bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the salivary glucose as a non-invasive test for diabetic patients
Authors: Thapa Kajol , Kunwar Saroj , Thapa Sonu , Phuyal Asmita , Rupakheti Sahil
Published: May 2019

Background: Over the recent year there has been a startling rise in the number of people suffering from diabetes mellitus. Estimation of blood glucose levels has been an essential laboratory investigation for screening and monitoring of diabetes. Saliva is one of the secretions in human body whose collection is easy and non-invasive. Salivary glucose hence could serve as an easy and non-invasive tool.Methods: Institutional review committee of NHRC gave us permission to carry out this study. 105 subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus who attended the OPD at Star hospital, Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal and 106 healthy individuals were consented to participate in this study. Glucose was measured by the GOD-POD (Glucose oxidase peroxidase) methods using the semi-autoanalyser and salivary glucose was compared with corresponding blood glucose levels.Results: A significant positive correlation of fasting salivary glucose level and fasting blood glucose level was observed in healthy (r=0.241, p=0.001) and in diabetic patients (r=0.202, p=0.001).Conclusions: The study implies a potential for saliva in monitoring and screening of diabetes mellitus.
The effect of individual-level factors in survival prognosis for colorectal cancer in Malaysia
Authors: Ghazali Anis K. , Keegan Thomas J. , Abu Hassan Mohd R. , Taylor Benjamin M.
Published: May 2019

Background: In Malaysia, colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer for both sexes, represents 10.2% of total cancer cases in Malaysia. This study aims to identify the effect of individual-level factors on survival prognosis for patients with colorectal cancer in Malaysia.Methods: The study involved 4412 of colorectal cancer patients in Malaysia with histologically verified primary colorectal cancer, diagnosed between 2008 and 2013 (ICD-10, C18-C20), recorded in the database of National Cancer Patient Registry- Colorectal Cancer (NCPR-CC) Malaysia. We investigated the effect of individual characteristics such as age, gender, education as well as clinical characteristics such as cancer staging, cancer site and treatment modalities on survival prognosis after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer using a Cox regression survival model.Results: Patients diagnosed at stage IV had an almost 6-fold greater risk of dying from colorectal cancer than those with stage I. Age, third-degree education, poor tumour differentiation, the presence of distant metastases and receiving ‘other’ treatments were the other factors that increased the risk of death for colorectal cancer patients in Malaysian population.Conclusions: Our analysis revealed that the severity of the disease lead to poor prognosis in colorectal cancer in the population after adjusting for other individual characteristics. Health education programs targeting high risk group and emphasizing the importance of early detection of cancer as well as knowledge on the importance of cancer treatment should be implemented. Formulation of a better screening program needs to be extended so that it is a genuinely national program.
Indications of admitting patients in internal ICU and the rate of mortality in Emam Khomeini hospital in 2013
Authors: Ghobadi Hasan , Habibzadeh Shahram , Shahbazzadegan Bita , Mirzanezhadasl Mohsen , Kamranimoghaddam Mahsa
Published: May 2019

Background: ICU is the costly part of the hospital that has functional approach for patients who have reversible conditions so it needs mechanical ventilation and other special services. Some patients are not really in need of special care only the continuous monitoring of vital signs needs of the public sector. Patients with good condition or End-Stage were not candidate to admitting in ICU. The aim of this study was to evaluate indications of admitting patients in internal ICU and the rate of mortality in Emam Khomeini hospital in 2013.Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively evaluated the records of patients hospitalized in ICU and disease prognosis and treatment of disease and APACHE2 criteria was analyses.Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 61.05±19.81. Of 118 patients, 70 (59.3%) survived and 48 (40.7%) patients died. APACHE2 mean in the study was 21.46±7.5. GCS average was 9.83±4.27. There was correlation between mortality of patients and type of disease. In this study in APACHE2 score between 25-29 and >35 in mortality rate we are higher than standard average and in 10-14 and 20-24 we are lower than standard average.Conclusions: This study shows that GCS is not a good measure for the evaluation of patients hospitalized in internal ICU. In the present study, patients with higher APACHE2 score of 35 died. That show hospitalization that patient in ICU has no difference in the prognosis of them. As regards mortality rate in ICU patients in this study has no significant difference with predicted APACHE values, indications of ICU admition in Emam Khomeini hospital observed exactly.
Risk status of pregnant women in rural areas of Belagavi: a cross sectional study
Authors: Bernard Katherine J. , Baliga Sulakshana
Published: May 2019

