bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing residents’ perceptions in townships and suburbs regarding service delivery by municipality under administration
Authors: Maleka Molefe , Motsima Tshaudi , Matang Refilwe , Lekgothoane Patrick
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of residents staying in suburbs and townships regarding the service delivered by a municipality under administration. The South African literature shows that residents in different locations behave differently when they receive poor service delivery from municipalities. Internationally, service delivery by municipalities has been measured using two research instruments. The research design was a survey and the sample size was 522 respondents. The convenient sampling technique was used to select them. The primary data were collected via face-to-face interviews, and a validated services perception (SERVPERF) questionnaire, developed by Cronin and Taylor, was adapted and used to collect data. The main finding of the study was that residents in the townships did not organize themselves and voice their dissatisfaction by embarking on protests, and they significantly agreed (Odds ratio = 0.54; P = 0.005; 95 confidence interval = 0.3516; 0.8279), more than the suburbs residents, that in the past eight months the service had improved. The study concludes with recommendations for future research and implications for municipal managers.
Keywords: Hirschman theory, service delivery, SERVPERF, suburbs and townships residents. JEL Classification: M31
The moderating effect of skills development transfer on organizational commitment – a case-study of Free State TVET colleges
Authors: Naong Tshedi
Published: December 2016

One of the legacies of Apartheid South Africa which has ominous consequences for the economy, is the insidious dire skills shortage for majority of the citizens. Compelling government to embark on an intensive wholesale skills development to ameliorate and stimulate the general economic performance. This paper therefore, explored the relationship between employee organizational commitment and skills development transfer. A longitudinal study, with a pre- and post-quasi experimental research design was adopted in this paper employing Organizational Climate (OC) instrument to collect data from 59 randomly selected TVET college employees. The study revealed significant correlation between organizational commitment and skills development transfer. For example, appreciative of the access to training opportunities, involvement and frequency of training, sense of belonging, an indicative of the affective organizational commitment, with meagre 23% indicating intention to use acquired new skills to look for greener pastures elsewhere. This paper attempts to assist organizations better tailor their training provision to align it with certain desirable behavioral patterns, so as to enhance organizational commitment and reduce the turnover rate of staff.
Keywords: TVET colleges, skills transfer, organizational commitment, staff turnover, performance JEL Classification: D23
Demarketing strategy to develop perceived product reputation: applications in three distinct environments
Authors: Matshonisa Seeletse Solly
Published: December 2016

This paper illustrates ‘demarketing’ and its uses to improve product image in the customers’ viewpoints. Three events stimulated the investigations. First, a leading political party lost local municipal elections in a large South Africa metropolitan. Second, a reputable soccer club lost many fans to other teams. Thirdly, a local confectionary lost clients. Investigations took place in the three settings (soccer, politics and confectionary business). The respondents were known clients or fans of the original entities, who had defected to rivals. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The entities apparently ignored the services promised to clients. Despite them being dissimilar entities, similarities occurred in the way they lost favor with their clients. The study identified demarketing as a common factor. Demarketing was applied by the rivals, and was imbedded in their policies. People and entity representatives’ used demarketing strategies to lure clients. The paper recommends that demarketing should be applied to control the market. Also, it recommends that agile competitors should augment normal marketing with demarketing to optimize marketing results.
Keywords: demarketing strategy, demand, perception, product quality. JEL Classification: D47, M14, M31, M37
Economic and social issues related to foreign land grab and capacity building in Zambian Agricultural economy
Authors: Augustine Ujunwa , Chinwe Okoyeuzu , Anthony Igwe , Ukpere Wilfred
Published: December 2016

This paper focuses on the recent land grab in Zambia for agricultural investment. The paper explores the history of foreign land acquisition and shows the dynamics that led to the liberalization of land market in Zambia. The research argues that despite the negative effect of these investments, the government can leverage this opportunity to place the country on the trajectory of growth, especially in the area of capacity development through skill acquisition. This can be achieved by structuring the contract to contain some performance requirements that investors are expected to contribute to the local people.
Keywords: land grab, foreign agricultural investment, capacity development. JEL Classification: Q1
Sustainability and Energy Performance in the Real Estate Market.
Authors: Ciaramella Andrea
Published: December 2016

One of the main economic benefits associated with the sustainable character of buildings is certainly the reduced use and energy consumption. The savings can be very significant, especially when you consider that a non-residential building, energy-efficient point of view, can be achieved a power savings of 30% (Kats, 2003). This, combined with the rising energy prices and growing awareness of environmental issues, has gradually shifted the demand towards buildings with good sustainable features; as a result, the concept of "sustainability" has become a real "driver" for designers " (Turner and Frankel, 2008).However it is appropriate and interesting to understand whether and to what extent a general trend, widely shared, is recognized by the market in terms of value.To simplify, it is appropriate to distinguish between the evidence of statistical data and considerations that have significant but only qualitative characteristics; then highlight statistics that demonstrate the relationship between the buildings performance in terms of sustainability, and the corresponding market value and, at the same time, raise the motivation and guidance of end users and investors to see if the market can push towards sustainability because of there issues such as economic benefit and convenience, and not only opportunities and responsibilities.
Quality of Life of Sardinian Immigrants in Buenos Aires and of People Living in Italy and Sardinia: Does the Kind of Care have a Role for People with Depression?
Authors: Carta Mauro Giovanni , D’Oca Silvia , Atzeni Michela , Perra Alessandra , Moro Maria Francesca , Sancassiani Federica , Mausel Gustavo , Nardi Antonio Egidio , Minerba Luigi , Brasesco Veronica
Published: December 2016

