bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSMENT OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF AN EPIDEMIC SITUATION (COVID-19) ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF A VULNERABLE POPULATION: EXPERIENCE AMONG MOROCCAN ELDERLY
Authors:   University Psychiatric Hospital Ar-Razi in Sale, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University of Rabat- Morocco., Benzahra S. , Tounsi A. ,   University Psychiatric Hospital Ar-Razi in Sale, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University of Rabat- Morocco., Nafiaa H. ,   University Psychiatric Hospital Ar-Razi in Sale, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University of Rabat- Morocco., Ouanass A. ,   University Psychiatric Hospital Ar-Razi in Sale, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University of Rabat- Morocco.
Published: June 2021

Background: The pandemic coronavirus (Covid-19) currently represents both physical and psychic major risk to public health. The elderly people (aged 60 plus) are the most vulnerable to the coronavirus from the rest of the population. They are in fact more exposed to complications, atypical clinical presentation and therapeutic difficulties. However, this epidemic situation generates stress added to the stress related to their clinical condition, which could negatively affect their quality of life. Objective: specify if the pandemic Covid-19 and its consequences had a short- and medium-term impact on mental health and quality of life of elderly patients after the introduction of containment measures. Methods: We conducted an online survey from 09 May to 9 June 2020 through a questionnaire published on social networks using Google Forms and comprising several items, student demographics, overall health, and the elements of the SF-12 quality of life scale. Results: The study population consisted of 135 elderly subjects. The average age was 65.3 years, 53% were male. 6.7% had a psychiatric history, 61.5% had a somatic illness and 42.2% reported having sleep disorders since the starting of lockdown. In our study, participants had an average scores of physical and mental health (40.62 and 38.63) significantly lower than that of the general population (= 50). Mental health was statistically more impaired in subjects having somatic illness, those who were not used to staying at home. Female gender was associated with physical health impairment. The presence of sleep disturbances has been statistically associated with impaired mental and physical health. Conclusions: Infection with the Covid-19 is particularly serious in elderly patients with a high risk of death and a negative psychological impact affecting their quality of life. Particular attention should be brought to this vulnerable population and the implementation of various programs to reduce the negative psychological impact and offer them a better quality of life.
Quality of water for reprocessing of medical devices in healthcare facilities in Nepal
Authors: Panta Gopal , Richardson Ann K. , Shaw Ian C.
Published: June 2021

Reusable medical devices are decontaminated and sterilized often many times by healthcare facilities across the globe. Reprocessing of medical devices comprises several processes and water plays an important role in some of these, including cleaning and steam sterilization. The water used is required to have certain qualities to ensure the effectiveness of the processes. In this short communication, we report findings of our study which measured quality parameters (pH, total hardness) for water used for medical device reprocessing in 13 primary and secondary care public hospitals in Nepal. The mean pH of water used for reprocessing of medical devices varied from 6.48 to 8.05 across the hospitals whereas the mean total hardness of water varied from 5.93 to 402.50 mg/L CaCO3. Although the range of the mean water pH across hospitals fell within the recommended range, many of the hospitals had mean total hardness higher than recommended for cleaning medical devices. None of the hospitals had mean total hardness suitable for using as feed-water for steam generation. Public hospitals in Nepal should have appropriate water treatment systems so that the recommended water quality can be achieved to ensure effective decontamination and reprocessing of medical devices.
Testing of a novel IFAS-MBR process with co-precipitation
Authors: Rusten B. , Rathnaweera S. S. , Manamperuma L. D. , Kjeverud M. , Ødegaard H.
Published: June 2021

IFAS-MBR with co-precipitation, not yet commonly used in practice, will result in a very compact process for nutrient removal. The process, based on a combined pre- and post-denitrification IFAS process with membrane separation (IFAS-MBR), was tested in two parallel small-scale plants. Train A was operated with co-precipitation in order to achieve high removal of total P (TP). Train B, without co-precipitation, served as a control. Due to the coagulant (Al) addition, the concern was precipitation on the biofilm carriers in the aerobic reactor in Train A. A small internal air-lift pump proved to be very efficient in controlling biofilm thickness and removing excess biofilm mass as needed. A coagulant dose equivalent to an Al/TP molar ratio of 1.9 was necessary to achieve 99% TP removal and 0.10 mg TP/l in the effluent of Train A. Very good removal of total N was achieved in both trains. Train A had a biofilm nitrification rate of 0.65 g NH4-N/m2d at 12–13 °C and 5.2–5.6 mg O2/l. The tests demonstrated that an IFAS-MBR process with co-precipitation and an aerobic suspended biomass SRT of 5–10 days is feasible, and that all the performance goals set up for the full-scale plant were achieved.
Development of hollow δ-FeOOH structures for mercury removal from water
Authors: Maia Luiz F. O. , Lages Guilherme , Ladeira Patricia C. C. , Batista Bruno Lemos , Faria Márcia C. S. , Oliveira Luiz C. A. , Pereira Márcio C. , Rodrigues Jairo Lisboa
Published: June 2021

