bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of microelements like plasma copper and zinc concentrations with female infertility
Authors: Bawa Ritu , Tyagi Smita
Published: May 2017

Background: The aim of present study was to determine the role of trace elements copper and zinc and impairment of infertility.Methods: The study was a randomized, comparative, clinical trial where study group included 74 patients with primary or secondary infertility and control group included 20 patients who were fertile females of reproductive age group having no gynaecological or systemic disease. Venous blood samples were taken and plasma copper and zinc concentrations were measured.Results: In the normal fertile non-pregnant healthy female’s plasma copper ranged from 98.78 - 169.2 mcg% (mean 124.72 mcg%). In patients of unexplained infertility plasma copper was found to be low. It ranged from 63.0 - 145.14 mcg% (mean 95.5 mcg%) difference being statistically significant, (P<0.001). The difference in plasma zinc concentration in both group was not statically significant (P>0.05).Conclusions: Our results show that copper deficiency might have a role to play in the etiogenesis of otherwise unexplained infertility. We can also conclude that zinc deficiency may not play a significant role in female infertility.
Maternal outcome in thyroid dysfunction
Authors: K. Manju V. , K. Sathiamma P.
Published: May 2017

Background: Thyroid hormone status in pregnancy is an important predictor of pregnancy outcome regarding both the mother and fetus. Objective was study the maternal outcome in antenatal women presenting with thyroid dysfunction.Methods: This descriptive study was done in 449 pregnant ladies who attended Obstetrics and Gynecology      Department Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India during the period January 2014 to June 2015. Aim was studying the maternal outcome in those diagnosed to have thyroid dysfunction evidenced by abnormal thyroid function tests (TFT) done in each trimester.Results: Majority had subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Common complications were preeclampsia spontaneous abortion, anemia and recurrent pregnancy loss. Infertility, post-partum hemorrhage and abruption were significantly high in overt hypothyroidism. Anemia was significantly high in subclinical hypothyroidism.Conclusions: It is important to screen all pregnant women for thyroid dysfunction during first antenatal visit itself to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment and also can counsel regarding the adverse pregnancy outcome.
Antenatal risk factors in emergency caesarean sections done for fetal distress
Authors: Aiyer Kohli Uttara , Singh Sanjay , Dey Madhusudan , Kaur Bal Harpreet , Seth Atul
Published: May 2017

Background: Fetal distress is an important indication for emergency caesarean deliveries. The objective of this study is to identify the antenatal and intrapartum risk factors in emergency caesareans done for non-reassuring fetal status and compare with patients who underwent emergency caesareans for other indications.Methods: It was a retrospective study and data was collected from the labour room records of a tertiary care hospital. Patients undergoing emergency caesareans for fetal distress were the cases and the remaining emergency caesareans were the controls. Data was statistically analyzed.Results: There were 5184 deliveries during this period of which, 669 were emergency caesareans. 126 (18.83%) of these were due to fetal distress/ non-reassuring fetal status and 543 (81.17%) were for other indications. Caesarean due to fetal distress accounted for 2.43% of the total deliveries. There were more primigravidae (61.11% Vs 46.04%) in the fetal distress group (Odds Ratio 1.84, p=0.003). Intra uterine growth restriction (OR 5.44, p<0.0001) and antepartum haemorrhage mainly due to abruption (OR 11.19, p <0.0001) were other important antenatal risk factors. Those with neonates of birth weight between 1.5 to 2.0 kgs were more likely to undergo emergency caesarean for fetal distress (OR 1.78, p=0.0435). The risk of a lower APGAR was higher in the fetal distress group (12.59%). 28.34% neonates in this group required NICU admission.Conclusions: Primiparity, intrauterine growth restriction, antepartum hemorrhage and prematurity, have shown to significantly increase the risk of emergency cesareans due to non-reassuring fetal status. We need to improve antenatal care with a goal of early detection of the above risk factors for timely institution of appropriate intervention and thus contributing to a reduction of emergency caesareans due to fetal distress.
Maternal determinants and fetal outcome of twin pregnancy: a five-year survey
Authors: Mathew Rachel , Wills Vinitha , Abraham Jacob
Published: May 2017

Background: Study prevalence of twin pregnancy, maternal risk factors and fetal outcome in twin pregnancy.Methods: A retrospective study of mothers with twin pregnancies who delivered during the period of 5 years. There were 109 mothers who gave birth to 218 babies. Maternal details, antenatal complications and fetal outcomes were analysed.Results: There were 5432 deliveries which included 109 twin births. Prevalence of twinning was 20/1000 deliveries. The mean age was 28.11 (±SD 4.89) with 69.7% in the younger age groups. No association with parity, BMI and ovulation induction was found. Most common complication was preterm delivery (64.2%) with mean gestational age being 35.07 (±SD 2.32). Others were diabetes (25.7%), hypertension (22.9%), hypothyroidism (14.6%) and postpartum hemorrhage (13.7%). Cesarean section was the commonest mode of delivery (78.0%) with fetal malpresentation (26.6%), fetal distress (20.2%) and hypertension (12.0%) being the commonest indications for termination. Among the hypertensive mothers, 23 delivered by Cesarean and only 2 delivered vaginally which was statistically significant (p- 0.03 OR 5.20). Dichorionicity was commoner than monochorionicity (66.1% vs. 33.9%). Among 218 fetuses delivered, 214 were live births and 4 still born. There were low birth weight Babies (70.6%), normal weight (15.3%), VLBW babies (11.5%) and 2.7% ELBW babies. Fetal complications were IUGR (11.46%), discordant twins (6.8%), congenital anomalies (1.8%), single fetal demise (1.8%) and Intra uterine death of a twin (0.4%). Perinatal mortality rate was 1.65 per thousand births.Conclusions: Prevalence of twin pregnancy was 20/1000 deliveries. Twin pregnancies were seen to be more in the younger age group. Preterm labor, diabetes and hypertension were the main complications with cesarean the most common mode of delivery. Dichorionicity led to less fetal complications and low perinatal mortality.
A clinical study of ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary care centre in Central India
Authors: Shrivastava Mridula , Parashar Hemlata , Modi Jyoti Nath
Published: May 2017

