bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the flexural strength of auto- polymerized acrylic resins.
Authors:   Dept of Optical Techniques, College of Health & Medical Technology, Baghdad, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq., Kati Firas Abd
Published: March 2019

Background: Auto-polymerized acrylic resins are commonly used in many applications in dentistry including in maxillofacial rehabilitation such as interim prostheses, denture repair, reline, orthodontic appliances, record base, among others. These substances, however, have some negative aspects such as poor mechanical properties. Aim: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles to auto-polymerized acrylic resins on their flexural strength. Materials and methods: Thirty specimens were made from auto-polymerized acrylic resins, divided into three main groups (1 control and 2 experimental). Each group had ten specimens. The two experimental groups comprised the zinc oxide powder at 1% and 2% concentrations, respectively. Acrylic specimens were fabricated with the dimension of 65mm length, 10mm width and 2.5mm thickness according to ISO 1567 specification 1999. Each specimen was subjected to the flexural strength test by a universal testing machine. The crosshead speed for the flexural strength test was 5mm/min until fracture occurred. The SPSS version 16 was utilized for the statistical analysis. The ANOVA and Tukey were used for the comparison among all groups. Results: there was a significant increase (p<0.001) in the flexural strength of the acrylic resins following the addition of zinc oxide particles (control group: 133.27 SD 1.73, ZnO 1%: 154.28 SD 2.90, ZnO 2%: 176.45 SD 0.94). Conclusions: The incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles has a significant effect on the flexural strength of auto-polymerized acrylic resins.
Quality of life during pregnancy and its influence on oral health: a systematic review
Authors:   Depto de Enfermería. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad de Granada, España., Aguilar Cordero María José ,   Grupo de Investigación CTS 367. Plan Andaluz de Investigación. Junta de Andalucía, España.,   Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, España., Leon-Rios Ximena Alejandra ,   Grupo de Investigación CTS 367. Plan Andaluz de Investigación. Junta de Andalucía, España.,   Fundación Pública de Investigación Biomédica, Andalucía Oriental (FIBAO) Granada, España., Rivero-Blanco Tania ,   Grupo de Investigación CTS 367. Plan Andaluz de Investigación. Junta de Andalucía, España.,   Fundación Pública de Investigación Biomédica, Andalucía Oriental (FIBAO) Granada, España., Rodriguez-Blanque Raquel ,   Depto de Enfermería. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad de Granada, España,   Grupo de Investigación CTS 367. Plan Andaluz de Investigación. Junta de Andalucía, España., Expósito-Ruiz Manuela ,   Fundación Pública de Investigación Biomédica, Andalucía Oriental (FIBAO) Granada, España., Gil-Montoya Jose Antonio ,   Depto de Estomatología. Facultad de Odontología Universidad de Granada, España.
Published: March 2019

Objective: To perform a systematic review of scientific literature on the impact of oral health on the quality of life of pregnant women. Methods: A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was carried out and 16 specific articles/studies on the subject were selected. Results: Pregnant women's quality of life (QoL) is related to age, number of pregnancies, pain, difficulty eating and presence of dental caries. Quality of life was directly related to oral health. Conclusions: It was found that most studies associating QoL and oral health during pregnancy were cross-sectional and observational; therefore, for a better understanding of these impacts, performing longitudinal studies from the beginning of pregnancy until postpartum is necessary. The need for preventive oral health counseling and dental care assistance during pregnancy is highlighted.
De cero a dinero: La basura como fuente principal para un negocio inclusivo de reciclaje en Cuenca – Ecuador
Authors: Cajamarca Cajamarca Edisson Santiago , Bueno Sagbaicela William Ramiro , Jimbo Días José Santiago
Published: March 2019

El presente trabajo se enmarca en la relación existente entre el ingreso y la actividad del reciclaje bajo el contexto de Negocio Inclusivo (NI). Esta población de recicladores definida como pobre y vulnerable por la Base de la Pirámide Económica (BDP) en función de sus ingresos anuales, es el centro de la cadena de valor de reciclaje. Se plantea determinar si la figura de asociación de los recicladores influye directamente en su nivel de ingreso y evaluar las condiciones en las que se realiza la actividad del reciclaje para analizar la oportunidad de generar rentabilidad como NI para estos grupos vulnerables. La metodología empleada, con carácter cuantitativo-inductivo de corte transversal, se centrará en el estudio de 150 recicladores, 27 centros privados (intermediarios) y dos centros corporativos de reciclaje. En los resultados destaca el diseño de la cadena de valor de reciclaje para la ciudad de Cuenca, la débil correlación entre estar asociado y el nivel de ingreso del reciclador, así como el elevado margen bruto comercial de un intermediario. La conclusión principal demuestra que el reciclaje tiene bondades económicas atractivas para crear un NI y los intermediarios son los principales beneficiarios dentro de esta actividad. Los recicladores se ven limitados por sus condiciones de trabajo y la figura de asociación no se considera como una solución imperante para mejorar su nivel de ingreso.
Translators Producing Knowledge: Where There Is No Doctor in Tamil
Authors: Walkover Lillian
Published: March 2019

