Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0143
Dana Samir Al Kudsi, S. Hamad, Hanan Mohamed Al Keldi, A. Kerkadi, A. Agouni, R. Salih
Cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In Qatar, 24% of the total deaths are attributed to CVDs. Several nutritional disturbances have been linked to high risk of CVD. Many studies have discussed the effects of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) on CMR factors; however, evidence has been controversial. This investigated the association between CMR factors and the status of Zn, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio. A total of 575 Qatari adults (≥18 years) were obtained from Qatar Biobank. Plasma levels of Zn and Cu were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Anthropometric data and CMR factors were determined using standard methods. Adjusted associations between minerals and CMR were estimated by logistic regression. The associations’ strength was tested using partial correlation. Zn was not strongly correlated (p-value˃0.01) or significantly associated with CMR factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Cu levels correlated positively with body mass index (BMI) (0.23; p˂0.001), pulse rate (PR) (0.18; p˂0.001), total cholesterol (0.13; p=0.01), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) (0.27; p˂0.001); and negatively with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (−0.13; p=0.01). High Cu significantly decreased the risk of MetS (0.121; p˂0.001). Furthermore, Zn/Cu ratio positively correlated with waist circumference (0.13; p=0.01), systolic blood pressure (0.13; p˂0.01), and DBP (0.14; p˂0.01); and negatively with BMI (−0.19; p˂0.001), PR (−0.17; p˂0.001), and HDL (−0.27; p˂0.001). High Zn/Cu ratio increased the prevalence of low HDL (4.508; p˂0.001) and MetS (5.570; p˂0.01). These findings suggest that high Cu levels are associated with a protective effect on DBP, HDL, and MetS and that high plasma Zn/Cu ratio is associated with the risk of low HDL and MetS. We recommend future studies to focus on minerals status among abdominally obese and prediabetic subjects because of the probable link between low serum Zn and Cu and insulin resistance and CVD.
{"title":"The Association between Zinc and Copper and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults","authors":"Dana Samir Al Kudsi, S. Hamad, Hanan Mohamed Al Keldi, A. Kerkadi, A. Agouni, R. Salih","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0143","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0143","url":null,"abstract":"Cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In Qatar, 24% of the total deaths are attributed to CVDs. Several nutritional disturbances have been linked to high risk of CVD. Many studies have discussed the effects of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) on CMR factors; however, evidence has been controversial. This investigated the association between CMR factors and the status of Zn, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio. A total of 575 Qatari adults (≥18 years) were obtained from Qatar Biobank. Plasma levels of Zn and Cu were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Anthropometric data and CMR factors were determined using standard methods. Adjusted associations between minerals and CMR were estimated by logistic regression. The associations’ strength was tested using partial correlation. Zn was not strongly correlated (p-value˃0.01) or significantly associated with CMR factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Cu levels correlated positively with body mass index (BMI) (0.23; p˂0.001), pulse rate (PR) (0.18; p˂0.001), total cholesterol (0.13; p=0.01), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) (0.27; p˂0.001); and negatively with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (−0.13; p=0.01). High Cu significantly decreased the risk of MetS (0.121; p˂0.001). Furthermore, Zn/Cu ratio positively correlated with waist circumference (0.13; p=0.01), systolic blood pressure (0.13; p˂0.01), and DBP (0.14; p˂0.01); and negatively with BMI (−0.19; p˂0.001), PR (−0.17; p˂0.001), and HDL (−0.27; p˂0.001). High Zn/Cu ratio increased the prevalence of low HDL (4.508; p˂0.001) and MetS (5.570; p˂0.01). These findings suggest that high Cu levels are associated with a protective effect on DBP, HDL, and MetS and that high plasma Zn/Cu ratio is associated with the risk of low HDL and MetS. We recommend future studies to focus on minerals status among abdominally obese and prediabetic subjects because of the probable link between low serum Zn and Cu and insulin resistance and CVD.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"27 6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85198446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0090
Wael K. M. Alhajyaseen, C. Timmermans, A. Soliman, T. Brijs, Khaled Bedair, Veerle Ross, Wondwesen Girma Mamo
