bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 50 Most-Cited Articles on Polyetheretherketone (PEEK): A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Erdinç Gülbahar
Published: June 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric and visualized analysis to identify and critically assess the 50 most highly cited articles on polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
Methods: The electronic search was made to identify detailed literature sources using the Clarivate-owned Web of Science (WoS) database.  The terms used in the literature search are "polyetheretherketone", "poly ether ether ketone" and "peek".  All articles from the search results were ranked according to citation counts, and the 50 articles that received the most citations were selected. The results were summarized and processed in a spreadsheet.
Results: 380 articles were displayed due to the search, and 50 of the most cited articles were included in the present study. Schilmidin and Stawarczyk, who have 12 papers and 974 citations, were identified as the most productive and influential researchers with equal citations and publications. Dental Materials (26%) has the highest number of publications, and Germany was determined as the most productive country.
Conclusion: Considerable advancement has been made in PEEK, as demonstrated by the increase in the number of publications linked with collaboration among various authors, nations, and institutes.
Role of Leadership in Promoting Quality Education at the Elementary Level
Authors: Amber Qadar  , Athar Hussain  , Atta ul Munam
Published: June 2023

This study was conducted to find out the role of leadership in promoting quality education at the elementary level. The objectives of the study were: to investigate the role of leadership, to assess the head teachers’ opinion regarding the implementation of quality indicators, and to ascertain the difference between head teachers’ opinions regarding the role of leadership in promoting quality education. To achieve these objectives, this study used a descriptive survey design. All the male and female head teachers (171 males and 145 females) of elementary schools and 302 head teachers (157 males and 145 females) of high schools from the four Tehsils (Rahim Yar Khan, Khan Pur, Liaqat Pur, and Sadiqabad) of District Rahim Yar Khan participated in this survey. The population was small therefore census sampling technique is used. The whole population was considered as a sample of the study. A 45-item questionnaire, self-structured was used. 618 questionnaires were distributed among the head teachers and 583 questionnaires were finally returned and the response rate was 94.33%. The data were analyzed by using SPSS and a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that leadership plays an ample role in promoting quality education at the elementary level.
Remote radiation monitoring system at uranium exploration site in Mkuju river
Authors:   , Geofrey Anna
Published: June 2023

Usage of radioactive materials in a number of countless activities has increased rapidly worldwide, thus, increasing Uranium exploration in different countries including Tanzania. As Uranium decays, it emits ionizing radiations, which has health risks associated with it. The major threats occur when ionizing radiations produced during uranium decay exceed their levels. Causing skin burns and acute radiation syndrome, though in the long-term cause cancer and cardiovascular disease, are the substantial health effects to mention a few. Thus real-time and remote monitoring of radiation at uranium mining sites is mandatory to ensure environmental and human safety. Radiation detectors are used to monitor radiation at uranium mining sites by frequently visiting however achieving real-time and remote monitoring is still the challenge. This method is time-consuming and the existing radiation detectors used in Tanzania are exported from developed countries and are expensive. This design science study presents an effective and affordable system for remote monitoring of radiation at uranium mining sites using internet of things (IoT) technology. The system used prototype methodology and the radiation detector was programmed by using ESP32 microcontroller board. Which through its inbuilt Wi-Fi it was able to send data to the cloud data storage. The Message Queuing Telemetry Transport protocol facilitated remote visualization of radiation levels from the cloud storage dashboard and the developed mobile application. The end-users monitored radiation data and received notifications in case of excess radiation through the developed mobile application. The internet of things technology facilitated the end-users to visualize and monitor radiation levels anytime and anywhere via the internet.
Enhancing access to information about civil society organizations and communities through an interactive android mobile application
Authors:   , Patrick Emil
Published: June 2023

Civil Society Organizations are non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations which act as a bridge between the government, society and the private sector by holding the government accountable and give a voice to the marginalized groups on issues such as education, health and other sectors. The problem in this study is that currently, the information about CSOs and their activities in East Africa cannot be found in one place online and it is inaccurate and sometimes outdated. The data collection was done through questionnaires, observations and interviews with different stakeholders in the civil society arena. In the system development phase, agile development methodology was used. The study showed that there is a gap in the availability of a single platform where different actors can readily get reliable and up-to-date information about the available CSOs of interest. The outcome of the study is the development of an interactive online directory of Civil Society Organizations. The platform is mobile based and enables CSOs to register and fill up their current details, ensuring that there is always correct and updated information. The platform is equipped with a geo-mapping facility which enables users of the system to correctly geo locate their civil societies of interest on a map. The results of system evaluation showed that 88.125% of users were satisfied with the system basing on the evaluation criteria. The developed system will benefit stakeholders in the non-profit sector by having one platform where accurate and up-to-date information about civil societies can be easily found.
Development of a medical expert system to improve the quality of antenatal care in Tanzania
Authors:   , Kaaya Elsie
Published: June 2023

