bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and reliability of an instrument assessing the associated factors for preventive behavior towards dengue
Authors: Ghafar Noraini Abdul , Shah Shamsul Azhar
Published: January 2017

Background: Dengue is one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Malaysia. Government efforts alone are not sufficient in preventing the disease if people continue to allow the widespread mosquito breeding in their housing compound. Individual or community behavior is an important factor in the prevention of dengue. However, there is no standard instrument to measure the associated factors of dengue preventive behavior. This study commenced to validate and assess the reliability of a newly developed instrument for the constructs measuring factors associated with dengue preventive behavior.Methods: A total of 327 respondents involved in this pilot study, which is a preliminary study to a larger scale study. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to explore underlying constructs of the latent variables.Results: From the EFA, 10 factors (knowledge regarding dengue, behavior toward dengue prevention, fear and awareness toward dengue, motivation to adopt preventive behavior, medical practices for dengue fever, cooperation in dengue prevention, perceived susceptibility of dengue, perceived severity of dengue, perceived benefit from practicing dengue preventive behavior, and perceived barrier toward dengue preventive behavior) emerged contributing 63.1 percent of the total variance with the reliability of 0.791.Conclusions: The questionnaire is valid and reliable to measure the associated factors of preventive behavior toward dengue.
An interventional study on sleep hygiene among medical students
Authors: S. Cynthia Subhaprada , S. Vijayakumari , T. Rajasekhar , U. Venkateswarlu
Published: January 2017

Background: Sleep deprivation, a common problem among undergraduate students, leads to daytime sleepiness and poor academic performance. The purpose of this study is to describe sleep hygiene among medical students and to measure effect of sleep hygiene educational intervention.Methods: An interventional cross-sectional study was carried out from September to October, 2015 among II MBBS students, Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India. Excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed by the Epworth sleepiness scale. Predesigned questionnaire was administered as pretest followed by health educational intervention session to 100 subjects selected by simple random sampling, and a post test two weeks later. Data entered in MS Excel 2007, was analyzed using IBM SPSS 20. Difference in means tested by paired t test and Chisquare test was used to test association between variables, with p value <0.05 considered significant.Results: 100 study subjects, 48 of 7 semester and 52 of 5 semester, had a mean (+SD) age in years, 20.2±0.58 and19.71±0.61 respectively. 57% were females. A statistically significant association between daytime sleepiness prevalence by semester was found. (Pretest X2 = 7.83, post test X2 = 7.19, p value <0.01). Weekend sleep schedules showed 2 hours increase than weekdays, in 40% (5 semester) and 30% (7 semester). 20% of study subjects had Epworth score 10-24, so expert medical advice is needed. A statistically significant difference was observed in sleep hygiene post intervention (t=2.010, p= 0.05).Conclusions: Daytime sleepiness was the most common problem encountered in this study. Sleep hygiene education promotes healthy sleeping habits.
Awareness about sanitary toilets in a rural area of north Karnataka, India: a cross sectional study
Authors: Jeratagi Sidharaj , Kumar Yogesh , Mallapur Maheshwar D.
Published: January 2017

Background: As improvement in sanitation is one of the goal among Millennium Development Goals, awareness and lack of sanitary toilet in rural areas is still a major public problem.  The objectives were to study the awareness level about sanitary toilet in a rural area.Methods: Study participants included 400 adults from Sonatti village of Belgaum district of north Karnataka. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect necessary information including socio demographic variables by house to house survey. Ethical clearance was obtained from IEC on human subjects of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum. Informed consent was taken before collecting data from all the participants.Results: In this study most of study participants 173 (43.3%) were aged between 18 to 30 years. Majority of 164 (41.0%) were farmers and most of them 197 (49.2%) belonged to Class IV socioeconomic strata. Only 3(0.7%) had a household latrine. About 80% of participants showed average knowledge, 50% of participants showed good attitude and 62% of participants showed average practice. Awareness of sanitary toilet use was significantly associated with higher socioeconomic status and higher education.  Conclusions: The present study revealed that awareness about sanitary latrine was very poor. Practice of open air defecation was very high. The overall assessment of participants revealed that there is a need to create more awareness regarding sanitary toilet use in rural areas.
A cross sectional study on the prevalence of self-medication in a Chennai based population, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Varadarajan Vinithra , P. Paul Christina Mary , S. Swapna , S. Preethi , Kumar Keerthana , P. U. Divya Dharshini
Published: January 2017

