bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rekonseptualisasi Seleksi Hakim Konstitusi Sebagai Upaya Mewujudkan Hakim Konstitusi yang Berkualifikasi
Authors: Indramayu Indramayu , Jayus Jayus , Indrayati Rosita
Published: December 2017

Integrity, good character, justice, and expert statesman of the constitution as the indicators to appoint Constitutional Judge should be taken into account by the Supreme Court, the House, and the President in the selection process. The cases of corruption named Akil Mochtar and Patrialis Akbar as the convicted and the suspected persons respectively should be regarded as an appropriate opportunity to evaluate law relating to the Constitutional Judges selection process in which it is not clearly defined in the Constitutional Court Act. To date, the law relating to selection is given to respective institutions where the Supreme Court takes the selection internally with no transparency, the House only requires to write and present article, and—in some cases—the President prefers to appoint with no adequate criteria. The article uses doctrinal research in addressing the case related to the current regulation on constitutional judge selection. It concludes that the Supreme Court, the House, and the President ignore the principles of transparency, participatory, objectivity, and accountability in the selection, including the possibility of resulting unqualified judge. The selection needs reconceptualization comprising the establishment of expert panel, unaffiliated candidate to a political party, and re-concept of selection mechanism.

Keywords: Reconceptualization, Selection, Constitutional Judge
Kewenangan Pemerintah Daerah dan Partisipasi Masyarakat dalam Pengelolaan Potensi Daerah
Authors: Farid Mifta , Antikowati Antikowati , Indrayati Rosita
Published: December 2017

This article describes the relationship between the authority local governments and participation in the management of the potential of the region. The authors argue that local government has a broad authority within its jurisdiction to manage local potentials. One of the tasks borne by government is by following the country, namely hold some of the state as organization power, one of them is given to the public and private in publishing licensing. On one side, the role of the community is very important in the management of the potential of the region as a form of concern of the community development of area, then with the participation of the community hope to increase the income of the around and for the local government assets. On the other hand, residents as a their nets a an ongoing activity. Later in this article explain also forms of public participation in the management of the potential of the region. This article use the study literature regarding the authority local governments and the study legislation about the authority local governments that applies. The results of the study concluded that extent authority local governments one of which is the licensing on the management regional potential, on the other side, required public participation in the management of potential an area.

Keywords: Local Government, Public Participation, Local Potentials
The Role of Indonesian CSOs to Increase the Understanding of Diffabled Issues in the Indonesian Criminal Justice System
Authors: Wicaksana Dio Ashar
Published: December 2017

Indonesia successfully amended Disabled People Law in early 2016. The fundamental amendment is creating equal rights and opportunity for disabled groups. Disability group in this context is the people who have physical and mental limitations to communicate and participate effectively with another people as equals. But, nowadays some people prefer using the term “difabled” than “disabled”.

Difabled alongside with feminist, LGBT and minority groups commonly known as a part of discriminated groups in society. Difabled activist believe that difabled is a natural part of human diversity – something that should be valued and respected, rather than pitied, feared and discriminated. Difabled people are potentially to be victim 4-10 times more than other people. Pusham UII (2015) highlighted the existence of many violations in the Indonesian criminal justice system to difabled people, such as: improper questioning, failure to process reports from blind people and a general atmosphere of disrespect to the difabled community. One of the major problems is the Indonesian law officers’ lack of knowledge and understanding of difabled groups.

In Yogyakarta, Civil Society Organization (CSO) has significant role to increase understanding of difabled issues. In this instance, Sasana Integration and Advocacy of Difabled (Sigab) developed an inclusive village project in Yogyakarta. They provide education and socialization of difabled issues within village’s community. Another example, Pusham UII have developed the curriculum and module to provide training in legal institution (Police, Prosecutor and Judge).

This paper discusses the understanding of law officer after Indonesian disability law already enacted in early 2016. Thereafter, I will discuss how Indonesian CSOs helps to increase the understanding of difabled issues, to eliminate gap of knowledge between legal formal with practice area. Consequently, my research question is formulated: “How does the role of Indonesian CSOs to increase the understanding of difabled issues in the Indonesian criminal justice system?”

Keywords: Disability, Civil Society Organization, Criminal Justice System
INCLUSÃO DE PESSOAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA NO AMBIENTE ORGANIZACIONAL: RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIAL OU OBRIGAÇÃO LEGAL?
Authors: Fialho Camila Borges , Melo Ariane Neres de , Nunes Andrieli de Fátima Paz , Gai Maria Julia Pegoraro
Published: December 2017

A inclusão de Pessoas com Deficiência (PCD) é um assunto complexo, sendo necessária sua reflexão para que se evitem desigualdades. Neste sentido, este estudo buscou entender como as empresas planejam a contratação de Pessoas com Deficiência. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas com dois gestores que trabalham com o recrutamento destes profissionais. De acordo com os resultados foi possível identificar que a admissão é feita sem planejamento para enquadrar o candidato com as necessidades da empresa. Detectou-se que os indivíduos são selecionados para que uma legislação seja comprida e a empresa não seja autuada pelos órgãos fiscalizadores.
GERAÇÕES E MERCADO DE TRABALHO SUAS RELAÇÕES COM AS ORGANIZAÇÕES
Authors: Formenton Tathiana Da Cruz , Stefano Silvio Roberto
Published: December 2017

