bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does hyponatremia pose a risk factor for hip fractures in the elderly? Can a primary physician prevent it?
Authors: Kumar R Vijay , Manchekar Mayur P. , Kashid Manoj , Rajauria Surbhi , Rai Sanjay K.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Objective:

Fracture around the hip is amongst the most common and serious fractures in the elderly, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality. In literature, many authors noted that even mild hyponatremia adversely affects bone, leading to an increased incidence of fractures. We aim to determine whether chronic hyponatremia (>90-day duration) increases the risk of hip fracture in the elderly and whether primary care physicians can help to prevent it.

Materials and Methods:

During the period from January 2020 to March 2022, we identified 145 patients aged between 65 and 90 years who were admitted to the hospital with hip fractures following a fall and compared them with 140 healthy controls. We recorded sodium (Na) serum levels in all included patients at the time of arrival and consequently for 3 days and compared them with those of controls. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs). We measured serum Na levels for 3 days and took the average to ascertain hyponatremia.

Result:

In the study, the odds of hyponatremia were 70.3% with a confidence interval of 95% versus 3.6% in controls (P = 0.05). Age and hyponatremia were strongly associated with hip fractures following a fall. With a 5-year increase in age, the univariate OR for hip fracture increased by 5.67 (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for age, cases were nearly six times more likely to be hyponatremic than controls (OR = 4.90, P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

In our study, we noted that even mild chronic hyponatremia in old age increased the chance of falls. Addressing hyponatremia in the elderly may reduce the risk of falls and minimize hip fractures.
Household-level food insecurity and its correlates in rural Bihar: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Naik Bijaya N. , Verma Manisha , Rao Rajath U. R. , Nirala Santosh K. , Singh Chandramani , Pandey Sanjay , Ranjan Alok , Kumar Pragya
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Bihar has experienced high nutritional public health problem among children and women over the years. In this background, this study was planned to find the level of food insecurity and identify contributing factors in rural Bihar.

Material and Methods:

We conducted community-based cross-sectional study among 255 families residing in villages catered by RHTC, Naubatpur. A pretested semi-structured interview schedule and HFIAS were used.

Result:

A total of 27.8% of the 255 households were food insecure, of which 73.3% were severely food insecure. Kutcha houses, dispossession of agricultural land, and lower SES were found to be predictors.

Conclusion:

Around one in three families experienced food insecurity, and it was more among families residing in kutcha houses, without possession of agricultural land and belonging to lower socioeconomic status.
Assessment of lung involvement using HRCT among vaccinated and non-vaccinated elderly COVID-19 patients admitted in a designated hospital, Tamil Nadu – A retrospective study
Authors: Nivetha Rajaraman , Rajarajeswari Neethiselvan , Arumugam Balaji , Sivagurunathan Chinnaian , Iyer Ramesh Harihara
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered one of the most devastating situations globally, the worst affected were the senior citizens. A number of initiatives were carried out to control the COVID-19 pandemic; one such important measure is the development of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent the disease. But the continuous emergence of new SARS-COV2 variants (antigenic drift) and its demographic variation in virulence makes the vaccine’s efficacy questionable. This study is intended to evaluate the association between the degree of lung involvement and the effectiveness of vaccination against the disease in cases admitted to a designated hospital in Tamil Nadu.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital records-based-retrospective research was conducted among COVID-19 patients admitted from the 1st of April 2021 to the 31st of May 2021, and information was gathered regarding their vaccination status, comorbid conditions, and CT severity score (CTSS) in the HRCT lung report. A consecutive sampling technique was used to choose the study participants; about 120 participants were included in the study. The Chi-square test and Fisher’s extract test were used to evaluate the hypothesis. The relationship between a dependent variable and independent factors was estimated using multiple linear regression.

Results:

Among 120 participants, about 60.2% were males and 39.8% were females. Vaccination status and comorbid conditions had a significant association with severe lung involvement in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion:

Non-vaccinated patients had severe lung involvement based on the HRCT lung scan findings than the vaccinated patients. To reduce mortality, it is essential to ensure universal coverage of COVID-19 vaccination.
Henoch–Schönlein purpura in the setting of COVID-19 infection: Two pediatrics cases and review of the literature
Authors: Zumbro Caleb , Davidson Samuel , Daley William P. , Camacho Sandra Mabel
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common systemic vasculitis in children, often following a viral infection. Various types of rashes attributed to COVID-19 infection have been described in the literature; however, HSP has rarely been reported. We report two children with HSP associated with acute COVID-19 infection with a review of the available literature. We highlight the clinical presentation, medical management, outcome and age-related difference of reported patients. A limitation of this article is the retrospective nature, limiting full patient history and associated conditions. The findings of this review show that HSP in the setting of COVID-19 is more common in children than adults, with a male predominance, involving various body systems creating a constellation of presentations. Given that HSP can have long-term morbidity from renal disease if untreated, this review may help guide the practitioner’s approach to HSP and recognition in the setting of COVID-19 infection.
Study on knowledge of front-of-pack labeling and food group-based dietary intake among chronic gastritis patients
Authors: Nagireddi Tejaswi , Reddy B Venkatashiva , Kollimarla Mounika , Kamala Veerabathina , Desu Sai Subhakar , Pentapati Siva Santosh Kumar , Aravindakshan Rajeev , Gupta Arti
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Chronic gastritis is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting individuals, which affects hundreds of millions of people in different ways around the world. The significant incidence of poor dietary quality and diet-related illnesses may be addressed by orienting customers toward healthier food options. The objective of the study was to estimate the knowledge of front-of-package labels (FoPLs) and food group-based dietary intake of nutrients among patients with chronic gastritis.

