Perception of the risk of contamination through feeding in pregnant and breastfeeding women

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Company-Morales ◽  
A Fontalba-Navas ◽  
M F Rubio-Jimenez ◽  
V Gil-Aguilar ◽  
J P Arrebola
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Cumulative Effect ◽  
The Body ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Large Fish ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Chemical Substances ◽  
Synthetic Chemicals ◽  
Harmful Effects

Abstract Introduction Persistent Toxic Substances (PTS) are substances that are characterized by the cumulative effect at low doses inside the body. Exposure to PTS in pregnant and breastfeeding women, through food consumption, shows various harmful effects on the health of the mother, the fetus and the baby. The objective of this article is to analyze how pregnant and breastfeeding women perceive the presence of chemical substances in food and reflect on the accumulation, transmission and elimination of these substances. Methodology Descriptive and interpretive study under the qualitative research paradigm following a phenomenological and ethnographic perspective. As instruments to obtain the primary data we rely on 111 semi-structured interviews with pregnant and breastfeeding women, 4 focused ethnographies, 8 focus groups (63 women), 71 feeding diaries, 71 free listings. To encode the content of the speeches of pregnant and nursing women we rely on the N-Vivo 12 software. Results Pregnant and breastfeeding women are concerned about food quality controls. Women trust on local and seasonal foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables from non-extensive crops and close to their home. Foods that produce distrust in women are processed, packaged foods, red meat and large fish. The latter foods promote in women a perception of risk of contamination by chemical substances, manifesting a defenseless situation to maintain a diet without contaminants. Conclusions Pregnant and breastfeeding women in Spain have no information on the risk and danger of synthetic chemicals or PTS, with the exception of certain toxic substances such as mercury present in large fish. Women maintain a duality in their own care and that of the fetus or child. This circumstance implies that the women interviewed believe that PTS and synthetic chemicals may have different harmful effects on the mother and the degree of growth of the fetus and, subsequently, of the baby. Key messages Future mothers are worried about the type of product they eat, knowing that food influences healthy growth and development of the fetus. Pregnant and breastfeeding women often distrust “processed” or “industrial” foods, which they tend to associate with low quality and large amounts of additives and chemical substances.

scholarly journals Building World-Class University in Pakistan: Opportunities and Constraints

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-112
Author(s):  
Contributing Authors ◽  
Ayesha Khawar ◽  
Seema Arif
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
The Body ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Academic Excellence ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
World Class ◽  
Assurance Process

The article explores the issues of academic excellence in higher education to pursue a position in world-class universities. Two universities in Pakistan have been chosen for the site of this qualitative study, one which has achieved the status, and the other still aspiring. The triangulation has been reached by a document analysis of the quality reports submitted by the two universities, semi-structured interviews with the senior and middle management of the universities, deans, and director for Quality Enhancement Cells, and head of the departments of the selected universities. The primary data obtained have been compared and contrasted with the quality characteristics marked by standards for academic excellence. Research findings inform us that unawareness of the international quality standards, and its potential benefits, the disinterest of university leadership are the main problems, due to which Pakistani universities are lagging behind. The study proposes if proper understanding and meaningfulness is created through quality professionalism, it would become much easier to pursue quality assurance process to meet international standards. The findings of the study will be a unique contribution to the body of literature creating a point of interest to policymakers and quality assurance practitioners of the developing countries who are concerned about the academic excellence of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to accentuate in the significant areas which make any university, a world-class university.

The Impact of Shariah Governance and Corporate Governance on the Risk Management Practices: Evidence from Local and Foreign Islamic Banks in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Sabri Embi ◽  
Zurina Shafii
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
T Test ◽  
The Body ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Shariah Governance ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Shariah governance and corporate governance (CG) on the risk management practices (RMPs) of local Islamic banks and foreign Islamic banks operating in Malaysia. The Shariah governance comprises the Shariah review (SR) and Shariah audit (SA) variables. The study also evaluates the level of RMPs, CG, SR, and SA between these two type of banks. With the aid of SPSS version 20, the items for RMPs, CG, SR, and SA were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). From the PCA, one component or factor was extracted each for the CG, SR, and RMPs while another two factors were extracted for the SA. Primary data was collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire. The questionnaire covers four aspects ; CG, SR, SA, and RMPs. The data received from the 300 usable questionnaires were subjected to correlation and regression analyses as well as an independent t-test. The result of correlation analysis shows that all the four variables have large positive correlations with each other indicating a strong and significant relationship between them. From the regression analysis undertaken, CG, SR, and SA together explained 52.3 percent of the RMPs and CG emerged as the most influential variable that impacts the RMPs. The independent t-test carried out shows that there were significant differences in the CG and SA between the local and foreign Islamic banks. However, there were no significant differences between the two types of the bank in relation to SR and RMPs. The study has contributed to the body of knowledge and is beneficial to academicians, industry players, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Immunological mechanisms of chronic liver lesions under the influence of chemicals