δ-FeOOH, a magnetic iron oxyhydroxide, has a significant number of -OH groups on its surface. These provide an attractive platform for heavy metal species in contaminated water, giving it potential as an adsorbent. Its performance can be improved by increasing the number of active surface sites. δ-FeOOH hollow structures were synthesized on a mesoporous silica surface then treated with NaOH solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that structure synthesis was successful. δ-FeOOH, 5,27 nm, hollow crystals were produced with 63 m2 g−1 surface area and 20 nm average pore size. The point of zero charge was 4.72, which is beneficial for Hg(II) adsorption near neutral pH. The maximum Hg(II) adsorption capacity at pH 7 was determined as 89.1 mg g−1. The kinetics data were best fitted by a pseudo-second-order model with k2 equal 0,1151 g mg−1min−1. Finally, a nanomaterial filter was developed and used to remove mercury in water samples from a Brazilian river.
In Vitro Evaluation of Immunogenicity of Recombinant OMP25 Protein Obtained from Endemic Brucella abortus Biovar 3 as Vaccine Candidate Molecule Against Animal Brucellosis
Authors: Atabey Tuğba , Acar Tayfun , Derman Serap , Ordu Emel , Erdemir Ayşegül , Taşlı Pakize Neslihan , Gür Günseli Kurt , Şahin Fikrettin , Güllüce Medine , Arasoğlu Tülin
Published: June 2021

Background:

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes serious economic losses due
to factors, such as miscarriages and decreased milk yield in animals. Existing live vaccines have
some disadvantages, so effective vaccines need to be developed with new technological approaches.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of this study were the expression and purification of recombinant
Omp25 fusion protein from B. abortus, and the evaluation of the effect of the Omp25 protein
on cell viability and inflammatory response.

Methods:

The omp25 gene region was amplified by a polymerase chain reaction and cloned into a
Pet102/D-TOPO expression vector. The protein expression was carried out using the prokaryotic
expression system. The recombinant Omp25 protein was purified with affinity chromatography followed
by GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography). The MTS assay and cytokine-release measurements
were carried out to evaluate cell viability and inflammatory response, respectively.

Results:

It was determined that doses of the recombinant Omp25 protein greater than 0.1 μg/mL
are toxic to RAW cells. Doses of 1 μg/mL and lower significantly increased inflammation due to
Nitric Oxide (NO) levels. ELISA results showed that IFN-γ was produced in stimulated RAW
264.7 cells at a dose that did not affect the viability (0.05 μg/mL). However, IL-12, which is
known to have a dual role in the activation of macrophages, did not show a statistically significant
difference at the same dose.

Conclusion:

Studies on cell viability and Th1-related cytokine release suggest Omp25 protein to
be a promising candidate molecule for vaccine development.
Santacruzamate A Compositions, Analogs and Methods of Use: A Patent Evaluation of WO 2014/018913 (A2)
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2021

Background:

Santacruzamate A (SCA) is a natural product isolated from a marine
cyanobacterium. Activity test results revealed that SCA is a highly potent HDAC2 inhibitor with
an IC50 value of 0.112 nM. The IC50 of SCA in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation is 28.3 μM and
1.3μM on HCT116 and HuT-78 cells, respectively.

Objective:

To develop HDAC inhibitors with improved activity, SCA analogs were synthesized for
the structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.

Method:

Various substituted groups were introduced into the zinc binging group, linker, and cap
regions of SCA by various chemical synthetic methods.

Result:

Compared with SCA, the derivatives of SCA did not exhibit improved HDAC2 inhibitory
activity. Nevertheless, several molecules such as III-32, III-33, IV-4b, and IV-11 showed improved
activity in inhibiting cell proliferation on HCT116 and HuT-78 cells.

Conclusion:

Collectively, a potent HDAC2 inhibitor SCA was discovered as a lead compound for
further development of selective HDAC inhibitors.
A Blockchain based Fund Management Scheme for Financial Transactions
in NGOs
Authors: Pandey Dhiraj , jain Megha , Kaswan Suresh
Published: June 2021

Background:

In the world of the latest technologies, the blockchain is one of the
popular techniques for stopping fraudulent activities. Non-Government Organization (NGO) is
increasingly being used to support all the needy people across the globe to shape the world’s
responsibility towards society for sustainable development. The existing method of donating
money and its monitoring is facing a major corruption problem in several world-renowned NGOs.
A Blockchain can transform the way the current business of money transaction is being done in
NGOs. The blockchain-based application works on the concept of a decentralized system.

Methods:

This article presents a blockchain-based transaction system to prevent corruption and
money laundering in NGOs and government fundraising organizations. A smart contract has
been designed to stop any illegitimate block changes during a financial transaction. Since every
node has a copy of the ledger, so it is very difficult to perform malicious activity. Furthermore,
the donator can watch how the money flows in the different transactions and everyone can
browse the account history. An evaluative judgment, comparing with various consensus algorithms,
has also been presented along with their complex nature. The decentralized approach
has eliminated the chance of a single point of failure which in turn makes the system robust.

