bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication difficulties reported by patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and their carers: a European focus group study
Authors: Masefield Sarah , Cassidy Nicola , Ross Derek , Powell Pippa , Wells Athol
Published: June 2019

This paper explores commonalities in the experience and unmet needs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and carers in Europe throughout the care pathway, focusing specifically on the unmet communication needs of patients and carers.

Four patient organisations/groups in Europe held focus groups (Italy (seven patients and four carers); Belgium (six patients); Ireland (23 patients and 10 carers); and England, UK (five patients and three carers)). A focus group schedule was provided and translated into the language of each focus group by the European Lung Foundation (ELF). Content analysis was conducted by the ELF and verified by the authors of the paper.

Three main themes emerged: professional−patient, professional−professional and patient−patient communication. Within these themes, eight priority areas were highlighted by two or more of the focus groups. In addition, 17 suggested action points were identified.

Patients and carers in Europe have unmet communication needs, which could be met by specialist physicians and specialist centres providing more effective information and signposting to support services, including support groups and patient organisations.
Improving seismic fault detection by super-attribute-based classification
Authors: Di Haibin , Shafiq Mohammod Amir , Wang Zhen , AlRegib Ghassan
Published: June 2019

Fault interpretation is one of the routine processes used for subsurface structure mapping and reservoir characterization from 3D seismic data. Various techniques have been developed for computer-aided fault imaging in the past few decades; for example, the conventional methods of edge detection, curvature analysis, red-green-blue rendering, and the popular machine-learning methods such as the support vector machine (SVM), the multilayer perceptron (MLP), and the convolutional neural network (CNN). However, most of the conventional methods are performed at the sample level with the local reflection pattern ignored and are correspondingly sensitive to the coherent noises/processing artifacts present in seismic signals. The CNN has proven its efficiency in utilizing such local seismic patterns to assist seismic fault interpretation, but it is quite computationally intensive and often demands higher hardware configuration (e.g., graphics processing unit). We have developed an innovative scheme for improving seismic fault detection by integrating the computationally efficient SVM/MLP classification algorithms with local seismic attribute patterns, here denoted as the super-attribute-based classification. Its added values are verified through applications to the 3D seismic data set over the Great South Basin (GSB) in New Zealand, where the subsurface structure is dominated by polygonal faults. A good match is observed between the original seismic images and the detected lineaments, and the generated fault volume is tested usable to the existing advanced fault interpretation tools/modules, such as seeded picking and automatic extraction. It is concluded that the improved performance of our scheme results from its two components. First, the SVM/MLP classifier is computationally efficient in parsing as many seismic attributes as specified by interpreters and maximizing the contributions from each attribute, which helps minimize the negative effects from using a less useful or “wrong” attribute. Second, the use of super attributes incorporates local seismic patterns into training a fault classifier, which helps exclude the random noises and/or artifacts of distinct reflection patterns.
Clinical Relevance of Noncoding Adenosine-to-Inosine RNA Editing in Multiple Human Cancers
Authors: Gu Tongjun , Fu Audrey Q. , Bolt Michael J. , White Kevin P.
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional process that alters the nucleotide sequences of certain transcripts, in vertebrate most often converting adenosines to inosines. Multiple studies have recently implicated RNA editing in cancer development; however, most studies have focused on recoding RNA editing events. The function and clinical relevance of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) editing events in cancers have not been systematically examined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We improved our previously published pipeline to identify ncRNA editing sites from four human cancers: liver hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, kidney renal clear-cell carcinoma, and thyroid carcinoma. We then developed multiple advanced statistical models to identify significantly differential edited (DE) sites between tumor and normal samples and clinical relevance ncRNA editing sites, as well as to investigate the association between gene expression, ncRNA editing, and microRNAs. Finally, we validated computational results with experiments.