2020 ◽  
pp. 536-537
Author(s):  
G. S. Agzamova ◽  
M. M. Abdullaeva
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Chronic Liver ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Liver Lesions ◽  
Industrial Chemicals ◽  
Toxic Agent ◽  
Chronic Poisoning ◽  
Immunological Mechanisms ◽  
T System

The immunological profile of chronic liver lesions depending on the toxic agent was studied. It was revealed that chronic poisoning by industrial toxic substances causes changes in the functional state of the T-system of immunity, long-term contact with industrial chemicals leads to increased sensitization to autoantigens of the body.

A Worthwhile Collaboration: Integrating Optometry and Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Children

2020 ◽  
pp. 221-236
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
The Body ◽  
Collaborative Practice ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Visual Deficits ◽  
Vision Deficits

Background: Vision deficits are highly prevalent in children with neurodevelopmental disorders including those with motor delays, learning and reading difficulties, and maladaptive behaviors. These deficits can interfere with their participation and performance in everyday life activities and therefore, require a comprehensive approach to therapy. As such, optometrists and occupational therapists are an optimal team to provide interprofessional collaborative care, reported in research as best practice, in the treatment of these children. However, little is known about the long-called-for collaboration between these professions. The purpose of this study was to explore factors and implications associated with a collaborative practice between optometrists and occupational therapists in the co-management of vision deficits in the pediatric population. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive design was employed to explore perceptions of collaborative practice among teams of optometrists and occupational therapists in the remedial care of children with visual deficits. Following IRB approval, co-located optometrists and occupational therapists were recruited for this study. Semistructured interviews served as the primary data collection tool to investigate the factors and implications of collaborative practice. Results: Eleven professionals provided informed consent and took part in this study, including five occupational therapists and six optometrists. Following thematic analysis, four overarching themes emerged including 1) professional boundaries, 2) co-located, integrated practice, 3) professional growth, and 4) improved patient care. Participants indicated that although barriers exist, exercising humility, upholding patient-centered focus, maintaining mutual respect, communicating frequently, and co-location were factors that enable collaboration. Positive outcomes related to both the provider and the patient were further highlighted supporting the interprofessional collaboration between these professionals. Conclusions: The findings of this qualitative study add to the body of evidence underpinning interprofessional collaborative practice. Furthermore, this study supports the coordination of care, through optometry and occupational therapy collaboration, in the treatment of visual deficits in children with special needs.

A Comprehensive Review on Nanotechnology-Based Innovations in Topical Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Skin Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (44) ◽  
pp. 5720-5731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Singh Lalotra ◽  
Vishesh Singh ◽  
Bharat Khurana ◽  
Shelly Agrawal ◽  
Shubham Shrestha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Systemic Exposure ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽  
The Body ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Abnormal Growth ◽  
Dermal Layer ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Carrier Systems

Background: Skin is the largest organ of the body and helps to regulate several physiological functions. It acts as a barrier that protects the body against UV-radiation, toxic substances, infections, etc. The abnormal growth of the skin cells is called skin cancer. Different types of skin cancer can be classified as Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC); which mainly occur due to chronic exposure to UV- sunlight and pollution. Methods: The conventional topical treatments of skin cancer such as cream, gel, ointment, etc., are more occlusive and thus they do not penetrate deep into the skin (dermal layer) and remain at the upper part of the skin (epidermal layer). The stratum corneum acts as a physiological barrier for the drug-loaded in the conventional formulation. The novel carrier systems have the potential to facilitate the penetration of the drug deep into the skin (dermal layer) because these have less size and higher flexibility than conventional treatment. Conclusion: In the present review, we have discussed various novel carrier systems being investigated for the topical application of chemotherapeutic agents for efficient skin targeting and better dermatological as well as therapeutic benefits with minimal systemic exposure and toxicity.

