bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in Fuzzy Dynamic Programming
Authors: Mora-Camino Felix , Conea Elena Capitanul , Krykhtine Fabio , Moudani Walid , Cosenza Carlos Alberto Nunes
Published: September 2020

This chapter considers the use of fuzzy dual numbers to model and solve through dynamic programming process mathematical programming problems where uncertainty is present in the parameters of the objective function or of the associated constraints. It is only supposed that the values of the uncertain parameters remain in known real intervals and can be modelled with fuzzy dual numbers. The interest of adopting the fuzzy dual formalism to implement the sequential decision-making process of dynamic programming is discussed and compared with early fuzzy dynamic programming. Here, the comparison between two alternatives is made considering not only the cumulative performance but also the cumulative risk associated with previous steps in the dynamic process, displaying the traceability of the solution under construction as it is effectively the case with the classical deterministic dynamic programming process. The proposed approach is illustrated in the case of a long-term airport investment planning problem.
Machine Learning and Text Analysis in an Artificial Intelligent System for the Training of Air Traffic Controllers
Authors: Shmelova Tetiana , Sikirda Yuliya , Rizun Nina , Lazorenko Vitaliy , Kharchenko Volodymyr
Published: September 2020

This chapter presents the application of new information technology in education for the training of air traffic controllers (ATCs). Machine learning, multi-criteria decision analysis, and text analysis as the methods of artificial intelligence for ATCs training have been described. The authors have made an analysis of the International Civil Aviation Organization documents for modern principles of ATCs education. The prototype of the neural network for evaluating the timeliness and correctness of the decision making by ATCs has been developed. The new theoretical and practical tasks for simulation and pre-simulation training have been obtained using expert judgment method. The methodology for sentiment analyzing the airline customers' opinions has been proposed. In addition, the examples of artificial intelligence systems and expert systems by the authors, students and colleagues from National Aviation University, Ukraine and Gdansk University of Technology, Poland have been proposed.
Models of Decision-Making Operators of Socio-Technical System
Authors: Shmelova Tetiana , Sikirda Yuliya
Published: September 2020

In this chapter, the authors present Air Navigation System (ANS) as a Socio-technical System (STS). The authors present models of decision making (DM) operators of STS, such as the deterministic models obtained for using network planning; the stochastic models obtained for using decision-tree; models in uncertainty obtained for using criteria Vald, Laplace, Savage, Hurwicz and other. The authors presented also DM models of operators in ANS, such as the neural network models, fuzzy models, the Markov network models, GERT-models for modelling and forecasting of behavioral activity of ANS's Human-operator (H-O) in flight emergencies situation. The scenarios of developing a flight situation in case of selecting either the positive or negative pole in accordance with the reflexive theory have been obtained. They demonstrate some examples with DM's deterministic and stochastic models for engineers, pilots, air traffic controllers, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators, managers etc. In addition, the chapter presents some examples of DM models developed by the author and students at National Aviation University.
Model of Calculating the Weight and Centering of the Airship With Measurement Errors
Authors: Tymoshenko Ann , Saganovskaia Larisa , Danylko Oksana , Osadchy Sergei
Published: September 2020

In this chapter, the authors present an imitation model for calculating the weight and centering of the airship, taking into account the errors that arise in the process of determining these parameters. Also in this chapter there is the analysis of existing means, methods, and methods for determining the weight and alignment of the airship in domestic airlines and air companies. The authors made the research of the sources of errors and identified their types. This chapter provides a new model of the takeoff weight and balance of the aircraft determining process, as well as the weight distribution of passengers law. These materials allow simulating one of the main operations in the preparation for departure process.
Critical Aviation Information Systems
Authors: Gnatyuk Sergiy , Hu Zhengbing , Sydorenko Viktoriia , Aleksander Marek , Polishchuk Yuliia , Yubuzova Khalicha Ibragimovna
Published: September 2020

This chapter is devoted to developing formalization methods for identification and security objects of critical information infrastructure (CII) in civil aviation. The analysis of modern approaches to the CII identification was carried out that gave a possibility to determine weaknesses and to formalize a scientific researches task. As a result, the unified data model was developed for formalizing the process of a list of CII objects forming in certain field and at the state level. Moreover, the specialized technique was developed. Besides, the identification method was proposed, and it gives a possibility to determine elements of CII field, mutual influences, and influence on functional operations of critical aviation information system. Furthermore, special software was developed and implemented that can be useful for CII elements identification and also for determining its influences on functional operations. Also, the basic aspects of cybersecurity ensuring for identified critical aviation information system were described in this chapter.
Computer Modelling of Autonomous Satellite Navigation Characteristics on Geostationary Orbit
Authors: Shyshkov Fedir , Konin Valeriy
Published: September 2020

