bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Исследование механизмов токопрохождения в тонких пластинах рубрена, изготовленных газотранспортным методом
Authors: Таларико О.С. , Трегулов В.В. , Литвинов В.Г. , Ермачихин А.В.
Published: November 2016

Проведены исследования оптического спектра пропускания и температурной зависимости вольт-амперных характеристик плоскопараллельной пластины рубрена, изготовленной газотранспортным методом. Из оптического спектра пропускания определено значение ширины запрещенной зоны. Установлено, что вольт-амперные характеристики могут быть объяснены в рамках модели токов, ограниченных пространственным зарядом. На процессы токопрохождения существенное влияние оказывают ловушки.
Селективный пироэлектрический детектор миллиметрового излучения с ультратонким резонансным метапоглотителем
Authors: Паулиш А.Г. , Кузнецов С.А.
Published: November 2016

Представлены результаты экспериментальных исследований спектральных и амплитудно-частотных характеристик дискретного пироэлектрического детектора миллиметрового диапазона, интегрированного с резонансным метапоглотителем, имеющим близкий к единице коэффициент поглощения излучения на частоте 140 GHz. Показано, что использование метапоглотителя обеспечивает возможность построения компактных и недорогих мультиспектральных поляризационно-чувствительных систем детектирования излучения в диапазоне миллиметровых и субмиллиметровых волн.
Радиационно-индуцированный гальванический эффект, наблюдаемый в интерфейсе металл-диэлектрик
Authors: Зайцев В.И. , Барыков И.А. , Карташов А.В. , Терентьев О.В. , Родионов Н.Б.
Published: November 2016

Исследуется эффект, наблюдающийся при взаимодействии электромагнитного излучения (энергия квантов 25-1000 eV) с диэлектриком, имеющим металлическое покрытие. Источником излучения служил мегаамперный Z-пинч. Измерения, проведенные с образцами оптического стекла, показали, что под действием излучения (мощность ~106 W/сm2) в электрической цепи, включающей металлизированный диэлектрик, возникает ток. Авторы считают, что причиной данного гальванического эффекта является генерация в диэлектрике горячих" электронов.
Interaksi Dinamis Penderita Gangguan Psikotik dengan Keluarga
Authors: Subandi M.A.
Published: November 2016

Gangguan psikotik merupakan masa-lah utama dalam kesehatan mental.Prevalensi gangguan ini adalah sekitarsatu persen (Kaplan & Sadock, 1998; Esan,Ojagbemi, Gureje, 2012 ). Hal ini berartiada sekitar 250 juta penduduk Indonesiamenderita gangguan psikotik. Bagi keluar-ga, masalah gangguan psikotik ini menim-bulkan berbagai macam beban, mulai daribeban finansial yang luar biasa, bebanpsikologis (distress), sampai persoalan stig-ma sosial. Beratnya masalah yang dialamikeluarga semakin bertambah karenapenderita psikotik memerlukan perawatandalam jangka waktu lama.
The Rise of the Indian Multinational Corporations and the Development of Firm-Specific Capabilities
Authors: Gupta Vipin , Qiu Renfeng
Published: November 2016

Several scholars have strived to explain the rise of emerging MNCs (EMNCs), but a satisfactory
understanding of the firm-specific causative factors is still missing. In this paper, we seek to fill this gap
in the literature. Since the 1990s, India, like most other emerging markets, has experienced dramatic
transformation of her competitive and institutional environment. These transformations have been a
catalyst for the rise of Indian multinational corporations (MNCs). We discuss the macro context of the
rise of the Indian MNCs during the pre and post reform periods. Then, we analyze the micro
foundations of the rise of the Indian MNCs in terms of the development of specialized firm-specific
capabilities in the both periods. Finally, we discuss how the profile of the country and firm-specific
ownership advantages has evolved, and supported the rise of the Indian MNCs.
The Impact of Leadership on Innovation Management
Authors: Bruno Léo F. C.
Published: November 2016

The study sought to evaluate the influence of leadership on innovation management taking into
consideration the predominant leadership styles, the leadership effectiveness, and the relationship
between leadership effectiveness and innovation management of a group of executives of several
organizations in a BRIC country (Brazil). To identify the predominant leadership styles, as well as the
leadership effectiveness of the 400 involved executives, it has been used an instrument available in the
market. To compute the innovation management performance, an existing model, the Value Innovation
Model, has been applied leading to the value innovation index for each one of the 48 involved
organizations. To investigate the relationship between leadership effectiveness, taken the average value
per organization, and the value innovation index, it has been used the linear regression statistics
computing the linear correlation coefficient between the before mentioned variables. The study has
uncovered lack of flexibility regarding the leadership styles, presenting styles of selling and sharing
ideas as dominants. The study also showed that the leadership effectiveness of the involved executives
was at a moderate level. Finally, the research pointed out a high positive relationship between
leadership effectiveness and innovation management success, measured by the value innovation index.
The Impacts of Consumers’ Need for Uniqueness (CNFU) and Brand Personality on Brand Switching Intentions
Authors: Kao Danny Tengti
Published: November 2016

