bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of Laser Surgery and Radiotherapy in Early Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Rahman Md Mostafizur , Siddiquee Belayat Hossain , Karim Md Afzal , Rahman Tawfiqur , Nihar Fatema , Kamal Mohammad Shah
Published: December 2014

The study was undertaken to compare between surgery and radiotherapy in early carcinoma larynx (T1N0). 60 cases of early carcinoma larynx were selected purposive sampling technique from all the patients of carcinoma larynx admitted into Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University,Dhaka; Dhaka Medical College Hospital,Dhaka; Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka; Taqwah Specialized Hospital,Dhaka from January 2010 to June 2011. Carcinoma of the larynx is the most common cancer affecting the head and neck region. The main aim of this study was to determine whether there was any difference in the two main therapeutic options. The secondary aim was to assess speech and voice quality in a small, randomized sample of patients from each treatment group. The subjects investigated were 60 patients with T1N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. 30 patients were treated by irradiation, and 30 were treated with surgery. The primary outcome measures were recurrence at the primary site, recurrence in the neck. The secondary outcome measure was speech and voice quality. Surgery included laser assisted partial laryngectomy and various minor procedures on the glottis, including cordectomy. Surgery was more likely to be carried out for supraglottic disease. Result showed 16.67% of the irradiation group had a primary site recurrence compared with 20.0% in the surgery group at 12th months (p = 0.59) and 6.67% of those who were treated with irradiation had a recurrence in the neck. 16.67% of patients in the surgery group had a recurrence in the neck (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in primary site recurrence rates for the two treatment modalities, but regional recurrence was higher in the surgery group. Regarding speech and voice quality, radiotherapy was far superior to surgery. All patients in the radiotherapy group but only 3 of 10 in the surgery group were judged to have a good or normal voice (p = .0017). Both surgery and irradiation are equally effective at treating early laryngeal carcinoma but Speech and voice quality were significantly better in patients treated by irradiation than those treated by surgery. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v26i1.21312 Medicine Today 2014 Vol.26(1): 41-45
Organophosphorus Compounds Poisoning: Picture in Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarkar Devendra Nath , Hossain Md Ismail , Ahmed Mainuddinin , Shaheduzzaman AKM , Mohammad Nur
Published: December 2014

Organophosphorus compounds (OPC) poisoning is a major public health problem in low and middle income countries. The incidence varies from country to country depending on easy availability of poison, socio-economic condition and educational background of the people. This study aimed to determine the frequency, outcome and aetiological aspect of OPC poisoning patient admitted in Rangpur medical college hospital. It was a cross sectional study carried out in the department of Medicine, Rangpur medical college hospital from 1st December 2011 to 30th November, 2012. During the study period a total of 703 patients have been studied. The most of the patients were between the age of 18- 40 years (91.9%), male (51.6%), married (71.3%) and from rural areas (67.8%). People of different occupations were involved in OPC poisoning, house-wives were the maximum (33.6%) followed by farmers (31.7%). 92% cases were suicidal and 8% accidental. Familial disharmony was the prime cause (92.3%) of suicidal motive. 88% of the patients were survived and 5% died. OPC poisoning is an important health care problem in our country. Improved awareness, restricting availability and banning more toxic organophosphorus compounds will reduce the incidence of OPC poisoning. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v26i1.21313 Medicine Today 2014 Vol.26(1): 46-48
Anemia in Pregnancy
Authors: Chowdhury Salma , Rahman Mizanur , Moniruddin ABM
Published: December 2014

Anemia is the commonest hematological disorder that occurs in pregnancy. According to the recent standard laid down by WHO, anemia is present when the Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in the peripheral blood is 11 gm/dl or less. The most common cause of anemia in pregnancy is lack of iron. Less often, it is caused by folic acid deficiency. In some populations, 80% of pregnant women are anemic. Those most at risk are women from low socio-economic groups and teenagers. Anemia is diagnosed by estimating the hemoglobin concentration and examining a peripheral blood smear for the characteristic red blood cell changes. Iron and folate supplementation is indicated during pregnancy to prevent the complications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v26i1.21314 Medicine Today 2014 Vol.26(1): 49-52
Human Genome Project- A Review
Authors: Roushan Tanvir , Ahmed Dilruba , Ali Md Roushon
Published: December 2014

Biotechnology and genetic engineering has advanced medical science so that we are now blessed with treatments of numerous diseases with the gene therapy. Mapping and sequencing of human genome was started in 1989 and ended in 2003. The genome project aimed to find out the function of every gene in human body and replace any gene that is mutated and causes disease. This is a review of the process by which the actual sequencing was done. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v26i1.21315 Medicine Today 2014 Vol.26(1): 53-55
Early Recognition and Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ahmed Sheikh Salahuddin , Rizwan Md Abu Saleh Mohammad , Khan Md Abdul Mahid , Laila Tarafdar Runa , Hafez Md Abdul
Published: December 2014

