bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence of Mental Disorders among Serving Soldier Requiring Admission
Authors: Rawal Namrata , Thapa Praswas , Bista Yadav
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Numerous studies have been done to study the psychiatric conditions in army personnel but none have been done in Nepalese army personnel. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of common mental disorders among Nepalese Army Personnel who were admitted in psychiatric ward. Methods: Retrospectively 186 case records of Nepalese Army Personnel, who received treatment at the inpatient psychiatric ward over a period of one year (15th May 2010 to 15th May 2011) , were included in this study. Descriptive analysis of their demographic data and types of psychiatric disorders was done using SPSS v16. Results: Among the 186 patients who were admitted during the study period, 184 (98.92 %) were male. The most common age range was 21-30 years (70.43%). The prevalence of the first ten rank of mental disorders among Nepalese Army Personnel were  Major Depression (25.27%), Alcohol dependence (22.58%), Schizophrenia (14.67%), Bipolar disorder (8.6%), Anxiety disorder(6.52%), Substance induced psychotic disorder(4.35%), Schizoaffective disorder(3.26%), Deliberate self harm (2.72%), Malingering(2.72%) and Poly substance dependence (2.72). Conclusions: The most common prevalence of mental disorders among inpatient of Nepalese Army Personnel in psychiatric department in the year 2010-11 were Major depressive disorder, Alcohol dependence and Schizophrenia.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; July-December 2012/vol.11/Issue2/14-17 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v11i2.7902
Surgical Site Infection, Bacterial Isolates and Their Sensitivity Pattern at Surgical Ward
Authors: Bhandari Sushila Devi
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Surgical site infection is a common occurrence in surgical ward. Knowledge about the commonest pathogen and its sensitivity in a particular setting is crucial in selection of appropriate antibiotics. No study has been performed earlier to identify the pattern of infection and antibiotic sensitivity in surgical department. So, this study aimed to analyze the commonest isolates from surgical site infection and their sensitivity pattern. Methods: A total of 56 cases of surgical site infection who were admitted in surgical ward at Shree Birendra Hospital, were included in this study. Wound swab from the infected surgical site was taken and send for culture and sensitivity. The obtained results were analysed using descriptive tools. Results: Among 56 surgical site infections only in 30 cases a pathogen was isolated. The commonest organism isolated was E.Coli 15(50%) followed by Staph. Aureus. The most sensitive antibiotics was Amikacine for E. Coli, and cefixime for S. Aureus. Conclusions: Ciprofloxacin seems to be the most appropriate first line oral antibiotics as it is sensitive both to E. Coli and S Aureus.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; July-December 2012/vol.11/Issue2/18-20 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v11i2.7903
Effect of Posture in Intraocular Pressure, Comparison between Normal and Glaucomatous Subjects
Authors: Shrestha Ram , Patyal Sagarika , Bista Ramesh , Rajkarnikar Sagar , Gurung Anu
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Intraocular pressure (IOP) increases when changing from sitting to supine position with an average difference of 0.3 to 6.0mm of Hg. These postural changes of IOP have been found in normal persons, patients with ocular hypertension and normal tension glaucoma. The eye is relatively non-distensible, even small changes in the volume of aqueous humor may significantly change IOP. The increase in resistance in aqueous flow is thought to be the reason for higher IOP in supine compared to sitting position. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of posture in intraocular pressure in normal and primary open angle glaucoma subjects. Methods: It was a prospective cross sectional study done in Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, between May, 2007 to May, 2009 with sample sized of 60 people (30 controls and 30 Primary open angle glaucoma). Patients underwent complete ocular examination. Two drops of Topical 4% lignocaine were instilled. IOP measurements were taken by Rebound tonometer in sitting and supine positions at 10 min and 30 min interval respectively. Results: Control group (40-76 yrs) and POAG group (40-78 yrs) were found to have a mean rise of IOP of 1.65 and 2 mm of Hg respectively from sitting to lying for 10min, and  a mean rise of 2.52 and 5.36 mm of Hg respectively from sitting to lying for 30min. Conclusions: The rise in IOP due to change of posture from sitting to supine positions was significantly higher in glaucomatous patients.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; July-December 2012/vol.11/Issue2/21-23 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v11i2.7904
Pattern of Otorhinolaryngological Diseases at Rural Medical Camps in Far Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Karki Reeba , Rai Kiran
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Nepal army has been organizing free medical camp in various parts of Nepal since many years. The free medical camp is committed to improve global health care in rural parts of Nepal. This study was conducted to describe the demographic and ENT-HNS diseases among the patients attending medical camps in two rural parts of far western region of Nepal (Humla-Simikot and Muggu- Talcha) Methods: Retrospective studies of all the patients attending ENT-HNS clinic of Simikot and Talcha medical camp from October 12th to October 16th 2011 were evaluated. Each patient was assessed by consultant ENT-Head and Neck surgeon. Only adult age group patient were included in the study. The disease was divided into four group i.e otology (ear disease), rhinology (nose disease), head and neck (throat disease) and normal finding groups. Results: Total numbers of 213 patients were analyzed in Simikot and 167 patients in Talcha. Among them otology group were 80 patients (37.5%), rhinology 57patients (26.7%), head and neck 55patients (25.82%) and 21 patients (9.85%) had normal findings in Simikot. Similarly in Talcha the patients were 84(50.29%) in otology, 22(13.17%) in rhinology, 49(29.34%) in head and neck and12 (7.1%) with normal findings respectively. Conclusions: Chronic otitis media (CSOM) is the most common ENT problems in both the rural areas. One of the major causes of hearing loss is CSOM so improvement of socioeconomic status and health care facilities will also be helpful in reducing the prevalence of CSOM.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; July-December 2012/vol.11/Issue2/29-31 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v11i2.7906
Stigmatized among the Stigmatized: Sex Offenders in Canadian Penitentiaries
Authors: Ricciardelli Rosemary , Moir Mackenzie
Published: April 2013

