bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistência nômade: arte, colaboração e novas formas de ativismo na Rede
Authors: Gonçalves Fernando Do Nascimento
Published: April 2018

O presente trabalho pretende discutir os usos das tecnologias digitais de comunicação nas novas formas de mobilização social através da arte. A questão central a ser abordada é um fenômeno surgido nos anos 90, da apropriação, por parte de artistas, cidadãos comuns e ativistas de recursos das redes digitais combinados com recursos presenciais para mobilizar, sensibilizar e amplificar ações coletivas e engajar um grande número de pessoais em torno de causas sociais. Tais ações indicam um outro fenômeno, que é o da redefinição dos conceitos de arte e política, tornando-os sensivelmente diversos dos das vanguardas européias do começo do século XX e do alto-modernismo dos anos 60. Tal mudança parece estar abrindo, por isso mesmo, espaço para o redimensionamento das práticas de resistência cultural na atualidade.
As novas utopias piratas: uma análise de wikis e projetos colaborativos através da Zona Autônoma Temporária de Hakim Bey
Authors: Lopes Marcelo Benevides
Published: April 2018

A proposta do presente artigo é aprofundar e atualizar os conceitos desenvolvidos pelo escritor norte-americano Hakim Bey no livro TAZ: Zona Autônoma Temporária, através das metáforas do rizoma e da máquina de guerra, descritas por Gilles Deleuze e Félix Guattari, e de outros desdobramentos que se tornam necessários, tendo como suporte autores como Michel Foucault, Zygmunt Bauman e Howard Rheingold. Assim, sugerimos situar a formação da TAZ no âmbito da cibercultura, mais precisamente em sistemas colaborativos que utilizam a plataforma wiki, também propondo uma contextualização da cartografia da rede e dos dispositivos de vigilância em tais projetos.
A projeção de interesses em redes sociais de voluntariado
Authors: Taborda Marianna
Published: April 2018

Enquanto os dispositivos de vigilância das sociedades disciplinares eram centrados na correção, os dispositivos contemporâneos são voltados para a previsão, exercendo controle sem confinamento. Em busca de traçar perfis que antecipem ações, os dispositivos de vigilância coletam, registram e cruzam informações no ciberespaço. Sem a pretensão de investigar a interioridade do sujeito, a vigilância contemporânea projeta tendências e interesses, a fim de incitar o consumo, prevenir doenças ou conter o crime. Servindo de recurso para diversos sites, como Amazon, Gmail e Last FM, a vigilância digital permite uma comunicação mais personalizada com os usuários e a organização do caos informativo. Tais dispositivos, por possibilitarem a elaboração de recomendações para diferentes perfis, também têm se mostrado valiosos para redes digitais de voluntariado. Indicações deste tipo são capazes de aproximar pessoas com interesses semelhantes e distribuir oportunidades de atuação voluntária, de forma direcionada, fomentando assim o voluntariado.
De quem é a língua? Interações comunicacionais e conflitos lingüísticos na Wikipédia Lusófona
Authors: Johnson Telma Sueli Pinto
Published: April 2018

Este artigo trata dos processos comunicativos e práticas sociais em espaços colaborativos na Internet entre cidadãos falantes dos países de língua portuguesa. Os novos contornos da relação dialética entre identidade e alteridade são enfocados à luz das modalidades de experiência do mundo que emergem da Comunicação Mediada por Computador (CMC). A Wikipédia Lusófona é tomada como objeto de análise, sob um olhar pragmático, em busca de revelar interações, conflitos e táticas de auto-organização como desdobramentos das trocas interculturais.
Hipertexto 2.0, folksonomia e memória coletiva: um estudo das tags na organização da web
Authors: Aquino Maria Clara
Published: April 2018

A forma como os dados são representados, organizados e recuperados na web é o centro da preocupação deste artigo. Partindo de um histórico do hipertexto, observando suas novas práticas e buscando demonstrar as possibilidades de criação de uma memória coletiva em determinados ambientes da web através da folksonomia, este trabalho se propõe a analisar estas novas formas de representação, organização e recuperação de informações na web no intuito de elucidar uma nova fase do hipertexto, na qual o ideal de coletividade originário da prática pode então se concretizar.
Mobilidade e personalização como agentes centrais no acesso individual das mídias digitais
Authors: Pellanda Eduardo Campos
Published: April 2018

O trabalho em questão levanta problemas das relações entre o ambiente dos meios digitais, e suas possibilidades de personalização de conteúdo, e mídias impressas. No contexto de cibercultura e mobilidade da informação uma das questões centrais é a escolha de quando e o que se quer consumir, a questão é que nem todos os meios conseguem dialogar com este horizonte de maneira linear. Este é um primeiro ensaio sobre o inicio das pesquisas desenvolvidas no Laboratório de Documentos Digitais da FAMECOS/PUCRS que visa detectar e propor soluções para problemas de personalização de conteúdo.
Representação da identidade negra na telenovela brasileira
Authors: De Faria Maria Cristina Brandão , Fernandes Danubia De Andrade
Published: April 2018

