bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibodies against Extracellular Domains of alpha4 and alpha7 Subunits Alter the Levels of Nicotinic Receptors in the Mouse Brain and Affect Memory: Possible Relevance to Alzheimer's Pathology
Authors: Lykhmus Olena , Koval Lyudmyla , Skok Maryna , Zouridakis Marios , Zisimopoulou Paraskevi , Tzartos Socrates , Tsetlin Victor , Granon Sylvie , Changeux Jean-Pierre , Komisarenko Sergiy , Cloëz-Tayarani Isabelle
Published: May 2018

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) of α4β2 and α7 subtypes expressed in the brain neurons are involved in regulating memory and cognition. Their level is decreased upon several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the reasons for such a decrease are not completely understood. To test whether the nAChR-specific antibodies can affect the brain nAChRs and influence the behavior, we either immunized mice with recombinant extracellular domains of α4 and α7, subunits α4(1-209) and α7(1-208), or injected them with α7(1-208)-specific antibodies. A decrease of α4β2- and α7-nAChRs accompanied with an increase of α4β4-nAChRs in brain membranes of immunized mice was observed. Both α4(1-209)- and α7(1-208)-specific antibodies were detected in the brain membrane lysates of immunized mice. Antibody injection resulted in brain nAChR decrease only if mice were co-injected intraperitoneally with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Brain sections of immunized mice were analyzed for the binding of [125I]-α-bungarotoxin and [125I]-epibatidine. A decrease in α-bungarotoxin binding in striatum (nucleus accumbens and caudate putamen) accompanied with an increase of epibatidine binding in the forebrain and caudate putamen was observed in mice immunized with either α4 or α7 nAChR domains compared to those immunized with BSA. Mice immunized with α7(1-208) demonstrated significantly worse episodic memory measured in a novel object recognition task compared to non-immunized animals but did not differ from the controls in locomotor or anxiety-related tests. These results suggest that nAChR-specific antibodies are able to penetrate the brain upon inflammation with resulting decreases of brain nAChRs and worsening episodic memory.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Participates in NGF-Induced α-Secretase Cleavage of Amyloid-β Protein Precursor in PC12 Cells
Authors: Fragkouli Apostolia , Tzinia Athina K. , Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Gravanis Achille , Tsilibary Effie C.
Published: May 2018

Amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) is a ubiquitously expressed glycoprotein, which under physiological conditions can be cleaved following two alternative routes; the non-amyloidogenic and the amyloidogenic pathway. Shift of AβPP processing in favor of the amyloidogenic pathway is a key event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among the factors that regulate AβPP processing, nerve growth factor (NGF) appears to play an important role; abnormal NGF signaling has been implicated in the onset of AD. In the present study, we used PC12 cells to study the effects of NGF on AβPP processing and provide evidence that NGF, through binding to its high affinity receptor, TrkA moderately down-regulates the expression of the β-secretase β-site AβPP cleaving enzyme-1 and, most importantly, upregulates the expression of two enzymes with α-secretase activity, a disintegrin and metalloprotease-17 and to a greater extent matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) in a phosphoinositide kinase-3 dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrate that MMP9 actively participates in NGF-induced α-secretase cleavage of AβPP, thus it contributes to the shift of AβPP processing towards the non-amyloidogenic pathway precluding the formation of neurotoxic Aβ peptides.
Analysis of Postmortem Ventricular Cerebrospinal Fluid from Patients with and without Dementia Indicates Association of Vitamin E with Neuritic Plaques and Specific Measures of Cognitive Performance
Authors: Hensley Kenneth , Barnes Lisa L. , Christov Alexandar , Tangney Christy , Honer William G. , Schneider Julie A. , Bennett David A. , Morris Martha Clare
Published: May 2018

Ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (vCSF) obtained at autopsy from 230 participants in the Religious Orders Study was analyzed for alpha tocopherol (αT, vitamin E) and gamma tocopherol (γT) in relation to brain tissue neuropathological diagnoses (NIA-Reagan criteria); neuritic plaque density and neurofibrillary tangle state (Braak stage); and cognitive function proximate to death. Neither vCSF αT nor γT was related to the pathological diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, but vCSF αT concentration was inversely related to neuritic plaque density (β = −0.21, SE = 0.105, p = 0.04) in regression models adjusted for age, gender, education, and APOE-4. Ventricular CSF αT concentration was positively associated with perceptual speed (β = 0.27, SE = 0.116, p = 0.02) whereas the γT/αT ratio was negatively associated with episodic memory (β = −0.037, SE = 0.017, p = 0.04). Only vCSF αT, but not γT, was correlated with postmortem interval (PMI). Adjustment for PMI had no effect on significance of associations between αT and perceptual speed or γT/αT and episodic memory, but after this adjustment the αT concentration was no longer significantly associated with neuritic plaques. These data suggest that vCSF αT, but not γT, is weakly associated with less Alzheimer's disease neuropathology, specifically neuritic plaques, and correlates with better performance on tests of perceptual speed.
Combined Approach of Vasodilators and Surgical Reconstruction in Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Ibrahim Farzana B , Islam Mohammed Rashedul , Akand Md Morshed Uddin , Anwar Raihan , Islam Md Anwarul , Deb Anjan Kumar
Published: May 2018

