bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-medication of sleeping pills among MBBS students in a medical college of West Bengal, India
Authors: Dalui Saikat Kumar , Datta Angana , Ghosh Aritra , Biswas Suvadip , Roy Uttam Kumar , Biswas Supreeti
Published: June 2017

Background: Psychological stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance are highly prevalent in medical students and therefore they are at higher risk of using sleeping pills defined as any pharmaceutical preparation inducing sleep. There is currently paucity in data describing the prevalence of sleeping pill use among medical students in India.Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of sleeping pill use among medical students in Burdwan Medical College (BMC).Methods: A cross sectional study was done by anonymous questionnaires from MBBS students enrolled at BMC. Questionnaire consisted of social and demographic variable and use of sleeping pills, tobacco and alcohol since enrollment. Collected data were analyzed by Athen's insomnia scale and DASS-21.Results: With response rate72.2% (397 out of 550) and of 397 respondants (1st yr-97+2nd yr-90+3rd yr part I-114+3rd yr part II-96), 6.3% reported use of sleeping pill at some time since enrollment. Athen's insomnia scales showed 27% poor sleepers. According to DASS-21, 44% respondents were depressive, 61.96% anxious, and 31.73% stressed. Insomnia were found to significantly (p value <0.0001) associated with sleeping pill use. Majority (96%) of sleeping pill uses were self-medicated.Conclusions: Tendency to use sleeping pill is very less (majority self-medicated), though a substantial proportion of medical undergraduate students were found to be depressed, anxious, stressed revealing a neglected area of students' psychology requiring urgent attention.
Evaluation and comparison of analgesic activity of essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis and Thymus vulgaris: an experimental study
Authors: Jha Asha R. , Paul Srimanti
Published: June 2017

Background: Since the time of stone age herbs in its natural forms are used for a variety of medicinal purposes including the treatment of pain. Research in herbal medicine is in a relatively early phase. Herbal approaches usually have been pursued because of the perception that these therapies are gentler and cause fewer side effects than allopathic treatment. The aim was to evaluate and compare the analgesic activity of essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis and Thymus vulgaris in wistar rats.Methods: Wistar rats and hot plate method was used for this study. Control group (Group A) of 6 animals was given normal saline. Group B of 6 animals was given standard analgesic drug, aspirin (200mg/kg body weight). Group C of 6 rats was given REO at 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg body weight on day 1, 2, 3 and 4 while Group D of 6 animals was given TEO at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body wt. The analgesic activity of REO and TEO in terms of Response Time were noted and depicted in tabular form.Results: Results were analyzed by one-way-Anova and Tukey tests. Analgesic effect of Rosemary oil found to be statistically significant at all four doses, 100, 200, 300 and 400mg/kg body wt compared to control group. TEO was found significantly analgesic at 100 and 200mg/kg body wt compared to control group but at 300mg/kg body it was found lethal. REO was found superior.Conclusions: Analgesic effect of REO and TEO was not comparable to aspirin even at higher concentration like 400mg/kg (REO) but it was significantly more compare to control group.
Anti asthmatic effect of Momordica Charantia and its comparison with montelukast an in vitro and in vivo model
Authors: K. Bhuvaneswari , R. M. P. L. Swarna , Aravind Amudhan
Published: June 2017

Background: Momordica charantia (MC) (bitter gourd) have shown the inhibition of NF-κβ and Leukotrienes expression in many inflammatory pathological conditions. Based on ist anti-inflammatory action this study aimed to Identify MC fruit dry powder (MCp) and MC fresh juice (MCj) action on airway inflammation in Guinea Pig model and also to find out the presence of alkaloids and flavonoides.Methods: 18 adult Guinea pigs of both sexes (excluding mating animals) were randomly divided into three groups with six animals in each namely Montelukast, MCj and MCp groups respectively. They were given with OD oral administration of concerned drugs for 1 -7 days. 6 control animals were exposed to 2% histamine aerosol for 120 seconds using histamine chamber prior to treatment with Montelukast, MCj and MCp to observe the normal Pre-Convulsive Dyspnea (PCD) in seconds. After six hours of daily OD oral dose of test drugs administration, all the groups’ were exposed to 2% Histamine aerosol one by one for 120 sec on day1 & 7 to observe PCD. The MCj and MCp were also tested with chemical assay, TLC to confirm the presence of alkaloids, flavonoides.Results: ON DAY 1 and 7: MCj and MCp showed significant decrease in PCD occurrence and it is statistically significant compared to the control. PCD blocking action of MCj group was effective in DAY 1. TLC and Chemical Assay were not supportive for bronchodilator action.Conclusions: MCj and MCp have promising preventive role in asthma. This study had expressed the positive protective role of Momordica charantia in asthmatic condition based on its known anti-inflammatory action.
Centenarians in India: the present scenario
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kallol Kumar
Published: June 2017

