Package For Social Sciences Software Research Articles

Prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors in the rural field practice area of a tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh, India: A cross-sectional study

Background: Hypertension, or increased blood pressure, is seen worldwide because of lifestyle changes. Hypertension is a risk factor for diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Most hypertensives are not seeking treatment; either they are unaware of the condition or asymptomatic for a long period, leading to sudden deaths. Hence, it is called a “silent killer.” Previously, hypertension was prevalent only in older people. Recent data from various studies mentioned that the prevalence of hypertension is increasing at a young age. Hence, this study was undertaken to study the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among rural people aged 30 years and older. Aims and Objectives: To assess the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among people 30 years of age or older. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a rural field practice area of a tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh for 2 years after obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent from participants. Simple and systemic random sampling was used to select 300 participants. Data were collected using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaires. The analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences software, version 26.0. The association between two categorical variables was measured using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the total subjects, 81 (27%) were diagnosed with hypertension. The majority (57%) of the study subjects were females, and the majority of the hypertensives were 51–70 years old (47.2%) and males (31.8%). Hypertension had a significant association with age, education, socioeconomic status, body mass index, smoking, intake of alcohol, family history of hypertension, and salt consumption of >5 g, but not with gender, type of family, or history of diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension has also increased in rural areas because of cultural and lifestyle changes. By modifying the risk factors, the occurrence of hypertension can be prevented at an early age and can be kept under control in those already affected.

THE INFLUENCE OF PERPETRATOR IDENTITY ON ADOLESCENT SCHOOLGIRLS’ SEXUAL HARASSMENT COPING STRATEGIES IN MBULU TOWN COUNCIL, MANYARA REGION

The widespread reports of school adolescents being victimized by sexual harassment have raised concerns towards understanding how adolescents cope with such incidents. This study assessed the influence of perpetrator identity on the likelihood of schoolgirls employing certain sexual harassment coping strategies. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was utilized in this study. The target population constituted of adolescent ordinary level secondary schoolgirls in Mbulu Town Council and the sample size was 400 girls. The sampling procedure was a two stages cluster sampling. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed by binary logistic regression using the statistical package for social science software (SPSS). Perpetrator identities were found to influence coping strategies adopted by schoolgirls. Senior students revealed an association with normalization coping strategy while strangers were associated with engagement coping strategy. Classmates, teachers, senior students and strangers were associated with detachment coping strategy, whereas non-teaching staff was associated with help-seeking coping strategy. It is recommended that adolescents should be provided with sexuality education so as to mitigate the tendency of normalizing harassment in peer relationships. Also, further interventions should focus on emphasizing the usage of help seeking strategy rather than detachment. Moreover, boarding schools could be a potential solution for preventing encounters with strangers to and from school.

Eradication of mature biofilm from the isthmus region using Er, Cr: YSGG Laser as an activator of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate.

Challenges in the root canal system, such as isthmus, may limit the action of endodontic equipment and irrigation solutions, so using laser agitation is recommended to upgrade the removal of microbial biofilm. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the laser in photon-induced photoacoustic streaming protocol agitation of 2% chlorohexidine gluconate in removing mature biofilm in complex root canal systems. Seventy-five mesial roots of the lower first and second molars were separated and cultivated with Enterococcus faecalis bacteria for 30 days (except for the negative control group samples). The samples were divided into four groups (n=15), one group acted as a positive control, other groups were irrigated with 2% chlorohexidine gluconate, some of them were agitated with a passive ultrasonic device, while the other samples were agitated by an Erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet laser in photon-induced photoacoustic streaming protocol. An atomic force microscope was used as a new method to get the results in the isthmus area; A scanning electron microscope was also used in the study to examine the samples before and after the treatment. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used to collect and analyze data, and two-way ANOVA was used to compare the means of the test groups. According to the atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope analyses, Erbium laser and passive ultrasonic activation groups showed higher antimicrobial efficacy than the syringe irrigation group (p<0.05). According to the study's results, the agitation of chlorohexidine gluconate fluid by Erbium laser in photon-induced photoacoustic streaming at 0.75 W offers better Enterococcus faecalis biofilm removal in the difficult-to-reach areas of lower first and second molars. Key words:Atomic force microscope, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, Enterococcus faecalis, Erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet laser, passive ultrasonic.

