bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Performance of an Information Retrieval System through WEB Mining
Authors: Sathiyamoorthi V.
Published: June 2017

It is generally observed throughout the world that in the last two decades, while the average speed of computers has almost doubled in a span of around eighteen months, the average speed of the network has doubled merely in a span of just eight months!. In order to improve the performance, more and more researchers are focusing their research in the field of computers and its related technologies. World Wide Web (WWW) acts as a medium for sharing of information. As a result, millions of applications run on the Internet and cause increased network traffic and put a great demand on the available network infrastructure. The slow retrieval of Web pages may reduce the user interest from accessing them. To deal with this problem Web caching and Web pre-fetching are used. This paper focuses on a methodology for improving the proxy-based Web caching system using Web mining. It integrates Web caching and Pre-fetching through an efficient clustering based pre-fetching technique.
A multilevel Bayesian approach for modeling the time-to-serve in professional tennis
Authors: Kovalchik Stephanie A. , Albert Jim
Published: June 2017

Temporal characteristics have been a main area of focus in the study of pre-performance routines in elite sports. Ball and player tracking data is currently available that precisely measures service preparation times in professional tennis. However, this data has yet to be utilized for studying service pre-performance routines. In this paper, we present a Bayesian multilevel model of the time-to-serve in a professional tennis match, which includes heterogeneous means, variances and covariate effects. Applying the model to a sample of serves played at the 2016 Australian Open reveals that the typical time-to-serve was 19 s for male players and 20 s for female players. Point importance and the length of the previous rally account for approximately 15% of the within-match variance. However, even with this adjustment, within-match variation is notably larger than between-player variation, 60% greater for men and 30% greater for women. The proposed Bayesian modeling approach is demonstrated to be a useful tool for analyzing in-competition temporal data on preparation time for tennis and other sports.
The topos “revenge” in the Gothic narrative “A legend of the Nightfort”: ways of crystallisation
Authors: Ihina Zoia
Published: June 2017

The article explores how the meaning of the topos revenge is crystallised (accumulated and interpreted) in the gothic narrative “A legend of the Nightfort” at two planes: internal (the one concerning the narrator-narratee roles) and external (concerning the implied author-reader roles). Both planes are linked in the process of intranarrative transgression, where the first mode of crystallisation is regarded as an allegorical interpretation of revenge and the second one – as a symbolic interpretation.
The Role of the Media in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo+Juliet
Authors: Iftimie Nicoleta-Mariana
Published: June 2017

Hailed by some and passionately criticized by others, Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo+Juliet (1996), one of the best known cinematic adaptations of Shakespeare’s story of the “star-cross’d lovers” has appealed to the young audiences because it succeeded in intermingling the delivery of Shakespeare’s language with the modern discourse promoted by late 20th century media, particularly television and journalism. Different types of media pervade the movie from the outset to its very end: the black screen at the beginning makes room in its centre to a TV set, which moves forward into the viewer’s space, while displaying a newscaster who delivers the play’s Prologue in a monotone; in a symmetrical manner, the image of the television set appears again at the end and we see the newscaster delivering the last lines of the play. After the lines are recited, the television set gets smaller and smaller, until it fades away and the screen becomes black. The whole movie is thus embedded into a news programme; the news story is located as the one which is being witnessed by the viewer in real time.

The paper will analyze the role of the television and printed media in the unfolding of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo+Juliet, with a view to point out its impact on the textual and visual structure of the movie.
Conceptual Maps of European Values
Authors: Nagórka Piotr
Published: June 2017

Systems of human values reflected in European languages have not yet been diagnosed in language sciences, as no accurate diagnostic measures have been proposed. Research has been conducted into methods of modelling conceptual systems of moral values. Since ethics, unlike subjects related to natural sciences, resists lexicographic approach reliant on topicality, linked with market demand, a new research method has been devised. Specialised lexicography tools can be optimized to deal with the subject of ethics. The new method takes into account differences between subject areas regarding their associations with a type of science. Systems of human values can be measured based on prioritizing documents created in European languages according to the degree to which concepts referred to in these documents are fixed. These findings give rise to a cross-historical and cross-cultural linguistic enterprise. Its aim is to identify moral concepts and to connect them into semantic maps. The maps, one per language, are contrasted to find out which moral concepts are ‘shared’ across languages, and which of them are less common, or language specific. The model of ‘common’ values can be seen as an instrument to preserve and promote European moral heritage.
Role Play as a Method of Improving Communication Skills of Professionals Working with Clients in Institutionalized Care – a Literature Review
Authors: Turzák Tomáš , Turzáková Jana
Published: June 2017