India, officially the Republic of India is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country (with over 1.2 billion people), and the most populous democracy in the world. A country of myriad subcultures which constitutes a unique phenomenon of ‘unity in diversity’. India is the home of people of various ethnicity, religion, culture and languages. It has its own primitive cultures. Later, in different times this country was attacked by Greek, Shak, Hun, Pathan, Mughal, British, Dutch, French etc. So there is a diverse collection of culture and ethnicity, rather a conglomeration of these. The number of 100-year-olds in India has steadily increased over the last few decades. Keeping the above background in mind, the present scenario—the prospects, expectations and problems faced by a large number of centenarians scattered in different regions of this country, has discussed in this review.
Frequency of red blood cell alloimmunization in sickle cell patients and healthy donors: the influence of racial and antigenic pattern differences
Authors: Vafaei Majid , Keikhaei-dehdazi Bijan
Published: June 2017

Background: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are frequently used in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) to treat and prevent of their disease complications. However repeated blood transfusions are often complicated by RBC alloimmunization. Race and antigenic pattern differences are the common risk factor to develop alloimmunization. This study was performed to determine the frequency of RBC alloimmunzation in sickle cell patients and healthy blood donors.Methods: This is a cross sectional study that has been done on 140 patients with SCD and 140 healthy blood donors from April 2015 to April 2016. The RBC phenotype of all patients and donors investigated by Tub method and all panel test phases were done at immunohematology laboratory of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization of Ahwaz.Results: Of all SCD patients 61 (43.6%) were male and 79 (56.4%) were female. 68 (48.5%) were HbSS and 72 (51.4%) were S/B thalassemia. The mean age of patients was 19.69 (range: 2-60) years. Of all patients, 114 (81.25%) had received transfusion. The RBC alloimmunization rate among SCD patients was 7.1% and 50% of the RBC alloimmunization had anti-Kell and 30% had anti-Rh. The comparison of the RBC phenotypes between the group of patients with SCD and the group of blood donors (non-Arab) revealed a statistically significant difference in the frequency of S (54% vs. 67%, p=0.024), M (82.7% vs. 90.7%, p=0.049), and FYb (73.4% vs. 55.7%, p=0.002).Conclusions: Althoguh alloimmunization rate in SCD patients in this study was lower than reported by other studies but cross matchining at least for the Rh and Kell systems from the time of initial transfusion may decrease the incidence of alloimmunization.
Instrumental social support for the rural elderly: study of a rural block a costal district of Odisha
Authors: Rath Tuhinamsu , PANIGRAHI Debabrata
Published: June 2017

Background: The objectives of the study were to find out the social support extended to the rural elderly and to find out the trust worthy and long term support providers for them.Methods: An exploratory descriptive research design was adopted where 1088 subjects were interviewed (517 males and 571 females) with variables of age, sex and standard of living. As per the response to the questionnaires, the quality of social support for the rural elderly, the trustworthy and long term support providers were evaluated.Results: Out of 1088 elderly people participated in the study only 15% had someone trustworthy care providers where as 84.5% reported to have no trustworthy care providers. 34.4% of respondents had trust on their son as the old age care providers where as 30.4% had trust on their spouse. Similarly 94.4% reported to have long term care giver. 67.3% respondents were confident of receiving indefinite long term care where as 24.9% reported to have “now and then” care and 6.5% have short term care. The study also revealed that the middle aged (60-79 age groups) is less confident in securing instrumental social support than the very old. (80 above age group). It has also been observed that there is shrinkage in the number of long term care providers with increasing age.Conclusions: Instrumental social support plays a strategic role in the domain of health care, particularly in old age. The study found that rural elderly have less trustworthy care providers in old age. There is variation with regard to age, sex and standard of living. With regard to long term care, it is found that family comes to the centre stage where the core family members like son and spouse engineer the support service. Son is the most trusted care provider and males prefer spouse and females prefer their son as the trusted care provider in long term care. In order to enlarge the support system and raise the quality, support services need to be equipped. Instrumental social support can be both preventive of expansion of morbidity and protective of healthy ageing.
Incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension in block Hazratbal of district Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Rather Rouf Hussain , Salim Khan S. Mohammad , Taing Shahnaaz
Published: June 2017

Background: The term pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) suggests a disorder of blood pressure that arises because of the pregnancy. PIH is defined as new onset hypertension with or without significant proteinuria emerging after 20 weeks of gestation, during labour, or in first 48 hours post-partum. It is classified as gestational hypertension (without proteinuria), preeclampsia (with proteinuria), and eclampsia (associated with convulsions). Incidence of PIH varies from country to country and has been reported to occur as low as 0.51% to as high as 38.4%. The objectives of the study were to estimate the incidence of PIH in block Hazratbal, Srinagar and to see the extent of progression of gestational hypertension into preeclampsia and eclampsia.Methods: A community based longitudinal study was conducted in block Hazratbal (district Srinagar) for a period of 18 months. All the pregnant females attending the antenatal clinic at the sub-centers and PHCs were included in the study and assessed for eligibility (less than 20 weeks and normotensive), till the desired number of 385 eligible pregnant females was reached. The pregnant women enrolled in the study were examined again around 30 weeks, 37 weeks and once in postnatal period.Results: The incidence of PIH was 20%. Majority of them (14.5%) had Gestational Hypertension and about one-fourth (5.5%) progressed to pre-eclampsia, while no one developed eclampsia.Conclusions: PIH is common among Kashmiri females, 20 out of 100 pregnant females develop PIH. PIH is a major cause of perinatal mortality, preterm delivery, IUGR, and maternal morbidity and mortality.
CLIMACTERIC SYNDROME: SYMPTOM PREVALENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE ASSESSMENT, A PROXY OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
Authors: Kurugodiyavar Mahesh D , Gajula Madhavi , Bant Dattatreya D. , Bathija Geeta V.
Published: June 2017

