bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Death is a better option than being treated like this”: a prevalence survey and qualitative study of depression among multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in-patients.
Authors: Huque Rumana , Elsey Helen , Fieroze Fariza , Hicks Joseph Paul , Huque Samina , Bhawmik Prashanta , Walker Ian , Newell James
Published: March 2020

Background: Understanding of the relationship between multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and mental health is limited. With growing prevalence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, addressing mental ill-health has potential to improve treatment outcomes and well-being. In several low and middle-income contexts hospitalisation during treatment is common. Understanding of the impact on mental ill-health are required to inform interventions for patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.Our aim was to identify the prevalence of comorbid depression among in-patients being treated for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and to explore their experiences of comorbid disease and the care they received in a large specialist chest hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional survey among 150 multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in-patients (new cases = 34%, previously treated = 66%) in 2018. A psychiatrist assessed depression was assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for Depression (SCID DSM-IV). We used multi-level modelling to identify associations with depression. Experience Bangladeshi researchers conducted qualitative interviews with 8 patients, 4 carers, 4 health professionals and reflective notes recorded. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Results: We found 33.8% (95% CI 26.7%; 41.7%) of patients were depressed. While more women were depressed 39.3% (95% CI 27.6%; 52.4%) than men 30.4% (95% CI 22%; 40.5%) this was not significant. After controlling for key variables only having one or more co-morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.88 [95% CI 1.13; 7.33]) and being a new rather than previously treated case (AOR = 2.33 [95% CI 1.06; 5.14]) were associated (positively) with depression. Qualitative data highlighted the isolation and despair felt by patients who described a service predominantly focused on providing medicines. Individual, familial, societal and health-care factors influenced resilience, nuanced by gender, socio-economic status and home location. Conclusions: Patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis are at high risk of depression, particularly those with co- and multi-morbidities. Screening for depression and psycho-social support should be integrated within routine TB services and provided throughout treatment.
40 Years after Alma Ata: How People Trust in Primary Health Care?
Authors: Bazargani Homayoun Sadeghi , Saadati Mohammad , Tabrizi Jafar Sadegh , Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Golestani Mina
Published: March 2020

Background: Primary Health Care (PHC) was introduced as the first level of health services delivery after Alma Ata declaration. PHC as a first level of health services delivery needs to be more trustfulness to achieve its defined goals. Public trust in PHC is one of the ignored issues in the context. The aim of this study was to explore public trust in PHC in Iran.Methods: This was a household survey study conducted in 2016 in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Two-stage cluster sampling method with probability proportional to size (PPS) approach was used. Totally 1178 households were enrolled in the study. PHC trust questionnaire and Ultra-short version of socio-economic status assessment questionnaire (SES-Iran) was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using STATA 15 through descriptive statistics and linear regression.Results: The mean age of the participants was 41.2, (SD: 15.1) and most of them (53.7%) were female. Mean score of PHC trust was 56.9±24.7 (out of 100). It was significantly different between inhabitants of Tabriz (the province capital city) and other cities in the province (p<0.001). Linear regression showed that younger age, gender, insurance type, being married and households higher socio-economic situation had a significant positive influence on PHC trust level with R2 = 0.14383 .Conclusions: Public trust in PHC system in Iran needs to be improved. Individual variables had a small but significant share in trust level. PHC trust not only influenced by individual variables and experience but also by health system and health providers characteristics and public sphere about PHC system. PHC trust level could be used as a public indicator in health systems especially in Low and Middle income countries to lead system strengthening policies in national and international levels.
Sexual Knowledge and Teenage Pregnancy among Female Hawkers in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Owoseni Joseph Sina
Published: March 2020

This study investigated patterns of Sexual Knowledge and teenage pregnancy among female hawkers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study population consisted of female adolescents aged 8-19 years. The samples 113 girls were drawn for the study. Two pregnant girls were interviewed. The sampling technique used was the purposive sampling. The hypotheses were tested at calculated value of 0.000 level of significance for validity. The hypotheses were analysed based on the Pearson chi-square test version of the SPSS. The data generated were analysed using frequency count and percentage for describing the data. The chi-square statistics as well as the in-depth interview were used to make inferences about the data. It was found that teenage hawkers have experienced one form of sexual activity while hawking including unwanted touching (sexual harassment), sexual intercourse, rape, sexual abuse and unwanted pregnancy. Based on these findings, it was recommended that skills and training need to be provided in and outside the school system. Parent, teachers and counsellors should convey abstinence and prevention messages so as to sensitize or discourage early sexual activity and teenage pregnancy of female hawkers. A poverty alleviation programme should also be put in place at the local level to reduce this form of child labour. Protective child right policy should be intensified to reduce child labour in the society.
The Relationship and Trends of Socio-Demographic Index, Healthy Life Expectancy and Life Expectancy in China
Authors: Miao Xinlei , Guo Xiuhua , Cai Yue , Zhang Xiang , Meng Qun
Published: March 2020

