Komuniti remaja & permasalahan sosial: Peranan guru sebagai penolong bantu di sekolah

Remaja merujuk kepada zaman peralihan antara kanak-kanak dengan alam dewasa yang melibatkan perkembangan dan kedewasaan dari aspek fizikal/jasmani, psikologi/emosi, intelek, rohani/spiritual dan sosial. Atas sifat dan ciri yang ada inilah memudahkan pengaruh yang positif mahupun remaja menerjah masuk ke alam pemikiran dan membentuk sistem kepercayaan dan nilai tersendiri yang mungkin sukar dibetulkan. Bagi ahli psikologi, tugas utama remaja ialah pencerminan diri iaitu mengintegrasikan atau peyusunan semula diri seseorang untuk perkembangan diri. Guru sebagai Penolong Bantu di sekolah boleh menggunakan kemahiran kaunseling untuk mengenalpasti dan menguruskan permasalahan komuniti remaja di sekolah. Walaupun begitu terdapat beberapa personaliti guru yang perlu ada untuk menjadi Penolong Bantu yang baik

Aplikasi pendekatan kaunseling pemusatan klien dalam menangani masalah emosi remaja di sekolah: Satu kajian kes

Rogers menegaskan bahawa manusia boleh diberi kepercayaan, tahu mencari alternatif, boleh memahami diri sendiri, boleh membuat perubahan yang membina dan boleh menjalani kehidupan yang berkesan dan menghasilkan sesuatu, (Corey, 2000). Apabila kunselor dapat benar-benar menghubungi dan menyelami secara mendalam kehidupan klien yang sebenar, mengambil berat, memberi perhatian, dan tidak berat sebelah dalam memahami klien maka besar kemungkinan klien akan mengalami perubahan yang ketara. Di dalam kertas kerja ini penulis akan menghuraikan latar belakang klien, senario masalah klien serta proses aplikasi teori Pemusatan Klien. Penganalisisan tajuk ini lenih menumpukan kepada peringkat-peringkat perkembangan sesi dan teknik-teknik yang sesuai digunakan

Label-free real-time optical monitoring of DNA hybridization using SiN Mach–Zehnder interferometer-based integrated biosensing platform

We report on the label-free real-time optical monitoring of DNA hybridization upon exposure to a flow of complementary DNA at different concentrations. The biosensor is composed of a silicon nitride integrated unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), with an integrated arrayed waveguide grating as a spectral filter. This MZI has been shown to have both sufficient multiplexing capability and limit of detection on the order of 10(-6) RIU. Probe DNA, consisting of a 36-mer fragment is covalently immobilized on the silicon nitride integrated biosensor. The wavelength shift is monitored upon complementary DNA targets being flown over the sensor. Concentrations of 1 pM can be easily detected. Also, an alternative route to modify the sensor surface with carboxylic groups using the photochemical reaction of fatty acids is proposed and preliminary XPS results are presented. Moreover, preliminary results for DNA obtained from a rolling circle amplification (RCA-DNA) process and spiked in a realistic amplification buffer are presented. (C) 2018 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE

Training non-surgical experts to annotate open-source surgical videos for machine learning

The use of video annotation for utilization in machine learning computer programs is an area of medicine that has shown increased demand for research in recent years. The limiting factor for the use of video annotation in surgery is the scale and efficiency in which videos can be labelled. The challenge in surgical contexts is the current notion that only surgical experts can provide accurate video annotations. To challenge this notion, we have conceived a survey to test non-surgical experts’ abilities to accurately annotate open-source surgical videos. This test has been published on the crowdsourcing platform Amazon mTurk. A learning module was created to provide relevant and concise information necessary to accurately annotate the surgical video and complete the survey. This learning module illustrates important instructions on differentiating between three surgical activities of focus: cutting, suturing, and tying. The survey includes free-response and multiple-choice questions that test the accuracy of respondent’s video annotation. Analyzing the results from 50 participants, more data from larger scale studies must be acquired, greater data validation systems must be implemented, and instructions in the survey and learning module must be adapted. These changes are due to high rates of inaccurate annotation for all three surgical activities. The data showed no clear indication that cutting, suturing, or tying could be accurately identified but further investigation would be prudent in the future

Effects of wet weather on drivers' risk accident perception during motorist-following behaviour on two-way two-lane highway

