bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the antiproteinuric efficacy of cilnidipine in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Sharma Taruna , Tausif Aalia , Ahmad Sohaib
Published: December 2019

Background: Diabetic kidney disease is a life threatening and disabling complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Clinical proteinuria is a well-established marker of renal dysfunction. A dual L/N-type calcium channel blocker cilnidipine dilates the afferent and efferent arterioles of the glomerulus decreasing the intraglomerular pressure and showing antiproteinuric effects. The present study was conducted to assess the antiproteinuric efficacy of cilnidipine in patients of diabetic kidney disease.Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 50 patients of both genders aged 18 years and above with diabetic nephropathy (stage-2 to stage 4) visiting the medicine OPD at HIMS, Dehradun over a period of six months, the patients were given tablet cilnidipine (5-20 mg) once or twice a day. Baseline urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR), serum creatinine and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was recorded at baseline and repeated after a period of 12 weeks. The end point was the decrease in UPCR after a period of 12 weeks. Students-paired T test was used for analysing the intragroup data.Results: After 12 weeks of treatment with cilnidipine, a significant reduction was observed in the urinary protein creatine ratio (mean±SD) from 3.2±1.23 at baseline to 3.09±1.09 respectively (p<0.05). Along with this there was also a reduction in the in serum creatinine which was significant (p<0.05) as well as an increase in the eGFR value which was also statistically significant (p<0.001).Conclusions: Cilnidipine reduces the UPCR as well as improves the kidney function in patients with diabetic kidney disease.
Cefixime and ornidazole combination induced fixed drug eruption: a case report
Authors: Murugesan Sakthibalan , Raj Gerard Marshall , Adhimoolam Mangaiarkkarasi
Published: December 2019

Cefixime, a third generation cephalosporin and ornidazole, a nitroimidazole is used for a wide variety of conditions like urinary tract infections, otitis media, pharyngitis, uncomplicated gonorrhea and anaerobic infections. Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is commonly associated with anticonvulsants, antimicrobials and NSAIDs. Here we report a case of a rare cefixime and ornidazole combination induced fixed drug eruption. A 39 year old male developed hyper-pigmented patches over both forearms and left thigh after consuming fixed dose combination of cefixime and ornidazole tablet for the treatment of urinary tract infection.
Incidence of meningitis in term neonates with sepsis and antibiotic sensitivity pattern: an observational study
Authors: V. V. Lakshmi Aparna Devi , Soren Chapay , Umadevi M. , Pradeep R.
Published: December 2019

Background: To find out the incidence of meningitis in neonatal sepsis and antibiotic sensitivity pattern in term neonates.Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was done in a tertiary care hospital located in rural South India for a period of 2 years. Blood culture and lumbar puncture were performed for all term babies with clinically suspected sepsis. Growth, if detected was followed by antibiotic sensitivity testing.Results: Of a total of 50 neonates investigated with blood culture, 32(64%) were found to be culture positive for neonatal septicemia, 16 were diagnosed to have meningitis. Meningitis was present in 4(25%) early onset sepsis cases and in 12(75%) late onset sepsis cases (p-value: 0.008). Blood culture showed growth in all of the 16 cases of meningitis, but Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF) culture was positive in 5 cases. The most common presenting features are lethargy, seizures, decreased acceptance of feeds, instability of temperature regulation, vomiting, respiratory distress, and apnea. The most common organism in blood culture was Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CONS) (20%) followed by Klebsiella spp. (16%). CONS was most sensitive to Linezolid (100%), Vancomycin (90%). Of the 8 cases of Klebsiella, 62.5% cases were sensitive to Colistin and Tigecycline, 50% to Cotrimoxazole. CSF culture was positive in 5(31.25%) cases. CONS and Enterococci spp. were the most common organisms isolated in CSF.Conclusions: Clinical manifestations of meningitis overlap with those of sepsis and are nonspecific. Significant number of neonates with sepsis have meningitis. Hence, it is necessary to rule out meningitis in neonates presented with clinical features of sepsis. CONS was the most common agent isolated in both blood and CSF culture. Routine bacterial surveillance and study of their resistance patterns must be an essential component of neonatal care which helps in implementation of a rational empirical treatment strategy.
Awareness and attitude among parents of primary school students towards screen time in children
Authors: Shirley S. Alph , Kumar S. Santha
Published: December 2019