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a progressive condition and is an important cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD) as well as a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This paper reviews various evidence based clinical guidelines, scientific papers and research studies on early detection and treatment of DKD. Microalbuminuria describes the urinary excretion of small amounts of albumin which identifies the early stage of DKD. In addition to an earliest marker of kidney damage, microalbuminuria is an established high risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Patients with microalbuminuria who progress to macroalbuminuria are likely to progress to ESRD. However effective treatment in the early stage of DKD reduces the risk and slows the progression of kidney damage. There is general agreement that people with diabetes should be screened regularly to detect early markers of kidney damage. People with diabetes and microalbuminuria should be treated with a multifactorial intervention approach to retard the progression of DKD. Studies have clearly demonstrated that the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin 2 receptor blockers with improved glycemic control, hypertension control, lipid lowering, aspirin use, smoking cessation, exercise programs and dietary intervention reduced the development of overt nephropathy and ESRD. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v26i1.21317 Medicine Today 2014 Vol.26(1): 56-62
Angular Pregnancy Presenting as Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Biswas Sankar Prosad , Halder Suravi , Shirin Feroja Banu
Published: December 2014

Angular pregnancy is a rare obstetric complication that can be life threatening. In this situation, gestational sac is implanted in the lateral angle of the uterine cavity, medial to the uterotubal junction and round ligament. Angular pregnancy is distinguished from interstitial pregnancy by anatomically, where embryo is implanted lateral to round ligament. The report presented here describes a case of angular pregnancy that was suspected by ultrasound and confirmed during surgery. Laparoscopy can be useful for guiding dilatation & curettage in angular pregnancy and may circumvent the need for invasive surgery or hysterectomy. It has an impact on future fertility. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v26i1.21318 Medicine Today 2014 Vol.26(1): 63-65
Trigeminal Neuralgia: Report of a Case and Literature Review
Authors: Sadat SM Anwar , Sultana Afia , Rita Sufia Nasrin , Khan Md Raziuddin
Published: December 2014

Trigeminal neuralgia is a sudden, severe, stabbing, recurrent and usually unilateral pain in the distribution of one or more branches of the fifth cranial nerve. A 55 years old man, diagnosed case of Trigeminal Neuralgia of the left side of the face was treated with oral carbamazepine with good response. But after that the disease became refractory to the drug. With the titration of dose of carbamazepine, raising up to 1200 mg daily in three equal divided doses added with amitryptylene, we could give relief of pain to patient. The patient is now under observation & we are following him for last 6 months with a good response of the combination drug. It justifies that alteration, titration of carbamazepine and combination with amitryptylene can cause remission of trigeminal neuralgia instead of doing surgical intervention. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v26i1.21319 Medicine Today 2014 Vol.26(1): 66-68
Single Fetal Death in Triplet Pregnancy
Authors: Akhter Syeda Nazia , Sheikh Rumana , Russo Ahmad Sharif , Tasneem Sumaya
Published: December 2014

The single fetal death in multiple pregnancy is not rare. Death of one fetus in multiple pregnancy increases the risk of mortality and morbidity of the surviving fetus. Proper diagnosis and intervention in appropriate time can improve the maternal and neonatal outcome. Adequate counselling psychological support and close follow up are mandatory. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v26i1.21320 Medicine Today 2014 Vol.26(1): 69-70
Exploring plasmonic coupling in hole-cap arrays
Authors: Schmidt Thomas M , Frederiksen Maj , Bochenkov Vladimir , Sutherland Duncan S
Published: January 2015

The plasmonic coupling between gold caps and holes in thin films was investigated experimentally and through finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations. Sparse colloidal lithography combined with a novel thermal treatment was used to control the vertical spacing between caps and hole arrays and compared to separated arrays of holes or caps. Optical spectroscopy and FDTD simulations reveal strong coupling between the gold caps and both Bloch Wave-surface plasmon polariton (BW-SPP) modes and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-type resonances in hole arrays when they are in close proximity. The interesting and complex coupling between caps and hole arrays reveals the details of the field distribution for these simple to fabricate structures.
The capillary adhesion technique: a versatile method for determining the liquid adhesion force and sample stiffness
Authors: Gandyra Daniel , Walheim Stefan , Gorb Stanislav , Barthlott Wilhelm , Schimmel Thomas
Published: January 2015

