bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Stability of PALF-PP and PALF-PLA for Natural Fiber Honeycomb Core Materials
Authors: Amira Syuhada Zainudin  , Abdul Rahim Othman
Published: September 2021

This paper studied the thermal behaviour of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced with polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) composite, used for natural fiber honeycomb core. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis were used to measure the thermal characteristic of PALF-PP/PLA composites. In particular, the TGA analysis was utilized to measure the degradation and decomposition of materials in different composition (NF-PP/PLA (0%, 15%, 30% and 50%). The measurements were carried out in the temperature of 0oC- 900oC, at a heating rate of 10oCmin-1 and under an inert atmosphere (nitrogen gas). The temperature of DSC analysis was programmed to between 25oC- 500oC. The result shows the thermal stability of PALF-PP/PLA decreased as the PALF filler-loading increased. While from the DSC analysis this study clearly shows in the graph plot, the sample have glass transition temperature, crystallization and melting temperature. So that means the sample in this study is crystalline and amorphous domains.
Rickettsia africae: identifying gaps in the current knowledge on vector-pathogen-host interactions
Authors: Mazhetese Estere , Magaia Vlademiro , Taviani Elisa , Neves Luis , Morar-Leather Darshana
Published: September 2021

Rickettsia africae is a bacterium of zoonotic importance, which causes African tick bite fever (ATBF) in humans. This pathogen is transmitted by ticks of the genus Amblyomma, with Amblyomma hebraeum and Amblyomma variegatum being the major vectors. Tick species other than the above-mentioned have also been reported to carry R. africae DNA. There is scarcity of information on the epidemiology of this pathogen, yet several cases have been recorded in foreign travellers who visited endemic areas, especially southern Africa. The disease has rarely been described in people from endemic regions. The aim of this study was to discuss the information that is currently available on the epidemiology of R. africae, highlighting the gaps in this field. Furthermore, ATBF cases, clinical signs and the locations where the cases occurred are also listed in this review.
Brucellosis in a patient diagnosed with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Güven Mehmet
Published: September 2021

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic infection. Brucellosis typically presents with fever, weakness, night sweats, and arthralgias. Symptoms associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and infection with Brucella spp. are similar to one another, which may lead to delayed diagnosis of the latter condition. There are no previous reports of brucellosis in a patient previously diagnosed with COVID-19. We present here the case of a 20-year-old male who we diagnosed with brucellosis after joint pains and fever that persisted after resolution of COVID-19.
Antibiotic prescription in primary care from the perspective of family physicians: a qualitative study
Authors: Hosoglu Salih , Classen Annika Yanina , Akturk Zekeriya
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Antibiotic consumption increases worldwide steadily. Turkey is now top on the list of global consumption and became a prototype of excessive use of antibiotics. In the last two decades, family physicians (FPs) have become key figures in the healthcare system. This study aims to understand the reasons for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and elicit suggestions for improving antibiotic use in primary care from doctors themselves.

Methodology: This is a qualitative semi-structured interview study with research dialogues guided by the Vancouver School of interpretive phenomenology. Fourteen FPs from different parts of Turkey were questioned on inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions and their suggestions for improving antibiotic use.

Results: The most important reasons for prescribing antibiotics without acceptable indications were patient expectations, defensive medical decision making, constraints due to workload, and limited access to laboratories. The most remarkable inference was the personal feeling of an insecure job environment of the FPs. The most potent suggestions for improving the quality of antibiotic prescription were public campaigns, improvements in the diagnostic infrastructures of primary care centers, and enhancing the social status of FPs. The FPs expressed strong concerns related to the complaints that patients make to administrative bodies.

Conclusions: Primary care physicians work under immense pressure, stemming mainly from workload, patient expectations, and obstacles related to diagnostic processes. Improving the social status of physicians, increasing public awareness, and the facilitation of diagnostic procedures was the methods suggested for increasing antibiotic prescription accuracy.
Association of Helicobacter pylori vacA polymorphisms with the risk of gastric precancerous lesions in a Moroccan population
Authors: Jouimyi Mohamed Reda , Bounder Ghizlane , Essaidi Imane , Boura Hasna , Badre Wafaa , Benomar Hakima , Zerouali Khalid , Lebrazi Halima , Kettani Anass , Maachi Fatima
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is the major risk factor of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The vacA gene is one of the most virulence factors of H. pylori and genetic diversity in its s, m, i, and d regions is associated with gastric lesions severity. This study aimed to investigate the association of vacA s, m, i, and d regions with the risk of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia in a Casablanca population.

Methodology: A total of 210 patients suffering from gastric lesions (chronic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia) were enrolled. The type of lesion was diagnosed by histological examination. Detection of H. pylori infection and genotyping of vacA regions were carried out by PCR.

