bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of HIV/AIDS voluntary counselling and testing at a university in South Africa
Authors: Gobind Jenni , Ukpere Wilfred Isioma
Published: December 2016

The increasing prevalence rates of HIV amongst South Africans 20 years and above, raises a concern as to the rising trend of the epidemic in similar age group within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS), in conjunction with HEIs and the South African government have undertaken to implement HIV/AIDS workplace programmes within universities in South Africa. Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is a critical component of most universities HIV/AIDS workplace programmes. The rationale for promoting VCT is to encourage testing. An uptake in testing offers a crucial benefit, participants become aware of their status, and in most instances this awareness leads to safer sexual practices which in turn help reduce the number of new infections. A dominate sequential explanatory mixed methodology was adopted for the study. However, the quantitative method was dominant in the mixed method. A sample size of 739 respondents responded to the flouted questionnaire during the quantitative phase. This was followed by the qualitative interview of which 14 participants answered the semi structured interview questions. The findings revealed that more respondents are aware of the availability of VCT sessions, when compared to the number of respondents who actually participated in the testing. It was further disclosed in the findings that awareness of the availability of VCT sessions at the university unfortunately does not amount to testing and thus does not result in the intended changes sought after by HEAIDS or the Department of Education. Research suggests that HEIs are not really helping students to realise their right to remain HIV negative. HEIs need to be concerned, and HIV/AIDS institutional offices, in particular, need to revisit the VCT with the intention of re-attracting student and staff participation
An emerging template of CSR in Switzerland
Authors: Looser Stéphanie , Wehrmeyer Walter
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates current Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of Swiss Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with the aim to aggregate an underlying SME business model as value driver of Swiss CSR. To analyse these patterns this study conducted 30 interviews. A two-step Delphi process challenged the results and enabled the aggregation and visualisation of – L’EPOQuE – as emerging template of CSR. Overall, there is a strong emphasis on ownership, or to be precise, ownership-within-tradition. Family/middle class capitalism and the political/historical background of Switzerland are deciding as well, whereas size and capacities astonishingly seem to matter less. This generated some testable hypothesis, e.g., on how the Swiss SME model will be received in particular settings to which it is “exported”. Further, Swiss SMEs turned out to be genuine “social enterprises” so that the relevance of “social business planning” needs to be questioned, certainly as a novel idea in Switzerland. Overall, this study challenges the primacy of formal management systems to support CSR in companies, especially SMEs, and addresses critical moments at which the nexus between small businesses, Swiss society, and the state might be adjusted
Gender diversity in large listed Indian companies
Authors: Haldar Arunima , Shah Reeta , Nageswara Rao S.V.D.
Published: December 2016

This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of gender diverse boards on financial performance in large listed Indian companies by taking a resource dependency perspective. Gender diverse board is measured by presence of the independent female director on the board. Further, financial performance is measured by the market performance measure taking Tobin’s Q. This relationship is examined by collecting information for eleven financial years from 2003 -13. Panel regression model is employed to assess the proposed relationship. The analysis confirms that independent gender diverse boards significantly affect financial performance. Another important revelation of the study is that the financial performance of company having gender diverse boards increases with board size
Role ambiguity and conflicts: A study of company secretaries and two-tier boards in the Netherlands
Authors: Peij Stefan , Bezemer Pieter-Jan , Maassen Gregory
Published: December 2016

Recent research suggests that company secretaries are increasingly involved in governance responsibilities in addition to traditional administrative tasks. Little is known in the literature, however, about company secretaries’ changing governance role, and their daily challenges in liaising with boards and other stakeholders. In addition, few studies have been able to gain access to learn firsthand how company secretaries operate. This exploratory study fills this void by gaining access to the opinions of about one hundred company secretaries in the Netherlands who operate in the two-tier board system. Our findings indicate that company secretaries significantly influence an organisation’s governance framework, while they face a number of practical challenges with directors, employees and management in fulfilling their diverse roles and responsibilities
Invigorate corporate board through Indian scriptures
Authors: Sahay Mridula , Kumar Kuldeep
Published: December 2016

There have been scores of corporate failure all over the world due to poor corporate governance or lapse in well manage corporation at the board level; due to this transparency, accountability, fiduciary duty, interest of shareholders, etc. are impinged on. Erosion of values, wisdom, righteousness, fairness, equanimity in judgment, etc. are appear to be possible attributes responsible for accelerating to corporate turpitude. Hence, this paper attempt to draw attention of the board members to look into Indian scriptures and harmonize them to achieve sustainable and effective good governance and accentuate on their potential in helping to fulfill board’s responsibilities effectively. It also discusses about principles and guidelines of Indian scriptures for good governance that can be adopted in today’s time
New evidence on the performance of Italian privatized firms: Should the experiment be repeated in the aftermath of the recent financial crisis?
Authors: Morresi Ottorino , Nobili Andrea Oro
Published: December 2016

We provide new evidence on the performance of privatized firms in Italy. On a large sample of 53 non-financial firms privatized from 1992 to 2005, our study shows that privatizations improve efficiency and profitability ratios, sales, and dividend payout. The most important determinant of performance and efficiency gains is the full transfer of control to private investors. Unlike the prevalent international evidence, we find that privatizations result in an increase of leverage ratio and do not affect the number of employees. Moreover, in contrast to international studies, we also find that efficiency and performance improvements are larger in firms operating in protected sectors, and that state-owned firms acquired by foreign investors do not appear to fare better after their privatization. Finally, we find that performance and efficiency gains already occur some years before the date of privatization
GENEALOGI DAN PENYEBARAN THARIQAH QADIRIYAH WA NAQSHABANDIYAH DI JAWA
Authors: Mashar Aly
Published: December 2016

