bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DESIGN, PRODUCE AND CONTROL OF A 2-DOF UPPER LIMB EXOSKELETAL ROBOT
Authors: AKDOĞAN Erhan
Published: February 2019

Exoskeletal robots are used
as high-tech products in the military, health and industrial applications. The
integration of robots and humans offers new opportunities for the creation of
new assistive technologies that can be used in biomedical, industrial and
military applications. This paper presents the mechanical design, modeling and
simulation of 2 degrees of freedom (DOF) upper limb exoskeletal robot.  The system can be used both for supporting
load lifting and for rehabilitation of upper limbs. A load cell was used to
measure the applied load.  Encoders were
used to measure the shoulder and elbow joint angles. An electromyograph was
developed to measure muscular activation. In this study, simulation was
conducted with the PID position control, however the system hardware is
applicable for a force control architecture. 
Effect of ranolazine on HbA1c and blood glucose levels in diabetic patients with chronic angina
Authors: N. Shilpa B. , H. Shashikala G. , . Siddesh , P. Mallesh
Published: February 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide and is one of the common co-morbid conditions associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The overall prevalence of CAD is 7.4% but the prevalence of CAD in diabetics is 9%. Hence treatment of hyperglycemia is a key goal of secondary preventive therapy with a target of reducing HbA1c to <7%. The risk of CAD has been reported to occur 2 to3 decades prior in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Hence discovery of drugs with potential role in both diabetes and CAD seems to be necessary. Ranolazine is a novel oral anti anginal drug known to reduce HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels in angina patients with diabetes. The objective of this study is to show the effect of ranolazine (antianginal drug) on HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic patients with chronic angina.Methods: Patients were divided into: Group 1 continued with previous antidiabetic drugs and antianginal drugs. Group 2 were prescribed Tab ranolazine 1000mg b.d (orally) as add on therapy along with previous antidiabetic drugs and antianginal drugs.Results: There was a significant reduction in HbA1c and FBS levels in Group 2 patients who were on ranolazine. Reduction of HbA1c in group1 and Group 2 was 0.21±0.65% and 1.30±1.16% respectively. Reduction of FBS in group1 and group2 was 10.66±27.80mg/dl and 29.97±31.49mg/dl respectively.Conclusions: From the present study we can conclude that ranolazine, an antianginal drug when given at a dose of 1000mg bd in diabetic patients with chronic angina reduces HbA1c and FBS levels.
Prevalence and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students and non-medical students in south India
Authors: Daniel J. Sujit Ralin , S. Prasanand , Joice Suba , Rani Priscilla Jeba
Published: February 2019

Background: Self-medication is commonly practiced worldwide and the irrational use of drugs for self-medication is a major cause of concern. The situation is more complex when a number of prescriptions only medicines are used for self-medication which are easily available over the counter through pharmacies without any prescription. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students and non-medical students.Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire based study was carried out among 100 undergraduate students of a tertiary care medical college and 100 undergraduate students of an arts and science college in south India. The respondents were selected from the students who were present on the day of study. A pre-tested, self-assessing questionnaire was used to obtain the information on the prevalence and practice of self-medication.Results: Self-medication was practiced by 96% and 92% of medical and nonmedical students respectively. Overall practice of self-medication was 94%. Majority of females were self-medicating than males, 94% and 90% respectively. The most common symptom leading to self-medication among medical students were cough and common cold compared to headache among nonmedical students. The commonly used medicines for self-medication in both the groups were analgesics, antipyretics, cough suppressants and antibiotics. More number of medical students reported the use of antibiotics to treat infections (70%) which was statistically significant.Conclusions: The prevalence and practice of self-medication was alarming in both groups. The use of antimicrobials was also found to be very high among medical students. It is a need of the hour to create better awareness regarding the use of drugs for self-medication, to implement policies to prevent the dispensing of medicines without any prescription which would remain as the cornerstone for reducing the practice of self-medication.
An observational study to assess the knowledge of migraine among patients with migraine at a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Gupta Rohini , Malhotra Apoorva , Malhotra Pavan
Published: February 2019

Background: Migraine is a common debilitating headache the exact cause of which is not known. Efficient and proper treatment of migraine involves accurate diagnosis, educating the patients and to make them aware of the disorder and finding the best medication for the management of pain. This will also increases the patients’ adherence to medication and will help in improving their quality of life. The objective of the study was to assess the awareness of migraine patients towards various aspects of migraine in a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational questionnaire-based study conducted from January to March 2017 in ASCOMS&H, Sidhra, Jammu. The self-administered pre-validated questionnaires pertaining to various aspects of migraine were distributed among the patients diagnosed of having migraine and attending the Neurology Out patient department (OPD). Patients of either sex with a diagnosis of migraine and age ≥18 years were included in the study. The data was analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics.Results: In the present study, majority of the patients suffering from migraine were in the age group of 18-40 years (58.6%) and females were more commonly affected about 60.9% than males. There was no family history of migraine in 78.1% of the patients. About 87.4% of the patients had 2-6 attacks of migraine per month. The most common triggering factor cited by the patients was lack of sleep in 29.9% followed by stress in 27.6% and less water intake in 26.4% of the patients.Conclusions: From the present study, it can be concluded that the patients were aware about the associated signs and symptoms but they had inadequate knowledge about all the aspects of the disease. Therefore, it is important to make patients more aware of the disease to increase their compliance to treatment and to improve their quality of life.
Comparative study of hypoglycemic activity of Morus alba with oral glibenclamide in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Authors: Reddy Mamatha , Shaik Altaf Hussain
Published: February 2019

Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that continues to present a major worldwide health problem, characterized by absolute or relative deficiencies in insulin secretion and/or insulin action associated with chronic hyperglycaemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. It is fast growing disease, gains the status of a potential epidemic in India with prevalence of more than 62 million diabetic individuals currently diagnosed with the diabetes.Methods: The study was conducted at Department of Pharmacology, Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool for a period of 1 year from January 2017 to December 2018. Animals used were albino rats, of Wistar strain, weighing between 150-200gm of either sex. The animals were divided into six groups as: control group (I); pathogenic control group (II) injected intravenously (i.v.) with single dose of STZ (60mg/kg); Morus alba stem bark extract (group-III; 200mg/kg), and group-IV (400mg/kg); group-V animals treated with glibenclamide (5mg/kg, p.o.) following STZ treatment; group-VI, animals treated with bark extract per se (400 mg/kg).Results: The results of this study showed a significant decrease blood glucose level, glycosylated heamoglobin level, and reduction in glutathione and insulin level after STZ administration. These parameters were significantly (p<0.05) reversed by extracts dose dependently.Conclusions: Thus, authors conclude that M. alba stem bark extracts produced significant antidiabetic and antioxidant effect which might be due to the presence of bioactive components such as phenolic and flavonoid content in the extract. The study warrants the need for further evaluated in certain other models of diabetes.
Prevalence of obesity and prediabetes in above 40 years age group based on glycated hemoglobin levels among health care professional in Patna, India
Authors: Singh Amrandra Prasad
Published: February 2019

Background: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of prediabetes using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in above 40 years age group health care professional in Patna.Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out amongst 315 employees of the Independent Public Central Hospital in Patna. The selection of healthcare professionals for the study was random. The largest study subgroup (63.4%) were nurses, followed by word attender (13.5%), other administrative employee (10.3%), and orderlies (6.6%). All subjects underwent glycated hemoglobin level measurement at hospital laboratory. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and binary logistic regression tests at value of p <0.05.Results: The study group was evaluated for prediabetes (expressed in the form of HbA1c levels) with an American Diabetes Association-approved classification. The results indicated that a vast majority of the evaluated healthcare personnel (383 people; 82.4%) had normal glycated hemoglobin levels. The remainder of the study group showed carbohydrate metabolism disturbances. The range of glycated hemoglobin levels (5.7-6.4%) found in 73 people (15.7%) suggested an increased risk for diabetes. As a result of the study, as few, or as many, as 9 people (1.9%) were diagnosed with diabetes (initial diagnosis).Conclusions: These results emphasize the need to develop an urgent public program to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of diabetes. Most of the evaluated healthcare professionals (79.36%) showed no evidence of being at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Only 17.6% of respondents were unaware of their metabolic disturbances. The study demonstrated a positive correlation between body mass index values and glycated hemoglobin levels in the evaluated group of healthcare professionals (R=0.3), which was similar to that found in the general population.
Learning Pharmacology by metaphors: a tale of NSAIDs
Authors: Khilnani Gurudas , Khilnani Ajeet Kumar , Thaddanee Rekha
Published: February 2019

Metaphors are increasingly used for learning in medical education.1,2 Learning can be facilitated by giving homologous/analogous examples and story-telling.3-5 The undergraduate students are involved, and learning becomes enjoyable and stress-free. Here is a conversation between two NSAIDs while travelling in anthropomorphic forms (human beings) and discussing the detailed pharmacology and therapeutics of NSAIDs.
A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing laparoscopic versus open Whipple’s procedure for periampullary malignancy
Authors: Bhingare Pravin , Wankhade Sunil , Gupta Brajesh B. , Dakhore Sanjay
Published: February 2019

Background: Laparoscopic surgery in cases of periampullary region malignancies has been emerging as a preferable alternative to open pancreatoduodenectomy due to their benefits such as early mobilization and shorter duration of hospital stay. We conducted this study to determine whether laparoscopic approach is comparable to open pancreatoduodenectomy in terms of hospital stay, blood loss, complications, pathological radicality with oncological safety and overall postoperative short-term outcomes.Methods: This was a single-center, non-stratified, balanced allocation, open-label, parallel-group randomized control study in which patients who had undergone  Whipple’s procedure were included. Patients were randomized after confirmation of non-metastatic status into either the laparoscopy (N=15) or open surgery group (N=15). The primary outcome variable was duration of postoperative hospital stays. Secondary outcomes were duration of surgery, blood loss, complication rates (using definitions of the international study group of pancreatic surgery) and pathological radicality of resection.Results: Pain in abdomen was the predominant complaint which was seen in 12 (80%) and 10 (66%) patients each. The other common symptoms were weight loss, vomiting and jaundice. Surgical site infection, mean blood loss and mean operative duration was significantly lower in laparoscopic group (P<0.05). Mean tumor size was more in open group. Mortality was comparable in both the groups.Conclusions: Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy offers significant benefit in terms of hospital stay, surgical site infection, mean blood loss, mean operative duration and mean interval of duration receiving chemo/radiotherapy as compared to open surgery in cases of periampullary region malignancy.
A clinico-observational study of intestinal stoma and their complications
Authors: Bhutra Shyam , Singh Amit , Darwal Ramkishore , Jain Piyush , Kala Vineet
Published: February 2019

