scholarly journals Assessing the Correlation between Brick Properties and Firing Hours of Locally Produced Clay-burnt Bricks in Taraba State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
E. J Bassah ◽  
W. K. Joshua
Keyword(s):  
Compressive Strength ◽  
Water Absorption ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Clay Bricks ◽  
Unit Value ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

The use of burnt-clay bricks is increasing in rural areas because of its availability and low cost. However, the burning of bricks locally at unknown temperatures will likely result in the production of bricks that are unfit for construction purposes. The study assesses the minimum number of days bricks require to attain the minimum stipulated standards for compressive strength and water absorption. The results obtained were compared to the NIS 87: 2000 standards to assess their conformity. From the study results, the mean compressive strength of bricks (1.576 N/mm², 2.306 N/mm², 3.634 N/mm²) at 48, 72 and 96 hours of firing fails to attain the target value of 5N/mm² as stipulated by the NIS building code. However, the mean compressive strength after 120 hours (5.386 N/mm²) attains the stipulated unit value. The water absorption rate displayed similar findings with mean values of 37.12%, 34.2%, 28.88% failing to conform with the stipulated 20% standards. However, the mean of water absorption after 120 hours (21.02%) has no significant difference and hence conforms to the stipulated value. This therefore means that bricks should be burnt far beyond the 120 hours in order to safely conform to 5N/mm² and 20% compressive strength and water absorption respectively.

scholarly journals Hospital service quality based on HEALTHQUAL model and trusting nurses at Iranian university and non-university hospitals: a comparative study

BMC Nursing ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Nemati ◽  
Masoud Bahreini ◽  
Shahnaz Pouladi ◽  
Kamran Mirzaei ◽  
Farkhondeh Mehboodi
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Hospital Service ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Establishment and improvement of patients’ trust in healthcare organizations like hospitals necessitate delivery of high-quality services by nurses, as the largest group of healthcare providers. The present study aimed to compare hospital service quality based on the HEALTHQUAL model and trusting nurses at university and non-university hospitals in Iran. Methods This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 990 patients admitted to university and non-university hospitals located in Bushehr Province, southern Iran, who were selected using the stratified random sampling method. The data were collected through the HEALTHQUAL questionnaire and the Trust in Nurses Scale, and then analyzed via the SPSS Statistics software (version 22) as well as the General Linear Model (GLM) univariate procedure and the Chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05. Results The study findings revealed that the mean values of real quality (perceptions) and ideal quality (expectations) were 3.89 ± 0.69 and 4.55 ± 0.47, respectively. The gap between the real and ideal quality (− 0.64) was also larger at non-university hospitals from the patients’ viewpoints. Comparing various dimensions of service quality, the largest gap at university and non-university hospitals was associated with “environment” (− 0.13) and “empathy” (− 0.18), respectively. Additionally, the mean scores of the patient trust in nurses at university and non-university hospitals were 10.34 ± 5.81 and 8.71 ± 4.05, respectively, being a statistically significant difference (p <  0.001). Conclusion The study results demonstrated that hospital service quality and trusting in nurses were at higher levels at the university hospital than the non-university one; however, hospital service quality was at a lower level than what the patients had expected. Accordingly, hospital managers and policy-makers were suggested to focus on patients to reduce gaps in service quality, to promote service quality, and to provide better healthcare services to patients.

