bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of an Employer Health Insurance Mandate on Health Insurance Coverage and the Demand for Labor: Evidence from Hawaii
Authors: Buchmueller Thomas C , DiNardo John , Valletta Robert G
Published: October 2011

We examine the effects of the most durable employer health insurance mandate in the United States, Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act, using Current Population Survey data covering the years 1979 to 2005. Relying on a variation of the classical Fisher permutation test applied across states, we find that Hawaii's law increased insurance coverage over time for worker groups with low rates of coverage in the voluntary market. We find no statistically significant support for the hypothesis that the mandate reduced wages and employment probabilities. Instead, its primary detectable effect was an increased reliance on exempt part-time workers. (JEL G22, I18, J23, J32)
Conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging in tumefactive demyelination
Authors: Saini Jitender , Chatterjee Somenath , Thomas Bejoy , Kesavadas Chandrasekharan
Published: October 2011

Background

Tumefactive demyelination (TD) is a relatively uncommon entity which mimics other focal intracranial lesions. Conventional radiological findings in tumefactive demyelination have been well described. However, DTI and MRS findings in TD have not been studied in detail.

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multivoxel 1H spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in diagnosis and follow-up of TD of the brain.

Material and Methods

Clinical and imaging findings of 18 patients were reviewed. MR imaging data which included conventional imaging as well as MRS and DTI were reviewed. At TE 135ms MRS various metabolite ratios were calculated at different depths of the demyelinating lesions. At TE 30 ms, glutamate-glutamine (GLX-2.1–2.5 ppm) was compared in the lesion to the contralateral normal side. DTI data were available for 15 patients and Dav (mean diffusivity) and trace values were recorded from central and peripheral layers of the index lesion. Histopathological (9 patients) and therapeutic response (9 patients) on follow-up imaging were taken as the diagnostic criterion. In addition, the follow-up MRI scans available were also reviewed.

Results

Characteristic peripheral ‘broken ring’ type of contrast enhancement was noted in 12 cases. Two or three concentric distinct zones were noted on imaging with distinct metabolic and structural signature in most cases. On TE 135ms, the central part showed variable Choline (Cho) and significantly low N-Acetyl Aspartate (NAA). DTI demonstrated high Dav and very low trace value in this zone. The intermediate area showed higher Cho and lower NAA compared to contralateral normal side. The outermost layer, which corresponded to the contrast enhancing areas on MRI, showed high Cho, lower NAA, and restricted diffusion on DTI. The GLX increase was noted in tumefactive lesions. Lactate was observed in all patients and it appeared higher at the center compared to the periphery of lesions. Follow-up imaging showed shrinkage of index lesions, disappearance of contrast enhancement, and diffusion restriction. MRS showed, persistent abnormalities on follow-up imaging.

Conclusion

Tumefactive demyelinating lesions reveal different microstructural changes at different depths of the lesion and this unique feature may be useful in differentiating them from other focal lesions of brain.
Spinal cord injury following chiropractic manipulation to the neck
Authors: Chakraverty Julian , Curtis Olivia , Hughes Tom , Hourihan Margaret
Published: October 2011

Spinal cord injury is a rare complication of chiropractic treatment. This case report describes a 50-year-old man who developed neurological symptoms a few hours after manipulation (high velocity low amplitude [HVLA] technique) of the cervical spine. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the cervical spine revealed intramedullary high signal at the C2/3 level of the right side of the cervical cord on the T2-weighted images. The potential mechanism of injury and causes of the radiological appearance are discussed.
Alternative methods to a TaqMan assay to detect a tri-allelic single nucleotide polymorphism rs757210 in the HNF1β gene
Authors: Swen Jesse J. , Baak-Pablo Renee F. , Guchelaar Henk-Jan , van der Straaten Tahar
Published: October 2011

Several studies report difficulties in genotyping

Pyrosequencing and high resolution melting analysis of small amplicons (HRM) were developed and tested in panels of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (n=258) and healthy blood donors (n=183). Results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

With pyrosequencing, allele frequencies for the A, G and C allele of 0.42, 0.56, 0.02 and 0.37, 0.62, 0.01 were established in the panel of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy blood donors, respectively. Similar results were found using the more routinely available HRM method. Results for pyrosequencing and HRM were in 99.6% concordance.

Pyrosequencing and HRM can be used to genotype the tri-allelic SNP rs757210 in the
Overlooked and Underserved: “Action Signs” for Identifying Children With Unmet Mental Health Needs
Authors: Jensen Peter S. , Goldman Eliot , Offord David , Costello Elizabeth J. , Friedman Robert , Huff Barbara , Crowe Maura , Amsel Lawrence , Bennett Kathryn , Bird Hector , Conger Rand , Fisher Prudence , Hoagwood Kimberly , Kessler Ronald C. , Roberts Robert
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:

The US Surgeon General has called for new approaches to close the mental health services gap for the large proportion of US children with significant mental health needs who have not received evaluation or services within the previous 6 to 12 months. In response, investigators sought to develop brief, easily understood, scientifically derived “warning signs” to help parents, teachers, and the lay public to more easily recognize children with unmet mental health needs and bring these children to health care providers' attention for evaluation and possible services.

