bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Youth and the Labor Market in Canada Since the Great Recession
Authors: Amine Samir , Predelus Wilner
Published: May 2020

In Canada, recent data show a marked improvement in the youth unemployment rate for the first time since the last recession, although their participation in the labor force remains below the expected thresholds. In the context of a historically low unemployment rate, this chapter aims to dig deeper into the data to understand how youth has fared in the labor market since the last recession compared to the older people, and mainly in the area of gender disparities. In this context, the authors analyze the unemployment and the participation rates by age and by sex. Furthermore, they provide an insight on the youth regional unemployment rates.
Task-Based Language Teaching
Authors: Kayır Gökhan
Published: May 2020

Task-based language teaching is one of the newest language teaching models and has popularity among language teachers as it brings real-life situations to the classroom. Based on main principles of communicative language teaching approach, the method provides student-centered, flexible, and authentic real-life classroom environments. Not only the output but also input and learning processes are important for the teachers using this approach. Students are in the center of teaching and learning process, while the teachers are mentor and facilitator. The TBLT uses educational tasks to teach a language. Educational tasks are duties that are structured for an educational purpose. Each task has a language focus that can be assessed. As a result, having the flexibility and being a student-centered approach, TBLT will be used and adapted by many language instructors.
Using Lean Method in English Language Classes
Authors: Kozhakhmetova Araigul , Beisenbayeva Lyazzat
Published: May 2020

New approaches, methods, and tools are necessary for the implementation of the modern management system in educational organizations. The main purpose of this chapter is to determine using the lean method in foreign language teaching. The lean method is new in educational systems, but it is used in different spheres of industries all over the world. This chapter shows the history, its implementation, experiments, and how it can be used and developed further. Lean in education will create a clear understanding of its importance on lean process and increase the motivations of administrations, teachers, and students.
Synectics as a Modern Method of Solving Creative Problems
Authors: Serikbayeva Ayagul , Beisenbayeva Lyazzat
Published: May 2020

An important need in the conditions of modern education is the development and application of innovative technologies in the teaching of students. Nowadays it has become very important to be a creative person. The formation and development of creative personality requires the coverage of the entire period of human life. One of the directions of the educational organization should be the development of creative thinking of students. Since creative thinking is important to society, it is necessary to develop strategies that are conducive to its development. Various strategies such as creative problem solving, lateral thinking, and synectics have been devised to facilitate growth in thinking and creativity. This study investigated the effect of one of those techniques, synectics, and its effect on schoolchildren.
Effective Implementation of Sustainability Education in Higher Education Settings via Transformative Learning Approach
Authors: Taimur Sadaf , Onuki Motoharu
Published: May 2020

In this chapter, the importance of equipping educators with transformative learning approach to implement sustainability education in higher education settings has been discussed. The chapter talks about sustainability education as a way to achieve sustainable development and transformative learning approach to implement sustainability education effectively in higher education settings. The entry discusses the literature introducing the prominent concepts and ideas for transformative learning approach and establishes the importance of providing educators with the right pedagogy for effective implementation of sustainability education, in higher education settings, using transformative learning approach. In the final section, the authors conceptualized a framework, based on literature review, highlighting the learning experiences and the pedagogies required to bring transformative learning approach to practice in the context of sustainability education in higher education settings.
Digital Health Innovation Enhancing Patient Experience in Medical Travel
Authors: Medhekar Anita
Published: May 2020

Digital health technological innovations are disrupting every sector of the economy, including medical travel/tourism. Global patients as medical tourists are using patient-centric digital health technologies, enhancing patient/medical tourists experience and making it more transparent and engaging with healthcare providers and medical tourists. Digital communication tools such as e-mail, online appointments, smartphones, instant messaging applications, social media tools, user-generated content by online patient communities, tele-medicine, tele-radiology, my-Health records, Skype consultation, WhatsApp, health video, electronic health records, health data analytics tools, and artificial intelligence-enabled health technologies enhance the medical travel decision-making process, reduce cost, improve patient care and transparency of communication, and engage the relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider with positive outcomes, medical tourist experience, and empowerment.
My Digital Healthcare Record
Authors: Medhekar Anita , Nguyen Julie
Published: May 2020

In the 21st century, the digital revolution is disrupting every sector of the economy. Australia has adopted the digital healthcare technological revolution such as My Health Record (MyHRC) to improve healthcare practice for clinicians/medical professionals and empower consumers to provide positive health management experience with a patient-centred approach to digital health revolution and digital literacy. My Health Record has its benefits, but it has been a challenge for the healthcare practitioners, hospital staff, as well as patients as consumers to accept, embrace, and uptake digital technologies and manage their healthcare records amidst concerns of slow adoption by the patient, data privacy, and implications of the secondary use of their personal data by non-government entities.
Transition of Ecosystem Services Based on Urban Agro Ecology
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G.
Published: May 2020

