bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El consentimiento informado en el ámbito médico (un enfoque comparado: España y Colombia)
Authors: Ortiz Arciniegas Emma Elvira
Published: July 2024

El consentimiento informado es un asunto de profundo interés, relevancia y actualidad tanto para la medicina como para el derecho, porque ha existido una transformación en su concepción, que va desde el esquema paternalista hasta un nuevo modelo de relación clínica, en el que prevalece la autodeterminación del paciente, lo cual establece que su estudio se aborde desde una perspectiva ética y jurídica. En esta obra se aplicó la metodología propia del Derecho comparado, para ofrecer un panorama completo de las diferencias entre los dos ordenamientos jurídicos estudiados, así como las diversas soluciones jurisprudenciales que se dan a los problemas que este instituto jurídico plantea. Se asume la postura de que el daño causado por la infracción de las normas aplicables a la obtención del consentimiento informado es autónomo al daño que a la salud del paciente pueda producirse como consecuencia de la intervención médica porque son dos derechos que si bien están relacionados y protegidos corresponden a bienes jurídicos distintos. Esta doctrina que puede apreciarse en algunas sentencias del Tribunal Supremo español podría aplicarse en Colombia como un daño a los bienes personalísimos de especial protección constitucional establecida por la Corte Suprema de Justicia. Del mismo modo, en la jurisdicción contencioso-administrativa puede indemnizarse como una medida de reparación no pecuniaria por la vulneración a los bienes constitucionalmente protegidos.
Muligheter og utfordringer i oppstartsfasen av et musikkterapeutisk tiltak på en nyoppstartet barnevernsinstitusjon – en kvalitativt eksplorerende studie
Authors: Krüger Viggo , Torstuen Elisabeth , Høiseth Thomas
Published: July 2024

This article describes the opportunities and challenges in the start-up phase of a music therapy initiative at a child welfare institution for young people. The aim of the article is to understand aspects related to the establishment of a music therapy initiative at a child welfare institution, based on the perspectives of child welfare staff. This is achieved through the analysis of semi-structured interviews with five employees at a newly established childcare institution. Through these interviews, we formed a picture that participation is a central theme when the informants talk about music therapy. Therefore, the concept of participation constitutes a background and a theoretical framework in the article. The interviews have been analyzed with an emphasis on a hermeneutic understanding of how knowledge is constructed through interpretive processes. Findings are presented as a narrative linked to the informants' reflections on the preparation, work, and evaluation phases of the music therapy initiative. The article then discusses three theory-inspired themes: 1) the young people should be involved in the planning of the initiative, 2) the employees have a lot of knowledge that can be utilized, and 3) the evaluation should take place together with the young people.
Avant-Garde Movement in Landscape Design
Authors: Despot Katerina ,   Goce Delchev University, Shtip, North Macedonia, Sandeva Vaska ,   Goce Delchev University, Shtip, North Macedonia
Published: July 2024

The avant-garde movement in landscape design is an expression of revolutionary and innovative approach to creation of spatial solutions. This movement uses different artistic techniques, shapes, colors and materials to create interesting and unique landscapes. Landscape design refers to the profession that deals with creation of spatial solutions for open spatial concepts of parks and gardens. The avant-garde movement creates dynamics with art techniques where they produce revolutionary landscapes. Landscape designers have an obligation to subtly educate society about the values of creating striking and intuitive work. It is important for the designer to have something to say in his expression. Developing the concept of design that tends to become innovation is of great importance. The more the concept for landscape design is innovative, the greater are the chances for better innovative visual interpretation. Success in interpreting the concept in the work, largely depends on the talent of the designer.
The Influence of German Modernism in Macedonia
Authors: Despot Katerina ,   Goce Delchev University, Shtip, North Macedonia, Sandeva Vaska ,   Goce Delchev University, Shtip, North Macedonia
Published: July 2024

German Modernism is characterized by minimalist design and the use of functional materials such as steel, glass and concrete. The elements have a simple layout to provide a sense of spatial design. Simplicity and functionality of objects make them the center of attention, while the use of light and shapes creates a dramatic atmosphere. German Modernism has a great influence on interiors and furniture through use of minimalist and functional designs. Representatives of this style category were known for using simple forms and quality materials with a focus on functionality and ergonomics. German Modernism has a deep connection with industrial design practice, resulting in placement of objects from mass production in the interior to bring high quality and elegance. of the simple design. This style fits well with the modern culture and the modern trends in design in Macedonia which makes it very acceptable and popular in many homes and offices today.
Grid-Connected Self-Consumption Photovoltaic Solar Energy Production Design and Simulation Evaluation in Type II Climate Areas of Southeastern Philippines
Authors: Jr. Anastacio G. Pantaleon
Published: July 2024

