Cone Penetration Testing For Field Density Prediction

This paper summarizes an experimental program for developing a pilot procedure to check and predict field densities of compacted soils using static cone penetration tests. Three sandy soils were tested. The testing program included both laboratory and field tests. On the basis of laboratory tests, density prediction curves were developed while field results were used to find a correlation to predict densities on the basis of measured penetration resistances. The results are rather encouraging and promising. It is anticipated that the presented methodology would be very effective for compaction quality control in large areas of sandy soils because it is fast, simple and causes minimum disturbance to the compacted soil

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among nurses in Pakistan towards diabetic foot

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers are a pressing complication of diabetes mellitus. Wound care requires a significant proportion of healthcare resources. It is imperative, therefore, for healthcare professionals to possess sound knowledge of the disease along with a positive attitude to ensure better clinical practice. Our literature search revealed a scarcity of data pertaining to diabetic foot ulcers. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of nurses regarding diabetic foot care. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, a pre-validated and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample size of 250 nurses working at two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. The study was conducted over a period of three months (January to March 2018) and included all nurses who possessed at least one year of clinical experience in diabetic ulcer care. The statistical software employed was SPSS version 19 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). Non-parametric tests and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis and statistical significance was assumed at a p-value of less than 0.5. Results: Only 54% of the nurses in our study possessed adequate knowledge of diabetic foot ulcers. The mean score of knowledge was 74.9 (±9.5). Macdonald’s standard criteria for learning outcomes was used to gauge the knowledge levels of our study population. Nurses performed best in the domain of ulcer care with 65.3% of the participants possessing good knowledge of the topic. The overall attitude of nurses towards patients with diabetic ulcers was positive. Conclusion: This study highlights important gaps in nurses’ knowledge and sheds light on the lack of evidence-based practice. Poor knowledge can compromise healthcare standards, even with the presence of positive attitudes. Hence, a comprehensive revision of nursing curricula across local tertiary hospitals for allowing nurses to update their knowledge is warrante

Future prospects of biobased detergent derived from Jatropha c. seeds oil (JSO)

Commercialized detergents are synthesized by using either branched-chain alkylbenzenesulfonate (ABS) or linear chain alkylbenzenesulfonate (LABS) which contributes to environment issues. To alleviate these issues, Jatropha c. seeds oil (JSO) was used as a potential feedstock of biobased detergent (biodetergent) synthesis. The JSO utilization as non-petroleum sources using potassium hydroxide-hydrogen peroxide technique (POHYPET) was conducted at 40°C. After pretreatment and analysis of JSO, the hydrogen peroxide and sulphuric acid were mixed in a bath stirrer flask. The pH was also controlled, and the added hydrogen peroxide was maintained until the foam quieted down. Objective: This work aimed to synthesize biodetergent from non-edible JSO containing fatty acid as a promising raw material. Effects of processing time, temperature and alkaline concentration on Jatropha c. seed oil biodetergent (JASOB) yield were also investigated. Results: The highest biodetergent yield (88%) was found at the potassium hydroxide concentration of 0.8 M, treatment time of 2 h and operation temperature of 80°C. The physicochemical properties of the examined JASOB was indicated at the foam height (0.7-2.3), emulsification with oil (D), hard water interface (L) and pH (8-9). These performances of JASOB fulfilled the required essential criteria of detergent standard. Conclusion: The obtained JASOB using POPYHET provides impactful results compared another biosurfactants sources, and the prospects of JSO can be deliberated as a renewal of fossil derived surfactants for future biodetergent

Genetic Modifications of Developmental Dyslexia and Its Representation Using In Vivo, In Vitro Model

Dyslexia is a genetic and heritable disorder that has yet to discover the treatment of it, especially at the molecular and drug intervention levels. This review provides an overview of the current findings on the environmental and genetic factors involved in developmental dyslexia. The latest techniques used in diagnosing the disease and macromolecular factors findings may contribute to a higher degree of development in detangling the proper management and treatment for dyslexic individuals. Furthermore, this review tried to put together all the models used in the current dyslexia research for references in future studies that include animal models as well as in vitro models and how the previous research has provided consistent data across many years and regions. Thus, we suggest furthering the studies using an organoid model based on the existing gene polymorphism, pathways, and neuronal function input

