bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Prematurity and The Onset of Neonatal Sepsis: A Cross-Sectional Study in NICU of a Tertiary Hospital in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Nurrosyida K. , Annisa Harum N. , Tri Utomo M.
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of neonatal sepsis in developing countries is still high, reaching 170 out of 1000 births. An increased premature birth rate has become the leading cause of death in children under five years old. Studies examining the correlation between prematurity and neonatal sepsis onset have not been widely reported. Therefore, we assessed the correlation between gestational age and the onset of sepsis in neonatal patients.METHODS: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was performed on all neonates diagnosed with neonatal sepsis in the NICU of a tertiary referral hospital in East Java between 1 January 2019 – 31 December 2019. Logistic regression was used to analyze the obtained data. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 241 patients identified with neonatal sepsis at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in 2019, we found that 161 patients met the inclusion criteria, with most patients being early-onset sepsis patients (67.7%), low birth weight (75.8%), premature (65.2%), singleton deliveries (92.5%), and cesarean section births (65.2%). Statistical analysis showed a non-significant correlation between prematurity and the onset of neonatal sepsis (p>0.05).CONCLUSION: Although preterm birth is often reported as one of the most important risk factors of neonatal sepsis, prematurity does not appear to be an independent risk factor of neonatal sepsis onset
Contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) versus contrast-enhanced T1 MRI in the evaluation of intracranial tumors: A comparative study
Authors: Hassan Q. A
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION: At most institutions, the favored contrast MR sequence is T1-weighted imaging (T1WI). However, lesion enhancement is occasionally inconspicuous on T1WI.Objective: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced FLAIR compared to contrast-enhanced T1WI for intracranial tumors and to offer data for further clinical judgment. METHODS: 88 consecutive cases of intracranial tumors referred for contrast-enhanced brain MRI were analyzed. FLAIR and T1 were used alternately in equal percentages as the first contrast-enhanced sequence to avoid delayed contrast-enhancement effects of the lesions. Six quantitative criteria were considered: lesion-to-white matter contrast ratio (CR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), lesion-to-gray matter CR and CNR, and lesion-to-cerebrospinal fluid CR and CNR. For qualitative evaluation, two experienced radiologists assessed lesion conspicuity on contrast-enhanced-T1WI and FLAIR sequences using the following three scales: 1, FLAIR superior; 2, sequences equal; 3, T1 superior. RESULTS: For quantitative measurement, the contrast enhanced-FLAIR lesion-to-white matter, lesion-to-cerebrospinal fluid CR, and CNR values were statistically superior to those of the contrast enhanced-T1 weighted images (p = 0.001 in all). However, lesion-to-gray matter CR and CNR were slightly higher on CE-FLAIR, but with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.159, 0.184, respectively). For qualitative evaluation, both radiologists assessed that contrast enhanced-FLAIR images were superior to contrast enhanced-T1 weighted images for the evaluation of lesion conspicuity, especially when it was performed as the second sequence. CONCLUSION: FLAIR sequence was superior or comparable to T1 sequence, especially when performed as a second post-contrast sequence. Using contrast enhanced-FLAIR as a routine MRI sequence will increase diagnostic confidence.
Ideal Male-Oriented Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Delivery: A Qualitative Study of Men and Healthcare Providers’ Perspective from Nigeria
Authors: Ogidan O. C. , Olowokere A. E. , Olajubu A. O. , Olatunya O. S. , Irinoye O. O.
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION: The global burden of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) problems has remained a significant challenge to the wellbeing of men and limits the effectiveness of SRH interventions for females. This study explored men and healthcare providers’ perception of ideal male-oriented Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services.METHODS: This was an exploratory qualitative study involving three focus group discussions among men in selected communities and eight interviews among healthcare service providers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) guides were used to collect qualitative data from twenty-six men and eight healthcare service providers, respectively. Participants for the study were selected from three different units of the selected hospital and twelve communities. Data were sorted, transcribed, and analyzed using Atlas ti software. Inductive-deductive thematic analysis was performed.RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the study: (a) ideal men-oriented SRH service provision within a unit specially made and named after men, (b) 24-hour daily SRH clinic and (c) locating SRH Clinic in the healthcare institutions with outlets in the communities and schools. The participants identified primary needs as SRH organs assessments; screening services; family planning services; and education and counselling on prevention and treatment of male SRH problems.CONCLUSION: Men have SRH service preferences that focused on preventive and therapeutic sexual and reproductive health needs that are desired to be male-oriented, dedicated and provided in health facilities with public outlets.
Pentecostalisation in the Devhula Lebowa Circuit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa: towards church growth and ecumenism
Authors: Kgatle Mookgo Solomon , Malema Mulalo Thilivhali Fiona
Published: February 2023

