bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safe-Guarding Oil Recovery Through Implementation of Cyclic Production in Short Circuited Patterns
Authors: Adhoobi A. , Ramli A. , Ghufaili A. , Bacic G. , Belushi K. , Van Koolwijk M.
Published: September 2013

This paper describes the principles of cyclic production implemented in a matured water flood field to manage the occurrences of short circuit in a pattern. Systematic surveillance and reservoir management tools are used to analyze the fracture initiation, impact on production and reserves performance and predict the future behavior of the field. These include analytical tools, diagnostic methods, tracer surveys and downhole temperature monitoring which lead to the implementation of cyclic production methodology.

The tight reservoir is situated in a gently dipping, fault bounded matrix carbonate in North Oman. The reservoir is thick with relatively thin oil column heights of typically 5 to 30m and low permeability. The under-saturated reservoir contains light oil, with low viscosity (API gravity of 35°)

Due to inadequate aquifer support a full water injection scheme at matrix condition was implemented 10 years after natural depletion with multilateral horizontal water injectors drilled about 30m below the producers. During peak production, the water was unintentionally injected above fracture pressure which caused fracturing in several patterns in this field.

Cyclic production is implemented in these patterns as other different methods failed to recover the oil production due to short circuit. Since May 2008, the injectors and producers are operated on scheduled cycles in three patterns where these short circuits were observed. After several years of cyclic program implementation, encouraging results were obtained where up to 20% of reserves lost due to short circuits were recovered.

The paper also describes the challenges faced during the implementation of cyclic program mainly due to flexibility of compression capacity, manpower rotation and water injection limitations; frequency and accuracy of testing and number of wells supported by the injector.
Optimising Gas Injection in Carbonate Reservoirs Using High-Resolution Outcrop Analogue Models
Authors: Agada Simeon , Geiger Sebastian
Published: September 2013

Outcrop analogue studies for complex subsurface reservoirs have become increasingly common because they allow us to integrate reservoir characterisation with reservoir simulation. This enables us to correlate distinct geological features that can be observed in the outcrop but are normally upscaled in dynamic models, to complex flow phenomena present in real reservoirs. Hence we can construct static models that are better calibrated because they contain the key geological structures controlling the flow behaviour and translate them into dynamic models that are upscaled properly.

In this study we use a high resolution simulation model of a middle Jurassic carbonate ramp outcrop from the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, which can be regarded as an analogue for the Arab D formation, to investigate fluid flow processes during enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The outcrop analogue model contains a wide range of sedimentological and structural geological features, including patch reefs, mollusc banks, mud mounds and fractures. Our work aims to improve our understanding of the flow dynamics occurring during secondary and tertiary gas injection in complex carbonate reservoirs. We simulated gas injection as both, miscible and immiscible, where miscibility is determined by the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) estimated from correlations. We compare continuous gas injection and water alternating gas (WAG) injection and decipher how they are influenced by matrix and fracture heterogeneities.

The results show up to 7% incremental recovery by gas injection compared to secondary recovery due to the contact of un-swept zones and improved hydrocarbon displacement. We show how gas channelling along high permeability layers is mitigated by WAG injection and that detailed representation of small- and large-scale geological features such as fractures and high permeability streaks, leads to improved prediction of hydrocarbon recovery. Using this understanding, we optimise recovery by ensuring effective gas utilization, injection strategy and miscibility conditions.
Removal of persistent organic pollutants from landfill leachates treated in three constructed wetland systems
Authors: Wojciechowska Ewa
Published: September 2013

The objective of the study was assessment of occurrence and removal of two groups of persistent organic pollutants: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in landfill leachate (LL) treated in three constructed wetland systems (CWs) of different construction and flow regime. Two subsurface flow systems (SSF) were analyzed: one with horizontal flow and the second one consisting of two vertical flow beds followed by a horizontal flow bed. The third CW was a surface flow (SF) system, consisting of 10 ponds connected in series. The concentrations of 12 PAHs and 7 PCBs were measured in the samples of LL after subsequent treatment stages and in the sediment samples from the SF system as well as in the substrate samples from the SSF flow systems. It was confirmed that the major mechanism of PCB and PAH removal in CW systems was adsorption to the bottom sediments (in the SF system) or substrate of the beds (in the SSF systems) as well as adsorption to suspended solids, followed by sedimentation. The compounds characterized by higher octanol/water partition coefficient were more effectively retained in the sediments. Also removal of these substances occurred in the earlier stages of treatment.
Institutional trajectory for diffusing on-site wastewater treatment in urban China
Authors: Li Li , Binz Christian , Lu Yonglong , Truffer Bernhard , Shi Yajuan
Published: September 2013

