bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snake bite, a neglected menace: a prospective observational study in a tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Giri Shatabdi , Bisoi Swarup Kumar , Dash Dillip Kumar , Mohanty M. D. , Parida S. K.
Published: April 2020

Background: Snake bite is a neglected and underestimated public health problem in tropical and subtropical region. Snake envenomation is a well-known cause of morbidity and mortality in India. In 2009, WHO declared snake bite a neglected disease. Ophitoxaemia is an exotic term characterising the clinical spectrum of snake bite. Objective of this study was to know the outcome in paediatric snake bite cases in a tertiary care PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) with special reference to envenomation time and also to evaluate and analyse few atypical presentations of snake envenomation by proper history taking, physical examination and help start early intervention to prevent morbidity and mortality.Methods: A prospective observational study was done in Paediatric Intensive care unit of the hospital from June 2017 to June 2019.Results: Around 56.8% of 109 cases were non-poisonous snake-bites. Out of 47 cases admitted to PICU, 68.08% developed cellulitis at the site of bite with Staphylococcus aureus being the commonest organism isolated (56.25%). Anaerobes (bacteroides and clostridium) were also isolated in few cases. Edema at site of bite (hematotoxic) and ptosis(neurotoxic) were most common initial presentation. 36.17% of patients received ASV (Anti- Snake Venom) and first aid within 6 hours of snake bite. The morbidity and mortality were significantly less (p<0.05) as compared to those who didn't receive ASV. 12.76% of cases with normal CRT (Clot Retraction Time) presented with features of coagulopathy. DIC (58.33% of hematotoxic bites) and respiratory paralysis 68 (75% of neurotoxic bites) were the commonest complications. Renal replacement therapy was required in 6.38%, transfusion in 10.63% cases and case-fatality-rate was 12.7%. There were a few atypical presentations of snake bite mimicking Gullain-Barre syndrome, acute onset encephalitis with absent brainstem and pupillary reflexes, intracerebral hemorrhage and cortical blindness.Conclusions: Most snake bites are non-poisonous. Early first aid and ASV administration has better outcome. Fibrinogen levels are more reliable than CRT to diagnose coagulopathy. Acute presentations i.e, altered sensorium, paralysis, blindness and stroke like features should always be evaluated for snake envenomation in suspected cases to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Assessment of knowledge and attitude about child abuse amongst parents visiting a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru, India
Authors: Shankar Poornima , Agrawal Avinash , K. Akash B. , Kumar Mansi
Published: April 2020

Background: Child abuse is one of the problems in our society which still needs to be highlighted for general public in our country. It is a pressing human right issue and public health concern and the efforts to assess the awareness and mass education is very limited. Current study aimed to access knowledge and attitude for child abuse among parents attending a tertiary care hospital.Methods: The study was conducted amongst parents visiting pediatric OPD at Kempegowda institute of medical sciences, Bengaluru. Total 200 Parents were required to answer a series of questionnaire and then was statically analyzed.Results: It was seen that majority of parents lack knowledge regarding child abuse, 25% of parents believe that child abuse is just sexual violence, 23% parents thought that stubborn children can only be handled by physical punishment, 46% parents believed that only a girl child can be a victim of sexual abuse and only 19% had firm belief that boys can also be victim, 45% of parents believed that it is necessary to discuss with the child before making important decision concerning them, 35% parents were against the corporal punishment.Conclusions: There is a need to evolve strategies to protect the children from abuse and the measures should address both boys and girls and minimize impact.
Self-medication with antimicrobials in children: a study in tertiary care hospital, Odisha, India
Authors: Ganguly Sristi , Pankaj Kiran C. , Satpathy Saroj K.
Published: April 2020

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is emerging as global threat to health, the injudicious use being linked to multiple reasons namely parental misconceptions, easy drug availability and previous experiences.  Children, due to frequent illnesses, are victims of this misuse and more than fifty percent of these drugs are self-medicated by caregivers. This study attempts to assess the trends associated with self-medication with antimicrobials in children and the factors associated with it.Methods: This is a hospital based cross-sectional study, among pediatric outpatients aged 1 month to 14 years, in SCBMCH and SVPPGIP, Cuttack, during March 2019 to September 2019. A structured dichotomous questionnaire was administered to caregivers, including details of socio-demography and antimicrobials self-medicated. A pilot study was done for period of 1 month, and questionnaire accordingly modified. Data was analysed with Chi- square test and percentages, using SPSS 18.Results: Among the 300 patients studied, prevalence of self-medication with antimicrobials was 21%. Most patients self-medicated on pharmacists’ advice (44.4%), commonest reason being similar illness previously (41.3%). Fever (31.7%) and cold cough (28.6%) were usual conditions, with Azithromycin being most frequently administered. 54% of cases self-medicating antimicrobials, had errors of dose or duration, with 27% reporting side-effects. Child’s age (p=0.042), father’s age (p=0.044), mother’s age (p=0.002), chronic illness in child (p=0.002) and type of family (p=0.011) were significantly associated with antimicrobial self-medication in children.Conclusions: The high prevalence of self-medication with antimicrobials mandates need to educate parents and enforce laws regarding illegal dispensing of these drugs, to reduce the threat from resistance.
Clinical profile of children aged 2 months to 60 months presenting with wheeze in a tertiary medical centre
Authors: Mondal Arup Ratan , Singh Ch Shyamsunder , Devi Moirangthem Meenakshi , Laishram Cindy , Kambiakdik T.
Published: April 2020

