bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water as Human Right: Impact of Thai Binh 1 Thermal Plant Project on Domestic Water Supply of Riverine People in Chi Thien Village, Vietnam
Authors: Nga Dinh Thi Thuy
Published: August 2020

The research studies on the typical context of Chi Thien village, an area having new- operated coal-power plant as the development project in the northern part of Vietnam. As the focus of the research, domestic water supply is studied. Conventionally, villagers harvest rainwater into big reservoirs that later on were demolished for house renovation after the agricultural compensation for the coal plant construction. Since the establishment of the Thai Binh 1 Thermal plant, locals are recommended not to drink raining water because of potential negative impacts of coal ash on human health. Findings of the research indicate that local households have been provided with tap water service since 2014 by the Chieu River water plant of the local authority. However, doubts on the low tap water quality and its unstable frequency, rainwater returns to be the preferable choice for their domestic water supply. There is a regular check on water affirmed by the engineer from Chieu River plant. Nevertheless, for confidentiality, it was not allowed to publish regardless of the request to have evidence on qualified tap water. This is considered as the violation of the right to information and the participation in environmental decision making of the villagers. For certain disadvantages of water situation, local people have adaptation by buying reverse osmosis(RO)water filters(wealthier family only)and need to pay for water consumption expense with the low quality received. Study on domestic water is a study on human well-being, human rights and state obligation to ensure the water sanitation, the accessibility, and affordability to people. The role of the Vietnamese government is analyzed in addressing these potential impacts caused by the coal plant project towards an adequate standard of living and the highest attainable standard of health in Chi Thien. The thesis is social research using qualitative research methodology of in-depth interviews and referral samples to approach the topic and elicit reliable information, particularly on opinions and hands-on experiences of villagers.
Challenges Faced by Communities Moving Away from Chhaupadi in Far-Western Nepal
Authors: Wong Fiona Gui Xiang
Published: August 2020

Chhaupadi is the practice of menstrual hut seclusion in the Far- and Mid-western regions of Nepal that also prescribes a slew of other menstrual restrictions and taboos that constitute human rights violations. Although both the government of Nepal and activists has worked to make Bedkot municipality in Kanchanpur district a Chhaupadi-free municipality, it is unclear what challenges the community has faced as a result of these efforts. This case study used semi-structured interviews with the residents of Ward 1 and 2 of Bedkot municipality to find out what challenges have been faced by those directly affected by anti-Chhaupadi efforts. The findings of this study reveal that Chhaupadi-eradication efforts resulted in emotional distress, loss of property, and social discontent among the residents of these Wards. This study concludes that resorting to “quick fixes” to eradicate deeply-rooted cultural malpractices like Chhaupadi brings about significant harm and dissatisfaction among the affected population. To better bring about sustainable change within communities would thus require concerted and persistent efforts from all parties and stakeholders involved.
Culture in Nepal: An Exploration of the Legacy and its Way Forward
Authors: Siwakoti Mamta , Adhikari Sanjay
Published: August 2020

“I do not think we would conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage, and therefore, I propose that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, for if the Indians think that all that is foreign and English is good and greater than their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native culture and they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation.” - Thomas Babington Macaulay.

This paper quotes the ever-controversial Thomas Babington Macaulay at the outset because it seems we have long forgotten the gravity our roots hold. It is, now, imperative that we, the Nepali people realize the gold mine we are sitting on, our unique identity and the heritage associated with it. We have already lost a lot; some in the name of development and some in the crevices of time. Our languages, education system, music, food, buildings, settlements, the uniqueness and practices which are associated with our civilization are the ones that set us apart from the world. While the researchers wholeheartedly agree that certain practices such as Sati, Chaupadi, Deuki, Jhuma were indeed violations of inherent human rights in the name of customs, culture and practices and had to be eradicated, we also equally raise voices for those aspects of our culture that we can celebrate, namely our cultural heritage. Now maybe the right time to decide what we want in the form of development? Another copy of a Western City or a Nepal that is unique in all its rights, a Nepal where road expansion is not synonyms to development, where speaking English is not the yardstick for assessing education and where we make our own rules for development. This paper aims to raise questions regarding the said issues. This paper is based on the doctrines related to cultural heritage in Nepal. The researchers carried out on-site surveillance but owing to the lack of technical expertise in the field, the researchers have based their conclusions and recommendations mainly on the reports of Department of Archaeology, experts in the field of cultural heritage in Nepal and government documents depicting the scenario of heritage in Nepal, pre and post the 2015 earthquake.
Insights into the Category of Gender (with special reference to gender-marking avoidance strategies)
Authors: Karapetyan Lili , Danukhyan Lusine
Published: August 2020

Gender is an issue that has long preoccupied linguists, and the category of gender is one of the still unsolved puzzles of linguistic science. There has never been a complete agreement between scientists with regard to gender origin, nor there is unanimity of opinion as to its function in different language systems and, in general, to its definition. The present study focuses on the origin and historical development of the category of gender, classification of languages according to gender types, the peculiarities of gendered and genderless languages, gender-marking avoidance strategies. Through the comparative method of analysis English and Armenian gender systems are compared with an aim to reveal the similarities and differences in terms of functions, gender indicators in proverbs, as well as types of reference.
AYURVEDIC RASAUSADHIES USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PRAMEHA W.S.R. TO DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Khanal Hari , Abhishek Upadhyay  , Nischal Gupta  , Ram Kishor Joshi
Published: August 2020

