bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Graphical Representations of Business Processes in Evaluating Internal Control
Authors: Borthick A. Faye , Schneider Gary P. , Vance Anthony
Published: December 2011

In this case, students (1) extend business process diagrams (BPD) to represent current and contemplated business processes for accounts payable processing for a convenience store company's merchandise purchases and (2) use the graphical representations of the business processes to identify control weaknesses and their potential effects on the financial statements and operational effectiveness. The case is appropriate for students developing skills in documenting business processes and evaluating internal control in business processes in introductory courses in accounting information systems (AIS), auditing, and information technology (IT) auditing. Before beginning the case, students should be familiar with the procure-to-pay process, preparing BPDs, and identifying internal control weaknesses in business processes. Working the case requires students to think critically about the business processes and the implications of differences in current and contemplated processes.
The Activities of the Pathways Commission and the Historical Context for Changes in Accounting Education
Authors: Black William H.
Published: December 2011

The Pathways Commission examined accounting education in the United States in response to a recommendation from the U.S. Treasury Advisory Committee on the Auditing Profession. This paper summarizes the Pathways activities and process during 2010 and 2011, and sets forth a historical context to help understand the recommendations for change in accounting education over the last several decades.
Asymmetric double quantum wells with smoothed interfaces
Authors: Gavryushin Vladimir
Published: December 2011

We have derived and analyzed the wavefunctions and energy states for an asymmetric double quantum well (ADQW), broadened due to interdiffusion or other static interface disorder effects, within a known discreet variable representative approach for solving the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation. The main advantage of this approach is that it yields the energy eigenvalues, and the eigenvectors, in semiconductor nanostructures of different shapes as well as the strengths of the optical transitions between them. The behaviour of ADQW states for the different mutual widths of coupled wells, for the different degree of broadening, and under increasing external electric field is investigated. We have found that interface broadening effects change and shift energy levels, not monotonously, but the resonant conditions near an energy of sub-band coupling regions do not strongly distort. Also, it is shown that an external electric field may help to achieve resonant conditions for inter-sub-band inverse population by intrawell emission of LO-phonons in diffuse ADQW.
Future of Clinical Trials in Nepal
Authors: Sathian Brijesh
Published: December 2011

Nowadays the output—and rewards—of research are based almost entirely on published papers in scientific journals. Scientists in low-income and middle-income settings would like to conduct research for their populations according to their own concerns. They want to be in the frontlines of national and global communications about their country’s experiences.  I recommend that properly trained clinical trial experts from developed countries should conduct some workshops on the design, conduct and ethical issues in clinical trials to terminate the research misconduct in developing countries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i2.5090 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1 (2):44-46
Hepatic Steatosis and Diabetes Mellitus: Risk Factors, Pathophysiology and with its Clinical Implications: A Hospital Based Case Control Study in Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Mittal Ankush , Sathian Brijesh , Chandrasekharan Nishida , Lekhi Akshay , Rahib Rashad , Dwedi Sanjeev
Published: December 2011

Background: The perception of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as an infrequent and benign condition is swiftly altering in developing countries as there has been an upsurge in non alcoholic fatty liver disease in Asia-Pacific region. NAFLD develops across all age groups and societies and is recognized to occur in 14%–30% of the common population.  The foremost risk factors for NAFLD such as central obesity, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia are currently predominant and puts a very large population at risk of evolving hepatic steatosis in the coming decades. Material and Methods: It was a hospital based case control study carried out in the Department of Biochemistry of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal between 1st January 2010 and 31st Dec 2010. The variables collected were age, gender, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase. Results: Of the 200 patients of non alcoholic fatty liver disease patients   with diabetes mellitus, all  the variables except triglycerides shows insignificant disparity in relation to gender. The perceptible difference was observed in mean values of triglycerides for cases of NALFD between diabetes (218.25 ± SD 73.68) and non diabetic subjects (177.54 ± SD73.45) (p=.0001). The mean values of HDL did not illustrate much difference in cases of NALFD with diabetes (41.54 ± SD2.13) and non diabetic subjects (44.24 ± SD2.05). Conclusion: Public health initiatives are undoubtedly of the essence to halt or turn around the global 'diabesity' pandemic, the causal basis of NAFLD. Management of patients with NAFLD should be aimed at treating metabolic risk factors such as hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Successful lifestyle adaptation with increased exercise and decreased food intake is able to remove the accumulation of liver fat and can reverse insulin resistance.Key words: Hepatic steatosis; Diabetes mellitus; Risk factors; Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i2.5135 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1 (2):51-56
Medications in Bronchospasm and Asthma among the Critically Ill Patients: A Drug Utilization Study from Southern India
Authors: John Lisha Jenny , John Jenny , Devi Padmini , Arifulla Mohamed , Guido Shoba
Published: December 2011