A entrada de uma geração no mercado de trabalho costuma modificar a rotina de uma empresa, encorajando-a lidar com as diferenças dos seus colaboradores. Este artigo enuncia as diferenças das gerações (Baby Boomers, X e Y) e seus conflitos. Dados foram obtidos, a partir de uma pesquisa com acadêmicos de Pós-Graduação de Ciências Sociais Aplicadas de uma Universidade Pública, com o objetivo analisar os perfis das gerações no mercado de trabalho, conflitos e atuais valores dos pesquisados. Os resultados sugerem que as gerações se diferem, havendo complacência aos conflitos e indicam um desejo do equilíbrio entre trabalho e objetivos pessoais.
PERSPECTIVAS DE CARREIRA PARA PESSOAS IDOSAS NAS ORGANIZAÇÕES
Authors: Ziger Renata , Filippim Eliane Salete , Beltrame Vilma
Published: December 2017

A formulação e a gestão de políticas públicas coerentes os movimentos populacionais, podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento e proporcionar qualidade de vida aos idosos, pois, com a perspectiva da longevidade, aumenta a ocorrência de pessoas em envelhecimento ativo. Objetivo geral do estudo foi observar fatores que contribuem para a carreira de idosos nas organizações. O procedimento metodológico utilizado foi qualitativo, com alguma recorrência a dados quantitativos, sobretudo demográficos. Com este estudo observou-se a necessidade de criação de novas políticas públicas de emprego voltadas aos idosos, fazendo com que as organizações possam inseri-los no mercado de trabalho com autonomia e segurança.
ÂNCORAS DE CARREIRA DE MULHERES DA GERAÇÃO Y
Authors: Pagnussatto Larissa , Lucas Michele Gaboardi
Published: December 2017

Através do inventario de âncoras de carreira de Schein, 1996, buscou-se identificar valores e aptidões pessoais que determinaram a escolha profissional das mulheres da Geração Y - nascidas a partir de 1978 até o presente - e acadêmicas do curso de psicologia. O inventário de âncoras de carreira mapeou as maiores frequências de resposta nas âncoras: Estilo de Vida (26%) identificando que a Geração Y desenvolve sua carreira integrando as necessidades do individuo e da família; e âncora Vontade de servir e dedicação a uma causa (22%) ao qual descreve valores e aptidões encontrados na profissão de psicólogo.Palavra chave: Desenvolvimento profissional. Âncoras de carreira. Geração Y.
SÍNDROME DE BURNOUT E O PROFISSIONAL CONTÁBIL: QUANDO TRABALHAR SE TORNA PESADO
Authors: Galvão Nadielli Maria dos Santos , Galvão Nédia Maria Bizarria dos Santos
Published: December 2017

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar os aspectos relacionados à Síndrome de Burnout entre profissionais da área contábil. Para o alcance do desiderato proposto adotou-se uma metodologia quantitativa, do tipo survey. Como amostra para a pesquisa selecionou-se os profissionais que possuem seus próprios escritórios de prestação de serviços contábeis. Foi possível considerar que os respondentes não possuem, de uma forma geral, características da Síndrome de Burnout. Constatou-se ainda que boa parte dos respondentes estão satisfeitos com sua profissão.
MULHERES A FRENTE: UM ESTUDO DAS PRÁTICAS DE GESTÃO SOB UM OLHAR FEMININO EM PEQUENAS EMPRESAS FAMILIARES DE NEGÓCIOS TRADICIONALMENTE MASCULINIZADOS.
Authors: Mercali Gabriele Domeneghini , Gasparin Gabriela Sangalli , Biehl Caroline , Busato Scheffer Angela Beatriz
Published: December 2017

O estudo analisou práticas de gestão, especialmente gestão de pessoas, em ramos de trabalho considerados masculinizados de empresas familiares no município de Veranópolis-RS. Através de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 11 gestoras, buscou-se compreender como é percebida a experiência de trabalho por essas profissionais. Observou-se nas práticas de gestão: trabalho multifuncional, a confiança construída, laços afetivos baseados em uma relação de família, seleção informal, treinamento no local de trabalho e feedbacks mediadores. Características de gestão feminina foram associadas a experiências de vida familiar, centrada na intuição, no cuidado e mediação das relações, considerando estar inseridas em uma cultura predominantemente italiana.
How SU(2)$_4$ Anyons are Z$_3$ Parafermions
Authors: Fern Richard , Kombe Johannes , Simon Steve
Published: December 2017

We consider the braid group representation which describes the
non-abelian braiding statistics of the spin
1/21/2
particle world lines of an SU(2)_44
Chern-Simons theory. Up to an abelian phase, this is the same as the
non-Abelian statistics of the elementary quasiparticles of the
k=4k=4
Read-Rezayi quantum Hall state. We show that these braiding properties
can be represented exactly using
\mathbbm{Z}_3
parafermion operators.
El derecho alternativo en el pluralismo jurídico ecuatoriano
Authors: Díaz Ocampo Eduardo , Antúnez Sánchez Alcides
Published: December 2017

