bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Information and Communication Technologies to Enhance Teaching and Learning: The Case of Alfred Nzo East District, South Africa
Authors: Ayanda Jili , Zikhona Seleke
Published: September 2024

This paper aimed to explore the utilisation of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) for improving teaching and learning within the Alfred Nzo East District, South Africa. This research adopted a qualitative approach guided by a case study design. The study population consisted of all educators and students from two schools within the Alfred Nzo East District. The sample size comprised two (2) school principals, eight (8) teachers, and ten (10) students from both schools. In the Alfred Nzo East District, quintile 1 schools were the focus of the current study. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted using an open-ended interview schedule to assess the extent of ICT integration in enhancing teaching and learning within the selected schools in the Alfred Nzo East District. Local teachers were included in the study, and participants’ viewpoints were acquired through interviews, which helped to crystallize the findings. The themes derived from participant responses were analysed, revealing several factors influencing the implementation of ICTs, including discrepancies in resources between rural and urban schools, network connectivity issues, limited availability of ICT equipment, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient support from the Department of Education, lack of computer training workshops, and the remote location of many schools within the district. The results of this study could help guide more extensive research projects in the future. This study contributes to knowledge on ICT-enhanced teaching and learning.

Keywords: Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), Teaching, Learning, Alfred Nzo East District
Scale Separation Effects on Simulations of Plasma Turbulence
Authors: Edyvean Jago , Parashar Tulasi N. , Simpson Tom , Juno James , Delzanno Gian Luca , Guo Fan , Koshkarov Oleksandr , Matthaeus William H , Shay Michael , Yang Yan
Published: September 2024

Understanding plasma turbulence requires a synthesis of experiments, observations, theory, and simulations. In the case of kinetic plasmas such as the solar wind, the lack of collisions renders the fluid closures such as viscosity meaningless and one needs to resort to higher-order fluid models or kinetic models. Typically, the computational expense in such models is managed by simulating artificial values of certain parameters such as the ratio of the Alfvén speed to the speed of light (v
A/c) or the relative mass ratio of ions and electrons (m

i
/m

e
). Although, typically care is taken to use values as close as possible to realistic values within the computational constraints, these artificial values could potentially introduce unphysical effects. These unphysical effects could be significant at sub-ion scales, where kinetic effects are the most important. In this paper, we use the 10-moment fluid model in the Gkeyll framework to perform controlled numerical experiments, systematically varying the ion–electron mass ratio from a small value down to the realistic proton–electron mass ratio. We show that the unphysical mass ratio has a significant effect on the kinetic range dynamics as well as the heating of both plasma species. The dissipative process for both ions and electrons becomes more compressive in nature, although the ions remain nearly incompressible in all cases. The electrons move from being dominated by incompressive viscous-like heating/dissipation to very compressive heating/dissipation dominated by compressions/rarefactions. While the heating change is significant for the electrons, a mass ratio of m

i
/m

e
∼ 250 captures the asymptotic behavior of electron heating.
Metals in Star-forming Galaxies with KCWI. I. Methodology and First Results on the Abundances of Iron, Magnesium, and Oxygen
Authors: Zhuang Zhuyun , Kirby Evan N. , Steidel Charles C. , de los Reyes Mithi A. C. , Prusinski Nikolaus Z. , Leethochawalit N. , Park Minjung , Conroy Charlie , Nuñez Evan H.
Published: September 2024

Understanding the chemical enrichment of different elements is crucial to gaining a complete picture of galaxy chemical evolution. In this study, we present a new sample of 46 low-redshift, low-mass star-forming galaxies at M
* ∼ 108−10
M
⊙ along with two quiescent galaxies at M
* ∼ 108.8
M
⊙ observed with the Keck Cosmic Web Imager, aiming to investigate the chemical evolution of galaxies in the transition zone between Local Group satellites and massive field galaxies. We develop a novel method to simultaneously determine stellar abundances of iron and magnesium in star-forming galaxies. With the gas-phase oxygen abundance (O/H)g measured using the strong-line method, we are able to make the first-ever apples-to-apples comparison of α elements in the stars and the interstellar medium. We find that the [Mg/H]*–[O/H]g relation is much tighter than the [Fe/H]*–[O/H]g relation, which can be explained by the similar production processes of α elements. Most galaxies in our sample exhibit higher [O/H]g than [Fe/H]* and [Mg/H]*. In addition, we construct mass–metallicity relations (MZRs) measured as three different elements (Fe*, Mg*, Og). Compared to the gas O-MZR, the stellar Fe- and Mg-MZRs show larger scatter driven by variations in specific star formation rates (sSFR), with star-forming galaxies exhibiting higher sSFR and lower stellar abundances at fixed mass. The excess of [O/H]g compared to stellar abundances as well as the anticorrelation between sSFR and stellar abundance suggests that galaxy quenching of intermediate-mass galaxies at M
* ∼ 108−10
M
⊙ is primarily driven by starvation.
Theory of Mind and the Performance of Children With Intellectual Disability and Down Syndrome on Fantasy-Reality Distinction Tasks
Authors: Giaouri Stergiani
Published: September 2024

