bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El desarrollo de la cultura de gestión ambiental en estudiantes de secundaria en educación no formal con enfoque cultural y ecológico
Authors: Demidova Natalia N. , Vinokurova Natalya F. , Loshchilova Anna A. , Zulkharnaeva Anastasia V. , Matveeva Anna V.
Published: January 2021

El propósito del artículo es desarrollar el paradigma educativo de la cultura de la gestión ambiental para una educación avanzada orientada al desarrollo sostenible. Se establecen los fundamentos metodológicos de la investigación, presentados por enfoques metodológicos culturales-ecológicos, axiológicos, de actividad personal, integrales-situacionales. Se definen los principales métodos de investigación: análisis sistémico-estructural, generalización, sistematización, diseño y experimentación pedagógica. Se revelan los criterios, indicadores y métodos para diagnosticar la formación de los componentes de la cultura de gestión de la naturaleza. A partir de la investigación se desarrolló una metodología para la formación de una cultura de gestión ambiental en el contexto de la educación no formal, que incluye el objetivo, el contenido, las etapas y la tecnología de las situaciones integrales de orientación cultural. Para implementar esta metodología en la práctica educativa, se desarrolló un programa de actividades para “equipos verdes” escolares: “Estamos en el paisaje cultural de las fincas de nuestra tierra natal”, se revela su objetivo, contenido, se muestra la interconexión de las secciones del programa con la tecnología de situaciones integrales culturalmente orientadas. Se presentan los resultados de un experimento pedagógico organizado en los sitios experimentales de la Universidad de Minin. Los resultados del experimento, en el que participaron 360 estudiantes de secundaria, permitieron sacar una conclusión sobre la eficacia de la formación de una cultura de gestión ambiental entre los estudiantes en el contexto de la educación no formal de orientación cultural y ecológica.
Análisis educacional sobre la protección jurídica de las invenciones en la Unión Europea: pasado y presente
Authors: Belikova Ksenia Michailovna
Published: January 2021

Este artículo tiene como objetivo explorar las novedades en la protección legal de invenciones en la Unión Europea (UE) desde la perspectiva de las medidas regulatorias de la materia y las reglas de procedimiento con el fin de identificar modelos regulatorios apropiados. A partir de reflexiones analíticas sobre la información obtenida de fuentes y literatura relevantes, la autora analiza las disposiciones de la normativa de la UE que crean patrones de marco legal y protección de patentes desde el punto de vista de consolidar las novelas de legislación y práctica sustanciales y procesales. Los resultados se presentan en un sistema y comparación de los regímenes de protección—actuales y anteriores—de los derechos de patente en la UE.Así, la importancia teórica y práctica de los resultados obtenidos viene determinada por el hecho de que el lector dispondrá de información científica moderna sobre el estado de la legislación de la UE en el campo en estudio, que contribuirá a la comprensión de la brecha (o su ausencia). en los logros de investigadores y profesionales en Rusia y en el extranjero en esta área.
Explicando los efectos económicos y ambientales de la calidad de vida sobre la retención de la población en residencias rurales
Authors: Goli Nahid , Jahani Mehdi , Behnia-Far Abolfazl
Published: January 2021

El objetivo de este estudio fue explicar los efectos económicos y ambientales de la calidad de vida en la retención de población en residencias rurales. Comprende una investigación aplicada, y en términos de naturaleza y métodos, se considera descriptivo-analítico. Con el fin de recopilar datos, se han realizado estudios de campo y estudios de biblioteca. Para ello, se preparó un cuestionario índice basado en la Escala Likert y se distribuyó aleatoriamente entre los pobladores. La población del estudio incluye 2570 individuos; sin embargo, utilizando la fórmula de Cochran, el tamaño de la muestra del estudio se determinó como 356 individuos. Los cuestionarios recogidos se han analizado mediante estadística descriptiva, prueba T y regresión multivariante. Los resultados muestran que las ecuaciones estructurales, con un valor superior a 0.05 y un estadístico t de 1.072, se registra el efecto del aspecto financiero de la calidad de vida sobre la retención de la población. Además, los resultados también han manifestado que el aspecto ambiental de la calidad de vida también es efectivo en el primero con un valor de 0,05 y un estadístico t de 2,017, que es superior al valor crítico de 1,96. Se puede concluir que el aspecto ambiental de la calidad de vida es significativamente efectivo en la retención de la población en las residencias rurales; sin embargo, considerando el coeficiente de trayectoria obtenido de 0,208, se concluye que el aspecto económico de la calidad de vida no tiene efectos significativos conocidos sobre la retención de la población en las zonas rurales.
Sistema de numeración aimara: una revisión para su reconstrucción
Authors: Bizarro Wilfredo , Vilca Apaza Henry Mark , Sucari Wilson
Published: January 2021