Background / Objectives:

The aim of the study was to compare the Quality of Life (QoL) of Sardinian immigrants to Argentina with Sardinians residing in Sardinia. The hypothesis was that a different availability of effective treatments for mood disorders may impact the well being of persons with these disorders.

Methods:

One out of five families of Sardinian origin was randomly selected. An Italian study (including Sardinia) was adopted as the control. The Mood Disorder Questionnaire was used for screening mania/hypomania; the diagnosis of Current Major Depressive Disorder was conducted by means of the Patient Health Questionnaire in immigrants and by means of a clinical interview in the control study and in an immigrant subsample (to verify comparability); the Short-Form Health Survey-12 was applied to measure QoL.

Results:

The Sardinian immigrants showed a higher QoL than Italians in Italy (but not with Sardinians residing in Sardinia). On the contrary, the attributable burden worsening QoL due to lifetime manic/hypomanic episodes, as well as to current depressive episodes, was found higher among Sardinian immigrants with respect to both Sardinian residents in Sardinia and the total Italian sample. The use of effective treatment for mood disorder was higher in Italy.

Conclusion:

The study found that in a sample of Sardinian immigrants in Buenos Aires the impact of a mood disorder affects QoL more incisively than in Sardinians residing in Sardinia. The suggested hypothesis of a possible role of beliefs guiding the search for treatments will be verified in future studies.
Comprehensive Operative Note Templates for Primary and Revision Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Electricwala Ali J. , Amanatullah Derek F. , Narkbunnam Rapeepat I. , Huddleston James I. , Maloney William J. , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: December 2016

Background:

Adequate preoperative planning is the first and most crucial step in the successful completion of a revision total joint arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the availability, adequacy and accuracy of operative notes of primary surgeries in patients requiring subsequent revision and to construct comprehensive templates of minimum necessary information required in the operative notes to further simplify re-operations, if they should become necessary.

Methods:

The operative notes of 144 patients (80 revision THA’s and 64 revision TKA’s) who underwent revision total joint arthroplasty at Stanford Hospital and Clinics in the year 2013 were reviewed. We assessed the availability of operative notes and implant stickers prior to revision total joint arthroplasty. The availability of implant details within the operative notes was assessed against the available surgical stickers for adequacy and accuracy. Statistical comparisons were made using the Fischer-exact test and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The primary operative note was available in 68 of 144 revisions (47%), 39 of 80 revision THAs (49%) and 29 of 66 revision TKAs (44%,p= 0.619). Primary implant stickers were available in 46 of 144 revisions (32%), 26 of 80 revision THAs (32%) and 20 of 66 revision TKAs (30%, p = 0.859). Utilizing the operative notes and implant stickers combined identified accurate primary implant details in only 40 of the 80 revision THAs (50%) and 34 of all 66 revision TKAs (52%,p= 0.870).

Conclusion:

Operative notes are often unavailable or fail to provide the necessary information required which makes planning and execution of revision hip and knee athroplasty difficult. This emphasizes the need for enhancing the quality of operative notes and records of patient information. Based on this information, we provide comprehensive operative note templates for primary and revision total hip and knee arthroplasty.
Lantana camara, An Alien Weed for Livestock: A Review
Authors: Rath Adya Prakash , Swain Krutanjali , Panigrahi Sumitra , Routray Abhilash , Panda Sipra , Sahoo Saraswat , Ganguly* Subha
Published: December 2016

Lantana camara Linn. (Family: Verbenaceae), an ornamental shrub, a noxious weed grows in many tropical and subtropical parts of world. The common name of this ornamental shrub is lantana, wild/red sage, bunch berry, locally known as “Barophulnoo”. The genus Lantana (Verbenaceae) as described by Linnaeus in 1753 contained seven species, six from South America and one from Ethiopia.
Assessment of Ethnomedicinal Plant Diversity of Una and Hamirpur District of Himachal Pradesh, India: An Ethno-ecological approach
Authors: Chand Ram , Kaur Rupinder , Kaur Amandeep , Kumar Viney , Nirmala C. , Singh* Anand Narain
Published: December 2016