El artículo examina el conflicto de competencia entre la jurisdicción ordinaria y la indígena, los procesos que se dan entre las dos jurisdicciones a partir del texto constitucional y el desarrollo normativo en el Ecuador. De este análisis queda claro que la jurisdicción ordinaria tiene competencia global sobre las conductas que se realizan dentro del territorio indígena y en consecuencia tienen facultad ancionatoria a partir del reconocimiento del cual se deriva el derecho de los miembros de las comunidades indígenas a un fuero y se concede el derecho de ser juzgado por suspropias autoridades, conforme a sus normas y procedimientos dentro de su ambiente territorial en aras de garantizar el respeto por la particular cosmovisión del individuo.
Las relaciones jurídicas estándares en el arbitraje
Authors: Castillo Freyre Mario , Sabroso Minaya Rita , Castro Zapata Laura , Chipana Catalán Jhoel
Published: December 2017

El Decreto Legislativo Nº 1071, que es la norma que regula el arbitraje en el Perú, se refiere a la figura de las relaciones jurídicas estándares, que es, en realidad, la manifestación de la contratación en masa. En ese sentido, a través de este ensayo vamos a realizar un análisis de esta figura propia de los contratos, y cómo es que esta se relaciona con el contenido del artículo 15 de la Ley de Arbitraje.
Reflexiones sobre el delito societario
Authors: Flores Dávila María Lourdes , Tello Cabello Sara Ynés
Published: December 2017

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo mostrar la necesidad de tipificar el delito societario en nuestro ordenamiento jurídico penal, para que se pueda controlar a las empresas y reprimir las conductas ilícitas que atentan contra el orden socioeconómico del país, ya que las conductas lesivas tienen un impacto en la economía, afectando a la comunidad. Mantener tales conductas como un delito contra el patrimonio (por ejemplo, fraude en la administración de personas jurídicas) solamente protege al particular. La investigación permite concluir en un aporte académico con una aproximación al problema planteado.
Perceptions about effective risk management. The crucial role of internal audit and management. Evidence from Greece
Authors: Drogalas George , Eleftheriadis Iordanis , Pazarskis Michail , Anagnostopoulou Evgenia
Published: December 2017

In the aftermath of the financial crisis, many companies have implemented extensive risk management procedures. Additionally, internal audit has increasingly attracted the attention of managers as it constitutes the core of modern corporate governance. However, regarding Greek companies, there is a lack of empirical research on factors that affect risk management. Therefore, the purpose of the present paper is to analyze specific factors associated with effective risk management. Primary data were collected using questionnaires distributed to employees in companies that are listed on the Athens Exchange. Multiple regression analysis was conducted in order to examine the relationship between effective risk management, risk based internal audit, internal auditors’ involvement in risk management and top management support. Our findings demonstrate that the above factors contribute positively to effective risk management.
The impact of political instability, macroeconomic and bank-specific factors on the profitability of Islamic banks: an empirical evidence
Authors: T. Yahya Ali , Akhtar Asif , I. Tabash Mosab
Published: December 2017

This study investigates the impact of political instability, macroeconomic and bank-specific factors on the profitability of Islamic banks in the context of Yemen. The study used two common measures of profitability, namely, Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) as dependent variables. Seven key independent (internal and external) variables are also used. There are five fully-fledged Islamic banks (IBs) working in Yemen. The study selected only three out of five IBs due to the availability of data for the period ranging from 2010 to 2014. The descriptive and multiple regression analyses were done. The results of the study indicate that operating efficiency and financial risk have negative and significant relationships with ROA and ROE. The findings also show that capital adequacy has a negative and insignificant relationship with ROA and ROE. Furthermore, the study reveals that assets size (LogA), assets management, liquidity and deposits have a significant and positive impact on banks’ profitability. GDP, Inflation rate (IR) and Political instability have positive and significant impact on Yemeni banks’ profitability. Based on the best knowledge of the authors, this study is considered one of the first and pioneering studies that determine the factors affecting the profitability of Islamic banks of Yemen. Therefore, the study gives good insights for the policy makers, regulators and interested parties for enhancing the profitability of Islamic banks in Yemen.
Impact of state finance on macroeconomic stability of Ukraine
Authors: Lyulyov Oleksii
Published: December 2017

According to reports data of the International Institute of Management Development (IMD) and World Economic Forum (WEF), contries’ competitiveness tendencies were defined: rate of global competitiveness index remains lower than the rate, achieved before the global financial and economic crisis, non-linear distribution of benefits from economic growth between EU countries, Ukrainian rating falling by macroeconomic stability by 21 points in 2017 in comparison with 2018. It is not unexpected that realization of countries’ policy concerning their competitiveness growth requires some cost. Thus, author supposes that it is important to study key aspects of state finance, which can have great impact on the international competitiveness and solve the country’s macroeconomic stability problem. This paper shows results of author’s own research, carried out using methodic tools of scientists Ahvaz Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran Abdolmajid Ahangari and Aziz Arman. It is based on evaluation of instability time rows of four economic variables of inflation (TINF), the ratio of budget deficit on growth domestic product (GDP) (TBD), foreign debt on GDP (TFD) and exchange rate deviation from the previous period (TRO) and calculation of macroeconomic instability index on their base MIItn. Research showed that all variables of macroeconomic instability index MIItn have a positive correlation; therefore, subindex of inflation rate instability and subindex of exchange rate to the previous period have the largest impact on the macroeconomic instability index MIItn .
The causal and cointegration relationship between government revenue and government expenditure
Authors: Anne Sere Kebitsamang , Choga Ireen
Published: December 2017