Background Socio-Demographic Index is an index to evaluate social development. Healthy life expectancy can comprehensively measure the population health. This paper indirectly infers the relationship between SDI and HALE, which provides a reference for improving population health. Methods We used SAS 9.4 to analyze the relationship between SDI and LE, and the development trend of SDI and LE in 1990-2010. Meanwhile, we divided into 3 regions according to the 2019 Chinese Health Statistics Yearbook. Results From 1990 to 2010, SDI and LE showed a trend of gradually increasing from west to East. In the regression analysis of SDI and LE,r=0.90335，P<0.0001, meaning that there was a positive correlation between SDI and LE. The D value of men was lower than that of women. Among the five SDI levels, the high SDI level usually had higher LE, so the D value was relatively high. However, in the middle SDI and low-middle SDI areas, the results showed the opposite situation. The SDI in India is lower than that in China, and the D value of female in China is higher than that in India, which indicates that Chinese elderly women have a long life with disease and disability. Conclusions Socio-Demographic Index has a positive correlation with life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. Therefore, we can consider improving healthy life expectancy from the components of SDI to improve the healthy level of the population. At the same time, we should pay more attention to the care of the elderly population.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and depression of survivors 12 months after the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in South Korea
Authors: Park Hye Yoon , Park Wan Beom , Lee So Hee , Kim Jeong Lan , Lee Jung Jae , Lee Haewoo , Shin Hyoung-Shik
Published: March 2020

Background: The 2015 outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the Republic of Korea is a recent and representative occurrence of nationwide outbreaks of Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs). In addition to physical symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are common following outbreaks of EID.Methods: The present study investigated the long-term mental health outcomes and related risk factors in survivors of MERS. A prospective nationwide cohort study was conducted 12 months after the MERS outbreak at multi-centers throughout Korea. PTSD and depression as the main mental health outcomes were assessed with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised Korean version (IES-R-K) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) respectively.Results: 42.9% of survivors reported PTSD (IES-R-K ≥ 25) and 27.0% reported depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) at 12 months post-MERS. A multivariate analysis revealed that anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.76; 95%CI, 1.29–25.58; P = 0.021), and a greater recognition of stigma (aOR, 11.09, 95%CI, 2.28–53.90; P = 0.003) during the MERS-affected period were independent predictors of PTSD at 12 months after the MERS outbreak. Having a family member who died from MERS predicted the development of depression (aOR, 12.08, 95%CI, 1.47–99.19; P = 0.020).Conclusion: This finding implies that psychosocial factors, particularly during the outbreak phase, influenced the mental health of patients over a long-term period. Mental health support among the infected subjects and efforts to reduce stigma may improve recovery from psychological distress in an EID outbreak.
Risk factors associated with knife-crime in United Kingdom among young people aged 10-24 years: A systematic review.
Authors: Haylock Sara , Boshari Talia , Alexander Emma , Kumar Ameeta , Manikam Logan , Pinder Richard
Published: March 2020

Background: Since 2013, the number of violent crimes and offences by sharp instruments have increased continually, following a previous decrease, with majority of cases occurring among young people and in London. There is limited understanding surrounding the drivers influencing this change in trends, with mostly American-based research identifying risk factors. Methods The aim of this review is to identify and synthesise evidence from a range of literature to identify risk factors associated with weapon-related crime, for young people (aged 10-24 years) within the UK. A search strategy was generated to conduct a systematic search of published and grey literature within four databases (EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and OpenGrey), identifying papers within a UK-context. Abstracts and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers to assess eligibility for inclusion, namely study focus in line with the objectives of the review. Weight of Evidence approach was utilised to assess paper quality, resulting in inclusion of 16 papers. Thematic analysis was conducted for studies to identity and categorise risk factors according to the WHO ecological model. Results No association was found between gender or ethnicity and youth violence, contrasting current understanding shown within media. Multiple research papers identified adverse childhood experiences and poor mental health as positively associated with youth and gang violence. It was suggested that community and societal risk factors, such as discrimination and economic inequality, were frequently linked to youth violence. A small number of studies were included within the review as this is a growing field of research, which may have led to a constrained number of risk factors identified. Due to heterogeneity of studies, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. As many studies displayed positive results, publication bias may be present. Conclusions Several risk factors were identified, with evidence currently heterogeneous with minimal high-quality studies. However, findings highlight key areas for future research, including the link between poor mental health and knife-crime, and the trajectory into gangs. Risk factors should help identify high-risk individuals, targeting them within mitigation strategies to prevent involvement within crime. This should contribute to efforts aimed at reducing the rising crime rates within UK.
A Systematic Review of Zero-markup Policy for Essential Drugs Effect on Medical Treatment
Authors: Liu Wen-Yi , Hsu Chia-Hsien , Liu Ting-Jun , Chen Pei-En , Tung Tao-Hsin , Chien Ching-Wen
Published: March 2020

