bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hibrit (GFRP-Çelik) Donatılı Kirişlerde Donatı Oranının Eğilme Davranışına Etkileri
Authors: KAYA Nalan , AVANOĞLU Eda , ER Şule , KOPRAMAN Yağmur , BÜYÜKKARAGOZ Alper
Published: January 2021

Bu çalışmada hibrit donatılı kirişlerin eğilme davranışları teorik olarak ve sonlu eleman yöntemi ile incelenmiştir. Çalışma kapsamında özdeş geometri ve beton basınç dayanımına sahip kirişler; farklı donatı oranına sahip olacak şekilde tasarlanmıştır. Teorik çalışma ve sonlu eleman yönteminden elde edilen sonuçlar yük-yer değiştirme eğrileri, yük taşıma kapasiteleri ve şekil değiştirme indeksleri kullanılarak yorumlanmıştır. Lifli polimer/çelik oranının (Af/As) kirişlerin rijitliği, dayanımı ve orta nokta deplasmanları üzerine yaptığı etkiler incelenmiştir. Ayrıca donatı oranının yük taşıma kapasitesi ve şekil değiştirme indeksleri üzerine etkileri araştırılmıştır.
Boru İçerisine Yerleştirilen Gözenekli Bir Kanatçığın Akışkan Akışı ve Sıcaklığına Etkisinin Sayısal Olarak İncelenmesi
Authors: DİNLER Nureddin
Published: January 2021

İnsanlar günlük yaşantılarında sürekli olarak enerji tüketmektedirler. İnsanlar kullandıkları, cihazlarda, taşıtlarda vb. enerjinin verimli olarak kullanılmasını talep etmektedirler. Enerji verimliliği sadece insanların kullandığı araç ve gereçlerde değil enerjinin üretilip kullanıldığı tüm sektörlerde önemlidir. Isıtma ve soğutma işlemleri için kullanılan donanımlardan birisi de ısı değiştiricilerdir. Çeşitli tiplerde farklı amaçlar için kullanılan ısı değiştiriciler mevcuttur. Bu çalışmada eş eksenli çift borulu bir ısı değiştirici ele alınmıştır. İçteki boru içerisine eklenen kanatçık ile ısı transferinin artırılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu çalışmada, boru içinden geçen havanın ısıtılması için yapılan gözenekli bir kanatçığın yakma havasının akışına ve sıcaklığına olan etkisi incelenmiştir. Kanatçığın yüksekliğinin etkisi (h =3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm), gözenekliliği ( = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3), akışın laminer (Re = 100, 250, 500) ve türbülanslı (Re = 25000, 45000, 60000) olma durumu incelenmiştir. Yapılan bu çalışmada elde edilen sonuçlar incelendiğinde, sürtünme faktörünün akış hızı ile azaldığı, kanatçık yüksekliğinin artışı ile arttığı görülmüştür. Laminer şartlarda akış hızının artışı ile sıcaklık farkı azalırken, türbülanslı akışlarda ise kanatçık yüksekliğinin artışı ile sıcaklık farkının arttığı belirlenmiştir.
PECULIARITIES OF ORGANIZATION OF OUTPATIENT CARE FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN ON BASE OF MEDICAL CENTER OF YAKUTSK CITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SAKHA (YAKUTIA)
Authors:   Ammosov North-East Federal University, Borisovа E.A. , Lutskan I.P. ,   Ammosov North-East Federal University, Savvina N.V. ,   Ammosov North-East Federal University, Timofeev L.F. ,   Ammosov North-East Federal University, Konovalov O.E. ,   Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health,   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
Published: January 2021

Aim. To study organization of the outpatient care in Yakutsk, incl. that on the base of Medical Center of Yakutsk in the period from 2012 to 2018. Materials and Methods. For this study, statistical data were used on staffing, attendance, morbidity of the children’s and adult population of the city of Yakutsk by ICD-10 classes (per 100 thousand population) for 2012-2018. Statistical data for the work were obtained from an official source – Yakutsk Republican Medical Information and Analytical Center and medical organizations providing primary health care. The work used the data of official statistical reports (forms 7, 12, 17, 30, 36), demographic parameters of the population of the city of Yakutsk. Statistical data processing was carried out using Statistica10 software (Stat Soft Inc., USA) and Microsoft Excel. SWOT analysis of the organization of outpatient care for the population of the city of Yakutsk was carried out. Results. The health status of the population of Yakutsk was characterized by a high level of morbidity in all age groups. Organization of medical care for the population of Yakutsk was characterized by expansion of the network of medical organizations and strengthening of their material and technical base. Introduction of new management mechanisms into the activities of Medical Center in Yakutsk in 2012-2018 allowed to achieve high results of work among the attached population. Conclusions. Development of quality standards for medical and diagnostic services has reduced the number of acts of insurance companies with defects in the provision of medical care and penalties. Introduction of an «effective contract» made it possible to increase the previous level of salaries of medical workers, to additionally attract new workers, and also to increase the effi-ciency of the organization. Formation in a medical organization of a multilevel performance audit system based on a process approach made it possible to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and develop measures to improve the availability and quality of medical care.
PARENTS’ ASSESSMENT OF CONDITIONS OF ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION OF CHILDREN
Authors:   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Krotov I.А. ,   National Research Centre of Children Health Ministry of Health of Russia, Konovalov O.E. ,   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
Published: January 2021

