bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial and Antifungal Property of Actinomycetes Isolates from Soil and Water of Nepal
Authors: Lekhak Binod , Singh Anjana , Bhatta Dwij Raj
Published: July 2018

Background: Human pathogens are rapidly acquiring resistance to antibiotics leading to treatment failure. We carried out this study to isolate and screen actinomycetes strains that have potential to kill bacterial and fungal pathogens.Methods: In this descriptive study 288 soil and water samples were processed by standard microbiological techniques at Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University from 2013 to 2015. Screened actinomycetes were cultivated for bioactive metabolite production and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of metabolites were determined against bacterial pathogens including multidrug resistant bacteria and fungi.Results: One hundred twenty isolates having antimicrobial property were screened. Out of them, four most potent strains, Nocardiopsis prasina, Streptomyces violarus, Streptomyces krainskii and Streptomyces tsusimaensis were identified all having both antibacterial and anti-fungal property.Highest zone of inhibition (ZOI)was given by N. prasina against Candida albicans(41.33 ±1.15mm) and among bacteria, maximum ZOI was against Acinetobacter baumannii(31.33±3.05mm). MIC value of metabolite of N.prasina was 0.125mg/ml for E.coli and C. albicans. It was 2.5 mg/ml each for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), A. baumannii and Salmonella Typhi and 0.625 mg/ml for Bacillus Subtilis.Conclusions: Bioactive metabolite producing actinomycetes were recovered from soil and tested against human pathogenic bacteria and fungiand found to have antibacterial and antifungal property.
Situation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and Diarrhoeal Disease After Open Defecation Free Declaration and Associated Factors of Makwanpur District, Nepal
Authors: Kafle Simrin , Pradhan Bandana
Published: July 2018

Background: Makwanpur district was declared Open Defecation Free in 2013 as the movement started in Nepal since 2003 to address the high burden of diarrhoeal disease among under five children. As the water supply, sanitation and hygiene situation of the district is not known after the declaration, the need for this study was visualized.Methods: It was a cross sectional study among randomly sampled 178 households using interview and observation. Water, sanitation and hygiene situation was assessed in terms of related facilities, knowledge and practices of mothers. Results were compared with the standard open defecation free criteria of Nepal. Five years trend of diarrhoeal disease was analysed from the health facility records to assess the impact of declaration.Results: Of the total households 92% had toilets and 90% had access to improved water source. About 79% mothers had high knowledge on safe water, sanitation and hygiene and 43% practiced hand washing with soap at critical times. Proper disposal of solid and liquid waste was found among 32% and 46% of households respectively. About 68% of households had good water, sanitation and hygiene situation and was found to be significantly associated with related knowledge among mothers irrespective of their economic status. Diarrhoeal disease among under five children was found declining after open defecation free declaration.Conclusions: Water, sanitation and hygiene status in the study area is found lower than the criteria for open defecation free declaration. However, diarrhoeal disease among children under five is declining after the declaration.
Management and Outcome of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Lamichhane Sabitri , Manandhar Nayan , Dhakal Shailendra , Shakya Yagya Laxmi
Published: July 2018

Background: Severe sepsis and septic shock are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and need immediate medical attention. Early recognition, fluid resuscitation and early antimicrobials are the mainstays of sepsis therapy. This study analyzed the management strategies of severe sepsis and septic shock and evaluated its impact.Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients admitted through emergency department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital of Nepal, who were diagnosed with severe sepsis and septic shock.Results: A total of 85 patients were diagnosed as severe sepsis and septic shock with 45 female patients and mean age 47.69 years ranging from 18 to 83 years. Pneumonia (45.9%) was found to be the major source of infection. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics and vassopressor at emergency department were ceftriaxone (24.7%) and norepinephrine (44.7%) respectively. The mean length of stay in Emergency department was 13.01 ± 7.03 h, while it was 11.27 ± 5.26 days in hospital. A total of 31 (36.5%) septic patients died. Deceased patients were found to have greater age, higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and presence of co-morbid conditions.Conclusions: This study looked in-depth on management and outcome of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Mortality from severe sepsis and septic shock were high, but similar to other studies. Keywords:
Maternal Attitude and Knowledge towards Modes of Delivery
Authors: Joshi Anshumala , Thapa Meeta , Panta Om Biju
Published: July 2018

