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Self-directed learning is important for MBBS students to prepare themselves as lifelong learner. But a “spoonfed” school student needs to be sufficiently prepared to learn by SDL. In this study, the ability of the students to learn by SDL is measured along with evaluation of the reliability of as “Self-Directed Learning Instrument” (SDLI) as measuring tool. All willing students of the 1st phase MBBS curriculum (Batch 2020-21) were given a 20-item questionnaire known as “Self-directed Learning Instrument” (SDLI) to evaluate their learning abilities by SDL. A higher level of SDL is indicated by a higher score. A total of 247 students were included in the study. The result shows that students have poorest ability in Planning and Implementation domain (Mean: 3.9, variance: 0.26) whereas they are strongly motivated (Mean:4.3, variance: 0.37). SDLI score revealed that only 6 students need special care from faculties. Some (n = 81) needed observation and monitoring whereas majority of students (160, 64.8%) were supposed to be able to learn of their own. The method was found to be reliable as Cronbach’s alpha for all domains were over 0.70. The students with poor ability to learn by themselves can be identified in the very beginning of the session who can be given special attention and facilitated to grow as lifelong learner.
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@#Introduction: ABO blood group can be associated with chronic diseases, for example, cancer and coronary heart disease, however it is not proven in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to identify the association between the ABO blood group and disease control among T2DM patients at Kepala Batas, Penang. Methods: Approximately two mL vials of fresh blood were collected and typed using the tube method from 129 T2DM and 132 non-diabetic (control) patients, who visited the specialist clinic. The sociodemographic characteristics of the T2DM patients was analysed using descriptive analysis. The proportions of A, B, AB, and O blood groups among the diabetic and control patients were compared using the chi-square test. Any association between the ABO blood group and disease control was identified using the bivariate correlation test. Results: No significant association was found between the ABO group and T2DM patients (p = 0.152) when compared with the control group. However, blood group B was the most frequent among T2DM patients (33.3%) compared to blood group O within the control group (36.4%). Negative associations were observed between the ABO blood group and BMI (r = 0.098, p = 0.268), as well as the HbA1C value (r = -0.065, p = 0.464). Conclusion: No association was found between the ABO blood group and the associated risk factors (BMI and HbA1C). However, individuals with blood group B and risk factors, such as older age group, obesity, and high HbA1C value (more than 7.0%), should be monitored.
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@#Introduction: A custom-made Perspex male pelvic phantom was developed to measure and to compare absorbed, surface and effective doses obtained from Single-Energy and Dual-Energy Computed Tomography (SECT & DECT). Methods: A customised Perspex pelvic phantom that mimicked male Asian reference size was scanned with SECT mode at 80 kV, 100 kV, 120 kV and 140 kV. In addition, the fabricated phantom was also scanned with DECT mode at 80/140 kV. Thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) were used to measure the charges and doses obtained from the TLD calibration curve. The absorbed dose, surface dose and effective dose obtained from SECT and DECT were measured and compared between these two modes. Results: The DECT showed 55.9 % dose reduction compared to SECT at 140 kV tube voltage. It shows that DECT can be used with radiation dose sparing, and it is in good agreement with routine CTDI phantom study. The effective dose of DECT of the abdominal imaging was within the acceptable effective dose limit of AAPM Report No. 96. This study also found that the surface dose was lower than values reported in previous studies for both modes. Conclusion: The fabricated Perspex phantom shows a great potential to be considered as an alternative phantom for the commercially existing phantom in CT dosimetry application.
