bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manual Physical Therapy Following Immobilization for Stable Ankle Fracture: A Case Series
Authors: Painter Elizabeth E. , Deyle Gail D. , Allen Christopher , Petersen Evan J. , Croy Theodore , Rivera Kenneth P.
Published: July 2015

Study Design

Case series.

Background

Ankle fractures commonly result in persistent pain, stiffness, and functional impairments. There is insufficient evidence to favor any particular rehabilitation approach after ankle fracture. The purpose of this case series was to describe an impairment-based manual physical therapy approach to treating patients with conservatively managed ankle fractures.

Case Description

Patients with stable ankle fractures postimmobilization were treated with manual physical therapy and exercise targeted at associated impairments in the lower limb. The primary outcome measure was the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Secondary outcome measures included the ankle lunge test, numeric pain-rating scale, and global rating of change. Outcome measures were collected at baseline (performed within 7 days of immobilization removal) and at 4 and 12 weeks postbaseline.

Outcomes

Eleven patients (mean age, 39.6 years; range, 18–64 years; 2 male), after ankle fracture–related immobilization (mean duration, 48 days; range, 21–75 days), were treated for an average of 6.6 sessions (range, 3–10 sessions) over a mean of 46.1 days (range, 13–81 days). Compared to baseline, statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were observed in Lower Extremity Functional Scale score (P = .001; mean change, 21.9 points; 95% confidence interval: 10.4, 33.4) and in the ankle lunge test (P = .001; mean change, 7.8 cm; 95% confidence interval: 3.9, 11.7) at 4 weeks. These changes persisted at 12 weeks.

Discussion

Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in self-reported function and ankle range of motion were observed at 4 and 12 weeks following treatment with impairment-based manual physical therapy. All patients tolerated treatment well. Results suggest that this approach may have efficacy in this population.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(9):665–674. Epub 10 Jul 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5981
Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of selected antimicrobials in bovine and swine Pasteurella multocida, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus isolates
Authors: Nedbalcová Kateřina , Nechvátalová Kateřina , Kučerová Zdeňka
Published: July 2015

We compared the values of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) values ​​of three antimicrobial agents for 72 bovine isolates ofPasteurella multocida, 80 swine isolates ofP. multocida, 80 bovine isolates ofEscherichia coli, 80 swine isolates ofE. coli, and 80 isolates ofStaphylococcus aureusfrom bovine mastitis. The ratio of MIC90​​/MPC90which limited mutant selection window (MSW) was ≤ 0.12/4 mg/l for enrofloxacin, 0.5/≥ 64 mg/l for florfenicol and 4/≥ 128 mg/l for tulathromycin in bovineP. multocidaisolates, ≤ 0.12/2 mg/l for enrofloxacin, 0.5/≥ 64 mg/l for florfenicol and 4/≥ 128 mg/l for tulathromycin in swineP. multocidaisolates, 1/16 mg/l for enrofloxacin, 8/≥ 64 mg/l for florfenicol and 8/≥ 128 mg/l for tulathromycin in bovineE. coliisolates, 0.5/16 mg/l for enrofloxacin, ≥ 64/≥ 64 mg/l for florfenicol and 8/≥ 128 mg/l for tulathromycin in swineE. coliisolates, and 0.25/16 mg/l for enrofloxacin, 4/≥ 64 mg/l for florfenicol and 4/≥ 128 mg/l for tulathromycin inS. aureusisolates. These findings indicate that the dosage of antimicrobial agents to achieve serum concentration equal to or higher than MPC could reduce selection of resistant bacterial subpopulation.
Epidermis structure in the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and its Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) hybrid
Authors: Halačka Karel , Kopp Radovan , Klíma Ondřej , Mareš Jan
Published: July 2015

Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is a species of fish native to North-East America. Brook trout are also commercially raised in large numbers for food production. Skin infection and/or parasite outbreaks can have a serious economics effect on aquaculture businesses. For this reason, it has been hybridized with the more resistant Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus). The aim of this study was an examination of the epidermal structure and dynamic in brook trout and its Arctic char hybrid which is less sensitive to skin infection. The samples of fish (72 brook trout, 72 brook trout × Arctic char hybrid) from fish farm in Pravíkov (49°19’10”N, 15°5’40”E) were collected five times during the year 2011. Absolute and relative epidermal thickness (in relation to body size) and relative proportion of secretory cells in a given volume of epidermis were measured. The epidermis structure of brook trout and brook trout × Arctic char hybrid both display similar seasonal dynamics, with a decrease in absolute and relative epidermal thickness and a reduction in the relative percentage of mucous secretory cells over the summer. On the other hand, the lower absolute (mean 103 µm (range 84–146 µm) in brook trout; 88 µm (range 68–115 µm) in hybrids) and relative epidermal thickness (mean 4.8 (range 3.6–6.8) in brook trout; 4.4 (range 2.9–6.4) in hybrids) and lower volume of secretory cells was observed to the hybrid (mean 28% (range 19–33%) in brook trout; 23% (range 10–30%) in hybrids). It can interrelate with their higher resistance to infection and/or parasite outbreaks.
The effect of dietary fatty acid composition on the hepatic fatty acid content and plasma lipid profile in rats
Authors: Komprda Tomáš , Rozíková Veronika , Němcová Barbora , Ruttkay-Nedecký Branislav
Published: July 2015