Background: ‘High-risk’ pregnancies account for a significant proportion of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Simple prenatal scoring systems can be used to assess risk status of pregnancy and inform subsequent management. Their use in rural areas and low-resource settings could be of particular benefit. This study employed pregnancy risk status assessment in one such area of rural India. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of low, moderate and high-risk pregnancy among women in a rural area of Belagavi and to identify factors associated with high-risk pregnancy status.Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among 105 pregnant women of all trimesters presenting to antenatal clinics in the Kinaye area of Belagavi, Karnataka, during July 2018. Information on risk factors and socio-demographic details were collected using a questionnaire, and individual risk scores calculated through a scoring system. This was used to estimate prevalence of low, moderate and high-risk status among participants, and subsequently compared against selected variables to identify factors associated with high risk pregnancy status.Results: Prevalence of high-risk pregnancy among participants was 31.4%, moderate-risk 30.5%, low-risk 29.5% and ‘no risk’ 8.6%. Maternal undernutrition was an important factor associated with high-risk pregnancy.Conclusions: This study highlights the need for early identification and appropriate management of such cases, in order to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes. The prenatal scoring system used in this study offers a simple method for risk status assessment in pregnant women of all trimesters, suited for use in antenatal clinics in rural areas of India.
A community based study to determine the prevalence of infertility and associated socio demographic factors in rural area of Mandya district of Karnataka
Authors: Javaregowda Shashank Kumbarahalli , Govindagowda Praveen , Thotahalli Krishna Chethan , Varadaraju Supriya
Published: May 2019

Background: Infertility is defined as failure to achieve pregnancy after at least 1 year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility is classified into two types, primary and secondary infertility. World Health Organization explains primary infertility as inefficiency to conceive after a year of unprotected sex and secondary if not conceived following previous pregnancy. The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence and socio demographic factors of infertility (primary and secondary) among eligible couples in rural area of Mandya district.Methods: A Cross sectional study was conducted at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical sciences from the month of June 2016 to September 2016.One of the Primary health center in the study area was randomly selected by lottery method. All the eligible couples who are permanent residents and in the reproductive age group were included in the study.Results: Majority (59.64%) of the study group were in the age group of 20-25 years. Nearly 59.3% and 40.7% of the respondents belonged to joint and nuclear family respectively. The overall prevalence of infertility in our study was 7.7%. The overall prevalence of primary infertility was 6.3% and secondary infertility was 1.4%.Conclusions: As healthcare professionals, we should remember that infertility is a stressful life event for both women and men. Hence by knowing the prevalence and knowledge of the couple regarding the infertility, suitable health education programmes can be done to create awareness among the people regarding the treatment modalities available for infertility.
Utilization of antenatal care services in tribal area of Madhya Pradesh: a community based cross sectional study
Authors: Sharma Arvind , Thakur Pritesh Singh , Tiwari Rajesh , Sharma Richa
Published: May 2019

Background: As part of the Sustainable Development Goal 3, the target is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100 000 live births globally by 2030. Antenatal care (ANC) is an important determinant of maternal mortality and ANC visit is an important component of maternal health care. This study was carried out to assess the utilization of antenatal care services and to understand the factors associated with utilization of antenatal care services in tribal area of Madhya Pradesh.Methods: Community based cross-sectional study carried in tribal dominated district of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 210 mothers who delivered in last one year were selected for study by cluster sampling technique and mothers were interviewed using structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent.Results: Present study 94.8% antenatal mothers registered and received at least one antenatal check-up and 51.4% mother were registered during first trimester while only 43.4% mothers received four or more ANC visits. Completely utilization of ANC services was found in 39.5% mother. Education of the mother, occupation of mother, income, education of the husband, knowledge of mother about the needs of antenatal care and early ANC registration were found to be significant factors associated with full utilization of ANC services.Conclusions: This study revealed that education of mother and knowledge of mother about the needs of ANC were important contributing factors associated with full utilization of ANC services in tribal area. The education is related with the economic status, awareness of mother about utilization health services, empowerment and decisions making capacity of mothers.
A cross-sectional study to assess prevalence and determinants of unplanned pregnancy among eligible couples of rural field practice area: RDGMC, Ujjain
Authors: Sharma Shikha
Published: May 2019

Background: Unplanned pregnancy have emerged as one of key public health indicator affecting women, their families and societies at large. Globally, an estimated 40% pregnancies in 2012 were unplanned jeopardising health of millions of women and children. Unplanned pregnancies are also associated with increased risk of low birth weight and high infant mortality. Need of the study was to obtain information which can lead to improvement in use of available products and resources by addressing social determinants of reproductive health affecting pregnancy intensions.Methods: Cross- sectional study was conducted in DSS (Demographic Surveillance Site), RD Gardi Medical College, Ujjain. Study included all consenting eligible couples excluding couples not available at time of interview and sterilized couples. “The London Measures of Unplanned Pregnancy” questionnaire (tested and validated for Indian settings) was used to assess pregnancy outcomes.Results: According to scores 8% pregnancy came out as unplanned, 79% planned and 13% ambivalent. Occurrence of unplanned pregnancy was significantly associated with age (χ2=14.216, p=0.027), socio-economic status (χ2=19.757, p=0.003) and housing (χ2=22.337, p=0.000) conditions of study participants. But when the above factors were further analysed using regression analysis, none was significantly associated.Conclusions: Prevalence of unplanned pregnancy came out to be 8%. Further, none of the studied social determinants came out to be significantly associated with the occurrence of unplanned pregnancy. More studies with a qualitative nature will be needed to know the reasons for unplanned pregnancy.
An active surveillance of anaemia among pregnant women and its association with obstetric history and sanitation in urban areas of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Bano Firoza , Gahlot Anju
Published: May 2019