RESULTS

We identified 3,788 ncRNA editing sites of high confidence from the four cancers. We found thousands of DE sites which had distinct profiles across the four cancers. In kidney cancer, which had the largest uncensored survival data among the four cancers, 80 DE sites were significantly associated with patient survival. We identified 3′ untranslated region (UTR) RNA editing sites that can affect gene expression, either independent of or by working with microRNAs. We validated that the 3′UTR RNA editing sites in CWF19L1 and F11R genes resulted in increased protein levels and that alterations of the expression of the two genes affected the proliferation of human embryonic kidney cells.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our computational and experimental results, we hypothesize that 3′UTR editing sites may affect their host gene expression, thereby affecting cell proliferation.
Phase II Evaluation of Aggressive Dose De-Escalation for Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharynx Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ma Daniel J. , Price Katharine A. , Moore Eric J. , Patel Samir H. , Hinni Michael L. , Garcia Joaquin J. , Graner Darlene E. , Foster Nathan R. , Ginos Brenda , Neben-Wittich Michelle , Garces Yolanda I. , Chintakuntlawar Ashish V. , Price Daniel L. , Olsen Kerry D. , Van Abel Kathryn M. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Janus Jeffrey R. , Waddle Mark , Miller Robert , Shiraishi Satomi , Foote Robert L.
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine if dose de-escalation from 60 to 66 Gy to 30 to 36 Gy of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for selected patients with human papillomavirus–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma could maintain historical rates for disease control while reducing toxicity and preserving swallow function and quality of life (QOL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MC1273 was a single-arm phase II trial testing an aggressive course of RT de-escalation after surgery. Eligibility criteria included patients with p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, smoking history of 10 pack-years or less, and negative margins. Cohort A (intermediate risk) received 30 Gy delivered in 1.5-Gy fractions twice per day over 2 weeks along with 15 mg/m2docetaxel once per week. Cohort B included patients with extranodal extension who received the same treatment plus a simultaneous integrated boost to nodal levels with extranodal extension to 36 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions twice per day. The primary end point was locoregional tumor control at 2 years. Secondary end points included 2-year progression-free survival, overall survival, toxicity, swallow function, and patient-reported QOL.

RESULTS

Accrual was from September 2013 to June 2016 (N = 80; cohort A, n = 37; cohort B, n = 43). Median follow-up was 36 months, with a minimum follow-up of 25 months. The 2-year locoregional tumor control rate was 96.2%, with progression-free survival of 91.1% and overall survival of 98.7%. Rates of grade 3 or worse toxicity at pre-RT and 1 and 2 years post-RT were 2.5%, 0%, and 0%. Swallowing function improved slightly between pre-RT and 12 months post-RT, with one patient requiring temporary feeding tube placement.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive RT de-escalation resulted in locoregional tumor control rates comparable to historical controls, low toxicity, and little decrement in swallowing function or QOL.
Public hospitals’ finance management systems, and accountability mechanisms in the context of decentralized health systems in low- and middle-income countries – A thematic review
Authors: Leli Hassan , Addulahi Osman , Tsofa Benjamin
Published: June 2019

Background: Health sector decentralization, defined as the transfer of decision making over health sector resources from a central to a peripheral entity; has been and continues to be a widely adopted health system reforms in many low and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, its reported effects have been varied. Nevertheless, decentralization reforms aimed at providing public hospital management autonomy are increasing in prevalence in many LMICs. The range and form of this autonomy because of these reforms has often produced mixed effects. We set out to understand the range of financial management autonomy that has been granted to public hospitals in decentralized health systems in LMICs, and what forms of accountability arrangements have been used to facilitate this autonomy.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and CINAHL databases for published articles on this subject. We only included articles that reported empirical findings on hospital level financing and financial management in the context of decentralization in LMICs and/or those that included findings on hospital level finance management accountability arrangements. After a systematic search we found four articles that met our inclusion criteria. We undertook a thematic synthesis of the data and narrative reporting of our findings.

Results: From the review – we find that decentralization reforms did not result in improved funding flows, finance management autonomy or accountability mechanisms and for public hospitals. These outcomes were irrespective of the mode and form of decentralization reform adopted.

Conclusion: From our review, it is evident that though health sector decentralization reforms have been widely promoted and adopted in the past few decades across LMICs, there is minimal evidence that these reforms have improved funding flows to public hospitals, improved financial management autonomy or accountability mechanisms; so as to enhance the performance of these hospitals at sub-national level.
Potentially Dangerous Natural Processes and Phenomena of the Russian Far East South
Authors: Аношкин Андрей , Anoshkin Andrey
Published: June 2019

The article summarizes the data on potentially dangerous exogenous processes characteristic of the Russian Far East south. General trends in the development of exogenous processes here are determined by the geological and geomorphological structure and specificity of the monsoon climate. Mountain structures in this area are currently in a stage of uplift, where, in general, denudation processes prevail over accumulation, lowland areas experience a general immersion and intensively accumulate sedimentary material. The monsoon nature of climate determines a pronounced seasonality in precipitation and, as a consequence, an increased intensity of a number of exogenous processes (waterlogging, waterlogging, river erosion). The paper presents the characteristics and extent of the environmental impact of such phenomena as: waterlogging, weathering, river and gully erosion, thermokarst, aeolian processes, and ice. Based on field observations, an assessment of the intensity and direction of the processes of erosion, accumulation and denudation is given.
Development of an Algorithm for Assessing the Risk of Damage to the Health of Employees of the Energy Industry
Authors: Кондратьева О. , Kondrat'eva O. , Локтионов О. , Loktionov O. , Медведев В. , Medvedev V. , Кравченко М. , Kravchenko M.
Published: June 2019