This chapter investigates theory of mind (ToM) development and performance on fantasy-reality distinction tasks in children with intellectual disabilities (ID) of different etiologies. ToM is crucial for understanding others' mental states, while the ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality is essential for cognitive flexibility. Children with ID often face challenges in these domains, impacting their social and adaptive functioning. In this study, 106 children were examined: forty-two children with typical development (TD), forty-one children with intellectual disability (ID) of unknown etiology, and twenty-three children with Down syndrome (DS). A set of fantasy-reality discrimination tasks was used. The findings contribute to advancing our understanding of ToM development and the fantasy-reality distinction in children with ID and DS, fostering inclusive education, and promoting social inclusion for these individuals.
Humanity as a Corporate Value
Authors: Díaz-Chica Óscar , Martín-Sierra Celia , Roldán-García Claudia
Published: September 2024

There are hints that humanity, understood as people's quality and not as a human race reference, could be becoming important in organizations. This study is developed with this inquiry, whose objective is reviewing the presence of humanity as a corporate value in the public business information provided by the 70 companies making up the 2022 RepTrak Nasdaq 100 ESG. A systematized review of public corporate information is applied as a research technique, with both a quantitative and qualitative approach. The study results show that “humanity”, according to the aforementioned meaning, only has a reduced presence in ethical codes (12 mentions in 9 companies) and a somewhat more significant presence in sustainability reports (47 mentions in 159 companies). This last figure may especially prove that humanity is perhaps an emerging issue in business environment.
The EU's Green Economy Policy and Its Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Bharti Mukesh Shankar
Published: September 2024

The aim of this research is to discuss the European Union's (EU) green economy policy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The EU Green Deal (EUGD) is the key strategic initiative to transition the EU economy towards a sustainable economic model in the Member States. Today's global transition to a green economy is one of the key agenda of the developed economies to save human life and sustainable development. The concept of global governance is related to saving the environment and biodiversity under waves of modernization and globalization. This study implies the qualitative approach to the explanation of the green economy policy in the EU. Empirical research is involved to find out the actual research findings on the green economy and SDGs. The EU is working on several key issues, whether related to Europe or the rest of the world, for the success of the SDGs. Using the deductive method to explain the green economy and SDGs under the several policies of the EU.
Web Semantic Analysis of Investor Sentiment, Short Trading, and Stock Market Volatility
Authors: Fang Guobin , Zhou Xuehua
Published: September 2024

