International Scientific Databases Research Articles

Сегашен научен придонес на македонските биомедицински списанија (2016) во базата Google Scholar анализирани со програмот Publish or Perish

ЦЕЛИ: Да се анализираат македонските биомедицински списанија во базата Google Scholar со програмот Publish or Perish, да се прикаже нивниот сегашен научен придонес, да се направи рангирање на списанијата и да им се дадат препораки за можностите на авторите каде да објавуваат.
 МАТЕРИЈАЛ И МЕТОДИ: Анализирани се биомедицинските списанија во Република Македонија вклучени во Македонското здружение за медицински уредници (МЗМУ). Податоците се добиени со употреба на програмот Publish or Perish кој ги анализира јавно достапните академски трудови во базата Google Scholar (11. Мај, 2016 година).
 РЕЗУЛТАТИ: Од 38 списанија, само 25 имаат индексирано по еден или повеќе трудови во базата Google Scholar. Останатите 13 списанија немаат трудови во оваа база и не се вклучени во ова испитување. Најголем број цитирања во базата Google Scholar имаат списанијата Prilozi - MANU, 0351-3254 (1622); Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 1857-5773 (838) и Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 1857-5552 (705).
 ЗАКЛУЧОЦИ: Македонските биомедицински списанија имаат ограничено научно влијание, иако последниве години неколку списанија значително напредуваат и се присутни во повеќе значајни меѓународни бази за научни податоци. Неопходни се натамошни координирани напори преку МЗМУ за зголемување на научниот придонес на Македонските биомедицински списанија.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of the clubhouse model.

The aim of the article is to synthesize studies that investigate the effectiveness of clubhouses, to summarize the strength of the evidence for this model, and to discuss methodological issues in the research. We collected 216 studies referencing clubhouses in the principal international scientific databases (PsycINFO, Psycarticles, Academic Search Premier, Medline, PubMed, and Science Direct). We then selected 77 studies that used experimental (randomized controlled trial) or quasi-experimental designs (with control group, without randomization and/or pre-post studies). As part of the 77 selected studies, we focused on 15 studies that specifically addressed the effectiveness of clubhouses. There are few studies on the effectiveness of clubhouses, and the existing studies, because of their methodological design, allow us to affirm only moderate (quality of life, employment, rate of hospitalization) or low (symptomatology, social functioning) levels of evidence for the effectiveness of clubhouses. Most studies are limited by a lack of randomization, absence of a comparison group, or absence of a longitudinal design. Furthermore, the diversity of methodologies used makes a comparison of the results difficult. We offer several recommendations for future research to build the evidence base regarding this model and enhance comparability of studies. (PsycINFO Database Record

20th anniversary of the Ukrainian Neurosurgical Journal

The first issue of Ukraine’s first journal that covers issues of diagnosis and treatment of neurosurgical pathology, was published in April 1995. Journal had called the “Bulletin of Ukrainian Association of Neurosurgeons”. For the period 1996-1999 published eight issues. The journal re-registered as Ukrainian Neurosurgical Journal (UNJ) in November 1999. Under this title has published 63 issues. As at September 2015 published a total of 71 issue. A total 1,473 publications printed in the pages of the journal during its existence. The UNJ archived by the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, its included in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI). UNJ scientific publications also indexed Google Scholar and the world’s largest bibliographic database WorldCat. The UNJ online version http://theunj.org/ created in the framework of the “Scientific Periodicals of Ukraine” (SPU) on based publishing platform Open Journal Systems of International scientific community Public Knowledge Project in 2015. SPU cooperation with leading international scientific databases and information resources makes it easier for publishers processes entering their publications in prestigious refereed databases, directories and search engines. This greatly increases the availability of journal for scientists, and thus contribute its publication activity.

A Literature Review Related to the Modern Harvesting - Forwarding Equipment and the Main Topics Concern of the Research Community

A literature review on harvester and forwarder equipment was conducted using the open access international scientific databases. The aims of this study were to evaluate the main interests of different research topics elaborated in 28 countries around the world in the last 23 years. The time span of the main articles ranged from the beginning of the year 1990 to end of 2012. The evolution trend of research topics was analyzed for this time period in order to relate them to possible future research directions in Romania. Most of the used literature was extracted mainly from scientific journals and conference proceedings, summing up a total of 105 references that were further analyzed. As expected, the synthesis of the references, pointed out that most of the interests and attention of the scientists has been given to productivity, costs and time expenditure on one hand, followed by studies on soil impact, environment and tree damage on the other hand. Topics referring to fuel-lubricants consumption and computer simulations didn’t had the same impact among the researched literature, accounting for the smallest number of the cited articles. The obtained results will fill in the gap in future research by using scientific approaches particular to the Romanian conditions.

