Snow Ball Research Articles

P-348 Assisted Reproduction Legislation: Listening to the voice of Health Care Professionals

Abstract Study question To investigate the perceptions of health care practitioners in Ireland to a draft Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Bill, currently being assess by government. Summary answer There is strong support for AHR and for national legislation in this field among healthcare professionals working in Ireland. What is known already AHR legislation is essential to protect the rights of those accessing, born from and providing AHR services. Ireland is one of the only countries in the EU which lacks specific AHR legislation. The General Scheme of an AHR Bill was published in 2017 and is currently awaiting review and approval by government. Study design, size, duration An anonymous 25-item questionnaire was distributed via secure email link. This was a detailed 5-point Likert Scale questionnaire based on clinically relevant aspects of the Irish draft AHR Bill. Consultants and trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology were identified through The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. A snow balling approach was used to recruit General Practitioners and all Fertility Clinics in Ireland were asked to distribute the questionnaire to their staff. The study remained open for 28days. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants included Consultant and trainee Obstetrician Gynaecologists, general practitioners and multidisciplinary staff at Irish fertility clinics. The questionnaire focused on six key factors; a national AHR regulatory authority, AHR treatment type and availability, age limits for AHR treatment, counselling prior to ART, posthumous use of gametes and embryos and legislations surrounding surrogacy. Main results and the role of chance In total 245 responses were received. The majority of respondents were female aged 31-59years. 42.2% (n = 103/244) are currently working or had previous experience working with ART. 93% (n = 215/231) of respondents believe that Ireland should have a national authority to regulate AHR – similar to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) in the UK. Over 80% of participants strongly agreed with access to IVF and gamete and embryo vitrification being available in Ireland. The majority of participants also supported oocyte and sperm donation (69% and 71% respectively). Support for more recent technologies in AHR was variable. Over 50% of respondents strongly disagreed with sex selection for non-medical reasons and less than half of participants strongly agreed with ART for single men and transgender males/females. 80.5% (n = 170/211) of respondents felt that there should be an upper age limit for women receiving access to ART and 64.5% (n = 136/211) felt there should be an upper age limit for men. Those who had experience working in an AHR clinic felt more strongly that sperm / egg donors should be paid a modest fee for donation (p = 0.04; p = 0.03 respectively) and that counselling should be mandatory for every person considering gamete donation (p = 0.0233). Limitations, reasons for caution Due to reliance on third parties in distribution of the survey to target groups, a response rate could not be calculated, a limitation of the study. A further limitation is the high detail of the survey questions, which seemed to lead to participant fatigue with later questions. Wider implications of the findings National legislation on AHR is both needed and desired by health care professionals working in Ireland. It is hoped that results of this study will help inform the proposed national AHR legislation as it nears completion and in turn, elevate Irelands low position in the European Atlas of Fertility Policies. Trial registration number not applicable

Influence of Agripreneurial Orientation Constructs on Growth of Cassava-Based Small and Medium Enterprises in Migori County, Kenya

The study sought to analyse influence of agripreneurial orientation constructs on growth of cassava based small and medium enterprises in Migori County, Kenya. Data were collected using snow balling sampling method from 171 cassava agripreneurs. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Probit model. The study revealed that the respondents were middle aged (43 years), majority were female (78.4%.), had reached formal education (52%), average age of enterprises was 10years and average quantity of cassava traded per week of 29 Kg, average number of workers employed of 2 persons while the average distance to the market being 3Km. The important and statistically significant variables that influence growth of cassava based small and medium enterprises include: Education level (p<0.05), number of Skilled employees (P<.01), owner experience (P<.1), number of trained employees (P<0.01), enterprise age (P<0.05), competitive aggressiveness (P<.01) and agripreneurial orientation (P<0.05) with Psedudo R2 value (.5946). According to these findings, the study recommends that the government should empower cassava based agripreneurs through training, trade fairs and capacity building to change the mind-set of the agripreneurs while providing incentives in venturing into cassava for the growth of the agrienterprises as well as individual growth. The government of Kenya can achieve these through its agricultural organizations with collaborations with Non-Governmental organizations and other stakeholders.

