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Knowledge, perceptions, facilitators, and barriers towards asthma self-management among patients: A systematic review of the literature
Get PDFBackground: Asthma self-management is an effective approach that empowers patients with asthma to control their condition and reduce its impact on their daily lives. Objective: This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence regarding the knowledge, perceptions, facilitators, and barriers related to asthma self-management among patients. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) using specific key terms. Studies that reported knowledge, perceptions, facilitators and barriers towards asthma self-management were included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to report this review. All the data from included studies were analyzed through narrative synthesis approach. Results: A total of 17 studies were included in this review. The findings indicated that most patients had inadequate knowledge of asthma self-management, particularly regarding asthma fundamentals, and inhaler techniques. Patients' cultural beliefs, and perceived social stigma influenced their self-management practices. Facilitators of asthma self-management included strong partnerships with healthcare providers, social support, access to medication, and having a written asthma action plan. Conversely, poor communication with healthcare professionals, travel, smoking, and workplace challenges were identified as barriers. Conclusion: There is a pressing need for education and training programs to enhance understanding of the disease, and inhaler technique in patients with asthma. Healthcare professionals should create tailored asthma action plans according to patients' beliefs and needs. Moreover, healthcare policies should be developed to promote facilitators and address barriers, to ensure effective asthma management.Scopu
COST-EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR CONSTRUCTION WASTE RECYCLING USING OPTIMIZATION MODELS
No full textThe rapid growth of the construction industry, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects, has led to increased construction waste, presenting significant environmental and logistical challenges. Managing and recycling this waste is crucial to reduce costs and minimize environmental impacts. Identifying the optimal placement for recycling centers and minimizing associated transportation and processing expenses presents a complex problem due to demand variability and capacity constraints. This study employs a linear programming optimization model to address these challenges by determining the most cost-effective recycling strategies. The model integrates real-time transportation data retrieved through the Google Maps API to enhance accuracy and responsiveness to changing infrastructure conditions, providing a more precise, costefficient solution. The findings highlight the potential for strategically placing recycling centers to reduce overall costs while improving resource management. This linear programming approach offers valuable insights for decision-makers to enhance waste management strategies and promote more sustainable construction practices in rapidly developing regions like Qatar
INTEGRATING MUSEUM RESOURCES IN FORMAL EDUCATION: A PROPOSED MANUAL FOR GOVERNMENT SCHOOLTEACHERS IN QATAR
Get PDFThe purpose of the present thesis is to showcase integration of museum resources into government schools' pedagogical practices in Qatar. Museums are significant educational institutions that can upgrade classroom teaching-learning experiences. However, the status quo regarding schools' utilization of museums' offerings is limited. Thus, a manual was designed to support a national interdisciplinary educational partnership by implementing museum-school instructional design. Three research methods were applied to conduct the study: Systematic Review, Documentary Research and Educational Research & Development. The key findings were a set of factors that impact effective museum-school practices, strategies to facilitate schoolteachers' efforts of integrating museum resources into their instruction, as well as a manual guide for teachers and stakeholders' reference about the utilization of museum resources in Qatar. A highlight outcome was a customized integration strategy that was developed based on reported factors and Qatar government schools' mandates
Tofersen for SOD1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFObjective: Tofersen, an antisense oligonucleotide, has recently received FDA and EMA approval for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in adults with SOD1 gene mutations. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence on tofersen's safety and efficacy in patients with SOD1-related ALS. Methods: A comprehensive search of three databases was conducted from inception through October 2024. Eligible studies included clinical trials, observational studies, and case studies. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model in RevMan. Results: Twelve studies involving 195 patients treated with tofersen met the inclusion criteria, comprising two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), five cohort studies, one case series, and four case reports. Tofersen demonstrated promising effects, notably reducing SOD1 levels in cerebrospinal fluid and neurofilament light chain (NfL) in plasma, a biomarker strongly correlated with ALS progression and survival. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed a significantly lower rate of decline in ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) scores from baseline in the tofersen group compared to placebo (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI [0.05 to 0.83], P = 0.03) and a significant reduction in the decline of predicted Slow Vital Capacity (P = 0.005). In a pre-post meta-analysis of five studies, a significant decrease in ALS progression rate (ALSFRS-R decline rate) was observed (MD = -0.28, 95% CI [-0.40 to -0.15], P < 0.0001). Reported adverse events were consistent with ALS progression or procedural effects. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that tofersen effectively reduces SOD1 and NfL levels and slow disease progression in SOD1 ALS, showing promise as a targeted therapeutic option.Scopu
MSEUnet: Refined Intima-media segmentation of the carotid artery based on a multi-scale approach using patch-wise dice loss
No full textCarotid artery stenosis risk stratification is one of the most sought-after methods for diagnosing the chances of stroke. There is an inherent requirement to identify the risk before its onset through techniques such as ultrasound imaging. The carotid artery intima-media thickness, a marker for stenosis, can be identified, marked, and assessed. Typically performed by a trained operator, now automated approaches have been introduced that can automatically segment and classify the status of the carotid artery intima-media, aiding in the diagnosis of the chances of stroke. In this paper, a new framework based on two components is presented to segment the intima-media layer of the carotid artery to aid in diagnosis of the status. Firstly, the segmentation model is based on an enhanced Unet using multi-scale squeeze and excite operations. Secondly, a novel patch-wise dice loss function is introduced to optimize the normal dice loss function. The obtained results using augmentation on two combined datasets indicate an improvement in different metrics with respect to the state of the art. Notably, 89.4% dice coefficient index and 80.85% IoU, with data augmentation. The source code for the functions discussed in this paper will be available at https://github.com/Vlabgit/MSEUnet.git.Funding text 1: This research work was made possible by research grant support ( QUHI-CENG-22/23-548 ) from Qatar University Research Fund in Qatar and Qatar National Library open access fund .; Funding text 2: This document is the results of the research project funded by the Qatar University research fund.This research work was made possible by research grant support (QUHI-CENG-22/23-548) from Qatar University Research Fund in Qatar and Qatar National Library open access fund.Scopu
