bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased concentration of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase in ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Kalirawna Teja Ram , Rohilla Jitendra , Bairwa Shyam Sunder , Gothwal Sunil Kumar , Tak Pinki , Jain Rajesh
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND:

Stroke is responsible for the largest proportion of neurological disorders causing a significant morbidity. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) enzyme has an active involvement in atherosclerosis through its role in oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms. Recent evidence suggests that serum GGT is related to the risk and prognosis of cerebrovascular diseases.

METHODS:

A total of 200 patients (100 with acute ischemic stroke and 100 without stroke) were recruited from various medical wards and medical intensive care unit. Categorical variables were compared between two groups using Chi-squared test and odds ratio (OR). Independent sample t-test was used to see to compare mean GGT level of stroke patients with control.

RESULTS:

There was no statistical difference with respect to distribution of age groups (χ
2 = 1.25, P = 0.741) and gender (χ
2 = 2.678, P = 0.1018) between cases and controls. Mean age of stroke patients (mean [M] = 61.7, standard deviation [SD] = 13.8) did not differ from controls (M = 62.2, SD = 13.6), P = 0.80. The odds of suffering from diabetes were significantly higher in stroke patients than cases (OR = 2.25, P = 0.005). Independent sample t-test found a significant difference in serum GGT level between cases (M = 57.47, SD = 11.8) and control (M = 41.72, SD = 7.5), P ≤ 0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS:

Serum GGT was significantly higher in stroke patients than age-sex-matched nonstroke patients. Association remained significant in stroke patients irrespective of age, gender, and other risk factors. Stroke patients with diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking had higher level serum GGT level than those without these risk factors. Prospective cohort studies can further explore the potential of GGT as a predictor of acute ischemic stroke.
Role of troponin as a biomarker for predicting outcome after ischemic stroke
Authors: Alhazzani Adel , Kumar Amit , Algahtany Mubarak , Rawat Dimple
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND:

After acute ischemic stroke, a higher level of troponin has been considered as an important biomarker for predicting mortality.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES:

The study aimed to quantitatively assess the prognostic significance of the effect of baseline troponin levels on all-cause mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke using a meta-analysis approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The following electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, TRIP Database, and ClinicalTrialsgov were used for obtaining the relevant articles from literature. Data were extracted in standardized data collection form by two independent investigators. Any disagreements were resolved by consensus. All the statistical analyses were performed in STATA software (Version 13.1).

RESULTS:

A total of 19 studies were included in the present meta-analysis involving a total of 10,519 patients. The pooled analysis suggested that elevated serum troponin level was associated with inhospital mortality (rate ratios [RR] 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–3.38) and at the end of last follow-up mortality (RR 2.01; 95% CI 1.62–2.40). Sensitivity analysis by removing a single study by turns indicated that there was no obvious impact of any individual study on the pooled risk estimate. No significant publication bias was observed in the beg test (P = 0.39); however, significant publication bias was observed in the egger test (P = 0.046).

CONCLUSION:

Our findings indicated that a higher level of troponin might be an important prognostic biomarker for all cause in hospital and follow-up mortalities in patients with acute ischemic stroke. These study findings offer insight into further investigation in prospective studies to validate this particular association. The study was registered in OSF registries DOI's 10.17605/OSF. IO/D95GN
Obstructive sleep apnea and stroke severity
Authors: Sanders Carolyn Breauna , Knisely Krista , Edrissi Camron , Rathfoot Chase , Poupore Nicolas , Wormack Leah , Nathaniel Thomas
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND:

Specific clinical and demographic risk factors may be associated with improving or worsening neurologic outcomes within a population of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with a history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The objective of this study was to determine the changes in neurologic outcome during a 14-day recovery as it relates to initial stroke severity in AIS patients with OSA.

METHODS:

This retrospective study analyzed baseline clinical risk factors and demographic data collected in a regional stroke center from January 2010 to June 2016. Our primary endpoint measure was the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and our secondary endpoint measures included the clinical factors associated with improving (NIHSS score ≤7) or worsening (NIHSS score >7) neurological outcome. The relative contribution of each variable to stroke severity and related outcome was determined using a logistic regression. The regression models were checked for the overall correct classification percentage using a Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and the sensitivity of our models was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS:

A total of 5469 AIS patients were identified. Of this, 96.89% did not present with OSA while 3.11% of AIS patients presented with OSA. Adjusted multivariate analysis demonstrated that in the AIS population with OSA, atrial fibrillation (AF) (odds ratio [OR] = 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.289–8.762, P = 0.013) and changes in ambulatory status (OR = 2.813, 95% CI, 1.123–7.041, P = 0.027) showed an association with NIHSS score >7 while being Caucasian (OR = 0.214, 95% CI, 0.06–0.767, P = 0.018) was associated with NIHSS score ≤7.