Objective. This systematic review is conducted to synthesize recent empirical evidence of Zero-markup Policy for Essential Drugs Effect on Medical Treatment in China. Methods. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) for all related studies published from inception to 30 April 2019 without restriction on language. In addition, grey literatures were captured through other sources, such as OpenGrey and Open Access Theses and Dissertations (OATD), to avoid selection bias. Methodological quality were evaluated using the PRISMA statement the Newcastle Ottawa Scale Collaboration tool. Results. Thirty-four full texts were initially searched, but only nine studies met our inclusion criteria. Most of studies indicated the significant reduction for both the total expense and drug expense per visit. Additionally, outpatient and inpatient services indicated increasing trends in annual patient-visits. Conclusions. In conclusion, the available limited, relative low-quality evidence does not support the long-term association between zero-markup policy for essential drugs and reduced medical expenditure. Further longitudinal studies that provide data for hospitals over a wider range of regions would make the economic effects more discursive.
Racial disparities in pedestrian-related injury hospitalizations in the United States
Authors: Hamann Cara , Peek-Asa Corinne , Butcher Brandon
Published: March 2020

Background. Racial/ethnic disparity has been documented in a wide variety of health outcomes, and environmental components are contributors. For example, food deserts have been tied to obesity rates. Pedestrian injuries are strongly tied to environmental factors, yet no studies have examined racial disparity in pedestrian injury rates. We examine a nationally-representative sample of pedestrian-related hospitalizations in the United States to identify differences in incidence, severity, and cost by race/ethnicity.Methods. Patients with ICD diagnosis E-codes for pedestrian injuries were drawn from the United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2009-2016). Rates were calculated using the United States Census. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear regression were used to examine characteristics (age, sex, severity of illness, mortality rates, hospital admissions, length of stay, total costs) associated with hospitalizations for pedestrian injuries.Results. Hospitalization rates were The burden of injury was higher among Black, Hispanic, and Multiracial/Other groups in terms of admission rates, costs per capita, proportion of children injured, and length of stay compared to Whites and Asian or Pacific Islander race/ethnicities. Extreme and major loss of function proportions were also highest among Black and Multiracial/Other groups.Discussion. Results from this study show racial disparities in pedestrian injury hospitalizations and outcomes, particularly among Black, Hispanic, and Multiracial/Other race/ethnicity groups and support population and system-level approaches to prevention. Access to transportation is an indicator for health disparity, and these results indicate that access to safe transportation also shows inequity by race/ethnicity.
Personalising screening of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy - qualitative evidence to inform effective implementation
Authors: Byrne Paula , Thetford Clare , Gabbay Mark , Clarke Pam , Doncaster Emily , Harding Simon
Published: March 2020

Background: Internationally, systematic screening for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) usually includes annual recall. Researchers and policy-makers support extending screening intervals, citing evidence from observational studies with low incidence rates. However, there is little research around the acceptability to people with diabetes (PWD) and health care professionals (HCP) about changing eye screening intervals. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study to explore issues surrounding acceptability and the barriers and enablers for changing from annual screening, using in-depth, semi-structured interviews analysed using the constant comparative method. PWD were recruited from general practices and HCPs from eye screening networks and related specialties in North West England using purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted prior to the commencement of and during a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing fixed annual with variable (6, 12 or 24 month) interval risk-based screening. Results: Thirty PWD and 21 HCP participants were interviewed prior to and 30 PWD during the parallel RCT. The data suggests that a move to variable screening intervals was generally acceptable in principle, though highlighted significant concerns and challenges to successful implementation. The current annual interval was recognised as unsustainable against a backdrop of increasing diabetes prevalence. There were important caveats attached to acceptability and a need for clear safeguards around: the safety and reliability of calculating screening intervals, capturing all PWDs, referral into screening of PWDs with diabetic changes regardless of planned interval. For PWDs the 6-month interval was perceived positively as medical reassurance, and the 12-month seen as usual treatment. Concerns were expressed by many HCPs and PWDs that a 2-year interval was too lengthy and was risky for detecting STDR. There were also concerns about a negative effect upon PWD care and increasing non-attendance rates. Amongst PWDs, there was considerable conflation and misunderstanding about different eye-related appointments within the health care system. Conclusions: Implementing variable-interval screening into clinical practice is generally acceptable to PWD and HCP with important caveats, and misconceptions must be addressed. Clear safeguards against increasing non-attendance, loss of diabetes control and alternative referral pathways are required. For risk calculation systems to be safe, reliable monitoring and clear communication is required.
Reasons for not seeking alcohol use disorder treatment
Authors: Tarp Kristine , Sari Sengül , Nielsen Anette Søgaard
Published: March 2020