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is an obstetric emergency with high morbidity and mortality. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is on a rise globally. Risk factors and causes for ectopic pregnancy may vary with the setting and geographically.Methods: A retrospective analysis of all operated ectopic pregnancies over a 5-year period; between June 2011 to May 2016, was done. Surgically confirmed cases were included in this study and a detailed analysis of presenting symptoms, age, parity and high risk factors was carried out.Results: A total of 50 patients were operated for ectopic pregnancy at our hospital during the study period. Analysis was done for 47 of these due to incomplete data for 3 patients. Majority (62%) of patients belonged to the age group 20-29 years and were gravida 3 and above. Ninety two percent were ruptured ectopic. Sixty two percent ectopic pregnancies were on right side. The common presenting complaints were pain in abdomen (81%) and bleeding/spotting per vaginum (43%). The mean duration between onset of symptoms and reporting to hospital was one and a half day and the average time between admission to hospital and surgery was 9 hours. The ectopic pregnancies were managed surgically in all cases. No obvious risk factors were identified in 34% patients. Among the remaining, previous MTP (17%), previous ectopic (9%) and PID (7%) were identified risk factors. There was no mortality.Conclusions: Surgical treatment was done more often because of patients reporting late to the hospital. Screening of high risk cases, early diagnosis and early intervention reduces the morbidity and mortality in ectopic pregnancies.
Review of caesarean sections at full dilatation
Authors: Babre Vijaya Monish , Bendre Kirti Rajesh , Niyogi Geeta
Published: May 2017

Background: To study indications of second stage caesarean section. To study intraoperative and postoperative complications. To review maternal and perinatal outcome.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary teaching Institute. All second stage caesarean sections performed between a period 2008 to 2012 were analysed in terms of duration of 2nd stage of labour, instrumentation attempted prior to caesarean section, indication of caesarean-section, Intraoperative complications, maternal and perinatal outcome.Results: During the study period 2760, caesarean sections were performed out of them 61 were 2nd stage caesarean section. Out of 61 Caeserean 14 were given prior instrumental trial, followed by 2nd stage caesarean section. Intraoperative complications were higher in terms of blood loss, primary PPH, extension of uterine incision, in one case bladder injury was noticed. Patwardhan method was used in 23% cases for delivery deeply engaged head. Atonic PPH was seen in 11.5% of patiants.3.3% of patients had extension of uterine incision. 54% baby’s required NICU care. Increased incidence of post-operative febrile illness and wound infection were noted.Conclusions: Caeseraen section in the 2nd stage of labour is associated with significantly increased maternal morbidity. Neonatal morbidity and mortality also increases. A proper judgement is required by a skilled obstetrician to take a decision for instrumental delivery or ceaseraen section at full cervical dilatation.
A cross sectional study on willingness and acceptance of postpartum sterilization by mothers at a tertiary hospital
Authors: Gunasingh T. K. Shaanthy , Meena T. S. , Mothilal R.
Published: May 2017

Background: India was the first country in the world to launch the Family Planning Programme in 1951. Despite this fact, India still lags behind in practicing contraception and limiting family size. Even though various measures for encouraging the usage of contraception have been taken up, the achievement in this field is not up to the expectation due to various social and cultural factors. The aim of our study is to estimate the prevalence of awareness, willingness and acceptance of postpartum sterilization among mothers who delivered with two and more children before discharge at a tertiary hospital.Methods: It is a cross sectional study using the survey data on uncovered mothers who are discharged without accepting sterilization and mothers who underwent sterilization in a tertiary hospital.Results: Total number of mothers with 2 and more living children was 231. All the mothers were aware of female sterilization method. Only 38.5% mothers underwent sterilization. 66.9% of mothers stated willingness for sterilization but not done among the uncovered mothers with 2 and more children. This disparity was due to various medical reasons (pediatric opinion 57.7%, anesthetist opinion 0.7%, not treated within 7 days of delivery 8.5%).Conclusions: In our study, the awareness of female sterilization in women was 100%. 79.6% of them were willing for sterilization. Women willing for sterilization were more in caesarean section (45.4%) than in women who delivered vaginally (34.2%).
Association of adverse pregnancy outcome and domestic/intimate partner violence
Authors: Jagtap Vijyeta R. , Samant Padmaja Y.
Published: May 2017

