bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestión por resultados en México, 2013-2014. Algunos impactos en Baja California
Authors: Ramos García José María
Published: July 2016

¿Cuál es la propuesta de una gestión por resultados (GPR) promovida por el gobierno federal mexicano y cómo se ha aplicado? Este artículo presenta la teoría de una gestión por y para resultados con impactos en la competitividad y bienestar. Se plantea un análisis de los elementos conceptuales del modelo y los procesos de integración conceptual y operativa de dicho modelo en el caso de Brasil y en el gobierno federal mexicano, particularmente en el estado de Baja California. Obteniendo como principal hallazgo la necesidad de fortalecer competencias institucionales en materia de GPR y con ello incidir en los procesos de competitividad y bienestar en el ámbito estatal, para interiorizar una visión de cambio estratégico, la atención al cambio cultural en términos de una eficaz transparencia, rendición de cuentas y controles anticorrupción, su implementación eficiente y con un enfoque transversal, basado en los elementos de gestión.
Vivir la frontera. Prácticas sociales y culturales desde los márgenes
Authors: Winikor Wagner Mariana
Published: July 2016

Los migrantes, en tanto ocupan una posición de subalternidad y vulnerabilidad en la sociedad de destino, pueden ser definidos como sujetos de análisis de los estudios culturales.  Es desde este marco teórico, que indagaremos las prácticas sociales y culturales de los migrantes brasileños asentados en el nordeste de la provincia de Misiones, Argentina. Enfocaremos nuestra atención en analizar si estas prácticas son verdaderamente formas de resistir a la cultura dominante o simplemente constituyen formas de reproducción y naturalización de las mismas. A través de cuatro prácticas concretas (el portuñol, el brique, la compra-venta de mejoras y la ocupación espontánea de tierras privadas) llegaremos a la conclusión de que las mismas evidencian préstamos, concesiones, amalgamas, conflictos, subordinación y a la vez intersticios de creatividad con la cultura dominante. Demuestra el carácter relacional que posee la cultura popular para con la cultura hegemónica y su posición de subalternidad y de dominación.
Alexandra Colony: Resiliencia en el norte de la Provincia de Santa Fe (1866-1904), Argentina
Authors: Dosztal Irene
Published: July 2016

En este artículo se desarrollan los aspectos teóricos desde una perspectiva histórico-antropológica, que anticipa un espacio fronterizo con una diferenciada estructura económica, social y cultural, donde se desenvuelven la vida y experiencias de familias de colonos que se instalan a 90 km del límite territorial septentrional controlado por el gobierno de la Provincia de Santa Fe. En la frontera norte de Santa Fe se combate el “desierto”, en primer lugar, con la fundación de colonias agrícolas por contrato y, luego, con el avance militar. Por lo que se elige el concepto de frontera de colonización para analizar el rol de las colonias que junto a Alexandra Colony la conforman. Partiendo de la revisión de los estudios de frontera, se focaliza en el carácter resiliente de los grupos sociales enfrentados por fuera de la última línea de fortines al norte de la Provincia de Santa Fe donde se fundan colonias agrícolas.
Online Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment: Preliminary Results of the “OCD? Not Me!” Self-Guided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Young People
Authors: Rees Clare Samantha , Anderson Rebecca Anne , Kane Robert Thomas , Finlay-Jones Amy Louise
Published: July 2016

Background

The development and evaluation of Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) interventions provides a potential solution for current limitations in the acceptability, availability, and accessibility of mental health care for young people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Preliminary results support the effectiveness of therapist-assisted iCBT for young people with OCD; however, no previous studies have examined the effectiveness of completely self-guided iCBT for OCD in young people.

Objective

We aimed to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of the OCD? Not Me! program for reducing OCD-related psychopathology in young people (12-18 years). This program is an eight-stage, completely self-guided iCBT treatment for OCD, which is based on exposure and response prevention.

Methods

These data were early and preliminary results of a longer study in which an open trial design is being used to evaluate the effectiveness of the OCD? Not Me! program. Participants were required to have at least subclinical levels of OCD to be offered the online program. Participants with moderate-high suicide/self-harm risk or symptoms of eating disorder or psychosis were not offered the program. OCD symptoms and severity were measured at pre- and posttest, and at the beginning of each stage of the program. Data was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models.

Results

A total of 334 people were screened for inclusion in the study, with 132 participants aged 12 to 18 years providing data for the final analysis. Participants showed significant reductions in OCD symptoms (P<.001) and severity (P<.001) between pre- and posttest.

