bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wpływ pasywnego zarządzania portfelem inwestycyjnym na międzynarodowy rynek finansowy
Authors: Miziołek Tomasz
Published: July 2016

Rosnące znaczenie pasywnego zarządzania portfelem inwestycyjnym jest jedną z najważniejszych tendencji na międzynarodowym rynku finansowym w dwóch ostatnich dekadach. Jego odzwierciedleniem jest, obserwowany głównie w Stanach Zjednoczonych, dynamiczny wzrost wartości aktywów indeksowych funduszy inwestycyjnych, funduszy ETF oraz – w mniejszym stopniu – innych instrumentów finansowych, takich jak ETP. Zjawisko to oddziałuje również na różnorodne aspekty funkcjonowania całego rynku finansowego i jego niektórych segmentów. Prowadzi m.in. do wzrostu stopnia korelacji między różnymi instrumentami finansowymi, zmienia kształt sektora zarządzania aktywami oraz jest bodźcem rozwoju branży indeksowej.
Travel mode detection based on GPS raw data collected by smartphones: a systematic review of the existing methodologies
Authors: Wu Linlin , Yang Biao , Jing Peng
Published: July 2016

Over the past couple of decades, Global positioning system (GPS) technology has been utilized to collect large-scale data from travel surveys. As the precise spatiotemporal characteristics of travel could be provided by GPS devices, the issues of traditional travel survey, such as misreporting and non-response, could be addressed. Considering the defects of dedicated GPS devices (e.g., need much money to buy devices, forget to take devices to collect data, limit the simple size because of the number of devices, etc.), and the phenomenon that the smartphone is becoming one of necessities of life, there is a great chance for the smartphone to replace dedicated GPS devices. Although, several general reviews have been done about smartphone-based GPS travel survey in the literature review section in some articles, a systematic review from smartphone-based GPS data collection to travel mode detection has none. The included studies were searched from six databases. The purpose of this review is to critically assess the current literature on the existing methodologies of travel mode detection based on GPS raw data collected by smartphones. Meanwhile, according to the systematic comparison among different methods from data-preprocessing to travel mode detection, this paper could carefully provide the Strengths and Weaknesses of existing methods. Furthermore, it is the crucial step to develop the methodologies and applications of GPS raw data collected by smartphones.
Analysis between Various Random MIMO systems Model On the Basis of Channel Capacity
Authors: Acharya Shree Krishna
Published: July 2016

Finding a good MIMO system model also major issue in Wireless Communication system. It is facing with so many problem, one of the major problem is finding good system model in terms of capacity. In this paper, we analyze the channel capacity of various MIMO system model with some constant SNR level and outage probability. We establish a novel idea for MIMO system models as consider as 2N- MIMO system model with constant SNR and outage probability. The channel capacity ratio is presented here on the basis of 2N- MIMO channel capacity model. Analysis of various MIMO system model show that it is better to use NT×NR MIMO system model then two NT/2×NR/2 MIMO system model in terms of channel capacity but it is not good for higher value of NT×NR
Acute Gastroenteritis and Recreational Water: Highest Burden Among Young US Children
Authors: Arnold Benjamin F. , Wade Timothy J. , Benjamin-Chung Jade , Schiff Kenneth C. , Griffith John F. , Dufour Alfred P. , Weisberg Stephen B. , Colford John M.
Published: July 2016

Objectives. To provide summary estimates of gastroenteritis risks and illness burden associated with recreational water exposure and determine whether children have higher risks and burden.

Methods. We combined individual participant data from 13 prospective cohorts at marine and freshwater beaches throughout the United States (n = 84 411). We measured incident outcomes within 10 days of exposure: diarrhea, gastrointestinal illness, missed daily activity (work, school, vacation), and medical visits. We estimated the relationship between outcomes and 2 exposures: body immersion swimming and Enterococcus spp. fecal indicator bacteria levels in the water. We also estimated the population-attributable risk associated with these exposures.

Results. Water exposure accounted for 21% of diarrhea episodes and 9% of missed daily activities but was unassociated with gastroenteritis leading to medical consultation. Children aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 10 years had the most water exposure, exhibited stronger associations between levels of water quality and illness, and accounted for the largest attributable illness burden.

Conclusions. The higher gastroenteritis risk and associated burden in young children presents important new information to inform future recreational water quality guidelines designed to protect public health.
Observations of Bordetella bronchiseptica infections in dogs
Authors: Garbal Marcin , Adaszek Łukasz , Łyp Paweł , Surma-Kurusiewicz Katarzyna , Luft-Deptuła Dorota , Frymus Jan , Banach Tomasz , Winiarczyk Stanisław
Published: July 2016

