bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do endometrial immune changes with age prior to menopause compromise fertility in women?
Authors: Patel Mickey V. , Shen Zheng , Wira Charles R.
Published: October 2022

Menopause signals the end of the reproductive period in women. However, fertility and fecundity decrease with increasing age prior to menopause demonstrating that changes in the premenopausal female reproductive tract (FRT) are already occurring that negatively impact reproductive success. The effects of age on the endometrium are poorly understood, in contrast to the ovary where changes occur with increasing age that negatively affect successful reproduction. The endometrial immune system is essential for generating a receptive endometrium, but the link between the immune and reproductive systems in the endometrium in the years prior to menopause has not been well-defined. Since the endometrial immune system is tightly regulated to maximize reproductive success and pathogen protection, changes in immune function with increasing premenopausal age have the potential to impact reproduction.
Teachers’ Perceived Level of Knowledge on Preparation of Lesson Plans towards Facilitating Classroom Instruction in Secondary Schools in Rombo District, Tanzania
Authors: Mohamedi Karim , Kileo Emmanuel , Siamoo Peter N.
Published: October 2022

The study assessed teachers’ perceived level of knowledge on preparation of lesson plans towards facilitating classroom instructions in secondary schools. Systems theory was used to guide the researcher in conducting the study. The target population of the study was fifty-one secondary schools found in Rombo District. Thirteen secondary schools were sampled using simple random sampling. In each school, seven teachers were sampled through stratified random sampling technique, three Ward education officers through simple random sampling technique and thirteen heads of schools participated in the study. The study used Convergent design under mixed methods approach. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers, interview guide to heads of schools and Ward educational officers. Document analysis guide was used to assess lesson plans prepared by teachers. To ensure content validity of instruments two experts from Mwenge Catholic University were consulted to review the instrument. Cronbach Alpha was used to assess reliability of the Likert scale in questionnaire, and for qualitative instruments estimation of reliability was ensured through member checking. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and were presented in frequency tables, percentages and mean by the aid of SPSS version 27. Qualitative data were analysed by using content analysis by the aid of Computer software Nvivo 11 Plus and presented through narration and quotations. It was established that majority of teachers perceived to be very knowledgeable on preparation of lesson plans towards facilitating classroom instruction in secondary schools. Conclusion drawn from the study asserts that teachers perceived to be very knowledgeable on preparation of lesson plans although they had some problems in preparing some of the parts of lesson plans such as writing lesson competence. The study recommended that, the government and other owners of secondary schools should provide in-service training to their teachers yearly or after every two years so as to update their knowledge on lesson plan preparation.
Vastness of Higher Education Development Programme on Enhancing Quality and Sustainable Service Delivery by University Graduates in the Northern Zone Tanzania
Authors: Mbua Fortunatus Michael , Salema Victorini , Mandila Timothy
Published: October 2022

Quality, resilience, commitment and sustainable delivery of services has increasingly being a demand for every community in the world. The 21st century has identified the kind of skills that need to be embraced by every individual for one to deliver quality, sustainable and descent work. In response, Tanzania launched the Higher education Development Programme (HEDP) to ensure the attainment of this fundamental objective. This study therefore investigated the vastness of HEDP on enabling quality and sustainable service delivery among university graduates. The study tested two hypotheses. The CIP1P2I evaluation model guide this study. The study employed Convergent design under mixed research approach. The target population for this evaluation study was 18,601 respondents selected from eight (8) Universities in the Northern Zone Tanzania. The target population comprised of 5,118 final year bachelor degree students, 483 lecturers, 8 DVC-academics, 12,292 alumni and 100 employers. The sample was 697 which comprised of 511 final year Bachelor degree students; 48 lecturers; 4 DVC academics; 124 alumni and 10 employers. The sampling techniques included stratified random, purposive sampling techniques and automatic inclusion. Data was collected by using questionnaires, indepth interview guides and document analysis guides. Quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics where frequencies, percentages, and means were determined. Qualitative data was analyzed through transcription of the texts, generate themes, interpreting, discussion and making conclusions. The study found that, most alumni couldn’t deliver quality and sustainable service as needed by their community. The study concluded that, HEDP has not adequately brought about tangible implications on the quality and sustainability of graduates and thus quality of higher education system is questionable. It was recommended that, universities should reform curriculums that emphasize on acquisition of soft-skills that may enable graduates deliver quality and sustainable services rather than traditional emphasis on academic achievement.
Comparative Analysis of 2021 and 2022 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Nweze Bernadine Ngozi , Obu Augustine Udoka
Published: October 2022

This study compared 2021 and 2022 WAEC and NECO Chemistry multiple choice question in Enugu State, Nigeria. The comparison covered the various levels of the cognitive domain of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. The population of the study was 220 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) objective test items for Chemistry. There was no need for sampling since the population was manageable. Percentage was used in answering the research questions while Chi-square was used in testing the hypotheses. The result showed that for both examining bodies, most of the questions were on knowledge. When the distribution of the questions across the various levels of the cognitive domain, set by WAEC and NECO were compared, significant relationship was discovered in 2021 questions, whereas in 2022 questions, no significant relationship was observed. The conclusion therefore is that, as far as the distribution of questions across the various levels of the cognitive domain is concerned, WAEC is more consistent than NECO. Based on the finding of this study, it was recommended that authorities of National Examination Council ensure that subsequent SSCE Chemistry questions are appropriately distributed across the various levels of the cognitive domain.
Entrepreneurial Skills and Self Employment: A Theoretical Exposition
Authors: Agogbua Stanley Ndubisi , Mgbatogu Chukwudi D.
Published: October 2022