“It makes me work strong”: Cannabis and cannabis use persistency in a Nigerian city

Cannabis use has been researched comprehensively, especially in the western societies. In Africa, there is also a corpus of literature on cannabis use. In Nigeria, particularly in Awka, southeast Nigeria, there is a dearth of qualitative empirical research on cannabis use among different classes of people. This study sets out to understand cannabis use motive in Awka and why cannabis users persist in using cannabis. In-depth interview (IDI) was conducted among 18 participants selected through snow balling. The interviews were conducted between November 2018 and June 2019. Data collected were transcribed and analyzed and two major themes of coping and enhancement were generated. Data showed non-medical use of the drug by the participants. Findings suggest among others that cannabis use has continued because it helps users to cope with life challenges. Also, cannabis is seen as a boost to strength among users, especially those who do jobs that demand sustained physical energy, among others, and enhancement functions users derive from it. Consequently, there is the need for practical policy to tame recreational cannabis use in this Nigerian City.

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Debt Habits

Debt can be an attractive option for individuals who want more than the money they have. However, debt without a good calculation will also result in someone being in debt for a long time. Debt without education is a common thing in the village of Baleturi Nganjuk. There Were six credit institutions that have 270 customers with a large amount of money owed. This research was a qualitative research that aimed to describe what factors influence the residents of Baleturi village in debt. The instruments used were interviews, document review and observation. The sampling technique used was snow ball sampling. The results obtained were: Most of the residents were in debt to meet the necessities of life. This was because the amount of expenditure was greater than income. Besides, that it was driven by the desire to exist on social media and follow the lifestyle. The next factor was to pay off previous debts (shut in digging holes), and only a small number of residents were in debt for productive activities. Keywords: [Debt, Debt Habits, Lifestyle].

PELABUHAN PENYEBRANGAN GILIMANUK DI DESA GILIMANUK KECAMATAN MELAYA KABUPATEN JEMBRANA (LINTASAN SEJARAH, DAMPAK SOSIAL EKONOMI DAN EKOLOGI, SERTA POTENSINYA SEBAGAI SUMBER PEMBELAJARAN SEJARAH LOKAL DI SMA)

This study aims to determine, 1) The historical trajectory of the establishment of the Gilimanuk ferry port in Gilimanuk Village, Jembrana, Bali, 2) Social, economic, and ecological impacts on the community, 3) Aspects of the existence of the Gilimanuk port which has the potential as a source of historical learning. local in high school. The research method used is a research method with a qualitative descriptive approach including: 1) The research location is at the Gilimanuk Ferry Port, 2) The technique of determining informants is using Purposive Sampling and Snow Ball techniques, 3) Data collection techniques using: observation, interviews, document studies, 4 ) The technique of guaranteeing the authenticity of the data using two techniques, namely: source triangulation and method triangulation, 5) Data analysis techniques consisting of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, verification. The results of this study are: 1) People's ports become a port for crossing goods and people, gradually developing as seen from the dynamics of crossing infrastructure such as the existence of the LCM dock and pontoon dock, and other supporting facilities, 2) The dynamics have an impact on social aspects with the occurrence of attractiveness of the population for sedentary life and the search for economic opportunities around the port, settlement patterns, social and cultural problems, 3) This is interesting and sustainable to be used as a learning resource because there are dynamics of change in every era.

IDENTIFIKASI PEMANGKU KEPENTINGAN DAN PERANAN DALAM PENGELOLAAN HUTAN LINDUNG GUNUNG SIRIMAU, KOTA AMBON, PROVINSI MALUKU

Protected forest management is the responsibility of all stakeholders related to it. This study aims to identify stakeholders and their roles in protected forest management. The research was conducted in the Mount Sirimau Protection Forest Group, Maluku Province. Collecting data using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observation and secondary data. Purposive sampling for agencies that have the main tasks and functions and the snow ball method for other stakeholders involved in protected forest management. Data analysis is descriptive qualitative. The results of the identification found the Technical Implementation Unit of the Ambon Island Forest Management Unit and the Lease Islands. Management of protected forests on Ambon Island is intervened by agencies and Technical Implementing Units within the scope of Forestry according to their main duties and functions. Other contributing stakeholders such as Community Social Institutions, Community Organizations, Religious Organizations, Academics, Agencies outside the scope of Forestry such as Public Works and People's Settlements in the Spatial Sector. The role of stakeholders as managers, intervenors, facilitators, participants, evaluators, expert teams, forest resource users and spatial planners.

