bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE ERRADICAÇÃO DA FOME NO BRASIL: DESENVOLVIMENTO E CRISE NO SÉCULO XXI
Authors: Michellon Ednaldo , Porcé Matheus
Published: September 2024

O objetivo desse trabalho é avaliar a situação da fome no Brasil, a partir do início do século XXI. Inicialmente, é feita uma discussão teórica e histórica das políticas públicas implementadas no país, pelo governo federal, até o período de interesse. A análise ficou dividida em três classificações: Soberania e Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional, uma que englobou as questões da assistência social, transferência de renda e inclusão produtiva e a última que examinou temas de natureza socioeconômica. Os resultados da análise mostram que as políticas públicas não foram suficientes para trazer a erradicação da fome já que estrutura agrária e a inclusão produtiva não sofreram grandes alterações, apesar de terem construído um período curto de desenvolvimento. Desde então, houve piora nos níveis de insegurança alimentar e nutricional, ao mesmo tempo em que ocorria uma estagnação dos recursos aplicados em políticas sociais e a produção do agronegócio permaneceu quebrando recordes.
A POLÍTICA DE INFRAESTRUTURA DO GOVERNO BIDEN: UM EXAME SOBRE A LEI DE INFRAESTRUTURA BIPARTIDÁRIA
Authors: Mori Robson Luis
Published: September 2024

Este trabalho tem como principal objetivo examinar a Lei de Infraestrutura Bipartidária do Governo Biden, com foco nos seguintes temas: apoio recebido, atores envolvidos, segmentos contemplados e mecanismos de atuação. Inicialmente o trabalho apresenta os movimentos políticos mais relevantes para a aprovação da lei. Em seguida, apresenta o conteúdo da lei, com suas áreas e subáreas e maiores programas. Por fim, faz um balanço sobre o conteúdo da lei, destacando as principais variáveis abordadas. O estudo de caso é realizado a partir de informações da literatura pertinente, destacadamente da imprensa especializada, e, principalmente, de documentos de instituições governamentais. Nas conclusões, destacam-se o forte apoio interno à lei, a diversidade dos atores envolvidos e dos segmentos de atuação e o predomínio do mecanismo de financiamento federal, com repasse aos estados e a outros membros da esfera pública, tanto para a expansão de programas existentes, quanto para a estruturação de novos programas.
GÊNESE, FUNÇÃO E ELEMENTOS FUNDAMENTAIS DA DOUTRINA GERENCIALISTA: a teoria dos gestores
Authors: Moreau Hermann junior
Published: September 2024

O objetivo desse artigo foi demonstrar a gênese e função da apologia indireta ao capitalismo na assim chamada “doutrina gerencialista” ou teoria dos gestores na qual estes seriam uma nova e dominante classe social na suposta transição do modo de produção capitalista para uma “sociedade gerencial”. Essa doutrina ou teoria não é nova. Surgida a partir de uma série de desenvolvimentos na transição entre os séculos XIX e XX, ganhou fôlego com Bruno Rizzi e James Burnham nas décadas de 1930 e 1940, sendo o segundo autor uma fonte primária de grande difusão a partir do livro A Revolução Gerencial. Um segundo desenvolvimento teve impulso com J.K. Galbraith a partir dos anos de 1960, obtendo considerável difusão, inclusive no Brasil, por mediação de intelectuais como Bresser Pereira. Sabemos que como todas as formações de pensamento, a ideologia dos gestores está ligada a condições sócio-históricas e é nos EUA que reuniram-se as condições necessárias e suficientes em mais alto grau para o desenvolvimento de tal teoria dos gestores.
Design and Development of a Soft Pneumatic Gripper for Precise Grasping of Fragile Objects
Authors: Kattan Urrutia Andres Antonio , Carrasco Bardales Alberto Max
Published: September 2024

Soft robotics is an emerging subfield of robotics that studies the design and fabrication of automated systems composed of flexible materials. They present a potential solution to protect fragile objects from high stress induced by rigid grippers. This paper proposed a 3D printed soft pneumatic gripper adapted to precisely grasp delicate and fragile objects such as those encountered in the marine, electronic, and food industry. The gripper was based on the principle of a fluidic elastomer actuator and consisted of two soft TPU fingers and a rigid base with an Arduino-driven flexing sensor to measure the curvature of the fingers during grasping and a force sensor that enables precise measurement and adjustment of gripping force, ensuring the objects were held securely without damage. The design and fabrication were cost-efficient and engineered to not affect the continuous flexing of the soft fingers, addressing key challenges grasping with precision and efficiency. The relationship between the sensor outputs and pneumatic inputs were analyzed through graphs from conducted experimental tests.
Low Cost CO2 Sensor Prototype with IoT
Authors: Galindo Talhami Ema Aracely , Aguiluz Orlando , Martínez-Rangel Martín
Published: September 2024

