A focus group is an investigative tool for social research based on a structured and focused discussion with a small group of people, run by a facilitator (moderator) to generate qualitative data through a set of open-ended questions. The focus group technique is a qualitative research methodology popularly used in social research in a wide range of sectors. A researcher uses a set of open-ended questions on a specific topic to generate qualitative data. The focus group is an efficient way of gathering data about particular opinions or attitudes by covering a large number of people in the same group. This entry explores the methodology and processes of focus groups as well as the analysis of data from focus group research.
In this report, Abacus Ltd employee will offer his client guidelines, another organisation trying to comprehend risk management. Abacus gives a scope of business consultancy administrations to their clients which assist them with developing their business. Abacus's new client wants all individuals from the senior group to comprehend risk management in business and the various kinds of danger (Aven and Renn, 2010).
Accurate diagnosis of the cause of acute or chronic kidney dysfunction may require a percutaneous kidney biopsy (PKB). Unfortunately, the invasive nature of the procedure can lead to potential complications that may discourage the KBs. Lack of appropriate communication skills, experienced personnel and equipment, and high procedure costs can negatively impact complication rates and the frequency of conducted KBs. This nonsystematic review assesses KB procedures, indications, contraindications, complications, post-KB monitoring time, and cost. We looked for reviews and original articles published between January 2010 and Jan 2025 on Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Different keywords, phrases, and sentences include PKB, renal biopsy, native PKB, ultrasound guide, CT-guided, PKB, allograft PKB, and PKB procedures. KB makes histopathological and immunohistological diagnosis possible, which are necessary for diagnosis and treatment. It is often used despite the known complications. KB and other biochemical assays have tracked transplant rejection and antirejection drugs. Automatic gun spiral needles sizes 14 and 16 capture enough samples with fewer complications than gauge sizes 18 and 20. KB cost is another issue, especially in low-income areas, and deserves additional study.
Wilsons disease is a rare inherited disorder which is characterized by impaired copper excretion which leads to excessive deposition of copper in many tissues and organs like brain, liver, and eye. This is also characterized by Kaiser-Fleischer ring, low serum ceruloplasmin levels and elevated urinary copper excretion [1]. A 26year male patient came to the neurology department with chief complaints of involuntary tremors of both hands and difficulty in walking in the last one month associated with swaying to one side in the last 20 days. On examination the patient is having Kaiser-Fleisher ring positive and upon further investigation Magnetic resonance imaging brain was performed which revealed the features in favor of Wilson’s disease. And for this condition the patient is treated with chelating agents and benzodiazepines. Key words: Wilson’s Disease, Kaiser- Fleisher ring, Chelating agents
Worldwide, the focus on online learning during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic faced many challenges. The present study aimed to evaluate the preferences, perceptions, and attitudes of university students toward various strategies of learning. A pre-piloted cross-sectional survey was posted on the internet in Arabic and English language. Questions covered the demographical characteristics of the participants and their preferences and perceptions of various learning strategies. We received 270 questionnaires from various countries. The majority (n=199, 73.7%) of respondents were from the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, with n=125 (46.3%) participants from the College of Pharmacy. The majority (n=198, 73.0%) of respondents were females, Arabs (n=262, 97.0%), living with their families (n=208, 77.0%), and with only the father working (n=174, 64.0%). Preference was, for online learning (n=145, 53.7%) as compared to in-class learning (n=119, 44.1%). More students (n=110, 40.7%) claimed improvement in their grades with online learning but 62 of students (23.0%) stated that their grades were worsened. Student’s performance in online exams was similar to that in paper exams. The majority (n=168, 62.2%) of students claimed that their overall expectations of online learning were not the same as those for in-class learning. 50.0%-60.0% of respondents believed that in-class learning allows them to learn more effectively, and achieve the best work preparation, best exam performance, and best education value, and they were more likely to recommend it. Despite the disadvantages of online learning, it remains the future strategy for higher education. Appropriate planning of courses, and helping students by reducing digital inequity, if any, would certainly prove satisfactory for the millennial generation of students
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
La socialisation en Afrique de l’Ouest se fait par des canaux normatifs dont le mariage. Ce lien sacré, scellé par les Hommes et béni par Dieu, est une nécessité humaine et reste un goulot social pour plusieurs femmes. Sur cette entité géographique patriarcale, la condition féminine relève très souvent d’’un chemin de croix’ pour un épanouissement multiforme. Issoufi DICKO et Safiatou BA se saisissent de cette facette de la thématique du genre pour questionner les vies et les règles traditionnelles en contexte de modernité. Les deux jeunes écrivains maliens portent, entre condition féminine et inversion sexuelle, un regard sans complaisance sur leur société en profonde mutation. Trame nourricière de leurs ouvrages respectifs, ces thèmes leur permettent de mettre en scène des personnages hauts en couleur et en courage. Contrariées en partie par leurs quotidiens et la vie, le système patriarcal et l’embrigadement socioreligieux, leurs héroïnes s’indignent et se révoltent contre les sorts qui leur sont imposés. Défiant les règles de la vie en couple et celles socio-culturelles, elles s’érigent en rempart des dérives sociales perpétrées contre les femmes. Parallèlement à la condition féminine et les conflictualités de la vie en couple, le lesbianisme balbutiant au Mali est convoqué. Issoufi DICKO et Safiatou BA décrivent méticuleusement les arcanes de son enracinement progressif. Cette contribution aborde, avec la méthode qualitative, la condition féminine et l’homosexualité au Mali, entre fiction et réalité sociale. L’objectif de cette contribution est d’analyser la condition féminine et l’homosexualité à travers les deux romans.