Background: Diabetic patients frequently suffer from chronic non-healing ulcer on the sole of foot as a result of combined peripheral neuropathy and arterial insufficiency. Many of them end up in amputation. The aim of this study was to see the outcome of diabetic patients presenting with ulcers that showed no signs of healing in sole of the foot for 3 months or more treated with combination of peripheral vasodilators and surgical reconstruction.Methods: A cross sectional study of 249 patients who presented to Plastic surgery department in BIRDEM fromJanuary 2013 toDecember2015 was done. The patients who had existing associated chronic medical illness like Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) requiring dialysis, malignancy, Status Asthmaticus and foot ulcer withWagner grade 4 and 5 and patients receiving drugs that cause immunosuppression like chemotherapeutic agents, steroids, and methotrexates were excluded from the study.Results: All patients presented with non-healing ulcerations average size of which was 1.48 cm (range, 0.68 to 4 cm) of more than 3 months in various parts of sole of the foot complicated by peripheral neuropathy and/or arterial insufficiency. After the use of peripheral vasodilators, these patients underwent a variety of surgical reconstructions such as simple skin graft, local flaps, regional flaps and distant flaps. In follow up of 3 to 36 months, 194 patients (77.91%) achieved good results, 55(22.08%) patients’ required secondary procedure such as flap revision, debridement or Split thickness skin graft (STSG) due to post operative complications.Conclusion: We conclude that chronic non-healing ulcers in diabetic patients can be successfully treated by combined approach of surgical reconstruction and peripheral vasodilators.Birdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 108-113
An Analysis of Cytogenetic and Clinical Phenotype of Klinefelter Syndrome Over 17 Years
Authors: Khan Mansura , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Akhter Zarina , Hossain Md Azmal , Chowdhury Ashesh Kumar
Published: May 2018

Background: Clinical phenotype in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) shows utmost contrariety according to the genetic presentation. The karyotype 47, XXY is one of the commonest types of sex chromosomal abnormality in males presenting with infertility, hypogonadism, small penis, gynaecomastia and tall stature. Cytogenetic study is the only way to differentiate between chromosomal abnormality and other androgen deficiency disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate cytogenetic and phenotypic profile of Klinefelter syndrome in a group of referred patients with suspected genetic disorders.Methods: This observational study was carried out at the Cytogenetic Laboratory of the Department of Immunology BIRDEM General Hospital for a period of seventeen years from 2000 to 2016. A total of 9,216 patients suspected for different chromosomal abnormalities (e.g. numerical chromosomal disorders, primary amenorrhoea, ambiguous genitalia etc.) were included in this study referred by physicians of various discipline from different areas of Bangladesh. From the patients referred for cytogenetic study, detailed family history and physical findings were noted. Complete genetic examination and pedigree construction was done to exclude non-chromosomal causes of anomalies. For cytogenetic analysis, peripheral lymphocyte culture by the standard method using the G-banding technique was employed.Results: In this study 1.67% (154) of referred patients were diagnosed as Klinefelter syndrome in cytogenetic study and most of them were diagnosed in their adulthood between 20-29 years of age. Classical cytogenetic form of KS-47, XXY (87%) were most common followed by other mosaic and supernumerary X chromosome aneuploidy. Most of the patients presented with tall stature (61.7%) followed by other features such as gynaecomastia (45.5%), eunuchoid skeleton (29.8%), sexual dysfunction (34.41%), small penis (22.7%), and delayed development of secondary sex characteristics (22.7%).Conclusion: Diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome in early age before puberty is needed to be differentiated from other related disorders and thereby improving the quality of life by providing appropriate and timely treatment. Therefore, we have to focus to improve our overall capacity to diagnose genetic disorders for proper interventionBirdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 126-131
Bardet-Biedl Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Wahiduzzaman Miah , Rahim Muhammad Abdur , Iftekhar Mahboob
Published: May 2018

Bardet-Beidl syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder having heterogeneous clinical manifestations including rod-cone dystrophy, polydactyly, obesity, learning difficulties, development delay, speech deficit, diabetes mellitus, congenital heart disease etc. Most of these symptoms are not present at birth but appear and progressively worsen during the first and second decades of life. The combined occurrence of diabetes mellitus and retinitis pigmentosa is rare. Here, we present such a case.Birdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 184-186
From the Desk of Executive Editor Vol.8(2)
Authors: Uddin Khwaja Nazim
Published: May 2018

Abstract not availableBirdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 189
Food Safety
Authors: Mollah FH
Published: May 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh J Med Biochem 2016; 9(2): 43-44
Relationship Between Uric Acid Level and Blood Pressure in T2DM Patient Attending in BIRDEM General Hospital
Authors: Ferdous S , Begum K , Muttalib MA
Published: May 2018

