Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State Students toward Coronavirus Pandemic

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a pandemic requiring unprecedented measures adopted to control its rapid spread. The knowledge, attitudes and perception (KAP) of the public play a major role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. In this study, FUTA students’ KAP towards COVID-19 during the rapid rise period of the outbreak was investigated. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in FUTA in October 2021 via a self-designed questionnaire comprising 25 questions assessing KAP. Assessments on students’ attitudes and perception towards COVID-19 included questions on confidence and believe in winning the war against COVID-19 such as wearing face masks and use of hands sanitizer. Among the questionnaire completed (n=402), 58.0% were men while 42.0% were female, 17.7% were from school of Agriculture, and 20.1% were in 300 level. The overall adequate knowledge on the existence of the disease was 88.6%. The majority of the respondents displayed good attitude towards the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in FUTA as 79.6% of the students were in agreement with the rules of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). In addition, the study showed that age factors cannot affect the perception of students to COVID-19 as the P-value (0.733) is greater than 0.05.

Mechanical Properties and Clinical Significance of Orthodontic Wires

Orthodontic treatment is usually conducted by applying forces to certain teeth to move them into a targeted position. Orthodontic wires have been reported to be the primary modalities used in fixed-appliances-based orthodontic treatment to induce favorable tooth movement events. Accordingly, acquiring adequate knowledge about these approaches' clinical applications and biochemical behavior is essential when planning for a successful orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic wires are widely used and are mainly composed of composites, polymers, alloys and metals. Accordingly, the physical properties and clinical application of orthodontic wires vary based on their composition. In this context, it was recommended that achieving favorable outcomes of orthodontic treatment obliges clinicians to decide the best orthodontic wire and treatment plan based on the chemical properties and related clinical applications of each wire. Therefore, wires that tend to produce increasing stiffness gradually are generally used. However, it should be noted that no ideal wire exists. Therefore, favoring the application of a wire over the other should be based on the intended outcomes and stage of the treatment process.

Techno-Functional and Gelling Properties of Acha (Fonio) (Digitaria exilis stapf) Flour: A Study of Its Potential as a New Gluten-Free Starch Source in Industrial Applications

Fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf) is an ancient African cereal that represents a rich source of carbohydrate, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and sulfur-containing amino acids. Processing and utilization of fonio require adequate knowledge of its structural, chemical, and nutritional characteristics. The present work evaluates the structural, techno-functional, and gelling properties of fonio and compares them to other major gluten-free cereals (rice, maize, sorghum, and millet). Fonio flour presented significantly higher water absorption index and swelling power, while it scored a lower water solubility index than the reference flours. The pasting viscosity profile of fonio was similar to that of rice, with equivalent peak viscosity but a breakdown viscosity 24% lower than rice, indicative of higher stability and resistance to shearing and heating. Rheological properties demonstrated that fonio generates gels with remarkably strong structures. At 15% concentration, fonio gel withstood stress 579% higher than those observed in the reference flours without breaking its structure. Fonio flour presented the highest gelatinization enthalpy (11.45 J/g) and a narrow gelatinization temperature range (9.96 °C), indicative of a better-packed starch structure than the other analyzed flours. The texture of the gels made with fonio showed higher firmness over the evaluated period. These combined results suggest that fonio is a suitable ingredient for gel-like food formulations.

Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Determinants of Them towards Tuberculosis in Bangladesh: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that causes thousands of deaths in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is one of the high-risk countries among 30 high TB burden countries. In this study, we aimed to assess the knowledge, practices, attitudes towards TB, and the factors associated with them in the general population of Bangladesh. Method: A web-based anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among the general population in Bangladesh. A comprehensive consent statement was included at the beginning of the survey by explaining the study's intent, types of questions, anonymous and voluntary nature. Analysis was carried out using the chi-square test and univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among 1,180 eligible respondents, 58.64% were males, and 62.37% were married. The majority of the participants (78.28%) were aged between 15 to 44 years. Overall adequate knowledge, favorable attitudes, and good practices about TB were found respectively in 47.8%, 44.75%, and 31.19% of the general population of Bangladesh. Almost the same sets of associated factors were found to influence adequate knowledge, favorable attitudes, and good practices towards TB among general people. Males, young, unmarried, respondents with higher education, and urban respondents were more likely to have adequate knowledge, favorable attitudes, and good practices towards TB. Conclusion: Policymakers need to design programs and interventions to improve knowledge, attitudes, and good practices towards TB among the general people by focusing on vulnerable groups such as females, young and older people, people who live in the rural areas, and illiterate/less educated people.

Online learning in proton radiation therapy: the future in the post-Covid-19 pandemic era?