This prototype of a CO2 sensor with Internet of Things (IoT) offers an affordable solution for measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in parts per million (ppm). It utilizes specialized sensors to detect CO2 concentrations in the environment. The prototype combines multiple CO2 measurement sensors with an Arduino microcontroller to process the collected data and provide comprehensible ppm CO2 readings. Additionally, an ESP-32 has been incorporated to enable IoT connectivity, allowing for the transmission of CO2 readings to a cloud platform. This platform displays the most recent readings and maintains a brief history of previous measurements, providing real-time insights into CO2 conditions and a record for analysis. A noteworthy feature of this prototype is its buoy system, which enables operation in aquatic environments while minimizing the risk of submersion, ensuring that the sensor remains on the water’s surface without direct contact with the liquid.
Genetics, ethics and manipulation
Authors: Lejeune Jérôme
Published: September 2024

Not available.
Primary healthcare nurses’ experiences in managing chronic diseases during COVID-19 in the North West province
Authors: Mboweni Sheillah H.
Published: September 2024

Background: The World Health Organization, stated that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic not only affected the socioeconomic well-being of millions but also had adverse effects on public health, particularly in the management of chronic diseases at the primary healthcare (PHC) level. What remained unknown was the experiences of professional nurses(PNs) working in PHC regarding this issue.Aim: The study aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of PHC nurses in managing chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.Setting: The study was conducted in the North West province, South Africa.Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed to collect and analyse data. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and audio recorded with 16 PNs from five high-volume PHC facilities selected purposively.Results: The study’s findings reveal four themes: suboptimal care for patients with chronic disease, a lack of resources, mental health challenges experienced by PHC nurses, and stigma and discrimination from both family and community members.Conclusion: The neglect of PHC and its frontline healthcare staff has impeded the mental health of PHC workers and the management of chronic diseases thus any progress made in reducing the burden of chronic diseases is likely to have regressed during the COVID-19 pandemic.Contribution: Policymakers should prioritise strengthening PHC by implementing integrated disease management policies, ensuring ethical clinical standards, providing supportive supervision, fair resource allocation and capacity building for PHC staff. In addition, addressing stigma and discrimination, and raising awareness among families and communities is crucial for future pandemics to effectively manage both chronic and infectious diseases.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults treated at a district hospital outpatient department
Authors: Van Jaarsveldt Cara , Jabari Tlholohelo , Zwarts Elrine , Färber Simone , Sikuza Yothando , Schilling Heinrich , Pauw Sebastiaan , Klein Elizabeth , Van Rooyen Cornel , Joubert Gina , Van der Bijl Chantelle C.
Published: September 2024

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of risk factors, including hypertension, high fasting blood glucose, high fasting triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels that may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among adults attending a Free State district hospital’s outpatient department.Methods: A cross-sectional study included a consecutive sample of consenting patients 18 years and older from 18 October 2021 to 19 November 2021. Patients’ waist circumference was measured, and data were extracted from patients’ files.Results: The 409 participants were predominantly females (64.2%). The median age was 60 years. Triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels were available for 27.4% and 26.9% of patients, respectively. Of the 278 (68.0%) patients with sufficient information to determine their MetS status, 187 (67.3%) had MetS. Of the males with sufficient information, 49.1% (n = 56/114) had MetS compared to 79.9% (n = 131/164) of the females with sufficient information (p  0.001). The age group 60–79 years had the highest prevalence (76.7%, p  0.001). In all race groups, at least two-thirds of patients had MetS (p = 0.831).Conclusion: Incomplete patient notes and failure to do investigations led to a third of patients not having sufficient information to determine their MetS status. In patients with sufficient information, a high prevalence of MetS was found.Contribution: This study highlights the challenges of determining MetS retrospectively in an outpatient population and the need for completeness of medical note keeping and routine investigations in high-risk patients. It also notes the high prevalence of MetS.
The impact of microplastics on neurodegenerative diseases and underlying molecular mechanisms: A narrative review
Authors: Weiss Alexander , Ding Yuchuan
Published: September 2024

The widespread production and disposal of plastics have led to an alarming accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in the environment with significant implications for human health. MPs have infiltrated and accumulated in various ecosystems around the world and consequently in human bodies, posing severe health risks, including the onset of, and acceleration of, neurodegenerative diseases. This review article explores the sources and routes of transmission by which MPs enter the central nervous system, including inhalation and direct penetration of the blood–brain barrier, detection strategies such as engineered nanostructures and gold nanoparticles, and the role of glial cells in exacerbating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s diseases, Parkinson’s diseases, and multiple sclerosis in the presence of MPs. Further, this paper emphasizes a call for action for further investigation and prevention strategies of the impact of MPs including environmental policy changes, advanced detection methods, and potential therapeutic interventions.
Unraveling the uncommon link: When diabetic ketoacidosis triggers posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Dey Saurav , Qureshi Faisal , Meshram Tanvi , Panda Ananya , Bhatia Pradeep
Published: September 2024

