bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Pathogenic Bacteria Causing Urinary Tract Infection in A Teaching Hospital
Authors: Ramya Rengaraj Pradha Velu , Saleem Mohamed Ali Hemalatha Gurumurthy
Published: September 2021

Aims: To determine the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria causing urinary tract infections and their antibiotics susceptibility pattern from patients reporting in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Study design: Retrospective study. Place and duration of the study: Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, January 2017 to December 2019. Methodology: 7825Mid-stream urine (MSU) samples collected for culture and sensitivity testing, sent to the laboratory during the period of study were included in this study. The samples were inoculated onto blood agar and MacConkey agar, incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Identification of organisms by biochemical tests and antibiotic susceptibility testing were done by standard microbiological methods. Results: Out of 7825 samples, 3832 showed significant bacteriuria, of which 50% (1924/3832) were females. Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen isolated, which accounts for 41% followed by Klebsiella spp. (27%), Staphylococcus aureus (7%), Proteus spp. (7%), Acinetobacter spp. (5%), Pseudomonas spp. (4%), Enterobacter spp. (4%), Citrobacter spp.(4%), and Serratia spp. (0.9%). The antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Staphylococcus aureus showed 33% were Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of gram negative bacilli showed high resistance to cephalosporins followed by carbapenems. Among gram negative bacilli, Klebsiella spp. showed 36% extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) production. Conclusions: This study determines the trends in antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of uropathogens. It is helpful in the formulation of local antibiotic policy for the hospital and assist clinicians in the rational choice of antibiotic therapy to prevent misuse or overuse of antibiotics so as to prevent emergence of multi drug resistant pathogens.
Change of Land Quality with the Introduction of the Biochar Combination and Cocoa Waste Compost
Authors: Yunus Musa Iinnaninengseh , A. Rosmana Rismaneswati
Published: September 2021

This study examines the introduction of a combination of cocoa husk biochar which has been a cocoa plantation waste combined with fermented cocoa leaf waste. This study was conducted in West Sulawesi. This study used a randomized block design using a factorial model where the first factor was the administration of cocoa husk biochar with 3 levels, namely without administration (B0), 6 kg plant biochar-1 (B1), 12 kg plant biochar-1(B2) while the second factor was application of fermented cocoa leaf waste (K) which consists of 3 levels, namely without giving cocoa leaf waste (K0), giving 6 kg plant-1 (K1), biochar 12 kg plant-1 (K2). The nine treatment combinations were repeated three times to obtain 27 plant samples. The analysed soil characteristics are calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) showed that the combination of cocoa rind Biochar and fermented cocoa leaf waste had an effect on increasing calcium (Ca) by 9.23. Magnesium 1.66 and for the element Potassium had no significant effect on the interaction of the combination of cocoa husk biochar and fermented cocoa leaf waste, but gave a very significant effect on the administration of biochar 12 kg plants-1.
Study of Biogas Production from Organic Waste through the Implementation of Biodigestors
Authors: Ponce Rochina Andrade Robayo Vicente Ronaldo , Chimbo Guano Mirian Hortencia , Carlos Jacome Geomayra Alexandra
Published: September 2021

Biogas is considered as a gaseous tributary of the anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial waste, a boiler, it can be burned in combustion engines to generate electricity and heat through cogeneration. Biodigesters responsible for producing energy with a content of 1 m3 of biogas (60% CH4 and 40% CO2) equivalent to 6 kWh / m3. It undergoes a purification its composition will depend not only on the technology used for the process but also on the treated substrate. Its methane composition varies between 50 and 70% and present between 30 and 40% CO2 and less than 5% hydrogen (H2) and other gases. The calorific value of biogas is associated with the composition of the methane it has. Biogas is a very versatile source of energy, it can be transformed into thermal energy through the use of process eliminating hydrogen sulfide and other contaminants from the membranes, it can be used as fuel, purifying and adding the necessary additives, it can be transformed into biomethane, a compound with characteristics very similar to natural gas. Biogas can be used as an electricity generator or as a heat producer if both sources of energy are generated, we speak of a cogeneration process, the electricity produced by generation can be injected into the electricity grid or consumed by the industry that generates the waste.
Biopolymers: Impact of Polymers that Replace Conventional Plastics, An Option for a Sustainable Future
Authors: J. E. Apugllon E. Andrango , P. J. Nazareno A. D Durán , Jácome Carlos
Published: September 2021

The work carried out focuses on the importance and characteristics of bioplastics, which is why the bibliographic sources consulted recall that the plastic manufactured from biopolymers has been increasing due to its practicality and in supporting the reduction of pollution of solid waste worldwide. Viable alternatives are currently being sought to replace packaging and coatings made from non-renewable raw materials, as these cause millions of tons of waste each year, damaging the environment. The production process of biodegradable plastics has a certain resemblance to the production of conventional plastics, it consists of a mixer of raw materials with additional components, for a subsequent blowing and sealing, passing through a quality control. One of the problems with conventional plastics is that they are manufactured from raw materials obtained from non-renewable resources, which each day becomes scarcer and therefore more expensive. Also the problem of persistence in the medium for very long times, which cause them to occupy space in sanitary landfills, which are causing problems in the country due to lack of space.
Invitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Salvadora persica (Meswak) Roots, Leaves and Stems Extracts
Authors: Falaknaaz Shaikh Dipeshkumar Patel
Published: September 2021