Convicted sex offenders carry an additional stigma to that of being a criminal, fuelled by their charges. This stigma of an incarcerated sex offender has been studied from the perspective of professionals and paraprofessionals working in corrections, although never before from the position of other prisoners. Via semi-structured interviews with 56 Canadian men on parole, this study investigated how federally incarcerated men stigmatize sex offenders and the shape, scope, and implications of this stigma for the offender. The lived experiences of incarcerated sex offenders were examined empirically, as well the interactions and perceptions of sex offenders by former prisoners who had served time due to non-sex-related convictions. The study was framed by Goffman's (1963) stigma theory, providing insight into the scope, dynamics, and implications of the sex offender stigma as created by other prisoners. In itself, this stigma shapes the overall prison experience of the sex offender; and, interestingly, the threat of being falsely labelled with such a stigma is real for prisoners without such convictions. Findings also suggest that the sex offender stigma can manifest itself as physical/verbal abuse, social exclusion, and victimization and can become embedded in prison policies and structures. Given the current political climate in Canada and the fact that corrections facilities known by prisoners to house sex offenders are being closed and their prisoner populations relocated, this study is particularly relevant and important – specifically in examining the potential risks that await many sex offenders upon transferring to a new institution in which this stigma may strongly prevail.
Mourning Becomes Electra as a Tragedy
Authors: Asselineau Roger
Published: April 2013

As the superimposed Greek title shows, the subject of the play is an old Greek myth presented in modem dress. And the trilogy, with its division into parts, acts and scenes, and the presence of a confidant and a chorus, looks like a transfer of Aeschylus's Oresteia. But, what is more important still, the substance of Mourning Becomes Electra is essentially tragic and meets all the requirements formulated by Aristotle in his Poetics.
Book Reviews
Authors: Albrecht  , Six Sally , Siegel Ben , Ivask George
Published: April 2013

Charles H. Shattuck ed., Bulwer And Macready: A Chronicle Of The Early Victorian Theatre, reviewed by W. P. Albrecht

Pamela Prince, Seven Steps To Creative Children's Dramatics, , reviewed by Sally Six

Marvin Halverson ed., Religious Drama/I, reviewed by Ben Siegel

E. Martin Browne ed., Religious Drama/II, reviewed by Ben Siegel

Nikolai A. Gorchakov, The Theater In Soviet Russia, , reviewed by Georce Ivask
French Stowaways on an American Milk Train: Williams, Cocteau and Peyrefitte
Authors: Debusscher Gilbert
Published: April 2013

The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore occupies a special place in Tennessee Williams's career. It was the last of his full-length plays to be produced on Broadway before acute personal problems forced the playwright into a prolonged artistic eclipse. Moreover, it was the only one of his plays to follow such a complex path of development. Based as usual on a short story — "Man Bring This Up Road," published in 1959 — but apparently conceived earlier, it evolved quickly from a first dramatization presented at the Spoleto Festival on July II, 1962 through at least two further versions opening on Broadway in rapid succession on January 16,
The Sources and Themes of The Plough and the Stars
Authors: Fallon Gabriel
Published: April 2013

WARM IT WAS THAT EVENING; warm with the lingering sun of a lingering summer, as he stood outside Cahill's the Chemists where the meandering North Circular Road is bisected by the wide straight line of Dorset Street. Dorset -Street ... why, the man he was on his way to meet was born here, not two hundred yards from the birthplace of Richard Brinsley Sheridan!

“It’s a straight walk up Portland Rowand N. C. Road," the letter said; "cross over Dorset Street and continue up the N. C. R. passing Cahill's Chemist Shop on the left hand side as you cross." So far so good. "The house (422, on the comer of a lane) has a small sycamore growing in the front garden, and is about fifty steps from Cahill's the Chemists."
The Sources and Themes of The Plough and the Stars
Authors: Armstrong
Published: April 2013

THOUGH SEAN O'CASEY did not fight in the Easter Rising of 1916, he helped to organise the Irish Citizen Army and was a shrewd and passionate observer of life in Dublin before, during, and after the most fateful week in the history of his native city. His autobiographical record of this period, Drums Under the Windows (1945), and his The Story of the Irish Citizen Army (1919) are important historical documents. They are also of much literary interest because they reveal some of the sources of his tragedy, The Plough and the Stars, and elucidate some of its main themes.
O'Casey's Dramatic Symbolism
Authors: Worth Katherine
Published: April 2013

