bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric genetic disorders: nutritional challenges in the UAE
Authors: Mansoor Anwar Al-
Published: January 2018

Pediatric patients with genetic disorders are an often overlooked subpopulation, though they pose serious nutritional and medical challenges. Many genetic disorders are prevalent in the UAE and in the larger Middle Eastern region due to cultural   traditions of intermarriage. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), holoprosencephaly and chromosome 9 monosomy are just some of the disorders that lead to the need for  ventilation and enteral feedings. These patients uniquely prevail in the Arabian Gulf region due to stricter laws that allow them to survive on ventilation machines, as compared to the Western world, where they would otherwise not be reliant on   mechanical ventilation, thus characterizing them with shorter lifespans. This leads to limited research published on the appropriate management of such patients and  challenges to medical professionals in the region. This presentation aims to discuss the various nutritional challenges posed by such patients, including failure to thrive and the inappropriate use of standardized growth charts and energy formulas.
Early detection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in family practice
Authors: Alkot Mohammad
Published: January 2018

Background: In real practice, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) is often diagnosed at a late stage as its clinical manifestations pass unnoticed and   spirometry is almost not utilized. Objectives: To clarify the possibility of early    detection of COPD by family physicians at the primary health care level. Methods: The study was conducted during the winter season (2015) in Al-Shohadaa family health center, Al-Shohadaa city, Menoufia governorate, Egypt. All patients â‰¥ 40 years, smoking â‰¥ 20 pack-years and attending the center with respiratory  symptoms were subjected after their consent to a spirometry to check for early COPD diagnosis. Results: Although based on spirometry 33 out of 192 had COPD (18 (9.4%) had GOLD I and 15 (7.8%) had â‰¥ GOLD II, respectively), there was no significant difference in the type and the number of respiratory symptoms between Non-COPD and early COPD patients. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that the presenting symptoms specially in early stages could not discriminate patients with COPD, so availability of spirometry in addition to training of family physicians at the family health care settings is a mandatory challenge for early COPD diagnosis.
Disruptive behavior disorders among basic-learning school children at Qwiesna district, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt (2014/2015)
Authors: Alkot Mohammad
Published: January 2018

Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) are psychiatric disorders of children and  adolescence including Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD). DBDs are associated with increased risk for negative developmental outcomes including substance abuse, school problems and antisocial or criminal violence.   Objective of the study was to assess Disruptive Behavior Disorders among basic learning school children in Qwiesna district , Menoufia governorate. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 348 basic learning school children and their parents in   addition to their Classrooms' teachers'. Children were subjected to Mini-Kids    Interview for diagnosis of DBDs then ''Parenting Manner Scale'' for detection of  parenting style.   Parents and teachers rated child's behavior at their home and school respectively during past six months. Parents were subjected to ''socioeconomic status scale. The results of the study showed that, Prevalence of DBDs was 14.9%. ODD and CD were 8% and 6.9 % of cases respectively. Mean age was significantly younger among patients (11.69Â±1.6) with male sex predominance (69.2%). Low  Socioeconomic level (67.3%), inter-parental conflicts (36.5%), single parent (51.9%) and family history of neuropsychiatric disorders (65.4%) were significantly higher among cases. Overprotection (28.8% and 28.8%), discrimination between siblings (28.8% and 28.8%) and authoritarian fathers and mothers parenting styles (17.3% & 19.2%) respectively were significantly higher among cases. The study concluded that, Prevalence of DBDs among basic learning school children in Qwiesna district, Menoufia governorate was 14.9%.ODD and CD represented 8% and 6.9% of cases respectively. Risk factors were; low socioeconomic status (OR 3.4), low parental  educations (OR 1.07 &2.9 for fathers and mothers respectively), father smoking (OR 1.4), parental conflicts (OR 1.3), family history of psychiatric disorders (OR 1.6) and bad parental styles among fathers and mothers respectively [overprotection (OR 49.4 & 22.2), discrimination (OR 12.9 & 32.8), authoritarian (OR 11.2 & 20.9) and hesitancy (OR 8.8 & 28.7)].
Prevalence of stress among medical students
Authors: Alkot Mohammad
Published: January 2018

Background: Stress represents a normal, necessary and unavoidable life phenomenon which can generate temporary discomfort as well as long-term consequences.    Objectives: The study was conducted to estimate prevalence, risk factors and coping methods of stress among medical students. Methodology: A Questionnaire based survey was conducted on medical students of Benha university at May 2013 for   assessment of socioeconomic status, stress kind and level and the adjustment to   college scale. Results: It was found that, the majority of students have stress (87.4%), which varies from mild to moderate (63.8% versus 23.6%). The most common sources of stress were, psychological (32.3%), social (8.5%), financial (4.9%) and medical (3.6%) problems. The academic, social and emotional adjustment levels among students   varies between moderate to high (78.6% versus 21.4%), ( 26.8% versus 73.2%) and (77.8% versus 22.2%) respectively. Conclusion: Medical students face social,    emotional, and physical problems which may affect their learning ability and academic performance. Some find it hard to cope with the stress and lag behind, while others see the pressure as challenge to work harder.
Does mental health needs vary as we grow from pediatrics to adults to elderly? Results from a study in Dubai
Authors: Alabady Kadhim
Published: January 2018

Purpose: To Provide a baseline of the current picture of major mental health challenges among men and women of different ages in Dubai. which can then be used to measure the impact of interventions or service development.