As microorganisms have developed the inherent ability to develop and adopt a mechanism of resistance against antibiotic. The harmful side effect of antibiotic including their cost of drug development have slowly shifted toward the plant derived phytochemical based medicines. Screening of antimicrobial property of medicinal plants S. persica gives a positive result against the different species of bacteria (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) and fungi (A.niger, Fusarium). Firstly, a study of phytochemicals shows that the important part to prevent and protect the plant against the microorganisms. Secondly, the importance of phytochemicals of S.perica provide the information about the compound which are responsible for the antimicrobial activity like alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids etc. Finally, an antioxidant activity involves in the prevention of plant cell tissue damage. Antioxidant activity is measured by DPPH. The total phenolics content of this plant was good and there for this, has high antimicrobial activity. The S.persica has many applications in mouth associated problems, useful to produce antiplaque, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antimycotic, cytotoxic, antifertility, deobstruent, carminative, diuretic, and also applicable in rheumatism.
GIS based Soil Nutrient Assessment of Available Macro and Micronutrients in Tommaladahalli Microwatershed of Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Anitha S. , Ganapathi K. T. Gurumurthy
Published: September 2021

An investigation was undertaken in Tommaladahalli (566.13 ha) micro-watershed of Tarikere taluk, Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka to assess available nutrient status in the surface soils. About 118 surface soil samples were collected grid wise by using cadastral map at 250 m grid interval and were analyzed for their fertility status using standard procedures. Soil fertility maps were prepared by means of interpolation method called Krigging. The results revealed that the pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon were ranged from 5.37 to 9.06, 0.065 to 0.466 dS m-1 and 0.33 to 1.62 per cent respectively. The available N, P2O5, K2O were ranged from 175.6 to 545.6 kg ha-1, 11.8 to 61.1 kg ha-1 and 122.7 to 491.4 kg ha-1, respectively. The available nitrogen and phosphorus were low to medium, where as potassium content was medium to high in the entire study area. Micronutrients viz. zinc, iron and boron were sufficient and were ranged from 0.34 to 1.17 mg kg-1, 2.03 to 21.86 mg kg-1 and 0.30 to 0.89 mg kg-1 respectively.
Animal Husbandry Mobile Apps in Transformation Livestock Farming
Authors: Debasis Ganguli Kakani Vijay Prakash , Chanchal Debnath Arunasis Goswami
Published: September 2021

Mobile apps are potential digital tools which can be effectively utilized to reach Animal Husbandry information to a large number of farmers within a short period of time. They can be used to enhance farm income and productivity through providing correct information, better input and farm management, easy marketing and linkage with government agency for policy support to farmer etc. However, there are challenges like low smart phone penetration rate in rural India, variable internet connectivity, low digital literacy among farmers, limited availability of agricultural information in local languages etc.
Evaluation of Yield Loss Assessment Caused due to Curvularia Leaf Spot (Curvularia lunata) in Maize
Authors: S. S. Sharma Tarun Kumar Jatwa , Irfan Khan Neeraj K. Meena , Indu Roop Singh
Published: September 2021

An experiment was conducted during Kahrif 2017 and Kharif 2018 at department of plant pathology, Rajasthan collage of Agriculture, Udaipur, Raj. to find out the average yield loss assessment caused due to Curvularia leaf spot of maize. During Kharif 2017 estimated average yield loss was 21.69% with 18.56 % PDI and 1032.33 kg/plot yield in protected plot similarly in Kharif 2018 yield loss was 22.49% and 992.73 kg /plot yield with 18.07% PDI. On average yield loss caused due to CLS in maize in both years was estimated 22.06%.
Chronic Toxicity Study of Aqueous Roots Extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria AFZEL on Haematological Parameters in Wistar Rats
Authors: Mama Koné Roland Patrick N Cho , N Guessan Jean Baptiste Oussou Moussa Gbogbo , Yapo Angoué Paul
Published: September 2021

Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. (Apocynaceae) is a plant used in traditional medicine in Côte d'Ivoire for the treatment of several conditions. This work aims to evaluate the effects of repeated oral administration of the aqueous roots extract Rauvolfia vomitoria AFZEL (AERv) on haematological parameters in Wistar rats. Thus, 100 healthy rats were divided into four groups (T, A, B, C) of 20 rats each. The sub groups Ts and Cs from the groups T and C included 10 rats (5 males and 5 females) were formed for a reversibility study. After 6 months (180 days) of the experiment, the sub groups rats Ts and Cs were no more treated with the extract till the 210th day (7 months), day of their sacrifice to verify the reversibility and/or delayed effects of AERv. The erythrocyte, platelet and leukocyte parameters were determined. Results showed that AERv caused a significant decrease in erythrocyte and thrombocyte parameters with the high dose (1000 mg/kg bw) while an increase in leukocyte parameters was noted in a dose-dependent manner. The aqueous extract of the barkless roots is not harmful at the therapeutic dose of 700 mg/kg bw on the haematological parameters. After stoping administration the effects were reversible.
Endoparasites in Cattle in Gedarif State, Sudan
Authors: G. A. Ahmed I. M. F. Mohamed , E. S. Siham A. M. Eman , Abdalla M. A.
Published: September 2021

