bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of hearing impairment on psychological distress and subjective well-being in older adults
Authors: Niazi Yasmeen , Ejaz Bisma , Muazzam Amina
Published: July 2020

Objective: The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of hearing impairment on psychological distress and subjective well-being in older adults with hearing impairment.

Methods: The study with cross sectional research design was conducted in three public sector hospitals of Lahore, from February 2017 to June 2017. Participants of the study were adults aged 50-90 years and with hearing impairment, selected through non-probability sampling technique. Demographic Information sheet, Kessler psychological distress scale by Kessler, Mroczek. in 1992 and Satisfaction with life scale by Diener, Emmons, Larsen, Griffin in 1985 were used for data collection. SPSS 21 was used to analyze the data.

Results: There were 200 participants with age ranged from 53 to 89 years (M= 65.92, SD= 9.70). Of the total, 100 (50%) subjects were men and 100 (50%) were women. Significant gender differences were found in psychological distress, with men reflecting more symptoms of psychological distress (p<0.01), whereas non-significant gender differences were found in case of subjective well-being (p>0.05). Moreover, psychological distress was observed as a predictor of subjective well-being (p<0.01). One-way analysis of variance revealed insignificant differences of psychological distress and subjective well-being across three levels of hearing impairment.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and rehabilitation of age-related hearing loss improves the overall quality of life of older adults living with hearing impairment.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2457

How to cite this:Niazi Y, Ejaz B, Muazzam A. Impact of hearing impairment on psychological distress and subjective well-being in older adults. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1210-1215. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2457

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Ο ζεόλιθος και ο κήπος του σχολείου μας
Authors: Γκικόκαϊ Ιάσων , Στυλιαρά Δέσποινα , Καλλιβρετάκης Φώτιος , Μιχαλάκης Νικόλαος , Τσορμπατζόγλου Ευάγγελος , Μπάτσαρη Ρέα , Τάντση Ελένη , Κοκκινέλου Αλεξάνδρα , Κουρνούτου Δήμητρα , Πάνου Ελευθερία , Κωσταρίδης Παναγιώτης
Published: July 2020

Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας ήταν η μελέτη της επίδρασης του ορυκτού ζεόλιθου στις βιολογικές καλλιέργειες όσον αφορά την ταχύτητα ανάπτυξης, το μέγεθος ανάπτυξης και την τελική ποιότητα, μέσω της σύγκρισης καλλιεργειών μαρουλιού με ζεόλιθο και χωρίς αυτόν. Επιπλέον ελέγχθηκε και η επίδραση παρουσίας ή απουσίας λιπάσματος. Καταγράψαμε τις κατάλληλες συνθήκες και προϋποθέσεις ανάπτυξης για να χρησιμοποιήσουμε τον ζεόλιθο και σε καλλιέργειες φυτών στον κήπο του σχολείου μας Ο ζεόλιθος είναι ένα φυσικό προϊόν κατάλληλο για οποιαδήποτε είδους γεωργική καλλιέργεια, συγκρατεί το νερό και μειώνει τις απώλειες των θρεπτικών στοιχείων του εδάφους, έτσι ώστε να αυξάνεται η παραγωγή με πολύ λίγο λίπασμα. Επιπλέον καθώς δεν υπάρχει το πρόβλημα της αποδόμησής του μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί για μεγάλο χρονικό διάστημα χωρίς να υπάρχει η ανάγκη της αντικατάστασής του. Τα αποτελέσματά μας έδειξαν ότι ο ζεόλιθος ενισχύει τις βιολογικές καλλιέργειες από άποψη ποιότητας και κόστους καθώς τα φυτά στα οποία είχε προστεθεί ζεόλιθος είχαν μεγαλύτερο ρυθμό ανάπτυξης αλλά και καλύτερο τελικό αποτέλεσμα. Καταδεικνύεται με αυτό τον τρόπο ησημασία του ορυκτού, με απώτερο σκοπό να προαχθεί η χρήση του στην χώρας μας, στην οποία υπάρχει σε αφθονία. Τέλος στην αυλή του σχολείου μας δημιουργήσαμε μία «πράσινη γωνιά» και χρησιμοποιήσαμε το ζεόλιθο σε όλα τα φυτά που καλλιεργήσαμε με πολύ καλά αποτέλεσμα γεγονός που σε σχετικό διαγωνισμό έδωσε βραβείο στο σχολείου μας.
Πλαστικά στο υδάτινο περιβάλλον της Κύπρου: παρακολούθηση και πιθανή στρατηγική βιοδιάσπασης τους
Authors: Καραϊσκάκη Ιωάννα , Αγαθοκλέους Άννα Μαρία , Αριστοδήμου Χριστίνα
Published: July 2020

Στο κατώφλι του εικοστού πρώτου αιώνα η παραγωγή πλαστικών έχει αυξηθεί ραγδαία, με περισσότερο από 240 τόνους πλαστικών να παράγονται ετησίως. Σύμφωνα με έρευνα που πραγματοποιήθηκε σε ωκεανούς σε ολόκληρο το κόσμο, τουλάχιστον 5.25 τρισεκατομμύρια σωματίδια πλαστικών υπολογίστηκε πως βρέθηκαν στο υδάτινο περιβάλλον.Ο όρος μικροπλαστικά χαρακτηρίζει μικρά πλαστικά σωματίδια διαμέτρου μικρότερης από 5mm, τα οποία προέρχονται είτε από την διάσπαση μεγαλύτερων κομματιών πλαστικών με τη βοήθεια της ηλιακής ακτινοβολίας ή βρίσκονται έτοιμα σε κάποια προϊόντα.Αυτά έχουν καταστροφικές συνέπειες στο οικοσύστημα και στην τροφική αλυσίδα πολλών οργανισμών. Αυτό επαληθεύεται, αφού κατανάλωση πλαστικών έχει σημειωθεί σε εύρος θαλάσσιων οργανισμών. Με την κατανάλωση πλαστικών συνεπάγονται πολλές επιπτώσεις για τους οργανισμούς, όπως εισβολή τοξικών ουσιών και χημικών. Το προαναφερόμενο γεγονός δεν επηρεάζει μόνο την θαλάσσια τροφική αλυσίδα αλλά υπάρχει δυνατότητα να έχει επιπτώσεις και στον ανθρώπινο οργανισμό μέσω της τροφικής αλυσίδας.Σκοπός της εργασίας μας είναι να διερευνήσουμε και να εισηγηθούμε μια στρατηγική για την αντιμετώπιση των μικροπλαστικών στο θαλάσσιο περιβάλλον. Για την επίτευξη του στόχου μας θέσαμε τα εξής ερευνητικά ερωτήματα:1. Υπάρχουν μικροπλαστικά στη θαλάσσια περιοχή της Λεμεσού;2. Μπορούμε να βρούμε μια αποτελεσματική λύση για την αντιμετώπιση και μείωση των πλαστικών στο υδάτινο περιβάλλον;
Χρονολόγηση οργανικών υλικών με τη μέθοδο του ραδιενεργού άνθρακα-14
Authors: Θεοδωρόπουλος Ηλίας , Μπούρχα Ιωάννα , Μανιάτης Γιάννης , Παπατσίμπα Λαμπρινή
Published: July 2020

