bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creative incubator model as a catalyst agent to dynamize the creative ecosystem in a cultural city
Authors: Quispe Humpire Edgar , González Álvarez Miguel Domingo
Published: December 2022

Objetive. The research aims to discover the most critical factors that must be considered when building a creative incubator model to generate value for artists, arts organizations, entrepreneurs, and creative companies by providing direct and indirect services within a creative ecosystem and cultural communities. The study seeks to document and support the role that creative incubators play in accelerating the development of the creative ecosystem within a cultural city. Also, highlight the importance of its location and the use of a platform based on creative ideas, innovation, and technology, considering the incubator as a critical actor within the creative ecosystem network.Method. Following the objectives defined for this study, a qualitative and descriptive investigation was chosen. For the research, the adaptive planning cycles and the action research design have been selected as methodology.Conclusion. The proper implementation of the "creative incubator" can provide more significant business opportunities, envisioning an articulation with the private and public sectors, seeking to integrate with other public policies that generate development through, for example, the Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of the Region. The integration of these actors will make it possible to value the cultural diversity, knowledge, and practices of citizens, thus enabling sustainable development. In this way, the academy can contribute to improving the lives of citizens, promoting projects and initiatives that improve living conditions and the integration of creative entrepreneurs.
Philosophy of Medicine and Covid-19
Authors: Broadbent Alex
Published: December 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic was a world event on our intellectual doorstep. What were our duties to respond, and how well did we respond? We published papers, but we did not engage extensively or influentially in public debate. Perhaps we felt we were not experts. Yet in a health crisis, philosophers of medicine can offer not only “conceptual clarification,” but also domain-specific knowledge concerning structural properties of relevant sciences and their social-political uses. I set out three conditions for the kind of contribution I felt was lacking: public, critical, and timely. And I call for us to do more of it.
Race, Power and Polemic: Whiteness in the Anthropology of Africa
Authors: Fox Graham
Published: December 2022

Anthropological writing both by whites on Africa and on whites in Africa demonstrates an ongoing regeneration of the other, not only through political or historical discourse but also through face-to-face encounters on Africa’s streets, in its workplaces, and elsewhere. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to many whites, many of whom struggle to ‘belong’ in places where their skin color carries significant symbolism and connotation. ‘Being’ white in Africa – whether as settler, expatriate, anthropologist etc. - involves the on-going challenge of negotiating one’s identity against a complex landscape of race and power. The purpose of this essay is to examine representations of ‘whiteness’ against that landscape. Contrasting connotations of whiteness in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya, I demonstrate how whiteness is problematized by a significant dissonance in its meaning.
Powers of the Dead: Struggles over Paper Money Burning in Urban China
Authors: Zhang Mingyuan
Published: December 2022

This paper explores how the Chinese customary ritual of burning paper money to commemorate the dead ancestors challenges the nature-culture dichotomy. The paper argues that the practice of burning paper money reflects a Chinese cosmology that is not based on a dichotomy between the living and the dead, instead, the dead is often mobilized to exert influential power over the living. The paper money that people use in such rituals are active actors that participates in people’s social, cultural and economic life. The paper also investigates how the conflict between government policy and traditional practice demonstrates that the modernists’ efforts to mobilize modern dichotomies have failed to triumph over the entanglement among networks of the living and the dead, the human and the spirit, the object and the subject, nature, culture, and super-nature.
Pendidikan Kristiani Membangun Nilai Spiritualitas Remaja Kristen
Authors: Agata Bulanda , Barus Mariani , Arifianto Yonatan Alex
Published: December 2022

