bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Technology to Address Barriers in Rural Special Education for Students With Autism: A Do-It-Yourself Guide
Authors: McKissick Bethany R. , Diegelmann Karen M. , Parker Sarah
Published: May 2017

Providing high-quality special education services in rural settings has a variety of challenges such as geographic isolation and a lack of resources. One particularly challenging aspect of rural special education is providing general curriculum access. Computer-assisted instruction is one way to provide high-quality specialized instruction that does not require the attention of another teacher nor a paraprofessional while still possessing the ability to implement research-based specially designed instruction with fidelity. This article provides teachers with task analyses and considerations for creating their own computer-assisted instruction using widely available computer software.
Therapy of Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With an SN-38-Anti-Trop-2 Drug Conjugate, Sacituzumab Govitecan
Authors: Heist Rebecca Suk , Guarino Michael J. , Masters Gregory , Purcell W. Thomas , Starodub Alexander N. , Horn Leora , Scheff Ronald J. , Bardia Aditya , Messersmith Wells A. , Berlin Jordan , Ocean Allyson J. , Govindan Serengulam V. , Maliakal Pius , Mudenda Boyd , Wegener William A. , Sharkey Robert M. , Goldenberg David M. , Camidge D. Ross
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Trop-2, expressed in most solid cancers, may be a target for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We studied sacituzumab govitecan (IMMU-132), a Trop-2 ADC, for the targeting of SN-38.

Patients and Methods

We evaluated IMMU-132 in a single-arm multicenter trial in patients with pretreated metastatic NSCLC who received either 8 or 10 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles. The primary end points were safety and objective response rate (ORR). Progression-free survival and overall survival were secondary end points.

Results

Fifty-four patients were treated. In the response-assessable study population (n = 47), which had a median of three prior therapies (range, two to seven), the ORR was 19%; median response duration, 6.0 months (95% CI, 4.8 to 8.3 months); and clinical benefit rate (complete response + partial response + stable disease ≥ 4 months), 43%. ORR in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population was 17% (nine of 54). Responses occurred with a median onset of 3.8 months, including patients who had relapsed or progressed after immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Median ITT progression-free survival was 5.2 months (95% CI, 3.2 to 7.1 months) and median ITT overall survival, 9.5 months (95% CI, 5.9 to 16.7 months). Grade 3 or higher adverse events included neutropenia (28%), diarrhea (7%), nausea (7%), fatigue (6%), and febrile neutropenia (4%). One patient developed a transient immune response, despite patients receiving a median of 10 doses. More than 90% of 26 assessable archival tumor specimens were highly positive (2+, 3+) for Trop-2 by immunohistochemistry, which suggests that Trop-2 is not a predictive biomarker for response.

Conclusion

IMMU-132 was well-tolerated and induced durable responses in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic NSCLC. This ADC should be studied further in this disease and in other patients with Trop-2–expressing tumors.
Subjetividade e interseccionalidade: experiências de adoecimento de mulheres negras com doença falciforme
Authors: Xavier Eliana Costa , Rocha Kátia Bones
Published: May 2017

El estudio tuvo el objetivo de conocer y analizar la historia de mujeres negras con enfermedad falciforme y comprender cómo la subjetividad de estas es construida y confrontada a partir de los sentidos subjetivos asociados con los marcadores de género, raza y clase social. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa en la que participaron 9 mujeres negras acompañadas por el Centro de Referencia de la Anemia Falciforme del Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Las entrevistas semiestructuradas fueron analizadas por medio del análisis crítico del discurso. Los resultados mostraron que las mujeres negras perciben su enfermedad como condición de salud que estrecha los lazos entre su pertenencia racial y sus construcciones de género y de clase. El discurso de esas mujeres negras trascendió a la complejidad de la enfermedad crónica, transformándola y construyendo posibilidades que las potencializan como mujeres, madres y sujetos sociales. Las mujeres señalaron que la interseccionalidad de raza, género y clase social impulsa la ceguera pública de la mujer negra y de las cuestiones relacionadas con la población negra intensificando el sentimiento de invisibilidad.
Imbruvica®▾(ibrutinib) patient support programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Murthy Vidhya , Weaving Susan , Paneesha Shankara
Published: May 2017

Single-agent ibrutinib is an effective therapy for three types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma, both in relapsed and refractory cases and as a frontline treatment; relapsed and refractory mantle cell lymphoma; and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia in patients who have been treated previously with a different medication. This novel agent has changed the landscape for the aforementioned three subtypes of lymphoma therapies as an oral alternative to traditional chemoimmunotherapy. You&i™ is a no-cost support programme, funded by Janssen, that connects patients taking Imbruvica with a nurse who can answer their questions and help address treatment challenges. This programme offers patients information about their disease, their treatment regimen and side effects management by telephone. The You&i programme was tested at an NHS hospital. Case studies of patients and feedback from health professionals who have used this service show its potential benefits to the patient experience and service delivery.
Ancient homophobia
Authors: Bednarek Bartlomiej
Published: May 2017