Por meio da análise das personagens ‘Preta’ e ‘Foguinho’, das telenovelas “Da cor do pecado” e “Cobras & lagartos”, respectivamente, ambas de João Emanuel Carneiro, Rede Globo de Televisão, perguntamonos: qual modelo de identidade negra a ficção seriada brasileira está criando e difundindo diariamente? Adotando uma perspectiva crítica focada na emissão, intentamos avaliar contribuições e dívidas da teledramaturgia de nosso país no que tange a representação da identidade negra.
A opinião pública distribuída: blogs e jornalismo nas Eleições Brasileiras de 2006
Authors: Malini Fábio
Published: April 2018

Este estudo busca analisar o impacto da atividade discursiva dos blogs na campanha política brasileira de 2006, em particular, examinar como o regime de conversação e diálogo viral entre os autores dessas publicações online transformou o estatuto teórico da opinião pública (ligada à cultura de massa) e impulsionou a criação de um novo mercado do diálogo entre o jornalismo e as novas audiências online. Em 2006, de posse de ferramentas de construção de redes sociais (principal o site de relacionamento Orkut), de ferramentas para publicações amadoras (os blogs, podcastings e wikis etc) e da criação de redes de debate por meio de listas e fóruns de discussão, os internautas militavam na defesa de seus candidatos a presidente, criando uma rede distribuída de informação totalmente baseada no contágio. Assim a opinião circula como uma praga, um vírus, num jogo infinito de “passa e repassa”. Ela é, no ambiente das redes virtuais, uma opinião pública distribuída, algo tematizado e esmiuçado neste artigo.
O tecnobrega no contexto do capitalismo cognitivo: uma alternativa de negócio aberto no campo performático e sensorial
Authors: Gabbay Marcello M.
Published: April 2018

Este trabalho não pretende abordar questões estéticas a respeito do tecnobrega, mas, com base nos atuais conceitos de capitalismo cognitivo e capital imaterial, observar a evolução trilhada pelo gênero na cidade de Belém (PA), destacando as alternativas encontradas pelos atores desta cadeia produtiva cultural para estabelecerem-se no mercado local, diante de um processo de transição de paradigmas, onde antigos conceitos de tradição e erudição, enrijecidos ao longo dos últimos quatro séculos, vêm cedendo espaço para novas formas de cultura e fala populares, amparadas no uso livre de tecnologias de comunicação e mídia.
Programas de pesquisa sobre o audiovisual: anomalias em Godard e Guel Arraes
Authors: Pucci Jr. Renato Luiz
Published: April 2018

Com base no conceito de programa de pesquisa científica, examinam-se anomalias enfrentadas no Brasil pela pesquisa sobre o audiovisual. Características pós-modernistas de alguns filmes da primeira fase de Godard, Uma Mulher é uma Mulher (1961) e Alphaville (1965), resultam em análises e avaliações problemáticas em pesquisas orientadas pelo programa oposicionista e no desconhecimento de vínculos cinematográficos das realizações de Guel Arraes para a TV.
Conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas sobre Banco de Dentes Humanos
Authors: Da Silva Daylana Pacheco , Vasconcelos Urias Silva , Da Silva Neto Adelmar Pereira , Martins Gregório Antônio Soares , Sipaúba Graciela Maria Oliveira , De Moura Walter Leal , Soares de Moura Carmem Dolores Vilarinho
Published: April 2018

Banco de dentes humanos (BDH) é uma entidade sem fins lucrativos que tem a finalidade de recepcionar, armazenar, catalogar e manter em boa conservação dentes humanos para pesquisa e treinamento laboratorial pré-clínico de estudantes.  No entanto, muitos cirurgiões-dentistas desconhecem a importância do BDH. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas das Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) do município de Teresina/PI sobre condutas diversas relacionadas aos BDHs. O presente estudo é do tipo observacional com amostragem probabilística estratificada com alocação proporcional, que utilizou entrevistas. Mais da metade dos cirurgiões-dentistas afirmaram ter conhecimento da existência de BDHs no Brasil, porém 81% desconheciam a existência do BDH da Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI). Todos os entrevistados foram a favor da doação e consideram o dente como um órgão, entretanto 95,2% nunca fez doação de dentes para um BDH. O lixo foi o destino mais comum após exodontias. Diante disto, foi possível concluir que não há doação de dentes humanos pelos cirurgiões-dentistas entrevistados, possivelmente, devido ao desconhecimento da existência do BDH da UFPI e suas peculiaridades.
Caracterização do componente curricular Odontologia para Pacientes com Necessidades Especiais nos cursos de Odontologia do estado da Paraíba
Authors: Penha Elizandra Silva , Tenório Danilo Almeida , Fonseca Fátima Roneiva Alves , Guênes Gymenna Maria Tenório , Montagna Erik
Published: April 2018

