bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison Between Active Learning Method and Support Vector Machine for Runoff Modeling
Authors: Shahraiyni Hamid , Ghafouri Mohammad , Shouraki Saeed , Saghafian Bahram , Nasseri Mohsen 
Published: March 2012

Comparison Between Active Learning Method and Support Vector Machine for Runoff ModelingIn this study Active Learning Method (ALM) as a novel fuzzy modeling approach is compared with optimized Support Vector Machine (SVM) using simple Genetic Algorithm (GA), as a well known datadriven model for long term simulation of daily streamflow in Karoon River. The daily discharge data from 1991 to 1996 and from 1996 to 1999 were utilized for training and testing of the models, respectively. Values of the Nash-Sutcliffe, Bias, R2, MPAE and PTVE of ALM model with 16 fuzzy rules were 0.81, 5.5 m3s-1, 0.81, 12.9%, and 1.9%, respectively. Following the same order of parameters, these criteria for optimized SVM model were 0.8, -10.7 m3s-1, 0.81, 7.3%, and -3.6%, respectively. The results show appropriate and acceptable simulation by ALM and optimized SVM. Optimized SVM is a well-known method for runoff simulation and its capabilities have been demonstrated. Therefore, the similarity between ALM and optimized SVM results imply the ability of ALM for runoff modeling. In addition, ALM training is easier and more straightforward than the training of many other data driven models such as optimized SVM and it is able to identify and rank the effective input variables for the runoff modeling. According to the results of ALM simulation and its abilities and properties, it has merit to be introduced as a new modeling method for the runoff modeling.
Relationship Between Potassium Ion Channels and Airways Defence Reflexes Influenced by Experimentally Induced Allergic Inflammation in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Kocmalova M. , Marcinek J. , Kalman M. , Franova S. , Sutovska M. 
Published: March 2012

Relationship Between Potassium Ion Channels and Airways Defence Reflexes Influenced by Experimentally Induced Allergic Inflammation in Guinea Pigs
Previously, we declared important role of ATP-sensitive (KATP) and calcium-sensitive (BKCa) potassium ion channels in cough and other defence reflexes of the airways coupled with reactivity of airways smooth muscle (ASM) and suggested their potential use as antitussives and antiasthmatic drugs.
The aim of presented studies was prove whether openers of potassium ion channels, KATP - pinacidil and BKCa - NS 1619, inhibit the cough reflex and modulate the ASM reactivity in conditions of experimental allergic inflammation of the airways in guinea pigs and if their influence on airways defence reflexes is changed by developing airways inflammation. Presented studies were realized in 4 partial experimental procedures with unsensitized guinea pigs and animal on 7th, 14th and 21th day of sensitization. Allergic inflammation of airways was induced by repetitive exposure of guinea pigs to ovalbumine and the degree of allergic inflammation was determined by histological analysis of tracheal and pulmonary samples. The cough reflex was induced by 0, 3 M citric acid aerosol for 3 min interval in which total number of coughs was counted. ASM reactivity in vivo was expressed as values of specific airway resistance (R. V) calculated by Pennock.
The cough response on the citric acid was significantly increased on 7th and 14th days of sensitization. The experiments showed persistent cough suppressive effect of pinacidil almost similar to codeine. The antitussive activity of NS 1619 remained only on 7th day of sensitization similar to its effect in group of unsensitized animals. Sensitization by ovalbumine gradually increased the values of R. V on bronchoprovoking agent citric acid. Pinacidil suppressed R. V values of both, unsensitized and sensitized animals, more significantly than salbutamol. In unsensitized guinea pigs, NS 1619 significantly reduced R. V values, but allergic inflammation attenuated its bronchodilatory activity on 7th and 14th days. Histological analysis of specimens showed increasing signs of allergic inflammation during sensitization procedure as well as significant proinflammatory effect of pinacidil and NS 1619. Introduction of non-selective KATP agonists in clinical practice is strongly limited due to proinflammatory effect, but KATP of ASM represents a rational therapeutic target for novel drugs - tissue selective agonists of KATP.