Christian education is education that teaches about God's divinity in the form of teaching that is given systematically and continuously in order to teach everyone by instilling good attitudes, positive values which can build the right character through teaching from the Bible can also form skills. even good and right conduct through Christian faith. This research was conducted using a qualitative method with a library study approach, by collecting data from journal articles that were in accordance with the topic of the problem raised. Then it was concluded that: Christian education has a very positive influence on young people, namely, from Christian education young people will get a sense of comfort and calm, they will be taught many things so they can be closer to God. Christian education is very useful in educating the character of young people to be better  AbstrakPendidikan Kristen adalah pendidikan yang mengajarkan tentang keilahian Tuhan dengan bentuk pengajaran yang di berikan secara sistematis serta berkelanjutan guna memberikan pengajaran kepada semua orang dengan menanamkan sikap yang baik, nilai-nilai yang positif dimana dapat membangun karakter yang benar melalui pengajaran dari Alkitab juga dapat membentuk keterampilan bahkan tingkah laku yang baik dan benar melalui iman kekeristenan. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan memakai metode kualititaif dengan pendekatan studi Pustaka, dengan pengumpulan data-data dari artikel jurnal yang sesuai dengan topik permasalahan yang diangkat. Maka disimpulkan bahwa: Pendidikan Kristen ini sangat memberi pengaruh yang positif kepada anak-anak muda yaitu, dari pendidikan Kristen anak muda akan mendapat rasa nyaman dan tenang, mereka akan di ajarkan banyak hal supaya bisa lebih dekat dengan Tuhan. Pendidikan Kristen sangat bermanfaat mendidik karakter anak-anak muda menjadi lebih baik
LAUT NATUNA: MAKNA DAN CERITA GENERASI MILENIAL DI PULAU TIGA, KABUPATEN NATUNA, KEPULAUAN RIAU
Authors: Igiasi Teguh Setiandika , Wahyuni Sri - , Niko Nikodemus
Published: December 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan makna laut bagi generasi milenial di Pulau Tiga, Kabupaten Natuna Provinsi Kepulauan Riau. Adaptasi generasi milenial terhadap pengetahuan dan teknologi yang semakin maju yang melahirkan konstruksi makna laut yang merupakan ruang hidup mereka sehari-hari. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif sesuai dengan permasalahan yang diangkat yaitu makna laut bagi generasi milenial di Natuna. Tulisan ini merupakan bagian dari refleksi penelitian tentang kebudayaan maritim. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah deskriptif analitis. Adapun data yang digunakan berupa data primer yang didapatkan melalui wawancara dan observasi lapangan. Kemudian data sekunder didapatkan melalui dokumen pemerintah dan penelusuran repositori daring. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa laut masih memiliki makna yang berarti bagi generasi milenial di Pulau Tiga, Kabupaten Natuna. Hanya saja generasi ini tidak lagi berorientasi pada bidang profesi atau pekerjaan pokok dari sektor lautan. Terdapat faktor-faktor yang diungkapkan dalam menggambarkan makna laut bagi generasi milenial di Pulau Tiga, Natuna, yaitu pengetahuan dan informasi, aktivitas, dan juga kepentingannya. Berdasarkan hal tersebut disimpulkan bahwa laut masih memiliki makna penting bagi generasi milenial di Pulau Tiga, Natuna.
Methods of Analysis of Lyrical Texts in Foreign Literature Classes in Higher Educational Institutions (Based on the Works of Nazim Hikmet)
Authors: YUSIFOV TOFIG
Published: December 2022

The relevance of the study is conditioned by the importance of investigating the methodological foundations of teaching foreign literature at the university, introducing innovative ways to understand textual reality, fostering a moral position through the author’s strategy, forming aesthetic literary tastes in modern students and skills for effective reading of a literary work. The purpose of the study is a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the creativity of the Turkish modernist poet, the key foundations of the development of the author’s personality, his political position, the definition of the artistic, problem and thematic vector of the development of modern Turkish poetry, key themes, tropics, stylistic characteristics, features of the genre, rhythmic structure of the poetic text. The methodological basis of this study is a theoretical understanding of these aspects and a consistent artistic analysis of the author’s creative concept based on the material of one of the artistic samples made in his stylistic manner. This paper reveals systematic and conceptual approaches to the investigation of foreign poetic texts, highlights the main points and difficulties that arise during the study of translated works, tells about the main approaches to the analysis of foreign authors and new methodologies used by literary critics and elements of which will be used in the future in the classroom. The materials presented in this paper can be used to further investigate various artistic parameters, in particular, rhythm, poetic means of expression, structural components, and semantic content of a particular text, to develop new mechanisms for building communication between the author and the reader, teacher and student in foreign literature classes, and the reception of works of a particular author.
Typology of Social Skills and Their Impairments in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: HORISHNA NADIIA
Published: December 2022

The growing number of children with autism spectrum disorders determines the need for correctional and developmental work with this category of children, including the improvement of social skills. The purpose of the study is to review the main approaches to determining the types of social skills and their impairments in children with autism, and its task is to identify criteria for distinguishing the types of social skills and categories of difficulties associated with their development by children with autism. To achieve this goal, a desk study was conducted using general scientific methods of data analysis, generalisation, and comparison. The influence of social skills disorders on the functioning of children with autism spectrum disorders in society, their social and mental well-being is analysed. Various approaches to identifying types of social skills are presented, depending on the classification criteria, such as the internal complexity of the skill, the order and scope of its application. The study describes the causes of difficulties in mastering social skills by children with autism. The nature and content of difficulties that may arise during acquisition and the impact of underdevelopment or insufficient level of proficiency in one group of skills on others are revealed. The need to implement a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to the development of social skills is highlighted. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that its results can be used in planning, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in the development of social skills in children with autism.
Theoretical Aspects of the Development of an Ethical Culture of Future Medical Workers in the Process of Teaching Professional Medical Disciplines
Authors: KARPENKO YULІIA
Published: December 2022