O'CASEY'S DRAMATIC WORK has often been seen by his critics as falling into two periods, the first, and generally most admired, realistic, the second symbolic. This is a misleading division. Symbolism was present in the earliest plays: in O'Casey's own words, "the manner and method of two of the plays were as realistic as the scents stealing from a gaudy bunch of blossoms." Any play coming from an imagination at once poetic and dramatic inclines towards symbolism: the poetic imagination throws up images, the dramatic imagination draws them into the action. The process is clearly seen in Red Roses for Me (1947), where the red rose first figures as a Shakespearean emblem, recurs in Ayamonn's song as an image of love and finally draws together all the different creative activities which are seen in the playas uplifting the spirit of man. It becomes an overt symbol in the last scene when Sheila mourns Ayamonn's death with a bunch of red roses in her hand.
Synge and the Celtic Revival
Authors: Greene David
Published: April 2013

THE EARLY HISTORY of the Irish National Theatre Society—familiar to us as the Abbey Theatre—is full of anomalies. Although it was part of a nationalist movement, it was actually repudiated by most Irish nationalists. Although it was, and still is, the nearest thing in the English-speaking world to what might be called a people's theater, it was privately owned by an English woman, antipathetic to Irish nationalism, and its directors seemed intent upon demonstrating only contempt for the people. Although it glorified the Irish peasant, most Irish people believed that its intention was to ridicule him. Although it was a manifestation of Celtic revivalism, its dramatists wrote in English, and during its first forty years of existence only four plays out of the hundreds performed on its stage were in Irish. The directors of the theater never wavered in their attitudes toward political nationalism or toward their audiences. But they were aware of the inconsistency of a literature in English extolling what was exclusively Irish and produced in an atmosphere in which everyone seemed to be demonstrating his patriotism by learning the rudiments of the native language.
A Player's Reflections on Playboy
Authors: Cusack Cyril
Published: April 2013

I WRITE PRIMARILY AS AN ACTOR, which must at once set up a suspicion that what I say will be considerably coloured with ego and possible bias. So be it: I write out of my experience of playing Synge, and in particular the role of Christopher Mahon, which I have played over a period of just on twenty years—from 1936 to 1955—ranging from Dublin, through the Irish provinces, to London and Paris. It is the one of all his characters through which, to my mind, almost to the point of identification a player may reach closest to the essential Synge, the playwright in search of himself.
The Making of the Playboy
Authors: Spacks Patricia Meyer
Published: April 2013

YEATS SAID OF The Playboy of the WesternWorld that the inability of the original audiences to understand it represented the only serious failure of the Abbey Theatre movement. The most recent significant appearance of The Playboy took place off-Broadway in 1958, and its reviewers, though generally kind, revealed, like those of the past, some confusion as to the essential import of the play. Indeed, The Playboy seems a work destined to be forever misinterpreted. At the start of its career in 1907 it caused riots because of its alleged immorality; since then it has produced mainly perplexity. Seeing a realistic production of The Playboy, one is made acutely conscious of the problem which Synge himself raised during the first tumultuous week of the original Dublin performance, when he insisted he'd written "an extravaganza" —only to add later that the source of the play lay in his understanding of Irish psyche and Irish speech as they actually existed, thus claiming for the work an ultimate realism.
Sean O'Casey: A Biography and an Appraisal
Authors: Johnston Denis
Published: April 2013

IT MUST HAVE BEEN very refreshing for Dublin when Dr. David Krause arrived from Brown University with a scholarly brief to investigate, not as might have been expected—Yeats or Joyce—but Sean O'Casey. One might perhaps imagine that a formal biography would be largely repetitious for one whose life has been so coherently described in six stout volumes of his own. But this is not the case, as Dr. Krause's excellent book clearly shows. The Irish capital has still got many caches of information-reliable and unreliable-about all her literary progeny, and it is surprising that the O'Casey data has never been adequately collected before. Apart from the surviving members of the Abbey Company that first performed his work, there are still to be found in the cit—-mainly in Labour circles—a number of cronies and companions-in-strikes who appear as characters in the earlier plays, sometimes without even a change of name. And all of these have plenty to say about their old friend. Besides, what greater need can there be for a good objective biography than when one has already been entertained and bemused by the subject's own vigorous conception of himself?
Book Reviews
Authors: Kozelka Paul , Da Ponte Durant , Mc Anany Emile , Nethercot Arthur
Published: April 2013

Jed H. Davis and Mary Jane Watkins, Children's Theatre, reviewed by Paul Kozelka

Jordan Y. Miller ed., American Dramatic Literature: Ten Modern Plays in Historical Perspective, reviewed by Durant Da Ponte

Wallace Fowlie ed.,Dionysus In Paris: A Guide To Contemporary French Theater, reviewed by Emile G. Me Anany

Bernard Shaw ed., How To Become A Musical Critic, reviewed by Ben Siegel

Nikolai A. Gorchakov, The Theater in Soviet Russia, reviewed by Arthur H. Nethercot
Design and Development of Sustained Release Microspheres of Ibuprofen by Emulsification Solvent Evaporation Method Using Polymeric Blend
Authors: Saha Nandini , Hasan Ikramul , Nazmi Mehrina , Reza Md Selim
Published: April 2013

Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug was formulated as microspheres by using Methocel K4M & Eudragit RSPO. These microspheres were prepared by emulsification solvent evaporation method to provide sustained action and to minimize local side effect of Ibuprofen by avoiding the drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The prepared microspheres were subjected to various evaluation and in-vitro release studies. In-vitro drug release was studied in a paddle type dissolution apparatus (USP Type II Dissolution Apparatus) using Phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) as the dissolution medium at 37.5oC for 6 hours (paddle speed 50 RPM). The release mechanisms were explored and explained with Zero Order, First Order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas equations. The correlation coefficients values of the trend lines of the graphs showed that the formulations best fit with Korsmeyer-Peppas release pattern. Microspheres morphology and chemical integrity were studied by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i1.14489 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(1): 39-44, 2013
Enhancement of Dissolution Rate of Gliclazide Using Solid Dispersions: Characterization and Dissolution Rate Comparison
Authors: Islam Sharmi , Dey Laboni Rani , Shahriar Mohammad , Dewan Irin , Islam SM Ashraful
Published: April 2013

In this study solid dispersion (SDs) of gliclazide were prepared by solvent evaporation technique using poloxamer 407 as carrier. Drug carrier weight ratio were 1:1, 1:3 and 1:5. Physical mixtures of the same ratio were also prepared for comparison. The solid dispersions were investigated for drug loading and dissolution behavior and were found effective to enhance the solubility of gliclazide in dissolution medium significantly. Evaluation of the properties of the SDs was also performed by using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The FTIR spectroscopic studies showed the stability of gliclazide and absence of interaction between gliclazide and poloxomer 407. The XRD studies indicated the amorphous state of gliclazide in SDs. Dissolution data of SDs were compared by using both model dependant and model independent techniques. No significant difference in % DE (dissolution efficiency) was found among the SDs. But the drug release rate from SDs differs from that of physical mixture. So, solid dispersion technique may be an effective way to enhance dissolution rate of gliclazide. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i1.14490 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(1): 45-52, 2013
Determinants of Self-esteem and Social Responsibility among Undergraduates of Dhaka City: Effects of Gender, Family Pattern and University Type
Authors: Akhter Shayama , Hossain Md Shakhawat
Published: April 2013

This paper is based on the results of a conducted study to investigate the level of self-esteem and social responsibility of the students of Bangladesh by the types of university, gender and family pattern. The sample of the study consists of 120 students where 60 students are from a public university and the remaining 60 students from a private university. In both cases, the 60 students are drawn as 30 male and 30 female. Of these two genders, 15 are from nuclear families and the other 15 from joint families. Therefore, there are total four levels of the public and private university students. The data are collected through questionnaires and analyzed by the analysis of variance. Results have revealed that self-esteem and social responsibility are significantly different according to the types of family pattern and gender while self-esteem differs by the types of university but social responsibility does not. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbt.v6i2.14515 Journal of Business and Technology (Dhaka) VolVI, Issue02, (July-December, 2011) & VolVII, Issue-1 (January-June, 2012) pp.21-33
The Semantics of Progressive Aspect: A Thorough Study
Authors: Flora Mousume Akhter , Hasan SM Mohibul
Published: April 2013

In English grammar, verbs have two important characteristics--tense and aspect. Grammatically tense is marked in two ways: Present and Past. English verbs can have another property called aspect, applicable in both present and past forms of verbs. There are two major types of morphologically marked aspects in English verbs: progressive and perfective. While present and past tenses are morphologically marked by the forms verb+s/es (as in He plays) and verb+d/ed (as in He played) respectively, the morphological representations of progressive and perfective aspects in the tenses are verb+ing (He is/was playing) and verb+d/ed/n/en (He has/had played) respectively. This paper focuses only on one type of aspectual feature of verbs--present progressive. It analyses the use of present progressive in terms of semantics and explains its use in different contexts for durative conclusive and non-conclusive use, for its use in relation to time of reference, and for its use in some special cases. Then it considers the restrictions on the use of progressive aspect in both present and past tenses based on the nature of verbs and duration of time. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v7i0.14464 Stamford Journal of English; Volume 7; Page 87-97
Cultural Imperialism in English Medium Schools: A Critical Insight
Authors: Haque Muhammed Shahriar , Akter Tahmina
Published: April 2013

English medium schools in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka are providing an alternative form of private education at the primary, secondary and higher secondary levels. However, it cannot be denied that such schools are generally unregulated by any national education boards or monitoring bodies in terms of their syllabus, recruitment policy, admission procedures or their tuition fee structure. Consequently, they enjoy a kind of autonomy like no other education system in Bangladesh. English medium schools on the one hand may be contributing towards the rise of English and the standard of English medium education; on the other hand, they seem to be gradually fostering western culture that undermines Bangladeshi culture and tradition. It seems that cultural imperialism is still continuing in this country through such institutions (see Haque, 2009). Students of English medium schools tend to learn about western tradition, literature, geography, history, socio-political background, and lifestyle, without emphasizing Bangladeshi way of life. The overexposure to western culture could have repercussions in the long run (see Al-Quaderi, 2010). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v7i0.14468 Stamford Journal of English; Volume 7; Page 98-128
Kim and A Passage to India: A Binary of Colonial Attitude
Authors: Hossain Muhammed Elham , Rahman Mustafizur
Published: April 2013