Withering COVID 19 Storm: Survival Strategies Employed by Informal Traders in Masvingo Urban, Zimbabwe

COVID 19 has shaken and destabilized the whole world and caused untold suffering of the human kind. It has caused serious business and social tremors that have resulted in several huge financial, materials, psychological and social losses throughout the world. The main thrust of this study was to explore the survival strategies that were employed by informal traders in Masvingo urban, Zimbabwe. A qualitative approach, which utilized a multiple case design, was utilized to carry out the study. The study population comprised all cross border traders in Masvingo urban. A sample of 15, 9 female and 6 Male, informal traders were selected using the snow balling sampling technique. All the selected participants were in the business of buying and selling clothes, electrical goods, groceries and foreign currency trading. A 13 item interview guide was used to solicit data from participants. Data was analysed using the thematic data analysis method. The study found out that flexibility and use online applications enabled informal traders to remain afloat during the COVID-19 disruptions. Traders sold their goods in foreign currency mainly the USD and South African rand, ICT aided trading systems. The other strategy adopted to survive included relocation of businesses to growth points and other business centres in rural areas and high density suburbs. Future studies should quantitatively assess the impact of COVID-19 disruptions on the informal sector.

Parent child behavior pattern in single child families

Quantitative descriptive design has been used to describe the mental health of the adult single child. A sample size of 220 adults was studied through snow ball sampling method by using standardized inventory. The self-designed general information questionnaire was used to collect the demographic information of the respondents. The parent child inventory (R.S. Sandhya 2016) and mental health inventory (Dr. Srivastava and Dr. Jagdish, 1996) were used to assess the parent child behavior pattern and the mental health of the respondents in their childhood and adulthood stage respectively. The results of the study showed that there was a significant relationship between parent child behavior pattern and mental health of single children in their adulthood at 0.01 level (Karl Pearson co efficient of correlation).

Comparative Analysis of Personal and Socio-economic Characteristics of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) Collectors and Non-collectors of Jammu Region of J&K

Aims: Non-wood forest produce refers to all forest produce other than wood, such as leaves, fruits, and nuts, while wood forest produce refers to timber, herbs, and firewood. The people living in the vicinity of the forest collect the Non Timber Forest Products (NFTPs) for their livelihood sustainability as an off- farm income for them. Personal and socio- economic characters (gender, age, education level, social participation, farm implement possession, land holding, type of family, marital status) of NTFP collectors differ from the non collectors.
 Study Design: Explorative study design was employed.
 Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted in Jammu region between July 2017 to November 2019.
 Methodology: Multistage sampling plan was followed for drawl of ultimate sampling units. The East circle from Jammu region was purposively selected as it covers all the three agro- climatic zones namely Subtropical, Intermediate and Temperate, thus it represents the whole Jammu division. The available NTFP collectors were contacted with the snow ball sampling procedure, a total sample size of 150 collectors and 150 non- collectors were selected through snow ball sampling procedure.
 Results: Major findings indicate that there was significant difference between the NTFP collectors and non- collectors in case of socio-personal variables of age, farming experience, type of house, number of MGNERGA card holders, type of ration card, formal education, literacy rate and sex ratio. The NTFP collectors and non- collectors were matching on size of average operational land holding. The households having members in government service were more in non- collectors’ families whereas households having members as labor were more in households of NTFP collectors.
 Conclusion: It is concluded that majority of the NTFP collectors were belongs to young age, had kaccha house, had priority household ration card whereas majority of non- collectors were fall under middle age category, had pacca house, had non- priority household ration card.