Selective Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) by BRL50481 in Healthy and Ovalbumin-Sensitized Guinea Pigs
Authors: Christensen I. , Miskovicova H. , Porvaznik I. , Joskova M. , Mokra D. , Mokry J. 
Published: March 2012

Selective Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) by BRL50481 in Healthy and Ovalbumin-Sensitized Guinea Pigs
Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors may have significant clinical benefit in respiratory diseases associated with inflammation. The aim was to evaluate effects of selective PDE7 inhibitor (BRL50481) on citric acid induced cough, in vivo and in vitro airway smooth muscle reactivity in both healthy and ovalbumin sensitized guinea pigs, as well as its effectiveness in changes of blood cells count.
Tested drugs were administered intraperitoneally to male guinea pigs once daily for 7 days either vehicle 10% DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) 3 ml/kg (as control) or BRL50481 1 mg/kg. Double chamber whole body plethysmograph was used for evaluation of citric acid (0.6 M) induced cough and specific airway resistance. Organ bath method was used for measurement of tracheal and lung tissue strips contractions evoked by cumulative doses (10-8 - 10-3 mol/L) of acetylcholine (ACH) and histamine (HIS).
In healthy guinea pigs we did not observe significant effect of tested drug BRL50481 on in vitro contractions (similarly to in vivo conditions). The effect on cough was in healthy animals negligible. In ovalbumin-sensitized animals, more pronounced in vitro relaxing effect of BRL50481 in HIS induced contractions was observed with similar results in vivo and no significant change in number of cough efforts.
Our results suggest that PDE7 inhibitors have stronger anti-inflammatory effect compared to its direct effect on smooth muscle and cough.
Antitussive Activity of Extracts from Fallopia Sachalinensis
Authors: Jurecek L. , Nosalova G. , Hromadkova Z. , Kostalova Z. 
Published: March 2012

Antitussive Activity of Extracts from Fallopia Sachalinensis
Giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) and related plants are commonly used in Chinese and Japanese folk medicine. Bioactive natural products derived from them are believed to possess a variety of biologic activities. We have analyzed two polysaccharide fractions from leaves of Fallopia sachalinensis. We have focused on its activities to experimentally induced cough reflex and the changes of specific airway resistance. We have compared the observed antitussive activity with cough suppressing activity of codeine ("positive" control) and effect acquired after application of water for injection ("negative" control) using conscious male guinea pigs individually placed in a double chambers bodyplethysmograph box. Peroral administration of both polysaccharides significantly inhibited the number of coughs induced by citric acid in guinea pigs and have not significantly changed the values of specific airway resistance. Moreover, the substances in experimental animals have not provoked any notable adverse events. The biological activity observed in derivatives of Fallopia sachalinensis provides a scientific basis for the use of the plant in traditional medicines.
Mechanisms of Contraction and Relaxation in Human Term Pregnant Myometrium
Authors: Sadlonova V. , Dokus K. , Janicek F. , Visnovsky J. , Franova S. 
Published: March 2012

Mechanisms of Contraction and Relaxation in Human Term Pregnant Myometrium
The study discusses the problem of role of various substances in the mechanisms of contraction and relaxation of human term pregnant myometrium in the experimental in vitro conditions.
Human myometrium tissue samples were collected from term pregnant women who had to undergo Caesarean section. The effects of potassium ion channels openers and closers, phosphodiesterase inhibitors and tachykinins were measured in the reactivity of human term pregnant myometrium in the experimental in vitro conditions.
