bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studi Pengaruh Volume Tungsten terhadap Optimalisasi Biaya Proses Carbon Analyzer di PT.XYZ
Authors: Setiawan Dibyo , Handy Rayhan Aliva Vitra , Wibowo Cahyo , Wiyono Apri , Putra Fisika Prasetyo , Rinaldi Kardian
Published: June 2024

PT XYZ merupakan suatu perusahaan joint venture, terdapat 2 (dua) macam proses produksi, yaitu Proses Casting dan Proses Machining, dalam proses produksi Casting, tersedia produk FC (Ferro Casting), FCD (Ferro Casting Ductile) dan dapat juga melaksanakan proses Machining, Assembling serta Metal Forming. Penghargaan yang telah diperoleh Cost Reduction Program, Good Delivery Perfomance, Good Cost Perfomance, dan Kategori Proses. Salah satu fokus terkait Cost Reduction Program bertujuan optimalisasi konsumsi dan biaya penggunaan tungsten, serta biaya tenaga kerja. Kegiatan merupakan kontribusi akademisi memberikan rekomendasi bagi PT.XYZ dalam rangka menyelesaikan masalah di Industri. Metode yang digunakan dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan optimalisasi proses carbon analyzer di PT.XYZ menggunakan pendekatan eksperimental dengan pemberlakuan volume tungsten pada setiap tahap eksperimen. Tahapan meliputi penyiapan alat, peralatan dan sampel, proses penimbangan dan pencampuran, proses treatment carbon analyzer, analisis hasil eksperimen dan kalkulasi reduksi biaya dan menyusun kesimpulan. Eksperimen yang diterapkan diantaranya volume 0, 0.75, 1.5 dan 1.8 Gram pada Treatmen Carbon Analyzer.  Hasil kegiatan diperoleh bahwa semakin banyak penggunaan volume tungsten pada proses carbon analyzer, dapat mengurangi waktu pengerjaan yang dibutuhkan oleh mesin carbon analyzer sebanyak 3 (tiga) detik. Penggunaan tungsten 0,75gram (½ dari standard) lebih efektif mampu menghemat biaya penggunaan tungsten (Cost Reduction). Selanjutnya terkait dengan penghematan, dengan menggunakan penerapan tungsten 0,75gram dapat menghemat biaya sebesar Rp 14.149.779/bulan dan penghematan biaya tenaga kerja sebesar 250.000/bulan.
Analisis Kekuatan Fishing Tools Holder 50.000 lbs menggunakan Metode Finite Element
Authors: Widiantoro Heri , Arifin Devi Eka Septiyani , Setiawan Dibyo , Pasya Azdane Peprial Indika
Published: June 2024