The objective of the present study was to evaluate in a model organism the effect of different dietary lipids on plasma concentration of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triacylglycerols (TAG). One hundred adult male rats (Wistar Albino) were divided into 10 groups with 10 animals each and fed for 7 weeks either basic feed mixture (control diet, C) or basic feed mixture with 5% of palm oil (P), safflower oil (SF), salmon oil (S), fish oil (F), Schizochytrium microalga oil (A), and 20% of beef tallow (T; four groups), respectively. The T-groups were fed for another 7 weeks T-, SF-, F- and A-diet, respectively. At the end of both the first and the second 7-week fattening period, plasma lipid concentration and hepatic fatty acid content was determined. Both A and F diets fed for 7 weeks decreased (P < 0.05) plasma TC (0.98 mmol∙l-1) compared to control (1.19 mmol∙l-1). The highest (P < 0.05) plasma TC was established in rats fed for 7 weeks the SF-diet following the previous 7-week T-treatment (2.15 mmol∙l-1). A-diet had the most positive (decreasing) effect on TAG concentrations (0.68–0.86 mmol∙l-1 compared to 1.22 and 2.88 mmol∙l-1 found in the C and T diets, respectively; P < 0.05). Both plasma TC and TAG were in a negative relationship (P < 0.01) with the hepatic eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents, respectively. It was concluded that dietary Schizochytrium microalga oil (with high DHA content) may have the potential for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Academic Attitudes and Achievement in Students of Urban Public Single-Sex and Mixed-Sex High Schools
Authors: Else-Quest Nicole M. , Peterca Oana
Published: July 2015

Publicly funded single-sex schooling (SSS) has proliferated in recent years and is touted as a remedy to gaps in academic attitudes and achievement, particularly for low-income students of color. Research on SSS is rife with limitations, stemming from selective admissions processes, selection effects related to socioeconomic status, a lack of ethnic diversity among students, and a neglect of boys’ schools. Addressing those concerns, the current study is a quasi-experimental investigation of the academic attitudes and achievement among 11th-grade low-income students of color enrolled in nonselective, urban neighborhood public single-sex and mixed-sex high schools. Students in SSS reported significantly more negative attitudes about English/reading compared to students in mixed-sex schools (MSS), while there were no differences in math or science attitudes. Data from standardized tests indicate that SSS was associated with poorer achievement among boys in reading and math but higher achievement among girls on math, science, reading, and writing.
Oxidation behavior of 26Cr-16Ni and AISI 309 austenitic stainless steels in air flow at 1,173 K
Authors: Pipatnukun Peeraya , Wangyao Panyawat , Lothongkum Gobboon
Published: July 2015

This work investigates the isothermal oxidation behavior of as cast 26Cr-16Ni, as cold-rolled AISI 309 and as cast AISI 309 at 1,173 K in air flow rate of 40 cm3 × min−1 using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In 33 hours, the oxidation resistance declines from high to low are as cast 26Cr-16Ni, as cold-rolled AISI 309 and as cast AISI 309, respectively. The oxidation kinetic results show that the exponential rate constant of the as cast 26Cr-16Ni, as cold-rolled AISI 309 and as cast AISI 309 are 8.79 × 10−6, 4.02 × 10−5 and 4.35 × 10−5 g × cm−2 × s-n, respectively. The exponential growth rates of as cast 26Cr-16Ni, as cold-rolled AISI 309 and as cast AISI 309 are 0.42, 0.29 and 0.32, respectively. It indicates that the oxidation kinetic of as cast 26Cr-16Ni approaches a parabolic rate law, but those of as cold-rolled and as cast AISI 309 approach the cubic rate law. The sequence of oxide scale formations on the tested samples is also discussed.
Numerical simulation and experimental validation of angular distortion and residual stresses in a T-joint
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Liying , Shi Zhendong , Dai Zhen , Guo Meiqing
Published: July 2015

Welding is the most important method in modern industry. However, welding distortion and residual stress after welding are inevitable. In this paper, experiments were performed to obtain the angular distortion, temperature field and longitudinal residual stress in two T plate structures after welding and post-weld heat treatment, respectively. Then, a three-dimensional thermal elastic-plastic finite element analysis using internal heat generation was carried out to simulate the deformation and stress. The FE analysis results were in good agreement with the measurements. The results showed that both, the thickness of the plates and the heat treatment, could influence the angular distortion and residual stress distribution. Finally, the welding process at a bogie was also simulated by using the same heat source model as for the T-joint. The deformation and stresses were shown and explained.
Analysis of influential factors for ultrasonic disc size evaluation
Authors: Mihaljević Morana , Markučič Damir , Runje Biserka
Published: July 2015

