bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Esterification of Propionic Acid with Ethanol Catalyzed by Solid Acid Catalysts using Response Surface Methodology (RSM): A Kinetic Approach
Authors: Tiwari Anurag , Keshav Amit , Bhowmick Shubhankar
Published: March 2017

The esterification of propionic acid and ethanol using waste material as catalyst is emerging and a new technology. In this section a carbon based solid acid catalyst was prepared in laboratory by sulfonating waste rice husk char using concentrated H2SO4 and was compared with a commercial catalyst Dowex 50Wx8-400. Characterization analysis of the catalyst was performed using scaning electron microscope (SEM), EDEX and FTIR. Various reaction parameters such as effect of temperature, effect of the molar ratio of ethanol to propionic acid and effect of catalyst loading were investigated. Reusability of catalyst was also performed 4 cycles for efficiency of prepared catalyst. The activation energy (Ea) of esterification was found to be 39.782 kJ mol−1 using rice husk catalyst and 65.306 kJ mol–1 for Dowex 50wx8-400 catalyst. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to find the optimal operating conditions in order to maximize the ethyl propionate conversion.
Causal Inference via Algebraic Geometry: Feasibility Tests for Functional Causal Structures with Two Binary Observed Variables
Authors: Lee Ciarán M. , Spekkens Robert W.
Published: March 2017

We provide a scheme for inferring causal relations from uncontrolled statistical data based on tools from computational algebraic geometry, in particular, the computation of Groebner bases. We focus on causal structures containing just two observed variables, each of which is binary. We consider the consequences of imposing different restrictions on the number and cardinality of latent variables and of assuming different functional dependences of the observed variables on the latent ones (in particular, the noise need not be additive). We provide an inductive scheme for classifying functional causal structures into distinct observational equivalence classes. For each observational equivalence class, we provide a procedure for deriving constraints on the joint distribution that are necessary and sufficient conditions for it to arise from a model in that class. We also demonstrate how this sort of approach provides a means of determining which causal parameters are identifiable and how to solve for these. Prospects for expanding the scope of our scheme, in particular to the problem of quantum causal inference, are also discussed.
Effect of Channel Spacing on the Design of Mixed Line Rate Optical Wavelength Division Multiplexed Networks
Authors: Iyer Sridhar , Singh Shree Prakash
Published: March 2017

The ever increasing heterogeneity and growing traffic volume has resulted in significant innovations and paradigm shifts within the telecom backbone networks. In order to cost-effectively respond to the diverse variety of traffic requirements having heterogeneous service demands, wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical networks have adopted the mixed line rate (MLR) strategy. In MLR networks, many wavelength channels with various line rates can co-exist within the same fiber which, however, raises many important design issues; one of them being the choice of the channel spacing. The quality of signal is affected by the channel spacing in terms of the bit-error rate (BER), which in turn affects the maximum optical reach of the lightpaths that depends on the line rates. In regard to the aforementioned, different methods can be adopted in order to set the width of the channel spacing, viz., (a) choice of a 50 GHz uniform fixed channel spacing specified by the ITU-T grid, (b) exploring various channel spacing values for different line rates so as to optimize the usage of the fiber spectrum, or (c) seek for an optimal value of the channel spacing which results in the minimum network cost. In the current work, we evaluate the MLR network cost for various channel spacings; hence, we find an optimal value of the channel spacing that leads to the minimum MLR network cost. The simulation results reveal that, for a MLR network, even with the assumption of uniform channel spacing, optimal values of the channel spacing for a minimum cost network can be identified.
Cost Efficient 4 × 2.5 Gb/s Transparent WDM Ring Network using DML and MetroCor Fiber for Long Reach Applications
Authors: Sheetal Anu , Singh Harjit
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we analyze the performance of the 4 × 2.5 Gb/s wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transparent metro ring network comprising of one network node and eight access nodes. Here, the power requirement of 360 km ring network has been evaluated using the optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR), Q-factor, inter-symbol interference (ISI) and power penalty. The metro network utilized the cost-effective directly modulated laser (DML) and a negative dispersion fiber called MetroCor in order to give enhanced performance in terms of Q-factor. The power requirement of the network is optimized for the signals over SMF-28 and MetroCor fibers. Also, the comparison is drawn between uncompensated and compensated (with -post and -symmetrical) SMF-28 fibers in the metro environment. The excellent value of Q-factor is obtained at all the nodes. Also, the results show higher OSNR values in the metro environment. Although, smaller power penalties are detected for nodes closer to the network node, but distant nodes require higher power for better transmission.
Research Article. Geodesic equations and their numerical solutions in geodetic and Cartesian coordinates on an oblate spheroid
Authors: Panou G. , Korakitis R.
Published: March 2017