Background: Whether a mother should be allowed to choose between the modes of delivery is a matter of concern among practicing obstetricians. This study aims to explore the knowledge of the Nepalese women attending a tertiary care center about the benefits and complications of vaginal and caesarean delivery and their attitude and preference for the method of delivery.Methods: The study was a hospital based cross sectional questionnaire survey conducted in Nepal Medical College teaching Hospital, Jorpati from 1stShrawan 2074 to 31st Ashoj 2074. All pregnant women who were 36 weeks or more in gestation attending the clinic during the study period were included in the study. A questionnaire was made of 10 questions for knowledge assessment regarding mode of delivery consisting of the indications, the possible complications and advantages of vaginal and caesarean delivery.Results: A total of 256 pregnant women participated in the study. The knowledge of the mode of delivery, their benefit and complications was medium to good in approximately 90% of the mothers attending the antenatal OPD. Overall attitude for vaginal delivery was positive in 93% of women and negative or neutral in 6.6%. Overall attitude for caesarean delivery was positive in 24% and negative or neutral in 75.8%.Conclusions: Women in our setup agree that vaginal delivery is a natural and acceptable method of delivery and would prefer to have a vaginal delivery.
Rapid Progression of Extensive Arachnoid Adhesion Longer Than Twelve Segments and Cysts Formation after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Case Report
Authors: Xumin Hu , Thapa Ashish J , Meiguang Zheng , Huiyong Shen
Published: July 2018

Arachnoid cysts and intradural adhesion are uncommon in postoperative complication rather than congenital condition. The adhesion and cysts are usually around surgical site but some extend to a distant place. The authors report a case of formation of arachnoid cysts and adhesion far away from original surgical site with signifi cant clinical manifestations after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).A 55-year-old woman accepted PLIF and got a good recovery but her dura mater was torn and sutured during procedure. Six months after her 1st surgery, she felt rapid progressing numbness from foot to belly and weakness of both lower limbs. On Examination bilateral deep tendon refl exes were hyperactive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed intradural adhesion formed from T4 to sacral canal. Cerebrospinal fluid terminated at T4 level and there exactly the arachnoid cyst was formed. The long intradural adhesion and distant cyst formation made this case unique and the cause of neurological manifestations. Then the patient underwent intradural exploratory surgery and cyst-abdominal shunting. The cyst was actually found to be the terminal part of remaining subarachnoid space. Patient’s numbness stopped advancing upward and the strength of both lower limbs gradually improved after surgery. Therefore, arachnoid cyst and adhesion might appear at any place after spine surgery with dural rupture. Exploratory surgery and timely decompression can effectively slow down the progression of disease.Spinal meningeal cysts are rare and have been described as “arachnoid cysts,” “pouches”, or “diverticula”.7 Most spinal intradural arachnoid cysts are thought to be congenital but still some acquired arachnoid cysts were reported as to be the results of trauma, hemorrhage or infection.8 Even fewer were caused by intradural infl ammation after invasive diagnostic test and treatment. Nepal Journal of Neuroscience. Vol. 13, No. 2, 2016, Page: 94-98
Spontaneous Postpartum Subacute Subdural Hematoma: A Case Report of Probable Compilation of Eclampsia
Authors: Gautam Sachidanand , Meena Shyam C , Gautam Bhawana
Published: July 2018

The author presents a patient who developed a subacute subdural hematoma approximately 2 weeks after normal delivery with history of postnatal convulsion and lateralizing neurological symptoms. On day 12, she started to feel a nonpostural and severe throbbing headache with motor aphasia and right hemiparesis power grade 4, she was referred to our department. Left subacute subdural hematoma was confirmed by a computed tomography scan. Physical examination revealed only mild right hemiparesis. Left burr hole trepanation was performed and this was followed by uneventful postoperative course, and it completely recovered after 4 weeks. Chronic subdural hematoma should be considered when postpartum patients who have history of ecclampsia with mild to severe, persistent, and non-postural headache.Nepal Journal of Neuroscience. Vol. 13, No. 2, 2016, Page: 109-111
Clinico-Ultrasonographic Profile of Ectopic Pregnancy in Western Nepal
Authors: Gurung Sangeeta Devi , Sharma Prakash
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is one of the major complications in first trimester pregnancy, resulting in increased maternal morbidity and mortality. It accounts for 1.3-2.4% of all pregnancies. Previously, though laparoscopy was considered as the gold standard for diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, due to availability of high resolution ultrasound, it has become the first line investigation for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.Methods: It is a prospective study conducted in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, from January 2015 till December 2017. All the cases diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy were included in the study.  Ultrasonological and intraoperative findings were recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS (VERSION 16).Results: Twenty six patients were diagnosed with ectopic pregnancies. The incidence was 0.35%. It was most common among the reproductive age group between 20-40 years with mean age of 30.50 years. Pelvic inflammatory disease (n=10, 38.5%) was considered as risk factor. Radiological finding of Type III ectopic pregnancy (n=21, 80.8%) was the most common type.Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy is common among reproductive age group with previous history of pelvic inflammatory disease. Type III is the most common type.
Prevalence of Congenital Anomalies in Polyhydramnios: A hospital based study from Western Nepal
Authors: Lalchan Subita , Sharma Prakash , Gurung Sangeeta Devi
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Polyhydramnios is excessive amount of amniotic fluid in relation to gestational age. It is frequently associated with congenital anomalies of the fetus. The aim of this study was to see the prevalence of congenital anomalies in polyhydramnios.Methods: Singleton pregnant irrespective of gestational age with amniotic fluid index more than 25 were included in the study. Degree of polyhydramnios was graded as mild, moderate and severe. Detail study of fetus was done for possible congenital anomalies. Congenital anomalies were confirmed with post-natal findings.Results: There were 39 pregnant women with amniotic fluid index (AFI) > 25 cm. Prevalence of polyhydramnios was 0.3%. Congenital anomalies were present in 31.6 % of pregnant women with polyhydramnios. In pregnant women with severe polyhydramnios; 66.6 % had congenital anomalies. Central nervous system, gastrointestinal and skeletal anomalies were the frequent anomalies associated with polyhydramnios.Conclusion: Polyhydramnios is associated with increased risk of congenital anomalies hence a detail survey of fetus should be done for possible congenital anomalies.
The Role of Social Work in Palliative Care
Authors: Novik Nuelle
Published: July 2018