Satellite systems are a fast-developing and broad field of study. The use of global navigation satellite systems for relatively autonomous spacecraft navigation holds a lot of interest for researchers. It is extremely expensive to research space applications as live experiments. Therefore, computer modelling comes in handy when there is a need to analyze important factors in space environment. The chapter describes the radionavigation field model that uses the off-nadir satellites. This model allows estimation of the availability and accuracy characteristics of autonomous satellite navigation in space up to the geostationary orbit in order to provide the necessary research data.
Progress in Advanced Materials Used in Electromagnetic Interference Shielding for Space Applications
Authors: Vargas-Bernal Rafael , Bermúdez-Reyes Bárbara , Tecpoyotl-Torres Margarita
Published: September 2020

Aerospace applications experience electromagnetic interference produced by the space environment and by the materials, devices, and systems used in satellites, space shuttles, the international space station, and airplanes. The advanced materials represent a technological possibility to develop coatings that are able to offer a better shielding effectiveness against electromagnetic interference due to the possibility of controlling its electrical and magnetic properties as well as to that the size of the materials is very similar to the electromagnetic waves that it receives. In this chapter, an analysis of progress over advanced materials is presented with the aim of diffusing the role that nanomaterials have had, have and will have to increase the shielding to electromagnetic interference. Nanomaterials will protect aerospace components in the range of Hz to THz, but the huge advantage is that the range of protection can be optimized according to the technical requirements with a considerable weight reduction.
Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Solve Some Civil Problems
Authors: Sładkowski Aleksander , Kamiński Wojciech
Published: September 2020

The widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is currently a recognized trend. UAVs find their application in various sectors of the economy. In the chapter, based on extensive literature analysis, the possibilities of using UAVs for non-military applications are considered. The design features of various UAVs, their control features, energy requirements, and safety-related problems are considered. Particular attention is paid to public opinion related to the use of UAVs. The possibilities of using UAVs in power engineering, agriculture, for controlling traffic, for goods transporting, for controlling the means of railway transport, for first aid to people under various extreme conditions, as well as for some other applications are being explored. The UAV parameters are analyzed, which must be provided for their use in each specific case, while ensuring the minimization of the necessary financial resources.
Defense Supply Chain Operations
Authors: Parlier Greg H.
Published: September 2020

This chapter explains the origination, evolution, emerging results, and potential long-term impacts of one particularly daunting enterprise transformation effort within the US Department of Defense. It offers a unique case study for a multi-disciplinary endeavor referred to as the project to Transform US Army Supply Chains (TASC Project). The TASC project pursued comprehensive and creative applications using a variety of Operations Research methods, advanced analytics, and management innovation to improve tactical, operational, and strategic decision making for the military's global sustainment enterprise. This chapter may be of interest to those confronting supply chain and other complex enterprise transformation challenges: national security officials; aerospace, defense, and industrial professionals; university graduate students and professors of engineering systems, operations research, and management. The strategy described herein offers potential solutions broadly applicable to other public institutions and government bureaucracies as well.
Analysis and Optimization of Diagnostic Procedures for Aviation Radioelectronic Equipment
Authors: Zaliskyi Maksym , Solomentsev Oleksandr , Yashanov Ivan
Published: September 2020

In this chapter, the authors present the questions of aviation radioelectronic equipment operation. The structure of operation system is considered based on processes approach with adaptable control principles usage. Operation system contains processes of diagnostics and health monitoring. The authors consider the direct problem of efficiency estimation for diagnostics process, and main attention is paid to probability density function calculation for diagnostics duration. Simulation results were used for adequacy testing of these calculations. The authors also take into account the possibility of first and second kind errors presence. The inverse problem for diagnostics is defined and solved for mathematical expectation of repair time. In general case, the inverse problem can be solved for seven options of optimization.
Automated System of Stabilization and Position Control of Aviation Equipment
Authors: Sushchenko Olha
Published: September 2020

In this chapter, the author presents the problems of design of the robust automated system for stabilization and control of platforms with aircraft observation equipment. The mathematical model of the triaxial stabilized platform is developed. The procedure of synthesis of robust stabilization system based on robust structural synthesis is represented. The above-mentioned procedure uses loop-shaping approach and method of the mixed sensitivity. The matrix weighting transfer functions are obtained. The optimization programs in MatLab are developed. The developed procedures are approved based on the results of simulation by means of the appropriate Simulink model. The obtained results can be useful for unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft of special aviation, which are used for monitoring technical objects and aerial photography. The technical contributions are procedures of the robust controller design represented as the flowchart. The proposed approach is validated by application of the theoretical suppositions to the concrete example and appropriate simulation results.
Flying High
Authors: Khitha Samarth , Castello Karan , Saldanha Nihal , Ahluwalia Simran , Oberoi Sheena
Published: September 2020