The direct geodesic problem on an oblate spheroid is described as an initial value problem and is solved numerically using both geodetic and Cartesian coordinates. The geodesic equations are formulated by means of the theory of differential geometry. The initial value problem under consideration is reduced to a system of first-order ordinary differential equations, which is solved using a numerical method. The solution provides the coordinates and the azimuths at any point along the geodesic. The Clairaut constant is not used for the solution but it is computed, allowing to check the precision of the method. An extensive data set of geodesics is used, in order to evaluate the performance of the method in each coordinate system. The results for the direct geodesic problem are validated by comparison to Karney’s method. We conclude that a complete, stable, precise, accurate and fast solution of the problem in Cartesian coordinates is accomplished.
On the multimodality of [all the way from X PREP Y]
Authors: Zima Elisabeth
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a case study on the English construction [all the way from X PREP Y] and its co-occurrence with manual gestures in multimodal television data from the Red Hen database.
Participatory selection of orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties in north and north-east Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Brice Dibi Konan Evrard , Essis Brice Sidoine , N’zué Boni , Kouakou Amani Michel , Zohouri Goli Pierre , Assouan Amon Brice , Van Mourik Tom
Published: March 2017

Sweetpotato is cultivated in all the regions of Côte d’Ivoire for consumption and as a source of income. Only varieties with white or yellow flesh are grown. Production of nutritious orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) is hampered by the lack of genetic resources and planting material. To evaluate and release OFSP varieties, on-farm demonstration tests were conducted with women farmer groups in Bondoukou, Nassian, Korhogo and Bondiali in the north and northeast Côte d’Ivoire. Six varieties- ‘Kabode’, ‘Kakamega7’ (‘Irene’), ‘Tacha’, ‘Bela Bela’, ‘Vita’ and TIB-440060-were evaluated in comparison with locally grown varieties. The on-farm demonstration was laid out in a randomised complete block design with replicated three times per location. Assessments were made on yield, disease and pests; and consumer preference on attractiveness of skin color and flesh of the root (fresh and boiled), taste, texture and starchiness. Results showed that introduced varieties have generally recorded higher yields than the local varieties: Yields of about 25 t/ha have been recorded on the sites. The best average yield of about 15 t/ha, was recorded for TIB-440060 and ‘Irene’ varieties. Farmers’ acceptance of OFSP varieties based on the attraction of their color, the dry matter content and taste was more than 90%. At the end of the sensory tests, ‘Irene’, which achieved the best compromise between all observed and measured parameters, was most appreciated and was the farmers’ first choice, followed by varieties TIB-440060 and ‘Bela bela’.
Unsicherheitsbetrachtung für bildbasierte minimalinvasive Eingriffe an der Otobasis
Authors: Bredemann Judith , Voigtmann Christoph , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: March 2017

Neue, minimalinvasive Operationsverfahren können nur eingeführt werden, wenn das resultierende Risiko für den Patienten
vertretbar ist. Einheitliche Verfahren zur Abschätzung des Patientenrisikos gibt es bisher nicht. Im Rahmen der
Entwicklung der Multi-Port-Knochenchirurgie am Beispiel der Otobasis (MUKNO) wurde ein Modell erarbeitet, mit dem das
Risiko für minimalinvasive Eingriffe an der Otobasis präoperativ und patientenindividuell abgeschätzt werden kann. Das
Modell basiert auf der Abschätzung von Unsicherheitsbeiträgen entlang des gesamten
Operationsprozesses. Ein Unsicherheitsbeitrag, der für die Risikoabschätzung quantifiziert werden muss, ist
die Messunsicherheit medizinischer Computer-tomographiemessungen. In diesem Beitrag werden die Ergebnisse der
Messunsicherheitsbestimmung für verschiedene
Messaufgaben im Kontext bildbasierter, minimalinvasiver Eingriffe an der Otobasis beschrieben und diskutiert.
Crystallographic aspects of hydrated salts of 4,6-diaminopyrimidine with the first five dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Matulková Irena , Andreoni Renata , Císařová Ivana , Němec Ivan , Fábry Jan
Published: March 2017

The preparation, X-ray single-crystal structure determination and vibrational spectroscopic characterisation of five novel salts, i.e. bis(4,6-diaminopyrimidinium(1+)) oxalate tetrahydrate; 4,6-diaminopyrimidinium(1+) hydrogen malonate monohydrate; bis(4,6-diaminopyrimidinium(1+)) succinate octahydrate; bis(4,6-diaminopyrimidinium(1+)) glutarate dihydrate and bis(4,6-diaminopyrimidinium (1+)) adipate octahydrate, are presented. It is the first crystallographic study with the title cation. All the structures are centrosymmetric. The oxalate, succinate and adipate anions are situated about inversion centres in their respective structures. The dependence on the parity of the number of carbon atoms in the anions is apparent in the interplanar angles of the carboxylate or carboxylic groups. In all of the structures, there are intermolecular N–H···N, N–H···Oacid, N–H···Owater, Owater–H···Oacid and Owater–H···Owater hydrogen-bonds of moderate strength. The most common graph set motif, R
2
2(8), describes the arrangement of the involved carboxylic as well as of the primary- and secondary-amine groups. There is a growing complexity of arrangement of water molecules in the structures with longer anionic molecules. In 4,6-diaminopyrimidinium(1+) hydrogen malonate monohydrate, there is an intramolecular Oacid–H···Oacid bond, and the conformation of the hydrogen malonate ions with non-parallel carboxylic and carboxylate groups is not often observed. The structural parameters of the carboxylic or carboxylate groups in the dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives found in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) are compared with the title structures.
Dynamical Timescale Explains Marginal Stability in Excitability Dynamics
Authors: Xu Tie , Barak Omri
Published: March 2017