Στην παρούσα εργασία θα ασχοληθούμε με τον προσδιορισμό της ημερολογιακής ηλικίας δειγμάτων (βαθμονόμηση) από αρχαιολογικές ανασκαφές στην Ελλάδα. Το ερευνητικό ερώτημα που θέσαμε είναι: Με ποιο τρόπο θα προσδιορίσω την ημερολογιακή ηλικία δειγμάτων από αρχαιολογικές ανασκαφές στα οποία έχει μετρηθεί η περιεκτικότητα σε άνθρακα-14; Η μεθοδολογία που εφαρμόσαμε βασίζεται στο γεγονός ότι κάθε έμβιος οργανισμός όσο ζει διατηρεί σταθερή την περιεκτικότητα του άνθρακα-14 στους ιστούς του. Αμέσως μετά τον θάνατο του αυτή η περιεκτικότητα μειώνεται εκθετικά με τον χρόνο. Το χρονικό διάστημα (t) από την στιγμή του θανάτου του έμβιου οργανισμού προσδιορίζεται από τη σχέση: t=8033∙lnNΝ0 (1), όπου Ν η περιεκτικότητα σε άνθρακα-14 του δείγματος προς χρονολόγηση και Ν0 η περιεκτικότητα όταν ο οργανισμός ήταν ζωντανός. Ο χρόνος που προσδιορίζεται από τη σχέση (1) ονομάζεται ηλικία σε έτη άνθρακα-14. Στην πραγματικότητα, όμως, η Ν0 μεταβάλλεται με το χρόνο, λόγω μεταβολής του μαγνητικού πεδίου της Γης και της δραστηριότητας του ήλιου. Τα παραπάνω επηρεάζουν την παραγωγή του άνθρακα-14 άρα και την απορρόφηση του από τους οργανισμούς. Επομένως, ο χρόνος που προσδιορίζεται σε έτη άνθρακα-14 δεν αντιστοιχεί στον ημερολογιακό χρόνο. Για να μετατρέψουμε τα έτη άνθρακα-14 σε ημερολογιακά χρησιμοποιούμε τη καμπύλη βαθμονόμησης και το λογισμικό Origin.
Γενετική Μηχανική και Βιοηθική
Authors: Σεσέρι Κωνσταντίνα , Τσακιρίδου Δήμητρα-Μαρία , Χλωρίδου Δανάη , Χρυσανίδου Ευδοξία-Καλλιόπη , Γρηγοριάδου Κυριακή
Published: July 2020

Η εργασία μας αποτελεί μία βιβλιογραφική έρευνα που εστιάζει στις εξελίξεις στη γενετική μηχανική, στην υπάρχουσα νομοθεσία και κυρίως στα ηθικά διλήμματα, με τα οποία έρχεται αντιμέτωπος και οφείλει να επιλύσει κάθε επιστήμονας που ασχολείται με την βιοτεχνολογία. Μέχρι ποιο σημείο φτάνουν τα όρια της γενετικής μηχανικής; Έχει ο επιστήμονας ευθύνη για την πιθανά αρνητική χρήση των αποτελεσμάτων της έρευνας του; Αυτά είναι τα βασικά ερευνητικά μας ερωτήματα, που απορρέουν από το γεγονός ότι σήμερα οι επιστήμονες δυνητικά μπορούν να φτιάξουν έναν άνθρωπο κατ’ εικόνα και ομοίωση, κάτι το οποίο στο πεδίο της γενετικής μηχανικής αποτελεί μια μεγάλη επιστημονική πρόκληση που ταυτόχρονα υποκρύπτει πολλούς κινδύνους. Στις μέρες μας ο τομέας της γενετικής μηχανικής εξελίσσεται ταχύτατα και θεωρείται σημαντικό οι επιστήμονες να τηρούν την νομοθεσία και τους κανόνες δεοντολογίας. Οι επιστημονικές εξελίξεις γεννούν περίπλοκα ηθικά και νομικά ερωτήματα που θα πρέπει να αντιμετωπίζονται με γνώση και σοβαρότητα.Από την έρευνά μας προέκυψε ότι σε πολλά ζητήματα, που αφορούν κυρίως την κλωνοποίηση των οργανισμών, υπάρχουν νομικά κενά και ασάφειες και δεν έχουν θεσπιστεί ενιαίοι κανόνες που να διέπουν την λειτουργία των ερευνητικών κέντρων που ειδικεύονται στα προγράμματα κλωνοποίησης. Εναπόκειται λοιπόν στην ατομική επιστημονική δεοντολογία τα όρια που θα τεθούν και ο τρόπος με τον οποίο θα αξιοποιήσει την παραγόμενη γνώση ένας επιστήμονας ή μια ομάδα.
ΤΟ ΟΙΚΟΒΙΩΜΑ ΣΤΑ ΑΡΧΟΝΤΙΚΑ ΤΗΣ ΜΥΤΙΛΗΝΗΣ
Authors: Στυλιανίδου Ελεάννα , Γανέλλη Ευστρατία , Βιόλαζης Απόστολος , Καλαϊτζής Μιχαήλ , Γρημάνης Δαμιανός , Νιάνιου Παρασκευή , Νίκου Φωτεινή , Αιβαλιώτης Δημήτριος , Διγιδίκης Γεώργιος , Ζαφειρίου Μαρία
Published: July 2020