The following paper discusses the problem of the alleged prejudices of the Athenian masses against homosexuality in the second half of the fifth century BC. It has been suggested that the unsympathetic perception of pederasty might have been as a result of the generally unfriendly attitudes of the so-called common people towards behaviours associated with the social elite. In what follows, I argue that there is no reason to think that homosexual desires and behaviours were limited to the upper classes; prejudices against homosexuality can hardly be taken, therefore, as a result of populist sentiments. Moreover, it seems that few or no phenomena recorded in our sources relevant to classical Athens can really be associated with homophobia as such.
Estimate reliability of component-based software sys-tem using modified neuro fuzzy model
Authors: Sharma Ravi Kumar , Gandhi Dr. Parul
Published: May 2017

There are many algorithms and techniques for estimating the reliability of Component Based Software Systems (CBSSs). Accurate esti-mation depends on two factors: component reliability and glue code reliability. Still much more research is expected to estimate reliability in a better way. A number of soft computing approaches for estimating CBSS reliability has been proposed. These techniques learnt from the past and capture existing patterns in data. In this paper, we proposed new model for estimating CBSS reliability known as Modified Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (MNFIS). This model is based on four factors Reusability, Operational, Component dependency, Fault Density. We analyze the proposed model for diffent data sets and also compare its performance with that of plain Fuzzy Inference System. Our experimental results show that, the proposed model gives better reliability as compare to FIS.
The National Mall: No Ordinary Public Space (Benton-Short)
Authors: Benedetti Cristina
Published: May 2017

This work is a book review considering the title The National Mall: No Ordinary Public Space by Lisa Benton-Short.
Hardware and software implementation of data acquisition system for pulsed NQR spectrometer
Authors: Samila A. P.
Published: May 2017

A hardware and software implementation of compact data acquisition system for pulsed nuclear quadrupole resonance spectrometer is proposed. The developed system is based on multi-protocol converter USB-245FIFO FT2232H, which provides data transfer speeds up to 480 Mb/s. For nuclear spin induction visualization and data signal processing using graphical tools of the object oriented programming a LabVIEW virtual instrument is synthesized. To synchronize data acquisition system with start of the exciting pulse the FPGA configuration structure is developed.
The experimental results are showed possibility of the broadband nuclear quadrupole resonance spectrums imaging with frequency resolution 1.6 kHz, which confirms the high accuracy of the developed data acquisition system. Two-channel transmitter provides simultaneous operation of the two independent data channels in a single hardware USB interface.
The use of the proposed data acquisition system for portable nuclear quadrupole resonance spectrometers will significantly reduce the cost of laboratory equipment for radio physical experimentation.
Investigation of electric and magnetic characteristics of high-temperature hall sensor based on AlGaN/GaN heterostructure
Authors: Stempitsky V. R. , Dinh Ha Dao
Published: May 2017

The paper presents research results on the characteristics of Hall sensor based on the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure with various geometric parameters of the active region operating in the temperature range from –25 to 400°C. The research was performed using device-technological simulation. The active layer of the proposed structure is a two-dimensional electron gas region, which is formed between the barrier layer Al0,3Ga0,7N and the undoped GaN channel layer. The results (room temperature current-related magnetic sensitivity 66.4 V/(A•T) and very low temperature cross sensitivity of 0,0273%/°C) indicate the prospects of the proposed solutions for the practical use.
Serum estradiol levels in controlled ovarian stimulation directly affect the endometrium
Authors: Ullah Kamran , Rahman Tanzil Ur , Pan Hai-Tao , Guo Meng-Xi , Dong Xin-Yan , Liu Juan , Jin Lu-Yang , Cheng Yi , Ke Zhang-Hong , Ren Jun , Lin Xian-Hua , Qiu Xiao-Xiao , Wang Ting-Ting , Huang He-Feng , Sheng Jian-Zhong
Published: May 2017