We report a novel, practical technique for the concerted, simultaneous determination of both the adhesion force of a small structure or structural unit (e.g., an individual filament, hair, micromechanical component or microsensor) to a liquid and its elastic properties. The method involves the creation and development of a liquid meniscus upon touching a liquid surface with the structure, and the subsequent disruption of this liquid meniscus upon removal. The evaluation of the meniscus shape immediately before snap-off of the meniscus allows the quantitative determination of the liquid adhesion force. Concurrently, by measuring and evaluating the deformation of the structure under investigation, its elastic properties can be determined. The sensitivity of the method is remarkably high, practically limited by the resolution of the camera capturing the process. Adhesion forces down to 10 µN and spring constants up to 2 N/m were measured. Three exemplary applications of this method are demonstrated: (1) determination of the water adhesion force and the elasticity of individual hairs (trichomes) of the floating fernSalvinia molesta. (2) The investigation of human head hairs both with and without functional surface coatings (a topic of high relevance in the field of hair cosmetics) was performed. The method also resulted in the measurement of an elastic modulus (Young’s modulus) for individual hairs of 3.0 × 105N/cm2, which is within the typical range known for human hair. (3) Finally, the accuracy and validity of the capillary adhesion technique was proven by examining calibrated atomic force microscopy cantilevers, reproducing the spring constants calibrated using other methods.
The Importance of a Teacher in a Distance Education and the Progressive Methods of Teaching in a Virtual Learning Environment
Authors: MIŠČENKO Olga
Published: December 2014

The purpose of the article is to analyze the experience of the first work years of teaching the students, who study by distance, to compare other authors’ experience and to examine the advantages of Moodle virtual learning environment (VLE), searching for new applications of it. The relevance of e-learning is noted. It is affirmed that metacognitive learning strategies are typical for learning foreign languages in virtual environment. It is said that the Internet is a tool that ensures studies by distance. It is said that raising the qualification and learning by distance allows a responsible employee to improve foreign language skills while lifelong learning. VLE adaptability for teaching and studying English is being discussed. It is stated that the Internet conditions all types of methods in the virtual environment, application, and its existence expands and deepens the learning approach. In the paper it is claimed that the Moodle VLE function is to improve the learning process to ensure a high level of expertise and the objectivity of assessment. Studying in conventional way and in the virtual environment are briefly compared. Moodle virtual learning environment application objectives to learning outcomes, emphasizing the importance of the traditional teaching methods, the student’s responsibility to call attention to the learning process and system characteristics are defined. It is noted that learning in the virtual environment is based on the principles of epistemology, therefore the Moodle system meets the didactic tasks. The virtual learning environment possibilities ensure a very good feedback and increase students’ motivation, and, consequently, that provides better knowledge. It is emphasized that while teaching by distance, the teacher’s responsibility, his role in the development of educational material and the course tasks have increased. Some specific cases for various forms of studies and exercises to perform in the Moodle e-system are given. Some statistical data demonstrate the improvement of the quality of knowledge due to the Moodle system application for training foreign language.
Students’ Self-Assessment in Project-Based Work
Authors: LIUOLIENĖ Alvyda , METIŪNIENĖ Regina
Published: December 2014

The article aims at exploring the benefits of self-assessment as it is an important skill for lifelong learning and for critical reflection on one’s own performance. The authors of the article focus on students’ self-assessment of their language proficiency skills and achievements in working on projects. Students’ reflection on their learning has numerous benefits, such as motivation, self-direction, greater responsibility, decreased intimidation and fear of the audience, development of critical thinking, etc. The paper presents the analysis of a questionnaire based on the research of respondents’ self-evaluation of working on the project. The study has aimed at finding out the students’ attitude towards project-based learning and their assessment of their personal progress in respect of the development of their language proficiency skills.
The Analysis of Physical Power and Development Indexes of the Students from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and Mykolas Romeris University for the Period 2011–2013
Authors: VERŠINSKAS Robertas , TAMOŠAUSKAS Povilas , MARKEVIČIUS Vytautas
Published: December 2014

Recently, physical activity and physical education has become an integral part of the human and the most important tool for increasing health condition that can liberate from passivity, floppiness and the overload of mental work. The conducted research is focused on determining indexes for physical activity and development of VGTU and MRU students and on evaluating variations in the applied indicators. The surveyed participants represent the faculties of Environmental Engineering, Mechanics, Electronics, Fundamental Sciences, Transport Engineering of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) and the faculties of Law, Social Technologies, Policy and Management, Finances and Economic Management of Mykolas Romeris University (MRU). For evaluating the physical condition of the students, Eurofit tests were used: standing long jump for examining the explosive power of legs, hanging with bent arms for testing the endurance of arm power, the crunch for measuring the strength and stamina of abdominal muscles, the flamingo exercise for checking balance, teping for checking the speed of upper limb motion, pressing a hand for measuring static power, etc. The carried out first testing has disclosed that MRU students are the tallest and make (184.6 (4.2) cm), whereas weight indexes of the surveyed VGTU and MRU students are almost the same. The majority of the participants from VGTU (80.9%) and MRU (88.24%) had normal body weight, and only 14.1% and 11.76% respectively had overweight. During the period between testing, VGTU students statistically (p 0.001) improved the speed of upper limb motion, the relative force of the hand, the endurance of arms and shoulders. MRU students increased indexes of the stamina of the dynamic strength of abdominal muscles, endurance, agility and the strength of the left and right hand as well as flexibility characteristics. The examined participants showed higher results of the flamingo exercise, crunch and hanging (p 0.001) than those from other Lithuanian higher education institutions.
Use of Methodology for Content and Language Integrated Learning at Petras Vileišis Progymnasium
Authors: LEŠČINSKIJ Robert
Published: December 2014

