bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of Foot-Strike Assessment Using Wearable Sensors During Running
Authors: DeJong Alexandra F. , Hertel Jay
Published: October 2020

Wearable sensors are capable of capturing foot-strike positioning, which lends insight into landing biomechanics during running. The purpose of our study was to assess the relationship between foot-strike categorization and foot-strike angle during running to validate the sensor-derived foot-strike outcome. Twenty collegiate cross-country athletes (12 females, 8 males) ran at 2 speeds on an instrumented treadmill. RunScribe sensors were used to determine foot-strike categorizations (1–5 = rearfoot, 6–10 = midfoot, 11–16 = forefoot), and foot-strike angles were simultaneously assessed with 3-dimensional motion capture bilaterally. We calculated Pearson r correlation coefficients to compare foot-strike categorizations and angles at initial contact over 800 steps as well as sensor foot-strike identification accuracy. A strong, inverse correlation between foot-strike categorizations and foot-strike angles was present (r = −0.86, P < .001). Overall, the sensors demonstrated 78% accuracy (rearfoot = 72.5%, midfoot = 55.3%, forefoot = 95.4%). These results support the concurrent validity of the sensor-derived foot-strike measures.
The virtually generating graph of a profinite group
Authors: Lucchini Andrea
Published: October 2020

We consider the graph

$\Gamma _{\text {virt}}(G)$
whose vertices are the elements of a finitely generated profinite group G and where two vertices x and y are adjacent if and only if they topologically generate an open subgroup of G. We investigate the connectivity of the graph

$\Delta _{\text {virt}}(G)$
obtained from

$\Gamma _{\text {virt}}(G)$
by removing its isolated vertices. In particular, we prove that for every positive integer t, there exists a finitely generated prosoluble group G with the property that

$\Delta _{\operatorname {\mathrm {virt}}}(G)$
has precisely t connected components. Moreover, we study the graph

$\widetilde \Gamma _{\operatorname {\mathrm {virt}}}(G)$
, whose vertices are again the elements of G and where two vertices are adjacent if and only if there exists a minimal generating set of G containing them. In this case, we prove that the subgraph

$\widetilde \Delta _{\operatorname {\mathrm {virt}}}(G)$
obtained removing the isolated vertices is connected and has diameter at most 3.
An Online Study of Suicidality and its Determinants among Nigerian Young Adults Resident in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Opakunle T. , Aloba O. , Adebisi M.
Published: October 2020

Objective: The outbreak of coronavirus pandemic has affected millions of people globally. This has subsequently triggered diverse mental health  challenges. This study examined the prevalence as well as the determinants of suicidality among Nigerian young adults resident in China.Method: This is an online-based cross-sectional survey involving 364 Nigerian young adults in China. Sociodemographic and suicidality related  variables were collected. The respondents also completed the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and the 5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scales.Results: The prevalence rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt as a result of the pandemic were 8.2% and 2.5% respectively. A total of 188(51.6%) respondents had anxiety. Suicidality was associated with anxiety and psychological distress.Conclusion: Suicidality is relatively common among the Nigerian young adult population in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health interventions in terms of screening for suicidality and its determinants may need to be developed for Nigerian young adults in China during this pandemic.

Keywords: Suicidality, Suicidal ideation, Suicide attempt, Covid-19 pandemic, Nigerian adults
THE INSECTS OF PUERTO RICO - HYMENOPTERA - TENTHREDINOIDEA: Tenthredinidae: Sawflies
Authors: Wolcott George N.
Published: October 2020

Resumen en inglés
FIELD RESPONSE OF RED-SPANISH PINEAPPLES TO NITROGEN, CALCIUM, IRON AND SOIL pH
Authors: Pennock William
Published: October 2020

Resumen en inglés.
Título en español.
Authors: J. Vélez Fortuño
Published: October 2020

Resumen en español.
Título en español.
Authors: M. A. Lugo López
Published: October 2020

Mediante ecuaciones de regresión, basadas en el coeficiente de higroscopicidad, se puede predecir con bastante exactitud el punto de marchitez permanente en suelos de diversas regiones de Puerto Rico. El contenido de arcilla de los suelos de regiones húmedas puede también servir como base para hacer predicciones bastante aceptables de dicha constante. Las tentativas para establecer predicciones, a base del equivalente de humedad y del contenido de materia orgánica, no dieron resultados tan satisfactorios. La determinación de la humedad en muestras sometidas a una presión de 15 atmósferas en cámaras especiales, da una idea bastante exacta del punto de marchitez permanente. La determinación toma poco tiempo, pero el costo inicial del equipo de laboratorio necesario es alto. Siempre que sea posible, se debe preferir este método para aproximar los valores del punto de marchitez permanente. Se presenta una ecuación de regresión relacionando los valores obtenidos en dichas cámaras con los obtenidos por el método biológico. Se recomienda aprovecharse de la relación entre el coeficiente de higroscopicidad y el punto de marchitez permanente, siempre que no precise mucha exactitud y cuando el tiempo no sea un factor limitante.
Título en español.
Authors: M. A. Lugo López
Published: October 2020