Where There Is No Doctor is one of the most widely used community health books in the world and has been translated into over 80 languages. This paper traces four aspects of translation in Tamil-language editions of the text, including Doctor Illaadha Idaththil and related books. First, translators choose and create language to produce a colloquial text related to, but different from, the original. Second, the translated text, as part of a genre of health writing, is edited to motivate readers to take new and different actions related to their bodies and wellbeing. Third, the success of this work is assessed by asking future readers to respond to the draft. Finally, the finished translation circulates to new arenas, influencing popular writing on health and ways of understanding the body. Analyzing the translation of a health text through the lens of postcolonial translation studies, this paper argues that the translation and adaptation of Where There Is No Doctor and the books it inspired engage translators, clinicians, and future readers in a transnational knowledge production process.
Good Mothering Before Birth: Measuring Attachment and Ultrasound as an Affective Technology
Authors: Denbow Jennifer
Published: March 2019

The idea that fetal ultrasound is useful for promoting a pregnant woman’s emotional attachment to her fetus is commonplace in the United States. While STS scholars have examined many facets of ultrasound, scholars have not analyzed the medical construction of ultrasound as an affective technology. This article fills that gap by bringing feminist STS and affect studies together to examine medical understandings of fetal ultrasound’s emotional utility. The project interprets a unique archive of published medical research on measuring maternal-fetal bonding and using ultrasound to promote that bonding. My discourse analysis shows that this medical research defines “optimal bonding” in a way that reflects the norms of intensive mothering. I argue that this medical research contributes to the creation of a new, presumably high-risk population of “sub-optimal bonders.” The research I examine also suggests that medical professionals may be able to use the technological fix of ultrasound to manage this new population’s emotions and behaviors. In the process, medical experts individualize the risks of infant well-being and locate those risks in women’s emotional state.
Moral Crumple Zones: Cautionary Tales in Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Elish Madeleine Clare
Published: March 2019

As debates about the policy and ethical implications of AI systems grow, it will be increasingly important to accurately locate who is responsible when agency is distributed in a system and control over an action is mediated through time and space. Analyzing several high-profile accidents involving complex and automated socio-technical systems and the media coverage that surrounded them, I introduce the concept of a moral crumple zone to describe how responsibility for an action may be misattributed to a human actor who had limited control over the behavior of an automated or autonomous system. Just as the crumple zone in a car is designed to absorb the force of impact in a crash, the human in a highly complex and automated system may become simply a component—accidentally or intentionally—that bears the brunt of the moral and legal responsibilities when the overall system malfunctions. While the crumple zone in a car is meant to protect the human driver, the moral crumple zone protects the integrity of the technological system, at the expense of the nearest human operator. The concept is both a challenge to and an opportunity for the design and regulation of human-robot systems. At stake in articulating moral crumple zones is not only the misattribution of responsibility but also the ways in which new forms of consumer and worker harm may develop in new complex, automated, or purported autonomous technologies.
PHYTOHORMONE PROFILING BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY COUPLED TO MASS SPECTROMETRY (LC/MS) v2
Authors: E. Vital Camilo , D. Gómez Jenny , M. Vidigal Pedro , Barros Edvaldo , S.L. Pontes Claudia , M. Vieira Nívea , J O Ramos Humberto
Published: March 2019

Phytohormones play a key role in regulating development and growth, as well as acting on plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. The following protocol describes a target specific methodology to obtaining quantitative profiles of phytohormones from plant tissues by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph (UHPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry.
FLAVONOID PROFILING BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY COUPLED TO MASS SPECTROMETRY (LC/MS) v3
Authors: E. Vital Camilo , D. Gómez Jenny , M. Vidigal Pedro , Barros Edvaldo , S.L. Pontes Claudia , M. Vieira Nívea , G. A. Oliveira Maria , J. O. Ramos Humberto
Published: March 2019

Flavonoids play a variety of biological activities in plants, animals and bacteria range from physiological development to plant responses for abiotic and biotic stresses, as well as health-promoting effects of pharmaceutical interest. The following protocol describes the steps and details to generation of qualitative and quantitative broad-range profiles of flavonoids from plant tissues by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph (UHPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry
Standard Interview of Evidence Use (SIEU) v1
Authors: Palinkas Notreallylarry , Finno-Velasquez Megan , W. Holloway Ian , I. Mackie Thomas , K. Leslie Laurel , Patricia Chamberlain and
Published: March 2019

This article describes the Standard Interview for Evidence Use (SIEU), a measure to assess the level of engagement in acquiring, evaluating, and applying research evidence in health and social service settings. Method: Three scales measuring input, process, and output of research evidence and eight subscales were identified using principal axis factor analysis and parallel analysis of data collected from 202 state and county child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems leaders. Results: The SIEU scales and subscales demonstrate strong internal consistency as well as convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusions: The SIEU is easy to use and can be administered as a complete scale or as three smaller scales to separately examine evidence in acquisition, eva-luation, or application. The measure demonstrates potential in understanding the role of research evidence in service settings and in monitoring the process of evidence-based practice and application of scientific principles in social work practice.
SYNTHESIS AND SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF LANTANIDE COMPLEXES WITH A NEW TRIPODAL TRIS-CHELATING CAPh LIGAND
Authors: Strugatska M. , Olyshevets I. , Ovchynnikov V. , Amirkhanov V.
Published: March 2019