En este trabajo se revisó la literatura del sistema de numeración aimara, su historia, coexistencias y análisis con respecto a diversas culturas y lenguas, considerando sus tipos, principios y características. En base a ello, se procede a su reconstrucción original del sistema de numeración de la lengua aimara, ya que existen antecedentes y evidencias para afirmar que es un sistema posicional oral, regular, en base decimal, con auxiliar quinaria, además de aditivo y multiplicativo. Se encontró que la raíz primitiva, el número cinco sería qallqu; base originaria al que siguen por adición los demás números:  maya ‘1’, paya ‘2’, kimsa ‘3’, pusi ‘4’, qallqu ‘5’, maqallqu (maya qallqu ‘1 + 5’), paqallqu  (paya qallqu ‘2 + 5’),  kimsaqallqu (kimsa qallqu ‘3 + 5’) y pusiqallqu (pusi qallqu ‘4 + 5’), y tunka ‘10’, en función a ella se forman un orden maravillosamente precisa, perfecta desde la interpretación intercultural, lingüística, etnomatemática y matemática.
Phytoplankton Community of a Boron Mine Waste Storage Reservoir
Authors: ÇELİK Kemal , ÖZ Feray
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to assess the composition, seasonality, and abundance of the phytoplankton community of a Boron (B) mine effluent storage reservoir, Çamköy Reservoir, Balıkesir, Turkey. For this purpose, phytoplankton and certain physicochemical parameters were sampled seasonally between April 2015 and January 2016. B concentrations ranged from 554 mg L-1 to 689 mg L-1. A total of 39 taxa were identified during the study. The percent composition for each phytoplankton group was as follows: Bacillariophyta 67%, Chlorophyta 10%, Cyanobacteria 8%, Euglenophyta 8%, Mioza 5%, and Charophyta 2%. In summer 2015 no phytoplankton was detected in the samples and the excessive B concentrations (above 600 mg L-1) in the reservoir seem to be the reason for the lack of phytoplankton in the summer samples. The most common taxa were Navicula digitoradiata (Bacillariophyta), Surirella ovata (Bacillariophyta), and Nitzschia amphibia (Bacillariophyta). The reservoir had a low number of phytoplankton taxa and abundance compared with the natural lakes probably due to the excessive B levels. The phytoplankton community of the reservoir was composed of taxa that preferred alkaline waters.
Allan Boesak
Authors: Fortein Eugene
Published: January 2021

This article attempts to exhibit the theology of prophetic resistance presented by Allan Boesak during the church struggle against apartheid and how it influenced the theological landscape. Firstly, the methodology applied in this article is to place Boesak against the backdrop of the significant historical events of the 1960s and 1970s. The purpose of this is to illustrate both the growing resistance of the oppressed black people and the unjust rule of apartheid against which Boesak will assert himself. The article goes on to focus on the theological contribution of Boesak between 1976 and 1990. The author will investigate specific events during the 1980s to showcase Boesak’s involvement within the Dutch Reformed Mission Church and beyond.
inner dimensions of contemplation
Authors: Waaijman Kees
Published: January 2021

This contribution investigates the inner dimensions of contemplation and the dynamics of the spiritual process. It focusses on six paradigms taken from the Christian tradition: It firstly discusses the contemplative reader that is characterized by the interpretation of signs, read in a protected space, seeking understanding, but at the end leading to the “other” reading, brought about by the divine-human dialogue. The second type of contemplation refers to “the contemplative warrior” which is about contemplative transformation that provides a spiritual defence mechanism against destructive demonic forces. This type of contemplation is practiced by the desert monks. The article then analyses a third contemplation in terms of the Biblical characters of Mary and Martha who represent two different, but unified positions of the contemplative way. The fourth paradigm belongs to the field of modernity: it is about contemplation in discernment that reflects the desire to discern the will of God amidst as a time of doubting and uncertainty. There is, in the fifth paradigm, contemplation in presence. In this part, Brother Lawrence is presented as an example: His concept of contemplation is living in the presence of the Lord in a simple act of love and being loved. The final paradigm is prophetic contemplation, of which Titus Brandsma is an example. He had Elijah as model of inspiration and as an exemplar for imitation. For him this Elijahan contemplation is unified in three layers. The first layer is the ideal of contemplation, the second one is the realization of this ideal in a life of prayer, the third one is the liturgy of hours.
empirically testable causal mechanism for divine action
Authors: Culwick Arlyn
Published: January 2021

A form of special divine action often considered central to the everyday experience of Christianity is that of a personal interaction with God. For example, in The Second Person Perspective in Aquinas’s Ethics, Andrew Pinsent characterises this interaction in terms of mutually empathic relations that serve to “infuse” virtues and other attributes into a person. Such interaction requires that causal relations exist between a necessary being and the contingent universe. This paper addresses a central problem of special divine action: that the empirically identifiable causes of physical events are modally ill-suited for (and epistemically distinct from) the action of an eternal, non-composite, necessary being. Accounts of what brings about physical events are standardly empirical accounts, grounded upon experience of the world.
Recognition of LGBTIQ bodies in the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa
Authors: Davids Hanzline R
Published: January 2021

