Structured Research Articles

Adherence to in‐person vs. virtual delivery of a multi‐domain behavioral intervention to prevent cognitive decline: The US POINTER Study

AbstractBackgroundIn response to the global pandemic, U.S. POINTER procedures were adapted to include virtual intervention delivery. Here we describe the impact of this adaptation on adherence in a large community‐based lifestyle intervention trial.MethodU.S. POINTER is conducted through a partnership between the Alzheimer’s Association (AA) and five clinical sites. A total of 2000 older adults at risk for cognitive decline are assigned to one of two 24‐month multi‐domain lifestyle interventions. The Self‐Guided (SG) group works toward lifestyle goals that best meet their individual needs and schedules. The Structured (STR) group follows a coordinated program with specific goals for physical activity, diet, cognitive/social challenge, and health monitoring. Both groups meet in teams of 12‐15 participants throughout the study for support and guidance, which are led by trained staff. SG teams meet six times over 24 months, and STR teams meet weekly for the first 4 months, then 2x/month for 2 months, and then monthly. Although Team Meetings for both intervention groups were planned as in‐person events, the global pandemic necessitated a pivot to virtual delivery.ResultFrom January through December 2021, N = 2103 Team Meetings were conducted in‐person and N = 4663 Team Meetings were conducted virtually for 824 participants. For both intervention groups, in‐person and virtual Team Meeting attendance was the same, at 90%. When Team Meetings were held in‐person, STR participants completed a median of 93 very active Fitbit minutes/week (IQR = 38,185) and reported a median MIND Diet score of 11.0 (IQR = 9.5,12.0). When Team Meetings were virtual, adherence metrics were comparable with median values of 101 very active Fitbit minutes/week (IQR = 43,192) and a MIND Diet score of 11.0 (IQR = 9.8,12.0). Blood pressure monitoring and cognitive training metrics were also comparable without regard to Team Meeting delivery format.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that a shift to virtual participant contact during the pandemic did not compromise adherence to a complex multi‐domain lifestyle intervention in older adults. These findings have high relevance for other ongoing lifestyle intervention studies within and outside of WW‐FINGERS, and highlight the importance of adaptability in clinical trial design and implementation to foster sustainability under challenging life circumstances.

Оценка эффективности и степени внедрения новой структурированной программы обучения больных сахарным диабетом 1-го типа в регионах Республики Узбекистан

Под наблюдением находились 309 детей, 191 подросток и 115 взрослых, больных сахарным диабетом 1-го типа, из 6 регионов РУз, а также 28 здоровых лиц. Для оценки эффективности обучения детей и подростков по новой структурированной программе на основе вопросника, включающего 30 ключевых вопросов, выявлено, что показатель гликированного гемоглобина (НbА1с) имеет высокую степень корреляции с уровнем знаний, полученных согласно новой структурированной программе. В Сурхандарьинской, Андижанской областях и Республике Каракалпакстан не выдерживаются структура и длительность проведения обучения. Коэффициент корреляции НbА1с с уровнем знаний показал достоверную высокую отрицательную корреляцию. Чем меньше частота правильных ответов, тем выше уровень НbА1с. Частота достижения целевого уровня НbА1с была наиболее высокой в Хорезмской и Наманганской областях у детей и подростков, так как только в этих школах диабета обучение соответствует программе по структуре и длительности.

The effectiveness of online learning during the covid-19 pandemic

This study aimed to obtain information about the effectiveness of the online learning process in the Covid-19 pandemic. The study uses explorative qualitative methods with an inductive approach. In this study, the respondents involved were five people from SDN 01 Sape Kabupaten Bima, consisting of 1 teacher, two student guardians, and two students. To maintain the confidentiality of respondents’ identities, researchers gave the names of respondents P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5. The interviews were conducted in a structured manner with questions compiled and linked and developed with related literature. Weak supervision of students, lack of signal strength in remote areas, and expensive quota fees are challenges in online learning. The results of this study are less effective online learning because of the lack of facilities and infrastructure and the unpreparedness of technological education.