Renewable energy production is urgently needed to sustain all sorts of life generations walking on this planet. This research designed an 18 kWh per day of grid-connected solar energy production with a backup system battery for self-consumption. The design is proposed in the Southeastern part of the Philippines (Eastern Mindanao), particularly a part with Type II Climate at a 10-degree tilt angle and zero degrees relative to the Azimuth. It is arranged in two strings of eight 360 Watts monocrystalline-silicon modules, two 3.6 kVA inverters, six parallel 54 Ampere-hour battery systems, and two 30 ampere capacity charge controllers. It was then simulated in the computer software PVSyst 7.2.12, resulting in a monthly average performance ratio of 0.811, which is relatively high relative to other designs and locations. Furthermore, 94.0 tons of carbon dioxide with a present value equal to Php 157,666.2 are prevented by the designed system for 252.074 megawatts-hours in its 30 years of power production. The designed system has an estimated 18.05% internal rate of return with a total social cost of carbon value of Php 236,501 of the 31m2 panel area.
First record of Thalassina kelanang (Crustacea: Decapoda: Thalassinidae) from the Philippines
Authors: Albarico Frank Paolo Jay , Gacutan Rogelio , Bedi Agatha Maxine
Published: July 2024

The first record of mud lobster Thalassina kelanang (Moh and Chong, 2009) from the Philippines was documented in the mangrove forest of Suyac Island, Sagay City, Province of Negros Occidental. The male specimen with a total length of 16.5 cm and 4.5 cm carapace width was found surfacing the mangrove substrate in January 2019. Further survey yielded two more specimens. The specimens had an obtuse rostrum, and a deep median sulcus, which extends posteriorly, nearly the same length but behind the adrostral carinae. The slenderly elongate petasma bears conspicuous spines in the proximal lateral margin. The mounds of T. kelanang with heights ranging from 5 to 15 cm were smaller compared to those of Thalassina anomala. This is the fourth Thalassina species reported from the Philippines.
Note on the availability of Philippine Forest Turtle Siebenrockiella leytensis in online reptile markets
Authors: Janssen Jordi , Sy Emerson
Published: July 2024

The Philippine Forest Turtle Siebenrockiella leytensis is a critically endangered species endemic to the Palawan group of islands, where it is better known under the English name of Palawan Forest Turtle. No permits have been issued by the Philippine authorities to collect and/or trade in native live wild-caught reptiles since 2001, yet, the trade of captive-bred individuals is allowed. Regardless, evidence of this species breeding in captivity is very scarce and limited to two documented events. Although strictly protected, illegal trade seems to continue with sightings of this species in China, USA, and Europe. Here we report the results of a six-month survey in nine countries/regions carried out to estimate the availability of this species in the online pet trade. We monitored over 60 social media platforms (e.g. Facebook groups, MeWe) and reptile classified websites in Europe, United States of America, Malaysia, Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR and the Philippines between 1 February 2019 and 31 July 2019. Only one advertisement offering two Philippine Forest Turtles was observed during the study period. On 30 June 2019, two adult Philippine Forest Turtles were offered for sale in a Japanese pet store. In addition, an advertisement was found outside the study period in Hong Kong, suggesting that there is still international demand for this critically endangered species.
Commonly gleaned macro-benthic invertebrates in a small offshore island of Cawili, Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines
Authors: Ardines Randy , Mecha Niño Jess Mar , Dolorosa Roger
Published: July 2024

The inhabitants of small offshore islands are highly dependent on the health and availability of their resources. However, pieces of information about the commonly gleaned species in some remote areas are sparsely documented. In this study, we inventoried the species composition of the widely gleaned macro-benthic invertebrates such as gastropods, bivalves, and sea cucumbers in Cawili Island, a small inhabited island in the middle of the Sulu Sea in Palawan, Philippines. The samples obtained from fishers and snorkeling activities in shallow areas revealed a total of 85 species belonging to 27 families. Most of these were gastropods, composed of 68 species under 20 families. The list includes nine protected species (four gastropods, two bivalves, and three sea cucumbers). Gastropods and bivalves were mostly used for food and display in the house of the fishermen (souvenir), while the sea cucumbers were exclusively harvested for trade. Sustainable fishery activities are needed in this small offshore island where people heavily rely on their marine resources.
On a Certain Sequence of Sequence t-Neo Balancing Numbers
Authors: Chailangka Natdanai , Pakapongpun Apisit
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we investigate the sequence t-Neo balancing numbers by using the properties of Pell's equation and the Brahmagupta's identity for generalized certain sequences.
On the Diophantine Equation a^x+(a+5b)^y=z^2
Authors: Dokchan Rakporn , Panngam Nopparat
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we study the Diophantine equation a^x+(a+5b)^y=z^2 when a\equiv 1\left(\bmod 5\right) and b is a positive integer. We establish that the equation has no solutions in positive integers x,y and z. We start with the Diophantine equation p^x+(p+5a)^y=z^2 where p and p+5a are both primes and p\equiv 1\left(\bmod 5\right) and a is a positive integer.
The Similarity Between Two DNA Successions by Proposed Distance Estimations
Authors: Abd Nada , Salman Shatha
Published: July 2024