Maternal mortality remains a global problem, with approximately 830 women dying every day as a result of childbirth and pregnancy complications. The maternal mortality ratio is as high as 524 deaths per 100 000 live births in Tanzania. The main causes of maternal mortality in developing countries are all linked to poor prenatal care, which is partially caused by treatment delays. Studies show that providing women with maternal health information can help achieve the goal of reducing global maternal mortality to less than 70 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births by 2030. Through Natural Language Processing (NLP), we leveraged the use of BERT question and answer model which is a pre-trained model that wasfine-tuned to develop a model that can diagnose pregnancy complications, explain possible causes in simple language, and provide recommendations for care and treatment, for Malaria, Pregnancy hypertension (Pre eclampsia), and miscarriage (Threatened abortion) which are the main preventable causes of maternal mortality in Tanzania. The expert system is embedded in a maternal smartphone app, MamaApp, that provides weekly information on fetal development, regular and concerning pregnancy symptoms, and self-care tips. The expert system model was able to diagnose the three conditions with confidence ranging from 79% to 100%. Validation of MamaApp in Arusha showed high acceptance from both the expectant mothers and doctors.
TURİST REHBERLİĞİNİN SEYAHAT ACENTELERİ ÜZERİNDEKİ ROLÜ VE ETKİSİ
Authors: AKYURT Hakan , AYDIN Ali
Published: June 2023

Turist rehberleri, grup paket turlarda turistlerle doğrudan iletişim halindedir. Seyahat acenteleri ile doğrudan çalışmak zorunda olan bu meslek grubunun, sunmuş olduğu hizmet kalitesine göre hem turistleri hem de seyahat acentelerini etkilediği bilinmektedir Turist deneyimi ve bir destinasyon ve seyahat şirketi algısı yaratmada önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Bu nedenle çalışmanın amacı, seyahat acentaları tarafından düzenlenen grup paket turlarda turist rehberlerinin sunduğu hizmete yönelik müşterileriler ve acenteler üzerindeki etkilerini belirlemektir. Turist rehberliğinin acenteler ve ülke turizm imajı üstündeki etkileri ortaya konmaya çalışılarak, rehberlik ile acenteler arasındaki sorunlara yönelik olarak çözümler sunulmuştur. Çalışmada, nitel veri analizi yöntemi ile ulusal ve uluslararası literatür incelenmiş, elde edilen bulgularda turist rehberliğinin seyahat acentelerinin faaliyetlerini ve sürdürülebilirliğini doğrudan etkilediği sonucu elde edilmiştir. Bu kapsamda, turist rehberlerinin hizmet kalitesi boyutları ele alınmış, seyahat acentesinin itibarını etkilediğini sonucu ortaya çıkmıştır. Turist rehberlerinin seyahat acentelerinin yapmış olduğu grup paket turlardaki önemi bir kez daha doğrulanmış, acentenin imajına ve tekrar talep edilebilmesinde doğrudan etkili bit faktör olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda, turist rehberlerinin seyahat acentelerini etkilediği en önemli unsurların eğitim ve bilgi seviyesinin yeterliliği, yabancı dil bilgisinin durumu, işletmeyle olan iletişim ve bağlılık, turistlere karşı tutum, mesleki sorumlulukları yerine getirme ve iş ahlakı olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. Bununla birlikte, çalışma sonucunda seyahat acentelerinin turist rehberlerinden beklentileri; dakiklik, doğaya ve ve çevrele unsurlara saygılı, sorunları çözme yeteneği, destinasyon bilgisi, dürüstlük ve güvenilirlik, yasal kurallara uyma ve seyahat programında vaat edilen hizmetin sunumu olarak belirlenmiştir.
Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Mothers’ Attitudes toward Readiness for Discharge Care at Home for a Premature Baby in Intensive Care Unit at Teaching Hospitals in Medical City Complex
Authors: Hashim Alwan Seraj , Ghanim Ali Ma'ala Eqbal
Published: June 2023

Objectives: To evaluate mothers’ attitudes toward readiness for discharge care at home for a premature baby in Intensive Care Unit at teaching hospitals in Medical City Complex and to find out the relationship between mothers’ attitudes and their socio-demographic characteristics.Methodology: A quasi-experimental study design was carried out through the period of 6th January 2020 to 2021 to 11th March 2021, to evaluate mother’s attitude toward discharge care plan for premature babies. The study carried out in Welfare Teaching Hospital, Nursing Home Hospital and Baghdad Teaching Hospital at Medical City Complex in Baghdad City on 30 mother of premature babies in neonatal intensive care units using the nonprobability sampling technique. The data was analyzed through the use of descriptive and inferential statistical data analysis approaches.Results : The study findings indicated that most of the mothers are at age (23-29) years old, graduated from secondary schools, housewives, urban resident, and they had cesarean section delivery, they spend days at the NICU, with moderate level of socioeconomic status. Mothers had negative attitude at pretest mean score is (1.57), and at posttest mean score is (2.78) at high level of attitude toward readiness for discharge care at home for a premature baby in Intensive Care Unit.Conclusion: The study concluded that the educational program has proved its effectiveness in improving mother’s attitudes toward readiness for discharge care at home for a premature baby in Intensive Care Unit.Recommendations The study recommend for Training session for the nurses about discharge care plan and improves the attitudes of mothers to implementation that attitudes of mother to care of the premature babies at home.
Compulsion Symptoms among Health Care Providers during the Pandemic of Corona at Baghdad Teaching Hospital
Authors: Shatha Salah Jaseem  , Mohammed Baqer Al-Jubouri
Published: June 2023

Objectives:  The present study aimed to assess the compulsion among health care providers during the pandemic of COVID-19.

