Abstract:Abstract\nObjectives: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological state in which patients recognize a distorted perception of their body images. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of BDD in patients seeking orthodontic treatment via a systematic review of the scientific literature. Further, in the meta-analysis, the emphasis was to explore the central tendency and level of significance in cases of BDD seeking orthodontic treatment. \nData sources: A detailed scientific literature search was conducted utilizing the most relevant scientific studies between 2000 and 2020. We searched various databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scielo databases. The MedCalc tool was used for the meta-analysis.\nData selection: We analysed a total of 1745 participants enrolled in five different studies. The clinical diagnosis results showed 122 cases of BDD-YBOCS (based on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for BDD score) seeking orthodontic treatment. A significant increase (5–10%) in the number of BDD cases opting for orthodontic treatment was noted, and female patients with BDD showed a higher tendency of seeking orthodontic treatment than the male patients. Considering the forest plot and funnel plot analyses, a significant increase in the cases of BDD was observed (P < 0.0001).\nConclusions: The patients with BDD seeking orthodontic treatment have increased over the last two decades (range: 5–10%). Orthodontists are recommended for these cases of BDD seeking multiple consultations.
Abstract:The present study aims to interpret the morphogenetic factors which contributed to the on-coast evolution of NW Peloponnese.\nDetailed geomorphological mapping was performed using GIS oriented and traditional techniques as well as field work. Maps were created from DEMs and were compared to traditional maps, aerial photographs and Google Earth historical photos. The study area is characterized by the Olonos – Pindos formation. Alluvial fans of Quaternary age are the result of the flow of rivers Charadros, Selemnos, Volinaios and Foinikas, into the Corinth and Patras Gulf. During the last decades, the study area was subjected to human intervention and introduced an increased flooding risk while high coastal erosion is also present. Combined with high seismicity, the study area poses a great example for the risks of urbanization to be examined. The presented results are depicted as landforms on maps, according to the processes that formed them.
Abstract:Purpose: This article analyses the most important financial participation programmes (FPP) in Poland to show the relationship between the programmes applied and the socio-economic results of enterprises, and assesses the impact of participation on these results and the impact of selected factors on the introduction of FPP.\nMethodology: The research has been based on a questionnaire answered by senior management of listed Polish companies that had at least one out of three major FPPs in operation, namely share ownership, profit-sharing or a stock option scheme. \nFindings: The results of the empirical study conducted by Author indicate the existence of some particular relationships. The vast majority of schemes in Polish public companies are aimed at participation of the management personnel; these programmes are narrow-based (only for management) and rather hermetic, with a high concentration of stocks or shares in the hands of the management.\nConclusion: FPPs generally have a positive influence on enterprise functioning. However, the effects are more social than economic (no significant economic improvement after programme implementation). The paper contributes to the debate about financial participation and suggests actions to popularise these programmes on a wider scale.
Abstract:Hacking is an unauthorized access to computer data to steal personal information of another. Computer Misuse Act 1990 in United Kingdom, Computer Crimes Act 1997 in Malaysia and Islamic Penal Code as well as Computer Crimes Act 2009 in Iran deal with the issue of hacking. Cyberspace identity theft does not occur until unauthorized access occurs. In United Kingdom and Malaysia intent is not required to be directed towards any program or data of any kind or computer while under Computer Crimes Act 2009 requires in relation to secured data. Notion of unauthorized access is computer protection by security measures, this security element is not applicable in United Kingdom and Malaysia. Perpetrator must have breached security measures to qualify for unauthorized access. Articles 1 and 4 of Computer Crimes Act 2009 require computers to be protected with security measures to meet requirement of unauthorized access in Iran while it applies to cyberspace identity theft. Iran also does not recognize concept of exceeding unauthorized access while United Kingdom and Malaysia directly stress on this and treat this as an offence to prevent authorized person from misusing authority. This makes it possible for cyberspace identity theft offences to be easily committed by those who have prior authority for accessing data. This article adopts qualitative method of research a comparative analysis of cyberspace identity theft laws of Malaysia, United Kingdom and Iran.
Abstract:Literature shows that although effective teaching is vital for student learning in Higher Education, academics are not as prepared for their teaching careers as they are for their research, hence the call for professionalization of teaching in Higher Education. Recent trends in Higher Education make the development of academic teaching skills a priority. The Department of Higher Education and Training has also encouraged institutions of Higher Education to make conceited efforts in improving teaching skills of academics. In response, universities have put in place various programmes to promote professionalization of lecturers. The purpose of the study is to determine the extent to which professional qualification impacts teaching and learning. The study adopts a desktop approach. Academics are constantly faced with new challenges or opportunities within their teaching context and might need some insight, knowledge, support or creative ideas on how to handle these situations. Universities should design appropriate professional development programmes to help academics develop professionally by equipping them with new skills and strategies to teach and inspire their learners. The study concludes that, to transform education in South Africa it is necessary for academics to be appropriately equipped to meet its evolving challenges and needs.
