bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trypanosome Infection Rate in Glossina tachinoides: Infested Rivers of Limmu Kosa District Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Meharenet Behablom , Alemu Dereje
Published: September 2019

Objective: Trypanosomosis is a disease of domestic animals and humans resulting from infection with parasitaemic protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma transmitted primarily by tsetse flies and other hematophagous flies. The study was conducted to estimate the infection rate of trypanosome in vector flies and involved parasite species. Result: The study result indicated that there was only one species of Tsetse fly Glossinatachinoides detected with high Flay/Trap/Day = 4.45. Total of n=284 tsetse flies were dissected and n= 5 positive for Glossinatachinoidesresulting in 1.76% infection rate. Higher trypanosome infections were observed in female tsetse with significant infection rate of 1.41%, n=4 and 0.35%, n=1 in males. Furthermore, 1.06% of the trypanosome infections carried by Glossinatachinoides were classified as Trypanosomavivax and the remaining 0.70% was Trypanosomacongolense.The study confirmed the absence of human trypanosomosis in study area with only identified trypanosome parasites were Trypanosomavivax and Trypanosomacongolense. However, the resulted FTD= 4.45 recommend control and suppression of the vector and parasite is mandatory due to Pathogenic Animal Trypanosomosis.
Decision-to-delivery interval of emergency cesarean section in Uganda: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hughes Noemi , Namagembe Imelda , Nakimuli Annettee , Sekikubo Musa , Moffett Ashley , Patient Charlotte , Aiken Catherine
Published: September 2019

Background : In many low and medium human development index countries, the rate of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality is high. One factor which may influence this is the decision-to-delivery interval of emergency cesarean section. We aimed to investigate the maternal risk factors, indications and decision-to-delivery interval of emergency cesarean section in a large, under-resourced obstetric setting in Uganda.
Methods: Records of 344 singleton pregnancies delivered at ≥24 weeks throughout June 2017 at Mulago National Referral Hospital were analysed using Cox proportional hazards models and multivariate logistic regression models.
Results : An emergency cesarean section was performed every 104 minutes and the median decision-to-delivery interval was 5.5 hours. Longer interval was associated with preeclampsia and premature rupture of membranes/oligohydramnios. Fetal distress was associated with a shorter interval (p<0.001). There was no association between decision-to-delivery interval and adverse perinatal outcomes (p>0.05). Mothers waited on average 6 hours longer for deliveries between 00:00-08:00 compared to those between 12:00-20:00 (p<0.01). The risk of perinatal death was higher in neonates where the decision to deliver was made between 20:00-02:00 compared to 08:00-12:00 (p<0.01).
Conclusion : In this setting, the average decision-to-delivery interval is longer than targets adopted in high development index countries. Decision-to-delivery interval varies diurnally, with decisions and deliveries made at night carrying a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. This suggests a need for targeting the improvement of service provision overnight.
Effects of sugammadex plus rocuronium vs neostigmine plus cisatracurium during renal transplantation on graft function.
Authors: Vargas Maria , Buonanno Pasquale , Sica Andrea , Sabatella Emanuele , D’Alessio Francesco P. , Alfieri Simone , Iacovazzo Carmine , Carrano Rosa , Servillo Giuseppe
Published: September 2019

Background Rocuronium can be used in patients with severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min) but the duration of muscle relaxation is longer and results in an increased risk of postoperative residual curarization. Rocuronium can be antagonized by sugammadex but the elimination of the complex they made (rocuronium-sugammadex complex) varies according to the renal function. Two case reports/series reported the use of rocuronium – sugammadex complex during renal transplantation. This retrospective case-control study aimed to investigate the effects of rocuronium – sugammadex, used during the renal transplantation, on transplanted kidney function.Methods We analyzed 113 medical records of patients undergoing kidney transplantation from January 2015 to December 2018. 47 medical records were excluded because they did not report the administration of rocuronium + sugammadex or cisatracurium + neostigmine during the transplantation. For each medical records the following data were recorded the characteristics of patients and of kidney donor. Blood creatinine, blood urea, blood sodium, blood potassium, blood calcium levels were collected at the day before the surgery, the day of surgery, after 6 hours (hrs), 12 hrs, 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs. Diuresis, urinary sodium and urinary potassium levels were collected at the day of surgery, after 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs. Results We collected data from 66 medical reports. Blood creatinine levels at 6 hrs, 12 hrs and 24 hrs were significantly lower in roc + sug group than cis + neo group (crea 6 hrs =0.05, crea 12 hrs p=0.038, crea 24 hrs p= 0.049). Blood urea levels for 24 hrs after the transplantation were significantly lower in in roc + sug group than cis + neo group (urea 0 hrs p=0.025, urea 6 hrs p= 0.011, urea 12 hrs p=0.03, urea 24 hrs p=0.011). We found no statistically significant differences in blood sodium, blood potassium, blood calcium, diuresis, urinary sodium, urinary potassium levels before and after the transplantation.Conclusions In this retrospective case-control study, the use of rocuronium and sugammadex during the renal transplant surgery did not affect the recovery of the graft function during the first week after the transplantation.
Magnitude of Uncontrolled Hypertension and Associated Factors among Adult Hypertensive Patients in Public Hospitals of Central Zone, Tigray, Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study 2018
Authors: Negash Assefa Iyasu , Siyoum Desta , Hailemariam Tsega , Kidanu Berihu Hailu , Gebremeskel Gebreamlak Gebremdhin , Weldesamuel Girmay Teklay , Zemichael Teklewoini Mariye , Gebreslassie Kefle Tekulu , Hagos Haftea
Published: September 2019