The accuracy and reliability of any ultrasonic testing depends on the calibration procedure and sensitivity settings. In the present experimental research, it has been investigated how the changes of ultrasound beam shape influence the disc size evaluation. It was investigated how three selected factors and their interactions affect the disc size evaluation when probe frequencies are changing what is in correlation with changing the ultrasound beam shape. The experiment revealed that different factors and their interactions are significant for disc size evaluation.
Damage mechanisms in aluminum-matrix composites reinforced with nano-alumina particles
Authors: Ebrahimnejad Azam , Sajjadi Seyed Abdolkarim
Published: July 2015

In this research, an examination of the effects of fraction of particulate nano-sized alumina (0, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) on the mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of Al–Al2O3 nano-composite has been carried out. The samples were uniaxially tested at room temperature and sample sections were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the fracture mode of the composites was changed by volume fraction of the reinforcement particles. The main damage mechanisms observed in the specimens were clustering and microvoid formation, crack branching and crack deflection.
Der aktuelle Reformschub in der Raumplanung soll auch das Waldgesetz umfassen (Essay)
Authors: Müller-Jentsch Daniel
Published: July 2015

The present move to reforms in spatial planning should also include the forest law (essay)

The built up area in Switzerland has strongly increased over recent decades. This is due to a strong increase in population as well as to spatial planning which is not very effective. This pressure and the general unease about fragmentation of landscapes, excessive construction of second homes and spoilt village sites have become so strong that Switzerland revised its spatial planning law in 2013 setting binding new regulations on the economic use of land. The core of the new law is to coordinate the various pressures on the limited and nonrenewable land resource and resolve conflicts through a forward looking planning process. The forest, which has absolute protection, escapes this weighing of conflicting spatial planning interests. But the forest accounts for a third of the land area; in view of the situation as regards spatial planning, the author argues for the full integration of the forest into the balance of interests and for a relaxation of the strict protection of forest land.
Künftige Flächennutzung bedarf neuer Handlungsorientierungen (Essay)
Authors: Seidl Irmi
Published: July 2015

Future land use necessitates a new approach for action (essay)

Future land use may well lead to increasing conflicts between the competing demands for this scarce and limited resource given demands, interests and societal developments. Three approaches to dealing with land use are proposed: multifunctionality, quality of land use and sufficiency. Additionally, beauty needs to gain in importance. The foundation for the proposed approaches needs to be an institutional and cultural transformation that includes the construction industry, the ideological basis of municipal planning, as well as the societal drive for growth, and money creation.
Waldpolitischer Jahresrückblick 2014
Authors: Zimmermann Willi , Steinmann Kathrin , Lieberherr Eva
Published: July 2015

Annual review of Swiss forest policy 2014

Swiss forest policy in 2014 was marked by the passage of the Federal Council's message and draft of an amendment of the Forest Law, which was also treated by the Council of State's Commission for Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy and by the Council of State itself. This revision affects more than 20 articles of the current Forest Law. Despite these numerous alterations, the revision has not caused major debates. The forest-relevant parliamentary interventions decreased drastically in 2014, but since the beginning of 2015 a countertrend is notable. The forest budget remained practically the same as in previous years. The number of federal court decisions in relation to the forest sector has stayed small. Yet there are increasingly significant cantonal court decisions in this domain. In terms of broader forest policy, the public administration has mainly undertaken new standpoints regarding spatial planning and energy policies.
Bacterial Isolates from Tracheal Aspirates and their Anti-microbial Susceptibility in Mechanically-Ventilated Children with Pneumonia Admitted to an Urban Critical Care Ward
Authors: Shahunja KM , Salam Mohammed Abdus , Ahmed Tahmeed , Bardhan Pradip Kumar , Sarker Shafiqul Alam , Ashraf Hasan , Faruque Abu Syeed Golam , Hossain Md Iqbal , Islam Md Munirul , Das Sumon Kumar , Sharifuzzaman M , Bin Shahid Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayeem , Sarker Mohammad Habibur Rahman , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer
Published: July 2015

Background and Aims: Data on Bacterial isolates from tracheal aspirates in children with severe pneumonia requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation especially in developing countries are very limited. We examined the microbial spectrum of bacteria isolated from tracheal aspirate of those children. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of those bacteria were also examined.Methods: We evaluated the data of all mechanically ventilated children aged 0-59 months admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Dhaka Hospital of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) between August 2009 and July 2013 having their tracheal aspirate culture done. Data were extracted from electronic medical records of the Dhaka Hospital.Results: Among 836 admitted pneumonia children in the ICU, we identified 35 children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among them 34 (97%) had positive bacterial growths: Klebseilla species in 14 (40%), Escherichia coli in 11 (31%), Acinetobacter in 8 (23%) and Streptococcus species in 8 (23%). Additionally, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudominas and Proteus species were identified in 6 (17%), 4 (11%), and 2 (6%) of the children respectively. The susceptibility of the gram-negatives, except Klebseilla, to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone ranged from 0- 54%, while that for ceftazidime and amikacin ranged from 12-80%. The sensitivity of Klebseilla to these antibiotics ranged from 0-100%.Conclusions: Our data suggests that gram-negative bacteria, Klebseilla followed by Escherichia coli, and Acenetobacter are the predominant bacteria associated with severe pneumonia in ventilated children. The increased number of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria is being accompanied by rising rates of multi-drug resistance which underscores the importance of aggressive antimicrobial therapy in the management of such children.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2014; 2 (2): 60-64
Biochemical Evaluation and Out Come of Hepatitis E in Pregnancy
Authors: Mohammed Fazle Rabbi , Amin Raihana , Ahasan HAM Nazmul , Alam Md Billal
Published: July 2015