Aim. Analysis of the results of parents' assessment of the conditions of US diagnostics of children. Materials and Methods. Assessment of the conditions for receiving ultrasound examination, based on the results of a questionnaire survey of 424 parents of children who underwent this medical service at the National Medical Research Center of Children's Health of the Ministry of Health of Russia, is presented. Mathematical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the methods of variation statistics and correlation analysis. Results. 83.5% of parents surveyed were satisfied with the ultrasound diagnostic services provided to their children, 12.3% – were satisfied only partially. According to respondents’ opinions, the main reasons for dissatisfaction were insufficient qualification of specialist and low quality of the equipment used. The majority of individuals participating in the survey, considered waiting for ultrasound not long, in 77.6% of cases it was carried out within 1-2 days after the appointment. Ultrasonography in an outpatient clinic and in a hospital was mainly carried out free of charge, as part of compulsory medical insurance – in 86.1 and 87.5% of cases, respectively. Only 14.3% of respondents noted that they had the financial ability to pay for examination of the child from personal funds. It was found that 12.7% of parents had to refuse, for this or that rea-son, from the proposed ultrasound methods of examination of the child. Conclusion. The vast majority of the parents surveyed were satisfied with the ultrasound diagnostics services provided to their child. The main reasons for refusing from ultrasound were a sharply negative reaction of the child, as well as the opinion about the possible harm of the examination and the expected pain from the procedure.
DEFECTS OF PROVIDING MEDICAL CARE TO PATIENTS WITH ST SEG-MENT ELEVATION ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME WHO DID NOT RE-CEIVE REPERFUSION THERAPY
Authors:   Ryazan State Medical University, Kolosova V.V. , Moseichuk K.A. ,   Ryazan State Medical University, Parshikova E.N. ,   Lubertsy Regional Hospital №1, Pyko A.A. ,   Ryazan State Medical University, Uryasyev O.M. ,   Ryazan State Medical University, Filippov E.V. ,   Ryazan State Medical University
Published: January 2021

Aim. Assess defects in the provision of medical care to patients with ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, who did not receive reperfusion therapy. Materials and Methods. The study included patients with acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation who did not receive reperfusion therapy being hospitalized to the primary vascular units. The analysis of medical records of hospitalized patients was carried out. Results. The study included 113 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria, of which 56.6% were men. The average age was 70.3±2.8 years. The most common complaints of patients were chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, nausea and cold sweat. Most patients had comorbid pathology: arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, and stable angina pectoris. The reperfusion card was filled out by medical personnel in 47.8% of cases. In 26.5%, the reason for rejection of reperfusion therapy was not clear from the medical records. A loading dose of antiplatelet drugs was used in 76.1% of cases. Anticoagulant parenteral therapy was carried out in 90.2% of cases. During stay in hospital, markers of myocardial damage were determined only in 75.2% of pa-tients. Noteworthy is the low frequency of implementation of echocardiography in the first 24 hours – 12.4%. Despite the high frequency of administrations of the main groups of medical drugs during hospitalization, on discharge from hospital the number of administrations decreased. On discharge, coronary angiography was recommended to only 20.4% of patients. Conclusion. In patients with acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation, who did not undergo reperfusion therapy, defects in the provision of medical care were found that could affect the prognosis. The data obtained require further study and should be taken into account in development of educational programs for cardiologists, emergency medical specialists, and anesthesiologists-resuscitationists.
CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MULTIPLE MYELOMA IN THE RYAZAN REGION
Authors:   Ryazan State Medical University, Bolotin S.G. , Zenina M.S. ,   Ryazan State Medical University, Pristupa A.S. ,   Ryazan State Medical University, Solovieva A.V. ,   Ryazan State Medical University
Published: January 2021

