bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concert visits with the music class: A Salzburg case study
Authors: Bernhofer Andreas
Published: August 2020

Many European cities offer a vivid cultural landscape and numerous live-music opportunities. Some of the events aim at young audiences and develop cooperation projects with schools (Schwanse, 2003). The Schools@Concerts research project focuses on long-established cooperation projects between schools and concert hosts and tries to give insights into the structure of them. This article describes the Salzburg single case study, where besides the music teacher, the school students and the concert host also a didactics course from the music teacher training at the university is involved. By collecting data with interviews and questionnaires with all participating partners, the research group tries to outline the different roles within the cooperation project and compares the varying goals, tasks and expectations of the participating partners.
Competences of adult learning facilitators in Europe: Analyses of five European research projects
Authors: Zagir Togtokhmaa , Mandel Kinga Magdolna
Published: August 2020

Quality of educational services is highly dependent on competent teachers. Thus, the competency-based framework for teacher education has become an important issue across Europe. This approach in Europe has greatly reflected in the field of adult learning and education. There are five research projects dedicated to identifying competences of adult learning facilitators, involving regional countries or all the Member States of the European Union. Based on the results of the five research projects, this paper has a twofold aim: 1) to describe those research projects and their identified competences for adult learning and 2) to analyse the common competences identified by all the five research projects. The distinct scopes of teacher's competences and teaching competences are offering the framework for analysis. We found ten common competences that are particularly relevant to teaching roles of adult learning facilitators in Europe. Moreover, the analyses revealed that adult learning facilitators need to possess teacher competences that are relevant to institutional administration. Our conclusion is that there are common competences for adult learning facilitators which are relevant to both teaching and teacher competences.
The different patterns of the dropout according to the level and the field of education
Authors: Toth Dorina Anna , Szemerszki Marianna , Cegledi Timea , Mate-Szabo Barbara
Published: August 2020

Background and aims

Our research is a part of a complex dropout research, whose main aim is to examine the time changes, social and regional inequalities, and constitutional differentiation of student dropout, appearing on a large scale and causing individual and institutional loss. As a part of this, the aim of our research on one hand is to identify the training fields and training levels with high dropout risk, furthermore to draw the patterns of dropout based on the available countrywide data.

Methods

We analyzed the database of the Hungarian Higher Education Informational System for our research, especially considering the students starting their training, based on final exam. We examined the most important features of advancements in studies, furthermore the occurring recoils. Considering our data, the measure of dropout remarkable differs based on the training fields and schedule, training, finances and some demographically background variable as well, taking the measure of dropout and its reasons into account. During our analysis, we separated three main types of the dropout’s reasons: financial reasons, study inefficiency, and dropout caused by other reasons.

Results

In this study, we examine these types and their characteristics in three different training levels: Bachelor degree programs, undivided, long-cycle Master courses, and short-cycle higher education vocational training.

Discussion

Almost one third of the students end up joining the group of dropout in all kind of training type, especially critical period is from the second to the fifth semester. The most endangered are males, correspondent students, fee-paying students, participants of higher education vocational training, furthermore the students of science and students of IT fields.
Foreign language learning attitude of Hungarian higher education students
Authors: Novak Ildiko , Morvai Laura
Published: August 2020

Foreign language skills come under the spotlight in higher education (HE) in Hungary. At present, Hungarian HE students are required to pass at least one intermediate level general or professional language exam in order to earn a degree, but from 2020, having an intermediate language exam will be a requirement for admission to HE. Thus, it is important to examine the foreign language-learning attitude of HE students as well as their family background that could affect their attitude. Expansion brought several non-traditional student groups to HE, which used to attract only the most talented upper-class students. However, a number of research studies highlight that motivation, attitude to learning, and the socioeconomic background of the students are influential factors not only in HE but also in foreign language learning. In this study, we present the results of our quantitative analysis performed on the Hungarian subset of the IESA-TESSCEE II. 2014 database developed by CHERD-Hungary. Using cluster analysis, the students could be clustered into four categories. Our results show that students whose parents have a low level of education are mainly motivated by the requirement to pass the necessary language exam to earn a degree. Students with a language certificate are driven by cultural interest to learn a foreign language. Students in Master Degree programs experience the practical benefits of learning a foreign language. Significant correlations between language attitude and the financial status of the family were not detected.
An investigation of the impact of the scholarship types on academic procrastination among the university students
Authors: Muhammed-Shittu Abdul-Rahman Balogun
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The present research is about scholarship as a practice of academic award or financial assistance and support for students to their further education and to enable them to perform excellently. Researchers have dealt with the concepts of scholarship and academic procrastination but separately.

Methods

This is the first study to investigate the impact of the scholarship on academic procrastination among the students. The study adds to the literature by exploring scholarship impact on academic procrastination through a unique sample of students of a private university as a control group. The students were grouped into four categories according to their scholarship status, and questionnaires measuring academic procrastination were randomly distributed across the participants of 205.

