bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical and morphological outcome of one-stage laparoscopic orchidopexy with preservation of gubernaculum and interruption of spermatic vessels in comparison to two-stages fowler–Stephens’s orchidopexy technique with preservation of gubernaculum for impalpable testis
Authors: El Kashory Ahmed I. , Dahab Mohamed M. , ElSherbeny Mohammed S. , El Asmar Khaled M. , Abdelhamid Sameh A.
Published: December 2023

Background

For the care of nonpalpable testis, laparoscopy has acquired complete acceptability in both diagnostic and therapeutic settings. Standard laparoscopic for situations where the length of the spermatic arteries can prevent tension-free testicular mobilization in the scrotum, Fowler-Stephens’ (F-S) orchidopexy is a widely used and acknowledged procedure. Maintaining a healthy testis’ vascularity requires gubernaculum sparing with testicular vessel cutting. Our research recommends using the F-S approach with the preservation of the gubernaculum in a single stage rather than two phases for the same outcomes. Setting: the pediatric surgery outpatient clinic at hospitals affiliated with Ain Shams University and the Armed Forces Hospitals.

Patients and methods

This was a Randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT), conducted on boys with nonpalpable testicles between 1 and 6 years old, in 2 Egyptian pediatric surgery units, between October 2019 and September 2022. The patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups to compare their outcome (atrophy and success rate): (group A with 25 impalpable testicles was subjected to one-stage laparoscopic assisted orchidopexy with interruption of spermatic vessels and preservation of the gubernaculum, while group B with 25 impalpable testicles was subjected to two-stages laparoscopic assisted orchidopexy with interruption of spermatic vessels and preservation of the gubernaculum).

Results

The mean age of all patients was (3.9±1.8), 113 nonpalpable testicles were examined during the period of our study, and 50 nonpalpable testicles met our inclusion criteria. They were divided into two groups according to surgical procedure. There were no significant differences between the two groups according to age, and preoperative testicular volume. Postoperative outcome (atrophy and success rate) had no significant differences. Operative time and hospital stay were statistically decreased in the group performed with one stage.

Conclusion

To conclude, one-stage laparoscopic F-S orchidopexy with preservation of gubernaculum is as effective as two-stage laparoscopic F-S orchidopexy with preservation of gubernaculum.
Laparoscopic minigastric bypass as a revisional choice for failed restrictive bariatric procedure and its metabolic impact
Authors: Hassan Mustafa Mohamed Gadelkareem , Mohammed Amer Yehia , Abdelhamed Waleed Ibrahem
Published: December 2023

Background

Restrictive bariatric procedures, like laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), are associated with an increased risk of long-term failure. The efficacy of One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has been described in primary and revisional settings, with a lack of Egyptian studies regarding OAGB as a revisional surgery. Herein, we describe our experience regarding 1-year outcomes of OAGB as a revisional surgery after failed LSG or LAGB.

Patients and methods

Fifty patients with failed LSG or LAGB were enrolled in this prospective study. All cases underwent laparoscopic OAGB, and its effects on weight loss and obesity-related comorbidities were noticed after 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

The duration of the operation ranged between 45 and 120 min Postoperative complications included leakage (2%), hemorrhage (2%), and port site infection (2%). OAGB as a revisional surgery led to a significant and effective weight loss, as the percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) had mean values of 23.72%, 51.54%, and 80.25% at the scheduled visits, respectively. The procedure was associated with a significant rise in hemoglobin and albumin, significant decline in blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, vitamin B12, and most lipid profile parameters, with no significant changes in serum calcium and high-density lipoproteins. Beneficial effects (remission or improvement) were noticed in 88.9% of diabetic cases, 80% of hypertensive cases, and 100% of reflux cases at one-year follow-up visit.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic OAGB as a revisional surgery is a safe and efficacious procedure in the management of patients with failed previous restrictive procedures like LSG and LAGB.
Modified Blumgart versus modified Heidelberg technique for pancreatic anastomosis in pancreaticoduodenectomy, which is more effective?
Authors: Saber Hatem S. , Sabry Ahmed , Elsaid Kamal
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Leakage from pancreatic anastomosis is the main cause of postoperative mortality and morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Advanced studies suggested Blumgart anastomosis (BA) and modified BA (m-BA) as a technique that may minimize major complications after PD. This study compares m-BA with modified Heidelberg anastomosis (m-HA) for pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) after PD as a single-center experience.