Aim. To determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of multiple myeloma (MM) in the Ryazan region in 2019. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis of medical histories of 107 patients with MM who were under observation at the hematology department of the state budgetary institution of the Ryazan region Regional Clinical Hospital (RCH) in 2019 was carried out. Registered morbid-ity implies identification of new cases of MM that were not registered before and were first de-tected in the current calendar year. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out using Microsoft Office application programs and the methods of descriptive and parametric statistics. Results. In 2019, 107 patients of which 43 were men and 64 women aged 34-84 years (mean age 66.2±9.3 years), were under observation at the hematology department of the RCH. The ratio of men to women was 1.0 to 1.49, which reflects the all-Russian tendency. 3.77% Of patients with MM had IIA stage of the disease, 62.26% had IIIA stage, and 33.96% had IIIB stage of myeloma. The morbidity with MM in the Ryazan region in 2019 was 3.23 per 100 000 people. Conclusion. The incidence of the disease in the Ryazan region in 2019 was higher than the aver-age for Russia, which may be due to the diagnostic capabilities of the region with the existence of a specialized hematological department and an outpatient hematology service. In the age group of MM, patients aged 60-74 years predominated, women predominated in the gender structure. Among patients with MM in the Ryazan region, patients with III stage disease (96.22%) predominated.
DETERMINATION OF CONCENTRATION OF ROPIVACAINE IN VENOUS BLOOD IN PROLONGED ANALGESIA OF POSTOPERATIVE WOUND
Authors:   Ural State Medical University, Vinokurova A.A. ,   Municipal Clinical Hospital №40,   European Medical Center USMC-Health, Gofenberg M.A. ,   Ural State Medical University,   Regional Narcological Hospital,   Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital, Dubrovin S.G. ,   Municipal Clinical Hospital №40, Bagin V.A. ,   Ural State Medical University,   Municipal Clinical Hospital №40, Rudnov V.A. ,   Ural State Medical University,   Municipal Clinical Hospital №40
Published: January 2021

Aim. Determinations of concentrations of total ropivacaine in venous blood with use of the selected scheme of prolonged analgesia of the postoperative wound after cesarean operation. Materials and Methods. The study involved 47 female patients after cesarean operation in whom during suturing of the laparotomy wound a multiperforated catheter was installed under aponeurosis of the abdominal muscles for a prolonged postoperative analgesia. With use of infu-sion pump, 0.2% ropivacaine solution was introduced at constant speed 4 ml/h with the total amount 200.0 ml. Blood was taken by puncture of the peripheral vein in control points in 30 min, 24 hours and 48 hours after the start of injection of the solution. The quantitative determination of the concentration of the total ropivacaine of venous blood plasma (free and bound with plasma proteins) was conducted using gas chromatograph with mass-selective detector. Results. The highest concentrations of the total ropivacaine of venous blood were recorded in 48 hours Me (Q1; Q3)=0.053 (0.043; 0.071) which was significantly lower than minimal potentially toxic concentrations. Also not a single case of appearance of clinical signs of systemic toxicity of local anesthetics was recorded. No statistically reliable correlation was found between body mass, height, body mass index and concentration of total ropivacaine in blood. Conclusion. The given study permitted to confirm safety of the selected scheme of introduction of the solution of local anesthetic, since no potentially toxic concentrations of the total ropivacaine were reached in venous blood in a single patient included into the study.
ALGORITHM OF DIAGNOSIS AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF CHRONIC DIFFUSE LIVER DISEASES (CHRONIC HEPATITIS AND LIVER CIRRHOSIS) IN DIFFICULT CLINICAL SITUATIONS, BASED ON DETERMINATION OF ENZYMATIC ACTIVITIES OF BLOOD SERUM
Authors:   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University, Yupatov H.I. , Pryshchepenko V.A. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University
Published: January 2021

Background. The search for non-invasive criteria for differential diagnosis of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis is one of the urgent tasks of hepatology. Aim. Development of an algorithm for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of chronic diffuse liver diseases (chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis) in difficult clinical situations, namely in patients with questionable results of routine laboratory research. Materials and Methods. 55 patients were examined who had a characteristic clinical picture of chronic diffuse liver diseases, however, the levels of AST and ALT were close to normal values. Chronic hepatitis was confirmed in 14 patients (mean age 55.0±11.2 years), liver cirrhosis in 40 patients (mean age 55.0±9.9 years). The control group included 43 practically healthy individuals (mean age – 52.8±4.2 years). All patients underwent determination of the levels of hyaluronidase, elastase, trypsin-like and deoxyribonuclease serum activities, as well as levels of alpha-1-defensin and interleukin-13 in blood serum. Results. An algorithm for the differential diagnosis of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver was developed, which makes it possible to identify liver disease with odds ratio of 988.0 [CI95%=31.3-31207.7]. Conclusion. The algorithm allows to optimize diagnostic measures in difficult clinical situations.
OPTIMIZATION OF DIAGNOSIS OF EARLY STAGES OF LEGG-CALVE-PERTHES DISEASE IN CHILDREN
Authors:   Ilizarov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Menshchikova T.I. , Luneva S.N. ,   Ilizarov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Matveeva Е.L. ,   Ilizarov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Gasanova A.G. ,   Ilizarov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics
Published: January 2021

