bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of ethics in developing country in perspective of dental research
Authors: Khan Md Haider Ali , Lasker Shamima Parvin
Published: March 2014

The objectives of this review were to examine the ethical issues in research in developing country and perspective of dental research. In this review, we performed the systematic literature search, screening process through the web in existing published and unpublished articles and reports that related to our topics between1990 to 2013. In the past few decades, the research and discoveries in the discipline of dentistry have increased dramatically. Recently many dental Institutes in developing country is constantly looking for opportunities to borrow, enhance, and integrate knowledge from biomedical and technological research by using modern technology. The retrieved information in this review reflect that to make any research involving human subjects ethically acceptable, a number of key features have to be considered by the researchers. Those who conduct oral health research are compelled by regulations and convention to follow established ethical standards to protect human rights. Bioethics and in ethical review of research in developing countries reveals many major gaps and have seen that there are indeed many ethical issues to be considered to clinical trials taking place in developing countries. Professional societies have a major influence in shaping the moral tone and ethical climate for research through the adoption of standards, the development of educational programs designed to reinforce those standards. Research ethics committees or institutional ethical review committees is to ensure that studies involving human research participants are designed to conform the relevant ethical standards and that the rights and welfare of participants are protected. Research ethics committees should not function under the influence of others and should ensures the favorable balance of potential benefits and risks. In developing country it is necessary to strengthen local capacity and manpower by developing innovative training models for ethics that are cost-effective and sustainable. The actions required to move ahead in this field include strengthening bioethics capacity, linking health research to community needs in a transparent and participatory process and increasing communication between scientists and ethicists in industrialized and developing countries. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v5i1.18443 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2014 Vol.5(1): 11-19
BBS News Vol.5(1)
Authors: Editor The
Published: March 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v5i1.18446 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2014 Vol.5(1): 43
A Study of Fractality and Long-Range Order in the Distribution of Transposable Elements in Eukaryotic Genomes Using the Scaling Properties of Block Entropy and Box-Counting
Authors: Athanasopoulou Labrini , Sellis Diamantis , Almirantis Yannis
Published: March 2014

Repeats or Transposable Elements (TEs) are highly repeated sequence stretches, present in virtually all eukaryotic genomes. We explore the distribution of representative TEs from all major classes in entire chromosomes across various organisms. We employ two complementary approaches, the scaling of block entropy and box-counting. Both converge to the conclusion that well-developed fractality is typical of small genomes while in large genomes it appears sporadically and in some cases is rudimentary. The human genome is particularly prone to develop this pattern, as TE chromosomal distributions therein are often highly clustered and inhomogeneous. Comparing with previous works, where occurrence of power-law-like size distributions in inter-repeat distances is studied, we conclude that fractality in entire chromosomes is a more stringent (thus less often encountered) condition. We have formulated a simple evolutionary scenario for the genomic dynamics of TEs, which may account for their fractal distribution in real genomes. The observed fractality and long-range properties of TE genomic distributions have probably contributed to the formation of the “fractal globule”, a model for the confined chromatin organization of the eukaryotic nucleus proposed on the basis of experimental evidence.
The Application of WebGIS Tools for Visualizing Coastal Flooding Vulnerability and Planning for Resiliency: The New Jersey Experience
Authors: Lathrop Richard , Auermuller Lisa , Trimble James , Bognar John
Published: March 2014

While sea level rise is a world-wide phenomenon, mitigating its impacts is a local decision-making challenge that is going to require site-specific remedies. Faced with a variety of conflicting mandates and uncertainty as to appropriate responses, local land use planners and managers need place-based decision support tools. With the increasing availability of high-resolution digital elevation models and the advancing speed and sophistication of web-based mapping, a number of web geographic information systems (GIS) tools have been developed to map and visualize what areas of a coastal landscape will potentially be flooded under different scenarios of sea level rise. This paper presents a case study of one such WebGIS application, NJFloodMapper (www.NJFloodMapper.org), with a focus on the user-centered design process employed to help our target audience of coastal decision-makers in the state of New Jersey, USA, access and understand relevant geographic information concerning sea level rise and exposure to coastal inundation, as well as assess the vulnerability of key infrastructure, populations and natural resources within their communities. We discuss the success of this approach amidst the broader context of the application of WebGIS tools in this arena. Due to its flexible design and user-friendly interface, NJFloodMapper has been widely adopted by government and non-governmental agencies in the state to assess coastal flooding exposure and vulnerability in the aftermath of a recent destructive coastal storm. However, additional decision support tools are needed to help coastal decision-makers translate the place-based information into concrete action plans aimed at promoting more resilient coastal land use decisions.
Analysis of Individual and Combined Effects of Ochratoxin A and Zearalenone on HepG2 and KK-1 Cells with Mathematical Models
Authors: Li Yuzhe , Zhang Boyang , He Xiaoyun , Cheng Wen-Hsing , Xu Wentao , Luo Yunbo , Liang Rui , Luo Haoshu , Huang Kunlun
Published: March 2014