The relevance of the study is conditioned by the fact that, considering problems in the educational process of training students in institutions of higher medical education, researchers highlight ethical aspects, and the rules of morality of future medics. This indicates a significant role of ethical issues in the future profession of a doctor. However, the question of how the ethical culture of future doctors is formed in the process of mastering professional disciplines has not yet been described. And, since this competence is indicated in the curriculum, the issue requires separate scientific consideration. The purpose of the study is to analyse how the ethical culture of applicants for medical specialities is formed, and find effective ways to develop it. The analysis of recent papers on this issue is carried out, in particular, positions on the importance of ethical culture in the process of professional training of future nurses and doctors in various fields are considered. It is noted that there is no clear interpretation of ethical culture in the literature, but this concept is associated with rules of behaviour, ethical norms, and morality. Notably, it is difficult to monitor the mastery of ethical norms while working out professional disciplines, especially in the context of distance learning. Information technologies effectively ensure this process, namely: the use of the Moodle platform guarantees transparency and reduces the additional discomfort associated with Internet communication. To achieve these goals, the following methods were used: comparison, analysis, concretisation, generalisation of scientific literature; pedagogical observation and questionnaires; conversation, abstraction, business game, practical classes in healthcare institutions. As a result, it is noted that the development of an ethical culture for future medical professionals is an important element in the educational process, and regardless of the educational component, teachers must necessarily focus the attention of applicants for education on issues of ethical culture. The introduction of situational tasks in professional disciplines contributes to the development of ethical competence.
Interactive Teaching Methods as a Means of Developing Creative Activity of Instrumentalist Students in the Context of Distance Learning
Authors: FILIPCHUK NATALIIA , FILIPCHUK SERHII , HUTSAL OLEKSANDR , OLEKSIUK MYROSLAVA , OZYMOVSKA HANNA
Published: December 2022

The relevance of the problem is conditioned by the need to adapt musical art to the conditions of distance education. The paper highlights the main approaches to the implementation of interactive teaching methods for instrumentalist students as an effective means of developing creative activity in the context of distance education. In the context of a pandemic, learning is being transformed into a virtual environment, in particular, a remote way of conducting training sessions. This feature requires a separate pedagogical approach to the development of skills in mastering musical instruments. Therefore, the education process needs to be updated and modernised. The purpose of the study was to determine the methods of interactive teaching of instrumentalist students. Theoretical and methodological approaches to the use of interactive teaching methods are substantiated, in particular, the essence of interactive learning is determined, the features of distance learning are determined, and methods for studying the creative activity of instrumentalist students are highlighted. The concepts of interactivity and creativity are revealed. The features of distance learning are analysed, in particular, effective educational technologies and teaching methods are determined, and cloud technologies are identified as the most effective. The method of determining creativity was used to investigate the creativeness of instrumentalist students. The study results became the basis for the effective implementation of interactive learning methods in the process of organising distance learning with instrumentalist students. The practical significance lies in the identification of the most effective interactive methods of development of creativity and the conclusion of appropriate exercises. The expediency of using interactive methods based on the study by researchers as the most effective in the process of distance learning is also substantiated.
Exploring the critical success factors of s-commerce in social media platforms: The case of Jordan
Authors: Almahameed Mohammad , Obidat Ahmad
Published: December 2022

The unprecedented growth of social media imposed fierce competition on business companies. That is investors found new methods to expand their business activities, and, in turn, boost their revenues. While there has been a plethora of research done to examine the critical success factors of social commerce (s-commerce) in developed countries, there is a dearth of studies conducted in developing countries. Meanwhile, it has been evident that the significance of these factors may vary across cultures. Therefore, this study, following the social cognitive theory, aims to explore the critical success factors of s-commerce from the perspective of consumers in a developing country. To achieve that, this study utilized a questionnaire that sought information related to factors driving consumers' intention to purchase in s-commerce. Seven hundred and fifty-seven subjects completed the survey. Structural equation modeling techniques were utilized to analyze the data. The findings of this study show that trust in sellers, sociability, electronic Word-Of-Mouth (eWOM), perceived economic benefit, and informational fit-to-task positively influence the intention to purchase in s-commerce. In addition to that, it was found that sociability and eWOM positively influence consumers' trust in sellers. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the theoretical and practical areas of s-commerce. They are expected to make a significant contribution to the literature on s-commerce adoption from the perspective of a developing country. From a practical point of view, the results of this study should help stakeholders in s-commerce in developing business strategies to better their competitive advantage, retain existing consumers and attract new ones, and, in turn, increase sales and profits.
The effect of e-WOM on customer satisfaction through ease of use, perceived usefulness and e-wallet payment
Authors: Nugroho Agustinus , Siagian Hotlan , Oktavio Adrie , Tarigan Zeplin Jiwa Husada
Published: December 2022