Background: Screen time behavior in young children is highly influenced by parental attitude towards screen time.The objective of this study is to assess the awareness and attitude among parents of primary school students in the state of Tamil Nadu, India towards screen time in children. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the state of Tamil Nadu, India among 134 parents of primary school children. Data collected using a predesigned questionnaire were analyzed using suitable statistical methods.Results: Of the 134 participants, 48.5% were fathers and 51.5% mothers. Majority (77.6%) were in the age group of 24 to 35 years. Only 3.7% of the participants were aware of the exact screen time guidelines in children. 93.3% of the participants felt that it was important to limit screen time in children. 84.3% of the participants believed that the content of screen time should be controlled in children. 82.1% of parents felt that they should co view media with their children. 65.7% of the participants believed that the ideal screen time in children per day is 1 to 2 hours. 82.1% of the participants believed that using screen time as a replacement for caretaker was an important reason for increasing screen time. The awareness of adverse effects of increased screen time was high among the participants. 91.8% of the participants believed that establishing limits for screen time in children was the most efficient way to limit screen time in children. 89.6 % believed that increasing awareness among children was important.Conclusions: In this study, we conclude that majority of the parents were aware of the adverse effects of increasing screen time and want to establish healthy screen time behaviours in children.
Assessment of knowledge of multipurpose health workers regarding adverse events following immunization in a rural block of Haryana, India
Authors: Gupta Nishu C. , Rathod Kamleshkumar G. , Garg Lalita R.
Published: December 2019

Background: No vaccine is entirely free from the risk of adverse reactions or remote sequel. Knowledge and reporting of AEFI is very important in this vaccine era. Objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of Multipurpose Health Workers (MPHWS) regarding AEFI.Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken on randomly selected 30 MPHWs of Beri block. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered after taking verbal consent. The MPHWs had a minimum of one year experience and had received the latest formal training during measles catch up campaign. Data compiled and analysed using appropriate statistical tests.Results: A total of 30 MPHWs duly completed and returned their questionnaires. The mean age was 36.5±2.54 years and mean post-qualification experience was 5.3 years. About 83% of the MPHWs knew that fever, pain, redness and swelling at injection site were symptoms of AEFI and 93% knew about proper storage temperature, dose, route and site of vaccines. Only 56% knew about the storage temperature of diluents and risk of its contamination, 30% knew proper reconstitution of the vaccine. Only 33% knew about filling an adverse event form to report an AEFI. Twenty-five (83.5%) MPHWs had encountered an AEFI and only 14(46.6%) reported such within 24 h. It was observed that level of correct knowledge was decreasing with increasing age of respondents.Conclusions: There was a lack of knowledge about the cause, identification and reporting of AEFI despite periodic training programmes. There is need to train the health workers to improve reporting and prevent complications due to vaccines. There is also further need to ponder over the lacunae in training programmes responsible for persistent inadequate knowledge among MPHWs. Last but not the least “DO NOT FURTHER HARM” should always be the primary aim.
Validation of track and act online developmental screening tool: a pilot study
Authors: Hegde Shilpa , Gajre Mona , S. Pradeep T. , Bongade Suhasee
Published: December 2019

Background: The global prevalence of developmental delay in children is reported as 1-3% according to WHO. Early diagnosis and intervention improve the quality of life in disabled children. There is need for screening tool. So, study was started to evaluate the ability of the online screening tool in detecting the developmental delay in the Indian children.Methods: After IRB approval, around 30 children after parental consent of either gender aged 4 months to 5 years attending the immunization outpatient department were involved in the study After a detailed history, children were screened with online screening tool ‘Track and Act’. Due to the logistic reasons among them 30 were assessed in detail using Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII) which is used as gold standard in this study.Results: Study showed high sensitivity and specificity for all the four domains of the tool. It showed sensitivity and specificity in physical of 83.3% and 91.6%, in language 66.6% and 87.5%, in cognitive 66.6% and 91.6% and in socio-emotional domain 83.3% and 91.6 % respectively.Conclusions: Track and Act screening tool has good test characteristics for detecting developmental delay among Indian children and it can be used for office practice for screening children.
Effect of thyroxine on initial catch-up growth in children with hypothyroidism
Authors: Patel Ami H. , Trivedi Pinakin P.
Published: December 2019

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrinal cause of growth retardation in children. Following adequate treatment with thyroxine, growth resumes at an accelerated rate which is known as catch-up growth. There are few observational studies from India on the growth parameters following treatment with thyroxine in children with hypothyroidism.Methods: A retrospective study was done in children aged 2-10 years who were newly diagnosed cases of primary hypothyroidism [Total serum Thyroxine (T4) levels <5 µg/dl and serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels ˃15 µU/ml] and treated with oral thyroxine to attain euthyroid state. Height measured before starting treatment and at the time of follow up visits was noted, the Height Standard Deviation Scores (HSDS) were calculated. The effect of thyroxine on linear growth was studied.Results: There were 23 children who were diagnosed as having primary hypothyroidism of whom 16(69.6%) were females and 7(30.4%) were males. The mean age of the children studied was 7.3±2.3 years. The mean dose of thyroxine required to maintain euthyroid status was 4.6±2.2 µg/kg/day. Mean duration of follow up was 13.7±2.4 months. The initial HSDS was - 2.31±0.9 which improved to a final value of - 1.7±0.76 (ΔHSDS0.61, p value <0.0001). Mean height velocity was 8.1 cms/year.Conclusions: Following adequate thyroxine replacement therapy catch-up growth occurs and increased growth velocity leads to partial regain of height deficit in the first couple of years of treatment.
Effect of nasal suction on reliving feeding difficulty in children affected with bronchiolitis
Authors: Joshi Karan , Parihar Akhilendra S. , Singh Jyoti
Published: December 2019

