Data Collection Period Research Articles

Individual In-Situ GPS-Derived Acceleration-Speed Profiling: Toward Automatization and Refinement in Male Professional Rugby Union Players

BackgroundRecently a proof-of-concept was proposed to derive the soccer players’ individual in-situ acceleration-speed (AS) profile from global positioning system (GPS) data collected over several sessions and games. The present study aimed to propose an automatized method of individual GPS-derived in-situ AS profiling in a professional rugby union setting.MethodAS profiles of forty-nine male professional rugby union players representing 61.5 million positions, from which acceleration was derived from speed during 51 training sessions and 11 official games, were analyzed. A density-based clustering algorithm was applied to identify outlier points. Multiple AS linear relationships were modeled for each player and session, generating numerous theoretical maximal acceleration (A0), theoretical maximal running speed (S0) and AS slope (ASslope, i.e., overall orientation of the AS profile). Each average provides information on the most relevant value while the standard deviation denotes the method accuracy. In order to assess the reliability of the AS profile within the data collection period, data were compared over two 2-week phases by the inter-class correlation coefficient. A0 and S0 between positions and type of sessions (trainings and games) were compared using ANOVA and post hoc tests when the significant threshold had been reached.ResultsAll AS individual profiles show linear trends with high coefficient of determination (r2 > 0.81). Good reliability (Inter-class Correlation Coefficient ranging from 0.92 to 0.72) was observed between AS profiles, when determined 2 weeks apart for each player. AS profiles depend on players’ positions, types of training and games. Training and games data highlight that highest A0 are obtained during games, while greatest S0 are attained during speed sessions.ConclusionsThis study provides individual in-situ GPS-derived AS profiles with automatization capability. The method calculates an error of measurement for A0 and S0, of paramount importance in order to improve their daily use. The AS profile differences between training, games and playing positions open several perspectives for performance testing, training monitoring, injury prevention and return-to-sport sequences in professional rugby union, with possible transferability to other sprint-based sports.Key PointsAS profiles computed from rugby union GPS data provide positional benchmarks during training and competition.This study provides automatic detection of atypical data and the computation of error measurement of theoretical maximal acceleration and speed components.This refinement constitutes a step forward for a daily use of ecological data by considering data collection and method reliabilities.This easy-to-implement approach may facilitate its use to the performance management process (talent identification, training monitoring and individualization, return-to-sport).

Prescription Sequence Symmetry Analysis (PSSA) to assess prescribing cascades: a step-by-step guide

Prescribing cascades occur when patients are prescribed medication to treat the adverse drug reaction of previously prescribed medication. Prescription sequence symmetry analysis (PSSA) can be used to assess the association between two medications in prescription or dispensing databases and thus the potential occurrence of prescribing cascades. In this article, a step-by-step guide is presented for conducting PSSA to assess prescribing cascades. We describe considerations for medication data collection and setting time periods for relevant parameters, including washout window, exposure window, continued exposure interval and blackout period. With two examples, we illustrate the impact of changes in these parameters on the strengths of associations observed. Given the impact seen, we recommend that researchers clearly specify and explain all considerations regarding medication included and time windows set when studying prescribing cascades with PSSA, and conduct subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Neighborhood Disadvantage and Healthcare Utilization in Pediatric Sickle Cell Patients

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a complex heritable blood disorder associated with higher acute healthcare utilization further complicated by psychosocial and socioeconomic factors. Other studies have indicated a relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and increased healthcare utilization. We hypothesize that those with greater neighborhood disadvantage will have greater acute healthcare utilization.
 Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from the electronic medical record between 9/30/2021 and 7/11/2023 for patients followed at Riley Hospital for Children’s Pediatric SCD Clinic who completed a psychosocial needs assessment (PAT). Number of emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and missed clinic visits were collected from the time the PAT was completed up to 1 year after (or the end of the data collection period). Data regarding area deprivation index (ADI) and childhood opportunity index (COI) were collected utilizing patient home address. Descriptive statistics were performed on all data above, as well as t-tests and chi square tests for univariate analyses.
 Results: 142 patients completed a PAT during the study period. 88% had a primary care provider documented, and 73% had public insurance. The median state and national ADI (6, 76.5) and COI (2, 2) demonstrated greater neighborhood disadvantage and less childhood opportunity. There was no statistically significant difference between ADI or COI and number of ED encounters or hospitalizations. However, patients who missed 1 or more SCD visits had a higher median state ADI than those who did not miss a visit (7.5 vs 5, p=0.002). Median state COI was also lower in this group than those who did not miss a visit (1 vs 2, p=0.001).
 Conclusion: Those with higher ADI and lower COI could benefit from more directed support to improve access to preventative care visits. Further analysis accounting for comorbidities (seizures, asthma, depression) could disambiguate a relationship between ADI or COI and acute care utilization.

