bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Viral Load Suppression Among Men and Children Active in Care Through Community-Designed and Led Solutions: Protocol for Retrospective Closed Cohort Study in Eastern Uganda (Preprint)
Authors: Odom Krista J , Ottosson Amanda , Draru Joyce , Komujuni Harriet , Karamagi Nkolo Esther Karungi , Faramand Taroub Harb
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

In collaboration with facilities, communities, district local government, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) implementing partners, the iDARE methodology was implemented at the community level to address root causes of low HIV antiretroviral therapy adherence among men and children actively enrolled in care, resulting in low viral load suppression (VLS) in two districts in the eastern region of Uganda. The methodology encourages the use of cocreated sustainable solutions addressing gender, youth, and social inclusion issues to reduce barriers to care and reach the 95-95-95 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS target for HIV epidemic control. We aim to measure the impact of iDARE on VLS for men and children active in care and investigate the practical scale up of the solutions designed using the iDARE methodology.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study will be to measure the implementation impact of the iDARE methodology at the facility and community levels on VLS for people living with HIV. The secondary objective is to investigate the practical scale up of the iDARE methodology using evidence-based gender, youth, and social inclusion social behavior change packages to rapidly meet the Ugandan Ministry of Health targets for VLS.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study design will be used to analyze program data that aims to increase the rates of VLS in men and children who are classified as active in care using community engagement and quality improvement techniques. We will examine 3 pilot health centers’ data from a USAID-funded program aimed at social behavior change to increase health-seeking behavior in Uganda. Based on the iDARE process and results, change packages were developed to highlight lessons learned and best practices in order to share with subsequent implementation sites.

RESULTS

The USAID-funded Social and Behavior Change Activity began implementation of iDARE in September 2020, with baseline data collected in August 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

Data on viral load suppression was collected from facilities on a monthly basis to record progress toward the 95-95-95 goal. The expected primary outcome is an increase in actively enrolled men and children reaching VLS in order to meet the Ugandan Ministry of Health target of 95% VLS among those active in care.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/32784
Olmesartan medoxomil is an effective sartan with unique additional effects: a review of the evidence base
Authors: Titova N.S.
Published: August 2021

Poorly controlled hypertension has been shown to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal failure, and increased mortality. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are one of five classes of drugs for the treatment of hypertension that have proven their effectiveness, safety, and have additional organoprotective effects. Among other ARBs, olmesartan medoxomil (OLM) has unique features of molecular structure and provides additional effects. More pronounced antihypertensive activity of OLM, stability of antihypertensive effect during the day, pleiotropic effects and a good tolerability profile in comparison with both representatives of other classes of antihypertensive medications and other ARBs have been proven in numerous clinical studies. According to the 2018 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines, fixed double (Olmetec Plus, Sevikar) and triple combinations (Sevikar HCT) based on OLM are indicated for most patients with hypertension due to better long-term adherence to therapy and increased normalization of blood pressure.
Hypertensive retinopathy: clinical aspects
Authors: Dotsenko N.Ya. , Shekhunova I.A. , Boev S.S. , Нerasуmenko L.V. , Molodan A.V. , Malinovskaya A.Ya.
Published: August 2021

Funduscopic examination has long been recognized as the most affordable way to assess the condition of small diameter vessels. However, accumulation of new research data, changes in the requirements for the management of patients with various diseases require a return to the clinical, prognostic significance of fundoscopy and the specification of indications for its conduction in certain situations. This article discusses the prevalence of retinopathy depending on the etiological factor, criteria and stages of its development. Until now, a number of issues regarding retinopathy have not been finally resolved, in particular the classification optimal for routine practice, method of its study, etc. It is believed that changes in the fundus blood vessels reflect parallel changes in the vessels of other regions, but this is not always so. A moderate prognostic value of “mild” retinopathy has been established in terms of the risk of cardiovascular diseases, with moderate retinopathy, this relationship reaches a strong level, and with a malignant one, there is a strong correlation with death. The article discusses indications for fundoscopy in routine clinical practice, taking into account the latest scientific data and international recommendations. For the treatment of hypertensive retinopathy, only adequate control of blood pressure is recommended, which can reduce the signs of retinopathy. The authors concluded that the prognostic value of stage 1–2 hypertensive retinopathy is minimal and does not affect patient management. The latter eliminates the need for fundoscopy in patients with mild, controlled arterial hypertension, not suffering from diabetes, with the exception of young patients. Fundoscopy is required in patients with difficult-to-control and resistant arterial hypertension, high variability of blood pressure.
Importancia del diálogo intercultural en el desarrollo turístico en comunidades indígenas totonacas
Authors: Ortíz Rodríguez Ma. Teresa Tonantzin , Sandoval Quintero Mayra Antonieta
Published: August 2021

A partir de una postura crítica sobre los impactos del desarrollo turístico, tanto convencional como alternativo, es notoria su imposición como una medida emergente de mejora económica en los pueblos originarios. Este estudio tiene el objetivo de proporcionar una primera aproximación a las bases teóricas y metodológicas que sustentan la pertinencia del uso del denominado diálogo intercultural. El mé-
 todo empleado para el presente artículo considera al diálogo como indicador para minimizar los efectos socioculturales de una propuesta turística. Se toma como eje fundamental el papel protagónico de los indígenas para decidir sobre el aprovechamiento de sus recursos como atractivos turísticos (patrimonio biocultural), en este caso, de los totonacos de Lipuntahuaca, municipio de Huehuetla, Puebla, a partir de sus propias formas culturales, asumiendo los riesgos que ello conlleva ante una economía de mercado. Los hallazgos dan pauta a la discusión del turismo comunitario de tipo vivencial antepuesto, y a la vez complementado, por la cosmovisión y los saberes tradicionales.

