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Competing Risks Model to Evaluate Dropout Dynamics Among the Type 1 Diabetes Patients Registered with the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) Program
Get PDFUnderstanding the survival dynamics of registered patients on a disease control program is a vital issue for the success of program objectives. Dropout of registered patients from such a program is a critical issue, hindering the effectiveness of the program. This study aimed to identify the risk factors of dropout of patients who were registered on the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) program, taking a case of Uganda. Survival analysis was done by integrating competing risk of factors associated with attrition from the CDiC program. The data for the study was obtained from patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) registered during 2009-2018 at health units with specialized pediatric diabetes clinics from various regions in Uganda. The study considered follow-up data of 1132 children with T1DM. Our analysis revealed that the Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly influences dropout time, with patients classified as underweight showing higher hazards than those with normal BMI. Moreover, when considering competing risks, dropout hazards increased. Comparing the Cox model with the Fine and Gray model shows the latter exhibiting a smaller AIC value, which indicates its superiority in the time-to-dropout analysis. Thus, utilizing methods that integrate competing risks for CDiC dropout analysis is preferable and recommended for related studies. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing CDiC program efficacy
Perception and Acceptability of Regular Education Teachers Towards Inclusion of Children with Intellectual Disability in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Get PDFAccess to education has been a challenge to individuals with intellectual disability (ID) in Cross River State, Nigeria, as a result of limited schools that accept these individuals. This study consequently investigated the knowledge and perception of regular teachers about children with ID and their level of acceptance into the regular classroom. Two hundred (200) teachers in public primary schools in Calabar municipal were randomly selected for the study. A descriptive research design was adopted. “Teachers’ Knowledge, Perception and Acceptability of Teachers towards Children with Intellectual Disability (TKPATCID)” was used as an instrument for data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, simple percentage standard deviation, and mean scores. Findings showed that the knowledge of regular teachers about children with ID is very low. The majority of the regular teachers have negative perceptions of children with ID. Similarly, the majority of the respondents were of the opinion that children with ID should not be accepted alongside their non-disabled counterparts in the classroom. It was therefore recommended, among others, that awareness of the nature of ID be created. Regular in-service training should be organized for regular education teachers by the government in order to properly equip them with relevant and up-to-date knowledge of children with ID
The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing the Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Intellectual Gifted Students and Improving their Cognitive Flexibility
No full textBackground: The issue of the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in intellectually gifted students is a complex one due to the overlap between ADHD symptoms and the characteristics of gifted students.
Objective: The current study aimed at reducing ADHD symptoms in intellectually gifted students and improving their cognitive flexibility through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles and techniques.
Methods: The study relied on a quasi-experimental approach to test the effectiveness of ACT principles and techniques in reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms and improving cognitive flexibility. A one-group quasi-experimental design (experimental group) was used with pre- and post-measurement and then follow-up measurement to verify the continuity of the program's effectiveness. The independent variable was the principles and techniques of ACT, while the dependent variables were symptoms of ADHD and cognitive flexibility. The final study sample consisted of (11) intellectually gifted secondary school students with ADHD.
Results: The study's results demonstrated the effectiveness of ACT in reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms in intellectually gifted people and improving their cognitive flexibility.
Conclusions: This study is one of the first to use ACT to reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms and develop cognitive flexibility among this category of students. The study presented a scale to measure cognitive flexibility among secondary school students and a program based on the principles and techniques of ACT
QAnon: A False Prophets Conspiracy
Get PDFExamining the QAnon movement through a Jungian lens, this analysis draws parallels between archetypal defense mechanisms and the Homeric myth of Odysseus, specifically his stay on Ogygia Island. The paper introduces terms like "Dark Religion" and "theocalypse," exploring the phenomenon of mind possession in religious fundamentalism and conspiracy theories. Symbolically, Calypso, as "the concealer," functions as an archetypal protective system, diverting ego-consciousness from reality and constructing a false belief system. "Theocalypse" describes religious inflation by unconscious contents, resulting in specific mytho-poetic ideologies and archetypal images whose function is to protect ego from experiencing painful emotions.
The manifestation of Dark Religion is evident in QAnon Conspiracy Theory followers who believe in a secret war led by Donald Trump against a satanic child-trafficking cabal. This dark belief system is characterized by traits such as seeking secret signs and clues, absolutism, rejection of modernity, reactivity, aggression, a paranoid worldview, and the assertion of a special ability to see with their hearts—reading between the lines, to name a few.