Motorist-following behaviour is expected to be influenced by driving environment such as weather conditions. In road accident studies, close or unsafe motorist-following behaviour is considered as one of the main factors of rear-end collisions. Therefore, it is imperative that such a fundamental aspect of motorists’ behaviour is clearly understood so that effective accident mitigation strategies can be formulated. Driven by this requirement, this study examines the effect of wet weather conditions on drivers’ perception of safe following distance and to predict dynamically its effect on potential accident risk. Motorist-following behaviour was analysed based on different types of vehicles driven, i.e. car following car, car following heavy good vehicle (HGV), HGV following car, and HGV following HGV at two types of highway geometry i.e. passing and no-passing zones. Traffic data for more than 200,000 vehicles were collected using automatic traffic counter at 12 selected sites in Johor and Pahang States, Malaysia, during dry and wet weather conditions. Five-minute interval rainfall data were obtained during the study period, from the rain gauge stations located within 2 km of the study sites. Regression techniques were then used to develop empirical models of motorist-following behaviour. The developed models on time to collision (TTC), accident probability index (API) and chosen risk index (CRI) were used to predict and evaluate the effect of wet weather on traffic conflict, accident probability and severity during motorist-following behaviour. The analysis revealed that the shift from dry to wet weather showed an increase in time gap and a reduction in mean speed irrespective of highway geometry and vehicles following category. This is supported by the observed increase of time gap in the range of 12.15% to 17.88% and 7.33% to 17.61%; and the decrease of mean speed in range of 9.23% to 10.74% and 11.44% to 12.14% at passing and no-passing zones, respectively. The results revealed that traffic conflict occurred at lower speeds during wet weather compared to dry weather irrespective of highway geometry and vehicles following category. The analysis showed that the API values for wet weather conditions are lower than the API values for dry weather conditions. Such a result suggests that the wet weather condition increases the accident probability when compared with the dry weather conditions. Based on API, the percentage of vehicles travelling at relatively safe speed during dry weather was found to be 51% and 53 % compared to 25% and 22% during wet weather at passing and no-passing zones, respectively. The results of the analysis also showed that the potential accident severity under wet weather conditions is lower than that under dry weather conditions. This is indicated by lower CRI values during wet weather compared to dry weather. Based on CRI, the percentage of vehicles travelling at relatively safe speeds during wet weather was found to be 29.5% and 27% at passing and no-passing zone, respectively. In summary, all objectives of the study were achieved. The study provides new information that is essential in traffic safety management which includes the effects of wet weather conditions on potential accident risk for motorist-following situation

A report on the International Conference in Emergency Medicine and Public Health: Qatar 2016

This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of the following article: Mathai A, Farook S, Alinier G, Pathan S, Shariff M, 'A report on the International Conference in Emergency Medicine and Public Health: Qatar 2016', Journal of Paramedic Practice, 9(3): 98-101, March 2016.In recent years, Emergency Medicine (EM) has emerged as an important specialty in addressing numerous public health concerns such as management of chronic conditions, injuries, emerging health risks, and the delivery of clinical and preventive services. In Qatar and many other parts of the world, the Emergency Department (ED) serves as a point of entry into the healthcare system for a large percentage of the population. EDs often serve as potential sites of surveillance for various public health initiatives. Public health aims to prevent disease and their spread, promote health, and prolong life expectancy among the population as a whole. The critical interface between EM and Public Heath has been recognized in the literature as an important measure of the overall care given to the community (Bernstein et al, 1994; Bernstein and Haukoos, 2008).Peer reviewe

Demographic determinants and effect of pre-operative angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers on the occurrence of atrial fibrillation after CABG surgery

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in about 27% to 40% of post cardiac surgery patients. AF following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is associated with a two-fold increase in morbidity and mortality. Various demographic risk factors and medications have been studied to predict the occurrence of this arrhythmia. The role of angiotensin related medications on the occurrence of AF in CABG patients is not determined.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Retrospective clinical and statistical analysis was made of all the patients who had undergone CABG surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital during the years 2005 and 2006. Patients with chronic AF and those undergoing valvular surgery with CABG were excluded. Statistic analysis included chi-square test for categorical and student t-test for continuous variables.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>757 patients (560 males and 197 females) were studied. AF occurred in 19% of the patients. Age (70.5 vs. 65.1, p < 0.005. OR per year of age: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.018-1.023) and presence of hypertension (OR: 1.92, 95%CI: 1.086-3.140, p = 0.025) were significantly associated with occurrence of AF. Neither ARBs (OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.431-1.410, p = 0.41) nor ACE inhibitors (OR: 1.01, 95%CI: 0.753-1.608, p = 0.63) reduced the occurrence of post operative AF. Patients with post operative AF had a significantly longer hospital stay (9.5 +/- 5.4 days vs. 6.9 +/- 4.3 days, p = 0.001).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Advanced age and presence of hypertension were independent predictors of post-CABG AF. Patients with post operative AF had significantly longer hospital stay. Neither ARBs nor ACE inhibitors were associated with reduction of post-surgical AF. Further studies are needed to better delineate the role of angiotensin related medications on reduction of post-surgical AF.</p

