bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Plea and Sentence Agreements in Environmental Enforcement in South Africa
Authors: Murombo Tumai , Munyuki Isaac
Published: October 2019

A recent development in South African environmental law is the use of plea and sentencing agreements. The main objective of environmental law is to promote the sustainable use of natural resources while preventing pollution and ecological degradation. Grand environmental due diligence processes could achieve sustainable development; the use of criminal sanctions with sentencing agreements could be more effective. This paper answers the question whether the plea and sentencing agreements in reality achieve the objectives of environmental regulation? This study analyses this recent development by looking at selected recent cases in South Africa. The study found that plea and sentence agreements are potentially effective, subject to the effective monitoring of compliance and enforcement against non-compliance with the undertakings made by the accused person. Without institutional strengthening and effective monitoring, the plea and sentence agreement procedure remains ineffective.
Fiziksel ve kimyasal olarak modifiye edilmiş proses atığının sentetik atıksudan ağır metal gideriminde başarısının araştırılması
Authors: ÖDEN Muhammed Kamil
Published: October 2019

Bu çalışmanın amacı,
bor zenginleştirme tesisi çıkışından alınan posa atığının (BZA) ses ve asit ile
laboratuar ortamında modifiye edilerek (MBZA) nikel (Ni+2) ağır
metalinin adsorpsiyon sisteminde giderimine verimi araştırılmıştır. Deneysel
araştırma kesikli sistemle, farklı adsorban dozları (0,1-5 g/100 mL), farklı pH
(2-10), farklı temas süresi (0-150 dakika) ve farklı karıştırma hızlarında
(100, 200, 300, 400 rpm) gerçekleştirilmiştir. MBZA ait kimyasal özellikler ve
SEM görüntüleri belirlenmiştir. MBZA'nın nikel adsosorpsiyonu sırasında elde
edilen korelasyon katsayılarına göre Langmuir modeline daha uyumlu bulunmuştur.
Kinetik veriler arıtım sonucunda elde edilmiş olup MBZA için elde edilmiş olan
qmax değeri 16.01 mg/g’dir.
Integrating Multimedia Technology into Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language: A Field Study on Perspectives of Teachers in Northern California
Authors: Gao Siyi
Published: October 2019

This field study investigated the current use of multimedia technology in teaching Chinese as a foreign language in Northern California, as well as the barriers and challenges that TCFL teachers have encountered in their practice. An online survey was developed to collect data from 75 local TCFL teachers in Northern California. Findings indicated that most teachers felt they were competent enough in using multimedia technology. About half of the TCFL teachers had never received formal training on multimedia skills, even though they did not view a lack of training opportunities as a major barrier to multimedia use. The lack of school funding was the most critical factor in hindering teachers’ use of multimedia. The study argues for the need to provide more support to TCFL teachers at the institutional level. More training programs are also needed to prepare teachers for a shift of role from traditional sources of knowledge to facilitators of technology-mediated learning.
The Rebellious, Untamed Mare: Morrison's Heroine Sula
Authors: Al-Saidi Afaf Ahmed Hasan , Alqarni Shunayfaa Muhammed
Published: October 2019

In her novel Sula, Toni Morrison creates one of the few black heroines to deliberately enhance the role of a pariah. This paper tries to unfold the rebellious attitude against the norms of the black community that mainly revolves around male’s centered society. Sula considers herself a free spirit who challenges and goes beyond all the boundaries; she dares to confront every aspect of that society. Her personality is remarkably evolved since childhood, whether with her relation with her grandmother; her mother or her friend Nel Wright as well as with her lovers. Being raised in household of strong women shapes the person she becomes; fearless, rebellious and daring.
Manner and Result in English Verb Roots
Authors: Qiu Lei
Published: October 2019

Manner/result complementarity hypothesis (MRC) proposed by Rappaport Hovav and Levin (1998, 2010) holds that a verb root cannot lexicalize manner and result meaning components simultaneously at a time. It has generated much interest and controversy among researchers. In spite of much evidence for it, researchers have also put forward a variety of arguments against it. This paper reviews arguments against the MRC hypothesis, reexamines the data these counterarguments are based on and reveals that these arguments do not pose real challenge for the MRC hypothesis. Counterexample verbs which are proposed to entail both manner and result actually lexicalize only one, either manner or result, and manner and result are indeed meaning component lexicalized in verb roots rather than aspectual focus.
The Characteristics of Women's Image in A Novel of Entrok by Okky Madasari: A Study of Literary Criticism in Ideological Feminism
Authors: Fitriana Irna , Tolla Achmad , Jasruddin Jasruddin , Mahmudah Mahmudah
Published: October 2019

This research aims at revealing the image characteristics of a transitional and feminist woman in a novel by Okky Madasari through ideological feminist literary criticism. This research uses qualitative descriptive method where ‘Entrok’ novel by Okky Madasari becomes as the data source. Technique of data collection applied is content analysis, while technique of validity is source triangulation. For technique of data analysis used in this research is an interactive analysis model with three components of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings discover two main things, that is the image of a transitional and feminist woman. In the story, Sumarni is a female figure who plays as a transitional woman as well as the image of a feminist woman.
Why are students' self-initiated contributions important(?) A study on agentic engagement
Authors: Montenegro Aida
Published: October 2019