Results

As hypothesized, scholarship was found to be significantly impacted academic procrastination among the students. Recipients of full scholarship with monthly stipends were found with the lowest level in all selected areas of academic procrastination. On the contrary, non-scholarship recipients among the students were reported with the highest values of academic procrastination in all targeted domains of this study as outlined above.

Discussion

Mere assessment of the two outcomes indicates a positive impact of the scholarship on academic procrastination. Accordingly, the study tested whether there is an impact of the scholarship on academic procrastination regarding gender. It was confirmed that female students procrastinate slightly higher than male students. In terms of generalizability, the approach in which the data of this study were gathered and also with the considerable size out of the population make the findings generalizable.
Modelling of focused wave interaction with wave energy converter models using qaleFOAM
Authors: Wang Junxian , Yan Shiqiang , Ma Qingwei , Wang Jinghua , Xie Zhihua , Marran Sarah
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a numerical investigation on the interaction between focused waves and wave energy converter (WEC) models using a hybrid solver, qaleFOAM, which couples a two-phase incompressible Navier–Stokes (NS) solver OpenFOAM/InterDyMFoam with the quasi Lagrangian–Eulerian finite element method (QALE-FEM) based on the fully non-linear potential theory (FNPT) using the domain-decomposition approach. In the qaleFOAM, the NS solver deals with a small region near the structures (NS domain), where the viscous effect may be significant; the QALE-FEM covers the remaining computational domain (FNPT domain); an overlap (transitional) zone is applied between two domains. The WEC models, mooring system and the wave conditions are given by the Collaborative Computational Project in Wave–Structure Interaction (CCP-WSI) Blind Test Series 2. In the numerical simulation, the incident wave is generated in the FNPT domain using a self-correction wavemaker and propagates into the NS domain through the coupling boundaries and attached transitional zones. An improved passive wave absorber is imposed at the outlet of the NS domain for wave absorption. The practical performance of the qaleFOAM is demonstrated by comparing its prediction with the experimental data, including the wave elevation, motion responses (surge, heave and pitch) and mooring load.
Distributional Considerations for Monetary Policy Strategy
Authors: Feiveson Laura , Goernemann Nils , Hotchkiss Julie , Mertens Karel , Sim Jae
Published: August 2020

We show that makeup strategies, such as average inflation targeting and price-level targeting, can be more effective than a flexible inflationtargeting strategy in overcoming the obstacles created by the effective lower bound in a heterogeneous agent New Keynesian (HANK) model. We also show that the macroeconomic stabilization benefits from such alternative strategies can be substantially larger in a HANK environment than in a representative agent New Keynesian model. We argue that gains in employment outcomes from switching to an alternative strategy would generate disproportionate improvements for historically disadvantaged households and thus have potentially long-lasting effects on the economic well-being of these groups.
Türkiye’nin Uluslararası Ticarette Uyguladığı ve Karşılaştığı Anti-damping Vergileri Üzerine Bir İnceleme
Authors: ASLAN Nurdan , YAMAN Ayşenur
Published: August 2020

Dünya ülkeleri arasında yapılmakta olan uluslararası ticaret işlemlerinin İkinci Dünya Savaşı sonrasında hız kazanmasıyla birlikte ülkeler çeşitli düzenleme ve kurallara ihtiyaç duymaya başlamışlardır. Bu nedenle 1948 yılında Gümrük Tarifeleri ve Ticaret Genel Anlaşması (GATT), 1995 yılında ise Dünya Ticaret Örgütü (DTÖ) çatısı altında ülkeler dünya ticaretini belirli kurallara bağlamışlardır. Dünya ticaretinin gelişmesi amacıyla ülkelerin birbirlerinin ürünlerine karşı uyguladıkları tarife ve tarife dışı önlemlerin kademeli olarak azaltılması yönünde alınan kararlar başarılı olmuştur. 1964 yılında GATT’ın altıncı görüşmesi olan Kennedy Turu’nda gündeme alınan Anti-damping Kodu ile birlikte, haksız rekabete neden olduğu öne sürülen damping uygulamalarına karşı önlem alınması gerektiği konusunda uluslararası düzeyde bir görüş birliği sağlanmıştır. Anti-damping önlemleri olarak adlandırılan bu yaptırımlar geçici önlemler, fiyat taahhütleri ve nihai anti-damping vergileri olarak uygulanmaktadır. 2010 yılından itibaren dünyada sayıları artan anti-damping önlemlerine en sık başvuran ülke Amerika Birleşik Devletleri (ABD) olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Türkiye ise üçüncü sırada yer alarak yerli endüstrisini haksız rekabete karşı en çok korumaya çalışan ülkeler arasında sayılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada Türkiye’nin uluslararası ticarette karşılaştığı ve uyguladığı anti-damping vergileri incelenmektedir.
Frozen lung tissue dissociation for single-nucleus RNA & Chromatin assays v1
Authors: Duong Elizabeth , Mazutis Linas , Masilionis Ignas , Chaudhary Ojasvi
Published: August 2020