Objective: The Covid-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on medical education and led to a vast increase in online learning. Subsequently, the XXXX International Proton School moved from face-to-face to online. Delegate feedback and current literature were studied to determine benefits, challenges, and potential solutions, for online proton therapy education. Methods: The course was converted to a six-week online course with twice weekly two-hour sessions. Feedback was studied pre, during, and post course regarding demographics, learning objectives, proton therapy knowledge, ease of engagement, technical difficulties, and course format. Statistical analyses were performed for proton therapy knowledge pre and post course. Results: An increase in delegate attendance was seen with increased international and multidisciplinary diversity. Learner objectives included treatment planning, clinical applications, physics, and centre development. Average learner reported scores of confidence in proton therapy knowledge improved significantly from 3, some knowledge, to 4, adequate knowledge after the course (p<0.0001). There were minimal reported difficulties using the online platform, good reported learner engagement, and shorter twice weekly sessions were reported conducive for learning. Recordings for asynchronous learning addressed time zone difficulties. Conclusions: The obligatory switch to online platforms has catalysed a paradigm shift towards online learning with delegates reporting educational benefit. We propose solutions to challenges of international online education, and a pedagogical model for online proton therapy education. Advances in knowledge: Online education is an effective method to teach proton therapy to international audiences. The future of proton education includes a hybrid of online and practical face-to-face learning depending on the level of cognitive skill required.

Pelatihan Pengukuran Status Gizi Balita dengan Menggunakan Antropometri sebagai Upaya Pencegahan Stunting Sejak Dini Pada Ibu di Darat Sawah Seginim Bengkulu Selatan

ABSTRAK Desa Darat Sawah Seginim adalah salah satu Desa yang memiliki jumlah balita yang banyak di Kabupaten Bengkulu Selatan, dan dapat menyumbangkan kejadian stunting di Kabupaten Bengkulu Selatan. Sebagai orang tua, dalam memberikan asuhan pertama untuk anak harusnya memiliki pengetahuan yang memadai dalam mengukur pertumbuhan dan perkembangan anak dengan menggunakan metode antropometri sederhana. Tujuan dari kegiatan ini adalah meningkatkan keterampilan ibu dalam pencegahan stunting sejak dini. Metode yang dilakukan adalah gabungan dari Penyuluhan untuk memberikan pengetahuan, pelatihan serta simulasi dimana Ibu hamil dan ibu yang mempunyai balita dikumpulkan dan diberikan pre-tes mengenai stunting, kemudian peneliti memberikan materi dan pelatihan pengukuran status gizi balita terhadap ibu hamil dan ibu yang mempunyai balita, setelah itu dilakukan post-tes untuk mengevaluasi kinerja pelatihan yang dilakukan. Hasilnya didapatkan Tingkat pengetahuan ibu-ibu setelah dilakukan pelatihan mengalami peningkatan sebesar 25% dengan rata-rata nilai adalah 80 dengan nilai rata-rata pada saat pretes yaitu 55. Saran pada kegiatan ini adalah memotivasi ibu-ibu untuk bisa menerapkan pengukuran antropometri dirumah dan bisa mengajarkan lagi kepada orang-orang disekitarnya. Kata Kunci : Pelatihan, Status Gizi, Stunting ABSTRACT Seginim Village is one of the villages that has a lot of children under five in South Bengkulu Regency and can contribute to stunting in South Bengkulu Regency. As a parent, in providing first care for children, you should have adequate knowledge in measuring the growth and development of children using simple anthropometric methods. The purpose of this training activity is to improve the skills of mothers in the early detection of stunting independently by using the anthropometric method. The method used is a combination of counseling to provide knowledge, training, and simulations where pregnant women and mothers with toddlers are collected and given a pre-test regarding stunting, then the researchers provide material and training on measuring the nutritional status of toddlers to pregnant women and mothers who have toddlers, After that, a post-test was conducted to evaluate the performance of the training carried out. It is hoped that this activity it can increase the awareness of parents and pregnant women to prevent stunting. The result is that the level of knowledge of mothers after the training has increased with an average value of 80. Suggestions in this activity are to motivate mothers to be able to apply anthropometric measurements at home and be able to teach again to the people around them. Keywords: Training, Nutritional Status, Stunting

Determinants of Recreational Activities Choice in Protected Areas

Conciliating nature conservation and tourism development is an increasingly important task for authorities in charge of managing protected areas and requires an adequate knowledge of visitors′ preferences and recreational behavior. In this light, we used data collected by means of a choice experiment to investigate recreational preferences at Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, a protected area located in Northeastern Italy. More specifically, we analyzed the determinants of visitors’ decisions to engage with different activities in the park. This is important information for park managers, as different recreational activities have both different impact on the natural heritage and different capability to generate revenue for nature conservation and for enhancing the quality of life of local communities. The findings of our study suggest that the choice of recreational activities is mainly driven by the features of recreational sites and by visitors’ personal characteristics. Concerning park features, visitors’ choices seem to be mostly driven by features directly related to each activity, such as thematic trails for hiking and climbing routes for rock climbing. Among visitors′ characteristics, we found that both previous experience with the activity and socio-demographic characteristics had a significant effect on activity choice. Overall, the results of our study can help park authorities in developing management plans aimed specifically at attracting a larger number of visitors of a certain type, which is an important tool to foster the more sustainable forms of tourism.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness on Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Covid-19 and its Prevention Among Adults at Selected Urban Area in Khammam, Telangana, India