scholarly journals Hospital Service Quality Based on HEALTHQUAL Model and Trusting Nurses at Iranian University and Non-University Hospitals: A Comparative Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Nemati ◽  
Masoud Bahreini ◽  
Shahnaz Pouladi ◽  
Kamran Mirzaei ◽  
Farkhondeh Mehboodi
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Hospital Service ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background: Establishment and improvement of patients’ trust in healthcare organizations like hospitals necessitate delivering high-quality services by nurses, as the largest group of healthcare providers. The present study aimed to compare hospital service quality based on the HEALTHQUAL model and trusting nurses at university and non-university hospitals in Iran.Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 990 patients admitted to university and non-university hospitals located in Bushehr Province, southern Iran, who were selected using the stratified random sampling method. The data were collected through the HEALTHQUAL questionnaire and the Trust in Nurses Scale, and then analyzed via the SPSS Statistics software (version 22) as well as the General Linear Model (GLM) univariate procedure and the Chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05.Results: The study findings revealed that the mean values of real quality (perceptions) and ideal quality (expectations) were 3.89±0.69 4.55±0.47, respectively. The gap between the real and ideal quality (-0.64) was also higher at the non-university hospital from the patients’ viewpoints. Comparing various dimensions of service quality, the largest gap at university and non-university hospitals was associated with “environment” (-0.13) and “empathy” (-0.18), respectively. Additionally, the mean scores of patient trust in nurses at university and non-university hospitals were 10.34±5.81 and 8.71±4.05, respectively, being a statistically significant difference (p<0.001).Conclusion: The study results demonstrated that hospital service quality and trusting in nurses were at higher levels at the university hospital than the non-university one; however, hospital service quality was lower than what the patients had expected. Accordingly, hospital managers and policy-makers were suggested to focus on patients to reduce gaps in service quality, to promote service quality, and to provide better healthcare services to patients.

A COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS FOR MEASUREMENT OF ALDOSTERONE SECRETION RATE IN MAN

1966 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Lund-Johansen ◽  
T. Thorsen ◽  
K. F. Støa
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Secretion Rate ◽  
Aldosterone Secretion ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Derivative Method ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT A comparison has been made between (A), a relatively simple method for the measurement of aldosterone secretion rate, based on paper chromatography and direct densitometry of the aldosterone spot and (B) a more elaborate isotope derivative method. The mean secretion rate in 9 normal subjects was 112 ± 26 μg per 24 hours (method A) and 135 ± 35 μg per 24 hours (method B). The »secretion rate« in one adrenalectomized subject after the intravenous injection of 250 μg of aldosterone was 230 μg per 24 hours (method A) and 294 μg per 24 hours (method B). There was no significant difference in the mean values, and correlation between the two methods was good (r = 0.80). It is concluded that the densitometric method is suitable for clinical purposes as well as research, being more rapid and less expensive than the isotope derivative method. Method A also measures the urinary excretion of the aldosterone 3-oxo-conjugate, which is of interest in many pathological conditions. The densitometric method is obviously the less sensitive and a prerequisite for its use is an aldosterone secretion of 20—30 μg per 24 hours. Lower values are, however, rare in adults.

CONCENTRADO PROTEICO OBTIDO DAS FOLHAS DE MANDIOCA (Manihot esculenta Crantz) DE TRÊS VARIEDADES COMERCIAIS.

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Izabel Aparecida Soares ◽  
Mauro Sérgio Téo ◽  
Carlise DEBASTIANI ◽  
Suzymeire BARONI ◽  
Vanessa Silva RETUCI
Keyword(s):  
Manihot Esculenta ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Hydrocyanic Acid ◽  
Protein Concentrate ◽  
Manihot Esculenta Crantz ◽  
White Variety ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

