Effectiveness of Olympic Combat Sports on Balance, Fall Risk or Falls in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the available body of published peer-reviewed articles related to the effects of Olympic combat sports (OCS), compared with active/passive controls, on balance, fall risk, or falls in older adults. The TESTEX and GRADE scales assessed the methodological quality and certainty of the evidence. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42020204034). From 1496 records, eight studies were included, involving 322 older adults (64% female; mean age = 71.1 years). The TESTEX scale revealed all studies with a score ≥ 60% (moderate-high quality). The GRADE scale indicated all studies with at least some concerns, up to a high risk of bias (i.e., was rated very low). Meta-analyses were planned, although the reduced number of studies precluded its incorporation in the final manuscript. Only two from six studies that assessed balance found improvements after OCS compared to controls. No differences were found between OCS vs. control groups for fall risk or falls. The available evidence does not allow a definitive recommendation for or against OCS interventions as an effective strategy to improve balance and reduce the fall risk or falls in older adults. Therefore, more high-quality studies are required to draw definitive conclusions.

A Short History of Grading Practices at Dalhousie University (1901-2021)

Grading practices at Dalhousie University have changed considerably over the past 120 years. From 1901 until the early 1970s, Dalhousie used a variant of the British system. Initially, a grade of 65% or higher was required for distinction. In 1937, Dalhousie moved to a 2-category system (Distinction vs. Ordinary Pass) and in 1942 the distinction grade cutoff was lowered to 60%. By the late 1940s, the British system returns, “Second Division” was subdivided into Seconds and Thirds, and First Division required an 80% or higher. By the late 1960s, there were conversions between American letter grades (A, B, C, D), divisions, and percentage grades. Moreover, there was a 4pt “merit point” system that served as a prototype to Grade Point Averages (GPA). Experimental teaching and grading practices were explored in the 1970s. Officially, percentage grades were abolished and replaced with an 11-point letter grade scale from A+ to F. Unofficially, most professors and departments continued to use percentage-to-letter conversion schemes that were highly idiosyncratic, though they were eventually standardized within (but not across) departments. In the 1990s, the 4.3 GPA system was standardized university-wide largely because it was thought to give students a competitive advantage for federal scholarships. In the 2010s, Dalhousie standardized percentage conversion schemes across all departments into one unified Common Grade Scale, partially due to GPA requirements for scholarships and graduate schools. Overall, most grading changes in the past 120 years were implemented for the external communication value of grades rather than for their pedagogical value.

Capacity of Zlatitsa Municipality (Western Bulgaria) to provide ecosystem services

The present research aims at estimating the capacity of the ecosystems in Zlatitsa Municipality to provide certain types of ecosystem services. The case study area is located in the western parts of Bulgaria, and it is a part of Sofia Province. The basis of the study is the CORINE Land Cover (CLC) classification (2018) upon which the Maes typology has been built. Fourteen (14) CLC Classes were distinguished in Zlatitsa Municipality, as well as five (5) ecosystem types. The capacity of the latter to provide ecosystem services was evaluated, based on a six-grade scale. The results of the study include maps of the provisioning, regulating, and cultural service capacity of the area, as well as an overall map of all of them. The research outcomes provided successful results, focusing on the importance of the provision of ecosystem services. They can be applied as a framework for similar studies in the neighboring municipalities.

Surgical management of chronic subdural hematomas through single-burr hole craniostomy: is it sufficient?