Determining the Frequency and Influential Factors Impacting Antenatal Care Service Utilization Among Pregnant Women in Attendance at Mutara Health Centre III, Mitooma District, Uganda

Antenatal care (ANC) plays a pivotal role in curbing maternal mortality rates. This investigation sought to gauge the prevalence of and factors influencing antenatal care service utilization among pregnant women visiting Mutara Health Centre III's antenatal care clinic. The study involved 200 pregnant women in a cross-sectional analysis, employing an interview questionnaire to assess ANC service utilization determinants. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was utilized for data analysis. The prevalence was determined by comparing the actual ANC attendance (from mid-July 2022 to mid-August 2022) against the projected monthly ANC attendance (300). The resulting attendance rate of 66.67% was categorized as inadequate, falling below the globally recommended coverage of 80%. Demographic findings revealed that the majority (57.5%) were peasants, while 47.5% of their partners had primary education. Alarmingly, 62.5% lacked knowledge regarding the appropriate timing for seeking ANC. Key conclusions drawn were that the attendance rate for ANC was notably low, coupled with inadequate knowledge among pregnant women about ANC and a prevalence of low socioeconomic status. Recommendations included tailored education programs for expectant mothers on ANC services by healthcare personnel at Mutara Health Centre III, public awareness campaigns by the Mitooma district health officer emphasizing the benefits of ANC attendance, governmental strategies to improve the livelihoods of those served by the health center, and a proposed study to assess maternal mortality prevalence specifically at Mutara Health Centre III. Keywords: Antenatal care, Pregnant women, maternal mortality, Healthcare workers.

CHARACTERIZATION OF INDIGENOUS SHEEP HUSBANDRY PRACTICES IN WESTERN ZONE OF TIGRAY REGION, ETHIOPIA

The survey was conducted before the ignition of the war in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia (before October 2020). The objective of the survey was to characterize the husbandry practices of three indigenous sheep populations. A total of 253 households were randomly involved in the face-to-face interview. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used for data analysis. Illiterates (34 %) and respondents, who attended lower primary school (44 %), were the major categories of the respondents. A mean (± SD) flock size of 7.91 ± 11.4 Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU) of indigenous sheep of the three genotypes were kept under extensive husbandry practices, however, the indigenous sheep population (55 %) trend was at a decreasing state in the last ten years. There was lower mean flock size in Arado (11.72 ± 8.0) than in Begait (85.07 ± 90.1) and Rutanna (223.08 ± 170.5) sheep. The decreasing state of communal grazing area (97 %) resulted in seasonal feed scarcity (96 %) in the last five years. Hence, feed supplementation was in 74 % of the respondents done in the dry season. Animals of most respondents (71 %) go to water source to drink water. It was noted that most animals drank water once a day (63 %) in the dry season. It was also noted that sheep fattening (4 %) was a neglected activity. There were sheep production challenges (100 %) and opportunities (72 %). Diseases (86 %) and external parasites (80 %) were major constraints in sheep production. However, lack of veterinary service (78 % no service) centre was a critical challenge. Practices of own ram-ewe mating (68 %), own flock born rams (51 %), uncontrolled mating (66 %), pure breeding (86 %) and use of rams outside of their flocks (79 %) were practiced in the indigenous sheep populations. Unknown ram-to-ewe ratio (26.9 %) and a ratio of one-ram-to-all-ewes in a flock (29.6 %) were practiced. Ram castration (35 %) was practiced to improve carcass quality (32 %). Feed development, shift to modern husbandry practices, access to veterinary services, indigenous sheep conservation through utilization, control of inbreeding, ram-to-ewe ratio, fattening and castration should be of future attention of farmers and stakeholders.

