bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte count, systemic inflammation, and health status in older adults: a narrative review
Authors: Chmielewski Piotr
Published: April 2018

Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that elevated leukocyte count within the normal range can predict cardiovascular and total mortality in older adults. These findings are remarkable because this simple and common laboratory test is included in routine medical check-ups. It is well known that chronic systemic inflammation (inflammaging) is one of the hallmarks of aging and an important component of obesity-associated insulin resistance that can lead to type 2 diabetes and other health problems in both overweight individuals and elderly people. To understand the molecular mechanisms linking increased systemic inflammation with aging-associated diseases and elevated leukocyte counts in the elderly is to unravel the multiplicity of molecular factors and mechanisms involved in chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, the gradual accumulation of random molecular damage, age-related diseases, and the process of leukopoiesis. There are several possible mechanisms through which chronic low-grade systemic inflammation is associated with both higher leukocyte count and a greater risk of aging-associated conditions in older adults. For example, the IL-6 centric model predicts that this biomediator is involved in chronic systemic inflammation and leukopoiesis, thereby suggesting that elevated leukocyte count is a signal of poor health in older adults. Alternatively, an increase in neutrophil and monocyte counts can be a direct cause of cardiovascular events in the elderly. Interestingly, some authors assert that the predictive ability of elevated leukocyte counts with regard to cardiovascular and allcause mortality among older adults surpass the predictive value of total cholesterol. This review reports the recent findings on the links between elevated but normal leukocyte counts and the increased risks of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. The possible molecular mechanisms linking higher but normal leukocyte counts with increased risk of aging-associated diseases in the elderly are discussed here.
Efficacy of coupling gamma irradiation with calcium chloride and lemongrass oil in maintaining guava fruit quality and inhibiting fungal growth during cold storage
Authors: Hassanein Ramadan A. , Salem Ehab A. , Zahran Ahmed A.
Published: April 2018

This study was performed to explore the efficacy of combining more than one postharvest treatment in maintaining some quality attributes and reducing fungal pathogenicity in cold-stored guava fruits. The investigated postharvest treatments included the control, CaCl2 (4%), lemongrass oil (2 dm3 kg−1), gamma (γ) irradiation (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 kGy), 0.4 kGy γ irradiation + CaCl2 (4%), and 0.4 kGy γ irradiation + lemongrass oil (2 dm3 kg−1). The studied physiochemical attributes included weight loss, decay percentage, fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and vitamin C content. Different fungal species were also isolated from decayed fruits and were identified as Alternaria alternata, Alternaria solani, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium solani and Rhizopus stolonifer. The severity of infection for the different fungi was determined, and an in vitro antifungal assay was conducted for lemongrass oil. All the investigated treatments generally reduced decay and water loss percentages, and controlled TSS, TA and vitamin C decrements that occurred during cold storage. On the other hand, higher irradiation doses generally increased fruit softness, and the 0.4 kGy γ dose did not contribute to the overall fruit quality when coupled with CaCl2 and lemongrass oil, compared to CaCl2 and lemongrass oil treatments alone.
Infection in central venous catheter led by parenteral nutrition of tumor patients
Authors: Wang Dan
Published: April 2018

With the wide application of parenteral nutrition (PN) and central venous catheter (CVC) in tumor patients, the relative infection led by CVC has become a common and troublesome hospital infection in clinics. During infusion, PN fluid forms a high-sugar and high-fat microenvironment around CVC, facilitating the adhesion, growth, and diffusion of pathogenic bacteria. This condition forms a bacterial biofilm (BF) consisting of one or several kinds of pathogenic bacteria. Upon formation of the film, pathogens in the BF can resist antibacterial drugs and immune cells, causing repeated infections of bacteria or fungi and endangering the lives of patients. In this article, we summarize the applications of PN, characteristics of CVC infection in tumor patients, mixed BF, and related research methods to provide reference for studies of mixed BF infection of CVC.
Research progress of follicular cytotoxic T cells in HIV infection
Authors: Guo Ming
Published: April 2018

Recently, a new type of CD8+ T-cell subset, namely, the chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 5 (CXCR5+) cluster of differentiation (CD8+) T-cell subset (also called the follicular cytotoxic T-cell (TFC) subgroup), has been discovered around B-cell follicles. The discovery has aroused widespread interest. However, the processes and mechanisms of TFCs taking part in the immune response of the germinal center and their specific roles must still be clearly identified. This article reviews domestic and foreign studies on factors regulating the phenotype, physiological functions, maturity, and differentiation of TFCs and roles and clinical significance of these cells in HIV infection. This review has shown good application prospects for TFCs. The author believes that further studies on TFCs can provide another tool for cytotherapy to control or cure chronic viral infections or tumors.
Research progress on the correlation between gestational vaginal microecology and vaginal infectious diseases
Authors: Dong Haiwei , Yang Xiaohui
Published: April 2018

