bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Postcolonial Ecopoetics of Patricia Grace’s Tu: The Compost and The Labyrinth // La ecopoética postcolonial en Tu de Patricia Grace: El compost y el laberinto
Authors: Maufort Jessica
Published: March 2020

This article argues that renowned Māori/New Zealand writer Patricia Grace devises an ecopoetics of randomness and design in her novel Tu through the manifold image of the labyrinthine compost. The biological processes of the compost and the spatial dynamics of the maze complement one another in this narrative. Both the maze and the compost foreground the liminality, the ordered and chaotic aspects, of physical dwelling places and social structures. The tortuous layout as well as the putrefying and recycling dynamics characterising the war-torn environment of Tu are mirrored in the intricate prose of the main protagonist’s diaries. His complex psychological regeneration is also influenced by composting processes. Grace’s labyrinthine compost evokes a “postcolonial ecopoetics” that debunks the loaded associations of randomness with life-threatening wildness, and of design with ordered civilisation, associations which characterised much of the colonial ideology. Whether construed as biological, spatial or cultural concepts, chaos and order in the maze-like compost of Tu appear as complementary rather than completely opposed processes. Resumen     Este artículo sostiene que la reconocida escritora maorí de Nueva Zelanda Patricia Grace concibe una ecopoética de aleatoriedad y diseño en su novela Tu a través de la imagen múltiple del compost laberíntico. Los procesos biológicos del compost y las dinámicas espaciales del laberinto se complementan entre sí en esta narrativa. Tanto el laberinto como el compost ponen de relieve la liminalidad, los aspectos ordenados y caóticos de las viviendas físicas y las estructuras sociales. El diseño tortuoso, así como las dinámicas de putrefacción y reciclaje que caracterizan el entorno devastado por la guerra de Tu se reflejan en la intrincada prosa de los diarios del protagonista principal. Su compleja regeneración psicológica también está influenciada por los procesos del compostaje. El compost laberíntico de Grace evoca una ‟ecopoética postcolonial” al desacreditar las asociaciones cargadas de aleatoriedad con el salvajismo que amenaza la vida, y de diseño con civilización ordenada, asociaciones que caracterizan gran parte de la ideología colonial.  Ya sea que se interpreten como conceptos biológicos, espaciales o culturales, el caos y el orden en el compost laberíntico de Tu aparecen como procesos complementarios en lugar de completamente opuestos.
Ecomorphisme, vers une culture du vivant. Vu(e) des arbres au musée, « perchoirs » symboliques
Authors: Liégey Edith
Published: March 2020

Vu(e) des arbres — poste d’observation symbolique — des artistes ouvrent des brèches entres les mondes végétal, animal et humain aux enjeux d’acculturation. Comment se fabrique cette relation singulière de symbiose avec le vivant qui perdure dans le temps ? L’écomorphisme — oikos/habitat et morphé/forme — est le résultat d’une adaptation d’une espèce vivante suivant son environnement. Nous considérons l'écomorphisme tel un mouvement artistique de formes de la nature sauvage capables de nous transformer. Avatar du monde urbain, le musée offre des « perchoirs » en forêt symbolique pour nous dés-orienter et composer des liens entre les mondes. Par-delà une nature en crise et son panorama d’envahissement, une double écopoétique(s) manifeste par des objets et la littérature des musées. Quels liens se jouent entre une chouette perchée sur un arbre observant le cœur de Paris, une femme en lévitation au milieu d’une forêt et la tentative de filmer un épicéa dans son entièreté ? Vu(e) des arbres, nous analysons les relations complexes entre création artistique, effets esthétiques expérimentés in situ, scénographies d’installation, récits d’exposition et prise de conscience écologique.
Écrire, représenter, imaginer la centrale nucléaire
Authors: Andrade Pilar
Published: March 2020

Cet article a pour but de contribuer à l’étude de l’écriture de la centrale nucléaire, à partir de l’analyse de plusieurs textes récents en langue française. L’auteure examine les topoï liés à la centrale (le corps monstrueux, l’emprisonnement, la machine aliénante, son attrait, la gestion de l’espace, la dialectique visible/invisible) pour aborder, à partir de ceux-ci, des problématiques dans les domaines sociopolitique, écologique et épistémologique.
The Screaming Forest: An Ecocritical Assessment of Le Cri de la forêt
Authors: Nsah Kenneth Toah
Published: March 2020

From a postcolonial ecocritical standpoint, this essay analyzes the play Le Cri de la forêt (2015) co-authored by Henri Djombo, a cabinet minister from Congo-Brazzaville, and Osée Colin Koagne, a stage director and environmental activist from Francophone Cameroon. Mindful of the rich biodiversity of the Congo Basin where the playwrights originate, the essay interrogates why the forest in the play is screaming and moves on to engage with related ecological questions such as the scapegoating of witchcraft and doubtful traditional beliefs amidst climate change. It examines the controversial ways in which the play simultaneously promotes indigenous knowledge systems and capitalism. Furthermore, the essay grapples with the oft-debated role of overpopulation on climate change and ecological degradation, particularly in regions of the global South such as Africa. And, finally, it explores the playwrights’ depiction of women and children as both victims and combatants of environmental collapse, stressing their important role in fighting climate change as opposed to some critics’ claims that they are merely helpless victims. The essay therefore constitutes a double intervention in ecocriticism in the Francophone African world: both the playwrights and the present author seek to intervene in ecological discourses and actions.
 