Hyperuricemia is associated with higher mortality in patients suffering from hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular events, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, gout and renal stone formation and it is more in individuals with diabetes. The prevalence of hyperuricemia is high in T2DM. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between hyperuricemia and blood pressure in T2DM subjects and thus to help the clinician for early diagnosis, treatment and to prevent further complications. Total 350 study subjects were enrolled for this study; among them 203 were T2DM with normal level of serum uric acid level and 147 were T2DM with high serum uric acid level. It was observed that systolic blood pressure was significantly higher (134.5±9.6 mm of Hg) in T2DM with hyperuricemia (p<0.001) than T2DM with normal serum uric acid level (123.3±10.9 mm of Hg). On the other hand diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher (87.1±5.9 mm of Hg) in T2DM with hyperuricemia (p<0.001) than T2DM with normal serum uric acid level (79.6±8.3 mm of Hg). Age (years) showed no significant difference between T2DM with serum uric acid<7 mg/dl and T2DM with serum uric acid>7 mg/dl (p<0.05). In our study it was revealed that males were in greater risk of developing hyperuricemia. BMI was significantly (p<0.001) greater in T2DM subjects who had normal serum uric acid level (27.9±3.8) than with those who had serum uric acid>7 mg/dl (24.4±3.83). No significant differences were found in FBS, blood sugar 2 hours after breakfast, HbA1C, serum creatinine and blood urea between groups.Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2016; 9(2): 49-53
RETRACTED: Stimulator of Interferon Genes in Classical Dendritic Cells Controls Mucosal Th17 Responses to Cyclic Dinucleotides for Host Defenses Against Microbial Infections in Gut
Authors: Liu Song , Xia Qiuyuan , Wu Xiuwen , Sun Feng , Hu Qiongyuan , Wu Jie , Wang Meng , Rao Qiu , Guan Wenxian
Published: May 2018

Cyclic dinucleotides are bacterial signal transducers that bind to host intracellular protein, stimulator of interferon genes (STING) encoded by Tmem173. In this study, we demonstrate that STING triggers adaptive immune responses that control Th17 differentiation. Cyclic dinucleotides recognition enables classical dendritic cells (cDCs) that predominantly express CD103 to induce Th17 lymphocytes in an IL-6/IL-1β-dependent manner in gut. STING expression in human lamina propria is associated with the severity of mucosal inflammation and clinical disease activity in patients with Crohn’s disease. Mice deficient in Tmem173 fail to mount Th17 responses to cyclic dinucleotides or prevent immune evasion of enteroinvasive pathogens. In summary, STING in mucosal cDCs controls Th17 subspecification that is essential for host defenses against microbial infection in gut-associated immune system.
Difference in Dwarf Galaxy Surface Brightness Profiles as a Function of Environment*
Authors: Lee Youngdae , Park Hong Soo , Kim Sang Chul , Moon Dae-Sik , Lee Jae-Joon , Kim Dong-Jin , Cha Sang-Mok
Published: May 2018

We investigate surface brightness profiles (SBPs) of dwarf galaxies in field, group, and cluster environments. With deep BV
I images from the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network Supernova Program, SBPs of 38 dwarfs in the NGC 2784 group are fitted by a single-exponential or double-exponential model. We find that 53% of the dwarfs are fitted with single-exponential profiles (“Type I”), while 47% of the dwarfs show double-exponential profiles; 37% of all dwarfs have smaller sizes for the outer part than the inner part (“Type II”), while 10% have a larger outer than inner part (“Type III”). We compare these results with those in the field and in the Virgo cluster, where the SBP types of 102 field dwarfs are compiled from a previous study and the SBP types of 375 cluster dwarfs are measured using SDSS r-band images. As a result, the distributions of SBP types are different in the three environments. Common SBP types for the field, the NGC 2784 group, and the Virgo cluster are Type II, Type I and II, and Type I and III profiles, respectively. After comparing the sizes of dwarfs in different environments, we suggest that since the sizes of some dwarfs are changed due to environmental effects, SBP types are capable of being transformed and the distributions of SBP types in the three environments are different. We discuss possible environmental mechanisms for the transformation of SBP types.
La Confédération de Varsovie du 28 janvier 1573 : une politique de tolérance au service des privilèges nobiliaires
Authors: Tatarenko Laurent
Published: May 2018

Le texte promulgué à l’occasion de la Diète de
1573, avant l’élection d’Henri de Valois au trône de Pologne, est
souvent considéré comme le compromis le plus abouti dans le contexte
des tensions religieuses nées de la Réforme. Il est aussi présenté
comme l’expression du particularisme politique de la République
polono-lituanienne qui aurait fait de la « tolérance » un véritable
mode de gouvernement. Pourtant, derrière cette reconnaissance des
libertés religieuses se révèle être le renforcement du pouvoir local
de la noblesse à la fois par rapport aux institutions ecclésiastiques
et face à l’autorité royale. L’article propose de réexaminer comment
cet État a su se préserver, pour un temps, des déchaînements de la
violence confessionnelle en déplaçant la confrontation religieuse de
la scène publique vers les juridictions des seigneurs privés et des
communautés urbaines. Ce transfert implicite constitue également l’une
des raisons des bouleversements survenus à la suite des guerres des
années 1640-1660, qui ont fini par rendre caducs les anciens
équilibres et forger l’imaginaire d’une Pologne-Lituanie définie comme
un « bastion du catholicisme ».
Organisational Culture
Authors: Otelea Mihaela N.
Published: May 2018