The health status of the vaginal microenvironment, a complicated system, is an important indicator of female reproductive health. The vaginal flora is in a state of balance, and the microorganisms coexist and are interdependent to maintain the vaginal microecological balance, which is a kind of dynamic balance influenced by endogenous and exogenous factors. Vaginal infections are traditionally treated by killing microbes in the vagina. Given the extensive study of the internal vaginal environment, people have become gradually aware of the significance of maintaining the vaginal microecological balance rather than blindly using antimicrobial agents. The balance in the vaginal internal environment is disrupted during the gestation period as the secretion of progesterone increases. The imbalanced vaginal microecological environment may lead to vaginal infectious diseases. This article provides a review of the relationship between the vaginal microecology and infectious diseases during the gestation period.
The Oocyte’s Nucleolus Precursor Body: The Globe for Life
Authors: Benc Michal , Pendovski Lazo , Murin Matej , Strejcek Frantisek , Morovic Martin , Prochazka Radek , Laurincik Jozef
Published: April 2018

The nucleolus is the cell organelle responsible for ribosome synthesis and, hence, for protein synthesis. In the mammalian oocyte, the nucleolus compacts into a dense sphere with no ribosome synthesis well in advance of ovulation. It seems, that this body is of utmost importance for the development of the embryo. It is unknown, however, how it exerts this essential function. During the last two decades, great attention has been paid to the study of nucleogenesis in oocytes and early embryos, with transcription of ribosomal DNA being evaluated as one of the criteria of normal development. In this review, we summarize some aspects of nucleolus transformation during oocyte growth, as well as during early embryonic development with possible impact on the quality of the embryos used in biomedical research. This knowledge in connection with further observations will substantially contribute to the development of new criteria suitable for evaluation of oocytes and embryos used in biomedical application.
Experimental analysis of gas hold-up for gas-liquid system agitated in a vessel equipped with two impellers and vertical tubular baffles
Authors: Major-Godlewska Marta , Radecki Dawid
Published: April 2018

The influence of impellers system and type of liquid on the gas hold-up in the vessel has been presented in this paper. The analysis of gas hold-up was conducted on the basis of the data obtained in the vessel of the diameter D = 0.288 m, where the vessel was filled by a liquid up to the height H = 2D. The vessel was equipped in 24 vertical tubular baffles located on the circuit and two high-speed impellers situated on a shaft. Five different configurations of high-speed impellers were employed. The experiments in the gas-liquid system were conducted for setups which differed in capability of gas bubbles coalescence. The results of the experiment of the gas holdup for the five impellers configurations and four gas-liquid systems were presented in the graphic form and they were described mathematically.
Biodegradable polylactide and thermoplastic starch blends as drug release device – mass transfer study
Authors: Labus Karolina , Trusek-Holownia Anna , Semba Damian , Ostrowska Justyna , Tynski Piotr , Bogusz Jakub
Published: April 2018

Four different compositions of polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends (PLA/TPS blends) for application as drug carriers were examined. Initially, using cyanocobalamin (1.355 kDa) as a model compound, the blend with the highest starch content (wt. 60%) was selected for further research of mass transfer phenomenon. In this case, different concentrations of acetaminophen (0.151 kDa), doxorubicin hydrochloride (0.580 kDa) and cyanocobalamin (1.355 kDa) were used for determination of particular releasing profiles. Besides from the comparative analysis of obtained results, the values of the overall mass transfer coefficient (K) were calculated for each of tested drug molecules. Depending on the size and properties of used compound, determined values of the coefficient range from 10−11 to 10−13 m/s. Based on these outcomes, it could be stated that PLA/TPS blend selected in preliminary research, seems to be preferred material for fabrication of long-term drug delivery systems, which could be successfully applied for example in anti-cancer therapy.
Electrooxidation of phenol on carbon fibre-based anodes through continuous electrolysis of synthetic wastewater
Authors: Piotrowska Grazyna , Pierozynski Boguslaw
Published: April 2018

This work reports on the process of phenol electrooxidation, which is carried-out through continuous electrolysis of synthetic, sodium sulphate-based wastewater. Phenol electrodegradation is examined by means of a laboratory size (ca. 700 cm3 of working volume), poly (methyl methacrylate)-made electrolyser unit for various, carbon fibre and graphite-based anode configurations, and stainless steel cathodes, two different current-densities and concentrations of phenol in synthetically prepared wastewater solution. Proper monitoring of phenol degradation (including quantitative identification of reaction products and calculation of specific energy consumption) in wastewater is performed by means of instrumental, combined HPLC and MS technique in function of electrolysis time.
Clinical Proteomics in Kidney Disease: From Discovery to Clinical Application
Authors: Pejchinovski Martin , Mischak Harald
Published: April 2018

Proteome analysis has been applied in multiple studies in the context of chronic kidney disease, aiming at improving our knowledge on the molecular pathophysiology of the disease. The approach is generally based on the hypothesis that proteins are key in maintaining kidney function, and disease is a clinical consequence of a significant change of the protein level. Knowledge on critical proteins and their alteration in disease should in turn enable identification of ideal biomarkers that could guide patient management. In addition, all drugs currently employed target proteins. Hence, proteome analysis also promises to enable identifying the best suited therapeutic target, and, in combination with biomarkers, could be used as the rationale basis for personalized intervention. To assess the current status of proteome analysis in the context of CKD, we present the results of a systematic review, of up-to-date scientific research, and give an outlook on the developments that can be expected in near future. Based on the current literature, proteome analysis has already seen implementation in the management of CKD patients, and it is expected that this approach, also supported by the positive results generated to date, will see advanced high-throughput application.
Mobile Application “Neurogame” for Assessment the Attention, Focus and Concentration
Authors: Loleski Mario , Loleska Sofija , Pop-Jordanova Nada
Published: April 2018

Smartphones are ubiquitous, but it is still unknown what physiological functions can be monitored at clinical quality. In medicine their use is cited in many fields (cardiology, pulmology, endocrinology, rheumatology, pediatrics as well as in the field of mental health).

