bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in a Ugandan Context
Authors: Mayanja Allen Naamala , Eriksson Lars E. , Orem Jackson , Nalwadda Gorrette Kayondo , Kabir Zarina Nahar , Wettergren Lena
Published: December 2020

Background Self-reported measures play a crucial role in research, clinical practice and health assessment. Instruments used to assess self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) need validation to ensure that they measure what they are intended to, detect true changes over time and differentiate between subjects. A generic instrument measuring HRQoL adapted for use among people living with cancer in Uganda is lacking; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 when used in a Ugandan context. Methods Adult patients with various types of cancer (N=385) cared for at the Uganda Cancer Institute answered the Luganda or English version of the EORTC QLQ-C30. The two language versions were evaluated with regard to data quality (floor and ceiling effects and missing responses), reliability (internal consistency) and validity (construct, known-group and criterion). Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Mean scores were compared between groups differing in disease stage to assess known-group validity. Criterion validity was examined according to associations between two QLQ-C30 subscales (Global quality of life and Physical function) and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS).Results Floor and ceiling effects were observed for several scales in the Luganda and English versions. All EORTC scales with the exception of Cognitive function (Luganda α=0.66, English α=0.50) had acceptable Cronbach’s alpha values (0.79–0.96). The CFA yielded good fit indices for both versions (RMSEA=0.076–0.081, SRMR=0.048 and CFI=0.928–0.932). Known-group validity was demonstrated with statistically significant better HRQoL reported by patients with disease stages I–II compared to those in stages III–IV. The Global quality of life and the Physical function scales correlated positively to KPS (r=0.65 and r=0.75), indicating criterion validity. Conclusion The Luganda and English versions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 appear to be valid and reliable measures and can be recommended for use in clinical research to assess HRQoL in adult Ugandans with cancer. However, the cognitive scale did not reach acceptable internal consistency and needs further evaluation.
Analyzing the technical efficiency of health systems in Asian countries: What Myanmar can learn from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Authors: Win Zin Mar , Löfgren Curt
Published: December 2020

Background: Advancements in medicine leads, among other things, to increasing life expectancy and quality of life. However, at the same time, health care costs are increasing, and this may not be sustainable in the future. Governments and health care organizations need to implement efficiency measures in order to maximize health outcomes within available resources. This study aims to compare the technical efficiency of health systems in middle-income Asian countries, and to identify “efficient peers” for each “inefficient country”: in particular for Myanmar. Methods: A data envelopment analysis (DEA) variable returns to scale output-oriented model was used to evaluate technical efficiency in middle-income Asian countries. The input variables were current health expenditure per capita, the density of doctors, and the density of nurses and midwifery personnel. The output variables were health adjusted life expectancy (HALE) and the infant mortality rate (IMR). Myanmar may learn how to improve efficiency of its health care system through studying its efficient peers from DEA results. A review of relevant English language literature was used as a basis for informing a comparative analysis of the health systems of Myanmar and its efficient peers: Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.Results: Among the twenty-eight middle-income Asian countries studied, 39.3% of countries were technically efficient. Myanmar is one of the inefficient countries, and it should look at the health systems of its efficient peers, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, to make its health system technically more efficient.Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that countries with inefficient health systems can improve their health outcomes without increasing their health care resources. As DEA measures efficiency only, future studies should take into account equity to assess comprehensive health system performance.
Health care provided to recent asylum-seeking and non-asylum-seeking pediatric patients in 2016 and 2017 at a Swiss tertiary hospital - a retrospective study
Authors: Brandenberger Julia , Pohl Christian , Vogt Florian , Tylleskär Thorkild , Ritz Nicole
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAsylum-seeking children represent an increasing and vulnerable group of patients whose health needs are largely unmet. Data on the health care provision to asylum-seeking children in European contexts is scarce. In this study we compare the health care provided to recent asylum-seeking and non-asylum-seeking children at a Swiss tertiary hospital.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional retrospective study in a pediatric tertiary care hospital in Basel, Switzerland. All patients and visits from January 2016 to December 2017 were identified, using administrative and medical electronic health records. The asylum-seeking status was systematically assessed and the patients were allocated accordingly in the two study groups.Results A total of 202,316 visits by 55,789 patients were included, of which asylum-seeking patients accounted for 1674 (1%) visits by 439 (1%) individuals. The emergency department recorded the highest number of visits in both groups with a lower proportion in asylum-seeking compared to non-asylum-seeking children: 19% (317/1674) and 32% (64,315/200,642) respectively. The median number of visits per patient was 1 (IQR 1-2) in the asylum-seeking and 2 (IQR 1-4) in the non-asylum-seeking children. Hospital admissions were more common in asylum-seeking compared to non-asylum-seeking patients with 11% (184/1674) and 7% (14,692/200,642). Frequent visits (>15 visits per patient) accounted for 48% (807/1674) of total visits in asylum-seeking and 25% (49,886/200,642) of total visits in non-asylum-seeking patients. ConclusionsHospital visits by asylum-seeking children represented a small proportion of all visits. The emergency department had the highest number of visits in all patients but was less frequently used by asylum-seeking children. Frequent care suggests that asylum-seeking patients also present with more complex diseases. Further studies are needed, focusing on asylum-seeking children with medical complexity.
Glide Path Enlargement of Curved Molar Canals Using HyFlex EDM Glide Path File versus PathFile: A Comparative Study of Preparation Time and Postoperative Pain
Authors: Han Yi , Hou Xiao-Mei
Published: December 2020

