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Apr 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-26-6138
Dahlmann NicolausCorresponding author
Indices, based on data such as height and weight in general and in particularly the body mass index (BMI), are often used to assess overweight. However, there is limited capacity to differentiate the amount of fat mass between individuals. This review refers to an anthropometric model called Dahlmann-Body-Analysis (DBA), which uses simple anthropometric parameters to define a Reference Weight (Ref-Wt). It is based on hand circumference as a proxy for the skeletal frame and, in addition, the circumference of the abdomen as a proxy for central obesity. Processed through a network of algorithms, the DBA model enabled to differentiate the Difference Weight – that means the difference between the Actual Weight and the Reference Weight – into fat mass and skeletal muscle mass. The DBA-model resembles the 2-component model of Albert R. Behnke, which he considered as a living functional construct including essential fat. The DBA-model matches with Behnke`s 2-component model insofar, as the essential fat is replaced by a physiological amount of fat tissue. The review summarizes studies to compare DBA-derived data with Metropolitan Life Insurance tables, evaluates DBA-derived fat tissue mass with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) derived results and analyses the meaning of the DBA model in clinical settings to uncover the underlying mechanisms of metabolic syndrome (MetS) pathogenesis with increasing amounts of fat mass. The model offers the opportunity to calculate changes in fat or muscle tissue in an absolute (kg) or relative (%) amount on individuals. The data suggest that the DBA-model has satisfactory prediction qualities for use as a practical tool in public health care.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-22-4302
Edeowede Abhulimen AbelCorresponding author
The Gas Turbine operation was investigated with a view to evolving a system designed to provide a realistic imitation of the controls and operation of a Gas Turbine, used for training purposes. Operator Training Simulator has been widely adopted by many industries being a computer simulation which attempts to model a real-life plant so that it can be studied. A well trained and skilled operator is key in increasing power plant safety and productivity. Therefore, enabling quality training for operators is becoming more important as they need to handle increased load of information and duties whereas the lack of training is a major reason for inadequate performance. By changing variables in the simulator, predictions are made about the behaviour of the engine. It is a tool to virtually investigate the behaviour of the system while in operation. This work becomes indispensable because it is prohibitively expensive or simply too dangerous to allow trainees use the real equipment in a power plant. The Gas Turbine operation’s simulator is born from Object Oriented Programming, employing key programming languages. The simulator design focused on specific tasks in the operation of the Gas Turbine which include; startup, synchronization and monitoring of vital parameters like vibration, temperature, pressure, and angle of the Inlet Guide Vane. The statuses of various valves, pumps and motors as well as the Performance of actuators and the response of concatenated components are also being tracked. The simulator was found to effectively mimic a real plant life. With this simulator, trainee operators in Gas Turbine can spend time learning valuable lessons in a "safe" virtual environment yet living a lifelike experience. This will go a long way in minimizing operators’ error in GT power plants, thereby curtailing power outages and conserving power plant components.
Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-22-4363
S. Patil NikitaCorresponding author
Department of Pharmaceutics P.S.G.V.P.M’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada.
The process of creating new pharmaceuticals is incredibly costly and time-consuming, and it dates back millions of years to the time when only herbal remedies were used. Furthermore, the solvation energies of the ligand and receptor site are crucial to this process because partial to complete dedication must take place before binding. The full form of CADD is computer-added drug design. To enhance the design and discovery of, CADD stands for computational methodologies and resources. Smaller numbers of chemicals are chosen from extensive compound libraries for experimental testing. There is less screening. Pharmacogenomics’ main benefit is the ability to develop medication based on the genomiy organization of each individual. The immense potential of enzymes as therapeutic targets is exemplified by under R's leadership, Merck's strategy. Both the two exemplary PP'S were the (APS, a class of proteins, are making progress it will blossoms in computational thermodynamics.3D-QSAR mode was developed last year for the follow-up forecast of action of chemicals in a molecular database or newly created target's spatial organization is known.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-22-4126
Sun YongjianCorresponding author
University of Jinan
This design is according to the requirements of the wide rider, and the Multi-function bike computer has the function of velocity measurement, display, timing, lighting, buzzer warning, which could satisfy the requirements of cycling enthusiasts. This design is based on STC89C52 SCM (Single Chip Microcomputer) smallest system and uses hall sensor receives the bicycle wheel rotation numbers date, and then transmit the received data into the SCM. After the SCM’s calculation and processing, it gets the bicycle’s instantaneous speed, mileage, riding time through the LED display the date. The part of software programming use C language, which compiles and downloads by the Keil and STC-ISP. This design uses Proteus to make the circuit diagram drawing and system simulation. The overall program adopted modular approach, and each module has a special function. The idea which makes the program more clear, is advantageous to the optimization of code logic and modification.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-4001
Bartholomew KathleenCorresponding author
United States
The lived experiences of thousands of health care providers demonstrates an inconguence in values while giving us a tremendous amount of information - if we listen. At every level behaviors are compromised in a structure when the values of the providers are not aligned with the system. Over time, statistics as well as disease become so normalized that the status quo dominates perceptions and inhibits action. The United States will continue to have mediocre to poor outcomes unless the ethical foundation of the system is fundamentally altered to profit on wellness. “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” Buckminster Fuller 1
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2769-2264.jw-20-3530
Kamble SheetalCorresponding author
Assistant Professor, Environmental Science, P P Savani University, Gujarat, India
Industrial revolution brought diversified industries to produce goods to meet the demand of increasing population. Such a rapid growth of industrial sector caused water pollution to a great extent. Dairy industry is not an exception, causing significant water pollution. The dairy sector in India grew at a rate of 6.4 per cent annually in the last four years against the global growth rate 1.7 per cent demonstrating significant increase in milk productivity. Around 80 million rural Indian households are engaged in milk production with very high proportion being landless, small and marginal farmers. But on the other hand, water pollution being caused from these dairy industries is quite significant. Various biological treatment technologies were tried for treating dairy wastewater. An attempt has been made by the authors of the present paper to design aerated lagoon including screen chamber, primary clarifier, quiescent settling zone and sludge disposal with success to treat dairy wastewater.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-19-2659
C LangenhanCorresponding author
Technische Universität München
As the complexity of building tasks and requirements increases, designers often find themselves confronted with interdisciplinary problems that go beyond the specific challenges and methods of architecture. The iterative nature of the design process results in a continuous exchange between creative, analytical and evaluative activities, through which the designer explores and identifies promising design variants. The ability to compare and evaluate relevant reference examples of already built or designed buildings helps designers to assess their own design and informs the design process.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-0207.jbr-18-2175
Lu Tsung-HsuehCorresponding author
NCKU Research Center for Health Data and Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Non–information technology (IT) professionals and nonexpert casual users are increasingly adopting self-service business intelligence (SSBI) tools (such as Tableau, Qlik, and Power BI) to create data visualization dashboards. This study identified the most relevant dashboard design principles for SSBI tool users. The research approach included organizing a focus group in which most of the participants were non-IT professionals in health care, extracting recommended principles from the literature, applying these recommended principles by using data on quality of diabetes care to design relevant dashboards, and proposing the following 5S dashboard design principle framework: 1) seeing both the forest and trees, 2) simplicity through self-selection, 3) simplicity through significance, 4) simplicity through synthesis, and 5) storytelling. The third and fourth principles are novel and provide solutions to decision-making problems (such as conflicting results from excessive and discordant indicators) encountered by health care professional in the public sector as well as in other domains. The 5S dashboard design principles are easily memorized and practical and thus enable non-IT professionals and nonexpert casual users to design insightful dashboards efficiently by using SSBI tools.
Aug 2018
Bai QifengCorresponding author
Key Lab of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P. R. China
Drug design, referred to the fields of pharmacology, biotechnology and medicine, is in silico, in vitro and in vivo assay processes of finding new candidate medications based on the biological targets. The in silicoexperiments of drug discovery are involved in the macromolecular structure databases, small molecule databases, molecular docking, de novo drug design and molecular dynamics simulations. The in vitro experiments of drug discovery need evaluate the direct interaction information between ligands and targets as well as the function of ligands on signaling pathway in the cell. The in vivo experiments of drug discovery give the convincing evidence for preclinical trial at the physiological level. In this review, we outline the drug design components of databases, virtual screening tools, biochemical assays, cell-based system and animal models.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-8590.ipj-18-2113
Hajare RahulCorresponding author
Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi
Isatin (1H-indole-2,3-dione ) and derivatives demonstrate a diverse array of biological activities. Isatin and 5-halo derivatives has reacted to form the schiff’s bases , mannich bases and friedal craft alkylation’s to form C-C, C-N, C=N bonds. From the spectral studies, isatin has undergoes reaction at C-3 and N-1 position and synthesized lead in present schme and seen the similarity of structure and analgesic-anti-inflammatory activity.
Sep 2017
Chen JihuaCorresponding author
The goal of dental restoration is to restore and reconstruct the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structures. At present, dental crowns are usually fabricated by referencing the homonym and adjacent teeth to design the morphology of the restoration, followed by empirical modifications on the restoration morphology. The original morphology of an intact natural tooth, if available, would allow for a balance of the horizontal and vertical forces generated by the surrounding tissues. Otherwise, it is hard for a restoration to reproduce the original tooth morphology. Discrepancies between original tooth morphology and restorations, such as axial over-contour or inappropriate occlusion, may break physiologically established balance, causing patient discomfort or even malocclusion and occlusal diseases. Therefore, to design and fabricate dental restorations with the original tooth morphology could be of great value to oral health. Literature indicates that physiological changes in tooth morphology slowly progress throughout one’s life. We present a hypothetical biomorphic dental restoration design that records the intact tooth morphology of a patient before lesions occur to allow for future design and fabricate of dental restorations. Using a copy of the pre-existing tooth abutment for restoration could result in none or fewer adjustments needed for restoration, and harmony with the surrounding tissues.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-14-441
M Ghoneim EhabCorresponding author
Professor of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
Purpose: To describe a new intraocular lens that can be implanted in case of rupture of the posterior capsule and lack of capsular support. Methods: This experimental study was carried out on ten Flanders rabbits. The right eye of each rabbit underwent intra capsular lens extraction and two peripheral iridectomies, and the new lens was implanted with an optic rest in the posterior chamber. Additionally, the haptics rest in the angle of the anterior chamber through peripheral iridectomies. Main outcome measures were lens stability inside the eye and complications regarding this technique. Results: Intraocular lenses remained in a stable position with only a mild inflammatory reaction; four eyes developed hyphema that disappeared 10 days after surgery. Conclusion: The new lens design has good intraocular stability when posterior capsular support is absent and only produced minimal inflammation inside the eye.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-26-6165
Christine Ruth PiloyaCorresponding author
Background Women’s participation in environmental conservation within patriarchal societies is a critical factor for achieving sustainable development and improved community outcomes. Despite this importance, limited research has examined women’s perceptions of their roles and contributions to environmental conservation. The current study aimed to (1) explore women’s perceptions of their roles in environmental conservation within patriarchal structures, and (2) to document the effectiveness of strategies enhancing their participation. Methods This study followed a phenomenological design, using thematic data analysis. Information was gathered through semistructured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews with technocrats, civil servants, local leaders, and NGO staff. The sample size of the study was 30 participants, obtained using the point of saturation principle. The focus group consisted of 24 participants and 06 Key Informants. The study tools were pretested with a small group before the main fieldwork. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The size of the sample was guided by data saturation. Results The findings show that although women’s representation in local councils and environmental committees has grown due to the 30% quota requirement, their influence remains constrained by systemic barriers. Political interference undermines technical teams’ conservation efforts, while widespread community ignorance of environmental laws limits compliance. Weak enforcement and corruption, with leaders themselves implicated in destructive practices, further erode progress. Critically, inadequate financing such as subcounties allocating only 600,000 shillings for sensitization, leaves many activities unimplemented, forcing reliance on development partners. Conclusion The study concludes that sustainable environmental stewardship requires not only legal reforms and institutional accountability but also adequate financing and communitydriven strategies that amplify women’s voices and foster collective responsibility.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-2232.jf-26-6197
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Background The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices has led to the exploration of non-traditional methods to enhance crop yield and resilience. Spiritual Blessings (Biofield) Energy Treatment (SBET), a form of consciousness-driven energy healing, is increasingly being investigated for its potential to modulate biological systems at the cellular and molecular levels without use of chemical additives Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SBET on the growth characteristics and overall productivity of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). Methods The study was conducted using a controlled experimental design, where seeds and plots were divided into two groups: control and treated. The treated group received a remote SBET by a recognized practitioner, while the control group remained untreated. Both groups were maintained under identical environmental conditions (soil, water). Parameters such as germination rate, plant height, leaf area index, and total fruit yield were monitored over a full growth cycle. Results Results showed that plant height, number of branches, and total number of leaves per plant were significantly improved by 35.14% (p ≤ 0.001), 41.64% (p = 0.011), and 49.01% (p = 0.029), respectively, in the treatment group compared to the control group. Additionally, fruit length and total fruit yield (tons per hectare) were significantly increased by 39.68% (p = 0.002) and 15.92%, respectively, in the treatment group compared to the control group. Conclusion Exposure of SBET significantly improved both vegetative and reproductive development, yielding substantial increases in plant height, branching, and leaf production.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4837.ijip-26-6169
Ershova JuliaCorresponding author
Introduction The risk of exposure to M. tuberculosis among healthcare workers (HCW) remains a public health concern worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biomedical Research and Training Institute supported the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care in strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in healthcare facilities (HCF), integrating tuberculosis (TB) infection control (TBIC) into the intervention strategy. We describe the impact of this intervention on TBIC practices and HCW screening outcomes. Methods The strategy, implemented from June 2021–September 2022, included IPC mentorship training, competency assessments, and use of a standardized risk assessment tool for progress monitoring. For the training purposes, the project developed eight practical problem-solving IPC modules including an occupational health component. Trained mentors conducted bi-monthly site support visits (SSV), used a checklist to track compliance, and assessed competencies of HCW at the targeted facilities. Facility-based risk assessments were conducted three times during the project implementation. Results During the intervention, 1,865 HCW from 105 facilities were trained. Availability and use of personal protective equipment improved by 49% and 42%, respectively. The proportion of HCF with designated areas for sputum collection increased by 43%. The proportion of HCF that screened HCW for TB increased by 42% with 3,761 HCW screened during the project period. Fourteen were diagnosed with TB and referred for care, resulting in 372 new cases per 100,000. Conclusion The implemented strategy of training, mentorship, and regular SSV strengthened TBIC measures, improved TB screening practices and case finding among HCW. Improving and maintaining practices is critical for effective TBIC.
Mar 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-26-6060
Francesco Amadeo PierCorresponding author
Objective To describe the clinical features and real-world treatment of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) using fixed-dose or free combinations of 2-drug regimens (2DR) of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Design Italian retrospective cohort study. Methods Data were extracted from PLHIV who initiated or switched to 2DR: Group 1 (fixed dose), Group 2 (free combination). Results Group 1 was younger and more predominantly male, and had shorter time from AIDS-defining diagnosis to 2DR-ART and from diagnosis to baseline, a lower prevalence of resistance, and fewer comorbidities than Group 2. Median baseline viral load was <50 copies/mL in both groups, but Group 1 had a higher mean due to outliers. The most common ART classes before switching to 2DR were Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI)-based (48.97%), Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)-based (22.73%), and Protease Inhibitor (PI)-based (16.53%). Distribution varied: Group 1: INSTI-based (53.13%), NNRTI-based (24.31%), and PI-based (15.04%); Group 2: INSTI-based (29.41%), PI-based (23.53%), and NNRTI-based (15.29%). After switching, Group 1 was on dolutegravir/lamivudine (79,33%) and dolutegravir/rilpivirine (20,67%); Group 2 mostly on INSTI-PI (52.81%), followed by NNRTI combinations, mainly with doravirine (19.10%). Duration of ART after switching was shorter in Group 1. Conclusion Italian PLHIV on 2DR fixed-dose combinations were younger, virologically suppressed individuals at baseline, with a shorter lead time from diagnosis, lower prevalence of resistance and lower comorbidity rate compared to those on free combinations. These findings underscore an unmet need for 2DR fixed-dose combinations, as the free combinations were predominantly utilized for more challenging populations.
Feb 2026
DeRoche ChristinaCorresponding author
The current research assessed gaps and barriers related to perinatal mental health service access by parents during COVID-19, as well as service providers’ knowledge and provision of PMAD services, in one Northern community, where rural and remote healthcare is a daily reality, and recruitment and retention of qualified professionals is a significant issue. Two mixed-methods surveys were designed, one to assess PMAD knowledge and service provision via a volunteer sample of service providers, and another to assess PMAD service need and access among a volunteer sample of new parents. Results indicated that many parents waited too long for services, and some parents in need of PMAD services didn’t receive them. Interestingly, higher-income parents were more likely than lower-income respondents to desire services and support for PMADs. Although most providers screened for, were trained in, and treated and/or referred patients with PMADs, they reported feeling as though they were working in silos, unaware of what other providers offered.
Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-25-5735
Ruth Piloya ChristineCorresponding author
Background In Northern Uganda’s patriarchal communities, women play vital yet underrecognized roles in environmental conservation. There is limited research examining the socio-cultural roles women play in society in northern Uganda. This study, conducted in Gulu District, examined the socio-cultural functions performed by women in safeguarding natural resources. Methods This study employed an analytical cross-sectional design involving 395 women aged 18–49 in Gulu District, selected for its patriarchal context. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS, applying descriptive and inferential statistics. Key variables included women’s roles in environmental conservation and barriers to participation. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained to ensure research integrity. Results The study found that women in Gulu District play vital socio-cultural roles in environmental conservation, particularly as custodians of indigenous knowledge (Mean = 4.42), active participants in tree planting (Mean = 4.11), and conservers of ecosystems (Mean = 4.04). However, their involvement in advocacy (Mean = 3.46) and decision-making (Mean = 3.20) was perceived as limited, reflecting the constraints of a patriarchal society. Additionally, evolving gender roles have negatively impacted women’s engagement, with 47.6% citing excessive domestic workload and 44.1% reporting reduced participation in conservation activities. These findings highlight both the significance of women’s contributions and the structural barriers that hinder their full involvement in environmental governance. Conclusion Despite these challenges, women’s contributions remain central to sustainable environmental stewardship. The study recommends targeted sensitization and training programs to promote gender equality and community acceptance of women’s leadership in environmental governance.
Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-4602.jes-25-5926
Easttom ChuckCorresponding author
The impact of ionizing radiation on genetic change is well established, yet the extent to which naturally occurring radiation fields have influenced evolutionary trajectories remains incompletely understood. This study examined correlations between microbial evolution and the radiation and geochemical environments associated with natural fission reactors, with emphasis on the Oklo–Bangombé system in present-day Gabon, Africa. The current paper compares plausible doserate regimes adjacent to reactor zones with published observations of radiationinduced phenotypes, geneexpression changes, and repair strategies in model organisms and complex biotas. This study further considers indirect mechanisms (e.g., water radiolysis, redox restructuring, tracemetal mobilization) by which natural reactors could have modulated ecological selection pressures over long timescales. The synthesis supports the plausibility of three interacting pathways: (i) increased mutation supply under low, chronic dose rates; (ii) selection in oxidantrich, redoxstratified niches; and (iii) metabolic subsidies (e.g., H₂) from radiolysis that support chemotrophic guilds. Although temporal–spatial associations exist between reactor activity and biological innovations preserved in Paleoproterozoic strata of Gabon, current evidence remains correlational rather than demonstrably causal. The study further outlines testable predictions and experimental designs capable of discriminating among these mechanisms.
Dec 2025
Gebretsadik Bereka SolomonCorresponding author
Background Fast food consumption is the major cause of obesity and overweight in worldwide affecting more than 2 billion people, especially developing countries and low income countries. It can lead to hyperinsulinemia and development of insulin resistance, high energy density, high glycemic index, and fatty acid composition of fast foods may increase the prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors Objectives The main aim of this study was, to assess fast food consumption and its association with overweight /obesity among undergraduate students of University Hargeisa, Somaliland, 2023. Methods The study was carried out from May 01 to July 20, 2023 at University of Hargeisa using an institutional based cross-sectional study design to among 260 students. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was prepared based on review literatures and dig out from related studies. The anthropometric data was taken by data collectors to measure weight and height using a stadiometer. Data was entered and checked for errors using EPI-info version 7.1.5.0 and then, data were exported to statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 21 and STATA software version 14 for data processing and analysis. Descriptive statistics such as; frequencies, means and proportion was used for present the findings. A variable with P-values of less than 0.25 in the binary logistic regression analysis was entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the independent predictors of stunting. Finally, variable at P-value less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression analysis was considered as a statistically significant variable. Results In this study, the majority 235 (90.4%, CI: 86.5- 93.8) of the study participants were fast food consumers. The study revealed that, from the total study participants 46(17.7%),127(48.8%),84(32.3%), 3(1.2%) were underweight, normal, overweight and obese respectively. A chi-square test revealed that there was a significant (p-value=0.058) associations between BMI and fast food consumption among students of University of Hargeisa. On multi-variable logistic regression model educational level of the students (AOR = 12.45 (95% CI: 1.7, 14.6)) and frequency of fruit (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI (0.7, 0.8)) and vegetable consumptions (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI (0.47, 0.575)) were found to be significantly associated with fast food consumptions (p < 0.05). Conclusion In this study, of the total 90.4% number of fast food consumers. A chi-square test revealed that there was a significant (p-value=0.058) associations between BMI and fast food consumption among students of University of Hargeisa. Educational level of the students and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumptions were found to be significantly associated with fast food consumptions. Effort should be made to increase access to fast food-related information and counseling.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-25-5447
J. Factoriza OliviaCorresponding author
Objective This study aimed to explore the respondents’ reproductive health profiles, examining the physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms affecting productivity, and identifying occupational needs. It also determined the relationship between menopausal symptoms and the productivity and occupational needs of peri-menopausal women. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, surveying 50 women over 40 years old with a validated four-point Likert scale instrument. The instrument undergone content validation, reliability test, and ethical approval. Survey was administered personally and online using purposive sampling. Statistical treatments included weighted mean, F-test, T-test, Pearson r correlation, and ranking. Key results The majority of participants had their first menstruation between 11 to 15 years old and experienced regular menstrual cycles. Most had one child, with an equal number of cesarean and normal deliveries, and reported no pregnancy complications. The study found that participants seldom experienced physiological and psychosocial menopausal symptoms. They agreed on the occupational needs during the perimenopausal period. It was found that physiological symptoms were influenced by factors such as early menarche, cesarean delivery, and pregnancy complications. Additionally, psychosocial symptoms varied based on menstrual status, the number of children, and pregnancy complications, with those experiencing earlier menstruation or complications reporting more intense symptoms. The study revealed a significant relationship between both physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms, which negatively impacted productivity and increased occupational needs. Women with higher menopausal symptoms expressed a greater need for workplace policies that support perimenopausal women, highlighting the need for tailored workplace interventions for this demographic. Future Direction The study recommends including pap smears and mammograms in annual exams for peri-menopausal women, offering awareness seminars on managing perimenopausal symptoms to reduce workplace disruptions, and suggests future research exploring additional variables affecting perimenopausal women’s health and productivity
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-5209.ijen-24-5325
G.W MbauCorresponding author
Strawberry is a commercially important crop which has gained global significance in terms of production and consumption. The strawberry farmers have been faced with economic losses due to attack from arthropod and phytophagus pests. To overcome this challenge, management of pests is important with reduced impact on beneficial organisms and the environment. Use of non-chemical approaches as an alternative to insecticide driven management is highly gaining popularity. Identification of the non-chemical production for management of strawberry pest such as entomopathogenic fungi and botanicals is critical. The need for compatibility of entomopathogenic fungi in crop production techniques with other insecticides to enhance efficacy is required. The interaction between these control agents could be synergistic, additive or even antagonistic. Synergistic interactions usually lead to enhanced effectiveness of the microbial control agents while reducing the adverse effects of the pesticides in combination. In this review a description of the compatibility of entomopathogenic fungus Beauvaria bassiana and botanical neem in strawberry pest management is given. The experiment involved five treatments: Neemraj, Beauvitech, Neemraj and Beauvitech, Ampligo and control. These treatments were allocated in a completely Randomized design in two separate greenhouse setups one with soil and other with pumice. The treatments were replicated four times. The data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of the statistical analysis system (SAS) program, version 9.1. Tukey’s (HSD) test at P≤ 0.05 was used to separate significant means. The combination of Neemraj and Beauvitech was most effective in the management of pests in both hydroponics and soil grown media. Pest populations were reduced significantly as follows; thrips, Frankliniella spp 2.1, red spider mites Tetranychus species 11.5, tarnished plant bug Lygus species 3.0, there was 0% cricket Gryllus species damage and 0 number strawberry weevil in hydroponics cultures while in soil culture pest mean populations were: thrips 5.6, spider mites Tetranychus species 18.2, strawberry weevil (Otiorhynchus species) 7.0, tarnished plant bug 3.0 and there was 13.8% cricket Gryllus species damage on strawberry plants.
Dec 2025
Haider RehanCorresponding author
The journey from personalized medicine to customized nutrition represents a significant paradigm shift in healthcare, emphasizing the holistic method for a person's or girl's well-being. in this transition, the know how of the unique genetic makeup , metabolic profile, and way of lifestyles elements of everybody will become paramount. customized medicinal drug has long centered on tailoring scientific remedies to the genetic and physiological traits of sufferers, optimizing efficacy, and minimizing detrimental effects. Now, custom-designed nutrients increase this idea further, recognizing that weight reduction plays an essential function in health and disease prevention. Key to this evolution is the mixing of advanced technology together with genomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, allowing the suitable identification of dietary styles and nutritional requirements tailored to a person's particular desires. This summary explores the trajectory of this adventure, highlighting the pivotal characteristic of interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and researchers. With the useful resource of leveraging slicing facet generation and records-pushed strategies, personalized vitamins keep the promise of revolutionizing knowledge we method nutritional interventions, moving some distance from generalized guidelines towards targeted strategies tailored to all people's precise organic make up and way of life. expertise, traumatic conditions which include accessibility to this technology, ethical issues, and the desire for sturdy, proof-primarily based practices remain. In conclusion, the shift from customized treatments to personalized nutrient expertise is a transformative generation in healthcare, empowering people to take proactive management of their health through tailor made nutrition interventions. This summary underscores the importance of endured studies and collaboration in figuring out the entire functionality of personalized vitamins in selling health and well-being.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2283.jsem-25-5827
Manaenkova ZarinaCorresponding author
Background Mind–body exercises are frequently used to support well-being during the menopausal transition, but perceived physical and psychological outcomes associated with practices such as the 3D Movement Method have not been quantitatively assessed. Objective To examine associations between characteristics of the 3D Movement Method and women’s self-reported physical and mental improvement during the menopausal transition. Methods Cross-sectional survey data from 330 women aged ≥ 35 years were analyzed using general linear models. Perceived physical progress and mental improvement were each assessed using single-item, 15-point scales. Independent variables included practice frequency, duration of experience, explanation clarity, satisfaction, baseline health status (SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary scores), age, and menopausal status. Results The model for physical progress was significant, F(16, 144) = 6.26, p < .001, R² = .41. Greater practice frequency, longer experience, clearer instructional explanations, and higher satisfaction were each independently associated with higher perceived physical progress. The mental improvement model was also significant, F(16, 96) = 2.25, p = .008, R² = .27, identifying satisfaction as the sole significant predictor. Baseline health, age, and menopausal status did not predict outcomes in either model. Conclusions Perceived physical progress was shaped by structured engagement parameters consistent with deliberate-practice principles, whereas perceived mental improvement was primarily linked to subjective satisfaction, a pattern compatible with motivational accounts of engagement. The 3D Movement Method may support women’s health across the menopausal transition when designed to optimize clarity, engagement, and experiential quality.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2283.jsem-25-5730
A. Heinrich EmilyCorresponding author
Objective The goal of this systematic review is to identify common themes amongst acute spinal cord injuries (SCI) in equestrian athletes. Design A systematic review was performed using PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, and Scopus with pre-determined MESH terms. The initial search returned 354 studies. Following PRISMA guidelines, 13 articles were included. Exclusion criteria included injuries to the horse only, non-English language, cauda equina, and case reports. Data extraction was completed, and common findings were evaluated narratively due to heterogeneity of data. Results Seven manuscripts listed specific horse-related activities that caused SCI, with fall from horse as the highest percentage of injury. Nine articles identified the injury region, with large variations and no clear dominant area of injury. Five articles identified the length of hospital stay with ranges from 1 to 82 days. Four articles looked at the association of professional vs non-professional riders. Only two articles evaluated helmet use at time of injury, with one article showing 81% of those with SCI used helmets, and the other showing only 35.6% utilized this safety measure. Conclusion SCI in equestrian athletes can have a wide presentation, with large variation on location of injury, length of stay, and other factors. However, non-professional riders are at greater risk of SCI and individuals are more likely to sustain injury from a fall from a horse rather than a kick or another modality of injury. Future study can elicit presenting symptoms, types of surgical intervention used, and long-term outcomes and recovery.
Oct 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-2232.jf-23-4883
Kaur SiratCorresponding author
Standardizing use of mepiquat chloride for higher productivity of densely planted Bt cotton variety” was carried out at the Regional Research Station, Abohar and Regional Research Station, Faridkot during the kharif season of 2021 on Btcotton variety PAU Bt3. The soil of experimental field was silty loam at Abohar and sandy loam at Faridkot. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four plant spacings (67.5×15 cm, 67.5×30 cm, 67.5×45 cm and 67.5×60 cm) as main plots and five Mepiquat chloride levels (MC (5%) @ 375 ml ha-1 at squaring, MC (5%) @ 375 ml ha-1 at flowering, MC (5%) @ 750 ml ha-1 at squaring, MC (5%) @ 750 ml ha-1 at flowering and after 15 days and Control (No MC)) as sub plots with three replications. Lowest plant density (67.5×60 cm) and MC (5%) @ 750 ml ha-1 at squaring resulted in significant reduction of plant height, LAI (Leaf Area Index) and dry matter as compared to control at both the locations. Higher boll retention and opened bolls were observed in 67.5×60 cm and MC (5%) @ 750 ml ha-1at flowering. There was no significant effect of both the treatments factors on node count, monopods and sympods. Highest seed cotton yield was obtained with 67.5 ×30 cm (at Abohar) and 67.5×15 cm (at Faridkot) although these two spacing levels were at par with each other. MC (5%) @ 750 ml ha-1 at flowering resulted in 22.9% and 21.3% increase in seed cotton yield over control at Abohar and Faridkot, respectively. Different plant spacings and mepiquat chloride applications showed a non-significant effect on different fibre quality parameters except halo length at Faridkot. At both the locations, highest B:C ratio was observed in 67.5×30 cm and MC @ 750 ml ha-1 at flowering.