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that fully automated iCBT holds promise as a way of increasing access to treatment for young people with OCD; however, further research needs to be conducted to replicate the results and to determine the feasibility of the program.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12613000152729; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=363654 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/ 6iD7EDFqH)
Cardiomyopathy in a Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
Authors: Brandão João , Reynolds Caryn A. , Beaufrère Hugues , Serio Jacqueline , Blair Robert V. , Gaschen Lorrie , Johnson James G. , Del Piero Fabio , Barker Steven A. , Nevarez Javier G. , Tully Thomas N.
Published: July 2016

CASE DESCRIPTION An adult sexually intact female Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) housed at a wildlife hospital was evaluated because of acute collapse during an educational exhibition.

CLINICAL FINDINGS Physical examination and hematologic analysis revealed no abnormalities; radiography revealed findings consistent with a previous tibiotarsal fracture. Coelioscopy with histologic examination and fungal culture of lung and air sac samples revealed anthracosis but no fungal infection. The hawk was discharged and temporarily removed from the education program; 1 month later, upon reintroduction into the program, it collapsed again. Physical examination and hematologic findings were similar to those after the first episode. Transcoelomic and transesophageal echocardiography and CT angiocardiography findings were consistent with cardiomyopathy.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Initial cardiac treatment included furosemide (0.5 mg/kg [0.23 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h) and pimobendan (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h). After 10 days of treatment, peak and trough plasma concentrations of pimobendan were measured at 25, 196 and 715.97 ng/mL, respectively; the dosage was decreased to 0.25 mg/kg (0.11 mg/lb), PO, every 12 hours. No overt signs of toxicosis were detected. A sample was collected to reevaluate plasma pimobendan concentration after 30 days of treatment; results were not obtained prior to the patient's death but revealed a peak concentration of 16.8 ng/mL, with an undetectable trough concentration. The hawk was found dead 6 months after initial evaluation. Necropsy revealed cardiomegaly, but histologic examination did not reveal an inciting cause of cardiac dysfunction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cardiac disease in raptors may be underreported. Transcoelomic and transesophageal echocardiography and CT angiography provided useful information for the diagnosis of cardiac disease in the hawk of this report.
Shear Behaviour Experimental Study for Full-scale PC Box Girder Strengthened by Composite Strengthening Method
Authors: Duan Lan , Guo Yunfei , Wen Yiping , Yao Shukui , Wang Chunsheng
Published: July 2016

Concrete bridges take a great percentage of existing bridges in highway transportation infrastructures in China, especially in medium or short span range bridges. A large number of concrete bridges have been constructed since 1980s in China. Under couple action of factors, like increasing vehicle volume and vehicle load, environmental corrosion and so on, many in-service concrete bridges are enduring structural behaviour degradation and other durability damages. Bridge investigation report has shown that a certain number of existing concrete bridges are unable to meet the demands of the modern transportation development. Therefore, it is necessary to explore effective strengthening method and conduct bridge performance evaluation after reinforcement, to ensure bridge safety and extend their service life. The steel plate and concrete composite strengthening (SPCCS) method was proposed, which included the process of welding studs on the reinforcing steel plates, planting steel bars in the original concrete, and casting concrete between the original structure and the steel plates. This paper is focus on shear behaviour test study of full-scale concrete box bridge strengthened by SPCCS method. The full-scale box girder tested in this paper was demolished from an in-situ bridge, which had durability problem. Based on the inspection results of this concrete box girder, the detailed strengthening measures were determined. To check reinforcement effectiveness, shear resistance test were conducted before and after reinforcement. From the comparative analysis of test results, it was showed that SPCCS method could effectively improve shear capacity for more than 67%. Besides, the concrete box girder after reinforcement showed very well overall load carrying behaviour. Learn from study results in this paper, SPCCS method is an effective method to strengthen the in-service concrete bridge with durability problem, which can help realize the sustainable management and maintenance of concrete bridges.
Failure Behaviour of Bonding Interface for the Continuous Slab Track Structure Under Temperature Load
Authors: Su Miao , Dai Gonglian
Published: July 2016

Continuous slab track which consist of prefabricate track slab, cement asphalt mortar layer and base plate has been widely used in the ballastless track system of the high-speed railway in China. Both the prefabricate track slab and the base plate are continuously longitudinally so that the breaking joint was avoided at the seams of beam end. Past research mostly focus on the base plate as it is the main bearing member and ignoring the interfacial working performance. However, the cracks which happened in the interface between the prefabricate track slab and cement asphalt mortar were found in the process of the operation. Once the interface cracked, the track slab lost the restraints and would bend up or sliding in longitudinal under the temperature load.