The article is devoted to the problem of improving the safety of energy enterprises employees, which for several decades has been one of the most important organizational tasks in the enterprise in the process of employment. The paper analyzes the existing indicators of working conditions assessment and proposes an algorithm for assessing the risk of damage to the health the energy industry employees, allowing to further develop a list of measures that reduce the impact of harmful factors on employees of the enterprise.
Capillary Scanning of a Porous Matrix. Experimental Techniques and Processing of its Results
Authors: Синцов А. , Sintsov A. , Девисилов Владимир , Devisilov Vladimir
Published: June 2019

The article presents an analysis of the possibilities of the previously unused method for the experimental study of porous permeable materials and the determination of their structural characteristics. The purpose of the experiment is to determine the geometric parameters of the porous matrix, which integrates the characteristics of the porous material. An example of analytical scanning of a porous structure is considered. A review of existing experimental methods is given. A scheme of the experimental setup, methods for conducting a capillary experiment and processing the data obtained are proposed. As an example, a mathematical model of the experiment is used, illustrating the possible results of the study of a porous sample. It is shown how the results of experiments are transformed into a porous matrix and are interpreted as its capillary scanning. It is proved that this model of porous structure can be used as a starting position in the mathematical calculations of the processes occurring in porous structures.
We've explored… the gingerbread Man
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: June 2019

How one setting brought the traditional tale to life for its children. Annette Rawstrone reports
See, hear
Authors: O'Connor Anne , Dickinson Kath
Published: June 2019

How sight and hearing work, their effects on children's development, and spotting problems. By Anne O'Connor and Dr Kath Dickinson
Zsolnay-titok másképp
Authors: Feró Eszter
Published: June 2019

In the possesion of the Zsolnay Museum in Pécs one could find an unusual porcelain set with Egyptian figures and motifs. This treasure is one piece of the evidence which suggests that Egyptianising tendencies might have had a great influence even on Hungarian arts and culture. Although many pieces of Egyptianising Zsolnay ceramics can be found in our museums, and also in online auction houses, we have very little information about the circumstances under which these pieces were created. There are important research papers about the Orientalism in Hungarian handicrafts and arts by Orsolya Kovács and Ibolya Gerelyes, and of course we have many books about the Zsolnay products and the factory in general. Most of these studies mention some ceramics with Egyptian motifs and even Miklós Zsolnay’s journey to the Near-East, but they do not focus on Egyptomania and its role in the Zsolnay heritage. The present paper is trying to serve as a preliminary report about this goldmine of Egyptomania, which consists not only of ceramics, but sketches, letters and diaries as well. We do not have the full picture yet, but this paper will shed some light upon those important, new pieces of evidence of Egyptomania in Hungary in the 19th century.
Dávid változó arcai a deuteronomiumi történetírásban
Authors: Fröhlich Ida
Published: June 2019

Studies in anthropology and cultural memory evidenced the common concept in several cultures that possessing the land by the community living on it is conditioned by the ethical conduct of their rulers. The legitimacy of kings depends on their ethical conduct and devotion to the deity who is the patron of the country and their group. Legitimacy of a new dynasty is interconnected in historical memory with the erection of a new sanctuary built by the founding member of the dynasty and consecrated to the patron deity. However, perpetrating certain sins like cultic offenses, homicide and bloodshed, sexual sins, breaking oaths call for punishment in the form of plagues, attacks of foreign hordes, the fall of the dynasty, or the exile of the people. Ancient Near Eastern historiographies – including biblical Deuteronomistic historiography – are in line with this principle, and use special narrative forms to express it. The present study aims at examining the use of the elements of this ethical language in the Deuteronomistic historiography and demonstrating how they served – the exilic redactors being aware of the fall of the Judean kingdom and the fate of its dynasty – to reshape an originally ideal image of David, the founder of a dynasty, and how to make his portrait ambiguous by eliminating from and adding to the narrative elements with ethical portent.
„Onnan egy másik helyre mentem...”
Authors: Dávid Nóra
Published: June 2019

The heavenly and earthly journey of Enoch is an important part of the Book of the Watchers, chapters 1–36 of 1Enoch. The description of the travels of Enoch to the ends of the world is not only an important apocalyptic, eschatological text, but with its vivid description of the locations of the heavenly and earthly journey, it is also a source for the study of ancient geography. This study examines the geographical elements in 1Enoch 20–36 in light of the historically possible interactions of people living in the Near and Far East in the Second Temple Period. Whether they were involved in trade, or only visited neighbouring places as travellers, this text reflects their knowledge about geography.
„Vivere omnes beate volunt...”
Authors: Janzsó Miklós
Published: June 2019