Background: In Denmark, there is a high prevalence of individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, of these, only 10% seeks treatment. The aim of this study was to examine reasons not to seek treatment among people who suffer from AUD.Methods: Participants suffering from AUD were recruited among somatic as well as psychiatric in and outpatients. The study was qualitative, based on semi-structured individual participant interviews. The analysis was narrative.Results: The participant group consisted of two women and four men. Their average age was 58. The investigation indicated that the participants felt that alcohol added to their quality of life and that they enjoyed using it in social settings. Also, it seemed that there were two major groups of facilitating factors towards rehabilitation: health-related issues as well as relatives and relations. Finally, two major reasons for not seeking AUD treatment appeared: participants did not believe that it was a relevant offer for them and participants wanted to deal with their alcohol overuse issue themselves.Conclusions: In gaining an understanding of the reasons not to seek AUD treatment, we simultaneously gain an opportunity to adapt prevention campaign strategies and treatment offers to become even more inclusive towards people who may suffer from AUD but do not recognize and acknowledge a treatment need. Here, increased focus on several initiatives might contribute to a decrease of barriers to treatment-seeking and, thus, increase the proportion of people suffering from AUD who consider to and actually do seek treatment.
Stigma for Common Mental Disorders in Racial Minorities and Majorities A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: eylem ozlem , de Wit Leonore , straten Annemieke van , Steubl Lena , Melissourgaki Zaneta , Danışman Gözde Topgüloğlu , de Vries Ralph , Kerkhof Ad J.F.M , Bhui Kamaldeep , Cuijpers Pim
Published: March 2020

Background There is a strong stigma attached to mental disorders preventing those affected from getting psychological help. The consequences of stigma are worse for racial and/or ethnic minorities who often experience other social adversities such as poverty and discrimination within policies and institutions. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis summarizing the evidence on the impact of differences in mental illness stigma between racial minorities and majorities. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis included cross-sectional studies comparing mental illness stigma between racial minorities and majorities. Systematic searches were conducted in the bibliographic databases of PubMed, PsycINFO and EMBASE until 20th December 2018. Outcomes were extracted from published reports, meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses were conducted in CMA software. Results After screening 2,787 abstracts, 29 studies with 193,418 participants (N=35,836 in racial minorities) were eligible for analyses. Racial minorities showed more stigma than racial majorities (g=0.20 (95% CI: 0.12~0.27) for common mental disorders. Sensitivity analyses showed robustness of these results. Multivariate meta-regression analyses pointed to the possible moderating role of the number of studies with high risk of bias on the effect size. Racial minorities have more stigma for common mental disorders when compared with majorities. Limitations included moderate to high risk of bias, high heterogeneity, few studies in most comparisons, and the use of non-standardized outcome measures. Conclusions An important clinical implication of these findings would be to tailor anti-stigma strategies according to specific racial and/or ethnic backgrounds with the intention to improve mental health outreach. These limitations suggest a need for more high quality research on stigma. Key words: stigma; mental illness stigma; common mental disorders; racial minorities
Impact of air pollutants on pediatric admissions for Mycoplasma pneumonia: A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Chen Ning , Shi Jianwei , Huang Jiaoling , Yu Wenya , Liu Rui , Gu Li , Yang Rong , Yu Zhaohu , Liu Qian , Yang Yan , Cui Sainan , Wang Zhaoxin
Published: March 2020

Background Children are especially vulnerable to pneumonia and the effects of air pollution. However, little is known about the impacts of air pollutants on pediatric admissions for Mycoplasma pneumonia. This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of air pollutants on pediatric hospital admissions for Mycoplasma pneumonia in Shanghai, China.Methods A cross-sectional design was applied to explore the association between pediatric hospital admissions and levels of air pollutants (fine particulate matter, particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide). Data on hospital admissions for pneumonia and levels of ambient air pollutants were obtained for the period of 2015 to 2018. Associations between pediatric admissions for Mycoplasma pneumonia and ambient air pollutants were calculated using logistic regression and described by the odds ratio and relevant 95% confidence interval. The hysteresis effects of air pollutants from the day of hospital admission to the previous 7 days were evaluated in single-pollutant models and multi-pollutant models with adjustments for weather variables and seasonality. Lag 0 was defined as the day of hospital admission, lag 1 was defined as the day before hospital admission, and so forth.Results In the single-pollutant models (without adjustment for other pollutants), pediatric hospital admissions for pneumonia were positively associated with elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter. A 0.5% increase in daily admissions per 10-μg/m3 increase in the nitrogen dioxide level occurred at lag 1 and lag 2, and a 0.3% increase in daily admissions per 10-μg/m3 increase in fine particulate matter occurred at lag 1. In the multi-pollutant models, nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter remained significant after inclusion of particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide.Conclusions This study illustrated that higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter increase the risk of hospitalization for Mycoplasma pneumonia in Shanghai, China. These findings imply that the high incidence of Mycoplasma pneumonia in children in Asia might be attributed to the high concentration of specific air pollutants in Asia.
Emergency staffers could guide local health-care providers constructing a team of mass CPR instructors: a survey report of knowledge and attitudes from Shenzhen City, China.
Authors: Lin Jinle , wang Conghua , Luo Yi , Zhang Wenwu , Dou Qingli , Wei Jian , Tao Wuyuan
Published: March 2020

