3rd Phase Research Articles

Mechanistic explanation of the (up to) 3 release phases of PLGA microparticles: Monolithic dispersions studied at lower temperatures

The aim of this study was to better understand the underlying drug release mechanisms in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles in which the drug is dispersed in the form of tiny particles (“monolithic dispersions”). Differently sized diprophylline-loaded microparticles were prepared using a solid-in-oil-in-water solvent extraction/evaporation technique. The microparticles were characterized before and after exposure to phosphate buffer pH 7.4 at 4, 20 and 37 °C. In vitro drug release was measured from ensembles and single microparticles. GPC, DSC, SEM, gravimetric analysis, drug solubility measurements and optical microscopy were used to elucidate the importance of polymer swelling & degradation, drug dissolution and diffusion. The diprophylline was initially homogeneously distributed throughout the microparticles in the form of tiny crystals. The burst release (1st phase) was strongly temperature-dependent and likely attributable to the dissolution of drug crystals with direct surface access (potentially via tiny pores). The about constant release rate during the 2nd phase also strongly depended on the temperature. It can probably be explained by the dissolution of drug crystals in surface near regions undergoing local swelling. During the observation period, the 3rd (again rapid) drug release phase was only observed at 37 °C, and seems to be caused by substantial PLGA swelling throughout the entire microparticles. This phase starts as soon as a critical polymer molecular weight of about 25 kDa is reached: Significant amounts of water penetrate into the systems, dissolving the remaining diprophylline crystals and substantially increasing the mobility of the dissolved drug molecules. Thus, this study provides additional experimental evidence (obtained at lower temperatures) confirming the hypothesized root causes for drug release from PLGA microparticles containing dispersed drug particles.

An analysis of certification processes for Good Clinical Practice and project management competencies

Aim/purpose – The purpose of this paper is to clarify the certification process of the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) competencies based on a comparison with the project management (PM) certification process. This aim was accomplished by model development. Design/methodology/approach – The study was divided into three main phases: 1st phase – the identification of key characteristics of PM and GCP certification processes, 2nd phase – the development of certification models for PM and GCP, 3rd phase – the conclusions from in-depth interviews. Findings – As a result of the research, key characteristics of PM and GCP certification processes were identified, certification models for PM and GCP were developed. In addition, based on conclusions from in-depth interviews, solutions for organizing the way of confirming knowledge of GCP guidelines were proposed. Research implications/limitations – The proposed rules may be too complex and may exceed the needs and expectations of the clinical trial environment. The models focus on stakeholder relations, without the rules of certification granting procedures, to enable broader contextualization of the issues discussed in the paper. The analysis might be fragmented as it regards the sole certification process. The research refers to Poland only, hence it will be valuable to identify whether foreign authorities have the same attitude to the GCP competency certification model. It is recommended to increase the number of respondents’ interviews to obtain results of higher validity and reliability. Originality/value/contribution – The paper raises research topics at the crossroads of project management, clinical trials, and GCP, topics that have been underdeveloped so far. The results might be significant for all organizations involved in conducting clinical research projects. The findings contribute to the quality of clinical trials and provide public assurance that the rights, safety, and well-being of trial subjects are protected and the clinical trial data are credible. Keywords: project management, clinical trials, certification, Good Clinical Practice, GCP. JEL Classification: M10, O32, I11.

The impact of high biodegradable COD fraction in poultry processing wastewater to SBR performance

The present study investigates the impact of high biodegradable COD fraction in poultry processing wastewater on the performance of lab-scale SBR. The SBR’s reactor was operated under 3 phases with different airflow rates namely 2.5 L/min, 5.0L/min, and 7.0L/min; and each phase would have a constant 21days of Sludge Retention Time (SRT). The sample of poultry processing wastewater consists of 84.06% of biodegradable components and 15.94% of the non-biodegradable component. It was observed that high readily biodegradable soluble COD (rbsCOD) had caused a rapid bacteria’s metabolism to consume nutrient as fast as possible which consequently tuned the COD removal efficiency from 85.0% to 92.9% and increased the SVI from 51.66 mL/g to 66.96mL/g (2nd phase) and 110.1 mL/g (3rd Phase). The removal efficiency of Ammonia Nitrogen and Total Suspended Solid was observed in the range from 69.3% to 81.2%, and 61.8% to 81.7% respectively. The fluctuation of the biodegradable COD component in poultry processing wastewater was observed to affect the oxygen demand, where the oxygen transfer efficiency dropped from 3.82% to 0.63% as the airflow rate increase from 2.5L/min to 7.0L/min along with the increase of biodegradable COD fraction. Hence, this experiment provides a clear perspective of poultry processing wastewater behavior to SBR performance.