In this paper I tried to demonstrate parallels between the works of Seneca the Younger, and the so-called Tabula Cebetis. This short dialogue from the first century AD contains moral teachings about reaching true happiness. Contemporary authors like Lucian, Dio Chrysostom and Plutarch are the closest parallels in using allegories and phrases, but the ethical teaching of Seneca is the most comparable with the whole teaching of the Tabula Cebetis. I tried to highlight some phrases which can prove the similarity of the thoughts of both authors. The works of Seneca may also provide a clue to reveal the author of this anonymous work.
Theodosius, a „látható isten”
Authors: Székely Melinda
Published: June 2019

The religion of Pacatus, author of the panegyric addressed to Theodosius I, has been debated by scholars during the past decades. In her 2003 monograph, Anne-Marie Turcan-Verkerk came to the conclusion that Pacatus could have also been the author of the poem De cereo paschali. On the basis of the interpretation of this poem, Turcan-Verkerk argues that Pacatus Drepanius should be regarded as a committed Christian author. In my opinion Pacatus, at the time of the composition of the panegyric, rather would have accepted the beliefs of (pagan) henotheism. The change in the religious policy of Theodosius I – the incipient tolerance towards paganism which switched to the persecution of the pagans – could have played a part in Pacatus’choice to meet the requirements of the period and those of the emperor in his writings. In the second part of my article I publish the first Hungarian translation of the caputs 15–20 of Pacatus’ Panegyricus.
Hot Deformation Behavior of Fe-6.8Al Low-Density and AISI 1040 Steels
Authors: Pramanik Sudipta , Pund Tushar S. , Avadhani G. S. , Suwas Satyam
Published: June 2019

Steels are the traditional choice for automobile bodies due to their low cost and good combination of strength, ductility, and formability. Aluminum-containing low-density steels have recently been materials of immense attention due to the quest for a weight reduction of automobiles. For these applications, steel parts are produced by casting, followed by forming operations at an elevated temperature. Furthermore, the application of low-density steels is highly envisaged in automobile applications. Therefore, in the present investigation, the hot deformation behavior of single phase Fe-6.8Al low-density steel, and American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1040 dual phase steel has been evaluated by developing strain rate sensitivity maps. Hot compression tests were carried out at temperatures ranging between 500 and 900°C and 650 and 900°C for the Fe-6.8Al and AISI 1040 steels, respectively, at strain rates between 0.001 and 10 s−1. Microstructural features have been evaluated for both the steels and correlated to the deformation behavior. For the Fe-6.8Al steel, strain localization in the form of shear bands is detected during deformation below 600°C in the strain rate range between 1 and 10 s−1. The dynamic recrystallization of ferrite in Fe-6.8Al steel is also noted during compression at 800 and 900°C for strain rates 0.01 and 0.001 s−1. For the AISI 1040 steel, based on the microstructural features, dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization is reported to occur at 700 and 850°C, respectively. The optimized deformation conditions (temperature and strain rate) for the Fe-6.8Al and AISI 1040 steels are determined to be 900°C, 0.001 s−1 and 850°C, 0.001 s−1, respectively.
Does a bursary scheme for students in low- to middle-income countries influence outcomes in a master’s programme in Public Health?
Authors: Machingura Pasipanodya Ian , Shantikumar Saran , Babalola Olukemi Solabomi , Heller Richard F
Published: June 2019

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. IntroductionThe People's Open Access Education Initiative (Peoples-uni) provides online education for health professionals in Public Health at the master's level. Although fees are low due to the use of volunteers and Open Educational Resources, a bursary scheme is provided to waive all or some of the fees. This study tests the hypothesis that student outcomes of completing and passing modules are higher among those given a bursary than others.MethodsData were retrieved for all students enrolling between 2009-2017, including demographics and module outcomes, where available. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with a successful bursary application, as well as to elicit whether a successful bursary application was associated with ever completing, or ever passing, a module.ResultsData were obtained from 1499 students. Of these, 624 (42%) had ever completed a module, and 513 (34%) had ever passed a module. 503 students (34%) had applied for a bursary, of whom 285 (57%) were successful. After adjusting for demographic variables, employment status and education level, students who were given a bursary were more likely to ever pass a module (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.3, 95% CI 1.7,3.3), as were those who applied for a bursary but were unsuccessful (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3,2.8), compared with students who had not applied for a bursary. Similar results were obtained for the outcome of completing a module.ConclusionsStudents who were successful in gaining a bursary, as well as those who were not but still able to enroll, were more likely to complete or pass a module than those who did not apply. These results point to the success of the bursary scheme and give us confidence to continue to offer bursaries, in order to sustain the mission of improving population health through capacity building in low resource settings.
Influencer Marketing in the Growth Hacking strategy of digital brands
Authors: Coll Patricia , Micó Josep Lluís
Published: June 2019