Background- Climacteric, is that particular phase in ageing women, which marks the transition from the reproductive phase to non-reproductive state and is often associated with symptomatology, referring to as climacteric syndrome. The health services rendered in this regard, makes a great impact on the women’s quality of life. The paucity of publication in this regard, insisted the need of recognizing these symptoms and hence a study to know the symptom prevalence and to assess the quality of life among peri-menopausal women.Methods- A cross-sectional study among 100 women in the age group of 45-60 years, employed in various educational institutes were carried out using the MENQOL questionnaire, on 4 domains, involving the Vasomotor, Psychosocial, Physical and Sexual aspects. The responses were graded on Likert scale and analyzed by Kruskal wallis H and Mann Whitney U tests.Results- 53% of the women in the study were in the age group of 45-50 years, 50% of them were over-weight, and 75% had muscle and joint pains, followed by headache and backache in 60% of women. Higher literates and upper-middle class had better quality of life with less psychosocial symptoms (p<0.01), and less vasomotor, physical and sexual symptoms (p<0.05). Symptom were more under psychological and physical domain in Muslim women, compared to Hindus (p<0.05). Vasomotor symptoms were more in the women aged 45-50 years (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the level of quality of life between type of family, marital status of women and different BMI values (P>0.05).Conclusion- There is paucity of studies in regards to quality of life among peri-menopausal women. Initiatives programs by the government for post-menopausal women ought to be initiated owing to their special needs.
Anaemia among pregnant women in a rural area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu
Authors: A. Abiselvi , S. Gopalakrishnan , R. Umadevi , R Rama
Published: June 2017

Background: Anaemia is a major public health problem in developing countries. The vulnerable groups include adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers. Despite several National and International strategies to control anaemia, the magnitude of the problem remains high. Lack of adequate program implementation strategies could be a possible reason for this problem and therefore, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among rural pregnant women in our field practice area in Tamil Nadu.Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out among 270 pregnant women registered at our Rural Health Training Centre. All these pregnant mothers gave informed consent to participate in the study. A structured interview schedule was administered and hemoglobin levels were recorded from their Mother Child Protection Card. A mean hemoglobin value was calculated and anaemia was defined as a Hemoglobin level <11 g/dl as per WHO classification.Results: About 48.5% of pregnant women were in the age group of 15-24 years. In this study, 41.5% were found to be anaemic. About 38.1% of the study participants were found to have mild anaemia (hemoglobin level between 10.0-10.9 g/dl), while 1.9% had moderate anaemia (Hb between 7.0 - 9.9 g/dl) and 1.5% had severe anaemia (Hb below 7 g/dl).Conclusions: Anaemia is an imminent public health problem, which requires due attention. It is a social problem, wherein the knowledge and attitudes of the pregnant women deeply influence the disease burden. Adequate measures to address these issues have to be in place as a priority, in order to minimize the magnitude of anaemia.
Utilisation of water disinfecting kit by armed forces personnel: a cross sectional study
Authors: Verma K. C. , Malhotra V. , Ram Babu
Published: June 2017

Background: Prevention of water-borne diseases is important for health and training of Armed Forces (AF) personnel. Although, supply of safe water is being ensured to them in military stations, but their training and frequent travels expose them to situations where water may be contaminated. To ensure prevention of water borne diseases, AF personnel are issued ‘Out-Fit Water Sterilising kit’- a kit containing halogen and chlorine-removing tablets. The present study aims to identify the knowledge-use gap in utilization of this kit by AF personnel. Methods: A cross sectional study among 649 randomly selected AF personnel was carried out in a large military station to identify the knowledge and practices of AF personnel regarding ‘OFWS kit’. The data was collected on structured questionnaire through face-to-face interview, and analyse using SPSS ver 20. Results: The study revealed progressive downward graph from knowledge regarding ‘OFWS kit’ (75.3%) to its availability (54.8%) and its ever-use (47.9%). Relevant service factors associated with use are presented. Conclusions: The study highlights the need to ensure regular training of AF personnel in use of ‘OFWS kit’, its availability at the grass-root level and supervision of its use to ensure positive health of Indian soldier always- a prerequisite for his optimal training.
Internet addiction and factors associated with it: a cross sectional study among students of a medical college in Davangere, Karnataka
Authors: Kumar Aswin , Nawaz Ayesha S. , Kumar Ravi , B. N. Yamuna
Published: June 2017