Aim. Optimization of the diagnosis of the initial stages of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in children of 4-7 years old using biochemical and ultrasound methods. Materials and Methods. Patients aged 4-9 years (15 boys, 10 girls) complaining of morning pain in walking, contracture in the hip joint, lameness, were examined. The duration of the disease ranged from several days to 2-3 months. The control was a group of healthy children aged 4-9 years (n=22, 12 boys, 10 girls). Ultrasound of the hip joints was performed on Hitachi scanner (Japan) using a linear sensor with 7.5 MHz frequency. In the blood serum of patients, the follow-ing markers of resorption of the organic matrix of bone tissue were determined: the amount of sulfate sulfur, hexuronic acids (HAC), hexoses, hexosamines, sialic acids with calculation of their ratios: hexoses/hexuronic acids, hexoses/sulfate, sulfate/hexuronic acids, hexuronic ac-ids/hexosamines. Besides, concentration of electrolytes was determined in serum: total calcium and chloride ions and inorganic phosphate. On the basis of these fata, the system index of elec-trolytes SIE=ССа.CCl/CPO4 was calculated. The concentrations of parameters obtained in the ex-amination of 25 healthy children of 4 to 7 years of age were taken for norm. Results. In children with duration of the disease from several days to several weeks, an ultra-sound scan along the neck of the femur revealed thickening of the joint capsule to 0.73 (0.7:0.77) mm. With the progression of the pathological process, separate lumpy formations were visualized in the region of the subchondral plate of the femoral head in the position of abduction of the limb and internal/external rotation, which indicated the appearance of initial destructive changes in the region of the subchondral plate of the femoral head. Using biochemical methods, besides increase in the concentration of organic matrix degradation markers, there were also determined increase in the extent of sulphatation of the organic matrix and insignificant alterations of the content of separate electrolytes. Conclusions. The use of biochemical and ultrasound research methods allows optimization of the diagnosis of the initial stages of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MORBIDITY OF CHILDREN BORN USING ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Authors:   Samara State Medical University, Kuzmichev K.A.
Published: January 2021

Infertility is an important medical and social problem. Increasing numbers of infertile couples lead to an increase in the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), which is reflected in the increasing number of children born using these methods. Literature provides information on the specific features of neonatal and early postnatal diseases in such children, showing significantly lower health parameters compared to children born in result of spontaneous pregnancy. The issue of the long-term health status of children born after ART is still controversial. The first major meta-analyses have appeared quite recently permitting to reliably assess the morbidity of children born after ART. This review presents evidence that summarizes the current data on the morbidity of children born after ART. It shows the absence of a reliable difference in the level of occurrence of neoplastic processes, development of metabolic and psychiatric diseases. There is an increased risk of vascular-endothelial dysfunction, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular diseases. Contradictory data were obtained on the impact of ART methods on reproductive function: a decrease in ejaculate quality was observed in boys born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The presented data make it possible to form an idea on this issue, however, within the general morbidity framework. Nosological characteristics and the determination of incidence of certain diseases still remain a relevant task and require special large-scale prospective studies and observation of children born after ART throughout their lives to establish more accurate correlations.
GERONTOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SOMATIC DISEASES: OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT STATE OF RESEARCH
Authors:   First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Demchenko T.V. , Isaeva E.R. ,   First Saint Petersburg State Medical University
Published: January 2021

This article is devoted to a review of theoretical and empirical data on the current state of gerontological researches in the field of somatic diseases. Presented the main models and theories of aging, revealed their basic idea and understanding of the causes and processes of aging. Considered the concept of gerotranscendence as a resource for optimal aging. Gerotranscendence examines the aging process from both biological and psychological points of view (an integrated approach). It is noted that there are no studies of optimal aging and gerotranscendence under conditions of somatic disease (only conditionally healthy respondents were studied). Three groups of somatic diseases are listed, which, according to UN statistics, are the main causes of mortality in the world (malignant neoplasms, stroke, heart disease). Presented the results of the empirical studies about the effect of somatic diseases on the psychological characteristics of elderly people (emotions, psychological well-being, attitudes towards illness, etc.). In order to more fully and comprehensively study the aging process, to understand the mechanisms of overcoming the disease, which will help to form the optimal level of psychological well-being of the elderly and, therefore, optimal aging, it is relevant to study the phenomenon of gerotranscendence in elderly people in conditions of severe somatic or lifethreatening disease.
REVIEW OF DOMESTIC RESEARCH ON SOCIAL PERCEPTION IN TEACHERS
Authors:   V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Pronicheva M.M.
Published: January 2021

The article presents a review of domestic studies of social perception among teachers. The social and professional significance of this phenomenon for teachers; the relationship of gender and age, sociodemographic and individual psychological characteristics of teachers and individual mechanisms of social perception are described. Aspects of the relationship between the phenomenon of social perception and professional competence were identified. The studies of the phenomenon of social perception in future teachers were reviewed. The article also presents generalized data of studying the mechanisms of social perception. Particular attention was paid to the fact that the identification mechanism is included in the empathy mechanism. Reflection was defined as a professionally important quality for a teacher, stimulating the research, creative process, thereby leading the teacher to new tasks of professional activity and acting as the main means of supporting the subjectivity of students. Attraction was studied, mainly, on a wide sample without correlation with professional activity. At the same time, it was highlighted that this mechanism was identified as a factor in the development of moral and environmental values of the teacher. Despite a wide range of studies devoted to the phenomenon of social perception and its mechanisms, according to the results of a review of domestic studies of social perception among teachers, it was concluded that there is insufficient empirical study of the mechanisms of understanding and perception of the personality and behavior of a student among teachers as a result of professional stress, as well as a lack of research related with the possibilities of including social perception in preventive measures for the formation of professional stress.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF CONTINUITY AND CONSISTENCY IN TEACHING GENERAL CHEMISTRY AND NORMAL PHYSIOLOGY AT A MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
Authors:   Ryazan State Medical University, Lapkin M.M. , Trutneva E.A. ,   Ryazan State Medical University, Laksaeva E.A. ,   Ryazan State Medical University
Published: January 2021