The adapted protocol described here relies on mechanical dissociation of frozen human lung tissue for single nuclei suspension generation for 10X RNA and ATAC-seq and SNARE-seq2.
KARAKTERISTIK DAN IMPLEMENTASI TANAH LIAT DI LUBUK ALUNG SEBAGAI BAHAN BAKU PEMBUATAN KERAMIK HIAS
Authors: Akbar Taufik , Prastawa Wisnu
Published: August 2020

Tanah liat sebagai bahan baku keramk memiliki karakteristik berbeda-beda. Karakteristik suatu tanah liat berpengaruh pada kualitas sebuah karya keramik. Artikel ini adalah hasil penelitian karakteristik tanah liat di Lubuk Alung Kabupaten Padang Pariaman dan diimplementasikan menjadi bahan baku pembuatan keramik hias. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk pengembangan kriya keramik. Penelitian ini menggunakan mentodologi penelitian tindakan serta mengimplementasikan tanah liat menjadi keramik hias. Tanah liat Lubuk Alung merupakan tanah jenis earthenware yang memiliki karakteristik kurang plastis, berwarna terakota dan memiliki perentase susut kering 10% serta susut bakar 11% (800°C). Tanah liat Lubuk Alung dicampur dengan tanah liat plastis daerah Talawi Sawahlunto  untuk  dapat dijadikan bahan pembuatan keramik hias kategori tembikar.
Perancangan Infografis Tutorial COMIC PREPARATION untuk komikus pemula
Authors: Fadly Akhmad
Published: August 2020

A.       AbstrakPerkembangan komik di Indonesia semakin menempati wilayah produktifnya, ditandai dengan mulai bermunculan platform komik digital sebagai wadah yang menghimpun karya komik, platform komik digital juga menyanggupi untuk memberi apresiasi berupa materi yang menjanjikan kepada komikus yang karyanya berhasil terbit di platform mereka. Dampak kemudahan serta apresiasi yang baik dari platform komik ini membuat semakin ramai pula komikus-komikus pemula bermunculan, namun tidak sedikit yang belum memenuhi standar yang baik dalam menghasilkan karya komik digital, mereka masih membutuhkan informasi dan edukasi mengenai langkah awal yang dilakukan, untuk menjadi komikus yang karyanya memenuhi standar industri platform komik digital.Metode perancangan menggunakan metode Triadik berfikir desain komunikasi visual oleh Sumbo Tinarbuko untuk memetakan proses perancangan secara kokoh, jelas dan mengcover semua elemen yang dibutuhkan dalam perancangan. Metode perancangan ini mengacu pada metode desain modern yang meliputi empat tahapan, yaitu identifikasi, analasis, sintesis, dan evaluasi.Konten tutorial merupakan materi pembentukan 4 aspek pra produksi berkarya komik, diantaranya adalah Outline, Character Design, Universe, dan Gimmick. Pesan visual disampaikan melalui desain ilustrasi karakter dari komik SAMPANA, dengan penerapan tema warna yang berbeda pada ilustrasi sebagai variasi untuk masing-masing materi. Media perancangan yang digunakan adalah Infografis dan Poster.Kata kunci: Tutorial, komik digital,
Reaksi Detak Jantung Musisi Amatir dan Non-Amatir Terhadap Repatoar Klasik Bertempo Cepat dan Lambat dan Musik Dangdut.
Authors: Lauren Giovanli , Pik Tommy
Published: August 2020

The importance of music in our daily life has given rise to an increased number of studies addressing the brain regions involved in its appreciation. Some of these studies controlled only for the familiarity of the stimuli, while others relied on pleasantness ratings, and others still on musical preferences. With a listening test and a recorded heart rate ratings experiment, we wished to clarify the role of familiarity in the brain correlates and the reaction of cardiovascular system of music appreciation by controlling, in the same study, for both familiarity and musical preferences. First, we conducted a listening test, in which participants rated the familiarity and liking of song excerpts from the classical repertoire and dangdut. Music the recorded fluctuation of heart rate gives us a slight information that there is/are factors that influence human biology system to respond music, aside from the natural respond of body to music in terms of experience that amateur and non-amateur musician had. Hence, familiarity seems to be a crucial factor in making the listeners emotionally engaged with music.
CONTINOUS LIGHT DAN ARTIFICIAL LIGHT PADA KARYA PORTRAIT FOTOGRAFI BANTENGAN
Authors: Herwanto Andhika Putra , Sutrisno Andika Agung
Published: August 2020