In modern linguistics binary distinctions are fundamental and many social and cultural phenomena are based on binary oppositions. Even many stereotypes of culture get formulated on the basis of binary oppositions: If you are not with me you are against me (Hawthorn 29) is a cultural imposition of a binary opposition upon variations of attitude. Looking down upon the natives of the Subcontinent as a people, devoid of civilization, colonial authors produced the stereotypes of attitude which remained unchanged, fortified by prejudices and cultural biases. Reading of colonial texts which are based on Indian setting, reveals these stereotypes. Rudyard Kiplings Kim and E. M. Forsters A Passage to India pictured colonial India from European perspective, degrading it to the level of a land of mystery, muddle, inactivity and lethargy. Both the texts depicted India as a binary opposition of Europe, formulated with cultural biases and prejudices emerging out of the boastfulness of the colonizers as the light givers of civilization to the rest of the globe. But it is true that every reading is a re-creation of the identity of the author and this axiom has inspired this paper to explore the basis of binary oppositions of the colonial attitude of Rudyard Kipling and E. M. Forster. This paper is also inspired by the perception that literary and cultural phenomena are based upon binary oppositions and in the days of postcolonial theory binary oppositions have become fundamental to many recent literary works. Keeping this in mind, this paper seeks to explore Kiplings Kim and E. M. Forsters A Passage to India in colonial perspective and present binary distinctions of their attitude towards India. Both the authors have chosen India as setting of their above mentioned novels and their observation of the East and the West produced binary distinctions between Europe and the Subcontinent. This paper has made a deconstructionist analysis of these stereotypes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v7i0.14469 Stamford Journal of English; Volume 7; Page 129-144
Influence of Doraemon on Bangladeshi Children: A CDA perspective
Authors: Islam Nujhat Nuari , Biswas Tuhin
Published: April 2013

Cartoon series are basically for the childrens entertainment. Sometimes not only the children but also the adults enjoy cartoon series. According to Waiming (2002), Doraemon is now a popular culture in Japan. It is so much popular that Disney channel is telecasting this series in Hindi language. This paper is a critical discourse analysis of how a Japanese anime of Hindi language is embedding Hindi language into the Bangladeshi children of age 3 to 8 years. This paper discusses the reasons for the exercise of Hindi language by the Bangladeshi children and the use of Hindi language instead of English after watching Doraemon. These little children are using Hindi words with Bangla language. This sort of use of Hindi language is actually a way of dominating Bangla language, and a reason for linguistic imperialism. This paper also discusses how Doraemon has cultural effects in Bangladesh. For data collection, 500 children and 100 families were interviewed from the urban area of Bangladesh. Theoretical framework is done on Saussures Semiotics theory, and Phillipsons (1992) language and cultural imperialism theory. From this data, it is found out that the children of Bangladesh are using Hindi Language mostly. They prefer to talk in Hindi than English language. Parents are facing social problems also DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v7i0.14474 Stamford Journal of English; Volume 7; Page 204-217
Speaking Assessment at Secondary and Higher Secondary Levels and Students Deficiency in Speaking Skill: A Study to Find Interdependence
Authors: Matin Zakia Noor
Published: April 2013

For a comprehensive development of students communication skills, reading, writing, listening and speaking are equally important to be emphasized. At the learning process, assessment is the final step where the learners get feedback of what they have been taught and how much they have learned. The study aims to show the current approach of assessing students English speaking skill (the most important medium of communication) at the Secondary and Higher Secondary levels, and how far this approach helps students develop language skills. Finally, the study intends to find out the reason of students reluctance in improving English speaking skill and evaluate their sufferings at the tertiary level. A survey was conducted among one hundred students of three private universities. Majority of them have come from Bangla medium institutions. The syllabuses (2008), text books and question papers (2006 to 2010) are used as reference for this study. The research was exploratory and three private universities of Dhaka city were selected as study area. Irrespective of the discipline of the study, 100 students were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. The academic practice of the students in secondary and higher secondary levels was portrayed retrospectively and the obstacles they were facing at the tertiary level were analysed according to the objective of the study. This is also a finding which shows a rift between the objective of introducing Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and the assessment technique followed by National Curriculum and Text Books Board. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v7i0.14476 Stamford Journal of English; Volume 7; Page 234-251
Bangla to English Code Switching in Bangladeshi Commercial Cinema
Authors: Sultana Nasreen
Published: April 2013

The language of media, especially language of cinema is relatively an unexplored area in the field of academic research. In Bangladeshi commercial cinema, it is often noticed that actors switch their codes from Bangla to English while speaking. However, it should not be thought that in cinema code switching is done without any reason; rather code switching in the dialogues is designed to convey the intended meaning. Therefore, it is important to investigate the phenomenon of code switching in Bangladeshi commercial cinema from an academic point of view. This research is descriptive and qualitative in nature. Its purpose is to find out the reasons and types of code switching which are found in the commercial films of Bangladesh. For this research, data are collected from commercial Bangladeshi films and interviews have been conducted with experts from linguistics and film background. After collecting the data, they are transcribed, tabulated and analyzed in terms of the research objectives. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v7i0.14479 Stamford Journal of English; Volume 7; Page 263-285
Biochar Effect on Maize Yield and Soil Characteristics in Five Conservation Farming Sites in Zambia
Authors: Cornelissen Gerard , Martinsen Vegard , Shitumbanuma Victor , Alling Vanja , Breedveld Gijs , Rutherford David , Sparrevik Magnus , Hale Sarah , Obia Alfred , Mulder Jan
Published: April 2013