Aug 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-1937.ijbt-25-5540
Harry Fon MbachamCorresponding author
The rising need for structured and efficient blood transfusion services in low-resource settings has driven the adoption of collaborative blood transfusion management systems (CBTMS). This study explores the functionality and impact of the Cornerstone University Blood Management System version 1.0 (CUBMS vs 1.0) in Cameroon. This study was an exploratory research design which used a system interface analysis, comparative case reviews from four countries, and literature synthesis, to reveal that CUBMS improves accessibility, data management, inventory control, emergency responsiveness, and community engagement. Despite infrastructural challenges in rural regions, the system can enhance efficiency, transparency, and safety in blood services. The success of CBTMS in Cameroon is linked to digital infrastructure, training, and culturally relevant community engagement. The Ministry of Public Health of Cameroon should prioritize the nationwide implementation of CBTMS, ensuring consistency in digital health tools.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-1937.ijbt-25-5616
N. Lubin LorraineCorresponding author
Objectives Blood transfusions in cardiac surgery are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to identify potential benefits of ANH in high-risk cardiac surgery. Design This was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Setting The study was performed at a tertiary care university hospital. Participants 61 patients who underwent complex cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were enrolled in the study. Measurements and Main Results After randomization, 32 patients were assigned to the ANH arm, and 29 patients were assigned to the control group. ANH was associated with a lower incidence of total perioperative pRBC transfusion (0.6 ± 1.2 units vs 2.7 ± 6.8 units; p = 0.030/0.049). Total perioperative transfusion of all other fractionated blood products, including platelets (0.8 ± units vs 1.9 ± 2.4 units; p=0.010), cryoprecipitate (0.5 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 2.0; p=0.016) and FFP (0.5 ± 1.0 vs 2.3 ± 6.2 units; p=0.013), was significantly lower in the ANH group compared to controls. Participants in the ANH group received significantly fewer intraoperative transfusions of pRBC (0.4 ± 1.2 vs 2.6± 7.0 units; p=0.037), platelets (0.8 ± 1.2 units vs 1.9 ± 2.4 units; p=0.013, logtrans), FFP (0.4 ± 0.9 vs 2.5 ± 6.4 units; p=0.003) and cryoprecipitate (0.5 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 2.1 units; p=0.012, logtrans). With respect to secondary clinical outcomes, ANH participants had statistically shorter ICU (3.7 ± 1.9 vs 5.4 ± 3.6 days; p=0.020) and hospital (6.7 ± 2.1 vs 9.5 ± 7.7 days; p = 0.048) length of stays Conclusions ANH in complex cardiac surgical patients is safe and may be effective in reducing the allogenic blood product transfusion of PRBCs, FFP, platelets and cryoprecipitate in the perioperative period.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-8572.joa-25-5592
Zakariya Yahya Al Riyami ShadenCorresponding author
Objective The repair of the tympanic membrane has been attempted with large variety of synthetic, homologous and autologous tissue; however, temporalis fascia and cartilage-perichondrium are used most commonly today. Study Design This is a prospective study of patients confirmed to have CSOM and operated during the years of 2012-2013 at Al Nahdha Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. The patients were followed up postoperatively at which we compared the graft success rate and level of hearing improvement. Setting ENT clinic at Al Nahda hospital Subjects Patients who presented to the ENT clinic at Al Nahda hospital, operated in the period between 2012 and 2013, diagnosed as CSOM and meeting our inclusion criteria. Methods We compared the outcome of the repair of the tympanic membrane perforation using temporalis fascia graft versus cartilage perichondrium grafts. Results 100% of the cartilage-perichondrium group showed a successful graft uptake in comparison to 98.9% in the temporalis fascia. Our data did not show significant differences in the average air bone gap change in both groups. Conclusion Both cartilage-perichondrium and temporalis fascia provide viable autograft material. Both achieve comparable and excellent graft uptake. Completion of our study is needed to study the hearing restoration in both groups.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-137X.ji-25-5581
Muthee Waweru EdmondCorresponding author
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) placed significant pressure on global health systems, necessitating rapid and widespread immunization, especially among healthcare workers (HCWs). Despite being prioritized in immunization programs, variations in vaccine uptake among HCWs have been reported across different settings. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among HCWs in Kiambu County, Kenya. An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 112 HCWs sampled using stratified random sampling from Level 2 to Level 5 healthcare facilities. Data were collected through a pre-tested and validated 18-item questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 29.0. Statistical methods included descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and ANOVA. The overall COVID-19 vaccine uptake was 88.9%. Significant predictors of uptake included age (p = 0.048), cadre (p = 0.015), and facility level (p = 0.031). Knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines emerged as the strongest predictor, with HCWs demonstrating good-to-excellent knowledge being 14.97 times more likely to be vaccinated (p < 0.001). Confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness was also significantly associated with uptake (p < 0.001). Uptake was highest in Level 5 hospitals and lowest in dispensaries. The study reveals high vaccine uptake among HCWs in Kiambu County, but disparities persist due to individual and systemic factors. Strengthening vaccine education, institutional support, and deploying mobile vaccine education units in lower-level facilities could help close these gaps, offering practical strategies for improving HCW vaccine coverage in Kenya and other low- and middle-income countries.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-24-5358
Kar SonaliCorresponding author
Background Injuries, particularly unintentional ones, are a neglected public health concern and are preventable or avoidable. Children in urban slums are especially vulnerable due to hazardous living conditions, inadequate supervision, and lack of safe sojourns or play areas. Since these injuries result in seeming spontaneous recovery, appropriate care being initiated by the primary care giver is questionable. Objective To assess the burden of unintentional injuries of unintentional injuries in pre-school going children aged 2-6 years in urban slums of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. To compare the knowledge of the 1st level care post-injury among the primary care givers against standardized prescribed care. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted for over 2 years in urban slums under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), the capital city of Odisha. A total of 285 children aged 2-6 years, whose mothers consented to participate, were included in the study. Data regarding the type of injury and its management, as well as, associated socio-demographic factors, were collected using a pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to derive the burden of unintentional injuries in children. The knowledge of the 1st level of care to be given after the common injuries was assessed among all the primary caregivers to detect the treatment and care gap. Results The majority of primary respondents were mothers aged 21-30 years (82.1%), The frequency of an episode of unintentional injury (occurrence in last 3 months) in the study population was found to be 58%. The most common type of injury reported was skin lacerations or tears, common site being in the upper and lower limbs. Males were more affected as compared to females (54.64 %) The reporting of unintentional injuries among the children was found to have significant association with the occupation of the father. Fathers who were unemployed or working as unskilled labor, their child’s probability of reporting an unintentional injury was found to be high, with p value coming to be statistically significant. Conclusion The study highlights the complex interplay of sociodemographic factors influencing unintentional injuries among children in urban slums and the need to create awareness among the primary caregivers, about the immediate management, so that chronic complications may be averted. It is difficult to avert injury as this age group is agile and nowadays supervision is challenging. Still, the knowledge of management would not just empower the caregiver, but also the growing child, who can attend to their younger siblings or themselves, whenever they get injured next. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to validate these findings and develop effective prevention strategies.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-0904.ijoe-24-5353
Kissling KristinCorresponding author
Physical therapists (PTs) experience stress and burnout due to high job and productivity demands. Exercise can assist in decreasing stress and burnout, but finding the time to exercise can be difficult. This study examined the effects of a 28-day, 7-minute, high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout on PT’s stress and burnout levels. In this quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design, the Perceived Stress Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, grip strength, Functional Reach Test, and VO2max measures were administered on day 1 and day 28. Between the data collection period, participants completed a daily, 7-minute HIIT workout. A series of paired sample t-tests were computed to compare the pre- and post-HIIT raw values. Significant improvements were found in all comparisons post-HIIT (p< .001). Therefore, it was concluded that 7-minutes of HIIT can assist PTs in reducing stress and burnout levels. Employers should consider implementing a workplace wellness program to benefit their employees.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-24-5215
Fiona AtimCorresponding author
Background The understanding of older persons with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) regarding health well-being is paramount and can translate to increased self-efficiency, independence, and enhanced well-being. However, little is known about older persons' understanding of the concept of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Uganda. The study explored perceptions and unveiled understanding of older persons with NCDs on HRQoL in central Uganda. Methods This exploratory qualitative study design involved 23 participants recruited from selected Primary healthcare facilities in Central Uganda. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach generated themes that informed the study's qualitative findings. Results The study highlighted the physical domain as a key component of HRQoL, encompassing holistic well-being, lifestyle modification, and financial stability. To promote well-being and support a healthy aging journey, it is essential to adopt a person-centered approach that aligns with the perceptions of older adults on HRQoL.
Jul 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-24-5150
H.C DaviesCorresponding author
The instructional techniques in neuroanatomy laboratories continue to evolve to incorporate online interactive resources to improve student experience and outcomes. This study aims to design an “all in one”Virtual Interactive Brain Atlas (VIBA) that provides students with an educational resource that will improve their knowledge of neuroanatomy while in the brain lab and provide them with lab resources they can self-study and self-test. Coronal, midsagittal, whole brain, and horizontal brain slices were used to create detailed descriptions, interactive features, and quiz assessments to create VIBA. Upper level undergraduate and optometry students taking a neuroanatomy one-semester course were provided with VIBA for use during the semester. A paper survey was distributed after completing the course to determine student perception. No significant difference was indicated between the student groups regarding their self-reported understanding prior to the brain lab (p= 0.194) and after the brain lab (p= 0.308). There was a significant difference between the student populations when stating that they strongly agreed that the online brain atlas improved their understanding of neuroanatomy (p= 0.032) and that the VIBA tool was easy to navigate (p=0.048). There was a significant difference between the two student groups that strongly agreed that the online brain atlas quality was sufficient (p= 0.015). This online interactive brain atlas was created in a time-efficient manner from readily available models and was well received by experienced neuroanatomy faculty and students.
Apr 2024
Ma YongCorresponding author
A procedure has been developed for synthesizing peptides in an aqueous solution with a reusable solid phase. Specifically designed linker molecule is employed to attach peptides to hydrophilic solid phases, enabling Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) in aqueous solutions. The linker molecule is utilized to connect peptides to an anionic exchange resin during peptide synthesis in an aqueous solution. The general structure of the linker molecule is Fmoc-AA-CH2-Ph-Rx-SO3-, the Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) group serves as a protecting group for amino acids. Amino acids (AA) are linked to the solid phase through a structure of Methoxyphenylcarbonyl group, which is cleavable under strong acidic conditions. The sulfate group is present for forming an ionic bond with the solid resin in an aqueous solution. In this procedure, Fmoc-AA are utilized as building blocks for sequentially adding amino acids in peptide synthesis. Due to Fmoc-AA poor solubility in aqueous solutions, a procedure was developed to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic compounds, with a specific emphasis on dissolving Fmoc-protected Amino Acids (Fmoc-AA) in an aqueous solution. This enhancement facilitates SPPS in aqueous conditions with Fmoc-AA as building blocks. Cationic exchange resin, which is reusable, serves as the solid phase. Our research objective is to shift from the use of organic solvents to an aqueous system while maintaining the existing SPPS practices in organic solvents as closely as possible. This transition involves minimal alterations, maintaining consistency with the organic solvent system, except for the utilization of novel peptide linker molecule to hydrophilic solid resins that are commercially available. This approach is designed to facilitate a more readily acceptable transition for the peptide synthesis industry from using organic solvents to aqueous solution, contributing to greener and more sustainable synthetic methodologies.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-4921
Bajaj ManyaCorresponding author
Hippocrates trusted foodstuff, maybe medicine, and healthcare management, administration, and costing are important. Nutraceuticals, derived from "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical," cover differing healing areas like “antagonistic-hard, cold and cough, sleep difficulties, digestion, cancer prevention, osteoporosis, blood pressure, cholesterol management, pain relievers, depression, and diabetes”. “Stephen De Felice”, “founder of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, created the term in 1989”.Functional foods, like milk and orange juice, supply health benefits that surpass food, in the way that a better lifestyle and a lower risk of ailment. Nutraceuticals, in another way, involve fortified dairy products like milk that help avoid or cure illnesses and disorders apart from anaemia.Conventional arrangements like Solvents extraction , Soxhlet distillation ,maceration and “Non conventional designs” like ‘Microwave assisted origin’, Ultrasound Assisted Extraction are used to restore the bioactive material from plants for nutraceuticals.”The Indian Health and Dietary Supplement Association” supports drug, nutraceutical, herbaceous, and direct selling energies by categorising them based on chemical arrangement, food type, and conventional arrangement.This paper gives a brief review on nutraceuticals ,its history , its market trend , extraction techniques , benefits and its applications .
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-23-4573
Hafs Musa AbubakarCorresponding author
Many renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy are grown and well developed as the cost effective solution being widely used in Nigeria but the whole Africa and world at large has witnessed a dramatic increase, concern over environment and demand of energy have led the world to think about alternate energy sources such as wind, hydro, solar and fuel cells. The voltage multiplier cell was incorporated with the interleaved converter to design the DC to DC boost converter for the PV application. The proposed converter is supplied by 18V as an input voltage and produces 99V output and gives 95% of efficiency under no load and 94% under load conditions. The performance of the proposed topology was substantiated and the results achieved from the fabricated prototype are in good agreement with the design strategies. The effects of input parameters such as sun radiation and useful power input on PV system and DC-DC converter outputs were exploration for 14 days. Results confirmed that the DC-DC converter was perfectly designed and accurately constructed, when integrated with solar PV system, data were captured under no load and on load conditions.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-23-4871
Mba-Oduwusi NnennaCorresponding author
Background This study evaluates the effectiveness of quality improvement (QI) strategies in mid-level private healthcare facilities in Lagos State, with a focus on the structural components, healthcare processes, and healthcare outcomes. Employing the Donabedian model, the research aims to comprehensively assess and enhance healthcare service quality in these facilities. Methods A before-and-after study design was employed, involving a baseline assessment of 321 health facilities and endline assessment of 239 healthcare facilities, and a subsequent 10 - 12-month quality improvement intervention. Data were collected using facility assessments, client exit interviews, and interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis included a before and after analysis of the structural components, healthcare processes, and healthcare outcomes. Results The study demonstrates positive outcomes in mid-level private healthcare facilities in Lagos State following quality improvement (QI) interventions. Structural components, including, improved equipment availability, and enhanced compliance with standards, showcased significant improvements. Renovations and heightened registration compliance further underscored commitment to regulatory standards. Challenges in service availability, particularly in family planning and laboratory services, were identified. Importantly, the implementation of a QI scoring system revealed an overall positive impact, with the average score rising from 69% to 74%, signifying enhanced quality across diverse priority areas. Implications These findings highlight the success of QI interventions in transforming healthcare processes and structural components. Despite notable progress, persistent challenges in specific services call for targeted interventions. The substantial increase in patient satisfaction and overall QI scores underscores the transformative potential of sustained efforts and tailored interventions in mid-level private healthcare facilities in Lagos State. Conclusions This research comprehensively evaluates the effectiveness of quality improvement strategies implemented in mid-level private healthcare facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria, utilizing the Donabedian Model as a guiding framework. The findings provide valuable insights for policy recommendations, with the aim of aligning healthcare services with the Donabedian model to ensure the provision of high-quality care in mid-level private healthcare facilities in Lagos State. This study contributes to the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare quality in Lagos State. Contribution to Knowledge The research provides empirical insights into the effectiveness of quality improvement strategies in mid-level private healthcare facilities, particularly within the context of Lagos State, Nigeria. It highlights the significance of addressing structural components, optimizing healthcare processes, and monitoring healthcare outcomes to enhance the quality of care provided, aligning with the Donabedian model. These findings offer a valuable basis for policy recommendations and further research efforts aimed at improving healthcare quality in similar settings.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-23-4771
Tariku Belay YilkalCorresponding author
Background Immunoglobulins are bio-receptors found embedded in the cell membrane with a biological role that detects the harmful molecules of a test compound. These bio-receptors interface between a biological system and its external environment that transduce information to the effector via intermediate messengers in which its response efficiency usually exhausts at high doses of exposure to external stimuli. The purpose of this review article is, therefore, to elaborate on the computational method for systemic biology which was designed to convert qualitative pharmacological data into the quantitative one that might help to determine the toxicity of a test compound. Methods First, acute toxicity studies using different levels of doses prepared from each test compound have been conducted on Balb c mice. Then, blood specimens from the tail and facial veins of each sampled Balb c mouse were collected 3 days before dosing as a reference test and 4 hr after dosing for comparison. The changes in the efficiency of immunoglobulins immune response (ΔIg) after dosing were determined using quantitative immunoassay and the body’s response against the dose as the toxic reaction rate (r) and the toxic severity (s) were finally determined using computational methods as r=d/t-ΔIg mg/sec and (s=r/w×100) %/sec respectively, where (w) represents the body weight of a study animal, (t) represents the period of time at which undesirable bio-physiological responses manifested on treated study animals and (ΔIg) represents the changes in the concentration of immunoglobulins in blood serum after dosing. Results The results of different studies revealed that the dose has never limited the toxic property of a test compound but the length of time at which the undesirable side effect was manifested on study animals. The period of time at which adverse effects manifested on treated Balb c mice was inversely related to the amount of dose administered in the oral route. The higher the dose of the administered test compound, the shorter the period of time at which the undesirable side effect was manifested on treated Balb c mice. This means that the adverse effect of test compounds was not because of the dose but rather due to its toxic reaction rate which ultimately determined the toxic severity in the natural process of treated Balb c mice. Balb c mice treated with a dose whose toxic reaction rate was ≤ 0 survived from death whereas Balb c mice treated with a dose that had a toxic reaction rate of > 0 died at different lengths of time after dosing depending on the toxic severity of a test compound. It could be a scientific fact to declare that a test compound is safe when the toxic reaction rate (r) and toxic severity (s) of a dose is ≤ 0 and toxic when it is > 0 in the natural processes of a study animal.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-23-4865
Abdullahi Dahie HassanCorresponding author
Background Breastfeeding is a vital practice for infant health and well-being, with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first six months being particularly crucial. Despite its benefits, EBF is sub-optimally practiced in many low-to-middle income countries. This study focuses on Somalia, a country with historical political instability and poor health indicators, aiming to identify the prevalence and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among women with infants under six months attending SOS Mother and Child Hospital in Mogadishu. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The study sample consisted of 345 mothers, selected using a systematic sampling technique. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess breastfeeding practices and determine factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding prevalence. Result The study found that the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among the study population in Somalia was 44%, influenced by factors such as maternal education, employment, and utilization of antenatal and postnatal care services. Male infants and younger infants had higher odds of being exclusively breastfed. Conclusion and recommendations The study emphasizes the importance of promoting exclusive breastfeeding as the optimal feeding practice for infants in Somalia, highlighting the need for comprehensive health education during antenatal care visits and postnatal counseling. It recommends the development of supportive policies, such as maternity leave and workplace accommodations, along with community-based initiatives and support groups to facilitate and encourage exclusive breastfeeding practices.
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-23-4750
Godar MousamiCorresponding author
Background Preconception care is a crucial aspect of maternal and child healthcare services that aims to mitigate adverse pregnancy outcomes and enhance the desired health outcomes for women, newborns, and children. Despite the continuous multi-sectoral efforts in preconception care, maternal mortality and morbidity remain significant health concerns globally. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of preconception care and its associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bheerkot Municipality, Nepal. Methodology A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 reproductive-age women to assess knowledge and practice regarding preconception care in Bheerkot Municipality, Nepal. Structured questionnaires were designed in the Nepali language and used in face-to-face interviews. We used a simple random sampling technique to collect quantitative data. In a statistical analysis, we employed the Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis to identify possible predictors using the odds ratio and considered variables with p<0.05 statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval. Result Out of the 215 women who participated in the study, only 46.9% had a good knowledge of preconception care. Approximately half (43.7%) of the respondents had never practiced preconception care. Among respondents who had practiced preconception care before, 47.9% reported good practice, and 52.1% reported poor practice. Age of the respondent (χ2=14.2063, P=0.000823, df=1), marital status (χ2=17.9851, P=0.000022, df=1), time to reach a health facility (χ2=30.1371, P=0.00001, df=1), and age at first pregnancy (χ2=4.7975, P=0.0285, df=1) were statistically associated with knowledge about preconception care. Women who have foreign employment as a major source of family income and whose age is from 25 to 34 years were more likely to have a better practice of preconception care than their counterparts (COR 3.5000, CI 1.3343 to 9.1805, P = 0.0109) and (COR 3.4000, CI 1.1646 to 9.9265, P = 0.0252), respectively. Additionally, out of those who practiced preconception care, most respondents (93.4%) have practiced it in government health facilities. Conclusion Respondents had relatively poor knowledge and practice of preconception care. Collaboration of governmental health institutions between multiple sectors at local levels for more education and information and a specific national protocol or policy formulation would be beneficial in improving preconception care in Nepal.
