bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tourism: the untapped goldmine in the Gold Coast
Authors: Obi Pat , Martin Robert L. , Obi Greg Chidi
Published: June 2016

Purpose – This study examines the economic impact of international tourism and currency valuation in the West African country of Ghana. Previously known as the Gold Coast due to its vast gold reserves, Ghana is a developing economy with a sharply devalued currency and a heavy reliance on imports. Design – The paper shows that Ghana’s weak currency can be leveraged to boost international tourism and with that, economic growth. This view of tourism-led growth is in part supported by evidence in which tourism receipts are a major source of foreign exchange earnings for a number of developing economies. Methodology – The relationship between economic growth, tourism receipts, and currency valuation is examined using a vector error correction model. This approach offers an opportunity to not only confirm the existence of a dynamic relationship among the time series but also, the existence of causality both in the short- and long-run. Findings – Cointegration tests confirm the existence of a long-run relationship among the variables. Both tourism and exchange rate are found to positively impact economic growth. Also, there is a long-run causality from exchange rate to tourism receipts. Originality – This is the first empirical study that demonstrates the existence of causality between currency valuation and tourism using data from Sub-Saharan Africa, a region with abundant natural resources but one that remains significantly underdeveloped.
Riesgos metabólicos del consumo excesivo de bebidas con azúcares refinados
Authors: López Siguero Juan Pedro
Published: June 2016

La prevalencia de obesidad y de diabetes tipo 2 ha aumentado enormemente en las últimas décadas hasta convertirse en una epidemia amenazante. El listado de factores de riesgo es amplio, pero lo encabeza el cambio del estilo de vida (alimentación y actividad física) que constituye, además, la herramienta preventiva más importante. El trabajo de Caravalí-Meza y cols. en este número de la revista hace hincapié en el consumo de bebidas azucaradas y su relación con la obesidad. Sus autores concluyen que el consumo de azúcares refinados de las bebidas en adolescentes mexicanos, conlleva un riesgo de incremento del perímetro de la cintura y, en el caso de mantenerse, también del índice de masa corporal.
Bridging Multi-Stakeholders for Disaster Risk Reduction Through Education for Sustainable Development into the Post-2015 Framework
Authors: Oda Takashi ,   Center for Disaster Education and Recovery Assistance, Miyagi University of Education 149 Aramaki, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan
Published: June 2016

This report summarizes the conference proceedings of Fostering DRR through Education for Sustainable Development: Toward a Better Future for Children. The conference, held at Tohoku University’s Kawauchi Hagi Hall on March 16, 2015, and attended by over 1,000 participants, focused on disaster risk reduction education within the context of education for sustainable development. This report discusses major themes emerging from presentations and panel discussions and draws some broad conclusions.
Preliminary Analysis on Science for Global Safety with Reference to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
Authors: Jibiki Yasuhito ,   International Research Institute for Disaster Science, Tohoku University  468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan
Published: June 2016

The contexts in which “safe” and “safety” are used in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction are clarified to inform the selection of necessary elements in establishing science for global safety in relation to disaster risk reduction. The present report shows that “safe” and “safety” are used in the contexts of health, legal systems, housing, more assured provision of means of livelihood, and important infrastructure. From the perspective of the continuity of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and preceding international policies, it is determined that the contexts of legal systems, health, and land usage are significant to establishing science for global safety.
Quantitative Text Analysis of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030
Authors: Murao Osamu ,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan, Sakaba Hiroko
Published: June 2016

Three UN world conferences held on reducing disaster damage – the 1994 World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction held in Yokohama during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, the 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction held in Hyogo Prefecture, and the 2015 World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai – resulted in the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World, the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 (HFA), and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

The sections that follow clarify Sendai Framework features compared to the Yokohama Strategy and the HFA based on a three-stage review of the literature:

1) Overviews of the three documents, including framework structures, are arranged with basic conference information and a comparative study.

2) A quantitative text analysis is conducted using the KH Coder, which is free quantitative text analysis software. Words occurring frequently in the documents are extracted and compared and a co-occurrence network is analyzed to determine relationships among these words.

3) Features of the three documents, mainly focusing on the Sendai Framework, are specified and clarified based on the result of quantitative text analysis.
Exploring Community Attitudes Towards Sharing of Bushfire Information Online
Authors: Haimes Paul ,   Tokyo Metropolitan University 6-6 Asahigaoka, Hino, Tokyo 191-0065, Japan, Medley Stuart , Brady Danielle , Baba Tetsuaki ,   Edith Cowan University 2 Bradford Street Mount Lawley, WA 6050, Australia datesOctober 23, 2015February 29, 2016
Published: June 2016