Resumen
Desde un punto de vista ecológico y poscolonial, este ensayo analiza la obra Le Cri de la forêt (2015) en co-escrito por Henri Djombo, ministro de gabinete de Congo-Brazzaville, y Osée Colin Koagne, director de escena y activista ambiental de Camerún Francófono. Consciente de la rica biodiversidad de la Cuenca del Congo, de donde se vienen los dramaturgos, el ensayo cuestiona por qué el bosque en la obra grita y se involucra en cuestiones ecológicas relacionadas, como el chivo expiatorio de la brujería y las creencias tradicionales dudosas en torno al tema del cambio climático. Examina las formas controvertidas en que la obra promueve simultáneamente los sistemas de conocimiento indígenas y el capitalismo. Además, el ensayo aborda el papel tan debatido de la superpoblación sobre el cambio climático y la degradación ecológica, en particular en regiones del Sur global como África. Y, finalmente, indaga la representación de los dramaturgos de mujeres y niños como a la vez víctimas y combatientes del colapso ambiental, destacando su papel importante en la lucha contra el cambio climático en contravención de las afirmaciones de algunos críticos de que son simplemente víctimas indefensas. Por lo tanto, el ensayo constituye una doble intervención en el ámbito de la eco-crítica en el espacio francófono africano: tanto los dramaturgos como el autor actual buscan intervenir en los discursos y acciones ecológicas.
Book Review of Making the Most of the Anthropocene: Facing the Future
Authors: Donica Joseph Lloyd-Virgil
Published: March 2020

Book review.
Persephone's Nightmare
Authors: Lehmann Clayton Miles
Published: March 2020

Abstract  

      Translation of a poem by Nikos Gatsos that sets modern Greek environmental issues against Greek mythology: Eleusis is the setting for the most important ancient shrine of Demeter and Persephone, goddesses associated with Earth’s fertility, and a modern industrial wasteland.
Ecological In(ter)ventions in the Francophone World: An Introduction
Authors: Hermetet Anne-Rachel , Posthumus Stephanie
Published: March 2020

Introduction.
Credits 10.2
Authors: Sanz Alonso Irene
Published: March 2020

Credits.
Whole Issue
Authors: Villanueva-Romero Diana
Published: March 2020

Whole Issue
QUÁ TRÌNH THIẾT LẬP HỆ THỐNG HÀNH CHÍNH TỪ ĐÈO NGANG ĐẾN MIỀN TÂY NAM BỘ (THẾ KỶ XI - XVII)
Authors: Hùng Bùi Văn
Published: March 2020

Từ thế kỷ XI đến thế kỷ XVII, các triều đại phong kiến Việt Nam không ngừng xây dựng và củng cố nền độc lập dân tộc. Trong quá trình ấy, việc hoạch định cương giới lãnh thổ là vấn đề đặc biệt quan trọng mang tính thường xuyên và liên tục, nhất là ở vùng đất phía Nam của Tổ quốc. Việc xác lập đơn vị hành chính từ Đèo Ngang đến cực Nam của đất nước không chỉ là sự khẳng định chủ quyền lãnh thổ mà còn có ý nghĩa to lớn đối với sự phát triển của quốc gia và dân tộc. Bài báo đề cập các nội dung về xác lập chủ quyền, tổ chức sản xuất, và ổn định an ninh - văn hóa - xã hội của các vương triều: Thời nhà Lý và nhà Trần là xác lập đơn vị hành chính ở vùng đất phía Bắc đèo Hải Vân; Vương triều Hồ và Lê Sơ là xác lập đơn vị hành chính ở vùng đất phía Bắc đèo Cù Mông; và Các chúa Nguyễn khẳng định chủ quyền lãnh thổ từ đèo Cù Mông đến Hà Tiên. Kết quả nghiên cứu nhằm cung cấp thông tin và những dữ liệu lịch sử, đồng thời là nguồn tri thức tốt cho giảng viên và sinh viên các ngành Khoa học Xã hội và Nhân văn Trường Đại học Đà Lạt, cũng như những ai quan tâm đến mảng đề tài này.
ĐẶC TRƯNG DI TÍCH VÀ DI VẬT TẠI CÁC DI TÍCH CÔNG XƯỞNG CHẾ TÁC ĐỒ ĐÁ THỜI TIỀN SỬ Ở TÂY NGUYÊN
Authors: Hưng Lê Xuân
Published: March 2020

Bài báo nghiên cứu các hoạt động thủ công chế tác công cụ đá, một ngành sản xuất quan trọng trong cơ cấu kinh tế - xã hội tiền sử ở Tây Nguyên giai đoạn 4,000BP (Before Present). Dựa vào tư liệu 50 di tích công xưởng giai đoạn hậu kỳ Đá mới được phát hiện ở các tỉnh Gia Lai, Đắk Lắk, Đắk Nông, và Lâm Đồng, bài báo đã xác định được sự tồn tại của bốn trung tâm công xưởng chế tác đá. Trong mỗi trung tâm có các quy trình khai thác và chế tác công cụ lao động từ các loại đá khác nhau, tạo ra các loại hình sản phẩm khác nhau, và có phạm vi sử dụng không giống nhau ở Tây Nguyên. Sự ra ra đời của các di tích công xưởng này không chỉ ghi nhận rằng cư dân hậu kỳ Đá mới ở Tây Nguyên đã ở trình độ chuyên hóa cao và có sự phân công lao động trong sản xuất, mà các sản phẩm công xưởng đã được lưu thông trên địa bàn và tạo ra sự phát triển tương đối đồng đều trên toàn khu vực Tây Nguyên, đấy là tiền đề quan trọng nảy sinh thời đại Kim khí ở vùng đất này.
CÁC VĂN HÓA BIỂN TIỀN SỬ VIỆT NAM - GIÁ TRỊ LỊCH SỬ VĂN HÓA NỔI BẬT
Authors: Sử Nguyễn Khắc
Published: March 2020