The specific growth requirement for normal growth is nuclear tolerance called helical DNA due to a wide range of cells and is also known to be associated with special harvesting genetics. The aim of this research is to study the similarity between my series and consciousness. The control carried out in our current review is on the chains that control the body of humans, orangutans and gorillas. The graph hypothesis was used to examine genetic association and is a numerical approach. This methodology commenced by regarding the DNA clusters of each element as a coordinate graph. Hence, the proximity network was defined, and the network vector was generated for each graph. Distance estimations like correlation, Euclidean, and cosine can be utilized to detect the degree of similarity between two sets of DNA using vectors.
Hexahelix collaboration in developing halal tourism in Indonesia
Authors: Yudithia Yudithia , Sentosa Ilham , Yafi Eiad
Published: July 2024

Tourism collaboration is to create a series of tourism programs or activities that are more diverse, attractive, and sustainable to attract tourists to visit an area or tourist destination on an ongoing basis. The purpose of the Hexahelix collaborative research in the development of halal tourism in Indonesia is to examine the potential for halal tourism in Indonesia and how this potential can be optimally and sustainably developed through collaboration between Government, community, academia, private sector, law and the mass media which have their respective roles. The method of using post-positivism qualitative research sees reality as a construction continuously developed through subjective experiences, so post-positivism qualitative research emphasizes in-depth interpretation and understanding related to phenomena. Logical analysis can identify errors or weaknesses in an argument or ensure that the conclusions drawn from the argument are correct and consistent. The results show that the hexahelix collaboration significantly contributes to accelerating halal tourism development in Indonesia. In this study, it was also found that the development of halal tourism in Indonesia has enormous potential as a type of tourism trending and experiencing rapid growth in Indonesia and the world. Thus, it is hoped that the development of halal tourism in Indonesia can be successful and provide greater benefits for economic development and people's welfare.
Interpolation of local potential parameters in allocating village fund formulation as an effort to development of local-based tourism
Authors: Musyarri Fazal Akmal
Published: July 2024

The development of Indonesia tourism today has experienced a significant increase. This is inseparable from the role of great tourism potential in Indonesia. The village tourism sector can be developed through cultural wealth, education, and ecotourism. However, issues have arisen in the efforts to manage tourism, particularly in rural areas, due to the suboptimal role of the government in managing tourism potential Conversely, in order to optimize village authority, Villages Law provides financial assistance in the form of Village Funds, which come from a basic allocation fund of 90% that is the same for all villages, plus a formulation fund of 10% which represents the difference in the amount of village funds received between villages. The formulation fund is adjusted to the Number of Population (25%), Number of Poor (35%), Village Area (10%) and geographical difficulty (30%). Unfortunately, the division of parameters is consumptive and not productive, in the sense that there is no division of parameters for the local potential of villages that differ from one village to another. Therefore, the author initiated the idea of adding parameters to the village's local potential in the distribution of village fund formulation funds. The research method used in this scientific work is normative juridical. The addition of local potential parameters in the distribution of village fund formulation funds includes the potential of the village tourism sector. With the implementation of this idea, it is expected to optimize tourism management efforts and increase the potential of the tourism sector in Indonesia.
The interconnection between technology and economic through tourism sectors
Authors: Agit Alamsyah , Wanner Peter John , Muharram Susilawati , Oktavianty Oktavianty
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this paper is to examine the significant role that technology plays in the tourism sector, highlighting how it enhances the efficiency, competitiveness, and economic performance of tourism businesses. It explores the impact of technology on improving the tourist experience, marketing, and distribution of tourism products and services, and how its adoption contributes to economic development, job creation, and income generation. This paper employs a qualitative research method, focusing on the analysis of existing literature and case studies to explore the interconnection between technology and the tourism sector. The findings of the paper highlight the pivotal role of technology in transforming the tourism sector. It underscores how technology enhances the efficiency, competitiveness, and economic performance of tourism businesses. Key points include the facilitation of new touristic experiences through advanced technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and robotics, which not only improve the tourist experience but also contribute to sustainable tourism practices. Novelty of this paper lies in its comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted role of technology in the tourism sector, particularly focusing on how technology not only enhances the efficiency and competitiveness of tourism businesses but also significantly contributes to the overall economic development. It uniquely synthesizes the impacts of advanced technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and robotics on creating new touristic experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Building city branding of Yogyakarta as a cultural city: A youtube user-generated content analysis
Authors: Siswantoro Siswantoro , Ikhwan Ihsanul
Published: July 2024