Action potentials, taking place over milliseconds, are the basis of neural computation. However, the dynamics of excitability over longer, behaviorally relevant timescales remain underexplored. A recent experiment used long-term recordings from single neurons to reveal multiple timescale fluctuations in response to constant stimuli, along with more reliable responses to variable stimuli. Here, we demonstrate that this apparent paradox is resolved if neurons operate in a marginally stable dynamic regime, which we reveal using a novel inference method. Excitability in this regime is characterized by large fluctuations while retaining high sensitivity to external varying stimuli. A new model with a dynamic recovery timescale that interacts with excitability captures this dynamic regime and predicts the neurons' response with high accuracy. The model explains most experimental observations under several stimulus statistics. The compact structure of our model permits further exploration on the network level.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTExcitability is the basis for all neural computations and its long-term dynamics reveal a complex combination of many timescales. We discovered that neural excitability operates under a marginally stable regime in which the system is dominated by internal fluctuation while retaining high sensitivity to externally varying stimuli. We offer a novel approach to modeling excitability dynamics by assuming that the recovery timescale is itself a dynamic variable. Our model is able to capture a wide range of experimental phenomena using few parameters with significantly higher predictive power than previous models.
Roubos, trocas e comércio ilegal como motivadores da reprodução social entre os índios do Chaco
Authors: Felippe Guilherme Galhegos
Published: March 2017

O contato entre os grupos indígenas e os agentes coloniais na região Chaco caracterizou-se por uma relação complexa e instável, constituída por oscilações entre aproximações pacíficas e retratações hostis. A partir da análise de casos em que foram registrados, na documentação do século XVIII, roubos cometidos pelos índios e a circulação de objetos por meio do comércio ilegal com os colonos, procura-se demonstrar a forma como os índios chaquenhos articularam suas alianças e inimizades como uma maneira não só de adaptarem-se às práticas econômicas impostas pela presença colonial, como também integrarem expedientes e elementos externos à suas práticas cotidianas de reprodução social, como a reciprocidade, as festas e a guerra.
Comunidades, patrimonio y arqueólogos: relaciones entre municipios e instituciones culturales de Oaxaca en el periodo indigenista
Authors: Díaz Manuel Burón
Published: March 2017

Partindo de processos recentes de descentralização, transferência de poderes e devolução patrimonial, assim como com o surgimento da museologia comunitária, tem-se vindo a celebrar a recente participação das comunidades indígenas latinoamericanas nos processos de constituição e preservação do patrimônio. Não obstante, a história da relação entre comunidades indígenas e instituições culturais na manipulação do patrimônio possui uma larga tradição. O objetivo do presente artigo é analisar, através dos relatórios de exploração de alguns dos mais reconhecidos especialistas do indigenismo mexicano, as relações que se foram estabelecendo ao longo do século XX no estado de Oaxaca entre as instituições culturais e os municípios em prol da preservação do patrimônio.
Deixar correr a tinta, estancar o sangue: Cartas de António Lobo Antunes em Angola
Authors: Guerra Susana
Published: March 2017

Em 1971, António Lobo Antunes é mobilizado para combater na África. Vê assim interrompido o curso dos dias em Lisboa: privado da companhia da mulher, privado também do contato com familiares e amigos, deixa em suspenso uma vida para dar início a outra –mas  isso não é vida. A fragilidade causada pela guerra e a banalização da morte dão-lhe a conhecer um outro grau na manifestação da exceção. É desse lugar que começa a escrever cartas para Maria José, a sua mulher, numa escrita ansiosa que regressa repetidamente a questões ligadas a um cotidiano que pretende recuperar.  Ao adentrar-nos na leitura destes breves momentos –tecido de relações cotidianas que constrói com a ida e volta das cartas– pretendemos com o presente trabalho, pensar a forma singular de resistência que oferecem estas cartas escritas em tempos de exceção: uma resistência que tem que ver com o particular, sendo, acima de tudo, palavras de pessoas comuns, situadas por fora do protagonismo militar ou político, que guardam a memória de acontecimentos traumáticos. Pretendemos igualmente contribuir para a abertura aos problemas historiográficos derivados da persistência de uma versão única e cristalizada da história, que insiste em passar a página de um tema que não se encontra encerrado, de uma justiça que tarda, considerando as vozes abaixo da superfície –por uma sociedade contra as políticas de desmemoria, pela recuperação da memória dos tempos da ditadura.
O cineasta Glauber Rocha e a América Latina
Authors: Vasconcellos Gilberto Felisberto
Published: March 2017

