bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor Noise Exposure and Related Health Risks in a Tertiary Institution within Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Edene A. O. , Eghomwanre A. F.
Published: April 2023

Noise pollution is a problem in many countries around the world. In schools, exposure to noise causes a wide range of adverse effects on the health and performances of students and teachers. This study evaluated indoor noise exposure and related health risks in selected offices, classrooms and laboratories in a tertiary institution within Edo state, Nigeria using a digital sound level meter (Smart Sensor Model AS824). The mean levels of noise in the selected offices, classes and laboratories ranged from 44.1 – 57.9 dB, 52.8- 60.7 9 dB, and 51.1 – 58.4 dB respectively across the Faculty. The mean noise levels all exceeded the WHO and NESREA limits for noise in educational facilities. The level of noise measured in classrooms was significantly higher than those of offices and laboratories in the departments of Computer science (F=4.117; p=0.009), Chemistry (F= 6.41; p = 0.01), and Mathematics (F=3.75; P=0.01). The interactions among students during lectures and operations of office appliances were the most reported sources of high levels of noise in the study area. Stress, fatigue and high blood pressure were mostly identified among students and lecturers as health effects of high noise levels within the Faculty. The planting of trees, installation of sound insulators and awareness creation on the health effects of noise pollution in the institution are strongly recommended.
Current Situation of Municipal Solid Waste Generation in Ca Mau City, Vietnam
Authors: Giao N. T. , Anh N. H. , Nhi P. T. H.
Published: April 2023

The study was implemented to assess the current generation, collection and management status of municipal solid waste in 8 Ward and Ly Van Lam Commune, Ca Mau city. The household survey method was applied by randomly interviewing 60 households, 10 collectors and 2 managers in August 2022. The results recorded that the average MSW generation rate in the study area was 0.60 kg/person/day. The total amount incurred in Ly Van Lam Commune was 70.70 kg/day, lower than 8 Ward (83 kg/day). The MSW in the study area was mainly biodegradable organic and recyclable waste, accounting for 69.22% and 24.44% of the total waste. Meanwhile, others and hazardous waste accounted for a low proportion. The classification of MSW at source had not been carried out synchronously in the study area, the collection rate was only 68.33% and it was treated at the garbage treatment plant in Ca Mau city. In areas where garbage had not been collected, people treated MSW by burning, burying, or disposing of it into the environment. Most people in the study area had quite good awareness of MSW, but there was still limited awareness in some households about the impacts of MSW. Therefore, it was necessary to strictly handle violations that cause environmental pollution, improve traffic routes and guide people to separate waste at source to raise people’s responsibility in solid waste management.
Effect of Coconut Husk Based Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Commercial Based Carboxymethyl Cellulose for Post-Harvest Preservation of Tomato Fruits
Authors: Njoku C. C.
Published: April 2023

Plant-derived biomass such as lignocellulosic materials is a key input for many biotechnological applications and a secure, sustainable and renewable source of energy for the present and beyond. This research work investigated the effect of Coconut Husk based Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMCCH) and Commercial based Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMCCOM) for post-harvest preservation of tomato fruits  for 40 days in ambient temperature. Standard techniques were used to measure changes in quality parameters during the preservation period. The results showed that coated tomato fruits showed delay in weight loss, increased lycopene content and sugar-acid level. A change in pH level, Total Soluble solid and Titratable acidity was also observed. This suggests that using Carboxymethyl cellulose from coconut husks can extend shelf life of tomato fruits for 40 days with minimal quality deterioration.
Tracheostomy without mechanical ventilation in patients with traumatic brain injury at a tertiary referral hospital in Malawi: a cross sectional study
Authors: Mulima Gift , Lie Stein Atle , Charles Anthony , Hanif Asma Bilal , Varela Carlos G. , Banza Leonard N. , Young Sven
Published: April 2023

Background

Tracheostomy alone, without mechanical ventilation, has been advocated to maintain a free airway in patients with traumatic brain injury in low-income settings with minimal critical care capacity. However, no reports exist on the outcomes of this strategy. We examine the results of this practice at a central hospital in Malawi.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of medical records and prospectively gathered trauma surveillance data of patients admitted to Kamuzu Central Hospital, with traumatic brain injury from January 2010 to December 2015. In-hospital mortality rates were examined according to registered traumatic brain injury severity and airway management.

Results

In our analysis, 1875 of 2051 registered traumatic brain injury patients were included; 83.3% were male, mean age 32.6 (SD 12.9) years. 14.2% (n=267) of the patients had invasive airway management (endotracheal tube or tracheostomy) with or without mechanical ventilation. Mortality in severe traumatic brain injury treated with tracheostomy without mechanical ventilation was 42% (10/24) compared to 21% (14/68) in patients treated without intubation or tracheostomy (p= 0.043). Tracheostomies had an overall complication rate of 11%.