This article is part of a broader research project on student engagement, achievement goals, and autonomy support in higher education. This observational study presents a categorization of students’ self-initiated contributions for learning. For this purpose, an observation form was developed and implemented in both a large and a small course delivered by the same professor. The research question was “Which students’ verbal contributions in lecture-based courses are aligned with the concept of agentic engagement?” This question also aimed to explore the premise that agentic behavior is performed differently by male and female students in small and large courses. Each self-initiated contribution was classified, counted, and described, and then compared between courses. The findings revealed that (1) expected self-initiated contributions were the most observed ones in both courses, and (2) the number and type of contributions were different regarding student’s gender and class size. The paper concludes with recommendations to advance the state of research on agentic engagement.
El género de superhéroes como herramienta docente en las ciencias jurídicas / Superhero genre as learning tool in legal studies
Authors: Fernández Sarasola Ignacio
Published: October 2019

El género de superhéroes (difundido a través de cómics, novelas gráficas, series televisivas y películas) muestra un enorme potencial para la enseñanza del Derecho. La docencia y aprendizaje de esta disciplina presenta una gran complejidad, debido tanto a su alto nivel de abstracción como al patrón de pensamiento lógico que se requiere para aplicar las reglas jurídicas. En este contexto, los superhéroes pueden emplearse como ejemplo eficaz, puesto que suelen mostrar situaciones extremas que permiten una aplicación más fácil de esas reglas por parte de los estudiantes. Una vez que esos casos evidentes se hayan desarrollado, el estudiante habrá obtenido las bases del sistema legal y podrá ser capaz de utilizarlo para resolver hechos reales y más complejos.
¿Qué papel tiene la asistencia a Educación Infantil en la predicción del rendimiento matemático en PISA? / What is the role of child education assistance in predicting mathematical performance in PISA?
Authors: Bausela Herreras Esperanza
Published: October 2019

Las matemáticas son críticas para el desarrollo del individuo, siendo diferentes las variables que pueden predecir un bajo rendimiento en esta competencia. Estas variables pueden estar relacionadas con el sujeto que aprende o con el docente que instruye. El objetivo del trabajo es comparar el riesgo de tener bajo rendimiento en competencia matemática evaluada en PISA en función de las estrategias de enseñanza-aprendizaje que emplean los estudiantes y las enseñanzas docentes, en hombres y en mujeres que han asistido o no han asistido a la etapa de Educación Infantil. Se ha seguido una metodología no experimental, diseño comparativo – causal. Se han realizado análisis de regresión logística binaria. Entre los resultados destacar que la no asistencia a Educación Infantil aumenta significativamente el riesgo de tener bajo rendimiento en matemáticas en los dos modelos (estrategias docentes y estrategias de aprendizaje). Por tanto, existen diferentes variables que aumentan la probabilidad y/o riesgo de tener bajo rendimiento en la competencia matemática en los diferentes modelos estudiados.
Antibiotic utilization pattern in the department of surgery in a tertiary care centre in eastern India
Authors: Kujur Archana Dipa Sangita , Ekka Nishith M. Paul , Chandra Satish
Published: October 2019

Background: The overuse and volume of antibiotic prescription has been found to correlate to the incidence of bacterial resistance. Clinical audit and education can favourably change antibiotic prescribing patterns among practitioners.Methods: Prospective cross-sectional prevalence survey carried out in inpatient department (IPD) and outpatient department (OPD) of department of Surgery, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi. 200 prescriptions from OPD and 200 case sheets from IPD were randomly selected. Data was analyzed as per WHO outpatient prescribing indicators. ICU patients and patients on anti-tubercular treatment, antifungals etc. were excluded from this study. Data were computed and analyzed using MS Excel.Results: In the OPD, the average no of drugs per patient was 3.445 of which 17% were injections. 33% of drugs prescribed were antibiotics. Beta-lactams followed by nitroimidazoles were the most common antibiotic class. In the IPD, an average of 2.26 antibiotics per patients was prescribed. 21% of antibiotics were prescribed by a generic name and 196 patients received antibiotic prophylaxis. β-lactams again were the most commonly prescribed antibiotic class with 42.7% (n=193) of total antibiotics prescriptions, Metronidazole (n=101, 22.37%) was the most prescribed antimicrobial agent.Conclusions: The practice of polypharmacy and high antibiotic prescription rate is a concern in our part of the country. Prescriptions writing in generic name needs to be encouraged. There is an acute need for the development of antibiotics prescribing guidelines in India.
A cohort comparative study between laparoscopic and open appendectomy in pregnant women
Authors: Bellapu Srujan Kumar
Published: October 2019