Background: - Uncontrolled hypertension is if SBP is ≥140 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥90 mm Hg for general hypertensive population or if SBP ≥130 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥80 mm Hg in patients with established diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease based on the average of two or more properly measured, seated, BP readings on each of two or more office visits. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients in public hospitals of central zone, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2018. Methods:- A hospital based cross sectional study design was used. The study population was all sampled adult hypertensive patients who had follow up in public hospitals of central zone, Tigray and the data collection period was from March 01 to April 30, 2018. About 421 study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire, chart review checklist and measurements were used. The collected data was checked for its completeness manually and then entered and cleaned in to epi data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical packages for social science version 22 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were done to identify factors of uncontrolled hypertension. Then those variables significant at p<0.25 with the outcome variable in bivariate analysis were selected for multivariable analysis and odds ratio with 95% confidence level was computed and p-value < 0.05 was described as a significant association in multivariable analysis. Result: - Among 421 respondents about 177(42%) had uncontrolled hypertension. Co-morbidity [AOR=0.36, (0.205, 0.631)], five to ten years duration of medication taken [AOR=0.398, (0.218, 0.725)], side effect of medication [AOR=0.542, (0.339, 0.866)] and medication adherence [AOR=4.092, (2.419, 6.924)] were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Conclusion: - In this study the magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension was high. Co-morbidity, antihypertensive medication taken for long duration, side effect of antihypertensive medication and non adherence to antihypertensive medication shows statistical association with uncontrolled hypertension.
The relationship between sleep duration and health status in Qatar’s population
Authors: Althani Maryam , Khaled Salma M
Published: September 2019

Background: Knowledge of correlates of sleep duration is limited to developed countries with dearth of studies conducted in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Qatar is a rapidly developing country in the EMR with three distinct population groups Qatari nationals (QNs) or natives; higher income white-collar expatriates (WCEs), and blue-collar workers (BCEs) who are mostly male laborers from South Asia. The. The aim of this study was to explore the association between sleep duration and chronic health conditions in a representative sample of Qatar’s general population. Methods: A total of 2,523 surveys were completed over the phone by trained interviewers; a final sample of 2,499 was retained. Descriptive and multinomial logistic regression analyses accounting for complex survey design were conducted in STATA 14. All regression models were adjusted for age, gender and social group using an alpha value of 0.05 for statistical significance. Results: The overall prevalence of sleeping < 7hrs was observed at 54%, while 42% of respondents reported sleeping 7-8hrs and 4% reported sleeping > 8hrs in the general population of Qatar. Participants who reported the poorest health status had increased odds of sleeping < 7hrs (OR 1.38, P=0.04) compared with those who reported good health after adjustment for covariates. Additionally, participants with two or more diagnosed illnesses had higher odds of sleeping < 7hrs (OR 1.58, P=0.02) compared to healthy participants. An increase in odds of sleeping < 7hrs was also observed in participants with obesity (OR 1.58, P=0.02). Conclusion: Qatar’s population exhibited high prevalence of short sleep duration, which was significantly associated with poor rated health, obesity, and chronic illness independent of age, gender, or social class.
Characteristics and Outcome of Influenza-Associated Encephalopathy/Encephalitis Among Children In A Tertiary Pediatric Hospital In Italy, 2017-2019
Authors: Mastrolia Maria Vincenza , Rubino Chiara , Resti Massimo , Trapani Sandra , Galli Luisa
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND: Influenza is the most frequent cause of acute upper respiratory tract infections during winter season. Although rare, neurological manifestations are known to occur during influenza infection and approximatively three-quarters of cases are in children. In this study, we aimed to characterize the burden and clinical spectrum of influenza-associated encephalopathy and encephalitis in children admitted at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Italy over two influenza seasons (2017-2019).METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical, laboratory, instrumental data and outcome of patients discharged with ICD9-CM 487.0 code RESULTS: Fifteen children (13.1% of those discharged with a diagnosis of influenza infection in the study period), had influenza-associated central nervous system (CNS) manifestations. Eight patients (53.3%) were diagnosed as influenza encephalitis, 7 (46.7%) as influenza encephalopathy. Median age was 27 months. In children under 2 years of age (40% of all cases) altered consciousness was the most frequent neurological manifestation while respiratory symptoms were present at admission in all cases. Younger children also required intensive care support more frequently. Five subjects (33.3%) presented comorbidity. None of the patients had received seasonal influenza vaccination. The median time from onset of respiratory signs to onset of neurological manifestations was 24 hours. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was normal in most patients and polymerase chain reaction for influenza virus RNA on CSF, when performed, was negative in all samples. Neuroradiological investigations, performed in 5 children, reported cortical and subcortical white matter signal alterations. Oseltamivir was administered only in 2 cases. Fourteen patients recovered without sequelae, and only a 2-year-old girl had minimal impairment in fine motor skills at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: All children presenting acute neurological features during influenza season should be evaluated for influenza-associated CNS complications even if the respiratory involvement is mild. Absence of underlying diseases or other risk factors are not protective factors against CNS influenza-associated complications. The lack of CSF pleocytosis does not exclude CNS involvement. Children under 2 years of age are at higher risk of requiring intensive care support.
Cross-resistance of the pathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata to fungicides with different modes of action
Authors: Yang Li-Na , He Meng-Han , Ouyang Hai-Bing , Zhu Wen , Pan Zhe-Chao , Sui Qi-Jun , Shang Li-Ping , Zhan Jiasui
Published: September 2019