Finite element numerical simulation (FEA) has a function to analyze the design model and as a validation of the analysis results against manual calculations. FEA simulation uses specialized software to save time and cost. The purpose of the FEA simulation on this design model is to analyze the strength of the design model against a deformation. In this study, a strength test will be carried out on one of the sub-assemblies on the fishing equipment tensile and compressive testing machine, namely the fishing tools holder sub-assembly. The reason for the simulation is that the sub-assembly is directly related to compressive or tensile forces with relatively large units. The material used for this sub-assembly design is SS400 material or ASTM A36 Carbon Steel. The simulation process was carried out in 10 iterations using the curvature-based mesh method with mesh size settings of 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5.8, 5.6, 5.4, 5.2, and 5. The maximum stresses that occurred and reached convergence were at mesh sizes 5.8, 5.6, 5.4, and 5.2 in sequence with stress values of 137 MPa, 136 MPa, 142 MPa, and 135.7 MPa, respectively. The finite element analysis results show that the fishing tools holder design produces a maximum stress of 142 MPa at the converging area, with a factor of safety (FoS) of 1.8. Based on these simulations, the design of the fishing tools holder can be implemented on the Fishing Equipments Tensile Test and Press Test Machine.
Pembuatan Alat Pengering Cabai dengan Sistem Efek Rumah Kaca Berbasis Panel Surya
Authors: Santoso Pande Putu Agus , Sanubary Iklas , Mahmuda Diah
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat alat pengering cabai dengan sistem efek rumah kaca berbasis panel surya. Penelitian ini terdiri atas pembuatan alat dan uji fungsional. Pembuatan alat terdiri atas studi literatur, desain, persiapan alat dan bahan, serta manufacturing. Proses uji fungsional terdiri atas uji fungsional komponen elektronika dan uji fungsional ruang pengering. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa alat pengering cabai dengan sistem efek rumah kaca berbasis panel surya ini memiliki ukuran panjang = 30 cm, lebar = 30 cm, dan tinggi = 120 cm. Alat ini memiliki dinding yang transparan sehingga panas matahari dapat masuk dan terperangkat didalamnya. Disamping itu alat ini juga dilengkapi dengan kolektor panas yang terbuat dari aluminium, batu hitam dan bagian atas ditutup dengan kaca, sehingga panas matahari dapat masuk, dioptimalkan dan disalurkan kedalam ruang pengering dengan menggunakan kipas input. Kipas input (mengalirkan udara panas dari kolektor panas ke ruang pengering) dan kipas output (menggerakkan uap air dari dalam ruang pengering ke luar) dihidupkan dengan menggunakan listrik yang bersumber dari panel surya. Hasi uji fungsional menunjukkan bahawa alat ini mampu meningkatkan suhu dan menurunkan kelembaban. Suhu rata-rata di dalam ruang pengering adalah 46,66oC atau 6,91oC lebih tinggi dibandingkan suhu rata-rata di luar alat. Kelembaban rata-rata di dalam ruang pengering adalah 15,64% atau 37,63% lebih rendah dibandingkan kelembaban rata-rata di luar alat.
Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of mint leaves (Mentha piperita L) extracts against Streptococcus mutans UA159: a laboratory experiment
Authors: Jeffrey Jeffrey , Djohan Frita Ferlita Shafri , Soerachman Badi , Muhtar Azmi Nur Azizah , Atthoriq Adriansyah Altaf
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Oral health is a major concern in healthcare worldwide, with dental caries being a prevalent issue among children and adults. Streptococcus mutans is a primary bacterium implicated in the development of dental caries due to its acidogenic nature. Mint leaf (Mentha piperita L.) is a unique herbal plant that has antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against S. mutans and minimal side effects. The purpose of this study was to analyze the antibacterial effectiveness of mint leaf against the growth of S. mutans UA159 and its antibiofilm effects. Methods: This study was conducted experimentally with the posttest-only control group design, using the broth microdilution method in 6 test groups, namely mint leaf extract with a concentration of 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100% and also two control groups, namely the negative control using aquadest and the positive control using 0.2% chlorhexidine. Biofilm growth is determined by comparing Optical Density (OD) values and then calculating the percentage of eradication of S. mutans biofilm formation. Results: The results indicated that the mint leaf extract exhibited antibacterial effects against S. mutans, with the largest inhibition zone diameter observed at a 100% concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)90 values using the broth microdilution method in this study were 12.5% and 100% concentrations, respectively. Mint leaf extract has been shown to significantly inhibit the growth of S. mutans (p<0.05). The results of the inhibition test on biofilm formation at a concentration of 100% averaged 87.39%. Conclusion: Mint leaf extract has an antibacterial and antibiofilm effect on the growth of S. mutans. The level of inhibition of mint leaf extract on the growth of S. mutans is proportional to its concentration; the higher the concentration of the extract, the stronger the inhibitory ability.KeywordAnti-Bacterial agents, biofilms, Mentha piperita, oral health, Streptococcus mutans.
Políticas orientadas por Misiones en países semiperiféricos: el caso argentino
Authors: Cúneo Diego Martín
Published: June 2024

En este trabajo se discute la reformulación europea del enfoque de Políticas Orientadas por Misiones (POM) y su aplicación dentro de países periféricos y semiperiféricos. Mediante un análisis comparado de POM implementadas en Argentina, se propone identificar qué limitaciones puede presentar dicho enfoque dentro de países no centrales. Los resultados indican que ciertas características vinculadas a las estructuras productivas, a las capacidades de planificación estatal y al posicionamiento geopolítico e industrial de estos países no parecenser compatibles con el enfoque eurocentrista de estas políticas. Se concluye que las POM implementadas en la región deben hacerlo desde una perspectiva situada, que tome en cuenta las características institucionales, productivas y tecnológicas de la periferia y semiperiferia.
Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires entre 1943 y 1983
Authors: Scargiali Enzo Andrés , Sosa Santiago
Published: June 2024

El artículo presenta una reconstrucción de la trayectoria del Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas, Fundación Campomar de Buenos Aires, Argentina, entre 1943 y 1983. El artículo tiene por hipótesis que, si bien la institucionalización de la Fundación Campomar no fue producto directo de una política de Estado, su organización y devenir histórico no puede comprenderse de manera internalista, sino en el marco del contexto político y de las agendas estatales de cada período. Para ello, se describen y analizan documentos y memorias de la entidad y bibliografía especializada.
Evolución del desarrollo tecnológico espacial en Argentina
Authors: Moretti Martín Nahuel
Published: June 2024

El presente trabajo se propone caracterizar la tecnología espacial de Argentina desde una perspectiva sistémica a través de sus diversos desarrollos en cohetería y satélites, desde 1960 hasta la actualidad. Para ello se subdivide el período analizado en tres etapas tomando en cuenta los aspectos políticos e institucionales de cada una y las experimentaciones y desarrollos llevados a cabo durante las mismas. Asimismo, se utilizan diversas figuras de mérito para caracterizar algunos aspectos de los desarrollos en cada etapa.
The Role of Technology Mastery Quality of Human Capital and Wage Rate on Labour Demand In Java Island
Authors: Kurniawan Heru
Published: June 2024