The aim of this paper is to explain how the use of mobile application can help clients to improve the index of their focus, concentration and motor skills. Our original developed application on Android operating system, named “neurogame” is based on an open source platform to enable assessment and therapeutic stimulation, focus and concentration with the ability to monitor the progress of the results obtained in a larger number of participants (normal subjects as well as patients with different disorders) over a period of time.

Whilst nowadays the predominant focus is on the pharmacological treatments, there is a rapidly growing interest in research on alternative options that will offer help in many cases of disorder management in terms of mobile application games.

In order to have some kind of “norms”, we evaluated a group of healthy population. Obtained results will serve as a database for comparison the future results. This article displays the results obtained as database.
Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence, Genetic Factors
Authors: Kostovski Marko , Tasic Velibor , Laban Nevena , Polenakovic Momir , Danilovski Dragan , Gucev Zoran
Published: April 2018

Obesity and excess weight are a pandemic phenomenon in the modern world. Childhood and adolescent obesity often ends up in obesity in adults. The costs of obesity and its consequences are staggering for any society, crippling for countries in development. Childhood obesity is also widespread in Macedonia. Metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia and carbohydrate intolerance are found in significant numbers. Parents and grandparents are often obese. Some of the children are either dysmorphic, or slightly retarded. We have already described patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, Bardet-Biedl syndrome or WAGR syndrome. A genetic screening for mutations in monogenic obesity in children with early, rapid-onset or severe obesity, severe hyperphagia, hypogonadism, intestinal dysfunction, hypopigmentation of hair and skin, postprandial hypoglycaemia, diabetes insipidus, abnormal leptin level and coexistence of lean and obese siblings in the family discovers many genetic forms of obesity. There are about 30 monogenic forms of obesity. In addition, obesity is different in ethnic groups, and the types of monogenic obesity differ. In brief, an increasing number of genes and genetic mechanisms in children continue to be discovered. This sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of obesity and potentially gives a target for new forms of treatment.
Moleculary Confirmed, Cytogenetic Remission in a Case with Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treated with Azacitidne
Authors: Panovska-Stavridis Irina , Ivanovski Martin , Trajkova Sanja , Pivkova-Veljanovska Aleksandra , Popova-Labaceska Marija , Matevska-Geshovska Nadica , Noveski Predrag , Plaseska-Karanfilska Dijana , Cevreska Lidija , Dimovski Aleksandar J.
Published: April 2018

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a diverse group of clonal hematologic neoplasms. The only curative treatment for MDS is allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Epigenetic changes play an important role in the pathogenesis of MDS and treatment with DNA methyl transferase inhibitors, Azacitidine, significantly prolong the survival of high-risk MDS patients. Here we report a case of a 58-year-old male presented with pancytopenia, macrocytosis, and hyperplastic bone marrow with 3-lineage dysplasia with ~14% of myeloid blasts. Cytogenetic studies with G banding showed normal karyotype. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) screening for most predictive cytogenetic abnormalities of MDS showed loss of the Y chromosome. Those findings later were confirmed with Quantitative Fluorescent (QF)-PCR and specific MLPA for Y chromosome, showing loss of the Y chromosome in >80% of cells. He was diagnosed with MDS-RAEB2 according to 2008 WHO classification and stratified into high risk group (IPSS score 5). Unrelated allogeneic SCT was planed and bridging treatment with Azacitidine at a dose of 75mg/m2/daily subcutaneously for 7 days every 28 days was initiated. Hematologic improvements, according to the International Working Group 2006 criteria, were observed after 4 cycles of Azacitidine treatment. After 6 cycles, complete hematological remission was achieved. Interestingly, molecular analysis performed after the 8th cycle showed normal presence of Y chromosome indicating a cytogenetic remission, molecularly confirmed. Maintenance treatment with Azacitidine was assigned, and the scheduled SCT was postponed. Experience from our case showed that the loss of the Y chromosome was related to the disease onset, and indicated that Azacitidine might be consider as effective treatment for MDS cases associated with good cytogenetic
The Dematel Method in the Analysis of the Residential Real Estate Market in Bialystok
Authors: Gołąbeska Elżbieta
Published: April 2018

Abstract1

The article is of a dual character. On the one hand, it concerns the analysis of the real estate market in terms of investment attractiveness and the influence of particular attributes of property on attractiveness itself. On the other hand, it proposes the use as a research tool selected using one of the multicriteria methods (DEMATEL), which is an alternative to commonly used statistical methods. The theoretical part of the work is completed by a brief computational example which deals with the analysis of factors affecting the prices of residential real estate on a local scale.
Analysis of Communes’ Potential Fall in Revenue Following Introduction of Ad Valorem Property Tax
Authors: Gnat Sebastian
Published: April 2018