Este artigo aborda o cinema de Glauber Rocha a partir da noção de Terceiro Mundo, que implica a discussão sobre o nacionalismo e o anti-imperialismo. Ele foi o cineasta brasileiro que se diasporizou pela América latina e entrou em contato com vários intelectuais de expressão. O Cinema Novo não deixou de denunciar, sobretudo na ensaística glauberiana, a balcanização em que se encontram os países latino-americanos, os quais são vítimas ideológicas do imperialismo audiovisual dominante e suas ramificações no gênero telenovela. A polaridade metrópole-colônia atravessa a filmografia de Glauber Rocha. A colonização econômica é o que determina a alienação cultural na América Latina. O cineasta viveu a contrarrevolução de 1964, da qual sobreveio o subimperialismo na América Latina, tendo o Brasil papel essencial na deflagração dessa política que não deixa de revigorar a mentalidade colonial que perpetua o desenvolvimento do subdesenvolvimento.
Um vazio em disputa, uma nação inconclusa
Authors: Murari Luciana
Published: March 2017

Resenha de:  GONZÁLEZ GÓMEZ, Lina Marcela. Un edén para Colombia al otro lado de la civilización. Los llanos de San Martín o Territorio del Meta, 1870-1930. Medellín: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2015. 515 p.
Actores y trayectorias del campo indigenista en las Américas
Authors: Sáez Oscar Calavia , Sánchez Juan Martín
Published: March 2017

Apresentação do Dossiê Atores e trajetórias do campo indigenista na Américas
Cicloturismo en Costa Rica: una mirada a los tour operadores
Authors: Ledezma Benavides Carlos Eduardo
Published: March 2017

La presente investigación, tiene como objetivo describir la situación actual del cicloturismo en Costa Rica, desde la perspectiva de los tour operadores que ofertan la actividad en el país, al valorar las características propias del tour: fortalezas, debilidades, volumen de ventas, complejidad del servicio, entre otras; además, se enfatiza en la forma en que el país utiliza el término “cicloturismo” y se plantean las elementos por considerar en la definición.
La dramatización de las Fiestas Juninas brasileñas como estrategia didáctica en la enseñanza-aprendizaje del idioma portugués como lengua extranjera
Authors: Do Rego Brito Melina
Published: March 2017

El presente artículo aborda el empleo de las Fiestas Juninas (una festividad cultural típica de Brasil) como estrategia didáctica desarrollada en el aprendizaje del idioma portugués como lengua extranjera. Esta fue realizada en el curso de Portugués Intensivo en la Sede de Occidente de la Universidad de Costa Rica, cuyo objetivo fue desarrollar la competencia intercultural en el estudiantado a la hora de comunicarse y expresarse en un idioma extranjero. Se utilizó un cuestionario para determinar los resultados de la experiencia, entre los cuales se generó: un aumento en la motivación, participación, creatividad, aprendizaje colaborativo y comprensión de la cultura brasileña.
Ser poeta y mujer: una manera de revelarse y rebelarse en la poesía de Mía Gallegos y Julieta Dobles
Authors: Vallejos Ramírez Mayela
Published: March 2017

Este artículo se enfoca en el complejo papel que han jugado las poetas en la sociedad para reivindicar su posición, no solo como escritoras, sino también como pensantes. Específicamente, se ha centrado en la poesía de Mía Gallegosy Julieta Dobles por ser ellas dos sobresalientes ejemplos de tenacidad y excelencia en las letras costarricenses. Se analizan diversos poemas de ambas poetas que muestran la sagacidad con que ellas han creado un espacio propio que les ha permitido obtener un lugar en este espinoso oficio de magas de las palabras.
Challenges of undertaking a clinical trial using bubble-PEP in an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A feasibility study
Authors: Eastwood Brigitte , Jepsen Nicola , Coulter Katie , Wong Conroy , Zeng Irene
Published: March 2017

The aims of this study were to compare the effect of bubble-positive expiratory pressure with a commercial positive expiratory pressure device and standardised physiotherapy in patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and to assess the feasibility of inpatient research methods. Patients admitted to a medical ward at Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand, with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were randomly assigned to a treatment group. Participants undertook one supervised treatment, then independently completed two further sessions. Participants’ symptoms and ease of sputum expectoration were measured using the Breathlessness, Cough and Sputum Scale. Health-related quality of life and length of hospital stay were also recorded. Only eleven participants were recruited, over ten months. The study was, therefore, underpowered to show differences in end points. Useful findings were uncovered relating to the feasibility of the protocol. Limitations to the recruitment process were identified,  including staffing issues and the assessment schedule. Findings from this study will enable revision of the study protocol to allow a modified trial to be performed in the future.
EPSTEIN–BARR VIRUS IN THE POPULATION OF TWO GEOGRAPHICALLY DIFFERENT REGIONS OF RUSSIA
Authors: Senyuta N. B. , Ignatova A. V. , Lomaya M. V. , Goncharova E. V. , Scherback L. N. , Dushenkina T. E. , Gugunov D. V. , Mudunov A. M. , Gurtsevitch V. E.
Published: March 2017

