bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immersion and Motivation to Become Teachers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Wong Ruth Ming Har
Published: April 2019

This study aims to investigate and compare the relationship between immersion and motivation in two different groups of student teachers who enrolled in an immersion programme. With a group of student teachers whose social and cultural backgrounds are different – one group is from Mainland China and one is from Hong Kong – though they both are of Chinese ethnicity and speak the same Chinese variety, the reasons behind their studying a postgraduate programme and going on an immersion can be different. The method of data collection adopted for this study was a qualitative paradigm. In-depth interviews, both pre- and post-immersion, were conducted. Participants were also encouraged to send e-mails to the researcher during immersion that reflected on their experience. Results show that Mainland participants were motivated by desires to enhance their pedagogical knowledge in EFL teaching in order to satisfy implementation constraints in their homeland. In contrast, Hong Kong participants were primarily interested in improving their language proficiency in order to satisfy the mandatory language assessment required for graduation. Both groups, however, saw cultural enrichment as their secondary reason for undertaking immersion, in that it allowed them to better understand the culture behind the language and thus become better English teachers.
Attitudes towards the Efficiency of English Culture Treatment at Schools: A Case of Iranian Kurdish EFL Learners
Authors: Ahamdpour Sahar , Kuhi Davud
Published: April 2019

Language is used for communication and it is a carrier of culture. Culture and language are inseparable. If learners are successful in understanding and use of the target language, they need to have good knowledge of cultural aspects of the foreign language as well. Therefore it is essential to teach culture and language simultaneously. The present study aims to understand Iranian Kurdish EFL learners’ attitude towards the way culture is addressed and treated in English language course at high schools. To this end, two hundred and fifty female EFL learners were selected based on availability sampling from two high schools in Boukan, West Azerbaijan and were asked to complete the attitude questionnaire. The results indicated that Iranian Kurdish EFL learners hold negative attitudes towards the way culture is treated at English course in Iranian high schools. At the end, the paper provides some recommendations for policy makers, textbook designers, and teachers in order to foster cultural awareness in teaching and learning process.
Investigation into Current Condition of the Cultural Capital of Chinese EFL Teachers in the Universities of Sichuan Province in China
Authors: Guan Lina
Published: April 2019

Pierre Bourdieu put forward famous Cultural Capital Theory, which includes the embodied cultural capital, the objective cultural capital and the institutionalized cultural capital. This article investigated the current condition of the cultural capital of EFL teachers coming from the four universities of Sichuan Province in China from three aspects of the cultural capital: the embodied cultural capital, the objective cultural capital and the institutionalized cultural capital. Results show many EFL teachers are difficult to accumulate their embodied cultural capital, objective cultural capital and institutionalized cultural capital because of the diverse requirements of different universities and the diverse English levels of different students.
Typological and Diachronic Motivations for Syntax and Semantics of Chinese Resultative Construction
Authors: Jiang Canzhong
Published: April 2019

Motivations for syntax and semantics of Chinese Resultative Construction have been primarily attributed to thematic operations, syntactic movements or argument raising within its components by previous researches. However, such an attribution has resulted in not inconsiderable theoretical and practical issues and controversies, e.g., over generation, existence of quite a few exceptions, unlicensed violations of theoretical rules and principles. This paper re-examined motivations for syntax and semantics of Chinese Resultative Construction from typological and diachronic perspectives within the framework of Construction Grammar. It is argued that syntax and semantics of Chinese Resultative Construction are typologically motivated by Causative Constructions in the sense that its syntactic and semantic properties are inherited from different kinds Causative Constructions while they are diachronically motivated in the senses that they are historically inherited from Serial Verb Construction [V V] due to semantic shift and disyllabification. This paper has provided totally different explanations for syntax and semantics of Chinese Resultative Construction by focusing on their gestalt properties, in stark contrast to previous emphasis on bottom-up motivations from components of Chinese Resultative Construction, which will prove a breakthrough for further research on syntax-semantics interface of Chinese Resultative Construction.
A Dynamic Application of Market Basket Analysis with R and Shiny in The Electric Materials Sector
Authors: KARAHAN ADALI Gökçe , BALABAN M. Erdal
Published: April 2019

In this study, it is aimed to determine the products that customers prefer to buy together by using algorithm of association rules Apriori, and to implement an application related to customer relationship management. The data set used in this study was obtained from a company operating in the electricity sector. CRoss-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) model was used during data analysis. Association rules technique Apriori applied to data that contains the two year. Data analysis is performed with R language. RStudio was used as a development tool for R codes. The model performed with Apriori was transferred to web environment via Shiny (shinyapps.io). The cross sales realized between HESNYA-03 and HESNYA-02 products of this brand and the sales of different colors together bring the product into the forefront. From this result, it is thought that by creating various color packages related to the product, customers can increase purchases of less preferred products by being offered new products besides these and similar packages. The user is given the opportunity to query the analyzed data set and make basic arrangements related to the algorithm. This allows the application to be dynamic, independent of time and space.
An Ontology Based Approach for Knowledge Representation in Oil, Gas and Mining Industry
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Övünç
Published: April 2019

