bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hubungan antara penguasaan kosakata dan ketepatan menemukan gagasan dengan keterampilan membaca pemahaman
Authors: Susilawati Tjatur Marti , Suhardi Suhardi
Published: December 2016

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan: (1) penguasaan kosakata dan keterampilan membaca pemahaman, (2) ketepatan menemukan gagasan dan keterampilan membaca pemahaman, (3) hubungan penguasaan kosakata (X1) dan ketepatan menemukan gagasan (X2) dengan keterampilan membaca pemahaman (Y). Penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif ex-post facto. Penentuan sampel berdasarkan teknik proportional cluster random sampling. Validitas instrumen diuji menggunakan program ITEMAN, sedangkan reliabilitas instrumen diuji dengan Alpha Cronbach. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa penguasaan kosakata dan keterampilan membaca pemahaman (X1-Y) memiliki hubungan positif dan signifikan dengan hasil r sebesar 0,613 dan sig ρ < 0,05. Hasil uji korelasi ketepatan menemukan gagasan dan keterampilan membaca pemahaman (X2-Y) terbukti positif dan signifikan dengan r = 0,641 dan sig ρ<0,05. Hasil analisis korelasi parsial untuk X1.X2-Ydan X2.X1-Ysebesar 0,151 dan 0,281. Analisis regresi linear ganda menghasilkan r sebesar 0,651 dengan ρ< 0,05. Pengaruh penguasaan kosakata dan ketepatan menemukan gagasan terhadap keterampilan membaca pemahaman sebesar 0,420 atau 42% dan terbukti signifikan.Kata Kunci: penguasaan kosakata, ketepatan menemukan gagasan, kemampuan membaca pemahaman The correlation between vocabulary mastery and accuracy in finding ideas on the reading comprehension skill AbstractThis research is meant to find out (1) the correlation between vocabulary mastery and reading comprehension skill, (2) the correlation between the accuracy in finding ideas and reading comprehension skill, and (3) the correlation between vocabulary mastery and the accuracy in finding ideas on reading comprehension skill. The kind of this research is a quantitative ex post facto. The sample was selected by means of proportional cluster random sampling. The instruments validity used the ITEMAN programs and the instruments reliability using Alpha Cronbach’s. The results of the research show that the correlation between vocabulary mastery and reading comprehension skill (X1-Y) is proved significant and positive, gives the result of r = 0.613 and ρ < 0.05. The result of the correlation between the accuracy in finding ideas and reading comprehension skill (X2-Y) is proved significant and r = 0.641, and ρ < 0.05. The result of the partial correlation analysis for X1.X2-Y gives the result of r = 0.151 and for X2.X1-Y, was of 0.281, ρ < 0.05. The linear regression analysis gives the result of r = 0.651 and ρ < 0.05. The influence of the vocabulary mastery and accuracy of finding ideas on reading comprehension skill is 0.420 (42%) and is proved significant.Keywords: vocabulary mastery, accuracy in finding ideas, the reading comprehension skill
Contemplación mística:
Authors: Ovalle María Francisca
Published: December 2016

Mystic Contemplation is the highest expression of desire and passion of the love that God feels for man and the possibility for him to experience it. The unilateral initiative of Revelation comes from the whole gratuity and overabundance of One and Triune God’s love. God enjoys the fullness of love relationship itself that over?ows into every human being to be shared with them.
What are the ways and dispositions that the mystical contemplation reveals us? We find that the first and most fundamental way is to recognize oneself as absolutely in need of His grace and vessel of His love. The second way is the perpetuation of gratuity, which expresses especially in the way of receiving His grace: not as merit, but as a gift. This requires to be absolutely detached from the desire of possession and hoarding, which would destroy the elegance, fnesse and beauty of the donation, to give way to austere and confdent joy of this free belonging, which strengthens the man’ s identity as a being gifted and open to always receive more and more from God.This is what we will call the “Roar to get from the not-being to the plentiful being” and that we are going to try to walk hand in hand with a pilgrim of love: William of Saint Thierry.We strongly believe that the fulflling relationship that this encounter produces between God and man is the paradigm of all human relationships, and from it we can begin to renew and enrich our relationships with our brothers and the whole Creation. Thus, we can see how far or near we are from the way God is with us; the way He sustains us and makes us humanly consisting in his divinity.
Significado Teológico de la Libertad en la Constitución Pastoral Gaudium et Spes del Concilio Vaticano II.
Authors: Gayoso Donzé Oscar Rogelio
Published: December 2016

This article reflects about the theological meaning of freedom in the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, of Vatican II. In the introduction the document talks about the importance of freedom as a theological topic, and also defends the authority of GS in order to study it. The introduction also indicates the method followed in the study. The first chapter takes the fundamental question about who is the subject of freedom. It also emphasizes the historic and notional tension between the freedom of God and the human being. The second chapter develops the value of freedom and the concept of itself in GS, following the classic scheme of freedom of and freedom for. The third and fnal chapter proposes theology of liberty, which places liberty into the theological horizons proposed by GS. This article concludes re?ecting on the major conclusions of the study.
Sobre el sentido y el ejercicio de la ciudadanía.
Authors: Romero Sergio
Published: December 2016

