest percentage were in the age group 51-60 years (34%) followed by 41-50 years (26.2%), and then age group >60 (22.3%). Acute Myocardial infarction patients was more in age group >40 years of age. Interestingly after 60 years of age occurrence of AMI was low in both sexes.Conclusion: Both sex and age influenced AMI. An association was also found among educational level, monthly income, residence area, religion, smoking habit and AMI.TAJ 2016; 29(1): 16-20
Study on urolithiasis diagnosed in a private medical centre in Rajshahi City
Authors: Bhaduri J , Hossain ZMM , Ferdos MA
Published: December 2018

It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample size was 12227 of which 4148 were male and 8079 were female. Data were collected from all the patients attending the private medical centre, selected purposively, to have ultrasound examination for different reasons, during the calendar year 2016. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as the instrument of the study. It was observed that 18.32/1000 males and 9.90/1000 females had been diagnosed as cases of urolithiasis. Overall occurrence was calculated as 1.27%. Majority of the females had urolithiasis in the age-group of ‘up to 20 years’ (70%). In case of males, the problem was more common in ‘41 to 60 years’ and ‘61 years and above’ age-groups (62.5% and 66.7% respectively). Majority of the respondents had single stone only (68.6%). Kidney was the commonest site for the localization of both single (85.9%) and multiple stones (97.2%).TAJ 2016; 29(1): 24-28
Clinical and Aetiological Pattern of Chronic Diarrhoea in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Islam MN , Amiruzzaman - , Azhar MA , Yeasmin S , Hasan N , Chakraborty A , Masum AA
Published: December 2018

Chronic diarrhoea is one of the most common conditions facing both primary care clinicians and gastroenterologistsThe present study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 patients at the Department Medicine and Gastroenterology of Sir Salimullah Medical College, Mitford Hospital, Dhaka. Patients with chronic diarrhoea of at least 4 weeks duration were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The mean age was 39.14± 14.74 years with a range of 18 to 70 years. The male to female ratio was roughly of 2:1. Among the female 24% were housewives. Equal percentages of patients had abdominal pain, anorexia & significant weight loss (64%). Other clinical features were anemia (34%) fever and rectal bleeding (24%). The leading diagnoses were irritable bowel syndrome (34%), ulcerative colitis (18%), intestinal tuberculosis (12%), chronic pancreatitis (6%), carcinoma colon, intestinal lymphoma, non specific colitis &Crohn’s disease (4% each). Endoscopy of upper GIT was done in 14% patients, colonoscopy 66%, double balloon enteroscopy 6% and specific histological diagnosis found in 56%, 10% was non-specific, 6% was diagnosed by ultrasound and 1% by stool routine examination. It was found that IBS, inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal tuberculosis are the leading cause in our country. Aetiology of chronic diarrhoea can be diagnosed by good history, clinical examinations and an appropriate investigation of which colonoscopy is most useful.TAJ 2016; 29(1): 43-48
Dyslipidemia in hypothyroid patients of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital
Authors: Basak PM , MMR Khan , Rahman MK , Islam MN , Afzal SM , Huda MN , Das HS , Sarker BC , Islam M Akhtarul , Islam MT
Published: December 2018

Hypothyroidism accounts for about 2% all cases of hyperlipidemia. The present study was planned to determine the level of lipid profile in patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Patients were screened for T3, T4 and TSH. Based on these values those who were having hypothyroidism were selected. Total 60 cases were selected. Mean ± SD values of total cholesterol was 210.37 ± 23.85, Triglycerides was 199.40 ± 21. 38 and LDL-C was 140.20 ± 26.81. Our study is suggested that dyslipidemia is associated with hypothyroidism.TAJ 2016; 29(1): 49-51
Role of intrauterine balloon tamponade in controlling massive primary post partum haemorrage
Authors: N Nahar , Z Rahman , S Chaudhury , N Yusuf , F Ashraf
Published: December 2018

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) Remains a significant complication of child birth worldwide. The most common cause of PPH is uterine atony. Recently, uterine tamponade using intrauterine condom appearsto be an effective tools in the management of uncontrolled primary PPH. Objectives of our studywas to see the effectiveness of large volume fluid filled condom catheter in the management of primary PPH. Methods: a condom was inserted in the uterus by means of a size 16 rubber catheter and inflated with 250 to 300ml normal saline until the bleeding was controlled. The condom was kept in situ for 24 to 48 hours. Results: Out of 53 cases, PPH was controlled in 52 cases. One patient died as the patient was eclamptic & develped disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). No patient required surgical intervention. Conclusion: fluid filled intrauterine condom is an effective method in the management of primary PPH when usual measures & drugs fail to control PPH.TAJ 2016; 29(1): 52-54
Effective Dosing of Topotecan with Carboplatin in Relapsed Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Uddin Md Dayem , Habib Shafayat , Sultana Shakera , MMR Khan , Islam MN , Basak PM
Published: December 2018