This chapter analyzes the implications of the transition of ecosystem services based on urban agro-ecology. It advances on the debate over the negative effects of the traditional and industrial-oriented agricultural production on the ecosystem services, food systems, climate change, etc. and analyses the principles, methods, and some practices that support the transition to urban agro-ecology. The method employed is the analytical of the theoretical and empirical literature review. It concludes that a transition from traditional and industrial-oriented agriculture towards more urban agro-ecology is inevitable to improve the ecological and environmental services, the economic efficiency, the social equity and justice, and the environmental sustainability of cities.
Environmental Problems of Delhi and Governmental Concern
Authors: Bhat Mohd. Yousuf
Published: May 2020

Delhi, the capital city of India, which is the concern of this chapter, has its own significance as it is the seat of governance, learning, and the healthcare service provider. Capital cities though inhabit people from every region and tend to be overcrowded, but in Delhi, the situation is not only the nature of a capital city, but also the industrial and commercial centre of high order in the northern zone of India, which is creating a number of environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, slum development, congested housing, etc. The chapter discusses all causes of Delhi's environmental problems like atrophy of political will, mismanaged urbanisation, court interventions, etc., and finally, the chapter tries to find out possible solutions in a detailed manner keeping in view the measures taken by other countries like China to deal with such problems.
Hydrogen
Authors: Ngqalakwezi Athule , Nkazi Diakanua Bevon , Baloyi Siwela Jeffrey , Ntho Thabang Abraham
Published: May 2020

Global warming is a pertinent issue and is quintessential of the environmental issues that the world is facing, and thereby, remedial actions and technologies that aim to alleviate this issue are of paramount importance. In this chapter, hydrogen has been discussed as an alternative energy that can potentially replace traditional fuels such as diesel and gasoline. The storage of hydrogen as a gas, liquid, and solid was discussed. The key issues in hydrogen storage were also highlighted. Furthermore, regulations and legislations concerning the emission of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels-based sources were discussed.
Medical Tourism Patient Mortality
Authors: Mason Alicia , Bhati Sakshi , Jiang Ran , Spencer Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2020

Medical tourism is a process in which a consumer travels from one's place of residence and receives medical treatment, thus becoming a patient. Patients Beyond Borders (PBB) forecasts some 1.9 million Americans will travel outside the United States for medical care in 2019. This chapter explores media representations of patient mortality associated with medical tourism within the global news media occurring between 2009-2019. A qualitative content analysis of 50 patient mortality cases found that (1) a majority of media representations of medical tourism patient death are of middle-class, minority females between 25-55 years of age who seek cosmetic surgery internationally; (2) sudden death, grief, and bereavement counseling is noticeably absent from medical tourism providers (MTPs); and (3) risk information from authority figures within the media reports is often vague and abstract. A detailed list of health communication recommendations and considerations for future medical tourists and their social support systems are provided.
Vertical Transmission of Syphilis With Control Treatment
Authors: Patel Zalak Ashvinkumar , Shah Nita H.
Published: May 2020

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease having different signs and symptoms with four main stages, namely primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Congenital (vertical) transmission of syphilis from infected mother to fetus or neonatal is still a cause of high perinatal morbidity and mortality. A model of transmission of syphilis with three different ways of transmission, namely vertical, heterosexual, and homosexual, is formulated as a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Treatment is also incorporated at various stages of infection. Total male and female population is divided in various classes (i.e., were susceptible, exposed, primary and secondary infected, early and late latent, tertiary, infected treated, latent treated, infected child [newborn], and treated infected child [at birth time]). Stability of disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium is established. Control treatment is applied. It is observed that safe sexual habits and controlled treatment in each stage including pregnancy are effective parameters to curb disease spread.
Transferring Japanese Management Practices in Asia and the West
Authors: Iwashita Hitoshi
Published: May 2020

This chapter aims to identify and investigate the transferability of Japanese management practices in Asia and the West. Through a review of existing literature regarding Japanese management practices in Asia and the West, it attempts to identity and further explain how Japanese management practices can be (non-)transferrable into different national contexts. In the past, work on Japanese management practices had mainly focused on their cost-effectiveness in the Western countries. In and after the 2000s, however, this focus on the Western contexts has been gradually shifting to Asia institutionally (i.e., local labour market and regulations) while becoming culturally closer to Japan (i.e., in terms of national culture, such as collectivism and hierarchy). This chapter therefore tries to establish whether or not Japanese management practices can be (non-)transferrable into Asian contexts; if so, why so? If not, why not?
Cross-Cultural Leadership
Authors: Eskiyörük Diğdem
Published: May 2020

