bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Voids in Tungsten Interconnect Vias Using Laser-Induced Surface Acoustic Waves
Authors: Tower Joshua , Gostein Michael , Otsubo Koichi , Kawasaki Atsushi
Published: December 2014

Test wafers were prepared under different process conditions of barrier and seed film deposition, in order to study the effects on tungsten plug filling. Tungsten fill percentage was measured using laser-induced surface acoustic wave metrology on plug arrays of varying plug diameter and the results were verified by SEM cross-section. The data show that, for via diameters of 0.12 micron or less, the seed deposition process is a critical factor in effective (void free) plug filling. Seed deposition by ALD and low-temperature CVD were found to be far more effective than conventional CVD. Changing the thickness of the TiN barrier layer was found to have minimal effect on the occurrence of voids. For via diameters greater than 0.12 microns, all of the seed processes led to relatively little voiding.
Effect of Plasma Pre-Treatment on Dewetting Properties of CVD Cu on CVDW2N Barrier Layer
Authors: Cheng Degang , Nuesca Guillermo , Eisenbraun Eric
Published: December 2014

The effect of different plasma pre-treatments of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) tungsten nitride (W2N) surfaces on the dewetting behavior of subsequently grown CVD Cu films was investigated by annealing the resulting film stacks in high purity argon. It was found that a hydrogen plasma pre-treatment significantly improved the resistance to Cu dewetting from the W2N surfaces while ammonia and nitrogen plasma pretreatment slightly accelerated the dewetting process. The proposed mechanisms and ramifications of these findings were discussed.
Energy analysis of the critical force of slender RC columns
Authors: Balabušić Mirko , Folić Radomir
Published: December 2014

A semi-analytical procedure for the determination of the critical force of a pin-ended column loaded by axial force and bending moment is proposed. It is based on the principle of minimum potential energy of internal and external forces. The equations for strain energy have been derived for the first- and the second-order displacements per section, including compressed and tensile concrete and reinforcement. The energy of the external forces with axial and flexural displacement effects has been derived on the assumed sinusoidal deflection curve. The trapezoid rule is applied to integrate the segment internal energy. The proposed method uses a non-linear stress–strain curve for concrete; bilinear elastic–plastic relationship for reinforcement; equilibrium conditions at a sectional level to generate the strain energies along the member. The effects of shear deformations are neglected. The effect of lateral confining by the stirrups to strength is also analysed. The results obtained with the proposed model have been verified and compared with experimental results from the literature.
Issues in access to safe drinking water and basic hygiene for persons with physical disabilities in rural Cambodia
Authors: MacLeod Marin , Pann Mala , Cantwell Ray , Moore Spencer
Published: December 2014

An estimated 1.6 million people die from diarrheal diseases each year due to lack of access to safe water and sanitation, and persons with physical disabilities face additional barriers. In Cambodia, approximately 5% of the population is disabled, presenting substantial obstacles in accessing these basic services. The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to identify the challenges facing persons with physical disabilities in accessing safe household water and basic hygiene in rural Cambodia; and, second, to use these results to generate policy and practice recommendations for the water and sanitation hygiene sector implementing water treatment system interventions in rural settings. Fifteen field interviews were conducted with persons with physical disabilities. Thematic analysis was used to identify six main themes. The results indicated that environmental barriers to access were greater in the workplace than household settings and those persons with disabilities had greater awareness about safe drinking water compared to basic hygiene. Additionally, lack of physical strength, distance to water, and lack of financial means were noted as common access barriers. The findings support ongoing research and offer insight into the particular challenges facing persons with physical disabilities in rural areas in accessing safe drinking water and basic hygiene.
Correlation between water hardness and cardiovascular diseases in Mostar city, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Knezović Nevenka J. , Memić Mustafa , Mabić Mirela , Huremović Jasna , Mikulić Ivanka
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the association of cardiovascular disease (CVD) of selected human subjects with the hardness of water they consume. Laboratory testing of physical and chemical parameters of water were made using standardized methods: Standard Methods 19th edn, 1995 (APHA, AWWA & WEF, Washington, DC), and ISO 7888:1985, ISO 10523:1998. Pearson's chi-squared test was used for the statistical analysis of data, with the significance level of 0.05. The obtained data were analysed using the statistical program SPSS 16.0. The study sample consisted of 1,021 individuals divided into two groups: soft water consumers, 603 individuals, and, hard water consumers, 618 individuals. Results indicate that a statistically significant (χ2 = 5.315; df = 1; p = 0.021) number of individuals with CVD drink soft water. The prevalence of CVD in the age group 45–60 years in the study area where soft water is consumed was 21.3% and in the study area where hard water is consumed the prevalence of CVD was 13.7%. The summary results indicate significant correlation between the prevalence of CVD in the population group who drink soft water. The value of the relative risk is 1.127.
Assessing bottled water nitrate concentrations to evaluate total drinking water nitrate exposure and risk of birth defects
Authors: Weyer Peter J. , Brender Jean D. , Romitti Paul A. , Kantamneni Jiji R. , Crawford David , Sharkey Joseph R. , Shinde Mayura , Horel Scott A. , Vuong Ann M. , Langlois Peter H.
Published: December 2014