 
Interacciones segmentales y tonales en nominales poseídos del mixteco de Tulixtlahuaca
Authors: Becerra Roldán Braulio
Published: August 2021

Este artículo[1] describe las interacciones fonológicas que ocurren entre nominales y enclíticos pronominales del mixteco de San Pedro Tulixtlahuaca, lengua otomangue que se habla en la región de la Costa Chica, en Oaxaca.  Se llama construcciones N+E a los nominales poseídos en los que se observan las interacciones de las que se ocupa este trabajo y los resultados que se presentan se basan en la descripción de 688 de estas formas. Se verá que hay dos tipos de interacción; la primera es segmental y se presenta en secuencias vocálicas que surgen entre la vocal final de un nominal y la única vocal de un enclítico en construcciones N+E; la segunda es tonal y se da entre los tonos del nominal y los tonos del enclítico. Los hallazgos de la investigación mostrarán que el comportamiento de las secuencias vocálicas en construcciones N+E está determinada por la estructura silábica del nominal, el tipo de timbres vocálicos que conforman las secuencias, la categoría gramatical del enclítico pronominal y la presión que ejerce el tamaño de la palabra mínima en la adaptación de formas multimorfémicas que idealmente se ciñen a una estructura bimoraica.  Con respecto a la interacción tonal, se señalará que los tonos de los enclíticos pueden modificar a los tonos del nominal, dependiendo de la manera en que se concatenen a la base y de los tonos específicos de cada elemento de las construcciones N+E.     

[1] Gracias al programa UNAM-PAPIIT IN404019, La complejidad paradigmática y tonal de las lenguas otomangues, por el apoyo recibido en la obtención de los datos para esta investigación, y a los revisores anónimos cuyas observaciones y comentarios enriquecieron y mejoraron la versión final de este trabajo.

 

 

 
Technology of determining the Earth’s gravitational field parameters using gradiometric measurements Part 6. Calculation the components of the gravitational potential tensor in the earth’s spatial rectangular coordinate system
Authors: Kluykov A.A.
Published: August 2021

This is the sixth one in a series of articles describing the technology of determining the Earth’s gravitational field parameters through gradiometric measurements performed with an onboard satellite electrostatic gradiometer. It provides formulas for calculating the components of the gravitational potential tensor in a geocentric spatial rectangular earth coordinate system in order to convert them into a gradiometric one and obtain a free term for the equations of correcting gradiometric measurements when determining the parameters of the Earth’s gravitational field. The components of the gravitational gradient tensor are functions of test masses accelerations measured by accelerometers and relate to the gradiometer coordinate system, while the desired parameters of the Earth’s gravitational field model relate to the Earth’s coordinate one. The components of the gravitational gradient tensor are the second derivatives of the gravitational potential in rectangular coordinates. The calculated values of the gravitational potential tensor components in the earth’s spatial rectangular coordinate system are obtained through double differentiation of the gravitational potential formula. Basing on the obtained formulas, an algorithm and a program in the Fortran algorithmic language were developed. Using this program, experimental calculations were performed, the results of which were compared with the data of the EGG_TRF_2 product.
Studying the dynamics of thermokarst lakes in various regions of Russian cryolithozone, using satellite images for the first two decades of the XXI century
Authors: Pshenichnikov A.E.
Published: August 2021

The results of studying the changes in thermocarst lakes of Russia based on comparing space images from Landsat satellites taken at an interval of approximately 20 years are presented. Comparison of multi-temporal images was made for 13 test sites in various areas of the cryolithozone (north of the European part of Russia, Western Siberia, north of Eastern Siberia, Transbaikal hollows, Central Yakutia, the Far East and Chukotka). In total, a little more than 117,000 lakes are covered by the study. Interpretation of space images is performed with QGIS software complex in automated mode using spectral index NDWI. The analysis of data at most reference sites (9 of 13) revealed negative dynamics both in the area and the number of lakes. The largest changes were recorded for ponds (area up to 5 hectares) – a reduction in the number and area by 12%. Minimal losses were identifi ed for the “very large lakes” group – 6.2 and 3 %, respectively. The increase in average annual air temperatures observed in most reference areas did not cause a widespread increase in the number and total area of thermocarst lakes. Only in 3 sections (Yessei and Verkhneangarsk hollows, Lena river delta), the increase in lake areas was most likely the result of the activation of thermocarst and thermoabrasion processes under conditions of rising average annual air temperature. It was concluded that the connection between the dynamics of lakes and the nature of permafrost rocks is not traced
STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF USING E-COMICS AS A MEDIA IN MATHEMATICS LEARNING
Authors: Safitri Yulinar , Mailizar Mailizar , Johar Rahmah
Published: August 2021