Methodology:  a descriptive design was used in the present study.  This study was conducted from October 10th, 2020 through May 20th, 2021.  The study was conducted on a probability (convenient) sample of 248 physicians and nurses who work at Baghdad Teaching hospital in Baghdad city.  The instrument was used in this study is the COVID Stress Scale-Arabic version (CSS).

 Results:  The result of this study showed that 42 % of HCPs had moderate symptoms and 36% of them had mild compulsive symptoms, and only 13% have severe compulsive symptoms according to the score of COVID stress scale.

Conclusions:  78.6 % of the participants had mild to moderate compulsive and 13.7% had sever compulsion.

Recommendations:  All HCPs must get regular and thorough training on how to deal with the pandemic, and there is a need for more researches on how infectious disease epidemics affect the mental health of HCPs.
Effectiveness of Health Educational Program on Nurses' Knowledge toward children pneumonia in Al-Amara City Hospitals
Authors: Jassem Ammar abdalkareem
Published: June 2023

Abstract:

Objective(s): The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Health educational program on nurses' knowledge toward children pneumonia at Al-Amara City hospitals..

 

Methods: A quasi –experimental study design two-study group (pretest-posttest 1 and posttest 2) carried out at Alzahrawy Hospital and Child and maternity hospital in Al Amara City to identify the effectiveness of the Health educational program on Nurses Knowledge toward Children pneumonia; the study was conducted between 1 of September 2019 to 1 of April 2020. A Purposive (Non-probability) sample is chosen for the present study. The size of sample is (60) nurses divided into two groups each one contains (30) nurses as control group and study group. The study group was exposed to the health educational program while the control group was not exposed to the health educational program.

 

Results: The results of the study showed a clear positive effect of the program on the nurses' knowledge towards children pneumonia. The study results indicated that there are high significant differences for the study group between the pre-test and the post-test in the main aspects that have to do with the knowledge of nurses about children pneumonia.

 

Recommendations : The study recommended the design and construction of an educational program for the nursing staff , whereby through the program it is emphasized that they are directed and familiarized with how to deal with children pneumonia, encourage the nursing owners to participate in educational programs to cover their various needs related to failures and obstacles to their practices and establish cooperative relations between the Ministry of Health and Higher Education to prepare this program.
A Large Common Source Outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium Linked to Kuala Terengganu Night Markets, Malaysia, 2014
Authors: Ab Karim Balkis , Latip A Liza , Abd Shukor Anita Surani , A Rashid Norafidah , Wan Mohd Wan Madihah , Kamaludin Fadzilah
Published: June 2023

On 1 Mar 2014, the Terengganu District Health Office was notified of ten patients presented with acute gastroenteritis at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital. Their illness was linked to consumption of foods from two night markets. An outbreak investigation was initiated to determine the source of the outbreak. Case finding was conducted in the hospital, and community. Patients were interviewed about demographics, symptoms and food consumption history. Stool samples from patients and food handlers as well as food and environmental samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Suspected food premises were inspected. A case-control study was conducted. Of 169 cases, 68.6% and 32.5% ate food from night markets A and B respectively while 1.2% ate food from both night markets. Major symptom was diarrhea (98.2%). There was one death from hypovolemic shock. Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from 13 patients and one food handler. All isolates showed genetic similarity by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The food handler tested to have the infection served the white fried rice sold in both night markets. Cases were 14 (95% CI = 4.05-46.61) and nine (95% CI = 3.36-24.3) times more likely to have consumed white fried rice from night markets A & B respectively. The source of infection was likely to be white fried rice that was prepared at the same place, contaminated by an infected food handler and sold at both night markets.
Identification of a Tuberculosis Cluster through Epidemiological and Geographical Tracing of a Patient with Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis in Lopburi Province, Thailand, 2014
Authors: Soontornmon Kaewalee , Aye Yin Myo , Phankhor Namhwan , Watanatorn Supaporn , Modmoltin Wilailuck , Jiraphongsa Chuleeporn
Published: June 2023

In May 2014, a suspected multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) outbreak in Lopburi Province was investigated following the national guidelines for tuberculosis (TB) outbreak investigation and assessed the quality of patient care based on the International Standards for TB Care. The case finding focused on TB cases diagnosed during December 2012 to August 2014. Medical charts were reviewed at Khok Samrong Hospital and contacts of a MDR-TB case who was lost to follow up were traced back. Study findings found an epidemiologically linked cluster of TB cases with five geographically related cases and four cases were from the same family. Factors that might have contributed to this TB outbreak were identified as well, including delay in diagnosis and sub-standard care, low socioeconomic status, delay in conducting contact tracing, and an ineffective TB database system. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention activities should be improved to prevent further TB outbreaks in the communities.
Measles Outbreak among Nomadic Population with Low Herd Immunity in an Eastern District of Bhutan, 2016
Authors: Darnal Jit Bahadur , Tsheten  , Peldon Sonam , Dorji Tenzin , Dorji Tandin , Dorji Gang , Wangchuk Sonam
Published: June 2023

