bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threads of memory: the historical novel in Suriname as a writing of resistance
Authors: Natali Fabiana da Costa e Silva
Published: October 2020

This article aims to analyze The free negress Elisabeth: prisoner of color (2004), a historical novel from Suriname (country that is part of the Guiana region) written by Cynthia McLeod. The focus given to the research intends to problematize the way the place of speech acts in the construction of the fiction, highlighting historically silenced voices. In addition, the study of the place of speech of black women during the Dutch colonization in Suriname aims to contribute to the debate on racial and gender inequality that underlies colonial societies and remains to today. For the discussions, this research will be based on the reflections of Akotirene (2019), Morrison (2019) and hooks (2015), among others.
Factors influencing diarrheal prevalence among children under five years in Mathare Informal Settlement, Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Guillaume Djounfoune A. , Justus Osero O.S. , Ephantus Kabiru W.
Published: October 2020

Globally, diarrhoea is the second major cause of death among children under five years. The aim of the study was to establish factors influencing diarrhoeal prevalence among children under five years in Mathare Informal Settlement. Cross-sectional survey was used. Data was collected from 1st July to 1st August 2019 among primary care- givers (PCGs) of children under five years in Mathare Informal Settlement, in Nairobi, Kenya. This urban informal settlement in Kenya was purposively sampled. Simple random sampling was used to select the households and the respondents. P0.05 was considered as statistically significant. A total of 324 primary caregivers selected from 324 households were included in the study. Fifty six point seventeen percent of the respondents were aged 25-31 years old. Prevalence of diarrhoea among children was 18.7%. Sex, relationship of the primary caregivers, number of people and children in the households were found to be statisti- cally significant with diarrhoea prevalence with p=0.008, p0.001, p0.001, p0.001 respectively. One hundred and seventy one (52.78%) primary caregivers had no formal education. primary caregivers disposed of the child’s faeces in garbage in 38.89% of the cases. Education level of the primary caregivers, renting, presence of flies, fae- ces, and open garbage near or within the compound were found to be associated with diarrhoea prevalence with p0.001, p=0.024, p0.001, p0.001 respectively. Several factors were found to be associated with diarrhoeal prevalence among children under five years.
Assessment of clinical outcome and health insurance coverage among patients with breast cancer
Authors: Kwabeng Michael A. , Kyei Kofi A. , Manortey Stephen , Vanderpuye Verna , Kitson-Mills Doris , Yarney Joel , Talboys Sharon
Published: October 2020

Breast cancer is a global health concern in terms of morbidity and mortality. Risksharing mechanisms such as health insurance provide resources and promote access to healthcare. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between health insurance coverage and clinical outcome of breast cancer patients. The study employed retrospective design involving the use of secondary data from the patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Between the period of 2015 to 2019, 250 patients’ records were reviewed from a sample size of 300 patients over 5 year patients’ follow-up period. A descriptive and Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed to determine the patients’ survival rate. Seventy-two percent of the patients had health insurance cover at the time of diagnosis. Insurance status was found to be significantly associated with survival (p-values= 0.036). Insurance cover had 1.42 hazard ratio (p=0.036, 95% CI: 1.023-1.980). Patients with health insurance coverage at the time of diagnosis had a higher survival rate. No significant association was found among the demographic characteristics and the patients’ clinical outcomes.
Abortion in the world: statistical update (for thirty countries) with particular attention for United States of America
Authors: Spaziante Ermenegildo
Published: October 2020

The problem of procured abortion is still very actual. The Author has continued to outline the planetary dimensions, and now refers to a statistical study of the incidence of the abortion phenomenon in the United States of America. The placing of the U.S.A in the classification of the incidence of induced abortion within thirty countries of the world is identified, in relation to the natal rate and the consistency of the population. The comparison of the statistical data of the last twenty years among the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Italy is presented.

A specific examination is made for the 50 States of the USA from a statistical point of view, and as a comparative analysis of some socio-economic factors. A significant framework emerges of the analogies and differences between the various States of the USA Federation.

The Author presents some ethical and social considerations, wishing for a programmed intervention that is co-ordinated and efficient to contain this “sore of the social body”, as well as the perspective that the USA, which has suffered historically from the serious problem of slavery, should spread the ideal of freedom and human dignity in the world. It is also hoped that there can be a similar movement towards a higher respect, and greater and more systematic help for the new life, as a subject for the recognition as a conceived human being with the natural right to the protection of its life, for progress in the civil and humanitarian conscience.
Pedofilia e altre forme di abuso sessuale di minori
Authors: Ciccone Lino
Published: October 2020

L’Autore, rilevata la presenza di numerose zone d’ombra e incertezze, esistente in tema di pedofilia, dedica una prima parte a porre una base conoscitiva attenta del fenomeno nei suoi vari aspetti, compresa l’attenzione ad esso data nella società civile e nella Chiesa.

Affronta quindi la relativa problematica etica, secondo la collaudata distinzione tra moralità oggettiva e responsabilità soggettiva.

