bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maize production in mid hills of Nepal: from food to feed security
Authors: Timsina Krishna Prasad , Ghimire Yuga Nath , Lamichhane Jeevan 
Published: December 2016

This study was undertaken in 2016 to analyze the production and utilization of maize in Nepal. Sixty maize growers from Kavre and Lamjung districts were selected using purposive, cluster and simple random sampling techniques. Similarly, six feed industries and five maize experts from Chitwan district were also interviewed. Study shows 56% of the total areas were used for maize production and 50% of the maize areas were covered by hybrid maize. There was no practice of contract maize production. The results revealed that 60%, 25% and 3% of the grain were used for animal feed, food and seed respectively in hill districts. Whereas the remaining amount of the maize (12%) was sold to the different buyers. The proportion of maize feed supply to different animals in the study area was varying. Result shows that at least 1.5 million tons of maize is required only to the feed industries affiliated with national feed industry association in Nepal. Similarly, out of total maize used in feed production, 87% of the maize was imported from India each year by feed industries. Analysis shows negative correlation between scale of feed production and use of domestic maize due to unavailability of required quantity of maize in time. The major pre-condition of feed industries for maize buying was moisture content which must be equal or less than 14%. Very little or no inert materials and physical injury, free from fungal attack and bigger size were also the criteria for maize buying. However, some of the feed industries were also thinking about protein and amino acid contents. Result shows 13% and 8.5% increasing demand of poultry feed and animal feed, respectively over the last five year in Nepal. Most likely, maize is known as a means of food security in Nepal, however, in the context of changing utilization patterns at the farm level and also tremendous increasing demand of maize at the industry level suggest to give more focus on development and dissemination of maize varieties that can contribute to the feed security issues as well.
Studies on food preferences of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Mots. to different crops in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Sheela Devi , Thapa Resham Bahadur , KC Gopal Bahadur , Bhandari Ghanashyam , Tiwari Sundar 
Published: December 2016

Food preference by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky was studied on seven different crops and varieties including maize, wheat and rice. They were maize cultivars namely Arun-2, Manakamana-4, Deuti, buckwheat local cultivar, wheat cultivar namely Annapurna-1, polished rice-Radha 4 and unshelled rice cultivar Mansuli under storage condition at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal from June 2013 to February 2014 . The hosts were tested using completely randomized design with three replications and were laid in free-choice and no-choice conditions. The maximum number of grain loss was recorded in wheat followed by polished rice respectively. Similarly, the highest weight loss was recorded in polished rice followed by Wheat in both conditions. F1 progeny emergence of weevil was highest in wheat followed by polished rice in free-choice and in no choice conditions, the highest progeny were emerged from polished rice followed by wheat. The lowest numbers of weevils emerged from rice in both conditions. Maximum germination losses were recorded in wheat (24.33%) and lowest in Arun-2 (9.67). The rice showed a relatively higher preference to maize weevil under storage condition.
Maize response to time of nitrogen application and planting seasons
Authors: Adhikari Parbati , Baral Bandhu Raj , Shrestha Jiban 
Published: December 2016

Nitrogen (N) response by maize differs due to growing seasons, growth stages, duration and growing domain as N losses is higher due to leaching as well as volatilization. Objective of this study was to know the response of split applications of N and growing seasons on maize under Chitwan environments. Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years at the research field of NMRP Rampur during the winter, spring, and summer seasons of 2012/013 and 2013/014. Experiments were laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with four replications for all the seasons. Early maturing maize genotype Arun-1 EV was used for the experiments. Five splits of recommended dose of N were tested. Grain yield, days to flowering, plant height, ear height, kernel rows per ear, no. of kernels per row, ear length and thousand grain weight significantly differed due to growing seasons and split applications of N. Significantly higher grain yield (3911 kg ha-1) was obtained with the application of 30 kg N ha-1 each at 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after sowing as compared to control (2801 kg ha-1). Regarding the growing seasons, highest grain yield was obtained in winter (4393 kg ha-1) followed by spring (3791 kg ha-1) and summer (2468 kg ha-1) season, respectively. Results of these studies revealed that four splits of N viz. application of 30 kg N each at 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after sowing respectively, would be more economical to minimize N losses from the soil and efficient use of N at critical growth and development stages of maize.
Evaluation of maize genotypes for Turcicum leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum) in Terai and inner terai of Nepal
Authors: Rijal Tirtha Raj , KC Govind , Koirala Kesab Babu , Shrestha Jiban 
Published: December 2016