Uneven demand for labor in Java Island causes economic inequality. this study aims to determine how the influence of technological mastery, the quality of human resources, and the level of wages on labor demand on the island of Java. this study uses qualitative methods with panel data, through model selection followed by model feasibility tests and classical assumption tests. The result of this research is known that XI with Prob. 0.0321 <0.05, then X1 has a significant effect on Y, for X2 with a Prob value. 0.0000 less than 0.05, then X2 has a significant effect on Y, and X3 with a prob value. This study concludes that mastery of technology can increase the demand for labor but hurt the decline in the demand for ordinary labor. the quality of human resources has a positive effect on the demand for labor on the island of Java and the level of wages hurts the demand for labor, when wages rise, the demand for labor will decrease. To equalize the demand for labor in Java, the government must equalize the development of good public facilities, easy access, and superior training, so that entrepreneurs are interested in building new economic sectors in areas in Java. thus the demand for labour will occur evenly not only in big cities but also in other regions.
Transparency of Zakat Funds to Increase Public Trust in Zakat Institutions
Authors: M. Zidny Nafi' Hasbi
Published: June 2024

Zakat management institutions need to be evaluated and can provide transparency and accountability of funds to the public. This study aims to determine the pattern of management of zakat funds in zakat management institutions. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method. The study involved the amil zakat institution in the district of sleman, the province of the special region of Yogyakarta. Data were obtained using interviews, observations, and literature studies on research problems. Data analysis used the Miles and Huberman model, namely data reduction, data tabulation, data presentation, and conclusion. The results show that a transparent income and expenditure report will increase the number of funds collected and facilitate the distribution of zakat evenly. In addition, the transparency of zakat funds will increase public trust in zakat institutions. Therefore, this research is expected to provide an overview of zakat institutions to be transparent and accountable for the funds obtained and distributed.
Program Pengembangan Kemampuan Kognitif Anak Usia Dini Melalui Kegiatan Meronce Menggunakan Bahan Alam
Authors: Kasiyati Kasiyati
Published: June 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui seberapa efektif kegiatan meronce bahan alam untuk meningkatkan kemampuan kognitif anak. Sejumlah 25 siswa dari Kelompok B2 TK Kartika PGRI Tambakmulyo adalah subjek penelitian. Siklus I memulai penelitian dan berakhir pada Siklus II, dengan empat tahap: Perencanaan, Pelaksanaan, Pengamatan, dan Refleksi. Dalam proses pengumpulan data, lembar observasi dan dokumentasi digunakan. Penelitian ini menganalisis data deskriptif secara kuantitatif. Hasil observasi awal sebelum tindakan menunjukkan bahwa ketuntasan kemampuan kognitif sebesar 20% dari responden. Peningkatan menjadi 56% dari responden ketika kegiatan meronce berbantuan bahan alam diterapkan pada Siklus I dan 88% dari responden ketika kegiatan meronce pada Siklus II diterapkan. Berdasarkan hasil tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa kegiatan meronce berbantuan bahan alam dapat meningkatkan kemampuan kognitif anak Kelompok B TK Kartika PGRI Tambakmulyo
PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA KELAS VI SD NEGERI KARANGGONDANG MATERI DEBIT MENGGUNAKAN ALAT PERAGA KONSAPALUIS
Authors: Jiman Jiman Jiman
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the increase in learning outcomes of grade VI students of SD Negeri Karanggondang for the 2019/2020 academic year on discharge material with the help of consapaulist teaching aids. This research is a classroom action research which consists of 4 stages, namely planning, implementation, observation and reflection. Data collection techniques using observation sheets, learning outcomes tests and documentation. The data analysis technique is descriptive analysis. The results showed that there was an increase in student learning outcomes with the help of konsapaluis teaching aids on discharge material. The increase in learning outcomes can be seen in the completeness of learning outcomes and the average score of students. In the first cycle of learning completeness 31.81%. While the average learning outcomes of the first cycle is 59.55. In the second cycle, there was an increase in the mastery of learning outcomes that reached 86.37%. An increase also occurred for the average learning outcomes of the second cycle of 82.27.
EVALUASI PELAKSANAAN PEMBELAJARAN DARING DITINJAU DARI STANDAR PROSES PEMBELAJARAN
Authors: Andharweni Theresia Ayu
Published: June 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic has also affected the process of implementing learning in schools, including at SMA Negeri 1 Getasan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the online learning process at SMA Negeri 1 Getasan in the first semester of the 2021-2022 academic year in terms of the fulfillment of the learning process standards set through Permendikbud No. 22/2016, and to formulate practical recommendations to improve the performance of the learning implementation process. which is held online for SMA Negeri 1 Getasan, Semarang Regency, especially in the subject of Economics. The research method used in this study is a qualitative research method, with data collection techniques using observation, interviews and documentation studies, as well as data processing techniques using interactive analysis models. The unit of observation in this study were all subject teachers, with the unit of analysis being Economics subject teachers. The results of the study indicate that the planning, implementation, process and outcome assessment processes, as well as learning supervision in general have been carried out in accordance with the standards of the learning process. However, there are some technical obstacles faced by teachers and students in an effort to implement interactive and effective learning, especially in the aspects of technology and information, as well as the availability of supporting facilities.
MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE STAD UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR DAN AKTIVITAS SISWA
Authors: Permatasari Carolina Lita
Published: June 2024