Results: The prevalence of H. pylori was 95%. The most common vacA genotypes were s2 (51.5%), m2 (77%), i2 (60.5%), and d2 (58.5%). VacA s1, m1, and i1 genotypes were associated with a high risk of intestinal metaplasia, while the vacA d1 genotype increases the risk of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The most common vacA combination was s2/m2/i2/d2 (52%), and it was more detected in chronic gastritis. The moderate virulent vacA combination (s1/m2/i1/d1) increases the risk of atrophic gastritis, while the most virulent vacA combination (s1/m1/i1/d1) increases the risk of intestinal metaplasia.

Conclusions: Genotyping of vacA d region might be a reliable marker for the identification of vacA virulent strains that represent a high risk of developing precancerous lesions (atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia).
COVID-19 outbreak in Mauritania: epidemiology and health system response
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Lemine Cheikh Brahim , Zehaf Sidi , El Alem Mohamed Mahmoud , Elbara Ahmed , Ely Mahmoud Mohamed Mahmoud , Mohamed Abdellahi Mohamed Val , Heukelbach Jorg
Published: September 2021

Introduction: In Africa, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in February 2020. Mauritania’s first case was confirmed in March 2020.

Methodology: We provide an update of the COVID-19 epidemic in Mauritania as of December 2020, and describe the country’s Health System Response.

Results: In total, 133,749 diagnostic tests were performed, 14,364 (10.7%) were positive (309 cases/100,000 inhabitants). Case fatality rate was 2.4%. The 20-39 year-olds (41%) and males (59.1%) were most commonly affected. Comorbidities among fatal cases included cardiovascular diseases (44.8%) and diabetes (37.1%). Clinical symptoms included fever (57%), cough (52%), running nose (47%) and headache (26%). After the first case, prevention measures were progressively tightened, and quarantine implemented for all suspected cases. Schools and universities were closed, and flights to Mauritania suspended. Restaurants and cafeterias were closed, and night curfews installed. Friday prayers were suspended nationwide, and movements between regions restricted. These measures helped to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the first pandemic wave, which peaked in June 2020 with low rates. However, the number of daily cases reached high levels in December 2020, during the second wave (40.1% of all cases and 48.9% of deaths). During the first wave, there were 38 ICU beds nationwide, but the ICU’s capacity increased in short time.

Conclusions: Mauritania has passed through the first pandemic wave with relatively low case fatality rates, currently being at the end of the second wave. As the country’s health system is very vulnerable, there is a need for strict public health measures during epidemics.
On [p, q]-order of growth of solutions of linear differential equations in the unit disc
Authors: Qin Hongyan ,   School of Mathematical Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550025, China, Long Jianren , Li Mingjin
Published: September 2021

The $ [p, q] $-order of growth of solutions of the following linear differential equations $ (**) $ is investigated,

   \begin{document}$ f^{(k)}+A_{k-1}(z)f^{(k-1)}+\cdots+A_{1}(z)f^{'}+A_{0}(z)f = 0, (**) $\end{document}

where $ A_{i}(z) $ are analytic functions in the unit disc, $ i = 0, 1, ..., k-1 $. Some estimations of $ [p, q] $-order of growth of solutions of the equation $ (\ast*) $ are obtained when $ A_{j}(z) $ dominate the others coefficients near a point on the boundary of the unit disc, which is generalization of previous results from S. Hamouda.
Factors Associated with Knowledge Sharing Capabilities of IT Professionals in Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake Prajapathy , Senathiraja Rajaletchumie
Published: September 2021

Knowledge sharing capabilities are the abilities of the employees to share their knowledge with colleagues and associates. IT professionals play a significant role in organisations as they share their knowledge with others. Although a few scholars in the western context discuss the organizational and technological perspective in employees' knowledge sharing capabilities, a vacuum remains to fill this subject matter in a Sri Lankan context. There are currently minimal and obsolete studies on how personal and organisational factors play an essential role in IT professionals' knowledge sharing capabilities. Therefore, the researchers investigated the personal, organisational, and technological factors in developing IT professionals' knowledge sharing capabilities in Sri Lanka. The study uses a self-administered questionnaire. The convenience sampling technique applies to collect data. Descriptive analysis, correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis employ as the analysing techniques. Among the 368 IT professionals in eight ICT companies in the Western province, Sri Lanka, 59.5% were male, and most of the respondents are in the age group of 31-40. 44.8% of the respondents have work experience between 11 and 20 years, while 54% have obtained their postgraduate education. The findings highlight that IT professionals' level of knowledge sharing capabilities in Sri Lanka is moderately high. Further, It identifies that top management support and knowledge management system quality are critical in the Sri Lankan context. However, the study points outs that organisational rewards and KMS infrastructure are not significantly associated with the knowledge sharing capabilities of IT professionals in Sri Lanka. In addition, the education level and years of working experience acted as moderating variables between IT professionals' factors and knowledge sharing capabilities in Sri Lanka.
Influence of Supply Chain Actors in Tea Export Planning: A Sri Lankan Case Study
Authors: Kapiyangoda K. K. , Karunaratne D. D. R. M.
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify the supply chain actors involved in export planning of a Sri Lankan tea export company while understanding how these actors influence the tea export planning process. Actor-Network Theory (ANT) was incorporated as a theoretical lens to make sense of how both human and non-human actors have influenced the tea export planning process. The study adopted the single-site case study approach under the qualitative methodology. Data has been mainly collected through interviews carried on with the top, middle and lower level managerial employees. In light of ANT, the findings of this study illustrate that human actors: tea department personnel, shipping department personnel, new product development (NPD) team and accounts manager influence the tea export planning process through knowledge, skills and experience. Further, the study reveals that non-human actors: auction system, multiple supplier base, supplier evaluation process, ERP system, shipment scheduling process, government entities and transactional process influence the tea export planning through providing information, facilitating communication and ensuring transparency. The study suggests that the managers and practitioners attached to export oriented companies should be conscious about the influencing factors of each human and non-human actor of the supply chain in the process of planning exports and in solving strategic and operational issues when operating within and beyond Asia. Furthermore, this study aims to fill the lacuna in supply chain and export literature through exploring the supply chain actors (human and non-human) and their influence on the export planning process.
Performance of Diabetes and Kidney Disease Screening Scores in Contemporary United States and Korean Populations
Authors: Meng Liela , Kwon Keun-Sang , Kim Dae Jung , Lee Yong-ho , Kim Jeehyoung , Kshirsagar Abhijit V. , Bang Heejung
Published: September 2021