CONCLUSION:

In AIS patients with OSA, AF and changes in ambulatory status were associated with worsening neurological outcome while Caucasian patients were associated with improving neurological outcome. Our findings may have significant implications for patient stratification when determining treatment protocols with respect to neurologic outcomes in AIS patients with OSA.
Stent-in-stent technique for the management of blood blister-like basilar apex aneurysms
Authors: Prabhala Tarun , Entezami Pouya , Yamamoto Junichi
Published: May 2021

Blood blister-like basilar apex aneurysms are rare thin-walled vascular lesions with a poorly defined aneurysmal neck. We present two patients with ruptured blister aneurysms of the basilar apex who were treated using the stent-in-stent technique. Long-term follow-up showed persistent and complete occlusion of the aneurysms without radiographically or neurological complications. There is no optimal treatment of choice for the basilar apex blood blister-like aneurysms. Double- or triple-stent placement using the stent-in-stent technique can be a safe and feasible option for these uncommon and challenging intracranial aneurysms.
Withdrawal from Dialysis: Why and When?
Authors: Bhojaraja Mohan V , Singhai Pankaj , Sunil Kumar MM , Sreelatha M
Published: May 2021

Patients with end-stage kidney diseases may request for withdrawal of dialyses for many reasons. Healthcare practitioners frequently puzzled by ethical dilemma of respecting patient's wishes and beneficence of continuing dialysis. Shared decision-making and negotiating goal of care help in decision-making in patients' interests. Proactive identification guidelines that may be used for screening help in weighing options of dialysis and conservative care during progressive decline of clinical condition. Proactive identification guidelines may be used for screening. It helps in weighing options of dialysis versus conservative care during progressive decline of clinical condition. An individualized, patientcentred discussion, rather than disease-oriented, approach may be adapted.
Symptom Management among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Rao Seema Rajesh , Vallath Nandini , Siddini Vishwanath , Jamale Tukaram , Bajpai Divya , Sancheti Nitish Nitin , Rangaswamy Dharshan
Published: May 2021

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience high symptom burden, both physical and psychological, that is underrecognized and undertreated. The high symptom burden significantly impacts the quality of life for patients and their families. This review enumerates the various physical and psychological symptoms that patients with CKD often experience and guides in the management of these symptoms. This review follows the recommended international guidelines and has been tailored to suit the Indian context.
Use of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with liver disease and post-liver transplantation
Authors: Alqahtani Saleh A. , Barry Mazin , Memish Ziad , Hashim Almoutaz , Alfares Mona A. , Alghamdi Saad A. , Al-Hamoudi Waleed K. , Al-Judaibi Bandar , Alhazzani Waleed , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A. , Abaalkhail Faisal
Published: May 2021

Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and liver transplant recipients are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although several studies demonstrated the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in the general population, data in CLD patients and liver transplant recipients are lacking. Two COVID-19 vaccines were approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and rolled out to several million recipients in Saudi Arabia. These vaccines are mRNA-based vaccine BNT162b2 from Pfizer/BioNTech and adenovirus-based AZD1222 from Oxford/AstraZeneca from three manufacturing sites (EU Nodes, Serum Institute of India, and South Korea Bio). The Saudi Association for the Study of Liver diseases and Transplantation (SASLT) has reviewed the available evidence and issued interim recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in CLD and liver transplant recipients. Since there is no evidence contradicting the safety and immunogenicity of the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines in patients with CLD and hepatobiliary cancer and liver transplant recipients, the SASLT recommends vaccination in those patient populations. CLD and hepatobiliary cancer patients and liver transplant recipients should be prioritized depending on the risk factors for severe COVID-19. In transplant recipients, the optimal timing of vaccination remains unknown; however, immunization is recommended after the initial immunosuppression phase. Patients with CLD and liver transplant candidates or recipients should be closely monitored after COVID-19 vaccination. These patient populations should be included in future clinical trials to provide further evidence on the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
О допустимых и байесовских решениях при нечетких значениях функции потерь
Authors: Shvedov Alexei Sergeevich
Published: May 2021

Приводятся обобщения некоторых результатов классической теории статистических решений, используется теория нечетких множеств. Вводятся понятия решения, допустимого в узком смысле, и решения, допустимого в широком смысле, решения, байесовского в узком смысле, и решения, байесовского в широком смысле. Устанавливается, что решения, байесовские в широком смысле, с положительной априорной дискретной плотностью являются допустимыми в узком смысле. При некоторых дополнительных условиях на функцию потерь доказывается полнота класса байесовских решений. Рассматриваются задачи, в которых множество возможных состояний среды конечно.
Обратимые матрицы над некоторыми факторкольцами: идентификация, построение и анализ
Authors: Vysotskaya Viktoriya Vladimirovna , Vysotsky Lev Igorevich
Published: May 2021

Исследуются матрицы над факторкольцами кольца многочленов от одной переменной над полем из двух элементов. Найдены нижние оценки доли обратимых матриц среди всех таких матриц заданного размера. Предложен и проанализирован эффективный алгоритм вычисления определителя матриц над указанными факторкольцами, а также алгоритм построения случайных обратимых матриц (с равномерным распределением на множестве всех обратимых матриц). Рассмотрен и проанализирован эффективный вариант последнего алгоритма для факторколец по модулю многочленов вида $x^r - 1$. Эти алгоритмы могут найти практическое применение при генерации ключей криптосхем на базе квазициклических кодов, например, LEDAcrypt.
О некоторых инвариантах действия расширения $GA(n,2)$ на множестве булевых функций
Authors: Logachev Oleg Aleksejevich , Fedorov Sergei N , Yashchenko Valerii Vladimirovich
Published: May 2021