The learning process of science in grade V of Marsudirini Perawang Elementary School showed unsatisfactory learning results, which was not reaching the minimum completeness criteria, so that class action research was carried out by applying Student Team Achievement Division (STAD) to improve student learning outcomes. The research was held in October 2021 in two cycles. Each cycle consisted of two meetings. The research procedure consists of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The research subjects were 32 students in grade V. The data collection instruments used were observation sheets. The assessment instruments used were formative test 1 and formative test 2, which were carried out at the end of each cycle. The pre-cycle score was 63.4, the average score of the first formative was 83.37, and the average score of second formative test was 86.78. The increase in student activity from the first cycle to the second cycle was 15%, and the increase in teacher’s activity was 5%. From these data, it is concluded that STAD model could improve the learning outcomes of Science at Marsudirini Perawang Elementary School grade V in the academic year 2021-2022.
Dostoevsky in the Perception of a Bearer of Another Culture: Interpretative Constants. Article 1. Prolegomena
Authors:   V.V. Vinogradov Russian Language Institute RAS, Ruzhitsky Igor , Potemkina Ekaterina ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: June 2024

The article attempts to systematize the material related to the reception of Fedor M. Dostoevsky’s works by foreign speakers, examines reinterpretations, secondary texts of various types devoted to the writer’s creative works – philological studies, feature films, TV series, theatrical productions, comics, computer games, textbooks of the Russian language for foreigners, the results of pilot surveys, etc. Theoretical substantiations of the problem of understanding and perception of a literary text by a bearer of a different culture are given, the key concepts of which are “the presumption of incomplete understanding” and “the presumption of a negative assessment”. In order to generalize the material the term “interpretative constant” is introduced. Interpretative constants are generalized statements expressed in a concise form such as “The study of a man is the main theme of Dostoevsky’s works”; “God-seeking is the main theme of his works”; “The main force of evil is a woman”; “He loved death, suffering more than life”; “Suffering in the Russian world unites people”; “All the actions of the heroes are conditioned by libido”, etc. Generally, the method of identifying the interpretative constants and their interpretation is indicated. Interpretative constants have the predictive effect, their classification allows us to determine possible trends in the development of Dostoevistics, both foreign and domestic. It is assumed that the specification of the material presented in the publication will be carried out in the subsequent articles of the cycle.
“Romantic” Poprishchin: History of the Concept of N.V. Gogol Story “Diary of a Madman”. Part 1
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature RAS, Vinogradov Igor
Published: June 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the hardest for interpretation N.V. Gogol’s works the “St. Petersburg” story “Notes of a Madman.” The diary of a hero going crazy presents the combination of the elements of madness, comedy, romantic alogism, authorial irony, satire and high tragic pathos that gives this work the character of an artistic riddle, the solution of which is possible only with the help of a consistent integrated approach. Numerous reminiscences in the work of images from world literature, contemporary journalism and artistic literature are examined in detail. The long-term observations of researchers on the poetics of Gogol’s story are summarized. A connection is established between “Notes of a Madman” and the poem “Dead Souls” and “Reflections on the Divine Liturgy.” Gogol’s polemic with European romanticism developed in this work is explored in detail. Gogol contrasts the playful “spirituality” of the romantics, which leaves a person to the mercy of imagination and subjective opinions, with a truly spiritual understanding of life, based on the Holy Scriptures and church tradition. The article is a continuation, based on new material, of a research work begun in 2022 – “German romantic V.G. Wackenroder and the 20th century: artistic foresight N.V. Gogol” (published in the collection of the IWL RAS “Literary process in Russia in the 18th–19th centuries. Secular and spiritual literature”). An attempt has been made to present a holistic concept of the work and a wide range of fruitful research thoughts in its interpretation. The work consists of fifteen sections: 1. Problems of interpretation of the story; 2. Background and history of the creation of “Notes of a Madman”; 3. “Soulful City” “Notes...”; 4. Idleness, bribery, threat of “scolding”; 5. Diktat of fashion, red tape; 6. Neglect of spiritual growth; 7. Vanity and the possibility of repentance; 8. From “Notes of a Madman” to “Dead Souls” and “Reflections on the Divine Liturgy”; 9. Pseudoculture; 10. “Donquixoticism”; 11. Cervantes and Ariosto; 12. The circle of romanticism: poetry, politics, philosophy, mysticism; 13. “Notes of a Madman” and romantic madness; 14. Poprishchin and music; 15. “Popular theology”. Eleven of the fifteen sections are presented in this publication. The continuation of the article and the list of references will be published in the next issue of the journal.
Obesity: epidemics or crisis worldwide?
Authors: Saulle Rosella , Unim Brigid
Published: June 2024