Văn hoá biển tiền sử Việt Nam là văn hoá của các cộng đồng cư dân cổ xưa ở giai đoạn chưa có chữ viết, chưa có giai cấp, chưa có nhà nước, sống trong môi trường biển, khai thác các nguồn lợi biển, và có quan hệ rộng rãi với xung quanh, tạo dựng nền văn hoá mang đậm màu sắc biển (Nguyễn, 1997, tr. 16-28). Lịch sử Trái đất đã trải qua ít nhất 20 chu kỳ băng hà - gian băng và là ngần ấy thời kỳ biển tiến và biển lùi; Đó là chưa kể đến những dao động nhỏ giữa các giai đoạn hoặc do tân kiến tạo làm cho biên độ dao động mức nước biển ở từng khu vực cũng khác nhau. Dao động mực nước ở Biển Đông trong quá khứ không chỉ quyết định về không gian sinh tồn, mà còn có quá trình hình thành các nền văn hóa biển tiền sử Việt Nam. Bài viết này sẽ trình bày và luận bàn chính về các vấn đề: Lịch sử chiếm cư vùng biển và hải đảo; Quá trình hình thành các nền văn hóa biển tiền sử Việt Nam; và Giá trị lịch sử văn hóa và vị trí của văn hóa biển trong bối cảnh rộng hơn.
Preparation and performance of sensing material for diethyl ether: Optimization of working conditions by response surface methodology
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Yang Fuxiu , Wang Hong , Gu Chunxiu , Lu Yun , Zhou Kaowen
Published: March 2020

Pd doped ZnNi3Al2O7 composite was synthesized by sol-gel and impregnation method. The EDS spectrum and TEM image showed that Pd atoms are uniformly distributed on the surface of ZnNi3Al2O7 with a particle size of less than 50 nm. A sensitive diethyl ether gas sensor based on cataluminescence on the composite at lower temperature than 200℃ was reported. There is a good linear relationship between the luminescence intensity and the concentration of diethyl ether in the range of 0.1-75 mg/m3. The detection limit (3σ) is 0.06 mg/m3. The working conditions optimized by response surface methodology were analytical wavelength of 548.86 nm, reaction temperature of 109.18℃ and carrier gas velocity of 125.88 ml/min, respectively. The sensitivity of the method can be increased by 4.5% under the optimized working conditions. The optimization method is universal for many multi parameter processes.
Enhancing the secrecy of a cryptographic key generated using synchronized artificial neural networks1
Authors: Radziukevich M. L. , Golikov V. F.
Published: March 2020

The main options for the formation of a shared secret using synchronized artificial neural networks and possible patterns of behavior of a cryptanalyst are considered. To solve the problem of increasing the    confidentiality of the generated shared secret, if it is used as a cryptographic key, it is proposed to use the  mixing a certain number of results of individual synchronizations (convolution). As a mixing function, we consider the convolution of the vectors of network weights by bitwise addition modulo 2 of all the results of individual synchronizations. It is shown that the probability of success of a cryptanalyst is reduced exponentially with an increase of the number of terms in the convolution and can be chosen arbitrarily small. Moreover, the distribution law of the generated key after convolution is close to uniform and the uniformity increases with the number of terms in the convolution.
La aculturación del consumidor. Conociendo mercados emergentes. / Consumer acculturation. Knowing emerging markets.
Authors: Saldaña Larrondo Dulce Eloísa , Ares Mateos Alberto , Ballesteros García Carlos
Published: March 2020

Los inmigrantes se observan como mercados emergentes que impactan en la escena cultural, económica, social y política debido al intercambio de experiencias que ocurre. La aculturación del consumidor se utiliza para comprender y describir la adquisición de habilidades y conocimientos relevantes para asumir o no una nueva cultura. El artículo presenta una revisión de tres modelos de aculturación de los consumidores con el objetivo de entender cómo éstos se comportan en un nuevo mercado.

ABSTRACT:

Immigrants are considered emerging markets that impact the cultural, economic, social and political scene, due to the exchange of experiences. Consumer Acculturation is used to understand and describe the acquisition of relevant skills and assume or deny a new culture or knowledge. This paper presents a review of three models of acculturation of consumers in order to understand how they behave in a new market.
Estudio de los estados financieros en industrias agroalimentarias. / Financial statement analysis on the agrifood industry.
Authors: Arimany Serrat Núria , Aramayo García Alejandra , De Uribe Gil Cara , Sabata Aliberch Anna
Published: March 2020

Este trabajo realiza un diagnóstico de la salud económica financiera de las empresas cárnicas catalanas en el período 2007-2011 por ser un sector estratégico dentro de la agroalimentación, considerada primer clúster agroalimentario de Europa según el observatorio de clústers Stockholm School of Economics. El estudio posiciona estas industrias dentro del sector agroalimentario español y presenta los principales indicadores económicos financieros de las empresas objeto de estudio mediante un análisis a corto y largo plazo, de los resultados, de los cambios patrimoniales y de sus flujos de efectivo.

ABSTRACT:

 This paper provides an economic and financial analysis of the Catalonian meat companies in the period 2007-2011, as a strategic agrofood sector and considered the first cluster in Europe by the Observatory of Stockholm School of Economics. The study ranks these companies within the Spanish food industry and it presents the main financial economic indicators of the companies under study by examining, short and long term, the results, changes in equity and its cash flows.
Un paradigma diferente del management: teletrabajo. / A different paradigm of management : teleworking.
Authors: Maresca Gabriel
Published: March 2020

En la actualidad estamos transitando los primeros vestigios de una nueva revolución sociocultural y económica tanto a nivel local como global, a raíz de la implantación de las tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación (TICs) en muchas de las actividades que realizan los seres humanos y las organizaciones, y el gran desarrollo potencial de aplicación que ofrece a todos los campos disciplinares. Tal como ocurrió en su momento histórico con la revolución industrial, hoy se manifiesta a través de la necesidad de obtener información como principal insumo y materia prima para el éxito de las organizaciones. Es decir, la posibilidad de acceder a una mayor cantidad y calidad de información en todo momento y lugar, representa actualmente el alimento escencial para subsistir y obtener los mejores beneficios en cualquier sistema productivo. Podríamos decir, que toda actividad donde participan los individuos, ya sea de ocio, educativa o productiva, intervienen en mayor o menor grado las tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación, y nos “exige” de alguna manera, a no detenernos en adquirir constantemente conocimiento del manejo sobre éstas, adaptándonos al avance vertiginoso que nos impone, y acompañando de la mejor manera su evolución. Este contexto fue el que permitió, principalmente, el acceso a nuevas formas de organización del trabajo, dando inicio a la modalidad del teletrabajo o trabajo a distancia, cada vez más utilizada por las organizaciones, y ofreciendo amplios beneficios tanto a los empresarios como a los trabajadores.