Stranger Things, Nostalgia, and Aesthetics

<i>Stranger Things</i>, Nostalgia, and Aesthetics

Response of tidal dynamics to successive land reclamation in the Lingding Bay over the last century

Globally, many estuaries are suffering from land reclamation that drastically influences estuarine hydrodynamics. It has been reported that reclamation may induce tidal regime shifts in small converging estuaries, but it is not clear whether such regime shifts can also occur in wide estuarine bays. Lingding Bay (LDB) in Pearl River Estuary, southern China has a sufficient width (ca. 60 km) and a long history of reclamation (approximately 3.99 × 10 8 km 2 over the past century), forming an ideal area to study the mechanism of tidal regime shift in wide bays. Based on a state-of-the-art modeling tool (Delft3D Flexible Mesh), tidal propagation pattern in 1917, 1964, 1989 and 2016 was reproduced accounting for reclamation-induced shoreline changes. Our results reveal a prominent shift in tidal amplitude, residual current, and tidal energy flux in the period of 1989–2016, even though the reclamation area in this period was the smallest among the three studied periods. The reason for such shift is that reclamation of key areas amplified the imbalanced tidal energy distribution between the western and eastern LDB, and such imbalance exceeded a tipping point around 1989. This regime shift may increase the relative tidal forcing in the eastern LDB, which means stronger saltwater intrusion and higher flooding risk. Our findings indicate that tidal dynamics of LDB has been greatly altered over the last century in the LDB, where the scale and location of the reclamation are of key importance. The insights obtained from this study are valuable to the future management of LDB and other estuaries that are under reclamation stress. • The continuous land reclamation triggered a different response of the tidal dynamics in the Lingding Bay (LDB) around 1989. • The increased lateral difference resulted in regime shifts in the tidal motion in the LDB. • The tidal motion in the LDB showed threshold behavior in response to reclamation. • The altered tidal motion may lead the morphology to a new pattern as a snow ball effect requiring further studies.

Analisis Risiko Ergonomi Pada Petani Karet Di Desa Beringin Jaya Way Tuba Kabupaten Way Kanan, Lampung

Background: Some methods for evaluating work postures include RULA, REBA, OWAS and QEC. Beringin Jaya Village there are 387 families with a population of 1,255 people. 85% of the population work as rubber farmers. Some rubber farmers in Beringin Jaya Village, farmers experience complaints of pain in the neck and back. The purpose of this study is to analyze the ergonomic risk of rubber farmers in the Beringin Jaya Village, Way Tuba, Way Kanan Regency, Lampung&#x0D; Methods: The design of this study was descriptive qualitative with a case study design and using the REBA survey tool. The research subjects in this study were rubber farmers in Beringin Jaya Village, Way Tuba, Way Kanan Regency, Lampung. The sampling technique in this study is snow ball sampling technique. The type of data in this study is primary data, obtained through observation, measurement and interviews. data analysis with Miles and Huberman modes.&#x0D; Results: the level of ergonomics risk in the treatment process scores 11+, the harvesting process scores 11+ at the tapping stage, the rubber gum scavenging stage scores 11+, the sales process gets a final score of 9.&#x0D; Conclusion: the level of ergonomic risk in all the work processes of farmers in Beringin Jaya Village, Way Tuba, Way Kanan district, Lampung Province get high to very high risk levels.

PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT DALAM PEMULIHAN PARIWISATA PADA ERA NEW NORMAL DI KSPN BEDUGUL

The research aims to investigate community participation in KSPN Bedugul towards tourism recovery efforts. Data was collected by observation, survey and interview using questionnaires and interview guides. The sampling technique used was purposive and snow ball sampling and the data obtained were analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis techniques and the typology theory of community participation in tourism from Pretty were referred to. The results showed that the overall community participation in the recovery of tourism in the New Normal era at KSPN Bedugul, appears very small (below 50%). Based on the seven levels of participation typology, the level of participation in the Bedugul community from the lowest can be seen as follows: manipulative participation with average value of 0.556 or 27.8%; passive participation (0.546 or 27.3%); participation by consultation (0.563 or 28.1%); participation for material incentives (0.82 or 41%); functional participation (0.293 or 14.6%); interactive participation (0.156 or 7.8%); self-mobilization and connectedness (0.9 or 45%). It is recommended that stakeholders involve the community in tourism recovery efforts, as well as the re-establishment of organizations such as Pokdarwis. It is also necessary to increase public awareness of the meaning of tourism for improving their standard of living.

