bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The rate of in-patient medical admissions post-bariatric surgery for medical complications during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Sama , Al-Ahbabi Turki Faris , Elsherif Mohammed Aly , Ghazy Ahmed , Hammoudeh Samer 
Published: October 2021

Background: A rising number of bariatric surgeries (BS) are associated with a rise in medical complications including protein malnutrition and neuromuscular complications (NM). Although BS were minimized during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of admissions due to complications continued to increase. Proper outpatient follow-up was negatively affected during the pandemic. We aim to address the rising rate of post-BS admissions during COVID-19 pandemic compared to the previous six years' admissions with a similar diagnosis. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of 33 patients admitted with malnutrition and/or NM complications post-BS at Hamad General Hospital, Qatar, from 1st Jan 2014–30th Aug 2020. Patients’ data were retrieved from the electronic medical records and bariatric patients’ database. Malnutrition was evaluated using serum albumin, total protein, minerals, and vitamins. Nerve conduction study/electromyography confirmed NM complications. Risk factors addressed were interval between BS and admission, gastrointestinal symptoms, total weight loss (TWL %), excess weight loss (EWL %), and irregular multivitamins intake. Results: The study included 21 patients, admitted from 1st Jan 2014-31th Dec 2019, compared to 12 patients during the period 1st Jan-30th August 2020. The patients’ mean age was 26.90 ± 9.81 years, and females were 18 (59%). The mean pre-operative weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), post-operative weight, BMI were: 123.48 kg, 44.37 kg/m2 and 84.61 kg – 30.67 kg/m2, respectively. The mean weight loss, EWL% and TWL% was 38.04 kg, 73.26%, and 30.57%, respectively. The time interval between BS and admission was 7.18 ± 8.99 months. Seventeen patients (51.5%) had malnutrition, while 16 (58.5%) had NM complications, 87.9% were off multivitamins, and 66% had gastrointestinal symptoms. All patients showed minerals and vitamins deficiencies, especially for vitamin D (81.8%) and potassium (30.3%). Conclusion: Despite a reduction in the number of BS during the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the rate of hospital admissions with medical complications after BS was observed.
AIDS-defining opportunistic illnesses in Qatar, 2000–2016: a cohort study
Authors: Ali Maisa , Qasim Mahmoud , AlSoub Hussam 
Published: October 2021

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a major health problem since discovery of the virus in 1981. Globally, since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy in 1996, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) related deaths fell by more than 25% between 2005 and 2011. HIV related opportunistic illnesses (OIs) are less common, especially with the use of prophylaxis. This study aims to assess the incidence of HIV infection and related OIs in Qatar over a 17-year period. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of all HIV infected patients registered in Qatar from 2000-2016. Incidence of HIV infection and related OIs were calculated per 100,000 population. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between two groups of patients with and without OIs. Results: In 167 cases with HIV infection, 54 (32.3%) had OIs. The average incidence rate of HIV infection over 16 years is 0.69 per 100,000 population, and the incidence rate for OIs is 0.27 per 100,000 population (Figure 1). The most common OIs is pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), seen in 25% of cases, followed by cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis with 7.2%, tuberculosis 5.4%, toxoplasmosis 4.2%, and less than 2% for Kaposi sarcoma and cryptococcal infection. The treatment outcome of cases with OIs was: cure in 59.3%, failure in 3.7%. Mortality within 3 months of OIs was 3.7%, whereas 33.4% accounted for loss to follow up after starting the treatment due to patients leaving the country. Most patients in both groups were young males. The CD4 lymphocyte count and percentage (CD4%), CD4/CD8 ratio and viral load were statistically significant risk factors in cases with OIs (p < 0.05). Presence of comorbidities was lower in patients with OIs (p = 0.032) (). Conclusion: Qatar has a low prevalence rate for HIV infection and related opportunistic illness. Early diagnosis and use of antiretroviral therapy are important measures to decrease the rate of opportunistic illness.
KNOW Candida auris: Prevention of another outbreak through screening and early identification
Authors: Altaf Zubaria , Al Hasanat Omar , Castro Jenalyn , Ummer Ubaid , Gomaa Amr Mohamed Safwat , Altura Visan Feah , Zakaria Almunzer , Al-Wali Walid , Al-Ansari Nasser , A/Latif Hassan Abdulla Moza , Al Ajmi Jameela Ali A.A. 
Published: October 2021

