bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning With Computer-Based Learning Environments: A Literature Review of Computer Self-Efficacy
Authors: Moos Daniel C. , Azevedo Roger
Published: February 2009

Although computer-based learning environments (CBLEs) are becoming more prevalent in the classroom, empirical research has demonstrated that some students have difficulty learning with these environments. The motivation construct of computer-self efficacy plays an integral role in learning with CBLEs. This literature review synthesizes research that has empirically examined factors related to computer self-efficacy and the relationship between computer self-efficacy, learning outcomes, and learning processes with CBLEs. Results indicate that behavioral and psychological factors are positively related to computer self-efficacy. Students who receive behavioral modeling report significantly higher computer self-efficacy than do students who receive the more traditional instruction-based method when learning with CBLEs. Computer self-efficacy is related both to learning outcomes and to learning processes with CBLEs. This review also offers theoretical and methodological issues for future research in the area of computer self-efficacy.
The Human–Animal Bond in Academic Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Rowan Andrew N.
Published: February 2009

This article outlines the development of academic veterinary interest in the human–animal bond (HAB) and provides short summaries of the various centers currently studying the HAB at North American universities. Although most of these centers are at veterinary schools, the level of involvement by veterinarians is surprisingly low, considering how important a strong HAB is for the average veterinary practitioner (the stronger the bond, the more the client will be willing to pay for veterinary services).
Current Human–Animal Bond Course Offerings in Veterinary Schools
Authors: Beck Alan M. , Martin François
Published: February 2009

The human–animal bond (HAB) is viewed as growing in importance for practicing veterinarians, veterinary students, and society in general. The fields and activities concerning the HAB are interdisciplinary and varied. There is widespread belief that HAB programs are important for veterinarians, although many practitioners feel that their instruction on this topic was not as complete as desired. Most activities associated with the HAB are conducted in specific centers, but only about half of the veterinary schools in North America have such centers, and the instructional programs they offer to students show much variation. The purpose of this study was to survey North American veterinary schools and to document the activities related to the HAB and HAB centers that are available to veterinary students.
The Benefits of Human–Companion Animal Interaction: A Review
Authors: Barker Sandra B. , Wolen Aaron R.
Published: February 2009

This article provides a review of research published since 1980 on the benefits of human–companion animal interaction. Studies focusing on the benefits of pet ownership are presented first, followed by research on the benefits of interacting with companion animals that are not owned by the subject (animal-assisted activities). While most of the published studies are descriptive and have been conducted with convenience samples, a promising number of controlled studies support the health benefits of interacting with companion animals. Future research employing more rigorous designs and systematically building upon a clearly defined line of inquiry is needed to advance our knowledge of the benefits of human–companion animal interaction.
The Contribution of Animals to Human Well-Being: A Veterinary Family Practice Perspective
Authors: Timmins Richard P.
Published: February 2009

There is considerable evidence that humans can benefit both physically and emotionally from a relationship with companion animals, a phenomenon known as the human-animal bond (HAB). This has not only increased the demand for veterinary services to meet the needs of these non-human family members and their owners, but it has also transformed the nature of those services from reactive medicine and surgery to proactive prevention and wellness. The emotional component of the HAB requires the veterinarian to have a solid understanding of the nature of the attachment between client and pet, and an ability to educate the client about proper care of the animal in order to optimize the relationship. Paying attention to the relationship between client and patient also positions the veterinary family practitioner to refer the client to appropriate community resources for physical, emotional, or other needs of the client that may become apparent during the veterinarian–client interaction. By achieving physical and mental health objectives for patients and collaborating with human health care services, the veterinary family practitioner contributes to the well-being of both patient and client. This new face of veterinary family practice requires research and education in fields that have not traditionally been a part of veterinary training.
Bond-Centered Veterinary Practice: Lessons for Veterinary Faculty and Students
Authors: Ormerod Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2009

We are currently experiencing a paradigm shift in attitudes to companion animals, in part due to our greater understanding of the health and social benefits associated with the human–animal bond (HAB). Recent demographic changes, including smaller family size, increased longevity, and a higher incidence of relationship breakdown, have resulted in a greater dependence on pets for companionship and social support. It is therefore important for the veterinary profession to understand the HAB, keep abreast of knowledge in this field, and apply research findings to help our clients, their companion animals, and the wider society in which we live. How can veterinarians incorporate the HAB into their practices for the benefit of people and animals, and what are the effects of using a bond-centered approach? This article addresses this question, and arises from the experience of a veterinarian who introduced a bond-centered approach to her practice in the United Kingdom over 20 years ago.
A Lifesaving Model: Teaching Advanced Procedures on Shelter Animals in a Tertiary Care Facility
Authors: Spindel Miranda E. , MacPhail Catriona M. , Hackett Timothy B. , Egger Erick L. , Palmer Ross H. , Mama Khursheed R. , Lee David E. , Wilkerson Nicole , Lappin Michael R.
Published: February 2009