Results:

The developed framework for the financial transaction using blockchain has been tested
using the Rinkeby Test Network. The generators and campaign contracts have been developed
and deployed in the Rinkeby testing network. The results indicate that the computing is
much more secure and free from the scam in comparison to the traditional client-server financial
transaction system.

Conclusion:

Finally, the proposed approach suggests scenarios such as in NGOs where the introduced
security approach should prove to be adequate.
The Effect of Governmentspending on Education, Health and Social Protection Sectors Towards the Human Development Index in Central Kalimantan
Authors: Mailassa’adah Mailassa’adah , Pudjihardjo Pudjihardjo , Burhan Umar
Published: June 2021

Education and health are became the main capitals that must be owned by a nation to improve its potency. In addition to education and health, social protection is a policy that designed by the government in order to finance all kinds of efforts that purposed to assist citizens who have social problems to become capable in fulfilling their basic needs. This study aims to determine the effect of government expenditure eon education, health and social protection sectors towards the Human Development Index, and what sector that most influential to the HDI among those three. The results of this study showed a positive and significant impact in all sectors particularly for the government spending on the education sector as the most influential one. This study uses a quantitative approach, the characteristics of the data and information used by researchers in this study are macro in nature, so the quantitative approach is relevant to this research.
An Urban Population Health Observatory System to Support COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Management: Design and Development Study (Preprint)
Authors: Brakefield Whitney S , Ammar Nariman , Olusanya Olufunto A , Shaban-Nejad Arash
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is impacting people worldwide and is currently a leading cause of death in many countries. Underlying factors, including Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), could contribute to these statistics. Our prior work has explored associations between SDoH and several adverse health outcomes (eg, asthma and obesity). Our findings reinforce the emerging consensus that SDoH factors should be considered when implementing intelligent public health surveillance solutions to inform public health policies and interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to redefine the Healthy People 2030’s SDoH taxonomy to accommodate the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we aim to provide a blueprint and implement a prototype for the Urban Population Health Observatory (UPHO), a web-based platform that integrates classified group-level SDoH indicators to individual- and aggregate-level population health data.

METHODS

The process of building the UPHO involves collecting and integrating data from several sources, classifying the collected data into drivers and outcomes, incorporating data science techniques for calculating measurable indicators from the raw variables, and studying the extent to which interventions are identified or developed to mitigate drivers that lead to the undesired outcomes.

RESULTS

We generated and classified the indicators of social determinants of health, which are linked to COVID-19. To display the functionalities of the UPHO platform, we presented a prototype design to demonstrate its features. We provided a use case scenario for 4 different users.

CONCLUSIONS

UPHO serves as an apparatus for implementing effective interventions and can be adopted as a global platform for chronic and infectious diseases. The UPHO surveillance platform provides a novel approach and novel insights into immediate and long-term health policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and other future public health crises. The UPHO assists public health organizations and policymakers in their efforts in reducing health disparities, achieving health equity, and improving urban population health.
Validation of heart rate measurement of Fitbit Charge 4 and Xiaomi Mi Band 5 (Preprint)
Authors: Jachymek Magdalena , Jachymek Michał Tomasz , Kiedrowicz Radosław Marek , Kaźmierczak Jarosław , Peregud-Pogorzelska Małgorzata
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in mobile sensor technology have led to increased popularity of wrist-worn fitness trackers. The possibility to use a smartwatch as a rehabilitation tool to monitor patients’ heart rate during exercise has won the
attention of many researchers.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy and precision of HR measurement performed by two wrist monitors: Fitbit Charge 4 (Fitbit) and Xiaomi Mi Band 5 (Xiaomi).

METHODS

31 healthy volunteers were asked to perform a stress test on a treadmill. During the test their heart rate was recorded simultaneously by both wristbands and ECG at 1minute intervals. The mean absolute error percentage (MAPE), Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) and Bland-Altman were calculated to compare precision and accuracy of heart rate measurements. The estimated validation criteria were MAPE < 10% and LCCC < .8