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterised by hyperglycaemia due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. It is characterised by polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, rapid weight loss, fatigue etc. Based on similarities in signs and symptoms DM can be correlated with Prameha/Madhumeha in Ayurveda. Rasausadhies (metallic formulations) have been used in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus with its excellence for centuries but their scientific evaluation has not systematically established with modern tools. Rasausadhies have been popularly used since the period of great alchemist Nagarjuna, i.e. 8th century AD. In this time, invention of special processing techniques as Sodhana (purification), Marana (incineration), Sanskara (which increases the potency), Murchhana (triturating up to fine disintrigation) etc, have been established which are being used to convert the minerals and metals into easily consumable form and immediate showing the desirable effect. The present study deals with review of Rasausadhies from all the classics of Ayurveda which are mentioned in the treatment of Prameha.
CONCEPT OF PRATHAMA PATALAGATA TIMIRA IN CORRELATION WITH MODERN COUNTERPART: A REVIEW
Authors: Shushmita Motadoo  , Vandana Vidyarthi  , Preeti Pahwa  , Saurabh Sharma  , Rajesh Mishra
Published: August 2020

Eye is a highly specialized sense organ serving the most important function of vision. Vision is the most vital of all the senses. Almost 90% of knowledge is perceived only through eyes. Humans are mostly dependent upon the vision for their day to day work. Hence any hindrance to this means a major handicap. Ayurveda advises that all sincere efforts should be made to protect the eyes as long as one is alive. Ayurvedic classical texts have mentioned about eye and its diseases since Vedic and Samhita kala, thus showing the importance of eye and ways to protect it. In Ayurveda, clinical features related to visual disturbances are generally seen in Dristigata roga. The anatomical consideration of the Patala and symptoms of the vitiated Dosa situated in these Patala reveals that the word Timira which is described as an ocular pathology in Ayurveda, is nothing but error of refraction. The part of clinical features of Timira (Pratham Patalagata Timira) can be correlated to myopia. Myopia is a common refractive condition that can affect the clarity of vision, limit occupational choices, and contribute to increased risk for vision threatening conditions. Myopia commonly known as short-sightedness is the most common ocular disease in the world which substantially graves the social, economic and educational life. It is a type of refractive error in which parallel rays of light coming from infinity are focused in front of the retina, when accommodation is at rest. Poor distant vision is one of the main symptoms of myopia. Thus, on the basis of symptoms of Timir roga and simple myopia a correlation can be established between the two diseases.
SELF CARE TRADITIONAL HERBAL THERAPY FOR PSORIASIS
Authors: Aruna Devaraj Rajendran  , Rajeev Joseph  , Anup Raveen Jaison
Published: August 2020

Background:  Psoriasis a skin ailment leading to frustration, stress and social isolation is a vital health problem to be addressed. Research in the area of herbal medicine and rejuvenation practice is based on the number of Random trials in the prevalence of a disease and a survey on the number of published in the journals indexed in the subject area.

Objective: To document successful casestudies and suggest the progressive herbal treatment plan carried out in Rajendra Herbal Research and training centre.

Methodology:In a survey of 1000 patients with reported skin problems undergoing traditional herbal and Ayurvedic treatment, 554 had scratchy itch related skin problems, 215 bite based blisters, 32 Hair related Allopecia, 47 White patch, 36 Black patch, 49 psoriasis and 67 patients had red rashes. The group had 518 males and 482 females. Five sets of skin patients were chosen for a cohort study with 0 to 70 years of age having151, 149, 149,154 &175nos.An experiment was designed to carryout a randomized double blind placebo controlled study in 140 psoriatic patients.

Results: Random survey of 1000 skin patients and cohort study of five sets of herbal respondents of agegroup 0-70 were tabulated.Out of the 140 treated Psoriatics, sixcase studies presented with the treatment plan followed at the Rajendra Herbal Research centresshowedsuccesstowards positive health.

Conclusion:In all the sets females out-numbered males with the prevalence of skin problems in 11 to 40 years of age. More females of the age group 41 to 50 ended up in Psoriatic arthritis and males with Diabetes. Rajendra supportive herbal therapy for Psoriasis promises social freedom and psychological harmony.
The Effect of Company’s Performance on Tax Avoidance
Authors: Renfiana Lilis , Dewi Sevrina Candra
Published: August 2020

Researchers want to examine tax avoidance that occurs in companies listed in LQ45. As is well known, the LQ45 index represents 45 companies that have gone through a selection process with high liquidity (Liquid) and considerations of large market capitalization. Companies that are listed in LQ45 are very interesting to research, which companies that go public and liquid are doing Tax Avoidance or tax avoidance.

Tax avoidance variables use CETR or ( Cash Effective Tax Rate) and company performance variables use ROA (Return on Asset).

Analyzed by quantitative, secondary data obtained from the financial statements of companies that consistently included in the LQ45 index in the year 2014 to 2018 on the website Stock Exchange Indonesia, namely www.idx.co.id .

The number of samples obtained were 21 companies. The data analysis technique used simple regression with the SPSS application.