ABSTRACT:

Today we are moving the first traces of a new socio-cultural and economic revolution both locally and globally, following the implementation of information technology and communication (ICT) in many of the activities performed by humans and organizations, and the potential development of application that provides all disciplinary fields. As happened in historical times with the industrial revolution, it is now manifested by the need for information as the main raw material input and for the success of organizations. That is, the ability to access a greater quantity and quality of information anytime, anywhere, now accounts essential to survive and get the best benefits in any food production system. We could say that every activity where individuals involved, whether recreational, educational or productive, involved in varying degrees of information technology and communication, and we “require” somehow not stop in acquiring knowledge management constantly on them, adapting to the rapid advance imposed on us, and the best way to accompany its evolution. This context was allowed mainly access to new forms of work organization, starting mode of teleworking or telecommuting increasingly used by organizations, and providing extensive benefits to both employers and the workers.
El spread bancario frente a la regulación de tasas. / The bank spread facing the interest rate regulation.
Authors: Weigandi Iván
Published: March 2020

Este trabajo busca analizar los efectos de la disposición de tasas activas máximas y tasas pasivas mínimas por parte del Banco Central de la República Argentina sobre el spread entre el cociente de ingresos financieros sobre los préstamos y el cociente de los egresos sobre los depósitos de los bancos privados que operaron en Argentina en el periodo 20122015. Luego de enumerar algunos modelos teóricos post-keynesianos para explicar cómo definen las diferentes tasas nominales los bancos comerciales, se analiza desde los estados financieros, como se comporto efectivamente el spread bajo las distintas regulaciones de la autoridad monetaria central. Los resultados demuestran que mas allá de las tasas máximas y mínimas, el spread efectivo no disminuyó, sino todo lo contrario.

ABSTRACT:

This paper aims to analyze the effects that maximum lending rates and minimum time deposit rates provided by the Central Bank of Argentina had on the spread between the ratio of financial income on loans, and the ratio of financial expenditures on the private banks deposits, operating in Argentina between 2012 and 2015. After reviewing some post-keynesians theories to explain how the commercial banks define the different nominal rates, this article analyzes, based on the financial statements, the actual spread behavior under the regulations of the central monetary authority. The results show that beyond the maximum and minimum rates, the effective spread does not decrease, but quite the opposite.
Main approaches and development’s tendencies of rehabilitation of addicted to psychoactive substances persons
Authors: Markova M. V. , Savina M. V.
Published: March 2020

Background. Psychoactive substances abused – one of the most common forms of social epidemics – is a phenomenon that represents a global threat to mankind. Alcoholic pathology in the structure of other forms of addiction of psychoactive substances remains the dominant. Today, there are about 140 million people who suffer from alcohol abuse and need treatment and rehabilitation. Ukraine takes fourth place in the number of deaths caused by alcohol.

Objective – to analyze the main approaches and development’s tendencies of rehabilitation of addicted to psychoactive substances persons.

Materials and methods. Publications from open source databases were analyzed for the following keywords: rehabilitation, psychoactive substance, alcohol addiction, drug policy, addicted persons by analytical method.

Results. The representation of rehabilitation approaches in modern narcology is extremely wide. In countries of Western Europe, the USA and Canada, and in recent years – Eastern Europe, many post-Soviet republics, Southern and Southeast Asia, China and many other countries, the problems of rehabilitation of patients, who are psychoactive substances abused, are considered from the standpoint of public health and economic feasibility interferences; efforts are being made to find and justify such rehabilitation measures that can significantly reduce the level of negative social consequences associated with the usage of psychoactive substances. Numerous studies have highlighted the necessity for adequate prior assessment of patients’ rehabilitation potential, further monitoring of the parameters of the rehabilitation process, which demonstrate the effectiveness of therapeutic and rehabilitation technologies.

Conclusions. Content of appropriate substance use disorders rehabilitation programs depend on several factors, such as the drug policies implemented at the national level, the general concept of drug assistance, organized in accordance with the basic doctrinal approaches of national policy, observance or, conversely, ignorance of the principles of evidence medicine by the rehabilitation programs sponsors and organizers as well as financial and human resources.
Заведомо ложное заключение эксперта. Сообщение 1: введение в проблему
Authors: Pervomayskiy V. B. , Kanishchev A. V.
Published: March 2020

Актуальность. Проблема заведомо ложного заключения эксперта и ответственности за него относится к числу нерешённых проблем сегодняшней судебно-психиатрической экспертной практики.

Цель – анализ организационных и правовых аспектов ответственности судебно-психиатрического эксперта за заведомо ложное заключение с акцентом на особенностях процедуры предупреждения эксперта об уголовной ответственности.

Материалы и методы. Проведён анализ научных публикаций и нормативно-правовых актов, касающихся проблемы предупреждения эксперта об уголовной ответственности за дачу заведомо ложного заключения.