A regulamentação da especialização em Odontologia para Pacientes com Necessidades Especiais surgiu por meio da resolução 25/2002 do Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO). De acordo com a lei nº 9.394/96, os cursos de graduação possuem autonomia didático-científica para estabelecer sua estrutura curricular. Dessa forma, conteúdos relacionados à Odontologia para Pacientes com Necessidades Especiais (OPNE) poderão ou não estar presentes na matriz curricular dos cursos de Odontologia. O objetivo da pesquisa foi caracterizar a disciplina de OPNE nos cursos de Odontologia do estado da Paraíba.  Trata-se de um estudo transversal de abordagem quantitativa. Um formulário foi produzido e as informações foram coletadas nos sítios web dos cursos. Foi possível coletar informações de nove dos onze cursos em funcionamento no estado. Em seis deles os conteúdos estavam presentes e a nomenclatura variava de uma instituição para outra. A oferta da disciplina foi obrigatória em 100% dos cursos avaliados e em cinco a abordagem era teórico/clinica, sendo que em um não constava informação. Dois cursos disponibilizavam a disciplina no 8º e 9º semestres, com  carga horaria média de 62,2 horas. Em 50% dos casos os conteúdos tinham conexão com outras disciplinas e em 60% funcionavam como disciplina independente. Conclui-se que os cursos de graduação em Odontologia do estado da Paraíba possuem, na sua maioria, a disciplina de OPNE em sua estrutura curricular. Não existe uma padronização quanto à nomenclatura, carga horária e período em que a mesma é ofertada.
The Ties That Bind: Building Civic Capacity for the Tennessee Achievement School District
Authors: Glazer Joshua L. , Egan Cori
Published: April 2018

The Tennessee Achievement School District (ASD) is among several state-run districts established to turn around underperforming schools. Like other such districts, the ASD removes schools from local control and is not accountable to local political institutions. Despite its authority, the ASD has encountered opposition within Memphis where its schools reside. For those inclined to its market orientation and suspicious of traditional districts, the ASD is an innovative effort to improve outcomes for disadvantaged students. For those that see educational failure in Memphis as the result of social and economic isolation, the ASD appears motivated by profit, paternalism, and racism. A third narrative, largely hidden from view, encompasses people who reject state takeover but seek to confront structural causes of poor performance.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension in a Rural Community of Western Nepal: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Kafle RC , Sharma D , Paudel N , Sapkota S , Alurkar VM
Published: April 2018

Background and aim: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Hypertension evolved as a major public problem in urban populations of many countries including Nepal, but little is known about its prevalence and risk factors in rural areas. The objective of our study was to assess the prevalence of and risk factors associated with hypertension.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in November 2017 in a four days health camp where peoples from ward number eight of Suklagandaki municipality of Tanahu district were called for screening of diabetes mellitus. No prior notice was given to the population about screening of hypertension. We screened total of 568 participants. Demographics, anthropometry and two independent blood pressure (BP) readings were taken. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 18.0.Results: A total of 568 individuals were interviewed and taken complete BP, weight and height measurements. More than 1/3rd (36.26%) of the respondents were in age group 18- 39 years with mean age 47.49 ± 16.61. Nearly, 60% of the respondents were female. Whilst 17.3% were smokers and 20% reported drinking alcohol. Overall prevalence of hypertension was 41.55% and this was significantly associated with age, gender, education, size of family, smoking habits, intake of alcohol, presence of diabetes mellitus.Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be high and it has become a important public health issue even in rural part of Nepal. Community screening program, timely detection, lifestyle modification, treatment and prevention are all important to deal
Role of fasting and postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and its association with carotid intima media thickness in Type II diabetes patients
Authors: Pathak R , Adhikari Prabin , Pathak UN
Published: April 2018

Background and aim: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with the development of premature arteriosclerosis and a higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Diabetic dyslipidaemia is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of accelerated atherosclerosis in this condition. B-mode ultrasound enables non-invasive, direct visualization of the arterial wall. The aim of this study was to correlate intima media thickness of the carotid artery (CIMT) quantification as a reliable marker of atherosclerotic burden in diabetes patients.Method: It was a Cross Sectional Study done on 50 patients in the age group of 30-70 years with type II Diabetes Mellitus of more than 5 years duration without hypertension. Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) was measured using an echotomographic system with a 7.5-MHz linear transducer probe. With the carotid bulb and the longitudinal projection of the common carotid artery 2cmx from carotid bulb, the site of the greatest thickness including a plaque lesion was sought along both near and far walls bilaterally.Results: The mean CIMT of subjects with fasting triglyceride level less than 150 mg/ dL was 13.2±0.48 mm with a range of 0.6-2.4 mm. Similarly the level between 150- 200 mg/dL was 1.89±0.54 mm with a range of 1.3-2.6 mm and level more than 200 mg/dL was 2.00±0.63 mm with a range of 0.8-2.6 mm. From the present study, it is clearly evident that age, duration of disease, fasting triglycerides and postprandial triglycerides have a significant impact on the CIMT, whereas other variables are having any significant impact on CIMT.Conclusion: The present study concludes both fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels correlate significantly with carotid intima media thickness. But, the correlation of postprandial triglyceride levels with carotid intima media thickness is better than that of fasting triglyceride levels with carotid intima media thickness, the postprandial hypertriglyceridemia despite normal fasting triglyceride level can be considered as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Outcome of Patients with Gullain Barre syndrome at Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Kafle Dilli Ram , Shah Surendra
Published: April 2018

