bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
Authors: Shalender Kumar , Yadav Rajesh Kumar
Published: April 2024

The research aims to analyse the growth potential of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with the help of their use cases across the industrial sectors. With the help of real-world applications of NFTs, the research deep dives into the growth potential of digital tokens and the primary industries where the technology is leading the growth and customer acquisition. The various use cases of NFTs are analysed which is followed by the development of the adoption framework that can help the segment to further spread its adoption. The framework developed by the study also analyses key challenges and suggests the roadmap ahead that stakeholders should adopt to further widen the use cases of NFTs across other segments as well. The research has important implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, and can prove instrumental in helping digital tokens to realise their full potential going forward.
Povoada com linhas, uma pesquisa dança em educação
Authors: Tessler Gustavo Monteiro , Mossi Cristian Poletti
Published: April 2024

As linhas de escrita que aqui se desenrolam e se tramam são desdobramentos e reverberações das invenções produzidas ao longo de uma pesquisa de mestrado em educação. Trabalha-se com a noção de criação estabelecida por Gilles Deleuze, sozinho e também em sua parceria com Félix Guattari, para construir possibilidades de trabalho no domínio específico da educação. Para isso, articula-se a proposição sobre linhas destes dois autores com a breve história das linhas traçada por Tim Ingold. Tanto Deleuze e Guattari como Ingold retomam, em seus escritos, a noção de Paul Klee de que, na criação, falta um povo. Eis, portanto, um pensamento que povoa, um povoamento. Entre os movimentos de pesquisa, vemos sensações de uma dança criando corpo, vemos uma pesquisa dançar. Este é o método que encontramos para desenvolvermos um modo singular de fazer pesquisa em educação, um modo que emerge pelas estruturas da grande pesquisa e ao longo dela, pelo meio, produzindo rachaduras, brechas, fissuras. Trata-se, portanto, de uma exceção à grande linguagem, à moral generalizada. Variamos Barthes para pensarmos singularidades de uma pesquisa que dança, e variamos Kuniichi Uno para pensarmos uma esfera anterior à da separação de sujeito e objeto, de forma e conteúdo, de corpo e pensamento. Sem hierarquias entre as diferentes matérias com as quais trabalhamos, produzimos no entrecruzamento das artes, filosofias e ciências lógicas. Uma pesquisa que se faz no encontro entre corpos. Aliás, uma pesquisa com mais encontros e menos explicações, ao modo do filme Bom Trabalho, de Claire Denis, uma das matérias que dançam com as linhas desta pesquisa. Um método cartográfico? Talvez mais coreográfico… eis uma pesquisa-dança
Development of Biodegradable Poly(Lactic Acid)/Lignin Treated Alkyl Ketene Dimer Properties for Packaging Applications
Authors: Teeka Wikoramet , Srisujaritpanich Khemthat , Somnuake Pattara , Wacharawichanant Sirirat
Published: April 2024

In this work, PLA/lignin treated AKD composites have been developed for packaging applications. The composites were prepared by a thermal processing. The lignin was prepared from the black liquor which is the waste of paper industry by extracting acetic acid and filtering. The resulting lignin has a structure of syringlyl unit (S) and guaiacyl unit (G) because use eucalyptus is a shaft wood use in the paper industry. The lignin contents the PLA matrix were 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 phr and the improvement of lignin properties by using AKD in ratio 10:1 of lignin and AKD is caused by the reaction between the AKD and the OH group of lignin to from bond called β-ketone ester bond. The treatment of lignin with AKD showed the increase of hydrophobicity and good dispersion in PLA. SEM results of PLA/lignin and PLA/lignin treated AKD showed that when the lignin content increased, the surface roughness was observed except 0.5 phr of PLA/lignin treated AKD composites. The lignin addition decreased the tensile strength of PLA/lignin composites, whereas the PLA/lignin treated AKD at 0.5 phr had similar mechanical properties with neat PLA. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy found to be non-crystalline, consistent with differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results indicated that the enthalpy of crystallization was equal to the enthalpy of melting. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) result did not appear the peaks. UV-vis analysis indicated the light transmission was protected with increasing lignin contents. Water contact angle test (WCA) results indicated that lignin had a decreasing effect on the waterproofing of the material, but the lignin treated with AKD has a water contact angle similar to that neat PLA.
Powder Chalk as a Solid Base Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Generation: Process Optimization via Box-Behnken Model
Authors: Buasri Achanai , Jetchamnong Kanitta , Veingdow Nattapat , Loryuenyong Vorrada
Published: April 2024

