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STEM Education: Organizing high School Students in Vietnam using Engineering Design Process to Fabricate Water Purification Systems

Dang Thi Oanh, Le Van Dung, Mai The Hung Anh, Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang — 2018-09-20

Engineering design process is one of the problem – solving approachs used in STEM education. Students can engage in the practices of the engineering field through solving problems using the engineering design process. Based on literature reviews on Engineering design process as well as fabricating water filter system, this study presents 36 tenth-grade students of high school in Vietnam completed an engineering-based problem on filtering water involving integrated STEM learning. Students employed five – step engineering design processes and STEM disciplinary knowledge to plan, sketch, construct, evaluate and redesign water filter systems taken from public fountains, tap water, river water, sea water, and water contaminated with alum.

Host-Microbial Gut Interactions and Mushroom Nutrition

Victoria Bell, Jorge Ferrão, Eusébio Chaquisse, Tito Fernandes — 2018-09-20

There is a tremendous complexity of the human gut microbiota in both health and disease states and a healthy microbiota consists of an inter-dependent network of microbes rather than a particular bacterial genera. The microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract is a symbiotic partner of the host as it is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and multiple components of the host immune system. Numerous host factors influence the composition of the microbiota early in life including diet, hygiene, environmental contacts, antibiotic use, and breastfeeding. Although the content of any diet can effect bacterial composition, it cannot be suggested that diet alone is responsible for the diversity of the microbiota or its variation among individuals. The intestinal physical-chemical barrier forms part of the intestinal immune system and plays a critical role in determining the composition of the microbiota. There are multiple recognised clinical uses of mushrooms due to their content in β-glucans, important antioxidant and cytoprotective enzymes, secondary metabolites and still other unknown factors. Mushroom β-glucans have been proposed to act as "biological response modifiers" based on their effects on the immune system, enhancing the body's own use of macrophages and T-lymphocytes, rather than directly attacking any tumours, controlling oxidative stress and inflammation.

Comparative Analysis between Anthropometry and Subjective Methods in Nutritional Evaluation in Cancer: A Systematic Review

2018-09-19

This study aims to evaluate the anthropometric indicators used in cancer patients, comparing them with one another and with the subjective methods of nutritional assessment. Methodology: A search was made in January 2018 in the databases Medline (PubMed), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), with the descriptors oncology, cancer, evaluation, anthropometry, adults, elderly and malnutrition. Results: A total of 10 articles were included in this review. All of them used body mass index (BMI) to diagnose malnutrition; however, fewer malnourished individuals were identified by this method. In addition to BMI, the most used anthropometric indicators were arm muscle circumference, tricipital skinfold and arm perimeter, used in most articles, being the most malnourished identified by it. As for subjective methods, fewer malnourished patients were tracked when compared to perimeters and folds. Conclusion: It is concluded that the arm perimeter is the most anthropometric indicator use in tracking of malnutrition in cancer patients, considering the prevalence.

Readiness of Government Organizations for Cloud-Computing Age: An Empirical Evidence from Jordan

Ammar Salamh Mujali Al-rawahna, Chung-Wen Hung, Shih-Chih Chen — 2018-09-19

The aim of this study is examining the readiness of the Jordanian government sector to adopt cloud-computing. The study empirically applied the TOE research framework that enables targeting IT managers and IT specialists in several Jordanian organization, where 132 respondents distributed on three sub-groups were targeted. The obtained data were analyzed using Partial Least Square because of the small sample size. The result indicated that top management support, organization capability and government policy reflect the organizational readiness of government organizations to adopt cloud-computing. The multigroup analysis results revealed that Although the size of organizations varies, they have similar drivers of cloud-computing adoption. The IT-related experience has significant negative effect on intention of adoption while cloud knowledge insignificant. The study demonstrated the importance of the pre-adoption step that decision-makers should be aware of organization readiness before taking the decision of adoption, otherwise the organization will fall in cloud-computing trap. The study yielded some practical evidence, for instance, government organizational readiness will help in adopting cloud-computing appropriately to uptake its advantages; IT skills and robust IT infrastructures are both essential pillars for government organization readiness; top management support positively influences the organizational readiness and this an evidence for responsibility of top managers about success of adoption new technology; supportive government policy is substantial issue to strength government organization readiness and persuade government agencies’ managers approve transforming process from old IT model into cloud-computing and allocate essential resources.