During September-November 2016, a number of measles cases were reported from Trashigang District, Bhutan. The outbreak was investigated to determine epidemiological characteristics and risk factors, and recommend control measures. Hospital records of measles cases were reviewed. An active case finding was conducted in the affected communities and schools. Vaccination records were also reviewed. A case-control study was conducted to determine risk factors for measles infection. Tests for measles and rubella immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies, viral identification in throat swabs by polymerase chain reaction, and viral genotyping were performed. Total 62 suspected cases were identified, with no reported deaths. The first case developed symptoms on 15 Sep 2016 and 72.2% of the cases occurred in October 2016. The majority (85.0%) were 14 years old and younger (median 8.2 years, interquartile range 6.5-12.0). Cases were from Sakteng (87.1%) and Merak (12.9%) Subdistricts, the latter being a common place where nomads lived. Among 40 cases tested for measles IgM and viral identification, 33 (82.5%) were found to have measles IgM antibodies. All positive samples were genotyped and 11 (33%) were identified as D8 strains which circulated in India during 2016. The measles vaccine efficacy was 82.0%. Significant risk factors were having previous contact with a measles case (OR = 8.46, 95% CI = 2.08-34.41) and not receiving measles vaccination (OR = 6.61, 95% CI = 2.60-16.82). Immunization for outbreak response, case-based investigation and supplementary immunization activities were recommended.
What do you “Expect”?
Authors: Kaewkungwal Jaranit
Published: June 2023

-
Sequential Clusters of Multidrug-resistant Cholera Cases in the Thai-Myanmar Border, 2015
Authors: Rattanathumsakul Thanit , Suwanchairob Orathai , Hannarong Sriwan , Wijit Wanna , Laosiritaworn Yongjua , Swaddiwudhipong Witaya
Published: June 2023

A drug-resistant cholera outbreak occurred at the Thai-Myanmar border in April to May 2015. On 21 Oct 2015, the Bureau of Epidemiology was notified of a cholera outbreak in Mae Sot District, Tak Province. An investigation was conducted to confirm the outbreak, identify source of infection and provide control measures. Medical records were reviewed and all cases and contacts were interviewed. Active case finding was performed in the affected areas and nearby communities. Rectal swabs were collected and tested for Vibrio cholerae O1/O139. Water and food samples were tested for possible contamination. A series of three separate outbreaks of multidrug-resistant V. cholerae O1 El Tor Ogawa infection were identified in the same district. The first cluster occurred among Myanmar migrant workers in a garment factory. Poor hygiene was found among workers and food handlers. The second cluster occurred among persons from Myanmar in Mae Sot Subdistrict. The last cluster occurred among Thai while most of them joined a religious ceremony in Mae Pa Subdistrict. The outbreaks were confirmed as V. cholerae O1 Eltor Ogawa resistant to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole and tetracycline. Rapid response and improvement in hygiene were recommended.
Migrant Policies in Thailand in Light of the Universal Health Coverage: Evolution and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Kosiyaporn Hathairat , Limwattanayingyong Attaya
Published: June 2023

-
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Neonatal Microcephaly in Thailand, 2014-2018
Authors: Thammaros Tassana , Chalom Kittiphan , Hanshaoworakul Wanna , Thitichai Phanthanee , Tantiworrawit Patcharin , Pongpanich Sathirakorn
Published: June 2023

Microcephaly became of high concern after Zika outbreaks occurred worldwide. An estimation of its prevalence is crucial for public health preparedness and response. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of neonatal microcephaly in Thailand during 2014-2018, describe its epidemiological characteristics, and identify associated factors. This study was a cross-sectional study using data from the Health Data Center, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Neonatal microcephaly, as defined in this study, is a condition where a newborn has a head circumference (HC) less than the 3rd percentile of the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century standard head circumference charts for term newborn, and Fenton's growth charts for preterm newborn by gestational age and gender. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify associated factors. During 2014-2018, 121,448 newborns were identified and the prevalence of neonatal microcephaly was 14.5%. There were 9,871 boys and 7,687 girls. Multivariate analysis showed that small for gestational age (adjusted odds ratio (Adjusted OR) 5.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.24, 8.81), birth length less than the 10th percentile (Adjusted OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.36, 6.29), elderly pregnancy (Adjusted OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.07, 3.18), and primigravida (Adjusted OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.37, 2.95) were significantly associated with neonatal microcephaly. The prevalence of neonatal microcephaly in Thailand was higher than expected. The international head circumference chart may not be suitable for Thai newborns suggesting that a head circumference growth standard for Thai newborns is needed.
Outbreak of Human Streptococus suis Cases in Chum Phuang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, 2018
Authors: Karavanonth Nilubon , Sukkasem Inchat , Songkram Siriporn , Jirapongsa Chuleeporn
Published: June 2023