Previous epidemiologic studies of maternal exposure to drinking water nitrate did not account for bottled water consumption. The objective of this National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) (USA) analysis was to assess the impact of bottled water use on the relation between maternal exposure to drinking water nitrate and selected birth defects in infants born during 1997–2005. Prenatal residences of 1,410 mothers reporting exclusive bottled water use were geocoded and mapped; 326 bottled water samples were collected and analyzed using Environmental Protection Agency Method 300.0. Median bottled water nitrate concentrations were assigned by community; mothers' overall intake of nitrate in mg/day from drinking water was calculated. Odds ratios for neural tube defects, limb deficiencies, oral cleft defects, and heart defects were estimated using mixed-effects models for logistic regression. Odds ratios (95% CIs) for the highest exposure group in offspring of mothers reporting exclusive use of bottled water were: neural tube defects [1.42 (0.51, 3.99)], limb deficiencies [1.86 (0.51, 6.80)], oral clefts [1.43 (0.61, 3.31)], and heart defects [2.13, (0.87, 5.17)]. Bottled water nitrate had no appreciable impact on risk for birth defects in the NBDPS.
On-farm treatment of wastewater used for vegetable irrigation: bacteria and virus removal in small ponds in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Silverman Andrea I. , Akrong Mark O. , Drechsel Pay , Nelson Kara L.
Published: December 2014

Many urban farmers in Accra collect irrigation water from streams and open drains, which they store in small, on-farm ponds before use. Given that this water can be highly contaminated with wastewater, another potential role of the ponds is to disinfect irrigation water prior to use. To better understand the factors influencing bacteria and virus removal in these small ponds, we investigated the removal of culturable fecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli and enterococci) and coliphage (F+ and somatic coliphage) in a single batch of water stored for 3 days. Sunlight exposure was found to be important for removal. Bacteria and coliphage removal rates were faster in shallow sun-exposed water than in deeper water, due to sunlight attenuation with depth. Bacteria removal rates varied depending on solar irradiation, and correlations between total daily UVB fluence and bacteria removal rates were observed. Coliphage removal was observed in sun-exposed water but not in dark controls that allowed for sedimentation, further highlighting the importance of sunlight-mediated processes. These small ponds appear to have similar disinfection processes to larger-scale waste stabilization ponds, but can have more efficient inactivation due to their shallow depth and operation as batch reactors. Design and management recommendations for on-farm ponds are discussed.
Crisis and Reconstruction of Teachers’ Professional Identity: The Case of Secondary School Teachers in Spain
Authors: Bolívar Antonio , Domingo Jesús , Pérez-García Purificación
Published: December 2014

While the teachers’ identity crisis is a recurring dilemma, it has acquired its own set of
characteristics at the end of modernity. In addition, there are characteristics specific to secondary school
teachers in Spain. Therefore, this topic must be placed within the broader framework of the modernity crisis
and the academic community. From a narrative-biographical perspective, identities are constructed within a
socialization process, like a story. This article describes the design of a study on the professional identity
crisis of secondary school teachers in Spain. The study sequentially combines different individual interviews
and focus groups. The research can be considered a collective case study, a multiple case study (individual
interviews), and a greater collective study (focus groups). Finally, this article presents some of the study’s
main conclusions. Identity is crucial to how teachers construct the nature of their work on a daily basis
(motivation, satisfaction and competence). Therefore, and given the current crisis, it is necessary to evaluate
alternative discourses that can lead to better school systems and a reconstruction of teachers’ identity in the
academic community.
Learning Through Practice: A Study with Physical Education Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Gomes Patrícia , Alves Margarida , Queirós Paula , Batista Paula
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to examine how Physical Education pre-service teachers construct their Professional
Identity [1, 2] through their daily practices. A non-participant observation was made, included field notes, videotaping of
the daily practices and interviews. The findings show that the pre-service teachers: (i) make a set of tasks: planning, class
management, reflecting, participation in school activities and meetings (ii) improve their teaching skills because they’re
working within a community of practice (iii) experience some anxiety in the beginning of the practicum, overcome with
the raise of confidence and believe that their responsibility overflows the lessons context.
Preparing Future Accounting Faculty Members to Teach
Authors: Dunn Kimberly A. , Hooks Karen L. , Kohlbeck Mark J.
Published: December 2014

We investigate how accounting Ph.D. programs prepare future accounting professors to fulfill their teaching responsibilities. We collect data from 75 recent graduates about their perceptions of the pedagogy training provided by their Ph.D. programs and find that pedagogical knowledge and skills are primarily self-taught with most obtained from the process of teaching a course. The pedagogy training provided by accounting doctoral programs is perceived to cover important areas; however, on a relative basis, the amount of training is significantly less than its perceived importance. Novice teachers place highest value on training of skills that affect day-to-day teaching responsibilities. Analyses also suggest that best practices for teaching pedagogy include a separate course in university pedagogy combined with an apprenticeship-type model.

