bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Pendekatan Whole Language Terhadap Kemampuan Membaca Permulaan Pada Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun
Authors: Fitri Aprilia Wahyuning , Ummah Labibatul
Published: May 2022

Anak usia dini memiliki resiko paling tinggi terkait kesulitan membaca pada saat anak memasuki jenjang sekolah karena kemampuan verbal yang sedikit, kurang kesadaran fonologis dan kurang pengetahuan huruf. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaru pendekatan whole language terhadap kemampuan membaca permulaan anak. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimen dengan pre-eksperimental design yang dilakukan berdasarkan tahapan pre-test dan post-test. Subjek penelitian adalah 30 anak usia 5-6 tahun di RA Al Hikmah Murtirejo. Pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan observasi, kuisioner dan dokumentasi sedangkan teknik analisis data menggunakan Paired Samples T-Test dengan taraf signifikansi 0.05. Hasil uji Paired Samples T-Test sebesar 0.88665 atau 0.88665 0.05 yang berarti terjadi perubahan kemampuan membaca permulaan antara sebelum dan sesudah diberlakukanya treatment berupa pendekatan whole language
Persepsi Mahasiswa Terhadap Penggunaan Aplikasi Kahoot pada Mata Kuliah Neurosains Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Isnaini Isnaini , Ambiyar Ambiyar , Aziz Ishak , Afriwes Afriwes
Published: May 2022

Hadirnya teknolgi komunikasi di dekat kita membawa kemudahan pada segala hal. salah satunya yaitu dikembangkan serta implementasikan secara tepat di bidang pendidikan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengungkapkan persepsi mahasiswa terhadap penggunaan aplikasi kahoot pada mata kuliah Neurosains anak usia dini. Menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan membuat kuesioner yang dibagikan kepada mahasiswa dengan jumlah responden sebanyak  24 mahasiswa. Analisis data dilakukan dengan  menggunakan cara klasifikasi data, kemudian memberikan penafsiran terhadap data tersebut. Hasil pada penelitian menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi kahoot memiliki potensi untuk, mengoptimalkan, memotivasi  dan meningkatkan minat mahasiswa dalam belajar. Persepsi mahasiswa terhadap penggunaan aplikasi kahoot adalah sangat positif dengan kategori indeks total mencapai 82,14%. Persepsi mahasiswa terhadap aplikasi kahoot adalah aplikasi kahoot dapat meningkatkan minat dan  motivasi dalam belajar serta membantu proses pembelajaran untuk lebih bermakna. Kemudian mahasiswa sangat setuju jika aplikasi kahoot digunakan sebagai alat evaluasi dan mahasiswa juga merekomendasikan penggunaan aplikasi kahoot pada mata kuliah yang lainnya
Meningkatkan Keterampilan Meremas melalui Messy Play
Authors: Nurkhasanah Siti , Fitri Aprilia Wahyuning
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keterampilan meremas melalui messy play di Pos PAUD Pelita Hati Miritpetikusan. Metode ini memakai metode penelitian tindakan kelas yang dikembangkan oleh Kemmis dan Taggert dengan modal spiralyang memiliki arti bahwa pelaksanaan dilakukan secara berulang, dengan melakukan perencaan, tindakan, pengamatan dan refleksi. Subyek penelitian adalah anak usia 4-5 tahun dengan menggunakan observasi dan dokumentasi. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan 2 siklus dan setiap siklus dilaksanakan selama 3 hari. Hasil penelitian untuk keterampilan meremas melalui messy play, untuk 16 anak ditanyakan meningkat dengan indikator mengikuti meremas adonan dengan hasil yang sangat baik, membedakan meremas benda dengan hasil yang sangat baik, menunjukkan cara meremas dan membuat benda dengan hasil yang sangat baik, mengulangi meremas sesuia dengan yang dicontohkan dengan hasil yang sangatbaik , mengulangi meremas spon dengan hasil yang sangat baik
Identifikasi Kemampuan Fluency Anak Usia Dini pada Pembelajaran STEAM Project Based Learning
Authors: Putri Suci Utami , Pitria Pitria
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan gambaran tentang proses pembelajaran STEAM-Project based learning yang dapat diimplementasikan di dalam pembelajaran PAUD. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah mixed method dengan desain embedded. Subjek yang terlibat di dalam penelitian sejumlah 5 orang anak usia 4-5 tahun yang diamati secara intensif perkembangan kemampuan fluencynya selama 1 bulan terlibat di dalam pembelajaran STEAM-PBL. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan adalah lembar observasi aktivitas belajar dan kemampuan berpikir fluency anak. Data aktivitas belajar dipaparkan dalam bentuk narasi sedangkan data perkembangan anak dianalisis secara kuantitatif menggunakan teknik skala likert. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa aktivitas belajar anak di dalam pembelajaran STEAM berjalan kondusif pada setiap tahap yang terdiri dari tahap reflection, research, discovery, application, dan communication. Sementara itu perkembangan kemampuan fluency anak cenderung mengalami peningkatan yang positif setelah terlibat di dalam pembelajaran STEAM-PBL.
PrePrint: Effectiveness of an educational intervention targeting homophobic language by young male athletes: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Denison Erik , Faulkner Nicholas , O'Brien Kerry S , Jeanes Ruth
Published: May 2022