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Introduction: Qualitative case study aims to explore the perceived practices of teacher educators about technology integration in their pedagogical engagement in B. Ed (Hons), elementary program offered by a public sector mountainous university in Pakistan. Objective: To explore the practices perceived by university teachers on the Integration of Computer Technology in Teacher Education to achieve the learning outcomes of the new four-year model B. Ed, to enable educators to improve their academic competence, and related professional competence, in the current, ongoing climate of educational reform. Methods: Qualitative case study research, theoretical and empirical methods were used; semi-structured and open Skype interviews were applied, based on an intentional sample of two teachers. Results: the teachers integrated computer technology in their teaching but the nature of integration was superficial. Conclusions: The new four-year model B. Ed used, was based in teacher-centered instead of learner-centered, the level of integration was symbolic. The institutional conditions in terms of resources, proficient level of knowledge and skills presented weaknesses, and improper organizational arrangements for technology integration in teaching. Authors recommended developing teachers' knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge of computer technology to improve 'essential conditions' required for successful integration of technology in teaching(AU)
Introducción: Estudio de caso, cualitativo, que tiene como objetivo explorar las prácticas percibidas de los profesores educadores sobre la integración de la tecnología en su compromiso pedagógico en B. Ed (Hons), programa elemental ofrecido por una universidad montañosa del sector público en Pakistán para permitir a los educadores mejorar su competencia académica y la competencia profesional relacionada, en el clima actual y continuo de reforma educativa. Objetivo: Explorar las prácticas percibidas por los docentes universitarios sobre la integración de la tecnología informática en la formación docente para lograr los resultados de aprendizaje del nuevo modelo de cuatro años. B. Ed. Métodos: Investigación cualitativa de estudio de caso, se utilizaron métodos teóricos y empíricos; se aplicaron entrevistas en Skype semiestructuradas y abiertas, a partir de una muestra intencional de dos maestros. Resultados: Los profesores integraron la tecnología informática en su enseñanza, pero la naturaleza de la integración fue superficial. Las condiciones institucionales en términos de recursos, nivel competente de conocimiento y habilidades presentaron debilidades, e identificaron arreglos organizativos impropios para la integración de la tecnología en la enseñanza. Conclusiones: El nuevo modelo de cuatro años que usó B. Ed se basó en un modelo centrado en el profesor, en lugar de centrado en el alumno, el nivel de integración fue simbólico. Los autores recomendaron desarrollar el conocimiento de los docentes y del contenido pedagógico de la tecnología informática para mejorar las "condiciones esenciales" necesarias para la integración exitosa de la tecnología en la enseñanza(AU)
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Humans , Professional Competence , Computers , Mental Competency , Knowledge , Informatics , LearningABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Various phantom with varied materials has been proposed to replace the human body. Besides, there is always a demand to use the local material as a phantom material, which is readily available and inexpensive. Wood is usually preferred because it is multifunction, environmentally friendly, low in toxic, inexpensive, as well as easy to use and prepare. Previous studies have found that Rhizophora spp. is a suitable natural source material and has been suggested due to its comparable dosimetric properties to commercial phantom. Methods: In this study, fabricated Rhizophora spp. particleboards phantom was opted as a solid-equivalent phantom medium at low energy photon beams using Gafchromic film x-ray quality assurance 2 (XRQA2). Additionally, the characteristics of XRQA2 film in the diagnostic energy range were generated. Results: Interestingly, the density of the fabricated Rhizophora spp particleboards was observed to have the same density with the water equivalent material (ρ= 1.00 g.cm-3) and has shown to have loosened agreement with PDD of water phantom at approximately 25% of the dose error. Also, further analysis using XRQA 2 film showed that energy was independent at different ranges. Conclusion: The analysis of fabricated Rhizophora spp particleboards undertaken here has extended our knowledge of the possibility of manufacturing cost-effective water equivalent phantom by using binder-less particleboard from Rhizophora spp. Therefore, a definite need for smaller interspacing particles should be considered to elevate the potential of Rhizophora spp particle boards as water equivalent materials.