The rapid increase in the level of obesity and overweight worldwide is recognized as a major health problem: obesity poses a major risk for serious diet-related diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and cancer; therefore, it increases the risk of premature death. In particular, abdominal obesity - an increased amount of intra-abdominal fat - has been associated with a number of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, CVD and all-cause mortality [2]. Recent research demonstrated that high BMI values are associated with increased sympathetic activity, which results in decreased Heart Rate Variability (HRV).
Review of policies adopted in 34 Countries to improve diet and physical activity
Authors: Ceccarelli Anna
Published: June 2024

Background: Today, obesity can be considered in most OECD and EU countries as an unprecedented public health challenge which has been underestimated, poorly assessed and not fully accepted as a strategic governmental problem with substantial economic implications.The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the major policy statements on diet and physical activity adopted in 34 OECD and other EU countries until 2008, and to point out similarities and differences between country approaches and factors that may explain them.
Methods: Information about policies and interventions was mainly retrieved from official sources such as the WHO Regional Office for Europe nutrition policy database, and websites of Health Ministries and national public health institutions.
Results: The review pointed out that almost all WHO and OECD Member States have government-approved policies on nutrition and food safety. Although countries have large data and documents on overweight and obesity, they do not seem to rely on them to define clear strategies and plans for action which, as a result, are often vague and unspecific.
Conclusions: In order to reverse the obesity trend down to decent levels and to reach the lower socio-economic groups, concerted, multisectorial, long-term actions are needed in combination with a much larger political determination.
A pilot application of a questionnaire to evaluate visually induced motion sickness in spectators of tri-dimensional (3D) movies
Authors: Solimini Angelo G. , Mannocci Alice , Di Thiene Domitilla
Published: June 2024

Background: The increasing popularity of tri-dimensional (3D) movies has raised public concern and media interest about the safety of projected images for spectators. No specific instrument exists to assess the occurrence of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) symptoms in 3D movie spectators in movie theaters.
Methods: We developed a questionnaire containing 20 items divided into socio demographics, individual characteristics, movie vision characteristics and VIMS symptoms (during, right after, and at two hours from the viewing of the movie ). The questionnaire was self administered to 38 subjects, asking them to report time taken for its completion, comments and eventual difficulties in interpreting items.
Results: Poor understanding or problems in identifying the correct item choice were noted for 4 questions belonging to the socio demographics section that were simplified in the final version of the questionnaire. Two other questions were merged into one after homogeneity analysis. Most VIMS symptoms were observed during the movie and quickly thereafter. Tired eyes was the symptom most often reported (39.5% of responders) followed by headache (18.4%), dizziness (18.4%) and nausea (15.8%). Double vision and palpitation were reported with very low frequency (respectively 5.3% and 2.3%) and vomit was not reported by any respondent. Homogeneity of symptom items was good (Cronbach alpha= 0.69). Reliability analysis showed satisfactory item-total correlations (alpha coefficient ranging from 0.61 to 0.73).
Conclusions: The refined survey questionnaire can be applied in future studies to assess the frequency of VIMS symptoms in spectators of 3D movies and to identify the risk factors connected to inter-individual differences in susceptibility and to the characteristics of the movie viewing.
Epidemiology: the foundation of cancer prevention, diagnostics and therapeutics
Authors: Boccia Stefania
Published: June 2024

According to WHO, cancer represents a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7.6 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) in 2008. About 30% of cancer deaths are due to the following behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index (BMI), low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use. Currently, innovative cancer treatments and therapies are available, but it is important to consider that the burden of cancer can be reduced by implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, early detection of cancer and management of patients affected by the disease.
The burden of multiple myeloma: assessment on occurrence, outcomes and cost using a retrospective longitudinal study based on administrative claims database
Authors: De Portu Simona , Fanin Renato , Patriarca Francesca , Morsanutto Andrea , Tosolini Francesca , Esti Renato , Mantovani Lorenzo G.
Published: June 2024

Objective: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells that results in an overproduction of light and heavy chain monoclonal immunoglobulins. Multiple myeloma imposes a significant economic and humanistic burden on patients and society. The present study is aimed at assessing the burden of multiple myeloma in both epidemiologic and economic terms.
Methods: A retrospective, naturalistic longitudinal study on the occurrence, outcome and cost of multiple myeloma using an administrative database, was performed. We selected residents of a North-eastern Region of Italy, who had their first hospital admission for multiple myeloma during the period 2001-2005. This group was followed up until 31-12-2006, death or transfers to other regional health services. Direct medical costs were quantified within the perspective of the Regional Health Service.
Results: During the period 2001-2005, out of a population if 1.2 million inhabitants, we observed 517 incidents of patients diagnosed with MM (52% female). During the period of observation, 364 (70.4%) subjects died. Total health care costs per patient over the maximum of follow-up were estimated to be 76,630 Euro for subjects younger than 70 years old and 22,892 Euro in the older group.
Conclusions: Multiple myeloma imposes a significant epidemiological and economic burden on the healthcare system.
Differentials in reproductive and child health status in India
Authors: Parchure Nikhilesh , Basu Reena , Adak Dipak K. , Bharati Premananda
Published: June 2024