Materials and Methods:

The study design was a hospital-based cross-sectional study that was done in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. The study population included 208 chronic gastritis patients between 20 to 60 years of age selected by systematic sampling. Detailed information on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors was collected using a questionnaire and 24-h dietary recall was done. The objective assessment of Knowledge of FoPLs was assessed mock package images representing a fictional brand to prevent other factors from interfering with product evaluation.

Results:

A total of 208 patients were studied with a near-equal proportion of males and females. Among participants, more than half (57.2%) can interpret FoPL, more than three-fourths (77.4%) have a belief that they eat a healthy diet mostly and only half (52.4%) of participants are somewhat knowledgeable about nutrition, and finally almost half (46.6%) of participants are not seeing the FoP label during food purchase. The mean score of knowledge of FoP labeling was 0.92 ± 1.135. Knowledge of FOPL was positively associated with the age of study participants OR 0.178 (95% CI: 0.178 to 0.856) with P value = 0.02. Grains have the maximum intake among all the food groups with a mean intake of 123.21 g/day.

Conclusion:

The majority of participants do not know the food labeling, thus methods of education that focus on dietary interventions are urgently needed to raise awareness among the people.
How safe is COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women and its outcome – A hospital-based retrospective study in Indian population
Authors: Pandit Niraj B. , Fulmali Purvi R. , Chandrayan Piyusha , Chauhan Kishor , Bhil Dipika L. , Rasania Manish N.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Although getting the Covid infection is equal for every person, during pregnancy, the women’s immunity is a little lower than usual, so they are more prone to infection. That is why they should be taken care of with more precautions. A vaccine is the best weapon to fight such infection. Covishield and Covaxin are the two vaccines first introduce in country India including for pregnant women. The safety of the vaccine was a big concern as one of them is a newer type of vaccine. The current study was planned with objectives to understand the safety aspect of Covid19 vaccine on pregnancy outcome and Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) following vaccination.

Materials and Methods:

This was a hospital-based retrospective cohort study. The sample size was all the pregnant women who delivered a baby from July 2021 to April 2022 at the tertiary care hospital in Vadodara. These women were retrospectively assessed for the status of vaccination based on the record and other information related to ANC from the record. Total of 1974 women were eligible for study after inclusion–exclusion criteria. The collected data was analysed.

Result:

Of the 1974 pregnant women, 531 (27%) took any of one covid19 vaccine and 1443 (73%) did not take vaccine. There were 511 (96%) women opted for Covishield vaccine and 20 (4%) women who opted for Covaxin. Of 531 women who took vaccination, 46% women had AEFI. The risk of low birth weight (LBW) baby was 40% among vaccinated v/s 39% among non-vaccinated and congenital malformation was 0.6% among vaccinated v/s 1% among non-vaccinated women. On the contrary, the risk of premature birth was 8% among the vaccinated group v/s 13% among the non-vaccinated group and NICU admission following delivery was 8% among the vaccinated group v/s 12% among the non-vaccinated group.

Conclusion:

AEFI among pregnant women were found less compared to the general population. The study also revealed that both Covishield and Covaxin are found safe for pregnancy outcomes and can be given to pregnant women during any trimester of pregnancy message for a family physician.
Free software applications for authors for writing a research paper
Authors: Mondal Himel , Juhi Ayesha , Dhanvijay Anupkumar D. , Pinjar Mohammed Jaffer , Mondal Shaikat
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Basic computer skills are essential for authors writing research papers as it has the potential to make the task easier for a researcher. This article provides a glimpse about the essential software programs for a novice author writing a research paper. These software applications help streamline the writing process, improve the quality of work, and ensure that papers are formatted correctly. It covers word processing software, grammar correction software, bibliography management software, paraphrasing tool, writing tools, and statistical software. All of the tools described are free to use. Hence, it would help researchers from resource-limited settings or busy physicians who get lesser time for research writing. We presume this review paper would help provide valuable insights and guidance for novice authors looking to write a high-quality research paper.
Physical accessibility, availability, financial affordability, and acceptability of mobile health clinics in remote areas of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Balharith Manea , Alghalyini Baraa , Al-Mansour Khalid , Tantawy Mohammad Hanafy , Alonezi Mnwer Abdullah , Almasud Anas , Zaidi Abdul Rehman Zia
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Access to primary healthcare (PHC) services is a significant concern, especially for those living in remote areas. Mobile health clinics (MHCs) are a model widely used to enhance access to healthcare in rural areas. In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health has launched mobile clinics to facilitate access to PHC and increase access to healthcare. This study aims to assess the accessibility of MHCs in rural areas of Saudi Arabia measuring four dimensions of access from the patient’s perspective: physical accessibility, availability, financial affordability, and acceptability.