A qualitative research study was conducted in northern Canada in 2007 which examined the realities and issues surrounding palliative care with seniors in remote northern settings. As a profession with a recognized role in supporting those who are dying and those who are bereaved, social work has been integral to the development of palliative care support services in northern Canada. However, in regions of the North where the social work profession is less developed and less recognized, the role for social work remains understated.
IS ARBITRAGE PRICING THEORY IS A FAIRY TALE ?: THE EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA WITH ORDINARY LEAST SQUARE ESTIMATION
Authors: Danna Solihin Faizal Reza, Adisthy Shabrina Nurqamarani,
Published: July 2018

Time series analysis in financial sector has grown in popularity since the last few decades, theories about capital markets are increasingly studied since Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) are often compared and paired with one another. The development of APT is widespread by involving many macroeconomic variables. Unfortunately there is no consensus until now. This paper aims to examine the relevance of APT in the case of Indonesia during the period 2009-2017 with standard multiple regression equations. From three independent variables, only exchange rates have a significant influence on the composite stock price (IHSG) in Indonesia, while inflation and GDP have no significant effect on stock prices. 99.8% variation in stock price formation can be explained by independent variables where there is a positive relationship between exchange rate and stock price indicates a mechanism of stock price formation through strong domestic demand before fourth quarter 2016 and trade effect (export-import) after fourth quarter 2016 .
PENGARUH INVESTASI DAN PENDANAAN TERHADAP BIAYA MODAL PERUSAHAAN DAN FINANCIAL DISTRESS PERUSAHAAN TAMBANG BATUBARA YANG GO PUBLIC DI INDONESIA
Authors: Jonathan LCA Robin
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study to analize and determine the effect of investment and funding to the cost of company capital and financial distress. The development of mining and mining service comnaies that go public today reached 42 companies in Indonesia in the period 2013-2015, including examined 23 financial statement of coal mining companies at the same time.Using regression path analysis methode to test the magnitude of the effect indicated by the path coefficient on each path diagram of the causal relationship between investment decision and funding decision as exogenous variable to cost of campany capital and financial distress as endogenous variable.The results showed that investment decisions and funding decisions significantly affect the cost of company capital; Investment decisions have a significant and dominant effect on financial distress and have a negative and insignificant effect on financial distress through the cost of company capital; Funding decisions have a negative and insignificant effect on financial distress and have a significant effect on financial distress through the cost of company capital; The cost of company capital has a negative and insignificant effect on financial distress.
REGISTROS DE MOLUSCOS GASTROPODA NO MÉDIO RIO XINGU - PARÁ
Authors: Jesus Allan Jamesson S. de , Costa Terezinha Carolina Piani das Neves , Camargo Mauricio
Published: July 2018

This study records some mollusk species from the Gastropod associated with rapids in the main channel of the middle Xingu River. The samples were gathered along marginal shores of the River, in sand-rock substrates. Based on the total length and width of the shell, their frequency distribution were built and the regression of these two parameters was made. Of the 185 specimens collected, 44 was of Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1804), (13,0-82,0mm); 65 of Doryssa heathi (Baker, 1914), (20,0-47,0mm); 30 Doryssa starksi (Baker, 1913), (15,2-66,0mm) and 46 of Doryssa sp. nov. sensu Simone, 2007 (6,0-23,7mm). The linear regression equations were calculated for the 3 species of Doryssa. The invasion of the alien gastropod species Melanoides tuberculatus in the nearby tributaries of the Xingu River, and its high competitive advantage in relation to the local species, could be lead to the extinction of these Amazon mollusk species.
OS ARRANJOS COMERCIAIS DE ARTEFATOS TRADICIONAIS NO SETOR AMANÃ – RESERVA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL AMANÃ
Authors: Marques Thatyana De Souza
Published: July 2018