O trabalho teve por objetivo verificar diferenças entre rendimento do concentrado proteico e proteína bruta da folha da mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz), obtidos a partir de três variedades comerciais: branca, cascuda e vermelha. As manivas foram plantadas seguindo o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três repetições. Nas comparações entre as variedades, considerou coletas escalonadas pós-plantio, realizadas aos 12, 14 e 16 meses. O concentrado proteico foi obtido a partir da farinha das folhas inteiras e submetido ao método de termo - coagulação ácido e a proteína bruta pelo método padrão AOAC. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância e comparados pelo teste de Tukey - 5% de probabilidade. Os resultados não indicaram diferença significativa entre as médias obtidas para rendimento de concentrado proteico. Para a variável porcentagem de proteína bruta a variedade Branca foi a que apresentou maior valor, com média de 46,25%, seguida pela Cascuda e Vermelha, 44,52% e 37,30%, sucessivamente. Conclui-se que outros estudos devem avaliar condições que possam influenciar no teor de proteína foliar, como clima e solo, e, avaliar os níveis de ácido cianídrico de cada variedade, indicando qual das três é a melhor para a extração do concentrado proteico das folhas. Palavras chaves: Manihot esculenta Crantz, variedades comerciais, concentrado proteico, proteína bruta. ABSTRACT: The study aimed to assess the differences between income protein concentrate, crude protein of cassava leaf (Manihot esculenta Crantz), obtained from three commercial varieties: white, red and cascuda. The cuttings were planted following the completely randomized design with three replications. Comparisons between the varieties considered after planting staggered collections, held on 12, 14 and 16 months. The protein concentrate was obtained from flour of whole sheets and subjected to the term method - acid coagulation and crude protein by AOAC standard method. The data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test - 5% probability. The results indicated no significant difference between the mean values obtained for protein concentrate income. For the variable percentage of crude protein White variety showed the highest, with an average of 46.25%, followed by cascuda and Red, 44.52% and 37.30%, successively. We conclude that further studies should evaluate conditions that may affect the leaf protein content, such as climate and soil, and evaluate the hydrocyanic acid levels of each variety, indicating which of the three is the best for the extraction of protein concentrate from leaves Key words: Manihot esculenta Crantz, commercial varieties, protein concentrate, crude protein.

scholarly journals AB0100 EVALUATION OF PGA LEVEL FOR CLINICAL REMISSION WITH BOOLEAN CRITERIA, 10MM OR 20MM?

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1078.1-1079
Author(s):  
I. Yoshii
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Clinical Remission ◽  
Global Assessment ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
T Test ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Remission Criteria ◽  
The Mean

Background:Patient’s global assessment (PGA) is one important component of Boolean composite criteria for remission in treat with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, PGA no more than 10mm is sometimes obstacle to attain clinical remission. In recent few years, one opinion that PGA no more than 20mm may be comparable as no more than 10mm.Objectives:The aim of this study is to analyze how difference of these PGA level affect disease activity and daily activities in living, and evaluate which is optimal for the remission with Boolean remission criteria from real world setting.Methods:RA patients who were followed up for more than three years in the institute were picked up in the study. Each patient was monitored with tenderness joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), PGA, evaluator’s global assessment (EGA), serum C-reactive protein level (CRP), calculated disease activity score with simplified disease activity index(SDAI), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and pain score using visual analog scale (PS-VAS) every consulted time from the first encounter (Baseline). Patients were classified according to achievement of Boolean remission criteria. Group 1: a patient group who attained Boolean remission wih TJC≦1, SJC≦1, CRP≦1mg/dl, and PGA≦1 (G-1), Group 2: a patient group who could not attained the Boolean remission used in the G-1 evaluation, but could attained another Boolean remission with TJC≦1, SJC≦1, CRP≦1mg/dl, and PGA≦2 (G-2), and Group 3: a patient group who could not attain Boolean remission for neither criterion.Mean values of measured parameters at Baseline and after the Baseline were compared statistically with Student T-test. Mean values of the same parameters in the G-1 and G-2 at the time of attain Boolean remission for each criteria, mean values of each of these parameters thereafter, and changes of these parameters were compared statistically with Student T-test.Results:A total of 438 patients 385 in the G-1 group, 16 in the G-2 group, and 37 in the G-3 group, were recruited. In parameters at Baseline, level of TJC, SJC, PGA, EGA, SDAI, and HAQ-DI in the G-1 was significantly lower than in the G-3, whereas no significant differences in any parameters demonstrated between in the G-2 and G-3. Level of HAQ-DI, and PS-VAS after Baseline in the G-1 was lower than in the G-3, whereas no significant difference of these parameters after Baseline demonstrated between in the G-2 and G-3. TJC, SJC, PGA, and EGA demonstrated significant less level in the G-1 than in the other two groups. The mean SDAI score at the time of first achievement of Boolean remission in the G-1 and G-2 were 1.08 and 2.57, respectively. The mean value of SDAI score after remission in the G-1 and G-2 were 3.35 and 6.44, respectively. These values and PS-VAS including change of the SDAI score demonstrated significant difference between the two groups (p<0.01), whereas HAQ-DI in the two groups demonstrated no significant difference.Conclusion:These results suggested that setting PGA as no more than 10mm should be reasonable for the evaluation of clinical remission with the Boolean criteria.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