The impact of employee engagement and innovation performance on business success in manufacturing and service enterprises in Albania and Kosovo

This study aims to investigate the interplay between employee engagement and innovation performance in shaping the success of manufacturing and service enterprises in Albania and Kosovo. The data collection involved the distribution of questionnaires to entrepreneurs, managers, and employees of the enterprises, with direct interviews conducted in some cases. The data collection period spanned from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023. SPSS was employed to create the database and analyze the collected data. The study encompasses 190 companies operating in the services and production sectors, with 100 located in Albania and 90 in Kosovo. The selection of these sectors is based on their significant contribution to the region’s economic landscape. Of the total enterprises, 105 (55%) are manufacturing enterprises, and 85 (45%) are service enterprises.The findings reveal a robust and positive correlation between employee engagement, innovation performance, and business success. Employee engagement (r = 0.458**) and innovation performance (r = 0.396**) exhibit significant correlations (p < 0.01), with both factors demonstrating statistical significance (p = 0.000). The multivariate regression analysis confirms the positive influence of both employee engagement and innovation performance on business success, supported by a significance of ANOVA analysis (p = .000). This study contributes to the understanding of the specific dynamics of employee engagement and innovation performance in the context of manufacturing and service enterprises in Albania and Kosovo. It offers valuable insights for managers and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance the success of their organizations.

Sustained delirium reduction in an inpatient neuroscience unit.

Delirium is described as acute brain dysfunction that often fluctuates throughout the day and is highly prevalent in hospitalized adults. Delirium negatively affects patient outcomes with consequences including decreased cognitive functioning and increased mortality and healthcare costs. Furthermore, neurological patients are at increased risk for developing delirium due to their underlying diagnoses. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to evaluate the long-term impact of nursing education and use of trained volunteers to prevent the development of delirium in an inpatient neuroscience unit. This was a pre-post designed evidence-based practice project to educate and prioritize nursing care interventions for delirium prevention compared to a delirium management framework. The interventions included delirium education for nurses and nursing assistants along with the development of a specialized volunteer program to implement non-pharmacological, multi-component delirium prevention interventions. Long-term sustainment and enculturation occurred over the subsequent year. The baseline data collection period included 2520 patients. The intervention period included 4515 patients, with both groups being similar in age, race, gender, and length of stay. The total number of patients with a discharge diagnosis of delirium decreased from 29.2% to 19.8% (p < .001). Fewer patients in the intervention group were discharged to a skilled nursing facility (p < .001) and other post-acute facility (p = .008), along with more patients being discharged to home care (p < .001). This evidence-based practice project demonstrates long-term sustained reduction of delirium in the neuroscience population. Despite the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, delirium prevention strategies were found to be effective in decreasing the rate at which patients develop delirium.

CAN WE USE SMARTPHONES TO MONITOR ORTHOPAEDIC PATIENTS' PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES DURING THE PERIOPERATIVE PERIOD? A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Smartphones are often equipped with inertial sensors capable of measuring individuals' physical activities. Their role in monitoring the patients' physical activities in telemedicine, however, needs to be explored. The main objective of this study was to explore the correlation between a participant's daily step counts and the daily step counts reported by their smartphone. This prospective observational study was conducted on patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgery and a group of non-patients. The data collection period was from 2 weeks before until four weeks after the surgery for the patients and two weeks for the non-patients. The participants' daily steps were recorded by physical activity trackers employed 24/7, and an application recorded the number of daily steps registered by the participants' smartphones. We compared the cross-correlation between the daily steps time-series taken from the smartphones and physical activity trackers in different groups of participants. We also employed mixed modeling to estimate the total number of steps. Overall, 1067 days of data were collected from 21 patients (11 females) and 10 non-patients (6 females). The cross-correlation coefficient between the smartphone and physical activity tracker was 0.70 [0.53–0.83]. The correlation in the non-patients was slightly higher than in the patients (0.74 [0.60–0.90] and 0.69 [0.52–0.81], respectively). Considering the ubiquity, convenience, and practicality of smartphones, the high correlation between the smartphones and the total daily step time-series highlights the potential usefulness of smartphones in detecting the change in the step counts in remote monitoring of the patient's physical activity.

