bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CORRELATION OF TOTAL KOLESTEROL WITH DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2 IN MEN
Authors: Anggraini Rahayu
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation of total cholesterol with the incidenceof Diabetes Mellitus disease. The type of this research is observational with cross-sectional analyticapproach and done to PLN employees, total are 112 people of which are men. All participantsunderwent biochemical analysis of fasting blood sugar (BSN) and 2 hours PP (Post Prandial), andtotal cholesterol level test. Determination of glucose by glucose oxidase method and cholesterol levelby CHOD-PAP method. The mean results obtained GDP = 73 mg / dl, 2 Hours PP = 92 mg / dl innormal cholesterol patients, and in abnormal patients Cholesterol mean GDP = 81 mg / dl, 2 HoursPP = 109 mg / dl with p = 0000 in both groups of different cholesterol. Results of the Pearson'scorrelation test, there was a significant positive correlation between GDP levels and total cholesterol(r = 0.262, p = 0.005), and 2 hours PP and total cholesterol (r = 0.258, p = 0.006). Conclusions:There was a significant positive correlation between GDP levels, 2 hours PP, and total serumcholesterol. This study shows there is a correlation of total cholesterol levels that developdyslipidemia until diabetes mellitus type 2.
Analysing Enabling Factors Affecting the On-site Productivity in Indian Construction Industry
Authors: Dixit Saurav
Published: November 2018

The growth in construction productivity is low and do not continue for a long span of time. The purpose of the present research paper is to analyse the factors affecting on-site construction productivity in Indian construction industry. The tools used for the analysis are reliability analysis to check the consistency of the data, Pearson correlation analysis to mathematically validate the factor analysis, and linear regression analysis to propose a framework of factors affecting construction productivity. The findings of the reliability analysis concludes that the all the factors having a value of more than 0.67, which is considered to be good for the study, and the findings of the study conclude that the most significant 3 attributes grouped in linear regression analysis change in scope (R2), revision in drawings (R15), and response to change orders (R3) having maximum impact over the construction productivity. The research paper attempts to provide an insight and better understanding of the factors affecting on-site construction productivity in India and the ways and means to control and improve construction productivity of construction projects."This paper is the revised version of the paper that has been published in the proceedings of the Creative Construction Conference 2018: Dixit, S., Mandal, S. N., Thanikal, J. V, & Saurabh, K. (2018). Critical Analysis of Factors Affecting the on-site Productivity in Indian Construction Industry, (July), 38–45. https://doi.org/10.3311/CCC2018-006"
Editorial Vol.9(2)
Authors: Talukder Md Humayun Kabir
Published: November 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.9(2) 2018: 1
Current trends of HIV/AIDS in Asia
Authors: Sanyaolu Adekunle , Okorie Chuku , Kumar Anjali , LaMoure Deja , Rabadi Mourad , Hernandez Jennings , Omiloli George
Published: November 2018

It is very important to recognize the trends in HIV/AIDS in specific areas such as Asia because it is vital to understanding the effectiveness of current approaches towards diagnosis and treatment. It is also very important to understand the risk factors that greatly predispose people in Asia to contracting HIV/AIDS such as lifestyle, culture, and religion. This review extensively analyzes the current trends of HIV/AIDS in India, China, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. Additionally, cultural diversity carries certain social and religious stigmas associated with the disease. These social stigmas also pose as a significant influence on government involvement with regards to the funding of HIV/AIDS awareness, education, prevention, and the protection of human rights. Lack of education about the methods that help people from the disease and mode of transmission remains a significant hindrance in the prevention of a further rise in epidemiological statistics. Moreover, these factors are attributed to the rising incidence or risk of HIV within several populations amongst these countries. This review also analyzes the clinical presentation, epidemiological statistics, and the financial and socioeconomic impacts of HIV/AIDS in India, China, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. Financial burdens and lack of government infrastructure in the healthcare systems are largely responsible for the rapidly rising prevalence of the disease among these populations, along with the inaccessibility to prevention and treatment methods. Furthermore, the scarcity of available antiretroviral and preventative medications is discussed. Lastly, this review explores various methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention plans that are implemented in modern medicine with respect to HIV/AIDS.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.7(2) 2017: 3-11
Conference proceedings Section-2: 5th Public Health Foundation day & International Conference with Health Fair 2017
Authors: Majumder Md Anwarul Azim
Published: November 2018

Abstract not availableSouth East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.7(2) 2017: 34-68
Validity of Naked Eye Single Tube Red Cell Osmotic Fragility Test for the Diagnosis of β-Thalassemia –A Case Control Study
Authors: Bari MI , Sharmin LS , Paul PK
Published: November 2018

This study was conducted at the department of paediatrics, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital over a period of 2 years to see the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Naked Eye Single Tube Red cell Osmotic Fragility (NESTROF) test for the diagnosis of β-thalassemia. Fifty eight children with β- thalassemia were taken as case and 58 children were taken as control. Among the control 29 children were normal (without anaemia) and 29 children had anaemia other than β-thalassemia. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was done to all children to enroll them as case or control. Then NESTROF test was performed in all cases and controls. The data was analyzed by SPSS V.12. This study showed that sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of NESTROF test was 96.55%, 72.41%, 77.77% and 95.45% respectively.