Although there are some works applying semantic web technologies in oil, gas, and mining industry, most of them involve finding and analyzing the data from a variety of activities such as drilling, exploration and production. On the other hand, it is also possible to develop semantic web applications that may dramatically reduce cycle times and indirect costs. This work is a practice that bridges the gap between semantic web technologies and oil, gas, and mining industry. We propose a prototype drilling tools ontology. We populate the ontology focusing on drill bit concept as a starting point. In the population phase, we used existing spreadsheet documents, product catalogs and web pages containing product data. We document clearly what has been learned from the experience of building the ontology and how the experience can inform the work of other investigators. The same ontology population methods apply also to other products; therefore, the applicability of our work extends well beyond the specific products we are considering in our project. This ontology is also used in a prototype drill bit marketplace portal, which supports searching and comparing drill bits of different vendors.
Kelime Vektörü Yöntemlerinin Model Oluşturma Sürelerinin Karşılaştırılması
Authors: BİLGİN Metin
Published: April 2019

Bu çalışmada duygu analizi için oluşturulan iki farklı veri kümesi, kelime vektörü algoritması olan Word2Vec ile modellenmiştir. Model oluşturulurken Word2Vec’in iki farklı yöntemi olan CBoW (Continous Bag of Words) ve Skip-Gram kullanılmıştır. Word2Vec ile bir metnin modelini oluşturmak için genellikle Ortalama yöntemi kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada hem CBoW hem de Skip-Gram yöntemleriyle bir metni modellemek için üç farklı yöntem önerilmiştir. Model oluşturma (eğitim zamanı) süreleri her ikisi içinde ölçülmüştür. Sonuç olarak modelleme süresi açısından CBoW’un Skip-Gram’dan daha başarılı olduğu deneysel olarak gösterilmiştir.
The Simulation and Implementation of SEPIC Converter for Computer Systems
Authors: KARAARSLAN Ahmet
Published: April 2019

In this study, the analysis and simulation studies on Single Ended Primary Inductor Converter (SEPIC) technology used as a energy source in computer systems are proposed. In computer systems, these converters are inevitable and used widely. To step up or step down voltage, different type circuit topologies are available (Buck, Boost, Cuk etc.). While buck converter can only decrease the voltage, boost converter steps up the voltage. Cuk and SEPIC can be used both process. Some issues like large amounts of electrical stress on the buck, boost and Cuk converter components, the main board power supplies can be overheating. Also negative regulated output voltage is obtained in these converters. These problems are not seen in SEPIC converters. Also they provide to wide operation with high efficiency. By controlling of the gate signal of switching devices, desired output voltage is obtained as positive regulated in SEPIC converter. This study proposed a development of PI control method that provides the proper dynamic and static performance compared to other methods. The simulation and implementation of SEPIC converter is simulated in Matlab/Simulink software.
Estudio comparado sobre la regulación del impuesto al valor agregado (IVA) en Colombia y España
Authors: Polo Rodríguez Francisco , Villasmil Molero Milagros
Published: April 2019

El impuesto a las ventas o impuesto al valor agregado comúnmente denominado IVA, es un tributo que tiene su efecto en el consumo de servicios, bienes y explotación de juegos de azar y suerte. Este impuesto es indirecto, del orden nacional y del régimen general en Colombia y España. El presente estudio se orientó a realizar un estudio comparado sobre la regulación del impuesto al valor agregado IVA en los países Colombia y España. Metodológicamente quedo definido como un estudio de paradigma cualitativo descriptivo documental a través del análisis de contenido y análisis crítico reflexivo. En sus resultados se logra evidenciar que en los países objeto de estudio este impuesto es fuente generadora de progreso y enriquecimiento a manos del sujeto activo de estos tributos llamado Estado como agente económico, político y social, la anterior situación no solo surge efectos en nuestro espacio territorial sino también en todo el mundo en el que a lo largo de los años estos tributos han recibido diferentes tratos a nivel jurídico y económico, en los tiempos en los que el sector publico encuentra la necesidad de fortalecer sus arcas a fin de satisfacer necesidades. Se concluye que para ambos países el impuesto al valor agregado representa una figura importante de recaudación no siendo menos cierto que para esta recaudación antes existan figuras como incentivos, costos administrativos o riesgo que creen los contribuyentes pueden correr, puesto que para todos los efectos el dinero recaudado no siempre termina satisfaciendo necesidades del estado o de sus más necesitados, si no por el contrario termina en manos de quienes con el fenómeno de la corrupción lo mal gastan.
La Alianza del Pacífico, ¿Qué Ha Pasado Entre Colombia y México?
Authors: Cano Saldaña Alexander , Pardo Quintero Juan David
Published: April 2019