This chapter aims to explain how the differences in national cultures have an impact on understanding the concept of leadership and leadership styles in an intercultural perspective. Leaders need to recognize the culture of their community and be aware of cultural differences. These cultural characteristics affect the behavior and attitudes of the leaders. Leaders need to understand the effects and possible consequences of these cultural differences at the organizational and managerial levels for effective management and organizational success. In this respect, the concept of leadership and the process of development of leadership are examined in a literature review. Following the analysis of leadership theories and leadership styles, the cultural dimensions of Hofstede are examined in the section of cultural differentiation and dimensions. Finally, national culture dimensions in cross-cultural leadership were examined.
A Study of Digital Acceptance of ERP Systems for Improved Financial Performance
Authors: Bazhair Ayman Hassan , Sandhu Kamaljeet
Published: May 2020

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the digital impacts of user training and education and perceived usefulness on the ERP systems acceptance and the contribution of the ERP systems towards the improved financial performance of Saudi firms. The survey is conducted on the ERP users, who are working in Saudi-based companies. The ERP users are selected for the survey by having been using the ERP modules for various digital tasks including finance and accounting, material management, human resource management, quality management, and sales and distribution. The research findings show that digital training and perceived usefulness both have a positive relation with the acceptance of the ERP systems.
The Role of Internet Banking in the Presentation and Marketing of Financial Services and Products in a Digital Environment
Authors: Eren Berrin Arzu
Published: May 2020

This study aims to reveal the advantages and disadvantages offered by internet banking to financial institutions and their customers as well as the reasons why customers use/do not use internet banking. For this purpose, customers' perspectives on internet banking are presented to the reader in the past and present by statistics. This research points out that many customers of the bank around the world still do not use the internet. Hence, internet banking is not an option. Therefore, in this study, suggestions are made to enable the use of internet banking by the wider masses. In addition to internet banking, technological developments and digital innovations in the banking sector are mentioned in the chapter, and the evolution of internet banking is pointed out.
Prioritization of Leadership Effectiveness Dimensions Improving Organizational Performance via Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Technique
Authors: Taherdoost Hamed , Madanchian Mitra
Published: May 2020

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the economic development of a country. On the other hand, one of the main factors that leads to organizational success is leadership effectiveness. In addition, many researchers argue that leadership effectiveness can improve organizational performance. Therefore, in order to contribute to economic growth, it is crucial to understand and evaluate the leadership effectiveness. Some researches carried out studies to introduce the dimensions of leadership effectiveness, although there is a lack of research to prioritize these dimensions to effectively guide leaders on how to improve their effectiveness. The chapter aims to prioritize dimensions of leadership effectiveness in SMEs, specifically Malaysia digital service SMEs. The applied research method in this chapter is a quantitative method using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique. Furthermore, in this chapter, leadership effectiveness dimensions have been evaluated by practitioner and academician experts in the Malaysia SME context.
Gerontrepreneurship
Authors: Özsungur Fahri
Published: May 2020

In today's world, where technological developments and age-related consumption tendencies differ, entrepreneurship is a subject that needs to be investigated in the context of gerontology. Consumption behaviors are influenced by the effects of decreases due to aging on technology and the environment. In this chapter, where the effects of differentiation of consumption behaviors on entrepreneurship and its process are discussed, a new concept, gerontrepreneurship, is introduced. With this concept, the authors a new idea to gerontology in the context of entrepreneurship, elderly-technology interaction, and digital service innovations. In this chapter, the consumption processes of the elderly and their relations with the gerontrepreneurship process are explained, and recommendations are made.
Digital Transformation of Learning Management Systems at Universities
Authors: Al Amoush Abdeleh Bassam , Sandhu Kamaljeet
Published: May 2020

Internet technologies are recently being more utilised in the field of higher education in distance digital learning systems. Digital learning management systems (DLMSs) are an important and necessary educational tool for learning activities. The universities are using the digital LMS (DLMS) tools that are unique to their environment. Different universities have different DLMS tools that are software driven and allow the users (management, instructors, and students) to use them for regular tasks. This research discusses the qualitative data collected using the case study methodology. In this research, case study design was selected for the qualitative methodology, and semi-structured interviews were employed as the data collection method. The case study is based in a deanship of a university implementing a digital learning management system in Jordan. The research provides an analysis of the interviews to gain insights into students' perspectives regarding the factors influencing the implementation of the digital learning management system in the higher education sector.
A Study of Digital Learning Management Systems in Developing Countries
Authors: Al Amoush Abdeleh Bassam , Sandhu Kamaljeet
Published: May 2020