Background: India is not only growing in terms of population but also developing in terms of communication. Internet has become an essential tool for education, entertainment, communication and sharing of information. Excessive and undisciplined use of internet has led to emergence of internet addiction (IA), especially among students. The objective of the study was to know the magnitude of internet addiction among medical students and to determine the factors associated with it.Methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out over a period of two months among 138 medical students of SSIMS and RC Davangere. Data was collected using a pre designed, pretested questionnaire, with questions adapted from Young’s internet addiction questionnaire to test internet addiction.Results: In our study 30% students had mild internet addiction and 10% had moderate internet addiction. Male gender, internet usage of more than 5 hours per day and expenditure on the monthly internet pack of more than Rs. 400 were found to be significantly associated with internet addiction.Conclusions: More than one third of the students, especially males had internet addiction. It is essential for the parents and institutions to supervise the medical students and limit the time as well as expenditure on the internet usage.
Morbidity profile of elderly individuals in urban Visakhapatnam
Authors: Polisetty Sanjay , Seepana Madhavi
Published: June 2017

Background: India has acquired the label of “an ageing nation” with 7.7% of its population being more than 60 years old. Both perceived health and chronic illness are major elements of health status in elderly and there is growing evidence that older people are at risk for manifold co-morbidities.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in the Allipuram urban-Field practice area, Visakhapatnam for a period of 2 months (May 1st to June 30th) using a pretested questionnaire in the native language. Study subjects were individuals above 60 years of age who are willing to participate. Data collected for this study was predominantly based on the symptoms experienced by the individuals and patient records.Results: Almost the entire study population (99.6%) suffered from either some form of acute or chronic morbidity. More than 70% of individuals had eye problems, most common problem being cataract (60%). Hypertension was present in 49% of individuals (24.3% Males and 24.7% Females). About 74.2% of Diabetics were also hypertensives and the relation was found to be highly significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Old age is associated with increasing morbidity due to senile changes, lowered immunity and increased susceptibility to most diseases hence it is of paramount importance that efficient and appropriate means of health care delivery to the geriatric population is ensured.
Evaluation of mother and child protection card entries in a rural area of West Bengal
Authors: Bag Subhadip , Datta Mousumi
Published: June 2017

Background: Mother and child protection card (MCPC) is a common card to maintain the record of health care delivery including ante natal care, post-natal care and care of the child that can be used by both the health personnel and the beneficiaries.Methods: Total 72 mothers of 0-2 years’ children residing at Banspool village were contacted and their MCPC were checked. From each of the five parts of the MCPC i.e. background and family information, information regarding pregnancy and childbirth, institution related information, antenatal care and post-natal care; maximum, minimum and median no of information boxes that were filled up were noted.Results: Information on background information and ante natal care recording was high with almost all the boxes were filled up but there was lack on maintenance of other records like post-natal care, immunization and growth chart. It was also found that beneficiaries are not making circle in the IFA tablets consumption part.Conclusions: The study reported gap in maintenance of proper health care delivery records through MCPC and more training for both the health personnel and mothers are needed for adequate use of the MCPC.
Infected gap nonunion of fractures proximal humerus in adolescent: an outcome of 12 cases
Authors: Rai Sanjay Kumar , Vikas Rohit , Shijale Naveen
Published: June 2017

Background: There is little data about the risk factors, demographics, and prognosis for nonunions in children. Previous literature has reviewed time periods when contemporary techniques of internal fixation and management of open injuries had not been available. Infected gap nonunion of proximal 1/3 humerus in adolescent is not much reported the in literature. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcome of infected gap nonunion in 12 cases of adolescent treated by debridement and fibular graft and plating.

Methods: This study was conducted between 2009 to 2015, 12 cases of Infected gap nonunion of fractures proximal humerus was included in our study. Each child was followed up minimum for 12 months.  Although non unions in the pediatric population are rare, these data underscore the importance of careful evaluation and treatment of these fractures at risk for nonunion.

Results: In our series of 12 cases of infected nonunion of fracture humerus which were treated by bone grafting using fibula strut graft and plating resulted 99% union rate. The rate of union is depending on thorough debridement and fixation along with bone grafting.

Conclusions: Nonunion of pediatric fractures is a rare complication. Most studies on developing pediatric nonunions describe specific fractures that are particularly susceptible to nonunion and malunion, nonunion of humeral lateral condyle and open tibia fractures have received the most attention. Reports of nonunion among pediatric long bone fractures are rare, being either case reports or isolated entities in a larger series of predominantly adult fractures. Fibula is a popular substitute for this method because of its easy accessibility and minimal donor site morbidity.
Intra articular hyaluronic acid injection, is it a wastage of money or justified?
Authors: Jesalpura Bhavesh H. , Gajjar Sharvil H.
Published: June 2017

Background: Osteoarthritis of knee (OA Knee) is one of the most common form of joint disease and affects everyone in different proportion with aging. To reduce the burden on society and improve the productive life various modalities of treatment are suggested. Our goal was to find out how much Intra Articular Hyaluronic acid injection (I/A HA inj.) is effective and safe.

