Package For Social Sciences Software Research Articles

Hierachical Cluster Analysis (HCA) of Water Sources: Case Study of Some Water Sources in Bui Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon

Complex data with multiple variables can be simplified to deduce the trends and relationship between the variables using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), which further submits the usage of the variables to establish a Hierachical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Sample bottles were cleaned and rinsed with water from the sampling sites and filled to the brim to avoid any atmospheric oxidation. Five water catchments, 29 boreholes. 16 Open wells, 16 rivers and 16 streams were sampled in this work, and were taken immediately to the Laboratory for physico-chemical analysis. The physico-chemical data in application of the Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), converted the multiple variables into interpretable data in a correlation matrix. Pearson’s correlation matrix used in this work, reduced the data in correlation circles that were a range of geometrical projections that ranged from +1 to -1 called the correlation ratios. Variables, with correlation ratios greater than 0.5 or (-0.5) and closer to +1 or (-1) are considered significant, and are used in the Hierachical Cluster Analysis. The HCA is in form of a tree diagram called a dendrogram that arranged the variables in an increasing order of significance, with similar correlated variables put in clusters. HCA is innovative and compliments the PCA that already exists and focuses on analysis of ions expected to greatly impact an effect on water quality from their significance in the water sources. The Hierachical Component Analysis is derived from and viewed as an extension of the Principal Components Analysis.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Coronary Interventional Cardiology Activity in King Abdulaziz Medical City: A Retrospective Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of patients undergoing coronary interventional procedures. This study aimed to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the volume of patients and the types of interventional cardiology procedures performed at King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center(KACC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective chart review was undertaken with a sample size of 301 patients aged over 18 years, who underwent various cardiac interventions at King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center (KACC) between March 15, 2019, and February 29, 2020 (prior to the pandemic, group A), and between March 1, 2020, and March 15, 2021 (during the pandemic, group B). The BESTCare 2.0 system (ezCaretech,Seoul, South Korea) was used to collect data, Microsoft Office Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA) was utilized for data entry, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software(IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY) was employed for data analysis. There was a 21.4% decrease in the number of procedures performed during the pandemic. The largest age group within the population was ≥60 years, comprising 43.5% and 52.3% of groups A and B, respectively. Most patients had a body mass index (BMI) of >30, i.e., 43.5% of patients before the pandemic and 47.7% after the pandemic. In group A,39.9% were smokers and60.6% in group B. The prevalence of hypertension and obesity was higher in group B, i.e., 77.3% and 42.3%, respectively. The incidence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was 39.9% in group A and 39.4% in group B. For non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), the comparable statistics were 56.5% and 49.2%, respectively. In groups A and B, readmission frequencies were 17.9% and 20%, respectively. The study indicates a minor decline in the number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) conducted in the interventional cardiology department of King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center (KACC) immediately following the COVID-19 outbreak, reflecting a steady activity in the center.

Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude, Practice towards Breast Cancer Prevention among the Female Students of University of Hail, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract:
 Background: There are limited studies conducted in Saudi Arabia to assess the Nutrition knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the prevention of breast cancer among the female students of Hail University.
 Objectives: The purpose of the study was to assess the Nutrition knowledge, attitude, and practice toward breast cancer prevention among university students. The study aims at the following objectives:
 
 To assess the Nutrition knowledge, attitude, and practice towards breast cancer of university students.
 To compare the Nutrition knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards breast cancer between science and non-science students of the university.
 
