Vegetation is an important ecosystem on earth. It influences the earth system in many ways. Any influences on this fragile variable should be investigated, especially in a changing climate. Humans can have a positive ...Vegetation is an important ecosystem on earth. It influences the earth system in many ways. Any influences on this fragile variable should be investigated, especially in a changing climate. Humans can have a positive or a negative influence on plants. This paper investigates the possible impact of tourism development and economic growth on vegetation health using cointegration and causality for Aruba. The proposed framework contributes to a better understanding on the use of remote sensing of vegetation response to tourism development and economic growth. Thereby, provide opportunities for improving the overall strategy for achieving sustainable development on a small island state. The calculations showed that there were relationships between the tourism demand and economic growth on the vegetation health on Aruba for the western part of the island. On the other hand, for the central part of the island, no relationships were found.展开更多
This paper intends to critically review some of the challenges rooted in Aruba’s civil law legal heritage in stimulating a post-corona economic recovery which should ideally be driven towards economic diversification...This paper intends to critically review some of the challenges rooted in Aruba’s civil law legal heritage in stimulating a post-corona economic recovery which should ideally be driven towards economic diversification.It also seeks to contextualize the effect of Aruba’s civil law system on economic growth compared to other Caribbean states with similar size,population,and tourism dependency but with legal systems rooted in the common law.This paper’s methodological approach is meta-analytical and includes a critique of the labor laws as well as the substantive role of the state in driving economic performance that is a normative feature in some civil law states.It posits that Aruba’s economic responsiveness,to the coronavirus should consider legal origins as a factor that limits its capacity and capability to execute an effective restructuring of tired economic paradigms and introduce new economic models that would challenge its mono-economic status.展开更多
Background: The aetiology of Testicular Cancer (TC) is still unknown to researchers but many of the associated risk factors have been identified. These include family history, age, racial origin, cryptorchidism, uroge...Background: The aetiology of Testicular Cancer (TC) is still unknown to researchers but many of the associated risk factors have been identified. These include family history, age, racial origin, cryptorchidism, urogenital malformations, testicular atrophy, and infertility. Given the lack of scientific data on the causes of the disease, it has been asserted in previous studies that the promotion of awareness and early detection are prerequisites to mitigating risks of metastasis as well as improving survival. This study is to assess the awareness, practice, and intention to practice testicular self-examination among professional working males in Accra. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design with a structured research instrument was used to collect data from respondants. The purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to collect data from 300 men at Accra in Ghana. The study was conducted at two (2) Universities and a Senior High school at Accra in Ghana. The data was then analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling. Results: From the study findings, 37% of male participants rated their knowledge of testicular self-examination and related symptoms as good, 28% of participants practised testicular self-examination monthly, while 65% of respondents expressed their intention to practice monthly testicular self-examination. The findings from logistic regression demonstrated that level of education, age, and marital status of participants had a significant influence on testicular self-examination. Additionally, the multiple linear regression results revealed knowledge and self-efficacy significantly predict testicular self-examination intention. The path coefficient results from the structural equation model are consistent with results from the regression models. Conclusion: This research is the first to investigate testicular self-examination among men in Ghana. The findings revealed awareness and practice of TSE are low among participants. Therefore, the research findings would improve the expertise of physicians and nurses in providing counsel, intervention, and support for patients at risk of testicular cancer.展开更多
