bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To Choose the Proper Antibiotic Regimen Between the Old and New Antimicrobial Agents and to Determine the Optimum Dosage with Bi-Digital O-Ring Test
Authors: Lu Dominic P. , Wu Ping-Shi , Panik Gary
Published: July 2014

Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (BDORT) can be used for various purposes for medical and dental diagnosis as well as for treatment purposes by determining the type of medication and the dosage for a patient. In case of infection, BDORT is a fast and non-invasive way to decide what kind of antibiotic
and the dosage to be given to patient. If a patient already has been on a certain antibiotic for days, the clinician could use BDORT with diode (with arrow signs of the diode pointing to the patient) to test the same drug. Otherwise without diode, if BDORT result is negative, it could either
mean the negative result might be due to resonance phenomenon or it may be because the antibiotic is ineffective. Either way, if O-Ring would be open during testing, the clinician should gradually increase or decrease the dosage of antibiotic to find out if BDORT result begins to become positive.
In great majority of cases involving less effective old generation antibiotics, it is usually due to resistant microbia that require increasing dosage of antibiotic to make it become more effective. If increasing dosage would make O-Ring close, then the increased dosage would be effective
to the patient. If the result is negative, the clinician should consider switching to another antibiotic regimen that may be tested positive with BDORT. Old generation antibiotics have not necessarily lost usefulness or lack efficacy on those new emerging resistant bacteria. Clinicians may
just need to increase the dosage of those older generation antibiotics to make them more effective. In fact, with so many antibiotic-resisting strains of bacteria, clinician often face dilemma whether to switch to newer generation of antibiotics or just to increase the dosage of the older
generation of antibiotics that a patient has been taking. When testing antibiotic of penicillin- related medication including amoxicillin, the thymus tablet (bovine source) should also be used for the testing after initially testing without it. Such a double checking system will avoid the
false signal from BDORT about the drugs of penicillin family.
Bifunctional dendrons for multiple carbohydrate presentation via carbonyl chemistry
Authors: Bini Davide , Nicotra Francesco , Cipolla Laura
Published: July 2014

The synthesis of new dendrons of the generations 0, 1 and 2 with a double bond at the focal point and a carbonyl group at the termini has been carried out. The carbonyl group has been exploited for the multivalent conjugation to a sample saccharide by reductive amination and alkoxyamine conjugation.
Superior Oblique Tucking for Treatment of Superior Oblique Palsy
Authors: Li Yueping , Zhao Kanxing
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of isolated superior oblique tucking in the treatment of congenital superior oblique palsy.

Methods:

Twenty-one patients with unilateral congenital superior oblique palsy and lax superior oblique tendon underwent isolated superior oblique tucking and retrospective analysis of the amount of tucking procedure, preoperative and postoperative vertical deviation in the primary position and reading position, abnormal head posture, ocular motility, and corrected objective torsion. Patients were evaluated before and 6 to 12 months after surgery.

Results:

The average vertical deviation in the primary position was 10.9 ± 3.3 prism diopters (PD) before surgery and 1.5 ± 2.6 PD after surgery (n = 21,
P
< .05). The average vertical deviation in the reading position was 15.6 ± 3.6 PD before surgery and 2.6 ± 3.1 PD after surgery (
P
< .05). The average corrected vertical deviation was 9.9 ± 3.2 PD in the primary position and 13.0 ± 3.4 PD in the reading position (
P
< .05). The amount of tucking ranged from 5 to 12 mm (mean: 8.3 ± 2.3 mm), which was not related to the corrected vertical deviation in the primary and reading positions, the preoperative vertical deviation in the reading position, or the corrected objective torsion. After surgery, all patients had head posture that was normal or less than 5°. Unremarkable superior oblique underaction and negative head tilt test were found in all patients after surgery. All patients had mild Brown syndrome after surgery, but none were symptomatic.

Conclusions:

Isolated superior oblique tucking is an efficient and safe procedure for treatment of superior oblique palsy with hyperdeviation less than 15 PD in the primary position and remarkable superior oblique underaction. The superior oblique forced duction test was the most important criterion for planning surgery.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(4):249–254.]
Hand-held Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography of Small Macular Retinoblastoma in Infants Before and After Chemotherapy
Authors: Cao Christopher , Markovitz Michele , Ferenczy Sandor , Shields Carol L.
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To demonstrate the utility of hand-held spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in assessing retinal structure in cases of macular retinoblastoma.

Methods:

In this retrospective, observational case series, three young children with macular retinoblastoma were treated at a tertiary care hospital. At examination under anesthesia, each patient was evaluated with SD-OCT for analysis of retinal tumor and macula. The main outcomes were retinal morphology before and after chemotherapy.