The development of technology in education greatly influences learning strategies. Thus, teachers must adapt and present interesting and technology-based learning, such as e-comics. Therefore, the teacher must see in advance the extent to which students will accept e-comics for use in learning mathematics. This research aimed to determine students' perceptions of the use of e-comics as a media in mathematics learning. This research implemented a quantitative approach with a survey method. The samples were 124 students of Junior High Schools (SMP / MTs) in Aceh. The research data were obtained from questionnaires filled by students which were collected through the TAM (Technology Acceptance Models) framework which was distributed online.  The results showed that students used e-comic as a learning media influenced by their perceived benefits and attitudes towards the use of e-comic. The perceived benefits of students' attitudes have a significant role in their behavioral intention to use e-comic in learning mathematics. This research implies that e-comics has the potential to be used as a media in mathematics learning, especially on material that is considered difficult so that it can attract students' attention.
Ekologiczne opakowania w przemyśle kosmetycznym – trend czy realny wzrost świadomości konsumentów?
Authors: Diaczek Anna , Garduła Weronika
Published: August 2021

W przeszłości pojawienie się plastiku okazało się doskonałą alternatywą dla dotychczas używanych opakowań szklanych. Coraz częściej zaczęto używać jednorazowych, plastikowych i kartonowych opakowań ze względu na to, że są dużo tańsze, lżejsze i wygodniejsze. Przez kilkadziesiąt lat producenci różnych dóbr nadążając za falą rosnącego konsumpcjonizmu, zapominali o skutkach masowej produkcji i powstających z niej milionów ton zanieczyszczeń. Opakowania te trafiały na wysypiska, rozkładając się przez setki lat lub w wodach mórz i oceanów zatruwając ryby i zwierzęta morskie, a w konsekwencji również ludzi. W artykule omówiono problematykę ekologicznych opakowań oraz przedłużania przydatności materiałów poprzez ich ponowne wykorzystanie. Dodatkowo zaprezentowano przykłady firm kosmetycznych wdrażających w swojej polityce rozwiązania proekologiczne oraz koncepcje zero waste. Na koniec omówiono wyniki przeprowadzonych badań ankietowych dotyczących opinii konsumentów na temat rozwiązań ekologicznych przy produkcji i użytkowaniu opakowań.
Znaczenie ekologistyki w gospodarce i w działalności firm logistycznych
Authors: Szprenglewski Bartosz
Published: August 2021

Zanieczyszczenie środowiska naturalnego jest następstwem rozwoju przemysłowego i społecznego, a także gwałtownego wzrostu liczby ludności. Są to główne problemy, z którymi musi się uporać ludzkość XXI wieku. Degradacja środowiska naturalnego coraz bardziej zagraża ludzkiej egzystencji. Stąd współczesne organizacje ekologiczne funkcjonujące na globalnym rynku podejmują różną aktywność ukierunkowaną na działania ekologiczne, przez co stymulują kreowanie, ale same również osiągają przewagę konkurencyjną. Celem pracy jest pokazanie zależności między ekologią a logistyką oraz nowoczesnego podejścia do zagadnień ekologistyki w gospodarce. Ponadto w publikacji przedstawiono najistotniejsze elementy związane z problematyką ekologistyki. Autor artykułu ma na celu przedstawienie odbiorcy możliwości redukowania marnotrawstwa związanego z oszczędzaniem surowców wtórnych i dążenie do ich zagospodarowania zgodnie z zasadą zrównoważonego rozwoju. Autor pracy wskazał również przykłady przedsiębiorstw, które wprowadzają dobre praktyki w zakresie rozwiązań proekologicznych. Materiał źródłowy stanowią obowiązujące w zakresie ochrony środowiska regulacje prawne i przegląd aktualnej literatury w zakresie ekologistyki.
Krótkie łańcuchy dostaw produktów żywnościowych
Authors: Szymańska Elżbieta , Lukoszová Xenie
Published: August 2021

Celem analiz było rozpoznanie form i rodzajów krótkich łańcuchów dostaw, określenie ich oddziaływania na środowisko oraz rozpoznanie możliwości wsparcia finansowego takich systemów. Podstawowym źródłem informacji była polska i zagraniczna literatura przedmiotu. Z analiz wynika, że krótkie łańcuchy dostaw poprzez zmniejszenie liczby pośredników zapewniają lepszą jakość produktów, niższą cenę końcową oraz wyższy udział producenta w zyskach ze sprzedaży produktów. Obecnie funkcjonują różne rodzaje krótkich łańcuchów dostaw żywności, w postaci sprzedaży bezpośredniej w gospodarstwach, na targowiskach oraz zakupów internetowych. Na podstawie dotychczasowych badań jednoznacznie nie rozstrzygnięto, czy krótkie łańcuchy dostaw są bardziej przyjazne dla środowiska i generują mniej odpadów w porównaniu do systemów masowego dostarczania żywności. W tym zakresie wskazane są dalsze badania i analizy. Rozwój krótkich łańcuchów dostaw wymaga dotacji. W Polsce podstawowym źródłem wsparcia finansowego tego rodzaju działalności są dotacje z Programu Rozwoju Obszarów Wiejskich na lata 2014–2020.
System gospodarowania odpadami w Polsce – stan aktualny i kierunki doskonalenia
Authors: Zalewska Justyna
Published: August 2021

