GSTF Digital Library (GSTF-DL): Open Journal Systems (Global Science and Technology Forum)
Not a member yet
1700 research outputs found
Sort by
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Selfexamination among Nursing Students in Hong Kong: A Cross-sectional Study
Full text linkBreast cancer is a global public health concern. Currently, the crude incidence rate of breast cancer in Hong Kong is increasing. Although breast self-examination (BSE) is an effective screening method which able to reduce mortality rates, only a few women perform it monthly. As nurses play a significant role in promoting BSE, this study aims to study the knowledge, attitude, and practice of BSE for nursing students. A crosssectional design was employed, and 372 nursing students participated in this study. Results reveal that even BSE are compulsory in nursing curriculum, poor knowledge (“don’t know†46.9%, incorrect 9.4%.), poor attitude (mean = 24.29, SD = 3.49) and limited practice (mean = 7.69, SD = 4.66) were found. Regression analysis support that knowledge and attitude predict practice of BSE. It is important to promote and build up the awareness of BSE to nursing students by enhancing their knowledge and attitude
Nepalese Critical Care Nurses’ Competency Towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Full text linkObjectives: To examine the level of Nepalese critical care nurses’ competency including knowledge, attitude, and practice towards PU prevention. Methods: Data were collected from 98 eligible nurses working in intensive care unit/critical care unit (ICU/CCU) of three hospitals in Nepal from February to April 2017, using Nurses’ Competency Towards Pressure Ulcer (PU) Prevention Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The level of nurses’ competency was categorized into 5 levels. The Nepalese critical care nurses’ competency towards PU prevention was at a low level. The knowledge and attitude of Nepalese critical nurses’ towards PU prevention were at a low and moderate level, respectively. While the practice of Nepalese critical care nurses was at a very low level. Conclusion: Nursing competence is an integral part of positive health outcomes of patients. The low level of competence towards PU prevention among Nepalese critical care nurse, therefore, raises the nation concern to increase their competency in order to increase the quality of PU prevention
HadoopSec: Sensitivity-aware Secure Data Placement Strategy for Big Data/Hadoop Platform using Prescriptive Analytics
No full textHadoop has become one of the key player in offering data analytics and data processing support for any organization that handles different shades of data management. Considering the current security offerings of Hadoop, companies are concerned of building a single large cluster and onboarding multiple projects on to the same common Hadoop cluster. Security vulnerability and privacy invasion due to malicious attackers or inner users are the main argument points in any Hadoop implementation. In particular, various types of security vulnerability occur due to the mode of data placement in Hadoop Cluster. When sensitive information is accessed by an unauthorized user or misused by an authorized person, they can compromise privacy. In this paper, we intend to address the approach of data placement across distributed DataNodes in a secure way by considering the sensitivity and security of the underlying data. Our data placement strategy aims to adaptively distribute the data across the cluster using advanced machine learning techniques to realize a more secured data/infrastructure. The data placement strategy discussed in this paper is highly extensible and scalable to suit different sort of sensitivity/security requirements
Compassion Fatigue among Healthcare Personnel in Acute Care Contexts: An Integrative Review
Full text linkHealthcare workers in acute care settings experience considerable emotional exhaustion on a daily basis, which might lead to the manifestation of compassion fatigue that adversely impacts their wellbeing. There has been an increasing awareness in understanding compassion fatigue on healthcare workers recently, but the literature within this area remains ambiguous due to the use of different terminology. This integrative review aims to synthesize the existing research knowledge of the manifestation of compassion fatigue and the related concepts in acute care contexts. A total of 27 full-text research articles were retrieved for analysis. The interpretation of the selected articles yielded four main categories, which included the prevalence, risk factors, protective factors, and consequences regarding compassion fatigue among healthcare workers. These findings provide an outline for decision makers of healthcare organizations to formulate a strategic plan for helping healthcare workers to cope with compassion fatigue in everyday work and disaster events
Ethnopsychological peculiarities of the structure of value scope of titular ethnicity of Kazakhstan