Organizational culture is one of the determinants of a company's competitiveness, and consequently, realistic analysis of the link between these two elements can provide relevant information to optimize it and, on this basis, to increase the company performance. The direct implications of organizational culture are important in business efficiency. Increasing the quality of human resources, efficient exploitation of material resources, and financial mean the achievement of provisioned levels of turnover, market share, or value added. Organizational culture, through its forms and manifestations (symbols, rules of behavior, customs, ceremonies, history, prestige, and authority of managers and employees), influences and leads to a series of behaviors and attitudes so that employees can tap the full potential for achieving goals. Eliminating fear in an organization is an essential requirement, as it encourages people to take more risks, responsibilities, and initiatives. Remarkable results can be achieved if performance will be measured properly and if a direct reward is chosen.
The Role of the Educational System in Promoting Local Culture Within Rural Areas in Romania
Authors: Iridon Cristina , Gafu Cristina
Published: May 2018

The present chapter presents the results of a research developed within a series of rural schools in Romania (Prahova and Buzău County) regarding the role of the educational system in preserving the individuals' cultural identity and in promoting the local culture within the rural areas. Schools, be they urban or rural, are meant to contribute to capitalizing, reevaluating, and valuing the local cultural identity. The present analysis takes into account both the formal activities (included in the study programs or in the units of study planning: topics of discussion, study themes, optional courses, etc.) and non-formal events (traditional local festivals, school feasts, religious/folk celebrations, etc.) organized with the support of the local community projects, workshops conceived by the teachers in order to preserve the local culture and to make the young generation aware of their identity values.
Bioprocessing Requirements for Bioethanol
Authors: Anderson Sophie , Rahman Pattanathu K.S.M.
Published: May 2018

This chapter discusses alternative energy sources and the advantages of biofuels over fossil fuels. It outlines the main steps of bioethanol production and suggests some alternative sources as potential feedstock. The core focus of this chapter is to examine new research which considers the use of agricultural waste as a feedstock for bioethanol production rather than conventional feedstocks such as sugarcane and corn. The advantages of sugarcane bagasse as a feedstock are discussed in detail and the bioprocessing requirements are studied in comparison to traditional methods that use sugarcane as the feedstock. The chapter concludes by briefly outlining further research that could potentially improve these processes.
Microbe Mediated Bioconversion of Fruit Waste Into Value Added Products
Authors: Umesh Mridul , Basheer Thazeem
Published: May 2018

Biosynthetic capabilities of microbes have solved several hurdles in the human welfare. Microbes have served and continue to serve as imperial candidates in both production and management strategies. Microbe mediated techniques has emerged as ecofriendly and sustainable alternative to their synthetic counterparts. Fruit based industries produces large volumes of solid and liquid wastes contributing to increase in pollution load. Disposal of these waste not only represent loss of valuable biomass but also leads to substantial increase in Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). However, in spite of their pollution and hazard aspects, in many cases, fruit processing wastes have a promising potential for being chief raw materials for secondary industries. This chapter summarizes microbe mediated fermentative utilization of fruit waste, for the production of value added products like organic acid, single cell protein, bioplastics, enzymes and biogas.
Bioremediation of Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Akash  , Pathak Vinay Mohan , Babu Neelesh , Navneet
Published: May 2018

This chapter describes how pollutants are increasing in the environment due to the rapid industrialization all over the world. The environment has been contaminated with large number of organic and inorganic pollutants. The organic pollutants are largely anthropogenic and are introduced to the environment in many ways. Soil contamination with toxic metals, such as Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, Ni, etc., as a result of worldwide industrialization has increased noticeably within the past few years. Bioremediation is a process for reclaiming the environment which has been polluted with the help of living forms. It is an option that offers the possibility to destroy various contaminants using natural biological activity and to degrade the environmental contaminants into less toxic forms. It is also applicable for the heavy metal hazards. It has proven to be cheap and efficient than other techniques. This chapter focuses on the possible trends in the remediation of environment pollutants with the help of plants as well as microbes.
Health Literacy and Patient -Reported Outcomes
Authors: Bellini Maria Irene , Kubler Andre
Published: May 2018