El agua aprovechable de los suelos es la que se encuentra retenida entre la capacidad de campo y el punto de marchitez permanente. Las técnicas para determinar estas dos constantes son muy inconvenientes. Aunque se presentan datos que demuestran la relación entre los valores del equivalente de humedad y la capacidad de campo de algunos suelos de las regiones áridas y semiáridas de Puerto Rico, no se pudo obtener una regresión válida. La regresión entre el punto de marchitez permanente y el contenido de humedad en las muestras de suelo sometidas a una presión de 15-atmósferas se puede expresar por medio de la ecuación: Y = 2.37 + 0.76 X, donde Y representa el punto de marchitez permanente y X el porciento de humedad restante en las muestras sometidas a una presión de 15-atmósferas. Se presentan aquí datos sobre la capacidad de retención del los agua aprovechable de los suelos de las zonas áridas y semiáridas de Puerto Rico. La mayoría de los suelos tienen una capacidad adecuada que fluctúa entre 18 y 25 porciento, excepto en las arenas donde es menor. Dicha capacidad es casi idétnica en los suelos pesados, tales como arcillas y arcillas lómicas y en los suelos livianos, tales como los lómico arenosos y las arcillas arenoso lómicas.
Título en español.
Authors: J. A. Bonnet  , A. R. Riera  , J. Roldán
Published: October 2020

Se estudiaron los efectos de la adición de cal y fósforo a un suelo ácido de Puerto Rico, en lo que concierne a los rendimientos y contenido de minerales de las yerbas Guinea y Merker, de la combinación de éstas y la Pará-Caribe, desarrolladas en asociación con la leguminosa Kudzú tropical, como también el Kudzú solo.
THE RESPONSE OF SUGARCANE IN PUERTO RICO TO VARIOUS NITROGEN SOURCES
Authors: Samuels George , Landrau, Jr. Pablo , Capó Bernando G.
Published: October 2020

1. A survey of the literature of earlier fertilizer trials in Puerto Rico in which the efficiency of ammonium sulfate, sodium nitrate, tankage, and calcium cyanamide were compared revealed that there was no significant difference in the yield response of sugarcane to these nitrogen carriers. 2. Experiments were conducted in which ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate were compared as nitrogen sources for sugarcane. The results at Río Piedras and Guánica showed no significant differences in yield of cane or sugar regardless of which was used. At Isabela there was a better response to ammonium sulfate than to ammonium nitrate in the first ratoon, but it was significant only at the 5-percent point. 3. Uramon and cyanamide when tested along with the ammonium sulfate and nitrate experiments at Río Piedras and Isabela, produced no significant responses as compared with the other nitrogen sources. At Río Piedras liquid ammonium nitrate produced the lowest yield of any nitrogen source used. 4. Ammonium sulfate is the chief nitrogen source used in Puerto Rico. Its use is chiefly dictated by economic and manufacturing conditions. Ammonium nitrate, which is cheaper per unit of nitrogen, cannot be used at present because of extremely high transportation costs based on its explosiveness. 5. A discussion of the agro-economic aspect of nitrogen sources is presented.
THE BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF FILTER PRESS CAKE ON PINEAPPLE GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND PRODUCTION I. EFFECT ON THE PLANT CROP
Authors: Hernández-Medina Ernesto
Published: October 2020

This paper reports the results obtained in studies carried out to establish the relationship between iron and manganese imbalance in the soil and remedial treatments on pineapple growth, development, and production. In addition to lime carbonate, organic matter in the form of filter press cake was also tested as a soil remedial treatment.
EFFECT OF BIG DATA ON THE QUALITY OF AUDIT REPORTS IN ANAMBRA STATE
Authors: Nwadialor E.O , Obi Nwadi
Published: October 2020

This research work is on the effect of big data on the quality of audit reports in Anambra State. The following three specific objectives were considered; to determine the effect of volume of data collected on the sufficiency of the audit reports in Anambra State, secondly, to evaluate the effect of frequency of data collected on the timeliness of audit reports in Anambra State, thirdly, to ascertain the effect of value of data collected on the verifiability of the audit reports in Anambra State. Survey research design, descriptive statistics and correlation matrix were employed alongside the pooled Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression in analyzing the data and testing of hypotheses. The findings of the study from the three models tested were that; Volume of Data Collection (VDC) has a positive effect on the sufficiency, timeliness and verifiability of audit reports but had positive insignificant effect on the sufficiency of audit reports. Secondly, Frequency of Data Collection (FDC) has a positive significant effect on the sufficiency, timeliness and verifiability of audit reports and finally, Value of Data Collection (VALDC) has negative significant effect on the verifiability but have a positive insignificant effect on the sufficiency and timeliness of audit reports in Anambra State. The researcher recommends that: Auditor-General’s Offices and Auditing firms that wish to improve on the quality of their audit report through the use of big data collection, measured as Volume of Data Collected(VDC) and Frequency of Data Collection (FDC) in Anambra State should adopt sufficiency, timeliness and verifiability of audit reports as they have positive and significant influence on audit reports and may choose to ignore sufficiency of audit reports as though it has a positive effect but the effect is not statistically significant. Finally, for those that want to improve on the quality of their audit reports through the use of big data measured as Value of Data Collection (VALDC) in Anambra State, they may choose to ignore the use of sufficiency and verifiability of audit report as they were found to have a positive influence but this influence was statistically insignificant but should concentrate more on ensuring that they maintain good timeliness of audit reports as it has a negative significant effect on the quality of audit reports.
الإمام ابن الأثير وكتابه النهاية في غريب الحديث والأثر "دراسة وصفية“
Authors: Obalowu Issah Abeebllahi , Zakariyah Habeebullah
Published: October 2020