This paper mainly introduced the common failure modes of the continuous slab track and presented the theoretical of the interfacial stresses under elastic condition. Based on experimental test, the deformation, the interface ultimate bearing capacity and the failure mechanisms of the ballastless track system affected by the temperature load were discussed. According to the CCD camera test results, the bond strength difference of the top and low interface of the mortar layer were discussed. In addition, the interfacial stresses were studied by using the nonlinear finite element model.
Seismic Strengthening Effect on an Existing Bridge Abutment by Ground Anchor
Authors: An Tongxiang , Kiyomiya Osamu
Published: July 2016

The seismic retrofit of bridges can be classified into two ways. One is to directly strengthen the critical members of the bridges such as the pier columns, the foundations and other components. Another way is to improve the supporting condition of the superstructure or insert an energy dissipation device such as to change the existing steel bearings to the rubber ones to enhance the seismic performance of existing bridges. In this study, ground anchor was adopted to improve the seismic performance of an existing bridge abutment. According to the non-linear dynamic analysis results, this indirectly retrofit method can improve the seismic performance of an abutment effectively.
Parametric FE Analysis for Fatigue Behavior of Rib-to-Deck Welded Joints in Orthotropic Steel Decks
Authors: Yang Muye , Inokuchi Susumu , Kainuma Shigenobu , Kawabata Atsunori , Jeong Young-Soo , Uchida Daisuke
Published: July 2016

In the decades, orthotropic steel bridge decks were experienced a variety of fatigue problems from wheel load cycles and welding quality of welded joints. The crack initiation at the weld root between deck plates and U-rib was considered as one of the most serious cracks. In this study, fatigue tests and finite element analysis were conducted. In fatigue test results, the failure at the weld root shown to be easier than weld toe. Increase the penetration rate is better for reduction of stress range and stress concentration at weld root. In addition, the specimen with a changed thickness from 12mm to 16mm led to the decrease of stress range. A thicker deck plate would own a longer fatigue life before crack initiation, which was agrees with the results of tests.
Comparison Study between Traditional Viscous Damper and Toggle-Brace-Damper System in Integrated Optimal Seismic Design for Super Tall Buildings
Authors: Zhao Xin , Han XiaoDan
Published: July 2016

Applied widely in super tall buildings, viscous dampers not only possess the advantages of energy dissipation, but also excel in mechanical performance, seismic characteristic and cost efficiency. Viscous dampers with motion amplification device, for example toggle-brace-damper system, have been proved to be effective to absorb and dissipate large amounts of energy under small structural responses. In order to optimize the primary structure, an optimal design method based on the integration of energy dissipation devices, namely integrated optimal design method, is applied. The integrated optimal design not only upgrades structural performance, but also saves overall structural cost by reducing the earthquake action on primary structure. Comparing with traditional viscous damper, the toggle-brace-damper system can improve the seismic performance and cost efficiency of the primary structure by improving the energy dissipation capacity of the integrated system. An integrated optimal seismic design procedure based on toggle-brace-damper system is developed in this study. A super tall building project is to be employed to compare the integrated optimal seismic design results based on toggle-brace-damper system and traditional viscous dampers. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed integrated optimal seismic design procedure is also illustrated.
Simulation of Aeroelastic Instabilities to Evaluate the Power Output of Flutter-based Electromagnetic Energy Harvesters
Authors: Chawdhury Samir , Morgenthal Guido
Published: July 2016

The unstable vibration of flexible T-shaped cantilever systems due to the aeroelastic instability phenomena like flutter can be used as an effective input source for small-scale energy harvesting. The extracted environmental energy of a vibrating system can be converted into electrical power using an electromagnetic transducer. The paper presents a two-dimensional fully coupled CFD solverfor simulatingthe flutter induced vibration ofa T-shaped prototypeharvester to model the power output numerically. A flow solver based on Vortex Particle Method and a structural solver using Finite Element formulationsare coupledefficiently to model the unstable vibration of the cantilever harvester.Theoretically, a structural systembecomes unstable and exhibits flutter phenomena when the negative aerodynamic damping exceeds the total system damping. However, for electromagnetic harvester, the total system damping is the sum of the mechanical damping and the additional electrical damping from electromagnetic transducer. The CFD simulations are performed to find the critical onset flutter wind speed and the results are compared with wind tunnel test results for model validation. The critical electrical load resistances for onset of flutter are also identified for different wind speeds and compared withthe wind tunnel results. Finally, the voltage and power output of the harvester under different wind speeds and electrical load resistances are modeled, compared and modifications on the harvester system are done to increase power output.
Numerical Model Updating Technique for Estimating Load Carrying Capacities of High Speed Railway Bridges
Authors: Park Dong-Uk , Kim Jae-Bong , Kim Nam-Sik , Kim Sung-Il
Published: July 2016

The load carrying capacities of railway bridges should be periodically evaluated due to its social significance. Especially, load carrying capacity evaluation for a high speed railway bridge is more needed because of nasty accident. Numerical analysis can be a good tool for evaluating load carrying capacity instead of field test which has limitations such as traffic control, weather conditions, and economic problem. For reasonable evaluating load carrying capacity, numerical model should be reliably updated with accurate measured data. In this study, combined phase model updating technique based on univariate search method was used for model updating. And measuring point roaming method was used for meticulous measurement with limited number of sensor. As a result, it was possible to get similar response from numerical experiment with ambient vibration response from existing bridge. The updated model could be used for estimating load carrying capacity of a bridge.
Investigation of Natural Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composite for Structural Retrofitting of Building Structures
Authors: Wan Kai Tai , Parris Javil
Published: July 2016