Background: Domestic/intimate partner violence is not a mere household issue. It is a global phenomenon that occurs in all the countries and cuts across all strata, races and countries. Apart from being an issue of human/individual rights, it also has major health consequences. The main aim of this study is to stress the need of screening and detecting violence in antenatal women.Methods: This was a questionnaire based observational cross sectional study done at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India over a span of one year. A total of 200 antenatal/postnatal patients seeking healthcare were enrolled after an informed consent with approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Percentages of various parameters were analysed. Test of significance was Chi square test and Odd’s ratio (p <0.05).Results: Prevalence of domestic/intimate partner violence in our study was 12.5% and 7% in the group with normal pregnancy outcome and 18% in group with adverse pregnancy outcome. It was found that violence was more prevalent in age group of 21 to 30 years, love marriages, nuclear families, lower educational level of partner, addiction in partner, unplanned pregnancies, lower economic conditions and families supporting dowry and gender bias and allowing freedom of choice and contraception.Conclusions: Need for routine screening for violence in women of reproductive age group with vulnerable subset of pregnant women. Creating awareness/sensitivity amongst healthcare professionals and to train them to identify and help these women.
A study of cases of rupture uterus in a tertiary medical college of Jharkhand, India
Authors: Kamal Samarina , Singh Shashibala
Published: May 2017

Background: Uterine rupture is a grave condition which is almost fatal for fetus. The most common risk factor for the uterine rupture is previous uterine surgery. Other major factors are obstructed labor, multiparity, use of uterotonic drugs, placenta percreta and rarely intrauterine manipulations such as internal podalic version and breech extraction.Methods: This study was conducted over a period from March 2014 to September 2015, in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, RIMS Ranchi, Jharkhand. All cases of rupture uterus, who were either admitted with or who developed this complication in the hospital, were included in the study.Results: There were 80 cases of rupture uterus out of 10474 deliveries. The incidence of rupture uterus was more (97.5%) in cases who had no previous antenatal checkup at all. Most of cases of previous caesarean section scar rupture during labour was lower segment caesarean section scar (94.11%). The most common causes of traumatic rupture were injudicious use of oxytocics (75%). Majority of cases of rupture uterus were of complete type (96.25%). The most frequent site of rupture was in the anterior wall of lower segment in 68.75% of cases. The maternal mortality rate cases of rupture uterus were 3.75%.Conclusions: Proper antenatal care and updated training courses of health care providers should be stressed to prevent this catastrophic but avoidable complication.
Effect of case-based learning in reproductive physiology on cognitive domain scores of first-year medical students in Western India
Authors: Bhattacharya Srabani N. , Malgaonkar Aniruddha A. , Kartikeyan Sundaram
Published: May 2017

Background: The Medical Council of India has recommended early clinical exposure, problem-oriented approach and case-based learning throughout the graduate medical curriculum. Case-based learning is a teaching-learning model that helps effective use of student and faculty time.Methods: This complete-enumeration, before-and-after type of educational intervention study (without controls) was conducted in a municipal medical college in Western India. After explaining the objectives of the study to first-year medical students, aged 18 years and above, of either sex, written informed consent was obtained from students (n=55) who were willing to participate in the study. The pre-test was conducted after lectures by faculty from the Departments of Physiology and Community Medicine. An identical post-test was administered after case-based learning, which was conducted by the same faculty in two sub-groups. The outcome studied was the difference in cognitive domain scores after attending lectures (by a pre-test) and case-based learning (by a post-test).Results: The overall mean score increased from 5.36 ± 0.97 (95% CI: 5.11 - 5.62) in the pre-test to 6.49 ± 1.14 (95% CI: 6.19 - 6.79) in the post-test. The differences between the pre- and post-test correct responses were statistically significant for two questions.Conclusions: The participating first-year medical students had adequate basic knowledge of reproductive physiology. Gender differences in correct responses were statistically significant for few questions. Use of case scenarios enhanced cognitive domain scores.
Electrocardiographic profile of patients with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
Authors: Desai Devika , S. Madhva Prasad
Published: May 2017

Background: Preeclampsia in pregnancy is a frequently encountered entity. Recent evidence suggests that preeclampsia can be considered as a screening test for future cardiovascular problems and abnormalities in pregnancy may help in counselling patients regarding future risk of cardiovascular problems. Electrocardiography (ECG) is a simple tool for detecting cardiovascular problems. While physiological changes in the ECG in pregnancy have been documented, the pattern of ECG in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is not adequately studied in India. This formed the basis of the study.Methods: 140 patients who have been diagnosed as gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia during the pregnancy were studied in the antenatal period. An ECG (non-portable, standard, 12 lead) available in the hospital was done, and the ECG was reported by the physician on-call.Results: The average age distribution of the patients was 28.26 years. Majority of the patients in the study were primigravidae. 35% of the patients were more than 37 weeks of gestation. 20 patients showed electrocardiographic abnormalities. The most common abnormality was sinus tachycardia and left axis deviation.Conclusions: ECG abnormalities are seen in 14.2% of preeclamptic women. ECG abnormalities in preeclamptic women studied had no relation to the maternal age, gestational age; parity and use of antihypertensives.
A rare case presentation of an anomalous uterus mimicking ovarian tumour
Authors: M. Mohanambal , Sheelaa Wills G.
Published: May 2017