يُعدّ الإمام مجد الدين ابن الأثير إماما من أئمّة التفسير والحديث والفقه والأصول واللغة وغيرها من العلوم. وكتابه النهاية في غريب الحديث والأثر من أهم وأشمل المؤلفات في الغريب، وأهمية هذا الكتاب تكمُن في موضوعه الذي هو شرح غريب ألفاظ السنة النبوية، من حيث إنها -السنة- مصدر الثاني في التشريع الإسلامي بعد كلام الله تعالى، ومبيِّنة لمراد الله تعالي من آياته القرآنية، بل هى مصدر مستقلّ فى تشريع بعض الأحكام، وكما أنّه لا يمكن استنباط هذه الأحكام الشرعية من كنوز السنة النبوية إلا إذا فُهمتْ معانيها فهما دقيقا. وقد ورد في السنن بعض الألفاظ اللغوية والكلمات الغريبة التى لا يَعرف معانيها إلا من عُني بها وحافظ عليها واستخرجها من مظانّها، ومن أعظم دليل على ذلك أنّ الصحابة رضوان الله عليهم مع سليقتهم العربية وفصاحتهم المثالية كانوا يراجعون النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في معاني بعض الألفاظ الحديثيّة. وما أحوجَنا نحن إلى هذه المعرفة فى عصرنا الحاضر الّذى قلّ فيه من يهتم بلغة القرآن، وضعفتْ فيه الملكة اللغوية. فهذا البحث محاولة متواضعة في التعريف بهذا العالم الجليل وكتابه القيم في هذا الباب “النهاية في غريب الحديث والأثر”، وذلك بدراسة هذا الكتاب من بداية حرف الواو مع الهمزة إلى آخر الواو مع الزاي “تخريجا وودراسة للأسانيد”.
On Being a Female Entrepreneur in the Arts: Comparative Experiences
Authors: Annett-Hitchcock Katherine
Published: October 2020

This essay explores some of the issues facing female arts entrepreneurs by establishing findings from research data and comparing these findings with the experiences of two established international women artists from the culinary world and contemporary music, respectively. Themes such as revenue inequality, struggles by women to find and maintain venture capital and the dilemma of how to label women in the arts are joined by emerging conversations about the role of art in business, the importance of giving and receiving support, the dilemma of balancing family life, especially with partners who are also artistically engaged, and the role of motherhood. Implications and recommendations for further discussions in arts entrepreneurship education are provided as channels for change.
Legal Protection of Land Control of Baduy Indigenous People and Sedulur Sikep
Authors: Utomo Laksanto , APHA Journal Manager
Published: October 2020

Applicability of UUPA, a step forward in the land law, but with the foundation of land tenure and the former western lands that are not owned by an individual into a state land "directly controlled by the State to the maximum benefit of the people", it becomes a big problem, what is it? Proof of ownership of land should be formal and based on the written evidence proved village government (Lurah), how to indigenous peoples who are not familiar with reading and writing, they are farmers working in the tradition to the next. In the Local Rules Samin people not give legal protection to ownership. Meanwhile the Lebak’s District Government issued Decree’s No. 32, 2001 About Protection of Land Rights Baduy society, to guarantee the continuity of the Baduy. This local regulation should be used as an example for legal protection against indigenous peoples.
Hak Masyarakat Adat Dalam Pengelolaan Sumber Daya Alam
Authors: Rahayu Mella Ismelina Farma , Susanto Anthon F , Muliya Liya Sukma
Published: October 2020

Sejak manusia membentuk masyarakat maka terdapatlah hubungan antara masyarakat dengan sumber daya alamnya. Di Indonesia, hubungan antara masyarakat adat dengan sumber daya alam dimulai dari adanya hubungan antara masyarakat dengan tanah bersama. Munculnya perdebatan atau bahkan adanya ketegangan-ketegangan baik dalam ranah akademik maupun dalam pola relasi antara masyarakat dengan Negara yang selalu tak dapat dielakan adalah ketika membicarakan tentang hak-hak masyarakat adat dalam pengelolaan sumber daya alam. Hal ini terjadi karena beberapa hal misalnya menyangkut tentang asset yang kemudian berimplikasi secara ekonomi.Demikianpun juga ketegangan ini muncul karena seringkali posisi Negara secara serta merta mengambil alih pengelolaan sumber daya alam dengan dalil untuk kesejahteraan masyarakat tanpa diikuti dengan adanya relasi sosial dan hukum yang berprisip kepada saling menguntungkan dan jarang sekali memperhartikan aspek kearifan lokal yang hidup ditengah-tengah masyarakat. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode pendekatan yuridis normatif dan metode penilitian ini bersifat diskriptif analisis. Hak masyarakat adat Ciomas dalam pengelolaan sumber daya alam yaitu diterapkan dalam hal daerah yang disebut dengan Leuweung Larangan,Leuweung Tutupan,Kawasan Baladahan.

