bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Perioperative Anesthetic Factors associated with Postoperative Morbidity in Robot-Assisted vs. Open Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Cohort Study
Authors: Enden Antoon van den , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Maranus-Vereen Maya , Klimek Markus
Published: January 2021

Background: Robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy (RAPD) is a challenging procedure for the perioperative anesthesiologist, e.g. because of prolonged pneumoperitoneum exposure and reversed-Trendelenburg positioning. Purpose of this retrospective cohort study is to identify differences in perioperative anesthesia-related factors between RAPD and open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) and to determine perioperative anesthetic factors associated with major morbidity (Clavien Dindo ≥ III) after RAPD. Methods: All consecutive patient undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were retrospectively included during a two year inclusion period. Anesthesia charts were studied on fluid management details, rates of vasopressor administration and arterial blood gas results. All factors were compared between both surgical approaches. Within RAPD, factors were subsequently compared between patients with major (Clavien Dindo ≥ III) vs. without major postoperative morbidity and between procedures with high and low intraoperative blood loss. Perioperative factors associated with considerable postsurgical morbidity (Clavien Dindo ≥ III) were identified by constructing a logistic regression model.Results: RAPD was associated with higher administration of intraoperative vasopressors (9.5% of operative time vs. 0% in OPD, p=0.005) and a higher net intraoperative fluid balance (2497.6 vs. 1572.3 ml, p<0.001). OPD patients more frequently and quantitatively received colloids compared to RAPD patients (79.0% vs. 51.6%, p<0.001, 1000.0 vs. 500.0 ml, p<0.001). Intraoperative erythrocyte transfusion rate was 6.3% (4/64) for RAPD compared to 30.6% (19/62) for OPD (p<0.001). Colloid administration during surgery and hyperlactatemia after 12 hour postoperative admission were associated with major (Clavien Dindo ≥ III) morbidity after RAPD (OR 5.06 with 95% CI 1.49-17.20, p=0.009 and OR 3.18 with 95% CI 1.01-9.91, p=0.047, respectively).Conclusions: RAPD is a challenging procedure for the perioperative anesthesiologist e.g. considering a higher perioperative demand for vasopressors. Perioperative anesthetic factors, including hemodynamics and fluid strategy might alter postoperative morbidity. However, current data is insufficient to make specific recommendations.
A finger-jointing model for describing nanostructures of cellulose microfibrils
Authors: Fugetsu Bunshi , Vipin Adavan Kiliyankil , Takiguchi Shoichi , Sakata Ichiro , Endo Morinobu
Published: January 2021

We propose a finger-jointing model to describe the possible nanostructures of native cellulose microfibrils based on new observations obtained through thermal decomposition of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) in saturated water vapor. We heated the micrometers-long TEMPO-CNFs in saturated water vapor (≥ 120 °C, ≥ 0.2 MPa) for ≤ 8 h. The long TEMPO-CNFs unzipped into short (100 s of nanometers long) cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). We characterized the CNWs using Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, observing similar spectra as TEMPO-CNFs. Thus, the native cellulose microfibrils are not seamlessly long structures, but serial “jointed structures” of CNWs. The finger-jointing model implies a “working and resting rhythm” in the biosynthesis of cellulose. CNWs are highly dispersible in water and polar organic solvents, and are much easier to combine with other classes of polymers at nano-levels. The findings can enhance the feasibility and applicability of native cellulose to achieve sustainable development goals.
Disordered Eating & Body Image of Current and Former Athletes in a Pandemic - What Can We Learn From COVID-19 to Support Athletes Through Transitions?
Authors: Buckley Georgina , Hall Linden , Lassemillante Annie-Claude , Belski Regina
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has seen worsened mental health as a result of lockdowns, isolation and changes to sociocultural functioning. The postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is representative of global cancellations of sporting events, reduced facility access and support restrictions that have affected both current and former athletes psychological wellbeing. This study aimed to determine whether current (n=93) and former (n=111) athletes experienced worsened body image, relationship with food or eating disorder symptomatology during acute COVID-19 transitions.MethodsThe study was a Convergent Mixed Methods design whereby qualitative content analysis was collected and analysed simultaneously with quantitative cross-sectional data using the EAT-26 and self-report COVID-19 questions. Data were collected from April until May 2020 to capture data pertaining to transitions related to the pandemic and included individuals across 41 different individual and team sports from club to international competition levels. ResultsThere was a surge in disordered eating behaviours and cognitions in current and former athletes as a result of the early COVID-19 response. Eating disorders were suggested to occur in 21.1% of participants (18% current athletes n=17, 25% former athletes (n=26). There was a significant difference between males and females (p=0.018, r=0.17), but interestingly no differences between groups from individual vs team sports, type of sporting category (endurance, antigravitational, ball sport, power, technical and aesthetic) or level of competition (club, state, national or international). 34.8% (n=69) self-reported worsened body image and 32.8% (n=65) self-reported a worsened food relationship directly from COVID-19. Qualitative analysis indicated that disordered eating occurred predominantly in the form of body preoccupation, inhibitory food control, fear of body composition changes and binge eating.ConclusionsThis study indicates that transitions in COVID-19 have worsened food-body relationships in current and former athletes and must be treated as an at-risk time for eating disorder development. We suggest that resources are allocated appropriately to assist athletes foster psychologically positive food and body relationships through COVID-19 transitions. This study makes practice suggestions in supporting athletes to manage control, seek support, adapt and accept change and promote connection and variety through athletic transitions.
Associations of Serum Lipids With Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Centenarians
Authors: Chen Yujian , Huang Ya , Ning ChaoXue , Zhu Qiao , Yao Yao , Zhao Yali
Published: January 2021