It is well known that the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) being widely spread in the human population is also the etiologic agent for a number of malignancies. A notable feature of tumors associated with EBV is their different incidence in various geographical regions, that, as suggested, related with mutational events in multiple loci of the EBV genome and its oncogene, the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), associated with the transforming potential of the virus. Given the multi-ethnic composition of Russian population and the diversity of geographical areas and conditions of their residence, it was relevant to examine the representatives of different geographical regions for the nature of their relationship with EBV. To solve this task the antibody response to locally circulating EBV strains, determined by indirect immunofluorescence, was studied in residents of the Central, North Caucasus and Far Eastern Federal Districts, represented by healthy individuals and patients with various head and neck tumors. The levels of antibody titers obtained were compared with the incidence rates of nasopharyngeal tumors (NPT) in population of above Districts. In order to determine possible structural modifications in LMP1 gene of EBV strains persisting in selected geographic regions, samples of the gene have been amplified from a biological material collected by “nested” PCR and sequenced. The results obtained have shown that levels of antibody response to EBV among representatives of the regions included in the study vary significantly. It was found that in residents of the Dagestan and the Chechen Republics, the inhabitants of the North Caucasus Federal District, the correlation between enhanced humoral response to EBV and increased incidence of NPT was detected. Since among NPT the EBV-associated form of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPCEBV) is dominated, the findings allow us to suggest that the population of these Republics have genetic predisposition to increased EBV replication and, consequently, an elevated incidence of NPCEBV. The study also showed that representatives of the regions tested are infected with EBV strains, LMP1 variants of which such as B95.8, China 1, Med+, Med– and NC, are known in the literature. However, LMP1 variant, specifically associated with NPCEBV, has not been identified. This study showed for the first time the genetic heterogeneity of EBV strains circulating among population of different geographical regions of the country, and the existence of correlation between antibody response to EBV and the incidence of nasopharyngeal tumors, including NPCEBV.
PERSPECTIVE OF IN VITRO LYMPHOCYTES ANTIGENICITY EVALUATION FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS OF ACUTE BRUCELLOSIS
Authors: Kostyuchenko M. V. , Ponomarenko D. G. , Rakitina E. L. , Logvinenko O. V. , Sannikova I. V. , Dejneka D. A. , Golub O. G.
Published: March 2017

The brucellosis remains to one of the most urgent dangerous infections in regions with developed livestock production. An exclusive polymorphism of symptoms, variety of forms of a disease, small informational content of results of routine laboratory all-clinical inspection, quite often leads to diagnostic mistakes at a pre-hospital stage. Improvement of a complex of laboratory diagnosis of a brucellous infection demands development of the modern padding methods of verification based on cell-like factors of immunity as leaders in an immunogenesis and a pathogenesis of a brucellosis. Considering the leading role of cell-like immunity in formation of protection against the majority of bacteriemic especially dangerous infections, studying of cell-like reaction in response to antigenic stimulation, it is necessary to consider the most informative (marker) and objective at assessment of immunologic reorganization of an organism at a disease or vaccination. The following markers (receptors) of activation of lymphocytes can act as perspective indexes of a specific cell-like antigenreactivity: CD25 — a high-affine receptor of interleukin 2 (IL-2Ra), a marker of early activation of Tlymphocytes; HLA-DR — an antigen of the main complex of a histocompatibility of a class II, an expression of a marker is associated not only with late, but also long-lived activation of lymphocytes; CD95 (Fas, APO-1) — a receptor of an induction of an apoptosis (“cell death”), a marker of “late” activation (CD4+ lymphocytes is presented mainly) and Fas L (CD178) — a receptor of an induction of an apoptosis, expresses generally on CD8+ cages. The work purpose — to estimate an opportunity and prospects of use of technology of a flowing cytofluorometry and the in vitro cell tests for diagnosis of a acute brucellosis. 35 people with the diagnosis “Acute brucellosis” and 12 people — not the patients who did not have a brucellosis, are not vaccinated against a brucellosis (control group) participated in a research. Blue blood served as material of a research. Defined quantity of the lymphocytes expressing receptors of CD25, HLA-DR, CD95, CD95L (CD178) at activation by a specific antigen. The received results processed statistically with use of Microsoft Excel 2010. During the research it is established that intensity an antigen-stimulated activation of lymphocytes of in vitro, it is possible to use as a marker of a acute brucellous infection at the person. The most perspective indexes of activation of lymphocytes of in vitro, it is possible to consider receptors to IL-2 (CD25) and apoptosis markers — CD95, CD95L (CD178). Thus, the conducted researches indicate an opportunity and the actual prospect of use of technology of a flowing cytofluorometry and cell-like in vitro tests for diagnostics of a acute brucellosis.
Identification Paradoxes and Multiple Belongings: The Narratives of Italian Migrants in the Netherlands
Authors: Rouvoet Marjo , Eijberts Melanie , Ghorashi Halleh
Published: March 2017

In a time identified by many as one of “multicultural backlash,” we can observe a growing negative discourse on the integration of migrants with Islamic backgrounds in most European countries. Criticisms are rooted in the assumptions that cultural and religious differences are the source of social problems and that these migrants are unwilling to integrate. The aim of this article is threefold. First, it criticizes the linear and simplistic assumptions of integration informing the present negative dominant discourse in the Netherlands. Second, it shows that sources of belonging are more layered than the often-assumed exclusive identification with national identity. Third, it broadens the scope of discussion on integration (which is now mainly fixated on Islamic migrants) by showing the somewhat similar experiences of Italian migrants on their path toward integration and belonging within the Dutch context. Through this study, we argue that the process of ethnic othering in the Netherlands is broader than the often-assumed cultural difference of non-Western migrants.
Globalization and its Minacious Effects on Indian Education System: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Mandal K.
Published: March 2017

