bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Native Speaker vs Vernacular Speaker: Assessing Foreigners’ Language Competence
Authors:   Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Mar’yanchik Viktoryia A. , Onegina Anastasiya S.
Published: March 2021

This article deals with an important issue in the field of language policy, i.e. determining the status of a “non-ideal” language user as a native speaker. The material includes: a) records of the speech of people participating in an official interview to confirm their status as a native speaker; b) regulatory framework that defines the content of the “native speaker” term. The authors focus on vernacular and dialect speakers for whom Russian is the only or main system of verbal communication. The article proves the linguodidactic criteria listed in the normative documents to be invalid. The authors identify speech facts that formally prevent a person from qualifying as a native speaker but, within the sociolinguistic approach, do not exclude him/her as a linguistic personality from the circle of Russian native speakers. Further, a standard methodological prototype of speech personality “native speaker” appropriate for linguodidactic testing is modelled. The authors describe the experience of evaluating language (speech) competence using criteria scales within the framework of the level approach. Based on the material of one script, features of the speech of the “non-ideal” language user are singled out and a model of competence assessment by correlation with the “native speaker” prototype is presented. This technology includes two stages: 1) identification of speech facts that lie outside the scope of the literary norm; 2) identification of the basic characteristics of a native speaker within the framework of the sociolinguistic and functional approaches. The authors consider knowledge of precedent texts (on the social and national levels), proficiency in the language system, including its sub-standard forms (vernacular and dialect) and knowledge of the usage to be the main characteristics of a native speaker. In addition, the authors list accentuating discursive means that are typical of the speech of native speakers: rhetorical questions, metatextual reflexive questions, synonymic correction of naming units, etiquette correction of appellatives, language-game, etc. The results can be used to develop uniform criteria for evaluating language (speech) competencies during interviews with foreign citizens and stateless persons.
Features of the Russian Professional Language in the Field of Linguistics
Authors:   Moscow Region State University, Sorokinа El’vira A.
Published: March 2021

In the modern rapidly developing theory of intercultural communication, special attention is paid to the study of professional communication and the analysis of language means used therein. Every branch of professional knowledge has its own language for specific purposes. In the sphere of linguodidactics, there is a language whose metalinguistic function presents certain difficulties for communicants. Linguistic terminology is a set of language means that describe, group and classify lexical units of both native and foreign languages. At the same time, linguistic terminology is an important component of a special professional language for specific purposes. At present, much attention is given to the study of professional languages, but the language for specific purposes in the field of philology has not been sufficiently investigated. The purpose of this research was to describe the main features of linguistic terminology and identify problematic issues of its functioning. The paper is relevant due to the general need for studying linguistic terminology as one of the important tools in the work of various specialists (philologists, translators, lexicographers, terminologists, terminographers, and teachers). This research is an interdisciplinary one, since it covers a range of topical problems addressed by lexicology and lexicography, terminology science and terminography, linguodidactics, theory and practice of translation, as well as general and specific theory of language. In this paper, general linguistic methods – definitive, comparative, contrastive, and descriptive – were applied. The language material and the results of its analysis can be used by specialists in such fields as lexicography, theory and practice of translation, native and foreign language teaching, as well as terminology science.
Factors Impacting Prescription Practice in Primary Healthcare Setting in India: A Case Study in Rajasthan
Authors: Arup Kumar Das  , Shyama Nagarajan
Published: March 2021

Objective: To assess the prescription practices in the Indian state of Rajasthan with a view to demonstratethe effect of provider and system level factors, and their interactions on good prescription practices. Thestudy analysed two major dimensions of good prescription practice; first, the completeness of prescription, ameasure of adequacy; and second, the appropriateness of prescription, a measure of quality of care.Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study with a mixed method approachSetting: 24 rural and 7 urban government Primary Health Centres of Rajasthan, IndiaParticipants: Audit of 2801 prescriptions from health facility and the service providers in these facilities,including doctors, and nursesPrimary and Secondary Outcomes: The study outcome testified the study objective that provider levelfactor is critical to assure adequacy and appropriateness of good prescription practice. The secondarylevel outcome revealed that the system level factors are equally important to ensure compliance to goodprescription practiceResult: We found that the documentation of patient complaint, examination findings largely dependedon system level factors, such as availability of space in the piece of paper used for writing prescription;because for the doctor documenting diagnosis, and prescribing medicines and investigations were of greaterimportance. Ownership compliance of doctors, measured in terms of their signature on the prescriptions,emerged as an important factor determining both adequacy and accuracy of prescriptions. Further, thetreatment appropriateness, measured in terms of QoC, depends on both provider & system level factors.Conclusion: There is a need to focus on provider and system level factors to improve prescription practicesin primary health care. We recommend that institutional strengthening at systemic & provider level usinginnovative ways; such as task shifting to nurses as ‘physician assistants’, and reducing administrativeactivities of physicians to enhance focus on clinical work can propel better prescription practice.
Cycles in Time and Psyche: Implications for Cyclicity, Fatality and Symptomatics of COVID-like Pandemics
Authors: Asima Tripathy  , Rajat Kumar Pradhan
Published: March 2021