Ochratoxin A (OTA) and Zearalenone (ZEA) are widespread mycotoxins that contaminate foodstuffs simultaneously, but sufficient data regarding their mixed toxicities are lacking. This study aims to analyze the style of combined effects of OTA and ZEA on cells of their target organs. For this purpose, cytotoxicity was determined in HepG2 and KK-1 cells treated with single and combined forms of OTA and ZEA. Furthermore, we have analyzed the data using two mathematical models based on the concepts of concentration addition (CA) and independent addition (IA). By analyzing data with nonlinear regression, toxins applied singly showed classic sigmoid dose-response curves in HepG2 cells whereas in KK-1 cells hormetic responses were observed. Exposure to equieffective mixtures of OTA and ZEA showed additive effects, irrespective of different nonlinear regression models used. Our results demonstrate that IA is an appropriate concept to account for mixture effects of OTA and ZEA. The results in ROS generation indicate a departure from additivity to antagonism or synergism at different concentrations, probably due to potential interaction during ROS production. This study shows that a risk assessment of mycotoxins should account for mixture effects, and prediction models are valuable tools for mixture assessment.
« Monnaie privée et pouvoir des princes » : Éléments pour une discussion
Authors: Courbis Bernard
Published: March 2014

Four contributions are presented to the debate around this book.

Bernard Courbis discusses the private mintage of the merchant-bankers, advocated in the book, from the point of view of the two functions of money. The function of account leads to underline the specifically monetary role of the unit of account of the Prince (nominalism). The function of payment allows to show that the bill of exchange is more an instrument of credit than a means of payment.

Daniel Diatkine asks a question about the merchant-banker's systematic enrichment. Must it be attributed to the fact that the merchant-banker had an access to general equivalent or to the fact that he had access to the liquidity par excellence ?

According to Eric Froment, the right understanding of modern money needs to give more developments to the phenomenon of credit and less to the one of change.

Marie-Thérèse Boyer-Xambeu, Ghislain Deleplace and Lucien Gillard analyse the criticisms and suggestions made in the three papers above and in the other comments yet published ; they try to make more precise some facts presented and concepts used in the book, in the light of their paper Towards a typology of monetary regimes published in this issue of the Cahiers.
Dye-sensitized Pt@TiO2 core–shell nanostructures for the efficient photocatalytic generation of hydrogen
Authors: Fang Jun , Yin Lisha , Cao Shaowen , Liao Yusen , Xue Can
Published: March 2014

Pt@TiO2 core–shell nanostructures were prepared through a hydrothermal method. The dye-sensitization of these Pt@TiO2 core–shell structures allows for a high photocatalytic activity for the generation of hydrogen from proton reduction under visible-light irradiation. When the dyes and TiO2 were co-excited through the combination of two irradiation beams with different wavelengths, a synergic effect was observed, which led to a greatly enhanced H2 generation yield. This is attributed to the rational spatial distribution of the three components (dye, TiO2, Pt), and the vectored transport of photogenerated electrons from the dye to the Pt particles via the TiO2 particle bridge.
A novel family of (1-aminoalkyl)(trifluoromethyl)- and -(difluoromethyl)phosphinic acids – analogues of α-amino acids
Authors: Pavlenko Natalia V , Oos Tatiana I , Yagupolskii Yurii L , Gerus Igor I , Doeller Uwe , Willms Lothar
Published: March 2014

A series of novel (1-aminoalkyl)(trifluoromethyl)- and -(difluoromethyl)phosphinic acids – analogues of proteinogenic and nonproteinogenic α-amino acids were prepared. The synthetic methodology was based on nucleophilic addition of (trifluoromethyl)phosphinic acid or (difluoromethyl)phosphinic acid or its ethyl ester to substrates with C=N or activated C=C double bonds. Analogues of glycine, phenylglycine, alanine, valine, proline, aminomalonic and aspartic acids were thus prepared. Three-component one-pot reactions of (trifluoromethyl)phosphinic acid and dibenzylamine with aldehydes were also tested to prepare the title compounds.
EFFECT OF REPEAT PURCHASE AND DYNAMIC MARKET SIZE ON DIFFUSION OF AN INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGICAL CONSUMER PRODUCT IN A SEGMENTED MARKET
Authors: Aggarwal Sugandha , Gupta Anshu , Govindan Kannan , Jha P. C. , Meidutė Ieva
Published: March 2014