Data Availability: The survey data and instrument used in this study are available upon request from the authors.
Mandibular irregularity index stability following alveolar corticotomy and grafting: A 10-year preliminary study
Authors: Makki Laith , Ferguson Donald J. , Wilcko M. Thomas , Wilcko William M. , Bjerklin Krister , Stapelberg Roelien , Al-Mulla Anas
Published: December 2014

Objective: 

To evaluate mandibular irregularity index stability following orthodontic treatment facilitated by alveolar corticotomy and augmentation bone grafting (Cort+).

Materials and Methods: 

The irregularity index of 121 orthodontically treated and 15 untreated patient study casts was analyzed at 5 years and 10 years.

Results: 

Cort+ resulted in significantly lower mandibular irregularity index scores at both 5 years (1.5 mm vs 4.2 mm, P < .000) and 10 years (2.1 mm vs 4.1 mm, P < .000) compared with conventionally treated patients.

Conclusions: 

Unmatched samples advise caution with conclusions, but orthodontic therapy combined with Cort+ enhanced the stability of the postorthodontic mandibular irregularity index for at least 10 years in this preliminary study.
New Developments and Challenges in PC Bridge Design in China
Authors: Xu Dong , Zhao Junli
Published: December 2014

After a brief introduction of major bridge construction in the 21st century in China, this paper focuses mainly on the new developments and challenges in PC bridge design in China. Some development in hybrid system and composite deck to increase the span capacity and efficiency for service load, including concrete deck with corrugated steel webs, hybrid girder system and extradosed system are discussed. Cracks and excessive deflection are two major defects of PC bridges in China. The most frequently occurred cracks in box girder are summarized and analyzed, and the innovative concepts of Complete Checking Stresses and three-layer stresses are proposed, which can completely express the spatial behavior of box girder, and describe how the cracks happen in box girder bridges. Spatial Grid Model (SGM) is the most suitable and direct analytical model to produce the three-layer stresses completely. Finally, the link between excessive deflection and shear reinforcement design is also analyzed and a new design proposal for shear reinforcement is briefly introduced.
Study of The Fatigue Problem of The Side Suspender of Multi-span Cable-stayed Suspension Bridge
Authors: Zhang Xueyi , Liu Fengzhou , Xiao Rucheng
Published: December 2014

Because of the giant stiffness difference between cable-stayed system and suspension system, the side suspender (which means the outermost suspender) of the cable-stayed suspension bridge will suffer large stress amplitude during ist operational period. If not handled properly, the side suspender would damage because of fatigue problem. This paper summarizes the main aspects that influent the fatigue problem of the side suspender, including the quantity of suspenders in the binding region, the cross-sectional area of the side suspender, the rise-span ratio of the main cable, the central buckle, the height of the stiffening girder, and the stiffness of mid-tower. A finite- element model, with a span arrangement of 304+1024+1024+304m, is established to study the influence of those aspects to the stress amplitude of the side suspender. Some results and useful recommendations about the prevention of the fatigue damage of the side suspender are presented.
Differentiation of Target Reliability and Design Life in Design of Long-span Cable-supported Bridges
Authors: Lee Seung Han , Lee Ho Hyun , Paik Inyeol , Lee Hae Sung
Published: December 2014

The basic design concepts for the limit state design code under development in Korea for the long- span cable-supported bridge (LSCSB) are presented. Considering the importance of the structure, higher target reliability level is defined compared to that of the ordinary bridges. Regardless of design life, the target reliability index is only defined by importance class. But the difference in design life makes the difference in the 1-year probability of failure when the target reliability index with respect to the corresponding design life is fixed. For the repairable or replaceable components, the target reliability of them could be guaranteed during their service life even if the target reliability is applied relatively low with respect to the design life of the bridge. The target reliability indices for cable elements are determined with reference to the results of reliability assessment.
Optimal Placement for Buckling-Restrained Braces in Super Tall Building Structures Based on Grid Shear Deformation
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhang Hongwei
Published: December 2014

Buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) dissipate dynamic energy by plastic metallic axial deformation. The energy dissipation capacity depends on the amplitude of axial deformation of the BRBs. The number of BRBs in certain project is commonly limited due to budget constraint. It is always desirable that the BRBs are to be installed in those places which can maximize the energy dissipation during earthquake. For super tall buildings, it is common practices that the BRBs are to be installed in those stories which large story drifts. The storey drift of certain floor is composed of two kinds of deformation, say the rigid body displacement and racking (shear) deformation. This paper proposes to use grid shear deformation (GSD) of each floor for the optimal placement of BRBs due to the fact that only shear deformation will induce energy dissipation. An optimal placement method was developed based on GSD in this study. A super tall building with belt truss frame core-wall structural system is exemplified to show the effectiveness of the proposed GSD based optimal BRBs optimal placement method. The results show that the optimal BRB placements obtained by the proposed GSD method match well with the theoretically best placements which can maximize the energy dissipation. The proposed GSD method can be generally applied for the optimal placement of BRBs in super tall buildings.
Shear behaviour of reinforced concrete members without stirrups and subjected to fatigue loads
Authors: Gallego Juan Manuel , Zanuy Carlos , Albajar Luis
Published: December 2014

The shear fatigue behaviour of reinforced concrete elements without stirrups is a complex process that involves a large number of variables. Because of its brittle nature, a better understanding of shear fatigue is convenient, so that practical recommendations with mechanical basis can be proposed. Experimental evidence indicates that shear fatigue failure starts with the formation of a diagonal crack from the inclination of a flexural crack in one of the shear spans. This diagonal crack then propagates with load cycles, both upwards to the load application point and downwards to the support. Final shear fatigue failure takes place by the destruction of the compression zone when its depth is too small to resist the compression force acting on it. In addition, it is also possible an unstable propagation of the diagonal crack as soon as it forms. A critical point of the process is therefore the formation of the diagonal crack. In this paper, the capabilities of a predictive model to estimate the number of cycles to diagonal cracking are explored. A comparison is carried out with first experimental results on haunched reinforced concrete beams without stirrups, which are typical of cantilever slabs of bridge decks.
Finite Element Analyses for RC Hollow and Solid Columns Subjected to Pure Torsional Loading
Authors: Hattori Masahiro , Otsuka Hisanori
Published: December 2014

In this study, the simulation analyses using Finite Element Method (FEM) of previous experiments of RC columns under cyclic torsional loading were conducted. As a result, it was clarified the torsional skeleton curves and the crack distributions of the FEM results in the torsional yielding strength and the maximum strengths traced those of the experimental results accurately. From the experimental results and the FEM results, it was verified the thicknesses of cross sections and the pitches of hoop ties affected the torsional failure modes highly. In addition, FEM analyses varied with thicknesses of cross sections for which experiments have not been conducted were conducted. The effects of these to crack, torsional yielding and maximum capacity were investigated in detail.
Detailed analysis of a post-tensioned box-girder bridge for explaining the observed cracking patterns
Authors: Pimentel Mário , Figueiras Joaquim
Published: December 2014

The N. S. da Guia bridge is a post-tensioned box-girder bridge built in the late seventies according to the balanced cantilever method. During a routine inspection several cracks were detected in the webs and in the bottom slab. The working program that was devised to perform the condition examination of the bridge is shortly described. Special attention is devoted to the numerical and analytical studies that were developed to explain the origin of the observed crack patterns and to assess if these cracks can be expected with the prestressing steel in good conditions or, on the contrary, if they are indication of ongoing corrosion leading to a decrease of the effective prestressing force. The observed cracks could be satisfactorily explained with the detailed analysis of the local stress fields surrounding the tendon anchorages and are likely due to the adopted tendon layout and detailing options. A nonlinear analysis of the full bridge was also performed and the computed cracking patterns shown a strong resemblance to those observed in-situ.
Analysis on the minimum shear strength of reinforced concrete elements without transverse reinforcement
Authors: Fernández-Montes David , González-Valle Enrique , Díaz-Heredia Elena , Ley Jorge
Published: December 2014

The design value for the shear resistance in Eurocode 2 (EC-2) would have one important disadvantage if a minimum was not fixed for reinforced concrete members without transverse reinforcement. That was, in cases without compressive axial force, the shear capacity would be 0 when the longitudinal reinforcement ratio was 0, although these cases would not be possible if the minimum amount of reinforcement indicated in the codes is considered. When the Spanish Code (EHE-08) was edited, the basic formula adopted was the same as the formula defined in EC-2 but the minimum formula was modified. So, the EHE-08 and the EC-2 equations to assess minimum shear strength are inconsistent with one another and in both cases provide a poor fit to experimental findings. This paper summarizes the most important conclusions of an investigation conducted in the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the UPM and incorporates a new proposal.
Seismic AnalySseisisomf aiCc oAnncraeltye sFiislleodf SateCeloTnucbruelatreTFruilslseBdriSdtgeeel Tubular Truss Bridge
Authors: Huang Yufan , Briseghella Bruno , Zordan Tobia , Wu Qingxiong , Chen Baochun
Published: December 2014