Currently, streaming applications have been widely used by users to get comfort and pleasure in life. Users communicate with each other on social media related to the activities carried out. Communication is formed online as electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) between one user to another. The data distributed was 1238 respondents using streaming applications and 324 respondents in Indonesia who had used e-wallet payments as members. The analysis data was to answer all research hypotheses using partial least squares. The data processing results show that e-WOM impacts the perceived ease of use of e-wallets by 0.408. E-WOM positively impacts the perceived usefulness of the e-wallet by 0.270. E-WOM has an impact on e-wallet payment intention of 0.190. Perceived ease of use has an effect of 0.175 and perceived usefulness of 0.259 on e-wallet payment intention. Perceived ease of use influences perceived usefulness of 0.395. Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness impact customer satisfaction in terms of 0.157 and 0.217. Finally, it was found that e-wallet payment intention has an impact of 0.173 on customer satisfaction. The results of this study contribute to e-wallet payment users and managers building two-way and effective communication through social media so that they can quickly and accurately solve user problems. The theoretical contribution is to enrich the theory of marketing behavior and technology acceptance models in electronic commerce.
The effect of social media marketing, SerQual, eWOM on purchase intention mediated by brand image and brand trust: Evidence from black sweet coffee shop
Authors: Armawan Ivan , Sudarmiatin Sudarmiatin , Hermawan Agus , Rahayu Wening Patmi
Published: December 2022

The research analysis of the study was to determine the influence of Social Media Marketing, Service Quality, and eWOM on Purchase Intention (Black Sweet Coffee Shop) through Brand as mediation. The type of research is quantitative with a case study research design. The implementation of research was carried out in Indonesia, especially in the city of Balikpapan. The subject of the study was a sweet Black Café Consumer who had used sweet Black Products with a sample count of 518 using THE SPSS-SEM Amos 22. The results of this discovery show that there was a direct influence of social media marketing, SerQual, and eWOM on Purchase Intention. The theoretical implication of this study is to find additional knowledge about marketing strategies in the field of SMEs. and integrate marketing and technology capabilities to optimize social media marketing against the purchase intentions of SMEs consumers, especially coffee shop franchises.
Analyzing technology acceptance model for collaborative governance in public administration: Empirical evidence of digital governance and perceived ease of use
Authors: Warsono Hardi , Yuwono Teguh , Putranti Ika Riswanti
Published: December 2022

This research was conducted with the primary aim to investigate digital governance by examining empirical evidence regarding the application of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in public administration. The antecedents of TAM were explored to estimate behavioral intention and actual use in electronic public service in public administration in Indonesia. The research was conducted in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia by employing simple random sampling techniques to collect a total of 182 respondents. By using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM), the results showed significant effects on perceived usefulness and attitude toward use. The variable of perceived usefulness was also empirically proven to have a significant effect on attitude toward use and behavioral intention. The findings found that attitude toward use had a significant effect on behavioral intention, and then behavioral intention was empirically proven to have an effect on actual use. Mediating analysis from the variables of perceived usefulness, attitude toward use and behavioral intention also found the mediating roles. Theoretically, these findings contribute to the digital governance framework by providing empirical evidence strengthening the relevance and affirming the application of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of public administration. Practically, these findings have managerial implications that the application of TAM in the public administration sector is relevant to be explored with a professional management model and a user-based approach in the development of digital applications and websites.
Determinants of artificial intelligence adoption in SMEs: The mediating role of accounting automation
Authors: Rawashdeh Awni , Bakhit Mashael , Abaalkhail Layla
Published: December 2022

The study examines the technological factors influencing the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In addition, this study examines the mediating role of accounting automation on AI adoption in a small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) context. The owners and managers of SMEs were surveyed online using a convenience sampling technique. The proposed model was tested using SEM. The findings confirmed the relationships between the predictive variables and AI adoption. The results showed that accounting automation partially mediated the relationship between predictive variables and the adoption of AI. The results contribute to the TOE model by incorporating accounting automation into the TOE framework as a mediating variable. The study also contributed to the literature by including new variables in the model, such as saving time and efficiency-improving.
Epidemiological profile of PLWH aged 50 and over at the Ahala district medical center, Yaounde
Authors:   Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon., Essomba Therese Mbezele , Edo’o Vanina Doris ,   Laboratory of Research in Anthropology and Social Medicine, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon., Ntsama Essomba Marie Josiane ,   Geriatrics Department, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon., Essi Marie Jose ,   Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Published: December 2022