This study develops diffusion models for technological consumer products under the marketing environment when a product is marketed in a segmented market and observes two distinctive promotional strategies of mass and differentiated promotion; an under explored study area. Mass promotion strategy creates a spectrum effect in market with an aim to create wider product awareness and influence the market size. Whereas the differentiated promotion strategy plays major role in external influence component in the respective segment and target for adoption by the current potential segment. Previous studies on segmented diffusion models assumed only first time purchase and constant market size which may yield underestimated results and fail to give appropriate insight of the diffusion process. The study develops and validates generalized diffusion models for segmented market incorporating the repurchase behaviour of the adopter population and dynamic potential market size considerations. Performance of the proposed models is analysed on real life data for a new product marketed in four segments and compared with the previous study.
Procedimiento de análisis para el estudio del proceso constructivo documentado del Colegio de Corpus Christi de Valencia
Authors: Lerma C. , Mas A. , Gil E. , Galiana M.
Published: March 2014

El procedimiento de análisis de la secuencia constructiva de un edificio histórico debe establecer la relación entre el estudio de la documentación que se conserva y el estado actual del mismo, advirtiendo las incongruencias que se produzcan. Este trabajo se centra en el Colegio-Seminario de Corpus Christi de Valencia, que cuenta con una antigüedad de 400 años y conserva abundante documentación original relativa a su construcción. Se analizan con detalle todos los aspectos relacionados con la arquitectura y la construcción del edificio, aclarando cómo se produjo el proceso de construcción, facilitando un estudio gráfico de los gastos y una hipótesis tridimensional de la secuencia constructiva. La metodología que se propone puede servir para el estudio de procesos constructivos en otros edificios históricos.
The Development of E-commerce Practice Teaching Software Based on Online Payment and Settlement
Authors: Zhu Yongyong
Published: March 2014

Development of the enterprise e-commerce gives birth to the development of e-commerce professional. The e-commerce teaching, which is with the practical teaching as the core needs to rely on the e-commerce practical teaching software. The development of e-commerce practical teaching software is based on online payments and settlements, in the light of software designâ??s principles of sharing, scalability and reliability, with the processes WEB system process design thinking, adopts SQL2005 database and B/S architecture, based on JAVA, EJB , J2EE, XML open technical interfaces, from the five functional modules of systems management, information management, B2C transactions, B2B transactions as well as certificates and payment to simulate the payment clearing system, the commercial banking system and the front-end payment instrument system. The students can understand the systems, structures and processes of online payment and settlement systems, building intuitive e-commerce operational mode to enhance the practical operational ability and comprehensive quality through the intuitive feelings of e-commerce online payment and settlement systems.
Study and Realization of Circuit Analysis Online Test System Based on Web
Authors: Chen Peijiang
Published: March 2014

Circuit analysis is an important professional basic course for the majors of mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, which has basic, practical and advanced features. In order to improve the teaching quality and to provide the services to teachers and students, the construction method of online self-test system of circuit analysis course is studied. Aiming at the characteristics of self-test system, the relative application technologies, including the development modes and development software, are analyzed. According to the performance requirements, the online test system is divided into three modules, administrator module, teacher module and student module, and the main functions are discussed in detail. The system is realized based on ASP.NET, the discussions are emphasized on the principles and strategies of intelligent paper combination, and system security mechanism. The system is convenient to provide the services of self-test and course evaluation for students, and to promote the teaching management and enhance the teaching quality.
Introducing MATLAB to Electronic Engineering Undergraduates through Three Weeks Laboratory Sessions
Authors: Ibrahim Haidi , Ng Theam Foo
Published: March 2014

Previously, our undergraduates in electronic engineering program had to explore and learn MATLAB from the beginning by their own, without direct guidance. Based on this, we decided to formally introduce MATLAB to them as a part of the syllabus in our Advance Laboratory course, in order to continuously improve our electronic engineering undergraduates. As we want to track the significance of the course, two surveys have been given to the students. One survey has been executed at the beginning of the laboratory, and another one has been carried out at the end of the laboratory session. The outcomes from these two surveys show that the designed syllabus successfully increases both skill and confident level of our students in solving complex engineering problem using MATLAB programming.
Developing Educational Smart Grid Laboratory for the UAEU
Authors: Gaouda Ahmed M. , Abd-Rabou Ahmed , Daher Abdulrahman
Published: March 2014

The goal of this paper is to present the first stage of developing an educational laboratory to teach smart grid design and implementations for both under graduate and graduate levels. Hampden 180 simulator that represents conventional generation, transmission, and distribution power system is integrated with intelligent electronic devices and tied together in an architecture that provides reliable and fault-tolerant protection, control and monitoring. The upgraded laboratory will demonstrate high level of functionality and satisfying the design and operation objectives of smart grid metering, protection, control, monitoring and communication. Part 2 of this paper will discuss and present the implementation stage.
SimBAD: a Virtual Lab based on the Jini Framework
Authors: Colace Francesco , Santo Massimo De , Greco Luca
Published: March 2014