Energy absorption at lower limb joints in different foot contact strategies while descending stairs.

BACKGROUND: Joint loads in different walking strategies during stair descent have been investigated in terms of the joint moment in association with the risk of osteoarthritis. However, the absorption mechanisms of the potential energy loss are not known.OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the mechanical energy absorptions in lower limb joints in different initial foot contact strategies.METHODS: Nineteen young subjects walked down on instrumented stairs with two different strategies, i.e., forefoot and rearfoot strike. Power and energy at lower limb joints during stance phase were compared between strategies.RESULTS: Lower limb joints absorbed 73 11% of the potential energy released by descending stairs and there was no difference between strategies. Rearfoot strategy absorbed less energy than forefoot strategy at the ankle joint in the 1st phase, which was compensated mainly by more energy absorption at the knee in the 2nd phase and less energy generation at the hip joints in the 3rd phase.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a leg absorbs most of the potential energy while descending stairs irrespective of the walking strategies and that any reduction of energy absorption at one joint is compensated by other joints. Greater energy absorption at the knee joint compared to the other joints suggests high burden of knee joint muscles and connective tissues during stair-descent, which is even more significant for the rearfoot strike strategy.

Effect of Yeast Culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Supplementation on Growth Performance, Excreta Microbes, Noxious Gas, Nutrient Utilization, and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicken.

The study was conducted to test the effects of using yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as feed additive on the growth performance, noxious gas emission, utilization of nutrients, excreta microbial count, and meat quality of broilers. In total, 360 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers with average body weight (BW) of 42.90±1.43 g were randomly selected and allotted to two groups; they were fed either a basal diet (control) or a basal diet supplemented with 1% yeast culture (YC). Each treatment group had 10 replication pens and each replication contained 18 birds. The experiment was divided into 3 phases (1 to 7, 8 to 21, and 22 to 35 days) for growth performance observation. In the 1st phase (1 to 7 days), only the body weight gain (BWG) significantly increased (P<0.05) in birds with the YC diet compared to the control diet. Significant effects on BWG (P<0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.05) were seen in birds receiving the YC-supplemented diet in the 3rd phase (22 to 35 days) as compared to the control diet. In addition, during the overall period (1–35 d), BWG was significantly higher (P<0.05) and FCR was reduced (P<0.05). Throughout this experiment, the meat quality, nutrient utilization, noxious gas emission, and bacterial count in the excreta did not vary significantly between the groups. This study proved that a higher dose of YC (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation could maintain the consistent positive effect on broiler growth but eliminated the speculated outcomes on digestibility, bacterial count, or excreta gas emission.

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seeds enhancing osteogenesis postinduced-bone fracture

Objectives: This study is aimed to evaluate the role of garden cress seeds (GCS) in osteogenic enhancement in bone fractures induced in rabbits. Materials and Methods: Thirty New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (n = 30) of 6 months of age and weighing 3–4 kg were included in this study. Rabbits were distributed into two main groups, One served as control and the other were subjected to induced transverse diaphyseal fractures of the left femurs. All rabbits were accommodated in cages and permitted to move freely without external support. Wound care, hygienic conditions, diet and behavior were observed and followed up on daily basis. At the end of the study, five rabbits of each subgroup were sacrificed, followed by dissection of the left femurs. Histomorphometric measurements were performed in all microscopic fields at a ×100 using by Leica microscope DM 2500 connected to a camera (Leica DFC 295) and Leica Q win V3 image analysis software. Results: Bone markers analysis revealed that the serum levels of osteopontin and Vitamin D in fractured femur rabbits fed on 6 g GCS showed a significant increase compared to those of untreated fractured femur by the end of the 2nd phase of the study. The serum levels of Osteocalcin in fractured femur rabbits fed on 12 g GCS showed a significant decrease compared to those of untreated fractured femur at the end of the study. The serum levels of Parathormone and Lactoferrin in fractured femur rabbits fed on 12 g GCS showed a significant increase compared to those of untreated fractured femur at the end of the 2nd and 3rd phases of the study accompanied by a significant elevation in liver function test serum levels of fractured femur rabbits fed on 6 g GCS at the end of the 2nd and 3rd phases of the study. The histomorphometric evaluation showed marked improvement of fractured femur rabbits fed on 6 and 12 g of GCS as compared to those of untreated fractured femurs. Conclusion: Garden cress seeds could be a promising alternative treatment in bone fracture.