Specific agonist-opener of KATP potassium ion channels - pinacidil significantly reduced contractile activity of human term pregnant myometrial strips induced by administration of oxytocin in in vitro conditions, while the effect of specific agonist-opener of BKCa2+ potassium ion channels - NS1619 was not significant. Glibenclamide, specific KATP potassium ion channels antagonist-closer significantly increased contractile activity of human term pregnant myometrial strips in in vitro conditions. The contractile effect of specific antagonist-closer of BKCa2+ potassium ion channels - tetraethylammonium was not significant. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor - rolipram and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor - sildenaphil led to statistically significant decrease of oxytocin-induced contractile activity in human term pregnant myometrial strips in in vitro conditions. Tachykinins - neurokinin A, neurokinin B and substance P markedly stimulated the activity of the human term pregnant myometrial strips in in vitro conditions.
The results showed the different effectiveness of potassium ion channels openers and closers, phosphodiesterase inhibitors as well as tachykinins in the mechanisms of contraction and relaxation of human term pregnant myometrium in in vitro conditions.
Reference groups and complaints about inequality
Authors: Kośny Marek 
Published: March 2012

Reference groups and complaints about inequality
Although influence of reference population on assessment of individual position is well recognized on the ground of sociology, its impact is rarely taken into account in economic analysis of inequality. Few analyses that are concerned with issue of reference groups in the context of inequality and relative deprivation measurement deal, however, with single reference group. The aim of the paper is consideration on how concept of reference populations of different kind (reference groups and reference categories) may be applied to assessment of aggregated complaint that results from inequality in income (wealth) distribution.
From Man as Predator to Man as Giver. Reflections on the Gift and the Self-Giving in Psychology
Authors: Cavaleri Pietro A 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Considering the values and the cultural model today prevailing, all centred on narcissistic individualism and extreme competition, Chiara Lubich’s thought on gift and self – giving is likely to look ingenuous and absurd. However, this thought is confirmed in the secular culture of today and in particular in the psychological studies.
Relationship between job satisfaction and perception of manager’s behavior
Authors: Kozak Agnieszka 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Job satisfaction is related to the match between an individual and the environment. This match gains special significance in the field of values. Behaviours of managers in a given organisation are the exemplification of values but also indicate what is important in a given culture. Since the requirements of corporate culture cause some unification of employees, it seems that for job satisfaction it will be important whether or not managers will ensure them individual treatment. Thus, the objective of the research conducted was to check what managers’ behaviours are most closely related to job satisfaction.
By the Kindness to the Gift of Self
Authors: Ionata Maddalena , Ionata Benedetta , Del Torre Stefania , Regina Liberti Maria 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The object of this research is gentleness, a construct maybe not treated enough in the literature, but just in the area of the so called Positive Psychology. And precisely from his representative Martin Seligman, the inspiration for the construction of a questionnaire and of a specific hypothesis has been born, including the use of a precise terminology.
In general terms, maybe the most interesting result lies in the fact of having found a correlation between the various items, therefore between the various constructs, in accordance with the idea of gentleness proposed as a synergy of “quality”. This idea has also been supported from recent research in which has emerged a very tight bond between optimism and a particular character trait that is extroversion. Being placed at a higher, transcendental level, the “gift of oneself” could become the “jump of quality” to fulfil ourselves in the relation with the other.