This study aims to investigate the impact of ADHD traits on young drivers’ deviant driving behaviors that may contribute to their involvement in traffic crashes. Methods: A sample of 450 young drivers from the State of Qatar were asked to fill the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire, in order to examine the impact of self-reported ADHD traits on ordinary violations, driving errors, lapses and aggressive violations. A path analysis model was developed to test the predictability of these ADHD traits on deviant driving behaviours. Results: Male drivers with hyperactivity-impulsivity traits are significantly more likely to report deviant driving behaviors. In contrast, female drivers with inattention traits are more likely to report deviant driving behaviors. The inattention trait has a minor predictive role for young male drivers and is not significantly related to aggressive violations. Female drivers’ aggressive violations are not predicted by the hyperactivity-impulsivity trait, but the inattention traits among those drivers are the strongest predictor of aggressive violations. Conclusion: Theses results have practical implication regarding creating inclusion environment to trainee drivers with ADHD in driving school. This can be achieved by developing special driving training and education programs.
{"title":"Impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Driving among Drivers in Qatar","authors":"Wael K. M. Alhajyaseen, C. Timmermans, A. Soliman, T. Brijs, Khaled Bedair, Veerle Ross, Wondwesen Girma Mamo","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0090","url":null,"abstract":"This study aims to investigate the impact of ADHD traits on young drivers’ deviant driving behaviors that may contribute to their involvement in traffic crashes. Methods: A sample of 450 young drivers from the State of Qatar were asked to fill the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire, in order to examine the impact of self-reported ADHD traits on ordinary violations, driving errors, lapses and aggressive violations. A path analysis model was developed to test the predictability of these ADHD traits on deviant driving behaviours. Results: Male drivers with hyperactivity-impulsivity traits are significantly more likely to report deviant driving behaviors. In contrast, female drivers with inattention traits are more likely to report deviant driving behaviors. The inattention trait has a minor predictive role for young male drivers and is not significantly related to aggressive violations. Female drivers’ aggressive violations are not predicted by the hyperactivity-impulsivity trait, but the inattention traits among those drivers are the strongest predictor of aggressive violations. Conclusion: Theses results have practical implication regarding creating inclusion environment to trainee drivers with ADHD in driving school. This can be achieved by developing special driving training and education programs.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"48 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85297861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0012
Hemalatha Parangusan, J. Bhadra, R. Al-Qudah, Hibballa Elgurashi, Marwa Abdelhakem, Ebtihal Mohaned
Polyaniline (PANI)/MoS2 composites with porous microspheres were prepared by a hydrothermal and in situ polymerization method. The structural, optical, and morphological properties were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, FTIR, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope. The XRD results confirmed that the PANI/MoS2 composite was formed. Morphological characterization reveals that the successful formation of few to multilayered MoS2 nanosheet intercalated with the PANI nanoparticles.
{"title":"Liquid exfoliated MoS2 Sheet coupled with Conductive Polyaniline for Gas Sensor","authors":"Hemalatha Parangusan, J. Bhadra, R. Al-Qudah, Hibballa Elgurashi, Marwa Abdelhakem, Ebtihal Mohaned","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0012","url":null,"abstract":"Polyaniline (PANI)/MoS2 composites with porous microspheres were prepared by a hydrothermal and in situ polymerization method. The structural, optical, and morphological properties were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, FTIR, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope. The XRD results confirmed that the PANI/MoS2 composite was formed. Morphological characterization reveals that the successful formation of few to multilayered MoS2 nanosheet intercalated with the PANI nanoparticles.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"77 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79984825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0203
Raghad Alatoom, Aljazi Ali Al-Banai, Ghalya Nasser Al-Maadeed, Hanae Abdelwahab Taha, M. Major
The Research and its Purpose: • To conducted a post-occupancy evaluation of the QU Main Library, drawing on fieldwork observations of entries, movement, and room/space use. • This will positively contribute to future design refinements, alterations, and new university buildings in creating a world-class center of education and research. How can we study its success? • Collect information to determine the use of each space in the building. • Direct observations of the use of the library and the space functions.