This paper was a theoretical exposition of relevant concepts in entrepreneurship literature. A qualitative research design was utilized in the study. In doing so, a thematic and theoretical approach was used in presenting the facts. Entrepreneurial skills were indexed to include: technical skills, business skills and personal entrepreneurial skills. Their relationships with self-employment as seen in the literature were analyzed. The influence of the mediators (psycho- social factors: self- motivation and social influence) were also analyzed. The paper revealed that the proxies of entrepreneurial skills and the mediators as espoused in the literature were closely knitted with enterprise creation. The study thus concluded that with adequate motivation and positive social influence, entrepreneurial skills acquisition will metamorphose to self employment.
Sine Oscillator in Quadrature with Double Simulation: Electronic Quartz
Authors: Mircea Ciugudean
Published: October 2022

This article presents a new type of sine oscillator, discovered and studied at the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications in Timisoara. It analyzes the numerous theoretical and practical aspects that appear and signals its spectacular performances. The scheme of the new oscillator was introduced for the first time in Electronic Engineering, London, Febr. 1993. But here is presented the complete theory of the oscillator established after several years of research. The new sine oscillator is sure to have the best performancse of all known quartz-free oscillators.
Optimizing Storage with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Diop ouhamadou Moustapha , Skorek Adam w. , mayola Yannick
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the battery energy control system by using Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) for a renewable energy sources (Solar Panel, Wind Turbine). A fuzzy control strategy is used in this article for battery control. To improve battery life, fuzzy control manages the desired state of charge (SOC).By using MATLAB/ Simulink, the modelling, analysis and control of the energy generator devices and energy storage devices (ESD) are proposed.
An Exploration on Statue Creation and Grotto Construction of Donors in Ancient Dunhuang
Authors: Yanhai Sheng , Shengping Xia
Published: October 2022

The Dunhuang grottoes are large in scale, and have stood the test of time. One of the main reasons for this is that feudal rulers vigorously advocated Buddhism and personally participated in the construction of these grottoes. This paper mainly explores the relationship between ancient Dunhuang’s donor portraits and the construction of the grottoes, delving into the relationships between the donor portraits and cave construction, as well as the relationships between the donors, the craftsmen and the grotto construction, in addition to the compensation and origins of the craftsmen from various perspectives.
Application of Amniotic Membrane Allografts in Advanced Venous Leg Ulcer: A Case Study and Literature Review
Authors: Regulski Matthew , Shou John , Lambert Naomi , Vinke Eric , Barrett Tyler
Published: October 2022

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a lifelong, moribund and debilitating disease process with tremendous personal and financial costs. At its core, CVI involves blood pooling in the lower extremities secondary to inadequate venous blood return, resulting in venous hypertension and incompetence of the one-way valves in the lower extremity veins. As venous circulation slows, metabolic demands of the cells in the lower extremities increase, leading to stasis dermatitis, infection, cellular death, and venous ulceration. This case study aims to report the efficacy of Dehydrated Amniotic Membrane Allograft (DAMA) applications to a chronic right lateral ankle ulcer resulting from chronic venous insufficiency. The patient in this study received DAMA applications weekly for six weeks. Upon examination at the initial application, the wound was wet and macerated due to drainage with significant hemosiderosis and lipodermatosclerosis consistent with a Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) of 2. Upon inspection at the final visit, the wound was closed, with a VCSS of 0. This case study demonstrates that the application of DAMA has the potential to act as an effective barrier to cover and accelerate wound closure time. Future non randomized and randomized controlled trials may further establish standardized protocols for DAMA application in venous ulceration, help create treatment algorithms to predict wound closure endpoints, and encourage innovation that may further accelerate healing time.
A Neurodevelopmental Disorder with Intellectual Disability and Autism due to MAP7D3 Haploinsufficiency
Authors: Nogueira Enrique , del Olmo Beatriz , Lobo Concepcion , Vizuete Genesis , Garma Carmen
Published: October 2022

We report on a young boy with a neurodevelopmental disorder who is a carrier of a novel frameshift mutation in gene MAP7D3 (MAP7 domain containing 3) of Xq26.3. The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the MAP7 (microtubuleassociated protein 7) family that is proposed to regulate kinesin-1 (KIF5B)-dependent intracellular transport, by acting as Microtubule (MT)-tethered recruitment factors and activators of this kinesin [1-3]. And as other MT-associated proteins is conceivable the involvement of MAP7D3 in neuronal morphogenesis and therefore in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Impact of Solar Activity on the Environment in March 2022
Authors: Maltseva Olga , Nikitenko Tatyana
Published: October 2022