Background: The present study is designed to study the indications of intestinal stoma formation, type of stoma formation, complications of intestinal stoma made in patients under emergency or elective setting and postoperative care of the intestinal stomas.Methods: The study was carried out in Department of surgery at J. L. N. Medical College, Ajmer from January 2016 to September 2017. In this study only >12 years age patient were included. The data were collected prospectively and analysed.Results: It was observed that most patients were operated in emergency (90%) as compare to elective (10%) setting for the formation of intestinal stomas. The stoma was formed more in male (58%) as compared to female (42%). There were two peak age group 31-45 year and 45-60 years in which more stoma formation occur. The common indications for stoma were found to be ileal perforation with gangrenous ileum. The common stoma formed was ileostomy (64%) in compared to colostomy (34%). The loop stomas were formed in compared to end stoma and temporary stoma (84%) more formed compared to permanent stoma (16%). The most common complications were found to be skin excoriation (64%) as compared to other complications.Conclusions: Despite increasing surgical expertise, complications of intestinal stomas still occur frequently in all setups and result in high morbidity. Meticulous skin care with regular follow-up, early detection of complications with their timely management along with education and counselling can decrease morbidity.
Stages of recovery from depression in relation to clinical outcomes and consumer recovery processes
Authors: Low Benjamin C. Y. , Lim Kokkwang , Wong Meiyin , Ooi Sayleong , Oades Lindsay G. , Yap Chee Khong
Published: February 2019

Background: Research on consumer-defined recovery from mental illness has been critiqued for a lack of quantitative evidence and conceptual clarity that has impeded further development of recovery-oriented services. This is especially true when it comes to models of the stages of recovery from mental illness. Qualitative studies have produced 20 distinct stage models with significant similarities but limited quantitative validation. The present study tests the convergent validity of one promising model in relation to psychosocial functioning, depression symptoms, and the processes that are thought to underpin consumer-defined recovery.Methods: Eighty-eight patients with depressive symptoms were recruited. Patient-rated and clinician-rated measures were used to assess participants’ current stage of recovery, depressive symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and their level of attainment on the processes of recovery.Results: Higher stages of recovery were associated with better depression symptoms, participant and clinician rated functioning, and several recovery processes that were repeatedly identified by past research. The effect sizes were consistently large.Conclusions: Evidence of convergent validity was found for the model under study. Together with previous research, results suggest that the model may be a promising description of the recovery process and could inform the development of recovery-oriented services.
Attitudes and barriers of undergraduate students towards conducting research at Fakeeh college for medical sciences, Jeddah, KSA; a cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Abulata Nelly N. , Ismail Amira S. , Sabra Nouf A. , Alnezawi Reem A. , Bazahair Rahma M. , Ahyaf Nedaa F. , Alsaati Raghad H. , Alhattami Amani A. , Fatani Lora E. , Hawsawi Tahani K.
Published: February 2019

Background: To evaluate attitudes and barriers toward medical research among undergraduate students at Fakeeh College for Medical Science (FCMS), Jeddah, KSA in order to improve their awareness towards medical research criteria and develop action plan to subdue all obstacles.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional multi-disciplinary study was conducted from March to September 2018 on undergraduate students at FCMS. A questionnaire was completed by 129 students; addressing 6 factors, consisting of 30 questions: 15 questions assessing the attitudes and 15 questions assessing the barriers.Results: Out of the 443 students enrolled in all 3 Programs 129 of the students responded. No significant differences towards research were noted between genders. A comparison between the three programs (medicine, nursing and medical laboratory sciences) towards research revealed that there were no statistically significant differences (P<0.01) between the 3 programs for all factors. Overall, the assessment of students' perception was the highest for factor on the relevance of research to their everyday life with a mean of 4.2 (0.40) whereas, the factor that addressed the research anxiety had the lowest perception with a mean of 3.76 (0.77).Conclusions: The majority of students in the study considered research to be valuable but, at the same time they had little time to conduct research because of their educational tasks. Accordingly, allocating credited hours in their educational schedules for research activities can help encourage students at FCMS to conduct research projects.
Personal protective equipment compliance among laundry workers in secondary and tertiary health facilities in Nigeria
Authors: Omoijiade Emmanuel N. , Evbuomwan Lucky
Published: February 2019