It is estimated that there are over 5 million homeless animals in the United States. While the veterinary profession continues to evolve in advanced specialty disciplines, animal shelters in every community lack resources for basic care. Concurrently, veterinary students, interns, and residents have less opportunity for practical primary and secondary veterinary care experiences in tertiary-care institutions that focus on specialty training. The two main goals of this project were (1) to provide practical medical and animal-welfare experiences to veterinary students, interns, and residents, under faculty supervision, and (2) to care for animals with medical problems beyond a typical shelter's technical capabilities and budget. Over a two-year period, 22 animals from one humane society were treated at Colorado State University Veterinary Medical Center. Initial funding for medical expenses was provided by PetSmart Charities. All 22 animals were successfully treated and subsequently adopted. The results suggest that collaboration between a tertiary-care facility and a humane shelter can be used successfully to teach advanced procedures and to save homeless animals. The project demonstrated that linking a veterinary teaching hospital's resources to a humane shelter's needs did not financially affect either institution. It is hoped that such a program might be used as a model and be perpetuated in other communities.
Adult Learning in Veterinary Education: Theory to Practice
Authors: Dale Vicki H.M. , Sullivan Martin , May Stephen A.
Published: February 2009

This paper argues the case for the increased application of adult learning principles to veterinary education. It encapsulates evidence from the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and Australia to explain why it has taken veterinary schools so long to transform their curricula to best facilitate the development of lifelong learning skills, such as independent and self-directed learning, problem solving, and critical thinking. Despite the variation in training programs in these different regions, the paper identifies common issues—conflicting educational paradigms and the need for faculty development—and ultimately concludes that professional and continuing education should be viewed as a continuous process, supporting the adult learner's cognitive development and facilitated through experiential learning.
Interactive Clinical Cases in Veterinary Education Used to Promote Independent Study
Authors: Allenspach Karin , Bell Jodie , Whittlestone Kim D.
Published: February 2009

This study set out to encourage veterinary undergraduates to adopt independent and deep approaches to their study in a five-week third-year course on the alimentary system by incorporating problem solving and decision analysis. We were interested in exploring the effectiveness of two implementations ofonline interactive case scenarios and the amount of staff time required to develop, deploy, and support their use by students. The majority of students who responded to our questionnaire attempted all the cases available and were able to work with very little tutor input. Cases that prompted students to type an answer before allowing them to progress were rated by all students as making them think more. The realistic nature of the cases, the way they stimulated students’ interest, and the need to apply existing knowledge gained in lectures were cited as three of the five characteristics that students most liked. These characteristics map to a range of learning processes that are considered to form a fully developed deep approach by research in this field over the past 40 years. While resource implications are still high, this use of these case scenarios did engage the vast majority of students in independent and deep approaches to their study.
Assessment: Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty? Evolution of Final Examinations at the Royal Veterinary College
Authors: Pead Matthew J.
Published: February 2009

Teachers of veterinary medicine frequently regard assessment as a Cinderella subject. Consciously or unconsciously, they allow assessment systems to become faithful slaves, brought out and dusted off when required, out of sight and out of mind at other times. This often means that assessment is last on the priority list when educational development is considered. Pedagogical literature is full of references to the power of appropriate assessment systems and the role that they can play in shaping and driving the learning environment. “Assessment drives learning” and “Students respect what is inspected” are the headlines associated with such references, and this viewpoint places assessment much more in the role of a Sleeping Beauty, requiring only a simple touch to become a vehicle for modernizing an educational system. This article uses an example of change to a UK veterinary final examination to present the tensions between these contrasting views, and some solutions for them, in an effort to fuel the debate on improving the use of assessment.
Problem-Based Learning in Veterinary Education
Authors: Lane Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2009

Problem-based learning (PBL) replicates life experiences to stimulate learning, the integration of knowledge, and lifelong learning skills, all of which are requirements for veterinary medical education. As the curricular content of veterinary schools expands to immense proportions following advances in medical knowledge and biotechnology, it becomes impracticable to ensure that all students at the beginning of their careers have such a wide knowledge base. Students who are faced with vast amounts of information to learn by rote, much of which may seem irrelevant to their prospective career, may become disillusioned with their chosen course, hence the temptation to convert to a PBL curriculum. The PBL strategy of teaching is becoming increasingly popular in veterinary faculties worldwide, encompassing both curriculum content and a process of learning. In PBL, clinical cases are carefully selected to provoke deep student learning by the acquisition of both basic scientific and clinical knowledge critical to the case; cultivate problem-solving abilities; and encourage the development of team-building, self-directed learning, communication, and self- and peer-assessment skills. Problem-solving skills, understanding of the basic sciences, and clinical performance are all improved by the PBL process. The aim of this paper is to review a decade of literature pertaining to the inclusion of PBL in veterinary and medical curricula.
The role of neurotrophic factors in nerve regeneration
Authors: Gordon Tessa
Published: February 2009