The growth of the Pentecostal movement is not only marked by the proliferation of the Pentecostal churches in Africa and the diaspora but also by the adaptation to the Pentecostalist practices particularly pneumatic experiences by mainline Christianity known as Pentecostalisation. Instead of completely joining the Pentecostal movement, some mainline churches adjust their practices to suit their congregants who are more pentecostalist and charismatically inclined. This article uses the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, the Devhula Lebowa Circuit, Limpopo province in South Africa as a case study to illustrate that the adaptation to Pentecostalist practices in the church is the source of church growth and ecumenism. This kind of adaptation has some implications in demonstrating that different Christian traditions can learn from one another to grow in terms of numbers. Secondly, it demonstrates that the Christian tradition can move towards unity by learning from one another instead of being divided along denominational lines. Through a participation observation method, this study shows that Pentecostalisation cannot be viewed negatively but should be revisited by scholars considering church growth and the notion of ecumenism.
A Theological Evaluation of Pentecostalism and its Relevance for the Contemporary
Church
Authors: Olabamiji Elisha Oyedele
Published: February 2023

The wave of spiritual dimensions in the Christian faith cannot be over-emphasised due to personal encounters with the Divine God and subject to people's understanding and knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. The writer adopted a historical and theological approach in discussing, appraising and evaluating Pentecostalism and its relevance to the contemporary Church. A notable distinction is made between classical Pentecostal denominations, that is, those which began in the first quarter of the twentieth century, the charismatic Movement within the historic churches since 1960 and the newer charismatic, and the third wave, that is, the independent churches since 1775. The paper argues that Pentecostalism is one of the most significant religious phenomena in twentieth and twenty-first-century Christianity and that the Azusa street revival is a notable historical Pentecostalism worldwide. The paper concluded that the Azusa revival remains the mainstream of Pentecostalism in Africa and the world at large and that Pentecostalism is undoubtedly a source of blessings to the Church, yet it is expected of the Church to thirst for it without delay. Pentecostalism serves as a means of membership retention within the organised structure; it has the potential to pave the way for harmonious living and teamwork within the body of Christ in general.
Analyzing the Changing Role of Professional Secretary in Dealing with The Impact of Digital Technology (A Case Study on Professional Secretaries in Indonesia)
Authors: Musty Bertha
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this research is to analyze the preparedness of secretaries’ profession in dealing with the changing role in handling administrative work and the other impacts of digital technology. The research objectives are to determine the understanding of digital technology in business administration that will have an impact on the automation and simplification of secretarial administrative work, to find out what executive secretary jobs can be replaced by the digital technology and to identify competences of the secretary. This study was carried out using descriptive qualitative methodology with online survey technique with total respondents of 150 Professional Secretaries from various companies in Indonesia, and an addition of 25 respondents, who are superiors of secretaries. The research concludes that several secretarial jobs have been supported by some developing digital technology tools. Digital technology helps increase the efficiency of secretarial administrative task, as much as 56% in document filing management, 76% in managing database, 70% in analyzing data and information, 47% in implementing and maintaining administration procedures. It helps track and streamline processes. In fact, this increased efficiency in operation helps reduce costs and time, 52% in organizing meeting, 82% in maintaining diaries, 47% in arranging manager’s business travel. This research proposes new competencies of professional secretary that need to be strengthened, specifically in the areas of the digitalization and automation secretarial administrative tasks, management office information system, data analysis, communication, and public relations function. This topic of digital technology in secretarial administrative work in Indonesia has never been discussed before. It has a substantial impact on developing secretarial profession in Indonesia and gives a boarder impact on the preparedness of development the executive secretary role in companies.
Studying the Formulation of Shallot (Allium Ascalonicum L.) Ethanol Extract Gel as Treatment of Excision Wounds in Rats
Authors: Sidiq Fahmi , Kamaludin Kamaludin , Kankarofi Rabiu H.
Published: February 2023