Previous studies have shown that increasing estradiol concentrations had a toxic effect on the embryo and were deleterious to embryo adhesion. In this study, we evaluated the physiological impact of estradiol concentrations on endometrial cells to reveal that serum estradiol levels probably targeted the endometrium in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols. An attachment model of human choriocarcinoma (JAr) cell spheroids to receptive-phase endometrial epithelial cells and Ishikawa cells treated with different estradiol (10−9 M or 10−7 M) concentrations was developed. Differentially expressed protein profiling of the Ishikawa cells was performed by proteomic analysis. Estradiol at 10−7 M demonstrated a high attachment rate of JAr spheroids to the endometrial cell monolayers. Using iTRAQ coupled with LC–MS/MS, we identified 45 differentially expressed proteins containing 43 significantly upregulated and 2 downregulated proteins in Ishikawa cells treated with 10−7 M estradiol. Differential expression of C3, plasminogen and kininogen-1 by Western blot confirmed the proteomic results. C3, plasminogen and kininogen-1 localization in human receptive endometrial luminal epithelium highlighted the key proteins as possible targets for endometrial receptivity and interception. Ingenuity pathway analysis of differentially expressed proteins exhibited a variety of signaling pathways, including LXR/RXR activation pathway and acute-phase response signaling and upstream regulators (TNF, IL6, Hmgn3 and miR-140-3p) associated with endometrial receptivity. The observed estrogenic effect on differential proteome dynamics in Ishikawa cells indicates that the human endometrium is the probable target for serum estradiol levels in COH cycles. The findings are also important for future functional studies with the identified proteins that may influence embryo implantation.
Reducing Hospitalization Rates for Children With Anaphylaxis
Authors: Farbman Karen S. , Michelson Kenneth A. , Neuman Mark I. , Dribin Timothy E. , Schneider Lynda C. , Stack Anne M.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Most children with anaphylaxis in the emergency department (ED) are hospitalized. Opportunities exist to safely reduce the hospitalization rate for children with anaphylaxis by decreasing unnecessary hospitalizations. A quality improvement (QI) intervention was conducted to improve care and reduce hospitalization rates for children with anaphylaxis.

METHODS:

We used the Model for Improvement and began with development and implementation in 2011 of a locally developed evidence-based guideline based on national recommendations for the management of anaphylaxis. Guideline adoption and adherence were supported by interval reminders and feedback to providers. Patients from 2008 to 2014 diagnosed with anaphylaxis were identified, and statistical process control methods were used to evaluate change in hospitalization rates over time. The balancing measure was any return visit to the ED within 72 hours. To control for secular trends, hospitalization rates for anaphylaxis at 34 US children’s hospitals over the same time period were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Over the study period, there were 1169 visits for children with anaphylaxis, of which 731 (62%) occurred after the QI implementation. The proportion of children hospitalized decreased from 54% to 36%, with no increase in the 72-hour ED revisit rate. The hospitalization rate across 34 other US pediatric hospitals remained static at 52% over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS:

We safely reduced unnecessary hospitalizations for children with anaphylaxis and sustained the change over 3 years by using a QI initiative that included evidence-based guideline development and implementation, reinforced by provider reminders and structured feedback.
The Dislocations of Cultural Translation
Authors: Young Robert J. C.
Published: May 2017

The title The Location of Culture suggests that the book's author, Homi K. Bhabha, places an overriding importance on a culture's spatial and geographic situation. Lest Bhabha's readers get too fixated on culture's site and locality, however, the title's emphasis on place is soon qualified by an epigraph from the book's most-cited author, Frantz Fanon, that emphasizes temporality: “The architecture of this work is rooted in the temporal. Every human problem must be considered from the standpoint of time” (qtd. in Bhabha xiv). So, while culture must be located, the architecture of The Location of Culture is rooted in the temporal. The place and time of its moments of production are affirmed throughout its essays with a wealth of contemporary references and opening comments like “In Britain, in the 1980s …” (27). No book of theory is more self-consciously embedded in its own space and time. The Location of Culture, published in 1994, is a very English book, written from within the political, cultural, and intellectual world of the London of the 1980s and early 1990s, in which migrant activists from the Caribbean and South Asia such as Bhabha, Salman Rushdie, and Stuart Hall were challenging the verities of a long-established, socialist, masculinist, English intellectual and political culture. The brilliant innovation of The Location of Culture was to create a new language, a new articulation and understanding of minority positions—which is why the response to it has been so overwhelming, from academics, artists, and many others. The work that went into The Location of Culture was intimately related to Bhabha's own milieu and time: the book is the product of his decennium mirabile in London.
High-volume, ultra-low-density fly ash foamed concrete
Authors: Jones M. Roderick , Ozlutas Kezban , Zheng Li
Published: May 2017

Resource efficiency is a core criterion for the regulation of construction products and rightly promotes the most sustainable solution. This paper reports the development a low embodied carbon dioxide backfill material based on an ultra-low-density foamed concrete using a high volume of fly ash to replace Portland cement. This material builds on previously reported research on the underlying causes of instability in low-density foamed concrete mixes and demonstrates that, with the addition of a small amount of calcium sulfoaluminate cement, stable ultra-low-density foamed concretes with density as low as 150 kg/m3 can be produced. A high volume of fly ash up to 70% of cement phase has been used, which reduced the average bubble size of the foamed concrete and increased the thickness of the bubble walls. The observed microstructure of fly ash foamed concretes was improved over the long term. The use of fly ash significantly reduced the embodied carbon dioxide of these mixes, which potentially has significant benefits for large-scale backfill and similar applications.
Damage detection of ballastless railway tracks by the impact-echo method
Authors: Xu Jingmang , Wang Ping , An Boyang , Ma Xiaochuan , Chen Rong
Published: May 2017