E-Learning is offering new approaches and opportunities in the field of education above all in the sector of the virtual laboratories. The opportunity to interact with the real instruments that are in a lab represents an effective way for the implementation of a teaching approach oriented to a problem solving strategy. So, a great number of software tools and environments have been developed with the aim to reproduce the learning style of lessons based on laboratory experiences. In this paper we exploit Jini Technologies to design and implement a distributed architecture for a virtual lab oriented for supporting the activities of an Electronic Measurement Course. The aim of this environment is offering to the students the opportunity to experiment a real interaction with the laboratoryâ??s instruments everywhere and every time. The environment offers services that allow the remotely programming of the instruments and manages the multi-access to the various tools. A prototype of the architecture and its services will be discussed and an evaluation campaign will be showed.
A Vessel Flow Detection System based on Laser Sensors
Authors: Li Weiqing , Yang Youtao , Shen Shihong
Published: March 2014

A system using two laser sensors for vessel flow detection was introduced. Mathematical morphology on ship contour detection was studied and vesselâ??s contour was reconstructed based on geometric space projection, vesselâ??s width threshold filtering and connected graph merging. Also, the necessity of vesselâ??s contour reconstruction is verified by experiments. A data fusion method based on two laser sensors was researched for vesselâ??s length detection, which using spatial adjustment and data correlation to calculate the speed, and to estimate the length of a vessel. Finally, a vessel flow detection system was built and worked fine.
Occupancy Modeling of Woodpeckers: Maximizing Detections for Multiple Species With Multiple Spatial Scales
Authors: Baumgardt Jeremy A. , Sauder Joel D. , Nicholson Kerry L.
Published: March 2014

Numerous forest birds benefit from woodpecker presence or have similar habitat requirements. Monitoring populations of forest woodpeckers can be useful for management decisions regarding these and other forest species. Usefulness of monitoring efforts depends on methods used and the quality of resulting parameter estimates. Estimating the proportion of area occupied by a species can be an attractive and affordable alternative to abundance or survival estimates. The purpose of this study was to assess the distribution and area of occupancy for pileated woodpeckers (Drycopus pileatus) and American three-toed woodpeckers (Picoides dorsalis) in north-central Idaho, and to compare occupancy estimates using silent point counts, playback surveys, and playback surveys that incorporated estimates of detection probability (p). We used a hierarchical multiscale framework that allowed estimation of occupancy at two spatial scales and applied a removal design such that repeat visits to sampling stations was not necessary to estimate p. The initial naïve estimate of occupancy (using presence–absence data) for pileated woodpecker was 0.39, which increased to 0.59 using playback surveys. The corrected estimate of occupancy at the 1-km2 unit scale was 0.70. The naïve estimates of occupancy for American three-toed woodpeckers using silent point counts and playback surveys were 0.14 and 0.34, respectively. The unbiased estimate of occupancy at the 1-km2 unit scale was 0.71. Detection probabilities are known to vary spatially and temporally for numerous reasons. Thus, comparisons of naïve estimates of occupancy to monitor forest woodpeckers would be imprudent and could lead to poor management decisions. We recommend incorporating detection probability for monitoring wildlife species and show how this can be done within a single sampling framework for species that utilize the landscape at disparate scales.
The Long Winding Road of Opioid Substitution Therapy Implementation in South-East Asia: Challenges to Scale Up
Authors: Reid Gary , Sharma Mukta , Higgs Peter
Published: March 2014

The South-East Asia Region contains an estimated 400,000-500,000 people who inject drugs (PWID). HIV prevalence among PWID is commonly 20% or higher in Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar and some regions of India. Opioid substitution therapy (OST) is an important HIV prevention intervention in this part of the world. However, key challenges and barriers to scale up of OST exist, including: pervasive stigma and discrimination towards PWID; criminalisation of drug use overshadowing a public health response; lack of political will and national commitment; low financial investment; focus towards traditional treatment models of detoxification and rehabilitation; inadequate dosing of OST; and poor monitoring and evaluation of programmes. Our review of local evidence highlights that OST can be successful within the Asian context. Such evidence should be utilised more widely to advocate for policy change and increased political commitment to ensure OST reaches substantially more drug users.
Exploring the Relationship between Perceptions of Neighbourhoodresources, Sense of Coherence and Health for Different Groups in a Norwegian Neighbourhood
Authors: Maass Ruca , Lindstrøm Bengt , Lillefjell Monica
Published: March 2014

Background

Health and conditions for health are unevenly distributed across neighbourhoods. Within a salutogenic perspective, neighbourhood-resources can be internalised, and become generalised resistance resources. This paper aims to examine whether the neighbourhood could be a supportive arena for health-promotion, and for whom.

Design and Methods

A cross-sectional study, based on register data from the population-survey in Malvik, Norway, (N=865) was conducted. Using multiple regression analysis, total sample and sub-group analyses (men/women, low/high earners, employed/unemployed) of 5 independent neighbourhood-measures (overall satisfaction, neighbourhood Social Capital, satisfaction with availability and quality of neighbourhood-resources, and neighbourhood participation) on Sense of Coherence (SOC) and health respectively were obtained.