Urban water scarcity has been an issue for a long time in China while water pollution has attracted more and more attention over the last two decades. Recently, on-site wastewater treatment (OST) has been proposed as a meaningful alternative to deal with both water pollution and water scarcity in cities in a more sustainable way. However, the diffusion of such an OST system is still slow and often hindered by mismatched regulation, city planning and policy interventions. This paper is intended to explore potential solutions from institutional and governance perspectives. Based on expert interviews and in-depth analysis of an OST system in Kunming, an improved trajectory for diffusing OST in urban China is developed, which includes reformed decision-making and operational procedures, role transition of relevant stakeholders, and improved financing mechanisms. The results might give some suggestions for the transition of urban water management in other newly industrializing countries.
Halothane binds to druggable sites in the [Ca2+]4-calmodulin (CaM) complex, but does not inhibit [Ca2+]4-CaM activation of kinase
Authors: Juranic Nenad , Jones Keith , Penheiter Alan , Hock Thomas , Streiff John
Published: September 2013

The mechanism(s) of volatile anesthetics (VA) are poorly understood. We used
high resolution NMR spectroscopy to determine the structure of the
halothane/calmodulin([Ca2+]4-CaM) complex, and found that halothane molecules
bind in the druggable sites. We then examined whether VA binding to druggable
sites in calmodulin would effect [Ca2+]4-CaM dependent activity of myosin
light chain kinase. We used fluorescence assays to determine that VA effect
[Ca2+]4-CaM activation of smooth-muscle-myosin-light-chain-kinase (smMLCK),
but not the Kd of [Ca2+]4-CaM binding to
skeletal-myosin-light-chain-kinase-peptide recognition sequence (skMLCKp).
These results suggest that VA do not alter [Ca2+]4-CaM dependent MLCK
activity via direct interactions with [Ca2+]4-CaM.
Sample representativeness and incidence of liver biopsy complications caused by needles of bigger diameter (1.6 mm) and smaller diameter (1.2 mm) in children with cholestatic syndrome
Authors: Boskovic Aleksandra , Kitic Ivana , Prokic Dragan , Stankovic Ivica
Published: September 2013

Introduction. Percutaneous liver biopsy and histomorphological analysis of
liver tissue is an important diagnostic procedure in the investigation of
neonates and infants with cholestatic syndrome. This study has been aimed at
determining whether there is a difference in the incidence of complications
after liver biopsy performed by Menghini technique using a needle of 1.6 mm
as compared to 1.2 mm diameter and if there is a difference in the sample
representativeness of liver tissue after liver biopsy with those two
different needle diameters. Material and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed
medical records of 156 neonates and infants with chronic cholestatic
syndrome, hospitalized at Mother and Child Health Care Institute, Serbia.
Results. One hundred and fifty six children underwent liver biopsy. There was
no difference in frequency of liver biopsy complications performed by
Menghini technique using a larger diameter needle (1.6 mm) as compared to 1.2
mm diameter. The mortality after liver biopsy was 0% while the frequency of
complications with a needle of 1.6 mm in diameter was 3.8%, the percentage of
serious complications being 0.6%. Among the samples of liver biopsy taken by
a larger diameter needle (1.6 mm), 108/109 were representative samples (> 5
portal areas), and among those taken by a smaller diameter needle (1.2 mm),
34/47 were representative samples. Of 109 liver biopsy specimens obtained by
Menghini technique using a needle of larger diameter (1.6 mm), 109/109 were
representative samples (> 3 portal areas), and when a smaller diameter needle
(1.2 mm) was used, 42/47 were representative samples. Conclusion. Our results
indicate that the sample representativeness was significantly higher when a
larger diameter needle was used for liver biopsy by Menghini technique;
however, no difference in the incidence of complications was observed.
Tuberculous spondylitis of vertebra with fracture, paraparesis and pleural empyema complications: Case report
Authors: Dragojlovic-Ruzicic Radica , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Zivkovic Vladimir , Vujic Sinisa , Varagic Pavle , Nikodijevic Predrag
Published: September 2013

Introduction. Spine tuberculosis is caused by Micobacterium tuberculosis. It
is localized in the vertebral body or intervertebral disc. Its diagnosis is
often delayed because of nonspecific symptoms and neglected presence of
tuberculosis, which leads to serious complications. Case Report. This paper
presents a case of tuberculous spondylitis, which was complicated with the
fracture of vertebra, paraparesis of lower extremities and pleural empyema.
The treatment with antituberculous drugs started after the fracture of 10th
and 11th thoracic vertebras. The therapy brought some improvement but
paraparesis of lower extremities remained. In the further course of disease,
inflammatory process affected the pleura. Antibiotic and antitubercular
therapy with puncture of pleura were not very effective. Operation was
performed on December 20th 2011: Thoracotomia lat. dex. Decorticatio pulmonum
lat.dex. Seven months after surgery, the patient was without symptoms.
Conclusion. Tuberculous spondylitis occurs relatively frequently in clinical
practice. Early diagnosis and adequate therapy of this disease can prevent
the occurrence of its serious complications.
American growth and Napoleonic Wars
Authors: Vergil Hasan , Ozgur Erdem
Published: September 2013