Background: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the preparation time and severity of postoperative pain between the HyFlex Electric Discharge Machine (EDM) Glide Path File (GPF) and PathFile. Methods: Eighty patients whose molar teeth had at least one severely curved canal were treated by the same specialist. After access cavity preparation, the patients were randomly assigned to receive glide path enlargement with either HyFlex EDM GPF or PathFile. ProTaper Next X1 and X2 files were used to prepare the canals. The time of preparation was assessed and the severity of postoperative pain over the next 7 days was recorded. The preparation time and the postoperative pain scores were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (P ≤ 0.05).Results: Glide path enlargement time was significantly shorter with HyFlex EDM GPF (27.828 ± 2.345 sec) than with PathFile (48.942 ± 2.864 sec) (P < 0.001). The highest postoperative pain score was recorded on the first day and the pain decreased over time in both groups. HyFlex EDM GPF group patients reported significantly less postoperative pain than PathFile group patients overall (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Postoperative pain and glide path preparation time could be reduced by using the HyFlex EDM GPF system.Trial registration: PKUSSNCT, PKUSSNCT-17B12, Registered 24 October 2017
Measuring PrEP Preferences Among U.S. Military Men Who Have Sex with Men: Results of an Adaptive Choice Based Conjoint Analysis Study
Authors: Gutierrez Jose I , Dubov Alex , Altice Frederick , Vlahov David
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively prevents HIV infection, yet its uptake remains low among U.S. military men who have sex with men (MSM). Research shows that health services matching preferences produce favorable outcomes. Therefore, an early step for planning program design is to characterize and identify preferences for improved PrEP delivery within this population. METHODS. HIV-negative military MSM were recruited through a closed, LGBT military social media group. Participants completed an anonymous survey presenting five experimentally varied attributes of interest related to PrEP administration (dosing method, provider type, visit location, lab work evaluation location, and dispensing venue). Relative importance and part-worth utility scores were generated using Hierarchical Bayes (HB) estimation, and the randomized first choice model was used to examine participation interest across eight possible PrEP program scenarios.RESULTS. Among the 429 participants and the eight scenarios that varied the five attributes into delivery profiles, the most preferred scenarios featured a daily tablet, PrEP injection, or implant, along with a military provider, smartphone/telehealth visit, and on-base locations for lab evaluation and medication pick-up. Responses emphasized the importance for providers to be familiar with PrEP prescription knowledge, and to provide interactions sensitive to sexual identity and mental health. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a daily tablet PrEP program within a military setting is preferred over a civilian or off-site one, yet more importantly, it points to a high value placed on the quality of clinical interactions. High interest in long-acting implants and injections also suggest potential markets for future PrEP engagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION. Not applicable.
Young Field-grown Kiwifruit Plants’ Response to Early Autumn Frost Injury in Texas
Authors: Hartmann Timothy P. , Scheiner Justin J. , Stein Larry A. , King Andrew R. , Feagely Sam E.
Published: December 2020

