bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and structural properties of termite soil as a partial replacement to cement for different applications
Authors: Mahamat 1 Assia A. , Azeko 2 Salifu T. 
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the results of the experimental and theoretical study of the mechanical and structural properties of termite soil as a partial replacement to cement for different applications, especially in the building/construction industry. Different volume fractions of termite soil are mixed with Portland cement and their compressive and flexural strengths as well as fracture toughness values are determined. The mechanical properties of the composites are also elucidated after curing the samples for 7 days, 14 days and 28 days. The study shows that the 28 days Compressive strength decreases with increasing volume percentage of termite soil for volume percentages up to 60%. The 28 day strength was also greater than the requirement of (NIS 87: 2000) for non-bearing load walls (δmin=2.8N/mm²› 2.5 N/mm²). The flexural strength for 20% replacement (at all curing days) was greater than 7 N/mm². The fracture toughness was also observed to decrease with increasing volume percentage of termite soil up to 20 vol. %. This resulted in a maximum fracture toughness of 4.24 for the materials with 20 vol. % of termite soil stabilization. The samples are then characterized via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX). The implications of the results are discussed for the development of sustainable termite-stabilized building materials.
Granulocyte colony stimulating factor in COS-IUI cycles
Authors: Shetty Pradnya Devdas , Lad Nikita , Vishwekar Pallavi , Shivtare Mamta Vijay 
Published: March 2019

Background: An unresolved assisted reproductive technique problem is the unresponsive, thin endometrium. Approximately 0.6%-0.8% of patients do not reach the minimum thickness. Using endometrial co culture, G-CSF>130pg/mL was associated with significantly improved pregnancy rate in ART cycles. This is a retrospective study that included all unexplained infertility cycles with controlled ovulation stimulation –IUI protocols. Aim was to note the effects of G-CSF on thin endometrium and pregnancy rate in G-CSF administered COS-IUI cycles.Methods: This study was done in the IVF department of Dr D Y Patil University, Navi Mumbai, India. Thin endometrium was defined as ET<7mm on transvaginal ultrasound. Clomiphene citrate was used for ovulation induction in strengths of 100mg or 50mg on day 2 of their cycle based on the antral follicle count. Trigger used was injection 10,000µg urinary hCG. On the same day when the trigger injection was given, 300 units G-CSF was instilled into the uterus. Post 36 hours IUI was done under aseptic precautions .After 16 days β-hCG levels were done to determine whether there is a pregnancy.Results: In present study,200 COS-IUI cycles were analysed.50 cycles showed a thin endometrium and in them G-CSF was used. The chemical pregnancy rates was 32%, the intrauterine pregnancy rate was 28%, ectopic pregnancy rate was 4%.Conclusions: Present study concluded that G-CSF increases ET significantly in COS-IUI cycles in the event of thin endometrium. In view of small cohort size further larger randomized controlled trials may be required to substantiate the above conclusions.
Management of stillbirths: an observational analysis at a rural tertiary care centre in Kerala, India
Authors: K. K. Ajini , R. P. Reena , K. R. Radha 
Published: March 2019

Background: Stillbirth is a distressing event, both for the expecting mother and the obstetrician. Several maternal, social and circumstantial factors influence its occurrence. These women with intrauterine fetal death need to be treated in a considerate manner. Our aim was to analyse different methods of induction, management of labour and their outcomes in women with antepartum fetal demise.Methods: All women admitted to a tertiary care centre with intrauterine fetal death after 22 weeks during the study period of 24 months were recruited. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics and relevant investigations were studied. Induction of labour was achieved with mechanical and pharmacological methods. Stillborn babies, placentae and umbilical cord were examined after delivery.Results: There were 175 women with IUFD admitted during the study period. The stillbirth rate was 38.6 per1000 live births.148 women (84.57%) required induction of labour while16 women had spontaneous onset of labour. Among the 44 women with previous Cesarean section, 11 underwent elective Cesarean section. 19 women (57.6%) out of 33 cases of trial of labour after Cesarean had a successful vaginal delivery. There were 2 cases of rupture uterus and 10 women required ICU admissions. Intrauterine growth restriction was the leading cause of stillbirth (41.8%) followed by hypertensive disorders (27.7%).Conclusions: Present study has shown that vaginal birth can be achieved in most women with mechanical and pharmacological methods of induction within a reasonable period of time.
Comparison of maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnancy with altered thyroid profile and euthyroid patients: a prospective, observational and case control study in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Singh Vandna , Natu Neeta , Gupta Artika Sudhir 
Published: March 2019