This article analyses the presence of influencer marketing in business communications strategies in the new economy, based on the results of an exploratory investigation carried out in accordance with the methodology of the Grounded Theory.
The categorisation of the information, obtained from the elaboration of the case studies of three digitally native brands (Wallapop, Westwing and Fotocasa), shows that influencer marketing actions are part of their 360º communications strategy.
Actions with influencers are developed in a synergistic way with other advertising and public relations actions, both on and offline. In terms of their approach, they follow Marston's strategic planning model, which consists of four phases: research, planning, execution and evaluation. In this sense, its particularities include the decision-making based on data, as well as the empowerment of the user and the brands' agents.
‘Redlands for Regions’: Producer demonstration sites of psyllid-resistant leucaena across north Queensland
Authors: Rolfe Joe , English Bernie , Lemin Craig , Buck Stuart , Fletcher Jim , Caird Robert , Black Emma , Perry Lindsey , Christensen Bron , Tomkins Nigel
Published: June 2019

Poster presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Environmental adaptation of leucaena in Western Australia – challenges and opportunities
Authors: Revell Clinton , Moore Geoff , Real Daniel , Crouch Sam
Published: June 2019

Keynote paper presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.There is considerable interest from Western Australian (WA) pastoralists on the potential role of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) in northern WA, where the potential area for dryland production of species of the genus Leucaena is high. Although it is highly regarded for animal production in other countries and in Queensland, leucaena is a contentious species since its status as an environmental weed precludes it from use on pastoral leases in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of WA. Development of sterile/seedless forms would overcome risks of spread of the species as a weed. The key environmental constraints to growth of leucaena are likely to be the length of the dry season and low fertility of most soils other than the grey/black cracking clays (vertosols). Psyllid resistance and cool temperature tolerance are likely to be of secondary importance. Opportunities for irrigated production are also emerging and may allow leucaena species to be used in environments previously considered well outside their home-range. It is desirable now to re-examine the diversity of the wider leucaena genus for adaptation to WA conditions generally and for the purpose of selecting elite parent material for use in a sterile/seedless leucaena breeding program. These perennial species that can be under production for 30 to 40 years need to be evaluated in the target environments for at least 3‒5 years to fully understand their potential as adult plants.
Establishment and management of leucaena in Latin America
Authors: Pachas Nahuel A. , Radrizzani Alejandro , Murgueitio Enrique , Uribe Fernando , Zapata Cadavid Álvaro , Chará Julián , Ruiz Tomás E. , Escalante Eduardo , Mauricio Rogerio M. , Ramírez-Avilés Luis
Published: June 2019

Keynote paper presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) is native to Mexico and Central America and is currently naturalized in the majority of Latin American countries. Over the last 2 decades, considerable research and promotion of leucaena have been carried out in Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. Research focused on the agronomic and management options for feeding beef, dairy or dual-purpose animals, with some studies on germplasm, weediness issues, toxicity, organic fertilizer application and environmental services.Over the past 10‒15 years, establishment and management of leucaena feeding systems in Latin America have varied according to country. For instance, intensive Silvopastoral Systems (iSPS) models are widely promoted and successfully adopted in Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela and Northeast Brazil. In ISS, leucaena is planted at high density (>10,000 trees/ha), in combination with improved tropical grass and high-value timber species (200‒400 trees/ha), and intensively managed employing rotational grazing.In Paraguay and Argentina, leucaena is planted in single or double hedgerows with inter-row alleys of 6‒8 m, following the configuration used in Australia and mainly focused on beef production. In Mexico, leucaena is also cultivated with Tithonia diversifolia or lemon trees. Meanwhile, in other countries such as Cuba, leucaena has been established as protein banks using single/twin rows with inter-row spacing of 2‒4 m for feeding beef, dairy or dual-purpose animals. Overall, paddock sizes for protein banks and ISS range between 0.3 and 50 ha, while single and twin hedgerow systems are generally established over larger areas (20‒500 ha). Despite the significant benefits demonstrated by research on leucaena feeding systems over the past 2 decades, coupled with successful outcomes for farmers who have adopted these systems, total area sown remains low across Latin America. This review provides a comparison between Latin American and Australian leucaena pasture systems, and recommendations for future collaborative research between countries.
Review of establishment practices of Leucaena leucocephala cv. Tarramba in West Timor, Indonesia
Authors: Nulik Jacob , Kana Hau Debora
Published: June 2019

Keynote paper presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.With increasing cattle production in East Nusa Tenggara Province there is an urgent need to increase plantings of high quality forage such as Tarramba leucaena. This requires knowledge and practical skills by the stakeholders to achieve reliable plant establishment. As part of a study of Tarramba leucaena adoption in East Nusa Tenggara, it became clear that the best method to establish leucaena was by transplanting 1‒2-month-old seedlings at the beginning of the rainy season that had been pre-prepared in poly-bags at a nursery. However, with varied conditions at the study locations, such as the absence of a dry season water source, farmers have used other methods, including: direct seeding; poly-bag seedlings planted later in the wet season; or older bare-root seedlings harvested from a high density nursery or from volunteer seedlings growing between rows of established leucaena. This paper elaborates on the different methods of establishment in farmer plantings in Kupang District (West Timor region of East Nusa Tenggara Province), Indonesia.
Leucaena as forage in northeast Africa
Authors: Robertson Alan
Published: June 2019