Background: Viral hepatitis is common in Bangladesh. Hepatitis E virus is waterborne and usually self-limiting. But infection with Hepatitis E virus is a serious threat to pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to assess the clinical course and biochemical evaluation of hepatitis E during pregnancy.Materials & Methods: This descriptive observational study included 50 pregnant women having hepatitis E conducted from September, 2008 to September, 2011 in Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Every case was initially evaluated on the basis of history, clinical examination, liver function profile and serological test of hepatitis E.Result: Anti HEV IgM was detected in each case. Most of them (64%) were in third trimester and only 42% cases got boiled water. The mean value of serum bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and prothrombin time (PT) was 11.62 mg/dl ± 8.01 SD, 777.75 U/L ± 590.39 SD and 29.88 sec ± 12.54 SD respectively. Acute hepatic failure (AHF) was detected in 56% pregnant women. In this study, the death rate of Hepatitis E in pregnancy was 43%.Conclusion: During pregnancy, hepatitis E is associated with the development of acute hepatic failure (AHF) which has high mortality rate.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2014; 2 (2): 65-67
A Case of Maculopapular Skin Rash without any Systemic Symptoms
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Mainul Hasan , Shumy Farzana , Sutradhar Probal , Khan Abed Hussain , Ahmed Quazi Mamtaz Uddin
Published: July 2015

We are reporting a case of cutaneous sarcoidosis with asymptomatic systemic involvement evident by investigation. Management of cutaneous sarcoidosis is challenging. However, maculopapular rash, which usually show better prognosis respond promptly by high dose of systemic steroid with gradual tapering dose.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2014; 2 (2): 87-89
In-hospital prognostic value of on admission creatinine clearance in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Saha Madhurima , Khan MM Zahurul Alam , Alam Md Zahid , Faruq Mohammad Omar , Ahsan ASM Areef , Saha Debasish Kumar
Published: July 2015

Objective: To find out association between creatinine clearance rate (CCR) and in-hospital outcome of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methodology: This prospective observational study was carried on 100 patients with acute coronary syndrome, in Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of BIRDEM General Hospital, Shahbag, Dhaka, over a period of six months from July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.Results: Subjects were divided into three groups (A:CCR>60,B :CCR-30-60and C:CCR<30) depending on their CCR (ml/min). Mean creatinine clearance rate was 56.15 (±29.57) ml/min and mean serum creatinine level was 3.68 (±2.59) mg/dl. Among 20 patients of Group A subjects 15(75%) were discharged in a stable condition. 2(10%) and 3(15%) patients developed isolated left ventricular failure (LVF) and isolated hypotension respectively. No patient died in this group and none of them developed any bleeding episode (epistaxis,melaena,haematemesis, haematochezia or per vaginal bleeding etc), sepsis or multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Among 35 patients of Group B subjects 8(22.8%) were discharged in a stable condition. 9(25.7%) and 6(17.1%) patients developed isolated LVF and isolated hypotension respectively. 2(5.7%) patients died in this group and 7(20%), 2(5.7%),1(2.8%) patients developed bleeding episode, sepsis and MODS respectively. Among 45 patients of Group C subjects 3(6.6%) were discharged in a stable condition. 12(26.7%) and 8(17.7%) patients developed only LVF and only hypotension respectively . 4(8.8%) patients died in this group during their hospital stay and 11(24.4%), 3(6.6%) and 4(8.8%) patients developed bleeding episode, sepsis and MODS respectively. ANOVA test suggested that decreased creatinine clearance rate was significantly related to poor clinical outcome(P<0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that decreased creatinine clearance is directly related to poor outcome of acute coronary syndrome. So subjects with ACS should be closely monitored for decreased creatinine clearance rate to avoid life threatening complications. And subjects with renal impairment suffering from ACS should be closely observed as patients with decreased CCR has poor clinical outcome.Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2015; 3 (1): 3-6
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Case Report
Authors: Saha Debasish Kumar , Ahsan ASM Areef , Faruq Mohammad Omar , Fatema Kaniz , Ahmed Fatema , Saha Madhurima , Islam Reezwan
Published: July 2015

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but dangerous condition occurring with an incidence of 3-4 cases per million per year. CVST presents a diagnostic challenge due to its varied presentation pattern. Here we report a case of a 40 year old diabetic, male, presenting with sudden severe headache with quadriplegia, where two predisposing factors were found.Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2015; 3 (1): 39-41
Presentation of Sudden Death in Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Taimur Syed Dawood Md , Haq M Maksumul , Rashid MA , Karim Md Rezaul , Gomes Hemanta I
Published: July 2015