Objective: Critically ill patients are prone for altered reactivity of the airway and drug therapy has pivotal role in the management of bronchospasm. The objective of the study was to evaluate the prescribing patterns and adverse effects of therapeutic agents for bronchospasm and asthma in the medical ICU.Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out among inpatients of the medical ICU receiving drugs for bronchospasm and asthma.Results: 220 patients received drugs for bronchospasm and asthma. Male preponderance was noticed (60.5%). Salbutamol (R03AC02) 92.7% was the most common bronchodilator prescribed. Ipratropium plus salbutamol (R03AK04) 55.5% was most frequently used bronchodilator combination. All bronchodilators were administered by inhalational route (nebulization) except methylxanthines Conclusion: Utilization patterns of drugs for bronchospasm and asthma were in concordance with treatment guidelines.Key words: Bronchospasm; Asthma; Southern IndiaDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i2.5136 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1 (2):57-59
Case Control Studies in Medical Research
Authors: Sathian Brijesh , Sreedharan Jayadevan , Mittal Ankush , Chandrasekharan Nishida , Baboo Suresh N , S Abhilash E , E Rajesh , Dixit Shyam Bihari
Published: December 2011

Case-control studies can yield important scientific findings with relatively little time, money, and effort compared with other study designs. Investigators implement case-control studies more frequently than any other analytical epidemiological study. Unfortunately, case-control designs also tend to be more susceptible to biases than other comparative studies. Although easier to do, they are also easier to do wrong. A good design should aim to minimise error and bias. All remaining sources of error and bias should be recognised and decisively evaluated.  Case-control studies that are well designed and carefully done can provide useful and reliable results. Investigators must, however, devote painstaking attention to the selection of control groups and to measurement of exposure information. When the number of cases is small, the ratio of controls to cases can be raised to improve the ability to find important differences. Although no ideal control group exists, readers need to think carefully about how representative the controls are. Poor choice of controls can lead to both wrong results and possible medical harm. Awareness of these key elements should help readers to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a properly reported study.Keywords: Bias; Effect size; ConfoundingDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i3.5569 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1(3) 77-80
Statistical Modelling and Forecasting of Reported HIV Cases in Nepal
Authors: Sathian Brijesh , Sreedharan Jayadevan , Mittal Ankush , Baboo Suresh N , Chandrasekharan Nishida , Devkota Suresh , Abhilash E S , Rajesh E , Dixit Shyam Bihari
Published: December 2011

BackgroundThe real state about the spread of the HIV epidemic in Nepal is not clear since the details available are on the basis of risk group. The objective of the study is to extract as much as information possible from available data and find out the trends of HIV cases in future.Material and methodsA retrospective study was carried out on the data collected from the Health ministry records of Nepal, between 1988 and 2004. Descriptive statistics and statistical modelling were used for the analysis and forecasting of data.Results Excluding the constant term from the equation, the cubic model was the best fit, for the forecasting of HIV cases(p=0.001). NCASC reported cumulative number of HIV cases up to 2009 differs from our projected cases by 46 (99.99% accuracy in prediction). Using cubic equation, it is estimated that 4773 males, 2163 females and 6936 total reported number of HIV cases will be there in Nepal by the year 2015.ConclusionThe HIV cases in Nepal are having an increasing trend. Estimates of the total number of prevalent HIV infections attributable to the major routes of infection make an important contribution to public health policy. They can be used for the planning of healthcare services and for contributing to estimates of the future numbers with severe HIV infection used for planning health promotion programmes.Key words: Statistical Modelling; HIV; NepalDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i3.5570Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1(3) 106-110
Hyperuricemia as an Additional Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease: A Hospital Based Case Control Study in Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Mittal Ankush , Sathian Brijesh , Kumar Arun , Chandrasekharan Nishida , Farooqui Shamim Mohammad , Singh Shailendra , Yadav Shambhu Kumar
Published: December 2011