Modern healthcare needs to identify parameters for high-quality care. Quality improvement is the key for advancing in healthcare, and the new assessment tool shifts from a disease-centered outcome to a patient-centered outcome. Clinical outcome such as morbidity and mortality are directly connected and interdependent from patient-reported outcomes: well-informed patients who decide with their healthcare provider what treatment is best for them have better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction rates. These subjective data collected by rigorous, meaningful, and scientific methods and presented in a utilizable format can be used to create care objectives towards which both the surgeon and their patient can travel. Time has come to carry patient-centered outcomes from research into decision making and daily care plans. This chapter outlines a focus beyond life-prolonging therapy, aiming to minimize the negative effects of treatment, optimize quality of life, and align medical decisions with patient expectations.
Living Organ Donation Role of Ethics for Improved Clinical Practice
Authors: Di Cocco Pierpaolo
Published: May 2018

Solid organ transplantation represents one of the most important achievements in history of medicine. Over the last decades, the increasing number of transplants has not been of the same extent of the number of patients in the waiting lists. Live donation has been implemented in order to reduce the gap between supply and demand. From an ethical standpoint, the donation process from a live donor seems to violate the traditional first rule of medicine—primum non nocere because inevitably exposes healthy persons to a risk in order to benefit another person. In the chapter will be presented the crucial role of ethics and specific ethical issues in the different forms of live donation, such as financial incentives for living donation, reimbursement in unrelated live donation, minor sibling-to-sibling organ donation. The ethical aspects of live donor organ transplantation are continuously evolving; in order to make this strategy more beneficial and lifesaving, everyone involved in the process should make every possible effort with in mind the best interests of the patients.
Late Onset Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Prabhu Prashanth
Published: May 2018

The chapter attempts to understand the enigma of late-onset auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) from a psychosocial perspective. The focus of research has always been on accurate diagnosis and management of individuals with ANSD. However, there are limited studies on the psychological problems faced by individuals with late-onset ANSD. In the present chapter, the studies on late-onset ANSD and the psycho-social problems faced by them are reviewed. They experience serious psychosocial issues which need to be addressed urgently for appropriate management of individuals with ANSD. It is highlighted that a psychologist/psychiatrist should be a part of the rehabilitation team for management of individuals with late-onset ANSD. In addition, the focus of rehabilitation should not be restricted to physiological problems, but the psychological problems should also be addressed. Thus, a patient-centric approach in management would definitely improve the quality of life of some individuals with ANSD.
Psychosocial Correlates of Dissociative Motor Disorder of Impairment or Loss of Speech
Authors: Rajanna Shyam Hanumanapura , Hanumanthaiah Raju Heggadadevanakote
Published: May 2018

The present chapter is intended to elucidate the role of psychosocial factors such as stressful life events, adjustment issues in family, social, occupational, and academic setup, personality, and socioeconomic correlates in the individual suffering from functional aphonia/dissociative motor disorder of impairment or loss of speech which is also called as functional voice disorder (FVD). This chapter explores a study carried out by purposively selected (N=32) case files reviews of individuals with FVD who were treated with functional voice therapy. The study results indicated various stressful life events such as marital discord, adjustment difficulties with social, occupational, family, and academic stipulation, and rapidly changing personal and health conditions were significantly associated with FVD. Majority of the cases were belonging to lower socioeconomic status and depressive symptoms were observed. Presence of the persistent role of life events, adjustment issues, and depression influencing development and maintenance along with diagnosis and management techniques are discussed.
“Intertwined Lives”
Authors: Hettiarachchi Shyamani , Kitnasamy Gopi , Gopi Dilani , Nizar Fathima Shamra
Published: May 2018

Sibling relationships are complex and unique, often spanning a range of deep emotions. The experiences of children with disabilities and their siblings are arguably seldom documented, particularly in the Global South. The aim of this chapter was to uncover the narratives of young children with disabilities and their siblings in Sri Lanka. Ten dyads of children with disabilities and their siblings and one quartet of siblings were included in this study. Opportunities were offered to the participants to engage in conversation aided by kinetic family drawings. An interview guide was used to support this process. The participant data were analyzed through the lens of the “lived experience” of family dynamics in the tradition of interpretative phenomenological analysis. This chapter will discuss the two complex broad themes of a surrogate parenting role and normative sibling relationships, which at times converge and at times diverge.
Mothers as Advocates of Social Inclusion for Children With Communication Disorders
Authors: Wickremesooriya Shalini Felicity
Published: May 2018

Social inclusion is based on acceptance and belonging irrespective of any status, disability, or disadvantage. The ability to communicate empowers humans in their quest for social inclusion. However, children challenged by communication disorders struggle to form friendships and make inroads into social groups. Mothers, the primary caregivers in most instances, with their intimate knowledge of their children, are considered the best advocates. This study set out to identify strategies that mothers engage in to pave the way for successful social inclusion of children with communication disorders. An online survey was conducted in different geographical locations. Mothers with children aged 6-13 years who had received speech therapy or are currently receiving speech therapy were invited to participate. Data were analyzed using a mixed methods approach. Outcomes suggest that all mothers believe in social inclusion despite facing a range of inclusion and exclusionary practices. Undeterred by these responses, mothers advocate for social inclusion by engaging in a range of strategies.
Behavioral Approach to Speech, Language, Hearing, and Communication Disorders
Authors: Venkatesan Srinivasan
Published: May 2018