Major infectious diseases affecting the Afghan immigrant population of Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES:As Afghans make up the largest group of foreign nationals in Iran, the aim of this study was to assess the proportion of Afghan immigrants among those afflicted by the most prevalent infectious diseases in Iran.METHODS:National and international online scientific databases were searched through November 2013. The reference lists of included studies were also searched. All descriptive studies concerning the most common infectious diseases in Iran, including tuberculosis, multiple-drug-resistant tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, and hepatitis B were retrieved. The nationality of patients was not considered. The selection of studies and data extraction was performed separately by two authors. Results were reported using a random effect model with a 95% confidence interval (CI).RESULTS:The overall proportion of Afghan immigrants with the aforementioned infectious diseases was 29% (95% CI, 21 to 37). According to a stratified analysis, the proportion of Afghan immigrants afflicted with tuberculosis was (29%), multiple-drug-resistant tuberculosis (56%), malaria (40%), cholera (8%), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (25%), leishmaniasis (7%), and hepatitis B (14%).CONCLUSIONS:It is highly recommended to monitor the health status of the Afghan immigrants when entering Iran, to reduce the spread of communicable diseases, which are viewed as serious in international health regulations.

Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy, total homocysteine concentrations > 15 μmol/L) has been associated with increased risk of many diseases. A systematic review was performed to summarize the prevalence of HHcy in China. We searched multiple international and Chinese scientific databases for relevant literature, and further manually screened reference lists and corresponded with original authors. Pooled prevalence of HHcy was calculated using random effects model. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were also performed. A total of 36 studies consisting 60,754 subjects (57.3% male; age range, 3–97 years) were finally included. The overall pooled prevalence of HHcy was 27.5%. Geographically, the prevalence was high in north areas, intermediate in central areas, and low in south areas, and was higher in inland versus coastal areas. The prevalence increased with age and was significantly higher in men than in women. Rural residents had a slightly higher HHcy prevalence than urban residents, and the studies conducted during 2006 to 2012 presented a higher HHcy prevalence than those during 1990 to 2005. In summary, the prevalence of HHcy in China is high, particularly in northern populations, the inlanders, males, and the elderly. Homocysteine-lowering strategies are necessary to reduce this highly preventable disorder.

Effectiveness of progestogens to improve perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies: an individual participant data meta-analysis.

In twin pregnancies, the rates of adverse perinatal outcome and subsequent long-term morbidity are substantial, and mainly result from preterm birth (PTB). To assess the effectiveness of progestogen treatment in the prevention of neonatal morbidity or PTB in twin pregnancies using individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA). We searched international scientific databases, trial registration websites, and references of identified articles. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17Pc) or vaginally administered natural progesterone, compared with placebo or no treatment. Investigators of identified RCTs were asked to share their IPD. The primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity. Prespecified subgroup analyses were performed for chorionicity, cervical length, and prior spontaneous PTB. Thirteen trials included 3768 women and their 7536 babies. Neither 17Pc nor vaginal progesterone reduced the incidence of adverse perinatal outcome (17Pc relative risk, RR 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.97-1.4, vaginal progesterone RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.77-1.2). In a subgroup of women with a cervical length of ≤25 mm, vaginal progesterone reduced adverse perinatal outcome when cervical length was measured at randomisation (15/56 versus 22/60; RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.47-0.70) or before 24 weeks of gestation (14/52 versus 21/56; RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.42-0.75). In unselected women with an uncomplicated twin gestation, treatment with progestogens (intramuscular 17Pc or vaginal natural progesterone) does not improve perinatal outcome. Vaginal progesterone may be effective in the reduction of adverse perinatal outcome in women with a cervical length of ≤25 mm; however, further research is warranted to confirm this finding.

Epidemiology of Primary CNS Tumors in Iran: A Systematic Review

Although primary malignant CNS tumors are registered in the national cancer registry (NCR) of Iran, there are no available data on the incidence of the primary malignant or benign CNS tumors and their common histopathologies in the country. This study analyzed the 10-year data of the Iranian NCR from March 21, 2000 to March 20, 2010, including a systematic review. The international and national scientific databases were searched using the search keywords CNS, tumor, malignancy, brain, spine, neoplasm and Iran. Of the 1,086 primary results, 9 papers were selected and reviewed, along with analysis of 10-year NCR data. The results showed that primary malignant brain tumors have an overall incidence of 2.74 per 100,000 person-years. The analysis of the papers revealed a benign to malignant ratio of 1.07. The most common histopathologies are meningioma, astrocytoma, glioblastoma and ependymoma. These tumors are more common in men (M/F=1.48). Primary malignant spinal cord tumors constitute 7.1% of the primary malignant CNS tumors with incidence of 0.21/100,000. This study shows that CNS tumors in Iran are in compliance with the pattern of CNS tumors in developing countries. The NCR must include benign lesions to understand the definitive epidemiology of primary CNS tumors in Iran.