Background: Risk assessment tools have been actively studied, and they summarize key predictors with relative weights/importance for a disease. Currently, standardized screening scores for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD)—two key global health problems—are available in United States and Korea. We aimed to compare and evaluate screening scores for DM (or combined with prediabetes) and CKD, and assess the risk in contemporary United States and Korean populations.Methods: Four (2×2) models were evaluated in the United States-National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2015–2018) and Korea-NHANES (2016–2018)—8,928 and 16,209 adults. Weighted statistics were used to describe population characteristics. We used logistic regression for predictors in the models to assess associations with study outcomes (undiagnosed DM and CKD) and diagnostic measures for temporal and cross-validation.Results: Korean adult population (mean age 47.5 years) appeared to be healthier than United States counterpart, in terms of DM and CKD risks and associated factors, with exceptions of undiagnosed DM, prediabetes and prehypertension. Models performed well in own country and external populations regarding predictor-outcome association and discrimination. Risk tests (high vs. low) showed area under the curve >0.75, sensitivity >84%, specificity >45%, positive predictive value >8%, and negative predictive value >99%. Discrimination was better for DM, compared to the combined outcome of DM and prediabetes, and excellent for CKD due to age.Conclusion: Four easy-to-use screening scores for DM and CKD are well-validated in contemporary United States and Korean populations. Prevention of DM and CKD may serve as first-step in public health, with these self-assessment tools as basic tools to help health education and disparity.
Strengthening Virology Research in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations: Preparing for Future Pandemics
Authors: Miranda Adriana Viola , Wiyono Lowilius , Rocha Ian Christopher N. , Cedeño Trisha Denise D. , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: September 2021

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is known to be a global hotspot to viral outbreaks because of many factors. To limit the impact of future outbreaks, it is crucial for the ASEAN governments to strengthen regional virology research capacity. The ASEAN governments have collaborated in several virology initiatives, with the most recent being the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases. However, several challenges, including technology disparities, nationalistic tendencies, and the lack of public acceptance toward virus sharing, need to be addressed to maximize the region’s collaboration potential in virology research. We recommend the governments to 1) prioritize the strengthening of research capacities; 2) develop stronger cooperation and possible centralization of efforts on top of national capacities; 3) develop an equitable and secure research framework; and 4) improve the public awareness regarding the importance of regional public health responses.
Retracing the Footsteps
Authors: Berdajs Tina
Published: September 2021

The paper presents preliminary research into the original scope of the Skušek Collection, based on four lists and an old museum inventory entry of the collection of Asian art collected by Ivan Skušek Jr. during his six-year stay in China between 1914 and 1920. Furthermore, it presents the cross-referencing of the mentioned documents with the first inventory record when it was formally taken over by the National Museum of Slovenia in an attempt to recreate the original scope of the collection. Through analysis and comparison of these records and with support of photographic sources this research attempts to put objects of the Skušeks’ original collection into four different groups based on provenance research. Through several case studies it gives new insights into the dynamics of the largely unknown parts of history of the collection, and the paths some of the individual objects travelled over several decades in the first half of the 20th century.
Following in the Footsteps of Isabella Bird?
Authors: Senica Klemen
Published: September 2021