Background: Generally, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used by healthcare workers, as they provide a physical barrier between hazards and the wearer. Exposure to occupational hazards in the laundry can be limited by the use of PPE such as barrier gowns, gloves, eyewear, foot coverings and face masks. This study provides information on the PPE compliance of the workers at the laundry, as this would prove useful in order to establish appropriate interventions to minimize occupational risks of workers in the healthcare laundries.Methods: This study was a comparative cross-sectional study. It was conducted in six hospitals with a laundry department in Benin-city, composed of one available tertiary healthcare facility and five secondary healthcare facilities. Questionnaire was administered to the workers concerning the availability and use of PPE.Results: The common PPE used were nose masks (7.9%), hand gloves (39.5%), safety boots (3.6%) and coveralls (84.5%). Respondents revealed that eye goggles or face shields and ear plugs or muffs were never provided for them.Conclusions: Compliance of respondents to PPE was not at an optimally recommended level. It is recommended that efforts be made to ensure that workers comply with PPE use, while providing all necessary protective equipment, which should first be assessed before selection and use.
Analysis of cervical liquid-based cytology results in Eskişehir, Turkey: correlation of cytology results with histology, immunocytocemical HPV Ab and HPV DNA results of 18404 women
Authors: Erdoğan Bahattin , Bal Cengiz , Önal Binnur
Published: February 2019

Background: To analyze retrospectively the results of HPV DNA, immunocytochemical HPV antibody staining of gynecologic smear samples evaluated in a public hospital and to observe their compatibility with histologic diagnosis. At the same time, the contribution of ICC HPV Ab staining experience results to the morphological evaluation is discussed in this paper.Methods: In this study, liquid-based cytology test results of patients who applied to the gynecology between 2014 and 2017 were analyzed. The Ultravision Quanto Detection System was modified for immunocytochemical staining. HPV DNA tests were performed with the Qiagen Hybrid Capture test.Results: The 18404 test result was included in the research. The percentage of smear that epithelial cell atypia is seen was 3.4%, the rate of ASC/SIL was 1.89%. Compared to the first 3 years of the study, the increase in the rate of LSIL is seen with a partial decrease in ASCUS rate in year 2017 (p<0.05). The atypical positive test rate with histologic confirmation was 73.61%. Among 138 HPV Ab results, 58.7% of them were negative and 41.3% of them were positive. Sensitivity and specificity rates were determined 76.19% and 52.17% for SIL. Among 53 HPV DNA results (53% negative and 46.3% positive); sensitivity and specificity rates were determined 92.86% and 50% for SIL.Conclusions: İmmunocytochemical HPV Ab staining provided statistically significant contribution to LSIL (p<0.05).  It is thought that it also will provide additional evidence for morphological findings while cytological evaluation and may help the clinician in managing the conditions for disease.
Knowledge on pulmonary tuberculosis among Dalit community of Bharatpokhari VDC of Kaski district, Nepal
Authors: Lamichhane Rajendra , Marasini Nabin Raj , Lama Nishant , Subedi Sangam , Marasini Nirmal Raj
Published: February 2019

Background: Tuberculosis still remains public health problems in Nepal. Previous studies among marginalized ethnic groups suggest that being poor increases the risk of tuberculosis. Dalit communities are those communities in Nepal, backward in social, economic and educational fields and are not excluded from the risk of tuberculosis. The objective of the study was to determine the level of knowledge on pulmonary tuberculosis among Dalit community of Bharatpokhari VDC of Kaski.Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge on pulmonary tuberculosis among Dalit community of Bharatpokhari VDC, Kaski from January 2010 to July 2010. Samples were taken randomly from different wards of the VDC. Data was collected by using pretested structured questionnaire by home to home visit of age 15-49 years. Data was collected from 15th January 2010 to 15th May 2010.Results: Study revealed that 29% respondents had adequate level of knowledge on pulmonary tuberculosis. The factor, education status was associated with level of knowledge on pulmonary tuberculosis on bivariate analysis (p=0.005).Conclusions: More than two third of the respondents had inadequate level of knowledge on pulmonary tuberculosis. Thus, recommends for the awareness programme on pulmonary tuberculosis. The education status and level of knowledge on pulmonary tuberculosis was significantly associated on bivariate analysis, and recommends for improvement in the education status of dalit community would be beneficial.
Health insurance coverage and its awareness among population in the rural field practice area of Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B G Nagara, Karnataka
Authors: Manuja L. M. , Viswanatha P. G. , Nagendra Kanchana
Published: February 2019

Background: In India, there is marked lack of awareness of health insurance in the rural and low socioeconomic sector due to reasons like the existing burden on the poor making them reluctant to think of the credit policies that are actually issued in their interest, illiteracy, lack of exposure and the growth of the private sectors has an upper hand over public sectors. Hence this study was done with the objective to determine the health insurance coverage and its awareness including perception among the rural population around Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, BG Nagara, Mandya.Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out among 295 households in the rural field practice area of Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B G Nagara for a period of 3 months. Personal interview of the households was done using pretested semi structured questionnaire after obtaining the consent. Data was entered in MS excel and descriptive statistical measures like percentage, mean, and standard deviations were calculated. An inferential statistical measure like Chi square test was applied.Results: Among 295 households, Male constituted 49.5% and Hindus were 94.9%. 44.7% of the families were enrolled to health insurance schemes and 75.0% of them use to renew their health insurance scheme regularly. The factors which were significantly associated with health insurance enrollment and awareness were gender, education, occupation, hospitalization during last year and socioeconomic status. Only 173 (58.6%) of the respondents were aware of health insurance.Conclusions:More than half of the study population was covered by health insurance policies and majority of them were unaware of the available insurance schemes, risks and benefits of the same.
Effectiveness of special awareness campaigns in sustaining leprosy awareness through community participation in rural areas of Maharashtra
Authors: K. Rokade Vasudev , Prabhavalkar A. B.
Published: February 2019