A new tripodal tris-chelating carbacylamidophosphate (CAPh) ligand (H3L = N(CH2CH2N(H)C(O)N(H)P(O)(OCH3)2)3) has been synthesized and a series of coordination compounds of general formula LnL (where Ln = La, Nd, Eu, Tb) based on this ligand has been obtained and isolated in the crystalline state. The resulting compounds have been investigated by the means of thermal gravimetric analysis, 1H NMR, IR and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The ligand and all complexes are soluble in water, poorly soluble in methanol and isopropanol, insoluble in nonpolar solvents. It was found, that each Ln(III) ion of the complexes under consideration is bonded with oxygen atoms belonging to the phosphoryl and carboxyl groups of three bidentate chelated coordinating arms of the ligand (six lanthanide-oxygen bonds totally). In the 1H NMR spectrum of lanthanum coordination compound (LnL) all signals are shifted in the region of a strong field compared to analogous signals in the respective H3L spectrum, which can be explained by the redistribution of electronic density in the ligand due to deprotonation. The fine structure of the supersensitive transitions in the electronic spectrum of the synthesized neodymium complex proves in favor of the coordination number 8. In the region of 4I9/2 → 2P1/2 transition (425–435 nm) a single absorption band is observed, indicating the presence of only one absorption center. The thermal stability of NdL complex has been investigated and the presence of two coordinated water molecules in the synthesized complexes has been established. Thus, coordination number of lanthanide ions is equal to eight (coordination formula [LnL(H2O)2]) which is in agreement with electronic spectroscopy results. Based on the data of the TGA for the coordination compound [NdL(H2O)2] one can conclude that significant mass loss occurs in one step. The complex compound begins to decompose above 200°C. Considerable mass loss continues to a temperature of 380–400°С. The DTA curve shows an exothermic effect at a temperature of 287°C, which can be connected with the oxidation processes.
TÜRKİYE VE ALMANYA’DAKİ SURİYELİ SIĞINMACILARA SUNULAN HAKLAR VE YAŞANAN SORUNLAR
Authors: Vardarlı Bade , Khatıb Amal , Uygur Sevgi , Gönültaş Mesut
Published: March 2019

Suriye’de
yaşanan siyasi ve ekonomik sorunların bir sonucu olarak; Suriyeli vatandaşlar
kendi ülkelerinden göç etmiş ve yaşamlarını sürdürmek amacıyla farklı ülkelere
sığınmışlardır. Bu ülkeler arasında Türkiye ve Almanya da yer almaktadır.
Türkiye, komşusu Suriye’de baş gösteren iç savaş sonrasında Suriyeli
sığınmacıların en çok göç ettiği ülke olmuş, bu durum Türkiye’yi dünyanın en
fazla sığınmacı barındıran ülkesi haline getirmiştir.Almanya ise, sığınmacılar
tarafından Avrupa Birliği ülkeleri arasında en çok tercih edilen ülke
durumundadır.Bu nedenle araştırmanın amacı, Türkiye ve Almanya’da Suriyeli
sığınmacılara yönelik uygulanan devlet politikalarına, sağlanan olanaklara ve
yaşanan sorunlara ışık tutmaktır. Bu kapsamda, barınma, beslenme, eğitim,
istihdam, sağlık, ruh sağlığı, sosyal uyum gibi süreçlere odaklanılmış ve iki
ülkede yürütülen uygulamaların benzer ve farklı yönleri ele alınmıştır.
Araştırma derleme makalesi olup YÖK Tez, Ulakbim, Ebschost, Google Scholar gibi
veritabanlarında Suriye, Türkiye, Almanya, sığınmacı, politika, sorunlar,
entegrasyon politikaları, psiko-sosyal müdaheleler anahtar kelimeleri
kullanılarak hazırlanmıştır.
DUYGUSAL EMEK KONUSUNU ARAŞTIRAN LİSANSÜSTÜ TEZLERE YÖNELİK BİR İÇERİK ANALİZİ DEĞERLENDİRMESİ
Authors: Savaşkan Yağmur , Göktaş Kulualp Halime
Published: March 2019

