bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-6 versus C-reactive protein as markers for early detection of bacteremia in febrile neutropenia in pediatric population
Authors: Gupta Manasi , Kini Pushpa G , Bhat Y Ramesh , Aroor Shrikiran
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Systemic infection leading to multiorgan failure during neutropenia is one of the leading causes of treatment-related mortality among children receiving chemotherapy. Reliable markers are needed to diagnose or rule out infection, to reduce the empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Aims and Objectives: The aim is to compare the role of interleukin-6 versus C-reactive protein (CRP) as markers of sepsis in febrile neutropenia in pediatric patients while on chemotherapy for malignancy. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study carried out in the Department of Paediatrics of a tertiary care Hospital in South India. All children with malignancy in the age group from 1 month to 18 years diagnosed to have febrile neutropenia during any phase of chemotherapy were included in the study. Multiple episodes of febrile neutropenia in the same child were analyzed as separate episodes. Results: Thirty-two episodes of febrile neutropenia were analyzed. There were 7 microbiologically documented infections (MDI), 19 clinically documented infections and 6 episodes of fever of unknown origin. Out of the 7 MDI, 5 were Gram-negative sepsis and 2 were Gram-positive sepsis. Gram-negative sepsis had a much higher median IL-6 value (169) than Gram-positive sepsis (17.5) and sterile blood cultures (52). However, median value of CRP was only slightly higher in Gram-positive sepsis (85.5) than in Gram-negative sepsis (60.7) and sterile blood cultures (44.2). Conclusion: In this study, higher IL-6 values predicted Gram-negative sepsis better than CRP.
Long-term Remission of Metastatic Pleomorphic Paratesticular Rhabdomyosarcoma with Chemotherapy in an Adolescent Boy - A Case Report
Authors: Mehdi Intezar , Ranjani Shashi , Swamy Shivakumar , Venkatachala K
Published: October 2020

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in the pediatric age group. They are classified based on the histopathological characteristics. The prognosis of RMS depends on the site of occurrence and the histopathology. Although paratesticular site is considered as one of the favorable sites, pleomorphic histology, even at this favorable site, confers a poor prognosis. Treatment includes surgery chemotherapy and radiation in metastatic cases. Here, we describe a case of an adolescent boy with pleomorphic paratesticular RMS treated successfully with chemotherapy.
Эрмитов процесс Якоби: упрощенная формула моментов и приложения к оптоволоконным каналам MIMO
Authors: Demni Nizar , Hamdi Tarek , Souissi Abdessatar
Published: October 2020

С помощью замены базиса в алгебре симметрических функций мы вычисляем моменты эрмитова процесса
Якоби. Расставив члены в строго определенном порядке и подсчитав определитель «почти
верхнетреугольной» матрицы, мы получаем формулу моментов, которая значительно проще формулы,
выведенной в [L. Deleaval, N. Demni, J. Theoret. Probab., 31:3 (2018), 1759-1778]. В качестве приложения мы рассматриваем эрмитов процесс Якоби как динамическую модель оптоволоконных каналов MIMO и вычисляем его пропускную способность
(по Шеннону) для достаточно малых мощностей передатчика. В случае, когда размер эрмитова процесса
Якоби больше порядка момента, нашу формулу моментов можно записать как линейную комбинацию
сбалансированных обрывающихся $ _4F_3$-рядов в единице.
О пространствах двоично-обобщенных функций
Authors: Karapetyants Mikhail Alexeyevich , Protasov Vladimir Yur'evich
Published: October 2020

Исследуются пространства обобщенных функций на
диадической полупрямой - положительной полупрямой, снабженной операцией поразрядного
двоичного сложения и стандартной мерой Лебега. Доказано, что не существует
пространства обобщенных функций, которое удовлетворяло бы ряду естественных минимальных требований, выдерживало бы преобразование Фурье-Уолша и умножение на линейные функции. Это, в частности, устанавливает оптимальность пространства, построенного С. С. Волосивецом в 2009 г. Продемонстрировано приложение обобщенных функций для исследования масштабирующих уравнений и всплесков на диадической полупрямой.
Uses of -diketones for the synthesis of novel heterocyclic compounds and their antitumor evaluations
Authors: M. Mohareb R. , M. Kamel M. , R. Milad Y.
Published: October 2020

The reaction of the 3-oxo-N,3-diphenylpropan-amide (3) with either malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate in ammonium acetate gave the 1,2-dihydropyridine derivatives 6a or 6b, respectively. On the other hand, carrying the same reaction in the presence of triethylamine gave the 1,6-dihydropyridine derivatives 7a and 7b, respectively. Moreover, compound 3 reacted with 2-aminoprop-1-ene-1,1,3-tricarbonitrile to give the pyridine derivative 9. Compound 7b reacted with the active methylene derivatives 10a,b and 4a,b to give the naphthyridine derivatives 11a,b and 12a,b; respectively. Compound 3 was also used for the synthesis of thiophene derivatives 13a,b and 16a,b. In addition, the reaction of ethyl benzoylacetate (1) with o-phenylene diamine gave the benzimidazole derivative 18. The reactivity of the latter product towards different reagents was studied to give different products. The cytotoxicity of the newly synthesized products was studied towards some cancer and normal cell lines, in addition toxicity of compounds was measured and docking of the most active compounds was done. Compounds 6b, 7b, 9, 13a, 13b, 16a, 20b, 20c, 24b, 25 and 26b exhibited optimal cytotoxic effect against cancer tested cell lines. These active compounds were evaluated against c-Met kinase using foretinib as the reference drug where all compounds expressed higher activity than the reference drug.