We explore the issue of cyclicity of cosmic time and how it might be a recorder of all events by itsidentification with the cosmic mind. We differentiate absolute time, universal (cosmic) time and the relativetime as three distinct categories in the objective domain of temporal reckoning. Taking the idea of timegenerated by fundamental quantum events through natural frequencies of microsystems, we analyze theissue of generation of the cyclic time of the cosmos itself due to events undergone by all its oscillatingcontents. We propose that such macrocosmic processes of generation of cosmic times by the frequency ofrepetitive cosmic events necessarily requires the intermediary of psychic fields which being metaphysicaland transcending matter, encode all information in a detailed manner in a memory that transcends spaceand generates repetitive events with subjects which lead to emergence of cosmic objective time. As a result,spatial as well as temporal non-locality becomes a reality, while individual free will becomes an appearanceonly. The difficulty in comprehending these novel ideas and conceptions only proves that our perceptionsare deeply conditioned by our everyday experiences with space and time. The duration, symptomatics,fatality and cyclicity of COVID-like pandemics can be understood on this basis to have a deeper significancetranscending virology and epidemiology.
Effectiveness of Back Massage vs Breathing Exercises on Labour Pain and Anxiety among Primigravida Mothers During First Stage of Labour in Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni (Bk)
Authors: Bharti Satish Weljale
Published: March 2021

Background: Pregnancy is a special event. The labour & birth process is an exciting, anxiety provokingsituation for the woman & her family. Each woman comes into labour room with her own set of expectation,fear, preparation, pain threshold, personality & behavioural make up & ways of experiencing what ishappening to her, which has to be managed effectively. The pain involved in labour & birth can sometimesdominate a pregnant woman or a couple throughout child, particularly as the baby’s due date approaches.The time of labour & birth, though short, in comparison with the length of pregnancy, is the most dramatic& significant period of pregnancy for the expectant woman.Method: Quasi experimental study, pre and post-test design with quantitative approach was used. Setting ofthe study was in Pravara rural hospital, Loni (Bk).Those primigravida women who are above 19 years of ageand fulfilling the inclusion criteria and were available during study period were the samples for this presentstudy. Sample size was total 60 (30 of them to study group I and 30 of them to study group II).Purposivesampling technique was used for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to assess demographic andobstetrical variables, labor pain of mother was assessed by visual analogue scale and anxiety of the motherwas assessed by the state –Trait Anxiety inventory scale.Results: Analysis showed that comparison of mean and SD of pretest level and posttest level of labour painin study group I & II was very highly significant at P=0.001 level and comparison of mean and SD of pretestlevel and posttest level of anxietyin study group I & II was very highly significant at P=0.001 level. Theresult depicted that, there was statistical significance found in labour pain of primigravida mothers in studygroup I & II at P=0.01 level. Regarding anxiety of primigravida mothers in study group I & II, there wassignificant difference found at P=0.01 level.Conclusion: Labour is very sensitive phase of a women, fear and anxiety may be high in primi mothersduring process of labour. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological method of pain relief are complementaryprocedures which help a woman suffer less anxiety and pain during childbirth. Thus this study conclude thatback massage and breathing exercises provided more persistent pain relief and reduce anxiety. It is effective, non-pharmacologic, accessible, cost effectiveand non-invasive technique to help reduce theintensity of labour pain and anxiety.
Recognizing Wellness Outcomes: Anxiety, Spirituality and Locus of Control as a Function of Ageing
Authors: Elizabeth Maria Mathai
Published: March 2021

Wellness is a functioning procedure of getting mindful of and settling on decisions toward a consistent,healthy and satisfying life. Health and Wellbeing are more than being liberated from sickness, it is aunique procedure of progress and development. The research examined the profile of State Anxiety, TraitAnxiety, Spirituality and Locus of Control recognizing psychological transits of wellness outcomes as afunction of aging. The investigation uncovers that as people, transit from youth to more established stagethey become increasingly spiritual, despite what might be expected in a similar excursion old age is by allaccounts observed to be the least anxious (both state and trait anxiety). The explanation for elevated levels ofuneasiness among the more youthful age could be because of the sense, that this age generation is increasinglystressed and fearful over their future and arriving at their objectives in this focused world. This explorationis charmed and enlivened by the developing accentuation on wellbeing in the compelling administration ofpsychological wellness issues and as a guide to improve emotional well-being status. The ever - the uniqueworld has become a significant test for us all. With time the obstructions are likewise developing. Thepresent paper is a push to comprehend the most reasonable approach to manage the difficulties of humanlives. This study connects adopting a more qualitative approach, such as a well-designed interview method,in gathering knowledge about participant experience after engaging in mind-body-spiritual practices.
The Experience of a Developing Country in Using Misoprostol for Induction of Labor
Authors: Jwan Dakheel Saeed  , Srwa Ismael Khalid
Published: March 2021