Thirty maize genotypes in 2014-2015 at Dumarwana, Nijgadh, Keureni and Rampur and ten genotypes in 2015-2016 at Anandpur, Shitalnagar, Dumarwana, Nijgadh and Rampur were evaluated for resistance to Turcicum leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum) under farmers field conditions. The scale used for disease severity ranged from 1-5 scale based on the proportionate leaf area affected by the disease. The combined analysis over locations in 2014-2015 showed that among the 30 genotypes 25 genotypes were resistant (1.0-2.0 scale), and 5 genotypes were moderately resistant (2.1-3.0 scale). Similarly the pooled analysis over locations in 2015-2016 showed that 7 genotypes were resistant (1.0-2.0 scale) and 3 genotypes were moderately resistant (2.1-3.0 scale). The maize genotypes namely Z376-26, Z478-3, Z433-99, Z464-5, Z478-2, Z466-1, CAH1513, RML-95/RML-96, CAH1515, CAH1521, CAH1515, CAH151, CAH153, ZH114228 , Z376-9, Z466-3, Z376-5, RML-32/RML-17, RML-86/RML-96 and 900MGold were resistant with disease severity scale of 1.5 and with higher grain yield in both the years. Thus above genotypes were identified as promising sources of resistance against E. turcicum and they can be used to develop disease resistant and high yielding varieties to enhance maize productivity in terai and inner terai of Nepal.
Incidence and Susceptibility of Uropathogens Isolated among the Patients at Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Chaudhari Bigu Kumar , Singh Ganesh Kumar , Parajuli Kamal Prasad , Shrestha Kewal 
Published: December 2016