Exploring the role of peer observation of teaching in facilitating cross-institutional professional conversations about teaching and learning

ABSTRACT This paper explores how cross-institutional Peer Observation of Teaching (PoT) provided a stru ctured opportunity for professional conversations by which observers and observees shared and developed their perspectives on teaching experience and skills. Such professional conversations offer opportunities for both parties to gain a perspective on practices that may have been taken for granted. Participants from three Higher Education institutions engaged in cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional PoT, followed by facilitated reflective conversations. This paper captures the factors for success that enabled continuing conversations on teaching and learning and highlights the value of supporting such conversations outside formal, uni-institutional peer observation programmes.

Prevalence of diaper rash and associated factors among babies aged 0 to 24 months in Adama Administrative City, Central Ethiopia: A cross sectional study

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of diaper rash and identify associated factors with diaper rash among children between 0 and 24 months of age in Adama Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with mothers using structured questionaries during face to face interview to assess risk factors associated with diaper rash. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and Chi-square test was used to establish the association between diaper rash and socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics at p-value <0.05. Multivariate logistic regressions are used to test the significancy of risk factors. About 62.5% (235/376) of children in the study had experienced diaper rash. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that diarrhea (AOR=0.424; 95%CI=0.203-0.902; P=0.032), food types consumed by baby (AOR=0.21; 95%CI=0.050-0.882; P=0.033), use of barrier cream (AOR=0.012; 95%CI: 0.005-0.029; P=0.000) and frequency of diaper change (AOR=3.174; 95% CI=0.068-9.438; P=0.038) were among factors associated with diaper rash. In this study changing diaper frequently, using cream and breast feeding with baby formula milk were identified as a factor that reduce the prevalence of diaper rash whereas diarrhea was identified as a risk factor that aggravate diaper rash. Thus, educating mothers on the importance of breast feeding, use of cream and diaper change is useful. Key words: Diaper rash, prevalence, babies.

Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for trauma-affected refugees – A case series

Psychotherapy for nightmares and sleep disturbances in refugees suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an unexamined area. This case study examines efficacy, acceptability, and patient experiences with Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) in 8 refugees with Middle Eastern background and PTSD-related nightmares. The aims of the study were to examine: A. if changes before and after IRT can be detected on measures of sleep quality, PTSD, level of functioning, and quality of life, B. if IRT is acceptable to refugees with PTSD-related nightmares, and C. patients’ individual and shared experiences through the three stages of IRT including changes in nightmare frequency on a sleep log. Qualitative (open questions) and quantitative methods (sleep-log, structured measures, drop-out, cancellation-, and no-show rates) were applied in order to create a thick description of the patients’ experiences throughout their IRT treatment process. Despite relatively high drop-out, cancellations and no-show rates; findings indicate that IRT is acceptable for the patients included in this study. Furthermore, a reduction in nightmare frequency, improvement in sleep quality and daytime functioning was indicated for most patients. IRT seems to be a good non-trauma-focused alternative to trauma-focused therapy for trauma-affected refugees and might also be used as an add on to standard trauma-focused treatment.

MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED OF BUSINESS EDUCATION GRADUATES FOR HANDLING ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGES IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

This study determined the managerial competencies required of business education graduates for handling entrepreneurship challenges in Anambra State. Two research questions guided the study. Four null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Related literature pertinent to the study were reviewed which exposed the need for the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted, using a population of 1124 entrepreneurs of small and medium scale enterprises. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 338. A structured questionnaire developed by the researcher was used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument. The reliability yielded coefficient values of .91 and .85. Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA. Mean was used to answer the research questions and standard deviation was used to explain how the responses of the respondents varied. ANOVA and t-test were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that entrepreneurs of SMEs agreed that innovative and ICT competencies are required by business education graduates for handling entrepreneurship challenges in Anambra State. The results also showed that there was no significant difference in the mean ratings of entrepreneurs on innovative and ICT competencies required of business education graduates based on gender and years of experience. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among others, that the management of tertiary educational institutions through the centre for entrepreneurship development should work in collaboration with the existing entrepreneurs/ business organizations around them in providing entrepreneurship training to students in order to enable students develop self-employment initiatives through the programme. Article visualizations:

The Items Development of Social Skills for Autism Spectrum Disorder (SS-ASD) Instrument

Currently, there is a need to develop a reliable and valid social skills observation instrument in monitoring the progress of social skills among students with ASD in teaching and learning within school setting. This is because positive and acceptable social skills are very important aspects for students with ASD. Moreover, students with ASD who hold a strong foundation in social skills shown an improvement in academic, independent living and social acceptance by the society. The instrument was based on structured observations and there were three steps involved: (a) instrument selection, (b) item selection, and (c) validity and reliability instrument. These steps were to ensure the development of instrument was appropriate to specifically measure the progress of social skills within specific domain namely: social interaction, social communication, emotional intelligence and social behavior. The instrument was namely as “Social Skills for Autism Spectrum Disorder (SS-ASD)”. Accordingly, the SS-ASD was given to 2 subject experts and 1 curriculum specialist to establish content validity and face validity. Hence, the SS-ASD instrument had established construct validity through homogeneity (internal consistency) by calculating the value of Cronbach’s alpha (α) through pilot study data. Finally, the Cronbach’s Alpha value for SS-ASD was 0.986 and it was highly reliable. The SS-ASD were developed suitable for children between ages 3 to 12 years old as a criterion-based instrument. Hopefully, its help students with ASD establish proficiency in social skills that create social acceptance and independent living in the future for students with ASD.

Rule-based inferencing diagnosis in HBIM

The aim of this paper is the implementation of a methodological workflow for the diagnosis of masonry settlings, within the HBIM approach, developing a rule-based logical inference tool in Visual Programming Language. The rule-based inferencing diagnosis is a guided process, which increases the confidence factor about settlings and actual causes, on the basis of surveyors’ technical insights and evidences. The final step is the suggestion of appropriate interventions. The results show that inference logic is directly applicable to the diagnosis problem; their efficacy depends on i) the structured parametric and data modelling of decay patterns in the HBIM model and ii) the knowledge base training. The application has been validated on a case study, Masseria Don Cataldo (Bari, South Italy).

A Study to assess the effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme regarding knowledge on Polycystic ovarian syndrome among the adolescents of selected PU College in Mangaluru

A Study to assess the effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme regarding knowledge on Polycystic ovarian syndrome among the adolescents of selected PU College in Mangaluru

Knowledge and Attitude of Indigenous People towards COVID-19 Pandemic in Ebonyi State, Southeastern, Nigeria

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic came like a storm that shook the whole world. The response of many government was lockdown and restriction in movement. But in most rural communities information on the actual reasons for the lockdown were scanty. Many were rather curios as their markets, schools, transportation and social lives were disrupted by the government without adquate enlightment. This study was done to asses the level of knowledge and attitude of the indigenous rural dwellers in Ebonyi State towards the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Descriptive statistics was adopted to asses the knowledge and attitude of the rural dwellers towards COVID-19. One community each from the three senatorial zone were selected. Out of 150 respondents, 86% are men and 64% are women. Structured questionaire were administered directly to responders after due explanation. The questionnaire was completed and given back to the researcher. Result - Three communities were covered for the 150 respondents, 58% of the respondents are in the age group of 20-35 years, 30% are in the age group of 36-55 years, only 12 % is from the age group of above 56- and above years. Awareness- Only 40.3% of the respondents are aware of the Corona Virus disease. 36% of the respondents are heard from radio, 37% of them heard from friends, 35.5% heard from government agency, 48% heard from community health workers, 49% heard from social media. Only 20% knew the causative agent of COVID-19, while 13.3% knew about the signs and symptoms, 10% of responders knew about the methods of transmission. 16.7% are aware of the possible prevention methods. 38.7% considered it a new disease, while 30% considered it a health challenge. Knowledge of the preventive measures such as: Handwashing regularly with soap and water, use of hand sanitizers and face mask and social distancing protocol were also negative. Conclussion: There were paucity of knowledge and negative attitude of indigenous rural dwellers towards COVID-19 pandemic among the indigenous rural dwellers in Ebonyi State.