Background: Wheezing is common throughout infancy and childhood except in the neonatal period where it is relatively rare. By 10 years of age, about 19% of children experience wheezing with an average onset at 3 years of age. This study was aimed to identify the diverse factors associated with wheezing in children aged 2 months to 60 months and to study clinical profile along with short term outcome of the same.Methods: It was a hospital based cross-sectional study carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital (RIMS), Imphal, Manipur. The Study population consisted of randomly selected 131 children aged 2 months to 60 months who were admitted in Paediatrics ward with the symptom of wheezing.Results: Authors found that age below 12 months, male sex, low socioeconomic conditions and artificial breastfeeding practices were important risk factors for wheeze.Conclusions: Wheezing is accountable for a high demand of medical consultations and emergency care services with relatively high rates of hospitalization. Along with ARI, it plays an important role in infant mortality. In Manipur, it is being observed that increasing number of children with wheezing are attended by paediatricians in ED, OPD and ward, thereby proving an added burden to the younger age group. Therefore proper health education and counselling of parents, promotion of exclusive breast feeding and improvement of socioeconomic status can play a vital role in preventing occurrence of wheeze among the children.
Comparison of outcome of milwaukee regimen and 48 hours regimen in diabetic ketoacidosis in a tertiary care hospital in Chitradurga, Karnataka, India
Authors: P. Basavanthappa S. , V. Srinivasa , T. Sivachand
Published: April 2020

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute life threatening and a medical emergency that accounts for the majority of diabetes related mortality and morbidity in the pediatric age group who are suffering from type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcome in a patient with DKA who are been treated with Milwaukee regimen (24hours) and 48 hours regimen.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in PICU of tertiary care hospital in Chitradurga, Karnataka. Data was collected from 2015 to May 2018. Diagnosis of DKA was made by plasma glucose level higher than 200mg/dl, venous blood PH of <7.3 and /or bicarbonate <15 mmol/L, presence of ketonuria. Among 56 cases, 36 cases were treated with 48 hours regimen and 20 cases were treated with Milwaukee regimen and results were compared.Results: The median age of presentation was 7.52 years (Range: 2-14 years) with female: male ratio of 1:1.3. Newly diagnosed type 1 DM cases constituted 80.7%. The most common presenting complaints were hurried breathing and altered sensorium. The average length of stay in the ICU was 3.5 days for 48 hours regimen and 4.5 days for Milwaukee regimen. The mortality rate was 10.71 % (6 cases), among which 15% (3 cases) were patients treated with Milwaukee and 8.3% (3 cases) were patients treated with 48 hours regimen. Cerebral edema was found to be the commonest cause of fatality.Conclusions: There is lack of awareness regarding dog bite and its management among the rural population.
Hypoglycemia incidence and risk factors assessment in hospitalized neonates
Authors: H. Murali B. , C. Abirami
Published: April 2020

Background: Hypoglycemia is a major metabolic problem among neonates. Neonates are usually asymptomatic and hypoglycaemia can cause brain damage if not detected and treated early. This study was conducted to identify incidence as well as risk factors of hypoglycemia in neonates admitted to the NICU.Methods: Blood sample for glucose testing was collected in neonates who were less than 72 hours old, at the time of admission to our NICU (Kempegowda institute of medical sciences, Bangalore, India).Results: Total 250 neonates were admitted to the NICU for various reasons and all were screened for hypoglycaemia. Of the 250 babies 112 were hypoglycemic. 147 babies were males and 103 babies were females. 178 of the 250 babies enrolled were preterm and 72 babies were term. 44% babies were detected to have sepsis and 17.6% were detected to have respiratory distress syndrome. Only 7% (8 no. of) babies displayed symptoms like hypoglycemic convulsions, jitteriness.Conclusions: Neonates with premature birth, low birth weight and perinatal asphyxia were susceptible to hypoglycemia. Active and continuous monitoring of blood glucose level should be performed in the early newborns, especially in high-risk children, and attention should be paid to timely feeding for the early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal hypoglycemia to reduce its impact on the newborns.
Starry sky appearance of tuberculoma
Authors: Nigam Nehil , Kela Gunjan
Published: April 2020