In the article, we discuss the principles of consistency and continuity implemented in the education of general medicine and normal physiology at the medical university. We give several taught topics and questions to allow the application of these pedagogical principles: solutions, the role of various ions in physiological functions, buffer systems, and their role in regulating the acid-base balance of the body and many others. We reviewed possible forms of interdisciplinary interaction: coordination of work programs and curricula within the framework of joint departments and methodological councils, writing of interdisciplinary textbooks, reading of interdisciplinary problem lectures, holding joint meetings of student scientific societies devoted to current scientific problems. We believe that multidisciplinary interaction will allow us to eliminate to eliminate unreasonable duplication in teaching, free up additional temporary resources, and increase the effectiveness of the educational process in general.
PERSONAL FEATURES OF ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH DISEASES OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Authors:   Ryazan State Medical University, Yakovlev V.V. , Ektova T.K. ,   Ryazan State Medical University
Published: January 2021

The article examines the personal characteristics of patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system (ischemic heart disease and hypertensive heart disease) in connection with the formation of adherence to treatment. The study identified personal factors interrelated with various aspects of adherence, which are considered in line with the author's approach (awareness, medical trust, health-preserving behavior). Thus, the personality factors that favor the effective awareness of the patient about the lifestyle and therapy are high self-control, sensitivity, flexibility and social courage, while dominance acts as a psychological barrier in this regard. The formation of trust is positively associated with a high standard of behavior, diplomacy and self-control, and negatively with non-conformism. The behavioral aspect of adherence is determined by emotional stability, low anxiety and, in part, intelligence. At the same time, expressiveness and independence have a negative relationship with this component. Differences were found in the mean values on the adherence scale in men and women, as well as in samples of patients with different nosologies. The hypothesis of differences in the distribution of types of attitudes towards the disease in patients with hypertension and coronary heart disease was confirmed.
SPECIFICS OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ADHERENCE IN MEDICAL STUDENTS OF YOUNGER COURSES: RELATIONSHIP WITH PSYCHOSOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Authors:   I.N. Ulianov Chuvash State University, Nikolaev E.L. , Lazareva E.Yu. ,   I.N. Ulianov Chuvash State University, Lantsova N.N. ,   I.N. Ulianov Chuvash State University
Published: January 2021