Methods:

A quantitative cross-sectional survey in the form of an interviewer-administered questionnaire was performed on patients who attended mobile clinics between August and October 2020. All these people have been targeted to be interviewed as a nonprobability sample. Data was collected through a survey filled out by the interviewer.

Results:

Five hundred participants were interviewed in nine mobile clinics in the nine cities of the Kingdom. The majority were men (82.4%) and from Makkah city (13.6%) and 94.2% of the participants were Saudi nationals. In total, 98.3% of the respondents were satisfied with the overall mobile clinic services and 11.4% of the participants had difficulties with the mobile clinics’ work schedules. There was a positive correlation between access to mobile clinics and satisfaction.

Conclusions:

The mobile clinics in rural and remote areas in Saudi Arabia during the study period were accessible to the respondents and met patient satisfaction. Most participants accept the work schedule for mobile clinics. However, it requires further improvements to meet all access dimensions of the study.
Non-communicable diseases and their impact on depression, anxiety, and stress among the geriatric population residing in old age homes in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Ramesh Swathi , Kosalram Kalpana , Srinivas V.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are most prevalent among the elderly population. Mental illness and chronic disease conditions are of utmost significance when considering their implications on various aspects such as well-being, quality of life, cost of treatment, and longevity of the affected individuals. There is a paucity of data from India to assess the prevalence of NCDs and their relation to depression, anxiety, and stress among the elderly population.

Aim:

The present study aims to determine the prevalence of NCDs and their relationship with depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS) among the geriatric population that resides in senior citizen homes (Old age homes) in Chennai.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among the elderly population in old age homes located in Chennai. The research was carried out through offline methods during the period of January 2023 to April 2023. A total of 311 participants were involved in this study who were aged 60 and older. DASS 21 was used to study depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results:

The overall prevalence of depression was 84.2%, anxiety was 49.2%, and stress was 55.9% among the study participants. The findings of the study show that there is a statistically significant association, the odds of diabetes were 2 times higher (OR- 2.082, 95% CI: 1.225-3.888), the presence of hypertension was nearly 4.1 times higher (OR- 4.116, 95% CI: 2.110-8.030) and the odds of the presence of visual impairment were nearly 1.8 times higher (OR-1.810, 95% CI: 0.976-3.357) in developing the symptoms of depression.

Conclusion:

Screening of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, etc. for DASS among the elderly population is recommended at regular intervals, as elderly people are considered to be the most vulnerable age group population, worldwide.
Work-related quality of life and performance appraisal among nurses at a tertiary hospital in Philippines
Authors: Sy Alvin Duke R. , Gonzales Ma. Krisstella D. , Rodriguez Rachel Camille C.
Published: September 2023

Objective:

The objective of the study is to describe the work-related quality of life (WRQOL) among nurses and explore its association with performance evaluation ratings.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was utilized measuring the WRQOL scale and the previous performance appraisal rating. Multistage sampling approach was utilized with nurses stratified based on their position and then systematically random sampled based on their unit assignment.

Results:

One hundred and eighty-two nurses were included. About half reported a high quality of work life (101; 55.5%). Low scores were noted on the subscale working conditions (100; 54.9%), low to average responses for home-work interface (109; 59.9%), control at work (100; 54.9%), and stress at work (90; 49.5%). A higher proportion of nurses reported positive responses toward the areas of general well-being (113; 62.1%) and job-career satisfaction (112; 61.5%), than in the other subscales. There were notable differences between WRQOL ratings: (1) Head nurses had the highest perceived quality of work life, followed by nurse supervisors and charge nurses (F = 6.1, P < 0.01) and (2) Nurses in the pay-patient services reported lower quality of working life, while those in office and outpatient services had more positive scores (F = 4.6, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Only more than half of the nurses reported a high quality of work life, some of its dimensions, particularly job and career satisfaction and working conditions, appeared to vary in the perceived degree across years in service, work hours, and position. The assessment of the quality of work life may serve as an important tool to address staff burnout, absenteeism and other issues that affect job performance among health-care professionals.
Unraveling the Heterogeneity of Lower-Grade Gliomas: Deep Learning-Assisted Flair Segmentation and Genomic Analysis of Brain MR Images
Authors: Rahat Irfan Sadiq , Ghosh Hritwik , Shaik Kareemulla , Khasim Syed , Rajaram Gnanajeyaraman
Published: September 2023

The precise identification of FLAIR abnormalities in brain MR images is essential for diagnosing and managing lower-grade gliomas, segmentation continues to be a difficult task. In this research, we develop an exhaustive strategy that integrates advanced deep learning models such as DeepLabv3, U-Net, DenseNet121-Unet, ResNet50, Attention U-Net and EfficientNet to effectively segment FLAIR abnormalities in a dataset comprising 110 lower-grade glioma patients. The cancer Imaging achieve (TCIA), includes genomic cluster data and patient-specific details. Our methodology tackles the multi-class data imbalanced by employing a customized loss function, which merges Categorical Cross Entropy (CCE) WCE and WMDL functions are used to calculate loss, allowing the network to accurately segment smaller tumor regions. By performing dense network training on 3D picture patches, the suggested technique improves detection of border region artifacts and efficiently manages storage and system limited resources. We evaluate our strategy’s effectiveness on the presented dataset, emphasizing its potential for assisting correct diagnosis and individualized treatment strategies for patients with lower-grade gliomas.
A Clinician’s Roadmap to the Research and Data Acquisition Process Within the Veterans Health System
Authors: Fernandes Deanna C. , Cheong Josepha A. , Suryadevera Uma , Fernandes Joel S. , Shorr Ronald , Uphold Constance R.
Published: September 2023