Patients and Methods: Topotecan was given as a 30-minute infusion daily for 5 days, with carboplatin given immediately after topotecan on day 5. Treatment was repeated every 21 days. Carboplatin and then topotecan were escalated in sequential cohorts of three to six patients. Four dosage combinations of topotecan days 1 to 5 and carboplatin (day 5) were tested: 0.5 mg/m2/d and carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) of 4, topotecan 0.5 mg/m2/d and carboplatin AUC of 5, topotecan 0.75 mg/m2/d and carboplatin AUC of 5, and topotecan 1.0 mg/m2/d and carboplatin AUC of 5.Results: Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was common at doses of 0.75 mg/m2/d and above, but dose-limiting hematologic toxicity occurred in only one patient. The most common reason for dose reduction or delay was failure of myelosuppression to resolve by day 21. Nonhematologic toxicity was generally mild. The maximum-tolerated dose as defined in the protocol was not reached, but topotecan dose escalation was stopped at 1.0 mg/m2/d, because delayed neutrophil recovery precluded re-treatment on a 21-day schedule.Conclusion: Hematologic toxicity was common but rarely serious, and the combination of topotecan with carboplatin on this schedule was safe and well tolerated. Giving carboplatin to patients after topotecan on day 5, rather than on day 1, allowed dose escalation beyond the levels reported in other studies. The recommended doses for previously treated patients are topotecan 0.75 mg/m2/d, days 1 to 5, with carboplatin at an area under the curve (AUC) of 5 following topotecan on day 5. The combination of topotecan 1 mg/m2/d, days 1 to 5, followed on day 5 by carboplatin at an AUC of 5, merits further examination in untreated patients.TAJ 2016; 29(2): 31-36
A Study on Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Hossain M Iqbal , Habib M Anwar , Ahmed Nazimuddin
Published: December 2018

This quasi experimental study was designed to evaluate antibacterial activity of chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate (AgNO3) solutions on gram negative bacteria like E.Coli using disc diffusion method. Different concentrations of AgNPs, AgNO3 and reference drug ciprofloxacin were used to find out the antibacterial activity which revealed that AgNPs possessed significant antibacterial effect compared to AgNO3 solutions but relatively less antibacterial effect than that of ciprofloxacin. So chemical synthesis guided AgNPs may have some antibacterial effects.TAJ 2016; 29(2): 37-41
Reccurent episodes of vomiting and hyperpigmentation---Addison,s disease, a case report
Authors: Uddin MB , Zaman F , Jahan KI , Tarafder MH , Hossain A , Rahman F
Published: December 2018

Addison’s disease can remain unrecognized for a longtime until acute adrenal insufficiency is precipitated by an acute stress. Addison’s disease usually presents with non-specific symptoms like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hyperpigmentation and generalized weakness. These symptoms are most often ignored or misinterpreted with other more common diseases. This is the major reason that this disease is under-diagnosed. Therefore, to establish a diagnosis high index of suspicion is needed.We are reporting a case of 10 years old boy who presented with recurrent episode of severe vomiting and generalized weakness. This kind of presentation of Addison’s disease is rather unusual and mainstay of diagnosis is clinical based.TAJ 2016; 29(2): 66-69
Cytohistologic Correlation of Urothelial Cancers– A study of 57 Cases
Authors: Badruddoza SM , Azim FA , Rahman AJE Nahar , Kamal M , Barua AR , Khan KH , Chowdhury T
Published: December 2018