We reviewed a number of wound repair, keloid and hypertrophic scar research methods that included lasers, microcurrent and ultra-low energy technologies. Laser research reports short-term improvement in wounds, keloid...We reviewed a number of wound repair, keloid and hypertrophic scar research methods that included lasers, microcurrent and ultra-low energy technologies. Laser research reports short-term improvement in wounds, keloid and hypertrophic scars, but without follow up to control for reoccurrence of keloids or diabetic lesions which generally reoccur following laser treatments. The microcurrent and ultra-low energy studies demonstrate significant healing where age is not a factor with no reoccurrence of diabetic wounds and other skin lesions. Our randomized, double-blind longitudinal research on eight wound repair clinical cases with an age range of 28 - 86, followed for one year, evidenced accelerated healing and no reoccurrence. The number of treatments required for substantial healing depended on the chronicity and severity of the lesion, with chronic severe lesions requiring more treatments, rather than age, a conclusion supported by ultra-low microcurrent research. These results on age-independent wound healing directly contradict a large body of literature postulating that healing is much slower with age due to immune insufficiency, age-accumulated oxidative stress, disrupted cell communications and sustained inflammation.展开更多
BACKGROUND The presence of small air bubbles and foam are an impediment to a successful colonoscopy. They impair an endoscopist’s view and diminish the diagnostic accuracy of the study. This has been particularly not...BACKGROUND The presence of small air bubbles and foam are an impediment to a successful colonoscopy. They impair an endoscopist’s view and diminish the diagnostic accuracy of the study. This has been particularly noted to be of concern with the switch to lower volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) and bisacodyl combination preparation. AIM To evaluate the effect of oral simethicone addition to bowel preparation on intraluminal bubbles reduction during colonoscopy. METHODS Described is a prospective, randomized, multi-center, double-blinded, placebocontrolled study to evaluate the use of premixed simethicone formulation with split-regimen, low-volume PEG-bisacodyl combination bowel preparation for 168 outpatients undergoing screening, surveillance, and diagnostic colonoscopies. Primary outcome includes evaluation of bubbles during colonoscopy graded using the Intraluminal Bubbles Scale. Secondary outcomes include evaluation of the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS), total number of polyps, polyp size differentiation, polyp laterality, adenoma detection, mass detection, cecal insertion time, withdrawal time, and patient-reported adverse events. RESULTS Higher Intraluminal Bubbles grades III and IV (less than 75% of the mucosa cleared of bubbles/foam requiring intervention with simethicone infused wash) were detected in the placebo group [Simethicone n = 4/84 vs Placebo n = 20/84 (P = 0.007)]. BBPS total score was 7.42 [standard deviation (SD)=± 1.51] in the simethicone group and 7.28 (SD =± 1.44) in the placebo group (P = 0.542) from a total of 9. Significantly higher number of adenomas were detected in the simethicone group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION The addition of simethicone to bowel preparation is well advised for its antifoaming properties. The results of this study suggest that addition of oral simethicone can improve bowel wall visibility.展开更多
Aloe vera plant is known worldwide for its medicinal properties and application in gel-based products such as shampoo,soap,and sunscreen.However,the demand for these gel-based products has led to a surplus production ...Aloe vera plant is known worldwide for its medicinal properties and application in gel-based products such as shampoo,soap,and sunscreen.However,the demand for these gel-based products has led to a surplus production of Aloe vera processing waste.An Aloe vera gel processing facility could generate up to 4000 kg of Aloe vera waste per month.Currently the Aloe vera waste is being disposed to the landfill or used as fertilizer.A sustainable management system for the Aloe vera processing waste should be considered,due to the negative societal and environmental impacts of the currents waste disposal methods.Therefore,this review focuses on various approaches that can be used to valorize Aloe vera waste into value-added products,such as animal and aquaculture feeds,biosorbents,biofuel and natural polymers.Researchers have reported Aloe vera waste for environmental applications biosorbents used for wastewater treatment of various pollutants.Several studies have also reported on the valorization of Aloe vera waste for production of biofuels such as bioethanol,mixed alcohol fuels,biogas and syngas.Aloe vera waste could also be valorized through isolation and synthesis of natural polymers for application in wound dressing,tissue engineering and drug delivery systems.Aloe vera waste valorization was also reviewed through extraction of value-added bioactive compounds such as aloe-emodin,aloin and aloeresin.These value-added bioactive compounds have various applications in the cosmetics(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory,tyrosinase inhibitors)and pharmaceutical(anticancer agent and COVID 19 inhibitors)industry.展开更多