Background: Despite the initial absolute contraindication of laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy, in the last decade, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has been performed in pregnant women but to compare the outcomes of LA compared with open appendectomy (OA). The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LA compared with OA in pregnant women.Methods: A cohort study was conducted among pregnant women with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis who were undergoing LA or OA between June 2013 to July 2014. Pre-operative data and post-operative complication were monitored. Epi-info 7 was used for analysis.Results: Sixty patients (20 LA and 40 OA) enrolled in our study. There were no significant differences in duration of surgery, postoperative complication rate and obstetric outcomes, including incidence of preterm labour, delivery type. The mean time to normal bowel movement in the LA group was significantly shorter than that in the OA group. Also, the mean time to adequate oral intake in the LA group was earlier than in the OA group (2.1±0.4 d v. 4.1±1.8 d, p=0.02). Duration of hospital stay in the LA group was 4.1±2.6 days, and that of the OA group was 6.6±3.2 days (p=0.04).Conclusions: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a clinically safe and current procedure in all trimesters of pregnancy and should be well-thought-out as a standard treatment alternative to OA.
Comparison between histopathology and fine needle aspiration cytology in the case of breast lumps
Authors: V. K. Vishnu , R. K. Ashwini , Rajagopalan S.
Published: October 2019

Background: Breast lump is one of the common pathologies seen in surgical practice. Hence it is of importance to have a reliable diagnostic method to distinguish between benign and malignant lumps. Aim of this study was to bring out fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as a rapid, inexpensive, accurate and least invasive diagnostic method for this purpose.Methods: A prospective study conducted between December 2017 to November 2018 on all 30 patients admitted at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital with breast lumps. Patients were subjected to clinical examination FNAC and Histopathology.Results: Clinically 64% were categorized as benign lumps and 36% malignant. On FNAC 64% were fibroadenoma, 30% suggestive of malignancy and 6% suspicious of malignancy. On Histopathology 60% were fibroadenoma, 33% turned out to be carcinoma and 7% benign phyllodes. 4% of benign lesions on FNAC turned out malignant on histopathology.Conclusions: Although son mammography is the conventional approach with a sensitivity of 76.5% and specificity of 90.48%, in this study FNAC was found to have sensitivity of 96.6% and specificity of 100% and can be a reliable tool for early diagnosis in the case of breast lumps.
The effect of cholecystectomy on the lipid profile of patients with gallstone disease: a prospective study
Authors: Menezes Jose V. Francisco , Katamreddy Rewanth R.
Published: October 2019

Background: Gallstones are a common cause for abdominal pain and discomfort. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of gallstone disease. The association of gallstones in patients with altered lipid profiles is well documented. Recent studies have shown that there is an improvement in the lipid profile following cholecystectomy. The aim of the study was to study the effect of cholecystectomy on lipid profile and to study the relation between lipid profile and the nature of gallstones.Methods: Prospective study involving 100 patients admitted to the surgery department for cholecystectomy at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) hospital, Bangalore. Study period was on between October 2016 to July 2018. The pre-operative lipid profile was compared to the post-operative lipid profile done 6 months after cholecystectomy. Gallstone analysis was done with the extracted specimen.Results: There was a significant improvement in the lipid profiles of study subjects post cholecystectomy. The total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglycerides decreased significantly (p<0.001) post cholecystectomy. Simultaneously, there was a significant increase (p<0.001) in the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels post-surgery. Majority of the stones were cholesterol stones (51%) followed by pigment stones (6%) and mixed stones (43%).Conclusions: Cholecystectomy has a favourable effect on the lipid profile of patients. However, we found no correlation between lipid profile and nature of gallstones.
Influence of patients’ rights charter on health systems responsiveness in selected counties in Kenya: health care provider perspective
Authors: Njuguna Susan , Mwaura Tenambergen Wanja , Mapesa Job
Published: October 2019

Background: The role of health care providers in the implementation of responsiveness of health systems is unclear. Responsiveness of health systems is one of the goals set out by WHO in 2000. Effective leadership and governance of health systems incorporates all players involved in policy implementation. The objectives of the study were to establish how the health care provider’s awareness of patients’ rights charter influence health systems responsiveness and to establish how the health care provider practice of patients’ rights charter influence responsiveness of health systems in primary care settings.Methods: This was an exploratory cross section descriptive study design that used a psychometric semi- structured questionnaire to collect qualitative data that was analyzed quantitatively. Respondents were 62 purposively sampled health care providers from four, primary care health facilities. Key informant interviews from the four health facilities in-charges were carried out. Data was analyzed using SPSS vs 25 and themes.Results: Health care provider awareness of the content of patients’ rights charter (r=0.612*, p<0.001) and practice of patient’s right charter (r=0.610*, p<0.001) were statistically significant and influenced health systems responsiveness.Conclusions: Implementation of patients’ rights charter has an influence on responsiveness of health systems. Leadership and Governance of health systems requires a structured approach to implementation of policies that positively influence responsiveness of health systems. Supervision of health care providers for best practice can provide a basis for replication in other primary care facilities and lead to achieving responsiveness of health systems.
Causes of head injury in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung in 2015
Authors: Rongkai Tan , Arifin M. Zafrullah , Prajitno Ihrul Prianza
Published: October 2019