Many masonry building structures are vulnerable to a seismic event. There are many structural retrofitting technologies available, such as glass/carbon fibre reinforced polymeric matrix composite. However, it is difficult to protect the polymeric matrix from fire in building structures. To fundamentally improve the fire resistance of retrofitting material, it can simply change the polymeric matrix to cement based matrix. This kind of composite is called fibre reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM). It consists of high performance manmade fibre such as AR glass, carbon, basalt or Kevlar and it is extensively investigated by different researchers. It provides an excellent alternative for engineers to structural retrofit building structures for which fire is one of major design concerns. Ironically, most of the earthquake active zones are in the poorest region in the world because of continuous attack by natural disasters. In those regions, the building structures are the most vulnerable to an extreme event such as earthquake and there is a need for structural retrofitting. Due to poor economic development of those regions, it is unaffordable to apply high performance manmade fibre to achieve the purpose. One practical solution is to develop a technically feasible,economically viable and environmentally sustainable is to replace high performance manmade fibre by locally available natural fibre in FRCM. A technical challenge is the durability of natural fibre in the high alkalinity environment of cementitious matrix. In this presentation, the effects of different treatment methods on sisal fibre as well as how to extract the mechanical and bond parameters of treated fibre from pull-out test under accelerated ageing test will be discussed.
Load-Bearing Timber-Glass-Façades – Research and Development
Authors: Nicklisch Felix , Weller Bernhard
Published: July 2016

Innovative load-bearing timber-glass composite elements were designed for sustainable architecture. To be used within façades they comprise three major structural components: a glass pane, a timber substructure and a load-bearing adhesive joint holding both parts together. Timber-glass composite elements take advantage of the in-plane load-bearing capacity of glass. The current study relates to timber-glass composite shear walls where the composite action is obtained via a circumferential bond connecting the glass to a timber frame. It summarizes relevant aspects of building construction and shows the potential which arises from the use of adhesives of medium and high stiffness.
Thermo-Mechanical Controlled Processing of Steels and the Essential Role
Authors: Wright Michael
Published: July 2016

Thermo-Mechanical Controlled Processing (TMCP) is a technology for simultaneously improving the strength and toughness in any hot rolled steel. Intelligent metallurgical design and precise control of thermal and physical characteristics of the metal in rolling can optimize both strength and ductility in any given steel. In using this technique, the steel produced will be higher in strength and ductility than current standard steels, and so can be substituted into building structures with reduced dimensions and masses but will still meet all construction requirements. This can allow up to a 20% reduction in the mass of steel used in significant projects,, as demonstrated in the given case studies.
Characteristicsof Slipbetween Cable and Saddle in Suspension Bridges
Authors: Wang Lu , Shen Ruili , Zhang Songhan , Li Weidong
Published: July 2016

For multi-pylon suspension bridges, the anti-slip ability of main cable in saddle is critical for structural security, and the understanding of cable slip characteristics is particularly significant for assessing that ability. An attempt was made in this paper to consider the cable as a discrete body and take the strand as the basic research object, which is different from previous conventional methods. Based on that concept, a series of model tests were conducted under varying the boundary contact conditions and the number of strands. The test results illustrated the mechanical change of each strand with the slip force increasing. An effective approach was proposed to judge the slip points of strands, on this basis ,the corresponding overall frictional coefficients were calculated. It is clear that the strands under different contact conditions successively start to slip, which can be regarded as the „layered-slipping ‟phenomenon. Comparing the results in different testing cases shows that the boundary contact condition and the number of strands have relatively larger effects than expected.
Sensitivity Analysis based Optimal Seismic Design of Tall Buildings under Story Drift Constraint
Authors: Lang QIN , Zhao Xin
Published: July 2016

Earthquake actions for tall buildings are significant, thus numerous tall buildings are controlled by earthquake actions. Inadequate lateral stiffness may cause excessive damage to non-structural components, thus story drift limitations under earthquake actions are specified in Chinese Code. Response spectrum analysis is one of the most common methods for seismic analysis of structures. A sensitivity analysis method is carried out based on response spectrum methodunder story drift constraint.The sensitivities of story drift constraint of each mode related to design variables are first determined from the design spectrum, and the sensitivities of different modal responses are then combined using combination rules to produce the overall story drift sensitivities related to design variables. A 2-story planar frame is used to validate the sensitivity analysis method. And an artificial structural optimization method is developed in this paper for optimal seismic design of tall buildings. According to the sensitivity coefficients, cost effective structural design is achieved by means of reasonably distributing materials among the various components. A 468-meter tall building project is employed to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed optimal seismic design method.
Sports Venues in China - Over the Code
Authors: Plieninger Sven , Chen Wei
Published: July 2016

The fascinating process of building in China is very much related to the exceptional size and the speed with which the construction industry builds. schlaich bergermann partner has been involved in large scale projects in China for more than 15 years and designed mostly long span structures. Many of these follow the well-known spokes wheel principle, which has been transformed, bespoke and refined in many ways to attain new design solutions.