Background: Dyslipidaemia and cognitive impairment are common in old adults and risks of both of them increase with increasing age. However, the relationship between lipids and cognitive impairment in longevous people is still unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between serum lipids and cognitive impairment in Chinese centenarians.Methods: In a cross-sectional study , total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were biochemically measured in 924 centenarians and cognitive functions were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations of lipids with cognitive impairment and the risks for cognitive impairment associated with quartile of serum lipid concentrations.Results: The results demonstrated HDL-C was an independent beneficial factor for cognitive impairment after controlling for the potential covariates (Odds ratio, OR=0.350, 95% Confidence interval, CI=0.159–0.774; P=0.009). An inverse association of HDL-C with cognitive impairment was found (P for trend=0.001) and the association remained significant after adjusting for possible cofounders (P for trend =0.012). The OR of cognitive impairment for the lowest versus highest quartiles of HDL-C was 1.96 (95%CI, 1.09–3.45).Conclusions: The results indicated that low HDL-C is likely to be harmful for cognitive functions in centenarians. The cognitive function of longevous persons with low HDL-C concentrations deserves more attention.
Grooved pegboard test performance before and after cerebrospinal fluid tap test in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Liu Caiyan , Dong Liling , Mao Chenhui , Li Jie , Huang Xinying , Wei Junji , Hou Bo , Feng Feng , Cui Liying , Gao Jing
Published: January 2021

Introduction Motor impairment in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) can extend beyond gait and include deficits in upper extremity functions and psychomotor speed. Evaluation of upper extremity function will be helpful for iNPH patients who are unable to ambulate (e.g., wheelchair-bound patients) and may not be able to comply with the gait evaluation. Our study aimed to explore the use of the grooved pegboard test (GPT) to assess responsiveness to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap test (TT) in iNPH patients. Methods Sixty-five possible NPH patients were enrolled retrospectively and all underwent detailed neuropsychological and walking assessments, CSF TTs, and brain magnetic resonance imaging. The GPT results before and after the CSF TT were compared and correlated with the other clinical assessments. In diffusion tensor imaging analysis, the fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values of periventricular white matter were measured by the region of interest method and were correlated with pegboard test performance. Results Compared with 0-hour GPT-dominant and nondominant hand performance, GPT-dominant hand and nondominant hand performance on the 24-hour and 72-hour CSF TT were significantly improved (all P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between 24-hour and 72-hour dominant hand GPT performance. The improvement ratios in the complex visual motor speed index (i.e., the GPT performance combined with the symbol-digit modalities test score) were significantly different between the CSF TT responder and nonresponder groups. The baseline GPT performance correlated with walking test, cognitive function, and functional scores. The diffusion tensor imaging analysis of eighteen patients showed that bilateral GPT performance was significantly correlated with FA values in right periventricular lesions (both P < 0.05). Conclusion GPT could measure the change of upper extremity motor function after TT and correlated the lower extremity motor function. It was worth further investigation to its application for iNPH patients unable to comply with the gait evaluation.
Job Preferences for Social Medicine and Health care Management PhD Students in China: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Liu Shimeng , Chen Yingyao , Li Shunping , Xu Ningze , Tang Chengxiang
Published: January 2021

Background: The shortage of public health workforce and its uneven distribution between developed and underdeveloped areas still exist in China’s health system. This study aimed to investigate PhD students majoring in social medicine and health care management (SMHCM)’s stated preferences when choosing a job, so as to inform policy-makers regarding alternative interventions to address recruitment and retention problems at underdeveloped areas.Methods: The relative importance of 7 job attributes was assessed by conducting a web-based discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey on a sample of 193 SMHCM PhD students at different grades during October 20 and November 12, 2020. The 7 attributes were monthly income, location, housing, children’s education, working environment, career promotion and Bianzhi (which refers to the authorized number of personnel (the number of established posts) in a party or government administrative organ). Results: All 7 attributes were statistically significant with the expected sign and demonstrated the existence of preference heterogeneity. Monthly income, location and Bianzhi were of most concern for SMHCM PhD students when deciding their future jobs. Among the presented attributes, working environment was of least concern. For the sub-group analysis, the job in first-tier city was more likely to lead to a higher utility value for PhD students who were women, married, coming from urban area and has high annual family income. Compared with female PhD students, male PhD students were willing to pay more for a shorter time to get promoted.Conclusions: Both monetary and non-monetary attributes were found to be significantly influential in affecting PhD students’ preferences for choosing a job. Wider use of choice experiments can help improve the recruitment and retention of health workforce at disease control system, especially in third-tier cities where resource constraints preclude the use of all strategies.
Relationships Between Placental Lipid Transporters and Macrosomia in Healthy Pregnancy
Authors: Han Ying , Wang Chenchen , Ye Yan , Ding MiaoMiao , Ni Lifang , Zheng Tian , Wang Yuhuan , Yan Hongtao , Yang Xinjun
Published: January 2021