Two-year-old, field-grown golden kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) and fuzzy kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) plants were evaluated for injury following an early freeze event of −4.1 °C on 14 Nov. 2018 in Burleson County, TX. Plant material included seven cultivars: one seed-propagated [Sungold™ (ZESY002)] and three cutting-propagated golden kiwifruit (AU Golden Dragon, AU Golden Sunshine, CK03), and one seed-propagated (Hayward) and two cutting-propagated fuzzy kiwifruit (AU Authur and AU Fitzgerald). Observations were made 5 weeks after the frost event. Base trunk diameter (BD) and maximum trunk diameter damaged (MDD) provided a reference of plant size and crude measurement of damage intensity, as evident by presence of water-soaked necrotic and/or dehydrated tissue following the removal of a thin slice of periderm, vascular cambium, phloem, and xylem. Percent of base diameter damaged (PBDD) was calculated as MDD divided by BD and provided an assessment of damage, unbiased by plant size. Percent of shoot damaged (PSD) was visually evaluated as the percentage of entire shoot system exhibiting damage. In addition, presence of basal damage (DB) and basal cracking (CB) were recorded. A strong cultivar response was observed for BD, MDD, PBDD, and PSD. Mean cultivar values for PSD ranged from 79% and 19% for AU Authur and Sungold™ seedlings, respectively, which represented extremes among cultivars. Fuzzy kiwifruit exhibited greater injury (PBDD, PSD, DB, and CB) as compared with golden kiwifruit cultivars. Basal damage and basal cracking proved unique to fuzzy kiwifruit, as DB ranged from 0% in Sungold™ seedlings to 100% in fuzzy kiwifruit ‘AU Authur’ and ‘AU Fitzgerald’. In spite of having greater vigor, golden kiwifruit plants sustained less injury. Method of propagation had no effect on injury. PBDD and PSD proved to be reliable field assays for documenting injury, based on their strong correlation value (r = 0.92). Greater relative autumn frost tolerance of golden kiwifruit over fuzzy kiwifruit cultivars is previously unreported.
Organisational Strategies for Competitive Advantage in the Construction Industry: Chinese Dominance in Southern Africa
Authors: Fernandes Daniel Soares , Joseph George
Published: December 2020

Chinese enterprises are presently dominating various sectors of businesses abroad, offering a wide range of low to high-end quality products and services. The construction sector in Africa is now being dominated by Chinese multinational contractor companies, who find in Africa their next preferable market to grow. The available literature on the field has serious gaps in explaining which organisational strategies increase the competitive advantage and the market dominance of Chinese multinational contractors, especially in the Southern African region. This research aims to uncover the organisational strategies, implemented by Chinese multinational contractors operating in the Southern African region, who have paved the way and consolidated their success in the region. Through a mixed methods process, qualitative and quantitative data are obtained. The construction markets of the Southern African region are analysed (environmental analysis) and the main multinational Chinese contractors are identified, through a literature review and organisational analysis. Several organisational strategies are shortlisted and, finally, through an online questionnaire, the opinions of the participants to rank the organisational strategies previously identified in terms of contribution to the actual success, copying capability, etc., are carried out. The findings revealed that the capability to offer a lower price for construction services, the easy access to loans and funds from the organisation's home government and the capability to trade debt for local resources, such as wood, land and minerals are the organisational strategies that mostly contributed to the recent Chinese contractor dominance in the Southern African construction market.
Establishing Core Factors of Risk Management Influencing Performance Outcome of Small and Medium Firm's Construction Projects in Gauteng
Authors: Renault Berenger Yembi , Agumba Justus Ngala , Ansary Nazeem
Published: December 2020

The quest for delivering successful construction projects has urged South African
small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt risk management in their projects. However, it has been evinced that SMEs projects in South Africa especially in the Gauteng province have encountered poor performances. Thus, this article determines core risk management factors influencing project outcome of SMEs. A deductive approach was embraced using a questionnaire. The data were collected from 181 conveniently sampled respondents in Gauteng, graded from Grade 1 to 6 of the CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) grading system. The Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 23 was used to analyse the data by computing exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. It was revealed that SMEs performance outcome is influenced by eight risk management factors. The influential factors are organisational environment, defining project objectives, resource requirements, risk measurement, risk identification, risk assessment, risk response and action planning and monitoring, review and continuous improvement. The risk management factors established in this article are reliable and valid in projects undertaken by SMEs in the South African construction industry and the findings can serve as a guideline for contractors to achieve success in this context. The study may be repeated in other countries globally, however, it cannot be generalised due to the restrictions pertaining to the geographical area.
POEMS SYNDROME ET COVID 19: LES RETOMBEES DUNE PANDEMIE !
Authors:   Service dHematologie Clinique de lHopital Militaire dInstruction Mohammed V - RABAT., Ahchouch Siham , Jennane Selim ,   Service dHematologie Clinique de lHopital Militaire dInstruction Mohammed V - RABAT., Mehdi Mahtat El ,   Service dHematologie Clinique de lHopital Militaire dInstruction Mohammed V - RABAT., Bakal Ayoub El ,   Service de Neurologie de lHopital Militaire dInstruction Mohammed V - RABAT., Zine Filali Kawtar ,   Service dHematologie Clinique de lHopital Militaire dInstruction Mohammed V - RABAT., El Maaroufi Hicham ,   Service dHematologie Clinique de lHopital Militaire dInstruction Mohammed V - RABAT., Mikdame Mohammed ,   Service dHematologie Clinique de lHopital Militaire dInstruction Mohammed V - RABAT., Doghmi Kamal ,   Service dHematologie Clinique de lHopital Militaire dInstruction Mohammed V - RABAT.
Published: December 2020