Onion bulbs (Allium ascalonicum L.) contain alkaloid compounds and saponins which can accelerate the wound healing process. Therefore, a study was conducted on the wound healing effect of excision of ethanol extract of onion bulbs (Allium ascalonicum L.) in the form of a gel against mice (Rattus novergicus). The purpose of this research was to study the stability of the preparation as well as the effectiveness and optimum concentration in excision wound healing from the ethanolic extract of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) in gel dosage form. The concentration variants used were 5%, 10%, and 20%. The method used was sample extraction by maceration and wound gel was made in 3 concentrations, namely 5%, 10%, and 20% then a stability test was carried out on the preparation by cycling test method at 4⁰C and 40⁰C for 6 cycles. Besides that, gel base was also used as a negative control and octadine® gel as a positive control, then the back skin of a rat (Rattus novergicus) was injured using a surgical knife. The results of the observation of the stability of the wound gel preparation were stable both at 4⁰C and at 40⁰C. Reduction of the length of the wound at the beginning of the treatment until the wound was completely closed showed that the ethanol extract gel preparation of shallot bulbs (Allium ascalonicum L.) could reduce and heal cuts in rats with a concentration of 20% which showed the most effective wound healing effect.Onion bulbs (Allium ascalonicum L.) contain alkaloid compounds and saponins which can accelerate the wound healing process. Therefore, a study was conducted on the wound healing effect of excision of ethanol extract of onion bulbs (Allium ascalonicum L.) in the form of a gel against mice (Rattus novergicus). The purpose of this research was to study the stability of the preparation as well as the effectiveness and optimum concentration in excision wound healing from the ethanolic extract of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) in gel dosage form. The concentration variants used were 5%, 10%, and 20%. The method used was sample extraction by maceration and wound gel was made in 3 concentrations, namely 5%, 10%, and 20% then a stability test was carried out on the preparation by cycling test method at 4⁰C and 40⁰C for 6 cycles. Besides that, gel base was also used as a negative control and octadine® gel as a positive control, then the back skin of a rat (Rattus novergicus) was injured using a surgical knife. The results of the observation of the stability of the wound gel preparation were stable both at 4⁰C and at 40⁰C. Reduction of the length of the wound at the beginning of the treatment until the wound was completely closed showed that the ethanol extract gel preparation of shallot bulbs (Allium ascalonicum L.) could reduce and heal cuts in rats with a concentration of 20% which showed the most effective wound healing effect.
Analysis of Average Length of Schooling of Indonesian Citizens in the Future Using Markov Chains
Authors: Ibrahim Riza Adrian , Sampath Sivaperumal
Published: February 2023

Based on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Indonesia, the average length of schooling of Indonesian citizens is continuously increasing every year. This increase is predicted to continue in the future. However, it has yet to be discovered how the increasing rate in the average length of schooling will occur. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the increasing rate of the average length of schooling of Indonesian citizens in the future. The data used is the average length of schooling of Indonesian citizens from 2010 to 2021. The analytical method used is the discrete-time Markov chain. Furthermore, the states representing the increasing rate in the average length of schooling used are divided into two: the increasing rate in the average length of schooling that is smaller and larger than the average. Based on the analysis results, the probability that the increasing rate in Indonesian citizens' average length of schooling will be less than the average in the future is 0.4. In contrast, the probability that the increasing rate in Indonesian citizens' average length of schooling will be greater than the average in the future is 0.6. It indicates that Indonesian citizens will have a high education level in the future. The results can be used as the future education state projection of Indonesian citizens so that it can be accompanied by empowerment.
Manufacturing Engineering Training for Vocational High Schools Students in East Priangan, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sambas Aceng , Gundara Gugun , Fujilestari Sri Ayu
Published: February 2023

The main problem in the manufacturing process in vocational schools is the limited number of manufacturing machines for the practical process because the equipment is very expensive. Therefore, the main objective of this activity is to provide training on manufacturing processes both theoretically and experimentally to vocational high school students in Tasikmalaya City. The results of this activity indicate that vocational high school students gain experience and knowledge in operating manufacturing machinery from start to finish.
Increasing MSME Performance Through Institutional Strengthening, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Marketing
Authors: Tresnasari Rini , Zulganef Zulganef
Published: February 2023

The Indonesian economy currently lack of solid fundamentals, which has prompted the government to continue strengthening Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This industry can support the government and take on a sizable workforce. MSMEs have demonstrated they can survive and grow into the engine of the economy, especially after the financial crisis, so their survival cannot be questioned. MSMEs contribute 61.1% of the national economy's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and can absorb productive labor in Indonesia. MSMEs must be able to maintain MSME performance, survive with all their available resources, and even experience growth in this uncertain situation. Some of the issues MSMEs encounter include the lack of legal institutions. MSMEs need legal institutions because they can boost consumer confidence in the products they sell. The second issue is the change in pandemic consumer trends from offline to online for products and services. In order to maintain MSME performance under unpredictable circumstances, particularly those caused by external environmental factors, Entrepreneur Marketing (EM) is a conceptual approach that is ideal for implementation in MSMEs. The conventional marketing idea, which served as a business solution, has been replaced by the idea of entrepreneurial marketing. In order to increase MSME performance, MSMEs must also benefit from digital marketing, which tries to market through digital media to reach target consumers swiftly and precisely. This study highlights the issues that MSMEs face and how to enhance institutions, encourage entrepreneurship, and use digital marketing to improve MSME performance.
Removal of Toxicant Cr(VI) from Waste Water by Using Chemically Modified Natural Green Coconut Husk Powder
Authors: Vanshpati Rajesh , Shrivastava J. K , Baghel Rakhi
Published: February 2023