Mullerian anomalies occur in 1:1000-3000 females. Uterus didelphys and obstructed hemangioma with a septum contribute to 10% anomalies. Young girls present with severe dysmenorrhea, hematometra, hematocolpos and recurrent pregnancy loss. A 16-year-old teenager presented like a torsion of complex ovarian tumour is presented here. Intra operative findings was uterus didelphys with well-developed 2 horns, tubes and ovaries. On left ovary, a hemorrhagic corpus luteal cyst of size 5.2*4cm was seen with 50ml of hemoperitoneum. Diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically. This case is reported for the unusual presentation of an anomalous uterus mimicking torsion ovarian tumour.
A challenging case of SLE associated with intrahepatic cholestasis and atypical Wilson's disease
Authors: Kankanala Jyoti
Published: May 2017

We herewith present a case of SLE which reflects that appropriate Multidisciplinary approach gives good outcome inspite of risk factors including prematurity. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) an autoimmune disease in itself a high-risk factor along with intrahepatic cholestasis and atypical wilson's disease it’s a tough journey for clinicians as well as the family but good timely intervention by appriopriate investigations gave an excellent outcome. Emergency LSCS was performed for pathological CTG at 31 weeks, mother and child followed up for a year and a half then we are reporting this case.
A comparative study of collagenase ointment versus povidone-iodine dressing in non-healing ulcers
Authors: Bhedi Amul , Panchal Mithun , Patel Hitesh , Sarkar Arnab
Published: May 2017

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate effect of collagenase ointment and povidone-iodine on non-healing ulcer in the form of duration of ulcer covered with red granulation tissue and total hospital stay.Methods: The Study was conducted on 80 patients admitted in Surgery Department, SSG Hospital and Medical College Baroda, Gujarat, India during November 2006 to October 2008. All ulcers due to trauma, chronic ulcer or infected ulcer following debridement and incision and drainage were included in this study. In group A were wounds dressed in collagenase ointment and in group B were wounds dressed in povidone-iodine ointment till second surgery or complete healing. All data from both groups were collected and analyzed by chi-square test.Results: In this study, there was no difference in age distribution (p=0.62, p>0.05) with similar male to female ratio in both groups and also no significant difference in distribution of wounds size in both groups (p=0.92, p>0.05). Average size of wound in group A was 43 sq. cm and group B was 44 sq. cm. The significant difference was seen on floor of ulcer by healthy granulation which came on an average of within 11days in group A and within 18 days in group B (p=0.005, p<0.05). There was also a significant difference in average hospital stay, which was 25 days in group A and 35 days in group B (p=0.01, p<0.05).Conclusions:Collagenase ointment is clinically more efficient as a topical dressing and lowers the morbidity by reducing the hospital stay and the duration of dressing by promoting healing in non-healing wounds than povidine-iodine ointment.
Observational study on association between serum thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroid malignancy
Authors: K. Arun , K. Santhosh Nayak , Gowda Suhas
Published: May 2017

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and its incidence continues to rise. Thyroid carcinoma in most cases presents clinically as a solitary nodule or as a dominant nodule within a multinodular thyroid gland. There are a number of well-established of predictors of malignancy in thyroid nodules. More recently studies have suggested that higher concentration of TSH, even within the normal range are associated with subsequent diagnosis of thyroid cancer in patients with thyroid nodules and even higher serum TSH levels have been found associated with advanced stages of thyroid cancer. Objectives were to determine the association between serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration and thyroid cancer and to estimate serum TSH levels in different stages of thyroid malignancy.Methods: A hospital based observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for a period of 2 year. 120 patients presenting with thyroid nodule without an overt thyroid dysfunction during the study period were included in the study. Chi-square was used as test of significance. Independent t test was the test of significance for quantitative data between two groups.Results: In the study majority of thyroid cancer patients (106 out of 120) had serum TSH concentrations ranging 1.71mIU/L-5.5mIU/L i.e. within normal range but towards higher range. Mean serum TSH concentrations was significantly high in advanced stages of carcinoma. Mean Serum TSH was high in Stage III and Stage IV (5.17±1.36mIU/l) compared to stage I and II (4.03±1.87mIU/l).Conclusions: The study concludes that TSH levels were in the Upper reference range in majority of thyroid malignancies and high levels of serum TSH concentrations associated with advanced stage of thyroid cancer.
A rare gigantic primary epithelial cyst of spleen in an adolescent boy
Authors: N. Kiran George , Balachandran Gayatri , Mohan L. N.
Published: May 2017

Cysts arising from spleen are a rare clinical entity, with their discovery usually being incidental. We present a case of the largest reported primary epithelial cyst of spleen. In present study a 16-year-old child presented with abdominal distension for 1 month associated with abdominal pain for 2 weeks. On examination, a mass was felt in the epigastrium, left hypochondrium and left flank, extending across from the right midclavicular line to the left midaxillary line, and extended inferiorly till 6cm caudal to umbilicus. CT abdomen revealed a unilocular cyst of 17x20x24cm arising from the spleen with a volume of 3700ml. Splenectomy was performed; intra-operatively there was a huge splenic cyst measuring 30x30x30cm. Histopathological examination was diagnostic of Primary congenital epithelial cyst of the spleen. Till date the largest congenital splenic cyst documented in literature is 20 cm × 13 cm × 21 cm, as reported by Valentina et al, in 2014. Present specimen bests this previous case considerably.
Jejunal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: a rare entity
Authors: Chaudhary Tarun , Singh Santosh Kumar , Harsh Meena
Published: May 2017