W artykule zdefiniowano podstawowe pojęcia z zakresu gospodarki odpadami. Zaprezentowano charakterystykę działania systemu gospodarki odpadami w Polsce oraz hierarchizację postępowania z odpadami. Uwarunkowania prawne, które są obligatoryjne w działaniu systemu gospodarki odpadami. Po analizie danych statystycznych można wywnioskować, że mieszkańcy Polski wytwarzają coraz więcej odpadów komunalnych. System gospodarki odpadami dąży do doskonałości. Działania, które mogą wspomóc ten proces to edukacja ekologiczna społeczeństwa, wprowadzenie do selektywnej zbiórki odpadów modułu bioodpadów, a przede wszystkim dążenie do redukcji składowanych odpadów.
Koncepcje zrównoważonej logistyki miejskiej w wybranych polskich miastach
Authors: Jurczak Marcin
Published: August 2021

Zrównoważona mobilność definiowana jest m.in. jako rozwój transportu publicznego, ale także systemów nowoczesnej mobilności – car poolingu, car sharingu, systemów rowerów miejskich czy innych „wspólnych” pojazdów do przemieszczania się. W artykule przedstawiono wybrane koncepcje z zakresu zrównoważonej mobilności w wybranych polskich miastach. Celem autora była analiza dostępności rozwiązań z zakresu zrównoważonej logistyki miejskiej w największych polskich miastach i ocena, w jakim stopniu mogą być one środkiem do efektywnego przemieszczania w przestrzeni miejskiej. Z badań wynika, że polskie miasta bardzo poważnie podchodzą do tematów zrównoważonej mobilności i oferują mieszkańcom wiele rozwiązań w tym zakresie.
Stan infrastruktury drogowej województw o najniższym poziomie rozwoju w Polsce
Authors: Klepacka-Sulima Dorota , Klepacki Bogdan
Published: August 2021

Celem opracowania była prezentacja stanu i tendencji zmian infrastruktury drogowej w najsłabiej rozwiniętej części kraju, to znaczy Polski Wschodniej oraz bezpośrednim jej sąsiedztwa. Rozpoznano stanu dróg różnych grup, od utwardzonych do dróg szybkiego ruchu i autostrad. Wykazano, że stanu infrastruktury w badanych województwach znacznie odbiegał od średnich wartości dla całego kraju. W badanych latach (2002–2017) miał jednak miejsce postęp, zwłaszcza w województwie świętokrzyski i podkarpackim. Relatywnie najmniejsze postępy zanotowano w województwie warmińsko-mazurskim. Stwierdzono dodatnią korelację między stanem nasycenia województw drogami i poziomem ich rozwoju gospodarczego. Inwestycje w budowę dróg mogą więc być czynnikiem pobudzającym rozwój biedniejszych regionów.
Władza menedżera logistyki kontraktowej w łańcuchu dostaw
Authors: Michalski Konrad , Kowalewska Monika
Published: August 2021

Artykuł odnosi się do praktyki działania jednego z liderów rynku TSL (transport, spedycja, logistyka) w Polsce i ma na celu identyfikację kluczowych aspektów władzy menedżera logistyki kontraktowej w łańcuchu dostaw. Przez władzę tę rozumie się możliwości wpływu menedżera na kształt i konfigurację łańcucha oraz przedmioty przepływów i ich cele. Odpowiednie umiejscowienie menedżera logistyki kontraktowej w strukturze organizacyjnej, przypisanie mu właściwych zadań, delegacji do decydowania i zasobów do dyspozycji, to kluczowe atrybuty władzy analizowanego menedżera. Zidentyfikowano typy powiązań, w jakich uczestniczy badany operator, przedstawiono modelowy proces obsługi klienta z udziałem analizowanego menedżera. Zidentyfikowano pożądany profil kompetencyjny menedżera logistyki kontraktowej i wskazano na kluczowe obszary doskonalenia jego pozycji w łańcuchu dostaw.
Podsystemy zaopatrzenia i dystrybucji w gospodarstwach trzodowych o różnej skali produkcji
Authors: Szymańska Elżbieta , Workowska Edyta
Published: August 2021

Celem badań było rozpoznanie rozwiązań logistycznych w gospodarstwach o różnej skali produkcji żywca wieprzowego. Szczegółową analizą objęto podsystemy zaopatrzenia i dystrybucji w czterech gospodarstwach specjalizujących się w tuczu trzody chlewnej. Z badań wynika, że gospodarstwa trzodowe tworzą systemy logistyczne, które ze względu skalę produkcji i stopień specjalizacji różnią się w zakresie zaopatrzenia i dystrybucji. Małe gospodarstwa mają mniejszą szansę na długotrwałą współpracę z przedsiębiorstwami mięsnymi, a duże nie zawsze chcą wiązać się długoterminowymi kontraktami z ubojniami. Do najważniejszych problemów funkcjonowaniu gospodarstw trzodowych należą zmienne warunki pogodowe, wahania cen oraz zwiększająca się liczba przepisów. Trudności sprawia także pozyskanie pozwoleń na rozbudowę budynków inwentarskich. Największe jednak zagrożenie stanowi rozprzestrzeniający się w Polsce od 2014 roku wirus afrykańskiego pomoru świń (ASF).
Równowaga długookresowa pomiędzy cenami w łańcuchu dostaw na rynku mleka
Authors: Tłuczak Agnieszka
Published: August 2021