The chapter involves the design of a research based on the primary data collected on the airline preferences of individuals in urban India of different age groups from 16-84, belonging to diverse cities from across India. It focusses on gathering data on various aspects of economic status of people and the different flights they prefer based on various amenities like punctuality, pricing of tickets, baggage allowance etc. It also explores respondents' enrolment in reward programmes, their preferred cabin classes, their most frequent means of booking their tickets etc. The chapter has used primary and secondary data to analyse the problem under study. The study seeks to derive the choices of Indians per se about the way to travel by airways.
An Online Marketing Strategies Assessment for Companies in Airlines and Entertainment Industries in Malaysia
Authors: Nathan Robert Jeyakumar , Chiun Desmond Chong Fook , Suki Norazah Mohd
Published: September 2020

In promoting tourism, businesses in entertainment industry should provide e-commerce to their potential customers. Amongst the businesses in entertainment that are engaged in e-commerce include Sunway Lagoon, Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), Escape-Room and KidZania. Hence, this chapter presents an evaluation of online marketing strategies and tools used by airlines industries like Malaysia Airlines System (MAS), Firefly, AirAsia, and Malindo Air, besides entertainment industries such as Sunway Lagoon, Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), Escape-Room and KidZania. This research noted that websites need to be more interactive, enable customers to interact and socialize among each other through membership management and additional value-added information. Website with graphics and hyperlinks are not persuasive enough, website should improve with additional suggestions or ‘show more' features to invite customer perform additional clicks and explore to the website. Most of the website offers membership to its customer. This, this membership function should be fully utilized.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Authors: Kovalyov Yury N.
Published: September 2020

The accident free work of complex systems depends of the compatibility of their components. When it comes to socio-technical, this means the compatibility of the human factor with the environment and equipment, organized through a specific interface. At the same time, there is a certain contradiction: the modeling and design of equipment and interface is based on a classical mathematical apparatus, whereas its use for understanding human activity is confronted with the non-formalizability of many aspects of perception and decision-making. Elimination of this contradiction on the basis of the modeling apparatus, equally suitable for modeling all components of socio-technical systems, will open the way to improving the compatibility of components and reducing the accident rate. Therefore, the development of such a mathematical apparatus is an important problem. In this chapter is presented the modelling instrument, which is adequate to the composite open systems properties – axiomatic wave model, theory of self-organization, practical examples.
The Effect of Utilitarian Website Features on Online Saudi Arabia Consumers Loyalty in the Case of Online Flight Booking
Authors: Azam Afshan
Published: September 2020

The last couple of decades have witnessed rapid technological advancements, which have consequently caused dramatic changes in the lives of consumers and their purchase behavior. Of the many causes of the rapid growth of Internet use in the last few decades, most researchers confer that the critical contribution has been the growth of Web content. This paper attempts to report a study investigating the impact of utilitarian website features on Saudi Arabian customer loyalty for booking flights online. Data collected from 340 respondents were used to test the hypotheses. Structural Equation Modeling was deployed to analyze valid data points. The study found the importance of creating loyalty by focusing on utilitarian website features. Calculative commitment is significantly influenced by utilitarian features whereas affective commitment didn't showed significantly influence by utilitarian features. Limitations, managerial implications and future research directions are discussed at the end of the paper.
How School Leaders Can Support Teachers With Program Implementation
Authors: Boyle Christina , Wills Maria , Jackson Lauren E. , Kammer Nicole , Mulvaney Tracy
Published: September 2020

Continuous reflective practices are a driving agent in allowing educational stakeholders to understand the consistent need for recurring change in P-12 learning settings. In this chapter, school leaders describe how they are supporting teachers and ancillary instructional staff with implementing transformative action-based programs. Four transformative leadership initiative case studies will be described. The authors bring various perspectives of supporting program implementation due to their roles in school districts as an elementary ELL teacher, a teacher coach and math teacher, and a district supervisor of Early Childhood education. The first case study will walk readers through how the infusion of a literacy program was conducted using transformational read-alouds to boost reading engagement and motivation amongst English language learners. Next, a teacher coach and math teacher will share how professional learning communities (PLCs) were utilized to promote collaboration amongst K-5 teachers throughout the implementation of a new core mathematics program. The third case study examines a doctoral student project that provided evidence based professional development on early science inquiry. Finally, a Supervisor of Early Childhood details how teachers were supported with the implementation of a three-tiered instructional intervention designed to aid preschool students with developing kindergarten readiness skills to close an identified transitionary achievement gap between preschool and kindergarten classrooms in the participating school district.
Supply Chain in Cross-Border E-Commerce
Authors: Nuruzzaman Md. , Weber Alicia Neva
Published: September 2020