Effective communication skills represent a crucial aspect of competence of professionals working in institutionalized care. Quality of communication between professionals and clients has an impact on how the care is delivered, how clients perceive the care and how professionals experience their role. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of current research on the education interventions aimed at improving communication skills of professionals working with clients in institutionalized care, e.g. nursing homes. Main keywords and phrases (communication, language, education, training, intervention, role play, professionals, institutionalized care) were used to search for relevant papers in the available databases. Studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were analyzed from the perspective of study design, target sample (social workers, health care professionals, andragogists), applied methods of education, and quality of measures employed to assess the effect. Interventions for effective communication skills development were identified. The study summarizes the main theoretical perspectives, empirically supported intervention approaches and future directions.
Optical, photonic and optoelectronic properties of graphene, h-BN and their hybrid materials
Authors: Wang Jingang , Ma Fengcai , Liang Wenjie , Wang Rongming , Sun Mengtao
Published: June 2017

Because of the linear dispersion relation and the unique structure of graphene’s Dirac electrons, which can be tuned the ultra-wide band, this enables more applications in photonics, electronics and plasma optics. As a substrate, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has an atomic level flat surface without dangling bonds, a weak doping effect and a response in the far ultraviolet area. So the graphene/h-BN heterostructure is very attractive due to its unique optical electronics characteristics. Graphene and h-BN which are stacked in different ways could open the band gap of graphene, and form a moiré pattern for graphene on h-BN and the superlattice in the Brillouin zone, which makes it possible to build photoelectric devices.
Donors Do Not Trust
Authors: Yagodin Dmitry , Tegelberg Matthew
Published: June 2017

Focusing on a story exposing Donors Trust (DT) as a funding source for climate denial campaigns, we introduce actor-network theory (ANT) as a methodological tool for studying online intermedia agenda-setting. The DT story, unveiled by prominent British media in early 2013, had the potential to become a global media sensation. However, this did not occur in two distinct communication actor-networks, Russia and Canada, raising questions regarding climate change journalism and agenda-setting in contemporary networked news environments. This article takes a fresh approach to studying agenda-setting processes by using ANT to trace connections between national climate agendas, networks of power and sites of mediated information. By mapping ties between attributes of DT story actor-networks, it illuminates moments that preclude or facilitate intermedia agenda-setting in online media networks. This demonstrates ANT’s potential to help better understand processes of information dissemination in an era characterised by the exceptional interconnectedness of media landscapes.
News Media and the Öresund Region
Authors: Falkheimer Jesper , Blach-Ørsten Mark , Eberholst Mads Kæmsgaard , Möllerström Veselinka
Published: June 2017

This article presents a first attempt to investigate the news content and news routines of Danish and Swedish news media covering the Öresund region. From a theoretical perspective, the Öresund region can be considered a possible best-case example of what is categorised as horizontal Europeanisation, in other words, of the potential for increased communication linkages in news media content among European Union (EU) member states. We investigate this topic by analysing news content published by selected media outlets from 2002 to 2012 and by interviewing Danish and Swedish journalists who cover the region. We find that most news content does not mention the Öresund region, and that one reason for this lack might be that neither Danish nor Swedish reporters consider the region to be newsworthy.
Changes of historical metadata reflected in the wind parameters at Iași meteorological station
Authors: George-Stelian Tudorache , Nicoleta Ionac , Bogdan Maco , Ancuța Manea
Published: June 2017

The metadata are defined as the informations behind the data. The purpose of the metadata in meteorological activity is to represent where, when, how and by whom meteorological data has been obtained, colected and recorded. Ideally, a comprehensive metadata base should contain records of all changes that have occured throughout the entire period in which the meteorological station has functioned, the so called „station history”. This paper renders the preliminary results of the analysed wind parameter values (percentages of wind calm and wind frequency) for the time period between 1961 and 2015 at Iași meteorological station. The data were analysed based on various historical metadata information (e.g. the emergence of new construction(s) around the station, relocation of the station, changes in the equipment used to measure the wind etc.), information that may influence the wind parameters measured at Iași weather station.
European railway reforms and efficiency: Review of evidence in the literature
Authors: Fitzová Hana
Published: June 2017

The objective of the European railway reforms which started in the 1990s was to enable the entry of competition to raise the efficiency of railway transport. This was undertaken because the level of services, particularly in former Eastern Bloc countries, was very low due to neglected investment, and so railway transport market share was in decline. The primary goal of this text is to determine based on available empirical studies whether the reforms affected the efficiency of the railway sector positively, and the secondary aim is to identify the factors which complicate evaluation of the reforms’ impact. According to empirical studies, the effect of competition on efficiency is unclear. The reforms have brought the most benefit to consumers, but their overall effect depends on many other factors. Competition for the market appeared to be a better way of implementing competition than competition in the market. In addition, comprehension of the problems complicating the analysis and their inclusion in the evaluation process constitutes an important point in evaluating the reforms’ effects and could be inspiring for countries that have not yet implemented all reforms.
The Effect of Depreciation of the Exchange Rate on the Trade Balance of Albania
Authors: Kurtović Safet
Published: June 2017