Objective: Assess the maternal and neonatal outcomes after use of vaginal misoprostol for induction oflabor in resource limited situationsMaterials and Method: A prospective case control study, it included 200 pregnant women (100 of whomrequired Induction of labor for different indications and the other 100 pregnant women were in spontaneouslabor. The route of misoprostol tablet administration was vaginal, starting with 25mcg every 6 hours withmaximum 4 doses.Results: Median time from misoprostol administration to vaginal delivery was 16.0 hours, the most commonindications of misoprostol were prelabor ruptured membrane 34%, post-date 27%, and oligohydramnioswith fetal growth restriction 19%.The Apgar score of the neonates in 1 minute was < 7 in 45%, however it was down to 6% at 5 minutesof delivery in induced women. Admission to the neonatal care unit (NCU) in induced women was 40%,whereas 21% in women with spontaneous labor, the rate of admission to NCU in induced women wassignificantly higher in nulliparous women 73.8% compared to multiparous women 15.5% p<0.001, and alsohigher in women received more than 2 doses of misoprostol.Conclusion: Misoprostol is effective and safe for induction of labor when clinically indicated, howeverwomen should be counseled carefully regarding the maternal and fetal complications prior to induction withmisoprostol.
A Study of Serum Glucose in Birth Asphyxia
Authors: Preeti  , Dayachand  , Yogesh Kumar Goel  , Linika Valecha
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia is a common neonatal problem and contributes significantly to neonatalmorbidity and mortality. Glucose is an essential nutrient for the brain. Abnormally low level can causeencephalopathy and have the potential to produce long-term neurological injury.Material and Method: A prospective study done at saraswathi institute of medical sciences,hapur with 65cases in comparison to 65 controls for evaluation of serum glucose in birth asphyxia.Results: In our study we found that serum glucose level was found to be lower among cases as comparedto control population and the difference between the groups were statistically significant both at 48 and 72hours. The cases had serum glucose levels lower than controls but there was significant difference betweenthe severity of birth asphyxia or with severity of HIE staging.Conclusion: Perinatal asphyxia is an important cause of neonatal hypoglyemia, severity of all thesecorrelates with severity of asphyxia and HIE staging.
Comparison of Two Educational Approaches on Knowledge Regarding Diet among Type II Diabetes Patients in East Delhi
Authors: Reeta Devi  , Mongjam Meghachandra Singh
Published: March 2021

Background: Different educational approaches might lead to different levels of understanding amongdiabetics. The present study compared the effectiveness of self-learning module (SLM) versus use of powerpoint presentation (PPT) on the knowledge of diet among type II diabetes patients (T2DM).Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental study with pre and post-test design, conducted in thecommunity setting. 85 T2DM patients each were randomly allocated to either SLM or PPT and 170 werecontrols without intervention. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire assessed knowledge on diet andnutrition during baseline (pre-test) and 6 months after intervention (post-test). Changes in knowledge afterintervention was assessed using X2, Mc Nemar, paired ‘t’ test. p<0.05 was considered as significant.Results: Both SLM and PPT were equally effective in increasing knowledge on the role of diet in diabetes,different food items. PPT was significantly more effective in increasing the mean knowledge score regardingdiet in post-test (28.04+7.34) versus SLM (25.07+6.74) (p<0.001). PPT was more effective than SLM onsome aspects of diet viz. concept of carbohydrate as energy giving source, sources of carbohydrates (potatoand bread), meat as source of protein, “protein” as body builder; good oils (saffola, cannola, olive oil),avoidance of butter; high glycaemic index (GI) foods (glucose, watermelon), medium GI food (muesli,honey, digestive biscuits), low GI (dalia, brown bread, oats), protein as body building food, meat as sourceof protein, consumption of fibre rich diet.Conclusion: Both SLM and PPT were effective, more so with PPT on several aspects of diet and nutritionamong study subjects. Active interaction along with visual presentation of educative material in powerpointcan be considered for educating T2DM patients on diet and nutrition during home visits by health workers.
Response inhibition in problematic social network sites use: an ERP study
Authors: Moretta Tania , Buodo Giulia
Published: March 2021