Globalisation processes worldwide, including Europe, have particularly led to the situation where learning one second language as a foreign language may not be enough to succeed in professional or academic activities in the future. Therefore, the focus of educators has shifted from the traditional model “learn a language now – practice later” to more interactive and engaging ways of teaching. One of “teaching by doing” methods that facilitate teaching of a language and a subject at the same time, is called Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) – an educational approach that puts emphasis on teaching a subject through the medium of a second language thus improving both language and subject learning.
Eating Habits and Lifestyles among a Sample of Obese Working Egyptian Women
Authors: Hassan Nayera E. , Wahba Saneya A. , El-Masry Sahar A. , Abd Elhamid Enas R. , Boseila Samia A. W. , Ahmed Nihad H. , Ibrahim Tarek S.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND: The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended.AIM: To figure out food habits and different lifestyle pattern among a sample of Egyptian females working at the National Research Centre.METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study, including 138 overweight and obese Egyptian females (BMI â‰¥ 25 Kg/m2); working at the National Research Centre; was done. A specific questionnaire was used to gather information regarding lifestyle including dietary habits, physical activity and sedentary behaviour. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight among the studied subjects was 27%, while that of obesity was 38%. Missing and or infrequent intake of breakfast at home, frequent consumption of snacks, low serving per day of fruits and vegetables with frequent consumption of sweets, fried food, eating while watching TV and sedentary behaviour were all predictors of obesity and overweight among the current sample.CONCLUSION: The present study identified several lifestyle factors and improper dietary habits associated with overweight and obesity among Egyptian females. There is a great need to change these habits to avoid the increasing risk of obesity. A national plan of action to overcome obesity is urgently needed to reduce its economic and health burden.
Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D with Life Style and Dietary Factors in Egyptian Prepubescent Children
Authors: Abu Shady Mones M. , Youssef Mai M. , Shehata Manal A. , Salah El-Din Ebtissam M. , ElMalt Heba A.
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND:Â There had been a growing evidence of high prevalence ofÂ vitamin DÂ deficiency especially among children which may increase the risk of many chronic diseases in adulthood. AIM:Â Â Assessment of different lifestyles and dietary behaviour influencing the level of serum 25-OHD in a group of Egyptian prepubescent children.SUBJECTS AND METHODS:Â Two hundred boys andÂ girls aged from 9 to 11 years were recruited from two primary public schools situated in Giza governorate in Egypt. A questionnaire was developed to obtain relevant information related to age, dietary habits, and physical activity. Thorough clinical examination and measurement of weight and height were performed. Body mass index was calculated. Serum samples were assayed for 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD).RESULTS:Â Low serum 25-OHD (< 20Â ng/ml) was found in 11.5% of the whole sample. Mean serum 25-OHD was significantly lower in obese subjects and in those with low physical activity (p < 0.05). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that BMI and physical activity were the main predictors of serum 25-OHD (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Â Lifestyle factors in terms of physical activity and BMI may contribute significantly to the optimal vitamin D status of apparently healthy children.
Compromis et renoncement
Authors: Lichtenberger Yves
Published: December 2014

Entre la guerre et l’arrangement implicite, le compromis instaure une nature particulière de relations sociales. Il dessine un espace et un temps où l’acteur qui s’y engage s’accepte comme appartenant à un monde pluriel, partie prenante d’une histoire qui le dépasse, ni seul ni tout puissant, ni soumis ni impuissant. Aussi est-il important, au-delà de la description des processus d’échange et de négociation, de mettre l’accent sur ce qui caractérise plus profondément le compromis : un travail de reconfiguration identitaire et un dispositif d’orientation conjointe d’un futur commun entre partenaires opposés.
L'impact de l'affection et de la loyauté sur la satisfaction au travail dans les banques et assurances au Sénégal
Authors: Akanni Alain
Published: December 2014