Background: Inequalities in reproductive and child health (RCH) exist, in general, in different regions of India. The present study aims to investigate the current status of RCH and examine the factors responsible for it in different parts of India.
Methods: This study utilized data obtained from two Indian studies – (i) National Family Health Survey – 3 (NFHS- 2005-06) and (ii) District Level Household Survey (DLHS – 2002-04). Reproductive Health Index was computed on the basis of five variables such as total fertility rate, infant mortality rate, birth order, delivery care and female educational attainment.
Results: In terms of reproductive and child health, a wide range of variation exists in India in its different regions. The study reveals that among Indian states, 13 states have an index value less than the national average. On the basis of the reproductive health index, the Indian states can be divided into three categories, namely; progressive states, semi progressive states and backward states.
Conclusions: The interstate differences in healthcare utilization are partly due to variations in the implementation of maternal health care programs as well as differences in availability of and accessibility to healthcare between Indian states.
The risk of abuse of legal firearms by old and young individuals with acquired cognitive impairments: a review of the literature
Authors: Clerici Carlo A. , Pirro Valeria , Veneroni Laura , Mameli Francesca , De' Micheli Angelo
Published: June 2024

Background: Risk assessment in relation to firearms and cognitive impairments is complex, and no guidelines exist regarding the appropriate management of people with dementia who may own or have access to a firearm. In Italy, approximately 4.8 million people either own a firearm or use one for recreational, sporting or professional reasons. Recent studies report that firearms were used in 35.7% of suicides committed by people over 65 years old and that 5% of all suicides were committed by over 65-year-olds using firearms. As for the figures related to homicides committed with firearms by people over 65, these represented 31.8% of all homicides committed with firearms.
Results: The aim of the present study was to conduct a critical review of the procedures currently used in relation to the use of firearms by elderly people. We conducted a review of the international scientific literature published over the last 20 years on the phenomenon of firearms abuse by elderly people and its prevention, drawn from the Medline and PsychINFO online databases. We considered all studies published in journals and books from 1990 to 2010 using the following keywords: violence, firearms, suicide, homicide, dementia and cognitive impairments, and searching for quantitative studies, case reports and literature reviews.
Conclusions: Family physicians and specialists (geriatricians, neuropsychiatrists, clinical psychologists) can act as an indispensable observatory of the related risks in people who own firearms, but their role should be supported by suitable training on the procedures used to assess and report on any such risks.
The post-graduate public health school of Siena (Italy): ten years of experience
Authors: Nante Nicola
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Public universities and private schools in all countries have substantially expanded the postgraduate courses as a sign that degree is often not sufficient to ensure access to employment.
Aim: To present the experience of an Italian Post-Graduate Public Health School (SPGPHS) from 1996-2005.
Activity: We made a review of the Italian legislation governing the postgraduate training and we studied the structure of Post Graduate School in Public Health in several Italian and foreign prestigious universities.
Results: The SPGPHS was attended by about 1,000 students from all the Italian Regions. 100 scientific papers were published and/or presented at national/international conferences; SPGPHS has also proven to be able to completely finance itself.
Conclusions: Postgraduate university courses are becoming very important and attenders range widely in age. Many students undertake Postgraduate courses to improve their work position, to attain Continuing Medical Education credits, but at the same time, to gather multidisciplinary scientific knowledge and to acquire professional skills. SPGPHS has proven to be able in financing itself responding to the market logic which is guided by performance and efficiency aspects.
Public Health History Corner Vincenzo Tiberio: a misunderstood researcher
Authors: Bucci Roberto , Gallì Paola
Published: June 2024

The discovery of penicillin is associated with the name of Alexander Fleming, who in 1928 demonstrated the inhibition of growth of a bacterium around a mold, Penicillium notatum, on a culture plate. In 1940, based on the studies of Fleming, Florey and Chain were able to isolate and produce penicillin. Penicillin was to become a precious resource for the many wounded soldiers during the Second World War, paving the way for a new era in medicine. Fleming, Florey and Chain were awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1945 for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effects. However, in the official history of the discovery of penicillin there is a page that is missing: the page of Vincenzo Tiberio.
Injuries and violence: a global public health challenge
Authors: Nasrullah Muazzam
Published: June 2024

Injuries and violence are a significant cause of mortality and physical disability. Injuries killed five million people worldwide each year [1]. The level of this dilemma, however, differs significantly by age, sex, region and economic development [2]. Globally, road traffic injury mortalities, self-inflicted injury mortality and interpersonal violence, war, drowning, and exposure to fire are the leading cause of deaths among people aged 15-44 years [3]. This special issue aims to assess the magnitude of this problem, identify risk factors and explore prevention strategies to alleviate the burden of injuries and violence. There is a dire need to increase the knowledge of the extent of problem, and associated risk factors that needs to be targeted for prevention. Erosa et al., examined reports of verbal and physical abuse from family caregivers of adults with severe physical, neurological and developmental disabilities, and found that caregivers who reported some form of abuse reported significantly greater distress and burden than caregivers who did not report any abuse. Grice et al., found that reported histories of work-related physical assault and work-related threat were associated with elevated risks of current work-related physical assault. Ahmad, systematically reviewed and summarized current scientific knowledge on the use of interactive computer-assisted screening to detect intimate partner violence (IPV).
Injury prevention and public health
Authors: Sleet David A.
Published: June 2024