This paper develops a novel investor sentiment index using a MF-DFM based on ten years' worth of daily trading data of the CSI 300 index. By employing a TVP-SV-VAR model, it examines the interplay between investor sentiment, short trading, and stock market volatility. Furthermore, the study explores time-varying nonlinear effects under different market conditions. The findings reveal that investor sentiment heightens market volatility, while an increase in short trading volume tends to reduce it. The impact of investor sentiment on short trading volume is multifaceted and varies depending on the scenario. Further analysis suggests that investor sentiment and stock market volatility can reinforce each other in bull markets. In contrast, bear markets see investors strategically using securities lending for short trading and risk hedging, which indicates a substitution effect between the stock market and the securities lending market. This study has implications for promoting the healthy development of financial markets.
Performance of Main and Ratoon Crop for Boro Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in a Saline Soil of Southwest Coastal Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam S. S. , Islam M. T. , Islam M. M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose: Rice is an important source of carbohydrates to feed 9.7 billion people by 2050 and its productivity is adversely affected by salinity as a result of climate change. Ratooning after Boro rice (Oryza sativa L.) increases rice production at a low cost. This led to the carrying out of a field experiment in the saline soil of Batiaghata Upazila under the Khulna district of Bangladesh to investigate the performance of 1st and 2nd crops of five different rice varieties (BRRI dhan 28, ACI hybrid dhan 6, KBP 1, BRRI  dhan 67 and Aftab LP 70).Research Method: Three cutting height variations (20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm height from the soil surface level) of the second crop were introduced in this experiment which was conducted in RCB design with three replications.Findings: Plant height, leaf area, biological yield, HI, total grains panicle-1, and filled grains panicle-1 were significantly (p≤0.05) higher for the KBP 1 rice variety for the 1st crop. On the other hand, leaves hill-1, number of tillers hill-1, panicles hill-1, grain yield, straw yield, and 1000 grains weight were significantly (p≤0.05) higher for Aftab LP 70 rice cultivar. In the 2nd crop, the plants died within 30 days after 1st harvesting due to the increased salinity.Research Limitations: The result revealed that ratooning of rice can be possible in non-saline soil where available water is present otherwise it’s not possible in high-saline soil as well as water deficit areas.Originality/ Value: The results of this experiment, suggested that KBP 1 or Aftab LP 70 perform better in terms of production of rice than the other varieties and rice ratooning is possible in the saline soil condition of the southwest coastal Bangladesh.
Evaluation of Optimal Shoot Tip Removal Time on Tuber Yield and Nutritional Content of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Using a Pipeline Variety
Authors: Perera U. D. T. , Weerasuriya M. B. , Amarasekera D. A. B. N.
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the least effecting time of shoot tip removal on sweet potato tuber yield and find the best tender shoot removal time, which has the highest nutritional content in sweet potato tender shoots to use as a leafy vegetable with the lowest effect for tuber growth.Research Method: The experiment was established in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates and six treatments. Eighteen-inch piece of the tender shoot was removed from the apical ends of every branch of sweet potato (TJ 01 pipeline variety) vines on 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 weeks after planting (WAP). Removed tender shoots were cut into five node cuttings from basal ends and were taken as planting materials. Tips of tender shoots with less than five nodes were taken as leafy vegetables. The weight of both planting materials and leafy vegetable parts was considered as the fresh weight of tender shoots. Several tender shoots and fresh weight, number of planting materials, and fresh weight were recorded. Tuber yield was taken after 3½ months.Findings: The number of tender shoots/ha and number of planting materials/ha were significantly higher than 10WAP while their fresh weights were not significantly different among treatments. Protein content was highest in 12WAP and 14WAP. The total weight of tubers/ha was higher than 10WAP. The best time to obtain tender shoots from sweet potato (TJ 01 pipeline variety) either as planting materials or leafy vegetables is 10WAP without adversely affecting tuber yield. Originality/Value: Since nutritionally valued sweet potato foliage is wasted after harvesting, identification of alternative uses will help to introduce sweet potato as a multidisciplinary crop.
Preliminary Observations and Domestic Management of the Polyphagous Fall Armyworm, (Spodoptera Frugiperda) in Sharqia Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Khedr M. M. A. , Amer A. E. A. , Nada M. M. , El-Sayed A. A. A
Published: September 2024

Purpose: In mid-2019, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW), a highly destructive and polyphagous pest was first discovered in Egypt. It is now a candidate to be a major economic threat to crop production. This study is the first report of this pest at Sharqia Governorate, northern-east Egypt. The available chemical control that is reviewed and reported which is mostly the first assessment in Egypt regarding the extreme shortage in any local dataResearch Method: Compare the morphological features and description of the detected insect stages with the ideal published data. Through leaf dip bioassay in second instar larvae; the lethal concentrations (LC values) of various conventional and newer insecticides were detected in FAW. Four different insecticides (indoxacarb, methomyl, chlorpyrifos, and metaflumizone were evaluated against both strains (laboratory and field) of FAW.Findings: Generally, the field strain showed resistance to the tested insecticides as compared to the laboratory one; however, indoxacarb (sodium channel blocker) was recorded as the most toxicant one, recording the lowest LC50 and LC90 values (48.79 and 208.47%) for field strain and (16.47 and 103.78%) for laboratory one, respectively. The field strain’s observed insecticide resistance was attributed to resistance mechanisms including a noteworthy rise in the activities of detoxification enzymes. indoxacarb showed the lowest resistance significant values in the field strain as compared to laboratory one. We can conclude that sodium channel blocker i.e. indoxicarb is a promising choice in IPM strategies of FAW in Egypt.Research Limitations: More field studies are required to examine the tested insecticides on different plant species to confirm their effectiveness under field circumstances and to make conclusive recommendations.Originality / Value: Findings can confirm the presence of the invasive FAW in this specific area, register it for the first time, and provide detailed descriptions, also the candidate insecticides proved to be promising control agents to combat FAW larvae under local efforts and domestic circumstances.
Growth and Yield of Bitter Gourd as Influenced by Inorganic Fertilizers in High Tunnel with Drip Irrigation System
Authors: Khan P. , Imtiaz M. , Shahzad H.
Published: September 2024