This article investigates the geneology and spread of Thariqah Qadiriyah wa Naqshabandiyah in Java. Based on the previous literatures (Dhofier, Martin van Bruinessen, Zulkifli, and Mulyati), it was found out that in Java the genealogy of the thariqah formed by Syekh Ahmad Khatib Sambas directed to the three primary khalifah, i.e. Syekh Abdul Karim Banten, Syekh Ahmad Thalhah Cirebon, and Syekh Muhammad Hasbullah Madura, then spread out across Java Island through the four centers (on 1970s), such as Suryalaya, Rejoso, Mranggen, and Pangentongan. However, the writer found out that there were four khalifahs, including Syekhona Kholil Bangkalan Madura; with the nine dissemination centers (in 1970s) including Berjan Purworejo, Sawah Pulo Surabaya, Cukir Jombang, Kencong Kediri, and Dawe Kudus.
AGROTÓXICOS: UMA PROPOSTA SOCIOAMBIENTAL REFLEXIVA NO ENSINO DE QUÍMICA SOB A PERSPECTIVA CTS
Authors: Buffolo Andréia Cristina Cunha , Rodrigues Maria Aparecida
Published: December 2016

Neste artigo, discutimos a contribuição de uma sequência didática com a temática “agrotóxicos”, na articulação de conhecimentos químicos e questões socioambientais com alunos do ensino médio. A referida sequência, elaborada de acordo com os pressupostos da orientação CTS e dos três momentos pedagógicos, foi desenvolvida com vinte e dois alunos da 2ª série desse nível de ensino de uma escola pública estadual. Os estudantes participantes da pesquisa, além de responderem a um questionário diagnóstico sobre o tema, foram envolvidos durante a intervenção pedagógica em atividades em grupos, leitura e discussão de textos, resolução de problemas, pesquisas com agricultores do município, elaboração de seminários e produção textual. Todos os momentos da intervenção, que tiveram a participação verbal ou não dos alunos, foram registrados por um gravador de voz e anotações em diário de campo. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que o desenvolvimento da sequência didática ampliou a visão dos alunos a respeito das implicações sociais e ambientais provocadas pelo uso inadequado dos agrotóxicos, além de reflexões e maior compreensão sobre o tema, evidenciando a importância de introduzir questões socioambientais no Ensino de Química em uma perspectiva CTS.
IMAGENS DE ORBITAIS EM LIVROS DIDÁTICOS DE QUÍMICA GERAL NO SÉCULO XX: UMA ANÁLISE SEMIÓTICA
Authors: Rozentalski Evandro Fortes , Porto Paulo Alves
Published: December 2016

Este trabalho visa investigar como as imagens relativas ao conceito de orbital foram apresentadas por livros de Química Geral voltados para o Ensino Superior ao longo do século XX, especialmente no que diz respeito a aspectos ontológicos e epistemológicos transmitidos por elas. As imagens presentes em 26 livros utilizados no Brasil foram analisadas de acordo com a semiótica peirceana, a fim de avaliar: qual a natureza do orbital; qual a relação entre representação e objeto representado; quais aspectos do objeto são destacados por meio da representação; quais as restrições e potencialidades da representação. Observa-se que essas imagens são entendidas pelos livros, majoritariamente, como representações da densidade de probabilidade máxima e identificadas, principalmente, por superfícies limites, as quais apresentam os orbitais como possuindo tamanhos, formas e natureza direcional bem definidas. Não há, na maioria dos livros, suficientes esclarecimentos sobre o significado de tais imagens, especialmente em relação: ao objeto do qual a representação toma lugar; como as imagens foram produzidas; quais aspectos a representação destaca do objeto; e quais as semelhanças e diferenças entre as diversas imagens relacionadas aos orbitais. As dificuldades para o ensino, decorrentes dos resultados aqui apresentados, podem ser superadas por meio da discussão explícita sobre o manejo e a compreensão das representações, fomentada, por exemplo, pela semiótica peirceana.
O PIOR INIMIGO DA CIÊNCIA: PROCURANDO ESCLARECER QUESTÕES POLÊMICAS DA EPISTEMOLOGIA DE PAUL FEYERABEND NA FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES
Authors: Damasio Felipe , Peduzzi Luiz O. Q.
Published: December 2016

Muitas das objeções à epistemologia de Feyerabend decorrem de interpretações equivocadas das ideias deste autor. Termos e expressões como anarquismo epistemológico, irracionalidade, controle da ciência e tudo vale podem dar a falsa impressão de que os argumentos do autor são caóticos e insustentáveis. Este trabalho discute esses conceitos, contrapondo-se a interpretações equivocadas sobre eles. No âmbito da formação inicial e continuada de professores, esta reflexão pode ser útil tanto para a desconstrução de certas imagens equivocadas sobre a natureza da ciência como para gerar cidadãos mais críticos, e em maior sintonia com conceitos da moderna filosofia da ciência.
POTENCIALIDADES E LIMITAÇÕES DE UM MÓDULO DE ENSINO: UMA DISCUSSÃO HISTÓRICO-FILOSÓFICA DOS ESTUDOS DE GRAY E DU FAY
Authors: Raicik Anabel Cardoso , Peduzzi Luiz O. Q.
Published: December 2016