Background: Homophobic language is common in male sport and associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes for athletes. Evidence-based interventions are needed to reduce such language, and foster safer sport settings. Purpose: Evaluate the effectiveness of a short, discussion-based educational intervention delivered by professional rugby union players to teenage rugby union teams. Study design: Two-arm, cluster randomised controlled trial. Methods: Thirteen youth rugby teams from nine clubs (N = 167 players, ages 16 – 20 years) were randomised into treatment or wait-list control groups. Two professional rugby players delivered a social-cognitive educational intervention to treatment teams. Frequency of homophobic language use (eg, fag) was measured two weeks pre and again two weeks post intervention. Factors hypothesized to be associated homophobic language were also measured, including descriptive norms, prescriptive and proscriptive injunctive norms, and attitudes around the acceptability of this behaviour. The study was preregistered prior to analyses (https://osf.io/c7tdm). Results: At baseline, 49.1% of participants self-reported using homophobic language in the past two weeks. Significant relationships were found between this behaviour and all factors targeted by the intervention. However, generalised estimating equations found, relative to controls, the intervention did not significantly change the homophobic language used by athletes or alter the associated norms and attitudes. Conclusion: In this study, using professional rugby union players to deliver a theory-informed, short, educational intervention to reduce homophobic language usage was not effective. Other approaches may be needed, such as peer-to-peer education and monitoring of coaches to ensure they are enforcing existing anti-discrimination policies.
Person misidentification occurs in one-half of cases: Demonstration in a field experiment
Authors: Miura Hiroshi , Shimane Daisuke , Itoh Yuji
Published: May 2022

Few studies have examined person misidentification. Due to the lack of experimental studies, the reason person misidentification occurs, and its occurrence rate, remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate that person misidentification occurs with a certain probability, in a field experiment. We also wanted to examine whether the similarity between two people affects the occurrence of person misidentification. When 66 undergraduate participants made a rendezvous with an acquaintance, another person who wore similar clothes to the acquaintance or had a similar face appeared. The results showed that in both the conditions, approximately half of the participants made the person misidentification error, and one-fourth even spoke to the person mistakenly. Moreover, the results indicated that clothing contributed to person misidentification just as much as the face in the first seeing but became less important over time. This suggests a dynamic shift in person identification depending on time.
Preferences for seeking effort or reward information bias the willingness to work
Authors: Müller Tanja , Husain Masud , Apps Matthew A J
Published: May 2022

Theories of motivation suggest that when people receive information about costs and benefits whilst making decisions, can influence their choices. But, do people have a preference for seeking information about the effort or rewards of actions first when making effort-based decisions, and does this impact motivation? Here, participants made choices about whether to work and exert different levels of physical effort to obtain different magnitudes of reward, or whether to take a rest for low reward. Prior to those choices, they also had to decide which information they wanted to see first: how effortful, or rewarding, work would be. We found no overall preference for seeking reward or effort information first, but motivation did change when people saw reward or effort first. Seeking effort information first, both for people’s average tendency and choices on specific trials, was associated with reductions in the willingness to exert higher effort. Moreover, the tendency to prefer effort information first was associated with reduced vigorous exercise and higher levels of fatigue in everyday life. These findings highlight that preferences for seeking effort information may be a powerful bias that reduces people’s willingness to exert effort in the lab and in their everyday lives.
SOCIAL COMMUNICATION PATHWAYS TO COVID-19 VACCINE SIDE-EFFECT EXPECTATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Authors: Clemens Kelly S , Faasse Kate , Tan Winston , Colagiuri Ben , Colloca Luana , Webster Rebecca , Vase Lene , Spotts Emily Kathryn , Geers Andrew
Published: May 2022

Objective: Negative beliefs about medication and vaccine side-effects can spread rapidly through social communication. This has been recently documented with the potential side-effects from the COVID-19 vaccines. We tested if pre-vaccination social communications about side-effects from personal acquaintances, news reports, and social media predict post-vaccination side-effect experiences. Further, as previous research suggests that side-effects can be exacerbated by negative expectations, we assessed if personal expectations mediate the relationships between social communication and side-effect experience. Method: In a prospective longitudinal survey (N=551), COVID-19 vaccine side-effect information from three sources—social media posts, news reports, and first-hand accounts from personal acquaintances—as well as side-effect expectations, were self-reported pre-vaccination. Vaccination side-effect experience was assessed post-vaccination. Results: In multivariate regression analyses, the number of pre-vaccination social media post views (β = .17) and impressions of severity conveyed from personal acquaintances (β = .42) significantly predicted an increase in pre-vaccination side-effect expectations, and the same variables (βs = .11, .14, respectively) predicted post-vaccination side-effect experiences. Moreover, pre-vaccination side-effect expectations fully mediated the relationship between both sources of social communication and experienced side-effects from a COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: This study identifies links between personal acquaintance and social media communications and vaccine side-effect experiences and provides evidence that pre-vaccination expectations account for these relationships. The results suggest that modifying side-effect expectations through these channels may change the side-effects following a COVID-19 vaccination as well as other publicly discussed vaccinations and medications.
Combining nudges and boosts to increase precautionary saving: A large-scale field experiment
Authors: Timmons Shane , Robertson Deirdre A , Lunn Peter D
Published: May 2022