Results:

The mean patient age was 16 months (median: 9 months; range: 7 to 33 months). All patients had small exophytic macular retinoblastoma with subretinal fluid in the foveola. At presentation, the mean tumor thickness was 4.8 mm (range: 4.0 to 6.0 mm) and mean tumor base was 10.3 mm (range: 8.0 to 12.0 mm). SD-OCT documented tumor surface as smooth (n = 2) or irregular (n = 1), involvement of full-thickness retina (n = 3), and optical density as low (n = 3). The surrounding retina showed abrupt transition to tumor (n = 3), without intraretinal edema (n = 3), and with underlying subretinal fluid (n = 3). Following chemotherapy, all tumors showed regression with mean thickness of 2.6 mm (range: 2.2 to 3.0 mm). SD-OCT documented tumor surface as smooth (n = 1) or irregular (n = 2), and optical density as medium (n = 1) or high (n = 2). At the tumor site, the retina showed full-thickness disorganization but with abrupt transition to normal retina (n = 3). The foveola was anatomically intact (n = 1) or with outer retinal thinning (n = 2). Subretinal fluid was resolved in each case (n = 3).

Conclusions:

SD-OCT can provide precise anatomic monitoring of the macular region in infants and young children with small macular retinoblastoma. This may serve as a guide for visual potential in the preverbal child.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(4):230–234.]
Use of Technology to Enhance Mental Health for Older Adults
Authors: Cangelosi Pamela R. , Sorrell Jeanne M.
Published: July 2014

Recent research suggests that older adults may gain significant mental health benefits from health resources made available through emerging modern technologies, especially because this population is becoming more Internet savvy. Technology-enhanced interventions for older adults have been shown to be helpful not only for general wellness activities (i.e., exercise), but also to specifically enhance mental health. This article focuses on two types of interventions for mental health: (a) cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression and anxiety and (b) assistive technology for individuals with dementia. Nurses should reevaluate their assumptions that older adults fear technology and explore whether different types of modern technology might be effective in enhancing mental health for these clients. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 52
(9), 17–20.]
Software-as-a-Service using Heterogeneous Distributed System for User Specific Applications
Authors: Kundu Anirban , Ji Chunlin , Liu Ruopeng
Published: July 2014

In this paper, major goal is to achieve distributed environment configuring heterogeneous system framework using existing machines and high-end workstations as servers without involving extra cost. Feasibility of proposed system network is main concern in this paper having cost minimization. Data replication is responsible for enhancing dynamic scheduling in run-time. Dynamic scheduling is going to be exploited determining possible sub-network and related servers for specific user targeted tasks using active status and busy status of servers. Server-side background mode of operation is to be conducted for accessing dedicated or non-dedicated servers. Minimization of time and maximization of speed are objectives of proposed system structure.
Auditory Experiences in Game Transfer Phenomena
Authors: Ortiz de Gortari Angelica B. , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: July 2014

This study investigated gamers' auditory experiences as after effects of playing. This was done by classifying, quantifying, and analysing 192 experiences from 155 gamers collected from online videogame forums. The gamers' experiences were classified as: (i) involuntary auditory imagery (e.g., hearing the music, sounds or voices from the game), (ii) inner speech (e.g., completing phrases in the mind), (iii) auditory misperceptions (e.g., confusing real life sounds with videogame sounds), and (iv) multisensorial auditory experiences (e.g., hearing music while involuntary moving the fingers). Gamers heard auditory cues from the game in their heads, in their ears, but also coming from external sources. Occasionally, the vividness of the sound evoked thoughts and emotions that resulted in behaviours and copying strategies. The psychosocial implications of the gamers' auditory experiences are discussed. This study contributes to the understanding of the effects of auditory features in videogames, and to the phenomenology of non-volitional auditory experiences.
Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Online Sharing
Authors: Nguyên Thanh Trúc T. , Mark Lauren K.
Published: July 2014

Schools are pushing to implement more technology use to promote student learning. Yet, adults may not be completely aware of the non-academic online activities students engage in, like cyberbullying, sexting, and online sharing. In this study, parents (N = 663) and educators (N = 548) from four US states were surveyed on their understanding and awareness of their children's/students' online activities. Adult awareness levels and perspectives were compared. Parents and educators were found to be similarly supportive of computer use adding value to student education, but significantly differed in their trust levels of students' computer usage, preparedness to talk to students about Internet safety issues, and comfort regarding students using online social media. Additionally, parents and educators differed significantly in their understanding of how sharing of explicit material occurs online.
An Analytical Study of the Facebook Content Management Strategies of Dominos India
Authors: Bhardwaj Priyanka , Adhikari Rohit Singh , Ahuja Vandana
Published: July 2014

This paper attempts to take a dive into the Facebook marketing approaches and tactics of Dominos India. With this paper, there has been an effort to analyse the content at the Facebook page of Dominos, while trying to figure out which kind of content was able to build more relationship with the consumers on the basis of number of likes, shares and comments. A relationship between the aforementioned variables has also been established using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Also, a simple linear regression model has been applied to these variables to further prove on this relationship in order to attest to the fact that more posts on the Facebook page result in higher traffic and better engagement. Facebook marketing is about indulging in quality interactions with the consumers and then tapping their sentiments. An online brand community can be built to engage with consumers and brands thus have an opportunity to exploit the potential of social media. A brand community is a non-geographical, virtual community pertaining to a brand built on the foundations of the social relations among the various stakeholders/admirers of the brand. To develop a brand community the companies create a page on Facebook concerning a particular brand. The advantage of such a community is that not only it leverages a wider reach for a particular brand but it also lets all the members build connections around the brand. Here, the freely expressed opinion of individuals can be recorded and the results can be quantified to gauge changes over time. Analysis on the gathered data can be done using various analytical tools.
Implementing Advanced Characteristics of X3D Collaborative Virtual Environments for Supporting e-Learning
Authors: Bouras Christos , Triglianos Vasileios , Tsiatsos Thrasyvoulos
Published: July 2014