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) comprises about 90% of all primary tumors of urinary bladder. The accuracy of multiple voided urine cytology justifies its continued use as a first line diagnostic and detection technique, particularly for high grade invasive cancers and clinically unsuspected case of carcinoma particularly carcinoma in-situ. In this study 57 cases were taken to see correlation of cytology, histology, stage, morphological pattern and sensitivity and specificity of urothelial cancers. Out of 57, 53 (92.99)% were positive for malignancy and 4(7.01%) were negative. There were 14 (24.56%) non-invasive papillary tumors, 1(1.76%) carcinoma in-situ and 42 (76.68%) invasive carcinoma of all grades and types. Of 14 grade-II non-invasive papillary tumors, 12 (85.72%) were cytologically positive. With only two exceptions, out of 39 all of the invasive carcinomas of all grades and types were identified by cytology as cancerous. A 100% positive cytology was noted in the detection of flat carcinoma in-situ, papillary adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Of the total 57 cases of malignant lesions of urinary tract, 53 (92.99%) were positive on cytological examination. The two TCC of the renal pelvis also gave a 100% positive cytologic results. Among invasive carcinoma, stage B1 and B2 urothelial cancers yield highest positive cytologic diagnosis rather than stage 0 and stage A urothelial cancers. For all tumors the sensitivity was 92.99%. The specificity was 100% since there were no false positive cases. The diagnostic accuracy was 93% (approximately). Comparison with previously published data this study showed highest diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity of voided urine cytology, good correlation with cytology histology and stage of tumor. So voided urine cytology, a very cheap and purely non invasive technique, can be done as an effective method to diagnose urothelial cancers in a developing country like Bangladesh where facilities for other investigations are practically limited.TAJ 2017; 30(1): 1-10
Prevalence of Peptic Ulcer Disease in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Islam Md Shafiqul , Sultana Mst Musarrat , Hoque Md Azizul
Published: December 2018

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Peptic ulcer disease is not uncommon in patients with chronic medical condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients who smoke or have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease carry higher risk of developing peptic ulcer disease. The aim of this study was to saw the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease as well as prevalence variation in relation with severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: This was cross sectional observational study from January, 2013 to January, 2014 in department of Medicine, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi who fulfilled the inclusion & exclusion criteria were selected in this study. Data was collected in a prefixed questionnaire form and data collection sheet after taking informed consent of the patient. All the patients were investigated with spirometry, chest X-ray, complete blood count, electrocardiogram, echocardiography and endoscopy upper gastrointestinal tract. Results: Among the study population 100% patient was male. Most of them were 51-60 years (42.4%) with mean aged was 56.48 ± 7.64 years. Endoscopic finding was normal (55, 85.94%), gastritis (02, 3.12%), gastric erosion (03, 4.69%), peptic ulcer (03, 4.69%) and peptic ulcer with active bleeding (01, 1.56%).Prevalence of peptic ulcer disease in this study was 14.06%.Conclusion: Prevalence of peptic ulcer was more in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient than normal population. The prevalence of peptic ulcer diseases also increases with the severity of the disease.TAJ 2017; 30(1): 30-35
Socio-demographic Pictures of Under-Five Malnourished Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Uddin Md Belal , Akhter Shahana , Mia Md Sanaul Hoque , Sharmin Laila Shamima , Parvin Naznin , Kundu Nitish Kumar , Tarafder Manirul Haque , Hossain Belal
Published: December 2018

This study was a cross-sectional descriptive type of study, conducted at Pediatrics department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital from July 2014 to June 2016. A total 382 children were enrolled by purposive sampling among which 219 (57.3%) male, 163 (42.7%) female. The aim of this study was identify demographic as well as social status of malnourished children in tertiary care hospital. In this study the prevalence of underweight 42% (moderate & severe), wasting 34% (moderate & severe), and stunting 24% (moderate & severe) were found. Considering various Socio-demographic characteristics - maternal factors, paternal factors, socioeconomic status, and residential status had significant association with nutritional status of the children. Beside these various risk factors- birth weight, exclusive breast feeding, colostrum feeding, timing of weaning practices, type of complementary feeding and associated morbidities also had significant association with nutritional status of the children. The degree of malnutrition was found to more prevalent in the early age of children. Among the studied children more than half (60.5%) lived in rural area and rest of them lived in urban area (36.6%), semi urban area (2.9%) respectively. Children more than half (53%) were from lower class family. Rest of them was middle class (40.6%) and upper class (6.3%) family. Education level of the majority (59.4%) mother were primary to SSC, (22.5%) were below primary and (18.1%) were HSC and above. Education level of the majority ie.40.6% father were below primary, 39.8% were primary to SSC and 19.6% were HSC and above.TAJ 2017; 30(1): 56-60
Recent Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Escherichia Coli in Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Bari Md Abdul , Arefin Mashiur , Nessa Moriom , Mostofa Golam , Islam Tafiqul
Published: December 2018