                   

KEY WORDS: Ethyl benzoylacetate, Pyridine, Benzimidazole, Cytotoxicity

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 385-405

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.15
Biochemical studies on protein, phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of Sida cordifolia extracts
Authors: Arshad S. , Hussain I. , Ibrahim M. , Imran M. , A. Assiri M. , Thind S. , Bilal M. , Irfan A. , G. Al-Sehemi A.
Published: October 2020

The study aimed to characterize the antioxidant properties regarding the Sida cordifolia with special reference to its detailed biochemical analysis. The study revealed that chlorophyll A (0.9 ± 0.3 mg/g), total chlorophyll content (3.0 ± 0.7 mg/g), total carotenoid content (0.3 ± 0.1 mg/g), total soluble proteins (7.5 ± 0.1 mg/g), and total phenolic contents (5.6 ± 1.3 mg/g) were found highest in flower tissue of S. cordifolia. However, peroxidase (POD) contents (118 ± 31 units/g), superoxide dismutase (SOD)  activity (64 ± 1.5 units/g) were maximum in the leaf tissues, while catalase (CAT)  contents (133 ± 25 units/g), ascorbate peroxidase (APX)  contents (145 ± 44 units/g) were also found more in the flowers of S. cordifolia rather than other parts. Our results conclude that leaves, stem, flower of S. cordifolia could be exploited in pharmacology due to presence of different antioxidants reflected in flower and leaf extract make them potent and profound therapeutic agents.

                   

KEY WORDS: Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Phenolics, Antioxidant, Sida cordifolia

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 427-434

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.18
Construction of porous carbon for the highly efficient visible light-driven degradation methyl violet
Authors: Shi C. , Wang X. , Dong Y. , Hu W. , Li Y. , Pan Y. , Qiu Y. , Liu J.
Published: October 2020

A series of nanoporous carbons (NPC) Fe-C/N-900 and C/N-900 have been synthesized from one-step carbonization of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin-Fe (Fe-TCPP) and TCPP, respectively and employed as photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dye methyl violet (MV) under UV irradiation. The optimized Fe-C/N-900 (carbonized at 900 oC for 2 h) exhibited an optimal performance in MV degradation. The photodegradation capacity of Fe-C/N-900 has been observed to be higher than that of C/N-900. The photodegradation ability of Fe-C/N-900 as a function of initial MV concentration, catalysis dosage, and pH has been also investigated. The Fe-C/N-900 material showed no apparent loss in MV degradation after four cycles. These features reveal that Fe-C/N-900 may be a promising degradant for dyes removal from water.

                   

KEY WORDS: Photocatalysis, Nanoporous carbons, Methyl violet, carbonization

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 277-284

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.6
Synthesis and characterization of novel four heterodimetallic mixed metal complexes of 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid
Authors: İlkimen H. , S. Canlıdinç R.
Published: October 2020

Four novel hetero dimetallic mixed metal complexes of 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid       (H2dipic), [Ni(H2O)5Co(dipic)2] (1), [Co(H2O)5Co(dipic)2][Ni(H2O)5Ni(dipic)2][Co(dipic)(H2O)3] (2), [Cu(H2O)5Ni(dipic)2]2[Co(dipic)(H2O)] (3) and [Ni(H2O)5Cu(dipic)2]2[Co(dipic)(H2O)] (4) have been prepared and characterized by elemental, AAS, spectral (IR and UV-Vis), and thermal analyses, as well as by using magnetic measurement and molar conductivity techniques. The results indicate that metal ions coordinate with 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate ions (dipic2-) nitrogen atoms and carboxylate oxygen atoms of ligands. The mole ratio of dipic2- and metal ions in the complexes have been determined to be 2:2 (Co, Ni) for 1, 5:5 (3Co, 2Ni) for 2, 5:5 (Co, 2Ni and 2Cu) for 3 and 5:5 (Co, 2Ni and 2Cu) for 4 according to the results of elemental analysis. The structures of 1-4 might be proposed as octahedral ([Cu(dipic)(H2O)] unit for 2 square plane) according to results of spectroscopic analysis. The TG and DTA properties of compounds have been studied.

                   

KEY WORDS: 2,6-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid, Mixed metal, Metal complex

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 313-321

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.9
Determinants of sustainability for community based water projects: the case of Hazina ya Maendeleo ya Pwani in coastal Kenya
Authors: Hassan Farida A. , Osore Melckzedeck K. , Ong'ayo Hilda A.
Published: October 2020