Background:
Candida auris, within the last decade, has emerged as a multidrug resistant public health threat that can lead to hospital outbreaks. It is an invasive fungal yeast resistant to multiple antifungal agents. The mode of transmission is through contaminated hospital items (including clothes and furniture) and interventions by staff. Two Candida auris outbreaks occurred in Qatar. The first outbreak was in Al Wakra Hospital (AWH), which is a facility of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the principal public healthcare provider in the State of Qatar. As concluded by Eyre DW, et al. (2018), a series of interventions and environmental screening program may reduce the Candida auris outbreak. A screening toolkit that includes a checklist based on an existing protocol and operationally defined criteria is a key preventive measure for Candida auris identification. We aim to attain 100% compliance with screening suspected patients and preventing further outbreaks. Methods: A screening protocol toolkit was created for eligible patients that allowed early identification and prompt intervention therefore enhancing the provision of high-quality, efficient, cost effective, and safe patient care. Furthermore, implementation of an Outbreak Prevention Bundle had been proven effective in preventing the spread and comprised: (1) prophylactic contact precautions, (2) blanket screening of at risk/exposed patients, (3) environmental sampling, and (4) hydrogen peroxide disinfection. Results/Findings/Recommendations: In 2020, continuous screening was maintained for patients fitting the HMC criteria. The protocol for the management of outbreaks was implemented. The number of COVID-19 positive cases peaked during July - August 2020 when COVID-19 patients were transferred to AWH (). Overall, AWH reached 407 cumulative days without Candida auris outbreak (). Conclusion:
Candida auris outbreak is preventable through early identification via screening and implementation of an Outbreak Prevention Bundle. This method has led to no active outbreak in AWH since August 2019 until October 2020.
Using virtual reality to allow paramedics to familiarise themselves with a new ambulance patient compartment design
Authors: Alinier Guillaume , Salahuddin Tooba , Karkar AbdelGhani , Gueddes Ahmed , Devaraj Suresh , Velayudhan Vimal Machampilly , Sayed Mohammed Sulaiman Karickayil , Halabi Osama 
Published: October 2021

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is still an evolving domain that presents a versatile medium to simulate various environments and scenarios that can be easily reset between users, which can be particularly useful for training purposes. In this pilot study, we recreated the interior of a modular ambulance patient compartment with elements that can be moved and also had access to the real physical ambulance with the same interior design and equipment. The primary objective of this study was to determine the usability of the VR patient compartment in terms of functionality and sense of presence. Methods: Paramedics were invited to take part in this pilot study which involved them attending a 15-minute presentation about ambulance safety and ergonomics, familiarise themselves with the VR equipment (), position the modular elements of the ambulance patient compartment in the VR or real setting (and vice versa), and complete a questionnaire corresponding to the task completed and adapted from an existing tool. They were unknowingly timed during the activities inside the real and VR ambulance for comparative purposes. Results: Twenty-seven participants were recruited, 77.8% of whom had no prior VR experience.
On the 7-point Likert scale questionnaire, the participants scored the various aspects of usability (ease of grabbing elements, ease of recognising fixed/movable elements, distinguishing close from far objects, ease of “playing” the game…) between 5.59 to 6.26 and their sense of presence as 6.11 (SD = 1.121). Participants were faster arranging the modular elements in the VR setting than in the real one (8.78 min, SD = 4.47 versus 13.05 min, SD = 5.04). Conclusion: VR technology and potential applications are still rapidly developing. This pilot study shows promising results in terms of ease of use and sense of presence for the paramedics. This demonstrates that VR can be used for interactive familiarisation with an environment such as an ambulance patient compartment and can be used to assist in their design.
Information Seeking Behaviour for Adoption of Tnau Released Rice Varieties
Authors: Jeevapriya A. , Pushpa J. , Ramakrishnan K. , Prabakaran K. 
Published: October 2021

