bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Remarks on Bimodality Effects of the Hydraulic Properties on Shear Strength of Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Ciervo Fabio , Casini Francesca , Papa Maria Nicolina , Rigon Riccardo
Published: September 2015

Hydraulic properties affect the shear strength of unsaturated soils in terms of suction, predicted as a function of water volume in the pores. In complex pore geometries, such as soils with bimodal pore‐size distributions, suction effects on shear behavior are poorly understood. We present an analytical approach to define how a bimodal suction stress originates in such soils, which are conceptually divided into micro and macrostructures due to aggregation of a wide range of particle sizes. The results were compared with data from the literature for other soils with aggregated macrostructure or with a prevailing coarse fraction. A physically based dependence of soil shear behavior on the bimodal hydraulic behavior was observable, with the extension of the suction stress theory to a bimodal soil hydraulic response in agreement with the suction and moisture change. Depending on the soil type and the range of suctions investigated, the micro and macrostructures should prevail affecting the mechanical soil response subject to environmental loading, such as rainfall events. From a practical point of view, taking into account the bimodal structure network should be fundamental in the set‐up of proper prediction models for shallow landslides induced by rainfall.
Continuum Modeling of Steady Air Injection into Partially Saturated Soils
Authors: Ben Noah Ilan , Friedman Shmulik P.
Published: September 2015

Proposed models and analytical solutions of steady one‐ and three‐dimensional (3D) air flow in partially saturated soil enable estimating air‐injection sources in unsaturated soils and optimizing their application. The 3D modeling offers six solutions for air injection from a point source located in a: (i) laterally unconfined domain and (ii) at the center of a cylindrically confined domain, in (a) an infinite, vertically unconfined domain, (b) a vertically semi‐infinite domain with a surface of constant pressure above the source, representing the effect of the atmosphere on air flow, and (c) with an impermeable surface below the source, representing the effect of a water table on the air flow. The 3D models were formulated using known mathematical solutions for water flow and adjusting them to describe air flow, assuming full analogy between the effect of gravitation on water flow to the effect of buoyancy on air flow. One‐dimensional air injection simulations based on two types of air‐permeability functions (a concaved exponential and a convex exponential) result in similar distributions of air pressure and capillary heads. Thus, the error caused by using the convex (of positive curvature) exponential function for linearizing the flow equation and for obtaining the 3D solutions is bounded, which justifies use of this function. Air flow patterns depend on a single soil characteristic parameter (α), indicative of the ratio between effects of buoyancy and capillary forces driving the air; high values indicate more upwardly oriented flow. The proposed analysis can be used for decision making regarding locations and depths of air‐injection sources for aeration in the vadose zone. Based on the air pressure distribution and the streamlines outlined by the relevant solutions we conclude that the effect of the water table below the source on air flow is negligible, especially in cylindrical confinements. Furthermore, the effect of the atmosphere on air flow in a cylindrical domain is also negligible. The proposed models are applicable especially when the air‐pressure gradient in the soil is relatively small, and the effect of air compressibility is negligible.
Simulated Preferential Water Flow and Solute Transport in Shrinking Soils
Authors: Coppola Antonio , Comegna Alessandro , Dragonetti Giovanna , Gerke Horst H. , Basile Angelo
Published: September 2015

We present follow‐up work to previous work extending the classical rigid (RGD) approach formerly proposed by Gerke and van Genuchten, to account for shrinking effects (SHR) in modeling water flow and solute transport in dual‐permeability porous media. In this study we considered three SHR scenarios, assuming that aggregate shrinkage may change either: (i) the hydraulic properties of the two pore domains, (ii) their relative fractions, or (iii) both hydraulic properties and fractions of the two domains. The objective was to compare simulation results obtained under the RGD and the SHR assumptions to illustrate the impact of matrix volume changes on water storage, water fluxes, and solute concentrations during an infiltration process bringing an initially dry soil to saturation and a drainage process starting from an initially saturated soil. For an infiltration process, the simulated wetting front and the solute concentration propagation velocity, as well as the water fluxes and water and solute exchange rates, for the three SHR scenarios significantly deviated from the RGD. By contrast, relatively similar water content profiles evolved under all scenarios during drying. Overall, compared to the RGD approach, the effect of changing the hydraulic properties and the weight of the two domains according to the shrinkage behavior of the soil aggregates induced a much more rapid response in terms of water fluxes and solute travel times, as well as a larger and deeper water and solute transfer from the fractures to the matrix during wetting processes.
A rapid assessment of drinking water quality in informal settlements after a cholera outbreak in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Blanton Elizabeth , Wilhelm Natalie , O'Reilly Ciara , Muhonja Everline , Karoki Solomon , Ope Maurice , Langat Daniel , Omolo Jared , Wamola Newton , Oundo Joseph , Hoekstra Robert , Ayers Tracy , De Cock Kevin , Breiman Robert , Mintz Eric , Lantagne Daniele
Published: September 2015