The objective of the study is to assess the recent sensitivity pattern of Escherichia coli in Urinary tract infection (UTI). Widespread use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of resistant microorganisms. As the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the microorganisms are frequently changing, this retrospective analysis was designed to assess the recent antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in urinary tract infection among the human population. Details of 358 urine culture positive reports for E. coli and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern pertaining to the study period of 6 months from Jan 2017 to June 2017 were collected from Microbiology Laboratory of Diagnostic Centers at Rajshahi and the results were statistically analyzed. The antibiotics tested for sensitivity were amikacin, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone and cefixime. The sensitivity pattern of E.coli to antibiotics in UTI was amikacin (82.68 gentamycin (75.97%), nitrofurantoin (70.67), levofloxacin (44.13%), ceftazidime (42.17%), co-trimoxazole (40.78%), ceftriaxone (38.54%), ciprofloxacin (35.75%), and cefixime (24.02%). The study highlighted the marked resistance of E. coli to quinolones and third generation cephalosporins.TAJ 2017; 30(1): 61-65
Bacterial Contamination of Stethoscope in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Haque Md Azizul , Alam Khandaker Md Faisal , Sharmin Laila Shamima , Mahmud Atike , Parvez MM Washee , Rahman Md Khalilur , Khan Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman , Tarik Mohammad Hasan
Published: December 2018

Bacterial contamination of stethoscope and its role in transmission of nosocomial infection is little known among the healthcare workers of Bangladesh. The objectives of our study is to evaluate stethoscope handling and cleaning practices, to find out the bacterial agents contaminating the stethoscopes, to determine the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of bacterial isolates from stethoscopes, and to evaluate the relationship between stethoscope cleaning practices with contamination of stethoscope in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. This observational cross sectional study was carried out in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital during March, 2017. One hundred doctors working in different departments of RMCH were chosen randomly and were asked to fill up a self-explanatory simple questionnaire. Samples from100 stethoscopes were obtained after swabbing the diaphragm and the bell of the stethoscope with a sterile swab moistened with saline. These swabs were immediately streaked onto blood agar, Mcconkey agar and chocholate agar following the standard protocol. Out of 100 stethoscopes examined for bacterial contamination, 19 stethoscopes (19%) were found to be contaminated. The organisms isolated were MRSA, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli. Among the 19 participants with bacterial contamination of stethoscope, 6 doctors (31.6%) said they used to clean their stethoscope at least occasionally and 13 doctors (68.4%) had never cleaned their stethoscope. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p value <0.005).TAJ 2017; 30(2): 1-6
Comparative Study of Zinc and Probiotics versus Zinc Alone Therapy in Children with Acute Watery Diarrhea
Authors: Sultana Mst Musarrat , Islam Md Shafiqul , Akhter Shahana , Hossain Md Belal , Mia Md Sanaul Haque
Published: December 2018

Objective: Diarrhea is a common problem in our country especially children. There were many treatment options for acute watery diarrhea in addition to oral rehydration saline for reducing the severity of acute watery diarrhea. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of zinc & probiotics combination therapy to zinc alone therapy in reducing the severity of acute diarrhea.Method: This was a randomized controlled trial type study, conducted at department of pediatrics Rajshahi Medical College Hospital from July 2014 to June 2016. A total of 110 numbers of children ages 6 months to 5 years with acute watery diarrhea were enrolled those who were fulfilled the selection criteria. They were divided into two groups. Group A (n=55) received zinc-probiotics combination therapy and group B (n=55) received zinc only. Measurement of disease severity was based on the frequency of diarrhea (times/day) and duration of diarrhea (hours) after initial drug consumption.Result: Among the study population 56% male &44% female in group A and 58% male & 42% female in group B. Duration of acute watery diarrhea was significantly reduced in group A than group B(56.22 versus 70.69 hours respectively), (P-0.002)and frequency of stool also reduced in group A than group B(3.92 versus 7.15 times/day) on day 2 (P-0.002). Consistency of stool also improved in group A than group B[liquid stool12(21.8%) versus 25(45.5%), (P-0.015) on day 1, semi-liquid stool 4 (8.2%) versus 16 (30.8%), (P-0.004) on day 2, formed stool 29 (52.73%) versus 16(29.09%), P-0.004 on day 2 respectively].Conclusion: Combination therapy was more effective in reducing the severity of acute watery diarrhea than zinc alone therapy in children.TAJ 2017; 30(2): 32-38
The Impact of Special Care Newborn Unit on Routine Neonatal Care Practices and Survival of Neonates in 250-Bed General Hospital, Sirajganj
Authors: Haque Md Imdadul , Sharmin Laila Shamima , Mia Md Sanaul Haque , Islam Md Rafiqul , Hasan SMQ
Published: December 2018

