Hypertension is a public health issue that significantly increases the risk of health problems and decreases health quality of life of the patients. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are used to control hypertension by preventing production of angiotensin II in turn decrease blood pressure, thus it may enhance the quality of life. This study aims to assess the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on the quality of life of patients with hypertensive aging 40 years or older in Benghazi city in comparison with other classes of hypertension medications. A case control observational study was conducted, adopting the structured face-to-face interviewing survey technique. Over 150 patients who visited Benghazi medical center during the study period (November, 2019 to March, 2020), to follow up their chronic disease. The investigators used a pre-validated, pre-piloted questionnaire that has been adopted from SF 36 and modified according to the updated literature review; responses to each question were coded and analyzed. The results display that antihypertensive medications were found to be significantly related to the limitation on the physical activity domain and found that medications decrease the limitation on the activity with about 20% of the patients who taking angiotensin receptor blockers (20%) and 30% of the patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, 40% of the patients had no limitations on bending kneeling and stooping. Moreover, on the limitations on walking more than one kilometre, the results were about 15% of the patients taking angiotensin receptor blockers and 30% of the patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors had a slightly or no limitation on walking more than a kilometre. Thus, the findings indicate that antihypertensive medications have a positive effect on quality of life of the patient in limitation on activity domain but no conclusive difference was found between angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers medications.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Investigating school performance and competencies, especially on leadership, received a considerable attention in the past. In fact, there have been multitudes of evidence that leadership can impact school performance, student achievement, or outcome. Also, there was no single measurement of school performance. This study examined the influence of leadership and core behavioral competencies on the school performance of school heads. This was to build a new model of school performance. Using an explanatory research design, it administered a survey questionnaire to 192 randomly chosen school heads from the 37 districts of Department of Education Division of Surigao del Sur. Also, it used data mining for the performance ratings of school heads from the division office. Regression analysis tested three hypothesized models of school performance where leadership and core behavior competencies serve as independent variables. Results showed that leading people was a significant predictor of school performance. Thus, leading people can best explain the school improvement as a proposed model. The results have implications for future research, leadership practice, and theoretical development of school performance model among school heads.
Formulation of the least cost rations that provides the nutrient requirements of birds is an important goal in poultry production . The aim of the present study was to create an application in the Excel program for formulation of low-cost poultry diets that provide adequate nutritional requirements using linear programming based on the Solver function of the Excel program and composition of common feed ingredients used in poultry diets (yellow corn, wheat, soybean meal , barley, wheat bran, protein concentrate, limestone, table salt, di-calcium phosphate, vitamins and minerals premix ,and vegetable oil), if their default prices are 500, 450, 750, 350, 250,1750, 250, 100, 500, 4500,and 1500) Iraqi Dinar / kg, respectively. The results showed that the Solver function in - Excel can be used to solve linear programming models such as those used for formulation of least cost poultry rations. This Microsoft Excel application is ready to use and can be used to assist researchers and students in formulating poultry rations that provide the desired nutritional requirements of poultry at the lowest cost.