Given the current literature debate on whether or not Problematic Social Network Sites Use (PSNSU) can be considered a behavioral addiction, the present study was designed to test whether, similarly to addictive behaviors, PSNSU is characterized by a deficit in inhibitory control in emotional and addiction-related contexts. Twenty-two problematic Facebook users and 23 nonproblematic users were recruited based on their score on the Problematic Facebook Use Scale. The event-related potentials were recorded during an emotional Go/Nogo Task, including Facebook-related, unpleasant, pleasant, and neutral pictures. The amplitudes of the Nogo-N2 and the Nogo-P3 were computed as measures of the detection of response conflict and response inhibition, respectively. Reaction times and accuracy also were measured. The results showed that problematic users were less accurate on both Go and Nogo trials than nonproblematic users, irrespective of picture content. For problematic users only, the Nogo-P3 amplitude was lower to Facebook-related, pleasant, and neutral than to unpleasant stimuli, suggesting less efficient inhibition with natural and Facebook-related rewards. Of note, all participants were slower to respond to Facebook-related and pleasant Go trials compared with unpleasant and neutral pictures. Consistently, the Nogo-N2 amplitude was larger to Facebook-related than all other picture contents in both groups. Overall, the findings suggest that PSNSU is associated with reduced inhibitory control. These results should be considered in the debate about the neural correlates of PSNSU, suggesting more similarities than differences between PSNSU and addictive behaviors.
Organic Substances Reduction in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) After Cultivation with Locally Isolated Microalgae
Authors: Elvitriana  , Erman Munir  , Delvian  , Hesti Wahyuningsih
Published: March 2021

This work aims to study the ability of locally isolated microalgae to reduce organic substances in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) which was carried out on a laboratory scale. Inoculum with a concentration of 20% was cultivated into POME media with various concentration of LP100 (without dilution), LP75 (25% dilution), and LP50 (50% dilution) using aeration and continuous lighting for 15 days in vessels with a lighting intensity of 1300 lux. Biomass of microalgae were observed daily and analyzed in dry weight by means of spectrophotometry using 624 nm wavelength to get their growth by determining the content of algae biomass. The reduction of organic substances in POME was observed by measuring the COD, BOD phosphate, ammonium, nitrate, and fatty oil parameters every 3 hours with the standard method. Results show that the growth of microalgae occurred well in POME media at LP75 and LP50 concentrations with inoculum concentration of 20% under 1300 lux lighting intensity conditions with a continuous 24-hour lighting and aeration cycle that obtained biomass content of 0.92 and 1.08 g-DW/L, respectively. The presence of microalgae in POME at concentration of LP75 for 12 days reduced organic substances and nutrients reaching 80.74% - 99.70%. Some parameters that were reduced include BOD (99.35%), COD (89.57%), TSS (89.68%), Phosphate (97.70%), Ammonium (95.08%), Fatty Oil (99.70%), and Nitrates (80.74%). This study concludes that locally isolated microalgae have ability to treat POME safely for environment and as a growing medium for microalgae followed by a decrease in organic substances.
Application of Solar Energy Technology in Green Healthcare Camps for Fighting COVID-19 Outbreak in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Balabel Ashraf , Elkalashy Nagy I. , Abdel-Hakeem Mohammed A. , Issa Usama Hamed
Published: March 2021

The healthcare facilities sector is an energy-intensive organization especially at a time of spreading dangerous infectious viruses, such as new Coronavirus, or what is known as COVID-19. Recently, many countries have opened several mobile field quarantine hospitals provided with the required technical equipment to prevent the COVID-19 outbreak in these countries. Unfortunately, most of these healthcare camps are lacking in the application of the necessary sustainability principles and health standards to become green healthcare facilities. Solar energy can be used for various purposes in green healthcare facilities, such as power generation and other sterilized applications. Therefore, in the present paper, a new design for the mobile, quick built, and solar-powered green healthcare camp, in safe and effective 24 hours a day services, is introduced. The proposed green healthcare camp is built using modern building technologies for rapid constructions, in which the building design is proposed to incorporate the photovoltaic power generation consideration. Photovoltaic systems are designed according to the loads required for the operation of the designed model of the green healthcare camp. Moreover, the total cost of a solar-powered green healthcare camp is estimated according to local conditions and standards in Saudi Arabia. The practical recommendations are presented with the designed photovoltaic system to attain the overcurrent and overvoltage protection. The photovoltaic designed system is proposed under the condition of ascertaining the service continuity of the photovoltaic power system during the electric faults in the photovoltaic strings. This is achieved by incorporating series diodes at the terminals of each photovoltaic string. The performance of a 50-kW PV system simulated using Matlab/Simulink is evaluated for the fault disturbance to enhance the service continuity.
Faire participer par le théâtre dans un quartier populaire de Turin
Authors: Quercia Francesca
Published: March 2021

Depuis une trentaine d’années, dans le cadre d’un ensemble de programmes de rénovation des villes européennes, de nombreuses associations de théâtre réalisent des projets dans les quartiers populaires, visant à favoriser la « participation active » de leurs habitants. Basé sur une enquête ethnographique dans un quartier de Turin, cet article interroge le rôle social dont ces associations sont investies et la façon dont elles se positionnent face aux attentes institutionnelles. La volonté de s’inscrire dans les politiques locales et d’accéder aux financements publics influe considérablement sur la capacité des associations artistiques d’inclure les franges les plus défavorisées des classes populaires, sur la place qui leur est accordée dans le cadre des projets proposés et sur leur participation effective au sein des associations.
A systematic literature review of quantitative models for sustainable supply chain management
Authors: Flores-Sigüenza Pablo , Marmolejo-Saucedo Jose Antonio , Niembro-Garcia Joaquina , Lopez-Sanchez Victor Manuel
Published: March 2021