To address the high infant and neonatal mortality rate in Bangladesh, government has adopted policy to ensure care for neonates from community to tertiary level of health care delivery system. Our country has achieved 4 MDG targets well before 2015. However the pace of reduction of neonatal mortality is much lower than that of older children. For that reason government of Bangladesh through Ministry of Health and Family Welfare established Special Care Neonatal Unit (SCNU) at secondary and tertiary level facilities to improve management of sick newborn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of creating SCNU at district hospitals on newborn care practices and to evaluate the contribution of SCNU in improved neonatal survival. It was an observational study conducted from May 2016 to October 2016at 250-bed General Hospital, Sirajganj. Hospital database was accessed to note the number of neonatal admissions, number of referral to higher centers and neonatal mortality. A questionnaire was prepared to interview mothers of children admitted in SCNU and general pediatric ward. A total of 355 mothers were interviewed. There was a significant reduction in neonatal mortality rate after the establishment of SCNU. There was also significant improvement in the knowledge and awareness among mothers regarding various aspects of neonatal care because of the SCNU.TAJ 2017; 30(2): 65-68
Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis Associated with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and Hypothyroidism
Authors: Saha Razib Kumar , Haque Md Azizul , Tarik Mohammad Hasan
Published: December 2018

Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is caused by defect in renal tubular acid transport. Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune hepatitis are the most common autoimmune causes of distal RTA. We are reporting a case of distal renal tubular acidosis associated with mixed connective tissue disease and hypothyroidism presenting as recurrent hypokalemic paralysis.TAJ 2017; 30(2): 76-78
A Fast Correction Method of Model Deformation Effects in Wind Tunnel Tests
Authors: Sun Yan , Wang Yuntao , Da Ronch Andrea , Meng Dehong
Published: November 2018

The influence of model deformation needs to be corrected before the aerodynamic force data measured in the wind tunnel is applied to aircraft design. In order to obtain the aerodynamic forces on rigid model shape, this paper presents a fast correction method by establishing a mathematical modelling method connecting aerodynamic forces and wing section torsion. The aerodynamic force coefficients on rigid model shape can then be calculated quickly just by setting section torsion to zero. A 25-point simulation dataset of the High Reynolds Number Aero-Structural Dynamics (HIRENASD) model generated by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Static Computational Aeroelasticity (CAE) approach is used to investigate the influence of section locations, basis function type, support radius, and deformation perturbation on the prediction accuracy. Finally, the present correction method is applied to predict the aerodynamic forces on the rigid shape of a NASA common research model. The results of parametric analysis and application show that the present correction method with the Wendland’s C6 function and a support radius of 1.0 can provide a reasonable prediction of aerodynamic forces on the rigid model shape.
CFD Study of the Impact of Variable Cant Angle Winglets on Total Drag Reduction
Authors: Guerrero Joel , Sanguineti Marco , Wittkowski Kevin
Published: December 2018

Winglets are commonly used drag-reduction and fuel-saving technologies in today’s aviation. The primary purpose of the winglets is to reduce the lift-induced drag, therefore improving fuel efficiency and aircraft performance. Traditional winglets are designed as fixed devices attached at the tips of the wings. However, because they are fixed surfaces, they give their best lift-induced drag reduction at a single design point. In this work, we propose the use of variable cant angle winglets which could potentially allow aircraft to get the best all-around performance (in terms of lift-induced drag reduction), at different angle-of-attack values. By using computational fluid dynamics, we study the influence of the winglet cant angle and sweep angle in the performance of a benchmark wing at a Mach number of 0.8395. The results obtained demonstrate that by carefully adjusting the cant angle, the aerodynamic performance can be improved at different angles of attack.
Dynamics of Glyphosate Resistance in Lolium perenne: Pollen-Mediated Gene Flow under Field Conditions in Argentina
Authors: Yanniccari Marcos , Istilart Carolina , Giménez Daniel , Castro Ana
Published: November 2018