Background: The study aimed to describe the causes of head injury (HI) in Rumah Sakit Hasan Sadikin Bandung with the considerations of gender, age and the severity of HI.Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study. The study subjects were HI patients in Department of Neurosurgery of Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung in 2015. Consecutive sampling was used with minimum sample size of 97 patients. The variables of the study were patients’ characteristics, causes of head injury, and types of road traffic accidents in HI patients. The data were collected from medical records.Results: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) contributed to 70.3% mild HI, 77.2% moderate HI, and 100% severe HI and it was the highest cause of HI (73%). Two-wheelers motor vehicle contributed to 62.5% mild HI, 75% moderate HI, and 66.7 severe HI and it was the highest cause of RTAs (68%). Majority of the HI patients were male (57%). The highest number of HI was 18-45 years old.Conclusions: RTAs is the main mechanism of HI, while two-wheelers motor vehicle is the main cause of RTAs.
Awareness and practices on road safety among adolescents school children in Imphal, Manipur: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oinam Joymati , Rajkumari Bishwalata , Danny Singh Haobam , Ningombam Joenna
Published: October 2019

Background: The UN General Assembly declared 2011-2020 as the "Decade of Action for Road Safety” with the goal to stabilize and reduce the increasing trend in road traffic fatalities. The objective of the study was to assess awareness and practices on road safety among adolescent school children and to determine any factors associated with awareness and practices on road safety with selected socio-demographic variable.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2306 adolescent school students studying in classes VIII-XII in various schools selected by random sampling technique in two districts of Manipur during June 2018. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Based on the percentile, awareness level of the students was grouped into good, average and poor. Descriptive statistics like mean, SD and analytical statistics such as Chi-squared test were used. A p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The mean (SD) age of the 2306 students was 15.29±1.4 year. Majority of the students belongs to late adolescents. Only 10% of the students have good awareness level on road safety. Majority of the students’ drives two wheelers (96.7%), does not possess driving license (89.1%) and around two-fifths used mobile phone while driving. Around 30% of the students were ever exposed to road traffic accident. Statistically significant association was found between late adolescents, boys, higher class, increase in parent’s educational level with good awareness level.Conclusions: Few students have good awareness level on road safety measures. Therefore, awareness campaigns regarding road traffic safety should be included in the compulsory training program of schools.
Nutritional status of 0-5 years children and its determinant in Maharashtra India
Authors: Wagh Sanjay V. , Waghmare Rakesh B. , Nehate Harshal K. , Puri Mahesh
Published: October 2019

Background: Malnutrition is silent emergency and it is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children in India. India is home for underweight children. Hence the present study attempt to assess the underweight status of 0-5 years children and to find out socio-demographic determinant with it in rural community of Maharashtra.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 281 children aged 0-5 years. The study was conducted rural health training centre, Barshi Takali district Akola which is field practicing area of Community Medicine Department of Government Medical College, Akola. The data was analyzed using Epi-info-6.Results: 24.9% children were in the age group of 24-35 months. 33.8% fathers were educated up to high secondary 21%. Under five children were underweight. The proportion of under-five children with under-weight showed significant association with education of father, breast feeding and diarrhoea.Conclusions: Father education, breast feeding practices and diarrhoea were the important determinant for underweight that were found in the study. The information education and communication (IEC) is needed to for preventing the occurrence of under-nutrition among 0-5 years children.
Trends of admission and deaths of burn patients (2000 to 2016) in a tertiary care hospital of Maharashtra: a time series analysis
Authors: Kishanrao Domple Vijay , Wadde Satish Kishanrao
Published: October 2019

Background: The World Health Organization projects that by 2020, injuries will surpass infectious diseases as the leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore we conducted the present study with objective to identify trends of admissions and deaths of burn patients and to forecast the number of cases of admission and deaths in a tertiary care hospital, Maharashtra by using time series analysis.Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital of Maharashtra in the month of September 2017. Month wise admissions (7674 patients) and deaths (2865) of burn patients in last seventeen years (2000 to 2016) were used for this purpose. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 16.Results: There was increasing trend of admissions of burn patients in December to January. Increase in the deaths was also observed in the months of February and March by simple seasonal model of Expert Modeler in SPPS. This predicted 30-44 admissions and 9-13 deaths of burn patients in the year of 2019.Conclusions: The trends and forecasting of admissions and deaths of burn patients will be useful for hospital administrators for management of cases.
Awareness of tuberculosis in the community: time to rethink strategies
Authors: Shankar Meera , V. Ramasubramanian , Ramakrishnan Balasubramaniam
Published: October 2019

