bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Australian Stock Indexes and the Four-Factor Model
Authors: Costa Bruce A. , Jakob Keith , Niblock Scott J. , Sinnewe Elisabeth
Published: March 2017

Stock indexes are passive ‘value-weighted’ portfolios and should not have alphas which are significantly different from zero. If an index produces an insignificant alpha, then significant alphas for equity funds using this index can be attributed solely to manager performance. However, recent literature suggests that US stock indexes can demonstrate significant alphas, which ultimately raise questions regarding equity fund manager performance in both the US and abroad. In this paper, we employ the Carhart four-factor model and newly available Asian-Pacific risk factors to generate alphas and risk factor loadings for eight Australian stock indexes from January 2004 to December 2012. We find that the initial full sample period analysis does not provide indication of significant alphas in the indexes examined. However, by carrying out 36-month rolling regressions, we discover at least four significant alphas in seven of the eight indexes and factor loading variability. As previously reported in the US, this paper confirms similar issues with the four-factor model using Australian stock indexes and performance benchmarking. In effectively measuring Australian equity fund manager performance, it is therefore essential to evaluate a fund’s alpha and risk factors relative to the alpha and risk factors of the appropriate benchmark index.
Market conditions and time varying conditional correlations
Authors: Knif Johan , Kolari James , Pynnönen Seppo
Published: March 2017

This paper shows how the dependency of time-varying conditional crosscorrelation on prevailing market conditions can be modeled. With this modelling approach it is possible to empirically investigate how correlations between different markets are dependent on market volatilities and other external factors. The paper shows that the modeling of conditional correlations can be simplified to modeling a univariate GARCH-process. The advantage of this approach is that it allows for utilization of existing GARCH methodology and software to estimate the dynamics of correlation. Our empirical results reveal that time-varying correlations between stock markets are largely unpredictable and are at best dependent on world market volatilities. Weaker evidence is found that correlations are driven by market downturns.
Credit Spreads and Equity Volatility during Periods of Financial Turmoil
Authors: Gottschalk Katrin
Published: March 2017

We present a joint analysis of the term structure of credit default swap (CDS) spreads and the implied volatility surface for the United States and five European countries from 2007– 2012, a sample period covering both the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the European debt crisis. We analyze to which extent effective cross-hedges can be performed between the CDS and equity derivatives markets during these two crises. We find that during a global crisis a breakdown of the relationship between credit risk and equity volatility may occur, jeopardizing any cross-hedging strategy, which happened during the GFC. This stands in sharp contrast to the more localized European debt crisis, during which this fundamental relationship was preserved despite turbulent market conditions for both the CDS and volatility markets.
The implied cost of capital of government’s claim and the present value of tax shields: A numerical example
Authors: Schauten M. B.J. , Tans B.
Published: March 2017

This paper provides a numerical example of how to calculate the cost of capital of government’s claim (rg) and the present value of tax shields. Schauten and Tans (2006) show for the models used in Myers (1974), Miles and Ezzell (1980) and Harris and Pringle (1985), that the present value of tax shields is equal to the difference between the present value of the expected taxes paid by the unlevered firm and the levered firm, with each of the models’ implied rg as discount rate. We discuss a numerical example using the valuation framework by Schauten and Tans (2006) and give a logic explanation for the low implied rgs of Miles and Ezzell’s and Harris and Pringle’s model.
MySuper Vs. KiwiSaver: Retirement Saving For The Less Engaged
Authors: Warren Geoffrey J.
Published: March 2017

Australia’s MySuper default superannuation funds are compared against New Zealand’s range of KiwiSaver funds. Some key points of contrast include: the relative maturity and larger balances of the Australian system; the majority of MySuper providers are not-for-profit, whereas KiwiSaver is dominated by for-profit providers; MySuper funds use a much broader range of assets, while KiwiSaver funds invest largely in listed assets; greater use of lifecycle strategies in Australia; the skew to conservative funds under KiwiSaver; and differing fee structures, the impact of which depends on account balance. It is argued that New Zealand could do more to enhance the probability of achieving adequate incomes in retirement.
Investing In Exchange Traded Funds
Authors: Mazumder Imtiaz
Published: March 2017

This article provides an overview of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and discusses their features including creation, redemption, and trading mechanism. The article further describes the 10 broader categories and 96 sub-categories of ETFs, net assets and annual issuances of ETFs and merits and demerits of investing in ETFs. As a passive but diversified investment strategy, ETFs appear to be better investment vehicles in terms of taxes, lower management fees and expenses, and portfolio risk management. The strategic investment decision in ETFs however depends on investors’ objectives, attitudes towards risks, and time horizon of investment because investing in ETFs could have diverge implications especially during the formation and distribution phases of retirement or pension funds.
Kiwisaver, who is really reaping the benefits?
Authors: Frijns Bart , Tourani-Rad Alireza
Published: March 2017