Three dimensional Collaborative Virtual Environments are a powerful form of collaborative telecommunication applications, enabling the users to share a common three-dimensional space and interact with each other as well as with the environment surrounding them, in order to collaboratively solve problems or aid learning processes. Such an environment is “EVE Training Area tool” which is supported by “EVE platform”. This tool is a three-dimensional space where participants, represented by three-dimensional humanoid avatars, can use a variety of e-collaboration tools. This paper presents advanced functionality that has been integrated on “EVE Training Area tool” in order to support: (a) multiple collaborative learning techniques (b) Spatial audio conferencing, which is targeted to support principle 3 (augmenting user's representation and awareness). Furthermore the paper presents technological and implementation issues concerning the evolution of “EVE platform” in order to support this functionality.
Factors Related to Students' Performance of Hybrid Learning in an English Language Course
Authors: Wichadee Saovapa
Published: July 2014

Redesigning a course along the lines of a hybrid format that blends face-to-face and online learning brings about changes in instructional practice. This paper introduces hybrid teaching that uses multiple web-based tools to supplement the students' face-to-face learning environment in a difficult situation in Thailand. In order to examine factors related to student learning achievement in the hybrid teaching course, data regarding learning achievement score, amount of participation, comfort with technology, and course satisfaction were collected from 182 students enrolled in an English course and analyzed by using correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that students had a moderate level of satisfaction with the hybrid course and comfort with technology use, and previous experience of hybrid courses did not have an effect on their satisfaction. Student learning achievement was positively correlated with how much participation students had, but was negatively correlated with students' comfort with technology. There were no correlations between student learning achievement and how satisfied they felt with the hybrid course. In addition, an analysis of benefits and drawbacks of this hybrid course allowed teachers insights into what changes were needed when adjusting the hybrid course for language teaching.
Designing an Online Civic Engagement Platform
Authors: Farina Cynthia R. , Epstein Dmitry , Heidt Josiah , Newhart Mary J.
Published: July 2014

A new form of online citizen participation in government decisionmaking has arisen in the United States (U.S.) under the Obama Administration. “Civic Participation 2.0” attempts to use Web 2.0 information and communication technologies to enable wider civic participation in government policymaking, based on three pillars of open government: transparency, participation, and collaboration. Thus far, the Administration has modeled Civic Participation 2.0 almost exclusively on a universalist/populist Web 2.0 philosophy of participation. In this model, content is created by users, who are enabled to shape the discussion and assess the value of contributions with little information or guidance from government decisionmakers. The authors suggest that this model often produces “participation” unsatisfactory to both government and citizens. The authors propose instead a model of Civic Participation 2.0 rooted in the theory and practice of democratic deliberation. In this model, the goal of civic participation is to reveal the conclusions people reach when they are informed about the issues and have the opportunity and motivation seriously to discuss them. Accordingly, the task of civic participation design is to provide the factual and policy information and the kinds of participation mechanisms that support and encourage this sort of participatory output. Based on the authors' experience with Regulation Room, an experimental online platform for broadening effective civic participation in rulemaking (the process federal agencies use to make new regulations), the authors offer specific suggestions for how designers can strike the balance between ease of engagement and quality of engagement – and so bring new voices into public policymaking processes through participatory outputs that government decisionmakers will value.
A Computer-Aided Conceptual Cost Estimating System for Pre-Stressed Concrete Road Bridges
Authors: Fragkakis Nikolaos , Lambropoulos Sergios , Pantouvakis John-Paris
Published: July 2014

The need for an environmentally friendly design of modern motorways increases the construction of bridges, which has exhibited substantial overruns above estimated costs. Therefore, easy to use, inexpensive and accurate methods for conceptual cost estimating are needed. This paper presents a computer-aided cost estimating system for pre-stressed concrete road bridges that provides estimates of the material quantities and cost of all bridge elements. It relies on a database incorporating actual data collected from recently constructed bridges and exploits material estimating models developed with statistical analysis. Different configurations are devised from short to long-span bridges, accounting for the major deck construction methods and foundation systems. The system can be easily used to provide different cost estimates to the owner, designer and contractor during the project's early stages. By allowing reliable cost estimates in a short time, the proposed computer-aided system represents a useful decision making tool.
A Neural Network Model for Predicting Cost of Pre-Fabricated Housing
Authors: Vukomanović Mladen , Kararić Mirsad , Radujković Mladen
Published: July 2014