A new simpler approach to measure the strength of toe plantar flexion requiring no mechanical restraint with a light-weight device

2021 ◽  
pp. 095441192110029
Author(s):  
Yuko Komuro ◽  
Yuji Ohta
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Simple Approach ◽  
Light Weight ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Mechanical Restraint ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ankle Joints ◽  
The Mean

Conventionally, the strength of toe plantar flexion (STPF) is measured in a seated position, in which not only the target toe joints but also the knee and particularly ankle joints, are usually restrained. We have developed an approach for the measurement of STPF which does not involve restraint and considers the interactions of adjacent joints of the lower extremities. This study aimed to evaluate this new approach and comparing with the seated approach. A thin, light-weight, rigid plate was attached to the sole of the foot in order to immobilize the toe area. Participants were 13 healthy young women (mean age: 24 ± 4 years). For measurement of STPF with the new approach, participants were instructed to stand, raise the device-wearing leg slightly, plantar flex the ankle, and push the sensor sheet with the toes to exert STPF. The sensor sheet of the F-scan II system was inserted between the foot sole and the plate. For measurement with the seated approach, participants were instructed to sit and push the sensor with the toes. They were required to maintain the hip, knee, and ankle joints at 90°. The mean values of maximum STPF of the 13 participants obtained with each approach were compared. There was no significant difference in mean value of maximum STPF when the two approaches were compared (new: 59 ± 23 N, seated: 47 ± 33 N). The coefficient of variation of maximum STPF was smaller for data obtained with the new approach (new: 39%, seated: 70%). Our simple approach enables measurement of STPF without the need for the restraints that are required for the conventional seated approach. These results suggest that the new approach is a valid method for measurement of STPF.

scholarly journals The Quality of Statistical Reporting and Data Presentation in Predatory Dental Journals Was Lower Than in Non-Predatory Journals

Entropy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 468
Author(s):  
Pentti Nieminen ◽  
Sergio E. Uribe
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Scientific Journals ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Data Presentation ◽  
Predatory Journals ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Highly Cited

Proper peer review and quality of published articles are often regarded as signs of reliable scientific journals. The aim of this study was to compare whether the quality of statistical reporting and data presentation differs among articles published in ‘predatory dental journals’ and in other dental journals. We evaluated 50 articles published in ‘predatory open access (OA) journals’ and 100 clinical trials published in legitimate dental journals between 2019 and 2020. The quality of statistical reporting and data presentation of each paper was assessed on a scale from 0 (poor) to 10 (high). The mean (SD) quality score of the statistical reporting and data presentation was 2.5 (1.4) for the predatory OA journals, 4.8 (1.8) for the legitimate OA journals, and 5.6 (1.8) for the more visible dental journals. The mean values differed significantly (p < 0.001). The quality of statistical reporting of clinical studies published in predatory journals was found to be lower than in open access and highly cited journals. This difference in quality is a wake-up call to consume study results critically. Poor statistical reporting indicates wider general lower quality in publications where the authors and journals are less likely to be critiqued by peer review.

Spontaneous Blinks as a Criterion of Visual Fatigue during Prolonged Work on Visual Display Terminals