The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact response of ballastless railway tracks and to study the feasibility of using the impact-echo method for the detection of typical damage to ballastless tracks. Numerical studies were carried out to acquire the transient responses of ballastless tracks subjected to impact. The numerical results were verified by experimental studies on ballastless tracks with and without damage. It was found that there is a predominant frequency whose value depends on the dimensions of the ballastless track for a given P-wave speed in concrete. The presence of damage was found to disrupt the modes of vibration. A shift of the predominant frequency to a lower value was found to be a key indication of the presence of damage. Multiple wave reflections between the impact surface and the damage surface produced a large-amplitude peak in the spectrum at a frequency corresponding to the depth of the damage.
IL233, A Novel IL-2 and IL-33 Hybrid Cytokine, Ameliorates Renal Injury
Authors: Stremska Marta E. , Jose Sheethal , Sabapathy Vikram , Huang Liping , Bajwa Amandeep , Kinsey Gilbert R. , Sharma Poonam R. , Mohammad Saleh , Rosin Diane L. , Okusa Mark D. , Sharma Rahul
Published: May 2017

CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) protect the kidney during AKI. We previously found that IL-2, which is critical for Treg homeostasis, upregulates the IL-33 receptor (ST2) on CD4+ T cells, thus we hypothesized that IL-2 and IL-33 cooperate to enhance Treg function. We found that a major subset of Tregs in mice express ST2, and coinjection of IL-2 and IL-33 increased the number of Tregs in lymphoid organs and protected mice from ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) more efficiently than either cytokine alone. Accordingly, we generated a novel hybrid cytokine (IL233) bearing the activities of IL-2 and IL-33 for efficient targeting to Tregs. IL233 treatment increased the number of Tregs in blood and spleen and prevented IRI more efficiently than a mixture of IL-2 and IL-33. Injection of IL233 also increased the numbers of Tregs in renal compartments. Moreover, IL233-treated mice had fewer splenic Tregs and more Tregs in kidneys after IRI. In vitro, splenic Tregs from IL233-treated mice suppressed CD4+ T cell proliferation better than Tregs from saline-treated controls. IL233 treatment also improved the ability of isolated Tregs to inhibit IRI in adoptive transfer experiments and protected mice from cisplatin- and doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxic injury. Finally, treatment with IL233 increased the proportion of ST2-bearing innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in blood and kidneys, and adoptive transfer of ILC2 also protected mice from IRI. Thus, the novel IL233 hybrid cytokine, which utilizes the cooperation of IL-2 and IL-33 to enhance Treg- and ILC2-mediated protection from AKI, bears strong therapeutic potential.
Decentralisation in Africa: A critical review of Uganda's experience
Authors: Ojambo Henry
Published: May 2017

Since the rise to power of the Movement government under the leadership of Yoweri Museveni in 1986, Uganda has largely been show-cased as an emerging democracy on the continent. Among other things, Museveni's regime has been acclaimed for the restoration of periodic national elections, the making of the Constitution and the overall promotion of democratic governance, most especially through the adoption of a decentralised system with a commendable institutional and legal framework. Decentralisation is believed to promote service delivery at the local level, accountability for government resources by local leaders, and the involvement of the masses in local planning and the implementation of government programmes. It is now over twenty years since decentralisation was adopted as a system of government but the quality of service delivery and the accountability for government resources at the local level remains just as deplorable as the extent to which the masses are involved in the planning and implementation of government programmes in their localities. This paper examines the challenges that inhibit the realisation of the noble objectives of decentralisation, notwithstanding the apparently impressive institutional and legal framework.
Achieving "decent work" in South Africa?
Authors: Cohen Tamara , Moodley Luendree
Published: May 2017

The fundamental goal of the International Labour Organisation is the achievement of decent and productive work for both women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. The South African government has pledged its commitment to the attainment of decent work and sustainable livelihoods for all workers and has undertaken to mainstream decent work imperatives into national development strategies. 

 

The four strategic objectives of decent work as identified by the ILO are: i) the promotion of standards and rights at work, to ensure that worker's constitutionally protected rights to dignity, equality and fair labour practices, amongst others, are safeguarded by appropriate legal frameworks; (ii) the promotion of employment creation and income opportunities, with the goal being not just the creation of jobs but the creation of jobs of acceptable quality; (iii) the provision and improvement of social protection and social security, which are regarded as fundamental to the alleviation of poverty, inequality and the burden of care responsibilities; and (iv) the promotion of social dialogue and tripartism.