Background: ALERT-INDIA had launched a strategic programme, leprosy elimination action programme (LEAP) involving all stakeholders, in support of integration of leprosy into general health system. Present study was performed with objectives to understand the effect of focused IEC in transfer of basic knowledge about leprosy, to assess the impact on the level of knowledge about leprosy in the community and to measure the sustainability of knowledge about leprosy over a period of time.Methods: Community level IEC campaigns under SSD and house to house leprosy IPC were carried out by trained staff of NGOs who partnered with LEAP and by trained community volunteers (CVs) from the villages respectively. The questionnaire assessment for IEC effectiveness through SSD strategy implemented is studied. The questionnaire was administered with the interval of 1 month, 3 months and 9 months after SSD to assess the knowledge retention, perspective and sustainability of leprosy awareness.Results: The lowest in SSD area was the knowledge about early signs followed by perception about deformity, spread, and cause. In non-SSD area lowest correct responses was in regard with early sign of infectious leprosy followed by spread, infectivity, cause, perception about deformity, patch as early sign and perception about social acceptance.Conclusions: Focused IEC as a part of selective special drive (SSD) with involvement of CVs properly inducted can increase the level of knowledge and help sustain the leprosy awareness.
Nutritional status assessment among medical students in Gujarat
Authors: Desai Gaurav J. , Jadav Pranay A. , Savsani Priya B. , Verma Pramod B.
Published: February 2019

Background: India is facing nutrition transition. Period of college life is the phase was healthy and unhealthy diet habits takes place. The present study was aimed to study nutritional status among students of a medical college.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the 254 students of a medical college attached with the civil hospital Gandhinagar over a period of six months. Pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information. Anthropometric examination like height, weight, BMI, waist-hip ratio was done according to WHO criteria. Data were analysed with Epi info 7.Results: Among 254 study participants, 159 (62.60%) were female and 99 (33.40%) were males. Obesity according to waist-hip ratio is significantly higher in females as compared to males Physical activities are significantly higher in females as compared to males in present study (p<0.05). Family history of diabetes and hypertension were also significantly higher in females as compared to males.Conclusions: Obesity according to Weight hip ratio was more in females as compared to male. Physical inactivity is also significantly higher in females. As per BMI undernutrition was also prevalent in the study participants.
Assessment of quality of life among stroke survivors: a longitudinal study
Authors: Rajan Babitha , Pruthvish S. , Lalitha K. , Tyloth Murali , Murthy N. S.
Published: February 2019

Background: Quality of life (QoL) among stroke survivors is a concern which has not received sufficient attention in India. The objective of the study was to assess the quality of life of stroke survivors in rural population of Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka.Methods: A community based longitudinal study was done amongst the 150 incident stroke cases registered during the period from March 2013 to November 2014 and who survived beyond 28 days. The cases were enrolled and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire and were followed up for 6th month period. QoL was assessed at baseline (at 28 days), at 3rd month and 6th Month using Stroke Specific QoL scale (SSQoL) and Barthel index (BI).Results: The mean age of the persons with stroke was 61.3±15 years with a majority being males (69.3%). Baseline median score (IQR) of SSQoL at 28th day was poor i.e. 131 (77-183). Among the 150 cases, 136 (91%) survived until the end of 6th month. The overall QOL gradually improved to 182 (133-213) and 185 (147-213) at 3rd and 6th month respectively and similar improvement was seen individually in physical, psychological and social domains as well and on multivariate logistic regression age <60 years and few disturbed consciousness among the stroke survivors during the 6th month follow up were found to be predictors for improved quality of life.Conclusions: QoL showed significant improvements in all physical, psychological and social domains by the end of the 6th month of follow up.
A study on epidemiological and clinical characteristics of measles patients admitted to Sir Ronald Ross institute of tropical and communicable diseases, Hyderabad, India
Authors: . Asma , Pulla Anupama , Thomas Vimala
Published: February 2019

Background: Measles is an acute infectious exanthematous disease of childhood caused by paramyxovirus. With increase in immunization coverage levels, the intensity of measles outbreak has decreased in the country. In some parts of India, measles is still a major cause of morbidity and childhood mortality. Objective of the study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with macular/maculo-papular rash.Methods: A cross sectional record based retrospective study was carried out at Sir Ronald Ross institute of tropical and communicable diseases, Hyderabad. All the cases admitted in year 2016 with history of fever and macular/maculo-papular rash were included in the study. The study was carried out for 2 months.Results: A total of 639 cases were admitted to infectious disease hospital during the year 2016 with history of fever and rash. The mean age of study population was 6.08±4.9 years. Around 43.7% of cases were in the age group of 1–5 years. The disease was slightly higher among boys (52.3%) as compared to girls (47.7%). Amongst the clinical features, fever and rash were seen in 100%, coryza in 80%, and conjunctivitis in 63.3% of study population.Conclusions: Majority of the children suffering from measles was not vaccinated and the most common reason for failure to immunize children was lack of awareness. There is a need to increase awareness about importance of measles immunization to reduce under five mortality.
Prematüre bebeklerde seri kantitatif kemik ultrasonografi ölçümleri ile osteopeninin değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Erol Sara , Zenciroğlu Ayşegül
Published: February 2019