Cross-border e-commerce has emerged with significant attention in the field of international trade. Exports and imports are more integrated with the revolutionary e-commerce platforms where people can buy things from other countries at their fingertips. However, the supply chain behind the business transactions beyond the country's boundaries is more complicated than traditional businesses. The successful supply chain performance of e-commerce depends on many local and international aspects. Issues and challenges of the supply chain rapidly change due to the fast development of internet infrastructure. The chapter identifies some key issues like supply chain facility, inventory management, legal obstacles with today's supply chain performance of international e-commerce. Comprehensive solutions and recommendations are given here with focusing the integration of blockchain technology, which tells how the businesses can initiate the combination of both e-commerce and cryptography for effective intercountry supply chain performance.
Cross-Border E-Commerce Security Issues and Protections
Authors: Thaseen Sumaiya , Cherukuri Aswani Kumar , Kopparapu Aarshitha , Velu Gopika
Published: September 2020

E-commerce enables brands to reach their customers globally anytime they want to shop and provide convenience to the busy and demanding customer. These days, cross-border e-commerce is accelerating faster compared to domestic e-commerce. Cross-border e-commerce is considered to be a separate body which has its own budget and resource allocation. It focuses on new opportunities that help in gaining market share and sales. This can result in lower marketing costs in the long-term. India contributes 0.8% of a $600 billion global cross-border e-commerce market. Thus, this is an enormous target segment that exporters can focus to expand their international business. There are numerous advantages of cross-border e-commerce, which will be discussed in detail in this chapter. This chapter discusses the meaning of GDPR, the subjects of GDPR, and the effects of GDPR on individuals and organizations. This chapter also states the impact of GDPR on different fields and technologies. In addition, the major cross-border e-commerce security issues are analyzed, and optimal solutions are discussed.
Social Network and Social Commerce
Authors: Ala Mamun , Rasul Tareq , Nair Sumesh
Published: September 2020

A social network refers to a network of social interactions using various social media sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. This chapter will first explain various concepts of social commerce involving the use of social networks and then elaborate on the key characteristics of social commerce and will highlight how it is different from e-commerce. A discussion is included on the concept of cross-border social commerce and its specific characteristics. Further, this chapter examines the trends in social commerce adoption by companies to promote international sales and the related benefits and challenges. It also presents a discussion on the use of social networks to understand and influence cross-cultural consumer behaviour in social commerce. Additionally, this chapter explores how social commerce can specifically benefit SMEs and born global firms to reach a larger audience in foreign countries and includes a discussion on cross-border social commerce strategy for business.
False Fire Alarm Detection Using Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Zafar Raheel , Zaib Shah , Asif Muhammad
Published: September 2020

In the era of smart home technology, early warning systems and emergency services are inevitable. To make smart homes safer, early fire alarm systems can play a significant role. Smart homes usually utilize communication, sensors, actuators, and other technologies to provide a safe and smart environment. This research work introduced a model for the fire alarm system and designed a fire alarm detection (FAD) simulator to produce a synthetic dataset. The designed simulator utilizes a variety of sensors (temperature, gas, and humidity) to simulate fire alarm scenarios based on real-world data. The produced data is investigated and analyzed to classify the possible fire behaviors based on key assumptions taken from real-world scenarios. Different classification models are used to determine an optimal classifier for fire detection. The proposed technique can identify the false alarms based on parameters like temperature, smoke, and gas values of different sensors embedded in a fire alarm detection simulator.
Decision-Making Support in Evaluating Gaps and Efficiencies of the Railway Industry Performance
Authors: Ghanem Osman , Xuemei Li
Published: September 2020

An efficiency evaluation is one of the most significant tools of transportation performance assessment and is of particular importance to decision making units to consider efficiency issues. The experience of Turkey can be used to compare and improve the efficiency of rail performance. The study employs both of radial and non-radial of data envelopment analysis method, where efficiency scores and technical efficiency of rail performance were ranked and compared over period 1977–2017. The study was fulfilled that Turkey rail is more capable in terms of exploiting its transport indicators into useful outputs. The outcomes indicated that the rail performance was operating most effectively, and the most efficient years were 1977, 1978, 1979, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, whereas it exhibited relative inefficiency throughout 2001–2002, in which the efficiency scores decreased in relation to other years.
Understanding Vietnamese Consumer Intention to Use Online Retailer Websites
Authors: Ahamed A. F. M. Jalal , Limbu Yam , Pham Long , Van Nguyen Ha
Published: September 2020