TAJ 2011; 24(1): 1-5
A Comparative Study on Efficacy of Methotrexate and Sulphasalazine in Spondyloarthropathies
Authors: Afsar NS , Khan MMN , Chowdhury MMH , Haq SA , Rahman M Khalilur , Khan MMR
Published: November 2018

Background: Spondyloarthropathies include a wide spectrum of disease. The study was conducted with the aim of observing the efficacy of SSZ and MTX in different subclasses of spondyloarthropathies and to compare the treatment response of the two drugs.

Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Medicine and Rheurnatology clinic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) between January 1999 and July 2001.A total number of one hundred twenty five patients was included in the study. Patients with active disease more than three months, regularly taking NSAIDs and not on DMARD in the last three months were included in the study. Monthly follow up of the patients was done for 6 months.

Result: One hundred twenty five patients were included in this study. Male female ratio was 11.5:1. Mean age of patients was 24.17±7.15 years. The mean disease duration was 47.8±32.8 months. The present study categorized the patients into responder and non responder. Among the 78 patients in AS subclass, after completion of 6 month trial 55.6% patients in SSZ group and 39.4% patients in MTX group were categorized responder. The difference of response between drug groups was not significant (p=0.158). In the JCA subclass 81.82% in SSZ and 50% in MTX group were responder. The numbers of patient in Reiter's/Reactive Arthritis in our study were too small to make a definite comment.

Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that both the SSZ and MTX are effective DMARDs for spondyloarthropathies. Statistical analysis did not prove superiority of one drug over another, though the response rates were numerically higher in SSZ group.

TAJ 2011; 24(1): 43-47
Congenital Hypothyroidism with Precocious Puberty-A Case Report
Authors: Haque M Sanaul , Hasnain SN , Haque MI , Hossain MA , Bari MI
Published: November 2018

Congenital hypothyroidism with precocious puberty is a rare condition. In this report a rare case of congenital hypothyroidism with precocious puberty is described. A 10 years old girl presented with feature of hypothyroidism together with breast development, vaginal bleeding, lack of pubic hair and delayed bone age. She also had multicystic ovaries. She was treated with L-thyroxine and improved

TAJ 2011; 24(1): 48-50
Doctor-Patient Relationship and Media
Authors: Haque M Zahirul
Published: November 2018

Abstract not availableTAJ 2011; 24(2): i
A Comparative Study Between Palonosetron and Granisetron to Prevent Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Taher SMA , Raihan Jamil , Zahid M Abu , Azad AK , Alam MI , Deeba F
Published: November 2018

Post operative nausea and vomiting is a frequent complication following general anaesthesia and surgery. There is frequently the case of great distress to patient and it is often the worst memory, uncomfortable of their hospital stay. Prolonged post operative nausea and vomiting may cause unexpected physical, metabolic, psychological and economic effects on the patients which slow down their recovery and reduce their confidence in future surgery and anaesthesia. In the present study, we have the incidence of post operative nausea and vomiting in sixty (60) patients undergoing for elective procedure under general anaesthesia. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (group- P, group- G) of thirty (30) patients each.The Patients of group ‘P’ were received intravenous Inj. Palonosetron 75μg and group ‘G’ received intravenous Inj. granisetron 2.5mg (2.5ml) bolus over 30 second just before peritoneal closure. Both group received a standard general anaesthesia. Postoperative analgesia was provided with per rectal diclofenac suppository (50mg) and Inj. Ketorolac Tromethamine 30mg 8 hourly. In the recovery, postoperative room occurrence of nausea and vomiting was assessed for 24 hours. The incidence of post operative nausea and vomiting was reduced in both groups significantly but comparison between these two groups for prevention of PONV(postoperative nausea and vomiting) following elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery is similar. Palonosetron has more prolonged effect than granisetron. There was no evidence of any adverse side effects and whole of the post operative period was smooth.TAJ 2011; 24(2): 118-123
Prevalence of Malnutrition in the Rural Community
Authors: Islam M Monir Ul , Haque AKM Enamul , Khan MMR , Rahman MK , Das Chinmoy Kanti
Published: November 2018

This was a cross sectional type of descriptive study which was conducted in four villages of Puthia Upozila of Rajshahi district. A preformed interview schedule was used to collect data from a purposively selected sample of 518 respondents. The study revealed that 42.9% children had 1st degree malnutrition, about 19.5% children had 2nd malnutrition and 1.7% had 3rd degree malnutrition. The mean age of the children was 3.45 ± SD 1.33 years. Out of 518 respondents 74.7% had monthly income of Tk. 5000/- or less and 25.3% respondents had monthly income of Tk. 5001/- and above. The mean monthly was Tk. 5039/- ± SD 3869.36.Undernutrition was more in female children (70.1%) than male children (51.2%). In large family size under nutrition were more (68.4%) in comparison to small family size (61.4%). The study would be helpful in future community survey on nutritional status of under five children and in formulating effective national nutrition health program and facilitating their effective implementation.TAJ 2012; 25: 13-16
Clinical Presentation of Thyroglossal Cyst and its Management Study of Two Hundred Cases
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Chowdhury Milon Kumar , Iqbal Ashik , Hussain Monowar , Siddique Belayat Hussain
Published: November 2018