The results showed that company performance did not affect tax avoidance attitudes. companies listed on LQ45 are still compliant with tax payments in accordance with the portion
Nace «Soy de la Cuesta», asociación ciudadana al rescate de la Feria de Libros de la Cuesta de Moyano de Madrid
Authors: Sánchez Lara
Published: August 2020

Hace dos años Laura recogió por última vez el tablero y todos los libros de su caseta en la Feria de Libros de la Cuesta de Moyano. Aquella fue una ceremonia triste en una mañana colorida de verano. Ella era una de las primeras libreras por cuenta propia –antes las libreras solo existían como esposas de libreros – que, en su madurez, había apostado por la vocación ansiada, la de ser librera de viejo y ocasión en esa Cuesta hacia El Retiro, donde Baroja aún acompaña, con boina pétrea y mirada perspicaz, a vendedores de ediciones preciosas o baratas, únicas o clásicas y – tras cuarenta años de censura – hasta liberadas; en esa Feria ya centenaria de guardianes de lo imposible y lo olvidado.
Contextualismo radical como estrategia de lectura de la arquitectura escolar contemporánea
Authors: García Urrea Fabio Augusto
Published: August 2020

En el marco del proceso de formación en Maestría en Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de San Buenaventura, y a su vez, al interior de la línea de investigación en Estudios Culturales y Lenguajes Contemporáneos, se viene gestando la investigación denominada «Hibridación curricular, saber y prácticas culturales» con el propósito fundamental de plantear críticamente las posibles formas de hibridación curricular, resultado de las colisiones entre el dispositivo curricular y las prácticas culturales dentro de la arquitectura escolar. La tesis de la cual parte este trabajo, establece que, ante el monismo metodológico que caracteriza algunas prácticas de investigación, conviene hacer un acercamiento a una herramienta metodológica que reciba provisionalmente la denominación de contextualismo radical, y que puede ser empleada como un prisma metodológico a través del cual se pueden hacer lecturas multifacéticas de la arquitectura escolar contemporánea, que incluye los entramados producto de las tensiones valóricas producidos entre espacios, actores y contextos. Para alcanzar tal propósito se hace necesario plantear una articulación del contextualismo radical alrededor de las prácticas de investigación, análisis y reflexión en torno a lo educativo, de modo tal que este pueda constituirse en estrategia de lectura de la arquitectura escolar contemporánea. Esta apuesta posibilita, no solo abordar un aspecto del acontecer escolar (las emergencias resultantes de las colisiones entre el dispositivo curricular y las prácticas culturales), sino a su vez, abrir un espacio para mirar desde otra perspectiva metodológica el contexto educativo con las coyunturas que de él pueden emerger.
MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN KEPALA MADRASAH ALIYAH SE WILAYAH BINAAN DALAM MENYUSUN RKA MELALUI WORKSHOP
Authors: Barnawi Barnawi
Published: August 2020

Kepala madrasah sebagai pengelola pendidikan harus mampu menyusun RKA untuk mencapai tujuan madrasah. Namun pada kenyataannya kepala madrasah dalam wilayah binaan peneliti masih belum mampu menyusun RKA dengan optimal. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan kemampuan kepala madrasah se wilayah binaan dalam menyusun RKA melalui workshop. Penelitian ini tergolong penelitian tindakan sekolah yang melibatkan 7 (tujuh) kepala madrasah se wilayah binaan peneliti. Penelitian dilakukan dengan dua siklus, setiap siklus terdiri atas empat tahap, yaitu: perencanaan, tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai rerata klasikal kepala madrasah dalam menyusun RKA naik dari 74,93 pada siklus I menjadi 90,07 pada siklus II. Persentase ketuntasan juga mengalami kenaikan, yaitu dari 1 orang (14,29%) pada siklus I menjadi 7 orang (100%) pada siklus II. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa kemampuan kepala madrasah se wilayah binaan dalam menyusun RKA dapat ditingkatkan melalui workshop
PENERAPAN MODEL SKRIP KOOPERATIF DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MATERI KETENTUAN WARIS DALAM ISLAM DI KELAS XII TGB 3 SMK NEGERI 1 JAMBLANG
Authors: Basari Basari
Published: August 2020

Berdasarkan hasil observasi awal pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di Kelas XII TGB 3 SMK Negeri 1 Jamblang memperlihatkan adanya beberapa kendala dalam pelaksanaan KBM, yaitu : metode pembelajaran yang kurang bervariasi sehingga siswa merasa jenuh dan bosan untuk belajar Pendidikan Agama Islam dan hasil belajar yang tidak optimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan motivasi belajar Pendidikan Agama Islam, agar menjadi lebih baik (maksimal), baik secara individu maupun klasikal.

Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut dilakukan penelitian tindakan kelas di Kelas XII TGB 3 SMK Negeri 1 Jamblang Kabupaten Cirebon dalam pembelajaran PAI pada materi “Ketentuan Waris dalam Islam” dengan menerapkan Model Skrip Kooperatif, yang didasari oleh prinsip bahwa guru mengajarkan Pendidikan Agama Islam sebagai upaya pembinaan, yaitu siswa yang bekerja dalam kelompok tersebut terbagi dua peran, ada yang sebagai pembicara dan ada yang sebagai pendengar, dan yang sebagai pendengar guna untuk menyimak/ mengoreksi/ menunjukkan ide-ide pokok yang kurang lengkap, serta untuk membantu, mengingat/ menghapal ide-ide pokok dengan menghubungkan materi sebelumnya atau dengan materi lainnya. Penelitian tindakan kelas ini dilaksanakan dalam 2 siklus. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan prestasi belajar siswa dalam mata pelajaran PAI, yaitu: pada Awal mencapai rata-rata 56,84, pada Siklus I meningkat mencapai rata-rata 74,47, dan pada Siklus II terjadi peningkatan yang cukup signifikan yaitu mencapai rata-rata 83,03.
POLA DAN MODEL PERUBAHAN PESANTREN
Authors: Mochtar Affandi
Published: August 2020

Pesantren adalah lembaga pendidikan tertua yang ada di Indonesia, sistem bandungan dan sorogan adalah model pembelajaran klasiknyang pertama kali diterapkan oleh pesantren sebelum diterapkannya madrasi (sekolah dengan system berjenjang). Secara histories pesantren telah ada di Indonesia sejka lama, sejak pertama kali masuknua Islam di Indonesia dan menjadi bagain terpenting dari perjuangan bangsa Indonesi dalam melawan kolonialisme.

Pada mada kolonialisme pesantren mengalami pasang surut sejalan dengan peran pesanren yang dianggap sebagai basis kekuatan bangsa Indonesia. Namun pasca kemerdekan pesantren di enjuru negri berkembang pesat, bahkan secara kelembagaan mengalami berbagai innovasi yang sangan menggembirakan dan mewarni kancah pendidikan negeri ini.Pesantren di Indonesia tidak saja menjega eksistensinya sebagai pendidikan yang bercorak klasik (salaf), namun telah bias beradaptasi bahkan berinnovasi menjadi model dan lembaga pendidikan modern.
KONTRIBUSI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER DALAM SISTEM PENDIDIKAN NASIONAL
Authors: Fathurohman Oman
Published: August 2020

Terintegrasinya nilai-nilai, norma dan budaya bangsa merupakan bagian dari aspek penting sistem pendidikan nasional. Terciptanya generasi yang memiliki karakter yang kuat sebagai bagian dari karakteristik bangsa yang bermoral. Penerapan kurikulum yang memasukkan mata pelajaran Pendidikan Agama dan Karakter sejatinya masih minim dalam sistem pendidikan Nasional, namun setidaknya steakholder pendidikan bisa berinovasi dengan kurikulum yang ada, entah dengan mengintegrasikannya dengan kurikulum aatu dengan cara lain yang elegan yang dapat diterapkan di lembaga pendidikan.

Penerapan Konsep yang terintegrasi dengan pendidikan diantaranya dengan pendekatan holistik. Tulisan ini walaupun sederhana mencoba Menjelaskan konsep pendidikan agama Islam dengan pendekatan holistik berorientasi karakter, menjelaskan wacana baru akan praktek pendidikan karakter yang holistik pada anak usia dini., dan Sebagai bagian dari wacana upaya internalisasi nilai moral sejak dini. Sedangkan manfaat yang diharapkan adalah manjadi bagian dari konsep dan implementasi nyata yang baik dalam upaya internalisasi nilai atau karakter sejak dini.
ANALISIS NILAI-NILAI HUMANISME DALAM ISLAM
Authors: Amirudin Amirudin
Published: August 2020

Perdebatan tentang hakekat kejadian manusia, telah melahirkan dua pandangan besar, yakni pandangan dari ilmu pengetahuan dan menurut Al-quran. Pandangan ilmu pengetahuan diwakili Robert Charles Darwin, melalui teori evolusinya. Teori evolusi menyatakan bahwa makhluk hidup termasuk rnanusia, muncul melalui proses seleksi alam (natural selection} yang gradual^ sehingga bagi sementara pihak, peran Tuhan sebagai pencipta akan terusik. Pernyataan teori evolusi tersebut tentang keberadaan makhluk hidup secara kebetulan (by chance) dan tidak memiliki tujuan (non purposive} membuat signifikansi Tuhan bagi kehidupan meluntur. Makhluk hidup tidak akan lagi butuh penyelamatan dari Tuhan karena itu agama tidak lagi dibutuhkan.  Menurut Al-quran, generasi manusia yang ada sekarang ini berasal dari satu sosok bernama Adam. Penciptaan Adam sendiri merupakan sebuah pengecualian, dia berasal dari tanah. Hal dijelaskan pada QS. 7: 189, 6: 98,  QS.  30: 6 dan QS. 41: 7-8. Informasi yang terkandung beberapa ayat Al-quran menegaskan bahwa manusia awal yang diciptakan berasal dari tanah, sementara generasi manusia selanjutnya diciptakan dari saripati air yang hina (air mani). Komposisi penciptaan manusia ini juga dibekali dengan peniupan ruh Allah SWT, yang menjadi  titik perbedaan dibandingkan dengan makhluk-makhluk ciptaan Allah SWT lainnya. Kesempurnaan dan keunggulan manusia inilah yang akhirnya ia dingkat khalifah untuk memakmurkan bumi dan seluruh isinya.
The effect of beinaglutide on visceral fat and bodyweight in obese type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Wang Gui-Ying , Wang Hui-Qin , Zhang Feng-Juan , Jiao Ai-Fu , Li Ying-Yu , Zhang Ji-Min , Huang Zheng-Li , Gao Yan-Hong , Chi Yan-Jun , Ma Cun-Ming , Xin Jian-Dong , Duan Ai-Xu , Meng Tao , Wang Yin-Bing
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues could induce clinically significant weight loss in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Beinaglutide is a GLP-1 analogue that is fully homologous to human GLP-1. This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of beinaglutide in visceral fat, weight loss and blood glucose in patients with T2DM and obesity.