The human dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people are threatend on the African continent. The sexual orientation, gender identity, expressions and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) of LGBTIQ persons are seen as un-African. Religious communities are one of the biggest perpetrators that violate the human dignity of LGBTIQ people. For the past fifteen years the Uniting Reformed Church in South African (URCSA) made policy decions and compiled research documents that envistigates the SOGIESC of LGBTIQ people. The URCSA failed multiple times to affirm the full inclusion of LGBTQ people. In this article I’m asking, whether the recognition of LGBTIQ bodies in the URCSA is an indecent proposal. This paper is theologically underpinned by late Latin-American bisexual theologian Marcella Althaus-Reid’s Bi/Christology. Starting with my own queer autobiography, I position myself from below and outside in doing theology. Secondly, I engage shortly with the history of the URCSA and the confessional clauses of the Belhar Confession. Lastly, the paper examines whether Belhar makes an indecent proposal for the recognition of LGBTIQ bodies in the URCSA.
Moving the margins with/of methodology
Authors: Van Deventer Cornelia
Published: January 2021

Various scholars have speculated about the possible link between the Fourth Gospel and drama. Such a connection, if valid, could potentially lead to the widening of hermeneutical lenses with which the Gospel is explored. While the exegetical field of biblical performance criticism has begun to break open the hermeneutical field by introducing performative and oral elements into the conversation, an attempt to formulate a methodology for a drama analysis of the text still needs to be made. This article evaluates the possibility of reading the Fourth Gospel through a drama lens in order to explore its possible performative impact on a first-time hypothetical audience. The article experiments with possible parameters of biblical drama criticism and how the translation of the text into stage-script format could be useful in academic and ecclesial spaces. Such a translation invites new experiences with the text and an expansion of the hermeneutical spectrum to include various non-textual elements like sound and sight. Moreover, it widens the hermeneutical scope to explore the audience’s own (vulnerable) journey with the performance by taking their possible struggle(s) with the drama seriously.
Religion, culture, and development
Authors: White Peter
Published: January 2021

We cannot realistically discuss development without factoring religion into the analysis. In the same way, we cannot design any economic development plan without acknowledging the influence of religion on its implementation. The fact is that, many economic development policies require a change from old values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour patterns of the citizenry to those that are supportive of the new policy. Religious practices and beliefs have important consequences for the economic development of a community or nation. The relationship between religion and development is likely to be complementary as long as religious beliefs and practices promote ‘moderation’ rather than ‘extremes.’ This article therefore discusses how Pentecostalism has been used as a reference point in addressing religio-cultural and socio-economic needs of Africans. The study uses Spiritual capital theory and pneuma-diaconal mission theory to unearth the impact of African Pentecostalism in the socio-economic lives of Ghanaians and more especially Africans.
Researching preaching beyond the (transcribed) text in (South) Africa
Authors: Wepener Cas
Published: January 2021

In (South) Africa, preaching should in addition to textual studies of recorded and transcribed sermon texts, also be studied as an enacted performance and thus beyond the transcribed text. This article develops an argument regarding the need for the field of Homiletics in (South) Africa to firstly broaden the object of empirical homiletical research and study preaching as an enacted or performed liturgical ritual and secondly, augment its existing research methodologies accordingly. Such a methodology will take African epistemologies and ontologies more seriously than traditional methodologies that only study transcribed texts and to a large extent ignore the significance of the performance of the sermon. Recent methodological developments in Liturgical Studies can be helpful in this regard and a discussion between the two disciplines are encouraged, as well as insights gained from other fields such as Ritual – and Performance Studies. The article ends with some implications that the broadening of the research object may have for homiletical research methods in Africa.
Paul’s view of the law in Romans and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church’s (EOTC) use of the law as həgga ləbbunā, “həgga Orit” and “həgga wangle”
Authors: Belay Yimenu Adimass
Published: January 2021

The EOTC’s view of the law of God as Həgga Ləbbunā (the law of heart), “Həgga Orit” (the law of Moses) and “Həgga Wangel” (the law of gospel) could be related to Paul’s view of the law in Romans as the law of Conscience, Torah and the law of the Spirit of life. The three expressions of the EOTC’s view of the law can be mapped with Paul’s view of the law as unwritten law of God (2:14–16), Torah (2:17–29) and the law of the Spirit of life (8:2–4) in Romans. The EOTC’s view of the law as “Həgga Ləbbunā” could shed light to better understand Paul’s view of the law as unwritten law given to all humanity (Rom. 2:12–14). Besides, “Həgga Orit” helps to better understand the law of Moses given to Israel with its universal implication because the Ethiopic tradition claims that Ethiopians have received the Torah through the Queen of Sheba. Further, “Həgga Wangel” helps to better understand the continuity between the Torah and the Gospel because the Ethiopic tradition understands that the law of Gospel is a continuation of the Mosaic law rather than making an antithesis of law and Gospel. Therefore, the EOTC’s view of the law contributes to better understand Paul’s view of the law as an alternative reading from the tradition of Ethiopic perspective.
Bodies, theology and Dante’s Divine Comedy
Authors: Robson Bosch Rozelle
Published: January 2021