Este artigo analisa os resultados obtidos com a aplicação de um módulo de ensino em uma disciplina de História da Ciência. Os dados foram obtidos através de um questionário aberto que demandou dos alunos uma análise histórica e filosófica de um período específico da eletricidade e uma apreciação crítica do módulo implementado na disciplina. Em termos gerais, a proposta do módulo se mostrou eficaz promovendo uma satisfatória articulação entre o conteúdo histórico e aspectos específicos da filosofia da ciência.
O MÉTODO DA LEMBRANÇA ESTIMULADA COMO UMA FERRAMENTA DE INVESTIGAÇÃO SOBRE A VISITA ESCOLAR NO MUSEU DE BIODIVERSIDADE DO CERRADO
Authors: Oliveira Lidiane Martins , Carvalho Daniela Franco
Published: December 2016

Junto com a modernização e o desenvolvimento científico-tecnológico apresentam-se novas exigências de ensino e conhecimentos que integrem o mundo do trabalho, da divulgação científica, e da cidadania. Os museus representam esse espaço integrador, relacionando a dimensão da comunicação com o projeto educativo, e o público passa a ser o foco do estudo, com especial enfoque nas relações que esses espaços proporcionam. Portanto esse artigo apresenta um estudo teórico-metodológico a fim de evidenciar aspectos que foram significativos para os visitantes durante a visita ao Museu de Biodiversidade do Cerrado (MBC) localizado em Uberlândia- MG- Brasil. A pesquisa seguiu os procedimentos e as ferramentas da metodologia da lembrança estimulada de Falcão e Gilbert (2005). Concluímos que os conhecimentos no Museu acontecem por meio da livre interação aluno-exposição e aluno-aluno; que a relação entre Ciências e a visita ao MBC ocorre através da relação que o professor pode estabelecer em suas aulas e que o método da lembrança estimulada foi correspondente como ferramenta metodológica para resgatar conceitos e relembrar momentos importantes da visita ao MBC.
ANÁLISE DAS RELAÇÕES DOCENTE EM SALA DE AULA COM PERSPECTIVAS DE SER INCLUSIVA
Authors: Passos Angela Meneghello , Arruda Sergio De Mello , Passos Marinez Meneghello
Published: December 2016

Este artigo apresenta uma proposta para a análise das relações docente em sala de aula com perspectivas de ser inclusiva, tendo como suporte teórico um instrumento denominado matriz 3x3. Essa matriz permite compreender as ações do professor em sala de aula com base nas relações com o saber, o ensinar e o aprender nas dimensões epistêmica, pessoal e social. A principal questão que norteou esta investigação foi: Que relações docente é possível evidenciar em uma sala de aula com perspectivas de ser inclusiva? Os procedimentos metodológicos se basearam na análise textual discursiva, a partir da qual se desenvolveu uma análise de cunho qualitativo. Entre os resultados proporcionados por esta investigação estão: a evidência de que ocorre um acréscimo das tarefas docente em sala de aula com perspectivas de ser inclusiva; a necessidade de ampliação da matriz 3x3 para acomodar as novas relações docente; a constatação de que a presença do deficiente muda a configuração da sala de aula e essa alteração no processo educacional estimula a preocupação do professor com a aprendizagem e faz com que ele se volte mais para a dimensão social das relações com o saber.
"DESCOBRINDO O AMBIENTE": DISCURSO E JOGO DE SENTIDOS EM LIVROS DIDÁTICOS PARA ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS
Authors: Pereira Anderson De Carvalho
Published: December 2016

Este artigo mostra a análise de enunciados que versam sobre meio ambiente, tal como aparecem em dois volumes da série de livros didáticos, intitulada “ciências: descobrindo o ambiente”. O objetivo é mostrar de que modo aparecem efeitos discursivos por meio dos quais a circulação dos “saberes ambientais” é cooptada por mecanismos ideológicos dominantes. Ao tomar como ponto de partida a noção de discurso da Análise de Discurso francesa (AD) foram analisados dois livros didáticos veiculados pelo Programa Nacional do Livro Didático de modo que apontamos haver um mecanismo discursivo que sustenta efeitos de sentido baseados em asserções de absoluta igualdade nos usos do discurso “ambiental”.
A ARTICULAÇÃO DA TRÍADE CTS: REFLEXÕES SOBRE O DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UMA PROPOSTA DIDÁTICA APLICADA NO CONTEXTO DA EJA
Authors: Porto Maria de Lourdes Oliveira , Teixeira Paulo Marcelo M.
Published: December 2016