Alma Karlin (1889–1950), a round-the-world traveller, intellectual, and writer from Celje, Slovenia, arrived in Japan and lived in Tokyo in the early 1920s, an era which historians consider to be an interim period between the initial expansion of the Japanese Empire to mainland Asia and its end in 1945. The writer’s fascination with the land can be inferred, among other things, from a 35-page description of Japan and the Japanese in her most famous book, Einsame Weltreise. Die Tragödie einer Frau (The Odyssey of a Lonely Woman), and passages in Reiseskizzen (Travel Sketches), an earlier work. The article aims to place these travel accounts in the historical and ideological contexts of their time while highlighting some similarities and differences between the representations of the land and its people by Karlin and those by Isabella Bird (1831–1904). Although Karlin makes no explicit reference to the famous British traveller in her writing on Japan, the article demonstrates that she must have known about Bird’s book Unbeaten Tracks in Japan. It is, above all, her decision to introduce her (German) readers to topoi that were typical of Victorian women’s travel writing which suggests that Karlin partly based her image of Japan, if not even the itinerary of her journey there, on Bird’s bestselling work. Nevertheless, Karlin does not seem to have conformed to the then dominant orientalist discourses on Japan, her representations generally showing none of the Western arrogance that was so typical of her fellow travellers of both sexes.
Ivan Skušek Jr. and His Collection of Chinese Coins
Authors: Grčar Mina
Published: September 2021

Ivan Skušek Jr. (1877–1947), whose collection of Chinese and Japanese objects has been the subject of research and interest in recent years, can be considered the first collector of East Asian objects in the Slovene ethnic space to have built his collection systematically, examining and verifying the provenance, value, and significance of each item. His extensive collection can compare to Western European collections of East Asian objects while at the same time bearing a stamp of local uniqueness pertaining to the European periphery. Skušek’s legacy includes an important collection of Chinese money from all periods of Chinese history, which is introduced in this paper for the first time.
A crucial distinction between this and other collections of Chinese coins is that evidence exists that tells us how Skušek collected the coins, and reveals a lot about his sources and advisors. It has long been known that during his stay in Beijing Skušek befriended many influential and knowledgeable people, including a Franciscan missionary, Fr. Maurus Kluge, who assisted him in assembling his numismatic collection. The paper presents the cooperation between the two in the light of a recent find––the original list and summary appraisal of the most valuable part of Skušek’s numismatic collection and Kluge’s letters to Skušek.
Các nhân tố ảnh hưởng đến ý định khởi nghiệp của sinh viên Trường Đại học Nam Cần Thơ
Authors: Định Nguyễn Văn , Mai Hương Lê Thị , Sen Cao Thị
Published: September 2021

Nghiên cứu nhằm xác định “Các nhân tố ảnh hưởng đến ý định khởi nghiệp của sinh viên Trường đại học Nam Cần Thơ.” Phương pháp thực hiện đề tài là định tính để xác định mô hình nghiên cứu và định lượng để xác định và đo lường mức độ ảnh hưởng của các nhân tố đến ý định khởi nghiệp. Dữ liệu nghiên cứu được thu thập từ kết quả khảo sát trực tiếp bằng bảng câu hỏi với 310 sinh viên năm ba và năm tư của Khoa Kinh tế và Khoa Kiến trúc - Xây dựng và Môi trường. Kết quả nghiên cứu mô hình cấu trúc tuyến tính (SEM) cho thấy có 05 nhân tố tác động đến ý định khởi nghiệp của sinh viên theo mức độ giảm dần là: đặc điểm tính cách; thái độ đối với hành vi khởi nghiệp; môi trường giáo dục; nhận thức kiểm soát hành vi và nguồn vốn. Bên cạnh đó, kết quả cũng đã chỉ ra chuẩn chủ quan không có tác động đến ý dịnh khởi nghiệp của sinh viên. Từ kết quả nghiên cứu, nhóm tác giả đề xuất các hàm ý quản trị nhằm nâng cao ý định khởi nghiệp của sinh viên Trường Đại học Nam Cần Thơ trong thời gian tới.
Phân tích hiệu quả kinh tế trong sản xuất táo của nông hộ theo mô hình nhà lưới tại huyện Ninh Phước, tỉnh Ninh Thuận
Authors: Thư Đặng Tường Anh , Trà Nguyễn Thị , Lộc Nguyễn Hữu , Hậu Phạm Trung , Nam Trần Hoài
Published: September 2021

Mô hình nhà lưới trong canh tác táo là phương pháp bảo vệ hiệu quả trước sự tấn công của sâu bệnh và đang được áp dụng rộng rãi trong những năm gần đây. Trong nghiên cứu này, phương pháp màng bao dữ liệu (Data Envelopment Analysis - DEA) được sử dụng nhằm phân tích hiệu quả kĩ thuật, hiệu quả phân phối nguồn lực, hiệu quả chi phí và hiệu quả quy mô của nông hộ sản xuất táo tại huyện Ninh Phước, tỉnh Ninh Thuận. Số liệu được thu thập từ 240 hộ trồng táo trên địa bàn huyện Ninh Phước. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy nông hộ sản xuất táo theo mô hình nhà lưới có hiệu quả kỹ thuật (0.962) rất cao nhưng hiệu quả phân phối nguồn lực (0.741) và hiệu quả sử dụng chi phí (0.713) ở mức trung bình. Mặt khác, khi áp dụng mô hình nhà lưới thì nông hộ trồng táo tăng hiệu quả tài chính gấp 1.87 lần so với hộ không áp dụng và giảm chi phí sản xuất cũng như giảm lượng lãng phí các yếu tố đầu vào trong quá trình sản xuất.
Ứng dụng mô hình chấp nhận và sử dụng công nghệ hợp nhất (UTAUT): Trường hợp sử dụng phần mềm quản lý văn bản của viên chức trường Đại học Quốc tế
Authors: Phương Nguyễn Ngọc Duy , Trường Huỳnh Vĩnh
Published: September 2021