Purpose: Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is one of the most important crops cultivated in the tunnel. However, its yield and quality are severely deteriorated by practicing non-judicious and untimed application of fertilizers. A study was envisaged to investigate the effect of fertilizer application at specific times on the production of off-season bitter gourd (PALEE F1 hybrid) in high tunnels.Research Method: This study was conducted at the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The fertilizers (10-15 kg NPK ha-1) were applied at 7, 14, and 21-day intervals starting from crop establishment till mid of July. The study was comprised of four treatments and three replicates and was carried out under a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).Findings: The results revealed that the maximum marketable bitter gourd yield (2047 kg/ 250 m2 tunnel) was recorded in the treatment receiving NPK at 10-10-15 kg ha-1 as fertigation at 7-day intervals. Meanwhile, the minimum bitter gourd yield (392 kg/ 250 m2) was recorded in control (no NPK fertilizer applied). Maximum straw yield (44 kg/ 250 m2) and highest N, P & K uptake (7.05, 1.12 & 13.32) kg/ 250 m2 tunnel were recorded in bitter gourd with the NPK application at 7 days intervals.Research Limitations: The crop in tunnels needs optimum vigilance and laborious work. The optimum utilization of technical labor is considered to be a limitation.Originality/ Value: The judicious and well-timed application of a balanced fertilizer regimen may serve as a more effective approach to achieve enhanced crop productivity and quality goals.
Job demands, workplace anxiety and psychological capital: Moderation by gender and technology
Authors: Magwegwe Frank M. , Sithole Snenhlanhla
Published: September 2024

Orientation: Globally, employee workplace stress and anxiety are at an all-time high. Yet, we lack knowledge of work-from-home job demands that prompt it.Research purpose: The study sought to determine the influence of work-from-home job demands on workplace anxiety and, in turn, how workplace anxiety affects psychological capital.Motivation for the study: We propose a model that considers four job demands – role ambiguity, work overload, job insecurity and work-home conflict – as sources of workplace anxiety, and in turn the effects of workplace anxiety on psychological capital. Our model posits gender and technology as moderators of the associations among job demands, workplace anxiety and psychological capital.Research approach/design and method: The study utilised partial least squares structural equation modelling to analyse cross-sectional data from a convenience sample of 162 South African employees working from home.Main findings: We found positive effects of job insecurity on workplace anxiety and moderated effects of both job insecurity and work overload on workplace anxiety, with these associations being stronger for females. Workplace anxiety showed a negative but nonsignificant association with psychological capital. Additionally, the buffering effects of perceived ease of use of technology on psychological capital were evident only when workplace anxiety was low.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations should address job insecurity and consider gender’s moderating effects. Additionally, they should foster low-anxiety workplaces and provide proactive training on digital technologies.Contribution/value-add: This study provides one of the first empirical tests of workplace anxiety theory, examining the associations among workplace anxiety, digital technology characteristics and psychological capital.
Application of the modified Byars staged procedure for severe hypospadias repair
Authors: Xie Qi-Gen , Xue Ting-Ting , Chen Xu-Ren , Li Zhao-Ying , Xu Zhe , Li Zuo-Qing , Luo Peng
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to introduce a modified Byars staged procedure and investigate its application value in patients with severe hypospadias. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with severe hypospadias admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) between October 2012 and October 2022. In total, 31 patients underwent the conventional Byars procedure (conventional group), and 45 patients underwent the modified Byars staged procedure (modified group). Our modified strategy was built upon the standard Byars procedure by incorporating glansplasty during the first stage and employing a Y-shaped flap in conjunction with a glandular tunnel for urethroplasty during the second stage. Notably, there were no statistically significant differences in the preoperative baseline characteristics, duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, or occurrence of postoperative complications, including urethral fistula, stricture and diverticulum, or penile curvature, between the conventional and modified groups. However, there was a significantly lower incidence of coronal sulcus fistula (0 vs 16.1%, P = 0.02) and glans dehiscence (0 vs 12.9%, P = 0.02) in the surgical group than that in the conventional group. In addition, the modified group exhibited a notably greater rate of normotopic urethral opening (100.0% vs 83.9%, P = 0.01) and a higher mean score on the Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation (HOPE; mean ± standard error of mean: 8.6 ± 0.2 vs 7.9 ± 0.3, P = 0.02) than did the conventional group. In conclusion, the modified Byars staged procedure significantly reduced the risks of glans dehiscence and coronal sulcus fistula. Consequently, it offers a promising approach for achieving favorable penile esthetics, thereby providing a reliable therapeutic option for severe hypospadias.
The Growth of Electronic-cigarette Use Globally and Its Implications for Australia – A Literature Review
Authors: Kassis Joul
Published: September 2024

The usage of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), also known as vaporizers, has grown fast around the world, and people of all ages are joining in on this trend despite the recognized hazards and detrimental side effects on users. Despite the current legal hurdles, Australian smokers have increased their usage of e-cigarettes during the last 10 years. The implications of its use began to raise red lights and became more prevalent in areas where light should be spotted. Recently, and in response to growing concern around young people vaping, the Australian government has changed how e-cigarettes are regulated and more changes might be on the way. In this study, I will explore the development of e-cigarettes and its rise internationally, as well as the risks and benefits of using e-cigarettes that it is believed to have come out with, and ultimately, what its consequences are for the Australian population utilizing studies and surveys from Google Scholar and PubMed.
Onycholysis due to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Authors: Iyer Srihari K , Srihari Sahana , Shenoy Manjunath Mala
Published: September 2024