Результаты. Полноценная процедура предупреждения эксперта об уголовной ответственности за заведомо ложное заключение имеет важное воспитательно-превентивное значение, однако в первую очередь она должна являться стержневым элементом, обеспечивающим реальное наступление уголовной ответственности в случае совершения указанного преступления. Предупреждение эксперта об ответственности должно осуществляться уполномоченным лицом или органом (судом, следственным судьёй, прокурором, следователем) непосредственно, индивидуально и персонифицировано, в каждом конкретном случае поручения проведения экспертизы.

В то же время действующее законодательство и сложившаяся практика свидетельствуют о системном нарушении указанной процедуры. Наметились следующие пути и механизмы, способствующие выхолащиванию и искажению процедуры предупреждения эксперта: 1) делегирование предупреждения эксперта об ответственности руководству экспертного учреждения (что на практике означает «самопредупреждение» эксперта); 2) приобщение однократно составленной расписки эксперта об ответственности к личному делу эксперта; 3) включение текста предупреждения в утверждённую Минздравом Украины форму медицинской документации, регламентирующую структуру заключения судебно-психиатрического эксперта (что фактически сделано с искажением содержания ст. 384 УК Украины).

Выводы. Ненадлежащее соблюдение процедуры предупреждения эксперта об ответственности за заведомо ложное заключение приводит к девальвации морально-этической составляющей такого предупреждения и может стать реальным препятствием для привлечения такого эксперта к уголовной ответственности в случае совершения указанного деяния.
Alexithymia in patients with dermatological disorders and chronic pruritus
Authors: Yaremkevych R. R.
Published: March 2020

Background. Alexithymia is a psychological phenomenon that often accompanies psychosomatic states and manifestations.

Objective – to study the severity and features of the manifestation of alexithymia in patients with a dermatological profile with chronic pruritus syndrome.

Materials and methods. At medical center “Asklepius” during 2016-2018 years, observed 134 patients with dermatological disorders with chronic pruritus. 62.7% of patients had atopic dermatitis, 23.9% had psoriasis and 13.4% had seborrheic dermatitis. Patients’ age ranged from 21 to 56 years. Women accounted for 65.7%, men – 34.3%. In study we used such research methods: psychodiagnostic, including the computer application “Electronic calculator of chronic pruritus” and TAS-20-r, statistical.

Results. Patients with dermatologic pathology had high level of alexithymia (66,56±8,66 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 68,5±8,12 in patients with psoriasis, 68,17±7,85 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis). High level of alexithymia characterized by difficulties in recognizing emotions (26,04±4,19 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 27,22±3,5 in patients with psoriasis, 26,0±3,56 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis), describing feelings (17,71±2,27 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 18,03±2,25 in patients with psoriasis, 18,28±2,16 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis), focusing on thinking (22,81±3,29 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 23,25±3,32 in patients with psoriasis, 23,89±3,63 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis), and depreciated emotions as a psychological phenomenon. In patients with dermatological diseases found combination of high intensity of chronic pruritus with high levels of alexithymia.

Conclusions. Psychocorrection of high level of alexithymia is an important component of a complex psychological help for patients with dermatological diseases and chronic pruritus.
Monitoring and Control the Supply of Fuel in Baghdad using RFID
Authors: Hasan Mohannad , Al-Naima Fawzi
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, there are no accurate records of the various quantities of fuel being dispensed at the Iraqi fuel stations. All such reports are usually paper-based and are missing the required precision to control this valuable commodity, which could lead to misuse or illegal sale of fuel. This paper presents a control system based on RFID technology to monitor the supply and dispensing of vehicle fuel in Baghdad. The system consists of RFID readers attached to fuel dispensers and pumps, and RFID tags assigned to the vehicles and the trucks used for delivering fuel to the fuel stations. A hardware part is connected to conventional fuel dispensers and machines, located at both the stations and the fuel refineries or depots, which makes them work under the control of the RFID system, without the need to rebuild new dispensers. The designed system database is a centralized one located on a cloud server, in order to allow fuel stations to communicate with it and do the required transactions. Throughout this system, different reports can be generated, which can give important online statistics about the movement of fuel supplies over the city.
A Pseudorandom Binary Generator Based on Chaotic Linear Feedback Shift Register
Authors: Falih Saad
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a simple method for the design of Chaotic Linear Feedback Shift Register (CLFSR) system. The proposed method is based on a combination of two known systems. The first is called Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) system, and the other is called Chaotic Map system. The main principle of the proposed system is that, the output of the LFSR is modified by exclusive-or (XOR) it with the stream bit that is generated by using the chaotic map system to eliminate the linearity and the repeating in the output of the LFSR system. The proposed system is built under Matlab environment and the quality of sequence generation tested by using standard tests which shows that the proposed system is a good random number generator that overcome the linearity and repeating disadvantages.
Centralized approach for multi-node localization and identification
Authors: Hasan Ola , Ali Ramzy , Rashid Abdulmuttalib
Published: March 2020

A new algorithm for the localization and identification of multi-node systems has been introduced in this paper; this algorithm is based on the idea of using a beacon provided with a distance sensor and IR sensor to calculate the location and to know the identity of each visible node during scanning. Furthermore, the beacon is fixed at middle of the frame bottom edge for a better vision of nodes. Any detected node will start to communicate with the neighboring nodes by using the IR sensors distributed on its perimeter; that information will be used later for the localization of invisible nodes. The performance of this algorithm is shown by the implementation of several simulations.
Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis in Females of Child-Bearing Age and Utility of pH and Whiff Test in Diagnosis
Authors: Uddin Fakhar , Zeeshan Faiza , Younus Rakhshanda , Yasmin Haleema , Bugti Saima , Hassan Arsalan
Published: March 2020