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is one of the rare solid tumor occurring in children. Main stay of treatment is surgical resection and in some corticosteroids or NSAIDS may be useful. Here, a case of 3-year-old female with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of jejunum is presented, that was evaluated clinically, investigated radiologically and finally histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. No complications occurred at peri and postoperative period. The patient was on regular follow-up and no recurrence had been documented yet in 1 year of follow up. In this article, we reviewed the literature for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.
Chief complaints of patients seeking treatment for Periodontitis
Authors: Grover Vishakha , Malhotra Ranjan , Kapoor Anoop , Kaur Gagandeep , Kaur Rose Kanwaljeet , Kaur Sa Jasjit
Published: May 2017

Aim: To determine and analyse the most common chief complaints associated with chronic periodontitis in patients suffering from periodontal disease in Derabassi, Punjab, India. Materials and Methods: Dental records of 7680 patients were examined. Categorisation of all the subjects on the basis of periodontal diagnosis, age and gender was carried out. The various chief complaints reported at first visit were grouped into 3 major groups based on patient perception. A rank order was created based upon the frequency of chief complaints and number of chief complaints per subject and analysed. Results: Out of total (20750) 13 chief complaints recorded, only 5 were considered periodontitis symptoms and the remaining chief complaints were related to esthetics/ dental emergencies according to patient perception. Periodontitis symptom, as chief complaint was maximum for age group 41-50 years and female category, and the difference observed was statistically highly significant. Conclusion: Deposits, stains and bleeding gums were the first, second and the third most common chief complaints respectively in the study population and most of them were related to esthetics according to patient’s perception. This information should be utilised for enhancing awareness in general public for early diagnosis and effective periodontal treatment in early stages of periodontitis.
My Story of Sal: A Critical Self-reflective Autoethnography Revealing Whiteness in the Classroom
Authors: Wood Craig Anthony
Published: May 2017

My purpose for conducting the critical self-reflective research described in this article was a desire to improve my effectiveness as a teacher in the field of First Peoples’ education. The impetus for undertaking this research was a critical incident in my teaching career that I refer to as My Story of Sal. Writing autoethnographically, I use personal narrative as method, and show My Story of Sal as a representation of curriculum and pedagogy in my teaching praxis. I apply a critical lens of whiteness studies to the narrative to reveal whiteness in my classroom.
University-Industry Partnership in New Energy Vehicle Industry in China
Authors: Yuanjian Qin , Mkhitaryan Davit
Published: May 2017

As universities gradually became the center of society’s knowledge production system, their role in innovation becomes more diverse. In the pursuit of such a role, universities are encouraged to establish a university-industry collaboration context that supports faculties and students to engage in entrepreneurial activities. The intention of this paper is to investigate the drivers of such collaborations in China in new energy vehicle industry. The current theory is supported by the outcomes of Probit regression, putting emphasis on R&D intensity, openness to Research and Development as determined by the variety of partners and higher access to information channels of R&D.
New Insights of Profile Oriented Marketing and Adaption Management for a Future-Oriented City Development
Authors: Reschreiter Rebecca
Published: May 2017

The world is changing fast, and cities are facing complex transitions in economic, social and environmental areas. Therefore, the design of city systems will play an essential role in shaping a sustainable, innovative and livable future. Adaptive urban profiling was recently presented as a useful tool for municipals to enhance sustainable city development. It builds upon profile oriented marketing while including elements of adaption management. Thus, city managers can increase their cities attractiveness by providing it with a clear profile that is recognized around the world on the one hand, while flexibly adapting to change if necessary. Only an integrated approach that puts people first can hope to succeed on a global scale. In this paper, an action-oriented model for strengthening and accelerating futureoriented city development is designed in the light of current and future challenges of urbanization. Already existing successful marketing, i.e. profile-oriented marketing, and management models, i.e. adaptive management are adapted from organizations and are sharpened and enriched in their application to cities. The focus lies on the usability of these marketing concepts to increase the sustainability and development quality of urban spaces within city structures. This work addresses city planners and public managers and shall help them prioritize and tackle next innovative and future steps to establish and foster a clearly structured future vision and profile to guarantee a high quality of living and sustainable urban development. A new dynamic profiling model, i.e. the adaptive urban profiling model, shall increase the visibility and uniqueness of competitive sustainable and future-oriented urban structures and provide solutions to optimize the urban living environment.
Robust Statistical Analysis of Long-Term Performance For Sharia-Compliant Companies in Malaysia Stock Exchange
Authors: Abu Bakar Nashirah , Rosbi Sofian
Published: May 2017