Academic higher education has adopted the use of internet technologies such as web-based digital learning systems. Digital learning management systems (DLMSs) have widely been utilized by many universities as a tool that fosters learning activities due to its prevailing unique environment. DLMS is a software-driven tool with different features; hence, different universities adopt different DLMSs that meet their expectations in terms of helping their administrators, instructors, and students learning the processes. The research aims to examine collected qualitative data through a case study methodology coupled with semi-structured interviews as the data collection method. The interviews are analyzed deeply based on the research findings to gain insights on how the implementation of the digital learning management systems influences the learning perspective of instructors as far as universities and the higher education sector is concerned.
Blockchain Architecture Stack to Smart Education
Authors: Kuppusamy Palanivel
Published: May 2020

Blockchain is an emerging technology that serves as an immutable ledger and publicly available infrastructure for building decentralized applications. Blockchain-based applications ensure transparency and trust between all parties involved in the interaction. Nowadays, educational organizations focus on online education and propose to create a system based on educational smart contracts in a public ledger. This public ledger shall be shared between major online and offline educational institutes around the world. From a software architecture perspective, blockchain enables new forms of distributed software architectures across a large network of untrusted participants. The objective of this chapter is to propose a blockchain architecture stack to smart education. The proposed architecture exploits the benefits of the blockchain and global ecosystem simplification to create a globally trusted higher education credit system.
Various Models to Evaluate Quality in the Service Industry
Authors: Gomathi Sankar Jeganathan , Valan Peter , Siranjeevi M. S.
Published: May 2020

Service quality has turned out to be the most important topic of consideration to academicians and practitioners. It has been proven that the influence of service quality on business performance, cost leadership, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and profitability. The accomplishment of quality in services has turned out to be a vital concern of all services organisations. Quality in services is mainly undefined and becomes the crucial issue. Increased competition and knowledge of customer satisfaction made the service organisations use new service parameters and implement quality management tools as competitive advantage. Service quality is hard to evaluate, as it is subjective in nature. Many researchers did explore and confirm the dimensions of service quality. This study focuses on various studies of service quality conducted by earlier researchers in an array of industries. The chapter details the development of service quality theory and different models hypothesised to measure service quality.
Exploring an Agile Plus Approach for Project Scope, Time, and Cost Management
Authors: Hassan Ali , Younas Soayba , Bhaumik Amiya
Published: May 2020

Managing project scope, time, and cost in an agile project planning are considered to be key influencing factors for a project's success. A large quantum of work and literature shows how agile with its iterative project execution methodology has produced a large number of successful projects over the last two decades, especially in the IT sector. However, the concern regarding applicability of this highly successful project execution methodology in industrial sectors other than IT has been a question to which researchers are trying to find an answer. The solution to this problem would require covering all aspect of project management through which an answer for its applicability could be provided. This study identifies the possible issues and proposes an agile plus limited to scope, time, and cost knowledge area of project management. The results are obtained from the extensive empirical findings gathered using literature study, interviews, and surveys. Further, the empirical findings and proposed model are quantitatively validated, which came out to be in accordance with the literature and empirical findings.
Capacity-Building for Sustainability
Authors: Shah-Nelson Clark , Mayo Ellen A. , Ebuwei Patience
Published: May 2020

An American K-12 cooperative educational services provider (“The Agency”) has an issue: partner school districts are saving money by building internal capacity for professional development, rather than fully utilizing expertise from the Agency. The aim of this evidence-based case study is to inform the Agency on capacity-building for innovation. The researchers performed three separate rapid evidence assessments, followed by a standard systematic review process to synthesize findings across 31 studies. Key findings identified from the research include (1) organizational capacity and program evaluation lead to organizational sustainability, (2) agency leadership should guide strategic organizational change in order to establish a shared vision for evaluation and feedback, and (3) organizations benefit from practicing continuous and ongoing learning through feedback loops. The findings of this study may be generalizable to other similar educational service providers or non-profits looking to strengthen organizational capacity and partnerships.
Multidimensional Faculty Professional Development in Teaching and Learning
Authors: Elçi Alev , Yaratan Hüseyin , Abubakar A. Mohammed
Published: May 2020

Higher educational institutions exert great effort to improve educational quality and effectiveness to cope with digital challenges in education. The impact of COVID-19 on education highlighted the importance of the achievement of sustainability in higher education. To overcome many of these challenges, faculty members need sustained professional development infrastructure embracing individual and institutional dimensions for enhancing educational qualifications. In this study, a quantitative method was employed to explore goals, individual needs, and institutional expectations of faculty in an international university in a developing country. The obtained survey data were analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics (i.e., Kendall's coefficient of concordance, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Mann–Whitney U test). The findings demonstrate that the preferred goals of the faculty are found as developing skills in disciplinary knowledge, teaching and learning, and research. To achieve these goals, they favor certain capacity building activities and support services. Findings reflect the faculty's positive attitude towards multidimensional development, thus opening up to the global knowledge-based community. This study contributes to the existing literature as a pilot study to identify that faculty professional development needs are in line with student academic support.
Human Term Pregnancy Decidual NK Cells Generate Distinct Cytotoxic Responses
Authors: de Mendonça Vieira Ricardo , Meagher Ava , Crespo Ângela C. , Kshirsagar Sarika K. , Iyer Vidya , Norwitz Errol R. , Strominger Jack L. , Tilburgs Tamara
Published: May 2020