Material and methods

One hundred and seven obese patients with T2DM, according to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) diagnostic criteria, were treated with beinaglutide. After 12 weeks, changes in visceral fat (VF) were analysed using DUALSCAN. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), free fatty acids, and blood pressure were also assessed after the 12-week treatment.

Results

The baselines for BMI and VF areas were 32.8 ±5.2 kg/m2 and 150.4 ±36.2 cm2, respectively. The mean HbA1c level at baseline was 8.8 ±2.3%. After 12 weeks, beinaglutide treatment showed significant decreases in VF areas (150.4 ±36.2 cm2 vs. 115.2 ±36.8 cm2, p < 0.001), body weight (90.7 ±15.8 kg vs. 84.2 ±15.6 kg, p < 0.001), HbA1c (8.8 ±2.3% vs. 7.1 ±1.7%, p < 0.001) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (5.8 ±4.3 vs. 4.2 ±2.9, p < 0.001). No changes in free fatty acids were observed. Daily doses of beinaglutide varied widely, and 74% of patients ranged from 0.24 mg to 0.30 mg each day, but the appropriate dosage significantly reduced adverse effects.

Conclusions

Beinaglutide effectively reduced VF, body weight, and blood glucose in obese patients with T2DM. Beinaglutide doses should be individualised because appropriate doses varied widely. A lack of GLP-1 might be responsible for the onset of obesity in patients with T2DM. T2DM and obesity are related not only to insulin deficiency/insulin resistance but also to GLP-1 deficiency, which may cause obesity in patients with T2DM.
An observational study of clinical inertia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Kaewbut Piranee , Kosachunhanun Natapong , Phrommintikul Arintaya , Chinwong Dujrudee , Hall John , Chinwong Surarong
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Clinical inertia is a lack of treatment intensification despite a failure to achieve appropriate targets using a current management strategy. Research focusing on the clinical inertia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains scant. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with clinical inertia among patients with T2DM.

Material and methods

This observational study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital using medical records. T2DM patients attending the outpatient clinic between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 were included. Failure to intensify the diabetes treatment of the participants was assessed. For this study, clinical inertia was defined as any T2DM patient event with an glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of ≥ 7.00% with no treatment intensification at the index date, or in a subsequent prescription written within the study time limits. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine associated factors.

Results

Of 5756 T2DM outpatients, 994 patients were enrolled in this study, with 26.2% of patients presenting clinical inertia. This study found that factors associated with lower clinical inertia were the use of insulin, HbA1c level at the index date, lower number of antidiabetic drugs used, and treatment by specialists (all p-value < 0.05).

Conclusions

Clinical inertia is a problem of T2DM treatment. Strategies should be developed to decrease this problem.
Diagnostic accuracy of an integrated approach using conventional ultrasonography, and Doppler and strain elastography in the evaluation of superficial soft tissue lesions
Authors: Baloji Abhiman , Chandra Ranjan , Bagri Neha , Misra Ritu , K Rajni , Prabhu Sharathkumar S
Published: August 2020

Introduction

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of an integrated approach using conventional ultrasonography, colour Doppler ultrasonography, and elastography strain ratios in tandem in the evaluation of superficial soft tissue lesions.

Material and methods

Sixty-five subjects were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Greyscale features and Doppler parameters were recorded. Strain elastography of the non-vascular and non-cystic lesions was performed and strain ratios were calculated. Fine-needle aspiration or biopsy of all the lesions was performed depending on their site and condition. Inter-rater k agreement was used to determine the strength of agreement between imaging-based diagnosis and histopathological diagnosis. A diagnostic test was used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Multiple superficial soft tissue lesions were studied, the majority of which were lipomas, vascular anomalies, and epidermoid cysts. The diagnostic accuracy was very high and varied from 92.31% to 100% for various masses. The imaging-based diagnosis was in agreement with the histopathological diagnosis in 86.15% (n = 56) and disagreement in 13.85% (n = 9) of the cases (p < 0.007). There was very good inter-rater agreement between the imaging-based diagnosis and histopathological diagnosis (κ = 0.818).

Conclusions

The combined use of conventional ultrasonography, colour Doppler, and elastography strain ratios provides a very effective non-invasive tool for the diagnosis of superficial soft tissue lesions and may negate the need for unnecessary biopsies. The advantage of this integrated approach using various ultrasound techniques needs no further emphasis.
Ineffective endovascular treatment of a giant internal carotid artery aneurysm
Authors: Brzegowy Paweł , Chukwu Ositadima , Ciuk Katarzyna , Urbanik Andrzej , Popiela Tadeusz , Kwinta Borys , Łasocha Bartłomiej
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Despite a growing range of therapeutic possibilities, including various intravascular methods, treating cere­bral aneurysms can be still a therapeutic challenge. A growing number of patients previously treated with older techniques require additional therapy. Treatment options as well as their efficiency may be influenced by previous procedures.