Рассматривается действие на множестве булевых функций расширения $G$ полной аффинной группы преобразований с помощью группы аффинных функций: действие заключается в преобразовании булевых функций невырожденными аффинными заменами переменных и сложением с аффинными булевыми функциями. Введены и исследованы параметры булевых функций, инвариантные относительно действия группы $G$: амплитуда (тесно связанная с нелинейностью), размерность функции и некоторые другие. Эти инварианты вместе с другими введенными понятиями могут быть использованы для получения новых оценок криптографических параметров булевых функций, в том числе максимальной нелинейности функций от нечетного числа переменных.
Оценки длин ненулевых кратчайших векторов некоторых решеток. II
Authors: Rybakov Aleksandr Sergeevich
Published: May 2021

В 1988 году А. Фриз и др. получили нижние оценки длин ненулевых кратчайших векторов «почти всех» решеток некоторых семейств в случае размерности 3. В 2004 году автор получил аналогичный результат для размерности 4. В настоящей работе, являющейся продолжением исследований первой части и использующей полученные в ней результаты, показано, что рассматриваемые оценки выполняются и в случае размерности 5.
POST‐IPO OPERATING PERFORMANCE IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Hossain Md. Sajib , Khan Muhammad Saifuddin
Published: May 2021

This study attempts to investigate the change in the operating performance of firms as they go from private to public ownership. Using the data of all the non-financial firms, which floated initial public offerings (IPOs) from 2008 to 2015, this study finds that there is a significant decline in operating performance as measured by ROA, asset turnover, ROS, and OCFTA after the IPO and the decline continues for next two to three years with the highest deterioration of operating performance being observed in the immediate next year of IPO. Moreover, when the study uses age, debt ratio, sales, capital expenditure, and IPO event to explain the variation of the operating performance of IPO firms over time, it finds that IPO event negatively affects all measures of operating performance. Finally, the study finds that deterioration of the post-IPO operating performance is more pronounced for firms offering their securities with premium than firms offering securities without premium.

JEL Classification Codes: G11, G12, G32.
Synthesis of SnO2/CuO/SnO2 Multi-layered Structure for Photoabsorption: Compositional and Some Interfacial Structural Studies
Authors: L. O. Animasahun  , B. A. Taleatu  , S. A. Adewinbi  , H. S. Bolarinwa  , A. Y. Fasasi
Published: May 2021

Many metal oxide heterostructures have been synthesized as mixed oxides or layered structures for photocatalytic, photodegradation of pollutants and light-harvesting applications. However, in the layered structures the effects of interfacial properties and composition have largely not been explored. Hence, the effects of interfacial mixing and diffusion of sandwiched thin CuO layer on optical absorption of as-deposited and heat-treated multi-layered structured SnO2/CuO/SnO2 films were studied. The RBS analysis of the as-deposited films showed the presence of a minute amount of Cu in the surface and bottom SnO2 layers of the structure. We attributed this to inhomogeneous layer thickness evidenced by very low Sn/Cu atoms ratio of the CuO layer. However, the thermal treatment of the layered structure led to pronounced interlayer mixing and consequent formation of SnO2-CuO solid solutions throughout the layered structure. The layer integrity of the inserted CuO of the as-deposited films was very high and the as-deposited structure was far more optically absorbing. However, the annealed structure showed lesser optical absorption because of the onset of interfacial mixing and improved crystallization. This reflected in the optical bandgap variations of the as-deposited and annealed multilayered structures. The significance of this result is that the multi-layered films possess band narrowing – evidence of increased photon absorption - making it a better candidate than pure SnO2 oxide for photocatalysis, photodegradation and photodetection applications. It also pointed to the fact that attention must be paid to effects of heat treatments or annealing when inserting an absorbing layer into a photocatalyst or a material meant for photodegradation or any light-harvesting material.
Investigation of Groundwater Contamination from Akanran Open Waste Dumpsite, Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria, using Geoelectrical and Geochemical Techniques
Authors: J. O. Coker  , A. A. Rafiu  , N. N. Abdulsalam  , A. S. Ogungbe  , A. A. Olajide  , A. J. Agbelemoge
Published: May 2021

In recent times, large waste is produced especially in an urban area due to population with careless handling which calls for worries. Hence, the study determines the effect of Akanran dumpsite on the groundwater quality for drinking and domestic purposes. It employs the geophysical and geochemical methods. Wenner configuration was adopted with constant electrode separation ranging from 5 to 25 m to acquire five profiles within and outside the dumpsite and processed using DIPROWIN 4.01 software. Soil and water samples were collected and analysed. The 2-D pseudosection revealed a very low resistivity value which is less than 10 ohm-meter and is suspected to be leachate infiltration which migrates to a depth of 7 m. The results of soil analysis show that clay ranges between 9.61 - 18.8 %., silt between 9.27 – 19.7 % and an average bulk density of 1.48 (relatively high for a sandy loam) which suggests that infiltration of the leachate is minimal. The pH of the water sample analysis obtained is 6.9, suggesting acidic concentrates in the groundwater of the study area. However, this pH value for drinking water is within the permissible level of 6.5 – 8.5 indicating that the groundwater in the study area is suitable for drinking and also for other purposes. A Nitrate level of 2.56 mg/l in the water sample falls within 50.0 mg/l, and nitrite level of 0.09 mg/l which is moderate when compared to the permissible level limit of 0.20 mg/l. The concentration of heavy metals in hand-dug well sample from Akanran dumpsite are Zn (1.81 mg/l), Cu (0.38 mg/l), Cr (0.003 mg/l) which are within the permissible level limit and Pb (0.21 mg/l) which recorded high metal concentration which may suggest that the dumpsite contain waste metals which may leach down the soil. In conclusion, the groundwater in the area of the survey is safe and there is possible contamination with time.
Development of Predictive Model for Radon-222 Estimation in the Atmosphere using Stepwise Regression and Grid Search Based-Random Forest Regression
Authors: Olubi Omodele , Oniya Ebeneze , Owolabi Taoreed
Published: May 2021