The innovations applied to the design principle resulted in lightweight cable-structures that are exceptional in their architectural appearance and in their structural challenges. They deal with pure tension and compression exposed members rather than bending, subjecting them to advanced form- finding processes. These structures are subjected to concentrated forces, which are carried by high strength materials, combining spatial load bearing structures to a highly efficient whole, thus saving resources.
The Investigation of Multi-Variate Random Pressure Fields Acting on a Tall Building Through Proper Orthogonal Decomposition
Authors: Cammelli Stefano , Vacca Luca , Li Yin Fai
Published: July 2016

The unsteady wind pressure fields deriving from the atmospheric boundary layer interacting with the aerodynamics of a tall building can be represented as spatially-correlated multi-variate random processes. Due to its random nature, the fluctuating pressure field can be considered as the superposition of a large number of independent partial pressure fields related to particular mechanisms of the excitation. It is within this context that Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), a powerful statistical tool particularly suitable to deal with a large number of random variables, can be used to enhance the understanding and help with the interpretation of the physical phenomena that can drive the wind-induced dynamic response of tall buildings. The main purpose of the work presented within this technical paper, which makes use of wind pressures measured on a scaled wind tunnel model of a prismatic 180m tall building, was to identify hidden physical phenomena embedded within chaotic wind pressure fields with the idea of potentially simplify the analysis work and reduce the increasing demand for wind tunnel data storage. More specifically, this paper will show how complex fluctuating wind pressure fields – driving the response of tall buildings in both the along- and the cross-wind direction – can be approximated by a few dominant standard modes of the pressure field itself.
A Study of Construction Optimization in Shallow Bias Tunnel Based on Multi- displacement Back Analysis
Authors: Yingqi LIU , Xiedong ZHANG
Published: July 2016

ZHANG Xiedong Ph.D Professor Wuhan University of Technology,
Hubei, China

Zhangxd@189.cn

Zhang Xiedong, born 1964, received his civil engineering doctor degree from the Wuhan University of Technology.

The main 2D back analysis model is established considering actual situations of the way the arch ring is set and the composition of its section. After introducing the stress release rate and the load bias parameter to composing the integral equation of the influence value, the data of arch crown settlement and horizontal convergence can be used to back analyse the load status of the supporting structure. By changing the modeling parameters, the optimizing construction scheme can be simulated and the most unfavorable stress value is analyzed, which can provide references to similar engineering.
Evaluation of Buoyancy Weight Ratio in Submerged Floating Tunnel Under Hydrodynamic Loads. A Case Study of Seribu Islands
Authors: Wahyuni Endah , Komara Indra
Published: July 2016

This study is purposed to obtain the smallest internal forces acting on the SFT structures due to the effect of Buoyancy Weight Ratio (BWR). The numerical investigation was carried out using SAP2000 to simulate the model of SFT structures under various BWR values. Values of BWR were intently selected greater than 1.0 in order to preserve the structures afloat. In this study, the BWR were modified from 1.1 to 1.9 with the increment of 0.1. In addition, other parameters i.e. angle of inclination of cable (AIC) of 36° with initial tension of 26.1 kN was applied. Hinged support was also given as the boundary condition of the SFT structures. The results showed that the BWR of 1.3 and 1.4 exhibited the most effective configuration for AIC of 36° and initial tension of 26.1 kN. This is due to the smallest axial force, stress, and deflection occurred in the structure.
Fenetheylline in the Middle East, a thriving trade in the post-Saddam era
Authors: Lutfi Ahmed M
Published: July 2016

Aims and Objectives: To collect up-to-date knowledge using a systematic review of the literature and to get evidence-based data concerning Fenethylline, and its illegal commerce in the region of the Middle East after 2003.Materials and Methods: Four main medicalliterature databases were scrutinized using a list of pre-specified keywords. Additionally, social networks, and other resources were utilized to retrieve relevant data. The total number of references that were used in this paper is twenty-two.Results: The literature search was conducted from the 3rd of December to the 29th of December 2015. The search was done from Baghdad, Iraq via the Earth link-Telenet Internet Service Provider (ISP). The Total Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) were 463137. The highest SERPs were for the keywords “Amphetamine” and “Fitton.” Google Scholar and PubMed were the databases that scored the highest SERPs. Captagon is a dangerous psychoactive substance. Its production was officially stopped in the 1980s. Currently, Captagon, and counterfeit Captagonare being illegally produced in South-East Europe and trafficked to the region of the Middle East.Conclusion: In the post-Saddam era of the Middle East, this substance has been traded and distributed at an exponential rate. The main explanation is that the rise of this illegal commerce is related to the chaos and the lack of order in the regions of conflict and civil war in Syria and Iraq in particular.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(4) 2016 116-119
HbA1c levels in patients of acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Shekhar Ravi , Govind Biju , Chowdary NVS , Sharma Sadhna , Satish R John , Desai S Vidya , Prabodh V Siva , Aslami Ahmad Nadeem
Published: July 2016