In order to produce biodiesel from waste palm oil (WPO), a calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst was developed using waste powder chalk and tested as a transesterification catalyst for the biofuel process. Generating CaO catalyst required a calcination method that was carried out at 900 °C for 3 h. Further investigation was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The transesterification procedure was carried out applying response surface methodology (RSM) based on box-Behnken design (BBD). The BBD experimental design was employed, and the 3 process parameters investigated were catalyst concentration (3-5 wt.%), methanol/oil mole ratio (12-18), and reaction time (60-120 min). Experiments conducted under the optimal conditions predicted yielded over 97%, which was in excellent agreement with the expected value (a relatively small margin of error). This study demonstrates that WPO and waste chalk as low-cost feedstock are excellent sources of raw material for biodiesel production, and that a sustainable generation of biodiesel can be accomplished by optimizing process variables.
Application of Rice Straw Cellulose for Oil-Water Separation
Authors: Lunsamrong Sunita , Wongnak Nutnicha , Sahavattarnakorn Gornsikeid , Buasri Achanai
Published: April 2024

Due to the high annual production of rice, rice straw has become a numerous agricultural waste product. We propose in this paper to produce oil sorbent for oil-water separation from waste rice straw fibers. Rice straw cellulose were extracted using 5 wt.% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 90 °C for 2 hours. After washing with water, rice straw fibers were tested with litmus paper until pH was neutral. A 20-minute boil was applied to sticky rice flour and water. A strainer was placed on the boiling sticky rice flour. Rice straw fibers were delicately spun, placed in the sieve, and dried at 60 °C for 24 hours. The identification of rice straw cellulose was accomplished through the utilization of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to evaluate the oil absorption capacity, it is necessary to introduce rice straw into a designated container. Adsorption was measured at time intervals of 10, 20, and 30 minutes. Cease the act of quantifying temporal intervals beyond the predetermined duration. Extract the specimen from its receptacle and proceed to measure its weight. To maximize the %adsorption, the oil sorbent weight, adsorption time, and contact area were considered. The maximum adsorption capacity of 175.67% was obtained by optimizing the following parameters: oil sorbent weight of 30.10 g, adsorption time of 30 min, and contact area of 6.25 cm2. The oil sorbent, which uses waste rice straw fibers as raw materials, may have a good application possibility in the remediation of oil spills, industrial waste water, and waste water from households.
Development of Low-Cost Particulate Matter Monitoring Drone System
Authors: Tipayarom Danutawat , Santisophonkul Tiwat , Tipayarom Aungsiri
Published: April 2024

Currently, the predominant methodology for assessing air quality in Thailand entails the deployment of air quality monitoring stations. In particular, EGAT's power facilities presently employ such stations for air quality assessment. The use of drones for air quality measurements reduces the variability of measurements and can determine the primary source of the air pollution. Therefore, the air quality monitoring system by unmanned aerial vehicles or drones will be a guideline that can be used to effectively reduce the time and cost of air quality monitoring in and around EGAT's power plants. The objective of this endeavor is to engineer a drone system integrated with specialized sensors for the purpose of real-time monitoring and data acquisition of air quality parameters, with results seamlessly relayed to an Internet of Things (IoT) platform. Applying drone is successful to implement air quality monitoring which parameters are PM2.5 and PM10. This drone can monitor particulate matter at both PM2.5 and PM10 concentration while this monitoring data is recorded and sent to an IOT platform, called Things.egat.co.th platform. In this experiment, the result shows that the air quality data from drone is comparable with the data of EGAT’s air quality mobile station. The results of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration were real-time displayed in the dashboard as graphs. This graphical interface facilitates comparisons over time, accessible via mobile phones or computers with uninterrupted internet connectivity. The average relative errors for PM concentrations measured by the cost-effective air quality monitoring drone systems stand at 7%, signifying a reliable means for monitoring particulate matter within an atmospheric context. It is therefore, established that this advancement in drone technology for Air Quality Monitoring attains the status of low-cost prototype of particulate matter monitoring drone system tailored for EGAT.
Children under attack: trends and patterns of sexual offences against children in India
Authors: Tikhute Vishal
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Recently, the United Nations declared November 18  as the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence. Despite sexua l offences against children being frequently reported in Indian media, scientific studies analysing the annual trends and re gional patterns of these crimes are scarce in India. Objectives: To describe annual trends and regional patterns of sexual crimes against children (CAC) in India Methods: National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) data on sexual c rimes for years 2014-2021 were analysed to describe annual trends and regional patterns of sexual offences against childr en in India. Results: An incremental trend in sexual offences was reported dur ing the 2014-2021 period. Sexual offences had the highest crime rate in 2021 (12.1%). There was a continuous increase in sexual offences in each succeeding year during the 2014-2021 period. The highest year-over-year increase was reported in 2017 (142%). The proportion of sexual offences in all CAC increased from 10% in 2014 to 36% in 2021. A higher num ber of cases were reported among girls (mean=25112; SD=5371) than boys (mean=241; SD=47). In 2021, Delhi had the  highest crime rate for all CAC, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands had the highest crime rate for sexual offences. Conclusions & Recommendations: Despite the legal framework av ailable to protect children, there is still an increase in sexual offences against children in India. Regional patterns suggest  a diverse distribution of sexual offences across India. A higher concentration of sexual offences was reported on remote, g eographically smaller Indian islands as well as on the densely populated mainland of India. Interventions aimed at providi ng knowledge about reporting sexual offences, altering community attitudes, and encouraging a safe and healthy childhood a re recommended.
Efficacy and Safety of Alogliptin-Pioglitazone Combination for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Poorly Controlled with Metformin: A Multicenter, Double-Blind Randomized Trial
Authors: Park Ji-Yeon , Lee Joonyub , Choi Yoon-Hee , Min Kyung Wan , Han Kyung Ah , Ahn Kyu Jeung , Lim Soo , Kim Young-Hyun , Ahn Chul Woo , Choi Kyung Mook , Yoon Kun-Ho ,   the Practical Evidence of Antidiabetic Combination Therapy in Korea (PEAK) study investigators
Published: April 2024