AMAÇ: Son yıllarda perinatal tıbbi uygulamaların gelişmesiyle preterm bebeklerde mortalite önemli ölçüde azalmıştır. Bu bebeklerde prematüre osteopenisini de içeren çok sayıda komplikasyon gelişebilmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı prematüre osteopenisinin epidemiyolojik özelliklerinin ve risk faktörlerinin belirlenmesidir.GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM: Yenidoğan yoğun bakım ünitesine 6 aylık süreçte başvuran prematüre bebekler çalışmaya alındı. Hastaların kemik mineral yoğunluklarını belirlemek için kantitatif kemik ultrasonografiyle kemik ses hızları ve z skorları ölçüldü. Ölçümler ilk haftadan itibaren ardışık 5 hafta boyunca haftada bir kez olmak üzere tekrarlandı. Z skoru değeri <-1 olan hastalar osteopenik, ≥ -1 olanlar normal kemik mineral içeriğine sahip hastalar olarak tanımlandı. BULGULAR: 81 prematüre bebek çalışmaya alındı. Gestasyonel yaşları median 33 (24-36) hafta, doğum ağırlıkları ortalama 1834±476 gramdı. Olguların kemik ses hızı ve z skoru değerlerinin beş haftalık süre içinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde azaldığı görüldü (p<0.001). Kemik ses hızı ve z skoru ölçüm değerleri ile doğum sayısı, çoğul gebelik, annede hastalık varlığı ve annenin ilaç kullanımı arasında istatistiksel anlamlı ilişki bulunmadı (p>0.05). Osteopenik hastalarda doğum ağırlığının ve gestasyonel yaşın daha küçük olduğu (sırasıyla; p=0.042, p=0.015) saptandı.SONUÇ: Uygun enteral ve parenteral beslenme rejimlerine rağmen prematürelerde ve çok düşük doğum ağırlıklı bebeklerde osteopeni gelişebilir. Ancak prematüre osteopenisi üzerine etkili diğer nedenlerin oluşturacağı riskler yeterli vitamin ve mineral desteğiyle azaltılabilir.
ORTAÖĞRETİM ÇAĞINDAKİ ÇOCUKLARDA KEMAH KAYNAK TUZU KULLANIMI İLE İYOT EKSİKLİĞİ İLİŞKİSİ
Authors: Topal İsmail , Soytürk Mehmet
Published: February 2019

AMAÇ: İyot eksikliği tiroid hastalıklarının en yaygın nedenidir. Bölgemizde yaygın olarak kullanılan iyottan fakir Kemah kaynak tuzunun ortaöğretim çağındaki çocuklarda iyot eksikliği, tiroid bezi volümü ve akademik başarı ile ilişkisini araştırmayı amaçladık.GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM: Araştırmaya Kemah bölgesinde eğitim gören 185 öğrenci dahil edildi. Çalışmaya dahil olan öğrencilerin evlerinde kullandıkları tuz çeşidi sorgulandı, idrar iyot düzeyi ve ultrasonografi ile tiroid bezi hacmi ölçümleri yapıldı.BULGULAR: Öğrencilerin 133 (%71.9)’ünde ağır iyot eksikliği, 39 (%21)’unda hafif-orta iyot eksikliği saptanırken, 13 (%7.1)’ünde idrar iyot düzeyleri normaldi. Kemah kaynak tuzu kullanan 139 öğrencinin 133(%95.7)’inde iyot eksikliği varken, iyotlanmış sofra tuzu kullanan 46 öğrencinin 39 (%84.8)’ünde iyot eksikliği saptandı (p<0.001). Çalışmaya alınan 185 öğrencinin 124 (%65.4)’inde normal, 61 (%34.6 )’inde artmış tiroid bezi hacmi tespit edildi. Tiroid hacmi Kemah kaynak tuzu kullananlarda anlamlı düzeyde yüksek bulundu (p=0.001). İdrar iyot düzeyi düşük olan öğrencilerin okul başarısı düşüktü (p=0.001).SONUÇ: Bazı bölgelerde geleneksel olarak kullanılan iyot içeriği düşük kaynak tuzlar çocuklarda iyot eksikliği oranını arttırmakta ve çocukların akademik başarılarını düşürmektedir. İyot eksikliğine yönelik önleme çalışmalarında bu durum göz önünde bulundurulmalı ve yöre halkının bu konudaki bilgi düzeyi artırılmalıdır.
SON DÖNEM KRONİK BÖBREK YETMEZLİĞİNDE PARATİROİD BEZLERİNİN ULTRASONOGROFİK BOYUTLARININ KALSİYUM METABOLİZMASI VE KEMİK DÖNGÜSÜ İLE İLİŞKİSİ VE ERİTROPOETİN TEDAVİSİNİN ROLÜ
Authors: Düğeroğlu Harun , Öztürk Ümit , Öztürk Mustafa
Published: February 2019