Effects of operational variables on rotary valve metering system for a variable rate technology fertilizer applicator for oil palm

In the Malaysian oil palm plantation, fertilizer application was observed to be done manually or mechanically at uniform rate without due consideration to nutrient variability. The available constant rate mechanical fertilizer spreaders on oil palm plantation were found to be susceptible to excessive fertilizer application. On the other hand, Variable Rate Technology (VRT) could be used to forestall the hazards of excessive fertilizer application. However, full knowledge of the operational variables of the metering system of a VRT applicator has become inevitable for proper utilization of this technology. A rotary valve metering system test rig was designed and constructed for the purpose of studying the characteristics of the system. A linear regression equation was developed to relate the discharge rate of the metering system to the screw conveyor speed, rotary valve speed, fertilizer bulk density and repose angle. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the regression equation was 98.65%. The screw conveyor speed, the rotary valve speed and type of fertilizer were found to have statistically significant effect on the discharge rate of the system. It was observed that the discharge rate of the system decreased with increase in rotary valve speed. The outcome of this study will enhance the use of rotary valve in the VRT fertilizer applicator for oil palm

Pilot randomized crossover study comparing the efficacy of transnasal disposable endosheath with standard endoscopy to detect Barrett's esophagus.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The transnasal endosheath endoscope is a new disposable technology with potential applicability to the primary care setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transnasal endosheath endoscopy (TEE) for the detection of Barrett's esophagus, by comparing the diagnostic accuracy of TEE with that of standard endoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, crossover study performed in a single tertiary referral center. Consecutive patients undergoing surveillance for Barrett's esophagus or referred for diagnostic assessment were recruited. All patients were randomized to undergo TEE followed by standard endoscopy or the reverse. Endoscopy experiences and patient preferences were evaluated using a questionnaire. Endoscopic and histologic diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus, and optical image quality of both endoscopic procedures, were compared. RESULTS: A total of 21 of 25 patients completed the study. TEE had sensitivity and specificity of 100 % for an endoscopic diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus, and of 66.7 % and 100 %, respectively, for the histologic diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. The mean optical quality of standard endoscopy was significantly better than that of TEE (7.11 ± 0.42 vs. 4.06 ± 0.27; P < 0.0001). However, following endoscopy, patients reported a significantly better experience with TEE compared with standard endoscopy (7.05 ± 0.49 vs. 4.35 ± 0.53; P = 0.0006), with 60 % preferring TEE and 25 % preferring sedated standard endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, TEE had equal accuracy for an endoscopic diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus compared with standard endoscopy, at the expense of reduced image quality and a lower yield of intestinal metaplasia on biopsy. TEE was better tolerated and preferred by patients. Hence, TEE needs further evaluation in primary care as an initial diagnostic tool.This study was supported by funding from Cambridge Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, and a core grant for RCF from the Medical Research Council. M.K.S. was supported by the BUPA Foundation.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Thieme Publishing Group via http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-139331

Current dietetic practices in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus: a survey of Malaysian dietitians

The role of the dietitian in the management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is highly recognised. However, consensuses on dietetic approaches for the management of GDM in Malaysia are scarce. This study aimed to examine the current dietetic practices in the management of GDM and to compare nutrient recommendations provided by dietitians to those of several established international guidelines. A survey was conducted among dietitians who were working in government affiliated hospitals across Malaysia. Of 148 questionnaires posted to dietitians, a total of 101 were returned representing an overall response rate of 68%. The majority of the dietitians (80%) reported that they see women with GDM in their daily practices with more than half (53%) having counselled 5 to 9 women per day during the previous 3 months. Flexible carbohydrate exchanges (82%) was the most common recommendation on carbohydrate intake followed by advice regarding small frequent meals spread over the day (62%) and portion control by using the plate method (54%). Only 11% dietitians incorporated the use of the glycaemic index as a measure of carbohydrate intake into their intervention. While recommendations regarding protein intake were consistent with established guidelines, the amount of carbohydrate recommended by the dietitians was higher than that in established guidelines. Although consistency was seen in key components of nutrition intervention, there were differences in the delivery of nutrient recommendations particularly in regard to dietary carbohydrate intake indicating a need for consensus on dietetic practice guidelines for the management of GDM