Sustainability of development projects is considered essential for the continued delivery of services to beneficiary communities beyond external financing. However, various factors cause community projects to fail the sustainability test. This study investigated the determinants of sustainability for community-based water projects implemented through World Bank and Kenya Government financing known as Hazina ya Maendeleo ya Pwani. Research was conducted using sustainability criteria comprising social, organizational, technical and financial aspects that were selected based on literature review and community perceptions. The research was conducted in Kenya’s coastal region using data collected from 285 respondents. Frequencies, means and percentages were used to describe data while the Structural Equation Modeling technique determined factors influencing sustainability. Results illustrated that all the four indicators assessed predict sustainability. However, only the technical and financial indicators influence sustainability significantly. In conclusion, while it is important to incorporate all the four indicators during planning and designing of community-based water projects, special attention must focus on financial and technical aspects. The study recommends that building the capacity of Community Based Organizations in terms of technical competence and financial resources to support operation and maintenance is a requirement, rather than a choice, for sustainability of community-based water projects.
Expanding the network of highways and expressways in the post-socialist countries of the European Union in the years 2004–2019
Authors: Koziarski Stanisław M.
Published: October 2020

The aim of this article is to analyze the pace of expansion of the network of highways and expressways over the past 15 years of membership in the European Union. Joining the European Union by such post-socialist countries as: Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia (2004), Bulgaria, Romania (2007) and Croatia (2013) as well as the funds received for the development of transport infrastructure significantly contributed to the boom in the pace of road investments in these countries. The existing networks of highways and expressways in the 11 analyzed countries are at the stage of creating major national and international connections. The most advanced expansion of the national highway system is taking place in Poland and Hungary. Stable development, with a slight annual growth of the length of new highways, is taking place in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Stagnation in the development of roads of this type is occurring in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Toll roads are operated in 8 out of 11 analyzed countries. The vignette system for highways is used in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania and Hungary. Toll is paid at tollbooths in Croatia and Poland. Most of the highways in Central Europe are concentrated around the capital agglomerations, e.g. Budapest, Prague, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sofia and Bucharest, with the exception of Warsaw, which is slowly rebuilding its central position in the network of expressways (A-2, S-7, S-8, S-17) in Poland. The first sections of highways in the discussed countries, except for Poland, were located around the capital cities. The layout of the highway network is often determined by the orography of the terrain, especially the course of mountain ranges, great rivers and coasts. Due to the varied topography, costs are rising, and the construction time of engineering structures such as tunnels, overpasses and bridges is longer, with countries such as Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and recently also the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania being forced to build them.
Mechanisms of the overcoming the digital inequality of the population in Ukraine: interoperable governance, educational technologies of artificial intelligence and geoinformational startups
Authors: Karpenko Oleksandr , Osmak Anton , Karpenko Yulia
Published: October 2020

The article deals with the theoretical substantiation of the mechanisms of overcoming the digital inequality of the population in Ukraine, among which the main ones have been defined as follows: creation of interoperable governance systems, introduction of educational algorithms of artificial intelligence and application of geo-information technologies (startups). Digital inequalities are classified as technical, inclusive, educational and economic. It has been proven that digital education of the future must be based on individual contextual learning, which is based on technological capacity, inclusion and interaction of teachers and students within personalized curricula. It has been substantiated that there is the necessity to create in (or at) public authorities centers of interoperable governance – organizational and technological complexes of intellectually organized workplaces of public officials, experts-analysts and specialists-communicators who carry out modeling, analysis, forecasting, graphic visualization of the situation by means of digital software, technical and communicational tools to support decision-making based on neural network technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms. A model of interaction (movement) of informational and communicational flows and influences of a typical center of interoperable governance has been developed. The use of the visual representation of spatial data and digital services of geo-information systems is recommended on the example of the EasyWay startup, a digital logistics system of public transport routes to ensure the effectiveness of the centers of interoperable governance.
Informacje o przynależności związkowej jako dane chronione szczególnej kategorii
Authors: Kuba Magdalena
Published: October 2020

Personal data revealing trade union membership as special categories of personal data Personal data revealing trade union membership are qualified as special categories of personal data because of the importance of this information and its significant impact on the situation of a natural person. It is worth mentioning in particular that trade union membership may be a premise for unequal treatment of workers. Ensuring an adequate level of protection of this information is therefore of fundamental importance.
Factors influencing the transition of pharmacy students from pre-clinical to clinical years at university
Authors: Drovandi Aaron , Adu Mary , Alele Faith , Jones Karina , Knott Gillian , Malau-Aduli Bunmi
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The transition to clinical studies can be a source of stress, though little is known about how pharmacy students manage this transition. This mixed-methods study investigated factors influencing student transition from pre-clinical to clinical years of an Australian pharmacy degree.
Methods: Students rated and discussed their confidence in performing pharmacy-related skills, factors influencing their ability to carry out these skills and key enabling factors and barriers that influenced their transition.
Results: Differences in teaching and assessment style and placement workload affected the transition experience. Self-confidence in the clinical learning environment was enhanced by patient contact, previous pharmacy work experience, case-based learning and supportive placement supervisors. A perceived lack of relevance of pre-clinical learning and heavy workload during placement were major barriers to a smooth transition.
Conclusions: Support systems are essential to foster transition into the clinical learning environment with confidence and effective application of theoretical knowledge to real-world practice.
Morbilidad en un centro penitenciario de Colombia
Authors: Riaño Amanda Constanza , Chamorro Mora Sandra Lucía
Published: October 2020