Aim: This study aims to study the information seeking behavior of the respondents from various information sources and credibility of the information regarding TNAU released rice varieties.
Study Design: Ex-post facto research design.
Place and Duration of the Study: The present study was conducted in two blocks namely Melur and Madurai East blocks of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted during July and August 2021.
Methodology: 120 paddy growers from Melur and Madurai east blocks were randomly selected and interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule to study the information seeking behavior of the farmers for the adoption Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) released rice varieties.
Results: Outcomes showed that cent percent of the respondents are getting information from their friends regarding newer varieties. 96.67 percent of the respondents seeks information from Agricultural Officers (AOs) whereas only 5.83 percent seek information from Agricultural Scientists. In recent days, farmers have started using various mass media sources like TV, Portals, websites, mobile apps and Kisan Call centers. The highest credibility of 93.33 percent score were obtained from Friends in personal localite source and 84.21 percent credibility was noted for the information from AOs in cosmopolite source. Also, cent percent credibility noted for Kisan call center amongst the respondents and less credibility observed for internet sources like websites and portals.It could be interpreted that the majority farmers was technologically illiterate to use e-sources like mobile apps, portals etc. as they had very less years of formal education.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the information sources can be designed based on farmers needs and preferences. And information gap should be reduced.
The Effect of Farm Attachment Programme (FAP) Design Attributes on Experiential Learning Ability among Egerton University Students
Authors: W. Chege Nancy , M. Ombati Justus , W. Mungai Nancy 
Published: October 2021

The Farm attachment programme (FAP) of Egerton University was established six years ago to promote learning by “reflection on doing” commonly known as Experiential Learning (EL), among students. However, effectiveness of experiential learning is dependent on possession of certain abilities known as experiential learning abilities (ELAs) including willingness to get actively involved in learning experiences and ability to reflect, analyze, solve problems and make decisions on learnt experiences. Egerton University students’ ELAs and FAP design attributes have never been assessed for the purpose of enhancing experiential learning. This study aimed at determining levels ELAs among the students and assessing the effects of FAP design attributes on these abilities. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design targeting a population of 600 students and their host farmers. Systematic random sampling procedure was employed to select 102 students to participate in the survey. A 5-point continuum scale was used to rate gathered indicators to measure ELAs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Students ELA Levels were found to be low (M= 2.79, SD = 0.51). The following FAP design attributes were found to have a significant effect on ELAs: Students’ prior agricultural knowledge levels (F (2.94) = 3.816), P =0.02) with an effect size of 8%, gender (F (1,96) = 4.312, P = .037), with an effect size of 4.4% Students study programme departments, (F (6,91) =2.652, =.011), with an effect size of 16.4%, Year of attachment (F (3,94) =4.206, P= .008), with an effect size of 11.8%. Among the host farmer attributes, income level of the farmer was found to have a significant effect on students’ ELAs (F (2, 94) =3.920, p=.026). FAP structure and implementation had significant effects on experiential learning ability (F (2,94) =4.309) P= .016; F (2,94) =8.51, P <.001) and effect sizes of 8.4% and 13.9% respectively. The results showed that the ELA levels were low among students and certain FAP design attributes had a significant (at 5% level of significance) effect on the learning abilities.
Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Barriers to Standard Hand Hygiene Practice Amidst COVID-19 in the Tamale Teaching Hospital of Ghana: A Study conducted on First Degree Rotation Nurses of University for Development Studies
Authors: Nukpezah Ruth Nimota , Basit Issaka , Osman Ayuba , Wuffele Gifty Mary , Aziza Baba Freeman , Asumadu Obed Duah Kwaku , Peprah Wisdom , Yula Salifu , Opoku Asare Richard 
Published: October 2021