Full text linkFundamental change of the public system and other changes over the past decade in the Republic of Kazakhstan after receiving State independence, demanded reassessment of values, including character and features of value orientations of the Kazakh people. Interest in the value orientations of the individual and society is increasing in crisis, critical stages of historical development, which raises the need for their full understanding. Studying value orientations of ethnology is one of the most actual problems of modern psychological theory and practice. Undoubtedly, the new values of modern civilization affect the ethnic consciousness-oriented people who value traditional culture. This influence affects the system of values of the individual and, in particular, on a system of ethical values of ethnology.The purpose of the research: Explore the structure of value scope of titular nation of Kazakhstan at the modern stage. The main hypothesis of the study: the value orientations of the Kazakh people in the system of cultural relations and relationships are based on a system-forming ethno-value component, which determines the conditions for their development, direction, character of activity of personality and provides the integrity and unity of the Kazakh ethnos. Research hypothesis: There are similarities and differences in the structure of value orientations among representatives of the Kazakh ethnos, depending on characteristics of respondents (on the example of the titular ethnic group of Kazakhstan, youth and adulthood).In the structure of the value sphere of the titular ethnos of Kazakhstan, value orientations related to adherence to the principles of conformity to nature and traditionality, equality and freedom of love are also significant. These value orientations reveal themselves also in the ability to be persistent with a simultaneous focus on the desire to be useful to others, to act for others. The value orientations of activity, initiative and employment, self-realization in interrelation with a sense of community and well-being, a happy family life and a financially secure life also occupy a large place in the structure of the value sphere of the titular ethnos of Kazakhstan. To examine the value orientations of the Kazakhs, we have developed a comprehensive package of psychological techniques, which allows to consider the structure of value scope of titular nation (method of Sh. Schwartz (value questionnaire Schwartz), methodology of studying value orientations of Milton Rokeach, system diagnostic methodology of value orientations by E.B. Fantalova, L. S. Kolmogorova, D. V. Kashyrsky, modification of method of Kun "Who am I?". According to the results of our research, value orientation activity, initiative, employment generally takes an important place in the structure of value scope of titular nation of Kazakhstan Along with this, informative factor as the national value belonging to the title ethnicity of Kazakhstan during factor analysis is equal to 1.8%, which corresponds to only 19 factors in the structure of value scope of sampling study. The results of factor analysis allow us to conclude that the structure of value scope of titular nation of Kazakhstan is multifaceted and includes both individual and group, social values.  Valuable orientation of Kazakh people in the system of cultural ties and relationships are based on valuable backbone component, which determines the conditions for their development, orientation, the nature of the activity of the individual and to ensure the integrity and the unity of ethnic group: the most important characteristics of the structure of value scope of titular nation of Kazakhstan are: competence, commitment, self-discipline, which testifies to the importance of achieving social success, success in work for the Kazakh ethnic group. In summary, we would like to point out that the formation of a national identity based on values is a long process, which, of course, for the period of the beginning of the modern history of Kazakhstan is not completed yet. The results of this research can be used for implementing national policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and works towards the preservation of cultural traditions of Kazakh people. The theoretical and practical analysis carried out in the research suggests that the problem of preserving and enriching the ethnic values of the titular nation Kazakhstan, is now extremely urgent, but it is not enough elaborated now. Â
Management of Volunteer Activities among Elderly Persons
Full text linkPurpose: Volunteer activities in Japan may be expected to result in a variety of effects on health conditions and social contributions of the elderly depending on the degree of their activity participation. This study aims to identify differences in the health conditions and social contributions of the elderly in relation to the degree of volunteer activity participation, and determine what effective support can be provided for these elderly persons. Further, focusing on the differences in the level of activity of the elderly persons in volunteer activities, we discuss the effect of management through SWOT analysis from the perspectives suggested by the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), which is a performance management tool. Participants and Methods: The participants are elderly persons participating in volunteer activities, living in municipal housing owned by the Kumamoto prefecture in Japan. We classified the participants into an active group who contributed to the raising of funds for activities, and a non-active group. We conducted group interviews with the volunteers, organized interview data on the thoughts of the two groups according to the five perspectives of the balanced score card (BSC) management tool: (1) learning and development, (2) participants, (3) financial matters, (4) process of conducting activities, and (5) social contributions, and conducted a Strength-Weakness-OpportunityThreat (SWOT) analysis. In the SWOT analysis internal factors are distinguished into strengths and weaknesses, and external factors into opportunities and threats. Combining the internal and external factors, problems were extracted from the perspective of a positive strategy (S+O: strength + opportunity), a differentiation strategy (S+T: strength L threat), a stepwise strategy (W+O: weakness + opportunity), and a defensive strategy (W+T: weakness + threat). Then, we confirmed the main results by identifying the major