Four years after the French Revolution, in 1793 a series of wars among France
and other major powers of Europe began and they lasted until 1815. There is
disagreement among economic historians about the effects of these wars on the
trend of US economic growth. This paper aims to answer the following
question. Did America as a neutral nation take advantage of economic
possibilities caused by Europe at war through trade? To put it differently,
this paper questions whether there was an export-led growth due to the war.
To answer this question, we re-examined the export-led growth hypothesis for
the period 1790-1860 using the ARDL methodology. Based on this methodology, a
cointegrated relationship is found among the variables of real GDP, labor,
exports and exchange rates. The results suggest that the economic growth of
the US was not export-driven. In addition, parallel to the results of unit
root tests with structural breaks, the coefficient of the dummy variable was
statistically significant in the long run, implying that the war did have a
significant effect on the economic growth trend of the US.
Apology Accepted: The Benefits of an Apology for a Deficient Audit Following an Audit Failure
Authors: Rasso Jason T.
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the use of an apology for conducting a deficient audit that indirectly leads to an audit failure. Audit failures can be costly to accounting firms in terms of litigation costs and reputational harm. These costs are potentially much higher when the audit failure stems from a deficient audit. Using an experiment, I test whether the use of an apology containing various components (expression of sympathy, acceptance of responsibility, and/or promise to refrain) is beneficial or harmful to an accounting firm. The results of the experiment reveal that only one component, the expression of sympathy, has a significant effect on participant assessments of punishment. On the other hand, combining all three apology components leads to a significantly higher perception of the accounting firm's reputation.
Review on Xenotransplantation
Authors: Basnet S , Kafle D , Aryal B
Published: September 2013

There is an increasing interest in the potential clinical application of xenotransplantation. This interest derives in part from the need to identify a more abundant source of organs for transplantation and in part from rapid progress in understanding the cellular and molecular changes that contribute to hyperacute and acute vascular xenograft rejection. Recent areas of progress in understanding the immunological hurdles to xenotransplantation include the characterization of xenoreactive an­tibodies and the antigens they recognize, the role of complement regulatory proteins in immune recognition, the mechanism of complement activation in a xenograft, and the pathophysiologic changes in endothelial cells caused by the activation of complement. Several approaches have been proposed or used to prevent or reduce the xenogeneic immunologic rejection response, including immunosuppression, genetic engineering, complement inhibitors, and physical barriers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i3.8627 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2013; 3(3): 1-3
Message from Editorial Desk 3(3)
Authors: Neupane Harish Chandra
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i3.8628
A Study on Hand Hygiene Compliance among Health Care Professionals in ICU of a Selected Hospital
Authors: Maharjan U , Mathew S
Published: September 2013

Hand Hygiene is one of the best measures to control infection. Through structured questionnaire, the WHO hand hygiene compliance tool and structured teaching programme recommended by the WHO, Pre and post tests were done 1 week after and 1 month after which resulted that adherence to hand hygiene compliance was not satisfactory among Healthcare Profes­sionals. The interventional study through teaching programme was not significantly effective to improve their compliance due to short span of time. To have enduring effect, there is a need of continuous teaching programme on long term basis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i3.8629 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2013; 3(3): 4-9
Study of Psychiatric Morbidity of Spouse of Male Alcoholic Patients in Nepal
Authors: Sedain CP
Published: September 2013

The Problem of alcohol consuming is increasing in the world. The subjects for this study comprised of all consecutive spouses of male alcoholic patients on psychiatric department of CMC Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal are taken as cases. This is a prospective study on the data recorded in the psychiatric department of CMC Teaching Hospital. The ratios and proportions were used for statistical analysis. The study was conducted from 1st January 2011 to 30 th December 2011.The GHQ-12 was applied and score above 2 was again examined by psychiatrist for psychiatric diagnosis ICD-10 DCR was used for diagnosis. This study shows that total number of cases ( spouses of male alcoholic patients) is 46 (100%). Depressive disorder is 13 (28.26 %) followed by conversion disorder 5 ( 10.86 %) and anxiety disorder 4 ( 8.70 %). Data shows highest number of cases were age group 30-39 (N-16, 34.78%) followed by 40-49 (N-10, 21.74%).HIghest number of cases were caste of Baisya (N-22, 47.83%) followed by Sudra (N-11, 23.91%). The current study shows that souses of male alcoholic developed depressive disorder i.e. in highest number (N-13,28.26 %) followed by conversion disorder 5 (N-5, 10.86 %) and anxiety disorder (N-4, 8.70% ) etc. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i3.8630 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2013; 3(3): 10-13
Knowledge and Practice of Mothers Regarding the Prevention of Anemia during Pregnancy, in Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu
Authors: Ghimire N , Pandey N
Published: September 2013

Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the main causes of anemia during pregnancy as it is associated with increased maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge and practice of mothers regarding the prevention of anemia during pregnancy among mothers who delivered in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). Convenient purposive sampling technique was adopted and mothers were included in the study who delivered in TUTH during four weeks period of data collection. They were interviewed by administering semi structured questionnaire. Chi-square test was applied to assess the association between variables. The test result shows that there was significant association in level of knowledge to the educational status regarding prevention of anemia during pregnancy (p=0.002). Furthermore, the study also revealed that there was significant association between frequencies of antenatal care (ANC) visit to the level of knowledge (p=0.007) as well as level of practice (p=0.043) of mothers about pre­vention of anemia in pregnancy. From the result of the study, it is concluded that the majority of mothers had not adequate knowledge and poor practice regarding prevention of anemia during pregnancy.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i3.8631 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2013; 3(3): 14-15
Knowledge of Pregnant Women regarding HIV/AIDS
Authors: Pandey N
Published: September 2013

A descriptive study was conducted with the purpose of assessing the knowledge of HIV/AIDS among the pregnant women in antenatal clinic of Bir Hospital, Kathmandu. Sixty pregnant women were selected using non- probability purposive sampling technique. A pretested Nepali version semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect the data from them. Ethical consideration was maintained throughout the study. The obtained data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data are presented in different tables. Findings related to socio-demographic characteristics revealed that half (50%) percent of the respondents belonged to the age of 20-24years. Majority (88.3%) of the respondents were literate and (85%) of them belonged to Hindu religion. Findings showed that (90%) of respondents have heard about HIV/AIDS. The most common sources of information of HIV/AIDS were Television (77.8%), Radio (75%) and newspapers (66.7%). Regarding transmis­sion of HIV/AIDS, majority (88.9%) knew that HIV/AIDS is transmitted from sexual contact with infected person (81.5%) knew from infected blood transfusion and (70.4%) said from infected mother to child. More than (80%) of respondents said that commercial sex worker and having multiple sex workers were the high risk group for HIV/AIDS. Majority (77.8%) said by avoiding multiple sex partners and (72.2%) being faithful to the partner was the preventive measures of HIV/AIDS. Majority (61%) of respondents did not know the relationship between STI and HIV/AIDS. Majority (68.5%) of respon­dents did not know that there is available of drugs which lengthen the living years of life of people living with HIV/AIDS. Majority 51(98.1%) knew the use of condom is to prevent pregnancy, 44(84.6%) said prevent HIV/AIDS, 29(55.8%) said control STI. Although majority of the respondents had knowledge regarding the high risk group, mode of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS, some lacking areas has been identified that majority of the respondents were not aware about the the relationship between STI and HIV/AIDS. They also lacked awareness that use of condom controls STI and about avail­ability of drug which prevents progression of HIV infection. On the basis of finding, it is concluded that health education and awareness programme should be planned to women attending the antenatal clinic to enhance their knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention and management. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i3.8632 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2013; 3(3): 18-21
Bacteriological Profile of Urinary Tract Infection of Children at GMC Teaching Hospital
Authors: Shrestha SP , Shrestha AK , Lamsal L , Joshi M
Published: September 2013

This study aimed to find bacterial profile of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children between 2 months to 15 years of age. This is a hospital based retrospective study conducted at Gandaki medical college and teaching hospital, Pokhara over a period of 18 months. Among the total 575 children enrolled for the study, 110 children (19.1%) were found to be culture positive. Most common age group having culture positivity is 1-5 years (40%). Present study showed that UTI is more common in girls (69.1%) than in boys (30.9%). E. coli was still the most commonly isolated bacteria (70.9%) followed by Proteus (20%), Klebsiella (5.4%) and Pseudomonas sp. in (1.8%). E. coli was sensitive to Nitrofurantoin (84.6 %), Amikacin (80.7%), Gentamicin (73%) and Ofloxacin in (53.8%). Most commonly used drugs for the treatment of UTI like Cefixime and Ceftriaxone was sensitive only in 15% and 10% respectively. Similarly, Klebsiella was sensitive to Amikacin and Gentamicin (100%) but sensitive to Nitrofurantoin in only 66% of cases. Proteus was sensitive to Nitrofurantoin (95.4%), Amikacin (86%) and to Gentamicin (59%). High resistance rate was observed to Cefixime and Ceftriaxone, the commonly used drugs for its treatment in OPD basis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i3.8633 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2013; 3(3): 22-25
Pleural Fluid Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Level in Tuberculous Pleurisy
Authors: Paudel YP , Kasyap AK , Dongol Y , Shrestha RK , Aryal B , Kafle D
Published: September 2013

Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) is used as a well established biological marker for diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of ADA in patients with pleural effusion admitted in the medical ward. This was an cross sectional study. The information was gathered only from those patients whose pleural fluid sample was sent for ADA in clinical biochemistry laboratory of KIST Medical College and Teaching hospital. The data was acquired from the medical records of patients attending medical ward. The patients were considered as TB positive if they were clini­cally diagnosed so and taken as negative otherwise. Fifty six pleuritis patients were evaluated. Using the cut off value of 30 U/L, the overall sensitivity and specificity was 93.3% and 57.1% respectively. The association between ADA findings and the clinical findings were statistically significant (p <0.001). The positive predictive value (PVP) and the negative predictive value (PVN) were 82.3% and 80% respectively. ADA is an inexpensive, rapid and simple test for analysis of tuberculous pleuritis. Though, it is a sensitive test for tuberculosis, due to its low specificity, sometimes negative cases can be considered as positive. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i3.8634Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2013; 3(3): 26-27
Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma: A Case Report
Authors: Ghimire N , Nepal P , Ghimire N
Published: September 2013

Peripheral giant cell granuloma is a benign reactive lesion of gingiva. It manifests as a firm, soft, bright nodule, sessile or pedunculate mass. It is an infrequent exophytic lesion of the oral cavity, also known as giant cell epulis, osteoclastoma, giant cell reparative granuloma, or giant-cell hyperplasia. The aim in publishing this report is to present the clinical, histo­pathological features and treatment of a peripheral giant cell granuloma case, which was seen in gingiva of a 10 year old male child, with history of disturbed chewing functions due to its large size. Intraoral examination revealed a raised, round, sessile, smooth-edged mass of size 2x 1 cm2 and was located on the canine, deciduous first molar region. After initial peri­odontal treatment, excisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia. The lesion was diagnosed as Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma after clinical and pathological examination. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i3.8635 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2013; 3(3): 28-30
Intrapleural Streptokinase as Adjunctive Treatment in Empyema
Authors: Nepal P , Maskey D
Published: September 2013

Pulmonary infections with secondary pleural involvement lead to considerable morbidity and mortality. Accepted manage­ment consists of systemic antibiotics and drainage of pleural cavity, achieved either by chest tube drainage or surgery. Open thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) achieve best drainage in gross empyema or loculated effusions but are limited by operative risk, cost and local availability. Intrapleural instillation of fibrinolytic agents like streptokinase dissolves fibrinous clots and membranes to prevent fluid sequestration and hence improve drainage. We report a case of 40 years old female with loculated empyema who was treated with adjunctive installation of serial intrapleural streptokinase after ultrasound guided pigtail insertion. Significant and early improvement of the symptoms and pathophysiology were achieved.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i3.8636 Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2013; 3(3): 31-32
Pro-poor Institutions: Creating Exclusive Rights to the Poor Groups in Community Forest Management
Authors: Bhattarai Sushma , Jha Prakash Kumar , Chapagain Niraj
Published: September 2013

In spite of the widely accepted success of Community Forestry in reviving degraded land, it is still seen as being unable to provide tangible benefits to the poor. This paper illustrates that through continuous sharing, deliberation and negotiation among the poor and non?poor members of Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), management of community forests can be made far more equitable than the usual scenario. Drawing from the experience on the processes and outcomes of Livelihoods and Forestry Programme (LFP), this paper brings empirical evidence of how facilitation support has enabled the poor to have more equitable access to community forests. Three key pro?poor institutional arrangements resulting from the facilitation process include: a) establishing special use rights arrangements within CFUGs for the poor, b) pro?poor silvicultural practices, and c) equitable forest product and benefit distribution mechanisms. The paper suggests some changes in policy and practice to institutionalise these outcomes. Full text is available at the ForestAction websiteDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v8i2.2304 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 8(2) February 2009 pp.1-15
Tackling the Terai Forest Governance Impasse: Can District-level Multi-stakeholder Processes Help?
Authors: Rana Bishwas , Khanal Keshav Prasad , Kotru Rajan , Jamarkattel Balkrishna
Published: September 2013

This paper discusses the role of multi-stakeholder forums in improving the forestry sector governance in Nepal, drawing on the experience of authors and case studies from two districts, in the Central and Western Development Regions of Nepal. It shows that the District Forest Coordination Committee (DFCC) processes have augmented citizen participation in district-level forest-related decisions and enhanced the political acceptability and implementation effectiveness of such decisions. Evidence shows that DFCC processes have significantly improved forest governance in terms of key indicators such as transparency, accountability and effectiveness. Even during the conflict?hit environment of the recent past, the DFCC provided a deliberative forum for the stakeholders linked to various modalities of forest management, and hence serve as an institutional mechanism for deepening the process of democratisation at local level. From these findings, we argue that DFCCs have the potential to facilitate a learning process for sector-wide reform in forest governance. Full text is available at the ForestAction websiteDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v8i2.2305 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 8(2) February 2009 pp.16-26
Democratising Terai Forestry Governance: Emerging Innovations in the Western Terai Region of Nepal
Authors: Jamarkattel Bal Krishna , Dhungana Sindhu Prasad , Baral Srijana , Rana Bishwas , Dhungana Hari
Published: September 2013