Indian education system, the second largest system in the world, is at the crossroad now. Since the pre-Independence period the system has been facing various challenges, which has not finished yet. After six decades of freedom India could not free its education from narrow political interference. Though it has progressed a lot, still a lot of problems are standing on the way of universalization of primary education. Higher education is also under the control of political bosses, many of whom have not crossed the boundary of college. This has aggravated the quality of education. Globalization has engulfed the students astoundingly. Easily available mobile phones, internet, computer and western music, fashion etc. have created immeasurable losses to millions of students. Mass-copying in examination halls, movements in the campuses, slapping and abusing the teachers, confining the principals and vice-chancellors for more than fifty hours, manhandling them in their offices and campuses, ransacking college and university properties, processions and shouting slogans in the campuses have become common phenomena. Watching video clips, chatting on phones during and off periods have become fashion. Smoking, drinking and enjoying the campus life through other means have been a trend in most of the Indian universities. Discipline and mutual respected have been vanished from the campuses. This prompted this researcher to find out the nature and extent of problems and finding the ways out for making India one of the best and developed countries in the world.
The study is mainly historical and partly empirical. It is based on the secondary source of data as well as primary. It has been found that globalization and political interference and party-influenced student politics are the main causes of deterioration of the Indian education system. But the challenges posed by globalization and narrow politics could be aptly and efficiently handled by only morally sound, spiritually upright, highly educated, honest and truly good political and academic decision makers.
Study of safety and efficacy of autologous platelet rich plasma combined with fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of post acne scars: a comparative simultaneous split-faces study
Authors: Shah Sidhartha D. , Mehta Bipin D. , Borkar Milind A. , Aswani Reshma C.
Published: March 2017

Background: Many treatments are available for treating post acne scars but optimized treatment does not exist still. Hence, this study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous platelet rich plasma combined with fractional CO2 laser for treatment of acne scars when used in Indian skin.Methods: Thirty patients attended to the Dermatology OPD were enrolled in the study after meeting inclusion criteria. They underwent split-face therapy. They received ablative fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser combined with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment on one half of their face and ablative fractional CO2 laser with intradermal normal saline on the other half. The injections were administered immediately after laser therapy. Each participant received 4 treatments spaced by 1 month and were followed up for a period of 4 months.Results: The outcome among the study subjects were assessed using Goodman and Baron Scale at different time intervals. Significant reduction in acne scars was observed in both PRP injection site and normal saline injection site but better reduction of acne scars was noted at the PRP site. The blinded physician’s assessment and patient satisfaction was better at PRP injected side as compared to the normal saline injected side. The incidence of adverse effects and pain during the procedure was significantly lower in PRP injected side compared normal saline injected side.Conclusions: This study demonstrated that PRP should be considered as an adjuvant therapeutic option for dermatologic procedures such as fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for treatment of post acne scars as it might have additional benefit of reducing the adverse effects such as persistent erythema and edema.
Comparative study of scoring systems in ICU and emergency department in predicting mortality of critically ill
Authors: T. V. D. Sasi Sekhar , C. Anjani Kumar , Ch. Bhavya , B. Sameera , Ch. Rama Devi
Published: March 2017

Background: Scoring systems can be used to define critically ill patients, estimate their prognosis, help in clinical decision making, and guide the allocation of resources and to estimate the quality of care.  It remains unclear whether the additional data needed to compute ICU scores improves mortality prediction for critically ill patients compared to the simpler ED scores.Methods: We have done a prospective observational study of consecutively admitted 400 critically ill patients to ICU directly from Emergency Department in Dr PSIMS and RF over a period of 2 years. Clinical and laboratory data conforming to the modified early warning score (MEWS), rapid emergency medicine score (REMS), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II), and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS II) were recorded for all patients. A comparison was made between ED scoring systems MEWS, REMS and ICU scoring systems APACHE II, SAPSII. The outcome was recorded in two categories: survived and non-survived with a primary end point of 30-day mortality. Discrimination was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results: The ICU scores outperformed the ED scores with more area under curve values. The predicted mortality percentage of ICU based scoring systems is high compared to emergency scores (predicted mortality % of SAPS II-63%, APACHE II-33.3%, MEWS-18.5%, REMS-14.8%).Conclusions: ICU scores showed more predictive accuracy than ED scores in prognosticating the outcomes in critically ill patients. This difference is seemed more due to complexity of ICU scores.
Cutaneous manifestations in patients with chronic kidney diseases on haemodialysis
Authors: Baghel Nekram , Awasthi Sankalp , Kumar Sweta S.
Published: March 2017