The present study was conducted to explore ethnobotanical diversity and importance of local plants harnessing for medicinal purposes by the local people of Una and Hamirpur district which lies at Shivalik hills or outer Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, India. We recorded total 159 plant species of 138 genera belonging to 68 families which were used to cure more than 33 different types of ailments. Across family-wise distribution, most important useful plants were recorded from ten families: Asteraceae, Euphorbaceae, Fabaceae, Acanthaceae, Ceaselpiniaceae, Moraceae, Solanaceae followed by Anonaceae, Convolvulaceae and Liliaceae. Therefore, these families accounted 43.7% plants of the total and exhibited most acclamatized plants within local environmental conditions. Further, fifty percent of the total recorded plants revealed as herbs contributed the major proportion followed by trees (29%), shrubs (11%), climber (9%), creeper and khumb (<1% each). It was observed that most utilized plant parts were leaves recorded from 55 plant species to cure different ailments followed by other components viz: whole plant (43), bark and seed (34 species each), root and fruits (32 each), flower (18) and other remaining were stem shoot, bulb, rhizome and tubers, respectively. People living to the adjoining area of the forests have the direct influence to utilize those local plants for different ailments; therefore, they have good practices and vast information of traditional knowledge. Thus, aim of the present study was to collect information about ethno-medicinal plants which were not clearly documented earlier in the literature as well as to investigate the plant-human interactions to understand the socio-ecological relationships.
Karakteristik Edible Film Pati Sagu Alami dan Pati Sagu Fosfat dengan Penambahan Gliserol (Characteristics of Edible Film from Native and Phosphate Sago Starches with the Addition of Glycerol)
Authors: Polnaya Febby Jeanry , Ega La , Wattimena Devidson
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of several glycerol concentrations in the making of edible film from native and phosphate sago starch on physical, mechanical and barrier properties of the film. A completely randomized experimental design was applied in this study consisting of two factors of treatments, i.e.: native and phosphate sago starch, and the second factor was glycerol concentration with three levels of treatments, i.e.: 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 % (w/w). The films were characterized for tensile strength, elongation, solubility, transparency, and water vapor transmission rate. Edible films have produced characteristics for tensile strength from 3.05 to 31.49 MPa, elongation from 3.03 to 20.94 %, solubility from 33.44 to 42.43 %, transparency from 0.59 to 4.14 %, and water vapour transmission rate from 7.76 to 15.80 g/m2.h. Glycerol was found to affect the increase of elongation, solubility, and water vapour transmission rate, as well as the decrease of its tensile strength and transparancy. The films made from sago starch phosphate showed to increase the solubility and to have significant effect compared with native sago starch, but not affecting the other properties. ABSTRAKTujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mempelajari pengaruh penambahan beberapa konsentrasi gliserol pada pembuatan edible film dari pati sagu alami dan pati sagu fosfat terhadap sifat fisik, mekanik dan barrier film. Rancangan yang digunakan adalah rancangan acak lengkap yang terdiri dari dua faktor yaitu perlakuan jenis pati sagu dengan dua taraf perlakuan yaitu: pati sagu alami dan pati sagu fosfat dan tiga taraf konsentrasi gliserol yaitu: 0,5, 1,0 dan 1,5 % (b/b). Peubah yang diamati adalah tensile strength¸ elongasi, daya larut, transparansi, dan laju transmisi uap air. Karakteristik edible film yang dihasilkan meliputi tensile strength adalah 3,05 - 31,49 MPa, elongasi 3,03 - 20,94 %, daya larut 33,44 - 42,43 %, transparansi 0,59 - 4,14 %, dan laju transmisi uap air 7,76 - 15,80 g/m2.jam. Penambahan gliserol menyebabkan elongasi, daya larut, dan laju transmisi uap air meningkat, tetapi tensile strength dan transparansinya menurun. Perlakuan pati sagu fosfat hanya menyebabkan daya larut film meningkat, tetapi tidak untuk sifat-sifat film lainnya.Kata kunci: Edible film; gliserol; pati sagu alami; pati sagu fosfat
Communication Strategies in Use: The Implementation of Predetermined Vocabulary in the Classroom
Authors: Sirković Nina , Kovač Mirjana Matea
Published: December 2016

The goal of the research was to examine the usefulness of formal strategy teaching in the classroom, that is, to explore to what extent the strategy of teaching predetermined L2 vocabulary enhances students’ oral communication skills. Two groups of participants were compared, the students of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and students of Mechanical Engineering. The former attended the course Communication Skills and were already familiar with certain communication models and means of making and maintaining conversation, and delivering presentations. The latter group, the Mechanical Engineering students did not attend such classes, so they represented the comparison class in this research. The results showed that the students who attended the communication skills course showed better presentations skills and the usage of predetermined phrases. Moreover, predetermined vocabulary helps less successful students with the deficit of L2 competencies. This communication strategy helps students with poorer English knowledge acquire the language competences as well as improve their confidence.
ACOUSTIC FEATURES OF CHILD SPEECH SOUNDS: CONSONANTS
Authors:   TATIANA V. SHUISKAYA  Amur State University, Shuiskaya Tatiana V. , Androsova Svetlana V. ,   Svetlana V. Androsova Amur State University
Published: December 2016