This study aims to analyze the role of social media in the form of Youtube in promoting the city branding of Yogyakarta, which has been known as a city of culture. Specifically, this research develops three research questions: 1) “What is the role of Youtube social media in promoting city branding of Yogyakarta?”, 2) “Does the cultural aspect appear as the main image of Yogyakarta on Youtube social media?”, 3) “What are the roles of individuals and institutions in the process of Yogyakarta city branding as a cultural city on social media Youtube?”. A total of 240 user-generated content on Youtube were collected via #yogyakarta over a period of 1 month. The content is then analyzed using content information analysis. This study adopts 12 different categories in order to analyze video content. Related to the research question, the research results show that social media plays an important role in creating city branding in Yogyakarta. In this case, users are able to describe Yogyakarta from various perspectives through social media (Youtube). Second, the cultural aspects identified are not the main aspects related to Yogyakarta, but local culinary delights and historical buildings. Nonetheless, these two aspects have a long history and connection with the culture in Yogyakarta. For the last question, the research results show that individuals play a bigger role in building Yogyakarta city branding than institutions. This shows that individuals are positioned not only as consumers of social media but also as producers of social media.
Faktor Menurunnya Minat Pemuda Buddhis dalam Berorganisasi di Kota Bengkulu (Studi Kasus Organisasi Sekber PMVBI Bengkulu)
Authors: Firdaus Metta Karuna , Putra Edi Ramawijaya , Jiwanda DL Jatayu
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi dengan adanya penurunan minat serta keaktifan pemuda Buddhis dalam mengikuti kegiatan wihara serta organisasi dalam kurun waktu tiga periode kepengurusan organisasi Sekber PMVBI Bengkulu. Penelitian ini dilakukan guna mengetahui faktor apa saja yang memengaruhi penurunan minat pemuda Buddhis dalam berorganisasi di kota Bengkulu, kesulitan apa saja yang dihadapi pemuda Buddhis di kota Bengkulu dalam mengikuti kegiatan Vihara Buddhayana terutama organisasi Sekber PMVBI Bengkulu, serta upaya pa yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengatasi penurunan minat pemuda Buddhis dalam berorganisasi di kota Bengkulu.Dalam penelitian ini metode yang digunakan kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Pendekatan studi kasus menekankan pada aspek seperti latar dan karakteristik individu secara menyeluruh, hasil dari penelitian difokuskan dan ditekankan guna memberi gambaran yang detail tentang keadaan sebenarnya dari objek studi yang akan diteliti. Penelitian dilakukan dengan terjun langsung ke lapangan, studi dokumen berdasarkan kegiatan yang telah dilaksanakan, dan melakukan interview (wawancara) dengan melakukan pendekatan terhadap informan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan adanya faktor yang berasal dari internal perorangan maupun organisasi dan faktor eksternal perorangan maupun organisasi. Faktor internal perorangan berkaitan dengan keinginan atau minat pemuda, pemuda terjebak pada zona nyaman, rasa kurang percaya diri. Faktor yang timbul dari dalam organisasi meliputi: kurangnya rasa solidaritas, pengaruh pemimpin dalam suatu organisasi. Faktor eksternal dalam diri seseorang meliputi: usia, pekerjaan, serta Pendidikan dan faktor dari luar organisasi wihara meliputi lingkungan sosial, pandemi covid-19, serta jumlah SDM yang minim merupakan faktor dari luar organisasi yang berpengaruh terhadap penurunan atau keaktifan pemuda Vihara Buddhayana.
Konsep Pendidikan Keagamaan Buddha dalam Kajian Sutta Pitaka
Authors: Amaliana Dysan , Surya Julia , Dewi Kuhana , Dewi Muditya Ratna , Dewi Prajna
Published: July 2024

Artikel ini membahas konsep pendidikan keagamaan Buddha dalam konteks Sutta Pitaka, bagian dari Tripitaka, yang merupakan kanon utama dalam literatur agama Buddha. Pendidikan pada masa Buddha didasarkan pada interaksi guru-murid dengan fokus pada pemahaman penyebab penderitaan dan penerapan metode pencerahan. Pendidikan keagamaan Buddha saat ini, di era Abad 21, mengalami transformasi signifikan yang terintegrasi dengan teknologi dan berbagai metode pembelajaran. Pendidikan di era Buddha berfokus pada interaksi guru-murid, pemahaman penderitaan, dan metode pencerahan. Saat ini, pendidikan keagamaan Buddha mengalami transformasi di Abad 21 dengan integrasi teknologi. Metode penelitian menggunakan studi pustaka, menganalisis konsep-konsep kunci dalam Sutta Pitaka. Pendidikan keagamaan Buddha saat ini menargetkan pemahaman mendalam, nilai moral, dan implementasi ajaran dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, mencerminkan adaptasi terhadap dinamika zaman dengan fokus utama pada nilai-nilai inti Buddha. Artikel ini mengamati relevansi pendidikan keagamaan Buddha dalam menghadapi perubahan zaman. Meskipun terjadi transformasi dalam metode dan struktur, nilai-nilai moral dan praktik keagamaan tetap menjadi fokus utama. Pendidikan keagamaan Buddha pada masa kini mencerminkan refleksi adaptasi yang signifikan terhadap dinamika zaman, mempertahankan nilai-nilai inti ajaran Buddha sambil mengimplementasikannya dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.
Pengaruh Komunikasi Antarpribadi Dosen dan Mahasiswa dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar
Authors: Budiwinarto Arif , Syah Rahmat , Muawanah Muawanah
Published: July 2024