Supply chain management is the basis for the execution of operations, being considered as the core of the business function in the 21st century. On the other hand, at present, factors such as the reduction of natural resources, the search for competitive advantages, government laws and global agreements, have generated a greater interest in the sustainable development, which, in order to achieve it, industries need to rethink and plan their supply chain considering a path of sustainability. So sustainable supply chain management emerges as a means to integrate stakeholders' concern for profit and cost reduction with environmental and social requirements, attracting significant interest among managers, researchers and practitioners. The main objective of this study is to provide a synthesis of the key elements of the quantitative model offerings that use sustainability indicators in the design and management of forward supply chains. To achieve this objective, we developed a systematic literature review that includes seventy articles published during the last decade in peer-reviewed journals in English language. In addition a 4 W's analysis (When, Who, What, and Where) is applied and three structural dimensions are defined and grouped by categories: Supply chain management, modeling and sustainability. As part of the results we evidenced a continuous growth in the scientific production of this type of articles, with a predominance of deterministic mathematical programming models with an environmental economic perspective. Finally, we identified research gaps, highlighting the lack of integral inclusion of a life cycle analysis in the design of supply chain networks.
Applying particle swarm optimization based on Padé approximant to solve ordinary differential equation
Authors: Abed Abdulrazzaq T. , Aladool Azzam S. Y.
Published: March 2021

Ordinary differential equations are converted into a constrained optimization problems to find their approximate solutions. In this work, an algorithm is proposed by applying particle swarm optimization (PSO) to find an approximate solution of ODEs based on an expansion approximation. Since many cases of linear and nonlinear ODEs have singularity point, Padé approximant which is fractional expansion is employed for more accurate results compare to Fourier and Taylor expansions. The fitness function is obtained by adding the discrete least square weighted function to a penalty function. The proposed algorithm is applied to 13 famous ODEs such as Lane Emden, Emden-Fowler, Riccati, Ivey, Abel, Thomas Fermi, Bernoulli, Bratu, Van der pol, the Troesch problem and other cases. The proposed algorithm offer fast and accurate results compare to the other methods presented in this paper. The results demonstrate the ability of proposed approach to solve linear and nonlinear ODEs with initial or boundary conditions.
Editorial Note Vol.1(1)
Authors: Gnanapala Athula , Cooper Malcolm
Published: March 2021

No abstract available.
The Effect of Experiential Marketing, Destination Image, Tourists’ Satisfaction on Destination Loyalty: Evidence from Tourists’ Cultural Destinations in Sri Lanka
Authors: Udurawana Y.M.W.G.P.K. , Wanninayake W.M.C. Bandara
Published: March 2021

This study aims at examining the influence of experiential marketing (EM) on destination loyalty (DL) through the mediating effect of tourists’ satisfaction and destination image in the tourists’ cultural destinations in Sri Lanka. Review of literature headed the study to develop the conceptual model with six hypotheses. The study facilitated the survey strategy with a structured questionnaire, which was directed to a representative sample of 600 international tourists who have visited cultural areas in Sri Lanka. Both the measurement model and the structural equation model were assessed through the AMOS software, where all the constructs were valid, reliable and fit with the model. The findings revealed that the experiential marketing has a significant positive effect on destination loyalty only with the mediating effect of destination image and satisfaction. Therefore, the researchers suggest strategies for destination marketing authorities in Sri Lanka, which may help to upgrade destination image, tourists’ satisfaction, and experiential marketing practices to attract and keep more tourists with cultural destinations in Sri Lanka.
Can the Western Tourist Gaze be deconstructed through Buddhist Ontology?
Authors: Hapugoda Mahesh , Ratnayake Iraj
Published: March 2021