Łańcuch dostaw żywności łączy działania, ze sfery pierwotnej produkcji rolnej (rolnika) aż do konsumenta. Obejmuje on producentów, dostawców, firmy transportowe, magazyny, sprzedawców hurtowych i detalicznych, organizacje usługowe oraz konsumentów. Poziomy cen w poszczególnych ogniwach łańcucha dostaw na rynku mleka, ale nie tylko, charakteryzują się cyklicznością. Celem artykułu jest zbadanie, na podstawie danych pochodzących z Głównego Urzędu Statystycznego, występowania długookresowych zależności pomiędzy cenami na rynku mleka w poszczególnych ogniwach łańcucha dostaw. W badaniach wspomnianych zależności pomocny będzie test na występowanie kointegracji Engle’a-Grangera. Zakres czasowy analiz obejmuje lata 2010–2019.
Transport in the biomass supply chain for a power plant
Authors: Michalski Konrad , Navickas Mykolas , Rabe Marcin
Published: August 2021

The article discusses the planning of biomass supply chain for combined heat and power plants in the context of energy security. In order to guarantee the continuity of energy and heat supplies, the biomass CHP plant must have adequate raw material reserves. Properly selected supply processes can significantly reduce the operating costs of a CHP plant. In a crisis situation, the logistics chain boils down to supply logistics. This ensures combined heat and power plant’s security of energy supply continuity through proper formulation of biomass supply procedures, as well as supporting its efficiency.
The efficiency of actions to improve road safety – assesing the implementation of the programme objectives
Authors: Gądek-Hawlena Teresa
Published: August 2021

Road accidents and, above all, their negative consequences are a serious problem worldwide. Preventing them is a challenge that involves many actions taken by governments, international organisations, economic operators, and non- -profit organisations. The actions that are to lead to a significant reduction in the number of casualties and fatalities are considered essential. In order to make a significant change in this field, it is necessary to take rational action. In Poland, the objectives for the improvement of road safety and the methods of achieving them were endorsed in the National Road Safety Programme 2013–2020. As the period of these seven years is to come to an end, this article will present the achieved results for years 2010–2018 in relation to the main causes of accidents induced by drivers.
Application of the fuzzy TOPSIS method in management of food supply chain
Authors: Tłuczak Agnieszka
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a multi-criteria decision-making method: the fuzzy TOPSIS method. This approach is an alternative for AHP, TOPSIS, ELECTRE or PROMETHEE methods. The paper presents the possibility of using the fuzzy TOPSIS method in food supply chain management (SCM). For this purpose, a brief review of the literature is shown. Then the fuzzy TOPSIS method is presented. At the end of the article, a simple problem is shown.
Integrated IT systems in logistics company management
Authors: Rokicki Tomasz , Ziółkowska Paulina
Published: August 2021

The paper presents issues related to integrated IT systems, which are used in the management of many enterprises, including those dealing with logistics. The source of materials was a literature review. The study is a review. The evolution of the approach from MRP systems to integrated MRP II and from ERP to ERP II respectively is shown. The systems cooperating with ERP, such as CRM, SCM and WMS are also presented. Finally, important aspects related to the implementation of integrated ERP class IT systems are presented.
Intelligent Transport Systems in selected cities in Poland
Authors: Hawlena-Gądek Teresa , Wróbel Marek
Published: August 2021

An Intelligent Transportation System is a modern solution which aims to improve the functioning of transport by, among other things: reducing congestion, shortening travel time, or improving road safety. This solution is used in many cities around the world, bringing economic effects and improving the comfort of life of the inhabitants. In Poland, as a result of the European Union’s promotion of the development of intelligent transport systems through their co-financing, many cities have introduced such solutions. In the article, against the background of theoretical considerations, the impact of intelligent transport systems on road safety in the years 2014–2018 was analysed on the example of selected cities.
Reverse logistics as an important element of the functioning of households in Poland – assessment of the facts
Authors: Rajczakowska Ewa , Andrzejczyk Paweł
Published: August 2021

In the era of growing consumerism, the generation of various types of waste has become a standard from which it is difficult to break free. This, combined with the ever faster shrinkage of natural resources, forces us to search for effective ways of recovering used and unwanted resources from Polish households. This state of affairs becomes a direction that determines activities for a large number of entities operating within various logistic chains. The changing market and legal environment forces producers, but also Polish farms to look for savings, which in turn translates into a more rational policy of these entities. In connection with the above, Polish families are also changing their approach to the issues related to the waste generated within them. Therefore, it seems reasonable to implement logistic strategies in Polish farms related to the optimal use of resources, including those that are no longer needed. The article examines the level of awareness in Polish households on issues related to waste recovery and the knowledge of basic issues related to the implementation of ecologistic concepts in households.
The use of unmanned vehicles for military logistic purposes
Authors: Michalski Konrad , Nowakowski Marek
Published: August 2021