{"title":"Configuration and Use in Building Evaluation (CUBE3): Space Syntax Modeling of Layout in the Main Library at Qatar University","authors":"Raghad Alatoom, Aljazi Ali Al-Banai, Ghalya Nasser Al-Maadeed, Hanae Abdelwahab Taha, M. Major","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0203","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0203","url":null,"abstract":"The Research and its Purpose: • To conducted a post-occupancy evaluation of the QU Main Library, drawing on fieldwork observations of entries, movement, and room/space use. • This will positively contribute to future design refinements, alterations, and new university buildings in creating a world-class center of education and research. How can we study its success? • Collect information to determine the use of each space in the building. • Direct observations of the use of the library and the space functions.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78417806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0136
Taimaa Adnan Hejazi1, Dana Mustafa, Lana Kattan, M. Zolezzi, Shimaa Aboelbaha, Shorouq Homs, A. Elhakim, Yazid Alhamarneh, Lily Yushko
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and management (RAM) services face many challenges and barriers in the community. Mobile technology offers the opportunity to empower patients and improve access to health prevention strategies to overcome these barriers.1 The main goal of this study is to investigate whether the use of mobile technology for CVDRAM, combined with appropriate health care professional oversight, can improve access and management of CVD risk factors in Qatar. Methods/Case presentation: Pilot testing of an Arabic and English version of the online application EPIRxISK™ for CVDRAM by potential users from a sample consisting of the general population and pharmacists attending community pharmacies. Participants’ feedback was gathered in a qualitative interview which was recorded and transcribed for quality assurance and for review by the research team. Responses from all interviews were analyzed and recommendations were made to finalize the application prior to phase II of the study. In phase II, quantitative and qualitative methods will be utilized to assess the feasibility of implementing a community pharmacy-based CVD risk assessment program using the English and Arabic versions of the EPIRxISK™ online application. Results/Findings/Recommendations: In phase I, a total of 9 pharmacists from community pharmacies and 5 general participants from the general population were interviewed. As shown in table 1 and 2, the analysis of the interviews resulted in themes related to five frameworks: engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and subjective quality. Overall, the themes demonstrated acceptance and satisfaction with the features of the application. Phase II is in progress now. Conclusion: The overall results of the pilot testing are promising and conclude an overall acceptance and satisfaction with the features of the application.
{"title":"Evaluation of a Mobile Application Tool to Assist Health Care Providers in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Management","authors":"Taimaa Adnan Hejazi1, Dana Mustafa, Lana Kattan, M. Zolezzi, Shimaa Aboelbaha, Shorouq Homs, A. Elhakim, Yazid Alhamarneh, Lily Yushko","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0136","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and management (RAM) services face many challenges and barriers in the community. Mobile technology offers the opportunity to empower patients and improve access to health prevention strategies to overcome these barriers.1 The main goal of this study is to investigate whether the use of mobile technology for CVDRAM, combined with appropriate health care professional oversight, can improve access and management of CVD risk factors in Qatar. Methods/Case presentation: Pilot testing of an Arabic and English version of the online application EPIRxISK™ for CVDRAM by potential users from a sample consisting of the general population and pharmacists attending community pharmacies. Participants’ feedback was gathered in a qualitative interview which was recorded and transcribed for quality assurance and for review by the research team. Responses from all interviews were analyzed and recommendations were made to finalize the application prior to phase II of the study. In phase II, quantitative and qualitative methods will be utilized to assess the feasibility of implementing a community