Background Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious diseases which affect almost all ages groups of population. Production of â-lactamases is responsible for antibacterial resistance which is frequently observed in Enterobacteriaceae isolates, particularly by E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This investigation has been carried out to determine the current status of prevalence and susceptibility of uropathogens isolated among the patients at tertiary care hospital in eastern Nepal.Material and Methods This study was done at the department of Microbiology, Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal during May 1st 2015 to October 31st 2015. Midstream cleancatch urine was sampled from 1730 suspected urinary tract infection patients of different age and sex groups. Uropathogens were recognized in term of standard and specific microbiological techniques and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was determined by Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.Results Out of 1730 suspected specimens Culture resulted a total of 761 (43.98 %) positive and 969 (56.02%) negative among that significant growths of uropathogens including 700 (91.98 %) unimicrobial and 60 (7.88 %) polymicrobial growths. In term of Gender distribution 443 (25.60 %) were male and 1287 (74.40 %) were female hence the ratio is 0.34:1, respectively. E. coli was the leading isolate (66 %), followed by Klebsiella spp. (12 %), Enterococcus spp. (8 %), Pseudomonas spp. (6 %), Acinetobacter anitratus (5 %), Proteus spp. (3 %).Conclusion The high frequency of multidrug resistance in bacterial uropathogens was seen. Principally, resistance patterns were seen higher for amoxycillin, co-trimoxazole, flouroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, Existing uropathogens highlights the highest rate of vulnerability to nitrofurantoin, amikacin and gentamicin which provide much better antibiotic coverage and can be adapted for practical treatment of urinary tract infections. Journal of Nobel Medical College Vol.5(2) 2016; 51-55
Venous sinus stenting for reduction of intracranial pressure in IIH: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Liu Kenneth C. , Starke Robert M. , Durst Christopher R. , Wang Tony R. , Ding Dale , Crowley R. Webster , Newman Steven A. 
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVEIdiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) may cause blindness due to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Venous sinus stenosis has been identified in select patients, leading to stenting as a potential treatment, but its effects on global ICP have not been completely defined. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects of venous sinus stenting on ICP in a small group of patients with IIH.METHODSTen patients for whom medical therapy had failed were prospectively followed. Ophthalmological examinations were assessed, and patients with venous sinus stenosis on MR angiography proceeded to catheter angiography, venography with assessment of pressure gradient, and ICP monitoring. Patients with elevated ICP measurements and an elevated pressure gradient across the stenosis were treated with stent placement.RESULTSAll patients had elevated venous pressure (mean 39.5 ± 14.9 mm Hg), an elevated gradient across the venous sinus stenosis (30.0 ± 13.2 mm Hg), and elevated ICP (42.2 ± 15.9 mm Hg). Following stent placement, all patients had resolution of the stenosis and gradient (1 ± 1 mm Hg). The ICP values showed an immediate decrease (to a mean of 17.0 ± 8.3 mm Hg), and further decreased overnight (to a mean of 8 ± 4.2 mm Hg). All patients had subjective and objective improvement, and all but one improved during follow-up (median 23.4 months; range 15.7–31.6 months). Two patients developed stent-adjacent stenosis; retreatment abolished the stenosis and gradient in both cases. Patients presenting with papilledema had resolution on follow-up funduscopic imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and improvement on visual field testing. Patients presenting with optic atrophy had optic nerve thinning on follow-up OCT, but improved visual fields.CONCLUSIONSFor selected patients with IIH and venous sinus stenosis with an elevated pressure gradient and elevated ICP, venous sinus stenting results in resolution of the venous pressure gradient, reduction in ICP, and functional, neurological, and ophthalmological improvement. As patients are at risk for stent-adjacent stenosis, further follow-up is necessary to determine long-term outcomes and gain an understanding of venous sinus stenosis as a primary or secondary pathological process behind elevated ICP.
A Study on Service Availability and Readiness Assessment of Non-Communicable Diseases Using the WHO Tool for Gazipur District in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rashemdul , Laskar Shamima Parvin , Macer Darryl 
Published: December 2016

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) disproportionately affect low and middle-income countries where nearly three quarters of NCD deaths occur. Bangladesh is also in NCD burden. This cross-sectional study was done on 50 health facilities centres at Gazipur district in Bangladesh from July 2015 to December 2015 to introduce SARA for better monitoring and evaluation of non-communicable diseases health service delivery. The General Service readiness index score was 61.52% refers to the fact that about 62% of all the facilities were ready to provide general services like basic amenities, basic equipment, standard precautions for infection prevention, and diagnostic capacity and essential medicines to the patients. But in case of non-communicable diseases, among all the health facilities 40% had chronic respiratory disease and cardiovascular diseases diagnosis/ management and only 32% had availability of diabetes diagnosis/management. Overall readiness score was 52% in chronic respiratory disease, 73% in cardiovascular disease and 70% in diabetes. Therefore, service availability and readiness of the health facilities to provide NCD related health services were not up to the mark for facing future targets. A full-scale census survey of all the facilities of the study area would give a better understanding of the availability and service readiness.
On the Importance of Circumstances in Explaining Income Inequality
Authors: Roemer John E. 
Published: December 2016