The aim of the study was to present and develop a comprehensive diagnosis of B. bronchiseptica infections in dogs from Lublin Voivodeship and to determine whether these animals were infected with one or multiple genotypes of the bacteria. Thirty-five dogs with bordetellosis confirmed by bacteriological and molecular tests were included in the study. Samples of blood for hematology and biochemistry, as well as bronchial alveolar lavage for cytological and molecular tests, were taken from all animals. Seven dogs showed a decreased hematocrit and a decreased number of red blood cells. In 16 dogs, leukocytosis was found. Increased AST activity, increased ALT activity, elevated serum concentrations of urea, and increased creatinine concentrations were observed in 3, 5, 3, and 3 dogs, respectively. Endoscopy showed inflammation in the trachea and bronchi in 15 dogs. Cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavages revealed a large number of macrophages (in 18 dogs), lymphocytes (in 8 dogs), and eosinophil granulocytes (in 2 dogs). The genetic material of the bacteria, a fragment of Bordetella spp flaA gene, was detected in nasal and pharyngeal swabs taken from all 35 dogs, and in bronchial alveolar lavage from 17 dogs. A comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the gene showed that the homology between the bacterial isolates obtained in our study was 100%. This suggests the presence of only one B. bronchiseptica genotype in the dog population in Lublin Voivodeship. The sequence similarity of our isolates with sequences available in the gene bank (NCBI PubMed: EU 327790 from China, AJ 012319 from Argentina, L 13034 from the US) was also very high, ranging from 98.2% to 100 %. The results of our study indicate that a comprehensive diagnosis of the disease and its constant monitoring are necessary for recognizing the disease, for determining the relationship between the genetic structure of pathogens and the course of the disease, and for studying the immunoprophylaxis of B. bronchiseptica infections in dogs
Rabies in Lublin Voivodeship: Effectiveness of prophylactic vaccination of free-living foxes and its impact on wild animal population in the last decade
Authors: Flis Marian , Zarzeczny Jerzy , Grela Eugeniusz R. , Gugała Dariusz
Published: July 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the epizootic situation of rabies in Lublin Voivodeship in a ten-year period (2005-2014) of a prophylactic vaccination of foxes, against the background of the population dynamics of the species, which is the primary vector of the virus. In addition, an evaluation of the effectiveness and costs of preventive measures was carried out. During the assessment period, despite a fluctuating distribution of the virus occurrence in wild and domestic animals, there was a relative stabilization in the number of reported rabies cases. As in previous years, the primary reservoir of the virus were wild foxes and, among domestic animals, dogs and cats. Most cases in this region were found near the national border, which is due to the lack of preventive measures in Ukraine and Belarus, as well as migrations of animals. During the ten years of the study, the density of free-living fox population and the hunting rates were high. The results, showing high rates of vaccine ingestion by foxes and a high fox population density, confirm the effectiveness of vaccination, which in turn resulted in increased predation and further decrease in the main species of small animals, which has continued for several years. An economic analysis of preventive measures against rabies indicates that the cost of preventive vaccination increased each year, and consisted mostly of the cost of the vaccine..
Genetic variability of farmed fur animals of the Canidae family assessed by nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis
Authors: Nisztuk-Pacek Sylwia
Published: July 2016

The aim of the study was to assess the biodiversity of farmed fur animals from the Canidae family (common fox, polar fox, and raccoon dog) using nuclear and mitochondrial markers. The study involved 434 animals. The biological material included whole peripheral blood or skin tissue. The isolated genetic material was subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyses. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene fragments (COX1, COX2, CYTB) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) gene fragments (MSTN1, MSTN2, MSTN3, IGF1, GHR) were amplified with the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique. The amplicons obtained were sequenced or subjected to PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) reaction, and bioinformatics analyses were performed. The interspecific analysis of the nDNA sequences revealed a total of 25 polymorphisms. On the other hand, the interspecific analysis of the mtDNA gene fragments identified 277 polymorphisms. The COX1 gene fragment exhibited the greatest variability. It was shown that the frequency of polymorphisms within the mitochondrial genome was almost 20-fold higher than that in the nuclear genome of the raccoon dog. It was found that the genetic distances revealed by the analysis of the mitochondrial gene fragments were similar to the results obtained by the nDNA analysis. The genetic distance between the raccoon and common fox was the greatest. The smallest phylogenetic distance was revealed between the two fox species. The study results indicate mitochondrial and nuclear genes may be alternatively used for determining the phylogenetic relationships between fur animals from the Canidae family.
Influence of inbreeding on the incidence of cryptorchidism in males of Lowland-line bison
Authors: Czykier Elżbieta , Dackiewicz Jerzy , Krzysiak Michał , Cholewski Mateusz , Olech Wanda
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to find whether the coefficient of inbreeding is correlated with the incidence of cryptorchidism in the Białowieża line of bison. Our study included 605 male European bison Bison bonasus (L.) born between 1971 and 2015 in the Białowieża Forest. The animals were free-ranging as well as from captive breeding programs. Among the animals culled, there were 144 European bison calves. The calves were not considered in the research, because the descending of the testes in European bison may not occur until a year after birth. The study period, from 1966 to 2015, was divided into 5 decades. The number of male European bison born in each decade was recorded, as well as the number of cryptorchidism cases identified through necropsy in these animals. The percentage of incidence of cryptorchidism among them was calculated for every decade. Subsequently, the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between the number of cryptorchidism cases and the coefficient of inbreeding. In 461 male European bison older than 1 year, there were 18 cases of cryptorchidism. In the animals born in the first decade, two autopsical cases of cryptorchidism (0.045%) were recorded, and 4 cases of cryptorchidism (0.03%) were found in the animals from the second decade. Among the bison born in the third decade, there were no cases of cryptorchidism. In the fourth decade, 7 cases of cryptorchidism (0.071%) were diagnosed, and among the bison born during the fifth decade, there were 5 cases (0.111%). The Pearson correlation coefficient suggests that, as the value of the coefficient of inbreeding rises, there is an increase in cryptorchidism cases in male European bison.
Comparison between the usefulness of preparations: Acid Pla Tan Liquid and Efektywne Mikroorganizmy in the control of Nosema spp. infection in bees
Authors: Romaniuk Konstanty , Wilde Jerzy
Published: July 2016