Третий этап кардиореабилитации после перенесенного острого коронарного синдрома: распространенность сахарного диабета и его факторов риска

Aim: to determine risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in patients with the prior acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the 3rd phase of cardiac rehabilitation. Patients and Methods: retrospective analysis of medical records of 200 patients (151 men, 75.5%) was performed. The mean age was 61.7±9.6 years. All patients attended a 12-month cardiac rehab program that included adequate pharmacotherapy (atorvastatin monotherapy or atorvastatin plus ezetimibe), physical and psychological rehabilitation, therapeutic feeding, and preventive group consultations (health schools). Both quantitative (fasting blood glucose, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, a body shape index) and qualitative (overweight, obesity, other risk factors for T2D, diabetes, de novo diabetes) parameters were studied. Results: in patients with prior ACS, a high prevalence of conventional and additional risk factors for T2D (≥ 6 risk factors were revealed in 90% of patients) was reported in the 3rd phase of cardiac rehab. After completing the cardiac rehab program, the prevalence of T2D in patients with prior ACS was 24% thereby demonstrating a significant increase (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in the proportion of patients with high normal blood glucose (5.0–6.0 mmol/l) was reported. Unfavorable de novo abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism (pre-diabetes, T2D plus pre-diabetes) were commonly revealed in patients with high normal blood glucose. Cardiac rehab program provided weight control in patients with T2D risk. A significant increase in waist circumference, a body shape index, the waist-to-height ratio was reported thus demonstrating redistribution of fat mass and an increase in visceral fat. These signs may indicate an unfavorable trend of increased insulin resistance. Conclusions: searching for risk factors of unfavorable metabolic abnormalities identified and means to optimize management of these patients (including medical treatment) based on the assessment of metabolic benefits and drawbacks is required. KEYWORDS: acute coronary syndrome, cardiac rehabilitation, type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, risk factors, statins. FOR CITATION: Druk I.V., Korennova O.Yu., Savchenko M.V. et al. Third phase of cardiac rehabilitation after acute coronary syndrome: prevalence of diabetes and its risk factors. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2021;5(4):176–184 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021- 5-4-176-184.

Access to Primary Dental Care and the Work Process of Oral Health Teams: An Analysis of the 3rd Phase of the PMAQ-AB Program

Objective: To characterize the access to primary dental care and the work process of Oral Health Teams (OHTs), nationwide and by geographic region, based on data from the 3rd phase of the PMAQ-AB (the Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care) . Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using data from the external assessments of the PMAQ-AB regarding the variables access to dental care and the work process of OHTs. The data were analyzed descriptively. Results: A significant number of healthcare users (41.2%) reported an average waiting time of 10 days to schedule dental appointments at the primary care facility (PCF). In the Northeast region, a greater number of users (48.4%) had access to dental care, with a waiting time of 7 days, whereas a smaller number of users in the Southeast region could schedule an appointment with the dentist (33.9%) and experienced a longer waiting time (17 days). Most OHTs worked in Primary Care Teams (PCTs) (85.1%), received support from Specialized Dental Care Centers (70.9%), worked with scheduled appointments and/or spontaneous demands (98.0%), listened to the users’ complaints during user embracement sessions (99.0%), and scheduled the first appointment at the dental office (51.9%) . Conclusion: In Brazil, 41.2% of the healthcare users had access to dental care and experienced a waiting time ranging from 7 to 17 days, depending on the geographic region. While the OHTs developed primary oral care actions, further initiatives to ensure the expansion of access to dental care are needed.