Since humans form a society there is a relationship berween society an human resources. In Indonesia the relationship between indigenous peoples with natural resourses ranging from the relationship between society the community, the land together. The emergence of debate or ever the existence of tensions both in the academic domain and in the pattern of relations between communities and countries that can always be avoided is whe discussing talking avout the rights of indigenous peoples in the managing of natural resourses.This happens because of some things, for example, about assets that then have economic implications, as well as this tensions arise because often state positions instantly take over the management of natural resources under the pretext for the welfare of the community without the presence of a principled social and legal relationship to mutual benefit and rarely pay attention to the aspect of local wisdom living in the community. This research is done by using normative juridical approach and this research method is descriptive analysis. The rights of indigenous community of ciomas in the framework of the management of natural resources are applied in terms of areas called forhouses of forests, cover forest, bald area.
Design and Implementation of a Web Based Health Information System
Authors: Torkudzor Moses Kwasi , Agbemabiese Patrick Atsu , Amponsah Wellington
Published: October 2020

Health Information System aims at improving and enhancing the delivery of quality, data availability and administrative effectiveness of people’s health. Medical record has come under severe threat as a result of the manual system of medical record keeping in spite of its important functions. This system of record-keeping involves taking down patient data on pieces of paper, which are put into files and kept in cabinets. In fact, this is an improper means of documentation resulting in loss and mismatch of patient data, and time wastage. It is alsocumbersome, bulky and consumes a lot of the office space. In this paper, a complete web-based health information system is designed to solve these problems so as to enable users handle details on policies efficiently and effectively. A test of the system over various network topologies reveals that time taken to move a packet and received acknowledgment for standalone, LAN, WAN and Intranet is 3ms, 4ms, 8ms and 10ms respectively. These short periods of time show faster and efficient delivery of health activities. The Web Based HealthInformation System thus provides significant benefit to institutions as it can capture data and store it in the developed database for future use.

Citation: Kwasi, T. M., Patrick, A.A, Amponsah Wellington, A. Design and Implementation of a Web-BasedHealth Information System, 2020; 5(3): 1－11.

Received: August 4, 2019Accepted: September 30, 2020
PENGARUH CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO, LOAN TO DEPOSIT RATIO DAN BIAYA OPERASIONAL PENDAPATAN OPERASIONAL TERHADAP RETURN ON ASSEST PADA BANK PEMBANGUNAN DAERAH DI INDONESIA
Authors: Khadafi Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhiReturn On Assets (ROA) pada Bank Pembangunan Daerah di Indonesia. Adapun faktor-faktor yangditinjau pada penelitian ini adalah Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR),Biaya Operasional Pendapatan Operasional (BOPO). Data yang digunakan pada penelitian iniadalah data sekunder dari website Otoritas Jasa Keuangan. Adapun sampel penelitian ini diambildengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dan diperoleh 9 perbankan sebagai sampelpenelitian.Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitianmenunjukan CAR dan BOPO berpengaruh signifikan positif terhadap ROA sedangkan LDR tidakberpengaruh terhadap ROA.Implikasi dari penelitian ini menyatakan bahwa CAR meningkat, makasemakin tinggi ROA.
ESTMAITION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE GROUNDWATER OF SELECTED AREAS FROM AL-DHALIA DISTRICT, AL-DHALIA GOV., YEMEN
Authors: Saleh Shaif Mohamed Kasem , Taher Mohamed Muthana , Saif Bassem O. Ali
Published: October 2020

In this research, the level of heavy metals Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) in groundwater in selected areas in the region of Al-Dhalia district, Al-Dhalia Governorate, Yemen.  Sixteen groundwater samples were collected from the study area included 9 artesian wells samples and 7 of hand-dug wells, and analyzed for the presence of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of the analysis showed that the concentrations of Pb, Mn and Cu in most of the studied samples have exceeded the Yemeni and WHO standards for drinking water, while the concentrations of Fe, Cd, Cr and Zn in most of the studied samples were low and fall within the optimum specifications for local and WHO drinking water.
Diagnostic accuracy of cannabinoid testing by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in human hair
Authors: Younas Alveena , Muhammad Asif Nawaz  , Ayesha Hafeez  , Aamir Ijaz  , Muhammad Aamir  , Saima Shakil Malik  , Naveed Asif  , Abdul Manan
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Cannabinoids testing by LC-MS/MS in human hair and compare it with urine in civil heavy vehicle drivers.

Materials and Methods: Current study was a diagnostic accuracy study done in “Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi, Pakistan” from February to November 2017. Urine and hair samples were collected by non-probability convenient sampling technique from 151 heavy vehicle drivers from Punjab. Hair and urine samples were collected from each subject. Separation of compounds was performed on Agilent Poroshell and analyzed using 6460 Triple Quadrapole LC-MS along-with software Mass hunter ©.