People living with HIV aged 50 years and over (P50+) represent a growing population in HIV care units in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of this population in order to better target their management in HIV care units in Cameroon. It was found that the prevalence of P50+ was 13.3% and the median age was 58 [52-61] years. The sector of professional activity was dominated by the informal sector (45%), followed by unemployment (30%). The level of education was predominantly represented by secondary (52.5%) and primary (30%) education. The status of the partner was known in 67.5% of cases and 25% of partners were HIV positive. The median duration of HIV disease since discovery was 4 [3- 6] years. The circumstances of discovery were mainly clinical suspicion (67.5%). The most common type of HIV was type 1 (90%). The median CD4 count was 181 [9-319] cells/mm3 and 85.2% of patients had an undetectable viral load after at least 6 months of ART. The median duration of treatment was 48 [27-60] months and the 1st line of ART was used. The prevalences of hypertension, diabetes and renal failure were 24.3%, 7.5% and 23.1%, respectively. Other cardiovascular risk factors identified were physical inactivity (22.5%), excessive alcohol consumption (7.5%), and active smoking (5%). Electrocardiographic examination revealed the prevalence of rhythm, depolarisation, and atrioventricular conduction disorders in 11.4%, 5.7%, and 25.7% of patients, respectively. The prevalences of atrial and ventricular hypertrophy, repolarisation disorders, and myocardial ischemia were 37.1%, 5.7%, 8.6%, and 22.9%, respectively. The P50+ represent a distinct population within the PLWH with varied sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.
The Role of Ideal L2 Self in Motivating Students to Verbally Communicate in L2 Speaking Classes
Authors: Yahya Alzabidi Eftekhar , Abdulrhamn Khadawardi Hanadi
Published: December 2022

EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners' willingness to verbally communicate in language speaking classes remains an intriguing issue for many advanced learners. Many preparatory year students in Saudi Arabia exhibit low levels of willingness to communicate (WTC) in a second language (L2) classroom context, where English is used as a medium of instruction. This study aims to highlight the issue by investigating the Saudi female EFL preparatory year students' willingness to verbally communicate in L2 speaking classes, focusing on the Ideal L2 Self as a higher/ individual factor of the motivation self-system. The study used a quantitative method consisting of a questionnaire instrument to determine the correlation between the Ideal L2 Self and willingness to communicate. The questionnaire was electronically administered to 123 participants, and the data collected were analyzed statistically. The findings of the study show a significant moderated correlation between students' WTC and their Ideal L2 Self. Furthermore, the results reveal that relating the Ideal L2 Self to speaking classes positively affects students' willingness to communicate verbally in the Saudi context, especially if they recognize their Ideal L2 Self early. Therefore, the study attempts to offer an insight into the impact of the Ideal L2 Self in enhancing EFL students' willingness to verbally communicate using English in L2 speaking classes and construct a meaningful difference in teaching EFL speaking skills.
Sosyal Bilgiler ve Fen Bilimleri Öğretim Programı ve Ders Kitaplarında Çevre Konuları
Authors: DEMİREZEN Serpil , KAYA Esra
Published: December 2022

Bu araştırmada sosyal bilgiler ve fen bilimleri öğretim programları ile sosyal bilgiler ve fen bilimleri ders kitaplarının çevre eğitimi açısından incelenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Araştırmada öncelikle çevre eğitiminin kapsamı literatüre dayalı olarak belirlenmiş ardından sosyal bilgiler ve fen bilimleri öğretim programları özel amaçlar, beceriler, değerler ve kazanımlarda çevre eğitimi konularına yer verilmesi açısından, ders kitapları ise çevre eğitimi konularının işlenişe yansıması bakımından incelenmiştir. Nitel araştırma yaklaşımının benimsendiği araştırmada veriler, doküman incelemesi tekniği ile toplanmıştır. Araştırmada elde edilen veriler, içerik analizi ile çözümlenmiştir. Araştırmada ulaşılan sonuçlara göre fen bilimleri ve sosyal bilgiler öğretim programlarının genel amaçlarında çevre eğitimi konularına yer verildiği tespit edilmiştir. Öğretim programlarının 4. ve 5. sınıf kazanımlarında öğrencilerin yakın çevrelerinde gözlemleyebilecekleri insan – çevre etkileşimine yönelik, 6. ve 7. sınıf kazanımlarında ise kaynakların bilinçli kullanımı, geri dönüşüm ve küresel çevre sorunlarına yönelik ifadelere yer verildiği tespit edilmiştir. Çevre eğitimi konularının 4. ve 5. sınıf ders kitaplarında bol örnek ve görsellerle ele alındığı, 6. ve 7. sınıf ders kitaplarında ise daha çok araştırmaya yönelik soru ve etkinliklere yer verildiği belirlenmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarından hareketle sosyal bilgiler ve fen bilimleri ders kitaplarında öğrencileri çevre eğitimi konusunda uygulamalı etkinliklere yönlendiren içeriklere daha fazla yer verilmesi, çevre eğitimine ilişkin içeriklerin diğer dersler kapsamında da incelenmesi önerilebilir.
Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on High Fat Diet Induced Thyroid Dysfunction an RCT on Mouse Model
Authors: Nasrullah Chaman , Tabbsum Maimona , Nasreen Maimoona , Ansari Saman Saeed , Pasha Hafiza Hina
Published: December 2022