Methodological approaches to the development of the capsules «Phytohelmin» composition

The existing range of medicines is represented by a variety of dosage forms. Among them a significant proportion takes oral solid dosage forms, in particular capsules. The introduction of active pharmaceutical ingredients in the capsule composition does not require the addition of flavouring agents and requires a significantly lower amount of excipients compared to the formation of tablet dosage forms.&#x0D; In the development of dosage forms based on extracts of medicinal plants, the rational choice of the dosage form is important. The use of capsules allows making a composition of several extracts, providing the proper consumer characteristics of the finished product.&#x0D; The aim of the workis to study methodological approaches to the development of the drug «Phytohelmin», proposed for use in the 3rd phase of the treatment of helminthiasis of the digestive system.&#x0D; As the objects of research scientific works of domestic and foreign authors, databases and own findingswere selected. When conducting the own research, we used methods of bibliosemantic analysis, systematization and generalization of data.&#x0D; Capsules are characterized as a dosage form: the definition, classification, features, advantages and disadvantages are presented. When developing a medicine for the treatment of helminthiases of the digestive system in phase III (eliminating the consequences of the disease and restoring the functions of the gastrointestinal tract), we selected the solid capsule dosage form. We present a decision tree for 6 stages of choosing the medicinal plant material to justify the capsule composition under the conditional name «Phytohelmin».&#x0D; 7 Degrees of the general algorithm for pharmaceutical development of capsules are described and solutions for each stage directly for the capsules of the proposed composition are given.&#x0D; Based on the results obtained, the main methodological approaches to the development of drugs in the form of capsules are formulated, in particular, capsule characteristics and classification are given, and the advantages and disadvantages of this dosage form are analyzed. The tree of decisions on the choice of medicinal plant materials in the development of medicines and the final composition of the capsules «Phytohelmin», obtained on the basis of its application, is given. The general algorithm for the pharmaceutical development of capsules and the corresponding solutions for the development of «Phytohelmin» capsules based on it in accordance with the requirements of Guide 42-3.1: 2004 «Quality Guide. Medications. Pharmaceutical Development» is described.

Pleural empyema in children - benefits of primary thoracoscopic treatment.

IntroductionPleural empyema is the condition of the pleural cavity when initially sterile pleural effusion has become infected. In the majority of cases, it is of parapneumonic origin. Parapneumonic effusions and pleural empyemata usually continuously progress in severity. The American Thoracic Society divides them into three stages: exudative, fibrinopurulent and organizing. The therapy depends on the stage.AimTo assess whether thoracoscopy should be considered better than conservative treatment and to assess the feasibility of the thoracoscopic approach to the 3rd phase of pleural empyema.Material and methodsThe clinical course of 115 patients treated from 1996 to 2017 was analyzed. 45 patients operated on thoracoscopically after the failure of conventional treatment were compared with 70 patients treated by primary thoracoscopic drainage and decortication.ResultsThe results of the study demonstrated that patients treated primarily by thoracoscopy had a shortened length of hospital stay (16.6 vs. 19.3 days), reduced drainage time (7.9 vs. 9.8 days), and shorter time of general therapy (31.8 vs. 38.0 days). They required fibrinolysis less frequently (12.8 vs. 26.7% of patients) and had reduced risk of reoperation (10 vs. 15.6% of cases). Operation time in the 3rd stage was only 15 min longer. The difference in length of hospital stay was only 0.8 days in favor of less severe cases.ConclusionsThe thoracoscopic approach is safely feasible in the 3rd stage of pleural empyema and should be considered as the preferred approach. Furthermore, the post-operative stay and general course of the disease are milder whenever surgery would not be delayed by prolonged conservative treatment attempts.