Injuries are one of the most under-recognized public health problems facing the world today. With more than 5 million deaths every year, violence and injuries account for 9% of global mortality, as many deaths as from HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis combined. Eight of the 15 leading causes of death for people ages 15 to 29 years are injury-related: road traffic injuries, suicides, homicides, drowning, burns, war injuries, poisonings and falls. For every death due to war, there are three deaths due to homicide and five deaths due to suicide. However, most violence happens to people behind closed doors and results not in death, but often in years of physical and emotional suffering [1]. Injuries can be classified by intent: unintentional or intentional. Traffic injuries, fire-related injuries, falls, drowning, and poisonings are most often classified as unintentional injuries; injuries due to assault, selfinflicted violence such as suicide, and war are classified as intentional injuries, or violence. Worldwide, governments and public and private partners are increasingly aware of the strains that unintentional injuries and violence place on societies. In response they are strengthening data collection systems, improving services for victims and survivors, and increasing prevention efforts.
Ecological approaches to the prevention of unintentional injuries
Authors: Allegrante John P. , Hanson Dale W. , Sleet David A. , Marks Ray
Published: June 2024

Background: Injury as a cause of significant morbidity and mortality has remained fairly stable in countries with developed economies. Although injury prevention often is conceptualised as a biomedical construct, such a reductionist perspective overlooks the importance of the psychological, environmental, and sociocultural conditions as contributing factors to injury and its consequences. This paper describes the potential of the ecological model for understanding the antecedent causes of unintentional injuries and guiding injury prevention approaches. We review the origins and conceptualise the elements of the ecological model and conclude with some examples of applications of ecological approaches to the prevention of unintentional injury and promotion of community safety.
Methods: A review of the English-language literature on the conceptualization of ecological models in public health and injury prevention, including the application of the ecological model in the prevention of falls and road traffic injuries and in the community safety promotion movement.
Results: Three dimensions are important in social-ecological systems that comprise key determinants of injuries: 1) the individual and his or her behaviour, 2) the physical environment, and 3) the social environment. Social and environmental determinants have profound impact on population health and in the causation of injuries.
Conclusions: Social and environmental determinants of injury should be studied with the same energy, urgency, and intellectual rigor as physical determinants. Application of the ecological model in injury prevention shows the most promise in falls injury prevention, road traffic injury prevention, and community safety promotion.
Identification of occupational risk factors by interviewing injured workers in an out-patient clinic
Authors: Lund Johan , Wergeland Ebba , Lyse Tone , Tellnes Gunnar
Published: June 2024

Background: To prevent injuries, identification of the involved risk factors is necessary. Two recent in-depth investigations were carried out in the health service of Oslo on workers seeking treatment of severe occupational injuries. The interviews were rather time-consuming, and hence rather costly. The aim of thepresent study was to find a less time-consuming method which nevertheless would identify preventable risk actors.
Methods: In-depth investigations of 15 injuries with nail guns and 28 injuries related to scaffolding were onducted in an out-patient clinic in Trondheim, Norway. Patients were interviewed by health personnel just efore or after the treatment based on specifically designed questionnaires. A group of specialists analysed the information collected.
Results: Some risk factors were identified: design weaknesses inherent in nail guns, presence of snow and ice at the injury location, foreign body in the eye and lack of control/inspection of scaffolding when erected. On average, about two man hours were used for each injury. The most relevant questions were those directly related to the narrative, in particular how the injury occurred, and if any special conditions were involved. Quite a few data elements require epidemiological representative studies in order to assess them as potential risk factors.
Conclusions: This relatively low time-consuming method revealed some risk factors. However, it could be more effective if the interviews were conducted by telephone a few days after the treatment by a specialist in that particular injury type; such as an experienced labour inspector, in order to probe more deeply into the technical risk factors.
Verbal and physical abuse experienced by family caregivers of adults with severe disabilities
Authors: Erosa Norma A. , Elliott Timothy R. , Berry Jack W. , Grant Joan S.
Published: June 2024