Case report

We report a rare case of a giant treatment-resistant aneurysm in a 65-year-old woman. The aneurysm was first diagnosed due to visual disturbances in the right eye. Computed tomography angiography showed large (20 × 18 mm)
wide neck aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery. The patient was subsequently treated with several methods including coiling with regular stent implantation, two flow diverter stent implantations, and hybrid neurosurgery.
Full occlusion was not achieved after any of those procedures. After the last procedure (hybrid neurosurgery) the patient, in vegetative state, was transferred to the intensive care unit and then to the Health and Care Centre.

Conclusions

Discussion focuses on endovascular treatment options after failure of previous treatment such as “stent in stent” technique. We conclude that three subsequent stent implantations are technically possible; however, subsequent procedures are associated with technical difficulties and their effectiveness is questionable. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt may influence the outcome of flow diversion therapy.
Multimodality imaging of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a pictorial essay
Authors: Afolabi Babalola I. , Idowu Bukunmi M. , Onigbinde Stephen O.
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or new coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) is now a global pandemic with attendant morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic disruption. Its features have been described on plain chest radiography, chest computed tomography (CT), chest ultrasonography, brain CT, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. Based on current evidence, imaging plays an ancillary role in the management of those with severe illness. This essay illustrates the imaging manifestations of COVID-19 pictorially.
Effect of forward head posture on diaphragmatic excursion in subjects
with non-specific chronic neck pain. A case-control study
Authors: Ahmad Ahmad Mahdi , Kamel Khaled Mahmoud , Mohammed Reda Gomaa
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Forward head posture (FHP) is commonly seen in subjects with chronic neck pain (CNP) and is associated with
respiratory function limitations. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the effect of FHP compared with normal
head posture (NHP) on diaphragmatic excursion in subjects with non-specific CNP.

Methods

Overall, 30 subjects with CNP aged 35–45 years were recruited for this study and divided into 2 equal groups: the FHP group and the NHP group. The inclusion criteria were non-specific CNP duration of 3 months, presence or absence of FHP, FHP confirmed with a craniovertebral angle of < 50°, and male or female sex. The exclusion criteria involved cervical disc problems, cervical spondylosis, traumatic neck pain, chest disease or heart failure, neurological disorders affecting the diaphragm, obesity, and smoking. First, the craniovertebral angle was assessed for subject selection; then, the diaphragmatic excursion and the neck disability index (NDI) were established as the main clinical outcomes of the study. Unpaired t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The diaphragmatic excursion was lower in the FHP group than in the NHP group (57.00 ± 15.63 vs. 67.60 ± 15.18; p = 0.070), with no significant difference between the 2 groups. NDI did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusions

We suggest that FHP may be related to reduced diaphragmatic excursion in subjects with non-specific CNP. The multimodal approaches to physiotherapy management of non-specific CNP with FHP may consider our suggestion.
Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function evaluation in local foundry workers in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Shittu Aishat , Yalwa Abba Abdu , Mohammed Jibril
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Aluminium foundry for kitchen utensils production is a major employer in Kano State, Nigeria. We hypothesized that significant occupational hazard such as presence of respiratory symptoms and impairment in lung function might be prevalent among the workers. The study assessed respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers.

Methods

The cross-sectional survey involved 83 male foundry workers and applied the convenience sampling method. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated with the American Thoracic Society (ATS-dLd-78) questionnaire. Lung function was assessed by using an MSo4 spirometer. The data obtained were summarized by descriptive statistics. Spearman rank order correlation and chi-square were determined between the variables of interest (p < 0.05).

Results

The participants’ mean age was 24.8 ± 6.7 years, with 10–19 years of exposure in the majority (43; 51.8%). The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was as follows: phlegm: 69.9%, cough: 33.7%, chest pain: 27.7%, wheeze: 16.9%, haemoptysis: 4.8%. Lung function (FVC: 0.000; FEV1: 0.000) was significantly lower than normative. The association between occupational exposure duration and respiratory symptoms was significant for phlegm production (p = 0.008), wheeze (p = 0.008), and chest pain (p = 0.01). Lung function showed no significant association with exposure duration (p = 0.71 for FVC and p = 0.45 for FEV1). Weak negative relationship existed between respiratory symptoms and lung function; phlegm, chest pain, and haemoptysis presented a weak positive relationship.

Conclusions

Respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function are common among foundry workers in Kano State. Exposure duration was a determinant of some respiratory symptoms.
Erectile dysfunction and mood disorders in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Jóźwik Sandra , Sierakowska Magdalena , Gajda Robert , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Mood disorders, a predominant symptom of depression, are correlated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVd) development and unfavourable course. Anxiety that accompanies CVd is concurrently its cause, consequence, and debilitating factor. There is also a correlation between CVd and erectile dysfunction (Ed). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mood disorders and Ed in men undergoing cardiac rehabilitation and determine the role of diabetes and other risk factors in both health problems.

Methods

The study involved 69 men aged 32–79 admitted to cardiac rehabilitation procedure. Beck depression inventory served to measure mood disorders, and international index of Erectile Function 5 to establish sexual dysfunction. A survey pertaining social, demographic, and clinical data was conducted among the participants.