Background: Guidelines for switching to triple combination therapy directly after monotherapy failure are limited. This study investigated the efficacy, long-term sustainability, and safety of either mono or dual add-on therapy using alogliptin and pioglitazone for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who did not achieve their target glycemic range with metformin monotherapy.Methods: The Practical Evidence of Antidiabetic Combination Therapy in Korea (PEAK) was a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial. A total of 214 participants were randomized to receive alogliptin+pioglitazone (Alo+Pio group, n=70), alogliptin (Alo group, n=75), or pioglitazone (Pio group, n=69). The primary outcome was the difference in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between the three groups at baseline to 24 weeks. For durability, the achievement of HbA1c levels <7% and <6.5% was compared in each group. The number of adverse events was investigated for safety.Results: After 24 weeks of treatment, the change of HbA1c in the Alo+Pio, Alo, and Pio groups were –1.38%±0.08%, –1.03%±0.08%, and –0.84%±0.08%, respectively. The Alo+Pio group had significantly lower HbA1c levels than the other groups (P=0.0063, P<0.0001) and had a higher proportion of patients with target HbA1c achievement. In addition, insulin sensitivity and β-cell function, lipid profiles, and other metabolic indicators were also improved. There were no significant safety issues in patients treated with triple combination therapy.Conclusion: Early combination triple therapy showed better efficacy and durability than the single add-on (dual) therapy. Therefore, combination therapy with metformin, alogliptin, and pioglitazone is a valuable early treatment option for T2DM poorly controlled with metformin monotherapy.
Ultrasound mapping of soft tissue vascular anatomy proximal to the larynx: a prospective cohort study
Authors: De Cassai Alessandro , Iuzzolino Margherita , De Pinto Silvia , Zecchino Giovanni , Pettenuzzo Tommaso , Boscolo Annalisa , Biamonte Eugenio , Navalesi Paolo , Munari Marina
Published: April 2024

Background: Bleeding incidents during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy are concerning, and most cases occur in patients with unrecognized and unanticipated anatomical variations in the vascular anatomy. However, the extent of this variation remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, our study aimed to comprehensively map laryngeal vascular anatomy in a cohort of adult patients.Methods: Ultrasound assessments of the soft tissue in the neck were performed, spanning from the thyroid cartilage to the third tracheal ring and extending 2 cm laterally on both sidesperformed. We subdivided this area into 12 zones comprising four medial and eight lateral sections. A pre-planned form was used to document the presence of arteries or veins in each zone. The results are reported as odds ratios, 95% CIs, and corresponding P values.Results: Five-hundred patients were enrolled from August 14, 2023, to November 13, 2023, at the University Hospital of Padua. Arteries and veins were identified in all investigated zones (varying from a minimum of 1.0%–46.4%). The presence of invessels progressively increased from the cricothyroid membrane to the third tracheal ring and from the midline to the paramedian laryngeal area.Conclusions: Given the prevalence of arteries and veins, particularly in areas where tracheostomies are commonly performed, we strongly advocate for routine ultrasound assessments before such procedures are performed.
Organizational behaviour management in clinical laboratory
Authors: Dargahi Hossein
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The clinical laboratories require organizational behavior management approach that creates a balance between directors’ expectations and staffs’ needs in this field. This study was aimed to explain the role of organizational behavior management in clinical laboratories and suggest mechanisms for its implementation in these organizations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this research, using several Persian and English databases by keywords consist of the clinical laboratory, organizational behavior management, and staff diversity. Three hundred and fifty four references from 1990 to 2020 were studied, and 72 references, including abstracts and full papers utilized for this research, and excluded papers presented at conferences, seminars, and dissertations. Using MESH strategy and Pico's instruction.