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-23-4775
Zanga RosendoCorresponding author
Background Diet, exercise and sleep are three pillars of a healthy life. These lifestyle factors influence one another in complex and dynamic ways. Consistent evidence exists about the bidirectional relationship between sleep patterns and food intake. Objectives We aim to assess the effect of the ultra-processed food(UPF) consumption on sleep disturbances in a sample of the Brazilian adults. Method We analyzed 77,298 persons aged 18 and older from the Brazilian National Health Survey (2019). A Propensity Score Matching (PSM) approach was used to address confounding bias and balance the matched exposed and control groups. The population average treatment effect (PATE) and the population average treatment effect on the treated (PATT) were estimated. Also, the Absolute Risk Increase and the Relative Risk Increase were computed. Results The findings revealed that Brazilian adults who consumed UPF experienced small but statistically significant sleep disturbances compared to non-UPF users. Furthermore, salty UPF showed small but significant worsening of sleep compared to sweet UPF users. Conclusion The consumption of UPF is associated with sleep disturbances in Brazilian adults. The consumption of salty UPF had a more significant effect on sleep disorders than sweet UPF in the overall population. However, among individuals who already consumed sweet or salty UPF, these foods had a more significant effect on sleep disorders. To gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between UPF consumption, sleep disorders, and their impact on health and quality of life, further research is needed, including precise measurements and consideration of personality traits using prospective designs.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-23-4463
Haroun M. Adam AbubakerCorresponding author
Genotype by environment (GE) interaction is considered to be among the major factors limiting the efficiency of breeding programs.Five chickpea genotypes were evaluated to study their adaptability and stability in eight environments of Sudan. The experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications in four locations in over two years (2017/2018 and 2018/2019).Stability was estimated using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model.A Combined analysis of variance showed significant effects of genotypes, locations, years and their interactions on seed yield. Mean seed yield ranged between 1.88 and 1.45 t ha-1 for the genotypes FLIP 08-59 C and FLIP 09-187 C, respectively. The genotype FLIP 08-59 C gave the highest average seed yield and out-yielded the two checks, Shiekh Mohamed and Burgeig by 9.5% and 10.1%, respectively. The newly introduced (FLIP 08-59 C) showed non- significant differences in earliness as compared to the other two standard checks resistant to fusarium wilt disease and with good seed weight. The statistical analysis showed that genotype (G), environment (E) and their interaction (GEI) had highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) effect on seed yield. It also revealed that environmental differences accounted for 90.2% of the total variation. The results of data analysis displayed that the percentages of seed yield by environment, genotype and genotype environment interaction were 90.2%, 3.6% and 6.3%, respectively. The IPCA 1 and IPCA 2 axes (Principal Components) were highly significant P ≤ 0.001). The model for seed chickpea yield stability (the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model) showed that the G1 (FLIP 08-59 C) was adapted, high yielding and considered as stable genotype for Gezira, River Nile and Northern States of Sudan. In addition, this genotype is early flowering with non-significant differences in earliness as compared to the two checks and with good seed weight. Therefore, the above mentioned genotype FLIP 08-59 C could be recommended as commercially stable and high yielding cultivar and/or incorporated as breeding stocks in any future breeding programs aiming to produce high yielding genotypes of chickpea.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-22-4255
Alex G. MeelaCorresponding author
Nutrition during pregnancy is of utmost important to ensure positive pregnancy outcomes after delivery. This study examined the utilization of nutrition services provided at health facilities to pregnant women. A cross sectional study design, involving 105 pregnant women and 5 RCH providers from 2 health facilities was used. Structured questionnaires, and structured observations were used in data collection. SPSS software version 25 was used in data analysis. Results showed that, RCH providers had inadequate nutrition knowledge due to limited nutrition courses during nursing training and on job trainings/seminars. All RCH providers advised that, nutrition knowledge is important to pregnant women hence they were responsible for its delivery. In adequate staff and lack of teaching materials contributed to the poor delivery of quality nutrition education to all pregnant women as it was observed that there is variations in nutrition information given to women. More than a half of all pregnant women (63%) started their ANC clinic during their first trimester where they received all nutrition services including education on importance of nutrition during pregnancy which helped them to be aware of the relationship between diet maternal nutrition and birth outcomes (63.8%). Most common food group that has been consumed more by pregnant women was grains, roots and tubers and plantains, while also there was high consumption of fruits and vegetables by all women as they are being more emphasized during routine clinics to prevent anemia. Also, there are some barriers that were identified by the service providers which makes their work difficult such as inadequate teaching materials like brochures, posters and jobs aids, also shortage of staff was found to be the core cause of services being provided occasionally as it is the RCH nurse who provide the education and counselling as there is no any nutritionist hired by government at the facility. Regional and district nutrition officers should coordinate and conduct on job training to health providers on issues related to nutrition in order to update their nutrition knowledge and facilitate clear, accurate and more evidence based nutrition information delivered.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-22-4255
Alex. G MeelaCorresponding author
Nutrition during pregnancy is of utmost important to ensure positive pregnancy outcomes after delivery. This study examined the utilization of nutrition services provided at health facilities to pregnant women. A cross sectional study design, involving 105 pregnant women and 5 RCH providers from 2 health facilities was used. Structured questionnaires, and structured observations were used in data collection. SPSS software version 25 was used in data analysis. Results showed that, RCH providers had inadequate nutrition knowledge due to limited nutrition courses during nursing training and on job trainings/seminars. All RCH providers advised that, nutrition knowledge is important to pregnant women hence they were responsible for its delivery. In adequate staff and lack of teaching materials contributed to the poor delivery of quality nutrition education to all pregnant women as it was observed that there is variations in nutrition information given to women. More than a half of all pregnant women (63%) started their ANC clinic during their first trimester where they received all nutrition services including education on importance of nutrition during pregnancy which helped them to be aware of the relationship between diet maternal nutrition and birth outcomes (63.8%). Most common food group that has been consumed more by pregnant women was grains, roots and tubers and plantains, while also there was high consumption of fruits and vegetables by all women as they are being more emphasized during routine clinics to prevent anemia. Also, there are some barriers that were identified by the service providers which makes their work difficult such as inadequate teaching materials like brochures, posters and jobs aids, also shortage of staff was found to be the core cause of services being provided occasionally as it is the RCH nurse who provide the education and counselling as there is no any nutritionist hired by government at the facility. Regional and district nutrition officers should coordinate and conduct on job training to health providers on issues related to nutrition in order to update their nutrition knowledge and facilitate clear, accurate and more evidence based nutrition information delivered.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862x.jwrh-23-4601
Ali Jemal SamrawitCorresponding author
Background The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has created massive challenges to public health worldwide. Pregnant women are an immune-depressed status which makes pregnant women generally more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and severe illness. The present preventive measure practices have gaps. Therefore, the current study aimed to present accurate and latest information regarding preventive measures for COVID-19 infection among pregnant women. Methods and materials Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 422 pregnant women in public hospitals in Addis Ababa using a pretested structured questionnaire. Face-to-face interview on pretested and structured questions was conducted to collect the data between January 12 and February 15, 2022. The collected data were entered into Epi data version 4.4.2.2 and exported to SPSS window version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statics and multivariable logistic regression were analyzed. Odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and p-value ≤ 0.05 were declared statistical significance independent variables. Result A total of 418 pregnant women participated, and the response rate was 99.05%. About 417 (99.8%) pregnant women reported never hearing about COVID-19. Of those who heard about COVID-19, only 49% and 54.3% had good knowledge and had good practice towards COVID-19 infection respectively. Age (26-30yrs (AOR=0.46, 95%CI: 0.014,0.12), no education (AOR=0.23, 95%CI: 0.099-0.52), Primary school (AOR=0.199, 95%CI: 0.104-0.4) and Secondary school (AOR=0.282, 95%CI: 0.14-0.55), divorced (AOR=0.15, 95%CI: 0.065-0.34) and widowed (AOR=0.16, 95%CI: 0.024-1.03)) were factors that associated with knowledge towards COVID-19 infection. Age (30-35yrs (AOR=0.334, 95%: 0.115-0.97) and >36yrs (AOR=0.28, 95%CI: 0.11-0.69)), no education (AOR=0.06, 95%CI: 0.019-0.18), being a civil servant (AOR= 0.28, 95%CI: 0.122-0.66), divorced (AOR=0.042, 95%CI: 0.01-0.18), having >4 family size (AOR=0.334, 95%CI: 0.169-0.66), no previous complication of pregnancy outcomes (AOR=0.019, 95%CI: 0.01-0.061), chronic health problem (AOR=14.66, 95%CI: 0.457-39.4) and two ANC visit (AOR=5.704, 95%CI: 2.41-13.5) were factors that associated with the practice towards COVID-19. Conclusion In this study area, only half of pregnant women had good knowledge and good practice about covid-19 infection prevention measures.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-23-4730
Marks RayCorresponding author
Background Osteoarthritis and depression are both key barriers to healthy aging and greatly heighten the risk for many negative health issues that seriously impact life quality. When combined what are the implications? Aim This mini review examines 2023 data pertaining to osteoarthritis and depression and older adults and a possible theoretical framework of stress that may direct our approaches in the future. Methods and Procedures Articles published between January 1 and August 15 2023 that addressed the current topic of interest and that were extracted from PUBMED, PubMed Central, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were carefully read and their key points arepresented in narrative form. Results As in the past, very few tangible theory-based prospective analyses that employ valid measures of depression and examine any association of any form of osteoarthritis longitudinally and in a consistent manner prevail. Several reports use the same or similar large cohort to draw upon, and find various degrees of clinical implications, but this may not embrace the need for more inclusivity, sampling strategies, control and diversity issues, as well as embracing the role of cognitions positive and negative. Conclusion Without efforts to develop sound research designs of diverse and carefully differentiated osteoarthritis substantive samples it is impossible to delineate the origin or implications of the osteoarthritis-depression linkage reported currently or arrive at a deep understanding of its relevance, to life quality and public health costs. What is needed to protect against or minimize either or both these clinically related disabling correlates in the aged population warrants timely study.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-23-4500
A.Madam HarounCorresponding author
This investigation was carried out at the Demonstration Farm of the College of Agriculture- University of Bahri during 2018/2019 winter season to evaluate growth (morphological) and growth analysis (physiological) components in some sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) genotypes under different nitrogen levels to know how well sugar beet plant performs during the growing season, Thus, to provide information to assist producers in identifying and introducing superior genotype and good management of nitrogen application in AlKadro area. The experiment was laid out in split plot design. The genotypes used were namely, Blaladi. Strube Sudan 01/14, Strube Sudan 02/14, Strube Sudan 04/14, Strube Sudan 05/14 and Strube Sudan 06/14, and the nitrogen levels were viz, 0, 80 and 120 kg urea per ha; applied twice (at the sowing and then 4 weeks after sowing). The evaluated components were; leaf number/plant, leaf area index (LAI), root length, root diameter, fresh and dry weight of foliage/plant, fresh and dry weight of root/plant; all determined at 5 terms. While Crop Growth Rates (CGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Net Assimilation Rate (NAR); determined at different periods of growth (intervals). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that at 4 weeks after sowing (WAS): leaf number (14.33- 17.03) , root length (19.05 – 21.75 cm), root diameter ( 7.93- 8.40 cm) foliage fresh ( 186.93 – 292.06 g) and dry ( 69.00 – 94.10 g) weight per plant, root fresh (72.66 – 108.88 g) and dry weight ( 12.54 – 22.08 g) per plant differed significantly (P≤ 0.05); at 7 and 10 WAS leaf number (22.39 -35.73 and 26.91 – 38.47, respectively), LAI ( 3.725 -5.645) , fresh and dry root weight per plant ( 586.78 – 913.81an 189.06 – 326.43 g, respectively) differed significantly; at 13 WAS: dry foliage weight ( 69.00 – 94.10 g), LAI ( 2.603 – 4.744), root diameter (10.09 – 11.92 cm) differed significantly; at 16 WAS only dry foliage (44.34 – 73.48 g) weight reflected significance. All other cases reflected insignificant differences among the evaluated genotypes. Moreover, all the studied components reflected insignificant differences among the nitrogen fertilizer levels and likewise genotype x nitrogen interaction (G x N) at the 5 sampled terms. Nevertheless, CGR, RGR and NAR displayed insignificant effect on the studied components in the evaluated periods.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-22-4390
Berhane NegaCorresponding author
Background The genetic material of the genetically modified crop has been altered to develop the necessary insect resistance features by introducing genes from the Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) bacterium. The objective of this study was to find smuggled GM Bt crops in the Metema farming area and examine its environmental effects. Method An experimental; Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used to collect crop samples in the study area. The CTAB (Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide) technique was used to isolate DNA from all transported samples, and the purity was determined using a Nano Drop spectrophotometer. Conventional PCR with particular primers for different Bt gene events was used to detect the presence of genes. Furthermore, utilizing Bt cotton specific primer sets, the prevalence of GM cotton was measured, and amplified fragments were confirmed using agarose gel electrophoresis. Result The PCR results revealed that 15 (33.3 percent) of the samples were Bt cotton smuggled from Sudan. The PCR assay also revealed the presence of GM maize. Moreover, the effects of GM genes on the environment were studied in diseased samples, and no transgenes were found. Furthermore, domestic and indigenous crops were used to determine horizontal gene transfers of GM genes to other crops, and the transgene was not found in any of the samples analyzed. Conclusion: In the current study, 28 (13.4%) of the 209 (100%) total analyzed samples were GM crops which indicated the presence of unauthorized GM seeds in the study area. Environmental impact studies and horizontal gene transfer data similarly revealed that the Bt gene was not transferred to other crops and had no harmful environmental effects. For a better understanding of the Impact of imported unauthorized GM seeds, more additional detection of GM events should be done by expanding the sampling site and sample types.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-22-4389
Haroun Mohamed Adam AbubakerCorresponding author
The greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella L.) is one of the most destructive insect pests that threaten apiculture. Laboratory experiments were conducted in the Research Laboratory, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology during the period from the 2nd_ of April to 29th_ of October 2021 to evaluate the lethal effect of Bee glue (proplis) and Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki (Btk) on the G.mellonella. Five concentrations (5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%) of proplis extract and (0.62,1.25,2.5,5 and 10 mg/ml) of Bt were used for each proplis extract and Bt in a Completely Randomized Design. Powder ethanol extract of proplis at 15% concentration caused 83.3% mortality after 96 hrs of application, where as 10mg//ml concentration of Bt gave 93.3% mortality after 72 hrs of exposure. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences between all treatments and control. Additionally, all treatments (proplis/ /Bt) increased the mortality %.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-22-4403
E. A. Hamza FatihCorresponding author
The major a biotic stresses affecting chickpea production are high and low temperature, drought and salinity. Heat stress is a major a biotic stress factor, constraining chickpea production worldwide. This study was conducted to identifying chickpea genotypes combining heat tolerance and high yield potential and to study correlation among the heat tolerance indices. The genotypes were tested under different field-growing conditions, normal sown (non – heat stress) and late sown (heat stress) at two locations, Merowe and Gezira during winter season 2018/2019. The trials were laid out in alpha lattice design with three replications. Eight heat tolerance indices, which were most frequently used in plant breeding including, geometric mean productivity (GMP), yield index (YI), mean productivity (MP), stress susceptibility index (SSI), stress tolerance index (STI), tolerance index (TOL), sensitivity heat index (SHI) and relative heat index (RHI) were calculated based on seed yield under heat stress (Ys) and non – heat stress (Yp) conditions. Under both environments, the results from combined analysis of variance showed that there were highly significant differences among the genotypes for all traits studies. There were highly significant differences observed among the tested chickpea genotypes response to heat stress. Seed yield in stress (Ys) condition was positive and highly significant correlated with geometric mean productivity, yield index, stress tolerance index and relative heat index. The Ys was negative and highly significant correlated with stress susceptibility index and sensitivity heat index. Seed yield in non-stress (Yp) condition was positive and significant correlated with geometric mean productivity, yield index, stress tolerance index and tolerance index. The results of this research showed that the six indices, GMP, YI, SSI, STI, SHI and RHI can be used as optimal indicators for screening heat tolerant chickpea genotypes. Nine genotypes including four released improved varieties (Shiekh Mohamed, Wad Hamid, Salwa and Hwata) and five genotypes (no. 11, 4, 26, 30 and 34) are most stable chickpea genotypes for heat tolerance and can be further used in breeding program. These genotypes can be used in the chickpea national breeding program to develop varieties with improved heat tolerance in Sudan. Genotype no. 11 (FLIP 08-59 C) was release by Sudan national variety release committee for commercial production under the name Elbarkal in September 2022 to will be grown in Gezira, River Nile and Northern States of Sudan.
Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-22-4400
Hayashi TomoyaCorresponding author
Tactile information plays an important role in human manipulation of objects; however, prosthetic limb placement or teleoperation requires the manipulation of alternative bodies in the absence of tactile sensations. To provide an alternative to tactile sensation, this study proposes and assesses a continuous feedback scheme with temporally coded vibration. This scheme was designed to provide discrete intended tactile information in response to changing object-controlled situations by repetitively presenting time-coded vibration patterns. The effects of the proposed scheme on an object with acatch-and-hold task in virtual reality were confirmed. Compared to the control feedback scheme that provides vibration only when the balance of the virtual grip force and object position is changed, the proposed feedback scheme has a better effect in terms of the success rate of holding on to the object with an appropriate holding force during the task. The effect is larger, especially in the invisible task condition, suggesting that the increased amount of information with coded vibration patterns can be used without any special training, especially without visual information. Considering the existing studies that show the effect of a feedback scheme in response to motion events, the continuous feedback scheme proposed in this study may be more suitable for movements that require sequential coordination and passive responses than stimulation methods based on motion events. This feedback scheme has potential applications not only in tele-technology but also in healthcare, such as rehabilitation.
Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-22-4300
E. E. Elshukry ElsadigCorresponding author
Agriculture Research Corporation, Horticultural Crops Research Center-Shambat
Two off-season experiments were conducted during 2015/16 and 2017/18 at Shambat Research Station Farm, Khartoum, Sudan, to investigate the effects of large (2-3 cm) and small (1-2 cm) sets size of onion variety Baftaim (S) and two chemical fertilizer (Urea 240 kg/ha) and NPK(15:15:15) (120 kg/ha) in addition to organic fertilizer (Elkhaseeb 20 tons/ha) and their combinations (Urea+ Elkhaseeb and NPK+Elkhaseeb) on off-season production. The experimental units were in split plot design, with set size and fertilizers as main and sub plots, respectively, with three replications. The yield was evaluated as bulb weight and yield/ha, whereas, the quality was evaluated as marketable and percentage of double and bolted bulbs, TSS and dry matter. The results reflected no significant differences in bulb weight due to set size, fertilizer type and their interactions, however, the heaviest bulbs were obtained by Elkhaseeb + urea and its interaction with the large set size in both seasons. The small set size gave the highest yield, organic fertilizer (Elkhaseeb) alone or in combination with urea gave the highest yield, whereas, the lowest one was obtained with the combination of organic fertilizer with N P K. The bulb quality was also affected by set size and fertilizer type as the highest marketable yield was obtained by small set size and fertilizer combination (organic + urea) or urea alone. No significant effects on TSS and dry matter percentage due to set size, fertilizer type and their interactions were noticed. The highest marketable yield, TSS and dry matter were obtained by Elkhaseeb (organic fertilizer) with mineral fertilizers (urea or NPK) with the small set size rather than organic or mineral fertilizer alone. It could be concluded and recommended that onion set size of about 1-2cm diameter with an organic - mineral fertilizer combination could improve off-season onion yield and quality. However, further studies are required to find the proper fertilizers dose.
Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-22-4301
E. E. Elshukry Elsadig.Corresponding author
Agriculture Research Corporation, Horticultural Crops Research Center-Shambat.
Field experiments were conducted during three successive winter seasons 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012 /13, at Shambat Research Station Farm on clay loam soil pH 7.8, to study the effects of seed bed, cultivars and seed rates and their interactions on onion set yield and quality. Two seed bed (flat and ridge), two cultivars Kamleen and Baftaim (S) and three seed rates 4, 8, 12 g / m² (40, 80, 120 kg / ha) were tested. The experimental design used was 2*2*3 Factorial in spilt-split plot design with four replications. Yield was evaluated as set yield t / ha, whereas, quality was evaluated as percentage of large (2.9-2.0 cm) and medium (1.9-1.0 cm) set size according to diameter and average of single set weight (g). Cultivar Baftaim (S) gave the highest set yield t/ha and average of single set weight in the three seasons. The seed rate of 4 g/m² (40 kg / ha) resulted in highest average of single set weight and the highest number percentage of large set size. Increasing the seed rate increased set number and quality; the seed rate 12 g/m² (120 kg/ha) gave the highest percentage of medium set size.
Nov 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4332
Gautam AlishaCorresponding author
Department of Public Health, Nepal Institute of Health Sciences, Purbanchal University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Introduction Physical, psychological, and emotional growth are among the changes that define the adolescent stage. As compared to other age groups, adolescents are more vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health issues. Parents can become protective and influencing factors for their children to prevent risky sexual behavior. This study aims to assess adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health and its associated factors. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 adolescents aged 15–19 in higher secondary schools of Tokha Municipality. A self-administered structured modified questionnaire to assess the communication used the Weighted Topics Measure of Family Sexual Communication (WTM) tool with a simple random sampling technique of data collection. We performed descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square tests to analyze data and assess the association between variables. Data quality was assured through careful questionnaire design, pretesting, and training. Results The study found that about 75.9% of adolescents had communicated on SRH topics with their parents. Only 56.1%, 50.1%, 55.2%, and 50.5% of adolescents communicated about choosing a life partner, menstruation, physical and psychological changes during adolescence, and the physical growth and development of reproductive organs, respectively, while topics like using birth controls, when to start having sex, pregnancy, how to handle sexual pressure from a partner, STI and HIV/AIDs, about condoms, and abortion had never communicated by 61.3%, 86.6%, 69.3%, 85.8%, 72.2%, 78.8%, and 82.5% of adolescents, respectively. Adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health was significantly associated with the level of knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health (X2 = 5.809, p = 0.01, df = 1). Similarly, there was a significant association with the perceived parenting style (X2 =3.932, p =0.04, df =1), living arrangements (X2 =6.376, p=0.01, df =1), and adolescent-parent communication. Conclusion It concluded that adolescent-parent communication on SRH issues is not satisfactory. Creating an adolescent-friendly environment at home and conducting awareness programs with the help of the local government of the respective schools would help to increase adolescent-parent communication.
Nov 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-22-4354
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, Teachers College New York, USA.
Background Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease and one affecting a large number of older adults is not always amenable to the use of passive interventions such as surgery or pharmacologic interventions, but even then, to maximize any desirable intervention approaches, a trustworthy and supportive partnership with the sufferer is strongly indicated. Complicating this process are emerging equity and persistent health literacy issues, as well as post COVID-19 service associated ramifications and persistent disease risks. Aim This mini review was designed to examine what current data reveal as regards the presentation of osteoarthritis and its pathology among the older adult as of the current post COVID-19 pandemic period in 2022, and how health literacy and equity issues are likely implicated in some degree with the disease presentation and its outcomes and will be likely to continue, unless remediated. Methods Peer reviewed published articles on this topic were sought from multiple data bases using the key words- osteoarthritis, health equity, health literacy, prevention, and intervention. Results As in prior years, osteoarthritis continues to induce considerable physical disability and consistently impedes the attainment of a high life quality for many older adults. Although not studied to any degree, attention to health equity and literacy issues appear to pose additional osteoarthritis intervention challenges, especially among the long COVID affected older adults and those with low income and educational levels. Conclusions Many behaviourally oriented and necessary osteoarthritis management approaches and interventions may fail to reduce the functional disability and pain experienced by older people with any form of osteoarthritis to any meaningful degree if a) the provider does not tailor their recommendations in light of possible prevailing health literacy, economic, and educational challenges; b) the patient does not understand how their health behaviours impact joint disease as well as COVID-19 risk status, and are not empowered to undertake these.
Sep 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-22-4247
Haroun Mohamed Adam AbubakerCorresponding author
Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, University of Bahri- Sudan.
The greater wax moth considered one of the most worldwide-spread pests of the bee wax. This Study was designed to investigate the insecticidal activity of Carumcarvi, Eculaptus camaldulensis and Nigella sativa against 3rd larval instar of G.mellonellathrough laboratory screening. Five concentrations (5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%) of each plant extract were used in this experiment. Mortality (%) was recorded after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs post treatment. The results showed C. carvi, E. camaldulensis and N.sativahave insecticidal activity against 3rd_ instar larvae of G. mellonella. The highest concentration (15%) caused 90% ,86.7% and 80% larval mortality after 96 hrs for C. carvi,E. camaldulensis and N.sativarespectively. The statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant difference (p< .001) between all treatments and control. The results also clearly demonstrate that the C. carvi are significantly more toxic than E. camaldulensis and N. sativa, whereas the LC50 values were 5.4% forC. carvi,6.0% for E. camaldulensis and 6.2% for N. sativa.
Sep 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4280
Rutayisire ErigeneCorresponding author
Department of public Health, Mount Kenya University Rwanda Kigali Rwanda
The study evaluated the users' opinions on data quality and related characteristics in ten public-health institutions of Nyarugenge district. A study used a cross-sectional design, data was collected through quantitative (n=150) methodology while qualitative data was obtained using interviews (n=20) and focus group talks (n=3). A checklist was utilized to examine the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of data quality aspects. Collected quantitative data was analyzed through logistic regression by SPSS to examine the association of variables, while qualitative data was analyzed using the summative content analysis (SCA) to summarize the key themes. A 95 percent confidence level, Odds Ratio (AOR) were used to establish the strength of correlation among study variables, while a p-value of less than (p<0.05) was utilized to identify the variables which were statistically significant associated to HMIS data quality. The study finding showed that the majority (53.0%) was female while, 33 years was an average age, the majority of health practitioner (52.7%) had an A1 diploma. Approximately 90.6% of respondents have a positive perceptions on the system usage. Limited ability and a lack of relevant technology equipment such as computers and the internet have been cited as the challenges while using the system. Factors such as training AOR:2.62(95% CI:1.45, supervision AOR:1.81(95% CI:1.02, AOR:2.50(95% CI:0.85 for education background, works-experience AOR:1.60(95% CI:090 are factors associated with data quality. Maintaining, supportive supervision, regular training and refresher courses should be regularly offered to public health professionals to improve their knowledge in order to maximize the use of health information.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-9241.jrd-22-4181
K. Al Miraj A.Corresponding author
Research Assistant, Dept of Vascular Surgery, BSM Medical University Dhaka, Bangladesh
Introduction Worldwide, the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major public health concern; On the basis of epidemiologic data, by 2020, COPD will be the third leading cause of death worldwide. Objective To assess the frequency of Microalbuminuria and the presence of Hypoxemia in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods Study Design Cross-sectional observational study. Place of Study Department of Medicine & Respiratory Medicine in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Study Period Six months after approval of the protocol Study Population Patient suffering from COPD and admitted in Department of Medicine & Respiratory medicine, DMCH, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Total 100 samples were included in this study. COPD usually presents with a history of chronic cough with sputum production or exertional breathlessness which may be associated with relevant clinical findings and a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC less than 0.7. In most cases it is associated with smoking Results Total 100 patients of COPD were included in the study. Mean age was 58.16±5.4 years ranging from 50 to 74 years. Out of 100 patients, majority (42%) were from age group 55 to 60 years. Among all, 82% patients were male and 18% were female, of 100 patients, majority (30%) were day laborer. Only 2% were unemployed. The percentage of housewives was 18%. Other 34% were businessman and service holders. COPD severity was assessed using GOLD guideline. Out of 100 COPD patients, 38% had severe COPD (GOLD stage III). 16 % patients were in mild (Stage I) and 32% patients were in moderate stage (Stage II). The condition was very severe for 14% patients (Stage IV). Of 100 COPD patients, 30% had microalbuminuria. Among 100 COPD patients, chance of microalbuminuria increases among COPD patients with the increase of age significantly. There is smoking history of 36 pack year for COPD patients with microalbuminuria. Of 100 patients 26% were hypoxemic. The average forced expiratory volume (FEV1%) was 37.40 with standard deviation 14.48 for patients with microalbuminuria. The PaO2 and PaCO2 is 63.06 with standard deviation 7.09 and 46.09 with standard deviation 2.43 for COPD patients with microalbuminuria respectively. All of these characteristics are significant with p-value 0.00. However, the body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were not found significant. The patients who had PaO2 less than 70 mmHg were considered hypoxemic. The patients who had microalbuminuria among them 87% were hypoxemic. Only 13% patients were free from hypoxemia who had microalbuminuria. Patients without microalbuminuria had no history of hypoxemia. There is significant relation exists between hypoxemia and the presence of microalbuminuria (p<0.5). Conclusion In this study, about one-fourth of the patients have hypoxemia and more than one fourth of the patients have microalbuminuria. Stage III was more frequent among the study population but there was no association between severity grading and presence of microalbuminuria. However, significant relation is found between co-existence of both microalbuminuria and hypoxemia in COPD patients.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4170
Michael Chukwudike Anyakudo MagnusCorresponding author
Endometabolic and Nutrition Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, P.M.B 536, Laje Road, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Garden egg nutritional values are numerous. However, few nutritional and epidemiological data exist on the impacts of garden egg consumption on diabetes control. In this experimentally-control designed nutritional study, the effects of scarlet garden egg species (Solanum aethiopicum L.) on lipoglycemic profile, weight control and, pancreas histoarchitecture in diabetic male Wistar rats were examined. Twenty-One adult male Wistar rats inducted with diabetes were randomly categorized into three groups (n = 7, each): Diabetic control (DC); Diabetic treated with aqueous extract of garden egg (DEE) and Diabetic fed with garden egg-supplemented diet (DSE). Animals were fed for six weeks according to the experimental design. Glycemic status and body weights were assessed twice weekly while lipid analysis was conducted at the entry and 6th week of the study. Oral glucose tolerance (OGT) test was conducted. Gross analysis and tissue histology of the pancreas were assessed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining technique. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance, and the results were expressed as mean ± S.E.M. at P < 0.05. Garden egg reduced mean body weight gain (DSE: 14.53%; DEE: 10.58%; P value = 0.04) and decreased blood glucose concentrations (DEE: 37.33%; DSE: 18.68%; P = 0.03) with corresponding improved lipid profile, glycemic tolerance and control (DEE > DSE) and, preserved pancreas histoarchitecture in diabetic Wistar rats. Solanum aethiopicum (garden egg) consumption (as fresh fruit or supplemented diet) preserves pancreatic tissue histoarchitecture and improves lipoglycemic profile and weight control in diabetic Wistar rats.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-21-3994
Yadav RavinderCorresponding author
Medical Social Welfare Officer Department of Medical Record Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector-32, Chandigarh, India
In this article the author reviews research on high risk factor of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in homosexuals and how lack of awareness & unprotected anal sex contribute substantially to new infections among this population. current HIV prevention efforts by providing insight into the patterns of Indian MSM behavior and sexual partnerships, and the specific cultural, social inequality, the gaps and lack of knowledge and psychological context in which HIV risk is occurring. And the need to develop effective awareness programs for well-functioning prevention of HIV and considerable understanding of the logistical and socio-cultural barriers MSM experience while accessing HIV prevention services. And in last will put light on therapeutic interventions for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, behavioral interventions that are socially and culturally appropriate for the population or community being prioritized and addressing multilevel psychosocial factors, including skills building and strategies to foster self-acceptance and increased social support for MSM. At the same time, prevention messages need to be designed and adapted to the knowledge level and culture of people.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-22-4078
Gabriel Olajide ToyeCorresponding author
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti and Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on healthcare worldwide. Surgeons are at increased occupational risk of contracting COVID-19. The impact of the disease on surgical practice will continue to evolve. We assessed the impact of the disease on surgical practice and training in Nigeria. Method Survey questionnaire was designed, transcribed to Google form and electronically circulated online to surgeons practicing in Nigeria. Surgeons from various subspecialties from the six regions in Nigeria were included. Survey questions pertaining to pre-COVID-19 era surgical practices, impact on current practice and changes occurring in health facilities during this COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were collated and analyzed statistically. Results One hundred and nine (109) surgeons completed the survey, of which 2.8% were women. Majority (68.8%) of the respondents are in the consultant cadre, majority (86.2%) are working in public hospital, 88.1% running their SOPD, 81.7% have isolation wards in their centers, 66.1% have dedicated team for COVID-19 management. Only 48.6% of the frontline health workers have access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and 33.9% had formal training on the use of PPE. Only 11.0% were satisfied with level of preparation of the management. Elective cases were done only in 45% of respondents. 103(94.4 %) confirmed that the numbers of elective cases are less than pre Covid-19 period. Emergency cases were carried out by 93.6% of respondents. Only 1.8% of respondents carried out screening tests for their patients before embarking on emergency surgery. Conclusion COVID-19 has led to reduction in surgical outpatients, significant reduction in elective surgeries in Nigeria. Adequate PPE needs to be provided, there should be guidelines for safety for future. There should be adequate preparation should there be any pandemic in the near future.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-22-4101
Khalid Mehmood RaoCorresponding author
Laparoscopic General and Colorectal Surgical Consultant , Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, England
Medical education has been extraordinarily disrupted during the COVID-19 era worldwide. The pandemic limited routine ward or patient-based medical education. These limitations have resulted in new challenges for medical students, especially the final year students in completing their mandated curriculum. We are suggesting a revised curriculum for final year medical students, by following which we can address COVID restriction while making sure all competencies have been achieved by students. This revised curriculum centers around the usual placement of students in Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU), however all students will be posted in simulation wards/labs on their turn to enhance and consolidate their understanding and learning of common surgical cases in these wards, so that they can replicate these skills in SAU and wards on their turns. This article highlights how the proposed curriculum addresses the learning needs of final year medical students in their surgery rotation. The article will also summarize the critical appraisal process of our curriculum in the context of curriculum design theories. Finally, the article will highlight the quality assurance measures adhered to while developing the curriculum.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3952
Narain PremCorresponding author
Professor and Independent Researcher, 29278 Glen Oaks Blvd. West, Farmington Hills, USA.
This methods‑focused review addresses missing heritability and co‑heritability in genomic studies, considering polygenicity, rare variants, gene–gene and gene–environment interactions, and phenotype definition. It surveys analytical strategies—from improved GWAS modeling to partitioning heritability and family‑based designs—to better capture shared genetic architecture. Recommendations emphasize data integration and robust inference to close current explanatory gaps.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3872
Hassan Dahab MohamedCorresponding author
Department of Agric Eng. – College of Agriculture- University of Khartoum.