The Magnet® Site Visit: Going Virtual in Response to COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been a source of disruption, unexpected illness, stress, and adversity for people, worldwide. As the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in early 2020, many healthcare organizations found themselves in the midst of their Magnet appraisals-just short of the 3rd appraisal phase, the Site Visit Phase. In response, the Magnet Recognition Program devised strategies to maintain the integrity of the appraisal process, despite the turbulence associated with the unexpected changes that healthcare organizations were confronting while contending with the impact of COVID-19. In this month's Magnet Perspectives column, we explore how the virtual site visit has provided healthcare organizations with the opportunity to complete this phase of their appraisal process while addressing the safety and well-being of the organization's staff as well as that of the Magnet appraisers.

Safety Evaluation of Biportal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: Assessment of Cervical Epidural Pressure During Surgery.

A prospective study. To evaluate the change in cervical epidural pressure (CEP) during biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (BELD). In percutaneous uniportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy, irrigation fluid (IF) introduced into the spinal canal during surgery can compress the thecal sac, and act as a potential risk for neurological complications by disturbing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation and increasing intracranial pressure. Thirty consecutive patients, who underwent BELD, which was performed under automated pump system, an infusion pressure of 30 mmHg were enrolled. The change in CEP on C7-T1 level was measured. CEP was measured in each of the five phases of the procedure (1st phase-making surgical portals; 2nd phase-creating a workspace; 3rd phase-performing neural decompression and discectomy; 4th phase-factitious increase of pressure by clogging the outflow; 5th phase-dismission from fluid irrigation system). Neurological complications and independent risk factors were evaluated. In the final 27 patients, changes in CEP during surgery were similar. The baseline CEP was 14.8 ± 2.8 mmHg, and the mean CEP in the 3rd phase 18.8 ± 5.1 mmHg was not significantly higher. In the 4th phase, however, the CEPs rose with linear correlation as the pressure increased. In the 5th phase, the elevated CEP returned to baseline in 2.5 ± 5.6 minutes. No patient had neurological complications. No statistically significant risk factors were observed. In BELD, which is performed to allow continuous lavage with infusion pressure set to 30 mmHg, CEP does not increase beyond the physiological range. Therefore, BELD may be considered as a potentially safe technique. 4.

Growth and biological characteristics of pike perch Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Amur River

Linear and weight growth of pike perch in the Amur River estuary is considered using the data on age determined for 197 specimens. The growth is described by von Bertalanffy and Schmalhausen equations. Some biological parameters of pike perch as the maximum size, age of mass maturation, etc. are calculated using the age-differentiated coefficients of natural mortality. The growth and biological parameters of pike perch in the Amur estuary are compared with the same parameters of this species in the Amur River at Khabarovsk. Recently 3 ecological forms of pike perch are distinguished in the Amur basin: i) riverine ecotype self-redistributed from Lake Khanka, ii) lacustrine ecotype in the lower Amur River, and iii) highly productive semi-anadromous marime ecotype in the Amur estuary. The 3rd phase of pike perch acclimatization is observed now in the Amur estuary known as the «bloom» phase accompanied with prominent increasing of population abundance and individual growth rate acceleration. Pike perch prey in this area mainly on juveniles of non-anadromous and diadromous fish, or on pond smelt Hypomesus olidus during their concentration in the estuary in winter.

Analysis of the potential application of geophysical survey (induced polarization and DC resistivity) to a long-term mine planning in a sulfide deposit

Medium- and long-term mine planning depends on a large series of probes to determine the continuity and content of mineralized zones and the development direction of the exploration. In addition to being logistically complex and onerous, this process is financially wasteful. In this way, Geophysics is an alternative and indirect investigative tool traditionally used in various phases of mineral exploration. This project proposes to assess the possible continuity of a gold and sulfide quartz lode deposit related to an adjacent abandoned open-pit mine by applying DC resistivity and induced polarization methods through electrical tomography. The most promising results indicated a zone of high chargeability (> 20 mV/V) with high potential of mineralization but not coincident to the high resistivity zones. This specific zone was characterized by a vertical tubular stockwork related to vertical fracture joints generated by the stress inversion of the 3rd (NE) and 4th (NW) phases of regional deformation. The integrated analysis resulted in a potential target for future exploration, in addition to the optimization of application of financial resources in probing procedures.