AMAÇ: Çalışmanın amacı, son dönem kronik böbrek yet-mezliği olan hastalarda paratiroid bez boyutlarının hiper-paratiroidi ve kemik hastalığı ile ilişkisini belirlemek ve eritropoetin tedavisi ile ilişkisini ortaya koymaktır. GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM: Çalışmaya sürekli ayaktan periton diyalizi (SAPD) ünitesinde renal replasman tedavisi almakta olan 20 hasta, hemodiyaliz ünitesinden 40 hasta ve evre 4 prediyaliz (GFR 15-29 ml/dk) olan 20 hasta alındı. Hastalara paratiroid ultrasonografi, biyokimya - hematoloji tetkikleri ve kemik mineral dansitometri (KMD) ölçümleri yapıldı. BULGULAR: Prediyaliz hastaların parathormon (PTH) değerleri SAPD ve hemodiyaliz hastalarına göre daha düşük saptandı (sırasıyla p=0.002, p=0.001). Prediyaliz hastalarda adenom sayısı, periton diyalizi hastalarına göre düşük olduğu bulundu (p=0.015). Prediyaliz hastalarının paratiroid adenom volümü, hemodiyaliz hastalarına göre daha düşük saptandı (p=0.032). Son bir yılda kullanılan total eritropoetin (EPO) dozu; PTH düzeyi, adenom sayısı ve adenom volümünün yanı sıra, PTH’nın arttırdığı kemik yapım markerları olan alkalen fosfataz ve osteokalsin düzeyi ile de pozitif korelasyon göstermiştir (sırasıyla r=0.257 p=0.021, r=0.312 p=0.005). Ortalama PTH değerleri 496.5±439.7 pg/ml olarak bulundu ve adenom volümü ile PTH salgısı arasında pozitif korelasyon mevcuttu (p=0.001).SONUÇ: PTH sekresyonunun en yüksek otonom değerlere sahip olan hastalar, en fazla eritropoetin kullanmış hastalardır. Bu bulgular, eritropoetinin paratiroid gland büyüklüğünü arttırmanın yanı sıra otonomitesini de arttırdığını göstermektedir.
GREEN CABBAGE (BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS) GROWTH SEEDLINGS BY OPTIMIZING OF CHICKEN MANURE CONCENTRATION IN SOIL MIXTURE
Authors: Maghfiroh Nurul , Billah Arif , Widhyahrini Khusna
Published: February 2019

Purpose of the study: Green cabbage (Brassica campestris) is a kind of vegetable with good quality in nutrient and economical for people.  It could be planted in a small area seems like in home around.  Chicken manure was the fertilizer that could get from the farming area.  The productivity of Green cabbage through with nutrient in soil quality.  Fertilizer was one of alternative could be done for plant nutrient by simply using to against deficiency growth.  The purpose of this research is to optimize chicken manure using as fertilizer.  Optimizing was done by mixture in water solvent.

Methodology: Experiment was done by quantitative research in height plant analysis.  The soil was taken from Joyo Imran Street Cabean region in Salatiga city that had 27°C degrees in daily average.  Planting was done in plastic bag consisted of chicken manure concentrations in soil at 0% (w/w); 20% (w/w); 30% (w/w); 40% (w/w); and 50% (w/w) mixture.  Height measurement was done on the 10th day after planting.

Main Findings: The optimum yield was obtained on 40% (w/w) mixed variation of chicken manure.  It had a high increase in growing seedlings.

Applications of this study: One of various fertilizers is creating chicken manure farmer using fertilizer in 40 % (w/w) mixture from chicken manure because this kind of fertilizer was better than other and had an economical.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The fertilizing system had lacked in over, especially for decreasing soil quality and plant growth.  Therefore, optimization of used fertilizer in the soil mixture needs to be done to see the effect.  In this research optimization of the used (de Jonge et al., 2018) fertilizer in soil mix was carried out. The optimization is done to the variation of concentration of amount fertilizer to the soil in the mixture.  The analysis of the growth of green cabbage was carried out from measurements height of plant that grew with 10 days.
A Comparative Analysis on Efficiency of the Student Loan Repayment Policy in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Nigeria
Authors: Benjamin Korankye , Wen Xuezhou , Baah Nketia Easmond , Kweitsu Godson
Published: February 2019

The Ghanaian student loan has been touted as an innovative policy to enhance human development yet the policy is contending with inherent inefficiencies. With the general objective of this study, to critically analyze the success and sustainability of the SLTF loan in Ghana through the repayment and recovery rate using the relative efficiency index (REI=Repayment Ratio / Recovery Ratio) as compare to other Africa countries. This research analyzed the repayment mechanism used in the Ghanaian SLTF and the other countries under study, focusing on a payment schedule, time-frame and the interest rate applied. From the research, although the repayment ratio is high mean, the value of loan amount is also high this suggests that there are gaps to be filled in terms of repayment. Loan repayment is also affected by the interest rate and the salary as shown in the data. The researcher recommends that the loan amount should be reviewed upwards while the repayment period of the student loan remains 10years. With trending issues based on others literature on student loans, the researcher can predict that the loan efficiency would be positive if a high percentage of the loans are paid by student borrowers within the repayment period.
Integrating digital tools for teaching of writing expression in Turkish language
Authors: Eroglu Mehmet Ali
Published: February 2019