Sugar cane production requires a number of operations to be carried out in the field through number of implements and machines. Therefore, time consuming and required large amount of energy. A combined field cultivator was designed in Kenana agricultural implements factory (KAIF) to carry out at one time multi operations (cultivation, furrow-reforming and Fertilizer placement). This is to increase field productivity, reduce farm power and lower operation time and cost. The combined implement was evaluated in Kenana cultivation fields and compared with three individual implements, rigid tine cultivator, furrow-reformer and fertilizer applicator. The measured parameters were drawbar pull, power requirements, field capacity, fuel consumption and total time in the field. The results showed highly significant differences at 1% level between the different implements for the field capacity, fuel consumption and significant differences at 5% for the drawbar pull. A power requirement in (kW) for the combined cultivator was 77% of those individual implements. Total time per feddan to accomplish the required operations by the combined cultivator was 57% of that required by the individual implements. Fuel consumption was reduced to 57% when combined implement was used compared to that consumed by individual implements. It was concluded that the combined cultivator was effective in increasing field productivity and reducing power and cost of operation.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-21-3970
Dias Toledo Arruda-Neto JoaoCorresponding author
Linear Accelerator Laboratory, Physics Institute, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
Microcystins (MCs) are toxins profusely synthesized by cyanobacteria, causing livestock poisonings and endangering human health. We design and execute an experiment to investigate the attenuation (degradation) of microcystins by exposing them to gamma radiation and electron beams at doses of 0 (control), 3, 5, 10 and 15 kGy. The experimental conditions simulate microcystin contamination of aquatic environments; we thus consider (1) microcystins inside whole cells and extracellular dissolved in water, simulated by non-sonicated and sonicated cells, respectively, and (2) two acute microcystin concentrations within water. Toxicity tests of Microcystis aeruginosa detected immobilization (i.e., paralysis) of Ceriodaphniasilvestrii exposed to aqueous crude extracts of irradiated and non-irradiated M. aeruginosa (NPLJ-4 strain) at concentrations of 45 and 90 mg.L-1 (mg dry weight of freeze-dried material), and the results were analyzed using the Trimmed Spearman-Karber statistical program to obtain 48-h EC50, the average effective concentration causing immobility in 50% of organisms after 48 hours. We conclude that electron beams are effective physical agents for toxin attenuation (degradation) and reach 100% effectiveness at 5 kGy and above; their efficiency is two orders of magnitude greater than that of gamma radiation. This new body of information contributes to (1) remediating environmental water sources; (2) designing water/wastewater treatment facilities; (3) combatting chronic microcystin environmental contamination; and (4) inspiring further studies to promote the use of biomonitors (e.g., Cladocerans) to detect and evaluate microalgae contamination.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3880
Haroun Mohamed Adam AbubakerCorresponding author
Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, University of Bahri- Sudan.
Sugar beet is one of the sugar crops which widely grown in different regions of the world due to its advantages over Sugarcane. Several studies were conducted in Sudan to assess its adaptation and economic value. However, the aim of this experiment was to study the effect of application of compost and different levels of phosphorus fertilizer and their combination on Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) growth attributes, yield and yield components. The study was conducted during the winter season 2018 –2019 at the farm of the College of Agriculture, University of Bahri, Alkadaro-Khartoum State, Sudan. The experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and six treatments, namely the Compost (5t./ha.), Phosphorous (P2O5) (88kg./ha.), P2O5 (176 kg./ha.), Compost (5t./ha.)+P2O5 (88kg./ha.), Compost (5t./ha.)+ P2O5 (176Kg./ha.) and the Control (C) respectively. All cultural practices were carried out timely according to the recommendations of the Agricultural Research Centre in Sudan. Then the data pertaining the following agronomic traits were recorded, the leaf number; leaf dry weight (g), leaf area index (LAI) (cm), root diameter (RD) (cm) and root fresh weight (RFW) (g). The results of statistical analysis revealed the application of compost in combination with phosphorus displayed significant increase at 5% level for the leaf number (22.75), leaf area index (5.23), leaf dry weight(36.78), root diameter(69.67) and root fresh weight (422.68), followed by the application of compost alone compared to the control and other treatments. The study concludes that the combination of compost and mineral fertilizer (P2O5) proved to increase all Sugar beet growth and yield parameters.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3927
Nagaraj NitashaCorresponding author
Assistant Professor, The George Washington University.
While Guatemala has made great strides towards gender equality, it remains a country with vast disparities. Gender sensitization and empowerment programs during adolescence when gender attitudes are formed have the potential to diminish gender inequities. The Girl Rising Pilot Program (GR) is a 24-week curriculum designed for adolescent girls living in the Sololá region where 95% of the total population is indigenous and Mayan. The present pilot study evaluated outcomes of the GR Guatemala pilot program. Specifically, the evaluation examined whether there were differences between baseline and follow-up on perceptions of gender equity, aspirations, and communication for adolescent girls who participated in the GR program. A quasi-experimental study design with a one group pre- and post-test was implemented. The pilot evaluation study included all 265 participants at baseline who participated in the GR program. after controlling for significant variables, it was found that the gender equitable attitudes score and communications scale still significantly increased between baseline and follow-up. The results of this evaluation prove that gender sensitization programs play a key role in forming and changing gender attitudes during adolescence, and have the potential to alter their short and long-term attitudes and beliefs.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3883
Haroun Mohamed Adam AbubakerCorresponding author
Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, University of Bahri- Sudan.
Despite the existing several Sugar manufacturing companies in Sudan, there is an acute shortage in sugar supply, therefore the government imports Sugar to bridge the gap. One of the strategies to be followed is the introduction of Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) crop, mainly for sugar production. This crop has several advantages over Sugarcane such as short duration, less water requirement, in addition to other uses like animal feed. Therefore it became necessary to have good understanding of agricultural operations, cultural practices and adaptation. However, the main objective of this study was to assess the effect of Nitrogen fertilizer and plant spacing on vegetative growth of Sugar beet. This study was conducted at the farm of the College of Agriculture, University of Bahri, Alkadro, Khartoum State-Sudan; during the season 2016/2017. The experiment was arranged in Split plot in Randomized Complete Block Design with six treatments and four replications. Two plant spacing (15 and 20 cm.) were used as main plot, referred as (S1, S2) along with three levels of Nitrogen fertilizer (40, 80 and 120 kg/ha.), as subplot; referred as (N1, N2 and N3) and the control (0). Data regarding leaf number, leaf area index (LAI), leaf dry weight (g) (LDW), root diameter (mm.) and root fresh weight were recorded and statistically analyzed. The results showed S2 (20 cm) increased all the studied plant characters, namely the leaf number (29.139), leaf area index by (7.54), leaf dry weight (g) to (89.870), root diameter (mm) (94,992), root fresh weight (g) (695.80) compared to S1(1015 cm). On the other hand; the application of N3 (120 kg/ha.) increased the lead number (30.956), leaf Area Index (8.841), Leaf dry weight (102.47), root diameter (97.955) and root fresh weight (851.77) compared to S2 and S1 as presented in (table 4, table 5 and table 6).
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3858
Haroun Mohamed Adam AbubakerCorresponding author
Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, University of Bahri- Sudan.
The Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is considered among the economic important pests in Sudan. Therefore, it became necessary to study and understand its biology and find out the appropriate control measure (s). To achieve the above objective, experiments based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) were carried out during the period from September 2018 to August 2019, where the Fall armyworm (FAW) was reared in the laboratory and fed on a nutrient médium composed of Corn leaves. The results displayed the ranges of eggs laid by a female was 890–1169. The egg incubation period ranged between 3-13 days. The larval duration ranged between (13-50) days and the pupal duration was between (7-20) days under a temperature of 21-300c and a Relative Humidity (RH) of 65 ± 5%. The longevity of the adults was 1-20 days, and the range of the full lifecycle was (24-100). However, six generations of FAW were obtained within one year. This study concludes that in Sudan FAW breeds continously throughtout the year and it recommends further studies on the biology and effective management of this invasive pest
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-21-3873
Zalama EsraaCorresponding author
Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt.
Objective Evaluation of the ability of autogenous Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnONPs) to repair critical-sized ulnar defects in rabbits based on radiographic assessment. Design Randomized controlled study. Animals Twenty-four healthy male white New Zealand rabbits with an age of 6.0 ± 0.3 months and weight of 2.5 ± 0.29 Kg were used. Procedures A 12 mm defect was created in the diaphysis of the right ulnae in allrabbits,then the rabbits were randomly allocated into three groups (8 each): Control group, (the defect left for healing without grafts), platelets rich fibrin group (PRF group, the defect filled with PRF) and combination group (PRF/ZnONPs group, the defect filled with both PRF and ZnONPs). Healing capacity between the groups was evaluated by immediate postoperative radiographic assessment and subsequently at the first and the second postoperative months. Results Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the radiographic healing score between the groups (P = 0.000) at all-time points (P = 0.000- 0.003) during the study. Rabbits in the combination group showed the highest radiographic healing scores followed by the PRF group meanwhile, the Control group showed minimal radiographic healing scores. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance The addition of ZnONPs to PRF can accelerate the healing of ulnar critical-size defects in rabbits.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3857
Mohamed Adam AbubakerHarounCorresponding author
Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, University of Bahri-Sudan.
The Fall armyworm worm (FAW) (Spodopterafrugiperda) is one of the important economic pests which goes on several field crops and causes serious damage. The aim of this study was to look for efficient, less cost and environmentally friend plant extract for controlling Fall armyworm worm in cereal crops. A Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) experiments with three replications were conducted in the laboratory to investigate the insecticidal effects of four plant extracts consisting of ethanolic extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica) seeds, Black pepper (Piper nigrum) seeds, Usher (Calotropis procera ) leaves and water extracts of Argel (Solenostemma argel) leaves on larvae of the Fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda). Newly emerged larvae of FAW were treated topically by 4 concentrations (10, 25, 50 and 75%) of each extract, and then the larval mortalities were calculated after 24, 48 and72 hrs. The results showed the highest concentrations (75%) of the three ethanolic extracts gave higher mortality percentages (100%) after 72 hrs of exposure, compared with other concentrations. Also, these were not significantly different from the recommended dose of the standard pesticide “Spinosad”. On the other hand, Argel water extract showed no effect on the (FAW) larvae. It is recommended that this experiment to be replicated under different environments.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-21-3851
A. Njukeng PatrickCorresponding author
Global Health Systems Solutions, Douala, Cameroon
Background The rapid and ongoing spread of antimicrobial-resistant organisms threatens the ability to successfully prevent, control, or treat a growing number of infectious diseases in developed and developing countries. This study was designed to convey more insight on the profile of antimicrobial resistance and the capacity of laboratories conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing in Cameroon. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to March 2020 in the Deido Health District. Laboratories that carry out culture and sensitivity testing within the Deido Health District were identified and assessed to determine their capacity as well as the quality of results from microbiological investigations. Information on antimicrobial susceptibility of various isolates was collected using tablet phones in which the study questionnaires had been incorporated. Results Gaps identified in antimicrobial susceptibility testing that cut across laboratories included; insufficient standard operating procedures, inadequate records on personnel training and competency assessment, lack of safety equipment such as biosafety cabinet, stock out and non-participation in external quality assurance program. The turnaround time for antimicrobial susceptibility testing ranged from 3 – 7 days. Out of the 1797 samples cultured, 437(24.3%) had at least one isolate. A total of 15 different isolates were identified with Candida albicans being the most frequent 178 (40.7%), followed by Escherichia coli 80(18.3%). Among the 15 classes of antimicrobial drugs used in this study, the overall resistance of the isolates showed that five classes had class median resistance above 40% (Cephalosporins, Penicillins, Beta-lactam, Macrolides, and Polyenes). Conclusion This study has shown the need to develop a coordinated national approach to fight antimicrobial resistance. Scaling-up of antimicrobial susceptibility testing will, therefore, require strengthening the microbiology units of laboratory systems as well as ensuring the use of laboratory data for decision making.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3816
Elamin Elhaj WaleedCorresponding author
Department of Plant Protection, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum State, Sudan.
African bollwormis a worldwide-spread species that shows a high degree of polyphagia and it is considered as one of the main agricultural pests in the world. Laboratory experiments were conducted in the Research Laboratory, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology to evaluate the lethal effect of C. rotundusand D. stramonium on the H. armigeraand to investigate the synergistic effect of sesame oil and tested extracts by dipping methods. Five concentrations (4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%) were used for each plant extract in a Completely Randomized Design. Tubers ethanolic extract of C. rotundus at 12% concentration caused 90% mortality after 72 hrs of application, whereas 12% concentration of seeds ethanolic extract of D. stramonium generate only 70% mortality after 72 hrs of exposure. When sesame oil was added to each concentration of ethanolic extract of C. rotundus and D. stramonium it exhibited a synergistic effect. In fact, the 10% concentration scored 53.3% and 76.7% mortality, however, when mixed with sesame oil the mortality increased significantly to 83.3% and 100% for D. stramonium and C. rotundus respectively after 72 hrs of exposure. This study clearly demonstrates that both tested plants have a lethal effect on the larvae of the African bollworm. However, tubers ethanolic extract of C. rotundus seems to be significantly more toxic than the seeds ethanolic extract of D. stramonium. This study also revealed that sesame oil has a synergistic effect when added to these plant extracts.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3817
Elamin Elhaj WaleedCorresponding author
Department of Plant Protection, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum State, Sudan.
Helicoverpaarmigera is one of the most destructive pests of field crops worldwide. The Study was designed to investigate through laboratory screening the insecticidal activity of Ricinus communis, Cassia occidentalis and Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki (Btk) and their combinations against 2nd larval instar of H. armigera. Five concentrations (4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%) of each plant extract and (0.62, 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/ml) of Bt were used in this experiment. Mortality (%) was recorded after 24,48,72 and 96 hrs post treatment. The results showed that R. communis, C. occidentalis and Btkhave insecticidal activity against 2nd instar larvae of H. armigera. The highest concentration (12%) caused 80% and 70% larval mortality after 96 hrs for R. communis and C. occidental respectively. The statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant differences between all treatments and control. Additionally, all combinations (plant/plant or plant/Bt) increased the mortality %. The results also clearly demonstrate that the R. communis are significantly more toxic than C. occidental where the LC50 values were 6.4 % for R. communis and 8.1% for C. occidental. On the other hand LC50 value for Bt was 0.41 mg/ml. The binary mixture of R. communis and C. occidental have a potentiation effect after 48 hrs. Regarding the mixture of Bt and plant extracts the results revealed that R. communis and Bt mixture induced a potentiation effect whereas C. occidental and Bt mixture induced a an additive effects.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-21-3770
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
Ofloxacin is an antibiotic, useful against the number of bacterial infections. This scientific investigation was performed to identify the impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of ofloxacin using sophisticated analytical techniques. Ofloxacin sample was divided into control and treated parts. Only the treated ofloxacin received the Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a well-known Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The LC-MS spectra of both the samples of ofloxacin at retention time 3 minutes exhibited the mass of the protonated molecular ion peak at m/z 362.17 (M+H)+. The chromatographic peak area% of the treated ofloxacin (52.4%) was increased by 2.03% compared to the control sample (51.36%). The LC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the Biofield Treated ofloxacin was significantly increased by 22.43% compared with the control sample. Similarly, the GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the Biofield Treated ofloxacin was significantly increased by 19.24% compared with the control sample. The LC-MS and GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 15N/14N or 13C/12C or 17O/16O) was significantly increased in the Biofield Treated ofloxacin as compared to the control sample. Thus,2H, 15N, 13C, and17O contributions from (C18H21FN3O4)+ to m/z 363.17 in the treated ofloxacin were significantly increased compared with the control sample. The increased isotopic abundance ratio of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treated ofloxacin may increase the intra-atomic bond strength and increase its physical stability. The new form of treated ofloxacin would be more stable, better soluble, and bioavailable compared to the control sample. It would be more useful to design efficacious pharmaceutical formulations that might offer better therapeutic response against infections in the urethra, urinary tract, gonorrhoea, pneumonia, infectious diarrhoea, bronchitis, cellulitis, bacterial infection of the eye and ear, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, prostatitis, otitis media, plague, etc.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-3804
Isea RaúlCorresponding author
Fundación Instituto de Estudios Avanzados, Hoyo de la Puerta, Baruta, Venezuela.