Lakes are characterized by dynamic responses to ecological and limnologic disturbances that occur within a constrained timeframe. Some endorheic lakes in the Kenyan Rift valley are presently regarded as environmental hotspots because of complex changes that are revealed through multiple proxies; changing lake levels and surface area, turbidity and sedimentation, and the proliferation of macrophytes, and loss of aquatic biodiversity. Lake Baringo is characterized by widespread catchment degradation accompanied by high levels of turbidity during erratic and decline of the native fishery based on Oreochromis niloticus baringoensis. A careful analysis implicates potential natural factors such as catchment topography and increasing anthropogenic pressure as the main causes of lake ecosystem degradation. This paper recommends several strategies for restoration of Lake Baringo based on an integrated multi-faceted approach that combines catchment rehabilitation, pollution control, and provision of alternative livelihoods such as agriculture to the riparian communities
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a frequently utilized analytical method that has numerous characteristics, including high selectivity, sensitivity, and a reduced time requirement. Upon using this fabulous technique, the limit of detection is reduced, and the accuracy, precision, reliability, and specificity can be expanded. This technique plays a crucial role in both qualitative and quantitative analysis throughout the various stages of drug production, from the initial discovery of the drug to its excretion from the body. The role of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in pharmaceutical analysis during various stages of drug discovery, production, and clinical use, including drug pharmacokinetics, is reviewed and discussed in detail. This provides an overview of the benefits of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography from the chemical, pharmaceutical, and clinical perspectives.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Human resource practices are strategic in nature. They represent a vital guidance system that coordinates with executive business plan. HR practices form the foundation supporting the way of bank’s human capital will operate effectively. This research has estimated the impact of HR practices among the employees working in private sector banks on their productivity in Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu. In this research, the researcher has taken randomly around 125 banking employees working in private sector banks in Coimbatore district. A structured questionnaire has framed and collected their opinion about the HR practices which were practiced in their banks. Their opinion were subdued into tables by using percentage analysis, mean score analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The results showed that PG qualified employee whose age between 41 to 50 years have more impact of HR practices and their productivity also high
The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the relationships between liquid- ity (LIQ), capital structure (LEV), and fnancial performance (FIP). Additionally, we seek to investigate the indirect efect of liquidity (LIQ) on fnancial performance (FIP) by examining the intermediary role of the capital structure (LEV) of non-fnancial-listed companies in the Vietnamese stock market. This study utilizes PLS-SEM with a robust sample of 644 non-fnancial-listed companies in the Vietnamese stock market. The fndings suggest that liquidity positively infuences fnancial performance but negatively impacts capital structure. Conversely, capital structure negatively afects fnancial performance. Thus, liquidity indirectly enhances fnancial performance through capital structure mediation. This research result can provide suggestions for non-fnancial enterprises in making fnancial decisions to increase fnancial efciency by increasing the holdings of highly liquid assets to prevent risks and take advantage of new investment opportunities in the future. In addition, increasing the holding of highly liquid assets also reduces debt pressure and reduces interest costs, thereby increasing fnancial efciency. Our research shows that the relationship between economic factors is extremely complex; specifcally, our research shows the true nature of the positive impact of liquidity on fnancial performance, including direct positive efects and indirect positive efects through capital structure. In addition, our research results also show that non-fnancial enterprises that want to increase fnancial efciency need to pay attention to revenue growth, and non-fnancial companies with larger total assets (size) will have more advantages in increasing fnancial performance.
The study was undertaken to evaluate the nutrient composition, physical and sensory properties of bread samples produced from wheat, ground bean and sweet potato flour blends. The ground beans and sweet potatoes were prepared into flours and used at varying replacement levels (5-25% and 5-25%) for wheat flour in the production of bread loaves with 100% wheat flour bread as control. The nutrient composition, physical and sensory properties of the bread samples were determined using standard methods. The moisture, crude protein, fat, crude fibre and ash contents of the bread samples increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in the addition of ground bean and sweet potato flours from 7.53-8.03%, 9.06-14.52%, 3.12-4.68%, 3.42-5.15% and 2.41-3.04, respectively, while the carbohydrate and energy contents decreased from 74.46-64.58% and 362.16-358.52 KJ/100 g, respectively. The mineral composition of the bread samples also increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in substitution of ground bean and sweet potato flours from 76.32-102.33 mg/100 g (calcium), 86.33-106.76 mg/100 g (potassium), 43.17-70.79 mg / 100 g (phosphorus), 92.14-112.15 mg / 100 g (magnesium), 1.52-2.05 mg / 100 g (iron) and 2.13-2.98 mg/100 g (zinc), respectively. The thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E contents of the bread samples increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in the addition of ground bean and sweet potato flours from 42.17-59.19 mg/100 g, 62.31-80.69 mg/100 g, 24.15-47.57 mg/100 g, 12.15-12.15-12.73 mg/100 g, 18.32-47.33 mg/100 g and 15.31-43.67 mg/100 g, respectively. The physical properties (loaf volume, loaf height, loaf weight, oven spring and specific loaf volume) of the bread samples decreased significantly (p<0.05) with corresponding increase in the addition of ground bean and sweet potato flours from 310.21-115.41 cm3, 6.82-3.84 cm; 410.21-246.31g, 458.15-407.94 cm and 0.76-0.26 cm3/g, respectively. The sensory properties of the samples showed that the control sample (100% wheat flour bread) was the most acceptable to the panelists and also differed significantly (p<0.05) from the composite flour breads in colour, texture, taste and flavour. Although the 100% wheat flour bread (control) had better sensory and physical properties, it had the least values in nutrient contents compared to the composite flour bread loaves. However, the study showed that the nutrient contents of wheat flour breads could be improved by enriching wheat flour with ground bean and sweet potato flours at the levels of 5-25% and 5-25%, respectively in the production of bread loaves.