Objective: To examine reports of verbal and physical abuse from family caregivers of adults with severe physical, neurological and developmental disabilities, and examine possible associations of abuse with family caregiver adjustment.
Design: Cross-sectional.Participants: 147 community-residing caregivers (129 women, 18 men) of adults with disabilities (66 men, 81 women).
Measures: Caregiver burden, life satisfaction, depression, health complaints, supervision provided to a family member with a disability, and care-recipient agitation and functional impairment. A brief measure of verbal and physical abuse experienced over the previous year was administered to the caregiver.
Results: 51% of the sample reported some form of abuse in the twelve months prior to assessment. Caregivers who reported some form of abuse reported significantly greater distress and burden than caregivers who did not report any abuse.
Conclusions: Caregivers who experience verbal and physical abuse may be at risk for increased emotional difficulties and have a greater sense of caregiver burden than caregivers who do not experience abuse. These data indicate that clinicians should attend to incidents of verbal and physical abuse that may occur between caregiver - care-recipient dyads. Further research is required to determine the conditions under which such abuse is likely to occur.
A survey on lifestyle and attitudes on fruit and vegetable consumption and participation in physical activity in a sample of secondary school and university students from Palermo, Western Sicily
Authors: Sidoti Enza , Paolini Gabriele , Tringali Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Background: Fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption, and physical activity (PA), are thought to be some of the most important protective factors that can improve long-term health quality of life. Many epidemiological studies indicate, in fact, that F&V consumption and PA are health-promoting and are correlated with the beneficial effects and positive outcomes such as preventing some chronic diseases. Evidence, however, indicates that large proportions of adolescents are not consuming the minimum servings of F&V as recommended by experts and a high percentage of them have sedentary habits.
Objective and method: The purpose of this research was to investigate knowledge and behaviors in a sample of secondary school, (250), and university students, (200), referred to F&V consumption and PA. The instrument used for the survey was a questionnaire containing 19 items with multiple choice answers. Data were codified, descriptive analysis and ÷2 tests were computed through Openstat and Statistica software.
Results: Only 24,2% of the individuals identified welfare as including healthy eating, and this attitude seemed to be associated with the students’ families educational level. Educational level was also positively associated with the awareness of the importance of a healthy diet for well-being and with PA practice. The percentage of students having knowledge of the expert recommendations on PA and eating guidelines about F&V consumption was about one third of the entire population. Students who met the expert recommendation for daily servings of fruit and vegetables were 27,8%, while only 17,8% practiced regular PA. The principal source of information was university/school, (48,0% and 57,0%).
Conclusions: Healthy dietary and PA habits are far from the optimal in our sample of students. Because of the importance for the prevention of many diseases and long term health, there is a need for interventions that target the youth and promote correct dietary habits and avoidance of physical inactivity. In particular, F&V intake and PA practice should be implemented by means of educational interventions in opportune settings, especially targeting schools, families and communities.
Six assertions about the salutogenic approach and health promotion
Authors: Simonelli Fabrizio , Fernandes Guerreiro Ana Isabel , Simonelli Ilaria , Di Pasquale Caterina
Published: June 2024

Background: The concept of health is a continuously changing issue, with ever richer and more comprehensive meanings and definitions. In recent decades, we have witnessed a strong evolution of the scientific paradigms and cultural frameworks that influence health patterns. In particular, in 1986 the Charter of Ottawa gave further dimensions to the concept of health and pushed the concept of health promotion to the forefront. In this context, the salutogenic approach, proposed by A. Antonovsky, represents a theoretical contribution which stimulates discussion about meanings and implications.
Aim and Methods: The present paper aims to provide a conceptual framework for the interpretation of health patterns and to broaden the theoretical interpretation of the salutogenic approach. In order to do this, a literature review was carried out, taking into account several disciplines and perspectives, including sociology and anthropology. The data collection for this paper was undertaken through two parallel literature reviews and systematisation of the information gathered.
Results: The following health patterns were identified: the disease treatment pattern, the health care pattern, the disease prevention pattern and the health promotion pattern. These approaches allow one to better analyse and understand the added values of the salutogenic approach.
Conclusions: The present discussion contributes to the debate surrounding the salutogenesis theory and its applicability to the healthcare setting by proposing six assertions about the salutogenic approach to health promotion.
From a Pope’s nightmare, a great public health institution: the Santo Spirito in Saxia Hospital, in Rome
Authors: Mattoni Silvia , Scarnò Marco , Valensise Maria Rosaria , Mongardini Massimo , Bucci Roberto
Published: June 2024

Sometimes even bad dreams can have a positive effect on reality. Legend states that Pope Innocent III had a nightmare in which he imagined that fishermen pulling in their fishing nets from the Tiber between the Mole Adriana and the old bridge Neroniano, found the soft little bodies of infants that had been thrown into the river by unfortunate women, eager to suppress the fruits of their sins. Two XV Century frescoes depicting this legend, “Fishing macabre” and “The Dream of Innocent III”, XV Century’s frescoes, can be found in the Sistine Chapel of the Santo Spirito Hospital. The Pope, horrified by his vision, ordered the establishment of a safe haven for girls in need who were without family, the sick, the infirmed and the abandoned. This refuge was established at the Hospital of Santo Spirito in Saxia. Investigating the history of the hospital leads you along a fascinating journey into the history of healthcare in Rome, a journey that helps to explain how Public Health in Italy, and in particular Rome, was founded. Furthermore it explains how health care assistance, funded by charities, both private and religious, developed into the social imperative that it is today guaranteed by the state. The hospital was rebuilt after 1198, when a fire burnt.