METHOD:

Analyses of epidemiologic data sets from >6000 children and parents were conducted to (1) determine the frequency of common but severely impairing symptom profiles, (2) examine symptom profile frequencies according to age and gender, (3) evaluate positive predictive values of symptom profiles relative to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnoses, and (4) examine whether children with 1 or more symptom profiles receive mental health services.

RESULTS:

Symptom-profile frequencies ranged from 0.5% to 2.0%, and 8% of the children had 1 or more symptom profile. Profiles generated moderate-to-high positive predictive values (52.7%–75.4%) for impairing psychiatric diagnoses, but fewer than 25% of children with 1 or more profiles had received services in the previous 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Scientifically robust symptom profiles that reflect severe but largely untreated mental health problems were identified. Used as “action signs,” these profiles might help increase public awareness about children's mental health needs, facilitate communication and referral for specific children in need of evaluation, and narrow the child mental health services gap.
Parent Education by Maternity Nurses and Prevention of Abusive Head Trauma
Authors: Altman Robin L. , Canter Jennifer , Patrick Patricia A. , Daley Nancy , Butt Neelofar K. , Brand Donald A.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:

A consortium of the 19 community hospitals and 1 tertiary care children's hospital that provide maternity care in the New York State Hudson Valley region implemented a program to teach parents about the dangers of shaking infants and how to cope safely with an infant's crying. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the program in reducing the frequency of shaking injuries.

METHODS:

The educational program, which was delivered by maternity nurses, included a leaflet explaining abusive head trauma (“shaken baby syndrome”) and how to prevent it, an 8-minute video on the subject, and a statement signed by parents acknowledging receipt of the information and agreeing to share it with others who will care for the infant. Poisson regression analysis was used to compare the frequency of shaking injuries during the 3 years after program implementation with the frequency during a 5-year historical control period.

RESULTS:

Sixteen infants who were born in the region during the 8-year study period were treated at the children's hospital for shaking injuries sustained during their first year of life. Of those infants, 14 were born during the 5-year control period and 2 during the 3-year postimplementation period. The decrease from 2.8 injuries per year (14 cases in 5 years) to 0.7 injuries per year (2 cases in 3 years) represents a 75.0% reduction (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS:

Parent education delivered in the hospital by maternity nurses reduces newborns' risks of sustaining an abusive head injury resulting from shaking during the first year of life.
Reducing PICU Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections: 3-Year Results
Authors: Miller Marlene R. , Niedner Matthew F. , Huskins W. Charles , Colantuoni Elizabeth , Yenokyan Gayane , Moss Michele , Rice Tom B. , Ridling Debra , Campbell Deborah , Brilli Richard J. ,   the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infection Quality Transformation Teams
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the long-term impact of pediatric central line care practices in reducing PICU central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLA-BSI) rates and to evaluate the added impact of chlorhexidine scrub and chlorhexidine-impregnated sponges.

METHODS:

A 3-year, multi-institutional, interrupted time-series design (October 2006 to September 2009), with historical control data, was used. A nested, 18-month, nonrandomized, factorial design was used to evaluate 2 additional interventions. Twenty-nine PICUs were included. Two central line care bundles (insertion and maintenance bundles) and 2 additional interventions (chlorhexidine scrub and chlorhexidine-impregnated sponges) were used. CLA-BSI rates (January 2004 to September 2009), insertion and maintenance bundle compliance rates (October 2006 to September 2009), and chlorhexidine scrub and chlorhexidine-impregnated sponge compliance rates (January 2008 to June 2009) were assessed.

RESULTS:

The average aggregate baseline PICU CLA-BSI rate decreased 56% over 36 months from 5.2 CLA-BSIs per 1000 line-days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4–6.2 CLA-BSIs per 1000 line-days) to 2.3 CLA-BSIs per 1000 line-days (95% CI: 1.9–2.9 CLA-BSIs per 1000 line-days) (rate ratio: 0.44 [95% CI: 0.37–0.53]; P < .0001). No statistically significant differences in CLA-BSI rate decreases between PICUs using or not using either of the 2 additional interventions were found.