Background: Bronchiolitis is the most common disease of the lower respiratory tract during the first year of life. Although bronchiolitis is a prevalent illness in India, very few studies are performed in India regarding management of bronchiolitis. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment concentrating on fluid replacement and gentle suctioning of nasal secretions, oxygen therapy, and respiratory support if necessary. Infants affected with bronchiolitis also have feeding difficulty which will lead to dehydration and also increase the severity of disease.Methods: A prospective randomized control study was performed in the department of Pediatrics SSMC Rewa. Nasal suction was performed in 75 patients classified under the case group. Feeding difficulty was assessed before and after the suction for 24 hours.Results: We noted that after the first episode of nasal suction which is at 0th hour feeding difficulty was persisted in most of the patients. The p-value was 0.1148 which is not significant. But from 4th hour till the 16th hour the difficulty in feeding decreased after the nasal suction, and by Chi-square test this improvement was statistically. From 20th hour difficulty in feeding still improved after nasal suction but this change was not statistically significant.Conclusions: Nasal suction is an effective supportive treatment in the patients with bronchiolitis and by its use it improves the feeding in the infants suffering from bronchiolitis.
A study on role of LATCH scoring in duration of exclusive breastfeeding in a rural tertiary care hospital, Puducherry: a prospective study
Authors: S. Karthika , M. Mathivanan , K. Maheswari , B. Hiremath P. , Devi M. Jesintha
Published: December 2019

Background: Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. NFHS4 data shows 45.5% of children were exclusively breastfed at 6 months in Puducherry. The Global Nutrition Targets 2025 aims at increasing EBF rates in first 6 months up to at least 50%. The main objective is to find areas of needed intervention using LATCH scoring and to find factors responsible for fall in rates of EBF.Methods: A prospective study was conducted between November 2017 and April 2019 (1½years). Mothers were educated about breastfeeding. LATCH score assessed at 8 and 48 hours of life. At 48hours, score >8 indicates there is a high chance for EBF for next 6 months and score <8 indicates, mother is having difficulty in feeding and are intervened at this point. Data about EBF and reason for early weaning at 6 weeks and 6 months collected.Results: LATCH score at 8 hours was >8 in infants delivered via NVD: 50% as against 9.6% in babies delivered via LSCS. At 48 hours LATCH score improved in both groups: 60.8% in babies delivered via NVD, 38.3% in babies delivered via LSCS.  Compared to Primi-mothers, infants born to multigravida mothers had higher scores at 48 hours: 62.2% as against 31.1%. 84% were EBF at 6 weeks. 51% were EBF at 6 months. When mothers with LATCH score <8 at 48 hours were intervened, EBF rate at 6 weeks improved. Most common reason for early weaning at 6 weeks was maternal problems: 6.6% and at 6 months- due to influence of relatives: 27%.Conclusions: LATCH score helps in predicting breastfeeding duration as early as 48 hours of life. Low scores indicate, it requires intervention and identifies the areas of needed intervention. Counselling regarding EBF must include not only mothers but also relatives.
Comparative study of seasonal variability in peak expiratory flow rate amongst school children in rural and urban areas
Authors: Bhushan Bharat , Chopra Leena , Singh Surinder P. , Bhalla Shivam , Bharti Heena
Published: December 2019

Background: Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) is a value test for lung function and can be conveniently measured by using relatively inexpensive and portable Peak Flow Meter, identifying and assessing the degree of airflow limitation of individuals. While PEFR is obviously related to factors like age, weight, height, race, gender, it may also be additionally affected by seasons and climate. The purpose of study being to observe seasonal variation in PEFR amongst school going children and to observe peak expiratory flow rate in school going children in urban and rural areas.Methods: This prospective and comparative study was carried out on total 600 children; with 300 each from rural and urban schools, of age group 10-14 years, both sexes. Peak expiratory flow meter was used for the measurements in the seasons of summer (April to June) and winter (December to February) of the year. The results thus obtained were compiled and analysed.Results: The mean PEFR value (Litres/min) during summers in the rural children was 243.50(S.D.=16.050) while during winters was 253.63(S.D.=16.934), highly significant (p<0.001);  mean PEFR summers in the urban  children was 241.50(S.D.=20.530)and during winters  was 249.93(S.D.=21.685), again highly significant (p<0.001).In both rural and urban groups PEFR values increased with increase in height and weight of the children which was found to be highly significant (p<0.001). Girls representation proportion in rural vs urban schools being 49% vs 45%; whereas boys being 51% vs 55% respectively.Conclusions: Peak expiratory flow rate decreased during summer season of the year in both rural and urban school attending children. In both the groups PEFR values had a direct correlation with height and weight of the children. Rural schools showed more girl student representation than their urban counterparts indicating more awareness for girl child education amongst rural population.
A comparative study of tragal cartilage and autologous incus for ossicular chain reconstruction in type IIB tympanoplasty at Dr. Hedgewar Hospital, Aurangabad
Authors: Deshmukh Bharat G. , Bhisegaonkar Deepak , Bakre Akanksha
Published: December 2019

Background: Tympanoplasty is the surgical operation performed for the reconstruction of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and/or the small bones of the middle ear. Chronic otitis media is a very common condition of middle ear which not only has a high incidence in the world but also in our set up. So, in view of this, we decided to conduct a study on the surgical management of CSOM-tubotympanic type.