Background: Thyroid disease is one of the commonest endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, and when untreated during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of complications. The objective of this review was to increase awareness and to provide a review on adverse effect of thyroid dysfunction on maternal and perinatal outcome.Methods: This prospective, observational hospital-based case-control study carried on women coming for antenatal check-up in a Tertiary Care Hospital in INDORE from May 2018-December 2018. 50 known booked antenatal (case) patient with established thyroid disorder, more than 32 week of gestation, and 50-matched euthyroid patients (control) were taken.Results: Women suffering from overt and subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are nulliparous in 72% cases as compared to 32% in euthyroid patient. Increased maternal age was associated with higher incidence of thyroid dysfunction. Normal vaginal delivery by spontaneous labour seen in 56% of euthyroid, while it is reduced with thyroid dysfunction. 38% of altered thyroid profile patient undergo induction of labour and 24% cases undergo caesarean section as compared to control (17%). Adverse fetal outcome like intrauterine growth retardation, preterm birth and ICU admission seen increased with thyroid dysfunction as compared to euthyroid patients.Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy, although has a low incidence, but is associated with adverse maternal and fetal implications. Thus, thyroid screening should be done in antenatal period to improve fetomaternal outcome.
A study of the symptoms of gastro oesophageal reflux disease and the associated risk factors in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Manickam Santni , Sethuraman Ganesh , Kuppusamy Jayachandran 
Published: March 2019

Background: Gastro esophageal reflux disease is the commonest pathologies encountered by gastroenterologist in day to day practice. Longstanding and untreated gastro esophageal reflux disease can lead to many complications including adenocarcinoma. This study was conducted to evaluate the various symptoms and to analyze the lifestyle and dietary factors influencing gastro esophageal reflux disease which can be modified.Methods: Hundred patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease of age more than 18 years were enrolled in the study. Various patient details including demographic details, lifestyle information and symptomatology data were analyzed and compared with complications.Results: Mean age of gastro esophageal reflux disease patients was 56.09±15.93 years. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is more prevalent in males than females. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is more frequent in BMI <25, greater number of co morbidities and in non-vegetarians. Mean age of gastro esophageal reflux disease with complications was 67±11.53 years and without complications was 52.64±15.57 years. No strong association of smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, fried foods, citrus fruits, heavy meals, tea/coffee, aerated drinks, sleep disturbance and effect on work was identified in gastro esophageal reflux disease.Conclusions: Classical symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease were not present in all the patients. Higher age of the patient infers higher risk of complications. Daily episodes of heartburn, regurgitation and retrosternal chest pain implies higher risk of complications. Presence of Helicobacter pylori in gastro esophageal reflux disease patients signify higher risk of complications.
Evaluation of risk factors for lower extremity amputation in diabetic foot ulcer: a hospital based observational study in Northern India
Authors: Bal Bhavkaran Singh , Khanna Gagan , Bhardwaj Aditya , Singh Kamalpreet 
Published: March 2019

Background: The present prospective observational study was done to analyse the risk factors leading to minor or major lower extremity amputation (LEA) in diabetic patients.Methods: A 139 patients were divided into Group A (n=113) and Group B (n=26) who underwent minor and major LEA respectively.Results: Majority of the patients in group B were from rural and lower socioeconomic background. Duration of diabetes (p=0.017) and of DFU was significantly longer in group B (P <0.001) The pro-portion of patients with Wagner Grade 4 and 5 ulcer were significantly higher in group B than in group A (P <0.001) Wound infection and maggots were significantly higher in group B though polymicrobial infection was higher in group A. Biochemical investigations were abnormally altered but difference between two groups was not significant.Conclusions: Socioeconomic burden on the society due to LEA can be reduced by making diabetic patients aware of foot hygiene, regular medical check-up for control of diabetes and associated complications.
Body composition and prevalence of overweight and obesity and its determinants among adolescents in Manipur, North-Eastern India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oinam Joymati , Akoijam Joy Singh , Yumnam Ningthemba , Roy L. Suresh , Khanna Tripti 
Published: March 2019

Background: Childhood obesity is emerging as one of the serious public health problems. It has become one of the significant risk factors associated with a cluster of non-communicable diseases which causes an enormous socioeconomic and public health burden. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the body fat % and prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescent in Manipur and to identify factors which may contribute to overweight.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 12,410 students studying in class VIII-XII in four districts of Manipur from 2007-2009. A self-administered questionnaire method was used. BMI and Body composition were determined using the TANITA Body Composition Analyzer. Overweight/ obesity were classified by using WHO classification. Analysis done using SPSSv20 and mean (SD), percentages and Chi-square test were used. A p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The overall mean fat % was 19.4±6.1 and girls have higher fat% than boys. Overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were 6.4% and 1.2% respectively. Obesity prevalence was more among girls than boys (1.6% vs 1.0%). Statistically significant association was found between obesity with family history of overweight, private schooling, playing games, mode of transport to school, sleeping hours, being vegetarian and watching television.Conclusions: Though the prevalence of overweight and obesity as compared to other parts of India is low, the increasing trend is a definite cause of concern. Therefore, there is a need for primary prevention targeted among children and adolescents regarding adoption of healthy life styles.
Primary tuberculosis of the breast: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Khan Rafat , Charokar Kailash 
Published: March 2019