This research attempts to apply the CNFU and brand personality to examine consumers’ brand
switching intentions. Specifically, this research will explore the moderating role of brand personality in
the impact of CNFU on brand switching intentions. Research results indicate that high-CNFU
individuals tend to express higher brand switching intentions than low-CNFU individuals, whereas
low-CNFU individuals tend to express lower brand switching intentions. Moreover, high-CNFU
individuals tend to express lower brand switching intentions toward products with strong brand
personality than those with weak brand personality, whereas low-CNFU individuals tend to express
higher brand switching intentions toward products with strong brand personality than those with low
brand personality.
Justification of a Qualitative Methodology to Investigate the Emerging Concept: The Dimensions of Religion as Underpinning Constructs for Mass Media Social Marketing Campaigns
Authors: Van Esch Patrick , Van Esch Linda Jean
Published: November 2016

This paper explores the justification of using a qualitative research methodology under an interpretive paradigm to investigate the emerging concept of the relationship to use the dimensions of religion as underpinning constructs for mass media social marketing campaigns. To create convergence and corroboration and to eliminate the inherent biases from using only one method within the research, it is recommended that two (2) research methods be used to gather and analyse data. This approach allows the weaknesses and limitations of textual analysis to be complemented by the strengths of in-depth interviews to bolster any findings or emerging themes through distilling, exploration, enhancement, elaboration, clarification and validation. Under this research methodology, it is the aim to confirm any links that allows for the connection of two (2) or more pieces of knowledge that were previously thought to be unrelated and report them and their potential to influence both theory and professional practice.

 
Exploring the Influence of Price and Convenience on Perceived Usefulness of On-line Banking within the TAM Framework: A Cross National (Canada and Spain) Decision Model
Authors: Lévy Mangin Jean-Pierre Maxime , Martínez Guerrero Mario , Bourgault Normand , Ortega Egea José Manuel
Published: November 2016

Nowadays, the Internet is a powerful mean to complement the traditional marketing channels used by banks. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model, this paper explores the importance of two external latent variables—‘Price’ and ‘Convenience’ —as antecedents of ‘Perceived Usefulness’ and consumer acceptance of on-line banking in a Canadian and Spanish environment; the results highlight the predictive power and accuracy of the model cross-nationally. In fact, the findings were quite similar in the Canadian and Spanish samples, and stress that ‘Perceived Usefulness’ and ‘Attitude’ are the key drivers of the consumers’ on-line banking acceptance. Conclusions and recommendations for future research are also provided.
Wages and Salaries Administration as Motivational Tool in Nigerian Organisation (A Case Study of Nestle Nigeria PLC)
Authors: Sule Olatunji Eniola , Amuni Sarat Iyabo
Published: November 2016

The study looks into wages and salaries administration as a motivational tool in Nigerian organisation. The study went further to distinguish between gratuitous and paid job with possible effect of wages and salaries as it relates to individual contribution and effort towards the achievement of the corporate goals and objectives. The study made use of a self-designed questionnaire and eventually used chi-square to analyze and conclude on the hypothesis that wages and salaries serves as motivational tool and that wages and salaries has significant relationship with workers performance in Nigerian organisation.
Kuwaiti Audit Bureau Role in Auditing Government Agencies from Employees’ Perspectives: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Qasem Ahmad Al-Qarioti Mohammad
Published: November 2016

This exploratory study investigates theauditing role of the Kuwaiti Audit Bureau (KAB) of government agencies from employees’ perspectives,regarding rationalization of public spending, detecting deviations and violations, and takingtimely corrective measures to stop any wrongdoing. The study was based on a questionnaire which was administered in the fall 2014 to a random sample of (500) employees of theKAB and audited government agencies. The studyshows that employees evaluate highly the effectiveness of its role,and recommends how this role can be enhanced.
Funding Arrangements for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria: An Assessment
Authors: M. Eze Nwosu, , O. Eberechi Osuagwu, , Z. Chibueze Abaenewe, , M. Osondu Ndugbu, , F. Ayegba Sani
Published: November 2016

Small and Medium Scale Enterprises have been fully recognized by governments and development experts as the main engine of economic growth and a major factor in promoting development. They not only contribute significantly to improved living standards, employment generation and poverty reduction but also bring about substantial domestic or local capital formation and achievement of high levels of productivity and capability. A major gap in Nigeria’s industrial development process in the past years has been the absence of a strong and virile SME sub-sector. This study seeks to generally appraise and analyze the operating environment and circumstances of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria with a view to actually identifying why SMEs are not playing major roles in the Nigerian economy as in other economies. The random sampling method was employed and responses to the questionnaire were complemented with personal interviews of key operators. Analysis was undertaken using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings revealed that SMEs have performed below expectation in the development of Nigeria economy due to a combination of factors. Thus, the paper recommends that the realization of these require a paradigm shift from paying lip service to a practical radical forward approach to issues and focus on this all-important sector of the economy and realistically addressing the identified problems by the key operators.
Is there an Enhanced Role for Corporate Leadership to Integrate Its CSR Strategies into Supply Chain Management? A Conceptual Inquiry
Authors: E. Coates Dr Breena
Published: November 2016

