Population aging is a current challenge globally as the Baby Boomers are heading towards retirement. In Finland, a regional-council postulated that the rate of retirement in the region will leave ...more than half of the population retired in the near future. Hence, this study conducted logistic regressions for predictive factors for voluntary and paid work among adults in their 60s from the region by using the Aging and Well-being of North-Savo Survey. Chi Square tests were also implemented in order to examine the link between their current engagement and their well-being. The logistic regressions implemented showed relative covariates of education, income, health and socioeconomic delineation as predictive factors for current and future engagements in voluntary and paid work. Chi Square tests also revealed a link between the current engagement of the respondents and their well-being. However, further studies will be needed so as to determine the differences in the relativity of the predictive factors by gender. In addition, the study suggests the importance of continuing the discussion of older adult’s productive engagement and its value base in relation to income and outcomes, as well as spiritual empathy and sustainable future for the elderly.
The phytochemical analysis of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Hibiscus surattensis L. (Malvaceae) is being reported. The oil, analyzed by gas chromatography–flame ...ionization detector (GC–FID) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), was dominated by monoterpenes (34.1%) and sesquiterpene compounds (41.2%). The major oil constituents were β-caryophyllene (12.9%), menthol (10.6%), methyl salicylate (9.7%) and camphor (9.2%). There were significant amounts of germacrene D (5.5%), hexadecanoic acid (4.3%), α-humulene (4.0%), 1, 8-cineole (3.0%) and menthone (3.0%). This is the first report on the volatile compounds of H . surattensis .
Introduction. Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an acquired disease of the newborn caused by transplacental transfer of maternal anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, and infrequently anti-U1 RNP antibodies. ...Methodology. This is a case report of a male infant delivered via Caesarean section at 36-week gestation following detection of fetal bradycardia during routine antenatal clinic visit. Results. The mother was seropositive for antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-Ro/SSA and had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The baby was positive for ANA, extractable nuclear antigen (ENA), and anti-Ro/SSA. Pediatric echocardiography was abnormal and electrocardiography confirmed complete heart block.
The study was carried out to determine the agronomic performance of height tomato genotypes. These genotypes were evaluated in a completely random block design with 4 replications. Analyses of ...variance and means comparison (P≤5%) revealed that he germination rate of genotypes was greater than 80% except for TLCV 15 (24%). The number of leaf per plant ranged from 11.62 to 15.73. The largest size was obtained by IVF 328 with 66.34 cm in height and the smallest size was obtained by the TLCV 15 with 51.46 cm. The yield results showed that IVF 328 and Mongal F1 were better with 26.28 tons/ha and 26.07 tons/ha respectively. Regarding the number of fruit per plant, IVF 328 and IVF 5248 were more productive. Analysis of variance showed that the fruit weightwas significantly higher for the Mongal F1 and lower for the TLCV 15. The results obtained will help in decision making toward the production of these genotypes in Togo, thereby improving tomato production.
Background: Studies have shown that protective aprons are carelessly handled after working hours. This, in turn, leads to crack, tear, hole, and creases on the apron, which may lead to distortion in ...the attenuating property and hence reduction in efficiency. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to carry out the radiographic assessment of four protective aprons (denoted A-D), to check for tear, crack, or pressure marks and to simulate what the equivalent dose rate, dose/procedure, percentage absorbance, and transmission factor (TF) would be if a physician is to perform hysterosalpingogram (HSG), for which he/she will be averagely exposed twice/procedure. Materials and Methods: This study used a functional mobile X-ray unit, four protective aprons, a measuring tape, an electronic dosimeter and a locally designed phantom as materials. The first phase involved the radiographic exposure of the protective aprons. The second phase involved the use of a plastic phantom to produce scatter, a wooden T-stand to hold the apron, which was positioned 1.6 m diagonally from the X-ray collimator. This position was assumed to be where a physician would stand during the procedure. Results: Two out of the four aprons were defective (50%). One out of the four aprons was rejected because it exceeded the 670 mm2 criteria for acceptance. The mean estimated dose/procedure was 65.69-347.56 μSv, and the estimated mean dose per year for 0.25, 0.35, and 0.50 mm protective aprons was 35,592, 9689, and 7900 μSv/year, respectively. TF for 0.25, 0.35, and 0.50 mm protective aprons was 20.4-23.2, 5.3-6.9, and 3.7%-6.3%, respectively. Absorbance for 0.35 and 0.50 mm protective aprons was ≥94%. There was no statistically significant difference in mean percentage absorbance for 0.25 mm protective aprons, compared to other studies (P = 0.981). Conclusion: Estimated equivalent skin dose per year to a physician with 0.25, 0.35, and 0.50 mm protective aprons was below 500 mSv/year, and the mean percentage absorbance for 0.25 mm protective aprons was seen to be below 90%.