A survey of helminth parasites of cattle was conducted in Gedarif State. The number of animals infected was 108 out of 160. Genera of nematode parasites recovered were as follows 28.7% from the total infected parasites, trematodes were 7.3%, cestodes were 1.9% and protozoan parasites were 62.0%. Common parasites infected, these animals were Oesphagestom urn spp, Chaabertia spp, Ascaris spp and Eimeria spp. A strategic deworming schedule be adopted prior to occurrence of infection to the host.
Effect of Different Packaging Materials on Some Vitamins and Minerals of the Pasteurized Camel Milk
Authors: Ayman Diaf Alla Ismail Alshikh Ahmed Elghali Mohamed Khalil , Mohamed Abdelsalam Abdalla Ahmed Eltigani Almansoori
Published: September 2021

In this study the level of Pasteurized camel milk vitamins and minerals, vitamin A (Retinyl Acetate), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Selenium were monitored, Phosphorus and Calcium for 30 days period started day 0, through day 7, day 14, day 21 and day 30, different types of packaging materials (I) (PET) Bottle, (ii) (PP) Cup,(iii) (PS) Cup,(iv) (LDPE) Bottle,(v) (LPET) Bottle,(vi (HDPE) Bottle,(vii) Aluminum Cans, (viii) Glass(Emerald Green) and (ix) Cartoon bottles (250 ml size) were dispensed with the Pasteurized camel milk (80 ˚C, 16 s) at Aseptic condition and storage temperature 5 ˚C, to find out best packaging materials to transport high value from this nutrient to the end consumers, Result shown there is significant differences within packaging materials responds of test results about (Vitamin A), So The best packaging materials on Vitamin A of pasteurized Camel Milk is: Carton, Aluminum Can, Glass bottle) Respectively, Vitamin C shown significant differences within packaging materials responds of test results, So the best packaging materials on Vitamin C is:(Aluminum Can, Carton, Glass bottle) Respectively. Minerals results shown that there were no significant differences within packaging materials responds of test results about (Selenium (Se)) because the sig = (0.997) more than 0.05 and 0.01. so we can say responds in group equally at all packaging materials, Calcium results shown that there were significant differences within packaging materials, So the best packaging materials for Calcium (Ca) is:(HDPE, PET, LDPE) Respectively. Phosphorus also shown significant differences within packaging materials because the sig = (0.000) Less than 0.05 and 0.01. so responds in group not equally at all packaging materials, the best packaging materials on Phosphorous (P) s:(LDPE, HDPE, PET) respectively.
Control of Papaya Rot Disease by Using Exophytic and Endophytic Fungi Which is Environmentally Friendly
Authors: Ni Nengah Darmiati I Made Sudarma , Suniti dan Ni Wayan
Published: September 2021

Papaya fruit disease has not been known with certainty the cause of the disease, and until now the appropriate control strategy has not been determined. The results of microscopic identification of rot disease in papaya fruit caused by the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The most exophytic fungi found in the study were Rhizopus sp. as many as 69 isolates, followed by Aspergillus niger as many as 6 isolates, only Actinomyces israelii only 6 isolates while the other Actinomycetes (Actinomadura cremea, Streptomeces sp., and Micromonospora sp.) each had one isolate. While the endophytic fungi were found Rhizopus sp. as many as 30 isolates, followed by A. niger with 18 isolates, and finally Agromyces ramosus (Actinomycetes) and Trichoderma sp, each with 3 isolates. The highest prevalence was obtained from the fungus Rhizopus sp. The diversity index and the dominance index on exophytic microbes were 2.45 and 0.4078, respectively. The index of diversity and dominance of endophytic microbes were 1.876 and 0.58, respectively. The results of the analysis of the inhibitory power of exophytic and endophytic microbes in vitro, it turns out that almost all have competitive inhibition as well as Trichoderma sp. which has a zone of inhibition means that it is antibiotic and also competitive. Most Actinomycetes have no inhibitory power against pathogens (L.theobromae). The results of the in vivo inhibition test showed that the highest and best inhibitory power was obtained from treatment E (Trichoderma sp.).
Design of a Dehydration Tower for the Obtaining of Alcohol Anhídro
Authors: Coba Raquel Flores Linda , Riofrío Luis Arellano Alberto , Hanníbal Brito
Published: September 2021

The design of a dehydration tower was carried out in order to obtain anhydrous ethyl alcohol of high degree of purity by adsorption with molecular sieves, for which, we proceeded to identify the process variables by laboratory tests varying the temperature and pressure in the feeding to the molecular sieve, with these data and the flow of feeding proceeded with the design of the dehydrator, determining the variables of the equipment (diameter, volume, internal bed, flow of feeding), as well as additional devices such as a preheater that works with a temperature of 120 ºC, which is essential to increase the enthalpy of the steam, and a condenser fed with water at a temperature of 25 ºC, which makes it possible to transform the anhydrous alcohol from vapor to liquid, having a yield of 86.6% and an efficiency of 92,9%, values that help to have an alcohol of 99,5% by weight in a time of 20 minutes.
The Students’ Perceptions towards the effects of EFL Teachers’ Classroom Assessment Technique on their Academic Achievements: The Case of Four Selected Secondary Schools in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Faltamo Faskal Faranso
Published: September 2021