Peran dosen dalam menciptakan suasana perkuliahan sangat krusial. Suasana perkuliahan yang akrab dan hangat dapat meningkatkan motivasi belajar mahasiswa. Untuk memunculkan suasana seperti tersebut dibutuhkan komunikasi interpersonal antara dosen dan mahasiswa yang dinamis. Atas dasar tersebut, peneliti melakukan riset ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh komunikasi interpersonal antara dosen dan mahasiswa terhadap motivasi belajar mahasiswa Ilmu Komunikasi Buddha (IKB) di STABN Sriwijaya Tangerang. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan desain survey yang melibatkan 38 mahasiswa Prodi IKB semester 3, 5, dan 7 tahun akademik 2022-2023. Sampel dipilih menggunakan metod? random sampling. Adapun margin of error yang dipakai pada penelitian ini sebesar 5%. Dalam mengumpulkan data, peneliti menggunakan kuesioner dengan skala Likert. Sedangkan, untuk menganalisis data menggunakan uji regresi sederhana. Hasilnya, uji Regresi sederhana pada hipotesis menunjukkan nilai signifikansi lebih kecil dari 0,5. Artinya, terdapat pengaruh bagaimana hubungan antarpribadi dosen dalam mempengaruhi motivasi belajar mahasiswa
Improving Rotational Stability and Enhancing Efficiency with Variable Inertial Flywheels and Magneto-rheological Fluids
Authors: Salam Syed Munimus , Mahbubur Rashid Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Variations in the rotational speed of a flywheel are naturally resisted by the moment of inertia. A high moment of inertia must be maintained to minimize angular velocity variations. Conversely, a significant moment of inertia makes it difficult to start spinning machines. A flywheel with a variable moment of inertia has been suggested to solve this issue. Although fluctuations between the masses' radii across the flywheel's axis may be used to approximate true inertia, the variable inertial flywheel's (VIF) control mechanisms are somewhat complex. Magneto-rheological (MR) Fluids can be utilized to avoid the complexity of the VIF. The applied device parameters determine the design and construction of the VIF system using a relatively simple control technique. To determine the relation between the semi-active VIF control system and the input parameters of a rotating electrical machine to decrease energy losses, adequate data from a VIF coupled with an induction motor (IM) system is gathered in this study. An analysis was done on the system, and the outcome showed a possible improvement in the performance of IM. This study significantly reduces power consumption and smooth speed build-up possibility for the proposed system.
Transport pasażerski na przykładzie gmin Zalewu Wiślanego: wyzwania i problemy = Passenger transport as exemplified by the local-authority areas around the Vistula Lagoon: challenges and problems
Authors: Żukowska Sandra , Chmiel Beata , Sydorów Martyna
Published: July 2024

Badanie obejmowało analizę funkcjonowania transportu pasażerskiego w gminach umiejscowionych nad Zalewem Wiślanym w Polsce. Region wyróżnia się unikatowymi w skali Europy walorami przyrodniczymi, jednak z perspektywy społeczno-gospodarczej zlokalizowany jest peryferyjnie względem kraju, co determinuje liczne problemy rozwojowe – m.in. pogorszenie jakości życia mieszkańców i depopulację. W pracy przyjęto następującą hipotezę badawczą mówiącą o tym, że region objęty analizą zagrożony jest marginalizacją i wymaga zmian w zakresie zwiększenia dostępności transportu publicznego. Metodyka pracy obejmowała dualne podejście – jakościowe i ilościowe, analizy prowadzono zarówno z wykorzystaniem danych zastanych – strategii rozwoju, planów zagospodarowania przestrzennego oraz studium uwarunkowań i kierunków zagospodarowania, rozkładów jazdy, danych dotyczących rozmieszczenia infrastruktury transportowej, a także i danych wywołanych. Wyniki jednoznacznie wskazują, że w regionie występuje znaczne niedoinwestowanie infrastruktury, niewystarczająca sieć tras komunikacyjnych, sezonowość transportu pasażerskiego warunkowana potrzebami ruchu turystycznego a także brak systemowego podejścia do kształtowania dostępnego i zrównoważonego transportu pasażerskiego. Bazuje on głównie na transporcie autobusowym i kolejowym, w mniejszym stopniu wodnym. W regionie występują również tzw. „białe plamy transportowe”, czyli obszary, do których nie dociera żaden środek transportu publicznego. Obecny kształt systemu transportu pasażerskiego, niedostatecznie rozpoznane potrzeby komunikacyjne mieszkańców oraz peryferyjność prowadzą do pogłębiania wykluczenia transportowego i alienacji społeczno-gospodarczej regionu.
Cerebrospinal fluid indices and culture concordance with blood in neonates with culture‐proven meningitis
Authors: Sono L , Velaphi S , Wadula J
Published: July 2024