Nowadays the innovations and inventions allow the development of new technologies that can be implemented in various fields, including logistics. Technologically advanced robots and unmanned vehicles can not only support activities, but also in many cases they replace human being activities, such as controlling, identifying and managing goods, warehouse and critical infrastructure, or transport routes. Smart devices can eliminate human presence in the most advanced activities like firefighting or contamination of storage or transhipment. The aim of the study overview is to diagnose the current state and trends in the development of military technologies of unmanned vehicles. For this purpose some of the solutions in the field of unmanned ground vehicles and possibilities of their use considering military missions requirements were presented. The status of global projects implementation was reviewed. Polish solutions and technologies related to autonomous vehicles were discussed. A comparative analysis related to the global and domestic solutions was used. Recommendations, directions of development and possibilities of advanced technologies in terms of safety logistics, transport or fighting the effects of natural disasters were defined.
Management of raw milk purchase under coronavirus epidemic conditions – a proposal for organisational improvements
Authors: Nowak Iwo , Bazela Jakub
Published: August 2021

Purchase of milk in the conditions of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic 2019-nCoV, causing COVID-19 disease, since the first months of 2020, has resulted in numerous changes in the organization of the processes of raw materials acquisition and distribution, their processing and sale, as well as information flows accompanying these processes. One of the areas which is to some extent subject to specific changes is the organisation of passenger and freight transport, including transport to processing plants for raw milk obtained from farmers. The solution proposed in the article was created on the basis of interviews conducted in the spring of 2020 with 25 farmers – milk producers. The solution assumes maximum limitation of direct contacts between carriers and farmers during collection of raw milk from farms, as well as improvement of the system of transferring information about the quality of raw material obtained from farms and receivables for the producer.
Teaching Blockchain through Coding: Educating the Future Accounting Professional
Authors: Kaden Stacey R. , Lingwall Jeff W. , Shonhiwa Trevor T.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the motivation, learning experiences, and practical concerns regarding implementing a code-based method to teach blockchain technology to accounting students. With 53 percent of companies reporting blockchain as a critical priority for their organization, accountants' work will be impacted (Deloitte 2019). Yet, most blockchain education for accountants appears to be limited to theoretical exercises removed from the technology itself. This article details how coding exercises can improve students' understanding of blockchain technology. Students in a graduate accounting data analytics class were introduced to blockchain through a series of scaffolded exercises that engaged them in writing blockchain code in R. Results from implementing this module in a medium-sized accounting program showed that using code-based methods to teach blockchain to accountants was feasible and instructive. We provide code examples and Teaching Notes for those who wish to implement a similar curriculum.
Multicomponent Plasmid Protects Mice From Spontaneous Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Pagni Philippe P. , Chaplin Jay , Wijaranakula Michael , Wesley Johnna D. , Granger Jaimie , Cracraft Justen , O’Brien Conor , Perdue Nikole , Kumar Vijetha , Li Shangjin , Sachithanantham Ratliff Sowbarnika , Roach Allie , Misquith Ayesha , Chan Chung-leung , Coppieters Ken , von Herrath Matthias
Published: August 2021

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which insulin-secreting β-cells are destroyed, leading to a lifelong dependency on exogenous insulin. There are no approved disease-modifying therapies available, and future immunotherapies would need to avoid generalized immune suppression. We developed a novel plasmid expressing preproinsulin2 and a combination of immunomodulatory cytokines (transforming growth factor-β1, interleukin [IL]-10, and IL-2) capable of near-complete prevention of autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. Efficacy depended on preproinsulin2, suggesting antigen-specific tolerization, and on the cytokine combination encoded. Diabetes suppression was achieved following either intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. Intramuscular plasmid treatment promoted increased peripheral levels of endogenous IL-10 and modulated myeloid cell types without inducing global immunosuppression. In preparation for first-in-human studies, the plasmid was modified to allow for selection without the use of antibiotic resistance; this modification had no impact on efficacy. This preclinical study demonstrates that this multicomponent, plasmid-based antigen-specific immunotherapy holds potential for inducing self-tolerance in persons at risk for developing type 1 diabetes. Importantly, the study also informs on relevant cytokine and immune cell biomarkers that may facilitate clinical trials. This therapy is currently being tested for safety and tolerability in a phase 1 trial (clinical trial reg. no. NCT04279613, ClinicalTrials.gov).
Condition of the Teeth in Fracture Gap of the Mandible
Authors: Tymofieiev Oleksii , Fesenko Ievgen , Tymofieiev Olexander
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine condition of the teeth, which are located in the fracture gap of different parts of mandible and substantiate an indications for their removing or retaining.
Material and Methods: 114 patients with 186 fractures were involved in this research.
Results: 50% or more cases of post-traumatic inflammatory complications were observed in case of contact failure of the teeth roots, that are in a gap of fracture, with the periodontium of these teeth al 1/2 or more of their length. Saving teeth in fracture gap, which have failure of contact with the surrounding periodontium 1/2 and 3/4 the length of the root causes high risk of inflammatory complications in bone and surrounding soft tissues.
Conclusions: Based on the specified condition of teeth in the fracture gap different areas of the mandible justified indication for removal or preservation.
Indian Sign Language Recognition through Hybrid ConvNet-LSTM Networks
Authors: Muthu Mariappan H  , Dr Gomathi V
Published: August 2021