Commonalities between conspiratorial and fundamentalist thinking emerge from the dynamics of inferior consciousness and subsequent ego inflation, explaining both the archetypal nature of conspiracism and its resistance to rational correction. Conspiratorialists assert additional qualities, such as being chosen to perceive the truth, promoting a superior truth without relative values or "gray" areas (superiority). Their knowledge is held unwaveringly and treated as infallible faith, often invoking sources like idols and refusing to question their authority. Vehement rejection of opposing theories (defensive selectivity) characterizes their mindset, along with a surrender of will to their leaders (submission to authority). Conspiracists actively pursue the goal of converting others (reactivity) and accept responsibility for the state of affairs only in a fantasy world, avoiding self-reflection (projection).
Conscious thinking remains free from unconscious influence only when recognizing numinous contents and withdrawing projections from objects. A symbolic perspective, treating conspiracy theories as symbols rather than rational constructs, provides a non-dismissive understanding of strong adherence to such beliefs. Examining QAnon symbolically through the lens of Jungian psychology, while understanding how adherents enact unconscious complexes and cultural complexes, offers more effective ways of understanding their beliefs than what traditional schools provide.
Breaking away from restrictive beliefs requires embracing living symbols tethered to reality, facilitating genuine feeling-insight, authentic suffering, and thereby fostering a connection with one's psyche
Understanding the Material Impact of Social Media during Public Criticism and Dissent in African Countries: A Review of the Literature
Get PDFGlobally, governments are imposing national blackouts on digital communication, particularly the internet and subsequently the social media space during public criticism and dissent. To understand the material impact of this digital blackout, a literature review is conducted, focusing on African countries. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of social media during public criticism and dissent from an African perspective. To achieve this, an extensive review of the literature was conducted on African countries. The United Nations (UN) classifies 54 countries as African. All these countries had a known chance of being selected as part of the sample (probability sampling). In total, 29 countries were chosen based on relevance and the availability of data on internet shutdowns. Furthermore, the study looks into a 5-year trend from 2018 to 2022. Consequently, the results suggest that internet shutdowns in Africa are currently on the rise and remain disruptive, oppressive, expensive, and cost countries dearly. Additionally, the study also found that internet shutdowns often result in violent and/or fatal protests. It was further found that the responses by governments and companies during public criticism and dissent have been challenging, insufficient, and detrimental to human rights. At a country level, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Chad - respectively remain the regional leaders in terms of shutting down the Internet. This research recommends more scientific research to be conducted under the topic to enrich the existing body of knowledge, and possibly refine the findings of the current study. It further recommends country-specific policies that should openly condemn government-imposed internet shutdowns. Moreover, this research also recommends that global Human Rights Organisations should stand firm and strongly condemn government-imposed internet shutdowns by imposing sanctions and repercussions for oppressive governments. Finally, this research concludes that social media has unique capabilities to convey messages to larger groups of people, mobilizing or immobilizing them with only a few clicks. Among others, social media can also spread fake information or news by posting old material and linking it to current situations
Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Cytokine Profiling of Bubalus bubalis (Murrah buffalo) Calves for Puberty Prediction
Get PDFThe present study incorporated ten buffalo calves aged 0 to 6 months, with an average weight of 35 kg, and ten buffalo heifers aged 12 months, with an average weight of 200 kg, to study the cytokine and AMH profile in relation to pubertal advancement. Venous blood samples (5ml) were collected from buffalo calves on the day of birth (day 0), day 15, day 30, day 60, day 90, day 120, day 150, and day 180. A single blood sample was collected from Buffalo heifers (1 year age). Cytokines: IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1, IL-13, TNF-α, and TGF-β, and anti-Müllerian hormone: AMH were estimated using respective ELISA kits. At birth, cytokine levels in serum showed a varied pattern, with lower levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-13, whereas IL-1, TNF-α, and TGF-β were higher. Throughout the study, IFN-γ, IL-13, and TGF-β levels remained relatively stable, whereas IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α increased notably by day 180. IL-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were higher (P<0.01) from birth to 180 days as well as on day 365. AMH levels remained consistent from birth to 180 days, indicating a marked increase at Day 15 (33.49 ± 12.63 ng/L), followed by a decline to 4.60 ± 1.55 ng/Lat the end of the first year. Implications of the Karl Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a negative correlation between AMH levels and IFN-γ and TNF-α. AMH was positively correlated with IL 13 and TGF-β. Hence, it was concluded that IFN-γ and TNF-α are predictive markers for a reduction in AMH levels and hence, setting up puberty in buffalo heifers
Buffalo Selection in Bali Province, Indonesia: Performance and Quantitative Trait Analysis
Get PDFBackground: The selection program is one of the efforts that can be made to select livestock as superior breed stock. The selection program can be carried out by looking at the performance of quantitative traits in buffalo by measuring several economically valuable traits referring to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 7706.1: 2011) regarding superior young bull buffalo breeds.