pharmacy-based CVD risk assessment program using the English and Arabic versions of the EPIRxISK™ online application. Results/Findings/Recommendations: In phase I, a total of 9 pharmacists from community pharmacies and 5 general participants from the general population were interviewed. As shown in table 1 and 2, the analysis of the interviews resulted in themes related to five frameworks: engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and subjective quality. Overall, the themes demonstrated acceptance and satisfaction with the features of the application. Phase II is in progress now. Conclusion: The overall results of the pilot testing are promising and conclude an overall acceptance and satisfaction with the features of the application.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83295463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0036
Noora Al-Shamary
Qatar sits in the middle of the world’s most important hydrocarbon producing areas where significant regional refining activity and shipping traffic take place. In addition to significant local coastline, development prominently along the eastern coast, has taken place over recent decades. Protecting Qatar’s marine ecosystems from the adverse effects of environmental contaminants is a core component of the Environmental Development pillar within the National Vision 2030. However, a limited number of studies have investigated contaminant concentrations in the coastal environment of Qatar. The accumulation of contaminants in aquatic environments can affect coastal and marine ecosystems, and cause adverse effect on marine organisms and human health. This study aims to determine contamination in Qatar’s coastal environment by measuring organic and inorganic contaminants, along with physiochemical parameters, at four sites located on the contrasting east and west coast of the country. The Pearl Oyster Pinctada radiata, which is considered an iconic organism in Qatar, was used to determine a baseline of contaminants in an aquatic organism. Surface seawater, surface sediment and oysters were collected four times over two years in different seasons from the four sites. In-situ parameters (temperature, pH, and salinity), and abiotic parameters (TOC and grain sizes) were measured for seawater and sediment. Organic (TPHs, PAHs) and inorganic contaminants (trace metals including: Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn, T-Hg) were measured in all samples. Overall, Al Wakra (higher in boat traffic and fueling activities) on the east coast reported the highest levels of contaminants. High PAHs were observed in oyster tissues, while high Pb was noted in seawater and high Zn was observed in sediment and oyster. Benzo (a) pyrene was the highest compound detected in oyster. However, high TPHs were also noted in oyster tissues from Simaisma. At Al Khor, also on the east coast, high level of TPHs were recorded in seawater, while high PAHs and TOC observed in surface sediment, which had a relatively higher clay and silt content than other sites. Umm Bab (with a desalination plant near the coast), the sole sample site on the west coast, showed the highest level of TOC in seawater and sediment, highest Ni in seawater and highest total mercury in oyster. Our results, in general, report lower levels in seawater and sediment compared to other studies in the region and more widely; however, in oysters most of the contaminants are higher when compared to international guideline values. These higher levels indicate the potential for these filter-feeding organisms to absorb contaminants into their tissues from the environment that surrounds them. Additionally, bioaccumulation can occur. This study provides background information for further investigation to understand the presence and distribution of organic and inorganic contaminants in Qatar’s rapidly changing coastal environment. It ind