Conclusion

Tracheostomy without mechanical ventilation in severe traumatic brain injury did not improve survival outcomes in our setting. Tracheostomy for severe traumatic brain injury cannot be recommended when mechanical ventilation is not available unless there are sufficient specialized human resources for follow up in the ward. Efforts to improve critical care facilities and human resource capacity to allow proper use of mechanical ventilation in severe traumatic brain injury should be a high priority in low-income countries where the burden of trauma is high.
Prevalence of performance enhancing substance use among elite football players in two super league teams in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Chisati Enock M. , Undi Dorothy , Ulili Samuel , Nkhoma Sarai , Mlongoti Mathews
Published: April 2023

Background

Use of performance enhancing substances (PES) is common among athletes with a worldwide prevalence ranging from 5% to 31%. There has been little knowledge of PES use in African athletes with no available data for Malawian football players. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PESs use among elite football players in two super league teams in Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in two super league football teams in Blantyre, Malawi. A modified standard questionnaire obtained from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Social science research package was administered to collect data from a convenient sample of 43 elite football players on the characteristics of participants, prevalence of PESs use and reasons for using PES. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test.

Results

Out of 86 eligible football players, 43 with a mean age of 24 ± 4 years participated in the study. Many players (60%) had secondary education as their highest level of education and most players (86%) had played football for more than five years. Out of 43 participants, 39 (91%) had been using PESs while four (9%) had never used PESs. Out of 13 substances, caffeine (77%), herbal products (40%), and energy bars (40%) were the commonly used PESs while cocaine (2%) was the least used substance among the players. Improving performance was the most common reason (81%) why participants were using PESs followed by increase in lean body mass (35%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of PESs use among elite football players in two super league teams in Blantyre, Malawi is high. The most used PES are caffeine, herbal products and energy bars. Participants mainly use PESs for improved performance in football. Therefore, awareness among elite football athletes and stakeholders on adverse health effects of PES use should be promoted.
Application of the socio-ecological model in the efforts to end COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa: The challenges and success stories
Authors: Tarkang Elvis E. , Amu Hubert
Published: April 2023

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) was detected in December 2019 in the Hubei Province of China. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. The WHO thus proposed country and technical guidelines in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reviewed the preparedness of sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries in ending the pandemic through the adoption of the WHO guidelines. The Socio-Ecological Model was adopted as a conceptual framework in conducting our analysis. We realized that while striving to implement the WHO guidelines, a plethora of microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem factors make it difficult for SSA countries to achieve the desired results aimed at halting the spread of the virus. SSA countries may, therefore, not be able to end the COVID-19 pandemic soon. We recommend various interventions including short- and long-term loan facilities from donor agencies, decentralization of COVID-19 testing to sub-national levels, and increased community engagement to improve risk communication and adherence to public health measures to end the spread of COVID-19 in SSA.
No sign of Rotavirus co-infection in COVID-19 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Zandi Milad , Soltani Saber , Sadooni Riam , Salmanzadeh Shokrollah , Erfani Yousef , Shahbahrami Ramin , Piri Maghsud , Pakzad Reza , Ghodratifard Nasrin , Moghadam Alireza Eftekhari , Abbasi Samaneh
Published: April 2023

Background and aimsThe main goal of the present study is to investigate the incidence of Rotavirus co-infection in COVID-19 patients.Methods and Results Fecal samples of COVID-19 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms which had positive PCR- were collected from Abadan’s hospital, Iran during the period December 2020 to January 2021. Samples were analyzed by RT-PCR to determine the presence of Rotavirus. Finally, the total samples size of 37 were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 48.22 years. Abdominal pain alone was detected in 48.65% of the patients. At least one gastrointestinal symptom was detected in all of the patients. Diarrhea and fever were seen in 13.51% and 59.46% of patients, respectively. Nausea and vomiting were seen in 5.41% of the patients. RT-PCR showed no infection of Rotavirus among the patients. ConclusionGastrointestinal symptoms related to COVID-19 are common. More studies is need among these patients groups for investigate co-infection with other fecal viral shedding carries, due to a worse prognosis and its association with disease severity.
Seroprevalence of Human Cysticercosis in Amper and Kabwir Districts of Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Kum F.O. , Yohanna J.A. , Adeiyongo C.M
Published: April 2023

Human cysticercosis is an important public health problem, particularly in developing countries. The seroprevalence of human cysticercosis in Amper and  Kabwir Districts of Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State was studied between January and March 2019. Blood samples were collected from  151 individuals in the study area. Serum was obtained and Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the prevalence of  1gG antibodies to cysticercosis. Forty-one (41) out of 151 individuals were positive for human cysticercosis giving a seroprevalence of 27.15%.  Seroprevalence was higher in females (29.87%) than in males (24.32%) however, this was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Age group 41 to 50 years  had the highest (33.33%) seroprevalence of infection while individuals 51 years and above had the lowest (16.67%) seroprevalence. Other risk factors that  influenced seroprevalence include the source of drinking water, the type of toilet system used, and the rearing of pigs. Good sanitary measures are  suggested to combat this infection.
Effects of Mosquito Coil Smoke Inhalation on the Haematological, Biochemical, and Histopathological Parameters of Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Okoh H.I. , Odoh I.M. , Ahmed J. , Oluwafemi F. , Morikwe U.C. , Augustine A.
Published: April 2023