Bearing in mind that there is no effective medication to control nosemosis, the authors assessed the usefulness of Acid Pla Tan Liquid [AP] and Efektywne Mikroorganizmy [EM] in the management of this disease in bees. Prior to field tests, we carried out laboratory examinations for the toxicity of the preparations in cages with bees, and then on colonies infected with Nosema spp. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the preparations was carried out on 36 colonies infected with nosemosis. In bees administered syrup containing the tested preparations at concentrations: 2ml, 1ml, 0.5ml, 0.25ml, and 0.125ml per 1 l, we did not observe abnormal behaviors or workers’ deaths. Bees in complete colonies with therapeutic syrup containing AP administered 3 times at a dose of 1 ml/1 l, and with EM at a dose of 2 ml/1 l behaved similarly. Worker bees from these colonies left the hive in a usual manner to fly for forage, brought pollen, found their way back home accurately, young bees emerged from their cells, the queen laid eggs, and young bees raised brood. After 15 days from the completion of the treatment, we found out that AP eliminated Nosema spp. infection at 100.0%, and EM at 42.9%. The autumn control triple administration of AP at a dose of 1 ml/1 l, and EM at a dose of 2 ml/1 l, to colonies with different intensity of Nosema spp. infection proves a higher effectiveness of AP (75%) than EM (58.3%). A mean of a significantly lower number of spores was observed in colonies from group AP as compared both to the control group and group EM, in which the number of spores was nevertheless significantly lower than in the control group.
La ley de la tendencia descendente de la tasa de ganancia y su validez explicativa de las crisis económicas. La nueva interpretación temporalista
Authors: Martín Fernández Sergio
Published: July 2016

Este trabajo es una revisión de los debates clásicos y actuales sobre la Ley de la tendencia descendente de la tasa de ganancia y su validez como teoría explicativa de las dinámicas del capitalismo. El texto trata de responder a la consistencia o no de la Ley, puesta en duda durante décadas, a través de la presentación de la nueva interpretación temporalista (TSSI) y la adecuación de esta nueva interpretación marxista para explicar las crisis económicas en el capitalismo.
Transporte y mercado interno en Colombia: una contribución a un debate hasta ahora desconocido, 1928-1950
Authors: Villarreal Romero Sebastián , Ortiz Navarro Darío A.
Published: July 2016

Algunos autores sostienen que durante el siglo XIX y principios del XX, el desarrollo del mercado interno colombiano fue escaso como consecuencia del atrasado sistema de transportes. Sin embargo, otros autores atribuyen el pobre desarrollo de las vías de comunicación precisamente a la ausencia de un mercado interno consolidado. El documento establece los términos de este debate inadvertido hasta ahora en la literatura sobre la primera mitad del siglo XX, incluso en la historiografía económica colonial, proponiendo la prueba de causalidad de Granger (procedimiento Toda-Yamamoto) como estrategia metodológica para contribuir empíricamente al debate.
Late Print Culture’s Social Media Revolution: Authorship, Collaboration and Copy Machines
Authors: Eichhorn Kate
Published: July 2016

This article examines the impact of copy machines on late twentieth-century print cultures. Specifically, this article makes a case for “dry copying,” the method of print reproduction perfected by Xerox in the late 1950s, as a unique medium rather than a weak imitation of other printing methods. Following the claim that the widespread availability of copy machines in the late twentieth century represented the arrival of a new medium, this article further examines how understandings of authorship, established with print culture, came undone in the era of the copy machine. Finally, this paper makes a case for understanding copy machines as a form of “social media” that opened up opportunities for writers, readers and publishers to create, share, exchange and comment on texts and images in communities and networks of their own making in the decades preceding the development of the web.
Introduction: Remix in Retrospect
Authors: Moser Nelleke
Published: July 2016

Introduction to the fourth issue of Authorship.
Joining Forces: European Periodical Studies as a New Research Field
Authors: Van Remoortel Marianne , Ewins Kristin , Koffeman Maaike , Philpotts Matthew
Published: July 2016

In recent decades, periodical studies have burgeoned into a vibrant field of research. Increasing numbers of scholars working in disciplines across the humanities — literary studies, history, art history, gender studies, media studies, legal history, to name a few — are exploring the press as a key site for cultural production, public debate and the dissemination of knowledge. [...]
Forms of Affect, Relationality, and Periodical Encounters, or ‘Pine-Apple for the Million’
Authors: Dillane Fionnuala
Published: July 2016

