bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
violência doméstica e familiar contra a mulher:
Authors: Feitosa José Mauro Lima , Benevides Marinina Gruska
Published: May 2023

Este artigo é um resumo da dissertação de mestrado em planejamento e políticas públicas que teve por finalidade analisar políticas públicas destinadas a coibir a violência doméstica e familiar contra a mulher na comarca de Fortaleza. Decorridos 32 (trinta e dois) anos da promulgação da Constituição Federal, por meio da qual positivaram-se inúmeros princípios protetivos à família, com imposição de políticas públicas ao legislador ordinário, e transcorridos 15 (quinze) anos de vigência e eficácia da Lei Maria da Penha (Lei nº 11.340, de 7 de agosto de 2006), foram criados os Juizados de Violência Doméstica e Familiar contra a Mulher, além de alterados o Código de Processo Penal, o Código Penal e a Lei de Execução Penal, fazendo-se necessário examinar até que ponto o esperado por tais políticas públicas efetivou-se em Fortaleza-CE. O estudo parte da experiência adquirida pelo pesquisador como magistrado atuante em áreas correlatas durante os 22 (vinte e dois) anos de carreira. A metodologia, baseada na observação participante, conjugou análises documentais, questionário e entrevista. Concluída a fase de pesquisa de campo, promoveu-se uma análise dos dados colhidos, a partir dos quais se alcançou a cognição almejada em relação à adequação da estrutura do Poder Judiciário para a prevenção e repressão à violência doméstica e familiar contra a mulher no município de Fortaleza-CE, tendo como parâmetros o que fora proclamado pelo Estado, nos vigentes instrumentos normativos, e o realizado, com a formulação de propostas que podem contribuir para o aprimoramento ou criação de novos programas ou políticas públicas estruturais pelo estado do Ceará nesse âmbito.
Psychosocial Factors Associated With Alcohol Use among Persons Aged 18-35 Years in Kangundo North Ward, Machakos County, Kenya
Authors: Makau Joseph , Magu Dennis , Mambo Susan , Kirimi Mwiti
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The objective of this study was to explore the psychosocial factors associated with alcohol use among persons aged 18-35 years in Kangundo North Ward, Machakos County.

Methodology: A cross sectional study design where data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data entry was done and analyzed using SPSS version 23, descriptive statistics was used. Logistic regressions were used to explore the psychosocial factors associated with alcohol use where Odds ratios were used. Multivariate and bivariate analysis were done to establish association between psychosocial factors and alcohol use.

Findings: 310 respondents were interviewed, the response rate was 100%, 86% were males while 14% were females, 86% of alcohol consumers were males, while 14% who consumed alcohol were females. 89% were aged between 18-24 years, 8% were aged between 25-29 years while 3% were 30-35 years. The study revealed that youths aged 18-35 years suffer a wide variety of challenges.49% of the respondents had experienced financial difficulties, 11% were victims of robbery, these stressful life events can lead to one using alcohol. Majority of respondents had ever experienced stressful event with 50% using alcohol as a solution to relieve the stress. 50.32% indicated that they started taking alcohol after the stressful experiences, 48% had experienced physical violence,5% sexual violence,45% emotional violence while 24% had undergone harsh childhood experiences. The study findings revealed that (28%) had consumed tobacco, (17%) miraa, (8%) marijuana, (1%) inhalants while (46%) had never consumed any psychoactive substance. There was significant association between experiences of emotional, sexual abuse, harsh childhood experiences and use of other psychoactive substances with alcohol use (p<0.05).

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Targeted interventions aimed at addressing psychosocial factors associated with alcohol use is vital. The study adds to the pool of knowledge that psychosocial issues such as stressful life events, gender based violence, harsh childhood experiences and use of other psychoactive substances contribute to alcohol use. Awareness on Gender based violence and other psychoactive substances such as cigarette and marijuana use needs to be enhanced. The findings of the study may inform the local county government of Machakos and Kangundo Sub-county administrators in formulating policies to help address alcohol use among persons aged 18-35 years.
APLICACION DE LA PROSPECTIVA EN LA FORMULACION DE POLITICAS PUBLICAS EN COLOMBIA
Authors: SERRANO HUEDA RAQUEL , ZUGASTI GOROSTIDI IBON
Published: May 2023

A lo largo del presente artículo repasaremos los principales conceptos en el uso de la prospectiva, su naturaleza, importancia y uso, sintetizando las principales claves en cuanto a contextos de aplicación, alcance y funciones, gestión y métodos y efectos sobre la planificación pública de las experiencias internacionales más relevantes en la aplicación de la prospectiva al ejercicio de las políticas públicas. Partiendo de esta base, profundizaremos un ejercicio práctico desarrollado en Colombia, donde exploraremos los 4 escenarios de futuro que emergen para Colombia a 2050 explicando las claves de cómo llegaríamos a los mismos, así como el ejercicio metodológico llevado a cabo para el desarrollo de estas visiones estratégicas de inteligencia anticipativa que permitan responder mejor a los desafíos y retos que se presentan en el ámbito de la planificación de las políticas públicas.