Malaria remains the most important mosquito-borne parasitic disease in sub – Saharan Africa and one of the ways of reducing the risk of the disease is  by preventing mosquito–human contact. Mosquito coil (MC) is a coiled substance having one or more insecticides that slowly burns to emit smoke that  repels mosquitoes. Some emissions from mosquito coil smoke (MCS) have however been reported to have various health implications. In this study, we  investigated the effect of MCS inhalation on the haematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters of Wistar rats. Twenty adults male Wistar  rats weighing between 160 and 180g were divided into four groups of five rats each. Group I (G1) served as unexposed control while groups 2 – 4  (G2, G3, G4) were exposed to MCS for 2, 4, and 6 hours respectively each day for eight weeks. At the end of the exposure period, the rats were weighed  and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical parameters while kidney, liver and lung samples were harvested for  histopathology. There was a significant increase (P<0.5) in the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and electrolyte level of exposed rats compared to the control.  Histopathological evaluation of the kidney showed severe congestion of the renal cortex and moderate diffused degeneration of the renal tubules.  Sections of the exposed liver showed mild to moderate periportal cellular infiltration, mild congestion of interstitial capillaries, and mild diffuse hydropic  degeneration of hepatocytes. Similarly, sections of exposed lungs revealed severe congestion and oedema of the lungs, moderate diffuse proliferation of  alveoli pneumocyte, multiple foci of congestion, and oedema with haemorrhage into the alveoli. These findings suggest that exposure to MCS may have  toxic effects on the haematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters of Wistar rats. Friendlier mosquito control alternatives like Long  Lasting Insecticidal–treated Nets should therefore be encouraged.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Burkina Faso: Epidemiological evolution of a vector-borne disease locally called “Ouaga 2000 disease”: a minireview
Authors: Zida A. , Sawadogo P.M. , Guiguemdé K.T. , Soulama I. , Chanolle T. , Traoré S. , Sangaré, I. , Bamba S.
Published: April 2023

In Burkina Faso, the first case of cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) dates from 1960 and a few cases were reported in the following years. The objective of this  review was to collect and analyze available data on CLin Burkina Faso to improve case management and control of disease transmission. A review of  the literature was carried out using the PubMed, Google Scholar and Hinari databases. Publications dealing with the epidemiological aspects of CL, the  parasite species involved, vectors and potential reservoir hosts, as well as drugs used in the treatment of CLwere searched. From 1960 to 1961, Burkina  Faso recorded 13 cases of CL. From 2000 to 2005, an average of more than 1500 CLcases were recorded in Ouagadougou. In 2016 authors reported the  results of the investigation of a second epidemic focus in Larama, Bassins region. More recently, in 2021, an investigation was carried out in a focus in the  Centre-Nord region, bringing the number of CL focus to three in Burkina Faso. Leishmania major is the main species identified. In the wild area in the  Ouagadougou focus, rodents Mastomys, Cricetomys, etc. have been described as the potential reservoir hosts, while in the domestic area, the  animal reservoir would be the dog. In the focus of Ouagadougou, Phlebotomus duboscqi has been suspected since the 1960s as the possible vector of  CL. The diagnosis is essentially microscopic. The first-line treatment meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) accounted for only 65.9% of prescriptions.  According to studies, the relapse rate after the first treatment with pentavalent antimony is about 37%. Despite the neglected disease status given to CL,  there is therefore a need to strengthen the fight against this parasitosis by improving access to diagnosis and treatment, vector control and  investigations to discover possible new endemic foci.
Parasitological and Molecular Studies of Intestinal Helminths among Women in Obi and Oju Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Uweh P.O. , Omudu E.A.
Published: April 2023

The parasitological and molecular studies of intestinal helminth among women in Obi and Oju LGAs, Benue State were investigated. Stool samples were  analysed using the formal-ether concentration technique for the detection of parasites. Well-structured questionnaires were used to elicit socio-  demographic data as well as knowledge of the women towards helminth infection. Representative samples were afterwards processed molecularly using  PCR technology. The parasites recovered were Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia spp., Trichuris  trichiura and Trichomonas vaginalis. An overall prevalence of 9.93% was obtained for helminth infection. Women within the age group of 15-20 years  recorded the highest prevalence (27.77%). Civil servants and single women recorded the highest infection rates (19.52% and 23.82% respectively) while in  terms of education, those with no formal education recorded the highest rate of infection (27.52%). Furthermore, the majority of the women were  unaware of intestinal helminths and the specific types (85.53%). There was also a significant relationship between education, age, and rate of infection  (P<0.05). It was therefore concluded that helminth infection among women in Oju and Obi LGAis comparatively low. The amplification of genes confirms  the presence of Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma haematobium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica. The  detection of T. vaginalis by the polymerase chain reaction buttresses the sensitivity of PCR as a diagnostic tool. There is a need for enlightenment  campaigns against helminth infections in Oju and Obi. Efforts of the government are needed to ensure the provision of efficient molecular facilities for  accurate diagnosis of infection.
Evaluation of the detection of Plasmodium falciparum infection in Urine, Plasma, Serum, and Dried Blood Spots using real-time Polymerase Chain React
Authors: Okangba C.C. , Ajani T.A. , Okangba G.C. , Makanjuola O.B. , Anaedobe C.G. , Oluwole T.O. , Otaigbe I.I. , Osinowo A.O. , Taiwo A.A.
Published: April 2023