Αναμφίβολα τα βιώματα, οι αναμνήσεις, οι εικόνες και πολύ περισσότερο η μνήμη αποτελούν παραμέτρους που σμιλεύουν την ιστορία ενός λαού. Η ιστορική μνήμη με σημεία αναφοράς στη ζωή δύο περίπου αιώνων ( μέσα 19ου – αρχές 20ου αι.) στον τόπο μας, τη Μυτιλήνη, συγκροτεί για το λαό ζωντανή παρακαταθήκη πολιτισμού μέσα από τη «φωτογράφηση» των αρχοντικών της σε μία προσπάθεια αναδίφησης στο ίδιο το παρελθόν τους.Για την εκπόνηση αυτής της μελέτης έγινε επισκόπηση της υπάρχουσας βιβλιογραφίας, χρησιμοποιήθηκε φωτογραφικό και αρχειακό υλικό, που αναδεικνύει τις ιστορικές και οικονομικές συνθήκες δημιουργίας τους, αλλά και με τη μέθοδο της ημιδομημένης συνέντευξης των γόνων των αριστοκρατικών οικογενειών δόθηκε η δυνατότητα της αποτύπωσης του καθημερινού βίου των μεγαλοαστών της εποχής εκείνης, των αξιών, των συναισθημάτων και βιωμάτων τους ως πρωτογενές, ακατέργαστο υλικό.Η πολυσχιδής αυτή έρευνα αφορά στην ανάδειξη του ιστορικού πλούτου της πρωτεύουσας του νησιού με θεματικούς άξονες την οικονομική ανάπτυξή του, την κοινωνική και την πολιτισμική ως οικοβίωμα. Στοχοθεσία της αποτελεί η καταγραφή προφορικών μαρτυριών, συνηθειών, ηθών και εθίμων καθιστώντας τοναναγνώστη κοινωνό της εποχής του μέσα από τη σύνδεση των «άψυχων» μεγαλοπρεπών οικοδομημάτων της πόλης με τη γνώση της ιστορίας τους και του πολιτισμού τους.Τα αρχοντικά της πόλης, μας «μιλούν»… Ας αφουγκραστούμε τι έχουν να μας πουν!Η παρούσα εργασία αποτελεί τμήμα της μελέτης που πραγματοποιήθηκε στα πλαίσια του Περιβαλλοντικού προγράμματος με θέμα «ΤΑ ΑΡΧΟΝΤΙΚΑ ΤΗΣ ΜΥΤΙΛΗΝΗΣ: ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΚΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΙΚΕΣ ΣΥΝΘΗΚΕΣ ΔΗΜΙΟΥΡΓΙΑΣ ΤΟΥΣ».
Effect of supraneural transforaminal epidural steroid injection combined with caudal epidural steroid injection with catheter in chronic radicular pain management: Double blinded randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Munjupong Sithapan , Kumnerddee Wipoo
Published: July 2020

Background: Epidural steroid injection (ESI) has been used in managing chronic radicular pain. Regarding various techniques of ESI, the synergistic effect of caudal ESI (CESI) on transforaminal ESI (TFESI) in chronic lumbosacral radicular pain in prospective randomized controlled trial has not been determined. Methods:  A total of 54 eligible patients with lumbosacral radicular pain were randomly allocated to undergo TFESI plus CESI (TC group) or TFESI alone (T group).  The effective response to treatment was predefined by at least a 30% reduced verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) from baseline between group comparison and the functional outcomes as measured by improved Oswestry Disability Index by least 15 points from baseline. All participants were evaluated using a single blinded outcome assessor before the  procedure and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedure. P <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results:  Average VNRS reduced significantly from baseline after receiving procedure at 1, 3 and 6 months in both groups (P-value <0.05). The TC group exhibited more effective and showed significant pain relief compared with the T group at 3 months (P=0.01). However, no statistical difference was observed between sub group analysis in pain relief and insignificant difference between group comparisons of functional outcomes.

Conclusions: A treatment combining TFESI and CESI showed significant pain relief over TFESI alone at 3 months. No effect was found concerning functional evaluation.

Registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry ID TCTR20171101002 01/11/2017F
Self-reported competency, knowledge and practices of teachers teaching primary children with autism in government schools of West Malaysia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Andoy-Galvan Jo Ann , Patil Sapna Shridhar , Nair Ramalingam Prabhagari , Bin Shobri Muhammad Aminul Syahmi , Chinna Karuthan , Sahrir Muhammad Sabri , Chidambaram Kumarappan
Published: July 2020

Background: Disability brings challenges and demands in the family and society which last for a long time.  Children that are affected by disability are often kept at home, without access to opportunities other children might have, and education is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of discrimination and poverty. Malaysia is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and teacher quality issues are among the Ministry of Education's focuses to ensure a successful journey for pupils with disabilities. In this study, we evaluated the competency, knowledge and implementation practices of teachers serving government schools in West Malaysia regarding teaching children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: 832 primary teachers from different states of West Malaysia participated in a web-based survey that assessed self-reported competency, knowledge and implementation practices with regards to managing children with autism spectrum disorder. 

Results: Respondents rated themselves as quite competent, and believed that they were knowledgeable regarding ASD and could implement ASD tasks.  Frequency of training was a consistent predictor of competency. Respondents who had never attended a training course had significantly lower self-competency, lower level of knowledge, and lower implementation ratings than those who had attended even one course.