Scende quindi sul terreno operativo, fornendo anche indicazioni pratiche. Infine dedica una Nota al delicato problema dell’attribuita diffusione della pedofilia nel clero cattolico in alcuni Paesi.
La bioetica che interroga la letteratura nel locus antropologico: l’ermeneutica di una voce letteraria sul tema della tecnocrazia
Authors: Mele V. , Giardina S.
Published: October 2020

L’oggetto materiale del lavoro è stato quello di delineare i fondamenti epistemologici della tecnica, di inquadrarli nel periodo immediatamente antecedente alla nascita della bioetica come disciplina sensu stricto e, infine, di far emergere le conseguenze che la tecnologia ha avuto sul vissuto antropologico e sull’umano nell’epoca contemporanea. L’avvento della tecnologia si impone come una delle radici storiche della bioetica. Infatti, le nuove possibilità tecnologiche offerte dalla scienza pongono nuovi quesiti che necessitano d’urgenza una risposta etica. Tali possibilità non minacciano soltanto la salute, la vita dell’uomo e la sopravvivenza dell’intero pianeta, ma possono arrivare a “sconvolgere” l’identità stessa dell’uomo, la sua struttura antropologica. A questo punto la tecnologia da mezzo diventa fine, e la tecnologia si trasforma in tecnocrazia.

Partendo dalla concezione che la letteratura è uno strumento di conoscenza che si avvale di strumenti diversi, ma non per questo meno validi, di quelli della scienza, gli autori hanno utilizzato come strumento di indagine per delineare il rapporto uomo-tecnologia alcuni testi dello scrittore Paolo Volponi in cui è evidente la presa di coscienza e la denuncia da parte dello scrittore del riduzionismo antropologico operato dal mondo tecnologico. In altre parole, la letteratura viene assunta quale oggetto formale per delineare l’avvento della tecnocrazia sull’uomo.

Scopo del lavoro è inoltre far emergere l’importanza e l’effettiva realizzazione di un dialogo tra discipline diverse: il discorso sulla portata etica della tecnologia si muove oscillando dal terreno più squisitamente etico della bioetica a quello umanistico-antropologico definito dalla letteratura, e viceversa.
La objeción de conciencia farmacéutica a la píldora postcoital
Authors: Talavera Fernández Pedro A. , Bellver Capella Vicente
Published: October 2020

Not available.
Aspectos científicos y éticos de la epidemia del Virus de Inmuno Deficiencia Humana (VIH) y el Síndrome de Inmuno-Deficiencia Adquirida (SIDA) Hacia una propuesta auténticamente humana
Authors: Chomali Garib Fernando
Published: October 2020

Not available.
La bioetica e l’educazione al Vangelo della Vita
Authors: Grocholewski Zenon
Published: October 2020

L’articolo è incentrato sul tema dell’educazione in bioetica. Esso si divide in tre parti, ciascuna delle quali è affrontata partendo dalla considerazione che oggi riveste un’importanza notevole sviluppare un’autentica educazione al rispetto ed alla promozione della vita, nei luoghi in cui tale processo educativo avviene: nella famiglia, nella scuola e nelle altre istituzioni educative di diverso grado.

Nella prima parte del contributo, l’Autore si sofferma sull’orizzonte culturale ed educativo del nostro tempo per quanto riguarda la bioetica, disciplina che ormai ha lasciato la torre eburnea in cui era inizialmente confinata per aprirsi al più vasto pubblico, agenzie educative comprese.

Nella seconda parte dell’articolo viene affrontato il tema del fondamento antropologico dell’educazione, che per la Chiesa è costituito dalla persona e dal suo valore unico. Dopo uno sguardo alla necessità che l’educazione dell’uomo sia integrale, ossia che tenga presente tutto l’uomo, nella sua globalità, l’Autore conclude con alcune osservazioni per contestualizzare la bioetica nel processo educativo.

Giovanni Paolo II più volte ha invitato coloro che svolgono nella società un ruolo educativo a “combattere” per una cultura della vita. La scuola, in tal senso, dovrebbe diventare campo di battaglia privilegiato, tenendo presenti alcuni presupposti fondamentali come l’individuazione delle implicazioni etico-morali che scaturiscono dai progressi delle scienze riguardo alla vita dell’uomo e delle altre specie, come pure dall’uso delle biotecnologie; l’impostazione delle modalità didattiche di approccio al problema, tenendo conto della interdisciplinarità dei problemi di bioetica; la formazione iniziale e permanente dei docenti.
La natura biologica dell’embrione
Authors: Vescovi A.L. , Spinardi L.
Published: October 2020

Il dibattito sulla fecondazione assistita, l’esistenza di un numero imprecisato di embrioni umani congelati e la scoperta che è possibile clonare esseri viventi di varie specie, primati ed uomo inclusi, solleva un numero enorme di questioni, non solo di natura biologica, ma anche etiche e, non ultime, legislative.

L’aspro dibattito che si è acceso attorno a questi argomenti, sconfina spesso in scontri esasperati, non solo su giornali, televisione ed altri mezzi di comunicazione, ma anche in sede istituzionale e perfino in ambito accademico. Un elemento comune a tutti questi scontri è riscontrabile nella frequente carenza di criteri logici e scientifici a supporto delle tesi proposte da alcuni dei contendenti. Il dibatto si sviluppa quindi attraverso arroccamenti più o meno definitivi, basati su posizioni dogmatiche, spesso di natura strettamente ideologica o persino politica.