Fotografi hadir sebagai unique distinction, yaitu kemampuannya berbicara (spoken) dan tulisan (writen) dan membuat menjadi partially (not complete), out of date (tidak bertahan lama). Pengetahuan subject dan implikasinya menjadi penting bagi fotografer selain persoalan teknikal optimalisasi lensa. Ketika membuat portrait, fotografer melakukan kegiatan menafsirkan objek (model) foto. Dalam fotografi, pencahayaan atau lighting dapat digolongkan ke dalam berbagai topik bahasan. Umumnya pembahasan tersebut berkaitan dengan sumber cahaya. Bila ditinjau dari sumbernya, cahaya yang ada bisa dibagi menjadi dua, yaitu cahaya alam (continous light) dan cahaya buatan (articial light)Kata kunci: fotografi portrait, continuous light, artificial light
Blended Humor and Mind Mapping in Improving 21st Century Skills
Authors: Anggraeni Anastasia Dewi
Published: August 2020

Instructional communication that occurs in the classroom is expected to be pleasant communication for achieving instructional goals and improving 21st-century skills. 21st Century skills include communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. This study aims to enhance students’ 21st-century skills through the application of humor and mind mapping in classroom instructional activities. The object in this study was the 65 freshman in the Professional Education Department of Universitas Indraprasta PGRI. The method used in this research was descriptive qualitative. The results show that learning in the classroom becomes more fun and stress-free to understand through humor applied through humorous, motivating, and ice-breaking videos. Besides, there are communications between students through discussion forums and collaboration between them in the learning process. Other than that, student cognitive in critical thinking about the problems discussed in the learning material improves, as well as their creativity in organizing learning media digitally and non-digitally.
The Quality of Senior High School National School Examination Questions
Authors: Mering Aloysius , Astuti Indri
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study was to obtain information about the quality of high school National Standard School Exam (USBN) questions in Pontianak in 2018/2019 academic year. To achieve this objective, the information excavated includes (a) the process of compiling questions (b) the test of the feasibility of the questions (c) the eligibility requirements of the questions (d) administering the exam (e) the examination system of the examination scripts (f) the reporting system, and (g) the correlation of values report cards and high school USBN grades in Pontianak with UN scores. This study employed a descriptive method. The selection of high school samples used as data sources was done by random sampling and purposive sampling. Data were gathered through documentation, interviews, and questionnaires. The data were then analyzed with descriptive statistics and correlational studies. The results showed that, in the high school USBN questions in Pontianak City, (1) there were still stages in the process of drafting "not done", (2) empirical tests before the compilation of the final questions "had not been done," (3) administering the "already" applied exams as UN procedures, (4) manuscript examination system is implemented manually, (5) reporting of exam results by respective subject teachers, and (6) correlation of report card grades and high school USBN scores in Pontianak with "mostly" low "UN scores "and even in certain" negative "schools. It means that report cards and USBN scores cannot be used to predict UN results.
Implementing Physical Learning Based On Momentum and Impulse Stem Materials to Develop Collaboration Skills
Authors: Yulianti Dwi , Anjani Dewi
Published: August 2020

The challenges of the 21st-century life require that every individual must master 21st-century skills. The 21st-century learning and innovation (4C) skills are among the skills that rank first among other skills. Collaboration skills are part of 4C skills that are important for students to develop. The 2013 curriculum policy and STEM-based learning are solutions to the challenges of the 21st-century development. The results of a survey of 16 high schools in the city of Semarang, show that schools have not applied to learn with the STEM approach and have not specifically developed collaboration skills. The purpose of this study is to investigate the development of student collaboration skills through the application of STEM-based physics learning. The research method used was quasi experimental with a form of nonequivalent control group design. The subjects of this study were students of class X MIPA SMA 11 Semarang, class X MIPA 5 as an experimental class, and class X MIPA 7 as a control class. Retrieval of data using observation and documentation methods. Analysis of research data using observation sheet analysis with the help of SPSS and Microsoft Office Excel programs. The results showed that collaboration skills after applying STEM-based physics learning developed in the medium category.
Effect of Public Elementary School Financial Challenges on Student Achievement
Authors: Wibowo Syahriar Ardanto , Rukayah Rukayah
Published: August 2020

The quality of education is often seen from the achievements of students. Meanwhile, student achievement in school is influenced by many factors. The financing factor is one factor that cannot be separated from the teaching and learning process. The relationship between educational funding and student achievement is still being debated. This study aims to reveal the relationship between the number of funding resources in schools and student achievement. This research used qualitative methods. Data collection was carried out using interviews, observation, and documentation techniques. The collected data were analyzed using interactive model analysis and purposive sampling techniques. The results of this study indicate that public elementary schools have limited sources of funding. The amount of money managed by one school differs depending on the number of students and the ability of parents. This study finds that education funding has no direct effect on student achievement. Schools that have significant financial resources do not necessarily have high achievements. The effectiveness of schools in managing their finances also becomes essential. Besides, the role of policymakers, the ability of teachers, and the participation of parents are crucial to increase the education quality.
Involvement in Subject Teachers Association (MGMP), Pedagogical and Professional Competencies of Civic Teachers, And Learning Outcomes: A Correlational Study
Authors: Safitri Auliah , Gafur Abdul
Published: August 2020