The social, economic, intellectual, cultural, and material relations that comprise periodical encounters have been attended to in analyses that invoke the concept of the network, what Nathan Hensley has described as a ‘chain of visible or material interactions among human and nonhuman entities’. The affective dimensions of these relations, however, are neither material nor always visible, yet they are fundamental to all such interactions. This article argues that the periodical’s capacity to communicate, the contours, scope, and effects of that capacity, and in particular its genre traction, are everywhere underscored by a relationality that is charged with affect and emotions, shaped by what Raymond Williams famously described as ‘structures of feeling’. My focus on the haptic currents that drive periodical exchanges (taking examples from George Eliot at the Cornhill Magazine, Joseph Conrad in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, and James Joyce in the Irish Homestead) follows from important theorizations of the unique affordances of this ‘most time-oriented of print forms’ (Beetham). Affect, feelings, and emotive responses are messy and cannot be pressed into a discrete methodology, but when considering the open-ended, multi-textured, serial form that is the periodical, there is something to be gained, I suggest, from trying to understand the operations of affect, its openness, its aleatoric potential, and its emotion-based effects.
De nieuwe gids and its Informal Patronage System
Authors: Van den Braber Helleke
Published: July 2016

This paper focuses on the funding and finances of De nieuwe gids, a late nineteenth-century periodical believed by many to be the archetypical Dutch cultural magazine. The editors of De nieuwe gids introduced new ways of running their business and had new ideas about their role as professional writers and painters, about the pitfalls of creating for money, and about the relationship between art and finance. The paper argues that they alleviated their uneasy relationship with money through different forms of patronage. The editors acquired a substantial capital from a consortium of eleven backers, and used this money for the continuation of the magazine as well as for the upkeep of those members of their group who had no other resources. They made sure that money was circulated and transferred in such a way that all members profited: artists without money could keep on writing and painting, and artists who did have money invested in the continuity of the group as a whole and in their own place within it. This patronage system was remarkably successful, probably because it did not affect the artistic prestige or credibility of the editors, nor of the benefactors involved.
A dualitás kérdése a rendszerváltást követő gazdasági fejlődésben
Authors: Szanyi Miklos
Published: July 2016

E tanulmány képet kíván adni az átalakuló gazdaságok KMT-alapú gazdaságfejlődési modelljének egyik fő dilemmájáról és annak megoldási lehetőségeiről. Először a dualitás kérdését vizsgálja1.Jellemzi a két struktúrát, bemutatja a kettő közötti eltéréseket, valamint a vizsgált két vállalatcsoport gazdasági beágyazódásának sajátosságait. Rámutat a vámszabad területi szabályozás hatásaira. A magyar vállalkozások számára adódó alacsonyabb szintű bekapcsolódási lehetőségek közül kiemeli a bérmunkakapcsolatokat mint jellemző formát. Feltárja azokat a tényezőket, amelyek a két szektor közöttiátjárást nehezítik. A tanulmány második fele a dualitást csökkenteni képes tudásátadás, a multinacionális cégektől kiinduló átcsorduló (spillover) hatások jelentőségét taglalja, illetve a mérésükre tett kísérletektapasztalatait.

JEL: F23, L53
A közép-kelet-európai országok agrár-külkereskedelmi integrációja az Európai Unióba: mit mondanak nekünk a nemzetközi kereskedelemelmélet előrejelzései és az empirikus vizsgálatok?
Authors: Ferto Imre
Published: July 2016

A cikk röviden áttekinti a közép-kelet-európai országok az Európai Unióba irányuló agrár-külkereskedelmi integrációjáról szóló empirikus irodalom legfontosabb eredményeit. A várakozásokkal szemben a régió országai nem lettek jelentős agrárexportőrök. Az agrárkereskedelem specializációjában, az ágazaton belüli kereskedelem szerkezete, az ár és minőségi árversenyképesség jelentős szóródást mutat az egyes országok és termékcsoportok között. A különbségek jórészt visszavezethetők a relatív tényezőellátottságban megfigyelhető eltérésekre, illetve az egyes országok különböző kiindulóhelyzetére. Az új elméleti ésmódszertani eredmények alkalmazása az agrár-külkereskedelem elemzésében sokat segíthet az új tagállamok külkereskedelmi integrációjának jobb megértésében.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: Q12
A szuverén vagyonalapok szerepe a nemzetközi pénzügyi rendszerben
Authors: Kovacs Eniko Agnes
Published: July 2016

A korábban passzív pénzügyi befektetőkként tevékenykedő szuverén vagyonalapok manapság a tőkepiacok egyre aktívabb résztvevői. Folyamatosan növekvő eszközállományukkal megvan rá a lehetőségük, hogy jelentős hatást gyakoroljanak mind az egész pénzügyi szolgáltató ágazatra, mind a nemzetközi tőkeáramlásra. E tanulmány átfogó képet kíván nyújtani a vagyonalapoknak a hitelválságban betöltött szerepéről, a gazdasági és pénzügyi rendszerre gyakorolt hatásukról, majd felmerül az átláthatóság, azaz a transzparencia hiánya, mely probléma abból ered, hogy az alapok működésükkel, befektetéseikkel kapcsolatban meglehetősen kevés információt szolgáltatnak, végül pedig a szuverén vagyonalapokkal kapcsolatos nemzetközi szintű kezdeményezésekről lesz szó.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: E58, F21, F30, G15
A pénzügyi-gazdasági válság hatása a magyarországi kis- és középvállalkozások életpályájára, rövidtávú és stratégiai döntéseire
Authors: Salamonné Huszty Anna
Published: July 2016