Background: Hospitalization for Heart Failure (HF) is increasing in India. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is closely related to HF. Hb1Ac is an index of metabolic control of DM. Hb1Ac is associated with increased risk of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF). The relation between Hb1Ac and ADHF is less well defined.Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of ADHF among patients admitted for cardiac complaints and to investigate Hb1Ac levels in confirmed patients.Materials and Methods: A hospital based study was conducted at NRI Heart Centre, NRI General Hospital, Guntur from May to July 2013 after institutional ethical approval. All patients of ADHF were included in the study. Patients were analysed for HbA1c.Results: Out of 1147 patients admitted in Coronary Care Unit, there were 101 cases of ADHF giving a prevalence of 8.8%. The mean age was found to be 54.69 years. 19.8% of the patients were of age less than 40. There were 74.3% males and 25.7% females. The mean HbA1c in non diabetic, pre-diabetic and diabetic was 5.32%, 6.0% and 8.45% respectively.Conclusion: Elevated HbA1c is associated with increased morbidity in the heart failure and efforts should be made to treat these patients with proven therapies to lower the blood glucose levels.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(4) 2016 55-58
Prevalence of self-reported Type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated socio-economic-demographic factors among adults above 20 years in a residential area of Delhi
Authors: Devi Reeta , Kapoor Bimla , Singh M. Meghachandra
Published: July 2016

Background: There is changing epidemiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus in India. Few studies have reported prevalence of self reported diabetes in Delhi. Aims and Objectives: To assess the prevalence of self–reported Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and find out its association with socio-economic-demographic factors among adults above 20 years in a residential area of Delhi. Materials and Methods: This was a community based cross-sectional study done in a residential area of East Delhi. The subjects were identified by door to door survey based onavailable records and self-report. They were interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule with items on socio-economic and demographic characteristics. Chi-square test was used for qualitative data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to find out associated factors with T2DM. Odds ratio (95% CI) was calculated. ‘p’ < 0.05 considered significant.Results: The self-reported prevalence of T2DM was 8.5% (461/5444) among 20 years andabove population. It was more in males (9.1%) than females (7.8%), highest (25%) in primary educated, least (7.3%) in graduates and above (p<0.001). Age-specific prevalence was maximum (22.4% in 60-69 years), least (0.2%) in 20-29 years (p<0.001). Occupation wise, maximum (19.2%) was in retired and least (0.7%) in unemployed (p<0.001). The associated factors were: age 50 years and above (OR 6.99, 95% CI 5.4-8.9), males (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07-1.65), secondary education (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.05-1.84), unemployed (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.15-1.83), per capita per month income Indian Rupees (INR) 20001 and above (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.10-1.75). Conclusion: Self-reported prevalence of T2DM was 8.5%, more among males, >50 years, retired, secondary educated and with per capita income per month of Rs 20001 and above. It is necessary to create awareness among the people to identify, manage and prevent T2DM.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(4) 2016 6-13
Drug Susceptibility pattern of Organisms Isolated During Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Tertiary Level Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Sanjeet Krishna , Chaudhary Raina , Bhatta Sabita , Karki Manan , Srivastava Brajendra , Mousin Ushab Rana , Khunjeli Rabindra , Shrestha Jyoti
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Disease process in chronic obstructive lung disease is interrupted by acute exacerbations. Bacterial and viral infections account for majority of cases. Gram positive and Gram negative organism both are associated with exacerbations. Methods: Sputum samples were collected from COPD patients in acute exacerbation, on the day of emergency visit. Drug susceptibility pattern was evaluated for the study population to identify the prevalence of susceptible and resistant organisms. Results: Eighty-nine culture positive sputum samples were processed for drug susceptibility. Gram negative bacilli (88.76%) were isolated more than Gram positive cocci (11.24%). Pseudomonas sp., Acinetobacter sp., Klebseilla sp. and E. coli were the most common Gram negative bacilli. Multi-drug resistance status was identified in higher percents in Acinetobacter sp. (81.25%), Pseudomonas sp. (62.5%) and Klebseilla sp. (46.6%). Aminoglycosides and Quinolones showed good sensitivity to GNBs. However, Carbapenems were found to be the most effective agents against these organisms. Conclusion: Gram negative infection is common in COPD. Multi drug resistant pathogens are increasingly associated with acute exacerbations. Routinely used antibiotics are becoming less effective.
Knowledge Regarding Basic Life Support Among Nurses of a Tertiary Level Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Bajracharya Shanti , Nagarkoti Liza
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Basic life support (BLS) is an emergency procedure that consists of recognizing an arrest and initiating proper cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques to maintain life until victims either recovers or is transported to medical facility where advanced  life support are available. It is very important that all nurses know about basic life support to save lives of patients. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 nurses working in various intensive and high care units of our teaching hospital to assess their Knowledge on BLS. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for data collection for which self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used. Results: Majority (46%) of the respondents were between 20 to 25 years of age. 52% of respondents were of Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL), 36 % of bachelor of nursing (BN) and 12% Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc Nursing). 36% respondents had working experience of 5-10 years and 6% of 10-15 years. All respondents had heard about BLS but 86% of them had never attended any BLS training. Most of the respondents (86 %) had seen CPR being done and more than half of the respondents (58%) had done CPR. 62% stated circulation, airway and breathing as the latest CPR sequence. 90% of the respondents said cardiac arrest is the indication of CPR. 66 % had inadequate knowledge, 32%  had moderate knowledge while minority 2 %  had adequate knowledge on Basic Life Support.Conclusion: Knowledge of Basic Life Support (BLS) among Nepalese nurses was inadequate in majority of cases. There was also no association between the knowledge and academic qualification or experience.
Prise de décision et contextes extrêmes
Authors: Guarnelli Josselin , Lebraty Jean-Fabrice , Pastorelli Ivan
Published: July 2016