CNS tuberculosis accounts for only 10% of all cases of tuberculosis, carries a high mortality and morbidity. Tuberculoma of the brain is an important clinical entity. The main challenge in the management of brain tuberculoma is its diagnosis. Hereby, referring case of a 12 years old male child who presented with clinical picture of tuberculosis but radiologically NCC, hence posing a diagnostic dilemma as clinically it was in the favor of tuberculosis whereas radiologically inclination was towards neurocysticercosis. Based on clinical manifestations it was suggestive of meningitis, CSF picture was suggestive of hypoglycorrhachia. CT chest showed miliary pattern and neuroimaging showing multiple ring enhancing lesions. High index of clinical suspicion is required to make a diagnosis and evaluation with reports.
Series of rare diagnosis and presentations of abdominal mass in children: a great learning experience
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Chakravorty Subhankar , Biswas Somak Krishna , Biswas Sumitra Kumar
Published: April 2020

Abdominal mass is a common finding in children, either palpable or radiologically evident surprisingly. Some of them are rare tumors. Functional active tumors are rarely palpable but present with varied arrays of symptoms. In this series authors are discussing few rare cases with atypical presentations such as- teratoma arising from adrenal gland, teratoma presenting with hypertension, fetus in fetu (Girl and Boy child), adrenocortical tumor presenting as precocious puberty and adrenal pheochromocytoma with features of cushing’s syndrome. These atypical presentations may have pose a challenge in diagnosis and management for the treating team with first time occurrence specifically if they are handling them for first time.
Acute pancreatitis in a child with sickle cell anemia
Authors: D. Manoj Kumar , Choppari Komalatha , Thomas Suresh R. J.
Published: April 2020

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a term used for a group of genetic disorders characterized by production of Hb “S”. Sickle cell hemoglobin opathy occurs due to mutation of beta-globin gene situated on short arm of chromosome 11, where adenine is replaced by thymine in base of DNA coding for the amino acid in the sixth position in beta-globin chain. This leads to an amino acid change in beta chain of Hb molecule, from glutamic acid to valine. The result is profound change in the molecular stability and solubility of Hb “S”. Authors are reporting a 8-year-old girl who is a known case of sickle cell disease presented with complaints of intermittent pain abdomen and vomiting since 30 days. Investigations revealed elevated pancreatic enzymes with radiological evidence of pancreatitis. Packed red blood cell transfusion and appropriate supportive therapy given and child recovered well.
An extensive exfoliative dermatitis: a rare complication
Authors: Shimpiger Santosh , Pathak Nakul , Narkhede Nilima , Save Sushma
Published: April 2020

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is an extensive exfoliative dermatitis that occurs primarily in newborns and in previously healthy children. It is a rare complication of Staphylococcal infection. Author report a case of 1year old male child with Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome diagnosed clinically and microbiological reports confirmed the diagnosis. The child responded to appropriate antibiotic therapy and was discharged after 14 days of antibiotics.
Pulmonary hydatid cyst in children
Authors: Meshram Rajkumar M. , Gajimwar Vishal S. , G. Kavitha , Khwaja Sadullah Saqulain
Published: April 2020

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease with global existence caused by tapeworm of family Taeniidae and genus Echinococcus. It is transmitted by feco oral route or direct contact with dogs. A 7-year-old female was admitted with cough, fever, chest pain and history of contact with dog. Chest radiography showed round to oval mass with air fluid level while ultrasonography of thorax was suggestive of a large cystic lesion in right mid zone with dense moving echo and multiple hyper echoic foci with connected artifacts without calcification. Computerized tomography showed large cystic lesion containing fluid with air within it in right mid zone. Initially cystic aspiration followed by pericystectomy was done. Health education, hand washing practices, creating awareness and protection of intermediate host by vaccine will help to control the disease.
Seizures in a child with tuberculomas: case report
Authors: Bhatti Karandeep S. , Singh Arvinder
Published: April 2020

Central tuberculomas, occurring because of the haematogenous spread of  M. tuberculosis, can present variably with the symptoms ranging from headache, decreased level of consciousness, neck stiffness to altered mental status, seizures and focal deficits. Diagnostic investigations include but are not limited to CSF analysis, MRI Brain, CT head, and AFB smear, mycobacterial cultures or CBNAAT of the CSF sample. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy can help distinguishing the tuberculoma from its differentials by showing a peculiar lipid peak. Treatment with the antituberculosis drugs over a prolonged period of time along with dexamethasone usually shows significant clinical improvement. Authors present to you the case report of an 8 year old boy who presented to the pediatric emergency with generalized tonic clonic seizures and was subsequently detected with the tuberculoma with the help of MRI Brain and CBNAAT (cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test) of CSF sample. The objective of this case report is to discuss the symptoms, pathogenesis, detection and management of tuberculomas, which are still quite common in the developing countries and if left untreated are associated with high morbidity and mortality.
The importance of early rehabilitation in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Eghbali Mohammad , Khankeh Hamidreza , Ebadi Abbas
Published: April 2020