The genus Lolium has shown a high tendency to evolve resistance to herbicides. Considering the high level of allogamy of L. perenne and the importance of the wind as an agent for pollen dispersion, the aim of this work was to assess and quantify the effective glyphosate-resistant gene flow by pollen in L. perenne under field conditions. Pollen-mediated gene flow from glyphosate-resistant to -susceptible plants was studied using a donor–receptor design. The results indicate that the effective gene flow reached trap plants distanced ≤35 m downwind from the source of pollen. The progeny of receptor plants growing 0 m from the pollen donors showed 13% of individuals with low glyphosate sensitivity. This represents a seven-fold increase in the frequency of glyphosate-resistant individuals found in the progeny of plants isolated during the flowering period (negative control). Similarly, the progenies of plants grown at 15 and 25 m from the source of glyphosate resistance showed an increase in the frequency of resistant plants by about four- and two-fold, respectively. When the receptor plants were located at >35 m, no glyphosate-resistant plants were detected in their progenies. Management should aim for prevention or delay of flowering of glyphosate-resistant plants.
Superior Mechanical Behavior and Fretting Wear Resistance of 3D-Printed Inconel 625 Superalloy
Authors: Gao Yong , Zhou Mingzhuo
Published: December 2018

Additive manufacturing (AM) nickel-based superalloys have been demonstrated to equate or exceed mechanical properties of cast and wrought counterparts but their tribological potentials have not been fully realized. This study investigates fretting wear behaviors of Inconel 625 against the 42 CrMo4 stainless steel under flat-on-flat contacts. Inconel 625 is prepared by additive manufacturing (AM) using the electron beam selective melting. Results show that it has a high hardness (335 HV), superior tensile strength (952 MPa) and yield strength (793 MPa). Tribological tests indicate that the AM-Inconel 625 can suppress wear of the surface within a depth of only ~2.4 μm at a contact load of 106 N after 2 × 104 cycles. The excellent wear resistance is attributed to the improved strength and the formation of continuous tribo-layers containing a mixture of Fe2O3, Fe3O4, Cr2O3 and Mn2O3.
Calculating the Effective Center Wavelength for Heterodyne Interferometry of an Optical Frequency Comb
Authors: Xiong Shilin , Wang Yue , Cai Yawen , Liu Jiuli , Liu Jie , Wu Guanhao
Published: December 2018

Heterodyne interferometry based on an optical frequency comb (OFC) is a powerful tool for distance measurement. In this paper, a method to calculate the effective center wavelength of wide spectrum heterodyne interference signal was explored though both simulation and experiment. Results showed that the effective center wavelength is a function of the spectra of the two interfered beams and time-delay of the two overlapped pulses. If the product of the spectra from two arms is symmetric, the effective center wavelength does not change with time-delay of the two pulses. The relative difference between the simulation and experiment was less than 0.06%.
Design and Development of a Web Application for Matching Drug Addiction Treatment Services with Substance Users
Authors: Hiriyanna Sachin , Tedor Miyuki F. , Stoddard-Dare Patricia A. , Zhao Wenbing
Published: November 2018

One of the current and biggest problems in the system of emergency care for the drug overdose epidemic is the failure of information delivery on nearby treatment facilities. Even though some initiatives have tried to solve this issue, they either failed in delivering the information or in providing good usability. This paper presents the design and development of a web application that we refer to as DrugHelp.Care. This application delivers highly accurate, easy-to-understand, and targeted information in a timely manner for substance users and their well-wishers. It also provides an ecosystem for the treatment facilities with an easy-to-use interface to constantly update their complex information along with automatic email reminders and data completion progress indicators. Based on the requirements we have collected from substance users and treatment facilities, the application is designed and developed using the LAMP stack. A search engine for the substance users and their well-wishers preserves complete anonymity, which is very important to ensure the confidentiality of substance users.
Consumer Drivers of Muscadine Wine Purchase Decisions
Authors: Canziani Bonnie , Byrd Erick T. , Boles James S.
Published: December 2018

Muscadine wine, fresh muscadine grapes, and other derivatives have enjoyed a heritage niche for decades in the Southeast. Muscadine growers in North Carolina in the United States (US) have asked whether the purchase of muscadine wine is linked to consumption of the fruit itself or even familiarity with other muscadine-based products in terms of spillover effects. The authors explored the interdependency between the market for fresh muscadine grapes and muscadine wine purchase. Consumer panel data were obtained from a State of North Carolina agency with oversight of the grape and wine industry; the agency contracted quota sampling of online consumers from six states in the US South. A total of 543 cases were used in the present study. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)® was employed in analysis. Results show that prior muscadine wine knowledge and knowledge of other muscadine products, e.g., jams, juices, smoothies, sauces, and health/beauty products were significant factors associated with buying muscadine wine. Beliefs about muscadine grapes as a healthy ingredient showed a slight influence, while direct experience with fresh muscadines and consumer attitudes towards buying local or US products were insignificant. Therefore, marketing efforts should focus on increasing consumer exposure to and knowledge of muscadine wine and other muscadine related products.
Functionalization of Bulk SiO2 Surface with Biomolecules for Sensing Applications: Structural and Functional Characterizations
Authors: Sciuto Emanuele Luigi , Bongiorno Corrado , Scandurra Antonino , Petralia Salvatore , Cosentino Tiziana , Conoci Sabrina , Sinatra Fulvia , Libertino Sebania
Published: November 2018