Orange Flesh Sweet Potatoes (Ipomea batatas) Consumption for Food Diversification and Nutritional Security of Cocoa Producers’ Population in Nawa Region, Côte d’Ivoire

2018-09-19

Cocoa producers’ communities are affected by malnutrition due to lake of food diversification. To initiate food diversification program with orange sweet potatoes, households eating habits and staple food composition have been evaluated. An assessment of 91 households’ food habits was carried out in 5 localities of Nawa region (Côte d’Ivoire). Anthropometric measurements were performed for children among 6 and 59 months. Dry matter, total sugars, proteins and minerals were determined for the usual staple food and orange sweet potatoes. The results showed that households’ food diversity score is 5.2, indicating that diet is less diversified. The major staple food are yams (36.7%), rice (29.6%) and cassava (17.4%). Sweet potatoes are more cultivated and consumed by native immigrant from the North of Côte d’Ivoire. Children nutritional status revealed that global acute malnutrition prevalence is 6.4% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3.0, 13.1%), chronic malnutrition prevalence is about 54.3% (95% CI: 44.2, 64.1%) and underweight prevalence is 31.9% (95% CI: 23.4, 41.9%). The staple food nutrients analyses revealed that rice has the most proteins content 5.0%. Orange flesh sweet potatoes have high content in total sugars (78.2 g/100g dry matter (DM)), zinc (3.3 mg/100g DM), magnesium (27.6 mg/100g DM), potassium (558.0 mg/100g DM) and calcium (388.5 mg/100g DM). Yam contains more potassium (730.8 mg/100g DM) and cassava more iron (18.2 mg/100g DM). Orange sweet potatoes which are cultivated by a few producers contain high level of micronutrients. They could be therefore recommended for culture and food diversification and contribute to overcome children malnutrition.

Influence of Different Organic Waste Ratio on Anaerobic Digestion

2018-09-19

The present study investigates the characteristics of the different organic waste obtained from dumping sites of the Campus of the university and Okhla region of Delhi. Three types of wastes; kitchen waste (KW), Food vegetable waste (FVW) and Garden waste (GW) were used for batch scale anaerobic digestion study. The prepared slurry was analyzed for pH, Alkalinity, Chemical oxygen demand (COD), Total solids (TS), and Volatile solids (VS). The results shows the initial characteristics ranges; pH 6.70 to 7.70; COD 1900 to 3000 mg/L, TS- 9.8 to 15.23 %, VS 79.2 to 85.70 %. The maximum COD = 86% and VS =44.32 % was removed with FVW and KW, respectively. The maximum biogas 3500 mL was observed when FVW was digested with Cow dung.

Limited Failure Censored Life Test Sampling Plan in Dagum Distribution

B. Srinivasa Rao, P. Sricharani, M.S. Ravikumar — 2018-09-19

The Dagum distribution is considered as a life time random variable of a product whose lots are to be decided for acceptance or otherwise on the basis of sample lifetimes drawn from the lot. The sample is divided into various groups in order to develop a group sampling plan in such a way that the life testing experiment is terminated as soon as the first failure in each group is observed. The acceptance criterion based on the theory of order statistics is proposed.

Noise Induced Hearing Quality Assessments of Traffic Police Personnel in Dhaka City

Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder — 2018-09-19

This study aims to assess the perception, knowledge, attitude and practices of traffic policemen towards the physiological and psychological health effects of noise pollution they are exposed to. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 110 traffic policemen purposively selected in Dhaka Metropolitan Police area. Semi-structured questionnaires have been used to collect unbiased data from the traffic police persons from heavy traffic area. Study showed that 40.9% respondents are in age group of 20- 24. The self-assessment of hearing ability has described by the traffic policemen as 11.8% of the respondents felt that their hearing ability was below average, while the remaining believed that their hearing ability was above average to excellent. 15.5% respondents reported that they usually missed a lot when conversing with someone on phone, while 25.5% reported similar condition while talking to someone in a throng or noisy place. 33.6% reported that while watching television they usually kept the sound louder to hear properly. 08.2% of them have squealed about regular Vertigo. This study strongly recommended that, awareness and education level of noise pollution is most important for the traffic police.

The Influence of the Schools of Mathematical Thought to the Development of Mathematics Education

Michael Gr. Voskoglou — 2018-09-18

In this article the effects of the ideas of the main schools of mathematical thought are studied on the development of mathematics education. Crucial problems that occupy nowadays the interest of those working in the field are also discussed, such as the future role of computers for the teaching and learning of mathematics. It is concluded that, although none of the existing schools of mathematical thought has succeeded in finding a solid framework for mathematics, most of the recent advances of this science were obtained through their disputations about the absolute mathematical truth. On the contrary, these disputations have created serious problems in the sensitive area of mathematics education, the most characteristic being the failure of the introduction of the “New Mathematics” to school education that distressed students and teachers for many years. The required thing for those working in this area of mathematics education is, without abandoning their persona; ideas, to search for a proper balance among the several philosophical aspects of mathematics. This will bring the required tranquillity in the area, in order to be developed smoothly for the benefit of the future generations.