Background: Anaemia is still one of the challenging issues in India in spite of various ongoing nutritional programmes. Very few data have been observed from the state Uttar Pradesh especially from urban areas regarding the status of anaemia during pregnancy. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women and its association with the various socio-demographic determinants in urban areas of Kanpur.Methods: Cross-sectional study having total participants of 207 pregnant women were selected by simple random sampling method and interviewed by pretested questionnaire followed by testing haemoglobin level in blood through Sahli’s haemoglobinometer and collected data were analysed using SPSS Version 21.0 and Microsoft Excel 2007.Results: Out of 207 pregnant women 163 were estimated as anaemic.Conclusions: A high prevalence of anaemia was observed which is 78.7%. Adolescent age group, lack of sanitation and worm infestations were detected significant parameters contributing anaemia.
Career preferences and influencing factors among students entering medical school
Authors: Muraleedharan Aparna , Menon Vikas , Raj Gladwin Victor
Published: May 2019

Background: Little information is available on the prospective career choices of students entering medical school. So, this study was designed to assess career preferences of fresh medical undergraduates in the Indian setting and evaluate factors influencing their career choices.Methods: A cross-sectional assessment was carried out on 144 freshman year medical students within 2 weeks of joining the course. All participants completed a self-administered study questionnaire. Five specialties – Internal Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Gynecology were chosen for comparison. Responses were rated on a 5 point Likert scale. Data was analysed using SPSS version 18.0.Results: Over one third of the undergraduates reported that they have not made any opinion on their specialty yet. The most popular specialties were Internal medicine, General Surgery and Paediatrics. The least popular specialty was Obstetrics & Gynecology. “Ability to help people” and “challenging nature of work” was chosen by most of the respondents as a very important factor while making a choice of specialization while financial reward was not perceived to be that important.Conclusions: Freshman medical students have several criteria in choosing their specialty and they are modifiable. Medical educators and administrators should think about curricular or teaching reforms to further enhance career counseling and medical education curricula which could potentially motivate more students to take up career in fields lesser chosen.
Eight year longitudinal study of cataract surgeries in an urban Indian population
Authors: Nadkarni Snehal , Patil Priti , Roy Nobhojit , Gerdin Martin , Bhandarkar Prashant
Published: May 2019

Background: The aim was to study cataract surgery incidence in an urban community of 100,000 peoples in Mumbai.Methods: A retrospective observational community based study was performed for the period from January 01, 2008 to December 31, 2015. Electronic patient records were used to track surgeries performed in the members of community. Mid-year community census was considered as baseline population to estimate gender specific and age specific incidence of cataract surgery. Logistic regression was performed assuming gender and age-group as independent variables.Results: The rate of cataract extraction surgery varies from 786 to 952 surgeries per 100,000 per year. 6971 cataract surgeries were recorded with an overall average of 872/100,000/years. Increase in age was strongly associated with increase in incidence of cataract surgery and peak incidence was recorded for age group of 66–70 years. The odds of having surgery were similar in females and males 1.012 (95% CI 0.952 - 1.077).Conclusions: This study documented the rate of 872 cataract surgeries per year in an Indian population over eight years. Average incidence is found in the similar range of studies published from United States and Sweden. This community-based estimates of cataract surgery are useful for planning and managing resources at the national level.
Study of diarrheal disease among under five children in a rural community: telephone based follow up study
Authors: Lohakpure Vishesh R. , Vedpathak Vinod L.
Published: May 2019

Background: Acute diarrhoeal diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the developing countries and a major contribution of malnutrition especially among infants and children under 5 years of age. Approximately two-thirds of the world population live in the developing countries characterized by a lack of potable drinking water, improper means of disposal of human faecal waste, intense crowding in houses and often primitive standards of personal hygiene. In India, diarrhoeal diseases are a major public health problem among children under 5 years. The objective of the study was to estimate number of episodes of diarrhoea in children under five years in a rural area.Methods: Community based longitudinal study conducted among 622 children.Results: The overall incidence of diarrhoeal disease was found to be 2.11 episode/child/year. It was observed that the diarrhoeal disease morbidity decreased with the increasing age of the child. Diarrhoeal disease morbidity increased in children from lower socioeconomic status 2.32 episodes/child/year.Conclusions: The lower incidence rate has been found in those children who were better nourished, had received immunization and had been breast fed. Hence there is a need to make efforts to still further improve and sustain immunization coverage, give importance to the nutrition of the children, encourage the mothers to breast feed their children for at least 2 years.
Adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment among patients in urban field practice area of medical college, Davangere, Karnataka: a qualitative study
Authors: R. G. Geethalakshmi , D'souza Madonna J. , . Ashok
Published: May 2019