The Word “citizenship” has lost strength today. In this word is implicit the idea or territory and responsibility toward the others. According to Aristotle, citizenship is the one who is able to rule and to be ruled. The modern individualism is forcing us to re think democracy. We have to remember what Pericles said: if you want to be free, must work.
The performance of audit committees in Jordanian public listed companies
Authors: Abdullatif Modar , Ghanayem Hala , Ahmad-Amin Rand , Al-shelleh Saleen , Sharaiha Lara
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to explore the degree to which audit committees in Jordanian public listed companies possess the necessary characteristics needed to enable them to perform their duties, and the level of their actual performance of these duties. To do so, the study used a questionnaire survey of the views of external auditors with experience in auditing Jordanian public listed companies. The main findings of the study show that audit committees do possess the necessary characteristics needed, but only to a limited extent. In addition, their performance of their duties was also to a limited extent. The study concluded that these findings can be attributed to the family business model dominant in most Jordanian companies, where the demand for effective audit committees is considered low due to limited agency costs involved.
U.S. community banking performance
Authors: Hassan M. Kabir , Hippler William J. , Lane Walter
Published: December 2016

Community banking plays an important role in financial intermediation in the United States, especially in the context of providing financing in smaller, rural markets and for small businesses. However, recent trends in regulation, the economic environment, and industry practices have led to a significant decline in the amount of FDIC-chartered institutions that qualify as community banks. In addition, the share of community-bank-held assets in the United States is declining as well. The decline of the community banking industry has significant implications for the efficiency and growth of the real economy, as larger banks may not be able to serve the community banking demographic as efficiently. In this study, we develop a dataset that allows us to analyze banking data collected from all FDIC-charted institutions and published by the FDIC. We use this data to analyze the community banking industry in the U.S. We are able to report the trends, strengths, and weakness of the community banking industry for the past twenty years. In addition, we develop two sets of community banking indexes meant to assess the relative and nominal changes in the strength of the community banking industry. One set of indicators simply measure market share, while others are composite community banking indexes that represent a unique contribution to the analysis of the industry. Finally, we analyze developments in the community banking industry across the tenures of the past three FDIC Chairs, which can provide context and guidance with respect to the perspective of key regulatory officials on community banking issues. Analysis of the data shows that the community banking industry is declining in the United States. Our Community Bank Momentum Index (CMOM) shows that, on a nominal basis, the community banking industry has experienced some growth; however, our Community Banking Relative Growth Index (CRGI) shows that community banks have been weakening, relative to non-community banks.
Determinants of capital adequacy ratio: an empirical study on Egyptian banks
Authors: Hafez Hassan M. , El-Ansary Osama A.
Published: December 2016

Capital adequacy rules are safety valve for regulators and banks’ clients/shareholders to reduce expected risks faced by commercial banks especially for cross border transactions as these rules are applied compulsory by all banks internationally. Applying these rules will achieve rational management and governance. This paper examines explanatory victors that influence capital adequacy ratio (CAR) in the Egyptian commercial banks. The study covers 36 banks during the period from 2003-2013. We examined the relationship between CAR as dependent variable and the following independent variables: earning assets ratio, profitability, and liquidity, Loan loss provision as measure of credit risk, net interest margin growth, size, loans assets ratio and deposits assets ratio. Furthermore, we investigate determinants of CAR before and after the 2007-2008 international financial crises. Results vary according to the period understudy. For the whole period 2003 to 2013 results show that liquidity, size and management quality are the most significant variables. Before the period 2008 results show that asset quality, size and profitability are the most significant variables. After the period 2009 results show that asset quality, size, liquidity, management quality and credit risk are the most significant variable that explain the variance of Egyptian banks’ CAR.
The relationship between annual and sustainability, environmental and social reports
Authors: Carini Cristian , Chiaf Elisa
Published: December 2016