Background: Hand hygiene is recognized as the leading measure to prevent cross-transmission of COVID-19. The compliance of nurses with handwashing guidelines is vital in preventing COVID-19 disease transmission among patients. Globally, few studies have explored this subject, especially on the nursing students’ perceptions and barriers of standard hand hygiene precautionary measures amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose: The study aimed to assess the perceptions and barriers associated with standard hand hygiene practice during the COVID-19 era among first degree nursing students undertaking their clinical rotation at the Tamale Teaching Hospital of Ghana. This study was conducted in April 2021.
Materials and methods: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach. The study population consisted of first degree student nurses of the University for Development Studies who were on clinical rotation at the Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Northern Region of Ghana. The exclusion criteria were nursing students from other tertiary institutions who were having their vacation practicum at the hospital. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants from the wards of the hospital.
A standard statistical formula was used to arrive at a sample size of 120. Data was collected by using a paper-based self-designed structured questionnaire in English language that has closed- and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics involving frequencies and percentages were used in representing data.
By using a chi-square test, a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant when the association between independent and dependent variables was cross-tabulated. The statistical software that was used for analyzing the data was SPSS version 23.
Results: The study had a total of 120 participants with a mean age of 26.48 and a standard deviation of 3.49. On the distribution of perception about hand hygiene, findings indicated that 105 (87.5%) had good perception. Religion and sex respectively were significantly associated with hand hygiene perceptions (χ2= 13.118, p=0.011; χ2=12.49, p=0.014).
Conclusion: Though few of the student nurses had a satisfactory perception regarding hand hygiene, it is a cause to worry about since there exist other barriers influencing standard hand hygiene practices at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Recommendation: There is the need for the quality assurance unit of the hospital to ensure strict compliance to COVID-19 protocols by all categories of health professionals by seeing to it that standard hand hygiene practices are adhered to, irrespective of religious background.
The Role of Cloud Computing Fashionable the Strategic Growth of Business Enterprises in India
Authors: Essah Richard 
Published: October 2021

In this 21st Century technology extent of time and worldwide integration, various narrow and medium enterprises exist adopting cloud calculate for their trade operations. Cloud calculate exist an increasing information in visible form Centre technology in accordance with the becoming more intense traffic connected to the internet fashionable the period of the Internet of Things (IoT). These electronics outwit the defect of conventional servers for speed, scalability and effectiveness. However, skilled exist still narrow enterprises that exist undecided of the appropriate of cloud computing time in military operation fashionable trade movement. Thus, this paper is inscribed to survey the views of person who is very involved in education and learning about the benefits of cloud computing rite of a fashionable trade movement that motivate bureaucracy to legally care for business enterprise. The aims of the study include to ascertain the benefits of cloud to small-scale enterprises in India, to determine the challenges facing cloud users and to unravel the strategies that can improve the strategic growth of cloud users in India enterprises. The researcher used a case study design and a qualitative research approach. The place of the study is Chandigarh University of India and Busy Network company in India.
Hepatic Enzyme Effects of an Imperata cylindrica Extract
Authors: Nwokike M. O. , Ghasi S. I. , Ogbuagu E. C. , Ezenwaeze M. N. , Ajirioghene Akpotu E. 
Published: October 2021

This study was performed to investigate the effects of aqueous Imperata cylindrica root extract on hepatic enzyme levels of alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Forty (48) male wistar rats were divided into six groups consisting of eight animals each. Diabetes mellitus was induced using intraperitoneal administration 150 mg/kg body weight of alloxan and treatment was carried out for a period of 28 days. The first group served as the normal control and received only feed and water ad libitum. In Group 2 were diabetic rats without treatment with extracts. Group 3: diabetic rats treated with 200 mg/kg aqueous Imperata cylindrica root extract. Group 4: diabetic rats treated with 400mg/kg aqueous Imperata cylindrica root extract. Group 5: diabetic rats treated with 600mg/kg ethanol extract of aqueous Imperata cylindrica root extract. While Group 6 was diabetic rats treated with 0.5mg/kg Glibenclamide. The liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly (p < 0.05) changed in rats treated with Alloxan (150mg/kg b.w.) while treatment with the respective dosages of extracts significantly changed the levels of these parameters to normal. The results obtained indicate that the different doses of aqueous Imperata cylindrica root extracts were beneficial in mending damages to the liver caused by Alloxan monohydrate in the male wistar rats.
Assessment of Vulnerability in Different Districts of Chhattisgarh with Reference to Climate Change
Authors: Yadu Avinash , Das G. K. , Puranik H. V. , Lakhera M. L. , Pathak H. 
Published: October 2021