Predictors of Entrepreneurs’ Contribution in the Socio-Economic Development of Youth in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

Christian Anthony C. Agutaya — 2018-09-18

Trite as it may sound but it has been said time and again that the role of the youth in nation building is indispensable. They have taken active roles in different areas of life, more notably, in business and economic sectors. Thus, this study was undertaken to determine the predictors of entrepreneurs’ contribution in the socio-economic development of youth in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. Descriptive-correlational design was employed in the study. Questionnaires were used to gather data from 641 entrepreneur-respondents chosen through stratified random sampling and taken from 62 barangays of the city. Data gathered were processed and analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS version 23. The results showed that the profile of the entrepreneurs is a predicting factor that affects management status, level of organizational climate, financial status and extent of contribution to socio-economic development of youth. It also concluded that the management status, level of organizational climate and financial status influenced the extent of contribution to socio-economic development of youth in the locale. It is recommended that more youth empowerment schemes be introduced primarily by the local government, by nongovernmental agencies and by concerned private entrepreneurs or groups.

Efficacy of Root Canal Irrigants against Self-inducted Streptococci – An Exvivo Study

2018-09-18

Objective: To compare antibacterial efficacy of various root canal irrigants against self-inducted streptococci in purposely sterilized root canals. Material and Method: Sixty (60) extracted mandibular & maxillary molars were collected and stored in saline at ambient temperature. The teeth were deroofed & their wider canals (distal canal in mandibular & palatal canal in maxillary molars) were selected for preparation. Working lengths of specimens was recorded by inserting K file# 20into the canals. All teeth were washed thoroughly with normal saline& autoclaved. Apical widening of canals was done using K-file # 30 with a step back technique. Streptococci were inducted in the sterile canals and their colonies were counted. Result: There was apparent difference in the antibacterial efficiency between 1% NaOCl, 0.12% chlorhexidine, 1% Povidone Iodine, NaCl, NaOCl with NaCl as final rinse NaOCl with 0.12% chlorhexidine as final rinse. The best results were achieved with 1 % NaOCl with Chlorhexidine as final irrigant. Conclusion: 1% NaOCl can be safely used by undergraduate dental students as main root canal irrigant with 0.12 % chlorhexidine as a final rinse.

Recurrent STEMI Precipitated by Marijuana Use: Case Report and Literature Review

2018-09-18

Marijuana abuse is rapidly growing and currently it is the most common drug of abuse in the United States due to increased legalization for recreational and medicinal use. Delta 9-tetrahydrocannibol, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, acts via the endocannabinoid system to elicit various cardiovascular physiological effects, and has been associated with many adverse cardiovascular effects such as acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death that have previously been reported by our group and others. We present a case of a 30-year-old African-American male with no cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors with recurrent ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) whose coronary angiography revealed recurrent 100% occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) in the setting of marijuana smoking. It was the patient’s third STEMI with 100% occlusion of the LAD with each STEMI secondary to thrombosis of a different region of the LAD. Marijuana use was confirmed by urine toxicology screening at each STEMI presentation. Coronary angiography on multiple occasions was negative for stenosis of other epicardial coronary arteries, and coronary calcium scoring was zero. Evaluation for other cardiovascular risk factors including family history of premature coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypercoagulable disorders was negative. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of marijuana-associated coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction.

The Effect of Pasteurization, Freezing and Prolonged Storage on Volatile Compounds of Mangaba Pulp

2018-09-18

Mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) is a fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado. Mangaba is valued for its high nutritional value and bioactive compounds, as well as the attractive and peculiar sensorial characteristics of its flavor and aroma. Considering possible changes in the natural flavor of mango fruit derivatives during processing and storage, here we aimed to evaluate the volatile compounds of mango pulp, submitted to pasteurization processes, freezing methods, and prolonged storage. Two freezing methods (static air and forced air) and five frozen storage times (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) (-18°C) were evaluated for fruit and pulp submitted to two levels of pasteurization (without pasteurization and pasteurized). The extraction and analysis of the volatile compounds were performed using the SPME technique coupled to the mass spectrometer. Twenty-five volatile compounds were identified in the fruit and mangaba pulp, with the esters predominating. The 4-Pentenyl acetate and isopentyl acetate esters were predominant in the fruit, whereas in the pulps ethanol was predominant from three months of storage onwards. Pasteurization favors the retention of the aroma compounds of the mangaba pulp, independent of the freezing method. Storage, from 9 months onwards, favors the development or accumulation of compounds responsible for aroma degradation, such as ethanol, ethyl acetate, and acetic acid.