RESULTS

The overall MAPE of the Fitbit device was 10.19% (±11.79%) and the MAPE of Xiaomi was (6.89 % ± 9.75). LCCC of Fitbit HR measurements was .753 (95% CI:0.717-0.785) and of Xiaomi – .903 (0.886-0.917). In both devices the precision and accuracy were decreasing with the increasing exercise intensity. Age, sex, height, weight, BMI did not influence the accuracy of both devices.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of a wearable wrist-worn heart rate monitor varies and depends on the intensity of training. The decision concerning the application of such a device as a monitor during in-home rehabilitation should be taken with caution, as it may prove not reliable enough.
This 'Pull’s as Hot as 'Hal'
Authors: Leslie-O’Neill Henry
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates mergers of the DRESS-TRAP and FOOT-GOOSE vowels in pre-lateral position for speakers of diverse varieties of English in Melbourne, Australia. A total of 35 participants were recorded producing 22 words from a list representing 11 monophthongs in pre-t and pre-l position. The vowels were measured for F1, F2, and duration, from which Pillai scores were calculated. Variation due to the speakers’ variety of English was as predicted. Duration contrasts for both vowel pairs were present for most speakers as a way to differentiate the vowels when their formants overlapped. This was expected for FOOT-GOOSE but previously unreported for DRESS-TRAP.
Transfer of Data using Raspberry PI
Authors: Jha Prof. Martand
Published: June 2021

Data sharing is not a new thing. Individuals, have been sharing the data between organizations and governments even before computers and networks were invented. However, advancements in digital literacy, skills, technology, and the adaptation of regulatory systems to the digital space over the last decade have allowed data to be exchanged more quickly and on a larger scale than ever before. We've started gathering examples of data sharing practice. The process of making research data accessible to other researchers or organizations for the purposes of social science research is known as data sharing. Informal data exchange among researchers and formal data exchange through data archives and repositories are both viable options for data sharing. Data exchange was first discussed in the social science literature. The advancement of computational technology for handling machine readable data, as well as the increased use of sample surveys as a primary mode of data collection, shaped the literature in the early 1960s. The Raspberry Pi is a simple embedded device with a small footprint and low cost that is used to minimize system complexity in terms of speed and area in real time applications.
WEB APP: String Similarity Search - A Hash-based Approach
Authors: Bobhate Snehal
Published: June 2021

During this Project, we study string similarity search based on edit distance that is supported by many database management systems like Oracle and PostgreSQL. Given the edit distance, ed(s, t), between two strings, s and t, the string similarity search is to search out each string t in a string database D which is almost like a query string s such that ed(s, t) = t for a given threshold t. Within the literature, most existing work takes a filter-and-verify approach, where the filter step is introduced to reduce the high verification cost of 2 strings by utilizing an index engineered offline for D. The two up-to-date approaches are prefix filtering and native filtering. We have a tendency to propose 2 new hash- primarily based labeling techniques, named OX label and XX label, for string similarity search. We have a tendency to assign a hash-label, H s , to a string s, and prune the dissimilar strings by comparing 2 hash-labels, H s and H t , for two strings s and t within the filter step. The key idea is to take the dissimilar bit- patterns between 2 hash-labels.Our hash-based mostly approaches achieve high efficiency, and keep its index size and index construction time one order of magnitude smaller than the present approaches in our experiment at the same time.
Residents' intention to take collective action through participation in not-in-my-backyard protests in China
Authors: Xue Ming , Zhao Jidi , Hua Changhua , Shen Huizhang
Published: June 2021

Using the theory of planned behavior, we investigated the factors motivating residents' intention to take collective action by participating in not-in-my-backyard protests. We conducted a survey with 286 Chinese residents living near a waste-to-energy incineration plant. Results of
structural equation modeling show that the personal factors of attitude, subjective norm, and self-efficacy positively affected intention to protest. Perceived group size (in-group factor) indirectly and directly affected intention, and social trust (out-group factor) indirectly affected intention
through perceived environmental health risk. The effect of situation factors on intention was positive for perceived environmental health risk and negative for perceived action risk. Collective efficacy and perceived economic risk had no significant effect on intention. It is, therefore, important
to promote social trust to decrease risk perception and to prevent protest when locating not-inmy-backyard facilities.
Tacit knowledge mediates the effect of family socioeconomic status on career adaptability
Authors: Hou Chunna , Liu Zhijun
Published: June 2021

We explored the indirect effect of family socioeconomic status on career adaptability within the framework of career capital theory, by investigating the mediating role of human capital. We distributed the Family Socioeconomic Status Scale, Tacit Knowledge Inventory for College Students,
and Career Adapt-Abilities Scale to 1,692 college students in China. SPSS 21.0 and Mplus 7.0 were used for data analysis. Results show that family socioeconomic status had a direct predictive effect on participants' career adaptability. Mediation model results show that this direct effect
was full mediated by tacit knowledge. Critically, the mediation model results differed between urban and rural college student participants, such that the tacit knowledge of urban (vs. rural) participants had a more positive predictive effect on their career adaptability. Results are discussed
within the framework of career capital theory.
Methods of displaying geospatial information using cartographic web technologies for the Arctic region and the continental shelf
Authors: Kopylova N.S. , Starikov I.P.
Published: June 2021

In this article we discuss methods of displaying geospatial information for the Arctic region and the continental shelf using various web technologies in order to solve applied tasks associated with the development of the regional infrastructure. The assessment of the main projections’ metric capabilities basic for cartographic services is carried out, and the functionality of search and demonstration tasks that can be solved by means of such information systems is determined. The necessity of optimizing the approach to data design is noted. The proposed method for displaying geospatial information in the form of a single unified isometric cartographic projection will enable determining the position of objects within the planned accuracy of topographic maps at scale of 1
Revisiting the relationship between board practices and firm performance
Authors: Owusu Andrews
Published: June 2021