Modification and glycation microalgae proteins by non-thermal assisted process
No full textPlant proteins represent a promising solution worldwide due to their low production costs and easy accessibility. Additionally, plant proteins are more environmentally sustainable. Therefore, the potential of plant proteins to meet the protein requirements as an alternative source is increasingly gaining importance. Parallel to these developments, there is a growing interest and demand in food technologies for microalgae. The main reasons for this trend include their sustainable sources not only for proteins but also for various bioactive compounds and ingredients in food technology, as well as their positive impact on carbon emissions through carbon dioxide utilization. However, despite the significant demand for algae proteins from producers and consumers, their low solubility, viscosity, texture, and aroma defects limit their usage in foods. Various modification methods and glycation applications are needed to reduce these issues. However, it is crucial that these processes result in only the targeted changes in protein structures with minimal heat and chemical usage. Non-thermal processes such as sonication, high pressure, and cold plasma can be utilized for this purpose. Additionally, two main approaches can be used for microalgae protein modification: (i) modification of algae biomass followed by protein isolation or direct use/consumption of biomass, and (ii) isolation of protein from biomass followed by subsequent modification processes. This review offers a broad perspective regarding algal proteins. Modification techniques applied to plant proteins could be beneficial in enlightening the challenges linked to the digestibility, technofunctional, and sensory attributes of algae proteins. Much more research and innovation are required to enhance the potential of algae proteins.The authors thank Dr. Nevzat Konar, Ankara University Agriculture Faculty, Dairy Technology Department, Ankara, T\u00FCrkiye, for his support throughout the research. Open Access funding is provided by Qatar National Library.Scopu
Correlation analysis of global sagittal alignment of the spine in cases of low-grade degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis
No full textPurpose: Disruptions in global sagittal spinal alignment can lead to changes in global sagittal spinal alignment, often manifesting as sagittal malalignment, where the trunk shifts forward. We proposed that these alignment changes are linked to degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DS). The objective was to assess global spinal alignment in low-grade DS using sagittal vertical axis (SVA) classification. Methods: The patients with DS were categorized into three groups based on the adult spinal deformity classification: type I, defined by a SVA of less than 40 mm; type II, with an SVA ranging from 40 mm to 95 mm; and type III, where the SVA is 95 mm or greater. The study compared age and various sagittal parameters among these groups, including thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI). Results: Notable differences were observed between type I and type II, as well as between type I and type III, whereas no substantial variation was detected between type II and type III. Additionally, PI increased with advancing type classification, with a distinct contrast observed between type I and type III. Conclusion: A high PI is a key risk factor for worsening SVA in DS, and it may contribute to the initiation and progression of the condition.Scopu
Learning through “Research Cognitive Theory”: A new framework for developing 21st century research skills in secondary school students
No full textThis study introduces a novel framework for High School Research Cognitive Learning Program (HSRCLP), focused on developing 21st century research skills (including research behavior, scientific identity, and values for the scientific community) among high school students. Drawing on a novel framework of “Research Cognitive Theory” (RCT) and empirical evidence, the HSRCLP represents a paradigm shift in secondary education, offering a dynamic research learning environment to enculturate research skills in students. The RCT in the HSRCLP is grounded within Social Learning Theory (SLT) & Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), incorporating the principles of challenge-based learning (CBL) and blended problem & project-based learning (PBL + PjBL) pedagogical approaches. To demonstrate its effectiveness, a two-group pre-post survey method was employed, involving 230 high school students across 10 batches. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in research attitudes among high-performing students (experiment group 1) exposed to the HSRCLP compared to the control group. Subsequent intervention for average or low-performing students (experiment group 2) also yielded substantial gains in research attitudes, highlighting the program's effectiveness across academic spectrums. Therefore, the HSRCLP demonstrates promise in bridging the gap between theory and practice, offering secondary education practitioners an evidence-based approach to nurture secondary students' 21st research century skills. Educators and policymakers are encouraged to integrate RCT-based frameworks into curricula and explore its scalability in various educational settings to enhance its impact on developing scientific identity and research-driven behaviors in students.This work was supported by Qatar University Grant # QUT2RP-YSC-24/25-536. The findings achieved herein are solely the responsibility of the authors
SERVICE QUALITY EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENT SUGGESTIONS FOR QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY
No full textWith the popularity of the internet, public libraries must measure and improve service quality to remain competitive. This study explores service awareness and quality perceptions at Qatar National Library. A digital LibQUAL+ survey was distributed to the Qatar University community, library visitors, and the general public for a valid sample size of 98. Results showed high awareness levels of lending, private spaces, internet access, and digital resource services. Minimum expectations were generally met but not exceeded. However, statistically significant differences were found both in service superiority between the 18-22 age group and older age groups in the Library as Place dimension, and in service adequacy between post-graduate visitors versus other education levels in every quality dimension except Service Affect. Overall, Library as Place had the highest service quality scores relative to Service Affect and Information Control dimensions. Improvements are needed to increase service awareness and exceed expectations in every dimension
Pharmacy students take oath at QU-CPH
No full textQatar University College of Pharmacy (QU-CPH) recently held its 11th annual White Coat Ceremony in which thirty-one new pharmacy students took oath of a Pharmacist, signed the pledge of professionalism and received the pharmacist’s White Coat in front of an audience of more than 300 invited guests and well-wishers