This paper is based on the consideration that information transparency and accountability are not only related to the increase of spread information but also to the improvement of the organizational clarity with which the information is conveyed through the periodic reports. The development of an effective communicative behaviour is linked to a good use of the periodical reports – the narrative section of the annual report and social, environmental and sustainability reports – with reference to their adequate completeness and integration. Empirical research emphasizes the importance of information increase, e.g. information on products, processes, strategies, risks, social-environmental impacts, intangibles assets, and so on. As to this, in the last years focused reports on specific subjects have increasingly been made public: in this, social, environmental and sustainability reports (SES) have played a very important role. At the same time, content of the annual report has been extended by the introduction of disclosure about social and environmental issues. In such a context, scarce attention was paid to the different reports’ integration and to the possibility that there could be information repetition. More disclosure could be positive for the reduction of information asymmetry but lack of integration of reports and information redundancy could reduce transparency, without being useful for the readers’ knowledge. By means of a disclosure-scoring system, the aim of this paper is the analysis of the relationship between the content of the annual reports and of the SES reports. To quantify the degree of reports’ completeness and integration a disclosure index has been established. Reports of year 2014 have been analysed. To better understand the companies’ communicative behaviour a specific industry is selected. Extractive petroleum companies are analysed because of their relevant environmental and social impact. In addition to this, previous researches demonstrate that petroleum companies have transparent communication behaviour. Finally, there are specific guidelines for their SES reports’ drafting. The analysis will allow the identification of some communication models and will provide possible response in order to combine the need for more information with the communication tools’ integration. This study could also be a first response to evaluate the potentialities and criticalities of the adoption of the integrated reporting.
Factors influencing success of construction projects by emerging contractors in South Africa: a case of Mahikeng area
Authors: Mavetera Nehemiah , Sekhabisa Kagiso , Mavetera Chipo , Choga Ireen
Published: December 2016

Emerging contractors play a critical role in the South African economy in terms of rendering services to government especially in the construction sector. However, literature findings reveal that some of the SMMEs are unable to deliver their projects successfully due to project management issues. The focus of this study was to establish the project management factors influencing the successful delivery of construction projects by emerging contractors in the Mahikeng area of South Africa. A mixed design research method was used to collect, analyse and derive the findings. Findings revealed that projects do not comply with the time, scope, cost and quality requirements. Focus group interview results attributed these problems to lack of project management skills among the emerging contractors. It is recommended that more support initiatives from the South African Department of Public Works, and other key stakeholders in the construction industry be provided to these contractors
Overcoming the hard law/soft law dichotomy in times of (financial) crises
Authors: Weber Rolf
Published: December 2016

Traditional legal doctrine calls for hard law to regulate markets. Nevertheless, in financial markets, soft law has a long tradition, not at least due to the lack of multilateral agreements in this field. On the one hand, the recent financial crisis has shown that soft law does not suffice to avoid detrimental developments; on the other hand, a straight call for hard law would not be able to manage the recognized regulatory weaknesses. Therefore, emphasis should be put on the possibilities of combining hard law and soft law; specific areas allowing realizing such kind of “combination” are organizational issues, transparency requirements, and dispute settlement mechanisms.
Agency costs and income taxation
Authors: Schmidt Ulrich
Published: December 2016

This paper analyzes agency costs and the moral hazard problem in the presence of income taxation. As basic framework, income taxes are integrated in the hidden action model of agency theory. In the case of symmetric information no agency costs occur, i.e. optimal risk-sharing can be achieved, if and only if the tax is proportional. It is well-known that asymmetric information causes a welfare loss, termed agency costs, even if no taxes are imposed. Introducing a proportional income tax now increases (decreases) these agency costs if the agent exhibits decreasing (increasing) absolute risk aversion. Additionally, we show that non-proportional taxes cause higher (lower) agency costs than a proportional tax if the agent’s marginal tax rate exceeds (is smaller than) the marginal tax rate of the principal.
Corporate reporting, security regulation and trading on the Kuwaiti stock exchange (KSE) – institutional implications for research
Authors: Algharaballi Eiman , Goyen Michelle
Published: December 2016

The regulation of equities trading in Kuwait over the period from 1983 to 2011 is documented in this paper. An eclectic approach has resulted in overlapping responsibilities for the three main regulatory and supervisory bodies. Regulation appears to be responsive to market crises. As a result, regulations have tended to change with market conditions. Kuwaiti accounting and auditing requirements are also reviewed. The institutional setting in Kuwait has a number of implications for capital market-based research. Informational inefficiency precludes research that relies on the assumption that security price reflects firm value. Other features (including the profit requirement, lock-up restrictions and the two auditor rule) provide opportunities for capital market research in Kuwait.
In defense of shock therapy: Post-socialist transition of the Czech Republic
Authors: Beaulier Scott , Boettke Peter , Krasnozhon Leonid
Published: December 2016

Popov (2007, 2000), Kolodko (2000), and Stiglitz (1999) argue that a shock therapy approach has a negative effect on post-socialist transition. Their benchmark for shock therapy, however, refers to the debate on the speed of market reforms. We propose that a more meaningful benchmark is the experience of the Czech Republic, Russia, and other transition economies which share similar approach to the market reforms, but have solved political economy problems of credibility and commitment differently. We compare the Czech Republic’s economic, political, and social performance to these benchmarks in all other post-socialist countries since they began their transitions. We find that the Czech transition is a consistent success because the Havel shock therapy has solved the political economy problems of reform’s credibility and state’s commitment to reform.
An empirical examination of the relationship between naked shorting and share prices around the announcement of a firm’s need for external capital
Authors: Murphy Austin , Qian Hong , Zhu Yun , Chaudhuri Ranadeb
Published: December 2016