Decidual NK cells (dNK) are the main lymphocyte population in early pregnancy decidual mucosa. Although dNK decrease during pregnancy, they remain present in decidual tissues at term. First trimester dNK facilitate trophoblast invasion, provide protection against infections, and were shown to have many differences in their expression of NKRs, cytokines, and cytolytic capacity compared with peripheral blood NK cells (pNK). However, only limited data are available on the phenotype and function of term pregnancy dNK. In this study, dNK from human term pregnancy decidua basalis and decidua parietalis tissues were compared with pNK and first trimester dNK. Profound differences were found, including: 1) term pregnancy dNK have an increased degranulation response to K562 and PMA/ionomycin but lower capacity to respond to human CMV–infected cells; 2) term pregnancy dNK are not skewed toward recognition of HLA-C, as was previously shown for first trimester dNK; and 3) protein and gene expression profiles identified multiple differences between pNK, first trimester, and term pregnancy dNK, suggesting term pregnancy dNK are a distinct type of NK cells. Understanding the role of dNK throughout pregnancy is of high clinical relevance for studies aiming to prevent placental inflammatory disorders as well as maternal-to-fetal transmission of pathogens.
Management of COVID-19: the risks associated with treatment are clear, but the benefits remain uncertain
Authors: Zareifopoulos Nicholas , Lagadinou Maria , Karela Anastasia , Platanaki Christina , Karantzogiannis Gerasimos , Velissaris Dimitrios
Published: May 2020

Even though the early reports from China provided advance warning of what was to come, the COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the world with devastating consequences. Emergency measures are being implemented to reduce the magnitude of the public health crisis, prevent healthcare facilities from becoming overwhelmed and reduce the death toll of the disease. Containment strategies to mitigate viral transmission and emergency measures to increase the capacity of each country to provide intensive care are at the forefront of the public health management of the epidemic, even though the detrimental social and psychological effects of quarantine are evident on a global scale. Optimal management of critically ill patients with COVID-19 is also unclear, and the initial suggestion for early intubation as in typical ARDS may have caused significant harm. The management of mild cases of confirmed infection is another point of controversy, as drugs which may be repurposed for COVID-19 treatment have significant, potentially irreversible toxic effects and their use in mild cases of a viral illness which is typically self-limited may be harmful.
Immune response to hepatitis B vaccine
Authors: Madhavan Anitha , Palappallil Dhanya Sasidharan , Balakrishnapanicker Jayalakshmy , Asokan Anjana
Published: May 2020

Background:

Hepatitis B virus infection is a major public health problem in India, and all health-care workers (HCWs) need to be immunized to prevent occupational exposure. This study was done to find the hepatitis B vaccination rates, immune response, and predictors of titer <10 mIU/ml among students and HCWs of a tertiary care institution in the state of Kerala.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India, for a period of 1½ years between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017. Vaccination rates were collected through a screening proforma. Of the 1321 participants who filled the screening proforma, 5 ml of blood was collected aseptically from 579 participants who were fully vaccinated (all the three doses of vaccine) and stored at −20°C until antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) assay was done using Microlisa (Biorad). Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows, version 16.0. (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) (trial version).

Statistical Analysis:

Descriptive data were expressed using frequencies and percentages, and Chi-square test was applied to find the association between antibody titer <10 mIU/ml and independent variables.

Results:

Of the 1321 participants who filled up the screening proforma, the vaccination rate was 72.6%. Majority of the participants, i.e. 83.5% of doctors, 81.1% of nurses, 69.7% of students, and 21.4% of technicians, had taken all the three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Of the fully vaccinated (n = 959) participants, 76.9% had the vaccination during adulthood and only 26.1% had it during childhood. The correlate of protection was defined as the presence of anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/ml. The mean antibody titer was 448 ± 284.97 mIU/ml ranging from 9.8 to 2000. Of the 579 participants whose titer was checked, 71 (12.3%) had a nonprotective titer of <10 mIU/ml. We found that age >35 (odds ratio [OR]: 3.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.12–6.99]), last dose >10 years (OR: 5.01, 95% CI: 2.94–8.55), no boosters or revaccination (OR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.42–6.07), and body mass index (BMI) >25 (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.44–3.39) were associated with nonprotective titer.