Background: Despite effective diagnosis and free treatment, prevalence of TB is still growing. DOTS was introduced by WHO in 1997, which is more than two decades ago. It’s a known fact in TB that adherence is less due to long duration of treatment and stigma associated with it. This study was conducted with the objective of estimating and the reasons for the non- adherence to anti tuberculosis treatment in urban field practice area of SSIMS & RC, Davangere.Methods: A qualitative method of study design was used. 20 TB patients who are on anti-tuberculosis treatment were interviewed with a structured questionnaire for adherence to treatment. Among them patients who were non adherent were further interviewed in depth to know the reasons for non-adherence.Results: Data analysis resulted in extraction of five themes, which were side effects, financial burden and social support, duration of treatment, food insecurity, unawareness of consequences of non-adherence to treatment.Conclusions: Patient adherence to treatment is multi-factorial and involves individual patient factors, provider factors, and community factors. Addressing issue of non-adherence to treatment requires enhanced efforts towards resolving medical problems like adverse drug effects, developing short duration treatment regimens, motivational counselling, social, family support for patients and improving awareness about disease.
Pattern of disease disclosure to patients in pediatric HIV clinic in a tertiary care center in Kerala
Authors: S. Priya , Nayar Lathika , K. K. Purushothaman
Published: May 2019

Background: The pattern and rates of disclosure of HIV status to infected children may differ within a country, and among the states, based on the socioeconomic, cultural, and even health status. Understanding this pattern is important in the formulating guidelines of disclosure on their HIV diagnosis to children infected by HIV, and to design strategies for improvement of adherence. This study was proposed to study the pattern of disclosure of HIV status in children aged 6 to 17 years.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted for a year (2016-2017) at a Pediatric HIV clinic in Thrissur, Kerala. Participants for this study were 58 HIV-infected children in the age group of 6-17 years who were on ART, and their parents/caregivers.Results: Among the 58 participants, only 25 (43.1%) were aware of their HIV status, either fully (17; 68%) or partially (8; 32%). Healthcare providers were more likely to disclose the status to the affected child. Majority of the participants (84%) had better compliance to therapy after disclosure and most of the children in the non-institutional group were more supportive towards their parents (50%) after disclosure. The factors that were associated with disclosure in the non-institutional group were age of the child and duration of therapy.Conclusions: Children infected with HIV showed better adherence after complete disclosure. Rate of disclosure can be improved by reviewing the disclosure hurdles in our state so that intervention programs can be planned for improving the rate of disclosure.
Traditional beliefs and practices in newborn care among mothers in a tertiary care centre in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Bangari Akhil , Thapliyal Sunil Kumar , Ruchi Ruchi , Aggarwal Bindu , Sharma Utkarsh
Published: May 2019

Background: Neonatal care practices are different in different communities. Before any intervention planned to reduce mortality and mortality in community, understanding of local belief and practices is necessary. Some of the harmful practices need to be abandoned and good or harmless practices need to be appreciated. This study was conducted to understand the cultural beliefs and practices in newborn care among residents of Uttarakhand.Methods: This was descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among 300 postnatal mothers admitted to the hospital. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analyses of the data was done using SSPS version 22.0.Results: 4% of the mothers believed colostrum to be unsuitable for the newborn. 71% mothers were practicing daily baby massage. 71.3% believed that hot and cold foods can harm their baby’s health. 57.3% practiced application of Kajal on baby’s face. 74.7% of mothers would keep Knife under pillow and 16.7% match box under baby’s cloth. 5.3% mother believed in practice of branding. 81% of mothers accept to practice of pouring oil in baby’s ear. 22.3% mothers believed in isolating mother baby together for 30-40 days.Conclusions: Certain practices are still prevalent like Branding, discarding colostrum, Kajal application, pouring oil in baby’s ear and very restricted dietary regime of mothers. These practices need to be stopped by educating mothers and relatives in postnatal wards.
A comparative study on knowledge and perception of vector borne diseases among rural and urban population in Tamil Nadu
Authors: V. Roselin , V. Srisanthanakrishnan
Published: May 2019

Background: Vector-borne diseases (VBD) remain a major public health challenge, in India. Knowledge about VBD, social, demographic and environmental factors strongly influence the vector transmission and results in major outbreaks. Hence this study was conducted to assess knowledge and practice along with environmental conditions prevailing in both rural and urban areas.Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted in rural and urban field practice area of Sri Muthukumaran Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, during June 2018 to December 2018. A total of 472 participants with 236 participants from each urban and rural area were included. Data was collected using proforma and analysis was done using SPSS 16.Results: Knowledge about VBD like dengue was 63.6% and 76.7% among rural and urban population, respectively. Similarly malaria was known by knows 59.3% and 68.2% of rural and urban participants. Japanese Encephalitis was the least known mosquito borne disease in both the groups. (p=0.0136). Common breeding sites addressed by the rural population were artificial collected water (36.9%) and urban population was dirty water (42.8%).Conclusions: Knowledge and practice of preventing vector borne disease is still lacking among both rural and urban participants. Spreading knowledge about VBD is a part in effective vector borne disease control which can be achieved by community education alone rather than insecticides and sprays.
Algorithmization of the process of recognition of states of living objects based on special x-ray images
Authors:   Voronezh State Technical University, Vasilchenko V.A. , Burkovskiy V.L. ,   Voronezh State Technical University, Danilov A.D. ,   Voronezh State Technical University
Published: May 2019