This article is an Editorial and does not include an Abstract.
The effect of simulation-based education on nursing students’ knowledge and performance of adult basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Habibli Tahereh , Najafi Ghezeljeh Tahereh , Haghani Shima
Published: April 2020

Background & Aim: Cardiopulmonary arrest as a life-threatening condition needs urgent interventions to protect individuals’ life and prevent irreversible damages to vital organs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of simulation-based education on the knowledge and performance of nursing students of adult essential life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BLS-CPR).
Methods & Materials: This study used a pretest-posttest study with a control group. It was conducted at Iran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran, in 2017. In this study, 49 nursing students at the sixth education semester were assigned using the simple random allocation into two groups of intervention (n=28) and control (n=21). Initially, the conventional BLS education was provided to the two groups of intervention and control using the conventional method. Next, the intervention group received a simulation-based education. The knowledge and performance of the students before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention was assessed using a modified knowledge assessment questionnaire and a modified performance evaluation checklist about BLS in adults.
Results: The students’ knowledge in the intervention group immediately after (p<0.001) and three months after the intervention (p<0.05) were significantly higher than the control group. The mean scores of performance immediately after (p<0.001) and three months after the intervention (p<0.001) were significantly higher than the control group.
Conclusions: Simulation-based education increased the knowledge and performance of nursing students in the field of BLS-CPR. According to the results, integrating conventional training with simulation-based education can be effective in learning BLS among nursing students.
Associated factors of facial pressure ulcers in patients under non-invasive ventilation during hospital stay in an intermediate care facilities of a Portuguese hospital
Authors: Quitério Carlos Filipe dos Santos , Cordeiro Isabel , Pereira Mariana
Published: April 2020

Background & Aim: Non-invasive ventilation is a procedure that reduces respiratory stress and improves gas exchange, using a patient-ventilator interface; however, it presents consequences such as the development of facial pressure ulcers. We aim to identify the factors associated with facial pressure ulcers in Intermediate Care Facilities patients submitted to non-invasive ventilation.
Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytic study was performed in an intermediate care facilities, of a Portuguese hospital, from August to October of 2018, the study population consisted of patients hospitalized in this unit, who underwent to non-invasive ventilation. Data were collected through an observational form developed to obtain the information of the entire period of hospitalization of the patient. The software used to analyze the data was IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. For the descriptive analysis, absolute and relative frequencies also means and standard deviations were computed. Also, to describe the association between the variables, The point biserial correlation coefficient (rpb) were calculated. For data analysis, a significance level of .05 (α) was used.
Results: 14.6% of the individuals developed PU, all in the nasal pyramid. NIV was used for 6.07±3.91 days, and PU developed between the 3rd and the 20th day. It was observed that the presence of PU had a significant positive correlation with the GCS score (rpb=0.390, p=0.012) and a significant negative correlation with the duration of NIV (rpb=-0.438, p=0.004). Dependency level, PU risk, and nutritional risk did not correlate with the development of PU.
Conclusion: The pressure ulcers associated with non-invasive ventilation appear to be more frequently developed on the nasal pyramid and between the 3rd and the 20th day. Moreover, the level of consciousness and the time of administration of non-invasive ventilation are associated with the development of pressure ulcers.
The effect of the supportive program on the anxiety of mothers of infants with gastrointestinal anomalies
Authors: Seyedrasooli Alehe , Malakouti Jamileh , Jabraeili Mahnaz , Heykalabadi Soraya , Ghogazadeh Morteza
Published: April 2020

Background & Aim: The birth of an abnormal infant and his admission to the intensive care unit creates various mental health effects on their mothers and increases their anxiety. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of supportive programs on the anxiety of mothers of infants with gastrointestinal anomalies.
Methods & Materials: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Tabriz, Iran. In this study, 50 mothers who had infants with gastrointestinal anomalies were assigned randomly to control and intervention groups. The control group received routine care, and the intervention group received special supportive care: emotional, informational, self-esteem, and caring support during four sessions for a 45-minute duration. Maternal anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed by using SPSS/19 and paired-sample and independent t-test.
Results: The results showed that both groups of mothers had high-level anxiety in the pre-test. In the post-test, the mothers' anxiety level in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group. ANCOVA test to compare the mean difference of state and trait anxiety in both groups showed that these changes were statistically significant (P<0.001).
Conclusion:  This study tried to introduce a protocol to protect mothers of gastrointestinal anomalies, which could be used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The findings of this study also highlighted the importance of supporting one of the fundamental principles of family-centered care. Based on the outcomes of this research, emotional, informational, self-esteem, and caring support could reduce the mother’s anxiety.
Views of Muslim mothers in Turkey on breast milk donation and human milk banks
Authors: Mizrak Sahin Berrak
Published: April 2020