Background: Cutaneous and mucosal disorders are of the common problems in patients on long term haemodialysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and nature of cutaneous lesions among patients with chronic kidney diseases who received maintenance haemodialysis.Methods: Eighty patients with chronic kidney diseases on haemodialysis were studied. All of the patients were fully examined for cutaneous, hair, nail and mucosal changes. Diagnostic measures such as scraping and biopsy of the lesions was carried out, where necessary.Results: The patients were 30 females and 50 males with a mean age of 47.6 years. The duration of haemodialysis was 36±11 months. All patients included in this study had at least one cutaneous manifestation attributable to CRF. The most prevalent findings were xerosis (66.2%) followed by pallor (57.5%), pruritus (51.25%), infections (33.75%), AV shunt dermatitis (16.25%), pigmentary changes (13.75%), purpura, ecchymoses (8.75%) and perforating disorders (2.5%). Hair changes were diffuse alopecia (16.25%), brittles, lustreless hair (3.75%) and sparse body hairs (1.25%). Oral changes were candidiasis (10%), angular cheilitis (3.75%), gingivitis (2.75%), fissured tongue (2.75%) and lichen planus (1.25%). Nail changes were leukonychia (10%), dystrophic nails (7.5%) onychomycosis (6.25%), subungual hyperkeratosis (5%) and half and half nails (1.25%).Conclusions: At least one cutaneous manifestation is found in all CRF patients. The etiology of CRF does not affect the cutaneous, hair or nail abnormalities. Factors such as diagnostic climate and early treatment influence some disorders such as xerosis, pruritus and infections.
A cross sectional study on the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards menstrual cycle and its problems: a comparative study of government and non-government adolescent school girls
Authors: Hakim Afzal , Shaheen Rizwana , . Manisha , Tak Himani
Published: March 2017

Background: Young girls up to 20 years of age comprise a quarter of Indian female population. A vast majority of adolescent girls in India are affected by reproductive health issues and menstrual problems are one of them. These problems arise mostly due to false beliefs & poor awareness regarding menstrual cycle. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices towards menstrual cycle and its problems among school girls. Methods: A cross sectional study among 250 girls (age 13-19 years) each from government and non-government schools of Jodhpur City was carried out by interviewing them with predesigned & pretested questionnaire. Results: Most of the girls of non-government schools considered menarche as a different experience of life (34.8%) and unhygienic (27.6%) while 41.6% of government school girls were scared due to menarche and 30% considered it as unhygienic. 59.6% of non-government school girls knew about menstrual cycle before menarche while 48.8% of government school girls had such knowledge. Mother was the commonest channel of information in both study groups. 12-14 years was the most common age groups in which menarche occurred in both study groups. About 2/3 of non-government school girls were using sanitary pads while only ¼ of government school girls had such practice. High cost was the major reason for not using sanitary pads in Govt. school girls. Pain Abdomen was the commonest complaint faced during menstrual cycle followed by backache. About 4/5th of non-government school girls and about 2/3rd of government school girls attended school during menstrual cycle. All subjects faced some kind of domestic restriction due to disbelief in relation to menstrual cycle. Irritability was reported as most common psychological problem during menstrual cycleConclusions: There is a need for adolescent girls to have accurate and adequate information about menstruation appropriate sanitary and hygienic management.
Food taboos among pregnant and lactating mothers in Tumkur: a qualitative study
Authors: T. M. Shwetha , R. Swetha , Iyengar Krishna , S. Usha Rani
Published: March 2017

Background: Maternal nutrition has a huge impact on the health of the mother and the fetus. Pregnancy imposes the need for considerable extra calorie and nutrient requirements. A food taboo is a prohibition against consuming certain foods. The restrictions imposed on people forces them to abstain from certain food and drinking items as these things are embedded into the cultural and religious threads. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted between July 2014 and September 2014. Study was conducted in urban and rural field practice area of Sri Siddhartha medical college, Tumkur, Karnataka.  Study involved three groups Mother –in- laws Anganwadi workers, Pregnant and lactating women. Six Focus group discussions were conducted and four themes were used. Quantitative data was tabulated and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: All most all women under the study followed some form of restrictive diet. Many nutritive and locally available foods were avoided which includes fruits, vegetables, pulses and green leafy vegetables. Special foods rich in energy were consumed during post-partum period. Concept of hot and cold food is prevailing high and there was no scientific reasoning given for the taboo. Anganwadi workers who are front line health workers were believed in the many of the food taboos. Conclusions: Food taboos in this community are deep rooted. Avoidance of nutritive food was common in both the religion. Many misconceptions are prevalent which do not have scientific basis. Maternal nutrition needs to be prioritized at community level among family members and front line workers. Anganwadi workers need to be sensitized   regarding different beliefs about food consumption during pregnancy and lactation.
A study on patient satisfaction in out patient department of secondary care hospital of Bhopal
Authors: Joshi Sheloj , Joshi Mahesh Kumar
Published: March 2017