Almost all countries face the problems of trade balance, although they are more inherent in developing countries and economies in transition. A majority of economists adheres to a common opinion real depreciation may lead to an improvement of the trade balance. That said, countries encountering trade balance issues use real exchange rate depreciation in order to improve the trade balance situation. Albania belongs to the group of transition countries that has been facing negative trade balance over last two decades. National currency devaluations of the lek (ALL) have been used by Albania to improve its trade balance. Therefore, this paper intends to investigate the effect of the real effective exchange rate depreciation of the ALL on the trade balance of Albania using quarterly data from 1994 to 2015. Bounds testing cointegration approach, vector error correction model (VECM) and impulse response were used for empirical analysis. The results of the study show that there exists a long-term cointegration between the real effective exchange rate depreciation and the trade balance. Specifically, real effective exchange rate depreciation positively affects the trade balance of Albania in both the long-run and short-run indicating the weak presence of the J-curve effect. Important recommendations were derived from the results.
Therapeutic properties of organotin complexes with reference to their structural and environmental features
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad , Ali Saqib , Haider Ali , Khalid Nasir
Published: June 2017

Organotin complexes are being extensively studied and screened for their therapeutic potential. Although many recent advances and achievements in this field have been made, the exact mode of action of these complexes is yet to be unveiled. In the present review, an attempt has been made to correlate the therapeutic properties of organotin complexes with their structural features and the environment in which these interact with biological systems. The mechanism, various modes of interaction with biological systems, and physiological target sites of organotin complexes have been highlighted as well.
The study and numerical solution of some inverse problems in simulation of hydrophysical fields in water areas with ‘liquid’ boundaries
Authors: Agoshkov Valery I. , Sheloput Tatiana O.
Published: June 2017

Some inverse problems related to mathematical modelling of hydrophysical fields in water areas (seas and oceans) under the presence of ‘liquid’ (open) boundaries are studied and solved numerically in the paper. Numerical solution algorithms for these problems are based on procedures of variational data assimilation.
New Monte Carlo algorithms for investigation of criticality fluctuations in the particle scattering process with multiplication in stochastic media
Authors: Ambos Andrey Yu. , Lotova Galiya , Mikhailov Guennady
Published: June 2017

A Monte Carlo algorithm admitting parallelization is constructed for estimation of probability moments of the spectral radius of the operator of the integral equation describing transfer of particles with multiplication in a random medium. A randomized homogenization method is developed with the same aim on the base of the theory of small perturbations and diffusive approximation. Test calculations performed for a one-group spherically symmetric model system have shown a satisfactory concordance of results obtained from two models.
Statistical modelling algorithm for solving the nonlinear Boltzmann equation based on the projection method
Authors: Rogazinsky Sergey V.
Published: June 2017

A statistical modelling algorithm is constructed for solution of the nonlinear kinetic Boltzmann equation based on the projection method. Hermite polynomials are used as an orthonormalized basis. The algorithm was tested on calculations for the problem of one-dimensional relaxation of gas with a known solution.
Numerical investigation of diagnostic properties of p53-dependent microRNAs
Authors: Voropaeva Olga F. , Senotrusova Sofia D. , Shokin Yurii I.
Published: June 2017

In the present paper we propose a mathematical model and study numerically the functioning of the p53 tumors suppressor protein and the direct positive connection of microRNA molecules related to it. The adequacy of the model is confirmed by qualitative concordance of calculation results with the experimental data concerning transactivation of specific p53-dependent microRNAs. Estimates of stability of individual and p53-mediated properties of microRNA as factors in diagnosing cancer and neurodegenerative diseases are given within the framework of the accepted model.
The Role of the Number of Banks on Debt Dynamics: Evidence from Eurozone Countries
Authors: Karpetis Christos , Papadamou Stefanos , Varelas Erotokritos
Published: June 2017

This paper addresses the issue of impacts of the banking market structure on debt dynamics. Using a simple theoretical model, we analytically find a positive link between number of banks and growth rate of debt. By applying panel data analysis on a set of Eurozone countries, sufficient evidence for this positive relationship is provided. In case of Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain (PIGS countries) the effects are more pronounced. More specifically, the dominant effects on debt were the GDP growth rate, the primary balance over debt ratio and the number of banks. Therefore, bank regulation should pay attention on theses linkages, implying significant benefits for debt stability.
Fiscal Decentralization and Delivery of Public Services: Evidence from Education Sector in Pakistan
Authors: Rauf Abdur , Khan Amara Akram , Ali Sher , Qureshi Ghulam Yahya , Ahmad Dilshad , Anwar Numera
Published: June 2017