O trabalho apresenta reflexões sobre a articulação da tríade CTS com base em dados reunidos em pesquisa de intervenção realizada junto a estudantes da Educação de Jovens e Adultos. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram os alunos, a professora da turma e a professora-pesquisadora. Os dados foram obtidos com base em observações, com a construção de um memorial descritivo-reflexivo, de gravações em áudio de algumas aulas, questionários, entrevistas e análise de relatórios produzidos pelos alunos. Os fundamentos teóricos da pesquisa consistiram dos estudos CTS, da Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica (PHC), proposta por Dermeval Saviani e, adicionalmente, autores que discutem a EJA e suas especificidades. As categorias para a análise foram estabelecidas com base na utilização da análise de conteúdo de Bardin (2011), sobretudo aplicando as técnicas de análise categorial – análise temática. São elas: i) articulação da tríade CTS; ii) prática didático-pedagógica; iii) percepções dos sujeitos envolvidos sobre o processo. No entanto, neste trabalho, colocamos em evidência somente os dados da primeira categoria analisada. Os resultados são relevantes porque evidenciam que a transposição das relações CTS para o contexto educacional resulta em ênfases diferenciadas em relação aos aspectos da Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade. Tais considerações podem ser pertinentes para a construção de propostas curriculares envolvendo o enfoque CTS no ensino de Biologia da EJA.
CONTRIBUIÇÃO DE SIGNOS ARTÍSTICOS À SUSTENÇÃO DA ESTRATÉGIA DISCURSIVA DIALÓGICA DE AUTORIDADE EM SALA DE AULA
Authors: Silva Osmar Henrique Moura da , Laburú Carlos Eduardo , Estevão Elisa Barbosa Leite da Freiria
Published: December 2016

O presente estudo parte de uma proposta de abordagem discursiva identificada como dialógico-de autoridade e originalmente elaborada para levantar distintos entendimentos dos estudantes como também estabelecer um processo de negociação consensual entre estudantes e professor, de modo a confluir o pensamento dos estudantes com o conhecimento científico. Dentro dessa proposta de discurso, porém, a literatura tem ressaltado a dificuldade de o educador manter o discurso de tipo dialógico, desequilibrando assim a dinâmica discursiva almejada, ao pender, de forma predominante e por força do hábito, para o discurso de tipo autoridade. Dada essa problemática, o presente estudo propõe uma vinculação da potencialidade dos signos artísticos, em permitir possibilidades de interpretação pela função estética que carregam, num processo educacional sustentado no discurso dialógico-de autoridade em sala de aula por meio da denotação e conotação, envolvendo o tema “conservação ambiental”. Partindo-se do objetivo de investigar o desempenho do emprego desses signos nesse sentido, ao estabelecer uma alternância dos gêneros discursivos mencionados, os resultados alcançados indicam tensões discursivas com interações cognitivamente proveitosas nos estudantes pela participação ativa dos mesmos na construção conjunta do conhecimento referido.
O MODELO DE QUATRO FASES DO DESENVOLVIMENTO DO INTERESSE APLICADO À APRENDIZAGEM DA DOCÊNCIA
Authors: Martin George Francisco Santiago , Arruda Sérgio De Mello , Passos Marinez Meneghello
Published: December 2016

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa sobre o desenvolvimento do interesse pela docência. Os sujeitos do estudo eram estudantes de uma universidade pública do Paraná, Brasil, que integravam subprojetos PIBID em Ciências Biológicas, Física e Química. Os procedimentos metodológicos basearam-se na análise textual discursiva, a partir do qual foi possível organizar os dados de acordo com o Modelo de Quatro Fases do Desenvolvimento do Interesse (MDI) de Hidi e Renninger (2006). Após análise, foi possível caracterizar o interesse desses alunos pela docência, sugerindo que este interesse pode ser desenvolvido em estudantes durante a formação inicial. Nossos dados mostram, além disso, que o interesse pela docência tem duas características principais: o desejo de ser um professor e a curiosidade dos alunos para saber como é ser um professor. Além disso, verificou-se que os professores da escola (supervisores) podem influenciar diretamente na manutenção do interesse dos estudantes em seguir uma carreira docente.
CONTROVÉRSIAS CIENTÍFICAS NA CONSTRUÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO BIOLÓGICO: INVESTIGANDO UM CURSO DE FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA DE PROFESSORES REFERENTE À EVOLUÇÃO BIOLÓGICA HUMANA
Authors: Bulla Marcelo Erdmann , Meglhioratti Fernanda Aparecida
Published: December 2016

A pesquisa aqui apresentada tem como tema central a evolução biológica humana, suas controvérsias científicas e a formação continuada de professores de ciências e biologia. Avaliamos o desenvolvimento de uma sequência didática sobre o tema, enfatizando a controvérsia científica referente ao suposto fóssil hominídeo Ardipithecus ramidus (“Ardi”) em um curso de formação continuada para professores de Ciências e Biologia da rede básica pública de Cascavel-PR e região. O trabalho empírico envolveu a coleta de dados a partir das respostas fornecidas pelos professores a um questionário inicial e a um final. As análises e discussões dos dados permitiram evidenciar a importância das controvérsias científicas para o desenvolvimento do conhecimento científico e a urgência em inserir o conteúdo de evolução humana em disciplinas na formação inicial de cursos de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas. É necessário também o oferecimento de cursos de formação continuada, que abordem tais conteúdos, para os docentes já inseridos nas escolas. Concluímos que ensinar biologia e ciências utilizando controvérsias científicas pode constituir-se em satisfatória ferramenta pedagógica para apresentar a história e a natureza da ciência, uma vez que a atividade científica é permeada por conflitos.
A EPISTEMOLOGIA DE BACHELARD E A CONSTRUÇÃO DO CONCEITO DE ADAPTAÇÃO DAS ESPÉCIES
Authors: Cezare Paola Sussai Luz , Andrade Mariana Aparecida Bologna Soares de
Published: December 2016