Background: Gullain Barre syndrome is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis. Early diagnosis and treatment improves survival in patients with Gullain Barre Syndrome.Material and Methods: The purpose of the study was to note the common clinical features and identify predictors of outcome in Patients with Gullain Barre Syndrome. It is a prospective study which was conducted at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital from April 2015 to March 2016.Results: Time between onset of symptoms, presentation to hospital and admission was 5 ± 4 days. Four Patients (20%) gave history of upper respiratory tract infections and 12 (60%) had diarrhoea. Limb weakness was the most common symptom, which was documented in 20 (100%) patients. Other common symptoms were limb paresthesia, limb pain, and bladder dysfunction. Cerebrospinal Fluid protein was raised in 16(80%) patients to more than 45 mg/dl. All of our patients had CSF cell count less than 10. One (5%) patient had normal nerve conduction study initially. Eight (40%) patients had axonal (AMAN) variant of GBS, 3(15%) had AMSAN variant of GBS, while 8(40%) had demyelinating neuropathy (AIDP). The mean duration of hospital stay was7.4 ±2.7 days. Three months after hospital discharge 12(60%) patients achieved complete recovery. Eight (40%) patients still needed some support with ambulation. Predictors of worse outcome were old age, rapid progression of disease and AMSAN variant of GBS.Conclusion: Gullain Barre syndrome is an important cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children and adults. Early diagnosis is based on history of symmetrical limb weakness, CSF Findings and nerve conduction study. Majority of patients improve with supportive care while some develop respiratory failure and needs mechanical intubation. Journal of Nobel Medical College Volume 6, Number 2, Issue 11 (July-December, 2017) Page:20-24
Prevalence of co-morbid conditions in Heart failure: an experience at tertiary care hospital
Authors: Dhungana Sahadeb Prasad , Chaparia Ankit , Sharma Sanjib Kumar
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Patients with heart failure (HF) have various co-morbidities that complicate management and may adversely affect outcomes. HF guidelines provide little discussion on this topic and evidence is sparse.Material and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study on 240 consecutive patients with HF admitted from September 2016 to July 2017 at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Nepal. All patients admitted with diagnosis of HF with reduced or preserved ejection fraction (NYHA functional class III/IV) based on Framingham Criteria and echocardiography assessments were included. Pre-defined co-morbid conditions were assessed.Results: Mean age of patients was 53.5 years and 53% were female. Most patients were in NYHA class III or IV (25% and 75% respectively) and 28.3% had ischemia as a cause of HF. Among co-morbidities, 85% of patients with HF had at least one co-morbidity. Anemia (68.3%), coronary artery disease (30.4%), hypertension (26.6%), diabetes (18.7%) and chronic kidney disease (7.5%) were the co-morbidities with the highest prevalence. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3.7%), sleep apnea (2.5%), hypothyroidism (2.5%) and stroke (2.5%) were less common. Of all patients, only 15% had no co-morbidity, 40% had one co-morbidity, 22% had two co-morbidities, and 13 % had three or more co-morbidities.Conclusion: Co-morbidities are common problems and anemia is the most common in our scenario which could be of multi-factorial etiology. Careful attention to the diagnosis and management of specific co-morbidities may help to improve outcomes in patients with HF. Journal of Nobel Medical CollegeVolume 6, Number 2, Issue 11 (July-December, 2017) Page:35-41
Profile on ECG Changes in different types of Stroke in Patients at Tertiary Level Hospital in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Thakur Manoj Kumar , Chhetri Gaurav , Shrestha Risab
Published: April 2018

Background : Physician knew for centuries that primary cardiac disorders leads to stroke, but it is recent realization that strokes may produce cardiac abnormalities. It is essential to distinguish whether cardiopulmonary abnormalities are caused by the stroke or unrelated. It is very difficult to distinguish because pre-existing cardiac abnormalities are highly prevalent in stroke. This study is designed to see ECG changes in stroke that can help for further evaluation and management.Methods and Materials: This descriptive Cross-Sectional hospital-based study was conducted to describe the ECG changes, character of ECG abnormalities in patients with stroke. All the patients admitted in the Nobel Medical College in one-year meeting inclusion criteria and residing in Eastern part of Nepal were included. Both Ischaemic and Haemorrhagic stroke were taken. ECG changes includes QTc-prolonged, AF (Atrial Fibrillation), T inversion, QRS prolonged, PR prolonged, ST elevation, ST depression, Hyperacute T wave in different types of stroke was evaluated on the basis of age, sex, smoker, HTN and DM.Result : The total participants were 100. Out of which 65 were male and 35 were female and 72.0% were 60 years and above and 28.0% below 60 years with Mean Age in year ± Standard deviation of male and female was (64.74 ± 12.62) and (63.69 ± 13.53) respectively. Ischemic and Haemorrhagic stroke was 87.0% and 13.0% respectively. ECG changes were found in 84.0%.Conclusion:  Ischaemic stroke (87.0%) was more common than Haemorrhagic stroke (13.0%). ECG changes were in 84.0% and QTc-prolonged (29.0%) was the most common followed by AF (27.0%).Journal of Nobel Medical CollegeVolume 6, Number 2, Issue 11 (July-December, 2017) Page: 42-47
Farm related and Wild Animals inflicted injuries related to Orthopaedics: Epidemiology and prospects for control
Authors: Bajracharya Suraj
Published: April 2018