This research describes outcomes from a project that aimed to present near real-time bushfire information to remote and regional Australian communities susceptible to bushfires through an intuitive and easy to use interface. This project arose as a response to calls for increased information sharing amongst communities and individuals in the wake of several severe fire events in Australia. Several rounds of user engagement were undertaken, which informed the design of an application that came to be known as MyFireWatch, which was launched as an officially-supported publicly-accessible web application. Previous research in Australia regarding bushfire information suggests that user-sourced data can provide rich, timely and meaningful information. Yet the MyFireWatch research, the first of its kind in Australia to ascertain community attitudes to user-sourced disaster information, found that user attitudes varied. This paper describes those user attitudes and how they pose both challenges and opportunities for organisations who provide publicly-accessible disaster information.
A Semiotic Analysis of the Body Language With Reference to the Facial Expressions in Selected Quranic Verses
Authors: Al-Azzawi Shifaa Mohammed , Pandian Ambigapathy , Al-Saaidi Sawsan Kareem
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates body language expressions used in the Glorious Quran as a non-verbal means of communication and it is verbally expressed. It refers to emotions, feelings and intentions expressed by the positioning of the body in different ways, gestures, eye movement and facial expressions. The main goal of this paper is to examine the body language expressions namely facial expressions used in selected Quranic verses semiotically. Therefore, this paper employs Peirce’s theory of semiotics to interpret and analyze the facial expressions with reference to two kinds of people mentioned in the Glorious Quran: the people in the earthly world and the Hereafter. The findings reveal that the facial expressions in the selected Quranic verses provide a precise understanding to the inner feelings which may not be attained verbally. In addition, the emotion expressions range from full-face (darkened and whitened faces) to expressions that are partial-face movements. However, the most influential facial expressions are the emotions of the people of Hereafter.
An Ethnosemantic Study of Affinal Kinship Terms In Arabic and Arab Culture
Authors: Al-Husseini Hashim Aliwy Mohammed , Pandian Ambigapathy , Al-Shaibani Ghayth K. Shaker
Published: June 2016

This study explores the affinal (marriage kinship) relations and terminologies in Arab culture ethnosemantically. The affinal kinship terminologies represent the second basic taxonomy of kinship relations in every culture. The study includes a qualitative analysis by adopting the ethnosemantic or Cultural Domain Analysis (CDA) approach to fulfil the aims of this study. This approach helps researchers to identify and discuss the main terminologies of affinal kinship domain used in Arab culture. The study is based on data collected from the Holy Quran and some Arabic philology books. The study of this social domain in Arab culture is very useful to perceive and transfer people’s culture to other communities. Moreover, recognizing and understanding certain culture’s domains and norms may help people from other cultures avoid miscommunication or misunderstanding of other’s cultures and help use the suitable items based on certain contexts. The findings of this study emphasised the importance of studying this domain as a socio-cultural phenomenon that may help distinguish the main terminologies of marriage relations in Arab culture.
Modificación de las propiedades de matrices cementantes mediante la adición de partículas de nanosílice
Authors: Gómez-Zamorano L. Y. , Castillo-Linton C. E.
Published: June 2016

Modificación de las propiedades de matrices cementantes mediante la adición de partículas de nanosíliceRESUMENEste trabajo de investigación evaluó el efecto de la adición de nanopartículas de sílice (NS) a dos matrices cementantes, base cemento portland ordinario y cemento sulfoaluminoso, con el fin de establecer su influencia en las propiedades mecánicas y de resistencia química de dichos materiales. Para esto, se adicionaron las NS en dosificaciones de 0.30% a 5.0% en peso. Los resultados indicaron que la resistencia a la compresión y al ataque químico por sulfatos, se ven mejoradas debido a la adición de NS. La resistencia al ataque químico por sulfatos se mejoró de forma importante con la presencia de NS en comparación al cemento sin adiciones. Este resultado sugiere que ambas matrices presentaron una mayor densificación.Palabras claves: Reactividad, materiales cementosos suplementarios. Effect of the addition of nanosilica particles on the properties of two cementitious matricesABSTRACTThis research focused on evaluating the effect of adding silica nanoparticles (NS) to two cementitious matrices, as ordinary portland and sulfoaluminate cement, in order to establish their influence on the mechanical and chemical properties. To conduct this evaluation, the NS were added in dosages of 0.30-to-5.0% by mass relative to cement. The results indicated that the compressive strength and resistance to chemical attack by sulfates were improved due to the addition of silica nanoparticles, in both matrices. Finally, the resistance to chemical attack by sulfates showed an improvement with the addition of silica nanoparticles when comparing with pure cement, suggesting an increase in the densification.Keywords: Reactivity, supplementary cementitious materials. Modificação das propriedades de matrizes cimentícias através da adição de partículas de nanosílicaRESUMOEste estudo avaliou o efeito da adição de nanopartículas de sílica (NS) em duas matrizes cimentícias, base cimento Portland comum e cimento sulfoaluminoso, a fim de estabelecer a sua influência sobre as propriedades de resistência mecânica e química dos referidos materiais. Para isso, foram adicionadas as NS em dosagens de 0,30% a 5,0% em massa. Os resultados indicaram que a resistência à compressão e ao ataque químico por sulfatos são aumentadas devido à adição do NS. A resistência ao ataque químico por sulfatos melhorou significativamente com a presença de NS em comparação com o cimento sem adições. Este resultado sugere que ambas as matrizes apresentaram uma maior densificação.Palavras-clave: Reatividade, materiais cimentícios suplementares.
Influencia del espesor del recubrimiento de elementos de hormigón armado expuestos a procesos de corrosión y sometidos a cargas externas
Authors: Meneses R. S. , Moro J. M. , Aveldaño R. R. , Ortega N. F.
Published: June 2016