This work develops predictive models for estimating radon (222Rn) activity concentration in the atmosphere using novel grid search based random forest regression (GS-RFR) and stepwise regression (SWR). The developed models employ meteorological parameters which include the temperature, pressure, relative and absolute humidity, wind speed and wind direction as descriptors.  Experimental data of radon concentration and meteorological parameters from two observatories of the Korea Polar Research Institute in Antarctica (King Sejong and Jang Bogo) have been employed in this work.  The performance of the developed models was assessed using three different performance measuring parameters. On the basis of root mean square error (RMSE), the GS-RFR shows better performance over the SWR. An improvement of 64.09 % and 15.19 % was obtained on the training and test datasets, respectively at King Sejong station. At the Jang Bogo station, an improvement of 75.04 % and 28.04 % was obtained on the training and test datasets, respectively. The precision and robustness of the developed models would be of significant interest in determining the concentration of radon (222Rn) activity concentration in the atmosphere for various physical applications especially in regions where field measuring equipment for radon is not available or measurements have been interrupted.
Stability and Sensitivity Analysis of Dengue-Malaria Co-Infection Model in Endemic Stage
Authors: Ayuba Solomon A. , Akeyede Imam , Olagunju Adeyemi
Published: May 2021

In this study, a deterministic co-infection model of dengue virus and malaria fever is proposed. The disease free equilibrium point (DFEP) and the Basic Reproduction Number is derived using the next generation matrix method. Local and global stability of DFEP is analyzed. The result show that the DFEP is locally stable if R0dm < 1 but may not be asymptotically stable. The value of R0dm calculated is 19.70 greater than unity; this implies that dengue virus and malaria fever are endemic in the region. To identify the dominant parameter for the spread and control of the diseases and their co-infection, sensitivity analysis is investigated. From the numerical simulation, increase in the rate of recovery for co-infected individual contributes greatly in reducing dengue and malaria infections in the region. Decreasing either dengue or malaria contact rate also play a significant role in controlling the co-infection of dengue and malaria in the population. Therefore, the center for disease control and policy makers are expected to set out preventive measures in reducing the spread of both diseases and increase the approach of recovery for the co-infected individuals.
Application of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics Techniques in Erosion Mapping and Groundwater Management in the River Amba Watershed, Central Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu Itari Abdullahi  , Nuhu Degree Umar
Published: May 2021

This research integrated easy-to-handle remote sensing data and geoinformatics techniques for erosion mapping and groundwater management in the River Amba watershed, central Nigeria. It is aimed at: (a) the determination of the erosion-prone areas and (b) the estimation of the groundwater potential contamination risk under current and future anthropogenic activities. Rainfall intensity was evaluated from monthly rainfall data (2001 - 2011) from the station located within the River Amba Watershed. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the terrain was created using the 3D Analyst tool (Surfer 14) and was used to determine the flow direction and lineament features in each raster cells. Remote sensing data (aerial photographs and LANDSAT imagery) were used to develop a land-use map, while geological mapping was used to determine the local geology of the watershed area. The contributions of the various factors to the erosion hazardous areas are: elevation 31.49 %, land use 21 %, slope 14 %, geology 12.52 %, rainfall intensity 10.5 % and flow accumulation 10.5 %. The combined influences of these factors to erosion susceptibility as either: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low with the south-western part characterized as high while other parts of the study area moderate to very low erosion vulnerability. The groundwater level is shallow (4.0 –28.5 m) and discharges through the Amba river and many springs. These springs along with boreholes and wells supply drinking water to Lafia and the environs.
Review on Precast Beam Column Joint
Authors: Shilpa S., Dr. GopinathNayak & Dr. Ramakrishna Hegde
Published: May 2021

Building projects purvey many advantages by the use of precast concrete frame structures in expeditious
construction, lowering formwork, upgrade construction condition, carbon emission depletion and
environmental conservation. The behavior of precast concrete structures are subjected to different loading
conditions. Loading conditions depend on type, location and the connections between elements. Exiguous
strength and indigent ductility of the beam column joint create the weakest link in the structure, which the
reason for failure of any kind of structures. So various literature have been reviewed to ensure the reliable
connections between the beam column joints.
Designing an Intelligent Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for a Rooftop Solar Array
Authors: Afshin Balal & Shahab Balali
Published: May 2021