Method: In order to carry out the mental health needs assessment we applied qualitative and quantitative methodology.

Results: * The prevalence of people who suffer from different types of mental disorders remains largely unknown, many men and are unwilling to seek professional help because of lack of awareness or the stigma attached to it.

* According to the Dubai Household Health Survey DHHS (2009) 14.5% of respondents reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms over a 2-week period.

* It was predicted in 2014 that there would be 37,933 people suffering from psychotic disorders of which 29,747 were males.

* It is estimated there would be 19,117 adults between the ages of 20 and 64 years with ASD in Dubai for 2014.

*It was estimated around 548 residents in Dubai aged 60 years or more in 2014 had dementia (of which 338 were men).

Recommendations: * Work is required with primary health care in order to identify men with undiagnosed mental illnesses. Further work is undertaken within primary health care to assess disease registries with the aim of helping GP practices to improve their disease registers.

* It is important to conduct local psychiatric morbidity surveys in Dubai to obtain data and assess the prevalence of essential mental health symptoms and conditions.

* Continuum of care - a significant gap in the services for adults once they diagnosed with mental disorder.)
The secrets to live longer and healthier
Authors: Basri Zahra Al
Published: January 2018

A healthy lifestyle is a series of choices that when made together lead us to overall health and very likely a longer life. This lecture covers the general topic of healthy living. Participants who attend will learn practical methods for improving not only their own health but ways to contribute to the health of family members as well based on the latest research and the latest evidence on the impact of life style on health and disease prevention. Participants will be informed about a range of choices that we all make day in and day out that directly impact our health and the health of others.  Simple methods for shifting our choices toward ‘health’ without compromising quality of life are presented.
State responsibility in caring for elderly people
Authors: Ferdousi Nahid
Published: January 2018

Elderly is an obvious reality and last stage of human life cycle. In practice, most of the elderly people in our country suffer from some basic human problems, such as poor financial support, absence of proper health and medicine facilities, family negligence, deprivation, and socioeconomic insecurity. Moreover, there are no separate facilities for the old people in public transports, at ticket counters, banks and hospitals etc. In both private and public hospitals, there are no separate geriatrics departments for elderly care. It is the responsibility of the society to give these elderly people      priorities in getting all civic services, including hospitals, banks, offices and courts. In Bangladesh, there are resource constraints, capacity problems, infrastructural   weaknesses, education deficiencies, and poor attitudes and expectations in relation to caring for elderly people. Elderly people mostly suffer from some physical illness and they need comprehensive medical care services. Provision of health care for elderly people at various sites such as hospitals, nursing homes, old age homes and other places of shelter should be within the umbrella of legislative protection of rights and effective legal redress mechanism should be in place to guard against violations of rights. It is an ethical and moral responsibility to extend best care towards senior citizens so that they can pass their ending days of life with respect, proper care, and security. There is need to establish standards for service care providers, including in-home, community-based and residential settings. Every social policy should include a policy of active aging for elderly population. In addition, concerned personnel should assist the senior citizens so that they can enjoy their legal rights properly.
Siblings with autism, mental retardation, and convulsions in tuberos sclerosis: A case report
Authors: Helmy Farihan
Published: January 2018

A 3 years old female patient born of consanguineous parents presented to the    (development and behavioral clinic) inTaif children hospital, Western Saudai Arabia , her mother complained that her daughter had speech delay, no eye to eye contact, and was performing stereotyped behaviors (hand flapping).The girl developed convulsions at the age of3 months and was on anticonvulsant medication since that age, her  convulsions were controlled on anti-epileptic treatment .Family history revealed that the girl had a male sibling 6 years old who developed convulsions at the age of 4 months and is on antiepileptic medications, the boy suffered also from speech delay, absent social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. On examination the girl had  characteristic features of angio-fibromas, hypo-pigmented macules on the trunk and legs, and moreover the boy had similar skin features plus hypo-pigmented tufts of hair. Both cases were diagnosed as Autistic spectrum disorder, tuberous sclerosis, and mental retardation. The family needed genetic counseling, while both cases needed as soon as possible behavioral and educational strategies.
Gullain Barre Syndrome in an 18 month old child: A case report
Authors: Adil Faryal
Published: January 2018