Artikulu honetan, prospektibaren erabilerarekin lotutako kontzeptu nagusiak errepasatuko ditugu, bakoitzaren izaera, garrantzia eta erabilera aztertuz. Horretarako, politika publikoen gauzapenean izandako prospektibaren erabileraren nazioarteko esperientzia garrantzitsuenak aztertuko ditugu, aplikazio testuinguruekin, irismenarekin, funtzioekin, kudeaketarekin, metodoekin eta plangintza publikoaren gaineko ondorioekin lotutako gako nagusiak laburbilduz. Oinarri horretatik abiatuta, Kolonbian egindako ariketa praktiko batean sakonduko dugu. Zehazki, 2050. urtea erreferentziatzat hartuta, Kolonbiaren etorkizuneko lau egoera posible aztertutako ditugu, horietako bakoitzera iristeko gakoak azalduz. Era berean, politika publikoen plangintzaren esparruan sortzen diren erronkei hobeto erantzutea ahalbidetzen duten adimen aurreikusleko ikuspegi estrategiko horiek garatzeko egindako ariketa metodologikoa ere azalduko dugu.

Throughout this article we will look at the main concepts in the use of foresight, its nature, importance and use, summarising the main keys in terms of contexts of application, scope and functions, management and methods and effects on the public planning of the most relevant international experiences in the application of foresight to the exercising of public policies. Starting from this basis, we will take a deeper look at a practical exercise developed in Colombia, where we will explore the 4 future scenarios emerging for Colombia by 2050, explaining the keys to how we would arrive at these scenarios, as well as the methodological procedure conducted in order to develop these strategic visions of anticipatory intelligence enabling better response to the challenges and issues arising in the field of planning public policy.
RURAL SOCIOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
Authors: OKOLIE Ugo Chuks , ONYEMA Okwu Augustina , BASSEY Ugo Samuel
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the impact of rural sociology on rural development in selected rural communities in Delta State, Nigeria's Ethiope East Local Government Area. A total of 400 rural dwellers were chosen at random from a population of 362,753 in Ethiope East, Delta State, Nigeria. Out of the 400 copies distributed, 287 were retrieved and analyzed, yielding a response rate of 71.75 percent. Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used to analyze data collected using percentage, Spearman's Correlation, and linear regression analysis. The findings revealed a strong link between rural sociology and rural development. The study also found that rural sociology has a positive and statistically significant impact on rural development in Delta State, Nigeria's Ethiope east local government area. We concluded that rural sociology has a significant impact on rural development based on our findings. The study thus recommends, among other things, that the Nigerian government hire rural sociologists to help implement effective rural policies and programmemes. This will help to stimulate the development of rural communities in Nigeria.
APPLICATION OF THE BUSINESS JUDGMENT RULE DOCTRINE IN INDONESIAN COMPANIES
Authors: PRIA DHARSANA I Made , KRESNADJAJA Indrasari , LINGGA DHANANJAYA I Putu
Published: May 2023

The Business Judgment Rule Doctrine is a doctrine that provides protection to Directors who have good faith in the loss of the company. The point is that as long as the Board of Directors acts in good faith and acts solely for the benefit of the company, but it turns out that the company continues to suffer losses, it does not necessarily become the personal responsibility of the Board of Directors. Therefore, the Board of Directors cannot be held responsible for the company's losses if the Board of Directors in taking action has fulfilled all of its obligations with the principles of Good Corporate Governance (GCG). If all the obligations and GCG principles have been fulfilled, then the Board of Directors is categorized as having good faith and cannot be declared wrong. This research is normative legal research with a legal approach. The results of the author's study, in the context of the Business Judgment Rule Doctrine, the losses that occur are normal or reasonable business losses and therefore the company is responsible, and no one can be punished if there is no mistake.
TRUSTEE SUBSTITUTION: LEGISLATIVE GAPS, DOCTRINAL CONTROVERSIES AND JURISPRUDENTIAL SOLUTIONS (I)
Authors: TULAI Dana-Lucia
Published: May 2023

Our study aims to bring to attention a type of contract of major importance in the field of legal relations, namely the mandate, focusing on the issue of trustee substitution, with all the consequences that derive from such an operation. Thus, in the first part of the article, we shall analyze the obligation of the trustee to personally carry out the mandate and, as a derogation from this rule, the possibility of the agent to substitute another person. We shall discuss the legal nature of this operation, differentiating it from the subcontract and the assignment of contract. Then we shall review the effects it generates on the relations between the principal and the primary trustee, between the original trustee and substitute, as well as between the contracting parties and third parties, both in the case of authorized and unauthorized substitution. We shall address the multiple facets of the relationship between the principal and the substitute agent in the second part of this article, as it has caused numerous debates, mainly related to the possibility of initiating a direct action between the parties at the "extremes" of the substitution operation, and its unilateral or reciprocal character.
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE BUSINESS INTERNATIONALIZATION PROCESS: ROMANIA AND MOLDOVA
Authors: MISTREANU Dumitru-Silviu
Published: May 2023