Background: The incidence and causes of sudden death vary in different societies, and these differences are influenced by demographic and clinical factors such as age, gender, risk factors, past medical history and presumed cause of death. This three years long retrospective study describes the influence of these factors on death from sudden cardiopulmonary arrest.Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of sudden death among all the age groups who were seen at Emergency Room (ER) of Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Total 414 cases of death were reported between 1stJanuary, 2012 to 31st December, 2014. They were investigated retrospectively and subsequently analyzed on age, sex, risk factors, past medical history, endo-tracheal intubation with resuscitation and cause of death. The statistical analysis was performed as appropriate to illustrate any possible association between different demographic variables and cardiopulmonary arrest.Results: Out of 414 deaths, 72.5% were male, & 27.5% were female. The mean age of subjects was 60.60 ± 13.34 years with male mean age of 60.35 ± 13.62 years and female mean age of 59.70 ± 13.24 years. There were three different age groups in this study. 52 deaths were in 17-45 years of age group, 233 death patients were in 46-65 years age group & 129 deaths were more than 65 years age group. Among 46-65years age group 161 deaths were presumed to be due to cardiac cause which is higher than the other two groups. 75.12% of all the study patients had hypertension, 84.06% had diabetes mellitus, 23.43% had CKD & 69.32% had dyslipidaemia. 31.40% patients were active smoker, & 20.53% had prior h/o smoking. Patients who suffered cardiac cause of death had significant history of hypertension (p<0.001), dyslipidaemia (p<0.001), smoking habit (p<0.001), & CKD (p<0.001). 40.8% (169) of deceased patients had previous ischemic heart disease, 10.4% (43) had previous cerebrovascular disease and 28% (116) had prior morbidity like malignancy, multi organ dysfunction. 73.67% subjects needed endotracheal intubation with urgent cardio pulmonary resuscitation. Out of 414 study patients, 65% had presumed precipitating cardiac cause of death, 15% had presumed neurological cause of death and rest 20% had other causes.Conclusion: The current study indicates a definite influence of age, gender, medical risk factors and past medical history has causal relationship with sudden death. The highest incidence occurred in the middle age group as compared to other age groups. Incidence was also higher in men than in women. Subjects with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and previous coronary artery disease had higher incidence of sudden deathsBangladesh Crit Care J March 2015; 3 (1): 14-16
The Universitys Role in Development
Authors: Ahmad Anis
Published: July 2015

Universities are always a powerful and creative hub of ideas, innovations and inventions. As factories of knowledge, universities disseminate knowledge, values and culture. The economy centered capitalist ideology considers Universitys major role in terms of development of technology, talent and tolerance. To achieve these three objectives, the capitalist order invests in higher education to improve quality of life, economic productivity and maximization of profit margin. Globalization of economy, in the final analysis appears to stand for control and monopoly multinationals network in economy, media, education and culture. While fully aware of its role in economic development, university as a seat of learning and producer of knowledge has to take first things first without minimizing the importance of technology it should address the primary issue of purpose of knowledge or purpose of life. Higher education should, first and foremost serve the purpose and objective of life. Economic development, technology, enhancement of talent and building of tolerance, are directly linked with the purpose of life. This paper argues that a holistic education paradigm can achieve this objective better than the existing utilitarian educational paradigm, exported, in the name of globalization, to the so-called developing world. This paper makes an effort to highlight basic features of a holistic education paradigm based on the global ethical values of Islam.IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 11-16
Role of Mosque for Human Resource Development
Authors: Mahmud Imran , Rawshon Shahriar , Rahman Md Jahidur
Published: July 2015

In this research, an attempt was made to highlight the role of mosque to help build an Islamic HR environment in the society from moral and spiritual perspectives. It also focused on an extensive strategy to be applied by the concerned business people for Islamic HR practice in the organization effectively. If certain contents of HR practice were discussed in the jamat or the Friday khutbah at the Mosque addressing the terms Islamic HR practice would reflect the mind of the people working in different sectors. The research outlined here, if implemented, the Islamic HR would surely function as an effective means of building the stable business and the Islamic HR practice in the society. That type of step is an immense need in the age of the moral and spiritual crises when there is not enough scope to know that information about Islamic practice in business. The survey was based on primary and secondary data both. And this research WAS is developed in the context of Quran and Sunnah. The research is WAS based on mainly the Bangladesh perspective which reach that the 50% respondents strongly agreed that they would like to know about the Islamic Human Resource Management in the mosque where 70% respondents thought that the Mosque is a place for not only prayers but also a training centre of Islamic values. Another interesting outcome was 50% respondents are strongly agreed that it is important to bring Islamic scholars cum employers to share their knowledge about different disciplines at the mosque. Such a Mosque can help the Muslims to learn the views and thoughts of Islam and that can help the people live harmoniously and peacefully, and achieve salvation from Allah in the their life hereafter.IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 279-292
Auditing in Islamic Perspective and Auditing as Practiced in some selected Islamic Banks Operating in Bangladesh
Authors: Imran Muhammad Showkat , Ahmad Afzal , Bhuiyan Md Zahid Hossain
Published: July 2015