Questo breve articolo intende quindi fornire una disamina, il più possibile oggettiva e scientifica, della natura, fisiologia ed identità dell’elemento fondamentale che si trova alla base di tutte le discussioni sulla fecondazione assistita, clonazione ed uso di cellule staminali embrionali, vale a dire l’embrione umano. Senza volere essere in alcun modo esaustivo, il presente articolo si prefigge di illustrare chiaramente le varie fasi dello sviluppo di una vita umana, fin dai sui stadi iniziali – la fusione tra gameti (fecondazione) – ed attraverso la crescita dell’embrione a dare origine ad un individuo maturo.

È nostra speranza che questo documento fornisca spunti di riflessione e materiale di approfondimento sia agli addetti ai lavori che a coloro, per amor di scienza, cultura o aspirazione alla crescita interiore, si interessano di questo argomento di vitale importanza per l’umanità intera.
An analysis of gut dysbiosis in obesity, diabetes, and chronic gut conditions
Authors: Haleem Ahmed , Anvari Sama , Nazli Aisha , Sager Mohamed , Akhtar Mahmood
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance in the microbial communities of the intestine and has been associated with numerous chronic diseases. Objectives: We aimed to compare gut dysbiosis within and across various disease states (Crohn's disease [CD], colorectal cancer [CRC], irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], and type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], and obesity). Materials and Methods: Assessing comparative studies which examined levels of bacterial phyla in cases and controls. PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant studies, in which human fecal samples were used to analyze microbial flora. Results: Twenty-one studies were included, which met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three studies were included assessing IBS, which found a decrease in Bacteroidetes in the IBS population, but inconsistent findings for other phyla. Six studies were included assessing obesity, and no consistent patterns emerged. Five studies were included examining T2DM, which found a consistent decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in cases as compared to controls. No patterns were found for other phyla. Three studies were included examining CD, and five examining CRC. Conclusions: No consistent patterns were found for either of these diseases. While some patterns were found in bacterial phyla distribution, there were few commonalities, even in same-system disorders. However, uncovering underlying dysbiosis patterns shows great promise in furthering the understanding of disease pathogenesis and the potential for new therapeutic and diagnostic interventions. Further systematic reviews and well-controlled studies are warranted.
Direct gunshot wound to the testicular artery: A rare case report
Authors: Chiancone Francesco , Fabiano Marco , Langella Nunzio , Sannino Simone , Fedelini Paolo
Published: October 2020

Gunshot wounds (GSWs) to male genitalia are rare. They have mainly been described in the military and urban trauma settings, such as in sports activities or violent interactions. Male genitalia can be injured in an isolated way or in association with other genitourinary traumatism. GSWs can also determine vascular injuries which can be life-threatening. We report a rare case of direct GSW of the testicular artery and a scrotal hematoma without a primary injury of the testis. We present the case of a 29-year-old man with a direct GSW to the testicular artery. The patient underwent a surgical left inguinal exploration and orchiectomy. Intraoperative findings showed an actively bleeding from the left testicular artery at the level of the superficial inguinal ring. Dartos fascia and tunica vaginalis were thickened and testis was ischemic but not directly injured by GSW. After the surgery, cessation of bleeding and clinical stabilization occurred. The patient was discharged after 5 days. The pathology report showed an extensive ischemic infarction, heavy infiltration by acute inflammatory cells, excessive tissue edema, and congested blood vessels. Surgical exploration should be performed in all cases except for the most insignificant and superficial wound. All patients with a GSW to the external genitalia should be evaluated with an index of suspicion for other associated lesions. In this context, fertility and sexuality can be negatively impacted. Moreover, people with violence-related disabilities manifest a complex array of psychosocial and relational problems.
Immunohistochemical profile and distribution of Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma - An experience in a medical college hospital in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Sakthisankari , Balan Krishnagiri , Arumugam Dhanalakshmi
Published: October 2020

Context: The subtype distribution of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) shows distinct pattern across geographic regions. This study analyzes the subtype distribution of lymphomas based on the WHO 2017 Classification using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and also investigates the IHC profile of various lymphomas. Subjects and Methods: Fifty consecutive cases of lymphoma diagnosed in the department of pathology in a medical college hospital were included in the study. The cases were subcategorized using panels of IHC based on the light microscopic findings. Results: The ratio of NHL to HL was 4.5:1. B-NHL formed 78.5% (n = 32), while T-cell NHL formed 21.5% (n = 9). Among the B-NHL cases, small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL) (34.4%) was the most common, followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, NOS (DLBCL NOS) (31.2%), follicular lymphoma (FL) (25%), and then by Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) constituting 9.4%. Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, NOS (PTCL NOS) (14.1%) (n = 6) was the most common T-cell NHL, followed by angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (4.8%), and then by lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LL) (2.4%). Among Hodgkin lymphomas, mixed cellularity (MC) accounted for 55.6% (n = 5), lymphocyte depleted type (LD) being 22.2%, while nodular lymphocyte predominant and lymphocyte rich type each constituted 11.1%. Conclusion: SLL/CLL was the most common lymphoma reported in the study followed by DLBCL which is different from the other Indian studies where DLBCL was most common. CD5 expression was noted in 21% of FLs. PTCL-NOS constituted the most common T-cell lymphoma and MC, the most frequent subtype of classical HL. Further replication studies including larger sample size will be needed to understand the difference in subtype distribution in our population.
Circular law for sparse random regular digraphs
Authors: Litvak Alexander E. , Lytova Anna , Tikhomirov Konstantin , Tomczak-Jaegermann Nicole , Youssef Pierre
Published: October 2020