This paper argues that there is an emergent and enhanced role for corporate governance in the area of supply chain oversight, due to on-going problems in the multi-tiered webs of today’s buyer-supplier relationships. The challenge is for corporate leadership in buyer firms to develop improved methods of ensuring that their suppliers manage with ethical values consonant with the sustainability strategies of those buyer firms, whose brands and reputations are at stake. For pragmatic reasons, today’s corporate leaders must view embedding of ethics in their supply chains not only as deontological value, but as crucial risk management tools. This study raises the question: what is the role of corporate leadership in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (Note 1) in Supply Chain Management? (Note 2)
Technical Efficiency and Evidence of Economies of Scope in Botswana Agriculture: A Stochastic Input Distance Function Approach (1979-1996)
Authors: Motsatsi Johane Moilwa
Published: November 2016

This study estimate technical efficiency indices and examines evidence of economies of scope in Botswana agriculture for each 18 districts and commercial sector using a multiple-output multiple-input stochastic input distance function approach covering data from 1979 to 1996. The estimated model provides input-output relations, economies (diseconomies) of scope and technical inefficiency. All the production outputs (cattle, crops and goats/sheep) were significant with expected signs. The estimated mean technical efficiency of 0.885 for 18 districts and the commercial sector was obtained. This suggest the existence of inefficiency in Botswana agricultural production which indicates that there is opportunity to increase production with the same quantities of input factors, and through adaptation of improved technology such as irrigation, use of fertilisers, and improved high quality crops and livestock. There is significant in economies of scope between the production of cattle and goat/sheep, at the 1 percent level, and cattle and crops at 5 percent level. This existence of economies of scope indicates that higher economic returns are possible through efficient use of labour and livestock feeds, and reducing risk by not producing output (e.g., crops) that is easily affected by droughts and poor soils.
Demystifying the Complexity of Washback Effect on Learners in the IELTS Academic Writing Test
Authors: Estaji Masoomeh
Published: November 2016

Test-takers’ perceptions of the tests can often provide abundant information for the test designers. This
study sought to explore the perspectives of learners involved in the IELTS Academic Writing Module
(AWM) courses. In particular, the study explored learner perspectives of motivation, test-taking
anxiety, test-taking strategies and the expectations students bring to their courses. This study adopted a
mixed methodology and collected data through questionnaires, observations, and interviews. The
results didn’t indicate a statistically significant difference for the within-subjects variable of learners’
perspectives, meaning that the learner perspectives’ mean and change from one time to another was not
noticeably significant. Further, it indicated a complex relationship between exams and learners’
perspectives. However, Analysis of Covariance revealed significant effects for IELTS Writing
Preparation course and the learners’ improvements in their Writing scores. These findings led to the
proposal of a new model for washback which took into account learners’ perspectives and provided
what should prove to be a useful framework for future studies in the emerging field of washback. The
picture that emerged from this study is that the IELTS tests and preparation courses, powerful as they
are, cannot be efficient agents for profound changes in learners’ perspectives.

 
Realizing Learner Autonomy in a Foreign Language Class
Authors: Vasiljevic Zorana
Published: November 2016

This paper introduces an example of a university language programme developed around the idea that
autonomy is an inherent component of true learning. After a brief introduction to the learning context,
real-classroom example of how learner autonomy can be fostered over the course of an academic year
is presented. Samples of worksheets used for strategy training and the examples of students’ work at the
planning, information integration and reflection stages are shared. The paper also discusses some of
the challenges that the teacher and the learners faced in their efforts to transform a university
language class into an opportunity for true self-actualization and personal growth.
Assessing EFL Learners’ Consecutive Interpreting Skills
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmad Ibrahim Hany , El-Esery Ayman
Published: November 2016

Interpreting is taught to senior EFL learners in Saudi Faculties of Arts. Since it is a branch with a vast number of skills, the present study seeks to evaluate EFL learners’ interpreting skills. Forty graduate-level majors at Uqlat Asoqour Faculty of Arts, Qassim University were chosen randomly to sit for an interpreting test. A consecutive interpreting skills rubric was used to assess twelve interpreting skills over six points scale. Results of the statistical analysis showed variances among the subjects’ interpreting skills, with a need to tackle some of interpreting skills intensively in the translation and interpreting courses presented to EFL students in Faculties of Arts.
Simplification in Language Learning: What Do Learners Simplify?
Authors: Mahmoud Abdulmoneim
Published: November 2016