New Zealand KiwiSaver fund industry enjoys a near monopoly situation, with no exposureto international competition. Annual fees that KiwiSaver funds charge New Zealanders(which are now close to $350 million p.a.) are far above international standards and notjustifiable given their relatively poor performance since inception. We believe that allowingself-managed retirement portfolio investments by employees, expanding the menu ofinvestment choices including low cost international ETFs, and opening the industry tointernational competition will be beneficial for individual investors and the country as whole.
Understanding Causality: What came first the Chicken or the Egg?
Authors: Fernandez-Perez Adrian , Frijns Bart , Tourani-Rad Alireza
Published: March 2017

The question of association as opposed to causation is an important issue in many scientific fields, including finance. Much of the empirical research in finance deals with the question of causality or stated differently what came first: the chicken or the egg. We are interested, for example, to know the transmission channels through which shocks propagate themselves in financial markets (e.g., how volatility shocks in one stock market affect other markets); or to build superior forecasting models to find out price leadership among similar financial assets traded on different markets (e.g. is it the shares listed on the home market or the host market of a cross-listed firm that first reacts to a corporate event). Hence, being able to correctly infer the direction of causality among financial assets is crucial for accurately understanding relations among those assets. While in practice we can easily observe correlations among financial assets or markets, detecting causal relationship (in other words, who moves first and who reacts) is often not an easy task
Efficiency of Hedging Against Fluctuating Prices of Dairy Products
Authors: Koeman Jan , Białkowski Jędrzej
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates hedging and cross-hedging internationally traded milk derivative products with internationally traded commodities, recently launched New Zealand dairy futures, New Zealand agricultural products, and mature United States dairy market futures. The contribution of the paper is twofold. First, we show that international dairy commodities are a distinct commodities subgroup, as changes in prices of dairy products are uncorrelated with other worldwide traded commodities. Second, we show that New Zealand Stock Exchange dairy futures are an effective tool for hedging exposure to smaller size trades and may not necessarily be of large positions as required by cooperatives and multinationals
On the existence of an optimal estimation window for risk measures
Authors: Brutti Righi Marcelo , Sergio Ceretta Paulo
Published: March 2017

We investigate whether there can exist an optimal estimation window for financial risk measures. Accordingly, we propose a procedure that achieves optimal estimation window by minimizing estimation bias. Using results from a Monte Carlo simulation for Value at Risk and Expected Shortfall in distinct scenarios, we conclude that the optimal length for the estimation window is not random but has very clear patterns. Our findings can contribute to the literature, as studies have typically neglected the estimation window choice or relied on arbitrary choices.
The Volatility Effect: Evidence from India
Authors: Joshipura Mayank , Joshipura Nehal
Published: March 2017

We offer empirical evidence that stocks with low volatility earn higher risk-adjusted returns compared to high volatility stocks in the Indian stock market. The annualised excess returns for the low and high volatility decile portfolios amount to 11.40% and 1.30%, respectively, over the period January 2001 to June 2015. The difference of returns is statistically and economically significant for both low and high-risk stocks. Using risk measures of standard deviation and beta, the volatility effect remains after controlling for size, value and momentum. We uncover that the volatility effect is not statistically significant after controlling for beta effect. Our evidence for volatility effect is not dominated by small and illiquid stocks. Our results show that the low volatility portfolio outperforms benchmark portfolio not only in down market but also in up market conditions.
The Price of Gold as a Hedge Against the US Dollar
Authors: Kunkler Michael , MacDonald Ronald
Published: March 2017

We address the issue of whether the dollar (US dollar) price of gold can be used to hedge the external purchasing power of the dollar. We decompose the dollar price of gold into two parts: a global price of gold and a global price of the dollar. We find that there is no correlation between fluctuations in the global price of gold and fluctuations in the global price of the dollar, or fluctuations in the global price of any individual currency. We show that the observed negative correlation reported in the literature between fluctuations in the dollar price of gold and fluctuations in the dollar is caused by the appearance of the dollar in both variables. The dollar appears in the dollar price of gold with a negative sign that tilts the correlation with fluctuations in the dollar towards negative one.
Studies and research regarding acclimatization and breeding of new vegetable plant, Momordica charantia at V.R.D.S. Buzău, România
Authors: Lagunovschi-Luchian Viorica , Vinatoru Costel , Zamfir Bianca , Bratu Camelia , Tăpăloagă Dana , Radoi Ion
Published: March 2017

Between 1996-2015, at V.R.D.S Buzau were conducted researches regarding the acclimatization, breeding and elaboration of crop technology for a new vegetable species, Momordica charantia (bitter cucumber). There were purchased and studied a large number of genotypes which were assessed for a long period; 4 of those have demonstrated increased adaptability, for which they were retained and multiplied in lineage. In time, by specific cucurbits improvement techniques were obtained 4 genetically stabilized accessions noted as G1, early accessions with large fruits,G2, medium fruit size, G3, medium fruit size and L4 with small crunchy fruits, semi tardy. Of these, L3 was homologated and patented under the name of Rodeo, and the other 3 will be proposed for homologation in the future. The studies demonstrated that this species has well adapted to our pedoclimatic conditions; it can be cultivated both in greenhouses and in open fields, in warmer areas, mentioning that for both crop variants it is recommended a drilling system. The new genotypes support various technological variants and can be ecologically cultivated with remarkable results.
Stem cells migration to the brain through cranial nerves endings
Authors: Stukach Yulya
Published: March 2017