This study determines the causal relationship that exists between government revenue and government expenditure in South Africa. The study employed annual time series data from the year 1980 to 2015 taken from the South African Reserve Bank. The Johansen multivariate method was employed to test for co-integration and for causality the Vector Error Correction/Granger causality test was employed. The empirical results suggest that there is a long-run relation-ship between government revenue and government expenditure. The causality result suggests that there is no causality between government revenue and government expenditure in South Africa. Thus, policy makers in the short run should determine government revenue and government expenditure of South Africa independently when reducing the budget deficit.
Metamodel for nodal pressure estimation at near real-time in water distribution systems using artificial neural networks
Authors: Lima Gustavo Meirelles , Brentan Bruno Melo , Manzi Daniel , Luvizotto Edevar
Published: December 2017

The development of computational models for analysis of the operation of water supply systems requires the calibration of pipes' roughness, among other parameters. Inadequate values of this parameter can result in inaccurate solutions, compromising the applicability of the model as a decision-making tool. This paper presents a metamodel to estimate the pressure at all nodes of a distribution network based on artificial neural networks (ANNs), using a set of field data obtained from strategically located pressure sensors. This approach aims to increase the available pressure data, reducing the degree of freedom of the calibration problem. The proposed model uses the inlet flow of the district metering area and pressure data monitored in some nodes, as input data to the ANN, obtaining as output, the pressure values for nodes that were not monitored. Two case studies of real networks are presented to validate the efficiency and accuracy of the method. The results ratify the efficiency of ANN as state forecaster, showing the high applicability of the metamodel tool to increase a database or to identify abnormal events during an operation.
Towards sustainable urban sanitation: a capacity-building approach to wastewater mapping for small towns in India
Authors: Narayanan N. C. , Ray Isha , Gopakumar Govind , Argade Poonam
Published: December 2017

Decentralized technologies and city-based governance are being actively promoted for urban sanitation in low-income countries. At the same time, municipal agencies in developing countries have little technical or financial capacity for sanitation planning. This paper develops an approach to sanitation planning that leverages citizen engagement and fosters local capacities. It presents an empirical study from two small towns in India, where collaborations among the research team, local academics and students, and the municipal government, produced planning-oriented sanitary maps of each town. The maps were built upon a social and spatial understanding of the diverse sanitation practices that already exist, coupled with Google Earth and free GIS software. The ‘waste watersheds’ and ‘sanitation zones’ identified through the mapping process provide a basis on which sanitation interventions can be assessed and weighed, so that sustainable solutions can be prioritized. The paper identifies three features for system interventions: first, making local municipal government the locus of sanitation interventions; second, engaging community-based organizations and academic institutions to develop local capacity; and finally, recognizing the fragmented nature of cities by developing a socio-spatial approach to sanitation zoning.
Moving up the sanitation ladder with the help of microfinance in urban Malawi
Authors: Chunga Richard , Jenkins M. W. , Ensink Jeroen , Brown Joe
Published: December 2017

We carried out a stated preference survey in Malawi to examine whether access to microfinance for sanitation would significantly increase the proportion of households upgrading to improved pit latrines or alternative improved sanitation technologies (urine diverting dry toilet, fossa alterna, pour flush). We presented a range of sanitation options at local market prices, initially without and then with a real microfinance option, to 1,300 households sampled across 27 low-income urban settlements in the two largest cities, Lilongwe and Blantyre. When we gave respondents a microfinance option, the proportion of households stating an intention to install improved and unimproved pit latrines decreased significantly, while the proportion stating an intention to upgrade to alternative improved sanitation technologies increased significantly. However, households in the lowest wealth quintile were more likely to state a preference for unimproved pit latrines, suggesting that the benefits of microfinance for sanitation may not accrue equally across wealth strata. Organisations seeking to improve access to safely managed sanitation by promoting alternative sanitation technologies would succeed if households have access to affordable alternative sanitation technologies and microfinance for sanitation. However, poorer households would need more affordable improved sanitation technologies, flexible microfinance options and possibly targeted subsidies to gain access to safely managed sanitation.
Assessing the spatial pattern of iron in well water from a small central Florida community
Authors: Hudgins Jason , Lambert Nicholas , Duranceau Steven , Russell Butler J.
Published: December 2017