Assessment is an integral part of measuring effectiveness of teaching and learning processes. It basically focused on measuring the students’ progress in what they learned. Current study examined the relation between the students’ perceptions towards EFL teachers Classroom Assessment methods and their academic achievements. To this end, descriptive research design with qualitative and quantitative methods of data collections was employed. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources via questionnaire, interview and observations. Target populations of current study were randomly selected 281students and purposely selected four teachers of secondary schools at Wolaita zone, Ethiopia. The data were analyzed using mixed methods of data analysis. Based on results obtained from qualitative and quantitative data, it was found out that the students’ perceptions towards teachers’ assessment was proportional to their achievement. Most dominantly, low achievers were not satisfied with their teachers’ methods of assessment as their students were low and the vice versa it true.
Assessing Classroom Management Experience of Local Language Teachers in Ligaba Primary School in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia: Focus on Wolaita Language
Authors: Ayele Eyob Kenta Markos Mathewos Alaro
Published: September 2021

The main aim of the study was to evaluate classroom management experience of local language teachers at Ligaba Primary school in Wolaita Zone of Ethiopia. The participants of the study were purposively selected six students from grade-5 and six teachers who were teaching that grade. Two tools were used to gather data: questionnaire and interview. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed to obtain the results. The study clearly disclosed that there were gaps regarding teachers' time management. They did not enter the class on time and this might lead students to disturb in the class. Moreover, the study genuinely indicated that teacher did not tell the students the rules and regulations of the class and this might also seriously hampers the classroom management of teachers. It also proved that sometimes teacher interrupts teaching and go out of the class to entertain any other individuals through phone or physically. Thus, it is possible to generalize that teachers' experience in classroom management is not effective due to lack of relevant knowledge on how to manage the classroom and due to various classroom factors. Hence, it is recommended that different classroom facilities should be fulfilled for teachers and students and appropriate training should be given for the teachers by stake holders like wereda education bureau on how to manage the classroom effectively.
An Application of Multilevel Mixture Item Response Theory Model
Authors: ŞEN Sedat , TOKER Türker
Published: September 2021

Although the mixture item response theory (IRT) models are useful for heterogeneous samples, they are not capable of handling a multilevel structure that is very common in education and causes dependency between hierarchies. Ignoring the hierarchical structure may yield less accurate results because of violation of the local independence assumption. This interdependency can be modeled straightforwardly in a multi-level framework. In this study, a large-scale data set, TEOG exam, was analyzed with a multilevel mixture IRT model to account for dependency and heterogeneity in the data set. Sixteen different multilevel models (different class solutions) were estimated using the eighth-grade mathematics data set. Model fit statistics for these 16 models suggested the CB1C4 model (one school-level and four student-level latent classes) was the best fit model. Based on CB1C4 model, the students were classified into four latent student groups and one latent school group. Parameter estimates obtained with maximum likelihood estimation were presented and interpreted. Several suggestions were made based on the results.
Comparison of Testlet Effect on Parameter Estimates Using Different Item Response Theory Models
Authors: YILMAZ KOĞAR Esin
Published: September 2021

In this study, the testlet effect was calculated for each testlet in the PISA 2018 reading literacy test, and it was examined whether this effect caused a difference in item and ability parameters. The data set was analyzed with a two-parameter logistic item response theory model and a two-parameter logistic testlet model. The results show that variances of testlet effects range from .100 to .432. When the item and ability parameter estimation results of the models were compared, it was determined that the item and ability parameters estimated from the two approaches were highly correlated with each other. It can be said that the item slope and item intercept parameters estimated from different models remained unaffected. However, when the local dependency assumption is not met, it was observed that the standard error values of the two-parameter model for the ability parameter were underestimated. The implications for the analysis and evaluation of the tests based on testlet are discussed. In conclusion, in this study, it was concluded that the testlet effect caused a difference in parameter estimates, but the local dependence among the items was negligible because of the small testlet effects.
TRANSMISSION OF SARS-CoV-2 CAN BE CONTROLLED BY ADOPTING STANDARD SAFETY PROCEDURES AND USING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE).
Authors:   Elmaghrabi, M. Marwa
Published: September 2021

A pneumonia or respiratory illness of unknown source was detected in China during the late 2019,[2] that was identified afterward as a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genomic material called SARS-CoV-2. World Health Organization (WHO) declared that as nCoV- 19 or COVID-19. The person to person transmission of the virus is rapid by close contact and droplets produced when infected patients talk, sneeze or cough. The virus may also be transferred by touching the contaminated surfaces followed by contacting the nose, mouth or eyes.
Experimental Studies of Liquid Holdup in the Impeller of Electric Submersible Pump
Authors: Goridko Kirill , Verbitsky Vladimir , Nikonov Evgeny , Nikolaev Max
Published: September 2021

Artificial lift of oil by electric submersible pumps (ESP) is often complicated by free gas in production. Free gas content in production leads to ESP performance degradation in rate and head. Gas slip in the ESP impeller is one of the reasons of ESP performance degradation. Thus, the goal of the work is to determine the gas slip coefficient i.e. liquid holdup in the ESP impeller.