During the recent construction activity in China, concrete filled steel tubes (CFST) typology is innovatively applied in beam bridges with CFST composite truss girders and CFST lattice piers. The subject is Ganhaizi Bridge, one of the most unusual viaducts, has a total length of 1811m and is an experimental truss bridge that uses steel tubes for nearly the entire structure. This paper presents the study on nonlinear seismic performance of Ganhaizi Bridge. Seismic response characteristics, piers yielding order and internal force redistribution effect in plastic scope are investigated through a simplified fiber finite element model based on the second unit of this bridge. Take extreme edge strain of CFST columns as criterion, the horizontal most adverse seismic input direction for this curved bridge is perpendicular to the bearing connection on both ends, the influence of vertical ground motion should be simultaneously considered. After turn into plastic stage with increasing peak ground acceleration (PGA), the main stress direction of lattice piers and composite piers are both in plane, axial forces increase less than seismic, while displacements increase greater. Bending moments of high piers increase greater than short piers, which is expected to facilitate seismic performance of the whole bridge.
Load bearing capacity of corrosion damaged beams after exposure to severe marine environment during 70 years
Authors: Prieto Miguel , Tanner Peter , Anaya Pablo
Published: December 2014

The partial demolition of a reinforced concrete (RC) industrial building that had been exposed to a severe marine environment since its erection in the nineteen forties provided an opportunity to conduct theoretical and experimental structural assessments on large-scale, naturally deteriorated members. Eight beams were specifically selected for this purpose. Theoretical assessments were performed to determine the internal stress in critical regions. The EN-1992-1-1 [1] andfibModel Code 2010 [2] (hereafter “MC2010”) resistance models used were suitably adapted to factor in the effects of corrosion. This paper describes the experimental procedure and provides an example of a four-stage assessment conducted on one of the beams tested, designed to ascertain the effect of entering new input on its geometry and the properties of its constituent materials. The procedure described may be used in the safety assessment of existing deteriorated RC structures.
Engineers in need of an improved conceptual design toolbox
Authors: Fröderberg Martin , Crocetti Roberto
Published: December 2014

This paper presents the results of an investigation conducted on a number of practicing structural engineers. The investigation was designed as a round-robin investigation were 16 engineers performed two early stage structural engineering tasks; the first a load take-down calculation for a five-storey concrete building, and the second the conceptual design of a 68 m span steel roof truss. The results revealed a large variability both in load effect calculation for the first task, and in truss steel weight for the second task. Moreover, the investigation as a whole indicated that both the development of conceptual understanding and the quality of conceptual design are negatively affected by the premature use of advanced analysis tools. It is proposed that more education resources, both in academia and in practice, should be invested in the development of conceptual design skills and basic principles of engineering.
Reliability Analysis of Pylon for Yi Sun-sin Bridge
Authors: Hyeon Kim Ji , Lee Seung Han , Paik Inyeol , Lee Hae Sung
Published: December 2014

This paper presents the reliability analysis of the pylon for Yi Sun-sin Bridge. In order to evaluate the reliability index and most probable failure point(MPFP), the advanced first-order second- moment method with the double iteration loops is adopted. Random variables are load and strength parameters which are associated with the load effects and the pylon strength, respectively. The limit state function is defined by the P-M interaction diagram. The sensitivities of the limit state function are calculated by the direct differentiation of P-M interaction diagram. To construct the continuous and differentiable function, the discrete points of P-M interaction diagram are interpolated using cubic spline method. The reliability analyses of the pylon for Yi Sun-sin Bridge are conducted for the design wind load and service wind load.
Interaction between track and simply-supported bridges on high-speed railway frame pier
Authors: Yan Bin
Published: December 2014

In order to study the interaction between high-speed railway bridge and track on the frame pier, the beam-rail-frame pier-pile foundation finite element model of the high-speed railway bridge was established by both using the beam element with rigid arms to simulate the bridge and using the nonlinear spring to simulate longitudinal resistance of the line. Taking a (3×32) m simply-supported beam of the frame pier using steel-concrete combination on the Hefei-Fuzhou line as a case, the transfer rule of CWR (continuously welded rail) longitudinal force on the frame pier was analysed, and it was discussed that the design parameters of the longitudinal resistance model, live load model, beam-column joint stiffness, stiffness of pile foundation, temperature increase range, wind pressure and so on made the impact on the longitudinal force. They will be of reference value to the design of the high-speed railway frame pier in the future.
Visual Acceptance of Library-Generated CityGML LOD3 Building Models
Authors: Garnett Ryan , Freeburn Jason T.
Published: December 2014

The acceptance of 3D building models is critical to all urban 3D visualization projects. Building models that are identified as unacceptable can increase the cost of the project, delay the delivery, and, in some cases, cancel the acceptance of the entire project. A 3D modelling approach of using representative textures and geometry rather than actual photorealistic textures and geometry was conducted to determine whether participants who frequent the building multiple times a week over a period of a year would be able to identify the visual difference. Three focus groups were established and used to evaluate the visual quality of the 3D building models. Participants were asked to rank the visual quality of the building, as well as identifying any geometry, texture, or overall visual quality problems. The participants from the three focus groups did not identify any texture or geometry mistakes present in the building models. The overall visual quality identified by the participants from the three focus groups was above average, suggesting that the 3D modelling approach is an effective means for modelling buildings with high visitation and significance.
The Effects of Grid Line Separation in Topographic Maps for Object Location Memory
Authors: Edler Dennis , Dickmann Frank , Bestgen Anne-Kathrin , Kuchinke Lars
Published: December 2014