Background Symptomatic chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) remain one of the most encountered forms of intracranial hemorrhages particularly in the elder patients, yet fortunately implies a good surgical prognosis. Burr hole evacuation under general anesthesia is the most commonly used neurosurgical technique for the management of CSDH. Clinical disagreement between many studies regarding the number of burr holes required to achieve the optimal surgical and clinical outcome has long existed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognosis and clinical outcome following the use of single-burr hole craniostomy technique in the aim of surgical evacuation of CSDH. Results This is a retrospective study of 30 patients, with symptomatic unilateral or bilateral CSDH managed by the authors strictly by single-burr hole evacuation with closed-system drainage on the corresponding site of the hematoma. Clinical outcome was then assessed at 1, 7, and 30 days after surgery using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and by comparing the Markwalder grade scale before surgery to 1 month following surgery; the pre- and post-operative radiological data, clinical neurological progress and the possible incidence of complications postoperatively were also recorded. Study duration was from August 2019 to October 2020. Our study included 18 (60%) male patients and 12 (40%) female patients. The main presenting symptom was altered level of consciousness noted in 29 (96.7%) patients; a history of a relevant head trauma was recorded in 11 patients (36.7%). The GCS showed a statistically highly significant improvement comparing the preoperative to the postoperative values throughout the follow-up intervals (p = 0.001); similarly, the Markwalder score significantly improved 1 month after surgery, where 17 (63%) patients were Markwalder grade 0, 9(33.3%) patients were grade 1, a single patient (3.7%) was grade 2, and none were Markwalder grade 3. Conclusion Our study concluded that single-burr hole craniostomy with closed-system drainage for the management of symptomatic CSDH would be a sufficient approach to achieve a good surgical outcome with a low complication rate. Larger series and further studies would be yet considered with longer follow-up periods.

Isolated oral clefts and school grades: population-based cohort study from Norway

ObjectiveTo compare school grades of adolescents in Norway born with isolated cleft with those of their unaffected peers.DesignPopulation-based cohort study.SettingNorway.PatientsA total of 347 419 individuals born in Norway between 1986 and 1992, including 523 isolated cleft cases which were identified using data from Norway’s two treatment centres. Individuals were followed from birth through compulsory school.Main outcome measuresGrade point average (GPA) from middle school graduation (around the age of 16). Specific subject grades were also investigated.ResultsUsing a grade scale from 1–6, the observed mean GPA for the reference group was 3.99. Both cleft lip only (CLO) and cleft lip with cleft palate (CLP) had a mean GPA similar to the reference group (adjusted GPA differences from the reference with 95% CIs of 0.06 (−0.04 to 0.16) and −0.08 (−0.19 to 0.03), respectively). Cleft palate only (CPO) had a marginally lower GPA (adjusted GPA difference: −0.18 (−0.28 to −0.08)). These comparisons were consistent across specific subjects. Overall, the evidence suggests a larger difference in GPA between cases and controls in males compared with females. Females with CLO even had a higher estimated GPA than females in the reference group (adjusted GPA difference: 0.19 (0.013 to 0.36)). Grades were similar regardless of laterality of cleft lip (CLO or CLP).ConclusionIn Norway, individuals born with isolated CLO or CLP did not have lower average school grades when graduating from middle school. Individuals born with isolated CPO had marginally lower grades.

Design Design of Information System Monitoring Complaints Targeting COVID-19 Vaccination for the General Public Based on the Web (Case Study of Bandung Health Office)

Bandung Health Office as a Health Agency that always provides quality services is currently focused on handling pandemics, especially in the implementation of vaccination programs as a strategy to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, monitoring of complaints experienced by the community after vaccination is required. The problem experienced today is the unavailability of containers to accommodate and manage data on COVID-19 vaccination complaints using the information system. The purpose of this research is to design a website-based information system that supports the process of monitoring and handling COVID-19 vaccination complaints in the Bandung Health Office by presenting informative and transparent data so as to facilitate the public in reporting and obtaining complaint information easily. The system development method uses waterfall model, while the system functional design method uses object-oriented modeling approach with Unified Modelling Language (UML). Black box test results obtained a 100 percentage of system functionality success. Evaluation test results with System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire obtained the final test score of 77.6 with Acceptable category and B Grade Scale. So based on the test results, the system can run easily according to the needs of the user. This research resulted in a web-based information system that makes it easier for health workers to efficiently manage COVID-19 vaccination complaint reporting data.