This article focuses on the notion of 'simplification' in language learning from the perspective of the learner and that of the teacher. Instead of using the term to refer to a learning and communication strategy whereby learners drop certain linguistic elements, we believe that it can be reserved for the caretakers and language teachers who 'simplify' their language to communicate with the learners. The learners' use of a reduced system is due either to cognitive limitations or the use of various learning and communication strategies which lead to the omission, insertion, substitution or mis-ordering of linguistic elements. Language learners use interlingual and intralingual transfer strategies in an attempt to facilitate the task of learning and communicating in the target language. Omission of linguistic elements is not intended to 'simplify' the language. The linguistic elements that learners add due to transfer may be more than those they omit. Hence, linguistic simplification by caretakers and language teachers needs to be distinguished from the simplification of the learning task by the learners.
Can Cognitive Strategies be Incorporated in a Critical Reading Course?
Authors: Ibrahim Nizar Kamal
Published: November 2016

This study examined the effect of training in cognitive reading strategies in the context of critical literacy. Thirty students enrolled in a critical analysis course at a Lebanese university participated in the study. For three months, the participants received instruction based on a critical literacy model during which they were trained in summarizing, paraphrasing, using key words and discourse markers to find details and guessing meaning from context so that they comprehend the texts and read them critically. The Mixed Research Method was used in the study. In the quantitative part, the One-group, Posttest Pretest design was employed. For qualitative data, all the participants filled out a questionnaire. Eleven participants were interviewed, before which they filled out a survey. Also some class interaction was documented. The study also examined how students engaged texts critically, but this data was not presented in this report, which only discusses the results related to the targeted reading strategies. Statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in paraphrasing and summarizing but not in answering detail questions and guessing meaning from context. The qualitative data revealed interesting insights into why students did well in the first two strategies and badly in the last two ones.
First Language Bidialectism and Associative Learning in Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Han Weifeng
Published: November 2016

The faculty of grammar has long been known to be critical to language acquisition, but recent studies have called into question whether innate capacities included only knowledge of grammatical structure. This paper reports research on language-learning impaired children’s language acquisition and first language (L1) bidialectal children learning a second language. It proposes that learners will benefit from their L1 bidialectal knowledge in second language (L2) learning, since L1 bidialectals exhibit better syntactic awareness of L2 specific structures. It further argues that mechanism of association, rather than rule computation, plays a more important role in L2 acquisition.
Promoting the Autonomy of Taiwanese EFL Learners in Higher Education by Using Self-Assessment Learning Logs
Authors: Chang Lilian Ya-Hui , Geary Michael Patrick
Published: November 2016

This study revealed how the classroom teaching practice of self-assessment learning logs helps to promote the autonomy of L2 learners in the context of higher education in Taiwan. L2 learners completed a self-assessment learning log entry on a biweekly basis, reflecting on what they had done outside of the classroom to improve their English. These learners then shared their learning log entries in class approximately once a month. Data from 30 participants were collected using a questionnaire containing both closed and open-ended questions. The results indicated that most participants believed that learning logs facilitated language learning; in particular, sharing what they had done with their classmates was a strong motivation to continue out-of-class learning activities. This paper offers specific suggestions for teachers regarding effective techniques for promoting learner autonomy.
The Integration of Interpretive Teaching and Assessment: Instructed by Portfolio Assessment
Authors: Gao Fen
Published: November 2016

Portfolio assessment focuses on the learning process, which combines comprehensively both the process and outcome. By means of test, questionnaire and interview, this study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the impacts on the learners’ interpretive ability and learning autonomy instructed by portfolio assessment, finally resulting in the integration of interpretive teaching and assessment. The results show that the post-test scores of the Experimental group are higher than the Control group, particularly in terms of listening and analysis, plus translation, and also significantly higher than the pre-test scores of the Experimental group. In addition, the questionnaire and interview reveal that the testees not only increase their activeness in interpretive training but also develop their strong autonomy in learning, thus enhancing their meta cognitive ability in the interpretive training.
Priming Effect on Automatisation of L2 Prepositional-Phrase Processing Ability
Authors: Fujita Hiroki
Published: November 2016

Most L2 learners cannot process a second language as native speakers do because of their less automatic syntactic processing ability. In this article, the author reports two experiments that used a word-by-word self-paced reading task to examine how Japanese language learners of English process English prepositional phrases. The study also examined whether these learners could improve their syntactic processing ability, using the priming method. The research findings showed that while L2 learners had more difficulty processing a prepositional phrase when it modified the noun of the matrix verb than modified the verb, they were able to overcome that difficulty with appropriate primes. The research findings indicated that L2 learners were able to improve their syntactic processing ability if they encountered the same syntactic structure repeatedly.
Interpreters’ Perceptions on Their Profession and Quality in Malaysian Conference Interpreting
Authors: Amini Mansour , Amini Davoud , Yaqubi Mojde
Published: November 2016