Research from the field of cognitive psychology provides evidence that cognitive representations of space based on maps or map-like sketches are subject to systematic distortion tendencies. These distortions influence the orientation capacity as they represent errors in spatial memory. Map grids are a traditional feature of map graphics that has rarely been considered in research on spatial distortions in cognitive maps. Grids traditionally assist the map reader in finding coordinates and objects, but they also provide a systematic and homogeneous structure for dividing up map information into smaller units supporting perception and spatial memory. In a previous study it was shown that grids improve object location memory. The aim of this study was to determine whether different sizes of grid cells have an effect on the quality of object location memory. Therefore, an empirical study including the test performances of 33 participants was carried out: the memory performance was measured as both the percentage of correctly recalled object locations (hit rate) and the mean distance errors of correctly recalled objects (spatial accuracy). Three different intervals of grid line spacing (Separation) were applied to topographic maps. These maps varied in their type of characteristic geographical areas, accompanied by three different levels of map complexity (Landscape). The results of this study show that both factors have an impact on object location memory in topographic maps.
Quantum Mechanical Study on the Rate Determining Steps of the Reaction between 2-aminopyrimidine with Dichloro-[1-methyl-2-(naphthylazo) Imidazole] Palladium(II) Complex
Authors: Gharib A. , Morsali A. , Beyramabadi S.A. , Chegini H. , Ardabili M. Najafi
Published: December 2014

In this work, using quantum mechanics, the mechanism of reaction between 2-aminopyrimidine with dichloro-[1-methyl-2-(naphthylazo) imidazole] palladium(II) complex was investigated. The reaction produces two five-coordinated intermediates which are converted into final products through two possible pathways (nucleophile-dependent pathway and solvent-dependent pathway). The activation energy and activation Gibbs free energy of two pathways have been calculated and compared with each other and experimental results. These activation energies for the solvent-dependent pathway are greater in comparison with the nucleophile-dependent pathway which demonstrates that the latter is the dominating route and makes the main contribution to the reaction. Considering solvent effects, the activation Gibbs free energy for the rate determining step of the nucleophile-dependent pathway was calculated, which was in good agreement with the experimental value. Although the theoretical activation energy shows a suitable behaviour qualitatively, it is not fully consistent with the experimental value. All of the calculations were performed using a hybrid density functional method (B3LYP) in the solution phase (PCM model).
Freizeit in der Natur verbringen trotz einer Behinderung
Authors: Rocca Marcus
Published: December 2014

Open air recreation despite a handicap

Mobility International Switzerland (MIS) is the agency specialised in travel for people in a situation of handicap and in related issues for the tourism sector in Switzerland. It promotes one tourism for all. The main task of the agency is to collect handicap-specific travel information worldwide, and to make it available, free, by website or telephone. Another, no less important task is to increase the awareness of the tourism sector as regards the expectations and needs of people with a handicap. Over the years, MIS, in cooperation with various partners, has identified trails suitable for wheelchairs and provided signage, for instance in Toggenburg (canton of St. Gallen), in the canton of Zurich as well as for the campaign Hiking in Switzerland by Switzerland Mobility. It is important to record trails using unified criteria, and to provide precise documentation for the routes, which makes it possible for wheelchair users to access natural sites. Forest roads are often suitable for wheelchairs, but they must satisfy certain minimum requirements as regards surface, slope and obstacles (for example drainage channels).
Cancer: Challenges and Remedies
Authors: Hoque ME
Published: December 2014

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i2.21123 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 2: July 2014, Pages 3-4
Application of Connectionist Approach in Classification of Nutritional Status Among Arsenic Affected people in Rural Areas in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman A , Akter M , Majumder AK
Published: December 2014