A adaptação das espécies é uma das ideias centrais da síntese evolutiva, contudo, alguns obstáculos epistemológicos estão presentes na construção histórica desse conceito. A história da ciência emerge de interpretações dos contextos de desenvolvimento e produção da ciência, os obstáculos epistemológicos emergem dos mesmos contextos, dessa forma a epistemologia de Bachelard é adotada como referencial teórico principal. Ao utilizar a epistemologia histórica e crítica de Bachelard, são evidenciados os obstáculos epistemológicos presentes na construção do conceito de adaptação, ao longo do tempo, desde a visão fixista das espécies até à síntese moderna. Rupturas e descontinuísmos também foram evidenciados nessa retomada histórico-epistemológica. Concluímos que o conceito de adaptação passou por controvérsias. Em princípio mudanças foram atribuídas à obra do criador que visava o melhor arranjo possível para as espécies; em outro momento as ideias de mudança ganharam força, no entanto, a adaptação foi entendida como uma resposta ao ambiente; posteriormente, com a publicação das ideias de Darwin, a adaptação é compreendida como algo que existe nos indivíduos (os indivíduos apresentam diferentes tipos de adaptações), porém o ambiente seleciona as combinações mais favoráveis; a conciliação entre a teoria de Darwin e Mendel culminou na síntese evolutiva, aqui os mecanismos genéticos mais a seleção natural explicam a surgimento e a fixação de características adaptativas nas espécies.
Delayed post gastrectomy haematuria: A rare distant site of signet ring cell carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Kamarulzaman Mohd Nazli , Mohamed Siti Kamariah Che , Malek Rohan
Published: December 2016

Secondary bladder tumour is rare and most of the cases were direct extension of local tumour. Distant tumour metastasis to the bladder is extremely rare. We report a case of isolated bladder metastasis from gastric cancer after 2 years of sub-total gastrectomy. The patient presented with gross haematuria and bladder growth was noted during diagnostic cystoscopy. Transurethral resection of bladder tumour was performed and histopathology result confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma which is a similar subtype with the previous cancer in the stomach. Radiological investigation confirmed the presence of bladder mass, but no peritoneal dissemination was shown on the imaging. Thus, this particular presentation of isolated bladder metastasis without peritoneal seedling was extremely rare.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.631-633
Trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery (TOLAC) and association of BMI and previous vaginal delivery with frequency of VBAC
Authors: Tasleem Huma , Ghazanfar Haider
Published: December 2016

Objectives: To determine the frequency of successful Vaginal Birth after One Cesarean Section in our tertiary care institution and to determine the causes of its failure.Material and Methods: This study was conducted in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shifa International Hospital and Shifa Foundation Community Health Centre Islamabad Pakistan from Feb 2011 to Dec 2014. This study included 592 patients who presented in labor room emergency reception of Obs/Gynae department at term with previous one scar having fulfilled the laid down inclusion criteria for VBAC during ante-natal care. The patients were admitted in hospital and were allowed to proceed for spontaneous labor under vigilant monitoring on complications of trial of scar. Immediate emergency cesarean sections were performed, where indicated.Results: Out of 592 patients 70.7% were delivered vaginally after previous one cesarean section and 29.3% had emergency cesarean section. Leading indications for repeat cesarean section was fetal distress, failure to progress and scar tenderness. No maternal and fetal complication occurred in our study. The success rate of Trial of labor after one previous cesarean delivery was lower in obese (64.38%) as compared to non-obese women (82.06%) (p<0.001). Women with previous successful vaginal delivery had a success rate of 88.2% compared with 62.25% in women without such a history (OR 4.4; 95% CI 2.7-7.2 p <0.001).Conclusion: Vaginal birth after one lower segment cesarean section should be encouraged with vigilant monitoring provided no obstetric contra-indication to vaginal birth exists.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.546-550
Healthcare Financing in Bangladesh: Challenges and Recommendations
Authors: Hassan Md Zakiul , Fahim Shah Mohammad , Zafr Abu Hena Abid , Islam Md Shoriful , Alam Shahinul
Published: December 2016

Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success in improving most of the health indicators over the last couple of decades despite pervasive economic poverty. However, for a sustainable growth health sector should be among the top lists at Governments policy table. Unfortunately, the recent trend in budget allocation portrayed just the opposite and is concerning as expressed by health experts. Over the last seven fiscal years, budgetary allocation for health dropped from 6.2% to 4.3% of total government expenditure. Due to insufficient public spending, out of pocket payment (OPP) is much higher which is about two-third (64.7%) of total health care spending in Bangladesh. Inadequate and inefficient public healthcare and profiteering tendency of the private healthcare sector are two major factors behind such high private spending. Suffering from a massive shortage of health workforce and with such low public funding it would be very difficult for Bangladesh to fight against upcoming challenges like increasing burden of non communicable diseases (NCDs) and emerging threats due to climate change.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.505-510
Primary Non-Hodgkins Orbital lymphoma of diffuse large B-cell type: a rare presentation
Authors: Mullick Parikshit , Basu Ayan , Roy Yogiraj , Rahman Mehebubar , Goswami Rama Prosad
Published: December 2016