El presente estudio analizó la situación de salud de los internos del Centro Penitenciario y Carcelario del Municipio de Mocoa, Putumayo, Colombia donde se presentan condiciones de hacinamiento y precariedad en la salud.Objetivo: Describir la situación de salud de los reclusos en el Centro Penitenciario y Carcelario del Municipio de Mocoa, Putumayo, durante el año 2013. Método: Estudio observacional, tipo descriptivo de corte transversal. Mediante la aplicación de encuestas estructuradas a una muestra de 103 internos, una guía observacional y la revisión documental de los registros individuales de prestación de servicio, se analizó la situación de salud de los internos del centro penitenciario. Resultados: Se identificó una población de predominio masculino entre los 20 y 49 años, donde 30.3% corresponde a grupos indígenas con una baja escolaridad. Se encontraron condiciones de hacinamiento e insalubridad. Adicionalmentelos internos cuentan con un limitado e inoportuno acceso a los servicios de salud. Un 77.9% de los internos estudiados manifestó enfermar luego de ingresar al penal. Conclusiones: Se concluye que este penal refleja de cierta forma las condiciones del Departamento del Putumayo, teniendo en cuenta las similitudes de las características sociodemográficas de los internos encuestados. El análisis de morbilidad permitió encontrar diferencias en cuanto al comportamiento comparado con otros penales del país, dados los escasos reportes de infecciones de transmisión sexual y enfermedades crónicas.
Depresión en personas recluidas en centros penitenciarios: revisión narrativa
Authors: Botero Ceballos Luz Elena , Arboleda Amórtegui Gleydis , Gómez Fernández Adriana Marcela , García Cardona Mónica , Agudelo Suárez Andrés Alonso
Published: October 2020

Introducción: La incapacidad de diagnósticos tempranos, tratamientos y rehabilitación de desórdenes mentales como la depresión en hombres privados de la libertad, precisa recopilar información científica que sirva para el manejo de este grupo poblacional vulnerable a peores consecuencias como lo es el suicidio. Objetivos y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión exploratoria (scoping review) que pretende describir el comportamiento de depresión en hombres privados de la libertad, mediante literatura existente, utilizando estudios realizados sobre salud mental, publicados como artículos científicos originales en revistas durante 2007-2017 describiendo las principales características de los estudios incluidos. Resultados: Se identificaron 16 estudios usando como indicador principal la epresión, la ansiedad y el suicidio. En Estados Unidos, personas privadas de la libertad con maltrato físico durante la niñez presentan depresión en un 61%, en Europa personas privadas de la libertad sometidas a violencia doméstica durante la infancia presentaron depresión en un 55% y ansiedad 62%, en el Reino Unido, 56% de las personas presentaron signos clínicos de depresión, mostrando relación significativa con las necesidades de salud física insatisfechas de los reclusos. En Chile, el 44% de prisioneros sufrieron depresión grave durante el seguimiento y hubo un alto riesgo de suicidio 47%. Conclusiones: La depresiónha sido identificada en estudios sobre salud mental a nivel mundial, siendo esta una condición que se relaciona no solo con el encarcelamiento de los hombres, sino también con determinantes sociales de los mismos, tales como la edad, los traumas en la niñez, dificultades económicas, necesidades de salud insatisfechas, falta de apoyo social y emocional, entre otros, cuyas consecuencias elevan las tasas de muertes autoinfligidas.
Investigación médica en Latinoamérica
Authors: Quilindo Catalina
Published: October 2020

Recientemente se han publicado artículos originales sobre la producción y visibilidad científico-académica de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad del Cauca durante los años 2010-2016. En su conclusión se afirma que los productos resultantes de proyectos de investigación y su consecuente publicación con escasos. Entre los principales problemas que se encuentran están: el tipo de idioma de publicación, escaso apoyo financiero, falta de tiempo, desconocimiento en la metodología de la investigación, y principalmente la carencia de una cultura institucional que tenga la investigación como una tarea incorporada en su desempeño habitual.
Cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo, a más de 30 años de su descripción: Reporte de caso y Revisión de la literatura
Authors: Ipia Ordóñez Nasly Violedy , Giraldo Sandoval Miller
Published: October 2020

La Cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo es una enfermedad cardíaca aguda con una presentación clínica similar al síndrome coronario agudo. Afecta principalmente a mujeres posmenopáusicas, a menudo precedido por estrés emocional o físico. Pacientes con factores predisponentes como malignidad y comorbilidades crónicas son más propensas a sufrir este síndrome. La patogénesis no está clara y se han propuesto como mecanismos: espasmo coronario, disfunción microvascular, infarto miocárdico abortado, obstrucción del tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo, toxicidad miocárdica por catecolaminas, y disfunción autonómica; pero hasta el momento no se ha logrado establecer con claridad la causa exacta de esta patología. Se describe el caso de una mujer posmenopáusica con un cuadro clínico inicial similar a un Síndrome Coronario Agudo, quien fue llevada a coronariografía como parte del protocolo del Síndrome Coronario, sin lesiones significativas, pero en la ventriculografía se observó el abalonamiento apical, característico de este síndrome. Se inició manejo de soporte, alcanzando la recuperación completa de la paciente, no obstante, hasta el momento no se ha descrito un manejo específico para esta patología. Se requieren más investigaciones para aclarar la fisiopatología de esta Cardiomiopatía y así protocolizar un manejo de terapia dirigida que logre un mejor pronóstico en nuestros pacientes.
Vólvulo del sigmoide: revisión narrativa
Authors: Muñoz García David Andrés , Cardona Gómez Diana Catalina , Hoyos Mendez Yenifer Carime
Published: October 2020

