Using the Health Belief Model by Shadow Teachers in Identifying the Behavior of Children with Special Needs

The identification of behavioral and emotional disorders of children with special needs in inclusive classroom learning by using the important health belief model approach is carried out by shadow teachers before starting learning. This is used to regulate and place children into different learning systems by adjusting for their needs in relation to meeting the learning outcomes. This study aims to explore the meaning of the shadow teacher’s experience in identifying the behavioral and emotional problems that occur when accompanying children with special needs at following along with the learning in inclusive classes with the health belief model approach. This study was a phenomenology qualitative study that used a purposive sampling technique. The data analysis used the Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis approach. Through in-depth interviews, observations and assistance from the note file, the population involved 7 participants who produced five themes. Three sub-themes were identified for perceived susceptibility: (1) lack of adherence to orders, (2) aggressive behavior, (3) difficulty expressing desires. Two sub-themes identified on perceived severity: (1) independence, (3) stigma. This study encourages the improvement of competence, especially the implementation of assessments when dealing with children with special needs, concerning the provision of adequate facilities and arrangements for inclusive learning and to raise public awareness of the acceptance of children with special needs in the community. Keywords: Health Belief Model, Behavior, Children Special Need

Three Major Interrelated Factors Contributing to Homelessness Issue among Former Prisoners in Malaysia

Homelessness issue among former prisoners in Malaysia upon their release is of great concern. Hence, this study aimed to identify the predominant factors influencing homelessness issue among former prisoners in Malaysia. Imprisonment is usually assumed to be a negative life event and can act as a hindrance for the former prisoner to successfully integrate after being freed from prison. Imprisonment and past criminal records are the biggest contributors to becoming homeless. This is a fact because imprisonment causes the former prisoners to lose his source of income, personal belongings, ability to seek shelter and personal relationships due to family rejection, addiction and unemployment. This study was based on the Ecological Model of Homeless by Nooe and Patterson. The selection of this model was considered appropriate and aligned with the objectives of the study which aimed to identify the factors that lead to the life of the homeless among former prisoners. In this study, nineteen former prisoners, regardless of the type of offence committed, were selected using the snowball sampling method and were interviewed. The findings revealed that family denial, unemployment, and drug addiction were the three major interrelated factors that contribute to the homelessness issue among the former prisoners during their reintegration process. Housing security is a risk factor of homelessness

Keperluan dan bantuan untuk integrasi semula : perspektif gelandangan bekas banduan di Kuala Lumpur

Setiap tahun, ratusan ribu banduan dibebaskan tanpa sebarang perkhidmatan sambungan dari Jabatan Penjara Malaysia. Bantuan yang diberikan menerusi program parol dan rumah perantaraan yang hanya dapat dinikmati oleh segelintir bekas banduan yang menjadikan majoriti bekas banduan dibebaskan tanpa sebarang bantuan. Keadaan ini menjadikan mereka terpaksa berintegrasi semula dengan menggunakan usaha sendiri. Keadaan ini membuatkan keperluan melaksanakan kajian ini untuk mengenalpasti bantuan yang diterima oleh gelandangan bekas banduan dan keperluan yang diperlukan untuk mereka keluar dari kehidupan jalanan. Sebuah kajian kualititatif yang mengunakan kaedah fenomonologi dengan menemubual 15 orang informan gelandangan bekas banduan telah dilakukan. Hasil kajian menunjukkan majoriti informan yang menyatakan ketiadaan sebarang bantuan daripada pihak Jabatan Penjara Malaysia. Mereka memohon bantuan terutama dari Baitulmal dan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat tetapi telah dirumitkan dengan ketiadaan kad pengenalan, birokrasi, dan dokumen-dokumen seperti sijil lahir. Kajian telah mengenalpasti beberapa bantuan yang boleh diperkenalkan oleh kerajaan untuk gelandangan bekas banduan agar mereka dapat keluar daripada kehidupan jalanan. Antaranya ialah pekerjaan, tempat tinggal, bantuan kewangan, penggantian kad pengenalan dan bimbingan agama. Keperluan untuk buat pihak kerajaan terutama Jabatan Penjara Malaysia dan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat untuk menjadi lebih cakna dalam mengenalpasti perkhidmatan yang boleh diberikan kepada gelandangan bekas banduan agar mereka dapat keluar daripada kehidupan di jalanan ini. Diharap dapatan kajian ini dapat digunakan sebagai input dalam membentuk program bantuan dan sokongan lanjutan yang bersesuaian buat gelandangan bekas banduan