Results: Study population (151 civil heavy vehicle drivers) was divided into three main divisions There were 69 (46%) truck drivers,43 (28.5%) twenty-wheeler drivers and 39 (26%) bus drivers. Mean age of study participants was 36±10.82 years. Paired t-test was applied to check mean difference between the two tests’ concentration (i.e urine and hair analysis for cannabis) which showed significant difference at p<0.001. Among the different factors of diagnostic accuracy in hair and urine specimens were: Sensitivity (96% and 62%), Specificity (93% and 95%) Positive Predictive Value (88% and 87%), Negative Predictive Value (97% and 82%) respectively. Overall diagnostic accuracy of Cannabinoids detection in hair was 94% while in urine it was 83%. ROC curve showed area under curve of 0.79 and 0.96 for urine and hair samples respectively.

Continuous...
Potential risk factors related to academic failure in a medical college, a comparative approach
Authors: Noor Faiza Kiran , Danish Hassan Khan  , Haider Ghazanfar
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objective: To compare risk factors related to medical students’ failure based on gender, year of study and living away from home.

Methods: The cross-sectional, non-interventional, comparative study was conducted at a private medical college of Islamabad, Pakistan from 2015 to 2017, and comprised students who had even once scored <50% marks in their professional examinations. Data was collected using a questionnaire that was scored on a five-point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23.

Results: Of the 115 students, 62(52%) were day scholars compared to 55(48%) hostellers; 64(56%) were females compared to 51(44%) males; and 50(43%) belonged to the second year. Overall, differences in terms of gender, year of study and living away from home were not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Risk factors for poor academic performance were found to be common among all students.

Key Words: Risk factors, Academic failure, College, Medical students, Medical sciences student, Living conditions, Gender differences, Perceptions.

Continuous...
Premenstrual symptoms as predictor of quality of life in reproductive-aged women of Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir: A cross sectional study
Authors: Asia Mushtaq  , Shamsa Arif  , Fazaila Sabih
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objective: To determine the predictive role of premenstrual symptoms in reproductive-aged women’s quality of life.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir, from September 2017 to January 2018, and comprised married women aged 20-45 years. Urdu versions of Greene Climacteric Symptoms Scale and World Health Prganisation Quality of Life scale were used. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

Results: Of the 300 women with a mean age of 32.59±7.12 years, 245(81.7%) had a regular menstrual cycle. There was significant negative relationship between premenstrual symptoms and all domains of quality of life (p<0.05). Somatic symptoms were predominantly affecting the quality of life in more negative manners compared to other symptoms (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Premenstrual symptoms disturb the daily activities of reproductive-aged women and adversely affect their educational, occupational and psychosocial functioning.

Key Words: Premenstrual symptoms, Quality of life, Reproductive-aged women.

Continuous...
The African herbal plants research and development amid COVID-19
Authors: Thema Force Tefo
Published: October 2020

In the past eight years our research was primarily focused on green nano chemistry, biomimicry, nanomaterials and bio-conjugation/natural compounds. We were specifically using bottom to up approach techniques because it was untoxic. The fabrication and synthesis of nanomaterials via the green path (plant extract, bacteria, fungus) was an ideal strategy as much emphasis was on the biological compatibility and environment friendliness of the nanoparticles. Secondly, more attention was on time frames and financial considerations of other physical and chemical techniques that were expensive and toxic to employ.
MITIGATING CONTRACTOR PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Authors: Outridge Derek , Patel Roshan
Published: October 2020

The construction industry of Trinidad and Tobago has been, for decades, a direct indicator of national development and contributor to economic growth. The associated problems of the industry as experienced by contractors negatively impacts project performance and success. This study identified the most common problems experienced by contractors and assessed these to determine their level of significance and importance to projects. Employing a survey questionnaire and analytical methods using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), 43 problems were identified, classified into seven (7) factor groups: Financial, Managerial, Environmental, Labour Based, Resource Based Owner Based and Project Based that were ranked on their level of significance and importance. The top ten (10) problems were found to be delay of payments, design, scope and material changes, working in high risk areas, lack of feasibility and brief, corruption, lack of contractor’s experience, bureaucracy, geological problems, contractor’s finances and cash flow. These problems represent the Financial, Managerial, Environmental, Project Based and Owner Based factor groups with financial factors being the highest rated group of adverse effect and significance. Highlighting the findings of this study, the preferred solution to mitigate against the adverse impact indicative of the construction problems experienced were presented. These solutions can be implemented to reduce the adverse effects on projects, promoting sustainable construction practices in the construction industry of Trinidad & Tobago.
ALTERNATIVE FOUNDATION DESIGN FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING UNITS
Authors: Thomas Omar , Henry Georgeann , Bishop Kordel , Francis Kymani , Binns Ajene
Published: October 2020

