Regular Program Research Articles

Hygienic practices of food vendors in food safety on the University of Ghana campus

Although the food chain industry is regarded as a crucial component of the economy of many developing nations because it creates jobs and offers easily available cooked meals at relatively lower prices, there have been significant worries about the quality and safety of street foods. The goal of the study is to evaluate how well food vendors adhere to hygiene standards on the University of Ghana campus. A qualitative approach was used. Thirty-one food vendors and 2 grounds and environmental health services officers were selected using purposive sampling. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. According to the study's findings, a larger percentage of food vendors did not exhibit healthy food handling habits. Although there are organised pieces of training for food vendors, these pieces of training are insufficient to provide them with all the necessary information. to ensure food safety practices. To increase the degree of food safety, a comprehensive food safety policy and guidelines, regular training programmes and effective monitoring should be a priority for all stakeholders.

Impact evaluation of universal basic education commission capacity building program on mathematics teacher testing skills in akwa ibom state, nigeria

This study evaluated the impact of the in-service training program offered by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Nigeria on the testing skill of Mathematics teachers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study adopted the expo facto research design research. A two-stage sampling involving simple random and stratified techniques were employed to select 134 from the 530 Mathematics teachers in the public secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The instrument used for the data collection was, Teacher Testing Skills Assessment Scale (TTSAS) developed by the researchers based on the objective of the study. The instrument was validated by three measurement experts and trial tested. The reliability coefficient of .77 was obtained from the inter-rater method of reliability estimate. The data collected was analyzed using mean, standard deviation and independent sample t-test. The results of the analysis revealed that the UBEC in-service training program has significant positive impact on Mathematics teachers’ testing skills. It was concluded that the UBEC teachers’ capacity development program is a profitable venture with promising national gains. It was recommended that government should continue with her support for the UBEC in sustaining regular in-service training program for teachers in secondary schools across the nation.

Therapeutic Effects of Robotic-Exoskeleton-Assisted Gait Rehabilitation and Predictive Factors of Significant Improvements in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Robotic-exoskeleton-assisted gait rehabilitation improves lower limb strength and functions in post-stroke patients. However, the predicting factors of significant improvement are unclear. We recruited 38 post-stroke hemiparetic patients whose stroke onsets were <6 months. They were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group receiving a regular rehabilitation program, and an experimental group receiving in addition a robotic exoskeletal rehabilitation component. After 4 weeks of training, both groups showed significant improvement in the strength and functions of their lower limbs, as well as health-related quality of life. However, the experimental group showed significantly better improvement in the following aspects: knee flexion torque at 60°/s, 6 min walk test distance, and the mental subdomain and the total score on a 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12). Further logistic regression analyses showed that robotic training was the best predictor of a greater improvement in both the 6 min walk test and the total score on the SF-12. In conclusion, robotic-exoskeleton-assisted gait rehabilitation improved lower limb strength, motor performance, walking speed, and quality of life in these stroke patients.

Carbonaceous macrofossils from the early Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation in the Yanshan Range, North China

The emergence of multicellular organisms is a critical milestone in the evolution of life on Earth. Fossils characterized by multicellular organization are known to occur in the pre-Ediacaran sediments, which provides unique insights into the evolution of multicellularity and eukaryotic ecosystems. The current oldest unambiguous evidence for macroscopic multicellular eukaryotes comes from the decimeter-sized carbonaceous macrofossils reported from the ∼1560-million-year-old Gaoyuzhuang Formation in the Yanshan Range, North China. These blade-like fossils displayed regular elongated morphologies and large dimensions up to several centi- to deci-meters, and were inferred to be multicellular eukaryotes with a regular developmental program but of unknown phylogenetic affinity. With numerous new specimens collected, we formally described these macrofossils here and identified 5 form taxa, including one new genus and three new species, namely, Grandilingulata qianxiensis gen. et sp. nov. (tongue-shaped), Tuanshanzia linearis sp. nov. (cuneate to linear), Tuanshanzia parva sp. nov. (small, linear), Tuanshanzia fasciaria (oblanceolate) and filamentous Proterotainia sp. Our current collection reveals similar fossil content to those previously reported, confirming their morphological consistency. The Gaoyuzhuang assemblage provides rare but compelling fossil evidence recording the biological complexity of eukaryotic life evolved not long after their first appearance in geological records in the late Paleoproterozoic.

Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Respiration and Exercise Intolerance in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

The pathophysiology of exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains incompletely understood. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that abnormal skeletal muscle metabolism is a key contributor, but the mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction remain unresolved. To evaluate the associations of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function using respirometric analysis of biopsied muscle fiber bundles from patients with HFpEF with exercise performance. In this cross-sectional study, muscle fiber bundles prepared from fresh vastus lateralis biopsies were analyzed by high-resolution respirometry to provide detailed analyses of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, including maximal capacity and the individual contributions of complex I-linked and complex II-linked respiration. These bioenergetic data were compared between patients with stable chronic HFpEF older than 60 years and age-matched healthy control (HC) participants and analyzed for intergroup differences and associations with exercise performance. All participants were treated at a university referral center, were clinically stable, and were not undergoing regular exercise or diet programs. Data were collected from March 2016 to December 2017, and data were analyzed from November 2020 to May 2021. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, including maximal capacity and respiration linked to complex I and complex II. Exercise performance was assessed by peak exercise oxygen consumption, 6-minute walk distance, and the Short Physical Performance Battery. Of 72 included patients, 50 (69%) were women, and the mean (SD) age was 69.6 (6.1) years. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial function measures were all markedly lower in skeletal muscle fibers obtained from patients with HFpEF compared with HCs, even when adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. Maximal capacity was strongly and significantly correlated with peak exercise oxygen consumption (R = 0.69; P < .001), 6-minute walk distance (R = 0.70; P < .001), and Short Physical Performance Battery score (R = 0.46; P < .001). In this study, patients with HFpEF had marked abnormalities in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. Severely reduced maximal capacity and complex I-linked and complex II-linked respiration were associated with exercise intolerance and represent promising therapeutic targets.

Cervical lymph node metastasis of bladder cancer: a case report and review of literature

Objective To report an extremely rare case of bladder cancer patient with cervical lymph nodes, abdominal lymph nodes, and bone metastases at the same time. Methods and results The case was investigated by follow-up and immunohistochemistry was used in the pathological part. Result The patient was diagnosed with bladder cancer (high-grade urothelial metastatic epithelial cell carcinoma) by pathology and immunohistochemistry after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and metastatic bladder cancer by pathology and immunohistochemistry after cervical lymph node aspiration due to neck lymph node enlargement 1 year later, and a CT of the chest and abdomen suggested that the patient also had abdominal lymph node and bone metastases.At the 2.5-year regular chemotherapy follow-up, the patient showed that the abdominal lymph node metastasis disappeared, the cervical lymph node fusion shrank, and the bone metastasis still existed. Conclusion 1. Regular postoperative review is particularly important; 2.For patients with UCB who undergo TURBT, a effective regular perfusion program should be performed throughout the postoperative period; 3. For patients with postoperative metastatic symptoms of UCB, Complex treatment has a positive effect on patient prognosis; 4.The presence of enlarged head and neck lymph nodes in patients with bladder cancer should also be considered as metastatic of UCB.

OC-053 POSTERIOR COMPONENT SEPARATION AND THE USE OF BOTULINUM TOXIN IN ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION: NEED TO LEARN THE TECHNIQUE DURING THEIR RESIDENCY?

Abstract Tittle Posterior component separation and the use of botulinum toxin in abdominal wall reconstruction: need to learn the technique during their residency? Aim We aim to evaluate the transversus abdominis release (TAR) and the use of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in abdominal wall reconstruction learning curve based on proper identification of muscle layers and nervous component in the surgery and by US. Material and Methods Prospective study including patients submitted to TAR and preoperative BTA injection (n 15), perform by 3 seniors surgeons and a group of residents (10). Resident's acquisition and development of fundamental skills were evaluated by comparing pre (theorical: identification of muscle layers and by US and in images of the surgeries) and post-course (identification of muscle layers by US, BTA injection, and in surgery) assessment measurements. Results Out of 20 captured attempts by novices, 20 successful trials were evaluated. An increase in identification post-course of the abdominal wall components by US was shown in comparison of the attempt´s pre-course (p ≤ 0.023) and application of BAT in the patients was success in all the patients. Components of the abdominal wall (muscles layers and nervous component) improve after theorical course (p ≤ 0.048). Conclusions Correct identification by US and images of all the components during training showed to be effective in determining acquisition and development of basic surgical skills. The outcomes indicated that skills in vivo improved and that this training should therefore be part of the regular residency training program.

TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF PHARMACOVIGILANCE AND ADVERSE DRUG REACTION REPORTING AMONG THE UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN ASSAM: A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY

Objectives: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) is an important factor contributing to mortality and morbidity worldwide. Since undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students are the future caregivers to the patients, they should have sound knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practice of Pharmacovigilance (PV). Hence this study was conducted to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of PV and ADR reporting. Furthermore, secondarily this study tried to look into the impact of competency-based medical education (CBME) on the KAP of the students. Methods: Questionnaire-based, observational, and cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was pre-validated and consisted of 30 questions to assess the KAP of UG and PG medical students of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Assam. Results: A total of 419 students participated in the study. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel Sheet and the Student’s t-test. Both UGs and PGs have good knowledge about PV, ADR, and the types of ADRs to be reported. They also have a positive attitude but in practice, only a few have filled up the ADR form. Mean score analysis showed p-value was significant for attitude and practice among the UGs and PGs and highly significant for KAP when the CBME and Old Curriculum were compared. Conclusion: Although students have good knowledge and attitude, they need to improve in their practice. Regular training and awareness programs might help in educating them about PV and ADR reporting. However, the introduction of the CBME curriculum has been shown to improve the knowledge and attitude of the students about PV and ADR reporting.

INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFICULTIES IN REGULAR PRESCHOOL INSTITUTIONS

The development of a preschool child is an unfinished, constant process in which there are changes in physical, intellectual and social functions, and in the child's personality.Inclusion of children with developmental difficulties in a regular educational program, implies equal rights to education for every child. The basic idea of an inclusive approach in education is based on the expectation that this approach will have positive effects on the development of children belonging to different social groups. A key factor in inclusive education is the continuous partnership between the preschool institution and the family, as well as changing the consciousness of individuals, acceptance of differences and adapting the educational program to the needs and capabilities of each child in the group. Accordingly, the aim of this studies is to raise awareness of the importance of inclusion for the development of children with disabilities and inclusion in regular educational institutions from early childhood, as a guide for all parents of children with disabilities, future parents, educators and all those who work with children.

Can exercise prevent the age‐related decline in adaptive homeostasis? Evidence across organisms and tissues

Can exercise prevent the age‐related decline in adaptive homeostasis? Evidence across organisms and tissues

Least Protected, Most Affected: Impacts of Migration Regularization Programs on Pandemic Resilience

How can regularization programs improve forced migrants' resilience to shocks? We leverage panel data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess whether Venezuelan forced migrants who were eligible for a regularization program in Colombia were more resilient and less affected by the pandemic than similar but noneligible forced migrants. Results indicate that access to the program promoted better health access for eligible migrants, facilitating adherence to prevention guidelines and increasing detection rates. Additionally, eligible migrants had better housing and labor conditions, relative to noneligible migrants.

A Multicriteria Approach to Assessing Landslide Community Resilience. Case Study: Bumiaji Sub-District

Bumiaji Sub-District is located in a mountainous area with a high-risk level of landslides. Throughout 2017-2022, there were 45 landslide events affected physical, social, and economic damages. One approach to reduce disaster risk is building community resilience. This research aims to assess Landslide Community resilience in Bumiaji Sub-District. It is important to describe the characteristic of resilience level in each village. This research was done by using AHP to determine the weight of variables and indicators, then calculated with Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities (BRIC) based on six variables: Physical, Social, Economic, Environmental, Community Capital, and Institutional. Data was collected by primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected by using interviews with experts from the government and the local community in Batu City, and secondary data was collected from the literature study. The results of AHP show that the highest priority of indicators is community preparedness, and the lowest priority is the number of health facilities. The weight of each factor was multiplied by the values of the indicators to assess the landslide community resilience index. The highest level of community resilience is Punten, caused by the high score in Physical, Economic, and Institutional aspects. The low level of resilience is Bumiaji and Pandanrejo Village. Both villages did not have regular mitigation programs to strengthen local communities, so the resilience level of community capital is low.