 Method: A cross-sectional survey was planned to assess nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) toward breast cancer prevention among students of the University of Hail. The subjects were surveyed through a previously standardized self-administered questionnaire for questions related to nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practice on the prevention of breast cancer. In addition, self-reported weight and height were collected and body mass index was calculated. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (version 18.0).
 Results: The general knowledge of nutrition, was self-perceived by the study population. 14.8% of the population perceived that they have a very good knowledge of nutrition, and about 66.7% of the population has an average or good knowledge. From the viewpoint of attitude among the study samples, it was clear that science students have a better attitude when compare to non-science students. The results were statistically significant (P<0/05) for the practice of exercise, consuming fruits and vegetables, and drinking green tea showing a higher number among science students than non-science students.
 Conclusion: In conclusion, nutrition KAP towards BC prevention was found to be influenced by factors such as age, the field of study, and the familial history of BC. These results provide further support for the hypothesis that having proper nutritional knowledge improves an individual’s eating practice which will reduce the risk of any nutrition-related cancers such as BC. These findings need to be taken into account when designing breast health education programs. It is suggested to perform successfully design, organize, and implement nutrition education programs in the institutions which will promote the level of knowledge about nutrition, thereby improving their food habits and lifestyle.
 Keywords: Nutrition; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; Lifestyle.

Exposure risk management: Personal protective equipment and the risk of accidents occurring during aerosol generating procedures applied to COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 is considered to be very contagious as it can be spread through multiple ways. Therefore, exposure risk of healthcare workers (HCWs) treating COVID-19 patients is a highly salient topic in exposure risk management. From a managerial perspective, wearing personal protective equipment and the risk of accidents occurring during aerosol generating procedures applied to COVID-19 patients are two interconnected issues encountered in all COVID-19 hospitals. The study was conducted to understand the realistic impact of exposure risk management on HCWs exposed to risks of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in a healthcare unit. In particular, this study discusses the role of personal protective equipment (PPEs) used in aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) to protect HCWs, and the related risk of accidents occurring when performing AGPs. This is a cross-sectional single-hospital study conducted at the "Sf. Ioan cel Nou" Hospital in Suceava, Romania, that had to ensure safety of healthcare workers (HCWs) getting in contact with COVID-19 cases. Data used in the study were collected between 10.12.2020-19.03.2021 by means of a questionnaire that collected information on risk assessment and healthcare workers' exposure management, and which was translated and adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) and applied to respondents online. For this purpose, ethical approval was obtained, doctors and nurses from all hospital departments being invited to complete the questionnaire. Data processing, as well as descriptive, correlation and regression analyses have been done by using the 21.0 version of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Most of the 312 HCWs reported having always used disposable gloves (98.13%), medical masks N95 (or equivalent) (92.86%), visors or googles (91.19%), disposable coverall (91.25%) and footwear protection (95.00%) during AGPs. The waterproof apron had always been worn only by 40% of the respondents, and almost 30% of staff had not used it at all during AGPs. Over the last three months, the period when the questionnaire was completed, 28 accidents were reported while performing AGPs: 11 accidents with splashing of biological fluids/ respiratory secretions in the eyes, 11 with splashing of biological fluids/ respiratory secretions on the non-idemn skin, 3 with splashing of biological fluids/ respiratory secretions in the oral/ nasal mucosa and 3 with puncture/ sting with any material contaminated with biological fluids/ respiratory secretions. Also, 84.29% of respondents declared having changed their routine, at least, moderately due to COVID-19. An effective risk exposure management is based on wearing protective equipment. The only protection offered by the disposable coverall, as it results from our analysis, is related to splashing of biological fluids/ respiratory secretions on the non-idemn skin. In addition, the results show that the number of accidents should decrease due to the fact that disposable gloves and footwear protection are used while performing AGPs on patients with COVID-19 and hand hygiene is practised before and after touching a patient with COVID-19 (regardless of glove wearing).

A Brief Review of Demographic and Clinical Correlates of Cholesteatoma Surgery in the Qassim Region.

Background Cholesteatoma is described as the accumulation of squamous epithelium and keratinocytes within and around the middle ear cleft. There is a paucity of information regarding demographic and treatment outcomes for cholesteatoma in Saudi Arabia. An evaluation of the prevalence of comorbidities, complications and associations, of surgical treatment and demographics in the Qassim region was conducted. Methods This was a six-year retrospective review of patients treated for cholesteatoma at a private health facility, from August 2016 to July 2022. Data for age, gender, nationality, presence of comorbidities, type of surgery, type of anesthesia, and associated complications were collected from the electronic medical records and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Results A total of 60 participants records were retrieved. The average age of the study population was ([43.2 ±SD] 21.8) years. There was a slightly higher male preponderance (males 51.7% and females 48.3%). Hypertension was the most commonly reported comorbidity (31.7%), followed by diabetes mellitus (25%). Age and gender were not statistically significantly associated with type of surgery or complications. Conclusion Demographic variables were not significantly associated with clinical correlates, however, further studies with larger sample sizes, robust clinical information, and long-term follow-up are required.