Bu araştırmanın
amacı Türkiye’deki üniversitelerde duygusal emek konularında yapılan lisansüstü
tezlerinin mevcut durumlarını ve genel profillerini belirlemektir. Bu araştırma,
Türkiye’de 2007-2018 yılları arasında duygusal emek konularında hazırlanmış
lisansüstü tezlerinin genel eğilimlerini belirlemek amacıyla belirli koşullar
çerçevesinde kategorilere ayrılarak sınıflandırılmış ve konu ile ilgili
tezlerin toplu bir şekilde görülmesine imkân sağlamaya çalışmıştır. Çalışmada
YÖK Ulusal Tez Merkezi’nden elde edilen, Türkiye’de duygusal emek konusunda
2007-2018 yılları arasında erişime açık (izinli) durumunda olan lisansüstü
tezler, içerik analizi yöntemi ile yorumlanmıştır. Çalışmada tezler; yazılan
lisansüstü düzeyleri, yazıldıkları dil, yıllara göre dağılımı, yazıldığı
enstitü, üniversite, ait oldukları anabilim dalı, araştırmacıların
cinsiyetleri, tez danışmanlarının unvanları, tezlerin araştırma yöntemleri,
tezlerin araştırma teknikleri ile tezlerin yazıldıkları sektörler ve uygulama
alanları kapsamında sınıflandırılarak ele alınmıştır. Duygusal emek
alanında yazılmış lisansüstü tezlerin içerik analizi yöntemi ile incelenerek bu
alanda yapılmış mevcut lisansüstü tezlerin durumunun ortaya koymaya çalışıldığı
bu araştırma ile gelecekte duygusal emek konularında çalışma yapacak olan
araştırmacılara yol gösterici olması beklenmektedir.
The Exponentiated Generalized Topp Leone-G Family of Distributions: Properties and Applications
Authors: Reyad Hesham Mohamed , Alizadeh Morad , Jamal Farrukh , Othman Soha , Hamedani G G
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we propose a new class of continuous distributions called the exponentiated generalized Topp Leone-G family that extends the Topp Leone-G family introduced by Al-Shomrani et al. (2016). We derive explicit expressions for certain mathematical properties of the new family such as; ordinary and incomplete moments, generating functions, reliability analysis, Lorenz and Bonferroni curves, RÃ©nyi entropy, stress strength model, moment of residual and reversed residual life, order statistics and extreme values. We discuss the maximum likelihood estimates and the observed information matrix for the model parameters. Two real data sets are used to illustrate the flexibility of the new family.
Weighted Analogue of Inverse Gamma Distribution: Statistical Properties, Estimation and Simulation Study
Authors: Ahmad Afaq , Ahmad S P
Published: March 2019

In this article we propose a new weighted version of inverse Gamma distribution known as Weighted Inverse Gamma distribution (WIGD). We examine the Length biased and Area biased versions of Weighted Inverse Gamma distribution. Basic structural properties viz moments, mode, moment generating function (mgf), characteristic function (cf), hazard rate function and measures of uncertainty. The parameters of this model are estimated from both classical (namely, maximum likelihood estimator and method of moments, and compare them by using extensive numerical simulations) and Bayesian point of view. The Bayes estimates are estimated by using non-informative Jeffrey’s prior and informative Inverse Chi square prior under different types of loss function (symmetric and asymmetric loss functions). Finally, a simulation study has been conducted for comparing weighted inverse gamma distribution with other competing distributions.
MSEPBurr Distribution: Properties and Parameter Estimation
Authors: Choir Achmad Syahrul , Iriawan Nur , Ulama Brodjol Sutijo Suprih , Dokhi Mohammad
Published: March 2019

MSNBurr and MSTBurr distribution have been developed as Neo-Normal distributions that represent a relaxation of normality. The difference between them is that the MSTBurr’s peak is below MSNBurr’s. In this paper, we propose a MSEPBurr distribution with its peak could be not only lower but also high-er than MSNBurr. Furthermore, we study several properties of MSEPBurr, such as mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, and quantile. The MSEPBurr parameters are estimated by using the Bayesian approach with the BUGS language implementation for its computation. We employ simulation study and use existing data to illustrate the application of the regression model. In real data, we notice that MSEPBurr has similar performance with MSNBurr and MSTBurr that they outperform Normal and Student-t distribution in Australian athlete data because their skewness can accommodate long left tail excellently. However, their performance is less than the Student-t model in chemical reaction rate data because their skewness can not accommodate long right tail perfectly. Although in general their perfor-mance is the same,  we observe that the MSEPBurr performs better than the MSNBurr and the MSTBurr in some simulated data.
The Odd Log-Logistic Generalized Half-Normal Lifetime Poisson Model
Authors: Lak Fazlollah , Basikhasteh Mehdi , Alizadeh Morad , Yousof Haitham M.
Published: March 2019

Recently, Corderio et al. (2016) applied a model called odd-logistic generalized half-normal distribution for describing fatigue lifetime data, based on this model, we propose a new wider model with a strong physical motivation called the odd-log-logistic generalized half-normal poisson distribution which is commonly used in reliability studies and modeling maximum of a random number of lifetime variables. Various of its structural properties are derived. The method of maximum likelihood is adapted to estimate the model parameters and its potentiality is illustrated with applications to two real fatigue data sets. For different parameter settings and sample sizes, some simulation studies compare the performance of the new lifetime model.
A New Extremely Flexible Version of the Exponentiated Weibull Model: Theorem and Applications to Reliability and Medical Data Sets
Authors: Raya Mohamed Abo
Published: March 2019