The Determinants of Study Progress in Postgraduate Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim/Purpose: The aim of this paper is to investigate the determinants of satisfaction with study progress during a period when COVID-19 restrictions were in place and after their removal. Background: The pandemic instigated a period of rapid technological change in global higher education. Relatively little research has examined the combined effect of technological use and the pandemic on academic development. The current work sets out to examine the role of time management, technology use, and health and well-being on self-assessed academic progress. Methodology: An opportunity sample of 494 doctoral students recruited predominantly from universities in the UK completed a survey with measures of technology use, attitudes to technology, self-reported health and well-being, satisfaction with study progress and aspects of time management. During the period of data collection, pandemic restrictions were removed, providing the opportunity for a limited, interrupted time series (ITS) analysis Contribution: This paper presents a model of study progress, which is applied in two distinct periods over which data was collected – during the period of the pandemic when social restrictions were in place and in the period following, when restrictions were removed. Findings: A majority of doctoral students reported being satisfied with their study progress. Several significant correlates of this were identified. A linear model utilising these variables statistically explained 29% of the variance in satisfaction with study progress. For the period when COVID restrictions were still in place, the model explained 47% of the variance, significantly greater than in the subsequent period when restrictions were removed. Effect sizes for happiness with time management, finding software applications difficult to use or learn, currently reported general health, health compared to the previous year and the effects of the pandemic on study were significantly greater during the period of the pandemic. Recommendations for Practitioners: A proportion of the sample reported finding software difficult to use/learn, with this impacting on reported study progress. This suggests a need for technology training for doctoral students. The relationship between time management and study progress also suggests a potential need for support in this area. It is important that technology training takes on board the ‘emotional usability’ of technology. Raising awareness amongst supervisors of doctoral students of both the psychological dimensions of technology use and the need for student support would be beneficial. Recommendation for Researchers: Self-rated academic progress provides a useful measure of academic attainment. The role of doctoral students’ health and well-being in relation to study progress warrants further investigation. To clarify the causal nature of relationships between time management, health and well-being and study progress further work using longitudinal studies is required. Impact on Society: The study suggests the pandemic had a large influence on doctoral students’ education and their health and well-being. With the increasing importance of international postgraduate recruitment for universities, the findings highlight the need for attention to be given for students’ well-being and the support infrastructure which can contribute to this. Future Research: Future work should seek to replicate the findings and examine how determinants of study progress may vary over time and in different populations of doctoral students. Structural equation modelling could be used to further explore the relationships which health, time management, technology use and appraisal have with study progress. More work is needed to assess the potential long-term effects of the pandemic on well-being and academic life.

Sexual and reproductive health issues of women attending psychiatric clinic in India-A qualitative study.

Women with mental illness (WMI) experience considerable disparities in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) when compared to the general population. Due to their restricted access to SRH services, they have unmet contraceptive needs, a greater prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual dysfunction. The study aimed to explore the SRH issues of WMI in a tertiary care psychiatric outpatient clinic in Bengaluru, India. A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used. A reproductive age group (18-49 years) WMI (n = 32) was selected by purposive sampling technique. The period of data collection was from January 2021 to September 2021. An in-depth face-to-face interview was conducted using a validated interview schedule. Hycner's explicitation process was used to investigate the constituents of a phenomenon. The codes revealed potential themes and subthemes. SRH issues faced by WMI were organized under three main themes, namely, (1) factors responsible for sexual dysfunction, (2) symptoms of STI and treatment adherence, and (3) use of contraception and its barrier. Sexual dysfunction among WMI is contributed by numerous factors. Women were exhibited limited knowledge of STI symptoms and treatment compliance. Such women experience issues with current method of contraception and are unaware of the alternatives. The findings of this study may be helpful for clinical nurses in drawing attention to and increasing knowledge of the reproductive health issues that women with psychiatric disorders face, taking the required precautions, and devising strategies for minimizing harm.