The article discusses results of the development of an expert system module for diagnosing diseases based on the method of neural network analysis. In the course of the study, it was established that when processing images obtained using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, convolutional neural networks offer the maximum efficiency. An algorithm is developed to select an optimal neural network structure best suited for our objective. As a result of the work, we developed a convolutional neural network capable of detecting foci of pathological changes in tissues with high probability in the images obtained by MRI scanners. The method was evaluated using a separate human organ - lungs. The system was implemented in a test mode in one of the largest clinics of the city of Voronezh.
Technology of intellectual feature selection for a system of automatic formation of a coagulate plan on retina
Authors:   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Ilyasova N.Yu. ,   Samara National Research University, Shirokanev A.S. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, Kupriyanov A.V. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, Paringer R.A. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University
Published: May 2019

The paper proposes a technology for effective feature selection to localize individual characteristics of anatomical and pathological structures in the human eye fundus. Such an approach allows the intellectual analysis of features to be conducted using color subspaces and the regions of interest to be identified. This problem is relevant because in this way the efficiency of laser coagulation surgery can be improved. The technology is based on the texture analysis of certain image patterns. The initial textural attributes are derived from different statistical image descriptors calculated using the MaZda library (image histogram, image gradient, series length and adjacency matrices). The analysis of the feature space informativity and selection of the most effective features are carried out using the discriminant data analysis. The best-size image fragmentation windows for eye fundus clustering and sets of features that provide the necessary accuracy in identifying the regions of interest were derived via analyzing the following four image classes: exudates, thick vessels, thin vessels, and healthy areas. The feature selection technology was based on clustering using a K-means method, with the Euclidean and Mahalanobis distance used as a similarity measure. The required minimum size of the fragmentation window and the similarity measure were chosen from a criterion of the minimum clustering error among all the smallest window sizes. The article also presents a system for automatically forming a coagulate plan, expected to be used to support the decision-making during laser retinal coagulation surgery in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. This system is currently being developed based on the proposed technology.
Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease and Schizophrenia: Dilemma in Diagnosis and Treatment of a Case
Authors: Sharma Sneha , Aggarwal Nitin
Published: May 2019

The relationship between schizophrenia and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease is still not clear and rare when they coexist. Diagnosing coexisting schizophrenia and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease is a chal-lenge, especially in developing countries due to lack of experts and advance imaging facilities. Treatment options are also limited. A 58- year- old male was admitted due to relapse of psychotic symptoms following non-compliance to antipsychotic medications. The patient was previously diag-nosed with schizophrenia and later developed Parkinson’s disease while non-compliant to antipsy-chotic medications. While the patient was at our center, his detailed history was taken and general physical examination was done to distinguish Parkinson’s disease from anti-psychotic induced ex-trapyramidal symptoms. All the routine investigations were within normal limits. This case report highlights the clinical factors that help make a distinction and help use appropriate drugs to manage schizophrenia with comorbid Parkinson’s disease in developing countries, where lack of precise di-agnostic imaging modalities interferes in making a conclusive diagnosis.
Improving of Offinso College of Education (OFCE) Demonstration Basic Four (4) Pupils’ Ability to Understand the Concept Rusting Through Activity Method
Authors: Dip.  Sampson Adjei Kankam Victus Nangkuu * , B. Bour Med. Kwame , Boateng Francis
Published: May 2019

The objective of this action research was to enhance the understanding of pupils Offinso College of Education practice school. Because of the documented positive impact of helping pupils was purposely to enhance to understanding of pupils knowledge in the concept of rusting. He study involved to the observation, interview and questionnaire as instrument to gather information about pupils’ previous and current performances before and after the intervention studies was implemented. The researcher used activity based methods to assist the pupils of Offinso College of Education Demonstration basic four to overcome their challenges relating to the concept rusting. Based on the findings deduced, the researcher recommended that, activity oriented methods of teaching that engages learners should be employed to cause the interest of pupils to overcome their challenges in science, specially the concept rusting.
How are healthcare demand determinants changing during the decentralization process in Cameroon?
Authors: NGUIDJOL MA'A Joseph Stéphane , AWOMO NDONGO Jean-Colbert , LIMI KOUOTOU Hibrahim
Published: May 2019

L'objectif de ce document est d'analyser l'évolution des déterminants de la demande de soins pendant le processus de décentralisation au Cameroun. À cette fin, une analyse des statistiques de résidus et de phi normalisées ajustées a été réalisée à l'aide des données des trois premières enquêtes sur les ménages camerounais (ECAM).

Les résultats montrent que, dans le processus de décentralisation, les individus se sont éloignés des soins de santé traditionnels au profit des vendeurs de drogue informels, dont la fréquentation a régulièrement augmenté; la demande de soins modernes publics et privés a d'abord diminué entre 1996 et 2001, puis augmenté de 2001 à 2007. En outre, une augmentation, puis une diminution du nombre de déterminants significatifs de la demande de soins peuvent être observées au cours de la période.