The Food for the Poor provides hundreds of thousands of temporary housing in the Americas and the Caribbean for persons in need of a shelter. These temporary houses provide a space in which many persons can live. Although these spaces are meant to be temporary, in many cases due to the lack of financial wherewithal, these temporary houses serve as a medium to long-term housing for those who receive them. The topographical and geotechnical environment in which these houses are built not only vary across the Americas and the Caribbean but varies within a single country. This study analyses the current foundation designs used by Food for the Poor in the country of Jamaica, taking into consideration Jamaica’s unique hilly terrain and geotechnical environment. The study makes recommendations for the use of alternative foundation designs that are still economical for construction and are better when considering the life cycle cost of these structures. The use of bamboo as a reinforcement in concrete for the foundation design is also analysed and compared against the traditional reinforced concrete and mass concrete designs. The results demonstrate that when bamboo is used as a reinforcement with concrete it has an increased flexural strength, but still do not exceed the flexural strength of traditional reinforced concrete, that utilizes steel reinforcement.
Influence of UV radiation on the transformation of mono- and dichloramines in water of swimming pools in full-scale tests and in the experiment
Authors: Жолдакова З.И. I. , Лебедь-Шарлевич Яна Ивановна , Беляева Н.И. I. , Мамонов Р.А. A.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The use of chlorine-containing reagents for disinfection of water in swimming pools may lead to the formation of chloramines, both worsening the organoleptic properties of water and affecting the health of swimmers. To reduce the content of chloramines in pool water, UV radiation can be used. The aim of work is investigation of the effect of UV radiation on the transformation of mono- and dichloramines in water. Material and methods. The study was conducted on water samples from children’s pools, as well as in a model experiment on aquarium water with sodium hypochlorite added. Samples were irradiated with ultraviolet at doses of 40, 80 and 120 mJ/cm2. Before and after UV treatment, the content of chloramines was determined in all samples. Results. UV dose 40 mJ/cm2 was found to be insufficient for the destruction of mono- and dichloramine in water. During UV treatment with a dose 80 mJ/cm2 a decrease in the content of monochloramines and an increase in the content of dichloramines were observed. These processes were depended on the initial concentration of active chlorine in the samples. Conclusion. Thus, an effective UV dose to reduce the concentration of monochloramines in water with a concentration of active chlorine of 0.5 mg/l is 80 mJ/cm2. However, standard UV equipment used for disinfection of pool water cannot guarantee a reduction of chloramine concentration as it is usually designed for the minimum required UV dose (25-40 mJ/cm2). In addition, the effect of UV at this dose on water with a high content of active chlorine led to a significant increase in the content of dichloramines, which is supposedly associated with the destruction of proteins in water under the influence of UV radiation and the subsequent reaction of amino acids with active chlorine.
The role of disinfectological investigations in the management of the complex of preventive activities
Authors: Серов Алексей Андреевич , Шестопалов Н.В. V. , Гололобова Т.В. V. , Федорова Л.С. S. , Храпунова И.А. A. , Меркульева А.Д. D.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Among infectious agents associated with provision of medical care, resistant ones to disinfectants from various chemical groups are more often met. In this regard, disinfection measures carried out in a medical facility are not always effective enough. Material and methods. 9 strains of microorganisms were selected for research (Klebsiella pneumoniae -2 pcs., Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus warneri, Serratia rubidaea, Staphylococcus sciuri, Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecium - per 1 pcs.), isolated from the objects of hospital environment in operating unit, intensive care and trauma units, as well as 5 samples of disinfectants from different chemical groups (on the basis of quaternary ammonium salt, tertiary amine and polyhexamethyleneguanidine; on the basis of sodium percarbonate with activator; on the basis of hydrogen peroxide and didecyldimethylammonium chloride; in the form of tablets on the basis of sodium salt sodium dichloroisocyanurate acid), used in the specified divisions of medical facities. The studies were performed in accordance with the methodology set out in methodology instructions MU 3.5.1.3439-17 “Assessment of sensitivity to disinfectants of microorganisms circulating in medical organizations.” Results. When conducting chemical-analytical studies of samples of disinfectants 4 samples out of 5 were found to have inconsistencies in one or another quality indices. The analysis of instructions on application of disinfectants 4 means from 5 were showed to have unreasonably underestimated modes of application. According to the results of the evaluation of the sensitivity of microorganisms to disinfectants, the majority of isolated microorganisms was found to have resistance to the studied disinfectants Conclusion. Based on the results of the study of sensitivity of microorganisms to disinfectants, a new tactic for improving disinfection measures is proposed for medical facilities: rotation of disinfectants and an enhanced system of microbiological monitoring of the sensitivity of microorganisms to disinfectants
Hygienic substantiation for the possibility to use of sewage sludge as an organic fertilizer
Authors: Маненко А.К. K. , Ткаченко Галина Михайловна , Касиян О.П. P. , Юрченко С.Т. T.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Nowadays, in front of large cities, there is an acute problem for finding ways of environmentally safely dispose of accumulated sewage sludge and the possibility of its use. The most profitable way to utilize sewage sludge is to use them as organic fertilizers in agricultural production due to the high content of biogenic elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and organic substances in their composition. However, the presence of heavy metals, pathogens, and other toxicants necessitates the study at the regional level the possibility of using these sediments as fertilizers. In each specific case, it is necessary to apply a scientific approach to the use of sewage sludge, since their composition is characterized by a qualitative and quantitative variation of chemical compounds. The purpose of the study was a hygienic justification for the possibility of using sludge for wastewater treatment from the municipal facilities in agricultural production as an organic fertilizer. Material and methods. The object of the study was sludge after treatment with flocculants and centrifugation and sludge stored on the sites of Lviv municipal facilities for 1, 6 and 18 months. In the experiment, the distribution of sludge components in the “plant-soil” dynamic system, as well as the degree of their accumulation in test plants, was determined. Quantitative determination of the of chemical elements content in samples of sludge and phytomass was carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results. The effectiveness of the use of sludge from the municipal facilities for wastewater treatment in agricultural production as an organic fertilizer has been studied. It was found that the sludge dose of 50 tons/ha, using immediately after centrifuge, can not be used in the fields as a fertilizer. This dose caused a high phytotoxic effect on plants. The dose of used sludge (30 tons/ha after 1.5 years of maturing on silty areas) had a less pronounced phytotoxic effect, but the fact of fluorine, lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and manganese translocation from soil into the plants in high quantities was observed. This dose also cannot be used in the fields as a fertilizer. The use of a smaller dose should be justified by additional experiments.
On the relationship of anthropogenic air pollution by particulate matter with cancer risk
Authors: Колпакова Алла Фёдоровна
Published: October 2020