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness primarily affecting young children and is characterized by its high contagiousness. This report presents a unique case of HFMD-related onychomadesis in a 5-year-old boy from Punjab, India, in September 2022. The patient initially exhibited typical HFMD symptoms, including a mild fever, oral ulcers, and skin lesions. However, eight days following the resolution of these symptoms, an unusual manifestation emerged: discolouration and roughness of the right index finger’s nail plate. Unlike conventional onychomadesis cases associated with HFMD, this presentation commenced at the distal edge of the nail, gradually extending in width to involve the entire free edge, with additional changes such as longitudinal striations and pitting. Subsequently, the subungual area became affected, with skin exfoliation and hyperkeratosis. Remarkably, the nail plate detached spontaneously, revealing a yellowish discoloured nail bed beneath. The affected nail eventually regrew to normalcy. This case highlights the importance of considering atypical onychomadesis as a potential complication of HFMD, challenging the conventional understanding of proximal nail separation in HFMD-related onychomadesis. The spontaneous resolution of symptoms without active intervention strongly suggests a link between HFMD and this nail disorder. Clinicians should be aware of such atypical presentations to ensure accurate diagnosis and management, especially in pediatric patients with a history of HFMD. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of HFMD-related nail complications and to better guide clinical practice in similar cases.
Understanding the Effect of Virtual Reality on Anxiety and Pain Due to Intrauterine Device Insertion
Authors: Riska Herliana , Widaryanti Rahayu , Yuliani Istri , Ratnaningsih Ester
Published: September 2024

Background:

Virtual Reality (VR) can provide more interruption as it inundates the patient in a different universe and connects with numerous faculties. VR has been utilized to deal with the pain and stress associated with various painful medical procedures.

Materials and Methods:

This multi-method study was conducted on 60 women in an Intrauterine Device (IUD) acceptor. This research occurred in the independent practice of midwifery in the great region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in 2020.

Results:

The study found that the things that make respondents anxious in the face of this IUD insertion are experience, information, knowledge, and family support. The quantitative analysis found different pain levels in the VR and non-VR groups (t118 = 1,65, p < 0,001).

Conclusions:

VR can be used as a method to distract clients during IUD insertion.
Effectiveness of Community-based Obesity Intervention for Body Weight, Body Mass Index, and Waist Circumference: Meta-analysis
Authors: Zeb Aurang , Sivarajan Froelicher Erika , Pienaar Abel Jacobus , Dhamani Khairunnisa
Published: September 2024

Background:

Obesity is a significant health problem worldwide and an alarming problem in the developed world including the United States of America and European populations. Subsequently, obesity can lead to different health problems, such as non-communicable diseases. However, it can be prevented through a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle modification. The study’s purpose was to analyze the published literature on community-based obesity interventions and to present a comprehensive summary of how to reduce the body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist Circumference (WC) among overweight and obese individuals in the community through health education and behavior interventions.

Material and Methods:

The meta-analysis was conducted in February–July 2021, searching CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases. Studies published during the prior 12 years on community-based obesity intervention for weight, BMI, and WC were included in this review. Cochrane Revman software was used for meta-analysis.

Results:

Seventeen studies met the selection criteria for the review. A meta-analysis of the studies on health education and behavioral intervention studies resulted in a statistically significant reduction at 95% confidence intervals in the mean differences of BMI -1.19 (-1.77, -0.62) and WC -1.11 (-1.54, -0.68).

Conclusions:

Community-based obesity interventions through health education and behavior interventions effectively reduce the body weight, BMI, and WC. Implementing community-based health education and behavioral interventions effectively prevents and treats obesity in communities.
Complications in Pregnant Women and Newborns Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zare Fariba , Karimi Arezoo , Daliri Salman
Published: September 2024

Background:

One of the high-risk groups exposed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was pregnant women at risk of pregnancy complications due to a weakened immune system and inability to use various drugs to treat COVID-19. Accordingly, this study was conducted to investigate the complications in pregnancy before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Material and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed on all pregnant women in Shahroud, Iran. The time interval from February 18, 2019, to February 17, 2020, was considered before the COVID-19 pandemic and from February 18, 2020, to February 17, 2021, was considered the COVID-19 pandemic. Sampling was conducted by census and included 6851 pregnant women. The required information was extracted from hospitals’ health deputy registration system and high-risk pregnancy registration program.