RESULTS:

The results of studies revealed staffs’ individual differences in all aspects, including early and secondary dimensions may influenced the style of leadership implemented in clinical laboratories, “job-personality compatibility theory,” job satisfaction and job commitment of staffs work in clinical laboratories and the way the directors and managers can develop the job loyalty and improve the organizational productivity in these organizations.

CONCLUSION:

It is suggested a conceptual model for understanding and assessing the different organizational behaviors of clinical laboratories staffs based on communication skills, staffs’ interaction, and socio-political, economic, and cultural elements, which should be more developed in future using the other similar studies.
Predictors of cognitive emotion regulation strategies
Authors: Zeabadi Sakineh Moghaddam , Hasandoost Fatemeh , Momeni Maryam , Goudarzian Amir Hossein , Hosseinigolafshani Seyedehzahra
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Nurses have a challenging job and encounter more stressful situations. In response to these situations, they demonstrate adaptive or maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (CERS). As there is a lack of literature regarding the factors predicting the selection of CERS, the present study aimed to investigate the role of age, sex, marital status, working experience, type of ward, and education level in predicting these strategies in Iranian nurses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A descriptive correlational study was conducted to examine predictive factors’ emotion regulation strategies used by 193 nurses who worked at six hospitals under the supervision of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2018. The study population were selected by stratified random sampling method. Data were collected by two questionnaires, one demographic questionnaire and the other was Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire conducted by Garnefski (α = 0.8). Data analysis was performed using correlation and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS:

The results showed that there is a significant relationship between the “type of ward” and “age” with adaptive and maladaptive strategies. In the multiple linear regression model, two variables of age (P = 0.03) and type of ward (P = 0.04) were able to predict 23% of variance CERS.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on the results of this study, health-care providers and hospital managers should pay attention to factors related to adaptive and maladaptive CERS.
Design, development, and evaluation of an interactive training simulator for teaching hospital information systems
Authors: Ghaffari Faeze , Jeddi Fatemeh Rangraz , Farrahi Razieh , Nabovati Ehsan
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

In their apprenticeship program, health information technology (HIT) students are deprived of the ample opportunity to work with the hospital information system (HIS). This study aimed to design an interactive simulator for the HIS training and evaluate its effects on the informatics skills of HIT students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was conducted on 16 Bachelor of Science students of HIT at Kashan University of Medical Sciences in 2019. After the functionalities and features of the simulator were determined based on similar existing simulators, expert opinions were received to simulate eight important processes of admission, discharge, and transfer module in HIS. The scores of students’ skills and time taken to perform the processes were recorded and analyzed before and after the educational intervention. After they were trained by the simulator, the students filled out a usability evaluation questionnaire. The data were then analyzed in SPSS version 21.

RESULTS:

The simulators of health information systems were characterized by interactivity, multimedia applications, practice exercises, tests, and feedback. After the students were trained by the developed simulator, their skills scores improved significantly in 75% (6/8) of the processes, and the timespans of all processes decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The usability evaluation indicated the usability of the simulator was at a “good” level.

CONCLUSIONS:

According to the study results, using the simulator improves the informatics skills of HIT students in working with HIS. It is recommended that this method also be used in other apprenticeship programs to teach health information systems.
Improvement of medication error reporting
Authors: Massah Laleh , Mohammadi Rouhangiz , Namnabati Mahboobeh
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The rate of reporting medication errors is lower than the actual rate. The role of education, encouragement, and promotion of reporting culture can contribute to the increase of errors reporting. This study was to investigate the effect of motivational program on reporting of medication errors in the pediatric units.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-test design was done through 60 nurses working in the pediatric wards of the selected hospital in Isfahan, Iran in 2018–2019. Nurses participated in the study through the census sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on eight medication principles completed by the nurses before and after the intervention. The intervention was conducted through a motivational program in two parts of training and positive reinforcement. Data were analyzed through the descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation [SD]) as well as inferential statistics (Wilcoxon test and paired t-test).