Objective Identify and address potential obstacles to initiation of older population-related research within the NF/SG VHS through the provision of a concise flowchart. Setting North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SG VHS). Practice
Description The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Research Service with connection to the University of Florida facilitates research that contributes to improving the delivery of inpatient/outpatient care to veterans and their families. Practice Innovation A compendium
of a senior care pharmacist’s experiences will be compiled and reviewed by other specialists within the field while attempting to submit research protocols for publication within the VHS through the use of data platforms such as VINCI (VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure) and
the Corporate Data Warehouse. Main Outcome Measurements Impact of navigating research websites affiliated with and directly pertaining to the NF/SG VHS upon clinicians attempting to begin research processes within the institution. Results It was determined
that for the most expeditious publication experience to result the following six steps had to be pursued sequentially: VA Institutional Review Board (IRB) Net documentation/ submission, local myIRB submission, Data Access Request Tracker/VINCI access request, setup of VINCI workspace, drafting
of VINCI cohort specification, data analysis and tracking, statistical methods, abstract, and manuscript production. Conclusion This study outlines a consistent/clear method from first-hand experiences on how to navigate, more efficiently, complex research processes to
produce successful future impacts on patient care.
Rezensionen
Authors: Robbiani Marcello
Published: September 2023

Rezension zu: Claudia Albertini und Martin Huber:
Grundbegriffe der Mathematik
. 134 Seiten, Hanser Fachbuch, 2023, ISBN 978-3-446-47563-2 (auch als E-Book erhältlich: 978-3-446-47723-0), CHF 34.50.
Toxoplasmosis: estudio epidemiológico de hospitalización en España (2000-2021)
Authors: González-Viadero María , Barba-Sánchez Raquel , González-Barrio David , Fuentes-Corripio Isabel , Estévez-Reboredo Rosa Mª
Published: September 2023

Introducción: La toxoplasmosis es una zoonosis de distribución mundial causada por Toxoplasma gondii. El ser humano actúa como huésped intermediario dentro de un ciclo multiespecie en el que los hospedadores definitivos son los félidos. La importancia de la infección humana se centra, principalmente, en personas inmunocomprometidas y en los casos congénitos (mujeres gestantes que han transmitido la enfermedad al feto). El objetivo fue describir la epidemiología de la hospitalización con diagnóstico toxoplasmosis en España durante el período 2000-2021.
Método: Se plantea un análisis descriptivo de las hospitalizaciones en España con diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis entre los años 2000-2021, a partir de datos del Registro de Atención Sanitaria Especializada. Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, edad y Comunidades y Ciudades Autónomas (CCAA).
Resultados: durante el período 2000-2021 se produjeron 8.102 altas hospitalarias con diagnóstico toxoplasmosis, (tasa de hospitalización acumulada por 100.000 hab. TH=0,81). Esta TH ha ido disminuyendo a lo largo del período, pasando de 1,55 en 2000 hasta 0,48 en 2021. El número de ingresos fue mayor en hombres y en éstos, se ha ido produciendo un descenso más acusado. El grupo de edad con la mayor TH acumulada fue el de 35-39 años (TH=1,96). Las CCAA con mayores TH totales fueron, Ceuta, Melilla, Islas Baleares y Cataluña.
Conclusiones: Las TH por toxoplasmosis han descendido progresivamente a lo largo del período 2000-2021. Este descenso es más acusado en hombres y se debe, sobre todo, a la disminución de la TH en el grupo de edad de 35-39 años.
Peritoneal Carcinomatosis and Situs Inversus Totalis: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Krishna Gautham , Muhammed Nihal , L. Drishya , Dharan Shaiju S.
Published: September 2023