Background: Macrosomia is a serious public health problem worldwide, the underlying etiology and mechanism of macrosomia born to healthy mothers are still unclear. Abnormal lipid transport during pregnancy exerts potential and adverse impacts on fetus, our study aimed to assess associations between macrosomia and placental expression levels of lipid transport-related genes and umbilical cord blood lipid concentrations in healthy pregnancy.Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 38 macrosomia and 39 normal-birth-weight newborns in healthy pregnancy. Cord blood lipid levels were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer, mRNA and protein expression levels of placental lipid transport-related factors were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Results: The single factor analysis showed that placental mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARα, PPARγ, FABPpm, LXRα, FABP3, FABP4 and FAT/CD36 were significantly higher and cord blood total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were significantly lower in macrosomia group. Further analysis found that placental PPARγ, FABP4 and FABP3 mRNA expression levels were positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, NEFA and triglycerides concentrations in macrosomia cord blood, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the logistic regression analysis showed that high placental PPARα (AOR=3.022; 95%CI:1.032-8.853) and FAT/CD36 (AOR=2.989; 95%CI:1.029-8.679) expression increased the risk of delivering macrosomia. Conclusions: The increase of PPARα and FAT/CD36 mRNA expression levels is associated with the occurrence of macrosomia, suggesting that they may be important regulators during placental lipid transport in macrosomia.
Implementing Strategies at the Workplace Level to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake in Public Workers in Argentina: A Controlled Interrupted Time Series Study.
Authors: Bardach Ariel Esteban , Pichón-Riviere Andres , Gibbons Luz , Alonso Juan Pedro , Virgilio Sacha Alexis , Belizán María , Comolli Mariana , González Lucas Angel Damián
Published: January 2021

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common neoplasm and the fourth cause of cancer death worldwide. In Argentina, more than 16,000 cases are diagnosed and 8,700 people die each year. The Immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT) is recommended for the prevention and early detection of CRC in people of both sexes, between 50 and 75 years old with average-risk. The worksite setting has great potential to improve adherence to preventive interventions. We aimed to design and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a strategy implemented in the workplace to improve the rate of adherence to the IFOBT screening in employees of the government’s Revenue Agency of the Province of Buenos Aires (ARBA). MethodsWe used a quasi-experimental research design, a controlled interrupted time-series (ITS). The study period was divided into two-time segments: (1) a 51- month pre-intervention period (July 2015 through September 2018); (2) a 5-month post-intervention period (October 2018 through February 2019). We performed an initial formative research using qualitative research methods (semi-structured interviews, focus groups) in order to inform the design of the intervention and adapt it, to ensure that it is both feasible and implementable by the target population. We fitted segmented linear regression models to evaluate changes in the monthly rates per 10,000 of tests done in ARBA employees, and controlling for the proportion of tests done in non-ARBA workers. ResultsA total of 1552 ARBA employees aged 50 or more participated. Overall, iFOBT mean uptake rates were 16 times higher in the intervened during the five-month intervention period, remaining statistically significant after adjusting by the proportion of tests done in the control group (p <0.001). This observed effect was higher in women aged 50 to 59 years. Activities were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in the country in 2020.ConclusionsA multifaceted workplace-based intervention helped increase the uptake of CRC screening in public sector employees of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Achieving high implementation rates requires building a healthy relationship with the partner organization, adding their values and views, and establishing agreed upon mechanisms and realistic timelines.
Leptin Receptor and Prolactin Are Prognostic Factors for Pubertal Disorders in Male Adolescents With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Villasís-Keever MA. , Zurita-Cruz Jessie , Serret-Montoya Juana , Zepeda-Martinez DC. , Alegria-Torres Gabriela , Barradas-Vazquez Aly Sugey , Hernández-Hernández BC. , Alonso-Flores SR. , Manuel-Apolinar L. , Damasio-Santana L.
Published: January 2021