Many households lack savings to cushion them from financial shocks. While behavioural economics offers insights into why some households who want to save may fail to do so, successful behavioural interventions to increase precautionary saving are elusive. We incorporated multiple evidence-based “nudges” and “boosts” into a savings account application form at a major commercial bank and designed an electronic marketing communication to explain cumulative risk based on a scalable boost. In apre-registered randomised controlled trial, these interventions increased saving account uptake by 25-40%.Moreover, some effects were concentrated among low-income households.
Collective narcissism and the clash of advantaged and disadvantaged groups
Authors: Golec Agnieszka , Keenan Oliver
Published: May 2022

National collective narcissism is a key driver of societal instability. It promotes an exclusive, narrow vision of the national group and escalates contests for equal political representation between advantaged and disadvantaged groups (e.g., men and women) into intergroup conflicts. Advantaged group’s perceive a threat to their dominant status from disadvantaged group’s seeking equality, and usurp the national identity to work in their interest at the cost of democracy. Advantaged groups’ (vs. disadvantaged groups’) collective narcissism is more strongly associated with national collective narcissism, as the narcissistic motive for superiority is projected onto the national group. In contrast, collective narcissism among disadvantaged groups is associated with challenging the dominance of advantaged groups in society. It is laden with negative emotions at the group’s disadvantaged and hostile towards the advantaged group. This makes it highly mobilising and oriented towards social justice. However, in the long run it likely does not foster equality as society is still construed in terms of winners and losers.
Vocational Outcomes in ASD: An Examination of Work Readiness Skills as well as Barriers and Facilitators to Employment Identified by Autistic Adults
Authors: Lee Nancy Raitano , McQuaid Goldie , Grosman Hannah , Jayaram Sanjana , Wallace Gregory
Published: May 2022

Little is known about work readiness skills among autistic adults. This study sought to address this by examining work readiness skills and their relation to vocational outcomes among 281 autistic young adults. It also examined perceived barriers and facilitators to employment as articulated by 41 autistic adults. Results revealed a variegated work readiness profile. Stronger work readiness skills (particularly work style/adaptability) were associated with more favorable vocational outcomes. Autistic participants articulated both barriers and facilitators to employment related to the autism phenotype, job search/work readiness, and workplace education. These findings highlight the need for research on phenotype-driven vocational rehabilitation strategies as well as workplace psychoeducation/accommodations to support vocational outcomes for autistic adults.
Development and Validation of the Personal Assessment of Responsible Drinking Identity (PARDI)
Authors: Leary Angelina , Dvorak Robert , Burr Emily , Peterson Roselyn , De Leon Ardhys , Maynard Madison
Published: May 2022

Recent research shows a link between identity and behavior change. Despite the existence of several measures that assess components of drinking identity, no measures examine the idiosyncrasies of a “Responsible Drinking Identity”, despite responsible drinking being an aim of many alcohol-related interventions. The current study created a responsible drinking identity measure, the Personal Assessment of Responsible Drinking Identity (PARDI). Two cross-sectional designs and a prospective follow-up were used to develop and assess the psychometric properties of the PARDI. Study 1 used a U.S. national sample of college drinkers (n = 927) to conduct an Exploratory Factor Analysis. Study 2 consisted of college students from a Southeastern university (n = 1,516) and was used to conduct a Confirmatory Factor Analysis, as well as test for convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity. A sub-sample from Study 2 was then assessed after one month (n = 194). The follow-up examined test-retest reliability, and predictive validity. The PARDI consists of four identity-based factors that are indicative of responsible drinking. The measure had adequate validity across all domains and good test-retest and predictive reliability. The measure appears to predict future protective behavior strategies (safe drinking behaviors), which mediates the relationship between the PARDI and both future alcohol use and consequences, suggesting safe or responsible drinking identity drives key behavioral targets of substance use interventions. The PARDI may offer a tool to aid in quantifying underlying constructs of identity and behavior change in substance use interventions.
Taking Stock of the Role of Complexity in Social Science
Authors: Huang Sihao
Published: May 2022