Background: To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among females of reproductive age and assessment of the effectiveness of pH and the Whiff test in its diagnosis.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 100 subjects were included, coming with a complaint of vaginal discharge. The bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed by using the Nugent scoring system, Whiff and pH tests. The prevalence was calculated by descriptive statistics and using the Chi-square test and results were shown in percentages and mean with standard deviation.
Results: The estimated prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among the local population of females of child-bearing age was found to be 39%. The mean age of females with bacterial vaginosis was 33.33±10.46 years. The Whiff test was positive in 89.74% cases, while pH was elevated in 94.87% females with bacterial vaginosis.
Conclusion: Bacterial vaginosis is a frequent cause of vaginal discharge in females of reproductive age in Pakistan. The diagnosis can be easily made by using Whiff and pH tests even at resource-poor settings.
Keywords: Bacterial vaginosis, Child-bearing age, pH test, Whiff test.
The pattern of microbial flora in Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in Cirrhotic patients
Authors: Asif Sehrish Jahan , Gondal Murataza , Parveen Shahida , Mushtaq Sumera , Awan Shumaila , Hussain Tassawar
Published: March 2020

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is the bacterial infection of ascitic fluid in the absence of other apparent causes. It is the most prevalent and serious infection in cirrhosis and leads to significant morbidity and mortality. The frequency of SBP in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis varies from 7 to 23% in the west and it is around 33% in Pakistan. Our study aim was to determine the frequency of microbial organisms isolated from spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients.
Material and Methods: We did a cross-sectional study at the Department of Medicine, Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi for 6 months. Cirrhosis was diagnosed on the bases of clinical, biochemical and ultrasonography findings. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for the evaluation of complete blood cell count, polymorphonuclear leukocyte count, albumin and coagulation parameters. At the same time, the patients underwent paracentesis and a 20ml ascitic fluid sample was taken for culture sensitivity along with routine biochemical examination from the pathology department lab at our hospital.
Results: A total of 150 patients were enrolled according to the inclusion criteria of the study. The mean age (yrs) of patients was 32.3+9.31. The frequency and percentages of male and female patients were 70 (46.7) and 80 (53.3) respectively. Frequency and percentages of E Coli and streptococcal pneumonia were 94 (62.7) and 34 (22.7) respectively, whereas frequency and percentages of staph aureus and Klebsiella were 22 (14.7).
Conclusion: SBP is quite common in patients with cirrhosis. It should be suspected in all such cases presenting with typical or atypical features. E Coli was the most common causative organisms in our study but gram-positive organisms were quite frequent as well.
Keywords: SBP, Cirrhosis, Peritonitis.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Resistance Patterns in Urine Cultures - A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Chaudhri Naureen , Masud Mariam , Shehzad Mirza Naveed , Kumar Jais , Qureshi Mamoon Akbar , Sarwar Naveed
Published: March 2020

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a threatening global medical challenge. Its prevalence is on the rise, more so in developing countries like Pakistan. It is pivotal to know and follow the local drug sensitivity and resistance pattern for effective empirical treatment of urinary tract infections. Objectives: To evaluate antibiotic susceptibility and resistant patterns of different urinary pathogens in cultures among patients presented in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A Descriptive Cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Nephrology and Microbiology Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Medical University from January 2018 to July 2018. All the samples from patients suspected to be suffering from UTI that were ordered a urine culture by attending doctors were recruited for the study and were sent to the central pathology laboratory of the hospital. All urine cultures performed in HFH were recruited for the study including both inpatient and outpatient departments. Data were collected in a structured performa and were entered and analyzed in SPSS version 21.0. Results: 402/1216 (33.0 %) urine samples had positive bacterial growths. Females accounted for the majority of 61.6% of cases. E.coli was the most common isolate 42.7%, followed by Klebsiella spp. 17.5%. E.coli exhibited high antimicrobial resistance, with the least resistance to fosfomycin 13.6%. E.coli, Klebsiella spp. and pseudomonas showed significant coresistance to Ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Emergence of high AMR in a developing country like Pakistan can have grave clinical and economic implications. It adversely impacts all aspects of patient care. It limits therapeutic options and leads to treatment failure. Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, Healthcare-associated UTI, healthcare-associated infections, uropathogenic E. coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, multidrug-resistant.
Knowledge Regarding Pedestrian Injury Prevention among Secondary School Going Children Of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Beg Anum Arshad , Andrades Marie , Anjarwala Zainab Mohammad , Karmani Veena Kumari
Published: March 2020

Background: Pedestrian injuries are a major public health problem, especially among children, in developing countries. In Pakistan, however, children’s knowledge regarding this issue has not been addressed. The objective of the study was to determine the magnitude of knowledge regarding pedestrian injury prevention among children studying in secondary schools of Karachi. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in six secondary schools of Karachi, for a period of six months from October 2012 to March 2013. A total of 470 secondary school children (classes 8-10), were selected through a two-stage stratified random sampling, across 6 schools in, Karachi. A pilot-tested questionnaire developed on published literature and road safety rules, assessed children’s knowledge about safe road crossing, walking and playing on roads. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19, applying logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 46.8% boys and 53.2% girls, majority 12 to 15 years of age (69.1%). Overall knowledge was adequate (68.9% versus 31.1%), boys (52.2%) versus girls (47.8%). 16.6% of children had inadequate knowledge about road crossing, 33.6% about walking and 8.7% about playing on roads. Factors significantly associated with inadequate knowledge were younger age (OR=2.8, 95%CI=0.8-5.1, p value=0.04), male gender (OR=2.08, 95% CI=1.35-3.21) and walking to school (OR=7.5, 95%CI=2.6-32.8). Conclusion: This study indicates that 31% of children have inadequate knowledge regarding pedestrian injury prevention, a significant proportion of a vulnerable population. However, due to the limited sample size, not addressing temporality, larger studies assessing road behaviors of children are required. Keywords: Knowledge, Pedestrian injury, Children.
Phenotypic Detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases in Uro-pathogens. An Experience from Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex, Nowshera
Authors: Khan Hamzullah , Bari Fazli , Masood Adnan , Ghani Fazli , Khan Zahid , Khan Waseem Yar
Published: March 2020