Results

overall, 85.5% of the participants were overweight or obese. over half of them suffered from hypertension or lipid disorders. About a third had diabetes, 77% smoked cigarettes. Mood disorders were found in 5 men, Ed among 74% of the participants. There was no statistically significant correlation between mood disorders and diabetes, smoking, or excess body mass. Ed prevalence showed no correlation with overweight or mood disorders. The only statistically significant risk factor for Ed was diabetes.

Conclusions

The results do not reveal a connection between mood disorders and Ed in the studied sample. it is impossible to measure shared risk factors for both disorders in a group with only 5 people presenting depression symptoms. diabetes significantly influences Ed prevalence among men with coronary artery disease.
Korean epidemiology and trends in hip joint replacements
Authors: Yoon Jae Youn , Moon Jun-Ki , Kim Chul-Ho , Lee Sunhyung , Yoon Pil Whan
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiologic characteristics of patients who underwent hip arthroplasty using the Korean nationwide database and investigate the recent trends in implant fixation methods and bearing surface selection. We aimed to compare clinical characteristics and differences with the results from the registry of other western countries. We analyzed the data collected by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database of Korea from 2007 to 2011 and the Main Surgery Statistical Yearbook from 2014 to 2018, published by the National Health Insurance Service. The number and rate of patients who underwent hip joint arthroplasty per 10,000 persons have been steadily increasing since 2007. There was a big difference in mean age and preoperative diagnosis of patients between the bipolar hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty groups. Most patients underwent surgery using a cementless biological fixation method, and the cemented fixation method was selectively used for a small portion of old aged osteoporotic patients. In relation to the use of bearing surfaces, the registry data showed that ceramic-ceramic bearings were used at an overwhelmingly high rate (81%) in Korea compared to other countries. The reason was attributable to various factors, such as patient’s age or economic status, differences in the health insurance system between countries, and recently reported complications, such as ceramic fracture or noise.
Treatment of malignant bone tumor: limb salvage surgery using metallic tumor prosthesis
Authors: Cho Hwan Seong , Han Heesoo , Yoon Jisoo
Published: August 2020

Recently, most bone cancers have shown a dismal prognosis even though they were managed with amputation. In the 1970s, anticancer drugs began to be used for bone tumor treatment as adjuvant agents, with the hope of survival improvement, while keeping the limb preserved. The 5-year survival of osteosarcoma patients increased up to 70% with anticancer chemotherapy and limb-salvage surgery. Limb salvage surgery includes all surgical procedures performed to accomplish resection of a malignant bone tumor and reconstruction of the skeletal system with an acceptable oncological and functional outcome. Currently, surgeons can choose a variety of reconstruction methods, including osteoarticular allograft, allograft-prosthesis composite, and metallic tumor endoprosthesis. However, complication rates are still high. The advancement of implant technology, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiologic imaging modality has contributed to the evolution of limb salvage surgery. Nevertheless, there are still many barriers that have yet to be addressed to move further.
Update on pharmacotherapy for adult bronchiectasis
Authors: Choi Hayoung , Lee Hyun , Ra Seung Won , Oh Yeon-Mok
Published: August 2020