This chapter seeks to outline the overarching scenario of behavioral approaches to developmental and childhood speech, language, hearing, and communication disorders. By adopting the dichotomy of skill and problem behaviors, the steps or sequence, procedures, and practices of behavioral assessment and interventions are explained. While doing so, the uniquely Indian cultural underpinnings are highlighted with evidence-based empirical supports for the optimal benefits of the affected individuals. Additionally, two separate segments are focused on guidelines for skill training and problem behavior management along with case illustration on the format for their mapping procedures. The concluding section covers a critique of this approach which continues to hold promise for some more explorations in the contemporary circumstances for the optimum habilitation of these affected individuals.
Discourse Elicitation in Aphasia
Authors: Goswami S. P. , Priyadarshi Brajesh , Mathews Sharon
Published: May 2018

Persons with aphasia (PWA) face varying difficulties of communication breakdown through different stages of recovery. With speech-language therapy, significant recovery may be seen at unitary levels, but the ultimate success of therapy is evident when the PWA uses all of the units as a whole and is able to communicate optimally to sustain social identities. An individualized intervention program as the focus, a protocol is proposed with seven semi-structured interviews aimed at eliciting discourse incorporating the philosophies of the social model, LPAA, SCA, AphasiaBank Protocol, and Protocol to Measure Participation of Persons with Aphasia. The interviews with the PWA and their communication partners in individual and joint sessions can help the clinician answer questions regarding the PWA's physical abilities, dietary issues, functional independence, personal traits, relationships at home, different social roles played, and subsequently plan a treatment program, and track the holistic recovery of the PWA.
Healthcare Services in Developing Countries of the South Asian Region
Authors: Shah Hiba , Meghji Areej Fatemah , Mahoto Naeem A.
Published: May 2018

The rapid growth in information technology (IT) has reshaped traditional infrastructure in several application domains including education, business, and health. Access to patient information, specifically, is vital for effective functioning of a healthcare system; the unavailability of such medical information leads to management issues. IT is no longer perceived as just a supporting tool; it is a tactical necessity for establishing an integrated healthcare infrastructure. Developed nations benefit from the use of modern technology within healthcare to maximize life expectancy and decrease disease. This chapter presents an overview of healthcare conditions of south Asia region. A framework is presented that embeds IT within the healthcare system. The proposed framework has potential to not only restructure but also remove many errors that plague healthcare system. In addition, key problems within the healthcare sector of south Asian countries—Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri-Lanka—have been highlighted, and recommendations are proposed to overcome the challenges.
Application of Biomechanics Instrumentation in Occupational Health Research
Authors: Kotadiya Sanjay M. , Majumder Joydeep , Kumar Sunil
Published: May 2018

Occupational morbidities during manual material handling operations are routine at workplaces. This is a global burden contributing substantially to the economy. The multifactorial etiology for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) along with workplace stressors require multidisciplinary preventive effort. Biomechanics plays a pivotal role in occupational health research quarrying into the root cause analysis of posture, load handling, muscular loading, balance, and stability at work. Sophisticated instrumentation and experimental techniques assist in understanding the biomechanical mechanisms of MSDs and ergonomic principles, etc. Kinetic, kinematic, isotonic, isokinetic, as well as isometric experimental modes investigate body postures and muscular responses. Foundation of biomechanics instrumentation and injury mechanism would aid researchers alongside ergonomists in dealing with identification, assessment, and control of workplace risks through participatory ergonomics approach. Judicious utilization of this discipline would approach a long-term sustainable solution to protect health and safety of workers at the workplace.
Advances in MEMS and Micro-Scale Technologies for Application in Controlled Drug-Dosing Systems
Authors: Barua Ranjit , Datta Sudipto , Chowdhury Amit Roy , Datta Pallab
Published: May 2018

Implantable drug delivery devices have shown promise for drug administration for management of several diseases spanning chronic diseases to emergency medicine as they overcome the limitations of continuous monitoring by medical physician or paramedical professional. Micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technologies are they key enabling technology platform that allow fabrication of miniature devices with precise control over drug dosing rates. Recently, many of these technologies are also finding applications in microfluidic chips applications. MEMS are composed of microvalves, microchannels, microsensors, and micropumps within a miniaturized control device. Among these, micropumps play a dynamic role in determining the extent of control over drug dispensation. In this chapter, principles and developments of MEMS-based drug delivery systems with micropumps are presented, which may allow future development of affordable technologies based on this principle.
Effect of a Motivational Song on the Autonomic Nervous System and the Heart of Indian Male Volunteers
Authors: Yadu Gitika , Nayak Suraj Kumar , Panigrahi Debasisha , Ray Sirsendu Sekhar , Pal Kunal
Published: May 2018