A tanulmány egy hosszú távú kutatási program harmadik szakaszának eredményeit foglalja össze. A kutatás átfogó célja a magyarországi kis- és középvállalkozások növekedési pályájának és stratégiájánakvizsgálata. Az első szakasz az egyes életfázisok sajátosságainak feltárására irányult, a második szakasz a stratégiai gondolkodásra, a stratégiaalkotás módjaira és a stratégia tartalmi elemeire koncentrált.1 Ajelen cikk a 2008–2009. évi pénzügyi-gazdasági válság kis- és középvállalkozásokra gyakorolt hatásaival foglalkozik. Bemutatja, a nem várt és a szokásosnál nagyobb mértékű környezeti változások miképpenhatottak a cégek fejlődési pályájára, hogyan reagáltak a szektor vezetői, döntéseikben milyen mértékben jelentek meg a rövidtávú, tűzoltást célzó és a hosszabb távra előretekintő, stratégiai jellegű elemek. JEL kódok: L21, L26, M13
Studies on neutron and photon kerma parameters for human body organs
Authors: Singh Vishvanath , Badiger Nagappa , Vega-Carrillo Rene
Published: July 2016

A study on neutron kerma factors and photon air-kerma for human organs is
presented for neutron energy range 2.53?10-8 MeV to 29 MeV and photon energy
range 1 keV to 20 MeV. The human organs water equivalence for photon and
neutron, is also presented. The ratio of the mass-energy absorption
coefficients of human organs to water was found constant and unity above 100
keV, whereas there was a large difference for energies below 100 keV. The
neutron kerma factors of human organs and water are found of same order of
magnitude whereas differs for air. The neutron kerma factors of human organs
and tissue substitutes were found to be equal to water for neutron energies
between 63 eV and 200 keV. The skeleton-cortical bone was found to be away
from water equivalence for low-energy photons and high-energy neutrons.
Interaction studies and gamma-ray properties of some low-Z materials
Authors: Bhosale Rameshwar , Gaikwad Dhammajyot , Pawar Pravina , Rode Madhav
Published: July 2016

In present work we use NaI(Tl) detector in narrow-beam good geometry set-up
for the gamma ray attenuation studies of some low-Z materials. The parameters
such as mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic numbers and effective
electron densities, atomic cross-sections, electronic cross-sections of
materials for graphitic powder, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, plaster of
Paris, gypsum, and limestone were determined using gamma ray sources 57Co,
133Ba, 137Bs, 60Co, and 22Na at energies of 122, 356, 511, 662, 840, 1170,
1275, and 1330 keV. It was observed that the effective atomic numbers and
effective electron densities initially decrease and tend to be almost
constant as a function of gamma-ray energy. An attempt was done to check the
availability of these low-Z materials at large scales and obtainable at low
cost as gamma ray shielding materials. The investigated data are useful in
electronic industry, plastic industry, building materials, and agriculture
fields.
The effect of illegal lead processing on blood lead levels in children living in the mining area
Authors: Corac Aleksandar , Barac Nemanja , Bukumiric Zoran , Barac Milan , Milicevic Sasa , Vidovic Milka , Mijovic Milica , Hudomal Snezana , Joksimovic Viktorija , Paut-Kusturica Milica , Ilic Danijela , Jovic Jelena , Trajkovic Goran
Published: July 2016

Backgraund/Aim. The northern part of Kosovo was one of the largest lead and zinc production industries in Europe. Special attention has been paid to the landfill sites of these metals remained after past industrial activities. The inhabitants of Roma camps in this area are collecting led waste they process by crushing and melting in their shacks in primitively organized working environments. Because of all the aforementioned it was necessary to examine the concentration of blood lead level (BLL) in the children aged less than 6 years inhabiting this area, especially taking care of blood analysis of children living in Roma camps. Methods. The study was conducted in the municipality of Leposavic, Province Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia. Totally 78 subjects participated in the study. All the subjects were divided into two groups: the group I consisting of 42 children who lived in the Romas camp, and the group II with 36 children from a city kindergarten. Based on the mathematical model WRPLOT we found out that both groups of patients were in the low risk zone for industrial contamination exposure. Blood analysis was done according to the protocol provided by ESA Lead Care. Results. The average age of participants in the study was 4.60 ? 1.63 years. The mean BBL in the children from the group 1 was 19.11 ?g/dL and from the group 2 4.87 ?g/dL. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean values of BBL between the groups (U = 39, p < 0.001). All of the children from the group 1 had BBL greater than 5 ?g/dL in comparison to 38.9% of the children from the group 2 (?2 = 35.75, p < 0.001). Conclusion. Although both groups were located outside the zone of direct spread of pollution, the results indicate high concentrations of lead in blood of all the examined children. The concentration was higher in the children who lived in the area in which illegal processing of lead waste took place.
Growth hormone receptor gene variant and three-dimensional mandibular morphology
Authors: Nakawaki Takatoshi , Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Isa Mutsumi , Kawaguchi Akira , Tomita Daisuke , Hikita Yu , Suzuki-Tomoyasu Yoko , Adel Mohamed , Ishida Hajime , Maki Koutaro , Kimura Ryosuke
Published: July 2016

Objective: To examine the relationship between three-dimensional mandibular morphology and growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene variants in a healthy Japanese population.

Materials and Methods: The subjects, who were unrelated Japanese orthodontic patients, consisted of 64 men and 114 women. Using the Taqman genotyping assay, GHR gene rs6184 and rs6180 variants were detected in genomic DNA extracted from saliva. Mandibular volume and length were measured from cone-beam computed tomography images that were analyzed using Analyze image-processing software. The relationship between GHR gene variants and three-dimensional mandibular morphology was statistically examined.