Gullian Barre Syndrome is a post infectious poly neuropathy mainly involving motor, but sometimes also sensory and autonomic nerves. Recent immunization with    influenza, oral polio and rabies are included in etiology. Pure motor axonal type has the highest incidence in paediatric population. There is flaccid ascending paralysis with areflexia. Autonomic and cranial nerve impairment are also noted. We are   presenting a case of 18 months old female child, partially vaccinated, weighing 9kg, who presented with complains of generalized for two days and inability to walk for one day. Child had upper respiratory tract infection two weeks back for which she took oral antibiotics. Milestones were appropriate for age. On examination GCS was 7/15, cranial nerves intact , hypotonia with areflexia and decrease power in all four limbs. Rest of the systemic examination was unremarkable. Laboratory investigations showed leuckocytosis with normal electrolytes and renal functions. However CSF showed pleocytosis with normal glucose and WBC count. Stool culture for polio virus was sent and found to be negative. Our provisional diagnosis is acute flaccid paralysis which could be due to poliomyelitis, gullain barre syndrome and botulinism. History, examination and CSF D/R was suggestive of gullain barre syndrome, so final    diagnosis was made. Child was intubated in PICU immediately after shift from  emergency due to labored breathing and low GCS. Child was on ventilator support for two days. Intravenous immunoglobulin were arranged and given but unfortunately child expired on second day of admission. Gullain barre syndrome is one of the important cause of acute flaccid paralysis and it is associated with highest mortality incases with rapid onset of limb weakness and mechanical ventilation.
Anemia and its relationship with socio-demographic data and dietary habits in young Emirati athletes
Authors: AlRaish Seham M.
Published: January 2018

Introduction: An appropriate diet is crucial for performance development and   recovery in athletes. An insufficient nutrient intake diet can lead to health disorders like anemia. Anemia, which is defined as a low level of Hemoglobin in the blood and low volume of red blood cells, Anemia is common in athletes, especially in those  performing endurance exercise, and can lead to severe consequences, especially in young individuals and it is associated with decreased athletic performance as well as limited concentration. So far, there is no data in young Emirati athletes on anemia, its prevalence and related factors. Aim: To determine the prevalence of anemia in young Emirati athletes and to identify related factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted. 59 male soccer players aged from 13 to18 years were recruited from Al Jazira Academic sports clubs in the United Arab Emirates. Blood tests results were obtained from the medical file of each participant, which include a complete blood count (CBC) among which the level of Hemoglobin (HgB), Hematocrit (HcT), and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV). Socio-demographic data were collected by using a questionnaire. Dietary habits were assessed with a food frequency  questionnaire. Both questionnaires were administered in groups under the supervision of a trained    interviewer. The software SPSS version 23 was used to conduct data analysis. Data are described as mean Â± s.d. or percentage (%) as appropriate.    Results: 33.33% of the sample has low HgB. In those athletes, both HcT and MCV are at the inferior limit of the normal range. Also, there is a significant relationship between athlete's mother education level and Meat group (P-value<0.01) where when the mother's educations level increase the meat and meat consumption for the    athlete’s increase. A significant relation between cereal Group and HgB (P-value=0.01) was found. There was no significant relationship between neither HgB, HcT nor MCV with meat consumption in the whole sample and in below HgB athletes. Conclusion: The implication of this finding is that some athletes are    considered to have anemia, low blood results then it is desirable for soccer players, this may be related to a poor dietary iron intake.
Outcome of early bubble CPAP in children presenting at paediatric in-tensive care unit from 2016-2017
Authors: Kazmi Madia
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study is to analyze the introduction of early continuous positive  airway pressure(CPAP) for children admitted in PICU in correcting respiratory  distress with or without hypoxaemia and impending respiratory failure in order to improve respiratory function, avoid the need for mechanical ventilation and its  complications. Objective: To determine the outcome of early bubble CPAP in   children admitted in paediatric intensive care of Abbasi Shaheed hospital. Methods: This pilot study is being conducted in paediatric intensive care of paediatric unit 2 department at Abbasi Shaheed hospital Karachi. The study was conducted from march 2016 to December 2016. The study design was cross-sectional study and sample  technique was non probability(purposive).Total 70 patients of both genders having age ranging between 0-12years exhibiting clinical features of respiratory distress with hypoxaemia (SpO2 <92%) and impending respiratory failure initially received oxygen supplementation through bCPAP delivered via an underwater tube through nasal prongs. Data regarding outcome after receiving bCPAP and need for mechanical  ventilation was collected and analyzed. Results: Oxygen was initiated by bCPAP in 70 patients. Out of these, forty-one (58.5%) were male and twenty-nine (41.2%) were females. The age group ranges from 0- 12years. Forty-nine (70%) patients survived after bCPAP and shift to ward. Twenty-one (30%) were intubated for worsening  distress and hypoxaemia. Eight (11.4%) were removed from vent, put on bCPAP and survived. Ten (14.2%) expired on ventilatory support. Conclusion: According to our results early bubble CPAP supplementation helps in correcting respiratory illness and contributes to reduce the number of children requiring endotracheal tube intubation and mechanical ventilation. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, it is a simple device which can be made locally, very cheap and effective.
Postprandial glycaemic and appetite responses to cookies following in-corporation of Stevia and Moringa leaf powder
Authors: Khan Imran
Published: January 2018