factors in success to achieve salient aims, activity goals, and specific measures from the five perspectives provided by the BSC. Results: When comparing thestrengths of the two groups, the active group showed the following characteristics in the information collecting: more variety in the collected information (perspective of learning and development), ease of obtaining information of potential volunteers (perspective of participants), knowledge of how to raise funds (perspective of financial matters), and being physically more active and knowledgeable of the local community (perspective of social contributions).From the perspective of the process of conducting activities, both groups place importance on the relations among people. For weaknesses, and from the perspective of learning and development, the active group had difficulty in maintaining their motivation, and from the perspective of financial matters this group had difficulties in securing funds. From the perspective of social contributions, the non-active group depended on the active members. From the perspective of participants, both groups experienced a decline in physical function with age, and from the perspective of the process of activities there was a possibility that family or individual circumstances make it difficult to participate in all activities. In the SWOT analysis, combining the internal and external factors, we evaluated the directionality of volunteer activities from the five perspectives of the BSC. From the perspective of learning and development, regardless of the differences in the level of activity of the elderly persons in the volunteer activities, the volunteer members conducted a signature-collecting campaign to call for continuing volunteer activities for residents among those in their surroundings, and this made it possible to continue volunteer activities. From the perspective of the process of conducting activities, regardless of the differences in the level of activity of the elderly persons in the volunteer activities, the volunteer members became active in making remarks, and started to assume roles voluntarily. From the perspective of financial matters, the volunteer members were able to obtain donations for volunteer activities from neighboring establishments, as well as financial support from the social welfare council, by applying for subsidies for activities. From the perspective of participants, the number of new members increased through word of mouth spread by the existing membership. From the perspective of social cost, there was a remark that “I would like my schedule to be full of enjoyable events so that I become too busy to go to the hospitalâ€, and in fact some members did reduce the frequency of hospital visitsDiscussion: Participants in this study are members of a volunteer group of elderly persons voluntarily formed in a regional city in Kumamoto prefecture where the elderly population accounts for 25.7% and is expected to increase. It appears that there is a self- and mutual- help relationship between active and non-active members where non-active members rely on the active members who assist the non-active members to be in harmony with the volunteer activities led by the active members, and that this relationship helps maintain independent lives. For the strengths, active members were able to collect more information from the perspective of learning and development, and contributed more through physical activity from the perspective of social contributions. It can be inferred that physically more active elderly persons are in a situation where they remain able to use their cognitive functions to collect information. For the weaknesses, the active members experienced loss of motivation. This may be due to the possibility that active members feel it a burden to assist non-active members. We wish to conduct further studies to understand how to maintain and improve motivation. The results of the SWOT analysis from the perspectives suggested by the BSC showed that there are differences in health conditions and social contributions of the elderly depending on the participation in volunteer activities, and what types of support from health services can be expected to be effective. This study evaluated the achievements of the volunteer activity goals of elderly persons by identifying the details of volunteer activities and quantifying the goals. The elderly members began to seek for new ideas to achieve better results when they were convinced that there were favorable results of their activities. This suggests that the PDCA cycle in volunteer activities may work by effecting empowerment in the process of BSC.Â
Diabetic Foot Care Knowledge and Behaviors of Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus in Indonesia
Full text linkThe most common diabetes mellitus (DM) complication is diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), which is costly and has devastating adverse effects. It was found that 6.8 % of DM patients suffered from DFU. According to Indonesian Hospital Association, DFU was reported to cause an amputation rate of 15-30 %. The aims of this study were to assess the levels of diabetic foot care knowledge and behaviors and its relationship among diabetic patients attending Public Health Center at Bojonegoro, East Java, Indonesia. Eighty-one participants with DM were selected from two public health centers based on inclusion criteria. Modified Diabetic Foot Care Knowledge and Modified Diabetic Foot Care Behaviors Questionnaires were used in this study. The diabetic foot care knowledge and behaviors were categorized into 3 levels as poor (80%). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the correlation between diabetic foot care knowledge and behaviors among participants. Based on the result, the diabetic foot care knowledge score was at poor level (M = 57.8, SD = 14.6) of which 39.5 % of them had poor knowledge, 58 % had moderate and only 2.5 % had good knowledge. Diabetic foot care behaviors was at poor level (M = 46.7, SD = 10.9%) of which 86.4 % of them had poor behaviors and the remaining of 12.3 % had moderate behaviors. The correlations between diabetic foot care knowledge and behaviors were not significantly correlated (p = .09). The diabetic foot care knowledge and behaviors are still become the biggest concern among diabetic’s patients in Indonesia. This study showed that DM patients with good knowledge of DM foot care might not always transform their knowledge into practices. Further research is needed to enhance diabetic foot care knowledge and behaviors among DM patients in Indonesia