The production of objects for use employing traditional techniques still exists in riverine communities, despite the growing insertion of industrial objects in homes. But in general, the objects still present in such communities are not made by its residents, but bought from traders in local or regional markets. Of nineteen locations visited in the Amanã Sector - Sustainable Development Reserve of Amanã/AM - about nineteen families engage themselves in the production of artifacts for sale as a systematic economic activity. It was found that trade arrangements for the selling of artifacts by artisans of Amanã are mainly done in a straight-to-the- consumer basis, being either among families of the community or among nearby communities that usually keep a kin relationship among themselves.
USO DO HABITAT POR ONÇA-PINTADA (PANTHERA ONÇA) NO ENTORNO DE LAGOS DE VÁRZEA, RESERVA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL MAMIRAUÁ, AM, BRASIL
Authors: Ramalho Emiliano Esterci , Magnusson William Ernest
Published: July 2018

Understanding how a species moves between habitats available in its home range is key for interpreting spatial-temporal habitat selection patterns, foraging behavior, and predator-prey interactions. The use of habitat by the jaguar(Panthera onca) generally reflects the density and movement of its prey and not the availability of habitats. However, there is no information about how the species uses the habitats available in the Amazonian várzea. The objective of this study was to test if the jaguar uses the habitats available in the surroundings of várzea lakes, in proportion to their availability or if it shows preference for a specific habitat type. To achieve this objective we surveyed, on foot, the surroundings of 36 várzea lakes in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, recording jaguar presence through observation of signs and identifying and quantifying the available habitats. Although we found signs of jaguar presence in all habitat types surveyed, the number of signs found in habitat type chavascal was greater than expected by its availability...
PROJETO DE MANEJO EXPERIMENTAL DE JACARÉS NO ESTADO DO AMAZONAS: ABATE DE JACARÉS NO SETOR JARAUÁ - RESERVA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL MAMIRAUÁ, DEZEMBRO DE 2008
Authors: Botero-Arias Robinson , Marmontel Miriam , Queiroz Helder Lima de
Published: July 2018

The Caiman Management Pilot Program in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve is coordinated by the government of the state of Amazonas. The initiative adheres to the legal framework for the use of natural resources in protected areas. Since 2004, three experimental culling events have taken place in the Jarauá sector of the Mamirauá Reserve. The latest event took place in December 2008, when 257 specimens were captured: 253 black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) and four spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus). Some data on surveys and specimen extraction in the latter experimental effort are hereby presented.
Recount pirarucu: a method for evaluating the quality of the pirarucu counts.
Authors: Andrade Lorena Candice de Araújo , Amaral Ellen Silvia Ramos , Silva Nataluzo Balbino da , Queiroz Helder Lima de
Published: July 2018

The pirarucu counting method is a simplified stock assessment that has been used as the main parameter for establishing the annual fishing quotas in the management system of the Mamirauá and Amanã Reserves. In spite of the method’s directness, considering the recent expansion of managed fisheries, we cannot confirm that the counters thoroughly obey the original methodology. There is a concern of a technical nature, as the results of the counts directly influence the fishing quotas, and the lack of technical supervision or the inadequate application of the method are factors that can compromise the management system as a whole. This study aims to assess the counts that took place in six fishing environments of the Jarauá Sector, Mamirauá Reserve, and in four fishing environments of the area of the Pantaleão Fishing Agreement Complex, Amanã Reserve. We verified the consistency of the information resulting from the count, presented to the technical staff. To do this, we conducted recounts of juvenile and adult pirarucus in the same environments. In the Jarauá Sector we found significant differences in the counting results from Samaumerinha do Tucuxi and Curuçá do Centro. In Comprido do Maciel we found differences regarding the number of counted areas. In the sampled environments from the Pantaleão region we did not find significant differences between the counts. The results highlight the importance of creating assessment mechanisms for the counts, for the purpose of preventing possible alterations in the results that might influence the fishing quotas without a biological reason for justifying such quotas.
Grounding Rights
Authors: Cooper David
Published: July 2018

Since the Sandinistas returned to power in Nicaragua in 2007, ideas about rights have been central to the governing party’s populist project. The rights in question are understood to require the production of ‘organized’ citizens who become integrated into the mechanisms of popular governance. But for rural Sandinistas who participated in the revolutionary agrarian reform of the 1980s, rights are about land. For some, realizing rights has required disentangling themselves from local organs of organized life, resulting in their exclusion from the government’s populist model of rights. Contending ideas about how to legitimately ground the rights that result—and the effort of these excluded Sandinistas to make revolutionary ‘struggle’ the basis of entitlements— trouble a standard anthropological model that views abstract rights as subsequently particularized in practice.
Borderline Papillary Serous Tumour of the Peritoneum
Authors: Rahman Md Mustafizur , Azad Md Abul Kalam , Ahmed Nadim , Rahman Nazmin , Hussain Muhammad Raquib
Published: July 2018