Background. Diagnosing meningitis in sick neonates is challenging because they are often unstable for lumbar puncture (LP). In this scenario, antibiotic selections are based on positive blood culture (BC), assuming concordance between blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures. The value of CSF cultures is diminished when LP is performed after initiating antibiotics. Therefore, CSF white cell count (CSF-WCC) and chemistry serve as proxies for diagnosing meningitis.
Objective. To assess concordance between blood and CSF cultures and identify differences in CSF-WCC and protein levels between positive and negative CSF cultures.
Methods. We enrolled neonates who had both CSF and BCs taken for sepsis workup. Comparisons between blood and CSF cultures were performed to assess concordance. CSF-WCC and protein level discrepancies were compared between positive and negative CSF cultures.
Results. Ultimately, 448 neonates over 12 months met the criteria. Among those with positive BC results, 16.7% had positive CSF cultures, whereas for those with culture-positive CSF, 59.2% had positive BC. The concordance of organisms was 82.8% among those with positive blood and CSF cultures. Among neonates with culture-positive CSF, 24.5% and 59.3% had abnormal CSF-WCC and protein levels, respectively. Neonates with a positive CSF culture, compared with a negative culture, had higher CSF-WCC (24.5% v. 10.4%; p<0.001) and protein levels (59.3% v. 37.5%; p<0.001).
Conclusion. Most neonates with positive CSF cultures had negative BCs. Therefore, meningitis cannot be excluded based on negative BC without LP, for normal CSF-WCC and protein levels without CSF culture results do not exclude meningitis.
Socioeconomic inequalities in child vaccination coverage in Tanzania over time: a decomposition analysis using the 2004/05, 2010 and 2015/2016 demographics and health surveys
Authors: Ntegwa M J , Rossouw L
Published: July 2024

Background. Despite global strides to reduce child morbidity and mortality, the number of infant and child deaths from preventable causes in low-and middle-income countries remains unacceptably high. A cost-effective strategy to improve child health outcomes is through child vaccination and subsequent immunisation. Despite free child vaccination in the public healthcare sector in Tanzania, the country’s vaccination rates have plateaued and remain concentrated among children from wealthier households.
Objective. To identify the factors contributing to inequality in childhood vaccination in Tanzania.
Methods. This retrospective study used secondary data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey for 2004/05, 2010 and 2015/16. Inequalities were measured using the Erreygers’ corrected concentration indices. These inequalities were then decomposed to gain a deeper understanding of the contributing factors.
Results. Child vaccinations are higher among children from wealthier households in Tanzania, and this disparity has intensified over time. Socioeconomic differences in wealth, residential locations, mass media exposure and maternal education have become increasingly important drivers of these inequalities among Tanzanians.
Conclusions. Socioeconomic divisions in Tanzania threaten to perpetuate inequalities in access to healthcare and subsequent health. Child vaccination should be provided equitably to all children regardless of their household’s socioeconomic background. Moreover, efforts should be made to address these gaps between the vulnerable and the more privileged groups in society.
Father absence at delivery at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein: Reasons and associated demographic characteristics
Authors: Van Rooyen J J , De Jager L , Du Plessis S , Goldberg J , Salvage J , Sipika S , Joubert G
Published: July 2024

Background. The presence of fathers during the birth of their babies has been recognised as beneficial for both the mother and the baby. Objective. To investigate the reasons and demographic factors associated with father absence at delivery.
Methods. We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional study. Anonymous questionnaires were completed by mothers admitted to the postnatal ward at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa, after a live birth. Mothers answered questions regarding mother and father characteristics (age, employment, residence), whether the father was present or absent at delivery and the reasons for his absence.
Results. The highest percentage (30.7%) of the 137 participating mothers was in the age range 20 - 25 years. More than half (56.2%) resided in Bloemfontein/Mangaung, and 70.6% were unemployed. Most mothers (68.4%) were multiparous. In total, 81.0% of fathers were absent at delivery, although 50.0% had planned to be at the delivery. The main reason for their absence was employment (52.7%), which can be substantiated by the fact that most fathers (80.3%) were employed. For more than half (58.1%) of the deliveries, neither the father nor any other person (family member or friend) was present at the delivery. There was no association between maternal or paternal demographics and father absence at delivery.
Conclusion. Father absence was common. Community-based programmes must encourage father involvement in all spheres of their children’s lives and create awareness of the impact that their presence during birth can have.
The outcome of newborns born through grade 3 meconium-stained amniotic fluid in a regional hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Ngaka S L , Tinarwo P , Singh R
Published: July 2024

Background. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) may reflect normal fetal gut maturation or may indicate fetal compromise. Protocols on the management of newborns with grade 3 MSAF exposure who do not require immediate resuscitation at birth, are required. Objectives. To determine the outcomes of newborns born through grade 3 MSAF.
Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted at King Edward VIII Hospital (KEH) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa (SA) from 1 January to 31 December 2018. Data were collected from 238 newborns born through grade 3 MSAF to determine the incidence of neonatal sepsis, respiratory complications and neurological complications associated with grade 3 MSAF exposure. Descriptive statistics were used.
Result. Neonatal sepsis was suspected in 10.5% of the grade 3 MSAF-exposed newborns and confirmed in 1.7% of the cases. Respiratory distress occurred in 18.9% of newborns, with 9.2% requiring supplementary oxygen. Neurological complications occurred in 2.9% of grade 3 MSAF- exposed newborns and 2.2% of newborns complicated with seizures
Conclusion. There was a low rate of neonatal sepsis, respiratory distress, neurological complications and perinatal asphyxia in newborns exposed to grade 3 MSAF. Neonates who are stable at birth can be observed in the postnatal ward for a short period after birth before discharge.
Resurgence of congenital syphilis: A profile of symptomatic newborns with congenital syphilis requiring admission to the nursery at a peri-urban regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Appalsamy P , Naidoo N
Published: July 2024