Interpreters’ perceptions about their profession and quality of interpreting were explored by a survey in five international conferences to fill in the gap between research and practice in conference interpreting and quality expectations in a Malaysian setting. Open-ended questions formed the main part of the questionnaire, adapted from Moser (1995). Analysis of the eleven participants’ responses showed that interpreters describe their profession as “communication facilitators”. Interpreters indicated adapting with the speaker’s speed as the most difficult aspect of interpreting. Time constraints, lack of knowledge, familiarity with the terminology, and technical problems were the most problematic issues and main difficulties in conference interpreting. Environmental conditions, interpreters’ insufficient technical knowledge, incorrect terminology, and mistranslation were marked as other important problems of conference interpreting.
The Infrastructure of School Culture: Measuring Commitment, Discourse, Efficacy, and Sensemaking in Adequate Yearly Progress
Authors: Brockberg Kevin H.
Published: November 2016

While achievement test results lead to after-the-fact AYP results, this research delves into measures behind and beyond test scores, the matter-of-fact workplace norms of schools. Elementary teachers completed items in the VISTAA survey as analysis revealed five constructs of school culture: commitment to student learning, commitment to collegiality, discourse, efficacy, and sensemaking. As a single aggregate factor, defined standard deviation gains in the school culture composite increased the likelihood of attaining AYP by 81%. The results also show positive associations for individual predictors concerning the infrastructure of school culture with the outcome of AYP.
The Challenges, Influences, and Experiences of Slavic Immigrant Education in the U.S
Authors: Diego Daniel J.
Published: November 2016

In the today’s diverse society, it is necessary for educators to understand and be familiar with the values, ideas, attitudes, beliefs, experiences, and social and cultural contexts that have shaped the lives of their students in order to provide optimal learning opportunities. This article is a synthesis of research regarding the challenges, influences, and experiences of Slavic students in the United States at the primary and secondary school levels. Due to the lack of research concerning Slavic students in the United States, this article has examined literature surrounding the experiences of immigrant students, English Learners (ELs), and Slavic students in an attempt to find common ground 
The Professional Project among Danish Kindergarten Teachers: Its Nature and Consequences in the Current Context
Authors: Bøje Jakob Ditlev
Published: November 2016

This article describes ways in which the professionalization strategy among Danish kindergarten teachers is realised in practice by newly educated members of the occupation. It focusses on relations between gender and professionalisation and concludes that the professionalisation strategy is realised as, respectively, a female professional project and a male qualification project. The consequences of these two projects are discussed in terms of ways they seem to produce and reproduce kindergarten teachers’ work. The article is based on ethnographic observations and interviews with newly educated kindergarten teachers employed in three different pedagogic institutions: day-care (0-6 years), after-school institutions (6-10 years) and club facilities (10-18 years).
Experiencing Flow: An Interpersonal Process View
Authors: Han Min
Published: November 2016

Previous researches on Flow have focused on the intrapersonal aspect through which individuals can experience Flow. The balance between challenge and skill has been the most important precondition for Flow. However, Flow may be attainable through other methods especially in terms of historical and cultural perspectives. To provide an alternative explanation, the current study discussed Shinmyeong, a cultural phenomenon in Korea, and its specific process as a cultural form of Flow. People who experienced Shinmyeong reported that they began to experience it when they interacted with the others who were in the same place at the time of Shinmyeong experience. They thought every person there was exchanging the same feelings with one another and the feelings were amplified based on such beliefs. This interpersonal process regulated the intensity of Shinmyeong, and the way people experience it was constructed by culture. The cultural concept of Woori (we) was also discussed to understand the way of communication among Korean people, which may be the foundation of the interpersonal process in Shinmyeong experience.
The Construction of City Images in Micro Films: A Case Study of Taipei City Government
Authors: Lin Chia-ju,
Published: November 2016

In recent years, with the rapid development of the media, an increasing number of corporations and even government agencies are using the new format known as the micro film as a means of advertising and marketing. In this study, we took the micro films produced by the Taipei City Government as objects of analysis to investigate the image of the city as constructed in and produced by these films. Furthermore, in this study, the symbol of image in three such micro films was studied: Love@Taipei, My Micro Tour of Taipei, and Happily Ever After. It was found that in these films, the characteristics of the city of Taipei have been presented accurately and successfully by means of the [appropriate selection of] celebrity performers, the romance narratives used, and the lively presentation of these films. Therefore, these films have foregrounded an image of Taipei that is free, friendly, diverse, and progressive; furthermore, they have successfully conveyed the idea that “Taipei is a city that is positive and capable of outstanding achievements”. These films, designed to attract audiences, have been made with great skill and portray little elements of the government-run campaigns they are actually part of, thus making them even more entertaining for viewers.
Induction of Labour in Prelabour Rupture of Membranes with or without Cervical Ripening with Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Aryal Shreyashi , Karki Chanda
Published: November 2016

Objective: To compare the outcome of induction of labour with titrated dose of oxytocin with or without pre induction cervical ripening using prostaglandin E2.