Background: Cross-resistance, a phenomenon that a pathogen resists to one antimicrobial compound also resists to one or several other compounds, is one of major threats to human health and sustainable food production. It usually occurs among antimicrobial compounds sharing the mode of action. In this study, we determined the sensitivity profiles of Alternaria alternata , a fungal pathogen which can cause diseases in many crops to two fungicides (mancozeb and difenoconazole) with different mode of action using a large number of isolates (234) collected from seven potato fields across China. Results: We found that pathogens could also develop cross resistance to fungicides with different modes of action as indicated by a strong positive correlation between mancozeb and difenoconazole tolerances to A. alternata . We also found a positive association between mancozeb tolerance and aggressiveness of A. alternata , suggesting no fitness penalty of developing mancozeb resistance in the pathogen and hypothesize that mechanisms such as antimicrobial compound efflux and detoxification that limit intercellular accumulation of natural/synthetic chemicals in pathogens might account for the cross-resistance and the positive association between pathogen aggressiveness and mancozeb tolerance. Conclusions: The detection of cross-resistance among different classes of fungicides suggests that the mode of action alone may not be an adequate sole criterion to determine what components to use in the mixture and/or rotation of fungicides in agricultural and medical sects. Similarly, the observation of a positive association between the pathogen’s aggressiveness and tolerance to mancozeb suggests that intensive application of site non-specific fungicides might simultaneously lead to reduced fungicide resistance and enhanced ability to cause diseases in pathogen populations, thereby posing a greater threat to agricultural production and human health. In this case, the use of evolutionary principles in closely monitoring populations and the use of appropriate fungicide applications are important for effective use of the fungicides and durable infectious disease management.
Humic Acid Buildup Increases Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Redox‐Oscillating Upland Soils while Catalyzing Iron(III) Reduction and Phosphorus Desorption
Authors: Wilmoth Jared L. , Sexstone Alan J. , McDonald Louis M.
Published: September 2019

Humic substances comprise chemically and physically complex forms of organic C that are recognized to be involved in the catalytic cycling of electrons in diverse biogeochemical reactions. Recent investigations have indicated that humic substances existing in redox‐dynamic terrestrial environments, such as intermittently wet soils, may be uniquely important for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. However, many relevant studies have relied on the use of commercially available humic substances and/or synthetic humic analogs. In the present study, during a 42‐d anoxic incubation, we investigated the regulatory and catalytic effects of increasing concentrations of site‐specific (i.e., native) humic acid (HA) in an Appalachian upland soil known to experience redox‐oscillating conditions in the field. Extracted native HA was characterized using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐NMR), Fourier transformed infrared (FT‐IR), and total CHNS elemental analyses. We found that native HA was relatively enriched in aromatic and amino acid C. Increasing concentrations of native HA added at the start of soil incubations led to higher rates of CO2 emission and microbial Fe(III) reduction, indicating that a buildup of soil HA allows for a greater number of electrons to shuttle between Fe(III) reducers and Fe(III) electron acceptors during microbial oxidation of organic C. Treatments with native HA were also compared against a synthetic HA‐analog treatment containing 0.2 g anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonic acid (AQDS) kg−1 dry soil to investigate catalytic electron cycling by native HA and AQDS. Our data suggest that the buildup of native humic substances, which are relatively rich in aromatic and amino acid C, leads to globally relevant increases in CO2 emissions, the redox cycling of Fe, and the availability of organic P after transition to anaerobic conditions in upland soils.

Core Ideas

Humic acid buildup increases CO2 emissions from anaerobic soil.

Humic acid buildup catalyzes increasing rates of electron transfer.

Iron complexation and reduction by humic acid appear to be simultaneous.
Soil Phosphorus Modeling for Modern Agriculture Requires Balance of Science and Practicality: A Perspective
Authors: Das Bianca , Huth Neil , Probert Merv , Condron Leo , Schmidt Susanne
Published: September 2019

The use of phosphorus (P) fertilizers in arable crop and pastoral systems is expected to change as modern agriculture is challenged to produce more food with fewer inputs. Agricultural systems models offer a dual purpose to support and integrate recent scientific advances and to identify strategies for farmers to improve nutrient efficiency. However, compared with nitrogen and carbon, advances in P modeling have been less successful. We assessed the potential opportunity of P modeling to increase P efficiency for modern agriculture and identified the current challenges associated with modeling P dynamics at the field scale. Three major constraints were (i) a paucity of detailed field datasets to model strategies aimed at increasing P use efficiency, (ii) a limited ability to predict P cycling and availability under the local effects of climate change, and (iii) a restricted ability to match measured soil P fractions to conceptual and modelable pools in soils with different mineral properties. To improve P modeling success, modelers will need to walk a tightrope to balance the roles of assisting detailed empirical research and providing practical land management solutions. We conclude that a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to acquire suitable datasets, continually assess the need for model adjustment, and provide flexibility for progression of scientific theory. Such an approach is likely to advance P management for increased P use efficiency.