Low performance of the construction industry stresses the need for improving current practices - especially in regard to cost. In this study the authors have found a critical set of variables for predicting total cost of pre-fabricated housing. A neural network model was applied on more than 30 projects. The model relies on 17 critical cost prediction variables. Verification, on 28 buildings, showed that: 85.7% of predicted values had the deviation lower 5%, while 10.7% had the deviation lower than 10%, in relation to the actual cost. After validating the model on new data the performances were as follows: 83.8% of predicted values had the deviation lower 5%, while 12.9% had the deviation lower than 10%. Thus, using this model, construction companies can influence project performance during project early phases, and acquire more competitive position on the market.
Microblogging in Project Management
Authors: Böhringer Martin , Röhrborn Dirk
Published: July 2014

Microblogging represents a significant change in enterprise communication, shifting from a push to a pull model where information consumers subscribe to relevant information sources. Especially scenarios with high degrees in information quantity and complexity may benefit from this approach. This is the case for project management, which can well be supported by microblogging tools. This paper introduces the technology's concept, motivates use cases and discusses two examples as well as available software tools.
Approaching IT Automation Decisions using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
Authors: Iskin Ibrahim , Daim Tugrul U. , Noble Stephen , Baltz Angie
Published: July 2014

What is the future of the conventional phone-based corporate sales teams? As consumers grow more and more accustomed to purchasing online everything from holiday gifts to weekly groceries to boats and homes, companies have better and better opportunities to automate their own corporate sales processes. Today's companies are encountering an era of accessible and scalable information technologies (IT) and of an increasingly e-commerce-savvy customer base. This paper explores a decision process in a case company using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Decision profiled in this study is to determine the most viable decision between developing an automated custom sales order interface system and using the existing manual process in which customers contact sales teams to place orders. Decision model is based on multiple criteria in order to assess each candidate system risks and benefits. Study analyzes the current trend of IT integration throughout the supply chain, develops a decision model based on user interviews, and aims to determine the circumstances under which automating the process is the best choice. Results indicate that, importance of decision criteria differs with respect to duration of contracts each customer makes. For instance, development cost has been identified as the most heavily weighted decision criterion at six month long contract cases whereas all decision criteria which are data quality, development costs, organizational politics and customer experience are weighted equally at one year contract cases. Results have also shown that although organizational politics has been ranked relatively lower in six months and one year contract cases it takes considerable precedence at contracts with duration of two years and more.
Effect of TiO2 and ZnS Fillers on the Bending Characteristics of GFRP Composites under Varied Flaw Configurations
Authors: Murugesh M. C. , Kumar D. Sujay , Arun K. V.
Published: July 2014

In the present work an attempt has been made in order to investigate the bending strength and flextural strength of the TiO2 and ZnS filled Glass Fabric Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites. The volume fractions in the matrix were chosen as 1, 2 and 3%. The effect of notch orientation on interlaminar and translaminar bending characteristics has been evaluated and Bending strength has been evaluated for specimens with edge cracks with varied crack lengths. The results have showed that, the addition of filler up to 2 vol% has increased the strength of the composite and ZnS as filler is preferred over TiO2.
Finite Element Analysis of Elliptical Chord
Authors: Narayana K. S. , Naik R. T. , Mouli R. C. , Rao L. V. V. Gopala , Naik R. T. Babu
Published: July 2014

The work presents the Finite element study of the effect of elliptical chords on the static and dynamic strength of tubular T-joints using ANSYS. Two different geometry configurations of the T-joints have been used, namely Type-1 and Type-2. An elastic analysis has been considered. The Static loading conditions used are: axial load, compressive load, In-plane bending (IPB) and Out-plane bending (OPB). The natural frequencies analysis (dynamic loading condition) has also been carried out. The geometry configurations of the T-joints have been used, vertical tubes are called brace and horizontal tubes are called chords. The joint consists of brace joined perpendicular to the circular chord. In this case the ends of the chord are held fixed. The material used is mild steel. Using ANSYS, finite element modeling and analysis of T-joint has been done under the aforementioned loading cases. It is one of the most powerful methods in use but in many cases it is an expensive analysis especially due to elastic–plastic and creep problems. Usually, three dimensional solid elements or shell elements or the combination of two types of elements are used for generating the tubular joints mesh. In tubular joints, usually the fluid induced vibrations cause the joint to fail under resonance. Therefore the natural frequencies analysis is also an important issue here. Generally the empirical results are required as guide or comparison tool for finite element investigation. It is an effective way to obtain confidence in the results derived. Shell elements have been used to model the assembled geometry. Finite element ANSYS results have been validated with the LUSAS FEA and experimental results, that is within the experimentation error limit of ten percentage.
A Generalized Approach to Measure Market Timing Skills of Fund Managers
Authors: Woodward George , Brooks Robert
Published: July 2014