Nephrotoxic drug burden and predictors of exposure among patients with renal impairment in Ethiopia: A multi-center study

BackgroundNephrotoxic drugs may hasten the decline in kidney function and worsen the progression of renal impairment as a result; these drugs should be avoided or used with caution in patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency. The purpose of this study was to assess the burden of nephrotoxic medication use and its predictors among patients with underlying renal impairment. MethodsA multicenter, institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from May 30, 2021 to July 30, 2021, at medical wards. Renal impaired patients admitted during the data collection period who took at least one medication were enrolled in the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected through an interview and a medical card review. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were fitted to identify factors associated with nephrotoxic drug use. ResultsAmong the 422 participants, more than half of them (53.6 %) were male. The mean patient's age was 47.5 (±16.7) years. A total of 1310 drugs were prescribed for 422 patients with renal impairment, of which 80.15 % were nephrotoxic. Nephrotoxic drugs were prescribed for 66.4 % of patients. The burden of nephrotoxic medication prescription was significantly associated with variables like the presence of comorbidity (AOR = 6.31, 95 % CI: 2.01–19.79), the number of medications prescribed (AOR = 1.43, 95 % CI: 1.05–1.93), and the age of participants (AOR = 1.12, 95 % CI: 1.07–1.17). ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that two-third of the patients with renal impairment were exposed to nephrotoxic medications. Furosemide, Enalapril, and vancomycin were the most frequently prescribed nephrotoxic medications. The study suggests that prescribers need to give special attention to older patients who have underlying renal insufficiency, a comorbid condition, and polypharmacy regarding exposure to contraindicated nephrotoxic medication.

Environmental Predictors of Undernutrition Among Under-5 Children at Dabat District Health Facilities, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

In Ethiopia, undernutrition remains a significant public health concern throughout the year due to persistent household food insecurit. The intensifying conflict in the Dabat district, involving the Ethiopian government and the Tigray Liberation Front, has increased the threat of undernutrition among under-5 children. The cessation of humanitarian aid has worsened food insecurity, increasing the vulnerability of the children in the region. However,there was no data showing the prevalence and environmental pridictors of undernutrition in the Dabat district, northwestern Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and identify environmental pridictors in this study setting. This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2023. A total of 400 under-5 children were included in this study using systematic random sampling techniques with a 100% response rate. The study included all under-5 children who visited healthcare facilities during the data collection period. However, it excluded children under-5 who had physical deformities, were critically ill, or had congenital abnormalities or known chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or chronic heart diseases. Binary logistic regression was used to determine environmental predictors of undernutrition, with statistical significance at a P-value of ⩽.05. The overall prevalence of undernutrition was found to be 12% (95% CI: 8.72-21.5). Among those affected, 32.8% (95% CI: 21.5-39.8) were stunted, 37.9% (95% CI: 28.8-47.50) were underweight, and 29.3% (95% CI: 21.3-29.7) were wasted. The environmental predictors of undernutrition were latrine use, recent diarrhea episodes, mothers' occupation and place of residence, water treatment before consumption, water sources and storage, water extraction methods, and mothers' handwashing habits. The study found a higher prevalence of undernutrition among under-5 children compared to the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey. This study recommended raising awareness about establishing private toilets, promoting water treatment, proper latrine use, and handwashing practices. Training on personal hygiene and economic support for households should also be provided. Healthcare providers should offer quality health services for under-5 children. Further research is needed to explore specific nutrient deficiencies using laboratory methods.

Investigating neighbourhood environmental risk factors associated with childhood acute respiratory infection symptoms in Ethiopia mixed effect and multilevel logistic regression analysis based on EDHS 2016.

Acute respiratory infection is an infectious illness caused by acute viral or bacterial infection. According to a 2018 WHO report, exposures to indoor and ambient air environmental pollution were contributing factors to a higher risk of respiratory problems following 7 million deaths of children under five globally. Housing conditions such as wall material, roof type, kitchen location, sanitation condition, and cooking fuel type are household-level predictors of acute respiratory disease among children under five years of age. This research used EDHS-2016 secondary data, which are nationally representative. The data collection period was from January 18, 2016, to June 27, 2016. Among the 16,650 total surveys, 10,006 households that had children below 5 years of age. The outcome variable for this study was acute respiratory infection symptoms. Analyses were performed using STATA Version 17.1. The data were weighted before performing analysis to reinstate the representativeness of the sample. In the bivariable analysis, a p value <0.2 was used to screen for multivariable. Multicollinearity was checked using the variance inflation factor. Then, a multilevel multivariable regression model was used in this study for the analysis of acute respiratory infection symptoms and possible predictor variables. Variables with a p value <0.05 in multivariable regression analysis were considered statistically significant predictors. Most (95.00%) households commonly used solid fuel for cooking, and household main construction materials: 81.44 and 91.03% of floors and walls of households were constructed with unprocessed natural materials, respectively. The prevalence of acute respiratory infection symptoms among children under five years of age was 7.955% (7.397, 8.551%). The findings indicated that acute respiratory infection symptoms among children under five years of age were significantly linked with the age of the children, diarrhea status, residence, region, fuel type, stool disposal, wall material, and floor material. Interventions should target modifiable factors such as proper stool disposal of the youngest child, informing the health effects of poor housing conditions such as improving wall and floor construction material to reduce acute respiratory infection symptoms among children under five years of age.