CONCLUSIONS:

Focused attention on consistent adherence to the use of pediatrics-specific central line insertion and maintenance bundles produced sustained, continually decreasing PICU CLA-BSI rates. Additional use of either chlorhexidine for central line entry scrub or chlorhexidine-impregnated sponges did not produce any statistically significant additional reduction in PICU CLA-BSI rates.
Management of Menorrhagia Associated with Chemotherapy‐Induced Thrombocytopenia in Women with Hematologic Malignancy
Authors: Bates Jill S. , Buie Larry W. , Woodis C. Brock
Published: October 2011

Abnormal uterine bleeding in women with a blood dyscrasia, such as leukemia, or who experience thrombocytopenia secondary to myelosuppressive chemotherapy is a clinical condition associated with significant morbidity. Consequently, effective management is necessary to prevent adverse outcomes. Prevention of menorrhagia, defined as heavy regular menstrual cycles with more than 80 ml of blood loss/cycle or a cycle duration longer than 7 days, in this patient population is the goal of therapy. Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogs (e.g., leuprolide) are promising therapies that have been shown to decrease vaginal bleeding during periods of thrombocytopenia and to have minimal adverse effects other than those associated with gonadal inhibition. In patients who experience menorrhagia despite preventive therapies, or in patients who have thrombocytopenia and menorrhagia at diagnosis, treatment is indicated. For these women, treatment options may include platelet transfusions, antifibrinolytic therapy (e.g., tranexamic acid), continuous high‐dose oral contraceptives, cyclic progestins, or other therapies for more refractory patients such as danazol, desmopressin, and recombinant factor VIIa. Hormonal therapies are often the mainstay of therapy in women with menorrhagia secondary to thrombocytopenia, but data for these agents are sparse. The most robust data for the treatment of menorrhagia are for tranexamic acid. Most women receiving tranexamic acid in randomized trials experienced meaningful reductions in menstrual bleeding, and this translated into improved quality of life; however, these trials were not performed in patients with cancer. Further clinical trials are warranted to evaluate both preventive and therapeutic agents for menorrhagia in premenopausal women with cancer who are receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
Liver Failure Requiring Transplantation After Orlistat Use
Authors: Wilson Nikita S. , Shah Nirish , Manitpisitkul Wana , Twadell William S. , Barth Rolf N. , Philosophe Benjamin , Fayek Sameh A.
Published: October 2011

Orlistat is a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved drug indicated for the management of obesity. The FDA has issued a warning of rare, but severe, reports of liver injury after orlistat use. We describe a 40‐year‐old woman with no significant medical history who experienced fulminant liver failure after orlistat use. Two weeks after taking the drug at a low dosage of 60 mg/day for 4 days, she developed significant fatigue, nausea, right upper abdominal discomfort, and icterus, and her liver enzyme panel showed significant abnormalities. Five weeks later, after further deterioration in her clinical status, she was transferred to our medical center with severe cholestasis and coagulopathy Liver ultrasonography, serologies for viral hepatitis, and autoimmune markers were unremarkable. Early cessation of the drug was not sufficient to stop the progression of liver injury, and she required an orthotopic liver transplant. Two weeks after transplantation, she was discharged in good condition. Published reports of liver injury associated with orlistat use describe a presentation similar to that of our patient. Although use of the Naranjo adverse reaction probability scale indicated a possible relationship (score of 3) between the patient's development of fulminant liver failure and orlistat, we believe this was a drug‐induced case and is consistent with previous reports. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of orlistat‐induced liver failure in the United States. Although orlistat may be a useful drug for weight loss, clinicians should be aware that its use can rarely cause idiosyncratic hepatotoxicty characterized by subacute hepatitis, which may progress to serious injury.
Statistical approaches and hydrochemical modelling of groundwater system in a small tropical island
Authors: Aris A. Z. , Praveena S. M. , Abdullah M. H. , Radojevic M.
Published: October 2011

The aquifer of Manukan Island of Borneo, Malaysia had been found to be affected by seawater intrusion associated with excessive groundwater exploitation. This research attempted to characterize the chemistry of an impacted zone in the island using factor analysis (FA), cluster analysis (CA) and a hydrochemical model package (PHREEQC). The factor scores were used to plot the spatial map and to group the relationships among the monitoring wells using CA. The results of FA analysis revealed that the three main processes associated with the seawater intrusion event are aquifer salinization, cation exchange process and redox sequences. Output from the PHREEQC simulation was used to support the findings from the multivariate analysis.
A real options approach to the design and architecture of water supply systems using innovative water technologies under uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Stephen X. , Babovic Vladan
Published: October 2011

Water supply has become a priority for developed and developing nations of the world. Conventional water resources alone cannot meet the growing demand for water in urban cities. Management of the problem is amplified by uncertainty associated with different development strategies. Singapore has limited conventional water resources and progressively architects its water supply system through acquiring and sustaining multiple (alternative) water resources through innovative technologies. The full rationale and merits of such a policy cannot be properly understood based on traditional project valuation methods alone. This paper provides decision support using a real options approach by evaluating innovative water technologies from multiple perspectives under uncertainty.