This review considers the 2 sources of neurotrophic factors in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the neurons and the nonneuronal cells in the denervated distal nerve stumps, and their role in axon regeneration. Morphological assessment of regenerative success in response to administration of exogenous growth factors after nerve injury and repair has indicated a role of the endogenous neurotrophic factors from Schwann cells in the distal nerve stump. However, the increased number of axons may reflect more neurons regenerating their axons and/or increased numbers of axon sprouts from the same number of neurons. Using fluorescent dyes to count neurons that regenerated their axons across a suture site and into distal nerve stumps, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were found not to increase the number of neurons that regenerated their axons after immediate nerve repair. Nevertheless, the factors did reverse the deleterious effect of delayed nerve repair, indicating that the axons that regenerate into the distal nerve stump normally have access to sufficient levels of endogenous neurotrophic factors to sustain their regeneration, while neurons that do not have access to these factors require exogenous factors to sustain axon regeneration. Neurons upregulate neurotrophic factors after axotomy. The upregulation is normally slow, beginning after 7 days and occurring in association with a protracted period of axonal regeneration in which axons grow out from the proximal nerve stump across a suture site over a period of 1 month in rodents. This staggered axon regeneration across the suture site is accelerated by a 1-hour period of low-frequency electrical stimulation that simultaneously accelerates the expression of BDNF and its trkB receptor in the neurons. Elevation of the level of BDNF after 2 days to > 3 times that found in unstimulated neurons was accompanied by elevation of the level of cAMP and followed by accelerated upregulation of growth-associated genes, tubulin, actin, and GAP-43 and downregulation of neurofilament protein. Elevation of cAMP levels via rolipram inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 mimicked the effect of the low-frequency electrical stimulation. In conclusion, the enhanced upregulation of neurotrophic factors in the electrically stimulated axotomized neurons accelerates axon outgrowth into the distal nerve stumps where endogenous sources of growth factors in the Schwann cells support the regeneration of the axons toward the denervated targets. The findings provide strong support for endogenous neurotrophic factors of axotomized neurons and of denervated Schwann cells playing a critical role in supporting axon regeneration in the PNS.
Immediate Clinical Outcome of 600 Cases of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
Authors: Uddin MJ , Hussain KS , Ali M , Chowdhury AHK , Haque SA , Rahman MS , Rahman F , Khan AR , Saifullah M , Sarwar A , Rahman S , Ahmed MK
Published: February 2009

This is an ongoing study done in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) during the period April 2002 to October 2007, few cases were done in Eurobangla Heart Hospital, Lab Aid Cardiac Hospital & National Heart Foundation, SSMC & MH, Metropolitan Medical Center. Total number of study population was 600 with male 550 & female 50. Indication of Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was- Unstable angina (with no prior myocardial infarction) 240 cases, MI inferior (with post Myocardial infarction angina) 204 cases & MI anterior (with post MI angina) 156 cases. The risk factors were Hypertension (HTN) 310 cases (52%), smoking 426 cases (71%), Diabetes Mellitus (DM) 180 cases (30%), Positive family history for ischemic heart diseases (IHD) 120 cases (20%), Hyperlipidemia 150 cases (25%). Total number of target coronary arteries was 760 and total number of lesion was 803 of which780 lesions treated. Distribution of 803 lesions were left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) 389 (proximal LAD 152, mid LAD 177, distal LAD 60), Right coronary artery (RCA) 230 (proximal 94, mid RCA 93, Distal RCA 26, RCA PD 17), Left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) 137 (proximal LCX 60, mid LCX 54, distal LCX 16, LCX PD 07), diagonal 15, obtuse marginal (OM) 20, ramus intermedius. Angiographic diagnosis of the patients were Single vessel disease 312 (52%), Double vessel disease 156 (26%) & Triple vessel disease 132 (22%). Number of lesions treated were 803 of which 780 lesions was treated. PTCA with stenting done in 725 lesion & 34 lesions treated with plain PTCA. Total occlusion was treated in 85 cases. The native vessel has a mean reference diameter was 3.03 ± 0.61 mm. Residual stenosis after deploying stents was <10%. Our success rate was-angiographic success 96%, procedural success 94% & clinical success 92%. Total mortality was 03. One patient having triple vessel disease died on P the procedure due to sudden cardiac arrest due to asystole, one pt died on the table due to acute closure by thrombus & one patient died on 4th day due to huge retroperitoneal hemorrhage & shock. Sub acute stent thrombosis occurs in 3 cases causing acute myocardial infarction & one case required emergency CABG. Following procedure, in hospital course of the patients were uneventful. All the patients were discharged by three to fourth day of the procedure with improvement of their clinical condition. So the result of our study is good both in plain PTCA group & PTCA + stent group.