Background: Self -medication is a major public health problem in India because of the easy availability of drugs even without prescription to the lay population. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of self-medication use among the common population in the last three months and to identify certain suspected risk factors that might be associated with it.Methods:An analytical cross- sectional study was conducted on 180 participants chosen by simple random sampling from the rural and urban field practice areas of A. C. S. Medical College in Thiruvallur district. Data was collected through a questionnaire collecting background information of the person like age, address, income, to a series of questions on self-medication and alternative medicines. Data entry was done in SPSS and p values were based on chi- square values.Results: The overall prevalence of self-medication use in the last three months was found to be 51.7% with a 95% CI of 44.7-59. Self-medication use was 2.07 times more common among subjects aged above 35 years of age and this association was statistically significant (P Value = 0.016).  The commonest reason quoted for the practice of self – medication was financial constraints (40.80%) and the commonest ailment for which self- medication was practiced was quoted as common cold (73.02%).Conclusions:Study revealed a very high prevalence of self-medication emphasizing on the need for creating awareness on the ill-effects of the same.
Psychological impact of cancer diagnosis among gynaecological cancer subjects in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Nanjaiah Ranjini , Khan Mudassir A. , Rao Vadiraja N.
Published: January 2017

Background: The survival rate of cancer patients has improved and focus has shifted to improve the quality of life of the survivors. An adequate knowledge is required for psychosocial interventions and designing programs aimed at improving the quality of life of the cancer patients. The purpose of the study is to assess Anxiety and Depression [Psychiatric morbidity] among gynaecological cancer subjects and its association with duration since diagnosis, type of cancer, mode of treatment and socio-demographic variables.Methods: This is an interview based cross sectional study involving 131 patients diagnosed to have gynaecological cancer who were evaluated using hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). The gynaecological and socio-demographic data was analyzed for any correlation with HADS scores.Results: The prevalence of at least one psychiatric disorder was 90% (n=118). Sixty subjects [45.8%] had anxiety, 71 subjects [54%] had depression and 118 cases [90%] had psychiatric morbidity.  Patients suffering for less than three months had anxiety; three to 12 months were both anxious and depressed; more than 12 months were depressed. Young women with less education were more anxious compared to educated women.Conclusions: Given a gynaecological cancer an individual will have 0.9 chance of developing psychiatric morbidity. Young women with less education aware of cancer diagnosis for three to 12 months were at increased risk and needs intervention. As cancer incidence is increasing and psychiatric morbidity is common among cancer patients, training of health care personnel in cancer screening and recognizing patients with common mental disorders is required to improve their quality of life. Creating awareness of public regarding risk factors of cancers, importance of screening and cancer treatment is necessary.
Prevalence and role of social factors and personal attitude in occurrence of depression in married women in urban and rural areas of district, Amritsar, India
Authors: Arora Ekta , Kaur Jasleen , Deepti Shyam Sunder , Singh Tejbir , Lal Mohan
Published: January 2017

Background: Depression is not "one size fits all," particularly when it comes to the genders. Many factors contribute to the unique picture of depression in women-from reproductive hormones to social pressures to the female response to stress. It is estimated that by the year 2020, the burden of depression will be increased to 5.7% of the total burden of the disease.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted and 1000 married females were selected by systematic random sampling from rural and urban areas of District, Amritsar, India. Pretested and predesigned questionnaire and PHQ9 scale was used to obtain valid results.Results: In this study, 269 women are found to be suffering from depression as per the scale applied. Respondents having no social involvement are more prone to depression (31.1%) and majority of those, who faced some problem in public places, were found to be depressed (28.8%).11.2% women were depressed amongst those who act skilfully in response to a problem. 29.6% amongst those who got panic while 34.7% were found to be depressed amongst those who had an escapist attitude.Conclusions: Awareness through public education, early detection and organized national mental health programs can curb the increasing epidemic of depression.
An epidemiological study regarding role of television about health awareness in rural and urban areas of district, Amritsar, Punjab, India
Authors: Gupta Raghav , Mahajan Sanjeev , Singh Tejbir , Deepti Shyam S.
Published: January 2017

Background: Television is not only a source of entertainment but also a major source of information including that related to health content. So this study was conducted to know the role of television in awareness about health programs and their utility.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 1000 respondents (500 urban and 500 rural) were studied in 5 rural and 5 urban from field practice area of Government Medical College, Amritsar. They were interviewed with the help of pretested and semi-structured questionnaire.Results: Almost all the respondents had watched television with 94% respondents in rural and 100% in urban. Those respondents who did not watched were due to non availability of television sets. Majority 3/4 of the respondents spent half to 2 hour per day watching television. Almost 2/3 of total respondents were aware about health related programs being shown on television and out of these 79.00% were actually watching these programs. 42.16% respondents were aware about health related advertisements. Respondents using these products 91.20% followed through self awareness whereas 8.80% were motivated by someone.Conclusions:Television viewing is almost a universal phenomenon but still in areas where it is more needed very few were being aware about health related content being shown on television and even those who were aware were not watching these programs.
Gender differences in perceived stigma and hope in people living with HIV / AIDS: an exploratory study
Authors: Chivate Prachi , Umate Maithili , Nimkar Swateja , De Sousa Avinash
Published: January 2017