Access to timely and accurate diagnostic tests has a significant impact on the management of malaria disease which is a global concern. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of Plasmodium DNA is highly sensitive in diagnosing malaria. The specimen of choice for this assay has been whole blood  samples from patients with malaria caused by Plasmodium species. Nucleic acids can also be detected in urine, serum, plasma, and Dried Blood Spots  (DBS) samples but there are few studies describing the diagnostic performance of PCR. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating the performance of  realtime PCR (qPCR) in detecting malaria parasite DNA in serum, plasma, urine, and DBS. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 146 patients that  attended the clinic at Bayeku, Oreta, Imota, Ijede, Agura Primary Health Centres (PHC) and Ikorodu General hospital of Lagos State. Urine samples and a  total of 5 ml of blood were collected from each participant and made into dried blot spots, plasma, and serum. The samples were screened and assayed  for Plasmodium falciparum by microscopy and Multiplex qPCR respectively. The sensitivity of qPCR using plasma, serum and urine specimens were 100%,  87%, and 52.6% respectively, while the specificity was 82%, 87.5% and 80% respectively. Parasite detection by microscopy showed greater  agreement with detection by qPCR in serum (79.4%) than qPCR from plasma (75%) or urine (58.3%). In conclusion, malaria detection using qPCR assay on  plasma has high sensitivity and can be used as an alternative to microscopy.
Intensive care unit deaths among neurosurgery patients in a tertiary hospital in South Western Nigeria
Authors: Rabiu T.B. , Uthman I.I. , Folami E.O.
Published: April 2023

Background: Neurosurgical patients are the most critical ICU admissions. While advancements in neurosurgical ICUs (NICU) have improved outcomes of care globally, ICU mortality remains a major clinical issue in developing nations. This study evaluates ICU mortalities of neurosurgical patients in a general ICU setting at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria.

Method: Case records of neurosurgery patients who died in the ICU of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, South-Western, Nigeria from June 2012 to  May 2022 were reviewed. Simple descriptive statistics of data on demographics, clinical diagnoses, management and outcome were done.

Results: Mortality rate was 38.9% (84 of 216 admissions). Males were 67(79.8%) and the mean age was 41.5years (Range: 2-85years). The average  duration of ICU stay was 3.5days (Range: 30minutes-20days). Most patients had severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (62, 73.8%). This was followed by  cerebrovascular diseases (12, 14.3%) and brain tumours (6, 7.1%). Two had brain abscess. One patient each had mixed subacute/chronic subdural  haematoma and severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Of the 69 whose case files were found, 7(10.1%) had a diagnosis of brainstem death before  eventual 'final' death after an average of 13.5 additional hours on mechanical life support. The identified secondary causes of death included raised ICP,  sepsis, primary surgical haemorrhage, seizures, acute kidney injury, malignant hypertension, poor glycaemic control and aggressive blood pressure  lowering. Only 1 patient had autopsy.

Conclusion: Most ICU mortalities among neurosurgical patients were from severe TBI. The establishment of NICU  is necessary to improve outcome of care of neurosurgical patients.
Knowledge, acceptability and utilization of epidural analgesia in antenatal clinic attendees at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital (UTH), Osogbo, Osun State
Authors: Bola-Oyebamiji S.B. , Azeez R.A. , Farinloye E.O. , Folami E.O.
Published: April 2023

Background/Objective: Labour pain is perceived as the most harrowing and agonizing event of a woman's life. Efforts at reducing the pain and making  the event less stressful have predated modern obstetric practice. Epidural analgesia has provided effective pain relief in labour for over three decades.  Delivery with epidural analgesia is routine for willing parturients in the developing world, however ignorance, cost as well as lack of qualified personnel  has made this to be out of reach of the average Nigerian mother. The aim of this study was to assess level of awareness, acceptability, previous utilization  and willingness to utilize epidural analgesia in labour following health education.

Subjects/Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the antenatal clinic of UTH, Osogbo. Health education on events of labour and methods  of analgesia available was provided to all antenatal clinic attendees between September 2021and March 2022, following which a semi–structured  purpose designed, and self- administered questionnaire was administered to 415 of these women who consented to participate in this study.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 32.57± 4.42 years and mean parity of 1.73± 0.96. 70.8% reported that labour pain was severe. 41.7% were  aware of epidural analgesia before the health talk. 3.6% of our subjects had utilized epidural in their last confinement. However, only 47.7% expressed a  wish to utilize epidural analgesia in labour.