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@#Introduction: Trauma is a Global threat and the 5th highest cause of all-cause mortality in Malaysia caused predominantly due to road traffic accidents. Majority of trauma victims are young adults aged between 21-40 years old. In Malaysia, 24 out of 100,000 population die annually due to trauma, rating us amongst the highest in South East Asia. These alarming figures justify aggressive preventive and mitigation strategies. The aim of this paper is to promote the implementation of evidence-based interventions that will reduce the rate of preventable death because of trauma. Tranexamic acid is one of the few interventions in the early management of severe trauma with level-one evidence. Tranexamic acid has been proven to reduce all causes of mortality and mortality due to bleeding. Evidence proves that it is most effective when administered early, particularly within the 1st hour of trauma. This proposed guideline is formulated based upon quality evidence from multicentre studies, clinical practices in other countries and consideration of the local demographic factors with the intent of enabling an easy and simple pathway to administer tranexamic acid early in the care of the severely injured. Conclusion: The guideline highlights select pre-hospital criteria’s and the methods for drug administration. The authors recognise that some variants may be present amongst certain institutions necessitating minor adaptations, nevertheless the core principles of advocating tranexamic acid early in the course of pre-hospital trauma should be adhered to.
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@#Background: This study is aimed to analyse the availability, prices and affordability of medicines for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: A quantitative research was carried out using the methodology developed by the World Health Organization and Health Action International (WHO/HAI). The prices were compared with international reference prices (IRPs) to obtain a median price ratio. The daily wage of the lowest paid unskilled government worker was used as the standard of the affordability for the medicines. In this study, ten medicines of the IHD were included. The data were collected from 10 private medicine outlets for both originator brand (OB) and lowest-priced generic brand (LPG) in Bangi, Selangor. Results: From the results, the mean availability of OB and LPG were 30% and 42%, respectively. Final patient prices for LPG and OB were about 10.77 and 24.09 times their IRPs, respectively. Medicines that consumes more than a day’s wage are considered unaffordable. Almost half of the IHD medications cost more than one day’s wage. For example, the lowest paid unskilled government worker would need 1.4 days’ wage for captopril, while 1.2 days’ wage to purchase enalapril for LPG. Meanwhile, for OB, the costs rise to 3.4 days’ wage for amlodipine and 3.3 days’ wage for simvastatin. Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasise the need of focusing and financing, particularly in the private sector, on making chronic disease medicines accessible. This requires multi-faceted interventions, as well as the review of policies and regulations.
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Aims@#Arbuscular mycorrhizal is an obligate mutualistic symbiosis fungus which survives by forming endomycorrhizal on plant roots. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are not host-specific, allowing them to form a mutualistic symbiosis with a wide range of host plants including oil palm. In Malaysia, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are used as a growth enhancer for the oil palm: Elaeis guineensis. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are introduced only during transplantation to the field when the ages of the seedlings are approximately one year old. As such, this study is designed to investigate the ability of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to form colonisation with pre-nursery oil palm seedlings. @*Methodology and results@#Here, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were introduced at the pre-nursery stage oil palm seedlings. After inoculation, the seedlings were harvested on different days, i.e. on day-3, day-7, day-14, day-21, day-40 and day-60 to determine the colonisation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. We found that the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are able to form a mycorrhizal association with the oil palm seedling at the pre-nursery stage after 40 days of inoculation, and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that formed the association are Glomus sp. and Scutellospora sp. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study suggested that the oil palm seedling can be made into a mycorrhizal plant as early as the nursery stage before transplanting them into the plantation.
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Enhancement of physical function had been shown in older adults who actively participate in physical activities,particularly in the form of aerobic training with addition of progressive resistance training (PRT). However, it is quitechallenging and risky for most older adults to exercise in standing position without any support. Chair Based Exercise(CBE) is an alternative mode of exercise for older adult to facilitate exercise participation and increase safety. Its effectwhen combined with resistance training is unknown to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomeof CBE with PRT on physical performances among older adults. A total of 18 older adults (13 females (72%)) and 5 males(28%)), aged 60 to 83 years with mean age (SD) 72.67 (6.17) years completed the study. All subjects performed CBE withPRT intervention twice weekly for 8 weeks, with individually-tailored exercise progressions. Pre and post measurementsof physical performance were performed using Six MinutesWalk Test (6MWT), Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSTS) and HandGrip Strength (HGS) test. Significant improvement in 6MWT (p < .001), HGS Right hand (p = .043), HGS Left hand (p <.001), FTSTS (p < .001) was shown after the eight-week intervention. Adding PRT into seated exercises results in furtherimprovement in physical performance of older adults. CBE-PRT may be recommended as an exercise routine for olderadults living in the community.