Objectives – To find out clinical presentation, management & Complication of surgery of Thyroglossal cyst.Methods – It was a cross sectional study done in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, BSMMU, DMCH & RMCH, from January 2009 to June 2015. 200 Patients undergoing Sistrunk’s operation for cytologically proven Thyroglossal cyst were included in this study. Patients were reviewed after sugary and any complication that occurred were recorded. Results – Within 200 patients, most (34%) were in 1st decade, mean age19.17 years, male-female ratio 1.2 : 1, in 92.5% cases cyst in midline, Complication of surgical management in 8.5% cases and recurrence is 1.5% cases after Sistrunk’s operation.Conclusions – Thyroglossal cysts commonly present as midline neck swelling within 2nd decade of life and can be successfully treated with Sistrunk’s operation with minimal recurrence.TAJ 2012; 25: 26-29
Disease Profile of Seizure in Children
Authors: Haque M Sanaul , Paul PK , Uddin MB , Jahan KI
Published: November 2018

This study was done in the Departmen tof Paediatrics, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi to final out the disease profile of children Hospitalised with seizure presentation. From 01/01/14 to 31/12/14 period a total of 12,560 children in the age group 6 months to 12 years were admitted in the Paediatric department. Among these 656 (5.2%) children were admitted due to convulsion. 62.8% were male and 37.2% female, 53% febrile and 47% a febrile, 59% were less than 5 years. Generalized tonic clonic convulsion (GTC) was the most common seizure type (72.8%). Febrile convulsion, seizure disorder, meningitis and encephalitis were common causes of convulsion.TAJ 2012; 25: 35-37
Frequency of Placenta Previa in Multigravida at Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Khatun Mst Rokeya , Lina KS Nasrin , Nahar S Gul
Published: November 2018

Background: Placenta previa is a localization of placenta in the lower uterine segment, near or over the internal os. Multigravida is one of the risk factors of placenta previa. The aim of study is to look for current frequency of placenta previa in multigravida, so that further improvement in diagnosis and treatment modalities can be made in order to decrease the morbidity & mortality related to it in this group.Objective: To determine the frequency of various grades of placenta previa in multigravida at a tertiary care center.Methodology: This is a cross sectional study conducted from December 2014 to June 2015 at the department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. A total of 208 patients enrolled in the study with non -probability purposive sampling technique. All pregnant women with singleton pregnancy of 25-35 years of age in their second or more pregnancy with gestational age ≥ 34 weeks were included. Exclusion criteria observed for patients with multifetal pregnancy, previous history of cesarean section, dilatation and curettage, cervical cone biopsy, myomectomy or any pelvic surgery. All pregnant women had trans-abdominal ultrasound. The presence or absence of placenta previa was reported by an experienced sonologist. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 12.Results: Among the total recruited patients, mean age of these multigravidas was 30.1±5.6 years. The mean parity of our population was 4.02±1.2. The gestational age noted was 38±1.4 weeks as mean.. The frequency of placenta previa was 13 (6.3%) and type IV was the most common type.Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that the frequency of placenta previa in patients of multigravida was 6.3% and apart from other risk factors, multigravidity is an independent risk factor for placenta previa.TAJ 2012; 25: 59-63
Distribution of Bacterial Strains and their Antibiotic Sensityvity Profile in an Urban Referral Hospital
Authors: Hasan M Bulbul , Nahar S Gul , Ali M Nawshad , Khatun Mst Rokeya , Das Chinmoy Kanti
Published: November 2018

Then Present study was done to assess the distribution of bacterial pathogens with their pattern of antibiotic susceptibility in an urban referral hospital in RMCH. A total of 393 bacteria strains were isolated from various specimens over a 10-months period. The majority of the organisms were Escherichia coli (33.33%) followed by Klebsiella species (27.48%), staphylococcus aureus (17.05%), Acinetobcter species (8.14%), Pseudomonas species (7.12%), and others. The third-generation Cephalosporins like Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime and Cefotaxime were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin of various Enterobacteriaceae was only between 33-40% compared to 52.8-37.9% against Gentamicin. Majority of the Enterobacteriaceae were resistant to Ampicillin, whereas almost all of the Enterobacteriaceae (94-100%) were sensitive to Imipenem. About 97.0% Acinetobacter species were susceptible to Imipenem. Sensitivity of the organism (Acinetobacter) to third-generation Cephalosporins ranged between 50-56%, whereas 40.6% were found sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. The sensitivity to Chloramphenicol, Co-trimixazole, Cephalexin and Ampicillin ranged between 9.3% to 34.3%. About 93.0% of Pseudomonas species were sensitive to Imipenem. The rate of susceptibility to Gentamicin and Netilmicin was higher than those of the Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriaxone (37.8% and 53.5% vc. 39.2%). About 70% of isolated S. aureus were resistane of Oxacillin but all were sensitive to Vancomycin. The result of this study would help the physicians to make a judicious choice of antibiotics for therapeutic purposes.TAJ 2012; 25: 72-76
Uterocutaneous Fistula : A Rare Clinical Presentation
Authors: Huda M Durrul , Rahman M Hafizur , Sultana Shermin Selina , Shah M Kabiruzzaman , Hasan M Mohibul , Ramiz M Sarwar
Published: November 2018