Methods: We have done a retrospective single blind study on 60 patients of OA Knee according to ACR Criteria, Grade I and II, who were treated with I/A HA inj. of a single brand. They were followed up up to 3 year after last injection and clinical assessment done based on VAS Scale and WOMAC Score.

Results: Out of 60 patients who have been given I/A HA injection, patients below age of 50 and ACR Grade I OA Knee, responded well with injection. However patients above age of 50 and ACR Grade II OA Knee responded poorly and require some other form of treatment as early as 1 month after stopping injection.

Conclusions: Though OA Knee is a degenerative disease which requires long term follow up to justify use of I/A HA injection, We believe that in early cases of OA Knee and Patients below age of 50 years, this treatment modality can work well and may prolong active life and delay surgical intervention and hence cost benefit ratio justifies use of this treatment modality. 
Role of viscosupplementation in the management of primary osteoarthritis knee
Authors: Gosikonda Venu , Reddy Vamshidhar , Chokkarapu Ramu
Published: June 2017

Background: Viscosupplementation is frequently used as a therapeutic strategy to manage patients with early osteo-arthritis of knees. A case series was followed up for a period of one year to study the clinical efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections in different Kellegren Lawrence grades of osteoarthritis knee.

Methods: 76 patients with primary osteoarthritis of knee not responding to analgesics, Quadriceps strengthening exercises, superficial and deep heat modalities were recruited after meeting inclusion criteria. They were followed up till the end of one year at an interval of every four months. Seventy patients completed the study and were analyzed for pain, stiffness and physical function using WOMAC osteoarthritis index. WOMAC scores were documented at initial consultation and follow up visits at the end of fourth, eighth and twelfth month.

Results: Patients with Grade 1 and 2 osteoarthritis knee showed improvement in pain, stiffness and physical function following viscosupplementation lasting for one year. Those with Grade 3 osteoarthritis knee initially revealed good pain relief, enhanced function clinically till the second follow up. After that majority of the patients with Grade 3 osteoarthritis demanded for another session of viscosupplementation and expressed worsening of their knee symptoms. In Grade 4 osteoarthritis knee viscosupplementation found to be clinically and statistically ineffective. Adverse reactions following intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections included pain in five patients, pain and swelling in three patients, and injection site erythema in one patient.

Conclusions: Viscosupplementation is a good therapeutic strategy in management of Grade 1-2 osteoarthritis knee. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections in Grade 3 osteoarthritis knee helps in delaying surgical intervention. It is in effective in Grade 4 osteoarthritis knee.
A study on functional outcome of arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament using quadrupled hamstring graft
Authors: P. C. Jagdeesh , Shaikh Suhail R.
Published: June 2017

Background: Various techniques and graft types are now available for the reconstruction of ACL. Opinions differ among experts with regard to the ideal technique and graft type to be used. Arthroscopic anatomical ACL reconstruction using quadrupled hamstring autograft with fixation in the femoral tunnel using tightrope and in the tibial tunnel with interference screw is a relatively new technique. Purpose of this study is to analyze the postoperative outcome in our experience with this procedure.

Methods: This was a prospective study of patients with ACL injury who underwent Arthroscopic anatomical ACL reconstruction using quadrupled hamstrings autograft. All patients were operated upon by the same surgeon and had the same rehabilitation protocol. They were followed up for six months at regular intervals using IKDC, LGS scoring systems, tegner activity scale and a subjective questionnaire.

Results: About 95% of the patients had a favorable outcome as per three scoring systems. (IKDC, Lysholm score, subjective questionnaire) all three scoring system had a very high correlation around 90% of individuals were able to return to their pre injury activity level.

Conclusions: We conclude that the functional outcome of arthroscopic anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadrupled hamstrings tendon autograft is excellent to good (95%). With proper patient selection and rehabilitation full occupational and recreational activities can be expected for most of the patients within four to six months of the procedure.
Mangrove Diversity along the Coast of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
Authors: Mulla Tarnnum Mubarak , Suneel Chavan Niranjana
Published: June 2017

The present paper deals with the study of mangrove diversity along different sites of Ratnagiri coast of Maharashtra, India. Height of the plants, Importance Value Index and various indices viz. Simpson’s index, Shannon-weaver index and Margalef index were determined. Maximum height was recorded from Chinchkhari site (8.76 meters). It was observed that the Sonneratia alba, Avicennia marina and Ceriops tagal species showed the highest Importance Value Index from respective sites. Based on ecological indices, Narayanmali site was found to be rich in diversity while other sites are encroached and destructed mostly by anthropogenic activities. The piece of work is significant in comparing the diversity at micro level by monitoring periodically for future programs. 
El οἶστρος como experiencia de locura en 'Prometeo encadenado'
Authors: Pineda Avilés David Antonio
Published: June 2017