Toxicology

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Laumbach ◽  
Michael Gochfeld
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Molecular Targets ◽  
Toxicity Testing ◽  
The Body ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Mechanisms Of Toxicity ◽  
Body Distribution ◽  
Threshold Doses

This chapter describes the basic principles of toxicology and their application to occupational and environmental health. Topics covered include pathways that toxic substances may take from sources in the environment to molecular targets in the cells of the body where toxic effects occur. These pathways include routes of exposure, absorption into the body, distribution to organs and tissues, metabolism, storage, and excretion. The various types of toxicological endpoints are discussed, along with the concepts of dose-response relationships, threshold doses, and the basis of interindividual differences and interspecies differences in response to exposure to toxic substances. The diversity of cellular and molecular mechanisms of toxicity, including enzyme induction and inhibition, oxidative stress, mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and teratogenesis, are discussed and the chapter concludes with examples of practical applications in clinical evaluation and in toxicity testing.

scholarly journals User-driven efforts in creating knowledge graph information system

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-111
Author(s):  
Stanislava Gardasevic
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Resource Discovery ◽  
The Body ◽  
Knowledge Graph ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper presents the results of a qualitative study that involved students of an interdisciplinary PhD program. The study objective was to gather requirements to create a knowledge graph information system. The purpose of this study was to determine information-seeking practices and information needs of this community, to inform the functionalities of a proposed system, intended to help students with relevant resource discovery and decision-making. Design/methodology/approach The study design included semi-structured interviews with eight members of the community, followed by a website usability study with the same student participants. Findings Two main information-seeking styles are recognized and reported through user personas of international and domestic (USA) students. The findings show that the useful information resides within the community and not so much on the program website. Students rely on peer communication, although they report lack of opportunities to connect. Students’ information needs and information seeking are dependent on their progress through the program, as well as their motivation and the projected timeline. Practical implications Considering the current information needs and practices, a knowledge graph hosting both information on social networks and the knowledge produced by the activities of the community members would be useful. By recording data on their activities (for example, collaboration with professors and coursework), students would reveal further useful system functionalities and facilitate transfer of tacit knowledge. Originality/value Aside from the practical value of this research that is directly influencing the design of a system, it contributes to the body of knowledge on interdisciplinary PhD programs.

scholarly journals Being parent of a child with congenital heart disease, what does it mean? A qualitative research

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nahid Dehghan Nayeri ◽  
Zahra Roddehghan ◽  
Farzad Mahmoodi ◽  
Parvin Mahmoodi
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
The Body ◽  
Spiritual Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Financial Condition ◽  
Data Saturation

Abstract Background Childbirth is one of the invaluable human experiences and is associated with parental happiness. However, when a child is born with congenital heart disease, it creates emotional and mental distress. As a result, it changes the parents’ response to their child birth. Exploring parenthood experiences add to the body of knowledge and reveal new perspectives. In order to make healthcare professionals able to support these children and their families, they should first understand the meaning of this phenomenon. This study aimed to explore the meaning of parenting a child with Congenital Heart Disease in Iran. Methods A qualitative study was adopted with a conventional content analysis approach and constant comparative analysis. Participants in this study were 17 parents, including parents of children with congenital heart disease who were selected by purposeful sampling method. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection and continued to data saturation. Data were analyzed via MAXQDA 10 software. Results Four categories and twenty three subcategories emerged as meaning of parenting a child with Congenital Heart Disease. Categories include “Emotional breakdown”, “The catastrophic burden of care”, “Spiritual beliefs of parents” and “The hard road” Conclusions Fully understanding the life experience of these families will allow the implementation of targeted health interventions. Hence, by understanding the meaning of parenting a child with Congenital Heart Disease, healthcare professionals can asses parents emotional statues, information and spiritual needs, financial condition, insurance and marital status using CHD standards so that support is individualized, sensitive and time appropriate.

scholarly journals A Maximal Understanding of Sacrifice: Bataille, Richard Wagner, Pilgrimage and the Bayreuth Festival

Religions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Philip Smith ◽  
Florian Stoll
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Experience ◽  
The Body ◽  
Richard Wagner ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Historical Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Paradigm Case ◽  
Comparative Sociology ◽  
Sacred Spaces ◽  
Classical Work

This paper calls for a broad conception of sacrifice to be developed as a resource for cultural sociology. It argues the term was framed too narrowly in the classical work of Hubert and Mauss. The later approach of Bataille permits a maximal understanding of sacrifice as non-utilitarian expenditures of money, energy, passion and effort directed towards the experience of transcendence. From this perspective, pilgrimage can be understood as a specific modality of sacrificial activity. This paper applies this understanding of sacrifice and pilgrimage to the annual Bayreuth “Wagner” Festival in Germany. Drawing on a multi-year mixed-methods study involving ethnography, semi-structured interviews and historical research, the article traces sacrificial expenditures at the level of individual festival attendees. These include financial costs, arduous travel, dedicated research of the artworks, and disciplines of the body. Some are lucky enough to experience transcendence in the form of deep emotional experience, and a sense of contact with sacred spaces and forces. Our study is intended as an exemplary paradigm case that can be drawn upon analogically by scholars. We suggest that other aspects of social experience, including many that are more ‘everyday’, can be understood through a maximal model of sacrifice and that a rigorous, wider comparative sociology could be developed using this tool.

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