Tuberculosis management and referral practices among traditional medicine practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria.

Despite the potential role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Traditional Healers (THs), little is known about their knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) management and referral practices in Nigeria. To determine knowledge and self-reported practices of traditional birth attendants and traditional healers in managing TB in Lagos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of 120 THs and TBAs in three high TB burden Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected between April 2018 to September 2018 through interviewer-administered questionnaires. We used Statistical Package for Social Sciences software for data analyses. Independent predictors of being TBA or TH were determined using logistic regression at the statistical significance of P<0.05 and 95% confidence interval. TB knowledge increased from 52.7% pre-test to 61.7% post-test and did not differ between TBAs and THs. Of the 120 Traditional Medical Practitioners studied, 70% (84) never treated TB; 57.3 % (69) ever referred chronic cough patients to a health facility; 90% (108) were willing to collaborate with National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), 85% (102) attached monetary and token incentive as a condition for the collaboration. THs had decreased odds of ever referring TB patient to the hospital (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI:0.14-0.64, P=0.002); currently referring TB patients (AOR: 0.06, 95% CI:0.02-0.17, P<0.0001) and consulting <40 patients in a year (AOR: 0.22,95% CI:0.09-0.53, P<0.0001). Majority of the THs and TBAs were willing to collaborate with NTBLCP in the identification and referral of Presumptive TB patients. We suggest that NTBLCP empowers the TBAs and THs to help with an early referral of TB patients.

Tuberculosis management and referral practices among traditional medicine practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria

Introduction: Despite the potential role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Traditional Healers (THs), little is known about their knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) management and referral practices in Nigeria. Objective: To determine knowledge and self-reported practices of traditional birth attendants and traditional healers in managing TB in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 120 THs and TBAs in three high TB burden Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected between April 2018 to September 2018 through interviewer-administered questionnaires. We used Statistical Package for Social Sciences software for data analyses. Independent predictors of being TBA or TH were determined using logistic regression at the statistical significance of P0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: TB knowledge increased from 52.7% pre-test to 61.7% post-test and did not differ between TBAs and THs. Of the 120 Traditional Medical Practitioners studied, 70% (84) never treated TB; 57.3 % (69) ever referred chronic cough patients to a health facility; 90% (108) were willing to collaborate with National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), 85% (102) attached monetary and token incentive as a condition for the collaboration. THs had decreased odds of ever referring TB patient to the hospital (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI:0.14-0.64, P=0.002); currently referring TB patients (AOR: 0.06, 95% CI:0.02-0.17, P0.0001) and consulting 40 patients in a year (AOR: 0.22,95% CI:0.09-0.53, P0.0001). Conclusion: Majority of the THs and TBAs were willing to collaborate with NTBLCP in the identification and referral of Presumptive TB patients. We suggest that NTBLCP empowers the TBAs and THs to help with an early referral of TB patients.

UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE BY ZAMBIA DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL AND THEIR CARETAKERS AT MAINA SOKO MEDICAL CENTRE, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