(University Heart Journal 2007; 3 : 50-56)
Correlation of ECG Changes With Coronary Angiographic Morphology in Patients Presented With Rest Pain
Authors: Sharmin Shahnur , Siddique Md Abu , Ahmed Md Khurshed , Haque KMHS Sirajul
Published: February 2009

The study was performed to see the correlation of ECG changes with CAG findings in patients of unstable angina presented with prolonged rest pain. A total 30 cases were taken and was divided into three groups according to their ST segment and T wave changes in ECG. Echocardiogram was done and selective coronary angiogram was performed in all patients within 5 to 15 days of presentation. The study showed that patient with significant ECG change had more extensive coronary artery involvement than the patients with less significant ECG change or normal ECG with better preserved ejection fraction. So ECG changes can give a clue about severity, long-term prognosis and outcome of the disease.

(University Heart Journal 2007; 3 : 57-59)
Comparative study on In-hospital Improvement of left Ventricular Ejection Fraction after PCI
Authors: Rahman Md Mukhlesur , Siddique Md Abu , Haque KMHS Sirajul , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman , Ahmed Md Khurshed , Azam Md Golam , Rahman Fazlur
Published: February 2009

The purpose of the study was to identify the impact of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) on ejection fraction between patients prior MI and without prior MI. This study was carried out at the University Cardiac Centre, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, during the period between January 2006 to July 2006. Patients without history of prior MI experienced significant improvement of echo EF following PCI (62.30 ± 5.52 vs. 46.63 ± 6.43%, p < 0.001). In short term follow up remarkable improvement of LVEF is observed in patients of PCI who do not have prior MI in compared to patients having prior MI.

(University Heart Journal 2007; 3 : 60-62)
Evaluation of Therapeutic Management of Severe Heart Failure by Leg Isometric Exercise (LIE) Test
Authors: Ghose Triptish Chandra , Yunosov Zakir Zahidovich
Published: February 2009

To evaluate the therapeutic management of severe heart failure by using Leg Isometric Exercise (LIE) test, a study was carried out in the Department of New Method Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Diseases of the Scientific Research Institute of Cardiology, Tashkent, Former USSR during the period of July 1990 to October 1992. Study was done on 32 male patients of severe heart failure who have significantly reduced tolerability to the physical exercise. All of them are within the age of 32 to 65 years (mean age  50.3+1.7 years). According to the functional status of these patients corresponds with functional class-II (n=12), FC-III (n=20) of NYHA. With the help of clinical evaluation and the results of repeated Echocardiography, which was conducted for evaluation of clinical effect in 10-12 days of starting of treatment, the patients were divided into two groups. Gr.-I (n=23)  patients with significant clinical therapeutic effect and Gr.-II (n=9) - patients without significant clinical therapeutic effect. It was revealed that parameter like exercise DBP decreased distinctly (p<0.05) in gr.I patients and resting DSC (p<0.001) and exercise DSC (p<0.001) after starting of treatment in relation to initial stages at rest and exercise. Therefore signs of clinical therapeutic effect of patients with severe heart failure were decrease of resting DSC and exercise DSC and also decrease of exercise DBP. It is to be noted that these parameters can be utilized by cardiologist in their practice for predicting therapeutic effect of patients with severe HF on the basis of the results of repeated LIE test.

(University Heart Journal 2007; 3 : 67-72 )
Percutaneous valvular intervention
Authors: Majumder Abdullah AS
Published: February 2009

University Heart Journal Vol. 4 No. 1 January 2008
Cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Abu Siddique Md , Salman Mohammad
Published: February 2009

doi:10.3329/uhj.v4i2.2064University Heart Journal Vol. 4 No. 2 July 2008
Study on the effect of intracoronary Adenosine on the incidence of myonecrosis after elective percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Ahsan Md Razib , Siddique Md Abu , Haque KMHS Sirajul , Ahsan Syed Ali , Ahmed Md Khurshed , Rahman Md Mukhlesur
Published: February 2009

Appearance of serum creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB), reflecting the periprocedural myonecrosis, after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with future cardiac adverse events. The intracoronary adenosine on the incidence of myonecrosis after elective PCI was assessed. In this prospective, case control study with a total of 60 patients, 30 cases pretreated with 50 micro grams bolus intracoronary adenosine before advancement of guidewire and 30 controls not pretreated was studied during elective PCI. Both groups received statin and loading dose of Clopidogrel. Myonecrosis was assessed by CK-MB level after PCI. Post procedural myonecrosis occurred in 16.7 % (n=5) in case group and 36.7 % (n=11) in control group (OR=1.818; 95% CI 0.841; P=0.080). The result is not statistically significant but shows that the incidence of myonecrosis was reduced from 36.7% to 16.7%. Intracoronary adenosine reduces the incidence of myonecrosis after elective PCI. Keywords: Adenosine; Creatine kinase MB fraction; Intracoronary; Myonecrosis; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Periprocedural. Â  doi:10.3329/uhj.v4i2.2068 University Heart Journal Vol. 4 No. 2 July 2008 p19-23
Study of angiographic association of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis with coronary artery disease in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Sirajul , Mahmood Manzoor , Haque KMHS Sirajul , Abu Siddique Md , Banerjee Sajal Krishna , Islam M Nazrul , Ahsan Sayed Ali , Rahman Fazlur , Ahmed Chaudhury Meshkat , Safiuddin Md , Hasan ATM Iqbal , Ahmed Md Khurshed , Subedi Bikas
Published: February 2009