THE EFFICACY OF THE FLIPPED CLASSROOM METHOD IN IMPROVING DANCE SPORTS SKILLS AMONG TEENAGERS

This study aimed to determine how well the Flipped Classroom model improved dancing athletic skills at the Dalian Learning Center. With 30 respondents for the experimental group instructed to utilize the Flipped Classroom approach and 28 respondents for the control group, this quantitative research uses a quasi-experimental methodology. Pre-test, post-test, and checklist are the instruments that are employed. Pre- and post-test instruments were used to compare the performance of the experimental group and the control group in terms of essay writing. The checklist tool was used to examine the content processing elements of the pupils' essays. The content processing features of the students' essays were examined using the checklist tool. The Statistical Package for Social Science Software (SPSS) Version 23.0 was used to analyze the data that had been collected. T-test analysis was used to analyze the study's findings further. Compared to a mean score of 14.00 and a standard deviation of 3.620 for the control group, the experimental group's mean score was 20.64 with a standard deviation of 2.244, indicating better outcomes. Teachers can use the findings of this study to apply the Flipped Classroom Method better efficiently and methodically o various topics or student points.

Prevalence of Fatigue Among Physiotherapy Students - A Cross-Sectional Study

Fatigue is expressed in related concepts such as 'overwhelmingly tired', 'exhausted', 'weakness', 'lassitude', 'feeble lethargy', 'lack of energy', 'wrung out' and 'mentally tired'. Persistent fatigue can cause a lack of mental clarity, difficulty in concentrating and in some cases it cause memory loss. It is the body's way of signalling need for rest and sleep. Physiotherapy being one of the flourishing courses in India as well as globally, it is both physically and mentally demanding when compared to many other medical and paramedical courses. Typical Physiotherapy practices involve repeated lifting, bending, twisting, reaching, and performing manual therapy. Thus, the current study aims at focussing on the fatigue severity rate among physiotherapy students. The study was conducted in April 2021 to Dec 2022, to know the prevalence of fatigue among physiotherapy students. Eight hundred students were recruited into the study based on the selected inclusion and exclusion criteria. The demographic data was collected and were asked to complete the visual analogue fatigue severity scale. The data was entered into the statistical package for social sciences software. To examine the baseline characteristics of the subjects, we analyzed the frequency and descriptive statistics and then it was subjected for finding of normality. Inferential analysis was carried out by using Chi- Square test for the outcomes of VAS- F. The result of the present study showed that the demographic data were not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). Gender and batch were not significant (p&gt;0.05). The prevalence of fatigue was; mild 27.3%, moderate 34.2% and severe 37.9%. Keywords: Fatigue, Physiotherapist, Physical inactivity, Physical Therapy

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Mothers attending Primary Healthcare Facilities in South-east Nigeria towards Prevention of Childhood Anaemia

Studies carried out in the past have shown that the incidence and prevalence of childhood anaemia in Enugu, south-east Nigeria, is high despite various intervention programs carried out in the past by the Federal government to reduce the prevalence. A cross-sectional study investigating knowledge, attitude and practices was carried out among the mothers of reproductive age 15-49 attending Abakpa health centre located in Abakpa district, Enugu, South East Nigeria. A total of one hundred and fifty-nine mothers attending Abakpa health centre consented and participated in the study. The sample was selected using the purposive sample method. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Analysis of the data was done using a statistical package for social science software (SPSS) version 23.0. Analysis of the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their children was done, evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices of the participants towards childhood anaemia was done. They revealed that the majority of the participant had heard about childhood anaemia in the past. However, they still indulged in wrong practices and negligence that can lead to childhood anaemia. The majority of the participants do not practice exclusive breastfeeding, malaria chemoprophylaxis and good hygiene, which is one the major preventive measures for childhood anaemia. The study also revealed there is a positive moderate correlation between knowledge and practice using Pearson (r) correlation at 0.649 and there is no significant level between knowledge and practice at 0.236. Reduction in childhood anaemia can be achieved if proper training and enlightenment programs are organized for mothers, which help to close the knowledge gap that will result in better practices and reduction in the incidence of childhood anaemia in Enugu.