Deux recommandations principales peuvent donc être formulées en vue d’améliorer la demande de soins: i) améliorer l’offre de soins grâce à une véritable organisation de la médecine traditionnelle, une lutte sans relâche contre la vente informelle de médicaments, une amélioration de la qualité des services et les ressources humaines dans le secteur public, ainsi que la collaboration et la synergie d'actions entre les différents prestataires de soins; (ii) améliorer l'accès aux soins des ménages pauvres et des femmes par le biais de programmes spécifiques pour ces ménages.
A Strong Clue on Chest Radiography for Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Aortic Arch Calcification
Authors: ADAR Adem , ÖNALAN Orhan , CASİM Hasan , ÇAKAN Fahri , KÖKTÜRK Ugur , ÇETİN Erdem , ÖZÇALIK Emre
Published: May 2019

Aim: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Vascular calcification plays a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis. However, data regarding vascular calcification and MetS is insufficient. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between MetS and aortic arch calcification in patients with OSA.Material and Methods: Patients who underwent an overnight polysomnography and diagnosed with OSA were enrolled into the study. Patients were classified into two groups based on the presence of MetS. Two examiners who were unaware of the results of polysomnographic assessment reviewed the chest radiograms.Results: A total of 314 patients with OSA were included in the study. 33.1% of the patients were female and mean age was 51.2±10.9. Of these, 43.6% had mild OSA, 30.9% had moderate OSA, and 25.5% had severe OSA. Aortic arch calcification was detected in 56.4% (n=177) and MetS was detected in 58.6% (n=184) of the patients. Prevalence of aortic arch calcification was higher in patients with MetS than in those without MetS (p<0.001). By multiple logistic regression analysis found that body mass index (1.148, 95% CI, 1.089-1.210), apnea hypnea index (1.039, 95% CI, 1.016-1.062), and aortic arch calcification (4.986, 95% CI, 2.887-8.610) were found to be predictors of MetS.Conclusion: Aortic arch calcification seen in chest radiography is strongly associated with MetS in patients with OSA. Aortic arch calcification may be an alerting finding for clinicians regarding the development of MetS in patients with OSA.
Idea współzarządzania – szansa czy ograniczenie uczestnictwa publicznego kobiet na wsi
Authors: Marks-Krzyszkowska Małgorzata , Linka Jarosław
Published: May 2019

Celem artykułu jest znalezienie odpowiedzi na pytanie o to, czy realizowana na obszarach wiejskich koncepcja współzarządzania (tzw. new rural governance) umożliwia, tradycyjnie marginalizowanym w sferze publicznej, kobietom udział we współzarządzaniu gminą. Rozważania opierają się na przeglądzie międzynarodowej literatury przedmiotu i koncentrują się na określeniu zakresu uczestnictwa w szeroko rozumianym współzarządzaniu gminą i ewentualnych przyczyn jego ograniczeń. Jak wynika z analiz, mimo że zakres partycypacji kobiet we współzarządzaniu gminą nominalnie zwiększa się, to realnie często jest ograniczony do uczestnictwa bez możliwości wpływu na decyzje i nierzadko ma fasadowy charakter.
Badanie jakościowe w instytucjach dwujęzycznych – studium przypadku przedsiębiorstwa z sektora bankowego
Authors: Kościńska Justyna Anna
Published: May 2019

Społeczności dwujęzyczne są przedmiotem żywego zainteresowania nauk społecznych. W związku z tym ważne jest, by być świadomym ograniczeń oraz konsekwencji, jakie niesie ze sobą użycie różnych języków w badaniach naukowych. Wskazana problematyka przedstawiona jest w niniejszym artykule na podstawie studium przedsiębiorstwa z sektora bankowego, w którego tworzenie zaangażowani byli przedstawiciele dwóch państw, Francji i Polski. Badanie warunków powstania i rozwoju instytucji zrealizowane zostało metodą wywiadu biograficznego oraz analizy danych zastanych. Dwujęzyczność instytucji wiązała się z koniecznością posługiwania się dwoma językami przy zbieraniu oraz analizie materiału empirycznego. W niniejszym artykule przedstawione zostaną konsekwencje użycia dwóch języków podczas badań jakościowych oraz wpływ dwukulturowości, z naciskiem na jej aspekt językowy, na przebieg badania.
Transformacja w zmieniającej się narracji liberalno-lewicowej. Przykład publicystyki Grzegorza Sroczyńskiego i Rafała Wosia
Authors: Nowicka-Franczak Magdalena
Published: May 2019

Artykuł dotyczy przemian dyskursu liberalnego w Polsce w kontekście aktualnych podziałów politycznych. Przedmiot badania stanowi liberalno-lewicowa narracja (rozumiana jako struktura dyskursu mająca formę wartościującego, kauzalnego i usytuowanego historycznie opisu zdarzeń i ich uczestników) o transformacji ustrojowej, jej ideowych źródłach i skutkach społecznych. Analiza skoncentrowana jest na publicystyce dwóch wiodących autorów liberalno-lewicowych: Grzegorza Sroczyńskiego i Rafała Wosia. Na podstawie ich artykułów prasowych, internetowych, książek i audycji radiowych z lat 2013–2018 wyróżniono główne struktury nowej narracji liberalno-lewicowej dotyczące między innymi rozliczania (neo)liberałów, ujmowania się za ludem i różnicy pokoleniowej rzutującej na ocenę transformacji. Postawiono także pytanie o komunikacyjną skuteczność, oryginalność i tożsamość dyskursywną formułowanej przez tych publicystów narracji.
„Nowy tradycjonalizm”, czyli praktyki macierzyństwa w dobie późnej nowoczesności
Authors: Rejowska Agata
Published: May 2019