The Effect of A Training Program Based on Action Oriented Learning Approach in Developing Change Agency Skills of the Vocational Training Corporation Trainers in Jordan

This study aimed to investigate the effect of training program based on action oriented learning approach in developing the change agency skills of vocational training corporation trainers in Jordan. The Middle Region Training Directorate was selected intentionally. The study was implemented on a sample consisting of (40) trainers, the control and experimental groups were randomly assigned, each consists (20) trainers. The experimental group was trained by training program based on an action oriented learning approach and the controlled group was trained by the regular program before. The researchers prepared a training program based on action oriented learning approach and developed a change agency skills scale that was verified for its validity and stability. The scale consisted from(36) items, within three experiences: expertise collaborative (community membership and empowerment), expertise problem solving (risk taking and motivation), and expertise contextual (mastery). (ANCOVA) and (MANCOVA) were used to analysis the results. There were statistical significant differences at the level of statistical significance (α≤ 0.05) in expertise problem solving and expertise contextual, in favor of the experimental group. There weren’t statistical significant differences in expertise collaborative. The study recommended that the program should be used and applied in other courses and for long period of time.

Ensuring Cyber-security in Remote Workforce: Legal Implications and International Best Practices

Remote work, or telecommuting, has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating its adoption. However, this shift has also created new challenges for organizations and policymakers, particularly with regards to cyber-security. This article explores the legal implications and international best practices for ensuring cyber-security in remote workforces. With remote workforces becoming more prevalent, organizations and policymakers must consider the potential risks and implement appropriate measures to protect against cyber threats. This includes establishing clear policies and guidelines for remote work, providing secure remote access to company systems, and implementing regular training and awareness programs for employees. By adopting best practices and complying with relevant laws and regulations, organizations can help ensure the security of their remote workforces and protect against cyber-attacks.

응급처치 교육프로그램이 스포츠 전문안전강사 역량 강화에 미치는 효과

The effects of a emergency training program on strengthening the competency of professional safety instructors. For this purpose, data were collected from 107 professional safety instructors from January 6 to January 11, 2023. Data analysis was performed using frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, xSUP2/SUP, t-test, and ANOVA. Emergency knowledge and first aid training needs were checked to verify the effects of the emergency training program in strengthening the competency of professional safety instructors. It was found that the scores of emergency knowledge and emergency training needs were higher after the training than before the training. The emergency training program was found to be effective in strengthening the competency of professional safety instructors. These findings will provide the basis for a strategy for running a regular emergency training program to ensure the continuity of training.

Optimizing Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) Management through Implementation of Scheduled Faecal Sludge Serviced (SFSS) (Case Study: Suwung FSTP and Kuta District, Bali)

Indonesia has achieved 79,53% access to improved and safely managed sanitation in 2020. The government has mandated an improvement in sanitation access to 90% through National Mid-Term Development Plan in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Province of Bali has not managed sanitation safely. One of the government's efforts to achieve safely managed sanitation is implementing a septic tank regular desludging program named the Scheduled Faecal Sludge Service (SFSS) system. This research aims to formulate SFSS implementation strategy by assessing user, financial, and technology aspects. The research methodology used are interview using questionnaires; Interactive Septage Management toolkit; and technology audit method combined with pairwise comparison method. Questionnaires were given to 100 respondents who live in Kuta District and it was found that 87.13% strongly agree with SFSS program, WTP is lower than ATP. Financial analysis show the service rate is Rp. 9.722,-/month. Technology audit result are technoware (72.22%), humanware (86.67%), infoware (90.28%), and orgaware 76.67% and involves 13 key informants. Scenario analysis shows that should SFSS has been implemented in the study area. The results of the Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat (SWOT) analysis show establishing partnerships with the private sector, integrating data management with a centralized system, improving services, and making regulation. Keywords: technology audit, Kuta District, SFSS, pairwise comparisons, SWOT

A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of an Anti-Stress Ball Technique for Pain Reduction during Vascular Access Cannulation in Haemodialysis Patients