Primary Non-Hodgkins lymphoma of the orbit is a rare presentation and the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCL) type of histology is much less commoner than the mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and follicular lymphoma. A 70 years female patient presented with palpable mass arising from right orbit and proptosis of the right eye. CT scan suggested homogenous enhancing soft tissue mass affecting right lacrimal region without any bony destruction. Biopsy confirmed it to be a case of Primary non-Hodgkins lymphoma of diffuse large B-cell type with strongly positive CD 20. She was given 6 cycles of chemotherapy with R-CHOP after surgery. The patient is now asymptomatic one year after the last cycle of the chemotherapy.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.624-627
The Ratio of Second to Fourth Digit Length (2D:4D) and Heart Disease
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Sallehuddin Mohammad Arsyd Bin , Syed Syed Mohd Farris Bin , Idris Muhammad Hafiz Bin , Jamba Terry Anak , S Swamy Ravindra , Patil Jyothsna , Aithal Ashwini
Published: December 2016

Objectives: The risk of getting heart diseases is unpredictable due to many predisposing factors range from lifestyle to genetic inheritance. Scientist made the discovery after studying men of various age who had suffered heart disease made a finding; the length of ring fingers (4D) are shorter than index fingers (2D) are at greater risk of premature heart attack at their early 30. Based on these facts, we carried out this project work by analyzing 2D and 4D ratios with the perspective of risk of heart disease among the Malaysian undergraduate students.Materials and method: A cross sectional study using questionnaire about subjects family history of heart related problems if any, followed by measurement of length of second and fourth digit was carried out. 2D:4D ratio index was calculated. Data obtained were tabulated according to index more than 1 and less than 1.Results and discussion: In the present study, total 66 subjects (n= 120) presented with a ratio greater than 1.0, this accounted for a total of 55%, while remaining 45% of subjects had 2D:4D <1.0. Even though we couldnt confirmed that this test confirms an accurate indicator to determine the risk, it is yet the strongest predictor of heart disease later in life.Conclusion: We hope that this study could create awareness among the students with 2D4D ratio greater than 1.0 to avoid heart diseases by leading a better lifestyle with balanced diet and regular exercise.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.529-532
Assessment of knowledge, awareness and preventive measures of cervical cancer among female medical students
Authors: Nagamma Takkella , Seng Vincent Loo Boon , Leng Cally Choi Pui , Alias Noor Aliahbinti , Karim Najwabinti Abdul
Published: December 2016

Objectives: The main objective of the study to evaluate the knowledge about cervical cancer causes, vaccination and treatment among female medical students.Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in Melaka Manipal Medical College (Manipal campus), Manipal during October 2012 to April 2013. This study included 194 female medical students from MBBS and BDS undergraduate courses. Data were collected by using validated questionnaire. Data were analysed by SPSS 16 Software.Results The present results shows that the female students demonstrated good knowledge about cervical cancer, pap smear test, prevention and treatment. Among the respondents 97% had heard about cervical cancer, only 3% of female students had the family history of cervical cancer. However many students are did not know that smoking (34%), many child birth (40%) and usage of oral contraceptives (38%) are the risk factors for the cervical cancer.Conclusion: The present study shows adequate levels of knowledge and awareness about pap smear test, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Many of the students they did not have the adequate knowledge about risk factors of cervical cancer. This study indicates that further educational programs, especially about risk factors, needed in female medical students.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.583-587
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia a challenge in intensive care unit acquired infection
Authors: Sarkar Munmundas , Raj Hirak Jyoti , Ghosh Tapan Kumar
Published: December 2016

Background: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is one of the frequent intensive-care-unit (ICU)-acquired infection. The aetiology of VAP varies with patients profiles and ICU settings. Due to the increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant organisms in ICUs, early and correct diagnosis of VAP is an urgent challenge for an optimal antibiotic treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of VAP in different patients by various organisms to create a database of the causative agents of VAP, their drug resistance profile in that area.Methodology: A prospective study was done over a period of 12 months in a rural tertiary care hospital enrolling patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) for >48 h. Samples were collected from patients with suspected VAP, cultures were performed on all samples. VAP was diagnosed by the growth of significant pathogens. Combination disk method, EDTA disk synergy (EDS) test and cefoxitin double disc synergy test were performed for the detection of different patterns of drug resistance.Results: Culture positive cases were 52.29% of total. Acinetobacter spp, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were most frequent pathogen in early-onset VAP, while Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. dominated the list of pathogens responsible for lateonset VAP. Prior antibiotic therapy and hospitalization of five days or more were independent risk factors for VAP by MDR pathogens.Conclusions: This study highlighted high incidence of VAP in our setup. Production of ESBL, AmpC beta-lactamases and metallo beta-lactamases were responsible for the multi-drug resistance of the pathogens causing VAP, implicating the injudicious use of antimicrobial therapy. Combined approaches of rotational antibiotic therapy and education programs might be beneficial to fight against these MDR pathogens to decrease the incidence of VAP.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.588-595
Diagnostic Test of Urine Proteome during Atherosclerotic Process Among White Rat (Rattus Novergicus Strain Wistar) Induced by Atherogenic Diet
Authors: Rosita Linda , Devita Ninda
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Around twenty five million people in United State have at least one complications of atherosclerosis such as cardiovascular disease. Therefore screening in atherosclerotic process is important. Atherosclerosis is a multistage process that begins with damage to the endothelium due to LDL exposure. Angiography Coronary is the primary diagnostic tool for atherosclerosis. Imaging, as one way of non-invasive diagnosis, have limitation in sensitivity, specificity, and cost. Proteome urine analysis is alternative for atherosclerosis diagnostic.Objective: The aim of this study was analyse diagnostic performance of urine proteome among white rat (Rattus Novergicus strain wistar) induced by atherogenic diet.Material and methods: This study was quasi experimental in laboratory with randomized posttest only for control group design. The rat samples were divided to two groups i.e. group with atherogenic diet and non-atherogenic diet. Each group consisted of 10 rats. The treatment was done for 15 weeks. Urine sample collection was performed in week 16 of treatment. Urine proteome, collagen type I, was analyzed by ELISA to obtain biomarkers of atherosclerosis. Then determined sensitivity and specificity of the proteome urine analysis was compared with histopathology findings of the aortic arch and its branches.Result: In week 16, the researchers collected sample from 16 rats i.e. 11 rats with atherogenic diet and 5 ratswith non-atherogenic diet. Urine proteome, collagen type I, had area under the receiver operator with the characteristic curve of 98.2% (95% IK 92.6%-100%), p 0,003. The bestcut offis 0.9025 ng/ml with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 90.9%.Conclusion: Urine proteome analyse, collagen type I, had high accuracy for atherosclerosis diagnostic.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.522-528
Norfloxacin Induced Cross-Resistance to Fluoroquinolones and Non fluoroquinolone Groups of Antimicrobial Agents in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Nagoba Basavraj S , Suryawanshi Namdev M , Wadher Bharat J , Selkar Sohan P
Published: December 2016