Primary tuberculosis of the breast is a rare disease, despite the high prevalence of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in disease endemic countries. The diagnosis of primary breast tuberculosis is challenging due to it’s non-specific clinical and imaging findings. Lesions of tuberculosis such as nodular mastitis, disseminated mastitis, and sclerosing lesions clinically mimic fibroadenoma, carcinoma, and fibrocystic changes, depending on the mode of presentation. We report a case of primary tuberculosis of breast, she presented with breast lump. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology after wide excision of the lump. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on antitubercular therapy for 9 months with follow-up protocol. The primary tuberculosis of the breast presents with a diagnostic dilemma for the surgeons. A high index of suspicion for tuberculosis is needed in diseases endemic countries, especially in the Indian subcontinent.
The evaluation of α-tocopherol concentration instead of α-tocopherol:cholesterol ratio in adult cystic fibrosis patients results in the overestimation of vitamin E deficiency
Authors: Sapiejka Ewa , Krzyżanowska-Jankowska Patrycja , Walkowiak Dariusz , Kurek Szymon , Walkowiak Jarosław 
Published: March 2019

Introduction. It has been suggested that serum vitamin E concentrations in CF patients may not properly reflect the body resources of vitamin E. Therefore, we aimed to assess vitamin E status in CF adults relating it to reference values for healthy subjects, also taking into account the α‑tocopherol:cholesterol ratio. Material and Methods. The study group was composed of 33 CF patients − 18 (54.5%) females and 15 (45.5%) males − aged from 18 to 47 years. In all CF patients nutritional status and clinical expression of disease − lung function; Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization; diabetes; cirrhosis; exocrine pancreatic function and vitamin E supplementation were analyzed. Vitamin E (α‑tocopherol) concentration was assessed by high‑performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Resuls. CF adults have lower vitamin E concentrations (median: 830 µg/dl vs. 1132 µg/dl, p = 0.00174) and higher vitamin E: cholesterol ratio (median: 7.2 mg/g vs. 6.7 mg/g, p < 0.00001) than healthy subjects. The underlying factor that determines this phenomenon is related to low cholesterol levels observed in CF patients. The percentage of low vitamin E concentrations defined in comparison to healthy Polish peers is considerably higher than low vitamin E:cholesterol ratios (39.4% vs. 21.2%, p = 0.0011). Conclusions. The evaluation of α‑tocopherol concentration instead of α‑tocopherol:cholesterol ratio in CF adults results in the overestimation of vitamin E deficiency. Moreover, there is also potentially a large percentage of individuals with excessive vitamin E body resources. However, this aspect demands further studies.
The occurrence of abnormal body weight values and selected eating habits and physical activity of nurses
Authors: Waksmańska Wioletta , Woś Halina , Bobiński Rafał 
Published: March 2019

Aim. The aim of the research was to analyze the incidence of abnormal body weight values and to assess eating habits and physical activity of nurses.Material and Methods. The studies involved all first‑year nursing students of the second degree daily studies, working as a nurse. The women’s eating habits were analyzed based the diet. The questionnaire allowed the researchers to determine daily consumption of each particular dietary component (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fatty acids, vitamins) as well as the women’s calorie consumption.Results. The analysis showed that the group of underweight participants was comprised of 5 students (group I), the group of participants with normal body weight — of 43 students (group II), and the group of participants with excessive body weight — of 10 students (group III). Group II students spent the longest time on (moderate and intense) physical activity (on average 378 minutes/week), whereas group III students — the shortest (on average 203 minutes/week). While analyzing the average protein intake, it was found that all groups exceeded its daily requirement. The intake of sodium and cholesterol was exceeded more than twice of the recommended amount. A very low intake of vitamin D — covering from 40 to 48% of the daily requirement — was observed in all groups.Conclusions. Despite the fact that the nurses’ diet includes all nutrients necessary for the body, it is not properly balanced which obliges to raising awareness of types of consumed food.
Special Issue on Disaster and Big Data Part 4
Authors: Koshimura Shunichi 
Published: March 2019