This theoretical review argues that the western tourist gaze can be deconstructed through the Buddhist ontology of avidyā and prajnā. If Buddhism is about discovering the truth of ‘self’ (end of self and everyday ego) in which emptiness in life is enveloped in a fictional darkness of ignorance (avidyā), its ontology unfolds to overcome that emptiness and to bring in awareness about the illusion that covers the above truth (prajnā). When the ordinary consciousness is based on the sensory perception of subject-object dichotomy, the foundation of the western way of looking at a phenomenon becomes incomplete, since such experience, according to Buddhist ontology, belongs to a cosmic illusion that disturbs prajnā (true wisdom). ‘The knowing of not-knowing’ (prajnā) and understanding the emptiness of ego are the true Buddhist home grounds of ‘being’ rather than ‘becoming’. In this context, with the philosophical insights advanced by the Kyoto School of Thoughts, this paper articulates that the western gaze in the discovery of the outer world can become meaningless. Hence, the western tourist gaze that seeks pleasure or leisure or even newness would be futile as it leads to avidya, the manifestation of the ego. The conclusion is that ‘the union of the seer and the seen’ gets deconstructed when the individual deeply realizes the fundamental nothingness that creates the above subjective-objective illusion (avidyā) - the foundation of the western tourist gaze. Reaching the Buddhist metaphysical assumption of sûnyatâ (zero or permanent void), where the ego is dissolved is only possible when one realizes that nothingness is the thread that ties both subject (tourist) and object (site) together.
Relationship of preoperative androgen levels and metabolic syndrome with quality of life and erectile function in patients who are to undergo radical prostatectomy
Authors: Neuzillet Yann , Dreyfus Jean-François , Raynaud Jean-Pierre , Rouanne Mathieu , Schneider Marc , Roupret Morgan , Drouin Sarah , Galiano Marc , Cathelineau Xavier , Lebret Thierry , Botto Henry
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate whether clinical and biological preoperative characteristics of patients who were to undergo radical prostatectomy were associated with impairment in patient-reported quality of life (QoL) and erectile dysfunction immediately before intervention. We evaluated patient-reported outcomes among 1019 patients (out of 1343) of the AndroCan study, willing to score the Aging Male Symptom (AMS) and the International Index of Erectile Function 5-item (IIEF-5) auto-questionnaires. Univariate linear regression and robust multiple regression were used to ascertain the relationship between demographic, clinical, and hormonal parameters and global AMS or IIEF-5 scores. As a result, most patients (85.1%) of the Androcan cohort agreed to complete questionnaires. Significantly higher IIEF-5 global scores were found in non-Caucasian and obese patients, with larger waist circumference, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high blood sugar, concomitant medications, and hypogonadism, while the AMS global score was significantly higher in patients with larger waist circumference, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, raised glycemia, and concomitant medication. The IIEF-5 global score was correlated to age, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), fat mass percentage, and androstenediol (D5). The AMS global score was significantly correlated to DHEA, D5, and DHEA sulfate. Finally, the multivariate models showed that QoL and erectile function were significantly affected, before surgery, by symptoms and signs that are usually considered as pertaining to the metabolic syndrome, while sexual hormones are essentially correlated to erectile dysfunction.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in newly diagnosed HIV seropositive patients
Authors: Dutta Anuja , Mehta Preeti R. , Ingole Nayana
Published: March 2021

Background & objectives:

Immunocompromised individuals mainly HIV infected patients are at a great risk for developing toxoplasmosis. The presence of toxoplasmosis among HIV-infected patients directly correlates with the prevalence of anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and the degree of immunosuppression (measured by CD4 counts). The data regarding the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients are scarce in India. Therefore, this study was initiated to find out the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in treatment-naïve HIV seropositive patients and to determine its association with CD4 counts, if any.

Methods:

Four hundred newly diagnosed antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve adult HIV positive patients coming for CD4 count estimation were tested for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. Risk factors for acquisition of toxoplasmosis as well as the age, gender and CD4 counts of the patient were noted down.

Results:

Toxoplasma IgG was positive in 292 (73%) patients, and the positivity was not related to their CD4 counts. The proportion of anti-Toxoplasma IgG positivity showed no significant association with age, gender and risk factors of the patients.

Interpretation & conclusions:

In the absence of any specific vaccine or prophylaxis for toxoplasmosis, it is pertinent to screen all HIV-positive patients for Toxoplasma IgG at diagnosis, irrespective of their CD4 counts, and sensitize them about the means to prevent either acquisition or activation of infection to avert the development of toxoplasmic encephalitis.
The Relationship between Moral Sensitivity, Ethical Climate, and Job Strain with Patient Privacy from Viewpoint of Operating Room Staffs
Authors: Sepehrirad Elaheh , Heidarzadeh Mehdi , Asl Zahra Etebari , Abbasian Zeinab , Ashtari Saba
Published: March 2021

Background:

The privacy of patients in the operating room is in particular importance. The results of previous studies have shown that various factors are affecting in this context. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between moral sensitivity, ethical climate, and job strain with respect to patients' privacy in operating rooms.

Materials and Methods:

All of operating rooms nurses of teaching hospitals affiliated to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences were entered into this descriptive-analytical study with census sampling method in 2019. To collect data, standard surveys of moral sensitivity, ethical climate, job strain, and privacy were used. Data were analyzed by SPSS15 software using descriptive and analytical statistics methods (independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis).

Results:

There was a positive significant relationship between moral sensitivity and privacy (r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and ethical climate and privacy (r = 0.60, p < 0.001), too. But, there was an inverse and significant correlation between job strain and privacy (r = -0.69, p < 0.001). The results also showed that moral sensitivity is the best predictor of patients' privacy.