Various methods can be applied to build predictive models for the clinical data with binary outcome variables. This research aims to explore and compare the process of constructing common predictive models. Models based on an artificial neural network (the connectionist approach) and binary logistic regressions were compared in their ability to classifying malnourished subjects and those with over-weighted participants in rural areas of Bangladesh. Subjects were classified according to the indicator of nutritional status measured by body mass index (BMI). This study also investigated the effects of different factors on the BMI level of a sample population of 460 adults of six villages in Bangladesh. Demographic, enthropometric and clinical data were collected based on a total of 460 participants aged over 30 years from six villages in Bangladesh that were identified as mainly dependent on wells contaminated with arsenic. Out of 460(140 male and 320 females) participants 186(40.44%) were identified as malnourished (BMI<18.5 gm), and the remainder 274(59.56%) were found as over-weighted (BMI>18.5 gm). Among other factors, arsenic exposures were found as significant risk factors for low body mass index (BMI) with a higher value of odds ratio. This study shows that, binary logistic regression correctly classified 72.85% of cases with malnourished in the training datasets, 76.08% in the testing datasets and 75.26% of all subjects. The sensitivities of the neural network architecture for the training and testing datasets and for all subjects were 84.28%, 84.78% and 81.72% respectively, indicate better performance than binary logistic regression model. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i2.21128 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 2: July 2014, Pages 23-29
Recipients Perception of Blood Transfusion Risk in Some Selected Tertiary Care Hospitals
Authors: Rahman MM , Sajani TT
Published: December 2014

This was a descriptive study carried out in the Medicine, Surgery, Gynae and Orthopedics ward of three randomly selected tertiary care hospitals at Dhaka, Bogra and Rangpur. It was aimed to evaluate the extent of understanding about the risk of blood transfusion among the blood recipients, to identify the common indications for blood transfusion through record review, to determine the recipients knowledge about indications of blood transfusion, their level of understanding about blood group, blood donors, and risk of blood transfusion and to find out the socio-demographic condition of recipients admitted at tertiary care hospitals. It was found that most of the respondents 63.17% were in the age group of 15-39 years and 56.95% were between primary to secondary level of education. More than half 56.83% respondents were housewife. The idea about indications of blood transfusion was found among 60.37% respondents. The idea about own blood group was found among 73.54% respondents. However, 52.93% respondents were unaware about the persons who can donate blood. Professional blood donor were the choice for own to only 15.60% respondents. The study also identified 57.32% respondents having risk of blood transmissible diseases. The respondents idea about transmissible diseases were identified as AIDs, Hepatitis-B, Syphilis and Malaria by 90.48%, 42.38%, 5.25% and 5.25% respectively. The study demands awareness and motivational program among younger and adult females in regards to transfusion transmissible diseases and its prevention. The importance of knowing blood group,donor selection and adverse effects of transfusion may also considered as a part of awareness program. It also demands a large scale community based survey to generate information towards development of effective strategy in minimizing risk of transfusion transmissible diseases in particular. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i2.21129 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 2: July 2014, Pages 30-33
Investigation of Unnatural Death
Authors: Barek A , Haque SMT
Published: December 2014

A complete systematic investigation of unnatural death helps the court hugely to give an acceptable judgement. Legal officers like officer-in-charge of a police station, magistrates, witnesses of death circumstances and the forensic pathologists are basically involved in such investigation. Proper and true documentation by investigating officer are necessary. Identification of the deceased person, cause of death, manner of death, mode and mechanism of death, time since death, weapons used to cause the injuries etc. are opined in the investigaiton report as per direction given in the code of criminal procedure. These matters have been discussed in this article. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i2.21130 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 2: July 2014, Pages 34-38
Adenosine Deaminase in Diagnosis of Tuberculosis: A Review
Authors: Barua R , Hossain MA
Published: December 2014

The diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a challenge in clinical practice. Traditional diagnostic methods are very useful but do not provide enough sensitivity and specificity. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) has been developed and widely used for the diagnosis of TB. ADA is an enzyme that increases in TB because of the stimulation of T-cell lymphocytes by mycobacterial antigens. This article reviews the characteristics, metabolism and clinical uses of ADA for the diagnosis of TB in clinical practices. There is sufficient data supporting yield of ADA in various body fluids for the diagnosis of TB. ADA may be used for early diagnosis of TB, especially in case of negative acid fast bacilli (AFB) smear from the body specimens. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i2.21132 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 2: July 2014, Pages 43-48
Cervical Rib a Very Rare Cause of Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon
Authors: Siddiqui MR , Mahbub MS , Mostafiz T
Published: December 2014

Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (or syndrome) due to thoracic outlet obstruction or syndrome (TOS) from cervical rib is very rare. Cervical rib occurs in only 1% of the general population. It is an uncommon cause for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The clinical manifestations of thoracic outlet syndrome are mainly neurological. Arterial complications are rare and potentially severe. The authors report a case of a 30 year-old woman with left cervical rib that developed embolism in the subclavian artery, due to compression. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i2.21133 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 2: July 2014, Pages 49-50
From the Desk of Editor in Chief Vol.5(2)
Authors: Rahman Md Tahminur
Published: December 2014

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i2.21135 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 2: July 2014, Pages 54
Spectrum of Hepatic Presentation of Wilsons Disease in Children Attending A Tertiary Care Centre of Dhaka City
Authors: Bayes Farhana , Karim ASM Bazlul , Helaly Laila , Bayes Fahmida , Rukunuzzaman Md , Ahmed Sanjida , Alam Syeda Tabassum
Published: December 2014