{"title":"Assessment of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants along the Qatari Coast","authors":"Noora Al-Shamary","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0036","url":null,"abstract":"Qatar sits in the middle of the world’s most important hydrocarbon producing areas where significant regional refining activity and shipping traffic take place. In addition to significant local coastline, development prominently along the eastern coast, has taken place over recent decades. Protecting Qatar’s marine ecosystems from the adverse effects of environmental contaminants is a core component of the Environmental Development pillar within the National Vision 2030. However, a limited number of studies have investigated contaminant concentrations in the coastal environment of Qatar. The accumulation of contaminants in aquatic environments can affect coastal and marine ecosystems, and cause adverse effect on marine organisms and human health. This study aims to determine contamination in Qatar’s coastal environment by measuring organic and inorganic contaminants, along with physiochemical parameters, at four sites located on the contrasting east and west coast of the country. The Pearl Oyster Pinctada radiata, which is considered an iconic organism in Qatar, was used to determine a baseline of contaminants in an aquatic organism. Surface seawater, surface sediment and oysters were collected four times over two years in different seasons from the four sites. In-situ parameters (temperature, pH, and salinity), and abiotic parameters (TOC and grain sizes) were measured for seawater and sediment. Organic (TPHs, PAHs) and inorganic contaminants (trace metals including: Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn, T-Hg) were measured in all samples. Overall, Al Wakra (higher in boat traffic and fueling activities) on the east coast reported the highest levels of contaminants. High PAHs were observed in oyster tissues, while high Pb was noted in seawater and high Zn was observed in sediment and oyster. Benzo (a) pyrene was the highest compound detected in oyster. However, high TPHs were also noted in oyster tissues from Simaisma. At Al Khor, also on the east coast, high level of TPHs were recorded in seawater, while high PAHs and TOC observed in surface sediment, which had a relatively higher clay and silt content than other sites. Umm Bab (with a desalination plant near the coast), the sole sample site on the west coast, showed the highest level of TOC in seawater and sediment, highest Ni in seawater and highest total mercury in oyster. Our results, in general, report lower levels in seawater and sediment compared to other studies in the region and more widely; however, in oysters most of the contaminants are higher when compared to international guideline values. These higher levels indicate the potential for these filter-feeding organisms to absorb contaminants into their tissues from the environment that surrounds them. Additionally, bioaccumulation can occur. This study provides background information for further investigation to understand the presence and distribution of organic and inorganic contaminants in Qatar’s rapidly changing coastal environment. It ind","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"90 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83919536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0078
B. Mukhalalati, A. Awaisu, S. Elshami, B. Javed, M. Abu-Hijleh, S. Hart, H. Bawadi, R. Almahasneh, A. Al-khal, Kristine Al-Amri
“The Practice Educators’ Academy Program” is an innovative educational intervention developed following a preceptor-focused needs assessment. This study evaluated the program’s effect on self-efficacy and knowledge amongst multi-disciplinary clinical preceptors who precept students across the Health Cluster in Qatar University, Qatar. Additionally, the study assessed satisfaction with the program’s comprehensiveness, appropriateness, and relevance. The program’s effectiveness was assessed utilizing a pretest-posttest pilot intervention study with a single group of preceptors. Preceptor self-efficacy was assessed using the Preceptor Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, a validated 21-item questionnaire. Preceptor knowledge was assessed through a 25-item multiple-choice question test. Satisfaction with program content and delivery was assessed through a 14-item questionnaire with open comments. Participation of 30 preceptors in the self-efficacy questionnaire resulted in a statistically significant increase in their posttest median score (pretest-to-posttest: 3.3-to-3.6, p= 0.001). Twenty-six preceptors completed the knowledge-based assessment, with a statistically significant increased posttest mean score (pretest-to-posttest: 10.2-to-15.7, p< 0.001). Participants indicated high levels of satisfaction with the program (average score= 4.42/5). Our findings suggest the pilot program is effective as demonstrated through a significant improvement in preceptors’ self-efficacy and knowledge. Recommendations for future iterations include placing greater focus on active learning strategies, and inter-disciplinary integration.