Biomolecule immobilization on bulk silicon dioxide (SiO2) is an important aspect in the field of Si-based interfaces for biosensing. The approach used for surface preparation should guarantee not only the stable anchoring of biomolecules but also their structural integrity and biological functioning. In this paper, we review our findings on the SiO2 functionalization process to immobilize a variety of biomolecules, including glucose oxidase, horseradish peroxide, metallothionein, and DNA molecules. Morphological and chemical characterization of SiO2 surfaces after biomolecule immobilization using techniques already employed in the microelectronic industry are presented and discussed. Optical and spectrophotometric analysis revealed the preservation of biomolecules’ activity once they are anchored on the biointerface.
Delayed Sleep in Winter Related to Natural Daylight Exposure among Arctic Day Workers
Authors: Lowden Arne , Lemos Nelson A. M. , Gonçalves Bruno S. B. , Öztürk Gülçin , Louzada Fernando , Pedrazzoli Mario , Moreno Claudia R.
Published: November 2018

Natural daylight exposures in arctic regions vary substantially across seasons. Negative consequences have been observed in self-reports of sleep and daytime functions during the winter but have rarely been studied in detail. The focus of the present study set out to investigate sleep seasonality among indoor workers using objective and subjective measures. Sleep seasonality among daytime office workers (n = 32) in Kiruna (Sweden, 67.86° N, 20.23° E) was studied by comparing the same group of workers in a winter and summer week, including work and days off at the weekend, using actigraphs (motion loggers) and subjective ratings of alertness and mood. Actigraph analyses showed delayed sleep onset of 39 min in winter compared to the corresponding summer week (p < 0.0001) and shorter weekly sleep duration by 12 min (p = 0.0154). A delay of mid-sleep was present in winter at workdays (25 min, p < 0.0001) and more strongly delayed during days off (46 min, p < 0.0001). Sleepiness levels were higher in winter compared to summer (p < 0.05). Increased morning light exposure was associated with earlier mid-sleep (p < 0.001), while increased evening light exposure was associated with delay (p < 0.01). This study confirms earlier work that suggests that lack of natural daylight delays the sleep/wake cycle in a group of indoor workers, despite having access to electric lighting. Photic stimuli resulted in a general advanced sleep/wake rhythm during summer and increased alertness levels.
Drone Monitoring of Breeding Waterbird Populations: The Case of the Glossy Ibis
Authors: Afán Isabel , Máñez Manuel , Díaz-Delgado Ricardo
Published: December 2018

Waterbird communities are potential indicators of ecological changes in threatened wetland ecosystems and consequently, a potential object of ecological monitoring programs. Waterbirds often breed in largely inaccessible colonies in flooded habitats, so unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys provide a robust method for estimating their breeding population size. Counts of breeding pairs might be carried out by manual and automated detection routines. In this study we surveyed the main breeding colony of Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) at the Doñana National Park. We obtained a high resolution image, in which the number and location of nests were determined manually through visual interpretation by an expert. We also suggest a standardized methodology for nest counts that would be repeatable across time for long-term monitoring censuses, through a supervised classification based primarily on the spectral properties of the image and a subsequent automatic size and form based count. Although manual and automatic count were largely similar in the total number of nests, accuracy between both methodologies was only 46.37%, with higher variability in shallow areas free of emergent vegetation than in areas dominated by tall macrophytes. We discuss the potential challenges for automatic counts in highly complex images.
Pitch Angle Misalignment Correction Based on Benchmarking and Laser Scanner Measurement in Wind Farms
Authors: Elosegui Unai , Egana Igor , Ulazia Alain , Ibarra-Berastegi Gabriel
Published: December 2018