El propósito de este artículo es analizar la locura de Ío en los versos 561 a 886 de Prometeo encadenado, obra atribuida al tragediógrafo Esquilo. Se pretende demostrar cómo la irrupción del personaje en escena está determinada por elementos teatrales tales como la danza, la constante referencia a su vagabundeo errante, la metamorfosis de su cuerpo y el dolor que sufre por la persecución y picadura del tábano (οἶστρος), y que estos elementos, que dan cuenta del cuadro sintomatológico de su demencia, son imágenes empleadas por el autor para representar, a su vez, la condición trágica de Ío, definida por la injerencia de los dioses. El oístros, por su parte, puede concebirse como la imagen más evocativa de tales elementos en su representación teatral, puesto que todos los efectos derivados de la presencia de este insecto, es decir, persecución, baile retorcido y espasmos de dolor, se condensan en él como la causa material de la manía de Ío, tal y como ésta es tratada en Prometeo encadenado.
Embracing Wikipedia as a teaching and learning tool benefits health professional schools and the populations they serve
Authors: Azzam Amin
Published: June 2017

To paraphrase Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia co-founder, “Imagine a world where all people have access to high quality health information clearly written in their own language.” I believe that most health professional students endorse that goal, as do individuals who volunteer to contribute to Wikipedia’s health-related content. Bringing these two communities together inspired my team’s efforts: a course for medical students to earn academic credit for improving Wikipedia. Here I describe the evolution of that course between 2013 – 2017, and highlight ongoing partnerships with Wikiproject Medicine, Translators Without Borders, and Wikipedia Zero. These collaborations align with health professional schools’ local service missions. If more faculty and schools embrace Wikipedia as a teaching and learning tool for tomorrow’s health professionals, those local service missions suddenly expand into a truly global network—accelerating fulfillment of Wikipedia’s audacious goal. In this manuscript, I reflect on my experiences embracing Wikipedia as a medical educator, and speculate about potential implications for the future of health professional education globally.
Evaluation of New Zealand’s Trade and Direct Investment Intensities with Major Trading Partners
Authors: Gonuguntla Satya
Published: June 2017

New Zealand (NZ) has been implementing liberal economic policies since 1980s. Accordingly, NZ has negotiated Free Trade Agreements with several countries. NZ is also the founding member of the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) which aims to achieve sustainable economic growth and prosperity among the countries in the Asia-Pacific Region, through free trade, investment and rapid regional economic integration. The bilateral FTAs include the Closer Economic Relations Agreement (CER) with Australia in 1983, Singapore (2001), and China (2008), Malaysia (2010), Hong Kong, China (2011) which are also member economies of the APEC. The consequence is an increase in trade as well as investment flows from Australia, Japan, Singapore, USA, and China. Presently, Australia is the largest export destination for New Zealand accounting for about 20% of merchandise exports, and a similar percent of merchandise imports. Australia is also the largest investor in NZ accounting for 56% of FDI in New Zealand. Singapore is NZ’s 6th largest trading partner and China is the second largest trading partner. Singapore, and Hong Kong, China each account for 4.5% of NZ’s FDI stock. The aim of this paper is to investigate the changing pattern of NZ’s total trade with these countries and inward FDI stock from these countries. The methodology consists of calculating and interpreting the Trade Intensity Indices and FDI Intensity Indices to gauge the significance of these two ratios at bilateral and regional level.
Residence in proximity of a coal-oil-fired thermal power plant and risk of lung and bladder cancer in north-eastern Italy. A population-based study, 1995-2009
Authors: Collarile Paolo , Bidoli Ettore , Barbone Fabio , Zanier Loris , Del Zotto Stefania , Fuser Simonetta , Stel Fulvio , Panato Chiara , Gallai Irene , Serraino Diego
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the risk of lung and bladder cancers in people residing in proximity of a coal-oil-fired thermal power plant in an area of north-eastern Italy, covered by a population-based cancer registry. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) by sex, age, and histology were computed according to tertiles of residential exposure to benzene, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particular matter, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) among 1076 incident cases of lung and 650 cases of bladder cancers. In men of all ages and in women under 75 years of age, no significant associations were observed. Conversely, in women aged >75 years significantly increased risks of lung and bladder cancers were related to high exposure to benzene (IRR for highest vs. lowest tertile: 2.00 for lung cancer and 1.94 for bladder cancer) and NO2 (IRR: 1.72 for lung cancer; and 1.94 for bladder cancer). In these women, a 1.71-fold higher risk of lung cancer was also related to a high exposure to SO2. The findings of this descriptive study indicated that air pollution may have a role with regard to the risk of lung and bladder cancers, limited to women aged ≥ 75 years. Such increased risk warrants further analytical investigations.
A General Mechanism for Long Term Non-Reinforced Behavioral Change
Authors: Salomon Tom , Botvinik-Nezer rotem , Gutentag Tony , Gera Rani , Iwanir Roni , Tamir Maya , Schonberg Tom
Published: June 2017