In this work, a new lifetime model is introduced and studied. The major justification for the practicality of the new model is based on the wider use of the exponentiated Weibull and Weibull models. We are also motivated to introduce the new lifetime model since it exhibits decreasing, upside down-increasing, constant, increasing-constant and J shaped hazard rates also the density of the new distribution exhibits various important shapes. The new model can be viewed as a mixture of the exponentiated Weibull distribution. It can also be considered as a suitable model for fitting the symmetric, left skewed, right skewed and unimodal data. The importance and flexibility of the new model is illustrated by four read data applications.
An Improved Exponential Type Estimator Of Population Mean of Sensitive Variable Using Optional Randomized Response Technique
Authors: Grover Lovleen Kumar , Kaur Amanpreet
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we improve the efficiency of  Koyuncu et al (2014)’s estimator of population mean of sensitive variable by replacing Traditional Randomized response technique with Optional Randomized response technique as suggested by Gupta et al (2014). The mean square error of proposed estimator is obtained, up to first order of approximation, and is compared with mean square error of various existing estimators theoretically as well as numerically.
Study of sodium and potassium changes in term neonates receiving phototherapy
Authors: K. B. Rangaswamy , Yeturi Dileep , Gowda B. L. Anantha Narayana , Krishna Chandana , . Samyuktha
Published: March 2019

Background: Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia (NH) is the commonest abnormal physical finding during the first week of life and also the most common cause for readmission during the early neonatal period is a cause of concern for the parents as well as for the Pediatricians. Hence appropriate management of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia is of paramount importance. Phototherapy plays a significant role in prevention and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. However, this treatment modality may itself result in inherent complications. The present study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the sodium and potassium changes in neonates receiving phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.Methods: A prospective hospital based observational comparative study conducted on 96 eligible term neonates admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit receiving phototherapy at a teaching Hospital from October 1st to December 31st 2018. A predesigned proforma has aided the enrolment of new-borns into the study according to AAP guidelines. Serum bilirubin, sodium and potassium were determined before and after termination of phototherapy. The first samples were considered as controls. A comparative study was made between before and after phototherapy groups to determine the incidence of sodium and potassium changes.Results: The study group included 96 term neonates that were managed with phototherapy. Incidence of low birth weight babies was 21.9%. Mean birth weight and gestational age was 2.76±0.38 kg and of 38.34±0.88 weeks respectively. Mean duration of phototherapy was 38.48±09.34 hours. The incidence of Sodium and potassium changes were found to be statistically significant after phototherapy (p<0.01) but neonates didn’t develop any signs of hyponatremia and hypokalemia.Conclusions: The study shows that neonates undergoing phototherapy are at a higher risk of sodium and potassium changes. This risk is greater in LBW babies and hence this group of babies should be closely monitored for changes in sodium, potassium and should be managed accordingly.
Role of peers and family with the occurrence of human immunodeficiency virus in the working area of Seberang Padang health center, Padang city
Authors: Dasril Oktariyani , Fannya Puteri
Published: March 2019

Background: The occurrence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Seberang Padang health center has increased every year. The role of coeval friends and family is one of the factors that influence HIV prevalence. This study aims to discover the role of peers and family with HIV occurrence in the area of the Seberang Padang health center.Methods: This type of research is observational analytic with case control study design. Time of study in October 2017. The population were all of HIV cases at Seberang Padang Health Center, 41 cases with a sample of 16 cases and 16 controls. Data collection uses a questionnaire. Univariate analysis using descriptive statistical method in the form of frequency distribution and percentage while bivariate with α 0.05 chi square test.Results: More than half (78.6%) of respondents have a poor peer role, more than half (71.4%) respondents have a poor family role. There was a relationship between the role of peers and the role of the family with HIV. People with poor family roles are 15 times at risk for HIV incidence and 9 times at risk if they have a poor peer roles.Conclusions: Peers and family have an important role in shaping a person's behavior, thus increasing the risk of suffering from HIV. Seberang Padang Puskesmas officers are advised to educate families to always act as the most active group to remind respondents to maintain health and keep away from anything that can damage their health and avoid HIV.
Assessment of the knowledge and practices regarding standard precaution among nursing staff at a tertiary care hospital of Raipur city, Chhattisgarh
Authors: Rochwani Ritu , Sharma Mini
Published: March 2019

Background: Nurses as healthcare providers obliged to protect herself and patients against infections. Therefore, nurses should have knowledge and strict adherence to standard precautions. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and practices of nursing staff regarding standard precautions. Aims and objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge of nursing staff regarding standard precaution and to observe the practices of nursing staff regarding standard precaution.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among staff nurses working in Bhim Rao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur, and Chhattisgarh, from January to March 2017 among 100 staff nurses. Pretested predesigned semi-structured questionnaires were used. Data collected were entered in Microsoft excel sheet. The statistical analysis was done by using epi info 7. Frequencies and percentage were presented for categorical variables.Results: The overall knowledge regarding standard precaution were excellent (>75% score) in 8% nurses. Good knowledge (50 to 75%) in 83% and average (25 to 50%) in 9%. The Practises regarding standard precautions among the nurses were good in 72%, excellent in 17% and average in 11%.Conclusions: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that in spite of having good knowledge regarding standard precaution among the nurses, practices were not to up to the mark.
Assessment of birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in rural area of Chhattisgarh: a community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Deshmukh Namita , Borkar Avinash , Rathore Mrityunjay
Published: March 2019