Objectives: To determine the phenotype and frequency of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase in Uro-pathogens in a tertiary care hospital of Nowshera.
Material and methods: This Prospective cohort study was performed in the clinical pathology laboratory of Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex (QHAMC) Nowshera from 1st Jan 2019 to 30th May 2019. Relevant information was recorded on a predesigned proforma prepared as per CLSI Recommendation for data collection.
Results: A total of 192 urine samples were received for Culture and sensitivity. Out of which 56 cases were ESBL phenotypically positive (29.16%). 39(69.9%) were females and 17(30.4%) were males. The age range of the patient was from 3 months to 63 years of age, with a mean age of 30 years with +5.4 SD Frequency of ESBL producing uro-pathogens was; 51(91%) E-Coli, 4(7.1%) Klebsiella pneumonia and 1(1.8%) Proteus mirabilis. Out of 39 ESBL producing uro-pathogen in Female gender, E Coli-ESBL producing strains were isolated in 35 patients, Klebsiella Pneumonia in 3 patients and one case was of Proteus mirabilis-ESBL. In the male gender, 17 cases with E Coli-ESBL were reported and one case of Kliebsilla Pneumonia ESBL.
Conclusion: The prevalence of ESBL producers in the present study was quite alarming and challenging to the clinician in treating urinary tract infections. These types of resistant infections are a challenge to treat and a public health threat that needs accumulative response through advocacy, communication, and social mobilization.
Keywords: ESBL, Urinary Tract Infection, antibiotic resistance.
APLIKASI PRINSIP-PRINSIP TERKAIT BUKTI ILMIAH (SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE) DI AMERIKA SERIKAT DALAM PEMBUKTIAN PERKARA PERDATA LINGKUNGAN DI INDONESIA
Authors: Kisworo Windu
Published: March 2020

Pengaturan terkait bukti ilmiah dalam penanganan kasus lingkungan di pengadilan di Indonesia masih bersifat umum. Sementara di Amerika Serikat, aturan yang sangat rinci tentang bukti ilmiah telah lama ada dan dipraktekkan dalam pembuatan putusan pengadilan. Tulisan ini akan mengidentifikasi tantangan dalam mendayagunakan bukti ilmiah dalam penanganan kasus lingkungan di pengadilan di Indonesia, dengan mengambil pelajaran dari pengaturan dan metode yang digunakan di Amerika. Tulisan ini menggunakan pendekatan doktrinal terhadap peraturan dan putusan. Tulisan ini fokus pada dua hal yang Penulis anggap relevan dengan konteks Indonesia saat ini: aspek keberadaan metode ilmiah yang valid serta pengetahuan khusus yang mendasari pendapat ahli. Tulisan ini menyimpulkan bahwa hukum dan peraturan di Indonesia memuat berberapa prinsip-prinsip umum yang ada di Amerika Serikat. Namun demikian belum dianggap cukup dan diperlukan penguatan hukum terkait dua hal diatas
Membedah Kebijakan Perencanaan Ketenagalistrikan di Indonesia
Authors: Widyaningsih Grita Anindarini
Published: March 2020

Saat ini, tingginya angka emisi gas rumah kaca menjadi fokus di berbagai negara, termasuk Indonesia. Sebagai pemicu adanya pemanasan global, dan yang lebih jauh adalah perubahan iklim, berbagai negara kini gencar menginventarisasi dan melakukan langkah-langkah strategis untuk mengendalikan tingginya angka tersebut. Indonesia sendiri, menurut dokumen strategi penerapan Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), nyatanya telah mencapai 1.334 M Ton CO2e per 2010 untuk angka emisi gas rumah kaca
Conflict of Interest antara Usaha Perlindungan Lingkungan Hidup dengan Kemudahan Berinvestasi dalam Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 24 Tahun 2018
Authors: Mubarak Arya Rema
Published: March 2020

Pemerintah tampak abai dalam melindungi dan memastikan keberlanjutan sumber daya alam di Indonesia. Hutan hujan di Indonesia mengalami pengurangan yang signifikan. Sebanyak 84% total lahan pada tahun 1900, berkurang menjadi 52% pada tahun 2010. Perkembangan industri tahun 1970an-2000an diduga sebagai kontributor terbesar. Alih-alih melindunginya, pemerintah menerbitkan Peraturan Pemerintah (PP) No. 24 Tahun 2018 tentang Pelayanan Perizinan Berusaha Terintegrasi Secara Elektronik (dikenal dengan Online Single Submission (OSS)) yang berpotensi memperparah kerusakan lingkungan. PP ini bertujuan untuk mempersingkat permohonan izin berusaha, tidak diiringi langkah yang cermat. PP ini menyalahi mekanisme perizinan yang diperkenalkan oleh UU No. 32 Tahun 2009 tentang Perlindungan dan Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup (UU PPLH) dengan menciptakan norma baru yang disebut sebagai “komitmen” yang dipercaya dapat mempermudah terbitnya izin yang diperlukan untuk berusaha di Indonesia. PP ini juga mengabaikan asas pencegahan dalam hukum lingkungan (preventive principle), dengan dimungkinkannya penerbitan izin usaha berdasarkan komitmen tanpa kajian atas dampak lingkungan yang layak.
Analisis Putusan PTUN NO. 7/G/LH/2019/PTUN.BNA Antara Walhi Melawan Gubernur Aceh Atas Penerbitan Izin Pinjam Pakai Kawasan Hutan untuk Pembangunan PLTA Tampur
Authors: Nugroho Antonius Aditantyo
Published: March 2020