Background/objective: Medicinal plants including Stevia and Moringa constitute an important source of health-beneficial bioactive components and hence, their intake may beneficially modulate biomarkers of chronic diseases. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of cookies incorporating stevia and Moringa leaf powder on postprandial glycaemia, appetite, palatability and       gastrointestinal wellbeing in humans. Design and methods: In a randomized   crossover design, twenty healthy subjects consumed three iso-caloric test foods (each providing 50 g available carbohydrates) of control cookies (CC), stevia leaf-containing cookies (SC) and Moringa leaf-containing cookies (MC) as breakfast. Blood glucose and subjective appetite were measured at fasting and over 2 hours after consumption of the cookies. Palatability and gastrointestinal wellbeing were measured using standard questionnaires. Results: Compared to CC, MC resulted in a significant  decrease in postprandial blood glucose concentration at 30 and 45 min (P = 0.002 and P = 0.003, respectively) and showed a tendency (P = 0.077) for lower blood glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC). Subjects were significantly less hungry  after SC and MC intake (P= 0.035 and P= 0.041, respectively) compared to CC. In addition, the SC resulted in significantly (P = 0.037) lower hunger incremental area over the curve (iAOC) compared to CC. All the cookies were liked by the subjects without any reported gastrointestinal discomfort. Conclusion: In conclusion, the  results showed that compared to CC, MC improved postprandial glycaemia and reduced hunger, while SC reduced hunger only. Future studies are now warranted to explore the mechanisms responsible for these observed effects.
The good face of media: Kids weight loss competitions
Authors: Shwayhat Razan
Published: January 2018

Media has been blamed for long time and more these days for spreading bad eating habits, inactivity and making unhealthy food choices especially among children. Through my work in the media especially TV, I wanted to use the other side of media and influence healthy eating habits among children and adults. Competitions drive challenge and determination, I created the first Arabic weight loss competition for kids on TV titled "Ghizaak Sihtak" may be translated to " Eat Well Live Well  Competition". The competition allows kids to live their normal everyday life (not in camps) and teaches them how to make healthy choices, be more active and thus lose weight. The Ghizaak Sihtak Compeition helped many kids lose more than 20Kilos in around 6months and keep it off for 2 years so far. This year - the 5th season for   kids - 10 kids started are participating in this weight loss journey while many others are watching them and are affected with their stories. The Compeition is broadcasted on Roya TV.
Exploratory study into awareness of heart disease and healthcare seeking behaviour among Emirati women (UAE) - Cross sectional descriptive study
Authors: Khan Sarah
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2010. Heart attacks usually occur at an older age in women compared to men, consequently the atypical symptoms of heart disease that often appear among women are masked by symptoms of other chronic diseases. Non-recognition of symptoms could explain the reason behind delays in seeking healthcare and the high mortality following a heart attack among Emirati women. This study seeks to a) highlight the awareness of heart diseases among Emirati women and b) to understand Emirati women’s healthcare seeking behaviour.  Methods: A cross sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a survey     instrument adapted from the American Heart Association National survey. A    convenience sample of 676 Emirati women between the ages of 18-55 years completed the questionnaire. Results: The study showed low levels of awareness of heart disease and associated risk factors in Emirati women; only 19.4% participants were found to be aware of heart diseases. Awareness levels were highest in Dubai (OR 2.18, p<0.05) among all the other emirates and in the 18-45 years age group (OR 2.74, p<0.05). Despite low awareness levels, women paradoxically perceived themselves to be self-efficacious in seeking healthcare. Interestingly, just 49.1% Emirati women   believed that good quality and affordable healthcare was available in the UAE. Only 28.8% of the participants believed there were sufficient female doctors to respond to health needs of women in UAE. Furthermore, only 36.7% Emirati women chose to be treated in the UAE over treatment in other countries. Conclusion: Emirati women clearly lack knowledge on severity and vulnerability to heart disease in the region that is essential to improve cardiovascular related health outcomes. This study has identified the need for wider outreach that focuses on gender and age specific   awareness on heart disease risks and symptoms. The study has also highlighted  potential modifiable barriers in seeking healthcare that should be overcome to reduce morbidity and mortality due to heart disease among national women of UAE.
Effects of physical exercise on balance and quality of life among elderly women
Authors: Maros Petres Viliam Petres,
Published: January 2018