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiological condition characterized by reversible subcortical vasogenic edema, presenting with symptoms, such as headache, vision changes, seizures, and altered mental status. We present a case of an 18-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes mellitus who developed PRES soon after recovering from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The patient initially presented with symptoms of altered sensorium, shortness of breath, vomiting, and metabolic acidosis consistent with DKA. She developed progressive symptoms of headache, vision loss, and recurrent vomiting. Neuroimaging revealed vasogenic edema involving the white matter of bilateral parietal and occipital lobes, confirming the diagnosis of PRES. The pathophysiology of PRES is believed to involve endothelial dysfunction and disruption of the blood–brain barrier. In the case of DKA, proinflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factors may contribute to the development of PRES. This case highlights the potential association between PRES and hyperglycemic states, such as DKA.
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: A case series
Authors: Reddy Yavasani Neil Krishna , Jayaraman Harini , Acharya Himamshu , Rao Gururaja , Ganesh H. K.
Published: September 2024

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a disorder most commonly observed in Asian men. It is characterized by acute flaccid paralysis with hypokalemia. The condition primarily affects the lower limbs and can be secondary to thyrotoxicosis. The main characteristic features of TPP are increased thyroid hormone levels, hypokalemia and proximal muscle weakness, or paralysis. In this study, we report six cases of TPP. All the cases had potassium levels of <2.5 mEq/L and weakness of limbs, which were reversed after the correction of potassium levels. The etiology of elevated thyroid hormone levels was found to be Graves’ disease in all the cases. Upon treatment of hyperthyroidism, none of the subjects had a recurrence of weakness. In young subjects with sudden-onset weakness, it is important to consider TPP as one of the differential diagnoses.
Effectiveness of Intra-articular Botulinum Toxin Type A with Hyaluronic Acid Compared to Intra-articular Platelet-rich Plasma with Hyaluronic Acid in Improving Pain and Functional Limitation in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hegde Shubha V. , Khan Khaja Javed
Published: September 2024

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common cause of chronic knee pain causing functional disability and dependency. Multiple interventions have been used in reducing pain and improving functionality. We intend to compare the efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) with botulinum toxin type A and HA in bilateral Grade 3 and 4 KOA.

Methods:

Prospective single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted for 6 months. Among 54 participants, 27 received intra-articular botulinum toxin type A with HA (Group A), and the other 27 received intra-articular PRP with HA (Group B), single session. Pain (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS]) and functional limitation (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) were assessed at 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks postintervention. Effect of weight and physiotherapy on NRS and WOMAC score were assessed. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analyzed by statistical software R version 4.2.3.

Results:

Fifty-four participants were enrolled. There was no loss to follow-ups. Except for age (P < 0.001) and mean height (P = 0.013), other demographic data were insignificant. Preprocedural NRS was significantly high in Group A (P = 0.04). Overall NRS postprocedure was significantly lesser in Group B, P < 0.001. The mean WOMAC score postprocedure was significantly low in Group B, P < 0.001. Group B had increased heart rate which was statistically significant (P = 0.051). The mean reduction in WOMAC score was observed with regular physiotherapy in Group B (P = 0.023). Reduction in weight was directly proportional to reduction in NRS (P = 0.015).

Conclusion:

Intra-articular PRP with HA, single session, is effective in improving pain, functionality, and safe in Grade 3 and 4 KOA.
Minocycline Acts as a Neuroprotective Agent Against Tramadol-Induced Neurodegeneration: Behavioral and Molecular Evidence
Authors: Gholami Mina , Ghelichkhani Zahra , Aghakhani Reza , Klionsky Daniel J. , Motaghinejad Ozra , Motaghinejad Majid , Koohi Mohammad Kazem , Hassan Jalal
Published: September 2024

Background:

Previous evidence indicates that tramadol (TRA) can lead to neurodegenerative events and minocycline (MIN) has neuroprotective properties.

Aim of the Study:

The current research evaluated the neuroprotective effects of MIN for TRA-promoted neurodegeneration.