Background: Stigma is a major hurdle in overcoming the HIV epidemic and affects almost all people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). In India, though majority of PLWHA are men, gender gap is narrowing with rates of infection increasing in women, most commonly due to transmission from their partners. Gender inequality in social and economic context leads women to vulnerability. The purpose of this study was to assess gender differences in the perceived stigma and hope in PLWHA, and to study the correlation of perceived stigma with hope and age in this population.Methods: The sample was 68 HIV patients attending HAART clinic of a tertiary government hospital. Patients were assessed using Barbara Berger stigma scale and Herth hope index, and their scores were subjected to inferential statistical methods such as t-tests and correlation analysis.Results: Although there are no gender differences in perceived stigma, there is an inverse relationship of many components of perceived stigma with hope in women. It was also found that women members of PLWHA group feel significantly less hopeful than men. Age was noted to have an inverse relationship with perceived stigma in men.Conclusions: Greater attention is warranted to this growing proportion of HIV positive women in health policies and to alleviate their suffering which is multiplied as being socially disadvantaged due to their gender. This study highlights the need of special attention to women with HIV in health settings. Further research is needed to understand the relation of social support and depression with perceived social support.
The knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors and preventive practices among women of reproductive age in the state of Qatar: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Al-Muraikhi Hissa , Said Hana , Selim Nagah , Chehab Mohamad Abdel Halim
Published: January 2017

Background: Osteoporosis is a global health problem and its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Misunderstanding about osteoporosis and the lack of preventive action among women are still common, making primary prevention at an early age the preferable intervention. This study aims at assessing the knowledge of osteoporosis and preventive practices among women aged 20-44 years. Furthermore, the planning for osteoporosis prevention requires sufficient information about women`s health beliefs, knowledge, and preventive practices as well as the cultural and socioeconomic features.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study where participants were recruited using cluster sampling with proportionate allocation.  The sample (N=766) consisted of eligible women, attending the primary health care centers in Qatar during 2010, and they were interviewed using the modified Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT).  The period of this study was between January 2010 and December 2011.Results: The overall knowledge score was 61.4%, with the risk factors knowledge component being the lowest at 50%. A statistically significant relation was noted between the overall knowledge score and age, the level of education, marital status, and positive family history of osteoporosis. About 79% of the participants reported being exposed to direct sun rays for > 30 minutes /week, while only 33.6% of them were engaging in proper weight bearing exercise. Finally, the food consumption score was low at 45.4%, especially when it came to fruits and vegetables (39.6%).Conclusions: The knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors, the practice of weight bearing exercise, and the consumption of calcium and vitamin D rich diet were low. Thus, it is necessary to integrate the different components of osteoporosis prevention into a comprehensive women health program.
Prevalence of hypertension in a rural community of North Kerala, India: a cross sectional study
Authors: B. C. Satheesh , C. Mohammad Iliyas
Published: January 2017

Background: Hypertension is major risk factor for CVDs and its complications account for 9.4 million deaths worldwide every year. Hypertension itself is responsible for about 45% and 51% deaths due to heart disease and stroke respectively. Hypertension is a major public health concern in India both in urban and rural areas and it is increasing at an alarming rate in rural population. Because of inadequate access to health care facilities at rural areas, the early screening and treatment of hypertension is not done regularly, so we conducted this study. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hypertension in a rural community of North Kerala.Methods:A community based cross sectional study was conducted at rural field practice area of Kannur Medical College, Kannur. Sample size was 151 and convenient sampling method used. Data was collected visiting homes and blood pressure measured with mercury sphygmomanometer by. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.Results: Among 152 participants, 52.3% and 47.7% were females and males respectively and mean age of the participants was 51.01±15.25 years. The overall prevalence of hypertension among them was 18.5% and the proportion of hypertension was more among the age group of 60-69 years (39.3%).Conclusions:Our study shows that hypertension is not only a concern of the urban population, but also important issue in rural areas. Newly diagnosed cases are more which indicates, people are not aware about importance of regular screening. Since screening helps in early detection, so strengthening of health facilities and creation of awareness at rural levels will reduce the morbidity and mortality due to hypertension and its complications.
Nurses’ knowledge and attitude to the care of HIV/AIDS patients in South East, Nigeria
Authors: Okpala Pat U. , Uwak Rebecca , Nwaneri Ada C. , Onyiapat Jane-lovena , Emesowum Anthonia , Osuala Eunice O. , Adeyemo Florence O.
Published: January 2017

Background: HIV/AIDS pandemic has brought huge demands on the healthcare workforce worldwide. Nurses play a critical role in caring for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Inadequate care and discrimination due to negative attitudes of nurses caring for persons living with HIV/AIDS will not only affect the patients, but will adversely affect the fight to halt the pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine nurses’ knowledge and attitude to the care of HIV/AIDS patients in South East, Nigeria.Methods:Descriptive survey design, with the aid of five-point Likert questionnaire administered on 240 nurses caring for PLWHA in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria was used.Results: Majority of the respondents had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS. There were significant relationships between the age (P<0.05), marital status (P<0.05), professional cadre of the respondents (P<0.05) and their level of knowledge. 227 (94.6%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards the care of PLWHA. Factors that negatively influenced nurses’ attitude in caring for PLWHA include fear of contagion 56 (82.4%), social stigma 10 (14.7%), culture/religion 6 (8.8%). There were significant relationships between the professional cadre of nurses (P<0.05), knowledge about HIV/AIDS (P<0.05) and their attitude towards the care of HIV/AIDS patients.However, there were no significant relationships between the nurses' marital status (P>0.05), religion, (P>0.05) and their attitude towards the care of HIV/AIDS patients.Conclusions:The study suggested the need for more in-service trainings on HIV/AIDS for nurses to improve nurses’ knowledge and positive attitude towards the              care of PLWHA.
Study of life style determinants of overweight and obesity among school going adolescents in urban Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Tomar Shashi Prabha , Kasar Pradeep Kumar , Tiwari Rajesh
Published: January 2017