The study is on Auditing in Islamic perspective and auditing as practiced in some selected Islamic banks operating in Bangladesh. The study was conducted on total number of 5 Islamic banks operating in Bangladesh. The study was based on primary data, collected by interview method on the basis of a structured questionnaire. The main findings of the study are: i) identifying objectives and principles of Islamic auditing, ii) analysing the procedures of conducting auditing in the selected banks, iii) focusing on the major responsibilities and role of an auditor in the eye of Islam, iv) identifying qualities of an auditor in the eye of Islam such as righteousness, trustworthiness, professional behaviour, fairness, proficiency and efficiency, honesty and confidentiality etc., v) identifying major problems involved in conducting Islamic auditing in the selected banks are reported as: auditors specially external are not very much familiar with rules and regulation of Sharia Council, the bank authority disagree that auditors (external) are quite independent body, the concerned management feel discouraged to help the auditors by providing necessary information and data as well as document, non-standardization of Sharia compliance and regulation for Islamic finance. Not well equipped with knowledge of Sharia Council on the part of the employees, accounting systems and procedure are not fully in compliance with Islamic Sharia, vi) The probable measures to overcome the problems are identified as : proper implementation of accounting systems as permitted by Islamic Sharia, proper training to the accounting personnel regarding knowledge of Islamic Sharia, supplying the auditors necessary information and data willingly by the Accounts personnel, recognizing purity of transaction, proper standardization of Sharia Council rules and regulations etc.IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 293-306
Economic Development of Bangladesh: The Role of IBBL
Authors: Rahman Shafiqur , McDonald Nicholas
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the role of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) to the recent economic development in Bangladesh. The study analyses published texts, articles, websites and annual report of this bank through a content analysis. Key findings of this study manifest the contribution of this bank in different areas of economic development in Bangladesh like generating employment, earning foreign remittance, strengthening rural economy, promoting ecology and green banking, boosting industrialization, developing the SMEs, assisting in foreign trade (import-export), developing the housing sector etc. This study also identifies IBBLs significant contribution to the national exchequer. This paper contributes to the field of economic development of Bangladesh and the role of IBBL behind it and fills the gap of literature in this specific area.IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 323-334
Micropropagation of Orchid Carrying Knotted1?Like from Arabidopsis thaliana (Knat1) Gene
Authors: Dwiyani Rindang , Purwantoro Aziz , Indrianto Ari , Semiarti Endang
Published: July 2015

KNOTED1?LIKE from Arabidopsis thaliana (KNAT1) gene keeps shoot apical meristem (SAM) in the meristematic state. The objective of the research was to investigate whether the function of KNAT1 gene in keeping plant cells under meristematic state was functionally still work in the organ of the KNAT1 transformant. The transformant and WT plants were micropropagated, sliced and cut into some pieces, i.e. base of root, middle of root, root tip, a whole shoot, base of leaf, and leaf tip and planted in the New Phalaenopsis medium added with and without 5?M 2?iP and 0.15 ?M NAA. The results show that cells of KNAT1 transformant were more meristematic compared to wild type plants as the organ produced more buds in micropropagation.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(1): 13-20, 2015 (June)
Establishment of In vitro Adventitious Root Cultures and Analysis of Flavonoids in Rumex crispus
Authors: Mahdieh Majid , Noori Mitra , Hoseinkhani Simin
Published: July 2015

Adventitious root culture of leaf explants of R. crispus was established using different MS supplemented with different concentrations of auxins and a combination of NAA and Kn for growth and flavonoids production. Among the different auxins, NAA was more effective than IAA to induce adventitious roots. Adventitious roots grown on MS containing 5 ?M NAA and 0.5 ?M Kn showed the highest root growth, as well as the highest amount of total flavonoids (= 6) as compared with roots grown in other media. Chromatographic purification of the root extract showed that flavonoid composition also was influenced by hormone combinations in the culture media. The addition of Kn to the medium reduced or suppressed myricetin (M) and naringenin (N) production. Quercetin (Q) was not found in media containing Kn alone similar to the control medium. Isorhamnetin (I), kaempferol (K) and rutin (R) were produced in the roots on media supplemented with all hormone combinations, but were absent in 0.1 ?M Kn supplemented media similar to the control roots.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(1): 63-70, 2015 (June)
Genetic Transformation of a Local Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Variety of Bangladesh
Authors: Das Pronabananda , Ansari Aneesa , Islam Mohammad Nurul , Sarker RH
Published: July 2015