Ứng dụng công nghệ thông tin trong quản lý hành chính nhà nước là một trong những chủ trương mang tính cấp thiết, đáp ứng nhu cầu phát triển của xã hội, đặc biệt là trong tình hình đại dịch Covid-19 diễn biến phức tạp. Cán bộ - viên chức cần được liên tục trang bị kiến thức, kỹ năng và các trang thiết bị để nâng cao hiệu quả công việc. Nghiên cứu này xác định khả năng ứng dụng của mô hình UTAUT (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, & Davis, 2003) với sự hỗ trợ của mô hình TAM nhằm mục đích tìm hiểu những yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến ý định hành vi của viên chức đối với việc sử dụng phần mềm Portal Office nhằm phục vụ công việc trong bối cảnh giáo dục khu vực công. Phương pháp nghiên cứu định lượng được sử dụng qua khảo sát 100 viên chức. Kết quả chỉ ra rằng Nhận thức sự hữu ích, Nhận thức dễ sử dụng, Thói quen và Các điều kiện thuận lợi đều có ảnh hưởng đến ý định và hành vi sử dụng hệ thống Portal Office. Về hàm ý quản trị, kết quả cho thấy rằng Ban lãnh đạo cần phải xây dựng thói quen sử dụng, tuyên truyền về lợi ích, tính thân thiện của phần mềm và đáp ứng các điều kiện thuận tiện hỗ trợ cho việc sử dụng phần mềm, từ đó thúc đẩy năng suất làm việc hiệu quả của viên chức.
Sentimen Analisis Pelanggan Shopee di Twitter dengan Algoritma Naive Bayes
Authors: Ruger Aditya Hastami , Suyanto M , Kurniawan Mei P
Published: September 2021

Sentimen analisis merupakan suatu bidang studi yang menganalisis tentang opini-opini seseorang, mengevaluasi, menilai, perilaku, dan emosi seperti produk-produk,  layanan, kejadian, serta topik-topik. Sentimen analisis dalam dunia bisnis biasanya dipakai untuk menganlisis suatu kebutuhan masyarakat dan kebutuhan pasar, yang diharapkan mampu menyusun strategi pemasaran yang dapat meningkatkan pendapatan perusahaan mereka. Penelitian ini mengambil data-datanya dari grup Shopee yang ada di Twitter. Shopee merupakan salah satu market place yang sering digunakan oleh masyarakat Indonesia maupun masyarakat dinegara lain. Market place Shopee yang menjual jasa maupun menjual barang-barang untuk kebutuhan sehari-hari seperti elektronik,alat-alat makan, pulsa, maupun tiket pesawat, tiket kereta, dan masih banyak lagi jasa yang dijual oleh Shopee.Tujuan dari dilakukan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui  berapa jumlah riview dari komentar positif maupun komentar negatif pada grup Shopee yang ada di media sosial Twitter, pengambilan datanya menggunakan Rstudio, Rstudio merupakan suatu aplikasi yang dipakai untuk menulis program-program dengan menggunakan bahasa R. Aplikasi Rstudio dapat dijalankan pada operasi sistem Windows, Linux, maupun Apple. Serta untuk proses menghitung menggunakan metode Naive Bayes yang dimasukkan  kedalam sentimen analisis yang  pengambilan data di ambil dari grup Shopee. Dalam penghitungan tingkat keakurasian dengan menggunakan convusion matriks. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu dapat diketahui bahwa jumlah komentar positif maupun negatif setara yaitu 150:150, karena data yang diambil adalah 300 data dan tingkat keakurasiannya adalah sebesar 97%.
Tribological Properties of Polymer Composite with Impregnated Quasicrystal Nanoparticles
Authors: Utkin Y. A. , Orekhov A. A. , Hein Thant Zin
Published: September 2021

In this work, a study is carried out on the introduction of quasicrystal particles into a thermoplastic polymer and it is shown that this leads to changes in the structure of polyethylene. The introduction of quasicrystal particles into a thermoplastic polymer leads to changes in the structure of polyethylene: the degree of crystallinity decreases from 42% (PE) to 27% (10AlCuFe/PE) with increasing concentration of the filler, the ratio of bands corresponding to amorphous and crystalline regions in the IR spectra changes, which indicates on the amorphization of the PE structure. The specimens have improved wear resistance (the wear rate decreased by 96% compared to the original PE), but the friction coefficient remained practically unchanged. It is shown that the addition of quasicrystal nanoparticles in a small amount (up to 10 wt.%) leads to an increase in hardness, but does not have a noticeable effect on the surface roughness. The results obtained indicate that quasicrystals can serve as effective fillers for promising polymeric materials in products for aerospace, instrument making, and other industries.
Using Software Applications in Teaching of Slope-Deflection Method in Subject Static Analysis of Constructions
Authors: Kotrasova Kamila , Kormanikova Eva , Loukili Mohammed
Published: September 2021