Conclusions: Investments in training teachers on ASD are highly recommended to ensure these students are provided with quality of education they deserve.
Selectivity and sublethal effect of botanical extracts on adults of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Gladenucci Joanina , Pernambuco Filho José Carlos de Almeida , Bueno Regiane Cristina de Oliveira Freitas , Bonfim Filipe Pereira Giardini
Published: July 2020

The objective was to assess the selectivity and sublethal effect of botanical extracts on adults of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Plant species used: Rosmarinus officinalis L., Mikania glomerata Spreng., Varronia curassavica Jacq., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Vermonia polyanthes Spreng., Plectranthus amboinicus Spreng., Tetradenia riparia Codd., Artemisia absinthium L., Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. Plant material were reared in laboratory and leaves collected during the morning were used to prepare the extracts as following: 100 g of leaves from each plant were macerated and immersed in 300 mL of triple-extracted methyl alcohol and evaporated on rotavapor. Then, 250 mg of crude extract was diluted in 1000 mL of water. The experimental design for selectivity was done in randomized blocks with five repetitions, following a standardized protocol of the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) and accordingly classified. In sublethal effect, the design was completely randomized with twenty repetitions, where the eggs exposed to parasitism were sprayed with the treatments. In both experiments the control was twofold (water and chlorpyrifos). Regarding selectivity, the botanical extracts of M. glomerata, C. ambrosioides, V. polyanthes, P. amboinicus, A. absinthium and C. citratus were classified as slightly harmful (class 2), chlorpyrifos as moderately harmful (class 3). In the evaluation of sublethal effects, the botanical extracts of C. ambrosioides and C. citratus initially presented reduced number of parasitized eggs, reduction in total parasitized eggs and female longevity. It can be concluded that C. citratus botanical extract has small selectivity and causes sublethal effects on T. pretiosum adults.
Barrick’s Turquoise Ridge Gold Mine Optimizes Underground Production Scheduling Operations
Authors: Brickey Andrea , Chowdu Akshay , Newman Alexandra , Goycoolea Marcos , Godard Raphael
Published: July 2020

Mining operations determine a long-term production schedule, often to maximize net present value. For a time horizon of between years and decades, optimization models seek the extraction times—with monthly or yearly fidelity—of three-dimensional, notional blocks of ore and waste within a deposit to satisfy spatial precedence constraints, as well as resource constraints on the amount of material extracted and sent to the mill. With algorithmic advances, as well as those in mine planning software and in hardware, we are able to solve instances with a decade-long horizon at daily fidelity. The resulting objective, repeatable, and defensible schedules inform production and maintenance supervisory decisions based on resource availability, that is, loaders, shovels, haul trucks, and mineral processors. We implement our solutions at the Turquoise Ridge underground gold mine in Nevada, United States. These solutions indicate more than a 2% increase in total ounces extracted over a decade while decreasing development footage by as much as 11% over the same time horizon. Furthermore, we are able to incorporate rules governing a shared resource and to evaluate binding versus nonbinding capacity constraints.
Information Content of Aggregate Implied Volatility Spread
Authors: Han Bing , Li Gang
Published: July 2020

Aggregate implied volatility spread (IVS), defined as the cross-sectional average difference in the implied volatilities of at-the-money call and put equity options, is significantly and positively related to future stock market returns at daily, weekly, and monthly to semiannual horizons. This return predictive power is incremental to existing return predictors, and it is significant both in sample and out of sample. Furthermore, IVS can forecast macroeconomic news up to one year ahead. The return predictability concentrates around macro news announcement. Common informed trading in equity options offers an integrated explanation for the ability of IVS to predict both future stock market returns and real economic activity.

This paper was accepted by Tyler Shumway, finance.
Italian protocol advice for managing patients with COVID-19 and myocardial infarction
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: July 2020

In this monthly feature, Sarah Jane Palmer delves into topical news, the latest research and what the experts are saying on subjects related to cardiology and cardiac nursing practice.
The realities of lockdown and looking to the future
Authors: Smith Lowri
Published: July 2020

In this month's Patient Story, Lowri Smith talks about her experiences of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pemodelan Indeks Keparahan Kemiskinan di Indonesia Menggunakan Analisis Regresi Robust
Authors: Situmorang Melva Hilda Stephanie , Susanti Yuliana
Published: July 2020

Poverty is one indicator to see the success of development in a country. The Poverty Severity Index can be used as one measure of the magnitude of poverty in an area. In the Poverty Severity Index data in Indonesia, in 2018 there were some outliers, so to analyze it used robust regression. The purpose of this study is to determine the significant factors on the Poverty Severity Index in Indonesia using robust regression with the M-estimation method. The results showed that the Poverty Severity Index model in Indonesia using robust regression was influenced by Gini Ratio, Percentage of Poor Population, and Pure Participation Rate with R-square = 94,8%.

Keywords: Poverty Severity Index, robust regression.
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity studies of Silver-Nitrogen co-doped ZnO-Fe2O3 nanocomposites for the degradation of Methylene blue under UV-Visible region
Authors: Kumala Wondimagegn
Published: July 2020

The binary systems of ZnO-Fe2O3 nanocomposites were synthesized by a precipitation method with aqueous solutions of Fe and Zn nitrate, whereas nitrogen-doped ZnO-Fe2O3, silver-doped ZnO-Fe2O3, and silver-nitrogen co-doped ZnO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite were prepared by solid-state reaction. The structure and bandgap of the composites were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis). An aqueous model pollutant Methylene blue (MB) dye solution was used to evaluate photocatalytic degradation activities of the nanocomposites under visible light irradiation. Doping photocatalyst significantly increased the effectiveness of the photocatalyst in reducing bandgap energy. So 2.05 eV is the lowest energy, which is for Ag/N co-doped ZnO-Fe2O3 photocatalysts. Results of the experiment that involved the photocatalysts revealed that Methylene blue degradations of 45.11%, 47%, 51%, and 64.5% in 180 min under light radiation using ZnO-Fe2O3, Ag-doped ZnO-Fe2O3, N-doped ZnO-Fe2O3, and Ag/N co-doped ZnO-Fe2O3, respectively. The doped photocatalysts were all superior to the undoped ZnO-Fe2O3. The efficiency of Ag/N co-doped ZnO-Fe2O3 photocatalysts was higher on the photodegradation of MB at optimum PH, the load of Methylene blue photocatalyst which is 78%.
Measuring source width and transverse coherence length using Fresnel diffraction from a phase step
Authors: Aalipour Rasoul , Taghi Tavassoly Mohammad , Saber Ahad
Published: July 2020