Objective: To detect whether development of resistance to norfloxacin promotes development of resistance to other fluoroquinolones.Material and Methods: Four clinical and two environmental isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptible to norfloxacin (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration in the range of 0.4?g/ml to 0.84?g/ml) were manipulated in vitro to induce resistance to norfloxacin by means of serial transfer up to 14 times through media containing increasing concentrations of norfloxacin.Results and Discussion: This in vitro manipulation of isolates of P. aeruginosa resulted in increase of MIC from 0.4?g/ml to 0.84?g/ml to 12.5?g/ml to 13.5?g/ml indicating development of resistance to norfloxacin. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed a major decrease in the zone diameters of pefloxacin and ofloxacin, and significant decrease in the zone diameters of ciprofloxacin indicating development of cross resistance to other fluoroquinolones. No appreciable change in the zone diameters of non fluoroquinolone groups of antimicrobial agents indicating no development of resistance to structurally unrelated antibiotics.Conclusions: These results indicate that development of resistance to norfloxacin promotes development of resistance to other fluoroquinolones.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.533-537
Nursing students perspectives regarding challenges of patient education in clinical settings
Authors: Badiyepeymaiejahromi Zohreh , Isfahani Sara Shahsavari , Parandavar Nehleh , Rahmanian Afifeh
Published: December 2016

Background: Patient education is an important component of patient care. It includes all educational activities to help patients and their families in order to make informed decisions about the disease and learn self-care skills. This study was conducted to investigate nursing students perspectives regarding the challenges of patient education in clinical settings.Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 78 third and fourth year nursing students of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences who were selected by census method. Data were collected through a valid and reliable questionnaire consisted of four parts. The first part was about demographic data, the second included 16 questions about importance of patient education, the third and fourth part contained 20 questions about challenges of patient education, 10 questions assessed barriers and 10 questions were about facilitators of patient education in clinical settings.Results: From the nursing students perspective, the average importance of patient education was 4.36±0.05 out of 5. The most important challenges regarding barriers of patient education were; lack of resources and educational tools, lack of enough time, inadequate knowledge and skills of the nurse, and lack of patient readiness both physically and psychologically. Also, the most important facilitators were; high skill and knowledge, having interest to education and phased implementation of patients education with respect to the patients condition. There was no relationship between academic year, sex and average grade with importance of patient education total score (p=0>05).Conclusion: Nursing managers and educational supervisors of hospitals need to pursue patients education programs with rely on the standards developed at national and international accreditation programs as a major strategy and provide necessary resources and educational tools.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.615-620
Subcutaneous hydatid cyst in forearm  a diagnostic dilemma with neurofibroma
Authors: Datta Soma , Banerjee Abhijit , Banerjee Uma
Published: December 2016

Hydatid disease caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus usually affects lungs and liver of human and animals. Affection of subcutaneous tissue is rare; though not rarest but often clinically mistaken as neurofibroma or lipoma. Preoperative diagnosis is mandatory to avoid surgical contamination or future accidents. Two middle aged males presented with forearm nodules and one female presented with an arm nodule; all of which on needle aspiration cytology and wet smear examination provisionally diagnosed as hydatid cyst, later confirmed radiologically and surgically. Primary hydatid disease constitutes potentially serious differential diagnoses in subcutaneous swelling.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.634-636
Sinonasal Sarcoidosis: A Case Report
Authors: Khanam Afroza , Akhtar Gulshan , Khanduker Nabila , Chowdhury Nurun Nahar , Rahman Mohammad Abdur , Asifuzzaman Mohammad
Published: December 2016