Data from 64 stations of the global ionosonde network were used to estimate the correlation coefficient between the critical frequency of the ionosphere and its total electron content TEC during periods of high solar activity in March 2022. This coefficient in the vast majority of cases exceeded the value of 0.9, which indicates the interchangeability of these parameters in assessing the state of the environment. This assessment using the TEC parameter revealed a global positive ionization perturbation with a deviation of 30 to 100% from the month median at the end of the month, which can affect the operation of various space technological systems.
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection as Significant Predisposing Factor and Post-Radiotherapy Prognostic Indicator among Libyan Patients with Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Bofares Khaled Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: Libya is one of the North African countries which constitute an area of nasopharyngeal carcinoma endemicty, particularly at the north part of Libya as compared to its south portion. Although from the clinical as well as histopathological presentation, there is no uniquely specific pattern of appearance, but there is high deficiency in the data that confirm the possible predisposing factors which may play a role in the development of this common variety of head and neck cancer at this country, and whether these factors affecting the patients response to treatment. Therefore this study was conducted to elucidate the suggestion of the role of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer at Libyan population; the results were correlated with the radiotherapy response and the improvement in the post-therapy prognostic value. Patients and Methods: Sixteen patients aged 9-80 years presented at ENT department -Althowra central teaching hospital-elbyda-Libya at period from September- 2005 up to January-2014 with variable patterns of clinical presentation suggestive nasopharyngeal carcinoma. All patients were evaluated radio- logically as well as endoscopically, the diagnosis was confirmed by the biopsy and further histo-pathological assessment. For all patients the serological elucidation for IgG and IgM anti-EBV antibodies was done, and the results were correlated with the age of the incidence, sex of the incidence, the pattern of clinical presentation, the pattern of histo-pathological presentation, the response to the radiotherapy, the rate of the recurrence, and five years survival. Results: 88% of the patients showed significant increase of serum IgG against Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA) of EBV. 83% of the cases presented with cervical masses and unilateral otitis media with effusion. 86% of cases showed lympho-epithelioma as histo-pathological pattern. On the other hand among all patients, those patients with lympho-epithelioma showed significant response to the concomitant radio- chemotherapy (100%) with high survival rate exceed five years. Conclusion: The EBV infection can be considered as one of main predisposing factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma at Libyan population. As it was noted from this presenting study that the induction of the cancer by EBV is mainly due to chronic infection rather than acute infection and this was confirmed by significant elevation of serum IgG rather than IgM. In addition it was postulated that the EBV infection most likely to be associated with lympho-epithelioma variety of histo-pathology rather than well-differentiated type, and as it was elucidated via this study that the association of the cancer with EBV infection increased the sensitivity of the tumor to concomitant radio-chemotherpy, thus this will improve the five years survival after the treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Children Cerebral Palsy with Method Resonance Medicine
Authors: Viktor Praznikov
Published: October 2022

The article discusses two forms of resonance in medicine in the treatment of Children Cerebral Palsy. The first form is the destruction resonance. It is well known and we have used it to destroy, for example, tumors. The second form of resonance is the resonance of creation. It leads to the restoration of degenerated or destroyed organs. We have used the resonance of creation to repair organs affected by disease and to restore the immune system in patients.
The Association Between Stress-Related of COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health
Authors: Ehsanifar Mojtaba , Jameie Melika
Published: October 2022

Research has shown that young adults were more vulnerable to mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the mechanism of the effect of COVID-19-related stress on mental health outcomes among young adults is still unclear. In general, COVID-19-associated anxiety and depression have been reported in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of stress associated with COVID-19 pandemic and mental health outcomes. Studies show that the direct effects of stress due to social distance problems on anxiety and depression are much greater than the stress caused by fear of infection and anger compared to others. The results indicate that interventions to increase social support and resilience can be effective strategies to reduce the risks of anxiety and depression among young people with stress caused by social distancing problems.
Images of a Highly Metastatic Ependymoma of the Cauda
Authors: Seferi Arsen , Vyshka Gentian
Published: October 2022

Images from a spinal ependymoma extending from twelfth thoracic to the third lumbar vertebral level will be discussed, together with the history and the final outcome of a highly metastatic neuroepithelial tumor. The young female patient some weeks after laminectomy was diagnosed with multiple metastases, in the form of miliary mottling in both lungs, as well as with left pleural involvement with massive effusion and a solid formation in the right mammary gland. Although ependymomas rarely metastasize, a tight follow-up regimen and thorough screening is advisable, since case reports of multiple metastases via diverse routes (seeding, hematogenous) are becoming frequent and of concern.
Low Prevalence of Transmitted HIV-1 Antiretroviral Resistance in Pregnant Women from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Couto-Fernandez Jose Carlos , de Jesus Carlos Silva
Published: October 2022