A mobile adhoc network is a Self-configuring network of mobile routers connected by wireless links. In the mobile adhoc network, each and every device moves independently in any direction so that there are frequent changes in the links. It is essential to learn the position of the neighbors because there is increase in location-aware services. So, there is a chance that the malicious nodes are easily abused the process. The significant problem in mobile networks is correctness of node locations and also it is primarily challenging in the presence of adversaries. So, the neighbor position verification protocol is used to a fully distributed, a lightweight NPV procedure which allows each node to obtain the locations advertised by its neighbors and asses their truthfulness. Further to extend neighbor position verification protocols in the proactive model that need to each node constantly verify the position of its neighbors. So, we introduce a technique called secure link state updating which provides secure proactive topology discovery that is multiply useful for the network operation. This technique is vigorous against individual attackers, it is capable to adjust its capacity between local and network-wide topology discovery, and also operating in networks of frequently changing topology and membership nodes. Experimental results show that the proposed system is high efficiency in terms of security when compared to the existing system.
Lack of development of adequate social skills of special need students results in many disruptive behavior and poor academic gains. School setting is also an indicator of rise in academics and learning of social skills. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the social skills development and educational outcomes of special need students attending special and inclusive settings. Only 110 visually impaired students (60 from special and 50 form inclusive school setting) represent as special need children who participated as sample of the study. Data were collected from 5 Special Schools for Visually Impaired and 5 Inclusive Schools located in Delhi and NCR. Hindi Version of the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters: Self-rating form (MESSY) by Sharma (2000) was used to assess social skills development and to measure the educational outcome, aggregate percentage marks obtained by the students in their previous year‟s annual examination were collected from the records of the schools. Hypotheses formulated for this study were verified by applying appropriate statistical techniques- Mean, Standard Deviation and t-test. Significant differences found in the development of social skills and educational gains of the special need children in special vs. inclusive settings. Inclusive setting, to a great extent provides conducive learning environment and platform to develop social skills. Results of the study recommend implications for special and normal children, teachers and administrators.