Iron is one of the most common elements in the Earth's crust, which corresponds to it being a common constituent in drinking water supplies. Residents of Bithlo, an unincorporated community in east-central Florida, have observed that their drinking water tastes like metal and stains clothing and teeth. An evaluation of water samples collected from over 200 private drinking water wells revealed iron concentrations that exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) secondary standard of 0.3 mg/L. Households with and without point-of-entry treatment were found to have over three times (0.92 mg/L) and ten times (3.86 mg/L) more iron than the EPA's secondary standard, respectively. The human health-based threshold of 4.2 mg/L established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was exceeded in 38.6% of untreated residences. Community-wide statistical and spatial water-quality trends were developed by combining the collected well water quality data with historically available water quality reports. Spatial analyses revealed that greater than 99% of the Bithlo community's private household supplies would exceed the EPA's drinking water secondary standard.
Yeast isolation and identification in water used in a Brazilian hemodialysis unit by classic microbiological techniques and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Montanari Lilian Bueno , Sartori Flávio Garcia , Ribeiro Diórginis Bueno Montrazi , Leandro Luís Fernando , Pires Regina Helena , Melhem Márcia de Souza Carvalho , de Mello César Alexandre , Martins Carlos Henrique Gomes
Published: December 2017

The use of poorly treated water in hemodialysis centers may lead to fungal contamination, which poses a serious threat to immunologically debilitated hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to isolate and identify yeast species in the water of a Brazilian hemodialysis center by using classic microbiological techniques and Raman spectroscopy. For 12 months, a total of 288 water samples were collected from different points of the hemodialysis treatment distribution center. One hundred and forty-six yeast species were isolated and identified in the samples that tested positive for the presence of yeasts such as Candida parapsilosis (100 isolates, or 68.50%), C. guilliermondii (17 isolates, or 11.65%), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (23 isolates, or 15.75%), R. glutinis (three isolates, or 2.05%), and Trichosporon inkin (three isolates, or 2.05%). Yeast susceptibility to the antifungal fluconazole was also assayed. Only two C. guilliermondii isolates were resistant to fluconazole: the minimal inhibitory concentrations were higher than 64 μg/mL. The different yeast species present in the water of a Brazilian hemodialysis center call for more effective water disinfection procedures in this unit. Raman spectroscopy is an excellent tool to identify yeast species and is potentially applicable in routine water monitoring in hemodialysis units.
Managing cyanobacterial toxin risks to recreational users: a case study of inland lakes in South East Queensland
Authors: Veal Cameron James , Neelamraju Catherine , Wolff T. , Watkinson A. , Shillito D. , Canning A.
Published: December 2017

The management of inland waterways to protect recreational users from cyanotoxin exposure is complicated by the common management practice of using proxy indicators of cyanotoxin production (cell counts and biovolumes of potentially toxin species), rather than the cyanotoxin itself. This widely accepted practice is further complicated by a lack of advisory guidelines for non-microcystin-producing cyanotoxins. This study has investigated the effectiveness of this management approach over five and a half years, monitoring 65 different sites in South East Queensland using phycological and toxin-analysis. This study concluded that cell counts of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, the most common potentially toxin producing species of cyanobacteria in South East Queensland's inland lakes, was a poor proxy indicator for cylindrospermopsin toxin production. Seqwater, the local water authority responsible for the management of recreational access to drinking water storage lakes, initiated an alternative management approach for recreational cyanobacterial water quality management in December 2016. This new approach is based on cyanobacterial toxin guideline values for five different cyanotoxins, with closures and warning notices issued based on the actual cyanotoxin concentration, not the proxy indicator. We encourage other recreational water management authorities consider this approach to manage recreational access in the future.
Understanding the effects of bulk mixing on the determination of the affinity index: consequences for process operation and design
Authors: Arnaldos Marina , Rehman Usman , Naessens Wouter , Amerlinck Youri , Nopens Ingmar
Published: December 2017

The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the importance of mixing conditions as a source of inconsistencies between half-saturation indices in comparable systems (e.g. conventional activated sludge, membrane bioreactor) when operated at different conditions or different scales. As proof-of-principle, an exemplary system consisting of the second vessel of a hybrid respirometer has been studied. The system has been modeled both using an integrated computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-biokinetic model (assumed to represent the physical system) and a tanks-in-series, completely stirred tank reactor biokinetic model (representing the applied model). The results show that different mixing conditions cause deviations in the half-saturation indices calculated when matching the applied model to the physical system performance. Additionally, sensor location has been shown to impact the calculation of half-saturation indices in the respirometric system. This will only become more pronounced at larger scales. Thus, mixing conditions clearly affect operation and design of wastewater treatment reactors operated at low substrate concentrations. Both operation and design can be improved with the development and application of integrated CFD-biokinetic or compartmental models.
Natural treatment system models for wastewater management: a study from Hyderabad, India
Authors: Sonkamble Sahebrao , Wajihuddin Md. , Jampani Mahesh , Sarah S. , Somvanshi V. K. , Ahmed Shakeel , Amerasinghe Priyanie , Boisson Alexandre
Published: December 2017