Background In the 21st century, cardiovascular diseases will continue to dominate the disease spectrum and death statistics in both the industrialized and developing worlds. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the foremost cause of cardiovascular disease related deaths worldwide, with >4.5 million deaths taking place in the developing world. Augmented serum uric acid levels are recurrently come across with hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, obesity, glucose intolerance, renal disease, and hypertension which all play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.  Materials and methods It was a hospital based case control study carried out in the Department of Biochemistry of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2010. The variables collected were age, gender, serum uric acid, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins. Approval for the study was obtained from the institutional research ethical committee. Results There was insignificant difference for age between groups. In cases of  hyperuricemia, there was marked increase in levels of serum uric acid (8.043± 0.43 mg/dl) when compared to controls (4.28 ± 0.66 mg/dl. In patients suffering from coronary artery disease with hyperuricemia, there was marked increased in levels of serum uric acid(8.222 ± 0.39 mg/dl)  found to be statistically significant when compared to controls (4.285 ±0.66 mg/dl) and values were quite similar to hyperuricemic patients (8.043 ± 0.43 mg/dl).Further, in patients suffering from coronary artery disease with hyperuricemia, there was marked increased in mean values of serum total cholesterol (257.56 ± 22.65 mg/dl) ) when compared to controls (173.22 ± 32.63mg/dl). Conclusion Hypercholesterolemia due to hyperuricemia is most common modifiable factor for coronary artery disease. Allopurinol and newer urate-lowering agents restores endothelial function in coronary artery disease patients. The ability of physicians to pharmacologically manage serum urate levels, a better understanding of the interaction between hyperuricemia, gout and vascular disease may be critical for the reduction of morbidity and mortality in high-risk coronary artery disease patients.Key words: Hyperuricemia; Coronary artery disease; Nepal DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i3.5571 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1(3) 81-85
Pattern of Blood Pressure Distribution among University Students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Basha S A , Mathew E , Sreedharan Jayadevan , Muttappallymyalil Jayakumari , Sharbatti S A , Shaikh R B
Published: December 2011

Background Elevated blood pressure has been identified as a silent killer contributing to mortality and morbidity worldwide, hence it is essential to identify the high risk individuals at an early age to prevent the progress of the disease and its co-morbid conditions. Objective The objective of the present cross-sectional study was to assess the pattern of blood pressure distribution among students of medical and allied health professions at Gulf Medical University (GMU) Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods The study was conducted from November 2009 to February 2010. GMU has academic programmes such as Bachelor of Medicine, Physical therapy, Pharm D and Dental Medicine with a multiethnic student population. A pretested structured instrument used for data collection and blood pressure was measured using mercury sphygmomanometer. Descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviation were used to summarize the quantitative variables. The association of age, gender and nationality with systolic and diastolic blood pressure was determined by Pearson's correlation coefficient and a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The systolic and diastolic blood pressures were evenly distributed across all students irrespective of their age. A significantly higher systolic blood pressure in males was observed when compared to females, but the difference was not significant in diastolic blood pressure. In the present study among medical and allied health science students, the distribution of blood pressure was not associated with age. The mean systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were seen to be higher among Arabs when compared to Non-Arabs though not statistically significant. Family history of metabolic diseases did not show any association with the mean blood pressure. Conclusion There was a strong association for developing hypertension among male when compared to female gender. Key Words: University students; Age; Gender; Nationality; Systolic blood pressure; Diastolic blood pressureDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i3.5572 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1(3) 86-89
Association of BMI on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure In Normal and Obese Children
Authors: Gundogdu Zuhal
Published: December 2011

Background Definition of childhood overweight/obesity should aim to identify children with excess body fat in order to treat the associated adverse health outcomes. Objective To investigate relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values in children between the ages of 6 and 14 year old. Materials and Methods Secondary data gathered from public health screening days at Child Health and Diseases Polyclinic of Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Maternity and Children Hospital on 1899 children. Each child was classified on the basis of age- and sex-specific Body Mass Index percentile (BMI%) as normal weight (BMI% < 85th), overweight (BMI% ≥ 85th and < 95th), or obese (BMI% ≥ 95th). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were compared among age-sex-BMI percentile groups. Results SBP and DBP values are higher in obese and overweight children compared to normal children. Among all children in this study, being overweight and obese increased the likelihood of elevated SBP and DBP values after adjusting for age.  Blood pressure (BP) is increasing with increasing BMI in all age groups (6 to 14 year old) and this is also found at a young age. The same trend is also present within the normal BMI% group. Conclusions Our results show that BMI is associated with elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure in overweight and obese children as well as children in normal BMI% group. BP is increasing with increasing BMI values even in normal group but the increase is more in obese children. Hence, maintaining age related normal growth increase in the BMI in childhood is important in preventing higher BP values later in life.Keywords: Body Mass Index; BMI; Blood pressure; Children DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i3.5574 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1(3) 101-105
Medical Students View about the Integrated MBBS Course: A Questionnaire Based Cross-sectional Survey from a Medical College of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Banerjee Indrajit , Jauhari Akhilesh Chandra , Johorey Ajay Chandra , Bista Durga , Roy Bedanta , Sathian Brijesh
Published: December 2011