The third year of life is characterized by considerable increase in child speech activity. At this time period many Russian children attend preschool institutions and that fact, unlike in earlier time period, determines greater diversity of their communicative environment that in its turn results in growing instability of the native language phonetic pattern acquisition. The current paper describes the results of an acoustic study of consonants in the speech of a three-year-old girl. Consonant elisions and their substitutes were the focus of the present study. There were examples of single-consonant elision of /r/, /l/, as well as consonant clusters simplification of /sk/, /st/, /sp/, /sl/, /kl/, /ʃl/, /pl/, /zl/. The following substitutes and pronunciation variants were identified: /r/-/j/ only before the back vowel /o/; /ʒ/-/v/, /ʒ/-/zʲ/; /h/-/f/; /ʃ/-/s/,/ʃ/-/f/, as well as palatalized (soft) consonant substitutes for non-palatalized (hard) ones. Variation of consonant substitutions was noted.
A descriptive cross-sectional study of helicobacter pylori infection in non-ulcer dyspepsia patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital In the Eastern part of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Rishab , Chhetri Gaurav , Deo Arbind , Das Rabindra Nath
Published: December 2016

Background In Gastroenterology practice, worldwide, the most common cause of dyspepsia is functional. Functional or non-ulcer dyspepsia is established by gastroduodenoscopy which rules out structural disorders in dyspeptic patients. Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacterium in gastric mucosa is associated with non-ulcer dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, gastriculcer and cancer. Worldwide prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is higher but its association with non-ulcer dyspepsia is less clear.Material and Methods The aim of this study was to see the prevalence of H. pylori infection in non-ulcer dyspepsia. A cross-sectional study of 340 patients presented at Nobel Teaching Hospital in one year with dyspeptic symptoms underwent clerking, physical examination, gastroduodenoscopy and RUT. Symptomatic patients without any structural lesions were designated as functional dyspepsia. RUT when turned red indicated positive for H. pylori infection.Result Out of 340 patients, 180 (52.9%) were female and 160(47.1%) were male. Mean age of male and female patients was 35.88 ± 11.8 and 38.11 ± 11.7 respectively. Amongst all participants 150 (44.11%) were housewives and 69(20.3%) were students. Endoscopic findings showed gastritis 205(60.29%) and duodenitis 15(4.42%). RUT was found positive in 62% of gastritis and 86.7% of duodenitis patients (p value=0.001).Conclusion High prevalence of H pylori infection in present study may be one of the causative factors in producing symptomatic non-ulcer dyspepsia. Hence, early detection and complete eradication of H.pylori infection is mandatory. It will reduce usage of PPIs and also improve quality of life.Journal of Nobel Medical College Vol.5(2) 2016; 10-16
Relationship of Torch Profile in First Trimester Spontaneous Miscarriage
Authors: Lamichhane Sabina , Subedi Shanti , Pokharel Ghimire Sita , Chetri Manisha , Banerjee Basudev
Published: December 2016

Background TORCH is a group of organisms like Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalo virus and Herpes simplex virus. These groups of organisms causing infections in pregnant lady leads to various degree of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the form of spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, severe congenital defect with syndromic babies. So, to observe the relationship of TORCH infection in first trimester spontaneous miscarriage in our population and to treat them, this study was performed.Materials and Methods A total of 103 patients with spontaneous abortion meeting inclusion criteria were taken in the study. TORCH profile was sent for those patients and observed the sero-prevalance for IgM and IgG. Thereafter organism was identified and the results were interpreted.Results Out of total 103 patients enrolled 58.25 % of patients were sero-positive for TORCH complex. IgM or IgG Sero-positive for Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalo virus and Herpes Simplex virus were 11.65% /17.47% ;7.76% / 43.68%; 19.41% / 41.74% and 31.06% / 54.36% respectively.Conclusion In the present study on analyzing the association of TORCH antibodies in women with spontaneous abortion, infection with Herpes simplex virus was most commonly associated.Journal of Nobel Medical College Vol.5(2) 2016; 17-21
Prevalence of overweight, obesity and its associated risk factors among school children aged 6-16 years of Biratnagar
Authors: Sah Vijay Kumar , Giri Arun , Acharya Rupak
Published: December 2016

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a ‘global epidemic. Overweight and obese children are at higher risk for developing long-term chronic diseases like hypertension. With globalization bringing more lifestyle modifications, adolescents are exposed to multiple risk factors including obesity, diet, academic stress, lack of physical work apart from hereditary risk factors. Early diagnosis of obesity and hypertension is an important strategy in its control, effective treatment and prevention of complications. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of and the factors associated with childhood overweight/obesity among school childrenMaterial and Methods It is a school based cross sectional study done in schools of Biratnagar. School going children aged 6 to 16 years from 10 different schools of Biratnagar were taken as study population. Five were private schools and five were government schools. All the school going children aged 6 to 16 years were included in the study. Children with any chronic illness were excluded from the study.Results A total of 1900 students were included between age group of 6 to 16 years. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and hypertension were 2.9%, 1.8% and 6.1%.Conclusion Overweight, obesity was significantly associated with hypertension. Students studying in private schools and family income > Rs.10,000 were strongly associated with overweight, obesity and hypertension. Family history of hypertension was also associated with overweight/obesity.Journal of Nobel Medical College Vol.5(2) 2016; 22-25
Role of fine needle aspiration cytology in Metastatic lymphadenopathy
Authors: Nepal Niraj
Published: December 2016