It is known that a gas-liquid mixture (GLM) flow characterized by a slippage effect. Gas slippage relative to the liquid determines the GLM structure (bubble, dispersed-bubble, slug, stratified or annular), as well as the difference between the GLM densities calculated by liquid holdup or liquid volume content. Special stand was designed and created to determine the liquid holdup at the Department of Oil Fields Development and Operation of Gubkin University. Liquid holdup in the impeller of the ESP was measured by the method of cutting off the flow.

This paper shows the results of experimental studies of liquid holdup and gas slip velocity in the ESP impeller (ESP5-50) at a rotational speed n = 2997 rpm, at an absolute intake pressure Pin = 0.4 MPa. The dependence of the liquid holdup on liquid volume content (i.e. the dependence of the gas void fraction on gas volume fraction) was determined for the model GLM "water-air", "water-surfactant-air" with different foaming capacity. The degradation of the ESP characteristics, boundaries of surging and gas locking limits are determined taking into account liquid holdup. The dependence of gas holdup was experimentally obtained over the entire range of ESP operation (from 0.5∙Qopt to Qmax). A comparison of the obtained correlation with existing models is presented too.

A new correlation for predicting liquid holdup in the ESP impeller for the low-rate wells operation is obtained. A new approach to determining the liquid holdup and consequently gas slip velocity in the ESP impeller is proposed.
Deductive Models of Policy Implementation and their Impact on Policy Outcome: A Critical Assessment
Authors: Diori Hamidou Issaka
Published: September 2021

Deductive models of policy implementation emerged as a response to the inability of inductive approaches to provide nuanced theories of policy implementation and performance. They are said to be parsimonious and precise in studying complex social interactions. Hence, over the last decade or so, there has been ascending interest in the use of deductive approaches to get deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which policy implementation is more likely to succeed. However, giving the fact that numerous programs and policies continue to fail despite being replicated from the best deductive models, one is entitled to wonder: what is the true value of these models? And how effective are they in translating the intentions of policymakers into desired policy outcomes? The present contribution seeks to provide answers to these questions by first, discussing some hands-on deductive models of policy implementation and second, analyzing the potential of each model, their strengths, their weaknesses, and appropriate contexts for use. To reach these aims, the study utilized the Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT) to gauge the assumptions of each of the following models: the Rational, Management, Organizational Development, Political, and Bureaucratic Process. The results have shown that, although deductive models of policy implementation (or at least, the models here-in discussed) seem to offer tangible promises to deliver more accurate and nuanced explanations of policy action, they fall short to combine the three criteria of Motivation, Information, and Power, necessary for any candidate model of policy implementation to be deemed effective. The results have also shown that an integrated model, one that combines the strengths of all the above cited models, but none of their weaknesses, could be a credible offer of a successful theory of policy implementation.
Exploring Temporal Rainfall Variability and Trends Over a Tropical Region Using Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) and Observatory Data
Authors: David Raj Anu , R. Sooryamol K. , David Raj Aju
Published: September 2021

Kerala is the gateway of the Indian southwest monsoon. The Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) rainfall data is an efficient approach to rainfall measurement. This study explores the temporal variability in rainfall and trends over Kerala from 1998-2019 using TRMM data and observatory data procured from India Meteorological Department (IMD). Direct comparison with observatory data at various time scales proved the reliability of the TRMM data (monthly, seasonal and annual). The temporal rainfall converted by averaging the data on an annual, monthly and seasonal time scale, and the results have confirmed that the rainfall estimated based on satellite data is dependable. The station wise comparison of rainfall in monsoon season provides satisfactory results. However, estimation of rainfall in mountainous areas is challenging task using the TRMM. In the basins of humid tropical regions, TRMM data can be a valuable source of rainfall data for water resource management and monitoring with some vigilance. In Kerala, the study found an insignificant increase in the southwest monsoon and winter season rainfall during last two decades. The rainfall over Kerala showed uncertainty in the distribution of monthly, seasonal and yearly time scales. This study provides a preview of recent weather patterns that would enable us to make better decisions and improve public policy against climate change.
Investigation of the factor structure of the Turkish version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
Authors: TOMAK Leman , SARİ Mustafa , CAVUS Sule , BODUR GÜNEY Hatice Zehra
Published: September 2021