Background : Farm related and wild animals inflicted injuries in Orthopaedics is one of the major concern in developing countries like ours. As we don’t know much about such injuries, it would be landmark study for our country. Therefore, the study helps us know better about its epidemiological aspects.Materials & Methods: This prospective case series of farm related and wild animals inflicted injuries related to Orthopaedics, conducted from May 2006 to April 2008 at Department of Orthopaedics of B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, consisting of 87 patients admitted to the Orthopaedic ward, is presented. The preformed structured proforma were used to record the data and, later those records were analyzed.Results : 78 domestic related injuries and 9 wild animal related injuries were recorded in the recruitment period of two year. 23 femoral fractures, 14 humeral fractures, 11 Cervical spine injuries, 10 leg bone fractures, 9 forearm fractures were found. Fall from buffalo, Hit by buffalo were common cause of injuries in domestic related injuries whereas Hit / kick by elephant, attack by bear were causes of wild animal related injuries.Conclusion : This study concluded that all adolescents and adults, of all age group and sex, should be included in community education and intervention programmes for prevention of such injuries. The prevention of this type was necessary.Journal of Nobel Medical CollegeVolume 6, Number 2, Issue 11, July-December 2017, 53-57
A case report of Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts, a rare inherited autosomal recessive leukodystrophy, in a Nepalese child
Authors: Bhattarai Manoj , Bhattarai Ashish Mohan
Published: April 2018

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare inherited autosomal recessive leukodystrophy due to mutations in MLC1 or HEPACAM gene and have typical and characteristic neuroimaging findings. This article reports a case of 13 months old Nepalese male child with diagnosis of MLC.Journal of Nobel Medical College Volume 6, Number 2, Issue 11, July-December 2017, 72-75
Comparison of Lipid Profiles among the Women with or without Oral Contraceptive Pill Users
Authors: Sultana Abida , Rahman Shamima , Alam Al Mamun Mahbub
Published: April 2018

Background: The label of Lipid profiles may vary among the oral contraceptive pill users and non-users.Objective: This present study was undertaken to compare the lipid profiles among women with or without OCP users.Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Family Planning Department in collaboration with the Biochemistry Department at Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka from June 2009 to May 2010 for a period of one (1) year. Women using low-dose OC pill for more than one year were considered as group A, while women not using low-dose OC pill were taken as group B of the study. Lipid profiles were performed in the laboratory in the fasting state from blood.Result: In this study 80 subjects were recruited for this study of which 40 women in group A and the rest 40 women were in group B. Over three-quarter (77.5%) of the group A had raised serum total cholesterol as opposed to only 17.5% of the group B (p < 0.001). Raised serum triglyceride and raised LDL-cholesterol were also significantly higher in the group A than those in the group B (p=0.019 and p<0.001 respectively). Majorities of the subjects in the group A (87.5%) and in the group B (90%) exhibited low HDL with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.556).Conclusion: In conclusion serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol are significantly associated among the women who use low dose OCP than without OCP users.Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2016;3(2):43-46
Serum Cystatin C as an Endogenous Marker of Renal Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Authors: Faraji Md Anwarul Haque , Anwar Mohammed Rashed , Debnath Dilip Kumar , Alam Md Babrul , Morshed Syed Mahbub , Hasan KAM Mahbub
Published: April 2018

Background: Cystatin C is being considered as a potential replacement for serum creatinine as a filtration marker.Objectives: This present study was conducted to determine the validity of Cystatin C as a renal function test and to compare the Cystatin C and serum creatinine level between the CKD cases and person not having CKD.Methodology: The present case control study was conducted in the department of Nephrology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital during the period of January 2009 to December 2009 with the aim to find out the serum Cystatin C as diagnostic markers of chronic kidney disease. In the present study total 100 respondents were included. Among them 50 were CKD patients and another 50 were without CKD. Results: It was an age and sex matched study. Out of 50 patients with CKD, 29 (58.0%) were in the stage IV followed by 15 (30.0%) were in the stage III and rest 6 (12.0%) were in the stage V. In CKD group 31 (62.0%) had glomerulonephritis, 18 (36.0%) had HTN, 11 (22.0%) had DM and 3 (6.0%) had obstructive uropathy.  In without CKD group 9 (18.0%) had HTN, 6 (12.0%) had DM. Mean±SD of Serum Creatinine in CKD and without CKD groups were 5.73±2.69 and 0.85±0.11mg/dl respectively. Mean±SD of Serum Cystatin C in CKD and without CKD groups were 3.59±1.21 and 0.71±0.09 mg/dl respectively. In all patients sensitivity of Cystatin C to diagnose CKD was 100.0% and specificity also100.0%. Sensitivity of serum creatinine to diagnose CKD was 88.0% and specificity was 100.0%.Conclusions: Cystatin C proved more reliable than creatinine and was comparable to plasma creatinine and Cockcroft-Gault estimation. Serum Cystatin C had higher diagnostic accuracy with high sensitivity and specificity to detect renal function and is a reliable marker of renal function. Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2017;4(1):3-12
Knowledge of Snake Bite Management among Health Service Providers at a Rural Community of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahsan HM Nazmul , Rahman Md Ridwanur , Amin Robed , Chowdhury Enamul Hoque
Published: April 2018