This paper demonstrates that incorporating innovative water technologies into water supply systems can concurrently improve water supply from the financial, political and socioeconomic perspectives. The development of innovative water technologies provides flexibility to the water supply system, and is a fundamental and effective means of risk management. The evaluation of innovative water technologies is based on an integrated real options approach, which provides decision support for architecting water supply systems under uncertainty. The approach gives specific tangible values for the water technologies and complements the general prescriptive Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) framework.
GroundWater Markup Language (GWML) – enabling groundwater data interoperability in spatial data infrastructures
Authors: Boisvert Eric , Brodaric Boyan
Published: October 2011

Increasing stress on global groundwater resources is leading to new approaches to the management and delivery of groundwater data. These approaches include the deployment of a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) to enable online data interoperability amongst numerous and heterogeneous data sources. Often an important component of an SDI is a global domain schema, which serves as a central structure for the query and transport of data, but at present there does not exist a schema for groundwater data that is strongly compliant with SDI concepts, standards, and technologies. In this paper we present GroundWater Markup Language (GWML), a groundwater application of the Geography Markup Language (GML). GWML can be used in conjunction with a variety of web services to facilitate data interoperability in a SDI. We describe three common usage scenarios that motivate the design of GWML and a three-stage design methodology involving conceptual, logical and physical schemas. The resultant GWML has broad scope as demonstrated by its implementation in the Canadian Groundwater Information Network. Example uses include decision support in resource management, a scientific application for aquifer mapping, and a commercial application for drill site selection. These demonstrated uses suggest GWML can play a key role in emerging groundwater SDI.
Biofilm control in water by advanced oxidation process (AOP) pre-treatment: effect of natural organic matter (NOM)
Authors: Lakretz Anat , Ron Eliora Z. , Harif Tali , Mamane Hadas
Published: October 2011

The main goal of this study was to examine the influence of natural organic matter (NOM) on the efficiency of H2O2/UV advanced oxidation process (AOP) as a preventive treatment for biofilm control. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm-forming bacteria were suspended in water and exposed to various AOP conditions with different NOM concentrations, and compared to natural waters. H2O2/UV prevented biofilm formation: (a) up to 24 h post treatment – when residual H2O2 was neutralized; (b) completely (days) – when residual H2O2 was maintained. At high NOM concentrations (i.e. 25 mg/L NOM or 12.5 mg/L DOC) an additive biofilm control effect was observed for the combined H2O2/UV system compared to UV irradiation alone, after short biofilm incubation times (<24 h). This effect was H2O2 concentration dependent and can be explained by the high organic content of these water samples, whereby an increase in NOM could enhance •OH production and promote the formation of additional reactive oxygen species. In addition, maintaining an appropriate ratio of bacterial surviving conc.: residual H2O2conc. post-treatment could prevent bacterial regrowth and biofilm formation.
Pilot-scale anaerobic submerged membrane bioreactor (AnSMBR) treating municipal wastewater: the fouling phenomenon and long-term operation
Authors: Martinez-Sosa D. , Helmreich B. , Netter T. , Paris S. , Bischof F. , Horn H.
Published: October 2011

An anaerobic submerged membrane bioreactor (AnSMBR) on pilot-scale treating a mixture composed of municipal wastewater and glucose under mesophilic temperature conditions was operated for 206 days. The performance of the AnSMBR was evaluated at different fluxes, biomass concentrations and gas sparging velocities (GSV). GSV was used to control fouling. In addition, the AnSMBR was operated in cycles that included relaxation and backwashing phases. The increase in the transmembrane pressure (fouling rate) was measured under different operational conditions and was used to evaluate the stability of the process. The fouling rate could be controlled for a long period of time at a flux of 7 l m−2 h−1 with a GSV of 62 m/h and an average biomass concentration of 14.8 g TSS/L. The membrane was physically cleaned after 156 days of operation. The cleaning efficiency was almost 100% indicating that no irreversible fouling was developed inside the pores of the membrane. The COD removal efficiency was close to 90%. As in anaerobic processes, nutrients were not exposed to degradation and almost no pathogens were found in the effluent, hence the effluent could be used for irrigation in agriculture.
A new online monitoring and management system for accidental pollution events developed for the regional water basin in Ningbo, China
Authors: Zhang Gaosheng , Chen Linlin , Liu Yuedan , Chon TaeSoo , Ren Zongming , Wang Zijian , Zhao Jianping , Zhao Yangyong
Published: October 2011

Due to urgency of the accidental pollution events (APE) on one side and the variability in water quality data on the other side, a new online monitoring and management system (OMMS) was developed for the purpose of sustainable water quality management and human health protection as well. The Biological Early Warning System (BEWS) based on the behavioral responses (behavior strength) of medaka (Oryzias latipes) were built in combination with the physico-chemical factor monitoring system (PFMS) in OMMS. OMMS included a monitoring center and six monitoring stations. Communication between the center and the peripheral stations was conducted by the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network transmission complemented by a dial-up connection for use when GPRS was unavailable. OMMS could monitor water quality continuously for at least 30 days. Once APEs occurred, OMMS would promptly notify the administrator to make some follow up decisions based on the Emergency Treatment of APE. Meanwhile, complex behavioral data were analyzed by Self-Organizing Map to properly classify behavior response data before and after contamination. By utilizing BEWS, PFMS and the modern data transmission in combination, OMMS was efficient in monitoring the water quality more realistically.
3-D Volumetric Evaluation of Human Mandibular Growth
Authors: Reynolds Mathew , Reynolds Michael , Adeeb Samer , El-Bialy Tarek
Published: October 2011