Background Accreditation of curriculum by students may be useful in further modification of teaching and learning methods in medical colleges of any country specially Nepal. Course curriculum of medical sciences is made by learned professors of Universities, politicians and the government officers without consulting the students for whom it is made. In Nepal, Medical education is an experimental integrated teaching of four and half years for MBBS degree. Until now it has not been assessed as to what type of Doctors we are producing. This paper aims on the objective to find out whether integrated teaching or classical medical studies produce better doctors.   Methods The present study was done to assess the teaching, learning and evaluation procedures adopted in Nepal Medical College, Kathmandu by getting feedback from students of 4th (Basic Sciences), 5th-7th semesters and feedback was also taken from a few final year students (Clinical Sciences). A total of nearly two hundred students from this institution participated in this study. A multi-graded questionnaire was prepared and a pilot study of 20 students was done and the results were discussed among the authors to modify the questionnaire. This modified questionnaire was used in the main study. The same questionnaire was used for eliciting feedback from clinical students. The present study was undertaken from August 2008-January 2009. Results Out of 200 medical students, the mean age was found to be 19.4 ± 3 years SD. In gender distribution, male students (61%) were higher than female students (39%). Most of the medical students (70%) wanted to become doctor, to become rich and famous, 90% wanted to go to US (Massive brain drain). 90% of the students perceived that Anatomy is the most interesting and most relevant basic science subject for clinical studies and in Anatomy theory hours of teaching is to be increased (60%). Community Medicine was the most uninteresting subject of Basic sciences and if they are assured of attendance which subject they would not like to attend community medicine classes. 85% wanted that Pharmacology should be reduced in first four semesters and should be extended to seventh semester like Community Medicine. The best teaching method is Chalk and Board Method (60%) and followed by LCD slides (20%). Conclusion: Overall the results were alarming and may be taken up seriously by the policy makers. They can bring about amendments in course curriculum of universities in future.Keywords: Medical Education; Under-graduate; Post- Graduate; Nepal Medical College. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i3.5575 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1(3) 95-100
The Impact of Structured Inter-professional Education on Health Care Professional Students' Perceptions of Collaboration in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Pinto Alison , Lee Sam , Lombardo Samantha , Salama Mariam , Ellis Sandi , Kay Theresa , Davies Robyn , Landry Michel D.
Published: December 2011

Purpose: To examine how a structured inter-professional education (IPE) clinical placement influences health care professional (HCP) students' perceptions of inter-professional collaboration (IPC) relative to that of students in a traditional clinical placement. Methods: This study used a mixed-methods design. The Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) was administered to HCP students (n=36) in two Toronto hospitals before and after a structured 5-week IPE clinical placement to examine changes in their perceptions of IPC. Students in a traditional clinical placement (n=28) were used as a control group. Focus groups were then conducted with seven students who took part in the structured IPE clinical placement. A coding framework was devised a priori, and the qualitative results were used to explain the quantitative findings. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups after the structured IPE clinical placement, but the intervention group showed a greater positive trend in total IEPS scores from baseline to follow-up. Qualitative data suggest that students valued the knowledge and skills gained through the structured IPE clinical placement. Conclusions: Findings suggest that structured IPE clinical placements may provide students with valuable collaborative learning opportunities, enhanced respect for other professionals, and insight into the value of IPC in healthcare delivery. More research is needed to explore other factors that influence specific perceptions among physical therapy students.
Sand Mix Interlayer to Control Reflective Cracking in Hot-Mix Asphalt Overlay
Authors: Baek Jongeun , Al-Qadi Imad L.
Published: December 2011

This study examines the behavior of traffic-induced reflective cracking in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) overlays with and without a sand mix interlayer and evaluates the interlayer's performance to control reflective cracking. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model was built for a typical HMA overlay constructed over a jointed concrete pavement. A linear viscoelastic model and a bilinear cohesive zone model were incorporated into the FE model to characterize continuum and fracture behavior of the HMA overlay and the sand mix interlayer. One pass of an overload was applied to force reflective cracking development. Then the reflective cracking resistance capacity of the HMA overlay was quantified with a limit-state load that resulted in macrolevel reflective cracking in the entire cross-sectional area of the HMA overlay. This study found that the sand mix interlayer enhanced the reflective cracking resistance capacity of the HMA overlay by a factor of 1.17 to 2.45 because of the sand mix's higher fracture toughness. The performance benefit was more dominant at an early service life of the HMA overlay. As the elastic modulus of a base layer decreased, the reflective cracking potential was found to increase, but the sand mix interlayer was still effective in retarding reflective cracking.
Backcalculation Models to Evaluate Light Falling Weight Deflectometer Moduli of Road Foundation Layer Made with Bottom Ash Waste
Authors: Ahmed Abdelkader T. , Khalid Hussain A.
Published: December 2011