La recherche vise à montrer l’importance du leadership sur la satisfaction à l’emploi dans les banques et assurances au Sénégal. Elle débute par une revue de la littérature sur l’ESS et la satisfaction puis présente la méthodologie utilisée. Cette dernière se fonde sur deux questionnaires permettant de mesurer le leadership qui est cerné par la qualité des échanges entre supérieurs et subordonnés, l’ESS. La satisfaction par le Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire(MSQ). Cent employés ont été concernés par l’enquête. L’approche de l’ESS utilisée, celle de Liden et Maslyn (1998) met en relief quatre dimensions à savoir l’affection, la loyauté, la contribution et le respect professionnel. Le questionnaire sur la satisfaction permet de déterminer la satisfaction intrinsèque, extrinsèque et générale. Des analyses statistiques notamment des ACP et des régressions ont été utilisées pour établir les corrélations entre la qualité des échanges et le niveau de satisfaction. Les résultats de la recherche montrent d’une part, les grandes caractéristiques de l’échange entre les supérieurs et les subalternes et le niveau de satisfaction des subalternes et d’autre part, que l’affection et la loyauté étaient les dimensions qui expliquaient le plus la satisfaction des salariés.
ELECTROOCULOGRAPHY BASED READING SPEED ANALYSIS AS AN ASSISTIVE TOOL
Authors: Banerjee Anwesha , Datta Shreyasi , Pal Monalisa , Tibarewala D. N. , Konar Amit
Published: January 2015

Dyslexia is a well-known reading disorder that involves difficulty in fluent reading, decoding and processing of words despite adequate intelligence. It is common that the reading speed of dyslexic patients is lower than their normal counterparts, because of slow letter and word processing. Eye movements in dyslexic patients are significantly different from that of normal individuals, in terms of the presence of frequent fixations and stares in the former. This work proposes a Human Computer Interactive system to assist individuals having low reading speed to increase their reading speed by the analysis of eye movements. Eye movement data for different reading speeds is recorded using a laboratory developed Electrooculogram acquisition system. From the data, Adaptive Autoregressive (AAR) parameters, Band Power Estimates and Wavelet Coefficients are extracted as signal features. Reading speeds are classified using different pattern classifiers from which an average accuracy of 94.67% over all classes and participants is obtained using Radial Basis Function (RBF) Support Vector Machine (SVM) Tree classifier and AAR Parameters as features. Friedman test is done to select the best classifier. The trained classifier is used to recognize the reading speeds of a set of new normal individuals. If the reading speeds are less than a preset threshold, that individual is trained repeatedly for 10 days for improvement. An improvement of reading speed is observed by the decrease in the misclassification rate from 45.1% to 9.92% in 10 days for the fastest speed (1 sentence/2 s) over all the subjects. This work is carried out on healthy individuals. However, the results reveal that the proposed system may also be used for training and assisting children with dyslexia or other similar reading disabilities children.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF FLOW FIELD IN THE HOMININE PHARYNGEAL CAVITIES OF DIFFERENT MORPHOLOGY
Authors: Yu Chi , Wang Gang , Chen Shu-Hua
Published: January 2015

Based on the data which came from the spiral Computerized Tomography (CT) images of the healthy person, primary snore (PS) patients and Obstructive Sleep Apnea–Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) patients, the reconstruction three-dimensional models precisely preserve original configuration of pharyngeal cavity. The airflow of the cavity is simulated numerically and analyzed by the finite volume method. The results of the pressure and velocity distributions in the airflow field are quantitatively determined. Pressure gradients of airway are lower in the healthy person, the airflow distribution is quite uniform with free breath, and however, the PS patients and OSAHS patients remarkably escalates both the pressure and velocity of the pharyngeal cavity. The present study is useful for the quantitative mutual relationship between configuration and function in the upper airway, pathogenesis and diagnosing the diseases related to the anatomical structure and the function of upper airway.
OPTICAL SENSOR SYSTEM FOR THE NON-INVASIVE ASSESSMENT OF ARTERIAL STIFFNESS QUANTIFIED BY FOURTH DERIVATIVE OF PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAM
Authors: Mohanalakshmi S. , Sivasubramanian A.
Published: January 2015

Arterial stiffness, resulting in loss of the elastic properties of arteries walls, is an indicator of cardiovascular risk, though the presence of disease is not clinically evident. Augmentation index is an important biomarker of arterial stiffness by which the cardiac risk of the patient can be diagnosed. The current paper outlines the non-invasive assessment of arterial stiffness by analyzing the morphology or contour of PhotoPlethysmoGraph (PPG) signal. PPG pulse was optically acquired with the developed photometric measurement device and the desired features were extracted to determine PPG augmentation Index (PAI) through advanced signal processing implemented in MATLAB. PAI was quantified by the fourth derivative of the signal by enhancing the location of inflection point (augmentation point) after conditioning the signal by efficient pre-processing and filtering techniques. The results reveal that the statistical distribution of PAI for healthy subjects presents a very low value and a very tight distribution. On the contrary, patients have a higher value of PAI and a wide asymmetrical shape of distribution. This work also establishes the usefulness of PPG contour analysis in the investigation of changes in the elastic properties of the vascular system. In conclusion, PAI has revealed to be a non-invasive indicator for arterial stiffness assessments.
Do transfusion requirements increase after the diagnosis of vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Authors: Venkatraghavan Lashmikumar , Tymianski Sarah , Singh Jeffrey
Published: January 2015