Methods:

Sixty adult male rats were placed into the following groups: 1 (received 0.7 ml/rat of normal saline, IP), 2 (received 50 mg/kg of TRA, i.p.), 3, 4, 5 (administered TRA as 50 mg/kg simultaneously with MIN at 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg, IP, respectively), and 6 (received MIN alone as 60 mg/kg, IP). The treatment procedure was 21 days. An open field test (OFT) was used to measure motor activity and anxiety-related behavior. Furthermore, oxidative stress; hippocampal inflammation; apoptotic parameters as well as activity of mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, and IV; ATP levels; and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated. In addition, histomorphological alteration was assessed in two regions of the hippocampus: Cornu Ammonis (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG).

Results:

MIN treatment could inhibit TRA-induced anxiety and motor activity disturbances (P < 0.05). In addition, MIN could attenuate reactive oxygen species (ROS), H2O2, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) level (P < 0.05), while there was increased reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ATP, MMP, and BCL2 levels (P < 0.05) and also elevation of SOD, GPX, GSR (P < 0.05), and mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, and IV activity (P < 0.05) in TRA-treated rats. In consistence with these findings, MIN could reduce TNF/TNF-α, IL1B/IL1-β, BAX, and CASP3 levels (P < 0.05) in TRA-treated rats. MIN also restored the quantitative (P < 0.05) and qualitative histomorphological sequels of TRA in both CA1 and DG areas of the hippocampus.

Conclusions:

MIN probably has repositioning capability for inhibition of TRA-induced neurodegeneration via modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial disorders.
Transforming public health education: Exploring the implementation and impact of innovative teaching methods
Authors: Septiani Riza , Baharuddin Dharina
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Innovative teaching methods are widely used as they provide valuable experiences for students in real-life situations, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Within the scope of public health, these methods appear feasible as a learning approach. This study aimed to determine the implementation of innovative teaching methods for the Faculty of Public Health.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

This study employed a qualitative exploratory approach and utilized in-depth interviews with six lecturers and focus group discussions (FGDs) with six students from the Faculty of Public Health, University of Muhammadiyah Aceh, conducted between April 10 and May 26, 2023. Data analysis involved interpretive and reflective reading, along with inductive processing.

RESULTS:

Overall, lecturers had never been exposed specifically to pedagogical science, although they have attempted to apply and combine various learning methods to introduce content learning experiences for students. Lecturers found that the application of innovative teaching methods was effective and practical in facilitating a deeper understanding of theory, putting theory into practice, and enhancing students’ skills related to subject courses. Students benefited from this approach and enjoyed attending lectures and activities, which also positively impacted lecturer satisfaction with their achievements in the teaching process.

CONCLUSION:

Through innovative teaching methods, students could grasp theory and improve their skills related to the subject matter, while lecturers also developed better teaching and facilitated skills and maintained their status as qualified and professional educators. Further exploration of lecture’s stress management is needed to have a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of innovative teaching methods.
Therapeutic patient education: Impact on lung function in Moroccan adult asthma patients?
Authors: El Abed Hanane , Ragala Mohammed E. A. , Lahsen Hanaâ Ait-Taleb , Benjelloun Mohamed C. , Halim Karima
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Despite the availability of effective asthma medications, the condition remains poorly controlled, making it one of the most common emergency room and physician visits each year. Appropriate asthma education programs are needed to maintain or improve optimal lung function in asthmatics. This study aimed to evaluate changes in lung function parameters in adult asthmatics before and after a structured educational intervention.

METHODS AND MATERIALS:

We conducted a quasi-experimental study with 157 adult asthma patients in the Pneumology Department of the Hassan II University Hospital in Fez, Morocco. The study was performed in three phases: patient recruitment and baseline data collection (March–May 2022), planning and implementation of educational sessions (June–July 2022), and lung function evaluation 3 months later (September–October 2022) after training. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through a questionnaire. Spirometry was also performed before education and 3 months after. All patients received a structured and collective educational intervention. Pre- and post-education results were compared using the Wilcoxon test for qualitative variables and the paired sample t-test for quantitative variables.

RESULTS:

There was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) in pulmonary function parameters (as a percentage of the reference value): forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FCV), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) sequentially increased from 66.73 ± 20.84 to 70.64 ± 19.06; 74.74 ± 17.29 to 79.67 ± 16.15 and 67.51 ± 23.39 to 71.93 ± 21.57.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that an educational intervention can be beneficial in reducing alterations in lung function in adult asthmatics.
Introducing professionalism and medical ethics in undergraduate integrative medical curriculum through a four-dimensional model
Authors: Atta Ihab S.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

To develop a method for designing the ethics and professionalism compatible with the integrative medical curriculum. So that the insertion of ethics and professionalism should start from the initial stages of the integrative program in an indirect manner through student-centered activities, passing through introducing some ethical topics that are appropriate for each module, developing a condensed module at the beginning of the clinical stage, and ended by developing a practical course in the internship period. In this way, a four-dimensional model to present ethics and professionalism has been introduced.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A questionnaire was conducted for students (230 students) and faculty (65 faculty members) to find out the current situation of ethics and professionalism and the extent of their aspiration and passion for developing it.