An algorithm to determine the possible mutations that can occur in the S protein responsible of the Covid-19 in humans is designed. To do that, nine tridimensional sequences available in the Protein Data Bank similar to the initial strain sequenced in Wuhan (December 2019) are identified. The conditions driving this potential mutation are: (1) an accumulated number of mutations greater than (or equal to) 5 in each position; (2), a cumulative value of the different variations of Gibbs free energy less than -2.0 Kcal/mol; and (3), a squared fluctuation greater than 1.6 Å obtained according to calculations for normal mode analysis based on anisotropic network models (ANM) after averaging the first 20 vibration modes. The result is that 491 positions can mutate, while 424 positions did not provide any mutation. Finally, the results reveal that there are mutations that cannot be predicted, so more studies are needed to determine why they are present in the human population.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-2855.jan-21-3771
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin (Vitamin C) essential for both the plants and animals for the metabolic process. In this study, the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analytical technique was used to characterize the structural properties and isotopic abundance ratio to evaluate the effect of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on L-ascorbic acid compared to the control sample. The ascorbic acid sample was divided into control and treated parts. Only the treated part received the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a well-known Biofield Energy Healer, Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The control and treated samples showed a chromatographic peak at retention time (Rt) 1.8 minutes exhibited the deprotonated molecular ion peak at m/z 175 (M-H)- (calculated for C6H7O6-, 175.02) in the mass spectra. The peak area of the treated sample (12817614.01) was significantly increased by 8.81% compared to the control sample (11779918.9). The LC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 17O/16O) in the treated ascorbic acid was significantly increased by 23.22% compared with the control sample. Thus,13C, 2H, and17O contributions from (C6H7O6)- to m/z 176 in the treated ascorbic acid were significantly increased compared with the control sample. The increased isotopic composition of the treated ascorbic acid might have altered the neutron to proton ratio in the nucleus. The changes in isotopic abundance could be due to changes in nuclei possibly through the interference of neutrino particles via the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment. The increased isotopic abundance ratio and peak area of the treated ascorbic acid may increase the intra-atomic bond strength and its stability. This novel ascorbic acid after the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment would be very useful to design more efficacious pharmaceutical formulations against scurvy, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, etc.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-21-3772
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin, which widely used for the prevention and treatment rickets, osteoporosis, arthritis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, autoimmune disease, dementia, glucose intolerance, etc. The impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of cholecalciferol were evaluated using LC-MS and GC-MS spectroscopy. The test sample cholecalciferol was divided into control and treated parts. Only, the treated cholecalciferol was received the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Dahryn Trivedi. The LC-MS spectra of both the samples at retention time (Rt) ~22 minutes exhibited the mass of the molecular ion peak at m/z 385.25 (calcd for C27H45O+, 385.35). The LC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the treated cholecalciferol was increased by 0.74% compared with the control sample. But, the GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM and PM+2/PM in the treated cholecalciferol was significantly increased by 66.39% and 62.69%, respectively compared with the control sample. Hence,13C, 2H, 17O, and 18O contributions from C27H44O+ to m/z 386 and 387 in the treated cholecalciferol were significantly increased compared with the control sample. The isotopic abundance ratios of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 17O/16O) and PM+2/PM (18O/16O) in the treated cholecalciferol were significantly increased as compared to the control sample. The increased isotopic composition of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treated cholecalciferol might have altered the neutron to proton ratio in the nucleus via the possible mediation of neutrino. The increased isotopic abundance ratio of the treated cholecalciferol may increase the intra-atomic bond strength, increase its stability. The new form of cholecalciferol would be better designing novel pharmaceutical formulations that might be more stable and more efficacious for the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as vitamin D deficiency, rickets, osteoporosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes mellitus, mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, infections, influenza, cognitive impairment in older adults, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, autoimmune disease, dementia, glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis, etc.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-21-3773
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
L-tryptophan is an essential α-amino acid, necessary for the normal growth in newborns, nitrogen balance in adults, protein synthesis, precursor of serotonin, melatonin, niacin, and albeit inefficiently in human, also the precursor of indole alkaloids and auxins in plants. This current study was designed to investigate the impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Biofield Energy Healing Treatment (Blessing) on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of L-tryptophan using LC-MS analytical technique. L-tryptophan sample was divided into two parts, one part of L-tryptophan was considered as the control sample (no Biofield Energy Treatment was provided), while the second part was treated with the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment/Blessing remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Dahryn Trivedi and termed as the treated sample. The mass spectra of both the control and treated samples with respect to the chromatographic peak at retention time (Rt) 2.1 minutes exhibited the mass of the molecular ion peak adduct with hydrogen ion at m/z 205.08 (calcd for C11H13N2O2+, 205.1), along with low molecular fragmented mass peaks at m/z 188, 159, and 102 for C11H12N2O2+, C10H11N2+, and C8H6+, respectively were also observed. The isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 15N/14Nor17O/16O) in the treated L-tryptophan was significantly increased by 35.93% compared with the control sample. Hence,the 13C, 2H, 15N, and 17O contributions from C11H13N2O2+ to m/z 206.08 in the treated L-tryptophan was significantly increased compared to the control sample. It could be hypothesized that the changes in the isotopic abundance and mass peak intensities due to the modification in nuclei possibly through the interference of neutrino particles using the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment. The Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed L-tryptophan with increased stable isotopic abundance ratio might have changed the physicochemical properties with higher force constant in the molecule. The new form of treated L-tryptophan would be a better and more stable in the supplements, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations, which would be advantageous for the prevention and treatment of pellagra, depression, kynurenine. It could also maintain the normal label of tryptophan and avoid increase of its metabolite, lower the neurotoxin and a metabotoxin behavior, glutaric aciduria type I (glutaric acidemia type I) disorder, eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), incurable and sometimes fatal flu-like neurological condition, etc. As tryptophan is the precursor for the plant hormones like indole alkaloids and auxins, hence, this treated L-tryptophan would be advantageous for the improvement of yield, productivity, and quality of crops and other plants.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-21-3753
Jennifer Chinoye AmadiCorresponding author
Centre For Conflict and Gender Studies, Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt
People tend to believe that power imbalance that women and men experience in an intimate relationship is natural, the way it should be and of course, something that should not be debated. The problem with this argument and/or generalisation is that it usually suggests that hegemonic masculinity should not be interrogated. In Africa, power imbalances are one of the challenges that have limited women in society. This practice is influenced by culture, religion, traditional practices and laws which influence perceptions, and expectations of people in intimate relationships. This study, Power imbalances among intimate partners in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area encapsulate the dynamics of gender power relations that exist in intimate, heterosexual relationships in four communities. This study seeks to examine intimate partners’ perception of decision making, the extent of its social acceptability and relevance of their socio-economic circumstances towards power imbalances. The population for this study was twenty-seven thousand three hundred and fifty-five. Sample size was calculated using the Taro Yamame determination technique which stood at three hundred and ninety-four. The study employed a survey research design which consisted of twenty-two items on a four-point Likert scale of (Agree, Strongly Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree). Simple percentage (%) and frequency table was used to analyze the data. The study found that partners socio-economic circumstances did not reflect a significant degree of influence on power imbalances. This study therefore, recommend for responsive gender equality programmes that support and empower both partners.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-21-3746
Ahmed Abdelrahman NuggedAlla MotazCorresponding author
University of Kassala Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Head Department of Anatomy University of Kassala
Background The neonatal morbidity and mortality is very high in the Sudan, the umbilical cord association and contribution to this is planned to be answered. Therefore the present study was designed to provide some information on the morphological variations of human umbilical cord via gross anatomical assessment and their correlation with foetal factors such as foetal weight and length. Methods A prospective hospital - based study conducted in Wad Madani Maternity Teaching Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between July 2014 and March 2018 Results The mean diameter of the 371 umbilical cords was 2.1±0.24cm. Length was 53.8±3.8 cm length ranging from 48 – 62 cm and 10 (2.7%) of 371 umbilical cords were uncoiled. of which, 1 (0.3%) cords were with absent Wharton’s Jelly. The mean neonatal indices were 2.95 kg, 33.19 cm and 44.42 cm for weight, head circumference and length respectively. There was just significant strong positive correlation between umbilical cord length and length of neonates. Also Umbilical cord diameter had a positive correlation with length of neonates and negative correlation with weight of neonates and APGAR Score. Conclusion The present study suggests that ‘normal’ cord length should be between 40 cm and 70 cm in length. Umbilical cord diameter had a positive correlation with fetal length and negative correlation with fetal weight and APGAR score. The diameter range of 1-2 cm suggests that a normal cord must not exceed 2 cm in diameter. However the umbilical cord index had negative correlation with length of neonates.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-0207.jbr-21-3455
FAKIR YoussefCorresponding author
Laboratory of Information Processing and Decision Support, University Sulan Moulay Slimane
In recent times, the urge to collect data and analyze it has grown. Time stamping a data set is an important part of the analysis and data mining as it can give information that is more useful. Different mining techniques have been designed for mining time-series data, sequential patterns for example seeks relationships between occurrences of sequential events and finds if there exist any specific order of the occurrences. Many Algorithms has been proposed to study this data type based on the apriori approach. In this paper we compare two basic sequential algorithms which are General Sequential algorithm (GSP) and Sequential PAttern Discovery using Equivalence classes (SPADE). These two algorithms are based on the Apriori algorithms. Experimental results have shown that SPADE consumes less time than GSP algorithm.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-21-3747
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
A proprietary formulation was designed that consisted minerals (zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, selenium, and copper), vitamins (pyridoxine HCl, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, and cholecalciferol), Panax ginseng extract, and cannabidiol isolate. The study was aimed to assess the potential of the novel test formulation (blessed) and per se to the animals with the Trivedi Effect® in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, fed with vitamin D3 deficiency diet (VDD). The test formulation consisted above mentioned ingredients was divided into two parts. One part was left aside as the untreated test formulation without any Biofield Treatment, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Treatment by renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The level of lipid peroxidation end product malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues was significantly reduced by 34.59%, 34.91%, and 65.81% (p≤0.001) in test formulation treated with Biofield Energy (G5), Biofield Treated test formulation from day -15 (G7), Biofield Treatment per se with Biofield Treated test formulation from day -15 (G8) groups, respectively as compared to the disease control group (G2). Moreover, level of catalase enzyme in liver tissues was also increased by 8.64% in the G7 group as compared to the G2 group. Besides, in brain homogenate the level of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was significantly increased by 433.94%, 266.97%, 133.94%, 467.89%, and 489.86% in the G5, Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals from day -15 (G6), G7, G8, and Biofield Treatment per se animals plus untreated test formulation (G9) groups, respectively than G2. Antioxidant enzyme like superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly (p≤0.001) increased by 14.16% in the G9 group as compared to the G2 group. Allover, results signified that the Biofield Treated test formulation significantly increased antioxidative parameters, could be able to give support against oxidative stress induced by free radical and to maintain a good human health.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-21-3755
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
A novel proprietary test formulation was designed which included minerals, vitamins, β-carotene, cannabidiol isolate,and Panax ginseng extract. This present study was evaluated the impact of the Trivedi Effect® on novel proprietary test formulation in male Sprague Dawley rats, fed with vitamin D3 deficiency diet (VDD). The novel test formulation was divided into two parts; one part was defined as untreated test formulation, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment by renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The level of 25-OH Vit. D3 was measured in brain homogenate, which was found to be increased by 20.13%, 24.12%, 45.86%, 14.79%, and 29.96% in the G5 group treated with Biofield Treated test formulation, Biofield Energy Treatment per se to the animals (G6), 15 days pre-treatment of Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G7), Biofield Energy Treatment per se plus Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day -15 (G8), and untreated test formulation to the Biofield Energy Treated animals (G9) groups respectively, as compared with the disease control (G2) group. Brain acetylcholine (ACh) level was increased by 61.33% in the G7 group as compared with the untreated test formulation (G4) group. The expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was significantly reduced by 43.44% (p≤0.01), 30.93%, 21.42%, 45.99% (p≤0.01), and 60.85% (p≤0.01), respectively as compared with the G4. Lung pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level was significantly reduced in the G5, G6, G7, and G8 by 24.86%, 32.55% (p≤0.01), 30.12% (p≤0.01), and 42.69% (p≤0.01), respectively, as compared with the G4 group. Altogether, the Biofield Treated test formulation and/or per se treatment to the animals significantly improved the levels of active form of vitamin D3 metabolite (25-OH Vit D3) and neurotransmitter (ACh); consequently significantly lowered the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). Therefore, the energized test formulation or per se treatment could be effectively useful against neuronal damage and inflammation for the management of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementias, brain cancer, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, mental disorders, and Parkinson’s. Thus, the results showed a significant slowdown of disease progression and all other disease-related complications/symptoms in the preventive Biofield Energy Treatment group per se and the Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation groups (viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9) as compared to the disease control group.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3765
A. Weber SimonCorresponding author
Cellogic GmbH, Niedstrasse 21, 12159 Berlin, Germany
Acute post-operative delirium (POD) and long-term post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are frequent and associated with increased mortality, dependency on care giving and institutionalization rates. The POCD-related cost burden on the German long-term care insurance provides an indication for the savings potential from risk-adapted treatment schemes. Comprehensive estimates have not been assessed or published so far. A model-based cost-analysis was designed to estimate POCD-related costs in the long-term care insurance. Comprehensive analysis of inpatient operations and procedures (OPS-codes) served as the base for case number calculations, which were then used as input to the actual cost model. POCD-incidence rates were obtained from the BioCog study. Various sensitivity analyses were performed to assess uncertainty of the model results. Total POCD related annual costs in the German long-term care insurance account for approximately 1.6 billion EUR according to the base case of our analysis. Total annual costs for all POCD cases depend on surgery numbers, incidence rates, other assumptions, and uncertain input parameters. The financial burden to the long-term care insurance is substantial, even in a conservative scenario of the cost model. Variability of results stems from uncertain assumptions, POCD-incidence rates and from uncertain patient numbers who are undergoing surgery and are therefore at risk to develop POCD.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3683
Rutayisire ErigeneCorresponding author
Department of public Health, Mount Kenya University Rwanda Kigali Rwanda
Women in Rwanda are still suffering from overweight and obesity and health-related complications. However, little is known about overweight/obesity prevention knowledge and factors associated with overweight/obesity prevention among women. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and factors associated with overweight and obesity prevention among women attending Kibagabaga Hospital in Rwanda. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted among women aged 20-45 years that was selected randomly. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 384 women seeking health care at the hospital during the study period. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis; descriptive statistics was used to assess women’s knowledge related to overweight/obesity. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with overweight/obesity prevention, the level of significance was set at 5%. Approval to conduct the study was obtained from the University and Hospital. The majority 35.4% of study participants were aged between 30-34 years. Women who live in urban area dominate the study (76.3%), the majority of study participants were married (60.9%). The study revealed that the 22% and 62% of women had higher level and moderate knowledge respectively. In terms of overweight/obesity prevention practices, we found that 67% mothers had adequate practices towards overweight and obesity prevention. The age of 35-39, and unemployment were found to be significantly associated with overweight/obesity prevention practices. Cost-effective health education focusing on women, physical activity and social support to reduce the socio-cultural constraints that promote overweight/obesity are necessary to combat this epidemic.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-2855.jan-21-3745
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is used nowadays in nutraceuticals regarding the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency and associated diseases. This study was done to analyse the effect of the Trivedi Effect® - Energy of Consciousness Treatment on the physicochemical, thermal, and spectral properties of cholecalciferol using PSA, PXRD, DSC, TGA/DTG, FT-IR, and UV-Vis analysis. For this study, the cholecalciferol sample was divided into control/ untreated and Biofield Energy Treated vitamin D3. The treated vitamin D3 sample received Biofield Energy Treatment (the Trivedi Effect®) remotely for ~3 minutes by Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi, who was located in the USA, while the test samples were located in the research laboratory in India. The treated sample was designated as the Biofield Energy Treated sample. The PSA analysis showed that the particle size values at d10, d50, d90, and D(4, 3) of the treated sample were significantly decreased by 5.80%, 16.49%, 17.52%, and 16.23%, respectively compared to the control sample. However, the specific surface area of the treated cholecalciferol was significantly increased by 7.26% compared to the control sample. Besides, the PXRD analysis revealed that the relative intensities regarding the characteristic diffraction peaks in the treated sample were significantly altered from -42.56% to 22.42%, along with -41.69% to 72.71% alterations in the crystallite sizes, compared with the control sample. Also, the treated sample showed 2.80% decrease in the average crystallite size. The DSC analysis showed a slight increase (0.24%) in the melting point of the treated sample along with 3.68% increase in the latent heat of fusion (ΔH) compared to the control sample. Also, the decomposition temperature of the treated sample was decreased by 0.29%, whereas the ΔH was increased by 5.79%, compared to the control sample. Moreover, the TGA/DTG analysis revealed the significant decrease in weight loss in the 1st and 3rd step of degradation of the treated sample by 18.58% and 89.81%, respectively, along with 1.83% increase in the maximum thermal degradation temperature compared with the control sample. Overall, the thermal stability of the treated cholecalciferol sample was observed to be increased in comparison to the control sample. Thus, the Trivedi Effect® might be used to produce a different polymorph of cholecalciferol, which possesses the improved qualities in terms of appearance, dissolution, absorption, bioavailability, and thermal stability as compared with the untreated sample. Thus, the Biofield Energy Treated cholecalciferol might be used in designing of better nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations possessing improved therapeutic response regarding the treatment of vitamin D deficiency associated diseases.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-21-3715