This retrospective observational study aimed to see the angiographic association of atherosclerotic renal-artery stenosis (ARAS) with coronary artery disease in Bangladesh. It was conducted in department of cardiology, University Cardiac Centre, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from January 2007 to January 2008. A total of 250 patients with coronary artery involvement, on non-emergent coronary angiogram who underwent either selective or nonselective renal angiography were enrolled in this study. Among 250 patients, 52 (20.8%) patient had single vessel disease (SVD), 49 (19.6%) and 149 (59.6%) had double vessel disease (DVD) and triple vessel disease (TVD) respectively. ARAS was detected in 37.2% or 93 patients. ARAS tends to increase with age. In age group of 30-40, ARAS is 7.4% whereas in age group of 51-60 years it is 41%. The incidence of ARAS is high in 50.25Â±9.98years; p=0.0001. 33.3% male patients with CAD had ARAS whereas it was 44.3% in female patients with CAD. ARAS is more common in female 44.3% vs 33.3%; p=0.02. ARAS prevalence increased with the number of stenosed coronary arteries (3.8% in 1-vessel, 26.5% in 2-vessel, 52.3%in 3-vessel CAD; p=.0001.). Hypertension and angiographically proven CAD were independent predictors of ARAS (p=0.0001). In conclusion, ARAS prevalence and severity increases with the number of arterial territories involved and CAD severity. Hypertension and 2-3-vessel-CAD were identified independent predictors of ARAS. Â  doi:10.3329/uhj.v4i2.2069 University Heart Journal Vol. 4 No. 2 July 2008 p24-27
Variation of adult admission and co-morbidity to general intensive care unit of BSMMU: Impact on outcome
Authors: Faruque Labib Imran , Huda Qumrul , Banik Debasish , Rahman AKM Shafiqur
Published: February 2009

A retrospective study was done in ICU of BSMMU during January to June 2007 with a total number of 157 patients. Patients were included from this hospital and also from private hospitals. In accordance of the criteria for analysis a structured questionnaire was used whereas data obtain from hospital record sheets and file. We observed admission diagnosis, co-morbidities, length of stay, different procedures and overall outcome. Among 157 Patients age group of 61-70 yrs. constitutes the major proportion, which was 20.4% and male was 61.8%. 108 patients (75.2%) were admitted due medical illness and among which respiratory failure was 15.3%, intracranial hemorrhage was 13.4%.Among 112 deaths 77 died after 96 hours of admission. Death occurred in 90.5% for non-traumatic hemorrhage and 94.1% cases for pneumonia (P < 0.5). We did not find any significant association between outcome and co-morbidities except for cerebrovascular in sufficiency (P < 0.5). Therefore we can predict that admission diagnosis and other factors. doi:10.3329/uhj.v4i2.2070 University Heart Journal Vol. 4 No. 2 July 2008 p28-31
Stem cell therapy- An update
Authors: Rahman Fazlur , Subedi Bikash , Awal Anisul , Haque KMHS Sirajul , Siddique Md Abu , Banerjee Sajal Krishna , Safiuddin Md , Ahmed Chaudhury Meshkat , Ahsan Syed Ali , Anam Khairul , Ahmed Md Khurshed , Rahman Md Mukleshur , Sultan Md Ashraf Uddin , Rashid Md A , Salman Mohammad
Published: February 2009

Stem cells are one of the most fascinating areas of biology today. Stem cells have two important characteristics that distinguish them from other types of cells. First, they are unspecialized cells that renew themselves for long periods through cell division. The second is that under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become cells with special functions. Stem cells can be obtained from several sources including spare embryos, special purposes embryos, aborted fetus, umbilical cords, adult tissue or organs, cadavers. The procedure of adult stem cell therapy involves several steps including extraction of cells from various sources, separation by surface markers using FACS, growth in specific culture media and injection into target organs. This modern aspect of regenerative or reparative medicine can be applied for cardiac diseases (coronary artery diseases, heart failure, non ischaemic cardiomyopathies), skin replacement, Diabetes, spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative disease like Parkinsonism, stroke. In future, it may become possible the use of stem cells in organ transplantation. Â Â  doi:10.3329/uhj.v4i2.2076 University Heart Journal Vol. 4 No. 2 July 2008 p.46-48
periodR – an R Package to Calculate Long-term Cancer Survival Estimates Using Period Analysis
Authors: Gondos A. , Brenner H. , Holleczek B.
Published: February 2009

Objective: In this paper, a software package for the R language and system for statistical computing is presented for computation of long-term cancer survival estimates based on the period analysis approach. The period analysis approach provides up-to-date long-term survival estimates of concurrently diagnosed patients, enables early detection of recent changes in long-term prognosis of cancer patients and provides better survival predictions for recently and currently diagnosed patients than traditional cohort-based approaches.