Background: Many patients experience impaired cerebral oxygen delivery secondary to vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Anaemia is common after SAH affecting up to 50% patients, which may decrease cerebral oxygen delivery and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Transfusion of allogeneic red cells increases the oxygen content of the blood but it not consistently associated with improved physiologic markers of clinical outcomes. The threshold for transfusion is not clear in patients with SAH. A recent survey found that most physicians would alter their transfusion threshold in SAH patients who develop delayed ischemia. The objective of our study is to identify the predictors of transfusion and to determine if the diagnosis of delayed ischemia increases the transfusion rates in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 100 consecutive patients with SAH who were admitted to ICU for mechanical ventilation, and collected demographic and clinical data. Data were analyzed for the association between clinical factors and transfusion the differences in transfusion between the patients with and without vasospasm. Statistical methods included the t-test, univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Results: Data from 96 patients were included in the analysis. Incidence of anaemia haemoglobin (Hb) < 100 gm/l and vasospasm were 67% (64/96) and 39% (38/96) respectively. Of 64 patients with anaemia, 27 patients received transfusion, while 38 patients did not receive a transfusion. The transfusion rates were similar between those who had vasospasm and who did not. However, out of the 14 patients with vasospasm who received a transfusion, 11 patients had been transfused after experiencing vasospasm, while only 3 were transfused before. On multivariate analysis only female sex, starting Hb levels and lowest Hb levels were found to be predictors of transfusion. Presence or absence of vasospasm was not found to be a predictor. Conclusions: From our retrospective review, we conclude that the incidence of anaemia is higher in patients with vasospasm. Sex and starting and lowest Hb levels were the only predictors of transfusion likelihood in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage while presence of vasospasm was not.
Use of gelatin-thrombin matrix haemostatic sealant in neurosurgery: Anaesthetic implications and review of literature
Authors: Khanna Puneet , Mahajan Charu , Gupta Priyanka , Banik Sujoy , Ray Bikash , Rath Girija
Published: January 2015

The topical haemostatic agents have been developed to be used as adjunctive measures to promote haemostasis. These include bone wax, absorbable gel sponges, microfibrillar collagen, oxidised regenerated cellulose, gelatin sponges with thrombin, gelatin-thrombin matrix sealant or fibrin sealants. Gelatin-thrombin matrix sealant is a mixture of a bovine-derived gelatin matrix and human-derived thrombin component that are mixed together at the time of use. This agent has been found to be more effective haemostat than thrombin-soaked gelatine sponges. The possible adverse effects of this can be transmission of diseases from human or bovine sources, allergic reactions, thromboembolism, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), perilesional oedema, and compression of neural tissue. Although it is used routinely in the operating room, there is little literature available on the perioperative implications with use of intraoperative gelatin-thrombin matrix sealant. Here, we present clinical report of 20 neurosurgical patients where the sealant was used and literature in view of current evidence has been reviewed.
Annual sea surface oil pollution of the south–eastern part of the Baltic Sea by satellite data for 2006–2013
Authors: Bulycheva Elena , Kuzmenko Igor , Sivkov Vadim
Published: January 2015

The annual average features of the spatial distribution of oil pollution at the sea surface in the south–eastern part of the Baltic Sea were determined for the first time. It was shown that the most polluted areas are the seawaters west of the Sambian Peninsula and Vistula Spit, including the coastal zone that is connected to the Baltiysk, Gdansk, and Gdynia ports. The sea surface near the oilfield Kravtsovskoye D-6 (Russia) and oil terminal Būtingė (Lithuania), as well as the coastal zone near the Curonian Spit, do not suffer from oil pollution. A lower estimation of the annual average amount of oil products at the sea surface was performed. The lack of correlation between the location of the oil slicks and main navigation routes by Automatic Identification System (AIS) was explained by the infrequent but large spillages from ships that occur outside of the main traffic lanes. A significant contribution to the oil pollution of the sea surface from nonconventional ships not equipped with AIS was discovered.
Total petroleum hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the Lithuanian coastal area of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Suzdalev Sergej , Gulbinskas Saulius
Published: January 2015