Background: HIV screening during antenatal care is being expanded in Brazil for early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection during pregnancy and prevention of vertical transmission. HIV genotyping in pregnant women is crucial to reduce the risk of vertical transmission in those carrying resistant strains and may also be used for Transmitted Drug Resistance (TDR) surveillance purpose. We evaluated prevalence and patterns of HIV-1 TDR and HIV subtype distribution in recently diagnosed ARV naïve pregnant women from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: 299 blood samples of recently diagnosed HIV-1-infected pregnant women from four reference antenatal care public health units in Rio de Janeiro were consecutively collected and analyzed from 2005 to 2015.ViroseqTM (Abbott) and TrugeneTM HIV-1 Genotyping Systems (Siemens) were used for genotyping and the Standford Algorithm for Interpretation of HIV-1 Resistance for TDR and subtype identification. Results: The most prevalent HIV-1 subtype was the subtype B (77%), followed by subtype F (15%), BF recombinant forms (4%), subtype C (2%) and the recombinant forms: CRF02_AG, CRF31_BC and DF identified in one subject each. Overall, the TDR mutations was 11.7%, 2.7% associated to the Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) of the samples, 2.7% to Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs) and 1% to Protease Inhibitors (PIs). Mutations associated with NRTI resistance were TAMs, F77L, M184V; associated with NNRTI resistance were K103N, Y188H and L100I and. mutations associated to PIs were D30N, M46I, and V82L. Conclusions: HIV-1 subtype B was the most prevalent subtype observed in our study. For the first time infections with the circulating recombinant forms CRF02_AG and CRF31_BC were described in a pregnant woman, suggesting the spread of African derived virus in Brazil and the introduction in Rio de Janeiro of the CRF31_BC coming from South Brazil. Our results strongly suggest the need of establishing a regular surveillance system for transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance in pregnant women in Brazil and its integration in antenatal care management policies for HIV-1 infected women should be considered.
Effective Treatment for Retinal and Lens Degeneration with Resonance Medicine Method
Authors: Victor Praznikov
Published: October 2022

The article presents materials on the effective treatment of retinal degeneration by resonance medicine - the resonance of destruction and the resonance of creation, as well as eye cataracts. Photographs of optical coherence tomography are presented both before the start of treatment and after the end of treatment. Tomograms indicate effective treatment of retinal degeneration.
Vaccination with either mRNA or Vector-Based COVID-19 Vaccine has no Detectable Effect on Sperm Parameters
Authors: Edimiris Philippos , Doehmen Cornelius , Mueller Lisa , Andree Marcel , Baston-Buest Dunja Maria , Buest Sebastian , Adams Ortwin , Kruessel Jan-Steffen , Bielfeld Alexandra Petra
Published: October 2022

Background: With the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, concerns arose regarding their impact on male fertility. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of mRNA- and vector-based COVID-19 vaccination on male fertility by analyzing sperm parameters in subjects with unrestricted and restricted fertility. Methods: In this prospective self before-after control study at a single University-based Infertility Center in Duesseldorf, Germany, a total of 25 male subjects were recruited, who were scheduled to receive their first vaccination against COVID-19 between January and August 2021. Semen samples were obtained before and after the first COVID-19 vaccination to perform an analysis of semen quality according to the 2010 World Health Organization guideline. Main outcome measures were ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, percentage of sperm motility and sperm morphology. Results: There were no significant changes in sperm parameters before and after the vaccination. Conclusion: Both, mRNA and vector-based COVID-19 vaccination had no short-term effect on sperm parameters. Therefore, an influence of COVID-19 vaccination on male fertility appears to be very unlikely.
Microalgae and Diatom - Potential Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Resources – Review
Authors: Dussably Justine , Mshvildadze Vakhtang , Pichette Andre , Ripoll Lionel
Published: October 2022

Microalgae are aquatic resources containing several value-added products which have been and will be widely used in various industries. They have the high potential to be explored in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals, as active ingredients in the form of isolated molecules or extracts. The aim of this review is to exhibit the potential of microalgae and especially diatoms for their cosmetic application regarding their phytochemistry and pharmacological activity. Comprehensive study of previously published literature demonstrated the presence of several antioxidant, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory molecules in microalgae and their efficiency on human cells, particularly in anti-aging and anti-UV products. This review summarizes and discusses the information on extraction process, the chemical composition and biological activity of natural microalgae biomass. Finally, the review attempts to reveal more global view on how to valorize natural microalgal biomass, including diatoms, in cosmetics to prevent a destruction of wild resources.
Psychobiotics and Dietary Supplementation in the Clinical Practice: A Mini Review
Authors: Jurek Joanna Michalina , Owczarek Marcin
Published: October 2022

Mental health defined as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make meaningful contribution to his or her community‟ reflects the individual ability to adapt to changing environment through thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Recently, the prevalence of psychiatric diseases is an emerging health issue that significantly impact on the quality of life and productivity of societies worldwide. Despite recent research advancements, the effectiveness off the curative approaches for the mental illness are still limited to pharmacologic treatments and/or psychotherapy, thereby indicating the need of development of alternative strategies. Growing number of research efforts into the better understanding of mental health determinants, prompted scientific interests into the use of dietary interventions, as potential approach to modify the mental state and improve wellbeing. A growing body of evidence to demonstrate the importance of diet, in particular intake of plant foods, in achieving optimal nutritional and health status, which has been attributed to plant-derived bioactives that consumed as whole food or dietary supplement may provide benefits for mental health, therefore providing an alternative for common pharmacotherapies in the psychiatry practice applied to treat metal conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD or schizophrenia. In addition, the discovery of a bidirectional communication between brain and gut microbiome, followed by the studies linking thee gut microbiota composition with behavior and mood, support use of microbial-derived metabolites in the form of live probiotic bacteria (probiotics), as well as their metabolites (post-biotics) may help in stress management and prevent anxiety-/depression-like symptoms in high-risk populations.
Extraction and Isolation of Cellulose from Cladodes of Cactus Opuntia Ficus-Indica
Authors: Ouhammou Mourad , Jaouad Abderrahim , Bouchdoug Mohamed , Mahrouz Mostafa
Published: October 2022