Background Few investigations concern about why the local health-care providers participate in mass Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training in developing countries. This study aimed to survey knowledge and attitudes of local health-care providers who candidate to be mass CPR instructors in China. Method This was a retrospective survey study. Data were obtained from candidates being mass CPR instructors (n=496) between March 2018 and December 2018. Whether they belonged to the emergency group or non-emergency group was based on their service department. The outcome was passed in the final examination. Binary logistic regression was performed to analysis. Result Passed rate in emergency group is higher than non-emergency groups (90.7%, 175/194 vs. 83.8%, 253/302, P =0.042).Consisting with higher frequency on receiving CPR training, emergency staffers were richer in dealing emergency situation such as out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (58.2%), In-of-hospital cardiac arrest (95.4%), use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) (96.4%), traumatic hemorrhage (83.5%), suffocation(74.2%), syncope (53.1%) and epilepsy (79.4%). In despite, younger group ( OR : 0.957, 95% CI [0.925-0.990]), previous training of AED ( OR : 2.698, 95% CI [1.441-5.050]) and pecuniary motivation (OR : 3.176, 95% CI [1.231-8.191]) independently affects being mass CPR instructors among health-care provider. Conclusion Because of better knowledge and skill, emergency staffers have ability to lead local health-care providers to build a team of mass CPR instructors. Our findings can be used to conduct public emergency education for health policy design in China.
Determination of Flavonoid Contents and Evaluation of in vitro Antioxidant Activities of the Extract of Selected Citrus Fruit Peel
Authors: ERBA Olyad , ATOMSA Dereje , CHIMDESSA Meseret , GONFA Teshome
Published: March 2020

Flavonoids capture and neutralize the oxidative agents, and quench free radicals. The peel which represents almost one half of the fruit mass has been found to be the main sources of total phenols and flavonoids in the citrus fruit. In present study, flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts from some selected citrus fruit peels grown in Ethiopia were determined. Colorimetric aluminum chloride was used for flavonoid content determination. In vitro antioxidant properties of the citrus fruit peels were determined by measuring DPPH and Nitric Oxide radical scavenging activity, and reducing power. The study result showed that lemon peel contained significantly the highest flavonoid content (8.88 ± 0.621 mg of quercetin equivalent/g of extract) at 100 µg/ml concentration. When compared to vitamin C used as standard, lemon peel extract showed significantly higher DPPH radical scavenging of 75.60 ± 2.4 %. Lime peel extract showed highest (0.38 ± 0.01) reducing power activity at 1000 µg/mL concentrations. Strong linear correlations was observed between flavonoid contents of selected citrus peel extract and DPPH free radical scavenging activity (r = 0.975, p = 0.025). Overall, in vitro antioxidant potential of citrus fruit peels extract grown in Ethiopia was confirmed and correlation between in vitro antioxidant activity and flavonoid content of citrus peel extract showed different trends. Further analysis is required to purify specific structure of flavonoid components of citrus fruit peel from Ethiopian cultivar using advanced purification techniques.
Anisotropic scaling of the two-dimensional Ising model II: surfaces and boundary fields
Authors: Hobrecht Hendrik , Hucht Fred
Published: March 2020

Based on the results published recently [SciPost Phys. 7, 026
(2019)], the influence of surfaces and boundary fields are calculated
for the ferromagnetic anisotropic square lattice Ising model on finite
lattices as well as in the finite-size scaling limit. Starting with the
open cylinder, we independently apply boundary fields on both sides
which can be either homogeneous or staggered, representing different
combinations of boundary conditions. We confirm several predictions from
scaling theory, conformal field theory and renormalisation group theory:
we explicitly show that anisotropic couplings enter the scaling
functions through a generalised aspect ratio, and demonstrate that open
and staggered boundary conditions are asymptotically equal in the
scaling regime. Furthermore, we examine the emergence of the surface
tension due to one antiperiodic boundary in the system in the presence
of symmetry breaking boundary fields, again for finite systems as well
as in the scaling limit. Finally, we extend our results to the
antiferromagnetic Ising model.
First report on the molecular detection, phylogeny, virological and pathological investigations of Avibacterium paragallinarum in chickens in Turkey
Authors: UMAR SAJID , ONGOR HASAN , BAYRAKTAR ERHAN , GURGEN HAZAL OZTURK , SIGIRCI BELGI DIREN , SATIR ESRA , OZKAN KAYHAN , TURAN* NURI , YILMAZ* AYSUN , GUREL AYDIN , AK SEYYAL , CETINKAYA** BURHAN , YILMAZ HUSEYIN
Published: March 2020