Effects of metformin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with gonadotrophins for in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials

Metformin is widely used for treating women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and many patients with PCOS who are infertile receive gonadotrophins while being treated with metformin. To assess the effects of metformin administration in infertile patients with PCOS who receive gonadotrophins for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. We searched international scientific databases, websites for the registration of trials, and bibliographies of retrieved articles, books, and review articles up to August 2012. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Authors independently reviewed and extracted the data. Ten RCTs (with a total of 845 women with PCOS) were included in the final analysis. Metformin administration in IVF/ICSI cycles had no effect on the rates of pregnancy (OR 1.20, 95%CI 0.90-1.61) and live birth (OR 1.69, 95%CI 0.85-3.34). No effect of metformin dose, metformin pretreatment duration, and stopping time of metformin administration was observed on these reproductive end points. Metformin administration reduced the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS; OR 0.27, 95%CI 0.16-0.46) and of miscarriage (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.30-0.83), while increased that of implantation (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.24-2.75). In infertile patients with PCOS treated with gonadotrophins for IVF/ICSI cycles, metformin exerts no clinical effect on rates of pregnancy or live birth, but it reduces the risk of OHSS, and improves the rates of miscarriage and implantation. Further RCTs are needed to assess the reproductive effect of metformin in young well-selected patients with PCOS and specific phenotypes and features.

Fifteen years of occupational and environmental health projects support in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico: A report from Mount Sinai School of Medicine ITREOH program, 1995–2010

The Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health created the International Training and Research Program in Occupational and Environmental Health (ITREOH program) in 1995 with the aim to train environmental and occupational health scientists in developing countries. Mount Sinai School of Medicine was a grantee of this program since its inception, partnering with research institutions in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. This article evaluates Mount Sinai's program in order to determine whether it has contributed to the specific research capacity needs of the international partners. Information was obtained from: (a) international and regional scientific literature databases; (b) databases from the three participating countries; and (c) MSSM ITREOH Program Database. Most of the research projects supported by the program were consistent with the themes found to be top priorities for the partner countries based on mortality/morbidity and research themes in the literature. Indirect effects of the training and the subsequent research projects completed by the trained fellows in the program included health policy changes and development of collaborative international projects. International research training programs, such as the MSSM ITREOH, that strengthen scientific research capacity in occupational and environmental health in Latin America can make a significant impact on the most pressing health issues in the partner countries.

Barriers Affecting Contribution of Developing Countries Social Scientists in ISI Indexed Journals

The decades leading to the third millennium was marked with concerted efforts by governments to raise their knowledge generation and contribution profile in the community of nations. Thus, all kinds of financial and promotional incentives have been offered to academics and researchers to publish papers in international journals, particularly ISI journals. It is argued that quantity and quality of articles published in ISI journals is an indication of scientific capabilities of a country and a yardstick for assessing its development. This research study aims to identify barriers that academics face in publishing papers in ISI social/humanity science journals. A questionnaire based on extensive literature review and a series of unstructured interviews was developed and tested. A stratified sampling method was used to collect data from academics of four social/humanity science faculties of a provincial university in the northwest of Iran. The findings revealed that respondent’s perceived lack of proficiency in a foreign language, poor information technology infrastructure and inadequate access to international scientific databases and uncontrollable factors related to the nature of social science disciplines and political climate as the major barriers that prevent or de-motivate them to publish in ISI journals. The research findings were discussed and concluded, and recommendations were made to reduce or remove barriers to publishing in ISI journals.

Shift and night work and long working hours – a systematic review of safety implications

In order to devise effective preventive strategies, it is important to study workplace stressors that might increase the risk of workplace accidents - both affecting workers themselves as well as causing harm to third-parties. The aim of this report is to provide a systematic, updated overview and scientific review of empirical research regarding accidents in relation to long work hours and shift work, primarily based on epidemiological studies. The search for articles was part of a large review study on the effects of work hours on various health outcomes, safety, and performance. The search strategy included 5 international scientific databases, and nearly 7000 articles were initially identified using our search string. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 443 publications were found and evaluated using a pre-defined scoring system. Of these, 43 concerned safety and accidents but only 14 were considered to be of high quality (total score 2 or 3 on a scale from 0-3) and therefore used for this study. Both shift work and long working hours present a substantial and well-documented detrimental effect on safety - all the studies that are included in this review have one or more significant findings in this respect. The trends are quite coherent although the increases in accident rates are mostly from 50% to 100%. In epidemiological terms, this may be seen as rather small differences. The use of such data is therefore only of importance if the accident incidence is high or if accidents may have large effects. The findings are most relevant to safety-critical activities such as the transport and health sectors. Work periods >8 hours carry an increased risk of accidents that cumulates, so that the increased risk of accidents at around 12 hours is twice the risk at 8 hours. Shift work including nights carries a substantial increased risk of accidents, whereas "pure" night work may bring some protection against this effect due to resynchronization. The evaluated studies give no clear indications of any age or gender being specifically susceptible or protected against the effects of work times scheduling on accident risk.