Heavy metals contaminated wastewater deteriorating water quality worldwide. Cr(VI) is one toxic heavy metal that attracts international attention due to its environmental effects. Waste biomass-derived activated carbon is the most widely utilized adsorbent for the remediation of water contamination at a low cost as compared to others techniques. The sustainability and economic utilization of activated carbon depend on the activation process and raw material used for the preparation of the adsorbent. Coconut waste can be utilized as a valuable adsorbent for wastewater treatment. However, their economic utilization is crucial for sustainability. The objective of this work is to synthesize value-added adsorbent from green coconut waste and derived adsorbent utilized for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater cost-effectively. Iron oxide and H2SO4-activated coconut husk was fabricated by the co-precipitation method for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater. The batch experiment studies using chemically activated coconut husk adsorbent at pH 5 and Cr(VI) removal 85.76% was achieved by using a 0.3g dose and an initial Cr (VI) concentration of 20 ppm in 60 min. The equilibrium Cr(VI) binding on the adsorbent was well explained using Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.987), The maximum adsorption capacity of the coconut husk-modified adsorbent is 17.09 g/mg. The regeneration study indicated that the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto synthesized adsorbent was a reversible process. Overall results indicated those synthesized adsorbents are efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly and could be potentially applied for removing toxic Cr (VI) from wastewater.
Examining Undergraduate College Students’ Experiences Participating in Longitudinal Qualitative Research
Authors: Perez Rosemary J. , Acuña Arely , Wheaton Marissiko M.
Published: February 2023

While many researchers describe the potential benefits to individuals if they opt to participate in qualitative research, it is not always feasible to empirically examine how engaging in a study influence the participants. Acknowledging this gap, we conducted a descriptive qualitative study to explore how 67 low-income students described their experiences as participants in a larger longitudinal qualitative research project that involved regularly submitting video diaries and participating in interviews over the course of three years. Overall, participants characterized their experiences as positive and highlighted unanticipated benefits of the project. Although many individuals were drawn to the project for the compensation, they found that regularly engaging in reflection with the support of a researcher they trusted to be beneficial. Participants often described their interviews as cathartic and as a place where they could make sense of their experiences in and outside of college. Opportunities for sustained reflection also helped participants increase their self-awareness. Additionally, participants described their videos as material evidence of their growth and development over time and indicated that this longitudinal project helped them develop their communication and time management skills.
HISTORY OF ISLAMIC REVIVALISM IN SAUDI ARABIA SHAYKH MUHAMMAD BIN ABD. WAHHAB
Authors: Jabri Umiyati , Hasaruddin  , Firdiani Dian , Assidiq Ilham , Hasan
Published: February 2023

Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab, is the founder of the Wahhabi movement in Saudi Arabia. The Wahhabi movement is one of the religious movements that seeks to purify Islam from all understandings and practices that have deviated from actual demands. According to him, the basic creeds of the Wahhabism are essentially no different from what was stated by Ibn Taimiyah. The difference is only in how to implement and interpret certain issues. The belief or monotheism of Muslims has been contaminated by various things such as superstition, bid'ah and khufarat which can lead an Muslim to syirik. The revivalist group considered that the monotheism taught by the Prophet Muhammad had been shrouded in khurafat and the ideology of Sufism. Many mosques were abandoned because people tended to decorate themselves with azimat.
The Internalization of Malaqbiq Pau Values to Students at Madrasah Aliyah Pondok Pesantren DDI Baruga
Authors: Marwa Sitti , Sunusi Zulfianah
Published: February 2023

The main problem examined in this study is the internalization of malaqbiq pau values of students at Madrasah Aliyah Pondok Pesantren DDI Baruga. The formulations of this research problem are (1) What is the form of malaqbiq pau values of students at Madrasah Aliyah Pondok Pesantren DDI Baruga? (2) How are the efforts to internalize malaqbiq pau values in Madrasah Aliyah Pondok Pesantren DDI Baruga? This researchwas conducted at Madrasah Aliyah Pondok Pesantren DDI Baruga, Majene Regency, West Sulawesi Province. The type of research is descriptive qualitative research, namely a study that describes a fact in the field. The data collection is carried out in three ways, namely observation, interviews and documentation. The results of this study show that the form of malaqbiq pau values of students at Madrasah Aliyah Pondok Pesantren DDIBaruga is implemented from four elements, namely tammassuang kedo gauq (not rigid in doing and acting), tammenggapa sassabuarang (not rough mouth), tammalessei puroloa (not breaking promises) and tammakeqla-keqla tau (not envious). Meanwhile, efforts to internalize malaqbiq pau values of students carried out by madrasah and Islamic boarding schools are through learning moral creeds, recitation of leadership andexamples from teachers and coaches.
Ussul Culture as Local Wisdom of The Mandar Tribe in West Sulawesi in The Perspective of Islamic Education
Authors: Nurfadhil A , Suryadi Ahmad , Syafruddin A. Ummu Fauziyyah
Published: February 2023