Bone growth is a complex process that is controlled by a multitude of mechanisms that are not fully understood.Most of the current methods employed to measure the growth of bones focus on either studying cadaveric bones from different individuals of different ages, or successive two-dimensional (2D) radiographs. Both techniques have their known limitations. The purpose of this study was to explore a technique for quantifying the three dimensional (3D) growth of an adolescent human mandible over the period of one year utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken for regular orthodontic records. Three -dimensional virtual models were created from the CBCT data using mainstream medical imaging software. A comparison between computer-generated surface meshes of successive 3-D virtual models illustrates the magnitude of relative mandible growth. The results of this work are in agreement with previously reported data from human cadaveric studies and implantable marker studies. The presented method provides a new relatively simple basis (utilizing commercially available software) to visualize and evaluate individualized 3D (mandibular) growth in vivo.
A Summary of Global Routine Immunization Coverage Through 2010
Authors: W. Brown David , Burton Anthony , Gacic-Dobo Marta , Karimov Rouslan
Published: October 2011

This brief report summarizes the 2010 revision (July 2011) of the WHO and UNICEF estimates of national
routine immunization coverage. In spite of improvements in immunization coverage (DTP3: 74% during 2000 vs 85%
during 2010; MCV: 72% during 2000 vs 85% during 2010), the benefits of vaccination continue to elude many of the
world's children suggesting the need for a renewed commitment and investment in routine immunization programmes
worldwide.
The Chinese “(big) polar game“
Authors: Filijovic Marko
Published: October 2011

Climate changes have caused ice melting in the Arctic, thus creating new
conditions in the region. Apart from making access to hydrocarbon deposits
the Arctic region is rich in, new ways of transportation have appeared. In
summer, the region is almost completely passable, thus making the routes
between America and Asia much shorter. This has drawn attention not only of
Arctic states, but also of some others, these especially including big
exporters of consumer goods, as China and Japan are. The paper analyses the
position of China with regard to other countries that are interested in
exploitation of the Arctic region with focus on transport, in particular.
Special attention is directed towards the strategic orientations of the
Chinese management, this including the analysis of its approach, but also the
positions of the international and especially the Chinese academic circles
concerning the political and economic implications of joining of China to
?the Arctic race?.
Abuse of internet for terrorist purposes
Authors: Zirojevic-Fatic Mina
Published: October 2011

In this analysis, the author tried to establish a relationship, similarities
and differences between the expression of terrorist organizations on the
Internet and in conventional media. It is particularly important that the
terrorists use the Internet as a weapon, as a means of communication and
among activists as a conventional medium. The paper analyzed only the third
way - use the Internet as a conventional media.
Physical and technical aspects of quality assurance in mammography in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Ciraj-Bjelac Olivera , Praskalo Jovica , Davidovic Jasna , Zivkovic Monika
Published: October 2011

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant neoplasm affecting the female
population. In order to reduce its morbidity and mortality rate, a
mammography screening campaign has been established in both entities of
Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this paper, a brief survey is given on the
mammography screening practice in the Republic of Srpska. As an illustration,
results of measurements of technical parameters, including mean glandular
dose, for 31 mammography units are presented. Large fluctuations in dose
among different measuring sites were found, unacceptable not only from the
standpoint of mammography screening, but in clinical mammography as a whole.
Subsequently, a series of quality control tests and corrective measures
throughout the mammography imaging chain are proposed, in line with
international guidelines and newly promulgated national legislation. Dose
optimization and image quality improvement are the first and foremost goals
to be achieved in order to setup a successful mammography screening program.
Status of industrial radiography incidents doses during the years 2005-2009 in Iran
Authors: Pooya Hosseini , Orouji Tahereh , Jafarizadeh Mansour , Nazeri Firoozeh , Nejad Yoosefi , Dashtipour Reza
Published: October 2011

The dose assessments of industrial radiographers who have been involved in
radiation incidents in Iran during the years 2005-2009 are presented and
discussed. All cases and events have been recognized by the regulatory body -
National Radiation Protection Department of Iran as incidents based on the
information declared by the Radiation Protection Officers. The registered
dose values are in the range of 0 to 345 mSv.
Effects of marginalism on drawing the social and historical from economic analysis
Authors: Golubovic Natasa , Golubovic Srdjan , Marinkovic Srdjan
Published: October 2011

Endeavours to secure status of exact science for economics led to the
exclusion of social and historical component from economic analysis. It is a
long term process which started within classical political economy, gradually
diverging the postulate upon which economic science is based from economic
reality. Above mentioned changes are result of the long-term process during
which holistic, social and historical aspects had been gradually removing
from economic analysis. In this paper we will analyze the role of marginalism
in the extrusion of social and historical from economic analysis.
Antibacterial effects of mixtures of extracts of usnea, thyme and angelica obtained using different technological processes against certain types of bacteria of importance in veterinary medicine
Authors: Misic Dusan , Zizovic Irena , Ivanovic Jasna
Published: October 2011