Methods: This is a prospective study. Sixty women with prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM) and Bishops score of less than six were randomly assigned to either immediate induction with intravenous oxytocin drip or induction with intravenous oxytocin drip preceded by cervical priming with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel 0.5mg instilled intracervically. These two groups were compared regarding the mode of delivery, induction to delivery interval and maternal and neonatal morbidities.

Results: Cervical priming with PGE2 resulted in lesser number of caesarean section (5 Vs. 12) and lower incidence of meconium stained liquor (n=6 Vs. n=2). Induction to vaginal delivery interval was shorter when cervical priming was done (5.4 hrs Vs 7.9 hrs). The maternal morbidity was negligible (<1%) in both the groups. The number of neonates with birth asphyxia (n=2) and the need for their resuscitation (n=2) was more in the oxytocin group but the need of antibiotics for the neonates was more in PGE2 group (5% Vs. 3%).

Conclusion: Induction of labor with oxytocin, with or without cervical priming with vaginal PGE2 gel, are both reasonable options in cases of PROM, since they result in statistically non significant rates of maternal and neonatal morbidities and caesarean section. Cervical priming with prostaglandin results in higher rate of vaginal delivery and shorter induction to vaginal delivery interval and this is viewed as an advantage to the mother.
Menarche and Its Determinants in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Ghimire Moushami , Ghimire Madhusudhan
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Biological, psychosocial, cognitive, emotional and social changes begin during puberty and continue throughout adolescence. The age at which a female reaches sexual maturity is critical in determining her future reproductive health and success. The aim of the study was to assess the average age of sexual feeling and menarche among the adolescent girls and its determinants.

Methods: Three hundred fifty five respondents were selected through simple random sampling from three secondary schools (namely Sunrise Boarding School, Swaraswati Secondary School and Gyanjyoti Samudayak Bidhyalaya) in Palpa for the cross-sectional study. Structured interview schedule was used to collect information. Data was tabulated in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed with SPSS-16.

Results: Most of the girls (44.8%) attained menarche at 12 years (M = 12.4, SD = 1.11). Age at menarche was more likely before 13 years of age when the age of onset of sexual feeling was earlier than 12 years of age, in students than in domestic workers and if they are living with parents than in those not living with parents.

Conclusion: The average age of menarche among the adolescent girls was 12.40 years and it could be influenced by age of sexual feeling, occupation and living status of girls.
Psychological Distress in Patients having Globus Pharyngeus
Authors: Acharya Anup , Singh Madan Mohan , Pokharel Bandana
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Globus sensation is described as a constant feeling of a lump or foreign body in the throat in absence of pain and dysphagia. It is a common complaint in Ear Nose and Throat clinics. Etiology of this condition remains multifactorial and unclear. Psychiatric disorder has been described as one of the cause of globus. The objective of this study is to evaluate the occurrence of psychological distress in patients complaining of globus sensation in throat coming to our centre.

Methods: A case-control study was done. Patients coming to Outpatient of Ear Nose and Throat Department of Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital with complain of globus and not having an organic explanation of the condition were included. Age, sex and socio-economic condition matched control group was selected from healthy visitors (patient parties). Validated Nepali version of GHQ-12 was used to assess the psychological distress.

Results: Psychological distress was present in 72.69% of the cases and 39.91% in the control group. The difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion: Psychological distress was significantly higher in the patients with globus pharyngeus compared to the control group. It was also present in a larger fraction of the controlgroup. The patient who present with Globus should undergo psychiatric evaluation after organic causes have been ruled out. We recommend a national policy to evaluate the population for their psychiatric health.
Perinatal Outcome of Deliveries after One Previous Caesarean Section
Authors: Kaur Narinder , Jain Sushila
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Contrary to the WHO recommended caesarean section (CS) rate of 15%, there is an alarming trend of increasing caesarean section rates. An important reason for this is repeat caesarean section (RCS). Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is one of the methods of reducing CS rates in women with history of previous CS. This study was done with the aim to see the maternal and fetal outcome among parturient with history of single previous caesarean section and to determine the rate of VBAC at Lumbini Medical College, Nepal.

Methods: This is a prospective study done for a period of ten months. Seventy parturient fulfilling inclusion criteria of term pregnancy with single live fetus and history of one Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) were enrolled in the study. Patients meeting the criteria for VBAC were given trial of labour and others were taken for elective repeat CS. This cohort was analyzed further, with respect to age, parity, period of gestation, mode of delivery, indication for CS, maternal and fetal complications and outcomes.

Results: VBAC was successful in 27.14% of patients (n=19) while the rest 51 (72.85%) underwent RCS . Indications for RCS was mainly scar tenderness 7 (13.7%), fetal distress 6 (11.7%), non progress of labour 6 (11.7%), meconium stained liquor 6 (11.7%) and post-dated pregnancy 6 (11.7%). Maternal morbidity was comparable in women undergoing RCS or VBAC. There was one still birth and one early neonatal death in each group due to complications of meconium aspiration.