Biochar addition to agricultural soils can improve soil fertility, with the added bonus of climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. Conservation farming (CF) is precision farming, often combining minimum tillage, crop rotation and residue retention. In the present farmer-led field trials carried out in Zambia, the use of a low dosage biochar combined with CF minimum tillage was tested as a way to increase crop yields. Using CF minimum tillage allows the biochar to be applied to the area where most of the plant roots are present and mirrors the fertilizer application in CF practices. The CF practice used comprised manually hoe-dug planting 10-L sized basins, where 10%–12% of the land was tilled. Pilot trials were performed with maize cob biochar and wood biochar on five soils with variable physical/chemical characteristics. At a dosage as low as 4 tons/ha, both biochars had a strong positive effect on maize yields in the coarse white aeolian sand of Kaoma, West-Zambia, with yields of 444% ± 114% (p = 0.06) and 352% ± 139% (p = 0.1) of the fertilized reference plots for maize and wood biochar, respectively. Thus for sandy acidic soils, CF and biochar amendment can be a promising combination for increasing harvest yield. Moderate but non-significant effects on yields were observed for maize and wood biochar in a red sandy clay loam ultisol east of Lusaka, central Zambia (University of Zambia, UNZA, site) with growth of 142% ± 42% (p > 0.2) and 131% ± 62% (p > 0.2) of fertilized reference plots, respectively. For three other soils (acidic and neutral clay loams and silty clay with variable cation exchange capacity, CEC), no significant effects on maize yields were observed (p > 0.2). In laboratory trials, 5% of the two biochars were added to the soil samples in order to study the effect of the biochar on physical and chemical soil characteristics. The large increase in crop yield in Kaoma soil was tentatively explained by a combination of an increased base saturation (from <50% to 60%–100%) and cation exchange capacity (CEC; from 2–3 to 5–9 cmol/kg) and increased plant-available water (from 17% to 21%) as well as water vapor uptake (70 mg/g on maize cob biochar at 50% relative humidity).
Conceptualising the Impact of Arousal and Affective State on Training Outcomes of Operant Conditioning
Authors: Starling Melissa , Branson Nicholas , Cody Denis , McGreevy Paul
Published: April 2013

Animal training relies heavily on an understanding of species-specific behaviour as it integrates with operant conditioning principles. Following on from recent studies showing that affective states and arousal levels may correlate with behavioural outcomes, we explore the contribution of both affective state and arousal in behavioural responses to operant conditioning. This paper provides a framework for assessing how affective state and arousal may influence the efficacy of operant training methods. It provides a series of three-dimensional conceptual graphs as exemplars to describing putative influences of both affective state and arousal on the likelihood of dogs and horses performing commonly desired behaviours. These graphs are referred to as response landscapes, and they highlight the flexibility available for improving training efficacy and the likely need for different approaches to suit animals in different affective states and at various levels of arousal. Knowledge gaps are discussed and suggestions made for bridging them.
A Phase I Study of the Combination of Temsirolimus with Irinotecan for Metastatic Sarcoma
Authors: Verschraegen Claire , Movva Sujana , Ji Yongli , Schmit Berndt , Quinn Robert , Liem Ben , Bocklage Therese , Shaheen Monte
Published: April 2013

mTOR inhibitors are emerging as important anti-neoplastic agents with a wide range of clinical applications. The topoisomerase I inhibitor irinotecan is a potent DNA damaging drug, with a broad spectrum of anticancer activities. mTOR appears to enhance cancer cell survival following DNA damage, thus the inhibition of mTOR after irinotecan could theoretically show synergistic activities in patients. Both mTOR inhibitors and irinotecan have been used as single agents in soft tissue sarcomas with limited efficacy. We completed a phase I trial of the combination of the mTOR inhibitor, temsirolimus, and irinotecan in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma. Seventeen patients were recruited. The Phase II recommended dose is 20 mg of temsirolimus and 80 mg/m2 of irinotecan administered on weekly basis for three out of four weeks. Most frequently encountered toxicities include cytopenias, fatigue, and gastrointestinal toxicities. Two patients (one with leiomyosarcoma and one with high grade undifferentiated sarcoma) had stable disease for more than 12 months.
Estimating Energy- and Eco-Balances for Continuous Bio-Ethanol Production Using a Blenke Cascade System
Authors: Ntihuga Jean , Senn Thomas , Gschwind Peter , Kohlus Reinhard
Published: April 2013

Energy and environmental effects of wheat-based fuel, produced continuously by a Blenke cascade system, were assessed. Two scenarios: (1) no-co-products utilization scenario; and (2) co-products utilization scenario, were compared. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model was used for analysis. The scope covered a cradle-to-gate inventory. The results from energy analysis showed, that wheat-based ethanol has a positive average net energy value (NEV), NEV = 3.35 MJ/kg ethanol with an average net energy ratio (NER), NER = 1.14 MJ/MJ fossils for scenario 1, while for scenario 2, NEV = 20 MJ/kg ethanol with NER = 3.94 MJ/MJ fossils. The environmental performance analysis indicated that in scenario 1, the strongest contribution to environmental impacts was from the ethanol conversion stage; whereas in scenario 2, it was from wheat production stage. The use of a continuous fermentation system based on Blenke cascade is a promising technology that increases wheat based bio-ethanol’s energy benefits. In addition, the calculated parameters show the potential to significantly reduce emissions level.
Specific siRNA Targeting Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Decreases Proliferation in Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Radia AL-Madhagi , Yaser AL-Madhagi , Ma Xiaoqian , Zhang Juan , Yang Cejun , Dong Qiong , Rong Pengfei , Ye Bin , Liu Sheng , Wang Wei
Published: April 2013

Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) is an oncogenic trans-membranous receptor overexpressed in various human cancers. However, the role of RAGE in breast cancer development and proliferation is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that RAGE expression levels are correlated to the degree of severity of breast cancer. Furthermore, there is a decrease in the proliferation of all sub-types of breast cancer, MCF-7, SK-Br-3 and MDA-MB-231, as a result of the effect of RAGE siRNA. RAGE siRNA arrested cells in the G1 phase and inhibited DNA synthesis (p < 0.05). Moreover, qRT-PCR and Western Blot results demonstrated that RAGE siRNA decreases the expression of transcriptional factor NF-κB p65 as well as the expression of cell proliferation markers PCNA and cyclinD1. RAGE and RAGE ligands can thus be considered as possible targets for breast cancer management and therapy.
Evolutionary Information Theory
Authors: Burgin Mark
Published: April 2013

Evolutionary information theory is a constructive approach that studies information in the context of evolutionary processes, which are ubiquitous in nature and society. In this paper, we develop foundations of evolutionary information theory, building several measures of evolutionary information and obtaining their properties. These measures are based on mathematical models of evolutionary computations, machines and automata. To measure evolutionary information in an invariant form, we construct and study universal evolutionary machines and automata, which form the base for evolutionary information theory. The first class of measures introduced and studied in this paper is evolutionary information size of symbolic objects relative to classes of automata or machines. In particular, it is proved that there is an invariant and optimal evolutionary information size relative to different classes of evolutionary machines. As a rule, different classes of algorithms or automata determine different information size for the same object. The more powerful classes of algorithms or automata decrease the information size of an object in comparison with the information size of an object relative to weaker4 classes of algorithms or machines. The second class of measures for evolutionary information in symbolic objects is studied by introduction of the quantity of evolutionary information about symbolic objects relative to a class of automata or machines. To give an example of applications, we briefly describe a possibility of modeling physical evolution with evolutionary machines to demonstrate applicability of evolutionary information theory to all material processes. At the end of the paper, directions for future research are suggested.
Triterpene Esters: Natural Products from Dorstenia arifolia (Moraceae)
Authors: Fingolo Catharina , Santos Thabata , Filho Marcelo , Kaplan Maria
Published: April 2013

The phytochemical study of Dorstenia arifolia Lam. (Moraceae) has led to the identification of 18 triterpenes esterified by fatty acids, five triterpenes without esterification, 12 triterpenes esterified by acetic acid, together with a known furanocoumarin: α-amyrin (1), β-amyrin (2) α-amyrin acetate (3) β-amyrin acetate (4), α-amyrin octanoate (5), β-amyrin octanoate (6), α-amyrin decanoate (7), β-amyrin decanoate (8), α-amyrin dodecanoate (9), β-amyrin dodecanoate (10), α-amyrin tetradecanoate (11), β-amyrin tetradecanoate (12), α-amyrin hexadecanoate (13), β-amyrin hexadecanoate (14), glutinol (15), glutinyl acetate (16), 11-oxo-α-amyrin (17), 11-oxo-β-amyrin (18), 11-oxo-α-amyrin acetate (19), 11-oxo-β-amyrin acetate (20) 11-oxo-α-amyrin octanoate (21) 11-oxo-β-amyrin octanoate (22), 11-oxo-α-amyrin decanoate (23), 11-oxo-β-amyrin decanoate (24) 11-oxo-α-amyrin dodecanoate (25) 11-oxo-β-amyrin dodecanoate (26), ursa-9(11),12-dien-3-yl acetate (27), oleana-9(11),12-dien-3-yl acetate (28), ursa-9(11),12-dien-3-yl decanoate (29), oleana-9(11),12-dien-3-yl decanoate (30), 12,13-epoxyolean-3-yl acetate (31), 12,13-epoxyolean-9(11)en-3-yl acetate (32), taraxeryl acetate (33), lupenyl acetate (34), lanosta-8,24-dien-3-yl acetate (35) and psoralen (36). The identification of the triterpene compounds isolated as isomeric mixtures obtained from the hexane extract was based mainly in mass spectra and 13C-NMR data. The long-chain alkanoic acid esters of the triterpenes α- and β-amyrin; 11-oxo-α- and 11-oxo-β-amyrin; ursa- and olean-9(11),12-dien-3-yl; have not been reported before in the literature as constituents of the Dorstenia genus.
Metabolomic Analysis of Methyl Jasmonate-Induced Triterpenoid Production in the Medicinal Herb Centella asiatica (L.) Urban
Authors: James Jacinda , Tugizimana Fidele , Steenkamp Paul , Dubery Ian
Published: April 2013