In the series of experiments Wistar rats(n=14) after intranasal implantation 35 thousand mesenchymal stem cells in 50 μl of buffer and modeling damage in sensorimotor there are no differences between ipsilateral and contralateral administration. In the series of experiments Wistar rats(n=18) after implantation in Meckel cavity of 35 thousand mesenchymal stem cells in 50 μl of buffer and modeling damage in cerebellar cortex it was shown that ipsilateral administration more efficient than contralateral administration.
Culture cells in a model of microgravity
Authors: Dosina Margarita Khotyanovich
Published: March 2017

The main objective of the work was to clarify the question - how will cell cultures functional state change after microgravity simulation when the shift in full strength direction takes place? Proliferation processes and apoptosis intensity in cell lines of rat glioma and human fibroblasts were compared in changing the position of flasks with cell culture in relation to the horizon. The detection of apoptosis and necrosis processes was carried out using flow cytofluorimetry. It was found that the change in full strength direction provides an inhibitory effect on tumor glial cells and fibroblasts’ proliferative activity enhances along with inhibition of apoptotic processes. Intensification of apoptotic processes in glioma cells and attenuation of cell death processes in normal cells - fibroblasts - are the result of cell cooperation disturbance.
Recent Advances in Understanding Delayed Photoluminescence in Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Marchioro Arianna
Published: March 2017

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals display remarkably bright, strongly size-dependent photoluminescence properties. Following photoexcitation of these materials, temporary charge carrier separation can occur where one or both charge carriers are trapped. Charge detrapping can reform
the emissive state on long time scales up to seconds, causing delayed luminescence. This delayed luminescence has not yet been thoroughly explored, and appears to be closely associated with a phenomenon observed at the single particle level, i.e. photoluminescence intermittency (blinking).
Here, some of our recent work on the delayed luminescence properties of nanocrystals of different chemical composition is reviewed. These results provide insight into the mechanism of carrier detrapping, and are discussed in the context of photoluminescence blinking.
Water in Biomolecular Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Imaging: Side Effects and Remedies
Authors: Fürstenberg Alexandre
Published: March 2017

Historically, many of the classical organic fluorescent dyes were developed as laser dyes and characterized and optimized in organic solvents. Since then, fluorescence has, however, found a vast range of applications in the life sciences in which the fluorophores are usually surrounded
by water and not by organic solvents. The omnipresence of water in biomolecular fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging leads to some unwanted but nonetheless unavoidable consequences on the photophysical properties of the dyes, which may impact the quality and complicate quantitative interpretation
of the experiments. This paper discusses and illustrates with examples two such water-induced phenomena, namely chromophore aggregation in water and fluorescence quenching by water, as well as some ways to overcome them.
Two- and Three-dimensional Mid-Infrared Chemical Imaging
Authors: Zobi Fabio , Obst Martin
Published: March 2017

This article describes the state-of-the-art in 2D and 3D tomographic mid-IR imaging and its current and potential applications in the imaging of material and biological systems with a focus on cells and tissues. 2D FTIR microscopy is first presented in terms of the basic experimental
configurations of the technique, optics, data and image acquisition. This first section provides a basis for the ensuing discussion on 3D FTIR spectro-microtomography. In the second part, examples of 2D and 3D chemical imaging are given with a focus on the use of molecular chemical probes
and probe-free applications, respectively.
What is an Ethical Chemist?
Authors: Kovac Jeffrey
Published: March 2017

Almost all decisions made by chemists, and all other scientists, in their professional lives have an ethical dimension. In both the practice of chemistry and the education of students it is essential that chemists understand the moral complexity of real-world situations, apply the relevant
moral standards, and have the moral courage to make difficult choices, or the foundation of trust essential to the scientific enterprise will erode. In this lecture I will develop the fundamental concepts of scientific ethics and show how they apply to both the practice of chemistry and the
relationship between chemistry and society. I will consider both day-to-day ethical problems such as authorship and the treatment of data and larger questions such as the choice of research problems and the social responsibility of scientists.
The 2016 TEDD Annual Meeting, 27. October 2016, ZHAW Wädenswil
Authors: Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: March 2017

The focus of the 2016 TEDD Annual Meeting – the Competence Centre for Tissue Engineering for Drug Development and Substance Testing – was on current segments of the 3D cell culture market, especially scaffold-free and scaffold-based cell culture, as well as bioprinting,
and the use of recellularized tissues. Particular emphasis was placed on metabolic tissue engineering, specifically the generation of human brown fat cells from progenitor cells. Let's take a look behind the scenes of the latest developments.
Measuring Intermolecular Binding Energies by Laser Spectroscopy
Authors: Knochenmuss Richard , Maity Surajit , Féraud Géraldine , Leutwyler Samuel
Published: March 2017