Balance disorder is often a cause of falls and fractures in elderly people. Improvements in balance self-efficacy in women have been reported after group-based exercise programs in the form of resistance training, weight-bearing exercises, tai chi, and task oriented training programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the exercises on the static and dynamic balance and quality of life in elderly women. Method: The study design was a randomized controlled clinical trial. The subjects comprised 58 elderly women, aged 65 or more, with balance disorder who had been referred to the geriatric outpatient unit for rehabilitation. Subjects were assigned randomly to one of the two treatment groups: an exercise, interventional group (n=28), and a non-exercise, control group (n=30). Specific balance strategy training, included stretching, strength training and aerobics was performed 60 min per day, thrice a week. Changes in balance (Berg Balance Scale, BBS) and quality of life (WHOQOL-OLD) were compared between the two groups. Both groups were assessed at baseline and after six and 12 months. Statistical significance was established at the p<0.05 level. Results: After 12 months, in our study subjects in intervention group we have identified significant improvement in balance and quality of life (Mann-Whitney’s U test). Conclusion: Despite the small sample size, these results support the benefits of exercise in the clinical management of subjects with balance disorder, but need to be confirmed in a larger sample. Future research is needed to determine if these exercise programs reduce falls in the elderly women.
The effect of different exercise programs on bone mineral density and physical function in women with osteoporosis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kamberi Lumnije Hoxha
Published: January 2018

Aim: Osteoporosis is a multifactorial progressive skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mass. Exercise is widely recommended to reduce osteoporosis, falls and related fragility fractures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of land exercise (LE) and aquatic exercise (AE) on physical function and bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: Fifty-eight postmenopausal women, aged 50-70 years,  diagnosed with osteoporosis according to BMD measures, enrolled in this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (LE group) or the control group (AE group). Physical function and BMD were assessed in all subjects in both groups before and after 10 months of intervention. The muscle strength,   flexibility, balance, gait time and pain were measured to assess physical function. Bone mineral density at the lumbar spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the baseline anthropometric data. The two groups were similar with respect to age, weight, height, and body mass index (p>0.05). After the exercise program, muscle strength, flexibility, gait time, pain, and bone density (p<0.001)  significantly improved with LE compared to AE. There was no significant difference between the two groups in balance at the 10-month follow-up. Conclusion: Significant improvements in physical function and BMD suggest that LE is a possible alternative for     postmenopausal women with OP. Clinical rehabilitation impact: In the current  available literature there is insufficient data regarding combined regimens,       additionally, conclusions from our research can inspire further studies in order to promote land and water based exercise.
The effect of black seed powder on blood glycaemia, blood lipidemia and body composition on adults at risk for cardiovascular diseases: A con-trolled, randomized, single blind, parallel-design study
Authors: Murtezani Ardiana
Published: January 2018

Recently 42% of the population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MetS), while the prevalence of the MetS in the Gulf   Cooperation Council Countries (GCC) is 10-15% higher than in the most developed countries, with generally higher prevalence rates for women. Recent studies proved that black seed may have an effect in reducing the metabolic syndrome factors as well as the cardiovascular diseases risk factors. More studies proved the anti-lipidemic and anti-glycemic effects of blackseed; therefore, it could be used for the management and prevention of the MetS problems. Objectives: To measure the effect of blackseed powder on fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin (Hb), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), blood pressure (BP), waist circumference (WC) and body composition in participants at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Methodology: The study is a controlled,     randomized, single blind, parallel-design study. 60 participants who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases were randomly distributed into 2 treatment groups, the first group was the blackseed powder group while the second group was a placebo-control (corn starch) group. 3 grams per day of each treatment was ingested by the  participants for 12 weeks. Results: 51 participants continued the study from both groups (29 black seed, 22 Placebo), there was a significant improvement in Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglyceride levels, WC and the percent of body fat (P-value < 0.05). While it showed no effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels and blood glucose levels for the black seed group compared to the placebo group.  Conclusion: Black seed powder has a significant effect on improving Blood lipids  levels in blood, WC and percent of body fat while it showed no improvement in blood glucose levels as well as blood pressure levels for individuals at risk for CVD.
Promoting healthy aging in cities
Authors: Bani Ibrahim Ahmed
Published: January 2018