Paternal and Maternal History of Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Diseases Incidence in a Dutch Cohort of Middle-Aged Persons

Background - A positive parental history of myocardial infarction (MI) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, different definitions of parental history have been used. We evaluated the impact of parental gender and age of onset of MI on CVD incidence. Methods - Baseline data were collected between 1993 and 1997 in 10¿524 respondents aged 40–65 years. CVD events were obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Register and Statistics Netherlands. We used proportional hazard models to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CVD incidence and adjusted for lifestyle and biological risk factors. Results - At baseline, 36% had a parental history of MI. During 10-year follow-up, 914 CVD events occurred. The age and gender adjusted HR was 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.5) for those with a paternal MI, 1.5 (1.2–1.8) for those with a maternal MI and 1.6 (1.2–2.2) for those with both parents with an MI. With decreasing parental age of MI, HR increased from 1.2 (1.0–1.6) for age =70 years to 1.5 (1.2–1.8) for ag

The Impact of Oxygen on Metabolic Evolution: A Chemoinformatic Investigation

The appearance of planetary oxygen likely transformed the chemical and biochemical makeup of life and probably triggered episodes of organismal diversification. Here we use chemoinformatic methods to explore the impact of the rise of oxygen on metabolic evolution. We undertake a comprehensive comparative analysis of structures, chemical properties and chemical reactions of anaerobic and aerobic metabolites. The results indicate that aerobic metabolism has expanded the structural and chemical space of metabolites considerably, including the appearance of 130 novel molecular scaffolds. The molecular functions of these metabolites are mainly associated with derived aspects of cellular life, such as signal transfer, defense against biotic factors, and protection of organisms from oxidation. Moreover, aerobic metabolites are more hydrophobic and rigid than anaerobic compounds, suggesting they are better fit to modulate membrane functions and to serve as transmembrane signaling factors. Since higher organisms depend largely on sophisticated membrane-enabled functions and intercellular signaling systems, the metabolic developments brought about by oxygen benefit the diversity of cellular makeup and the complexity of cellular organization as well. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular link between oxygen and evolution. They also show the significance of chemoinformatics in addressing basic biological questions

Violent Deaths of Iraqi Civilians, 2003–2008: Analysis by Perpetrator, Weapon, Time, and Location

Madelyn Hsiao-Rei Hicks and colleagues provide a detailed analysis of Iraqi civilian violent deaths during 2003-2008 of the Iraq war and show that of 92,614 deaths, unknown perpetrators caused 74% of deaths, Coalition forces 12%, and Anti-Coalition forces 11%

The state of ambient air quality in Pakistan—a review

Background and purpose: Pakistan, during the last decade, has seen an extensive escalation in population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, together with a great increase in motorization and energy use. As a result, a substantial rise has taken place in the types and number of emission sources of various air pollutants. However, due to the lack of air quality management capabilities, the country is suffering from deterioration of air quality. Evidence from various governmental organizations and international bodies has indicated that air pollution is a significant risk to the environment, quality of life, and health of the population. The Government has taken positive steps toward air quality management in the form of the Pakistan Clean Air Program and has recently established a small number of continuous monitoring stations. However, ambient air quality standards have not yet been established. This paper reviews the data being available on the criteria air pollutants: particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. Methods: Air pollution studies in Pakistan published in both scientific journals and by the Government have been reviewed and the reported concentrations of PM, SO2, O3, CO, NO2, and Pb collated. A comparison of the levels of these air pollutants with the World Health Organization air quality guidelines was carried out. Results: Particulate matter was the most serious air pollutant in the country. NO2 has emerged as the second high-risk pollutant. The reported levels of PM, SO2, CO, NO2, and Pb were many times higher than the World Health Organization air quality guidelines. Only O3 concentrations were below the guidelines. Conclusions: The current state of air quality calls for immediate action to tackle the poor air quality. The establishment of ambient air quality standards, an extension of the continuous monitoring sites, and the development of emission control strategies are essential. © Springer-Verlag 2009