El vólvulo del sigmoide (VS) es una enfermedad descrita por von Rokitansky en 1836, pero la información más antigua conocida apareció en el papiro de Ebers en Egipto, el documento médico más antiguo preservado, que data de c.1550 AC. El VS es la rotación axial de un segmento del intestino grueso lleno de aire sobre su mesenterio estrecho. Nuestro objetivo fue realizar una revisión en la literatura sobre bibliografía actual del VS. Para ello, se realizó una búsqueda extensa en diferentes bases de datos como: ScienceDirect, ProQuest, La Biblioteca Cochrane Plus, Ebsco, Pubmed, LILACS, Trip Database, SciELO e Intramed con los Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud: vólvulo, Colon Sigmoide, las cuales aportaron artículos originales, casos y series de casos clínicos, estudios de diagnóstico y tratamiento, capítulos de textos concernientes al manejo de VS. En esta revisión se incluyeron 29 artículos, con información destacable. Se conocen factores de riesgo para desarrollo del VS y el éxito en el tratamiento se relaciona con un diagnóstico temprano y una actuación adecuada. Existe, a pesar de conocer su objetivo de manejo, controversia en el mismo. Una sigmoidectomia diferida se considera un procedimiento eficaz en aquellos pacientes en los que la devolvulación endoscópica ha sido exitosa en primera instancia.
Conocimientos y necesidades del personal de salud sobre elementos de protección personal durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en el Cauca
Authors: Mera-Mamián Andry , Delgado-Noguera Mario , Merchán-Galvis Ángela , Cabra Ginna , Calvache José Andrés
Published: October 2020

Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 supone un incremento en las consultas y la demanda de atención en los servicios de salud; sin embargo, el personal de salud podría verse expuesto a riesgos mayores que el de la población general, si no se toman las medidas de protección adecuadas. Objetivo: Describir los conocimientos y necesidades del personal de salud sobre elementos de protección personal, durante la pandemia COVID-19. Metodología: Se presentan los resultados de un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. A través de una encuesta virtual anónima se captó información respecto a necesidades de elementos de protección personal de 521 trabajadores del área de la salud, vinculados a cuatro centros de nivel III de atención en el departamento del Cauca. Resultados: El 47.1% de los participantes refirieron no haber recibido capacitación respecto al uso de elementos de protección personal posterior al establecimiento del estado de emergencia en Colombia. 37% relataron sentirse inseguros o no saber nada respecto a los elementos de protección personal y 64.5% reportaron haber tenido que comprar estos elementos, principalmente tapabocas (mascarilla quirúrgica) y mascarilla N95. Conclusiones: Si bien se trata de un estudio con muestreo no probabilístico, los resultados evidenciaron que se requiere incrementar de manera inmediata la cobertura respecto a los elementos de protección personal de los profesionales de la salud y la capacitación respecto al uso de estos. La falta de cobertura podría favorecer la deserción laboral del personal de salud, además de afectar su propia salud y la de la población general.
Conocimiento y opinión informada en la Pandemia SARS Covid-19
Authors: Delgado Noguera Mario
Published: October 2020

La epidemiología puede ser considerada como una ciencia básica para la salud pública, pero también es fundamental, por su naturaleza de aplicar el método científico a los problemas de la salud, para apoyar con sus investigaciones comunitarias a las decisiones y acciones que tomen los políticos, de quienes depende el bienestar de la población. Este es el caso de la actual pandemia por el COVID 19 SARS. Sin embargo, es el momento para que aquellos demuestren interés por comprender una teoría científica y fortalecer el juicio para escoger la mejor entre varias alternativas con un sano e informado escepticismo, pues la historia demuestra que esta actitud es preferible en la ciencia y en este caso de la pandemia, para preferir la evidencia sobre la opinión y los intereses sesgados por un interés particular.
Peppermint oil: A herbal solution for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Moiz Ullah Khan  , Haris Jawaid  , Mustafa Ali
Published: October 2020

Madam,

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal(GI) disorder, with a prevalence of approximately 11% worldwide and 13.3% in Pakistan.1-2 Symptoms of this disease are usually nonspecific, including bloating, abdominal discomfort with defecation, and change in bowel habits, resulting in most patients going without seeking treatment.2 Those who sought treatment did so due to a decreased quality of life (QoL) and higher anxiety, rather than increased severity of symptoms.2

Although the disease mortality is extremely low, studies have reported a strong association between depression (prevalence=38-100%) and decreased QoL in IBS patients.3 Moreover, IBS predisposes patients to a host of psychological disorders in addition to depression, which significantly impede treatment and lower QoL. As the disease pathophysiology remains largely unclear, treatment is focused mainly towards symptomatic relief and management.3 In addition to the available allopathic remedies, peppermint oil (PO) has emerged as a popular herbal alternative in recent years, and its efficacy and safety have been investigated by multiple studies.