Antibacterial effects of plant extracts were examined using mixtures of extracts obtained using different technological processes: usnea extract was obtained using the process of supercritical extraction (NKE), angelica extract was obtained through supercritical extraction processes (NKE) and ultrasound extraction using ethanol (UZ), and thyme extract was obtained using the process of hydrodistillation (HD). Mixtures of the listed extracts were examined in various ratios: U (NKE) and T (HD) in a ratio of 1:1, U (NKE) and T (HD) in a ratio of 7:3, U (NKE), T (HD) and A (NKE) in a ratio of 2:2:1, and U (NKE), T (HD) and A (UZ) in a ratio of 2:2:1. The investigations covered 15 strains of bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Enterococus, including the strains MRSA, VRE as well as reference strains of S. pyogenes ATCC 19615, S. agalactiae ATCC 27959 and S. aureus ATCC 11632. The antibacterial action of mixes of plant extracts was examined using the microdilution method in bouillon, and the examined mix concentrations were from 1.25 g/mL to 1280 g/mL. The strongest antibacterial effect was exhibited by mixes of usnea (NKE) and thyme (HD) in ratios of 1:1 and 7:3 with obtained MIC values from 5 g/mL to 160 g/mL, but the MIC value of the listed mixtures for the biggest number of strains amounted to 40 g/mL. A somewhat weaker effect was exhibited by the other examined extract mixtures with obtained MIC values of 10 g/mL to 320 g/mL. Based on the obtained MIC values and the results of previous investigations, it can be concluded that the examined mixtures of plant extracts exhibited a very strong antibacterial effect on the examined bacteria strains. .
Homeopathic products and homeopathic treatment in veterinary medicine in Republic of Slovenia
Authors: Kobal Silvestra
Published: October 2011

Doctors and veterinarians in many countries of the world have an opportunity to select between allopathic or homeopathic drugs. The selection of an appropriate method for medical treatment should be performed from the individual point of view. .
Colorectal anastomosis dehiscence following radical surgical operation for rectal carcinoma
Authors: Trifunovic Bratislav , Delic Jovan , Mirkovic Darko , Jovanovic Milan , Krsic Jovan , Zaric Zoran
Published: October 2011

Background/Aim. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the biggest health problems
of modern humanity, especially in highly developed countries. In Serbia about
3,200 patients suffer from CRC, out of whom about 1,100 patients suffer from
rectal cancer (RC), while about 2,100 patients suffer from other colon
segments cancer. The aim of the study was to show the incidence genesis of
one of the possible early postoperative complications regarding dehiscence of
the colorectal anastomosis (CRA) with a group of patients suffering from RC
and operated by using sphincter-saving procedures, in the period from 1993 to
2007, and then to compare the incidence genesis of these complications with
those in the published series of the reporting colorectal institutions.
Methods. The research included 242 patients radically operated on for RC in a
15-year period using some of sphincter-saving procedures following by a
careful analysis of the symptoms of subclinical dehyscencias not solved with
the reintervention as well as of the clinically evidented dehyscencias mostly
solved by reoperation. Results. With 22 (9.1%) patients in the first 10
postoperative days there were early postoperative symptoms of CRA dehiscence.
In 6 (2.47%) of the patients there were subclinical signs of raised body
temperature, less quantity of feces content, and after the conservative
treatment they ended in spontaneous process of rehabilitation. In 16 (6.61%)
patients there was clinically evidented anastomosis dehiscence followed by
abundant drainage of feces content, signs of local peritonitis, pelvic
sepsis, so we had to undertake surgical intervention. Conclusion. Comparing
the results of a few tenths of published studies with our results we proved
that performing and operative technique of colorectal anastomosis in the
patients suffered and radically surgically treated for RC, is quite adequate
with the operative technique in reporting world institutions that are engaged
in surgical treatment of RC.
Adult human case of toxocariasis with pulmonary migratory infiltrate and eosinophilia
Authors: Povazan Djordje , Djuric Mirna , Uzurov-Dinic Vera , Lalosevic Dusan , Lalosevic Vesna , Secen Svetozar , Povazan Anika
Published: October 2011

Introduction. Toxocariasis is a zoonosis which is in Serbia characterized
with a very high infection rate of dogs and excessive contamination of the
soil with the eggs of Toxocara canis, the agent of the disease.
Toxocara-induced infections have in recent years been established in a few
hundreds of children, but toxocariasis has rather rarely been diagnosed in
adults. Case report. We reported toxocariasis (visceral larva migrans) in an
adult, manifested by migratory pulmonary infiltrates and positive serological
test finding to Toxocara. Conclusion. Human toxocariasis is a rare disease in
adults, therefore it should be considered in adult patients presented with
eosinophilia and migratory pulmonary infiltrates.
Resistance of erythrocytes from Brown trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta L.) affected by ulcerative dermal necrosis syndrome
Authors: Kurhalyuk N. , Tkachenko H. , Pałczyńska K.
Published: October 2011