—Static analysis of building structures is an important engineering discipline. The presented paper deals with the teaching process of the slope-deflection method in the subject Static Analysis of Constructions at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Technical University in Košice. The slope-deflection method is the method for the analysis of statically indeterminate structures and serves to obtain their inner forces and deformations. For purpose of teaching this subject, teachers prepared programs in the Fortran code and with the help of the output of decisive values obtained from the programs. Teachers know if students have correct solutions of their tasks and can guide students to work to correct mistakes in their work.
Design and Performnce Study of Domestic Hydro Power Plant
Authors: Birundha R and Dr Maruthapandi P
Published: September 2021

Hydropower generated systems are one of the common source to generate energy. The renewable energy generation
system is designed to use the water flow from an overhead tank during normal consumption of water for domestic use. The
system produces electricity from the potential energy of water flow through water pipelines by changing the kinetic energy of
water into electricity. The electrical energy is stored in batteries for domestic purposes like lighting and other electrical
applications. The system has two turbines coupled with generator, placed at the inlet and outlet pipe of the water tank. The status
of water level is detected with the help of float sensor. The motor performs automatically according to the level of water. The
generated power is informed to the user and then stored in a battery storage unit. When the energy saved within the battery is
sufficient an inverter is switched ON for domestic use. During the normal time of working load receives power from the ordinary
commercial line. The system is simulated with Proteus software and analysed.
Comparison Of Lung Function Tests Between Healthy And Asthmatic Individuals
Authors: Liaquat Hira , Najeeb Tabinda , Aftab Rahima , Kazmi Tayyaba , Rathore Padma , Ruqaya
Published: September 2021

Background: Comparison of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were achieved between asthmatic case and Controls. Materials & Methods: Case-control study conducted at Baqai Medical University (50 cases and 50 control). PFTs in both the participants were estimated by spirometry; FEC, FEV1 and their ratios were estimated. Results: According to the findings all spirometric values were lower in asthmatic patients as compared to healthy subjects. Moreover the asthamatic subjects had lower lung values when compared with healthy subjects. Conclusion: The current study evaluated spirometric values in asthmatic patients in Gadap area. This study's findings can be applied to the treatment of asthma in people of all ages.
Screening to Determine Prevalence of β-Thalassemia and Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Medical Students
Authors: Kalwar Saddam , Agha Akbar , Naz Aribah , Arif Afsheen
Published: September 2021

According to the Thalassemia Federation of Pakistan, the mostly inherited disorder in Pakistan is β-thalassemia, which is characterized by a deficient, abnormal, or lack of β-globin chain synthesis and has a prevalence of 6%. The only method of controlling and preventing β-thalassemia is to increase awareness among students. This was an observational study using a random sampling technique. The Dow-Thalassemia awareness program recruited 915 medical students from the Dow Medical College (DMC) and Sindh Medical College (SMC) to voluntarily donate blood samples, which were analyzed by the naked eye single tube red cell osmotic fragility test (NESTROFT) and complete blood count and results were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed using the NESTROFT. The samples were collected in 2012-2013. A total of 915 samples, out of these 390 samples, 390/915 (42.6%) samples were positive and complete blood count found 282 (72.3%) were positive for iron deficiency anemia. The remaining 108/390 (27.6%) were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Only 2.4 % subjects were positive for the β-thalassemia trait. Of 915 students, 57.4% of students were healthy, 39.2% had iron deficiency anemia, and 2.4% were carriers of the β-thalassemia trait. The overall prevalence of β-thalassemia was 38/915 (4.1%), which was lower than observed in previous studies. This study also demonstrated the NESTROFT can be used as a primary method of screening out healthy individuals, where approximately 50% require further screening for β-thalassemia
The Effect Of Garlic Consumption With Prescribed Anti-Platelet Medicines On Platelet Count Of Cardiovascular Patients
Authors: Tariq Sana , Akhter Parveen , Qayyum Sidra , Khawar Fatima
Published: September 2021

Backgroung: Garlic (A. sativum) is in use as a traditional medicine for millions of years. It is already establish that A. sativum is nature's best antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic agent. Its helpful effects for Cardiovascular system, Blood, Immune system, Central Nervous system, Respiratory system, Anti-cancer, Anti-Inflammatory and Antidiabetic properties have already been studied. In this study, we will evaluate the effects of garlic consumption on platelets count of MI Patients along with other blood-thinning medicines. Materials & Methods: This is a cross sectional study, 500 patients were interviewed. Interview questions included demographic information, diet plan, lifestyle, garlic consumption. Results: 412 (82.45%), patients stated that they are using or have used garlic for more than 6 months in raw form to reduce the symptoms of hypertension, along with prescribed medicines such as aspirin and clopidogrel. Platelet count of all patients of the study has been monitored and results showed 22.4% of them had thrombocytopenia with less than 150,000 mcL platelet count while only 2.19% showed thrombocytosis high levels of platelets count inPatients reported symptoms of excessive fatigues, unexplained vaginal bleeding, easy bruising, extreme headache, fluctuating blood pressure and other related symptoms. Conclusion: Garlic has a really impressive and wide range of pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, anticancer, cardiovascular disease An amazing pharmacological agent like A. sativum may affect adversely if taken without precaution. High dosage of garlic results in intoxication and disturbance of platelet count. However, a careful measure should be taken before garlic consumption especially with other blood-thinning medicines.
Understanding Patient Trust in the Athletic Setting through Interviews
Authors: David Shannon , Hitchcock John
Published: September 2021