Background: Snake bile is a very common incidence among the rural people.Objective: This study was aimed to assess the pattern of snakebite in rural community through community engagement.Methodology: It uses the methodological triangulation qualitative and quantitative approach as well as a case study design in analyzing data, whereby the exploratory-descriptive design is followed. The findings from survey study on snake bite have been elicited from face to face interview with 243 number of  medical professionals/health service providers consisting of 113 number of  MBBS doctors, 86 number of  nurses and 46 number of other health practitioners. The study area consisted of 5 zilla sadar hospitals and 15 upazilla health complexes. We purposively select the 243 sample(Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics ,Others) from the selected districts and its consisting random upazillas from the govt. sector hospitals keeping in mind gender balance (Male -Female) as a primary total target population. So in total, 5division and itsconsisting random upazilas hospital including union health complex hospital personnel will be interviewed throughout mention areas of Bangladesh. Result: Most of the health professionals (93.8%) stated that the existence of facilities in their respective hospitals is not adequate to manage the treatment of snake bite victims.  Of the total number of medical personnel - around 30.0% of the health professionals had the opportunity to manage snake bite in their respective span of service (50.4% of MBBS docs + 11.6% of nurses + 11.4% of other practitioners).The findings show that majority of 87.6% of doctors, 85.0% of nurses and 95.5% of other practitioners mentioned rainy season as the most prevalent time for occurrence of snake bite in rural areas of Bangladesh. As for whether all snake bites are poisonous- around 17.0% of doctors followed by 18.6% of nurses and 16.0% of other practitioners are found to have wrong notion about mentioning that all snake bites are poisonous but in reality this is not true.Conclusion: There is insufficient knowledge, skill and experience of how to treat snake bite victims. Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2017;4(1):17-22
Patient with D transposition of Great Arteries Operated by Senning Procedure: A Case Report
Authors: Hoque Ashraful , Moinuddin Shahriar
Published: April 2018

The atrial switch operation, the Mustard or Senning operation, for the transposition of the great arteries (TGA) was introduced in the late 1950s and was the preferred surgery for TGA until the early 1990s. The arterial switch operation has become the procedure of choice for patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) in most medical centres. Although atrial switching may occasionally be employed in some centres in cases with delayed diagnosis, pulmonary hypertension and some other unusual entities. We preferred to use the atrial switch operation Senning procedure for 5 months old child with TGA, small atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2017;4(1):31-33
Burden of Epilepsy in Bangladesh: Current Approach
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Enayet
Published: April 2018

Abstract not availableJournal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2017;4(1):1-2
Crop Systems, Quality and Protection of Diplotaxis tenuifolia
Authors: Caruso Gianluca , Parrella Giuseppe , Giorgini Massimo , Nicoletti Rosario
Published: April 2018

Perennial wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) D.C.) is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae with a cosmopolitan distribution. Traditionally harvested as a spontaneous herb, today it is a crop species of increasing importance after the diffusion of the ready-to-use salads in the vegetable retail markets. Besides relevance as a food crop, its consumption is prompted by consideration in the traditional medicine of several peoples in the native areas of the Mediterranean and western Asia based on recognized health beneficial effects. In fact, the leaves have notable nutritional properties related to their contents of glucosinolates and some antioxidant compounds, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which entitle their dietary inclusion for the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This paper provides an overview on aspects concerning the biology, crop management, nutritional properties, industrial processing and uses of perennial wall-rocket.
Complex Regulatory Networks Governing Production of the Glycopeptide A40926
Authors: Alduina Rosa , Sosio Margherita , Donadio Stefano
Published: April 2018

Glycopeptides (GPAs) are an important class of antibiotics, with vancomycin and teicoplanin being used in the last 40 years as drugs of last resort to treat infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A few new GPAs have since reached the market. One of them is dalbavancin, a derivative of A40926 produced by the actinomycete Nonomuraea sp. ATCC 39727, recently classified as N. gerenzanensis. This review summarizes what we currently know on the multilevel regulatory processes governing production of the glycopeptide A40926 and the different approaches used to increase antibiotic yields. Some nutrients, e.g., valine, l-glutamine and maltodextrin, and some endogenous proteins, e.g., Dbv3, Dbv4 and RpoBR, have a positive role on A40926 biosynthesis, while other factors, e.g., phosphate, ammonium and Dbv23, have a negative effect. Overall, the results available so far point to a complex regulatory network controlling A40926 in the native producing strain.
A Modified Method for Evaluating Sustainable Transport Solutions Based on AHP and Dempster–Shafer Evidence Theory
Authors: Chen Luyuan , Deng Xinyang
Published: April 2018