RESULT:

The result revealed low student and faculty satisfaction with the ethics presentation in the current situation. Educational objectives and outcomes have been developed, and the appropriate teaching model was selected, selecting the main topics, and mapped through a four-dimensional model and assigning the appropriate assessment tools and evaluation mechanisms.

CONCLUSION:

This model ensures that the student learns ethics and professionalism and breathes its rules from the beginning of his academic studies. In this way, the student will be able to practice those rules in an automatic and spontaneous manner without having any difficulty in practicing them. In addition, this model helps in breaking down the barriers between faculty members, the basic and clinical sciences, and medical departments which are one of the most important goals of integrative medical education.
Exploring the scope and utility of peer observation by medical students: A narrative review
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Bobhate Prateek Sudhakar , Petkar Prithvi Brahmanand , Mendhe Harshal Gajanan , Badge Ankit Kishor
Published: September 2024

As medical knowledge continues to advance each day and there are multiple competencies that need to be acquired by undergraduate students, it becomes quite challenging for them to become competent within the period of training. The purpose of the current review is to explore the process of peer observation, identify the benefits attributed to peer observation, and explore various strategies to measure the impact of peer observation in medical education. An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was carried out on the PubMed and Google Scholar search engines and a total of 25 articles were selected based on their suitability with the current review objectives. Keywords used in the search include peer observation in the title alone only (viz. peer observation [ti] AND teaching [ti]; peer observation [ti] AND feedback [ti]; peer observation [ti] AND faculty [ti]; peer observation [ti] AND evaluation [ti]; peer observation [ti]). The approach of peer observation by medical students has been acknowledged as one of the important tools to improve the teaching and learning experiences by making everyone accountable. The success of peer observation in any medical college depends on the groundwork that has been carried out prior to its introduction. To maximize the benefit of peer observation in medical education for both stakeholders, we must take specific measures to conduct effective observations. In conclusion, peer observation by medical students is an effective approach to empower students as educators and develop a culture of continuous improvement in the institution. Acknowledging the merits of peer observation, the need of the hour is to adopt a systematic approach to ensure its successful planning and implementation in medical colleges.
Effect of selective and family-based prevention on addiction susceptibility, affiliation with deviant peers, risk-taking, and risk and protective factors of substance use in high-risk adolescents: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sarani Yaztappeh Jafar , Bakhtiyari Maryam , Bakhshani Nour-Mohammad , Mousavi Seyedeh Elnaz , Masjedi-Arani Abbas , Saberi Esfeedvajani Mohsen
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Adolescents with a background in families affected by substance use exhibit an increased susceptibility to developing individual substance-related or other mental disorders. Consequently, they represent a crucial demographic for targeted preventive interventions. The current study examined the impact of selective prevention (SP) and family-based prevention (F-BP) measures on addiction susceptibility, affiliation with deviant peers (ADP), risk-taking, and risk and protective factors (RPFs) related to substance use among high-risk adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study employed an experimental design incorporating pretest, posttest, and 6-month follow-up. A sample of 60 adolescents, meeting the study criteria, was selected and assigned to two intervention groups and one control group using a simple randomization method (with 20 individuals in each group). Measures encompassed the Risk and Protective Factors Inventory (RAPI), Addiction Susceptibility Questionnaire-Adolescents Version (ASQ-AV), Adolescent Affiliation with Deviant Peers Scale (AADPS), and Iranian Adolescents Risk-taking Scale (IARS). The data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 software.

RESULTS:

The results revealed significant differences only between the SP and F-BP groups in the variables of adolescent risk-taking and addiction susceptibility. However, for the other study variables, no significant differences were observed between the SP and F-BP groups. Furthermore, notable differences were identified between the control group and F-BP, as well as between the control group and SP, across all study variables (P value < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The outcomes of our investigation reinforce the importance of adopting multifaceted approaches in substance abuse prevention, emphasizing the need to target various aspects of individuals’ lives. Regarding data generalization, it is noteworthy that the sample comprised adolescents predominantly from middle- or low-income groups, suggesting caution in extending findings to the entire adolescent population. Finally, we recommend that future studies assess interventions that involve both adolescents and parents in sessions.
Effectiveness of Heart Failure Nursing Protocol (HF-NP) on quality of life of patients with heart failure
Authors: Kumari Bandna , Kaur Sukhpal , Dutta Monika , Bahl Ajay , Barwad Parag , Bhattacharya Sudip
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Effective management of heart failure (HF) requires an integrated approach involving pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Available evidence shows that patients benefit from adjunctive therapies along with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). Still, there is an inadequacy in the use of the best available evidence and the self-management of symptoms by the patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Heart Failure Nursing Protocol (HF-NP) on selected parameters, that is, symptoms, self-care adequacy, episodes of hospitalizations, depression, exercise capacity, medication adherence, activities of daily living (ADLs), and quality of life (QOL) of the HF patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A pre-experimental study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Northern India. A total of 101 patients were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique. Participants were trained individually through demonstrations and educational sessions about self-management of HF at home. An informational booklet was given to all the participants consisting of information about HF, dietary instructions, individual exercise schedules based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, identification of worsening symptoms, daily monitoring of vital parameters, and self-management of HF at home. Telephonic encouragement was provided on day 15, 1 month, and 3 months of baseline visits. The data were checked for normality using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and analyzed using a paired t-test, Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test, and McNemar’s test as appropriate.