This study examines the applicability of an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) that incorporates trust, perceived risk, and self-enhancement as antecedents to the TAM constructs. Data collected from 299 Vietnamese online consumers, through a self-administered survey, were entered into a structural equation model using AMOS 23 to establish causality. The results partially confirm the applicability of TAM to the online shopping intentions of Vietnamese consumer, though contrary to expectations, perceived ease of use does not predict behavioral intentions. Trust and self-enchantment fit well with the TAM; the inclusion of perceived risk as an antecedent is questionable. The findings offer new opportunities for explaining TAM theory in light of Schwartz's value dimensions. This article thus concludes with a discussion of the research contributions and implications.
Intellectual Freedom, the Right to Free Inquiry, and Digital Privacy
Authors: Borna Shaheen , Tabar Saeed
Published: September 2020

The extensive use of the internet and digital technology in the workplace, including universities, has transformed the work style of employees, faculty members, and students. On the one hand, it has helped employees communicate, coordinate, and collaborate on a 24/7 basis around the world, which in turn has improved productivity and work performance. However, on the other hand, it has made employees vulnerable to monitoring and invasion of privacy. Many faculty members and students feel that surveillance and computer monitoring are compromising their intellectual freedom, the right to free inquiry, and digital privacy. This study addresses how the use of computer monitoring affects the morale and performance of faculty members and students for their intellectual and free inquiry. The study uses the survey method to interview professors and students to analyze their responses with regards to monitoring their online activities.
ISCG
Authors: Singh Aahan , Nagaraj Nithin , Hiriyannaiah Srinidhi , Patnaik Lalit Mohan
Published: September 2020

Artificial intelligence has paved the way for different areas of computing such as speech recognition and translation, object detection, machine translation, and others. One of the goals of artificial general intelligence is to simulate human thinking and rationality within machines such that they are able to perceive their environment and then perform reasonable actions based on their perception. Creating a single model that performs every single task from visual perception to actuation is currently impossible. The system must be divided into several models each of which functions independently as well also contribute to the operation of the whole intelligent machine. In this paper, an intelligent sensing and caption generation (ISCG) system is proposed which is capable of detecting living/non-living objects and states of motion in images. The system consists of two separate modules of caption generator and intelligence engine with a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for determining the different objects in the images. Our model yields state-of-the-art performance on benchmarked dataset.
Demographic Factors Influencing Women's Decisions About Going Out for Work
Authors: Hlewa Laila , Mohammad Osama
Published: September 2020

One of the most difficult decisions, especially in the societies of third world countries, is the decision to send a woman to work. This decision has many social and economic consequences, and the decision to send a woman to work is subject to a set of influencing factors that differ from one society to another. This research deals with the most important demographic factors influencing the decisions of women going out for work in Syrian society in general and the Province of Lattakia in particular. The research reached a set of results, the most important of them include: 1) There were no significant differences between the mean answers according to the family situation. There are fundamental differences between the people in the countryside and the city when deciding to go out to work. There is a preference for exit to work among city residents, where the average decision to exit to work reached 3.3, while this indicator reached 3.01 among rural residents. 2) There were no significant differences between the mean answers according to age.
Theories of Play and Their Relation to School Social Counseling
Authors: Arees Zeinab , Mohamed Osama , Dalala Mirna
Published: September 2020

This research studies how play theories contribute to social counseling in schools through using methods and strategies of play according to those theories in school social counseling, and this study aims to identify the relationship between play theories and school social counseling, identify the concept of play, its importance, characteristics, and social dimensions, learning about play theories, and the use of play in school social counseling. The important finding of research is that the relationship of play theories with school social counseling appears between theory and practice applying play theories for school social counseling. The recommendations that the authors provide in this research for school social counseling are the necessity of activating the role of playing in school social counseling, increase the use of play counseling as an effective method, and increase the number of social counselors in primary schools to improve their performance in counseling.
Predictive Analytics for OSA Detection Using Non-Conventional Metrics
Authors: Gunjan Vinit Kumar , Kumar Madapuri Rudra
Published: September 2020