The triumph of the natural sciences has inspired many attempts to transfer its methods to social inquiry. Although most have fallen short, there has been a handful of notable successes like empiricism and statistical theory. Complexity science is a new contender in this line of epistemologies, claiming to bring a new anti-reductionist framework for reasoning about social and political systems. There is, however, no lack of criticism over its lack of rigor and substantive novelty. Being a relatively new field, I argue that instead of debating what complexity currently is, it may be more productive to examine what social science needs to advance its capabilities in building robust theories. This essay considers three challenges to positive theory-building – data sparsity, complexity, and normativity – and discusses how a theory of complexity can be useful in addressing these issues.
What Goes Down Must Come Up? Misinformation Search Behavior During an Unplanned Facebook Outage
Authors: Motta Matt , Hwang Juwon , Stecula Dominik
Published: May 2022

Pundits and public health experts alike suspect that Facebook plays a role in not only exposing Americans to public health misinformation, but potentially encouraging them to seek out misinformation from other sources. Whether or not Facebook is responsible for stimulating misinformation consumption beyond the social networking site, however, is an open question. If Facebook indeed stimulates pandemic misinformation search behavior, we might expect search volume on other websites to simultaneously decrease when web traffic to Facebook is comparatively low. Here, we exploit a naturally occurring and exogenous interruption to Facebook's service to study the site's impact on misinformation search. Difference-in-difference analyses reveal that minute-by-minute Google searches for pandemic misinformation (e.g., unproven COVID-19 remedies, vaccine conspiracy theories) tended to increase during the outage period, in comparison to a typical day (and vs. a placebo). These findings are less consistent with views that the site stimulates misinformation search, and more consistent with a steady and transferrable demand for pandemic misinformation. We conclude by discussing the implications of Americans' demand for health misinformation -- and Facebook's potential role in shaping it -- for health communication efforts to encourage evidence-based health behavior.
Biden Doctrine, Xi's Theory, and Afghanistan
Authors: Simkhada Shambhu Ram
Published: May 2022

No Abstract available.
Evaluation of Inflammatory markers in different stages of Chronic Renal Disease
Authors: Farha Khan  , Sangeeta Kapoor  , Jyoti Rana  , Saba Khan
Published: May 2022

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to a long-term loss of kidney function. The progression of CKD leads to the damage of other organs including cardiovascular disease which increased the risk of mortality. Early detection of kidney failure can slow down the end-stage renal disease.
Aims and Objectives: To estimate the inflammatory marker Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in different stages of CKD. To correlate the level of ADA activity with Serum Creatinine with different stages of CKD on the basis of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Materials and Methods: The participants having age more than 18 and <60 years having CKD have been enrolled as a study group. CKD was confirmed by calculating eGFR using Cockcroft-Gault equation, plasma creatinine estimation done in all the patients. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of TMMC and RC.
Results: It is observed that the incidence of CKD reaches its maximum strength during middle age. 28% of the young patients, i.e., 45 years of age or younger at the time of CKD, had increased level of ADA. Serum levels of ADA, Creatinine were higher among participants with lower level of eGFR. Inflammation was higher among those with lower eGFR. All biochemical parameter (ADA, CRP, ESR) shows the negative correlation with eGFR. eGFR shows a negative highly significant correlation withESR with a correlation coefficient of r=−4.702 (P<0.001).
Conclusion: With the progression of Kidney disease (CKD stages 1–5) it comes to significantly increase of inflammatory markers as decrease in the eGFR with statistical significance. Inflammatory Biomarkers were inversely associated with the measure of kidney function. It is clear that a single indicator of renal function is not sufficient in evaluating the kidney disease stage.
Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori infection in children with iron deficiency anemia admitted in tertiary care hospital
Authors: Mohammed Muzzamil  , Choudhary Mukesh , Nagar Manoj , Vishnoi SK  , Choudhary Sandeep , Jora Rakesh , Kothari Sunil
Published: May 2022

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) can result from both physiological and pathological events, the etiology of underlying IDA should be determined. Helicobacter pylori infection in children has mostly been associated with recurrent abdominal pain, gastric dyspepsia, or duodenal-ulcer. Other extra-digestive tract conditions such as iron deficiency or IDA have been recently related to the H. pylori infection.
Aims and Objectives: To find out the prevalence of H. pylori infection in children aged 2–18 years with IDA in a tertiary care hospital.
Materials and Methods: Across-sectional observational study was carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, Dr. S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur for a period of 1 year. A total of 52 children aged between 2 and 18 years with anemia (as per the WHO criteria of anemia) were evaluated for complete blood count, peripheral blood film and serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and two biopsy specimen evaluated for H. pylori and histopathological changes. Normally distributed data means were compared using student’s t-test unpaired and paired. Proportions were compared using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test.
Results: The prevalence of H. pylori in our study population was 32.69%. In children with H. pylori infection mean S.iron was 25.78±10.24 μg/dl, mean S.TIBC 544.66±91.68 μg/dl, and mean S.ferritin was 6.07±3.00 μg/dl. There was statistically significant difference in serum iron, S.TIBC and S.ferritin between children having H. pylori infection and without H. pylori infection(P<0.001).
Conclusion: There is an association of IDA and H. pylori infection. Therefore prevention and eradication of H. pylori infection might be helpful to prevent IDA, especially in those patients who are not responding to usual treatment.
Analysis of cephalosporins available in India: A pharmacoeconomic perspective
Authors: Churihar Ritesh , Hemant Tanwani  , Kamayani Gupta
Published: May 2022