Background: Few research studies have assessed chronic kidney disease (CKD) with pubertal disorders (PD) in adolescent boys and limited data are available. Thus, this study was planned to identify the usefulness of assessing hormonal parameters in male adolescents with CKD and their relationship with PD with a 1-y follow-up period.Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed on adolescents with CKD, stages IV and V. We collected information about the age at puberty onset, menarche, and the date of last menstrual period from the subjects’ clinical records and interrogation. A 1-y follow-up was conducted over pubertal development. At the beginning of the follow-up, the routine hormonal profile tests were performed to check the thyroid profile, prolactin level, luteinizing hormone level, follicle-stimulating hormone level, testosterone level, leptin level, and receptor leptin level. We compared the hormonal profiles of patients with and without PD (wPD vs. woPD). Comparisons between the groups were made using Wilcoxon and Fisher's tests. Logistic regression analysis was also performed.Results: Sixty-four patients, including 26 patients who were classified into the wPD group were analyzed. The median age of the study population was 15 y, and the median time for CKD evolution was 11 mon. There were no differences in the general and biochemical characteristics of wPD and woPD subjects. In terms of the hormonal measurements, the levels of prolactin were higher, while those of free leptin and free thyroxine were lower in wPD patients. Leptin receptor levels > 0.90 ng/mL (RR 8.6 p = 0.004) and hyperprolactinemia (RR 21.3 p = 0.049) were risk factors for the development of PD.Conclusions: Leptin receptor levels < 0.90 ng/mL and hyperprolactinemia are associated with the development of PD in male adolescents with CKD.
Characteristics and Clinical Significance of Dome Impaction in Acetabular Fractures
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Fei Chen , Li Zhi , Zhang Binfei , Yang Kun , Cong Yuxuan , Wang Hu , Wei Xing , Fu Yahui , Zhuang Yan , Zhang Kun
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the characteristics of acetabular dome impaction fractures(ADIF) and evaluate the clinical outcomes. MethodsTwenty-two ADIF treated by single surgeon were analyzed. The location and size of impaction was measured through Mimics. Patients’ demographic, characteristic data, surgical data and clinical outcomes were collected. The quality of reduction was assessed using criteria described by Matta. Functional outcomes were evaluated using modified Merle d’Aubigné score and SF-36.Results40.91% of the ADIF located at the posterosuperior quadrant,36.36% of the ADIF located at anterosuperior quadrant, 22.73% of the ADIF involved both areas. The average impacted size was 467.24±308.25mm2. The average percent of the impacted was 17.18±8.94%（impaction size/ lunar surfaces）. At the final follow-up, the rate of excellent and good outcome per Matta’s radiographic grading was 77.27%. The modified Merle d’Aubigné score graded as excellent in 5(22.73%), good in 10(45.45%), fair in 5(22.73%), and poor in 2(9.09%). The mean score of SF-36 was 76.76±20.18. Avascular necrosis (AVN) developed in two patients. Heterotopic ossification(HO) developed in one patient. Sciatic nerve injury developed in one patient. Arthritis developed in one patient. Conclusions﻿The ADIF can locate at the posterosuperior quadrant, the anterosuperior quadrant or involved both areas. Understanding the characteristics of the dome impaction can aid surgeons during reduction and fixation. Meanwhile, good to excellent outcomes and a high degree of patient satisfaction can be achieved in majority of the patients.
Hand Washing Practice Before Covid-19 Pandemic and Associated Factors Among Primary School Children at Hawassa City Sidama Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Sisay , Mulatu Getamesay , Hussen Siraj
Published: January 2021

Objectivesthe aim of this study was to assess hand washing practice before covid-19 pandemic and associated factors among primary school children, Hawassa City, Sidama, Ethiopia MethodAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at primary schools children in Hawassa city, Sidama Ethiopia from February to October 2019. A total of 739 students were selected using multistage sampling techniques. Information about socio demography and associated factors was collected by structured questionnaire.ResultIn this study, about 399 (54%) of the students wash their hands at critical times. Availability of hand washing material, availability soap/ash, availability water and pear influence (AOR =1.75, 95% CI=1.22, 2.23), (AOR = 3.23, 95% CI =2.02, 5.15), (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI=1.07, 2.89),(AOR=0.32 95% CI=0.101,0.98) had higher odds of washing practice respectively.ConclusionThe magnitude of hand washing practice was low in this study before covid -19 pandemic. In this regard, Poor access to hand washing facilities need to strengthen as intervention efforts. Further, health education promotion for hand washing practice could be done in school by Hawassa city administration Education office and better facilities need to avail by the stakeholders.
Alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe: a large-scale cross-sectional study in 21 countries
Authors: Kilian Carolin , Rehm Jürgen , Allebeck Peter , Braddick Fleur , Gual Antoni , Barták Miroslav , Bloomfield Kim , Gil Artyom , Neufeld Maria , O'Donnell Amy , Petruželka Benjamin , Rogalewicz Vladimir , Schulte Bernd , Manthey Jakob , COVID-19 with the European Study Group on Alcohol Use and
Published: January 2021