This study aims to determine the relationship of teacher involvement in the Subject Teachers Association (MGMP), pedagogical and professional competencies of civic teachers with the learning outcomes of high school students in Malang. Data were analyzed descriptively using a correlational design. Hypothesis testing was done by analyzing the parametric correlation between the independent variables and the dependent variable partially. The results of this study indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship between involvement in MGMP, pedagogical competence, and professional competence of civic teachers and the learning outcomes of high school students in Malang. All hypotheses show a significant relationship.
Open Problem-Based Learning (OPBL) Scenario on 2D Text Animation Using Polya Approach
Authors: Untari Rahmania Sri , Liansari Vevy , Su’udiah Firdaus
Published: August 2020

Abstract: Animation, with its various roles, has become a crucial technology of science. The roles of OPBL is to provide students with opportunities to exercise creative thinking, express critical ideas, build collaboration skill and use technology which will add their value at workplace as well as in real life. The research is conducted to compare students’ problem-solving skill before they received OPBL treatment and after they did. The research was conducted using the quasi-experiment method. Paired sample t-test examination was used to analyze the data. The research suggested that there is a significant difference in the students' problem-solving skill before they received OPBL treatment and after they did, and that the difference is highly influenced by the syntax or learning model scenario. Cooperative learning made student group learning more structured in alignment with the learning topic assigned.
The synergistic reno-protective effect of Rhizophora mucronata and Avicennia marina aqueous extracts against diabetes induced renal changes
Authors: Al-Jaghthmi Obidallah Hamdan Ali , Zeid Isam El Din Mohamed El Amin Abu , Heba Hassan Mohammad
Published: August 2020

Background: The conventional medications of diabetes mellitus have many side effects that bring to diabetic cases, so there is a need for introducing natural remedies with antidiabetic effect. The objectives of this study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects of aqueous extracts of a mixture of R. mucronata and A. marina against experimentally streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats and to assess its efficacy in alleviating diabetes-induced impact on kidney function.Methods: Sixty rats distributed into four groups (n=15) were used in this study. They included the control, STZ-induced diabetic, STZ-induced diabetic treated with a mixture of Rhizophora mucronata and Avicennia marina extract and non-diabetic group received a mixture of Rhizophora mucronata and Avicennia marina extract. After 6 weeks of treatment, the biochemical and histological alterations were investigated in all rats.Results: Daily oral administration of a mixture of R. mucronata and A. marina leaves extract to STZ-induced diabetic significant (p≤0.001) increase serum insulin levels and reduced fasting blood glucose levels, serum BUN and uric acid compared to the untreated diabetic rats. This mixture also improved the renal degeneration and inflammation induced by diabetes and reduced the number of the apoptotic cell in both renal cortex and medulla.Conclusions: The mixture of R. mucronata and A. marina extract significantly improve the diabetes-associated biochemical and histopathological renal changes indicating its potential effect as a natural nephroprotective agent against diabetic-induced nephropathy.
An observational study to assess the drug prescription pattern and quality of life of acne vulgaris patients in a tertiary care center in India
Authors: Sane Rohit M. , Shahani Savita R. , Sane Aditya M. , Muppalla Bandhavi
Published: August 2020

Background: The study was conducted to assess the prescription pattern of acne vulgaris patients, and impact of anti-acne treatment on severity of acne and change in quality of life (QoL) in patients.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in dermatology OPD of a tertiary care hospital with 160 patients of acne vulgaris. All patients with acne vulgaris >18 years, of either sex were included while those with pre-existing other cutaneous or systemic diseases, pregnant and lactating females and not giving consent were excluded from the study. Prescriptions were analysed and patients were followed-up at 2 and 6 weeks for assessment of change in acne severity and QoL, determined by GAGS score and CADI difference score, respectively.Results: Mean age of patients was 20.7±2.5 years, with males and females constituting 62 (38.8%) and 98 (61.3%) patients, respectively. Acne was mild in 88 (55%), moderate in 51 (31.9%) and severe in 21 (13.1%) patients. A total of 537 drugs were prescribed to all patients, with an average of 3.36 drugs per prescription. Two, 3 and 4 drugs were prescribed in 2.5%, 59.4% and 38.1% patients, respectively. There was significant improvement in the GAGS score (p<0.001) and QoL (CADI score difference) (p<0.001) at 2 and 6 weeks follow-up compared to initial visit.Conclusions:Polypharmacy was a common practice in anti-acne treatment. However, it was associated with improvement in acne severity and QoL.
Attitude and knowledge towards prescription of generic drugs: online study across Telangana
Authors: Sen Sumana , Bandari Naveen Kumar
Published: August 2020