This research finds some empirical evidence that the sale of stock without delivering shares can contribute to pressuring down the equity prices of companies seeking to raise capital. By allowing for the delayed effects on prices of limit orders by naked shorts, a significant negative impact on equity value per share is discovered but only for naked short selling by market makers and only on stocks of firms in urgent need of external financing.
Analyst reluctance in conveying negative information to the market
Authors: Piras Luca , Denti Olga , Cervellati Enrico
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates one of the main sources of financial markets’ public information: financial analysts’ reports. We analyze reports on S&P 500 index through a multidisciplinary approach integrating behavioral finance with linguistic analysis to understand how financial phenomena reflect in or are deviated by language, i.e. whether financial and linguistic trends follow the same patterns, boosting each other, or diverge. In the latter, language could conceal financial events, mitigating analysts’ feelings and misleading investors. Therefore, we attempt to identify behavioral biases (mainly represented by cognitive dissonances) present in analysts’ reports. In doing so, we try to understand whether analysts try to hide the perception of negative price-sensitive events or not, eventually anticipating and controlling the market “mood”. This study focuses on how analysts use linguistic strategies in order to minimize their risk of issuing wrong advice. Our preliminary results show reluctance to incorporate negative information in the reports. A slight asymmetry between the use of positive/negative keywords taken into account and the negative/positive trends of the index seems to emerge. In those weeks characterized by the index poor performances, the frequency of keywords with a negative meaning is lower. On the contrary, in the recovering weeks a higher use of keywords with a positive meaning does not clearly appear. A thorough investigation on the market moods and the analysis of the text of the reports enable us to assess if and to what extent analysts have been willing to mitigate pessimism or emphasize confidence. Furthermore, we contribute to the existing literature also proposing a possible analysts’ value function based on the Prospect Theory [Kahneman and Tversky, 1979] where analysts try to maximize the value deriving from enhancing their reputation, taking into account the risks that may cause a reputational loss. This theoretical framework maintains our preliminary findings and supports the idea that analysts are risk-averse when facing reputational gains and risk-seeking in case of potential reputational losses.
Corporate insurance and debt capacity: Empirical evidence from Italy
Authors: Santoboni Fabrizio , Vento Gianfranco , Porretta Pasqualina
Published: December 2016

In banks/enterprises relationships a key role is played by Basel II Framework, which accurately correlates banks’ capital requirement to risks, by stimulating a more precise creditworthiness assessment. As known, the containment of risks inherent in bank financing can be carried out ex ante, through an adequate screening, which allows the proper assessment of enterprises’ economic and financial situation and a sound composition of the total loan portfolio, and ex post, through guarantees, which allow benefiting from a loss reduction only after insolvency has occurred. From this perspective, Basel II Framework brings important changes, since life insurance and surety policy are “eligible” guarantees for Credit Risk Mitigation. Nevertheless, banks could offer a better pricing to borrowers not because they are less risky, but because the whole operation would need a lower capital requirement. Therefore, corporate risks reduction – which would allow, in the absence of credit rationing, a more profitable debt capacity – is necessarily achieved through an appropriate “umbrella insurance”, able to cope with both direct and indirect loss.
This work aims at investigating the existence of a “virtuous” relationship among corporate insurance purchases, credit risk and debt capacity. Such aim has been pursued through different steps: review of literature, to identify the reasons of corporate demand for insurance; analysis of Italian enterprises’ corporate insurance purchases; drafting of a questionnaire, to submit to a sample of the main insurance companies working in Italy, intended to identify what kind of role they play in the relation with enterprises and which insurance products they offer; drafting of a questionnaire, to submit to a sample of the main banks working in Italy, intended to investigate whether and how the possession of corporate insurance is taken into consideration in the determination of enterprises’ creditworthiness.
Status of Scar in Repeat Cesarean Section in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Shrestha Subha , Shakya Raju , Shrestha Buddhi Kumar , Kaur Narinder , Thapa Babita
Published: December 2016

Introduction: In modern Obstetrics, with rising trends of primary Cesarean section (CS) for fetal and maternal interests, pregnancy over the scarred uterus is a challenge to all treating obstetricians. How better the cesarean scar is sutured, its exact fate in next pregnancy is still not measurable. Objective of this study was to evaluate the status of previous cesarean scar during repeat cesarean section (RCS) and calculate the maternal morbidity in those cases in a tertiary hospital.

 

Methods: It was a descriptive, retrospective study conducted at department of Obstetrics of Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital. The study was conducted from 15th July 2014 to 14th July 2015. The data were retrieved from the department of Medical Records. Women undergoing RCS were enrolled. The status of scar was evaluated in terms of intact scar, scar rupture, scar dehiscence, thin lower uterine segment, scar placenta previa, and adhesions as indicator of scar integrity.