Diabetic neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult to treat with high levels of reoccurrence and a substantial increase with aging. It involves expensive hospitalizations, often resulting in an amputated lower lim...Diabetic neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult to treat with high levels of reoccurrence and a substantial increase with aging. It involves expensive hospitalizations, often resulting in an amputated lower limb. We explored a variety of methods treating neuropathic pain such as low-level laser, monochromatic near-infrared treatment, TENS, acupuncture and pulsed electromagnetic fields that demonstrated inconclusive, limited or temporary pain relief with minor or short-term improvements in mobility. Research conducted by ultra-low energy technologies reports pain relief and reduction of inflammation as a result of anti-oxidant electron donation transforming free radicals into stable molecules. We report the results of a randomized double blind one-year-long longitudinal clinical study on 10 diabetic mellitus (DM) subjects with chronic neuropathy, treated with ultra-low energy nanotechnology who experienced substantial long-term neuropathic pain relief. Importantly, pain analgesia and improvement in neuropathic symptomatology were not age-contingent. This contradicts past research postulating that age-accumulated inflammation and endothelial dysfunction can further exacerbate diabetic neuropathy. Importantly, a method offering age-independent, cost-effective, long-term neuropathic pain relief and increased mobility has major implications in reducing hospitalization time and overall expenses by offering a solution that enhances quality of life.展开更多
Overweight and obesity have now reached historical, maximal peak values, with nearly one-third of world population suffering from these conditions. We are now witnessing the impact of this epidemic upon the global hea...Overweight and obesity have now reached historical, maximal peak values, with nearly one-third of world population suffering from these conditions. We are now witnessing the impact of this epidemic upon the global health status, with non-communicable diseases on the rise. We have also witnessed the shortcomings and failures of past actions taken when obesity is already present. In this essay the author reviews efforts made in the past regarding identification and treatment of obesity, and propose that actions should be taken before the onset of this disease, by motivating people to make intelligent, healthy choices when it comes to food and physical activity. A philosophy for healthy living should become central to the intervention actions, for them to be successful and sustained. Prevention of obesity should involve all those concerned irregardless of their position in society and curricular training, in order to create a multi-lateral, multi-national effort that will protect our families and our children from the consequences of this epidemic.展开更多
文摘Vegetation is an important ecosystem on earth. It influences the earth system in many ways. Any influences on this fragile variable should be investigated, especially in a changing climate. Humans can have a positive or a negative influence on plants. This paper investigates the possible impact of tourism development and economic growth on vegetation health using cointegration and causality for Aruba. The proposed framework contributes to a better understanding on the use of remote sensing of vegetation response to tourism development and economic growth. Thereby, provide opportunities for improving the overall strategy for achieving sustainable development on a small island state. The calculations showed that there were relationships between the tourism demand and economic growth on the vegetation health on Aruba for the western part of the island. On the other hand, for the central part of the island, no relationships were found.
文摘This paper intends to critically review some of the challenges rooted in Aruba’s civil law legal heritage in stimulating a post-corona economic recovery which should ideally be driven towards economic diversification.It also seeks to contextualize the effect of Aruba’s civil law system on economic growth compared to other Caribbean states with similar size,population,and tourism dependency but with legal systems rooted in the common law.This paper’s methodological approach is meta-analytical and includes a critique of the labor laws as well as the substantive role of the state in driving economic performance that is a normative feature in some civil law states.It posits that Aruba’s economic responsiveness,to the coronavirus should consider legal origins as a factor that limits its capacity and capability to execute an effective restructuring of tired economic paradigms and introduce new economic models that would challenge its mono-economic status.