Primary borderline serous peritoneal tumour is a rare lesion found in the absence of ovarian pathology, in the presence of minimal ovarian involvement or in association with benign ovarian tumour. It is thought to arise from the mullerian system, which is embryologically derived from the coelomic and sub-coelomic mesenchyme, and therefore shares histologic similarities with ovarian serous tumours. Such tumours are mostly found in women of reproductive age group although cases have been reported for post-menopausal women. We report a case of a primary peritoneal borderline tumour diagnosed in a middle aged patient with lump and pain the upper abdomen in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College & Hospital.J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, December 2016, Vol.8(2); 69-72
Evaluation of Socio-demographic and Lifestyle Factors Among Subtypes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Chowdhury Sadia Rahman , Safwath Syed Alamgir , Ghosh Dilip Kumar , Mahmuduzzaman Mohammad , Saha Madhusudan , Alam Md Jahangir , Choudhury Muiz Uddin Ahmed
Published: July 2018

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder with absence of organic damages to the intestine. The pathophysiology of IBS is still not completely understood, but in some cases psychological disorders may affect the onset and outcome of IBS. Some studies have found disparities between subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) regarding socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors.Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether there are differences in sociodemographic and lifestyle factors including smoking and physical activity between the subtypes of IBS. The study was performed on outpatients diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (from January 2015 to December 2015) in Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. A total of purposively selected 208 diagnosed IBS patients were interviewed by semi-structured questionnaire in which subtype of irritable bowel syndrome were measured by Rome-III criteria regarding stool consistency.Results: Mean age of the respondents was 32.3 (+ 10.32) years and majority of them were male (77%), married (66.8%), educated up to secondary level (35.6%), labour (skilled and unskilled) (30%), non- smoker (67.3%) and HEPA (health enhancing physical activity) active (65.9%). Diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (50%) was found the most common subtype among the irritable bowel syndrome respondents followed by mixed type irritable bowel syndrome (42%) and constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome (8%) There were no statistical differences found between constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS-C), Diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), and mixed type irritable bowel syndrome (IBSM) patients regarding to socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors (P<0.05).Conclusion: Our study concluded that there are no different socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics between IBS subtypes.J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, June 2017, Vol.9(1); 6-9
Pre-operative Assessment of Ovarian Tumor in Patients Presenting with Adnexal Mass on the Basis of Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI)
Authors: Chowdhury Sanjukta , Jahan Raunak , Hossain Dina Layla , Joty Fahmida Sharmin , Rahman Sumana , Dewan Farhana
Published: July 2018

Background:Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecologic cancer in developing countries. Five-year survival of ovarian cancer varies according to stages, hence, screening, detection and treatment in earlier stages are of great importance. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) recommends use of Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) for preoperative assessment of ovarian tumours. It is a scoring system based on menopausal status, ultrasound findings, and serum CA 125 level in adnexal mass.Objective:To investigate the accuracy of RMI as a predictive method of discriminating benign from malignant ovarian tumour.Methodology: Fifty patients, 30 years or older, with adnexal mass, admitted for laparotomy in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dept. from April’13 to September’13were randomly assigned in this cross-sectional descriptive study. RMI was calculated for each patient based on menopausal status, CA125 level and ultrasound findings of bilateral lesion, multilocular cyst, solid areas, ascites and metastases.Results:Among 50 women, 18 cases (36%) were postmenopausal showing more malignant tumors (77.78%) in this group. Depending on histopathological reports, 82% benign and 18% malignant diseases.The best performance of RMI was obtained at cut-off value of 230 with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 95.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 80% and negative predictive value (NPV) 100%. Conclusion:Compared to previous studies, RMI was highly sensitive in detecting malignant disease, though not as specific in excluding benign lesions, particularly endometriosis.J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, December 2017, Vol.9(2); 69-73
Board Independence and Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure: The Mediating Role of the Presence of Family Ownership
Authors: Bansal Shashank , Lopez-Perez Maria Victoria , Rodriguez-Ariza Lazaro
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the impact of board independence on corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and analyses the moderating effect of the presence of family ownership. Using an international sample from 29 countries from 2006 to 2014, our panel Tobit estimation shows that board independence is negatively associated with CSR disclosure practices and they present opposition to CSR disclosure practices. However, family ownership moderates the relationship and enforces the positive orientation of independent directors towards CSR disclosure. This shows that the presence of family ownership reduces independent director concern of reputation risks associated with receiving misleading information and family firms decrease the asymmetries of information between the independent director and management. The study also finds that independent directors encourage CSR disclosure in family firms more in civil law countries where investor protection is low compared to common law countries where investor protection is high.
Does Solar Radiation Affect the Distribution of Dubas Bug (Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin) Infestation
Authors: Al Shidi Rashid H. , Kumar Lalit , Al-Khatri Salim A. H. , Alaufi Mohammed S. , Albahri Malik M.
Published: July 2018