The topic of firms’ internationalization has been intensively studied over the years, representing an engaging subject for business enthusiasts from both the business environments as well as the academia. The process of internationalization is the method usually used by firms to expand their economic activity outside their country of origin, as they try to expand their market share and gain a bigger customer base. The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the evolution of firm internationalization in Romania and Moldova after the fall of communism as both countries have gone through drastic changes in order to become a market economy. This paper discusses the main business internationalization trends after the fall of the communist system.
Association of New Generation Anti-CCP Antibodies with Disease Severity and Functional Status in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Azalan Maryam Syahidah , Wan Mohamad Wan Majdiah , Saddki Norkhafizah , Wan Ghazali Wan Syamimee
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Detection of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with higher disease activity and lower functional ability. This study investigated the presence of the new generation of anti-CCP antibodies (anti-CCP2 IgG, anti-CCP2 IgA and anti-CCP3.1 IgG/IgA) and their association with disease severity and functional status of RA patients. Methods: A total of 46 RA patients and 40 healthy controls participated in this cross-sectional study that was conducted at the Rheumatology Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Blood samples were taken from all participants for anti-CCP2 IgG, anti-CCP2 IgA, and anti-CCP3.1 IgG/IgA analysis. Disease severity and functional status of RA patients were measured using the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) and the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ) respectively. Results: Significantly higher proportion of RA patients were found with positive anti-CCP2 IgG (63.0%), anti-CCP2 IgA (37.0%), and anti-CCP3.1 IgG/IgA antibodies (63.0%) than the healthy controls. No significant association was found between anti-CCP antibodies status and mean DAS28 score of the RA patients. However, RA patients with negative anti-CCP2 IgG status had higher mean mHAQ score than patients with positive anti-CCP2 IgG status. Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated detection of the new generation anti-CCP antibodies in RA patients, supporting the use of autoantibodies in RA diagnosis. While no significant association was found between the presence of anti-CCP antibodies and disease severity of RA patients, the absence of anti-CCP2 IgG was associated with worse function and greater disability of the patients.
Increasing Source-Object Distance: A Computed Radiography-based Strategy to Reducing Radiation Dose in Occipital-Frontal Skull X-Ray
Authors: Binti Mohd Yusoff Nurazizah , Binti Ismail Nurul Fadhlina
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Exploring potential optimization strategies and developing evident practices is critical. Previous studies show that radiation dose can be reduced by increasing the source-image distance (SID). Although most studies use digital radiography, many hospitals in underdeveloped countries still use computed radiography (CR). Therefore, research will investigate the relationship between SID and Entrance surface dose (ESD) using the CR. Methods: This study involved the measurement of radiation dose and image quality of a radiological procedure performed at a reference SID; 100cm and the tested SIDs; 110cm, 120cm, and 130cm, using constant technical factors (70kVp, 25mAs, grid). A LiF; Mg Ti thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD-100) chip was placed in the center of the radiation field of the OF10° skull radiography examination to measure ESD. Image quality was assessed using the European Commission guidelines and graded using relative visual assessment analysis (VGA). Results: Significant ESD reduction from 21% and 45% when SID was increased from 100cm to 130cm (p <0.001), where SID was negatively correlated with ESD (r= - 0.98). The VGA scores showed no statistical difference in the image quality of the OF10° skull radiography examination for the tested and reference images (p=0.21). VGA scores for 120cm images showed the highest image quality among the SIDs tested with a dose reduction of 37%. Conclusion: ESD was statically reduced when SID was increased from 100cm to 130cm, while image quality was diagnostically acceptable. The study suggests that 120cm is the optimal SID when both dose and image quality are considered.
Alpha and Low Gamma Embedded With White Noise Binaural Beats Modulating Working Memory among Malaysian Young Adult: A Preliminary fMRI Study
Authors: Mohd Firdaus Aloysius Nursabrina , Abd Hamid Aini Ismafairus , Mustafar Faiz