The Government of Nepal has had a high interest in the Terai forest in order to harness its enormous revenue potential. However, the policies and plans formulated to this end have not attained the intended results, as these have failed to fully understand the emerging complexities in the Terai. Accordingly, policy response has often been ad hoc, inconsistent and unstable, leading to confusion and conflict on Terai forest management. Drawing on the cases of three districts of Lumbini zone in the Western Terai of Nepal, this paper discusses the forest management context of Nepal Terai, and identifies key innovations that have emerged at district and local levels. It argues that these innovations have the potential for a creative transformation of forest management planning process at district and local level, and for their wider replication and diffusion. This paper also discusses key issues that need further attention so as to maximise the impact of these innovations by putting them into practice. It highlights that emerging complexity of Nepal Terai requires much wider stakeholder engagement in order to facilitate forest management planning and implementation that benefit both the government and the people. Full text is available at the ForestAction websiteDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v8i2.2306 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 8(2) February 2009 pp.27-38
Non-timber Forest Products Enterprise Development: Regulatory Challenges in the Koshi Hills of Nepal
Authors: Kunwar Subash C , Ansari Abdul S , Luintel Harisharan
Published: September 2013

Nepal's government policies recognise Non?Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) enterprises as one of the potential means to contribute to poverty reduction. In practice, however, there are only a limited number of NTFPs enterprises that have been successful in creating income and employment for the poor. Drawing on the experience of promoting NTFPs enterprises in the Koshi Hills, this paper demonstrates that there are a number of regulatory issues and practical challenges that deter key processes of NTFPs enterprise development, including enterprise registration and operation, marketing and trade, taxation, and private sector investment. The paper also explores directions of policy change and possible strategies. It is argued that the proactive involvement of civil society groups, including the networks of forestdependent people, is important in addressing the local level policy challenges and influencing national policy and regulations. Full text is available at the ForestAction websiteDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v8i2.2307 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 8(2) February 2009 pp.39-50
Facilitating the Transition from Passive to Active Community Forest Management: Lessons from Rapti Zone, Nepal
Authors: Yadav NP , Yadav KP , Yadav Kamlesh K , Thapa Nirmal
Published: September 2013

This paper demonstrates that a transition from passive to active management of community forest is possible by adopting joint learning processes among local forest user groups, forest officials and local non?governmental service providers. Such an approach has the potential to address several issues that underlie and characterise passive management namely: underutilisation of forest, protection oriented forest management, overstocked forest (dense) vis?a?vis deficit in supply of forest products, and poorly designed silvicultural practices. Passive management is attributed mainly to the poor planning of forest management, inadequate and restrictive forest inventory guidelines and limited recognition of the forest management knowledge of locally trained resource persons. We present evidence of the processes and outcomes of active management being promoted by Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Nepal. The transition to active forest management is demonstrated through an assessment of revisions made in the community forest Operational Plans (OP). Key revisions identified include, among others: defining objectives of forest management considering people's choices and locality factors, site?specific forest management treatments, development of product utilisation plans, provisions for Non?timber Forest Products (NTFPs) management and conservation of biodiversity and water resources.   Full text is available at the ForestAction websiteDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v8i2.2308 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 8(2) February 2009 pp.51-66
Improving Community-level Governance: Adaptive Learning and Action in Community Forest User Groups in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha RB , Shrestha Sohan L , Acharya Sudil G , Adhikari Shrikanta
Published: September 2013

It is widely believed that Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) can help community organisations improve their internal learning and governance. However, the processes of programme monitoring and evaluation as practised by many organisations lack the elements of community participation and ownership and the appreciation of its contribution to community learning. Wider lessons on participatory development demonstrate that only locallyinitiated and community?led monitoring can improve communities' performance and change their institutional practices. Drawing on the recent experience of Livelihoods and Forestry Programme (LFP), this paper makes the case for community?generated planning, selfmonitoring and evaluation for adaptive learning and good governance in Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Nepal. These processes, conceptualised as Adaptive Learning and Action (ALA), have enabled CFUGs to identify their vision, formulate activities to achieve the vision, and regularly monitor the progress against the identified indicators. The process has also enhanced transparency, participation and accountability in CFUG governance. Full text is available at the ForestAction websiteDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v8i2.2309 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 8(2) February 2009 pp.67-77
Community Forestry and Local Development: Experiences from the Koshi Hills of Nepal
Authors: Chapagain Neeraj , Banjade Mani Ram
Published: September 2013