Background: Bacterial infections are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in community and hospital settings. The acceptance of the treatment imposes heavy economic burden on the patients. Due to improper drug policy, different costly preparations of the same brand are ordered and tendered, which pose a sheer wastage of money, ultimately causing burden on tax payers.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was planned to evaluate and compare the costs of different brands of various generations of cephalosporin which may be generic or commercial in nature.
Materials and Methods: We selected commonly used drugs from different generations of cephalosporins. Cost of drugs (may be generic or commercial or of different formulations) was obtained from latest periodic manuals of Indian Drug Review (INR) and drug today and was analyzed for cost ratio, cost range, and percentage difference among brands from different pharmaceutical companies for oral and parental forms. Correlation among price variations between them was observed by data comparison.
Results: Cephalosporins were analyzed for the differences in prices. We not only found wide variation between the cost of generic and commercial preparations but also very wide price range and ratio among the same products from reputed to medium companies.
Conclusions: Our study has indicated about the wide differences in the cost of different cephalosporins which are the most commonly prescribed group of antimicrobials. If hospitals across India adopt uniform policy of prescribing cost-effective preparations (brands/generic) only, then the unnecessary economic burden can be significantly reduced.
Height estimation of an individual from forearm length in medical students
Authors: Bal Kana , Chiranjib Bapuli
Published: May 2022

Background: Height is an important parameter of human in anthropology and forensic medicine. We can measure the height of an individual from forearm length (FAL). In this study, we found the relationship between FAL and height in medical students.
Aims and Objective: The objective of the study was to find co-relation between FAL and height of the individuals (male and female medical students) and to obtain regression formula to determine the height from FAL.
Materials and Methods: Height and FALs were measured in 200 medical students of 17–22 years age (100 males and 100 females) of N.R.S Medical College, Kolkata. For finding, the relationship between height and FAL linear regression analysis was used.
Results: In our study, average height of the female students was 158.64±5.28 cm, whereas in male students average height was 168.97±6.33 cm. Mean FAL has been 26.63±1.72 and 23.72±1.44 cm, respectively, in case of male and female students. Difference of the mean height and mean length of forearm values between female and male students was statistically significant. The correlation coefficient (r) between height and FAL of dominant side has been, respectively, +0.93, +0.96, and +0.97 in case of male, female, and total students. According to the linear regression, there was a relation between height and FAL.
Conclusion: From our study, it is evident that we may estimate the height of a person from measurement of FAL. In future studies may be carried out to estimate height of an individual from other body parameters also.
Assessment of energy expenditure in postpartum women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus: Subjective versus objective methods
Authors: Sundarapperuma Thamudi D , Wasalathanthri Sudharshani , Wijesinghe Champa J , Hettiarachchi Priyadarshika
Published: May 2022

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) attenuates the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in postpartum women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). PA is assessed by calculating the energy expenditure (EE), thus accurate estimation of EE is crucial. International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ) and activity diary are widely used subjective methods while pedometer provides objective evidence of PA and EE.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to compare subjective and objective methods of assessing EE as a measure of PA in postpartum women with a history of GDM.
Materials and Methods: Fifty postpartum women who had a history of GDM were advised to maintain activity diaries and pedometer readings for 1 week each month up to 1 year and IPAQ was administered at the end of 6 and 12 months. EE was calculated by all three methods separately and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the level of agreement between IPAQ and the other tools at 6 and 12 months. Friedman test was performed to compare estimated EE between the three methods.
Results: There was a poor agreement between the subjective and objective methods. According to Bland-Altman plot results, the highest mean difference was observed between IPAQ and pedometer at 12 months (mean difference was 75.9). This observation indicated an underestimation of pedometer values at 12 months. EE assessed by two subjective methods were statistically comparable at both time points whereas, EE assessed by pedometer was significantly lower (P<0.017) compared to self-reported tools.
Conclusion: Assessment of EE by subjective methods which are based on personal judgment may cause overestimation of PA. In contrast, pedometer readings are likely to underestimate the PA as it only reports kinetics activities. Therefore, a combination of subjective and objective methods is recommended to ameliorate the reliability and validity.
A prospective study on clinical, radiological, and pathological features in early diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis
Authors: Praveen Garg  , Sushant Bhowmick  , Vibhuti Goyal
Published: May 2022