A meta-analysis by Hawrelak et al. showed that PO was a significant improvement over placebo in alleviating abdominal pain (RR= 2.154, CI=1.56-2.94) and global symptoms of IBS (RR = 1.95, CI=1.46-2.62).4 PO is generally a safe treatment with few adverse effects; namely heartburn and perianal burning. Compared to other treatments such as tricyclic antidepressants and alosetron, it has a significantly higher benefit-to-harm ratio (25:1) second only to Rifaximin, and a small therapeutic dose (0.2mlx3-6 times/day).4

L-menthol, the primary active ingredient in PO, acts primarily as a calcium-channel antagonist in smooth muscles.5 Additionally, other compounds in PO, including menthone, menthyl acetate, isomenthone, etc contributed independently to its therapeutic effect via numerous mechanisms of action (MoA). These MoAs included but were not limited to antinociception via transient-receptor potential channels, GI histaminergic and cholinergic receptor modulation, serotonergic antagonism, and antiinflammatory effects.5

In countries like Pakistan where herbal medicines are often more popular than their allopathic counterparts, POs fit right in as an effective, alternative treatment that is scientifically proven. It can potentially serve as a valuable asset for IBS treatment in areas where access to medicine is limited, or where cost becomes an issue. These factors in association with its proven efficacy and lack of side effects merit its prescription by physicians as an alternative remedy for the treatment of IBS. Continuous...
TRANSITION FROM MASTER CRAFTSMAN TO ENGINEERING DEGREE
Authors: Imbert Clément , John Reynold
Published: October 2020

There is a great need for Master-Craftsmen who are highly valued in industry locally but are not afforded the same recognition as in Germany, so in order to encourage more applicants a bridging progression to a Bachelor’s degree should be devised. There are several paths to the education of engineers. Traditionally students of engineering attend secondary school from which they matriculate to a tertiary institution. In many countries candidates may opt to do an Associate degree articulating to a Bachelor’s degree. However, in some countries, it is possible to become an engineer without a traditional degree, usually in a more practically-oriented apprenticeship programme. In Britain for example, such candidates complete National Vocational Qualifications(NVQs) in engineering while working at a company. NVQs typically range from Level 1 to Level 8, Levels 6 and 7 being equivalent to Bachelor’s and taught Master’s degrees respectively. In Germany, there is also an alternative qualification to the Bachelor’s degree, the more practically-oriented Meister (Master-Craftsman in English), both of which are equally recognized and respected professionally and are both pegged at Level 6 in the 8-Level German National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The MIC Institute of Technology has adopted a Master-Craftsman programme which is accredited by the German Chamber of Crafts and Trades. Candidates have to first complete the (trimester) Journeyman programme comprising three years, about 50% of which comprise industrial attachments/internships. Successful Journeyman graduates can progress to the Master-Craftsman qualification by completing an extra (trimester) year of study. This paper deals with the progression of Master-Craftsman graduates, through advanced placement, in a Bachelor of Technology programme. The Master-Craftsman curricula have to be mapped against a typical Bachelor of Technology programme to determine the gaps in mathematical, theoretical and other areas and mechanisms to fill any gaps.
SURVEY OF CURRENT TRENDS IN MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES IN THE UK
Authors: Gokool Trishel , Chowdary Boppana
Published: October 2020

The promotion of innovation and current trends in the Manufacturing Engineering curriculum is essential to support the adoption and creation of advanced manufacturing technologies. However, the content and teaching methods employed by the engineering departments have long faced issues with incorporating industry needs and new developments into their various curricula. Manufacturing Engineering (MfgE) is no exception as there exists significant gaps between the MfgE curricula, latest advances in research and current industrial practices in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The present paper investigates the trends in postgraduate programmes in the United Kingdom (UK) in the area of MfgE. It highlights the current curricula structure and content of universities in a developed region with a similar education system to TT with the aim of identifying key areas of MfgE focus. The study reveals that UK universities balance soft skills with technical learning, as research skills, management, manufacturing systems, systems simulation and, design and innovation are the top course themes. Moreover, there exists significant collaborative efforts between UK universities, industry and the government which drives research and development of emerging technologies. The findings of this study will be useful as a benchmarking tool for improving the TT MfgE curriculum in the future.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ACCREDITATION OF ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES AT THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS, TRINIDAD
Authors: Ekwue Edwin
Published: October 2020

The quality of engineering education is challenging and is of paramount importance in today’s globalised world. The Faculty of Engineering at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus, inherited a western education system and the accreditation systems in the five departments within the Faculty are based on the British accreditation system. The aim of this paper is to describe how this accreditation system is utilised in the Faculty of Engineering to ensure that the quality of the delivery of its programmes is at a high standard. The paper was derived from a survey carried out by the author. It describes the quality systems available in the Faculty and fully describes the steps involved in the accreditation process. The paper reveals the recent attempt at introducing the Caribbean Accreditation Council for Engineering and Technology (CACET) but concludes that until it is fully established and internationally recognised through its membership in the Washington Accord or any other comparably recognized international body, there will still be room for the international accreditation by the British institutions or other comparative international institutions at the Faculty of Engineering at UWI.
construção de um canteiro econômico na Escola Estadual do Povoado de Nova Aurora (Norte Mineiro) no contexto de um projeto de intervenção do Estágio Supervisionado IV do curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo da UFTM
Authors: Oliveira Graciene Ferreira de , Crepalde Rodrigo dos Santos , Klepka Verônica
Published: October 2020