文摘Background: The aetiology of Testicular Cancer (TC) is still unknown to researchers but many of the associated risk factors have been identified. These include family history, age, racial origin, cryptorchidism, urogenital malformations, testicular atrophy, and infertility. Given the lack of scientific data on the causes of the disease, it has been asserted in previous studies that the promotion of awareness and early detection are prerequisites to mitigating risks of metastasis as well as improving survival. This study is to assess the awareness, practice, and intention to practice testicular self-examination among professional working males in Accra. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design with a structured research instrument was used to collect data from respondants. The purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to collect data from 300 men at Accra in Ghana. The study was conducted at two (2) Universities and a Senior High school at Accra in Ghana. The data was then analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling. Results: From the study findings, 37% of male participants rated their knowledge of testicular self-examination and related symptoms as good, 28% of participants practised testicular self-examination monthly, while 65% of respondents expressed their intention to practice monthly testicular self-examination. The findings from logistic regression demonstrated that level of education, age, and marital status of participants had a significant influence on testicular self-examination. Additionally, the multiple linear regression results revealed knowledge and self-efficacy significantly predict testicular self-examination intention. The path coefficient results from the structural equation model are consistent with results from the regression models. Conclusion: This research is the first to investigate testicular self-examination among men in Ghana. The findings revealed awareness and practice of TSE are low among participants. Therefore, the research findings would improve the expertise of physicians and nurses in providing counsel, intervention, and support for patients at risk of testicular cancer.
文摘We reviewed a number of wound repair, keloid and hypertrophic scar research methods that included lasers, microcurrent and ultra-low energy technologies. Laser research reports short-term improvement in wounds, keloid and hypertrophic scars, but without follow up to control for reoccurrence of keloids or diabetic lesions which generally reoccur following laser treatments. The microcurrent and ultra-low energy studies demonstrate significant healing where age is not a factor with no reoccurrence of diabetic wounds and other skin lesions. Our randomized, double-blind longitudinal research on eight wound repair clinical cases with an age range of 28 - 86, followed for one year, evidenced accelerated healing and no reoccurrence. The number of treatments required for substantial healing depended on the chronicity and severity of the lesion, with chronic severe lesions requiring more treatments, rather than age, a conclusion supported by ultra-low microcurrent research. These results on age-independent wound healing directly contradict a large body of literature postulating that healing is much slower with age due to immune insufficiency, age-accumulated oxidative stress, disrupted cell communications and sustained inflammation.
文摘BACKGROUND The presence of small air bubbles and foam are an impediment to a successful colonoscopy. They impair an endoscopist’s view and diminish the diagnostic accuracy of the study. This has been particularly noted to be of concern with the switch to lower volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) and bisacodyl combination preparation. AIM To evaluate the effect of oral simethicone addition to bowel preparation on intraluminal bubbles reduction during colonoscopy. METHODS Described is a prospective, randomized, multi-center, double-blinded, placebocontrolled study to evaluate the use of premixed simethicone formulation with split-regimen, low-volume PEG-bisacodyl combination bowel preparation for 168 outpatients undergoing screening, surveillance, and diagnostic colonoscopies. Primary outcome includes evaluation of bubbles during colonoscopy graded using the Intraluminal Bubbles Scale. Secondary outcomes include evaluation of the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS), total number of polyps, polyp size differentiation, polyp laterality, adenoma detection, mass detection, cecal insertion time, withdrawal time, and patient-reported adverse events. RESULTS Higher Intraluminal Bubbles grades III and IV (less than 75% of the mucosa cleared of bubbles/foam requiring intervention with simethicone infused wash) were detected in the placebo group [Simethicone n = 4/84 vs Placebo n = 20/84 (P = 0.007)]. BBPS total score was 7.42 [standard deviation (SD)=± 1.51] in the simethicone group and 7.28 (SD =± 1.44) in the placebo group (P = 0.542) from a total of 9. Significantly higher number of adenomas were detected in the simethicone group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION The addition of simethicone to bowel preparation is well advised for its antifoaming properties. The results of this study suggest that addition of oral simethicone can improve bowel wall visibility.