In the review the author highlights contemporary concepts about the relation between the air pollution by the particulate matter (PM) and human morbidity and mortality due to oncological diseases (OD). The author used materials of the articles indexed in the PubMed and RISC databases. The role of air pollution by PM as a risk factor of carcinogenesis in dependence on size, origin, chemical composition and concentration in air is discussed. PM of road-transport origin contains transitional metals acknowledged as most dangerous and is the result the operational wear of motor transport, road surface, and vehicle emissions. Long-term exposure to PM with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 increases risk of appearance of OD of different localization. Dose-dependent action of PM was established. Reduction in air pollution by PM is accompanied by decrease of premature mortality of population, including from OD, and it can be examined as a modifiable risk factor. The results of the meta-analysis of literature data about the economic damage, caused by morbidity and mortality from OD led to the conclusion that reduction in PM concentration is the most realistic and effective method to decrease these social and economic losses. The accumulated carcinogenic risk provides for the lifelong probability of the development of OD, which requires the active medical examination of workers after the curtailment of work with carcinogens for early diagnostics and treatment of OD. The important preventive measure is to decrease the level of air pollution independently on their initial concentration.
Elementary status evaluation of Kirov region’s population by method of mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Скальная М.Г. G. , Грабеклис А.Р. R. , Скальный А.А. A. , Айсувакова Ольга Павловна , Лобанова Ю.Н. N. , Серебрянский Е.П. P. , Скальный А.В. V.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to study and assess the elemental status of residents of the Kirov region as a part of the Volga Region Federal District (VFD). Material and methods. The content of elements in the hair of 295 men and women (73 and 222, respectively, 25-50 years old) and 120 boys and girls (46 and 74, respectively, 3-15 years old) were studied using massspectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. This indicator serves an index in assessing the impact of environment on human organism. Methods of non-parametric statistics were used for the mathematical simulation of our data. Results. It was found that women, girls and boys compared with other regions of the VFD are characterized by a relative increase in the absolute content (median) in the hair of Mg, Fe, V. For people living in the territory of the Kirov region a relative increase in the Si level in the hair is characterized with exception of boys. The relatively reduced level of Cu (with the exception of women) and Se (with the exception of men) also make oneself conspicuous. Discussion of the results. The main problems associated with a decrease in the content of Cu and Se compounds, as well as an increase in the content of Si, Mg, Fe and V, most likely have a geochemical nature and, in particular, are associated with the chemical composition of drinking water. The hair of children in a greater degree than in adults is shown to be a biological substrate, the elemental composition of which indicates to ecological and social factors, the quality of products and the development of the health care system. Conclusions. The obtained data can be recommended for the use as reference values in assessing the level of chemical compounds in the hair of adults and children living in the territory of the Kirov region.
Questions on the role of biofilms for the adaptation of microorganisms to unfavorable environmental factors by the example of P. aeruginosa
Authors: Афонюшкин Василий Николаевич , Донченко Н. А. , Козлова Ю. Н. , Давыдова Н. В. , Коптев В. Ю. , Черепушкина В. С.
Published: October 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a widely represented species of bacteria possessing of a pathogenic potential. This infectious agent is causing wound infections, fibrotic cystitis, fibrosing pneumonia, bacterial sepsis, etc. The microorganism is highly resistant to antiseptics, disinfectants, immune system responses of the body. The responses of a quorum sense of this kind of bacteria ensure the inclusion of many pathogenicity factors. The analysis of the scientific literature made it possible to formulate four questions concerning the role of biofilms for the adaptation of P. aeruginosa to adverse environmental factors: Is another person appears to be predominantly of a source an etiological agent or the source of P. aeruginosa infection in the environment? Does the formation of biofilms influence on the antibiotic resistance? How the antagonistic activity of microorganisms is realized in biofilm form? What is the main function of biofilms in the functioning of bacteria? A hypothesis has been put forward the effect of biofilms on the increase of antibiotic resistance of bacteria and, in particular, P. aeruginosa to be secondary in charcter. It is more likely a biofilmboth to fulfill the function of storing nutrients and provide topical competition in the face of food scarcity. In connection with the incompatibility of the molecular radii of most antibiotics and pores in biofilm, biofilm is doubtful to be capable of performing a barrier function for protecting against antibiotics. However, with respect to antibodies and immunocompetent cells, the barrier function is beyond doubt. The biofilm is more likely to fulfill the function of storing nutrients and providing topical competition in conditions of scarcity of food resources.
Comparative characteristics of the functional state of the Autonomous and Central nervous systems depending on the presence and degree of myopia in students