In the year of 2016, Malaysia faced with the challenge in instability of economic condition. This situation weakens Malaysian currency that gives direct impact to all economic sectors in Malaysia. Consequently, this situation gives significant impact on the performance of the sharia-compliant companies listed on the Malaysia Stock Exchange. Therefore, this research validates the long-term performance of share price using market adjusted buy and hold return (MABHR). Then, this study performed normality test to check the distribution of data for return and volatility. Next, correlation analysis performed to validate the relationship between return and volatility. The results show that the Solid Automotive Berhad gives the highest rate of return with respect to the market. While UMW Oil & Gas Corporation Berhad shows the lowest rate of return with respect to the market. The finding of this research helps economists to understand the market trend in empirical thinking. In addition, it also helps the investors to understand the market and make the right decision in investing during this challenging situation.
Metodyka opracowywania scenariuszy wspomagających podejmowanie strategicznych decyzji w sektorze gospodarki wodnej
Authors: Dubel Anna
Published: May 2017

Celem artykułu jest prezentacja metody opracowywania scenariuszy wspomagających podejmowanie strategicznych decyzji w sektorze gospodarki wodnej, z uwzględnieniem zmian klimatycznych, w relacji do innych metod scenariuszowych tego typu, aby omówić proces tworzenia scenariuszy, ich użyteczność i możliwe zastosowania, a także słabe i mocne strony procesu pod kątem efektywnego stosowania metod scenariuszowych w przyszłości. Przestawiono uzasadnienie potrzeby stosowania tych metod i ich użyteczność. Dokonano przeglądu i klasyfikacji implementowanych na świecie i w Polsce metod scenariuszowych dotyczących strategicznych kwestii rozwojowych sektora gospodarki wodnej, z uwzględnieniem zmian klimatycznych na bazie wybranych projektów, w których zastosowano takie metody. Omówiono proces tworzenia scenariuszy, zidentyfikowano jego słabe i mocne strony oraz przedstawiono rekomendacje dla efektywnego stosowania metod scenariuszowych w przyszłości.
Szkoły matematyczne w międzywojennej Polsce i ich związki z nauką światową
Authors: Przeniosło Małgorzata
Published: May 2017

W okresie międzywojennym polscy matematycy stworzyli dwie prężne szkoły matematyczne – w Warszawie i we Lwowie. W Warszawie twórcami byli: Wacław Sierpiński, Zygmunt Janiszewski, Stefan Mazurkiewicz, a we Lwowie – Hugo Steinhaus i Stefan Banach. Mimo nieistnienia przez wiele lat państwa polskiego i związanych z tym niekorzystnych warunków do rozwoju rodzimej nauki obie szkoły szybko zanotowały znaczące osiągnięcia. Źródłem tego sukcesu było zarówno wpisanie się szkół w nowe trendy w uprawianiu matematyki i założenie odpowiadających im specjalistycznych czasopism – „Fundamenta Mathematicae” oraz „Studia Mathematica”, jak i mnogość zagranicznych podróży naukowych. Oba czasopisma odniosły międzynarodowy sukces i szybko zostały uznane przez obcokrajowców jako odpowiednie forum do prezentacji własnych badań. „Fundamenta Mathematicae” stały się jednym z najważniejszych na świecie periodyków poświęconych teorii mnogości, „Studia Mathematica” – analizie funkcjonalnej. Czasopisma budowały renomę polskiej szkoły matematycznej, a wraz z jej wzrostem coraz więcej jej przedstawicieli było zapraszanych przez zagraniczne ośrodki naukowe, zarówno na krótkie pobyty, jak i całe cykle wykładów. Coraz więcej zagranicznych uczonych, zarówno znanych profesorów, jak i stypendystów, przyjeżdżało też do Warszawy i Lwowa, by współpracować z tamtejszymi matematykami, wygłaszać wykłady czy uczestniczyć w konferencjach.
Effect of management systems and seasons on sperm abnormalities in Jamunapari bucks semen
Authors: Ramachandran N. , Singh N. P.
Published: May 2017

The sperm morphology of Jamunapari bucks reared under stall feeding (SF) and grazing cum supplementation (GS) systems was studied for continuous one year. The overall LSM for the head, midpiece, tail and total abnormal sperms were 0.95, 0.09, 0.41 and 1.97%, irrespective of management systems and seasons. The sperm head, midpiece, tail and total abnormality was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in semen of GS bucks as compared to SF bucks. The mean head abnormal sperms irrespective of management systems were 0.71, 0.73 and 1.50 % in rainy, winter and summer seasons, respectively. The respective values for midpiece, tail and total abnormality were observed to be 0.24, 0.04, 0.05%; 0.67, 0.32, 0.30% and 2.05, 1.53, 2.38%. Analysis of variance indicated that all the sperm abnormalities varied significantly (P less than 0.01) among seasons. The results suggest that stall feeding and winter season is superior for harvesting spermatozoa with lower sperm abnormalities than other seasons and GS systems.
Genetic analysis of performance traits in Harnali sheep
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Dahiya S. P. , Malik Z. S. , Patil C. S. , Magotra Ankit
Published: May 2017