Measurement of the source size and specifying its effect on the spatial coherence of propagating light are important for characterizing distant sources such as stars, and imaging with partially coherent light. The common method for measuring spatial coherence is Young’s two-pinhole experiment. For characterizing spatial coherence along a line, one needs to change the location of the pinholes over a large number of pairs of points. But it requires many measurements, which takes significant time. In this paper, we use Fresnel diffraction from a step in reflection to measure the source width and transverse coherence length. It is shown theoretically and experimentally that these quantities are determined by specifying the location of minimum visibility on the diffraction pattern. We utilize a sodium vapor lamp with a variable slit in front of it as an extended one-dimensional incoherent light source. The measurements are made through recording only one diffraction pattern formed by the step. The study is applicable in 2D, and one can characterize weak starlight using highly sensitive equipment.
Parametric removal rate survey study and numerical modeling for deterministic optics manufacturing
Authors: Negi Vipender Singh , Garg Harry , RR Shravan Kumar , Karar Vinod , Tiwari Umesh Kumar , Kim Dae Wook
Published: July 2020

Surface errors directly affect the performance of optical systems in terms of contrast and resolution. Surface figure errors at different surface scales are deterministically removed using controlled material removal rate (MRR) during a precision optics fabrication process. We systematically sectioned the wide range of MRR space with systematic parameters and experimentally evaluated and mapped the MRR values using a flexible membrane-polishing tool. We performed numerical analysis with a tool influence function model using a distributed MRR-based Preston’s constant evaluation approach. The analysis procedure was applied to a series of experimental data along with the tool influence function models to evaluate removal rates. In order to provide referenceable survey data without entangled information, we designed the experiments using Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array involving five control parameters and statistically analyzed a large number of programmatic experiments. The analysis of variance showed that the most significant parameters for achieving a higher MRR are the spot size and active diameter.
Optimization method for designing double-surface refractive optical elements for an extended light source
Authors: Byzov Egor V. , Kravchenko Sergey V. , Moiseev Mikhail A. , Bezus Evgeni A. , Doskolovich Leonid L.
Published: July 2020

We propose a method for designing optical elements with two freeform refracting surfaces generating prescribed non-axisymmetric irradiance distributions in the case of an extended light source. The method is based on the representation of the optical surfaces as bicubic splines and on the subsequent optimization of their parameters using a quasi-Newton method. For the fast calculation of the merit function, we propose an efficient version of the ray tracing method. Using the proposed approach, we design optical elements generating uniform square-shaped irradiance distributions in the far- and near-field. The designed elements are very compact (the height-to-source ratio is only 1.6) and, while providing a high lighting efficiency of 89%, generate highly uniform distributions (the ratio between minimum and average irradiance values in the prescribed square-shaped region exceeds 0.9).
Physics-based multistep beam propagation in inhomogeneous birefringent media
Authors: Poy Guilhem , Žumer Slobodan
Published: July 2020

We present a unified theoretical framework for paraxial and wide-angle beam propagation methods in inhomogeneous birefringent media based on a minimal set of physical assumptions. The advantage of our schemes is that they are based on differential operators with a clear physical interpretation and easy numerical implementation based on sparse matrices. We demonstrate the validity of our schemes on three simple two-dimensional birefringent systems and introduce an example of application on complex three-dimensional systems by showing that topological solitons in frustrated cholesteric liquid-crystals can be used as light waveguides.
Nonlinear higher-order polariton topological insulator
Authors: Zhang Yiqi , Kartashov Y. V. , Torner L. , Li Yongdong , Ferrando A.
Published: July 2020

We address the resonant response and bistability of the exciton–polariton corner states in a higher-order nonlinear topological insulator realized with a kagome arrangement of microcavity pillars. Such states are resonantly excited and exist due to the balance between pump and losses, on one hand, and between nonlinearity and dispersion in inhomogeneous potential landscape, on the other hand, for pump energy around eigen-energies of corresponding linear localized modes. Localization of the nonlinear corner states in a higher-order topological insulator can be efficiently controlled by tuning pump energy. We link the mechanism of corner state formation with symmetry of the truncated kagome array. Corner states coexist with densely packed edge states but are well isolated from them in energy. Nonlinear corner states persist even in the presence of perturbations in a corner microcavity pillar.
TV miniseries or long-form film? A narrative analysis of The Haunting of Hill House
Authors: Petridis Sotiris
Published: July 2020

In the last decade, the television landscape has drastically transformed with the digitalization of the medium. Subscription video on demand platforms have started to produce original content and as such, are changing distribution and consumption patterns of contemporary TV series. Netflix, one of the main platforms that instigated this change, has systematically produced original drama and comedy content indented for binge-watching. The Haunting of Hill House is a recent example of these Netflix original miniseries. In this article, I analyse the overarching story of the series and argue that the structure of the narrative works more like a long-form film rather than a TV series. In doing so, I comment on the nature of television drama writing in this new binge-watching era.
NUMERICAL MODELLING OF GEOTHERMAL RESERVOIR IN GUNUNG TALANG, WEST SUMATERA, INDONESIA
Authors: Putriyana Lia , Soekarno Hari
Published: July 2020