Trust is a vital component of the patient-clinician relationship yet little is known about trust in the athletic training (AT) profession. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to define and understand trust in an athletic training setting. Methods: Interviews with Division I student-athlete patients (n=9) and athletic trainers (n=3) were conducted to collect data about participant views and definitions of trust. Data were analyzed using classical and constant comparison techniques; the trustworthiness of findings were assessed via peer debriefing, member checks, and reflexive journaling. Results: The analyses yielded 21 codes and four themes described to promote trust: (1) athletic trainers’ attributes, (2) interactions between athletic trainers and athletes, (3) the quality of this relationship and (4) the overall experience. Conclusion: A working definition of trust in the athletic training setting was developed via this work; furthermore, athletic trainers and patients agreed that trust is a complex construct but is vital to developing a productive therapeutic relationship.
Effects of a Customized Professionalism Educational Intervention on Physical Therapists’ Knowledge and Attributes of Professionalism
Authors: Balogun Joseph , Mbada Chidozie , Balogun Adetutu , Okafor Udoka
Published: September 2021

Purpose: There is a growing call around the world to include professionalism in the entry-level education of physical therapists and to teach professionalism as a continuing education professional development workshop for practicing physical therapists. Unfortunately, there is currently no empirical evidence to support the use of didactic instruction to effectuate a change in the knowledge and attributes of professionalism. This study evaluated the effects of a customized professionalism educational intervention on physical therapists’ knowledge and attributes of professionalism. Methods: A quasi-experimental research was conducted among 47 Nigerian physical therapists (Mean age = 41 ± 10.1 years). The educational intervention consisted of a 3-hour classroom lecture and five case studies on professionalism. The impact of the intervention was evaluated by a Professionalism Inventory that assesses the level of knowledge and attributes of professionalism - clinical competence, a spirit of inquiry, accountability, autonomy, advocacy, innovation and visionary, collegiality and collaboration, and ethics and value. Results: Post intervention, the physical therapist's aggregate knowledge of professionalism score improved significantly from 69% to 77% performance level (t = 2.340; p < 0.05). On the contrary, there was no significant difference in the aggregate attributes of professionalism score following the intervention (t = 1.396, p > 0.05). Although the improvement observed in the aggregate attributes of professionalism score was not statistically significant, when the effects of the intervention were examined on the attributes of professionalism subscales, the results revealed that clinical competence, accountability, autonomy, innovation and visionary, and collaborating and collegiality improved significantly (p < 0.05). The intervention was of small practical significance (Cohen d = .34 and .20 for knowledge and attributes of professionalism scores, respectively). Conclusions: It was inferred from the findings that a three-hour classroom instruction consisting of lectures and case studies presentation could improve the knowledge of professionalism of practicing physical therapists. A longer instructional period vis-à-vis mentoring and role modelling in the classroom may be needed to effectuate a practical change in professionalism.
Exploring Clinical Educator and Student Perspectives on the Implementation of the Calderdale Framework as a Model of Occupational Therapy Clinical Education in Australia: a Pilot Study
Authors: Furness Linda , Tynan Anna , Pighills Alison
Published: September 2021