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology which principally affects the lower respiratory tract & lungs. Sarcoidosis in the head & neck region is infrequent. Isolated sino nasal sarcoidosis without pulmonary involvement is rare.Case: An 18 years old male patient presented with the complaints of nasal blockage, purulent nasal discharge which was occasionally blood stained for 6 months, deformity of nose, swelling of face & lips for 4 months & watering of eyes for same duration. Endoscopy of nose revealed intra nasal mucosal thickening which was friable & bleeds on touch. The diagnosis of sino nasal sarcoidosis was made by histopathological examination of nasal biopsy specimen.Conclusion: Sino nasal sarcoidosis is a disease of diagnostic challenge to the clinician as its mimicking clinical features may be misleading & cause delay in definitive diagnosis. In the current case report, we presented a case of sino nasal sarcoidosis presenting as chronic rhino sinusitis.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.648-650
Climate change effects and adaptation measures for crop production in South-West coast of Bangladesh
Authors: Jodder Rajib , Haque Mohammad Asadul , Kumar Tapan , Jahiruddin M , Rahman M Zulfikar , Clarke Derek
Published: December 2016

A survey was conducted to determine the effect of climate change on crop production and water quality in 12 villages of Deluty and Garaikhali unions under Paikgacha upazila of Khulna district, Bangladesh. Total of 100 farmers were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. The climatic hazards as reported on the study area are salinity, cyclone, drought, hailstorm, river erosion and waterlogging, of them salinity is the most dominant hazard. Due to salinity the cropping system has undergone changes. Many crops and varieties have been either extinct or their cultivation has come down. Both soil and water are severely affected by salinity. Most of the farmers (90%) use pond water for irrigation and the majority farmers use pond and rain waters for drinking purpose. Results of the present study serves as a good basis for in-depth study to achieve successful crop production in the south west coastal area of Bangladesh.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(3): 369-378, December 2016
Control of seed borne fungi on tomato seeds and their management by botanical extracts
Authors: Mehedi Imam , Sultana Afia , Raju Md Amanut Ullah
Published: December 2016

Seed health test was done in laboratory to determine the status of seed borne fungi on seeds of five tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) varieties viz. Manik, Ratan, Roma VF, Kopotakkho and Monirumpuri and their possible control by using plant extracts. A total of 4 genera of 3 species of fungi were recorded where Fusarium oxysporum was the most prevalent and predominant seed borne fungus (25.60%). Other three fungal species are Aspergillus sp. of Aspergillus flavus (21.70%) and Aspergillus niger (11.11%) and Cladosporium sp. (13.49%). Tomato seeds were treated with different plant leaf extracts namely Mahogany, Mehendi and Allamanda with different doses viz. 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 to control the seed borne fungi. In treated seeds, germination was ranged from 72-82% which was 68% in controlled condition. Among the doses of three botanicals, Mahogany, Mehendi and Allamonda extract @ (1:1 w/v) showed significant performance in controlling seed borne fungi and germination of tomato seeds. Among the three botanicals, Mahogany @ (1:1 w/v) was found the best treatment regarding percent reduction of seed borne infection.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(3): 403-410, December 2016
Comparative study on host preference and damage potentiality of Red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis and Epilachna beetles, Epilachna dodecastigma
Authors: Rahman Md Mahbubur , Uddin Mohammad Mahir
Published: December 2016

Experiments were carried out in the field and in the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University during the period from February to August, 2013. Three cucurbitaceous vegetables viz. bitter gourd, ridge gour d and snake gourd were used as test crops. Considering to percent leaf infestation and leaf area consumptions, red pumpkin beetle was found mostly harmful to snake gourd (22.62% and 8.84%, respectively) but least harmful to bitter gourd (3.00% and 1.25%, respectively). On the other hand, Epilachna beetle was found mostly damaging to bitter gourd (46.00% and 21.67% respectively) and least damaging to ridge gourd (11.20% and 5.00%, respectively). Similar to the field experiments, red pumpkin beetle consumed more leaf areas of snake gourd (up to 43.36%) and Epilachna beetle (both adult and grubs) consumed more leaf areas of bitter gourd (up to 91.46%) in the laboratory experiments. Bitter gourd (1.42%) and ridge gourd (0.78% to 41.27%) were least preferable to the red pumpkin beetle and Epilachna beetle, respectively.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(3): 411-416, December 2016
On-farm welfare assessment of dairy cattle by animal-linked parameters in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahsan Shamir , Islam M Ariful , Islam Md Taohidul
Published: December 2016

The present study was conducted in 33 dairy farms to evaluate the welfare quality of Australian-zebu cross bred cows through some animal-based welfare indicators. The main aims of this research were to identify welfare issues facing dairy cows and investigate whether indicators are associated with measures of welfare and performance efficiency. The assessment of animal welfare was performed (330 animals) Australian-cross breed in family dairy farms at Sirajganj district of Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interview with farmers, followed by an inspection and observation of dairy cows. A total 330 females (43 heifers and 287 cows) were included in this study. Body condition, body cleanliness, injury, lameness, health status and milk yield were assessed. Among studied animals, body condition score 2 about (65.5%), hock joint injury (83.6%), knee injury (48.8%), and a pronounced state of poor cleanliness on: dirty udder (55.9%), flank (55.0%) and hind limbs (96.4%) were observed. Health status including diarrhea, respiratory distress, coughing, nasal and ocular discharge were present in some animals. The results indicate that very good BCS and mastitis free cows are related to higher milk yields. Results of this study may indicate the some indicators that influence the animal welfare and productivity in selected farms. As this work was a preliminary study, so the comprehensive research is needed to further develop the prototype protocol.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(3): 417-424, December 2016