Influencia del espesor del recubrimiento de elementos de hormigón armado expuestos a procesos de corrosión y sometidos a cargas externasRESUMENAl realizar estudios sobre corrosión en hormigón armado, es importante considerar en los ensayos, la acción de cargas externas, pues esta situación es la más frecuente en las estructuras. En este trabajo, se presentan los resultados obtenidos al exponer a un proceso de corrosión acelerada, a vigas de hormigón armado sometidas a esfuerzos flexionales, materializados con cargas, que generan iguales tensiones de tracción en las armaduras corroídas. Las vigas se fabricaron con diferentes espesores de recubrimiento de las armaduras y con un hormigón de resistencia característica 25 MPa. Este estudio pone en evidencia la influencia del espesor de recubrimiento de las armaduras, sobre el proceso de corrosión y su manifestación externa (fisuración del recubrimiento), frente a las mismas solicitaciones mecánicas.Palabras claves: corrosión de armaduras traccionadas; recubrimiento; fisuración. Influence of the thickness of the coating of the elements of reinforced concrete exposed to corrosion processes and subjected to external loadsABSTRACTWhen studies are done in reinforced concrete, it is important to consider the action of external loads, since that is the most common situation in structures. In this study we present the results of exposing reinforced concrete beams to a process of accelerated corrosion, while under bending stresses caused by loads that generate equal tensile stresses on the corroded reinforcements. The beams were built with different cover thicknesses over the reinforcements, and with a 25 MPa characteristic resistance concrete. This study shows the influence of the cover thickness over the corrosion process and its external manifestation (cover cracking), under the same mechanical stress.Keywords: tension corrosion reinforcement; cover; cracking. Influência da espessura de cobrimento dos elementos de concreto armado expostos a processos de corrosão e submetidos a cargas externasRESUMOAo realizar estudos sobre corrosão em concreto armado, é importante considerar nos ensaios a ação de cargas externas, pois esta situação é mais frequente nas estruturas. Neste artigo apresentam-se os resultados obtidos ao expor vigas de concreto armado a um processo de corrosão acelerada, submetidas a esforços de flexão materializados com cargas que geram tensões constantes de tração nas armaduras corroídas. As vigas foram elaboradas com diferentes espessuras de cobrimento das armaduras e com um concreto de resistência característica de 25MPa. Este estudo coloca em evidência a influência da espessura de cobrimento das armaduras, sobre o processo de corrosão e sua manifestação externa (fissuração do cobrimento), frente às mesmas solicitações mecânicas.Palavras-chave: corrosão de armaduras tracionadas; cobrimento; fissuração.
Water and sanitation interventions to control diarrheal disease in rural China
Authors: Hongxing Li , Wei Yao , Guoqing Dong , Li Wang , Qing Luo , Shan Wang , Chuanlong Xiong , Qi Zhang
Published: June 2016

To evaluate diarrheal disease control effects of various water and sanitation interventions, a comprehensive search strategy was developed to identify all peer-reviewed papers relating to water and sanitation intervention studies in China. All published studies since 1980 on water and sanitation interventions to reduce diarrheal disease in China were analyzed using meta-analysis. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were used to calculate the summarized relative risk of all included studies. The results show that water and sanitation interventions can be classified into four types: improved water supply; latrine construction intervention; health education and behavior intervention; and multiple interventions. All of these intervention studies were found to reduce the risks of diarrhea illness. This study, which analyzed high control effects of water and sanitation intervention to prevent diarrheal disease, revealed that water improvements and sanitation interventions in China played an important role in reducing diarrhea illness. The diarrhea study concluded that the intervention of water and sanitation in China must involve the whole population as it aims to build a more comprehensive intervention system.
Estimation of the degree of soil P saturation from Brazilian Mehlich-1 P data and field investigations on P losses from agricultural sites in Minas Gerais
Authors: Fischer P. , Pöthig R. , Gücker B. , Venohr M.
Published: June 2016