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major public health problem in northeastern Thailand. On 17 Apr 2018, the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 9 received a notification of five patients with S. suis infection in Chum Phuang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. We investigated to confirm the etiology, describe the epidemiological characteristics, and identify the source of this outbreak. Medical records and laboratory results at the district and provincial Hospitals were reviewed. We interviewed family members and people who shared meals with cases. We surveyed slaughter processes at two implicated slaughterhouses. Surveillance for S. suis cases was also enhanced. Six confirmed cases of S. suis serotype 2 infection were found in six sub-districts of Chum Phuang District between 1 Jan and20 Apr 2018. Clinical presentations of confirmed cases were fever (100%), headache (50%) and hearing loss (50%). Five of the six cases ate raw pork with an average incubation period of 2.3 days. Those who ate raw pork were more likely to get infected (RR = 13.5, 95% CI = 1.7-105.1). One from 27 specimens identified S. suisserotype7 from a slaughterhouse in Chum Phuang District. The outbreak continued with an additional 14 confirmed cases in province during the monitoring period from 20 Apr to 25 Jul 2018. Increasing health awareness of the public and physicians beyond ensuring proper management in slaughterhouses should be strengthened.
Harnessing Momentum in Driving Vaccine Security and Self Reliance in Thailand through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Authors: Boonyatistan Worawit , Marshall Aniqa Islam , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Limwattanayingyong Attaya , Premsri Nakorn
Published: June 2023

Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for the prevention and control of many communicable diseases. Therefore, vaccine security and self-reliance are important issues for national security, as shortages and stock-outs of vaccines pose the risk of disease resurgence and outbreaks, making a country prone to large-scale epidemics. Thailand has been working to ensure availability, accessibility and utilization of quality vaccines by driving the ‘vaccine security agenda’ both nationally and regionally for years, through the ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance (AVSSR) Initiative. This paper describes the progress and achievements of the quest towards vaccine security and self-reliance in Thailand and in ASEAN. The Initiative provides an effective platform to increase collaboration amongst nations in the region with an aim to ensure sustainable supply of quality vaccines and discusses the on-going challenges that need to be addressed.
Measles Immunity among New Health Personnel at a Faculty of Medicine in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, 2019
Authors: Assavanopakun Pheerasak , Chaiear Naesinee
Published: June 2023

Measles continues to be an important global health problem despite the implementation of vaccination. Health personnel, a high-risk group, are considered to have immunity to measles. We aimed to investigate the measles immunity status among health personnel during pre-placement at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, northeastern Thailand. The sample included health personnel who were examined in the pre-placement program from October 2018 to September 2019. Data collected included sex, age, department, job characteristic (direct or indirect contact with patients), position, measles immunity status, based on serology tests, history of previous infection, and history of immunization. A total of 652 health personnel were included, of which 53.8% tested positive to measles IgG class antibodies, indicating prior exposure to the virus. Among them, the percentage testing positive to measles immunity was 59.5%. Two-thirds of personnel who could not recall their infection or vaccination history had a positive measles immunity status. A consensus for the definition of acceptable presumptive evidence of measles immunity in Thailand according to context must be stipulated, leading to improved management of measles immunization.
Thailand’s Response against Coronavirus Disease 2019: Challenges and Lessons Learned
Authors: Namwat Chawetsan , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Nittayasoot Natthaprang , Iamsirithaworn Sopon
Published: June 2023

Since early January 2020, Thailand has been facing a rise in the number of patients infected with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), staring with imported cases from China then propagating to the Thai populations. The Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) took a prompt response towards COVID-19 after the notification of the first case. Numerous strategic and operation plans were introduced. The plans comprise five key issues: (i) surveillance system, (ii) case management and hospital infection and control, (iii) laboratory testing, (iv) preparedness of healthcare staff and medical supply, and (v) risk communication. These plans are operated through the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC). A COVID-19 surveillance system at the airports and the hospitals was established. Criteria for identifying a patient under investigation (PUI) were set up. All confirmed COVID-19 cases are obliged to be isolated. Healthcare workers are recommended to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when taking specimens and providing care for the patients. Regarding laboratory testing, the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) is the core unit in collaboration with other laboratory networks nationwide to ensure quality and standards of tests. The EOC operates all days and nights. Policy makers and high-level officers are obliged to meet together on a daily basis to provide strategic directions for the whole team. However several challenges remain. Fake news and stigmatization are amongst the most important concerns during the time of crisis. To tackle this, concerted effort needs be harnessed, from not only the health sector, but also all parts of the society including media and the Thai populations as a whole.
An Investigation of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in a Chinese Tourist, January-February 2020: Surgical Mask Wearing in Pre-Physical Distancing Strategy
Authors: Papwijitsil Ratchadaporn , Suangtho Paphanij , Jaiyong Rungrot , Thananun Sirima , Wareewanit Kalita , Angthong Tipamas , Doung-ngern Pawinee
Published: June 2023