A randomized cross-over study comparing the performance of HD integra™ central concentrate system versus pre-produced concentrate in hemodialysis

Abstract Background Pre-produced bicarbonate concentrates (PPC) are still widely used in developing countries despite its cost and risk but Central Concentrate System (CCS) is lacking in data to support its wider adoption. Methods We conducted an 8-week randomized crossover study on 16 Hemodialysis machines to compare CCS versus PPC. Performance is assessed by solute concentrations while safety is assessed by microbial count, endotoxin level and adverse event reporting. Results Microbial counts and endotoxin levels were monitored on 48 occasions during the 8-week study for the CCS arm of the study. The levels were all below the action limit during the study. No patient reported any adverse events. Dialysate Sodium, Chloride and Bicarbonate concentrations were measured on a total of 128 occasions for each arm of the study. The relative deviations of Sodium, Chloride and Bicarbonate concentration were within ±5% of their nominal values for both. The 95% Confidence Intervals for the ratio of the mean solute concentrations on the CCS to PPC lie within the tolerance limit of ±5%. Conclusion Modern CCS is bacteriologically safe and its performance statistically equivalent to PPC

Adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) management of dengue infection in adults (revised 2nd edition)

The Malaysian Dengue Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) have been developed to provide evidence-based guidance in the management of dengue infections. The use of these guidelines is essential to ensure its recommendations are being practiced. However, the adherence to the guidelines for management of dengue (revised 2nd edition) by healthcare providers still remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion among healthcare providers that adhere to this Dengue CPG. A retrospective cohort study of dengue cases registered from 1 January 2014 to 1 June 2015 was conducted in public hospitals and health clinics in Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. Adherence to the CPG recommendations were recorded by reviewing patients’ case notes. Overall proportion of adherence in clinical components of the recommendation were (7.1 to 100.0% versus 7.7 to 73.8%) in history taking, (6.7 to 100.0% versus 12.3 to 60.0%) in physical examinations, (18.4 to 100.0% versus 23.1 to 83.2%) in assessment of warning signs, (0.6 to 100.0% versus 12.3 to 87.7%) in assessment of haemodynamic status, (60.0 to 100.0% versus 27.7 to 40.0%) in diagnosis, (46.6 to 80.0% versus 52.3%) in case notifications, (73.2 to 100.0% versus 89.2 to 96.9%) in performing specific laboratory investigations and (7.9 to 100.0% versus 21.5%) in monitoring, for outpatient versus inpatient, respectively. Adherence trends were demonstrated to be higher in hospital settings compared to outpatient settings. Adherence to this Dengue CPG varies widely with overall good clinical outcomes observed

Smoking among secondary school students in Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia - findings from a cross-sectional study

Smoking is a learnt behavior during adolescence and understanding the factor/s associated with smoking will assist in identifying suitable measures in combating the rising prevalence of smoking among adolescents. This research aimed to identify the factor/s associated with smoking among form four students in Kota Tinggi, Johor. Multistage sampling was used to select a representative sample of students in 2008 and data were collected using a self-administered validated questionnaire. This study revealed that the overall smoking prevalence was 19.0% with a significantly higher proportion of male smokers (35.8%) as compared to females (3.15%). Adolescents who were male (aOR 6.6, 95%CI 2.61-16.4), those who had peer/s who smoked (aOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.31-12.4), and those who studied in rural areas and Felda Settlements ( aOR 4.59, 95 CI 1.11-18.0; aOR 9.42, 95%CI 3.91-29.1) were more likely to smoke in the past one week. On the other hand, adolescents with better knowledge on the hazards of smoking and negative attitudes towards smoking were less likely to smoke (aOR 0.51, 95%CI 0.37-0.72; aOR 0.67, 95%CI 0.46-0.99). Future promotional and interventional programmes on smoking should be considered and the above identified risk factors integrated to reduce smoking prevalence among students of school-going ages in Kota Tinggi, Johor

Public Awareness and Practices Towards Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Malaysian Population: Questionnaire Development and Pilot Testing

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