By considering the limitation of the size of houses, the permanent inaccessibility of the solar radiation energy,
and also the low efficiency of solar cells, a PV system requires the maximum power point tracking(MPPT). The
main issue with using solar cells is to reach its maximum power, which is intensified by change in the
temperature and radiation. In this paper, among MPPT methods, the Perturb and Observe (P&O) method, has
been designed which has high reliability and traceability. However, due to the output power oscillation
around the operating point in P&O method, an optimization fuzzy/bee algorithm is used for maximum power
point tracking so that without the need for temperature and light sensors, reduction of output power
oscillations can be achieved. Simulation results indicate that by using the fuzzy/ bee method, in addition to
reducing the fluctuation around the operating point, the speed of reaching to the optimal point is maximized.
Design and Implementation of Wildfire Monitoring System
Authors: Nivedita Padole & Anshu Choudhary
Published: May 2021

In today’s era, wildlife and forest departments are facing the problem of movement of animals from forests to
residential area. The number of trees has reduced drastically which creates an unhealthy environment for
animals and for humans. Findings of a survey suggest that 80% losses are caused due to wildfire. This could
have been avoided if the fire was detected in the early stages. This paper suggests a system for alarming the
authorities in case of a bushfire. Nowadays, IoT (Internet of Things) devices and sensors allow the monitoring
of the forest ecosystem, such as temperature and smoke. Arduino platform based IoT enabled fire detector
and monitoring system is the solution to this problem. In this paper, fire detector using Arduino NANO is built
which is interfaced with a fire sensor and smoke sensor. Whenever fire occurs, the system automatically
senses and alerts the administrator by sending the message on the user’s mobile device.
DAB Based DC-DC High Frequency Link PET for Interconnecting MVDC-LVDC Grids
Authors: D.Srinivasa Rao & Dr. Anupama A. Deshpande
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes dual active bridge (DAB) based high frequency power electronic transformer (PET) for
interconnecting medium voltage dc (MVDC) and low voltage dc (LVDC) grids for dc power distribution. The
above proposed concept works on dual active phase shift principle and square wave HF modulation
technique for bidirectional power transfer. Compared to the traditional dc transformer scheme, The proposed
power electronic transformer (PET) can disconnect from LVDC distribution grid effectively as a dc breaker
when a short circuit fault occurs in the distribution grid. The isolated DC-DC PET topology with a wide range
of voltage conversion ratio is useful for High Voltage DC tapping. The DAB based on switched capacitor is
connected to the medium voltage DC side and acts as an inverter. The proposed topology has the ability to
transfer higher power, and lower circulating power, lower high frequency link voltage, and RMS current and
peak values with the same transmission power in the MVDC side. This paper analyzes the topology, voltage
and power characterization, control strategy in detail. Increase in the intermediate AC frequency will reduce
the size of the transformer and other passive elements significantly in the circuit. The theoretical analysis is
supported by MATLAB simulation.
Aspectos Da Violência Obstétrica No Brasil
Authors: Lima Dias Polyana Magna , Barros Simone Regina Alves de Freitas , Falcão Pedro Henrique de Barros
Published: May 2021

A violência obstétrica é uma situação que acontece com a mulher durante a gravidez, parto e puerpério, construída ao longo do tempo, devendo ser desconstruída pela geração  presente e futura. OBJETIVO: Analisar aspectos da violência obstétrica no Brasil, através de pesquisa teórica, bibliográfica e descritiva. CONCLUSÃO: A violência obstétrica precisa ser questionada e quanto mais informação a mulher e sua rede de apoio buscar durante a gestação, mais capacitados estarão para lidarem com essas situações e se sentirem seguros para questionarem os profissionais e tomarem suas decisões assertivas. Por enquanto, não existe lei que defina o que é violência obstétrica no Brasil, porém existem alguns diplomas legais que foram criados para trazer maior conforto à gestante. Justifica-se, portanto, o tema por ser uma problemática relevante do ponto de vista jurídico e social, revestindo-se também de considerável atualidade. Assim, espera-se contribuir para os estudos referentes a este âmbito ora tão questionável.
Um olhar implicado para os registros de mortes Indígenas no estado do Acre causadas por conta da Covid-19
Authors: Paula Valdemar Matos , Pereira Maria das Graças Alves
Published: May 2021