Background: Spinal tuberculosis (TB) is the most common of musculoskeletal TB. The diagnosis of spinal TB is difficult due to the non-specific symptoms. Clinical assessment, along with radiological features and biopsy, plays an important role in early diagnosis of spinal TB.
Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to analyze clinical, radiological, and pathological features for early diagnosis of spinal TB and to identify other pathological conditions mimicking spinal TB.
Materials and Methods: The present prospective study includes 110 patients. All patients were clinically and radiologically examined. The patients underwent percutaneous biopsy of the involved region and tissue samples were subjected to histopathological examination (HPE) and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) for definitive diagnosis of spinal TB.
Results: Out of 110 cases, male preponderance (65.5%) was seen in comparison to females (34.5%). Dorsal spine (53.7%) and lumbar spine (41.3%) were the most common site of involvement. One hundred patients were confirmed as spinal TB by histopathology and molecular diagnosis. Histopathology alone could make diagnosis in 40 cases while molecular diagnosis in 100 cases and 10 cases were non-tuberculous in etiology (metastatic deposits of carcinoma in five cases, pyogenic spondylodiscitis in three cases and primary neoplastic lesion in two cases, one case of giant cell tumor, and one case of hemangioma each).
Conclusion: Spinal TB is a deep-seated and paucibacillary condition difficult to diagnose due to inadequate sample. Therefore, multipronged approach by direct smear examination, HPE, and molecular diagnosis is required for early diagnosis. Culture is the gold standard for diagnosis while CBNAAT is highly sensitive and specific that enables rapid detection of tubercular bacilli and should be considered as first-line test.
A comparative study of wave 1 and 2 mortality factors among COVID-19 patients in a level 3 medical college hospital in Saharanpur India
Authors: Devinder Kumar Vohra  , Singh Nawab , Manchanda JK  , Sanjeev Davey  , Arvind Trivedi  , Anuradha Dave  , Kayanat Nasser
Published: May 2022

Background: In COVID-19, second wave death rate climbed in several states of India including Uttar Pradesh with relatively high number of casualties as compared to first wave. The literature lacks scientific reason behind this.
Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed toward detection of mortality factors for COVID-19 patients from a Level 3 Medical College Hospital in both waves in Western UP District in India so as to find a better treatment strategies for COVID-19 patients for possible next 3rd COVID-19 wave.
Materials and Methods: This study is aimed to find any difference in Wave 1 and 2 mortality factors among COVID-19 patients in a Level 3 Medical College Hospital in western up district Saharanpur in India from April 1, 2020 to Sep 30, 2021.
Results: Although there were more number of deaths in Wave 2 (n=537) as compared to Wave 1 (n=172), deaths even after treatment of COVID-19 were more in wave 1 (72%) as compared to wave 2 (67.9%), but it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In COVID -19, Wave 1 most of the patients were elderly (aged >60 years) (40.3%) whereas in Wave 2 45–60 years age group were more affected (40.5%). Presence of more than 2 comorbidities was also seen more in wave 1 (37.1%) as compared to Wave 2 (23.8%). In COVID-19, both Waves (1 and 2) the most common co-morbidity was Type2DM (52% and 36.4%, respectively), but DM was found to be more in COVID+ve patients of Wave 1 as compared to wave 2 COVID+ve patients whereas any CARDIAC abnormality co-morbidity was found more in Wave 2 patients as compared to Wave 1 (14.2% vs. 12.1%).
Conclusion: Possibly COVID-19 virus operated differently at Cardio-respiratory system leading to increased mortality in COVID-19 patients in Wave 2.
Modified Delphi in adapting a tool to assess the level of knowledge and practice on adult enteral nutrition therapy among nurses
Authors: Weerawardhana Piyumi L , Lalitha Meegoda MKD  , Sampatha E Goonewardena
Published: May 2022

Background: Enteral nutrition (EN) is the preferred method of nutritional administration for critically ill patients according to the world’s standards. Nurses have a key role in delivering EN and assessing nurses’ knowledge and practice on this, are crucial for maintaining quality nursing care.
Aims and Objectives: This study was to utilize modified Delphi in adapting a tool to assess the level of knowledge and practice on adult EN therapy among nurses in Sri Lanka.
Materials and Methods: A three-round modified Delphi technique (DT) was employed in adapting a research tool to assess nurses’ knowledge and practice according to the nursing and EN guidelines in Sri Lanka. The questionnaire included 34 knowledge assessment items and 41 observational items to assess practice. Eight subject experts were purposively selected to rate each item on a 5-point Likert scale under three subheadings. Consensus defined at 80% agreement and mean ≥3. Mean value <3 was considered for suggested modifications. Experts participated in a final meeting in round 3 to finalize the tool.
Results: Response rate was 100% throughout the process. During round 1, 13/34 knowledge items were modified, two were removed, and one item was added. In round 2, four items were modified, and one was removed. From the observational items, 40/41 achieved consensus, one was modified, and a new one was added in round one. One was modified in round 2. All achieved consensus by round three. The final tool contained 32 knowledge items and 42 observational items with test-retest reliability correlations ranging from 0.99 to 0.95.
Conclusion: Modified DT was appropriate in achieving judgmental validity through experts’ consensus in adapting a research tool to assess nurses’ knowledge and practices on EN therapy for adult critically ill patients in Sri Lanka.
Neonatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a tertiary care hospital from South India
Authors: Jamdade Shrikant , Mitra Nibedita , V Senthilkumar , G Kavitha , M Nithya
Published: May 2022