This chapter investigates the effect of a motivational song (stimulus) on the physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the electrical activity of the heart. Five min electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were acquired from 19 volunteers during the resting and the post-stimulus conditions. The RR intervals (RRIs) were extracted. Recurrence analysis of the RRI time series indicated a higher alteration (acceleration or deceleration) in the heart rate along with the reduction of the causality and patterned behavior of the RRIs. The exact alteration in the ANS physiology was examined using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. The results of the HRV analysis suggested an increase in the parasympathetic activity in the post-stimulus condition. The alteration in the cardiac activity was analyzed using time domain and joint time-frequency domain analyses of ECG signals. The results suggested an alteration in the cardiac electrical activity of the heart in the post-stimulus condition.
An Analysis of the Possibilities of the Use of Technology for the Learning of Languages
Authors: Pérez-Juárez María A. , Antón-Rodríguez Míriam , Díaz-Pernas Francisco J. , Martínez-Zarzuela Mario , González-Ortega David
Published: May 2018

Being able to communicate in a foreign language is a very pleasant experience. Moreover, in different working environments and scenarios, it is necessary. For this reason, there is a tremendous need to continue the research and development of techniques, tools, applications, strategies, and experiences related to the teaching and learning of foreign languages, adapted to the different needs, abilities, and interests of the learners. This chapter explores the important role that technology is playing in supporting the learning of languages through the facilitation of ubiquitous learning, where techniques such as informatics technology, mobile technology, or cloud computing, and tools such as learning management systems (LMSs) and massive open online courses (MOOCs) can be of great help.
Determinants of Participation and Impact of Microfinance
Authors: Patra Sudhakar
Published: May 2018

The objective of the chapter is to analyze the determinants of participation and impact of microfinance on income, empowerment, and efficiency. The study is based on primary data based on the field survey conducted in Baripada block and Betanati of Mayurbhanj District of Odisha, India. For this study, a total of 400 households were covered, out of which 300 are participants and 100 are non-participants. Four participants are selected from each self-help group. The Functional Efficiency Index, Economic Empowerment Index, activity level correlates of functional efficiency and economic empowerment have been calculated. The study found that 28% of the total groups have a low level of functional efficiency while 42% of the groups have attained moderate level of functional efficiency and 30% of the groups have managed to reach a high level of functional efficiency. The result suggests that land holding, education, and participation are positively related to household income. The poorest section of the society, those who need at most attention, are not participating significantly in the program.
Capturing the Performances of Self-Help Groups Across Indian States
Authors: Sinha Madhabendra , Mukhopadhyay Partha , Chaudhury Anjan Ray , Sengupta Partha Pratim
Published: May 2018

During last four-and-a-half decades, microfinance has been growing as an instrument of improving the condition of the poor people in India. According to the report of NABARD (2015-16), almost 101 million of families in India have been receiving the fruits of microfinance through 7.9 million self-help groups. Based upon this importance of microfinance, this chapter attempts to look at the long-run dynamics of the amount of saving and the disbursement of loans taken by the self-help groups across the states during 2007-08 to 2013-14. Using LLC and IPS unit root tests and the generalized method of moments, it assesses the performance of the self-help groups through the amounts of their savings, which is a unit root process, and takes it as the dependent variable with disbursement amount of loan taken by the self-help groups taken as the independent variable. On the basis of this panel data regression, the results show that there exists a significant association between the selected variables.
The Role of Small and Medium Practices in the Sustainability Reporting of Italian Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Agostini Marisa , Costa Ericka , Bagnoli Carlo
Published: May 2018

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a prominent role in both the European and the Italian economies, but their approach towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability is still underdeveloped. The reasons are mainly related to perceived low economic returns, lack of enforced compliance of the legislation, limited financial and practical support. In overcoming these problems, the role of small and medium practices (SMPs) can be determinant due to the relationship between SMEs and their (not only accounting) consultants. This chapter focuses on SMPs' role in promoting SMEs' initiatives and also considers the academic debate about their sustainability reporting. The investigation of this stream of research and the results of a web survey (involving SMPs in the Northeast of Italy) emphasize how SMPs can support SMEs' sustainable practices and reporting.
SME and Sustainability
Authors: Casalegno Cecilia , Rainero Christian , Büchi Giacomo , Mosca Fabrizio
Published: May 2018

The analysis and the consideration of the sustainability development throughout the SMEs has been less considered by the academic literature than the one developed by large firms so far, although small and medium enterprises represent the majority of the local businesses in many geographical areas of the world. Since small and medium entrepreneurs usually do not know how to tackle the challenges concerning internationalization and sustainability, a managerial model for underling which kind of relationships and interactions must be built is the real aim of the present chapter. In order to do that the chapter is focused of a limited area, the Piedmont Region (Italy), to deep analyse the relationship SMEs can create and improve with the local institutions, associations, and business partners.
The Family Company in Spain
Authors: López-Arranz Ma Asunción
Published: May 2018