The ground-state dissociation energy, D0(S0), of isolated intermolecular complexes in the gas phase is a fundamental measure of the interaction strength between the molecules. We have developed a three-laser, triply resonant pump-dump-probe technique to measure
dissociation energies of jet-cooled M•S complexes, where M is an aromatic chromophore and S is a closed-shell 'solvent' molecule. Stimulated emission pumping (SEP) via the S0?S1 electronic transition is used to precisely 'warm' the complex by populating high
vibrational levels v" of the S0 state. If the deposited energy E(v") is less than D0(S0), the complex remains intact, and is then mass- and isomer-selectively detected by resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI) with a third (probe) laser. If
the pumped level is above D0(S0), the hot complex dissociates and the probe signal disappears. Combining the fluorescence or SEP spectrum of the cold complex with the SEP breakoff of the hot complex brackets D0(S0). The UV chromophores 1-naphthol
and carbazole were employed; these bind either dispersively via the aromatic rings, or form a hydrogen bond via the -OH or -NH group. Dissociation energies have been measured for dispersively bound complexes with noble gases (Ne, Kr, Ar, Xe), diatomics (N2, CO), alkanes (methane
to n-butane), cycloalkanes (cyclopropane to cycloheptane), and unsaturated compounds (ethene, benzene). Hydrogen-bond dissociation energies have been measured for H2O, D2O, methanol, ethanol, ethers (oxirane, oxetane), NH3 and ND3.
Afrodiasporic Feminist Conspiracy: Motivations and Paths forward from the First International Seminar
Authors: Figueroa Aurora Vergara , Hurtado Katherine Arboleda
Published: March 2017

In this political statement, we summarize the major motivations and agenda of the First International Seminar “Afrodiasporic Feminist Conspiracy”. This event was held in Cali, Colombia, on June 24 and 25, 2011. The rationale for this gathering was to have a major intervention: in the twenty-first century, Black/Afro-descendent women need to conspire. We understand a conspiracy to be an act of love and care; a search for equity and equality; an affirmation of our beauty; a commitment to guaranteeing access to food, education and health care, as well as a home and a place of dignity in the world's history to millions of Black/Afro-descendent women. We need to conspire to secure access to adequate care and treatment to Black/Afro-descendent women living with HIV, and to preserve the land of deracinated women. Black feminism and all forms of diasporic feminism ought to conspire to invert the course of history, a history of marginality and oppression of Black/Afro-descendent women. To that end, we conceive of an Afrodiasporic Feminist Conspiracy as a strategy of social mobilization, a practice of solidarity, and a claim for reparative justice. We further propose concrete areas of conspiratorial action focused on deconstructing and challenging entrenched forms of thinking and representing Black/Afro-descendent women in the larger society, as well as practices of domination that divide our movements and communities along axes of race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. We embrace previous contributions made in the Americas and develop new venues for Black feminist mobilization and research. We find that an Afrodiasporic Feminist Conspiracy that impacts the production of knowledge, the creation of public policies, the transformation of the gender and sexual politics of Black movements, and the everyday ethno-racial relations in the rural communities and barrios in the cities can be the most effective strategy to attain a life of dignity in the present.
Sedation Free Colonoscopy: Patients’ Characteristics and satisfaction in a hospital based Endoscopy Unit
Authors: Kumar Amit , Pathak Rahul
Published: March 2017

Background and aims: Colonoscopy without sedation costs less and is more convenient than sedated colonoscopy and is the main mode of examination in our settings. The aims of the present study is to determine the percentage of patients who can successfully undergo unsedated colonoscopy and the factors contributing to patient satisfaction following the examination.Material and Methods: Demographic, clinical, and colonoscopy related data were prospectively evaluated in 113 patients undergoing unsedated colonoscopy by an experienced endoscopist during the period of October 2015 to January 2016 at a single hospital based endoscopy setup. All colonoscopies routinely began without sedation and was curtailed if the patient or physician desired. Age, sex, prior abdominal operation, pain during examination and the time required to complete the colonoscopy were recorded. The patients were asked to rate their pain on scale of 0 to 10, their satisfaction and willingness to undergo colonoscopy without sedation in future if required.Results: In a total of 113 patients (mean age of 54.01 years) undergoing sedation free colonoscopy, 108 (95.5%) required no sedation. Complete colonoscopy was done in 106 of the 108 and 110 of the 113 patients. The mean pain score was 2.58 in an average time taken of 11.9 minutes. Average time for intubation taken in post-operative patients (n=20) was 12.24 minutes. 96(84.9%) of the patients were completely or well satisfied with the examination and 7(6.2%) were not satisfied with the procedure. There was not much difference in pain perception or satisfaction based on gender.Conclusion: Colonoscopy without sedation can be completed successfully in a vast majority of patients with proper technique by experienced endoscopist. The practice saves time and money and patients are willing to return for future examinations if required. The facility of sedation should be present if required for any reason.
Expressions of HPV 16-E6 in esophageal carcinoma and its clinical significance
Authors: Zhao Xing , Sahi Rajina , Zhao Yu-Yang , Wang Jun , Li Chun-Hui
Published: March 2017