Quand on décompose la distribution des revenus dans une population en un certain nombre de distributions de revenus par classes d’individus au sein de cette population, il est souvent intéressant de se demander quelle part des inégalités totales au sein de la population totale est due aux inégalités entre classes, et quelle part est due aux inégalités au sein des différentes classes. Certaines mesures des inégalités permettent d’apporter une réponse précise à cette question. Dans la littérature sur l’égalité des chances, on décompose généralement la distribution des revenus en plusieurs distributions selon le « type » des individus, où le type est caractérisé par les circonstances de ces individus. Selon cette approche statistique, la part des inégalités effectivement attribuée aux circonstances individuelles est souvent assez faible. Ici, nous calculons la part des inégalités potentiellement attribuable aux circonstances individuelles, et donnons un exemple. Cette question a été étudiée par Elbers et al. [2008] dans le cas de distributions discrètes ; la présente contribution résout le problème dans le cas de distributions continues, ce qui donne des calculs plus simples et constitue une approche mieux adaptée pour travailler sur de grands échantillons de populations.
Psychometric Properties and Correlates of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in Family Caregivers of Nigerian Patients with Psychiatric Disorders in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Aloba Olutayo , Ajao Olayinka , Alimi Taiwo , Esan Olufemi 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To examine the construct and correlates of hopelessness among family caregivers of Nigerian psychiatric patients. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study involving 264 family caregiver-patients’ dyads recruited from two university teaching hospitals psychiatric clinics in Southwestern Nigeria. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor 9-item model of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) among the family caregivers. Confirmatory factor analysis of the model revealed satisfactory indices of fitness (goodness of fit index = 0.97, comparative fit index = 0.96, Chi-square/degree of freedom (CMIN/DF) = 1.60, root mean square error of approximation = 0.048, expected cross-validation index = 0.307, and standardized root mean residual = 0.005). Reliability of the scale was modestly satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha 0.72). Construct validity of scale was supported by significant correlations with the family caregivers’ scores on the Zarit Burden Interview, mini international neuropsychiatric interview suicidality module, General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The greatest variance in the family caregivers’ scores on the BHS was contributed by their scores on the psychological distress scale (GHQ-12). Conclusions: The BHS has adequate psychometric properties among Nigerian psychiatric patients’ family caregivers. There is the need to pay attention to the psychological well-being of the family caregivers of Nigerian psychiatric patients.
Telescoping Dual Covered Stent Graft Construct for Endovascular Treatment of a Giant Extracranial Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Ding Dale , Starke Robert M. , Moriarty Maurice , Brew Stefan 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTLarge pseudoaneurysms which compress the parent vessel are challenging lesions to successfully treat with endovascular therapy. We describe the endovascular treatment of a giant extracranial carotid artery (ECCA) pseudoaneurysm resulting in substantial mass effect on the common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation using a telescoping dual covered stent graft construct. A 56-year-old male was diagnosed with an 8.5 cm × 13 cm pseudoaneurysm arising from the left CCA bifurcation, which was causing luminal narrowing of the CCA and proximal internal carotid artery (ICA). The patient underwent endovascular intervention, during which a balloon-expandable covered stent was deployed within a heparin-bonded covered stent, such that the overall construct spanned from the CCA to the lower cervical ICA. The employment of a telescoping dual covered stent technique can successfully treat appropriately selected patients with large or giant ECCA pseudoaneurysms, with the concomitant goals of excluding the pseudoaneurysm and restoring the luminal caliber of the parent artery.
Penetrating Anterior Skull Base Fracture Inflicted by a Cow’s Horn
Authors: Bunevicius Adomas , Bareikis Karolis , Kalasauskas Laimutis , Tamasauskas Arimantas 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTFarm workers are at increased risk for animal-inflicted head injuries that are associated with significant morbidity and occasionally may be fatal. These injuries may cause permanent eye damage with or without concomitant skull base fracture. Here, we present a male farmer who suffered a cow attack that resulted in perforating orbital injury with comminuted frontobasal cranial fracture caused by a cow’s horn. The next day, the patient developed nasal and orbital cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Computed Tomography cisternography revealed CSF leakage to frontal and maxillary sinuses. The patient was treated using prophylactic antibiotic therapy, lumbar drainage, and underwent craniotomy for debridement and dural tear plastic. Post operative course was uneventful and there were no signs of CSF leak 1 year after the surgery. The case illustrates unusual injury inflicted by a cow’s horn and underscores the importance of careful investigation for underlying skull base fracture and CSF leakage in patients sustaining perforating orbital injuries. Adequate and timely management of dural tears is associated with favorable outcomes.