Conclusion:

More than a quarter of the study population who were at high risk of exposure were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. Even after taking the full course of hepatitis B vaccine, 12.3% had titer <10 mIU/ml. Nonprotective titer was found to be associated with age >35 years, last dose taken >10 years ago, no boosters/revaccination, and BMI ≥25.
Implementation of an educational program to promote research ethics in undergraduate medical students
Authors: Patel Tejal C. , Tripathi Raakhi K. , Bagle Tushar R. , Rege Nirmala N.
Published: May 2020

Background:

MBBS students lack training in research ethics which is crucial when they enter clinical practice and venture into clinical research in future. This study was planned to implement an educational module to build concepts in research ethics

Objective:

To assess the change in the knowledge and attitude of medical students towards research ethics.

Methods:

The study was initiated after obtaining institutional ethics committee approval. It was an interventional study, conducted on 2nd MBBS students (N=130) subjected to an educational program which comprised of three modules viz., theme lectures, educational visits and small group case based learning. A prevalidated questionnaire(35 items), was administered at baseline and at the end of 3 modules, to assess the change in the knowledge gained and in the attitude towards ethics in animal and human research. Feedback was obtained from students and faculty to assess the outcome of this program.

Results:

On analyzing the knowledge gained post intervention in 130 students, it was observed that in the post test for the items on ethics committee- need and composition, principles of research ethics was answered correctly by more number of students, which was statistically significant. The statistically significant positive change was observed for attitude of these students towards both animal and human research ethics. Case based discussions provided better understanding of ethical practices and its importance in conducting research as responded by majority students and faculty.

Conclusions:

Educational program on research ethics enhanced learning and brought about the positive attitudinal change. Majority students’ and faculty appreciated the program and considered it as relevant for undergraduate training.
Drug use pattern for emergency psychiatric conditions in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Jalgaonkar Sharmila V. , Mapara Tausif I. , Parmar Urwashi I. , Patil Mahesh L. , Adarkar Shilpa , Parkar Shubhangi
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Psychiatric emergencies (PEs) are defined as acute disturbances of thought, mood, behavior, or social relationships requiring immediate interventions. The common emergency psychiatrics are attempted suicide, severe anxiety, schizophrenia, acute psychosis, substance abuse, acute panic attacks, drug toxicities, and extrapyramidal reactions. Emergency physicians in the general hospital may face the challenge of assessing and managing patients in PEs. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical pattern and drug use pattern for PEs at a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional, observational study where patients presenting to emergency medical services of a tertiary care hospital were recruited after approval from Institutional Ethics Committee and written informed consent. Demographic details, diagnosis, medication details, cost of the treatment, and adherence to guidelines in the management of emergency psychiatric conditions were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was applied to analyze the data.

Results:

In 110 patients, a total number of drugs prescribed were 463 (mean: 4.21 drugs/prescription). The most commonly used psychotropic drug in emergency setting was found to be risperidone (19.39%), followed by lorazepam (13.60%) and clonazepam (4.28%). The most common diagnoses were substance abuse (32.72%) and schizophrenia (21.81%). About 74.5% of the physicians prescribed drugs abiding by the standard guidelines. The average total cost incurred by patients was about Rs. 366.

Conclusion:

The most commonly used drugs in emergency treatment found in this study are risperidone, followed by lorazepam and haloperidol.
An observational study to evaluate the prescription pattern of analgesics used in the perioperative period in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Joshi Shirish , Shetty Yashashri , Panchal Roshni , Patankar Panini , Salgaonkar Sweta , Rawat Rishabh , Natu Anuya
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims:

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage. There are limited observational prescription pattern studies of analgesics in perioperative period in tertiary care hospitals for which this study was carried out in orthopedic, general surgery, and plastic surgery departments. The primary aim was to study the prescription pattern of analgesics in the perioperative period with the secondary aim to study the specific use of opioids and pain relief using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Methods:

A total of 250, 250, and 100 patients were taken from orthopedic, general surgery, and plastic surgery departments, respectively. The analgesics commonly used in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative period were observed. The use of opioids in the perioperative period, the number of fixed drug combinations used, the number of generic drug prescription, and pain relief postoperatively were also observed. The analysis was done using descriptive statistics.

Results:

Total analgesics prescribed were 1168, 117, and 369 in orthopedic, general surgery, and plastic surgery departments, respectively, and were maximum in the intraoperative period. Most commonly used analgesic in the preoperative and postoperative period was paracetamol and that in intraoperative period was fentanyl. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were mainly prescribed by the general surgery department in postoperative period. The amount of pain in postoperative period after treatment with analgesics was mild to moderate as per the VAS.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that in preoperative and postoperative period, the most common analgesic used is paracetamol. In the intraoperative period, maximum patients received fentanyl. Diclofenac is an established NSAID used in the management of acute and chronic pain states. In our study, we found that the usage of paracetamol was more than NSAIDs and the usage of opioid was maximum during intraoperative period.
Copeptin-based diagnosis of diabetes insipidus
Authors: Refardt Julie , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: May 2020