Os indígenas evidentemente necessitam da assistência de políticas públicas que busquem atender problemas relacionados a saúde pública dentro das aldeias e até mesmo fora delas, assim, discorrendo sobre os impactos causados por conta do agravamento da Covid-19 dentro destas comunidade, este estudo tem como finalidade apresentar os índices de mortes ocasionadas pela Covid-19 nas populações indígenas do Acre, ademais, o estudo fomenta a discussão sobre a relevância de novas ferramentas que otimizem a oferta de saúde pública para estes povos, especialmente, dentro da Amazônia. Optou-se por uma metodologia de busca pelos dados apresentados, logo, os dados foram coletados no banco de dados da Comissão Pró-Índio do Acre. Verificou-se que em dezembro do ano de 2020 foram registradas 27 mortes indígenas no Acre por conta da Covid-19 e os povos atingidos foram: Puyanawa - Jaminawas - Jaminawa Arara - Manxineru - Huni kuî (Kaxinawa) - Madijá (Kulinas), Shawãdwa (Arara) - Shanenawa - Yawanawa - Nukini - Nawa - Noke ko´í (Katukina) - Apolima Arara, ou seja, mais de 50% dos povos indígenas do Acre. Pode ser concluindo que o estado do Acre necessita implantar políticas públicas que possam atender os povos indígenas de uma maneira eficaz e não esporádica, pois, o direito por saúde indígena deve existir. Ademais, é relevante que tais políticas públicas ocorram não apenas em tempos de pandemia, mas também, em período pós-pandêmico.
Kiat Jitu Menembus Jurnal International Bereputasi, Optimalisasi Mendeley & Grammarly dalam Pengabdian Webinar Teknik Informatika UISU
Authors: Khairina Nurul , Perdana Adidtya , Khoiruddin Harahap Muhammad , Siambaton Mhd. Zulfansyuri
Published: May 2021

Kehidupan akademik tidak dapat lepas dari kegiatan publikasi artikel ilmiah. Meningkatkan kemampuan dan wawasan dosen serta mahasiswa dalam menulis artikel ilmiah menjadi motivasi tersendiri dalam kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini. Tuntutan berupa publikasi artikel ilmiah dalam ranah nasional mapupun international bagi dosen seperti pelaporan beban kerja dosen, persyaratan kepangkatan dosen, persyaratan melanjutkan studi (dari S1 ke S2 atau dari S2 ke S3), persyaratan menyelesaikan studi (salah satu syarat dalam menyelesaikan studi S2 dan S3), persyaratan mengambil ijazah bagi mahasiswa S1, persyaratan wisuda, serta luaran penelitian maupun luaran pengabdian selalu tetap membutuhkan kemampuan dalam menulis artikel ilmiah. Maka dari itu tim pengabdiaan yang beranggotakan penulis, dkk melakukan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat dengan tema kiat jitu menembus jurnal internasional bereputasi, optimalisasi mendeley, dan grammarly yang dilaksanakan dalam bentuk webinar dan diselengarakan oleh program studi teknik informatika UISU. Peserta pada kegiatan ini tidak hanya berasal dari kalangan mahasiswa dan akademisi saja melainkan dari kalangan umum, dan berasal dari dalam dan luar kota Medan, bahkan ada dari luar Provinsi. Kegiatan pengabdian ini dilaksanakan secara daring karena masih dalam masa pandemic, walaupun terbatas dengan tempat dan waktu, namun tim pengabdian dan peserta sangat antusias dalam mengikuti acara webinar. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa minat dan kebutuhan dalam menulis publikasi ilmiah sangat besar dan kebutuhan pada pembimbingan penulisan karya ilmiah juga sangat besar.
A PESQUISA EM AVALIAÇÃO DE EMPRESAS NO BRASIL
Authors: Luiz Furtado Filho Flávio , Flach Leonardo , Dutra Sallaberry Jonatas , Karam de Mattos Luisa
Published: May 2021

A pesquisa teve por objetivo revelar a dinâmica das publicações sobre avaliação de empresas em revistas científicas brasileiras. Realizou-se levantamento e análise de artigos científicos nacionais publicados entre 1999 e 2021, resultando numa amostra de 60 artigos. Os resultados desta pesquisa revelam um cenário bastante amplo de temas emergentes na área, com predominância de métodos quantitativos, e foco nos métodos e elementos para a avaliação de empresas. A frequência de publicações não apresenta uma tendência clara de aumento ou diminuição, mas com sinalização de que o assunto é atual e relevante, sem concentração de periódicos. As publicações predominam em periódicos de extrato qualitativo superior, fato que revela o alto impacto científico do tema e efervescência da discussão sobre o assunto na ciência. A autoria em geral é pulverizada e a análise de redes indica existência de diferentes linhas de pensamento, dentro da temática de avaliação de empresas no Brasil.
QUAIS SÃO AS BOAS NOVAS? LEITURA E INTERPRETAÇÃO DE TEXTOS JORNALÍSTICOS COMO ESTRATÉGIA METODOLÓGICA PARA O ENSINO DA MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Otalicio , Amaral Melo Lima Thiago , De Oliveira Silva Marcones , Melo Lima Matheus
Published: May 2021

A aprendizagem é desenvolvida por uma série de fatores que colaboram entre si para o desenvolvimento cognitivo e a metodologia usada em sala de aula é um dos principais procedimentos de garantia da aquisição dos objetivos traçados. Esses, por sua vez, são formalizados conforme a necessidade da turma. Assim, se temos uma problemática relacionada à leitura e interpretação como fator limitante da aprendizagem, é essencial que os momentos de estudos sejam ministrados com finalidade de sanar tais deficiências cognitivas dos indivíduos. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar estratégias metodológicas inovadoras, particularmente, aquelas que contribuem para o desenvolvimento da capacidade interpretativa do indivíduo e ressalta a utilização de textos jornalísticos como fonte metodológica para aulas de Matemática, de modo que a mesma se torne mais dinâmica e ligada à realidade dos educandos. Para tanto, apresentamos exemplos de textos extraídos de jornais de circulação regional e nacional, para demonstrar uma alternativa de abordagem temática de conteúdos matemáticos que podem embasar os estudos do alunado inserido na Educação Básica. Por fim, verificamos que o uso de jornais como fonte metodológica é um importante ponto de partida para formar seres com desenvoltura crítica, sendo integrantes diretos das sociedades em que vivem e capazes de superar os desafios por elas propostos.
Effect of Employee Engagement on Performance of Small and Medium Size Enterprises in Mombasa County, Kenya
Authors: Peninah Ibua Mary
Published: May 2021