Globally, mental health is recognized as an important component of health, despite it being one of the most neglected conditions in the health sector. In many cases, people seek out a mental health expert only after a crisis has occurred. The aim of the study was to determine the factors affecting the utilization of mental health services in the Zambia defence force in Lusaka at Maina Soko medical centre in Lusaka district. The study was conducted among patients, family members and members of staff from Maina Soko Medical Centre. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Firstly, a pilot study was carried out at Arakan Garrison Hospital in Lusaka before conducting the actual study. A simple random sampling method was used to select 167 study participants. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data for all the respondents were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software (SPSS). Using SPSS, frequency tables, pie charts and cross-tabulations were carried out to determine special relationships between dependent and independent variables. A chi-square test was carried out to test associations among variables. With the confidence interval set at 95 percent, the P-value was used to ascertain the degree of significance by using the decision rule which rejects the null hypothesis if P-value is equal or less than that of 0.05. The findings revealed that 86 percent of the respondents who had no knowledge about mental health services never utilized mental health services (p value 0.011), 73 percent of respondents who had no social support never utilized mental health services (p value 0.020), 80 percent with moderate combat exposure utilized mental health services (p-value 0.039) and 88 percent revealed the emotional challenges they face due to stigma and hence compromise on seeking mental health services (p-value 0.066). Overall, the findings have important implications for research policy and programme efforts towards improved utilization of mental health services and designing interventions to mitigate mental illness and its determinants..&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0023/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Impact of COVID 19 Pandemic on Stroke Rate, Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation and outcome, in Hadramout, Republic of Yemen

Background and Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic affected medical care systems including stroke care, globally. In this study, we investigated the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on stroke care in Hadramout, in terms of rate of admission, access to care, risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcome. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study comparing all stroke patients admitted to Ibn-seena University Hospital (ISTH), Mukalla, Hadramout, during two periods, May 1–October 31, 2020, during the pandemic of COVID-19 (COVID-19 group), and from May 1 to October 31, 2019 (pre-COVID-19 group). Data collected from patients’ medical record files into a master sheet, and were processed by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Results: There were 117 stroke patients admitted in COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and 213 patients admitted in the same period in 2019. Stroke admission declined by 45.1% (Odds Ratio [OR]=0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] [95% CI]: 0.22–0.42, p&lt;0.0001) with no age and sex differences. Hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus were more frequent in COVID-19 group than the pre-COVID-19 group (OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.08–2.80, p=0.02) and (OR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.14–2, 88, p=0.01), respectively. No significant difference in other risk factors was found. Patients in COVID-19 group arrived the hospital more late than the patients in pre-COVID-19 group (OR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.64–4.21, p&lt;0.0001). Dysphasia and altered consciousness including coma were more common in COVID-19 group compared with pre-COVID-19 group (OR=4.5, 95% CI: 2.18–9.08, p&lt;0.0001) and (OR=3.2, 95% CI: 2.00–5.12, p&lt;0.0001), respectively. Hospital stay was greatly reduced among COVID-19 group as compared with pre-COVID-19 group (02.9±0.31 days vs. 8.6±0.92 days, p&lt;0.0001) Mortality rate was higher among COVID-19 group than the pre-COVID-19 group (41.9% vs. 27.2%, p=007). Conclusion: The number of stroke patients admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic decreased, they arrived late and spent shorter hospital stays while having higher rates of HTN, diabetes, and impaired consciousness with a high mortality rate.Key words: Cerebrovascular accident, COVID-19, Hadramout, Stroke, Yemen

Access to healthcare for people with sickle cell disease: Views of healthcare professionals on policies and practices.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder with its highest prevalence in Nigeria. The condition causes red blood cells to turn rigid, and consequently, results to several complications including organ damage. This study aimed at assessing views of health practitioners in Nigeria on policies and practices in the area of access to healthcare services for sickle cell disease. A cross-sectional study was undertaken amongst healthcare professionals in Nigeria. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and analyses were undertaken using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. A significant proportion of the participants (42.8%) disagreed that relevant legislative framework exists to facilitate optimal access to high-quality healthcare services for persons with sickle cell disorder in Nigeria. Two-thirds of the study cohort were of the opinion that public health surveillance towards sickle cell disease was suboptimal (61.2%). Also, more than three-quarters of the respondents (78.7%) indicated that the cost of managing sickle cell disease was not affordable to majority of affected Nigerians. This study provides critical insights into access to healthcare services for sickle cell disease. As such, challenges preventing access to healthcare services for sickle cell patients which have been identified in this study can underpin the development of contextual policies to address them.