Result:

Based on the findings, hypertension disorder, gestational diabetes, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia, cesarean section, hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), preterm birth, and hospitalization in other hospital wards increased by 1.88%, 1.93%, 0.12%, 0.45%, 5.45%, 1.00%, 1.20%, and 1.40%, respectively, in 2020 compared to 2019. A statistically significant difference was also observed between them (p< 0.05). Also, the regression results showed that the chances of high blood pressure, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), placental abruption, and cesarean section were increased by 10.91, 1.53, 5.51, and 2.83 times, respectively.

Conclusions:

Pregnancy complications have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there is a need to take appropriate health and medical measures to reduce the risks associated with the COVID-19 epidemic for pregnant women and neonates.
Nurses’ Experiences of Practical Challenges Associated with Nurses’ Prescription: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jodaki Kurosh , Abbasi Mohammad , Nayeri Nahid Dehghan
Published: September 2024

Background:

Because nurse prescription has numerous benefits for the health systems, in many countries around the world, nurses are given the right to prescribe medication. In Iran, the role of nurses in prescription drugs is not well understood, and nurses face various challenges in this regard.

Materials and Methods:

A qualitative content analysis methodology based on the Graneheim and Lundman model was used. Thirteen nurses working in medical wards of hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Science were selected to participate in this study by purposeful sampling. Participants were interviewed via telephone using a semi-structured tool. After thirteen interviews, data saturation was reached. Data collection was undertaken between April 2020 and April 2021.

Results:

The results of this study are summarized in one theme, four categories, and ten subcategories. The theme extracted from the data analysis was “the practical challenges of nurse prescription,” which included four main categories: structure challenges, personnel-related barriers, interprofessional separation, and society’s attitudes.

Conclusions:

The results of this study explain the barriers and practical challenges of nurse prescription in Iran. Identifying these challenges and barriers provides the necessary evidence for policymakers to remove and adjust these challenges and barriers. Moreover, the elimination of identified challenges will help nurses better perform their new roles and develop the nursing scope and profession.
Explaining the Nurses’ Spiritual Needs in the Oncology Department: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mosavizadeh Seyed Rohollah , Bahrami Masoud , Maghami-Mehr Asieh , Torkan Mohammad , Mehdipoorkorani Ladan
Published: September 2024

Background:

It seems that improving the spiritual dimension of cancer patients can play an effective role in their mental and emotional peace. Meanwhile, oncology ward nurses are one of the most important healthcare providers that can help improve patients’ relationship with God due to their more interaction and communication with patients. For this reason, this study aimed at explaining nurses’ spiritual needs in an oncology ward.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted based on the qualitative content analysis method. The participants included 11 nurses from the oncology ward of Seyed Al Shahada Hospital in Isfahan from 2021 to 2022. A semi-structured interview was administered to determine nurses’ spiritual needs.

Results:

Analysis of 11 interviews conducted with nurses revealed a total of four main codes, 13 sub-codes, and four sub-sub-codes. According to nurses’ point of view, their spiritual needs can be classified into four dimensions as follows: communication with God, communication with oneself (intrapersonal communication), communication with others (interpersonal communication), and communication with environment. Administered interviews revealed the role of communication with God with six sub-codes as nurses’ most important point of attention.

Conclusions:

According to nurses’ point of view, nurses’ spiritual needs were divided into the dimensions of communication with God, communication with oneself, communication with others, and communication with environment. Therefore, it is necessary to simultaneously pay attention to oncology nurses’ personal and social aspects to increase their spirituality.
Building Individual and Community Resilience for LGBTQIA+ Individuals in India: A Pilot Study using the SAAHAS intervention model
Authors: Nigudkar Advaita S. , Wandrekar Jagruti R.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Exploring factors that determine resilience in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) community as described in the minority stress model and developing interventions to promote individual and community resilience are emerging goals to facilitate LGBTQIA+ mental health. In this pilot study, researchers’ objectives were two-fold to build a participant-derived theory on resilience in the LGBTQIA+ community and to develop and evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of an intervention module to build resilience.

Methods:

Online group therapy sessions were conducted under the Sexuality, Awareness, Acceptance, Health, and Support (SAAHAS) framework, with queer mental health professionals as facilitators using a peer-cum-expert stance. Following a detailed intake and assessment using the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, a group discussion on Understanding Resilience in the first session was used to identify resilience components. In the remaining 6 sessions, facilitators primarily used Queer Affirmative Cognitive Behavior Therapy techniques pertinent to these components to address challenges in the domains of self, family of origin, and intimate partner relationships. A feedback form was used after the final session to evaluate usefulness.

Results:

The 6 components identified as crucial to LGBTQIA+ resilience were building self-worth, stigma competence, cognitive coping, emotional coping, general social and interpersonal skills, and accessing information and resources. 27 participants from the LGBTQIA+ community attended at least one session. Participant feedback suggested that the participants believed that the group was a safe space, perceived an increase in their resilience after the intervention, reported improvement on all 6 resilience components, and believed that they had better skills to navigate challenges in the 3 settings of self, family, and intimate partner relationships.