Background The most common site for metastases is lymph nodes for various types of cancers. It is a reliable and easy approachable as well as inexpensive method of diagnosis for the patient as well as for the pathologist. So, the recognition and establishing a preliminary diagnosis on patients presenting clinically with lymphadenopathy is of importance and especially categorizing whether it is an inflammatory lesion or metastatic or primary neoplastic lesion itself of the lymphnode.Material and Methods A prospective study in 1000 patients was performed of all presenting with cervical lymphadenopathies. This study was performed in the department of pathology, Nobel Medical College and Teaching hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal from the period of January 2013 to January 2016.Results Total number of cases included was 1000 of fine needle aspiration cytology in patients presenting with cervical lymphadenopathies. Out of the total 1000 cases 800 cases were benign lesions, 110 were malignant lesions, 70 cases were inflammatory lesions while 20 cases were inconclusive. Out of the 110 malignant cases, most common malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma followed by ductal carcinoma of breast, small cell and non-small cell carcinoma, papillary carcinoma of thyroid and few cases of malignant melanoma and undifferentiated carcinoma.Journal of Nobel Medical College Vol.5(2) 2016; 26-31
Neurological Sequelae in Acute Encephalitis Syndrome one month post discharge from the hospital in the Children Aged 1-14 years
Authors: Giri Arun , Sah Vijay Kumar , Sedhain Raju , Chimoriya Romia
Published: December 2016

Introduction Encephalitis is a complex clinical syndrome of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with fatal outcome or severe permanent damage including cognitive impairment, behavioral impairment and epileptic seizures. It is important to understand the clinical spectrum and outcome of acute encephalitis syndrome(AES) at local level to better define problem and to draw inferences for management and policy formulation.Material and Methods: This study was a hospital based observational, longitudinal and descriptive study conducted at Department of Pediatrics; Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar. Seventy cases with a diagnosis of AES (irrespective of the underlying etiology), were studied over a period of one year. All cases from 1 to 14 years of age fulfilling the standard WHO case definition of AES were included in the study. A pre-designed semistructured questionnaire was being used to obtain the clinical profile and investigations. The cases were followed after one month post discharge from the hospital and the outcomes were recorded.Results: On follow up of the cases at the end of 1 month, 35 (50.7%) cases were found to have complete cure and were labelled as cured. Neurological sequelae were seen in 8(11.6%) cases and were labeled as not cured. Total death was documented in 26(37.7%) of the cases.Conclusion: Despite of early diagnosis and aggressive treatment neurological sequelae is not uncommon in AES. So, regular follow up and early rehabilitative efforts should be instituted for all cases of AES post discharge from the hospital.Journal of Nobel Medical College Vol.5(2) 2016; 43-46
Study on Coupling of Entrepreneurial Enterprise Growth and Enterprise Network Competence Based on a Random Network Model
Authors: Sun Muyun , Gao Hong
Published: December 2016

In the 21st century, entrepreneurship has already become an important power in economic development, so entrepreneurial enterprises have turned into the research hotspot in academic circles. This paper establishes the benchmark model of entrepreneurial enterprises on the basis of random network model (GERT model). Modeling and simulation are conducted by a case study of actual data about entrepreneurial enterprise growth in Nanjing, showing the probability for entrepreneurial enterprises to grow into the mature period under the influence of the current enterprise network competence. Based on this, a comparison is made with the entrepreneurial enterprise growth model established. According to the modeling and simulation, the probability for entrepreneurial enterprises to grow into the mature period is increased under the influence of enterprise network competence. Therefore, suggestions of improving the enterprise network competence of entrepreneurial enterprises are proposed.
Radio Networks Predictive Control of a T-type Inverter in Wind Energy
Authors: Zhu Jian-jun , Yang Guo-liang , Zi Yang , Fang Yi-ming
Published: December 2016

A new controlling method of three level inverters is proposed in this paper. Three-level T inverters are widely used in industry for high-power, medium-voltage power conversion and drives. Topics related to power losses due to commutation and quality of the output current is relevant issues in this power range. The neutral-point balancing problem in this topology is another subject that has been studied in recent years. Among the most common control methods for this converter, the literature states are non linear techniques, like hysteresis control, and linear methods, like the use of PI controllers in conjunction with pulse width modulation. The general predictive control scheme is applied here to the inverter. The behavior of the system is predicted for each possible switching state of this kind of inverter. The switching state that minimizes a given cost function is selected to be applied during the next sampling interval following the same strategy.
A Vehicle Shift and Positioning Systems for Joint Distribution of Containerized Logistics Postal
Authors: Gao YH , Chen TY
Published: December 2016