The Dubas bug Ommatissus lybicus is a serious pest of date palms. The infestation level of the Dubas bug varies from location to location, as well as from one season to the next. Climate factors are considered to be the main drivers for fluctuations in infestation levels. Few studies have examined the effects of solar radiation on O. lybicus infestation. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of solar radiation on O. lybicus infestation levels in Oman. Infestation data were collected during the spring infestation seasons of 2009 and 2016 from 49 and 69 locations, respectively, from seven governorates of North Oman. The monthly clear-sky potential solar radiation was calculated from a digital elevation model (DEM) with 20-m resolution in the ArcGIS environment, and the average daily solar radiation was calculated for each month. Ordinary least square regression (OLS) and geographic weight regression (GWR) models were run to find the relationship between infestation levels and solar radiation. The infestation level ranged from 0.02 insect/leaflet to 32.98 insects/leaflet, with an average of 7.50 insects/leaflet in 2009 and 0.17 insect/leaflet to 17.52 insects/leaflet, with an average of 4.38 insects/leaflet in 2016. The highest solar radiation was recorded in June, with an average of 27.7 MJ/m2/day, and the minimum was in December, with an average of 14.1 MJ/m2/day. The higher infestation rate showed a weak correlation with solar radiation.
General Practitioners’ Views on the Acceptability and Applicability of Using Quality Indicators as an Intervention to Reduce Unnecessary Prescription of Antibiotics in Four South American Countries
Authors: Urbiztondo Inés , De Oliveira Sandi Michele , Hernández-Flores Nieves , Caballero Lidia , Suarez Miguel Angel , Bjerrum Lars , Cordoba Gloria
Published: July 2018

As part of the quality improvement program “Health Alliance for Prudent Prescribing, Yield And Use of anti-microbial Drugs In the Treatment of respiratory tract infections” (HAPPY AUDIT) South America, we planned to implement an intervention based on the use of quality indicators as a means to influence General Practitioners’ (GPs) prescribing decision. Knowledge on the acceptability and applicability of an intervention is crucial to decide whether the intervention is suitable and will achieve the expected outcomes. This study explores GPs’ views about the acceptability and applicability of using quality indicators as an intervention to influence their prescribing decision in patients with suspected Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) across four countries in South-America. In March 2015, GPs that were participating in HAPPY AUDIT South America were invited to participate in focus groups. A discussion guide covering the domains acceptability and applicability was used. Data was analyzed through systematic text condensation with an inductive approach. 171 GPs were invited and 48% participated. Acceptability ranged from totally acceptable to slightly acceptable. This spectrum of GPs views on acceptability was influenced by themes concerning applicability. In conclusion, there is a positive attitude towards the use of quality indicators. Nonetheless, applicability challenges have to be taken into consideration and solved if we are to achieve a large effect with the implementation of this intervention.
Cavity Design in Woodpile Based 3D Photonic Crystals
Authors: Zheng Xu , Taverne Mike P. C. , Ho Ying-Lung D. , Rarity John G.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we present a design of a three-dimensional (3D) photonic crystal (PhC) nanocavity based on an optimized woodpile structure. By carefully choosing the position of the defect at the lattice center, we can create a cavity with high symmetry which supports well confined Gaussian-like cavity modes similar to those seen in a Fabry Perot laser resonator. We could also tune the resonant frequency of the cavity and manually choose the cavity mode order by adjusting the size of the defect at a chosen position.
Sensitivity Factors Analysis on the Compressive Strength and Flexural Strength of Recycled Aggregate Infill Wall Materials
Authors: Chen Zongping , Zhang Yaqi , Chen Jianjia , Fan Jie
Published: July 2018

This paper describes an experimental research study designed to evaluate the feasibility of usage of the crushed clay brick and concrete block as fine aggregate raw materials producing recycled aggregate infill wall materials. To better understand the influences of various factors, an investigation was carried out with 96 specimens made by regenerated brick granule and concrete block. The regenerated brick granule content (regenerated brick granule and concrete granule proportion), water–cement ratio, aggregate–cement ratio, lime content and aggregate replacement rate were considered in an orthogonal experimental design method (DOE method) involving five factors and four factor levels. The mechanical properties of the recycled aggregate infill wall materials (RAIW) between each factor and level were evaluated by compressive strength, flexural strength and the flexural–compressive ratio. The empirical relationship among mechanical properties and factors of recycled aggregate infill wall materials was proposed by using multivariate regression analysis. The results showed that the water–cement ratio was 0.7–0.8 which is especially effective for improving the compressive strength and flexural strength of recycled aggregate infill wall materials, and the aggregate–cement ratio was the most significant factor in the flexural–compressive ratio.
Comparison of CO2 Flow Behavior through Intact Siltstone Sample under Tri-Axial Steady-State and Transient Flow Conditions
Authors: Zhang Chengpeng , Pathegama Gamage Ranjith , Anne Perera Mandadige Samintha
Published: July 2018