Effect of curriculum teaching on freshmen’s mental health literacy

Objective The purpose of this study is to investigate the status of freshmen’s mental health literacy and its impact on mental health and to provide a reference for probing into the effectiveness and sustainality of curriculum education as the main channel of improvement of mental health literacy. Methods Mental health literacy questionnaire for Chinese adults and college students mental health screening scale were used to investigate 2 878 freshmen in a university in Wuhan. Mental health literacy was one of the indicators of course teaching evaluation. The curriculum intervention effect was investigated through pre-test, post-test and 10-month follow-up. Results The mental health literacy of freshmen (40.12±6.57) was higher than the national average level (35.81±8.06), but lower than the average level in terms of self-help mental health literacy ( F = 28.25, P<0.01). There were gender differences and urban-rural differences in mental health literacy. The mental health literacy of freshmen without psychological problems was significantly higher than that of freshmen with psychological problems ( F = 374.80, P<0.01). Structured course teaching significantly improved freshmen’s mental health literacy, which were still significant after 10 months. Conclusion College freshmen’s mental health literacy is generally great, and the mental health curriculum improved their mental health literacy. 【摘要】 目的 了解大学新生的心理健康素养现状及其对心理健康的影响, 为探査课程教学作为提髙心理健康素养主渠 道的有效性与可持续性提供参考。 方法 采用《国民心理健康素养问卷》和《中国大学生心理健康筛査量表》对武汉某髙 校2 878名新生进行调査, 并将心理健康素养作为大学新生心理健康课程教学的评估指标, 通过前测、后测及10个月后追 踪探査课程干预效果。 结果 大学新生心理健康素养总体得分 (40.12±6.57)髙于全国平均水平 (35.81±8.06);心理健康 素养存在性别和城乡差异;无心理问题新生的心理健康素养总分髙于有心理问题新生 ( F = 28.25, P<0.01)。课程教学显著 提升了新生的心理健康素养, 10个月后追踪发现效果依然显著 ( F =374.80, P<0.01)。 结论 大学新生心理健康素养总体 较好, 心理健康教育课程提髙了心理健康素养。

Saudi Knowledge and Awareness of Drinking Tea as Natural Fighter Against COVID-19

Objective: Stressful period as COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine affect human health indirectly by weakening the immune system which lead to increase the risk of having viral infection. Tea in all its kind considered as a strong antioxidant that helps to enhance the immune system and body defense against COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of participants toward the benefits of drinking tea during COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A cross-sectional study including 2368 participants who answered a structured survey. The survey had some information about basic demographic characteristics including age, education, gender, physical examination level, and place of residence. The second part of the survey will be measuring knowledge about drinking different kind of tea to booster immunity against COVID-19. Results: Both gender have participate in this study with a ratio of 2:1 female more than male both within the age group of 30–50 years and 76.4% have higher educational level, 78.2% married and majority 55.8% and 30.4% from central and western areas of Saudi, respectively. The majority 69% consider drinking tea is part of their daily habit and mostly 44.3% drinking black tea, with 15% increase of tea consumption during the quarantine and that consumption increased to more than five cups a day by 2.2%. Regarding the source of knowledge about immune boosting benefits of tea majority specified their source is self-developed, family tradition and media during the quarantine period. The association between body mass index (BMI) and drinking tea showed strong significance among normal overweight groups and statistical significance of increase consumption related to high BMI categories. Conclusion: Saudi traditional tea drinking habit and knowledge of health benefits of such a routine have helped them during the threatening time as COVID-19 pandemic and stressing time of quarantine.