Background & Aim: In many countries, human milk banks (HMBs) are included in children's health policies and regulations and are supported as an extension of national breastfeeding policies. Currently, there are no active HMBs in Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the attitude, knowledge, and views of mothers about breast milk donation and HMBs.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive study was conducted in a university hospital postnatal clinic in Eskişehir between January and April 2019. The study population comprised of 250 multipara mothers. Data were collected with the help of a questionnaire comprising three sections.
Results: Only 28.4% of mothers knew about HMBs. A total of 40.8% of mothers indicated that they were against the establishment of HMBs in Turkey. However, only 61 mothers (24.4%) approved of obtaining milk from HMBs. Mothers who did not agree to the establishment of HMBs (77.5%) stated that babies who are fed with breast milk from the same mother would be milk siblings, and it would be an ethical problem if they got married to each other.
Conclusion: Most mothers are hesitant to donate their milk to HMBs, mostly due to religious concerns. Even in a group of Turkish Muslim populations whose sociocultural level can be considered high, resistance against HMBs is thoughtful. It is essential to organize public campaigns, especially through social media, to raise awareness of HMBs. When the results of the study were taken into account, it is believed that an HMB model where the donors and recipients meet each other is necessary.
Nursing students’ experiences of faculty incivility: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Hosseini Nodeh Zahra , Tayebi Zahra , Aghabarary Maryam , Tayebi Razieh
Published: April 2020

Background & Aim: Academic incivility has a common problem in academic settings including nursing schools. The aim of the present study was to explore nursing students’ experiences of faculty incivility.
Methods & Materials: This was a conventional qualitative content analysis approach. Fourteen bachelor’s nursing students were purposefully recruited from two faculty of nursing in, Karaj, Iran. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed via the conventional content analysis.
Results: We derived two main categories from students’ experiences; “hidden faculty incivility” and “obvious faculty incivility”. Hidden incivility contained four subcategories, includes lack of mastery over the subject matter, inattentiveness to the learning climate of the class, inability to manage the class, and unfair evaluation. Obvious incivility also included the three subcategories of speech-behavior contradiction, authoritative behavior, and unconventional behavior.
Conclusion: This study suggests that faculty incivility can have various aspects and beyond obvious offensive behaviors which mainly pertains to faculty interaction and teaching skills. Nursing faculties and nursing education authorities need to acquire adequate knowledge about the different aspects of faculty incivility and employ strategies for its prevention and alleviation.
Oral vs intravenous acetaminophen as a constituent of multimodal analgesia after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized, blinded trial
Authors: Yarahmadi Sajad , Moradi Behzad , Mohammadi Rasool , Saran Maryam , Ardalan Arash , Mohammadi Noordin , Cheraghian Tayebeh
Published: April 2020

Background & Aim: This trial aimed to compare the pain relief and side effects of Oral Acetaminophen (OA) and Intravenous Acetaminophen (IVA) after CABG surgery.
Methods & Materials: This parallel-group, triple-blinded, randomized trial was conducted on 113 CABG patients from September 2017 through February 2018.  The samples were selected through blocked randomization and allocated into two groups using computer-generated. The participants administered 1gr oral (OA group, n=57) or intravenous Acetaminophen (IVA group, n=56) every 6h for the first 24h following surgery; also, pain controlled in both group with Morphine multimodal analgesia strategy. Pain intensity measurement by VAS was followed after extubating the endotracheal tube at the 0, 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours during the rest and deep breathing. The Morphine consumption and the incidence of nausea and vomiting in the first 24h were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and Chi-square, t-test, mixed ANOVA and ANCOVA test.
Results: The pain score in the IVA group was found to be statistically significantly lower than the OA group at rest (P<0.001) and during deep breathing (P<0.001) in the first 24h. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the cumulative Morphine consumption (P=0.056). The use of IVA was associated with a reduction in frequencies of nausea and vomiting incidents (P=0.029).
Conclusion: Administration of IVA for the management of postoperative pain in CABG patients significantly reduced pain score and incidence of nausea and vomiting compared to OA. Any reduction in cumulative Morphine consumption did not accompany the lower pain.
Mothers’ experiences after single-event multilevel orthopedic surgery in cerebral palsy: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Kose Gulsah , Aydogan Arzu , Tastan Sevinc , Yildiz Cemil
Published: April 2020