Bronchiectasis refers to abnormal dilatation of the bronchi, which leads to the failure of mucus clearance and increased risk of infection. Pharmacotherapy for stable bronchiectasis includes oral or inhaled mucoactive agents, anti-inflammatory therapy, inhaled bronchodilators, long-term antibiotics, and long-term macrolide treatment. Among them, mucoactive agents are the most common adjunctive agents to airway clearance techniques. When patients with impaired lung function suffer from dyspnea, inhaled bronchodilators may be prescribed to relieve the symptom. Long-term macrolide treatment has been proven to prevent exacerbation in patients with frequent bronchiectasis exacerbation. If exacerbation occurs despite the above mentioned treatments, one or two weeks of antibiotics should be prescribed to cover respiratory bacteria that include Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Because evidence supporting the use of pharmacotherapy for bronchiectasis is weak, further research is warranted.
Regional CO2 Fluxes during 2010–2015 Inferred from GOSAT XCO2 retrievals using a new version of Global Carbon Assimilation System
Authors: Jiang Fei , Wang Hengmao , Chen Jing M. , Ju Weimin , Tian Xiangjun , Feng Shuzhang , Li Guicai , Chen Zhuoqi , Zhang Shupeng , Lu Xuehe , Liu Jane , Wang Haikun , Wang Jun , He Wei , Wu Mousong
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Satellite XCO2 retrievals could help to improve carbon flux estimation because of their good spatial coverage. In this study, to assimilate the GOSAT XCO2 retrievals, the Global Carbon Assimilation System (GCAS) is upgraded with new assimilation algorithms, procedures and a localization scheme, a higher assimilation parameter resolution and so on, and hence is named as GCASv2. Based on this new system, the global terrestrial ecosystem (BIO) and ocean (OCN) carbon fluxes from May 1, 2009 to Dec 31, 2015 are constrained using the GOSAT ACOS XCO2 retrievals (Version 7.3). The posterior carbon fluxes from 2010 to 2015 are independently evaluated using CO2 observations from 52 surface flask sites. The results show that the posterior carbon fluxes could significantly improve the modeling of atmospheric CO2 concentrations, with global mean BIAS decreases from a prior value of 1.6 ± 1.8 ppm to -0.5 ± 1.8 ppm. Globally, the mean annual BIO and OCN carbon sinks and their interannual variations inferred in this study are very close to the estimates of CT2017 during the study period, and the inferred mean atmospheric CO2 growth rate and its interannual changes are also very close to the observations. Regionally, over the northern lands, there are the strongest carbon sinks in North America Temperate, followed by Europe, Boreal Asia, and Temperate Asia; and in tropics, there are strong sinks in Tropical South America and Tropical Asia, but a very weak sink in Africa. This pattern is significantly different from the estimates of CT2017, but the estimated carbon sinks in each continent and some key regions like Boreal Asia and Amazon are comparable or in the range of previous bottom-up estimates. The inversion also changes the interannual variations of carbon fluxes in most TRANSCOM land regions, which have a better relationship with the changes of severe drought area or LAI, or are more consistent with previous estimates for the impact of drought. These results suggest that the GCASv2 system works well with the GOSAT XCO2 retrievals, and has a good performance in estimating the surface carbon fluxes, meanwhile, our results also indicate that the GOSAT XCO2 retrievals could help to better understand the interannual variations of regional carbon fluxes.
Concentrations, Particle-Size Distributions, and Dry Deposition Fluxes of Aerosol Trace Elements over the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Fan Songyun , Gao Yuan , Sherrell Robert M. , Yu Shun , Bu Kaixuan
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Size-segregated particulate air samples were collected during the austral summer of 2016–2017 at Palmer Station on the Anvers Island off the west Antarctic Peninsula, to characterize trace elements in aerosols. Trace elements in aerosol samples, including Al, P, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ce, and Pb, were determined by total digestion and sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (SF-ICP-MS). The results show that these elements are derived primarily from three sources: (1) regional crustal emissions, (2) long-range transport, and (3) sea-salt aerosols. Elements dominated by a crustal source (Al, P, Ti, V, Mn, Ce) with EFcrust  1 μm) and peaked at 2.5–7.8 μm in diameter, reflecting the contributions of regional crustal sources. Non-crustal elements (Ca, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) showed EFcrust > 10. Aerosol Pb was accumulated primarily in fine-mode particles, peaking at 0.078–0.25 μm, and likely was impacted by air masses from South America based on air-mass back trajectories. However, Ni, Cu, and Zn were not detectable in most size fractions and didn't present clear size patterns. Sea-salt elements (Ca, Na, K) showed single mode distribution and peaked at 2.5–7.8 μm. The estimated dry deposition fluxes of dust for the austral summer, based on the particle size distributions of Al measured at Palmer Station, ranged from 0.65 to 28 mg m−2 yr−1 with a mean of 5.5 mg m−2 yr−1. The estimated dry deposition fluxes of the target trace elements in this study were lower than most fluxes reported previously for coastal Antarctica and suggest that atmospheric input of trace elements through dry deposition processes may play a minor role in determining trace element concentrations in surface seawater over the continental shelf of the west Antarctic Peninsula.
A bottom-up quantification of foliar mercury uptake fluxes across Europe
Authors: Wohlgemuth Lena , Osterwalder Stefan , Joseph Carl , Kahmen Ansgar , Hoch Günter , Alewell Christine , Jiskra Martin
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The exchange of gaseous elemental mercury, Hg(0), between the atmosphere and terrestrial surfaces remains poorly understood mainly due to difficulties in measuring net Hg(0) fluxes on the ecosystem scale. Emerging evidence suggests foliar uptake of atmospheric Hg(0) to be a major deposition pathway to terrestrial surfaces. Here, we present a bottom-up approach to calculate Hg(0) uptake fluxes to aboveground foliage by combining foliar Hg uptake rates normalized to leaf area with species-specific leaf area indices. This bottom-up approach incorporates systematic variations in crown height and needle age. We analyzed Hg content in 583 foliage samples from six tree species at 10 European forested research sites along a latitudinal gradient from Switzerland to Northern Finland over the course of the 2018 growing season. Foliar Hg concentrations increased over time in all six tree species at all sites. We found that foliar Hg uptake rates normalized to leaf area were highest at the top of the tree crown. Foliar Hg uptake rates decreased with needle age of multi-year old conifers (spruce and pine). Average species-specific foliar Hg uptake fluxes during the 2018 growing season were 18 ± 3 µg Hg m−2 for beech, 26 ± 5 µg Hg m−2 for oak, 4 ± 1 µg Hg m−2 for pine and 11 ± 1 µg Hg m−2 for spruce. For comparison, the average Hg(II) wet deposition flux measured at 5 of the 10 research sites during the same period was 2.3 ± 0.3 µg Hg m−2, which was four times lower than the site-averaged foliar uptake flux of 10 ± 3 µg Hg m−2. Scaling up site-specific foliar uptake rates to the forested area of Europe resulted in a total foliar Hg uptake flux of approximately 20 ± 3 Mg during the 2018 growing season. Considering that the same flux applies to the global land area of temperate forests, we estimate a foliar Hg uptake flux of 108 ± 18 Mg. Our data indicate that foliar Hg uptake is a major deposition pathway to terrestrial surfaces in Europe. The bottom up approach provides a promising method to quantify foliar Hg uptake fluxes on an ecosystem scale.