Avibacterium paragallinarum is an important pathogen affecting the respiratory tract of chickens. There is a paucity of information on the molecular characteristics and pathology of A. paragallinarum in Turkish poultry flocks. In the present study, broiler and layer flocks (n = 2) suspected of viral infections with serious respiratory signs and significant mortality were visited. Chickens showed various disease signs and necropsy lesions, including purulent nasal discharge, respiratory distress, facial edema, sticky eyes, mucoid tracheitis, hemorrhagic inflammation of the infraorbital sinuses along with fibrinous mass and conjunctivitis. Histopathological lesions included loss of cilia along with necrosis and exfoliation of the superficial mucosal epithelium of the trachea, facial cellulitis, dermatitis, fibrinous plasmatic edema and infiltration of inflammatory cells, especially heterophils. A. paragallinarum was detected in tissue samples by species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the core region of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene revealed that Turkish strains detected here belonged to serotype A (serovar A1). They were related to strains reported from India (VRDC), the United States (0083), and Japan (0221), which are representatives of serovar A1. A homology of 88-90% was found between Indian strains and the Turkish strains detected in this study. Surprisingly, only vaccine strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were detected as a co-infecting agent in all samples positive for A. paragallinarum. Our findings suggest that A. paragallinarum may be an emerging pathogen in Turkish poultry flocks, and direct PCR may facilitate rapid diagnosis of infectious coryza. These results will also help to develop control strategies for A. paragallinarum.
Eradication of peste des petits ruminants: Application of new research to guide and facilitate the global elimination of the disease
Authors: NIEDBALSKI WIESŁAW
Published: March 2020

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild small ruminants caused by the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), which belongs to the genus Morbilivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae. The PPRV causes disease in goats and sheep, as well as in wild ruminants, such as gazelle, deer, antelope, Nubian ibex, gemsbok and others. PPR was first recorded in early 1942 in Ivory Coast, West Africa, and spread to around 70 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia – regions that are home to over 80% of the world’s sheep and goats. Until 2018, PPR had never been detected in Europe. On 24th June 2018, however, the Bulgarian authorities reported cases of PPR in sheep in the village of Voden, Bolyarovo municipality of Yambol region, on the border with the Thrace region of Turkey. It was the first occurrence of PPR in Bulgaria and in the European Union (EU). The control and eventual eradication of PPR is now one of the top priorities for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). In 2015, the international community agreed on a global strategy for PPR eradication, setting 2030 as a target date for elimination of the disease. The aim of this paper was to highlight future research that could be performed to guide and facilitate the PPR eradication programme. Such research includes studies on PPR transmission and epidemiology, as well as the development and application of new-generation PPR vaccines capable of differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). Moreover, there is a need for research to improve and adapt existing diagnostic techniques as well as to develop novel PPRV recognition methods, such as a lateral flow device for in-field use, that accelerate decisions about the implementation of control measures.
Treatment of fecal matter by smoldering and catalytic oxidation
Authors: Saberi Shadi , Samiei Kasra , Iwanek Ewa , Vohra Samoil , Farkhondehkavaki Masoumeh , Cheng Yu-Ling
Published: March 2020

There is a strong need for transformative sanitation systems in the areas of the world where open defecation habits and/or inadequate sewage treatment methods and facilities exist. This paper describes an innovative thermally efficient solid waste treatment process as a basis for an off-the-grid, non-sewered toilet in order to address this need. Human feces are combusted in a continuous-cyclic manner using two stages of smoldering and catalytic oxidation. It has been shown that thermal coupling of the two stages creates a self-sustained reactor that can combust wet fecal material containing up to 3.2 parts water to 1 part dry matter – equivalent of water content in healthy human feces – without the need for external heating, known as the ultimate challenge in direct combustion of human feces. Furthermore, it has been shown that air flow rate can be reliably used as a controlling mechanism for fecal destruction rate which means the same reactor could be operated for various and varying input rates. The present work demonstrates the potential for manufacturing low-cost, low-energy consuming sanitation systems that are more easily accessible to communities in need of such systems.
Removing nitrogen and phosphorus simultaneously in stormwater runoff using permeable asphalt pavement system with a zeolite-regulated reservoir
Authors: Luo Hui , Guan Lin , Jing Zhaoqian , Zhang Zeyu , Tao Mengni , Wang Yin , Chen Chen
Published: March 2020

Stormwater runoff is identified as a major source of pollution in water bodies, and to limit the impact of these pollutants on groundwater quality, permeable asphalt pavement systems (PAPS) have been built worldwide. But so far, few have considered zeolite or regulated zeolite as a post-treatment in reservoirs in PAPS. This study aimed at investigating the efficiencies of modified zeolites in removing NH4+-N and TP from stormwater runoff and providing a novel insight into the research on the reuse of stormwater runoff by PAPS. The effect of PAPS with a zeolite-regulated reservoir on removing nutrient in stormwater was explored by artificial rainfall experiments and temporary storage experiments. Results showed that the removal rate of NH4+-N and TP in PAPS with a regulated-zeolite reservoir increased by 23.7% and 37.2%, respectively, during simulated rainfall events when compared to those without a regulated-zeolite reservoir. TP was mainly removed by the form of phosphorus precipitation such as Zr(H2PO4)2. Ion exchange and adsorption during the temporary storage period were considered as the main approaches for removal of NH4+-N and TP. This study can help develop an optimal strategy for the operation of PAPS in treating stormwater runoff from urban roads.
Aspectos geográficos e a gestão de ambientes costeiros: um enfoque na Resex do Delta do Parnaíba
Authors: Dias Costa Francisco Wendell
Published: March 2020