Analysis of factors affecting quality performance of construction equipment.

Quality performance is a numerical measurement of the performance of an organization or process assessed through the measurement of physical products and statistical sampling of the output of processes. Construction equipment’s are heavy-duty vehicles specifically created for carrying out construction activities, most usually including earthwork operations. Excavators, Backhoe loaders are the most common equipment’s used for excavation in the construction industry. Defects or lapses in the quality performance of such equipment can lead to increased costs and delays in project completion. This project involves the identification of the factors that affect the quality performance of construction equipment used for excavation in construction sites through a literature review. After the identification of these factors, a questionnaire is prepared from the factors identified and site visits are conducted to various construction sites across Ernakulam district and interviews were conducted with construction practitioners including project managers, site engineers, equipment contractors and the response data is collected. After the collection of data analysis is done using Statistical Package for Social Science software (SPSS) and the major factors that affect the quality performance were ranked. The factors with RII value of 0.841 affects majorly the performance of excavation equipment and the factor with RII value of 0.588 affects the performance of excavation equipment’s the least.

#270 : Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Analysis: Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M) for Monogenic Nephropathy

Background and Aims: Hereditary nephropathy, including monogenic nephropathy, is an important cause of renal insufficiency and end-stage renal disease. Therefore, genetic blockade is necessary for couples with monogenic nephropathy. Following routine application of prenatal diagnosis, preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) has been applied to the genetic blockade of monogenic disease patients. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze genetic counseling process for patients with nephropathy-related disease and provide clinical overviews of patients with monogenic nephropathy who underwent PGT-M. Method: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University from January 2014 to December 2022. 352 couples with nephropathy-related disease were included in the cohort totally. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science software 26.0. Results: Of the 352 couples with nephropathy-related disease, 291 underwent genetic counseling, followed by 180 accepting genetic screening. 104 couples with monogenic nephropathy indications proceeded with PGT-M, including 91 of autosomal dominant inheritance, 9 of autosomal recessive inheritance, 3 of X-linked dominant inheritance, and one of X-linked recessive inheritance. 498 blastocysts were tested by PGT-M combined with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), making 72 transferable embryos, 249 non-transferable embryos, 72 genetic counseling embryos and 7 amplification failedembryos. Finally, 80 vitrified-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles were performed. Live births occurred in 38 women, of which 37 transferred embryos with non-pathogenic genotypes. The results of prenatal diagnosis of all newborns were consistent with the testing results for embryos transferred. The cumulative live birth, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy and pregnancy loss rates were 36.54%, 56.73%, 49.04%, 7.69%, and 22.03% respectively. Conclusion: PGT-M is an effective means of genetic blockade for couples with monogenic nephropathy. The absence of genetic abnormalities detected by prenatal diagnosis in healthy newborns without monogenic nephropathy also underscore its validity.

Casting Hope, Defying Odds: Unveiling the Impact of Haplo-Identical Stem Cell Transplant in Myeloid Malignancies - a Tertiary Cancer Care Center Experience