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the association between HPV16-E6 protein and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods: SP immunohistochemical method was used to examine the expression of HPV 16-E6 in 50 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 10 cases of normal esophageal squamous cell and 10 cases of adjacent tissue.Result: The expressions of HPV 16-E6 was significantly higher in esophageal carcinoma than in normal esophageal mucosa and in adjacent tissue. The expressions of HPV 16-E6 had a significant correlation with invasive depth (P<0.05), but not with the patient age, lymph node metastasis and tumor size (P>0.05).Conclusion: HPV 16-E6 can promote the growth and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and can be a prognostic factor of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Unani Treatment Improved Fibrosis in Decompensated Cirrhosis of Liver: A Case Series
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammad Akhtar , Ansari Shabnam
Published: March 2017

Introduction At present, liver transplantation remains the only curative option for the patients with cirrhosis and end-stage liver diseases. The survival rate and recurrent diseases remains the major issue in the patient post-transplantation. Unani medicine is one of the oldest traditional system of medicine, has been treating chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis [Talayyaful-Kabid] since centuries. The purpose of our study was to assess the impact of Unani treatment in decompensated cirrhosis and collect data to warrant further clinical trials.Case presentation We have conducted a case series with three patients of decompensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Cases were confirmed by fibroscan and ultrasound and treated with Unani treatment orally for 3 months. Results were evaluated based on fibroscan, liver function test, EQ5D and TTO-TIME [tradeoff question].Conclusions Significant improvement in liver function test, fibrosis and quality of life were achieved in the patients. We reviewed the literature related to the herbal constituents of chief medicines used for the treatment in this case. The herbs have been proved for its potential anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immuno-modulator and antiviral activities, suggesting plausible mechanisms of action in these cases. The preliminary findings indicate the potential therapeutic role of Unani treatment in decompensated cirrhosis. Clinical trials should be conducted to explore the further therapeutic potential of Unani treatment in decompensated cirrhosis.
Stalin's water workers and their heritage: Industrialising nature in Russia, 1950 - present
Authors: Josephson Paul
Published: March 2017

A surprising degree of continuity between engineering programs exists in the former Soviet Union from the late Stalin period to the present. While engineering organisations and institutions have changed their names, they have maintained a great deal of 'technological momentum' in their pursuit of the 'industrialisation of nature'. Massive nature transformation projects served multiple purposes, not only technical and economic, but social and educational in bringing masses of workers together in support of state legitimacy. Hubris has characterised the engineers and their programs. Many programs and institutions have been reborn under President Vladimir Putin in the twenty-first century.
Aiming for control, haunted by its failure: Towards an envirotechnical understanding of infrastructures
Authors: Zeller Thomas
Published: March 2017

Infrastructures are at first glance technological constructs. However, their environmental dimensions are important, if sometimes overlooked, dimensions of their planning and operation. Using examples from history and historiography, this paper seeks to demonstrate the usefulness of studying infrastructures for environmental historians.
Comparison Between Phenotypic Confirmatory Test & Double Disc Synergy Test in Detection of Extended Spectrum b-Lactamases Producers Among Gram-Negative Bacilli
Authors: Karim Chowdhury Abu Hena Md Saiful , Nandi Sukumar , Rahman Mahbubur , Karim ASM Ashanul , Mamtaz Syeda Shanoor Hasina , Ara Nura Nasrin Rowshan , Sultana Sabrina
Published: March 2017

Background: Extended-Spectrum b-Lactamases (ESBLs) producing bacteria are increasing in number and causing more severe infections because of their continuous mutation and multidrug resistance property which make its treatment difficult. Thus reliable, sensitive and low cost method to detect ESBLs producers, therefore, is of major interest. The present study was undertaken to compare the sensitivity between double disc synergy test & phenotypic confirmatory test to detect ESBLs producing bacteria.Methods: All the isolates were identified by standard procedure of identification & isolated gram-negative bacteria initially screened by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) ESBLs breakpoints. Then suspected ESBLs producers are confirmed by double disc synergy test & phenotypic confirmatory test.Results: In the present study, total 176(74.89%) bacterial strains were isolated from 235 samples of wound swab & pus, and urine. Among the isolates, 150(85.23%) were gram-negative and 26(14.77%) were gram-positive bacteria. The gram-negative bacteria were screened for suspected ESBLs & then subjected to confirmatory test where Phenotypic Confirmatory Test (PCT) detected 89(62.68%) and Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) detected 74(52.11%) ESBL producers. So 15(10.57%) isolates were missed by double disc synergy test. In this study, we determined sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value & negative predictive value of Phenotypic Confirmatory Test (PCT) were 100%, 77.9%, 83.1% & 100% respectively and those of Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) were 83.1%, 100%, 100%, and 77.9% respectively.Conclusion: Between these two tests, phenotypic confirmatory test found to be more sensitive procedure than double disc synergy test for the detection of ESBLs producing organisms.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.15 (2); Jul 2016; Page 3-8
Audit of Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality in A Tertiary Care Hospital, Sylhet
Authors: Hamid Farzana , Quaium Syed Moosa MA , Rahman Azizur , Ahmad AT Reza , Khan Shahariar , Hussain Tania , Zahra Fatematuz , Islam Tahi MD Tahmid
Published: March 2017