Students of medical universities are experiencing great overload in the learning process and adaptation to the educational process. The formation of healthy behavior among students can contribute to their better adaptation to the learning process, disease prevention and health promotion. That is why, when studying the commitment to a healthy lifestyle of students, it is necessary to take into account characteristics that are associated with their personal traits, as well as with the influence of macro- and microsocial factors that directly or indirectly affect the life of a healthy lifestyle. The study aims to determine the characteristics of adherence to a healthy lifestyle of junior medical students by identifying the characteristics of the relationship between healthy lifestyle indicators and the psychosocial characteristics of students.The sample is represented by 119 students of 1-2 courses of the Faculty of Medicine at the age of 17-26 years, who are Russian and foreign citizens. As psychodiagnostic methods we used the Russian version of HPLP – Health Promoting Lifesyle Profile, a modified version of Dembo-Rubinstein methodology for self-es teem s tudying, a sociocultural questionnaire. Mathematical processing was carried out using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis methods. The results obtained characterize the adherence to a healthy lifestyle of students based on the relationship of age-specific, gender and religious characteristics, employment, material conditions, exposure to stress and bad habits, anti-suicidal barrier and the main indicators of a healthy lifestyle profile. The study found that a greater healthy lifestyle adherence among medical students is determined by their older age, male gender, labor activity combined with training, lower levels of monthly material costs, the presence of a religious faith, higher tolerance of loads and less exposure stress. Belonging to Russian or foreign culture is not associated with healthy lifestyle adherence during the junior years.
Relationship between buccal branches of the facial nerve, parotid duct, buccal fat pad and Zuker’s point
Authors: Elvan Özlem , Bobuş Örs Alev
Published: January 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of the buccal branches of the facial nerve with the parotid duct, the buccal fat pad and the Zuker’s point, and reveal the incidence of the neural communications of buccal branch with the zygomatic and marginal mandibular branches of the facial nerve. Methods: Fifteen formalin-fixed cadaveric heads (8 females and 7 males) with a mean age of 73.93±14.42 years were dissected bilaterally to reveal the buccal, zygomatic and marginal mandibular branches of the facial nerve, the parotid duct and the buccal fat pad. Positional relationships of these structures and the anatomical features of buccal and zygomatic branches were evaluated. Results: The mean number of buccal and zygomatic branches was 2.40±0.62 and 1.90±0.60 respectively. Buccal branches crossed the parotid duct in 67%, formed a plexus along the parotid duct in 27% and coursed superior or inferior to the parotid duct without crossing in 6% of the dissected specimens. The mean number of intersection points of buccal branches on parotid duct was 4.03±1.03. Parotid duct crossed along the superior border of buccal fat pad in 66%, deep to buccal fat pad in 27% and between the superior and inferior lobes of buccal fat pad in 7%. Buccal branches crossed superficial to buccal fat pad in 80% and some branches passed superficial and through the buccal fat pad in 20%. Conclusion: It is essential to know the positional interrelations of the buccal branches of the facial nerve with the parotid duct and buccal fat pad for clinical implications. The relation of Zuker’s point with zygomatic and buccal branches and with parotid duct should not be overlooked.
Morphological changes in temporomandibular joint dysfunction and effectiveness of different treatment methods
Authors: Duman Fatma , Çiçekçibaşı Aynur Emine , Atçı Nesrin , Öztürk Fatma , Yücekaya Bircan , Doğru Hüzmeli Esra , Damlar İbrahim
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) results in changes in anatomical structures. The aim of this study was to examine the morphological changes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment methods in patients with TMD. Methods: 34 TMD patients (18–62 years of age) were randomly divided into two treatment groups. Group A (n=18) was subjected to dry needling (DN) and mobilization for 10 sessions, Group B (n=16) was instructed to use occlusal splint with home exercises for one month. The control group included MRIs of 17 healthy adults that were randomly selected from the archives of Radiology Department of Mustafa Kemal University. The length and width of the masseter, lateral and medial pterygoid muscles and the depth of the mandibular fossa were measured and mandibular condyle types were recorded. Range of motion of each temporomandibular joint was evaluated in pre- and post-treatment periods to test the effectiveness of the treatment methods. Results: The size of the masticatory muscles in TMD group was significantly smaller than the control group (p<0.05). The depth of the mandibular fossa was significantly shallower in the TMD group (p<0.05). The most commonly encountered condylar shape was convex in the TMD group (63.6%), but flat (58.8%) in the control group. No statistically significant relationship was observed between condyle type and fossa depth (p>0.05). However, the fossa depth showed a significant correlation with muscle size (p<0.05) and this correlation decreased with dysfunction. Dry needling and mobilization significantly decreased pain and increased mandibular movements (p<0.05); however, there was no significant change for Group B. Conclusion: The anatomical structures associated with the temporomandibular joint seems to be affected in patients with TMD. We suggest that the limited movement of the temporomandibular joint may cause atrophy of the masticatory muscles, affecting the range of motion of the joint. Dry needling and mobilization techniques might be a more effective alternative than occlusal splint in the treatment of TMD.
The opinions of physiotherapy students on online anatomy education during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Turhan Begümhan , Yakut Yavuz
Published: January 2021

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to explore the physiotherapy students’ attitudes towards online anatomy education during Covid-19 pandemic and thus to evaluate the possibile alternatives to improve online anatomy education. Methods: Sixty-four out of 78 first term physiotheraphy students (82%) participated in the study. Students were asked to participate voluntarily in an online survey composed of a Likert’s scale questionnaire. Results: The allocated study time of the students for Anatomy course decreased during the pandemic when compared to the time before the pandemic (p=0.014). The statement which was marked as ‘Totally Agree’ at the highest rate (46.9%) was ‘The questions given within the scope of the theoretical exam were consistent with the course contents’. The students also decided that the questions given within the scope of the theoretical exam were qualified to evaluate their level of anatomy. The marking rate of ‘Totally Agree’ option for this statement was 42.2%. In addition, the students ‘Totally agree’ at a rate of 40.6% that they felt less stressed in the exams of this course when compared to the first semester. Conclusion: It is anticipated that interactive lectures would be more helpful to teach anatomy. Moreover, it seems that anatomy education in physiotherapy and rehabilitation departments may need revisions to improve online anatomy education.
Antiplasmodial and Antioxidant Activities of Phyllanthus Species and Associated Medicinal Plants from Kenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Authors: Nsendo Mwangu-Kabi Oscar , Kikakedimau Nakweti Rufin , Luyindula Ndiku Sébastien
Published: January 2021