Results: Statistical significance for the relationship between the distance between the left and right coronoid processes and rs6180 was noted (P < .05).

Conclusion: Our results indicate that the GHR variant rs6180 is associated with the distance between the left and right coronoid process in the Japanese subjects.
Energy Crisis- Learning from experience and the way forward
Authors: Bhatta Upendra Dev
Published: July 2016

Not available.HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 19Page: I
Nepal’s Water Resources: Blessing or Curse ?
Authors: Shrestha Rabindra Bahadur
Published: July 2016

For half a century, Nepal has been chanting the ‘Mantra’ of 83,000 MW hydropower potential. When Nepal was in its childhood as a young democratic nation in the 1950s, India, with its vast ‘experience’ under the British colonial rule (colonial mindset), extracted lop-sided agreements on the Koshi, Gandaki and Mahakali rivers.Whereas India irrigates 12,200,000 acres of land, flood mitigates flood hazards and benefits from other intangible benefits. Nepal gets a meager 160,000 acres irrigation facility (1.3 percent of total irrigation benefits) from these unequivocal biased agreements. The adverse social and ecological impacts in Nepal are unaccounted for.Such water resource agreements have resulted in the sad present-day plight of Nepal: social life and industries are in total disarray with dismally low economic growth rates (GDP) forcing millions of Nepalese to seek employment abroad.Before it gets out of hand, India’s direct/indirect domination over Nepal’s water resources and politics should end, so that Nepal can develop its economy and hydropower in peace.Nepal should first develop run-of-river projects as per the modality of 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project (cost 1000 US$/kWh) and medium size storage hydropower projects (140 MW Tanahu). Muddling with large storage projects like 1200 MW Budhi Gandaki HEP will only further delay the execution of RoR projects. NEA’s technical capability should be improved to build and oversee hydropower projects and INPS.HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 19Page: 11- 15
Turnkey Contract - A Management Challenge under Himalayan Geological Condition
Authors: Panthi Krishna Kanta
Published: July 2016

Himalayan geology poses special attention and tunneling challenges, which are associated to the engineering geological conditions in the rock mass. Completing tunneling project within scheduled contractual time is an issue to be carefully brainstormed and planned by a very competent project management team. This team work is especially a key demand for the projects built under turnkey contract having fixed performance guarantees, completion milestones and contract sum. This is because, delay in construction completion will bring huge contractual penalties and extra cost to the contractor and is, therefore, a management headache to the project team. Hydropower projects consisting long underground waterways system passing through varying geological ground conditions may hinder achieving targeted milestones due to uncertainty associated to the geological risks. This paper present Khimti I Hydropower Project (60 MW) that has 10 km long underground waterway system, one km long access tunnel, many construction Adits and an underground powerhouse. The project was constructed under a turnkey contract called KC2 contracts with main civil contractor responsible for both design and construction implementation of the project. The construction quality was guaranteed through several contractual performance tests listed under the KC2 contract. This article attempts to review on the way the geological ground condition has influenced in the completion milestone of the project and highlights on what are the key issues that must be carefully accessed before accepting a turnkey contract for hydropower project with long underground waterway systems.HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 19Page: 17-24
Contract Breach and Payment for Environmental Services: A Case from the Kulekhani III Hydroelectric Project in Nepal
Authors: Dahal Khet Raj , Rai Nabina
Published: July 2016

This study was conducted in 2014. The main objective of this study was to find out the cause of contract breach and Payment for Environmental Services (PES) of Kulekhani III Hydroelectric Project (Kulekhani III HEP). PES is a relatively new concept but it is important as it forces employers, contractors, and local residents of a hydropower project to take a fresh look to support a successful construction effort without causing unnecessary environmental damage. Research findings from responses of local people regarding PES programs, in their respective areas of Kulekhani III Hydroelectric Project have been presented. Hydropower construction is extremely complex works, reliant on a host of individual parties and processes to come together to bring a project to fruition. In every context of Nepal, there are additional challenges in terms of adhering to contractual terms and negotiating governmental and donor agencies requirements for proper construction of hydropower project. In the first half of this paper, it has been explored as a case study in the form of Kulekhani III HEP to provide a record of many overruns the contractor experienced. The project became delayed. There were many causes behind the project delay of Kulekhani III HEP. However, permit for tree clearance for access road and untimely payment for contractors are the major ones.HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 19Page: 38-44
Personality Profile
Authors: Upadhyay Surya Nath
Published: July 2016

In light of ongoing discourses, at present, on water resources and hydropower development in Nepal, HYDRO Nepal felt this an appropriate moment to review some of the personalities who have played important roles in this sector over the past few decades. This time, HYDRO Nepal takes pleasure in presenting the personality profile of Mr. Surya Nath Upadhyay.HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 19Page: 68-69
Efficacy and tolerability of 0.1% tazarotene cream and 0.05% tretinoin cream in the treatment of acne vulgaris
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Habibur , Sikder Md. Shahidullah , Khondker Lubna
Published: July 2016