Web 2 is one of the most important tools among the internet users. In this paper, the answer is given to a question “how can it be integrated social web tools into education?” and it’s focused on written expression of Turkish teaching for adults Students are selected from different profession departments. Each week they focused on a different subject. There are 2 hours regular, a few practical lectures. Students were asked to voluntarly use integrated applications. A few students were refused to use some tools for different reasons. Privacy setting is offered students as follows;1. To share their writing expression as a public, 2. To share their writing expression as inside the friends, 3.To share their writing expression as assistants and instructor for evaluation, 4.To share their comment and likes about friends’ writing expression, 5. To share their opinion in class but it is too limited because of not enough time.
Keywords: Turkish Language, writing expression, motivation, learning strategies, self-regulation.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and self-concept and educational achievement of Tehran students
Authors: Shams Zahra
Published: February 2019

This study conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between emotional intelligence and self-concept as well as educational achievement of Tehran students. Descriptive correlational research used as a research design. Selected samples, after receiving information about research goals and giving their consent to participation, collaborated with the researcher. First, using multi-stage cluster sampling, districts 1, 4, and 17 were selected among 22 districts of Tehran randomly. Then, two high schools (one girls' high school and one boy's high school) were chosen from each of districts. 200 students were recruited. Emotional intelligence and Tennessee self-concept questionnaires were completed by participants and then analysis of data carried out using correlation matrix and Multiple Regression. The results showed that self-concept and educational achievement have a significant relationship with emotional intelligence. Also, emotional intelligence could predict self-concept and educational achievement.
Keywords: emotional intelligence, self-concept, educational achievement
Lebanese secondary physics teachers’ attitudes towards the use of ICT
Authors: Yehya Fouad Mounier , Barbar Aziz M. , Abou-Rjeily Suzanne
Published: February 2019

Information and communication technology (ICT) is increasingly widespread, influencing educational systems worldwide. ICT educational tools can be a transformative tool that may facilitate meaningful learning in physics courses if educators are willing to embrace it with a positive attitude. The attitude of physics teachers has a tremendous effect on ICT integration in physics classrooms. This research paper is aimed to examine the attitudes towards the use of ICTs among Lebanese secondary physics teachers. A sample of 141 secondary physics teachers was assessed for their ICTs’ attitude using a Likert type questionnaire. The questionnaire focused on the teachers’ affect towards ICT, aware of usefulness and their confidence to use ICT. The results of both descriptive and inferential statistics showed a positive attitude towards ICT and no gender, years of experience or age differences among physics teachers’ attitudes. Implications for teacher training and suggestions for further research are provided. Keywords: Information and communication technology (ICT), ICT implementation, ICT attitude, Lebanese secondary physics teachers.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Keser Prof. Dr. Hafize
Published: February 2019

Dear Readers,

It is the great honor for us to publish 11th volume, 1th issue of International Journal of Learning and Teaching.

International Journal of Learning and Teaching (IJLT) is an international and multi-disciplinary which aims to provide a platform for the publication of the most advanced scientific research in the areas of learning, development, instruction and teaching. The journal welcomes original empirical investigations. The papers may represent a variety of theoretical perspectives and different methodological approaches. They may refer to any age level, from infants to adults and to a diversity of learning and instructional settings, from laboratory experiments to field studies. The major criteria in the review and the selection process concern the significance of the contribution to the area of learning and teaching. IJLT covers all aspects of education; trends in education, the emerging and educational settings, instructional design, learning-teaching methods and applications, instructional multimedia, new education environments, theoretical principles, assessment and evaluation and related fields.

A total number of twenty (33) manuscripts were submitted for this issue and each paper has been subjected to double-blind peer review process by the reviewers specialized in the related field. At the end of the review process, a total number of four (4) high quality research papers were selected and accepted for publication.

Aim of this issue is to give the researchers an opportunity to share the results of their academic studies. There are different research topics discussed in the articles.

 

The topics of the next issue will be different. You can make sure that we will be trying to serve you with our journal with a rich knowledge in which different kinds of topics are discussed in 2019 Volume.

I would like to present many thanks to all the contributors who helped to publish this issue.

 

Best regards,

Prof. Dr. Hafize Keser

 Editor â€“ in Chief
A Content analysis of graduate theses concerning early childhood education in Turkey
Authors: DEMİRTAŞ İLHAN Seden , TANTEKİN ERDEN Feyza
Published: February 2019

This study aims to investigate
the descriptive characteristics, research topics and methodological procedures
of master’s theses and doctoral dissertations regarding early childhood
education in Turkey. Within the scope of the current study, 931 Master’s.
theses and 171 doctoral dissertations were analyzed according to university,
institute, department, publication year, academic title of the advisor,
research topic, sample group, location in which the study took place, research
setting of the study, type of research, instruments, statistical analysis, and
sampling methods. The study covers theses published from 1986 to 2016, and a
content analysis method was implemented for data analysis. As expected, the
current study found that students were the most frequently used subject groups
in both M.S. theses (37.39%) and Ph.D. dissertations (53.39%). In the M.S.
theses, researchers mostly preferred research topics regarding the education of
young children (29.95%) whereas in PhD. dissertations, researchers mainly
focused on developmental issues (32.78%). Nearly, all the graduate theses were
conducted in city centers and central districts.