Performance of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) based agri-horticultural land uses in rainfed condition on degraded lands in North Western Himalayas, India

A field experiment was undertaken to identify profitable land use based on productivity, net present value, biomass and carbon stocks in litchi based land uses (LBLUs) during 1995–2015 established on degraded riverbed lands of western Himalaya, India. Results of LBLUs (20 years) revealed that LCT + LH + LPG land use produced 6.10–25.27%, 5.82–14.92% and 3.45–13.62% more fruit yield, 14.61–25.22%, 10.18–16.38% and 9.10–16.62% more total biomass, 2.95–9.51%, 0.03–4.54% and 1.60–8.26% higher carbon in soil and 6.93–14.76%, 4.60–10.03% and 6.29–13.14% more total carbon stocks as compared to sole litchi land use of 1st, 2nd and 3rd phase, respectively. Similarly, 80.39% and 78.56% more NPV, 11.74% and 19.77% higher BCR with shortest payback period (5 years) were realized in LCT + LH + LPG land use for 20 and 50 years, respectively. Sensitivity analysis also revealed that changes in discount rate will not affect its performance ranking.

Assessment of Attitude towards two selected areas of professionalism like honesty and confidentiality among undergraduate medical students of Bangladesh

This descriptive type of cross sectional study was carried out to evaluate the attitude of undergraduate medical students of Bangladesh regarding selected areas of professionalism like honesty and confidentiality. Study period was from July 2017 to June 2018. Sample size was 837 undergraduates medical students of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th phase of MBBS course from four public and four non government medical colleges of Bangladesh. Convenience sampling technique was adopted in this study. Data collection was done by a modified structured situational judgment test (SJT) self-administered questionnaire which was adopted from general medical council (GMC) and by in-depth interview schedule of students. The data were then compiled and analyzed using SPSS Version 19.Among the study participants, 37.20% (310) and 62 .80% (537) were males and females respectively. Attitude towards the two most major issues of professionalism were good, mean score were above three in honesty. Mean score was below three in maintaining confidentiality. Result of the present study shows that female students had higher mean professionalism than male. Female students were better than the male students in regards to all two different professional issues and this difference is statistically highly significant (P=0.00). Mean score of professionalism of 1st phase students in all two issues were greater than the respondents of other three phases and this findings was also statistically significant. Medical undergraduates of Bangladesh have a good understanding of acceptable professional honesty but there is scope of improvement. Study recommended that these two issues of professionalism must be taught in the course of undergraduate medical education and should be incorporated in undergraduate medical curriculum with the details of learning outcome what we craving from a registered medical graduate so that learning can be turned into practice.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.11(1) 2020: 3-11

APRENDIZADO DE MATEMÁTICA USANDO JOGOS NA EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL

Os jogos são importantes para estudantes de Educação Especial porque quando adaptados ao processo de ensino-aprendizagem permitem a assimilação de conteúdo cultural e conhecimento científico em uma interação promotora de ludicidade, entretenimento, desafios e superação. Este estudo tem por objetivo relacionar o uso dos jogos como suporte pedagógico a fim de despertar o interesse do aluno no conteúdo curricular de Matemática na educação especial. A pesquisa sucedeu em dois momentos: com atividades realizadas numa escola municipal da cidade de Manaus e em visitas a pontos turísticos da capital amazonense, tendo como sujeitos 14 alunos com necessidades especiais, sendo estas: autismo, paralisia cerebral e deficiência intelectual. Os indivíduos da pesquisa estão matriculados na 3ª fase de Educação Especial de jovens e adultos. Trata-se de um estudo com abordagem qualitativa e descritiva no qual verificamos a efetividade do uso de jogos de Matemática selecionados, adaptados e reformulados dentro da realidade e das necessidades dos alunos, com o apoio complementar das técnicas de roda de conversa, sequência didática e visita guiada. Pudemos auferir o êxito da proposta pedagógica com a demonstração da ampliação dos conhecimentos, do estímulo ao raciocínio lógico matemático por meio da realização de cálculos simples e ainda um amplo desenvolvimento de habilidades afetivas cognitivas, motoras e sociais, evidenciando contribuição para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Percebemos o potencial educacional do uso de jogos interrelacionados ao convívio com ambientes educativos fora do contexto

Dynamics and risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in urban areas: a geographical assessment on Kolkata Municipal Corporation, India