Background: Affecting 537 million adults worldwide and counting, diabetes is spiraling out of control. Historically pregnancies complicated by abnormal glycemic control are associated with various neonatal complications, increased morbidity and mortality. Majority of abnormal glycemic control in pregnancy is attributed to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) rather than pregestational Diabetes Mellitus. 21 million live births (1 in 6) were affected by hyperglycemia during pregnancy worldwide in 2021, approximately 80% of which is attributed to GDM. With disease burden increasing at an alarming rate a hospital-based descriptive study was conducted to observe neonatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by GDM.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to observe neonatal outcome, in pregnancies complicated by GDM in terms of neonatal mortality and neonatal complications, in the study hospital.
Materials and Methods: 115 mothers diagnosed to have GDM and their infants were enrolled in the study. Maternal antenatal records and indoor case sheets were used to collect data regarding maternal medical profile and any associated obstetric complications. Neonatal indoor case sheets were reviewed to collect data regarding gestational age, birth weight, and gender. Neonatal complications and mortality if any were recorded. Descriptive analysis was done using data collected.
Results: Out of 115 infants 60 (52.2%) were female and 55 (47.8%) were male, 108 (93.9%) were full term and 7 (6.1%) were preterm. 93 (80.9%) infants were appropriate for gestational age, 15 (13.0%) were small for gestational age, and 7 (6.1%) were large for gestational age. Four (3.4%) infants had birth weight more than 4000 g. Neonatal complications were noted in 26 (22.6%) infants, most common being neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (n=14) (12.2%). Other neonatal complications observed were respiratory distress (n=5) (4.3%), perinatal asphyxia (n=3) (2.6%), hypoglycemia (n=2) (1.7%), meconium aspiration syndrome (n=1) (0.9%), and neonatal convulsions (n=1) (0.9%). Cardiac malformations noted were ventricular septal defect (n=1) (0.9%) and atrial septal defect (n=1) (0.9%). There was no neonatal mortality noted in the study.
Conclusion: In our study, we observed a better neonatal outcome in terms of neonatal mortality and morbidity as compared to that noted historically in the literature. Early detection and meticulous maternal diabetes management is associated with better neonatal outcome as observed in this study. This observation is also well supported in the literature along with the fact that, untreated GDM is associated with significant neonatal morbidity.
Impact of the COVID-19-induced shift to online dietetics training on PDEP competency acquisition and mental health
Authors: Van Kelsey , Beauchamp David M. , Rachid Hiba , Mansour Marina , Buckley Brooklyne , Choi Debora , Prescod Alexia , Monk Jennifer M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose: A pilot study to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and shift to online learning and practicum training on dietetics students’ perceptions of Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) competency acquisition and mental health.

Methods: Dietetics students (n = 19) at the University of Guelph (2020–2021) were invited to complete an anonymous online survey to assess self-reported online dietetics practicum training experiences including (i) benefits and challenges, (ii) PDEP competency acquisition, and (iii) impact on mental health.

Results: The benefits of online dietetics training included schedule flexibility (42.1%), reduced commute time (31.6%), and acquiring virtual counselling experience (21.1%). Reported challenges were insufficient communication with preceptors (36.8%), increased project workload (57.9%), and technology (15.8%). In online practicum placements, 52.6% of dietetics students reported adequately acquiring all PDEP competencies, with Nutrition Care identified as the most challenging to obtain (63.2%). A negative impact on mental health and increased levels of stress/anxiety were reported in 94.7% of trainees. Notably, 63.2% of students favoured continuation of online dietetics training through a hybrid or entirely online format.

Conclusion: Online dietetics training has the potential to complement the traditional in-person model; however, further adaptation is required to optimize PDEP competency acquisition and students’ mental health.
Comparison of diet quality tools to assess nutritional adequacy for adults living with kidney disease
Authors: Picard Kelly , Senior Peter A. , Wilmott Ashley , Jindal Kailash , Richard Caroline , Mager Diana R.
Published: May 2022