Fix a constant

C\geq 1

and let

d=d(n)

satisfy

d\leq \mathrm {ln}^{C} n

for every large integer

n

. Denote by

A_n

the adjacency matrix of a uniform random directed

d

-regular graph on

n

vertices. We show that if

d\to\infty

as

n \to \infty

, the empirical spectral distribution of the appropriately rescaled matrix

A_n

converges weakly in probability to the circular law. This result, together with an earlier work of Cook, completely settles the problem of weak convergence of the empirical distribution in a directed

d

-regular setting with the degree tending to infinity. As a crucial element of our proof, we develop a technique of bounding intermediate singular values of

A_n

based on studying random normals to rowspaces and on constructing a product structure to deal with the lack of independence between matrix entries.
$L_\infty$-resolutions and twisting in the curved context
Authors: Esposito Chiara , de Kleijn Niek
Published: October 2020

In this short note we describe an alternative global version of the twisting procedure used by Dolgushev to prove formality theorems. This allows us to describe the maps of Fedosov resolutions, which are key factors of the formality morphisms, in terms of a twist of the fiberwise quasi-isomorphisms induced by the local formality theorems proved by Kontsevich and Shoikhet. The key point consists in considering

L_\infty

-resolutions of the Fedosov resolutions obtained by Dolgushev and an adapted notion of Maurer–Cartan element. This allows us to perform the twisting of the quasi-isomorphism intertwining them in a global manner.
Levels of selenium in selected river, well and bottled waters in Ethiopia by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry
Authors: Minuye A. , Zewge F. , S. Chandravanshi B.
Published: October 2020

Selenium is an essential trace element for many organisms, including humans, but it is toxic at higher level than homeostatic levels. Both selenium deficiency and toxicity are problems around the world (specially in China, India, USA). The level of selenium in selected waters of Ethiopia (including Akaki Kality river and some of its tributaries such as Kebena, Saris Abo, and Estifanos areas; bottled waters like Yes, Aqua Safe and Gift; well waters like Ziqualla Wogem, Akaki Kality and Ferensay Legasion; and tap water at Arat Kilo) were determined by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy after wet digestion and acidification. The levels selenium determined (µg/L) were 7.0, 3.1, 6.4, 3.9, 6.3, 5.0, 5.4, 0.66, 4.2, 6.3, and 2.0, respectively.  The percentage recovery of Se was found to be 95.2% which is in the acceptable range. The ANOVA result showed that there is a significant difference between the mean levels of selenium in the river, well and bottles waters. The results obtained in this study were compared with the permissible limit (10 µg/L) set by Ethiopian Standards Agency and the tolerable level set by WHO (< 40 µg/L). Thus the levels of selenium detected in this study are within the recommended limit.

                   

KEY WORDS: Selenium, Trace metal, Water samples, Microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, Ethiopia

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 215-226.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.1
Synthesis of CuO-NPS by simple wet chemical method using various dicarboxylic acid salts as precursors: Spectral characterization and in-vitro biological evaluation
Authors: Rehman H. , Ali Z. , Qadir A. , H. Farooq M. , Shuaib A. , Zahra A. , Shahzady T. , Hussain H.
Published: October 2020

In this study, a simple chemical reduction method was employed to synthesize CuO-NPs.  Various dicarboxylic acids were converted into Cu(II) salt of dicarboxylic acid which were used as precursors. NPs were produced by reducing precursors with NaBH4. Characteristics of synthesized NPs were investigated by using important analytical techniques including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Developed NPs were investigated for their antibacterial activity against a range of bacterial strains by employing agar well diffusion method. CuO-NPs exhibited good to moderate activity against E-Coli, B. Subtilis and poor activity against K. pneumonia and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It was found that amongst all experienced compounds sample 2 showed good activity with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) 10 µg/mL (zone of inhibition: 22± 0.12 mm) while sample 3 showed poor activity with MIC 40 µg/mL (zone of inhibition: 8.0 ± 0.18 mm).