Background: Generic drugs are similar in terms of strength, safety and therapeutic benefit as compared to innovator counterparts. Generics have a favourable financial profile and a positive effect on medication adherence. Palpable change was not observed with the use of generics. This study has been designed to gauge the knowledge and attitude concerning generic drugs among medical students in their 5th semester of MBBS course and interns in the final six months of their compulsory rotatory residential internship (CRRI) program in the state of Telangana.Methods: It was a cross sectional, online-questionnaire based study across medical colleges in Telangana. The questions were designed with the help of Google forms and the website links were circulated to the participants through students and interns’ whatsapp groups.Results: 95.1% of interns and 92.7% of students had knowledge of generic drugs. Significant number of students had a notion that brand drugs are for serious illnesses. Majority in both the groups maintained a neutral opinion when it came to mandatory prescribing of generics.Conclusions: Our study revealed a similar knowledge level about generic in both the groups and 40.9% of interns and 41.4% of students had a knowledge score of more than or equal to 80. Interns didn’t agree with incentivisation of brand drugs. 37.9% of interns and 32.3% of students had an attitude score of more than or equal to 80. Therefore implementation of certain practices like stocking of more generics at medical college pharmacies, more research and incentivisation of generic use can translate into a rise of generic usage.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of generic medicines among the interns and post graduate dental students: comparison with medical practitioners
Authors: Kaur Sukhpreet
Published: August 2020

Background: India is one of the highest per capita out-of-pocket health expenditures (62%) country and use of generics can save a lot of money which can be used for other health issues. Lack of knowledge about cost effectiveness of generic medicines among the health-care professionals had led to a low rate of generic medicine prescription. The objective of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice of dental students towards the generic medicines.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using questions from pretested and validated questionnaire which are applicable to Indian scenario. A 22 items questionnaire were distributed to the participants to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice of generic medicine. All the Interns and MDS students were included in this study. The collected data was analyzed using microsoft excel.Results: 63.4% participants agreed generics can be interchanged with a branded drug. 89.74% participants were aware that bioequivalence studies are conducted by generic manufacturers for all the marketed generic medicines. Mostly participants (78.04%) were of opinion that generic medicines do not produce greater side effects than branded drugs. 54.05% participants reported that they were prescribing generic medicines. 52.38% participants were aware that generic medicine contains the same active substances as that innovator and used at same dose to treat same disease.Conclusions: In our study, we found that the prescribers had a considerable knowledge regarding the concept of generic medicines. However, to further increase the rate of generic medicine prescription training programs on generic medicines should be organized.
COVID-19 and concerns related to self-medication
Authors: Patil Anant D. , Sharma Hritika , Tetarbe Tanusri
Published: August 2020

The practice of self-care through self-medication is not uncommon. Self-medication is not just a problem of one country, the phenomenon is global. A systematic review has highlighted this wide spread problem. Self-medication can be based on self-belief, advice of a pharmacist or another person instead of consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. In the settings of poor access to health care services and issues related to affordability of paying for medical services, people practice self-medication as the righteous approach. Some people may consume medications without consultation of a healthcare professional citing reason of time saving. Certain drugs available as prescription medicine in one country may be available over the counter in another country. Furthermore, with digitalisation, people now have an easy access to the internet where they simply explore their symptoms and find the perceived suitable treatment for the same. Thus, the reasons and pattern of self-medications may differ based on different factors including type of population affordability, and country.
Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus co-infection among outdoor patients and indoor patients of tertiary care institute, Bathinda, Punjab, India
Authors: Singh Lovepreet , Mittal Swati , Kaur Amandeep , Singh Surinder , Tiwary Ravi K. , Singh Harjinder
Published: August 2020

Background: Hepatitis virus infections have many serious consequences like chronic hepatitis, fulminant hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cancer. Serological test is thus necessary to identify hepatitis virus in the body. An observational study was conducted with an objective to detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies by rapid card tests and to find the prevalence of co-infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses from January 2019 to June 2019.Methods: Blood samples were received from patients irrespective of age and sex, constituted the material for the present study. All samples were tested on hepacard and tri-dot card for the detection of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus and results were interpreted as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.Results: Out of 3488 samples, 254 samples were positive for hepatitis virus infection. Out of these 254 samples positive for hepatitis viruses, 22 (0.6%) patients were positive for hepatitis B virus and 232 (6.6%) patients were positive for hepatitis C virus. Only 2 (0.7%) of these patients showed co-infection with both viruses.Conclusions: Male patients showed more positivity of hepatitis virus as compared to females. Patients were more from outpatient department (OPD) as compared to inpatient department (IPD). Hepatitis virus infection was found to be highest in the age group 21-40 and lowest in the age group above 80 years. Both the co-infected patients were males and from IPD.
A study of allergic responses of formaldehyde in first year MBBS students
Authors: Singhvi Shreyans D. , Singh Preksha T.
Published: August 2020