Gunung Talang geothermal field is a part of Gunung Talang – Bukit Kili geothermal working area, which is located in Solok Regency, West Sumatera, Indonesia, about 54 km to the northeast of Padang city. A numerical model consisting of 1,680 grid blocks, covering an area of 17 km2 was developed for reservoir simulation. Two development strategies scenarios were constructed by considering various aspects such as reservoir behaviour, power plant’s lifetime, environmental effects, resources, and prospect area. The power plant’s power generation capacity and production lifetime of the scenarios are respectively 41,83 MW with 106 years production lifetime from the first scenario and 79,53 MW with 54 years production lifetime from the second scenario. Nowadays, the Gunung Talang – Bukit Kili geothermal working area is being auctioned with a potential power generation of 65 MW.ABSTRAK – Pemodelan numerik reservoir panasbumi di Gunung Talang, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia. Lapangan panas bumi Gunung Talang merupakan bagian dari Wilayah Kerja Panasbumi Gunung Talang – Bukit Kili yang terletak di Kabupaten Solok, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia, sekitar 54 km arah timurlaut Kota Padang. Model numerik yang terdiri dari 1.680 blok grid untuk area seluas 17 km2 dibuat untuk mensimulasikan reservoir. Dua skenario strategi pengembangan dibangun dengan mempertimbangkan beberapa aspek seperti perilaku reservoir, umur pembangkit, pengaruh terhadap lingkungan, sumber daya, dan area prospek. Kapasitas pembangkitan daya pembangkit listrik hasil skenario pertama adalah 41,83 MW dengan umur produksi 106 tahun, sedangkan skenario kedua menunjukkan kapasitas 79,53 MW dengan umur produksi 54 tahun. Saat ini, WKP Gunung Talang – Bukit Kili sedang dalam proses lelang dengan potensi pembangkitan listrik sebesar 65 MW.
UNCONFINED GROUNDWATER FLOW PATTERN AND FACIES CHANGES AT WAY HUWI VILLAGE, SOUTH LAMPUNG
Authors: Siringoringo Luhut Pardamean , Maulana Sandi
Published: July 2020

Way Huwi Village is located in South Lampung, near the Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA). The purposes of this research is to know the unconfined groundwater flow pattern and groundwater facies changes. We measured the depth of water table at nine dig wells, analyzed piper diagram for groundwater facies identification. Then, we integrated groundwater flow patterns and groundwater facies from each well to analyze groundwater facies change pattern in research area. The result indicated that the unconfined groundwater flows from SW to NE of research area, following higher (SW) to lower elevation (NE). There are six patterns of unconfined groundwater facies changes: from Facies Na-Cl to Facies Na-HCO3-Cl, Facies Na-HCO3-Cl to Facies Ca-Mg-HCO3, Facies Na-HCO3-Cl to Facies Na-Cl, Facies Na-HCO3-Cl to Facies Na-SO4-Cl, Facies Ca-Mg-HCO3 to Facies Na-SO4-Cl, and Facies Ca-Mg-HCO3 to Facies Na-HCO3-Cl. ABSTRAK - Pola aliran airtanah tidak tertekan dan perubahan fasiesnya di Desa Way Huwi, Lampung Selatan. Desa Way Huwi terletak di Lampung Selatan, di dekat Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui perubahan pola aliran airtanah dan fasies airtanah yang terjadi. Kami mengukur kedalaman muka airtanah pada sembilan sumur gali, menganalisis Diagram Piper untuk mengetahui fasies airtanah. Kemudian kami mengintegrasikan pola aliran airtanah dan fasies airtanah setiap sumur untuk mengetahui pola perubahan fasies air tanah. Hasil analisa menunjukkan bahwa airtanah tidak tertekan mengalir dari Barat Daya ke Timur Laut mengikuti ketinggian yang lebih tinggi (SW) ke ketinggian yang lebih rendah (NE). Ada enam pola perubahan fasies airtanah tidak tertekan: dari Facies Na-Cl ke Facies Na-HCO3-Cl, Facies Na-HCO3-Cl ke Facies Ca-Mg-HCO3, Facies Na-HCO3-Cl ke Facies Na-Cl, Facies Na -HCO3-Cl ke Facies Na-SO4-Cl, Facies Ca-Mg-HCO3 ke Facies Na-SO4-Cl, dan Facies Ca-Mg-HCO3 ke Facies Na-HCO3-Cl
Teaching, Learning and Assessing Students’ English Language Receptive Skills in Mongolia
Authors: Ragchaa Jargatuya
Published: July 2020

A mongol tanárok nagymintás pedagógiai mérésekhez való viszonyulása jórészt feltáratlan terület. Annak ellenére, hogy 2005-ben az angolt kívánták Mongóliában második hivatalos nyelvvé tenni, közel sem valósult meg ez a cél, így még mindig csak idegen nyelv Mongóliában. Kutatással szükséges feltárni azokat a tényezőket, amelyek a háttérben lassítják az angol nyelv tanulását és elfogadását. Szintén nagyon keveset tudunk arról, hogy jelenleg hogyan tanítják Mongóliában az angol nyelvi készségeket. Szükséges annak feltárása, hogy mit tanulnak és értékelnek, különös tekintettel az alapvető képességek tanításának és tanulásának minőségére. Vizsgálatok szükségesek az emberek közötti kommunikáció alapját képező receptív képességek szerepének feltárása és a készségek fejlesztésének megalapozása érdekében. A mongol iskolákban sok, különböző célú tesztet és felmérést végeznek, és az angol nyelv tanításakor nagyobb hangsúlyt fektetnek a felmérésre, mint a diákok tanulási előmenetelére. Ezt okozhatja a mongol oktatás értékelési és elszámoltathatósági rendszere, a tanárok tanítási módszerei, a diákok tanulási stratégiái, vagy más ismeretlen tényezők, amelyek befolyásolják a diákok tanulási teljesítményét. A dolgozatomban arra törekedtem, hogy egy mongol nagyvárosban feltárjam az angol nyelv receptív képességeinek (English language receptive skills - ELRS) tanítása, tanulása és értékelése mögött húzódó problémákat és okokat. Emellett a dolgozat célja volt néhány fontos következtetés megfogalmazása az angol nyelvtanárok és az iskolai vezetők számára annak érdekében, hogy az angol nyelv oktatása fejlődhessen. Az eredmény azt mutatta, hogy az általános és középiskolai tanárok hasonlóképpen vélekednek az értékelésről, mint az oktatás minőségét javító fontos tényezőről. Ennek ellenére az értékelési rendszert arra használják, hogy az iskolákat minősítsék, illetve a tanárok erőfeszítéseit növeljék, ugyanakkor nem támogatják hatékonyan a tanulók angol nyelv-tanulási kompetenciáit. Az értékelés jelenlegi gyakorlata oda vezethet, hogy a tanárok tanítási és számonkérési szokásai pusztán a diákok teszt-pontszámainak növelését fogják szolgálni. Az angol nyelv az egyik olyan tantárgy, ami az iskolai teljesítménymérésekben szerepel, ezért az angol nyelvtanárok lecsökkenthetik az oktatott tartalmat és hajlamosak mellőzni a hatékony tanítási stratégiákat, így a diákjaik tanulási stratégiái nem fejlődnek. Ezért az angoltanárok mindennapi tanítási gyakorlatát tévesen orientálhatja az, hogy nincs jelentős összefüggés az osztálytermi tanulási és tanítási stratégiák és a különböző tényezők között, mint például az értékelési elszámoltathatósági rendszer és annak hatása a tanításra, a diákok által használt tanulási stratégiák hiánya, a felsőbb éves diákok attitűdjei, a szülők hiányos angol nyelvismerete, illetve a diákok tanulásához szükséges online és számítógépes felszereltség az iskolákban.
Higher Education in Ethiopia: Recent Developments and Challenges
Authors: Yallew Addisalem
Published: July 2020