Resistance of erythrocytes from Brown trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta L.) affected by ulcerative dermal necrosis syndrome

In the present work we evaluated the effect of ulcerative dermal necrosis (UDN) syndrome on resistance of erythrocytes to haemolytic agents and lipid peroxidation level in the blood from brown trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta L.). Results showed that lipid peroxidation increased in erythrocytes, as evidenced by high thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels. Compared to control group, the resistance of erythrocytes to haemolytic agents was significantly lower in UDN-positive fish. Besides, UDN increased the percent of hemolysated erythrocytes subjected to the hydrochloric acid, urea and hydrogen peroxide. Results showed that UDN led to an oxidative stress in erythrocytes able to induce enhanced lipid peroxidation level, as suggested by TBARS level and decrease of erythrocytes resistance to haemolytic agents.
Robust Power System Stabilizer VIA Networked Control System
Authors: Veselý Vojtech , Quang Thuan
Published: October 2011

Robust Power System Stabilizer VIA Networked Control System

The paper presents a novel power system stabilizer (PSS) design for a multivariable power system. The proposed design procedure is based on the linear matrix inequalities and stabilization of controlled system with time-varying time delay.
Introduction of Reserved Bus Lane
Authors: Surprenant-Legault Julien , El-Geneidy Ahmed M.
Published: October 2011

This paper evaluates the impact of adding a reserved bus lane on the running times and on-time performance of two parallel bus routes, one of them a limited-stop bus service and the other a regular bus service. By means of automatic vehicle location and automatic passenger count data, statistical models were built to estimate running time and on-time performance. The reserved bus lane yielded savings of 1.3% to 2.2% in total running time, and benefits were more significant for northbound afternoon peak trips than for southbound morning peak trips because of congestion levels northbound. The introduction of a reserved lane increased the odds of being on time by 65% for both routes. A decline in the variability of running time and delay at the end was noticed after implementation of the reserved lane; the decline indicated that the reliability of the service being offered along the corridor had improved. The analysis showed that the more affected a bus service was by adverse traffic conditions, the more it benefitted in running time from improvements introduced by reserved lanes while keeping schedules constant. Reserved lanes had a substantial effect on both service reliability and on-time performance, two key variables in customer satisfaction that justified such implementation. This study will help transit planners and schedulers to understand the effects of implementing reserved lanes on running time, on-time performance, and transit schedules.
Joint Optimization of Bus Size, Headway, and Slack Time for Efficient Timed Transfer
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Shoaib , Chien Steven I-Jy
Published: October 2011

The level of transit service may be elevated by efficient timed transfer, which reduces travel time and increases productivity. However, timed transfer may be costly because of the stochastic nature of vehicle arrivals. A mathematical model is developed to minimize the total cost (e.g., operator and user costs) of a transfer hub that consists of multiple transit routes, subject to capacity constraints. The decision variables, including bus size, headway, and slack time, are jointly optimized through consideration of various levels of coordination. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the applicability of the developed model.
High-Coverage Point-to-Point Transit
Authors: Jung Jaeyoung , Jayakrishnan R.
Published: October 2011

This study focuses on the optimization and simulation modeling associated with the design of alternative transportation, the high-coverage point-to-point transit (HCPPT), which involves a sufficient number of deployed small vehicles with advanced-information supply schemes. This paper identifies the inefficiency of the existing heuristic rules for vehicle routing and proposes a new optimization approach for an HCPPT solution. A path-based model for routing through multiple hubs as opposed to a single pair of hubs is formulated to improve HCPPT operational schemes. This study also develops a simulation framework for the application of the proposed algorithm. To illustrate the system and computational performances of the proposed model, simulations are conducted with different sets of scenarios and model parameters. The path-based model shows reasonable performance over the various demand patterns in level of service and ride time index. It is also shown that, with the use of constraint-driven schemes and model parameters, the scale of the problem is reduced. The computational times are shown to be quite small, and demonstrate the viability in real-time operations.
Highway Construction Productivity Measurement with a Wireless Real-Time Productivity Measurement System
Authors: Kim Seonghoon , Bai Yong , Jung Yang-Ki , Yun Dukgeun
Published: October 2011

Improving the quality of construction schedules calls for development of an advanced productivity measurement system. Existing on-site construction productivity measurement methods have some common limitations, such as not providing data necessary for engineers and project managers to conduct real-time analyses and share data with other project participants. A wireless real-time productivity measurement (WRITE) system was developed to address those shortfalls. The field experiment was conducted at two different stages: asphalt paving projects, including hot-mix asphalt and hot-in-place recycling, and a bridge reconstruction project. Productivity data collected from the WRITE system were also compared with productivity data collected from construction documents, such as contractors' daily logs and pay estimate documents, to identify the feasibility of this system for measuring the performance of construction projects. For data analyses, statistical methods such as normality test, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used. The result of statistical analyses proved that the developed system generated identical productivity measurements compared with the stopwatch method and construction documents. The success of this research project made several major contributions to the advancement of the construction industry. First, the research advanced the application of wireless technology in highway construction operations. Second, it provided an advanced technology for engineers and project managers to determine productivity in real time. Third, productivity data can be shared between project participants via the Internet. With these advancements, communication and coordination will be improved at construction sites. Consequently, the WRITE system will enhance owners' and contractors' ability to manage construction projects.
Variability and Normality Assumptions for Virginia Department of Transportation Volumetric Properties
Authors: Katicha Samer W. , Flintsch Gerardo W. , McGhee Kevin , de León Izeppi Edgar
Published: October 2011