Background: Excess of dietary fats induce hyperlipidemia which causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER)stress. ER stress causes thyroid dysfunction and reduces serum thyroid hormone levels. Vitamin D supplementation increases thyroid hormone levels by reducing high fat diet induced ER stress, inflammation and autoimmunity. Objective: This study was planned to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on levels of serum free and total thyroxine in male albino mice. Methodology: In this randomized control trial, ninety healthy male albino mice were taken by consecutive, nonprobability sampling and randomly divided into three groups, each group containing 30 mice. Group A mice were given normal diet, Group B mice were given high fat diet, Group C mice were given high fat diet and vitamin D through oral gavage (100ng/kg/day) for 6 weeks. By the end of 6 weeks, blood sample of all mice was taken by cardiac puncture and serum was separated. Levels of serum total thyroxine and free thyroxine were measured by ELISA technique. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Results: In group B mice (high fat diet group) serum total and free thyroxine levels were reduced significantly (p=0.00) as compared to group A mice (normal diet group). In group C mice (high fat diet plus vitamin D group) serum total and free thyroxine levels were increased significantly (p=0.00) as compared to group B mice ( high fat diet group). The results of group C and A were also comparable and significant, with serum free and total thyroxine levels significantly high in group C (high fat diet+ vitamin D) as compared to group A(normal diet). Conclusion: Vitamin D supplemented mice on high fat diet had increased levels of serum total thyroxine, free thyroxine as compared to the group of mice on high fat diet only. Keywords: Vitamin D, High fat diet, Hyperlipidemia, Thyroxine.
Comparison of CKMB, Lactate Levels and Ejection Fraction with Warm and Cold Cardioplegia on First Post Operative Day in Elective CABG Cases
Authors: Ahmad Tufail , Siddique Sobia , Sadiq Abubakar
Published: December 2022

Objectives: The main objective of the study is to find the comparison of CKMB, Lactate levels and ejection fraction with warm and cold cardioplegia on first post OP day in elective CABG cases. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Armed forces institute of cardiology AFIC /NIHD Rawalpindi during 1st October 2022 to 30th November 2022. Data was collected with the permission of ethical committee of hospital. The study variables were included level of troponin I during intraoperative and post-operative period, time taken for cardiac standstill, CKMB, Lactate levels and ejection fraction with warm and cold cardioplegia, post-operative improvement in ejection fraction, number of days in ICU. Results: The data was collected from 100 patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards bypass and cross clamp times. Mean age of group I patients was 61.3 ± 12.5 years and for group II patients was 67.4 ± 10.4 years. P value of serum lactate level is <0.01, which is statistically significant. All the patients had elevated lactate level but the range of increase in lactate level was seen in those who didn’t take adenosine as compared to those who took adenosine. Practical Implications: Enzymes play an important role in both cold and warm cardioplegia. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is less cardiac enzymes release after the application of warm blood cardioplegia for myocardial protection in patients undergoing CABG as compared to cold crystalloid cardioplegia. Keywords: Cardioplegia, CKMB, Troponin, CABG, Cold
Association of Obesity with Adverse Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in Pregnant Women
Authors: Azhar Ruqqiya , Mushtaq Sundas , Riaz Mamoona , Aman Humaira , Qadeer Rubina , Aman Sadia
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Obesity is a current issue that has an impact on all healthcare services. Several prenatal and postpartum problems have maternal obesity as one of their risk factors. Many studies have shown that women with BMI≥30Kg/m2 experience increased incidence of intrapartum and perinatal complications. Objective: The objective of this study was to1determine the association of obesity with adverse maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnant women. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit-II, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Material and methods: Total 232 pregnant women aged between 20-45 years presenting at ≥37 weeks of gestation. These patients were evaluated for obesity and two groups of patients were assimilated; those with obesity (BMI≥30 Kg/m2) and healthy controls (BMI 18.5-24.9 Kg/m2). Frequency of various fetomaternal outcome measures was noted and compared among these groups. A written informed consent was taken from each patient. Results: The age range from 20 years to 40 years with a mean of 28.40±5.30 years. Majority (n=210, 63.3%) of the patients were aged1between 20-30 years. The mean gestational age was 39.061.59 weeks. There were 157 (47.3%) primiparas and 175 (52.7%) multiparas. 187 (56.3%) patients were booked. Both the study groups1were comparable in terms1of mean age (p=0.613), mean gestational age (p=0.317), mean parity (p=0.168) and age (p=0.820), gestational age (p=0.071), parity (p=0.099) and booking status (p=0.580) groups distribution. The frequency of instrumental vaginal delivery (16.3% vs. 5.4%; p=0.001), cesarean delivery (36.1% vs. 10.2%; p<0.001), post-partum hemorrhage (10.8% vs. 1.8%; p=0.001), poor Apgar score (15.1% vs. 4.8%; p=0.002) & NICU admission (33.7% vs. 9.0; p<0.001) was significantly higher in obese women compared to non-obese controls. Conclusion: Maternal obesity was found to be associated with significantly higher frequency of instrumental vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery, post-partum hemorrhage, fetal macrosomia, poor Apgar score at 5.0 minutes & NICU admission regardless of patient’s age, gestational age, parity and booking status. Keywords: Maternal Obesity, Pregnancy, Maternal Complications, Fetal Complications
Associated Risk Factors for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnant Women Visited Antenatal Clinic in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Noor Sana , Shahid Noor , Jacob Jennifer , Rasheed Sara , Akhter Tazeem
Published: December 2022