Background & Aim: Mothers with children with cerebral palsy experience various problems during the care process, especially after surgery. Since these problems of parents directly affect the care provided to the child, it is essential to evaluate the problems that families experience in this process. This study aims to explore the experiences of mothers of children with cerebral palsy and to find out how these mothers care for their children that underwent single-event multilevel orthopedic surgery due to cerebral palsy.
Methods & Materials: A descriptive phenomenological study was used to explore the life experiences of 24 participants who had children with CP. This study was performed in the Department of Orthopedics at a Training and Research Hospital in Turkey, between March and July 2015. The study was completed with the participation of 24 mothers who had children with cerebral palsy. A qualitative, face-to-face and in-depth interview technique were used for data collection. Colaizzi’s method and Professional Software for Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research 11 software were used for analysis.
Results: The mean age was 37.29±6.86. Based on the mothers’ care experiences data, three main themes were identified, namely “Be concern about the process,” “Facing the Difficulties and Coping,” “Adaptations the changing family lifestyle.”
Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that CP affects intra-family relations and functions, and contributes to various physical and mental health problems, and financial statement. We believe that the findings may help healthcare professionals to provide and plan education in the field of healthcare services in a way that helps families cope with the process successfully.
The effect of thyme honey on anemia in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Mousavi Kiasari Seyyed Ali , Nobahar Monir , Ghorbani Raheb , Tamaddon Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2020

Background & Aim: Anemia is one of the most common complications of chronic renal failure, which is associated with increased fatigue, dyspnea, depression, malaise, prolonged hospitalization and mortality. Some patients are resistant to erythropoietin therapy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of thyme honey on anemia in hemodialysis patients.
Methods & Materials: The present clinical trial was conducted in 2018 at Kowsar Hospital of Semnan on hemodialysis patients randomly selected with convenience sampling method within two groups of case (n=28) and control (n=27). The case group received thyme honey (33 g) daily for one month. The control group did not consume thyme honey. Blood samples were taken from the patients before and after the intervention with 10-hour fasting and then blood parameters were assessed.
Results: The mean ±SD reduction rate in hemoglobin level was 0.46±0.96 in the case group and 0.23±3.15 g/dl in the control group, but no significant difference using independent t-test (P=0.758). The mean±SD reduction rate in hematocrit percentages was 1.20±2.78 in the case group and 0.11±8.53 in the control group, but there is no significant difference between the two groups using independent t-test (P=0.590).
Conclusion: Results showed that daily administration of 33 grams of thyme honey had no effect on anemia in hemodialysis patients. Further studies are recommended with modification of the methodology regarding the type, dose, duration and instructions of honey consumption for better results.
Adopting the Appropriate Performance Measures for Soft Computing-based Estimation by Analogy
Authors: Shah Muhammad Arif , Jawawi Dayang N. A. , Isa Mohd Adham , Younas Muhammad , Mustafa Ahmad
Published: April 2020

Soft Computing based estimation by analogy is a lucrative research domain for the software engineering research community. There are a considerable number of models proposed in this research area. Therefore, researchers are of interest to compare the models to identify the best one for software development effort estimation. This research showed that most of the studies used mean magnitude of relative error (MMRE) and percentage of prediction (PRED) for the comparison of their estimation models. Still, it was also found in this study that there are quite a number of criticisms done on accuracy statistics like MMRE and PRED by renowned authors. It was found that MMRE is an unbalanced, biased, and inappropriate performance measure for identifying the best among competing estimation models. The accuracy statistics, e.g., MMRE and PRED, are still adopted in the evaluation criteria by the domain researchers, stating the reason for “widely used,” which is not a valid reason. This research study identified that, since there is no practical solution provided so far, which could replace MMRE and PRED, the researchers are adopting these measures. The approach of partitioning the large dataset into subsamples was tried in this paper using estimation by analogy (EBA) model. One small and one large dataset were considered for it, such as Desharnais and ISBSG release 11. The ISBSG dataset is a large dataset concerning Desharnais. The ISBSG dataset was partitioned into subsamples. The results suggested that when the large datasets are partitioned, the MMRE produces the same or nearly the same results, which it produces for the small dataset. It is observed that the MMRE can be trusted as a performance metric if the large datasets are partitioned into subsamples.
Pairing-Based Approach to Support Understanding of Object-Oriented Concepts and Programming
Authors: Sulaiman Shahida
Published: April 2020