Conclusion: Patients with previous CS are at high risk of RCS. If trial of labor is allowed under careful patient selection and supervision, the rate of vaginal delivery after caesarean section can be increased safely. As there is no added perinatal morbidity and mortality in cases of VBAC as compared to RCS, VBAC shows the right way forward to decrease the rate of caesarean section.
The effect of combination therapy of insulin glargine, metformin, and sitagliptin on insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and metabolic parameters in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Beljic-Zivkovic Teodora , Marjanovic-Petkovic Milica , Vuksanovic Miljanka , Soldatovic Ivan , Kanlic Dobrila , Topalov Drina
Published: November 2016

Introduction. A combination of drugs is required for treatment of obese
subjects with diabetes, due to multiple pathogenic mechanisms implicated in
the development of both diabetes and obesity. Objective. Assessment of the
effect of sitagliptin added to insulin glargine and metformin, in obese
subjects with type 2 diabetes. Methods. A total of 23 obese subjects on
metformin and insulin glargine participated in the study. Titration of
insulin glargine during a one-month period preceded the addition of 100 mg of
sitagliptin daily. Body mass index, waist circumference, fasting, and
prandial glucose were measured monthly, lipids and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
every three months, insulin, c-peptide and glucagon at the start and after
six months of treatment. Homeostatic models for insulin secretion (HOMA B)
and insulin resistance (HOMA IR) were calculated. Results. Participants were
58.65 ?} 7.62 years of age with a body mass index of 35.06 ?} 5.15 kg/m2,
waist circumference of 115.04 ?} 15.5 cm, and the duration of diabetes of
4.11 ?} 2.57 years. With the titration of insulin glargine, target fasting
glucose levels were not achieved. Waist circumference and body mass index
decreased during three months of sitagliptin treatment, thereafter remaining
stable. HbA1c decreased significantly after three and six months of therapy.
C-peptide increased significantly, while glucagon level fell. HOMA indexes
were unchanged. Conclusion. Sitagliptin can improve diabetes control and
induce modest weight loss in obese subjects poorly controlled on insulin
glargine and metformin. Titration of insulin glargine to optimal fasting
glucose values is a prerequisite of success of this combination therapy.
Factors that predict walking ability with a prosthesis in lower limb amputees
Authors: Knezevic Aleksandar , Petkovic Milena , Mikov Aleksandra , Jeremic-Knezevic Milica , Demesi-Drljan Cila , Boskovic Ksenija , Tomasevic-Todorovic Snezana , Jelicic Zoran
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Identification of predictive factors for walking ability with a
prosthesis, after lower limb amputation, is very important in order to define
patient?s potentials and realistic rehabilitation goals, however challenging
they are. Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate whether
variables determined at the beginning of rehabilitation process are able to
predict walking ability at the end of the treatment using support vector
machines (SVMs). Methods. This research was designed as a retrospective
clinical case series. The outcome was defined as three-leveled ambulation
ability. SVMs were used for predicting model forming. Results. The study
included 263 patients, average age 60.82 ?} 9.27 years. In creating SVM
models, eleven variables were included: age, gender, cause of amputation,
amputation level, period from amputation to prosthetic rehabilitation,
Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI), presence of diabetes, presence of a
partner, restriction concerning hip or knee extension, residual limb hip
extensor strength, and mobility at admission. Six SVM models were created
with four, five, six, eight, 10, and 11 variables, respectively. Genetic
algorithm was used as an optimization procedure in order to select the best
variables for predicting the level of walking ability. The accuracy of these
models ranged from 72.5% to 82.5%. Conclusion. By using SVM model with four
variables (age, FCI, level of amputation, and mobility at admission) we are
able to predict the level of ambulation with a prosthesis in lower limb
amputees with high accuracy.
Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype distribution in Vojvodina before the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines into the national immunization program
Authors: Petrovic Vladimir , Seguljev Zorica , Ristic Mioljub , Djekic-Malbasa Jelena , Radosavljevic Biljana , Medic Deana , Mihajlovic-Ukropina Mira , Hadnadjev Mirjana , Gajic Ina , Opavski Natasa
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common causative agent of
bacterial pneumonia and meningitis. Mandatory childhood immunization against
pneumococcal diseases is introduced in the new Law on Protection of
Population against Communicable Diseases in Serbia. Objective. The objective
of this study was to determine the prevalence of pneumococcal serotype
distribution in Vojvodina region before routine use of pneumococcal conjugate
vaccine in Serbia. Methods. A total of 105 isolates of Streptococcus
pneumoniae were collected in the period from January 2009 to April 2016.
Based on the results of serotyping in the National Reference Laboratory, we
analyzed distribution of circulating serotypes and coverage of conjugate and
23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccines in different age groups.
Results. Among 105 isolates, a total of 21 different serotypes of
Streptococcus pneumoniae were determined. The most frequent serotypes were 3
(21.9%), 19F (20.0%), and 14 (10.5%). The serotype coverage of pneumococcal
conjugate vaccines (PCV7, PCV10, and PCV13) was 48.6%, 54.3%, and 84.8%,
respectively, while pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) covered 89.5%
of the total number of isolates in all age groups. Serotypes included in
PCV7, PCV10, and PCV13 represented 72.0%, 76.0%, and 88.0% of the total
number of isolates in children ?5 years, respectively. Vaccine serotype
coverage of PCV13 and PPV23 ranged from 87.1% to 90.3% in adults 50-64 years
of age, and 77.8% to 85.2% in adults ?65 years old. Conclusion. Serotype
distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the population fairly overlaps
with the serotypes contained in pneumococcal vaccines, so that implementation
of childhood immunization is justified. The study was done in the Province of
Vojvodina but the findings may be applied to Serbia as a whole. [Projekat
Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. ON 175039]