ICT evaluation models and performance of medium and small enterprises
Authors: Bayaga Anass , Adu Emmanuel O. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Building on prior research related to (1) impact of information communication technology (ICT) and (2) operational risk management (ORM) in the context of medium and small enterprises (MSEs), the focus of this study was to investigate the relationship between (1) ICT operational risk management (ORM) and (2) performances of MSEs. To achieve the focus, the research investigated evaluating models for understanding the value of ICT ORM in MSEs. Multiple regression, Repeated-Measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA) and Repeated-Measures Multivariate Analysis of Variance (RM-MANOVA) were performed. The findings of the distribution revealed that only one variable made a significant percentage contribution to the level of ICT operation in MSEs, the Payback method (β = 0.410, p < .000). It may thus be inferred that the Payback method is the prominent variable, explaining the variation in level of evaluation models affecting ICT adoption within MSEs. Conclusively, in answering the two questions (1) degree of variability explained and (2) predictors, the results revealed that the variable contributed approximately 88.4% of the variations in evaluation models affecting ICT adoption within MSEs. The analysis of variance also revealed that the regression coefficients were real and did not occur by chance
Polish economic clusters and their efforts to protect the environment – selected examples
Authors: Dyrda-Muskus Joanna 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
This paper presents the benefits they can obtain business which aim to protect the environment. The environment protection has found its place and affects the process of systemic change of the Polish economy. This article assumes that building a competitive economy and enterprise development based on the principle of sustainable development requires the development of mechanisms for mutual benefits. These will be the economic mechanisms, technical and technological, and social. All these mechanisms are concentrated in clusters. Pursue sustainable development policies, an emphasis on environmental protection will be the general element for them a competitive advantage. Sustainable development will in this case be both the agent and the goal of economic and entrepreneurship development. Basing on the assumption that economic development is possible through the achievement of competitive advantage, sustainable development should be treated as its source.
Inherited Metabolic Disease in the Neonatal Period: Approach to Clinical Diagnosis
Authors: Onyiriuka AN 
Published: March 2012

This review article highlighted the need for clinicians to be alert to the possibility of an inherited metabolic disease (IMD) being the cause of a neonatal illness and provided a systematic approach to clinical diagnosis when IMD is suspected. Inherited metabolic disease (IMD) must be considered in the differential diagnosis of an ill neonate with nonspecific unexplained features, such as poor feeding, lethargy, failure to gain weight/weight loss, coma, apnoea, hyperventilation, seizures and hypotonia. Investigation for IMD should begin with simple urine and blood screening tests. For example, the urine examination includes checking for unusual odours, urinalysis (for ketones, amino acids, and organic acids), and reducing substance in urine, ferric chloride test and dinitrophenylhydrazine test. This is followed by simple blood tests e.g., full blood count, glucose, ammonia, amino acids, urea and electrolytes ( Na, K, Cl, P, Ca) levels, creatinine levels, liver function tests, serum lactate/pyruvate ratio and blood gases. In neonates, ketonuria with acidosis is a very important laboratory finding pointing to IMD. Although the prognosis for patients with IMD presenting in the neonatal period is often poor, every effort must be made to establish the diagnosis for parental counselling and in case prenatal diagnosis is possible in future pregnancies. In conclusion, when presented with an ill full-term neonate with nonspecific, unexplained/peculiar features pursue the usual bacterial septicaemia work-up, but in addition, consider IMD and evaluate, timely, for metabolic disease. This approach is very useful since the commonest mistake in the management of a neonate with IMD is a delay in diagnosis or a misdiagnosis, resulting in a delay in starting treatment with catastrophic consequences. Key words: inherited metabolic diseases; inborn errors of metabolism; clinical diagnosis; neonatal screening. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.4882 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 57-64
Clinical Analysis, Management and Outcome of Intussusception in Children
Authors: Thapa B , Chaudhary RP , Pun MS , Ral GK 