Aim: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch Analysis are commonly used methods to examine the structure of the psychological scales. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the factor structure Turkish version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory by using statistics based on the Rasch model and CFA.Methods: The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used for the analysis. Of the study group, 186 (46.5%) were male and 214 (53.5%) were female. Unidimensionality was investigated using a Rasch-based principal component analysis (PCA) of the residuals, chi-square tests, item fit statistics, and other statistics. CFA has also been applied to test the hypothesis of a one-factor solution.Results: The item-trait interaction chi-square statistic was 342.344 for the state scale (p<0.001) and 381.247 for the trait scale (p<0.001). For the state scale, 16.00% of the t-tests for the PCA weresignificant at the 5% level, while 19.50% were significant for the trait scale. The fit residuals of items 4, 8, and 18 on the state scale were over the +2.5 threshold, while the fit residuals of items 23, 24,and 34 on the trait scale were above the +2.5 threshold. Similarly, the scale structure evaluated by CFA was conditioned to be inadequate goodness-of-fit.Conclusion: This study found that neither the trait nor the state scale of the STAI met the unidimensionality assumption. Consequently, both the Rasch analysis and CFA have been verified as succeeding tools in assessing the scale sub-dimensions and determining whether the response items can be utilized for a total scale score.
OGRANICZENIE TRANSGRANICZNEGO PRZEMIESZCZANIA ODPADÓW – PERSPEKTYWA PRAWNOMIĘDZYNARODOWA W ODNIESIENIU DO POLSKIEGO PRAWODAWSTWA
Authors: Cichos Katarzyna
Published: September 2021

W ostatnich latach doszło do gruntownych przemian w zakresie globalnej praktyki kształtowania regulacji prawnych w obszarze transgranicznego przemieszczania odpadów i gospodarki odpadami (powstałe w wyniku przyjęcia regulacji zakazujących importu odpadów przez Chiny i inne państwa azjatyckie, jak również w kontekście Agendy na rzecz Celów Zrównoważonego Rozwoju z 25 września 2015 r. i koncepcji zrównoważonego rozwoju). Równocześnie w Polsce odnotowano między innymi gwałtowny wzrost liczby pożarów wysypisk śmieci, czy powstałych, nielegalnych składowisk odpadów. Artykuł podejmuje analizę sytuacji faktycznej i prawnej w Polsce oraz ocenę wprowadzonych w 2018 i 2019 r. zmian legislacyjnych w obszarze gospodarki odpadami w kontekście przemian globalnych. Analiza koncentruje się na okolicznościach, które bezpośrednio przyczyniły się do zmiany ustawodawstwa, jak również rozwiązaniach legislacyjnych będących próbą rozwiązania powstałych nieprawidłowości w zarządzaniu odpadami i podejmuje próbę odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy przyjęte rozwiązania okazały się skuteczne, zwłaszcza w kontekście globalnych przemian w zakresie gospodarowania odpadami i ich transgranicznego przepływu. Poprzez analizę stanu faktycznego i prawnego występującego w Polsce i na świecie, artykuł wskazuje obszary, które wymagają dalszych usprawnień i nowelizacji w celu zapewnienia większego bezpieczeństwa w zakresie gospodarowania odpadami w Polsce.
فرضيات رقابة القضاء الدس توري على التشريعات السلبية
Authors: Hama Zana Rauf
Published: September 2021

إذا كان إمتناع المشرع عن تنظيم موضوع معين يعد إنحرافاً عن الحدود التي كان يتعين أن يلتزمها المشرع في مباشرة سلطته ، فان المعالجة القضائية لهذا الانحراف  تقتضي بيان السياقات الدستورية التي يمكن الاستناد اليها في إجبار البرلمان على الإلتزام بممارسة إختصاصاته التشريعية بالطريقة المشار إليها في الدستور، و في الوقت نفسه يكفل للقاضي الدستوري إختصاصه في مراقبة حالات إمتناع المشرع عن سن التشريعات  الذي إذا ما تحقـق جـاز له إعلان وجود مخالفة دستورية . إن سكوت القضاء عن مراقبة التشريعات السلبية يعني أن هنـاك منطقـة فـي التشريع لا يراقبها القضاء ، وهو أمر لا يمكن القبول به حتى وإن جاءت نصوص بعض الوثائق الدستورية خالية من الاشارة اليها، فإنه ينبغي للقضاء التدخل لمراقبة دستورية التشريعات، إيجابية كانت أم سلبية.

من المعلوم أن رقابة القاضي الدستوري على الإختصاص الإيجابي للمشرع لا تثير أية إشكالية، باعتبار أن دور القاضي الدستوري ينصب أساساً على التحقق من مدى التزامه بقواعد توزيع الإختصاص كما حددها الدستور، ويقضي بعدم دستورية القوانين إذا ثبت له أن المشرع قد تجاوز حدود ولايته.  لكن تخلي المشرع وإمتناعه عن ممارسة إختصاصه التشريعي الذي منحه له الدستور هو الذي يثير الإشكالية ،الأمر الذي يطرح تساؤلاً  فيما إذا كان سكوت المشرع وسكونه عن مباشرة إختصاصه التشريعي يعتبر مخالفة لقواعد الدستور؟ أم أن المخالفة تشمل فقط الحالات التي ينظم فيها المشرع المسائل التي يختص بتنظيمها بصورة ناقصة أو تقتصر فقط على حالات عدم التزامه بحدود التفويض التشريعي،أو حالات الإحالة على السلطة التنفيذية لتوضيح وتكملة القوانين، و هذا ما سنحاول معالجته في سياق هذه الدراسة.
Dementia Caregiver Experiences and Recommendations for Using the Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention System at Home: Usability and Acceptability Study
Authors: Anderson Martha Smith , Bankole Azziza , Homdee Nutta , Mitchell Brook A , Byfield Grace E , Lach John
Published: September 2021

Background

Caregiver burden associated with dementia-related agitation is one of the most common reasons for a community-dwelling person living with dementia to transition to a care facility. The Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention (BESI) for the Dementia Caregiver Empowerment system uses sensing technology, smartwatches, tablets, and data analytics to detect and predict agitation in persons living with dementia and to provide just-in-time notifications and dyad-specific intervention recommendations to caregivers. The BESI system has shown that there is a valid relationship between dementia-related agitation and environmental factors and that caregivers prefer a home-based monitoring system.