Background: Neonatal and maternal mortality are the major concerns in the country mainly due to the “three delays” in seeking, reaching, and obtaining appropriate care. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPACR) is one of the most important tools to assess these delays. BPACR is the process of planning for normal birth and anticipating the actions needed in case of an emergency. The current study was undertaken to assess the status of BPACR among pregnant women in rural area of Kharsiya block in Raigarh district.Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 pregnant women in rural area of Kharsiya during January-June 2017. All the pregnant females were interviewed using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Knowledge about danger signs, planning for transport, place and delivery by skilled birth attendant, financial management were assessed. BPACR index was also calculated.Results: The BPACR index was found to be very low (27.79%). About 73.65% women identified a skilled birth attendant for delivery but, only 10% women saved money and only 2.7% women had identified a blood donor for emergency. Nearly 74.54% women had no knowledge about danger or warning signs during pregnancy while 89.09% were unaware of complications during labour and 97.27% women did not know about puerperal complications.Conclusions: BPACR index in this rural area was very low. Vast majority of women were not knowledgeable about birth preparedness and complication readiness.
A cross sectional study on optimal infant and young child feeding practices with reference to WHO indicators in a rural area of Puducherry
Authors: Radjasegarane Arulprasad , Rajagopal Anandaraj , Mathiyalagen Prakash , Vasudevan Kavita
Published: March 2019

Background: Optimal infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) are essential to address the increasing burden of malnutrition and for the overall development of the children. The present study was conducted to estimate the proportion of optimal infant and young child feeding practices among rural children aged 0 to 23 months and study the associated socio demographic factors.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 children in the age group of 0 to 23 months in a rural field practice area of a medical college in Puducherry. Data on IYCF practices were collected using a standardized tool developed by WHO. Core and optional IYCF indicators were calculated. Chi-square test and Fishers’ exact test were used as tests of significance.Results: Almost 88.0% of infants were initiated early on breastfeeding and 90.8% were exclusively breastfed for six months. Children who were continuously breastfed at one year and two years were 77.4% and 22.4% respectively. About 75.0% were introduced with solid or semisolid foods at 6 to 8 months of age. Among children aged 6 to 23 months, 77.3% had the recommended minimum dietary diversity, 81.3% had the minimum meal frequencies, while 57.7% received the minimum acceptable diet and only 39.4% consumed iron rich foods. Gender was significantly associated with the practice of continued breastfeeding at one year, adequate minimum dietary diversity and minimum meal frequency.Conclusions: The core and optional IYCF indicators were acceptably good in the initial six months of life but thereafter showed suboptimal levels, which should be emphasized among the mothers or primary care givers.
A study of the prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight in private and government schools of Meerut city
Authors: Joshi Neha , Kumar Manoj
Published: March 2019

Background: As per WHO childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century, it is a global problem affecting many low and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. Childhood obesity affects adulthood and becomes the cause of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Overweight and their related diseases are preventable with early intervention and lifestyle modifications. Here we aimed to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity of school going children of Meerut city.Methods: Four Hundred children from four schools of Meerut city were studied. Age, weight, height, socioeconomic status, food habits, and family history were recorded for further analysis.Results: Out of 400 children, 7% were overweight and 4% had obesity. We observed that obesity was more prevalent in private school going students. Leisure time and fast food are the major causes of obesity.Conclusions: A total of 11% of school going children were overweight and obese which is alarming and should be tackled in a more proactive and urgent manner. This study concludes that there is dire need of awareness against the junk foods at the same physical activities, games, health education and awareness programs should be included in the education system for students, parents, and teachers to understand and fight the obesity.
Employer Strategies for Preventing Mental Health Related Work Disability: A Scoping Review
Authors: Gensby Ulrik , Limborg Hans Jørgen , Mahood Quenby , Ståhl Christian , Albertsen Karen
Published: March 2019

This study examined Nordic research on psychosocial work environment and disability management, specifically employer strategies for preventing work disability in common mental disorders (CMDs). A scoping review was performed to identify strategies across several research databases, alongside contact with content experts, hand-searching of non-indexed journals, and internet searches. Identification and selection of relevant studies, charting of data, and collating and summarizing of results was done using a six-step framework for conducting scoping reviews. Several key elements and knowledge gaps were identified in current prevention approaches and workplace initiatives across the included studies. We propose a program theory for workplace prevention of CMD-related work disability. The program theory may help specify employer strategies, and bridge activities with stakeholders outside the workplace.
A Temporary Liminal Space Counteracting the Permanent ‘in between’ in Working Life
Authors: Vesala Hanne , Tuomivaara Seppo
Published: March 2019

Ambiguous liminality used to exist ‘in between’, in a transition to a new social-structural order, but recently, it has gained a more permanent and normalized presence in working life, where existing boundaries are becoming blurred. However, liminality as a continuous state can be individually demanding. This paper elaborates upon a theoretical understanding of permanent and temporary liminality in working life and examines possible measures to tame excessive liminality. To illustrate the theoretical development, forms of permanent and temporary liminality in the lives of three professionals are analyzed. We found that dealing with multiple and complex work roles independently could be conducive to fracturing work routines, which we identify as habitualized, permanent liminality. Withdrawal to an alternative work environment – a rural Finnish archipelago – formed a liminal space in its original sense, a creative and reflective phase that illuminated work-related challenges. It is suggested that such spaces are designed to achieve simplicity.
Go Lean, Get Leaner: The application of lean management in Omani healthcare
Authors: Al-Farsi Yahya M. , Al-Balushi Shahid M.
Published: March 2019