                   

KEY WORDS: CuO-NPs, Dicarboxylic acids, Sodium borohydride, Antibacterial study

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 323-334

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.10
A review of soft corals (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea) and their symbionts: Distribution of clades and functionality
Authors: Jahajeeah Deeya , Bhoyroo Vishwakalyan , Ranghoo-Sanmukhiya Mala
Published: October 2020

Even though soft corals are an integral part of the coral reef ecosystem, very little research has focused on theirendosymbiotic association with the zooxanthellae (Symbiodiniaceae). Symbiotic algae appear in soft corals from both the tropical seas as well as temperate regions across the world. The present study provides a list of soft corals along with their associated zooxanthellae using published data. By combining all the data, 52 soft coral species belonging to 21 genera were identified and their corresponding specific Symbiodiniaceae genera were analysed. It was important to initially compare soft corals and distinguish zooxanthellae at clade level to find any host specificity. The vast majority (75 %) of soft corals predominantly hosted the genus Cladocopium (Clade C) and therefore the focus of this study was to evaluate its geographical distribution. The genus Cladocopium consists of many species which are classified as subclades in this study, exhibiting high intra-clade diversity. For 40 of the 52 soft corals reviewed, 18 % had the same clade type C1 (considered as generalists and ancestral) and 13 % contained the clades C15, C64 and C1:3a, respectively. Analysis showed that some clades (C71a, C15b and C64) were confined to specific geographical regions while clade C1 was distributed worldwide. Understanding the distribution of endosymbionts may enable predictions of which symbioses will survive and exist under future climate change scenarios.
The role of indigenous knowledge in the management of marine resources: a case study of Kuruwitu and Mkunguni fishing areas in Kenya
Authors: Jabali Walter , Wamukota Andrew , Fulanda Benerd
Published: October 2020

Indigenous knowledge (IK) in the management of natural resources, and especially marine resources, has received increasing attention in recent years. The use of IK is due to its extensive contribution to the management of local resources and the spiritual, cultural and economic well-being of local communities. This study aimed to identify the existing types of IK and practices used in the management of marine resources. The study was conducted through a descriptive survey design using semi-structured questionnaires, Key Informant Interviews, field observations and Focus Group Discussions. The results revealed that the community relied on IK for weather forecasting to plan for fishing activities which subsequently regulated marine resource exploitation. The use of IK in the location of marine fish species and favourable conditions enables the fishers to understand the factors driving fish catches within these ecosystems. IK of sustainable resource-use allows the fishers to devise environmentally friendly fishing gears and reduce the use of deleterious fishing methods. Pearson’s Chi-squared test was performed on selected variables that influenced the possession of IK among the residents in the two study areas. The Chi-square test revealed a significant association between IK and meetings (p= 5.524e-09), and IK and age (p=0.023), while IK and education level were not significant (p=0.712). The study recommends the development of conservation strategies that include IK for the management of marine resources at the local level, including consideration of all socio-economic factors.
Effect of initial handling by artisanal fishermen on the quality of penaeid shrimps in Kurawa on the north coast of Kenya
Authors: Obiero Maurice O. , Kigathi Rose , Odongo Nicholas
Published: October 2020

This study was conducted to determine the effect of initial handling on the quality of shrimps during and after catch by the artisanal fishermen in Kurawa on the north coast of Kenya. Fishermen collected shrimps from salt ponds and carried them using both insulated and bucket containers. A portion of samples was preserved with ice immediately after catch (control), while the rest were carried in buckets to the landing site and a portion preserved immediately upon arrival (0-hr). The remaining samples were sub-sampled and preserved with ice after 2 hours (2-hr), 4 hours (4-hr) and 6 hours (6-hr), respectively. Biochemical parameters (Total Volatile Bases - Nitrogen, Trimethylamine-Nitrogen, Peroxide Value, p-Anisidine Value) and proximate composition parameters (dry matter, protein, fat and ash content) were used to monitor quality changes of samples with delayed icing. Results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in biochemical parameter values over time. This indicated progressive deterioration in quality of shrimp with increased delay in icing. Samples preserved immediately after catch (control) exhibited best quality, followed by 0-hr, 2-hr, 4-hr and 6-hr samples, respectively. In general, increased delay in icing caused significant deterioration of shrimp quality although most samples remained within acceptable standard quality limits for the 6-hr delayed icing period.
Bike-sharing system in Poznan – what will Web API data tell us?
Authors: Dzięcielski Michał , Radzimski Adam , Woźniak Marcin
Published: October 2020

Bike-sharing systems, also known as public bicycles, are among the most dynamically developing mobility solutions in contemporary cities. In the past decade, numerous Polish cities hoping to increase the modal share of cycling have also adopted bike-sharing. Such systems continuously register user movements through installed sensors. The resulting database allows a highly detailed representation of this segment of urban mobility. This article illustrates how a database accessed via a Web API (Web Application Programming Interface) could be used to investigate the spatial distribution of trips, using the case study of Poznań, the fifth-largest city in Poland. Using geographical information systems, we identify the hot spots of bike-sharing as well as areas with low usage. The research procedure outlined in the paper provides knowledge that allows better responding to users’ needs.
Concept of Green Ports. Case study of the Seaport in Gdynia
Authors: Żukowska Sandra
Published: October 2020