Background. Congenital syphilis should by now be a medical rarity. However, there has been a recent global resurgence despite preventive measures and effective treatment. This has significant impact on the health system, with existing data on the burden of congenital syphilis and preventable factors coming mainly from developed countries.
Objectives. To describe maternal and newborn demographic characteristics of newborns admitted with symptomatic congenital syphilis, their spectrum of disease, as well as outline their clinical outcomes and identify modifiable factors that led to the development of the syphilis infection.
Methods. A retrospective chart review of 46 mothers and their 47 newborns admitted to the nursery at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, eThekwini, South Africa between January 2018 and March 2021 with symptomatic congenital syphilis.
Results. Of the 47 symptomatic newborns, 12 (26%) died – 50% of them within 24 hours of birth. Factors associated with death were hydrops fetalis, seizures, low APGAR scores and the need for resuscitation at birth. Hepatosplenomegaly, the characteristic rash and pallor were the 3 most common presenting signs. The average length of stay was 19.7 days. Nineteen neonates required admission to ICU for invasive ventilation (40%). Thirteen babies (28%) required non-invasive ventilation. Fourteen newborns (30%) required inotropic support. Red cell transfusion was required in 26 newborns (55%) and platelet transfusion in 4 (9%). Most mothers accessed antenatal care (83%), with 71% testing negative for syphilis at booking. Inadequate treatment of the partner, untreated and inadequately treated maternal syphilis, lack of follow-up testing plans with absent repeat testing at 32 - 34 weeks’ gestation were the main modifiable factors.
Conclusion. Despite good antenatal attendance and early maternal syphilis testing, 47 newborns were admitted to a regional nursery in KZN with congenital syphilis over a period of 39 months. This study highlighted the burden of disease in the neonatal population as reflected by the need for intensive care, a prolonged hospital stay and predictors of mortality. The health system failures are related to maternal testing, treatment and tracing. Strengthening of existing programmes together with novel measures such as extended re-testing protocols and mass treatment of sexually active adults need to be explored to curb the rise of congenital syphilis.
Exploring adolescent fertility inequality in Southern Africa
Authors: Shoko M
Published: July 2024

Background. Globally, adolescent fertility rates (AFR) vary widely, with stark inequality in the Southern African subregion. Orphanhood and parental absence are key social factors studied in relation to adolescent fertility, but research focusing on girls aged 15 - 19 years is constrained by the international age cap of 17 years for collecting direct orphanhood and living arrangement data.
Objectives. To characterise fertility among adolescents largely excluded from research because of age restrictions in the data.
Methods. The study uses the cross-sectional household-based Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data for Southern Africa, defined according to both local and international geoschemes. It models parental absence and intrahousehold effects on fertility for adolescents aged 15 - 19 years old, using the fixed effects logistic regression, adjusting for inter-country differences.
Results. The relationship between orphanhood, parental absence and rates of adolescent childbearing varied across countries. Parent absence was associated with a higher likelihood of childbearing (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.07, p<0.05). Conversely, having an orphaned child(ren) in the household was associated with a 36% lower likelihood of childbearing, though not statistically significant. Compared with South Africa (SA), all the countries in the study showed significantly higher odds of adolescent childbearing (aOR 1.4 - 5.4, p<0.05). The probability of adolescents giving birth was generally lower when residing with orphaned children in the household, with Angola, Malawi and Zambia showing the highest differences, and SA the smallest.
Conclusions. The study underscores the critical role of household living arrangements and parental absence in understanding and addressing adolescent fertility in Southern Africa. Addressing this issue necessitates a dual approach, encompassing interventions for adolescents in general and specifically targeting those with absent parents.
A description of the management and outcomes of infants with short bowel syndrome in a South African context
Authors: Wagener M
Published: July 2024

Background. Intestinal failure because of congenital or acquired massive bowel loss is an extremely difficult problem to manage and has traditionally been associated with a very poor outcome.
Objective. To describe the current management of short bowel syndrome (SBS) and the factors associated with survival and achievement of enteral autonomy in a South African context.
Methods. A retrospective chart review of children managed with intestinal failure due to SBS was conducted at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, South Africa, from November 2015 to February 2023.
Results. A total of 22 patients with intestinal failure were managed during the study period. The diagnoses included: type 4 jejunal atresia with 3b component (n=5; 22.7%); type 3b jejunal atresia (n=5; 22.7%); type 4 jejunal atresia without 3b component (n=3; 13.6%) and malrotation with volvulus (n=3; 13.6%). One patient each had necrotising enterocolits, gastroschisis with atresia, intussusception, type 1, jejunal atresia with volvulus, type 3a jejunal atresia and volvulus around an ileostomy. The median bowel length was 36.5 cm and average length of stay was 122 days. Enteral autonomy was achieved in 10 patients (45%) and survival in 9 patients (41%). Surgical complication requiring early re-operation (odds ratio 18) and bowel length ≤20 cm were associated with non-survival.
Conclusion. A substantial proportion of children with intestinal failure can achieve enteral autonomy and survival in our context. The treatment process is, however, resource intensive. Avoiding early re-operation and bowel length >20 cm are associated with better survival.
Pollen spectra in Holocene ice wedges in the floodplain of the Lyakkatosyo River (Eastern Yamal, Russia)
Authors: Vasil'chuk Alla Constantinovna
Published: July 2024