Objective

The aim of this study is to obtain input from caregivers of persons living with dementia on the value, usability, and acceptability of the BESI system in the home setting and obtain their insights and recommendations for the next stage of system development.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative design with thematic analysis was used to analyze 10 semistructured interviews with caregivers. The interviews comprised 16 questions, with an 80% (128/160) response rate.

Results

Postdeployment caregiver feedback about the BESI system and the overall experience were generally positive. Caregivers acknowledged the acceptability of the system by noting the ease of use and saw the system as a fit for them. Functionality issues such as timeliness in agitation notification and simplicity in the selection of agitation descriptors on the tablet interface were identified, and caregivers indicated a desire for more word options to describe agitation behaviors. Agitation intervention suggestions were well received by the caregivers, and the resulting decrease in the number and severity of agitation events helped confirm that the BESI system has good value and acceptability. Thematic analysis suggested several subjective experiences and yielded the themes of usefulness and helpfulness.

Conclusions

This study determined preferences for assessing caregiver strain and burden, explored caregiver acceptance of the technology system (in-home sensors, actigraph or smart watch technology, and tablet devices), discerned caregiver insights on the burden and stress of caring for persons living with dementia experiencing agitation in dementia, and solicited caregiver input and recommendations for system changes. The themes of usefulness and helpfulness support the use of caregiver knowledge and experience to inform further development of the technology.
Changes in Self-Reported Web-Based Gambling Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Claesdotter-Knutsson Emma , Håkansson Anders
Published: September 2021

Background

The COVID‑19 pandemic has affected not only somatic health with over 3.7 million deaths worldwide, but also has had a huge impact on psychological health, creating what amounts to a mental health crisis. The negative effect of the pandemic on traditional addictions is well described and concerning, and the same has been seen for gambling.

Objective

This study explores self-reported web-based gambling behavior during the COVID‑19 pandemic in Sweden. We investigated overall changes, but also changes in specific web-based gambling types, and whether they are associated with certain risk factors or lifestyle changes.

Methods

Our study is based on an anonymous web-based survey of web panel participants in Sweden (N=1501) designed to study a range of behavioral changes during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Increases in gambling were analyzed using logistic regression models against sociodemographic data and psychological distress.

Results

The majority of the respondents who gambled reported no changes in their gambling habits during the COVID‑19 pandemic. We found significant associations with the problem gambling severity index (PGSI), the Kessler score (indicating psychological distress), employment status, changes in alcohol habits, and self-exclusion when looking at overall changes in gambling activity in the pandemic. In the subgroup that reported an increase in gambling activity, we found an association with both the PGSI and Kessler scores. The PGSI score was also an independent predictor for all specific web-based gambling (horses, sports, poker, and casino) whereas the Kessler score only had a significant impact on changes in casino gambling. In addition, male gender was an independent predictor for gambling on sports and casino gambling.

Conclusions

The majority of respondents who gambled reported no changes in their gambling activity during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The group that reported an increase in overall gambling activity during the COVID-19 pandemic represent a group with gambling problems and psychological distress. The group that reported increased sports and casino gambling were often male, and this group seemed to experience more psychological distress.
Acceptability, Engagement, and Exploratory Outcomes of an Emotional Well-being App: Mixed Methods Preliminary Evaluation and Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Eisenstadt Amelia , Liverpool Shaun , Metaxa Athina-Marina , Ciuvat Roberta Maria , Carlsson Courtney
Published: September 2021

Background

There is growing evidence suggesting that the emotional well-being of the public has been negatively affected in the past year. Consequently, demand for well-being support has increased. Although there is substantial empirical support for mental health apps that target diagnosed conditions, there is less research on emotional well-being apps. Among existing well-being apps, few studies have been conducted on apps that are based on lived experience and those that seek to enhance users’ understanding of their emotional patterns. Thus, the acceptability of these novel apps requires further evaluation before upscaling.

Objective

This evaluation aims to describe the acceptability, engagement, and preliminary outcomes of using an app (Paradym) designed to promote emotional well-being and positive mental health.

Methods

This is a pre-post, mixed-methods, single-arm evaluation that is aggregated with digital analytics data. We anonymously collected real-world data on the demographics and well-being of the participants as well as the usability and acceptance of the app using validated questionnaires and open-ended questions. Participants tested the app for a minimum of 2 weeks before completing the follow-up measures. Google Analytics was used to record the level of app engagement. Chi-square and 2-tailed t tests were conducted to analyze quantitative data, and a thematic analysis approach was adopted for qualitative data.