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Binaural beats (BB) provisions alpha and gamma have been suggested to modulate working memory (WM), while white noise (WN) acted as a control condition. Methods: The current study overlays WN on alpha and gamma tones to study its modulating role on WM performance. A block-design n-back task paradigm used to determine the effect of load on embedded BB on WM performance using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Six young adults (3 males and 3 females) with mean age of 23.5 ± 0.84 within the Kota Bharu vicinity participated in the study. A repeated-measures ANOVA (p<0.05) on response accuracy indicate medium effect size on condition (η2 =0.420), and large effect sizes on groups (η2 = 0.388) and load (η2 = 0.487). The potential practical difference is more evident on low- (0-back) and high-load (3-back). GWN provision marginally excels, implying its entrainment may benefit WM processing. A repeated-measures ANOVA (p<0.05) on reaction time (RT) implied a large effect size on all variables (condition: η2=0.065, groups: η2=0.227 and load: η2=0.169). It was observed that BB exposure elicits a slow processing speed which worsens RT. The neural correlates suggest activated regions in GWN and AWN are associated with attentional mechanisms and WM processes. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate both embedded BB has a potential to improve WM performance with the cost of slower processing speed. GWN provision modulates attentional mechanisms benefiting WM performance and AWN may enhance performance in extreme ends of WM load.
CCR5 Polymorphisms and its Relationship with HIV Susceptibility, Viral Load and CD4 Count in Early Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV Patients in Selangor and Terengganu
Authors: Mohamad Isa Irma Izani , Abu Bakar Suhaili , Zolraimi Umi Rufaidah , Khairil Wahidin Nurfhaezah , Matnor Nur Sakinah , Othman Zulkefley
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Early studies have suggested the role of C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) polymorphisms in influencing HIV pathogenesis and phenotypes, including the protection against HIV infection and delaying disease progression to AIDS. This study aimed to further determine the impact of CCR5 variants (CCR5-Δ32 and CCR5-R223Q) on HIV susceptibility, viral load suppression and CD4 recovery during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among Malaysian HIV patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 182 HIV-infected who were recruited from three out-patient clinics, and 150 non-HIV subjects from Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicities. CD4 count and viral load data at 4-6 months (t1) and 8-12 months (t2) after starting HAART were gathered from hospital records. Chi-square test was used to analyse the correlation between CCR5 variants with dependent variables. Results: Heterozygous CCR5-Δ32 and CCR5-R223Q occurred in a percentage of 0.5% (1/182) and 1.7% (3/182) among HIV patients respectively, while none of homozygous mutant for CCR5-Δ32 and CCR5-R223Q were found. CCR5-R223Q was found more frequently in non-HIV as compared to the HIV group (P=0.018). However, both polymorphisms were not found to be correlated with CD4 recovery to ≥500 cells/mm3 (P>0.05) and viral load suppression ≤50 copies/mL (P>0.05). Conclusion: CCR5-R223Q and CCR5-Δ32 alleles probably have no modifying effects on HIV susceptibility virological and immunological recoveries in the first 12 months of HAART, partially due to the low prevalence of these mutations in the studied population.
Psychometric Properties of Trilingual Versions of HBC-HBP Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure (9-Items) in Divergent Ethnic Groups of Older Adults in Iran
Authors: Kaveh Mohammad Hosein , Ghajari Ogholgol , Asadollahi Abdolrahim , Ahmad Nobaya
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The HBC-HBP Scale is the most common scale for measuring adherence to medication in the elderly with hypertension, its Persian version has never been tested in Iran. Methods: 281 older adults with hypertension were randomly selected from health care centers in Iran during the second half-year of 2019. The demographic questionnaire and Persian, Turkmen, and Kazak versions of HBC-HBP were completed by participants. The scale structure was evaluated using goodness of fit by Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis using IBM-SPSS v.26 and AMOS v.24. Results: The mean of CVI was 0.94, indicating good content validity for HBC-HBP. Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed two subscales for HBC-HBP, collectively explaining 70% of the adherence medication variance in three versions. All item loadings were “moderate” to “excellent”, ranging from 0.38 (Moderate) to 0.95(excellent). Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated the goodness of fit for the HBC-HBP based on the trilingual version. A high goodness of fit was sown for Turkmen, Persian, and Kazak versions of HBC-HBP. (Chi-Square=8.213, 8.354, 8.210, RMSEA=0.016, 0.013, 0.010, GFI=0.90, 0.90, 0.91, CFI=0.91, 0.90, 0.91, and AGFI=0.90, 0.91, 0.90). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.90 for the whole scale (p<0.001). The optimal cut-off point that best distinguished between adherent and non-adherent patients was 26.5. Conclusion: Results showed the validity and reliability of the trilingual versions of the HBMA for measuring adherence medication in the elderly with hypertension.
Outcome of Program Kesihatan Optimum Sanubari (SANUBARI) Wellness-based Self-management Intervention in Coaching Healthcare Workers for Well-being in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ishak Hariani , Silim Umi Adzlin , Hj Suhaim Aida Farhana
Published: May 2023