Methods: Computation of absolute and relative survival estimates (both conditional follow-up year-specific and cumulative survival estimates) and their standard errors is based on standard actuarial methodology. For relative survival estimation the “Ederer II” and “Hakulinen” method were implemented.

Results: The package may be used for period analysis as well as traditional cohort-based survival estimation. The package further provides functions for the export of survival estimates for use with spreadsheet programs and for plotting survival curves. The application of period analysis is illustrated using stomach cancer data included in the package.

Conclusion: Application of period analysis has gradually increased in recent years but continues to be limited by availability of affordable and easy-to-use software tools. The presented R package aims at closing this gap and will further facilitate the use of period analysis for the research community working with population-based cancer registry data. The software is freely available for download on the website of the Saarland Cancer Registry at http://www.krebsregister.saarland.de improve/periodR_en.html.
The Impact of SOA for Achieving Healthcare Interoperability
Authors: Mantas J. , Daskalakis S.
Published: February 2009

Objectives: The evaluation of a service-oriented prototype implementation for healthcare interoperability.

Methods: A prototype framework was developed, aiming to exploit the use of service-oriented architecture (SOA) concepts for achieving healthcare interoperability and to move towards a virtual patient record (VPR) paradigm. The prototype implementation was evaluated for its hypothetical adoption. The evaluation strategy was based on the initial proposition of the DeLone and McLean model of information systems (IS) success [1], as modeled by Iivari [2]. A set of SOA and VPR characteristics were empirically encapsulated within the dimensions of IS success model, combined with measures from previous research works. The data gathered was analyzed using partial least squares (PLS).

Results: The results highlighted that system quality is a partial predictor of system use but not of user satisfaction. On the contrary, information quality proved to be a significant predictor of user satisfaction and partially a strong significant predictor of system use. Moreover, system use did not prove to be a significant predictor of individual impact whereas the bi-directional relation between use and user satisfaction did not confirm. Additionally, user satisfaction was found to be a strong significant predictor of individual impact. Finally, individual impact proved to be a strong significant predictor of organizational impact.

Conclusions: The empirical study attempted to obtain hypothetical, but still useful beliefs and perceptions regarding the SOA prototype implementation. The deduced observations can form the basis for further investigation regarding the adaptability of SOA implementations with VPR characteristics in the health-care domain.
Development of a National Core Dataset for Preoperative Assessment
Authors: Ahmadian L. , Cornet R. , Kalkman C. , de Keizer N. F.
Published: February 2009

Objective: To define a core dataset for preoperative assessment to leverage uniform data collection in this domain. This uniformity is a prerequisite for data exchange between care providers and semantic interoperability between health record systems.

Methods: To design this core dataset a combination of literature review and expert consensus meetings were used. In the first meeting a working definition for “core dataset” was specified. Subgroups were formed to address major headings of the core dataset. In the following eight meetings data items for each subheading were discussed. The items in the resulting draft of the dataset were compared to those retrieved from an earlier literature review study. In the last two expert meetings modifications of the dataset were performed based on the result of this literature study.

Results: Based on expert consensus a draft dataset including 82 data items was designed. Seventy-six percent of data items in the draft dataset were covered by the literature study. Nine data items were modified in the draft and 14 data items were added to the dataset based on input from the literature review. The final dataset of 93 data items covers patient history, physical examination, supplementary examination and consultation, and final judgment.

Conclusions: This preoperative-assessment dataset was defined based on expert consensus and literature review. Both methods proved to be valuable and complementary. This dataset opens the door for creating standardized approaches in data collection in the preoperative assessment field which will facilitate interoperability between different electronic health records and different users.
Synthesis and redox behavior of new ferrocene-π-extended-dithiafulvalenes: An approach for anticipated organic conductors
Authors: Sarhan Abdelwareth A O , Mohammed Omar F , Izumi Taeko
Published: February 2009