Results

A total of 115 participants completed baseline questionnaires, of which 79.1% (91/115) users downloaded the app. The sample was diverse in terms of ethnicity, including 43.4% (50/115) people who self-identified as belonging to minority ethnic groups. Most of the participants were female (78/115, 67.8%) and between the ages of 18 and 25 years (39/115, 33.9%). A total of 34 app users who completed questionnaires at baseline and follow-up provided valuable feedback to inform the future directions of Paradym. Favorable themes emerged describing the app’s content, functionality, and underlying principles. Although usability feedback varied across items, a considerable number of participants (22/34, 64%) found that the app was easy to use. Google Analytics revealed that at least 79% (27/34) of people used the app daily. On the basis of preliminary observations, app users experience increased mental well-being. Post hoc analyses indicated that the reduction in depression scores (t33=−2.16) and the increase in the well-being measures (t33=2.87) were statistically significant. No adverse events were reported during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The findings of this evaluation are encouraging and document positive preliminary evidence for the Paradym app.
Nursing Perspectives on the Impacts of COVID-19: Social Media Content Analysis
Authors: Koren Ainat , Alam Mohammad Arif Ul , Koneru Sravani , DeVito Alexa , Abdallah Lisa , Liu Benyuan
Published: September 2021

Background

Nurses are at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, nurses have faced an elevated risk of exposure and have experienced the hazards related to a novel virus. While being heralded as lifesaving heroes on the front lines of the pandemic, nurses have experienced more physical, mental, and psychosocial problems as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak. Social media discussions by nursing professionals participating in publicly formed Facebook groups constitute a valuable resource that offers longitudinal insights.

Objective

This study aimed to explore how COVID-19 impacted nurses through capturing public sentiments expressed by nurses on a social media discussion platform and how these sentiments changed over time.

Methods

We collected over 110,993 Facebook discussion posts and comments in an open COVID-19 group for nurses from March 2020 until the end of November 2020. Scraping of deidentified offline HTML tags on social media posts and comments was performed. Using subject-matter expert opinions and social media analytics (ie, topic modeling, information retrieval, and sentiment analysis), we performed a human-in-a-loop analysis of nursing professionals’ key perspectives to identify trends of the COVID-19 impact among at-risk nursing communities. We further investigated the key insights of the trends of the nursing professionals’ perspectives by detecting temporal changes of comments related to emotional effects, feelings of frustration, impacts of isolation, shortage of safety equipment, and frequency of safety equipment uses. Anonymous quotes were highlighted to add context to the data.

Results

We determined that COVID-19 impacted nurses’ physical, mental, and psychosocial health as expressed in the form of emotional distress, anger, anxiety, frustration, loneliness, and isolation. Major topics discussed by nurses were related to work during a pandemic, misinformation spread by the media, improper personal protective equipment (PPE), PPE side effects, the effects of testing positive for COVID-19, and lost days of work related to illness.

Conclusions

Public Facebook nursing groups are venues for nurses to express their experiences, opinions, and concerns and can offer researchers an important insight into understanding the COVID-19 impact on health care workers.
Politeness in Parliamentary Discourse: An Analysis of the Hansard of the Parliament of Ghana
Authors: Akuka Benedict S. , Hammond Christiana , Wornyo Albert A.
Published: September 2021

This study investigates politeness in parliamentary discourse in Ghana. Using politeness theory as framework and the parliamentary Hansard as source of data, the study examines the politeness strategies employed by parliamentary actors, the implications of the frequency of the usage of the politeness strategies, and how the Standing Orders of Parliament determine the choice of a politeness strategy. Findings of the study show that political actors in the Parliament of Ghana use the bald on-record, the positive, the negative and the off-record politeness strategies in varied proportions. The study further reveals that the negative politeness strategy is the most frequently used politeness strategy with the Speaker being the highest user of the negative and the bald on-record politeness strategies. Again, the study found out that the off-record politeness strategy is the least used strategy. The Majority Members in Parliament use the highest frequency of the positive politeness strategies while the Minority Members of Parliament employ more negative politeness strategies. The study concludes that parliamentary discourse in Ghana employs more of the direct explicit polite expressions than the indirect implicit expressions of politeness. The study recommends that researchers should pay critical attention to the politeness phenomenon in parliamentary discourse.
BDB: Branding and Developing Business Algorithm Via Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Authors: M Narayanamoorthi
Published: September 2021

Abstract: In today’s era there are speed economic developments, the corporate Social responsibility has become the main focus. In corporate world marketing through advertisement and Corporate Social Responsibility has become a major factor. Generally, the corporate gains profit via marketing, advertisements, QoS and corporate Social responsibility (CSR). There are more possibilities of raise in corporate share market when they collaborate with government social responsibility. The paper investigates a novel algorithm named as “Branding and developing business (BDB) algorithm via CSR. The proposed system handles both the economy of Government and Corporate mutually. The corporate profit chances tax Benefits and share rate increase are checked continuously. Moreover, when the government subsidizes the corporate and the retailer simultaneously, only the retailer's profit increases in the corporate CSR effort. Further in this paper, the profit perspectives of corporate and Government through CSR are also proposed. Keywords: corporate social responsibility (CSR), BDB, Government, Share Market.