POEMS syndrome defines a rare multisystem syndrome due to the paraneoplastic manifestation of plasma cell dyscrasia. The diagnosis is based on the clinic and the laboratory: this acronym includes part of all the current criteria on this disease: Polyradiculoneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal plasma cell disease (PCD) and Skin changes. Peripheral neuropathy is often the revealing symptom of the disease. Bone involvement is present in 54 to 97% and is typically osteosclerotic. POEMS syndrome with plasmacytoma lytic bone lesion remain exceptional. In the case of patients with less than three solitary bone plasmacytomas, radiotherapy is recommended as a therapeutic approach with variable efficacy. Relapses remain frequent requiring systemic treatment. The management of the pandemic had indirect effects on serious diseases in fact, fear of the crisis caused by the epidemic is pushing a large number of patients to delay their request for care. In addition to chronic patient monitoring, the practitioners primary concern is to detect emergency situations. We report the case of a 45-year-old right-handed patient with a progressive symmetrical ascending four-limb sensory motor deficit over the past five months, suggesting polyradiculoneuropathy, associated with rib pain from the 7th to the 9th right ribs. The assessment confirms demyelinating and axonal polyradiculoneuropathy and demonstrates the presence of a monoclonal IgG ÃŽÂ» gammopathy, in connection with a solitary osteolytic right costal plasmacytoma of the 7th rib, without organomegaly on thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan. We suspected the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome which was confirmed by elevated serum VEGF dosage. He is receiving corticosteroid therapy with localized radiotherapy with good clinical outcome and biological stabilization. However, the patient had presented during confinement for Covid-19 a worsening of the progressive symptomatology evolving for 6 months. He presented to the emergency room with a picture of flaccid quadriplegia and fatal respiratory distress.
POPULATION EXPOSURE TO RADIATION EMITTED BY MOBILE NETWORKS IN ABIDJAN, COTE DIVOIRE
Authors:   Ecole Superieure Africaine des Technologies de lInformation et de la Communication (ESATIC), Abidjan., Raoul Zamble , Kigninman Desire Kone ,   Ecole Superieure Africaine des Technologies de lInformation et de la Communication (ESATIC), Abidjan., Raymond Gbegbe ,   Institut National Polytechnique HouphouÃƒÂ«t Boigny (INPHB), Yamoussoukro., S. Seyndou Bamba ,   Agence Ivoirienne de Gestion des Frequences (AIGF), Abidjan.
Published: December 2020

The mobile telephony relay antennas number is growing with a view to cover the national territory and meet the subscriber communication needs. In Cote dIvoire, this fact is currently raising the harmfulness issue of RF emissions produced by these installations on the general public. This situation has forced the national frequency management body to conduct annual measurement campaigns to control the RF emission levels comparatively to the limit values recommended by international bodies. The current campaign in the city of Abidjan with ten municipalities, therefore, falls within this process framework and has made it possible to generally conclude that the recommended limit values are respected at all the different measurement points. However, these results specifically show high levels of radiation produced by mobile network installations compared to those from TV and FM network installations.
JACKFRUIT - FUTURE FOOD SECURITY: A CASE STUDY OF AYUR JACK FARM OF THRISSUR, KERALA
Authors:   ijar, K.R Sreeni
Published: December 2020

In the backdrop of climate change, jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) plays an important role in ensuring food security. The fruit belongs to the Moraceae family and the largest edible fruit in the world. Its a large ungainly fruit grown across India especially in every part of Kerala and by 2018 Government of Kerala designated Jackfruit as the state fruit. During rainy season jackfruit is a staple food for many communities especially in hilly areas where they can use as supplement food with rice to meet nutrition security especially in tribal areas. Its far more nutritious than mangoes, oranges and other tropical fruits and having all the common starch. Its community food and commonly used by different communities in India, specially communities in hilly areas during rainy season from June â€“November. The four dimensions of food security, (i.e., Food Availability+ Food Access+ Food Utility + Food Stability) also cope with Environmental influence (Food Consumption +Food Production +Food Distribution). It moves beyond the concept of food supply to provide a comprehensive package for individuals to reach a state of nutritional well-being in which all physiological needs are met. Jack fruit is commercially viable for farmers as an average farmer get 50 kg from each tree and earn Rs 3000 apart from wood for fuel and leaves for domestic animals. It ensures food security in terms of (Food Availability=10,000Kg/Acre Food Access (Appropriate foods for a nutritious diet) =95 kcal Food Utility=40,000 Families/Acre i.e. 4member/Kg and Food Stability= 6 months).A community food system is a food system in which food production, processing, distribution and consumption are integrated to enhance the environmental, economic, social and nutritional health of a particular place (Garrett and Feenstra, 1999) i.e. realizing a food secure community. A food secure community is a place where all community residents obtain a safe, culturally appropriate, nutritionally sound diet through an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable food system that promotes community self-reliance and social justice (Hamm & Bellows, 2002). There are many communities whose staple food is jackfruit. The Kaani tribal community, Kanyakumari forests, of the Western Ghats, were a nomadic tribe solely dependent on Jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), and is a major staple food apart from tapioca. Despite its versatility as a tree species for general afforestation and for agroforestry programs research attention should be given on to involve jack fruit trees under system which are yet to be evolved.
INVERTED TAKOTSUBO CARDIOMYOPATHY FOLLOWING BRAIN HEMATOMA
Authors:   CardilogyA Departement, Ibn SinaUniversity Hospital Center, MohammedVUniversity., Srifi Dania
Published: December 2020