Background &amp; Significance: Only 30% to 40% of patients in need of a curative stem cell transplant (SCT) could find a suitable matched sibling donor. For Indian patients, the likelihood of locating a 10/10 HLA identical unrelated donor within limited donor registries is approximately 14%. However, this probability has the potential to rise to 60% if registries with over 1,000,000 registered donors are available. 1,2 Consequently, there is an increasing inclination in India to perform haploidentical transplantations utilizing the post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCY) platform developed by the Johns Hopkins group. 3 The outcomes of haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo-SCT) for the treatment of AML were enhanced in the 1990s with the introduction of a T-cell depletion (TCD) strategy followed by a myeloablative conditioning regimen. 4,5 In the last two decades, significant progress in haplo-SCT for hematological malignancies, especially AML, includes donor selection algorithms, improved grafts, GVHD prophylaxis, and enhanced immunologic recovery, benefiting patients. 6 Here, we present our experience of haplo-identical stem cell transplants in myeloid malignancies at our centre. Study design &amp; Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at our site. Patients with myeloid malignancy who underwent haplo-identical stem cell transplant between Jan 2018 - Jan 2023 were included in the study and the follow-up was done till July 2023. Haplo-identical transplants done for diagnosis other than myeloid malignancy were excluded. The objectives of the study were to assess the non-relapse mortality [NRM] rate at day +100, relapse rate, graft-versus-host disease - free relapse-free survival [GRFS] and overall survival [OS] of the study cohort. GRFS was defined as a combined outcome including mortality from any cause, recurrence of malignancy, acute GVHD of grade 3 to 4, or chronic GVHD necessitating systemic immune suppression therapy. 7 Descriptive statistics (including median, mean, and range) were used to describe the central tendency and dispersion of variables. The probability of overall survival [OS] and graft versus host disease relapse free survival [GRFS] was estimated by the method of Kaplan and Meier. Probabilities of relapse or progression of malignancy, RRM, and day-100 NRM were summarized using cumulative incidence estimates All statistical analysis were done using statistical package for social science software (SPSS 21, IBM SPSS Statistics). Results: We have analysed 29 patients with various myeloid malignancies who have underwent haploidentical SCT from Jan 2018 to Jan 2023. There were 28 AML and 1 MDS patients. The median age was 35 (range, 16 - 59) and there were 22 males and 7 females. Conditioning intensity was myeloablative in 19 (65.5%), reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) in 8 (27.6%) and NMA in 2 (6.9%) patients. There were 10 (34.5%) patients in complete remission 1(CR1) and 19 (65.5%) in CR2. Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index [HCT-CI] score was as low 11 (37.9%), intermediate 8 (27.6%) and high 10 (34.5%) patients respectively. Median time to neutrophil engraftment was 16 days (range, 12 - 25) and platelet engraftment was 17 days (range, 11 - 32). Median CD34 stem cell dose was 6.25 x 10*6/kg (range, 3.1 - 8.09) x 10*6/kg. Grade II-IV acute GVHD over first +100 days post SCT was observed in 6 (20.7) patients, and grade III-IV acute GVHD and chronic GVHD at follow up of one year was 3 (10.3) respectively. CMV reactivation by +100days was seen in 18 (62.06%) patients. Relapse was seen in 10 (34.5%) patients, out of which 2 patients are alive and 8 expired due to progressive disease. At median follow up of 13 months, OS is 60.3% (CI: 39.7% - 75.9%) and GRFS is at a median follow-up of 6 month was 51.2% (CI: 35.6% - 71%). Fig:1 NRM was 10.3% and 17.24% at +100 days and at last follow-up respectively. Fig:2 Conclusion: In conclusion, our study demonstrates favorable outcomes in terms of NRM (non-relapse mortality) with a low rate of 10.3% at 100 days after haploidentical SCT. The results also show promising overall survival (OS) and GVHD-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) rates, supporting the potential of haploidentical transplants as an effective treatment option for myeloid malignancies. Further long-term follow-up and research are needed to validate and optimize these findings.

The Effect of Operational Strategy on Organizational Performance of Commercial Banks in Meru County, Kenya