Background: Obesity has become a colossal epidemic causing serious public health concern and contributes to 2.6 million deaths worldwide every year. Indian data regarding current trends in childhood obesity are emerging. Considering the fact that India has rapidly growing middle class easily habituated for enormous lifestyle changes in recent decades responsible for developing potential platform for obesity among youths. Accordingly, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the associations between overweight, obesity and several lifestyle factors, including physical activity, sedentary behaviours among adolescents aged 10-17 years.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in two schools of Jabalpur located around medical college area , 184  students effectively interviewed by predesigned questionnaire regarding Socio-demographic profile ie current residence, age, mothers educational and occupational status and family size and life style practices like  the physical activity questions designed to asses typical time spent per day on games and outdoor activity, on sedentary activities, including television (TV) viewing, video games, and computer and internet use. Data entry and data processing were carried out using the SPSS version 17 software and data analyses were applied using the appropriate statistical tests of significance.Results: Prevalence of obesity and overweight: Of the 184 adolescents studied, 7.6% were obese and 2.2% were pre-obese.Conclusions: Among all of the lifestyle factors assessed, overweight and obesity exhibited associations with less frequent physical activity, and more television and internet use.
Role of knowledge and attitude in determining standard precaution practices among nursing students
Authors: Balami Lawan Gana , Ismail Suriani , Saliluddin Suhainizam Muhamad , Garba Sani Hyedima
Published: January 2017

Background: Standard precaution practice (SPP) is aimed at protecting both patients and health professionals alike. The high rate of occupational hazards among health workers especially in developing countries is counterproductive and therefore requires thorough investigation and intervention. This study aims to determine the role of knowledge and attitude in determining SPP among nursing students.Methods:This research involved 172 nursing students at the teaching hospital of University of Maiduguri. Sampling was done using simple random sampling. Knowledge and attitude on towards one of the filoviruses (Ebola) including recommended SPP towards its prevention were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire after written consent. For bivariate correlation, Pearson’s correlation was used between knowledge and SPP, attitude and SPP, then knowledge and attitude. Subsequently the determinants of SPP were analyzed by multiple linear regression using SPSS (IBM Inc.) version 22. Significance level was 0.05 at 95% confidence interval.Results: The mean scores were knowledge 26.27(±6.6), attitude 80(±8.9) and SPP 61.08(±9.04). Correlation results was significant between knowledge and SPP (r=0.485, p<0.05) as well as knowledge and attitude (r=0.134, p<0.05). Knowledge of nursing students was a significant determinant of SPP (b = 0.663, 95% CI = 0.48-0.84, p<0.05).Conclusions:There is an association between knowledge and SPP despite the low level of knowledge among respondents. Improvements in the nursing program curriculum is recommended.
Contemporary factors of teenage pregnancy in rural communities of Abia state, Nigeria
Authors: Nwosu Udochi M.
Published: January 2017

Background: Teenage pregnancy (TP) is a serious health problem world-wide which has grievous after effect on health of females. The study aims at identifying factors influencing TP in rural communities of Abia State – Nigeria. It also seeks to determine the current prevalence of TP.Methods:A household survey of 10 randomly selected communities was carried out using a multi-stage sampling method. A sample of 400 girls aged 11-19 years, was calculated from a population of 2505 girls enumerated from the 10 communities, using Lutz’s formula n = Z2pq/d2 as stated by Ejemot- Nwadiaro  Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire that was interviewer administered. Data were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS V20. Chi-Square statistic was used in determining statistical significance.Results: The prevalence of TP in this study was 49%. Factors identified to influence TP were broadly categorized into four: socio-demographic factors of teenage age P<0.05, marital status P<0.05, education P<0.05, employment P<0.05. Others were awareness factors P<0.05, parental factors P<0.05, teenage life style and societal factors P<0.05.Conclusions:Efforts to mitigate teenage pregnancy and its attendant public health and socio-economic problems should begin by proffering lasting and sustainable solutions to these identified factors.
Clinical assessment of micronutrient deficiencies among children (1- 5 years) enrolled in anganwadis of old Hubli slums, Karnataka, India
Authors: Sarvar Rana , Bant D. D.
Published: January 2017