Introduction: At a time of unpredictable challenges for health, whether from a changing climate, emerging infectious diseases, or the next microbe that develops drug resistance, one trend is certain: the ageing of populations is rapidly accelerating worldwide. For the first time in history, most people can expect to live into their 60s and beyond. The consequences for health, health systems, their workforce and  budgets are profound. A healthy city is one that is continually creating and improving those physical and social environments and expanding those community resources which enable people to mutually support each other in performing all the functions of life and developing to their maximum potential. Aim: This presentation focuses on the city as a setting for health promotion and on the role of healthy city projects in  promoting healthy aging. Methodology: The main approach of this study is to   provide a review of previous research about successful and healthy ageing that have been utilized by many countries in their policy responses towards the demographic changes brought about by ageing. Results: These will be illustrated in this paper through case studies. Conclusion: In the context of the healthy city programs,   various activities to promote the health of older citizens have been carried out.
Effect of twelve week training program in blood pressure and heart rate at rest in older hypertensive and normotensive women
Authors: Attia Basma
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Fasting during Ramadan involves large changes in daily eating   patterns which strongly impacts the daily biorhythm and challenges the regular  function of the digestive tract. In the UAE more than seven out of ten children and adolescents consume less fiber than recommended. A common problem reported  during Ramadan is poor digestion health accompanied by an increase in the      occurrence of constipation. Objective: To assess satiety bowel habits body     composition blood glycaemia and blood lipidemia after the consumption of high fiber All Bran cereal at Suhur meal. Methodology: This research study is a controlled randomized parallel-design study. Subjects (n= 45) consumed either 90g of All Bran Raisins (11g/100g fiber) or 90g All Bran Flakes (15g/100g) at Suhur for 20     consecutive days compared with control group (n= 36). RESULTS: After 20 days significant differences were found for the intervention group for appetite digestive symptoms and lipid outcomes. Fifteen minutes after Suhur 100% of the high fiber  intervention group (n=45) and 32% of the control group (n=36) experienced     satisfaction after the meal. Eight hours later 53% of the control group and 23% of the intervention group felt hungry. Bloating symptoms were significantly improved for intervention group compared to the control group and had improved bowel     functioning (60.5% 48.6%; P < 0.001 respectively). The high fiber group had     significant higher fiber intakes: the control group stayed at 18.5g  fiber per day while in the intervention group fiber intake increased from 18 to 25.5g fiber/day. There were no significant changes in body weight % body fat and BMI after 20 days for both groups. Moreover cholesterol and LDL levels have increased significantly in the  control group but were maintained in intervention group. Finally, there was no   significant increase in blood glucose and triglycerides for the control group.    Conclusions: There is a clear positive effect of consuming high fiber breakfast cereal on health and wellbeing during Ramadan with better satiety improved bowel    functions and blood lipids. Increasing the intake of dietary fiber/day in Ramadan would have many health benefits for the people in the Arab Gulf countries. This  research was funded and supported by Kellogg EMEA.
Associations between vitamin D deficiency, diet and physical activity and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in Emirati women
Authors: Hashem Sharifa Ali
Published: January 2018

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects 8-25% of Emirati women and its prevalence is progressively increasing in this population. Concurrently,    vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among pregnant Emirati women. Existing literature suggests that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of GDM. Objectives: to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency, diet and physical activity and the development of GDM. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on Emirati women (n=563) aged 18-45 years, who were free of GDM at baseline and underwent maternal serum screening in eight primary healthcare centers in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Data on demographics, physical activity (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire), diet intake (Food Frequency Questionnaire), anthropometrics and blood pressure were collected at baseline. Also, blood samples were drawn at baseline to measure the fasting blood glucose and the 25 OH D levels. GDM was screened and diagnosed by using the fasting and the75g 2-hour postprandial Oral Glucose    Tolerance Test (OGTT) according to the ADA guidelines at follow up between 24th and 28th weeks of gestation. Vitamin D deficiency was diagnosed according to the NIH and NHS criteria (deficiency if 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l = 20 ng/ml). Results: Overall, 58% and 26% of pregnant women had vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency respectively. The incidence of GDM was 15.2 %. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for developing GDM was 1.27 (95% [CI]: 0.74-2.18, p: 0.37) in vitamin D deficient women versus non-deficient women. The adjusted odds ratio of GDM for sitting time without work was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.92-1.16, p: 0.50). The adjusted odds ratio of GDM was significant in those who ate red meat daily (OR: 6.54, 95% CI: 1.53-27.82, p=0.011). Family history of diabetes and obesity were significant risk factors for the development of GDM (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.04-3.51, p: 0.03) and (OR: 2.62, 95%CI: 1.36-5.06, p=0.004) respectively. Conclusion: In this cohort study there was no  statistically significant association between vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy and the development of GDM.
DEVELOPING ESL/EFL LEARNERS� PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS THROUGH PECHA KUCHA PRESENTATIONS
Authors: Mabuan Romualdo A.
Published: January 2018