O objetivo geral é analisar a gestão ambiental na Resex do Delta do Parnaíba, enfatizando como seus aspectos geográficos são relevantes para as áreas protegidas da zona costeira do Maranhão. O trabalho está pautado na abordagem qualitativa descritiva, no método hipotético-dedutivo e nos procedimentos metodológicos. Os resultados evidenciaram que a Resex do Delta do Parnaíba é de origem sedimentar cenozoica, composta por planície flúvio-marinha inundável; dunas móveis e fixas e praias arenosas. O clima é tropical subúmido; a vegetação é composta por manguezais intercalados por apicuns, vegetação de dunas e manchas de carnaúba. Os solos são gleissolo (tiomórfico órtico e sálico sódico) e neossolo quartzarênico órtico com baixa fertilidade natural. A existência dos dispositivos legais sobre a gestão da zona costeira visa planejar e gerenciar de forma integrada e descentralizada o ordenamento da ocupação e uso da área de estudo. A Resex do Delta do Parnaíba não possui o Plano de Manejo, mas dispõe do Instrumento Emergencial para Ordenamento dos Usos que indica as atividades e proibições sobre utilização dos recursos naturais disponíveis. Existe também a atuação do Conselho Deliberativo e os programas de ecoturismo que também contribuem para a gestão da área de estudo.
Falésia de Cajueiro da Praia: testemunho da dinâmica da costa piauiense
Authors: Santos da Silva Carlos Henrique , De Moura Fé Lima Iracilde Maria
Published: March 2020

O Piauí possui a menor zona costeira do Brasil, com uma linha de apenas 66 km de extensão, representando apenas 0,89% do total brasileiro. Apesar disso, apresenta feições geomorfológicas singulares, tendo destaque a falésia de Cajueiro da Praia, única nesse litoral. É formada pelo afloramento Barreiras no contato com o mar piauiense, próximo ao limite leste do Piauí com o Estado do Ceará. O desenvolvimento desta pesquisa envolveu revisão da literatura; trabalhos de campo; registro fotográfico e utilização de fichas de registro dos elementos e processos atuantes na área. Os resultados encontrados indicaram que essa falésia se compõe de sedimentos da Formação Barreiras, do terciário, recoberta por uma delgada camada de sedimentos quaternários. Conclui-se que os agentes costeiros são os principais responsáveis por sua evolução recente, por não ter sido identificadas interferências de uso antrópico nesse local. Sua dinâmica está representada por um terraço de abrasão, constituídos por clastos de quartzo e quartzito e óxidos/ hidróxidos de ferro, evidenciando a retrogradação atual da linha de costa.

Palavras-chave: Falésia; Morfodinâmica Costeira; Linha de Costa; Piauí.
Índice de Vulnerabilidade Socioambiental no Médio Curso do Rio Batoque Setor Urbano de Hidrolândia/CE.
Authors: Mesquita Paiva Ana , Cortez Lima Ernane
Published: March 2020

O presente trabalho constitui-se de uma análise do índice de vulnerabilidade ambiental, social e por fim socioambiental do médio curso da sub-bacia hidrográfica do rio Batoque que passa pelo setor urbano do munícipio de Hidrolândia /CE. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa foram buscados estudos conceituais e práticos através de uma abordagem sistêmica, posteriormente visita a campo e observação das práticas dos moradores que residem próximo ao rio. Os resultados obtidos indicam que os ambientes de maior vulnerabilidade ambiental são os mesmos de maior vulnerabilidade social, sendo perceptíveis os problemas socioambientais daquele espaço. O apontamento da vulnerabilidade visa contribuir para o planejamento urbano-ambiental do médio curso da sub-bacia hidrográfica do rio Batoque e neste sentido as visitas a campo foram fundamentais para a sua espacialização.
Práticas geoconservacionistas como ferramentas para o ensino de Geografia Física
Authors: Baptista Elisabeth Mary de Carvalho , Lima Iracilde Maria de Moura Fé , Silva Brenda Rafaele Viana da
Published: March 2020

Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar e analisar práticas conservacionistas que possam ser aplicadas ao ensino de Geografia Física, em face da aproximação desta com o estudo da geodiversidade. A Geoconservação tem por finalidade valorizar e conservar a geodiversidade, definida como os elementos abióticos, interações e sistemas decorrentes das paisagens, dentre as quais se encontram os aspectos estudados pela Geografia Física. No sentido de se conservar a natureza, preocupação social recorrente, os processos educativos se apresentam como mola propulsora desta tarefa. Para desenvolvimento do trabalho foi empregada a pesquisa bibliográfica a partir de Chizotti (2011), Oliveira (2013) e Prodanov e Freitas (2013). A compatibilização entre Geoconservação e o ensino de Geografia Física estabelece-se principalmente a partir da análise da paisagem e de seus componentes fisiográficos, através de diversas práticas geoconservacionistas dentre elas aulas de campo, visitas orientadas a museus, oficinas, cursos e minicursos e trilhas interpretativas. Ainda tem-se muito que avançar neste campo, pois as pesquisas reconhecem o valor educativo da geodiversidade, em sua maioria indicando-a como recurso para a compreensão da dinâmica do ambiente natural, e construir um conhecimento sobre os componentes abióticos das paisagens necessitando, assim, ampliar os estudos nesta perspectiva, principalmente no ensino da Geografia Física.
Contribuição do rio Cocó e riacho Maceió na sedimentação da plataforma interna de Fortaleza-CE
Authors: Pereira Lima Filho Regimario , Pimenta de Novaes Castelo Branco Mônica , Souza Pinheiro Lidriana de
Published: March 2020

A plataforma continental interna de Fortaleza nas últimas décadas sofre com constantes alterações morfológicas e sedimentológicas devido a forte influência antrópica e por fatores naturais. O principal objetivo deste trabalho é correlacionar às características sedimentológicas e os teores de carbonato de cálcio e matéria orgânica de amostras coletadas em dois ambientes relativamente próximos, mas com padrão sedimentológico e morfológico bastante distintos. As análises com os parâmetros propostos no trabalho mostraram que o ambiente ao largo do riacho Maceió com uma predominância de areia muito fina e silte, e do rio Cocó areia grossa e muito grossa. Em geral, os teores de carbonato de cálcio e matéria orgânica foram maiores na área do riacho Maceió, mostrando ser um ambiente de baixa intensidade dinâmica. Em contrapartida, a área do rio Cocó, por ser uma região aberta à incidência de ondas, apresenta uma maior atividade hidrodinâmica (deriva litorânea), que favorece a dispersão de materiais, resultando, portanto, no não acúmulo de matéria orgânica e carbonato de cálcio.
Compartimentação geomorfológica da foz do Rio Jaguaribe e áreas costeiras adjacentes (Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil)
Authors: Carvalho Neta Maria de Lourdes , Claudino Sales Vanda
Published: March 2020

O presente trabalho apresenta uma análise dos elementos geoambientais e das feições geomorfológicas da desembocadura do Rio Jaguaribe e áreas costeiras adjacentes. Trata-se do recurso hídrico de maior abrangência e importância no Estado do Ceará, com foz caracterizada pela ocorrência de uma série de atividades socioeconômicas que via de regra estão alterando de forma negativa o meio ambiente. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir do uso da análise ambiental, pautada na metodologia geossistêmica, e contou com etapas de gabinete, laboratório (geoprocessamento) e trabalhos de campo, a partir do que foram  consideradas  a planície fluvial, a faixa de praia, os campos de dunas móveis e de dunas fixas, a planície flúvio-marinha e os tabuleiros costeiros. A perspectiva do artigo é contribuir para a ampliação do conhecimento acerca do substrato natural da zona costeira cearense, com foque especial para a área de estudo, visando subsidiar o planejamento ambiental e formas mais sustentáveis de uso e ocupação do espaço regional.
Estudo da Dinâmica da Tropopausa sobre Natal-RN utilizando-se de dados de Radiossondagens de Balões Meteorológicos
Authors: Silva Júnior José Pedro , Silva Régia Pereira , Cazuza Elio Pessoa , Tenório Ricardo Bruno de Araújo , Borba Gilvan Luiz , Mendes David , Oliveira Anderson Luiz Pinheiro de , Araújo José Humberto de , Alcântara Maurício Lima de
Published: March 2020

A tropopausa equatorial terrestre é, em geral, tratada como uma região de modestas variações de temperatura e vista apenas como uma interface entre a troposfera e a estratosfera. No entanto, trabalhos recentes têm sugerido que a tropopausa pode ser fonte de perturbações capazes de afetar localmente o clima troposférico. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho descreve uma investigação detalhada das características da tropopausa equatorial sobre a região de Natal-RN, utilizando dados de radiossondagens de balões meteorológicos lançados pelo Centro de Lançamento da Barreira do Inferno (CLBI), entre os anos de 2010 a 2014. Além disso, comparações com modelos computacionais semi-empíricos como o MSIS-90 mostram divergências com os dados experimentais. Foram analisados um total de 1849 casos, sendo 949 sondagens diurnas e 900 noturnas. Foram comparadas as temperaturas mínimas da tropopausa com relação às estações do ano, e se constatou que o mínimo de temperatura ocorre no outono e o máximo durante o inverno, cujos valores médios são, respectivamente, 189,6 K e 194,5 K.  A explicação proposta para estes resultados, relaciona a precipitação durantes estas estações com a liberação de energia para alta troposfera.
Rules for the safe handling of antitumor and immunobiological preparations
Authors: Litvinov D. V. , Myakova N. V. , Shifrin Yu. A. , Pimenova O. V.
Published: March 2020

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