Background: There is great promise for improving nutrition and health thanks to phytonutrients' antioxidant qualities and health advantages. Their capacity to combat oxidative stress and associated illnesses emphasizes the importance of precisely evaluating their antioxidant characteristics. Objective: This study concludes by providing a comprehensive and critical critique of the current approaches to measure the antioxidant activity of phytonutrients. It dives into the fundamentals, benefits, drawbacks, and most recent developments of commonly used antioxidant assays, giving the reader a comprehensive grasp of the topic. This recapitulation of the review's goal in the end reinforces the reader's primary takeaway. Methods: Research on several antioxidant tests, such as FRAP, ORAC, DPPH, and ABTS, is consolidated in this review. It looks at each assay's performance traits, technological advances, and techniques. The review also assesses the incorporation of many assays to thoroughly examine phytonutrient potency and its uses in the food industry and nutritional science. Results: The review shows how antioxidant tests have advanced significantly, improving sensitivity, accuracy, and physiological relevance. It demonstrates how these tests can be used practically to guarantee food quality, create supplements, and offer nutritional advice. The paper also lists the difficulties today, including the intricacy of antioxidant mechanisms, test variability, and the requirement for assay standardization. The practical value of the research is emphasized by highlighting the significance of antioxidant tests for quality assurance, adulteration detection, and shelf life extension in the food business. Discussion: Scientists, doctors, and business experts interested in evaluating and applying phytonutrients will find this review helpful. It emphasizes how crucial it is to improve antioxidant testing to ascertain the possible health advantages and therapeutic uses of phytonutrients. The review highlights the need for increased test sensitivity, accuracy, and relevance while discussing the benefits and drawbacks of the available techniques. It draws attention to the importance of strong and trustworthy antioxidant tests to maximize the use of phytonutrients in food quality control and pharmaceutical research. Prospects: Future directions seek to address the challenges discovered through the development of multidisciplinary research and testing technologies. Novel approaches will advance our knowledge of phytonutrient potency and aid in developing medicines and nutraceuticals. This study highlights the significance of trustworthy assays for understanding and utilizing phytonutrients, providing academics and professionals in the business with vital insights.
This study investigated the practice of artificial fruit ripening among fruit vendors of banana, plantain, mango and pawpaw in Rivers State. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Two objectives, corresponding research questions and null hypotheses guided the study. The population for the study comprised all the accessible 1,810 fruit vendors in Rivers East senatorial district. A sample size of 472 fruit vendors was drawn using multi-stage sampling procedure. A validated self-structured questionnaire titled ‘Practice of Artificial Fruit Ripening’ with inter-scale reliability co- efficient of 0.896 was used as instrument for data collection. The descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics of Z-test and One-Way Analysis of Variance were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. It was found that fruit vendors in Rivers State sometimes practiced artificial fruit ripening using chemical and non-chemical methods. It was also discovered that regardless of their level of education and years of experience in the fruit business, the fruit vendors sometimes indulged in unhealthy practice of artificial fruit ripening. More so, the study revealed significant difference in practice among the fruit vendors in Rivers State based on level of education and years of experience. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the current practice of artificial fruit ripening in Rivers State is not in tandem with global best practices and therefore portend danger to the wellbeing of Rivers people and other Nigerians. The study therefore recommended among others that; community health workers should carry-out regular and effective health awareness campaigns concerning the dangers of using chemicals to ripen fruits. The Government of Rivers State through the Ministry of Agriculture should organise training programmes for fruit vendors on faster, safer, and economically feasible methods of fruits ripening and other post-harvest management techniques
Background and Objectives: The complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can occur in some organs, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Stroke, one of such complications, is increasing every year. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for stroke among T2DM patients in Qatar. Methods: This was a secondary post hoc analysis of collected data from our previous study titled “Association of Vitamin D deficiency with dyslipidemia, glycemic control, and microalbuminuria in patients with T2DM in Qatar.” Results: The prevalence of stroke among our patients was 3.8%. A comparison between stroke and no-stroke groups showed a significant association between stroke and other diseases, namely, chronic kidney diseases (CKD) (p=0.007), coronary artery disease (CAD) (p=0.010), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (p<0.001), retinopathy (p=0.044), prolonged duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) (p=0.041), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p=0.006), and a high serum creatinine level (p=0.003). In the multivariate analysis, we identified the following variables as independent risk factors for stroke in patients with T2DM: male gender, CKD, CAD, PVD, high HbA1c, a high creatinine level, and prolonged duration of DM. Conclusion: The prevalence of stroke among T2DM patients in Qatar was around 3.8%. The main risk factors were male gender, CKD, CAD, PVD, high HbA1c, prolonged duration of DM, and a high level of creatinine.