Early diagnosis in the case of the sleep apnea has its own set of benefits for treating the cases. However, there are many challenges and limitations that impact the current conditions for testing. In this manuscript, a model is proposed for early diagnosis of OSA, using the non-conventional metrics. Profoundly, the metrics used are combination of symptoms, causes, and effects of the problem. Using a machine learning model and two sets of classifiers, the inputs collected as part of the training datasets are used for analysis. The data classifiers used for the model tests are NB and SVM. In a comparative analysis of the results, it is imperative that SVM classifier-based training of the proposed algorithm is giving more effective performance.
Evaluating the Observability in the Combination Process of the Height Measurement Signals
Authors: Vinh Nguyen Quang
Published: September 2020

In the modern navigation system, the height channel is always the most unstable channel. Combination processing the height measurement signals by using the Kalman filter algorithm can improve the precision of the high measurement. However, in the process of performing the signal processing algorithm by using the Kalman filter, the transition time to obtain the set status is long. Moreover, within different flight conditions, the inertia height meter will be combined with the supporting height meter to get the structure of the combination height meter in order to process the height measurement signals more precisely. In this article, the authors proposed using the criterion for evaluating the observable level to improve the quality of height measurement signal processing. The research results were simulated on three combined high measurements, in which the inertia height meter (IHM) (the basic meter) was combined with one or two supporting height meters (the radio height meter [RHM] and the barometer [AHM]) to show the correctness of the proposed algorithm.
Optimizing Radio Coverage Based on Cellular Automata
Authors: Truong Tuyen Phong
Published: September 2020

Autonomous surveillance systems based on wireless sensor networks have brought many benefits for understanding, protecting, and preserving biodiversity thanks to the latest sensor and telecommunication technologies. For example, in archipelagoes with many rocks of various shapes and elevations interleaved with water, it is hard to deploy wireless sensing systems for covering all these given areas. In these sensing systems, coverages are defined as where information is accessible. In this article, a new approach is proposed, adopting cellular automata and massively parallel processing on GPUs. This work relates to the development of parallel algorithms and CAD tools to optimize coverage oriented to efficient deployment of wide-range wireless networks for various purposes such as environmental surveillance, early warning systems for natural hazards and risks, taking into account turbulence in topology. Some experiments on radio coverage were done in different complex terrain areas given positive results in terms of performance and functional requirements.
Gender Differences in Quality of Work Life
Authors: Agarwal Shivani
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate gender differences in the level of the quality of work life between male and female employees in IT industries. The sample comprised of 150 people, out of which 90 were males and 60 were females from IT industries. Quality of work life was measured through a seven-dimensioned quality of work life (QWL) scale developed by Angus S. McDonald. Following data collection, significant differences regarding quality of work life were examined by using t-test. The findings indicated significant difference in the exhibition of most of the facets of quality of work life between the two groups. These insights can be used for the improved level of quality of work life between males and females in IT industries. This paper presents data and provides insights into the level of quality of work life of the employees.
Awareness of Concussion-Education Requirements, and -Management Plans and Concussion Knowledge in High School and Club Sport Coaches
Authors: Stamm Julie M. , Post Eric G. , Baugh Christine M. , Bell David R.
Published: September 2020

Context

A growing number of high-school–aged athletes participate on club sport teams. Some, but not all, state concussion laws apply to both interscholastic and private sport organizations. However, concussion education, management plans, and knowledge have not been examined in club coaches who coach high school-aged athletes.

Objective

To determine if differences in concussion education, management plans, and knowledge exist between high school coaches and coaches of club sport teams.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Online survey.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 769 coaches (497 high school coaches, 272 club coaches coaching high school-aged athletes; 266 women [34.6%], 503 men [65.4%]) completed an anonymous online questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The questionnaire consisted of demographic and team information, requirements for concussion-education and -management plans, and concussion knowledge.

Results

High school coaches were more likely than club coaches to report that their organizing bodies or leagues required them to receive concussion-education information (97.4% versus 80.4%; P < .001) and that their organizing bodies or leagues had a concussion-management plan (94.0% versus 70.2%; P < .001). High school coaches were more likely than club coaches to correctly agree that most concussions resolve in 7 to 10 days (48.6% versus 40.1%; P = .02) and disagree that loss of consciousness is required to diagnose a concussion (87.1% versus 80.9%; P = .02).

Conclusions

Club coaches were less likely to be aware of requirements for concussion-education and -management plans from their parent organizations and scored lower on specific concussion-knowledge questions than high school coaches despite the same education requirements across groups under their state concussion laws. These results raise concerns regarding the proper management of concussions in club sports and suggest a need for greater oversight and enforcement of state laws in the club sport setting.
The eventual outcome of patients who had lower limb amputations due to peripheral vascular disease at Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein
Authors: De Klerk C , Du Plessis G , Fourie J J , O'Neill A , Smit S J A , Joubert G
Published: September 2020

Background: Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) presenting with irreversible lower limb pathology has a high morbidity and mortality rate. This study aimed to determine the outcome of patients who underwent lower limb amputations (LLAs) because of PVD at Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein, 2008–2011.