Study considers horizontal and vertical sampling directions for pollen analysis of ice wedges, taking into account the special mechanism of wedge ice formation. Pollen spectra from the Late Holocene ice-wedges on high polygonal floodplain of the Lyakkatosyo River are studied. Shrub-lichen-moss-polygonal tundra dominates the site. We accounted for the number of elementary veins. The main research methods are pollen and geochemical analyses. We collected samples for pollen analysis along ice wedges' axis and horizontally at depth of 1.20 m, while we also took samples for chemical analysis along the same axis. The high concentration of pollen and spores in ice wedges made it possible to compare results of horizontal and vertical sampling with sufficient degree of accuracy. Pollen spectra characterizing ice wedge horizontally and vertically showed significant differences in the main components. The main difference between horizontal and vertical pollen spectra in AP is the spruce and birch pollen percentages. Along the ice wedge axis, spruce pollen (2.0–13.0%) and birch pollen (6.0–14.0%) are always visible. However, we only find spruce pollen (2.0–4.0%) up to 0.3 m from the vein axis and birch pollen (2.0–14.0%) up to 0.4m from the vein axis. We detected similar-composition pollen spectra in only one case. The sample that is closest to the center of the ice wedge, located at 0.1 m from axis and at depth of 1.2 m, exhibits approximately the same pollen spectra as the sample that is located at depth of 1.2 m from the central part of ice wedge. It is quite natural that certain pollen taxa do not have a general sequence of culminations. Chemical composition of ice wedge suggests that spruce pollen got into the ice due to flooding of the Lyakkatosyo River.
Evolutionary adaptation of an HP1-protein chromodomain integrates chromatin and DNA sequence signals
Authors: Baumgartner Lisa , Ipsaro Jonathan J , Hohmann Ulrich , Handler Dominik , Schleiffer Alexander , Duchek Peter , Brennecke Julius
Published: July 2024

Members of the diverse heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) family play crucial roles in heterochromatin formation and maintenance. Despite the similar affinities of their chromodomains for di- and tri-methylated histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3), different HP1 proteins exhibit distinct chromatin-binding patterns, likely due to interactions with various specificity factors. Previously, we showed that the chromatin-binding pattern of the HP1 protein Rhino, a crucial factor of the Drosophila PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway, is largely defined by a DNA sequence-specific C2H2 zinc finger protein named Kipferl (Baumgartner et al., 2022). Here, we elucidate the molecular basis of the interaction between Rhino and its guidance factor Kipferl. Through phylogenetic analyses, structure prediction, and in vivo genetics, we identify a single amino acid change within Rhino’s chromodomain, G31D, that does not affect H3K9me2/3 binding but disrupts the interaction between Rhino and Kipferl. Flies carrying the rhinoG31D mutation phenocopy kipferl mutant flies, with Rhino redistributing from piRNA clusters to satellite repeats, causing pronounced changes in the ovarian piRNA profile of rhinoG31D flies. Thus, Rhino’s chromodomain functions as a dual-specificity module, facilitating interactions with both a histone mark and a DNA-binding protein.
MonARCh: an actor based architecture for dynamic linked data monitoring
Authors: Yönyül Burak , Alatlı Oylum , Erdur Rıza Cenk
Published: July 2024

Monitoring the data sources for possible changes is an important consumption requirement for applications running in interaction with the Web of Data. In this article, MonARCh which is an architecture for monitoring the result changes of registered SPARQL queries in the Linked Data environment, is proposed. MonARCh can be comprehended as a publish/subscribe system in the general sense. However, it differs in how communication with the data sources is realized. Data sources in the Linked Data environment do not publish the changes in the data. MonARCh provides the necessary communication infrastructure between the data sources and the consumers for the notification of changes. Users subscribe SPARQL queries to the system which are then converted to federated queries. MonARCh periodically checks for updates by re-executing SERVICE clauses and notifying users in case of any result change. In addition, to provide scalability, MonARCh takes the advantage of concurrent computation of the actor model. The parallel join algorithm utilized speeds up query execution and result generation processes. The design science methodology is used during the design, implementation and evaluation of the architecture. When compared to the literature MonARCh meets all the sufficient requirements from the linked data monitoring and state of the art perspectives while having many outstanding features from both points of view. The evaluation results show that even while working under the limited two-node cluster setting MonARCh could reach from 300 to 25,000 query monitoring capacity according to the diverse query selectivities executed within our test bench.