Conclusion:

The SAAHAS intervention module can be a useful cost-effective framework to promote individual resilience, and the group therapy setting itself is a useful tangible community resilience resource.
Money, Psychology, and Neuroeconomics
Authors: Sheth Hitesh Chandrakant
Published: September 2024

Money is one of the principal forces acting on human beings that dictate conscious and unconscious actions. However, because of its tendency to bring the evil propensities in human beings to the fore, it is also one of the most maligned forces in human history. This study aims to know the real nature of money and the number of factors that determine a man's attitude towards money. A study of various kinds of literature like; journals, books, magazines, internet materials, and articles on neuropsychology, were done to compare the good and bad effects, money exerts on human lives. Results showed that there are many factors such as greed, insecurity, and inner poverty, as well as genetic and neuropsychological causes that impel men to chase power, position, and outer prosperity. However, such wealth, when earned through unfair means, often breeds insecurity and misery for a man as well as for society at large, while the same wealth, when acquired through fair means helps man to fulfill the ultimate goals of human life, namely enjoyment, and self-actualization. The study concludes by stating that money, by its nature, is neither a good nor an evil force. In fact, wealth creation without violating the moral codes is holy labor and a duty that helps humans, materially, psychologically, spiritually, and neuropsychologically, to achieve lofty aims in their life and also benefits humanity in general.
Electronic and Regular Cigarette Use among King Saud University Students and their Association with Psychological Distress
Authors: Dabbagh Rufaidah , Barnawi Ruba , Alrsheed Atheer , Alsalem Ruba , Alanzan Shahd , Alhuthail Aroob , Alhogail Norah
Published: September 2024

Background:

The growing trend of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among the youth is concerning. This behavior has not been well studied among Saudi young adults, let alone among females.

Aims and Objectives:

We measured the prevalence of e-cigarette and regular cigarette use among female university students, their association with psychological distress and student characteristics, and the reasons for smoking.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 616 female students at King Saud University, from January to March 2019. Self-administered questionnaires were used asking about regular and e-cigarette use behavior, and psychological distress measured by 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6).

Results:

The response rate was 91.5%, and 7.8% of students smoked regular cigarette, while only 2.6% smoked e-cigarettes. About 86.9% of students had K6 scores suggestive of high levels of stress. Students whose friends smoked had around 16 times the odds for e-cigarette use (odds ratio [OR]: 15.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.45, 33.31), and 11 times the odds for regular cigarette use (OR: 11.40; 95% CI = 5.31, 24.47) compared to those without friends who smoked. The reasons for smoking e-cigarettes were peer pressure (35.6%), believing they are safer than regular cigarettes (32.2%), for quitting regular cigarettes (25.4%), and out of curiosity (6.8%).

Conclusion:

Although e-cigarette use prevalence does not seem quite high in this study, the prevalence of regular cigarette smoking was surprisingly higher. Peer pressure and having friends who smoke are important predictors of cigarette use that should be targeted in tobacco prevention planning.
Migraine and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Arabs Living in Different Societal Environments
Authors: Ras Yasmin Abo , Alnafisah Mohammed Saleh , Farfouti Mohammed Taher , Alsukhni Rana Alnasser , Alanazy Mohammed H. , Muayqil Taim A.
Published: September 2024

Background:

The prevalence of migraine and psychiatric comorbidities has been found to differ on a global scale according to country development. We aimed to determine this prevalence in three samples of Arabs living in different countries at different levels of development and political stability.

Methods:

The study included Saudi and Syrian participants ≥16 years of age. The cohort was subdivided into three groups: Saudi Arabian residents (SARs), Syrian residents (SRs), and Syrian expatriates (SEs). Information regarding age, sex, education, and marital status was also collected. Migraine was determined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 criteria; depression and bipolar disorder were determined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, respectively. Odds ratios were estimated for associations.

Results:

Of 620 participants, 102 (16.5%) met migraine criteria, and 81 (79.4%) were female. Migraine was found in 66 (20.6%) SARs, 25 (19%) SEs, and 11 (6.5%) SRs. Being married was significantly associated with migraine (P = 0.01). Depression had a significant association with migraine within the entire cohort (odds ratio [OR] =2, confidence interval [CI] =1.2–3.1, P = 0.004) and the subgroups of SEs (OR =3, CI =1.14–7.8, P = 0.02) and SARs (OR =2.1, CI =1.14–7.8, P = 0.02); depression was significantly associated in the SE and SAR migraine groups (both P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Migraine and comorbid depression occur at a rate similar to international reports in Middle Eastern Arabs and more prominently in SEs and SARs. The migraine frequency was lower in SRs in comparison to SEs and SARs residing in more developed countries. Future research that explores these conditions under different environmental and sociopolitical circumstances will improve the understanding of causal relationships.
Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on an Ongoing Pragmatic Pediatric Clinical Trial
Authors: Hudairi Abrar F. , Bashiri Fahad A. , AL-Sulimani Lujain K. , AlSaqabi Dimah , Mohamed Mohamed A. A. , Hamad Muddathir H. , Al Khalifah Reem
Published: September 2024