A number of new ferrocene-π-extended-dithiafulvalenes were successfully synthesized as new electron donor compounds. The chemical structures and electrochemical behaviors of these compounds were investigated using several spectroscopic methods. The synthesis of these compounds was achieved using the modified Wittig–Horner cross-coupling reaction using n-BuLi/THF at temperature varies from −78 °C to 0 °C. These new classes of bis(1,3-dithiafulvalene)ferrocenes have the 1,3-dithiole ring system separated by ferrocene as conjugated spacer. The ferrocene-dithiafulvalenes derivatives 9 and 12 were prepared as side products during the synthesis of the targeted compounds as bis(1,3-dithiafulvalene)ferrocenes 8, 10 and 11 in variable yields. The redox properties of the compounds have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry at ambient temperature using tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) as the supporting electrolyte compared to ferrocene and the derivative 9. In CH2Cl2 on a Pt working electrode and at ambient temperature, two oxidation waves associated with two reduction waves at scan rates 100 mV s−1 were observed for 9 and 12. In contrast the anodic peak potential of bis(1,3-dithiafulvalene)ferrocenes 8, 10 and 11 exhibited two and three oxidation waves associated with two reduction waves.
User attitude survey of usage, maintenance and preservation of major palm leaf manuscripts collections in Sri Lanka
Authors: Alahakoon CNK , Wimalaratne KDG
Published: February 2009

This paper briefly introduces the user attitudes relating to the selected palm-leaf collections in the country and the survey has conducted as a part of the main survey. The objective of the study was to identify the user attitudes regarding the usage, maintenance and preservation of palm-leak in the 3 major collections of the country. Likert type attitude scale and 20 attitude questionnaire was distributed among the users and 75% were desponded Data analysis was done by using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Based on the findings, there were no attitude differences between the three factors of the (NM) and (NA) repositories. There was a significant difference in the (UP} repository due to various physical reasons. The one factor analysis revealed that all the users were with positive attitudes of usage and maintenance. But the third factor of preservation have scored highest amount from the UP repository for the negative attitudes. Several steps were suggested to overcome the problems such as microfilming the collections, user awareness programmes for usage, applying oil treatment, provide training for personals, restrict to use fragile copies and encourage using manuscripts for research. Key words: Attitude survey, usage, maintenance, preservation doi: 10.4038/jula.v11i0.322 Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka (Vol. 11) 2007 p.37-49
Care of the collection in University of Peradeniya library: strategic planning for the preventive conservation
Authors: Alahakoon Champa NK
Published: February 2009

This paper discusses some problems which prevail with regard to preventive conservation of rare materials presently available in the university library. It reveals the problems that have arisen due to deteriorating factors and negligent areas of the library, such as lack of awareness of the importance of the documents and materials; lack of positive thinking on preventive conservation; shortage of trained staff, equipment and chemicals; and lack of funds. It points out the importance and need of preservation of different kinds of material including wooden objects and paintings and the factors that need to be addressed with regard to preventive conservation. Lastly it highlights strategic planning for preventive conservation which needs to be implemented.Key words: Collection care, preservation of rare materials, strategic planning for preservation doi: 10.4038/jula.v12i0.326   Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka (Vol. 12) 2008 p.1-16
Information needs and information use: a research based on Social Scientists at the Open University of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunasekera Damayanthi
Published: February 2009

This study focuses on the information needs, use of resources by required by academics of the Social Sciences Department at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). The questionnaire and interview were used as instruments in this study to collect data. The response rate was 100% due to higher cooperation. A conceptual model was used to identify and assess the information needs of the academic staff. The study revealed that the multiple role of OUSL academic in the distance mode is different to that of an academic in the conventional setup hence their information needs are different, Academic in the distance mode depends heavily on the Internet, text books and subject journals as their major sources of information to fulfill their different needs. OUSL main library is used for writing and to revising course materials. Research needs are mainly fulfilled through special libraries in the country. Main obstacle that they face is getting sufficient materials in their specialized subject areas. Therefore, both printed and electronic collection of the OUSL library must be strengthened to meet the specific research needs of the academic staff members.    Key words: Information needs, Social scientists, Library usage, Teaching higher education, Distance education system, Academic staff needs  doi: 10.4038/jula.v12i0.328 Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka (Vol. 12) 2008 p.47-67
Knowledge Management in Banking Industries: uses and opportunities
Authors: Jayasundara Chaminda Chiran
Published: February 2009

This paper reviews the prevailing literature on Knowledge Management in banking industries. The purpose of KM is to value to information resides in organizations resulting value addition to their tasks and ultimately to approach competitive advantage. Most common KM applications identified in the banking industries are risk management. Customer Relationship Management/Marketing (CRM), performance evaluation etc, Decision Support Systems (DSS), data where houses and data mining are rapidly growing techniques in this particular sector. However, most banks around the world do not use comprehensive knowledge management systems while other financial organizations in the same disciplines do. Keywords: Knowledge Management, Ban king Industries, Information Management   doi: 10.4038/jula.v12i0.329 Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka (Vol. 12) 2008 p.68-84
What's behind crashing memories? Plausibility, belief and memory in reports of having seen non‐existent images
Authors: Smeets Tom , Telgen Sebastian , Ost James , Jelicic Marko , Merckelbach Harald
Published: February 2009