Inverted takotsubo is an entity that until now overlooked by healthcare practitioners.Its appearance in severe neurological disorders makes him a subject of exciting research. In this article, we report the case of a women 37 years old presenting with during a comitial attack associated 2 hours later with chest pain mimicking acute coronary syndrome.Echocardiography revealed an extensive left ventricular akinesis except at the apex. Coronary angiography performed hasshowen healthy coronary arteries. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis confirms the diagnosis of inverted takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
THE EFFECTS OF CHURCH MINISTRIES AND THEIR INFLUENCES ON CHURCH FOLLOWERS IN KIMIMINI SUB -COUNTY TRANS- NZOIA COUNTY
Authors:   M Th (Masters in Theology) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Northwestern Christian University America Florida Mount Dora., B.W Patrick Kimungui , Wandukusi Susan ,   M Th (Masters in Theology) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Northwestern Christian University America Florida Mount Dora., Olutwati Patrick ,   M Th (Masters in Theology) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Northwestern Christian University America Florida Mount Dora., Masinde John ,   M Th (Masters in Theology) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Northwestern Christian University America Florida Mount Dora., Barasa Japheth ,   M Th (Masters in Theology) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Northwestern Christian University America Florida Mount Dora., Imbuye Ruth ,   M Th (Masters in Theology) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Northwestern Christian University America Florida Mount Dora., Mukubuyi Wanyama ,   M Th (Masters in Theology) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Northwestern Christian University America Florida Mount Dora., Loeseps Liman David ,   M Th (Masters in Theology) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Northwestern Christian University America Florida Mount Dora.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of church ministries and their influences on church followers inKiminini sub-county, Trans-Nzoia. The main problem that promoted the researcher to do the study on the topic was that church leadership seemed to be the cause of the challenges facing many church followers..The researcher wished to unearth the origin of many churches and the effects of believers and how they affect the management of many churches .The objectives of the study established the way church leadership pin church followers on sin rather than love, determine the extent to which followers depend on church leadership for growth and development and to establish the teachings that the church followers receive from church leadership. .The study applied the Charismatic Leadership Theory by Max Weber 1924-47 and LMX Theory (1975) and Servant Leadership Theory Robert Greenleaf, 1977 .The researcher exploited the study by descriptive researcher design which provided a mixed research design that led to a triangular design. The descriptive survey design was applied to gather information on the way church followers respond to church leadership..The variables under review were independent ,dependent and intervening variables .The simple random sampling techniques and purposive sampling techniques were utilized .The instruments of questionnaires ,interview schedules and focused group method were used that gave the findings for discussions and interpretations..The data was analyzed descriptively using tables and percentages and presented the summary conclusions, recommendations and gaps for further research where it will be used by other researchers, scholars, church leaders and educationists.
POOR PROGNOSTIC DETERMINANTS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING SUPERFICIAL FEMORAL ARTERY ANGIOPLASTY
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Vascular Surgery, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur., Maruthu Thurai S. , Mohan Raja P. ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Vascular Surgery, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur., Murali M. ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Vascular Surgery, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur.
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Aim is to study the poor prognostic determinants for patients undergoing superficial femoral artery angioplasty . Material and Methods: It is a Prospective observational study done in fifty patients who has undergone superficial femoral artery angioplasty for lower limb ischemia. Results: 22% had reocclusion of lesion, 10% required reintervention and 8% underwent major limb amputation .These three were considered major negative impact conditions. These were found in majority of patients with renal insufficiency, critical limb ischemia, smoker and drug defaulters. Conclusion: Thus poor prognostic determinants in the study were renal insufficiency, critical limb ischemia , smoker and drug defaulters.
RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT PREPAREDNESS OF STRASUC OLYMPICS: A DISASTER RESPONSE AND GOVERNANCE
Authors:   Faculty, Laguna State Polytechnic University, Santa Cruz, Laguna College of Teacher Education March 2020., L. Bartolome , Ph. D. Liza
Published: December 2020

Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (STRASUC) Olympics is a densely populated event and composed of players that are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. To reduce this vulnerability, particularly in sports events, it is important to provide a Disaster Management Plan. STRASUC also have many resources and therefore, has a responsibility towards its immediate locality, just as the neighboring community is linked to them.Pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 10121 entitled The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, an act mandated to strengthen disaster management in the Philippines, which mandates all national government agencies to institutionalize policies, structures, coordination mechanisms and programs with continuing budget appropriation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) from national to local levels including CHED guidelines on DRRMO, which is mandated to initiate and spearhead the establishment of mechanisms to prepare, guarantee protection and increase resiliency of STRASUC constituents in the face of disaster, CHED issues the enclosed coordination and information management protocols in STRASUC offices to establish the system of coordination and information management and provide guidance to STRASUC offices on their respective roles and functions relative to DRRM implementation.Furthermore, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issues the enclosed Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) in their lecture to ensure resilience-building in universities to maintain quality education even during disasters and/or emergencies.The DRRM office institutionalizes the culture of safety at all levels, to systematize the protecytion of education investments and to ensure continued delivery of quality education services. It shall serve as the focal and coordinative unit for DRRM-related activities. The DRRMO shall perform the following specific functions: Act as the focal point in planning, implementing, coordinating and monitoring of activities related to DRRM, EiE and CCA. Develop aznd recommend policy standards and actions on management on DRRM/EiE/CCA matters. Initiate and coordinate cooperation and collaborative activities with the national government agencies, NGO and CSO.
THE EFFECT OF THERMOCYCLING ON MARGINAL SEALING ABILITY OF MTA PLUS AND BIODENTINE WHEN USED AS ROOT-END FILLING MATERIALS
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Institute of Dental Sciences, Sehora, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India., Choudhary Deebah
Published: December 2020

Background:Marginal microleakage occurs when restorations are poorly adapted to the cavity walls which leads to penetration of bacteria, fluid and nutrient into the marginal gap. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of thermocycling on marginal sealing ability of two root-end filling materials i.e. MTA Plus and Biodentine. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was conducted at Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics in Institute of Dental Sciences (IDS), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Forty extracted teeth with single root were decoronated maintaining a standardized length of 16mm. Biomechanical preparation and obturation was done for all the teeth. Samples were stored at 37oC and 100% humidity for seven days. Apical 3mm was resected and cavities were prepared which were randomly divided into two experimental groups with twenty samples each. The cavities were filled with MTA Plus in group I and Biodentine in group II. These groups were further divided into two subgroups of ten each (n=10). The second subgroup of both the groups did not receive any treatment and the first subgroup samples were subjected to 500 thermocycles in water bath at temperature ranges between 5oC and 55oC with a dwell time of 30 second. The samples were immersed in methylene blue dye and after through washing they were sectioned longitudinally. Examination was done under stereomicroscope to measure the depth of penetration. Statistical Analysis: The data collected were put to statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) and post hoc tests. Results: The average depth of dye penetration was least for Biodentine when thermocycling treatment was not given (0.13mm) and maximum value was depicted by MTA Plus when undergone thermal cycles (0.57mm). It is also noted that no significant difference is seen in Biodentine with or without artificial aging procedure. Conclusion:Biodentine showed least amount of microleakage, thus a better sealing ability.Alsothere was little effect of thermocycling onmicroleakage of both the materials.
MR CHOLANGIO-PANCREATICOGRAPHY AS A TOOL FOR EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH PANCREATICOBILIARY DISEASES
Authors:   ijar, S. Nadaf Ashraf , C.P Nanjaraj , Kumar N.L Rajendra , Kumar M.R Shashi , Kumar C.N Pradeep
Published: December 2020