Cellulose is the most abundant material in the earth, it is considered a renewable polymer of the cell walls of wood and plant cells, their interest and their use in different field is the purpose of extracting it namely: cellulose native (cotton), the transformation of cellulose into sheets (paper and filter paper), cupric cellulose, zinc cellulose (industrial applications), the functionalization of cellulosic materials in the field of printed electronics, textile, treatment, medicine, and agribusiness. The objective of this study, is the extraction of cellulose at several stages and recovery of a waste based on old cactus rackets, type Opuntia ficus -indica smooth. The cellulose extracted showed good isolation, dispersion and purification of nanofibrils by the removal of oils, mucilage, pectins, hemicellulose and coloring substances. The substitution of ethanol by acetone in the extraction protocol used [1], gave suspensions of purified cell walls is well individualized, on the other hand the cellulose extracted from the beet pulp, chuck pulp prickly pear fruit peel requires a mechanical homogenizer.
Community Satisfaction with Pharmacists Interventions Over 8 Months from COVID-19 Spread in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tadros Odate K , Arabiyat Shereen , Al-Daghastani Tamara , Jaber Deema
Published: October 2022

Objective: To measure participants’ satisfaction with community pharmacists’ pharmaceutical services during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This study was cross-sectional. Google Forms was used to create a survey. Social media was used to spread the survey. Questions were designed to measure the goals; a scale was used to measure the level of participant satisfaction. Measures: This survey was designed to measure the community opinion of pharmacists’’ role, commitment to safety measures, counseling during the pandemic, and their help in spreading scientific information regarding this virus; during the pandemic and then 8 months after the pandemic was declared. Data sets were compared, and the results were analyzed. Results: One-thousand-one-hundred-fifteen people participated in this study; 575 at the beginning and 540 at 8 months after the initial outbreak. Significant differences were found: pharmacists’ commitment to wearing gloves was less after 8 months (p < 0.001); pharmacists had a better role in explaining the difference between flu and COVID-19 infection after 8 months; satisfaction with pharmacists’ commitment to safety rules was significantly less after 8 months (p = 0.003). Conclusion: The observed high level of participant satisfaction reflects the pharmacists’ efforts. But pharmacists must follow the scientific evidence that supports the proper wearing and removal of gloves. We also found that counseling has been associated with improvement in participants’ opinions about pharmacists’ information.
Comparative Double-Blind Study of Efficacy of Pre-Cleaners for Surgical Instruments and Medical Devices in the Central Sterile Services Department
Authors: Jindarat Chanitsara , Chanchai Withaya
Published: October 2022

The Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) is one of the hospital's critical support services. It is a place to receive medical equipment blood-stained from the other departments to be cleaned. It is responsible for cleaning, receiving, storing, sterilizing, and returning medical equipment to everyone and delivered to different departments within the hospital. Nowadays, various cleaning and dissolving blood stains are used to clean and remove blood stains. This research aimed to compare the efficacy of pre-cleaning spray and pre-cleaning spray foam cleaners for blood-contaminated surgical instruments and medical devices in the Central Sterile Services Department. The pre-cleaning spray was significantly higher than the pre-cleaning spray foam (p ≤ .005). A significant difference in the 2-minute pre-cleaning spray was observed by using cleaning indicators. The pre-cleaning spray foam started dissolving blood after 5 minutes. Therefore, from the study, using the pre-cleaning spray for dissolving blood stains and pre-cleaning has a more practical effect than pre-cleaning foam.
Seçili OECD Ülkelerinde Ar-Ge Teşvikleri ve Endüstri Üretimi İlişkisi
Authors: ÇİNAR Sinan , HAS Banu
Published: October 2022

Araştırma ve geliştirme (ar-ge) faaliyetleri ülke ekonomilerinde bilimsel ve teknolojik yeniliklerin temelini oluşturmaktadır. Bundan dolayı araştırma ve geliştirme faaliyetleri son derece önemlidir. Endüstriyel üretim ise ülke ekonomilerinde büyümenin motoru kabul edilen sektörlerden bir tanesidir. Çalışmada seçili OECD ülkeleri için ar-ge vergi teşvik oranları ile ilgili ülkelerin endüstriyel üretimleri arasındaki ilişki analiz edilmektedir. Çalışmada 2000 ile 2020 yılları arasında seçili OECD ülkelerinde Ar-ge vergi teşvik oranları ile endüstriyel üretim oranları arasında ilişkinin ekonometrik yöntemler aracılığı ile analiz edilmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Kullanılan yöntem panel eşbütünleşme yöntemidir. Çalışmada 14 OECD ülkesi için analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Güncel verilerle ilgili değişkenler kullanılarak OECD ülkelerinde ar-ge vergi teşvik oranları ile endüstri üretimi arasındaki ilişkiyi inceleyen bir çalışma olması yönlerinden literatüre katkı sağlanmaktadır. Yapılan analizler sonucunda seçili OECD ülkelerinde ar-ge vergi teşvik oranlarındaki %1’lik artışın endüstriyel üretimde %0.88’lik artış sağladığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
İslami Finansın Gayrimüslim Ülkelerde Gelişimi, Karşılaşılan Zorluklar ve Öneriler
Authors: ÇETİN Dilşad Tülgen
Published: October 2022