Although community forestry is recognised as a successful programme in terms of rehabilitating forest condition, its contributions to local community development are not recognised adequately by the national policies, legislations and regulatory frameworks. Drawing on the results of a survey of 1100 Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), a rapid social analysis of 24 CFUGs, and the review of local development practices in the Koshi Hills, this article claims that the organisational scope of CFUGs is not just limited to forestry activities but encompasses a wide range of development activities. The CFUG as a development institution provides opportunities for exercising political agency for democratic and equitable governance, and could demonstrate the innovations on poverty reduction through community forestry. This is demonstrated through a) significant CFUG investment in livelihoods/development sector outside of forest development, b) wide?ranging collaborative actions between CFUGs and nonforestry stakeholders, and c) innovative initiatives of poverty reduction, and inclusive and deliberative governance. The findings present a clear opportunity for development agencies and policy makers to promote CFUGs as the institutional platform for pro?poor local development. Full text is available at the ForestAction websiteDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v8i2.2310 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 8(2) February 2009 pp.78-92
Maoist Conflict, Community Forestry and Livelihoods: Pro-poor Innovations in Forest Management in Nepal
Authors: Nirmal KBK , Shrestha Ravi K , Acharya Sudil G , Ansari Abdul S
Published: September 2013

Violent conflicts are quite often perceived as a destructive and negative phenomenon, and there is little understanding of how they also offer opportunities for a positive change in the society. In particular, little is understood about how violent conflicts and development processes interact and create positive changes in local institutions and practices. This article focuses on such interactions observed amongst the Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in the Koshi Hills of Nepal, as the Livelihoods and Forestry Programme (LFP) worked through the conflict period. It demonstrates that the Maoist conflict contributed in several ways to enhance the pro-poor outcomes of development actions. We show that the conflict helped empower the marginalised groups, improve their access to community resources, and bring about important changes within the local institutions and practices, contributing to equitable resource management. We suggest that there are positive sides of a violent conflict, where development interventions need to focus on. We also argue that development brings about equitable outcomes if it is complemented with local level advocacy in favour of the poor and marginalised groups. Full text is available at the ForestAction websiteDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v8i2.2311 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 8(2) February 2009 pp.93-100
Antibacterial effect of fucoidan from Sargassum wightii against the chosen human bacterial pathogens
Authors: Marudhupandi Thangapandi , Kumar Thipparamalai Thangappan Ajith
Published: September 2013

The present study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial capability of fucoidan from Sargassum wightii against the chosen human bacterial pathogens. The major chemical constituents of the extracted fucoidan were analyzed by biochemical methods. It showed that the extracted fucoidan contains 52.86 ± 0.64% of fucose and 29.26 ± 0.83% of sulphate. The antibacterial efficacy was performed by agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MBC) method. The maximum antibacterial activity 18.6 ± 0.32 mm was obtained for Vibrio cholera and the minimum activity 8.6 ± 0.26 mm was obtained for Salmonella typhi. Result of this manifested the considerable antibacterial potentiality of fucoidan against human bacterial pathogens. Toxicity of fucoidan was evaluated by brine shrimp toxicity assay. No toxic effect was observed in fucoidan. Our study concluded that fucoidan might be used as natural and safe antibiotics in curing many bacterial diseases. Further study is required to get the better understanding of mode of action of fucoidan against the bacterial pathogens.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i10.16408 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, September 2013, 2(10): 156-158
Pharmacist interventions throughout care transitions: a review of current practices
Authors: Testman Julie A. , Teichman Anne E. , Cook Stephen J. , Kimble Angel , Riley Brittany L. , Robinson Jessica , Snodgrass Brittany
Published: September 2013

Transitions of care occur each time a patient moves from one healthcare provider or care setting to another. Challenges that have been identified include: failure of the patient to keep appointments for outpatient chronic care; inability for smooth transfer of information between various healthcare providers; and failure to find appropriate placement for patients who can no longer manage independent living. As pharmacists representing an array of practice settings, these authors here present the models of contributions made by pharmacy services within such multifaceted approaches. An initial literature search was conducted using the National Library of Medicine via PubMed. Studies conducted in the United States that included at least one pharmacy service within the methods of intervention were selected for review. Where there are published findings from each setting, we include the measured impact, if reported. Although pharmacists represent the most skilled healthcare professionals in medication reconciliation and management, the best processes for tapping that expertise have yet to be fully elucidated. We present this review of current practices with the continued hope that the pharmacy profession will, not only continue to be the quiet patient advocate for best medication use, but also to open our minds to the need to measure, adjust, and measure again, the systems and processes we use to best integrate our knowledge for the overall benefit of the patient.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i10.16409 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, September 2013, 2(10): 159-164
Formulation development and evaluation of voriconazole sustained release tablets
Authors: Rangasamy Manivannan , Palnati Venkata Krishna Reddy , Bandaru Lakshmi Narayana Rao
Published: September 2013