The present study investigated the precise nature of crashing memory reports: Are they truly memories or are they based on beliefs? We asked 88 individuals whether they had seen non‐existent footage of the Pim Fortuyn assassination and conducted thorough post‐experimental interviews. Two‐thirds of our participants falsely reported having seen the footage, while less than 10% also reported details that they could not have seen. Moreover, plausibility ratings of having seen the images were higher than false belief ratings, which in turn were higher than false memory ratings. After having been fully debriefed, 81% of the participants who reported crashing memories attributed their false report to their lack of a full understanding of the critical question. Another 10% of this subsample stated that they truly remembered the images (i.e. false memories). Thus, only a small subset of crashing memory reports seems to be induced by false beliefs and/or false memories. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of Ordered Nanostructured Arrays Using Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Replica Molds Based on Three‐Dimensional Colloidal Crystals
Authors: Choi Hong Kyoon , Kim Mun Ho , Im Sang Hyuk , Park O Ok
Published: February 2009

Hexagonally arrayed structures of colloidal crystals with uniform surface are a good candidate for master molds to be used in soft lithography. Here, the fabrication of periodically arrayed nanostructures using poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) molds based on three‐dimensionally (3D) ordered colloidal crystals is reported. A robust, high‐quality 3D colloidal‐crystal master molds is prepared using the colloidal suspension containing a water‐soluble polymer. The surface patterns of the 3D colloidal crystals can then be transferred onto a polymer film via soft lithography, by means of the replication of the surface pattern with PDMS. Various hexagonally arrayed nanostructure patterns can be fabricated, including close‐packed and non‐close‐packed 2D arrays and honeycomb structures by the structural modification of the 3D colloidal‐crystal templates. The replicated hexagonally arrayed structures can also be used as templates for producing colloidal crystals with 2D superlattices.
Nanopatterning Soluble Multifunctional Materials by Unconventional Wet Lithography
Authors: Cavallini Massimiliano , Albonetti Cristiano , Biscarini Fabio
Published: February 2009

Molecular multifunctional materials have potential applications in many fields of technology, such as electronics, optics and optoelectronics, information storage, sensing, and energy conversion and storage. These materials are designed exhibit enhanced properties, and at the same time are endowed with functional groups that control their interactions, and hence self‐organization, into a variety of supramolecular architectures. Since most of the multifunctional materials are soluble, lithographic methods suitable for solutions are attracting increasing interest for the manufacturing of the new materials and their applications. The aim of this paper is to highlight some of the recent advances of solution‐based fabrication of multifunctional materials. We explain and examine the principles, processes, materials, and limitations of this class of patterning techniques, which we term unconventional wet lithographies (UWLs). We describe their ability to yield patterns and structures whose feature sizes range from nanometers to micrometers. In the following sections, we focus our attention on micromolding in capillaries, lithographically controlled wetting, and grid‐assisted deposition, the most used methods demonstrated to lead to fully operating devices.
Metal Chalcogenide Clusters on the Border between Molecules and Materials
Authors: Corrigan John F. , Fuhr Olaf , Fenske Dieter
Published: February 2009

The preparative and materials chemistry of high nuclearity transition metal chalcogenide nanoclusters has been in the focus of our research for many years. These polynuclear metal compounds possess rich photophysical properties and can be understood as intermediates between mononuclear complexes and binary bulk phases. Based on our previous results we discuss herein recent advances in three different areas of cluster research. In the field of copper selenide clusters we present the synthesis of monodisperse, nanostructured α‐Cu2Se via the thermolysis of well‐defined cluster compounds as well as our approaches in the synthesis of functionalized clusters. In case of silver chalcogenides we established a strategy to synthesis cluster compounds containing several hundreds of silver atoms with the nanoclusters arranging in a closely packed crystal lattice. Finally the presented chalcogenide clusters of the group 12 metals (Zn, Cd, Hg) can be taken as model compounds for corresponding nanoparticles as even the smallest of frameworks display a clear structural relationship to the bulk materials.
Modeling of CO2 gasification of carbon for integration with solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Lee Andrew C. , Mitchell Reginald E. , Gür Turgut M.
Published: February 2009

This modeling study focuses on gasification of carbon by CO2 in a minimally fluidized bed containing a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Kinetic parameters for a five‐step reaction mechanism characterizing the Boudouard reaction (C + CO2 → 2CO) were determined thermogravimetrically at 1 atm from 973 to 1273 K. Experimentally determined kinetic parameters are employed in a transport model that predicts velocities and gas concentration profiles established in the carbon bed as a consequence of convection, diffusion, and heterogeneous reaction. The model is used to simulate the effect of an imbedded SOFC, in contact with the carbon bed. Although the model does not assume particular I‐V characteristics for the fuel cell, it indicates that current densities in the practical range of 100–1000 mA/cm2 can be supported. Results show that temperature strongly affects the current density, whereas CO2 flow rate has only a weak effect. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009