An in vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium?mediated genetic transformation protocol was optimized for a local tomato variety, BARI Tomato?8 using cotyledonary leaf and hypocotyls explants. The explants were treated with various growth regulators in MS at different concentrations and combinations. Highest number of multiple shoot induction was observed from both the explants cultured in MS supplemented with 8.88 ?M BAP and 0.57 ?M IAA. Half strength of MS supplemented with 1.14 ?M IAA was found to be the best for root induction from excised shoots. Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation was carried using pBI121 plasmid harboring ??glucuronidase (GUS) reporter and nptII selectable marker genes. Transient GUS assay confirmed that both the explants pre?cultured for two days showed best transformation efficiency in bacterial suspension having optical density (OD) of 0.8 (at 600 nm) for 15 min and co?cultivation period of 3 days. The shoots regenerated from transformed cotyledonary leaf explants survived at 200 mg/l kanamycin selection. The presence of expected amplicon corresponding to the GUS gene was confirmed by PCR. This protocol paves a way for developing disease resistant tomato variety using target gene/s.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 25(1): 87-97, 2015 (June)
Unilateral subcondylar fracture treated by close reduction: A case report
Authors: Noor AE , Amin N , Chowdhury TG , Hossain Md Mahfuz , Jahan Shahed , Sultana Asma
Published: July 2015

This case report is an insight in to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery whereby close reduction to unilateral condylar fracture is used as a means to highlighting the fact that dental surgeons require a unique understanding of the anatomy, growth considerations, healing pattern and operative management involving minimal manipulation while managing unilateral condylar fractures.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2014; 4 (2): 20-22
Learning styles and academic achievement among undergraduate medical students in Thailand
Authors: Jiraporncharoen Wichuda , Angkurawaranon Chaisiri , Chockjamsai Manoch , Deesomchok Athavudh , Euathrongchit Juntima
Published: July 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the associations between learning styles and high academic achievement and to ascertain whether the factors associated with high academic achievement differed between preclinical and clinical students. Methods: A survey was conducted among undergraduate medical students in Chiang Mai University, Thailand. The Index of Learning Styles questionnaire was used to assess each student’s learning style across four domains. High academic achievement was defined as a grade point average of at least 3.0. Results: Of the 1,248 eligible medical students, 1,014 (81.3%) participated. Learning styles differed between the preclinical and clinical students in the active/reflective domain. A sequential learning style was associated with high academic achievement in both preclinical and clinical students. A reflective learning style was only associated with high academic achievement among preclinical students. Conclusion: The association between learning styles and academic achievement may have differed between preclinical and clinical students due to different learning content and teaching methods. Students should be encouraged to be flexible in their own learning styles in order to engage successfully with various and changing teaching methods across the curriculum. Instructors should be also encouraged to provide a variety of teaching materials and resources to suit different learning styles.
U.S. Recreational Water Quality Criteria: A Vision for the Future
Authors: Fujioka Roger , Solo-Gabriele Helena , Byappanahalli Muruleedhara , Kirs Marek
Published: July 2015

This manuscript evaluates the U.S. Recreational Water Quality Criteria (RWQC) of 2012, based upon discussions during a conference held 11–13 March 2013, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The RWQC of 2012 did not meet expectations among the research community because key recommended studies were not completed, new data to assess risks to bathers exposed to non-point sources of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were not developed, and the 2012 RWQC did not show marked improvements in strategies for assessing health risks for bathers using all types of recreational waters. The development of the 2012 RWQC was limited in scope because the epidemiologic studies at beach sites were restricted to beaches with point sources of pollution and water samples were monitored for only enterococci. The vision for the future is development of effective RWQC guidelines based on epidemiologic and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) studies for sewage specific markers, as well as human enteric pathogens so that health risks for bathers at all recreational waters can be determined. The 2012 RWQC introduced a program for states and tribes to develop site-specific water quality criteria, and in theory this approach can be used to address the limitations associated with the measurements of the traditional FIB.
Assessing the Impact of Seasonal Population Fluctuation on Regional Flood Risk Management
Authors: Smith Alan , Newing Andy , Quinn Niall , Martin David , Cockings Samantha , Neal Jeffrey
Published: July 2015

Human populations are not static or uniformly distributed across space and time. This consideration has a notable impact on natural hazard analyses which seek to determine population exposure and risk. This paper focuses on the coupling of population and environmental models to address the effect of seasonally varying populations on exposure to flood risk. A spatiotemporal population modelling tool, SurfaceBuilder247, has been combined with LISFLOOD-FP flood inundation model outputs for a study area centred on the coastal resort town of St Austell, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK). Results indicate strong seasonal cycles in populations and their exposure to flood hazard which are not accounted for in traditional population datasets and flood hazard assessments. Therefore, this paper identifies and demonstrates considerable enhancements to the current handling of spatiotemporal population variation within hazard exposure assessment and disaster risk management.
Does the Visibility of Greenery Increase Perceived Safety in Urban Areas? Evidence from the Place Pulse 1.0 Dataset
Authors: Li Xiaojiang , Zhang Chuanrong , Li Weidong
Published: July 2015