Pain in patients under haemodialysis affects the quality of life of chronic renal patients. Distraction has been effective in controlling pain induced by the insertion of needles. Once applied adequately, distraction promotes endorphin release, with efficacy in acute pain management. This study evaluates pain perception while puncturing the haemodialysis device, using an anti-stress ball as a distraction strategy. This study is a retrospectively registered pilot randomised controlled trial of 47 chronic renal patients undergoing regular haemodialysis programs in a dialysis unit, in the central region of Portugal. Patients were randomly allocated into control and intervention groups. The intervention group received an anti-stress ball on the opposite limb of the vascular access, while the control group underwent pain evaluation without any intervention. Pain was monitored using a numeric pain scale. The study aimed to evaluate pain during vascular access cannulation and explore the potential benefits of using an anti-stress ball to reduce this pain. Patients in the intervention group experienced significantly lower pain scores (-1.23; p < 0.05) during vascular access cannulation compared to the control group (-0.51). Distraction through an anti-stress ball reduces the perception of pain experienced by the chronic renal patients undergoing haemodialysis. However, the trial's retrospective registration may introduce a risk of selective-outcome reporting. Further research with prospectively registered trials is recommended to validate the findings.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver disease worldwide and represents the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Its all-cause mortality is often driven by co-existing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), which share many pathophysiological characteristics. The risk of developing T2DM among NAFLD patients in Germany is only poorly described. A cohort of 17 245 NAFLD patients and a propensity score-matched cohort of equal size were identified from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA) between 2005 and 2020. The incidence of T2DM was evaluated as a function of NAFLD during a 5-year study period using Cox-regression models. Within 5 years of the index date, 18.8% and 11.7% of individuals with and without NAFLD were diagnosed with T2DM (P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a hazard ratio of 1.77 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.68-1.88] for the development of T2DM among NAFLD patients. Subgroup analyses confirmed this association for all age groups (18-50, 51-60, 61-70 and >70 years), male and female patients, as well as normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweighted (BMI 25-30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) patients. Our data revealed a significantly increased incidence of T2DM among NAFLD patients in Germany. Given the dramatically increasing global relevance of NAFLD, we believe that prevention and regular screening programs for T2DM in NAFLD patients could help to reduce its high mortality and morbidity in the future.

CARE MANAGEMENT OF MAMBRUK (Goura Victoria) AT THE BIRD AND ORCHID PARK (TBTA) BIAK NUMFOR, PAPUA

More than 700 species of avifauna found in New Guinea including Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Bird and Orchid Park (TBTA) in Biak, an ex-situ conservation facility of Papuan endemic birds and captive breeding center where Crowned Pigeon birds are raised. A study on care management of Goura victoria (Mambruk) is conducted to support the Master Plan for the development of TBTA as one of the Regional Technical Implementation Units under the Forestry and Environment Papua Province Office. This study indicates that feed given to Mambruk birds approximately 2.21 Kg for five individuals in average, or ± 442 g/individual, fresh, cut in the form of squares/dice, with specific smell characteristic of fresh fruit in brightly colored. Food is given once every day, between 08:00 WIT and 09:00 WIT, following the starting working hour at the TBTA Biak. Drinking water is available ad libitum. The cages used for breeding Mambruk birds in TBTA Biak are permanent cages made of wire iron for roofs and walls. Two types of cages are available, group and individual cages with supporting facilities such as eating and drinking places, rooting sites, places to make nests, trees and tubs for bathing. Eating and drinking places are cleaned before use. The environment around the cage in TBTA is quite clean. The design of the cage is quite safe for birds. Cages are rarely cleaned and no quarantine/isolation cages are available. The facility is not supporting with veterinarians to control the bird’s health, and schedule for regular health care programs.

‘I Couldn’t Figure Out What to Do’: Salvadorean Asylum Seekers Facing the Uncertainties of the 2020 Italian Amnesty

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led the Italian government to enact a regularization programme, the first in eight years, which also allowed asylum seekers to switch from a humanitarian to an employment-based status. This study sheds light on how this re-categorization opportunity was concretely experienced by (potential) applicants by examining 21 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and Salvadorean asylum seekers. Drawing on emerging literature on uncertainty and temporality, we argue that the institutional uncertainty characterizing the programme compromised Salvadorian asylum seekers’ ability to act strategically toward the attainment of a less precarious status.