This research is motivated by the Ussul culture which has developed a lot in the West Sulawesi region, especially in Polewali Mandar Regency. Ussul culture which means the hope or prayer of the former people as an intermediary to the creator in a positive sense, which in this study is studied based on the view of Islamic education, bearing in mind the position of Islamic education in forming community individuals both physicallyand spiritually systematically in examining a culture which will then be studied regarding the elements of benefits and objectives as the basis for preserving and maintaining a culture so that it remains able to adapt in the future, bearing in mind that the development of science will become the foundation and reference for individuals in the future in doing things . Data collection methods in this study are observation, interviews anddocumentation. The results of this study indicate that in essence the culture of Ussul and pamali does notconflict with religion , but the culture of Ussul is directly proportional to religion. As seen in the concept of Ussulculture, it is always associated with prayer, hope in God. Meanwhile, as humans, what we always do is pray toGod, but we propose the same thing as praying in a different version.
ISLAMIC HISTORY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: PATTANI
Authors: Amin Rizqy Mutmainnah , Hasaruddin Hasaruddin
Published: February 2023

This writing aims to describe the arrival of Islam in Pattani , describe the spread of Islam in Pattani , anddescribe the problems of Muslims in Thailand. The method used is descriptive, namely describing andconstructing data obtained from various reading sources, both in the form of journals and books. After that, thedata and findings are then analyzed and then described in the form of descriptions, words so that theybecome discussions and findings. The results of the discussion are Hikayat Patani which explains thebeginning of the formation of the Patani Sultanate , in his writings it is explained that when the King of Pataninamed Phaya Tu Nakpa fell ill the third time. Someone from Pasai Syekh Said on that occasion promised toheal the King on condition that the King was ready to accept Islam as his religion. During the third illness, theking really followed what he promised, then the king embraced Islam. The entry of the king into Islam wassimultaneously followed by the people of Patani who believed that the king's religion was the religion of thepeople. With the King's Islam, the king changed his name to the name Sultan Ismail Shah. The process ofentering Islam in South Pattani Thailand is through trade, social culture and teaching. According to popularhistorians, Islam entered Pattani through trade routes. Because trade through the Indian Ocean and the SouthChina Sea began in the 10th century and grew until the 11th century AD. The problems of Muslims in Thailandare inseparable from the problems faced by Malay Muslims in the south. They are required to wear non-Malayclothing and adopt Thai names if they wish to attend government schools or seek employment in governmentservice.
Results From a Prospective Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Database: Clinical Characteristics and Functional Outcomes using the Functional Independence Measure
Authors: Ng Yee Sien , Jung Heeyoune , Tay San San , Bok Chek Wai , Chiong Yi , Lim Peter AC
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Rehabilitation improves functional outcomes, but there is little data on the profiles and outcomes of patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation in Singapore. The aims of this paper were to document the clinical characteristics and functional outcomes, using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), of all patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit in a tertiary teaching hospital, and to identify and analyse factors significantly associated with better discharge functional scores and higher functional gains. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study over a 4-year period, clinical and functional data for 1502 patients admitted consecutively to the Singapore General Hospital inpatient rehabilitation unit were charted into a custom-designed rehabilitation database. The primary outcome measures were the discharge total FIM scores, FIM gain and FIM efficiency. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify independent variables associated with better discharge FIM scores and FIM gain. Results: The mean age was 61.3 ± 15.0 years and 57.2% of the patients were male. Stroke (57.9%) followed by spinal cord injury (9.7%) were the most common diagnoses. The average rehabili-tation length of stay was 21.5 ± 19.0 days. The mean admission total FIM score was 70.3 ± 23.2 and the mean discharge total FIM score was 87.3 ± 23.0, with this gain being highly significant (P <0.001). The mean FIM gain was 17.0 ± 13.4 and FIM efficiency was 0.95 ± 0.90 points/day. Factors associated with better functional outcomes were higher admission motor and cognitive FIM scores, male gender, a longer rehabilitation length of stay and the use of acupuncture. Factors associated with poorer functional outcomes were older age, clinical deconditioning, ischaemic heart disease, depression, pressure sores and the presence of a domestic worker as a caregiver. Conclusions: The FIM is an easy-to-use, standardised and robust general measure of functional disability. Multiple demographic, clinical and socio-cultural variables are associated with the primary functional outcomes and should be taken into account in rehabilitation and discharge planning. Nevertheless, rehabilitation improves functional outcomes across a wide range of diagnoses. Further research should be aimed at evaluating long-term disability post-discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and translating these findings into improving rehabili-tation and healthcare resource utilisation. Key words: Database, Functional Independence Measure, Functional outcomes, Rehabilitation,
Recovery and Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury: A Review and Summary of Recent Literature
Authors: Lim Peter AC , Tow Adela M
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in significant neurologic dysfunction and disability. An annual incidence of 15 to 40 traumatic SCI cases per million population has been reported worldwide, and a conservative estimate for Singapore would be 23 cases per million. With continued improvements in medical care, an increasing prevalence of SCI patients is expected, with corresponding need for comprehensive rehabilitation services led by specialist rehabilitation physicians.