Aims: The aim of this project was to investigate changes in alcohol consumption during the first months of the pandemic in Europe as well as its associations with income and experiences of distress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Cross-sectional online survey conducted between April 24 and July 22 of 2020. Setting: 21 European countries. Participants: 31,964 adults reporting past-year drinking. Measurements: Changes in alcohol consumption were measured by asking respondents about changes during the previous month in their drinking frequency, the quantity they consumed, and incidence of heavy episodic drinking events. Individual indicators were combined into an aggregated consumption-change score and scaled to a possible range: -1 to +1. Using this score as outcome, multilevel linear regressions tested changes in overall drinking, taking into account sampling weights and baseline alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C) and country of residence serving as random intercept. Similar models were conducted for each single consumption-change indicator. Findings: In almost all countries, the consumption-change score indicated alcohol use to decrease on average; except in Ireland and the UK, where alcohol consumption on average remained unchanged or increased, respectively. Decreases in drinking were mostly driven by a reduced frequency of heavy episodic drinking. Declines in consumption were less marked among those with low- or average incomes, and those experiencing distress. Conclusions: Our research suggests alcohol consumption to decline on average during the first months of the pandemic in Europe. The findings suggest both reduced availability of alcohol and increased distress may have affected alcohol consumption, although the former seemed to have a greater impact, at least in terms of immediate effects. Monitoring of mid- and long-term consequences will be crucial in understanding how this public health crisis impacts alcohol consumption.
Exploiting Telerobotics for Sensorimotor Rehabilitation: A Locomotor Embodiment
Authors: Koh Min Hyong , Yen Sheng-Che , Leung Lester Y. , Gans Sarah , Sullivan Keri , Adibnia Yasaman , Pavel Misha , Hasson Christopher J.
Published: January 2021

Background: Manual treadmill training is used for rehabilitating locomotor impairments but can be physically demanding for trainers. This has been addressed by enlisting robots, but in doing so, the ability of trainers to use their experience and judgment to modulate locomotor assistance on the fly has been lost. This paper explores the feasibility of a telerobotics approach that allows patients to receive physical assistance from robotically augmented trainers.Methods: In the approach, a trainer holds onto a small robotic manipulandum that shadows the motion of a large robotic arm, which is magnetically attached to the leg of a locomoting patient. When the trainer deflects the manipulandum, the robotic arm applies a proportional force to the patient. After an initial evaluation of the telerobotic system’s ability to follow the leg during unassisted locomotion with unimpaired participants, a small feasibility study was performed with six patients with prior strokes. Over six days, the patients interacted with two robotically augmented trainers (separately), who assisted in altering a targeted gait feature: an increase in the affected leg’s swing length. Results: During unassisted walking, unwanted robot interaction forces averaged 3−4 N (swing−stance) for unimpaired individuals and 2−3 N for the patients who survived strokes. Transients averaging about 10 N were sometimes present at heel-strike/toe-off. For five of six patients, these forces increased with treadmill speed during stance (R2 = .99; p < .001) and increased with patient height (R2 = .71; p = .073) during swing. During assisted walking, the trainers applied 3.0 ± 2.8 N (mean ± standard deviation across patients) and 14.1 ± 3.4 N of force anteriorly and upwards, respectively. The patients exhibited a 20 ± 21% increase in unassisted swing length between Days 1−6 (p = .058). Conclusions: The results support the feasibility of locomotor assistance with a telerobotics approach. Simultaneous measurement of trainer manipulative actions, patient motor responses, and the forces associated with these interactions may prove useful for testing sensorimotor rehabilitation hypotheses. Further research with clinicians as operators and randomized controlled trials with more comprehensive outcome measures are needed before conclusions regarding efficacy can be reached.
Work related factors affecting the retention of medical officers in the preventive health sector in Sri Lanka
Authors: Arnold Mahendra , Fernando Dinusha , Wickramanayake Kapila , Karunapema Palitha , Wickramatilake Sepali , Fernando Yamuna , Denawaka Chandani , Mahesh Pasyodun Koralage Buddhika , Panditharathna Sujeewa
Published: January 2021

Background: Human resources are the livelihood of all types of organizations. The biggest challenge that organizations are facing today is not only managing these resources but also retaining them. Preventive health sector plays a vital role in the healthcare system. Medical Officers of Health (MOH) are the Medical Officers providing preventive health services in Sri Lanka. This study was carried out to explore the factors affecting retention of Medical Officers of Health in the preventive health sector in Sri Lanka.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among Medical Officers of Health in the Colombo district which has 18 MOH Offices with 64 Medical Officers. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used as the study instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, correlation and regression analysis. Results: Of the 74 Medical Officers 64 responded with a response rate of response rate of 86.5%. Regression analysis showed that all four variables; recognition, work schedule, remuneration and responsibility are positively and significantly correlated with retention of Medical Officers of Health in the preventive health sector. The variable ‘work schedule’ showed the highest impact to the retention of Medical Officers of Health.Conclusions: In order to retain trained Medical Officers of Health in the Sri Lankan preventive health sector, health authorities should address the factors that influence retention. If policy makers fail to address these factors the preventive health services will be negative impact due to shortage of key service providers.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control of Hypertension in Northern China: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Xiaoqian , Bao Han , Tian Zixuan , Zhu Hao , Zhu Lige , Niu Liwei , Yan Tao , Dong Hairong , Fang Xin , Zhang Xingguang
Published: January 2021