Fiscal Decentralization is the devolution of fiscal assignments to lower governments for high growth and better delivery of public services. The current study covering the period from 1972 to 2009 is an attempt to find out the impacts of fiscal decentralization on public services deliveries in Pakistan. Public services are proxy by Gross enrollment at primary school level while fiscal decentralization by fiscal transfer and expenditure sides of devolution. Using time series data, it is found that the individual impacts of fiscal transfer are although insignificant but still support the theoretical proposition regarding fiscal decentralization and public services relationship while delegation of expenditure responsibilities helps in improving the gross enrollment at primary school level. Furthermore the study evident that complete delegation of fiscal responsibilities to lower governments enhance enrollment ratio in Pakistan.
Individualisierte optische Messtechnik basierend auf additiv gefertigten optischen Komponenten
Authors: Sigel Andre , Maillard Philippe , Rank Manuel , Heinrich Andreas
Published: June 2017

Additive Fertigungstechnologien wurden in den vergangenen Jahren bzgl. Verfahren und Druckmaterialien weiterentwickelt, so
dass heute Freiformoptiken in optischer Güte durch 3D-Drucker gedruckt werden können. Durch die schnelle Fertigung von
Freiformoptiken entstehen neue Möglichkeiten für die optische Messtechnik, da durch Variation der Form und Größe von
Optikelementen mit geringem Aufwand spezifisch an Applikationen angepasste Sensorsysteme gefertigt werden können. In
diesem Beitrag werden nun exemplarisch zwei Sensorapplikationen aus dem Bereich der industriellen In-Line-Messtechnik
dargestellt, die jeweils ein additiv gefertigtes Optikelement enthalten. Zunächst wird ein auf Lasertriangulation
basierendes Sensorsystem zur Vermessung von Turbinenschaufeln dargestellt. Dieses System beinhaltet eine additiv
gefertigte transparente Freiformoptik im Beleuchtungsstrahlengang, die zur lückenlosen Generierung einer Laserlinie
auf einer komplexen 3D-Oberfläche genutzt wird. Im zweiten Applikationsbeispiel wird ein miniaturisierter Sensor
beschrieben, der die dreidimensionale Erfassung des Innenraums von kleinen Kavitäten ermöglicht. Dieses auf dem
Lichtschnittprinzip basierende System beinhaltet ein gedrucktes Spiegelelement, durch das ein spezifisches Abtastsignal
innerhalb einer Kavität erzeugt wird.
The Combined Action of Duplicated Boron Transporters Is Required for Maize Growth in Boron-Deficient Conditions
Authors: Chatterjee Mithu , Liu Qiujie , Menello Caitlin , Galli Mary , Gallavotti Andrea
Published: June 2017

The micronutrient boron is essential in maintaining the structure of plant cell walls and is critical for high yields in crop species. Boron can move into plants by diffusion or by active and facilitated transport mechanisms. We recently showed that mutations in the maize boron efflux transporter ROTTEN EAR (RTE) cause severe developmental defects and sterility. RTE is part of a small gene family containing five additional members (RTE2–RTE6) that show tissue-specific expression. The close paralogous gene RTE2 encodes a protein with 95% amino acid identity with RTE and is similarly expressed in shoot and root cells surrounding the vasculature. Despite sharing a similar function with RTE, mutations in the RTE2 gene do not cause growth defects in the shoot, even in boron-deficient conditions. However, rte2 mutants strongly enhance the rte phenotype in soils with low boron content, producing shorter plants that fail to form all reproductive structures. The joint action of RTE and RTE2 is also required in root development. These defects can be fully complemented by supplying boric acid, suggesting that diffusion or additional transport mechanisms overcome active boron transport deficiencies in the presence of an excess of boron. Overall, these results suggest that RTE2 and RTE function are essential for maize shoot and root growth in boron-deficient conditions.
Tecno-estrés, compromiso con la carrera, satisfacción con la vida y la interacción trabajo-familia en trabajadores de la información y tecnologías de la comunicación
Authors: Carlotto Mary Sandra , Wendt Guilherme Welter , Jones Alice P.
Published: June 2017

El Tecno-estrés se produce cuando las personas experimentan efectos psicosociales negativos por el uso de la tecnología y también demuestran valencia negativa asociada con el uso de las TIC. Se compone de cuatro dimensiones (incredulidad, fatiga, ansiedad, e ineficacia) que describen dos aspectos del tecno-estrés (tecno-ansiedad y tecno-cansancio). El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la relación entre las dimensiones del tecno-estrés, compromiso con la carrera, satisfacción con la vida y la interacción trabajo-familia entre los profesionales de las TIC. También se consideraron variables como el sexo, la edad y la antigüedad en el empleo. La muestra se compuso de 234 individuos brasileños. Se encontró que el conflicto trabajo-familia y familia-trabajo se asociaron con una mayor tecno-fatiga y tecno-ansiedad, y una menor resiliencia en la carrera. También se detectaron diferencias de edad y género, lo que enfatiza en el papel de las organizaciones y la sociedad en reducir las desigualdades en el lugar de trabajo y apoyar mejores acciones preventivas.
Imaginación, creatividad y fantasía en Lev S. Vygotski: una aproximación a su enfoque sociocultural
Authors: Alessandroni Nicolás
Published: June 2017