Methods: We conducted this study at ENT department of Dr. Hedgewar Rugnalaya, Aurangabad to compare air bone gap closure by using tragal cartilage and autologous incus in type IIB tympanoplasty in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media, (tubotympanic). 66 patients with central perforation of tympanic membrane, necrosed incus and mobile stapes requiring type IIB tympanoplasty, were included as a part of the study.

Results: We performed type IIB tympanoplasty with a routine post-aural incision in 66 patients. According to our observation, both incus and cartilage are good materials for ossiculoplasty, tragal cartilage being better.

Conclusions: After conducting this study we concluded that incus and tragal cartilage both are excellent materials for ossiculoplasty.
Role of anatomical variations in chronic rhinosinusitis on diagnostic nasal endoscopy and computed tomography scan of paranasal sinuses
Authors: Parmar Falguni J. , Patel Avani D.
Published: December 2019

Background: Diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) and computed tomography (CT) of para nasal sinuses play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim and objective of the study is to see the anatomical variations of the sinonasal region in CRS on DNE and CT paranasal sinuses (PNS).

Methods: A descriptive type retrospective study of 30 patients attending the ENT outpatient department of our tertiary care center clinically diagnosed as CRS with symptoms persisting for 12 weeks or more, along with previously failed medical management, including topical nasal steroids, systemic decongestant and extended courses of antibiotics and who were willing to undergo endoscopic sinus surgery are included.  

Results: Majority of the patients had septal deviation either an anterior or posterior deviation but majority of the cases are asymptomatic for the deviation. Anatomical variations of uncinate process, middle turbinate, inferior turbinate, frontal recess, agger nasi cells, haller cells were studied as well.

Conclusions: Prolonged duration of  rhinosinusitis symptoms (more than 8-12 weeks) is the primary reason to evaluate a patient for CRS and making the choice between CT PNS or DNE is patient and disease dependent. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each helps us realize that they are of synergistic in nature and not competitive.
Endoscopic tympanoplasty in subtotal perforations: conventional versus circumferential subannular grafting technique
Authors: Varghese Bindu Sara , Narayanan Nivee
Published: December 2019

Background: Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to reconstruct hearing mechanism impaired by chronic ear disease. Endoscopic technique has advantage of being minimally invasive, having better surgical view of the field, lesser postoperative pain and shorter duration of surgery. The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of two techniques of endoscopic tympanoplasty in subtotal perforations.

Methods: This prospective, comparative study was carried out between October 2016 to October 2018, in the Department of ENT, KMCT Medical College. 40 patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 20 each, to avoid selection bias and sample size calculated using the sample size formula. Group A underwent endoscopic tympanoplasty by conventional technique and Group B by circumferential subannular graft technique.  

Results: Post-operative evaluation of the patients for graft status showed 75% had successful graft uptake in Group A and 95% in Group B  both groups had comparable, significant hearing improvement post operatively.

Conclusions: Our study showed that, in all cases of subtotal perforations, the circumferential sub annular graft technique yielded a superior result with regards to the graft uptake compared to the conventional technique. The closure of the mean air-bone gap were significant, and similar among both the groups.
Prospective observational study evaluating the outcome of a fixed angle plate (proximal humerus internal locking system) in proximal humerus fractures
Authors: Ramachandran Kiran , Mathew Jackson , Koraboina Praveen , John Ponnezhathu Sebastian
Published: December 2019

Background: Proximal humerus fractures are common among elderly. The present study assesses the functional outcomes of fixed angle plate (proximal humerus internal locking system (PHILOS)) in fractures of proximal humerus.

Methods: 30 participants aged ≥18 years with proximal humerus fracture (2, 3 and 4 part) who underwent PHILOS fixation were enrolled. Undisplaced, open, severely comminuted, metastatic, and pathological fractures and with associated head injury and neurovascular injuries wew excluded. Clinical and radiological evaluation were done pre and post-operatively. Intraarticular extent of fracture geometry was assessed using 3-dimensional computed tomography. Participants were managed preoperatively with analgesics and shoulder immobilizer followed by preanesthetic check-up and routine investigations and surgery was done once participants were stable. Sample size was calculated assuming excellent or satisfactory results in 80% participants 6 months after surgery, relative precision of 20%, α of 5% and 10% attrition rate. Institutional ethics committee approved the study and written informed consent was obtained from all study participants.