{"title":"Pilot Evaluation of the “Practice Educators’ Academy” Preceptor Development Program for Continuing Health Professional Education Programs in Qatar","authors":"B. Mukhalalati, A. Awaisu, S. Elshami, B. Javed, M. Abu-Hijleh, S. Hart, H. Bawadi, R. Almahasneh, A. Al-khal, Kristine Al-Amri","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0078","url":null,"abstract":"“The Practice Educators’ Academy Program” is an innovative educational intervention developed following a preceptor-focused needs assessment. This study evaluated the program’s effect on self-efficacy and knowledge amongst multi-disciplinary clinical preceptors who precept students across the Health Cluster in Qatar University, Qatar. Additionally, the study assessed satisfaction with the program’s comprehensiveness, appropriateness, and relevance. The program’s effectiveness was assessed utilizing a pretest-posttest pilot intervention study with a single group of preceptors. Preceptor self-efficacy was assessed using the Preceptor Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, a validated 21-item questionnaire. Preceptor knowledge was assessed through a 25-item multiple-choice question test. Satisfaction with program content and delivery was assessed through a 14-item questionnaire with open comments. Participation of 30 preceptors in the self-efficacy questionnaire resulted in a statistically significant increase in their posttest median score (pretest-to-posttest: 3.3-to-3.6, p= 0.001). Twenty-six preceptors completed the knowledge-based assessment, with a statistically significant increased posttest mean score (pretest-to-posttest: 10.2-to-15.7, p< 0.001). Participants indicated high levels of satisfaction with the program (average score= 4.42/5). Our findings suggest the pilot program is effective as demonstrated through a significant improvement in preceptors’ self-efficacy and knowledge. Recommendations for future iterations include placing greater focus on active learning strategies, and inter-disciplinary integration.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81916144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0076
D. N. Prasad, S. Al-Máadeed, Asan Gani Abdul Muthalif, K. K. Sadasivuni
The aim of this research is to design and develop a non-invasive cholesterol sensor based on the principle of light absorption. The current existing invasive methods can be replaced with non-invasive techniques. The interaction of light with matter has been utilized to design a smart device that measures blood cholesterol without collecting blood samples. It requires developing an optical sensor that focuses on the use of near infrared (NIR)-LED.
{"title":"Optical Non-invasive Technique for Cholesterol Detection in Blood","authors":"D. N. Prasad, S. Al-Máadeed, Asan Gani Abdul Muthalif, K. K. Sadasivuni","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0076","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of this research is to design and develop a non-invasive cholesterol sensor based on the principle of light absorption. The current existing invasive methods can be replaced with non-invasive techniques. The interaction of light with matter has been utilized to design a smart device that measures blood cholesterol without collecting blood samples. It requires developing an optical sensor that focuses on the use of near infrared (NIR)-LED.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"52 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91552689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0201
لجين محمود عامر, دانة عمار زرزور, فاطمة عبد القادر اليوسف