The property tax reform is the subject of numerous discussions and multi-aspect analyses. One of the conclusions from the analyses is an argument referring to the risk of a substantial rise in financial charges imposed on objects of taxation. The replacement of property tax with ad valorem property tax is seen as a potential source of increased revenue for communes. However, some of the communes may experience the opposite effect, i.e. the risk of a revenue loss. Should the tax reform come into force, it will result in protests among the affected local governments. The paper presents the results of a study into the situation of an exemplary commune, where specific conditions that could lead to lowering the commune’s revenue due to the introduction of the ad valorem property tax may occur.
Classification of soil infiltration rate depending on the Hydrological soil group map South East Iraq
Authors: J. Al Marsumi Khalid , M. Al Shamma Aysar
Published: April 2018

The study area is located in the East of Missan governorate, southeast of Iraq between (32°'29.52" – 32°37'30") latitude and (46°46'21.16" – 47°58'53.52")longitude. It encompasses an area of (1858 ) with elevation ranges from 8 to 165m. Soil is a natural body that exists as part of the pedosphere and which performs four important functions. It is a medium for plant growth and a means of water storage, supply and purification. The spatial mapping of soil usually involves delineating soil types that have identifiable characteristics. The delineation is based on many factors such as geomorphologic origin and conditions under which the soil is formed. Hydrologic soil group (HSG) refers to the classification of soils based on their runoff , producing characteristics and their infiltration rate. Soils are assigned to 4 hydrologic groups namely Group A - high infiltration rate when wet, low runoff potential, Group B - moderate infiltration, low runoff potential, Group C - slow infiltration, higher runoff potential, and Group D - very slow infiltration rate, highest runoff potential. According to the USDA soil classification system, four hydrological soil groups are recognized: A, B, C, and D with 19%, 48%, 32%, and 1%, respectively, the high percentage extension of moderately infiltration group (B and C).
On The Class of (K-N)* Quasi-N-Normal Operators on Hilbert Space
Authors: Dawood Muhsin Salim , Mohammed Khalaf Ahmed
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we will give another class of normal operator which is (K-N)*quasi-n-normal operator in Hilbert space, and give some properties of this conceptas well as discussion the relation between this class with another class of normaloperators.
Determining and Estimating the Creep of Tigris Riverbanks at the Baghdad University Camp Using GIS Analytical Symmetrical Difference Method
Authors: S. Mahdi Ala , Mustafa Ali Mahdi
Published: April 2018

The Tigris River in Iraq is of highly meandering in several of its parts. So, the largest meandering inside Baghdad City, is in Al-Jadriyah. During its course, the Tigris Riverbanks are facing erosion frequently due to alteration in the geomorphological and hydrological characteristics affecting the river channel. The entire length of Tigris River from the northern entrance of Baghdad to the convergence with Diyala River at southern of Baghdad is about 49 km length. The Tigris River is suffering from the erosion, deposition, and migration conditions. The river migration was found as maximum in the left bank at the side of the University, and lesser in the right bank in the opposite side, Dora. The aim of this study is to measure the magnitude of changes happened to the Tigris Riverbanks adjacent to the Baghdad University Camp in Al-Jadriyah for a period of last fifty years extended between 1962 and 2013, using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Symmetrical Difference Analytical method was used to obtain changes for Tigris Riverbanks in the study area. The obtained results in this study demonstrate that Remote Sensing and Aerial Photography are important sources of data in monitoring and detecting the movement of Tigris riverbanks. Accordingly, the measured areas of deposition and erosion are (657 073 m2) and (173 087 m2) respectively, and the ratio between them was 3.83 to 1.
Model Komunikasi Untuk Membangun Kapasitas Kewirausahaan dan Kesiapan Perubahan Pedagang Pasar Tradisional
Authors: Aruman Akhmad Edhy , Sumardjo Sumardjo , Panjaitan Nurmala K , Sadono Dwi
Published: April 2018

Berangkat dari kondisi rendahnya kapasitas kewirausahaan dan ketidaksiapan pedagang pasar tradisional menghadapi persaingan dari peritel modern, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merumuskan model komunikasi untuk membangun kesiapan perubahan pedagang pasar tradisional. Metode yang digunakan adalah survey dengan mewawancarai 559 pedagang pasar tradisional menggunakan instrumen kuesioner. Hasilnya dianalisis dengan menggunakan pendekatan kausalitas dengan alat bantu LISREL dan diperkuat dengan hasil dari wawancara mendalam. Hasilnya diperoleh gambaran bahwa dalam menghadapi revitalisasi, pedagang berada dalam situasi ketidakpastian. Seluruh unsur mulai dari karakteristik pedagang, sumber pesan, pesan, dan komunikasi partisipatif memberikan dampak positif terhadap kesiapan pedagang terkait dengan revitalisasi dengan kondisi kapasitas kewirausahaan pedagang tinggi. Karenanya, untuk membangun kesiapan pedagang, hal utama yang perlu dilakukan adalah membangun kapasitas kewirausahaan pedagang. Kekurangberhasilan membangun kapasitas kewirausahaan berdampak ketidaksiapan pedagang untuk berubah. Model komunikasi yang dinilai tepat adalah melibatkan pengelola pasar sebagai sumber pesan yang kredibel, dengan muatan pesan tentang manfaat dan risiko revitalisasi ternyata efektif bila melalui pengembangan motivasi pedagang untuk berubah, dan media yang memungkinkan terjadi tanggapan langsung dari pelaku komunikasi.