Background: Formaldehyde has been used as embalming fluid for cadavers’ in various medical colleges since decades, often alone but sometimes also with methyl alcohol, thymol crystals, glycerin and water. During dissection hours (average 6 hours per week), formaldehyde being an irritant can cause severe allergic responses in students of first year.  Majorly the allergic symptoms are related to eyes, respiratory tract and skin.Methods: A case control study of 400 MBBS students was performed in Gujarat from April 2017-June 2017. The study included 200 case students who had been exposed to formaldehyde on 3 days of the week during anatomy dissection hours, also 200 final year students who were not exposed to formaldehyde regularly.Results: In our study, we have found the following positive responses to formaldehyde- general discomfort, sneezing, redness of eyes, itching of nostrils, irritation and itching of eyes, tears, blurring of vision, discharge from nostrils, and itching of skin while the following factors were found negative-vomiting, giddiness, drowsiness, nausea and difficulty in breathing.Conclusions: As, formaldehyde is commonly used and students are frequently exposed to it, it can be a cause of major concern and an alternative less toxic solution for embalming should be researched for.
Ureteric endometriosis masquerading as ureteric neoplasm
Authors: Goel Shreya , Srinivas Teerthnath , Bhat Shubha P. , Singh Vartika
Published: August 2020

Endometriosis is a disease seen in 10-15% of reproductive age women, which involves the pelvic cavity. The urinary tract is affected in 1% cases of pelvic endometriosis, while 0.1-0.4% of ureteric endometriosis which is extremely rare. Ureteric endometriosis poses a diagnostic challenge, as it can be asymptomatic or can present as renal colic. It can lead to a severe burden on kidneys like hydroureteronephrosis, renal atrophy, and irreversible renal failure. Authors report an extremely rare case of ureteric endometriosis in a postmenopausal female, who presented with complaints of lower backache. Radiologically diagnosed as neoplastic ureteric stricture.
Executive dysfunction in idiopathic epilepsy: the journey so far
Authors: Koganti Haritha , Colaco Vimala , Sundaramurthy Harsha , Paneyala Shasthara , C. Nemichandra S.
Published: August 2020

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders known to man with a high global prevalence. This disease process affects the overall quality of life. In recent times the concept of executive dysfunction in patients with epilepsy has emerged. This phenomenon has widespread therapeutic implications. This review hence aims to summarize our current understanding of the topic, highlighting the results of benchmark studies and outlining the aspects that require further research. The keywords epilepsy, executive dysfunction and cognitive retraining were used in the search engines of Pubmed and Google scholar and articles identified were extensively reviewed. The consensus of this review is that executive dysfunction is a phenomenon that occurs in patients with epilepsy irrespective of epilepsy type, however the magnitude varies with contributory factors which include poor seizure control. Furthermore, patients with cognitive dysfunction have a further decline over the course of the disease process, however longitudinal studies in regard to the same are lacking and there is a need for additional research in this regard.
Therapeutic applications of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth: a review
Authors: Baweja Mani
Published: August 2020

Dental stem cells have been found to have the ability to differentiate into nerve cells, adipose cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, myocytes, hepatocytes, and odontoblasts. They can be derived from permanent teeth or deciduous teeth. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) have a higher proliferation rate and higher osteogenic and neurogenic potential than dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). Therefore, SHEDs are an attractive cell source for tissue regeneration. A large plethora of in vitro and animal studies have been conducted in the last few decades that has demonstrated the potential uses of these cells for the treatment of oral and non-oral diseases. The aim of this article was to review the potential therapeutic applications of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. A Medline search was done, including international literature, published in English between 2003 and 2020. In this area, further research is needed to ensure the applicability of SHED in the treatment of diseases in humans.
Generic prescribing in India: a stumbling block
Authors: Kaur Sukhpreet
Published: August 2020

In India, there is 62% out-of-pocket health expenditure per capita and only 15% are covered by health insurance. The use of generics can save a lot of money which can be used for other health issues. But lack of knowledge about cost effectiveness of generic medicines among various health-care professionals had led to a low rate of generic medicine prescription in India. This review aims to identify the barriers in adoption of generic prescribing in clinical practice in India. A systematic literature review was conducted using various healthcare databases such as PubMed and google scholar. The literature search using various combination of keywords retrieved 2360 articles. After excluding duplicates, articles in languages other than English and based on relevance to subject only 15 articles were selected. The barriers to generic prescribing identified from reported literature can be broadly classified based on stakeholders of healthcare setting such as physicians, patients, pharmacist and government policies. The major barriers to generic prescribing identified were negative perception of various stakeholders, lack of awareness of regulatory standards, maturity of health care system, vulnerability of patients, lack of standard guidelines in brand substitution, incentives and influence of drug advertisements. In Indian set up, studies on impact evaluation of generic prescription, emphasizing the quality and cost saving by their use in clinical practice should be conducted. This evidence will help to build the confidence of various stakeholders towards implementing generic prescribing in clinical practice.
A study of febrile convulsions with a bacteremia incidence in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Saheb Shaik Ateal
Published: August 2020