The degree of phosphorus saturation (DPS) of agricultural soils is studied worldwide for risk assessment of phosphorus (P) losses. In previous studies, DPS could be reliably estimated from water-soluble P (WSP) for European and Brazilian soils. In the present study, we correlated measured WSP and Mehlich-1 P (M1P) from soils of Minas Gerais (MG) and Pernambuco (PE) (R2 = 0.94, n = 59) to create a DPS map from monitoring data. The resulting DPS map showed high spatial variability and low values of DPS (54 ± 22%, mean and standard deviation; n = 1,827). Measured soil DPS values amounted to 63 ± 14% and resulted in relatively low dissolved P concentrations measured in a surface runoff study in MG. However, fertilizer grains on the soil surface led to high WSP values (>30 mg/kg) indicating high risks of dissolved P losses. We suppose that small Oxisol particles with Fe and Al hydroxides sorbed most of the dissolved fertilizer P in runoff so that P was mainly exported in particulate form. In soils with lower contents of P sorption and binding partners, e.g. Entisols in PE, this effect may be less dominant. Consequently, superficial fertilizer effects have to be considered in addition to DPS in risk assessment of P losses from agricultural areas in Brazil.
Optimization design of submerged propeller in oxidation ditch by computational fluid dynamics and comparison with experiments
Authors: Zhang Yuquan , Zheng Yuan , Fernandez-Rodriguez E. , Yang Chunxia , Zhu Yantao , Liu Huiwen , Jiang Hao
Published: June 2016

The operating condition of a submerged propeller has a significant impact on flow field and energy consumption of the oxidation ditch. An experimentally validated numerical model, based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool, is presented to optimize the operating condition by considering two important factors: flow field and energy consumption. Performance demonstration and comparison of different operating conditions were carried out in a Carrousel oxidation ditch at the Yingtang wastewater treatment plants in Anhui Province, China. By adjusting the position and rotating speed together with the number of submerged propellers, problems of sludge deposit and the low velocity in the bend could be solved in a most cost-effective way. The simulated results were acceptable compared with the experimental data and the following results were obtained. The CFD model characterized flow pattern and energy consumption in the full-scale oxidation ditch. The predicted flow field values were within −1.28 ± 7.14% difference from the measured values. By determining three sets of propellers under the rotating speed of 6.50 rad/s with one located 5 m from the first curved wall, after numerical simulation and actual measurement, not only the least power density but also the requirement of the flow pattern could be realized.
Energy recovery from thermal treatment of dewatered sludge in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Yang Qingfeng , Dussan Karla , Monaghan Rory F. D. , Zhan Xinmin
Published: June 2016

Sewage sludge is a by-product generated from municipal wastewater treatment (WWT) processes. This study examines the conversion of sludge via energy recovery from gasification/combustion for thermal treatment of dewatered sludge. The present analysis is based on a chemical equilibrium model of thermal conversion of previously dewatered sludge with moisture content of 60–80%. Prior to combustion/gasification, sludge is dried to a moisture content of 25–55% by two processes: (1) heat recovered from syngas/flue gas cooling and (2) heat recovered from syngas combustion. The electricity recovered from the combined heat and power process can be reused in syngas cleaning and in the WWT plant. Gas temperature, total heat and electricity recoverable are evaluated using the model. Results show that generation of electricity from dewatered sludge with low moisture content (≤ 70%) is feasible within a self-sufficient sludge treatment process. Optimal conditions for gasification correspond to an equivalence ratio of 2.3 and dried sludge moisture content of 25%. Net electricity generated from syngas combustion can account for 0.071 kWh/m3 of wastewater treated, which is up to 25.4–28.4% of the WWT plant's total energy consumption.
Finding Web-Based Anxiety Interventions on the World Wide Web: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ashford Miriam Thiel , Olander Ellinor K , Ayers Susan
Published: June 2016

Background

One relatively new and increasingly popular approach of increasing access to treatment is Web-based intervention programs. The advantage of Web-based approaches is the accessibility, affordability, and anonymity of potentially evidence-based treatment. Despite much research evidence on the effectiveness of Web-based interventions for anxiety found in the literature, little is known about what is publically available for potential consumers on the Web.

Objective

Our aim was to explore what a consumer searching the Web for Web-based intervention options for anxiety-related issues might find. The objectives were to identify currently publically available Web-based intervention programs for anxiety and to synthesize and review these in terms of (1) website characteristics such as credibility and accessibility; (2) intervention program characteristics such as intervention focus, design, and presentation modes; (3) therapeutic elements employed; and (4) published evidence of efficacy.

Methods

Web keyword searches were carried out on three major search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo—UK platforms). For each search, the first 25 hyperlinks were screened for eligible programs. Included were programs that were designed for anxiety symptoms, currently publically accessible on the Web, had an online component, a structured treatment plan, and were available in English. Data were extracted for website characteristics, program characteristics, therapeutic characteristics, as well as empirical evidence. Programs were also evaluated using a 16-point rating tool.