In today’s global environment one of the major challenges is having engaged workforce in an organization. The workforce is one of the organization’s greatest assets. Employee engagement is the process of keeping employees engaged in the organization. It is one of the key fundamentals of making an organization competitive. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of employee engagement on performance of small and medium organizations in Mombasa County, Kenya. A positivist paradigm using descriptive research design was used. Stratified random sampling technique was used to interview respondents. The study sampled a total of 105 small and medium enterprises operators. A questionnaire with Likert-type interval scale anchored on a 5-point scale was used to collect data. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s product moment and multiple regression. Findings of the study indicated that most of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have not embraced the concept of employee engagement. Nonetheless they have awareness of the practices that employees desired which would give them competitive edge. It is of necessity that the SMEs operators be trained on best practices and also benchmark within their industry subsectors so as to be able to initiate and embrace employee engagement. At start-ups and early stages of business growth, there is minimal investment in human resources which results in haphazard recruitment of family members who are sometimes are neither qualified nor trained and not engaged.  Consequently, the staff underperforms, a lot of infighting and conflicts in families and relatives, leading to strained family relationships and high labour turnover which in turn affects performance. The study recommended a deliberate action be taken by the management to embrace employee engagement concept for their organizations to be competitive. Implications of the study are that adopting employee engagement empowers employees which results in increased performance in organizations. The study also contributes to the literature that seeks to develop theory emphasizing the importance of embracing employee engagement notion as an important human resource concept.
Acceptance of Couples’ HIV Counseling and Testing among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Likoni sub-County, Mombasa County, Kenya
Authors: Makena Mwongera Jeniffer , Ayieko Yonge Shadrack , Baya Msanzu Joseph , Udu Yussuf Rahma
Published: May 2021

Couples’ HIV Counseling and Testing (CHCT) is an essential component of an effective response to AIDS pandemic worldwide and serves as an entry point to HIV care and support. However, it has become increasingly apparent that couples have overlooked the services yet they are too at risk of HIV infection. This study sought to determine level of acceptance of CHCT among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Likoni sub-County, Mombasa County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used with structured questionnaires and an observation checklist to collect data from couples while an interview schedule was used to solicit data from health care workers. Results showed uptake of CHCT in the study area was relatively low (33.5%). Statistically significant associations were found between CHCT and demographic factors such as education (χ2 = 29.54; p = 0.005), marital status (χ2 = 12.41; p = 0.010), occupation (χ2 = 18.18; p < 0.001), income (χ2 = 23.02; p < 0.001). In operation factors, statistically significant associations were found between CHCT and distance to health facility (χ2 = 8.31; p = 0.040), means of transport (χ2 = 10.28, p = 0.040), cost of transport (χ2 = 10.92; p = 0.010), appropriateness and convenience of time allocated (χ2 = 11.88, p <, 0.001), an individual’s working hours per day (χ2 = 14.46; p < 0.001), and education/information on CHCT (χ2 = 5.97; p = 0.020). In HIV related knowledge, attitude and practice of couples on HIV risk behavior, significant associations were found between CHCT and prevention of discordant partners from contracting HIV (χ2 = 53.71; p < 0.001), helping couples adhere to ART (χ2 = 43.34; p  < 0.001), helping to reduce morbidity and mortality due to HIV and other opportunistic infections (χ2 = 48.66; p < 0.001), increasing trust among partners (χ2 = 45.16; p < 0.001), and increasing marital cohesion among partners (χ2 = 65.78; p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that determinants of CHCT were significant for married status (p < 0.001), unemployed (p = 0.020), that CHCT increases trust among partners (p = 0.020), and that CHCT increases marital cohesion among partners (p = 0.001). Based on these findings, there is need to improve awareness on CHCT to enhance positive attitudes towards couples testing.
A Review of the Effects of Self-Service Technologies on Firm Performance in Kenya
Authors: Juma Adhaya Zedekia , Ochieng Odock Stephen
Published: May 2021