Populations living in informal settlements with inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure are at risk of epidemic disease. In 2010, we conducted 398 household surveys in two informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya with isolated cholera cases. We tested source and household water for free chlorine residual (FCR) and Escherichia coli in approximately 200 households. International guidelines are ≥0.5 mg/L FCR at source, ≥0.2 mg/L at household, and <1 E. coli/100 mL. In these two settlements, 82% and 38% of water sources met FCR guidelines; and 7% and 8% were contaminated with E. coli, respectively. In household stored water, 82% and 35% met FCR guidelines and 11% and 32% were contaminated with E. coli, respectively. Source water FCR ≥0.5 mg/L (p = 0.003) and reported purchase of a household water treatment product (p = 0.002) were associated with increases in likelihood that household stored water had ≥0.2 mg/L FCR, which was associated with a lower likelihood of E. coli contamination (p < 0.001). These results challenge the assumption that water quality in informal settlements is universally poor and the route of disease transmission, and highlight that providing centralized water with ≥0.5 mg/L FCR or (if not feasible) household water treatment technologies reduces the risk of waterborne cholera transmission in informal settlements.
Pioneering water quality data on the Lake Victoria watershed: effects on human health
Authors: Jovanelly Tamie J. , Johnson-Pynn Julie , Okot-Okumu James , Nyenje Richard , Namaganda Emily
Published: September 2015

Four forest reserves within 50 km of Kampala in Uganda act as a critical buffer to the Lake Victoria watershed and habitat for local populations. Over a 9-month period we capture a pioneering water quality data set that illustrates ecosystem health through the implementation of a water quality index (WQI). The WQI was calculated using field and laboratory data that reflect measured physical and chemical parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen on demand, nitrates, phosphates, fecal coliform, and temperature turbidity). Overall, the WQI for the four forest reserves reflect poor to medium water quality. Results compared with US Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization drinking water standards indicate varying levels of contamination at most sites and all designated drinking water sources, with signatures of elevated nitrates, phosphates, and/or fecal coliforms. As critical health problems are known to arise with elevated exposure to contaminants in drinking water, this data set can be used to communicate necessary improvements within the watershed.
Efficacy of aqueous plant extract in disinfecting water of different physicochemical properties
Authors: Kirui J. K. , Kotut K. , Okemo P. O.
Published: September 2015

This study explored the possibility of disinfecting water using aqueous extracts of medicinal plants. Seven medicinal plants used by Samburu herbalists for the treatment of stomach illnesses were investigated for water disinfection. Aqueous extracts of the dried powdered plant material were directly used to treat the water samples collected. Efficacy of water treatment with medicinal plants expressed as percentage reduction in bacterial colonies revealed that Acacia nilotica extract with a mean percentage reduction of 99.86% was the most effective at reducing the number of bacterial colonies. Albizia anthelmintica extract with a mean of 9.47% was the least effective at reducing the number of bacterial colonies. The study also revealed a possible interaction between plant extracts and water source (P < 0.05, df = 54). The results obtained in this study point out a possibility of using aqueous extracts from A. nilotica in disinfecting water of different physicochemical properties.
Surveillance of bacteriological quality of drinking water in Chandigarh, northern India
Authors: Goel Naveen K. , Pathak Rambha , Gulati Sangeeta , Balakrishnan S. , Singh Navpreet , Singh Hardeep
Published: September 2015

The study was carried out in Chandigarh, India with the following objectives: (1) to monitor the bacteriological quality of drinking water; (2) to collect data on bacteriological contamination of water collected at point of use; (3) to test both groundwater being supplied through hand pumps and pre-treated water; and (4) to determine the pattern of seasonal variations in quality of water. The community-based longitudinal study was carried out from 2002 to 2007. Water samples from hand pumps and tap water were collected from different areas of Chandigarh following a simple random sampling strategy. The time trends and seasonal variations in contamination of water according to area and season were analysed. It was found that the contamination of water was higher during the pre-monsoon period compared with the rest of the year. The water being used in slums and rural areas for drinking purposes also had higher contamination levels than urban areas, with highest levels in rural areas. This study found that drinking water supply in Chandigarh is susceptible to contamination especially in rural areas and during pre-monsoon. Active intervention from public health and the health department along with raising people's awareness regarding water hygiene are required for improving the quality of drinking water.
Survival dynamics of cystic fibrosis-related Gram-negative bacterial pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia) in Dead Sea and Atlantic Ocean waters
Authors: Shteinberg Michal , Kis-Papo Tamar , Millar Beverley C. , Rendall Jacqueline C. , Downey Damian G. , Stuart Elborn J. , Moore John E.
Published: September 2015

Clinical cystic fibrosis (CF) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 6) and Burkholderia cenocepacia (n = 4) were inoculated in marine brines from the Dead Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and their survival was monitored over a 1 month duration. In Dead Sea samples, all P. aeruginosa and B. cenocepacia isolates were non-detectable by culture following 24 h incubation, including the non-selective enrichment samples. In the Atlantic Ocean brine, over a 1 month period, mean P. aeruginosa counts decreased by only 0.25 log10 units and mean B. cenocepacia counts decreased by approximately 4 log10 units (10,000 cfu/ml). This study demonstrated that Dead Sea brine exerted a lethal effect within 24 h on planktonic P. aeruginosa and B. cenocepacia. Thus, the Dead Sea effectively purges these organisms from its environment on a daily basis.
Quantification of pathogen inactivation efficacy by free chlorine disinfection of drinking water for QMRA
Authors: Petterson S. R. , Stenström T. A.
Published: September 2015