الكتابة حِرفةٌ وصِنعة تتطلّبُ مهارةً وخِبرة. ويُمكن لمهارة الكتابة أن تتولَّدَ لدى المرء بفِعل دراسةٍ أو ممارسة، أو كلا الاثنين معًا، فالكتابة كغيرها من المواهب، على صاحبها أن يُمارِسها ويتعلّم قواعدها وأُسُسَها؛ ليتكمن من الوصول إلى ما بَعدَ الهِواية؛ الاحتراف. ولهذا السبب تولّدت النظريات السردية لدى نُقّاد الأدب على مرّ العصور، ولقد أُخرِجت العديد من كتب النظريات السردية الناضجة في عالم الأدب والنقد حول العالم، وإحدى أهمّ هذه النظريات، وأكثرها تأثيرًا في عالمنا اليوم نظرية "دراماتيكا" السردية. وأهمية هذه النظرية نابعةٌ من تأثيرها في الدراما العالمية، واهتمامها اهتمامًا بالغًا بالمُتلقي، ومما تمتاز به من شموليةٍ وإحكام في نظرتها للقصة. فهذه النظرية تنظرُ إلى العمل السرديّ من جميع نواحيه، وبأدقِ تفاصيله، كما تملك القدرة على توجيه المؤلف للمسار الصحيح في الكتابة أيًّا كان توجُّهه الكتابيّ؛ منظّمًا أو حُرًا، مُساعِدةً المؤلف بذلك على إنتاجِ عملٍ كاملِ الأركان. أما عن أهمية ترجمتنا لهذه النظرية السردية، فهي نابعةٌ من أهمية النظرية نفسها، التي نتجت عند المؤلفين لشعورهم بحاجة المؤلف الغربيّ لهذه النظرية في كتابة القصة، ونحن كذلك نشعُرُ بحاجة المؤلف العربيّ لهذه النظرية من أجلِ الوصول لإنتاجٍ قصصيٍّ مُحترف. فهدفنا الأساسيّ من هذا البحث تقديمُ ترجمةٍ واضحة ووافية للجزء الأول من كتاب نظرية "دراماتيكا" للقصة. والابتعاد عمّا قد يُسبِّبُ لبسًا أو خلطًا لدى القارئ العربي. ولقد قُسّم كتاب نظرية "دراماتيكا" في الأساس إلى قسمين: قسم عناصر البنية، وهو الجزء الذي يحتوي قواعد وأُسُس النظرية وعلى المفاهيم وشروح البُنية العميقة للقصة، وقسم فنّ السرد القصصي، وهو الجزء الذي يحتوي على التطبيق العملي للنظرية. ولقد تُرجم في هذا البحث القسم الأول فقط، والذي انقسم إلى أربعة محاور رئيسة هي: الشخصية، والموضوع، والحبكة، والنوع الأدبي، كما تُرجِمت مُقدّمة الكتاب التي تتحدث عن "دراماتيكا والكاتب المُبدِع".
{"title":"ترجمة القسم الأول من كتاب نظرية دراماتيكا السردية؛ عناصر البنية","authors":"لجين محمود عامر, دانة عمار زرزور, فاطمة عبد القادر اليوسف","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0201","url":null,"abstract":"الكتابة حِرفةٌ وصِنعة تتطلّبُ مهارةً وخِبرة. ويُمكن لمهارة الكتابة أن تتولَّدَ لدى المرء بفِعل دراسةٍ أو ممارسة، أو كلا الاثنين معًا، فالكتابة كغيرها من المواهب، على صاحبها أن يُمارِسها ويتعلّم قواعدها وأُسُسَها؛ ليتكمن من الوصول إلى ما بَعدَ الهِواية؛ الاحتراف. ولهذا السبب تولّدت النظريات السردية لدى نُقّاد الأدب على مرّ العصور، ولقد أُخرِجت العديد من كتب النظريات السردية الناضجة في عالم الأدب والنقد حول العالم، وإحدى أهمّ هذه النظريات، وأكثرها تأثيرًا في عالمنا اليوم نظرية \"دراماتيكا\" السردية. وأهمية هذه النظرية نابعةٌ من تأثيرها في الدراما العالمية، واهتمامها اهتمامًا بالغًا بالمُتلقي، ومما تمتاز به من شموليةٍ وإحكام في نظرتها للقصة. فهذه النظرية تنظرُ إلى العمل السرديّ من جميع نواحيه، وبأدقِ تفاصيله، كما تملك القدرة على توجيه المؤلف للمسار الصحيح في الكتابة أيًّا كان توجُّهه الكتابيّ؛ منظّمًا أو حُرًا، مُساعِدةً المؤلف بذلك على إنتاجِ عملٍ كاملِ الأركان. أما عن أهمية ترجمتنا لهذه النظرية السردية، فهي نابعةٌ من أهمية النظرية نفسها، التي نتجت عند المؤلفين لشعورهم بحاجة المؤلف الغربيّ لهذه النظرية في كتابة القصة، ونحن كذلك نشعُرُ بحاجة المؤلف العربيّ لهذه النظرية من أجلِ الوصول لإنتاجٍ قصصيٍّ مُحترف. فهدفنا الأساسيّ من هذا البحث تقديمُ ترجمةٍ واضحة ووافية للجزء الأول من كتاب نظرية \"دراماتيكا\" للقصة. والابتعاد عمّا قد يُسبِّبُ لبسًا أو خلطًا لدى القارئ العربي. ولقد قُسّم كتاب نظرية \"دراماتيكا\" في الأساس إلى قسمين: قسم عناصر البنية، وهو الجزء الذي يحتوي قواعد وأُسُس النظرية وعلى المفاهيم وشروح البُنية العميقة للقصة، وقسم فنّ السرد القصصي، وهو الجزء الذي يحتوي على التطبيق العملي للنظرية. ولقد تُرجم في هذا البحث القسم الأول فقط، والذي انقسم إلى أربعة محاور رئيسة هي: الشخصية، والموضوع، والحبكة، والنوع الأدبي، كما تُرجِمت مُقدّمة الكتاب التي تتحدث عن \"دراماتيكا والكاتب المُبدِع\".","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85593106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0119
Marah Abou-Sido, M. Hamed, Suad Hussen, M. Zolezzi, S. Sankaralingam