Achieving a long-lasting behavioral change is a major challenge that can have a large impact on the quality of life. Recently, it has been shown that using the cue-approach task (CAT), preferences for snack food items could be modified without external reinforcement. In the task, the mere association of images of snack food items with a neutral auditory cue and a speeded button press resulted in increased preferences for the associated items. We examined the generality and long term endurance of the mechanism underlying this non-reinforced behavioral change. In a series of nine independent experiments with 236 participants we used multiple cues of different modalities and a variety of conceptually different stimuli including snacks, affective images, faces and fractals. Our results show a consistent preference modification for all stimuli of neutral and positive (but not negative) valence, regardless of cue modality. More importantly, in five follow-up sessions performed one to six months after training, behavioral change was maintained and durable. Our results provide evidence of a replicable general mechanism for non-reinforced long lasting behavioral change, extending beyond cue modality and stimulus type. This mechanism can be utilized to improve our understanding of non-reinforced learning processes as well as for development of novel clinical behavioral change applications
Factors may drive the commercial banks lending: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Mansour Khalaf Alkhazaleh Ayman
Published: June 2017

In an attempt to shed more light on the behavior of lending in banks, especially in the environment of developing countries, this study aims at explaining the impact of some factors proposed as determinants of bank lending in Jordanian commercial banks by benefiting from the financial reports of thirteen banks during the period 2010-2016. The study, in order to achieve the objectives and to test the main hypotheses has adopted Ordinary least square model (OLS). The most important results of the study are a statistically significant adverse effect of both credit risk and liquidity on bank lending, while there is a significant positive effect of the return on assets, size of the bank measured by assets, inflation, money supply and growth in gross domestic product in determining the level of lending. In addition, the study does not show a significant statistical effect between investments, the volume of deposits and bank lending in the same time frame. The review points out that because of the negative impact of liquidity and credit risk factors, commercial banks need to focus more on reducing their impact because presence of this impact at the end will decrease the ability of these banks to provide loans and stay in the banking market.
SME perceptions of the independent review and accounting skills on bank financing: South African perspective
Authors: Coetzee Francois , W. Buys Pieter
Published: June 2017

Access to bank financing is regularly rated as one of the biggest obstacles to SME sustainability. With the introduction of the independent review as an alternative to the statutory audit, banks may have inevitably lost their risk assessment reassurance that audits provided. Previous research found that banks have adjusted to this situation by no longer insisting on audited financial statements. The research undertaken in this study aims to, firstly, investigate SME owner/managers’ perceptions about what banks require when assessing bank loan applications; and, secondly, to gauge SME owner/manager’s attitudes towards the value they perceive accounting may contribute to their sustainability. It was found from an SME perspective, that although an independent review is the current way to go, many SME owner/managers consider their own accounting skills, as the language of business, to be lacking. This could potentially have repercussions in inadvertently promoting further asymmetric financial information, and thereby limiting successes in obtaining finance.
Actual problems of the capital stability management in the Ukraine’s banking system
Authors: Yehorycheva Svitlana , Kolodiziev Oleh , Prasolova Svitlana
Published: June 2017

Capital stability of the banking system is the basis of its effective development and realization of its main function – optimal redistribution of capital. So, the aim of the article is to develop indicators of capital stability of the banking system, and to propose the frameworks for the long term capital stability strategy of the banking system in Ukraine. For this purpose, the analysis of micro- and macroeconomic indicators of the capital stability of domestic banks within the period 2007–2016 is made. To carry out the research, there were used the statistic data of the National Bank of Ukraine, its legislative and regulatory documents, the Basel Accords.
Capital stability of the banking system has been defined in the article as the process of ensuring capitalization that is adequate to the banking risks and cyclical economic development. It has been detected that a significant reduction in return on equity of the Ukrainian banks in 2014–2015 even with restoring their liquidity has had a crucial destabilizing impact on their capital stability. In order to improve the assessment of capital stability, its key indicators for the groups of domestic banks have been studied. The necessity of refocusing macroprudential requirements of the National Bank of Ukraine from quantitative indicators to qualitative ones to ensure economic development has been proved. It has been concluded that a necessary condition for restoring the Ukrainian banking system was to develop an effective strategy for ensuring its capital stability, which should be focused on the creation of its diversified structure.
Technology choices in scaling up sanitation can significantly affect greenhouse gas emissions and the fertiliser gap in India
Authors: Kulak Michal , Shah Nimish , Sawant Niteen , Unger Nicole , King Henry
Published: June 2017