In the process of postal containerized transport, some appropriate equipment should be applied for handling, transportation, storage, sorting and other aspects of the good due to the limitations of the compartment size, dynamic conditions, costs and other factors. According to the characteristics of the post containerized transport , three vertical displacement with left, middle and right position are setted on van body and a lateral shifting device is setted in the front and rear sides of the columns. The container can be shifted and positioned by the row box shifting program and the device consisted of vertical displacement, vertical position, horizontal shifting, vertical positioning and the rail system. The container loading and unloading in logistics distribution and the job requirements of containerized logistics transportation is meeted. The container shift is controlled by programmable logic controller (PLC) without artificial participation. The influence factors of human error are avoided.
Related Factors and Predictors of Cognitive Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease on Maintenance Hemodialysis in Nigeria
Authors: Owolabi Lukman Femi , Abdu Aliyu , Ibrahim Aliyu , Owolabi Desola Shakirah , Nalado Aisha , Bappa Adamu , Taura Aminu Abdullahi
Published: December 2016

Background: Previous studies suggest a high frequency of cognitive impairment (CI) in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, factors associated with CI and predictors of CI in persons with CKD remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with CI and predictors of CI in CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: The first stage of the study included recruitment of 100 apparently healthy participants aimed at determining the reference values. The second stage of the study included eighty CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. The iron psychology (FEPSY) was used to assess the memory, psychomotor speed, concentration, and attention using simple auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT) tasks, recognition memory tests (RMT), finger tapping task (FTT), and binary choice task (BCT). Results: Using normative values generated in this study, 41 (51.3%) and 43 (53.8%) CKD patients had abnormal scores on ART dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) sides, respectively. Forty (50%) and 42 (52.5%) patients had abnormal scores on VRT D and ND sides, respectively. Twenty-one (26.3%) and 68 (85%) had abnormal scores on BCT and computer-assisted visual scanning task, respectively. Sixty-four (80%) and 65 (81.3%) had abnormal scores on RMT (words) and RMT, respectively. Fifty-two (65%) and 48 (60%) patients had abnormal scores on D and ND sides of (FTT), respectively. Factors associated with psychomotor speed impairment were duration of CKD from diagnosis (P = 0.0001 and 0.043 in D and ND ART, respectively), duration on dialysis (P = 0.0001 across board in D and ND ART as well as in D and ND VRT, respectively), and plasma urea (PU) and plasma creatinine (PCr) (P < 0.05). Factors found to be associated with memory impairment included age (P = 0.045 and 0.025 on words and figures RMT, respectively), PU (P = 0.002 and 0.005 on words and figures RMT, respectively), and PCr (P = 0.012 and 0.040 on words and figures RMT, respectively). Duration on dialysis (P = 0.032) and PCr (P = 0.001) were associated with attention and concentration. Only psychomotor speed was independently predicted by duration of CKD. Conclusion: Factors associated with psychomotor speed impairment were duration of CKD, duration on dialysis, and PU and PCr while age, PU, and PCr were associated with memory. Duration on dialysis and PCr were associated with attention and concentration. Only psychomotor speed was independently predicted by duration of CKD.
Long-term Benzodiazepine Treatment in Patients with Psychotic Disorders Attending a Mental Health Service in Rural Greece
Authors: Peritogiannis Vaios , Manthopoulou Thiresia , Mavreas Venetsanos
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Long-term benzodiazepine (BZD) treatment in patients with mental disorders is widespread in clinical practice, and this is also the case of patients with schizophrenia, although the evidence is weak and BZD prescription is discouraged by guidelines and medical authorities. Data on BZD prescription are usually derived from national or regional databases whereas information on the use of BZD by patients with schizophrenia and related psychoses in general population-based samples is limited. Materials and Methods: Information for 77 patients with psychotic disorders who were regularly attending follow-up appointments with the multidisciplinary Mobile Mental Health Unit of the prefectures of Ioannina and Thesprotia, Northwest Greece, during 1-year period (2015) was obtained from our database. Results: From the total of 77 engaged patients, 30 (39%) were regularly prescribed BZDs in the long term, as part of their treatment regimen. Prescribed BZDs were mostly diazepam and lorazepam, in 43.3% of cases each. The mean daily dose of these compounds was 13 mg and 3.77 mg, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a correlation of long-term BZD use with the history of alcohol/substance abuse. Most patients were receiving BZD continuously for several years, and the mean dose was steady within this interval. Conclusions: A large proportion of patients with psychotic disorders were regularly prescribed BZD in long term. It appears that when BZDs are prescribed for some period in the course of a psychotic disorder, their use commonly exceeds the recommended interval and then becomes a regular part of the chronic treatment regimen. Future research should address the factors that may be related to the long-term BZD use by patients with psychotic disorders. Interventions for the reduction of regular BZD prescription should target the primary care setting and all those who treat first episode patients.
Which Classification of Cavernous Sinus Syndrome is Better - Ishikawa or Jefferson? A Prospective Study of 73 Patients
Authors: Bhatkar Sanat , Goyal Manoj Kumar , Takkar Aastha , Modi Manish , Mukherjee Kanchan K. , Singh Paramjeet , Radotra Bishan Das , Singh Ramandeep , Lal Vivek
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Ishikawa and Jefferson are the two most commonly used systems used for the classification of cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS). However, relative utilities of these two classification systems have not been evaluated in detail in developing countries. In this study, we compared relative utilities of these two classification schemes in the evaluation of CSS. Objective: To compare the utility of Jefferson and Ishikawa classifications in the evaluation of CSS. Patients and Methods: A total of 73 consecutive patients of CSS were prospectively classified using either Ishikawa or Jefferson classification and relative utility of these two classification schemes in determining etiology of CSS was compared. Results: While only 46.6% of patients could be classified using Jefferson classification, 95.5% of patients could be classified using Ishikawa scheme. CSS was classified as anterior, middle, and posterior in 17.8%, 21.9%, and 8.2% of patients, respectively, as per the Jefferson classification. As per the Ishikawa classification, 37% of patients each showed anterior and posterior CSS, 16.4% showed middle CSS, whereas 4.1% had whole CSS. Middle CSS was significantly associated with the presence of fungal infections (P = 0.045) as per Jefferson classifications, and anterior CSS was significantly associated with a vascular etiology (P = 0.005) as per Ishikawa classification. Overall, inflammatory causes were the most common cause for anterior CSS, while tumors accounted for maximum cases of posterior CSS. Conclusion: Although more number of patients could be classified using Ishikawa classification, there was no advantage of Ishikawa classification over Jefferson with regard to determination of etiology of CSS.
Use of Frameless Stereotactic Neuronavigation and O-arm for Transoral Transpalatal Odontoidectomy to Treat a Very High Basilar Invagination
Authors: Moorthy Skanda , Raheja Amol , Agrawal Deepak
Published: December 2016