Incinerator bottom ash (IBA) is a residue from burning household waste that once was put into landfills. Nearly two-thirds of this ash is reused, primarily in road construction. In this study, IBA was mixed with limestone to produce a blend with acceptable properties for use as a road foundation layer. In situ simulative testing with a light falling weight deflectometer (LFWD) and subsequent interpretation of the surface deflection data have enabled evaluation of the mechanical properties of the foundation and subgrade layers. An experimental and modeling study of the elastic dynamic response of a foundation layer of IBA waste and limestone that was subjected to LFWD impact loading is presented. Several parameters—such as IBA content, water content, and curing time—were studied. Regression, mathematical, and three-dimensional finite element models were developed to backcalculate the LFWD moduli of the foundation layers. The modeling approach accounted for the static and impact nature of the LFWD load. Results showed that IBA blends underwent less deflection, as a foundation layer, than the control limestone blend. Backcalculated modulus results based on the dynamic effect of the LFWD load produced different values from those calculated by Boussinesq's equation, which is adopted by the LFWD manufacturer.
Backcalculation of Dynamic Modulus Mastercurve from Falling Weight Deflectometer Surface Deflections
Authors: Kutay M. Emin , Chatti Karim , Lei Ligang
Published: December 2011

The need to characterize the structural condition of existing pavements accurately has increased with the recent development, release, and ongoing implementation of the new Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). There is a strong need to identify and evaluate the way that falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing is operated and integrated into the new design procedure. One of the key inputs in the MEPDG for asphalt pavements is the dynamic modulus (|E*|) mastercurve. If the damaged |E*| mastercurve of the asphalt concrete in an existing pavement can be obtained from FWD deflections, a more accurate prediction of its remaining service life can be achieved. A methodology backcalculates the |E*| mastercurve of the asphalt pavement layer by using the time history of FWD surface deflections. The method uses a layered viscoelastic forward algorithm in an iterative backcalculation procedure for linear viscoelastic characteristics of asphalt pavements. With deflection time histories from a typical FWD test, it was possible to backcalculate the relaxation modulus curve, E(t), up to about t ∼ 10−1 s and the complex modulus curve, |E*|, from f = 10−3 Hz and above. Recommendations to improve the accuracy of the backcalculated |E*| mastercurve are provided in the context of enhancing current FWD technology and test procedures.
Mechanistic–Empirical Evaluation of Aggregate Base and Granular Subbase Quality Affecting Flexible Pavement Performance in Minnesota
Authors: Xiao Yuanjie , Tutumluer Erol , Siekmeier John
Published: December 2011

Since high-quality aggregate materials are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, optimizing the use of locally available materials for aggregate bases and granular subbases on the basis of cost and mechanistic properties linked to pavement performance has become an economically viable alternative. This study investigated the effect of quality of unbound aggregate material on conventional flexible pavement performance in Minnesota through a mechanistic–empirical pavement design approach. A comprehensive matrix of conventional flexible pavement layer thicknesses and mechanistic design moduli was carefully designed to conduct mechanistic analyses for the Minnesota Department of Transportation flexible pavement design program (MnPAVE) with the MnPAVE program for pavement sections in two climatic regions in Minnesota. The type and the quality classes of unbound aggregate materials, identified as high, medium, and low, were characterized with stress-dependent resilient modulus (MR) models from a statewide laboratory-tested aggregate MR database. Despite conventional wisdom to the contrary, in some cases the granular subbase material had much higher moduli than the aggregate base. The typical high, medium, and low modulus values for the aggregate base and granular subbase layers, determined from the modulus distributions predicted by the nonlinear finite element program GT-PAVE, were subsequently input during MnPAVE analyses to calculate fatigue and rutting life expectancies for the comprehensive matrix of pavement structures studied. From the results, use of locally available and somewhat marginal materials may be quite cost-effective for low-volume roads, provided that the 20-year design traffic level does not exceed 1.5 million equivalent single-axle loads. A high-quality, stiff subbase was also found to exhibit a bridging effect that better protected the subgrade and offset the detrimental effects of low base stiffness on rutting performance.
Development of NYSLAB
Authors: Carrasco Cesar , Limouee Maryam , Tirado Cesar , Nazarian Soheil , Bendaña Julian
Published: December 2011