Methods: Prospective data collection of a retrospective cohort study group was performed. Included were patients with PVDinduced LLAs. Demographic and contact information was collected from Meditech. Living status (alive or dead) was determined using the Department of Home Affairs database and interviews with relatives.

Results: Of the study population (n = 224), 119 had contact information. Data of 158 people were available to determine living status: 71.5% had died by follow-up in 2014. Forty-nine interviews were possible, 31 patients had died, with cause of death reported to be primarily vascular related. The cumulative mortality showed that 16.1% died within a month and 48.4% within one year post-amputation. Among the 18 living amputees, 50.0% became unemployed, 77.8% used wheelchairs, 11.1% used crutches and 11.1% a prosthesis.

Conclusion: Lower limb amputation due to PVD is indicative of a poor prognosis. In our study only 28.5% of patients survived 3–6 years post-amputation. Restoration to ideal mobility was achieved in a minority of cases.

(Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp)

S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.12481450
Knowledge, attitude and practices of South African healthcare professionals towards complementary and alternative medicine use for atopic eczema – a descriptive survey
Authors: Thandar Yasmeen , Botha Julia , Sartorius Benn , Mosam Anisa
Published: September 2020

Background: Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are used widely for treating atopic eczema (AE), commonly in conjunction with conventional medicines prescribed by mainstream healthcare professionals (HCPs). This cross-sectional survey evaluated the knowledge, general attitudes and practices regarding CAM among dermatologists, paediatricians, general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists treating patients with AE in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Methods: Questionnaires were sent via email or hand-delivered to HCPs nearby.

Results: Of the 330 respondents, 220 (67%) were males and 110 (33%) females. Most (40%) were > 50 years. GPs and pharmacists were significantly more embracing of CAM compared with dermatologists and paediatricians. The majority were not familiar with most CAMs for AE. More GPs (29%) and pharmacists (43%) recommend CAM compared with dermatologists (8%) and paediatricians (5%). GPs and pharmacists were also amenable to referring patients to CAM practitioners. The majority do not initiate discussions with their patients regarding CAM use nor enquire when taking a history. Many dermatologists (65%) and pharmacists (51%) reported that their patients ask about CAM. All dermatologists, 95% of paediatricians, 87% of GPs and 55% of pharmacists reported having no training in CAM but believed it should be included in their curriculum. Most are interested in learning about CAM and agreed that it would better prepare them in managing patients.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated poor CAM knowledge and communication between HCPs and patients but a strong interest amongst HCPs to learn more. There is an urgent need for continuing education programmes and inclusion in undergraduate curriculums, which will assist HCPs in influencing better patient outcomes.

(Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp)

S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.1248146
Caregiver satisfaction with a multidisciplinary community-based rehabilitation programme for children with cerebral palsy in South Africa
Authors: Ngubane Magugu , Chetty Verusia
Published: September 2020

This study sought to determine the levels of satisfaction and experiences of caregivers with a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. A total of 26 caregivers were recruited at 3 health settings in South Africa. A survey based on the Multidimensional Assessment of Parental Satisfaction for Children with Special Needs and focus-group discussions were conducted at the end of programme. The majority of the respondents were mothers and unemployed. The participants were generally satisfied with the rehabilitation. However, participants held on to myths, stereotypes, and beliefs about the cause of disability and explained the impact of stigma on having a disabled child in their communities. Caregivers perceived the benefit of rehabilitation but believed that lack of communication and consultation with health professionals limited the care.

(Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp)

S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.1254929
Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB): Current situation in South Africa
Authors: Ogunbanjo Gboyega A
Published: September 2020

Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of tuberculosis (TB) infection which is resistant to treatment with at least two of the most powerful first-line anti-TB drugs, namely isoniazid and rifampicin. Globally, MDR-TB caused an estimated 480 000 new TB cases and 250 000 deaths in 2015 and accounted for 3.3% of all new TB cases worldwide.1 MDR-TB, or rifampicin-resistant TB, causes 3.9% of new TB cases and 21% of previously treated TB cases, and most MDR-TB cases occur in South America, southern Africa, India, China, and the former Soviet Union.1
Compliance with standard treatment guidelines in the management of hypertension: a review of practice of healthcare workers in Potchefstroom, North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Siko Peter Rapula , Van Deventer Claire
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Hypertension is a leading lifestyle disease and major cause of morbidity and mortality in South Africa, and globally. Standard Treatment Guidelines are issued in this country to assist healthcare workers in the diagnosis and management thereof. Considering the debilitating effects caused by hypertension, the objectives were to find out whether healthcare workers diagnose and manage hypertension correctly in terms of compliance with the guidelines.