Methods: The research was carried out by directly measuring the performance of quantitative characteristics of buffalo in three regencies out of nine regencies in Bali Province, Indonesia, namely: Jembrana Regency, Tabanan Regency, and Buleleng Regency. Data analysis was carried out descriptively to obtain average quantitative characteristics and calculate the magnitude of population diversity.
Results: The results obtained were that the performance of quantitative traits in male and female buffalo in Bali Province, Indonesia, was higher than the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 7706.1: 2011) regarding superior young bull buffalo breeds. The population diversity of quantitative characteristics of male buffalo aged 2-3 years old in Bali province is categorized as diverse (varied). On the other hand, male buffalo aged >3 years are in the uniform (homogeneous) category, as are female buffalo aged 2-3 years and >3 years.
Conclusion: The buffalo in the province of Bali, Indonesia, were suitable for use as a breed, and effective selection was carried out on the male buffalo population aged 2-3 years. Suggestions require efforts to increase public interest in keeping buffaloes by providing protection and appreciation to breeders who want to keep buffaloes, especially female buffaloes
Process Capability Indices for Processes when the Underlying Data are Interval-Valued
Get PDFOne of the important activities of process quality management is to see that the processes of interest are, in fact, stable and capable. In this paper, the problem of obtaining process capability indices (PCIs) for the processes when the underlying data are interval-valued is considered. Since interval-valued data such as systolic and diastolic readings have specifications for both lower and upper values, drawing PCIs cannot be straightforward. In this paper, we attempted to build connections between the lower and upper specifications limits based on which the resulting PCIs are drawn. This is done by considering the coefficients of inflation and the mean shift values of distributions of both lower and upper values of the interval-valued data. The new expressions for the proposed PCIs are determined. We have considered the systolic and diastolic data to demonstrate the computations of PCIs
Tribology Behavior of In-Situ FDM 3D Printed Glass Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites
Get PDFFused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printed parts are generally weaker compared to injection-moulded parts. Fibre reinforcement is one of the techniques used to enhance the mechanical strength and the tribological behavior of the FDM-printed parts. Recently, a new method for creating FDM 3D-printed composites was developed. Current work focuses on the tribological behavior of the glass fibre-reinforced PLA, manufactured using this new composite manufacturing method. Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of Glass Fibre (GF) reinforcement on FDM 3D-printed thermoplastic composites, specifically polylactic acid (PLA) under different linear sliding speed and directions. All 3D printed glass fibre-reinforced PLA (PLA-GF) composites exhibited a lower wear rate and a higher friction coefficient compared to 3D printed PLA. Increasing in disc’s linear speed or sliding speed of the pins resulted in a lower coefficient of friction and wear rate. In addition, a perpendicular raster direction towards the disc rotation or pin motion experienced greater friction and greater wear
Optimising Nanoparticle Dispersion Time for Enhanced Thermomechanical Properties in DGEBA-Based Shape Memory Polymer Composites
Get PDFShape-memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that can change shape upon an external stimulus. This phenomenon is called the shape memory effect (SME), which is caused by entropy change due to rapid molecular motion in the polymer segments. Due to the inherently weak thermomechanical properties, use of SMPs is limited in many engineering applications. Therefore, SMPs are often reinforced with fibres and nanoparticles (NPs). NPs offered greater flexibility due to their superior physical, chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. However, the homogeneous distribution of NPs is crucial for composition’s stability and enhancement of the base material’s properties. Among the different techniques used for dispersing NPs, ultrasonic irradiation has shown excellent emulsifying and crushing performance. The sonication process is essential for mitigating agglomerates; however, prolonged sonication time probably increases epoxy temperature, micro-bubbles, cavitation, breaking apart molecules and finally degrading the epoxy resin performances. This paper provides critical insight of nanoparticle dispersion into diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxies (DGEBA). DGEBA epoxy resin was added to TiO2 NPs and sonicated for 60 min with 5 min intervals while the temperature of epoxy was maintained below 60oC by using a water cooling throughout the sonication process. The process parameters such as amplitude, mode, epoxy volume and the weight percentage of NPs were kept constant. After each sonication step, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed using Thermo Scientific™ and analysed through OMNIC™ Professional quantitation software. In accordance with FTIR results, until 30 min of the sonication, DGEBA resin was not degraded. In order to confirm the performances and the reinforcing effect of NPs, thermo-mechanical and shape memory properties were compared with the neat specimen. The outcomes of this research have suggested quick guidance to find optimum NP dispersion time for DGEBA resins, which has been hardly studied before