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the occurrence of bacteria in the urine sample without any clinical symptoms. The odds of asymptomatic bacteriuria increase due to the hormonal growth during pregnancy. Methodology: The data was collected from a sample of size 167 pregnant women using self-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on two sections. The questionnaire was tested using Cronbach alpha. The data was collected using convenient sampling. The frequency distribution of the risk factors was given. The binary logistic regression analysis was performed to access the major risk factors that enhance the odds for asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women. Results: The past history of UTI was seen as a significant risk factor. The overall incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was found in 22 pregnant women and among these, approximately 9% had past history of UTI. About 44.9% of the pregnant women showed a past history of UTI. Conclusion: Most of the pregnant women fall in the age group 26-32 years. The significant factor is age group for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Advancement in age enhance the odds for the asymptomatic bacteriuria. History of UTI is found as a significant risk factor. Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, pregnancy, infections,
Evaluation of Serum Procalcitonin and Other Kidney Function Test in Patients with Large Renal Stone
Authors: Al-Jedda Walaa Ahmed , Khateeb Shatha Al- , Hamad Asawir Abdulrazaq , Al Samaraee Ahmed A.
Published: December 2022

Background: Renal stone disease is a main cause for acute kidney injury . Renal stone can damage the tubular epithelial cells, which can lead to functional loss of the renal parenchyma. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a peptide precursor of the hormone calcitonin . PCT levels are marker for determine if a patient has an infection , bacteria selectively aggregate to crystal and that bacteria are associated with an increased number of crystal-crystal agglomerations. Bacteria-crystal aggregates bind to the tubular epithelium resulting in expression of stone matrix proteins in either renal tubular epithelium or inflammatory cells. Objective: To estimate serum procalcitonin (PCT) in primary renal stone patients and compare it with secondary renal stone group when renal stone size ≥ 1.5 cm. Subjects, Materials and Methods: This Cross-sectional Study was designed incorporation with college of Medicine , Mustansiriya university , chemistry and biochemistry Department . Samples were taken from Al Yarmouk teaching hospital in Bagdad , urology department . A total number of eighty eight (88) patients were registered (44 male ) and (44 female ) aged between (30-40) years. The total subjects were divided into two groups:Group I : Patients with Primary Renal Stone , Group II: Patients with Recurrent(secondary) renal stone . Results: Analysis of variance for serum PCT were significant , p ≤0.0001, indicating there were significant difference in serum PCT among renal stone size in primary renal stone group and recurrent(secondary) renal stone group . Conclusion: Serum procalcitonin increased significantly in patients with recurrent renal stone disease ,therefore, it is considered as a predictor of kidney stone disease. Keywords: Serum Procalcitonin , Primary Renal stone , Secondary Renal stone , Serum uric acid , and Serum Albumin .
Inter-Rater Reliability among Dentists for Assessment of Angle of Impacted Third Molars on Orthopantomograms
Authors: Tariq Mahnoor , Haseeb Muhammad , Khalid Tehreem , Shakoor Asma , Raja Hina Zafar , Butt Hira , Jabbar Maria
Published: December 2022