A case study of the Handeni District (Tanzania) examining drought coping strategies and risk management among pastoralists based on livestock

Abstract. Mwakalonge HL, Chingonikaya EE. 2023. A case study of the Handeni District (Tanzania) examining drought coping strategies and risk management among pastoralists based on livestock. Intl J Trop Drylands 7: 1-11. A case study was done to learn more about how pastoralists in the Handeni District, Tanzania, cope with drought. Drought poses a serious threat to pastoralists' way of life globally. The purpose of this research was to analyze and record data on the efficacy of livestock-based risk management and coping mechanisms in mitigating the negative consequences of drought. Despite the common belief that pastoralists can't make a living without their animals, there is a lack of information on how to make pastoral communities more resistant to drought and other dangers, information that is essential for any system of sustainable management. Many efforts have been made to deal with the drought, but it continues to worsen. Therefore, a cross-sectional research strategy was adopted to learn more about cattle risk management and coping strategies. Questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews with key informants were used to gather socio-economic information from 160 herders. Frequencies and percentages were calculated using a statistical software package for social sciences. A regression model was used for inferential statistics to establish a connection between the socio-economic status of pastoral households and the independent variable of interest. A negative correlation with age was found (? = -0.451; p = 0.808), a positive correlation with education (? = 43.821; p = 0.497), a positive correlation with family size (? = 3.379; p= 0.50), a negative correlation with marital status (? = -53.979; p = 0.847), and a positive correlation with the land area (? = 58.898; p = 0.004). Herd mobility positively influenced the socio-economies of pastoral households (? =91.749; p = 0.01), as did the availability of an early warning system (? =; 316.537; p = 0.00) and the timely availability of a market (? = 11.516; p = 0.021). A total of 3.666 animals out of 57,785 were lost due to the effects of the drought. The death rate was 6.34%.

Application of Problem Based Learning Model Assisted by Augmented Reality Media to Improve Students’ High Order Thinking Skills

This study aims to determine the increase in the level of students’ High Order Thinking Skills (HOTs) after being given learning with a Problem Based Learning (PBL) model assisted by Augmented Reality (AR) media. This study was a quantitative research using Pre-Experimental method in the form of one group pretest-posttest design. The sample of this study was 31 students of class X IPA SMA Negeri 9 Bengkulu City. The research data was collected through 3 stages, namely the pretest, treatment using the Problem Based Learning model assisted by Augmented Reality media, and the post-test. The research data was processed with the help of statistical software package for social sciences (SPSS) 20. Data analysis was carried out through Statistical Descriptive Test, then Data Normality Test with Klomogorov Smirnov. The results of data analysis showed that the data sample was normally distributed with a significance value of 0.29, that is more than 0.05, and further data analysis used the Parametric Paired Pample T-test. Based on the data analysis, it was concluded that Ha was accepted with a sig. 2 tailed 0.00 is less than 0.05. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is an increase in the level of students’ High Order Thinking Skills after the implementation of the problem-based learning model assisted by augmented reality media with an N-gain value of 0.36 in the category of medium level of improvement.

Predicting customers’ intentions to adopt the solar net metering system in India

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the factors influencing customers’ behavioral intentions to adopt solar net metering systems (NMS) through environmental consciousness, perceived consumer effectiveness and government initiatives constructs along with “the theory of planned behavior” (TPB) constructs, namely, attitude, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intentions and subjective norms.Design/methodology/approachThe data of 472 respondents were collected from 22 states of India using purposive sampling from January to May 2022. The study used international business machines corporation Statistical Package for Social Sciences software for descriptive analysis, and SmartPLS 3.5.5 software was used for structural equation modeling. The data were also checked for multicollinearity, common method bias, skewness and kurtosis using different tests.FindingsThe analysis revealed that environmental consciousness, perceived consumer effectiveness and government initiatives significantly influenced the attitude toward solar NMS. Furthermore, behavioral intentions were significantly impacted by three constructs of TPB, which signifies that environmentally conscious customers have a favorable attitude toward solar NMS adoption. Additionally, the role of government initiatives is essential in promoting solar NMS.Practical implicationsThis study offers valuable insights for the government, solar product manufacturing companies and other stakeholders to increase the adoption of solar NMS.Originality/valueThis research explores the factors influencing the consumers’ adoption behavior regarding solar NMS; no dedicated study has tried to do so in the Indian context in the past. This study adds novel underpinnings to TPB, enabling better comprehension of solar NMS adoption.