Self-service technology (SST) continues to create tremendous impact on the business environment globally. A technology that allows consumers to take on the traditional place of service agents in the provision of services. Business organizations are taking advantage of the advancement in technology to improve service delivery and performance. The advancement in technology particularly with respect to nanotechnology, genome sequencing and artificial intelligence are among the drivers of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Consequently, information technology advancement is changing the marketing landscape of goods and services such that service industry, notably hospitality and transport have increased the prevalence of SSTs, as critical drivers of an organization’s industrial strength level. By a firm adopting technology-based strategy, this means higher clients’ satisfaction, cost minimization, and faster accurate service delivery with higher consistency among other benefits. This paper therefore, assesses the impact of SSTs and emphasizes on actual adoption and usage of self-service as proposed by technology acceptance model. The study reviews theoretical and empirical literature on the subject of SSTs and firm performance, identifies the research gaps and puts forward a suitable conceptual framework that can investigate the link between SST and firm performance. This paper uses secondary data to establish research gaps and the determinant of the success of adoption of SST by a firm. From a total of 54 articles reviewed, almost all studies on SSTs are based on the service sector focusing least on the internal customers in Kenya. A few studies related directly to the performance of the firms to the adoption of SSTs. Agricultural and manufacturing sectors particularly in the rural areas are unexploited directly. This is due to infrastructural imbalances in the urban and rural areas. The outcome of this review would enlighten; administrators of firms in Kenya and the entire East African region on the importance of ICT infrastructure, the information resources and the strategies for optimizing electronic services to attain competitive advantage. It widens the frontiers of knowledge for the academic community in production and operation management and enhances the understanding of the customer SST interactions in different industries. It creates further valuable implications on the industrial sectors, principally to the managers who use the information in drafting service related strategies and hence become a yardstick to evaluate the present service initiatives appropriately. It allows the managers to have a basis to determine whether the massive investment in adoption of technology is justifiable. Finally, this paper contributes to the existing knowledge in self-service technology and customer satisfaction and serves as source of reference to future researchers and academicians in this field.
Predictors of Shisha Consumption among Students in Tertiary Institutions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Halima Allahdad Abdulrehman , Mwiti Kibiti Cromwell , Udu Yusuf Rahma , Budambula Valentine
Published: May 2021

Tobacco use is a risk factor for several diseases, disabilities and premature deaths. Shisha is specially flavoured tobacco and majority of the users perceive hookah smoking to be safer than cigarette. Shisha use has become rampant and trendy among students in tertiary institutions. This review aims to evaluate predictors of shisha consumption among students in tertiary institutions. We reviewed references of authentic databases and journals including Web of Science, PubMed, Iranian Databases, National Agency for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, CDC and WHO. The review focused on data documented from 2010 up to 2020.Predictors of shisha use were: shisha availability and accessibility, flavouring ,gender, awareness level, parental factors, marital status, social acceptability, peer pressure, birth order, monthly stipend, course enrolled in, internet and legal framework on hookah smoking. Most students using shisha reported to be poly drug users with marijuana, tobacco products, alcohol and khat. Most students consume shisha either singly or concurrently or simultaneously alongside other drugs. However, it is not possible to tell if shisha use preceded use of other drugs or was an aftermath. There is need to strengthen laws and policies regulating waterpipe industry. Since nearly all the reviewed literature was based on self-reported history which is prone to both social desirability bias and memory recall bias there is need to have confirmed incidence of shisha use in this sub-population.
YABANCI DİL OLARAK TÜRKÇE ÖĞRETİMİ DERS KİTAPLARI İLE İLGİLİ LİSANSÜSTÜ TEZLERİN ANALİZİ
Authors: MADEN Sedat
Published: May 2021

Araştırmanın amacı, yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretimi ders kitapları ile ilgili lisansüstü tezlerin araştırma eğilimlerini tespit etmektir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda çalışmada, nitel araştırma desenlerinden doküman incelemesi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın veri kaynağı, Yükseköğretim Kurulu Tez Merkezi’nde belirli anahtar kavramlara göre taramalar yapılarak oluşturulmuştur. Veri kaynağındaki tezler için Yayın Sınıflama Formu kullanılmıştır. Veriler betimsel içerik analizi yöntemi ile analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda, yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretimi ders kitaplarına yönelik 37 farklı üniversitede 155 lisansüstü tezin hazırlandığı tespit edilmiştir. Bunların 139’u yüksek lisans, 16’sı doktora tezidir. Konuyla ilgili ilk tez 1995 yılında İstanbul Üniversitesi’nde ve en fazla tez çalışması da yine aynı üniversitede tamamlanmıştır. Yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretimi ders kitaplarıyla ilgili en fazla tez 2019 yılında hazırlanmıştır. İncelenen tezlerde daha çok kültür aktarımı konusunun işlendiği, bunu takiben söz varlığını zenginleştirme ve metin konularının geldiği görülmüştür. Nitel araştırma yönteminin ve A1-A2 düzeyi ders kitaplarının daha fazla tercih edildiği de ulaşılan sonuçlar arasındadır.
The influence of subjective well-being on the job satisfaction of the Peruvian Millennials
Authors: Garcia Tamariz Pilar Esperanza , Mateo Dueñas Ricardo , Mansilla Mahmud Macarena Ayleen
Published: May 2021

This study seeks to understand the relationship between subjective well-being and job satisfaction among Peruvian millennials, in addition to determining the influence of components of subjective well-being, such as work-life balance, opportunity to demonstrate abilities, socialization, and possibility of learning. This study is based on the results of a questionnaire, which included questions to measure the different variables, applied to more than 300 workers in companies in Lima, Peru, from the commercial, industrial, and service sectors. The results indicate a close relationship between job satisfaction and subjective well-being. Because people are unique, organizations must be attentive to the needs of each worker's personal life and the effects of personal life on job satisfaction and must be willing to create balance and provide workers with time and space to resolve situations that arise in their lives.