Purpose: This paper describes the exploration of clinical educator and student perspectives on the implementation of the Calderdale Framework (CF) as a model for pre-entry occupational therapy clinical placement. Setting: The study was undertaken within a regional health service in Queensland, Australia. The orthopaedic inpatient ward at the regional hospital and mixed inpatient and outpatient community based caseloads in rural hospitals were the focus of this study. Methods: The Calderdale Framework is a seven stage process which involves: engaging staff with the framework; identifying which clinical tasks are carried out within the service; analysing which tasks can be allocated to students; setting up supervision systems; developing Clinical Task Instructions (CTIs); providing competency training and assessment; and developing organisational systems to sustain the new ways of working. In the first week of placement, students were ‘taught’ background and theoretical information for nine Clinical Task Instructions. In the remainder of their placement they achieved competence in these tasks and implemented clinical interventions with patients. Results: Separate focus groups and in-depth interviews were used to explore clinical educator and student opinions about their experience of the application of the Calderdale Framework in clinical education. Five themes emerged from the data analysis: experience of new model; adjustment to change in approach to the placement model; impact of the Calderdale Framework Clinical Task Instructions; impact of the Calderdale Framework learning model on student confidence and impact of the Calderdale Framework placement model on service delivery. Conclusion: In this pilot study, the application of the Calderdale Framework in clinical education was supported by both clinical educators and students as a model that supported student learning and safe contribution to patient service delivery. The time invested in planning, resource development and implementing this application of the Calderdale Framework in clinical education has resulted in a model which can continue to be implemented within our health service and could be applied to other professions or replicated elsewhere.
Collaboration or Collusion? The New Era of Commercial Online Resources for Students in the Digital Age: an Opinion Piece
Authors: Lieneck Cristian , Esparza Salvador
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this paper is to share online resources available to students at a global level, to include healthcare administration programs and any other course of study. While somewhat daunting in nature, this editorial offers faculty of healthcare administration (and other related programs of study) the opportunity to explore what course materials (of any format) may be posted to commercial external websites by current and/or previous students for ongoing collaboration among academic cohorts. Findings include an opportunity for students in any program, at any level, to post individual and/or copyrighted course materials on public, external websites, often with an underlying motivation of financial remuneration for their efforts. Best practices for identifying individual course resources posted externally to the course are provided, while a potential solution for more effective and productive collaboration within the course and the internal course online learning management system is offered.
Improvements in Research Orientation and Reductions in Barriers to Research Utilization among Undergraduate Students in Health Sciences
Authors: Peachey Andrew , Baller Stephanie , Schubert Carolyn
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Developing research skills while improving research orientation among undergraduate students may increase evidence-based practice later in their professional careers. Method: Undergraduate Health Science students (n=241) participated in a pretest-posttest design to determine the impact of a course that includes team-based, student initiated research projects completed within one semester. Modified versions of the Edmonton Research Orientation Survey (EROS) and the Barriers to Research Utilization Scale (BARRIERS) were completed at the beginning and end of the semesters. Results: Students reported gains in six research skills and improvements in two of the Edmonton Research Orientation Survey subscales: involvement in research and evidence-based practice. Students reported reductions in all four Barriers to Research Utilization Scale subscales: adopter, organization, innovation, and communication. Conclusion: Improvements in research orientation and reductions in perceived barriers due to high-impact learning activities may eventually facilitate evidence-based practice.
Practice of and Barriers to Prevention by Secondary School Athletic Trainers
Authors: Guindon Caroline , Winkelmann Zachary , Eberman Lindsey , Games Kenneth
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Prevention is a key aspect of care from athletic trainers. There is limited research on the practice strategies employed to prevent injury by secondary school athletic trainers (SSATs). The purpose of this study was to describe the prevention practice strategies and barriers faced by secondary school athletic trainers. Methods: Athletic trainers (n=3010) were recruited from secondary schools through e-mails provided by the national professional organization database. Secondary school athletic trainers were surveyed on their self-reported prevention practices and barriers using a web-based survey platform. Respondents were 28±3 years, predominantly female (n=260/359, 72.4%), with about 5 years (±2yrs) of clinical experience. The survey contained prevention strategies items with tasks from Domain 1 of the Board of Certification Role Delineation Study (6th ed.) that relates to athletic training clinical practice. Barrier items were developed from previous literature about implementing evidence-based practice strategies. Partial data (completion rate=359/473, 75.9%) was used for the analyses. Data were analyzed by using frequencies, medians with percentiles, means, and standard deviations. Results: The least frequently practiced environmental illness monitoring techniques and addressing patient-specific nutritional needs were identified. In contrast, secondary school athletic trainers most frequently practiced compliance for both equipment maintenance and maintaining a clean facility. The most common ‘always practiced’ skills align with Task 102, 103, and 104 in Domain 1 of the Board of Certification Role Delineation Study. These include pre-participation and screening, personal protective equipment, and maintaining treatment and rehabilitation areas through regulatory standards. A lack of time, workload, player compliance, available space, and coach support were the most commonly cited barriers to prevention practice. Conclusions: Overall, secondary school athletic trainers engaged in prevention strategies frequently, yet external factors were barriers to implementation. The consistent and continual practice of prevention skills are essential to risk mitigation. As a result, always practicing the skill is essential and should not be completed as an occasional duty of the athletic training. As many prevention strategies are required for all patient encounters, the frequency of task performance must improve for clinical practice.
Career Regret Among Physician Assistants: A Comparative Survey of Primary and Specialty Care Careers
Authors: Sierra Talia , Forbes Jennifer , Nelson Michael
Published: September 2021

Purpose: This study investigated if career regret varies among physician assistants (PAs) practicing in primary and specialty care fields. This information may assist practicing and aspiring physician assistants when selecting or changing their career path. Methods: A survey was emailed to 5,000 primary and specialty care physician assistants. Items indicating career regret were compared between primary and specialty care groups. Results: Eight hundred and thrity-four (16.7%) completed surveys were received back. Career regret is similar between primary and specialty care physician assistants, with low reports from both groups. No statistical significance was found between primary care and specialty care groups with regards to career regret or student loan debt. The primary care group noted a less sustainable work/ life balance and higher perceived burnout. Specialty care physician assistants reported higher annual gross income. Regret and disappointment correlated highly with burnout. Conclusions: Physician assistants and prospective physician assistants should carefully consider their career path as regret and disappointment correlated highly with burnout.