Achieving optimal organizational performance is a concern for businesses, and it largely hinges on how well they adapt to the dynamic business landscape. Currently, this landscape is marked by significant turbulence in organizational performance, particularly posing challenges for managers in the banking sector. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable decline in the growth rate of most commercial banks in Meru City County, Kenya, leading to diminishing profit margins. Consequently, the implementation of functional level strategies has become crucial for banks aiming to achieve objectives such as customer retention, profit growth, increased sales, operational efficiency, and expanded market share. This research study primarily aimed to investigate how operational strategy impact the organizational performance of commercial banks in Meru County, Kenya. To conduct this research, a theoretical framework, resource-based view was used. The study utilized a descriptive research design, and a census approach was employed, targeting 19 branch managers, 19 operational managers, 19 marketing managers, 19 chief accounting officers, and 19 human resource managers in Meru County. A total of 95 respondents were selected for the sample, and data were collected using questionnaires with close-ended questions. Content validity was established through consultations and discussions with experts, academicians, and the supervisor. Reliability was assessed using the Cronbach Alpha method, and data analysis was conducted through the utilization of both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, facilitated by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The presentation of data took the form of frequency distribution tables and graphical charts. The consensus among respondents was that operational strategies exerted an influence on the organizational performance of commercial banks. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing operational strategies as they have a positive impact on the organizational performance of commercial banks in Meru County, Kenya.

Effects of Debtors’ Management on Financial Performance of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations in Nandi County, Kenya

Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) are key components of the economy and social development. However, it’s experiencing both internal and external issues that should be handled. The study attempted to identify the effects of business financial parameters on the performance of SACCOS in Nandi County. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of the management of loan debtors on the financial performance of SACCOs in Nandi County. The study was guided by liquidity preference theory, human capital theory, efficient structure theory, and Pecking order theory. The study used a descriptive research design to examine all the influences on financial performance. The target population was therefore all the ten SACCOS in Nandi County registered and licensed as of January 2023, where eighty-seven employees were randomly sampled to participate. The primary sources of data collection used in data collection were structured questionnaires as the main tool. Content validity was used to determine the validity, while Cronchbach’s alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the research instrument. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. For descriptive statistics, tables and narratives were used, and for inferential statistics, correlations and regression analyses were used. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) helped with data analysis. The study findings indicated that there was a positive and significant effect of loan debt management on the performance of Saccos in Nandi County (t = 9.833, P &lt; 0.05). The study recommended that Sacco management should maintain a credit policy manual to help in debt recovery and even avail the required resources needed for effective management of loan debtors.

Challenges to the implementation of STEM education in the Bono East Region of Ghana

STEM education interrelates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, ensuring that all interrelated contents are taught in coherence instead of in isolation. This promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and active engagement among students. The study ascertained the factors that compromise the implementation of STEM practices in the Bono East Region of Ghana to gain a moderately broad and deep understanding, allowing for a critical analysis of outcomes. It adopted a descriptive survey design to explore information concerning STEM education as it existed from May to October 2022. The study was carried out in Public Senior High and Vocational-Technical Schools in the Bono East Region of Ghana. The schools were split into STEM-related schools and non-STEM-related schools using a stratified sampling technique. Ten STEM-related schools were chosen using a purposive sampling method. 271 instructors from the departments of Science, Mathematics, and Information Communication Technology made up the study's population. A survey using a well-structured closed-ended questionnaire was administered online and the response obtained was transformed into frequencies and percentages in tabular forms using Microsoft Excel version 2016 (Microsoft, USA). Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 (IBM, USA) was used to perform a chi-square test to determine differences between responses obtained at the test significance of 5%. The study revealed that the general implementation of STEM practices throughout the studied Senior High Schools was below the mark. Inadequate STEM teaching-learning materials, limited certified STEM teachers, lack of STEM-dedicated infrastructure, inadequate professional development opportunities, absence of STEM documented standards and curriculum, limited access to technology, and limited time for teaching STEM-related subjects were some of the major factors contributing to the unsuccessful implementation of STEM practices in studied Public Senior High and Vocational-Technical Schools. Be that as it may, the study, therefore, recommended some measures including comprehensive STEM policies, adoptions of systematic STEM framework, and rigorous curriculum overhaul to be considered by the various stakeholders of education to realize the aspirations of inclusive STEM education.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Dengue Prevention Among Students at Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee College, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards dengue prevention among students at Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee College, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Method: An analytical cross-sectional survey was performed with 214 respondents from Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee College residents using a simple random sampling method. A self-administered validated questionnaire was distributed to respondents through student email and Whatsapp phone application. The acquired data was then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software (SPSS) Version 27. Results: The majority of the students had moderate knowledge (17.14 ± 2.510), attitude (30.69 ± 4.065) and practice (7.97 ± 2.224) towards dengue prevention. The year of study was the only sociodemographic characteristic that had a significant association with knowledge (χ2= 18.288, P = 0.013), attitude (χ2= 18.526, P = 0.010) and practice (χ2= 19.194, P = 0.014) of dengue prevention, while the factor of the study programme (χ2= 31.599, P = 0.002) were found to have significantly associated with the level of knowledge. Conclusion: There was a significant association between dengue prevention knowledge and practice (χ2= 11.838, P = 0.019), but no significant association between knowledge and attitude, as well as practice and attitude. College management should organize and regularly implement the dengue control activities that focus on both preventive action and expanding awareness of dengue prevention to ensure lifetime action and effective methods in controlling dengue.