Results

The search resulted in 34 programs that were eligible for review. A wide variety of programs for anxiety, including specific anxiety disorders, and anxiety in combination with stress, depression, or anger were identified and based predominantly on cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. The majority of websites were rated as credible, secure, and free of advertisement. The majority required users to register and/or to pay a program access fee. Half of the programs offered some form of paid therapist or professional support. Programs varied in treatment length and number of modules and employed a variety of presentation modes. Relatively few programs had published research evidence of the intervention’s efficacy.

Conclusions

This review represents a snapshot of available Web-based intervention programs for anxiety that could be found by consumers in March 2015. The consumer is confronted with a diversity of programs, which makes it difficult to identify an appropriate program. Limited reports and existence of empirical evidence for efficacy make it even more challenging to identify credible and reliable programs. This highlights the need for consistent guidelines and standards on developing, providing, and evaluating Web-based interventions and platforms with reliable up-to-date information for professionals and consumers about the characteristics, quality, and accessibility of Web-based interventions.
Renal Denervation for Resistant Hypertension Fails to Improve Insulin Resistance as Assessed by Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Step Clamp
Authors: Miroslawska Atena K. , Gjessing Petter F. , Solbu Marit D. , Fuskevåg Ole M. , Jenssen Trond G. , Steigen Terje K.
Published: June 2016

We assessed whether insulin sensitivity improved after renal denervation (RDN) for resistant hypertension. Twenty-three patients underwent a two-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC) with glucose tracer and labeled glucose infusion and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and 6 months after RDN. Eighteen patients had metabolic syndrome at baseline. Blood pressure declined significantly after RDN, whereas mean (SD) fasting plasma glucose concentration (5.9 ± 0.7 mmol/L), median (minimum–maximum) insulin concentration (254 pmol/L [88–797 pmol/L]), and median C-peptide concentration (2.4 nmol/L [0.9–5.7 nmol/L]) remained unchanged. Endogenous glucose release during HEC was less suppressed after RDN, suggesting a slight decrease in hepatic insulin sensitivity. During high-dose insulin infusion, whole-body glucose disposal was low and remained unchanged after RDN, indicating persistent peripheral insulin resistance (IR). Area under the curve for 0–120 min for glucose and insulin during OGTT, Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index, Simple Index Assessing Insulin Sensitivity Oral Glucose Tolerance, and HOMA-IR were high, and did not improve after RDN. Despite a significant decrease in blood pressure, neither peripheral nor hepatic insulin sensitivity improved 6 months after RDN treatment in this group of insulin-resistant patients without diabetes and with resistant hypertension, as measured with gold standard methods.
Acute Medial Plantar Fascia Tear
Authors: Pascoe Stephanie C. , Mazzola Timothy J.
Published: June 2016

A 32-year-old man who participated in competitive soccer came to physical therapy via direct access for a chief complaint of plantar foot pain. The clinical examination findings and mechanism of injury raised a concern for a plantar fascia tear, so the patient was referred to the physician and magnetic resonance imaging was obtained. The magnetic resonance image confirmed a high-grade, partial-thickness, proximal plantar fascia tear with localized edema at the location of the medial band.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(6):495. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0409
Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery Is on the Rise—But What Is the Next Step?
Authors: Reiman Michael P. , Thorborg Kristian , Hölmich Per
Published: June 2016

Surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been advocated for correction of cam and pincer hip joint morphology. Surgery for FAI was first pioneered by Myers et al, who surgically treated FAI by open dislocation. Arthroscopy was then introduced in 2005 by Sampson. Arthroscopy has continued to develop since then, with the intent of providing pain relief and improving function in patients with FAI. This Viewpoint discusses the escalating popularity of FAI surgery, the widespread acceptance of this relatively new surgical procedure, and next steps for determination of who benefits from this treatment.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(6):406–408. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0605
Failure Analysis of Plastics
Authors: Trempler J.
Published: June 2016

The studies outlined show that a large number of errors may occur during the preparatory works and during sample preparation for light microscopic examinations. Another source of error is the choice of the microscopy technique. As is the case for all materialographic examinations, the interpretation of the samples is particularly important. This work wants to help eliminating some of the sources of errors.
Functional cortical reorganization in cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and changes associated with surgery
Authors: Bhagavatula Indira Devi , Shukla Dhaval , Sadashiva Nishanth , Saligoudar Praveen , Prasad Chandrajit , Bhat Dhananjaya I.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

The physiological mechanisms underlying the recovery of motor function after cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) surgery are poorly understood. Neuronal plasticity allows neurons to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or changes in their environment. Cortical reorganization as well as improvement in corticospinal conduction happens during motor recovery after stroke and spinal cord injury. In this study the authors aimed to understand the cortical changes that occur due to CSM and following CSM surgery and to correlate these changes with functional recovery by using blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI).