Results: Mean age of study participants was 62.9 (14.9) years and were predominantly females (66.6%, n=20). No significant difference between type of fracture and duration of recovery was observed (p=0.4). 30% participants had post-operative complications, stiffness was the most common (13.3%, n=4) complication. 76.6% (n=23) participants had good functional outcomes. Significant correlation between type of fracture and NEER score was observed (p<0.0001).

Conclusions: PHILOS is a preferential implant in proximal humerus fractures due to angular stability, particularly in comminuted fractures in younger patients, and osteoporotic fractures in elderly, thus allowing early mobilization and satisfactory final functional outcome. 
Assessment of functional outcome of distal femur intra-articular fractures treated with locking compression plate
Authors: Mahajan Neetin Pralhad , Ravesh Ved Ashish , G. S. Prasanna Kumar , Chandanwale Ajay , Gadod Lalkar
Published: December 2019

Background: Intra-articular distal femoral fracture makes up to 6% of all femur fractures. Because they damage the cartilage surface of the bone, intra-articular fractures can be more difficult to treat. The locking compression plates have nowadays proven to be gold standard in treating both simple as well as complex intra-articular distal femur fractures. This study is to evaluate the complications, functional and anatomical outcome of distal femur fractures, treated by open reduction and internal fixation using distal femoral locking compression plate.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 30 patients with intra articular distal femur fractures operated with distal femur locking compression plate during the period of 2015 to 2018 in a tertiary care hospital with age range from 17 to 71 years and follow up till 2 years. Fractures were classified according to AO classification and functional outcome assessed by using Neer criteria.

Results: 10 cases had excellent score (33%), 16 cases (52%) had satisfactory score, 3 cases (11%) had unsatisfactory score and only one case had poor score. 85.1% of patients were in between satisfactory to excellent results. Complications observed were excessive bleeding, difficulty in reduction, superficial infections, knee stiffness, malalignment and limb length discrepancy.

Conclusions: The distal femur locking compression plate is a good implant to be used for distal femur intra-articular fractures. Early surgery, anatomical reduction and early mobilisation are the prerequisites for good functional outcome. Comminution and bone defect on the medial side needs pillar reconstruction by fibular bone graft.
Rosacea: do microbes have some role in its causation? A cross-sectional study from North-East India
Authors: Devi Bijayanti , Bhaumik Jantu Kumar , Bhattacharjee Nandita
Published: December 2019

Background: Rosacea is a common inflammatory disease affecting the centrofacial skin. The etiopathogenesis is unknown and the disease follows a chronic course. It causes great social discomfort and reduces quality of life.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2011 to September 2013 in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal, Manipur and all the patients diagnosed with rosacea were included. A detailed history and clinical examination were done and recorded in a preset proforma. Potassium hydroxide mount of skin scrapings and Gram stain as well as culture from lesion and control were performed.

Results: A total of 72 patients were included with female predominance. The mean age of the patients was 31.64±9.623 years. Sun exposure (70.8%) was the commonest exacerbating factor followed by fried spicy food (69.4%). Persistent erythema was seen in most of the patients (97.2%) and ETR was the commonest subtype (65.3%). Associated ocular manifestations were present in 4.2% of patients. The prevalence of Demodex mite was found to be higher in lesional skin as compared to the control. Culture from both lesion and control showed predominant growth of coagulase-negative staphylococcus (87% and 78.3% respectively).

Conclusions: Rosacea is a multifactorial disorder with diverse clinical spectrum. Elimination of the triggering factors may help in controlling the flares and improve the quality of life.
Context-Aware Technology Public Discourses and (Un)-informed Use: The Case of Users in a Developing Country
Authors: Barrett Ayodele , Matthee Machdel
Published: December 2019

There is a move towards a future in which consumers of technology are untethered from the devices and technology use becomes subliminal. With this increasing device opacity, loss of user control and increasing device autonomy, there are calls for more research on users' privacy and freedom of choice. There are, however, key figures in the creation of modern technologies who suggest that consumers are informed of the implications of the use of these technologies or, that consumers use the technologies willingly. This paper examines, using Critical Discourse Analysis, two genres of IT-related communication viz. a speech made by the CEO of Facebook, the largest social-networking site and, the privacy policy document of Truecaller, said to be the most-downloaded app in Africa. Furthermore, 25 Sub-Saharan African users were interviewed on their use and understanding of smartphones. The analysis reveals concerns of consumers regarding the absence of choice, a lack of knowledge and information privacy erosion are not unfounded. The results show also that with the speech and policy document alike, there was information that was distorted or omitted. The conclusion was that the discourses surrounding context-awareness, through confusion, misrepresentations, false assurances and illegitimacy, contribute to information imbalances and asymmetry but most importantly, an uninformed consumer.
Applying theories for using non-monetary incentives for citizens to participate in crowdsensing projects
Authors: Scholtz Brenda , Mloza-Banda Clara
Published: December 2019