Since the development of ILLI-SLAB software in 1979, researchers have made significant contributions to the capabilities of tools for jointed-pavement analysis. These efforts have culminated in some commercial and noncommercial software packages such as JSLAB and ISLAB2000. Even though JSLAB has undergone several improvements since 1986, the underlying core of the software maintains the characteristics of the initial ILLI-SLAB code. A thorough review of JSLAB2004 revealed that it would be beneficial to redesign the software completely to take advantage of modern computer resources and finite element modeling techniques available today. For this reason, a new analysis tool was developed that significantly improves on the efficiency and capabilities of JSLAB2004. The improvements led to NYSLAB, a tool that (a) has no limitations on the number of jointed slabs and foundation layers analyzed, (b) more accurately models the contact between debonded slabs and between the bottom slab and the top foundation layer, (c) models the foundation layers beyond the edge of the slabs to predict more accurately the edge deflections and stresses, and (d) significantly improves the capabilities for modeling a nonlinear thermal profile on all slab layers to predict more accurately their curling response. A series of parametric studies was conducted to evaluate the performance of NYSLAB and highlight the new and improved capabilities.
Evaluation of Selected Effects of Pavement Riding Quality on Logistics Costs in South Africa
Authors: Steyn Wynand J. vdM. , Bean Wilna , King David , Komba Julius
Published: December 2011

The efficient operation of a country's economy depends, among other things, on an efficient logistical system to ensure that goods can be transported efficiently between producers and users. The costs of logistics include aspects such as transport, storage, inventory, and management. Of these, the transport costs are directly influenced by the condition of the transport infrastructure. The effects of road riding quality on the costs of logistics were evaluated through analysis of data on actual truck costs (specifically, vehicle damage and maintenance) obtained from a logistics service provider as well as data on road riding quality for the routes used by the company. Analysis of the data indicated that the vehicle operating costs increased with decreasing riding quality (as would be expected). Spending adequate resources on the maintenance of routes in a country decreased vehicle fleet operating costs and ultimately the logistics costs of the country. It is recommended that the study be broadened to incorporate a larger sample of vehicles and road conditions.
Forensic Investigation of Distressed Pavement Supported on a Base Course Containing Recycled Concrete Aggregate
Authors: Ooi Phillip S. K. , Rajabipour Farshad , Shafaatian Afshin , Joo Seungdon
Published: December 2011

The pressure for pavement and geotechnical engineers to incorporate sustainability into engineering projects has led to a rise in the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as fill and in pavement sublayers. Although the use of RCA has many economical, environmental, and engineering advantages, an oversight in quality control can lead to the use of contaminated RCA in the unbound layers. This can lead to premature deterioration that is costly to repair but, more important, can slow down the market acceptance of RCA. The authors forensically investigated an asphalt concrete pavement supported on a base course containing RCA and that had experienced a significant number of eruptions. Significant amounts of a white substance were found within the base course below each eruption. Sampling and testing showed the primary constituent of the substance to be bayerite, an unstable form of gibbsite, which could form when aluminum metal corroded in an alkaline environment. The adjacent ground topography would have encouraged drainage through the pavement site and thereby rendered the base course moisture susceptible to high alkalinity, because RCA in an aqueous solution has a high pH. Exposing aluminum metal to alkali in the laboratory to duplicate the field reaction confirmed the formation of bayerite. Moreover, exposing aluminum powder to an alkaline environment in a Geonor H-200 apparatus attained a maximum swell pressure of 430 kPa. When the pavement was numerically subjected to this swell pressure, the calculated deflections were found to be consistent with the observed pavement deflections and thus corroborated the hypothesized cause of distress. Suggestions are offered to avoid this type of distress.
Bird Flu, the Hanging Pandemic Threat for Human - It's Risk Assessment and Containment
Authors: Hossain M Anwar , Ahmad M Intakhar , Karim M Manjurul
Published: December 2011

Bird flu, synonym of avian influenza (AI) caused by influenza A virus, become concern across the world for the possible incidence of the next human influenza pandemic. The latent danger of AI pandemic remains very real, though, the precise timing of occurrence and severity is uncertain. Each avian influenza type A (AIA) contains one of the 16 subtypes of haemagglutinin (HA) and 9 neuraminidases (NA) implicating theoretically 144 subtypes of AIA are possible in circulation, but only H1N1, H2N2 and H3N2 subtypes are documented for past pandemics in humans. In recent years H5N1, H7N3, H7N2, H7N7 and H9N2 are isolated from human samples, though H1N1 and H3N2 are still in circulation. Avian influenza viruses preferentially recognize receptor containing sialosugar chains terminating in sialic acid ?-2,3-galactose in bird, whereas, human preferentially contain ?-2,6-galactose subtype-receptor. To initiate a pandemic outbreak in human, the AIA viruses need alteration of receptor recognition specificity; and perfect match between HA and NA along with optimal cellular tropism. Cyclic nature of bird-flu emergence, and moreover, sporadic human incident reported around Asia and Europe in recent years anticipating a pandemic appearance of bird-flu in time to come. As we are on the edge of this alarming situation, AI prevention and containment can be considered under categories of surveillance, intervention, antiviral drugs, vaccination together with environment management issues.Keywords: Pandemic; Avian influenza; Genetic reassortment; Host specificity; Environment management  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4847Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 1-8
Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Fast Foods and Soft Drinks in Relation to Safety and Hygiene
Authors: Ahmed Jafor , Hossain M Lokman , Malek M Abdul , Begum Fauzia
Published: December 2011