 
Penyuluhan Kesehatan untuk Pencegahan dan Risiko Penyakit DBD dalam Manga dan Infografis
Authors: Nasution Shinta , Sadono Dwi , Wibowo Cahyono Tri
Published: April 2018

Demam Berdarah Dengue (DBD) adalah endemik di daerah tropis seperti di Indonesia dan berisiko pada jatuhnya korban jiwa. Keberhasilan penyuluhan risiko kesehatan perlu didukung bentuk media yang digunakan, khususnya bagi Sismantik (Siswa Pemantau Jentik) sebagai mitra strategis instansi kesehatan dalam penyuluhan pencegahan penyakit DBD. Pesan visual dalam komik manga dan infografis penting dipertimbangan sebagai media penyuluhan kesehatan bagi anak-anak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) menganalisis pengaruh media visual (2) menganalisis perbandingan efektifitas komik manga dan infografis pada Sismantik di Cibinong dan Bojong Gede Bogor. Studi menggunakan true experiment dengan desain faktorial 2 x 2 yang membagi 234 siswa secara acak ke dalam empat kelompok perlakuan yang menerima pesan positif dan negatif dan 57 siswa sebagai kelompok kontrol. Perlakuan media visual terbukti mampu memberikan efek berupa peningkatan pemahaman informasi, persepsi risiko dan sikap Sismantik terhadap pencegahan penyakit DBD dibanding kelompok kontrol. Media visual yang paling efektif untuk meningkatkan persepsi risiko dan sikap adalah komik manga. Namun, perlakuan media visual belum mampu meningkatkan persepsi risiko negatif Sismantik. Kedua media visual memiliki tingkat efektifitas yang sama dalam meningkatkan pemahaman informasi.
Persepsi Petani tentang Peranan Penyuluh dalam Peningkatan Produksi Padi Di Kecamatan Tabir Kabupaten Merangin Provinsi Jambi
Authors: Padillah Padillah , Purnaningsih Ninuk , Sadono Dwi
Published: April 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) menganalisis tingkat persepsi petani tentang peranan penyuluh dalam peningkatan produksi padi; dan (2) menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat persepsi petani tentang peranan penyuluh dalam peningkatan produksi padi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei dan dilaksanakan pada bulan Maret hingga Mei 2017 di KecamatanTabir Kabupaten Merangin Provinsi Jambi.Jumlah sampel penelitian ini adalah 92 orang.Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah statistik deskriptif dan statistik inferensial (Path Analysis) yang dilengkapi dengan data kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) tingkat persepsi petani tentang peranan penyuluh dalam peningkatan produksi padi sudah cukup baik, berarti penyuluh sudah cukup berperan dan sudah menjalankan peranannya sesuai dengan tugas pokok dan fungsinya di dalam program Upaya Khusus Padi, Jagung, dan Kedelai; dan (2) faktor yang berpengaruh secara langsung terhadap tingkat persepsi petani tentang peranan penyuluh dalam peningkatan produksi padi adalah lama berusahatani, tingkat pendidikan formal, luas penguasaan lahan, keterlibatan dalam kelompoktani, dan intensitas interaksi petani dengan penyuluhPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) menganalisis tingkat persepsi petani tentang peranan penyuluh dalam peningkatan produksi padi; dan (2) menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat persepsi petani tentang peranan penyuluh dalam peningkatan produksi padi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei dan dilaksanakan pada bulan Maret hingga Mei 2017 di KecamatanTabir Kabupaten Merangin Provinsi Jambi.Jumlah sampel penelitian ini adalah 92 orang.Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah statistik deskriptif dan statistik inferensial (Path Analysis) yang dilengkapi dengan data kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) tingkat persepsi petani tentang peranan penyuluh dalam peningkatan produksi padi sudah cukup baik, berarti penyuluh sudah cukup berperan dan sudah menjalankan peranannya sesuai dengan tugas pokok dan fungsinya di dalam program Upaya Khusus Padi, Jagung, dan Kedelai; dan (2) faktor yang berpengaruh secara langsung terhadap tingkat persepsi petani tentang peranan penyuluh dalam peningkatan produksi padi adalah lama berusahatani, tingkat pendidikan formal, luas penguasaan lahan, keterlibatan dalam kelompoktani, dan intensitas interaksi petani dengan penyuluh
Strengthening Rural Extension Services to Facilitate Community towards Sustainable Development Goals in Three Districts in Indonesia
Authors: Amanah Siti , Fatchiya Anna
Published: April 2018