La presente investigación analiza los efectos de la Alianza del Pacifico en los países de Colombia y México, para tal fin se realizó una revisión de literatura sobre el impacto de la Alianza del Pacífico entre estos países. Se pudo establecer que existen avances en algunos aspectos relacionados como el libre tránsito de ciudadanos como en la exención de visa para colombianos a México, o la movilidad de estudiantes, sin embargo, para México y Colombia en materia macroeconómica no existe un equilibrio en la balanza comercial ya que desde su entrada en vigencia los resultados no han sido los esperados sobre todo en materia de exportaciones e importaciones.
Responsabilidad Social Empresarial y el compromiso con el Pacto Global: Estudio de caso empresas TOKS y Frisby
Authors: Marín Luz Adriana , Cano Saldaña Alexander
Published: April 2019

La RSE es un concepto que debido al creciente proceso de globalización es muy común abordar y muchas empresas lo han interpretado de forma equivocada. En el presente artículo se realizó un análisis de dicho concepto de acuerdo con el enfoque de dos compañías “TOKS” de México y “Frisby” de Colombia. Se desarrolló un estudio de tipo comparativo explicativo, en donde se realizó la revisión bibliográfica más reciente sobre RSE, se analizaron los últimos informes de sostenibilidad de ambas empresas, encontrando que están alineadas a la interpretación acorde de RSE y que presentan sus informes y reportes guiados de acuerdo con los ODS, ambas empresas están adheridas al Pacto Global, solo Frisby presenta reportes de acuerdo con la metodología GRI
El Pacto Mundial, Punto de Convergencia en la Línea del Tiempo del Desarrollo Sostenible y la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial y su Influencia en las Empresas
Authors: García Lozano Jorge Iván
Published: April 2019

Este artículo tuvo como propósito encontrar en el Pacto Mundial de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, un punto de convergencia entre el Desarrollo Sostenible y la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial, a lo largo de una línea de tiempo. Este propósito se logró realizando revisión de literatura que definiera y cobijara estos conceptos en diferentes eventos mundiales. Se pudo observar que las empresas vinculadas al Pacto Mundial de la Naciones Unidas, actúan con conciencia de responsabilidad y sostenibilidad, mediante los diversos programas de su agenda empresarial, en los cuales suplen, mejoran, gestionan y ayudan a la sociedad, velando también por el medio ambiente, así se plasmó en el análisis que se realizó a los restaurantes Toks y Andrés Carne de Res.
Medición para cadenas de suministro bajo indicadores claves de desempeño (KPI) y tecnologías de información
Authors: Henríquez-Fuentes Gustavo R , Cardona-Arbeláez Diego A , Paternina-Arboleda Carlos , León-González Angel
Published: April 2019

El objetivo del artículo es diseñar un modelo que identifique los aspectos y procesos a medir en una cadena de suministro (en adelante CDS) bajo la guía de objetivos basados en revisión de la literatura sobre indicadores e índices en logística y la gestión de la CDS a través de tecnologías de información (en adelante TI). Metodológicamente, se establece una investigación explicativa-descriptiva, bajo un abordaje cuantitativo a través de un estudio correlacional considerando datos empíricos bajo una encuesta aplicada en los meses de noviembre, diciembre de 2017 y enero de 2018, dirigida a una muestra de empresarios y directivos de logística en empresas del departamento del Atlántico-Colombia, seleccionados a través de muestreo no probabilístico. El procesamiento de los datos se realizó a través de un análisis multivariado y de correlación de variables empleando los programas Statgraphics y SSPS. Los resultados recomiendan el diseño de un modelo que clasifica los aspectos claves a medir en la cadena de suministro bajo objetivos claros en cada proceso logístico (aprovisionamiento, producción y distribución), integrando las TI en cada proceso logístico como herramientas fundamentales para garantizar la inmediatez en el intercambio de información
Uso de los atributos de un producto para la seducción de un cliente durante el proceso de compra
Authors: Martínez Juvené Johanna , Fontalvo Cerpa Winston , Cantillo Guerrero Ernesto
Published: April 2019

El presente artículo tiene como finalidad analizar los atributos que pueden ser asignados o contenidos en un producto que se ofrece en el mercado, desde sus distintos niveles y características, esto con el fin de reflejar su uso en la etapa de seducción de un cliente durante el proceso de compra, para lo cual, se analizarán los grados de incidencia y aceptación de un atributo por el mercado en la decisión de compra, sin contar con la posibilidad de obtenerlo de forma tangible.