With the challenge of transportation environment, a large amount of attention is paid to sustainable mobility worldwide, thus bringing the problem of the evaluation of sustainable transport solutions. In this paper, a modified method based on analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Dempster–Shafer evidence theory (D-S theory) is proposed for evaluating the impact of transport measures on city sustainability. AHP is adapted to determine the weight of sustainability criteria while D-S theory is used for data fusion of the sustainability assessment. A Transport Sustainability Index (TSI) is presented as a primary measure to determine whether transport solutions have a positive impact on city sustainability. A case study of car-sharing is illustrated to show the efficiency of our proposed method. Our modified method has two desirable properties. One is that the BPA is generated with a new modification framework of evaluation levels, which can flexibly manage uncertain information. The other is that the modified method has excellent performance in sensitivity analysis.
Is Dyslexia a Brain Disorder?
Authors: Protopapas Athanassios , Parrila Rauno
Published: April 2018

Specific word reading difficulty, commonly termed ‘developmental dyslexia’, refers to the low end of the word reading skill distribution but is frequently considered to be a neurodevelopmental disorder. This term implies that brain development is thought to be disrupted, resulting in an abnormal and dysfunctional brain. We take issue with this view, pointing out that there is no evidence of any obvious neurological abnormality in the vast majority of cases of word reading difficulty cases. The available relevant evidence from neuroimaging studies consists almost entirely of correlational and group-differences studies. However, differences in brains are certain to exist whenever differences in behavior exist, including differences in ability and performance. Therefore, findings of brain differences do not constitute evidence for abnormality; rather, they simply document the neural substrate of the behavioral differences. We suggest that dyslexia is best viewed as one of many expressions of ordinary ubiquitous individual differences in normal developmental outcomes. Thus, terms such as “dysfunctional” or “abnormal” are not justified when referring to the brains of persons with dyslexia.
The Role of Title IX Coordinators on College and University Campuses
Authors: Wiersma-Mosley Jacquelyn , DiLoreto James
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to better understand the role of Title IX coordinators and their policies across four-year universities and two-year community colleges in the United States (U.S.). There is little information regarding Title IX coordinators’ training, background, and policies on how they handle Title IX investigations regarding sexual violence. The data come from an online survey that included 692 Title IX coordinators across four-year (private and public) and two-year campuses and represented 42 different states in the US. The current study found that most Title IX coordinators were in part-time positions with less than three years of experience. Most of the coordinators and their investigators were trained in Title IX policies. Most coordinators provide Title IX training for their students and faculty, and most have completed a campus climate survey; however, 15% had not completed a survey. The findings suggest that the majority of campuses are continuing to increase their Title IX visibility; however, there are several recommendations for campuses to improve their policies. The current study was able to shed light on how Title IX coordinators do their jobs and the role they play in helping with the challenging issues surrounding sexual violence at institutions across the nation.
Immunohistochemistry for Diagnosis of Metastatic Carcinomas of Unknown Primary Site
Authors: Selves Janick , Long-Mira Elodie , Mathieu Marie-Christine , Rochaix Philippe , Ilié Marius
Published: April 2018

Immunohistochemistry has become an essential ancillary examination for the identification and classification of carcinomas of unknown primary site (CUPs). Over the last decade, the diagnostic accuracy of organ- or tumour-specific immunomarkers and the clinical validation of effective immunohistochemical panels has improved significantly. When dealing with small sample sizes, diagnostic accuracy is crucial, particularly in the current era of targeted molecular and immune-based therapies. Effective systematic use of appropriate immunohistochemical panels enables accurate classification of most of the undifferentiated carcinomas as well as careful preservation of tissues for potential molecular or other ancillary tests. This review discusses the algorithmic approach to the diagnosis of CUPs using CK7 and CK20 staining patterns. It outlines the most frequently used tissue-specific antibodies, provides some pitfalls essential in avoiding potential diagnostic errors and discusses the complementary tools, such as molecular tumour profiling and mutation-specific antibodies, for the improvement of diagnosis and prediction of the treatment response.
Enhancement of the Corrosion Resistance of 304 Stainless Steel by Cr–N and Cr(N,O) Coatings
Authors: Dinu Mihaela , Mouele Emile S. Massima , Parau Anca C. , Vladescu Alina , Petrik Leslie F. , Braic Mariana
Published: April 2018