Research purpose: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Qatar. Community pharmacist-managed home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) services have been shown to provide better control of hypertension. Digital BP devices available and sold in community pharmacies are commonly used for HBPM services. Devices validated for accuracy are important for clinical decision-making. Non-validated devices are more likely to be inaccurate and could potentially lead to poor BP control and health risks. The objectives of our study are 1) to identify the proportion of validated BP devices available in community pharmacies in Qatar and 2) to determine the relationship between the validation status of devices and cuff location and price. Methodology: We visited 28 community pharmacies including the 2 major pharmacy chains in Qatar. The following data were collected about BP devices: brand/model, validation status, cuff location, and price. Findings: A total of 87 distinct models of BP devices from 19 different brands are available in Qatar community pharmacies. The three most commonly available brands are Beurer®, Omron®, and Rossmax®. Most models available are upper arm devices (75%) while the rest are wrist devices (25%). Among all models, only 57.5% are validated. Sixty percent of upper-arm devices and 50% of wrist devices are validated. Importantly, 60% of lower-priced (≤ QAR 250) devices are not validated while 83% of higher-priced (QAR 500-750) devices are validated. Research originality/value: This is a novel study that has investigated the validation status of BP devices available in community pharmacies for the first time. This information will serve both pharmacists and the public alike. In Qatar and elsewhere, there are no regulations on the accuracy of devices sold in community pharmacies. Therefore, regulations on the sale of BP devices should be implemented in the best interest of patient safety.
{"title":"Are Blood Pressure Devices Available in Qatar Community Pharmacies Validated For Accuracy?","authors":"Marah Abou-Sido, M. Hamed, Suad Hussen, M. Zolezzi, S. Sankaralingam","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0119","url":null,"abstract":"Research purpose: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Qatar. Community pharmacist-managed home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) services have been shown to provide better control of hypertension. Digital BP devices available and sold in community pharmacies are commonly used for HBPM services. Devices validated for accuracy are important for clinical decision-making. Non-validated devices are more likely to be inaccurate and could potentially lead to poor BP control and health risks. The objectives of our study are 1) to identify the proportion of validated BP devices available in community pharmacies in Qatar and 2) to determine the relationship between the validation status of devices and cuff location and price. Methodology: We visited 28 community pharmacies including the 2 major pharmacy chains in Qatar. The following data were collected about BP devices: brand/model, validation status, cuff location, and price. Findings: A total of 87 distinct models of BP devices from 19 different brands are available in Qatar community pharmacies. The three most commonly available brands are Beurer®, Omron®, and Rossmax®. Most models available are upper arm devices (75%) while the rest are wrist devices (25%). Among all models, only 57.5% are validated. Sixty percent of upper-arm devices and 50% of wrist devices are validated. Importantly, 60% of lower-priced (≤ QAR 250) devices are not validated while 83% of higher-priced (QAR 500-750) devices are validated. Research originality/value: This is a novel study that has investigated the validation status of BP devices available in community pharmacies for the first time. This information will serve both pharmacists and the public alike. In Qatar and elsewhere, there are no regulations on the accuracy of devices sold in community pharmacies. Therefore, regulations on the sale of BP devices should be implemented in the best interest of patient safety.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85636884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}