Harnali sheep is a new synthetic strain developed for superior carpet wool, better growth and adaptability. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the Harnali sheep for seven performance traits namely birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), six month body weight (SMW) , yearling body weight (YBW), adult body weight (ABW), age at first lambing (AFL) and grease fleece weight (GFW) with a mixed model methodology. The overall least squares means for BW, WW, SMW, YBW, ABW, GFW and AFL were estimated as 3.51±0.58 kg, 13.61±0.22 kg, 19.45±0.24 kg, 27.26±0.31 kg, 37.90±0.34 kg, 1662.65±35.46 gm and 789.98±10.40 days, respectively. The period of birth had significant effect on all the performance traits except GFW. The effect of sex was found significant on all the performance traits. The male lambs were significantly heavier than females at all ages. The effect of dam’s age at lambing was found non-significant on all the performance traits but dam’s weight at lambing significantly influenced all the performance traits and indicated heavier lambs born from heavier ewes. Heritability estimates were high for BW, WW, SMW, YBW, ABW and GFW as 0.68±0.19, 0.49±0.17, 0.65±0.15, 0.44±0.17, 0.42±0.17 and 0.54±0.17, respectively while moderate estimates was obtained for AFL as 0.38±0.16. The phenotypic correlations of WW and SMW were significant and positive with BW, YBW and ABW with moderate to high in magnitude ranging from 0.22±0.04 to 0.71±0.07. The phenotypic correlation between BW and SMW was high and positive (0.71±0.07). The genetic correlations among performance traits were low to high ranging from -0.03±0.04 to 0.61±0.12. Keeping in view the heritability and genetic correlations among performance traits it is concluded that SMW can serve as a good selection criterion in sheep at early age as it has high heritability and positive and high correlations with body weights at later ages and favourable correlation with age at first lambing.
Seminal characteristics and lipids metabolites in hair rams supplemented with two types of fats
Authors: Luna-Palomera Carlos , Aguilar-Cabrales Julio Armando , Peralta-Torres Jorge Alonso , Bottini-Luzardo María , Sánchez-Dávila Fernando , Blé-Castillo Jorge Luis , Maldonado-García Noel Mauricio
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the supplementation with palm oil (PO) and chicken fat (CF) on the seminal characteristics, testosterone, glucose and lipid metabolites levels in hair rams. Fats in the diet is the principal source of fatty acids and cholesterol (CHOL) for the steroid hormones synthesis involved in the reproductive processes. Seminal characteristics, levels of testosterone, glucose and lipids metabolites, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS) and scrotal circumference (SC) were evaluated inhair rams supplemented with 30 g animal-1 d-1 of PO (n=4) or CF (n=4) for 90 d. Apart from semen vitality which was higher in CF group than in PO group, differences between treatments in any other parameter were not found. In hair rams, PO and CF can be integrated interchangeably in the diet without prejudice to the seminal characteristics, testosterone, glucose or lipid metabolites
Influencia de la prismación en el postoperatorio de exotropias intermitentes en niños de 2 a 11 años de edad
Authors: Ronderos E. Neida Esperanza , Galvis Alfonso
Published: May 2017

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en niños de 2 a 11 años de edad, examinados en el Departamento de Oftalmología de la Clínica Colsubsidio entre el 1 de abril de 2004 y el 1 de abril de 2005, con exotropias intermitentes primarias entre 20 y 40 dioptrías prismáticas. Como criterio de inclusión se tuvo en cuenta, la edad, el ángulo de la desviación, que no presentaran ambliopía ni síndromes alfabéticos asociados; se excluyeron las exotropias secundarias y pacientes intervenidos con cirugía previamente. El propósito del estudio fue comparar la influencia de la prismación en el preoperatorio y su efecto en el resultado postoperatorio. La muestra fue distribuida aleatoriamente en dos grupos, uno de los cuales fue prismado con prismas de Fresnel por 4 semanas mientras el otro grupo no. Se evaluó el resultado postoperatorio en los dos grupos y se tuvo en cuenta la probabilidad de reintervenciones quirúrgicas en pacientes hipo corregidos. Aunque estadísticamente no hubo una diferencia significativa en la respuesta de ambos grupos, el riesgo de reoperaciones fue menor en el grupo prismado. Todos los pacientes mejoraron la estereopsis en el postoperatorio, los rangos de estereopsis fina fueron mejores en el grupo prismado.
Identificación de factores individuales que pueden desencadenar accidentes oculares en el Instituto Técnico Industrial Piloto (ITIP) de Bogotá
Authors: Jimenez Barbosa Ingrid Astrid , Morales Bonilla Viviana , Herrera Gamboa Diego Armando
Published: May 2017

El propósito de esta investigación, es identificar y describir los diferentes factores individuales que pueden desencadenar accidentes oculares en un colegio de bachillerato técnico, donde se capacitan para ejercer un oficio o arte en el futuro. Se realizo un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo de los talleres de mecánica industrial, mecánica automotriz y metalistería, de los grados octavo, noveno y décimo, del Instituto Técnico Industrial Piloto (ITIP) de Bogotá al grupo de estudio de las jornadas mañana y tarde. Se aplico una encuesta con cuatro preguntas abiertas a 10 estudiantes de cada curso y, en las dos jornadas, las preguntas evaluaban puntos importantes como el uso de los equipos de protección, el cumplimiento de las normas de señalización, la accidentalidad ocular con el uso o no de los elementos así como la comodidad de los mismos y las posibles modificaciones. Las respuestas estaban orientadas hacia el autocuidado, obediencia del seguimiento de las normas, la experiencia teniendo en cuenta que no utilizan los elementos de protección personal y que aun así no han sufrido accidentes oculares, además el 33,3% opinaron que los equipos son incómodos, el 25% le modificarían su peso, el material 18,3%, tamaño 16,6%, su parte estética 15% y entre otros 25%. La Optometría tiene muchos campos de acción y el área de salud ocupacional es una de ellas, y es precisamente allí donde se debe crear conciencia de la importancia, tanto de los factores de riesgo visuales, como los posibles traumas oculares que se puede sufrir en cualquier realización de labores.
Riesgos visuales en laboratorios ópticos y plan de selección de elementos de protección personal visual
Authors: Rojas Triana Johanna Isabel , Sastoque Torres Maritza Andrea
Published: May 2017