Placing the words Comedy and Africa in the same sentence, is like laying claim to two expansive and complex entities which do not immediately bear relation to another and yet, there is ample opportunity for engagement. The article begins by showing how a young South African’s reading of the Divine Comedy through the lens of her own preoccupation with the body and its theo-performative demeanour can bring fresh perspectives to the fore. A primary instance of the intersection between the body, God and theological performance is the Ethiopian artist Aïda Muluneh’s interpretation of Inferno, canto xx. Muluneh’s performative expression transforms the scope and meaning of tears in the Comedy by bringing to bear her own particularity. Here, tears become central in unveiling the truth that the Comedy speaks. The article explores the significant role that gestures have in giving form to the Divine Comedy. As the logic of relationality, love forms the spine of this article while drawing together the themes of creation and incarnation. The article ends by suggesting that if one has a proper understanding of the relationship between humans and the created order, one might find a theology from below latent in the Comedy.
Stories of sacrifice from below
Authors: Bussey Samuel
Published: January 2021

In the Global North, the notion of “sacrifice” is highly controversial in contemporary discussion. In recent years, the influential work of René Girard has succeeded in putting sacrifice back on the intellectual agenda, but his story of sacrifice has primarily emphasised the theme of violence. Today, many theologians consider sacrifice inherently problematic and some would like to do away with it altogether. In Africa, however, the notion is highly popular across a wide range of theological traditions. The work of three African theologians – John Ekem, a Ghanaian mother-tongue biblical scholar, Edison Kalengyo, a Ugandan inculturation theologian, and Mercy Oduyoye, a Ghanaian women’s theologian – challenge Girard’s theory in three important ways. First, they challenge his traditional typological approach with a dialogical typological one. Second, they challenge his focus on violence by highlighting multiple themes. Third, they challenge his lack of an ecclesial dimension with fresh ways of appropriating Jesus’ sacrifice today.
Три подхода к определению понятий на основе собственных свойств модели
Authors: Микони Станислав Витальевич
Published: January 2021

Предлагается применение системного подхода к анализу определения понятия. Оно рассматривается как текстовая модель, к которой применимы собственные свойства модели. Эти свойства выводятся из модели языка предикатов первого порядка, каковой является алгебраическая структура. К собственным свойствам модели отнесены функция объекта, реализующая её операция и структура. Каждое свойство представляется элементарной моделью: функциональной (Ф-модель), операционной (О-модель) и структурной (С-модель) моделью. Использование этих моделей для анализа определения понятия названо соответственно функциональным, операционным и структурным подходом. Сущность каждого подхода поясняется на примере определения термина «менеджмент качества», взятого из международного терминологического стандарта. Для иллюстрации подходов применяются наглядные модели графов. Структурный подход позволяет найти избыточные и недостающие поясняющие слова в определения понятия, представленного в форме повествовательного предложения. Функциональный подход позволяет оценить полноту содержания понятия и наличие порочных циклов. Операционный подход уточняет понятия, относящиеся к категории действия, через элементарные действия.
"Data-Driven" подход к определению латинский словосочетаний в русских веб-корпусах
Authors: Бенко Владимир , Раусова Катарина
Published: January 2021

Представляется метод полуавтоматического определения латинских словосочетаний в русском веб корпусе применением разметчика латинских текстов и цепочки стандартных утилит системы Linux. В конце статьи приводится предварительный анализ выявленного списка сочетаний.
The relationship between preoperative anxiety and gastrointestinal system symptoms
Authors: UYMAZ Gülistan , KARABAĞ AYDIN Arzu
Published: January 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the association between preoperative anxiety and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Materials and Methods: The sample of this descriptive, comparative research study comprised 270 preoperative patients in a state hospital located in northeast Turkey. First, the Trait Anxiety Scale and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-1 were used to collect data from patients at the time of admission. Then, the State Anxiety Scale and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-2 were completed 8–10 hours before surgery (on the night before surgery).
Results: The total score mean was calculated as 39.57±6.80 on the State Anxiety Scale, 48.84±7.45 on the Trait Anxiety Scale, 28.00±14.94 on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-1, and 28.71±16.47 on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-2. These results showed that a positive and low level of significant correlation was found between preoperative anxiety and gastrointestinal symptoms in the patients in this study.
Conclusion: This study shows that the patients’ Trait Anxiety Scale results were moderate, while their State Anxiety Scale results were low. Patients with high preoperative anxiety also had a high number of gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients with high anxiety levels in the preoperative period experienced more gastrointestinalsymptoms than those with low anxiety levels.
Yüksek frekanslı tinnitusu olan hastalarda serum lipid profili
Authors: UYSAL Bayram Ali , KUMBUL Yusuf Çağdaş , SİVRİCE Mehmet Emre , AKIN Vural
Published: January 2021

Amaç: Hiperkolesteroleminin; işitme kaybı, tinnitus gibi iç kulak bozukluklarına yol açtığını destekleyen çalışmalar mevcuttur. Bu çalışmada lipid profili düzeylerinin yüksek frekanslı tinnitus üzerine olan etkisini araştırmayı amaçladık.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Kulak Burun Boğaz polikliniğine Ekim 2017 – Mayıs 2020 tarihleri arasında tinnitus şikayeti ile başvuran hastalara saf ses odyometrisi, tinnitus pitch eşleme ve tinnitus loudness eşleme testleri uygulandı. Yüksek frekanslarda (2, 4 ve 6 kHz) tinnitus tespit edilen ve lipid paneli bakılmış hastalardan tinnitus grubu oluşturuldu. Kontrol grubu ise kardiyoloji polikliniğine rutin muayene için başvuran hastalardan oluşturuldu. Tinnitus grubu ile kontrol grubunun lipid profili karşılaştırılarak analiz edildi.