Vigna trilobata (L.) VERDC. belongs to the family Papilionaceae, which is found throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. In folk medicine, it is used for arthritis, fever, cough, dysentery, and urinogenital disorders. Different secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, and flavonoids, have been reported in Vigna trilobata. It has antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
The decision of the government of India to allow foreign direct investment in higher education is based on a consultation paper prepared by the commerce ministry, which is marked by arguments, perverse logic and forced conclusions. FDI in any field does not have an attached objective of fulfilling social agenda of the welfare state. It is guided by profit and market. This would result in commoditization of education. As per past most foreign institutes invest in technical courses which market needs rather than in quality education and research which is important for creating and developing human resource. There is a shortage of funds in higher education sector. Here are not many ways in which this investment in this sector can be increased in this sector domestically. Since a large number of students go abroad for their higher education, it is sensible to allow foreign universities to set up their campuses here, in India. This would help in arresting the outflow of monetary and human capital. Further, foreign higher educational institutes would create competition with the local institutes making them internationally competitive this article examines the issues and financial compulsions, presented in the consultation paper
This study explored how Egyptian journalists perceive the opportunities and challenges of robot journalism and its effect on newsroom operations. Guided by Roger Fidler’s Mediamorphosis Theory and in-depth interviews with journalists, the study reveals that artificial intelligence improves efficiency, data processing and investigative reporting. The participants cited ethical responsibility, employment stability, and cultural appropriateness as areas of concern. The findings highlight how Egyptian reporters are seeking a moderate solution and automation, which does not compromise professional judgment or public confidence. The study reveals that the adoption of robot journalism needs to be done responsibly and contextually to facilitate innovation in Egypt’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Monkeypox, an infectious disease caused by the Orthopoxvirus, was identified in humans in 1970. It has recently emerged as a global health concern due to outbreaks beyond its endemic regions in Central and West Africa. This review examines the current state of medical treatments for monkeypox as of 2024, focusing on antiviral agents, immunotherapies, and supportive care measures. Monkeypox manifests with symptoms including fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy, with severe cases more common in immunocompromised individuals. Antiviral therapies such as tecovirimat and brincidofovir are central to treatment strategies, with tecovirimat demonstrating efficacy in alleviating symptoms and reducing viral shedding. Emerging treatment strategies involve novel lipid-based formulations and combination therapies that integrate antivirals with immune-modulating agents. Supportive care remains essential, involving analgesics and antibiotics for secondary infections, while the MVA-BN vaccine plays a critical role in prevention. Research emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of viral pathogenesis and host immune responses to improve therapeutic and preventive measures. Despite significant advancements, challenges remain, including potential antiviral resistance, disparities in healthcare access, and the necessity for enhanced diagnostic and surveillance capabilities. This review highlights the imperative for ongoing research, international collaboration, and investment in healthcare infrastructure to advance the management and prevention of monkeypox and to prepare for future outbreaks.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
This study investigated the effect of health education on posture practices in reducing low back pain among patients in Rivers state, Nigeria. To achieve this, pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was employed, and the study targeted 170 patients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Two objectives having corresponding research questions and hypotheses guided the study, while convenience and stratified sampling techniques were used to select 50 participants, comprising 35 patients from the general outpatient clinic department and 15 patients from the spine physiotherapy unit, with 20 male and 30 female participants. Data collection was done by administering a self-structured, self-administered questionnaire, titled health education effect on ergonomic practices and low back pain, which had a reliability coefficient of 0.75. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to answer the research questions and test the hypotheses. The research found that educating patients on various methods of preventing low back pain, including healthy weight maintenance, warm-up exercises, and proper postural habits while sitting and standing, had a noteworthy impact on reducing pain. Moreover, the study also revealed that health education programmes were successful in therapeutic posture practices and reducing low back pain in patients residing in Rivers state. Therefore, the study concluded and recommended that health education interventions for functional and therapeutic posture practices are effective strategies for reducing low back pain among patients in Rivers state, and healthcare providers should incorporate these interventions into their treatment plans for patients suffering from low back pain.
Noncommunicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, tend to last long and result from genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. Uric acid nephrolithiasis, arthritis and gout come under noncommunicable diseases related with Monosodium urate monohydrate (MSUM ) crystals. MSUM crystals are deposited in peripheral joints, causing gout and eliciting an intense localized inflammatory attack. In contrast, in collecting ducts and medullary interstitium, it is a urinary calculi which causes dysuria, nausea and hematuria. The study aims to explore the possible morphological features of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals. The study was carried out on a glass slide under a microscope to observe the growth patterns of MSUM crystals. For this purpose, a drop of gel medium (sodium meta silicate solution + 0.2M sodium hydroxide + 2N acetic acid) at pH 5.02 - 5.17 was placed in the middle of a glass slide and converted into a gel. A 0.07 M uric acid drop was added to the adequately formed gel. The glass slide was observed under a microscope till it was completely dried. Monosodium urate monohydrate was formed as spherical ring banded spherulites, dumbbell and composite spherulites. The current study provides different phases of MSUM crystallization on a glass slide for the first time. It may also be used as a model to evaluate prophylactic management against gouty and renal stones through in vitro assessment of crystal growth and aggregation inhibition and modulation of developing or developed crystals by using different natural products.
This paper investigated the variation in the multidimensional competencies and professional development needs of kindergarten teachers using a cross-sectional research design. It involved 54 purposively selected kindergarten teachers and collected the data using the self-assessment tool adopted by the Department of Education from the National Research Center for Teacher Quality in the Philippines. These data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. As found, kindergarten teachers have a high level of competencies across dimensions. Also, they have a very high extent of professional development needs in content knowledge and pedagogy and the learning environment and diversity of learners. Moreover, they have a high extent of professional needs in two dimensions. The reported high priorities for training imply more emphasis on providing them professional development activities. Results found no significant difference in the competencies of kindergarten teachers in terms of age, position, civil status, degree, and years of teaching. On the contrary, significant differences revealed in their competencies in content knowledge and pedagogy, learning environment and learners’ diversity, and curriculum and planning between those with masters and without a master’s degree. Lastly, results show no significant difference in their professional development needs. These results have implications for future research and planning for a more responsive and cost-effective professional development initiatives in the locale.
Introduction: Mental illness is a global issue that affects various population groups, including university students. Gaining insights into students' perspectives on mental illness plays a vital role in fostering mental health awareness and combating stigma in educational environments Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate Vietnamese undergraduate students’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of mental illness by focusing on the dimensions: (i) the level of knowledge students possess about the causes and manifestations of mental illness, and (ii) their attitudes towards individuals experiencing mental health problems. Methodology: Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, this study involved 350 undergraduate students from five universities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Data collection was conducted between June and July 2024 and utilized the Perception Towards Persons with Mental Illness (PWMI) Scale adapted from previous studies. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science software, version 25 (IBM SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The results indicated that approximately 80.6% knew about mental illness, and 70.5% perceived mental illness as a common or quite common phenomenon in Vietnam. Regarding the etiology of mental illness, a significant majority identified "bad things happening to you" as a cause (73.3%), followed by substance abuse (51.4%) and brain disease (50.0%). The findings also revealed that, despite some positive perceptions and attitudes, many responses clustered around the neutral option, particularly for controversial or personal items. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to foster more informed and compassionate attitudes towards individuals with mental illness among undergraduate students.