Frameless stereotactic neuronavigation system has been in wide use since many years for precise localization of cranial tumors and navigation for spinal instrumentation. We present its usage in the localization of odontoid process in a very high basilar invagination for a transoral transpalatal resection of the same. We discuss the technical aspects of assembly of neuronavigation system, O-arm and Mayfield head frame on Allen spine system to achieve precise and accurate localization of high riding odontoid process through an extremely narrow operative corridor.
Pilocytic Midbrain Astrocytoma Presenting with Fresh Bleed after Twenty-one-years Survival Following First Surgery: A Unique Case of Longest Brainstem Glioma Survival
Authors: Satyarthee Guru Dutta , Sudhan M. D. , Mehta V. S.
Published: December 2016

Brainstem glioma usually carries a poor prognosis and prolonged survival is very infrequent. In a detailed Pubmed, Medline search for prolonged survival, authors could got a longest survival only up to seventeen years, reported by Umehara et al, who was subjected to gamma knife therapy and got symptomatic, MRI brain reveled large tumor growth during pregnancy necessitating emergency surgery and histopathological diagnosis was pilocytic astrocytoma. Authors report an interesting case of midbrain glioma diagnosed 21 years back, who underwent gross resection in the year 1993, histopathology was pilocytic astrocytoma, WHO grade I, and received gamma knife surgery for residual subsequently and he presented with sudden onset left sided hemiplegia on the current admission. The cranial MRI imaging revealed an infarct involving right hemi midbrain, contrast MRI brain revealed no residual glioma. To the best knowledge of authors such prolonged survival is not reported with a case of brainstem glioma survived twenty- one years with non residual tumor on the last imaging study represents first case of its kind in the western literature and probably developed hemiplegia due to bleed, highlighting bleed as delayed complication following gamma knife therapy for cranial tumors
Association of Serum Calcium Levels with Infarct Size in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Observations from Northeast India
Authors: Borah Meghna , Dhar Sriparna , Gogoi Dipankar Mall , Ruram Alice Abraham
Published: December 2016

Background: Calcium is known to be major mediator in ischemic neuronal cell death. Recent studies have shown that elevated serum calcium levels at admission in patients with stroke have been associated with less severe clinical deficits and with better outcomes. Aim: The aim of this to determine the correlation between serum calcium (total, corrected, and ionized) and infarct size (IS) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 61 patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke from May 2015 to April 2016 at a tertiary care institute in Northeast India. Only patients aged ≥40 years and diagnosed as having acute ischemic cerebrovascular stroke with clinical examination and confirmed by a computed tomography scan were included in the study. Serum calcium levels (total, albumin corrected, and ionized) were collapsed into quartiles, and these quartile versions were used for calculating correlation. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for comparing calcium levels with IS. Results: Total calcium, albumin-corrected calcium, and ionized calcium had a statistically significant negative correlation with IS with r = −0.578, −0.5396, and −0.5335, respectively. Total and ionized calcium showed a significant negative correlation with IS across all four quartiles. Albumin-corrected calcium levels showed a significant negative correlation with IS only across the lowest and highest quartiles. Conclusion: The findings in our study suggest that serum calcium can be used as a prognostic indicator in ischemic stroke as its levels directly correlates with the IS.
Ewing’s Sarcoma of the Cranial Vault
Authors: Narayanan Geetha , Sreelesh K. P. , Somanathan Thara , Soman Lali V.
Published: December 2016