This paper examines whether and how firm performance is influenced by board practices in Ghana. The analysis shows that chief executive officer (CEO) duality has a negative impact on firm performance, evidence that supports agency theory’s position. Further analysis shows that the smaller Ghanaian board size appears to be optimal because it has a positive impact on firm performance. However, the larger non-executive director representation on the board has no impact on firm performance. Overall, these results suggest that the Ghanaian firms should be encouraged to separate the role of CEO and the board chair positions, have a board size of between eight and nine, and make good use of non-executive directors’ time in the board decision process if they are to achieve better performance.
CEO Compensation, Incentive Alignment, and Carbon Transparency
Authors: Luo Le , Wu Hongjun , Zhang Chuyue
Published: June 2021

We examine whether chief executive officer compensation aligned with stakeholders' interests is associated with enhanced corporate carbon transparency. Using an international sample obtained from the CDP, we find that corporate carbon transparency—as measured by both the propensity to voluntarily disclose carbon information and the quality and comprehensiveness of the disclosure—is greater when managers' compensation contracts are better aligned with stakeholder interests. Further analyses indicate that this positive relationship is stronger in countries or regions with a code law legal system, with an inefficient rule of law, that show strong social norms toward climate change, that feature collectivist societies, and that have a long-term orientation. These findings indicate that the stakeholder agency problem of voluntary carbon disclosure can be addressed through executive incentives that are aligned with stakeholders' interests.
Effect of Medical and Surgical Interventions on α-Cell Function in Dysglycemic Youth and Adults in the RISE Study
Authors: Kahn Steven E. , Edelstein Sharon L. , Arslanian Silva A. , Barengolts Elena , Caprio Sonia , Ehrmann David A. , Hannon Tamara S. , Marcovina Santica , Mather Kieren J. , Nadeau Kristen J. , Utzschneider Kristina M. , Xiang Anny H. , Buchanan Thomas A. , Consortium The RISE
Published: June 2021

Objective: To compare effects of medications and
laparoscopic gastric band surgery (LB) on α-cell function in dysglycemic youth
and adults in the Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) Study protocols.

Research Design
and Methods: Glucagon was
measured in three randomized, parallel, clinical studies: (1) 91 youth studied
at baseline, after 12 months on metformin alone (MET) or glargine followed by
metformin (G/M), and 3 months after treatment withdrawal; (2) 267 adults
studied at the same timepoints and treated with MET, G/M, liraglutide plus
metformin (L+M) or placebo (PLAC); and (3) 88 adults studied at baseline, and
after 12 and 24 months of LB or MET. Fasting glucagon, glucagon suppression by
glucose and acute glucagon response (AGR) to arginine were assessed during
hyperglycemic clamps. Glucagon suppression was also measured during oral
glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs).

Results: No change in fasting glucagon, steady-state
glucagon or AGR was seen at 12 months following treatment with MET or G/M (in
youth and adults) or PLAC (in adults). In contrast, L+M reduced these measures
at 12 months (all p≤0.005), which was maintained three months after treatment
withdrawal (all p<0.01). LB in adults also reduced fasting glucagon,
steady-state glucagon and AGR at 12 and 24 months (p<0.05 for all, except
AGR at 12 months [p=0.098]). Similarly, glucagon suppression during OGTTs was
greater with L+M and LB. Linear models demonstrated that treatment effects on
glucagon with L+M and LB were largely associated with weight loss.

Conclusions: Glucagon concentrations were reduced by L+M
and LB in adults with dysglycemia, an effect principally attributed to weight
loss in both interventions.
Det russiske imperiet: Fra sammenbrudd til triumf
Authors: Karlsson Klas-Göran
Published: June 2021

Klas-Göran Karlsson, professor in history at Lund University, reviews Det Russiske imperiet. Fra sammenbrudd til triumph (The Russian Empire: From Chaos to Ascendancy) by Halvor Tjønn (Dreyers forlag 2020).
The Relationship between Workload and Performance of Research University Academics in Malaysia: The Mediating Effects of Career Commitment and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Janib Jamali , Mohd Rasdi Roziah , Omar Zoharah , Alias Siti Noormi , Zaremohzzabieh Zeinab , Ahrari Seyedali
Published: June 2021

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to test the relationship between job workload and academic performance among university academic staff in Malaysia. The paper also attempts to discuss and then seek empirical evidence to the two mediational paths (namely, career commitment and job satisfaction) that explain the focal relationship between job workload and academic performance. To test the three proposed hypotheses, the study used cross-sectional data collected from academic staff serving in Malaysian Research Universities (MRUs). The final sample of 191 valid and complete responses was analysed using SmartPLS 3.3.3 to test the hypotheses. Results showed that workload is negatively related to academic staff performance. In addition, job satisfaction mediates workload and academic staff performance linkage. These findings reinforce the importance of job satisfaction as an influencing factor against the deleterious effect of job workload and academic staff performance. The study has shown that, contrary to our expectations, career commitment does not mediate the relation between job workload and academic staff performance.  Going forward, this study provides new insights about the effect of job workload on the performance of university academic staff through intervening variables. 