Jana SynthesisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in the human body as a regulator for different enzymatic systems. It is used in various supplements in the form of zinc chloride to meet the daily requirements. This study was designed with the aim to investigate the impact of The Trivedi Effect®- Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment on the various physical, thermal, and spectral properties of zinc chloride. The study involves dividing the zinc chloride sample in two parts, followed by keeping the first part untreated and named it the control sample. Besides, The Trivedi Effect®- Biofield Energy Healing Treatment was provided to the other part remotely by the renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi and the sample was termed as Biofield Energy Treated sample. Later on, both the samples were analyzed using PXRD, PSA, DSC, UV-Vis, and FT-IR analytical techniques. The PXRD analysis revealed the significant changes in the crystallite sizes (from -66.68% to 25.02%) and the relative peak intensities (from -81.35% to 141.22%) along with 26.46% decrease in the average crystallite size of the Biofield Energy Treated sample, compared with the control sample. Additionally, the treated sample showed reduction in the particle sizes d10, d50, d90, and D(4,3) values by 92.18%, 23.24%, 14.48%, and 29.31%, respectively as compared to the control sample. However, the surface area of the treated sample was observed to be significantly increased by 224.57%, compared to the control sample. The DSC analysis revealed slight increase in the melting and decomposition temperature of the Biofield Energy Treated sample by 0.84% and 3.62%, respectively; along with the significant increase in the latent heat of melting and decomposition by 24.85% and 123.23%, respectively, compared to the control sample. It showed that the thermal stability of the treated sample was significantly increased. However, the UV-Vis and FT-IR studies revealed that the structural properties of the control and treated samples were remained same. The overall study represents that The Trivedi Effect®- Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment may be used to generate a polymorphic form of zinc chloride, which might possess enhanced solubility, dissolution and bioavailability profile along with improved thermal stability, compared to the control sample. Such properties of the treated zinc chloride may ensure its efficacy, stability and safety during the process of shipment, handling, and storage; thus, The Trivedi Effect®-Energy of Consciousness Healing Treated zinc chloride would be useful for designing the better formulation with enhanced bioavailability, stability and efficacy profile.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-21-3716
Zhao BinCorresponding author
School of Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
After entering the new century, people are facing a new external environment. Recently human society is coming into knowledge economy era, and the industrial structure has deeply been adjusted. Today, the past teaching method of imparting knowledge and getting people to accept education, or exam-oriented teaching ideas have been unable to keep up with the needs of the development of the Times. In the future, the key point of education is to promote people to understand the knowledge, and grasp rules between things. Based on this, it is particularly necessary for the talents cultivation to adopt a new idea of training. The paper takes the major in mathematics as an example, designs two classes of new teaching methods CT&CL and BOOF with the diversified assessment to cultivate students’ innovative thinking, providing a reference for the other students. The two classes of new teaching methods and the diversified assessment are worthy of further spreading and exercising during the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-20-3677
Faruk IqbalCorresponding author
Principal Scientific Officer, Plant Pathology Division, BARI
The experiments were conducted in the fields of Plant Pathology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur during 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 cropping years to evaluate the organic and vermi composts for mass culturing of biological control agent Trichoderma harzianum and toobserve the effect of formulated T.harzianum designated as Tricho-vermi-compost and Tricho-organic-compost as well as organic compost, vermi-compost and chemical fungicide Provax 200 WP against soil-borne pathogens, Sclerotium rolfsiiof groundnut causing foot and root rot/stem rot disease. The pathogen inoculated field soils were treated with Tricho-vermi-compost and Tricho-organic-compost, organic compost and vermi-compost 7 days before seed sowing where as seeds were treated with Provax 200 WP at the time of seed sowing. From this study it was revealed that all the treatments performed in reducing seedling mortality and increasing plant growth and yield of groundnut compared to control. Among the treatments, soil treatment with Tricho-vermi-compost and Tricho-organic-compost are the best treatments in reducing seedling mortality and increasing plant growth parameters and yield of groundnut which was significantly differed from the other treatments including control. Seed treatment with chemical fungicide Provax 200 WP and soil treatment with only vermin-compost and organic compost also promising treatments for management foot and root rot disease and increasing plant growth parameters as well as yield of groundnut compared to control.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3680
Jubayer AhmedCorresponding author
Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Background This study focused on nutritional status of the rickshaw pullers, their dietary energy and nutrients consumption along with their energy intake gap as compared to expenditure. Methods A cross sectional study was carried out at 15 different important locations of Dhaka city during December-January 2018. In total, 670 rickshaw pullers from these locations were randomly selected. Printed predesigned and validated semi structured questionnaire was used to record necessary information. Nutritional status was determined according to Asia specific BMI cut- off values. Energy expenditure was calculated using their Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Physical Activity Level (PAL) value. 24-hour dietary recall method was administered for dietary analysis. Results About 65.4% of them were found within normal BMI range. About 11.5% were underweight and about 23.1% were found having more than normal BMI. Percentage of both underweight (39.0%) and overweight (35.8%) were found higher among those who were between 25 and 35 years. Average daily dietary energy consumption was 2391 kcal and energy expenditure were found 4608 kcal. Their energy consumption was found 2217 kcal less compared to their energy expenditure. Conclusion The current study revealed the nutritional status, dietary intake of the rickshaw pullers of Dhaka city and found energy gap in their dietary intake compared to their expenditure. For their better health and nutrition outcome integrated approach should be taken by the responsible authorities.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3682
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY 10027, United States
Background to the Issue Many older adults, including those already suffering from chronically painful disabling osteoarthritis of one or more joints remain more susceptible than healthy age and gender matched adults to the COVID-19 corona virus. Aims This report sought to examine what has been published in 2020 on this health condition from the perspective of the variable of widely imposed social isolation strategies designed to mitigate the spread of this highly infectious disease, and to especially keep older community dwelling adults ‘safe’ from infection. Methods Reviewed were all articles published in 2020 in PUBMED from January 1-December 24, 2020 on osteoarthritis and COVID-19 isolation impacts, plus relevant past osteoarthritis and isolation literature among older adults. The focus was on ascertaining how social isolation and distancing strategies might impact current community-dwelling adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis and whether more should be done specifically to mitigate any potentially preventable ‘socially’ induced negative health impact among this group, in spite of the laudable goals of this public health strategy. Results Older adults with osteoarthritis living in the community who are asked to self-isolate, may incur more osteoarthritis pain and disability than would otherwise be encountered if actions taken to counter this possibility are not forthcoming. Advocated over and above basic care approaches are several psychosocial strategies including the role of mobilizing various forms of social support. Conclusion Data indicate a need for concerted thoughtful and immediate attention to offset isolation, fear, and anxiety and depression effects as part of a carefully devised integrated plan of management to reduce excess osteoarthritis disability, as well as excess COVID-19 risk among otherwise free living older adults already compromised by osteoarthritis.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3671
K. Ceesay EbrimaCorresponding author
University of Gambia, Banjul, Gambia
Assesses the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the social and economic situation in Africa. The data use in this paper was generated from online survey questionnaire, in which the participants were asked about certain questions in which covid-19 affect their social-economic live. The questionnaire was design to help Africa to understand covid-19 impacts. The results reveal that covid-19 affected Africa; 1) 51.6% responded said that coronavirus affect their job search 2) Over the past three months, 47.1 percent of the respondents said their private financial situation remain unchanged 3) 61 percent did not trust the true existing of the Covid-19. 5) According to this online survey administered using Google form, 51.8 percent of the respondents said services sectors are most impacted sector pandemic, follow by industrial sector, 31.3 percent and agriculture is least sector at 8.4 percent. Policy implication is that it has serious impacts on social-economics interactions.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3670
K. Ceesay EbrimaCorresponding author
University of Gambia, Banjul, Gambia
Purpose This paper assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Education, Staff development and Training in Africa. Online Research Methodology/Approach The data use in this paper was generated from online survey questionnaire, in which the participants were asked about certain questions in which covid-19 affect their social-economic situation. The questionnaire was design to help Africa to understand covid-19 impacts on their social and economic live. Results The results of this study reveal that coronavirus pandemic affected Africa in a number of ways; 1) 52.2 percent of the respondents said they should open school now in Africa, while 47.8 percent fear they should not open schools 2) 81 percent said before educational institution are closed there is public or official announcement that institutions must be closed due to pandemic—may be 3 months, ……,,…,, one week it depends on the severity of how covid-19 is spreading across the regions in Africa, 10.7 percent of the respondent said it may be and only 8.3 percent said it is not official announced.3) 65.4 percent of the respondents said government implemented an education response for continue of learning in Africa while educational institutions are closed 4) 61.5 percent said use of online/digital learning platform is the method for continuity of learning is currently available for children affected by closures of educational institutes provided by government, while 50 percent said television, radio, or podcast broadcast and 17.9 percent said assigning reading and exercises for home study. 5) 45.3 percent out of 100 percent said use of online or digital learning platform are the proportion of children affected by education institution closure. 38.7 percent said the proportion of children affect are the one that concentrate of using television, radio or podcast broadcasts to get academic content. 14.7 percent of the respondents are the proportion of the children affected by educational institute closure if they are assigning reading and exercises for home study. 6) 52.6 percent of the respondents from non-government organization, private schools said use of online or digital learning platform is the method for continuity of learning is currently available for children affected by closures of educational institutes, while 61.5 percent said use of online/digital learning platform is the method for continuity of learning is currently available for children affected by closures of educational institutes provided by government. The same thing government said as well. Similar respondents from government as do the non-government or private schools and 35.9 percent respondent said television, radio and podcast broadcast are method for continuity of learning is currently available for children affected by closures of educational institutes-provided by non-governmental organization, private schools etc, whereas 50 percent of the respondents said assigning reading and exercises for home study is the method for continuity of learning is currently available for children affected by closures of educational institutes-provided by government.7) 48.1 percent of the respondents said for the impact of covid-19 pandemic on staff development and training that their enterprise or organization partially suspended operation due to the pandemic and 34.2 percent of the responded said they completely suspended operation because of coronavirus pandemic and 16.5 percent said no closures on in operation for staff development and training because of pandemic. 8)According to the results of this question of the online survey, 49.3 percent said the challenges their enterprise face in delivery staff training programmes and activities using online learning or offline learning during covid-19 was due to infrastructure issues such the problem associated with internet and the like. The survey of the study also confirmed that 32.9 percent twice said limited digital skills of trainers and cost of staff training was a major setback to train staff in their enterprise or organization or department or establishment while 30.1 percent said it is due to limited digital literacy of users are the main challenges face by their department in order to train staff. Policy Implications The implication of the results from this online survey is that it has serious impacts on education closure and staff development and training. As educations are closed due to covid-19 pandemic, it will affect already problems of human capital that are hampering the development of Africa. Due to covid-19 pandemic, the achievement of sustainable development goals on quality education will be seriously halted. The government and the ministry in Africa should work hand in hand to solve the problems of children affected by schools closure after the pandemic by either additional hours or provide more study hours for schools to catch-up with what happened during the pandemic, the study noted. Originality/value The impact of covid-19 on education, staff development and training.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-20-3642
H. M. Adam AbubakerCorresponding author
Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, University of Bahri, Khartoum North, Sudan
Today; there is an increasing demand for fertilizers due to the intensive and extensive agricultural activity to meet the ever increasing demand for food and fiber by the rapid world population expansion. This study is mainly concern with the Bat Guano which is usually collected from the Caves. This experiment was conducted at the Farm of the College of Agriculture, University of Bahri, Alkadaro, Khartoum North-Sudan during the period from July to November, 2017 with the objective to investigate the efficacy of Bat Guano and Nitrogen fertilizer on growth and yield of Serena and Opera (Helianthusannus, L.) Hybrid Sunflower cultivars. The study was based on split-plot experiment in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four (4) replications. Data pertaining Plant Height (cm), Leaf Number (LN), Leaf Area (LA), Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Seed Weight (SW) were studied. The said data were analyzed using Statistic 8- software. The results reflected significant increase in plant height (F= 6.05, P < 0.0001, leaf number (F=2.37, P<0.0388), leaf area (F= 7.44, P<0.001), leaf area index (F= 6.53, P < 0.0001) and seed weight of both Sunflower cultivars respectively due to application of Guano and Nitrogen fertilizer compared to the control. It also reflected non-significant difference between all studied traits as application of either Guano or Nitrogen fertilizer. Moreover, all studied characters of the two cultivars have similarly responded to the application of the two types of fertilizers. Further studies are recommended to assess the benefits from the use of Bat Guano as a fertilizer.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-20-3659
C SzuhanekCorresponding author
Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Victor Babes’, Timisoara, Romania
Open bite malocclusion, due to it’s multifactorial etiology, has always been considered a difficult problem to treat. Often associated with transverse maxillary deficiency, this is a real challenge in the field of orthodontics. The traditional approach, for this type of anomaly, in adult patients, is orthognathic surgery and RME (rapid maxillary expansion). There are several approaches to the treatment of adult patients using digital technology. Mini-implant supported palatal expander limits the side effects of the conventional RME and is less invasive compared to orthognathic surgery. Precise and predictable mini-implant insertion, using a customized surgical guide, provides a safe therapeutic approach. This case report combines Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), laser scan superimposition, computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing in order to design and print a customized surgical guide for orthodontic mini-implant insertion. A CBCT scan was performed to determine the optimal site for mini-implants’ placement. Using the 3Shape Trios Intraoral Scanner the maxilla and the mandible were laser-scanned. Blue Sky Plan 4 software was used to design the surgical guide, and RayWare software was used for printing it. 4 mini-implants were inserted using a safe and predictable technique. The 3D technology represents the future of orthodontics, reducing the risks, chair-side time while providing the best treatment plan for the patient.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3634
Oloruntoba Adekeye AdeshinaCorresponding author
Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
The hippocampus is involved in learning and memory processes, an integral component of cognitive function. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of quercetin on manganese-induced neurotoxicity in the hippocampus of the adult mice. In this study, 40 adult mice of average weight of 18 –29g were randomly distributed into five groups of eight each. The brain was harvested and the region of the hippocampus was grossed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. The results revealed a significant increased level of oxidative stress markers of manganese treated mice when compared with the normal control and quercetin treated animals (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis also showed a decrease expression of Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) with quercetin treated animals when compared with manganese treated animals indicating its neuroprotective function. In addition, quercetin treated animals all had an improved working spatial memory in Y-maze test. The histological results also revealed a degeneration of pyramidal cells with a characteristic pyknotic activities at the granular layer of the hippocampus leading to neuronal integrity damage following chronic exposure to manganese but normal architectural design was however maintained with quercetin. Conclusively, exposure to manganese in excess may have adverse effect on extensive neuronal degeneration that could affect the learning, memory and possibly spatial navigation ability of miceand quercetin attenuates this induced neurotoxicity via inhibition of oxidative stress and reduction of TNF expression.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3641
Turk TahirCorresponding author
Background Evidence based message design and efficient dissemination of messages are critical to the success of tobacco control mass media campaigns. Although evidence to measure effectiveness of messages is emerging within low -and middle-income country (LMIC) settings, evidence-based approaches for mass media message dissemination is currently lacking due to challenges in accurate assessment of gross rating points (GRPs) for efficient delivery of campaign messages. Approaches to more accurately predict optimal campaign impact are required to achieve best-buys in resource constrained settings Method A case study approach compared findings from two national tobacco control mass media campaigns implemented in Bangladesh. Stage one reviewed protocols to assess the efficacy of message designs. Second stage analysis involved a review of the mass media campaign recall findings from cross-sectional, post-intervention surveys. Last, a post assessment of GRPs for both campaigns was conducted to support the development of an algorithm to better predict campaign impact at the greatest cost-efficiencies. Results Message mean pre-test scores identified that the Baby Alive campaign scored approximately 20% lower than mean pre-test scores of messages for the Graphic Health Warning campaign. Media dissemination for the Baby Alive campaign was also relatively low at 165GRPs achieving 16.8% prompted recall while the Graphic Health Warning campaign delivered 292GRPs to achieve 47.0% prompted recall. The analytic-predictive model identified that for messages with high pre-test scores an increase of only 1.5GRPs was required to the existing media plan to potentially achieve an additional percentage point of recall. Discussion Given the weaknesses in GRP calculations in LMIC settings, analysis of multiple metrics should be considered to achieve best buys for tobacco control mass media campaigns. Based on optimal message mean pre-test scores of 90%+ and delivery of 292GRPs, which achieved 47% campaign recall, optimal recall of 70% could be predicted with a media plan delivering 342GRPs. More analytical-predictive mass media programming models need to be developed in other LMIC settings examining multiple campaign findings to confirm if this algorithm can provide better returns on investment with efforts directed toward delivering interventions that are supported by a strong evidence base.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3662
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY 10027, United States
Background Most current Corona virus or COVID-19 pandemic deaths have been found to occur among populations older than 65 years of age, who often suffer from the presence of an array of chronic diseases that may be related to a co-occurring vitamin D deficiency. Another factor affecting older adults’ immune response mechanisms is air quality. In turn, air quality can impact the absorption of vitamin D from sunlight sources, a factor which could explain why older people, who are often vitamin D deficient, may be more likely than younger adults or healthy adults to be at risk for COVID-19 and poor outcomes. Aim This work was designed to examine the recent literature on COVID-19, vitamin D and air pollution and what it might imply for public health workers, policy makers, and others. Methods Available data accessed largely from the PUBMED data base for the year 2020 using the key words COVID-19, air pollution, and vitamin D deficiency were sought and selected items were carefully examined and documented in narrative and tabular formats. Results Many publications on COVID-19 prevail, but far fewer focus specifically on vitamin D deficiency and its possible role in explaining COVID-19 global health risk among older adults. A similar, albeit small number of publications, discuss the global pandemics of air pollution and its possible COVID-19 association, as well as its impact on vitamin D production. However, while most related articles support a possible independent as well as a dual role for both factors in COVID-19 the realm of this highly infectious widespread disease, very few actual studies have been conducted to date on any of these topical issues Conclusion More research to examine if vitamin D-based nutrients or supplements may provide some degree of community wide protection against COVID-19 in the older vitamin D populations, especially among those living in highly polluted areas may prove highly valuable. Controlling air pollution emissions globally and locally may also prove to be a highly impactful public health approach to reducing overall COVID-19 risk, and extent, and warrants study.