Este trabajo persigue dos objetivos; en primer lugar, exponer sucintamente algunas de las características de las categorías conceptuales que constituyen el núcleo duro de los enfoques socioculturales, tanto en su formulación vygotskiana (Teoría Histórico-Cultural), como en aquellas postvygotskianas. Ello permitirá sentar bases conceptuales desde las cuales encarar el segundo objetivo, a saber, analizar el texto Imaginación y creatividad en el adolescente [Pedologija podrostka (Pedagogía del Adolescente), 1931] de Lev S. Vygotski. Dicho texto resulta un caso de análisis útil tanto para ilustrar el abordaje sociocultural del autor en relación con la creatividad y su vinculación con otras funciones psicológicas al interior del desarrollo sociogenético del individuo, como su poder de creación de consciencia y control autorregulatorio. las organizaciones y la sociedad en reducir las desigualdades en el lugar de trabajo y apoyar mejores acciones preventivas.
Voces de la marginalidad en Lo Amador, de Roberto Burgos Cantor
Authors: Motato C Hernando
Published: June 2017

Este ensayo es una reflexión sobre los cuentos de Roberto Burgos Cantor incluidas en Voces de Lo amador (1980). Aquí, Burgos Cantor configura personajes del barrio marginal a partir de sus diferentes oficios y formas de vida. Estos cuentos recrean la ciudad a través de la música popular y la relación de los personajes con espacios citadinos, bien sea los patios de las casas o las calles. El narrador emplea largos monólogos y en ellos cuenta cómo nació el barrio y las ilusiones de sus personajes, como por ejemplo, el de una joven que aspira a salir de su pobreza con la música o el joven que tiene como propósito la actuación en el cine, pero fracasa debido a un accidente en el taller de mecánica. Todas las historias de los diversos personajes son contadas por medio de la memoria.
Ritmo y materialidad en la cuentística de Virgilio Piñera
Authors: Navarrete Turrent Lucila
Published: June 2017

En 1947 el escritor cubano Virgilio Piñera (1912-1979) viajó a la Argentina en busca de mejores oportunidades económicas y de interlocución estética. En Buenos Aires conoció muy pronto al escritor polaco Witold Gombrowicz, con quien diseñó un efímero programa de confrontación de la alta cultura porteña, representada esta por el grupo nuclear de la revista Sur (1931-1970). El presente trabajo analiza las contribuciones de la producción cuentística de Virgilio Piñera a este proyecto «banalizador», profundizando en los elementos que Piñera incorpora desde su peculiar mirada caribeña, tales como la materialidad corporal y el ritmo, dispuestos como un combate crítico a la noción elitista de cultura.
Auto Financing During and After the Great Recession
Authors: Meisenzahl Ralf R.
Published: June 2017

More than half of auto financing is originated by non-bank finance companies that typically rely on short-term funding markets for their own financing. During the recent financial crisis, disruptions in these short-term financing markets reduced the availability of auto credit to consumers, which contributed to the decline in auto sales.
Tasks and Policy Implications of Endogenous Regional Tourism Development in Terms of Social Economy
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Shim Won-Seop
Published: June 2017

Social economy has been increasingly understood as an alternative solution for regional tourism development, particularly for endogenous tourism development. Therefore, this study discusses the concept of social economy from the perspective of regional tourism development, by theoretically conceptualizing social economy, endogenous tourism development and the relationship between these concepts. The research analyzes interesting cases in which social economy was used for regional development. The results provide several practical implications for tourism policy. First, based on agreement among stakeholders, a region needs to internalize the value of social economy by increasing awareness of social economy as an effective solution for regional development. Second, a region needs to form a spontaneous and cooperative network for endogenous tourism development of a social economy. Third, endogenous tourism development of a social economy can be achieved using social capital, the fairness of market and distribution. Fourth, endogenous tourism development of a social economy requires strengthening the overall ability of a region by training human resources who have good will and entrepreneurship. In addition, governmental support that forms regional tourism ecology and that develops alternative tourism business models is a crucial basis for the endogenous tourism development of social economy.
Effects of Perceived Technology Acceptance Factors when Using a Festival Social Network Service on Acceptance Intention
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Lim Sun-Ah , Kim Chang-Soo
Published: June 2017

To build relationships with others, people draw upon a range of communication methods, which vary constantly according to current trends. In recent times, social network services have been used as a primary means of communication to form relationships with others or to exchange information and knowledge. This has enabled users to actively choose and use diverse information, creating substantial social change and causing a variety of ripple effects. However, the use of social network services for festivals leaves much to be desired despite advancements in the new medium. This present study establishes the relationship between perceived technology acceptance factors when a social network service provides festival information and the subsequent acceptance intention. To achieve this objective, variables were theoretically considered, while the use of social network services as a new medium were analyzed based on the technology acceptance model suggested by Davis (1986).
Factional realities in Remi Raji's Gather My Blood Rivers of Song
Authors: Oripeloye Henri
Published: June 2017