Rural areas in Indonesia vary in terms of socio-economics and cultural background, the landscape, physical climate, the resources, and the accessibility to extension services. Rural extension services play an important role in facilitating community development from on-farm to off farm activities. Rural extension systems have to address the increased demand for the services and to nd innovative approaches and strategies to facilitate community in the era of globalization. The paper aims to analyse the current status of rural extension systems in Indonesia, to analyse the role of stakeholders involved in extension systems, and to formulate plan and actions to strengthen rural extension systems. Assessment of rural extension systems was conducted by using a logical framework analysis models involving representatives from rural community groups and resource persons. Stakeholder dialogues and group discussions were conducted to gather information and to discuss the issues on rural extension. Data were analysed using stakeholders analysis to formulate strategy to strengthen rural extension systems. The results indicate that rural areas have shown changes in terms of socio-ecological aspects, land-uses, sources of income, and availability of resources. The changes are due to population increases that result in the need for more food, housing, education, jobs, and other public facilities. Community groups run small enterprise in rural areas for income generating activities. Engaging community and related stakeholders in the systems has positive effects for successful rural extension services. Stakeholder analysis showed that better collaborative extension services from service providers is needed to facilitate community. In terms of sustainable development goals, rural extension systems need the issues of food, health, water, gender, poverty and environment to be integrated into the services. Existing supports from local government, business sectors, civil society organizations, and universities are essentials to facilitate transformative changes in communities. 
Problem Solving Geometry of Visualization, Analysis, and Informal deduction subject based on SOLO Taxonomy
Authors: Rosadi Asep , M. Amin Siti , Sulaiman Raden
Published: April 2018

Problem solving is a way which will be conducted someone by employing acquired skills, knowledge, and understanding in order to solve certain problem. Problem solving stages which attained in this research is according to Polya which encompasses comprehending problem, arranging plan completion, and rechecking the result. Mathematics concept understanding is required in order to solve the problem. SOLO Taxonomy classifies the subject’s ability of solving problem into five different level, prestructural, unistructural, multistructural, relational, and extended abstract. The aim of this research is to describe geometry problem solving of visualization, analysis and informal deduction according to SOLO Taxonomy. Additionally, qualitative descriptive method is used to analyze the data. Subjects of this research are subjects who possess high mathematics thinking ability of visualization geometry, analysis and informal deduction. Besides, the type of data collection technique uses problem solving geometry test and interview. According to the result of research, subjects who possess in visualization geometry thinking level to solve the problem tend to use the aspect of unistructural level of SOLO Taxonomy. Then, subjects with analysis geometry thinking level to solve the problem mostly use multistructurallevel of SOLO Taxonomy. Lastly, subjects who own informal deduction geometry thinking level to solve the problem apparently use relational level of SOLO Taxonomy.
Invisibilización de comunidades locales tras metodologías de jerarquización y evaluación de atractivos. Caso de estudio: comunas de Pichidegua, Larmahue y Litueche, Región del Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, Chile
Authors: Carvajal Foncea Catalina
Published: April 2018

Este artículo aborda la influencia de la aplicación de metodologías que jerarquizan y evalúan atractivos turísticos, comprendiendo su relación con preceptos ecoturísticos. Se esbozan aquellas debilidades de la metodología CIRCATUR-OEA, y sus ambiciosas variables para la realidad chilena, lo cual puede ser extrapolado a países en desarrollo, que no disponen de capacidades para convocar turistas internacionales, lo que generaría una invisibilización de las comunidades locales. Esto limita el desarrollo turístico de zonas rurales deprimidas económicamente, que ven al turismo como posibilidad para surgir y perpetuar su patrimonio cultural y natural, pero que producto de metodologías
obsoletas, no se adecúan a estándares internacionales.

Para esto se aplicó la metodología CIRCATUR-OEA en 3 comunas de la VI Región, con la finalidad de evaluar las variables y resultados obtenidos de la jerarquización de atractivos. Por otro lado, se recopilaron otras propuestas metodológicas que permitiesen contrastar diferencias entre los resultados obtenidos. Así, se identificaron variables que son sobreevaluadas y que por ende, restan importancia a los recursos turísticos que no poseen visitación internacional (principal parámetro que analiza CIRCATUR-OEA), impidiendo que potenciales atractivos se den a conocer y sean reconocidos debido a sus bajos puntajes.

Los resultados tras la aplicación de ambas metodologías son los siguientes: en el caso de CIRCATUR-OEA, existen catorce atractivos con jerarquía 0 (menor importancia), nueve atractivos con jerarquía 1, tres atractivos con jerarquía 2 y tres atractivos potenciales con jerarquía 3 (mayor importancia). Por otro lado, la metodología propuesta da un total de 0 atractivos con jerarquía I (menor
importancia), 13 atractivos con jerarquía II, 14 atractivos con jerarquía III y 2 atractivos con jerarquía IV (mayor importancia).

Palabras clave: ecoturismo, comunidades locales, jerarquización, evaluación, atractivos turísticos
The Geography of Nostalgia: global and local perspectives on modernity and loss
Authors: Manuschevich Vizcarra Daniela
Published: April 2018

No disponible
SUSTAINING FAMILY ROUTINES AFTER TRANSITIONING INTO PARENTHOOD: COUPLESâ€™ PERCEPTIONS OF ASSISTING FACTORS
Authors: De Goede Christine , Greeff Abraham P
Published: April 2018

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore what assists couples in sustaining family routines after the transition to parenthood. Participants were recruited from two day-care centres in Cape Town, South Africa. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 couples, mostly from low-income households, who had gone through this transition between one and four years previously. Grounded theory analysis revealed one major theme, Factors that decrease task and temporal complexity, with seven subthemes: Support from the wider family network; Couple cooperation and tag-teaming; Planning and pre-empting future problems; Adhering to schedules; Facilitative characteristics and skills of individual family members; Parentsâ€™ sense of commitment and responsibility towards family members; and idiosyncratic accommodations. Results underscore the need for professionals to help parents gain support from relatives; strengthen partner teamwork; foster schedule consistency; improve skills such as planning; foster their caretaker self-concepts; and facilitate context-specific problem-solving.
COPING, RESILIENCE AND POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH: ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS
Authors: Dykes Glynnis
Published: April 2018