 This article has been corrected. Link to the correction 10.2298/SARH1612678E
Relentless placoid chorioretinitis: A case report
Authors: Obradovic Ljiljana , Jovanovic Svetlana , Petrovic Nenad , Sreckovic Suncica , Jovanovic Zorica
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Relentless placoid chorioretinitis is an entity which belongs
to the group of an atypical intermediate form of primary inflammatory
choriocapillaropathies, resembling both acute posterior multifocal placoid
pigment epitheliopathy and serpiginous choroiditis, but the retinal
distribution and clinical course are not the same. Because of this similarity
this entity was termed ?AMPPiginous?. This entity was first described by
Jones et al. in 2000. The aim of our case report is to present a very
specific case where the clinical course was progressive, with loss of vision
in the affected eye. Case Outline. A 31-year-old man, with no previous
ophthalmic diseases, was hospitalized at the Clinic of Ophthalmology,
Clinical Center Kragujevac, because of a reduction of vision in the right
eye, and scotoma and metamorphopsia in the left eye. The clinical course of
retinal lesions in the left eye resembled the changes observed in acute
posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, and the right eye
changes were between acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment
epitheliopathy and serpiginous choroiditis. The diagnosis of relentless
placoid chorioretinitis was confirmed after clinical, laboratory,
immunological, virological, and angiography examinations. Conclusion. The
progressive clinical course of the disease, complemented by multimodal
imaging and extensive laboratory diagnostics, has led us to the diagnosis of
relentless placoid chorioretinitis. The combined anti-inflammatory and
immunomodulatory therapy led to the stabilization of visual acuity of the
left eye as opposed to the right, where there has been no recovery.
Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the mandible: A case report
Authors: Krasic Dragan , Trajkovic Milos , Mihailovic Dragan , Krasic Stasa , Zivkovic Igor , Spasic Milan , Zivkovic Nikola
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, compared to other tumors of salivary
glands, occurs in 5-10% of cases. Histopathologically, it is divided into a
well differentiated tumor that is of low-grade of malignancy, and a medium
and poorly differentiated tumor of high grade of malignancy. Central
mucoepidermoid carcinoma (CMEC) of the mandible was firstly described by Lepp
in 1936, on a 66-year-old female patient. CMEC is characterized by atypical
clinical image and radiological manifestation. Case Outline. A 55-year-old
female patient was examined at the Clinic of Dentistry in Nis, Serbia, with
anamnestic data regarding the presence of painless swelling in the right side
of the mandible. Considering the histopathological results and presence of
enlarged lymph nodes, right hemimandibulectomy and tumour excision from
pterygomandibular space followed by supraomohyoid neck dissection was done.
In due course, postoperative radiotherapy was applied (60 Gy). Conclusion.
CMEC represents a rare tumor, characterized by local tissue destruction and
ability to metastasize. Initial biopsy represented the key in preoperative
planing. Radical excision with neck lymph node dissection followed by
postoperative radiotherapy in our case represent a successful method of
treating CMEC of the mandible.
Epithelioid hemangioma in the oral mucosa: A case report
Authors: Henriques Aguida , Vidal Manuela , Gurgel Clarissa , Rocha Sanyra , Carneiro Braulio , Almeida de , dos Santos
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Epithelioid hemangioma is an uncommon benign vasoproliferative
neoplasm that usually manifests as multiple red nodules in middle-aged
adults. Case Outline. A 52-year-old male patient presented with a one-year
history of a nodular lesion in the left buccal mucosa measuring 3 cm. The
clinical hypothesis was lipoma. An excisional biopsy revealed a circumscribed
lesion composed of lobules of vessels with perceptible or poor lumina,
associated with a prominent inflammatory infiltrate consisting of
eosinophils, histiocytes and chronic inflammatory cells. The endothelial
cells composing the lesion had an epithelioid morphology and contained
abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry for CD34, factor VIII,
collagen IV, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and mast cells, as well as
histochemical staining with Weigert?s orcein were performed. Conclusion.
Vascular proliferations of soft tissues are a diverse and morphologically
complex group of lesions that are difficult to diagnose. This report presents
a case of oral epithelioid hemangioma, highlighting relevant morphological
and immunohistochemical features that could help distinguish this condition
from other neoplasms.