Polyuria-polydipsia syndrome consists of the three main entities: central or nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and primary polydipsia. Reliable distinction between these diagnoses is essential as treatment differs substantially, with the wrong treatment potentially leading to serious complications. Past diagnostic measures using the classical water deprivation test had several pitfalls and clinicians were often left with uncertainity concerning the diagnosis.
With the establishment of copeptin, a stable and reliable surrogate marker for arginine vasopressin, diagnosis of the polyuria-polydipsia syndrome has been newly evaluated. Whereas unstimulated basal copeptin measurement reliably diagnoses nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, two new tests using stimulated copeptin cutoff levels showed a high diagnostic accuracy in differentiating central diabetes insipidus from primary polydipsia. For the hypertonic saline infusion test, osmotic stimulation via the induction of hypernatraemia is used. This makes the test highly reliable and superior to the classical water deprivation test, but also requires close supervision and the availability of rapid sodium measurements to guarantee the safety of the test. Alternatively, arginine infusion can be used to stimulate copeptin release, opening the doors for an even shorter and safer diagnostic test. The test protocols of the two tests are provided and a new copeptin-based diagnostic algorithm is proposed to reliably differentiate between the different entities. Furthermore, the role of copeptin as a predictive marker for the development of diabetes insipidus following surgical procedures in the sellar region is described.
icumonitoring.ch
: a platform for short-term forecasting of intensive care unit occupancy during the COVID-19 epidemic in Switzerland
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Tepekule Burcu , Criscuolo Nicola G. , Wendel Garcia Pedro D. , Hilty Matthias P. , RISC-19-ICU Investigators for Switzerland  , Fumeaux Thierry , Van Boeckel Thomas P.
Published: May 2020

In Switzerland, the COVID-19 epidemic is progressively slowing down owing to “social distancing” measures introduced by the Federal Council on 16 March 2020. However, the gradual ease of these measures may initiate a second epidemic wave, the length and intensity of which are difficult to anticipate. In this context, hospitals must prepare for a potential increase in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Here, we introduce icumonitoring.ch, a platform providing hospital-level projections for ICU occupancy. We combined current data on the number of beds and ventilators with canton-level projections of COVID-19 cases from two S-E-I-R models. We disaggregated epidemic projection in each hospital in Switzerland for the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations, hospitalisations in ICU, and ventilators in use. The platform is updated every 3-4 days and can incorporate projections from other modelling teams to inform decision makers with a range of epidemic scenarios for future hospital occupancy.
Modeling and Simulation in an Educational Context: Teaching and Learning Sciences
Authors: Brigas Carlos Jorge
Published: May 2020

In science education, there is a need to evaluate the behavior of dynamic systems. Representing and explaining processes through educational models or simulations enables students to perform activities where it is easier to understand these processes and discover the essential properties of a system. Performing modeling or simulation activities that promote interpretation and understanding of systems are learning activities in which students have the ability to create and test their own perceptions of a given phenomenon. Although such activities enhance the development of skills such as reflection, decision making, creativity and generalization, the use of these activities in educational contexts is very sporadic. The difficulties teachers experience in using this type of activity relate to the types of models that are usually used to represent a system, the specificities needed to represent them, the degree of complexity of modeling and simulation tools to do so, and the lack of preparedness to implement practical research activities. In this research, we present the Modeling for Kids methodology to support the development of georeferenced multisensory modeling and simulation activities for the first cycle of Basic Education. This methodology lists a set of norms that aim to advise the teacher and the student in the accomplishment of these activities. The methodology identifies the strategies, contexts of use, and curriculum areas where these activities can be inserted. It also identifies the processes of analysis and representation of dynamic systems. Due to the importance and advantages of georeferenced multisensory information in learning, the methodology also prescribes that teachers and students use this type of information in modeling and simulation activities.
Analog and Digital Games as a Pedagogical Tool in the Teacher Training Context
Authors: Ribeiro Maria Do Céu
Published: May 2020

This article focuses on analog and digital game play and the challenges it poses to future teachers in an educational context. For that, a review of the literature on the subject was made, addressing the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky. We refer to the game as a pedagogical resource, its relation to the teaching-learning process, and its role in stimulating the multiple intelligences referenced by the psychologist Howard Gardner. Structurally framed by this theoretical framework, we developed this study in an integrated internship context in a classroom of the First Cycle of Basic Education, with 20 children ages 9 and 10. In order to carry out this research, we developed teaching-learning experiences that allowed us to answer the following question: How do the different game supports (analog/digital) motivate children to the teaching-learning process? In order to answer this question, we have outlined the following objectives: i) to understand if the type of support in which children play influences learning; ii) develop activities in contexts, using games (analog and digital); (iii) understand, to what extent, playing games encourages the development of multiple skills. The study is part of a descriptive, interpretive, and reflexive process, framed in a qualitative approach. For data collection, we used participant observation, observation log grids, field notes, photographic records, and interviews with the children. After analyzing the data, these tend to reveal, among other aspects, a remarkable improvement in motivation of children, perceiving that the game is an excellent teaching/learning strategy that allows the development of social and communication skills of children, predisposing the child for learning. As far as the type of game support is concerned, we found that although digital is more appealing to children born in the Digital Age, we verified that both the game in analog and digital support, when properly integrated into the educational action, are also promoters of meaningful and lasting learning.
Using Graphical organizers in the teaching process of ICT
Authors: Tureniyazova Asiya Ibragimovna
Published: May 2020