RESULTS:

After the intervention, the most medication error reports (60%) were in the principle of right medication (similar name). Furthermore, the total score (SD) of medication error reporting was significantly increased from 7.35 (2.43) before the intervention to 17.04 (5.59) after the intervention, (t = 8.03, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Motivational program increased medication error reports. Therefore, the managers can improve medication care and the safety of children through continuous education and encouragement in the hospitals.
Effect of positive thinking training on stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among hemodialysis patients
Authors: Shokrpour Nasrin , Sheidaie Shima , Amirkhani Mehdi , Bazrafkan Leila , Modreki Ameneh
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Given the relationship between positivity interventions and psychological problems, this study aimed to investigate the effect of positive thinking training on stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life of hemodialysis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a quasi-experimental and interventional study conducted on 70 hemodialysis patients referred to Fasa hemodialysis centers, Iran, between April 2019 and October 2019. Patients were selected using a simple sampling method and randomly divided into control (n = 35) and intervention (n = 35) groups. The intervention group was trained on positive thinking skills in eight sessions of a workshop. Before and after the intervention, stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in both the groups were measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 and Short Form-36 Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, independent t-test, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, and Chi-square tests.

RESULTS:

There was no significant difference in the mean scores of stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in the two groups before the intervention.(P > 0.05), and in the control group, there was no statistically significant difference before and after the intervention (P = 0.092, P = 0.228, 0.280, respectively). In the intervention group, the mean score of stress and anxiety decreased from 23.65 ± 4.12 to 16.68 ± 4.41 (P < 0.001) and from 17.77 ± 5.15 to 14.57 ± 4.18 (P = 0.002), respectively, and that of the patients’ quality of life also increased from 35.19 ± 10.07 to 55.98 ± 11.71 (P < 0.001). However, the mean score of depression did not change significantly after the intervention (P = 0.689).

CONCLUSION:

According to the results of this study, the use of positive thinking intervention programs with other methods for hemodialysis patients’ care and treatment is recommended as a nonpharmacological, cost-effective, and uncomplicated method.
Effect of educational intervention on preventive behaviors of brucellosis among health volunteers in Rafsanjan city
Authors: Nasirzadeh Mostafa , Kaveh Fatemeh , Sayadi Ahmad Reza , Asadpour Mohammad
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Human brucellosis can be a source of problems that affect public health, social, and economic well-being of the world's population. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of Educational Intervention (EI) based on Health Belief Model (HBM) on preventive behaviors against brucellosis in Health Volunteers (HVs) in Rafsanjan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Randomly, 104 HVs, in the intervention and control group, participated in a quasi-randomized, controlled experimental study. Variables were evaluated before and 1 month after intervention. In the intervention group, the educational program was conducted with lecture, group discussion, showing movies and related photos, booklets, and pamphlets. The program included five 45-min sessions that developed regarding the beliefs and constructs of HBM about brucellosis and its prevention methods. Data regarding HBM constructs and preventive behavior were collected using the questionnaire with 100 items by the self-report method. Finally, the data were entered into the SPSS software version 16.0, and statistical tests such as Chi-square, independent and paired t-test, Mann–Whitney, and Wilcoxon test were used for the data analysis at the significant level of 0.05.

RESULTS:

Prior to the intervention, the mean score of the HBM constructs and preventive behaviors between the two groups did not differ significantly, but 1 month later, in the intervention group increased significantly compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

We recommend to health authorities and health-care providers to use HBM in EIs to create susceptibility, increase perceived severity and benefits, promote self-efficacy, uses cue to action, as well as reduce behavioral barriers, and ultimately adopt health-promoting behaviors.
Anxiety, stress and depression levels among nurses of educational hospitals in Iran
Authors: Sheikhbardsiri Hojjat , Doustmohammadi Mohammad Mahdi , Afshar Parya Jangipour , Heidarijamebozorgi Majid , Khankeh Hamidreza , Beyramijam Mehdi
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Following the global emergency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), health-care workers, especially nurses were encountered with an increasing workload. Therefore, due to the importance of this issue, the present study aimed to examine stress, anxiety, and depression levels among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in four educational hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2020. The standard Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 questionnaire was applied to assess the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in nurse personnel with a census method (n = 403). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytic statistics such as Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and multiple linear regression tests through the version 20, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA, Software at the level of P < 0.05.

RESULTS:

The results of the study showed that the mean scores of depressions (9.18 ± 4.45), stress (9.62 ± 4.94), and anxiety (10.32 ± 4.85) in nurses were at moderate level. A significant relationship was observed between stressed, anxious, and depressed participants in the gender, marital status, level of education, and working hours per month. No statistically significant relationship was found between other demographic variables including age, work experience, and employment status with anxiety, depression, and stress categories.