In this paper the authors extend the analysis in Woodward and Brooks (2010) to derive a generalized form of Merton's (1981) dual beta market timing model that allows for continuous adjustment of portfolio beta in response to changing market conditions, and also includes the dual beta model as a special case. The model provides a more realistic representation of the fund return generation process. Using this model the authors test the market timing skills of fund managers for a sample of Australian superannuation funds for the period 1990 to 2002. The authors find that managed funds in which investors voluntarily select a given fund (retail funds) experience frequent rebalancing when compared to managed funds in which the investors' contribution is involuntary (wholesale funds). The authors relate the greater sensitivity to all changes in market conditions of retail funds to higher expenses and poor performance that was found in a recent study by Langford, Faff and Marisetty (2006). The results have important implications for Australian superannuation policy, since the Australian Government, effective from 1st July 2005, has required all funds to introduce voluntary contribution schemes.
Exploring Information Categories and Artificial Neural Networks Numerical Algorithms in S&P500 Trend Prediction
Authors: Lahmiri Salim , Boukadoum Mounir , Chartier Sylvain
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine three major issues. First, the authors compare the performance of economic information, technical indicators, historical information, and investor sentiment measures in financial predictions using backpropagation neural networks (BPNN). Granger causality tests are applied to each category of information to select the relevant variables that statistically and significantly affect stock market shifts. Second, the authors investigate the effect of combining all of these four categories of information variables selected by Granger causality test on the prediction accuracy. Third, the effectiveness of different numerical techniques on the accuracy of BPNN is explored. The authors include conjugate gradient algorithms (Fletcher-Reeves update, Polak-Ribiére update, Powell-Beale restart), quasi-Newton (Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno, BFGS), and the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm which is commonly used in the literature. Fourth, the authors compare the performance of the BPNN and support vector machine (SVM) in terms of stock market trend prediction. Their comparative study is applied to S&P500 data to predict its future moves. The out-of-sample forecasting results show that (i) historical values and sentiment measures allow obtaining higher accuracy than economic information and technical indicators, (ii) combining the four categories of information does not help improving the accuracy of the BPNN and SVM, (iii) the LM algorithm is outperformed by Polak-Ribière, Powell-Beale, and Fletcher-Reeves algorithms, and (iv) the BPNN outperforms the SVM except when using sentiment measures as predictive information.
Informatics in Uruguay
Authors: Hernandez Diego , Gibson Rick , Mcguire Eugene G.
Published: July 2014

As the world economy becomes more interdependent and informatics costs decline, studies of informatics in developing countries have become increasingly important for reasons other than curiosity. This paper reports on a field study of informatics conducted in Uruguay. In addition to public and private sector analysis of interview and questionnaire data, we examine three infrastructure elements: telecommunications, education, and the legal system with respect to software copyright protection.
THE EXPERT’S OPINION
Authors: Palvia Prashant
Published: July 2014

Yoshihiro Horiuchi received his college degree from Waseda University. When he first joined NKK in 1964, he started working in Control Technology at Fukuyama Works. In 1985, he was promoted to general manager in the Sales and Production Planning department at the Headquarters. For the past three years, he is general manager of the Information Innovating Department. Mr. Horiuchi is the president of the EDI committee of the Steel Materials Club and a commissioner of Industrial Trade and Industry EDI Arrangement committee.
THE EXPERT’S OPINION
Authors: Lu Ming-te
Published: July 2014

Robert (Bob) L. Carlson is Head of Information Technology for Hongkong and Shanghai Bank in Asia/Pacific. He is responsible for managing and directing computing activities in over 20 Asian countries and telecommunications networks for the HKBC Group Worldwide. Carlson is a technology executive with 30 years experience in managing all aspects of technology in a variety of industries in the USA, Europe, and Asia. After college graduation, he began his career with American Airlines when the SABRE reservation system was being developed and participated in the automation of the airline industry. Carlson then worked in manufacturing automation with a global manufacturing company. For the last 15 years, he has worked in many aspects of the financial service industry with HongkongBank.
Enrichment/Population of Customized CPR (Computer-Based Patient Record) Ontology from Free-Text Reports for CSI (Computer Semantic Interoperability)
Authors: Mendes David , Rodrigues Irene Pimenta , Rodriguez-Solano Carlos , Baeta Carlos Fernandes
Published: July 2014

CSI (Computer Semantic Interoperability) is a very important issue in healthcare. Ways for heterogeneous computer systems to “understand” important facts from the clinical process for clinical decision support are now beginning to be addressed. The authors present here comprehensive contributions to achieve CSI. EHR (Electronic Health Record) systems provide a way to extract reports of the clinicians activity. In order to formalize an automated acquisition from semi-structured, free-form, natural language texts in Portuguese into a Clinical Practice Ontology an important step is to develop the ability of decoding all the nicknames, acronyms and short-hand forms that each clinician tend to write down in their reports. The authors present the steps to develop clinical vocabularies extracting directly from clinical reports in Portuguese available in the SAM (Sistema de Apoio ao Médico) system. The presented techniques are easily further developed for any other natural language or knowledge representation framework with due adaptations.
Verskillende wêrelde teen die lig gehou
Authors: Ohlhoff Heinrich
Published: July 2014