Wastewater generated on a global scale has become a significant source of water resources which necessitates appropriate management strategies. However, the complexities associated with wastewater are lack of economically viable treatment systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries. While many types of treatment systems are needed to serve the various local issues, we propose natural treatment systems (NTS) such as natural wetlands that are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and can be jointly driven by public bodies and communities. In order for it to be part of wastewater management, this study explores the NTS potential for removal of pollutants, cost-effectiveness, and reuse options for the 1.20 million m3/day of wastewater generated in Hyderabad, India. The pilot study includes hydro-geophysical characterization of natural wetland to determine pollutant removal efficiency and its effective utilization for treated wastewater in the peri-urban habitat. The results show the removal of organic content (76–78%), nutrients (77–97%), and microbes (99.5–99.9%) from the wetland-treated wastewater and its suitability for agriculture applications. Furthermore, the wetland efficiency integrated with engineered interventions led to the development of NTS models with different application scenarios: (i) constructed wetlands, (ii) minimized community wetlands, and (iii) single outlet system, suitable for urban, peri-urban and rural areas, respectively.
Characterizing health risks associated with recreational swimming at Taiwanese beaches by using quantitative microbial risk assessment
Authors: Jang Cheng-Shin , Liang Ching-Ping
Published: December 2017

Taiwan is surrounded by oceans, and therefore numerous pleasure beaches attract millions of tourists annually to participate in recreational swimming activities. However, impaired water quality because of fecal pollution poses a potential threat to the tourists' health. This study probabilistically characterized the health risks associated with recreational swimming engendered by waterborne enterococci at 13 Taiwanese beaches by using quantitative microbial risk assessment. First, data on enterococci concentrations at coastal beaches monitored by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration were reproduced using nonparametric Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The ingestion volumes of recreational swimming based on uniform and gamma distributions were subsequently determined using MCS. Finally, after the distribution combination of the two parameters, the beta-Poisson dose–response function was employed to quantitatively estimate health risks to recreational swimmers. Moreover, various levels of risk to recreational swimmers were classified and spatially mapped to explore feasible recreational and environmental management strategies at the beaches. The study results revealed that although the health risks associated with recreational swimming did not exceed an acceptable benchmark of 0.019 illnesses daily at all beaches, they approached to this benchmark at certain beaches. Beaches with relatively high risks are located in Northwestern Taiwan owing to the current movements.
Nitrogen removal via a single-stage PN–Anammox process in a novel combined biofilm reactor
Authors: Han Yue-mei , Liu Feng-xia , Xu Xiao-fei , Yan Zhuo , Liu Zhi-jun
Published: December 2017

This study developed a partial nitrification (PN) and anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox) process for treating high-ammonia wastewater using an innovative biofilm system in which ammonia oxidizing bacteria grew on fluidized Kaldnes (K1) carriers and Anammox bacteria grew on fixed acryl resin carriers. The airlift loop biofilm reactor (ALBR) was stably operated for more than 4 months under the following conditions: 35 ± 2 °C, pH 7.5–8.0 and dissolved oxygen (DO) of 0.5–3.5 mg/L. The results showed that the total nitrogen removal efficiency reached a maximum of 75% and the total nitrogen removal loading rate was above 0.4 kg/(d·m3). DO was the most efficient control parameter in the mixed biofilm system, and values below 1.5 mg/L were observed in the riser zone for the PN reaction, while values below 0.8 mg/L were observed in the downer zone for the Anammox reaction. Scanning electron microscopy and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization images showed that most of the nitrifying bacteria were distributed on the K1 carriers and most of the Anammox bacteria were distributed within the acryl resin carriers. Therefore, the results indicate that the proposed combined biofilm system is easy to operate and efficient for the treatment of high-ammonia wastewater.
Web-Based Digital Health Interventions for Weight Loss and Lifestyle Habit Changes in Overweight and Obese Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Beleigoli Alline M , Andrade Andre Q , Cançado Alexandre G , Paulo Matheus NL , Diniz Maria De Fátima H , Ribeiro Antonio L
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a highly prevalent condition with important health implications. Face-to-face interventions to treat obesity demand a large number of human resources and time, generating a great burden to individuals and health system. In this context, the internet is an attractive tool for delivering weight loss programs due to anonymity, 24-hour-accessibility, scalability, and reachability associated with Web-based programs.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Web-based digital health interventions, excluding hybrid interventions and non-Web-based technologies such as text messaging, short message service, in comparison to nontechnology active or inactive (wait list) interventions on weight loss and lifestyle habit changes in individuals with overweight and obesity.

METHODS

We searched PubMed or Medline, SciELO, Lilacs, PsychNet, and Web of Science up to July 2018, as well as references of previous reviews for randomized trials that compared Web-based digital health interventions to offline interventions. Anthropometric changes such as weight, body mass index (BMI), waist, and body fat and lifestyle habit changes in adults with overweight and obesity were the outcomes of interest. Random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed for mean differences (MDs) in weight. We rated the risk of bias for each study and the quality of evidence across studies using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Among the 4071 articles retrieved, 11 were included. Weight (MD −0.77 kg, 95% CI −2.16 to 0.62; 1497 participants; moderate certainty evidence) and BMI (MD −0.12 kg/m2; 95% CI −0.64 to 0.41; 1244 participants; moderate certainty evidence) changes were not different between Web-based and offline interventions. Compared to offline interventions, digital interventions led to a greater short-term (<6 months follow-up) weight loss (MD −2.13 kg, 95% CI −2.71 to −1.55; 393 participants; high certainty evidence), but not in the long-term (MD −0.17 kg, 95% CI −2.10 to 1.76; 1104 participants; moderate certainty evidence). Meta-analysis was not possible for lifestyle habit changes. High risk of attrition bias was identified in 5 studies. For weight and BMI outcomes, the certainty of evidence was moderate mainly due to high heterogeneity, which was mainly attributable to control group differences across studies (R2=79%).