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study can increase the awareness of health system managers, especially hospitals, about the level of stress, anxiety, and depression and can help in order to provide psychological support programs for improving the mental health of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spiritual needs of mothers having children with cancer
Authors: Akaberian Sherafat , Momennasab Marzieh , Yektatalab Shahrzad , Soltanian Mitra
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Diagnosing cancer, as a life-threatening event, in children and adolescents stops the normal course of life for all family members. Spirituality, which plays an essential role in coping with illness and death, can increase resistance against psychological crises induced by cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to discover the spiritual needs of mothers having children with cancer aged 1–12 years old.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this qualitative study, the conventional content analysis approach was used. The research environment was three pediatric oncology wards of Amir Hospital in Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected from September 2019 to March 2020 through face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews. Fifteen participants including 12 mothers and 3 nurses were interviewed through purposive method considering maximal variation. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to a qualitative analysis. Credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability of data were confirmed.

RESULTS:

The mean (± standard deviation) age of the mothers was 35.76 (±5.96) years old. The spiritual needs of the mothers were classified into three categories, including religious well-being, existential well-being, and growth and excellence as well as seven subcategories. Religious well-being included subcategories of direct and indirect connection with God, existential well-being included subcategories of need for hope, multifaceted support, and rethinking, growth, and excellence consisted of subcategories of devoting yourself and surrender.

CONCLUSION:

Mothers of children with cancer face important spiritual needs. Therefore, it is necessary for the treatment team to identify these needs and use them to provide appropriate spiritual care.
Mental health status of students pursuing professional training
Authors: Behera Swikruti , Paluri Srinikhila Satya Santhoshi Lakshmi , Mishra Alpana
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Globally, depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among the young and adolescents. Since we have limited data on the prevalence of psychological distress among the youth of India, our aim was to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression among students of professional colleges.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was conducted in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (India). A total of 502 apparently healthy students have participated in this study. Data were collected from 243 medical students, 119 engineering students, 103 dental students, and 36 nursing students. A pretested, prevalidated, and structured Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used for the assessment of mental health among students. This is a self-administered questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Microsoft Office Excel was used for data storage and tabulation. Mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to find the association difference between various parameters using SPSS 22 software.

RESULTS:

Out of 502 students, 34.7% of students were found to have normal mental health, 135 students were having mild mental problems, and 116 and 77 had moderate and severe mental illness, respectively. Out of 197 males, 66 were normal, 61, 46, and 24 had mild, moderate, and severe mental problems, respectively. Out of 305 females, only 108 were found to be normal.

CONCLUSION:

Male students were found to have higher prevalence of mental abnormalities. A significant higher prevalence of depression is seen in day-scholars compared to hostellers. Nursing students are having significantly higher prevalence of depression and nonpsychotic mental illness as compared to dental, engineering, and medical students. Medical students are having the lowest rate of depression than other nonmedical professional subjects.
Higher coronavirus disease-19 mortality linked to comorbidities
Authors: Jindal Har Ashish , Sahoo Soumya Swaroop , Jamir Limalemla , Kedar Ashwini , Sharma Sugandhi , Bhatt Bhumika
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Global burden of disease (GBD) provides the estimates of mortality and morbidity, while case fatality rate (CFR) helps in understanding the severity of the disease. People infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) with underlying medical conditions have shown higher levels of unfavorable outcomes including mortality. We assessed the association of SARS-CoV-2 CFR with disability-adjusted life years (DALY) of various comorbidities in the low-middle income countries (LMIC) and high-income countries (HIC) to study the relationship of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) mortality with GBDs and to understand the linkage between COVID-19 mortality and comorbidities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was an ecological study with secondary data analysis comparing the DALY of various morbidities from GBD with CFR of COVID-19. Gross domestic product was the basis of stratifying 177 countries into low-middle income (LMIC) and high-income groups (HIC). The mortality was analyzed using Pearson correlation and linear regression.

RESULTS:

The median global CFR of SARS-CoV-2 was 2.15. The median CFR among LMIC (n = 60) and HIC (n = 117) was 2.01 (0.00–28.20) and 2.29 (0.00–17.26), respectively. The regression analysis found that, in both LMIC and HIC, maternal disorders were associated with higher SARS-CoV-2 CFR, while tuberculosis, mental health disorders, and were associated with lower CFR. Further, in LMIC, musculoskeletal disorders and nutritional deficiencies were associated with higher CFR, while respiratory disorders were associated with lower CFR.