To support the implementation of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for managing infectious risks associated with drinking water systems, a simple modeling approach for quantifying Log10 reduction across a free chlorine disinfection contactor was developed. The study was undertaken in three stages: firstly, review of the laboratory studies published in the literature; secondly, development of a conceptual approach to apply the laboratory studies to full-scale conditions; and finally implementation of the calculations for a hypothetical case study system. The developed model explicitly accounted for variability in residence time and pathogen specific chlorine sensitivity. Survival functions were constructed for a range of pathogens relying on the upper bound of the reported data transformed to a common metric. The application of the model within a hypothetical case study demonstrated the importance of accounting for variable residence time in QMRA. While the overall Log10 reduction may appear high, small parcels of water with short residence time can compromise the overall performance of the barrier. While theoretically simple, the approach presented is of great value for undertaking an initial assessment of a full-scale disinfection contactor based on limited site-specific information.
Trihalomethanes formation in Iranian water supply systems: predicting and modeling
Authors: Babaei Ali Akbar , Atari Leila , Ahmadi Mehdi , Ahmadiangali Kambiz , Zamanzadeh Mirzaman , Alavi Nadali
Published: September 2015

Trihalomethanes (THMs) were the first disinfection by-products discovered in drinking water and are classified as probable carcinogens. This study measures and models THMs formation at two drinking water distribution systems (WDS1 and WDS2) in Ahvaz City, Iran. The investigation was based on field-scale investigations and an intensive 36-week sampling program, from January to September 2011. The results showed total THM concentrations in the range 17.4–174.8 μg/L and 18.9–99.5 μg/L in WDS1 and WDS2, respectively. Except in a few cases, the THM concentrations in WDS1 and WDS2 were lower than the maximum contaminant level values. Using two-tailed Pearson correlation test, the water temperature, dissolved organic carbon, UV254, bromide ion (Br−), free residual chlorine, and chlorine dose were identified as the significant parameters for THMs formation in WDS2. Water temperature was the only significant parameter for THMs formation in WDS1. Based on the correlation results, a predictive model for THMs formation was developed using a multiple regression approach. A multiple linear regression model showed the best fit according to the coefficients of determination (R2) obtained for WDS1 (R2 = 0.47) and WDS2 (R2 = 0.54). Further correlation studies and analysis focusing on THMs formation are necessary to assess THMs concentration using the predictive models.
Comparison of selected methods for recovery of Giardia spp. cysts and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in wastewater
Authors: Medeiros Raphael Corrêa , Daniel Luiz Antonio
Published: September 2015

More precise methods are needed to recover Giardia and Cryptosporidium (oo)cysts from wastewater in order to advance research related to their inactivation, removal, quantification, and species differentiation. This study applied different methods to recover the maximum number of (oo)cysts from wastewater samples using ColorSeed®. Immunomagnetic separation assisted in capturing oocysts mainly in samples with medium and low turbidity. A triple centrifugation method reached recovery rates of 85% and 20%, for Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts, respectively, in raw wastewater, and 62.5 and 17.5% in secondary-treated effluent. For low turbidity-treated effluent, membrane filtration reached 67.5% recovery for Giardia cysts and 22.5% for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Simple, quick and low-cost methods do not involve much handling of the samples and could be useful, particularly in developing countries.
Isolation and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba genotypes in recreational and domestic water sources from Jamaica, West Indies
Authors: Todd Cheridah D. , Reyes-Batlle María , Piñero José E. , Martínez-Carretero Enrique , Valladares Basilio , Streete Don , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Lindo John F.
Published: September 2015

Free living amoebae (FLA) are amphizoic protozoa that are ubiquitous in nature. Infection with FLA may result in neurological, ocular and skin infections. Exposure to Acanthamoeba occurs frequently through water contact and knowledge of the presence of the organisms in water sources is important in understanding transmission dynamics. The distribution of Acanthamoeba was studied in recreational and domestic water samples collected from across Jamaica. Morphological assessment and polymerase chain reaction revealed Acanthamoeba spp. isolates in 50.6% (42/83) and 17.3% (14/81) of recreational and domestic water, respectively. Sequencing of the DF3 region of the 18S rDNA resulted in the identification of genotypes T3, T4, T5, T10 and T11 corresponding to Acanthamoeba spp: A. griffini, A. triangularis, A. lenticulata, A. culbertsoni and A. hatchetti. Moreover, T4 was the most frequently isolated genotype in both recreational and domestic water. Thermotolerance and osmotolerance assays indicated that most isolates were potentially pathogenic. This is the first report of T3 and T10 genotypes in the Caribbean and the first report of these Acanthamoeba spp. in Jamaican waters. The study shows that there is potential risk of infection to contact wearers who practise poor lens care. Further, Acanthamoeba should be considered as a cause of neurological infections in Jamaica.
Synthesis of iron oxyhydroxide-coated rice straw (IOC-RS) and its application in arsenic(V) removal from water
Authors: Ouédraogo Igor W. K. , Pehlivan Erol , Tran Hien T. , Bonzi-Coulibaly Yvonne L. , Zachmann Dieter , Bahadir Müfit
Published: September 2015