Arte público activista. Estrategias participativas y transmedia en el proyecto feminista #PortalDeIgualdad dirigido a la transformación de los museos y centros de arte

&lt;p&gt;El presente escrito se centra en el proyecto de arte público activista #PortalDeIgualdad, dirigido a la transformación de los museos y centros de arte, y que ha sido presentado en el contexto de Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno en septiembre de 2020.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Se trata de un proyecto participativo con enfoque de género iniciado por la artista y comisaria feminista Mau Monleón Pradas, que incluye la participación social a través de estrategias transmedia. El objeto de la investigación es trazar las metodologías de la &lt;em&gt;Campaña por la igualdad entre mujeres y hombres en los museos y en la educación&lt;/em&gt; del proyecto, destacando sus referentes así como los distintos actos llevados a cabo hasta el momento presente. Más concretamente, el artículo trata de revelar las premisas y los mecanismos de transformación que suscita este proyecto activista, que propone un modelo efectivo para la superación de la discriminación de las mujeres en la esfera de la cultura mediante la inclusión de un Portal de Igualdad en las webs de los museos y centros de arte.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Al hilo de este recorrido del proyecto que está siendo desarrollado y que ha dado lugar a la formación de la &lt;em&gt;Colectiva Portal de Igualdad&lt;/em&gt;, se estructuran las distintas acciones de esta &lt;em&gt;Colectiva&lt;/em&gt; internacional, cuyos resultados se centran en el apoyo y la firma del “Manifiesto Portal de Igualdad”, que reclama la igualdad representativa entre mujeres y hombres en ámbito de la cultura visual. Estos resultados se basan en las cuatro principales acciones llevadas a cabo por la &lt;em&gt;Colectiva &lt;/em&gt;desde octubre de 2020 cada día 29 del mes, entre las que se cuentan la presentación del &lt;em&gt;Manifiesto&lt;/em&gt;; la presentación del Museo internacional &lt;em&gt;WAM Women Artist Museum&lt;/em&gt;; la publicación periódica en la revista &lt;em&gt;Los Ojos de Hipatia&lt;/em&gt;, y la creación del GIF de la &lt;em&gt;Colectiva&lt;/em&gt;. En definitiva, la discusión que suscita el escrito se centra en la capacidad colectiva de transformación social, a partir de un proyecto artístico de carácter activista que amplía su función estética a favor de una función ética para el cambio social en el sistema del arte.&lt;/p&gt;

Structured light

Structured light

Dietary Practices Oflactating and Pregnant Women in Bomo Clan, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study investigated dietary practices in Bomo clan, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. To set the tone for the study, cross-sectional design was adopted. Also,both probability (simple random) and non-probability (purposive) sampling techniques were used to select four (4) communities in Bomoclane. With an estimated proportion of 0.1, Cochran statistics revealed a sample size of one hundred and thirty-eight (138). However, data were retrieved from 113 (81.9) of pregnant and lactating women. Furthermore, the study adopted triangulation method for data collection. For instrument reliability, Cronbach Alpha was set at 0.7. Data collected using structured questionnaire were analyzed with simple percentage and Chi-Square. The analysis was done with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The study revealed that aroma, aroused the appetite for food intake among pregnant and lactating women, pregnant women had preference for food prepared by some one else, income level of respondents influenced dietary behaviour among others. Therefore, the study recommended thatthe Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development should provide an economic buffer that will assist pregnant and lactating women in meeting their dietary needs and etc.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF PANDEMIC SCALE (PEPS)

The aim of this study is to develop a scale to determine the psychosocial effects of pandemic outbreaks such as covid-19. The study was conducted with 1546 (EFA) and 909 (CFA) participants. Internet-based method was used to collect data. “Psychosocial Effects of Pandemic Scale (PEPS)”, prepared by the researcher, has been used as a means of data collection. The scale consists of 7 subscales and 30 Likert style items. Study 1: Varimax rotated EFA was used as scale development statistics to ascertain sub-dimensions. Item-total correlation coefficient and item-remainder correlation coefficient, Cronbach and Rulon coefficient were calculated to determine the reliability. Study 2: After the scale was structured with EFA and item analysis, the construct validity was tested with CFA. CFI and RMSEA fit indices were used to test the CFA model's suitability. Considering these criteria, CFA models were created for scale. The scale was found to be valid, reliable and available as a result of statistical procedures. Article visualizations:

Self-Knowledge among Women with Cervical Cancer

Background: Cervical cancer is the 4th most frequent cancer in women. Aim: The present study aimed to assess self-knowledge among women with cervical cancer. Methods; Design: A descriptive research design was used. Setting: out-patient clinic in the oncology unit at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 70 women. Tools: Data was collected through a structured interviewing questionnaire sheet and a scoring system for women’s knowledge about cervical cancer. Results: The results of the study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in the women's knowledge about cervical cancer, and socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusion: The study concluded that socio-demographic characteristics of women could affect their knowledge level regarding cervical cancer. Recommendations: Implement an educational program and disseminate information that focuses on educating women about cervical cancer risks, prevention, and early detection to enhance uptake of cervical cancer.

Impact of Social Media in the Fight Against Misinformation on Corona Virus Pandemic

This study examined the impact of social media within the fight against misinformation on coronavirus pandemic. The study therefore assessed the character of coronavirus pandemic information shared on social media sites by undergraduate students in central region of Ghana. Structured questionnaire copies were administered to 355 undergraduate students in University of Education, Winneba, University of Cape Coast, and Cape Coast Technical University. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result showed that 71.3% of the scholars across the chosen universities were conscious of social media and made used of it. Facebook was the foremost favourite social media platform followed by Instagram and WhatsApp, while Kinschat, LinkedIn, Skype and BBM were least preferred social media sites. Independent samples test result showed there was no significant gender difference within the preference of social media sites (t = 1.039, p>0.05). The result showed that 81.4% of the scholars had encounter coronavirus pandemic information on social media, while only 24.8% had shared coronavirus pandemic information on social media. Prevention methods and general coronavirus pandemic knowledge were the most sorts of information shared. ANOVA result further revealed significant variation within the sort of coronavirus pandemic information shared on social media among the three universities (F = 5.177; p<0.05). The Post Hoc Test of multiple comparison indicated that the type of coronavirus pandemic information shared in Cape Coast Technical University differed significantly from those shared in University of Education, Winneba and University of Cape Coast respectively. Keywords : SOCIAL MEDIA, MISINFORMATION, CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/95-05 Publication date: February 28 th 2021

Chest CT in COVID-19 patients: Structured vs conventional reporting

PurposeTo assess clinician satisfaction with structured (SR) and conventional (CR) radiological reports for chest CT exams in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, objectively comparing both reporting strategies. MethodWe retrospectively included 68 CTs (61 patients) with COVID-19. CRs were collected from the digital database while corresponding SRs were written by an expert radiologist, including a sign checklist, severity score index and final impressions. New CRs were prepared for a random subset (n = 10) of cases, to allow comparisons in reporting time and word count. CRs were analyzed to record severity score and final impressions inclusion. A random subset of 40 paired CRs and SRs was evaluated by two clinicians to assess, using a Likert scale, readability, comprehensiveness, comprehensibility, conciseness, clinical impact, and overall quality. ResultsOverall, 19/68 (28 %) and 9/68 (13 %) of CRs included final impressions and severity score, respectively. SR writing required significantly (p < 0.001) less time (mean = 308 s; SD ± 60 s) compared to CRs (mean = 458 s; SD ± 72 s). On the other hand, word count was not significantly different (p = 0.059, median = 100 and 106, range = 106–139 and 88–131 for SRs and CRs, respectively). Both clinicians expressed significantly (all p < 0.01) higher scores for SRs compared to CRs in all categories. ConclusionsOur study supports the use of chest CT SRs in COVID-19 patients to improve referring physician satisfaction, optimizing reporting time and provide a greater amount and quality of information within the report.