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The leaf erectness is known to be one of the important factors that affect light conditions in plant population. Thereby triggers photosynthetic activity. A field experiment was carried out in low Si soil and observations made on leaf erectness at tillering stage and correlated with Si uptake and dry matter production. The leaf openness varied greatly due to application of graded levels of fly ash with and without SSB and FYM. Application of fly ash @ 100 t ha-1 with SSB and FYM registered the lowest value (16.7) which was on par with application of 50 t ha-1 fly ash +SSB and FYM. This parameter was negatively and significantly correlated with Si content (r = -0.83) and uptake (r = -0.92) in rice plant at tillering. Similarly, significant and negative correlation (r= -0.70) was observed with grain yield in loamy sand soil with low Si status. In sandy loam soil with low to medium Si status the parameter was best correlated with grain yield (r=-0.94) and negatively, significantly correlated with Si content (r =-0.55) and uptake (r=-0.82) in plant at tillering. Among the different treatments, application of SSB + FYM recorded the lowest leaf openness of 14.9 which was on par with SSB (16.4) followed by FYM (17.4) whereas control recorded the highest leaf openness of 20.0. The interaction between different main treatments and graded levels of fly ash has not rendered significant change in leaf openness under high soil Si status.
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Introduction: Leptospirosis is endemic to tropical regions of the world and is re-emerging as a new danger to public health in Malaysia. the purpose of this particular study was to determine the common leptospiral serovars present in human communities living around wildlife reserves/disturbed forest habitats. the objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis and finding infecting serovars in villages surrounded habitats where wildlife lives in Sarawak, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional serological survey of 198 humans was conducted in four villages around Kuching, Sarawak between January 2011 and March 2012. results: A seroprevalence of 35.9% (95%cI 29.2-43.0) to the MAt was detected in the tested humans. Antibodies to serovar Lepto 175 Sarawak were most commonly detected (31.3%; 95%cI 24.9-38.3) and were detected in individuals at all four locations. the presence of skin wounds (Or 3.1), farm animals (Or 2.5) and rats (Or 11.2) were all significantly associated with seropositivity in a multivariable logistic regression model. conclusions: the results of the current study are important as wildlife may act as reservoirs of leptospires for humans. Health authorities should expand disease control measures to minimise the spill-over from wildlife to humans visiting, living or working in the sampled locations. the pathogenic status of serovar Lepto 175 Sarawak also requires further investigation.
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LeptospirosisABSTRACT
40 Anemic individuals aged between 15-40 years randomly were taken as subjects. They were trained for Trikonasana and its variations, Sarvangasana, Surya namaskara, Yoga mudras for 90 days under supervision of professional yoga trainers. Assessments of various parameters like Pulse rate, B.P, Hb%, were done before the training and after the training of 30th, 60th and 90th day with and without treatment. After yoga with treatment increases Pulse rate and Hb%, while BP was shown normal.