Because of the recognition that arsenic (As) at low concentrations in drinking water causes severe health effects, the technologies of As removal have become increasingly important. In this study, a simplified and effective method was used to immobilize iron oxyhydroxide onto a pretreated naturally occurring rice straw (RS). The modified RS adsorbent was characterized, using scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer, and surface area analyzer. Experimental batch data of As(V) adsorption were modeled by the isotherms and kinetics models. Although all isotherms, the Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich models and confirmed the surface homogeneity of adsorbent. The iron oxyhydroxide-coated rice straw (IOC-RS) was found to be effective for the removal of As(V) with 98.5% sorption efficiency at a concentration of <50 mg/L of As(V) solution, and thus maximum uptake capacity is ∼22 and 20 mg As(V)/g of IOC-RS at pH 4 and 6, respectively. The present study might provide new avenues to achieve the As concentrations required for drinking water recommended by the World Health Organization.
Global occurrence of Torque teno virus in water systems
Authors: Charest A. J. , Plummer J. D. , Long S. C. , Carducci A. , Verani M. , Sidhu J. P. S.
Published: September 2015

Bacterial indicator organisms are used globally to assess the microbiological safety of waters. However, waterborne viral outbreaks have occurred in drinking water systems despite negative bacterial results. Using viral markers may therefore provide more accurate health risk assessment data. In this study, fecal, wastewater, stormwater, surface water (fresh and salt), groundwater, and drinking water samples were analyzed for the presence or concentration of traditional indicators, innovative indicators and viral markers. Samples were obtained in the United States, Italy, and Australia and results compared to those reported for studies conducted in Asia and South America as well. Indicators included total coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, male-specific coliphages, somatic coliphages and microviradae. Viral markers included adenovirus, polyomavirus, and a potential new surrogate, Torque teno virus (TTV). TTV was more frequently found in wastewaters (38–100%) and waters influenced by waste discharges (25%) than in surface waters used as drinking water sources (5%). TTV was also specific to human rather than animal feces. While TTV numbers were strongly correlated to other viral markers in wastewaters, suggesting its utility as a fecal contamination marker, data limitations and TTV presence in treated drinking waters demonstrates that additional research is needed on this potential viral indicator.
Impact of groundwater surface storage on chlorination and disinfection by-product formation
Authors: Padhi R. K. , Satpathy K. K. , Subramanian S.
Published: September 2015

The change in water quality arising from the open storage of groundwater (GW) and its impact on chlorination and chlorination by-product formation were investigated. Water quality descriptors, such as temperature, pH, chlorophyll, and dissolved oxygen contents of GW undergo substantial alteration when stored in a reservoir. Dissolved organic content (DOC) measured in the two water sources studied, i.e., GW and open reservoir water (RW), varied from 0.41 mg/L to 0.95 mg/L and 0.93 mg/L to 2.53 mg/L, respectively. Although DOC demonstrated wide variation, UV absorbance at 254 nm (UVA254) values for GW (0.022–0.067) and RW (0.037–0.077) did not display reciprocal variations. The chlorine demand (CD) of RW was always higher than that of GW for the corresponding sampling period. Average trihalomethane (THM) formation for RW was 50–80% higher compared to GW and thus poses an enhanced health risk. Appreciable amounts of bromide present in these water sources (0.15–0.26 mg/L in GW and 0.17–0.65 mg/L in RW) have resulted in the non-selective distribution of the four THM species. The formation of more toxic brominated THM due to chlorination of these near-coast drinking water sources must be regarded as a decisive factor for the choice of water disinfection regime.
Dynamics of Pb(II) adsorption on nanostructured γ-alumina: calculations of axial dispersion and overall mass transfer coefficients in the fixed-bed column
Authors: Saadi Zahra , Saadi Reyhaneh , Fazaeli Reza
Published: September 2015

In the present study, the removal of metal ions Pb(II) using nanostructured γ-alumina was investigated by tests on batch operations and fixed-bed columns. Optimization was determined for factors effective on adsorption such as pH, contact time of metal solution with adsorbent and initial solution concentration. The optimum pH level was determined at 4.5 and the maximum adsorption percentage was achieved at 150 minutes. pHpzc was measured 8.3 for nanostructured γ-Al2O3. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms were used to analyze the experimental data. The Langmuir isotherm model showed the best agreement with the experimental data. The model showed evaluations for maximum adsorption capacity of adsorbent at 119.04 mg/g and adsorbent bed performance for different flow rates, bed heights and influent concentrations were also investigated. The lumped method was used to solve the bed equations, to predict the breakthrough curve and model overall mass transfer coefficient (Koverall) and axial dispersion coefficient (Dz) parameters to make comparisons with experimental results.
Effect of degree of crystallinity and the contents of aluminium oxide and sodium oxide on water sorption capacity in NaY zeolite
Authors: Keselj Dragana , Lazic Dragica , Zivkovic Zivan , Skundric Branko , Penavin-Skundric Jelena , Sladojevic Slavica
Published: September 2015