A DOR NOS TEMPOS DA COVID-19: TRANSTORNO DE ADAPTAÇÃO NOS PROFESSORES DO ENSINO SUPERIOR BRASILEIRO

ABSTRACT: This paper presents the results of longitudinal research to identify professors’ adaptation and stress and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted cross-sectional, exploratory, quantitative, and qualitative fieldwork. We used three instruments (the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire to identify the adjustment disorder, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to measure the anxiety state, and the Teacher Stress Inventory to measure professors’ stress) and socio-biographical questions. We analyzed the data through descriptive statistics and logistic regression. We also included an open question for professors to express their feelings openly. We analyzed these testimonies through word clouds, and six were transformed into a video: https://youtu.be/N6q7iz09WWk. To obtain the data, we followed 129 professors for one year during the pandemic. We found that approximately 3 out of 4 professors in the sample experienced adjustment disorder during the data collection period, and 1 out of 2 professors had a high level of state anxiety. The following factors were associated with the probability of not being adapted to the pandemic: being a woman, being married, and having a negative perception of their daily lives after so many restrictions and risks. However, other factors could contribute to professors’ adjustment: years of teaching, a positive perception of their physical health, and the non-use of substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, medication, and others. Therefore, we identified the psychosocial vulnerability of professors during the pandemic. Consequently, we highlight the need to develop public and private policies to unequivocally contribute to these individuals’ adjustment, especially considering the negative repercussions this situation can have over the years.

Sektor Basis dan Penyerapan Tenaga Kerja di Kota Sungai Penuh

This research aims to identify the dominant base sectors in Sungai Banyak City and evaluate the level of labor absorption in these sectors. The data used comes from secondary sources, namely the websites of BPS Sungai Banyak City and BPS Jambi Province. The data analysis method involves a qualitative descriptive approach and quantitative descriptive analysis. The data collection period is 2018-2022. The analytical instrument applied involves Location Quotient (LQ) and labor absorption in the base sector. The research results show that there are four significant basic sectors in Sungai Banyak City in the 2018-2022 period. These sectors include Mining and Quarrying (LQ 1.11), Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (LQ 1.31), Construction (LQ 1.31), and Wholesale and Retail Trade (LQ 1.95). The highest labor absorption will occur in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries sectors in 2022, with a total of 44,428 people. Meanwhile, the Wholesale and Retail Trade sector will absorb the largest number of workers in 2022, amounting to 15,013 people. The Mining and Construction sector, which is included in the other sectors category, accounts for 12,480 people in 2022.

Knowledge on Chemical Pesticide use among Farmers Exposed to Pesticides in Panchkhal Municipality, Kavrepalanchok, Nepal

Background. Pesticide exposure is a serious threat to public health in developing countries like Nepal. As an agricultural country, farmers are using pesticides indiscriminately to increase the yield of crops, which results in continued contamination of the environment and food and has adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the knowledge and evaluate the relationship between pesticide use knowledge and pesticide toxicity symptoms among farmers in Panchkhal Municipality. Materials and Methods. A cross‐sectional study design was used among 238 farmers (both male and female) exposed to pesticides for a minimum of 1 year. The data collection period was from April to June 2022. The data were collected using convenient sampling through interviews. Semistructured questionnaires were used as a tool for data collection. This study has been approved by the ethics committee. Data entry and analysis were done in SPSS version 16.00. Bivariate analysis was done using the Chi‐square test. Results. The mean age ± SD of the participants was 45.75 ± 13.12 years. The mean year of exposure was 15.52 ± 9.46 years, and the mean duration of working in the field was 3.22 ± 2.17 hr/day. Burning eye (51.2%) was the most common symptom of pesticide poisoning. The most common pesticide used was insecticide. Most farmers (92.4%) had good knowledge of the use of pesticides. There was no significant association between the symptoms of pesticide exposure and knowledge. Those who stored the pesticide properly in a locked container in a well‐ventilated area showed a significant association with knowledge of pesticide use (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion. This study showed that most farmers have good knowledge of pesticide use. Still, educational programs and legislation promoting the use of safer pesticides are needed because they are the ones who handle and use chemical pesticides. Furthermore, the government should conduct training on the safe management of pesticide use.