Results

Overall satisfaction (β=0.153) and neighbourhood social capital (β=0.134) emerged as the most consistent partial correlates of SOC across groups. In turn, SOC was the strongest coefficient for health-outcomes (β=0.238). Neighbourhood participation had more consistent correlations with health than SOC across groups. Group-differences became visible in proportions of explained variance in SOC (varying from 7 to 23.7%) and health (varying from 6.7 to 20.6%), and in the relative importance of neighbourhood-variables. Satisfaction with quality of neighbourhood-resources was significantly related to SOC in non-workers (β=0.451) and low-earners (β=0.261), and health-outcomes in women (β=0.143).

Conclusions

Health might be promoted in the neighbourhood mainly through strengthening SOC, and deprived groups, especially non-workers, may benefit most from health-promotion in the neighbourhood. Findings suggest that high satisfaction with quality can contribute to better health-outcomes for groups with weaker average SOC. The proposed theoretical framework is only partly supported.
The anorthosite of northern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, a petrological enigma
Authors: Jenness S E
Published: March 2014

Several small lenses of anorthosite outcrop within a band of chloritic and amphibolitic metavolcanic rocks near the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. Nearly unaltered phases of the anorthosite are pale grey, medium to coarse grained, and fractured; most of the
anorthosite is considerably altered. The plagioclase is sodic andesine (An35-40). Some of the anorthositic outcrops contain chloritized hornblende in amounts ranging from 5 to 30 per cent, thus passing from true anorthosite to dioritic anorthosite and anorthositic dioritte. The anorthosite is
probably older than the Devonian granitic rocks in the region and younger than the metavolcanic rocks within which it occurs. A Preterozoic age for both anorthosite and metavolcanic rocks is suggested.
Motivational Interviewing Interventions and Alcohol Abuse among College Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Appiah-Brempong Emmanuel , Okyere Paul , Owusu-Addo Ebenezer , Cross Ruth
Published: March 2014

Objective.

The study sought to assess the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing (MI) interventions in reducing alcohol consumption among college students, as compared to no intervention or alternative interventions. It also sought to identify the potential moderators to MI intervention effects.

Data Source.

Database sources consulted included Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLE, PsycLIT, CINAHL, and MEDLINE.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria.

Included studies were (1) underpinned by experimental, quasi-experimental, and nonexperimental designs; (2) studies in which participants were either college males only or females only or both; and (3) studies in which adaptations of MI were based on key MI principles. Excluded studies were (1) non-English language studies; (2) studies not published from 2000–2012; (3) studies in which participants were not college students; (4) studies in which intervention was not delivered by face-to-face approach; and (5) studies that failed to embark on postintervention follow-ups.

Data Extraction.

A total of 115 abstracts were screened. These were narrowed down to 13 studies from which data for the study were extracted.

Data Synthesis.

Selected studies were underpinned by experimental, quasi-experimental, and nonexperimental designs. Owing to the heterogeneity in selected studies, a narrative synthesis was used.

Results.

MI interventions were found to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption among college students, when compared to alternative interventions or no intervention. Potential moderators of MI intervention effects were identified to include practitioner's adherence to MI techniques and individual's drinking motives.

Conclusion.

MI presents itself as a promising tool that can augment the many existing social-environmental strategies of health promotion.
Validity of Self-Reported Fitness across Black and White Race, Gender, and Health Literacy Subgroups
Authors: Keith NiCole R. , Clark Daniel O. , Stump Timothy E. , Callahan Christopher M.
Published: March 2014

Purpose.

To compare concurrent criterion validity of the Self-Reported Fitness (SRFit) Survey, a new fitness measure, between black and white race, gender, and health literacy groups.

Design.

Cross-sectional.

Setting.

Midwest urban primary care center and commercial fitness center.

Subjects.

One hundred one black, white, male, and female primary care patients aged ≥40 years.

Measures.

Measures included demographics, the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, the SRFit Survey, and the Rikli and Jones Senior Fitness Test battery of physical tests. The BodPod determined percentage of body fat. Body mass index was calculated.

Analysis.

Concurrent validity was assessed using Pearson and Spearman rank order correlations between corresponding physical tests and SRFit survey items.

Results.

Correlations between physical tests and SRFit items ranged from r = .52 to .76 (ρ = .41–.85) in males, r = .40 to .79 (ρ = .33–.80) in females, r = .45 to .79 (ρ = .53–.82) in blacks, and r = .49 to .77 (ρ = .33–.82) in whites. Correlations were r = .58 (ρ = .58) to r = .77 (ρ = .79) in persons with low health literacy and r = .50 to .79 (ρ = .39–.85) among persons with moderate to high health literacy.

Conclusion.