This paper explores developments and challenges in Ethiopian higher education focusing on the decade preceding 2018. The article especially focuses on reflecting on issues related to enrolment, staff development, funding, research and graduate studies, internationalization and continuing education.
Parâmetros Hidrodinâmicos do Aquífero Cárstico-Fissural da Região de Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais
Authors: Paula Rodrigo Sérgio de , Teixeira Gabriela Meira , Ribeiro Carolina Gomes , Silva Pedro Henrique Pereira da , Silva Thais Guedes Ayres , Vieira Luisa Costa Martins , Velásquez Leila Nunes Menegasse
Published: July 2020

A área de estudo abarca a totalidade da região denominada de APA Carste de Lagoa Santa e seus entornos, totalizando 505 km² e distando 35 km a norte de Belo Horizonte. A área tem sido alvo de vários empreendimentos que preveem um aumento pela exploração e consumo de água. Diante deste crescimento e da fragilidade do sistema cárstico, torna-se de fundamental importância o entendimento dos parâmetros hidrodinâmicos de forma a conhecer as características desse sistema aquífero. Geologicamente, a região é representada pelas rochas carbonáticas e metapelíticas do Grupo Bambuí, em um contexto local de intensa deformação rúptil, que regem o sentido de fluxo da água subterrânea, de oeste para leste, e determinam as características dos parâmetros hidrodinâmicos. O objetivo do trabalho foi obter os valores de condutividade hidráulica (K), transmissividade (T) e coeficiente de armazenamento (S) pela avaliação de ensaios de recuperação utilizando os métodos de Hvorslev, Bower e Rice e Cooper-Bredehoeft-Papadopulos. Foram utilizadas aplicações de fórmulas matemáticas de Hvorslev para obtenção de K e T, e avaliação do sistema de fraturas a partir de equações matemáticas para obtenção de k. Para a avaliação dos métodos propostos, foram analisados 99 ensaios de recuperação e 1163 fraturas a fim de avaliar a condutividade hidráulica. Os resultados foram comparados de modo a examinar o método mais representativo para o sistema cárstico-fissural e sua representatividade na região. Os três métodos clássicos apresentaram valores parecidos para K e T, sendo o valor modal do armazenamento (10-4) obtido pelo método de Cooper, Bredehoef e Papadopulos. O método matemático de Snow se mostrou mais eficiente para o cálculo de K em subsuperfície (10-3 m/s) estando próximo dos valores encontrados por ensaios de traçadores corantes por outros autores, possibilitando diferenciar os níveis verticais de condutividade hidráulica nesse sistema.
O estado de coisas inconstitucional no cenário de acesso ao aborto legal no brasil
Authors: Alves Henrique Rosmaninho
Published: July 2020

O presente artigo faz uma análise do cenário existente no Brasil para garantir o acesso ao aborto legal às mulheres que tenham o direito de realizá-lo. Busca-se identificar se o quadro de infraestrutura e informações disponível para concretizar esse direito, bem como se o número de mulheres que deixam de ser atendidas anualmente configuraria o instituto do estado de coisas inconstitucional.  Para tanto se investigou os dados relativos ao abortamento legal e inseguro no Brasil obtidos pelo grupo “Católicas pelo Direito de Decidir”, pelo “Article 51”, pela pesquisadora Débora Diniz e divulgados pelo Ministério da Saúde. Trata-se de uma pesquisa jurídico-sociológico, bibliográfica, qualitativa, com emprego de raciocínio dedutivo. Ao final conclui-se que a perene precariedade ou inexistência completa de infraestrutura pública de saúde disponível para promover o acesso ao aborto legal e seguro, bem como a ausência de informações sobre os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos das mulheres por parte dos órgãos oficiais de saúde configura o estado de coisas inconstitucional e faz-se duas sugestões para reverter esse quadro.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Aborto legal. Direitos sexuais e reprodutivos. Estado de coisas inconstitucional.
Mulheres pescadoras artesanais
Authors: Goncalves Éven Bandeira , Medeiros Rejane , Pisani Mariane da Siva
Published: July 2020

Este artigo apresenta reflexões sobre as construções de gênero nas relações entre mulheres pescadoras da Colônia Z7, localizada na cidade de Tocantinópolis. Nosso objetivo é mostrar os dilemas, as dificuldades e a relação que essas mulheres pescadoras têm com o Rio Tocantins e a profissão exercida.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Mulheres. Pesca Artesanal. Violência.
Legal Aspects of Harmonization of Labor Legislation of Kazakhstan and the Eurasian Economic Union Countries (EAEU)
Authors: ALIMKHANOVA Samal K.
Published: July 2020