On 29 Jan 2020, the Operation team was notified by the Emergency Operation Center that there was a Chinese man infected with SARS-CoV-2 admitted in a private hospital in Bangkok. Division of Epidemiology, Office of Disease Prevention and Control 1, 11, and Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention jointly deployed to conduct an investigation. Descriptive study was conducted by interviewing the index case about his symptoms, travel history, and reviewing medical records. Contact tracing was done. Close contacts of the index case were classified to high-risk and low-risk contacts. Laboratory testing for SARS-CoV-2 was done among high-risk contacts and symptomatic low-risk contacts. The index case was a 30-year-old Chinese. He had worked in Guangxi province, China. He spent 2 days in Wuhan city and 2 days in Guangzhou city before traveling to Thailand. He developed fever, cough, and sore throat after being in Thailand for 3 days. According to the median incubation period of COVID-19, he could be infected from China.  Since he started traveling from China, he wore a surgical mask all the time. From contact tracing, the high-risk contacts that could be followed, none of them had laboratory test positive. Therefore, this strategy of wearing a face mask should be encouraged nationwide especially in case that physical distancing could not be done.
Designing a Competent Chatbot to Counter the COVID-19 Pandemic and Empower Risk Communication in an Emergency Response System
Authors: Rodsawang Chonnatee , Thongkliang Pongsutee , Intawong Theeraporn , Sonong Apisit , Thitiwatthana Yosita , Chottanapund Suthat
Published: June 2023

Risk communication is incorporated into an emergency response system. In Thailand, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) manages emergencies through the Emergency Operation Center (EOC). As a part of the EOC, the risk communication unit provides a hotline service that delivers information to and receives complaints and concerns from the general public. During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a chatbot, which is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) was used to support the hotline service. This paper focuses on how to design an informative chatbot for the COVID-19 pandemic period that disseminates information to the general public. The chatbot, named “COVID-19 Preventable”, was created based on the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) under two cycles of design and development. At the early stage of development, information from reliable sources was transformed into a question and answer system and imported to natural language processing in the Dialogflow on Google Cloud. The chatbot was the first official chatbot to communicate on COVID-19 on behalf of public health authorities. It consists of seven prompt features, namely, a situation report, how to protect yourself from COVID-19, fake news, self-screening for COVID-19, a list of nearest hospitals, the hotline number to call, and report notification. The uniquely informative and dynamic chatbot is likely to be an alternative channel for disseminating timely information on COVID-19.
Factors Associated with Preventive Behaviors towards Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) among Adults in Kalasin Province, Thailand, 2020
Authors: Poonaklom Pornpat , Rungram Varnish , Abthaisong Payaowadee , Piralam Barameht
Published: June 2023

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease that has caused devastating morbidity and mortality worldwide. Social stigmatization in rural communities of Thailand prevented effective response to the pandemic. This study aimed to determine factors associated with preventive behaviors towards COVID-19 in Kalasin Province, Thailand. An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 556 local residents aged at least 15 years old. The questionnaire was developed based on Predisposing, Reinforcing and Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation (PRECEDE) and media perception theories. Most of the residents were female (61.3%) and aged 15-70 years old (mean 37.9 years old, SD 11.7). All of the risk perception, severe perception, benefit perception, media perception, attitudes, and preventive behavior scores were at a good level whereas knowledge on COVID-19 was at a moderate level. Income (β 0.10, p 0.003), risk perception on COVID-19 (β 0.20, p<0.001), media perception (β 0.41, p<0.001), and attitudes toward COVID-19 (β 0.24, p<0.001) were associated with preventive behaviors. These findings provide predicting factors of preventive behaviors towards COVID-19. Definite health education programs, especially for increasing accessibility on COVID-19 prevention, and effective policies should be implemented, particularly for low-income groups.
A Systematic Evaluation of Dengue Vector Surveillance, Tainan City, Taiwan, 2011-2013
Authors: Chi Chin-Sheng , Chen WC , Lo YC
Published: June 2023

Outbreaks of dengue fever (DF) are more common in southern than northern Taiwan, with primary transmission through Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors. A dengue vector surveillance system (DVSS) was established in 2005, with the objectives of characterizing dengue vector distribution and evaluating the effectiveness of DF control measures. We evaluated DVSS in Tainan City, a southern city in Taiwan with DF transmission. During 2011-2013, Ae. aegypti predominance was found in 31% of 36 districts. Breteau, container and household indices decreased following district-level vector control campaigns in 2011 and 2013. Levels of data validity and entry error types were more than 90% and less than 10% respectively. Program completeness was found to be low at 17%, primarily influenced by rural neighborhood findings. Completeness of pupal indices was unsatisfactory (12%), limited by time and manpower in collecting pupae. This evaluation of DVSS showed that the system collected complete and valid data necessary for meeting the surveillance objectives. We recommended that completeness of DVSS be further improved in rural districts, pupal index be removed from routine dengue vector surveys, and on-the-job training of survey personnel be established and maintained.
Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Small Ruminants in Thailand, 2013
Authors: Sagarasaeranee Onpawee , Kaewkalong Sarayut , Sujit Kittipat , Chanachai Karoon
Published: June 2023

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative coccobacilli bacteria, Brucella melitensis, commonly found in small ruminants. It caused outbreaks among humans in several provinces of Thailand. The Department of Livestock Development has implemented a surveillance system for brucellosis in small ruminants since 1997. This study aimed to describe the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and identify factors associated with spread of brucellosis in Thailand using the national surveillance data in 2013. The surveillance data in small ruminants during 2013 included herd management, movement history, location and laboratory results of tested animals from all eight veterinary laboratories in Thailand. Association between disease status at herd level and all those factors was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The seroprevalence of brucellosis was 12.1% (438/3,626) at herd level for both goats and sheep. At individual animal level, seroprevalence were 1.4% (1,297/94,722) and 1.6% (139/8,658) for goats and sheep respectively. Free-ranging was the only one management practice significantly associated with brucellosis infection in small ruminants at herd level. Improving biosecurity of herd management, especially avoid sharing pasture and communal area should be concern to prevent introduction and spreading of brucellosis in Thailand.
Isolation and characterization of phytochemical Constituents of cleome rutidosperma leaf methanol extract and its cytotoxicity against MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Mullai Nila k. , Karthikeyan J.
Published: June 2023