Methods: A literature search, review, and summary of findings of recent studies relating to factors associated with recovery, as well as interventions for rehabilitation and promotion of healing of the injured spinal cord was performed.

Conclusions: Many SCI patients show improvements in motoric and neurologic level, but those with complete injuries have poor chance of improving American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scores. SCI of violent aetiology tends to be more neurologic complete, and those without sacral sparing less likely to improve. Older patients generally do well in activities of daily living. Women have better motor score improvement, although men have better Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores generally. Electrodiagnostic tests such as somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) can help with prognostication, as can imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Immediate surgery for spinal decompression may improve recovery, but whether routine surgery after SCI improves function remains unclear, as does the timing. Methylprednisolone and similar agents appear to help limit secondary injury processes. Rehabilitation interventions such as functional electrical stimulation (FES) and body-weight supported treadmill ambulation training may be effective, as may neural-controlled prostheses and devices. Substances that promote repair and regeneration of the injured spinal cord such as GM-1, 4-AP, BDNG, GDNF, Nogo and MAG-inhibitors, have been studied. Transplanted tissues and cells, such as blood macrophages, bone marrow transplant with GM-CSF, olfactory ensheathing cells, fetal tissues, stem or progenitor cells, have been reported to produce neurological improvements.

Key words: Prognosis, Regeneration, Rehabilitation, Spinal cord injuries
Emphysematous Gastritis: A Case Report and a Review of Literature
Authors: Loi Tsuan-Hao , See Ju-Yaw , Diddapur Ravishankar K , Issac John R
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Gas is rarely found within the viscera outside the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Emphysematous gastritis is a rare form of infection of the stomach wall by gas producing organisms.

Clinical Picture: A 45-year-old Chinese lady underwent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Postoperatively, she turned septic and encephalopathic with worsening liver function. Computed tomography scan revealed a thickened, oedematous stomach wall with air pockets within.

Treatment: The patient was started on a course of broad spectrum antibiotics.

Outcome: She responded and was discharged well.

Conclusion: Emphysematous gastritis is a rare condition with high mortality. There is however, still no preferable approach of treatment despite therapeutic advances.

Key words: gas, stomach wall, gastric emphysema
Medication Use in the Transition from Hospital to Home
Authors: Cua Yvette M , Kripalani Sunil
Published: February 2023

After hospital discharge, correct understanding and use of medications are key components of patient safety. The current discharge process does not provide adequate fail-safes to ensure quality post-discharge care. This often leads to preventable medication errors as well as non-adherence. Several barriers to successful discharge counselling, including use of medical jargon, lack of educational and administrative resources, time constraints, and low health literacy, contribute to ineffective communication between hospital physicians and patients. Other obstacles include inaccurate or incomplete documentation of the medication history, lack of social support, financial constraints, and poor transfer of information to outpatient physicians. Solutions to improve medication use in the transition period after hospital discharge require effective communication with patients through the use of easily understood language, highlighting key information, and ensuring patient comprehension through the “teach back” technique. More timely communication with outpatient physicians in addition to a more comprehensive transfer of information further facilitates the transition home. Finally, a systematic process of medication reconciliation also aids in decreasing the incidence of medication errors. Hospital-based physicians who attend to key details in the process of discharging patients can have a profound impact on improving medication adherence, avoiding medication errors, and decreasing adverse outcomes in the post-discharge period.

Key words: Communication, Hospital medicine, Medication adherence, Medication reconcilia-tion, Patient education
Internationally, it is Time to Bridge the Gap between Primary and Secondary Healthcare Services for the Dying
Authors: Murray Scott A , Kok Jaan Yang
Published: February 2023

Around two-thirds of people with incurable diseases in economically developed countries wish to die at home, but less than one-third succeed in doing so. Developing primary care-based services for the dying in the community is essential to reach and serve the whole population. Three typical “trajectories” or patterns of decline in the last year(s) of life have recently been described, and each of these may require different models of care to best meet the needs of patients. The palliative care approach must be urgently extended to patients with non-malignant conditions who have comparable concerns to and in some cases even greater and more prolonged unmet needs than cancer patients. Primary care professionals have the potential and ability to provide end-of-life care for most patients, given adequate training, resources and access to care facilities and specialist advice when needed. They are ideally placed to identify patients at diagnosis, hospital discharge or disease progression who might benefit from an early palliative care approach. In the UK, Australia and US, some important initiatives are gaining momentum to facilitate the delivery of primary palliative services. In Singapore, the involvement of family physicians in end-of-life care is very low. A local survey is currently being conducted to identify the challenges in getting more family physicians involved. Given adequate time and resources, community professionals throughout the world can provide effective, equitable, and accessible primary palliative care, and form a solid bridge of communication and support between primary and secondary care.