World transport faces a serious challenge, which involves the detrimental impact of its activity on the environment. Marine transport is a significant link in the worldwide transport system, which provides the free flow of diversified cargoes and offers competitive prices compared to other modes of transport for the carriage of goods. Seaports enabling waterborne transport have a major impact on the economic, social and natural environment. Port managing authorities show growing awareness of the negative influence of port units on the surrounding environment. Concurrently, environmentally friendly measures are implemented in line with the principles of sustainable development. The article aim is to present the characteristics of the green ports concept in response to ports struggle with environmental problems. The article presents port development background and the evolving approach to environmental issues. The seaport in Gdynia is an example of pursuing a sustainable development policy, and informally is well embedded in the concept of green ports.
The Phenomenon of Digital Labour Platforms
Authors: Świątkowski Andrzej Marian
Published: October 2020

In all EU Member States the status of people employed on job platforms is not fully legally regulated. It is necessary to consider the sources of the contemporary phenomenon of electronic employment, which is not amenable to legal regulation in the Union constituting an “area of freedom, security and justice with respect for fundamental rights” (Art. 67 (1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). The right to work in decent conditions, with adequate remuneration, belongs to this category of rights. In the discussion on employment platforms state authorities are more inclined to consider issues related to new technologies, processes and changes caused by the development and application of modern digital technologies (digitization) in almost all areas. The headquarters of trade unions mainly discuss the legal position of employees and the role of employment platforms in employment relations in the post-industrial era. Entrepreneurs and their organizations, including private institutions and employment platforms, are interested in equal treatment by national legislators in local labour markets. They are afraid of the breach of the balance favorable to their own economic interests, caused by the public interest in the possibility of using employment in atypical forms of employment. Services consisting in employment provided under employment platforms are incomparably cheaper than identical work performed by employees employed under employment contracts.
„Optymalizacja” kosztów zatrudnienia w administracji rządowej
Authors: Walczak Krzysztof
Published: October 2020

“Optimization” of employment costs in government administration The purpose of this article is to analyze the planned optimalization of employment costs in government administration. The reason foar introducing these actions is the threat to public finances related to coronavirus. The Act provides for two forms of reduction of employment costs. The first is collective redundancies and the second is the suspension of employees’ rights. The author recognize the legitimacy of actions aimed at reducing the public finance deficyt. However, he critically refers to the detailed provisions contained in the Act. This applies primarily to the way of dismissing employees from work, which deprives them of any protection and support for both trade unions and employment administration.
HOW SELF-CONTROL IMPACT’S ON HAPPINESS AND SATISFACTION WITH LIFE WITH MODERATING ROLE OF LOCUS OF CONTROL
Authors: Hussain Sajid , Baqir Muhammad , Islam K. M. Anwarul , Asif Samra
Published: October 2020

Self-control is by all explanations a basic worth affecting how others see us and how we see ourselves. The basic aim of the study is to elaborate the vice versa relationship among the factor to test whether certain psychological variable which increases the satisfaction with life. Component of happiness with the influence of locus of control is correlated with each other which is we find in this research. The participants in the study were 307 students of the different institutes who fill questionnaires through snowball sampling. This had a significant huge relationship with the locus of control. In this study, we use a different technique to find the relationship with data. Firstly we test the reliability of the questionnaire which is used by the different researcher in their research article after this we find the correlation which shows the positive result among the variable. Subsequently, MANOVA and other test were applied in this research to emphasize how self-control plays a major role to enhance the level of happiness which discovered the true meaning of satisfaction. This study recommended that if students and people are good at self-control elements in different situations then they will be happier and satisfied with their life. Moreover, the investigation uncovered that self-control has emphatically corresponded with Happiness, regularity feeling, and satisfaction with life. Research on happiness has caused it conceivable to better comprehend human behaviour in different parts of life.
Comparing the Outcomes of Early and Late Acquisition of European Portuguese: An Analysis of Morpho-syntactic and Phonetic Performance
Authors: Flores Cristina , Rinke Esther , Rato Anabela
Published: October 2020

The present paper compares the linguistic competence of German-Portuguese bilinguals with upper-intermediate German L2 learners (L2ers) of EP (European Portuguese) and with monolingual Portuguese speakers. The bilingual speakers are heritage speakers (HSs), who were raised bilingually with EP as the minority language and German as the majority language. The aim of our comparison is to verify in which way different input sources and maturational effects shape the speakers’ linguistic knowledge. The findings of two studies, one focused on the morpho-syntactic knowledge of clitics and the other on global accent, corroborate the assumption that L2ers and HSs behave differently, despite superficial similarities observed in the morpho-syntactic study. In contrast to that of the L2ers’, the accent of the HSs is perceived as being native-like, whereas their morpho-syntactic competence is mainly shaped by their dominant exposure to colloquial Portuguese and reduced contact with formal registers.
Academic performance of students in other university courses after dropping out of pharmacy school
Authors: Jegede Ayodapo O , Adebiyi Hezekiah A , Erhun Wilson O
Published: October 2020