 

This article considers the progress made towards the attainment of these decent work objectives in South Africa, using five statistical indicators to measure such progress namely: (i) employment opportunities; (ii) adequate earnings and productive work; (iii) stability and security of work; (iv) social protection; and (v) social dialogue and workplace relations. It concludes that high levels of unemployment and a weakened economy in South Africa have given rise to a growing informal sector and an increase in unacceptable working conditions and exploitation. The rights of workers in the formal sector have not filtered down to those in the informal sector, who remains vulnerable and unrepresented. Job creation initiatives have been undermined by the global recession and infrastructural shortcomings and ambitious governmental targets appear to be unachievable, with youth unemployment levels and gender inequalities remaining of grave concern. Social protection programmes fail to provide adequate coverage to the majority of the economically active population. Social dialogue processes and organisational structures fail to accommodate or represent the interests of the informal sector. Until these problems are overcome, the article concludes, it remains unlikely that decent work imperatives will be attained.
Applying behavioural science to issues of public health in South Africa: The case for social norms intervention
Authors: Ganz Gary , Neville Fergus G. , Ward Catherine L.
Published: May 2017

In the effort to address behavioural risk factors – which contribute significantly to the global burden of disease – there is a growing movement in public health towards the use of interventions informed by behavioural science. These interventions have the benefit of being amenable to testing in randomised controlled trials, are cost-effective and, when scaled up, can have significant public health benefits. A subset of these interventions attempts to change behaviour by shifting social norms perception (what I think everyone else does and thinks). We surveyed the work on social norms intervention and considered its applicability to issues of public health in South Africa. Social norms interventions have widespread and significant potential to address issues of public health in South Africa; policymakers should look to these interventions as cost-effective tools to address key issues. More broadly, we advocate for an expansion of the use of behavioural science in developing public policy in South Africa.

Significance: 

The application of behavioural science to issues of public health will contribute to evidence-based policy efforts in South Africa.
Protein extraction, alkylation, and digestion for LC/MS of HEK-293 v2
Authors: Adachi Shun
Published: May 2017

Protocol for protein extraction, alkylation, and digestion to obtain LC/MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) data of calculated protein signal intensities in HEK-293 cells to monitor them.
High-intensity Interval versus Mild-intensity Endurance Training in Rats Fed a High-fat or Control Diet v1
Authors: Shen Youqing , Guoyuan Huang not provided , Bryan P. McCormick not provided , Tao song not provided , Xiangfeng Xu not provided
Published: May 2017

The current study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HI) to mild-intensity endurance training (ME), combined with a high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD), on metabolic phenotype and serum corticosterone levels in rats.Although exercise is linked to benefits of metabolic health, it is surprising that few studies have explored the stress responses and interaction of different exercise regimens and HFD feeding, either independently or interactively.It remains unclear whether different exercise regimens lead to similar metabolic and stress responses and adaptations in the presence of an HFD.
Avaliação das Competências Docentes: Análise no Curso de Ciências Contábeis da UTFPR
Authors: Zanella Patricia , Antonelli Ricardo Adriano , Bortoluzzi Sandro César
Published: May 2017

As competências relacionadas à docência universitária englobam conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes que seus profissionais necessitam para exercer adequadamente seu trabalho. A avaliação de tais competências pode permitir ao professor refletir sua postura perante os discentes, e, embora tal procedimento seja complexo, seus resultados podem ser importantes para a melhoria da qualidade do ensino. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo objetivou identificar o nível de satisfação e expectativa dos alunos em relação aos professores do curso de Ciências Contábeis da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Pato Branco. A pesquisa se caracteriza como descritiva e quantitativa e a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de questionários aplicados aos acadêmicos do curso. Os principais resultados da pesquisa são: (i) os discentes têm uma maior expectativa (média 9,1) dos docentes quando comparado com a satisfação (média 6,9); (ii) as competências com melhores avaliações pelos discentes são: relacionamento interpessoal, comprometimento, domínio da área, ética e didático-pedagógico; (iii) as competências com as piores avaliações pelos discentes são: comunicação, flexibilidade, empatia, criatividade e trabalho em equipe; e (iv) o gênero feminino apresenta maior expectativa dos docentes quando comparado com o gênero masculino. As principais implicações/conclusões do presente estudo são: (i) o presente estudo não apresenta divergências significativas em relação aos estudos precedentes; (ii) os professores do curso em estudo e de cursos similares devem estar atentos às competências com pior nível de satisfação; (iii) o nível geral de expectativa do aluno é bem superior à satisfação e isso deve ser considerado pelos professores no planejamento de suas disciplinas; e (iv) as competências com menor nível de satisfação dos alunos referem-se às dimensões atitudes e habilidades e não de conhecimento. Tal conclusão é fundamental para que o professor tenha ciência que o aluno valoriza outras dimensões e, não somente, o conhecimento. Além disso, tais resultados servem também para que os cursos e coordenações considerem tais competências em seus planejamentos de capacitações.
Reimagining the peripheral ring road of Bengaluru as an area development Project
Authors: Mathews Rejeet , Pai Madhav , Sebastian Tintu , Chakraborty Souhardhya
Published: May 2017

Bengaluru City’s Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), a project announced back in 2005 has faced several impediments to its implementation largely due to land acquisition hurdles and associated cost overruns. This paper addresses the state of the practice in the way the ring road has been imagined, why the project has remained unimplemented in over a decade and the possible alternatives by which it could be better planned and financed. Findings suggest that the crux of the problem could be attributed to a failure in recognising the full potential of a ring road to the city. Envisioned as a mere bypass to ‘decongest an already crowded Outer Ring Road (ORR), to prevent long distance private vehicles from entering the city centre’ its potential for area development, planned urban expansion and to serve as an ideal tool for land value capture were not recognised. Experiences of other cities which have been more successful in implementing similar projects through the use of alternative means of accessing land for public purposes provides clues to achieve that elusive middle ground between all stakeholders
Prenatal multivitamin supplementation increases birth weight
Authors: Kalem Müberra Namli , Kamalak Zeynep , Kosus Nermin , Kosus Aydin , Kalem Ziya
Published: May 2017