SRFit shows similar concurrent validity across race, gender, and health literacy subgroups.
The Healthy Workplace Project: Results of a Hygiene-Based Approach to Employee Wellness
Authors: Thompson Sanna J. , Rew Lynn
Published: March 2014

Purpose.

An employee wellness program was evaluated to assess changes in germ transmission, absenteeism, and cost of infection-related illness among office-based employees.

Design.

One-group pretest-posttest design, with intervention delivered for 90 days and measurement conducted over 1 year.

Setting.

Employees of a large office space in Georgia.

Subjects.

One thousand six hundred forty-five employees.

Intervention.

The Healthy Workplace Project is a 90-day wellness program aimed to increase health and productivity of employees through educational and engagement activities focusing on improving awareness, recognizing infection-related illnesses, and reducing the spread of germs in the workplace.

Measures.

Three types of data were collected: (1) bacterial audits through use of adenosine triphosphate monitoring of various work spaces; (2) self-report absenteeism data using the World Health Organization's Health and Work Performance Questionnaire; and (3) participant employees' medical claims/costs of infection-related minor illnesses.

Analysis.

Frequencies and bacterial audit data; Wilcoxon signed ranks tests to determine changes in rates on absenteeism and health care costs.

Results.

Bacterial audits demonstrated a reduction in contamination levels of 33% across all measured spaces. Absenteeism rates were reduced by 13%. Medical service utilization costs were not significantly reduced for individual employees over the project year.

Conclusion.

Educational strategies and individual monitoring of germ transmission appears effective in improving employees' health and decreasing absenteeism.
Esthesioneuroblastoma in Young Boy: Masquerading as Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Bakshi Jaimanti , Gupta Bhumika , Dash Anil K , Panda Naresh K
Published: March 2014

We present the case of a 15-year-old boy with a swelling and pain in right eye. He was diagnosed as esthesioneuroblastoma on the basis of radiology and histopathology.

How to cite this article

Bakshi J, Dash AK, Gupta B, Panda NK. Esthesioneuroblastoma in Young Boy: Masquerading as Invasive Aspergillosis. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(3):118-120.
Choanal Polyp Arising from Middle Turbinate
Authors: Singh Sunder , Gupta Manish
Published: March 2014

Choanal polyp is the term used for benign, solitary soft tissue mass which extend toward the junction of nasal cavity and nasopharynx, i.e. choana. We report a rare case of choanal polyp arising from the middle turbinate and its successful treatment by endoscopic surgery. The complete resection of choanal polyp at the site of origin using an endoscope is usually sufficient and carries good prognosis without recurrence.

How to cite this article

Gupta M, Singh S. Choanal Polyp Arising from Middle Turbinate. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(3): 124-125.
Isolated Mucocele in an Infraorbital Ethmoidal-Haller Cell: A Unique Presentation
Authors: Mohindra Satyawati
Published: March 2014

Haller cell, was first described by 18th century Swiss anatomist Albrecht von Haller.

Haller cells make up the posterior and superior wall of the ethmoid infundibulum. They can cause obstruction of ethmoidal infundibulum after enlargement. Isolated infection of the Haller cell is usually very rare and should be suspected in patients with visual complaints or facial pain. Diagnosis can be made on radiology.

Here, we report a patient with complaints of left-sided eye pain for the last 4 months which was finally diagnosed as Haller cell mucocele and successfully managed via endoscopic marsupialization.

How to cite this article

Mohindra S, Dhingra S. Isolated Mucocele in an Infraorbital Ethmoidal-Haller Cell: A Unique Presentation. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(3):129-130.
Large Frontal Sinus Mucopyocele
Authors: Shukla Anirudh , Dudeja Vivek
Published: March 2014

A mucocele is an epithelial-lined, mucus-containing sac completely filling the sinus and capable of expansion. This is in contradistinction to a blocked sinus cavity which simply contains mucus within the sinus. The frontal sinus is most commonly involved, whereas sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary mucoceles are rare. Frontal sinus is present just above the orbital cavity so any mass causing the expansion of floor of the frontal sinus leads to outwards (proptosis), downward and lateral displacement of orbit. If the cyst continues to expand within the orbital cavity, the mass may mimic an orbital growth or lesion pushing orbit laterally.

A mucocele results from the obstruction of a sinus ostium, leading to the accumulation of secretions and the gradual, smooth expansion of the sinus. The mucocele contents often become increasingly desiccated and have an increasing protein content over time; therefore, they may show an increased density on CT scanning and variable degrees of hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI sequences and hypointensity on T2-weighted MRI.

Here we came across a patient who had right sided frontal mass causing proptosis and lateral displacement of right eye with vision limited only to perception of light. CT showed an expansile frontal mass with orbital displacement. We did external frontoethmoidectomy and a diagnosis of mucopyocele was made. The case, the experience and the outcome of external frontoethmiodectomy is being discussed.