Abstract:Background: Breast cancer (BC) and thyroid disorders are important health challenges commonly encountered in women. The relationship between both conditions still remains unknown. Here, the frequency of thyroid diseases and its relationship to insulin resistance were investigated in breast cancer patients. Methods: Eighty women with BC and age-matched 63 women without BC were included into the study. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), anti-thyroglobulin autoantibody (Anti-Tg), glucose and insulin levels were measured. All cases underwent thyroid ultrasonography (USG). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was also calculated. Results: Waist (WC) and hip circumferences (HC), glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR levels were higher among BC patients. Waist-hip-ratio, body mass index (BMI), thyroid hormone and auto-antibodies titers, auto-antibody positivity rates, presence of nodules and thyroiditis on USG, and hypothyroidism frequency were similar. No thyrotoxicosis was detected in BC patients, whereas thyrotoxicosis was detected in four cases (6.3%) among controls (p=0.022). Frequency of auto-immune thyroid disease [65 (69.9%) vs 14 (28%), p<0.001, respectively], and age (p<0.001), BMI (p=0.001) and HOMA-IR (p=0.023) levels were found to be higher in patients with thyroid nodules than those without. Conclusion: Although thyroid volume and frequency of nodules were found to be similar in patients with BC, frequency of thyrotoxicosis was observed as low. Also, HOMA-IR was found to be higher in patients with BC than those without, and in those with nodules than those without nodules. We concluded that the entities in our study should be supported with further studies.
Abstract:ABSTRACT\n\nThe fluctuation of price and lack of supply in the market is a problem that occurs in shallot commodity in Indonesia. Processing into several products would be able to overcome some of these problems. Shallot paste is one type of processed product that has the potential to be developed for the time being. The purpose of this research was to optimize the process of shallot paste with three factors: salt concentration, citric acid concentration and heating time on physicochemical properties; consumer preferences. The research was designed using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The percentage used for salt in the range of 2.5-10.0 %, citric acid 0.5-1.0% and heating time for 10-30 minutes. The shallot paste was analyzed on its responses including water activity, pH, total soluble solids, antioxidant capacity, anthocyanin, color, volatile reducing substance, and total plate count. The optimum formula was the addition of salt 6.25%, citric acid 1% for 20 minutes of heating time. This treatment has the value of Aw 0.865, pH 3.31, total soluble solid 22.2, anthocyanin 24.20 ppm, VRS 5,995 ppm, color 21.35 and total plate count 9.5 x101 CFU. The cooking produced using shallot paste had positive response by respondents. The formula can be used by small scale processor in producing shallot paste for commercial production.
Abstract:The application of the numerical-analytical method of boundary elements to study the natural torsional vibrations of thin-walled rods is described. The four-term equation of torsional vibrations of a thin-walled rod is integrated, which is of the most general nature, since it takes into account the cross-section deplanation; a system of fundamental orthonormal functions is constructed, a load vector and a Green\'s function are formed. The results of the calculation by the boundary element method are slightly different from those obtained by the FEM, and indicate that the FEM does not determine the full frequency spectrum as the BEM. The exact integration of differential equations is performed in the BEM, and the boundary conditions are strictly observed, that is, the boundary value problems are solved strictly correctly. The developed approach to solving the Cauchy problem of torsional vibrations allows us to solve the problems of the dynamics of continuous thin-walled beams and frames. In addition, the results obtained allow dynamic calculations of a wide range of structures for various purposes.
Abstract:Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between playing characteristics of CEV (Confédération Européenne de Volleyball) men’s Volleyball team performance. The sample consisted of all men teams’ matches of the CEV Volleyball Champions League during 2018 season. n/Methods: The differences in technical skills between the teams were recorded, and the data of totally fifty -one matches were analysed using the official statistical logistic package Data Volley 4, of the European Confederation (CEV). Results: Multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) from SPSS 21 statistical package for additional analysis was used to find which measured variables were positive in the first dimension and negative in the second dimension and play role in determining the performance of the teams. These variables helped teams to progress successfully throughout the Champions League contributed to winning or losing a match. The main findings of this study is that ‘‘attack positive”, “reception positive”, ‘‘reception excellent’’ “service points”, and “block” are indicators for good performance, and help teams to win a match, whereas “reception error”, “attack blocked” and “attack error” are indicators for poor performance and can lead teams to lose a match.
Abstract:This study investigated the properties of extracted microcrystalline cellulose from Theobroma cacao (TC-MCC) pod husk on its action as alternative binder in formulating Paracetamol tablets. Physicochemical (odor, color, appearance, solubility and pH) and particle properties (loss on drying, particle size, bulk and tapped density, flow character, swelling capacity and moisture sorption) were determined. The TC-MCC was prepared using acid hydrolysis. Tablets were prepared using wet granulation method. Tablet evaluations of hardness, friability and disintegration time were also performed. pH and solubility of the TC-MCC were found to be similar with Avicel®. Moreover, the TC-MCC was found to be denser, has better flow character and higher swelling and moisture sorption capacity than the Avicel®. Tablet evaluation tests further revealed that hardness, friability and disintegration of the TC-MCC tablets are within acceptable limits. Furthermore, multiple comparisons of the results of the tablet evaluation tests revealed that the tablets prepared with 10% TC-MCC are significantly similar in terms of hardness and friability with the Avicel® tablets. However, disintegration time of the Avicel® tablets was significantly faster than the TC-MCC tablets. The researchers therefore conclude that MCC extracted from the pod husks of T. cacao is an acceptable alternative pharmaceutical binder for Paracetamol tablets.