Key words: Palliative care, Family physicians, Community
The Hospitalist Movement – A Complex Adaptive Response to The Hospitalist Movement – A Complex Adaptive Response to Fragmentation of Care in Hospitals
Authors: Lee Kheng Hock
Published: February 2023

The increasing complexity of healthcare is accelerating the rate of specialisation in medicine, which in turn aggravates the fragmentation of care in hospitals. The hospitalist movement advocates for the return of generalist physicians to the hospital to provide general and more holistic medical care to inpatients. This can be seen as an adaptive response to care fragmentation. Starting in the mid-1990s in North America, where the impact of healthcare complexity and fragmentation has been most widely felt, the hospital movement has gained strength and spread across the continent rapidly. This paper examines the phenomenon of the hospitalist movement in the United States, Canada and Singapore. The conclusion is that variants of the hospital movement may emerge in different parts of the world as healthcare systems adapt to common global trends that drive the increasing complexity of healthcare. Key words: Complexity, Generalist, Hospitalist
Concerns, Perceived Impact and Preparedness in an Avian Influenza Pandemic – a Comparative Study between Healthcare Workers in Primary and Tertiary Care
Authors: Wong Teck Yee , Koh Gerald CH , Cheong Seng Kwing , Lee Heow Yong , Fong Yuke Tien , Sundram Meena , Koh Kelvin , Chia Sin Eng , Koh David
Published: February 2023

Introduction: With the potential threat of an avian influenza (AI) pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) are expected to play important roles, and they encounter significant stress levels from an expected increase in workload. We compared the concerns, perceived impact and preparedness for an AI pandemic between HCWs working in public primary care clinics and a tertiary healthcare setting. Materials and Methods: An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was given to 2459 HCWs working at 18 public polyclinics (PCs) and a tertiary hospital (TH) in Singapore from March to June 2006. The questionnaire assessed work-related and non-work-related concerns, perceived impact on personal life and work as well as workplace preparedness. Results: We obtained responses from 986 PC and 873 TH HCWs (response rate: 74.6% and 76.7%). The majority in both groups were concerned about the high AI risk from their occupation (82.7%) and falling ill with AI (75.9%). 71.9% accepted the risk but 25.5% felt that they should not be looking after AI patients with 15.0% consider resigning. HCWs also felt that people would avoid them (63.5%) and their families (54.1%) during a pandemic. The majority expected an increased workload and to feel more stressed at work. For preparedness, 74.2% felt personally prepared and 83.7% felt that their workplaces were prepared for an outbreak. TH HCWs were more likely to be involved in infection-control activities but the perception of infection-control preparedness in both groups was high (>80.0%). Conclusions: HCWs in both public primary and tertiary healthcare settings felt prepared, personally and in their workplaces, for a pandemic. Their main concerns were risks of falling ill from exposure and the possibility of social ostracism of themselves and their families. Preparedness levels appeared high in the majority of HCWs. However, concerns of HCWs could affect their overall effectiveness in a pandemic and should be addressed by incorporating strategies to manage them in pandemic planning. Key words: Bird flu, Outbreak, Personnel, Singapore
Treatment of Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema by Helmet-delivered Non-invasive Pressure Support Ventilation in Children With Scorpion Sting Envenomation
Authors: Yildizdas Dincer , Yilmaz H Levent , Erdem Sevcan
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation through a new interface helmet in the treatment of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema due to scorpion sting envenomation in children.

Clinical Picture: Three patients presented with fever, and respiratory distress following scorpion sting. Their cardiac enzymes were abnormal. Electrocardiogram (ECG) of 3 patients showed features of myocardial strain with ST elevation. Bedside chest X-ray taken in emergency showed marked bilateral infiltrates suggestive of pulmonary oedema. M-mode, two-dimensional colour-flow Doppler echocardiogram showed left ventricular dysfunction.
Treatment and Outcome: At paediatric intensive care unit admission, they were treated with antivenom, prazosin (0.03 mg/kg/dose), dopamine (15 mcg/kg/ min), dobutamine (10 mcg/kg/min) and nitroprussid (1 mcg/kg/min). Epinephrine (0.1 mcg/kg/ min) were added later. They were hypoxic and dyspnoeic. A slight sedation was induced with ketamine and/or midazolam. Non-invasive pressure support ventilation (NPSV) was delivered via the helmet by means of an intensive care unit ventilator. We evaluated the effect of NPSV delivered by helmet on oxygenation, respiratory rate, haemodynamics, complications and outcome. An improvement of oxygenation was observed within 2 hours of treatment. The helmet was well tolerated by all the children. No complications occurred in the 3 patients.
Conclusion: This new approach of delivering NPSV through a helmet allows the successful treatment of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema in children with scorpion sting envenomation, assuring a good tolerance without complications. Future studies are needed before recommending the extensive application of this technique in all cases of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema due to scorpion sting envenomation.