Primary Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS) arising from cranial bones is rare and accounts for only 1%–4% of all EWS. We report the case of a 15-year-old girl with EWS of the frontoparietal region of the skull. She underwent excision following which she received combination chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide, and VP16 and local radiation of 45 Gy. She is alive in complete remission at 40 months.
Role of Thalamus in Recovery of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Munivenkatappa Ashok , Agrawal Amit
Published: December 2016

Degree of recovery after traumatic brain injury is highly variable that lasts for many weeks to months. The evidence of brain structures involved in recovery mechanisms is limited. This review highlights evidence of the brain structure particularly thalamus in neuroplasticity mechanism. Thalamus with its complex global networking has potential role in refining the cortical and other brain structures. Thalamic nuclei activation both naturally or by neurorehabilitation in injured brain can enhance and facilitate the improvement of posttraumatic symptoms. This review provides evidence from literature that thalamus plays a key role in recovery mechanism after injury. The study also emphasize that thalamus should be specifically targeted in neurorehabilitation following brain injury.
Study of Sleep Disorders and Polysomnographic Evaluation among Primary Chronic Daily Headache Patients
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Nagar Kamal Kumar , Garg Ravindra Kumar , Uniyal Ravi , Sharma Praveen Kumar , Pandey Sweta
Published: December 2016

Objective: Studies related to sleep disorders and polysomnography (PSG) among chronic daily headache patients are rare. We studied this and compared chronic migraine (CM) with chronic tension-type headache. Methods: Eighty-three patients were recruited. They were evaluated by semi-structured interview, headache, and sleep diaries along with Epworth Sleepiness Scale score and insomnia symptom score. Overnight PSG was performed and data compared. Results: Chronic tension-type headache was more common than CM, both having female preponderance. Insomnia followed by excessive daytime sleepiness was prevalent sleep disorder. Sleep efficiency and Stage 3 sleep were lower in CM compared to chronic tension-type. ESSS was significantly increased among chronic tension-type patients. No significant correlation was found among PSG parameters in patients with or without sleep disorders. Conclusion: Insomnia being most common sleep disorder among chronic headache population. Chronic tension-type headache had slightly better slow-wave sleep than CM and significantly increased daytime sleepiness.
Pattern Reversal Visual Evoked Potential and Cognitive Functions in Subclinical Hypothyroid Subjects
Authors: Jaiswal Pooja , Saxena Yogesh , Gupta Rani , Kaushik Rajeev Mohan
Published: December 2016

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is insidious and may occur early in subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) state which can be picked up by electrophysiological study. This study aims to record visual evoked potential (VEP), event-related latency and cognitive functions, and find their association with the levels of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in patients with SCH. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 36 adult SCH patients and an equal number of age- and sex-matched euthyroid controls were included. Pattern reversal VEP, visual reaction time (RT), digit spanning test, and AB clock test (ABCT) were done in both SCH cases and euthyroid controls. The observed values were analyzed for comparison of mean values between the groups and correlation of recorded variables with the levels of serum TSH. Results: SCH cases showed a higher P100 (VEP) latency in both the right (103.2 ± 12.3 vs. 102.7 ± 6.8 ms) and left eye (101.1 ± 9.1 vs. 96.2 ± 10.7 ms) as compared to controls, but the difference was statistically insignificant. A significant delay in RT was observed on visible spectra of light in SCH cases (P < 0.001). Digit spanning score (forward and backward) in SCH cases was significantly lower than controls (P < 0.001), and a lower standardized score (<124 or <95th percentile) was significantly associated with SCH state (P = 0.027). No significant difference was observed in visuospatial domain by ABCT between both the groups although the median score was lower in SCH cases. Only digit spanning score showed a significant negative correlation with TSH levels (r = −0.4; P = 0.001). Conclusion: Decline in working memory and RT to visual stimuli is an evidence of the involvement of CNS in SCH. Prolonged latency in VEP may depend on the duration of SCH.
Crenças e expectativas tecidas pelos docentes-alunos de Língua Portuguesa do Mestrado PROFLETRAS
Authors: Santos Leandra Ines Seganfredo , Santos Luzia Aparecida Oliva dos
Published: December 2016

O objetivo deste texto é apresentar um estudo qualitativo-interpretativista realizado com docentes de Língua Portuguesa da rede pública de ensino de Mato Grosso, ingressantes da primeira turma do Programa de Mestrado Pro ssional em Letras (PROFLETRAS), na UNEMAT/Sinop, com dados coletados por meio de questionários abertos. A partir dos estudos do letramento, das crenças e da formação de professores como agente letrador, discute-se como o grupo concebe conceitos de língua, linguagem, alfabetização e letramento(s), o papel da escola e do professor de Língua Portuguesa. Socializa-se como é a prática nas aulas de Língua Portuguesa e o que o grupo almeja a partir das re exões propostas pelo Programa.