Background: Students drop out of pharmacy school for reasons that are not fully explored and are then enrolled in other courses. The college achievement of these students in their new courses will be relevant to curriculum review.
Aim: To determine the reasons for students’ drop out from pharmacy school and evaluate the academic competence of such students in their new undergraduate courses.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study comprising 49 students who dropped out of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University. The study used descriptive and inferential statistics to explore perceived reasons for pharmacy students’ drop out and their performance in new courses.
Result: The results showed that the major reasons for students’ drop out were excessive workload (Weighted Average [WA]=4.43/5.0), poor time management (WA=4.16/5.0) and inadequate learning facilities (WA=4.04/5.0). The students performed relatively better in their new courses.
Conclusion: The study identified the reasons for pharmacy students’ drop out as excessive workload, poor time management among others. Pharmacy student who dropped out performed better academically in other university courses.
Individualised cognitive behaviour therapy in patients of substance use disorders: three case studies
Authors: Mafia Shahzadi  , Qasir Abbas
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of patients with substance use disorders. Three diagnosed patients with substance use disorders were recruited —i.e. 305.20 (F12.10) cannabis used disorder, 291.81 (FI0.239) alcohol withdrawal disorder and 292.0 (F11.23) opioid withdrawal disorder, respectively. The patients were detoxified and individual treatment plan was formulated on the basis of CBT. The CBT therapeutic outcomes were evaluated on the basis of pre- and post-assessment scores. Results indicate that CBT worked effectively in one-on-one session. CBT effectively worked to manage patients’ anger, craving, stress, sleep hygiene and assertive behaviour. It is concluded that CBT is an effective approach to deal with patients’ anger, stress, craving, sleep and assertive behaviour.

Keywords: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Canabis Used Disorder; Alcohol Withdrwal Disorder; Opioid Withdrawal Disorder. Continuous....
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of Pakistani population about the risk factors, causes, complications and management of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Muhammad Sajid Hamid Akash  , Kanwal Rehman  , Komal Jabeen  , Fareeha Fiayyaz  , Shakila Sabir  , Muhammad Ejaz ul Haq
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objective: To compare the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding diabetes mellitus among diabetics and non-diabetics.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan, from December 2017 to April 2018, and comprised subjects recruited randomly from different cities of Punjab, Pakistan. Data was collected using a predesigned structured questionnaire regarding socio-demographic characteristics, general knowledge about diabetes, perception regarding indication, risk factors, diagnosis, and complications, and practices followed for treatment and management of diabetes.

Results: Of the 2,000 subjects, 972(48.6%) had family history of diabetes, 1338(66.9%) were living in urban areas, 1068(53.4%) were university graduates, 804(40.2%) were employed and 1152(57.6%) belonged to socio-economically balanced families. Composite knowledge score was significantly associated with age and socio-economic status (p<0.05). A highly significant association was observed regarding family history (p<0.001), level of education (p<0.0001) and occupation (p<0.001) with composite knowledge score.

Conclusion: The knowledge level about diabetes was seen to be average.

Key Words: Complications of diabetes mellitus, Diabetes knowledge, Management of diabetes mellitus, Pakistani population, Questionnaire. Continuous...
Psychosocial issues of hearing impaired school children: a psychometric approach
Authors: Qurat-Ul-Ain  , Sadia Saleem  , Anila Sarwar  , Zahid Mahmood
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objective: To develop a valid and reliable scale for measuring psychosocial issues of hearing-impaired school children.

Method: The cross-sectional study with four stage model of scale development was conducted at Multan, Muzafargarh, and Dera Ghazi Khan Pakistan from August 2018 to January 2019. The four stages were item generation, expert validation, conversion of scale into sign language and psychometric study. The sample comprised hearing-impaired school children aged 18-23 years who were studying Special Education schools in Multan, Pakistan.

Results: Of the 230 subjects, there were 110(47.8%) boys and 120(52.2%) girls. The overall mean age was 19.90+/-2.46 years.Exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation revealed 26 items in ‘Depressive Affect’, ‘Social Isolation’ and ‘Feeling of Anger’ sub-scales with high internal consistency (r=0.85) and validity (r=-0.32).

Conclusion: The internalised nature of psychosocial issues of children with hearing impairment needs timely identification and intervention so that silent suffering can be prevented to improve psychosocial functioning of such children.

Key Words: Hearing impairment, Psychosocial issues, Gender, Age, Reliability, Validity. Continuous...
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: REVIEW AND FUTURE RESEARCH AGENDA
Authors: Gokool Trishel , Chowdary Boppana
Published: October 2020

Manufacturing has long served as the main engine that drives a country’s economic growth and development. Manufacturing engineering (MfgE) education should thus support and help drive advances in the manufacturing sector. In Trinidad and Tobago, there has been much talk about diversifying the economy by strengthening sectors such as manufacturing. However, the bolstering of MfgE education to drive this diversification has largely been ignored. This paper provides an overview of the present structure of manufacturing engineering education in Trinidad and Tobago with an aim of briefly benchmarking its current state. A new concept of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, manufacturing and entrepreneurship (STEMME) education is introduced to draw as much focus on manufacturing and entrepreneurial education as the traditional science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) subjects. A research agenda is then outlined which proposes the future research direction of the authors towards the development of MfgE education to support the sustainable diversification of the economy, specifically the manufacturing sector.
INTEGRATED APPROACH TO MASTERS PROGRAMME DELIVERY IN MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN ENGINEERING AT UTT
Authors: Persadie Natalie , Sangster Nadine , Ameerali Aaron , Soodeen Dinesh , Maharajh Aatma , Ramkhalawan Aneil
Published: October 2020