Methods

A total of 46 patients who underwent PD at Ain Shams University Hospitals between January 2021 and February 2023 were enrolled in this research. The patients were categorized into two groups according to the anastomosis type. 24 patients underwent anastomosis using m-BA (group A) and 22 patients underwent anastomosis using m-HA (group B). The primary outcome is postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), bleeding, and mortality. The secondary outcome is the duration of the procedure, the number of sutures used, and other complications.

Results

The demographic and all preoperative data were insignificantly different between both groups. The operative time was significantly less in m-BA group as the time of the pancreatic anastomosis was significantly lower (21.08±3.5 min) in comparison to m-HA (69.32±8.4 min) P value less than 0.001.

The polydioxanone suture (PDS) threads consumed were significantly less in m-BA in comparison to m-HA (median (IQR) 9 (9–9) and 28 (26–30), respectively, P value < 0.001)

POPF was less in the m-BA group than m-HA (16.7 and 31.8%, respectively, P value 0.229) and postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (16.7% and 22.7%, respectively, P value 0.609), and the POPF in the soft pancreas was much less in m-BA (10% and 50%, respectively, P value 0.051), although statistically insignificant but it is clinically significant.

Conclusion

The m-BA technique can provide a better solution for pancreatic remnant management with less POPF, especially in soft pancreas with high fistula risk score, however, a small sample size may be the cause of the statistically insignificant difference, so larger studies are required. Nevertheless, m-BA consumes a lower number of PDS sutures with much lower cost and also less operative time.
Outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients
Authors: Ghanem Ahmed M. , Bakr Ahmed A. , Hussein Ahmed H.
Published: December 2023

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the conventional therapy for both symptomatic gallbladder stones and acute cholecystitis; nevertheless, these outcomes are representative of the overall population. Our study’s objective was to evaluate the efficacy of LC in individuals aged 60 and older.

Methods

This prospective research was performed on 200 elderly cases aged 60 or older who underwent LC. Cases were classified into two groups regarding the age, group (A): Cases aged greater than or equal to 70 years and group (B) Cases aged 60 −less than or equal to 69 years. Group (A) were subdivided into three groups: age from 70 to 72 years (group A1), age from 73 to 76 (group A2), and age from 77 to 80 (group A3) were the additional age categories created from the original group of patients.

Results

American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score increased with age in both groups. In group B, 15.5% had ASA scores greater than or equal to 3, and increased to 37.5% in group A1, 68.8% in group A2 and 80.0% in group A3. ASA classification was significantly different between both groups (P<0.001). Acute cholecystitis was found in 8 (17.8%) patients in group A and 24 (15.48%) patients in group B whereas chronic cholecystitis was found in 37 (82.2%) patients in group A and 131 (84.5%) patients in group B, with no significant difference between both groups (P=0.890). The majority of surgically treated patients in all research groups were diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis.

Conclusion

LC in elderly patients is applicable with low mortality and morbidity rates. Despite the common prevalence of concurrent disorders involving the lung, heart, and diabetes mellitus (DM) in geriatric patients treated with LC, these medical conditions contributed slightly to the morbidity findings.
Management of borderline common bile duct stones: Retrospective comparative study
Authors: Taha Abdallah M. , Ahmed Saada , Abdelhameid Mahmoud , Maklad Ahmad A. , Abozeid Mahmoud A. , Abdelshafy Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Background

Borderline Size common bile duct stones (BLS-CBDS) are associated with hepato-pancreato-biliary morbidity and complications. Its optimum management is still controversial till now.

Aim

Is to compare conservative treatment versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the treatment of BLS-CBDS.

Material and methods

This retrospective study included patients with BLS-CBDS less than or equal to 10 mm who were treated conservatively or by ERCP endoscopic stone extraction followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The primary outcome was successful common bile duct (CBD) clearance, and the secondary outcomes were complications, impact on laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and hospital stay.