Background: Tuberculosis is highly prevalent in developing countries like India and several strategies have been implemented by the World Health Organization and Government of India in order to minimize its burden. However, effectiveness of these strategies is best achieved when there is adequate awareness among the general population regarding the cause and spread of the disease. This study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding tuberculosis among general population.Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out among 500 adults visiting our tertiary care center as patients or attenders for a period of one year between April 2018 and March 2019. A structured interview schedule was used to collect information regarding the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the cause, spread and management of tuberculosis infection.Results: About 73.6% of the study participants felt that tuberculosis was a genetic disorder, while only 12.4% of them were aware that the infection was transmitted through coughing, etc. Moreover, 18% of the participants believed that the medications for treating tuberculosis could be stopped without the supervision of the health care provider.Conclusions: This study has elicited the prevailing misconception regarding the cause, transmission, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis. It is important for policy makers and public health program implementation experts to develop health literacy campaigns to specifically create awareness among the population, so as to facilitate successful mitigation of the disease.
MODERN APPROACHES FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT OF ORBITAL FRACTURES
Authors: Абдулкеримов Тимур , Abdulkerimov Timur , Мандра Юлия , Mandra Yuliya , Абдулкеримов Хийир , Abdulkerimov Khiyir , Абдулкеримов Замир , Abdulkerimov Zamir , Мандра Екатерина , Mandra Ekaterina , Болдырев Юрий , Boldyrev Yuriy , Шимова Маргарита , Shimova Margarita , Шнейдер Ольга , Schneider Olga , Чагай Андрей , Chagay Andrey
Published: October 2019

Importance. Fractures of the orbital walls in structure of craniofacial traumatic injures occupy a special place and occur in more than 40 %. The complexity of the structure, the proximity of the vision organ location causes difficulties in diagnostics and treatment of these patients. Often surgical treatment is carried out with using of standard implants that must be manually and directly modeled during the surgical intervention. Such numerous manipulations with implant develop negative effect on strength, that reduces predictability of the results and causes various postoperative complications in 20 % of cases. The goal — is to conduct a systematic analysis of domestic and foreign literary sources to determine development prospects, improve diagnostic methods and treat orbital fractures. Methodology. A case-control or cohort study was reviewed with a very low risk of mixing effects and average probability of causal relationship. Conclusions. Surgical treatment of fractures of the facial middle zone, the orbital walls is a difficult task for surgeons. The great number of reconstructive materials and implants on the market provide a wide range of choices depending on the preferences of the surgeon and patient, that’s based on the specific clinical situation. However determining the ideal material for reconstructing of orbital walls is still an open question. Results. Digital and additive technologies have great perspectives in diagnostic and treatment of trauma of the face middle zone. However a number of tasks requires to introduce and adapt rapid prototyping technologies in practical healthcare, which will allow significant progress in the diagnostics and treatment of facial skeleton fractures.
Construcción de un banco de ítems de facetas de neuroticismo para el desarrollo de un test adaptativo
Authors: Abal Facundo Juan Pablo , Auné Sofía Esmeralda , Attorresi Horacio Félix
Published: October 2019

El objetivo de este trabajo fue elaborar un banco de ítems para medir las facetas del Neuroticismo basado en el Modelo de los Cinco Factores (McCrae & Costa, 2010) y examinar la viabilidad de una administración adaptativa. Se inició con un pool de 90 ítems, que fue reducido a 54 (nueve por faceta) por juicio experto y estudio piloto. La versión depurada se administró a 1147 adultos de población general del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires (52.7% mujeres). Un 70% de los casos se usó para: a) calibrar los ítems de cada faceta por separado con el Modelo de Respuesta Graduada de Samejima (2010), b) estudiar la estructura interna del banco con un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio y c) obtener evidencias de validez concurrente. El alfa ordinal de las facetas osciló entre .76 y .87. Con el 30% restante de casos se efectuó una simulación de administración adaptativa con criterio de parada de error ≤ 0.50. Se concluye que el banco reúne evidencias de validez y confiabilidad aceptables para su administración en un formato convencional, pero se necesita incorporar más ítems si se pretende optimizar la medición de las facetas Impulsividad, Vulnerabilidad y Hostilidad.
Two-step Randomisation: Applying the Results of Small Feasibility Studies of Interventions to Large-scale Mendelian Randomisation Studies to Robustly Infer Causal Effects on Clinical Endpoints
Authors: Sandu Meda R , Beynon Rhona , Richmond Rebecca , Santos Ferreira Diana L. , Hackshaw-McGeagh Lucy , Davey Smith George , Metcalfe Chris , Lane J Athene , Martin Richard
Published: October 2019