In the 21st century workplace, there has been an increasing demand for graduates to possess communicative competence particularly in speaking. Anchored on the 21st Century Learning Framework (Partnership for 21st Century Skills or P21, 2006) and the TPACK Framework (Koehler & Mishra, 2009), this study reports findings on the pedagogical viability of utilizing Pecha Kucha 20x20 Presentations in developing students� competence and confidence while presenting in the language classroom. Research participants include 43 English as Second Language (ESL) learners taking Speech Communication classes in a private university in Manila, the Philippines during the second semester of the academic year 2016-2017. Research data from students� reflections, interviews, survey, and focus group discussion (FGD) suggest that despite some format and technological limitations, delivering Pecha Kucha presentations may help students develop their English speaking and oral presentation skills, build their confidence in speaking before an audience, and practice their English macro skills such as listening and reading. In the light of these findings, pedagogical implications are provided for ESL (English as a second language) and EFL (English as a foreign language) teachers, communication educators, and researchers.Keywords: Teaching speaking, Pecha Kucha Presentations, ESL public speaking, TPACK
THE EFFECTS OF HOMOGENEOUS AND HETEROGENEOUS PUSHED OUTPUT INSTRUCTIONS ON SPEAKING COMPLEXITY
Authors: Ghasedi Parviz , Mashhady Habibollah , Okati Farideh
Published: January 2018

This study was set out to investigate the efficacy of homogeneous and heterogeneous pushed output based instruction on upper-intermediate EFL learner� speaking complexity. To do so, 41 (17 males and 24 females) EFL learners were selected from University of Zabol based on the results of OPT. Then, they were put in control and experimental groups based on the predetermined criteria. Retelling and decision making tasks were used in the treatments of experimental groups while control group received placebo during 15 sessions, twice a week. Public versions of IELTS speaking test were used as pre/post-test. The results of Independent sample t-test indicated that experimental groups outperformed control group. On the other hand, statistical analyses showed no significant differences between male and female speech complexity. To sum up, the findings demonstrated the fruitful effects of collaborative pushed output activities on speaking sub-skills. Likewise, the results suggested the implementation of similar strategies in the development of male and female speaking dimensions. Based on the findings, it can be claimed that teacher preparation programs should put teaching speaking on their list of priorities and provide courses on effective strategies for the development of speaking dimensions through implementing the main tenants of pushed output hypothesis.Keywords: homogeneous, heterogeneous, complexity, speaking, pushed output
ENGLISH TEACHERS� PROBLEMS IN APPLYING THE 2013 CURRICULUM
Authors: Ekawati Yulia Nur
Published: January 2018

The 2013 curriculum is regarded as the current issue for teachers and students. This curriculum is based on the competencies concerning on implementing four aspects of spiritual, attitude, knowledge and skills in order to achieve students� character building. This study, moreover, investigates the teachers� problems in applying the 2013 curriculum at vocational high school in Tegal. Four English teachers are observed and interviewed to obtain data. The data is analyzed referring to four points; a) preparing lesson plan, b) applying the steps of teaching learning activities, c) preparing media, and d) making evaluation. The result shows that; a) three teachers do not prepare lesson plan before their teaching learning process, b) for all teachers, they understand the principles of scientific approach and the basic concept of 2013 curriculum (i.e. inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, discovery-learning, problem-based learning and task-based learning) but they do not apply it in their teaching, c) one teacher prepares the teaching media but the others do not prepare it, and d) all teachers get difficulties in assessing students� attitude (behaviour).Keywords: English teachers� problem, the 2013 curriculum
ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT ON VOWEL PRODUCTION OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE BY INDONESIAN EFL LEARNERS
Authors: Widagsa Rudha , Putro Ahmad Agung Yuwono
Published: January 2018

Indonesian is the most widely spoken language in Indonesia. More than 200 million people speak the language as a first language. However, acoustic study on Indonesian learners of English (ILE) production remains untouched. The purpose of this measurement is to examine the influence of first language (L1) on English vowels production as a second language (L2). Based on perceptual magnet hypothesis (PMH), ILE were predicted to produce close sounds to L1 English where the vowels are similar to Indonesian vowels. Acoustic analysis was conducted to measure the formant frequencies. This study involved five males of Indonesian speakers aged between 20-25 years old. The data of British English native speakers were taken from previous study by Hawkins & Midgley (2005). The result illustrates that the first formant frequencies (F1) which correlates to the vowel hight of Indonesian Learners of English were significantly different from the corresponding frequencies of British English vowels. Surprisingly, the significant differences in second formant (F2) of ILE were only in the production of /ɑ, ɒ, ɔ/ in which /ɑ/=p 0.002, /ɒ/ =p 0,001, /ɔ/ =p 0,03. The vowel space area of ILE was slightly less spacious than the native speakers. This study is expected to shed light in English language teaching particularly as a foreign language.Keywords: VSA, EFL, Indonesian learners, formant frequencies, acoustic
Risa y Risoterapia en el campo de la salud y sus beneficios en algunos contextos: Una breve revisión
Authors: Rodríguez Quezada Fanny Cecilia , Rojas Verdugo Erica Paola
Published: January 2018