Artificial Neural Networks as Decision-Makers for Stereo Matching
Full text linkThis paper investigates the use of artificial neural networks to help making a decision on matching of stereo images. An image matching technique based on extracting features from segmented regions is adopted in this work, and a neural network framework is applied for region matching of stereo photographs. Two types of neural networks are used, the radial basis network, (RB) for learning clustering, and the back propagation (BP) network for learning image matching. The (RB) neural network is to cluster the regions according to the locations of their centered points. For each region, the BP network uses differential features as input training data. While training and testing the system, multiple features are extracted and used for enhancing the accuracy of the matching process. Features include (compactness, Euler number, and invariant moments) for each region. Results obtained from the neural networks (namely; clustering and initial matching array) are used to select the best matching pair. Results are showing a good matching accuracy
Pink Cloud Syndrome Among Ruled Drug Users in Iligan City Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (ICDTRC)
Full text linkSubstance abuse is a global challenge with aninimical effect on an individual’s health. It has beenassociated with crime, violence, risky behaviour, and poorhealth consequences. The term “Pink Cloud†is used todescribe a state in which a person undergoing treatmentmanifests euphoria, overconfidence, and a false sense ofwell-being, therefore making them vulnerable to relapse.This study determined the demographic profile, and riskstatus for relapse, and motivation, readiness for andretention in treatment of ruled drug users in ICDTRCand their corresponding relationships with one another.The researchers utilized a descriptive-correlational designand two modified questionnaires were employed to 22respondents. The data obtained were analyzed throughPearson Correlational Formula.It was found that 13 or 59% of the respondentsare not at risk for relapse. There is a direct relationshipbetween their risk status for relapse and gender,educational attainment, marital status, employmentstatus, and length of stay in rehab. Furthermore, majorityof the respondents have medium to high motivation,readiness for and retention in treatment, which has aninverse relationship with their age, marital status,employment status, and length of stay in rehab. The researchers conclude that men have ahigher rate of drug abuse than women and being single,unemployed, having a high education level and lowincome may increase one’s risk for drug use.Additionally, single, unemployed, and youngerrespondents who stayed for less than 90 days in rehabtended to have better motivation to retain treatment.Thus, it is imperative for symptoms of relapse to becontinually assessed throughout the treatment programto promote a lasting recovery. Increasing awareness onPink Cloud Syndrome and its symptoms through healthteaching and use of a targeted treatment approach foreach individual are also recommended to improvetreatment outcome
A Step Toward Workplace Obesity Prevention: Evaluation of Weight Management Program for Hospital-based Health Care Providers
Full text linkBackground: Obesity is a worldwide problem. Healthy workplace and lifestyle are crucial in preventing obesity. A workplace weight management program could create a culture of health and facilitate weight control among health care providers. The present study aims to describe and evaluate the health outcomes of the interaction of professional practice and organizational infrastructure. Method: The hospital-based weight management program was an eight-week pilot randomized controlled study for obese health care providers. The primary outcomes were body weight and body mass index. The secondary outcomes included serum fasting glucose, fasting cholesterol, triglyceride, high- and low-density lipoprotein, body fat percentage, body mass, and quality of life. The RE-AIM framework was used to examine the intervention’s reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance at individual and organizational levels. Results: The program successfully attained the target population. Health care providers demonstrated short-term weight loss and decreased serum fasting cholesterol level after completing the program. The excellent retention rate (95%) of the study suggested that the participants were well-engaged in self-weight management. The program was implemented with adequate resource and support from the health organization. The organization may consider continuing the program in view of its long-term benefits to health care providers. Conclusion: Supportive organizational structure and culture enhanced professional practice and improved the health outcomes of the hospital-based weight management program participants