Interactions of Ascorbic Acid with Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine in Parturients and their Controls

Background: Malaria deaths in the world have remained worrisome for many decades to centuries now. The issue of its prevention pre pregnancy, during pregnancy and post pregnancy periods needs continuous emphasis especially in our endemic areas. This will help us achieve the desired goals of eliminating malaria menace in Sub-Saharan Africa. The benefits of malaria prevention in helping to reduce the problems of malaria in pregnancy though proven needs continuous emphasis. The problems of prolonged maternal malaria illnesses especially if left untreated during pregnancy may include but not limited to preterm labours / births, pregnancy anaemias, small for date babies, high rates of admissions into special care baby units (SCBU) and intrauterine deaths. The above have been greatly reduced by concurrent practice of preventive measures like the now in use, Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine (IPT-SP). It has also been noted that optimal levels of antioxidant status like Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase have shown great promises in assisting our pregnant women enjoy uneventful pregnancies as well as avert most other pregnancy associated problems. Top on the list of which are maternal and neonatal anaemias, preterm labours and births, intrauterine growth restrictions (IUGR), increased admissions into special care baby units and even neonatal deaths to mention but a few. Objectives: This study made a comparative assessment of the plasma Ascorbic acid levels in parturients who judiciously received IPT-SP during their current confinements and their controls. Method: We carried out this study at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) which is located in Owerri, the state capital of Imo state Nigeria. Owerri is noted to have a typical malaria endemic setting as with most parts of our African sub rejoin. Ethical certification was sought for and obtained from the ethics committee of the hospital enabling the commencement of a longitudinal participant recruitment after adequate counseling and informed consent. This involved both groups. The study was a laboratory based, cross-sectional descriptive study that involving 296 participants that satisfied set out inclusion criteria for one of the groups as allotted. Participants were followed up following recruitment throughout their antenatal course till delivery. This enabled a dutiful collection of blood samples for the estimation of Ascorbic acid. Vitamin C estimation was done using the Omaye, Turabull &amp; Sanberlish method, 1979. The methodology principle is based on the fact that Ascorbic acid is oxidized by copper to form dehydroascorbic acid. The product when treated with 2, 4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine forms tris 2, 4 dinitrophenyl hydrazone which undergoes rearrangement to form a product with the absorption maximum at 520 nm in spectrophotometer. Data analysis: Computer Software Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 (SPSS, Chicago) was used to analyze obtained data. The descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, range, percentages etc) were determined for continuous variables, while a P-value less than (&lt;0.05) at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Result: The mean ascorbic acid value was lower among the study group than the control. Mean ascorbic acid value for the study group was 1.75 ± 0.67 while the minimum and maximum serum ascorbic acid levels were 0.064 and 3.29 respectively. From the control group, the mean ascorbic acid level was 2.03 ± 0.68 while the minimum and maximum serum ascorbic acid levels were 0.056 and 3.75 respectively. From the results above, the mean difference of 0.28 was found to be statistically significant with (p value= 0.001) with an odds ratio of 0.54 (95% CI =0.380 – 0.771).