Editorial
Individual Radiosensitivity Assessment of the Families of Ataxia-Telangiectasia Patients by G2-Checkpoint Abrogation
Authors: Aghamohammadi Asghar , Akrami Seyed M. , Yaghmaie Marjan , Rezaei Nima , Azizi Gholamreza , Yaseri Mehdi , Nosrati Hassan , Zaki-Dizaji Majid
Published: March 2019

Objectives: Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive multisystem disorder characterised by cerebellar degeneration, telangiectasia, radiation sensitivity, immunodeficiency, oxidative stress and cancer susceptibility. Epidemiological research has shown that carriers of the heterozygous ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene mutation are radiosensitive to ionising irradiation and have a higher risk of cancers, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. However, there is currently no fast and reliable laboratory-based method to detect heterozygous ATM carriers for family screening and planning purposes. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the ability of a modified G2-assay to identify heterozygous ATM carriers in the families of A-T patients. Methods: This study took place at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, between February and December 2017 and included 16 A-T patients, their parents (obligate heterozygotes) and 30 healthy controls. All of the subjects underwent individual radiosensitivity (IRS) assessment using a modified caffeine-treated G2-assay with G2-checkpoint abrogation. Results: The mean IRS of the obligate ATM heterozygotes was significantly higher than the healthy controls (55.13% ± 5.84% versus 39.03% ± 6.95%; P <0.001), but significantly lower than the A-T patients (55.13% ± 5.84% versus 87.39% ± 8.29%; P = 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the G2-assay values indicated high sensitivity and specificity, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.95–1.00). Conclusion: The modified G2-assay demonstrated adequate precision and relatively high sensitivity and specificity in detecting heterozygous ATM carriers.Keywords: Ataxia-Telangiectasia; Chromosome Breakage; Genetic Carrier Screening; Heterozygote; Radiation Sensitivity; Sensitivity and Specificity.
Food Allergen Sensitisation Patterns in Omani Patients with Allergic Manifestations
Authors: Al-Tamemi Salem , Naseem Shafiq-Ur-Rehman , Tufail-Alrahman Munira , Al-Kindi Mahmood , Alshekaili Jalila
Published: March 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between food allergen sensitisation patterns and allergic manifestations in Omani patients and highlight the importance of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing. Methods: This retrospective study included all patients referred due to allergic manifestations to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, from November 2012 to November 2016. Specific IgE blood testing was performed to determine sensitisation to common foods known to cause allergic reactions. Results: A total of 164 patients were referred to SQUH over the study period, with 35.4% presenting with one allergic manifestation, 48.8% with 2–3 and 15.9% presenting with more than three manifestations. There was a familyhistory of allergies in 70.7% of patients. Eosinophil counts and total and specific IgE levels were elevated in 18.9%, 54.9% and 73.2% of patients, respectively. Patients demonstrated sensitisation to cow milk (47.6%), wheat (41.5%),chicken eggs (34.8%), mixed tree nuts (34.1%), lentils (33.5%), peanuts (32.9%), soy (32.3%), shrimp (23.2%) and fish (15.2%). Overall, 19.5% were sensitised to a single allergen, 14% were sensitised to 2–3 and 39.6% were sensitised to more than three allergens. Almost one-third (29.3%) of patients suffered from food-induced anaphylaxis, of which 85.4% were prescribed self-injectable adrenaline. Conclusion: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to describe food allergen sensitisation patterns among Omani patients with allergic manifestations. In conjunction with clinical symptoms, the correct interpretation of specific IgE levels is important to diagnose food allergies and make safe decisions about reintroducing foods.Keywords: Hypersensitivity; Food Allergies; Anaphylaxis; Urticaria; Atopic Dermatitis; Asthma; Immunoglobulin E; Oman.
The protective effect of vitamin E on rats’ ovarian follicles following an administration of diazinon: An experimental study
Authors: Sargazi Zinat , Nikravesh Mohammad Reza , Jalali Mehdi , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza , Anbarkeh Fatemeh Rahimi
Published: March 2019

Background: Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate insecticide that has been widely utilized in agriculture all over the world and caused many negative effects on different species such as plants and animal species, especially on a human.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin E on rats’ ovarian follicles following an administration of diazinon.
Materials and Methods: A total of 30 adult female Wistar rats were divided into five groups: a control group (without any intervention), sham group (received only pure olive oil, as solvent), experimental group I (DZN+olive oil, 60 mg/kg), experimental group II (vitamin E, 200 mg/kg), and experimental group III (DZN: 60 mg/kg+vitamin E: 200 mg/kg). All drugs were injected intraperitoneally, except vitamin E which was administrated by gavage. The animals were sacrificed after two weeks and the left ovary was used to measure proliferation of ovarian follicles. Tissues were analyzed by the PCNA technique and viewed with an optical microscope for evaluating cell proliferation.
Results: The result of the present study revealed that the number of proliferative cells in the experimental group I decreased significantly in contrast to the control group in secondary and Graffian follicles (p< 0.001). The administration of vitamin E plus DZN significantly increased proliferative cells compared to the DZN group (p< 0.001). Primordial follicles showed that all study groups were lacking PCNA positive cells, which means no expression of PCNA in these follicles. The results of this study showed that primary follicles in all study groups had a few and scattered PCNA positive cells with no significant difference between the groups (p> 0.05).
Conclusion: Results showed that DZN reduced proliferation in secondary and Graffian follicles and vitamin E increased it. The results of this study suggested that vitamin E by its antioxidant activity was able to improve the DZN-induced ovarian toxicity.
Key words: Diazinon, Proliferation, Ovary, Vitamin E, Rat.
Effect of antioxidant therapy on the sperm DNA integrity improvement; a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Salehi Peyman , Shahrokhi Seyedeh Zahra , Kamran Student, Tayyebeh , Ajami Ali , Taghiyar Sana , Deemeh Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2019