Background: The incidence of Wilsons disease (WD) is increasing day by day in every ethnic group worldwide. WD has been found as a common cause of chronic liver disease in children. This study was undertaken to find out the occurrence and different types of hepatic presentation of Wilsons disease in children admitted with liver diseases at a tertiary care centre of Bangladesh. Methodology: This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out at the department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, BSMMU during the period from March 2008 through April 2010. A total number of 71 children of both sexes aged 3-15 years, who had the features of liver disease (jaundice with or without hepatomegaly / splenomegaly and / or raised serum ALT), were enrolled in this study. For the purpose of the study, the diagnosis of WD was made by the presence of any 2 of the 3 features: presence of K-F ring by slit lamp examination, low serum ceruloplasmin level (<20 mg/dL) and urinary copper excretion of >1600 ?gm /24 hours after penicillamine challenge. Results: Wilsons disease was found in 31 (43.7%) of 71 children. Among them chronic liver diseases were 18 (58%), acute hepatitis 6 (19.4%), acute liver failure 6 (19.4%) and asymptomatic WD case was 1 (3.2%). The mean age ±SD of WD cases at presentation was 9.87±2.6 years and 22 (70%) cases were male. Maximum numbers of WD cases were found in children below 10 year of age. The two common presenting features of WD cases were jaundice 28 (90.3%) and ascitis (58.1%). Other features were K-F ring, 25 (80.6%) and hepatomegaly, 24 (77.4%). Biochemical findings showed low serum ceruloplasmin level (done in 20 patients) in 20 cases and 24 hours urinary copper excretion of >1600 mg/day in 23 cases. About one third of children presented with liver diseases were diagnosed as Wilsons disease and about 50% of WD cases presented with chronic liver diseases. Conclusion: Wilsons disease is a common cause of chronic liver disease. Penicillamine challenge is a reliable diagnostic test for Wilsons disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v38i2.21142 Bangladesh J Child Health 2014; VOL 38 (2) : 79-85
Preparation, quality evaluation and storage stability of peach-soy fruit leather
Authors: Anju B , Kumari KR , Anand V , Anjum MA
Published: December 2014

The peach-soy leather was prepared from different blends of peach pulp and soy-slurry. The peach pulp and soybean slurry were blended in the ratios of 100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25 and 70:30. The prepared leather was stored for a period of four months to ascertain changes in physico-chemical and sensory characteristics. The analysis of leather revealed significant differences among different blends. Highest moisture content i.e. 21.99 percent was recorded in B1 (100:0:: P:S). The highest TSS and acidity of 12.05 degree Brix and 2.77 percent were recorded in B1 (100:0:: P:S), respectively, whereas the highest reducing sugar and total sugar contents of 30.16 and 60.41 percent were found in B1 (100:0:: P:S), respectively. The highest protein and fat contents were recorded in B7 (70:30:: P:S), whereas ascorbic acid content was the highest (23.54 mg 100g-1) in B7 (70:30:: P:S). Sensory evaluation of leather revealed that the highest score of 8.14 was recorded in B4 (85:15:: P:S) and lowest score of 5.63 was recorded in B7 (70:30::P:S). In general there was an increase in TSS, acidity and sugars and decrease in protein, fat and ascorbic acid contents and all sensory attributes during four months storage in different blends of leather. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v12i1.21114 SAARC J. Agri., 12(1): 73-88 (2014)
Genetic correlation and path coefficient analysis in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Alam MK
Published: December 2014

Correlation and path co-efficient analysis were carried out for pod yield and its yield components characters in 45 genotypes of groundnut. The genotypic correlation co-efficient were found to be of relatively higher magnitude than the corresponding phenotypic correlation co-efficient, indicating strong inherent association between the characters. Pod yield showed significant positive association with secondary branches/plant, harvest index, 100-pod weight, 100-kernel weight, pod size, diseases incidence and canopy temperature. Path co-efficient analysis revealed high direct effects of primary branches/plant, secondary branches/plant and harvest index. Hence, it would be rewarding to give due importance on the selection of these characters for rapid improvement in pod yield of groundnut. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v12i1.21116 SAARC J. Agri., 12(1): 96-105 (2014)
Self-Gravitating Systems in Extended Gravity
Authors: Stabile Arturo , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: December 2014

Starting from the weak field limit, we discuss astrophysical applications of Extended Theories of Gravity where higher order curvature invariants and scalar fields are considered by generalizing the Hilbert-Einstein action linear in the Ricci curvature scalar R. Results are compared to General Relativity in the hypothesis that Dark Matter contributions to the dynamics can be neglected thanks to modified gravity. In particular, we consider stellar hydrostatic equilibrium, galactic rotation curves, and gravitational lensing. Finally, we discuss the weak field limit in the Jordan and Einstein frames pointing out how effective quantities, as gravitational potentials, transform from one frame to the other and the interpretation of results can completely change accordingly.