The paper presents mathematical models which describe the dependence between
water sorption capacity, on one hand, and the degree of crystallinity and
the content of Na2O and Al2O3 in NaY zeolite, on the other. NaY was
synthesized from sodium aluminate solution, water glass and sulfuric acid
under different conditions of crystallization. The obtained zeolite powders
underwent chemical analysis (Na2O, Al2O3), water sorption capacity (WSC), as
well as diffraction analysis which served to determine the degree of
crystallinity (CD). Zeolite powder samples had the following values: for the
content of Na2O from 13.81 to 16.14%, for Al2O3 from 21.58 to 27.17%, degree
of crystallinity from 58.70 to 114.00 and WSC from 21.32 to 36.59%, and
regression analysis lead to the conclusion that there is a significant
correlation between water sorption capacity and the degree of crystallinity,
unlike the contents of Na2O and Al2O3 in the zeolite powder, whose
correlation with water sorption capacity was neglibile. The mathematical
model obtained by linear regression analysis had a high R2= 0.796, where as
non-linear regressional analysis produced a better mathematical model R2=
0.912, where water sorption capacity was expressed through a quadratic
model.
Bridging psychological barriers between the child and the father after his returning from the war: Could group art therapy help?
Authors: Mandic-Gajic Gordana
Published: September 2015

Introduction. War veterans with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
have poorer family and parenting functioning, but little research has
focused on these impairments. Case re-port. This paper presented how the
series of drawings and the group art therapy process enhanced bridging the
psychological barriers of a 33-year-old male PTSD war veteran to engagement
with the child. After two years of deployment he returned home and suffered
mostly from PTSD numbness and avoidance symptoms. The veteran had the family
readjustment difficulties and felt guilty for being detached from his
3-year-old son. He under-went integrative treatment in the Day Unit Program.
The drawings series were made by free associations. Clinical observations
and group discussions were recorded in the group art therapy protocols. The
presented patient got gratifications and support from the group members for
his illustration of popular cartoon heroes, and decided to draw Mickey Mouse
at home. On the next session he shared his satisfaction for bridging the gap
between him and his son, having done the same drawings with his son at home.
Beck's depression inventory (BDI) was used for self-rating of depression and
a reduction of BDI score from 18 to 6 during the treatment course was
recorded. Conclusions. Series of drawings illustrated shift from war related
past toward current family life of the war veteran. Group art therapy gave
him gratification and support with hope and a sense of belonging, thus
facilitated his parenting readjustment.
Gigantic spermatocytic seminoma: A rare tumor of germ cell origin
Authors: Prelevic Rade , Milev Bosko , Milovic Novak , Ignjatovic Mihajlo , Spasic Aleksandar , Petrovic Nikola
Published: September 2015

Indtorduction. Spermatocytic seminoma represents a rare hystologic type of
malignant testicular germ cell tumor with slow course and low malignant
potential. Case report. We presented a 69-year-old patient with atypical
clinical presentation of spermatocytic seminoma initially diagnosed as
gigantic hydrocoellae which compromised walking. After long term evolution
clincal picture presented with signs and symptoms of acute scrotum.
Preoperative echosonography was performed and the diagnosis of testicular
infiltrative tumor was established. After that left scrotal orchiectomy was
performed. Patohistological examination revealed spermatocytic seminoma.
Conclusion. Inspite good prognosis there is a low probability of development
of high grade malignancy sinchronous sarcoma within the testis with a high
potential for lymphogenic and hematogenic dissemination. Individual approach
is necessary in accordance with the pathohistological diagnosis.
Lung ultrasound for severe acute dyspnea evaluation in critical care patients
Authors: Ristic-Andjelkov Andjelka , Mladenovic Zorica , Baskot Branislav , Babic Stojan , Ristic Mirjana , Misic Tatjana , Ratkovic Nenad , Vukotic Snjezana , Torbica Lidija , Vranes Danijela , Grdinic Aleksandra , Pandrc Milena
Published: September 2015

nema
Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of Triple Therapy With Saxagliptin Add-on to Dapagliflozin Plus Metformin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Matthaei Stephan , Catrinoiu Doina , Celiński Aleksander , Ekholm Ella , Cook William , Hirshberg Boaz , Chen Hungta , Iqbal Nayyar , Hansen Lars
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of triple therapy with saxagliptin add-on versus placebo add-on to dapagliflozin plus metformin in adults with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients on stable metformin (≥1,500 mg/day) for ≥8 weeks with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.0–11.5% (64–102 mmol/mol) at screening received open-label dapagliflozin (10 mg/day) plus metformin immediate release (IR) for 16 weeks. Patients with inadequate glycemic control (HbA1c 7–10.5% [53–91 mmol/mol]) were then randomized to receive placebo (n = 153) or saxagliptin 5 mg/day (n = 162) in addition to background dapagliflozin plus metformin IR. The primary efficacy end point was change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24.