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicles that is seen primarily in adolescents.Objective: To compare the efficacy of 0.1 % tazarotene cream and 0.05% tretinoin cream in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was done in the department of Dermatol­ogy and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh.Results: At base line mean number of comedones in group A and group B was 12.77 ± 4.01 and 11.80 ± 3.93 respectively (p=0.350) and at final follow up 4.17 ± 4.02 and 3.47 ± 4.00(p=0.501). At base line mean number ofpapules in group A and group B was 17.30 ± 10.29 and 18.57 ± 13.88 respectively (p=0.690) and at final follow up 7.63 ± 8.08 and 7.73 ± 9.98 (p=0.966). At base line mean number of pustules in group A and group B was 0.50 ± 1.33 and 0.53 ± 1.28 respectively (p=0. 922) and at final follow up 0.07 ± 0.37 and 0.00 (p=0.326). At baseline mean of total acne score was 30.57 ± 13.62 and 30.90 ± 17.17 in group A and B(p=0.934) and at final follow up it was 11.87 ± 12.04 and 11.20 ± 13.85 respectively in group A and B(p=0.846). At 1st follow up 3.3% of both group got excellent response, at 2nd follow up 13.3% of group A and 30.0% of group B got excellent response, and at final follow up 56.7% of group A and 63.3% of group B achieved excel­lent response. About 73.33% oftretinoin treated patient and 60% oftazarotene treated did not experience any side effects.Conclusion: It can be concluded that 0.1 % tazarotene cream and 0.05% tretinoin cream is individually effective and tolerability of 0.1 % tazarotene is comparable to 0.05% tretinoin in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Comparative study of intraocular pressure (IP) in Bangladeshi individuals by contact and non contact technique
Authors: Wadud Sayed Abdul , Ahmad Md. Sharfuddin , Shahid Muntasir Bin
Published: July 2016

Background: Intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the most important parameters in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma has been established as the second leading cause of blindness. The treatment of glaucoma focuses mainly on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). The target IOP is often set to a level 20% to 30% of IOP reduction, and consequent large IOP reduction beyond 30% or even 40% in cases of advanced glaucoma The different methods of tonometery are: Goldman Applanation tonometery, Noncontact (air-puff) tonometery, Perkins tonometery, Tonopen tonometery, Transpalpebral tonometery.Objective: To determine the frequency of accuracy of intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by non-contact (air puff) tonometer compared with Goldmann applanation tonometer.Methods: This was a non-interventional, cross sectional study conducted at a tertiary care centre of Dhaka, Bangladesh. consecutive subjects attending the BSMMU eye OPD were included in the study. IOP was measured by non-contact (air puff) tonometer and a slit lamp mounted GAT in all the subjects. The study samples were selected by convenience sampling who presented for check-up in the Eye Department of community ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. Bangladesh. Results:A total of 120 eyes in 60 patients were studied. The mean age of the patients was 41.60 year. study population consisted of 24 (40 %) men and 36 (60 %) women. The mean intraocular pressure was 13.52 &13.72 mmHg for GAT, and 16.64 & 17.44 mmHg for Air puff respectively. The range of measurements by GAT was from 10 to 23 mmHg and by Air puff was 12 to 28mmHg. The difference between IOP measured by two instruments were statistically significant (p=0.000).Conclusion: Airpuff tonometer is quick, a non-contact method to measure intraocular pressure and is useful for screening purposes and postoperative case but the measurements should be confirmed with Goldmann applanation tonometer for accurate labelling of intraocular pressure.
Linear Psoriasis- A rare case report
Authors: Rahaman Md. Mahabubur , Siddique Md Rahmat Ullah , Islam Md Aminul , Rahman Md. Moksedur , Barbhuiyan Md. Zahed Parvez , Rahman Kaniz
Published: July 2016

Linear psoriasis is a rare form of disease which is very difficult to differentiate from inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus. Sometimes clinical history, physical examination and histopathology analysis may not be sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. We report a case of25 year-old male presented with a linear plaque covered with silvery scales on left upper extremity extending from tip of the index to mid forearm for last 2 years. A skin biopsy was consistent with psoriasis, and the unilateral distribution in a linear pattern led to a diagnosis of linear psoriasis, which is a rare variant of psoriasis. Although histopathologically it can be difficult to distinguish from inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN), linear psoriasis presents in adulthood and responds to conventional topical antipsoriatic therapies.
Study of phases of insulin secretion in pre-diabetes and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mohtarin Sabreena , Rahman Md. Matiur , Biswas Subrata Kumar , Mollah Forhadul Hoque , Arslan M. Iqbal
Published: July 2016