Background: Feasibility trials are preliminary trials that assess the viability and acceptability of intervention studies and the effects of the intervention on intermediate endpoints. Due to their short duration, they are unable to establish the effects of the intervention on long-term clinical outcomes. We propose a novel method that could transform the interpretation of feasibility trials using modified two-stage randomisation analyses. Methods In this two-stage process, we explored the effects of a 6-month feasibility factorial randomised controlled trial (RCT) of lycopene and green tea dietary interventions (ProDiet) on 159 serum metabolic traits in 133 men with raised PSA levels but prostate cancer (PCA) free. In the first stage, we conducted an intention-to-treat analysis, using linear regression to examine the effects of the interventions on metabolic traits, compared to the placebo group and instrumental variable analysis to assess the causal effect of the intervention on the outcomes. In the second stage, we used a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal effect of metabolic traits altered by the interventions, on PCA risk, using summary statistics data from an international PCA consortium of 44,825 cancer cases and 27,904 controls. ResultsThe systemic effects of lycopene and green tea supplementation on serum metabolic profile were comparable to the effects of the respective dietary advice interventions (R2= 0.65 and 0.76 for lycopene and green tea respectively). Metabolites which were altered in response to lycopene supplementation were acetate (standard deviation difference versus placebo (β)): 0.69; 95% CI= 0.24, 1.15; p=0.003), valine (β: -0.62; -1.03, -0.02; p=0.004), pyruvate (β: -0.56; -0.95, -0.16; p=0.006), and docosahexaenoic acid (β: -0.50; -085, -0.14; p=0.006). The instrumental variable analysis showed there was no evidence that green tea altered the metabolome, but lycopene was associated with an increase in acetate (β=2.13; p=0.006) and decreases in pyruvate (β=-1.90; p=0.009), valine (β=-1.79; p=0.023), diacylglycerol (β=-1.81; p=0.026), alanine (β=-1.55; p=0.015) and DHA (p=0.097), where the regression coefficient represents the standard deviation (SD) difference in metabolite measures per unit change in lycopene (µmol/L) or EGCG (nM).Using MR, a genetically instrumented SD increase in pyruvate increased the odds of PCA by 1.29 (1.03, 1.62; p=0.027). Conclusion Using a two-stage randomization analysis in a feasibility RCT, we found that lycopene lowered levels of pyruvate, which our Mendelian randomization analysis suggests may be causally related to reduced PCA risk.
Faecal Sludge Derived Products as Fertilizer for Lettuce Cultivation in Urban Agriculture
Authors: Pradhan Surendra , Cofie Olufunke , Nikiema Josiane , Heinonen-Tanski Helvi
Published: October 2019

Faecal sludge (FS) contains a significant amount of plant nutrients. After drying and composting, FS has been used as soil ameliorant in several countries. Use of FS-based compost on lettuce may meet reservations due to possible microbiological contamination. The objectives of this research are: (l) to determine the fertilizer value of different formulations of sawdust and faecal sludge compost (SDFS) pellets, (2) to compare the effect of these SDFS formulations with poultry manure, commercial compost, mineral fertilizer and non-fertilization on lettuce cultivation. The SDFS products were made by enriching and pelletized with ammonium sulphate, mineral-NPK or ammonium sulphate + muriate of potash + triple super phosphate. Lettuce was cultivated in a greenhouse and in an open field. The result showed that the fresh weight obtained from all SDFS pellets with/without enrichments were higher than those obtained from commercial compost, poultry manure, mineral fertilizer or no fertilizer. Cultivation in the open field gave higher yields than those in the greenhouse. No helminth eggs were detected in composts or lettuces. Some faecal coliforms were detected in lettuces despite fertilization treatments. A properly treated fecal sludge-based fertilizer can be a sustainable solution for lettuce production which helps urban and peri-urban agriculture.
Nonsingular Model of Magnetized Black Hole Based on Nonlinear Electrodynamics
Authors: Kruglov Sergey I.
Published: October 2019

We find solutions of a magnetically charged non-singular black hole in some modified theory of gravity coupled with nonlinear electrodynamics. The metric of a magnetized black hole is obtained which has one (an extreme horizon), two horizons, or no horizons (naked singularity). Corrections to the Reissner-Nordstrom solution are found as the radius approaches to infinity. The asymptotic of the Ricci and Kretschmann scalars are calculated showing the absence of singularities. We study the thermodynamics of black holes by calculating the Hawking temperature and the heat capacity. It is demonstrated that phase transitions take place and we show that black holes are thermodynamically stable at some range of parameters.
Energy and Ecological Evaluation of ORC Based Geothermal CHP Plant in Poland – A Case Study
Authors: Mróz Tomasz , Grabowska Weronika
Published: October 2019

The paper presents the results of energy and environmental analysis of geothermal CHP plant operation in Polish conditions. As the most favorable, for the geothermal conditions prevailing in Poland, the variant of CHP plant based on Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) has been taken into consideration. As the case study the existing geothermal well located in the town of Konin in the Wielkopolska voivodship has been chosen. The conceptual design of CHP plant has been proposed and evaluated from energy and environmental point of view. As energy performance criteria the non-renewable primary energy consumption has been chosen. In case of environmental performance carbon dioxide emission has been taken as evaluation criteria. The analysis has been performed for different operating conditions and three working fluids.
Whole-Food Plant-Based Lifestyle Program and Decreased Obesity: A 10-Year Follow-up
Authors: Jakše Boštjan , Jakše Barbara , Pinter Stanislav , Pajek Jernej , Fidler Mis Nataša
Published: October 2019