CONCLUSIONS

Web-based digital interventions led to greater short-term but not long-term weight loss than offline interventions in overweight and obese adults. Heterogeneity was high across studies, and high attrition rates suggested that engagement is a major issue in Web-based interventions.
Virtual Antenatal Encounter and Standardized Simulation Assessment (VANESSA): Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Motz Patrick , Gray Megan , Sawyer Taylor , Kett Jennifer , Danforth Douglas , Maicher Kellen , Umoren Rachel
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Prenatal counseling at the limits of newborn viability involves sensitive interactions between neonatal providers and families. Empathetic discussions are currently learned through practice in times of high stress. Decision aids may help improve provider communication but have not been universally adopted. Virtual standardized patients are increasingly recognized as a modality for education, but prenatal counseling simulations have not been described. To be valuable as a tool, a virtual patient would need to accurately portray emotions and elicit a realistic response from the provider.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if neonatal providers can accurately identify a standardized virtual prenatal patient’s emotional states and examine the frequency of empathic responses to statements made by the patient.

METHODS

A panel of Neonatologists, Simulation Specialists, and Ethicists developed a dialogue and identified empathic responses. Virtual Antenatal Encounter and Standardized Simulation Assessment (VANESSA), a screen-based simulation of a woman at 23 weeks gestation, was capable of displaying anger, fear, sadness, and happiness through animations. Twenty-four neonatal providers, including a subgroup with an ethics interest, were asked to identify VANESSA’s emotions 28 times, respond to statements, and answer open-ended questions. The emotions were displayed in different formats: without dialogue, with text dialogue, and with audio dialogue. Participants completed a post-encounter survey describing demographics and experience. Data were reported using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data from open ended questions (eg, “What would you do?”) were examined using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Half of our participants had over 10 years of clinical experience. Most participants reported using medical research (18/23, 78%) and mortality calculators (17/23, 74%). Only the ethics-interested subgroup (10/23, 43%) listed counseling literature (7/10, 70%). Of 672 attempts, participants accurately identified VANESSA’s emotions 77.8% (523/672) of the time, and most (14/23, 61%) reported that they were confident in identifying these emotions. The ethics interest group was more likely to choose empathic responses (P=.002). Participants rated VANESSA as easy to use (22/23, 96%) and reported that she had realistic dialogue (15/23, 65%).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study shows that a prenatal counseling simulation is feasible and can yield useful data on prenatal counseling communication. Our participants showed a high rate of emotion recognition and empathy in their responses.
PHARMACOGNOSTIC STANDARDISATION OF CAYRATIA PEDATA (LAM.) GAGNEP. VAR. GLABRA GAMBLE–AN ENDEMIC AND ENDANGERED MEDICINAL CLIMBER IN THIASHOLA, NILGIRIS
Authors: S. Sharmila , K. Kalaichelvi , M. Dhivya S.
Published: December 2017

Objective: The main objective  was to develope  a detailed pharmacognostic profile of aerial plant parts of Cayratia pedata (Lam.) Gagnep. var. glabra Gamble (Vitaceae) an endemic and endangered medicinal taxon distributed in Thiashola, Manjoor, Nilgiris South Division, Western Ghats.Methods: All pharmacognostical and phytochemical  evaluation of Cayratia pedata var. glabra was carried out by different  evaluation methods  like macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, minerals, vitamins, heavy metal analysis, phytochemical studies and GC/MS analysis.Results: The macroscopical investigation revealed that the stem is hirsute and grows upto a height of 12 m. The leaves are alternate, oblong and acuminate with smooth surface and texture (3 to 6 cm). Tendril, leaf opposed, branched, wiry and coiled. Flowers yellow and fruits bilobed. The anatomical study in tendril and old stem provides a set of characters specific for C. pedata var. glabra with which one can establish the identity of the plant in fragmentary form.The availability of macro and micro elements were studied in plant powder (ash). The macro elements, calcium (34.50 mg/100 g) and potassium (11.45 mg/100 g) were present in high amount likewise in microelements manganese (4.56 mg/100 g) was significantly higher. The fat soluble vitamin A - retinol (156.8 iu) was present in higher amount when compared to other vitamins. Results of heavy metal analysis revealed that the concentration of Lead was less than 1 ppm and chromium occurred in traces. The other heavy metals like mercury, cadmium and arsenic were totally absent.The percent yield was maximum in methanol extract (11%) followed by water extract (10%).The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols and tannins, steroids and sterols, triterpenoids and volatile oil. GC–MS analysis showed the presence of 15 compounds such as Heptadecane (17.36%), Silane, trichlorooctadecyl (17.29%), Eicosane (15.44%), Heptane, 2,2,3,3,5,6,6-heptamethyl (14.71%), n-Tetradecyltrichlorosilane (13.64%), Pentadecane (10.55%), Iron, tricarbonyl [N-(phenyl-2-pyridinylmethylene) benzenamine - N, N’] (10.91%) and Octadecane (8.93%) were the other major compounds present.Conclusion: The above parameters, which are being testimony for the first time, are momentous towards establishing the pharmacognostic profile for future identification and authentication of genuine plant material. This approach is important for this time since this species is listed in Red data book as per the IUCN red list categories and criteria due to their lower germination percentage and also due to its enriched medicinal value.
THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ARGANIA SPINOSA SEEDS AGAINST HYPERHOMOCYSTENEMIA INDUCED BY HIGH METHIONINE DIET IN MICE
Authors: Aklil Badiaa , Zerizer Sakina , Kabouche Zahia
Published: December 2017