 Para este proceso se utilizará la metodología descriptiva y documental, con base en más de 60 referencias bibliográficas de autores destacados en el tema y artículos de interés del campo. Los resultados pudieron demostrar como los atributos presentes en los productos siendo tangibles o intangibles se pueden captar y percibir de excelente forma por parte del cliente sin probarlo de forma física en el momento de la toma de decisión, de igual forma se ofrece una guía, de recopilación teórica para los procesos de construcción mercantil, de los atributos que presentan los productos y su distribución.
Competitividad y Proceso Estratégico. El Caso de Walmart México
Authors: Gómez Lina Marcela
Published: April 2019

Este artículo pretende realizar un análisis comparativo entre la Teoría de Andrews K (1971) y las estrategias utilizadas por Walmart en Ciudad de México, con el fin de lograr la competitividad en el mercado. Se analizan algunas de las principales teorías sobre estrategia y competitividad. La información se ha obtenido mediante análisis de documentos de internet, informes oficiales de la empresa y una visita de campo realizada en agosto de 2018, a ciudad de México con el fin de observar las preferencias de los consumidores en ese país. Se concluye que la Teoría de Andrews (1971), se complementa con el modo de administrar de Walmart ya que mantiene a la vanguardia de los procesos, se adelanta al futuro, realiza proyecciones sobre el mercado, evalúa sus oportunidades, amenazas, debilidades y fortalezas. Tiene un alto nivel de compromiso con el entorno, y con el desarrollo de la comunidad, y de sus asociados.
Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Effects on In Vitro Maturation, Fertilization, and Early Embryonic Development in Pigs
Authors: Streacker Caitlin , Whitaker Brian D.
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the reduction of polyspermic penetration, and increase of mitochondrial activity, in early pig embryonic development by supplementing different concentrations of coenzyme Q10 during oocyte maturation. Oocytes (n = 1,100) were supplemented during the last 24 h of maturation with 0 (control), 10, 50, or 100 μM of coenzyme Q10. After in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryos were evaluated for fertilization kinetics (penetration, polyspermic penetration, male pronuclear formation), and subsequent embryonic development and mitochondrial activity. Supplementation of 100 μM coenzyme Q10 was detrimental to the oocytes, as they had significantly lower (p < 0.05) fertilization kinetic and early embryonic development rates to the other treatment groups. There were no differences in fertilization kinetic and early embryonic development rates between the 0, 10 and 50 μM coenzyme Q10 treatment groups. Oocytes, matured in medium supplemented with 50 μM coenzyme Q10, ultimately developed into embryos with a significantly greater (p < 0.05) presence of intact mitochondrial membranes (observed at both 48 and 144 h post-IVF) compared to oocytes not supplemented with coenzyme Q10. In summary, supplementation of 100 μM coenzyme Q10 during oocyte maturation is detrimental, yet supplementation of 50 μM coenzyme Q10 leads to a higher occurrence of intact mitochondrial membranes in the in vitro produced pig embryos.
Bubble continuous positive airway pressure therapy for neonatal respiratory distress at birth in level III newborn unit in Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital: a prospective observational study
Authors: R. Diana Grace , S. Suresh Kumar , . Sathya
Published: April 2019

Background: Bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP), a non-invasive respiratory device provides continuous pressure that helps recruitment of more alveoli, increases the lungs, functional residual capacity and decreases the work of breathing in newborns admitted with respiratory distress. Bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) is the most important respiratory support in different types of respiratory conditions in level III. In this observational study, author reported this research using bCPAP therapy as the primary respiratory support in level III unit in tertiary care centre in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. Despite reporting their indications, duration of use and adverse effects we tried to search for further improvement in other areas of CPAP therapy in level III newborn unit.Methods: This prospective observational study included 250 babies delivered in obstetric unit and admitted with respiratory distress within 6 hours of birth at level III care. They were treated according to level III newborn unit protocol. Those data were collected and entered in the proforma. Newborns were followed up till discharge.Results: A total of 250 babies satisfying the inclusion criteria delivered in Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India (mean gestational age 36±2 weeks, mean birth weight 2.5±1.2 kg were included. All newborns were given bCPAP as the primary support. The most common underlying cause of respiratory distress was transient tachypnea of newborn (44%), followed by respiratory distress syndrome (24%) and prolonged respiratory transition (18%). The therapy success rate was 86%. Only 35 newborns failed to respond to CPAP. The most common adverse effect was eye puffiness (19%).Conclusions: Bubble continuous positive airway pressure (b CPAP) therapy use is being well established in level III unit for various respiratory conditions with minimal failure and adverse effects. Its use in extreme preterms and initiation after 6 hours is controversial.
Placental pathology and its correlation with immediate feto neonatal outcome
Authors: A. Ashoka , Sarthi Manjunatha , C. Basavraj A. , K. Mahesh T.
Published: April 2019