Comparative Study of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) Levels of Pregnant Women on Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine and their Controls in Malaria Endeminicity

Background: The issue of malaria prevention in endemic areas during antenatal periods needs continuous emphasis so as to achieve its desired goals. Its roles in reducing the problems of malaria in pregnancy has been proven. The problems of anaemia in pregnancy, preterm labours, small for gestational age babies have been greatly reduced by adequate practice of Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine (IPT-SP). It is also advocated that optimal levels of antioxidants like Total Antioxidant status (TAC/TAS) is necessary to assist pregnant women enjoy uneventful pregnancies as well as avert other problems associated with pregnancy. Such problems may include preterm births, neonatal anaemias, intrauterine growth retardations (IUGR), increased admissions into special care baby units and even neonatal deaths. Objectives: We have comparatively studied the plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity / Status levels in parturients who received intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (IPT-SP), and their controls during current confinements. Method: This study was carried out at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri Nigeria. Owerri, the capital of Imo state Nigeria and has a typical malaria endemic setting as seen in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Ethical clearance and subsequent certification were obtained from the ethics committee of FMC Owerri enabling the commencement of the longitudinal recruitment of participants. This was after an adequate counseling and informed consent involving both groups. As a laboratory based, cross-sectional descriptive study, it involved 296 participants who clearly satisfied the inclusion criteria for either the study or control groups as allotted longitudinal. Participants were followed up after recruitment through their entire antenatal course till delivery to enable collection of blood samples for the estimation of Total Antioxidant Status/Capacity which was done using the Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma, FRAP; by (Benzie and Strain, 1996). The methodology principle is based on the fact that at low pH, antioxidant power causes the reduction of ferric tripyridyl triazine (Fe III TPTZ) complex to ferrous form (which has an intense blue colour) that can be monitored by measuring the change in absorption at 593nm. FRAP values are obtained by comparing the absorbance change at 593 nm in mixture (test), with those containing ferrous ion in known concentration (Standard). Data analysis: The data obtained was analysis using the computer Software Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 (SPSS, Inc, 2007, Chicago) while the descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, range, percentages etc) were determined for continuous variables. P-value less than (&lt;0.05) at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Result: The mean serum level of total antioxidant status (TAS) in the study group was 846.55 umol/l while the minimum and maximum serum Total antioxidant status were 706 and 991 umol/l respectively. For their controls, the mean serum level of Total antioxidant status was 833.70 umol/l. However, the minimum and maximum serum Total antioxidant statuses were 291 and 1065 umol/l respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.167) with odds ratio 1.00 (CI of 95% 0.997-1.006).

Influência da música no comportamento de crianças frente ao atendimento odontológico

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the role of music as a distraction technique to minimize anxiety during dental care in children aged 7 to 9 years when submitted to local anesthetic procedure. Method: This study was carried out in the Dentistry Module of the State University of Southwestern Bahia, located in the city of Jequié, Bahia, Brazil. It was performed through the application of the Facial Image Scale, measurement of heart rate and blood pressure with the aid of the digital sphygmomanometer at two different times during pediatric dentistry care with and without the influence of classical music. Data were tabulated in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, version 21.0, expressed as medians and interquartile range. For inferential statistics, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used and the analysis of the effect of music was calculated using the paired T-tests and Wilcoxon, considering a significance level of 95%. Results: The sample consisted of 7 children, mostly male, with a median of 8 years of age. Regarding the psychophysiological variables, no significant variations were observed compared to before and after in the groups with music and without music. Conclusion: In this study, no differences were found regarding the reduction of anxiety in the group in which music was used. Additional studies with a representative sample are needed.

Factors Affecting to the Implementation of Green Supply Chain Management Practices among Manufacturing Companies in the Central Province of Sri Lanka

The business world is currently abhorrent to the idea of going green, and the majority of organizations plan a strong emphasis on improving operational performance while also being aware of the impact on the environment. As one of the most important business advancements in the manufacturing industry, green supply chain management has emerged recently. However, the implementation of green supply chain management practices in manufacturing companies is a difficult process that is affected by different factors. Therefore, this research aims to study the factors affecting the implementation of green supply chain management practices. By adopting a deductive approach and quantitative survey method and using a self-administered questionnaire data were collected, the sample was 181 functional, staff, executive, and top-level managers of 12 manufacturing companies located in the central province, of Sri Lanka. Both simple random and convenient sampling techniques were used in this study. The questionnaire was distributed as a google form and hard copy and only 175 responses were accepted. Version 21.0 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used to analyze the data. The results of correlation and regression analysis highlighted, there was a positive statistically significant relationship and impact between independent and dependent variables except top management commitment and customer pressure. Further the study identified supplier performance as the greatest explanatory factor of the implementation of green supply chain management practices.