This paper explores the transformative vision of the Nigerian poet, Remi Raji from imaginative mooring in his earlier works to factional realities in Gather My Blood Rivers of Song published in 2009. In some poems in this collection, Raji embraces factional realities as he grapples with the narration of actual existence in Nigeria. This signifies a movement away from the speculative construct of the imagination as he presents the tangible properties of events, not as history, but the facts in reality. This differentiates him from other writers who merely re-echo or document events. Based on the materialist frame of reference presented in some of the poems in this collection, Raji is able to enact plausible narrations that have identifiable referentiality through which he guides his poetic presenta- tion of actual human existence.
Isidore Okpewho (1941-2016)
Authors: Ak?ma Chiji
Published: June 2017

When Ediru, the elder son of Professor Isidore Okpewho, called to tell me that his father had passed away, I could only sigh in sorrow. The watch was over. His health had taken a sudden turn for the worse a few weeks earlier and we had kept watch as he battled for his life in the ICU. By the time he finally took his last breath on Sunday 4th September 2016, his immediate family and those close to them had been steeling themselves for the moment.
Apartheid's Immorality Act and the fiction of heteronormative whiteness
Authors: Carolin Andy
Published: June 2017

This article traces both the centrality and fragility of the figure of the heterosexual white male to the moral and ideological core of the apartheid regime. Through a comparative reading of Zakes Mda's The Madonna of Excelsior (2002) and Gerald Kraak's Ice in the Lungs (2006), the article examines how apartheid's Immorality Act functioned as the legislative mechanism to produce and police heteronormative whiteness. The randomness and unpredictability of sexual desire in both historical novels expose the tenuousness of this idealised heteronormative whiteness that lay at the centre of the apartheid project. Situated within the moral panic and political turmoil of the 1970s, the novels identify sex as a powerful lens through which to read the history of apartheid. While Mda's satirical novel focuses on transgressive interracial sexual desire, Kraak's realist text explores same-sex desire and intimacy. My reading of the two novels engages with the political history of apartheid's sexual policing and insists on the inextricable entanglement of its heteronormative and racial supremacist provisions. The traditional ideological centrality of the vulnerable white woman is displaced in the novels by white men whose transgressive sexual desires for black women (in Mda's novel) and other white men (in Kraak's) refuse the certainty and naturalness of heteronormative whiteness.
Céline au Congo
Authors: Cornille Jean-Louis , Ramilison Julie
Published: June 2017

If Louis-Ferdinand Céline au Congo influence on 20th century French literature is widely acknowledged, one is less aware of the influence left by his Journey to the end of the night on contemporary postcolonial Francophone Literature. In spite of the racist nature of his ideology, Célines profoundly "oralized" body of works showed the way to later generations on how to combine the written and the spoken word - a question which is at the core of contemporary francophone literature, as produced in Africa and in the Caribbean Islands. This is why writers such as Patrick Chamoiseau and Alain Mabanckou secretly refer to Céline; but in the case of Mabanckou we would argue that his interest for Céline has been sparked by readings of his compatriot and fellow writer, Daniel Biyaoula who blatantly made use of Journey to the end of the night to structure his novels.
Quantification of extracted DNA using the Quantus fluorometer (Promega) with QuantiFluor®Double stranded DNA (dsDNA) system v1
Authors: not provided Promega
Published: June 2017

Extracted DNA is quantified using the Quantus fluorometer (Promega) with QuantiFluor® Double stranded DNA (dsDNA) system according to the instructions in the user manual. The QuantiFluor® dsDNA System contains a fluorescent DNA binding dye which enables sensitive and specific quantification of small amounts of dsDNA.
Correlation between strength and flexibility of knee flexors and extensors muscles in youth soccer players
Authors: Cursino Maira Peloggia , Marques Ana Elisa Zulliani Stroppa , Quatrochi Hugo Castellon , Navega Flavia Roberta Faganello , Pedroni Cristiane Rodrigues
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Soccer is the most played sport in the world and the one that causes more injuries. Imbalance between knee flexor and extensor is the main cause of muscle injuries in soccer players. Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the asymmetry and the correlation between the strength and flexibility of knee flexor and extensor as well as the difference of these variables between the right and left limbs in youth soccer players. Method: The sample consisted of 45 male youth soccer players for at least a year, aged between 13 and 16 years (14.7+0.86). The athletes underwent an assessment of flexibility of the posterior chain through the sit and reach test on Wells’ Bench and an assessment of flexibility of the quadriceps using the Ely’s test, with measurement of passive range of motion by goniometry. The peak of muscle strength was measured using a load cell (EMG  System, Brazil). Results: Data analysis showed difference between the values obtained in the Ely’s test of right and left leg (p=0,03), which did not happen for flexion strength (p=0.45), extension (p=0.41) and H:Q ratio (p = 0.40) when comparing the two members. It was observed a significant negative correlation between the H:Q ratio and the flexibility of the posterior chain test either for the right side (r=-0.40; p=0.006) or left side (r=-0.50; p=0.0004). Also a significant positive correlation was observed between quadriceps strength and flexibility of the posterior chain, both for the right (r=0.31; p=0.03) and the left side (r=0.32; p=0.02). Just for the left side a significant positive correlation was observed when compared the flexor muscle strength with the flexibility of the quadriceps (r=0.30; p=0.03). Conclusion: We conclude from this study that the flexibility of the posterior chain may be related to the strength of the antagonists, however, when the two physical qualities were compared in the same muscles, it showed no correlation.
A study of outcome of non-operative versus operative management in 50 cases of appendicular lump
Authors: Ram Kamlesh R. , Chandana Sanjog , Koshti Sameep
Published: June 2017