In recent years crowdsensing has become a hot topic amongst researchers. Crowdsensing can incentivise and empower citizens to use their mobile phones to collect and share sensed data from their surrounding environments. The purpose of this paper is to report on the application of the incentive theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as a lens from which to investigate the non-monetary incentives and participation profiles (intentions and motivations) of citizens from around the world, who could participate in a crowdsensing project for water resource monitoring (WRM). The conceptual framework was used in a survey of citizens. The findings revealed that TPB can be successfully used for predicting behavioural intentions and classified several types of motivational factors for participation in crowdsensing projects for WRM. Guidelines for crowdsensing projects are provided that can improve the success rate of WRM projects.
CONCEPT "DESTINY" IN CHINESE AND KAZAKH LINGUOCULTURES
Authors: Daulet Fatimabibi , Orazakynkyzy Farida , Saule Anuar , Zeinolla Zhanat , Gulnaz Zhunisbek , Karapetiants Artemii
Published: December 2019

Purpose of the study: The study examines the language specificity of the concept "destiny" as an important marker of the national mental space of Chinese and Kazakh ethnocultures. The authors revealed the national specifics of this concept, analyzed its historical and philosophical features of development in Chinese and Kazakh linguocultures, and also established its most important conceptual, value and figurative characteristics.

Methodology: This research was based on a number of lexicon-semantic and structural-grammatical methods of analysis. In addition, the authors used component analysis of the meaning of language units, methods of synchronous, comparative and comparative analysis, as well as structural-typological, comparative-historical, historical-etymological methods.

Main findings: The authors presented the evaluation of linguistic-philosophical aspects of the concept “destiny”, ways of its representation in various concept spheres, as well as patterns of its functioning in various discourses. In addition, this concept belongs to the category of axiological concepts and is regarded as a marker of the national mental space. It has a cultural dimension and is able to determine the specificity of the national concept sphere.

Applications of this study: The results of this work can be used in further studying the concept of "destiny" in both related and genetically distant languages, in various types of discourse. A promising is a separate consideration of the phraseological and paremiological embodiment of the studied concept, as well as its connection with other concepts, such as “life”, “death”, “happiness”, “love”, “soul”, “path”, etc. It is also worth to note the are practical significance of the study of the translation aspect of the concept "destiny".

Implications of the study: The authors believe that the results of the study will help to better understand the native Chinese speakers. This can help increase the effectiveness of intercultural communication, which is immeasurably important in living conditions in the “global village”, as well as respect for one’s culture and understanding of someone else’s.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The significance of the study is due to the fact that, according to our data, a systematic comparative description of the universal and cultural-specific characteristics of the concept “destiny” in Chinese and Kazakh linguocultures has not yet been carried out. The theoretical significance of the study lies in the development and refinement of the scientific understanding of the characteristics of the concept, the definition of specific discreteness, which the concept “destiny” implements in Chinese and Kazakh languages.
ONTOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-CULTURAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE INTER-GENERATED DISCOURSE IN THE MODERN INFORMATION SOCIETY
Authors: N. Ivanenko I. , M. Nikitin G. , A. Mokhovaya T.
Published: December 2019

Purpose of the study: The article is devoted to understanding the problems of intergenerational discourse and its transformation in ontological and sociocultural reality. The paper substantiates the need to maintain the mechanism of accumulation and reproduction of the experience of ancestors. It is shown that the violation of the transfer of knowledge and traditions leads to the distortion or disappearance of universal cultural codes.

Methodology: In this article, cultural, demographic, and psychological approaches are used to study the ontological and sociocultural foundations of intergenerational discourse. It is necessary to show the influence of historical and socio-cultural transformations on the characteristics of interaction between generations, to determine the form of transfer and assimilation of experience within the family, to demonstrate the socially significant consequences of the demographic revolution in the modern information society.

Main Findings: Having outlined only a few reasons for the intergenerational discourse in the field of translation of sociocultural experience, it can be noted that their combination forms the layer of human life in which historically determined values and ideals of human society are realized, methods of accumulation and transfer of experience that are unique for each historical era, new methods communications.

Applications of this study: Research results can be applied in the course of social psychology (today, young people are literally imposed a radical cultural gap with previous generations), social philosophy, cultural studies (the form of transfer of experience within the family) and even demography (large-scale changes in human society, with the destruction of human social instincts).

Novelty/Originality of this study: As the initial task of the study, it is supposed to identify historical and sociocultural changes in the field of translation and appropriation of experience, to conduct a cultural analysis that gives a clear idea of the evolution of the methods of interaction between generations. An interdisciplinary approach involves a wider coverage of existing concepts and shows that the patterns of development of human society cannot be reduced only to biological, economic or socio-cultural patterns.
A CASE STUDY OF THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE THREE DISTRICTS OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS A UNION TERRITORY OF INDIA
Authors: Begum Salma
Published: December 2019

The objective of the study: To assess the burden of disease on the tribal and non-tribal population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Methodology: The study focuses on the health status of the tribal and non-tribal population of the Islands and measures theirs out of pocket expenditure on health for 12 months in the year 2016. Primary data has been collected to conduct the study from all three districts of the islands using a random sampling method, and the same has been analyzed using a descriptive-analytical technique and multiple regression models. 