In addition to human error, manufacturing tolerances for blades and hubs cause pitch angle misalignment in wind turbines. As a consequence, a significant number of turbines used by existing wind farms experience power production loss and a reduced turbine lifetime. Existing techniques, such as photometric technology and laser-based methods, have been used in the wind industry for on-field pitch measurements. However, in some cases, regular techniques have difficulty achieving good and accurate measurements of pitch angle settings, resulting in pitch angle errors that require cost-effective correction on wind farms. Here, the authors present a novel patented method based on laser scanner measurements. The authors applied this new method and achieved successful improvements in the Annual Energy Production of various wind farms. This technique is a benchmarking-based approach for pitch angle calibration. Two case studies are introduced to demonstrate the effectiveness of the pitch angle calibration method to yield Annual Energy Production increase.
Optimal Sizing and Spatial Allocation of Storage Units in a High-Resolution Power System Model
Authors: Wienholt Lukas , Müller Ulf Philipp , Bartels Julian
Published: December 2018

The paradigm shift of large power systems to renewable and decentralized generation raises the question of future transmission and flexibility requirements. In this work, the German power system is brought to focus through a power transmission grid model in a high spatial resolution considering the high voltage (110 kV) level. The fundamental questions of location, type, and size of future storage units are addressed through a linear optimal power flow using today’s power grid capacities and a generation portfolio allowing a 66% generation share of renewable energy. The results of the optimization indicate that for reaching a renewable energy generation share of 53% with this set-up, a few central storage units with a relatively low overall additional storage capacity of around 1.6 GW are required. By adding a constraint of achieving a renewable generation share of at least 66%, storage capacities increase to almost eight times the original capacity. A comparison with the German grid development plan, which provided the basis for the power generation data, showed that despite the non-consideration of transmission grid extension, moderate additional storage capacities lead to a feasible power system. However, the achievement of a comparable renewable generation share provokes a significant investment in additional storage capacities.
Evaluation of a 1 MW, 250 kW-hr Battery Energy Storage System for Grid Services for the Island of Hawaii
Authors: Stein Karl , Tun Moe , Musser Keith , Rocheleau Richard
Published: December 2018

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are being deployed on electrical grids in significant numbers to provide fast-response services. These systems are normally procured by the end user, such as a utility grid owner or independent power producer. This paper introduces a novel research project in which a research institution has purchased a 1 MW BESS and turned ownership over to a utility company under an agreement that allowed the institution to perform experimentation and data collection on the grid for a multi-year period. This arrangement, along with protocols governing experimentation, has created a unique research opportunity to actively and systematically test the impact of a BESS on a live island grid. The 2012 installation and commissioning of the BESS was facilitated by a partnership between the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) and the utility owner, the Hawaiian Electric and Light Company (HELCO). After the test period ended, HELCO continued to allow data collection (including health testing). In 2018, after 8500 equivalent cycles, the BESS continues to operate within specifications. HNEI continues to provide HELCO with expertise to aid with diagnostics as needed. Details about the BESS design, installation, experimental protocols, initial results, and lessons learned are presented in this paper.
Effective Exploitation Potential of Shale Gas from Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation, Northwestern Hunan, China
Authors: Cao Han , Wang Tianyi , Bao Ting , Sun Pinghe , Zhang Zheng , Wu Jingjing
Published: December 2018

The marine shale in the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation is the dominant shale-gas reservoir in northwestern Hunan, which accounts for more than 70% of unconventional energy in Hunan province. Accurately evaluating the shale-gas exploitation potential is a key to determining whether commercial exploitation standards can be met. In the literature, most existing studies have focused on evaluating the shale-gas exploitation potential based on either accumulation conditions or the shale fracability, which will lead to a gap between the real production and proven gas reserves due to the characteristics of the shale’s low permeability and low porosity. Therefore, further studies are needed to evaluate the effective shale-gas exploitation potential. To address this need, the outcrop shale samples in the Niutitang Formation were collected from the target regions, and the geological characteristics, mechanics behavior, and microstructure performance were discussed via both field data and laboratory tests. The results revealed that the shale-gas exploitation potential in the Niutitang Formation was indicated to be comparable to that of five validated shale-gas exploitation regions in the United States. To further illustrate the effective shale-gas exploitation potential, this study suggested using a comprehensive evaluation framework for this purpose, in which both accumulation condition and the shale fracability are simultaneously considered. Therefore, the shale gas reservoir in the Niutitang Formation has highly effective shale-gas exploitation potential by considering both the accumulation conditions and the shale fracability.