Pada 19 Agustus 2019, Majelis Hakim Pengadilan Tata Usaha Negara (PTUN) Banda Aceh mengabulkan gugatan yang diajukan oleh Yayasan Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Walhi) melawan Gubernur Aceh atas penerbitan Keputusan Gubernur Aceh No. 522.51/DPMPTSP/1499/IPPKH/2017 tanggal 9 Juni 2017 tentang Pemberian Izin Pinjam Pakai Kawasan Hutan Dalam Rangka Pembangunan Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Air Tampur-I (443 MW) Seluas ±4.407 ha atas nama PT Kamirzu di Kabupaten Gayo Lues, Kabupaten Aceh Tamiang, dan Kabupaten Aceh Timur Provinsi Aceh (selanjutnya disebut Objek Sengketa). Setelah melalui masa persidangan selama 5 (lima) bulan sejak gugatan diajukan tanggal 11 Maret 2019, Majelis Hakim PTUN Banda Aceh memutuskan bahwa Objek Sengketa tidak sah, dan mewajibkan Tergugat untuk mencabut Objek Sengketa.  Perhatian pegiat lingkungan hidup atas Desa Lesten-Pining, Kabupaten Gayo Lues yang diatur dalam Objek Sengketa rupanya telah muncul sejak tahun 2016 hingga 2017. Pada September 2016,  Pemerintah Aceh mulai membangun jalan akses dari Kecamatan Pining ke wilayah Desa Lesten yang selama ini terisolasi.[1] Karena khawatir perambah semakin mudah masuk dan merusak Kawasan Ekosistem Leuser yang menjadi lokasi Desa Lesten-Pining, pegiat lingkungan hidup menyarankan agar masyarakat Desa Lesten direlokasi dan tidak perlu dilakukan pembangunan jalan pada kawasan tersebut.[2] Namun setelah pembangunan jalan tetap dilaksanakan dan selesai dilakukan, Pemerintah Aceh justru menyetujui pembangunan PLTA Tampur, sehingga masyarakat Desa Lesten harus direlokasi karena Desa Lesten akan ditenggelamkan.[3] Patut dicurigai bahwa alasan pembangunan jalan untuk membebaskan masyarakat Desa Lesten dari isolasi hanyalah kedok bagi Pemerintah Aceh untuk menyediakan akses bagi masuknya pembangunan PLTA di Kawasan Ekosistem Leuser.[1] “Lesten Tidak Lagi Terisolir”, Serambinews.com, 4 September 2016, https://aceh.tribunnews.com/2016/09/04/lesten-tidak-lagi-terisolir , diakses 25 Oktober 2019.[2] Junaidi Hanafiah, “Desa Lesten Akan Ditenggelamkan Demi Alasan PLTA Tampur”, Mongabay, 21 Agustus 2019,  https://www.mongabay.co.id/2019/08/21/desa-lesten-akan-ditenggelamkan-demi-alasan-plta-tampur/, diakses 25 Oktober 2019.[3] “Dampak Pembangunan PLTA, Seluruh Warga Lesten Direlokasi”, Teropong Aceh, 7 Oktober 2016,  http://teropongaceh.com/dampak-pembangunan-plta-seluruh-warga-lesten-direlokasi/ , diakses 25 Oktober 2019.
PLN vs Energi Terbarukan: Peraturan Menteri ESDM Terkait Penggunaan Sistem Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya Atap
Authors: Modjo Suci
Published: March 2020

Mengingat keadaan iklim tanpa musim yang menyediakan sinar matahari sepanjang tahun dan tipe perumahan yang umumnya melekat dengan tanah, penggunaan panel surya atap sebagai sumber energi alternatif harusnya digalakkan di Indonesia. Di antara pelbagai cara pemberian insentif penggunaan panel surya adalah melalui pengurangan halangan peraturan dalam tahap instalasi, dan pembelian kelebihan tenaga oleh Pemerintah dengan harga yang diunggulkan. Tulisan ini membahas Peraturan Menteri Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral terkait Penggunaan Sistem Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya Atap oleh Konsumen PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero). Peraturan ini memberi kewenangan yang luas kepada PLN, dari izin instalasi hingga pembelian kelebihan tenaga dengan potongan harga, yang secara praktis menempatkan masyarakat dan kelestarian lingkungan hidup pada posisi yang lebih lemah dibanding dengan pembangkit listrik komersial. Pemberian kewenangan yang luas kepada PLN tersebut merupakan pelanggaran konstitusi, bertentangan dengan komitmen Pemerintah untuk meningkatkan diversifikasi sumber listrik, dan secara umum kontra-produktif terhadap upaya pengurangan emisi dari pembangkit listrik.
Tanggung Jawab Negara dan Korporasi Terhadap Kasus Impor Limbah Plastik di Indonesia (Perspektif Konvensi Basel dan Prinsip-Prinsip Panduan Bisnis dan HAM)
Authors: Fuad Muhammad Busyrol
Published: March 2020

Limbah plastik belakangan mendapatkan perhatian yang cukup serius mengingat tingkat eskalasi permasalahannya yang begitu signifikan. Pada 10 Mei 2019 sebanyak 187 Negara mengambil satu langkah besar untuk mengendalikan krisis perdagangan plastik dunia dengan memasukkan limbah plastik dalam amandemen Konvensi Basel 1989. Selain itu, jika dicermati, perpindahan lintas batas limbah plastik dalam skema perdagangan global tersebut melibatkan berbagai kepentingan komersial pada aspek ekspor-impor. Tulisan ini ingin mengkaji bagaimana tanggung jawab negara dan korporasi terhadap kasus impor limbah plastik di Indonesia dalam sudut pandang Konvensi Basel dan Prinsip-Prinsip Panduan Bisnis dan HAM. Limbah Plastik; Konvensi Basel; Prinsip-Prinsip Panduan Bisnis dan HAM