RESULTS:

There was significant improvement in outcomes, such as breathing difficulty (P = 0.028), activity intolerance (P = 0.013), self-care adequacy (P = 0.001), depression (P = 0.001), exercise intensity (P = 0.001), QOL (P = 0.001), and medication adherence (P = 0.001) after 3 months of intervention.

CONCLUSION:

HF-NP was effective in improving HF outcomes. It can be used to train patients and their family members regarding the debilitating illness, after doing a large study, and it can be incorporated into the health policy later.
The effectiveness of PERMA model education on university students’ well-being
Authors: Dorri Sedeh Sanaz , Aghaei Asghar
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Approximately 46% of university students experience mental health problems. Additionally, the university students’ well-being was lower than their general well-being. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the PERMA model education on university students’ well-being.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study used a semi-experimental research design, involving one intervention group and one control group. The groups underwent a pre-test, post-test, and a 45-day follow-up. This study was conducted at the Department of Education and Psychology, Azad University of Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, and all students in this department were considered the statistical population for this study. The research tools used were the Butler and Kern PERMA-Profiler questionnaires. In two stages, pre-test, post-test, and follow-up, the experimental group participated in six educational intervention sessions. Educational interventions included Seligman’s PERMA model, which defines psychological well-being in five domains: positive emotions (P), engagement (E), relationships (R), meaning (M), and accomplishment (A). Each session lasted for 90 min over 3 weeks (two sessions per week), while the control group had no training sessions.

RESULTS:

Multiple covariance analysis of well-being showed no significant difference found between the two groups in the pre-test (P = 0.19). However, a significant improvement was observed in the intervention group in the post-test (P = 0.03) and follow-up (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

This study suggests the use of Seligman’s PERMA model to improve the psychological well-being of university students. It is recommended that the educational system use this model to help university students improve their mental health, enhance their life satisfaction, and prevent mental illnesses such as depression and stress.
The correlation between parenting styles and children’s anxiety in the COVID-19 pandemic in Bandar Abbas in Iran
Authors: Ezati Rad Roghayeh , Mohseni Shokrollah , Hassani Laleh , Shahabi Nahid , Moltafet Fatemeh , Shabrava Maryam
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Anxiety is considered a prevalent mental disorder during childhood. Due to the significance of child psychology in critical psychological and health conditions and the fact that parenting styles may affect child health and behavioral issues in prospective life, the present study intends to explore the association of parenting styles and anxiety level among children in the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present cross-sectional study used a convenient sampling of all mothers with 5 to 12 children in Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. The target population included 346 mothers. A web-based self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire survey consisted of three parts, demographic information, Baumrind parenting styles, and Spence children’s anxiety scale-parent. Analysis of quantitative data was done using a t-test, and association of qualitative variables was tested using the Chi-square test. Regression analysis was run on the significant values of the univariate analysis. The data were analyzed in SPSS 21.

RESULTS:

The findings revealed that the most frequent parenting style was authoritative (69.6%). The state of child anxiety in the authoritative style was kept to the minimum (24.07 ± 13.14). The highest anxiety score belonged to the permissive style (49.50 ± 37.67). Moreover, the results indicated that separation anxiety and fear of physical harm accounted for the most anxiety levels in the target research population. The four constructs of authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles, mother’s education, and father’s age accounted for 11.9% of the anxiety (P ≤ 001).