Background: Appendicitis is the most common cause of pain requiring surgery. The objective of this study was to compare the different modes of management of appendicular lump whether traditional emergency operation or non-operative management.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of total 50 cases of complicated appendicitis with appendicular lump/abscess. 18 patients were treated for emergency operations and rest were treated non-operatively with antibiotics alone (n=26) and antibiotics with percutaneous drainage (n=6). 24 patients who were treated non-operatively later on planned for interval operations.Results: The mean age of the patients was 50.8 years, and the ratio of men to women was 27:23. Among them, the emergency surgery (operative) group included 18 patients (36%) and the non-operative treatment group included 32 patients (64%). Duration of symptoms was 7 days in group 1 compared to 9 days in group 2. White blood cells count was similar in both groups. During emergency surgery, three patients (15%) require resection, whereas none underwent in planned group. Duration of surgery was 115 and 100 min in emergency and planned groups, respectively. The complication rate was higher almost twice in emergency group compared to planned group. The hospital stay was 12 and 19 days in emergency and planned groups, respectively.Conclusions: Therefore, as treatment for appendicitis associated with an abscess or mass, the decision whether to perform initial emergency surgery or to perform non-operative managements, and if non-operative managements are performed, whether to perform interval surgery after a certain period or to perform only the ambulatory follow-up observation depends on the surgeon’s overall evaluation of the clinical features of the individuals.
Role of eosinophil count and neutrophil: lymphocyte count ratio as prognostic markers in patients with sepsis
Authors: Hota Prasan Kumar , Reddy B. Gowtham
Published: June 2017

Background: Several biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and Procalcitonin have been used to indicate bacterial infection in sepsis. They have limited sensitivity and specificity with high cost, placing them practically out of reach for poor patients in developing countries like India. Hence the need to evaluate eosinophil count and neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) as an indicator of sepsis considering their lower cost and easier accessibility. The present study was done to establish that eosinopenia and the neutrophil-lymphocyte count are simple and effective tools as prognostic biomarkers for sepsis.Methods: A prospective observational study consisting of 50 patients with SIRS and sepsis on admission were studied. Neutrophil and lymphocyte count for first 4 consecutive days and then on alternate days up to one week was done. Absolute eosinophil count for first 2 consecutive days and then on alternate days up to one week was done.Results: Eosinopenia was noted to have 79.3% sensitivity, 76.2% specificity, positive predictive value 82.2% and negative predictive value 95.4% in predicting diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was found to have 86.2% sensitivity, 85.7% specificity, positive predictive value of 89.2%, negative predictive value of 81.1% in predicting diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis.Conclusions: Eosinophil count and neutrophil - lymphocyte count ratio are simple and effective prognostic markers of sepsis with low cost.
Etiological correlation of common urinary problems in females in a tertiary care centre in central India
Authors: Mathur Raj Kumar , Singh Kunal Vikram , Mathur Poonam
Published: June 2017

Background: Urinary problems are common in female population of India which adversely affect their quality of life. Urinary problems add to chronic suffering of Indian females. The objective of this study was to find etiological correlation of common urinary problems in Indian females.Methods: This is an epidemiological study which includes all adult female patients coming to surgery and gynecology OPDs of M.Y. Hospital, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.Results: 58.4% of patients of middle age (31-55) years. Burning micturition was most common urinary complaint (86.2%) followed by lower abdominal pain (51.6%). About 66.8% of females took months or even years to take first consultation after appearance of their symptoms. 63.2% females were suffering from urinary tract infection which was confirmed by urinary culture reports. E. Coli was the most common organism causing urinary tract infection. UTI was closely correlated with urinary tract calculi & low use of sanitary napkins. Only 14.6% females suffered from urinary incontinence (stress, urge, mixed). Incontinence was closely correlated with multiple deliveries. In our study about 88% of women had education level below fifth standard.Conclusions: Urinary problems are common in women of low socioeconomic society with lower education, poor urogenital hygiene and multiple births especially unassisted vaginal deliveries.
Role of CT scan in evaluation and management of intestinal obstruction
Authors: Baid Gaurav , Dawan Manohar Lal , Parmar Ashok
Published: June 2017