O canteiro econômico é uma tecnologia social que demanda uma pequena quantidade de água para a produção de alimentos. Assim, configura-se como uma estratégia importante de convivência com a seca, especialmente em regiões como o semiárido norte mineiro. Este trabalho busca apresentar e discutir a experiência de construção de um canteiro econômico em uma escola do campo no contexto de um projeto de intervenção do Estágio Supervisionado IV do curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo da UFTM. Adotamos a pesquisa qualitativa e como fonte de dados lançamos mão do relatório final do estágio, bem como informações provenientes de entrevistas semiestruturadas com a professora supervisora, direção e outros trabalhadores da escola. A construção do canteiro econômico mobiliza conhecimentos como o uso de adubos orgânicos, da lona plástica como um impermeabilizante, a economia de água, entre outros. Introduziu-se a partir das aulas de Ciências uma novidade, a tecnologia social do canteiro de tipo econômico, ao mesmo tempo, que os conteúdos das Ciências eram contextualizados na prática. Por fim, essa experiência de Estágio Supervisionado IV mostra uma possibilidade de integração dos conhecimentos das Ciências e os conhecimentos da comunidade, dos agricultores em uma prática coerente e contextualizada com a vida no/do campo.
Educação do campo e resolução de problemas em uma escola comunitária rural
Authors: Andreatta Cidimar , Gomes Allevato Norma Suely
Published: October 2020

O presente artigo propõe discutir aspectos da metodologia Resolução de Problemas como possibilidade para o ensino de Matemática em uma Escola Comunitária Rural que adota a Educação do Campo como modalidade de ensino da Educação Básica. De acordo com a legislação oficial brasileira (BRASIL, 2002), a Educação do Campo é considerada como modalidade de ensino da Educação Básica, tendo em vista sua vinculação às questões inerentes à sua realidade, articulando-se a temporalidade e saberes próprios dos estudantes. Este trabalho, de natureza bibliográfica e aplicada faz parte de uma pesquisa maior de doutoramento (XXXXX, 2020), composto de uma seção introdutória em que caracterizaremos a modalidade de Ensino Educação do Campo e a metodologia da Resolução de Problemas - RP[1] para a aprendizagem de conteúdos e conceitos matemáticos. Em seguida, relataremos discussões teóricas acerca da Educação do Campo e da RP em contextos históricos e de aprendizagem, seguidas de uma prática pedagógica envolvendo a RP em turma de 5º ano do Ensino Fundamental de uma Escola Comunitária Rural – EMCOR, localizada no interior do estado do Espírito Santo. Por fim, exporemos as considerações finais e as referências. Os resultados da pesquisa demonstram que a aprendizagem dos estudantes ocorreu em um ambiente de diálogo e participação coletiva, principalmente quando os estudantes tiveram a oportunidade de discutir as resoluções do problema.
O protagonismo e as práticas pedagógicas dos egressos da Licenciatura em Educação do Campo no contexto do território ribeirinho da Amazônia paraense tocantina
Authors: Dos Santos Jenijunio , Castagna Molina Mônica
Published: October 2020

Tendo como parâmetro as dimensões da formação da Licenciatura em Educação do Campo- LEdoC: a docência, a gestão dos processos educativos escolares e a gestão dos processos educativos comunitários, bem como a formação de intelectuais comprometidos com a luta e a resistência dos territórios do campo, averígua-se as práticas dos egressos, da referida Licenciatura, do campus Abaetetuba, diretamente nos seus locais de atuação. Para efeito das análises buscou-se o aporte epistemológico do Materialismo Histórico Dialético, e como método a Pesquisa Participante e as técnicas Roda de Conversa; aplicação de formulários e realização de entrevistas. Concluiu-se  que o Curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo de Abaetetuba, na contradição inerente ao movimento da realidade e mediado por uma práxis emancipatória, tem formado educadores que, pela prática pedagógica, produção do conhecimento e engajamento em lutas sociais, está contribuindo  com os processos de resistência ao avanço do capital na Amazônia tocantina.

Palavras-chave: Licenciatura em Educação do Campo. Território Ribeirinho. Práticas pedagógicas. Educação do Campo.
IMPACT OF SELF-EFFICACY THEORY ON IMPROVING ADHERENCE OF OLDER ADULTS PATIENTS WITH GLAUCOMA’S MEDICATION
Authors: Abou-El-Soud Faiza A. , Mohamed Helalia Shalabi
Published: October 2020

Purpose: This study was aimed to measure the impact of self-efficacy theory to improve medication adherence among older adults’ patients with glaucoma.

Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was used to investigate the study hypotheses. 

Study Sample: A total of 284 older adults with glaucoma were screened to select non-adherent patients with medication. The recruited study sample was (152) who are non-adherent with glaucoma medication divided equally into (76 study group) and (76 control group). Setting: the study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of Ophthalmology at University Hospital, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt.  Tools: three tools were used for the purpose of data collection (I) Bio-socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire; (II) Medication Adherence Rating Scale (III) Glaucoma Medication Self-Efficacy Scale.