Background: The aim of this study is to examine whether there is any positive impact of prenatal iron and vitamin supplementation on birth weight, and if this practice could be a cause of macrosomia.Methods: A total of 1,838 term pregnant women were included in this study and were divided into four groups: iron group (women having only iron supplementation), vitamin (women using only multivitamins), vitamin+iron (women using both iron and multivitamin preparations), and control group (women having neither iron nor vitamin supplements). Statistical analysis was performed to compare age, gravida, parity, hemoglobin, BMI and birth weight. Groups were compared in terms of macrosomia and correlation analysis carried out between demographics and birth weight.Results: The birth weight was significantly higher in the vitamin group and the vitamin+iron group than in the iron group and the control group. Vitamin supplementation increased the risk of macrosomia 3.9 times, while vitamin+iron usage increased the risk 4.8 times.Conclusions: Uncontrolled use of multivitamins and/or iron supplements may increase tendency for fetal macrosomia. The use of multivitamins and/or iron supplements by pregnant women must take into account maternal age, maternal diet and maternal BMI. Our findings support a reduction in the unnecessary use of vitamin and iron supplements in pregnancy, and a reversal of the trend to start vitamin and iron supplementation without any control. The increasing prevalence of obesity and excessive weight in pregnant women should be a warning against the uncontrolled usage of vitamins and iron during pregnancy.
A study of menstrual disturbance in cases of fibroid uterus
Authors: Khyade Rajeshwari Laxman
Published: May 2017

Background: Leiomyoma’s also called fibroids due to their abundant fibrotic tissue have a 70-80% cumulative incidence in childbearing years. Fibroids are the most common occurring benign tumors. Fibroids represent a tremendous public health burden on women and economic cost on society.Methods: It is prospective study done over a period of one year, 50 cases presenting to the obstetrics and gynecology department. Women included were in their reproductive age between 30-55 yrs. of age and had experienced menstrual bleeding complaints.Results: The prevalence of uterine fibroids ranged from 46% in age group 41-45yrs, 24% in 46-50yrs, and 11% in 36-40yrs. Women with uterine fibroids complained of menorrhagia in 78%, dysmenorrhea in 30%, metrorrhagia in 10%, polymenorrhea 22%, pain in abdomen 22%, urinary problem 8%, SCOPV 6%, primary infertile 4%, leucorrhea 12% and lump in abdomen 4%.Conclusions: Uterine fibroid is a common problem in women of reproductive age causing various bleeding and pain symptoms that can have negative impact on various aspects of women’s life.
Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women and the need for universal screening: an observational study in Northern Andhra Pradesh population
Authors: B. Krishnamma , V. Prabhavathi , D. K. V. Prasad
Published: May 2017

Background: The maternal thyroid dysfunction is associated with adverse outcomes such as miscarriage, preterm delivery, preeclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage in mother whereas increased risk of impaired neurological development in foetus. The present study was designed with an aim to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and the need for universal screening in pregnant women.Methods: Three hundred and eighty pregnant women between 8-36 weeks of gestation with age group 20-32 years were recruited. Serum free T3, free T4 and TSH levels were assayed by chemiluminescence method. The pregnant women were classified into euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroid (SH), overt hypothyroid (OH) and overt hyperthyroid groups based on the results obtained in the study.Results: In the present study, the mean ± SD age (in years) and BMI of all pregnant women was 23.9±3.9 and 22.9±1.6 respectively. The maternal age was high in OH and overt hyperthyroid and was statistically significant (p<0.05). Similarly, women with high BMI were prone to OH than normal BMI (p<0.05). The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was found to be 18.7%. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 17.4% in which the SH was 13.4% and overt hypothyroidism 3.9%, but overt hyperthyroidism was 1.3%. TSH levels increased with the advancement of gestational age from 2.72±1.85 in first trimester to 3.4±2.05 µIU/mL in third trimester, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Finally, it was also noticed that the prevalence of raised TSH in high-risk pregnant women was high compared to low-risk women (35.6% vs 5.1%) relative risk (RR) 7.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.62-12.65, (p<0.0001). However, 14 out of 51 (27.5%) with SH were in low-risk group.Conclusions: The present study states that the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 18.7% and also emphasizes the importance of screening all pregnant women for thyroid dysfunction rather than targeted high-risk pregnant women to prevent both maternal and fetal morbidity.
Obstetric and neonatal outcome in women with epilepsy
Authors: Malik Roopa , Kumar Viral , Chaudhary Susheela , Duhan Nirmala
Published: May 2017