Background: Treatment planning systems (TPSs) have proved to be a useful tool in predetermining how a treatment outcome will be in radiotherapy. The accuracy of any TPS to calculate dose to any ...arbitrary point within a material is largely dependent on the mathematical algorithm used. Aims: The purpose of this study was to design a local trunk phantom and use the phantom to check the percentage dose accuracy of the Area Integration Algorithm of a Precise PLAN 2.16 TPS if it is in agreement with results obtained from manufacturer's verification by varying the gantry angle and whether it is within ± 5% International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) minimal limit. Materials and Methods: The study was executed with a locally designed phantom made of Plexiglas with six insert and an ionization chamber port. The phantom was simulated using a HiSpeed NX/i computed tomography scanner and Precise PLAN 2.16 TPS for application of beam setup parameters. The mimicked organs for the inserts were: 25%-75% Glycerol-Water for liver, pure carboxyl methyl cellulose was used for lungs, 30%-70% Glycerol-Water for muscle, 40%-60% Glycerol‑Water was used for adipose, pure Sodium hypochlorite was used for bone and pure sodium laureth sulfate (Texapon) for kidney. Results: The maximum percentage (%) deviation with a large field for six inhomogeneous inserts and with bone only homogeneous inserts were 3.4% and 2.9%, respectively. The maximum % deviation with a small field for six inhomogeneous inserts was 3.2%. The % deviation between the solid water phantom and the locally designed phantom was 3.5%. Conclusion: The Area Integration Algorithm has shown an overall accuracy of 4% below 5% ICRU minimal limit. There was no statistically significant difference in field sizes and in inhomogeneity/homogeneity, respectively. Variation exists in % deviation for small field size with parallel opposed field between our verification and the manufacturers.
This article examines time and cost performance of projects executed by small and mediumsized construction firms with a view to enhancing the firms’ capabilities. The study adopted a quantitative ...descriptive analysis based on primary and archival data. Sixty-eight (68) valid questionnaires obtained from top managers of the firms provided primary quantitative data for the assessment. Secondary data were collected on the initial and final contract sums as well as on the initial and completion times of 184 public projects executed by the firms. Data collected were analysed using descriptive analysis. The findings indicated that the small firms specialised in general building works, while the medium-sized firms specialised in civil works, in addition to general building works. Project values in the case of small construction firms ranged between N1 million and N50 million, while those of medium-sized construction firms ranged between N51 million and N100 million. The performance index (PI) of the projects executed by the firms showed a general underperformance level. Approximately 96.12% and 31.03% of the projects executed by small and medium-sized firms, respectively, had cost performance index (CPI) at budget level (CPI = 1). Meanwhile, 37.42% of the projects executed by the small firms and 24.13% of those executed by medium- sized firms were completed as planned, that is, they had schedule performance index (SPI = 1). The article provides implications for understanding the influence of the construction firms’ profile in relation to their PI that could assist in the capability development of small and medium-sized construction firms.
Context: Diagnostic reference level (DRL) is the first step in the optimization process to manage patient dose corresponding with the medical purpose. Aim: The objective of this study was to develop ...local DRL for computed tomography (CT) of the head and abdomen in adult patients in four CT centers in South-South Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study of 546 adult patients that underwent CT examination of the head and abdomen from 2018 to 2020 using four different CT scanners. Volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) of contrast and non-contrast CT examinations of the head and abdomen were collated and the 50th percentile DRL was determined and compared to other published DRLs. Results: The 50th percentile CTDIvol/DLP for non-contrast head CT examination for centers A, B, C, and D was 75.3 mGy/1776.6 mGy.cm, 21.8 mGy/457 mGy.cm, 17.4 mGy/373.6 mGy.cm, and 29.6 mGy/628.5 mGy.cm, respectively. The 50th percentile CTDIvol/DLP for contrast head CT examination for centers A, B, C, and D was 150.6 mGy/3326.2 mGy.cm, 41.4 mGy/832.4 mGy.cm, 35.6 mGy/653.6 mGy.cm, and 77.9 mGy/1458.4 mGy.cm, respectively. The 50th percentile CTDIvol/DLP for non-contrast abdomen CT examination for centers A and B was 22.8 mGy/1488.5 mGy.cm and 7.9 mGy/302.3 mGy.cm, respectively. The 50th percentile CTDIvol/DLP for contrast abdomen CT examination for centers B and C was 19.6 mGy/825.7 mGy.cm and 31.5 mGy/1555.5 mGy.cm, respectively. There was correlation between contrast and non-contrast CTDI (P = 0.003) and DLP (P = 0.025) for the head. Conclusion: Wide variations CTDIvol and DLP values were observed among the centers for similar body part CT examinations.
PDF