Poster presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Evaluating crude protein concentration of leucaena forage and the dietary legume content selected by cattle grazing leucaena and C4 grasses in northern Australia
Authors: Hopkins Kyle , Bowen Maree , Dixon Rob , Reid David
Published: June 2019

Keynote paper presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.In Australia’s central and southern Queensland regions, Leucaena leucocephala-grass pastures produce substantially more beef and higher profits than grass-only pastures and annual forage crops. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a rapid and cost-effective approach to assessing quality of available forage as well as the quality of the diet selected by cattle, but existing calibrations have not been comprehensively validated for leucaena-grass pastures. This study examined the reliability of existing northern Australian calibrations for NIRS to predict the crude protein (CP) concentration of the edible fraction of the leucaena plant, and the proportion of leucaena in the diet of grazing cattle. Samples of edible leucaena and cattle faeces were analyzed by NIRS and the predictions plotted in a linear regression and fitted to a 1:1 line with Dumas analysis of CP for leucaena forage, and mass spectrometry of δ13C for cattle faeces. Results demonstrated that prediction of the CP concentration of leucaena forage and the proportion of leucaena in the diet of grazing cattle using current broad northern Australian NIRS forage calibrations were associated with substantial error. However, it is likely that these errors can be reduced with the inclusion in the calibration data set of more samples representing leucaena forage and faeces of cattle grazing leucaena from varying locations, seasonal conditions and management strategies.
Genetic improvement of Leucaena leucocephala for wood energy
Authors: Hendrati Rina Laksmi , Nurrohmah Siti Husna
Published: June 2019

Poster presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Comparing the grazing productivity of ‘Redlands’ and ‘Wondergraze’ leucaena varieties
Authors: Lemin Craig , Rolfe Joe , English Bernie , Caird Robert , Black Emma , Dayes Steven , Cox Kendrick , Perry Lindsey , Brown Greg , Atkinson Ronnie , Atkinson Nadine
Published: June 2019

Poster presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
From SHS to grid electricity in low-income rural households
Authors: Green JM , Zwebe DI
Published: June 2019

The Maphephetheni area is a unique area. First of all, it was the first rural area with Photovoltaic (PV) experience in KwaZulu-Natal. In 1996 a project was started by Solar Engineering Services to install Solar Home Systems (SHSs) in 50 households in this area. Secondly, Maphephetheni is now one of the few areas with both SHSs and grid accessibility. This survey investigated the experiences of households with access to both SHS and grid electricity. Specific objectives included comparing the usage of grid electricity and SHSs; to compare the daily lives of the households when using the SHS and using grid electricity; and to find out if a SHS is seen as an inferior energy source. All six households that qualified were interviewed, two households with grid electricity and a functioning SHS and 4 households with grid access but a non-functioning SHS. The survey was conducted through structured interviews of approximately one hour, with some space for unstructured discussion to express feelings about the usage of the different kinds of energy sources. There was a warm welcome in most of the families and they loved to talk about the subject. Results indicated that SHSs were not seen as inferior energy sources in the rural area of Maphephetheni. Half of the households preferred SHS to grid electricity, and all households were very content about the working of the SHS, while there were some complaints about the functioning of the grid. All those families who did not have a working SHS at the moment wanted it fixed. The households themselves did not have the feeling that much changed after they accessed the grid, but the equipment used with electricity increased, as did the number of lights in use. Refrigeration, cooking and bulk water heating changed slightly because most families already had a refrigerator before they accessed the grid (a move from gas to electricity), and cooking and water heating were still mostly done with paraffin. Kettles were now used for making tea.
Energy saving through passive cooling measures using bags with sawdust
Authors: Bajpai VK , Kumar S , Kasana KS
Published: June 2019

In recent times, due to limited availability of energy from conventional sources, its effects on the environment (depletion of the ozone layer and an increase in the average temperature of the earth) and their rising prices has drawn the attention of engineers and scientists, throughout the world. The need is being felt to conserve conventional sources of energy or to depend less and less on these sources of energy. One area, where considerable amount of energy is consumed is in creating comfort conditions in residential buildings. In the present work, a passive measure has been used to create comfort conditions in buildings using low cost material in summer. The comfort index used is ‘Tropical Summer Index’. In the test room of size (length = 7.8m, breath = 6m, and height = 3.8m), three fans are needed consuming about 225 watthour of electrical energy to keep the room in the comfort zone. This will eliminate the use of an air conditioner, which consumes a much larger amount of about 4 tons of refrigeration (15 kW). For residential buildings with smaller rooms, the number of fans required will be less. By adopting this measure, the use of an air conditioner can be avoided leading to a saving of electrical energy. It has been observed that during the summer season in India, present passive measures keep the room air conditioned well, within the comfort zone by using a meagre amount of electrical energy.
Safety issues relating to paraffin usage in Eshane, Kwazulu-Natal
Authors: Matzopoulos R , Jordaan E Jordaan , Carolissen G
Published: June 2019