Background: Epilepsy is the second most common neurological disorder complicating pregnancy next to migraine. Both mother and fetus stay at risk due to epilepsy and side effects of antiepileptic’s. This retrospective study was conducted to study fetal and maternal outcome in WWE.Methods: This study was conducted on 55 patients of epilepsy with pregnancy who attended antenatal clinic of our hospital from January 2016 to December 2016. Data was collected using antenatal registers in outdoor settings and medical case sheets in indoor patients and was analyzed statistically.Results: There were a total of 55 WWE in one year duration. Incidence of epilepsy being 0.4% in this study. 11 WWE were not on ante epileptic drug when conceived, while 34 WWE were on ante epileptic drugs when conceived, 8 WWE were newly diagnosed and 2 patients had both psychiatric disorders along with epilepsy. There were 3 IUDs, 4 major congenital malformation and 2 minor malformations. 2 major malformation occurred in patients taking both antipsychotic and ante epileptics since conception.Conclusions: There were a total of 55 WWE in one year duration. Incidence of epilepsy being 0.4% in this study. 11 WWE were not on ante epileptic drug when conceived, while 34 WWE were on ante epileptic drugs when conceived, 8 WWE were newly diagnosed and 2 patients had both psychiatric disorders along with epilepsy. There were 3 IUDs, 4 major congenital malformation and 2 minor malformations. 2 major malformation occurred in patients taking both antipsychotic and ante epileptics since conception.
Employing Autoethnography to Examine Our Diverse Identities: Striving Towards Equitable and Socially Just Stances in Literacy Teaching and Research
Authors: Brock Cynthia Helen , Borti Adeline , Frahm Tia , Howe Lori , Khasilova Dilnoza , Ventura-Kalen Karen
Published: May 2017

This paper brings together the storied experiences of a group of diverse scholars from Ghana, Uzbekistan, and the United States who use a collaborative autoethnographic lens to engage in the process of self-reflection/self-critique with respect to salient aspects of their identities (e.g., race, language, gender, socioeconomic status, and so forth). Each scholar also explores how her identity informs and influences her attitudes, behaviors, beliefs and actions with respect to the equitable enactment of her pedagogy and research.
FORTY YEARS OF BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS IN MEXICO: A REVIEW OF THE MEXICAN JOURNAL OF BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Authors: Mateos L. Rebeca , Hernández Cinthia M. , Madrigal Kenneth D. , Flores Carlos , López Wilson
Published: May 2017

The present paper shows a current review of the Mexican Journal of Behavior Analysis (MJBA). The review includes a brief historical summary of the Mexican Society of Behavior Analysis, along with some aspects about the academic and social context of behavior analysis in Mexico which are mentioned in order to understand the origin of MJBA. The paper presents the number of articles published in English and Spanish, an analysis of the articles related to human and non-human behavior, basic and applied research. The paper also reports the first authors’ university affiliation with higher percentage of articles published.Keywords: behavior analysis in Mexico, Mexican Journal of Behavior Analysis, Mexican Society of Behavior Analysis
An Introduction to Empiric Approach to the Resource Curse Phenomenon in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Authors: Kurecic Petar , Milkovic Marin , Kokotovic Filip
Published: May 2017

The dependence on natural resources exports and its effects on economic growth represent one of the fields of study in political economy. This paper represents an empiric analysis of sets of macroeconomic data for several Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Data was analyzed for Bahrain, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic. This paper searches for the potential mechanism of transmission of the resource curse. The countries, which were selected, are dependent upon either tourism as a source of revenue, natural resources or are to a degree dependent upon both. In order to avoid potential problems from using cross-section data, individual time-series analysis methods were used. By using a Vector Autoregressive framework, this paper concludes that there is evidence of both direct transmission from natural capital towards economic growth, as well as indirect transmission through political instability and increased level of corruption. These findings are overall conclusive with the previous works discussing the research curse hypothesis. The key policy recommendation is ensuring that funds obtained from the exploiting of resources or tourism are used to develop a more stable and long-term sustainable economy.
Does Cross-Culture Human Resource Management Affect Performance of International Organizations? Evidence from Rwanda
Authors: Ruzagiriza Angel Umubyeyi
Published: May 2017

The interaction of employees in subsidiaries of international companies both from the parent and host countries pose a challenge to those handling human resource management issues due to differences in national cultures of those who work in the subsidiaries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Cross Culture Human Resource Management (CCHRM) on employee attitudes and to examine the mediating role of employee outcomes on the relationship between CCHRM and employee attitudes in international companies operating in Rwanda. The employees in the organizations were selected using stratified random sampling based on organizations’ departments. Hence, a sample of 300 employees was drawn from a total population of 830 employees. The study used document analysis for all the secondary data and regression analysis for primary data. The results show that there is a strong positive correlation between CCHRM and organization performance in international organization operating in Rwanda. The findings also indicate that employees’ outcomes positively mediated the relationship between CCHRM and organizational performance. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are examined in this study.
Can We Rely on Job Satisfaction to Reduce Job Stress?
Authors: Siahaan Elisabet
Published: May 2017