Results: Standard multiple regression analysis provides a significant result. The result shows as Annual income increase, the out of pocket expenditure will increase by 0.727 rupees. When the age of the people increases, out of pocket expenditure will increase at a rate of 0.782, and as the quality of public health care services improves out of pocket expenditure will increase to 0.533, which is lower than the other two variables. The annual income age and quality of public health care all have a statistically significant impact on the outcome variable or out of pocket expenditure as the p-value is less than 0.05; therefore, the model is a good fit.

Conclusion: Most households in all three districts do not have proper toilet facility and latrine, which lead them to suffer communicable disease such as diarrhea. Also, the majority of them do not treat drinking water, which again causes their illness. The scattered and isolated location of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and non-availability of the specialist doctors, surgeons, and well equipped curative health centers or hospitals are the crucial reasons for the huge out of pocket expenditure incurred by the islanders while taking treatment at the mainland.

Implication: This study provides insights on the health status of the tribal and non-tribal population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It will be helpful to develop better policies for improving the current healthcare scenario.

Originality and Novelty of the study: There was no earlier study done on the tribal of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
PUPILS’ PERCEPTIONS ON COLLABORATIVE WRITING INTERVENTION
Authors: Khairani Khairul’Azam Fatin , Yamat Hamidah
Published: December 2019

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to identify students’ perceptions of the effect of collaborative writing intervention on Form 1 pupils’ writing skills. Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was employed involving30 Form 1 pupil from a secondary school in Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia. All participants responded to a survey prior to the collaborative writing intervention and after the intervention. Main Findings: The findings showed an increase in the scores for perception on the effectiveness of collaborative writing intervention; indicating that through collaborative writing practices, students’ writing could be improved. Implications of this study: The study implies that teachers should incorporate collaborative writing in teaching students to write as students perceived it positively. It implies that it may be an effective way to improve students’ writing. Novelty/Originality of this study: Most studies have focused on the use of technology in collaborative writing. This study, however, focuses on the collaborative intervention cycle in the classroom that supports the process of learning to write.
AN EXAMINATION OF SISTERHOOD AS AN EMANCIPATIVE CONCEPT IN ALICE WALKER'S NOVELS: MERIDIAN AND THE COLOR PURPLE
Authors: Ahmadgoli Kamran , Faroug Raoof Liath
Published: December 2019

Purpose of the study: The study aims to examine the concept of sisterhood as an emancipative endeavor to empower and free the Afro-American women in Alice Walker's (1942) novels: Meridian and the Color Purple, through the liberal treatment of Black Feminism. Methodology: Qualitative research aims to form speculations or facts that are derived from secondary sources. It tries to understand Walker's liberal treatment of sisterhood, in the selected novels, through the radical black feminism, and the feminist liberal lens of bell hooks. The study considered other related critics and scholars to help further illuminate the emancipative notion of sisterhood. The study is a library-based drawn on literary and critical books and articles. Main finding: The study clarifies the emancipative notion of hooks on Walker's feminist attitude of sisterhood in the selected novels as a privilege to enhance black women's growth and to strengthen the social bond to achieve women's liberation. Simultaneously, the study criticizes the Western oppressive authority as well as the traditional one-sided thinking of mainstream feminism. By a new and liberal reading of hooks' perspective, the study illuminates that the collective power and mass struggle of Afro-American women lead to self-realization and identity. Implication: This study can be used by scholars and activists to understand how Afro-American women have been undergoing a long process of transformation by radical feminist thinking, from exploitation, domination, and oppression toward the center of social, political and cultural focus.  Originality/Novelty: A new reading of Walker's novels is utilized by the light of bell hooks' emancipative notion of sisterhood.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill Valuation in the European Union
Authors: Kulil Vladimír
Published: December 2019

European valuation standards TEGoVA have conception for valuation of intangible assets and they formed to conform to International valuation standards (IVS) also to reach worldwide consensus in best practices in valuation process. The process of valuation of intangible influences was also surveyed in China, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, Japan, Germany, UK, Poland, Russia and overall in the Europe. Situation in mentioned locations is similar, valuation of intangible influences has not been determined by a concrete list of items and there has not been established concrete clear process. The subject matter of this paper is a proposal for a method of valuation of intangible effects that will impact assets prices. It deals with proposed procedures for valuation of intangible assets. Special effects are in particular name, historical value, design, quality of layout, security aspects, accessibility, and conflict groups of inhabitants in or near the property, location, provenience and other.
arget Cost Contracts and The Development of Collaborative Behaviours and Value for Money in The UK Construction Industry
Authors: A. Smith , Gerard Wood
Published: December 2019