Gastric cancer remains one of the foremost important cancers around the world because it positions as the fifth most common cancer and the fourth driving cause of cancer passing all-inclusive. Situs inversus totalis (SIT) alludes to a turned-around area of the stomach and thoracic organs. The heart is found on the correct side of the chest (dextrocardia) with a total inversion of the heart chambers. The ordinary pulmonary anatomy is additionally turned around, so the cleared-out lung has three flaps and the proper lung has two flaps. In addition, the liver and gallbladder are found on the cleared-out side of the guts, though the spleen and stomach are found on the proper side. The remaining internal structures are moreover a reflected picture of the typical. This natural irregularity is outstandingly remarkable with a pace of one case in 10,000 births. SIT might be a phenomenal intrinsic irregularity that stances unique difficulties amid careful organization. Preoperative organizing, counting imaging and the mindful idea of careful techniques, are fundamental for powerful outcomes in SIT patients with gastric disease. The use of laparoscopic and automated procedures has seemed, by all accounts, to be secure and practical in this calm people. Advanced research is expected to push ahead the comprehension of the aetiology and optimal organization of SIT patients with gastric disease. SIT could be a remarkable innate eccentricity that stances unique difficulties during careful organization. Preoperative orchestrating, counting imaging and the wary idea of surgeries, are crucial for productive outcomes in SIT patients with gastric disease. Advanced careful fitness is expected to play out a definite lymphadenectomy in calm with SIT by envisioning the exact reflected image of the existing frameworks during the activity. The diligent had an ordinary intra-and postoperative course and was taken after up at the short-term division with no demonstration of rehash. All in all, medical procedures in comprehension with peritoneal disease and SIT can be safely performed by paying thought to the improved anatomic designs amid the activity.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR SIMULATION THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GROUNDWATER AND NORTH AL-JEZIRA IRRIGATION PROJECT, NW IRAQ
Authors: Alnife Aysar Abdulazeez Saeed
Published: September 2023

Rabia plain is located in the northwestern part of Iraq. It covers an area about 3000 Km2 forming part of the hydrological basin of Wadi Al-Mur which drains fromthe west to the east and discharges its water to Tigris river near the village of Aski-Mosul. The area is a semi-flat land having an altitude ranges between 325 and 400 m a.s.l. Groundwater in Rabia basin is found in the prevailing sedimentary geological formations in northwest Iraq among which an Injana Formation (upper Miocene) which consists of alternation of clay and sandstone beds covered by recent alluvial deposits. The Northern Al-Jezira is an agricultural project that occupies part of Rabia plain; Tigris River is the main source of surface water which is transported by pumping station, main conveyer canals. The project consists of two stages implemented during two different times; the first one was established in 1992, while the other one was established in 1995. The gathered field data for this study had assisted in applying a mathematical model that aims to evaluate the effects of different irrigation practices on the aquifer. The model has shown that the operation of the project for the next 20 years will lead to increase the aquifer hydraulic head from few centimeters to more than 4.5 m in the modeled area. This increasein hydraulic head is equal to an annual recharge of aquifer storage of about 130 million m3. The results are encouraged a recommendation, aiming to invest theextra recharge gained by the aquifer via digging more wells in the upper layer especially in the second stage area. The extra pumped water could be used to cultivate additional land.
ESTIMATION OF THE TOTAL TRIHALOMETHANES CONCENTRATION IN DRINKING WATER IN SOME AREA OF BAGHDAD, IRAQ
Authors: Ahmad Abudlrazaq B. , Al-Paruany Kamal B. , Khudair Khulod H. , Hashim Mohammed F. , Naji Hani S. , Taha Amina S.
Published: September 2023

In Iraq the surface water is one of the important sources of potable water. Water chlorination is the disinfection method most widely used, having however the disadvantage of producing Trihalomethanes (THMs) as secondary compounds. THMs formation is influenced by the raw water composition and chlorine from the disinfection process.This research estimated the THMs concentration and the changes in Purification Water Plants and surrounding Feeding Stations. The duration of these monitoring tasks was three months (February, April and August) in 2014. There were forty eight water samples were collected from four Water Purification Water Plants (Qadisiyah, Karama, Al-Wethba and Al-Wehda) and from four Feeding Stations (Karrada, Bab-Almuadam, Utaifiyya and Qadisiyah). The total concentration of THMs ranged between (64 – 84.5 ppb), (68 – 92.6 ppb) and (74.3 –105.9 ppb) at Water Purification Water Plants in February, April and August, respectively. While the total concentration of THMs ranged between (60 – 67.1 ppb), (65 – 75.9 ppb) and (72 – 86 ppb) at the Feeding Stations, respectively. The highest values were recorded in August compared with remaining months (February and April). All the water samples within minimum limits according to WHO, IQS (0.15ppm) for drinking water. Generally, THMs levels increased during Summer and decreased in Winter regardless of disinfection method.
‘સમુદ્રાન્તિકે’ નવલકથા પર્યાવરણીય પરિપ્રેક્ષ્યમાં
Authors: Bihola Hemil
Published: September 2023

‘સમુદ્રાન્તિકે’ ધ્રુવ ભટ્ટ દ્વારા લખાયેલી નવલકથા છે. ધ્રુવ ભટ્ટની પ્રથમ નવલકથા ‘અગ્નિકન્યા’ હતી. ત્યાર પછી તેમણે ‘સમુદ્રાન્તિકે’, ‘તત્ત્વમસિ’, ‘કર્ણલોક’, ‘અકૂપાર’, ‘લવલી પાનહાઉસ’ અને ‘અતરાપી’ નવલકથાઓ આપી છે. ધ્રુવ ભટ્ટની ઘણી નવલકથાઓની વિશેષતા તેમના પ્રાકૃતિક પરિવેશમાં રહેલી છે. ‘સમુદ્રાન્તિકે’ નવલકથામાં ભાવનગર પાસેના સમુદ્ર કિનારાનો પરિવેશ છે, ‘તત્ત્વમસિ’માં નર્મદા અને તેના કાંઠા પરના જંગલોનો પરિવેશ છે તો ‘અકૂપાર’માં ગીરના જંગલોનો પરિવેશ છે. આમ પ્રકૃતિ – પર્યાવરણ એ લેખકની રુચિનો વિષય છે તે જણાઈ આવે છે.
Impact of Financial Development and Economic Growth on Poverty in Middle Income African Countries
Authors: Paul Moses Umkanagwa , Iya Ibrahim Baba , Idris Miftahu
Published: September 2023