Core Ideas

Models can complement research and identify strategies to increase P efficiency.

A variety of quality long‐term field trials is needed to advance model capabilities.

Well‐calibrated soil models are needed to assess climate change impacts on P cycling.

A framework is needed to streamline multidisciplinary research to improve P management.
Phosphorus mirabilis: Illuminating the Past and Future of Phosphorus Stewardship
Authors: Jarvie Helen P. , Sharpley Andrew N. , Flaten Don , Kleinman Peter J. A.
Published: September 2019

After its discovery in 1669, phosphorus (P) was named Phosphorus mirabilis (“the miraculous bearer of light”), arising from the chemoluminescence when white P is exposed to the atmosphere. The metaphoric association between P and light resonates through history: from the discovery of P at the start of the Enlightenment period to the vital role of P in photosynthetic capture of light in crop and food production through to new technologies, which seek to capitalize on the interactions between novel ultrathin P allotropes and light, including photocatalysis, solar energy production, and storage. In this introduction to the Journal of Environmental Quality special section “Celebrating the 350th Anniversary of Discovering Phosphorus—For Better or Worse,” which brings together 22 paper contributions, we shine a spotlight on the historical and emerging challenges and opportunities in research and understanding of the agricultural, environmental, and societal significance of this vital element. We highlight the role of P in water quality impairment and the variable successes of P mitigation measures. We reflect on the need to improve P use efficiency and on the kaleidoscope of challenges facing efficient use of P. We discuss the requirement to focus on place‐based solutions for developing effective and lasting P management. Finally, we consider how cross‐disciplinary collaborations in P stewardship offer a guiding light for the future, and we explore the glimmers of hope for reconnecting our broken P cycle and the bright new horizons needed to ensure future food, water, and bioresource security for growing global populations.

Core Ideas

This special section comprises 22 papers celebrating the 350th anniversary of P discovery.

Historical and emerging challenges and opportunities exist in P research and understanding.

Authors address P use efficiency and a kaleidoscope of challenges for efficient P use.

Focusing on place‐based solutions is required for effective P management.

Cross‐disciplinary collaborations in P stewardship are needed for food and water security.
Sorghum Hybrids for Low‐Input Farming Systems in West Africa: Quantitative Genetic Parameters to Guide Hybrid Breeding
Authors: Kante Moctar , Rattunde Fred , Nébié Baloua , Sissoko Ibrahima , Diallo Bocar , Diallo Abdoulaye , Touré Abocar , Weltzien Eva , Haussmann Bettina I.G. , Leiser Willmar L.
Published: September 2019

The development of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] hybrids with Guinea‐race parents is a promising approach to increase yields in West Africa (WA). There is heretofore no quantitative genetic information about the genetic value of new hybrids and their parents, or about the efficiency of alternative selection methods for targeting yield performance under the predominantly low‐input, P‐deficient production conditions. This study aims to estimate the heterosis levels attainable by new Guinea‐race hybrids and the combining abilities of the current suite of parents with partial‐ to full‐Guinea‐race backgrounds of contrasting geographic origins, and to determine the effectiveness of direct selection under low‐P (LP) relative to indirect selection under high‐P (HP) conditions. Single‐cross hybrids were evaluated in 2015 and 2016 for yield under both LP and HP conditions at two locations in Mali. The hybrid yields were substantially superior to farmers’ local Guinea‐race varieties, with 20 to 80% higher means in both LP and HP environments. Average midparent and better‐parent heterosis estimates were, respectively, 78 and 48% under HP, and 75 and 42% under LP. Direct selection for yield under LP was predicted to be 20 to 60% more effective than indirect selection under HP conditions. The combining ability estimates provided initial insights into the potential benefit of germplasm from more eastern and humid regions of WA for developing a restorer pool distinct and complementary to the female pool from Mali and surrounding countries. Substantial yield superiorities of hybrids over local varieties suggested that a hybrid breeding strategy based on Guinea germplasm could help improve WA smallholder farmers’ livelihood.
Soil Biological Health: Influence of Crop Rotational Diversity and Tillage on Soil Microbial Properties
Authors: Alhameid Abdullah , Singh Jasdeep , Sekaran Udayakumar , Kumar Sandeep , Singh Shardendu
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

We studied the impact of three rotations and two tillage systems on soil biological health after 25 yr.

A significant rotation × tillage interaction was found for microbial biomass C and N, hot‐water‐extractable C, and urease and β‐glucosidase activity.

Adoption of no‐till and diversified crops improved these soil health properties.