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a significant negative impact on clinical trials. Therefore, maintaining an optimal trial conduct should be considered to minimize risks to trial integrity while ensuring the safety of trial staff and participants. In this study, we aimed to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on conducting an ongoing clinical trial, along with challenges and solutions encountered and required to continue the trial.

Methods:

This Phase IV pragmatic randomized superiority controlled open-label trial included children with epilepsy receiving Vitamin D supplementation at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (clinicaltrials.gov registration number: NCT03536845). Children with epilepsy receiving chronic antiepileptic medications and with normal baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D level were randomized to receive cholecalciferol 400 IU/day versus 1000 IU/day for 6 months. The primary outcome was the percentage of children with Vitamin D insufficiency at 6 months. The secondary outcomes included seizure control, bone mineral density, and safety.

Results:

Under COVID-19 public health emergency measures, exceptional methods were used, such as telemedicine, home visit for blood extractions, shipping of the study medication to the patient's home, using reminder text messages to follow patients' compliance, and using privacy-compliant platforms to connect the research team members.

Conclusion:

During the widespread pandemic, ethical dilemmas are of major concern, especially when conducting trials on vulnerable age groups. Therefore, actions should be proportionate and based on benefit-risk considerations, affecting the risk of bias from protocol deviation and overall results.
The Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale
Authors: Khalifah Reem Al , Younis Afnan , Al Suwaidan Hessah I , AlAnazi Noor , Baghdadi Leena R
Published: September 2024

Aim:

We aimed to translate and perform transcultural adaptation of the English version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) to Arabic, and assess predictors of COVID-19 fear.

Methods:

We translated the original seven-item English FCV-19S to Arabic, then back-translated the scale to English. The scale was evaluated by a group of medical experts and participants from the general population to test for content and face validity. The final version of the scale was assessed in a cross-sectional study that included adults residing in Saudi Arabia, who participated in a study to assess the impact of COVID-19 fear on children's vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic curfew March 24–July 6, 2020.

Results:

Overall, 577 participants responded to the survey. The mean age was 32.6 ± 5.7 years, and the majority had bachelor's or postgraduate university degrees. COVID-19 was diagnosed in 1.4% of the participants. The mean total score for the COVID-19 fear scale was 20 ± 5.4. The COVID-19 fear scale had excellent internal consistency and Cronbach's alpha 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.93–0.96).

Conclusions:

The modified Arabic version of the FCV-19S is a valid and reliable tool to measure fear levels during the pandemic of COVID-19. Using an appropriate psychometric tool to measure the level of fear can help in monitoring changes in population fear levels, and implementing population-level measures to limit unwarranted fear.
Low Back Pain Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Medical Students at Four Major Medical Colleges in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alrabai Hamza M. , Aladhayani Mohammed H. , Alshahrani Salem M. , Alwethenani Zaid K. , Alsahil Mohammed J. , Algarni Abdulrahman D.
Published: September 2024

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and to identify risk factors associated with LBP among medical students.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2021 medical students from four medical colleges in Saudi Arabia during the academic year 2019–2020. A self-administered questionnaire was conducted and included three sections: demographic data, risk factors of LBP, and prevalence of LBP (during lifetime, past 12 months, and past 7 days). Data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results:

A total of 2021 medical students responded to our survey. The participants were 57.1% female and 42.9% male. Most of the students' ages (76.3%) ranged from 20 to 24 years. Medical students younger than 20 and older than 24 were 21.8% and 1.9%, respectively. The prevalence of LBP was 80.7% at any time, 67.6% in the past 12 months, and 38.2% in the past 7 days. Females were found to have higher prevalence of LBP than males (P < 0.0001), 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.37, 2.04). History of physical trauma to the back was significantly associated with LBP (P < 0.0001), 95% CI (1.32, 2.40). A lack of daily exercise was also found to be associated with LBP (P = 0.015), 95% CI (1.05, 1.55). LBP affected the daily functions, such as walking and sleeping, of 30.1% of medical students. Around 11% of medical students sought medical care because of LBP.

Conclusions:

We conclude that the prevalence of LBP is high among Saudi medical students. LBP seemed to be higher in females and associated with history of back trauma. Back care awareness should be emphasized among medical students.