Celem artykułu jest opis i analiza tendencji w ramach szerszego konstruktu „macierzyństwa”, określonej jako „nowy tradycjonalizm”, oraz analiza idei i założeń obecnych w tle „nowego tradycjonalizmu”. Termin ten nawiązuje do obserwowalnego w ramach macierzyństwa „powrotu do przeszłości”, który przejawia się zarówno w sferze wartości, jak i praktyk. Jego cechy zostały omówione na przykładzie portalu „Dzieci są ważne” (publikowane artykuły zostały poddane jakościowej analizie treści). W kontekście wizji macierzyństwa proponowanej przez „nowych tradycjonalistów” można obserwować podwójną retradycjonalizację: pierwsza to zwrot w kierunku „dawnych” technik opiekuńczych, druga wiąże się z widocznym „przejściem” do „bardziej tradycyjnego podziału pracy” (uzasadnianego esencjalistycznym postrzeganiem ról płciowych). Dyskurs „nowego tradycjonalizmu” nie jest wolny od wewnętrznych napięć i paradoksów: postulowany powrót do pozytywnie waloryzowanej natury jest zapośredniczony przez kulturę i edukację, a powrót do tradycji – przez zdobycze ruchu feministycznego (kobieta ma prawo wyboru, a zatem może również wybrać wycofanie do sfery prywatnej). Pomimo zakładanego „minimalizmu” praktyki „nowego tradycjonalizmu” są możliwe do realizacji jedynie przez klasę średnią wyższą lub wyższą.
Podłączeni pod społeczeństwo mody: udomawianie telewizora a kształtowanie się mody w Polsce Ludowej. Analiza materiałów z badań nad stylami życia Andrzeja Sicińskiego (1978-82)
Authors: Zalewska Joanna
Published: May 2019

Celem artykułu jest odpowiedź na pytanie, w jaki sposób udomowianie telewizora oddziaływało na kształtowanie się mody jako regulatora praktyk społecznych w okresie późnego PRL-u. Pozwoli to zrozumieć, jaka była rola telewizora i oglądania telewizji w procesie powstawania społeczeństwa konsumpcyjnego, w którym moda odgrywa kluczową rolę w kształtowaniu ludzkich zachowań. Analizie poddano materiały zebrane w badaniach nad stylami życia pod kierunkiem Andrzeja Sicińskiego w latach 1978−1982 w czterech miastach. Telewizor jako przedmiot wpływał na przekształcanie układu przestrzeni mieszkania zgodnie z aktualnie lansowanymi wzorami. Telewizor „sprawiał”, że dom stawał się podporządkowany praktyce oglądania telewizji, stojąc w centralnym punkcie głównego pokoju, otoczony przez meble służące siedzeniu i oglądaniu. Dominacja telewizora oraz oglądania telewizji jako najważniejszej praktyki podejmowanej w domu wywoływała opór obyczaju – wyrażony przede wszystkim w nawykach kobiet, które nie mogły oglądać bezczynnie. Modzie jako regulatorowi codziennych praktyk stawiała opór również gospodarka niedoboru. Telewizor jako medium umożliwiał podłączenie pod społeczeństwo mody i odbiór przekazywanych przez telewizję wzorów zachowań. Ciągłe podłączenie, gdy telewizor działał nieoglądany, stanowiło stałe źródło nieświadomego przejmowania wzorów. Treści odbierane świadomie były dyskutowane i negocjowane w ramach grupy pierwotnej.
Explaining Macro-Social Change with Archived Data: Reading against the Grain
Authors: Gray Jane
Published: May 2019

This article examines some of the opportunities and challenges associated with using archived qualitative data to explain macro-social change through a biographical lens. Using examples from a recent research project on family change in Ireland, I show how working across qualitative datasets provided opportunities for generating new explanations of social change by ‘reading against the grain’ of established social science narratives and tracing innovation in social practices. I also discuss some of the methodological challenges associated with working across datasets and how we addressed them in the study.
Klasa ludowa i klasa średnia wobec kryzysu uchodźczego w perspektywie małego miasta
Authors: Dębska Katarzyna
Published: May 2019