 

Keywords: Career commitment, Job satisfaction, Job workload, Academic staff performance, Malaysian Research University
Student Attainment Measurement System in Civil Engineering Undergraduate Programme:
Authors: Mohamad Mazlina , Chai Lian Oh , Md Zain Mohd Raizamzamani , Md Yunus Balqis , Hj. Sidek Norbaya
Published: June 2021

Abstract : In ensuring the quality of the offered programs in Malaysia, it is crucial to comply with the long chain of Quality Management processes in obtaining and maintaining accreditation of undergraduate engineering programs. One of the processes is to continually and effectively measure the students’ attainment of program outcomes amid the implementation of Outcome-Based Education. This paper focuses on MyCOPO system, the evaluation of undergraduate bachelor degree engineering students’ attainment measurement system in the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam. A quantitative survey has been conducted to measure academic staff and students’ satisfaction level of MyCOPO implementation in the faculty. This survey has been conducted in line with the university strategy in promoting organisation operational excellence via MyCOPO system, where 47 and 227 respondents were recorded for academic staff and students, respectively. Two sets of questionnaires were designed to determine the impact of the system, the effectiveness on delivery and quality of the system and users’ happiness index. This system is found to be impactful in ease the work, increase the quality and provide satisfaction to related parties. The usage of MyCOPO system is effective and the average rating of happiness index for academic staff and students are 8.2 and 7.2 out of 10 for happiness index, respectively.

 

Keywords: Attainment measurement system, Civil engineering, outcome-based education, satisfaction.
Aloe and its Effects on Cancer: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Manirakiza Astère , Irakoze Laurent
Published: June 2021

Many years ago, Aloe Vera was cited to have a lot of therapeutic properties including; anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, skin protection, wound healing, and regulation of blood glucose and cholesterol. However, Aloe could present some side effects. This review focused on the latest discoveries regarding the therapeutic role of Aloe plant or its compounds on the acquired biological capabilities for tumour growth and progression namely; evading growth suppressor, avoiding immune destruction, enabling replicative immortality, tumour promoting inflammation, activating invasion and metastasis, inducing angiogenesis, genome instability and mutation, resisting cell death, deregulating cellular energetics and sustaining proliferating signalling. It clarified the anti-cancer activities it exerts on different types of cancer and also highlighted some pro-oncogenic pathways that can be disrupted by different compounds of Aloe.
Bilateral Subdural Hematoma following Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion in a Ten-month Old Tanzanian Female with Congenital Hydrocephalus: An Uncommon Presentation
Authors: Lodhia Jay , Mehboob Rashid Sakina , Msemo Abdallah , Philemon Rune , Sadiq Adnan , Chilonga Kondo , Msuya David
Published: June 2021

There is an unmet need for the treatment of hydrocephalus in Tanzania. Thousands of newborns each year in the region are affected by this condition and access to care remains a challenge. While treatment options like cerebrospinal fluid diversion through ventriculo-peritoneal shunting are within the skill set of general surgeons, the potential complications represent an additional challenge. We present a 10-month-old Tanzanian female who developed bilateral-subdural hematomas after insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.
Infection Prevention Performance among Hospital Staff during Vaginal Birth: Results from a Criterion-Based Audit at a Zonal Referral Hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Vinberg Rasmussen Lærke , Sengoka Enna , Maro Eusebius , Kisigo Godfrey , Rasch Vibeke , Lund Sørensen Bjarke
Published: June 2021

Background: Healthcare associated infections is a global burden and is one of the main causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality during the time of labour when admitted to the hospital. Healthcare workers´ hands are in most cases the vehicle for transmission of microorganisms from patient to patient.Good hand hygiene practices at the bedside are a simple way of reducing healthcare associated infections. The objective was to assess the impact of a criterion-based audit on infection prevention performance and knowledge during vaginal delivery at a hospital in Tanzania. The quantitative findings were discussed with staff to identify barriers and solutions to quality improvement. Methods: A mixed-method uncontrolled, before and after intervention study by criterion-based audit was performed at the labour ward at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Criteria for best practice were established together with key staff based on national and international guidelines. Sixty clean procedures during vaginal birth were observed and assessed by a structured checklist based on the audit criteria. Baseline findings were discussed with staff and an intervention performed including a short training and preparation of alcohol-based hand rub. Hereafter another 60 clean procedures were observed, and performance compared to the care before the intervention. Furthermore, a knowledge test was performed before and after the intervention. Results: Hand washing increased significantly after a procedure from 46.7% to 80% (RR=1.71 95% CI; 1.27 to 2.31), the use of alcohol-based hand rub before a procedure from 1.7% to 33.3% (p<0.001), and the use of alcohol-based hand rub after procedure from 0% to 30% (p<0.001). After the intervention the mean score for the knowledge test increased insignificantly from 59.3% to 65.3%, (mean difference = 6.1%, 95% CI; -4.69 to 16.88). Conclusion: The criterion-based audit process identified substandard care for infection prevention at the labour ward. An intervention of discussing baseline findings and a short training session and introducing alcohol-based hand rub resulted in improvements on infection prevention performance.
Prevalence and Predictor of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers of 0 to 6 months Infants from Pastoralists and Hunters’ Community in Tanzania; A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vincent Moshi Fabiola , E. Akyoo Esther , Ally Seif Saada
Published: June 2021