Education in Poland during Covid-19 pandemic

Introduction and purpose. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic polish government in March 2020 decided to directs students to remote learning. This condition last -with minor exceptions- one and half year.Material and method. The aim of the study was an evaluation of public experience and attitude towards online learning.Results. All the respondents between March and May 2020 learned via online devices. The average note for e-learning was 2,99 in a 5-grade scale, while a score for stationary learning was 3,84. Students motivation, engagement and stress level decreased during remote-learning. 43% students claimed, that their marks improved during that time. The main disadvantages of online school were too much time spent in front of the screen and monotony of the lessons. Among the advantages was for example time for additional hobbies. Realisation of practical activities was more difficult or impossible for 74,9% of the respondents. Almost one quarter of the people did not have adequate home conditions to study online. Practical activities were often difficult or impossible to realise.Conclusions. Online learning was a necessity during the pandemic, however this type or gaining knowledge has both advantages and disadvantages. It influenced not only scientific issues, but also students’ motivation and sociopsychological aspects. To conclude, twice as many students prefer stationary than online learning – respectively 39,7% vs 21,1%.

A Radiological Study for Assessment of Cartilage Abnormalities in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee

Present study evaluates spectrum of abnormalities and severity of cartilage injury in patients with Osteoarthritis (OA) of knee by comparing plain radiograph and MRI. This retrospective study with 50 patients as sample that underwent MRI (on 3T scanner) and weight bearing radiograph (on 800mA & 1000mA machine) of the knee at our institution. The included patient population was clinically suspected osteoarthritis of the knee. Kellgren-Lawrence grades and proposed MR grade scale was applied. The standard was based mainly on cartilage injury and additional findings. Results: Present study obtained significant result correlation while assessing the disease severity of patients on Kellgren-Lawrence score (on radiograph) and cartilage abnormality (On MRI). Distributions of associated degenerative changes were also documented. Conclusions: Plain radiographs are still important in evaluating osteoarthritis of knee. MRI plays a vital role in imaging the bony and soft tissues of knee as a whole organ. There is significant correlation between plain radiograph and MRI findings.

Pengembangan Sistem Informasi Reservasi pada Pariwisata Perkemahan dengan Memanfaatkan Payment Gateway System (Studi Kasus : Tepi Buyan Campfire Buleleng)

Tepi Buyan Campfire merupakan salah satu wisata perkemahan yang berada di tepi Danau Buyan di daerah Bedugul, Bali. Banyaknya jumlah wisatawan membuat pengelola merasa kesulitan dalam mengelola proses dan data reservasi. Proses pencatatan reservasi dilakukan dua kali kerja sehingga sering terjadi kesalahan dalam penyampaian data. Dan, reservasi yang sudah dicatat sering kali dibatalkan secara sepihak oleh wisatawan tanpa adanya kabar kepada pihak pengelola perkemahan. Hal ini sering terjadi karena tidak adanya jaminan atau pembayaran di muka oleh wisatawan. Berdasarkan hal itu, diperlukan adanya platform secara online yaitu sistem informasi reservasi. Sistem ini dikembangkan berbasis website dan akan mengelola proses pembuatan reservasi hingga proses konfirmasi reservasi. Dalam proses pengembangan sistem, menggunakan metode Waterfall yang meliputi beberapa tahapa proses, yaitu analisis kebutuhan, perancangan sistem, implementasi sistem dan pengujian sistem. Sistem akan terintegrasi dengan payment gateway system dari Midtrans untuk melakukan proses pembayaran. Proses implementasi menggunakan framework Laravel, Bootstrap, MySQL serta Midtrans. Dilakukan pengujian sistem dengan tiga metode yaitu black box testing yang menunjukkan hasil valid dengan presentase sebesar 100%. Pengujian compatibility menunjukkan bahwa sistem dapat berjalan pada sebagian besar jenis browser yang tersedia. Sementara untuk pengujian usability dengan menggunakan system usability scale menghasilkan nilai akhir 79 dengan kategori Good serta dengan grade scale C yang berarti sistem dapat diterima.