A uterocutaneous fistula is a rare clinical presentation that occurs following Cesarean section and other pelvic operations. We report a case of Uterocutaneous fistula which was formed following lower segment caesarean section. USG was helpful in the diagnosis and was treated successfully with fistulectomy and repair of uterine wall. The case highlights the rare complication in caesarean section and diagnosis with USG and experience with its management.TAJ 2012; 25: 87-89
Cytological Pattern of Bronchial Carcinoma in Male Patients Seen in Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Basak PM , Khan MMR , Sarker BC , Saha CK , Pal BK , Islam N , Devi R , Das HS , Khanam K
Published: November 2018

This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess cytological characteristics of bronchial carcinoma in 60 patients from various region of Rajshahi Division presenting with clinical features consisting with the diagnosis of lung carcinoma. They were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital from January 2013 to December 2013. Our observations reveals that the most prevalent malignancy among these patients was non small cell lung carcinoma including squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma in males patients. The common site of bronchial carcinoma in the upper lobe of lung. The proper treatment of bronchial carcinoma depends on the cytological pattern of bronchial carcinoma.TAJ 2013; 26: 27-29
Metabolic Syndrome in Female Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Khan MMR , Sana Niranjan Kumar , Uddin M Rais , Rahman M , Haque M Zahirul , Huda M Nazmul , Basak PM , Sarker BC , Khanam K , Kundu Pijush Kumar , Ullah MA , Jahan KI
Published: November 2018

Introduction and objectives: A large proportion of patients with coronary disease have metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this research was to assess the association between the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and acute myocardial infarction in female patients.Methods: This was a case control study. Patients with a first time cardiac event of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) arriving in coronary care unit of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh during the period June 2013 to July 2014 were included. Metabolic syndrome and its five components were defined according to criteria set by Adult Treatment Plan III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Blood sugars, triglycerides, HDL-C were measured within 24hrs of cardiac insult. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥ 130/≥85 mmHg. Abdominal obesity measured by waist circumference which is defined for Asia-Pacific region as ≥ 80 cm for women.Results: Total 103 female patients were evaluated. Mean age was 54.28 ±11.78 and acute myocardial infarction was more in age group 50-59 (34%). More than 60% patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction was age group 40-60 years. The metabolic syndrome was present in 74 (71.8%) female patients with acute myocardial infarction and was more frequent in women than in men (71.8% vs 37.9%, P<.001). The most prevalent component was low HDL-C (n 76; 73.8%), followed by fasting plasma glucose level (n 73; 70.9%).Conclusions: The metabolic syndrome has a high prevalence in female patients with acute myocardial infarction. The most frequent components are low HDL-C levels and fasting plasma glucose level.TAJ 2013; 26: 74-78
A Rare Presentation Of Ewing's Sarcoma Involving Spine With Acute Paraplegia
Authors: Islam Md Anowarul , Iqbal Ahmed Asif , Parvez Md Qumruzzaman , Goni Md Fahad , Rana Md Masud , Hossain Mohd Alamgir
Published: November 2018

Ewing's sarcoma is a primary bone malignancy with the highest incidence in the first decade of life. Although it mostly affects the diaphyseal as well as metaphysical region of growing long bones but involvement of spine is not very uncommon especially the sacrum. Nonsacral spinal Ewing's sarcoma is rarer and often mimics a benign condition before spreading extensively. They present with neurologic deficits due to spinal cord compression, but acute onset paraplegia is very rare.A high index of clinical suspicion can clinch the diagnosis early in the course of the disease. A prompt intervention is required to keep neurological damage to a minimum, and a correct combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy is required for better long-term patient outcome. We report a 15-years old male who presented with acute paraplegia and had an excellent postoperative outcome after posterior decompression of a D 11 Ewing's sarcoma.TAJ 2013; 26: 92-97
A Case Report of Advanced Male Breast Cancer in A 70 Years Old Patient
Authors: Ghosh Ashim K , Hosen MM Arif , Khatun Julekha , Akhter Hasnina , Shimu F Farjana , Sarkar SM
Published: November 2018

Male breast cancer is rare. It accounts for 0.2% of all cancers and about 1% of all breast cancer. Because of the rarity of the disease and the low index of suspension, diagnosis is delayed in a significant fraction of patients. The objective of this article is to increase the medical community's awareness of the disease in this setting and thus favorably change its natural history by earlier diagnosis. The present study reported the case of a 70 year old man who was diagnosed with an advanced infiltrating ductal carcinoma.TAJ 2013; 26: 103-105
Uric Acid as a biomarker for hypertensive disorder of pregnancy:
Authors: Akhter Hasina , Deeba Farah , Taher SMA , Chaudhury Shipra , Nahar Nazmun , Yusuf Nahid , Islam MN
Published: November 2018