İslami finans sektörünün krizlere dayanıklı yapısı ve Körfez ülkelerinin zengin fon kaynakları, Müslüman nüfusun yoğun olduğu ülkeler kadar gayrimüslim ülkeleri de cezbetmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, gayrimüslim ülkelerde İslami finans sektörünün gelişimini incelemek, bu ülkelerde İslami finans açısından karşılaşılan zorlukları tanımlamak ve bu zorlukları aşabilmek adına yapıcı öneriler sunmaktır. Çalışmanın kapsamı, İslami finans ülke endeksinde üst sıralarda yer alan gayrimüslim ülkelerden İngiltere, Amerika ve Kanada ile Avrupa’da İslami finansta ilkleri gerçekleştiren Lüksemburg ile sınırlandırılmıştır. Gayrimüslim ülkelerdeki yasal düzenlemelerin İslami ilkelere uyumsuzluğu, nitelikli Şer’i danışmanların eksikliği, İslami finansal ürünlerin yetersiz standardizasyonu, finansal raporlama ve muhasebe politikalarındaki uyumsuzluklar karşılaşılan zorluklar arasında yer almaktadır. Bu zorlukların hükümetlerin ve uluslararası İslami finansal kuruluşların çabalarıyla zaman içerisinde aşılmasıyla birlikte, gayrimüslim ülkelerde İslami finans piyasalarının kayda değer bir gelişim göstereceği beklenmektedir.
İmalat İşletmelerinde Atık Yönetimi: Literatürde Yer Alan Çalışmaların İncelenmesi
Authors: DEĞİRMENCİ Bekir
Published: October 2022

Son yıllarda teknoloji alanında yaşanan inovatif gelişmelerin işletmelere entegre edilmesi üretimi hızlandırmıştır. Seri üretime bağlı olarak işletmelerin atık seviyelerinde hızlı bir yükseliş görülmektedir. Atık Yönetim sürecinin doğru yönetilmesi ve çevre yönetimi uygulamalarının işletmeler tarafından yönetim stratejilerinin merkezine yerleştirilmesi gerekmektedir. Çevresel ihtiyaçlar ve insan kaynaklı yerkürede yaşanan tahribatlar gün geçtikçe artmaktadır. Bu noktada özellikle imalat işletmelerine atık yönetimi konusunda önemli görevler düşmektedir. Bu çalışmada imalat işletmelerinin atık yönetimine ilişkin ne tür uygulamalara yer verdiklerinin ortaya çıkarılması amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışma iki aşamalı olarak geliştirilmiştir. İlk olarak imalat işletmelerinde atık yönetimine ilişkin 2018-2022 yılları arasında yapılan akademik çalışmalar incelenmiştir. İkinci aşamada Borsa İstanbul (BİST 50) işlem gören ve en büyük elli firma arasında yer alan “Arçelik, Ford Otosan, Petkim, Şişe Cam” imalat işletmelerinin atık yönetimi konusundaki uygulamaları ortaya konulmuştur. Nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Veriler Mayıs-Ağustos 2022 tarihlerini kapsayan dört aylık bir süreci kapsamaktadır. Yapılan araştırma sonucunda literatürde beş çalışmaya rastlanmıştır. İmalat işletmelerinde Atık Yönetimi konusunda yapılan akademik çalışmaların yeterli düzeyde olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. İşletme yönetim anlayışında, yalın üretime doğru bir akışın olduğu gözlenmiştir. İmalat işletmelerinde atık yönetimi konusunda daha fazla çalışma yapılması önerilmektedir. Diğer taraftan farklı sektörlerde ve ülkelerde atık yönetimi konusunda yapılan çalışmaların ve işletmeler tarafından yapılan uygulamaların karşılaştırılması literatüre katkı sağlayacaktır.
Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Kent İçi Ulaşıma Bakışı: Çanakkale İli Örneği
Authors: ERDEM Asime Dilara , BİLGİLİ Alper
Published: October 2022