Introduction: This study measured the outcome of the Optimal Health Program (OHP) among frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The OHP is a wellness-based self-management intervention focused on well-being to gain optimal health. OHP is originally from Australia and has been translated, culturally adapted and branded as the Program Kesihatan Optimum Sanubari (SANUBARI). The program was conducted as a psychosocial intervention and the outcomes measured were self-efficacy, coping styles and well-being. Methods: Eligible participants were nurses who actively managed COVID-19 inpatients in Hospital Kuala Lumpur and committed to complete the intervention. Those who did not provide consent or had comorbidity, unstable medical or psychiatry illnesses were excluded. 43 nurses were recruited through convenience sampling method and completed outcome measures from General Self-Efficacy Scale, Brief COPE and WHO-5 Well-being Index, before and 1-month after the intervention. The OHP was conducted via group-based, using OHP Sanubari workbook with 5 weekly sessions by trained facilitators and lasted for 60 to 90 minutes per session. Results: Significant improvement was observed 1-month post intervention for self-efficacy (t(42)=5.64, p <0.001) and well-being(t(42)=2.14, p<0.05); different approach coping strategies(acceptance, use of informational support, positive reframing, active coping, and planning) and avoidant coping strategies(distraction, venting, denial, and substance use). Whilst, humor coping reduced significantly 1-month post-intervention (t(42)=3.66, p<0.05). Conclusion: This study reports the positive outcome of OHP on the mental health status of healthcare workers during the pandemic. This program can be considered as a tool towards optimal health throughout their career.
A Systematic Review on Caregiver’s Burden Among Caregivers of Dementia Patients in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Razi Nuurain Amirah , Minhat Halimatus Sakdiah , Mohd. Zulkefli Nor Afiah , Ahmad Norliza , Tengku Mohd Tengku Amatullah Madeehah , Jaafar Hafiz
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Increasing prevalence of dementia and the associated caregiving burden are expected due to longer life expectancy. This review aimed to critically assess dementia-driven caregiving burden and the associated factors in Malaysia. Methods: A systematic search using several combinations of keywords was conducted in Ovid Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Ebscohost databases. The primary outcome was the score or level of caregiver burden, while the secondary outcome was the factors associated with such burden. The quality of the individual articles was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Results: The systematic search resulted in seven studies being reviewed, consisting of six cross-sectional studies and one quasi-experimental study. Using the Zarit Burden Interview, two studies reported moderate caregiver burden with mean scores of 35.4 (15.08) and 46.0 (17.0). High levels of burden or strain were reported using the Caregiver Strain Index in other studies. The three main associated factors with burden identified in these studies were the presence of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), higher education level, and lack of social support. Conclusion: Moderate to severe caregiving burden level were found to be experienced by dementia caregivers in this country. High education, lack of support, as well as taking care of patient with BPSD being the most prominent factors associated with burden. Therefore, burden should be regularly assessed among the dementia caregivers especially among those with lack of social support and manage family members with BPSD, as to prevent adverse outcome from dementia caregiving.
Steering Standardization of Pathology Services Through Centralisation and Consolidation of Laboratory Procurement
Authors: Isa Salbiah , Mat Salleh Mohd Jamsani , Mahsin Hakimah
Published: May 2023