Background: To know the disease pattern and causes of morbidity & mortality of patients admitted to the neonatal unit in a tertiary care hospital in Sylhet, Bangladesh.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the neonatal unit from December 2014 to November 2015. Data of all the patients admitted to the neonatal unit during study period was analyzed for, age, sex, weight, gestational age, place and mode of delivery, maternal antenatal events, disease pattern and their outcome.Results: A total of 985 patients were admitted during study period. Among 985 cases 566(57.5%) were male and 419(42.5%) were female. 450(45.6%) were admitted at the age of less than 24 hours. 122 (12.4%) were preterm babies. 202(20.5%) were low birth weight. 693(70.4%) were delivered in hospital. Main causes of admission were perinatal asphyxia 398(40.4%), neonatal sepsis164 (16.6%), preterm LBW 122(12.4%), Meconium Stained Baby (MSB) 88(8.9%), Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) 80(8.1%), neonatal jaundice 62(6.2%), Infant of Diabetic Mother (IDM) 30(3.0%), Transient Tachypnoea of Newborn (TTN) 15(1.5%), Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) 10(1.1%), Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) 6(0.6%) and congenital anomaly 10(1.1%). Most of the deaths were associated with preterm LBW (6.5%), perinatal asphyxia with Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE) (4.5%), sepsis (2.4%), RDS (16.7%), MAS (10%).Conclusion: Preterm LBW, perinatal asphyxia and neonatal sepsis were the three leading cause of neonatal morbidity & mortality. These findings could be important in identifying the areas requiring attention to improve the perinatal care and also to manage the problems associated with them.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.15 (2); Jul 2016; Page 45-48
Elevated Atmospheric CO2 and Warming Stimulates Growth and Nitrogen Fixation in a Common Forest Floor Cyanobacterium under Axenic Conditions
Authors: Lindo Zoë , Griffith Danielle
Published: March 2017

The predominant input of available nitrogen (N) in boreal forest ecosystems originates from moss-associated cyanobacteria, which fix unavailable atmospheric N2, contribute to the soil N pool, and thereby support forest productivity. Alongside climate warming, increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations are expected in Canada’s boreal region over the next century, yet little is known about the combined effects of these factors on N fixation by forest floor cyanobacteria. Here we assess changes in N fixation in a common forest floor, moss-associated cyanobacterium, Nostoc punctiforme Hariot, under elevated CO2 conditions over 30 days and warming combined with elevated CO2 over 90 days. We measured rates of growth and changes in the number of specialized N2 fixing heterocyst cells, as well as the overall N fixing activity of the cultures. Elevated CO2 stimulated growth and N fixation overall, but this result was influenced by the growth stage of the cyanobacteria, which in turn was influenced by our temperature treatments. Taken together, climate change factors of warming and elevated CO2 are expected to stimulate N2 fixation by moss-associated cyanobacteria in boreal forest systems.
Introduction: Race, Politics, and the Humanities in an Age of “Posts”—Rethinking the Human/Race
Authors: Mendible Myra
Published: March 2017

This Special Issue of Humanities comes at a time when the viability of the humanities are challenged on numerous fronts. [...]
The Candida albicans Biofilm Matrix: Composition, Structure and Function
Authors: Pierce Christopher , Vila Taissa , Romo Jesus , Montelongo-Jauregui Daniel , Wall Gina , Ramasubramanian Anand , Lopez-Ribot Jose
Published: March 2017

A majority of infections caused by Candida albicans—the most frequent fungal pathogen—are associated with biofilm formation. A salient feature of C. albicans biofilms is the presence of the biofilm matrix. This matrix is composed of exopolymeric materials secreted by sessile cells within the biofilm, in which all classes of macromolecules are represented, and provides protection against environmental challenges. In this review, we summarize the knowledge accumulated during the last two decades on the composition, structure, and function of the C. albicans biofilm matrix. Knowledge of the matrix components, its structure, and function will help pave the way to novel strategies to combat C. albicans biofilm infections.
A Methodology to Model Environmental Preferences of EPT Taxa in the Machangara River Basin (Ecuador)
Authors: Jerves-Cobo Rubén , Everaert Gert , Iñiguez-Vela Xavier , Córdova-Vela Gonzalo , Díaz-Granda Catalina , Cisneros Felipe , Nopens Ingmar , Goethals Peter
Published: March 2017