With its low viscosity properties, CO2 has much greater penetration capacity into micro-fractures, and therefore has more potential to create expanded and effective fractures in shales during the hydraulic fracturing process. However, the feasibility of this technique is dependent on the accurate prediction of formation flow characteristics, given the high leak-off of CO2 at deep depths. The aim of this study is therefore to understand the flow behavior of CO2 in deep shale plays. A series of tri-axial permeability tests was conducted under both steady-state and transient conditions. The test results show much lower permeability values for liquid CO2 than gaseous CO2, and the permeability under transient conditions is much lower than that under steady-state conditions, due to the combined effects of the reduced slip-flow effect under low pressures and the temperature variation influence under steady-state conditions. Under steady-state conditions, unstable flow behavior occurred at higher injection pressure (≥9 MPa) possibly due to the fine mineral particle migration and the deposition of small drikold particles, which indicates the serious error in permeability calculation under steady-state conditions. Importantly, a greater than 1 effective stress coefficient (χ) for permeability in tested siltstone was observed, confirming the greater sensitivity of CO2 to pore pressure than confining pressure.
Re-Inventing Existing Real Estate of Social Housing for Older People: Building a New De Benring in Voorst, The Netherlands
Authors: Van Hoof Joost , Boerenfijn Peter
Published: July 2018

Population ageing has become a domain of international discussions and research throughout the spectrum of disciplines including housing, urban planning, and real estate. Older people are encouraged to continue living in their homes in their familiar environment, and this is referred to as “ageing-in-place”. Enabling one to age-in-place requires new housing arrangements that facilitate and enable older adults to live comfortably into old age, preferably with others. Innovative examples are provided from a Dutch social housing association, illustrating a new approach to environmental design that focuses more on building new communities in conjunction with the building itself, as opposed to the occupational therapeutic approaches and environmental support. Transformation projects, referred to as “Second Youth Experiments”, are conducted using the Røring method, which is based on the principles of co-creation. De Benring in Voorst, The Netherlands, is provided as a case study of an innovative transformation project. This project shows how social and technological innovations can be integrated in the retrofitting of existing real estate for older people. It leads to a flexible use of the real estate, which makes the building system- and customer preference proof.
Energy Revolution for Our Common Future: An Evaluation of the Emerging International Renewable Energy Law
Authors: Karim Md Ershadul , Munir Abu Bakar , Karim Mohammad Ataul , Muhammad-Sukki Firdaus , Abu-Bakar Siti Hawa , Sellami Nazmi , Bani Nurul Aini , Hassan Mohamad Zaki
Published: July 2018

Climate change poses profound threats to the Earth and its people. Its mitigation, therefore, demands common but differentiated actions with comprehensive and coordinated approach. The global community has pledged to mitigate various greenhouse gases in some international soft law instruments. Exploitation of renewables to generate energy and produce electricity is simultaneously suggested for the last couple of decades as a viable alternative in mitigating climate change. This gets momentum with the adoption of the historical and universally ratified Paris Agreement in 2016 where energy is placed at the heart of the Agreement. Energy, where renewable energy is a branch, is generally regulated and governed domestically and so, international legal regime is still evolving in this regard. In the absence of any specific and direct international instrument on energy and renewable energy, published literatures have considered this topic from different directions ranging from climate change to the principle of national sovereignty, economic, trade and investment issues. In this backdrop, this paper aims to introduce various renewable sources, prospects and challenges in their promotion that may help to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Relevant international law provisions have been evaluated, performances of the relevant regional and international organizations active in this sector are highlighted and some of the disputes in this area considered in international forums are duly addressed. It is revealed that strong political will of the global community in fulfilling their commitments made so far in different international forums is the key to transforming the world into a better one for the future generation.
Isolation of Adipose-Derived Stem/Stromal Cells from Cryopreserved Fat Tissue and Transplantation into Rats with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Ohta Yuki , Takenaga Mitsuko , Hamaguchi Akemi , Ootaki Masanori , Takeba Yuko , Kobayashi Tsukasa , Watanabe Minoru , Iiri Taroh , Matsumoto Naoki
Published: July 2018

Adipose tissue contains multipotent cells known as adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs), which have therapeutic potential for various diseases. Although the demand for adipose tissue for research use remains high, no adipose tissue bank exists. In this study, we attempted to isolate ASCs from cryopreserved adipose tissue with the aim of developing a banking system. ASCs were isolated from fresh and cryopreserved adipose tissue of rats and compared for proliferation (doubling time), differentiation capability (adipocytes), and cytokine (hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor) secretion. Finally, ASCs (2.5 × 106) were intravenously infused into rats with spinal cord injury, after which hindlimb motor function was evaluated. Isolation and culture of ASCs from cryopreserved adipose tissue were possible, and their characteristics were not significantly different from those of fresh tissue. Transplantation of ASCs derived from cryopreserved tissue significantly promoted restoration of hindlimb movement function in injured model rats. These results indicate that cryopreservation of adipose tissue may be an option for clinical application.
Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils
Authors: Dosoky Noura S. , Setzer William N.
Published: July 2018