Background: Initiating breastfeeding during the first hour after birth and continuing breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months prevents childhood infections such as diarrhoea. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life of the baby is recognised globally as the best and the most effective intervention to ensure the survival of babies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of EBF and its predictors among mothers of 0 to 6 months infants from pastoralists and hunters’ community in Manyara region-Tanzania. Methods: This was a community-based analytical cross-sectional study that involved 342 mothers of 0 to 6 months infants who were randomly selected through 4 stage multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Collected data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Binary Logistic Regression analysis was used to establish factors associated with EBF practices. Results: The prevalence of EBF among postnatal women from hunters and pastoralists societies was 47.1% at 95% CI=41.7%-52.5%. After adjusted for confounders, the predictors of EBF practice were age of infants (0-1 months, AOR= 2.838 at 95% CI = 1.326-6.075, p=.007), age of mothers (26-35 years, AOR=1.851 at 95% CI= 1.059-3.234, p=.031), Level of education of infants’ mothers (primary education, AOR= 2.374 at 95% CI= 1.321-4.265, p=.004) and knowledge on exclusive breast feeding, AOR=2.51 at 95% CI= 1.435-4.393, p=.001. Conclusion: Majority of mothers from pastoralists’ and hunters’ societies were not practising EBF. Predictors of EBF practice were; the age of infants, maternal age, level of education of the mother and knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding. Poor EBF practice was mainly contributed to low level of knowledge about the EBF. The low level of knowledge could have been contributed by poor access to maternal services. Nature of living (lack of permanent settlement) of the study population could have contributed to low access to maternal services. An innovative interventional study is highly recommended to come up with strategies that will improve knowledge on EBF and practice of EBF
Prevalence and determinants of occupational Injuries among welders in small scale metal workshops in Wakiso District, Uganda
Authors: Itiakorit Brian , Bayiga Zziwa Esther , Osuret Jimmy
Published: June 2021

Background: Injuries are a public health concern accounting for 2.78 million fatalities globally. Welders are exposed to a broad range of injuries (e.g. cuts, burns, eye injuries, skin irritations, and musculoskeletal disorders) and yet, there is paucity of information on context specific determinants to inform injury prevention and control. This study determined the factors associated with occupational injuries among welders in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among welders in Wakiso District, Uganda. Pretested and translated questionnaires were used to collect data from 327 randomly selected respondents using face to face interviews. 2 parishes were purposively selected, and 20 metal workshops were systematically selected in each parish. Descriptive statistics and adjusted odds ratios were computed Results: A high prevalence 287 (87.8%) of self-reported occupational injuries was found among welding workers with cuts/burns 242 (84.3%) and eye injuries 180 (62.7%) reported as the most sustained injuries. Occupational injuries were associated with being a causal labourer with informal training (AOR 4.70 (2.03-10.84)) and working for longer hours (AOR 2.63 (1.26-5.51)). Those with more work experience were less likely to be involved in occupational injuries (AOR 0.30 (0.11-0.84)). Conclusions: The prevalence of occupational injuries among small-scale welding workers was high and this was associated with learning their trade at work and working for longer hours. Mitigation measures that focus on safety at workplace, advocating for capacity training, and enforcement of workplace regulations should be instituted.
O PRINCÍPIO DA LEGALIDADE E A SUA INFLUÊNCIA NA SEGUNDA REVOLUCÃO CIENTÍFICA DO DIREITO PENAL
Authors: Bueno de Castilho Fernanda , Colen Guilherme
Published: June 2021