TCCs are seen to be a procurement model capable of achieving value for money through aligning the objectives of the parties to reduce costs. The use of Target Cost Contracts (TCCs) within the UK construction industry has increased dramatically over the past few years. TCCs have been employed successfully on recent large scale projects such as Heathrow Terminal 5, Crossrail Procurement Strategy and the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Infrastructure. Due to the success of TCCs over recent years, many clients are now turning to them in a bid to obtain value for money. However, it seems that they do not always drive parties to minimise costs and provide value for money. This research paper investigates the extent to which TCCs promote collaborative behaviours and provide value for money within the UK construction industry. More particularly, the research explores the following: which projects TCCs should be used on and how the maturity of the design when agreeing the target cost can affect value for money; how setting both the target cost and the pain/gain mechanism can affect the incentivisation of the contractor to minimise costs; the extent to which TCCs promote collaboration between the contractor, client and supply chain; and what is required to manage a TCC post-contract to ensure that incentivisation is maintained. It has become apparent from the research that TCCs are complex procurement models which require extensive consideration and management to ensure parties are incentivised to minimise costs. The research reveals that although TCCs can promote collaborative behaviours and provide value for money, there is a prerequisite to doing so: developing and managing the TCC correctly to ensure that the objectives of the parties are aligned.
Crystallographic and Seismic Anisotropies of Calcite at Different Depths: A Study Using Quantitative Texture Analysis by Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Zucali Michele , Chateigner Daniel , Ouladdiaf Bachir
Published: December 2019

Eight samples of limestones and marbles were studied by neutron diffraction to collect 2 Quantitative Texture (i.e., Crystallographic Preferred Orientations or CPO) of calcite deforming at 3 different depths in the crust. We studied the different Texture patterns developed in shear zones at 4 different depth and their influence on seismic anisotropies. Samples were collected in the French and 5 Italian Alps, Apennines, and Paleozoic Sardinian basement. They are characterized by isotropic to 6 highly anisotropic (e.g., mylonite shear zone) fabrics. Mylonite limestones occur as shear zone horizons 7 within the Cenozoic Southern Domain in Alpine thrust-and-fold belts (Italy), the Briançonnais domain 8 of the Western Alps (Italy-France border), the Sardinian Paleozoic back-thrusts or in the Austroalpine 9 intermediate units. The analyzed marbles were collected in the Carrara Marble, in the Austroalpine Units 10 in the Central (Mortirolo) and Western Alps (Valpelline). The temperature and depth of development of fabrics vary from < 100◦C, to 800◦C and depth from <10 km to about 30 km, corresponding from upper 12 to lower crust conditions. Quantitative Texture Analysis shows different types of patterns for calcite: 13 random to strongly textured. Textured types may be further separated in orthorhombic and monoclinic 14 (Types A and B), based on the angle defined with the mesoscopic fabrics. Seismic anisotropies were 15 calculated by homogenizing the single crystal elastic tensor, using the Orientation Distribution Function 16 calculated by the Quantitative Texture Analysis. The resulting P- and S-waves anisotropies show a wide 17 variability due to the textural types, temperature and pressure conditions, and dip of the shear planes.
A New Potential of the Deep Convective Clouds as the Calibration Target for a Geostationary UV/VIS Hyperspectral Spectrometer
Authors: Lee Ye Eun , Ahn Myoung-Hwan , Kang Mina
Published: December 2019

As one of GEO-constellation for environmental monitoring in the next decade, Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) is designed to observe the Asia Pacific region to provide the information on the atmospheric chemicals, aerosol and cloud properties. For the continuous monitoring of the sensor performance after its launch in early 2020, here we suggest deep convective clouds (DCCs) as a possible target for the vicarious calibration of GEMS, the first UV/VIS hyperspectral sensor onboard a geostationary satellite. Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) are used as a proxy of GEMS, and a conventional DCC detection approach applying the thermal threshold test is used for the DCC detection based on the collocations with Advance Himawari-8 Imager (AHI) onboard Himawari-8 geostationary satellite. DCCs are frequently detected over the GEMS observation area on average over 200 pixels in a single observation scene. Considering the spatial resolution of GEMS, 3.5 km×7 km which is similar to TROPOMI, and its temporal resolution (8 times a day), availability of DCCs for vicarious calibration of GEMS is expected to be sufficient. Inspection of the DCC reflectivity spectra estimated from the OMI and TROPOMI data also shows a promising result. Even though, their observation geometry and sensor characteristics are quite a different, the estimated DCC spectra agree quite a well within a known uncertainty range with comparable spectral features. When the DCC detection is further improved by applying both visible and infrared tests, the variability of DCC reflectivity from the TROPOMI data is reduced by half, from 10% to 5%. This is mainly due to the efficient screening of cold thin cirrus with the visible test and of bright warm clouds with the infrared test. The precise DCC detection is also expected to contribute to the accurate characterization of the cloud reflectivity, which will be further investigated.