A descriptive research study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge and attitude regarding Covid - 19 and its prevention among adults at selected urban areas, khammam, Telangana. The sample for the present study was adults who are in the age group of 21-45 years. Probability simple random sampling technique was used for 150 sample. Data was collected by using structured interview schedule, it includes socio-demographic data, knowledge questionnaire and attitude rating scale. The reliability of the tool was (r) =0.96. The results revealed that out of 150 adult’s majority of them in pre-test 91 (60.67%) had moderately adequate knowledge. Whereas post-test 136 (90.66%) had adequate knowledge and majority of them in pre-test 91 (60.66%) had favorable attitude. Whereas post-test, majority of them 150 (100%) had favorable attitude, none of them had moderately favorable attitude and unfavorable attitude. The study was concluded that there is a need to create awareness programme regarding covid – 19 and its prevention which help them to enhance levels of knowledge and attitude of adults

A Study to Assess the Knowledge on Respectful Maternal Care Among the Health Workers Working in Selected Hospital/Health Centers at Meerut

The pregnancy and mother hood is the right of a women. During the time of labour, the women suffer shouting, slapping, pinching, hitting, and also application of extreme fundal pressure which is against human rights. Respectful maternity care (RMC) is a rightful expectation of every woman. Care during this period needs to encompass basic human rights, including the rights to respect, dignity, confidentiality, information and informed consent, the right to the highest attainable standard of health, and freedom from discrimination and from all forms of ill-treatment including making abuse to mother in labour including lack of treatment with dignity, delivery by unqualified personnel, lack of privacy, demand for informal payments, and lack of basic infrastructure, hygiene, and sanitation . Objectives 1) To assess the knowledge on respectful maternity care among the health worker. 2) To determine the association between the knowledge on respectful maternity care with the selected demographic variable. Hypothesis H1-There will be significant difference on knowledge about respectful maternity care. H2-There will be significant association between the knowledge and the socio demographic variable. Methodology: A descriptive research design was undertaken for this study. The population of the study consists of health workers at selected hospitals of Meerut. With the sample size of 30 were selected by using non probability convenient sampling. Result: Among 30 Health Workers Sample 15(50%) Were Having Moderate Knowledge ,12(40%) Were Having Adequate Knowledge and Only 03(10%) Were Having Inadequate Knowledge About Respectful Maternity Care. And there was significant association with number of deliveries whereas there is no significant association between age, sex, education, years of experience, area of working and attending any midwifery related training Conclusion: The study concluded that the most of the health workers are having moderate knowledge regarding the respectful maternity care and there was significant association among the students. Keywords: Respectful maternity care, assess, knowledge

Supply Chain Management in Real Estate Practices: The Estate Surveyor and Valuers’ Perspective

Real estate practice is a strategic and multi-faceted vocation that connects the clients/owners of real estate projects or products with end users in the building industry. Different aspects of real estate practices require collaboration of real estate practitioners who are professional estate surveyors and valuers, with the built environment professionals and other stakeholders at different levels in order to achieve the transaction objectives. This study, therefore, examined the practice with a view to uncovering the preparedness of the estate surveyors and valuers with respect to the knowledge and application of supply chain management in real estate practices. Empirical data were collected with the aide of questionnaires administered to respondents from the 373 estate firms in Lagos State, Nigeria of which 291 were duly completed and returned constituting 78% rate of response. The Readiness Assessment Model was adapted to determine the operational preparedness of the estate surveying and valuation firms to implement supply chain management with regards to management readiness, employee readiness, services/processes readiness and logistic/ICT readiness on a 5-point Likert scale and the corresponding mean score and relative importance was determined. The Kolmogorov Smirnov Test of Normality was performed and showed that the data was normally distributed. Hence, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between knowledge and application of supply chain management in real estate businesses. It was observed, among others, that the knowledge of supply chain management is generally low among estate valuers and does not necessarily translate to application in the property market transactions of real estate firms. The study further observed that management and employees of estate surveying and valuation firms do not have adequate knowledge of the principles and practices of supply chain management for productive engagement in property market transactions. This was further identified alongside others such as confidentiality, stiff rivalry and economic instability as critical factors resisting the adoption of supply chain management in the property market. The study therefore suggested capacity building programmes on supply chain management for the estate surveyors and valuers to improve the knowledge of the strategy and harness the benefits.