Background: Hypertension has always been a worldwide health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension among adult residents of northern China, where people usually have a high-fat, high-salt diet and heavy alcohol consumption.Methods: Through the Early Screening and Comprehensive Intervention Project for High Risk Groups of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of northern China, we collected data of 70,380 residents, from September 2015 to June 2017. We assessed the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the total population and subpopulations.Results: Among participants, only 13.4% had optimal blood pressure levels. About 55.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 55.3%–56.1%) of the participants had hypertension. The national standardized and the regional standardized prevalence rate was 49.4% and 55.4%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that old age, male, Han, living in rural, farmer, current drinker, not married, diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemia were associated with hypertension. In addition, the awareness, treatment, control and control under treatment rate of hypertension were 52.8% (95% CI: 52.3%–53.3%), 43.3% (95% CI: 42.8%–43.8%), 8.6% (95% CI: 8.3%–8.9%) and 19.8% (95% CI: 19.2%–20.4%), respectively. And the 70,380 population subgroups varied with respect to hypertension prevalence (range 32.6%-73.4%), awareness (35.1%-76.2%), treatment (24.9%-64.6%), control (3.9%-20.4%), and control under treatment (11.2%-31.6%). Controlled hypertension were less common in those younger age, Mongol, not married, farmer and current drinker. Conclusion: Most patients of hypertension are going undetected and uncontrolled in northern China. Even if patients with hypertension are under treatment, hypertension can remain inadequately controlled.
The seniority quantum number in Tensor Network States
Authors: Gunst Klaas , Van Neck Dimitri , Limacher Peter Andreas , De Baerdemacker Stijn
Published: January 2021

We employ tensor network methods for the study of the seniority
quantum number – defined as the number of unpaired electrons in a
many-body wave function – in molecular systems. Seniority-zero methods
recently emerged as promising candidates to treat strong static
correlations in molecular systems, but are prone to deficiencies related
to dynamical correlation and dispersion. We systematically resolve these
deficiencies by increasing the allowed seniority number using tensor
network methods. In particular, we investigate the number of unpaired
electrons needed to correctly describe the binding of the neon and
nitrogen dimer and the \mathbf{D_{6h}}D6h
symmetry of benzene.
POLITIC GOES DIGITAL, SO WHAT? A REVIEW ON INTERNET POLITICS
Authors: Rahyadi Irmawan
Published: January 2021

This article explores and mobilises the concept of ‘internet politics’ as an analytical entry point for understanding how politics emerge in the digital media world targeted to the public conversation and constituents believe to promote engagement and participation. Understanding political communication to public in digital platform is strategic in a digital era where exposure to political message is inevitable. Some leading academic databases are searched within a methodology of literature review to report a review of studies on internet politics. The result shows that research in this area incline towards utilization of a specifc platform in digital world. We conclude that political communication in the digital world started in the west and followed by non-western researcher. Technological advancement makes possible for people to communicate and gather virtually as in social media platform, thus any digital platform accessible for a substantial number of people is a potential channel for political communication where further research in this area needs to be directed.
Pengaruh Integrasi E-Book Interaktif pada Kegiatan Belajar Mengajar Sains
Authors: Kusumastuti Fransiska Astri
Published: January 2021

This study aims to see the effectiveness of the use of interactive e-book on student performance. Other than that, this study also discusses the integrating of interactive e-book into science learning activity, so that it can provide learning evaluation as material for e-book development in future studies. This study conducted in quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design. 88 students that are involved in this study were selected randomly of two classes from eight classes, and grouped into experiment and control class to see the effectiveness of using interactive e-book in science learning activities. Independent t-test was used to find out the effectiveness of the interactive e-books, and questionnaire was used to see student perceptions of interactive e-book that have been used in the science learning activity. From the Wilcoxon test, found that probability value (p)obtained was 0.000 (p<0.05). This result showed that each class showed significant difference in learning outcomes, where the experimental class get better than the control class. This finding also supported by the results of the questionnaire that students in experimental class has better learning experiences than students in control class.
Commodification of Local Culture In Cigarette Commercials: Semiotic Analysis On Dji Sam Soe Commercial “Mahakarya Indonesia 2016”
Authors: Prakoso Emmanuel Putro
Published: January 2021