Crop rotational diversity and tillage management influence soil microbial properties. Three crop rotations [maize (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max [Merr.] L.) (the 2‐yr rotation); maize–soybean–oat (Avena sativa L.) (3‐yr rotation); maize–soybean–oat–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (4‐yr rotation)] in combination with no‐till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) were used to assess the impact on soil health parameters such as microbial biomass C (MBC) and microbial biomass N (MBN), C fractions, and urease and β‐glucosidase enzymes. Soil samples were collected in the maize and soybean phases at planting and harvest in 2016 at surface depth (0–7.5 cm). A significant tillage × rotation interaction was observed for all the parameters. At planting, under the maize phase, NT with the 4‐yr rotation increased MBC by 86% and MBN by 20% compared with the same cropping system (4‐yr) under CT. The hot‐water‐extractable C fraction under NT was, respectively, 19, 27, and 71% higher at maize harvest, soybean planting, and soybean harvest than under CT. Urease activity under the 4‐yr rotation with NT was 55% higher than that under the 2‐yr rotation with NT and almost doubled that under the 4‐yr rotation with CT. Beta‐glucosidase enzyme activity was higher under the 2‐yr cropping system with NT than in the other treatments at planting and harvest in the maize phase. A diverse cropping system (maize–soybean–wheat–oat, the 4‐yr rotation) managed with NT could benefit soil health by improving MBC, MBN, hot‐water‐extractable C, and urease and β‐glucosidase enzyme activity.
Limitations to Redoximorphic Feature Development in Highly Calcareous Hydric Soils
Authors: King Matthew , Vaughan Karen L. , Clause Karen , Mattke Dan
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Soil morphology in highly calcareous wetlands does not reflect current hydrology.

Despite anaerobic conditions, redox features do not form in carbonatic soils.

Problematic hydric soils in the arid west need to be investigated.

Alternative indicators must be used to identify problematic hydric soils.

Given the correct conditions, redox features will form in carbonatic soils.

Wetlands in arid climates are particularly important to understand and conserve given, their low spatial extent and high rate of delivering ecosystem services. Hydromorphic soils formed in calcareous geologic materials in western Wyoming present challenges related to wetland delineation. Despite the presence of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology, these soils have not developed the traditional redoximorphic features required to identify hydric soils. To determine the limiting factor responsible for the lack of redoximorphic feature expression, a mesocosm study was conducted with cores extracted from the field. Fifteen intact soil cores were treated with Fe, organic C (OC), a combination of Fe + OC, or no amendment and inundated for 18 wk. Oxidation–reduction potential and pH were measured weekly and after 18 wk, the barrels were drained, the soil cores were dissected, and the redoximorphic features were described. The mesocosms treated with Fe and Fe + OC generated the greatest amount of redoximorphic features (21.9 and 23.0%, respectively). In contrast, the OC‐treated and control mesocosms produced minimal redoximorphic features (0.16 and 0.08%, respectively). According to the results of this study, the addition of Fe and the accompanying acidifying conditions allowed for the development of redoximorphic features and therefore is responsible for their absence in situ. The field identification of carbonatic hydric soils will require the use of an alternative field indicator beyond soil morphological indicators.
Evolution mechanisms and fundamental equations of social water cycle fluxes
Authors: Hou Baodeng , Yang Ruixiang , Zhou Yuyan , Xiao Weihua , Wang Jianhua , Zhao Yong , Zhan Xuzhu
Published: September 2019

The rise of socio-hydrology, addressing the interactions between human and water systems, is regarded as an innovative perspective to researches achieving the sustainable use of water resources. Revealing the social water fluxes, in terms of magnitude, structure, and variations under changing environment, could advance the understanding of water cycling under the dual driving forces: natural and anthropogenic. This study attempts to formulate the fundamental equations of the social water cycle by focusing on the evolution mechanisms of social water cycle fluxes. The endogenously dynamic characteristics of social water cycling are portrayed, i.e., the gradual change mechanism and the catastrophe mechanism, therefore dividing the evolution processes into four stages. Then, social water cycle flux reaches its peak and completes the first stage of evolution. The evolution process is an S-shaped curve process. After the peak, it enters the next evolutionary stage, where the pattern varies with the intensities of the gradual change mechanism and the catastrophe mechanism. The coordination relationships of these two mechanisms and the fluctuating characteristics in each stage are studied as well. Case studies are investigated in 39 countries globally to verify the fitting of the fundamental equations and evolution mechanisms.
Can shared standpipes fulfil the Sustainable Development Goal of universal access to safe water for urban poor in Kenya?
Authors: Sarkar Anindita
Published: September 2019

With the analyses of secondary data, the study finds that there has been a consistent increase in safe water coverage in Kenya over the years, mostly through paid common standpipes. However, primary data collected through in-depth field investigations in the Mathare slums of Nairobi reveal that the paid standpipes are overstressed and are prone to unreliable services, neglected operation and maintenance, illegal connections, water theft, unregulated and high tariffs and client favouritism on the basis of tribal affiliations. Thus, the most effective way to serve the urban poor is to increase the number of working standpipes with fixed operating schedules per day, along with strict enforcement of water tariff regulations.
Using response surface methodology (RSM) for optimizing turbidity removal by electrocoagulation/electro-flotation in an internal loop airlift reactor
Authors: Ntambwe Kambuyi T. , Eddaqaq F. , Driouich A. , Bejjany B. , Lekhlif B. , Mellouk H. , Digua K. , Dani A.
Published: September 2019