CONCLUSION:

In light of the present findings, it can be concluded that psychologists and health care providers can raise parents’ awareness of what each parenting style means and can help parents provide adequate care, love, and support for children and develop a sense of independence in them too.
Investigate mothers’ perceptions and experiences of natural childbirth and quality of care in childbirth management based on Safe Childbirth Checklist: A qualitative study
Authors: Kamrani Atefeh , Iravani Mina , Abedi Parvin , Najafian Mahin , Khosravi Shahla , Alianmoghaddam Narges , Cheraghian Bahman
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

The Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) was designed in an effort to support health workers to perform essential tasks and improve the quality of care (QoC) for mothers and babies during childbirth. Given the fact that human experiences in any society can be influenced by cultural, economic, and social differences. Therefore, the present qualitative study aimed to investigate mothers’ perceptions and experiences of natural childbirth and QoC in childbirth management based on SCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The current study is a qualitative study that was conducted in 2022–2023 by targeted sampling on women who gave birth based on SCC in two hospitals in Ahvaz. Eighteen women participated in the interview sessions 1 month after giving birth. The conventional content analysis method was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS:

Overall, 870 codes were extracted from the interviews. The interviewed mothers’ satisfaction with the use of SCC was organized into seven main themes, namely “Satisfaction with the comprehensive support of the companion,” “Satisfaction with the comprehensive support of the midwife,” “Satisfaction with the emotional support of the husband,” “Satisfaction with the mutual interaction between the midwife and the parturient mother,” “ Preparation for the challenges of different stages of childbirth and postpartum through training,” “ Satisfaction with the pain management strategies adopted by the companion,” “Satisfaction with skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding” and “ Satisfaction with the strengthened relationship between the couples and acceptance of the father’s role after the husband’s meeting with the parturient mother.”

CONCLUSION:

Implementation of SCC by providing evidence-based practice and midwifery standards to mothers and neonates can help improve women’s experiences of the birth process. By reminding midwives to encourage women to have a companion during childbirth and by giving the necessary training to them about danger signs in every stage of childbirth from admission to discharge, this checklist can not only lead to positive birth experiences but also improve the interaction of mothers with midwives. Therefore, it is recommended that this checklist be used in maternity wards.
Perception of Undergraduate Nursing Student towards Clinical Learning Environment and Supervision: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Patidar Vipin , Gaur Rakhi , Mudgal Shiv Kumar , Arnav Amiy , Latha T , Patidar Anurag Bhai
Published: September 2024

Background:

Clinical teaching and educational activities are of the utmost importance in nursing education for overcoming the theory–practice gap. There is a significant paucity of knowledge on nursing students’ experiences in the clinical learning setting and how supervision is carried out.

Aim:

The intent of this research is to determine the perception of undergraduate nursing student towards clinical learning environment and supervision.

Methods:

An institution-based, cross-sectional, descriptive-exploratory study comprising 476 nursing students selected through stratified sampling, conducted in the selected Institutes of National Importance (INI) using Google Form. The study instrument used includes self-structured demographic section and rating scale to assess the students’ perception towards the clinical learning environment and supervision. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis using IBM SPSS (version 23).

Results:

A study of 476 nursing students from across INI, majority were aged 21–24 years (74.8%), found significant differences in their perceptions of the clinical learning environment and supervision. In terms of the clinical learning environment, almost all of first-year students (94.1%) considered nursing officers in the unit were learning sources, and 92.4% said that they learned something new every day in clinical settings. The majority of third-year students (89.1%) stated that increasing exposure to patients was the primary source of their clinical learning. First-year students had positive perceptions of supervision, although their expectations differed from those of higher-year students.

Conclusion:

According to the study, the majority of students feel that effective clinical learning environment necessitates excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, motivation and effective problem-solving strategies. Regarding supervision, students respect good communication skills, confidence in the supervisory relationship, constructive criticism and trust.
The implementation of a standardized paper-based chronic noncommunicable diseases registry at primary health-care clinics
Authors: Dharamraj Kavita , Birju-Balraj Vedwattie
Published: September 2024

Background:

The use of a standardized national chronic noncommunicable disease (CNCD) registry is of immense benefit in addressing the CNCD burden in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). This study seeks to assess the outcomes of a paper-based CNCD registry implemented in the primary health-care centers in South Trinidad.

Methods:

At the South-West Regional Health Authority, a standardized paper-based registry was implemented in 2017, at the 33 public primary health-care clinics. Following this, a CNCD Registry Assessment Survey was administered cross-sectionally to 94 end-users to evaluate the implementation outcomes of the registry. The outcome domains – feasibility, penetration, acceptability, sustainability, fidelity, uptake, and costs were analyzed using summary statistics.

Results:

Fifty-five percent of end-users responded. Most responses came from the primary care physicians 1 (50.0%) of County Caroni. Most respondents were from County Caroni, 19 (36.5%) and St. Patrick, 19 (36.5%). Ninety-one percent of end-users thought that the CNCD registry was easily adopted. For 85.9% of end-users, the registry had fidelity (85.9%); 84.2% thought it was well accepted; feasible (82.7%); easily penetrated (82.7%), and appropriate (76.0%). Forty-two percent thought that the cost of implementation was high, while 30.8% were neutral. Seventy-one percent thought that the paper-based CNCD registry should be sustained, and 94.2% of end-users thought that an electronic CNCD registry should be implemented.