 

Results: There were 534 (25.4%) CS among 2,098 deliveries during the study period. Ninety one (17.04%) of them were RCS. Elective RCS were 73.6% (n=67), and emergency RCS were 26.4% (n=24). Eighty two (90.1%) women had RCS once and 9 (9.9%) had RCS for second time. Scar was intact in 22 (91.6%), scar dehiscence in 1 (8.3%), scar with adhesions in 1 (8.3%) among  emergency RCS and intact in 53 (91.3%) and scar with adhesions in 5 (8.7%) among elective RCS. Among nine women of two RCS, three (37.5%) had thin scar, five (62.5%) had well formed scar,  seven (87.5%) had intact scar, and one (12.5%) had scar with adhesion. There was no scar dehiscence and no scar rupture in two RCS women.  Adhesions were documented twice higher in women whose primary CS was undertaken outside our hospital. Placenta previa and placenta accreta each were found in two cases.

 

Conclusion: Most of the scars of repeat Cesarean section were healthy with no scar rupture. We can consider trial of labor for scarred uterus with strict vigilance and in need,  CS is always at option.
Simultaneous Ipsilateral Pediatric Fractures of the Elbow and Forearm Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Joshi Ruban Raj , Dwivedi Rajeev , Byanjankar Subin , Shrestha Rahul
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Ipsilateral supracondylar humerus and forearm fractures in the pediatric population are an uncommon injury associated with high-energy trauma. The incidence varies between 3% and 13%. Our aim was to conduct a descriptive analysis on seventeen cases of children with floating elbow injuries who attended our institution and to review the literature relating to this topic.

 

Methods: Between April 2013 to March 2016, data were obtained through the medical records. Children who had completely displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus associated with ipsilateral forearm fracture were reviewed. All patients underwent operative reduction and percutaneous K-wire stabilization. At mean follow up of 12.9 months, all patients were assessed clinically and radiologically. The following variables were used: age, gender, side, mechanism, type of fracture, classification, treatment and complications.

 

Results: Seventeen pediatric "floating elbow" cases that had operative management were identified. Twelve (70.5%%) were male and five (29.4%) female. The mean age was 9.5 (SD=2.1) years, ranging from six to 14 years. The left side was predominantly affected (70.5%). The commonest injury mechanism was fall from a height (76.47%). All the supracondylar fractures were Gartland type III. Majority of forearm fractures (76.4%) were at distal meta diaphyseal region. Distal radius physeal fractures were diagnosed in three patients. Open fractures occurred in three cases (17.6%). All supracondylar fractures were reduced and fixed using K-wires. There was one radial nerve, and three median nerve injury. Five patients had pin tract related complications. Fifteen (88.2%) patients had good to excellent, two had fair in terms of modified Flynn criteria in last month follow up. All patients went on to radiographic union without secondary procedures.

 

Conclusions: This, uncommon injury in most cases, results from high-energy trauma. Early surgical treatment for both fractures is required in the form simultaneous closed reduction of the displaced forearm fracture followed by supracondylar fixation with K-wires. This provides not only stable fixation but also allows close observation for early sign and symptom of development of compartment syndrome.
Comparison of Perinatal Outcome of Breech Presentation between Vaginal Delivery and Cesarean Section
Authors: Shrestha Buddhi Kumar , Shrestha Subha
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Many times, parturient opt for labour and vaginal breech delivery even after informing increased perinatal risks. Vaginal breech deliveries are undertaken with the reasons like avoidance of cesarean section in next pregnancy, null risk of operative and anesthetic hazards, ability to resume early all household works after vaginal birth, etc. The purpose of this study is to compare the perinatal outcome of breech deliveries in singleton breech presentation between vaginal breech delivery and cesarean section.

 

Methods: A retrospective study was done in Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital for the duration of one year (December 2014 to November 2015). Data of perinatal outcome of breech deliveries were collected from the hospital records. The records of neonatal examination were also collected. The primary outcomes included were neonatal morbidity and mortality.

 

Results: Out of 80 selected women with breech presentation, 42 of them had vaginal deliveries and 38 women had undergone caesarean section. The perinatal mortality was 4.8% and morbidity was 2% in vaginal breech deliveries. There was no significant difference of APGAR score in the two groups at any time. Similarly, there was no significant difference in perinatal morbidity and mortality in the two groups. Nulliparous women were more likely to deliver by Cesarean section.