The objective and justification of the chapter focuses on the importance that family businesses in Spain have in the current business environment, which is characterized by great instability. Also in the center of focus is how these family businesses integrate family values with a sustainable business. Innovation, technological advances, market internationalization, quality requirements, and the differentiation of products and/or services, among others, have led to important reflections on how to organize companies, especially family businesses. Nowadays and as a result of the economic crisis, it has been possible to observe a growing creation of family businesses in Spain, which reflects a driving role of business activity in its capacity to undertake and contribute to innovation. Thus, the figures provided by the Institute of Family Business in 2016 show that 90% of Spanish companies are family businesses and contribute about 60% of Spanish GDP and represent 70% of jobs in the private sector as a whole.
Matching Sustainability Strategy and Results
Authors: Broccardo Laura , Truant Elisa
Published: May 2018

The aim of the research is to analyze the strategy and the value creation system from a sustainable point of view adopted in an Italian family firm, with a particular focus strategic intensions and strategic projects under implementation. This work has been conducted through the qualitative method of case study, where theory and empirical research are intertwined. In particular, semi-structured interviews and internal document analysis have been conducted. The research shows how the company has implemented the strategy, focusing on sustainability critical success factors and key projects in order to lay the foundation for innovation and growth. The chapter has some theoretical and practical implications as it contributes to integrate the existing literature on family firms, strategic planning, and sustainability, and allows managers better understand how a sustainability strategy can be translated into operational terms.
“Glocal” Small Business for Sustainability
Authors: Migliaccio Guido
Published: May 2018

In socioeconomic areas, the “glocal” model, which mediates the characteristics of globalization with those of the more entrenched localization, seems to flourish. Glocalization is a social and economic phenomenon, and has intuitive implications also on the environment. Therefore, it causes sustainability issues. As it is governed by its own principles, it modifies traditional business management systems. When can a business be defined glocal? What are the characteristics of its management? What are the features of his promotional communication? How does its social, environmental, and financial reporting change? Must the many stakeholders always be spectators of a communication imposed by property and regulations, or can they become “prosumers” in the financial statement? These initial reflections will require subsequent empirical verifications.
Workforce Management Practices in Volunteer-Based Operations for the Generation of Social and Economic Value
Authors: Ávila Liliana , Amorim Marlene , Ferreira Luis Miguel D. F.
Published: May 2018

In recent years, hybrid organizations have been spreading in the competitive landscape, combining characteristics from both private and social sectors. To be successful, they need to do a great job managing limited resources. To this end, an effective operations strategy must be at the core of their priorities. Most of these organizations often rely on volunteer work to conduct their activities; therefore, mobilizing and engaging volunteers on a continuous basis is a key issue for many hybrid organizations. The present chapter aims to identify relevant workforce management practices in hybrid organizations. Building on the literature, the chapter offers a presentation of the main concepts underlying the setup of an operations strategy, highlighting the main particularities and challenges faced by hybrid organizations, and focusing on workforce management decisions. The chapter then identifies and discusses three workforce management practices employed by two hybrid organizations, whose operations are based on volunteer work.
Collaborative System Approach for Enterprise Engineering and Enterprise Architecture
Authors: Yildiran Pinar , Kilic Huseyin Selcuk , Sennaroglu Bahar
Published: May 2018

Today we are living in a constantly changing world and today's strong competition and changing market conditions enforce enterprises to adopt fundamental methods and new approaches to enhance their capabilities. Enterprises are goal-oriented, designed, and complex systems and they need to implement new strategies easily and control Key Performance Indicators to maintain their competitiveness. Enterprise engineering (EE) is a developing field and an enabler for informed decision making for addressing the required changes to be competitive and for tackling the complexity of enterprises' design issues on business, organization, information, and technology domains. Enterprise architecture (EA) is one of the basic elements of EE and it is about the structure of the whole of enterprise. There is an important and strong relationship between EE and EA. Although there are specific individual studies for EE and EA, this chapter aims to explore the fields of these two subjects in a collaborative system approach as a whole with existing literature review by assessing the core concepts and the methods used.
Yearlong 500 °C Operational Demonstration of Up-scaled 4H-SiC JFET Integrated Circuits
Authors: Neudeck Philip G. , Spry David J. , Krasowski Michael J. , Prokop Norman F. , Beheim Glenn M. , Chen Liang-Yu , Chang Carl W.
Published: May 2018

This work describes recent progress in the design, processing, and testing of significantly up-scaled 500 °C durable 4H-SiC junction field effect transistor (JFET) integrated circuit (IC) technology with two-level interconnect undergoing development at NASA Glenn Research Center. For the first time, stable electrical operation of semiconductor ICs for over one year at 500 °C in air atmosphere is reported. These groundbreaking durability results were attained on two-level interconnect JFET demonstration ICs with 175 or more transistors on each chip. This corresponds to a more than 7-fold increase in 500 °C-durable circuit complexity from the 24 transistor ring oscillator ICs reported at HiTEC 2016 [1]. These results advance the technology foundation for realizing long-term durable 500 °C ICs with increased functional capability for combustion engine sensing and control, planetary exploration, deep-well drilling monitoring, and other harsh-environment applications.