Al hacer una observación del personal que labora en varios laboratorios ópticos de Bogotá, se encontró la necesidad de seleccionar los equipos de protección personal visual adecuados para los trabajadores de dichos laboratorios, por la posibilidad de exposición, ya que estos están expuestos en su puesto de trabajo a diversos factores de riesgo que pueden afectar su salud visual y ocular, tales como: factores químicos, manejo de químicos, factores mecánicos y riesgos físicos visuales. La presente investigación se propuso determinar el grado de peligrosidad y repercusión visual, con el fin de recopilar la información suficiente que permitiera el diseño de un plan de selección de equipos de protección personal visual para prevenir los riesgos que generan accidentes oculares en el personal técnico de los laboratorios ópticos. Se realizo un estudio descriptivo, con una población de 28 trabajadores de 7 laboratorios ópticos ubicados en la ciudad de Bogotá en los sectores de Chapinero y el Centro (Avenida 19). El análisis y recolección de datos se realizo por medio de: una ficha de identificación del puesto, matriz de riesgos y un panorama de riesgos para cada uno de los laboratorios; por ultimo se realizo una matriz general de riesgos y un panorama general de riesgos. Se concluyo que los factores de riesgo mecánicos como la proyección de partículas y químicos como el rocío en los puestos de descantillado y biselado son los que poseen el mayor grado de peligrosidad y el factor de riesgo físico en el puesto de coloreado y soldador de punto, son los que poseen el mayor grado de repercusión, además de verificar que los Elementos de Protección Personal (EPP) visuales no son utilizados por los trabajadores de los laboratorios ópticos.
Communication as an Educational Skill in School Units of the 21st Century: A Survey Research
Authors: Raptou Evangelia , Stamatis Panagiotis J. , Raptis Nikolaos
Published: May 2017

Awareness about values of communication skills and the necessity for their cultivation brought them into foreground of educational field. Thus, they are qualified as a basic framework for the creation of modern democratic, intercultural and open schools to the world. Communication is recognized as a basic social skill by the program P21 Framework for the 21st Century Learning and by thousands of teachers and hundreds of schools in the US and many other countries. Since communication skills are related to many aspects of modern Greek educational situation, such as teaching, school administration, evaluation and development of good interpersonal relationships, the main purpose of this paper is the presentation of a survey research about communicative behavior of secondary education teachers and school heads, the depiction and enhancement of their communication style and the assessment of their views in regards to importance of communication skills in carrying out their professional role. Results of the research showed that teachers recognize to themselves very good communication skills, including advocate active listening, collaboration development ability and empathy.
Mechanism Analysis of Well Interference in Unconventional Reservoirs: Insights From Fracture-Geometry Simulation Between Two Horizontal Wells
Authors: Wu Kan , Wu Biyi , Yu Wei
Published: May 2017

Well interference is a common phenomenon between wells observed in unconventional reservoirs, which has received significant attention. It plays an important role in well-spacing considerations.

Massive hydraulic fractures are generated in horizontal wells by multistage hydraulic-fracturing treatments and result in well interference between adjacent wells. However, very little work has been completed to understand how massive fractures cause well interference. In this study, we analyzed dynamic-stress evolution and multiple-fracture propagation from two horizontal wells to improve understanding of fracture hits.

We used our newly developed nonplanar hydraulic-fracturing model that couples rock deformation and fluid flow in the fracture and horizontal wellbore. Fracture propagation in a stage is controlled by stress-shadow effects and flow-rate distribution between fractures. Fracture interaction within a stage and from adjacent wells is considered through a simplified 3D displacement discontinuity method. Well interference is well communication caused by fracture hits. Because of varying stress reorientation, fractures propagate toward each other from two adjacent wells, and fracture tips always tend to converge with each other and decrease fracture distance, which promotes fracture coalescence. For plug-and-perforate completion, multiple fractures in a stage generally cannot uniformly develop. Dominant fractures with extremely long length are often generated and hit fractures from adjacent wells. Fracture hits and well interference are induced by these two mechanisms, which are affected by fracture spacing and the differential stress (DS) of reservoirs. Results show that the larger the fracturing spacing is, the smaller the likelihood is to induce fracture connection. A large DS can prevent fractures from deviating from their original paths. For a reservoir with a large DS, fracture hits can be decreased with a stagger distance of fractures between two wells. This work uses a hydraulic-fracturing model to analyze fracture geometry between two horizontal wells and offers improved understanding of fracture connection. The results of the study provide critical insights to improve well interference and to optimize well spacing and design of multiwell completion techniques.