Maternal, fetal complications are correlated with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. In this context, maternal blood uric acid level is reported to be one of the prognostic factors in determining the perinatal out come. The purpose of the present study is to estimate serum uric acid levels in preeclamptic, eclamptic and normotensive groups to identify woman who are at high risk of developing the disease early in pregnancy. The study may provide possible biochemical parameter in preeclampsia and eclamsia. This is because early identification of biochemical markers of the disease would not only facilitate to identify those at increased risk for pre eclampsia but also help to determine those patients likely to benefit from interventional measures. A total 50 patients were selected and categorized into three groups. 30 among 50 woman, were pregnancy induced hypertension BP>140/90 mm Hg. Who were as the experimental group and remaining 20 were normotensive (BP <140/90 mm Hg) taken as control (n=20). The experimental group was further categorized into two groups having 20 woman in preeclampsia (n=20), and Ten in eclampsia (n=10). The serum uric acid level studied in various study group showed a significant in pre eclampsia (n=20) and the eclamptic(n=10). The serum uric acid level for women with pre eclamsia 5 mg/dl-6.3 mg/dl n-10) were significant higher than those of controls (4-56 mg/dl n=20) more ever, it was experimentally found that the individual values of observed serum uric acid in preeclamptics and eclamptic were relatively higher than those of the average values of normotensive. In the setting of chronic hypertension, however a serum uric acid level at> or =5.5 mg/dl could identify women with increased likelihood of having superimposed pre eclampsia. A comparison between three groups related that hyperuricemia in patient with preeclampsia,eclampsia is certainly a risk factor for several perinal and maternal complications.TAJ 2014; 27(1): 24-28
Lipid Profile And Carotid Artery Plaque In Ischaemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Islam MN , Huda MN , Rahman ASMM , Afzal SKM , Basak PM , Rahman MK , Khan MMR , Ekram ARMS
Published: November 2018

Stroke patients have significant lipid abnormality and it is associated with formation of carotid artery plaque. This is an observational study conducted at the department of Medicine, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, to observe the frequency of carotid artery plaque in ischaemic stroke patients and its correlation with dyslipidaemia. Fifty patients of stroke with cerebral infarction confirmed by CT scan of brain were included. The frequency of significant carotid artery plaque was on right side 52%, on left side 40% and on both side 34%. Both Left and right internal carotid artery showed positive correlation with serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol but it was not statistically significant (r<0.05).TAJ 2014; 27(1): 34-37
Evaluation of Dynamic Pulmonary Function in Obese Individuals
Authors: Mamun Sk. Md Abdullah Al , Tarik Mohammad Hasan , Haque Md Azizul , Khan MMR , Rahman MK , Majumder Samir C
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Obesity is becoming a major health hazard in developed and developing countries. Besides the well-known complication like Diabetes mellitus, hypertension. ischemic heart disease, obesity can affect thorax, diaphragm, abdominal muscles, thereby resulting in altered pulmonary functions.Objective: To evaluate the effects of obesity on lung functionsMethods: We studied 208 adults of both sex with the age range of 18 to 60. 104 obese subjects were taken as test group (BMI ≥ 25 Kg/m2) & 104 non obese individuals (BMT 18.5-24.9 Kg/m2) as control group. Spirometry was performed by using computerized spirometer. Data were expressed as mean & standard deviations. Data were analysed by the help of SPSS version-16. non pair student’s ‘t’ test (P values ≤ .05 were considered significant) Pearson correlation analysis & multiple linear regression tests were applied.Results: FVC% (mean & standard deviation), in obese group (Group A) and non obese group (Group B) were 73.42±8.24, 84.05±5.94 respectively. FEV1% (mean & standard deviation), in obese group (Group A) and non obese group (Group B) were 74.65±7.29. 84.22±5.95 respectively. FEV1/FVC% (mean & standard deviation), in obese group (Group A) and non obese group (Group B) were 101.30±9.87, 99.57±11.50 respectively. PEF% (mean & standard deviation), in obese group (Group A) and non obese group (Group B) were 65.98±14.21. 93.53±13.21 respectively. There are statistically significant differences of spirometry results in absolute values and in percentage predicted between two groups, except FEV1/FVC. There were also significant negative correlation between obesity indices (BMI. WC) and spirometric variables except FEV1/FVC%.Conclusion: Obesity independently affects pulmonary functions.TAJ 2014; 27(2): 14-21
Le Frère littéraire: la figure de Romain Gary pour Nancy Huston
Authors: Wilhelm Jane Elisabeth
Published: November 2018