Conclusion: Awareness of epidural analgesia in study population was passable at 40% however willingness to utilize it was less than average despite  health talk and reassurance by their attending obstetric team.
Meat quality characteristics of Tankwa goats from Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Authors: Sako T. , O’Neill H.A. , Sedumedi T.
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the post-mortem meat quality characteristics of extensively reared Tankwa goats to identify the most favourable age and sex for slaughter. Twenty-four goats, representing five groups, namely young intact males (G1), young females (G25), young castrates (G3), old males (G4), and females (G5), were selected directly from their natural grazing environment and slaughtered to evaluate meat quality characteristics. The Musculus longissimus and Musculus semimembranosus from the right side of each carcass were evaluated. Dressing percentage and chilling losses did not differ significantly between the groups. Ultimate pH at 24 hours after slaughter was higher for males than females. Meat colour, water-holding capacity, and sarcomere length did not differ between groups. Myofibril fragmentation length (MFL) was on average less than 40 μm and was shorter in younger animals. There were no significant differences in cooking loss and thawing loss for M. longissimus and M. semimembranosus between groups. There were no significant differences in Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) between groups for meat from the M. semimembranosus. However, WBSF of the M. longissimus was higher in older animals. Overall, meat from these goats can be regarded as tender because meat with a WBSF below 5.5 is considered as tender.
The effect of pre-slaughter electrical stunning on bleeding efficiency, meat quality, histology, and microbial count of several goat muscles
Authors: Al-Amri I.S. , Kadim I.T. , Alkindi A.Y. , Haq Q. M.I. , Al-Ajmi D.S. , Haemd A. , Quibol R. , Al-Magbali R.S. , Khalaf S.K. , Hosni K.S. Al
Published: April 2023

This study was designed to compare the effect of non-electrical stunning and electrical stunning on bleeding efficiency, meat quality characteristics, bacterial count, and histology of longissimus thoraces, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, infraspinatus, semimembranosus, and triceps brachii muscles of goats. Forty goats were randomly divided into two groups: electrical stunning and non-electrical stunning with 20 animals each. Low frequency head-only electrical stunning of 1 Amp for 3 s at a frequency of 50 Hz was used. The slaughter was performed by severing the carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and oesophagus. Six muscles were kept in a chiller at 3–4 ºC for 24 h before quality measurements. Samples from the infraspinatus, longissimus thoraces, and semitendinosus muscles were preserved to evaluate histological features. Muscle samples from the non-electrical stunning group had substantially higher blood loss and lower bacterial counts after 72 h across the six muscles compared to the electrical stunning group. No significant differences in meat quality parameters were evident between the two groups. The stained sections of the electrically-stunned muscle samples detected alteration phenomena due to the presence of muscle fibres with split myofibres and myofibres with central rather than peripheral nuclei. Electrical stunning prior to slaughter increased bacterial contamination, decreased blood loss, and altered the position of muscle nuclei.
Effects of yeast hydrolysate versus plasma powder on growth, immunity, and intestinal morphology of weanling piglets
Authors: Hu X.Q. , Gao Z. , Hu J.P. , Wang W.B. , Dai J.J. , Gong AQ. , Wang X.D.
Published: April 2023

Yeast hydrolysate (YH) is rich in amino acids, small peptides, B vitamins, glutathione, and nucleotides, which makes it a possible substitute for spray-dried plasma powder (SDPP). This research was conducted to estimate the application of YH instead of SDPP in creep feed of weaned piglets. The experiment had four treatment groups: (1) basal diet (CON group), (2) CON + 4% YH (YH group), (3) CON + 2% YH + 2% SDPP (SY group), and (4) CON + 4% SDPP (SDPP group). Growth performance, biochemical parameters, immunoglobulin levels, and intestinal tissue morphology were measured. No substantial difference in growth performance between the YH, SY, and SDDP groups was found; however, compared with the CON group, the performance of these three groups was substantially improved. The contents of serum globulin and ALP in the CON group were markedly decreased compared to the other groups, but the AST level was substantially increased. The IL-10 concentration in the other groups was substantially higher than the CON group, and the highest content was in group YH; the TNF-α content showed an opposite trend. The levels of serum IgG and IgA in the CON group were the lowest among all groups. There were substantial differences among the groups in villi height and crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The results showed that YH effectively increased IL-10 concentration and decreased TNF-α level to promote intestinal development, while not differing from SDPP in terms of growth performance.
Recession and deflation?
Authors: Blanchflower David G. , Bryson Alex
Published: April 2023

Central bankers are raising interest rates on the assumption that wage-push inflation may lead to stagflation. This is not the case. Although unemployment is low, the labour market is not ‘tight.’ On the contrary, we show that what matters for wage growth are the non-employment rate and the under-employment rate. Both are high and act as brakes on wage growth. By lowering already low levels of consumer confidence, higher interest rates are liable to exacerbate workers’ inability to maintain their real wages by reducing labour demand still further. Furthermore, we argue inflationary pressures have been generated by short-term supply side problems, rather than excessive demand in the economy. Under these conditions, just as in the Great Recession, we anticipate deflation in the near future, coupled with rising joblessness and recession.
Cyber Sanctions as a Tool of Competition in Global Cyberspace
Authors: Balakhonova S. I.
Published: April 2023