Objectives Of Study: 1. To describe features of pancreaticobiliary diseases on MRCP. 2. Outlining the extent in terms of involvement of adjacent structures, vesselsâ€¨and soft tissues. â€¨ 3. To help in deciding further course of management. 4. To identify the anatomical variants. â€¨ 5. To prove the Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography (MRCP) isâ€¨one of the best imaging modality for evaluation of pancreatico-biliary disease. Material And Methods:The present study was undertaken to evaluate the role of MRCP in evaluation of pancreaticobiliary diseases. The study will be done on patients presenting with features suggestive of pancreatico-biliary diseases attending the OPD or admitted in various wards of Krishna Rajendra hospital, Mysore attached to Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore. A total of 30 patients were included in our study. Result:Majority of patients in study population were males (60%) while 40% were females. The mean age of the study sample was 37.5 years and maximum numbers of cases were observed in age group of > 40 years. Majority of pathologies observed were benign 18(60%). Pancreatitis was the most common finding (33.3%) followed by Cholangiocarcinoma (20%), Choledocholithiasis (13.4%), Periampullary carcinoma (10%), Ca. Pancreas (6.7%) & Choledochal cyst (6.7%).Pancreatitis is common in males followed by Cholangiocarcinoma, which is common in both males & females.Both benign & malignant strictures have equal predominance. Both benign & malignant strictures are common in proximal CBD. Conclusion: MRCP is non-invasive, non-ionizing imaging method for evaluation of pancreatico-biliary anatomy and pathology. It is superior diagnostic modality in detection and characterization of pancreatico-biliary pathologies.
Energy consumption, CO2 emissions and economic growth in MENA countries
Authors: Maalej Ali , Cabagnols Alexandre
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the relationship between economic growth, final consumption, investment, energy use and CO2  emissions in two groups of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries: Oil Poor Countries (OPC) and Oil Rich Countries (ORC). It is assumed and verified that the structural relationship between GDP growth, energy use and CO2  emissions is different in these two groups of countries. FGLS panel estimations were carried out over the period 1974–2014. In ORC, no significant relationships are observed between energy use and GDP, whereas CO2 emissions and GDP are positively linked. In OPC, there are opposite connections: a positive link between GDP and energy use, whereas the impact of CO2  emissions on GDP tends to be negative. In both groups of countries, a positive and bi-directional link is observed between energy use and CO2  emissions. The strength of this link is twice bigger in OPC than in ORC. This indicates that CO2 reduction policies conducted through energy use control (quantitative and qualitative) will have higher effect in OPC than in ORC. This also shows that the relationships between economic growth, energy use and CO2  emissions differ noticeably and structurally between OPC and ORC. These results provide new insights into the opportunities and threats faced by CO2 reduction policies in OPCs and ORCs.
Iron Nitrate Modified Cotton and Polyester Textile Fabric Applied for Reactive Dye Removal from Water Solution
Authors: Komatsu Jenny , Motta Beatriz , Tiburcio Rodolfo , Pereira Neto Ana , de Pape Pol , Mandelli Dalmo , Carvalho Wagner
Published: December 2020

In this work, we investigated the use of cotton scraps in natura and modified with iron nitrate,in the adsorption of one of the main water contaminants of the textile industries, the reactive black dye. Special attention was paid to the appropriate destination of the spent adsorbent, in compliance with the precepts of the circular economy. Cotton and polyester are excellent candidates for adsorbents and are produced on a large scale worldwide, but fabric wastes do not yet have a wellestablished method of application. We found that fabrics containing different types of fibers or colors maintain the ability to remove dye. The retention promoted by the cotton fabric in natura reached 18.8 mg g-1. After treatment with iron ions, there was an increase in the dye adsorption capacity to 31.0 mg g-1. In addition, the spent iron-containing adsorbent was pyrolyzed at 973 K, resulting in an activated magnetic carbon with a specific surface area ranging from 300 to 565 m2 g-1. Thus, it was possible to convert the used adsorbent into a new material with wide application possibilities.
The effect of transfer funds to regions and village funds on human development index in districts of west java province in 2015-2018
Authors: Yusuf Muhammad Afrizal , Afendi Arif
Published: December 2020

Purpose - This research aims to analyze the influence of the Revenue Sharing Fund, General Allocation Fund, Special Allocation Fund, and Village Fund on the level of Human Development Index in 18 Districts in West Java Province in 2015-2018.Method - The data used in this study were secondary. The Revenue Sharing Fund, General Allocation Fund, Special Allocation Fund, and Village Fund are obtained from the Central Government Financial Report from the Ministry of Finance. Meanwhile, the human development index data were obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS). The data were analyzed using multiple linear regressions.  Result - The results showed that the revenue sharing fund had a positive and significant effect on the Human Development Index, the general allocation fund had a negative and significant effect on the human development index, the special allocation fund had a positive but insignificant effect on the human development index, while the village fund had a negative and insignificant effect on the human development index.Implication - This study provides information that in the implementation of effective transfers of funds in the process of receiving or transferring funds from provinces to regions, certainty and clarity regarding expenditure burdens or authority is needed which is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of fiscal decentralization policies through fund transfers so that an increase in the human development index can be achieved.Originality - By using secondary data from a sample of districts and cities in West Java, this study illustrates how the influence of Transfer Funds to Regions and Village Funds in increasing the Human Development Index.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEVEL OF EDUCATION AND POST-STROKE COGNITIVE STATUS IN HOSPITAL-BASED ISCHEMIC STROKE SURVIVORS
Authors: Syafii Harahap Herpan , Indrayana Yanna , Asih Putri Setyawati
Published: December 2020