Response surface methodology (RSM) is used to optimize the electrocoagulation/electro-flotation process applied for the removal of turbidity from surface water in an internal loop airlift reactor. Two flat aluminium electrodes are used in monopolar arrangement for the production of coagulants. The central composite design is used as a second-order mathematical model. The model describes the change of the measured responses of turbidity removal efficiency and energy consumption according to the initial conductivity (X1), applied voltage (X2), treatment time (X3) and inter-electrode distance (X4). The evaluation of the model fit quality is done by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Fisher's F-test is used to provide information about the linear, interaction and quadratic effects of factors. Multicriteria methodology, mainly the desirability function (D), is used to determine optimal conditions. The results show that, for a maximal desirability function D = 0.79, optimal conditions estimated are X1 = 1,487 μS/cm, X2 = 5 V, X3 = 6.5 min, X4 = 14 mm. The corresponding turbidity removal rate and energy consumption are 84.15% and 0.215 kWh/m3 respectively. A confirmation study is then carried out at laboratory scale using the optimal conditions estimated. The results show a turbidity removal rate of 72.05% and an energy consumption of 0.210 kWh/m3.
Electrochemical removal of nitrate from a Donnan dialysis waste stream
Authors: Makover Judah , Hasson David , Huang Yunyan , Semiat Raphael , Shemer Hilla
Published: September 2019

The objective of this work was to investigate electrochemical removal of nitrate from a high salinity waste stream generated by Donnan dialysis. Donnan dialysis for nitrate removal is a promising technique. It produces a distinctive composition of a high salinity waste stream of NaCl or Na2SO4 that requires a viable disposal method. The waste stream has the full anionic composition of contaminated groundwater, but the only cation is sodium. Experiments were conducted in a batch system setup. A copper cathode was chosen over brass, aluminum and graphite cathodes. A dimensionally stable anode (DSA), Ti/PbO2, was selected over a Ti/Pt anode. Electrochemical denitrification of high salinity Donnan dialysis nitrate wastes was successfully achieved, with different behavior exhibited in high salinity NaCl solution than in high salinity Na2SO4 solution. NaCl inhibited nitrate removal at high salinities while Na2SO4 did not. The maximum removals after 4 h operation in the high salinity wastes were 69 and 87% for the NaCl and Na2SO4 solutions respectively.
As cartas no Anatômico jocoso (1755), de Frei Lucas de Santa Catarina
Authors: Barbosa Socorro de Fátima Pacífico , Viana de Oliveira Valnikson
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma análise das missivas contidas no tomo II do periódico português Anatômico jocoso (1755), atribuído a Frei Lucas de Santa Catarina. Este trabalho também busca lançar luz sobre os modos de composição epistolar nos periódicos jocosos portugueses, em seu diálogo com a correspondência jornalística e periódica e com a prática cotidiana de urbanidade dos escritores de cartas (MIRANDA; LISBOA, 2011). Para tal, foi feito um levantamento dos principais temas contidos nas cartas, além da presença de composições em verso, revelando aspectos interessantes sobre algumas práticas de leitura e de escrita no século XVIII português. Ademais, considerando o que afirma D. F. Mckenzie (2004) sobre o fato de novos suportes criarem novos gêneros, este artigo também visa contribuir com os estudos da história da literatura e dos gêneros literários, particularmente no que tange à sua origem, à sua fusão ou ao seu desaparecimento, quando de sua publicação em suportes diversos. Como resultado, percebemos que o nosso corpus demonstra o papel da epístola como gênero literário e retórico proeminente, apresentando expressiva crítica a comportamentos sociais, além de trazer a própria sátira à retórica e à poética por meio do tratamento jocoso oferecido aos vários modelos de carta presentes nos manuais e secretários, revelando artimanhas de composição e adaptação ao suporte folheto.
POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS E PARTICIPAÇÃO SOCIAL: UM DEBATE ENTRE A IDENTIDADE E O DESENVOLVIMENTO TERRITORIAL
Authors: Abdala Bruno
Published: September 2019

Este artigo, de maneira geral, trata das políticas públicas e da participação social. O interesse particular está em aproximar tais debates ao papel da identidade na construção do desenvolvimento territorial rural. A identidade é entendida aqui como um processo, marcado por relações de poder. A afirmação da identidade, nesse sentido, tem papel fundamental na demarcação dos interesses e demandas de populações atendidas por políticas de desenvolvimento. Ao longo do texto, apresentam-se os contextos que marcam a mudança de perspectiva das políticas públicas, que passam a promover a participação social e a territorialização de ações governamentais. Pondera-se, entretanto, que é preciso que tais políticas garantam que processos decisórios possam, de fato, serem revertidos em ações concretas.
DESENVOLVIMENTO TERRITORIAL E GÊNERO: A MULHER COMO AGENTE DE MUDANÇA SOCIAL EM MOÇAMBIQUE
Authors: Marques Gabriela de Azevedo , Paz Francileuda Pontes
Published: September 2019