This study examined the impact of financial development and economic growth on poverty reduction in middle-income African countries using panel data from 1990 to 2021. The study was limited to Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia. Im, Pesaran and Shin unit root test and Pedroni cointegration test approach were used for data analysis. Also, data were analysed using Panel ARDL model based on MG and PMG estimators proposed by Peseran and Smith (1995) and Peseran, Smith and Shin (1999). Results of the unit root test shows the variables are stationary of mixed order, while cointegration test indicates that the variables are linearly cointegrated in the long run. The study revealed that financial development proxy by broad money as share of GDP and broad money as ratio to reserve contributed to poverty reduction in the long the-run. On the other hand, Economic growth proxy by gross domestic product per capita also contributed to poverty reduction in the long run. On the contrary, financial development proxy by domestic credit to private sector as share of GDP had detrimental impact of poverty. To reduce poverty, the study recommended the need for the middle-income countries to implement long run sustainable financial and growth policies. Also, there is need for the implementation of sustainable financial policies that will encourage more credits to private sector at single digit interest rate to promote inclusive financial system, grow the economy and increase income redistribution and reduction in poverty.
An Exploration of Attributes of Self-Efficacy among Learners with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Selected Special Units in Kajiado County
Authors: Waititu Pauline , Ndung’u Dr. Elijah Macharia , Egunjobi Rev. Dr. Fr. Joyzy Pius
Published: September 2023

Self-efficacy is the ability to believe in one self in performing a given task. The main objective of this study was to explore the attributes of self-efficacy of learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities in selected special units in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study was informed by self-efficacy theory by Albert Bandura. A mixed method approach, Embedded design was used to collect and analyze the data. Simple random sampling was done to select the 10 special units in Kajiado county. Purposive sampling was done to select learners with IDD who have been in the special units for a period of 7 years and above and their parents/caregivers. The learners were 85 and their parents/caretakers 85. All the 26 teachers in the selected special units participated in the study. The target population was 343 while the sample size was 196 respondents. Tools for collecting data were questionnaires, focus group discussion guide and observation schedule. Teachers filled in questionnaires; parents/caretakers participated in the focus group discussion while the observation guide was used for the learners as they worked. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed through NVivo software version 12. The major findings of the attributes according to the teachers, parents/caregiver’s include skills mastery, verbal persuasion, appreciation, energy flow and exposure. Teachers too felt that incorporating modern technology in teaching and learning can in a big way enhance self-efficacy of learners with IDD.
Sustainable finance from foreign actors into renewable energy and economic growth: An Indian perspective
Authors: Kohli Anita , Wadhwa Ritu , Tripathi G. C.
Published: September 2023

Energy is a basic ingredient to the economic growth story. Given the increased climate change risk, India like all other countries must transit from fossil -based energy to renewable energy. The transition requires large investments from domestic and foreign actors. The major source of sustainable finance from foreign actors is through the Foreign Direct Investment and External Commercial Borrowings routes. This study analyses the causal relationship between ‘Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth’ and ‘External Commercial Borrowings and Economic Growth’ in India in Renewable Energy sector, also explores the causal relationship between Foreign Direct Investment and External Commercial Borrowings. The study will help in recommending policy changes to increase Foreign Direct Investment and External Commercial Borrowings into Renewable Energy in India.
El arte en Chile y la crisis climática en artes mediales
Authors: Bernaschina Diego
Published: September 2023

Este ensayo se enfoca en el estudio de representación del cambio climático en el videoarte y arte sonoro. La investigación busca explorar la interacción entre ecología, tecnología y creatividad en relación con el arte de videoinstalación y su impacto social y artístico en la crisis ecológica. El objetivo principal es analizar la relación entre estos tres aspectos a través del análisis profundo de las artes mediáticas, especialmente videoarte, arte sonoro y videoinstalación, y estos se reflejan temas recurrentes en el arte contemporáneo. La visión de los conceptos básicos del uso de la instalación en la imagen en movimiento y videoinstalación para crear un estudio de la geografía vibratoria para el arte de sonido y video experimental. En la discusión, se argumenta que videoarte y videoinstalación son formas de arte que evocan fuertemente la crisis en curso y proporcionan un análisis visual valioso para comprender los problemas ambientales contemporáneos. En conclusión, el arte ambiental es una forma de sensibilizar a la sociedad sobre la crisis climática y la importancia de adoptar un enfoque sostenible en el desarrollo económico y social.
Manual para crear objetos indisciplinados de arte postmedial: revisión y propuesta metodológica
Authors: Bernal Rivas Gonzalo Enrique
Published: September 2023