Objective: To find the inter-rater reliability of dentists from various specialties regarding the observation and interpretation of angle of impacted third molars on the OPG. Methodology: A cross sectional comparative study was conducted in College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore after obtaining ethical clearance from ethical committee of Sharif Medical Research Centre (SMRC) in which dentists from four different specialties namely; Oral Pathology, Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial surgery were included as raters. The study was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021. A total of 21 Orthopantomograms were assigned to each rater for assessing the angle of the impacted third molar. The classification for angle of impaction used was Winter`s classification Results: The level of agreement regarding the angle of impacted third molars observed on the Orthopantomograms between rater 1 and rater 2 was very strong (κ=0.791,p≤0.001) but was moderate between rater 2 and rater 3 (κ=0.438, p≤0.001) and rater 2 and rater 4 (κ=0.577, p≤0.001) . Conclusion: The level of agreement regarding the angle of impacted third molars observed on the Orthopantomograms between rater 1 (oral pathologist) was very strong with rater 2 (Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon) while that of rater 2 with rater 3 (endodontist) and rater 4 (Prosthodontist) was moderate. Keywords: Inter-rater reliability, Orthopantomograms (OPG), impacted third molars, mesioangular, distoangular, vertical, horizontal
Hand Hygiene and Cross Infection Control among Dental Auxiliaries working in Private and Public Dental Institutes of Punjab
Authors: Hassan Hammad , Zahid Farwa , Ameer Malik Muhammad Imran , Shakoor Asma , Yaasir Zenab , Zeeshan Muhammad
Published: December 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge attitude and practices of dental assistants regarding hand hygiene and cross infection control in public and private dental institutes. Methods: Survey was carried out on 240 subjects working in five private and two public dental institutes using online questionnaires developed by the authors, and distributed via E-mail and WhatsApp. The target population were dental assistants and hygienists. Survey included a confidentiality and consent statement. Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20. Results: There were 240 respondents and majority were male. 71.3% of the participants received formal training in hand hygiene. 51.7% were aware of the presence of cross infection manual at workplace, however, fewer were aware of it contents. There was a significant difference between auxiliaries of private and public dental institutes when it comes to wearing gloves without washing hands, usage of alcohol rub and following recommended steps of hand washing. The auxiliaries of public institutes were performing hand washing before touching the patients only. Majority of the respondents especially from public institutes (38.3%) believe that hand should be dried using paper towel. Conclusion: Auxiliaries of private institutes were more aware about hand hygiene. Public institutes’ auxiliaries were lacking in knowledge and practice especially when it comes to usage of alcohol-based rub, washing hands before wearing gloves and performing hand hygiene before and after touching the patients. Regular workshop and courses should be done to keep their adherence to quality hand hygiene especially in public institutes. Keywords: American Dental Association, Center for Disease Control, Cross Infection, Dental Assistants, Hand Hygiene, Hygienists, World Health Organization
Manajemen Kurikulum Pembelajaran PAI
Authors: Anam Nurul
Published: December 2022

Penelitian bertujuan untuk mendiskripsikan tentan manajemen kurikulum pembelajaran PAI. Penelitian ini menggunakan mengguna pendekatan penelitian kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian library research. Hasil penelitiannya menunjukkan bahwa: 1) perencanaan pembelajaran PAI merupakan suatu proses pengambilan keputusan tentang apa yang harus di lakukan untuk mencapai tujuan pembelajaran PAI. Komponen perangkat perencanaan kurikulum pembelajaran PAI antara lain sebagai berikut: Menetukan Alokasi Waktu dan Minggu efektif; Menyusun Prota, Promes, Silabus dan RPP; 2) pelaksanaan kurikulum pembelajaran PAI merupakan proses berlangsungnya belajar mengajar di kelas yang merupakan inti dari kegiatan di lembaga pendidikan. Pelaksanaan kurikulum pembelajaran PAI mencakup tiga tahap pembelajaran yaitu tahap pendahuluan atau pra pembelajaran, inti pembelajaran dan penutup pembelajaran PAI; 4) evaluasi kurikulum pembelajaran PAI merupakan sutau proses untuk mengawasi dan menilai tentang proses pembelajaran yang telah dilakukan dan kemampuan peserta didik yang sudah melakukan kegitan pembelajaran PAI baik menilai kamampuan pengetahun, sikap atau perilaku dan keterampilan peserta didik. Evaluasi kurikulum pembelajaran PAI mencakup dua aspek yiatu evaluasi hasil belajar dan evaluasi proses pembelajaran. Adapun alat evaluasi kurikulum pembelajaran PAI di antaranya yaitu tes hasil belajar, kriteria test dan jenis-jenis tes. Sedangkan dari cara pelaksanaan, tes dapat dibedakan menjadi tes lisan, tes tulisan dan tes perbuatan.
Performance and breeding value of male buffalo production traits as a basis for selection in Jembrana Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia
Authors: Dewi Ayu Warmadewi  , I Gusti Nyoman Gde Bidura  , I Nyoman Ardika  , I Made Suasta
Published: December 2022

Efforts to increase the buffalo population must also be balanced with efforts to improve their genetic quality, so that there are many superior breeds available as a substitute for livestock that are no longer productive. The aims of this study were to determine the performance of the production traits of the young bull population and to determine the breeding value of the production traits of the young bull in Jembrana District, Bali Province, Indonesia. The data were analyzed descriptively to obtain the average production traits of young bull, and to calculate the breeding value of the measured production traits. The results showed that the average production characteristics obtained in this study were higher than the standards set by SNI 7706.1:2011, regarding young bull of mud buffalo breeds, for the minimum requirements for quantitative body dimensions (chest girth, shoulder height and body length), as a candidate for sire, especially for age group I-1. The highest breeding value was owned by young bull with code 12 and code 9.The conclusions of the study were: (i) the performance of young bull in Jembrana Regency, Bali Province was very good, because it was higher than the quantitative minimum requirements stipulated by SNI 7706.1: 2011, concerning young bull buffalo breeds and (ii) the highest breeding values ​​are owned by young bulls with code 12 and code 9, so that these two young bull are the best candidate as a sire.