The present study involves in the formulation and evaluation of sustained release tablets of Voriconazole (250mg). The objective of the present study was to formulate Voriconazole sustained release tablets by wet granulation method by using natural (Xanthan gum, Karaya gum) and semi synthetic polymers (HPMC K100M). Lactose was used as diluting agent, Magnesium stearate was used as a lubricant and Talc was used as a glident. These sustained release tablets can release the drug up to 12 hours in predetermined rate. The formulated powder blend was evaluated for bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index and angle of repose. The formulated tablets were evaluated for physical characteristics of sustained release tablets such as thickness, hardness, friability, weight variation and drug content. The results of the formulations found to be within the limits specified in official books. The tablets were evaluated for In-vitro drug release studies by using USP type I dissolution test apparatus. The dissolution test was performed in 0.1 N HCL for 2 hr and phosphate buffer pH 6.8 for 10hrs. The in-vitro cumulative drug release profile of all formulations F1-F10 at 12 hours showed 84.25% to 99.82% drug release, respectively. From the data it was clear that by increasing the amount of polymer in the formulation the amount of drug release was decreased. Hence, Formulation F9 was the most promising formulation as it gives satisfactory release (99.82%) for 12 hours and F9 found to be the best formulation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i10.16410 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, September 2013, 2(10): 165-169
Pyrethrin from Tanacetum cineriifoliun as repellent against mosquitoes
Authors: Amrutha Peneremmal , Priya Balakrishnan Sathya , Lakshmanasenthil Shanmugaasokan , Jenifer Antonythiraviam Anne , Pillai Laxmi Satheesh , Suja Gunasekaran , Vinothkumar Thirumalairaj
Published: September 2013

The present study is conducted to find the efficacy of plant extracts to act as mosquito repellents. Initially, the larvicidal activity of the extracts and the toxicity study was conducted. From the results, the extracts with maximum larvicidal activity and the minimum toxicity were used for the further analysis. The least toxicity was observed with the ethanol extracts of Lantana camara, Tagetes erecta and Tanacetum cineriifolium. The Lanatana camara and Tanacetum cineriifolium showed the maximum larvicidal activity. The DNA sugar damage assay is performed and read at 532 nm. The hemolytic activity of the extract is conducted and the results indicate that the extracts showed no hemolytic activity at the concentration of 100 and 200mg/L. Only the flower extracts of Tagaetes erecta, Lantana camara and Tanacetum cineriifolium showed moderate hemolytic activity at 500 and 1000 mg/L. Finally, the HPLC analysis of the extracts showed that the ethanol extracts of Lantana camara and Tanacetum cineriifloium revealed the presence of marker compound. Therefore the ethanol extracts of Lantana camara and Tanacetum cineriifolium were taken up for the membrane stabilization assay. The skin irritation potential of the cream prepared using the ethanol extract of Tanacetum cineriifolium was analysed, the cream showed no irritation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i10.16411 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, September 2013, 2(10): 170-176
Oral multiunit pellet extended release dosage form: A review
Authors: Sachdeva Vishal , Alam Md. Shoaib , Kumar Ramesh , Kataria Mahesh Kumar
Published: September 2013

Oral drug delivery is the most preferred route for the various drug molecules among all other routes of drug delivery, because ease of administration which lead to better patient compliance. So, oral extended release drug delivery system becomes a very promising approach for those drugs that are given orally but having the shorter half-life and high dosing frequency. Recent trends indicate that multiparticulate drug delivery systems are especially suitable for achieving extended release oral formulations with low risk of dose dumping, flexibility of blending to attain different release patterns as well as reproducible and short gastric residence time. The release of drug from pellets depends on a variety of factors including the carrier used to form pellets and the amount of drug contained in them. Consequently, pellets provide tremendous opportunities for designing new controlled and extended release oral formulations, thus extending the frontier of future pharmaceutical development.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i10.16413 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, September 2013, 2(10): 177-184
An Enhanced ELISPOT Assay for Sensitive Detection of Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses to Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Jin Chenggang , Roen Diana , Lehmann Paul , Kellermann Gottfried
Published: September 2013

Lyme Borreliosis is an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Both B cell-mediated humoral immunity and T cell immunity develop during natural Borrelia infection. However, compared with humoral immunity, the T cell response to Borrelia infection has not been well elucidated. In this study, a novel T cell-based assay was developed and validated for the sensitive detection of antigen-specific T cell response to B. burgdorferi. Using interferon-g as a biomarker, we developed a new enzyme-linked immunospot method (iSpot Lyme™) to detect Borrelia antigen-specific effector/memory T cells that were activated in vivo by exposing them to recombinant Borrelia antigens ex vivo. To test this new method as a potential laboratory diagnostic tool, we performed a clinical study with a cohort of Borrelia positive patients and healthy controls. We demonstrated that the iSpot Lyme assay has a significantly higher specificity and sensitivity compared with the Western Blot assay that is currently used as a diagnostic measure. A comprehensive evaluation of the T cell response to Borrelia infection should, therefore, provide new insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of Lyme disease.