Background: Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals required in small amounts that are essential to our health, development, and growth.  As tiny as the amounts are, however, the consequences of their absence are severe. Iodine, vitamin A and iron are most important in global public health terms; their lack represents a major threat to the health and development, particularly children and pregnant women in low-income countries. The objectives were to clinically evaluate micronutrient deficiencies among children aged 1-5 years enrolled in anganwadi’s of old Hubli.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 children enrolled in the anganwadis of Hubli slums for signs and symptoms of micronutrient deficiency.Results: Pallor was found in 78% children and delayed developmental milestones in 20% followed by delayed eruption of teeth in 17%. Among the studied group 37% had dry hair and dry skin. Vitamin A, B, C, D deficiency was seen in 1%, 29%, 14%, 38% respectively.Conclusions:The study concludes micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent among preschool children more so in with higher birth order having partial immunization. This appeals effective implementation of national health programmes, which can play a crucial role in addressing the hidden hunger. Correcting micronutrient deficiencies can significantly reduce childhood mortality and morbidity.
Modelación del ruido por tráfico vehicular en la calle Mariscal Lamar en la ciudad de Cuenca
Authors: Tacuri Ortega Christian Favián , Calderón Peralvo Felipe Sebastián , Sellers Walden Chester Andrew
Published: January 2017

Debido al progresivo crecimiento del parque automotor en la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador, se evidencian grandes congestiones por la sobresaturación de tráfico en su centro histórico, el cual colapsa en horas pico, trayendo como consecuencia elevados niveles de ruido en la zona. Por esta razón, el presente artículo tiene como objeto modelar el ruido generado por tráfico vehicular en la calle Mariscal Lamar, utilizando el modelo de predicción de ruido NMPB-Routes-96 y las distintas configuraciones que permite el software especializado en ruido “Datakustik CadnaA”, considerando las características locales y su parque automotor. Para así determinar el método que más se ajuste a la realidad de la zona de estudio, mediante comparación con niveles de ruido levantados in situ. Además, una vez determinado el método que más se ajusta a los valores del sonómetro, se logró establecer una línea base sobre los Niveles de Presión Sonora equivalente (NPSeq) de una sección del área de influencia directa del “Tranvía 4 Ríos de Cuenca”; obteniendo de esta manera un mapa de ruido previo a la implementación de dicho tranvía, lo cual servirá como referencia para determinar la variación en los niveles de ruido una vez que se encuentre operativo dicho medio de transporte masivo.
Árboles amenazados del Chocó ecuatoriano
Authors: Palacios Walter A. , Jaramillo Nubia
Published: January 2017

Presentamos un análisis del estado de amenaza de cerca de 25 especies forestales del noroccidente de Ecuador, las cuales son demandadas por su madera. Revisamos datos sobre inventarios forestales extensivos realizados en la zona, las estadísticas del Ministerio del Ambiente sobre el aprovechamiento maderero, datos de colecciones depositadas en el Herbario Nacional del Ecuador y de la base de datos Tropicos.org (Missouri Botanical Garden), información sobre los cambios de cobertura vegetal que pudieran afectar las poblaciones, y las categorías y criterios de la Lista Rojo de la UICN (Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza). Nuestro análisis muestra que hay una fuerte corelación entre la abundancia y demanda de la madera versus el grado de amenaza de estas especies. Se concluye que siete especies de árboles del Chocó Ecuatoriano están seriamente amenazadas (Carapa amorphocarpa, C. megistocarpa, Caryodapnopsis theobromifolia, Magnolia dixonnii, Nectandra guadaripo, Magnolia striatifolia, Parinari romeroi).We present an analysis on the threat status of about 25 species of trees from northwestern Ecuador, which are in demand for timber. We reviewed data on extensive forest inventories carried out in the region, logging statistics from the Ministry of Environment, data from collections deposited at the Herbario Nacional del Ecuador and from Tropicos.org database (Missouri Botanical Garden), information on land cover changes that may affect populations, and the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria of risk extinction (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources). Our analyses show that a strong correlation between abundance and demand versus the degree of threat to timber species. It is concluded that seven species of trees from the Ecuadorian Choco are seriously threatened (Carapa amorphocarpa, C. megistocarpa, Caryodapnopsis theobromifolia, Magnolia dixonnii, Nectandra guadaripo, Magnolia striatifolia, Parinari romeroi).
Correlation between fertilization and baking quality of winter wheat cultivars
Authors: Pepó Péter
Published: January 2017

In a long-term experiment, a complex study of the baking quality parameters of four modern winter wheat genotypes (GK Csillag, Mv Csárdás, Mv Toldi, GK Békés) was carried out in fertilizer treatments with increasing dosages (control, N60+PK, N120+PK) in two different years (2013 and 2014) on chernozem soil in Eastern Hungary. In the control and the N120+PK treatments, the protein content ranged within the boundaries of 8.88-11.46% (in 2013) and 6.73-11.19% (in 2014) and 11.03-13.30% (in 2013) and 10.53-14.29% (in 2014), respectively. The wet gluten content values were 24.88-37.18% (in 2013) and 18.03-23.53% (in 2014) in the control and 35.30-43.16% and 33.28-39.10% in the N120+PK treatment. Using Pearson’s correlation analysis, a tight correlation was found between fertilization and the protein content (r = 0.571**-0.739**) and between fertilization and the wet gluten content (r = 0.587**-0.859**). A medium correlation was observed between fertilization and the farinographic value (r = 0.275-0.484**) and between fertilization and gluten elasticity (r = 0.322**-0.466**). Fertilization did not have an impact on the falling number (r = -0.014-0.226). Strong correlation was found between the protein and the wet gluten contents (r = 0.817**-0.950**).
Effect of coloured shade nets on some nutritional characteristics of a kapia type pepper grown in plastic tunnel
Authors: Ombódi Attila , Pék Zoltán , Szuvandzsiev Péter , Lugasi Andrea , Ledóné Darázsi Hajnalka , Helyes Lajos
Published: January 2017