Translating theory into practice at the university level is easier said than done. Students often tend to experience difficulty in the application of knowledge learnt, as they seem to be accustomed to learning theory by rote and simply repeating it for the purpose of assessments. A somewhat different approach has been taken by the Design and Manufacturing Engineering (DME) Unit at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. In its BASc and MSc offerings, the DME Unit has made the application of knowledge learnt in the various courses offered a key feature of its programmes. The focus of this paper will be on the MSc programmes offered by the Unit. The DME Unit currently offers two Masters programmes, one which focuses on management (Innovation, Manufacturing Management and Entrepreneurship – IMME) and another which focuses on design (Innovative Design and Entrepreneurship – IDE). These programmes are designed with a view to achieving several outcomes, including fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of students with the intention that they will start businesses at the end of their course of study, thereby commercialising any product or service they develop during the programme; developing their management capabilities, which prepares them for higher level positions and responsibilities at their places of work; immersing students into real-time, problem-based scenarios at companies over the period of a semester to allow them to act as consultants in a work environment different to their own; and nurturing their engineering design capabilities for new product development, with the intention that any such design produced will eventually be commercialised. In light of these outcomes, both programmes share common features in the courses that are covered. Such courses focus on management, entrepreneurship, business development and industry immersion. This paper will highlight the successes of this approach in both programmes.
Editorial Alpha Centauri
Authors: Alpha Centauri Journal
Published: October 2020

ALPHA CENTAURI, presenta el Vol. 1 Nº 1 (2020) de su Revista Científica arbitrada y editada por el equipo de investigadores reconocidos por el estado peruano en el Registro Nacional Científico, Tecnológico y de Innovación Tecnológica RENACYT - CONCYTEC; esta es una publicación trimestral, gestionada mediante Open Journal System 3.2.1.1 y la que tiene como objetivos: Promover y contribuir a la difusión de la investigación científica en las diferentes disciplinas del conocimiento, difundir los resultados de las diferentes investigaciones para diversas consultas y ser un medio de acceso abierto que recoge la producción científica de las comunidades académicas.
Formação continuada de educadores e gestores da Escola do Campo José Paim de Oliveira: reflexões e significados
Authors: Da Costa Braz Jaqueline , Galvão dos Santos Eliane Aparecida , Pereira Pretto Carlesso Janaína
Published: October 2020

O presente artigo apresenta os resultados da formação continuada desenvolvida com um grupo de educadores e gestores de uma Escola do Campo da Rede Municipal de Santa Maria/ RS. A amostra foi composta por oito participantes. O instrumento utilizado na coleta foi aplicação de questionários antes e após os encontros de formação. O tipo de pesquisa configura-se como um estudo de caso comparativo. Os resultados apontaram que, após a formação continuada, foi possível observar que pontos importantes referentes à prática docente foram repensados. Desse modo, os educadores refletiram sobre as suas concepções de escola, de currículo e de aspectos relevantes sobre as suas práticas pedagógicas, decorrendo na criação de novos caminhos para atuação na escola e na comunidade. Isto foi possível observar por meio de maior ampliação do planejamento de ações interdisciplinares contextualizadas na construção de um projeto coletivo que valoriza os saberes, a história e as contribuições de todos os sujeitos que fazem parte da escola na busca por contemplar a diversidade do Campo.
processos formativos da licenciatura em educação do campo: novos e outros saberes e fazeres evidenciados pelos/nos cadernos da realidade
Authors: Gerke Janinha , Luiz Miriã Lúcia , Da Silva Guimarães Alessandro
Published: October 2020

O texto reflete a produção dos saberes dos estudantes do curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo no que tange aos seus processos formativos, tomando como fonte os Cadernos da Realidade, uma mediação pedagógica fundamental no processo metodológico da Pedagogia da Alternância. Baseia-se no pensamento de Marc Bloch (2001), Carlo Ginzburg (2002, 2007a, 2007b) para operar a partir da multiplicidade de fontes e da necessidade de interrogação das mesmas para a produção da narrativa histórica, que se constitui por meio do mergulho nas fontes estudadas de forma, ao mesmo tempo rigorosa e flexível. Nessa perspectiva, trata-se de buscar nos Cadernos da Realidade indícios e sinais que possibilitam a compreensão dos processos formativos dos estudantes do curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo, da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Os resultados apontam que os Cadernos da Realidade, tomados numa leitura questionadora e interrogativa, mostram-se como portas de entrada – ou por vezes, frestas ou fendas – que permitem refletir sobre as inúmeras experiências históricas, sociais e culturais ligadas as diferentes realidades dos sujeitos do campo e que são imprescindíveis de serem exploradas quando pensadas na construção de uma educação que dialogue com tais experiências.
Palavras-chave: Educação do campo; Pedagogia da Alternância; Caderno da Realidade; Formação Docente.