Bulgular: Gruplar arasında cinsiyet ve yaş açısından istatistiksel fark yoktu. İki grubun HDL-K, LDL-K, trigliserit ve total kolesterol ortalamaları karşılaştırıldığında LDL-K, trigliserit ve total kolesterol arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark tespit edildi. HDL-K için istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark yoktu. Tinnitus şiddeti ile HDL-K, LDL-K, trigliserit ve total kolesterol değerleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı korelasyon bulunamadı.

Sonuç: Yüksek frekanslarda tinnitus gelişimi için, LDL-K ve trigliserit düzeyi artışı risk faktörüdür. Lipid parametrelerinin düzeyi ile tinnitus şiddeti arasında ise korelasyon izlenmemiştir. Yüksek frekanslı tinnitus tespit edilen hastaların lipid profili rutin olarak incelenmelidir.
Endometriozisli hastaların ektopik ve ötopik dokularında glycodelin A mRNA ekspresyonlarının belirlenmesi
Authors: RASULOVA Khayala , PEHLİVAN Melek , AKBEROVA Aygün , KIZILDAĞ Sefa
Published: January 2021

Amaç: Çalışmamızda endometriozisli kadınların sağlıklı bireylere göre sekresyon ve proliferasyon evrelerinde, ektopik ve ötopik endometrium dokularının Glikodelin A mRNA ekspresyon seviyeleri incelenmiştir.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Laparaskopi ve laparatomi sırasında tanı alan ve histopatolojik olarak tanısı doğrulanan endometriozisli 19 hasta ve 7 kontrol grubu çalışmaya dahil edildi (26-45 yaş). Endometriozisli kadınların sekresyon ve proliferasyon evrelerinde alınan ektopik ve ötopik endometrium dokuları ile kontrol grubu endometrium dokularından RNA izolasyonları gerçekleştirildikten sonra cDNA’ya çevrildi. Glikodelin A ekspresyon düzeyleri gerçek zamanlı polimeraz zincir reaksiyonu kullanılarak değerlendirildi.

Bulgular: Sekretuar ve proliferasyon fazda olan endometriozisli hastaların kontrole göre olan ötopik ve ektopik dokularında Glikodelin A ekspresyon düzeylerinin daha yüksek olduğu gözlendi. Ektopik sekretuar fazda olan hastaların Glikodelin A seviyesi, ötopik hastadakilere göre artış gösterdi. Hastalarda proliferasyon fazlarındaki Glikodelin A seviyesi ötopik hastalar ile kıyaslandığında bazı hastalarda ekspresyonun düştüğü saptandı.

Tartışma: Endometriozis’te Glikodelin A geninin sekretuar ve proliferatif fazda ekspresyonsinin yüksek olması ve ektopik sekretuar fazda olan hastaların Glikodelin A seviyesinin, ötopik hastadakilere göre artış göstermesi, Glikodelin A geninin değerlendirilmesinin hastalığın tanısının konulması aşamasında yönlendirici olabileceğini göstermektedir.
Evaluation of prevalence, demographic characteristics, associated risk factors and effects of enteral nutrition products in children with primary malnutrition
Authors: BARUTÇU Adnan , BARUTÇU Saliha
Published: January 2021

Purpose: The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence, demographic characteristics, associated risk factors and effects of enteral nutrition products in malnourished children.

Materials and Methods: A total of 229 pediatric outpatients aged 1-18 years with primary malnutrition related growth failure and prescribed with hypercaloric enteral feeding regimen were included. A total of 73 healthy children with normal growth served as the control group. Anthropometric measurements included height (cm), weight (kg), body mass index (kg/m2), height for age Z score and weight for age Z score.

Results: When the malnourished patients were compared with the control group; patients were aged younger and associated with higher likelihood of having a birth weight >3001 , shorter duration of breastfeeding, lower number of siblings, family with lower monthly income and illiterate mothers. In the malnourished group, height, weight, body mass index and height for age and weight for age Z scores improved significantly during 3rd month and 6th month as compared with baseline scores, regardless of gender, sibling number, maternal education and monthly income level.

Conclusion: Our findings show the efficacy and tolerability of 6-month high-calorie enteral nutritional support given to children with primary malnutrition, regardless of initial symptoms and socio-economic risk factors.
MIXING ENHANCEMENT IN ELECTROOSMOTIC MICROMIXERS
Authors: GHAHFAROKHİ Narges Jafari , BAYAREH Morteza , NADOOSHAN Afshin Ahmadi , AZADİ Sara
Published: January 2021