Bacteriological quality assessment of fast foods and soft drinks of different establishments of Dhaka City was carried out. For systematic study of varieties of such foods consumed by different class of people, the food samples were divided into four major categories: Type A (upper class), Type B (middle class), Type C (moderate class) and Type D (lower class). The quality of samples was assessed by determining standard plate count (SPC). The SPC showed that about 15% of Type A, 23% of Type B, 43% of Type C and 57% of Type D samples were unsafe for human consumption. Coliform bacteria were detected in about 13-48% of various food varieties. Psychrophilic bacteria were present in about 19-42% samples, indicating not suitable for longterm preservation in refrigeration condition. One sample of Type A and two samples each of Type B, Type C and Type D yielded growth of Salmonella and a considerable number of the samples contained Escherichia coli. In this study it was found that the condition of most of the Type C and Type D food and drinks were unsafe for consumption. The safely and hygienic status of Type A and Type B were comparatively better than those of Type C and Type D. Keywords: Bacteriological quality; Fast food; Soft drink; Safety; HygieneDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4863 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 73-75
Molecular Characterization of Salmonella Isolates of Duck in Comparison to Salmonella Isolates of Chicken and Ruminants
Authors: Mondal Tania , Khan M Shahidur Rahman , Alam Manirul , Purakayastha Moushumi
Published: December 2011

Salmonella species are recognized as a major cause of food borne illness that are closely associated with the consumption of contaminated poultry and egg products. The present study was conducted to compare the cultural, biochemical characteristics, antibiotic sensitivity pattern and the patterns of genomic organization of duck Salmonella isolates associated with chicken, cattle, sheep and goat using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) with Xba1 restriction enzyme. The comparative antibiogram study among duck, chicken and ruminants showed variable results in antibiotic sensitivity and similar results in resistance pattern. Genome analysis using PFGE with Xba1 restriction enzyme revealed that the Salmonella isolates of the same species collected from same areas to be of same genomic pattern, although a great genomic diversity could be found among duck, chicken, sheep, goat and cattle Salmonella strains. It may be concluded from the result of this research work that the heterogeneity in genomic organization among different isolates of different species collected from different areas occurred greatly and for this reason. Keywords: Salmonellosis; Salmonella; Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE); Duck; Chicken; RuminantsDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i2.4868 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 2, December 2008, pp 91-94
Production and Partial Characterization of Extracellular α-Amylase by Trichoderma viride
Authors: Mahmood Sazzad , Rahman Sabita Rezwana
Published: December 2011

The production of extracellular α-amylase by the mesophilic fungus Trichoderma viride was optimized in shake-flask cultivation. Overall, the data imply that α-amylase from fungus was induced by a variety of starchy substrate but maximum enzyme production was stimulated by corn starch at a concentration of 4.0%. Enzyme synthesis was affected by nitrogen sources, and maximal activity was attained with inorganic than organic nitrogen sources. Effect of different salts in the culture medium was evaluated and it was found that Mg2+, Fe2+, K+ and, to some extent, Ca2+ and Na+ play an important role for optimum production of α-amylase by the fungus. Maximum enzyme production was obtained after 3 days of incubation in a fermentation medium with initial pH 5.0 at 30° under continuous agitation at 180 rpm. These properties make the enzyme suitable for industrial uses. Key words: Trichoderma viride, α-Amylase, Enzyme production optimization, Shake-flask cultureDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i2.4870 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 2, December 2008, pp 99-103
Influence of Flooding on the Survival of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza
Authors: Khanam Delowara
Published: December 2011

A study was conducted for two consecutive years (2004-2005 and 2005-2006) at Ullapara, Shirajgonj particularly in onion growing flooded area to know the status of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM) in flooded soil. Twenty farmers were selected for two years who cultivated onion in their fields after flood. Soil samples were collected just after removing of flood water. Again rhizosphere soils with roots of onion were collected from the same plots. After assessment of these samples, two years' results indicate that there is a plenty of AM spores in flooded soil. It proves their ability to survive in flooded condition and after flooding heavy colonization in onion roots was observed. Higher spore population was also recorded from the rhizosphere soils of onion. Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhiza; flooding; survivabilityDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i2.4872 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 2, December 2008, pp 111-114
Production of Extracellular Xylanase from Intestinal Bacteria in Termite
Authors: Hossain Muhammad Maqsud , Uddin M Aftab , Malek M Abdul , Bashar SAM Khairul , Noor Parvin , Rahman M Majibur
Published: December 2011