METHODS

Twenty-two patients having symptoms related to cervical cord compression due to spondylotic changes along with 12 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Patients underwent cervical spine MRI and BOLD fMRI at 1 month before surgery (baseline) and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Five patients were excluded from analysis because of technical problems; thus, 17 patients made up the study cohort. The mean overall modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score improved in patients following surgery. Mean upper-extremity, lower-extremity, and sensory scores improved significantly. In the preoperative patient group the volume of activation (VOA) was significantly higher than that in controls. The VOA after surgery was reduced as compared with that before surgery, although it remained higher than that in the control group. In the preoperative patient group, activations were noted only in the left precentral gyrus (PrCG). In the postoperative group, activations were seen in the left postcentral gyrus (PoCG), as well as the PrCG and premotor and supplementary motor cortices. In postoperative group, the VOA was higher in both the PrCG and PoCG as compared with those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

There is over-recruitment of sensorimotor cortices during nondexterous relative to dexterous movements before surgery. After surgery, there was recruitment of other cortical areas such as the PoCG and premotor and supplementary motor cortices, which correlated with improvement in dexterity, but activation in these areas was greater than that found in controls. The results show that improvement in dexterity and finer movements of the upper limbs is associated with recruitment areas other than the premotor cortex to compensate for the damage in the cervical spinal cord.
Complications following central corpectomy in 468 consecutive patients with degenerative cervical spine disease
Authors: Sarkar Sauradeep , Nair Bijesh R. , Rajshekhar Vedantam
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to describe the incidence and predictors of perioperative complications following central corpectomy (CC) in 468 consecutive patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of a cohort of patients who had undergone surgery for CSM (n = 338) or OPLL (n = 130) performed by a single surgeon over a 15-year period. All patients underwent uninstrumented CC with autologous iliac crest or fibular strut grafting. Preoperative clinical and imaging details were collected, and the type and incidence of complications were studied. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to establish risk factors for the development of perioperative complications.

RESULTS

Overall, 12.4% of patients suffered at least 1 complication following CC. The incidence of major complications was as follows: C-5 radiculopathy, 1.3%; recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, 0.4%; dysphagia, 0.8%; surgical-site infection, 3.4%; and dural tear, 4.3%. There was 1 postoperative death (0.2%). On multivariate analysis, patients in whom the corpectomy involved the C-4 vertebral body (alone or as part of multilevel CC) were significantly more likely to suffer complications (p = 0.004). OPLL and skip corpectomy were risk factors for dural tear (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001, respectively). No factors were found to be significantly associated with postoperative C-5 palsy, dysphagia, or acute graft extrusion on univariate or multivariate analysis. Patients who underwent multilevel CC were predisposed to surgical-site infections, with a slight trend toward statistical significance (p = 0.094). The occurrence of a complication after surgery significantly increased the mean duration of postoperative hospital stay from 5.0 ± 2.3 days to 8.9 ± 6 days (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Complications following CC for CSM or OPLL are infrequent, but they significantly prolong hospital stay. The most frequent complication following CC is dural tear, for which a diagnosis of OPLL and a skip corpectomy are significant risk factors.
Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of degenerative cervical myelopathy: a review of structural changes and measurement techniques
Authors: Nouri Aria , Martin Allan R. , Mikulis David , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: June 2016

Degenerative cervical myelopathy encompasses a spectrum of age-related structural changes of the cervical spine that result in static and dynamic injury to the spinal cord and collectively represent the most common cause of myelopathy in adults. Although cervical myelopathy is determined clinically, the diagnosis requires confirmation via imaging, and MRI is the preferred modality. Because of the heterogeneity of the condition and evolution of MRI technology, multiple techniques have been developed over the years in an attempt to quantify the degree of baseline severity and potential for neurological recovery. In this review, these techniques are categorized anatomically into those that focus on bone, ligaments, discs, and the spinal cord. In addition, measurements for the cervical spine canal size and sagittal alignment are also described briefly. These tools have resulted collectively in the identification of numerous useful parameters. However, the development of multiple techniques for assessing the same feature, such as cord compression, has also resulted in a number of challenges, including introducing ambiguity in terms of which methods to use and hindering effective comparisons of analysis in the literature. In addition, newer techniques that use advanced MRI are emerging and providing exciting new tools for assessing the spinal cord in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy.
Laparoscopic Repair of Inguinal Hernia : Early Experience in A Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Roy Sharmistha , Mondal Samiron Kumar , Maitra Tapas Kumar
Published: June 2016