Potential for construction statutory adjudication in Pakistan: taking lessons from the UK

This study examines the UK’s statutory adjudication process to identify the possible benefits of the introduction of a similar system in Pakistan with the assumption of having the full support of all three wings of the Pakistani government for the resulting legislative reforms. The study of potential hurdles in detail is outside the scope of this study. A literature review, summarised within the paper, was undertaken to identify factors contributing to conflicts in Pakistan’s construction sector and the reasons behind the inefficiency of the present dispute resolution methods. Data were collected using nine semi-structured interviews of industry professionals from (both) Pakistan and the UK. Each interview was analysed through cognitive mapping and central and domain analysis using the Banxia Decision Explorer software. Later, a questionnaire asked professionals working with contractors/subcontractors in Pakistan regarding the potential success of the introduction of statutory adjudication in Pakistan. The preamble of the questionnaire defined the basics of statutory adjudication for the participants. The 70 valid responses received were then analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. This research showed that payment issues are the biggest source of disputes in Pakistan’s construction sector. The financially weaker party is often subjugated to be deprived of its rights, mostly due to the absence of an accessible justice system. The introduction of statutory adjudication could be beneficial for Pakistan’s construction sector, as it will provide an accessible, cost-efficient and swift method of dispute resolution.

Clinical Characteristics and Genotyping of Pediatric Adenovirus Pneumonia Disease and Coinfection in Southeast China.

Introduction: Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a common pathogen that can cause acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children. Adenovirus pneumonia is the most severe respiratory disease associated with HAdV. Objective: We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of children hospitalized with adenovirus pneumonia in Quanzhou, China, in 2019. We also sought to determine the viral genotype in these cases and explore cases associated with severe adenovirus pneumonia. Methods: We collected oropharyngeal swabs from 99 children who were hospitalized with pneumonia in Quanzhou Women and Children's Hospital, these samples were tested for the presence of HAdV. Genotyping of the viruses was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze risk factors related to severe adenovirus pneumonia. The epidemiological data were examined using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS). Results: Among the 99 patients in our study, the median age was 21 months. We observed a 4% mortality rate among those diagnosed with adenovirus pneumonia. Adenovirus pneumonia often presents as a coinfection. Lactate dehydrogenase and neutrophil percentages of WBC's were significantly increased in patients with severe adenovirus pneumonia compared with mild HAdV disease. The predominant viral genotypes identified were type 3 and type 7. Conclusions: In the Quanzhou area of southeast China, the incidence of adenovirus pneumonia was found to be high among children younger than two years old. Type 7 HAdV was identified as the primary pathogen. A long duration of fever, dyspnea and digestive system complications were risk factors for severe adenovirus pneumonia after HAdV infection. Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR2200062358.