Sanayileşme ile artan kentleşme; kentlerde nüfus yoğunluğunu arttırmış, gelişen bu süreç nedeniyle kent içi ulaşım da önem kazanmaya başlamıştır. Şehirdeki insanları ve mekanları birbirine bağlayan ulaşım ağı çeşitlidir. Toplu taşıma araçlarından; otobüsler, metrolar, vapurlar, dolmuşlar, taksiler kent içi ulaşımda önemli bir yer tutmaktadır. Buna ek olarak belediyeler martı, tazı, bisiklet gibi alternatif ulaşım araçlarını da halkın hizmetine sunmaktadır. Kent içi ulaşım, öğrenciler için oldukça önemlidir. Nitel olarak tasarlanan bu çalışmada, öğrenci kenti olarak tanımlayabileceğimiz Çanakkale’de üniversite öğrencilerinin kent içi ulaşıma bakış açıları, öğrenciler için kent içi ulaşımın olumlu ve olumsuz uygulamaları tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmada yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmış, görüşmeler ekonomik ve zaman kısıtı nedeniyle Terzioğlu Kampüsü ve Anafartalar Kampüsündeki 40 öğrenciyle sınırlandırılmıştır. Yapılan görüşmeler sonucu elde edilen veriler Maxqda Analitik 2020 programında kodlanmış ve anlamlı bilgiler haline getirilmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi öğrencilerinin kent içi ulaşımdan genel olarak memnun olmadıkları, kent içi ulaşımı pahalı buldukları ve kent içi ulaşımın geliştirilmesine ve iyileştirilmesine yönelik fikirlerine değinilmiştir. Bunlara ek olarak çalışmanın içinde katılımcıların vermiş olduğu bazı cevaplar doğrudan alıntılanarak metin güçlendirilmiştir.
Mobil Pazarlama: Türkiye’deki Lisansüstü Tezlere İlişkin İçerik Analizi (2007–2022)
Authors: GEÇTİ Fatih
Published: October 2022

Pazarlama faaliyetlerinin mobil olarak icra edilmesi olarak özetlenebilecek mobil pazarlama, son yıllarda işletmelerin olduğu kadar özellikle araştırmacıların da ilgisini çeken konulardan biri haline gelmiştir. Uluslararası literatürde görece uzun zamandır kendine yer bulan mobil pazarlama, Türkiye’de özellikle son on beş yıldır lisansüstü düzeyde akademik olarak çalışılan bir konu olmuştur. Bu çalışmanın amacı Türkiye’de mobil pazarlama alanında yazılan lisansüstü tezlerinin genel bir profilinin ortaya çıkartılmasıdır. Çalışmanın amacını gerçekleştirmek için çeşitliaraştırma soruları sorulmuş ve bu sorulara içerik analizi yöntemiyle yanıtlar aranmıştır. Gerçekleştirilen içerik analizine günümüze kadar mobil pazarlama üzerine yazılan ve Yükseköğretim Kurulunun Tez Tarama sayfasına kayıtlı ve erişime açık bütün tezler dahil edilmiştir. 2007–2022 yılları arasında yazılmış toplam 55 tezin detaylıca incelendiği bu çalışma sonucunda özellikle son beş yılda mobil pazarlama üzerine yapılan tez sayısında belirgin artış olduğu görülmektedir. Mobil pazarlama konusunun sadece pazarlama akademisyenlerince değil farklı bilim dallarından araştırmacılar tarafından da çalışıldığı oraya çıkmıştır. Mobil pazarlama üzerine yazılan tezlerde en çok çalışılan alan ise tüketici davranışları olmuştur.
An Equal Britain
Authors: Zamvar Vipin
Published: October 2022

A personal aspect of training and working as an IMG doctor in the UK NHS
Efficacy of Primary Prevention in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jamal Saad
Published: October 2022

Background: The COVID-19 treatment protocol has consistently been under modification since its inception, from the omission of drugs once considered lifesavers such as hydroxychloroquine to the addition of newer medications e.g.: remdesivir. In such situations, it is crucial that we reinforce the importance of primary prevention, especially in low-income countries, where issues exist of shortage of resources such as oxygen and ventilators. We demonstrate how primary prevention holds good against the emergence of new variants, and future pandemics.
Discussion: Articles predating and postdating the COVID-19 pandemic were analysed. The articles predating the pandemic included those relating to primary preventive methods used during the H1N1 pandemic of 2009, and articles postdating the pandemic included studies which demonstrate higher mortality of COVID-19 in smokers shed light on the importance of primary prevention, and demonstrate how primary prevention and good health education could have saved countless lives.
Conclusion: It is essential that Primary prevention be employed, not only in the case of chronic lifestyle conditions such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus but also in the cases of pandemics, where prevention before the chain of infection starts can prove to be lifesaving. As healthcare providers, the responsibility lies with us to emphasize on the importance of primary prevention and comprehensively propagate information.
Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health, Well-being and Quality of Life of Women in Rural Maharashtra
Authors: Khandelwal Ashok , Wankhede Ranjan , Raje Dhananjaye , Singhal Parag
Published: October 2022