RESULTS

There was a significantly greater reduction in HbA1c at 24 weeks with saxagliptin add-on (–0.51% [–5.6 mmol/mol]) versus placebo (–0.16% [–1.7 mmol/mol]) add-on to dapagliflozin plus metformin (difference, –0.35% [95% CI –0.52% to –0.18%] and –3.8 [–5.7 to –2.0 mmol/mol], respectively; P < 0.0001). Reductions in fasting plasma glucose and 2-h postprandial glucose were similar between treatment arms. A larger proportion of patients achieved HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol) with saxagliptin add-on (35.3%) versus placebo add-on (23.1%) to dapagliflozin plus metformin. Adverse events were similar between treatment groups. Episodes of hypoglycemia were infrequent in both treatment arms, and there were no episodes of major hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Triple therapy with the addition of saxagliptin to dapagliflozin plus metformin was well tolerated and produced significant improvements in HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with dapagliflozin plus metformin.
The Role of Physical Therapists in the Medical Response Team Following a Natural Disaster: Our Experience in Nepal
Authors:   Nepal Physiotherapy Association
Published: September 2015

Members of the Nepal Physiotherapy Association describe their efforts as physical therapists in disaster response following two major earthquakes that struck Nepal on April 25 and May 12, 2015. Based on their experiences, they offer recommendations and reinforced resolve to continue to improve physical therapy and rehabilitation services in Nepal.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(9):644–646. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0108
Teaching Physiology in Nepal – an integrative approach in basic sciences
Authors: Pradhan AK
Published: August 2015

Journal of Biomedical Sciences 2015;2(2):10-11
Agenesis of second premolars in maxilla and mandible - A rare case report
Authors: Nirmala SVSG , Tharay N , Kolli NKR , Dasarraju RK , Tirupathi SP
Published: August 2015

Congenital missing or absence of 6 or less teeth is known as Hypodontia which is a usual part of more complex set of developmental problems. Most cases of tooth agenesis involve hypodontia. In reference to second premolar, agenesis of a single second premolar is the most common form and occurrence of agenesis of four second premolars in both maxilla and mandible is not a very common condition.The purpose of this report is to describe a case of agenesis of a four second premolars in all the four quadrants in a 17 year old boy.Patient referred to the pediatric dentistry department as achief complaint of pain in the left lower back tooth region since one week. Clinical examination revealed the retained four primary second molars in both the arches of right and left sides and orthopantamograph confirmed the diagnosis. Pulpectomy was performed in maxillary left as well as mandibular left and right pimary molars and maxillary right second molar was grossly decayed which was extracted. In addition to case report, this article discusses possible etiological factors along with various treatment modalities.Journal of Biomedical Sciences 2015;2(2):12-16
Clinical Characteristics of Ulcerative Colitis in Nepalese Population: Experience from a Tertiary Care Center TUTH, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Harsh Shaneel , Adhikari Ananya , Pathak Rahul , Khadga Prem K , Sharma Sashi
Published: September 2015

Background and Aim: Rising incidence and prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) had been observed in Asian countries. We conducted a study in our center, aiming to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of UC in Nepalese population.Method: This is a cross sectional study of patients with diagnosis of UC in our hospital from Feb 2014 to Jan 2015. The diagnosis of UC has to satisfy the internationally accepted criteria. All patients were Nepalese and Clinical and epidemiological data were obtained and analysed through SPSS version 20.Results: 60 patients were included in the study. Mean age at diagnosis was 34.6 years. Male had slight preponderance with M:F (1.06:1). Mean duration of disease at diagnosis was 3.7 years. 83% had rectal bleed, Diarrhoea was seen in 77.3%, Tenesmus and Urgency in 70%, Mucus in stool was found in 65%, abdominal pain in 55%. 16.7% had weight loss and extraintestinal manifestations whereas fever was seen in 8.3%. In our patients 38.3% had ulcerative proctitis and 50% had left-sided UC, whereas 11.7% had extensive UC at presentation. The majority presented with mild (53.3%) or moderate (38.3%) disease activity, only 8.3% with severe disease.Conclusions: The peak age of UC was similar to other Western and Asian countries but second peak reported in western countries have not been seen in this study. This finding is similar to reports from East Asia. Similarly the proportion of patients with extra intestinal manifestations was low in our study as compared to studies reported from western world. Our study also showed that it takes longer to diagnose UC in Nepal. This might be related to the unawareness of the patients’ and lack of availability of the diagnostic resources.Journal of Nobel College of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2015: 1-5
Gender Difference in Presentation, Management and Inhospital Mortality in St Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Tertiary Cardiac Center
Authors: Shrestha Hemant , Sayami Arun , Anil Om Murti , Poudel Chandramani , Gajurel Ratnamani , Thapa Sanjeev
Published: September 2015