Sweet pepper is the most important vegetable crop of the Hungarian greenhouse industry. Production of red coloured cultivars, having very high nutritive value, is getting popular recently. Shading of plastic tunnels is a common practice in Hungary, but research about its effects on the nutritional characteristics of sweet pepper has just started. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different shading methods (shading paint, white, green, yellow and red coloured shade nets) on some nutritional characteristics of a red coloured kapia type pepper, under Hungarian climatic conditions cultivated in unheated walk-in plastic tunnels. Shade net colour slightly affected radiation and hence temperature conditions of the tunnels; especially ratio of supra-optimal temperature values (32 °C <) was changed. Dry matter content was not influenced by shading method, in contrary to sampling time which had a significant effect on this parameter. Vitamin C and total polyphenol contents were affected by both of these factors and also by their interaction; shading effect on these phytonutrients changed with harvest times. However, total carotenoid content was affected just by this latter factor. Heat stress, higher ratio of supra-optimal temperature values, increased total polyphenol concentration and decreased total carotenoid content. In overall, white shade net resulted sweet peppers with the best nutritive quality, but harvest time had a more pronounced effect on content of nutritive constituents than shade net colour.
Study of the degradation patterns of thermophilic fungi from special digested wastewater sludge samples
Authors: Czikkely Márton , Bálint Ágnes
Published: January 2017

Digested wastewater sludges have high content of thermophilic fungi because of the anaerobe biodegradation. This study shows the ecophysiological properties (cellulose, hemi-cellulose, lignin and fatty-acid ester degradations) of thermophilic fungi which were isolated from digested wastewater sludge samples. The samples came from three Hungarian wastewater treatment systems. In this study four types of mycological agars were applied. This study shows digestion properties and growing temperature range of eight thermophilic fungal species. This study demonstrated wide ranges of digestion properties. Most of the isolated species are appropriate for degradations of several biopolymers.
Laboratory studies on the effects of a neonicotinoid-containing seed treatment product on non-target soil animals
Authors: Seres Anikó , Hrács Krisztina , Gyurcsó Gergő , Sárospataki Miklós , Szakálas Judit , Nagy Péter I.
Published: January 2017

Cruiser 350 FS (Syngenta) is a widely applied thiamethoxam-containing seed treatment product. Despite of this fact, little is known about its side effects on non-target organisms other than bees. In this study, the effects of Cruiser 350 FS mixed in soil in different concentrations (according to OECD standards) were investigated on the mortality and reproduction of a Collembola species (Folsomia candida). On the basis of springtail mortality data, an LC50 of 223.6 mg/kg and a NOEC of 24.5 mg/kg were determined for Folsomia candida. The following toxicological limits were obtained on the basis of the reproduction data from the springtail test: EC50: 61.73 mg/ kg, NOEC: 12.27 mg/kg. Moreover, mortality tests were performed in microplates on two nematode species of different feeding and reproductive strategies. After 24 hours of exposure, treatment had no effect on mortality up to a concentration of 35 g of thiamethoxam/l in the r-strategist bacterivorous Panagrellus redivivus; while the species-specific LC50 was determined to be 0.19 g/l for Xiphinema vuittenezi. Our results proved the K-strategist plant-feeding X. vuittenezi to be more sensitive than the r-strategist bacterivore P. redivivus. Our results highlight the difference in the sensitivity of nematodes of different feeding and functional groups, suggesting the importance of a more sophisticated study approach.
Phyllodes tumor of the breast: Wolf inside the sheep’s skin!
Authors: Wadasadawala Tabassum , Swain Monali , Bajpai Jyoti ,   Department of Radiation Oncology,   Department of Radiation Oncology,   Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai
Published: January 2017

Phyllodes tumor, previously known as cystosarcoma phyllodes, is a rare fibro-epithelial tumor of breast constituting <1% of all the breast tumors. It is classified into benign, borderline, and malignant subtypes depending upon the histological criteria defined by the World Health Organization and also has an independent prognostic significance. Accurate pretreatment histological diagnosis is important for the optimal management of phyllodes tumor so that low recurrence rates, improved survival, and optimal long-term cosmetic result can be achieved. Despite surgery being the standard of care, the best type of surgery for each histological type is yet to be defined. The higher rate of local recurrence after surgery alone in borderline and malignant phyllodes tumor raises the question regarding the need of adjuvant treatment, especially radiotherapy, which remains underutilized. The perspective of the current review is to provide the state-of-the-art management of phyllodes tumor of the breast and highlight the risk factors associated with recurrence.
Genetic diversity analysis of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region in Indian native chicken breeds and pureline chickens using the LEI0258 microsatellite marker
Authors: Kannaki T. R. , Reddy M.R. , Ravindra K.S. Raja , Chatterjee R.N.
Published: January 2017

The chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays an important role in immune response and is strongly associated with resistance and susceptibility to many diseases. The microsatellite marker LEI0258 is physically located within MHC, between the BG and BF regions and can identify serologically well-defined MHC haplotypes. In the present study, a total of 150 samples from pureline chicken breeds including Indian native chicken breeds Aseel (20), Kadaknath (45), White Leghorn (IWI-20; IWK-23), Dahlem red (DR-20), Broiler (PB1-22) was investigated by using LEI0258 microsatellite marker. Overall 22 differently sized alleles (182-552 bp) were identified in all the five lines. Our results indicate that Indian native chicken breeds Aseel (Na=10) and Kadaknath (Na=11) harbored more alleles compared to those of pureline populations (Na=5-6). Analysis of Hardy-Weinberg’s equilibrium (HWE) revealed that two populations IWI and Kadaknath deviated from the HWE (P less than 0.001). LEI0258 microsatellite based MHC haplotyping would be useful in selecting birds for breeding programs and also in genetic resource conservation.
Assessment of relationship between body weight and body measurement traits of indigenous Chinese Dagu chickens using path analysis
Authors: Tyasi Thobela Louis , Qin Ning , Jing Yang , Mu Fang , Zhu HongYan , Liu Dehui , Yuan Shuguo , Xu* Rifu
Published: January 2017

The objectives of this study were to establish the direct and indirect effects of the relationship between body weight and body measurements on both sexes of the indigenous Chinese Dagu chicken and to develop a functional model for predicting body weight using different body measurements. The path analysis in female chickens revealed that shank length has the highest direct effect (path coefficient=0.233) on body weight and pelvis width showed higher indirect effect on body weight via shank length. In male chickens, the path analysis showed that body slope length has the highest direct effect (path coefficient=0.120) on the body weight of indigenous Chinese Dagu chickens, while fossil bone length has the highest indirect effect on body weight via body slope length. The equations could serve as a useful practical tool for livestock farmers, researchers and rural development workers for body weight estimation in the field and for selection purposes.
Effect of Different genetic and non-genetic factors on Pre weaning litter and growth performance of pigs
Authors: Kaushik* Purabi , Banik S. , Naskar S. , Barman K. , Das A.K. , Sarma D.K.
Published: January 2017

The study was carried out on two different genetic groups of pig viz. Duroc and Hampshire maintained at pig breeding farm of National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati. Effect of different genetic group and non-genetic factors (year and season of farrowing and parity) were estimated by least squares analysis of variance for different litter production, weight and pre weaning growth rate. Genetic group and parity revealed highly significant (P less than 0.01) effect on all the traits under study. However, effect of year and season of birth was non significant in most of the cases. The pre weaning mortality of Hampshire pigs was found to be less than Duroc. The performance of litter production and weight traits of Hampshire pigs were found to be better than Duroc pigs in the farm.
Waste management and emissions in poultry processing
Authors:   University of Arkansas Fayetteville, USA, Luján-Rhenals D. ,   Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia, Morawicki R. ,   University of Arkansas Fayetteville, USA, Van Loo E. J. ,   University of Arkansas Fayetteville, USA,   Ghent University, Belgium, Ricke S. C. ,   University of Arkansas Fayetteville, USA
Published: January 2017

A major contributor to emissions and to waste generation in food production is the poultry slaughter-processing plants, especially because one of the greatest sources of indirect emissions from food consumption in the European Union and the United States is the consumption of meat. Quantifying the effects of these emissions is crucial to the successful initiation of strategies to reduce the poultry-processing plant’s environmental footprint. Approximately 15% of poultry greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are generated from multiple sources during post-harvest operations. Operations such as bleed out, scalding and evisceration have the most significant impact on the poultry processing waste stream. The aim of this chapter is to review and analyse what is currently known about the environmental impact of conventional and non-conventional poultry production and processing and discuss where data limitations exist.
Photodegradation Of Diazinon Pesticide In Suspension Of TiO2
Authors: Ramadhan La Ode Ahmad Nur , Amiruddin Amiruddin
Published: January 2017