ANALISIS RESILIENSI SISWA SMA DI KOTA TOMOHON DALAM MASA PANDEMI COVID-19

The Covid-19 pandemic affects most of the aspects in our life. Resilience is the ability of maintaining self during hard time and how to raise after the hard time. Subject of this research are 300 high school student, age 15-18, lives in Tomohon, and Study from Home during Covid-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was shared using social media, and the sample was taken using snow ball technique. The data was analysed using t-test dan one way anova. The result shows that 48% of the subject have medium level of resilience, and the lowest 3% of the subject have low level of resilience

Impact of COVID19 lockdown on seven dimensions of mental health of children (3 to 8 years) in Telengana and Andhra Pradesh states in India

To assess the effect of COVID-19 lockdown period on seven domains of mental health of children. The study was a qualitative explorative research conducted in October 2020, using Snow ball method of sampling through online (Google form) questionnaire constructed to assess the mental health and wellbeing of children as perceived by their parents. The online questionnaire consisted of total 35 items presented under seven mental health dimensions. The responses received were 173 of which 17 were invalid and the total sample comprised of 156 parents of children (3-8 years). The data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS to examine the association between the age and mental health in seven domains and also the gender and mental health. In addition, the Kruskal -Wallis H test was used to test the seven null hypotheses formulated. The findings of the study showed that parents perceived mental health problems in their children in seven dimensions and they did not vary much in their perception of problems. There was strong relationship between the age of the children and five mental health dimensions studied, indicating the need for equipping the parents with necessary skills to help children cope with the mental health problems.

Empowerment of Primary Healthcare Providers on the Prevention and Management of Dental or Oral Health Issues among Postchemotherapy Patients in Pandemic.

Objectives The study aim was to evaluate the empowerment of primary healthcare providers on the prevention and management of dental or oral health issues among postchemotherapy (PC) patients, in selected rural regions, India, during a pandemic. Methods Initially, 240 PHPs were recruited by convenient and snow ball sampling with 90.3% response rate. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was adopted using a self-administered questionnaire with 5 sections: demographics, identification of dental/oral health issues, knowledge, attitude, and practice on prevention and management of dental/oral health problems in PC patients. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results The overall knowledge was better among nurses (64.56%), followed by pharmacists (54.5%). 81.65% of PHPs were willing to learn more and expressed the need for collaboration with dentists. In the past 3 months, 18.81% of them had PC patients with dental/oral health issues, but only 3.5% of nurses and 0.8% of pharmacists treated them. The logistic regression model revealed higher scores in mucositis/mucosal pain (OR = 1.41), altered taste sensation (OR = 1.34), sensitive gums (OR = 1.71), and dental caries (OR = 1.32) domains (p < 0.05). Those who had readiness to learn (OR = 5.37), nurses and pharmacists, and having less years of experience (OR = 1.31) and higher degree (OR = 1.4) had a positive attitude (p < 0.05). Conclusion PHPs had limited empowerment in terms of knowledge and practice but showed a positive attitude toward the prevention and management of dental/oral health issues of PC patients. For better practice, continuing education and collaboration with dental professionals is essential.

COVID-19 restrictions: impact on lifestyle and social behaviour among adults of 18-40 years in Kurnool town

Background: With the unprecedent spread of COVID-19, lockdown had been implemented in the country as a preventive strategy to reduce transmission. This pandemic born lockdown has affected the lifestyle and social behaviours of individuals.Methods: A web based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults of 18-40 years in Kurnool town through snow ball sampling method. Data was collected using pre-tested, pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire through google forms and the data was analysed using SPSS version 22.Results: The 53.8% of the participants were not doing any physical exercises. Only 47.8% had changed to a healthy diet during lockdown. The 38.3% perceived an increase in their weight during lockdown. The 12.6% had decreased or tried to cut-down alcohol consumption.Conclusions: Overall there was a negative impact on the lifestyle behaviour in our study. There is a need for health education and lifestyle behaviour programmes.

Seroprevalence, hematological and biochemical alterations in Brucella-seropositive Muturu cattle in Nigeria.