La risa como una expresión de bienestar, alegría y descarga emocional, ha sido considerada una terapia alternativa y no invasiva dentro del ámbito de la salud. El objetivo del presente trabajo es determinar los beneficios de la risa en el campo de la medicina, sus características, la risoterapia como técnica fundamentada en la risa y la utilidad de ésta en ámbitos como la salud cardiovascular, el estrés y el cáncer a través de una breve revisión de su literatura.
REGISTER, GENRE, IDEOLOGY IN TRANSLATION
Authors: Nugrahani Dyah , Arso Setyaji
Published: January 2018

Abstrak Teks adalah satuan unit bahasa yang mengungkapkan makna secara kontektual. Konteks dapat diinterpretasikan sebagai diversitas metafungsinal, yang meliputi makna eksperiensial, makna interpersonal, dan makna tekstual. Di dalam register, makna eksperiensial direalisasikan melalui field (Medan), makna interpersonal melalui tenor (pelibat), dan makna tekstual melalui mode (sarana). Register, genre dan ideologi direalisasikan di dalam teks. Teks akan mengungkapkan makna sosial di dalam konteks situasi dan konteks budaya. Register merujuk pada konteks situasi sedangkan genre merujuk pada konteks budaya. Register meliputi field, tenor, dan mode.
Teaching Paragraph Writing Through Interactive and Process Approaches
Authors: Setyorini Ajeng , Prastikawati Entika Fani
Published: January 2018

Abstracts This article introduces the use of interactive approach in teaching writing, especially paragraph writing. Instead of communicating with the students about the writing product, the teachers of writing subject are mostly correcting the students?óÔé¼Ôäó mistakes and errors in writing. The general idea of writing process is considered very important since it is very helpful for the students. The process approach in teaching paragraph writing is not focusing on the writing product but it is focused on the process of writing, so that this suitable approach that suitable to be applied since writing is a series of process. Keywords: Paragraph, Writing, Process approach, Interactive approaches
THE LEVEL OF DIRECTNESS IN APOLOGISING IN AKEELAH AND THE BEE MOVIE DIALOGUE
Authors: Hawa Faiza , Sukmaningrum Rahmawati
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses precisely the production of the speech acts of apology.The choice for apology is due to its popularity as a study of speech act and being anillocutionary force so common to take place in daily context. This paper aims toexplicate the appropriate strategies of conveying apologies as part of Speech Acts inthe social interaction done by the speaker and addressee in movie conversation.Apologies is one of these speech acts, discussed through the analysis of conversation in?óÔé¼?¥Akeelah and the Bee?óÔé¼?© movie concerned with the level of directness. The data for theanalysis is taken from the dialogue transcripts of Akeelah and the bee movie. Remedialapology with assymetrical relationship are mostly found in the dialogue. The various wayof conveying apology between the characters prefers in polite apology.Keywords : Apology, politeness, the level of directness
THE TEACHING ANALYSIS OF READING COMPREHENSION: A CASE OF THE EIGHT GRADE STUDENTS OF SMP PGRI 01 SEMARANG
Authors: Anita Yuli , Susanto Dias Andris
Published: January 2018

The objectives of the study are1) To know the teaching on reading comprehension at the eight grade of SMP PGRI 01 Semarang in academic year 2016/2017, 2) To know the problems faced by the teacher in teaching learning process of reading comprehension, and 3) To know the solutions of the problem faced in teaching learning process. This research uses qualitative method. The subject of this research was three teachers of class VIII A, VIII F, and VIII G. The instruments used in this research were observation sheet and interview, so the data use was collected through observation and interview. The result of the research showed that 1) the first teacher was first participant implementing reading stage in teaching and learning process. In first participant teaching, the researcher found the problem, it was the difficulty in implementing teaching reading. The solution first participant was make strategy to make student fun. 2) the second teacher was second participant. There was only one interaction, that was the teacher explained the materials then the students kept silent, or the students read something then the teachers listened to them. 3) the third teacher was third participant. The problem it was boredom, and the solution was making question and answer for them. Teachers concluded that reading comprehension is very effective but it can not to be the key in teaching and learning process. From the data which is obtained from documentation and observation inteaching English, the objectives of English teaching can be viewed from kinds of strategy and tecnique in teaching and learning process. Suggestion are 1) for teachers, it is better for them to use Team Games Tournament to teach the students in reading comprehension, 2) for students have to study harder and try to read English more and more, and 3) for the reader to be able to get more information and experiences in the purpose of developing and improving their knowledge, especially in reading comprehensio