文摘Aloe vera plant is known worldwide for its medicinal properties and application in gel-based products such as shampoo,soap,and sunscreen.However,the demand for these gel-based products has led to a surplus production of Aloe vera processing waste.An Aloe vera gel processing facility could generate up to 4000 kg of Aloe vera waste per month.Currently the Aloe vera waste is being disposed to the landfill or used as fertilizer.A sustainable management system for the Aloe vera processing waste should be considered,due to the negative societal and environmental impacts of the currents waste disposal methods.Therefore,this review focuses on various approaches that can be used to valorize Aloe vera waste into value-added products,such as animal and aquaculture feeds,biosorbents,biofuel and natural polymers.Researchers have reported Aloe vera waste for environmental applications biosorbents used for wastewater treatment of various pollutants.Several studies have also reported on the valorization of Aloe vera waste for production of biofuels such as bioethanol,mixed alcohol fuels,biogas and syngas.Aloe vera waste could also be valorized through isolation and synthesis of natural polymers for application in wound dressing,tissue engineering and drug delivery systems.Aloe vera waste valorization was also reviewed through extraction of value-added bioactive compounds such as aloe-emodin,aloin and aloeresin.These value-added bioactive compounds have various applications in the cosmetics(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory,tyrosinase inhibitors)and pharmaceutical(anticancer agent and COVID 19 inhibitors)industry.
文摘Diabetic neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult to treat with high levels of reoccurrence and a substantial increase with aging. It involves expensive hospitalizations, often resulting in an amputated lower limb. We explored a variety of methods treating neuropathic pain such as low-level laser, monochromatic near-infrared treatment, TENS, acupuncture and pulsed electromagnetic fields that demonstrated inconclusive, limited or temporary pain relief with minor or short-term improvements in mobility. Research conducted by ultra-low energy technologies reports pain relief and reduction of inflammation as a result of anti-oxidant electron donation transforming free radicals into stable molecules. We report the results of a randomized double blind one-year-long longitudinal clinical study on 10 diabetic mellitus (DM) subjects with chronic neuropathy, treated with ultra-low energy nanotechnology who experienced substantial long-term neuropathic pain relief. Importantly, pain analgesia and improvement in neuropathic symptomatology were not age-contingent. This contradicts past research postulating that age-accumulated inflammation and endothelial dysfunction can further exacerbate diabetic neuropathy. Importantly, a method offering age-independent, cost-effective, long-term neuropathic pain relief and increased mobility has major implications in reducing hospitalization time and overall expenses by offering a solution that enhances quality of life.
文摘Overweight and obesity have now reached historical, maximal peak values, with nearly one-third of world population suffering from these conditions. We are now witnessing the impact of this epidemic upon the global health status, with non-communicable diseases on the rise. We have also witnessed the shortcomings and failures of past actions taken when obesity is already present. In this essay the author reviews efforts made in the past regarding identification and treatment of obesity, and propose that actions should be taken before the onset of this disease, by motivating people to make intelligent, healthy choices when it comes to food and physical activity. A philosophy for healthy living should become central to the intervention actions, for them to be successful and sustained. Prevention of obesity should involve all those concerned irregardless of their position in society and curricular training, in order to create a multi-lateral, multi-national effort that will protect our families and our children from the consequences of this epidemic.
文摘一、医疗行业自身需求促进信息技术应用进步
对于医疗行业来说，目前行业竞争的重点已经不仅仅是医生和医术的竞争，管理水平和护理水平的提升逐渐成为医院的竞争优势，来自业自身的需求是促进信息技术动力。主要需求来自四个方面：医院涉及大量复杂的业务和不员，难免会出现差错，安全性和者隐私对于医疗行业是至关重医疗行应用原第一，同的人保证患要的。1999年美国医学研究院（IOM）发表的著名的调查报告《人都会犯错》（TO ERR IS HUMAN）指出：