This study describes results of a household survey conducted in Eshane in the rural Kwazulu-Natal Midlands in April 2002, including baseline sociodemographic, energy usage, paraffin-related injury and safety knowledge information. A total of 404 interviews were conducted in five villages that fell within a 10-kilometre radius of the proposed Eshane integrated Energy Centre. Paraffin usage was high (86.6%) and there were no significant differences between electrified and non-electrified villages. Paraffin ingestion by children and paraffin-related fires were reported in 3.6% and 6.3% of households respectively. The majority of respondents had heard safety messages, but message retention was only demonstrated for messages relating to fires, and not ingestion. It seems that safety education may have a role to play in the prevention and response to paraffin-related fires, but that child-resistant packaging may be the only viable intervention for the reduction of ingestion among children.
The electricity supply industry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Lukamba-Muhiya J M , Uken E
Published: June 2019

The electricity supply industry of the Democratic Republic of Congo is reviewed, from the formation of the Societé National d’Electricité (SNEL) in 1970 until today. The DRC government established a national utility, because electricity is a key element in the socio -economic development of a country. Due to the national monopoly of SNEL, hydropower plants could be constructed such as Inga1 and Inga2. They supply power to mining in the Katanga province, and to a steel company in Maluku, not far from Kinshasa. Currently, Inga1 and Inga 2 are not operating at full capacity. Many hydropower and thermal plants are located in different provinces and need to be refurbished to increase their capacity of electricity for the DRC. Due to technical problems, SNEL only generates 1150 MW. The electrification programme in urban and rural areas across the DRC caters for less than 10% of the 60 million inhabitants. In 1980, the government implemented a policy called Plan Directeur de SNEL for electrification, but the policies never reached their objectives. No Energy White Paper exists which outlines the entire policy framework for energy supply and demand. Power sector reform has also not been implemented in the electricity sector. This paper outlines future government options in the electricity sector. Accordingly, the Public Private Partnership model could play a major role in attracting private partners to invest in the electricity sector in order to have different hydropower and thermal plants refurbished.
Demand for energy in Zimbabwe industries: an aggregated demand analysis
Authors: Nkomo J C , Goldstein H E
Published: June 2019

This paper describes interfuel substitution for liquid fuel, coal and electricity in Zimbabwe manufacturing and mining using a translog cost function. Our data series spans over a 24 year period. To mitigate the short time span of this time series data, we partially pool time-series cross-section observations, and take into account the ‘random effects’ and ‘fixed effects’ framework in estimating regression equations. Estimated results are used to determine possibilities for interfuel substitution particularly given persistent increases in the price of liquid fuel. We use an aggregated demand approach as this should both sharpen our results and yield more efficient estimates.
Energy price responsiveness in Zimbabwean mining and manufacturing: a disaggregated demand analysis
Authors: Nkomo J C , Goldstein H E
Published: June 2019

This paper examines market signals that enhance efficiency in energy use and the allocation of energy resources, focusing on Zimbabwean manufacturing and mining. We estimate own- and cross -price elasticities of demand to determine how far industrial energy types consumed are substitutable for each other. Our main emphasis is on reducing imported liquid fuel and promoting the country’s coal resources. While liquid fuel claims a huge proportion of the country’s foreign exchange, there is plentiful supply of coal. Coal, however, is environmentally damaging. Elasticity estimates, obtained at a highly disaggregated industrial level, will provide information about the impact of energy taxes on the demand for the different energy types.
Stakeholder perceptions in the factors constraining the development and implementation of public private partnerships in the Ugandan electricity sector
Authors: Akampurira Emmanuel , Root David , Shakantu Winston
Published: June 2019