This paper delves into the issue of cyber sanctions as a novel tool in the context of the transforming global order and the fierce competition amongst great powers, which is gradually extending into cyberspace due to the growing role of information and communication technologies. The contours of geopolitical rivalry are refl ected in cyberspace, creating the potential for a quick transition from cyberspace to reality. The article investigates the risks posed by cyber-attacks, studies the nature of the contradictions between the norms of international law and cyber sanctions, carries out an analysis of the legal frameworks of the main initiating countries, and reviews the practice of imposing cyber sanctions. Following these eff orts, the conclusion was reached that cyber sanctions are traditional measures used to deter, limit, and punish malicious actions in cyberspace. An analysis of the legal bases of the main initiating countries revealed that the United States pursues its national interests, while the EU rather uses the tool to project its normative power. The cybersphere, amid this process of transforming the world order, creates opportunities for asymmetric wars and is used by states to compensate for geopolitical inequalities in the absence of rules governing behavior. The damage from a cyber-attack can be signifi cant both politically and economically. However, the consensus of the great powers on the development of common norms governing behavior in cyberspace is not possible in the short and medium term. This is due to the fact that the key initiating countries (the U.S. and the EU) are increasingly resorting to unilateral measures, while the main target states (Russia and China) appeal to the norms of international law. As the foundations of the neoliberal world order are being eroded, the antagonism of states will increase. Cyber sanctions do not oblige the initiator to provide evidence, give an accurate assessment of the damage, and do not entail the opposite eff ect per se, increasing only the image costs for opponents. Therefore, cyber sanctions are expected to become more widespread in the future.
Political Economy and International Relations
Authors: Arapova E. , Yurova N.
Published: April 2023

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Nation und Exklusion
Authors: Ahlheim Klaus , Heger Bardo
Published: April 2023

„Ich bin stolz, Deutscher zu sein“, lange Jahre gehörte dieser Satz zum exklusiven Repertoire rechtsextremen Denkens. Inzwischen aber ist er wieder mehrheits- und mittefähig, nicht erst seit der schwarz-rot-goldenen Euphorie des WM-Sommers 2006. Aber der Stolz der Deutschen, Deutsche zu sein, ist von Nebenwirkungen nicht frei. Fremdenfeindliche Vorurteile, Antisemitismus und Schlussstrich-Mentalität sind mit dem Stolz auf das Vaterland eng verbunden. Die Studie von Klaus Ahlheim und Bardo Heger arbeitet mit verschiedenen aktuellen und repräsentativen Daten und fordert zur Nachdenklichkeit auf angesichts einer allgegenwärtigen nationalstolzen Stimmung hierzulande und, auch darauf gehen die Autoren ein, in Europa.
Electricity Generation by Wind Using Resonance and Piezoelectric Effect
Authors: Rahangdale Rupali R. , Gurnule Bhushan G. , Bhoskar Mayur K. , Dupare Aarti S. , Jais Vipin V.
Published: April 2023

Faraday's law of Electromagnetic Induction is the working principle behind A.C.-D.C. generators, which contributes a major part of the generated electricity utilized today. However, the Photoelectric Effect used in Solar cells is also a useful source of renewable energy produced from the sun. In this research work, we have tried to generate electricity from the concept of Resonance and Piezoelectric Effect. To achieve the goal, we have used a thin strip of stretch-resistant material which naturally has the property of resisting the applied stretching force. The length of this stretch-resistant material will be set up so that the incoming airflow will make the thin strip vibrate at its resonant frequency. This will create high-amplitude mechanical vibrations on the thin strip. Now, these vibrations will be passed to the piezoelectric material. Piezoelectric materials have the property to exhibit the piezoelectric effect, which will convert the high amplitude mechanical vibrations passed by thin strips to the piezoelectric material into electrical discharge and hence, we generated electricity from wind using Piezoelectric Effect & Resonance. Due to less moving parts in our setup, it is theoretically more efficient in high wind conditions where a windmill usually fails to work. The only moving part is the thin strip which moves in a flapping motion hence, the generator is named a flapping generator. Even though the generated electricity is in a lesser amount, we can create an array of some such setups to increase the output electricity (as we do in solar energy generation) as per our requirement.
Ejecución técnica en fútbol femenino según la edad y el nivel de experiencia deportiva
Authors: Larriva González Francisco Javier , Jarrin Navas Santiago Alejandro , Rodríguez Zárate Natalia María
Published: April 2023