Urban green space provides a series of esthetic, environmental and psychological benefits to urban residents. However, the relationship between the visibility of green vegetation and perceived safety is still in debate. This research investigated whether green vegetation could help to increase the perceived safety based on a crowdsourced dataset: the Place Pulse 1.0 dataset. Place Pulse 1.0 dataset, which was generated from a large number of votes by online participants, includes geo-tagged Google Street View images and the corresponding perceived safety score for each image. In this study, we conducted statistical analyses to analyze the relationship between perceived safety and green vegetation characteristics, which were extracted from Google Street View images. Results show that the visibility of green vegetation plays an important role in increasing perceived safety in urban areas. For different land use types, the relationship between vegetation structures and perceived safety varies. In residential, urban public/institutional, commercial and open land areas, the visibility of vegetation higher than 2.5 m has significant positive correlations with perceived safety, but there exists no significant correlation between perceived safety and the percentage of green vegetation in transportation and industrial areas. The visibility of vegetation below 2.5 m has no significant relationship with the perceived safety in almost all land use types, except for multifamily residential land and urban public/institutional land. In general, this study provided insight for the relationship between green vegetation characteristics and the perception of environment, as well as valuable reference data for developing urban greening programs.
Mitochondrial Glutathione in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Lash Lawrence
Published: July 2015

Although there are many etiologies for diabetic nephropathy (DN), one common characteristic of all cases involves mitochondrial oxidative stress and consequent bioenergetic dysfunction. As the predominant low-molecular-weight, intramitochondrial thiol reductant, the mitochondrial glutathione (mtGSH) pool plays important roles in how this organelle adapts to the chronic hyperglycemia and redox imbalances associated with DN. This review will summarize information about the processes by which this important GSH pool is regulated and how manipulation of these processes can affect mitochondrial and cellular function in the renal proximal tubule. Mitochondria in renal proximal tubular (PT) cells do not appear to synthesize GSH de novo but obtain it by transport from the cytoplasm. Two inner membrane organic anion carriers, the dicarboxylate carrier (DIC; Slc25a10) and 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC; Slc25a11) are responsible for this transport. Genetic modulation of DIC or OGC expression in vitro in PT cells from diabetic rats can alter mitochondrial function and susceptibility of renal PT cells to oxidants, with overexpression leading to reversion of bioenergetic conditions to a non-diabetic state and protection of cells from injury. These findings support the mtGSH carriers as potential therapeutic targets to correct the underlying metabolic disturbance in DN.
Niobium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Bioceramics: Synthesis, Characterization and In Vitro Cytocompatibility
Authors: Capanema Nádia , Mansur Alexandra , Carvalho Sandhra , Silva Alexandra , Ciminelli Virginia , Mansur Herman
Published: July 2015

Doping calcium phosphates with ionic species can play an important role in biological responses promoting alkaline phosphatase activity, and, therefore inducing the generation of new bone. Thus, in this study, the synthesis of niobium-doped hydroxyapatite (Nb-HA) nanosize particles obtained by the precipitation process in aqueous media followed by thermal treatment is presented. The bioceramics were extensively characterized by X-ray diffraction, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and thermal analysis regarding their chemical composition, structure and morphology. The results showed that the precipitate dried at 110 °C was composed of amorphous calcium phosphate and HA, with polidisperse particles ranging from micro to nano dimensions. After the thermal treatment at 900 °C, the bioceramic system evolved predominantly to HA crystalline phase, with evident features of particle sintering and reduction of surface area. Moreover, the addition of 10 mol% of niobium salt precursor during the synthesis indicated the complete incorporation of the Nb(V) species in the HA crystals with detectable changes in the original lattice parameters. Furthermore, the incorporation of Nb ions caused a significant refinement on the average particle size of HA. Finally, the preliminary cytocompatibility response of the biomaterials was accessed by human osteoblast cell culture using MTT and resazurin assays, which demonstrated no cytotoxicity of the Nb-alloyed hydroxyapatite. Thus, these findings seem promising for developing innovative Nb-doped calcium phosphates as artificial biomaterials for potential use in bone replacements and repair.
Characterization of the Bacterial and Sulphate Reducing Community in the Alkaline and Constantly Cold Water of the Closed Kotalahti Mine
Authors: Bomberg Malin , Arnold Mona , Kinnunen Päivi
Published: July 2015

Drainage from metal-sulphide rich rocks may cause considerable environmental stress in the form of elevated sulphate and heavy metal contamination of the environment. Mine draining effects from closed mines may be abated using indigenous and introduced microbial communities for sulphate reduction and metal precipitation at the mining site. Here we characterized the general and sulphate reducing bacterial (SRB) community of Kotalahti Mine (Finland). The mine was flooded after closure and sulphate reduction and metal precipitation was induced by addition of pig manure sludge into the Vehkankuilu shaft. Water was sampled from Vehkankuilu and Ollinkuilu shafts from depths −10, −30, −70 and −100 m 15 years after the treatment. The water in the shafts differed from each other biologically and geochemically. The shafts are not directly connected except by some fracture zones, and the Ollinkuilu shaft is used as a reference for environmental monitoring. The detected bacterial communities from both shafts contained methylotrophic γ-Proteobacteria, hydrogenotrophic and methylotrophic β-Proteobacteria and fermenting bacterial clades. The concentration of SRB was low, at most 4.0 × 103 dsrB genes·mL−1, and the SRB affiliated with Desulfobulbus and Thermoanaerobacteriales clades. Despite the obvious success of the mine as an in situ bioreactor for increasing water pH and removing sulphate and heavy metals by induced sulphate reduction under suboptimal temperature, only a small portion, less than 0.5%, of the bacterial population in the mine water was SRB.