Background: Insulin is released from the pancreas in a biphasic manner in response to arterial glucose concentration. The assumption has been generally made that the 30-minute response reflected first-phase insulin release, whereas the 120-minute response reflected second-phase insulin release.Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the defect in first and second phases of insulin secretion in pre-diabetes and newly diagnosed T2DM.Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka from March 2013 to June 2014. All the study subjects (n = 94) were collected from the one point centre, BSMMU as newly diagnosed T2DM, pre-diabetes and healthy normal glucose tolerant subjects according to fasting plasma glucose and 2 hour plasma glucose status. A total of 32 newly diagnosed T2DM and 32 pre-diabetes were included on the basis of inclusion criteria as cases. Another 30 healthy normal glucose tolerant subjects were emolled as control. Fasting blood samples were collected from study subjects to estimate the plasma glucose and insulin level. Again blood samples were taken for measurement of plasma glucose and insulin level at 30 minute and 120 minute on OGTT.Results: Fasting plasma insulin was significantly higher in pre-diabetes than control and T2DM (p = 0.011). Plasma insulin at 30 minute and 120 minute of OGTT were significantly lower in T2DM than control and pre- diabetes (p = 0.001 & 0.016). The insulin secretion in first and second phases were significantly lower in T2DM patients than controls and pre-diabetes (p = 0.000). Beta-cell function was also significantly lower in T2DM than controls and pre-diabetes (p = 0.000). Median values of HOMA-IR were higher in pre-diabetes (1.68) and T2DM (1.53) than control (1.37), but not statistically significant (p = 0.153). There was significant positive correlation of both phases of insulin secretion with FPI, beta-cell function and insulin resistance in T2DM, pre-diabetes and controls.Conclusions: The study reveals that 1st and 2nd phase insulin secretory defect was detected in T2DM, but in pre-diabetes, we have failed to identify insulin secretory defects in both phases.
Surgical management of bronchiectasis
Authors: Bhandari Shanker , Gurung Dinesh , Lslam Kazi Saiful , Razzaque - , Aftabuddin Md. , Adhikary Asit Baran
Published: July 2016

Background: Bronchiectasis is the permanent dilatation of the bronchi due to destruction of bronchial wall. Bronchi­ectasis still remains a serious problem in developing countries despite of modern medical facilities.Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate our surgical experience for bronchiectasis and analyze the risk factors related with the surgery outcome.Methods: Hospital based analyses of 39 patients were done who were underwent surgery for bronchiectasis and were on follow up in National Institute of Diseases of Chest hospital (NIDCH) in September 2014 to February 2015 were included in this study. All 39 patients had surgery for the bronchiectasis in the period of January 2014 to December 2014.Results: The mean age of the patients were 22.2 years. Twenty four patients were females and 15 were male. Symptoms were recurrent infection with cough, copious sputum in all patients and hemoptysis in 31 patients. The etiology was recur­rent childhood infection in 17 patients, pneumonia in 11 patients, PTB in 6 patients, Aspiration in 2 patients, foreign body obstruction in 1 patient, and unknown etiology in 2 patients. Chest x-ray, CT scan and rigid bronchoscope were done for all patients. Bronchiectasis was left-sided in 17 patients. It was mainly confined to the lower lobes either alone in 9 patients and in conjunction with middle lobe or lingual in 8 patients. Indications for resection were failure of conservative therapy in 22 patients, hemoptysis in 8 patients, destroyed lung in 9 patients. Surgery was lobectomy in 24 patients, Bilobectomy in 5 patients, and pneumonectomy in 10 patients. Complications occurred in 10 patients with no operative mortality. Thirty four patients had relief of their preoperative symptoms after surgery in follow up periods.Conclusions: Surgical resection for bronchiectasis should be reserved for patients with localised disease who have failed medical management and have persistent symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life.
Climate Change: Seed Production and Options for Adaptation
Authors: Hampton John , Conner Anthony , Boelt Birte , Chastain Thomas , Rolston Phil
Published: July 2016

Food security depends on seed security and the international seed industry must be able to continue to deliver the quantities of quality seed required for this purpose. Abiotic stress resulting from climate change, particularly elevated temperature and water stress, will reduce seed yield and quality. Options for the seed industry to adapt to climate change include moving sites for seed production, changing sowing date, and the development of cultivars with traits which allow them to adapt to climate change conditions. However, the ability of seed growers to make these changes is directly linked to the seed system. In the formal seed system operating in developed countries, implementation will be reasonably straight forward. In the informal system operating in developing countries, the current seed production challenges including supply failing to meet demand and poor seed quality will increase with changing climates.
Chemical Preparation of Supported Bimetallic Catalysts. Gold-Based Bimetallic, a Case Study
Authors: Louis Catherine
Published: July 2016

This review focuses on the chemical methods used to prepare supported bimetallic heterogeneous catalysts, i.e., bimetallic nanoparticles deposited on a support. The review is limited to the preparation of gold-based bimetallic catalysts and moreover to bimetallic nanoparticles supported on powder inorganic supports, i.e., on the surface or in the porosity, and not on model supports such as single crystals.
A Novel Approach to Quantitatively Assess the Uniformity of Binary Colloidal Crystal Assemblies
Authors: Koegler Peter , Dunn Michelle , Wang Peng-Yuan , Thissen Helmut , Kingshott Peter
Published: July 2016

Colloidal self-assembly into highly ordered binary systems represents a versatile and inexpensive approach to generate well defined surface topographical features with submicron resolution. In addition, the use of surface-functionalized particles where each particle bears a different surface functionality enables the generation of highly resolved surface chemical patterns. Such topographical, as well as chemical features, are of great interest in biomaterials science particularly in the context of investigating and controlling the cellular response. While colloidal crystals have been used to generate a wide range of surface patterns, it has not been possible until now to quantitatively describe the degree of uniformity within such systems. In the present work we describe a novel approach to quantitatively assess the uniformity within binary colloidal assemblies based on image processing methods, primarily the Circular Hough Transform and distance calculations. We believe that the methodology presented here will find broad application in the field of colloidal crystals to quantitatively describe the integrity and homogeneity of assemblies.