The aims of this work are firstly to carry the antiplasmodial and antioxidant activities of hydromethanolic extracts of three Phyllanthus species and these of two associated plants in order to establish difference firstly between Phyllanthus species and secondarily, between Phyllanthuis species and associated plants. These activities could be explained by plant secondary metabolites; thus, the phytochemical screening was previously carried out using some reagents and the total phenolics and the total flavonoids contents determined using standard chemical compounds for establishing curves. In finally, the relationship established between antiplasmodial activities and antioxidant activities. Results obtained in this work showed that flavonoids are present in Phyllanthus species but absent in both associated plants which contained saponins, steroids and triterpens that missing in Phyllanthus species. Concerning the total flavonoid content, P. niruroides showed high value (0.75±0.03 mg GAE/g of dry extract) than all total flavonoid content values of other plants. For total phenolic content, P. odontadenius showed high value with 0.07±0.01 mg QE/g of dry extract than of two others phyllanthus species and the two associated plants which presented 0.06 mg QE/g of dry extract. Antiplasmodial activities showed values from 13.2±0.0 µg / mL for P. muellerianus to 102.65±0 µg / mL for associated plants. Phyllanthus species showed promising antiplasmodial activity or moderate antiplasmodial activity and the associated plants showed low antiplasmodial activity. The percentage inhibition of radicals could be explaining the high antioxidant activities for Phyllanthus species in comparison with associated plants with P. odontadenius which presented low value (1.83±0.05 µg / mL) and it is also the same for the ABTS radical where P. niruroides showed high value (0.24±0.02 µg/mL) than H. acida and D. englerianum. The established relationship shows that with the high antiplasmodial activities, the report in percentage between antiplasmodial activity and antioxidant activities is also high i.e., 15.61% for P. muellerianus.
Floristic Composition and Structure in Relation to Elevation in the Togo Plateau Forest Reserve in Ghana
Authors: Dogor Gilchrist K. Faith , Acquah Emmanuel , Anning Alexander K.
Published: January 2021

Plateau ecosystems are of special scientific and conservation interests as they harbour rich plant diversity and exhibit considerable spatial variability along elevation gradients. In this study, variations in floristic composition and structure in relation to elevation were studied in six-fringed communities Hohoe (HH), Alavanyo (AL), Santrokofi (SA), Akpafu (AK), Bowuri (BO), and Nkonya (NK) of the Togo Plateau Forest Reserve in Ghana to help provide explicit and effective management of this ecological hotspot. A total of 180 plots (each measuring 25m × 25m) were demarcated across the six communities for sampling of trees (DBH measured at 1.3 m above ground ≥10 cm). Smaller nested plots, measuring 5m × 5m and 1m × 1m, were used for sampling saplings (DBH < 10 cm, height > 1.5 m) and seedlings (DBH < 3 cm, height < 1.5 m), respectively. Species identity and abundance and elevation were recorded for each plot. Relationships of elevation gradient with vegetation attributes were analysed using simple linear regression. A total of 281 plant species (164 trees, 60 saplings and 57 seedlings) belonging to 66 families were recorded in the study. Leguminosae, Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae were the most dominant families across and along the elevation gradient. Average basal area of trees across the six communities was 44.72 m2/ha (ranged from 57.10 m2/ha at BO to 33.10 m2/ha at AL) whereas the Shannon-Weiner Index (H’) averaged 3.99 (ranged from 4.14 m2/ha at BO to 3.89 m2/ha at AL) and evenness index averaged 0.96 (ranged from 1.00 at BO to 0.92 at AL). The saplings and seedlings showed a similar pattern of composition and structure as the trees. The geographical locations of the study communities, which somehow correspond with different elevations of the plateau (i.e., BO, NK occur in lower elevations, SA, AL in mid elevations and HH, AL in higher elevations), was observed to have marginally influenced the composition and structure of the vegetation on the landscape. The most important trees listed in the study were Ceiba pentandra, Albizia zygia, and Terminalia superba. The saplings were Acacia camerunensis, Microdesmis puberula and Cnestis ferruginea. The seedlings were Chromoleana odorata, Palisota hirsuta and Costus affer. The most important tree species listed were distributed along a broad range of elevations. These results generally demonstrate the high floristic diversity of the Topo Plateau and the influence of elevation gradient on this, which should help in understanding of the composition and structure of several plateau ecosystems in Ghana and elsewhere.
Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Attitude፡ Experience from Graduating Students of Addis Ababa Science and Technology University
Authors: Abebe Wallelign Wondie , Hundie Reta Megersa , Tsigu Geremew Teklu
Published: January 2021

Studies and literature reveal that students’ attitude to create their own business is influenced by different endogenous and exogenous factors. The study aimed at analyzing factors affecting students’ entrepreneurial attitude. The factors considered in this study are family background, role model and entrepreneurial government support programs. Explanatory design was employed to check the magnitude of cause and effect relationship. 328 questionnaires were distributed sampled respondents and intensive interview was conducted with key informants. Key results of the study imply that the explanatory factors identified above positively and significantly affect the dependent variable. The family background, government entrepreneurial support programs and role model combined and explained 79.7% of the variation in entrepreneurial attitude of the students. Thus, if the government and/or the university can devise strategy upon these variables, there is a promising possibility that the attitude of the students for creating their own job.
A Survey on the Use of Benchmarking as a Continuous Improvement Tool for Ministry of Agriculture Parastatals in Kenya
Authors: Ongosi Akuma Enosh , Magutu Peterson Obara , Ongeri Richard Nyaanga , Bosire Robert Matwere , Mogendi Tamaro Abuya
Published: January 2021