Cet article vise à comprendre comment un décideur expert se comporte dans une situation d’urgence. Pour ce faire, il s’inscrit dans l’approche naturaliste de la décision. Cette recherche a pour terrain les acteurs de la chaîne des secours confrontés à des situations médicales d’urgence. Face à une situation d’urgence, un décideur peut se fonder soit sur son expérience (information interne), soit sur des informations externes (le comportement d’autres décideurs). Les résultats révèlent un taux très élevé d’initiateurs de décision, c’est-à-dire de décideurs se fondant sur leur expérience. Ils mettent en lumière l’apparition de décisions inédites face à des situations uniques. Les auteurs expliquent ces décisions par la capacité d’un expert à tisser des liens entre plusieurs expériences passées pour proposer une solution hybride adaptée à une situation inédite.
Apprendre par soi-même l’entrepreneuriat via un MOOC
Authors: Verzat Caroline , Jore Maxime , Toutain Olivier , Silberzahn Philippe
Published: July 2016

Faut-il avoir un bon niveau initial pour persévérer dans un Mooc ? Et pour ceux qui l’ont terminé, constate-t-on une progression ? Cette double question concerne à la fois le niveau d’autonomie dans la conduite des apprentissages et le niveau des capacités entrepreneuriales. La recherche présente les résultats d’une enquête réalisée sur un Mooc portant sur l’effectuation. Elle montre que le Mooc fait progresser la perception d’auto-efficacité entrepreneuriale quel que soit son niveau initial mais à condition de croire qu’on va réussir et d’y consacrer un temps suffisant.
40 ans d’influence en gestion financière et gouvernance des entreprises
Authors: Albouy Michel
Published: July 2016

Le premier numéro de la Revue française de gestion est sorti en mai 1975. À l’époque c’était la seule revue académique s’intéressant aux problématiques de la gestion et du management des entreprises. Pendant 40 ans, la RFG a permis à la recherche en gestion, notamment financière, de faire état des progrès accomplis par les chercheurs et les professionnels. Cet article a pour objectif de montrer la richesse de la contribution de la RFG au domaine de la gestion financière et son articulation avec les questions financières issues de l’actualité. Le lecteur sera étonné de constater combien la RFG et ses auteurs ont su à la fois répondre aux questions que les gestionnaires financiers se posaient pendant ces quatre décennies mais également replacer ces questions dans les débats théoriques de la finance et de la gouvernance des entreprises.
Ansätze für einen Strukturwandel in der Schweizer Forstwirtschaft (Essay)
Authors: Bürgi Patric , Pauli Bernhard
Published: July 2016

Approaches to structural change in the Swiss forest economy (essay)