Daidzein Has Anti-Oxidant Activity in Normal Human Kidney Tubular HK-2 Cells via FOXO3/SOD2 Pathway

Jongsung Lee, See-Hyoung Park — 2018-09-18

The anti-oxidant activity of daidzein was accessed by checking the expression level of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in HK-2 cell, a kidney proximal tubular cell line. SOD2 expression was increased in HK-2 cells treated by daidzein with a dose and time-dependent manner. Daidzein reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level (about 60% compared to DMSO control with p = 0.005) in HK-2 cells. Daidzein caused FOXO3 to be translocated from cytosol into nucleus. Down-regulation of FOXO3 by transfection of siRNA against FOXO3 attenuated the expression of SOD2 and ROS level (p = 0.006) by daidzein. Taken together, this study has shown that daidzein displays anti-oxidant activity in HK-2 kidney proximal tubular cell line through up-regulation of FOXO3/SOD2 signaling pathway.

A Multinomial Logistic Regression Examination of TV Time and Two Different Measures of Obesity in U.S. Adults

Peter D. Hart — 2018-09-18

Background: Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are known factors related to the growing obesity rates in US adults. However, most population-based physical activity research primarily use a single measure of obesity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between television (TV) time and two different measures of obesity in US adults. Methods: This study used data from adults 20+ years of age participating in the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Using body mass index (BMI), participants were categorized as obese if their values were 30 kg/m² or greater. Using waist circumference (WC), participants were categorized as obese if their values were greater than 88 (females) or 102 cm (males). TV time was assessed from a survey question and adults were categorized into one of four different groups. Multinomial logistic regression was used to model the relationship between TV time and three different obese status categories. Results: In fully adjusted models, odds of being BMI obese (OR=1.98; 95% CI: 1.32-2.98) and WC obese (OR=2.76; 95% CI: 1.88-4.05) were significantly greater in adults with 5+ hours of TV time as compared to those with < 1 hour. In fully adjusted multinomial models, odds of being BMI or WC obese (OR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.43-3.34) and BMI and WC obese (OR=2.80; 95% CI: 1.68-4.65) were significantly greater in adults with 5+ hours of TV time as compared to those with < 1 hour. Conclusion: Results from this study indicate that TV time is clearly related to both overall and abdominal obesity in US adults. Furthermore, this relationship remains in light of MVPA and appears stronger for adults with both types of obesity.

Do Using Dental Elevators Increase the Chance of Complications in Undergraduate Exodontia Clinic?

Mazen Almasri — 2018-09-18

Objective: To evaluate if using dental elevators increase the chances of immediate intraoperative complications (IOC) in undergraduate exodontia clinic. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate the patients enrolled randomly into the 6^th year exodontia clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry Health center in King Abdulaziz University (KAUFD) from the period of October to December 2017. A total of 330 cases were recorded at that period, aged from 23-71 years old, and the IOC that took place during the dental extractions were recorded and managed immediately. The pertinent information was collected and all the data obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed using the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient / 2-Tailed test at the SPSS statistical software. Results: The incidence of IOC was found to be low, that represented 29 cases (8.8%) out of the 330, and all of them were in the form of minor incidents that were managed immediately. Although the incident sample was small, it was found that using forceps for dental extraction lead to significantly higher complication rate than using the elevators (P< 0.001 and a Correlation of 0.813). Among the complications, gingival laceration (16 cases) were found to be the most to occur using both instruments and was found at the maxillary posterior region to be significantly higher than other complications recorded (P<0.001, and a correlation of 0.933). Conclusion: The IOC rate at KAUFD undergraduate exodontia clinic is considered very low and minor in nature that were all managed conservatively in the office. The fear of using dental elevators is proven in our study to be a myth while a special care should be taken while extracting maxillary posterior teeth, is worthier. The compromised visibility and accessibility do contribute to the findings and hence the higher chances of minor gingival laceration to take place.