SARS-CoV-2 has been transmitted and outbreak took place in India during the last week before nationwide 1st lockdown took place. Urban areas found more vulnerable and reported nearly 65% of cases during every phase of lockdown. Mumbai, among four metropolitan cities found huge number of containment zones with nearly 30% of SARS-CoV-2 cases indicating clustering of cases. Most of the containment zones of SARS-CoV-2 cases in Kolkata Municipal Corporation found a significant relation with slum areas. The study primarily tries considering the nature of SARS-CoV-2 cases in different urban centres with the help of cartographic techniques. AHP method has been used to determine the factors responsible for such concentration of SARS-CoV-2 cases with vulnerability assessment (exposure, sensitivity and resilience) and risks. Before nationwide lockdown starts, the share of urban centres found 25% which has been transformed into nearly 60% at the end of 3rd phase of lockdown. Growth rate of SARS-CoV-2 cases found very high for Chennai and Thane with less number of doubling time to nation. Slum concentration and containment density shows a higher degree of correlation in Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Risk map also shows the concentration of cases in central and north Kolkata with higher degree of diseases exposure and sensitivity. Control measures must be taken by the central and state Government to minimise the transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2 mainly urban areas. As urban area contributing a higher share of SARS-CoV-2 cases, a proper management plan must be enforce.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s41324-020-00354-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Heritage and history of the marble industry in Alentejo (Portugal)

The Heritage and History of the Marble Industry project (PHIM), based on interdisciplinary principles and practices, highlights the importance of the Portuguese marbles of Alentejo Anticline in a context of patrimonial and cultural valuation of a region where the ornamental rock industry defines landscapes, shapes the economy, and defines ways of life. Knowledge coming from scientific research is being disseminated through various platforms and audiences, contributing to regional development and providing solid contents for industrial and cultural tourism of quality. After two phases of the project that allowed to achieve broad knowledge about the application of the Alentejo marbles in the artistic heritage, the 3rd phase serves to expand the chronology under study (from Roman times to the 20th century) and to allow for new interdisciplinary perspectives, with the cooperation of History of Law and Economic History.

Effect of F/M Ratio on the Performance of Sequencing Batch Reactor for Dairy Wastewater Treatment

Indian economy has huge contribution of dairy industry. About one fourth of nation’s income is contributed by dairy. Milk processing involves various operations starting from receiving point to disposal end. This whole process demands fresh water leading to wastewater generation and this quantity is highest amongst all industries. Dairy wastewater is composed of organic matter, nutrients, suspended & dissolved solids and high COD, BOD. So it becomes necessary to remove the pollution load before its disposal. Some advanced treatments like SBR, gas stripping, surface filtration show better results and are effective than conventional treatments. In this study, SBR process was used to treat dairy wastewater. SBR process has flexibility, minimal footprint and it conducts all operations like equalization, primary clarification, biological treatment and secondary settling in a single reactor. Time phased Fill and draw type lab scale SBR model was operated with 12 liter total volume and 10 liter working volume. Before loading dairy wastewater to the reactor, loading of sewage was done for acclimatization of microorganisms. Dairy wastewater was collected from equalization tank of an Effluent Treatment Plant of dairy industry. It was analysed for various parameters for 15 days to know the variations in characteristics. For the treatment of dairy wastewater reactor was operated under varying MLSS from 6000 to 8000 mg/L thereby under varying F/M ratio and named as phase 1, phase 2, and phase 3 with 20% Volume Exchange Ratio. Total cycle time provided was 6 hour in which fill was instantaneous, aeration for 5 hour 30 minutes, settling for 25 minutes and 5 minute decant. By keeping all the remaining parameters constant, only F/M ratio was varied. Maximum removal efficiencies for parameters like COD, BOD, TDS, and TSS were determined for each phase. For phase 1, 2 and 3 maximum removal efficiencies were achieved at F/M 0.16, 0.14 and 0.13 per day respectively. But among all three phases, 3rd phase gave maximum removal efficiency at F/M 0.13. Hence it was concluded that SBR performs better at higher MLSS concentration or at lower F/M ratio in order to achieve disposal standards.