Background : The introduction of laparoscopic techniques has added a new dimension to groin hernia surgery. The laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia has had a staggering beginning in the surgical arena. Laparoscopic repairs have had to compete with the current gold standard for inguinal hernia repair ie Liechtenstein repair. This study shows the results of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in comparison to open repair in a similar group of patients.Methods and materials : This is a prospective study done on 50 male patient of inguinal hernia aging from 18- 65years. Among 50 patients selected for study 25 patient underwent open hernioplasty and 25 patient underwent laparoscopic hernioplasty. In the laparoscopic group, in 20 patients (80%) TAPP procedure was done & in 5 patients (20%) TEP procedure was done.Aims and Objective : The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic and conventional open repair, in the treatment of inguinal hernia.Results : Average operating time in open procedure was 55±12 minutes, and in laparoscopic procedure 65±10 minutes. Opoid analgesics were required in 36% patient in open group and 16% in laparoscopy group. Within 7 days most of the patient (76%) in laparoscopic group returned to their normal activity, but in the open group 92% patient required more than 7 days to return to normal activity. Post operative complication like hematoma formation (8%), Testicular pain (8%), retention of urine (3%), and mesh infection (4%) was more in open repair than in laparoscopic repair. In Laparoscopic group 1patient (5%) had bladder injury, and 1 patient (5%) developed illeus.Conclusion : Early results of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair are encouraging, but the chance of organ injury like bladder, or major vessel injury are more. So laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia should only be practiced with adequate training and experience in laparoscopic surgery.Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2016; 4 (1): 19-22
An unusual malposition of central venous catheter in critically ill patient. Could it be identified during catheterization? The potential role of point-of-care ultrasonography
Authors: Shrestha Gentle Sunder , Poudyal Bishesh Sharma
Published: June 2016

Malpositioning of central venous catheter is not uncommon and can be associated with complications. We report a case where central venous catheter inserted through right internal jugular approach under real time ultrasonographic guidance was malpositioned with its tip in left brachio-cephalic vein. Chest radiograph for detection of catheter malpositioning is associated with time delay and radiation exposure. Point-of-care ultrasonography can be a valuable bedside tool to identify catheter malpositioning during catheter insertion, thus facilitating immediate catheter repositioning and early use of central venous catheter.Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2016; 4 (1): 44-45
Renal Cell Carcinoma presented with An Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastasis : A Case Report
Authors: Islam Md Rashedul , Rahman Tanbin , Habib Rumana , Rahman Aminur , Bhowmik Nirmalendu Bikash , Haque Md Amirul
Published: June 2016

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis is one of the rare manifestations of systemic neoplasm causing diagnostic dilemma. Here we report a case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma presented initially as spinal cord lesion. A 62 years old Bangladeshi gentleman presented with spastic paraparesis, bone pain with unexplained weight loss. After thorough examination & detailed investigations we found intramedullary spinal cord metastasis with infiltrative lesion on bone scan. We confirmed renal cell carcinoma after doing CT Abdomen and histopathology as primary site of lesion. He was treated by radical nephrectomy & radiotherapy. It is imperative that clinicians should be cautious of occult carcinoma as the cause of suspicious intramedullary spinal cord lesion.Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2016; 4 (1): 51-53
Pain & Inflammation: Effects of short term daily adminstration of Vitamin B12 & Folic acid in long evans rats
Authors: Imtiaz Masud , Begum Noorzahan , Ali Taskina , Gomes Richmond Ronald , Saha Sanjoy , Tasfi Riza Faridun , Ahmed Khan Shakil , Kamal Nahid
Published: June 2016

Background : Vitamin B12 & Folic acid (FA) are used with other B vitamins to relieve various painful and inflammatory conditions. But combined effects of vitamin B12 & FA on nociceptive pain, inflammatory pain and inflammation are yet to be clearly demonstrated.Objective: To assess the effectiveness of short term daily administration of B12 & FA on reducing pain and inflammation.Methods: This prospective experimental study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka from 1st January 2011 to 30th June 2012. For this purpose, 12 male Long Evans rats, weighing 200 to 250 grams were collected from the animal house of BIRDEM, Shahabag, Dhaka. All the rats received a daily intraperitoneal injection of either combination of B12 (15mg/kg) & FA (5mg/kg) or equal volume of normal saline for 7 consecutive days. To evaluate the effects on pain, tail immersion test for nociceptive pain and formalin test for nociceptive & inflammatory pain were done. In addition, to evaluate their effects on inflammation formalin induced hind paw oedema was measured.Results: Combination of B12 & FA Supplementation significantly lowered the variables for inflammatory pain & inflammation.Conclusion: This study revealed that, combined short term daily supplementation of B12 & FA is effective in lowering inflammatory pain & inflammation.Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2016; 4 (1): 33-37
Selection and Breeding of Suitable Crop Genotypes for Drought and Heat Periods in a Changing Climate: Which Morphological and Physiological Properties Should Be Considered?
Authors: Simova-Stoilova Lyudmila , Vassileva Valya , Feller Urs
Published: June 2016