Abridged of PhD Dissertation: Household Food Insecurity in the Sidama Zone of Southern Ethiopia: Factors, Coping and Adaptation Strategies

Gezahegn Abebe — 2018-09-18

The aim of this thesis is to identify the determining factors of food insecurity in two contrasting farming systems in the Sidama zone of southern Ethiopia. Using a mix-method case study research design, it is therefore filtering variables through which climate impacts affect food security. These transcend social, economic, and ecological factors. Beyond showing the degree of farmers vulnerability to climate change, the study discuses the multiple strategies used by food insecure farmers in responding the decreased access to food. However, the deployed strategies are not only differs between the study contexts and household characteristics but also they are less effective to deal with the climate change and other non-climatic factors. The thesis conclude that various forms of interventions that comprehend the local contexts and household characteristics and social protection are required to improve the farmers’ adaptive capacity to deal with climate change and thus to achieve long-term food security.

Neck Circumference as an Indicator of Overweight and Obesity in Young Adults

Noora Shrestha — 2018-09-18

Neck circumference (NC) measurement is one of the simple screening measurements, that can be used as a marker of upper body fat distribution to notice overweight. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between NC and overweight/obesity. In this cross-sectional study a total 198 college students (120 Female, 78 Male) aged 18-23 years were participated using convenience method. Anthropometric measurements of students were measured according to the guidelines of world health organization. Students with NC ≥37 cm for male and ≥34 cm for female and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² are identified as overweight. The percentages of the male and female students with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² were 9% and 15.8% respectively and with high NC were 47.4% and 23.3 % respectively. In both male and female students, there were significant and positive correlation of neck circumference with body weight (male, r=0.572; female, r=0.629; p=0.001), waist circumference (male, r= 0.407; female, r= 0.623; p=0.001), hip circumference (male, r=0.546; female, r=0.579; p=0.001), BMI (male, r= 0.532; female, r= 0.588; p=0.001), waist to hip ratio (female, r = .376; p= .001), and waist to height ratio (male, r= 0.33; female, r= 0.574; p=0.001). A significant and independent association was found between NC and overweight levels using multiple regression analysis in young adults. This study indicates neck circumference is a simple screening measure that can be used to identify overweight/obesity.

Higher Education Development Policies in the Northern Region of Vietnam from 1954 to 1965 and the Impacts of these Policies on Vietnamese Education Today

Nguyen Thi Thanh Tung — 2018-09-17

In the period of 1954-1965, Vietnamese higher education was developed in a very special historical context, which was the context of the country divided into two regions: The North was liberated, and entered the construction period of Socialism, while the South continued the people's democratic revolution. In the context of fierce war and starting point of difficult material foundations, with the proper policies and innovations of the Vietnam Labor Party and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the higher education in the North achieved tremendous achievements that we could call wonders. In this process, although there were limitations, universities and professional secondary institutions built up good traditions of self-reliant spirit, linking theory with practical labor production, patriotism and the fighting to protect the educational achievements made by the teachers and pupils of institutions... It showed that the education in the North was still young but contributed significantly to the cause of training the successors of the revolutionary cause of the Party and people of Vietnam.

Effect of Guided Imagery in Reduction of Stress among Elderly People in Geriatric Homes

mawaheb mahmoud zaki, faten mohmed ahmed, Fathyea Said Sayed — 2018-09-17

Background: The elderly in old age homes at Benha city and Mansoura city have to face the burdens of long-term illness and numerous treatment associated stressors. The ability of these elderly to cope with and adapt to these stresses has an important influence on physical and psychological well-being Aim of the study: The aim of this research is to assess the effect of guided imagery as therapeutic strategy in reduction of stress among elderly people in geriatric homes at Benha city and Mansoura city. Research Hypothesis: The guided imagery as a therapeutic strategy will have a positive effect on reducing stress among elderly people in geriatric homes. This study used: Quasi experimental design study. Subjects: The target of this study consists of 40 elderly people. Setting:- The study was conducted at geriatric homes at Benha city and Mansoura city. Tools for data collection: The following tools were used for data collection part I:- Socio-demographic data sheet and part II the stress scale was developed by Jacob, (2005). It consisted of 25 items covering psychological, physiological, social and spiritual areas of stress. Positive and negative statements were included in this scale. The response alternatives were always, sometimes, rarely and never. Results: The result reveals that most of the elderly were Widowed (85.00%). In relation to elderly educational levels that the majority of the study groups had a secondary education (45.00%) and there are highly statistically significant differences between pre and post program related to stress level. Conclusion: Elderly in geriatric homes at Benha city and Mansoura city had significant reduction in the level of stress after the Practice of guided imagery. Recommendation: Practice of guided imagery can be introduced in the inpatient and outpatient settings of the hospital, before, during and after various medical procedures, Guided imagery can be made a part of daily routine of students and staff, which would help them to overcome their academic stress and a study can be carried out to find out the effectiveness of guided imagery on the occupational stress of employees of different fields.