Background: The effect of antioxidant therapy on sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and achieving natural pregnancy were under debate. Very few studies have showed the rate of pregnancy rate after the antioxidant therapy due to ethical and technical limitations.
Objective: The aim of this cohort study was to determine the improvement rate of sperm DFI and natural pregnancy rate after the antioxidant therapy in infertile men.
Materials and Methods: 1645 infertile men were subjected for this study from May 2015 to December 2017. The Spermogram and sperm DFI were assessed using World Health Organization (WHO) 2010-based protocols and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), respectively, in sperm samples before and after antioxidant therapy.
Results: The total sperm DFI improvement rate was 38.9% in the total population. Sperm DFI improvement had close correlation with total motility (r= 0.731, p= 0.001) and progressive motility improvement (r= 0.885, p= 0.001); 16.8% of individuals who completed antioxidant therapy for nine months achieved natural pregnancy.
Conclusion: The results of the current study suggested that SCSA along with spermogram might be a suitable option for the evaluation of fertility potential. In addition, antioxidant therapy may be useful for men with high levels of sperm DFI. However, the rate of pregnancy was still low and other treatment protocols such as assisted reproductive technology may be necessary.
Key words: Antioxidant, Reactive oxygen species, DNA fragmentation, Male infertility.
Subchronic effects of different doses of Zinc oxide nanoparticle on reproductive organs of female rats: An experimental study
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Mohammad , Moshrefi Amir Hossein , Amani Reza , Razavimehr Seyed Vahid , Aghajanikhah2 Mohammad Hasan , Sokouti Zahra , Holari Behnam Babaei
Published: March 2019

Background: Zinc performs many biochemical and physiological functions; however, toxicological studies demonstrate that Nano-zinc oxide has harmful effects on human health and environmental species in high concentrations.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles on reproductive tissues of female rat.
Materials and Methods: Eighty female Wistar adult rats weighing 180–200 gr, divided into eight groups (n= 10 in each group) including control, sham (treated with saline), and six groups injected with different doses of zinc oxide nanoparticle with 10–30 nanometer size (4, 8, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) twice a week for four weeks. At the end of the study, the rats were bled and slaughtered; the Ovary and Uterus were taken for histopathology studies and blood samples were transferred to the laboratory for biochemical analysis.
Results: Microscopic diagnoses in ovary tissue were included; increase in the corpus luteum, follicular cysts, inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis. Histopathological changes in ovary in a dose-dependent manner. In uterus tissue the lesions consisted; epithelial destruction, hyperplasia of endometrial glands. The Estrogen and Progesterone level in the serum of rats increased in low doses and reduced in a dose-dependent manner at high doses.
Conclusion: The results of the current study proved the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the ovary and uterus organs at high concentrations, so further investigation is needed to reduce these effects.
Key words: Zinc oxide, Nanoparticles, Ovary, Uterus, Toxicity.
The relationship of the psychological coping and adjustment strategies of infertile women with the success of assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Golmakani Nahid , Zagami Samira Ebrahimzadeh , Esmaily Habibollah , Vatanchi Atiyeh , Kabirian Maryam
Published: March 2019

Background: The success of assisted reproductive techniques plays a very important role in the quality of life of infertile couples and decreases the negative behavior states of infertility.
Objective: This study aimed at determining the relationship between psychological coping and adjustment strategies with the success of assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Materials and Methods: This correlational study was conducted on 204 women visiting Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad during 2015-2016. The research instruments included Fertility Adjustment Scale and Infertility Coping Strategies Scale. The positive result of two pregnancy tests within 48 hours was considered as the success of ART.
Results: The mean and standard division score of adjustment in the group achieved treatment success (34.3±8.2) exceeded the group failed (33.6±8.8), the difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.381). Also, there was no significant difference between groups in the median and interquartile range of total coping strategies 81 (13) vs. 79.5 (12.25), (p= 0.369). Based on the logistic regression model for one increased transferred embryo, the chance of getting pregnant is 1.3 times, and for each unit increase in FSH level, the chance of ART success decreases 18%.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there is no relationship between psychological coping and adjustment strategies with ART success. However, the number of transferred fetus and tirthday FSH are introduced as factors that are related to the success of ART.
Key words: Infertility, Psychological adjustment, Coping skills, (ART).