There are more and more multinational enterprises growing in Indonesia that makes foreign employees are increasing every year. Thus, it is important for local workers to understand the leadership style of expatriates from the companies’ leaders and managers. The purpose of this research is to see the effect of transformational leadership style on job satisfaction conducted at PT Musim Mas, Medan. This research uses quantitative method with simple random sampling of 36 employees working in the company. The test results show that transformational leadership style has a positive significant effect on job satisfaction at PT Musim Mas, Medan as much as 69.5%.
Several intricate interactions of environmental and genetic factors can lead to autoimmune conditions in susceptible hosts. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex systemic autoimmune disease which can be triggered or exacerbated by infection or infectious reactions. The causal link between infections and autoimmunity has been established through clinical studies. Although several viral infections have been associated with SLE, yet the impact of COVID-19 on SLE onset and flares has not been well established. We report a young female who developed new-onset SLE shortly after having COVID-19 infection. Her clinical and lab parameters were highly suggestive of SLE and she responded to standard medical therapy. We also briefly discuss the pathogenetic mechanisms of autoimmunity in cases of viral infections.
La problématique de l’accès à l’eau potable soulève de nombreux enjeux de développement au regard des impacts qu’elle génère en milieu rural. C’est pourquoi plusieurs organisations internationales œuvrent aux côtés de l’Etat ivoirien afin de garantir un accès durable et sécurisé à cette ressource pour les populations. Cependant, il existe encore des zones en Côte d’Ivoire où les populations continuent de vivre au quotidien des pénuries d’eau potable. C’est le cas de la Sous-Préfecture de Gboguhé où cette problématique entrave considérablement le développement socioéconomique des villages. Partant de ce contexte, cette contribution tente d’analyser les impacts de la pénurie d’eau potable dans cette zone en s’inscrivant dans une perspective socioanthropologique. Pour ce faire, elle se base sur une approche essentiellement qualitative, mobilisant les techniques de revue de littérature, d’entretiens semi-directifs et d’observations directes pour la production de données. L’étude révèle que la pénurie d’eau potable dans la sous-préfecture de Gboguhé est un facteur de vulnérabilité chez les populations locales au regard des impacts sociaux, économiques, sanitaires et territoriaux qu’elle entraîne.
To acquire algorithmic thinking is a long process that has a few steps. The most basic level of algorithmic thinking is when students recognize the algorithms and various problems that can be solved with algorithms. At the second level, students can execute the given algorithms. At the third level of algorithmic thinking, students can analyze the algorithms, they recognize which steps are executed in sequences, conditions or loops. At the fourth level, students can create their algorithms. The last three levels of algorithmic thinking are: the implementation of the algorithms in a programming language, modifying and improving the algorithms, and creating complex algorithms. In preliminary research related to algorithmic thinking, we investigated how first-year undergraduate computer science students of J. Selye University can solve problems associated with the second, third and fourth level of algorithmic thinking. We chose these levels because these levels do not require to know any programming language. The tasks that students had to solve were for example: what will be the route of a robot when it executes the given instructions, how many times we need to cross a river to carry everyone to another river-bank. To solve these types of tasks requires only good algorithmic thinking. The results showed that students reached 81.4% average score on tasks related to the execution of given algorithms, 72.3% average score on tasks where they needed to analyze algorithms, and 66.2% average score on tasks where students needed to create algorithms. The latter type of tasks were mostly various river-crossing problems. Even though, that students reached a 66.2% average score on these tasks, if we had accepted only solutions with the optimal algorithms (minimal number of river crossing), they would have reached only a 21.3% average score, which is very low. To help students find the optimal algorithms of river crossing puzzles, we developed several interactive web-based animations. In the last part of this paper, we describe these animations, we summarize how they were created and how they can be used in education. Finally, we conclude and briefly mention our plans related to our future research.