 

Conclusion:  In places where planned vaginal delivery is a common practice and when strict criteria are met before and during labour, planned vaginal breech delivery of singleton fetus in breech presentation remains a safe option that can be offered to women.
Isolation, antimicrobial activity of myxobacterial crude extracts and identification of the most potent strains
Authors: Charousová Ivana , Medo Juraj , Javoreková Soňa
Published: December 2016

Broad spectrum antimicrobial agents are urgently needed to fight frequently
occurring multidrug-resistant pathogens. Myxobacteria have been regarded as
?microbe factories? for active secondary metabolites, and therefore, this
study was performed to isolate two bacteriolytic genera of myxobacteria,
Myxococcus sp. and Corallococcus sp., from 10 soil/sand samples using two
conventional methods followed by purification with the aim of determining the
antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts against 11 test microorganisms
(four Gram-positive, four Gram-negative, two yeasts and one fungus). Out of
thirty-nine directly observed strains, 23 were purified and analyzed for
antimicrobial activities. Based on the broth microdilution method, a total of
19 crude extracts showed antimicrobial activity. The range of inhibited wells
was more important in the case of anti-Gram-positive-bacterial activity in
comparison with the anti-Gram-negative-bacterial and antifungal activity. In
light of the established degree and range of antimicrobial activity, two of
the most active isolates (BNEM1 and SFEC2) were selected for further
characterization. Morphological parameters and a sequence similarity search
by BLAST revealed that they showed 99% sequence similarity to Myxococcus
xanthus ? BNEM1 (accession no. KX669224) and Corallococcus coralloides -
SFEC2 (accession no. KX669225). As these isolates had antimicrobial activity,
they could be considered for use in the development of antibiotics for
pharmaceutical use.
Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Anesthetic Management in the Ambulatory Setting. Part 1: Pathophysiology and Associated Disease States
Authors: Cornelius Bryant W.
Published: December 2016

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the general population has many implications for the ambulatory anesthesia provider. Complications, particularly associated with poor glycemic control, can affect multiple organ systems and jeopardize the safety of any planned anesthetic. It is essential that anesthesiologists and sedation providers have in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and the comorbid conditions that commonly accompany it. Anesthesiologists and sedation providers must also understand certain surgical and anesthetic considerations when planning an effective and safe anesthetic for diabetic patients. This is a 2-part series concerning perioperative glycemic control for patients with diabetes mellitus. Part 1 will focus on the physiology of diabetes and its associated disease states. Part 2 will address the pharmacology associated with the wide variety of medications used to treat the disorder and the most recent guidelines for blood glucose management in ambulatory surgical patients.
Correlation Between Body Movements and Salivary Secretion During Sedation
Authors: Sasaki Yoko , Kato Seiichi , Miura Masaaki , Fukayama Haruhisa
Published: December 2016

During dental sedation, control of the cough reflex is crucial for a safe and smooth procedure. Accumulated saliva is one of the predisposing factors for coughing. Body movements during dental sedation appear to enhance salivation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the difference in salivary secretion between the with-movements state and the without-movements state during sedation. Salivary weight for 1 min was measured 3 times in 27 patients with intellectual disability during dental treatment under deep sedation with midazolam and propofol. The observed variables were body movements, bispectral index (BIS), and predicted propofol effect-site concentration. A total of 81 measurements were classified into the with-movements state (n = 39; ie, measurements during which body movements were observed) or the without-movements state (n = 42; ie, measurements during which no body movements were observed). The median salivary weight was significantly smaller in the without-movements state compared with the with-movements state (0.03 vs 0.11 g, P < .0001). The BIS was significantly lower in the without-movements state. There was no significant difference in the predicted propofol effect-site concentration between the 2 states. Significant correlation was observed between salivary weight and BIS in the with-movements state (r = 0.44, P = .004). The findings indicate that salivary secretion decreased according to deep sedation. Furthermore, immobility also reduced salivary secretion. We concluded that one reason that immobility is beneficial is because of the resulting decreased salivary secretion during dental treatment under deep sedation.
Preliminary Evidence Supports Modification of Retraction Technique to Prevent Needlestick Injuries
Authors: Fa Bernadette Alvear , Cuny Eve
Published: December 2016