Stress has been a hot topic to discuss since several years ago. Stress triggered a negative behaviour from employees. In a long term, stress would decrease the whole organizational performance. This study aimed to understand the factor which led to employees’ stress within state-owned organization in Indonesia. All this time, each organization tried to improve their employees’ job satisfaction as it would commonly lead to a positive attitude from the employees. Employees’ organizational commitment was a key which led to organizational success. Work-family conflict had been manifested as a problem in the work-life as the employees could not balance their role as employees and as a family member. These variables were hypothesized to affect employees’ job stress level.The research was conducted at PT Pelabuhan Indonesia I Medan, one of major state-owned firm in Indonesia. The research was focused on married employees and had been working for at least 3 years. There were 72 employees across division selected in the research. The sample was proportionally taken from each division. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The data was analysed with correlation and multiple regression analyses.Correlation analysis showed that stress had a strong positive relationship with work-family conflict. Stress moderately correlated with the employees’ organizational commitment level and satisfaction level. Multiple regression analysis showed that job satisfaction might reduce employees’ job stress but it was insignificant. Job stress was positively and significantly affectedby employees’ satisfaction and commitment. Employees’ organizational commitment negatively and significantly affected the stress level. These relationships explained 64% of job stress variance.
Wpływ suszy hydrologicznej na inwestycje w energetyce wodnej. Możliwości zapobiegania skutkom suszy
Authors: Sołtuniak Joanna
Published: May 2017

W artykule zostały zaprezentowane kwestie związane z energetyką wodną, potencjałem hydrologicznym i sposobami jego szacowania. Wskazano, że woda ogólnie uważana jest za czyste, bezpieczne i przewidywalne źródło energii. Przeanalizowano wpływ suszy hydrologicznej i możliwości zapobiegania jej skutkom. Artykuł zawiera ocenę bezpieczeństwa energetycznego oraz efektywności ekonomicznej projektów w elektrowniach wodnych w czasie suszy.
Feeding of decorticated cottonseed meal on performance of growth rate, carcass characters and cost effectiveness in broiler birds
Authors: Thirumalaisamy G. , Purushothaman M. R. , Kumar P. Vasantha , Selvaraj P. , Visha P. , Natarajan A. , Senthilkumar S.
Published: May 2017

A six weeks trial was carried out to study the effect of feeding cottonseed meal (CSM) with 432, day - old Cobb 400 broiler chicks distributed to nine experimental diets with six replicates, each containing eight chicks. The experimental diets were formulated based on total amino acids (TAA) or based on digestible amino acids (DAA) with or without iron supplementation with two levels of CSM (2 and 4%) and control diet based on maize – soyabean. Birds fed with CSM at 4% DAA without iron supplementation had higher body weight gain than the control (1918 vs 1804g). Feed intake and feed efficiency were comparable in birds fed with different experimental diets. Inclusion of CSM up to 4% TAA or DAA with or without iron supplementation had comparable dressing percentage, gizzard, giblet (% of live body weight) and spleen (g). The liver weight (% of live weight) was lower in birds fed 4% CSM - TAA and 2 or 4% CSM - DAA with or without iron supplementation (1.45 – 1.53 vs 1.65%). Heart weight was higher (0.91 vs 0.80% of live weight) and abdominal fat (15.42 vs 24.0g) was lowered in 4% CSM - DAA with iron supplementation. The cost of feed/kg live weight gain in the diet of 4% CSM - DAA was lowest (52.77), followed by 4% CSM - TAA (55.43) and the difference with control was Rs 5.43 and Rs 2.77 respectively. The overall performance based on body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency was better in the diet formulated with 4% level of CSM - DAA.
Effect of housing management on production performance of crossbred cows during hot-humid season
Authors: Sinha Ranjana , Kamboj Madan Lal , Lathwal Surendra Singh , Ranjan Ashish
Published: May 2017

Present investigation was carried out to study the effect of modified housing system on production performance of crossbred (Karan-Fries) cows during hot humid seasons. For this study 16 lactating crossbred cows in their early lactation were selected based on parity, milk yield and body weights and randomly divided into two groups (G-I and G-II) with eight animals in each group. G-I group was housed under existing loose housing system and G-II under modified housing system. Analysis revealed that, the maximum temperature and THI were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in modified shed as compared to existing shed. Percent cow comfort index was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in G-II (94.25%) group as compared to G-I (72.75%). There was significant (P less than 0.05) differences of dry matter intake and average daily milk yield of cows and higher mean values were recorded in modified shed as compared to existing shed. Highly significant (P less than 0.01) increase in lying time of cows was recorded in modified shed (53.43%) as compared to existing shed (46.51%). It was concluded that the cows housed inside modified shed during hot-humid season were more comfortable and exhibited improved overall production performance as compared to the animals under existing shed.