Rivers have been frequently assessed based on the presence of the Ephemeroptera— Plecoptera—Trichoptera (EPT) taxa in order to determine the water quality status and develop conservation programs. This research evaluates the abiotic preferences of three families of the EPT taxa Baetidae, Leptoceridae and Perlidae in the Machangara River Basin located in the southern Andes of Ecuador. With this objective, using generalized linear models (GLMs), we analyzed the relation between the probability of occurrence of these pollution-sensitive macroinvertebrates families and physicochemical water quality conditions. The explanatory variables of the constructed GLMs differed substantially among the taxa, as did the preference range of the common predictors. In total, eight variables had a substantial influence on the outcomes of the three models. For choosing the best predictors of each studied taxa and for evaluation of the accuracy of its models, the Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used. The results indicated that the GLMs can be applied to predict either the presence or the absence of the invertebrate taxa and moreover, to clarify the relation to the environmental conditions of the stream. In this manner, these modeling tools can help to determine key variables for river restoration and protection management.
Prevalence of Pressure Injury of Bedridden Patients, Hospitalized in a Public Hospital
Authors: Gonçalves Bezerra Sandra Marina , Rodrigues de Sousa Francisca Maria , Tolstenko Nogueira Lídya , De Macêdo Rocha Daniel , Soares de Carvalho Tharcia Evaristo , Costa de Oliveira Aline , Vasconcelos Benício Cláudia Daniela Avelino
Published: March 2017

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of pressure injury in bedridden patients, hospitalized in a public hospital.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the city of Teresina, state of Piauí. The sample consisted of 27 bedridden patients, with pressure injuries.

Results: The injury prevalence was 31,4%. From the 27 patients studied, 59.3% were elderly, 77.8% were male, 48.1% had circulatory system diseases, 22.2% had respiratory system diseases and 59.3% of the pressure injuries were located in the sacral region.

Conclusion: The prevalence of pressure injury was high among bedridden patients, which shows the need of preventive measures, such as protocol implantation, use of scale of risk assessment, appropriate supporting surface, repositioning in bed, adequacy of dressings and instructions for patient discharge.

Keywords: Pressure ulcer. Prevalence. Nursing.
Identification of macroelements and microelements in the leaves of the Synadenium grantii Hook used as medicinal plant in the Brazil
Authors: De Souza Igor Domingos , Alves de Arruda Ana Lucia , Fernandes da Silva Anderson , Henriques Rosa Rafaela , Ferreira Júnior Marcos Antonio , Aragão do Nascimento Valter , Avellaneda Guimarães Rita de Cássia
Published: March 2017

Introduction: The Synadenium grantii Hook species is a medicinal plant of the Euphorbiaceae family and is popularly known in the Midwest regions of Brazil as leitosinha or janaúba. All the parts of Synadenium grantii Hook as stem, latex, leaves and flowers are used for the treatments of various disease, but no elemental composition has been done.

Objective: The aim of present work was to measure the macroelements (K, Mg, Mo and P) and microelements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, Si, Ni, Co, Cd and Al) in the leaves of medicinal plant Synadenium grantii Hook used in the treatment of diseases by rural and urban communities of the Campo Grande, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Method: The chemical digestions of samples were prepared utilizing HNO3 and H2O2 and microwave digestion system Speedwave Berghof, Germany. After digestion, the concentrations of the elements in leaves were determined by technique of Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) with a Dual Plasma (Thermo Scientific – iCAP 6000 Series)

Results: Results demonstrated that the Synadenium grantii leaves are source of K but aren't the best source of Na and P. Its leaves are rich in elements such as Mg, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn. The leaves of Synadenium grantii showed a high content of Mg values tolerable upper intake level. However, Fe, Na, P, Mn, Mo and Zn are below the values tolerable upper intake level. The leaves of this plants have elements as Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd above the permissible limit set by WHO and FAO.

Conclusions: The gaps in knowledge about the level of contents in the Synadenium grantii was completed in this work and would serve as a tool for deciding the dosage of prepared from this plant with medicinal and nutritional purposes. Brazil should create legal standards for the use of medicinal plants based on internationally practiced requirements.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Synadenium grantii, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Immunization: Occupational Risks in Nursing Workers within the Scope of the Family Health Strategy
Authors: Alves Almeida Bastos Rosângela , De Sousa Garrido Georgiana , Das Chagas Alves de Almeida Francisca , Alves Pequeno Gutenberg , De Carvalho Farias Joberto , Bandeira Bezerra Clarissa Maria , Medeiros da Silva Kézia Katiane , Alves de Almeida Lima Rosimery , Alves de Carvalho Gyl Dayara , Alves de Almeida Rosilene
Published: March 2017

Objective: The study aimed to identify the occupational hazards to which workers are exposed in nursing working in immunization room of the family health strategy of the municipality of Conde-Paraíba.

Methods: this was an exploratory study, descriptive and qualitative. The survey was conducted in basic health units of the municipality of Conde-PB, using a semi-structured interview script, as a tool for data collection, with objective and subjective questions that addressed the topic. Have been followed all ethical and legal precepts of research involving humans.

Results and discussion: Nursing workers working in immunization of the said rooms municipality do not have enough knowledge about the occupational hazards to which they are exposed in their work environment, use the individual protection equipment making them vulnerable to a variety of risk situations and contributing to the increase in the number of occupational accidents.