Nearly 800 million people in India lack access to adequate sanitation. The choice of technology for addressing this need may have important sustainability implications. In this study, we used life cycle assessment to compare environmental impacts and nutrient recovery potentials of four different options for providing everyone in India with access to improved sanitation: (i) centralised wastewater treatment with sequential batch reactors (SBR), (ii) twin-pit latrines, (iii) latrines with source separation only and (iv) latrines with source-separation of urine and faeces connected to biogas plants. Results revealed large variability. Closing the sanitation gap through pit latrines would be expected to cause large increases of India's annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, equivalent to 7% of current levels. Source separation only and centralised plants with SBR will be associated with lower GHG emissions, while the biogas scenario shows a potential to provide net emission reduction. The study revealed that source separating systems can provide significant quantities of plant available nitrogen and phosphorus at the country level. Future research should include more technological options and regions. Methodology piloted in this study can be integrated into the planning and design processes for scaling up sanitation in India and other countries.
The sanitation and urban agriculture nexus: urine collection and application as fertilizer in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Chrispim Mariana C. , Tarpeh William A. , Salinas Delhi T. P. , Nolasco Marcelo A.
Published: June 2017

Separately collected urine is an attractive potential fertilizer because of its high nutrient content, low cost, and inherent linkage of urban wastewater management and peri-urban agriculture. Urine from waterless urinals was applied to corn and lettuce plants to examine the impact of urine application rates and frequency on plant growth and soil parameters. In both corn and lettuce experiments, urine application significantly (p < 0.05) increased growth and leaf production relative to control plants. More frequent applications led to lower soil cation exchange capacities for corn and higher soil nitrogen content for both crops. Based on preliminary implementation calculations, waterless urinals at the University of São Paulo (USP), School of Arts, Sciences, and Humanities campus could lead to over 1,500 m3 of water saved and 360 m3 of urine produced on an annual basis. These experiments and modeling results are discussed in the context of scaling up urban urine collection, transport, and fertilization in São Paulo, Brazil.
ANALIZA KRYTYCZNA WYBRANYCH REGULACJI PRZEPISÓW KARNYCH KODEKSU SPÓŁEK HANDLOWYCH
Authors: Raglewski Janusz
Published: June 2017

Critical Analysis of Chosen Penalty Provisions of the Code of Commercial CompaniesSummaryThis article is devoted to chosen legislative problems regarding the penalty provisions of the Code of Commercial Companies („CCC”). The considerations of the author are limited to specific issues which in his opinion require prom pt changes. The author’s proposals de lege ferenda regard the following issues: 1) broadening of the subject scope of art. 585 § 1 CCC providing for the penalties for the actions to the company’s detrim ent w ith regard to personal companies; 2) removal of art. 585 § 2 CCC; 3) broadening the liability resulting from art. 586 CCC to all persons which are legally responsible for not filing a m otion for announcem ent of the bankruptcy of a company; 4) changing art. 588 CCC so that it could also provide for the penalties for allowing an acquisition (taking as a pledge) a part of a share by a company; 5) removal of art. 593 as a totally redundant, and 6) defining the legal nature of the regulations included in art. 594 and 595 CCC, accompanied by relevant amendments thereto.
O RÓŻNYCH REGUŁACH DAWNEGO PRAWA. 17 TYTUŁ 50 KSIĘGI DIGESTÓW. TEKST - TŁUMACZENIE - KOMENTARZ
Authors: Palmirski Tomasz
Published: June 2017

O RÓŻNYCH REGUŁACH DAWNEGO PRAWA. 17 TYTUŁ 50 KSIĘGI DIGESTÓW. TEKST - TŁUMACZENIE - KOMENTARZ
ZATRUDNIENIE W NIEPEŁNYM WYMIARZE CZASU PRACY
Authors: Surdykowska Barbara
Published: June 2017

Time-part Employment – Chances and ThreatsSummaryOver the last twenty years, an increasing share of employment across the EU countries has been made up of part time jobs. That is why the growth in part-time employment stands out as a prominent feature of modern labor markets. However, there are still remarkable differences in the relative volumes of the part-time employment share in different countries within the European Union.In recent years, the issue of labor market flexibility has become prominent in the debate over the labor market policy in Europe. The lack of dynamism in the flexibility of the labor markets within the EU countries, often characterized by a height share of long- term unemployment and stringent employment protection legislation, has frequently been blamed for the poor employment performance of the 80s and 90s.An increase in the rate of part-time work has been generally perceived as a positive development as it enables the employers to adjust work hours to the cyclical conditions more easily, facilitates an adjustment of production and labor costs as well as attracts people, who were previously unwilling or unable to work, towards the labor market. But one has to notice that some studies have found that part-time workers earn less than their full time colleagues, my be less likely to receive some benefits and face reduced chances for promotion.
TOMASZ GIARO, Römische Rechtswahrheiten. Ein Gedankenexperiment. Wydawnictwo Vittorio Klostermann, Frankfurt am Main 2007 [Studien zur europäischen Rechtsgeschichte. Veröffentlichungen des Max-Planck-Instituts für europäische Rechtsgeschichte, Band 219], ss. XII, 767
Authors: Kuryłowicz Marek
Published: June 2017

TOMASZ GIARO, Römische Rechtswahrheiten. Ein Gedankenexperiment. Wydawnictwo Vittorio Klostermann, Frankfurt am Main 2007 [Studien zur europäischen Rechtsgeschichte. Veröffentlichungen des Max-Planck-Instituts für europäische Rechtsgeschichte, Band 219], ss. XII, 767