Il convient de rappeler dans ce recueil l'importance pour Nancy Huston de ce « frère » qu'est Romain Gary, à l'instar de Samuel Beckett. La figure complexe de Gary fait écho à sa propre pratique de l'auto-traduction, car elle nous dit être « divisée », comme lui, entre le français et l'anglais. La question de l'identité personnelle, liée au langage et au rapport à la langue maternelle, ou de l'identité collective (celle du Canada, par exemple) s'ouvre alors sur celle des masques et des identités multiples, incarnées de manière emblématique dans la figure de Gary. Le leurre de l'identité que connaissent mieux que les autres les exilés, nous dit-elle, peut dès lors aussi signifier s'inventer autre dans le fait de raconter des histoires, dans l'identité usurpée, voire même dans l'imposture et l'horizon d'une dissolution de soi. Pourquoi devient-on écrivain? Serait-ce pour incarner ces identités multiples dans des personnages romanesques?
Dancing in the Dark: Immersion and Self-Reflexivity in Nancy Huston's Danse noire
Authors: Holmes Diana
Published: November 2018

Nancy Huston's Danse noire (2014) is a formidably complex novel: multilingual, composed throughout of three connected but separately told stories, highly self-reflexive in its intra-diegetic presentation of the narrative as film scenario and its use of capoeira as framing device and analogy. Some critics and readers have found this intricate structure excessive and confusing. This article, on the other hand, situates the novel within Huston's distinctive project as a contemporary French novelist who is as committed to immersive story-telling as she is to self-aware celebration of narrative form. It argues that Danse noire demonstrates fiction's power to carry us in imagination through space and time and into the subjective worlds of others, even as it invites awareness of narrative form itself. Moreover, this combination of entrancing story-telling and self-reflexivity is central to what Huston convincingly maintains is the ethical function of the novel.
Cloud, Precinct of the Theological-Historical
Authors: Copjec Joan
Published: November 2018

Regarded by many as the pre-eminent Islamicist of the twentieth century, Henry Corbin is also the subject of much criticism, aimed primarily at his supposed overemphasis on the mythological aspects of Islamic philosophy and his idiosyncratic privileging of the concept of the imaginal world. Taking seriously an unusual claim made by Steven Wasserstrom in Religion after Religion that the redeployment of Schelling's concept of tautegory by Corbin reveals all that is wrong with his work, this essay seeks to defend both the concept and Corbin's use of it. Developed by Schelling in his late work on mythology, the concept of tautegory turns out to be, for historical and theoretical reasons, a revelatory switch point. Not only does it make clear why the imaginal ‘locus’ is key to understanding the unity of God – the oneness of his apophatic and revealed dimensions – it also gives us profound insights into the links connecting Islamic philosophy, German Idealism, and psychoanalysis, which all take their bearings from the esoteric or mystical idea of an unconscious abyss.
New and Efficient Algorithms for Producing Frequent Itemsets with the Map-Reduce Framework
Authors: Gonen Yaron , Gudes Ehud , Kandalov Kirill
Published: November 2018

The Map-Reduce (MR) framework has become a popular framework for developing new parallel algorithms for Big Data. Efficient algorithms for data mining of big data and distributed databases has become an important problem. In this paper we focus on algorithms producing association rules and frequent itemsets. After reviewing the most recent algorithms that perform this task within the MR framework, we present two new algorithms: one algorithm for producing closed frequent itemsets, and the second one for producing frequent itemsets when the database is updated and new data is added to the old database. Both algorithms include novel optimizations which are suitable to the MR framework, as well as to other parallel architectures. A detailed experimental evaluation shows the effectiveness and advantages of the algorithms over existing methods when it comes to large distributed databases.
Remote Sensing of Evapotranspiration over the Central Arizona Irrigation and Drainage District, USA
Authors: French Andrew N. , Hunsaker Douglas J. , Bounoua Lahouari , Karnieli Arnon , Luckett William E. , Strand Robert
Published: November 2018

Knowledge of baseline water use for irrigated crops in the U.S. Southwest is important for understanding how much water is consumed under normal farm management and to help manage scarce resources. Remote sensing of evapotranspiration (ET) is an effective way to gain that knowledge: multispectral data can provide synoptic and time-repetitive estimates of crop-specific water use, and could be especially useful for this arid region because of dominantly clear skies and minimal precipitation. Although multiple remote sensing ET approaches have been developed and tested, there is not consensus on which of them should be preferred because there are still few intercomparison studies within this environment. To help build the experience needed to gain consensus, a remote sensing study using three ET models was conducted over the Central Arizona Irrigation and Drainage District (CAIDD). Aggregated ET was assessed for 137 wheat plots (winter/spring crop), 183 cotton plots (summer crop), and 225 alfalfa plots (year-round). The employed models were the Satellite-Based Energy Balance for Mapping Evapotranspiration with Internalized Calibration (METRIC), the Two Source Energy Balance (TSEB), and Vegetation Index ET for the US Southwest (VISW). Remote sensing data were principally Landsat 5, supplemented by Landsat 7, MODIS Terra, MODIS Aqua, and ASTER. Using district-wide model averages, seasonal use (excluding surface evaporation) was 742 mm for wheat, 983 mm for cotton, and 1427 mm for alfalfa. All three models produced similar daily ET for wheat, with 6–8 mm/day mid-season. Model estimates diverged for cotton and alfalfa sites. Considering ET over cotton, TSEB estimates were 9.5 mm/day, METRIC 6 mm/day, and VISW 8 mm/day. For alfalfa, the ET values from TSEB were 8.0 mm/day, METRIC 5 mm/day, and VISW 6 mm/day. Lack of local validation information unfortunately made it impossible to rank model performance. However, by averaging results from all of them, ET model outliers could be identified. They ranged from −10% to +18%, values that represent expected ET modeling discrepancies. Relative to the model average, standardized ET-estimators—potential ET (ET ∘ ), FAO-56 ET, and USDA-SW gravimetric-ET— showed still greater deviations, up to 35% of annual crop water use for summer and year-round crops, suggesting that remote sensing of actual ET could lead to significantly improved estimates of crop water use. Results from this study highlight the need for conducting multi-model experiments during summer-months over sites with independent ground validation.
Phosphate Sources and Their Placement Affecting Soil Phosphorus Pools in Sugarcane
Authors: Rosendo dos Santos Valdevan , Soltangheisi Amin , Junqueira Franco Henrique Coutinho , Kolln Oriel , Vitti André Cesar , Santos Dias Carlos Tadeu dos , Pavinato Paulo Sergio
Published: November 2018