How to cite this article

Shukla A, Dudeja V. Large Frontal Sinus Mucopyocele. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(3):131-135.
Unusual Foreign Body of Sino-orbital Region
Authors: Verma Hitesh , Chauhan Neha , Malik Archana , Brar Sarabjit
Published: March 2014

Perforating injuries of the orbit involving the paranasal sinuses are uncommon. We report a case in which a large flat stone foreign body lodged in the anterior orbit and maxillary sinus was surgically removed by a combined approach by otolaryngologist and ophthalmologists.

How to cite this article

Gupta N, Verma H, Chauhan N, Malik A, Brar S. Unusual Foreign Body of Sino-orbital Region. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(3):136-138.
Metachronous Nodal and Nasal Rosai-Dorfman Disease presenting with Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Bhat Shubha P , Prasad HL Kishan , Bhandary B Satheesh Kumar , Baikunje Shashidhar , Bhat Vadisha
Published: March 2014

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is an uncommon non-neoplastic lymphoproliferative disorder. It usually manifests as bilateral, painless, massive cervical lymph node enlargement in children and young adults, hence the name sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy. Extranodal involvement is observed in 25 to 40% of cases. Involvement of nasal cavity is rare and those presenting with renal failure are exceptional. We report a rare case of 16-year-old boy who was diagnosed as a case of RDD of cervical lymph node before 6 years, now presenting with nodular lesions in the nasal cavity and features of renal failure. The nasal lesion was confirmed to be RDD histologically.

How to cite this article

Bhat SP, Prasad HLK, Bhandary BSK, Baikunje S, Bhat V. Metachronous Nodal and Nasal Rosai Dorfman Disease presenting with Chronic Renal Failure. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(3):139-143.
Silent Sinus Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Bhandary B Satheesh Kumar , Bhat Vadisha , Saldanha Marina , Scaria Sebin Tom
Published: March 2014

Silent sinus syndrome is a rare condition affecting the maxillary sinus, resulting in spontaneous collapse of the sinus walls causing facial asymmetry and unilateral enophthalmos. The exact etiology of this condition is unknown. We report a case of a 20-year-old male presented with facial asymmetry with depression of right cheek associated with heaviness over right cheek, without any disturbance of vision or eye movement. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the paranasal sinus showed a relatively smaller and opacified right maxillary sinus with inward retraction of the roof, medial and posterolateral walls. He underwent endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy. On follow-up, patient is free of symptoms and the CT scan showed well-ventilated sinuses with arrest of the disease progression.

How to cite this article

Saldanha M, Bhat V, Bhandary BSK, Scaria ST. Silent Sinus Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(3):144-148.
Trichofolliculoma of the Nose: A Rare Disease
Authors: Agarwal AK , Passey JC , Brar Tripti , Dabas Shilpi , Arora Nikhil
Published: March 2014

Purpose

The author wants to present a rare case of trichofolliculoma of nose.

Patients and methods

Clinical presentation, radiology, histopathological findings and management of the case has been presented.

Results

Patient has been on regular follow-up and planned for plastic reconstruction.

Conclusion

Trichofolliculoma, a benign hamortomatous lesion that develops at any age, usually presenting as a skin-colored nodule, correct histopathological diagnosis and treatment therefore, can lead to total removal of the benign lesion.

How to cite this article

Brar T, Passey JC, Dabas S, Agarwal AK, Arora N. Trichofolliculoma of the Nose: A Rare Disease. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(3):152-153.
The Therapeutic Challenges in Treating Duodenal Injury
Authors: Lucas Charles E
Published: March 2014

Duodenal injuries pose many challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Unless suspected, pursued vigorously and treated by a well-designed plan, can cause significant morbidity and mortality.

How to cite this article

Lucas CE. The Therapeutic Challenges in Treating Duodenal Injury. J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2013;2(3):126-133.
Trends in Management of Traumatic Brain Injury by Emergency Physicians in Colombia
Authors: Rubiano Andres M , Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael , Alcalá-Cerra Gabriel , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Navas Claudia , Villa-Delgado Rosmery
Published: March 2014

Background

Traumatic brain injury is a common cause of death in Colombia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of traumatic brain injury patients in Colombia.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted through a survey sent to 100 general practitioners in Colombia through an electronic format.

Results

Over the period of the study, data collected were about 59 physicians consecutively. The 31% of the respondents knew protocols for the management of traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion

Traumatic brain injury is one of the most important reasons for consultations in the emergency services in Colombia. We observed significant differences in the initial management of patients with this kind of injury. It requires the establishment of standard protocols and transmission thereof. The implementation of these strategies will contribute to a better patient outcome in Colombia.