Background: Studies have shown that women are less likely to receive reperfusion therapy and have higher inhospital death in ST Elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI) as compared to men. This study aims to examine presentation, acute therapy, and inhopital mortality in women admitted with diagnosis of acute STEMI in a tertiary care cardiac center.Methods: Patients admitted with diagnosis of acute STEMI from 1st June 2013 to 31st May 2015 were included in the study. Gender difference in baseline characterstics, comorbidities, prehospital delay, type of treatment received and inhospital death were measured. Variables that might have impact on inhospital deaths were analyzed on multivariate regression analysis to find out other variables adjusted effect of gender on inhospital deaths.Results : Majority of the patients were men (Men 69% vs women 31%). Women were older, were more likely to be diabetics and smoker. Prehospital delay was more in women ( women 22 hours vs men 12 hours, p value-0.02).About 46% of both men and women received reperfusion therapy. There was more inhospital mortality in women (women 13.5% vs men 6.5%, p value – 0.02). Women had more inhospital mortality even after adjustment with other covariables (OR = 3.110, 95% CI = 1.411-6.902, p value-0.005).Conclusion : Women were more likely to be elderly, diabetics, smoker and presented later than men after symptoms onset. Women received reperfusion therapy similar to that of men. After adjustment with other covariates, women remained a significant variable to inhospital death.Journal of Nobel College of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2015: 6-11
Lived Experience of Infertility among Community Dwelling Infertile Women
Authors: Bista Bishnu
Published: September 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experiences of infertility among infertile women in Jhapa.Methods: A descriptive phenomenological research design was utilized that is supported by philosophy of Edmund Husserl. Seven informants, who were having infertility problems selected for in-depth interviews, utilized purposive sampling technique. Information gathered from two Focused Group Discussions that included 20 participants and five key informants’ interviews were conducted to triangulate data source which obtained from study informants. Data were recorded and transcribed verbatim later. Transcribes were deducted to extract actual meanings through coding, categorizing and organized into theme clusters.Results: Informants experienced any one or all form of abuse like physical, emotional, psychological, societal or marital. Severity of torture depend on who had fertility related problems and infertile woman’s position in husband’s house. They believed their infertility problems are deeply rooted with social and cultural stigma of the society. Women, who were young and less than 15years of marriage duration, had more hope to become mother. Due to economic hardship and limited family support, they could not access to utilize Assisted Reproductive technologies.Conclusion: though the up lift of education, media and local non-governmental organizations support and changing concepts of society, infertile women experienced risk of being isolated in social activities, threaten to divorce and remarry by husband. Accepting the realities, supporting and understanding of each other’s’ limitations are core factor of husband wife relationship. Journal of Nobel College of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2015: 46-56
Factors Affecting Health Seeking Behavior of Senior Citizens of Dharan
Authors: Adhikari Dewa , Rijal Dagendra
Published: September 2015

Objectives To determine the health status and the factors affecting health seeking behavior of the senior citizens aged 60years and above.Materials and methods A descriptive cross-sectional study based on household survey was adapted. The sample consisted of 400 senior citizens resident of Dharan. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select the study subject. Individuals were interviewed through self- developed semi-structured pre-tested questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-squire test) were used.Results Among 400 respondents, the most frequently reported illness were hypertension(29.3%), diabetes mellitus (8.3%), arthritis/joint pain (24.8%), eye problems (19.0%), hearing problems (3.3%), oral health problems (17.5%), digestive system problems (17.8%), respiratory problems (11.0%), heart disease (3.8%), renal problem (5.3%), skin diseases (7.5%), tuberculosis (3.0%), liver disease (3.0%), mental illness (5.75%),fracture (1.0%), Gynecological problems (7.3%) and male genital (6.3%) problems were also noted. Faith healers were the first treatment choice (97.2%) irrespective of age, gender or ethnicity. After that they visited BPKIHS (36.3%), private practitioner (26.3%), self treatment (11.3%) and self drug-use (6.8%). Half of the respondents utilized formal health institutions only in major chronic conditions. Poverty emerged as a major determinant of health seeking behavior and treatment was considered waste of money (indirect effect 64%) and lack of money (35 .5%) followed by poor attitude of health worker (41%).Conclusion The use of faith healer as first treatment provider, self-treatment, drug over counter shop were indicative factors of the inefficient utilization of health facilities in meeting the health needs of the senior citizens, were ranked the major determinants of factors affecting health seeking behavior of the senior citizens. Journal of Nobel College of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2015: 57-63
Effects of the thixocasting injection velocity on tensile properties of an A357 Al alloy
Authors: Özer Melika , Akar Neşet , Kocatepe Kadir , Erdoğan Mehmet
Published: September 2015

In this study, the effects of injection velocity on tensile properties and hardness of A357 aluminum alloy produced by thixocasting process were investigated. For this purpose, feedstock produced by cooling slope process were first held at reheating temperature of 572 °C and then formed at injection velocities of 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.37 m × s−1, respectively. In order to make comparisons, other specimens were produced by high pressure die casting method via melted metal at the casting temperature of 630 °C using same injection velocities. Tensile test and hardness measurements were conducted for all specimens. The best tensile test properties were obtained for the specimens produced by thixocasting process at injection velocity of 2.37 m × s−1. For this specimens, the values of 0.2 % proof strength, tensile strength and total elongation were obtained as 89.9 MPa, 237.3 MPa and 20.7 %, respectively. Furthermore, its hardness were measured as 74 HV.
Adhesive tensile testing of atmospheric plasma sprayed zinc coating on a 1.4301 substrate
Authors: Stögmüller Philipp , Hinterer Andreas , Pesendorfer Friedrich , Enzinger Norbert
Published: September 2015