The present study was conducted at department of Agrometeorology, IGKV Raipur (C.G.) during 2019-2021, to assess the district level vulnerability in different districts of Chhattisgarh with reference to climate change. The data on various components was collected from the Census department of Chhattisgarh (2001 and 2011), department of Agrometeorology, Raipur and the report of Directorate of Economics & Statistics Raipur, C.G. for the period 2000 to 2018 and divided into three different periods 2000-2005, 2006-2010 and 2011-2018 as districts increased. We have used the Hiremath and Shiyani methodology to prepare vulnerability index. The outcome of study indicates that the agricultural sector played major role and contributing significantly to quantify the vulnerability followed by climatic and demographic indicators during all most three periods which was considered for the study. During the period 2000-2005, the results indicates that district Dantewada ranked 1st followed by korba and Mahasamund district. While, district Surguja falls under least vulnerable followed by Durg and Raipur district. During the study period 2006-2010, district Bijapur observed in 1st position followed by Dantewada and korba districts. Whereas, district Durg was supposed to be least vulnerable followed by Surguja and Bilaspur district. During the period 2011-2018, district Sukma ranked 1st rank followed by Dantewada and Narayanpur districts. While, district Dhamtari belongs to least vulnerable followed by Balrampur and Janjgir-champa.
On the basis of degree of vulnerability during year 2000-2005, out of 16 districts the 2 and 12 districts were falls under very highly vulnerable and highly vulnerable category, respectively. While, only 2 districts were belong to vulnerable category. During year 2006-2010, out of 18 districts the 5, 11 and 2 districts were supposed to be very highly vulnerable, highly vulnerable category and vulnerable category, respectively. During year 2011-18, out of 27 districts the 9 and 18 districts were belongs to very highly vulnerable and highly vulnerable category. We have not found less and moderately vulnerable districts during the period 2000-2005 and 2006-2010, while only two viz., highly vulnerable and very highly vulnerable districts found during the period 2011-2018.
The Pattern of Common Cholesterol Fractions in Stroke Patients
Authors: Nkemdilim Ijoma Uchenna , Birinus A. Ezeala-Adikaibe , Fintan Ekochin , Okoye Innocent Chukwuemeka , Nkiru Pauline Onodugo , Esther Ekwe , Obinna Onodugo 
Published: October 2021

Aims/Purpose: The aim of this study was therefore to document the frequency and pattern of serum cholesterol in stroke patients admitted in a tertiary hospital in Enugu.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Enugu. Serum cholesterol levels were classified based on the current international cut off points for people with cardiovascular disease. Statistical analysis of data was carried out using SPSS version 22.
Results: Data from a total of 180 subjects were collected and analyzed. The mean (sd) of serum cholesterol fractions and their distributions are: Low density lipoprotein 2.4± 1.18 mmol/l, High density lipoprotein, 1.17± 0.62 mmol/l, Total Cholesterol, 4.43± 1.34 mmol/l, and triglycerides 1.21±0.77 mmol/L. HDL-cholesterol was significantly lower in patients 50 years and older. P=0.02. A total of 12 (6.7%) of the patients had high levels of LDL, 92(51.1%) had poor levels of HDL. Between stroke types, 10(7.2%) of patients with ischemic stroke had high serum LDL compared to 2(4.8%) with hemorrhagic stroke p= 0.32. Among those with hemorrhagic stroke, 22(52.4%) had poor levels of HDL compared to 70(50.7%) of those with ischemic stroke p= 0.17. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were also found in a higher proportion of those with ischemic stroke than hemorrhagic although these differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusions: There mean level of serum LDL, HDL and TC are higher in stroke patients than recommended values. Current recommended universal use of statins after stroke should be encouraged in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.