How to cite this article

Alvis-Miranda HR, Navas C, Villa- Delgado R, Rubiano AM, Alcala-Cerra G, Moscote-Salazar LR. Trends in Management of Traumatic Brain Injury by Emergency Physicians in Colombia. J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2013;2(3):134-138.
TAPP Repair of an Obstructed Obturator Hernia
Authors: Aggarwal Nitin , Singh Ravinder , Bansal Darpan
Published: March 2014

Intestinal obstruction can be a result of diverse pathology depending upon the age of the patient. In the elderly, the most common cause appears to be malignancy or previous surgery. Inguinal hernia is another reason for acute intestinal obstruction, particularly in males. A rather rare cause of similar presentation in a female is obstructed obturator hernia. Due to its rarity and difficulty in diagnosis, most of the cases present late and, as a result, strangulation and necrosis of the bowel leads to high morbidity and mortality. We present a case of obstructed obturator hernia in a 80 years old female treated by laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach.

How to cite this article

Singh R, Bansal D, Aggarwal N. TAPP Repair of an Obstructed Obturator Hernia. J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2013;2(3):146-148.
Housing Market Bubbles and Business Cycles in an Agent-Based Credit Economy
Authors: Erlingsson Einar Jon , Teglio Andrea , Cincotti Silvano , Stefansson Hlynur , Sturluson Jon Thor , Raberto Marco
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the housing and mortgage markets by means of an agent-based macroeconomic model of a credit network economy. A set of computational experiments have been carried out in order to explore the effects of different households’ creditworthiness conditions required by banks in order to grant a mortgage. Results show that easier access to credit inflates housing prices, triggering a short run output expansion. However, the artificial economy becomes more unstable and prone to recessions. With stricter conditions the economy is more stable and does not fall into serious recessions, although a too severe regulation can slow down economic growth.
The very short-lived ozone depleting substance CHBr3 (bromoform): revised UV absorption spectrum, atmospheric lifetime and ozone depletion potential
Authors: Papanastasiou D. K. , McKeen S. A. , Burkholder J. B.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. CHBr3 (bromoform) is a short-lived atmospheric trace compound that is primarily of natural origin and is a source of reactive bromine in both the troposphere and stratosphere. Estimating the overall atmospheric impact of CHBr3 and its transport to the stratosphere requires a thorough understanding of its atmospheric loss processes, which are primarily UV photolysis and reaction with the OH radical. In this study, UV absorption cross sections, σ (λ ,T), for CHBr3 were measured at wavelengths between 300 and 345 nm at temperatures between 260 and 330 K using cavity ring-down spectroscopy. The present results are compared with currently recommended values for use in atmospheric models, and the discrepancies are discussed. A parameterization of the CHBr3 UV spectrum for use in atmospheric models is developed, and illustrative photolysis rate calculations are presented to highlight the impact of the revised σ (λ, T) values on its calculated local lifetimes. For example, the photolysis rate in the tropical region obtained with the present spectral data is 10–15% lower (longer lifetime) than obtained using currently recommended cross section values. Seasonally dependent ozone depletion potentials (ODPs) for CHBr3 emitted in the Indian sub-continent were calculated to be 0.10, 0.34, 0.72, and 0.23 (winter, spring, summer, fall) using the semi-empirical relationship of Brioude et al. (2010).
Dust ice nuclei effects on cirrus clouds
Authors: Kuebbeler M. , Lohmann U. , Hendricks J. , Kärcher B.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. In order to study aerosol–cloud interactions in cirrus clouds, we apply a new multiple-mode ice microphysical scheme to the general circulation model ECHAM5-HAM. The multiple-mode ice microphysical scheme allows for analysis of the competition between homogeneous freezing of solution droplets, deposition nucleation of pure dust particles, and immersion freezing of coated dust particles and pre-existing ice. We base the freezing efficiencies of coated and pure dust particles on the most recent laboratory data. The effect of pre-existing ice, which has been neglected in previous ice nucleation parameterizations, is to deplete water vapour by depositional growth and thus prevent homogeneous and heterogeneous freezing from occurring. As a first step, we extensively tested the model and validated the results against in situ measurements from various aircraft campaigns. The results compare well with observations; properties such as ice crystal size and number concentration as well as supersaturation are predicted within the observational spread. We find that heterogeneous nucleation on mineral dust particles and the consideration of pre-existing ice in the nucleation process may lead to significant effects: globally, ice crystal number and mass are reduced by 10 and 5%, whereas the ice crystals' size is increased by 3%. The reductions in ice crystal number are most pronounced in the tropics and mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. While changes in the microphysical and radiative properties of cirrus clouds in the tropics are mostly driven by considering pre-existing ice, changes in the northern hemispheric mid-latitudes mainly result from heterogeneous nucleation. The so-called negative Twomey effect in cirrus clouds is represented in ECHAM5-HAM. The net change in the radiation budget is −0.94 W m−2, implying that both heterogeneous nucleation on dust and pre-existing ice have the potential to modulate cirrus properties in climate simulations and thus should be considered in future studies.