No abstract available.
Van sterre tot sterre
Authors: Louw Salomi
Published: July 2014

No abstract available.
Did the ancient Egyptians migrate to ancient Nigeria?
Authors: Agai Jock M.
Published: July 2014

Literatures concerning the history of West African peoples published from 1900 to 1970 debate�the possible migrations of the Egyptians into West Africa. Writers like Samuel Johnson and�Lucas Olumide believe that the ancient Egyptians penetrated through ancient Nigeria but Leo�Frobenius and Geoffrey Parrinder frowned at this opinion. Using the works of these early�20th century writers of West African history together with a Yoruba legend which teaches�about the origin of their earliest ancestor(s), this researcher investigates the theories that the�ancient Egyptians had contact with the ancient Nigerians and particularly with the Yorubas.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: There is an existing ideology�amongst the Yorubas and other writers of Yoruba history that the original ancestors of�the Yorubas originated in ancient Egypt hence there was migration between Egypt and�Yorubaland. This researcher contends that even if there was migration between Egypt and�Nigeria, such migration did not take place during the predynastic and dynastic period as�speculated by some scholars. The subject is open for further research.
Partial Mole with a Coexistent Viable Fetus—A Clinical Dilemma: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Rathod Archana D , Pajai SP , Gaddikeri A
Published: July 2014

Gestational trophoblastic disease encompasses a diverse group of lesions. If molar changes in the placenta are known along with an alive fetus, then situation is difficult for both obstetrician and parents. On one hand, there may be a normal pregnancy whereas on the other hand the mother may be threatened by numerous complications caused by the hydatid mole, if the pregnancy is continued.

We present successfully managed case of partial molar pregnancy with an alive fetus at 1st stage of preterm labor with premature rupture of membranes with anemia with a live diploid female fetus with good neonatal out come. Follow-up till 1 year showed no progression to malignant gestational trophoblastic diseases.

How to cite this article

Rathod AD, Pajai SP, Gaddikeri A. Partial Mole with a Coexistent Viable Fetus—A Clinical Dilemma: A Case Report with Review of Literature. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2014;6(1):51-55.
Nonpuerperal Uterine Inversion
Authors: Kaur Arvinder , Kaur Parneet , Kaur Khushpreet , Singh Beant , Mohi K Manjit
Published: July 2014

Inversion of uterus may be classified as puerperal or obstetric and nonpuerperal or gynecological. Nonpuerperal uterine inversion has been described as a rare occurrence and is usually precipitated by tumors sited at the fundus of the uterus which exert traction force to cause the inversion. We present a case of 50 years old P3L3 who presented as emergency in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with C/C of mass protruding out from vulva and bleeding per vaginum since 6 hours and was finally diagnosed as a case of chronic inversion uterus with prolapsed fundal submucosal fibroid. Myomectomy was done followed by hysterectomy and she had uneventful postoperative period.

How to cite this article

Kaur P, Kaur K, Kaur A, Singh B, Mohi KM. Nonpuerperal Uterine Inversion. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2014;6(1):56-58.
Stroke with Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Patil Alka Bhaurao , Yadav Pramila
Published: July 2014

Pregnancy-related stroke is, fortunately, a rare event. Pregnancy is a prothrombotic state during pregnancy and for approximately 6 weeks after birth, all women are at increased risk of thromboembolic disease.1

A 20 year old primigravida with ectopic pregnancy and stroke was admitted at ACPM, Medical College, Dhule. Emergency Exploratory laparotomy was done. Stroke was successfully managed and patient recovered.

How to cite this article

Patil AB, Yadav P. Stroke with Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2014;6(1):59-61.
An Untold Story of Indian Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery Peak Systolic Velocities
Authors: Gandage Sidappa G , Pawar Hemant J , Kachewar Sushil
Published: July 2014

Although noninvasive diagnosis of anemia in fetus by measuring the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) is practised and extensively researched in the developed world, such studies from the developing world are rare. India is the home for many hemoglobinopathies and cases of Rh alloimmunization are also reported here. Hence, it is expected that fetal anemias will be quite common. So in addition to an awareness about the correct method of measuring MCA-PSV and knowledge about changes that occur in the waveforms with advancing gestational age, it is important to know the normal values at various gestational ages in an Indian setting. Demonstrating these normal values was the primary goal of the current study.

Context

Fetal anemia can be adequately tackled only if it is diagnosed on time. Fetal MCA-PSV has the potential to reliably predict fetal anemia. Scientific studies across the globe are a testimony to this fact. As such studies from rural setups are lacking, this study was initiated.

Aims

To demonstrate the normal values of fetal MCA-PSV at various gestational ages in an Indian setting by using the standard internationally accepted protocol.

Settings and design

The ultrasound wing of radiodiagnosis department of a rural medical college was the site of this study. Permission from institutional research cell and ethical committee was obtained for study on fetal MCA-PSV. Written informed consent from every pregnant mother who participated in the study was also obtained. A cross-sectional and prospective observational study was conducted over the last 9 months.