Background: A febrile convulsion is linked with high temperature but without significant underlying health issues. These occur most often in children aged six months to five years. Most of the convulsions last less than five minutes, and within an hour of the occurrence, the child is entirely back to normal.Methods: Sixty children aged 3 months to 5 years admitted to the emergency pediatric ward with a history of convulsion fever with convulsions, in Narayana Medical College and Hospital were taken up for the study with clinical history, clinical examination, laboratory Investigations.Results: Among 60 children in the study group, 15 (25%) of them were aged between 3 months to 12 months, 21 (35%) of them were between 13 months to 24 months. Gender 36 (60%) are male children. 24 (40%) are female children. Family history of convulsions was positive in 18 (30%) of the 60 (100%) cases, and 7 had family history of epilepsy. 42 (70%) are negative. Most of the cases (85%) showed no growth in blood culture.Conclusions: Blood culture should be performed in all children by febrile convulsions, especially those under the stage of two years. Streptococcus pneumonia was the organism isolated from respiratory tract infection in a child with febrile convulsion with significant bacteremia. The symptoms that present can be as harmless as rhinorrhea or cough. Children with a positive family history of afebrile convulsion should be closely monitored and test, as they can develop epilepsy later.
A cross-sectional study of awareness regarding dog bite and its management in rural community of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Alqwaifly Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Background: Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and disability worldwide. However, its outcomes have improved in the last few years with advancement in acute stroke treatment, including the use of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) within 4.5 hours of onset, which led several international guidelines to adopt it as the standard of care. In this study, authors sought to assess the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of emergency and medicine staff in Qassim, Saudi Arabia toward acute ischemic stroke care.Methods: A quantitative observational cross-sectional study involving 148 physicians from emergency and medicine departments (only three neurologists) was conducted in three main hospitals of the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Information was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used to control for potential confounding factors.Results: Ninety-two percent of participants were aware of t-PA. Eighty-seven percent of participants thought that t-PA was an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Only 20% of participants had given t-PA or participated in the use of t-PA in acute ischemic stroke. Moreover, 64% of participants believed that allowing blood pressure to remain high was the most appropriate action in the first 24 hours in acute ischemic stroke patients who presented outside the t-PA window.Conclusion: Most of the emergency and medicine staff are well informed about t-PA, but the majority of these physicians have never given t-PA or participated in the administration of t-PA to a stroke patient. The main finding here is the positive outlook among emergency and medicine physicians in Qassim toward training in acute stroke care and administering t-PA for stroke, which will positively impact patient outcomes.
Meal plan prescription, biochemical parameters, and practicality in poorly controlled type-II diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Barrouq Deena M. S. , Irshaidat Tareq
Published: August 2020

Background: Diabetes health complications seen in everyday life are strongly related to consumption of high carbohydrate and fat foods and the overweight or the obesity.Methods: To shift this equilibrium and to decrease the probability of health problems the opposite was advised; a low carbohydrate and a low-fat daily food plan.Results: The food plan encountered a few environmental and individual hindering factors but the patients who finished the 12-months plan duration achieved significant improvements.Conclusions: The prescribed meal plan was very useful to the poorly controlled type-2 diabetes mellitus patient however it needs further investigation to make it more practical with a wider applicability.
A study of magnitude and correlates of altered bone mineral density in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of central rural India
Authors: Reema Ningthoukhongjam , Jain Jyoti , Singh Thangjam Gautam , Banait Shashank
Published: August 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus is fast becoming the epidemic of the 21st century. It is a metabolic disease that affects multiple organ system in the body including bone metabolism and bone mass. There is high prevalence of decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients leading to osteoporosis, osteopenia and fracture. The aim of the present study was to find the magnitude and correlates of altered BMD in T2DM patients of central rural India.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching hospital in central rural India from 2014 to 2016. It comprises of 200 T2DM patients with aged ≥35 years. Bone mineral density measurements were done by using peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).Results: Mean age of study subjects was 56.13±11.12 years with 43.5% males and 56.5% females. Our study results showed the magnitude of decreased BMD was 82%. 53% of the study subjects were osteoporotic and 29% were osteopenic. Significant associations were detected between decreased BMD and old age, female gender, high body mass index, high fasting blood sugar, high HbA1c and low serum calcium on multivariate analysis.Conclusions: The prevalence of decreased BMD in patients with T2DM of central rural India is high, especially in females’ patients, obese patients, and uncontrolled diabetic patients. Awareness amongst the health care provider of this changes will directly affect the treatment decisions for patients, thereby preventing osteoporosis, osteopenia and mitigating potential fracture risk.