Failure of various weight-loss programs and long-term maintenance of favorable body composition in all kinds of people is high, since the majority go back to old dietary patterns. Many studies have documented the efficacy of a plant-based diet (PBD) for body mass management, but there are opinions that maintaining a PBD is difficult. We aimed to evaluate the long-term success of a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle program. We investigated the differences in the obesity indices and lifestyle of 151 adults (39.6 ± SD 12.5 years), who were on our program for short (0.5–<2 years), medium (2–<5 years), or long term (5–10 years). Body-composition changes were favourable for all three groups, both genders and all participants. There were no differences in relative body-composition changes (BMI, body fat percentage and muscle mass index (MMI)) between the three groups. All participants improved their BMI (baseline mean pre-obesity BMI range (kg/m2): 26.4 ± 5.6 to normal 23.9 ± 3.8, p < 0.001), decreased body mass (–7.1 ± 8.3 kg, p < 0.001) and body fat percentage (–6.4 ± 5.6 % points, p < 0.001). 85.6% (101 out of 118) of parents of underage children (< 18 years), introduced WFPB lifestyle to their children. Those with the highest BMI at baseline lost the most of: a) BMI units, b) total body mass and c) body fat (a) (kg/m2) (–5.6 ± SD 2.9, –2.4 ± 1.8 and –0.9 ± 1.5), b) (kg) (–16.1 ± SD 8.8, –7.1 ± 5.4 and –2.5 ± 4.5) and c) (% points) (–9.5 ± SD 5.7, –6.6 ± 4.6 and –4.7 ± 5.3) for participants who had baseline BMI in obese, overweight and normal range, respectively; pbaseline vs. current < 0.001 for all). WFPB lifestyle program provides long-term lifestyle changes for reversal of obesity and is effective transferred to the next generation.
A Study on the Removal of Fluorescent Whitening Agent by Pretreatment Ozone Oxidation for MBR Process Application
Authors: Shin Dong-Hoon , Choi Jang-Seung , Ryu Seung-Han , Kim Jin-Ho , Lee Sang-Hun , Shin Won-Sik , Park Min-Soo , Heo Jae-Eun
Published: October 2019

In this study, ozone oxidation experiment was carried out for the removal of fluorescent whitening agent which is widely used in textile dyeing and paper industry. The stilbene fluorescent whitening agent has been industrialized since the earliest, and the amount of current production is the highest. Due to the characteristics of the fluorescent whitening agent that cannot be removed by conventional wastewater treatment methods, the fluorescent whitening agent in wastewater treatment has difficulty in using as recycled water in the process. Pre-treatment ozone oxidation experiment was conducted prior to the introduction of Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) treatment process by converting biodegradable materials into biodegradable materials. The removal efficiencies of fluorescent whitening agents, a diaminostilbene disulfonic acid derivative by ozone oxidation were evaluated by UV254 Scan, COD, T-N and color using a synthetic wastewater sample (COD=433.0 mg/ℓ) and paper and paper mill wastewater (COD=157.2 mg/ℓ).
PENGARUH PENGETAHUAN IBU TENTANG MANAJEMEN LAKTASI TERHADAP PERILAKU PEMBERIAN ASI EKSKLUSIF
Authors: Risadi Cindy Aulia , Mashabi Nurlaila A. , Nugraheni Prastiti Laras
Published: October 2019

Abstrak

 

Indonesia saat ini masih menghadapi masalah gizi ganda, yaitu kondisi dimana di satu wilayah masih  banyaknya jumlah penderita gizi kurang, sementara di wilayah lain jumlah masyarakat yang mengalami gizi lebih cenderung meningkat. Masalah gizi ganda ini sangat erat kaitannya dengan gaya hidup masyarakat dan perilaku gizi. Salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi stunting (masalah kurang gizi) pada Baduta (Bayi Dua Tahun) ialah ASI tidak diberikan secara eksklusif selama 6 bulan pertama. Ibu tidak memberikan ASI eksklusif disebabkan oleh beberapa alasan, antara lain pengetahuan ibu tentang manajemen laktasi masih rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pengetahuan manajemen laktasi terhadap perilaku pemberian ASI eksklusif. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan metode survey yang dilakukan pada ibu yang memiliki anak usia 0-6 bulan di 6 Posyandu Kelurahan Jati, Jakarta Timur. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 57 responden. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah simple random sampling. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh antara pengetahuan manajemen laktasi terhadap perilaku pemberian ASI eksklusif pada ibu dengan nilai signifikansi regresi sebesar 35,58 dengan koefisien korelasi sebesar (0,627)  dan pengaruh sebesar 39,28% terhadap perilaku pemberian ASI eksklusif.