Phosphate fertilizer placement at sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) establishment can strongly influence the distribution of soil P pools over crop cycles, and has a great influence in the availability of this nutrient to plant uptake. Our main objective was to evaluate sugarcane yield as well as changes in the distribution of soil P pools, under phosphate fertilizer sources and their management, over two years of sugarcane cultivation. The experiment was established in August 2013 with two phosphate sources (TSP (triple superphosphate) and RP (Bayovar rock phosphate)) and three application methods: as broadcast, at planting furrow and combining half broadcast/half plant furrow, all at the rate of 180 kg ha−1 soluble P2O5 being applied at crop establishment. Sugarcane yield and P uptake was evaluated, and soil was sampled after harvest in August 2015 to analyze P fractions. Substantial amounts of P derived from fertilizers were accumulated as inorganic and/or organic moderately labile P. Broadcast application of TSP was not able to enhance total P in 0–40 cm layer compared to control treatment. In general, TSP was more effective to supply P for sugarcane and keep more of this nutrient in all labile fractions in the soil. However, the potential residual effect of RP (Ca-P) is expected in the following years, slowly solubilizing over the time.
Experimental Analysis of Calculation of Fuel Consumption Rate by On-Road Mileage in a 2.0 L Gasoline-Fueled Passenger Vehicle
Authors: Lim Jaehyuk , Lee Yumin , Kim Kiho , Lee Jinwook
Published: November 2018

The five-driving test mode is vehicle driving cycles made by the Environment Protection Association (EPA) in the United States of America (U.S.A.) to fully reflect actual driving environments. Recently, fuel consumption value calculated from the adjusted fuel consumption formula has been more effective in reducing the difference from that experienced in real-world driving conditions, than the official fuel efficiency equation used in the past that only considered the driving environment included in FTP and HWFET cycles. There are many factors that bring about divergence between official fuel consumption and that experienced by drivers, such as driving pattern behavior, accumulated mileage, driving environment, and traffic conditions. In this study, we focused on the factor of causing change of fuel efficiency value, calculated according to how many environmental conditions that appear on the real-road are considered, in producing the fuel consumption formula, and that of the vehicle’s accumulated mileage in a 2.0 L gasoline-fueled vehicle. So, the goals of this research are divided into four major areas to investigate divergence in fuel efficiency obtained from different equations, and what factors and how much CO2 and CO emissions that are closely correlated to fuel efficiency change, depending on the cumulative mileage of the vehicle. First, the fuel consumption value calculated from the non-adjusted formula, was compared with that calculated from the corrected fuel consumption formula. Also, how much CO2 concentration levels change as measured during each of the three driving cycles was analyzed as the vehicle ages. In addition, since the US06 driving cycle is divided into city mode and highway mode, how much CO2 and CO production levels change as the engine ages during acceleration periods in each mode was investigated. Finally, the empirical formula was constructed using fuel economy values obtained when the test vehicle reached 6500 km, 15,000 km, and 30,000 km cumulative mileage, to predict how much fuel consumption of city and highway would worsen, when mileage of the vehicle is increased further. When cumulative mileage values set in this study were reached, experiments were performed by placing the vehicle on a chassis dynamometer, in compliance with the carbon balance method. A key result of this study is that fuel economy is affected by various fuel consumption formula, as well as by aging of the engine. In particular, with aging aspects, the effect of an aging engine on fuel efficiency is insignificant, depending on the load and driving situation.
A Requirement Engineering Framework for Electric Motors Development
Authors: Rivera Christian A. , Poza Javier , Ugalde Gaizka , Almandoz Gaizka
Published: November 2018