A modified retraction technique was introduced into the DDS degree preclinical anesthesia course in 2011 with the goal of reducing needlestick exposure incidents. In numerous studies of dental exposures, injuries from dental anesthetic needles account for the highest proportion of all exposures. The purpose of this study was to assess the preliminary impact of a modified retraction technique on the incidence of blood and body fluids (BBF) exposure incidents associated with needles during injection. Data from evaluations of students from 2014 and 2015 were obtained and tracked to determine whether the modified retraction technique was “excellent,” “clinically acceptable,” or “clinically unacceptable.” Data were collected to determine if the patient perceived the modified retraction technique as “comfortable” or “correctable when addressed” to help improve student technique for future injections. Likewise, data from the blood-borne exposure database where all information related to BBF exposures is recorded were reviewed and the information separated by year and class. This study presents preliminary data only and because of the small sample size does not lend itself to validation by statistical analysis. However, the technique effectively removes the operator's hand from the field during injection, reducing the risk of accidental intraoral needlestick to the nondominant hand of the operator.
The Effect of Various Concentrations of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen on the Hypersensitive Gag Reflex
Authors: De Veaux Candace K. E. , Montagnese Thomas A. , Heima Masahiro , Aminoshariae Anita , Mickel Andre
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of various concentrations of N2O/O2 on obtunding a hypersensitive gag reflex. We hypothesized that the administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen would obtund a hypersensitive gag reflex enough to allow a patient to tolerate the placement and holding of a digital x-ray sensor long enough to obtain a dental radiograph. Volunteers claiming to have a hypersensitive gag reflex were first screened to validate their claim and then tested by placing a size 2 digital x-ray sensor in the position for a periapical radiograph of the right mandibular molar area and holding it in place for 10 seconds. Subjects were first tested using room air only, then 30%, 50%, or 70% nitrous oxide until they were able to tolerate the sensor without gagging or discomfort. A visual analog scale was used for subjective responses, and other statistical tests were used to analyze the results. We found that for some subjects, 30% nitrous oxide was sufficient; for others, 50% was needed; and for the remainder of the subjects, 70% was sufficient to tolerate the test. Using a combination of 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen allowed all patients claiming to have a hypersensitive gag reflex to tolerate the placement and holding of a digital x-ray sensor long enough to take a periapical radiograph.
Effects of the wallpaper fuel design on the neutronic behavior of the HTR-10
Authors: Hosseini S. A. , Athari-Allaf M.
Published: December 2016

TRISO-wrapped fuel particle failure is a function of local temperature. The spherical symmetry and hence central temperature peak in PBM-type reactor fuel pebbles can lead to considerably higher failure rates at the center of the pebbles. The so-called “wallpaper fuel” concept has been shown to be a viable solution to this issue. In this paper, the neutronic aspects of this modification were studied using MCNP. According to the obtained results, the inclusion of a central fuel-free zone could lead to a more reactive system with lower actinide production while damping the temperature response of the reactor.
Simulation of polycarbonate-CNT nanocomposite dosimeter based on electrical characteristics
Authors: Malekie S. , Ziaie F. , Naeini M. Ataee
Published: December 2016

In this research work, the electrical behavior of polycarbonate-carbon nanotube composite, over the radiation absorbed dose under a fixed DC voltage was investigated via finite element method. The predicted electrical percolation threshold value in the composite was validated by experimental results published by other scientists. The absorbed dose value was considered as multiplying of heat capacity and temperature rise of the composite, regarding the calorimetric approach. Results show that this kind of composite can be applied for monitoring and radiation protection utilizations.
Basket criticality design of a dual purpose cask for VVER 1000 spent fuel assemblies
Authors: Rezaeian M. , Kamali J.
Published: December 2016

Dual purpose cask technology is one of the most prominent options for interim storage of spent fuels following their removal from reactors. Criticality safety of the spent fuel assemblies are ensured by design of the basket within these casks. In this study, a set of criticality design calculations of a dual purpose cask for 12 VVER 1000 spent fuel assemblies of Bushehr nuclear power plant were carried out. The basket material of borated stainless steel with 0.5 to 2.5 wt% of boron and Boral (Al-B4C) with 1.5 to 40 wt% of boron carbide, were investigated and the minimum required receptacle pitch of the basket was determined. Using the calculated receptacle pitch of the basket, the minimum required diameter of the cavity could be established.
Serum zinc and manganese levels in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Eva Hossneara , Akhter Quzi Shamima , Alam Md Khairul
Published: December 2016

Background: Serum level of several trace elements such as zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) levels are altered in type 2 DM and its deficiencies are associated with the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications.Objective: To assess the serum zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) levels in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2014 to June 2015. Fifty type 2 diabetic subjects with age ranging from 40 to 55 years of both sexes were study group and 50 age, sex and BMI matched healthy subjects were control group. Patients were selected from Bangladesh Institute of Research for Diabetic Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) General Hospital, Dhaka. Serum Zn and Mn levels were estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. For statistical analysis, unpaired Studentst test and chi square test was performed.Results: In this study, mean serum zinc and manganese levels were significantly (P<0.001) lower in the study group than that of control group. In addition, hypozincemia in 36% and hypomanganesemia in 18% of diabetic patients were observed and which was significantly (p<0.001) higher than those of control.Conclusion: From this study, it may be concluded that serum zinc and manganese deficiencies may develop as diabetes related complications.Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2016, December; 11(2): 50-53
Relationship of serum ionized calcium and magnesium concentration with parasympathetic nerve Function in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Alam Md Khairul , Begum Noorzahan , Begum Shelina
Published: December 2016