Authors: Сетко Н. П. , Булычева Екатерина Владимировна , Ясин И. А. , Апрелев А. Е.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. In children and adolescents myopia in some countries already reached epidemic levels due to the growing prevalence is an urgent need for new approaches to management and search for screening indics of its development risk and key points in its stabilization. Taking into account the development and progression of myopia may be associated with autonomous influences of the nervous system, it becomes relevant to study the features of the autonomous status formation in children, depending on the presence and degree of myopia. Material and methods. The functional state of the autonomic nervous system in 380 5-10 grades students with low degree myopia (group 1), moderate myopia (group 2), and without myopia (group 3) was assessed by heart rate and central nervous system variability and mental performance using variation chronoreflexometry. Results. The maximum number (40%) was recorded in eighth grade of myopia students, 39.4% cases - in fifth grade students. An imbalance in the autonomic nervous system in schoolchildren was established to increase with growing myopic refraction. Thus, vagotonia occurred in 42.8% of students with low degree myopia, eutonia - in 42%, and sympathicotonia only in 15.2%. While in students with moderate myopia in 75% of cases the constraint of regulation systems was revealed due to excessive tone of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system, which leads to uneconomic work of the cardiovascular system and a sharp decrease in the functional reserves of the body in 50% -70% of students. Conclusion. Consideration of the relationship of myopia with the autonomous status and functional state of the central nervous system offers new directions to the existing concepts of myopia management in children and adolescents of school age, which can be a starting point for solving the problem of prevention of myopia and its progression.
Morphofunctional indices and motor qualities in younout g students with different levels of body mass deficit
Authors: Колокольцев Михаил Михайлович
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The body weight of the person characterizes features of the exchange, power, hormonal, etc. the processes happening in a human body. Deviations from normal parameters of body weight affects somatic, physical, mental human health. The analysis of morfofunctsional characteristics and motive features of youth students with insufficient body weight is relevant in connection with insufficient study of the matter. Material and methods. 1514 students of the Irkutsk University at the age of 17-21 years are examined. Anthropometrical and physiometric examination was preformed, the maintenance of muscle and fatty bulk in a body was determined, motive qualities of young men with the normal body weight and deficiency of weight with gradation “below an average” and “low” are considered. Results. The deficiency of body weight is revealed at 209 examined young men (13.8%), out of them 134 students (64.1%) have gradation of deficiency of body weight “below an average” and value of an index in the range of a sigma deviation from M = -1 σ to M = -2 σ and 75 young (35.9%) men - gradation “low” where value of an index less than A M = -2 σ. Reliable differences between morfofunctional indices and results in motive tests of the students having deficiency of body weight and normal weight students are established. Indices of anthropometrical and physiometric characteristics, motive tests, the maintenance of muscle and fatty bulk in a body of all young men having deficiency of body weight are lower in comparison with indices of the young men having normal body weight (p <0.05). The dependence between decrease in the level of development of motive qualities and reduction of body weight of students is noted. Conclusions. The received results allow correcting educational process on valeological and physical training of students of higher education institution with the use of integrative pedagogical methods and methods of training.
Hygienic assessment of learning environment conditions (by the example of higher educational institutions of the city of Ufa)
Authors: Горбаткова Елена Юрьевна
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The important factors affecting health and performance of young people are the conditions of education, in particular, a comfortable microclimate in the classrooms of higher educational institutions. Materials and methods. In view of the urgency of this problem, an analysis was made of the microclimate parameters of educational organizations of different profiles (Ufa city, the Republic of Bashkortostan). 294 classrooms were studied in 22 buildings of 4 leading universities in Ufa. A total of 3,822 measurements were taken to determine the parameters of the microclimate. The analysis of ionizing radiation in the aerial environment of classrooms. There was performed determination of radon and its affiliated products content. In order to assess the conditions and lifestyle of students of 4 higher educational institutions of the city of Ufa, we conducted an anonymous survey of 1,820 students of I and IV years of education. Results. The average temperature in the classrooms of all universities studied was 23.9±0.09 C. The average relative humidity in all classrooms was 34.2 ± 0.42%. Analysis of ionizing radiation (radon and its daughter products decay) in the aerial environment of the classrooms and sports halls located in the basement determined that the average annual equivalent equilibrium volumetric activity of the radon daughter products (EROA ± Δ222Rn) ranged from 28 ± 14 to 69 ± 34.5 meter, which meets the requirements established by SanPiN. Conclusion. The hygienic assessment of the microclimate parameters of educational institutions of various profile revealed a number of deviations from the regulated norms. The results indicate the need to control the parameters of the microclimate, both from the administration of universities, and from the professors. According to the results of the study, recommendations were prepared for the management of higher educational institutions in Ufa.