Citrus fruits have been a commercially important crop for thousands of years. In addition, Citrus essential oils are valuable in the perfume, food, and beverage industries, and have also enjoyed use as aromatherapy and medicinal agents. This review summarizes the important biological activities and safety considerations of the essential oils of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), neroli (Citrus aurantium), orange petitgrain (Citrus aurantium), mandarin (Citrus reticulata), lemon (Citrus limon), lime (Citrus aurantifolia), grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Yuzu (Citrus junos), and kumquat (Citrus japonica).
Possible Criterion to Estimate the Juvenile Reference Length of Common Sardine (Strangomera bentincki) off Central-Southern Chile
Authors: Walker Karen , Aranis Antonio , Contreras-Reyes Javier
Published: July 2018

In the last century, the growing evidence that global fisheries are depleting natural resources much faster than they can recover has led to negative processes, like overfishing, being addressed with increasingly complex models and thus mitigating or regulating actions that aim to protect stocks. Said negative processes contain two components: (i) they can diminish the reproductive potential of fish stocks, called over exploitation by recruitment, and (ii) the effect of early capture prevents the full realization of the growth potential, called overfishing by growth. In this article, the structure of common sardine sizes is analyzed. Due to the precise moment in which pre-recruits are incorporated into the exploited phase of the stock is unknown, the estimation of a recruitment size is a hard problem. This problem is addressed by modeling the mean size via a stochastic process, applying models of structural change. A time series (2001–2015) was analyzed on a weekly time scale based on the size structure of the pelagic fishery landings in the central-southern zone of Chile (32∘10′–40∘14′ LS), from the V. to the XIV. Region. Specifically, the evolution of sizes according to macro-zones was studied for the conglomerates identified in two sub-zones, the V.–VIII. and IX.–XIV. Regions. In this context, the reference size for juveniles to cautiously allow the recruitment process of the common sardine from the central-southern zone of Chile was estimated, and the behavior of these sizes was spatially analyzed. Finally, a statistical inferential criterion was established that confirms the mean size of juveniles with a certain margin of error, which allows nonetheless later on to define a fraction that could be protected to avoid overfishing by growth.
Research for practice: a new in vitro test for identification of tuberculosis infection
Authors: Hansted Edita , Šitkauskienė Brigita , Kėvalas Rimantas , Tattersall Andrea , Day Toni
Published: July 2018

Tuberculosis is one of the biggest global health problems. One-third of the world’s population (2 billion) is latently infected with tuberculosis. The tuberculin skin test is commonly used to diagnose tuberculosis infection. This test has poor specificity and sensitivity, cross-reactivity with bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination and many environmental mycobacteria, and poor sensitivity (only 75–90% in active tuberculosis). Mycobacterium tuberculosis activates a strong T cell-mediated immune response. That is why, a better marker for tuberculosis infection could be the presence of mycobacteria specific interferon-y-secreting T cells. These cells can be identified in blood or any other sample, which contains T cells. The test specificity is 99.9% (in low-risk control groups), and the sensitivity is 97.2% (in subjects with culture-confirmed active disease). New in vitro diagnostic test of tuberculosis, based on tuberculosis-induced immunological mechanisms, seems to be more specific and useful as previous methods.
Clinical forms of infective endocarditis in Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital in 2002–2005
Authors: Žaliaduonytė-Pekšienė Diana , Jonkaitienė Regina , Zabiela Petras , Aržanauskienė Reda
Published: July 2018

Objectives. To determine the incidence and distribution of clinical forms of infective endocarditis and to compare these data with data of 1983–1993. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 116 patients with infective endocarditis treated in Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital in 2002–2005 was performed. The data were compared with analogical data of 1983–1993. Results. During 2002–2005, 55 (47.4%) patients presented with classic symptoms of infective endocarditis. In 61 cases, atypical clinical manifestations were observed: 19 patients presented with heart failure symptoms, 14 patients with embolic symptoms, 9 with pulmonary manifestations, and 5 patients with septic manifestations. There were three cases of nephritic form, three cases of rheumatic form, three cases of meningoencephalitic form, and two cases of ophthalmic form. In three cases, pacemaker endocarditis was seen. During the period of 1983–1993, 15 patients with infective endocarditis were treated annually in Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital; in 2002–2005, this number increased to 29 cases per year. More cases of embolic and pulmonic clinical forms of infective endocarditis were diagnosed as compared to the data of 1983–1993 (P<0.05). There were more cases of primary endocarditis in 2002–2005 than in 1983–1993 (36.2% and 23.8%, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusions. Typically, infective endocarditis manifests as classical symptoms, but in more than half of cases, atypical forms were observed, the most common of which were heart failure form and embolic form. Primary infective endocarditis was detected more frequently.