2001 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 234-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenichi Kaneko ◽  
Kazuyoshi Sakamoto
Keyword(s):  
Time Lag ◽  
Vertical Direction ◽  
Visual Display ◽  
Hard Copy ◽  
Subjective Feeling ◽  
Visual Fatigue ◽  
Work Time ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Visual fatigue caused by prolonged work viewing a Visual Display Terminals (VDT) and of work reading a hard-copy were assessed by electromyogram (EMG) waveform and electrooculogram (EOG) waveform in spontaneous blinks as objective criteria, and by questionnaire of subjective feeling, and by task performance. The duration and the amplitude of the EMG of the orbicularis ocular muscle on the right side and the EOG of the vertical direction to the eyelid were measured for 10 subjects who participated in a figure task consisting of the addition of single-digit numbers on a VDT work or a work with a hard-copy. The mean values of the duration and the amplitude of the EMG and the EOG were evaluated by the averaging of 10 waveforms of the spontaneous blinks for all subjects. The time lag from the EMG to the EOG in the process of the generation of spontaneous blinks was also analyzed. These five parameters were evaluated during the work time. The mean values for the duration of the EMG increased gradually during the work time, but the amplitude did not show significant difference between the prework and a work time. There was no significant change of the duration of the EOG, but the mean amplitude of the EOG decreased as the work time progressed, and the time lag significantly extended. The blinks frequency increased relatively when using a VDT. The rate of fluctuation for these parameters was higher during use of a VDT than use of a hard-copy. The time lag at five hours of VDT work was extended by 90% based on the value at the prework. The symptoms of general fatigue and fatigue of the eyes increased linearly during the VDT work for six hours. The results indicated a significant correlation between the objective parameters for the activity of the spontaneous blinks, i.e., duration and amplitude of EMG and EOG, and the time lag between EMG and EOG, and the subjective feeling was recognized in the time course of the task. These experimental results suggested that the parameters regarding the EMG and the EOG for the spontaneous blinks were effective indices for assessing visual fatigue during prolonged VDT work.

scholarly journals Influence of Apical Patency and Cleaning of the Apical Foramen on Periapical Extrusion in Retreatment

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 482-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marili Doro Andrade Deonizio ◽  
Gilson Blitzkow Sydney ◽  
Antonio Batista ◽  
Roberto Pontarolo ◽  
Paulo Ricardo Bittencourt Guimarães ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Material Removal ◽  
Filling Material ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Filtration System ◽  
Root Canal Retreatment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Removal Technique

This study evaluated the influence of apical patency, root filling removal technique and cleaning of the apical foramen, concerning the amount of debris extruded during root canal retreatment. Forty mandibular incisors were randomly assigned to 4 groups - GIM (n=10), GIIM (n=10), GIPT (n=10) and GIIPT (n=10), which were named according to leaving (I) or not (II) apical patency during canal preparation and filling removal technique (manual - M or ProTaper system - PT). After filling material removal, each specimen of each group had the apical foramen cleaned by sizes 15, 20 and 25 instruments, generating 12 subgroups: GIM15, GIM20, GIM25, GIIM15, GIIM20, GIIM25, GIPT15, GIPT20, GIPT25, GIIPT15, GIIPT20 and GIIPT25. Extruded filling debris was collected by a Milipore filtration system, an HV-durapore, 0.45 µm pore filter with a 25 mm diameter. The filters were weighed before and after the collection on an analytical scale (10–5 g), and the difference was calculated. The mean weight of extruded filling debris was analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman ANOVA tests (α=0.05). The mean values found in the groups (in mg) were: GIM (0.95±0.94), GIIM (0.47±0.62), GIPT (0.30±0.31) and GIIPT (0.32±0.44). There was no statistically significant difference among any of the groups or subgroups (p>0.05). ProTaper provided the smallest amount of extruded filling material, regardless of presence or absence of apical patency, followed by manual technique, without and with apical patency. Additional amounts of debris were collected during cleaning of the apical foramen, regardless of the instrument, presence/absence of patency or root filling removal technique.

scholarly journals CNO abundances in giants of the peculiar globular cluster NGC 1851

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (S317) ◽  
pp. 352-353
Author(s):  
G. Tautvaišienė ◽  
A. Drazdauskas ◽  
C. Lardo ◽  
S. L. Martell ◽  
E. Pancino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cno Abundances

AbstractWe provide CNO and Fe abundance investigations for a sample of up to 45 NGC 1851 giants. High-resolution spectra were obtained with the VLT UVES spectrograph in the framework of the Gaia-ESO Survey. The stars in our sample can be separated into two groups with a difference of 0.1 dex in the mean metallicity, 0.3 dex in the mean C/N, and no significant difference in the mean values of C+N+O.

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