OBSTACLES TO DISTANCE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES AND WAYS TO FACE THEM: FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF FEMALE TEACHERS

Distance education for students with learning disabilities has been used as an official practice in Saudi Arabia since COVID-19’s outbreak. This study’s aim was to explore the obstacles to DE for these students and ways to face them based on teachers’ opinions. In Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, 111 female LDs teachers working in public elementary schools were randomly selected. The researchers collected data using online surveys and analyzed the data with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The teachers rated obstacles to DE related to (1) students with LDs, (2) teachers, and (3) DE system infrastructure. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean scores of the teachers’ views based on educational level or number of DE training courses attended, but there were statistically significant differences between the views of teachers with more than 10 years of experience and those of other teachers. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the average scores of teachers’ views on ways to face DE obstacles associated with any of the studied variables. The teachers provided recommendations to support students with LDs, enhance family engagement in making instructional decisions, and provide DE training to students with LDs and their teachers.

Trichoscopic Patterns of Scalp Dermatoses: An Observational Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Trichoscopy is a well-acclaimed diagnostic tool for numerous dermatoses. Scalp disorders contribute to a significant percentage of daily visits to the outpatient dermatology department, and a multitude of trichoscopic signs have been documented in the literature. The consistency and repeatability of these signs add weight to their diagnostic value. Aim: To determine the various trichoscopic patterns observed in classical cases of scalp dermatoses and to differentiate between different scalp disorders. Materials and Methods: The present observational crosssectional study included 100 newly diagnosed cases of scalp dermatoses attending the Dermatology Outpatient Department at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India. The study was conducted over a period of six months (180 days) from December 2021 to May 2022. After obtaining a thorough history and conducting clinical examinations, patients underwent trichoscopy. Photographs were taken, and the data obtained were systematically tabulated. The scalp disorders studied included Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), Alopecia Areata (AA), Telogen Effluvium, Tinea Capitis, Trichotillomania (TTM), Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, Scalp Psoriasis, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Lichen Plano-Pilaris (LPP), and scalp verruca. All data were entered into Microsoft excel and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Results: Trichoscopic findings from the 100 cases were categorised and tabulated according to pattern and condition for better understanding and comparison. Trichoscopic patterns observed were categorised as dots, vessels, shaft patterns, and changes in the inter and perifollicular areas. Out of the 100 patients, 67 presented primarily with alopecia, of which 56 patients (83.5%) had non scarring alopecia and 11 patients (16.4%) had scarring alopecia. The highest number of cases was observed in alopecia areata (n=20), where exclamation mark hairs were seen in all individuals, followed by coudability sign, yellow dots, and black dots. Among the androgenetic alopecia cases (n=18), anisotrichosis, pearly white dots, yellow dots, and an increased vellus-to-terminal hair ratio were observed in 100% of cases. Conclusion: While certain signs/findings are specific, most trichoscopic patterns overlap in various skin conditions. Therefore, dermatologists should be aware of the patterns observed in trichoscopy and the need to stay updated with the latest findings.

A Study of Psychological Impact on Adolescent Children of Parents with Alcohol Use Disorder

Abstract Context: Children of alcoholics face risks of problem behavior during childhood and mental health problems in adult life. Identifying these problems at the earliest can significantly reduce the problems in future. Aim: We aimed to study psychological impact on adolescent children of parents with alcohol use disorder. Settings and Design: This is a cross-sectional study done at a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: Convenience sampling technique was used. One hundred adolescent children of alcohol use disorder patients were evaluated for problem behavior and perceived stress using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Perceived Stress Scale, respectively. Current status of severity of alcohol use in parents was assessed using the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software Package (version 20.0). Results: In our study, we found that children whose fathers had severe alcohol dependence were exhibiting more externalizing behavior on CBCL and higher perceived stress and it was statistically significant. Conclusion: A positive correlation was found between severity of alcohol use in fathers and problem behavior in children.