This study evaluated the prevalence, hematological and some biochemical alterations in Brucella seropositive Muturu breed of cattle which may change the narratives of multi-disease tolerance of the breed. Sera from 33 Muturu cattle herds chosen by snow ball sampling were screened for Brucella antibodies with modified Rose Bengal test (RBT) supported with the cELISA. Eighteen (18) seropositive samples matched to18 sero-negatives, with regard to age and sex of the animals and chosen by simple random sampling, were analyzed for hematological and biochemical changes, following standard procedures. Individual seroprevalence of 38% and 10% were recorded with the RBT and cELISA respectively, while herd seroprevalence of 52% was recorded with the RBT and none with the cELISA. Seropositivity to brucellosis was significantly associated with farm origin (OR = 16.67; 95%CI = 1.56-153.85; p = 0.019). There was significantly lower packed cell volume (PCV) (p = 0.048) and absolute eosinophil count (p = 0.006), and significantly higher absolute lymphocyte count (p = 0.014) in the seropositive than the negative Muturu cattle. In addition, plasma fibrinogen (p<0.001), serum albumin (p = 0.037), urea (p = 0.001) and cholesterol (p = 0.032) were significantly lower while serum globulin (p = 0.004), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity (p = 0.012) and bilirubin (p = 0.012) were significantly higher in the seropositive than sero-negative Muturu cattle. No significant variations were observed in the rest of the parameters assayed. These findings suggest that Muturu cattle are apparently susceptible to brucellosis and experience active organism-host interactions with resultant clinicopathological effects and therefore could be passive harbingers of Brucella for other animals as well as humans.

Assessing Reasons for Choosing Entrepreneurship: A Study with Reference to Women Entrepreneurs from Punjab, India

Background: The study provides a comprehensive review of the various reasons influencing the growth of women entrepreneurs particularly in selected districts, as the reasons are derived from the literature on women entrepreneurship. Aim: The main objective of this paper is to analyse whether women socioeconomic characteristics i.e., age, and education influence their reasons for choosing women entrepreneurship. Methods: Research Design of the present study is exploratory cum descriptive. A probability sampling method such as stratified sampling method was used at the first stage to select the districts for the study. In the second stage, probability sampling such as random sampling as well as non-probability sampling such as snow ball sampling method was used in selecting the women entrepreneurs as respondents. Setting: The study analysed survey responses of 525 respondents from selected districts of Malwa Region of Punjab, India. Furthermore, the proposed model is tested by using the data collected from Trading, Services and manufacturing enterprises. In this study the researchers have adopted, percentages, mean, standard deviation, factor analysis, kruskal Walis test and Dunn’s test as the data analysis tool. Results: The study revealed that out of four factors i.e. personality, individual social and entrepreneurial factors age plays an important role in case of social &amp; entrepreneurial factors while education influences personal factors. Conclusion: From these results, it is understandable that the requirement for increasing women’s ambition and attitude in different age categories to embark on an entrepreneurial endeavour by nurturing entrepreneurship education.

Analysis of The Competitiveness of Coffee Agroindustry in Sleman Regency

Coffee is one of the commodities that are growing and popular today, especially with the rise of coffee shops and cafes along with the improvement of the tourism sector after the covid-19 pandemic subsided. This research aims to find out the competitiveness of merapi coffee agroindustry in Sleman regency. Competitiveness analysis is done quantitatively with the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) method approach to find out comparative advantage and competitive advantage, while qualitative analysis uses the Porter Diamond model method. Data collection is done by snow ball sampling through interviews and from secondary sources. Qualitative competitiveness analysis of Sleman coffee agroindustry is carried out on conditions, demand conditions, supporting industries and strategies, competitive structures and conditions. The results showed that coffee agroindustrials in Sleman have a comparative advantage in the absence of policies or added value generated beyond the cost (DRCR value) (Domestic Resources Cost Ratio) = 0.83. Coffee Agroindustry in Sleman also has a competitive advantage, indicated by a PCR (Private Cost Ratio) value = 0.41. The competitiveness of the merapi coffee agroindustrial industry is supported by soil fertility in the Mount Merapi area, increased demand for coffee due to the development of coffee shops and cafés, support from the Sleman tourism industry and local governments. Sleman coffee agroindustrials need to be developed from the marketing side to increase brand equity.