Background: The determinants of medication adherence in people with diabetes may differ between populations of an area due to social environment, cultural beliefs, socioeconomic conditions, education, and many other factors differences. Objective: Therefore, this study aims to explore, identify and classify the determinants of medication adherence in several Asian regions. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to gain insight into the determinants of medication adherence. Seven relevant databases (EBSCO, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Wiley, dan Taylor, and Francis) and hand-searching methods were conducted from January 2011 to December 2020. Keywords were compiled based on the PICO method. The selection process used the PRISMA guidelines based on inclusion, and the quality was assessed using Crowe’s critical assessment tool. Textual summaries and a conceptual framework model of medication adherence were proposed to aid in the understanding of the factors influencing medication adherence. Results: Twenty-six articles from countries in several Asian regions were further analyzed. Most studies on type 2 diabetes patients in India used the MMAS-8 scale, and cross-sectional study is the most frequently used research design. The medication adherence rate among diabetic patients was low to moderate. Fifty-one specific factors identified were further categorized into twenty-three subdomains and six domains. Furthermore, the determinants were classified into four categories: inconsistent factors, positively related factors, negatively related factors, and non-associated factors. In most studies, patient-related factors dominate the association with medication adherence. This domain relates to patient-specific demographics, physiological feelings, knowledge, perceptions and beliefs, comorbidities, and other factors related to the patient. Several limitations in this review need to be considered for further research. Conclusion: Medication adherence to diabetic therapy is a complex phenomenon. Most determinants produced disparate findings in terms of statistical significance. The identified factors can serve various goals related to medication adherence. Policymakers and health care providers should consider patient-related factors.
This research was carried out at SDS Harapan Jakarta. This research aims to unravel the implementation of character education’s values through thematic subject, specifically on Indonesian Language Content. This research uses qualitative descriptive approach to gather research data deeply and thoroughly regarding character education’s value. Data collection was done using interviews, observation, and documentation. Miles and Huberman method was used to analyze data collected with the process of data collection, condensation, data display, and data verification. Triangulation was used to verify the validity of the data. The result of this study revealed that 1) The implementation of character education values in the content of Indonesian Language learning in Class 3 is implemented through reading and writing activities that prioritize the five main values in education according to the Minister of Education and Culture. 2) There are still less-effective efforts to achieve learning objectives. 3) There is still a lack of learning innovations carried out to achieve learning goals. 4) No lesson plans that are not made routinely as a means of evaluating learning. 5) There is still a need for improvement in the application of character education in Indonesian content that is linked to students' real experiences, both through online and offline learning.
Inlet valve in an engine tends to be subjected to immense thermal loads besides chemical corrosion. Opening and closing of inlet valve practically could be in the order of 2000 times per 1.6 km. In the mean time of engine working cycle, seat insert of the inlet valve is the surface, against which an intake valve seats. Conventional engine valves are provided with a curved angle for its seating position, but for this study, the same is proposed to be positioned at a tapered angle. This tapered position as converted into radius in order to permit rich air at the inlet and reduce exhaust emission. This study is to investigate the nature of the future redesigned Scooping valve for a 1.25L 4-cylinder Petrol engine with VTVT (Variable Timing and Valve Train) under combined mechanical and thermal loading cycle by feeding the input conditions for this study after NX-CAD modelling in ANSYS 10.0 software and the numerical results thus obtained are recorded for future valve design considerations.
Developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are congenital vascular malformations often found incidentally on neuroimaging. This case report describes a 37-year-old female with chronic headaches and an incidentally discovered DVA in the left frontal lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a classic "caput medusae" pattern without hemorrhage or associated cavernous malformation. This case highlights the importance of recognizing DVAs as incidental findings, differentiating them from other causes of chronic headaches, and understanding the significance of associated imaging findings.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex and chronic illness requiring continuous medical care. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is commonly associated with obesity, hypertension, and a tendency to develop thrombosis, and an increase risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Diabesity is a term used to indicate the coexistence of obesity and DM. Diabesity increases as obesity is an emerging epidemic in modern societies, the co-incidence with DM is also rising, so a joint plan of anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycemia for the management approaches. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on body weight and glycemic response in obese Libyan patients with T2D at the National Diabetes Centre in Tripoli, between July 2013 and May 2022. This prospective study included obese adults with T2D who were newly prescribed GLP-1RA therapy for six months with dulaglutide once weekly or liraglutide once daily. The study included 170 diabetic patients who were started on GLP1-RA as add on therapy to their treatment, with a regular follow-up with dietitian and their physicians to adjust their glucose-lowering medications, then comparing the effect of these agents on body weight and the level of glycated hemoglobin before and after 24 weeks of treatment. Most of the patients (n = 99, 58.23%) were in the age period from 54 to 74 years old and 101 of whom were female subjects (59.4%), with a mean duration of DM equal to 8.8 ± 7.3 years. The patients were divided randomly into two groups, the first group included 110 patients who received liraglutide pens showed a significant reduction in HbA1c from 9.6% (± 1.54) to 7.4% (± 1.03) by p < 0.001 and a significant weight loss from 88.3 kg (± 10.68) to 80.8 kg (± 11.83) by p < 0.001. The reported adverse events were in 23 cases of minor hypoglycemia due to gastrointestinal upset. The other group included 60 patients for dulaglutide pens and showed significant decrease in HbA1c = 9.6% (± 1.54) to 7.1% (± 1.2) by p < 0.05 and a significant reduction of bodyweight from 88.3 kg (± 10.68) to 83.8 kg (± 16.3) by p < 0.05. The reported adverse events were mild transient gastrointestinal distress for the initial week of a start and then subside with regular intake. Whereas, 115 patients (67.6%) with HbA1c above 10.0% before starting therapy, no patient with HbA1c above 10.0% after six months of both GLP-RA agents therapy. Thus, the uses of GLP-RA as add-on therapy for obese patients with T2D significantly improved glycaemic control with less hypoglycaemia, accordingly, reduce insulin requirement for blood glucose control and loss in body weight. It can thus be concluded that GLP-1RA therapy is an effective treatment option when used in obese patients with DM.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Homoeopathy is one of the latest systems of medicine discovered at the latter part of 18th century, first rose to prominence in the 19th century due to its success in treating epidemics and is currently second largely utilized system of medicine globally. Prophylaxis through Homoeopathy has been strongly promulgated by stalwarts and popular among the general public in the recent times, but still controversy revolves around it. Aim of the study is to review the available literature for analyzing the usefulness of Homoeopathy in prophylaxis of human, animal as well as plant diseases. A comprehensive search has been made in electronic database aimed to target the available literature of various levels of evidence. Examples are summarized under different areas of applicability of homeopathic medicine as prophylactic. Currently there is convincing evidence to support effectiveness of Homoeopathy in prophylaxis, though sparse. More rigorous research studies are warranted to enlarge the horizon of its application.
Our research is a contribution to the analysis of emergent practices in the mediatization of the Gospel. It mobilizes an intercultural approach of the appropriation of the TIC by social actors at ends of proselytism and propaganda. The mobilized problem is that of the seduction in the media revival of the neo-pentecostal leaders. By supporting us on an observation of the practices of the TVevangelism in Cameroon, we analyze the emergent social uses of the audio-usual mediums at ends of proselytism and propaganda. Our research reveals the interest to go beyond the deterministic analyses of the development of the TIC to propose an intercultural analysis which underlines the sociocultural contingency of the movement of emergence and development of the TIC. The aim is to propose an intercultural analysis which underlines the sociocultural contingency of the movement of emergence and development of the TIC in Africa.
This study aims to determine the process of implementing PJOK learning in limited face-to-face learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in class V MIN 2 Palangka Raya City. This type of research is qualitative with case studies. Data collection techniques by observation and interviews. Meanwhile, data analysis uses descriptive data analysis. The results of this study show that:1) planning for sports and health physical education learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in MIN 2 Palangka Raya City: Teachers plan the PJOK class V learning program, develop the Annual Program, carry out Semester Program activities, carry out learning plans in the learning syllabus, distribute effective weeks.2) Implementation of Sports and Health Physical Education learning in MIN 2 Palangka Raya City, namely: development of the Annual Program into the Learning Implementation Plan, carrying out Semester Program activities, implementation of learning plans in the learning syllabus, online teaching, and learning process activities teachers explain teaching materials, apply learning methods.
This case is designed to highlight the marketing strategies adopted by a new entrant in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. The importance of brand architecture in building brand relevance in this competitive environment and enhancing customer loyalty has been put forth as illustrated by the experts. The synchronization of branding strategies and marketing communications in terms of establishing a customer connect purely on the basis of nationalism, price, and natural preparations have been highlighted from the perspective of Patanjali’s growth strategy. The brand has been envied by all the big players of the sector for proving itself as the major disruptor being portrayed in terms of its voluminous sales and ever-rising revenues. This case on Patanjali offers an insight into the strategies followed by a new company to position the brand at the right time and acquire a substantial market share. It also highlights the facts that exceptional competitiveness in distribution strategies may not be the only determinant for effective management of distribution strategies, and the road ahead needs to be rightly sorted out. This case also tries to unlock the path that determines the success the brand Patanjali has achieved which otherwise took decades for Nestle, Proctor & Gamble, ITC, or Unilever to achieve.