Being restricted directly displaying cigarettes on commercials forces cigarette manufacturers and creative teams to work hard to create a cigarette commercial that can attract consumers’ attention. This is the reason why many cigarette manufacturers show scenes laden with local culture elements in their commercials as an effort to bring their products closer to the consumers. Local culture-themed commercials beginning to bloom on the television aim not only to preserve Indonesian local cultural values but also to protect them from being claimed by other countries. This research aims to get an overview of an alleged exploitation of Sumbawa local culture in Dji Sam Soe cigarette commercial Mahakarya Indonesia 2016 version. The research method used here is semiotic analysis with approaches from Roland Barthes, which are linguistics and connotative and denotative iconic message. Several vital scenes indicate practices of exploitation of Sumbawa local culture in the advertisement. These practices of local culture exploitation are marked by the emergence of scenes where Sumbawa people work together to build boats and houses (denotation), a long-time characteristic of Indonesian society, along with verbal and written message (linguistics) shown through the back sound of a man saying,“From the youths to the elders, to the youths.”and “One Nusantara collaborate to create an effort in which equal burden is bore on the shoulders!”.These sentences send both denotative and connotative messages that are important to be analyzed further.
Analisis Determinan Berat Badan Lahir Rendah (BBLR) Di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur Tahun 2017
Authors: Mayasari Elina , Prasetya Balebu Geraldi Putra , Hasanah Latifah , Wulandari Rizka , Nooraeni Rani
Published: January 2021

Health is one of the essential needs for human beings, and even became a major issue that indicates achievement of a country or a region. Health can also be viewed from the condition of the infants, which can be measure from Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). This indicator shows a high rate especially because of low birthweight. The cases of low birthweight is one of the highest case that occurred in developing countries, including Indonesia. Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) province in Indonesia, is one of the most common places where this case is most likely to happened. The percentage of the low birthweight case is higher than the average case in Indonesia. Therefore, this research paper aim to investigate variables which are responsible for causing low birthweight case in such a high number in NTT on 2017. The method used for analysis is logistic regression. The result indicate that mother’s education level is significantly affecting low birthweight cases in NTT.
Implikasi Penerapan Sistem Manajemen Mutu ISO 9001:2015 di Madrasah (Studi Kasus di Madrasah Aliyah Nahdlatul Ulama Banat, Kudus, Indonesia)
Authors: Isnaini Siti , Syukur Fatah , Khunaifi Agus
Published: January 2021