Study on photodegradation of diazinon pesticide in suspension of TiO2 under ultra violet (UV) illumination was conducted. The aims of study are to determine the effective mass of titanium dioxide (TiO2), the effect of catalyst in initial concentration, the half time, the rate constant, and the rate of degradation reaction. Experimental photocatalytic reactor model was designed and constructed as suspension reactor. Determination of the effective mass of TiO2, the concentration of diazinon residu was performed by HPLC . The concentrations of illuminated diazinon solution were colected as various effective mass of TiO2 and expressed as the concentration vs the mass of TiO2. The mass of TiO2 in minimum diazinon concentration was a the effective mass. The concentration of illuminated diazinon and illumination time relationships was expressed in the graph as ln C/C0 = - k t and regarded as a pseudo first-order. The half time, the rate constant, and the degradation rate was analyzed from the graph. The results show that the photocatalytic degradation of pesticide diazinon by using TiO2 under UV illumination was run effectively in the mass of 12.5 mg for the diazinon concentration of 25 mg/l. The decreasing of initial concentration of diazinon is 90.4 % in 120 minutes. The half time, the rate constant, and the degradation rate are 36,869 minute, 0.0188 /minute, and 0,470 mg/l minute, respectively. Keywords : Kinetic, degradation, diazinon, TiO2
Solution methods of neutron transport equation in nuclear reactors
Authors: Shafii Mohamad Ali
Published: January 2017

A few numerical methods that usually used to solve neutron transport equation in nuclear reactor are SN dan PN method, Monte Carlo, Collision Probability and Methods of Characteristics . First two methods have been developed using diffusion approach, and last three methods suitable are applicated for transport approximation. Those of three methods have important role in the desain of nuclear reactors. In addition to follow the development of advanced reactor designs, the three methods were chosen because they do not use diffusion approach these are more accurate methods, as well as less need considerable computer memory. Of all the existing methods, the CP method has several advantages among the others. Keywords : Neutron transport, SN, PN, CP, MOC, MC
Physical Characteristics of Edible Film Gel Made under Various pH and Ratio of Casein and Tapioca
Authors: Lindriati Triana , Praptiningsih Yhulia , Wijayanti Dwi Fatma
Published: January 2017

Gelation from casein and tapioca take place in the edible film making. An interaction of carbohydrate and protein in the formation of gel could be affect on the physical properties of edible film gel. An appropriate ratio of casein-tapioca and pH was expected to produce physical characteristics of edible film gel. The aims of this research were to know the influence of casein- tapioca ratio, pH and the interaction of casein-tapioca ratio and pH to produce edible film gel. The research was conducted by randomized completely block design with two factors. The first factor was casein-tapioca ratio (0:100; 20:80; 40:60; 60:40; 80:20; 100:0) and the second factor was pH (4; 7; 9). The parameter of observation were colour (lightness and chroma), moisture content, WHC, precipitation and viscosity of edible film gel. The data analysis uses minitab V.1.6 carried on Tukey test. The result shows that casein-tapioca ratio influenced on colour (lightness and chroma), moisture content, WHC, precipitation and viscosity of edible film gel. The treatment of pH influenced on colour (lightness and chroma), moisture content, WHC and precipitation of edible film gel. An interaction between the ratio of casein-tapioca and pH influenced on colour (lightness and chroma), moisture content, WHC and precipitation of edible film gel. Keywords: Edible film gel, interaction of carbohydrate-protein, physical characteristics
Designing and Development of 30 KV DC Rectifier Amplifier for Polling Optimization on PVDF Thin Film
Authors: Hartono Ambran , Djamal Mitra , Satira Suparno , Bahar Herman , Ramli Ramli , Dadang Dadang
Published: January 2017

DC high voltage amplifier is one of the important components to support of PVDF thin films polling equipment. Hardware polling is a very important tool in the characterization of PVDF thin films to increase piezoelectric properties. The existence of the problem will be difficult to obtain a high voltage DC sources of lead in the market encouraged us to design and create high-voltage DC source. In research that has been done I've been able to design and create high-voltage amplifier 30 KV DC as a producer of high electric field. To validate the performance of this high voltage DC amplifier has created further testing and measuring the output voltage. Testing is performed to determine the precision, accuracy and stability of the output voltage of the amplifier for more than 60 minutes. From the test results and output measurements performed show that the relative error of 4.5%. Tool output stability is good enough for a span of 30 minutes. This indicates that the design and manufacture of high DC voltage gain have been successful.   Keywords: DC Amplifier, Electric field, High voltage, Polling, PVDF Film
Analysis of Groundwater Decline and Land Subsidence by using of Microgravity and Vertical Gravity Gradient Over Time Method
Authors: Minardi Suhayat , Hiden Hiden , Dahrin Daharta , Yusuf Mahmud
Published: January 2017

Studies have been conducted to identify the occurrence of subsidence, a decline of groundwater, and to model the causes of subsidence in areas of Jakarta based on response of microgravity anomaly and vertical gravity gradient over time. Based on the processing and interpretation of gravity data advance of the time concluded that by using a combination of time lapse microgravity and its vertical gradient have been able to localize the source of the gravity anomaly and the results are strongly support the results of filtering to separate the source of the anomaly. The subsidence that occurs predominantly due to resettlement (in West and North Jakarta), caused by the extraction of groundwater and resettlement (in Central and East Jakarta), and dominated due to the extraction of groundwater (in South Jakarta).Keywords : Groundwater, time lapse micogravity, time lapse vertical gradient, resettlement, subsidence