To date, hundreds of advanced teaching methods have been developed, such as game methods, problem-based learning methods, and information and communication technologies are widely used in education. Most of these technologies are based on the principles of student-centred and participatory learning. These interactive methods allow the learner to master the necessary professional knowledge, skills and competencies under the managerial guidance of a teacher. In this article, the author would like to share her experience of using one of such techniques - graphic organizers - in teaching the subject of computer science and information technologies. The graphic organizers as supportive tools for teaching and learning, their use and types are described. Examples of graphic organizers for learning IT and Information security, drawn using IT, are given.
ადამიანური რესურსების მართვის ტენდენციები, გამოწვევები და ორიენტირები
Authors: Gulua Ekaterine
Published: May 2020

ეკატერინე გულუა
ეკონომიკის დოქტორი,
ივანე ჯავახიშვილის სახელობის თბილისის
სახელმწიფო უნივერსიტეტის ასისტენტ-პროფესორი
საქართველო, თბილისი
E-mail: ekaterine.gulua@tsu.ge
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9484-093X
 
მოკლე აღწერა
გლობალური პროცესებითა და ცვლილებებით გამოწ­ვეუ­ლი ტენდენციები ეკონომიკური სუბიექტების მენეჯ­მენ­ტი­სთ­ვის ახალ შესაძლებლობებთან ერთად, წარმოქმნილი გამო­წ­ვ­ევების გათვალისწინების აუცილებლობას ქმნის. ნაშრომში გა­ნ­ხილულია ადამიანური რესურსების მართვის ძირითადი პა­რადიგმები, მიმდინარე გლობალური ტენდენციები და გამ­ო­წ­ვევები. შესაძლოა, კოვიდ 19-ის გავრცელებით გამოწვეული გლ­ო­ბალური პანდემიის პირობებში  მომავლის პროგ­ნო­ზი­რე­ბა საკმაოდ რთულია, თუმცა ცხადია, ბევრი კომპანიისთვის გა­და­რჩენის ერთადერთი გზა პროცესების გაციფრულებაზე გა­დის. არსებული ქაოსური გარემო ადამიანური რესურსების მე­ნე­ჯერების მხრიდან მოითხოვს სწრაფ ადაპტირებას ახალ გა­მო­წვევებთან, როგორიცაა: თანამშრომლებთან ონლაინ ურ­თი­ერ­თობები, პროცესების ონლაინ წარმართვა, კონტროლის ახა­ლი მექანიზმები, თანამშრომელთა დათხოვნის, შენარჩუნების და შერჩევის საჭიროებებთან გამკლავება. ადამიანებში ვირ­ტუ­ა­ლური ურთიერთობების საფუძველზე ისეთი ტალანტების დე­კოდირება, როგორიცაა: ადაპტაციის უნარი, ლატერალური აზ­როვნება, სისხარტე. ეს არის დრო, როდესაც განსაკუთრებით ფა­სეული გახდა მცოდნე და ცვალებად გარემოსთან ადაპ­ტი­რე­ბა­დი ადამიანური რესურსები. როგორც არასდროს აქტ­უა­ლუ­რია ორგანიზაციის შედეგებში წვლილის პროპორციული სტი­მუ­ლირების მექანიზმების ამოქმედება. ნაშრომში შეს­წა­ვ­ლი­ლია საქართველოს მდგომარეობა გლობალური ინდ­იკა­ტო­რე-ბის რაკურსით, აგრეთვე ადამიანური რესურსების მართვის პრ­ი­­ორიტეტები და ორიენტირები, რომელთა გათვალისწინება მნი­შვნელოვან როლს შეასრულებს ორგანიზაციების  კონ­კუ­რენ­ტუნარიან ოპერირებაში. ნაშრომი აგრეთვე ეფუძნება ავტ­ო­რ­ის ადრეულ კვლევებს.
საკვანძო სიტყვები: ადამიანური რესურსების მენეჯემენტის (არმ) ტენდენციები, არმ-ის გამოწვევები; არმ-ის განვითარების ორიენტირები, არმ-ის სტრატეგიები გლობალურ, მიკრო და მაკრო დონეზე.