Conclusions:

Despite the predictability of all variables, results showed that moral sensitivity is the most important component in patients' privacy. In this regard, by increasing the moral sensitivity of nurses, the privacy of patients can be improved.
The Effect of Non-verbal Music on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Mothers of Premature Neonates
Authors: Pourmovahed Zahra , Yassini Ardekani Seyed Mojtaba , Roozbeh Behzad , Ezabad Akram Raie
Published: March 2021

Background:

Hospitalization of a premature neonate in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is stressful for mothers. They show symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is important to use the proper strategy to manage PTSD. This study was designed to investigate the effect of non-verbal music on the PTSD in mothers of premature neonates hospitalized in NICU.

Materials and Methods:

In this clinical trial study, the convenience sampling method was applied and 45 mothers of premature neonates were selected and categorized randomly into the intervention (N = 23) and control (N = 22) groups in 2018. The babies were hospitalized in one of the NICUs in Yazd (Iran). The intervention group were supposed to listen to the non-verbal music for 20 minutes daily for two weeks using MP3 player and headphones. All participants completed the Perinatal PTSD Questionnaire (PPQ). The data were analyzed by SPSS 21 using paired t-test, independent t-test, and Chi-square test.

Results:

The PTSD mean (SD) scores before and after the intervention was 9.39 (1.67) and 4.39 (1.49), respectively, in experimental group. It was 8.54 (1.59) and 5.31 (1.71) in control group. The severity of PTSD decreased in the intervention (p = 0.003) and control (p < 0.001) groups after the intervention. The difference between the two groups was significant (F1,07 = 1058, p < 0.03), which confirmed the significant effect of the non-verbal music on decreasing the PTSD severity (0.92).

Conclusions:

Non-verbal music can be used as an effective and low-cost intervention for managing PTSD in mothers of premature neonates hospitalized in the NICU.
Unitary equivalence of multiplication operators on the Bergman spaces of polygons
Authors: Huang Hansong , Zheng Dechao
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we will show that the unitary equivalence of two multiplication operators on the Bergman spaces on polygons depends on the geometry of the polygon.
Cassava and Vegetable Farming on Wet Land among Farmers in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Paul A.H. , Tikwe K.M. , Nakwe S.H.G.
Published: March 2021

The study reviewed cassava and vegetable farming activities on wetland among farmers in Ibaji LGA Kogi State. Wetland can be defined as lands subject to excessive wetness, to the extent that the wet conditions influence the possible land uses. The wet soils in Kogi State exhibit similar physical, chemical and biological characteristics as do most or all soils in wetland ecologies. The textural  composition of the wet soils in the study area varies widely from sand to clay loam with good physical properties. Data collected included information on farming season, social/infrastructures available in the area, major occupation of the people, major crop grown and others. Potentials of wetland soils include wetlands are seasonally or perennially wet and have ample water supply occur in level to gently sloping landscapes, are immune to the hazards of soil erosion. The soils are saturated 6 to 8 months of the year. Sources of information available to the farmers are through neighbours, friends and extension agents. Constraints to wetland land use are climatic (mainly rainfall), hydrological, soil, biological, and socio-economic factors. However, the major constraints to the cropping systems in the wet lowlands are abundance of water and its management, disease, pest and weed control. Wet land farming should be encouraged by all to reduce food insecurity in the study area. Stakeholders should encourage farmers by providing farming inputs all year round

Key Words: Cassava, vegetable farming, wetland, farmers
Factors Influencing Adoption of Groundnut Production Technologies Among Women Farmers in Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State
Authors: Bashir Mohammed Bawuro , Ndaghu Augustine Anthony , Gbana Nakwe Stephen Haruna , Kyaru Mark Tikwe , Samuel Rubang Tari
Published: March 2021

The various groundnut production technologies considered were pesticides, processing and packaging, tillage, storage, improved seeds, seed treatment, weeding, transportation, spacing and planting date, fertilizer application and harvesting. Constraints include inadequate fund (2.7), followed by high cost of farm inputs (2.6) and inadequate storage facilities (2.6) were found to alter the adoption of groundnut production technologies among women farmers. Government should help link women farmers with improved groundnut production technologies (improved seeds, farm tools and machine, pesticides, and storage facilities) in order to attain a peak groundnut production in the state at large.
Varietal response of maize to nitrogen and zinc fertilizer in Minna Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi S.G. , Ewulo B.S. , Aiyelari O.P , Adeyemo A.J.
Published: March 2021