Natural resources like medicinal plants have been used traditionally to treat or manage various diseases and disorders. Cleome species possess to have major bioactive compounds with clinical significance. The present study was carried out to exploit the Cleome rutidosperma for its phytoconstituents and to isolate major bioactive compounds and their efficacy as cytotoxic agent against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The isolated compound was characterized with GC-MS spectroscopy and the structure was elucidated using spectral data analysis which revealed the presence of a cardiac glycosides derivative that was isolated for the first time from Cleome rutidosperma namely Acetic acid 3, 14-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-(6-oxo-6H-pyran-3-yl)-hexadecahydro-cyclopenta[α]phenanthren-16-yl ester (Bufotalin). The crude and isolated Bufotalin possess to have potential anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 22.86 µg/ml and 3.895µg/ml respectively, against the breast cancer cell lines. The plant-mediated isolated cardiac glycoside bufotalin will be a potential agent for the control of the proliferation of cancer cells.
Removal of aqueous solution of Methylene blue dye using “Clitoria ternatea": A Novel Adsorbent
Authors: Borkar D. , Adhyapak P. , Rajurkar N.
Published: June 2023

Textile, paper, plastic and paint industries discharge large amount of waste water containing dyes. Dyes are stable to light, non-biodegradable and difficult to degenerate hence they should be removed before discharging the effluents into the environment to diminish health damage and demolition of the environment. The existing work establishes the use of acid treated Clitoria ternatea leaves powder (ATCTLP) for the removal of methylene blue (M.B.) dye from its aqueous solution. For this purpose, batch adsorption process was used. The study revealed that maximum removal of the M.B. dye (5 mg L-1), was found to be 90.86 % at pH 7, contact time 60 min, adsorbent dose 0.02 g and particle size 105μm. The adsorbent was characterized using FESEM, EDX, FTIR, X-RD techniques before and after adsorption which clearly indicates effective adsorption of dye on it. The studied adsorbent is cost effective and can be applied for effluent treatment from dye industry.
Anyaság a jogon túl
Authors: Lenkovics Barnabás
Published: June 2023

A tanulmány a házasság és a család válságán belül az anyaság válságát érinti; a problémát nem a hagyományos jogtudományi, tételesjogi megközelítésben tárgyalja. A jogtudomány nyitása, társadalomtudományosítása, sőt még szélesebb értelemben a tudományosítása jegyében történész, humánetológus, szociológus, filozófus, pszichológus és politológus szerzők műveit használja forrásként, és rendszerezi azok gondolatait. Ezzel a problémára nagyobb időtávban és szélesebb összefüggésrendszerben tekint. A pesszimista jóslatok ellenére az összegzésben megpróbál optimista maradni.
Semmisség és megtámadhatóság
Authors: Menyhárt Ádám
Published: June 2023

A tanulmányommal az a célom, hogy rávilágítsak arra, hogy a jogtudomány és joggyakorlat által egymástól élesen elválasztható két kategória – semmisség és megtámadhatóság – határai mind a Ptk. normatív szabályozása, mind pedig a honi joggyakorlat alapján elmosódni látszanak, anélkül, hogy a két terminus megkülönböztethetősége teljesen kiüresedne. Tanulmányomból megállapítható lesz, hogy semmisség és megtámadhatóság között nemcsak, hogy a kontúrok mosódtak el, hanem olyan erős közeledés kezdődött meg a két jogintézmény vonatkozásában, amely kikezdte a két fogalom közel 100 éves, erős várának tartószerkezeteit is. Vajon elegendő ez a két jogintézmény egymással való elhatárolásának megszüntetéséhez és a felülépítménynek az alapokra történő lebontásához? Véleményem szerint nem, hiszen még mindig vannak olyan markáns különbségek, amelyek indokolják a két érvénytelenségi kategória egymástól való megkülönböztethetőségének létjogosultságát.
Állami szubvenció uniós szabályozása és a Ryanair-ügyek
Authors: Milassin László
Published: June 2023