Background: Changes in serum Ca2+ and Mg2+ level may have some relationship to the occurrence of autonomic neuropathy in diabetes.Objective: To observe relationship between parasympathetic nerve function and serum ionized calcium & magnesium in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka on 47 T2DM patients aged 40-68 years of both sexes. Twenty five patients were recently diagnosed diabetics (RDM) and 22 were long term diabetics (LDM) with 10-20 years duration of diabetes. Parasympathetic nerve functions of all patients were assessed by three simple non-invasive cardiovascular reflex tests. Ionized serum calcium and magnesium were measured by ion sensitive electrode method using NOVA electrode. Data were analyzed by unpairedttest and Pearsons correlation co-efficient test.Results: Serum ionized calcium and magnesium levels were significantly higher in RDM (P<0.001) and LDM (P<0.001) compared to healthy control. On correlation analysis, significant negative correlation of parasympathetic nerve function with Mg2+was found in both RDM and LDM patients.Conclusion: The result of this study concluded that higher calcium and magnesium ion may be associated with type 2 diabetes and parasympathetic nerve function of diabetic patients may have inverse relationship to serum Mg2+.Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2016, December; 11(2): 70-73
A Two-Temperature Open-Source CFD Model for Hypersonic Reacting Flows, Part Two: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Casseau Vincent , Espinoza Daniel , Scanlon Thomas , Brown Richard
Published: December 2016

hy2Foam is a newly-coded open-source two-temperature computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver that has previously been validated for zero-dimensional test cases. It aims at (1) giving open-source access to a state-of-the-art hypersonic CFD solver to students and researchers; and (2) providing a foundation for a future hybrid CFD-DSMC (direct simulation Monte Carlo) code within the OpenFOAM framework. This paper focuses on the multi-dimensional verification of hy2Foam and firstly describes the different models implemented. In conjunction with employing the coupled vibration-dissociation-vibration (CVDV) chemistry–vibration model, novel use is made of the quantum-kinetic (QK) rates in a CFD solver. hy2Foam has been shown to produce results in good agreement with previously published data for a Mach 11 nitrogen flow over a blunted cone and with the dsmcFoam code for a Mach 20 cylinder flow for a binary reacting mixture. This latter case scenario provides a useful basis for other codes to compare against.
In Situ Spectroscopic Studies of Proton Transport in Zeolite Catalysts for NH3-SCR
Authors: Chen Peirong , Simon Ulrich
Published: December 2016

Proton transport is an elementary process in the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides by ammonia (DeNOx by NH3-SCR) using metal-exchanged zeolites as catalysts. This review summarizes recent advancements in the study of proton transport in zeolite catalysts using in situ electrical impedance spectroscopy (IS) under NH3-SCR reaction conditions. Different factors, such as the metal cation type, metal exchange level, zeolite framework type, or formation of intermediates, were found to influence the proton transport properties of zeolite NH3-SCR catalysts. A combination of IS with diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transformation spectroscopy in situ (in situ IS-DRIFTS) allowed to achieve a molecular understanding of the proton transport processes. Several mechanistic aspects, such as the NH3-zeolite interaction, NO-zeolite interaction in the presence of adsorbed NH3, or formation of NH4+ intermediates, have been revealed. These achievements indicate that IS-based in situ methods as complementary tools for conventional techniques (e.g., in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy) are able to provide new perspectives for the understanding of NH3-SCR on zeolite catalysts.
Correlation between Increases of the Annual Global Solar Radiation and the Ground Albedo Solar Radiation due to Desertification—A Possible Factor Contributing to Climatic Change
Authors: Calabrò Emanuele , Magazù Salvatore
Published: December 2016

Background: This study investigates the connection between annual global solar radiation and ground albedo solar radiation due to desertification in line with previous research on the correlation between climatic changes and desertification. Methods: A simulation study was performed using an algorithm formulated by the authors and the typical albedo coefficient values of forested ground, green grass and desert sand. Results: It is shown that changing the albedo coefficients from values corresponding to forested ground or green grass to values corresponding to the desert sand causes a significant increase in the annual global solar radiation acquired at different latitudes, leading one to hypothesize a mechanism of reduction of convective overturning and precipitation decreases due to desertification. Conclusion: In this scenario, modifications of local and global climate can be connected to changes of ground solar albedo induced by desertification.
Effects Induced by the Initial Condition in the Quantum Kibble–Zurek Scaling for Changing the Symmetry-Breaking Field
Authors: Zhai Liang-Jun , Yin Shuai
Published: December 2016

The Kibble–Zurek scaling describes the driven critical dynamics starting with an equilibrium state far away from the critical point. Recently, it has been shown that scaling behaviors also exist when the fluctuation term changes starting near the critical point. In this case, the relevant initial conditions should be included in the scaling theory as additional scaling variables. Here, we study the driven quantum critical dynamics in which a symmetry-breaking field is linearly changed starting from the vicinity of the critical point. We find that, similar to the case of changing the fluctuation term, scaling behaviors in the driven dynamics can be described by the Kibble–Zurek scaling with the initial symmetry-breaking field being included as its additional scaling variable. Both the cases of zero and finite temperatures are considered, and the scaling forms of the order parameter and the entanglement entropy are obtained. We numerically verify the scaling theory by taking the quantum Ising model as an example.