Dynamic hand gesture recognition is a challenging task of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Computer Vision. The potential application areas of gesture recognition include sign language translation, video gaming, video surveillance, robotics, and gesture-controlled home appliances. In the proposed research, gesture recognition is applied to recognize sign language words from real-time videos. Classifying the actions from video sequences requires both spatial and temporal features. The proposed system handles the former by the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), which is the core of several computer vision solutions and the latter by the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), which is more efficient in handling the sequences of movements. Thus, the real-time Indian sign language (ISL) recognition system is developed using the hybrid CNN-RNN architecture. The system is trained with the proposed CasTalk-ISL dataset. The ultimate purpose of the presented research is to deploy a real-time sign language translator to break the hurdles present in the communication between hearing-impaired people and normal people. The developed system achieves 95.99% top-1 accuracy and 99.46% top-3 accuracy on the test dataset. The obtained results outperform the existing approaches using various deep models on different datasets.
Clinical and Neuroimaging Changes of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis – Experience 30 Cases in Tertiary Care Center in Bangladesh
Authors: Kundu Gopen Kumar , Hossain Mohammad Monir
Published: August 2021

Background: Subacute sclersing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a very rare progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease of the control nervous system of childhood and early adolescence. It is a slow virus disease caused by persistent defective measles virus infection of the brain

Objective: To see the clinical andneuro-imaging findings in children with Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, a tertiary care premier Postgraduate Medical Institution in Bangladesh. Thirty (30) Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) children were evaluated at paediatric neurology ward during the period January 2010 to December 2017. Diagnosis was based on typical clinical characteristic features, the presence of periodic discharges on EEG, demonstration of raised antibody titer against measles in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid Detected by ELISA in all patients.

Results: Total number of studied children were 30. Mean age was 10.2±3.1 year and Male female ratio was 5:1. Most of the patient arrived from poor socio-economic (83.33%) background of rural area (66.67%) of Bangladesh. Among them 46.67% had history of measles infection during early childhood. Progressive deterioration of school performance (50%), gait disturbance (70%), myoclonus (83%) dysarthria (43%) and Ocular manifestations like optic atrophy & papilledema (83.33%) were the main presenting feature of our studied children. All of the patients (100%) showed positive measles specific antibody IgG in CSF and On electroencephalographic findings showed periodic burst suppression in 90.90% cases. Most of the children (56.6%) were in stage II category and other 3.3%, 33.3%,6.6%, were stage I, stage III, stage IV category respectively. Neuroimaging study showed abnormalities in 45.83% cases included periventricular white matter hyper intense signal changes, cortical atrophy and ischaemic change.

Conclusion: In our study most of the SSPE patient were in stage II.About half of the patient had history of measles infection during early childhood. Neuroimaging abnormalities found in about half of the cases and majority cases were in stage II. Common neuroimaging abnormalities were periventricular white matter hyper intense signal changes and cortical atrophy.
Effect of Therapeutic Agents on Outcome of Different level of Progression of COVID-19 Infection in Pakistani Population
Authors: Memon Shoukat , Imtiaz Salman , Saeed Faiza , Alam Ashar , Salman Beena , Chughtai Javeria , Ahmed Shahzad , Tariq Sobia
Published: August 2021

Background: Cytopathic effects of virus and cytokine release syndrome complicate acute respiratory distress syndrome and ultimately leads to multi-organ failure which can eventually culminate to mortality in COVID-19 patients. Many therapeutic agents have been tried from different aspects in desperation to control the unrestricted spread of virus, although the evidence of benefit was sparse.

Material and method: It is a retrospective cohort study of the treatment given to the patients admitted at Indus hospital Karachi from March 2020 to September 2020. In this study, we aim to evaluate therapeutic response of the treatment recommended in COVID-19 patients which included Methylprednisolone, Remdesivir, Tocilizumab and Hydroxychloroquine. We categorized the patients according to the CALL score (Comorbid, Age, Lymphocyte count, LDH) in to mild, moderate and at severe risk of progression of disease.

Results: Overall, out of 704 patients, 238(33.8%) patients died while 466(66.2%) survived. Least deaths were observed in low-risk group 30(12.6%) as compared to intermediate group 98(41.2%) and high risk patients 110(46.2%). In low, intermediate, and high risk groups, patients who didn’t receive treatment showed better recovery [61(95.3%) vs 90(76.9%)], [59(75.6%) vs 137(63.4)] and [31(63.3%) vs 88(48.9%)] respectively. Similarly, in Remdesivir group, the patients who did not receive the treatment showed good outcome [(132 (86.6%) vs15 (62.5%)], [164 (69.8%) vs 32 (54.2%)] and [103 (56.3%) vs 16 (34.8%)]. In the same way Tocilizumab [136 (86.6%) vs 15(62.5%)], [166 (72.5%) vs 30 (46.2%)] and [103 (57.9%) vs 16 (31.4%)]. Lastly, Hydroxychloroquine [133 (86.4%) vs 18 (66.7%)], [169 (67.3%) vs27 (62.8%)] and [102 (52%) vs17 (51.5%)]. Over none of the treatment showed any beneficial effect on hospital stay and mortality.

Conclusion: Therapeutic option for treatment is limited and that these drugs as currently used should no longer be considered viable treatment options for COVID-19. There is need of research in developing new therapeutic options.
Beliefs about Medicine and Antihypertensive Medication Adherence among Patients’ Attending a County Referral Hospital in Kenya
Authors: Otenyo S. O. , Kereri D. K.
Published: August 2021

Background: Non-adherence with antihypertensive medication and lifestyle recommendations remains a serious problem in many developed and developing countries. Patient’s belief about medication has been consistently found to be a significant predictor of medication adherence in various studies.