This qualitative case study explored the perceptions of third-year social work students at a selected university in South Africa regarding the effects of having endured adverse childhood experiences. Findings showed the beginnings of positive life lessons that can emerge from having endured adverse experiences. Findings also confirmed the process of coping with these experiences that included outcomes of resilience and burgeoning posttraumatic growth. Implications are discussed especially regarding the place and development of coping, resilience and posttraumatic growth in social work education and social work practice. Recommendations include the professional use of self and self-awareness through mindfulness teaching practices.
CONDUCTING RESEARCH FOR THE FIRST TIME: EXPERIENCES OF UNDER-GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS
Authors: Sithole Sello
Published: April 2018

This article reports on a study that was conducted amongst a group of fourth year under-graduate Social Work students who embarked on a research project for the first time. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges that fourth year students face when doing research for the first time. The studyâ€™s objectives were to understand the challenges and experiences of students and to determine the best ways to help students undertake their projects as easily as possible. The approach for this study was qualitative. The design was phenomenological and descriptive. The population for this study was 120 enrolled under-graduate (fourth year) final year Social Work students. An availability sample of 10 students took part in this study. The findings indicate that, amongst other things, students experienced challenges in formulating a research problem, understanding the role of the supervisor, accessing library resources and translating knowledge into practice. The recommendations emanating from the study are, inter alia, that supervisors need to be consistent in giving feedback and there needs to be a contract between the student and the supervisor.
Attitudes Towards The Union in a Changing Economic Environment
Authors: Brosnan Peter
Published: April 2018

All New Zealanders are affected by the depressed state of the economy and continuing pnce inflation These issues are of concern particularly to members of the working class who face the posstbility of unemployment while the real value of their earni ngs is being reduced. The dislocative effect of this turbulent economic environment would affect workers' attitudes on a whole host of issues but in particular attitudes towards their unions.
Towards Equal Opportunity Employment For Women in New Zealand
Authors: Sharp Audrey
Published: April 2018

Women make up 50% of the total population in New Zealand and their numbers in the workforce are rapidly increasing During the past forty years there has been a marked change in the composition of the labour force. The female component has increased from 20% in 1926 to 32.5% 1n 1976. As the number of females in employment has increased, so has the composition of women engaged in employment also changed sigmficantly. Married women are now entering the workforce in increasing numbers so that by 1976 55.8% of the female labour force was made up of marned women. Desp1te their vastly increased numbers, however, women do not have access to every kind of employment but generally tend to work in a range of jobs that have largely been theirs traditionally. A far wider range of job opportunities is available to men only, both by convention and by the operat1on of legal restraints, and even in fields where women outnumber men, female workers almost invariably hold positions lower in status and remuneration. If women leave the workforce to have children and care for them then they may lose not only their wages but also the1r service bonuses and incidental benefits such as superannuation and accident compensation. Married women returning to the workforce are also forced to look for other jobs, smce very rarely is their old job held open until their return. If women remain at work while their children are young they are often faced with an appalling lack of good child-care and after school facilities coupled with the reluctance on the part of many employers to concede variations in workmg hours
Las Percepciones de los Estudiantes sobre los Beneficios de Tareas Basadas en Herramientas de Voz para su Desempeño Oral
Authors: Wilches Astrid
Published: April 2018

El propósito de este estudio es investigar las percepciones de los estudiantes sobre los beneficios de tareas basadas en herramientas de voz para reforzar su habilidad de habla. Adicionalmente, este estudio pretende determinar qué aspectos del diseño de las tareas generaron mayor impacto en sus percepciones. Estudiantes principiantes entre los 18 y los 36 años con poca o sin experiencia en el uso de herramientas tecnológicas para la práctica del habla fueron seleccionados para participar en este estudio. Las reflexiones de los estudiantes fueron analizadas siguiendo los enfoques de investigación que combinan aspectos cuantitativos y cualitativos basados en la observación de la clase y dos encuestas. Los resultados demuestran que las tareas basadas en herramientas de voz son beneficiosas para el desempeño oral de los estudiantes puesto que permiten elevar la auto-conciencia y la auto-corrección de los patrones del habla y proveen oportunidades adicionales para practicar aspectos del habla como la pronunciación, la fluidez, la entonación y la precisión. Los aspectos del diseño de las tareas que más impactaron la percepción de los estudiantes sobre esos beneficios fueron la posibilidad de trabajar en la autoconciencia de su desempeño oral, de interactuar con fines de comprensión y de intercambiar información. Los estudiantes reconocieron que las tareas basadas en herramientas de voz pueden ser educativas, personalmente significativas, agradables y benéficas para el refuerzo de sus habilidades orales siempre y cuando estén cuidadosamente planeadas e integradas en la dinámica de la clase. Se puede concluir que la naturaleza asincrónica y libre de ansiedad de las herramientas de voz ofrece múltiples beneficios para practicar la habilidad de habla tanto cooperativa como individualmente.
Respuestas de los Estudiantes al Uso de Canciones en la Clase de Inglés en un Colegio Público de Bogotá: Un Enfoque Crítico
Authors: Palacios Nilsen , Chapetón Claudia Marcela
Published: April 2018