Afebrile Seizures as Initial Symptom of Hypocalcemia Secondary to Hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Gkampeta Anastasia , Kouma Eftyxia , Touliopoulou Anastasia , Aggelopoulos Efstathios , Vourti Eleni 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTHypocalcemia is rare in childhood and caused, among other conditions, by hypoparathyroidism. DiGeorge syndrome is the most common cause of hypoparathyroidism in childhood. Presentation of a rare cause of hypocalcemia in childhood and the necessity of measuring serum electrolyte levels in patients presenting with afebrile seizures. a 7.5-year-old female child presented with afebrile seizures lasting 5 min with postictal drowsiness. A similar episode 1 month ago is described. On admission, a positive Trousseau sign, papilledema, and long QTc on electrocardiography were detected. Laboratory testing revealed hypocalcemia, increased creatine phosphokinase and phosphate levels, decreased levels of parathormone, with normal thyroid function and normal levels of blood gases. considering the diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism possible, we started on calcium gluconate solution 5% intravenously and calcium carbonate per os. 48 h later, the child transferred to tertiary hospital for further evaluation. The laboratory findings revealed 25-OH Vitamin D deficiency with normal cortisol levels and the absence of autoantibodies. Kidney and brain imaging and also the electroencephalogram were normal. Calcium carbonate, magnesium, and Vitamin D were administered per os. The child discharged from hospital with complete resolution of symptoms. Since then, she is in treatment with calcium carbonate and Vitamin D per os. Hypoparathyroidism is rare in childhood. We underline the necessity of measuring serum electrolyte levels in patients presenting with afebrile seizures.
Occipital Falcine Anaplastic Hemangiopericytoma Mimicking Meningioma
Authors: Kanesen Davendran , Kandasamy Regunath , Idris Zamzuri 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTThe rarity of hemangiopericytoma (HPC) and its controversial histological classification result in its frequent misdiagnosis and thus make the treatment quite challenging. It is often difficult to distinguish these tumors from meningiomas based on clinical features and radiological findings. This is a case report of a man, diagnosed clinically and radiologically as meningioma, which turned out to be anaplastic HPC on histological examination. A 30-year-old man presented with 3 months of progressively worsening of headache and blurring of vision. Clinical examination revealed the right homonymous hemianopia with reduced visual acuity and papilledema bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multilobulated and heterogenous extraaxial lesion attached to the occipital falx. It measured 9.0 cm (AP) × 5.5 cm (W) × 5.8 cm (CC) and expands bilaterally with major bulk on the left. An occipital craniotomy followed by a subtotal tumor excision was only achieved due to profuse bleeding intraoperatively. Histopathology confirmed an anaplastic HPC (WHO Grade 3). The importance of differentiation between HPCs and meningiomas cannot be overemphasized. A preoperative correct diagnosis is difficult, but it is important that it should be made. Multilobulated (mushroom appearance), prominent internal signal voids, relatively narrow dural attachment, and lytic destruction without calcifications are useful findings to distinguish HPCs from meningiomas.
Local dimensions of measures of finite type
Authors: Hare Kathryn E. , Hare Kevin G. , Matthews Kevin R. 
Published: December 2016

We study the multifractal analysis of a class of equicontractive, self-similar measures of finite type, whose support is an interval. Finite type is a property weaker than the open set condition, but stronger than the weak open set condition. Examples include Bernoulli convolutions with contraction factor the inverse of a Pisot number and self-similar measures associated with

m

-fold sums of Cantor sets with ratio of dissection

1/R

for integer

R \leq m

.

We introduce a combinatorial notion called a loop class and prove that the set of attainable local dimensions of the measure at points in a positive loop class is a closed interval. We prove that the local dimensions at the periodic points in the loop class are dense and give a simple formula for those local dimensions. These self-similar measures have a distinguished positive loop class called the essential class. The set of points in the essential class has full Lebesgue measure in the support of the measure and is often all but the two endpoints of the support. Thus many, but not all, measures of finite type have at most one isolated point in their set of local dimensions.
We give examples of Bernoulli convolutions whose sets of attainable local dimensions consist of an interval together with an isolated point. As well, we give an example of a measure of finite type that has exactly two distinct local dimensions.