W polskiej socjologii znaleźć można wiele analiz stosunku społeczeństwa polskiego do uchodźców i wyznawców islamu; brakuje w nich jednak pogłębionego, jakościowego uwzględnienia wymiaru klasowego. Niniejszy tekst prezentuje wyniki analizy materiału zebranego przez zespół Macieja Gduli, który w maju i czerwcu 2017 realizował wywiady biograficzne i scenariuszowe z mieszkańcami małego miasta zlokalizowanego w centralnej Polsce. Miasto to dla celów zachowania anonimowości naszych rozmówczyń i rozmówców nazwane zostało „Miastkiem”. Artykuł podejmuje problematykę zróżnicowania stosunku do uchodźców wśród osób z klasy ludowej i klasy średniej. Stosunek badanych do przyjmowania uchodźców, ocena działań Unii Europejskiej wobec kryzysu uchodźczego oraz preferowane przez badanych sposoby pomocy uchodźcom i uchodźczyniom powiązane została w analizie z dyspozycjami klasowymi i dynamiką habitusów charakterystycznych dla klas ludowej i średniej. W artykule wykorzystana została kategoria islamofobii. Islamofobia jest zjawiskiem występującym zarówno w klasie ludowej, jak i w klasie średniej, odmienne są natomiast sposoby jej wyrażania. Niechęć przedstawicieli i przedstawicielek klasy średniej wobec uchodźców koncentruje się na ich domniemanej odmowie akceptacji reguł społeczeństw przyjmujących, przedstawiciele klasy ludowej natomiast uzasadniali niezgodę na przyjęcie uchodźców ich niechęcią do pracy i oczekiwaniami dotyczącymi wypłat socjalnych. W procesie gromadzenia danych wykorzystano metodę wywiadu biograficznego (Schütze 2012; Bertaux 2012) i wywiadu pogłębionego częściowo ustrukturyzowanego. Wywiady biograficzne w niniejszej analizie traktowane są jako materiał pomocniczy. Oprócz przynależności klasowej uwzględniono również wymiar genderowy i pokoleniowy.
W kieracie codzienności – dynamika obszarów granicznych wśród osób zatrudnionych na etat i samozatrudniających się
Authors: Mroczkowska Dorota , Kubacka Małgorzata
Published: May 2019

Celem tekstu jest podjęcie tematu pracy wokół granic (boundary work) czy zarządzania granicami (boundary management) z uwzględnieniem trybu zatrudnienia oraz statusu rodzinnego badanych osób. Proponowana perspektywa krytycznie podchodzi do dominujących koncepcji work-life-balance, podkreślając dynamiczny i niekończący się proces wzajemnych oddziaływań, w ramach którego granice między pracą a życiem codziennym i rodziną są na co dzień przez jednostki wytwarzane, podtrzymywane, negocjowane oraz przekraczane. Odwołując się metodologii badań jakościowych, chcemy zobaczyć, jak respondenci rozumieją i definiują obszary graniczne oraz jak wygląda proces codziennego zarządzania granicami w zależności od trybu pracy. W tekście dyskutujemy realizowane strategie zarządzania granicami: strategię racjonalnego regulowania granicy i różne strategie kontestowania i zacierania granicy przez badane osoby.
The Everyday Life Intersection of Translational Science and Music
Authors: Kotarba Joseph A.
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the theoretical relationship between translational science and music. The relationship between science and music has been of great interest to philosophers, historians, and musicologists for centuries. From a sociological perspective, we argue that science and music are closely linked at the level of everyday life in contemporary biomedical science. Translational science is a scientific movement that aims to facilitate the efficient application of bio-medical research to the design and delivery of clinical services, and a qualitative approach inspired by symbolic interactionism provides the opportunity to examine the place of the scientist in this movement. The concept of the existential self provides a useful platform for this examination insofar as the reflexive nature of the existential self is the way the person’s experience of individuality is affected by and in turn affects organizational change. An ongoing qualitative study of an NIH-funded program in translational science has found that music can serve to help scientists maintain a balanced self in light of new expectations placed upon them and their work. We identify six ways in which scientists can use music to enhance their sense of self and their work.
Between Individual and Collective Actions: The Introduction of Innovations in the Social World of Climbing
Authors: Kacperczyk Anna
Published: May 2019

This article, which is based upon the findings of a seven-year research project concerning the social world of climbing, discusses climbing as an organized social practice that possesses a strong historical dimension and collective character. It examines the relation between individual participants and that social world as a whole, and it accepts that an individual’s personal life may be inscribed in the development and formation of that world in two ways. These are 1) a given social world imposes the behavioral patterns, normative rules, institutional schemes of actions, and careers upon participants that characterize their identities and actions; and 2) the actions of an individual participant trigger significant change in that world. I am particularly interested in those unique situations in which when a participant induces a change that affects a given social world (or a sub-world) as a whole, and discuss two examples of this relation, namely, the history of designing and creating climbing equipment, and setting new standards of climbing performance. Briefly stated, innovative solutions are born in conjunction with particular climbing actions that are either promoted or hindered depending on whether or not the vision of the primary activity associated with those solutions was accepted by the majority of participants. The dynamics and transformations of the social world in question thus rely upon the activities of exceptional individuals who, as pioneers, innovators, and visionaries, attain mastery in performing the primary activity of that world and set new standards of performance for others. A new mode of acting—in order to be collectively adopted—must be accepted as both valuable and morally justified by all participants.
Symbolic Interactionism and the Perceived Style of Parenting
Authors: Totkova Zornitsa
Published: May 2019

This article utilizes a symbolic interactionist approach in an investigation of perceived parenting during early adulthood. The aim is to explore the family environment and family relationships in the light of how parenting is constructed through the interaction of parents with their children and with society. The findings from semi-structured interviews conducted with adult volunteer respondents concerning their recollections of their relations with their parents are summarized. This provides the basis for outlining subjective experiences of the social environment and perceived parenting styles from a retrospective point of view in respect to gender and age differentiation.