The study aimed at establishing the application of benchmarking as a tool for continuous improvement within Parastatals in the Ministry of Agriculture in Kenya. The study used descriptive research in its methodology. The study took the design of a survey. Data collection was effected by use of structured questionnaires, which targeted senior, middle-level management and the equivalent. The targeted population was the 24 parastatals with the Ministry of Agriculture in Kenya. The questionnaire was self-administered through the drop –and-pick approach, coded, checked for any errors and omissions. The study established that certain challenges need to be addressed within the Ministry of Agriculture parastatals; comparability of the parastatals and their operation processes, seeking aid and support from sources and institutions that might be able to point to and convince potential partners, finding benchmarking collaborators willing to participate in the benchmarking studies, applying a systematic procedure whereby a large number of potential benchmarking partners are scanned for relevance and high performance, exchanging all possible background information beforehand. The other challenges with a mean of three seem to be coupled with uncertainties on their influence on the success of the benchmarking technique as a tool of continuous improvement. Delays in remission of questionnaires was experienced, submission of irrelevant information, transportation difficult given the location of some of the parastatals, and challenges were encountered in undertaking literature review given the poorly equipped laboratories with ICT and e-operations.
Audit Evidence and Financial Statement Quality in Government Owned Companies in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Agwor ThankGod C. , Amangala Paul Daziba
Published: January 2021

The spate of Accounting scandals and Financial crisis in firms have undermined investors trust concerning financial statements, and as such has raised concerns and criticisms about the quality of financial statements. In order to regain investors’ confidence on financial statements, the audit function lends credibility to the financial statements, particularly through obtaining audit evidence. Therefore, this study empirically investigated the extent of relationship between audit evidence and financial statement quality of Government owned companies in Rivers State. The survey research design was adopted. Questionnaires were administered to selected audit firms in Rivers State. Spearman’s Rank Correlation analysis and ordinary least squares regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The study reveals significant relationship between audit evidence and financial statement quality of Government owned companies in Rivers State. Based on the findings, it was concluded that Audit evidence greatly improves financial statement quality of Government – owned companies in Rivers State. It was recommended that external auditor should always insist on the submission of a letter of representation from management before the end of an audit for purposes of improved reliability and relevance of financial statements.
Influence of Operational Processes on the Performance of Manufacturing Firms: Empirical Evidence from SMEs in Kenya
Authors: Kering Victor K. , Kilika James M. , Njuguna Jane W.
Published: January 2021

Manufacturing firms in Sub-Saharan Africa are facing both internal and external pressures from intense global competition, turbulent markets, and the increasing sophistication of manufacturing technologies which influences its performance. This increasing rate of change in the sector is compelling firms to pay attention to the operational processes. Due to this reason, the study sought to determine the effect of operational processes on the performance of manufacturing SMEs in, Kenya. The study adopted an explanatory design had a sample size of 136 firms which was drawn using proportionate stratified sampling. Primary data collection involved the use self–administered questionnaires and instrument validation was achieved through the development of constructs from previous studies, scale development, instrument pre-testing and validation. The instrument was subjected to inter-consistency test using the Cronbach's coefficient with a value ≥ 0.70 affirming that the research instrument was reliable. The results show that operational processes cumulatively explain 37% of the variations in firm performance, therefore, the study concluded that the operational processes have a significant and positive effect on firm performance. The study recommends that the management of these firms should attempt to improve on the strategy processes and contents based on models that have been applied successfully in other contextual areas.
The Various Scenarios of Stock Exchange Development in Uzbekistan: in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Rustamova Dilbar
Published: January 2021

With increasing volatility in stock markets, the investment expectations of various market participants remain unclear. This study examines the short-term market development scenarios provided by international consulting companies. Inertial and optimistic scenarios of the national stock market are also presented as a result of the author's research. Several factors influencing the market index were also studied using a regression model, and as a result, the impact of factors such as market turnover, number of transactions, inflation rate on market capitalization was presented.
Influence of Human Resource Processes on the Performance of Selected Manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Authors: Kering Victor K. , Kilika James M. , Njuguna Jane W.
Published: January 2021

Manufacturing firms in Sub-Saharan Africa are not optimally managed which substantially lowers their productivity. The informal approach to human resource management is attributable to poor management practices with a consequent effect on performance. Due to these challenges, this study sought to examine the effect of human resource processes on the performance of manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was explanatory and was based on 136 manufacturing SMEs which was drawn using proportionate stratified sampling. Data collection was achieved through the use of a self–administered questionnaire which was subjected to an inter-consistency test using the Cronbach's coefficient, α ≥ 0.70, which indicated that the research instrument was reliable. Descriptive and inferential statistics (at 0.05 significance levels) was used for the analysis of data. Diagnostic tests were conducted before regression analysis with the data was presented in tabular format. The results show that human resource processes cumulatively explain 23% of the variations in firm performance, therefore, the study concludes that the human resource processes have a positive influence on firm performance. The study recommends that manufacturing firms should seek to entrench an HR philosophy with commensurate improvements in the HR practises. The study limitations include a relatively small sample and geographical scope.