The atmospheric plasma spray (APS) process for applying thin coatings on substrates has a lot of different process parameters. To evaluate which parameters have the most significant influence on the adhesive strength, a design of experience (DoE) investigation was performed. The data for the DoE analyses were generated with an own designed adhesive tensile strength test device according to EN 13144. For these experiments, the two component epoxy HTK Ultra Bond 100 was used for loading the interface of APS zinc coated steel samples. To provide a highly repeatable test setup, a special gluing device was developed to cope with the requirements of the Ultra Bond 100. Although the DoE analysis showed the expected results, the pull-off test has some weaknesses, which are shown and discussed in the present paper.
Quality during milling of a glass fiber reinforced polymer composite
Authors: Uysal Alper , Altan Mihrigul
Published: September 2015

Glass fiber reinforced polymer composites are used as different structural components and machining processes are generally performed to fixing and assembling operations. Milling is one of them used in reaching the final dimensions and shapes of these composites. In this study, glass fiber reinforced polymer composite plates were milled under different cutting parameters such as depth of cut, feed and cutting speed. High speed steel and tungsten carbide cutting tools were used in the experiments. Relation between cutting parameters with surface roughness were investigated in details. Design of experiment was also used to determine the optimal cutting condition for minimum surface roughness. Analysis of variance was applied to determine the effectiveness of the parameters. Finally, cutting performance of the fibers along the edges of the milled surfaces was investigated according to selection of the tool and milling conditions.
Mechanical and corrosion properties of friction stir welded joints of Al-Cu alloy 2219-T87
Authors: Rao G. Srinivasa , Rao V. V. Subba , Rao S. R. Koteswara
Published: September 2015

In the present study, 8.1 mm thick AA 2219–T87 plates were joined by friction stir welding (FSW) process. Welds were characterized by using micro hardness survey, tensile testing, face bend, root bend tests, optical microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and salt fog test (ASTM B117) at different pH values and spraying times. Hardness survey across the joint revealed that weld nugget is the softest region and it is also found that tensile failure occurs in the nugget. Tensile testing of the transverse welded joints showed that high efficiency (> 75 %) joints could be produced. The friction stir welds subjected to the surface bend showed 1800 bend ductility, whereas in the critical root bend the cracks were initiated at a bend angle in the range of 30–400. Transmission electron micrographs obtained from various regions of the weld indicated that almost all strengthening precipitates dissolved in the nugget region while partial dissolution of precipitates occurred in the thermomechanically affected zone and coarsening occurred in heat affected zone. However, the losses in hardness in the nugget due to dissolution of precipitates and the negation of work hardening by recrystallization were compensated to a large extent by the strengthening due to the grain refinement in the nugget, which explains the high joint efficiencies exhibited by these welds. It was observed that the welds possessed much better corrosion resistance in basic and neutral solution than in acidic solution. It was found that corrosion attack was greater in the base material than in weld metal at all pH values and spraying times. It has been concluded that friction stir welding has a significant effect on mechanical and corrosion properties of the welds.
Effect of abrasive water jet turning process parameters on surface roughness and material removal rate of AISI 1050 steel
Authors: Kartal Fuat , Gökkaya Hasan
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this study was to optimize and determine the most important abrasive water jet turning (AWJT) operational parameters, such as nozzle diameter (0.75 and 1.3 mm), nozzle feed rate (5, 25 and 45min−1), stand-off distance (2, 10 and 18 mm), abrasive flow rate (50, 150 and 350 g × min−1), and spindle speed (500, 1500 and 2500 min−1), regarding machining efficiency parameters, namely, average surface roughness Ra (µm) and material removal rate (mm3 × min−1), using AISI 1050 steel workpieces machined by abrasive water jet turning. Taguchi L18(21 × 34) orthogonal experimental design was used for the experimental design. Adequacy of the predicted linear regression model equations was tested using the method of ANOVA. These model equations were used to optimize the operational parameters of the surface roughness and material removal rate. Machinability charts, indicating the optimum processes with respect to the surface roughness and material removal rate for AISI 1050 steel workpieces, were developed and presented in this study. As a result of experimental studies, it is seen that nozzle feed rate proved to have the most significant impact on surface roughness by 48.7 %. Abrasive flow rate proved to have the most significant impact on material removal rate by 84.6 %. Using a nozzle diameter of 0.75 mm, the average surface roughness was improved while material removal rate decreased.
Design of an impact testing machine for polymer films by the free falling dart procedure
Authors: Rafique Muhammad Musaddique Ali
Published: September 2015

Impact forces have been used to study the behavior of materials for a long time. The aim of the impact testing is to investigate those conditions under which a material will fail in a brittle manner regarding a sudden load. There are three general methods of testing impact resistance of components: falling weight tests, pendulum tests and tumbling impact tests. In the present study, an attempt has been made to establish an impact tester used to carry out impact testing of plastic films by free falling dart method. In this, a box of wood with a hole on its upper side is used on which plastic film is held by clamps and a dart is allowed to fall onto film to note perforation. Then the impact resistance is statistically calculated. Impact resistance is determined by the energy caused by weight to fail 50 % of specimen. Practical results are found to be in good agreement with theory.