Este trabajo se ha elaborado con la intención de revisar algunos conceptos y antecedentes para el proyecto Manual para crear objetos indisciplinados de arte postmedial, cuyo objetivo es favorecer la producción de artistas profesionales y aficionados. Se ha estructurado en dos secciones. En la primera se hace un acercamiento al concepto de manual entendido como una herramienta pedagógica desde una perspectiva histórica breve; se examinan las nociones de objeto indisciplinado y postmedialidad, partiendo de la división de las artes y considerando a postura de Muller (2015); se examina una selección de antecedentes como el plan de estudios intermedial de Maciunas (1968-1969) y la estrategia curatorial postdisciplinar de Stafford y Terpak; se aborda la clasificación de las artes centrada en los lenguajes de Tatarkiezicz (1987) y se  incluyen las diferencias que hay entre estos de acuerdo con Entenza (2008); además, se explora un manual (Gómez-Peña y Sifuentes, 2011) para determinar si podría observarse como modelo. En la segunda sección, después de la revisión hecha, se muestra una propuesta metodológica que contribuye a la creación de objetos que poseen las características descritas.
Synchresis 50. Para acercarse a una ontología de la Videomúsica
Authors: Scarani Stefano , Chiner Santapau Julia
Published: September 2023

La videomúsica es un lenguaje relativamente nuevo y difícil de definir debido a su hibridación con numerosos otros lenguajes afines. Heredera del videoarte por un lado y de la música experimental, especialmente de ámbito electroacústico, la videomúsica ha ido conformándose como un lenguaje autónomo sin que se formara una identificación bajo una agrupación o escuela por parte de los diferentes autores (en gran parte músicos extendidos al campo visual). El proyecto Synchresis, creado en 2011, se propuso recolectar obras de videomúsica para su difusión en el intento de definir el género simultáneamente al evidenciar sus multiforme rasgos. A distancia de un decenio desde su comienzo, nos proponemos una reflexión sobre los resultados de esta iniciativa.
An Experimental Survey of Anodically Enhanced Cathodic Kinetics of Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Cain Taylor W. , Glover Carol F. , Scully John R.
Published: September 2023

The anodically enhanced cathodic kinetics behavior of 18 different Mg alloys encompassing high-purity Mg, Mg-Al, Mg-Zn, Mg-Sn, and Mg-RE (RE = rare earth element)-based alloys was studied via global and local electrochemical methods in unbuffered 0.6 M NaCl. The total cathodic enhancement observed for Mg-Al and Mg-Sn alloys was found to decrease with increasing primary alloy content, whereas the cathodic activity of Mg-Zn-based alloys increased with alloying content. Furthermore, a lower fraction of secondary phases expressed as a volume fraction present generally led to lower susceptibility toward anodically enhanced cathodic kinetics. The variations in enhanced cathodic activity were attributed to the identity of the primary alloying element, microstructure, and nature of the dissolution product film.
Gestão Gerencialista e Trabalho Docente: aproximações com a produção de subjetividades na contemporaneidade
Authors: Dos Santos Renata Gabriele , Tonon Leonardo
Published: September 2023

O gerencialismo é conhecido por facilitar práticas de gestão que possibilitam o exercício do poder por meio de ideologias marcantes na produção da subjetividade dos trabalhadores. Assim, esta pesquisa objetivou investigar como os modos de subjetivação se apresentam, a partir da gestão gerencialista, no cotidiano do trabalho docente em instituições privadas de ensino superior. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como exploratório-descritiva qualitativa, e a coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas com 16 docentes de 3 instituições privadas de Curitiba-PR. Os relatos permitiram compreender que a ideologia gerencialista influencia as escolhas, percepções, expectativas e significados do trabalho. O gerencialismo constrói um método de trabalho centrado no pertencimento e na adesão voluntária, tomando a educação como serviço que deve atender às demandas do mercado. Os resultados também revelaram que as práticas gerenciais estão ligadas a fatores objetivos e subjetivos. No entanto, elementos de singularidades também se revelam como resistências e reflexões frente às ideologias promovidas pela gestão.
Boekbespreking: Donuteconomie
Authors: van Brenk Herman
Published: September 2023

In dit artikel bespreek ik het boek Donuteconomie (2017) van Kate Raworth, met als ondertitel ‘In zeven stappen naar een economie voor de 21e eeuw’. Raworth is econoom en als Senior Associate verbonden aan Oxford University en als Professor of Practice gelieerd aan de Hogeschool van Amsterdam. In haar werk concentreert ze zich op het economische aspect van maatschappelijke en ecologische uitdagingen in de 21e eeuw. Het boek is een wereldwijde bestseller en heeft veel aandacht gekregen in de media. De inleiding van het boek begint met de prikkelende vraag wie er nu econoom wil worden. De auteur beschrijft een student die de wereld ziet veranderen en economie gaat studeren om een bijdrage te leveren aan deze verandering, om vervolgens gefrustreerd te raken over de achterhaalde theorieën en vooronderstellingen die ze aan de universiteit gedoceerd krijgt. Geldt dit ook voor accountants? Is ons denken in het onderwijs en de praktijk actueel genoeg om jonge mensen te stimuleren een actieve bijdrage te leveren aan de ontwikkeling van het accountantsberoep? En is het huidige model van de accountancy aantrekkelijk genoeg om dit talent te boeien en te binden? Donuteconomie is een inspirerend boek dat ons een ander perspectief op groei laat zien. In deze boekbespreking geef ik eerst een korte impressie van het boek, daarna een reflectie op het boek en tot slot mijn opinie.
La renta activa de inserción: una incierta incursión estatal en el ámbito de las políticas de inserción
Authors: De la Casa Quesada Susana , Molina Hermosilla Olimpia
Published: September 2023