There is no specific diet quality tool recommended for adults living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Identifying how diet quality tools assess nutritional adequacy and correlate with potassium and phosphorus (nutrients of interest in CKD) is warranted. Our aim was to compare Mediterranean Diet Scores (MDS), Healthy Eating Index (HEI), and Healthy Food Diversity (HFD) to determine their correlation with nutrient intake in adults living with diabetes and CKD. Using data from a longitudinal study of 50 participants with diabetes and CKD, diet quality was assessed at baseline and 1 or more times at annual visits up to 5 years (complete diet records n = 178). Diet quality was investigated for correlation with nutrient intake. Compared with HEI and HFD, MDS was poorly correlated with nutrient intake (all r values <0.40). HFD and HEI were moderately correlated with potassium (r = 0.66, P < 0.01 and r = 0.57, P < 0.01, respectively). HEI was weakly correlated with phosphorus (r = 0.365, P < 0.01). MDS recommends moderation of dairy and meat, this may have specific benefits for CKD as these are both sources of phosphorus, as such high MDS were associated with lower phosphorus intake. This study suggests that development of a renal specific diet quality assessment tool may be useful; however, further studies are needed.
Диференціація семантики паралельних утворень у слов’янських мовах
Authors: Царук О. В.
Published: May 2022

Досліджено проблему поступового розходження, взаємодії та взаємовпливу семантики паралельних форм різних слов’янських мов. Розкрито особливості диференціації семантики паралельних утворень у слов’янських мовах.
Мобільне інформаційно-освітнє середовище вищого навчального закладу
Authors: Моісеєнко Наталя Володимирівна , Моісеєнко Михайло Вікторович , Семеріков Сергій Олексійович
Published: May 2022

У статті висвітлено визначення поняття мобільного інформаційно-освітнього середовища вищого навчального закладу, спрямованого на задоволення освітньо-наукових потреб всіх користувачів у забезпеченні необхідними електронними ресурсами у будь-який час та у будь-якому місці.
Model of using cloud-based environment in training databases of future IT specialists
Authors: Korotun Olha V. , Vakaliuk Tetiana A. , Soloviev Vladimir N.
Published: May 2022

The authors substantiates and develops the model of using cloud-based environment (CBE) in the training of databases of future information technology (IT) specialists, which consists of interrelated units: target (purpose, task of using CBE), conceptual (pedagogical approaches, didactic principles), organizational and semantic (characteristics of CBE, basic requirements for CBE, subjects of training, CBE of the teacher, CBE of the student, curricula of institution of higher education, educational-methodical complex of discipline “Databases”, installation and configuration of database management system, development of educational material from the database in electronic form, selection of cloud-based systems of distance learning, introduction of cloud-based systems of distance learning in the training of students’ databases, selection of CBE in database training (databases, forms, methods, tools), evaluative (criteria, indicators, levels of professional and practical competence of future IT specialists on the use of CBE in database training), effective (increased formation of the information and communication technologies of future IT specialists on the use of CBE in database training).
The technique of the use of Virtual Learning Environment in the process of organizing the future teachers' terminological work by specialty
Authors: Pererva Victoria V. , Lavrentieva Olena O. , Lakomova Olena I. , Zavalniuk Olena S. , Tolmachev Stanislav T.
Published: May 2022

This paper studies the concept related to E-learning and the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and their role in organizing future teachers’ terminological work by specialty. It is shown the creation and use of the VLE is a promising approach in qualitative restructuring of future specialists’ vocation training, a suitable complement rather than a complete replacement of traditional learning. The concept of VLE has been disclosed; its structure has been presented as a set of components, such as: the Data-based component, the Communication-based, the Management-and-Guiding ones, and the virtual environments. Some VLE’s potential contributions to the organization of terminological work of future biology teachers’ throughout a traditional classroom teaching, an independent work, and during the field practices has been considered. The content of professionally oriented e-courses “Botany with Basis of Geobotany” and “Latin. Botany Terminology” has been revealed; the ways of working with online definer (guide), with UkrBIN National Biodiversity Information Network, with mobile apps for determining the plant species, with digital virtual herbarium, with free software have been shown. The content of students’ activity in virtual biological laboratories and during virtual tours into natural environment has been demonstrated. The explanations about the potential of biological societies in social networks in view of students’ terminology work have been given. According to the results of empirical research, the expediency of using VLEs in the study of professional terminology by future biology teachers has been confirmed.
An integrated approach to digital training of prospective primary school teachers
Authors: Yaroshenko Olga G. , Samborska Olena D. , Kiv Arnold E.
Published: May 2022

The article emphasizes the importance of information and digital technologies in pre-service training of primary school teachers, substantiates the content and components of information and digital competence of prospective primary school teachers. It points out that the main purpose of information and digital training in the pedagogical higher educational institutions (HEI) is to ensure the formation of digital competence of future primary school teachers, to prepare them for developing primary students’ digital literacy in classes on various academic subjects, for active use of ICT in primary school teachers’ professional activities. An integrated approach to the modernization of information and digital training of pre-service primary school teachers, which covers the main forms of the educational process – training sessions, independent work, practical training, and control activities is justified. The article presents the results the pedagogical experiment aimed at testing the effectiveness of the integrated approach to the modernization of information and digital training of prospective primary school teachers. The results are determined by the level of digital literacy and the ability of students in the control and experimental groups to use information and digital technology in the educational process of primary school.