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami disaster taught us many lessons. Many new findings, insights, and suggestions have been made and implemented in damage determination and in disaster observation, sensing, and simulation. The challenges in terms of mitigating damage from future catastrophic natural disasters, such as the expected Metropolitan Tokyo Earthquake and Nankai Trough Earthquake and Tsunami, are how we share the visions of the possible impacts and prepare to mitigate loss and damage, how we enhance society’s disaster resilience and the ability of society and social systems to prepare well, how we respond promptly and effectively to natural disasters, and how we apply lessons learned to future disaster management.
In recent years, a huge amount of information known as “disaster big data,” including data related to the dynamic movement of a large number of people, vehicles, and goods as IoT, has been obtained to understand how our society responds to natural disasters, both inside and outside the affected areas. The key question is how to utilize disaster big data to enhance disaster resilience.
Researchers with various areas of expertise are working together in a collaborative project called JST CREST: “Establishing the Most Advanced Disaster Reduction Management System by Fusion of Real-Time Disaster Simulation and Big Data Assimilation.” The project aims to identify possible disaster scenarios caused by earthquakes and tsunamis that occur and progress in a chained or compound manner, as well as to create new technologies to lead responses and disaster mitigation measures that help societies recover from disasters.
Since 2016, we have published three special issues entitled “Disaster and Big Data,” and now we will publish a fourth one which includes 10 research papers and 1 report. These aim to share the recent progress of the project as a sequel to Part 3, published in March 2018. As a guest editor of this issue, I would like to express our deep gratitude for the insightful comments and suggestions made by the reviewers and members of the editorial committee. It is my hope that the fruits of everyone’s efforts and outcomes will be utilized in disaster management efforts to mitigate damage and losses from future catastrophic disasters.
Imaging and Characterization of Microporous Carbonates Using Confocal and Electron Microscopy of Epoxy Pore Casts
Authors: Hassan A. , Chandra V. , Yutkin M. P. , Patzek T. W. , Espinoza D. N. 
Published: March 2019

Summary
Microporous carbonates contain perhaps 50% of the oil left behind in current projects in the giant carbonate fields in the Middle East and elsewhere. Pore geometry, connectivity, and wettability of the micropore systems in these carbonates are of paramount importance in finding new improved-oil-recovery methods. In this study, we present a robust pore-imaging approach that uses confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to obtain high-resolution 3D images of etched epoxy pore casts of the highly heterogeneous carbonates. In our approach, we have increased the depth of investigation for carbonates 20-fold, from 10 µm reported by Fredrich (1999) and Shah et al. (2013) to 200 µm. In addition, high-resolution 2D images from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been correlated with the 3D models from CLSM to develop a multiscale imaging approach that covers a range of scales, from millimeters in three dimensions to micrometers in two dimensions. The developed approach was implemented to identify various pore types [e.g., intercrystalline microporosity (IM), intragranular microporosity (IGM), and interboundary sheet pores (SPs)] in limestone and dolomite samples.
Adjoint-Based Adaptive Convergence Control of the Iterative Finite Volume Multiscale Method
Authors: de Zeeuw W. , de Moraes R. J. , Heemink A. W. , Jansen J. D. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
We propose a novel adaptive, adjoint-based, iterative multiscale finite volume (i-MSFV) method. The method aims to reduce the computational cost of the smoothing stage of the original i-MSFV method by selectively choosing fine-scale sub-domains (or sub-set of primary variables) to solve for. The selection of fine-scale primary variables is obtained from a goal-oriented adjoint model. An adjoint-based indicator is utilized as a criterion to select the primary variables having the largest errors. The Lagrange multipliers from the adjoint model can be interpreted as sensitivities of the objective function value with respect to deviations from the constraints. In case of adjoining the porous media flow equations with Lagrange multipliers, this implies that the multipliers are the sensitivities of the objective function with respect to the residuals of the flow equations, i.e., to the residual error that remains after approximately solving linear equations with the aid of an iterative solver. This allow us to recognize at which locations the solution contains more errors. More specifically, we propose a modification to the i-MSFV method to adaptively reduce the size of the fine-scale system that must be smoothed. The aim is to make the fine-scale smoothing stage less computationally demanding. To that end, we introduce a goal-oriented, adjoint-based fine-scale system reduction criterion. We demonstrate the performance of our method via single-phase, incompressible flow simulation models with challenging geological settings and using a history-matching like misfit objective function as the goal. The performance of the newly introduced method is compared to the original i-MSFV method. We investigate the adaptivity versus accuracy of the method and demonstrate how the solution accuracy varies by varying the number of unknowns selected to be smoothed. It is shown that the method can provide accurate solutions at reduced computational cost. The proof-of-concept applications indicate that the method deserves further investigations.