Selection and breeding of genotypes with improved drought/heat tolerance become key issues in the course of global change with predicted increased frequency of droughts or heat waves. Several morphological and physiological plant traits must be considered. Rooting depth, root branching, nutrient acquisition, mycorrhization, nodulation in legumes and the release of nutrients, assimilates or phytohormones to the shoot are relevant in root systems. Xylem embolism and its repair after a drought, development of axillary buds and solute channeling via xylem (acropetal) and phloem (basipetal and acropetal) are key processes in the stem. The photosynthetically active biomass depends on leaf expansion and senescence. Cuticle thickness and properties, epicuticular waxes, stomatal regulation including responses to phytohormones, stomatal plugs and mesophyll resistance are involved in optimizing leaf water relations. Aquaporins, dehydrins, enzymes involved in the metabolism of compatible solutes (e.g., proline) and Rubisco activase are examples for proteins involved in heat or drought susceptibility. Assimilate redistribution from leaves to maturing fruits via the phloem influences yield quantity and quality. Proteomic analyses allow a deeper insight into the network of stress responses and may serve as a basis to identify suitable genotypes, although improved stress tolerance will have its price (often lowered productivity under optimal conditions).
Berry Leaves: An Alternative Source of Bioactive Natural Products of Nutritional and Medicinal Value
Authors: Ferlemi Anastasia-Varvara , Lamari Fotini
Published: June 2016

Berry fruits are recognized, worldwide, as “superfoods” due to the high content of bioactive natural products and the health benefits deriving from their consumption. Berry leaves are byproducts of berry cultivation; their traditional therapeutic use against several diseases, such as the common cold, inflammation, diabetes, and ocular dysfunction, has been almost forgotten nowadays. Nevertheless, the scientific interest regarding the leaf composition and beneficial properties grows, documenting that berry leaves may be considered an alternative source of bioactives. The main bioactive compounds in berry leaves are similar as in berry fruits, i.e., phenolic acids and esters, flavonols, anthocyanins, and procyanidins. The leaves are one of the richest sources of chlorogenic acid. In various studies, these secondary metabolites have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review focuses on the phytochemical composition of the leaves of the commonest berry species, i.e., blackcurrant, blackberry, raspberry, bilberry, blueberry, cranberry, and lingonberry leaves, and presents their traditional medicinal uses and their biological activities in vitro and in vivo.
Harmonic Source Localization Approach Based on Fast Kernel Entropy Optimization ICA and Minimum Conditional Entropy
Authors: Zang Tianlei , He Zhengyou , Fu Ling , Chen Jing , Qian Qingquan
Published: June 2016

Based on the fast kernel entropy optimization independent component analysis and the minimum conditional entropy, this paper proposes a harmonic source localization method which aims at accurately estimating harmonic currents and identifying harmonic sources. The injected harmonic currents are estimated by the fast kernel entropy optimization independent component analysis (FKEO-ICA) in the absence of prior knowledge of harmonic impedances. Then, the minimum conditional entropy is applied to locate the harmonic sources based on the estimated harmonic currents. The proposed harmonic source localization method is validated on the IEEE 34-bus system. By applying the correlation coefficient and three error evaluation indicators, comparison has been made among the performances of the FKEO-ICA and three other ICA algorithms. The results show that the FKEO-ICA algorithm could achieve a significantly better accuracy of harmonic current estimation, while the minimum conditional entropy could determine the locations of harmonic sources precisely.
A Criterion for Rating the Usability and Accuracy of the One-Diode Models for Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Orioli Aldo , Di Gangi Alessandra
Published: June 2016

In selecting a mathematical model for simulating physical behaviours, it is important to reach an acceptable compromise between analytical complexity and achievable precision. With the aim of helping researchers and designers working in the area of photovoltaic systems to make a choice among the numerous diode-based models, a criterion for rating both the usability and accuracy of one-diode models is proposed in this paper. A three-level rating scale, which considers the ease of finding the data used by the analytical procedure, the simplicity of the mathematical tools needed to perform calculations and the accuracy achieved in calculating the current and power, is used. The proposed criterion is tested on some one-diode equivalent circuits whose analytical procedures, hypotheses and equations are minutely reviewed along with the operative steps to calculate the model parameters. To assess the achievable accuracy, the current-voltage (I-V) curves at constant solar irradiance and/or cell temperature obtained from the analysed models are compared to the characteristics issued by photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturers and the differences of current and power are calculated. The results of the study highlight that, even if the five parameter equivalent circuits are suitable tools, different usability ratings and accuracies can be observed.
Population Health and Paid Parental Leave: What the United States Can Learn from Two Decades of Research
Authors: Burtle Adam , Bezruchka Stephen
Published: June 2016

Over the last two decades, numerous studies have suggested that dedicated time for parents to be with their children in the earliest months of life offers significant benefits to child health. The United States (US) is the only wealthy nation without a formalized policy guaranteeing workers paid time off when they become new parents. As individual US states consider enacting parental leave policies, there is a significant opportunity to decrease health inequities and build a healthier American population. This document is intended as a critical review of the present evidence for the association between paid parental leave and population health.