Oly időket élünk, amikor a világ, így az Európai Unió tagállamainak életét is felforgatta a koronavírus-járvány és az egyre csak eszkalálódó ukrán–orosz fegyveres konfliktus. Ezek különösen az EU gazdaságát érintik súlyosan. Az ellátási nehézségek az energiaellátottság területén, illetve a felfelé kúszó infláció komoly kihívásokkal szembesítették a tagállamok kormányait, arra késztetve őket, hogy beavatkozzanak a piaci viszonyokba a kedvezőtlen folyamatok megakadályozására, illetve ezek negatív hatásait próbálják megfékezni, amennyire csak lehet. Szinte soha nem látott mértékben és volumenben folyamodnak a lakosságot és vállalkozásokat érintő állami támogatásokhoz. Jogi szempontból a fő kérdés az, hogy adott esetben fennáll-e olyan rendkívüli helyzet, amely alapján az állami beavatkozás kellően indokolt és arányos. Tény, hogy a Covid19-járvány rendkívüli helyzetet teremtett, hiszen egy világjárvánnyá vált. Ugyanakkor az e világjárványhoz kapcsolódó állami intézkedéseket, azok megalapozottságát egyenként kell megvizsgálni, és el kell végezni az idevonatkozó versenyjogi teszteket, különösen akkor, ha az intézkedések más uniós tagállam alanyait is érintik, és azoknak vélt vagy valós versenyhátrányt okoznak.
Szükségmegoldás vagy elkerülhetetlen jövő? : Digitális megoldások a munka világában a COVID-19 járvány hatásának összefüggéseiben
Authors: Nyerges Éva
Published: June 2023

A COVID-19 világjárvány a mindennapi munkavégzés és munkaügyi folyamatok tekintetében is markáns változásokat hozott. Kiugróan megnőtt a távmunka aránya, és a digitális munkaeszközök használata általánossá vált. A munkavállalók távoli hozzáférés útján, felhőalapú megoldások és változatos applikációk használatával végzik feladataikat, sok esetben részben vagy egészében távmunkában. Bizonyos munkakörökben mindennapossá váltak az online konferenciák, a munkatársak között hibrid formában vagy teljes távmunkában történik a kapcsolattartás, amelyhez elengedhetetlenek a modern IT-megoldások. De vajon a digitális megoldások a munkavégzésben szükségképpen kialakultak volna, és a világjárvány hatása csak felerősítette és előrehozta-e azokat, vagy önmagában a pandémia okozta változás idézte elő a digitalizáció robbanásszerű elterjedését? A válaszhoz az alábbi kérdőíves kutatás eredményei vihetnek közelebb.
Nagyszülői jogok és kötelezettségek a családjogban
Authors: Reiderné Bánki Erika
Published: June 2023

A tanulmány a családi jognak egy olyan területével, a nagyszülő és unoka kapcsolatával foglalkozik, mely a jogirodalomban csak néhány mondatos utalások erejéig jelenik meg. A nagyszülő és unoka közötti viszony többnyire informális módon, a jogi szabályozástól függetlenül alakul. A tanulmány célja annak számbavétele, hogy melyek azok az élethelyzetek, ahol a nagyszülő–unoka kapcsolatban megjelenik a normatív szabályozás, azaz milyen jogokat biztosít a családjogi szabályozás a nagyszülők számára, s milyen kötelezettségeket telepít rájuk. A nagyszülő–unoka viszonyában alapvetően három területet kell vizsgálat alá vonni: a nagyszülő szerepét a gyermek gondozása és nevelése körében, az unokával való kapcsolattartás lehetőségét, valamint a rokontartás kérdéskörét. A tanulmány a Polgári Törvénykönyv és a gyermekvédelmi törvény rendelkezéseiből kiindulva a gyámhatósági és bírósági gyakorlatot veszi górcső alá.
Kik azok az élettársak? : A vagyoni szempontok eltúlzott jelentősége az élettársak fogalmának értelmezése során és az „élettárs” kifejezés relativizálódása
Authors: Szeibert Orsolya
Published: June 2023

Az élettársi kapcsolatot, a polgári jogi kódexben szabályozott, de facto, tényleges együttélésen alapuló partnerkapcsolatot érintő ügyekben évtizedek óta nagy jelentősége van az ítélkezési gyakorlatnak. Az élettársakkal kapcsolatos, elsősorban vagyoni jellegű jogvitákban számos esetben előkérdésként merül fel az, hogy a felek között fennállt-e élettársi kapcsolat. A tanulmány annak rövid áttekintését követően, hogy hogyan alakult (ki) az élettársak fogalma, arra keres választ, hogy változott-e, s ha igen, milyen módon az élettárs-fogalom megítélése, illetve az „élettárs” kifejezésnek az alkalmazása, elsődleges tekintettel a gazdasági közösség fennállása; az írás alapja elsősorban a szerző élettársi témában évek óta folytatott saját kutatása.
Az Alkotmányosság jogelméleti kategóriája és egy jogrendszer fejlettségének végső értékkritériuma
Authors: Szigeti Péter
Published: June 2023

Az alkotmányosság nem szakjogi, hanem jogelméleti kategóriaként alkalmas egy jogrendszer belső önreflexiós szintjének megemelésére, a megalapozatlan döntések és/vagy normák alapjogok felöli korrekciójára. Összhangot teremthet alapjogok és alapjogok, jogszabályok és alapjogok közötti kollízióik eseteiben: ez az alkotmányosság specifikus értelme, amivel a jog relatíve új rétegének a formális legalitás követelményrendszerével összhangban lévő intézményesedése – erga omnes értelmezésekkel – megtörténhet. Egy jogrendszer adott kor, adott társadalmához (és civilizációjához) kötött értékrendjének mi lehet a végső mércéje, helyes jogi értékkritériuma?