Conclusion: The present research demonstrated through the lines of the participants that they are exposed to various occupational hazards to act in vaccine, and that the recognition of these risks is necessary to the development of action for prevention, elimination or control of them. Permanent education is the primary tool for nursing workers acquire knowledge about occupational accidents, their causes and ways to avoid them, thus minimizing the risks that may exist in the workplace.

Keywords: Nursing; Occupational Hazards; Immunization.
Numerical Simulations of Saturn's B Ring: Granular Friction as a Mediator between Self-gravity Wakes and Viscous Overstability
Authors: Ballouz Ronald-Louis , Richardson Derek C. , Morishima Ryuji
Published: March 2017

We study the B ring’s complex optical depth structure. The source of this structure may be the complex dynamics of the Keplerian shear and the self-gravity of the ring particles. The outcome of these dynamic effects depends sensitively on the collisional and physical properties of the particles. Two mechanisms can emerge that dominate the macroscopic physical structure of the ring: self-gravity wakes and viscous overstability. Here we study the interplay between these two mechanisms by using our recently developed particle collision method that allows us to better model the inter-particle contact physics. We find that for a constant ring surface density and particle internal density, particles with rough surfaces tend to produce axisymmetric ring features associated with the viscous overstability, while particles with smoother surfaces produce self-gravity wakes.
Dynamics of Coronal Hole Boundaries
Authors: Higginson A. K. , Antiochos S. K. , DeVore C. R. , Wyper P. F. , Zurbuchen T. H.
Published: March 2017

Remote and in situ observations strongly imply that the slow solar wind consists of plasma from the hot, closed-field corona that is released onto open magnetic field lines. The Separatrix Web theory for the slow wind proposes that photospheric motions at the scale of supergranules are responsible for generating dynamics at coronal-hole boundaries, which result in the closed plasma release. We use three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations to determine the effect of photospheric flows on the open and closed magnetic flux of a model corona with a dipole magnetic field and an isothermal solar wind. A rotational surface motion is used to approximate photospheric supergranular driving and is applied at the boundary between the coronal hole and helmet streamer. The resulting dynamics consist primarily of prolific and efficient interchange reconnection between open and closed flux. The magnetic flux near the coronal-hole boundary experiences multiple interchange events, with some flux interchanging over 50 times in one day. Additionally, we find that the interchange reconnection occurs all along the coronal-hole boundary and even produces a lasting change in magnetic-field connectivity in regions that were not driven by the applied motions. Our results show that these dynamics should be ubiquitous in the Sun and heliosphere. We discuss the implications of our simulations for understanding the observed properties of the slow solar wind, with particular focus on the global-scale consequences of interchange reconnection.
Observable Signatures of Energy Release in Braided Coronal Loops
Authors: Pontin D. I. , Janvier M. , Tiwari S. K. , Galsgaard K. , Winebarger A. R. , Cirtain J. W.
Published: March 2017

We examine the turbulent relaxation of solar coronal loops containing non-trivial field line braiding. Such field line tangling in the corona has long been postulated in the context of coronal heating models. We focus on the observational signatures of energy release in such braided magnetic structures using MHD simulations and forward modeling tools. The aim is to answer the following question: if energy release occurs in a coronal loop containing braided magnetic flux, should we expect a clearly observable signature in emissions? We demonstrate that the presence of braided magnetic field lines does not guarantee a braided appearance to the observed intensities. Observed intensities may—but need not necessarily—reveal the underlying braided nature of the magnetic field, depending on the degree and pattern of the field line tangling within the loop. However, in all cases considered, the evolution of the braided loop is accompanied by localized heating regions as the loop relaxes. Factors that may influence the observational signatures are discussed. Recent high-resolution observations from Hi-C have claimed the first direct evidence of braided magnetic fields in the corona. Here we show that both the Hi-C data and some of our simulations give the appearance of braiding at a range of scales.
Radial Transport and Meridional Circulation in Accretion Disks
Authors: Philippov Alexander A. , Rafikov Roman R.
Published: March 2017

Radial transport of particles, elements and fluid driven by internal stresses in three-dimensional (3D) astrophysical accretion disks is an important phenomenon, potentially relevant for the outward dust transport in protoplanetary disks, origin of the refractory particles in comets, isotopic equilibration in the Earth–Moon system, etc. To gain better insight into these processes, we explore the dependence of meridional circulation in 3D disks with shear viscosity on their thermal stratification, and demonstrate a strong effect of the latter on the radial flow. Previous locally isothermal studies have normally found a pattern of the radial outflow near the midplane, switching to inflow higher up. Here we show, both analytically and numerically, that a flow that is inward at all altitudes is possible in disks with entropy and temperature steeply increasing with height. Such thermodynamic conditions may be typical in the optically thin, viscously heated accretion disks. Disks in which these conditions do not hold should feature radial outflow near the midplane, as long as their internal stress is provided by the shear viscosity. Our results can also be used for designing hydrodynamical disk simulations with a prescribed pattern of the meridional circulation.