Operation of large oil import/export terminals and intensive shipping activities together with input of hazardous substances from terrestrial runoff and constantly developing cities makes the Lithuanian part of the Baltic Sea especially sensitive to contamination with oil products. The paper presents an overview of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) distribution in surface sediments at the Lithuanian near shore and within the Klaipėda State Seaport area – transitional marine-lagoon system. The study is based on the results of examination of surface sediment samples carried out in 2010–2012. The variations of TPH content in bottom sediments are explained by differences in grain size and the genesis of the investigated sediments as well as the degree of organic material decomposition. Extreme values obtained in the Klaipėda Strait area indicate presence of additional TPH contamination sources possibly of anthropogenic origin.
Benthic communities and habitats in the near shore zone of the Curonian Spit (the south–eastern part of the Baltic Sea)
Authors: Kocheshkova Оlga , Ezhov Еlena , Dorokhov Dmitry , Dorokhova Evgenia
Published: January 2015

Benthic communities classified according to species diversity, abundance and composition of dominant complex were defined and mapped. Maps compiled represent the distribution of bottom sediment types, substrata, bathymetry and benthic communities in the pilot area. Combination of data on community distribution and several abiotic habitat features (grain size, substrate types, and photic conditions) allowed recognizing several benthic habitats, according to HELCOM habitat classification. New data on features of coastal benthic biotopes made evident the existence of unique seascape “ancient lagoon mud” in the study area and allowed recommending further establishment of new marine protected areas.
National Poverty Eradication Programme and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria: Empirical Investigation of the Programme Impact in Cross River State
Authors: Antai Agnes Sylvester , Ekpenyong Anam, Bassey
Published: December 2014

The study examines the impact of the National Poverty Eradication Programme on poverty reduction in Cross River State. To guide the study, two major hypotheses were stated and primary data were obtained from 361 respondents from the benefactors of the State government Conditional Cash Transfer. The data obtained were tested using Chi-square statistical tool at. 05 degree of significance to examine the level of impact. The analysis of data in reveals that the calculated value of chi square (18.1) was greater than the table value of chi (9.49), tested at. 05 level of significance. This implied that the implementation of NAPEP has a significant impact on entrepreneurial development among youths in Cross River State. In table 2, the results obtained also showed that the calculated value of chi square (15.1) is greater than the table value of chi (9.49), tested at .05 level of significance, meaning that the null hypothesis was ignored and the alternative that the implementation of NAPEP has significant impacts on the provision of micro credit facilities to entrepreneur in Cross River State was accepted. However, the results obtained called for attention to other areas of interest neglected by the programme. These were identified to include the need to harness agriculture, water and solid minerals resources and conservation efforts especially in the rural-areas where the main occupation is agriculture. This concern formed the baseline for policy recommendations.
Evaluating E-HRM success: A Validation of the Information Systems Success Model
Authors: Alshibly Haitham Hmoud
Published: December 2014

While a considerable amount of research has been conducted on information systems success models, little research has been carried out to address the conceptualization and measurement of e-HRM success within organizations. Whether or not traditional IS success models can be extended to assessing e-HRM success is rarely addressed.This study provides the first empirical test of an adaptation of DeLone and McLean's IS success model in the context of e-HRM. The model consists of six dimensions: information quality, system quality, service quality, use, user satisfaction, and  perceived net benefit. Structural equation modelling techniques is applied to data collected by questionnaire from 104 Human Resources (HR) managers  and HR employees from a large Jordanian governmental ministry. The hypothesized relationships between the six success variables are significantly supported by the data. The findings provide several important implications for HR research and practice. This paper concludes by discussing the limitations of the study, which should be addressed in future research.
Studying of Organizational DNA in Esfahan Province Sport and Youth Offices
Authors: Soroush Sedigheh , Mohammadpouri Mohammad , Poorfarahmand Behzad , Esfahani Davood Nasr
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate organizational DNA in Esfahan Province sport and youth offices based on Honald & Silverman model in components of leadership activities and responsibilities. The present study is of descriptive-survey and of application research type. The statistical universe consists of administrators and experts of Esfahan Province sport and youth offices in 2012 (N = 52), and considering the statistical universe, the number of sample was selected as the same of the statistical universe. The tool for measuring the study was researcher-made questionnaire based on Honald & Silverman model and its validity and reliability was tested (Alpha Cronbach coefficient of 0/87). It was used the software SPSS version of 19 to analyze the data, and the results were achieved by using the statistical tests such as univariate t test and Friedman test. The results showed that there is no meaningful difference between the means from the components of leadership activities and responsibilities and the relevant factors (such as organizational structure, organizational mission's, and leadership style).Also, the results showed that the dominant organizational DNAs in the component of leadership activities and responsibilities, in the organizational structure, in the organizational mission's, and in the leadership style are factual, conceptual, individual and individual, respectively.
The Link between Human Resource Capacity Building and Job Performance
Authors: Yamoah Emmanuel Erastus
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the primary objective was to discuss the link between human resource capacity building and job performance by reviewing current literature on the subject.  The review considered the aspects of capacity building that deals with the training and empowerment of individual employees in order to improve their job performance.  Finding from the review indicated a strong link between human resource capacity building and employee job performance.  It is hoped that this indication from the review will provide additional logical motivations for the continuing training and empowerment of employees.
Relationship between Parents’ Attitude towards Educational Involvement and Academic Performance of Day Secondary School Students in Samia - Kenya
Authors: Oundo Edward Nyongesa , Poipoi Moses W. , Were Dinah S.
Published: December 2014