CONCLUSIONS:

SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be a systemic disease. Individuals with comorbidities, such as maternal disorders, neurological diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and nutritional deficiencies, have poorer outcomes with COVID-19, leading to higher mortality.
The effect of nutritional education program on micronutrient intake in children with chronic liver disease
Authors: Namjou Zahra , Jafari Seyed Ali , Rezaeian Aramesh , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Nasrfard Samira
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world that threatens the health of children due to its many complications such as malnutrition and problems related to growth and development. Paying attention to nutrition and lifestyle modification in these children is of special importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of nutritional education program on micronutrient intake in children with CLD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study is a two-group randomized clinical trial that was performed by available sampling and referred to Ghaem Children's Hospital in Mashhad in 2016. In this study, 77 children with CLD who met the inclusion criteria (45 children in the intervention group and 32 children in the control group) were studied. The intervention included six workshops and training on proper diet, post-workshop phone calls, and regular face-to-face counseling sessions (first 4 weeks once a week and second 4 weeks once every 2 weeks) on adherence to the above diet. Patients in the control group received routine care. The collection tools in the study included demographic information questionnaires, body composition device, and diet plan form in the form of 24-h recall forms. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistical tests and Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon statistical tests using SPSS software version 16.

RESULTS:

Based on the results of the study, the mean age of the research units was 7.8 ± 3.6 years. The mean duration of CLD was 4.6 ± 1.8 years in the intervention group and 5.1 ± 1.9 years in the control group. The mean crude intake of most minerals after the intervention was significantly higher than before the intervention, except for the crude intake of retinol, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, Vitamin C, iodine, and Vitamin B12. Furthermore, in relation to the modified intake of micronutrients, the mean modified intake of most micronutrients after the intervention showed a significant increase compared to before, except for retinol, Vitamin D, niacin, B12, and iodine.

CONCLUSION:

Considering the effect of providing a nutritional education program to improve micronutrient intake in children with CLD and emphasizing the importance of adequate micronutrient intake in improving the health of children, special nutrition programs should be provided to these children with special attention. In this regard, nurses can play an important role in improving the quality of nutrition of children by providing nutrition programs with appropriate follow-up.
Comparison of health-promoting lifestyle and irrational health beliefs in healthy pregnant women and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zeinali Atefe , Dolatian Mahrokh , Janatiataie Padideh , Shams Jamal , Nasiri Malihe
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy. The goal of this study was to compare health-promoting lifestyles and irrational health beliefs in pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a descriptive causal-comparative study in which 100 eligible GDM women and 100 eligible healthy women were selected through available sampling in three referral hospitals in Tehran In 2020. In this study, the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) and the Irrational Health Beliefs Scale (IHBS) were used. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and logistic regression by SPSS 16 software.

RESULTS:

Findings showed that there is a significant relationship between the variables of IHBS and HPLP. For every one unit increase in an IHBS score, the chance of having diabetes increases by 2.8%. In the case of HPLP, women who exercised well were 7.5% less likely to develop diabetes, and those who took good responsibility were 7.8% less likely to develop diabetes. Furthermore, in independent t-test, the HPLP variable showed a significant difference between the two groups with diabetes and healthy individuals (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in comparing the subscales of this variable, physical activity (P < 0.0001), self-fulfillment (P < 0.004), responsibility (P < 0.003), and stress control (P < 0.001), a significant difference was observed. The results of IHBS research showed a significant difference between the two groups of gestational diabetes and healthy individuals (P < 0.004).

CONCLUSION:

The results of the present study show the need to identify and focus on irrational health beliefs and health-promoting lifestyles. Modification of these psychological structures can be useful in the prevention and management of this chronic disease.
Nature of the private hospital services toward universal health coverage
Authors: Fallah Razieh , Maleki Mohammadreza
Published: April 2024