Comparative research study about Creative Characteristics among Korea, France and the United States

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in creative home environment, parenting style, self-efficacy, creative personality, and creative achievement in Korea, France and the United States. The data collection period was from March 2020 to May 2020, with 455 Korean, 803 French, and 225 American adults. This study validated the measurement tool for creative characteristics through data collected in Korea, France and the United States, calculated the correlation of measurement tool, and analyzed the difference of creative characteristics of three countries. The results of this study were valid and the reliability was .937. The model fit of the measurement tool was appropriate, and the correlation of each factor showed a significant correlation except for parent-rearing and self-efficacy. Also, the result of comparing the creative characteristics of Korea, France and the United States showed a significant difference. In the creative home environment, France recognized it as more creative environment than Korea, and in the parent-rearing, France recognized it as a stricter parent-rearing style than the United States and Korea. And the self-efficacy, creative personality, and creative personality were higher in France than in Korea, and the United States is higher than in France. This study was able to understand the characteristics of each country through cultural comparison, and the results of this study will be used as necessary data for academic, cultural and social exchanges in the global era.

Is there a relationship between somatic sensations, impaired vision, and cognitive performance using the factor structure of the convergence insufficiency symptoms survey questionnaire?

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between somatic sensations, impaired vision, and cognitive performance using the factor structure convergence insufficiency symptoms survey questionnaire in university undergraduate and post-graduate students. Centre-based and questionnaire-based. Subjects were recruited from a university. First, an e-Survey was conducted with the help of Google form and distributed through WhatsApp and Gmail to carry out the survey. The age group of participants was ranged from 18 to 30 years. A total number of 561 responses was received during the data collection period. As per the exclusion criteria, 230 responses were excluded from the study. Out of 331 students, 154 were male while 177 were female. Out of 331 participants, 213 were undergraduates and 118 were postgraduate's students. A total of 331 participants took part in the study. The minimum age was 18 years and the maximum age was 30 years. The mean age of the participants was 23.40 ± 2.42. Among all students, 23.81% had somatic sensations followed by 10.49% had impaired vision, and 16.31% had a poor cognitive function. The correlation between somatic sensations-impaired visions was a moderate positive correlation and a strong positive correlation between somatic sensations-cognitive performance and impaired vision-cognitive performance. A significant relationship between somatic sensations, impaired vision, and cognitive performance was found in the study. The students had more somatic sensations than impaired vision and cognitive performance.

Examination of Demonstration and Lecture Teaching Methods on Academic Performance of Public Senior High School Students in Financial Accounting in Ghana: Evidence from Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality

The study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of the lecture methods of teaching on students’ academic performance in financial accounting, to explore the relationship between demonstration methods of teaching and students’ academic performance in financial accounting and lastly to determine the effect of the demonstration method of teaching on students’ academic performance in Financial Accounting in Ghana. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design, specifically, the pre-test, post-test non-equivalent control group. 725 students offering Financial Accounting in senior high schools in Nsawam Adoagyiri municipality formed the population of the study. From the population of the study, 105 students were selected which represent 14.48% of the population as sample using purposive sampling technique. Two senior high schools were purposively selected and randomly assigned to experimental groups and control group. St Martins senior high school, Nsawam senior high School (experimental group) was taught using Demonstration Method and Diaspora senior high School (control group) was taught using conventional Lecture method. The data collection period lasted for four (4) weeks with the use of well-structured questionnaires. A reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while the hypothesis was tested using analysis of covariance at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed that Demonstration method had significant effect on students’ performance than lecture method. Among the recommendations made was that, efforts should be intensified by teachers to aggressively adopt Demonstration Method in teaching Financial Accounting.