Neste artigo busca-se compreender como a mulher se constitui em um agente de mudança social para o desenvolvimento territorial em Moçambique. Ao partir da perspectiva do desenvolvimento territorial, que coloca em evidência a valorização dos sujeitos sociais e suas práticas, elencamos a questão do gênero como um importante aspecto deste tipo de abordagem. Como recorte de estudo de caso, analisamos a situação socioeconômica e cultural de Moçambique, dando ênfase à condição das mulheres moçambicanas. Ao final, utilizamo-nos da descrição da prática do xitiki, com vistas a compreender de que maneira esse tipo de prática e seus congêneres podem contribuir com a expansão das capacidades e ampliação das habilidades e possibilidades da mulher moçambicana em sua realidade de vida, ampliando, assim, a reflexão sobre o desenvolvimento.
A FEIRA DO IMPORTADOS NO DISTRITO FEDERAL E O CIRCUITO INFERIOR DA ECONOMIA URBANA
Authors: Silva Wellington
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar as características dos circuitos da economia urbana, com especial ênfase para a identificação das características formuladas por Milton Santos, em seu Livro O Espaço Dividido, com primeira edição em 1979, e que deveriam ser encontradas em Feiras como a Feira dos Importados em Brasília, no Distrito Federal. Buscou-se, ainda, verificar como o período técnico-científico-informacional impactou no denominado circuito inferior a partir da realização de uma pesquisa de campo na mencionada feira.
İngilizce Dinleme Becerilerini Geliştirmek için Bir Oturumlu Strateji Eğitimi
Authors: Kımav Ali Ulus
Published: September 2019

Tüm okullar başarılı
olmak için öğrenciler için etkili öğrenme-öğretme ortamları hazırlamalıdır
ancak bu her zaman kolay olmamaktadır. Öğrenme-öğretme ortamlarının hazırlanması
çok aşamalı bir süreçtir ve etkililiği, fiziksel ortam, sınıf mevcudu, öğrenme
malzemelerinin uygunluğu gibi dış etmenlerden etkilenebildiği gibi,
öğrencilerin gereksinimlerine ve öğrenme stillerine uygunluk, duyuşsal
etmenler, doğru öğrenme stratejilerinin kullanılması gibi bireysel etmenlerden
de etkilenmektedir.  Bu durum
öğrencilerin diğer derslerde kullandıkları öğrenme stratejilerini yabancı dil
derslerinde de benzer şekilde kullandıkları dil sınıfları için de geçerlidir.
Ancak yabancı dil öğrenme stratejileri dil becerilerinin geliştirilmesinde,
özellikle dinleme becerilerinin geliştirilmesinde etkili olarak
kullanılamamaktadır. Bunun nedeni olarak farklı aksanlar, düşük yeterlik
düzeyi, gürültü, görsel destek eksikliği ve gereksinim duyulmayan stratejilerin
öğretilmesi gösterilebilir. Aynı zamanda bu becerileri geliştirmekle ilgili
yapılan araştırmalarda bu becerilerin nasıl geliştirildiğine yönelik yeterli
bilgi sunulmamaktadır. Bu problem durumundan yola çıkan bu araştırma not alma
stratejilerinin tek oturumlu strateji öğretimi yoluyla sistematik öğretiminin
öğrencilerin hedef dildeki dinleme becerileri dersindeki başarısına etkisini
araştırmayı amaçlamaktadır. Zayıf deneysel modele göre desenlenen bu
araştırmaya orta yeterlik seviyesindeki 19 yoğun İngilizce programı öğrencisi
gönüllü olarak katılmıştır ve bu öğrenciler gereksinimlerine ve okulun öğrenme
kazanımlarına dayalı olarak strateji eğitimi almışlardır. Yapılan ön-test ve
son-test sonuçlarına göre öğrencilerin başarı puanları arasında anlamlı fark
görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak, gereksinime dayalı hazırlanan strateji öğretimi
programının başarılı olduğu görülmüştür.
Investigation of University Students with Respect to Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation within the Context of Shweder’s Big Three Ethics
Authors: Atik Şahin , Varol Melih
Published: September 2019

The
aim of this study is to determine whether the frequency of using ethical codes
of university students differs according to gender identity and sexual
orientation variables. The sample of this descriptive study consists of 200
university students from various universities and departments. Ethical
Worldview Scale developed by Walker and Jensen (2016) and adapted into Turkish
by Dost Gözkân (2016) was used for data collection. The results of two-way
multivariate analysis of variance denoted that subcategory points differed significantly
with respect to sexual orientation, did not differ significantly with respect
to gender identity and the interaction effect of gender identity and sexual
orientation was not significant.
Preparing India to Leverage Power of Mobile Technology: Development of a Bilingual Mobile Health Tool for Heart Patients
Authors: Jain Yojna Sah , Garg Arun , Jhamb D.K. , Jain Praful , Karar Akash
Published: September 2019

Background:

Mobile health technology offers promising means to implement public
health strategies for the prevention and management of chronic conditions. However, at the moment,
there is a dearth of both; specific mobile health tools tailored for the knowledge and language needs
of Indian population; as well as enough systematic and scientific clinical data to analyse their impact
in varied Indian socioeconomic and disease populations.

Objective:

To develop a smartphone-based bilingual educational mobile application for heart patients
and pilot test in an Indian clinical setting.

Methods:

An Android™ based mobile application was developed according to a systematic instructional
design model. Thereafter, expert assessment was done by 3 software engineers and 2
healthcare professionals using a peer-reviewed, objective and multidimensional Mobile Application
Rating Scale (MARS). A pilot user satisfaction evaluation was done based on feedback from 35 Coronary
Artery Disease patients visiting Cardiology outpatient Department of a North Indian tertiary
care centre.

Results:

An Android™ based mobile application named as ‘Happy Heart’ was developed. The content
was developed in both Hindi and English under professional supervision. For this mobile application,
the Mean MARS score was 3.60 ± 0.86 and subjectivity score was 3.30 ± 1.03. The overall
user satisfaction response for the mobile application was 4.09 ± 0.75 indicating that most of the testers
found it useful.