Background: Placenta plays a major role in growth and development of the fetus as it helps in both exchange of nutrients and removal of waste. Even though it yields a valuable information of prognostic significance for the newborn, majority of the time it will be discarded after the gross examination. Hence the present study was conducted to determine the placental pathology and its correlation with fetal outcome.Methods: The present study was carried out in Davangere for a period of 2 years. The placenta of 100 parturients, more than 28 weeks of gestation were included for the present study. The data was collected after detailed review of the obstetric case records. Placentas were examined soon after delivery. After the gross examination was complete, the placentas were put in a labelled plastic container. The placentas were re-examined macroscopically again by the pathologist. Cut-section examination was done. Then, at least 4 appropriate blocks were taken for each placenta. They were stained with hematoxylin-eosin stain and examined under the microscope. The histopathological examination was conducted as per proforma.Results: One hundred placentae belonging to one hundred babies were studied among which 80% of the maternal cases had anaemia, 68% were term infant, 37% had IUGR. Eccentric insertion of the cord was observed to be the commonest (51). Marginally inserted membranes were seen most frequently (97).Conclusions: In the present study we conclude that placental reserve is large and small alteration do not affect the pregnancy outcome. The placental changes are not specific to a particular condition affecting the pregnancy.
Nutritional status and common morbidities among school-going adolescents of rural areas of Vadodara, Gujarat: a cross sectional study
Authors: Modi Prashant M. , Pathak Sunil , Patel Sagar , Srivastva Ritika , Thomas Reya , Khullar Niharika
Published: April 2019

Background: Abnormal nutritional status i.e. underweight, overweight and obesity is increasing rapidly amongst adolescents irrespective of socioeconomic status and geography. This study was carried out to assess prevalence of abnormal nutritional status and common associated morbidities among school going adolescent of rural areas of Vadodara, Gujarat, India.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was done among school going adolescents of rural areas of Vadodara, Gujarat. A predesigned and pretested semi-structured proforma was used to get relevant clinical details of study participants. Total 474 students aged 12-17 years participated in our study.Results: Out of 474 enrolled adolescents, 16.67% were underweight, where as 3.8% and 2.95% were obese and overweight respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were almost similar in both genders. Out of total 16.24% were stunted with predominance in boys compared to girls (p value: 0.039). Hypertension was found in 5.0% of participants with 3 times more prevalent in girls than boys (p value 0.011). Similarly, anemia was affecting both genders equally.Conclusions: Although underweight is a known nutritional problem of adolescents from rural areas, overweight and obesity are also rapidly growing health issues among them now a days. With keeping in mind this increasing burden of abnormal nutritional status and associated morbidities, regular health check-up, education of parents and adolescents on healthy lifestyle and inclusion of adolescents in existing government programmes are essential measures to reduce these problems.
Pediatric respiratory assessment measure score in assessing the severity of acute asthma in children
Authors: Prasanna R. , Moidu Fayrouz , Pasupathy Sekar
Published: April 2019

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lung airways resulting in episodic airflow obstruction. Management of acute pediatric asthma depends on assessment of asthma severity which is difficult in children due to poor coordination. This study is to evaluate the usefulness of a simple yet effective alternative like Pediatric respiratory assessment measure (PRAM) score in assessing the severity and outcome of an acute exacerbation of wheeze in children and to identify the PRAM score predicting the need for hospitalization.Methods: A prospective cohort study was done on 127 children for a period of 2 months in 2018, admitted with acute exacerbation of wheeze using PRAM scores at admission and following each treatment modalities. Usefulness of score in assessing severity was evaluated.Results: Increasing severity was associated with increasing initial PRAM score. Initial mean PRAM score of 11 in severe persistent forms, 7 in moderate persistent, 6.73 in mild persistent and 5.37 in mild intermittent was found. 59.1% of patients had a positive family history. The most common trigger factor according to our study was viral upper respiratory tract infection (50.4%) followed by exposure to dust (13.4%). Patients who were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) had the maximum number of interventions.Conclusions: In our study, statistically it was proved that PRAM Score is a tool that can be used across different ages and PRAM Score is a tool that can be used to assess severity of asthma.
Etiology, clinical profile and outcome of first episode of seizure in children
Authors: Prasanna R. , Pasupathy Sekar , Moidu Fayrouz
Published: April 2019

Background: Seizure is a commonly encountered problem in pediatric practice. Convulsive disorder constitutes a heterogeneous group with a varied etiology. Arriving at the cause of seizure is important as it plays a vital role in managing the child. Chances of recurrence to be analyzed, after the first episode of seizure for management. The aim was to study the etiology and the causes of recurrence after a first episode seizure.Methods: A prospective observational study was done on 135 children for a period of two months admitted in tertiary care center. Proper history, complete neurological and other systemic examinations was done. Blood investigations and imaging with EEG was done when indicated. All children were classified according to International League against epilepsy and followed up for recurrence rate and history leading to recurrence. Co- relation between recurrence and risk factors was analyzed.Results: Electroencephalogram tracing was abnormal in 62 out of 105 children. 19 out of 62 had recurrence while only 2 among 43 normal EEG had recurrence. This was statistically significant (P value 0.001). Children with remote symptomatic etiology constitutes the majority in those with abnormal EEG tracings. In children with remote symptomatic etiology, only one child had normal EEG. Remote symptomatic had higher number of abnormal EEG when compared to others and was found to have more recurrence.Conclusions: Children with EEG abnormalities after the first episode of afebrile seizure have more chance of recurrence. Children with seizure secondary to remote symptomatic etiology had more recurrences.
Renal biopsy in children with nephrotic syndrome: a study of histopathological pattern
Authors: Joshi Trupti A. , Joshi Amol K.
Published: April 2019