Micromixers have important applications in various pharmaceutical and medical fields. In the present study, the enhancement of mixing index in electroosmotic micromixer with different geometries is investigated. The commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 is employed to solve the mathematical models. The SIMPLEC
algorithm is employed for coupling the velocity and pressure fields. A second-order upwind scheme is used to reduce the artificial diffusivity. The results show a remarkable effect of the electric field on the mixing efficiency. The optimum geometry is the one with no obstacle in the mixing chamber. For the optimum geometry, it is demonstrated that the mixing efficiency increases with the voltage, however there are optimum values for frequency and inlet velocity in which the micromixer exhibits its best performance. The optimum values of frequency and inlet velocity are 8 Hz and 0.1 mm/s, respectively. It is revealed that the micromixer with no obstacle can reach the mixing efficiency of about 97%.
Gallbladder agenesis diagnosed intraoperatively complicated by common hepatic duct injury
Authors: Alaradi Basel Mohamed , Jawad Ahmed E. , Patil Devpal C.
Published: January 2021

Gallbladder agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly among biliary abnormalities, and its preoperative diagnosis has been considered very difficult. Gallbladder agenesis becomes symptomatic in almost 23% of cases mostly with symptoms mimicking biliary colic, which is poorly understood. Initial workup for suspected gallbladder diseases, such as abdominal ultrasound, can be misleading or inconclusive. Often it is misinterpreted as other diseases leading to unnecessary surgery. We reported a case of a 31-year-old Bahraini male presenting with recurrent symptoms, suggesting biliary colic. Abdominal ultrasound showed False-positive contracted gallbladder. The patient was then taken to the operative theater for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intraoperatively, the gallbladder could not be seen, and eventually the decision was made to converted to open surgery which was complicated by common hepatic duct injury. Gallbladder agenesis was confirmed postoperatively by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).
Investigating the prolongation of blood transfusion frequency in thalassemic children by omega 3 fatty acid and protein supplementations through milk
Authors: Kumar Amol , Doshi Preeti , Dahiphale Ramdas , Chaudhary Ansh , Chaudhary Bhupendra
Published: January 2021

Background: Thalassemia is an inherited genetic hemoglobin disorder wherein, afflicted child is born when both parents are carriers for defective alpha or beta hemoglobin gene. The thalassemias are the most common genetic disorder on a worldwide basis. The requirement of frequent blood transfusions in these patients pose a substantial burden on the health care system.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted across 6 months (July 2018-December 2018) in a tertiary care hospital, Pune. The present study included 30 registered patient & their past 6 months record of blood transfusion (esp frequency), previous hemoglobin levels, height & weight. All these parameters were compared 6 months after supplementation with Omega 3 fatty Acids & proteins.

Results: Total 16 of 28 patient showed that the average durations between two blood transfusions was increased by minimum 01 day to a maximum of 5 days. The average number of blood bag required was less than required blood bags in the period of pre supplementation. 20 of 28 patients showed a rise in hemoglobin level from a range of 0.5 to 1.2 gm/dl.  

Conclusions: In a country like India, with the high frequency of hemoglobinopathies, causing increased burden on the society, it is necessary to control the incidence by effective steps. Low cost and easily administered supplementation by omega 3 fatty acid and proteins may reduce the requirement of repeated blood transfusion along with increase in hemoglobin level. Implementation of carrier screening program offering genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis followed by selective termination of affected cases would help in preventing the disease.
Assessment of the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a baby-friendly workplace support initiative in rural Kenya: a study protocol
Authors: Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W. , Macharia Teresia N. , Kamande Eva W. , Gatheru Peter M. , Donfouet Hermann P. P. , Alemu Taddese , Kiige Laura , Jobando Susan , Dinga Lynnette A. , Samburu Betty , Atinda Joyce , Watson Samuel , Mitchell Claudia , Griffiths Paula , Lilford Richard , Jackson Debra , Begin France , Moloney Grainne
Published: January 2021

Background: Employment poses a barrier in achieving the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Effective strategies and evidence to improve breastfeeding for women working in the agricultural sector – the main employer for women in Kenya – is lacking. This study aimed to inform (with evidence) the design and implementation of a scalable model of workplace support for breastfeeding in an agricultural setting in Kenya; as well as investigated the model’s potential operational feasibility and potential effectiveness, and its cost-effectiveness.

Methods: The study employed a mixed methods approach and participatory methods at the pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation phases. The pre-implementation phase generated evidence to inform the implementation. Mothers with children under 12 months were interviewed at the pre-implementation (2016) and post-implementation (2018) phase. Managers, supervisors, decision and policy makers, as well as other community members were also targeted. Statistical methods will include analysis of covariance and logistic regression. Additionally, cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses will be done. Qualitative data will be analysed in vivo, using thematic analysis technique.

Conclusions: Findings from this study aimed to inform the potential feasibility and potential effectiveness of a baby-friendly workplace support for breastfeeding initiative in an agricultural setting with a goal of improving child nutrition and health. The findings also contribute to policy and practice in Kenya by informing the development of workplace support guidelines.

Trial Registration: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN 64692465; date of registration: 21 December 2016 – retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN64692465.
Efficacy of colchicine in moderately symptomatic COVID-19 patients: a study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Rahman Motlabur , Rahman Mujibur , Datta Ponkaj K. , Islam Khairul , Hasan Pratyay , Haque Manjurul , Faruq Md Imtiaz , Sharif Mohiuddin , Ratul Rifat H.
Published: January 2021

Background: Inflammation is playing a major role in the pathophysiology of severe COVID-19 disease. The main causes of mortality are cytokine syndrome and immune thromboembolism. Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug but its action is mediated by completely different pathophysiologic routes than that of corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Colchicine inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis, inhibits inflammasome signaling and reduces interleukin-1β, reduces neutrophil-platelet interaction and aggregation. Colchicine is a readily available, cheap drug, has been used safely for many years. Specific targeted anti-inflammatory drugs like tocilizuma and anakinra are costly. A previous study suggested a significant clinical benefit from colchicine in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. But they did not compare with placebo. So, we have designed this study.