Objective: To assess the relationship between hypertension medication beliefs and adherence to hypertension medication among patients attending a county referral hospital in Kenya.

Methods: A Quantitative research design, utilizing a simple random sampling method and a researcher administered structured questionnaire was adapted. Previously validated, Beliefs about Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) and the Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) were utilized. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Chi square test and the Mann Whitney U test while multivariate data analysis was conducted using Binary logistic regression analysis. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results with p values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: Data from 96 participants, 55% female and 58% being over the age of 65 years were analyzed. 33.3% of the respondents had a high adherence level. None of the socio-demographic variables were found to be statistically significant to medication adherence using Chi square test analysis. Patients who had lower scores of concerns about medication were more likely to be adherents than their counter parts p=0.001 (OR=1.047; CI (1.019-1.076) likewise lower scores of general overuses predicted medication adherence p=0.001 (OR=1.069; CI=1.026-1.114).

Conclusion: Health workers should formulate interventions to reduce concerns regarding medication, in order to promote adherence as informed by the findings of this study.
Comparison of Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimated by Three Methods in a Pakistani Community Cohort
Authors: Alam Ashar , Iftikhar Sundus , Baig-Ansari Naila
Published: August 2021

Background: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has always been considered a better and more accurate method to assess kidney function as compared to serum creatinine. Various equations such as the Cockroft-Gault equation corrected for surface area (CG-CRTD), the four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation (MDRD) and 2009 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI) have been derived to estimate GFR. In the South Asian region, the CKD-EPI equation has not been validated or compared with other equations. This study compares eGFR in a Pakistani community cohort calculated by all three equations.

Results: Serum creatinine was measured using Kinetic Colorimetric Assay in alkaline medium for 461 individuals age 15 and above. Less than half of the participants (47% by CG-CRTD, 40% by MDRD, 52% by CKD-EPI) had eGFR ³90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and for participants with eGFR ³120 ml/min per 1.73 m2 , the percentages were even lower (15%, 12%, and 22% respectively). All the equations were linearly associated with each other, but the error estimation depicted that majority of the individual differences were ≥5 and ≤-5, and very few were within ±1 indicating less degree of agreement between the formulas. Age was significantly but negatively correlated with all the three formulas in their classification of patients as per eGFR Conclusion: Our study found that the values of estimated GFR are on lower side for Pakistanis as compared to the western population. The equations available for estimation of GFR even though associated linearly with each other have significant individual differences. Thirdly, using eGFR to classify CKD should have a better consideration of physiological age-related decline in GFR. All of these findings necessitate having an adequately funded randomized study measuring true GFR of this population and at the same time validating eGFR equations to find the normal GFR ranges of South Asians.
Place of Middle Meatotomy in the Management of Rhinologic Chronic Sinusitis
Authors: Andriamampionona Ginnot B. , Razafimandimby M. R. , Rabarijaona A. D. , Rakotoarisoa A. H. N.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Middle meatotomy is an effective surgical technique in the management of chronic sinusitis rebels to medical treatment. It is an optimal therapeutic option in the face of a chronic sinusitis particularly of rhinological origin.

Patients and method: It is a descriptive retrospective study over an 11-year period from January 2009 to December 2019 at the service of Otolaryngology and Cervico-facial surgery (ORL-CCF) at the Andohatapenaka University Hospital Antananarivo Madagascar. Our study includes subjects who have benefited from an average meatotomy on chronic sinusitis.

Results: We collected 320 patients of average age of 33.78 years. Repetitive maxillary sinusitis and rhinogenic allergies are the determinants of chronic sinusitis. Nasal obstruction was the constant functional sign and anterior rhinoscopy revealed a red nasal mucosa with enlarged inferior turbinate. All of our patients received an incidence X-ray of Blondeau. The average meatotomy was achieved in all our patients and among them, a proportion of 12.50% of the cases operated at the same time of a medium meatotomy and opening of other meatus. Complementary turbinal surgery was used in 25% of cases.

Therapeutic efficacy was assessed subjectively by the subject’s functional signs. Favourable trends were reported in 75.30% of cases.

Conclusion: Chronic sinusitis is a naso-sinus condition requiring medical-surgical management. The middle meatotomy is the first step in the surgical management of chronic rhinological sinusitis rebellious to medical means.
Women who have sex with women’s experiences with healthcare system in low-income countries: qualitative findings from Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Saronga Happiness P. , Mbishi Jackline V. , Bakar Saidah S. , Kamazima Switbert R.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Women who have sex with women (WSW) have a right to access health care. Many studies have reported lower access to health services by sexual minorities in many parts of the world. This study explored WSW’s experiences in accessing health care in Tanzania with the intention of determining specific issues facing WSW when accessing health care services.

Methods: This study was cross-sectional descriptive, and retrospective conduced in Dar-es-Salaam region, the largest commercial city in Tanzania. Study population included WSW aged 18 years and above who met inclusion criteria. Data was collected using focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), observation, and life stories. Data analysis applied thematic analysis.

Results: Most WSW receive rightful health services from public and private health providers. However, transgender WSW face stigma, discrimination, and disrespect from some public health facilities. Private health care providers offer trust, privacy and confidentiality to WSW, although at a higher cost of services compared to public health facilities.

Conclusion: Negative experiences with care may discourage WSW from seeking care or fully disclosing health concerns to providers limiting the extent of services offered.