Background: Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is a common childhood renal disease characterized by a remitting and relapsing course, associated with different histopathological subtypes. The true incidence of various histopathological subtypes of NS remains under estimated owing to the diversity in indication criteria for performing renal biopsies in pediatric population.Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study in children with nephrotic syndrome at a tertiary health care centre. Total 22 children, with nephrotic syndrome, who underwent renal biopsy procedure during a period of one year, were enrolled for the study. Indications of renal biopsy were noted, and the histopathology reports were studied in detail.Results: In this study group, the most common indication for renal biopsy was “Atypical age (> 8years) of diagnosis in 45.5% (10/22) patients, followed by 22.7% (5/22) in “Children presenting with hypertension and hematuria”.The most common histopathological finding in these children was mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in 45.5% (10/22) patients followed by IgA nephropathy with mesangial proliferation in 22.72% (5/22) and minimal change disease in only 13.6% (3/22).Conclusions: This study highlights the occurrence of non-MCD as the common cause of INS in the children and denotes the significance of performing renal biopsies in children with INS for better prognostication.
Prevalence of small for gestational age term neonates and its surrogate marker
Authors: S. Satyamanasa Gayatri Vinay , K. Karthiga , Shrivastava Abhijeet
Published: April 2019

Background: The incidence of low birth weight babies continues to be high in India at about 30% in contrast to 5-7% in developed countries. Perinatal, neonatal and infant mortality as well as morbidity is associated with low birth weight (LBW) neonates of which, it is the Small for Gestational Age (SGA) neonates that are at increased risk. Henceforth, it becomes important to study the prevalence of SGA babies and to compare various anthropometric measurements among term neonates for assessing as to which of these could be taken as surrogate markers of small for gestational age babies.Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted over a period of 2 years among 100 term neonates delivered in a private medical college in Puducherry, India.Results: The prevalence of low birth weight babies and small for gestational age was found to be 40% and 30% respectively. Using mid arm circumference as a predictor, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of SGA was found to be 100%, 57.14%, 50% and 100% respectively. Using MAC/HC ratio as a predictor, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value was found to be 46.67%, 100%, 100% and 81.4% respectively.Conclusions: In predicting SGA babies, mid arm circumference has the highest sensitivity whereas MAC/HC ratio has the highest specificity followed by mid arm circumference. Present study concluded that mid arm circumference and ratio of MAC/HC are very helpful in identifying SGA neonates among term neonates.
Morbidity and mortality pattern of very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight neonates in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Hussain Wani Shahid , Jan Muzafar , Abbas Rahat , Nabi Zarkah
Published: April 2019

Background: Although the mortality and morbidity rates for Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) and Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) neonates have improved over last few decades, they still remain highly vulnerable groups. This study determines the neonatal morbidity and mortality within first four weeks of life in VLBW and ELBW neonates.Methods: It was a hospital based prospective study conducted in the department of paediatrics at GB Pant hospital, an associated hospital of Government Medical College Srinagar. All included neonates were evaluated in neonatology section and were followed up to 4 weeks of life. Standard protocols were used for management of these neonates.Results: A total of 116 neonates were included in the study. Among the 116 neonates 82 (70.69%) were VLBW and 34 (29.31%) were ELBW. 28 (34.14%) VLBW and 18 (52.94%) ELBW neonates died. Among the morbidities Respiratory Distress Syndrome was found in 35.37% of VLBW and 70.59% of ELBW neonates, out of which 12.20% VLBW and 20.58% ELBW neonates developed Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Perinatal asphyxia was found in 20.73% of VLBW and 29.41% of ELBW neonates and Pathological apnea occurred in 28.04% VLBW and 85.29% ELBW neonates. 40.24% VLBW and 73.53% ELBW neonates developed clinically significant jaundice requiring treatment. Clinical sepsis was found in 43.90% VLBW and 67.65% ELBW neonates while as culture proven sepsis was found in 26.83% VLBW and 41.18% ELBW neonates. Intra ventricular haemorrhage was found in 15.85% VLBW and 52.94% ELBW neonates. Necrotizing enterocolitis developed in 18.29% VLBW and 35.29% ELBW neonates. Retinopathy of prematurity was found in 21.95% VLBW and 26.47% ELBW neonates. Patent ductus arteriosus was found in 14.63% VLBW and 32.35% ELBW neonates.Conclusions: Present study has shown Respiratory distress syndrome, perinatal asphyxia and sepsis as the predominant causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality and these are preventable with a proper health care system and policy directed to the primary prevention.
Study of risk factors leading to poor outcomes in severe pneumonia age 2M-60M in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Abdul , Veera Sowjanya Bhanu , Dandugula Venkata Priyanka
Published: April 2019