Objective : Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacities lead to several clinical manifestations and particularly, cardiovascular and liver diseases.  Our aim in this study was to investigate the protective effect of Argania spinosa crude exctract against high methionine diet  induced  HHcy ,  oxidative stress and damages in the aorta, and  heart of mice.Materials and methods: Adult male Mus Musculus were systematically divided into four groups of similar mean body weights and fed for 21 days with control and experimental diets. The control group (F) was fed with white bread (0.50mg/mice), group (M) was fed with L-methionine (500mg/kg/day), group (MP) was fed with L-methionine (500mg/kg/day) plus A.spinosa crude extract (150mg/kg), and the group (P) was treated with A.spinosa crude extract (150mg/kg/day). The experimental diets were given in white bread (0.50mg/mice). After 3 weeks of treatments, homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations, hepatic antioxidant status and histological sections of aorta and heart were determined.Results: Consumption of high methionine diet led to an increase in plasma Hcy , reduced the concentrations of GSH, and  the enzyme catalase. These were associated with the loss and degeneration of endothelium, fenestration and formation of foam cells of aorta, also the alteration of the cardiac muscle. However, administration of A.spinosa crude extract in combination  with methionine ameliorated all these changes.Conclusion:  A.spinosa crude extract is effective in decreasing plasma Hcy level as induced by methionine enriched diet in mice,   and improves the antioxidants defense.
PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF POLY (LACTIDE –CO –GLYCOLIDE) MICROSPHERES FOR THE CONTROLLED RELEASE OF ZIDOVUDINE
Authors: Kohli Seema , Pal Abhisek , Jain Suchit
Published: December 2017

Objective: The purpose of this research work was to develop and evaluate microspheres appropriate for controlled release of zidovudine (AZT).Methods: The AZT loaded polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) microspheres were prepared by W/O/O double emulsion solvent diffusion method. Compatibility of drug and polymer was studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The influence of formulation factors (drug: polymer ratio, stirring speed, the concentration of surfactant) on particle size encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release characteristics of the microspheres was investigated. Release kinetics was studied and stability study was performed as per ICH guidelines.Results: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show good reproducibility of microspheres from different batches. The average particle size was in the range of 216-306 μm. The drug-loaded microspheres showed 74.42±5.08% entrapment efficiency. The cumulative percentage released in phosphate Buffer solution (PBS) buffer was found to be 55.32±5.89 to 74.42±5.08 %. The highest regressions (0.981) were obtained for zero order kinetics followed by Higuchi (0.968) and first order (0.803).Conclusion: Microsphere prepared by double emulsion solvent diffusion method was investigated and the results revealed that 216-306 μm microsphere was successfully encapsulated in a polymer. FT-IR analysis, entrapment efficiency and SEM Studies revealed the good reproducibility from batch to batch. The microspheres were of an appropriate size and suitable for oral administration. Thus the current investigation show promising results of PLGA microspheres as a matrix for drug delivery and merit for In vivo studies for scale up the technology.
QUANTITATIVE STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIP ANALYSIS OF NOVEL PYRAZOLINE DERIVATIVES USING K NEAREST NEIGHBOUR MOLECULAR FIELD ANALYSIS METHOD
Authors: Jagdale Deepali M. , S. Ramaa C.
Published: December 2017

Objective: Malonyl CoA decarboxylase (MCD) enzyme plays important role in fatty acid and glucose oxidation. Inhibition of MCD might turn to a novel approach to treat ischemia. The main objective of this research article was to develop a novel pharmacophore for enhanced activity.Methods: Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (3D-QSAR) was performed for pyrazoline derivatives as MCD inhibitors using VLife MDS 4.6 software. The QSAR model was developed using the stepwise 3D-QSAR kNN-MFA method.Results: The statistical results generated from kNN-MFA method indicated the significance and requirements for better MCD inhibitory activity. The information rendered by 3D-QSAR model may render to better understanding and designing of novel MCD inhibitors.Conclusion: 3D-QSAR is an important tool in understanding the structural requirements for the design of novel and potent MCD inhibitors. It can be employed to design new drug discovery.