Blended learning comprises various learning modes with the support of digital resources. It has been a critical element in 21st-century teaching and learning environment at multiple levels of education, mainly tertiary level. In the software engineering field, pair programming is one of the techniques in Xtreme Programming principles in Agile software development methodology. Although pair programming is well-known among practitioners, studies have shown that pair programming can support computer science or software engineering students at higher learning institutions to understand the concepts in programming. Indeed, pair programming could support active learning among students. Inspired by pair programming, this study proposes that pairing-based pedagogy or “pairgogy” in blended learning could also increase students’ confidence and interest in completing theoretical in-class exercises not limited to programming tasks with the support of an e-learning system. The proposed approach was applied to teaching object-oriented concepts using Java programs. The findings reflect that both pair programming and “pairgogy” complement each other as a pairing-based approach in blended learning to support understanding of object-oriented concepts and programming. Students’ responses towards the approach applied in a semester were positive. The study also implies that most students preferred to be a driver, the person doing the program rather than a navigator who guides drivers on what to program. In this approach, students were also required to complete the in-class theoretical questions in pairs by tracing given programs and answered via the e-learning. Thus, the pairing-based approach has proven to be beneficial to support students in learning programming.
Sustainable Software Engineering:A Perspective of Individual Sustainability
Authors: Nazir Sumaira , Fatima Nargis , Chuprat Suriayati , Sarkan Haslina , F Nurulhuda , Sjarif Nilam N.A.
Published: April 2020

Sustainable software engineering is a mean of developing sustainable software with sustainable software engineering process activities while balancing its various dimensions for instance economic, environmental, social, technical and individual. It is conveyed that the economic, technical, environmental and social dimensions are explored to satisfactory degree however the individual dimension of sustainable software engineering which is concerned with wellbeing of software engineers is not explored to satisfactory degree with respect to its understanding and challenges. Therefore, the aim of the study is to highlight and prioritize the challenges regarding individual sustainability dimension. The study also provides the mitigation strategies for the top five individual sustainability challenges. The systematic literature review has been performed to report the challenges and mitigation strategies. The study finding shows that lack of domain knowledge, lack of methodologies and tool support, lack of education, varying and unidentified situations and lack of sustainable software engineering practices are top most challenges regarding individual sustainability. These challenges need an urgent attention to achieve the goal of sustainable software engineering. The study also reports various mitigation strategies to overcome the risk of identified top most individual sustainability challenges such as to introduce sustainable software engineering education and knowledge in software engineering curricula, development of knowledge sharing frameworks and awareness regarding unclear and varying situations for each software engineering activity etc.  The study will be beneficial for sustainable software engineering body of knowledge, sustainable software engineering practitioners and researchers by providing classified list of individual sustainability challenges and their mitigation strategies.
Greenhouse Monitoring and Automation Using Arduino: a Review on Precision Farming and Internet of Things (IoT)
Authors: Ardiansah Irfan , Bafdal Nurpilihan , Suryadi Edy , Bono Awang
Published: April 2020

The 21st century became the beginning of the development of information technology, where one of the revolutions was the presence of the Internet of Things. Internet of Things or abbreviated as IoT is a technology that combines electronic devices, sensors, and the internet to manage data and applications. The Internet of Things can be adopted in agriculture for crop management as a media for monitoring and controlling, especially in greenhouses and is called Precision Farming. The application of precision farming will be more effective in a greenhouse because it is easier to engineer similar environmental conditions. IoT development in greenhouses is using Arduino Microcontroller or Raspberry Pi Microcomputer. These devices are used because the price is low and easy to get on the market and can be designed so that technicians who have limited information technology knowledge can run it. To be able to manage greenhouses with IoT requires sensors as five senses that can detect changes that occur in the greenhouse. By using sensors, the hardware can detect what is happening in the greenhouse and make decisions based on the data acquired. Some sensors that are often used in Precision Farming are temperature and humidity sensors, soil moisture sensors, and light sensors. In the Internet of Things, the data that has been acquired by the hardware will then be transmitted wirelessly. The wireless connections used are Bluetooth, ZigBee Protocol, and Wi-Fi, where Bluetooth and Zigbee connections have a short distance between 10 - 100 meters, while Wi-Fi has a longer distance especially when connected to the Internet. The purpose of this paper is to understand the advantages and challenges of adopting IoT-based Precision Farming for monitoring and automation.
Multi-Dimensional Interface Design of E-Commerce for Virtual Museum System
Authors: Tengku Wook Tengku Siti Meriam , Mat Nor Siti Fadzilah , Mohamed Hazura , Sahari Ashaari Noraidah , Mat Zin Nor Azan
Published: April 2020