La investigación hace referencia a la Ejecución Técnica en fútbol femenino según la edad y el nivel de experiencia deportiva, se realizó en la ciudad de Azogues, en la parroquia Javier Loyola en la Universidad Nacional de Educación UNAE, considerando que la preparación de la ejecución técnica es importante para descubrir las habilidades de las deportistas en el fútbol y que su rendimiento en el campo de juego se desempeñe de manera óptima; el estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la ejecución técnica en fútbol femenino según la edad y el nivel de experiencia deportiva; se utilizó un diseño no experimental, con un enfoque cualitativo, se aplicó como instrumento de recolección de información una encuesta, además una ficha de observación, evidenciando en la parte del análisis de los resultados de los instrumentos de recolección de información que las deportistas les gusta realizar el entrenamiento de manera grupal debido que a través de ellos genera ambientes de motivación, al igual que según la experiencia las deportistas en el entrenamiento demostraron ejecutar las técnicas en un equilibrio normal, es por ello que se requiere demostrar entusiasmo en el entrenamiento para que se potencialice de manera correcta el control y dominio del balón en el campo de juego.
Latihan Senam Aerobic Intensitas Sedang (Low Impact) terhadap Penurunan Persen Lemak Tubuh dan Berat Badan
Authors: Rubiyatno  , Eka Supriatna  , Maharani Fatima Gandasari
Published: April 2023

Tujuan pada penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui dampak  latihan senam aerobic yang dilakukan dengan intensitas sedang (low impact) terhadap penurunan persen lemak tubuh dan berat badan. Pelaksanaan latihan senam aerobic ini dilakukan selama 3 kali dalam seminggu. Peneliti menggunakan metode eksperimen semu, tanpa adanya kelompok kontrol dan 1 kali perlakuan kepada 1 kelompok.  Peneliti memilih 10 orang sebagai sampel penelitian dari populasi member senam SOGO GYM sebanyak 19 orang yang mengikuti latihan senam aerobik sesuai dengan program latihan yang sudah diberikan. Uji paired t-test dilakukan untuk analisis data pada penelitian ini. Hasil pada penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa latihan senam aerobik yang dilakukan terjadinya penurunan persen lemak tubuh 76,32% dan penurunan berat badan 56,67%. Dari hasil penelitian tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa latihan senam aerobic dengan intensitas sedang (low impact) dapat memberikan dampak signifikan terhadap pernurunan persen lemak tubuh dan berat badan pada member senam SOGO GYM.
Analisis Kesuksesan Implementasi E-Kinerja di Kota Salatiga Menggunakan Model DeLone-McLean
Authors: Manora Elsa , Maria Evi , Chernovita Hanna Prillysca
Published: April 2023

The Agency for Personnel and Human Resources Development (BKPSDM), Salatiga City, implements e-Kinerja to analyze job requirements, job workloads and units or work units, as a basis for calculating work performance and awarding awards. BKPSDM has never measured the success of using e-Kinerja. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the implementation of e-Kinerja in BKPSDM, Salatiga City using the DeLone-McLean model. E-Kinerja users in BKPSDM, Salatiga City are a sample of this research. The total sample was 66 respondents. The questionnaires were measured using Likert Scale and testing was conducted using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation method. Research obtained empirical evidence that successful implementation of e-Kinerja plays a role in improving performance in BKPSDM. The research findings are also robust in additional testing. The average weight of the measurement item, which is 4.04 and the success rate of e-Kinerja implementation is 80.8 percent. E-kinerja successful in improving job performance in BKPSDM, Salatiga City.
Penerapan Algoritma Support Vector Regression untuk Prediksi Jumlah Pasien Covid-19 di Provinsi Riau
Authors: Widiarni Adyah , Mustakim Mustakim
Published: April 2023

In 2019, at the end of December, there was an outbreak of a disease with an unknown cause in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The World Health Organization has named the outbreak of the disease as coronavirus caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or Covid-19. Covid-19 is a disease outbreak that has spread in various regions of Indonesia, such as in Riau, at PT. Nusantara V Plantation (PTPN V). So we need a way to increase awareness and vigilance, namely by presenting information using Data Mining in predicting the number of cases with thealgorithm Support Vector Regression (SVR). The prediction process is carried out using SVR by specifying the SVR and Kernel Linear parameters. The SVR algorithm can predict the number of Covid-19 patients in the next 30 days so that the Correlation Coefficienti (R) level is 85% and the Mean Square Error (MSE) value is 0.196. From the results of the experiment, there was a decrease in cases of Covid-19 patients at PT. Perkebunan Nusantara V in the next 30 days, with the acquisition of the best minimum sensitivity value of 0.09
Penerapan Algoritma K-Nearest Neighbor Untuk Klasifikasi Warga Penerima Bantuan Sosial
Authors: Pahrudin Pajar , Harianto Kusno
Published: April 2023

Social Assistance (BanSos) is a government program intended for lower-middle families. Social assistance is assistance given to the community, especially the lower middle class, which is not continuous and selective. Many types of social assistance are provided by the government with the aim of prospering and helping the community's economy. However, the problem that occurs is that there are still many people who receive social assistance that are not people who deserve to receive social assistance, while the lower middle class who should receive social assistance are neglected and do not receive the social assistance. It should be for the distributor or the kelurahan to form groups for residents who are entitled to receive social assistance. The process of grouping the recipients of social assistance can be done by processing the data of residents who have the right to receive the social assistance. The data processing can be done by using data mining. One of the algorithms that can be used to solve problems in data mining is the K-Nearest Neighbor algorithm. After carrying out the overall process with a value of K = 5, it was found that the new data from residents was declared eligible to receive social assistance
Penerapan Metode Topsis Pada Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Kelayakan Penerima Dana Bantuan Operasional Sekolah
Authors: Azahari Azahari , Pahrudin Pajar , Yunita Yunita
Published: April 2023