Findings: The findings revealed that the mean age of the studied sample was 74.86+4.63 (non-adherent to medication). Patients age and presence of more than three multiple chronic illnesses with poly-medications are the highest risk factors of adherence to medications (OR = 10.9; 95% CI 6.8 -16.32, P = 0.000); (OR = 12.6; 95% CI 8.2 -18.4, P = 0.000) and (OR = 13.2; 95% CI 7.4 -19.8, P = 0.000) respectively. Participants who received the intervention program showed a significant improvement in their self-efficacy in overcoming medication adherence barriers compared to the control group. An improvement of the self-efficacy in their ability in carrying out glaucoma medication correctly compared to the control group was shown by highly statistically significant differences between total mean scores at (t =3.426, P =.001; t =17.174, P=.000; t =18.141, P=.000) respectively. The intervention program of glaucoma medication management had a positive impact on the patients’ outcomes compared to the control group. There is a statistically significant difference between patients’ feelings and thoughts pre and post-intervention was detected.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings confirm the effectiveness of an intervention/educational program based on self-efficacy theory in terms of improving glaucoma medication adherence among older adults. Glaucoma’s medication principles should be discussed at regular intervals based on patients' needs and the barriers they are facing.
An Empirical Analysis of Emotions of Asian Indians During the First 100 Days of COVID-19
Authors: Arora Siya , Kathuria Vinish
Published: October 2020

India’s COVID-19 tally was almost 8 million on September 26, 2020, while the global cases marched towards 42 million. People globally have been living under some sort of COVID-19-driven lockdown, stay at home, shelter-in-place, or some similar government-mandated measures. Living in a lockdown is NOT a natural phenomenon for most humans. How are people trying to manage themselves during the restrictions imposed on them? What are the mechanisms people are resorting to, to cope with this stress? Is their heritage, cultural or national differences that are allowing one segment to react better than the other? To address the research questions presented here, we leverage the qualitative analysis technique of narrative research to understand emotions and actions of 25 people of Indian heritage (spread across India, USA & Canada) over the first 100 days of the COVID-19 pandemic and transpose the same with the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. In this research, we present the initial findings from the ongoing study of global Indians and demonstrate that people are using a system of appraisal, response, and adaptation strategies. Both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies are being leveraged, sometimes together. Reappraisal is driving a dynamic response to the evaluation and response process. Over 100 days, there is a shift from the physiological needs to the safety needs to love and belonging, and an overall shift from concern/panic to acceptance/co-existence. Practical, theoretical, and policy-related implications are discussed.
Joe Biden és Donald Trump külpolitikájának összehasonlítása
Authors: Varga Gergely , Colf Isabelle
Published: October 2020

Az amerikai elnökválasztás homlokterében a koronavírus-járvány, a járvány miatt gazdasági kihívások, valamint a progresszív és a konzervatív Amerika ideológiai vitái állnak. Az előbbi belpolitikai jellegű kérdéseknek van nemzetközi kihatása, ám a világ kormányai talán ennél is jobban követik a jelöltek külpolitikai programját, és a majdan megválasztott elnök várható nemzetközi lépéseit. Az elemzés célja Donald Tump és Joe Biden külpolitikai világképének összefoglaló jellegű áttekintése az elméleti alapokból kiindulva, a legfontosabb prioritások áttekintésén keresztül, egyes aktuális regionális kérdésekig bezárólag.
Por que as narrativas nacionais permanecem? Revisão de literatura sobre novas perspectivas na pesquisa dos livros didáticos de história
Authors: Grever Maria , Vlies Tina Van der
Published: October 2020

As narrativas nacionais servem frequentemente para mobilizar as massas para a guerra através de mitos e interpretações distorcidas do passado, enquanto as guerras funcionam como importantes fontes para a formação das narrativas nacionais. Como a história nacional normalmente permanece central no ensino de história, ainda que hoje de formas diversas de como se tratava o tema há 50 anos, é necessário compreender melhor estruturas e mecanismos subjacentes dessas narrativas nos livros didáticos de história. O presente artigo de revisão pretende delinear a interconexão histórica entre o nascimento dos estados nacionais e o ensino de história, assim como explicar a complexidade do livro didático de história como recurso educacional, para então identificar alguns problemas e desafios atuais para as pesquisas sobre os livros didáticos dessa disciplina. Evidenciaremos tendências promissoras das pesquisas, sobre narrativas nacionais conduzidas principalmente através da análise de imagens, da utilização de recursos digitais, e dos estudos sobre a autonomia da narrativa dos livros didáticos e da história dos livros didáticos em relação a outros meios de transmissão de conhecimento. Outro avanço recente na pesquisa dos livros didáticos é pensá-los de maneira holística. Estamos nos referindo aos estudos que consideram o livro didático como um todo: estrutura, periodização, intertextualidade das imagens e capítulos que, a princípio, parecem não estar centrados em uma história nacional. Estes estudos têm oferecido novas visões e explicações para a permanência das narrativas nacionais nos livros didáticos de história.
Livros didáticos: autoria em questão
Authors: Ralejo Adriana Soares , Monteiro Ana Maria Ferreira da Costa
Published: October 2020

A autoria de livros didáticos tem ocupado, em nossa sociedade, um lugar secundarizado em parte decorrente da desvalorização dos conhecimentos e materiais produzidos na/para a instituição escolar. Reconhecendo a relevância de pesquisas que buscam compreender a especificidade e complexidade dessa produção, discutimos, em diálogo com as teorizações foucaultianas sobre “o que é um autor”, a autoria de livros didáticos em perspectiva de investigação que a considera uma função discursiva, constituinte de sujeitos em contextos nos quais saberes e poderes são disputados, negociados, validados. Essa questão é discutida no âmbito das políticas públicas e do mercado editorial brasileiro, no qual profundas transformações têm afetado as condições e possibilidades do exercício desta função, reposicionando sujeitos e suas produções.