Conclusion:

This mobile application is developed as a research tool to further conduct a clinical
study in Coronary Artery Disease Patients. Current evaluation was a pilot testing wherein this application
showed promising results.
Surfactant Washing to Remove Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil: A Review
Authors: Liu Jianghong , Xue Jian , Yuan Dandan , Wei Xiaohang , Su Huimin
Published: September 2019

Heavy metal pollution has pervaded many parts of the world, especially developing
countries such as China. The discharge of wastewater containing heavy metals will cause
soil pollution for a long time and harm to human health. Soil washing is an environmentally
feasible and cost-effective approach for the clean-up of sites contaminated with heavy metals.
As a relatively environmental protection agent, surfactants are widely used in soil washing.
This paper generalized the methods of remediation of soil from heavy metals, expounded
the mechanisms of soil washing by surfactant and the types of surfactants and summarized
the application of different surfactants in washing heavy metals from soil. Finally, the
application prospects and development trends of surfactant washing heavy metals from soil
have been prospected.
A Sentiment Score and a Rating Based Numeric Analysis Recommendations System: A Review
Authors: Holla Lakshmi , K. S. Kavitha
Published: September 2019

Online purchases have been significantly increasing in the web world. Some of the
big giants who have dominated the E-Commerce market worldwide are Amazon, FlipKart,
Walmart and many others. Data generation has increased exponentially and analysis of this
kind of dynamic data poses a major challenge. Further, facilitating consumer satisfaction by
recommending the right product is another main challenge. This involves a significant number
of factors like review ratings, normalization, early rating, sentiment computations of a sentence
consisting of conjunctions, categorizing the sentiment score as positive, negative and neutral
score for a given product review. Finally, the product which has the highest positive and least
negative score must be suggested for the end user. In this paper, we discuss the work done under
rating based numerical analysis methods which considers the transactions done by the end
user. In the second part of the paper, we present an overview of sentiment score computed and
its significance in improving the efficiency of recommendation systems. The main objective of
this review is to understand and analyze different methods used to improve the efficiency of
the current recommendation systems, thereby enhancing the credibility of product recommendations.
COMPARISON OF THE DATA MATCHING PERFORMANCES OF STRING SIMILARITY ALGORITHMS IN BIG DATA
Authors: AKSOY Bekir , UĞUZ Sinan , ORAL Okan
Published: September 2019

The great mobility in the world tourism in recent years has also enabled this sector to be included among the study areas of big data. In this study, a solution proposal was put forward by using the big data and string similarity algorithms (SSA) for the problems arising from the entry of the hotel data coming from different providers into databases with different names and addresses. Therefore, 2599 hotels of a tourism agency with a wide hotel network located in London were selected as the sample, and the Map-Reduce process was performed by using the Soundex algorithm to match these hotels with approximately three million hotel data coming from seventy different providers. Matching with Map-Reduce ensured a significant reduction in process count and process time. Furthermore, the Dice coefficient, Levenshtein and Longest common subsequence (LCS) algorithms were compared in terms of the data that they correctly matched, and process time. In this stage, the words decreasing the score of the algorithms in the database were detected and removed before the algorithms were implemented. The Dice coefficient algorithm yielded better results in terms of correct matching, and the Levenshtein algorithm yielded better results in terms of process time.
ATIK KÖMÜR KATKILI ASFALT BETONU PERFORMANS KARAKTERİSTİKLERİNİN YAPAY SİNİR AĞLARI VE MERKEZİ KOMPOZİT TASARIM YÖNTEMLERİ KULLANILARAK KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: KATANALP Burak Yiğit , YILDIRIM Zeynel Baran , KARACASU Murat , İBRİKÇİ Turgay
Published: September 2019

Bu
çalışmada atık kömür katkılı modifiye bitüm kullanılarak Marshall tasarımı ile
hazırlanmış asfalt betonu numunelerinin performans karakteristikleri deneysel
tasarım yöntemlerinden Merkezi Kompozit Tasarım (MKT) ve Geri Yayılımlı Yapay
Sinir Ağı (YSA) modeli kullanılarak tahmin edilmiştir. Her iki modelin tahmin
ettiği performans değerleri karşılaştırılmıştır. MKT yönteminin optimum olarak
belirlediği koşullarda doğrulama deneyleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Ayrıca optimum
deney koşulları YSA giriş parametresi olarak tanımlanmış ve ağın ürettiği
çıktılar ile doğrulama deneyi sonuçları % 95 güven aralığının alt ve üst
limitleri arasında incelenmiştir. MKT ve YSA modellerinin yanıt değişkenleri
üzerindeki tahmin değerleri sırası ile %84.8 – 94.3 – 89.65 – 47.1 olarak elde
edilmiştir. Kullanılan modeller karşılaştırıldığında MKT ve YSA tahminlerinin
tamamının, doğrulama deney sonuçlarının ise 
%91.67 nin belirlenen güven aralıklarında kaldığı gözlemlenmiştir. Kullanılan
her iki yöntemin ürettiği çıktılar sayesinde Marshall tasarımı performans
değerlerinin belirlenmesi için üretilmesi gereken numune sayılarının azalacağı
düşünülmüştür. Böylece zaman tasarrufu ve ekonomik kazançların sağlanabileceği
belirlenmiştir.