One of the ways used to fulfill education. The Indonesian government implements a 12-year compulsory education program. Although there is a 12-year compulsory education program by the government, there are still some students who cannot continue their education due to factors from the family economy who are unable to meet the needs or costs of the education they take. The School Operational Assistance Fund (BOS) is a financial aid given to underprivileged students/I to be able to meet learning needs such as tuition fees, book fees or personal needs that support the implementation of education for students/I. For private schools, the School Operational Assistance Fund (BOS) has its own quota to be given to students. The organizing committee for the recipients of the School Operational Assistance Fund (BOS) is required to be fair and honest in the selection process. The error is because there is still no special provision used for the selection process or the assessment process carried out by the school. Decision Support System (DSS) is a system that has been integrated with a computer, where the decision support system is used to provide certain provisions that can be used to assist in providing recommendations in the decision-making process. TOPSIS uses the principle that the chosen alternative must have the closest distance from the positive ideal solution and the farthest from the negative ideal solution from a geometric point of view by using Euclidean distance to determine the relative proximity of an alternative to the optimal solution. By applying the TOPSIS method, Alternative 4 (A4) was selected as the beneficiary with a final score of 0.7251
Sistem Penentuan Lokasi Menara Base Transceiver Station dengan Algoritma AHP-TOPSIS
Authors: Amar Muh. Ikhsan , Ramdana Ramdana , DA Alvian Tri Putra
Published: April 2023

Cellular telecommunication technology has now become an inseparable part of the increasingly mobile pattern of human life, this of course has an impact on the number of uses of cellular telecommunication technology which is increasing every day. This increase has encouraged cellular telecommunications technology vendors to continuously improve the quantity and quality of their telecommunications networks by establishing telecommunications equipment such as Base Transceiver Station (BTS) towers at strategic points. This study aims to build a system for determining the location of BTS towers that can provide visualization of information on the distribution of existing BTS towers and their coverage area radius. Analysis and location determination using a combination of AHP and TOPSIS methods. The AHP method is used to determine the objectivity of the weight and importance of the BTS tower location criteria. Furthermore, the results of the comparison of criteria will be used in the TOPSIS method to assess the rating of each candidate location. The results of the study obtained that the criteria for the location of BTS towers were population density with a weight of 0.42, the distance of the existing tower was 0.2, location access was 0.31, and the installation cost was 0.08. Meanwhile, the candidate locations were measured using linguistic variables with a weight of 0.67 for very good criteria, 0.23 for good, and 0.10 for good enough. System testing was carried out on determining the location of the BTS tower in Sinjai Borong District by analyzing three candidate locations and the results obtained that the Samaenre location was the best candidate with a rating value of 0.74.
Analisis Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Penerima Beasiswa Terbaik Menerapkan Metode Weight Aggregated Sum Product Assesment (WASPAS) dengan Pembobotan Rank Order Centroid (ROC)
Authors: Sopyan Yayan , Lesmana Agria Dwi
Published: April 2023

KIP Kuliah is one of the government's education equity programs. The KIP Kuliah program is intended for students who graduate from high school or its equivalent, but not all students can benefit from the KIP Kuliah program. Students who are entitled to benefit from the KIP Kuliah program are those who have academic potential but whose economic circumstances do not allow them to continue their education at tertiary institutions. The process of selecting scholarship recipients is a new problem for tertiary institutions, where quotas and the number of applicants are sometimes unbalanced, so a rigorous selection process is needed based on an assessment of the economic condition of the family and the achievements of the scholarship recipient candidates. Therefore, a Decision Support System (DSS) is needed to overcome this problem using the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPASS) and rank order centroid (ROC) methods to find the best alternative scholarship recipients. The results obtained from this study are the recipients of the best alternative scholarship A6, with the highest score of 0.57, followed by other alternatives based on the ranking results in this DSS calculation.
Perbandingan Algoritma K-Means dan Fuzzy C-Means untuk Clustering Citra Daun Melon
Authors: Siregar Ardinsyah , Buono Agus , Priandana Karlisa
Published: April 2023

Melon plants are plants that are susceptible to disease, both diseases caused by viruses and those caused by bacteria. One part of the plant that can be affected by the disease is the leaves. Leaves on diseased plants generally change color which will then affect other leaves and inhibit the development and growth of these plants. This study aims to classify melon plant diseases from melon leaf images. The data used in this study are 160 images of melon leaves which will be grouped into several groups from the healthy group to the unhealthy group. The method used is the Clustering method, namely: K-Means algorithm and Fuzzy C-Means algorithm. Clustering results using K-Means and Fuzzy C-Means can be compared to get the best clustering results. The comparison results show the Fuzzy C-Means Clustering method with a validation value of 0.8359 and the K-Means Clustering method with a validation value of 0.5793. The final result shows that the Fuzzy C-Means Clustering method is better than the K-Means Clustering method because the validation value is close to 1.