Key words: Acute respiratory failure, Child, Helmet interface, Non-invasive ventilation
DEVELOPMENT OF ANN CONTROLLED UPFC BASED PROTECTION MODEL FOR NIGERIAN 330KV POWER LINES
Authors:   Nnamidi Azikiwe University, Awka,& Caritas University Amorji-Nike, EmeneNigerian, M.I. Chukwuagu , O.A. Ezechukwu ,   Nnamidi Azikiwe University, Awka,& Caritas University Amorji-Nike, EmeneNigerian, E.C. Aneke ,   Nnamidi Azikiwe University, Awka,& Caritas University Amorji-Nike, EmeneNigerian, V.C. Ogboh ,   Nnamidi Azikiwe University, Awka,& Caritas University Amorji-Nike, EmeneNigerian
Published: February 2023

This paper, proposed the use of artificial neural network (ANN) based UPFC for transmission network loss minimization. The overall effect of power losses on the system is a reduction in the quantity of power available to the consumers. Power loss leads to high cost of power generation, transmission and distribution. Unlike exiting up change and regulating transformer techniques for loss reduction, FACTS devices have fast switching capability and can be subjected to very free control algorithms for more optimal performance in loss reduction application in power systems. The neural network was modeled to output the firing angle to enable the FACTS device effectively control the adsorption and injection of reactive power for transmission loss reduction. The Nigerian 330KV power grid was used as a case study for the evaluation of the proposed power loss reduction system A digital model of the case study power system with the proposed neural network controlled UPFC integrated was created in the MATLAB/SIMULINK programming environment. Genetic algorithm was used for the optimal placement of the FACTS device in the MATLAB/SIMULINK model of the Nigerian 330KV transmission system. Simulation carried out involved alteration of power flow in order to cause different levels and distribution of losses in the network. With each variation, load flows was carried out to evaluate the distribution of losses and the active and reactive loss reduction achieved by the proposed system. The simulation and evaluation were carried out under two scenarios: (i) with the UPFC installed and (ii) without the UPFC installed. With each variation of the load at the bus, load flow is run to determine total system loss either with the UPFC installed or without the UPFC installed. Results obtained showed that the proposed system achieved an average active power loss reduction of 12.8416% and an average reactive power loss reduction of 21.82%.
INCREASING PROCESS EFFECTIVENESS AND UTILIZATION OF MACERATION WASTE OF CUSIA STROBILANTES LEAVES AND TWIGS, BY ENUMERATION OF MATERIALS
Authors:   Instititut Saisn dan Teknologi AKPRIND, Yuniwati Murni , Mawarni Era ,   Instititut Saisn dan Teknologi AKPRIND, Kusmartono Bambang ,   Instititut Saisn dan Teknologi AKPRIND, Wahyuningtyas Dewi ,   Instititut Saisn dan Teknologi AKPRIND, Yusuf Muhammad ,   Instititut Saisn dan Teknologi AKPRIND
Published: February 2023

The small industry of UMK Shibiru, Ngadirejo, Temanggung, produces natural dyes from the leaves and twigs of Strobilanthes cusia. The method used to extract dyes from leaves and twigs is a maceration process using water by placing the leaves and twigs from farmers into the maceration bath, adding water and letting it stand for three days. By cutting the twigs and leaves into smaller sizes, there will be decomposition of cell walls and membranes. The waste obtained is small in size, this will facilitate the processing of waste into useful products, for example processing it into fertilizer. Manure is dried and dried in the sun, then it easily forms fertilizer in various ways. Fertilizer will be a by-product of the natural dyes industry. The results showed that the leaves and twigs of Cusia strobilantes contained two types of dyes, namely the wavelength of 409 which shows purple color and the wavelength of 678 nm which shows red color, with purple being more dominant. More dye is contained in the leaves of Cusia Strobilantes than in the twigs. The smaller the material size and the longer the maceration time, the more extracted dyes are indicated by the greater the absorbance value of the maceration solution. Cutting the leaves and twigs of Cusia strobilantes can increase the effectiveness of the maceration process and make it easier to process leaf and twig waste into fertilizer. In this study, the best results were obtained for leaves and branches with a size of 0.5 cm and maceration time of 3 days, resulting in a maceration solution with a wavelength of 409 having an absorbance of 24.295 nm for leaves and 10.975 for twigs. . While the wavelength of 678 has an absorbance of 12.150 nm for leaves and 4.975 for twigs. Until now there has been no attempt to separate the two colors, so the maceration product contains both colors, and the appearance of the color when dyeing the cloth becomes a dark blue color.