Method: A records audit was done of patients newly diagnosed with hypertension between April 2009 and March 2011 from a purposeful sample of clinics and the local hospital, using a data collection tool. The study included all adults above 18 years and excluded all patients with co-morbidity at the time of diagnosis.

Results: A total of 475 clinical encounters were analysed. Compliance with diagnosis based on the clinical guideline was 56% and 75% by nurses and doctors respectively. Drug management by doctors was less adherent to guidelines (56.6%) than that of nurses (63.6%) There was overall poor compliance with non-drug management.

Conclusions: As the adherence to hypertension guidelines in primary care by healthcare workers in general is suboptimal, continuous professional development in terms of diagnosis, drug and non-drug management is essential.

(Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp)

S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.1272246
Muscle pain
Authors: Mogole Omphile , Kandiwa Ralph , Babarinde Oyetola , Ismail Halima , Dlamini Nokuthula , Maluleke Letlhogonolo , Labuschagne Quinten , Malan Lucille , Schellack Natalie
Published: September 2020

Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, is most commonly associated with sprains or strains. It frequently presents as redness at the site of injury, tenderness, swelling and fever. Muscle pain may occur as a result of excitation of the muscle nociceptor due to overuse of the muscle, viral infections or trauma. The most important endogenous substance released in response to the damaged tissues or nociceptor nerve endings in regards with muscle pain is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Optimal pain management involves a combination of non-opioid, opioid analgesics, adjuvants, as well as non-pharmacologic strategies. Non-opiod analgesics include paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which are indicated for mild to moderate pain. Whereas moderate to severe pain acquires opiod analgesics. This article provides an overview of muscle pain, the management and treatment thereof.
Developing primary health care and public health competencies in undergraduate medical students
Authors: Knight Stephen E , Ross Andrew J , Mahomed Ozayr
Published: September 2020

Background: The Selective Programme (Selectives) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a three-year longitudinal, community-based programme within the undergraduate medical curriculum, which aims to develop primary health care (PHC) and public health competencies in students using the community-oriented primary care (COPC) approach.

Aim: The aim of this research was to evaluate the Selectives against the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) ‘core’ graduate competencies.

Setting: This study was carried out among medical students concluding Selectives at UKZN in 2015.

Methods: A cohort of 183 students concluded Selectives in 2015, and thereafter 70 (38%) completed a routine online evaluation of the programme based on the core graduate competencies.

Results: Students reported substantial improvements in PHC clinical knowledge, improved understanding of a population perspective on health, and having gained public health knowledge and skills.

Conclusion: Selectives is an effective way to use a decentralised PHC learning platform to enable medical students to address some of the HPCSA graduate competencies required for health care professionals and not necessarily covered by other medical disciplines.

(Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp)

S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.1272229
Spatial patterns and determinants of fertility levels among women of childbearing age in Nigeria
Authors: Alaba Oluwayemisi O , Olubusoye Olusanya E , Olaomi J O
Published: September 2020

Background: Despite aggressive measures to control the population in Nigeria, the population of Nigeria still remains worrisome. Increased birth rates have significantly contributed to Nigeria being referred to as the most populous country in Africa. This study analyses spatial patterns and contributory factors to fertility levels in different states in Nigeria.

Method: The 2013 Nigerian Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) data were used to investigate the determinants of fertility levels in Nigeria using the geo-additive model. The fertility levels were considered as count data. Negative Binomial distribution was used to handle overdispersion of the dependent variable. Spatial effects were used to identify the hotspots for high fertility levels. Inference was a fully Bayesian approach. Results were presented within 95% credible Interval (CI).

Results: Secondary or higher level of education of the mother, Yoruba ethnicity, Christianity, family planning use, higher wealth index, previous Caesarean birth were all factors associated with lower fertility levels in Nigeria. Age at first birth, staying in rural place of residence, the number of daughters in a household, being gainfully employed, married and living with a partner, community and household effects contribute to the high fertility patterns in Nigeria. The hotspots for high fertility in Nigeria are Kano, Yobe, Benue, Edo and Bayelsa states.

Conclusion: State-specific policies need to be developed to address fertility levels in Nigeria.

(Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp)

S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2017.1292693