The issues of legal aspects of harmonization of labor legislation of Kazakhstan and the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are investigated. The urgency of the issue under consideration is determined by the further necessity to bring into a harmonious combination the legal aspects of the legislation of Kazakhstan and the states that are members of the EAEU. Harmonization in the legal field involves the development of a unification of the laws of the above states in the field of labor relations. To maintain a coherent policy in the field of social and labor relations in Kazakhstan and the countries included in the EAEU, the foundations of labor legislations have been developed. But, at the moment, they are advisory in nature, while the harmonization of labor legislations in the legal field requires the approval of the adopted legislative acts of these states in this area. In this regard, a search is being made for recommendations on the harmonization of the legal aspects of the issue under study regarding Kazakhstan and the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The leading approach to the study of this issue is to evaluate the current legal standards of these countries in the field of labor law and identify ways for their further integration in this direction. The prospects for research in this direction are determined by the possibility of assessing the realism of harmonizing the labor legislations of Kazakhstan and the countries, members (EAEU), which will favorably affect the further integration of Kazakhstan into the legal framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. The applied value of this study is to identify the prospects for the development of labor laws of Kazakhstan and the countries that are members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in order to determine specific measures for the integration of labor legislation of Kazakhstan in the legal field of the EAEU in the future.
Reform of the Territorial Organization of Power in Ukraine as a Mechanism of Anti-Crisis Management
Authors: HORNYK Volodymyr H. , KRAVCHENKO Sergii O. , SIMAK Sergii V. , SHEVCHENKO Olexandr O. , BEZENA Ivan M.
Published: July 2020

The article is focused on finding ways to improve the efficiency of territorial management by analyzing the potential for implementing a system of decentralized management. Decentralization reform, founded in Ukraine in 2014, is recognized as one of the best practices in Europe. More than 80% of the territory of the country has passed to the administration through the system of united territorial communities, that is, directly to the management of representatives of the community. The legislative basis and the main trends and patterns in the development of united territorial communities in Ukraine are analyzed in the article. It has been determined that most communities have the status of village or rural. The area of society does not have a proportional ratio to the population in society. Quite the opposite, in fact. Communities close geographically too large cities have a smaller area but a larger population. Thus, it has been determined that an important aspect of the development of united territorial communities is to ensure an appropriate level of socio-economic development. The mechanisms to raise the socio-economic level of communities in order to ensure balanced development of the territories of Ukraine have been proposed. As a result, it is proposed to form conditions for the development of the entrepreneurial activity, a favorable investment climate through the program of loyal taxation and rent, the use of remote work opportunities for the population of communities actively using the resources of the Internet taking into account the course of Ukraine on digitization and digitalization.
Sustainable Consumption as a Part of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development
Authors: LEELAKULTHANIT Orose
Published: July 2020

Taking a strategic approach to sustainable consumption can help local and international companies achieve their sustainable development goals that focus on responsible production and consumption. The aim of this study is to shed some light on this issue by reviewing the literature on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, and also discusses the issue of sustainable consumption in Thailand. In general, the approaches to sustainable consumption can be classified according to two categories: consuming less and consuming ‘right’ through the purchase of green products. A detailed discussion of the strategic approaches to sustainable consumption is included in the article.
Instruments of Financial Legal Policy in the Countries of the European Union
Authors: POKATAIEVA Olha V. , SAVCHENKO Lesia A. , BUKHANEVYCH Oleksandr M. , MONAIENKO Anton O. , GETMANETS Olga P.
Published: July 2020

For the purpose of a more detailed analysis of the features of administrative regulation of fiscal policy, it is necessary to consider examples of fiscal regulation of business processes in individual foreign countries, as well as features of fiscal policy in the EU. For several decades in a row, the G7 countries – Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Canada, the USA, France, and Japan - determine world economic policy. Despite the periodic global economic crises, they are among the first to overcome their consequences and maintain a leading position in the global business environment. This happens due to a balanced fiscal regulation policy. Among their common features is that part of the GDP that they accumulate through leverage of fiscal regulation has a steady tendency for growth. Thus, over the past 40 years in France, this share has grown by 10.1%, and in Canada - by 10.9%. The paper shows that the theoretical basis of modern fiscal regulation in these countries is neo-conservatism, the basis of which is the importance of direct impact on production through targeted and large-scale tax cuts. The authors show that fiscal regulation in this case provides incentives for conservation and investment. Another important element is the reduction of government spending, mainly due to the implementation of targeted government programs. However, despite several common features, each country has certain features in the administrative and legal regulation of fiscal policy. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that it is necessary to investigate these features in more detail through the lens the historical development of the administrative and legal regulation of fiscal policy in foreign countries.
Innovative Priorities of Ukraine in the Context of Global Economic Trends
Authors: RUSNAK Alla V. , PULIANOVYCH Olena V. , KOZAK Yuriy H. , GRIBINCEA Alexandru , LYTVYN Nataliia Yu.
Published: July 2020

Strategic support of the company’s work in the international market requires a complete restructuring of business processes in a crisis situation and improvement of the company's relations with both consumers and producers. The necessity to form a combined production cycle to reduce competition should not be overlooked. The dynamics of the formation of modern enterprise forms the need for a constant analysis of emerging investment proposals. The novelty of the study is determined by the fact that the company must ensure a change in the format of work when entering the international market and identify the possibilities of strategic formation of financial and organizational reserves for the possibility of autonomous provision of activity for several production cycles. The authors show that in order to understand the development strategy, the enterprise needs to integrate diagnostic tools into the system of production indicators, which can provide an integrated assessment of the quality of enterprise management. The practical significance of the study is determined by the need to formulate an enterprise development strategy for a period of up to five years. The main value should be determined in the structure of ensuring the damping of crisis phenomena in the context of stagnation of industrial production, demand and financial markets of the state. This will allow to unify investment and anti-crisis development strategies.