Background:  Patient satisfaction is as important as other clinical health measures and is a primary means of measuring the effectiveness of health care delivery. Patient-centered outcomes have taken central stage as the primary means of measuring the effectiveness of health care delivery. To evaluate the level of patient satisfaction with OPD services in terms of describing the experience of patients about medicine OPD services and accessibility to services among the patients who attended the medicine OPD of Jaiprakash hospital.Methods: As a cross -sectional descriptive study, we have taken patients who were registered in Medicine outpatient department of Jaiprakash Hospital of Bhopal over a period of two months. The research instrument for a data collection was a structured questionnaire for assessing the patient satisfaction. The experience and accessibility were categorized into good and poor while satisfaction into high and low using best criteria. Statistical analysis: Convenience sampling done for selection of patients registered in Medicine OPD. The data was analysed on statistical software SPSS VS.20.Results: The patients had the highest level of experience from medicine department OPD about helpfulness of nurses, about light and ventilation inside the OPD and about the good communication from the pharmacist. The poor experience was from the number of doctors in OPD and about the diagnostic place. As far as accessibility is concerned, 66% of patients had good accessibility towards medicine OPD while remaining 34% had poor accessibility towards Medicine OPD.Conclusions: Maximum number of respondents had very good experience while just small number of respondents had poor experience and majority of the patients had good accessibility regarding waiting time, service process and working hours.
Epidemiology of domestic violence among married women: a community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Vachhani Pushti V. , Bhimani Nishant R. , Purani Shyamal K. , Kartha Girija P.
Published: March 2017

Background: Domestic violence is a global issue, reaching across national boundaries as well as socio-economic, cultural, racial and class distributions. Domestic violence is among the most underreported crimes worldwide for both men and women. Globally, the victims of domestic violence are overwhelmingly women, and women tend to experience more severe forms of violence.Methods: It was a Community based Cross-sectional study. The study was carried out in the rural and urban area of Surendranagar district. Total 600 married women of 15-49 years of age were selected randomly. The information gathered was based on self-administered questionnaire. Strict confidentiality was maintained.Results: Out of total 600 women, 38.5% were victims of domestic violence in one form or the other. Out of these 231 victims, 134 respondents were from rural area and 97 respondents were from urban area. The study results revealed that age at marriage, literacy status of women and their husband, their occupational status, type of family and socio-economic class has significant impact on prevalence of domestic violence.Conclusions: Domestic violence is more prevalent among uneducated, backward and economically disadvantaged women.
“Double hit” follicular lymphoma with low proliferation index: A unique case and literature review
Authors: Vafaii Pardis , Shao Haipeng
Published: March 2017

“Double hit” lymphomas (DHLs) are aggressive B-cell lymphomas with concurrent c-MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 gene rearrangements. DHLs are usually classified morphologically as B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt lymphoma, and less commonly as DLBCL. Follicular lymphoma (FL) is characterized genetically by the presence of IGH-BCL2 rearrangement. A subset of DHLs arises from FL by the acquisition of c-MYC gene rearrangement during disease progression, but FL with concurrent IGH-BCL2 and c-MYC gene initial rearrangements is rarely reported. The few reported cases had different clinical courses, including some with indolent disease. We report a case of “double hit” low grade FL with both c-MYC and BCL2 gene rearrangements but at low proliferation rate. Unlike the usual DHLs with aggressive clinical course, our patient showed at least partial response to intense chemotherapy. Review of the literature shows a few similar cases with variable clinical course, including a few indolent cases. These patients appear to respond better with more intense chemotherapy for DHL.
Políticas de acessibilidade no ensino superior: desafios institucionais
Authors: Barroso de Almeida Júnior Claudovil , Fernandes Sueli
Published: March 2017

O estudo irá discorrer sobre o estudante com deficiência no ensino superior, a partir da análise de documentos oficiais e de ações de acessibilidade arquitetônica, pedagógica e atitudinal, compreendidas como meio para o ingresso e permanência neste nível de ensino. Os objetivos expressam-se em analisar políticas institucionais no tocante a acessibilidade no ensino superior, bem como verificar e refletir sobre ações acessíveis para estudantes com deficiência neste nível de ensino. O referencial teórico está fundamentado em políticas educacionais e contribuições de autores que discutem a acessibilidade no ensino superior. Metodologicamente, o estudo apresenta um caráter qualitativo, através da pesquisa exploratória, com a revisão de literatura. Quanto aos resultados, observou-se que a acessibilidade no ensino superior permanece no campo teórico, o que inviabiliza que políticas institucionais se concretizem. Em suma, o momento é de ressignificar ações que possibilite discussões e, sobretudo a efetividade de políticas dentro das instituições, em vista de desconstruir barreiras arquitetônicas, pedagógicas e atitudinais para pensar em um ambiente acadêmico que vivencia valores e princípios inclusivos.
Israeli, Jewish, Mizraḥi or Traditional? On the nature of the Hebrew of Israel’s periphery
Authors: Henshke Yehudit
Published: March 2017

This article deals with the sociolect of native Hebrew speakers, born in Israel, whose (distant) origin is in the Jewish communities of the Arab east and west. The article reviews several terms that have been used to refer to this sociolect but argues that none of these terms accurately describes either the sociolect or its speakers. Since the majority of the Israelis who speak this sociolect are traditional (
masoratiyim
) in terms of their religious identity, I propose to refer to this sociolect as Traditional-Mizrahi Hebrew, which occupies an intermediate place between ‘Jewish Hebrew’ and ‘Israeli Hebrew’. This term has the advantage of accurately reflecting the contemporary Israeli reality. The second part of the article provides detailed evidence for the suitability of this term. It reviews various linguistic characteristics of this sociolect that reflect its affinity to the Jewish tradition as it is perceived by the Jewish communities of the Muslim countries.