Materials and methods

A total of 60 measurements of fetal MCA-PSV were conducted in normal 20 pregnant women referred for routine obstetric scan at 12, 24, and 36 weeks of gestation respectively, by a single radiologist on color Doppler ultrasound machine. In each fetus the proximal MCA, soon after its origin, was evaluated.

Statistical analysis

The observations were entered in Microsoft Excel sheet and statistical analysis was done by using SPSS statistical software version 12. The relation between fetal MCAPSV and gestational age was studied using the Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient. The significance of difference was studied using the t-test.

Results

MCA-PSV increased with increasing gestational age, suggesting positive correlation between the two. Better waveforms and increasing PSV were visualized with advancing gestational age.

Conclusion

Fetal anemia can be accurately predicted only if the MCA-PSV is scientifically measured and compared with normal values in a given setting. This study demonstrates the normal values at various gestational ages in an Indian setting.

How to cite this article

Kachewar S, Gandage SG, Pawar HJ. An Untold Story of Indian Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery Peak Systolic Velocities. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2014;5(1):8-11.
Do Fetal Monitoring Tests predict Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Absent End Diastolic Flow? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kallur Sailaja Devi , Aziz Nuzhat
Published: July 2014

Aim

To determine the ability of fetal monitoring tests to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in absent end diastolic flow (AEDF) babies.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with AEDF during the period 2001 to 2009. Fetal monitoring tests of interest included amniotic fluid index (AFI), nonstress tests (NST), and Doppler flow studies. Adverse perinatal outcomes included perinatal/neonatal mortality, necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory distress syndrome, and grades III/IV intraventricular hemorrhage. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, adjusted odds ratios, area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUROC) and the 95% confidence intervals were determined.

Study included 142 women with AEDF who delivered before 34 weeks. Indications for delivery included abnormal AFI in 6 (4.23%), worsening Doppler in 31 (21.83%), and abnormal NST in 48 (33.80%). An adverse fetal event was noted in 107 [75.35%, 95% confidence interial (CI) 68.18%, 82.53%]. Birth weight adjusted odds for an adverse perinatal outcome decreased (Odds ratio: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.10, p = 0.16) with an increase in each week of gestation. Fetal monitoring tests did not have clinically meaningful positive/negative likelihood ratio or significant AUROC.

Conclusion

Current fetal monitoring tests are more useful to identify noncompromised fetuses than to identify fetal distress. Delaying delivery till 34 weeks might improve outcomes.

How to cite this article

Kallur SD, Aziz N. Do Fetal Monitoring Tests predict Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Absent End Diastolic Flow? A Retrospective Study. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2014;5(1):22-26.
Odontogenic Myxoma: A Study based on Biopsy Material over a 40-Year Period
Authors: Etemad-Moghadam Shahroo , Chookhachizadeh Somayeh , Baghaii Fereshteh , Alaeddini Mojgan
Published: July 2014

Aim

Odontogenic tumors, including odontogenic myxomas (OMs) are regarded as rare neoplasms in the human body. Nevertheless, they may be problematic for diagnosis and treatment planning due to possible variations between different races and countries. The aim of the current study was to present the clinicopathologic features of OM in an Iranian population over a 40-year period and compare them with those reported elsewhere.

Materials and methods

Clinical/demographic data and histologic slides of OMs and all lesions that could be considered in their differential diagnosis, reported from 1967-2008 were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using X2 and t-test and p < 0.05 was regarded significant.

Results

Forty OMs were identified, of which 42.5% occurred in men (mean age, 27.4 years) and 57.5% in women (mean age, 28.2 years). Most tumors were observed in the posterior mandible. All cases possessed the classic World Health Organization histologic features; while 3, 15 and 6 cases showed epithelial rests, residual bone and conspicuous collagen bundles, respectively. Five patients were followed and none of their tumors recurred.

Conclusion

The clinicopathologic characteristics of the current Iranian population are similar to most other reports with a predilection for the posterior mandible, 3rd decade and female subjects; however, there were variations in microscopic features of the studied cases.

Clinical significance

Clinical and histologic information on OM in different populations may be useful in clinical settings and treatment planning. Reporting more detailed histologic data can help clarify the biology of this tumor and aid in its histopathologic diagnosis.

How to cite this article

Etemad-Moghadam S, Chookhachizadeh S, Baghaii F, Alaeddini M. Odontogenic Myxoma: A Study based on Biopsy Material Over a 40-Year Period. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(2):137-141.
A Comparative Antimicrobial Analysis of Various Root Canal Irrigating Solutions on Endodontic Pathogens: An in vitro Study
Authors: Misuriya Abhinav , Bhardwaj Archana , Aggrawal Sanjay , Kumar PS Pawan , Gajjarepu Satyanarayana
Published: July 2014

Background and objectives

Evolution in understanding the poly-microbial environment of both endodontic infections and that of failed root canal treatments has been debatable over the years. The present study was designed to compare and analyze the effect of various root canal irrigation solutions on certain endodontic pathogens in vitro.