Background: Childhood pneumonia is the single leading cause of mortality in children aged less than 5 years. Most cases occur in India (43 million); pneumonia is responsible for about 19% of all deaths in children aged less than 5 years. According to Child Health and Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) latest estimates, Pneumonia was responsible for 0.397 million of a total estimated 1.682 million under-five deaths in India.Methods: A hospital based prospective longitudinal study. In the present study 200 cases belong to age group 2 months to 5 years  fulfilling WHO criteria for pneumonia who were  attended to the department of paediatrics, Siddhartha medical college  from January 2017 to January 2018 were evaluated the risk factors in relation to their outcomes after obtaining consentResults: Out of 200 children with severe pneumonia  11 risk factors are studied for significance against outcomes like Death of the patient, mechanical ventilation oxygen supplementation, hospital stay of patient and total duration of illness, Risk factors found to be significant are maternal literacy (p =0.0002617), malnutrition (p <0.00001), exclusive  breastfeeding (p <0.05), low birth weight (p <0.05), immunisation (p=0.01).Conclusions: Severe malnutrition, maternal illiteracy, exclusive breast feeding, improper immunization and low birth weight are having a significant association with poor outcomes in children with severe pneumonia. Proper preventive strategies to decrease the incidence of these risk factors can help in increasing the survival rate of children with severe pneumonia.
Hypomagnesemia as a predictor of mortality in critically ill pediatric patients in picu using prism score
Authors: Shankar Poornima , Reddy N. Varsha Monica , Devaraj Shiva
Published: April 2019

Background: Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body and the second most abundant intracellular cation after potassium. A potential relationship between low magnesium levels and increased mortality has been suggested in the literature. The objectives were to detect prevalence of hypomagnesemia in critically ill children, its association with sepsis and to correlate this with mortality.Methods: This study was an observational study done on 100 children who met the inclusion criteria, admitted to the PICU of Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Patients under the study were managed and treated according to their clinical status and supportive traditional treatment.Results: Prevalence of hypomagnesemia in critically ill pediatric patients was 53%. In this study, majority of the cases admitted to PICU were dengue (19%) and bronchopneumonia (15%) which were significantly associated with hypomagnesemia as p value was less than 0.05. As regard prognosis, Mg had an AUC of 0.576 for prediction of mortality whereas the AUC for PRISM score was 0.811. Logistic regression analysis showed that hypomagnesemia is a significant predictor for mortality among critically ill children (p value=0.028) and OR=3.180 (0.854-7.965).Conclusions: Present study has found high prevalence of hypomagnesemia in critically ill patients. Hypomagnesemia was associated with a higher mortality rate in critically ill patients and commonly associated with infections and respiratory diseases. Hypomagnesemia indicated poor outcome and higher mortality rates in critically ill patients.
Prevalence, profile of malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia in children with cyanotic congenital heart defects: a case control observational study in a tertiary care hospital in North India
Authors: Mir Amber B. , Shah Jehangir A. , Mushtaq Sheikh , Jan Muzafar
Published: April 2019

Background: Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are prone to malnutrition. Children with cyanotic CHD [CCHD] are specifically affected due to chronic hypoxia and iron deficiency anemia which is overlooked by pediatrician. This can have a significant effect on the outcome of surgery. Our objective was to determine the burden and determinant of malnutrition in children with several types of cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD).Methods: This case-control study included 80 children with symptomatic CCHD, and 40 healthy children matched for age and sex as a control group. Clinical evaluation and laboratory assessment of nutritional status were documented. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and Z scores for weight for age (WAZ), weight for height (WHZ), and height for age (HAZ) have been calculated. Haemoglobin, red cell indices and serum iron, total iron binding capacity and serum ferritin was done in cases and controls.Results: The overall prevalence of malnutrition was 72.5% in patients with CCHD and 22.5% in controls. Severe malnutrition was diagnosed in 68.9% of cases. All anthropometric measurements which markers of nutritional state are were significantly lower in the patients group compared to controls. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was 47.5% in the study population. The study also showed that hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, RBC count were paradoxically higher in the cyanotic CHD as compared to the healthy controls though the iron studies revealed the iron deﬁciency. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), values were the parameters, which were found to be statistically signiﬁcant to differentiate the study groups.Conclusions: Malnutrition is a very common problem in children with symptomatic CCHD, the prevalence of IDA in children with CCHD was found to be high.
Neuro developmental outcome of preterm babies with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: S. Ramya H. , T. C. Rajendra Prasad , A. R. Nisar Ahamed , Awati Muragesh , George Maria
Published: April 2019