Private hospital services (PHS) with the undeniable effects on the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals have a considerable contribution to the health system of developing countries. The purpose of this systematic scoping review (ScR) was to identify and map the available evidence regarding the developing countries to scrutinize the nature of the PHS toward UHC through providing graphical/tabular information of the records trends and types, sources of the records, frequent settings, drivers of the PHS growth, range of the PHS, behaviors of the PHS, and opportunities for policy actions. This study was performed following the 2017 published methodological guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute for the conduct of ScR. Furthermore, a narrative-thematic synthesis integrated with the systematic analysis applying approach to health system strengthening (HSS) through systems thinking was employed. Thirty-two included records in English that met the inclusion criteria were found between 2011 and July 2020. There has been a sharp increase in the generation of the records with a 90.6% growth rate between 2015 and 2020. The most frequent records types were review article, and the lancet was the most specialized journal. India was the most frequent country. Near half of the growth drivers of PHS have been originated from the governance. Besides, the range of PHS was identified only about Mongolia, and the significant frequency of codes of the PHS behaviors (32.6%) was related to integrated people-centered health service delivery. 47.8% of the identified HSS interventions were recommended about governance. Governance plays a decisive role in the nature of the PHS in UHC. Concerning the dynamic architectures of interactions between health system functions, probably the countries themselves have realized the importance of the governance role in the HSS than other functions. Given the all of the recommended interventions were a combination of foundational and institutional, sustainable participation of PHS in the health system seems far and requires a solid will of the governments. Future research is needed about the range of PHS and its behaviors in terms of consumables, revenue-raising, and pooling of funds.
Directives of general surgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Omer Ahmad AbdulAzeem Abdullah
Published: April 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious global pandemic that has extremely affected health-care systems. This article aimed to review the perspectives of general surgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review of the literature addressing modification to general surgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Google, and Google scholar was carried out on June 19–20, 2020. The literature review yielded 577 articles. The exclusion of duplication, articles not in English, and specialized ones in various surgical disciplines precluded 398 articles. Finally, following checking for relevance and publication status, 114 papers were included. Recommendations for surgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic revolved around mitigation of the risk of virus transmission to patients and health-care workers. The emerging themes of safety precautions were related to patient prioritization and testing, mindful consideration of the operative strategy, optimum use of personal protective equipment, operative room setup, and departmental organization. However, those recommendations were often diverging and bore on a dearth of evidence and personal opinions. Multidisciplinary work and cooperation among surgical specialties are required to establish and validate the protocols for safe surgical practice during the pandemic and perhaps similar crises in future. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought several challenges to the field of medicine, including the surgical specialty. The centrality of safety precautions emerging in this crisis requires surgeons to adopt the new roles and work standards and translate them into practice during the pandemic and perhaps longer.
Problem-based learning as an effective method for teaching theoretical surgery courses to medical students
Authors: Davari Farzad Vaghef , Teymouri Farzad , Amoli Hadi Ahmadi , Mojtabavi Helia , Sharifi Amirsina , Alaeddini Farshid , Ashouri Mohammad , Zabihi Hossein , Shariatpanahi Ghazal , Zafarghandi Mohammadreza
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

This study was designed to assess the clinical judgment of medical students in surgery clinical decision-making by a standard examination after lecture-based learning (LBL) or problem-based learning (PBL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A prospective randomized trial study on 175 medical students whom were randomly allocated to three groups was performed during November 2017 and January 2018. LBL group (n = 103), PBL group led by an attending (n = 39), and PBL group (n = 33) led by an intern. Chi-squared test and independent student t-test were used to compare between the two groups. All the analyses were performed by the two-sided method using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS version 22; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and a P < 0.05 set as statistically significant.

RESULTS:

The students in the PBL group scored significantly higher on the posttraining multiple-choice examination, compared to the LBL group (P = 0.048). However, there was no significant difference between the PBL group led by an attending and the PBL group led by an intern (P = 0.892).

CONCLUSION:

We concluded that PBL remarkably increased the students’ scores in the problem-solving examination, as compared to the conventional method. We found no significant differences in PBL facilitated by an attending or an intern.
Breakfast consumption-related perceived behaviour control and subjective norms among girl adolescents
Authors: Shirvani Nasrin , Ghaffari Mohtasham , Rakhshanderou Sakineh
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Healthy nutrition in childhood and adolescence is important for growth and development. Breakfast is the most important meal during a day, and many studies have linked eating breakfast to good health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the subjective norms and perceived behavioural control of Iranian teenage girls about breakfast consumption and its related factors in 2018.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this descriptive-analytical study, 320 female students were enrolled using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which were evaluated. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS16 software and ANOVA and t independent tests.

RESULTS:

There was a significant relationship between students’ sleep duration and the people with whom they eat breakfast with the Motivation to Comply (P = 0.009), (P = 0.001) and subjective norms (P = 0.004), (P = 0.001) as well as between the people with whom they eat breakfast and normative beliefs (P = 0.05). There was a significant relationship between father's job and control beliefs (P = 0.03) and perceived behavioural control (P = 0.04), between household size with perceived behavioural control (P = 0.05), between sleep duration and perceived power (P < 0.001), and perceived behavioural control (P = 0.03), between the people with whom they eat breakfast with control beliefs (P < 0.001), perceived power (P < 0.001), and perceived behavioural control (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Considering the importance of sleep duration for adolescent girls as well as eating breakfast with other family members, health policymakers are recommended to pay special attention to these two factors while designing educational interventions.