Conclusion:

It is possible and feasible to implement a standardized paper-based registry. Through this process, we were able to define the prevalence of five CNCDs and two risk factors of overweight/obesity and smoking for the chronic disease clinic population. Subsequently, we would like to implement a digitized CNCD registry.
Assessment of awareness among primary school teachers toward students’ oral care in Ahmedabad city, India – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Pandya Sajankumar R. , Shah Janki , Darji Chirag
Published: September 2024

Background:

Primary schools fit the criteria for oral health awareness program, and the leading reason is that health behavior developed during early age period has concrete foundation in children’s health practices. Limited amalgamation of dental education in school syllabus is the prime reason, why oral health knowledge in schoolteachers must be optimum.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the awareness among primary school teachers toward students’ oral care in Ahmedabad city.

Setting and Design:

A cross-sectional study enrolling 240 primary school teachers of government and private schools of Ahmedabad city. A total of 16 questions were formulated for the study.

Materials and Methods:

Schools within a 7 km radius of the institute were considered a sampling frame. Both government and private schools with primary level were included in the study. Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.71 which shows adequate internal consistency and reliability of a given questionnaire.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The descriptive statistics were expressed in frequency and percentage. The Chi-square test was applied to analyze oral health awareness among government and private primary school teachers.

Results:

72.9% of teachers were female. Government school teachers reported significantly higher level (P ≤ 0.05) of knowledge about the number of times one should brush their teeth in a day. 87.4% of government school teachers and 90.5% of private school teachers agreed on attending oral health education program.

Conclusion:

The present study findings conclude that primary school teachers’ oral health knowledge is good. Their attitude is pragmatic, and practice toward students’ dental care is favorable.
Fracture as an Emergent Phenomenon
Authors: Diehl Patrick , Lipton Robert , Pandolfi Anna , Wick Thomas
Published: September 2024

The mechanics of fracture propagation provides essential knowledge for the risk tolerance design of devices, structures, and vehicles. Techniques of free energy minimization provide guidance, but have limited applicability to material systems evolving away from equilibrium. Experimental evidence shows that the material response depends on driving forces arising from mechanical fields. Recent years have witnessed the development of new methods for modeling complex dynamic and quasistatic fracture. New approaches may differ remarkably from previous ones, as they involve implicit coupling between damaged and undamaged states, allowing fracture to be modeled as emergent phenomena.The focus of this workshop is on the most advanced techniques for modeling fracture, represented by eigenerosion methods, variational approaches, phase field fracture models, and non-local approaches. Technical progress is contingent on the further development of the mathematical framework underlying these techniques. This is necessary for accurate and reliable computational modeling of fracture for multiple freely propagating cracks. The objective of this workshop is to mathematically identify and discuss open issues related to fracture modeling and to highlight recent advances. Addressing fundamental issues will foster exchange between the different communities, essential for advancing the field.
Mechanics of Materials: Multiscale Design of Advanced Materials and Structures
Authors: Forest Samuel , McDowell David , Müller Stefan , Werner Ewald
Published: September 2024

Materials can now be designed and architectured like structural components for targeted mechanical and physical properties. Structures and microstructures should not be studied independently and their design will benefit from a multiscale approach combining nonlinear continuum mechanics approaches and physical descriptions of elasticity, viscoplasticity, phase transformations and damage of microstructures, at various scales. The aim of the workshop was to gather outstanding junior and senior researchers in the various branches of mathematics, physics and engineering sciences suited to address the question of design of materials and structures by means of multiscale discrete and continuum approaches to their constitutive behavior. Examples include atomic or macroscopic lattices, random or periodic cellular materials, smart materials like shape memory alloys, 3D woven composites, acoustic and electromagnetic metamaterials, etc. Modern continuum mechanics relies on sophisticated constitutive laws for anisotropic materials exhibiting elastoviscoplastic behavior, still a field of intense research with new mathematical concepts. In particular size-dependent properties are addressed by resorting to generalized continua such as gradient or micromorphic and phase field models. The latter are attractive for the simulation of microstructure evolution coupled with mechanics, due to thermodynamic and metallurgical processes and damage. Scale transition and homogenization methods for continuous and discrete systems are required for the determination of effective material and structural behavior. Metamaterials are architectured materials specifically designed to achieve certain propagation and dispersion properties of elastic and plastic waves. Optimization strategies for the design of optimal architectures are involved in the design process. Target functions for optimization are now based on multicriteria (stiffness, strength, thermal expansion, transport properties, anisotropy etc.).