A experiência portuguesa no acesso a conteúdos acadêmicos e científicos eletrônicos: o caso da Biblioteca do Conhecimento Online (b-on)

O acesso à informação é condição sine qua non para o exercício de uma cidadania efetiva. Nesse sentido, têm sido desenvolvidas, ao longo dos últimos anos, iniciativas que visam promover a generalização do acesso à Sociedade da Informação e do Conhecimento. É nessa dinâmica que em Portugal surge a Biblioteca do Conhecimento Online (b-on), que tem procurado tornar-se um instrumento fundamental de acesso ao conhecimento para a comunidade acadêmica e científica nacional. Com a b-on ficou facilitado o acesso aos artigos em texto integral de um conjunto relevante de publicações científicas publicadas por algumas das mais reputadas editoras e titulares de bases de dados científicas internacionais, explorando-se economias de escala possibilitadas pela compra centralizada de conteúdos.

WorldWideScience.org: The Global Science Gateway

WorldWideScience.org is a Web-based global gateway connecting users to both national and international scientific databases and portals. This column will provide background information on the resource as well as introduce basic searching practices for users.

A Global Science Gateway

WorldWideScience.org is a global science gateway connecting researchers to national and international scientific databases and portals in such fields as energy, medicine, agriculture, environment, and basic sciences. Much of the information is in the public domain. The gateway enables anyone with Internet access to launch a single-query search of 375 million pages of scientific and technical information in more than 40 databases and portals from more than 50 countries, covering 6 continents and three quarters of the world's population. This information is not typically accessible through popular search engines. WorldWideScience.org is a powerful tool for enhanced scientific communication. It is intended to accelerate international scientific progress by serving as a single, sophisticated point of access for diverse scientific resources and expertise from nations around the world.

Impact of commercial search engines and international databases on engineering teaching and research

For the last three decades, the engineering higher education and professional environments have been completely transformed by the ‘electronic/digital information revolution’ that has included the introduction of personal computer, the development of email and world wide web, and broadband Internet connections at home. Herein the writer compares the performances of several digital tools with traditional library resources. While new specialised search engines and open access digital repositories may fill a gap between conventional search engines and traditional references, these should be not be confused with real libraries and international scientific databases that encompass textbooks and peer-reviewed scholarly works. An absence of listing in some Internet search listings, databases and repositories is not an indication of standing. Researchers, engineers and academics should remember these key differences in assessing the quality of bibliographic ‘research’ based solely upon Internet searches.

Access to third world science in international scientific and technical bibliographic databases

For the past eight years, the author has been examining trends in access to international scientific literature in major international bibliographic databases available on various information systems. A major portion of the research program examined and compared the languages of documents and countries of publication for items published between 1970–1990 and recorded on MEDLINE, PsycInfo, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts, and other databases on the DIALOG system. The second phase of this study examines the remaining scientific databases on DIALOG, including MATHFILE and AGRICOLA. A comparison of the international range of MEDLINE and EMBASE has also recently been completed. In order to attempt to assess actual amounts of literature produced, the Unesco statistics for literature production have been studied. In the course of this research, the author encountered a variety of system attributes that affect the ways in which Third World science can be identified. Some of the policies and procedures of database development that affect the inclusion of Third World science have been identified.

Council of Scientific Society Presidents

Of the many concerns that confront and challenge the science and profession of chemistry today, most of them also have an impact on other scientific disciplines: inadequate funding for basic research, the lack of adequate facilities for science education in our schools, severe inadequacies in scientific and mathematics literacy, the plight of the individual investigator, the prospect of major dislocations due to changing priorities in defense research, hindered access to international scientific databases, impediments to the humane use of animals in research, a crisis—real or perceived—in the ethical practice of science, impending shortfalls in the quantity and quality of scientifically trained individuals, and so on. These are among the many issues routinely addressed by the Council of Scientific Society Presidents in the national interest and for the common good of the sciences, mathematics, and their practitioners. CSSP was founded 17 years ago largely through the efforts of 1973 ACS president Alan Nix...