The study attempted to establish the relationship between parents’ attitude towards educational involvement and academic performance of day secondary school students in Samia district. The theoretical framework of this study was derived from functionalist and learning theories. Data for this study was collected from primary sources. The research instruments were questionnaires for students and parents, interview schedules for parents and teachers. The study population comprised of 1804 students, 80 parents representatives and 51 teachers. Cross-section survey design was adopted based on a sample drawn from five secondary schools in the study area. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample 18 teachers and 36 parents while stratified random sampling was used in the selection of 180 students. Spearman Brown Prophesy coefficient formula was used to test the internal consistency of all research instruments. Content validity of research instruments was ascertained by thesis supervisors. Reliability coefficients of the research instruments were approximately 0.70 at 0.05 level of significance. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. ANOVA was used with the help of SPSS to carry out inferential analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequency counts, means and percentages) were used in analyzing data. The findings of the study show that parental attitude towards education involvement affects academic performance of day secondary school students in Samia district. The study concluded that parental attitude towards educational involvement affects students’ performance. The study recommended that school administrators and policy makers find ways of enhancing parental involvement towards education.Key words:  Academic performance, Attitude, Educational involvement, Parents, Relationship
Influence of mediating variables onto interdependence between perceived difficulties in balancing work and family life and job satisfaction
Authors: Springer Agnieszka Maria
Published: December 2014

The main purpose of this paper is to assess the influence of mediating variables in the process of perceived work-family conflict onto job satisfaction. The study in question was conducted on the sample of 533 working people, 126 of whom stated that they had a significant problem with balancing work and family life (high WFC) and 269 of whom stated that this problem did not concern them (low WFC). Simultaneously, 136 respondents stated they often brought work problems home (PWtoF) and 278 claimed they did not do that (NPWtoF). The obtained results indicate that the key variables that moderate the influence of the perceived conflict onto job satisfaction are: one's professional position and the subjective work value. In the case of people in managerial and independent positions the perceived work-family conflict does not make job satisfaction decrease. Similar reactions were observed in the case of people for whom work is essential life value. Both the sex of the respondents and the fact that they had children were totally irrelevant in the process. The above mentioned results could become a prerequisite for employers to increase the complexity and autonomy of the tasks entrusted to employees and to create value-based corporate culture.
Implementation of Competency Based Human Resource and Knowledge Management to Organizational Culture and Organizational Performance Implication
Authors: Suwarsi Sri - , Sule Ernie Tisnawati , Sule Ernie Tisnawati , . Hilmiana , Helmi Arief
Published: December 2014

This study aims to analyze : (i) implementation of competency based human resource management, knowledge management, organizational culture and organizational performance, (ii ) the effect of the implementation of competency based human resource management and knowledge management either simultaneously or partially on organizational culture; (iii) the effect of the implementation of competency based human resource management and knowledge management either simultaneously or partially on organizational performance, (iv) the influence of organizational culture on organizational performance, and (v) the influence implementation of the competency based human resource management and knowledge management simultaneously  to organizational performance through organizational culture.The analysis unit of the study conducted in 42 regions in the five state-owned energy sector companies in Indonesia. Therefore, the units of observation in this study were composed of 47 middle managers, 81 line managers and 155 employees. Meanwhile, to determine the simultaneous or partial influence implementation of competency-based human resource management and knowledge management of organizational culture and its implications for organizational performance, directly or indirectly, it was analyzed by using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) based on the model variant with Partial Least Square (PLS), using Smart PLS software 2014.The results showed that (i) the implementation of competency-based human resource management, knowledge management, organizational culture and organizational performance has been achieved well, (ii) the simultaneous implementation of competency-based human resource management and knowledge management were very large effect of organizational culture, the partial implementation of competency-based HR management influential moderate of the organizational culture, the implementation of knowledge management moderately influence of the culture of the organization, and the implementation of competency-based human resource management had a very large positive relationship with the implementation of knowledge management, (iii) the simultaneous implementation of competency-based human resource management and knowledge management had a small effect  on the performance of the organization and so not significant, the partial implementation of competency-based human resource management had a medium effect  on the performance of organization and the implementation of knowledge management had a very small effect (3.02%) on the performance of the organization, (iv) the organizational culture had a medium influence on the performance of the organization, (v) the simultaneous implementation of competency-based human resource management and the knowledge management had a very large effect on the performance of the organization through organizational culture.