Methods: This is a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study will be conducted at Dhaka medical college hospital, Bangladesh. Real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients with moderate symptoms will be included in this study. Participants will be randomized into two groups at 1:1 ratio. Patients of one group will be treated with standard treatment along with colchicine for 14 days. The patients in other group will be treated with standard treatment along with placebo for the same duration. The primary outcome of the study will be time to develop clinical deterioration, defined as the time from randomization to a deterioration of two points (from the status at randomization) on a seven-category ordinal scale.

Conclusions: Enrolment of participants has begun at the study site. A total of 300 participants will be enrolled.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04527562.
Safety evaluation following immunization of pentavalent vaccine (multi-dose vial): experiences and comparative study
Authors: Panda Bijoy Kumar , Bajaj Raveena , Surve Deepika , Deshpande Ruma
Published: January 2021

Background: Combination vaccines have many benefits but sometimes may result in unexpected side effects which may make the vaccine unfit for administration particularly with multidose vials.Methods: Healthy infants aged 6-8 weeks who came for routine immunization of liquid pentavalent vaccine were included in the study. All infants were observed for 30 minutes, post vaccination. Telephonic interview was conducted to detect AEFIs at 1 week and 1 month post vaccination.Results: The common AEFIs were found to be fever and pain at injection site. A comparison of the incidence (per 100 doses) of AEFIs after 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose of pentavalent vaccine showed that AEFIs goes on reducing with dose. Incidence (per 100 doses) of fever and local AEFIs was more (statistically significant) with multi-dose vial pentavalent vaccine.Conclusions: The multi-dose vial liquid pentavalent vaccine was found to be equally tolerable compared to single-dose vial liquid pentavalent vaccine.
Clinical assessment of micronutrient deficiencies in 2-6 years old children: a survey with pediatricians
Authors: Gungam Praveena , Kadhe Ganesh , Shaikh Irfan A.
Published: January 2021

Background: Worldwide, at least fifty percent of children, younger than 5 years of age, suffer from micronutrient, protein and calorie deficiencies causing negative impact on health. Our study aims to understand the pediatricians’ perspectives on diagnosis and management of these micronutrient deficiencies (MND).Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire-based survey of 490 pediatricians, wherein the questionnaire focused on prevalence, causes, diagnosis, management and long-term impact of micronutrient deficiencies in children aged 2 to 6 years.Results: Majority of pediatricians (94%) commonly see MNDs in their clinical practice; with 94% pediatricians seeing MNDs in stunted children, 93% in wasted and 89.0% in obese children. About 50–90% pediatricians reported calorie, protein, vitamins and mineral deficiencies. Not eating a balanced diet was the cause of nutrient deficiency as per 97% pediatricians, while about 93-97% opined MNDs also cause frequent illness, lack of energy/weakness, loss of weight or causes thinness. All pediatricians believe that minerals, vitamins and proteins are important for immunity and bone development. Also, 88% pediatricians believe multiple MNDs can be evaluated by physical examination and clinical history; and about 40% pediatricians suggest intervention to 25-50% children. Also, they believe that MNDs impact long-term health outcomes like growth, cognitive development, metabolic development and social development.Conclusions: Micronutrient deficiencies contribute to lack of energy, frequent illness, and compromised immune system which in turn have short-term and long-term impact on overall growth and development. Hence there is a need to assess and address the MNDs at the earliest.
Socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory profile and outcome in children with scorpion envenomation
Authors: Choppari Komalatha , Soma Santosh Kumar , Thomas Suresh R. J.
Published: January 2021

Background: Aim was to study clinical, socio- demographic and laboratory profile and outcome in children with scorpion envenomation up to 12 years of age. This study conducted to provide better insights in to the socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory profile of scorpion envenomation in rural health setting in India.Methods: This was a hospital based, prospective observational study done in children up to 12 years of age admitted in a tertiary care centre between March 2018 to April 2020 with history of scorpion envenomation, presence of sting mark or scorpion seen in vicinity of child by parents or near family members. Unknown bites or stings and cases were the clinical manifestations are not compatible with scorpion sting were excluded.Results: During the study period, 28 children were admitted for scorpion sting. Maximum number of cases were noted in the age group of 3-6 years and there is equal distribution of cases among males and females .Majority of cases from rural areas, 46.42% of the cases had black scorpion sting, most of the stings occurred during evening time and spring season. The most common sting sites were the distal part of the extremities. Pain at the sting site and local swelling were the most common presenting symptoms. The common signs noted were tachycardia. The most common ECG changes were noted in the present study was sinus tachycardia (46.42%) fallowed by ST segment changes noted in 21.4% of children. Commonest complications noted myocarditis, pulmonary edema, myocardial dysfunction, peripheral circulatory failure. One patient died due to pulmonary edema. Majority of the cases recovered without any sequale.Conclusions: Scorpion envenomation is a preventable emergency among children and closely associated with environmental condition, socioeconomic status and child activities. Supervised outdoor play, early hospitalization, close monitoring of vitals and management of complications and supportive care may reduce the mortality and morbidity.
Neonatal thyroid screening a tertiary care experience at VSS Medical College and Hospital, Burla
Authors: T. L. Vidhyadhara Naik , Panigrahi Bineet , Panda Sanjukta
Published: January 2021