The expansion of healthcare services to serve as many people as possible has led to the decentralisation of laboratory testing. Many laboratory tests are now made available at district hospitals and rural health clinics for certain states or provinces. Consequently, there is a proliferation of laboratory tests, techniques, equipment, and other required commodities at the different medical laboratories. The lack of central governance has resulted in a widely-diverse and non-standardised laboratory services that may eventually affect the quality of healthcare delivery to patients. To ensure a high-quality and standardised healthcare delivery across a state or a province, it is important that the relevant stakeholders outline and implement the necessary strategies to establish a streamlined medical laboratory network. In this article, we discuss the significance of laboratory procurement consolidation and centralisation in the steering of the standardisation of laboratory operations leading to a high-quality and efficient chemical pathology services in a defined region.
Antioxidants Role Against Acrylamide Toxicity on Urogenital System: An Overview
Authors: Thangamany Malarvani , Janakiraman Ashok Kumar , Philip X Chandra
Published: May 2023

Acrylamide (AA) is a chemical substance which is used as a soil stabilizing agent and in the production of copolymers and polymers since 1970. The presence of an AA adduct in food was observed in rats fed with fried food which led to a substantial increase in levels of hemoglobin adduct. Foods that are rich in carbohydrate when prepared at high temperature (above 120 ºC) by baking, toasting, frying, roasting or cooking results in the production of AA by the reaction of the amino acid with glucose present in it. Several studies observed AA toxicity on nervous system, reproductive system, and immune system. To justify this toxicity there is not a clear mechanism described. In this review article the mechanisms of AA toxicity on urogenital system and role of antioxidants against its toxicity has been reviewed. According to previous studies the main factor that induces AA toxicity is oxidative stress. AA treated groups revealed degeneration of the kidney’s epithelial lining and the glomerular tuft. Adverse effect on reproductive system by AA has been evidenced by sperm-head abnormalities, dominant lethal effects, and testicular epithelial tissue degeneration. Therefore, it is advised that modifying of food processing methods and consuming lot of vegetables and fruits containing antioxidants. These antioxidants give us some supports to the cells of our body organs against the AA sources which cause cell defects.
Emergency Care Capacity in Pediatric Hospitals, Khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Albani Galal FA , Mohamed Amal Abdelgadir , Ahmed Aida AF , Ahmed Waled AM
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Critical pediatric patients have specific needs, which require special skills, training, equipment, supplies, personnel, and medications. While the knowledge related to enhance survival rate of newborn and children has improved over the past few decades. This study conducted to assess the emergency care capacity in pediatric hospitals at Khartoum state, Sudan. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study, it was conducted in three hospitals at Khartoum, Sudan 2017-2018, to assess emergency care capacity in pediatric hospitals. Data was collected using open-ended questionnaire, and observational checklist. The data scored using dichotomous indicators (absent or present). Results: The study showed that there is shortage in human resources necessary to provide emergency care. However, much essential equipment for emergency care of children was absent in most hospitals, moreover, only 33% of hospitals had Triage system staffed by a trained person. Further, the clinical practice protocols for managing dehydration, neonatal sepsis, and neonatal resuscitation were not traced at the three hospitals. There are a limited laboratory services in one hospital. Conclusion: It is concluded that pediatric specialized hospitals, in Khartoum state, Sudan, have low capacity to provide emergency care for children. Further efforts are needed to improve the emergency care capacity in Khartoum hospitals.
Anxiety, Depression and Stress Among Medical Students in Malaysia During COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ching Siew Mooi , Salim Hani , Lee Kai Wei , Mohamad Fadzilah , Ismail Irmi Zarina , Jafri Malissa Syahira , Balasingam Thanesh , Sharizal Aqilah , Ng Jun Ying , Tan Ngiap Chuan
Published: May 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with psychological distress following the COVID-19 pandemic among medical students at one of the public universities in Malaysia. Method: From August to October 2020, a web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students at a public university. DASS-21, Brief Resilience Scale and WHOQOL-Bref questionnaires were used in this study. Results: The prevalence of depression was 40.5%, anxiety 46.0% and stress 30.9%. Based on multivariate logistic regression, a higher quality of life score is associated with a lower likelihood of depression (AOR=0.583, p<0.001), anxiety (AOR=0.726, p<0.001), and stress, (AOR=0.702, p<0.001) respectively. Likewise, a higher resilience score is less likely to be associated with depression (AOR=0.880, p=0.002), anxiety (AOR=0.880, p=0.002), and stress (AOR=0.850, p<0.001). Older age (OR=0.700, p=0.020) was associated with less stress and being on campus (OR=3.436, p=0.021) was at risk of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Our results suggest that medical students with higher quality of life and resilience scores had less depression, anxiety and stress. Older age was associated with less stress, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, being on campus was at risk of stress. Various stakeholders need to keep these findings in mind and identify those who are at risk for developing depression, anxiety, and stress in order to take further action to improve their quality of life and resilience.
Wireless channel characterization and MIMO performance analysis in complex indoor scenarios at sub-6 GHz band
Authors:   , Trigueros Chavarría Luis Lenin
Published: May 2023

The continue evolution in wireless communication systems aims to provide adequate parameters in terms of higher transmission bit rates, capacity and increased spectral efficiency. All these deriving from the context of IoT, IIoT and the 5G applications such as Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (uRLLC) and Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC). Physical layer functionalities such as MIMO can increase throughput and provide higher coverage/capacity relations. However, its performance is directly affected by radio channel characteristics defined in the radio channel matrix and other conditions such as employed antenna spacing, human scattering influence or phase evolution effect. In this research work, three particular and useful study cases have been performed. Firstly, the performance of a MIMO system operating within a 5G NR FR1 capable band is analyzed, by considering volumetric channel analysis in frequency/power as well as in time domain and the impact of variable antenna spacing. The results show a clear benefit in received power level as antenna spacing is increased from 1λ to 3λ in the case of a complex indoor scenario. Secondly, we analyzed the influence of human scattering in a complex indoor environment consisting in a conference room in a plenary layout. For this study, 5G NR FR1 frequency band was also considered. Results show that 0% of human occupancy has 3 dB enhancement over 100% occupancy when analyzing BER values. Besides, it was also observed an important decrease in total power levels received: there is a loss of around 10 dBm when 50% occupancy, another 6 dBm loss when premise is complete compering with 50% and a total of 16 dBm of loss between 100% occupancy over empty place. In the context of IoT and IIoT, aiming to enable context aware environments, distributed transceiver systems capable of providing low cost, low latency capabilities are required. Single Input Multiple Output systems provide an adequate solution by enabling non-coherent energy-based detection. Phase distributions play a key role in transceiver location and hence overall system operation. Finally, in this thesis, SIMO operation based on volumetric phase analysis is performed on indoor scenarios, employing deterministic 3D Ray Launching channel estimation. The proposed methodology enables the estimation of system performance as a function of distributed transceiver location, aiding in network planning and deployment tasks.
The Learning Achievement of Airline Business Students on the Virtual Experience during the Pre-flight Emergency Equipment Check Procedures on the Airbus A320 Series Aircraft
Authors: Laovoravit Vongsa , Manon Wattana , Inchamnan Wilawan , Swangarom Pawin
Published: May 2023