Kata Kunci: ASI Eksklusif, Manajemen Laktasi,  Pengetahuan

The Influence of Lactation Management Knowledge on Exclusive Breastfeeding Behavior

Abstract

Indonesia is currently still facing multiple nutritional problems, namely conditions where in one region there are still a large number of malnourished people, while in other regions the number of people who experience nutrition is more likely to increase. This dual nutrition problem is very closely related to people's lifestyle and nutritional behavior. One of the factors that affect stunting (problem of malnutrition) in Baduta (Two-Year Baby) is that breast milk is not given exclusively for the first 6 months. Mothers not giving exclusive breastfeeding are caused by several reasons, including mother's knowledge about lactation management. This research aimed to determine the influence of lactation management knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding. The research was categorized into quantitative research with survey method on mothers who have children age 0-6 months at 6 integrated health service posts (Posyandu in Bahasa Indonesia) in Jati, East Jakarta. The amount of samples used in this research was 57 respondents. Sampling method used in this study was simple random sampling. The results showed that there were influences on lactation management knowledge towards exclusive breastfeeding behavior of mothers with regression significant value of 35.58 (coefficient relation=0.627) and influence of 39.28% on exclusive breastfeeding behavior.

Keywords : Exclusive Breastfeeding, Lactation Management, Knowledge
Peran Budaya Tman Penen Sebagai Modal Sosial dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Akses Pendidikan bagi Keluarga Miskin di Desa Lanaus, TTU
Authors: Kono Kanisius
Published: October 2019

This study aims to analyze the role of social capital in improving education access for poor families. The children of poor families have low education access  to continue their study in college. Low access influenced by financial factors, helping parents to earn a living and high educated unemployed. In the other side, the utilization of social capital in the education sector focus on improving human quality by formal and non-formal education, and management of the school. This qualitative research by a case study approach confirms that social capital can be utilized to improve education access for poor families. And also, the social capital contain in â€œtman penenâ€ culture. The â€œtman penen culture is a custom of Lanaus society to come together, united and support each other either financial or moral support for families and child who want to continue their study in college. â€œTman penenâ€ culture help poor families to send school their children in college and the children can make their dream come true. Thus, social capital can be optimized in improving education access for poor families.

Keyword: Social capital, Tman Penen Culture, Education access
El sargazo a escena
Authors: León Cuauhtémoc
Published: October 2019

Este trabajo es una breve reflexión que revisa la evolución del fenómeno biológico asociado con la aparición de grandes masas de algas pardas flotantes denominadas como sargazo, y explora las respuestas sociales, de percepción en los medios y en el sector turismo que derivan como impacto de estas arri­bazones. Todo el Caribe, y en particular la zona de Quintana Roo en México, han experimentado esta suerte de invasión vegetal como una plaga cuyas causas son poco claras, pero sus efectos en las playas han provocado un descrédito al paisaje y, por tanto, un desincentivo para los bañistas y visitantes de esas aguas cristalinas. El texto presenta argumentos de política pública y explica las causas asociadas con los impactos de las actividades humanas que han influido directa o indirectamente en que este fenómeno sea una novedad y posiblemente una presencia constante desde 2011.
The Impact of Rock Properties and Stress Shadowing on the Hydraulic Fracture Properties in Marcellus Shale
Authors: El Sgher Mohamed , Aminian Kashy , Ameri Samuel
Published: October 2019

The natural gas in the Marcellus Shale is produced most efficiently through horizontal wells through multi-stage hydraulic fracturing stimulation treatment. Even though advances in technology have unlocked considerable reserves of hydrocarbon, the long-term production behavior of the horizontal well with multiple hydraulic fractures is not well understood. Therefore, it is essential to study and evaluate the impact of the different treatment parameters and formation properties on fracture properties and production performance. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the stress shadowing, stage sequencing, and the mechanical properties on gas production from multi-stage hydraulic fractured horizontal well completed in Marcellus Shale.

A commercial hydraulic fracturing software was employed to predict the fracture properties for a multi-stage hydraulic fractured horizontal well in Marcellus Shale. The available information included gamma ray, density, resistivity, and sonic logs as well as the fracture treatment data. Minimum horizontal stress, instantaneous shut-in pressure (ISIP), process zone stress (PZS), and leak off mechanism were obtained from a Diagnostic Fracture Injection Test (DFIT). The predicted treating pressures by the model were matched to field data by adjusting the pipe friction and the number of perforations. The predicted hydraulic fracture properties were then incorporated in a reservoir model (simulator) to predict the gas production. The impact of stress shadowing, treatment size, fracturing sequencing, and formation mechanical properties on fractures properties (fracture half-length and conductivity) and gas production were then investigated.

Stress shadowing was found to impact fracture properties especially, the fracture width. This in turn, resulted in lower gas recovery. The impact of the stress shadowing increases as the treatment size increases and stage spacing decreases. It must be noted that as the treatment size increases and the stage spacing decreases (more stages), the gas recovery will increase due to larger stimulated volume. At the same time, the stress shadowing would have more negative impact on the gas recovery. Additionally, the results indicated that the reduction in fracture width, and as a consequence the reduction in gas recovery, is more significant in sequential fracturing as compared to simultaneous fracturing.