Este artículo reporta los hallazgos de un proyecto de investigación acción cuyo objetivo general era promover el interés, la participación y la expresión en la clase de inglés en un colegio público de Usme, al suroriente de Bogotá. El estudio se enfoca particularmente en el análisis de las respuestas de los estudiantes al uso de canciones con contenido social en inglés, entendida como práctica social situada y bajo la perspectiva de la pedagogía crítica. Un grupo de estudiantes de once grado participó en el estudio. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de cuestionarios, notas de campo, entrevistas y artefactos producidos por los estudiantes. Los resultados indican que el uso de canciones como una práctica social situada en la clase de inglés puede motivar a los estudiantes a participar de manera más activa y crítica. También puede generar conexiones significativas con aspectos de la vida real permitiendo hacer lecturas del mundo y construir lazos con compañeros de clase mediante el uso de la música como una oportunidad para expresar y compartir ideas, pensamientos y sentimientos en un ambiente de aprendizaje armonioso, respetuoso y amigable.
El Rol Agentivo de Fidel en la Reconstrucción de su Identidad Lingüística: Un Estudio de Caso de la Isla de San Andrés
Authors: Arias Carlos Augusto
Published: April 2018

La adopción del paradigma del inglés y la implementación de políticas bilingües alrededor del mundo, basadas en los intereses nacionales de cada país, están generando nuevas jerarquías lingüísticas, y tienen un efecto en la biodiversidad lingüística a nivel sub nacional y en los derechos humanos lingüísticos. Este artículo reporta los resultados de un estudio de caso acerca del rol agentivo que tiene un individuo ‘raizal’ en la reconstrucción de su identidad lingüística de grupo. A través del análisis de una narrativa escrita por el participante (Fidel), este artículo trata de mostrar los efectos que las ideologías del lenguaje tienen en las prácticas discursivas y socioculturales que él tiene como miembro de la comunidad ‘raizal’ de San Andrés, Colombia. Como individuo multilingüe rodeado por múltiples ideologías del lenguaje, políticas lingüísticas encubiertas, explícitas, y jerarquías lingüísticas de prestigio dictadas por un campo que excede su grupo social inmediato, Fidel preserva, reta y transforma su identidad lingüística de grupo.
Interacción en un Ambiente Combinado para el Aprendizaje del Inglés
Authors: Romero Archila Yuranny Marcela
Published: April 2018

El propósito de esta investigación fue identificar los tipos de interacción que surgieron no solo en los ambientes virtuales de aprendizaje sino también, en los ambientes presenciales. Además, este estudio evaluó el impacto de los diferentes tipos de interacción en función de aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera. Ésta es una investigación cualitativa que se llevó a cabo en una universidad colombiana privada. Teorías relacionadas con interacción, aprendizaje de inglés como lengua extranjera y el uso de la tecnología en el aula de clase fueron tenidas en cuenta para el análisis de la información. Los resultados revelaron un nuevo tipo de interacción y la necesidad de tener sub-divisiones específicas de los tipos de interacción establecidos.
Educación a Distancia para Docentes de Inglés como Lengua Extranjera: Percepciones sobre el Apoyo al Estudiante
Authors: Roux Ruth , Trejo Guzmán Nelly Paulina , González Elsa Fernanda
Published: April 2018

Este artículo presenta los resultados de un estudio cualitativo que explora las percepciones de un grupo de docentes de inglés en servicio, sobre los recursos de apoyo en un curso de investigación a distancia. Los hallazgos indican que los estudiantes valoraron la tecnología de videoconferencia debido a que ésta les permitió interactuar con el asesor, los compañeros, e instructor para obtener apoyo académico, conocer una perspectiva distinta sobre su trabajo, recibir retroalimentación, motivación, así como una oportunidad para debatir ideas y compartir sentimientos. Los docentes consideraron la plataforma de administración del curso sumamente beneficiosa para su aprendizaje debido a la cantidad y variedad de recursos de apoyo y el aprendizaje multidimensional que ésta fomentó. Los resultados pueden ser de utilidad para los formadores de profesores de inglés que deseen mejorar la calidad de sus cursos de investigación, los  diseñadores de cursos en línea que quieran implementar apoyos para el aprendizaje, y para los investigadores interesados en desarrollar docentes investigadores y educación a distancia.
Desarrollo de la habilidad oral a través de la Implementación de Proyectos Multimedia
Authors: Contreras Ospitia Letty Hazbleidy , Charry Garzón Sandra Milena , Castro Garcés Angela Yicely
Published: April 2018

El propósito de este estudio fue examinar la forma como la implementación de proyectos de podcast, videos y PowerPoint motiva el desarrollo de la habilidad oral en estudiantes de sexto grado. En este proyecto de investigación acción los datos se recolectaron a través de un examen diagnóstico inicial y un examen de desarrollo final, una entrevista de grupo focal, observación participante y artefactos de los estudiantes, derivados de proyectos de podcast, video y PowerPoint. Los datos fueron analizados con un enfoque de métodos mixto y los resultados sugieren que la mayoría de los estudiantes se involucró en gran manera con situaciones comunicativas, lo cual les permitió mejorar su limitado nivel de proficiencia.