The emergence of disruptive technology in mid-1999 caused the industrial revolution, which leverages the benefits of the industry’s products and elaborates new ideas for service sectors to a new level. The recent virtual technology brings opportunities to higher education along with these digital adaptations. However, there is a need for experimental research exploring the educational influence of using immersive virtual reality in aviation safety subjects. This quasi-experimental aimed to 1) address the Airline Business students’ learning achievement after using virtual reality technology due to retaining knowledge influenced by virtual experience. 2) study the capability of immersive technology based on the Airbus A320 series aircraft’s virtual environment that establishes the Airline Business students’ learning development in three areas: cognitive domain, psychomotor domain, and affective domain. Two groups of 30 participants were recruited based on a simple random sampling from a total number of 75 third-year Airline Business students in the experimental and control groups. The parametric statistics were conducted on a hypothesis testing by comparing two measurements from the experimental and control groups. The results revealed that the test scores of the experimental group obtained significantly better academic achievement in terms of the knowledge needed to perform tasks than the control group. Besides, the behavioral learning and emotional intelligence required to complete performance-related tasks were noticed in the experimental group. In addition, the effectiveness index (EI) was computed to affirm that the innovative learning tool can be an integral part of the future physical classroom. It indicated that students effectively learn in the aviation safety context via practicing through virtual reality. The virtual experience positively helps motivate and engage students in an aviation safety study. It also profoundly enhances the Airline Business students’ competency, including knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to perform their future responsibilities as flight attendants.
A Study of Blended learning Platforms for Continuing Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ghana
Authors: Pasawano Tiamyod , Quainoo Michael Asante
Published: May 2023

The current study sought to achieve the following objectives; 1) to outline thechallenges students in UCC faced with using e-learning platforms; 2) to study the relationship between ICT training input and the ability to use e-learning platforms; 3) to develop and determine the efficiency of using an online video-based instruction; 4) to compare students’ scores after taking a lesson through the online video-based instruction; and 5) to assess students’ satisfaction with learning. The sample of 30 third year students at the University of Cape Coast in the academic year 2021 was obtained utilizing purposive random sampling. A video-based instruction was used in the experiment. The statistics used in the study were means, the chi-squared test of association, and the paired sample t-test. The result indicated that the paired sample t-test (dependent), conducted to test the impact of video-based instruction on students’ learning achievement, revealed that the students recorded a high post-test score of 24.73 compared to the pre-test score of 17.7. This indicated that the video-based instruction was efficient. The students’ satisfaction questionnaire also revealed that the students were delighted with taking the lesson through the blended learning approach.
Cultural Adaptation: A Mediator between Cultural Intelligence and Academic Performance in a Thai Context
Authors: D'souza June Bernadette , Dechpanprasong Warisanan , Chan Chris , Ornla-or Ruthaikan
Published: May 2023

Seminal research on cultural intelligence is ubiquitous at an organizational level, albeit research at an educational level, especially in a Thai context is scant. Using a quota sample of 426 students, this quantitative paper gathered data from three subgroups in Bangkok: Thai, Chinese and ASEAN from two educational settings. Cultural Intelligence was measured using the “Four Factor Cultural Intelligence” Scale (CQS) of Ang et al., (2007), constituting 20 items, answered on a 7-point Likert-type scale. To measure sociocultural adjustment, the Sociocultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS-R), of Wilson (2013), constituting 21 items, answered on a 5-point Likert-type scale was used. Psychological adjustment was measured using the Psychological Adjustment Scale of Demes and Geeraert (2013), constituting 10 items, answered on a 7-point Likert-type scale. The relationship between the four dimensions of cultural intelligence to academic performance and the relationship of sociocultural adaptation and psychological adjustment as mediators between cultural intelligence and academic performance was hypothesized. Results of Structural Equation Modeling did not support the prediction of the relationship between the four dimensions of cultural intelligence and academic performance of students. The modification indices of the AMOS program testing the relationship between socio-cultural adaptation and psychological adjustment and academic achievement manifested an indirect relationship of the cultural intelligence on the academic achievement via socio-cultural adaptation. Students, who are coached prior to actual immersion in a culture chosen to complete their studies, could alleviate culture shock, adapt better to the new abode and score better grades.
Online Collaborative Learning: The Good, the Bad, and the Purported in Thesis Writing
Authors: B. Abance Leslie , Gabrillo Jay-ann , B. Quinto Joseph
Published: May 2023

The discourse on online collaborative learning in thesis writing has received less attention despite numerous studies which explored learning in the online milieu. Hence, this study aimed to fathom the Online Collaborative Learning (OCL) experiences in undergraduate thesis writing of Bachelor of Arts in Communication and English Language students in a prime state university in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines. Notably, this study focused on undergraduate students’ benefits, challenges, and suggestions. Employing qualitative phenomenological research, the data were gathered through semi-structured one-on-one in-depth interviews. They were analyzed following the phases of thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke (2006). Ergo, the following themes were generated. First, the benefits included joint responsibility, which envelopes (a) a divided workload and (b) shared ideas and flexible communication. Second, the challenges were composed of external problems that bracket (a) work and school demands, (b) vague instructions, and (c) limited access and member performance issues which involve background knowledge, low quality outputs, and a lack of participation. Finally, the suggestions were engagement particularly recognizing responsibility, group dynamics, and guidance. Based on the findings, recommendations are suggested for future research directions.
Simulación del proceso de desarrollo de software: una aproximación con Dinámica de Sistemas y el Método de Larman
Authors: Dugarte Peña German Lenin , Sanchez Segura Maria Isabel , Medina Domínguez Fuensanta , De Amescua Seco Antonio
Published: May 2023