En las páginas siguientes se efectúa un análisis de los distintos programas diseñados, hasta el momento, por el Gobierno Central, para la realización del objetivo de inserción laboral de los desempleados de larga duración mayores de 45 años. Este objetivo, para el año en curso, encuentra su plasmación normativa en el Real Decreto 781/2001, de 6 de julio, que marca la continuidad de la línea de actuación iniciada el pasado año con el Real Decreto 236/2000, de 18 de febrero.
La actualidad de la regulación, la creciente importancia de los temas vinculados a la política de inserción, especialmente a raíz del compromiso comunitario contraído en Niza (2000) donde con la aprobación de la «Agenda Social Europea» se definen las prioridades de actuación en el ámbito de la política social y que ya ha supuesto la aprobación por el Consejo de Ministros del «Plan de Inclusión Social», y los problemas aplicativos que ha planteado la regulación de este tema, dotan de un significativo interés al contenido del estudio que se reproduce a continuación.
Gestión de la empleabilidad y planificación de carreras profesionales en el ámbito laboral de los Recursos Humanos: diseño de itinerarios profesionales
Authors: Madrid García Antonio José
Published: September 2023

Presentamos los resultados y las conclusiones extraídas de un estudio llevado a cabo entre los meses de septiembre de 2000 y febrero de 2001 donde se analizan las ofertas de empleo en el ámbito de Recursos Humanos aparecidas en los suplementos de empleo dominicales de El País y ABC Nuevo Trabajo. Con este análisis pretendemos que los futuros profesionales de este ámbito laboral sepan qué aspectos necesitan adquirir (competencias profesionales, formación, experiencia, etc.) para acceder al mercado laboral o potenciar, en el caso de los profesionales en activo, con el fin de mejorar su nivel de empleabilidad y profesionalidad. Así, con estos planteamientos obtendremos datos objetivos con los cuales poder planificar la carrera laboral, así como el diseño de itinerarios profesionales para los trabajadores inmersos en el área de Recursos Humanos.
Estudio crítico del Real Decreto-Ley 5/2002, de 24 de mayo
Authors: Sempere Navarro Antonio V. , Cordero Saavedra Luciano
Published: September 2023

En el Boletín Oficial del Estado de 25 de mayo de 2002 se publicó el Real Decreto-Ley 5/2002, de 24 de mayo, de medidas urgentes para la reforma del sistema de protección por desempleo y mejora de la ocupabilidad, que se marca como objetivos generales los siguientes: facilitar oportunidades de empleo para todas las personas que deseen incorporarse al mercado de trabajo, mejorar el funcionamiento de este último, corregir las disfunciones observadas en la protección por desempleo, y ampliar la protección a colectivos que actualmente carecen de ella.
La incidencia sustantiva que comportan estas medidas, unido a la urgencia con la que se han introducido y la ruptura del clima de diálogo social provocada, configuran un escenario en el que la reflexión jurídica debe tener también su propio espacio, máxime cuando en el contexto de la reforma operada se encuentran varias y heterogéneas instituciones tanto de las relaciones laborales cuanto de la Seguridad Social o de la Política de Empleo, que llevan expresa o tácitamente a modificar diversos preceptos del Estatuto de los Trabajadores, de la Ley General de la Seguridad Social, de la Ley de Infracciones y Sanciones en el Orden Social, o de otros relevantes cuerpos normativos.
Impact of the doctrine of seed planting on the mission of the church in Kenya
Authors: Mwongera Purity Kananu , Kagema Dickson Nkonge , Nyaga David Bururia
Published: September 2023

This study sought to find out the impact of the doctrine of seed planting on the mission of the church in Kenya. The Doctrine of Seed Planting (DSP) has been overemphasised above the mission of the church in Kenya. It emerged in the New Christian Movements (NCMs) in the 1950s among PG preachers and continued to spread into other denominations, including the Mainline, Pentecostal and African Independent churches. Continued preaching of DSP has become a challenge to the mission of the church. Despite the efforts of scholars to castigate it as a ruse and faulty doctrine in the church, it is still being preached to the extent that it has been categorised as the main doctrine in PG theology. However, how it influenced the mission of the church, her core business remained un-investigated systematically. This raised a great concern that necessitated an in-depth study of this kind. The data was collected and analysed from 364 church members, 10 clergy and 12 lay leaders from different church denominations. The results show that DSP has a negative impact on the mission of the church. It benefited the clergy and led to the suffering of believers. Therefore, the study recommended that the church de-emphasise DSP and embark on pragmatic transformative activities aimed at improving people’s livelihood. The study was significant in the area of sociology and psychology studies.