The applications using electric motors have increased in the last decade. Some of these applications encounter the need for tailor-made motors that must meet demanding requirements. Therefore, the specification stage of an electric motor is a critical part of its development. If this stage is properly addressed, then future failures in the development process can be avoided. This paper presents a requirement engineering framework to support small-medium electric motors designers/manufacturers with the development of their product. The framework identifies the stakeholders and the tasks that they should undertake to finish a successful requirements specification stage. The framework is made from the designer/manufacturer’s perspective and it emphasizes the derivation of specialized requirements (lower-level). The result of the framework is well-defined requirements that form the design requirements specification of the motor that leads to the beginning of the design stage.
Efficiency in Heating Operation of Low-Temperature Radiant Systems Working under Dynamic Conditions in Different Kinds of Buildings
Authors: Alessio Giulia , De Carli Michele , Zarrella Angelo , Di Bella Antonino
Published: November 2018

In recent years many types of radiant systems have been installed in buildings. Meanwhile, practitioners debate on which thermal inertia of radiant systems fit better and which control strategies should be better in buildings, depending on the insulation level and thermal inertia of the structures. In particular, in new and retrofitted buildings, where the envelope presents high levels of insulation, it is argued if it is better to have low or high inertia radiant systems for controlling the indoor operative temperature and avoid overheating, especially in mid-seasons when the outdoor temperature is mild and solar radiation is high. For this purpose a room with three types of insulation level has been analysed combining different types of structures (masonry, and light and timber walls) and three types of radiant systems (classic wet floor, dry floor, and ceiling). Two operation modes have been simulated: fixed supply temperature and variable temperature according to the outdoor temperature. The results looked at the embedded and control efficiency, the energy performance in case of coupling with a water to water heat pump and the long-term possible overheating analysis. The embedded and control efficiency in dynamic conditions has been evaluated and compared with different possible definitions, in particular with steady state conditions, former EN15316-2-2007, and current EN15316-2-2017. New values for the current standard are suggested based on the results of this work, since the former and existing values overestimate the seasonal losses of floor and radiant systems in heating conditions. The paper shows that working at variable temperature according to the outdoor air temperature leads to longer operation time. The temperature, on average, lowers, and coupling the radiant system with a water to water heat pump leads to lower consumptions in the case of variable supply temperature compared to fixed supply temperature over the season. The seasonal coefficient of performance of the whole system, i.e. the heat pump and auxiliary pumps, leads to overall lower energy consumption in the case of variable supply temperature. The simulations did not show any relevant problem of discomfort from December to February. Overtemperature effects in terms of operative temperatures over the dead band of the control systems are not especially due to the radiant system, but they also occur in any case with ideal convective systems. The paper demonstrates that in general the radiant floor systems perform better than radiant ceilings in heating conditions and there is no evidence that dry floor systems perform better than wet screed systems in all the types of buildings regardless of the level of insulation and thermal inertia.
Marine Gelatine from Rest Raw Materials
Authors: Milovanovic Ivan , Hayes Maria
Published: November 2018

In recent years, demand for consumption of marine foods, and especially fish, has substantially increased worldwide. The majority of collagen available is sourced from mammalian-derived products. Although fish derived gelatine is a viable alternative to mammalian sourced gelatine, there are certain limitations related to the use of fish gelatine that include odour, colour, functional properties, and consistency in its amino acid composition. Chemicals used for pre-treatment, as well as extraction conditions such as temperature and time, can influence the length of polypeptide chains that result and the functional properties of the gelatine. Compared to traditional sources, gelatines derived from fish show significant differences in chemical and physical properties, and great care should be paid to optimization of the production process in order to obtain a product with the best properties for intended applications. The focus of this review is to explore the feasibility of producing gelatine sourced from marine processing by-products using different pre-treatment and extraction strategies with the aim of improving the techno-functional properties of the final product and improving the clean-label status of gelatines. The bioactivities of gelatine hydrolysates are also discussed.
Interdecadal Shifts in the Winter Monsoon Rainfall of the Philippines
Authors: Olaguera Lyndon Mark , Matsumoto Jun , Kubota Hisayuki , Inoue Tomoshige , Cayanan Esperanza O. , Hilario Flaviana D.
Published: November 2018

This study investigates the interdecadal shifts in the winter monsoon (November to March) rainfall of the Philippines from 1961 to 2008. Monthly analysis of the winter monsoon rainfall shows that the shifts are most remarkable during December. In particular, two interdecadal shifts are identified in the December rainfall time series around 1976/1977 and 1992/1993. To facilitate the examination of the possible mechanisms leading to these shifts, the analysis period is divided into three epochs: 1961–1976 (E1), 1977–1992 (E2), and 1993–2008 (E3). The mean and interannual variability of rainfall during E2 are suppressed compared with the two adjoining epochs. The shift around 1976/1977 is related to the phase shift of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) from a negative phase to a positive phase and features an El Niño-like sea surface temperature (SST) change over the Pacific basin, while that around 1992/1993 is related to a La Niña-like SST change. Further analysis of the largescale circulation features shows that the decrease in the mean rainfall during E2 can be attributed to the weakening of the low-level easterly winds, decrease in moisture transport, and decrease in tropical cyclone activity. In addition, the suppressed interannual variability of rainfall during E2 can be partly attributed to the El Niño-like SST change and the weakening of the East Asian winter monsoon.