Background: Post-ischemic stroke cognitive decline is significantly affecting the quality of life of its survivors. Its prevalence was about 7.5-72% which was mostly determined by the existing of vascular risk factors and cognitive reserve of the subjects. Level of education is one of determinants of cognitive reserve, a factor that affect the susceptibility of subjects to cognitive decline after experiencing ischemic stroke-related neuronal damage. Since level of education is protective for cognitive function, the intervention on it can reduce the occurrence of cognitive decline. Objective: To investigate the relationship between level of education and cognitive status among hospital-based ischemic stroke survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved post-ischemic stroke outpatients in two hospitals. The data collected in this study were demographic data, including level of education, and clinical data as well. The level of education was categorized into ≥12 years and <12 years groups. Cognitive status was assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Indonesia version (MoCA-Ina) and subjects with score of 26-30 were normal. The relationship between level of education as well as clinical data and cognitive status were analyzed using chi-square test. Results: There were 166 subjects eligible for this study (n=166). The mean age of subjects was 58 years and 68.67% of them were male. Cognitive decline were found 80.12% of subjects (n=133). The level of education was significantly associated with cognitive status of the subjects and hypertension as well. Conclusion: The level of education had significant relationship with cognitive decline in the hospital-based population of ischemic stroke survivors.
Methodology for assessing the influence of control system on efficiency of application of electronic warfare units in military modeling complexes
Authors: Lyaskovskiy V. L. , Rizaev R. N. , Dopira R. V. , Kucherov Yu. S.
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the issues of simulation modeling of the use of electronic warfare units and subunits in military simulation complexes: factors and parameters that affect the result of their use. The aim of the work is to assess the influence of significant parameters of the control system on the effectiveness of the use of electronic warfare units and subunits for their further consideration when building a model of the control system in military simulating complexes. Scientific novelty lies in the development of a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of the use of electronic warfare units and subunits, taking into account the significant parameters of the control system. Various options for constructing a model of the functioning of the control system are considered. An example of the process of modeling the use of electronic warfare units and subdivisions and of the analysis of its results depending on the values of the parameters of the control system is given.
Translocation of Clostridial Infection as a Complication of Hip Arthroplasty in the Early Postoperative Period: Case Report
Authors: Pavlov V. V. , Sheraliev T. U. , Kirilina S. I. , Kretien S. O.
Published: December 2020

Background. Periprosthetic joint infection in the early postoperative period is a severe infectious complication. Its development, as a rule, is associated with the exogenous surgical wound infection, with the iatrogenic factor at the forefront. Clinical case description. A 73-years-old female with left-sided idiopathic 3rd stage hip osteoarthritis and concomitant pathology with a high degree of comorbidity underwent left hip arthroplasty with a cement-fixed “Endoservice” endoprosthesis. In the early postoperative period (4th to 6th days), against the background of chronic calculous cholecystitis exacerbation and gastrointestinal dysfunction, clostridial septicemia developed as a result of bacterial translocation. The timely diagnosis of the endogenous nature of this infection and the targeted antibiotic therapy prevented the surgical wound and endoprosthesis infection. The Harris score for the function of the left hip at discharge was 78 points. Conclusion. The presented clinical case demonstrates the importance of careful preoperative planning, especially in the patient with identifying somatic pathology of infectious nature, the need to detail the organ-specific microbiota as a mandatory procedure, as well as the prevention of periprosthetic joint infection during orthopedic operations, taking into account the data obtained.
Management of Chronic Pain Syndrome in Knee Osteoarthritis with Selective Embolization of Popliteal Artery Branches: Review
Authors: Kozadaev M. N. , Shchanitsyn I. N. , Girkalo M. V. , Bazhanov S. P. , Ulyanov V. Yu. , Kauts O. A.
Published: December 2020

Background. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in early stages as well as the pain syndrome associated with it usually suggests the combination of medicines and physical therapy means. However, no method has proven its absolute efficiency yet. Transcatheter arterial embolization of popliteal branches is a new minimally invasive treatment that is currently being studied and tested. The objective of our research was the analysis as well as generalization of the outcomes of the pain syndrome in knee OA treatment with the selective embolization of popliteal branches. Materials and Methods. The reviewed articles were retrieved from PubMed database and eLIBRARY digital library considering the criteria like the emboli material, size, and type; possible complications and their effect on the outcome; the patient enrolment criteria for this type of surgical management; the short and long-term outcomes. Results. Transcatheter arterial embolization of popliteal branches is a new minimally invasive method of knee OA treatment. All authors revealed the pathology growth of the vasculature and its complete embolization as a result of the intervention. The review articles present a significant abatement in patients resistant to conventional medical treatment, minimal possible complications, and good long-term outcomes. Conclusion. Since this method of knee OA management is new and understudied, and the number of the published findings does not exceed two hundred it required further thorough investigation and randomized clinical trials.
Comment to the Article “Surgical Treatment of Patient with Advanced Kienböck’s Disease: A Case Report”
Authors: Golubev I. O.
Published: December 2020

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