Although the involvement of intestinal bacteria in the degradation of lignocellulosic materials is poorly understood xylanolytic activity of termite has been studied extensively. The present study was designed to identify potential xylanolytic bacteria from termite intestine and the isolated bacterium was studied with a view to preparing low cost medium and optimizing the cultural conditions in Dubos liquid medium. The bacterium produced highest activity of the enzyme (0.86 U/ml) on birchwood xylan as carbon substrate. Wheat bran a relatively cheap lignocellulosic material was found as good inducer of the enzyme. When grown on 4% wheat bran in Dubos liquid medium with an initial pH 6.0 under shaking incubation at 200 rpm at 40°C for 24 h, the bacterium produced the maximum activity of the extracellular xylanase (1.5 U/ml). These results strongly indicated that the bacterium from the intestine in termite is able synthesize xylanase activity on various substrate and the enzyme production can be increased by optimizing the overall cultivation parameters. Keywords: Xylanase; Termite intestinal bacteriaDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i2.4874 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 2, December 2008, pp 123-127
Microbiological Quality of Ice Cream Available in Chittagong
Authors: Hossain M Tarek , Kober AKM Humayun
Published: December 2011

A study was carried out to investigate microbiological quality of ice cream available in Chittagong area of Bangladesh during June to July 2008. Each brand of ice cream was collected from retail stores of Chittagong City. Standard plate count (SPC) and coliform count were done for bacteriological assessment of the ice cream samples. The average SPC count of Kwality, Igloo and Sub Zero ice cream samples were 2 x 103, 3 x 103 and 4 x 103 cfu/g respectively. Coliform organisms were detected in all the ice cream samples and the average coliform counts of the ice cream samples from Kwality, Igloo and Sub Zero were 12, 18 and 42 cfu/g respectively. Coliform bacteria exceeded standard limits, which can cause serious health problems. Keyword: Total viable Count; Coliform countDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i2.4876Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 2, December 2008, pp 135-136
Mass Casualties and Health Care Following the Release of Toxic Chemicals or Radioactive Material—Contribution of Modern Biotechnology
Authors: Nyberg Ann Göransson , Stricklin Daniela , Sellström Åke
Published: December 2011

Catastrophic chemical or radiological events can cause thousands of casualties. Such disasters require triage procedures to identify the development of health consequences requiring medical intervention. Our objective is to analyze recent advancements in biotechnology for triage in mass emergency situations. In addition to identifying persons “at risk” of developing health problems, these technologies can aid in securing the unaffected or “worried well”. We also highlight the need for public/private partnerships to engage in some of the underpinning sciences, such as patho-physiological mechanisms of chemical and radiological hazards, and for the necessary investment in the development of rapid assessment tools through identification of biochemical, molecular, and genetic biomarkers to predict health effects. For chemical agents, biomarkers of neurotoxicity, lung damage, and clinical and epidemiological databases are needed to assess acute and chronic effects of exposures. For radiological exposures, development of rapid, sensitive biomarkers using advanced biotechnologies are needed to sort exposed persons at risk of life-threatening effects from persons with long-term risk or no risk. The final implementation of rapid and portable diagnostics tools suitable for emergency care providers to guide triage and medical countermeasures use will need public support, since commercial incentives are lacking.
Controlling Access to Suicide Means
Authors: Sarchiapone Marco , Mandelli Laura , Iosue Miriam , Andrisano Costanza , Roy Alec
Published: December 2011

Background: Restricting access to common means of suicide, such as firearms, toxic gas, pesticides and other, has been shown to be effective in reducing rates of death in suicide. In the present review we aimed to summarize the empirical and clinical literature on controlling the access to means of suicide. Methods: This review made use of both MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science and the Cochrane library databases, identifying all English articles with the keywords “suicide means”, “suicide method”, “suicide prediction” or “suicide prevention” and other relevant keywords. Results: A number of factors may influence an individual’s decision regarding method in a suicide act, but there is substantial support that easy access influences the choice of method. In many countries, restrictions of access to common means of suicide has lead to lower overall suicide rates, particularly regarding suicide by firearms in USA, detoxification of domestic and motor vehicle gas in England and other countries, toxic pesticides in rural areas, barriers at jumping sites and hanging, by introducing “safe rooms” in prisons and hospitals. Moreover, decline in prescription of barbiturates and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), as well as limitation of drugs pack size for paracetamol and salicylate has reduced suicides by overdose, while increased prescription of SSRIs seems to have lowered suicidal rates. Conclusions: Restriction to means of suicide may be particularly effective in contexts where the method is popular, highly lethal, widely available, and/or not easily substituted by other similar methods. However, since there is some risk of means substitution, restriction of access should be implemented in conjunction with other suicide prevention strategies.