Background: Neonatal encephalopathy, following severe birth asphyxia or perinatal hypoxia is referred to as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Cerebral ischemia occurs as a consequence of cerebral oedema and reduced cerebral perfusion due to myocardial dysfunction as a result of hypoxic cardiomyopathy. Sarnat stage I -100% recovery, HIE stage II - 80% normal and 20% mortality and HIE stage III - 50% mortality and 50% morbidity. Relatively few studies have been made on outcome in HIE affected preterm infants. The aims and objectives of this study was to find out the neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants with HIE.Methods: This study is an observational clinical study, undertaken in Kempegowda Institute of Medical sciences and research centre, Bangalore, India. Study was performed between November 2016 to September 2018. 31 preterm infants with HIE were included in the study. Regular follow-up was done at 3, 6, 9, 12.15, 18 months by using Trivandrum development screening chart (TDSC) to stage II HIE infants.Results: The incidence of abnormal neurological outcome was 12.9%. Out of 31 preterm babies, stage I were 24, stage II was 4 (100% morbidity) and stage III were 3 (100% mortality).Conclusions: In present study, stage II HIE had 100% morbidity and moderate disability, stage III 100% mortality. Thus at 3-5 months of age during follow-up, when authors identify developmental delay, it is an ideal time to start interventional therapy to improve long term outcome.
Early predictors of early onset neonatal hypocalcaemia in infants of diabetic mother
Authors: O. Bhavya S. , Ranitha Rachel
Published: April 2019

Background: The objective of this study was the magnitude of hypocalcemia and to assess the predictors for early onset neonatal hypocalcemia in infants of diabetic mother.Methods: Total 100 infants of diabetic mother were followed for development of hypocalcaemia. weight length, gestational age, Apgar score, cord calcium was correlated for serum calcium at 48 hours of life.Results: In present study 91% babies were term and 9% babies were preterm, the incidence of hypocalcemia was high in preterm babies i.e.22% when compared to term babies i.e. 4.3% was not significant and incidence of hypocalcemia was high in babies with Apgar <7 at 1 min (27.27%) was significant statistically. The association of hypocalcemia with cord calcium is not significant statistically.Conclusions: The incidence of hypocalcaemia is more among preterm babies and babies with risk factors, so these babies need close monitoring for hypocalcaemia. No need of regular monitoring of calcium for healthy term babies unless they are symptomatic.
Clinical profile and outcome of neonatal thrombocytopenia in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Meena Sumarth Lal , Singh Kanwar , Jain Sanjiv , Jain Anil , Karnawat B. S.
Published: April 2019

Background: Thrombocytopenia (platelet count <1,50,000/µL) is one of the most common haematological problems in neonatal intensive care units. In contrast, only 2% of the normal neonates are thrombocytopenic at birth with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000/µL) occurring in less than 3/1000 term infants. Multiple disease processes can cause thrombocytopenia in neonates. The important causes of thrombocytopenia in neonates are sepsis, birth asphyxia, prematurity, intra-uterine growth retardation, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress syndrome, meconium aspiration syndrome and low birth weight. Apart from platelet count, bleeding manifestations depend on underlying ailments. The aims and objective were to study the clinical profile, etiology and outcome of neonatal thrombocytopenia in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: Prospective study involving 100 neonates with or developed neonatal thrombocytopenia in NICU.Results: In present study, 100 new-borns with thrombocytopenia 46% were mild, 35% were moderate and 19% were severe thrombocytopenia. 51 (51%) had early onset neonatal thrombocytopenia and 49 (49%) babies had late onset neonatal thrombocytopenia. Anaemia was the dominant maternal predisposing risk factor. Sepsis was the most common cause of neonatal thrombocytopenia. Most common symptom was apnoea. Sepsis, RDS and NEC had significantly contributed to mortality. Most common cause of death was sepsis followed by RDS and NEC.Conclusions: Neonatal thrombocytopenia is a treatable and reversible condition. Hence, it is important to identify neonates at risk and initiate transfusion therapy to prevent severe bleeding and potentially significant morbidity. Anaemia and PROM were the commonest maternal risk factors. Therefore, author recommended that babies born to mothers with these risk factors should be closely monitored for thrombocytopenia.
Correlation of maternal hemoglobin with outcome of neonatal gestational age and birth weight
Authors: Ramya H. S. , T. C. Rajendra Prasad , A. R. Nisar Ahamed , Awati Muragesh
Published: April 2019

Background: Anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. Maternal anemia has become one of the major health concerns worldwide. It is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes such as increased rates of maternal and perinatal mortality, premature delivery, low birth weight and certain anomalies. This study was done to find out the correlation between maternal hemoglobin and birth weight and gestational age of newborn at birth.Methods: This is an observational clinical study, which  included 1501 pregnant mother and their newborn babies. All singleton live born babies born were examined. The pregnant women’s lowest recorded hemoglobin measurement during pregnancy is correlated with outcomes of neonatal gestational age and birth weight.Results: Majority of the mothers belonged to lower middle class. 59.4% of the mothers were anemic. 21% of the babies born were preterm and 30% of the babies born were low birth weight.Conclusions: In India, according to WHO 2018 data, anemia in pregnancy is 65-75%. Present study outcome shows, preterm deliveries is 12.1% and low birth weight is 17.8% born to anaemic mothers who were 59.4%. The reduction in percentage of anaemic mothers in current study is due to National health programmes. In future, these programs will help to reduce the incidence of anaemia in pregnancy, which in turn will reduce low birth weight and preterm deliveries.