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the most common preventable etiologies of mental retardation. The worldwide incidence of CH ranges from 1 in 3000 to 1 in 4000 live newborn. Objective of the study was to know the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in this part of the country, which is necessary to understand the burden of congenital hypothyroidism to the society.Methods: Primary serum TSH measurement in screening neonates with backup thyroxine (T4) determination in infants with high TSH levels (>20 mIU/l). TSH and FT4 were estimated by chemi luminescence immunoassay (CLIA) method using reagent monobind, INC.Results: Serum TSH of screened neonates ranged between 0.16 mIU/l and 80.32 mIU/l, Mean±SD of sTSH being 5.80±3.96 mIU/l. Out of 2212 screened newborns, 9 newborns had sTSH value >20 mIU/l, who were recalled for confirmatory test, giving a recall rate of 0.4%. Out of 9 recalled newborns, 3 had persistently elevated sTSH >20 mIU/l making incidence of congenital hypothyroidism of 1:737 in our study.Conclusions: We found a higher incidence of 1:737 neonatal hypothyroidism in this region as compared to estimated national incidence. CH being preventable cause of mental retardation and other harmful effects on a growing newborn, neonatal screening programme for congenital hypothyroidism is highly recommended.
Childhood cardiomyopathies: a study in tertiary care hospital of Kashmir
Authors: Shairgojri Abid Ahmad , Mohiuddin Khalid , Bashir Amber , Jan Muzafar
Published: January 2021

Background: Cardiomyopathy constitutes a group of diseases that directly affect the structural or functional ability of myocardium. They are the most common form of heart diseases that are inherited in children and responsible for sudden deaths in healthy young adults. The Aim of our study was to provide a detailed description of clinical profile, epidemiology and etiology of cardiomyopathies in children.Methods: This was a hospital based prospective observational study, conducted over a period of two and half years from September 2017 to March 2020 in the Post Graduate Department of Pediatrics Government Medical College Srinagar. Study group included all patients aged between 1 month and 18 years diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. They were subjected to a detailed clinical history and physical examination. All the patients underwent echocardiography.Results: During the study period 37 patients were diagnosed with different types of cardiomyopathies. Dilated cardiomyopathy was commonest seen in 19 (51.35%), followed by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 13 (35%) cases. Fast breathing was most common presenting complaint in dilated cardiomyopathy while most of cases with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were asymptomatic. There was one case of distinct form of cardiomyopathy isolated left ventricular hypoplasia. Males were more involved 21 (56.76%) cases. Majority of patients 18 (48.64%) were less than one year at time of diagnosis. Parental consanguity was seen in 6 (16.22%) cases. Underlying cause was identified in 10 (27.02%) cases with myocarditis being the commonest cause.Conclusions: Pediatric cardiomyopathy represents a considerable percentage of children with cardiac disorders. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common type usually presented with congestive heart failure, majority of cases of hypertrophic CMP were asymptomatic. Male preponderance was seen in dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Parental consanguinity was seen in significant number of patients. Myocarditis and inborn error of metabolism was seen in significant number of patients.
Assessment of breastfeeding practices in lactating mothers: more road to cover
Authors: Sathenahalli Veeraraja B. , G. Netra
Published: January 2021

Background: The mother’s milk is the best gift nature has provided. It is complete nourishment for babies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months, followed by breastfeeding along with complementary foods for up to two years of age or beyond. Absence of remarkable progress in indicators of breastfeeding suggest that certain gaps still exist which restrict achievement of national development goals. These gaps could have resulted from unawareness and lack of knowledge regarding appropriate IYCF practices. Appropriate intervention in terms of awareness programmes may help in achieving the national development goals.Methods: A cross sectional hospital based study was conducted over a period of 3 months. Lactating mothers in post natal ward were questioned using self-administered breastfeeding knowledge questionnaire about their knowledge, attitude and practices of breastfeeding.Results: Total of 100 lactating mothers were enrolled. Majority of the mothers were in the age group of 20-25 years (72%), 65% of mothers were from rural area. only 27% mothers practiced initiation of breastfeeding after birth. 62% of mothers initiated breastfeeding after 30 minutes of birth. 10% mothers gave prelacteal feeds, honey was the most commonly given prelacteal feed. 90% of the mothers fed their baby colostrum. 90% of mothers knew that breast milk is ideal feed for newborn.Conclusions: The primary care givers need to implement strategies to educate mothers about breastfeeding in antenatal and post natal checkups to enhance good breastfeeding practice thereby reducing infant mortality and morbidity. A special strategy to reach out to poor socio economic status and illiterate mothers is need of the hour.