Poner en marcha cualquier proyecto de software involucra el consumo de recursos críticos. El ingeniero de software no puede experimentar con procesos de desarrollo sin ponerlos en marcha en proyectos reales, debido al tiempo que ello conlleva y a los elementos implicados, de modo que es importante contar con herramientas para pre-visualizar el resultado de la ejecución del proceso y cómo las variables de entorno le afectan, buscando anticipar en qué condiciones se va a desplegar el proceso. Este artículo presenta el modelado y simulación de un proceso de desarrollo de software por medio del enfoque de la Dinámica de Sistemas (DS), que permite representar gráficamente los elementos intervinientes en el proceso e incorporar la cantidad relevante de parámetros involucrados. Se tomó como referencia el modelo de estimación de costes COCOMO, que cuenta con una fundamentación teórico-práctica que avala su fiabilidad. Para la construcción del modelo, la referencia de sistema real fue el proceso software de Craig Larman (Método de Larman). El modelo de simulación presentado permite hacer estimaciones iniciales del comportamiento del proceso software, y de los elementos que lo conforman, durante el transcurso de un tiempo de simulación configurable. Se analizan variables de estado del sistema, que permiten concluir sobre efectos de los parámetros en el comportamiento del sistema en general, y se lleva a cabo un estudio de escenarios. El modelo deriva en una herramienta de soporte a los equipos de gestión, y a las empresas que hacen de la Gestión de Proyectos Tecnológicos su negocio principal.
Aplicación de métodos numéricos utilizando MATLAB al modelado del fármaco AZT y la supervivencia con SIDA
Authors: Rodríguez González Ihosvany , Bermudez Peña Anié
Published: May 2023

En la presente investigación se realiza un estudio para la resolución de ecuaciones diferenciales de una aplicación al modelado en un caso concreto del sector Biofarmacéutico, que fue necesario en su momento realizarlo por la importancia de la aplicación de este medicamento en una enfermedad que se convirtió en una pandemia a nivel mundial. En este problema se describe el impacto de la cidovudina (acidotimidina o AZT) sobre la supervivencia de quienes desarrollan el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA) por infección con el Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana. Para la solución de este modelo se cuenta con una ecuación diferencial ordinaria de primer orden con valores iniciales sobre la cual se aplica el método de separación de variables para obtener la solución real de forma analítica. Se aplican tres métodos numéricos (Euler, Euler Mejorado y Runge Kuta 4) usando el asistente matemático MATLAB para calcular las soluciones aproximadas. Finalmente se muestran los resultados de los métodos, los errores absolutos y relativos de cada uno y la comparación con la solución analítica, con sus respectivas tablas y gráficas.
Resolución paralela de sistemas triangulares
Authors: Rodríguez González Ihosvany , Bermudez Peña Anié
Published: May 2023

La resolución de sistemas triangulares es un núcleo computacional ampliamente utilizado en diversas aplicaciones científicas. Esta investigación realiza la implementación y comparación de varios algoritmos paralelos frente a un algoritmo secuencial eficiente para la resolución de sistemas triangulares. Los algoritmos se distinguen por la forma de particionado de la matriz y la asignación a los procesadores. Se realiza el análisis del comportamiento de los algoritmos en la solución de sistemas de ecuaciones lineales triangulares superiores en un clúster de computadoras. Para ello se tienen en cuenta las métricas de tiempo aritmético, tiempo de comunicaciones, aceleración y eficiencia máxima. Se realizaron experimentos para cada algoritmo con distintos tamaños de matrices sobre varios procesadores. El algoritmo con mejores resultados fue el que divide por bloques las filas de la matriz y aplica una distribución cíclica en el cluster.
Design Thinking aplicado al Diseño de Experiencia de Usuario
Authors: Vargas Márquez Bragean Luis , Inga Hanampa Luis Angel , Maldonado Portilla Mauricio Gonzalo
Published: May 2023

Hoy en día estamos inmersos en la tecnología y la manera en la que nos comunicamos con esta es la interfaz de usuario, para viabilizar la interacción entre el usuario y un artefacto, sistema o máquina, por tanto, las grandes empresas utilizan técnicas de Design Thinking y Diseño de interfaces de usuario, para acercarse más a los clientes de manera empática, así poder conocer sus necesidades reales y estar realmente interesados en los detalles de sus vidas. Generar empatía con nuestros clientes implica poner sus problemas, más que nuestras soluciones, en primer lugar. El problema que se busca resolver en la parte de diseño de experiencia de usuario, es que el diseñador no sabe si el usuario encontrará amigable la interfaz propuesta para este, es por eso que Design Thinking es una de los métodos más usados con el fin de ponerse en la posición del usuario final. En este artículo pretendemos mostrar como Design Thinking se puede aplicar al diseño de UX experiencias de usuario. También se explica cada una de las fases que conlleva al diseño de experiencia de usuario: Investigación, Organización, Prototipado, Pruebas y Diseño.