Assess of the malnutrition cases in children under five years in Khartoum State, Sudan

The WHO estimates that malnutrition accounts for 54% of child mortality worldwide (about 1 million children) which consider as a noising figure. The aim of this study was to assess the malnutrition cases in children under five years in Jabra locality, Khartoum State, Sudan. A clinic base study funded by Saudi Red Crescent Authority was conducted on 100 children under five years who visit the health facility in the study area. Malnutrition was indicated by stunting, wasting and underweight. A structured questionnaire was also used to obtain the required data of the study participants. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences software (SPSS). The results of this study indicates that, the majority of the children (81%) were well nourished, (9%) were moderate wasted, (3%) were severe wasted and (7%) were overweight. (14%) of the children were severely stunted and (15%) were moderately stunted, (6%) of the children were severely underweight. (17%) of the children showed different signs of illness, (8%) suffered from anemia, (5%) suffered from measles, and (42%) suffered from diarrhea. (83.5%) of the mothers began breastfeeding in the first hour of life, (52.2%) introduced prelacteal food and infant formula, (66%) introduced other food with breastfeeding for more than 6 months, (88.9%) treat their children through health facilities, (54.5%) of the mothers reported that the children had received vitamin A supplementation, more than (50%) of the children eat meat and eggs products every day, (66.7%) of children consumed milk and milk products, (61.5%) consumed legumes, nuts and seeds, (76.9%) consumed cereals daily. These assessments pointed out the needs for governmental aids to help part of those children.

Evaluation of the home care service: a remote inpatient service for people requiring mental health care

Background/Aims In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, St Patrick's Mental Health Services introduced a home care package, offering all the elements of the inpatient programmes, but provided to the service user remotely in their own home. A survey was used to evaluate service user experiences of receiving remote inpatient mental health treatment via the home care service. Methods All participants who had a virtual admission were invited to complete a quantitative survey online. Data were inputted into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software and a descriptive analysis was completed. Results A total of 88 participants completed the online survey, the majority of whom were women (62.5%) and between the ages of 61 and 70 years (28.4%). Diagnosis was most often depression (60.2%) or anxiety (29.4%) and almost 66% of participants had previous inpatient experience. Staff rated most highly by participants were the consultant psychiatrist (96.7%), ward-based nursing staff (95.2%) and their psychologist (92.3%). The highest rating statements, which participants rated as part of a questionnaire, were around technology options (87.1%), one-to-one work with a clinician (81.3%) and arranging collection of medicine (81%). Conclusions Preliminary scores on this survey demonstrate that remote care is an effective way to improve access, enhance quality and provide efficient care. Further research should consider clinical outcomes with this model compared to standard care.

Pro-activeness and its effect on the survival of family-owned manufacturing companies in Kigali City, Rwanda

The chance of survival of businesses in Rwanda is underprivileged and 82% of them close at an early stage, which negatively affects manufacturing companies, particularly Family-Owned Manufacturing Companies (FOMCs). Although there are other reasons why many FOMCs do not succeed in the next generation, a lack of pro-activeness has surfaced as a critical factor. Thus, the study aimed to assess the effect of pro-activeness on the survival of family-owned manufacturing companies in Kigali City, Rwanda. The study was conducted in Kigali City, from 2017 to 2023; Cochran’s formula was employed to determine a sample size of 384 senior employees picked at random from 77 FOMCs. This study employed Self-administered questionnaires and a quantitative approach. Multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to find out the relationship among variables. IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) SPSS (Software Package for Social Sciences) was employed to analyze data. The findings of this study indicated that pro-activeness had a substantial influence on the survival of family-owned manufacturing companies. The study offers a cogent explanation of the relationship between the longevity of family-owned manufacturing companies and pro-activeness. The study also offers important insights into the smooth and effective execution of pro-activeness for the survival and continuity of family-owned manufacturing enterprises. Moreover, the study findings indicated that combining pro-activeness and training the successors boost the productivity of family-owned companies and make them more competitive in the market, which leads to the long-term survival of FOMFs. The FOMFs that use pro-activeness in their operations survive longer than the ones without it.