The paper investigates the statistical measures of process mean, standard deviation, correlation, and normality assumptions for the Virginia Department of Transportation volumetric properties of voids in total mix (VTM), asphalt content (AC), and voids in mineral aggregates (VMA) on the basis of 3 years of contractors' testing data. The VTM had an overall pooled standard deviation of 0.86%, but the data distribution was found not to follow the normal distribution. No difference based on mix type [base mix (BM), intermediate mix (IM), surface mix (SM), or stone matrix asphalt (SMA)] was observed. The average AC, however, was found to depend on mix type with three distinct groups: BM and IM (about 4.35%), SM (about 5.30%), and SMA (about 6.40%). The standard deviations for the combined BM and IM and that of the SM were found to be similar (about 0.30%) and different from the standard deviation of the SMA (about 0.42%). The AC data distribution passed one of the three tests of normality. The correlation between the VTM and AC was found to be equal to −0.28. The average of the VMA was found to depend on mix type and specifically on the maximum nominal aggregate size ranging from 13.84% for the BM to 18.18% for the SMA. The standard deviations was found to be independent of mix type (about 1.00%). Similar to the VTM, the VMA distribution failed all three normality tests. As expected, a high correlation between the VTM and VMA was observed (about 0.65). The correlation increased to 0.85 when the effect of the AC was removed.
Density, Permeability, Infiltration, and Absorption Used to Assess Quality of Hot-Mix Asphalt Longitudinal Joints
Authors: Williams Stacy G.
Published: October 2011

Longitudinal joint quality is critical to the successful performance of hot-mix asphalt pavements. The implementation of longitudinal joint quality specifications is gaining momentum in many states, with density being the most common quality parameter. However, distress at the joint is caused by the ability of air and water to enter the pavement structure, an ability that may be more compatible with a measure of permeability. The objective of this study was to provide guidance for the implementation of joint quality specifications by compiling information that more completely describes the relationships of density, absorption, permeability, and infiltration. On two resurfacing projects, eight joint construction techniques were used, and the ability of each to improve joint quality was assessed. In addition, joint quality was evaluated with regard to proximity to the joint. In general, the joint heater, joint stabilizer, and notched wedge construction methods were the best performers in regard to density and permeability. Traditional rolling methods exhibited lesser quality, indicating that additional measures may be necessary to generate acceptable levels of joint quality. For the most appropriate measure of quality, permeability and infiltration adequately discriminated between varying levels of joint quality, as did nuclear density. Reasonable relationships were developed between density, permeability, infiltration, and absorption. Thus, density measurements can be used for assessing joint quality and simultaneously protecting against excessive levels of permeability.
Effect of sowing date and seed rate on yield performance of two mustard varieties
Authors: Afroz MM , Sarkar MAR , Bhuiya MSU , Roy AK
Published: October 2011

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from November 2007 to March 2008 to study the effect of sowing date and seed rate on the yield and yield components of two mustard varieties. The treatments included two varieties viz. BARI Sarisha-9 and BARI Sarisha-6; three sowing date viz. 10, 20 and 30 November, and three seed rates viz. 8, 10 and 12 kg seeds ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. It was observed that the variety had significant influence on the yield and yield contributing characters except non-effective pods plant-1, non-effective seeds pod-1 and 1000-seed weight. Higher seed yield was obtained by the variety BARI Sarisha-9. The highest seed yield (1.53 t ha-1) was recorded in 10 November sowing and the lowest one was achieved in 30 November sowing. Seed rate had also significant effect on plant height, branches plant-1, pods plant-1, effective pods plant-1, pod length, no. of seeds pod-1 and seed yield. The seed rate 8 kg ha-1 produced the highest seed yield (1.49 t ha-1) and the lowest seed yield was produced by 12 kg seeds ha-1. Among the yield contributing characters only harvest index and non-effective pods plant-1 were significantly influenced by the interaction of variety and date of seeding as well as the interaction of variety and seed rate. The highest seed yield (1.63 t ha-1) was produced when BARI Sarisha-9 was sown on 10 November. In case of interaction between variety and seed rate, BARI Sarisha-9 with 10 kg seeds ha-1 produced the maximum seed yield. Results further showed that the interaction of 10 November sowing with 8 kg seeds ha-1 produced the highest seed yield (1.55 t ha-1). Keywords: Mustard; Variety; Date of Seeding; Seed Rate; Seed Yield DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i1.8737 JBAU 2011; 9(1): 5-8