In Maharashtra, Mahila Aarthik Vikas Mandal (MAVIM), a non-profit initiative of the Government of Maharashtra, India, works to build the overall capacities of women. It acts as a nodal agency to implement various female-empowerment schemes of central and state governments. The general observation of MAVIM was that post-COVID-19, women from rural sectors experienced high rates of depression and anxiety. Hence, to understand the extent of the mental well-being of rural women, a cross-sectional field study was planned in the two worst-affected rural sectors of the Vidarbha region, located in central India.
Impact of COVID-19 on Organ Donation and Transplantation in the UK
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Giovinazzo Francesco , Hucker Abigail , Farrington Ken , Lawrence Chris , Riva Guilio Valentino Dalla , Cronin Antonia
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed considerable strain on the allocation of healthcare resources. In this research, we explored the views of healthcare professionals in the UK on the countrywide management of organ donation and transplantation during the first COVID-19 surge in the spring of 2020.
Methods: An internet-based survey was developed and distributed over a 2-week period in May/June 2020.
Results: Three hundred and fourteen professionals responded, covering all organ donation and transplant regions across the UK. Data suggest a considerable degree of scaling back of activity in all but one region (Northern Ireland). A range of absolute criteria for organ donation and transplantation were highlighted that have since been implemented in practice.
Notable strengths of the countrywide response included the donation and transplant community acting responsibly and proportionately (51.6%), providing access to up-to-date information and data (43.9%,) and communicating risk (40.8%). Mixed views were expressed on equity in resource allocation, with 32% aligning with inequity, 28% with equity and 17% of respondents stating that equity issues are not relevant in a crisis.
Conclusion: Findings highlight that managing scarcity is complex during a pandemic. Embedding ethical values in recovery and future threats preparedness should be prioritised.
Progress on the recommendations for an equal experience of CQC regulation for ethnic minority-led GP practices
Authors: Chandarana Kunal
Published: October 2022

The Care Quality Commission is the UK's regulator for health and social care providers. It faced criticisms regarding the fairness of its processes from minority-ethnic-led primary care providers in 2020. There were concerns that the regulatory outcomes for minority ethnic-led primary care services were more frequently subject to inspection, were more likely to receive an adverse outcome, suffer a negative impact on their own health/ wellbeing, and inspectors did not give due consideration to the multiple deprivation indices in the population and areas they operated in, as well as the availability of manpower or resources.  
A survey conducted by the BAPIO GP forum[1] reported that the inspections were not considered practical or constructive and took the general practice team away from patient care. [2] Of particular concern was the perception that the system was unfair and discriminatory for Black and Asian GPs' small practices and those in the inner city or rural locations with multiple deprivations. The authors urge the CQC to ensure that the profession is supported and that any inspection process is fair and non-discriminatory and improves patient care. 
CQC commissioned research to explore the nature of its relationship, or the existence of any causal link, between ethnic minority-led GP practices and regulatory outcomes such as ratings and frequency of inspection.
However, in this survey, ethnic minority-led practices were more likely to report that the quality of care improved following a CQC inspection. In this article, the National Primary Care Advisor to CQC explores the findings of this research and outlines the actions in progress to address these concerns.
Reflections on Diversity and Exclusion
Authors: Peel Lailah
Published: October 2022

Personal opinion as a mixed-race woman in the NHS
A checklist and areography of the longhorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) of Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria
Authors: Georgiev Georgi , Sakalian Vladimir , Mirchev Plamen , Georgieva Margarita , Belilov Sevdalin
Published: October 2022

The longhorn beetles fauna of Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria, was studied, based on literature data and original material. As a result, 100 taxa from five subfamilies are listed for the area, as follows: Prioninae (7 taxa), Lepturinae (31 taxa), Spondylidinae (9 taxa), Cerambycinae (28 taxa) and Lamiinae (25 taxa).

This study presents two new records for Pirin Mts. (Oxymirus cursor and Tetropium fuscum fuscum) and new localities or additional information for 13 cerambycid taxa (species and subspecies). The 100 longhorn beetle taxa belong to 17 zoogeographical categories and eight complexes. The European complex occupies a dominant position (34%), followed by those from Palaearctic (17%), Eurosiberian (15%), Mediterranean (15%), European-Iranoturanian (9%), Balkan endemic (5%) and Holarctic (4%) complexes.
An assessment of Nigeria’s health systems response to COVID-19
Authors: Okeke Chinyere , Uzochukwu Benjamin , Onyedinma Chioma , Onwujekwe Obinna
Published: October 2022

Objectives: This study aims to understand and report on selected health system interventions considered nationally and sub-nationally of particular significance both in terms of COVID-19 responses and in strengthening the health system for the future.Design: A review of published and grey literature, including journals, news/ media and official documents, was con-ducted from 1st December 2019 to 31st December 2020. The reviewers read and extracted relevant data using FAC-TIVA in a uniform data extraction template. Responses that related to service delivery were captured.Setting: The assessment considered responses at the national and two state levels: Lagos and Enugu, representing the epicentre and a low COVID-19 burden centre.Inclusion criteria: Documents and news that mentioned COVID-19 response, particularly service delivery aspects, were included in this review.Results: The identified interventions were mostly technical support targeted at health workers: including training of about 17,000 health workers, supervising and engaging more health workers, upgrading laboratories and building new ones to improve screening and diagnosis, and motivation of health workforce with incentives. Furthermore, the influx of philanthropic contributions improved the data and information systems supply of medicines, medical products and non-pharmaceutical protective materials through local production. The presence of political will and the government’s efforts in health system’s response to COVID-19 facilitated these interventions.Conclusions: Interventions of state and non-state actors have strengthened the health systems to some extent. How-ever, more needs to be done to sustain these gains and make the health system resilient to absorb unprecedented shocks.