Kompetisi dunia kerja di era global ini tidak hanya terjadi di level nasional melainkan internasional. Realitas ini menuntut lembaga-lembaga pendidikan memiliki kualitas lulusan berstandar internasional. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji implikasi penerapan  Sistem Manajemen Mutu ISO 9001:2015 di Madrasah Aliyah NU Banat Kudus. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, dengan teknik observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data melalui tiga tahap, yaitu reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Berdasarkan dari teori Deming, hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pada tahap perencanaan (plan); madrasah merumuskan sasaran mutu, isu-isu internal eksternal, resiko-peluang, serta kebutuhan dan harapan pihak berkepentingan. Tahap pelaksanaan (do); madrasah melakukan komunikasi, sosialisasi dan menggalang dukungan untuk menjamin proses Sistem Manajemen Mutu ISO 9001:2015 di madrasah. Tahap pemeriksaan (check); madrasah melakukan audit internal, audit eksternal dan menyebarkan angket layanan. Tahap peningkatan berkelanjutan (act); madrasah menggunakan hasil angket layanan yang telah disebar dan juga meningkatkan grade dalam sasaran mutu. Implikasi penerapan sistem ini diantaranya terciptanya sinergitas kebutuhan akreditasi madrasah, peningkatan citra madrasah,  peningkatan kualitas program, dan peningkatan kedisiplinan
Peran Bu Nyai dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Hafalan Al-Qur’an Santri Putri Pondok Pesantren Al-Hikmah Pedurungan Lor Semarang
Authors: Nawafi Luthfiyah Natun , Uhbiyati Nur , Sholihah Baqiyatush
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan peran bu nyai sebagai pengasuh sekaligus pendiri pesantren dalam peningkatan mutu hafalan Al-Qur’an santri. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan metode observasi, wawancara, dokumentasi. Uji keabsahan data menggunakan teknik triangulasi, selanjutnya data dianalisis dengan analisis deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) dalam peningkatan mutu hafalan Al-Qur’an, bu nyai memberikan keteladanan, pengawasan, dan pemberian motivasi, (2) hambatan yang dihadapi dalam meningkatkan mutu hafalan Al-Qur’an santri adalah kemalasan, banyaknya kegiatan santri sehingga waktu untuk menghafal dan muraja’ah berkurang, kelemahan santri dalam mengatur waktu, lemahnya ingatan, lingkungan yang kurang kondusif, kelemahan santri untuk menahan diri dari melakukan hal-hal yang kurang penting seperti terlalu banyak mengobrol dengan temannya, juga godaan terkait perasaan terhadap lawan jenis yang membuat konsentrasi untuk menghafal Al-Qur’an menjadi terganggu, (3) strategi yang digunakan bu nyai untuk meningkatkan mutu hafalan Al-Qur’an adalah dengan meminta santri untuk meningkatkan jumlah setoran hafalan, meminta santri untuk meningkatkan kualitas bacaan ayat yang disetorkan berdasarkan tajwid, makharijul-huruf, sifatul-huruf serta kelancaran dalam menghafal, mendorong santri untuk meningkatkan amaliyah penunjang mudahnya menghafal, meningkatkan kedisiplinan santri dalam menghafal melalui jadwal setoran dan muraja’ah, mendorong santri mengikuti sistem pengulangan atau takrir, mengevaluasi hafalan santri secara berkala
Pengelolaan Perpustakaan Sekolah di MTs Negeri 7 Kebumen
Authors: Afriatin Rohmy , Danusiri Danusiri
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendiskripsikan pengelolaan perpustakaan sekolah di MTs Negeri 7 Kebumen. Pengelolaan tersebut meliputi aspek perencanaan, pengorganisasian, pelaksanaan atau penyelenggaraan, evaluasi, dan kendala di perpustakaan. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kualitatif lapangan (field research) yang dilakukan langsung di medan terjadinya gejala-gejala yang diteliti yaitu MTs Negeri 7 Kebumen. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif di mana hasil penelitiannya berbentuk deskripsi kata-kata. Penelitian ini dilakukan secara intensif, yakni peneliti ikut berpatisipasi selama di lapangan. Pengumpulan data penelitian ini menggunakan dokumentasi, observasi dan wawancara, setelah data terkumpul kemudian dianalisis dan dinyatakan dalam keadaan sewajarnya atau sebagaimana adanya tanpa mengubahnya menjadi angka atau simbol. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengelolaan perpustakaan sekolah di MTs Negeri 7 Kebumen menunjukan sebagai berikut: (1) dalam hal perencanaan sudah cukup baik dan sudah direncanakan sesuai dengan tujuan maupun dengan visi dan misi walaupun ada beberapa kendala salah satunya adalah dalam hal ruangan, (2) pengorganisasian sudah baik dan berjalan secara terstruktur, (3) pelaksanaan maupun penyelenggaraan cukup baik, (4) evaluasinya berjalan dengan baik karena dilaksanakan setiap hari, (5) kendala yang dihadapi dalam pengelolaan perpustakaan adalah mengenai ruangan yang belum memenuhi standar, sarana dan prasarana kurang mencukupi, pengadaan bahan koleksi kurang maksimal dan tidak ada pelatihan khusus bagi staf perpustakaan.
Biographic Method in Social Policy Assessment
Authors: Rychkov Vladislav
Published: January 2021

The article describes a case of applying biographical method to the study of the memory policy. The research featured archival sources, personal documents, and published family memoirs of foreign citizens repressed in the 1930s. The paper demonstrates advantages of using the method as part of interdisciplinary approach in a hybrid methodological complex and describes various techniques of the hybridization procedure. The hybrid methodological approach made it possible to reconstruct a person's life path against the background of the historical situation in the country, to understand the context of their lives, their meanings and goals in specific historical conditions. The comparative analysis of the biographies resulted in a typical biographical situation and a typical life path of a repressed foreigner in Russia. Against the background of the typical fate of repressed foreigners, each individual biography emphasizes both the striking similarity of the scenarios and the unique experience. The biographical method proved efficient in studying the memory policy, embodied in different scenarios. The author believes that Russia needs to develop a policy of memory as it could bring to harmony various narratives and meanings, thus strengthening the civil solidarity.
Fim de Tempo
Authors: Kleberson de Oliveira Benicio Raimundo
Published: January 2021

Fim de Tempo é um espetáculo teatral que tem como tema principal a violência à Pessoa idosa com uma abordagem que discute a relação do homem contemporâneo com sua Negligência frente ao idoso e o sucateamento do planeta. Conta a história de três personagens: a mãe que é cega, um idoso e um cuidador, estes moram em uma casa de praia e são os últimos sobreviventes de uma epidemia misteriosa. Comem ratos e lixos para sobreviverem. A dramaturgia desta encenação escrita em 2016 foi fruto do processo de pesquisa do Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso intitulada “Os múltiplos Olhares de Espectador: análises-reconstituições a partir da Trupe dos Pensantes”, do curso de Licenciatura em Teatro da Universidade Regional do Cariri, Crato, Ceará. A poética do absurdo para esse trabalho foi norteadora como suporte poético, devido ao contexto pós-guerra, no qual a humanidade sofreu impactos biológicos, estruturais, psicológicos, época em que residiu a incerteza e o vazio da humanidade.

 

Palavras-chaves: Trupe dos Pensantes, Encenação Contemporânea, Dramaturgia, Fim de Tempo.