This research focuses on the interface design for E-commerce for virtual museum system that can be displayed in multi dimensions. The existing system (muziummaya.terengganu.gov.my) has proved that information presented with the existing interface cannot be presented effectively through mobile device. Navigation is also difficult to the human cognitive since a lot of information displayed in one screen. Furthermore, the existing system is only available in Malay language and the digitized artifacts are only 10-20% from the whole collection. The existing virtual museum was analyzed to obtain user's perspectives from the aspect of information displayed and the results of this analysis serves as an input and guideline in designing the model and interface of a virtual museum system. The finding of these analysis also determines the best techniques in displaying information in the context of multi-dimensional designs, the information needed in a virtual museum's system and the most suitable e-commerce platform. These findings are used in designing a multi-dimensional interface design for an e-commerce system for a virtual museum.  The result of this study proved that information presented is more effective due to ease of navigation of the system. Thus, it shows an increase in the usability and users gained more experience while using the system.
s-SCMM: A Simplified Software Configuration Management Model for Software Services in Public University
Authors: Mohamad Zulaikha , Yahaya Jamaiah , Deraman Aziz , Mansor Zulkefli
Published: April 2020

Software Configuration Management (SCM) is a process that supports Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), which benefits project management, development activities, maintenance activities, quality assurance activities, and the end users of the software product. However, findings from series of interviews have proven that SCM is difficult to operate and to be implemented by the practitioners in public universities specifically in Malaysia. Some of the SCM activities could be aided by using the SCM automated tools, however not all practitioners opted that due to inflexibility of the tools. Theoretical and empirical study have identified and revealed the current practices, success factors, essential elements, and components of SCM that were used frequently and beneficial among software practitioners. The empirical study also found that the main components of s-SCMM are process, SCM tool, and human.  The s-SCMM was proposed and developed by considering the main components: process, tools, human, and success factors. The s-SCMM model was validated through expert review. As the result, a Simplified SCM Model (or s-SCMM) was proposed and developed to help the execution and implementation of SCM in public university environment. The s-SCMM model is simplified by focusing on change management, version control, system building, and release management. Therefore, s-SCMM will become a platform to assist total implementation of SCM in organization. By using this model, the preparation and usage of SCM artefacts could become more effective, efficient, and systematic.
Network Structure of Institutions in Cassava Agro-Industry Development in Lima Puluh Kota District
Authors: Hakimi Rini , Noer Melinda , Nofialdi - , Hasnah -
Published: April 2020

The development of cassava agro-industry in Lima Puluh Kota District is very potential. It is related that Lima Puluh Kota District is the largest cassava commodity production district in West Sumatera Province. There are formal and informal institutions that support the development of agro-industry through various activities involving agro-industry. This study aims to describe the network structure of formal and informal institutions in the development of cassava agro-industry in Lima Puluh Kota District. This research uses mixed methods research. Data and information in this study are obtained from literature studies, observations, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) used for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The quantitative analysis used descriptive statistics, and qualitative analysis used the interactive model. The results of this research showed that the frequency of interactions of informal institutions and agro-industry is more often than formal institutions. Social relations are more dominant than business relations in the network structure of formal institutions and agro-industry. On the other hand, the network structure of informal institutions and agro-industry, business relations are more dominant comparing social relations. Social relations can get through coaching activities such as counseling, training, procurement of production equipment, and business licensing. While business relationships can get through transactions such as purchasing, selling, land leasing, loan of capital, saving of money, and transfer of money. Informal institution relations occur in every agro-industry activity, starting from procurement of raw materials, auxiliary materials, processing, and marketing products. Formal institution relations occur in processing and marketing products.
Sorting Algorithm Applied in Geographical Regions Using Residential Electricity Consumption Indicators
Authors: Alonso Águila L.M. , Barzola-Monteses Julio , González-Cañizalez Yomar , Hidalgo-Crespo José , Coello-Pisco Silvia
Published: April 2020

The electricity consumption per capita in Ecuador almost doubled between 1999 and 2017. Although electricity, gas and fuels are subsidized by the state, and thus generate savings for users, this often leads to inefficient use or bad energy consumption habits in the population. The current economic situation in the country has urged reconsidering the continuity of fuel subsidies, so prices have been adjusted. It is evident that the continued elimination of subsidies will negatively impact Ecuadorian low and middle-income families, becoming necessary to find alternatives and possible solutions regarding energy, while also familiarizing with the profile and habits of electricity consumption in residences. A sorting algorithm based on Theory of Decision in Uncertainty is implemented to rank 8 urban-marginal areas in Guayaquil City according to 14 indicators that significantly impact energy consumption. From 700 thousand users of urban-marginal areas of Ecuador, 200 thousand can be found in Guayaquil. The information of some indicators of electrical consumption collected in surveys applied in residences of the areas is used as an ordering criterion. Results will show the differences between those areas and will be useful for later studies or for decision-making processes of competent authorities in order to improve living conditions while maintaining rational indicators of electrical consumption. Los Esteros, Guasmo and Vergeles present the best consumption pattern, in comparison with Bastión Popular and Flor de Bastión, which show the worst results in regards to the consumption among the 8 areas studied.