Background: Intestinal obstruction is one of the most common diseases in abdominal surgery. It can slowly lead to changes in intestinal structure and function, and in extreme cases it can be life-threatening. CT allows imaging of the abdominal contents outside the lumen, because of this advantage, the nature and site of the obstruction, especially extraluminal or intramural process, can be established.Methods: Prospective Hospital Based study. From January 2016 to November 2016 (11 months). 50 Patients presenting to Department of Surgery, whether in OPD or Emergency, with complaints suggestive of intestinal obstruction with in study duration eligible as per inclusion criteria will be included in the study.Results: In present study Majority (52.0%) of study population belonged to 41-60 years age group. The most common symptom was pain abdomen (94%). Majority (66%) patients showed multiple air fluid level on X-ray. In CT imaging, maximum 36% presented with dilated bowel loops. 86% were diagnosed as sub-acute intestinal obstruction, in USG. In present study, 60% patients were treated by surgery. Majority of patients (86.67%) CT findings matched with perop/ intraoperative findings. Accurate CT findings were helpful in guiding patient management. In our study, CT had the sensitivity of 86.67%, Specificity75%.Conclusions: Management decisions in intestinal obstruction remain notoriously difficult, relying on a combination of clinical and imaging factors to help stratify patients into conservative or surgical treatment.
Acute peritonitis secondary to hollow viscous perforation: a clinical study
Authors: Thirumalagiri Varun Raju , Reddy J. Sri Rami , T. Hema Chandra
Published: June 2017

Background: Peritonitis due to hollow visceral perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice it is defined as inflammation of the serosal membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and the organs contained therein. The objective of this study was to study the frequency of peritonitis secondary to hollow viscous perforation and complications of operative management.Methods: 50 cases were studied with peritonitis due to hollow viscous perforation as surgical emergencies underwent emergency laparotomy, details of age, sex, anatomical location, signs and symptoms, reliability of investigation like X-ray-abdomen, complications, mortality were noted.Results: The most common age group affected is 50 years and above. Duodenum (52%) is the most common site of perforation followed by ileal perforation (26%) appendicular (14%) and colonic perforation (4%). 84% of the patients were male patients and 16% of the patients were females. Duodenal ulcer (52%) is the most common cause of perforative peritonitis followed by small intestinal perforation. The appendicular perforation forms the next commonest cause of perforation (14%). Guarding and rigidity was present in 90% of patients. Diagnosis is made clinically and confirmed by presence of pneumoperitoneum (76%) on radiographs. Laparotomy with closure of the perforation with omental patch (64%) is the commonest operative management for perforated peptic ulcer fallowed by simple closure, resection and anastomosis, and loop ileostomy. The most common postoperative complication observed was lower respiratory tract infection. Overall mortality rate was 8%. The average duration of stay in hospital is 12.44 days.Conclusions: Laparotomy with closure of the perforation with omental patch closure is the commonest method of surgical management in perforative peritonitis due to hollow viscous perforation.
A clinical study of ventral hernia
Authors: Jaykar R. D. , Varudkar A. S. , Akamanchi Anirudh K.
Published: June 2017

Background: Ventral hernias are one of the most common problems confronting general surgeons. Incisional hernia is a common long-term complication of abdominal surgery and is estimated to occur in 3% to 13% of laparotomy incisions. Because there is no prospective cohort available to determine the natural history of untreated ventral hernias, most surgeons recommend that these hernias should be repaired when discovered. So, there was a need to study the disease with respect to the various presentations, to gauge the awareness levels of the patients coming to us and also to determine the best modality of treatment in our set-up. This study was done to know the proportion of ventral hernias occurring in both sexes, various age groups, various risk factors and complications of different types of ventral hernias, clinical presentations and their treatment. Methods: This was a prospective study done at our tertiary care hospital between August 2014 and August 2015 (12 months). A total number of 50 cases of anterior abdominal hernias excluding groin hernias, posterior abdominal wall hernia was studied. Data collection included a detailed history and a thorough clinical examination. Data was entered in the proforma, tabulated and analyzed using software package for statistical analysis (SPSS 2015).Results: Ventral hernia constituted 4% of all admissions to the surgical ward. Incisional hernia was the most common amongst the ventral hernias with an incidence of 46%. Infra umbilical midline was the most common site for herniation in 42% of cases followed by umbilical region in 32% of cases. Obesity and constipation were found to be the major predisposing risk factors. Small defects (<2cm) presented early with more complications.Conclusions: In the present study of ventral hernias, 50 cases of ventral hernias that were admitted to Department of Surgery in our tertiary care hospital. Ventral hernia constituted 4% of all admissions to the surgical ward. The male to female ratio was 1:1.9 The mean age was approximately 41 years. Incisional Hernia was strangulated umbilical hernia - intra operative the most common variety.