A field experiment was conducted in 2018 and 2019 seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna to determine the varietal response of maize to nitrogen and zinc fertilizer in Minna. The treatments included four levels of N: 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1, three levels of Zn: 0, 2.5 and 5 kg ha-1 and two varieties of maize (Oba Super 2 and Suwan-1-SR). The experimental design was a 4×3×2 factorial design fitted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The data collected were, plant height, number of leaves, cob weight, cob length, stover yield, grain yield and 1000 grain weight. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Highest plant height (43.69 and 44.37 cm) were obtained in 60 and 90 kg N ha-1 treatment application respectively in year 2018 at 3 Week After Sowing (WAS), these heights were significantly different from that of control (0 kg N ha-1). Zinc (Zn) fertilization has no significant effect on maize height at all growth stage of maize in year 2018. Application of Zn produced significantly taller plants than those without Zn application at 3 and 9 WAS in 2019. The treatment 60 kg N ha-1 had significantly higher yield (27873.7 kg ha-1) than others but similar to 90 kg N ha-1 (2512.4 kg ha-1). Application of 60 kg N ha-1 increased with 12 % than the 0 kg N ha-1 on maize yield in 2019. There was response to Zn fertilization on stover and grain yields. The interaction effects were significant on stover yield. The nitrogen rate of 60 kg N ha-1 and the zinc rate of 2.5 kg were optimum for maize grain yield in Minna, both Oba Super 2 and Suwan-1-SR performed better in the study.
Using research to enable teachers in the foundation phase to understand why their learners could struggle to develop home language abilities
Authors: Hugo Anna
Published: March 2021

Home language abilities are important upon entering school, when children learn now concepts and skills such as reading, writing and mathematics. The home language also lays the foundation for the development of a second language. In terms of the Constitution ofthe Republic of South Africa, the use of the 11 official languages of South Africa has to be advanced and thus the right to be taught in one’s home language from Grade R to Grade 3 is protected in the South African policies. The author opines that children’s home languages are not always developed correctly and according to the standardised form of the various home languages. The importance of home language development will be discussed in this article and also the factors to be found in the home environment and in the school situation that could hinder and delay home language development.

Keywords: home environment, home language, home language development, parents’ influence, school environment, standardised  form of a language, teachers.
General Characteristics of the Patients Diagnosed with Enteropathic Arthritis (ENA) whose Treatment Have Been Performed With Biological Agents
Authors: LERMİ Nihal , PEHLİVAN Yavuz
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Spondylarthritis (SpA) comprises multiple divergent forms of inflammatory arthritis. ENA ranks in SpA group. It is aimed to present the features of 33 ENA cases which have been being monitored in our clinic, in this study.

Method: Demographical and clinical features, presentation forms, of the 33 ENA cases who sought medical service in our polyclinic and diagnosed with ENA and treated with biological agents, have been recorded. It has been interrogated before biological agents treatment whether conventional DMARD’s (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) were used.

Results: Sixteen of the patients ( 48.4%) have been females, whereas 17 of them ( 51.6%) have been males. Eleven of the patients ( 33.3%) have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, whereas 22 of them (66.7%) with ulcerative colitis. Eighteen patients ( 54.5%) have presented with joint complaints and 13 of them ( 39.4%) with bowel complaints. The inquiry of the pre-treatments before the biological agents presented that 23 of them ( 69.7%) used nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID’s). Seventeen of the patients ( 51.5%) have used NSAID’s after IBD diagnosis whereas 4 patients ( 12.1%) had IBD inflammation symptoms as bleeding and diearrhea due to NSAID’s use after IBD diagnosis.

Conclusion: Since there is a close link between SpA and ENA, patients should also be monitored in the aspect of bowel symptoms during the SpA course. It is needed to take into account the activation of intestinal symptoms as well, while deciding on the treatment of the patients with enteropathic arthritis.
Subgroup identification for differential cardio-respiratory fitness effect on cardiovascular disease risk factors: A model-based recursive partitioning approach
Authors: Parh Md Yasin Ali , Begum Munni , Harber Matthew , Fleenor Bradley S. , Whaley Mitchell , Finch W Holmes
Published: March 2021

The goal of this study is twofold: i) identification of features associated with three cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and (ii) identification of subgroups with differential treatment effects. Multivariate analysis is performed to identify the features associated with the CVD risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. For subgroup identification, we applied model-based recursive partitioning approach. This method fits a local model in each subgroup of the population rather than fitting one global model for the whole population. The method starts with a model for the overall effect of treatment and checks whether this effect is equally applicable for all individuals under the study based on parameter instability of M fluctuation test over a set of partitioning variables. The procedure produces a segmented model with a differential effect of cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) corresponding to each subgroup. The subgroups are linked to predictive factors learned by the recursive partitioning approach. This approach is applied to the data from the Ball State Adult Fitness Program Longitudinal Lifestyle Study (BALL ST), where we considered the level of CRF as a treatment variable. The overall results indicate that CRF is inversely associated with hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. The partitioning factors that are selected are related to these risk factors. The subgroup-specific results indicate that for each subgroup, the chance of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia increases with low CRF.