Since the 1990s, Swiss forest enterprises are faced with significant economic challenges. One of the reasons is the structural characteristics of the enterprises. In many areas, the forest enterprises manage a rather small forest surface, which makes efficient management difficult. Often, the resources available are not adequate for the tasks, which forces the enterprises to keep functions in-house and, as a result, to use less productive methods. The structure of the forest enterprises should be adapted to make the best use of modern technologies, increase productivity, and thereby lower the costs of forest operations. The most important tools are a reduction in the share of in-house work and an increase in the size of management units. In addition, the goals of the enterprise, and the services it offers, must be seen in the context of entrepreneurial success. Successful structural change in the Swiss forest economy seems possible and feasible. To achieve change, clear strategic positioning is needed and, last but not least, a change in the attitudes of many actors in the sector.
Industrielles statt gewerbliches Denken ist gefordert (Essay)
Authors: Heinimann Hans Rudolf
Published: July 2016

Industrial thinking has to replace craftsmanship thinking (essay)

By the beginning of the 1980s, the Swiss forestry sector lost its financial viability. Although operational forestry activities have been subsidized, the overall situation even worsened con sid erably since then. This poses the question whether there are ways out of this situation and if there are, which ones. The present contribution takes up the hypothesis that the Swiss forestry sector is still mainly based on craftsmanship thinking while successful forestry sectors of other countries have been following industrial thinking. The analysis results in the following theses: The difficulties of economic efficiency emerged in the 1960s, and sector-wide initiatives were launched to solve the problem, among which the 1975 master plan for a Swiss forest sector policy was of special importance. Industrial thinking is based on the following principles: 1) a systematic capitalization of economies of scale effects, 2) an integration of all production and distribution processes across owners and firms, 3) full mechanization of wood harvesting, and 4) rationalization of the biological production based on modern tree breeding methods. The intention of the present article is to contribute to a discussion which discards outworn patterns of thought, and which is honestly looking for viable, competitive solutions.
Für mehr Unternehmertum in den Forstbetrieben (Essay)
Authors: Hofer Peter
Published: July 2016

In favour of more entrepreneurial spirit in forest management enterprises (essay)

Forest management structures are fit to face the future if they are underpinned by forest enterprises and forest contractors which are economically viable. However, as most forest enterprises are in the red, improvements are necessary. Instead of just covering the deficits, public authorities should transition to a system where they purchase defined services. The forest enterprises should continuously check the economic viability of their catalogue of services and revise it accordingly. Cooperation with forest contractors can often bring savings. The enlargement of managment units can also improve economic viability. In addition, forest enterprises should put their specific competences on the market for services. This will also stimulate improved performance.
Special issue on Decision Support Systems for Medical Applications
Authors: Hemanth D. Jude , Balas Valentina Emilia
Published: July 2016

Applications such as medical imaging depend strongly on the computer aided decision support systems for disease diagnosis and treatment planning. This applies an extra pressure on the computer based systems to provide highly accurate results within less convergence time. Soft computing techniques are widely preferred for such applications because of its numerous advantages. Though theoretically proven, these methodologies are rarely used in practice in real time scenario. This is mainly due to the various existing gaps between the theoretical and practical cases of soft computing approaches. This special issue stands as a bridge to unify the theoretical and practical concepts of soft computing techniques in the context of medical imaging applications. The focus of the special issue is on throwing new seeds of soft computing techniques for feasible application in the medical field.
FPGA implementation of on-chip ANN for breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Selvathi D. , Nayagam R. Deiva
Published: July 2016

This work intends to an integration of implementing an automated diagnostic systems for breast cancer detection using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in FPGA. In the world, breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death. So better classification system is needed for diagnosing breast cancer disease. In this work, the training and testing of the Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN) with Back Propagation Network (BPN) is done with the attributes of the record of the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Database (WBCD). The neural network lacks the flexibility during off line training. In order to overcome the flexibility, it is necessary to train and test the network on on-chip neural network using FPGA. The purpose is to determine the cancer of patients either having benign or malignant through an FPGA based implementation of smart instrument. In order to implement the hardware, VERILOG coding is done for ANN and synthesized by Xilinx family XC5VLX50TFFT1136 FPGA Virtex 5 board using XILINX ISE tool to get the netlist of ANN. Finally the netlist is mapped to FPGA and the hardware functionality is verified. The correct classification rate of proposed system is 90.83%.
A case study on different wireless networking technologies for remote health care
Authors: Ramson S.R. Jino , Moni D. Jackuline
Published: July 2016

Recent advances in the field of wireless communication and networking technologies have led to new advancement that can be integrated into human, industrial, medical framework and many other areas. The application of wireless network technologies in the field of medicine is playing a vital role in providing an active medical care. In recent years, the people suffering from chronic diseases have to wait in a long queue and have to be hospitalized for a long time. They have to visit the hospital frequently which is not possible in emergency situations. As a result, efforts are taken to avoid the longer days of stay so that the patients can feel relaxed at their home. In this survey paper, different wireless networking techniques used for the remote monitoring of the patients suffering from chronic disease is explored. We classify the different technologies according to their primary objective and performance. This paper concludes with the insight for more advanced researches using the wireless communication technologies.