Materials and methods

To analyze in vitro the zone of inhibition of the micro-organisms the following irrigating solutions were employed:

a. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 5%

b. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 3%

c. Chlorhexidine 2%

d. Chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.12%

e. Doxycycline 0.01%

f. Doxycycline 0.005%

g. MTAD.

An agar culture plate inoculated with four endodontic pathogens was used namely

1. Enterococcus faecalis (MTCC-439)

2. Candida albicans (MTCC-183)

3. Fusobacterium nucleatum (ATCC-25586)

4. Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (ATCC-27337)

The inoculums were streaked out on the trypticase soy agar plate for discrete colonies with a wire loop using standard method. The inoculated plates carrying the antibiotic disks were incubated in an anaerobic jar in the following way–Anaerobic incubation–the following procedure was used to provide anaerobiosis with an increased concentration of carbon dioxide.

By this method the zone of inhibition obtained by different irrigating solutions against different pathogens could be compared.

Results

MTAD showed maximum antibacterial activity. In case of C. albicans MTAD was less effective than 5% NaOCl, 3% NaOCl and 2% CHX, 0.12% CHX. However, it was more effective against E. faecalis, F. nuleatum and P. anaerobicus. In any case, antimicrobial activity is not the only prerequisite for an endodontic irrigant. E. faecalis strain used in this study showed resistance to doxycycline; also doxycycline was ineffective against C. albicans at 0.01% and 0.005% concentrations.

Conclusion

It was found that MTAD was more antimicrobial than 5% NaOCl for some of the test micro-organisms; however the ability of MTAD to dissolve pulp tissue is not comparable to 5% NaOCl. In addition, 5 and 3% NaOCl showed significant antimicrobial activity against all test micro-organisms. The best option for a primary endodontic irrigant therefore is 5% NaOCl.

How to cite this article

Misuriya A, Bhardwaj A, Bhardwaj A, Aggrawal S, Kumar PSP, Gajjarepu S. A Comparative Antimicrobial Analysis of Various Root Canal Irrigating Solutions on Endodontic Pathogens: AnIn VitroStudy. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(2):153-160.
Periotest Values of Implants Placed in Sockets Augmented with Calcium Phosphosilicate Putty Graft: A Comparative Analysis against Implants Placed in Naturally Healed Sockets
Authors: Mahesh Lanka , Narayan TV , Shukla Sagrika , Kostakis Georgios
Published: July 2014

Aim

To measure implant stability using periotest values of implants placed in sockets augmented with calcium phosphosilicate putty (CPS Putty) as compared with implant stability in naturally healed sockets.

Materials and methods

Twenty two sockets were implanted with CPS Putty immediately after extraction. The sockets were re-entered after a healing period at 5 to 6 months (average 5.3 months) for implant placement. Periotest values were recorded during implant insertion to assess primary stability. These were compared with the Periotest values of 26 implants placed in 22 patients, with naturally healed sockets.

Result

Periotest values were significantly lower in the grafted group, indicating better implant stability in sites grafted with CPS putty.

Conclusion

Implant stability seems to be significantly higher in sockets augmented using CPS putty when compared to nongrafted sites. This suggests that socket grafting with CPS putty may enhance the quality of available bone for implantation.

How to cite this article

Mahesh L, Narayan TV, Kostakis G, Shukla S. Periotest Values of Implants Placed in Sockets Augmented with Calcium Phosphosilicate Putty Graft: A Comparative Analysis against Implants Placed in Naturally Healed Sockets. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(2):181-185.
In vitro Evaluation of Topical Fluoride ph and their Effect on Surface Hardness of Composite Resin-based Restorative Materials
Authors: Mansuri Samir , Mujeeb Abdul , Hussain Seema Abid , Ramaswamy Kausar
Published: July 2014

Aim

The aim of the study was to correlate the pH and fluoride ion uptake with surface hardness of composite resin based restorative materials after topical fluoride application.

Methodology

Forty disks of each of test materials Composite (Filtek Z350XT, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA), Resin modified glass ionomer (Vitremer) and Compomer (Dyract AP) were made and ten disks of each material were placed in different test solutions – 1.23% APF gel, Sodium fluoride mouth rinse, 0.9% neutral fluoride and distilled water (Control group). After 36 hours of immersion, specimens were subjected to microhardness testing machine for evaluation of surface hardness.

Results

The greater hardness deterioration for all materials resulted with 1.23% APF gel when compared to the control group. Composite (Filtek Z350XT, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) showed 17.13 VHN (control group 59.11 VHN). Vitremer showed 9.71 VHN (control group 37.71 VHN). Compomer showed 19.22 VHN (control group 36.78 VHN).

Conclusion

1.23% ApF gel significantly decreased hardness of composite, Vitremer and Compomer. Hardness deterioration associated with sodium fluoride mouth rinse and 0.9% neutral fluoride was less compared to 1.23% ApF gel.

How to cite this article

Mujeeb A, Mansuri S. Hussain SA, Ramaswamy K. In vitro Evaluation of Topical Fluoride pH and their Effect on Surface Hardness of Composite Resin-based Restorative Materials. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(2): 190-194.