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To study stunting problem in children attending schools in District East of Karachi, to calculate prevalence of stunting on the basis of study and compare it with national data and to suggest intervention to prevent stunting in school children. Cross sectional epidemiological study. This study was conducted on the school children of Karachi during February 2012 to February 2013. 164 randomly selected children attending private and government schools in Karachi East. There were 164 total children out of them 81 [49.40%] were male and 83 [50.60%] female. Stunting was present in 101 [61.5%], normal height and weight was observed in 7 [4.26%]. Stunting and not stunting proportion of 164 children among them 101 were stunted and 64 were not stunted [P< 0.05]. The study showed the stunting in Karachi needs nutritional intervention and public health and community health education to halt stunting problem in school health children in Karachi east
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Humans , Female , Male , Cross-Sectional Studies , Child , Growth Disorders , Body HeightABSTRACT
Measuring body mass index [BMI] by calculating height and weight gives significant information on the health and nutritional status of individuals. Wide range of factors including blood pressure level, heart disease, asthma, headache, backache, joint pain, anesthesia risks, menstrual abnormalities and insulin resistance is associated with increase in BMI. [1] To measure height and weight for Body Mass Index calculation. [2] To compare national data of Body Mass Index. Cross sectional study. This study was conducted at the Department of Community Medicine, Dow International Medical College [DIMC], Dow university of Health sciences OJHA campus Karachi from April 2012 to April 2013. The sample of the study was 112 medical student selected through random sampling method from DIMC. BMI trend of American student [10.90%] and Pakistani Local student is slightly different were under weight in local Pakistani student [20.65%]. While over weight were more in American student [over weight 29.64%]. Majority of local and International students are fall in Normal range [55.35%]. It was interesting that obesity in American students [3.70%] and local born students [3.44%] was almost same. The study concludes that BMI of International student who were born in Pakistani migrant family have different trend. How ever over all majority of students both local and international fall in normal BMI range
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Humans , Female , Male , Students, Medical , Internationality , Bone Diseases, Metabolic , Osteoporosis , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
To screen morbidities among school age children, to assess health education need to prevent these diseases and to compare morbidities with national and international patterns Cross Sectional Epidemiological Study This study was conducted at DIMC, DUHS, Karachi during February and March 2012. This study was conducted of school children of Karachi. Sample size; 125 children from 6 primary, kg and nursery classes data was collected on pre -designed and pre- tested proforma Total 22 morbidities were identified on clinical examination and anthropometry methods common morbidities were max in ear, scabies, lice infestation, alopecia, anemia, and underweight, DNS, Rhinorrhea, 21.5% children had no morbidity while 28.8% needed primary health care/ first aid or simple treatment or referral while 71% needed health education, hygiene or nutrition supplements. Morbidities are same as reported from Pakistan and Indian studies published Journals and books and all morbidities were preventable School age children are suffering from common preventable diseases they need primary health care education hygiene and nutrition supplement to improve their health Medical Universities NGOs and Education and Health Department can manage by health camps or by formal school health services programme
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Humans , Child , Health Education , Epidemiologic Studies , Epidemiologic Studies , School Health Services , Primary Health Care , Community MedicineABSTRACT
To evaluate how much the backpacks of elementary school children weigh and the percentage of body weight represented by them. To determine the attribute of school backpacks and key out the methods of carrying backpacks. Cross sectional study. This is a cross sectional study conducted on school girls and boys of age between 5-15 years during April 2008 to Sept 2008 in Karachi. Sample of 660 students was taken. Students were interviewed with structured pre-tested questionnaire asking about: How they travel to and from school [walk/transport]? How they carry bags? If they have pain due to bag carriage? Where they feel pain [shoulder/neck/back]? Do they consult doctor for pain? How many days they remain absent from school due to pain? How they get relief from pain? School bags averaged weight is 4.9 kg. Related to body weight of the students, school bag represented an average weight of 18.00% .The maximum value for bag weight relative to body mass was 48%.About 89.1% of students carried bags weighing more than 10% of their body mass. Bag surface area ranges from 87 cm in the first grade to 2322 cm in the 7th grade. The maximal ratio of Bag surface area to student's trunk area was 266.27.The proportion of students who experienced bodily pain due to back pack carriage was 67%.Regarding intensity of pain; 40.5% students had complain of mild pain, 17.4% students had complain of moderate pain, while 10.8% had severe intensity of pain. The average bag weight of students relative to their body weight who felt pain was 19.00% of their body weight while the average bag weight of students relative to their body weight who did not felt pain was 17.21%. Our research analysis shows that 7% students were absent from school due to pain.N6% of students visited doctor with complain of pain. School students of Karachi 5-15 years old seem to carry substantial backpack loads, which represent more than 10 percent of children's body weight