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Intussusception is the commonest cause of bowel obstruction in infancy and childhood. Early diagnosis and management is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. The objective was to To review the diagnostic criteria of intussusception in infants and children to increase awareness of attending personnel for effective management decrease the rate of operative treatment and complications. Materials and Methods: The data collected of all 38 patients admitted in Kanti Childrens Hospital between 2008 September to 2009 September were studied prospectively. Each patient was evaluated in regard to age at presentation, sex, signs and symptoms, diagnostic method, treatment (operative, non-operative). Results: During study period of one year there were a total of 20 (52%) males and 18 (48%) females of age 3 months to 6 years. Pain abdomen was seen in 25(66%), vomiting 16(42%), diarrhea 15(40%), blood mixed with stool 10(26%). These symptoms were seen in different combination. X-ray erect abdomen was done in 15 and ultrasound in all 38 cases. Ten out of 15 (66.6%) patients with early presentation and diagnosis had successful barium enema reduction.10 (66.6%) had successful reduction and admitted to our hospital. 28(74%) patients were undergone laparatomy. Among 28 (74%) patents that had lapartotomy, manual reduction was successful in 18 and 10 required bowel resection and anastomosis. Conclusion: The awareness of early features of intussusception is important for early referral to tertiary centers for successful non-operative barium reduction and reduce the need of laparotomies in children. Key words: Barium enema reduction; Children; Intussusception; Laparatomy DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5347 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 9-13
Clinical Profile of Paediatric Cataract and Surgery in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha UD , Shrestha MK 
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Paediatric cataract is the opacification of lens and its capsule in children below 14 years of age. The management of paediatric cataract is lens aspiration with or without anterior vitrectomy, with or without intra-ocular lens implantation. The objective was to present the profile of pediatric cataract of operated eyes in children ≤14 years. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study in a hospital setting. A review of pediatric cataract cases operated between November 2007 and June 2009 in Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO), a tertiary eye care centre in Nepal was carried out. The personal profile, preoperative and intra-operative details were noted. In the statistical analysis p value less than 0.05 is considered as significant. Results: A total of 175 eyes of 132 children had presented during study. The sex ratio was 1.6 male per female with mean age of 6.7 years (SD ±4.3). About one-third (32%) presented within the age of three years where as more than two-fifths (46%) presented at the age eight years and above. Seventy two cases were collected through door to door enumeration and screening clinics for children. The proportion of cataract was higher in males than in females (P>0.05). Visual acuity ranged from 6/18 to follows light. Conclusion: Nearly half of the paediatric cataract had presented after the age of eight years mainly from hilly region through the screening program. Most of the pediatric cataract cases presented with the whitish pupillary reflex with more than two-thirds of visual acuity of less than 3/60. The most common type of the cataract surgery performed was lens aspiration with anterior vitrectomy with lens implantation. The earlier the surgery better is the visual prognoses. Hence, community screening through as door to door screening and one day screening clinics will help for early referral and earlier surgery to reduce visual disabilities due to paediatric cataract. Key words: Cataract; Cataract surgery; Childhood blindness; Nepal DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5378 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 14-18
Recurrence Risk of Febrile Seizures in Children
Authors: Ojha AR , Shakya KN , Aryal UR 
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Febrile seizure is a common paediatric problem. Identifying children with febrile seizure who are at risk for recurrence is important so that special attention can be given to them. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for recurrence of febrile seizures in children. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study done at Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. This study is a continuation of a previous study which looked at the leucocytosis in peripheral blood of children with febrile seizure. A detailed history including the risk factors for febrile seizure recurrence was obtained from the caregiver during follow up on subsequent days after discharge of children from the hospital who were previously admitted for febrile seizure. All children with febrile seizure belonging to age group of 6 months to 6 years were included in the study. Those with afebrile seizures or on anticonvulsants and those who refused to give consent were excluded. Each child was also examined and investigated for the cause of fever. Results: A total of 115 children with febrile seizure admitted for febrile seizure during the study period and all of them were followed up at outpatient department. Males accounted 62% and females 38%. Simple Febrile Seizures were seen in 80% of the cases and complex febrile seizures were seen in 20%. Out of all the cases 68(59%) had symptoms of viral prodrome. 59(51%) had recurrent febrile seizure. Low temperature at onset of Febrile Seizure (p=0.001), short duration of fever before onset of Febrile Seizure (0.026) and atypical Febrile Seizure (p=0.022) were the risk factors for recurrent febrile seizure. Conclusion: Febrile Seizure is a common paediatric problem commonly seen in males. Almost half of children with Febrile Seizure are at risk for recurrence in later date. The risk factors for these recurrences are modest rise in body temperature at the onset of febrile seizure, onset of seizure within 12 hours of fever and atypical presentation. Key words: Epilepsy; Febrile Seizure; Typical Febrile Seizure; Recurrence DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5947 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 33-36