Centella asiatica is an important source of biologically active pentacyclic triterpenoids. The enhancement of the biosynthesis of the centellosides by manipulation of associated metabolic pathways is receiving much attention. Jasmonates play critical roles in plant metabolism by up-regulating the expression of genes related to secondary metabolites. Here, we investigated the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJa) in C. asiatica through targeted metabolomic profiling of asiaticoside and madecassoside as well as their aglycones, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Cell suspensions were treated with 0.2 mM MeJa for 2, 4 and 6 days. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to explore induced changes in metabolite profiles, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Principal component analysis (PCA)-derived scores plots revealed clusters of sample replicates for control and treated samples at 2, 4 and 6 days while loading plots aided in identifying signatory biomarkers (asiatic acid and madecassic acid, as well as asiaticoside and madecassoside) that clearly demonstrate the variability between samples. In addition to increased biosynthesis of the targeted centelloids, other differential changes in the intracellular metabolite profiles reflected the response of the C. asiatica cells to the MeJa-treatment as a reprogramming of the metabolome.
Antioxidant Activity and Proanthocyanidin Profile of Selliguea feei Rhizomes
Authors: Fu Caili , Wang Hongyu , Ng Wei , Song Lixia , Huang Dejian
Published: April 2013

Proanthocyanidins from the rhizomes of Selliguea feei (PSFs) were solvent-extracted and fractionated by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography to give a 2.42% isolated yield (dry matter basis). 1H-NMR spectroscopy revealed the mean degree of polymerization (mDP) to be 2.6. 13C-NMR analysis showed typical signals for afzelechin/epiafzelechin units. Clear peaks at 76 ppm and 84 ppm indicated that both stereoisomers (afzelechin/epiafzelechin) are present. In agreement with the NMR spectra, the ESI-MS spectrum indicated that PSFs are mainly monomers to trimers consisting of afzelechin/epiafzelechin units with A-type and B-type interflavanyl linkages. A trimer was purified and identified as demethylated selligueain B. Thiolysis confirmed the structure and the thiolytic products, methyl 2-[(2R, 3R, 4S)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chroman-4-yl]acetate (1) and 4β-(carboxymethyl)sulphanylepiafzelechin-(2β→O→7,4β→8)-epiafzelechin methyl ester (2), were purified and characterized. Selligueain A, demethylated selligueain B, compounds 1 and 2 possess high antioxidant capacity at 1.18 × 104, 1.16 × 104, 0.95 × 104 and 1.29 × 104 µmol TE/g, respectively.
Manganese(III) Acetate-mediated Oxidative Cyclization of a-Methylstyrene and trans-Stilbene with b-Ketosulfones
Authors: Bouhlel Ahlem , Curti Christophe , Tabelé Clémence , Vanelle Patrice
Published: April 2013

A convenient microwave irradiation protocol was utilized for the synthesis of b-ketosulfones 1–5 in good yields. These sulfones reacted with alkenes through a radical oxidative cyclization mediated by Mn(OAc)3. Dihydrofurans 6–10 were obtained in moderate to good yields starting from 1,1-disubstituted alkenes. Dihydrofurans 11–15 were synthesized in moderate yields and unexpected cyclopropanes 16–19 were obtained in low yields starting from 1,2-disubstituted alkenes. This protocol offers access to various dihydrofurans which could be tested for their antiparasitic potential.
Metaphora et Comparaison selon Aristote
Authors: Tamba-Mecz Irène , Veyne Paul
Published: April 2013

II ne faut pas interpréter la métaphore chez Aristote d'après la doctrine des figures de rhétorique, qui est bien postérieure. Chez ce philosophe des mots et des choses, la metaphora comme translatio est une opération ; elle engendre deux espèces, la metaphora comme translation et la comparaison, laquelle diffère de la première par une prothesis, c'est-à-dire par une protase (car tel est le vrai sens de ce mot). Ce ne sont pas les noms qui changent de sens (par «sens figuré »), mais les choses qui changent de nom.
Études critiques sur le traité Isis et Osiris de Plutarque (II)
Authors: Froidefond Christian
Published: April 2013

Nous proposons les lectures suivantes : 7, 353E εκφορον au lieu de ἐκ πυρός ; 10, 353E φοίνικα au lieu de φοίνικα ; 32, 363E ἐπὶ τοῦ Κρόνου λεγόμενος (« qui est appelé (Thrène) de Kronos ») ; 37, 365E ὄμβριμον («l'élément humide») et non ὄβριμον ; 47, 363B ὅλως μὲν οὐ πολύν, ὤσπερ ἀνθρώπῳ κοιμωμένῳ μέτριον. Nous conservons le texte de la tradition en 20, 358E-359A (Καὶ καθάπερ . . . τὴν διάνοιαν) et en 60, 375C (γραμμάτων). En 29, 362Β, nous pensons que la leçon Σαράπινδος du Laurentianus 80, 5 peut se référer à une théorie qui attribuait à Sarapis une origine indienne. En 56, 373F, nous proposons de supprimer το κάλλιστον.
Ruses de guerre biologiques dans l'Antiquité
Authors: Drazen Grmek Mirko
Published: April 2013

Coup d'œil sur l'usage militaire des flèches infectées, le catapultage des serpents vivants et l'empoisonnement de l'eau potable. Analyse d'une ruse particulière qui consiste à amener l'ennemi dans un endroit malsain, infesté de paludisme. Le récit de Thucydide (VI 96-103 et VII 1-83) peut laisser entrevoir le recours à ce stratagème lors de la guerre entre Athènes et Syracuse. D'après Polyen (Strat. II 30), le tyran Cléarchos aurait fait périr ses adversaires en les exposant au paludisme.