À medida que a insatisfação contra a crueldade das penas corporais aumenta, havendo constatação por filósofos, estudiosos do direito e legisladores de que estas representavam um excesso sem que houvesse limites ao poder soberano, observa-se, em contrapartida, uma mudança no paradigma do sistema de punição. O sistema criminal não podia apenas se vingar de forma arbitrária como até então era feito. Era necessário que os delitos e as penas existissem previamente e estas fossem proporcionais ao fato praticado. Houve uma reestruturação por completa do direito penal, racionalizando-se o seu estudo através de um método. A partir desta sistematização, priorizou-se o estudo do crime e de seus institutos e princípios, relegando o estudo da pena a um segundo plano. Elaborou-se o princípio da legalidade, tal qual conhecemos hoje e que possibilitou o desenvolvimento dos elementos que fazem parte do conceito de crime. Von Beling reformulou o conceito do termo Tatbestand, definindo-o como uma relação de adequação entre uma conduta e um fato descrito na lei penal, o que conhecemos por tipicidade. Através desta mudança, o interprete da lei penal passa a conhecer a matéria de proibição, aplicando-se, por consequência lógica, a pena correspondente ao delito praticado.
ESOPHAGEAL PERFORATIONS: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Authors:   Brest Regional Clinical Hospital, Brest, Belarus, Ignatsiuk A. N. , Karpitski A. S. ,   Brest Regional Clinical Hospital, Brest, Belarus
Published: June 2021

Background. Rendering medical care to patients with damage and failure of esophageal sutures remains a controversial and relevant topic. Objective. To provide a literature review on the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal perforation (EP), paying particular attention to the group of patients with delayed admission to the hospital and with various complications. Material and methods. The data published by domestic and foreign authors are analyzed and treatment outcomes of patients with EP admitted to the Department of thoracic surgery of Brest Regional Clinical Hospital are presented. Results. The literature data on EP treatment options are reflected and clinical outcomes of EP patients treated in the Department of thoracic surgery of the Healthcare Institution ‘Brest Regional Clinical Hospital’ using an original technique involving installation of a collapsible T-shaped drainage system with the formation of a “controlled fistula” are presented. The mortality rate of patients with endoscopic interventions for PN amounted to 10%. Conclusions. Currently, according to various authors, the overall EP mortality rate reaches 67%. The use of videothoracoscopic interventions for EP can reduce the mortality up to 10%.
ETIOTROPIC THERAPY FOR DIFFERENT FORMS OF HEPATITIS B
Authors:   Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Priima E. N. , Bushmanova A. D. ,   Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation,   Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Novak K. E. ,   Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Esaulenko E. V. ,   Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation,   Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: June 2021

Background. Currently, etiotropic therapy of hepatitis B in most cases is carried out using nucleot(s)ide analogues. The ultimate goal of the therapy depends on the period of its administration – in acute or chronic hepatitis. The influence of the molecular genetic profile of the hepatitis B virus on the effectiveness of therapy in both acute and chronic forms of the disease has not yet been established, which requires further research. Objective. To assess the possibilities of modern etiotropic therapy in acute and chronic forms of hepatitis B. Material and methods. The article analyzes the indicators of clinical, laboratory and instrumental data of patients who received etiotropic therapy with nucleot(s)ide analogues. Results. Etiotropic therapy resulted in a viral load decrease to an undetectable level in all patients regardless of the course of hepatitis B and infection with either a "mutant" or "wild" virus strain. In acute hepatitis B, HBV DNA was not detected in 100% of cases after 24 weeks of therapy, in HBsAg seroconversion - after 36 weeks; in chronic hepatitis B - after 36 weeks without HBsAg seroconversion. Six months after the completion of the treatment, the patients with chronic hepatitis B developed relapse in 89.7% of cases, but the viral load was less than 2000 IU / ml, and the severity of liver fibrosis was insignificant. In the rest of the cases, resumption of therapy was required. Conclusions. It was found that mutations of the hepatitis B virus do not affect the effectiveness of etiotropic therapy. The rate of viral load decrease correlates with the form of hepatitis B and is significantly higher in acute disease.
USING VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGIES TO DESIGN EDUCATIONAL CURRICULA
Authors:   Kazan Federal University, Soheil Sofyan Musa Alzein
Published: June 2021

Designing educational curricula using virtual and augmented reality.
Charity Behavior During COVID-19 Pandemic: Explaining the Peculiarity
Authors: Arsyianti Laily Dwi , Kassim Salina
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economies throughout the globe including countries in ASEAN region. In Indonesia, economic growth is predicted to be negative and recession is happening, starting from the third quarter of 2020. Ironically, Islamic social activities including charity giving has shown an encouraging development during the COVID-19 period as collected charity funds has been the highest amidst the height of pandemic. While this phenomenon seems to be impossible, it is definitely worth a research. This study analyses charity behavior during COVID-19 pandemic and aims to elaborate its significant determinants. Although the economy is badly affected by pandemic situation, people are still eagerly giving charity as to implement Islamic value of brotherhood and helping each other, especially during this difficult period. Logistic regression is used as method to assess whether the society tend to give charity or not amidst the pandemic. Income, shopping habit during pandemic, investment habit during pandemic, religiosity and subjective norm are found to have significant effects on charity giving during the pandemic. Suitable and effective efforts to assist the poor during and post-COVID-19 period can be strategize based on the factors identified in this study. Government and practitioners are encouraged to keep on going in establishing programs to help societies living during pandemic.