ПРОТЕОМИКА КРОВИ И ВАРИАБЕЛЬНОСТЬ СЕРДЕЧНОГО РИТМА ПРИ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИИ ЭФФЕКТОВ КОСМИЧЕСКОГО ПОЛЕТА В ИММЕРСИОННОМ ПОГРУЖЕНИИ У ЖЕНЩИН

The paper analyzes changes in blood proteome in a group of essentially healthy female subjects (30.17 ± 5.5 y.o.) following 3-day dry immersion (DI). Depending on the predominance of modulating vegetative effects determined by analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV), dynamics of the blood protein composition was analyzed using the dried blood spot sampling. It was demonstrated that in the period of baseline data collection with the usual motor activity, energy expenditure was provided mainly by carbohydrate contributors which, on the proteome level, varied with type of the pentose pathway regulation in individual subjects. Adaptation to DI in the group with the dominating parasympathetic tone was more acute than in the group with the sympathetic tone. Since in DI the motor activity is minimal, the proteomic changes represented a decrease in energy expenditure; vagus-mediated differences in regulation between the groups were leveled. In the post-DI period, differences in blood proteome modification shed light on the processes involved in functioning of heat shock and exosome proteins. After DI, the system of cardiovascular control remained still strained with dominating sympathetic regulation. These results are significant for understanding the gender-related difference in regulation of the CVS biological processes under the effects of modeled microgravity.

Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Conservative Treatment of Upper Limb Diaphyseal and Metaphyseal Fractures (Humerus, Radius, and Ulna) with Extension Casting

Abstract Background: To manage fractures, either operative or nonoperative techniques are required. If the fracture is significantly displaced or angulated, a closed reduction should be done followed by a period of immobilization with casting or splinting. This treatment method forms the basis of nonoperative approach. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the results of management of upper limb diaphysis and metaphyseal fractures (humerus, radius, and ulna) with the application of extension cast in closed fractures in adults to assess the functional acceptance of the procedure and to assess the efficacy and advantage of this treatment. Materials and Methods: The study included upper arm fracture patients. Fixed criterion was discouraged for a definite sample size and it was considered to take up as many cases as possible from trauma center on every Wednesday in the entire period of data collection, i.e., from September 2020 to May 2022. Forty-two newly diagnosed cases of the fracture of upper extremities whose radiological and clinical records were intact were included in the study. Patients in the extension casting group were followed up from 14 to 22 months, with an average of 17.34 ± 2.61 months. The full-length cast was applied from 4 to 6 weeks with a mean of 5 weeks. All casts were converted to the above elbow cast when the fracture became sticky. Results: Radiological evidence of a fluffy callus appeared at an average of 35 days and bony union was achieved at a mean of 3.48 ± 0.59 months. In the current study after 1 year of treatment, the mean range of motion of all joints of the affected limb became normal; the mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score after 6 weeks was 8; after 3 months, the mean VAS score was 4; and after 6 months, the mean VAS score was 1. Extension cast allows gravity to work all the time, which is especially beneficial for comminuted fractures. This reduces the chances of limb shortening.

The incidence of heart attacks among young individuals in Mosul City.

Rapid socioeconomic progress has greatly affected the world, and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has increased. The growing burden of CVDs has become a major public health issue. The study aimed to identify the main risk factors that lead to the contribution of heart attacks among young people in Mosul City, Iraq. The study was dependent on achieving the objectives through a descriptive study design that was performed in the emergency medical wards of three teaching hospitals in Mosul City, Iraq. The sample was the convenience of patients who were admitted to the emergency department and who had signs and symptoms of heart attacks during the period of data collection starting from November 1, 2022, until April 1, 2023. The participants were 247 cases recorded during that period, and their ages ranged between 20 and 45 years. The tool used in this study from the World Health Organization (WHO) is related to risk factors for CVDs and consists of eleven items. Approximately seventy percent of the study sample was male, 68.4% were less than 39 years, and 35.6% of them were diagnosed with heart diseases (angina and myocardial infarction) that require hospitalization, and there are several risk factors in the study sample, the most prominent of which were physical inactivity (88.6%), following unhealthy diet patterns (87.5%) and hypertension (69.3%). The study concluded that the risky health factors that contribute to the occurrence of heart attacks among young people in this study are hypertension, high blood cholesterol, unhealthy diet, heavy smoking, stress, family history, alcohol drinking, obesity, and diabetes mellitus (DB).