Amidst increasingly constrained public budgets and inadequate service delivery, private sector participation through public private partnerships is increasingly being used as a means for delivering physical infrastructure. The government of Uganda, which is currently grappling with a crippling electricity power deficit, has over the years, pursued a number of strategies to encourage private sector participation in the electricity sector, but with limited success. This paper presents the findings of research into the relative importance as perceived by sector stakeholders, of factors that hamstring private sector participation in the development of hydropower generation facilities through public private partnerships in Uganda. The stakeholders considered in this paper are those representing the government and private sector entities in the development of the partnerships. A review of literature and project documents enabled the identification of relevant factors. Data was collected from the respondents by means of a self administered structured questionnaire and quantitative methods used for data analysis. Key findings from the research indicate that the respondents regarded the regulatory and legal frameworks as being attractive for private sector participation and this business environment is further enhanced by their confidence in the government’s commitment to honour its contractual obligations. In contrast, difficulties in structuring and obtaining finance together with issues over the cumbersome approval process and resistance from environmental groups were identified as the most significant constraints to the development and implementation of public private partnerships in the Ugandan electricity sector. Recognizing the importance of an adequate and reliable supply of power in Uganda, as in so many other sub-Saharan countries, it is anticipated that the identification of the relative importance of the constraints as perceived by stakeholders, will inform the process of developing measures and strategies to mitigate the constraints thus facilitating the speedy implementation and deal closure of public private partnership initiatives with the ensuing benefits.
Triparental mating of Synechocystis v1
Authors: DD Dienst Dennis
Published: June 2019

Protocol for genetic manipulation of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 using the triparental mating method described in Thiel et al., 1988.
Kinetics of Dissolution of Copper-Zinc Alloy in Nitric-Sulfuric Acid Solutions
Authors: Vostrikova Natalya М. , Kravtsova Elena D.
Published: June 2019

Studies were carried out on the dissolution of a copper-zinc alloy imitating a base substrate of an electron scrap containing noble metals in nitric-sulfuric acid solutions. A mathematical model is obtained that allows calculating the rate of copper and zinc transition to nitric-sulfuric solutions by varying the concentration of H+ ions from 1 to 4 g-ion / dm3 and NO3 – ions from 0,5 to 1,0 g-ion / dm3. In the range of concentrations of H+ and NO3 – ions studied, the maximum rate of copper transition into the solution is 6,5·10–5, and zinc is 4,5·10–5 kg / m2s. The equation of regression allowing to carry out a choice of conditions for proceeding with necessary speed of the chemical processes taking place in metallurgical practice is presented
Patterns of acne prescriptions: a study in a tertiary care unit
Authors: Kumar Donepudi Pavan
Published: June 2019

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological disorder affecting the pilo sebaceous glands resulting in their blockage or inflammation. Symptoms of acne may include local erythema and tenderness and pain. Medication include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, nicotinamide, azelaic acid, anti-seborrheic medications, hormonal treatment, anti-androgen medications and keratolytic soaps.Methods: About 166 patients who were treated for acne vulgaris were included into the study after taking the informed consent from the patients. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. The demographic details of the patients with regards to their, age sex, weight, BMI were taken. The acne was medically diagnosed, and the grade was assessed.Results: Out of the 166 patients included into the study, 92 (55%) were females while 74 (45%) were males and the mean age was 25.4±1.6 of the patients belonged to the middle class. Of the patients, most of them were adolescents or less than 25 years of age (54.2%). 64 of the patients were between 26-45 years while only 12 were >45 years of age. A total of 521 drugs were prescribed. Of them, 37.6% were through the oral route and 62.4% were topical the most common prescribed drugs were antimicrobials, both topical and oral.Conclusions: The multidrug prescription in most of the cases can be rationalized if a drug monitoring system can be effectively put into place. This would not only reduce the number of drugs per prescription but also the cost of treatment.
A comparative study between retrospective and prospective assessment of rationality and effectiveness of snake bite management in a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Mandal Sonai , Mandal Ananya , Maity Tamoghna , Das Somenath
Published: June 2019

Background: Snake bite envenomation remains one of the commonest causes of mortality and morbidity in rural West Bengal. Objective of present study was to compare the rationality, effectiveness and adherence to standard treatment guidelines of Government of West Bengal of snake bite management over the high-risk periods of two years.Methods: This was a comparative study of snake bite management between 2016 and 2018 (over April to September) during peak risk season in a tertiary care teaching hospital in rural Bengal. The data was collected retrospectively from the treatment records in 2016 and from patients admitted with history of snake bite in the Medicine ward, ICU and ITU in 2018.Results: Records from 2016 yielded 177 snake bite patients (144 venomous and 82.5% neurotoxic envenomation) and in 2018, 190 cases (114 venomous and 71.1% neurotoxic). There was delay in presentation (>2 hours) in almost 80% cases in both years and 2.56% had anaphylactic reaction following ASV administration in 2018 against 3.15% in 2016. Ventilator support was necessary for 12% patients in 2018. Overall percentage of mortality reduced from 6.70% to 3.2% in 2018. Adherence to snake bite management STG was seen in 81.8% of the retrospective records vis a vis 80% cases in prospective analysis (p = 0.21).Conclusions: The survival rate in venomous snake bite is found to be high in this institution over last two seasons of snake bite. The practice of snake bite management is found to be adherent with standard protocol in most cases.