Chromium nitride and oxynitride coatings were deposited as monolayers ((Cr–N), Cr(N,O)) and bilayers (Cr–N/Cr(N,O), Cr(N,O)/Cr–N) on 304 steel substrates by reactive cathodic arc method. The coatings were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), surface profilometry, and scratch tester. The anticorrosive properties of the coatings were assessed by electrochemical tests in 0.10 M NaCl + 1.96 M H2O2, carried out at 24 °C. Cr2N, CrN, and Cr(N,O) phases were identified in the coatings by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GI-XRD) measurements. The measured adhesion values ranged from 19 N to 35 N, the highest value being obtained for the bilayer with Cr(N,O) on top. Electrochemical tests showed that Cr(N,O) presence in both mono- and bilayered coatings determined the lowest damage in corrosive solution, as compared to the Cr–N coatings. This improvement was ascribed to the more compact structure, lower coatings porosity, and smoother surface.
A Robust Digital Control Strategy Using Error Correction Based on the Discrete Lyapunov Theorem
Authors: Du Guiping , Li Jiajian , Du Fada , Liu Zhifei
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a robust digital control strategy using error correction techniques to improve the robustness of conventional deadbeat control methods. The proposed control method, based on the discrete converter models, determined control law using an error correction technique based on the discrete Lyapunov stability theorem. The steady-state performance and dynamic response of the presented method was analyzed and verified. The experimental results showed that the method derived in this paper not only offered improved robustness, but also endowed the grid current with lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), while still maintaining a fast, dynamic response.
Shading Ratio Impact on Photovoltaic Modules and Correlation with Shading Patterns
Authors: Gutiérrez Galeano Alonso , Bressan Michael , Jiménez Vargas Fernando , Alonso Corinne
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the study of a simplified approach to model and analyze the performance of partially shaded photovoltaic modules using the shading ratio. This approach integrates the characteristics of shaded area and shadow opacity into the photovoltaic cell model. The studied methodology is intended to improve the description of shaded photovoltaic systems by specifying an experimental procedure to quantify the shadow impact. Furthermore, with the help of image processing, the analysis of the shading ratio provides a set of rules useful for predicting the current–voltage behavior and the maximum power points of shaded photovoltaic modules. This correlation of the shading ratio and shading patterns can contribute to the supervision of actual photovoltaic installations. The experimental results validate the proposed approach in monocrystalline and polycrystalline technologies of solar panels.
Challenges and Opportunities for North American Hardwood Manufacturers to Adopt Customization Strategies in an Era of Increased Competition
Authors: Nicholls David L. , Bumgardner Matthew S.
Published: April 2018

Much of the North American wood products industry was severely impacted by the recession of 2008–2009. In addition, many sectors within this industry face intense global competition. Against this backdrop, we examine economic opportunities for hardwood manufacturers to achieve greater competitive advantage via product customization, through a literature review and synthesis. We also discuss several related themes including agility, lean manufacturing, and clustering. We found that, in globally competitive environments, hardwood producers must be agile to adapt to economic conditions and dynamic customer demand. We discuss how some sectors of the hardwood industry have effectively exhibited customized production, and subsequently fared relatively well in the current economy. We conclude the synthesis by evaluating the importance of supply chains to achieving customization for hardwood producers. In the future, supply chains will need to be configured to rapidly respond to changing consumer demands, and pressure to provide more services will likely extend further back up the supply chain to hardwood sawmills. It is expected that sustainability practices, including green supply chain management, will impact operational and economic performance of hardwood firms as well.
Evidence of Ash Tree (Fraxinus spp.) Specific Associations with Soil Bacterial Community Structure and Functional Capacity
Authors: Ricketts Michael , Flower Charles , Knight Kathleen , Gonzalez-Meler Miquel
Published: April 2018

The spread of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) across North America has had enormous impacts on temperate forest ecosystems. The selective removal of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) has resulted in abnormally large inputs of coarse woody debris and altered forest tree community composition, ultimately affecting a variety of ecosystem processes. The goal of this study was to determine if the presence of ash trees influences soil bacterial communities and/or functions to better understand the impacts of EAB on forest successional dynamics and biogeochemical cycling. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of soil DNA collected from ash and non-ash plots in central Ohio during the early stages of EAB infestation, we found that bacterial communities in plots with ash differed from those without ash. These differences were largely driven by Acidobacteria, which had a greater relative abundance in non-ash plots. Functional genes required for sulfur cycling, phosphorus cycling, and carbohydrate metabolism (specifically those which breakdown complex sugars to glucose) were estimated to be more abundant in non-ash plots, while nitrogen cycling gene abundance did not differ. This ash-soil microbiome association implies that EAB-induced ash decline may promote belowground successional shifts, altering carbon and nutrient cycling and changing soil properties beyond the effects of litter additions caused by ash mortality.
Comparing Thinning System Effects on Ecosystem Services Provision in Artificial Black Pine (Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold) Forests
Authors: Marchi Maurizio , Paletto Alessandro , Cantiani Paolo , Bianchetto Elisa , De Meo Isabella
Published: April 2018

Provision of forest ecosystem services is influenced by site and stand characteristics as well as forest management practices. In order to evaluate the influence of forest management on ecosystem services provision, two artificial black pine forests located in Central Italy were studied where two different thinning approaches (traditional and selective) were applied under the SelPiBio LIFE project. Four main ecosystem services were selected and assessed: timber and bioenergy production, carbon sequestration, forest stand stability-protection, and biodiversity conservation. Even if not supported by statistical evidence, results highlighted an interesting trend just 2 years after treatment. The selective thinning was able to enhance the majority of ecosystem services compared to the traditional one. A higher growth rate of selected crop trees was measured (i.e., carbon sequestration). The slenderness ratio was sensibly reduced (i.e., mechanical stability) with a positive implication on soil retention and the prevention of landslides. Moreover, valuable and interesting commercial assortments have been proven to be retrieved from the stands with the selective approach. Larger and also better formed trees were harvested, given the impact of selective thinning on the co-dominant class. The Shannon index increased only with the selective thinning intervention. In conclusion, the provided results and methods are encouraging and might represent the basis for novel and longer monitoring efforts.