Results

Out of 270 patients, 150 were treated by ERCP and 120 by the Conservative approach. There was complete clearance of CBDS in 75 (50%) patients out of 150 patients in the ERCP group and useless procedure in the remaining 75 (50%) patients. In the conservative group, there was complete clearance of CBDS in 99 (82.5%) cases, and useless in the remaining 21 (17.5%) patients. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 33 (22%) patients.

Conclusion

BLS-CBDS increases the technical difficulty of ERCP and the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Conservative management of CBDS is effective in clearing CBDS, it should be considered to avoid unnecessary ERCP and its complications.
N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide as a predictor for myocardial preservation in cases of isolated severe Aortic stenosis
Authors: Doghish Ayman A. , Ahmed El Feky Tarek Y. , Jawad Mohamed N. A. , Hamid Osama A. A. , El Kerdany Ahmed B.
Published: December 2023

Background

Myocardial hypertrophy is a common pathologic finding in the natural history of severe aortic stenosis. A hypertrophied myocardium predisposes the patient to decreased tolerance to ischemia and increased reperfusion injury, myocardial protection is of utmost importance in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe aortic valve stenosis.

Myocardial protection techniques during cardiac arrest have been extensively investigated in the clinical setting of coronary revascularization. However, fewer studies have been carried out on patients affected by left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, where the choice of type, and temperature of cardioplegia remains controversial.

Aim

The study investigates preoperative N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP), its relation to Troponin I levels, and whether it can predict a preferred cardioplegic solution by comparing the short-term outcomes of the two commonly used blood and Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) cardioplegic solutions in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis.

Patients and methods

A total of 72 patients will be randomly allocated into two groups; group (A=36) received HTK solution, and group (B=36) received blood cardioplegia. All anesthesia protocols are unified among all patients. All surgical procedures were conducted on a cardioplegic arrested heart via standard median sternotomy, utilizing full Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) via aorto-atrial cannulation and LV venting through a left atrial catheter under moderate hypothermia (28–32°C) by topical cooling.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference found between group A and group B regarding post-operative ejection fraction (EF) and newly developed postoperative Regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA).

There was no statistically significant difference found between group A and group B regarding the percentage of patients with atrial fibrillation, ventilation hours, and exploration while there was a statistically significant increase in troponin, I level in group B than group A.

There was a statistically significant negative correlation between NT pro-BNP preoperative and aortic valve area (AVA) and also with ejection fraction preoperative while there was a statistically significant positive correlation found between NT pro-BNP and troponin I preoperative and postoperative.

Conclusion

HTK solution and Blood cardioplegia both offer sufficient protection for the myocardium. NT pro-BNP serves as a sensitive indicator for predicting the results and effectiveness of different cardioplegia types
Early and mid-term results of surgical treatment of atrioventricular septal defect; analysis of risk factors for adverse outcomes: left atrioventricular valve regurgitation
Authors: Ayoub Mina , Samir Khalid , El Midany Ashraf A.H. , El-Fattah Mohamed A. A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Advances in the perioperative management and optimization of the timing of primary repair have gradually improved the early clinical outcome of surgical correction of atrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs). However, the late outcome still remains compromised by the substantial risk of reoperation, of which mainly the development of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) dysfunction challenge the long-term survival and morbidity of these children.

In particular, LAVV regurgitation (LAVVR) is responsible for a reoperation rate between 5 and 19%, both for complete AVSD (cAVSD) and partial AVSD (PAVSD) children.

Results of surgical correction of AVSDs) have improved over the last decades; however, the need for reoperation after primary AVSD repair remains a major concern. We conducted this study to analyze risk factors leading to LAVVR in the early and mid-term follow-up postsurgical repair of AVSD.

Patients and methods

All patients who underwent biventricular repair for AVSD at our institute, in the time between Jan 2015 and Jan 2021, meeting the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Preoperative, operative and postoperative data were collected from the patients’ medical file. Last follow-up Echoes were reviewed.

Results

Patients who had preoperative and early postoperative more than moderate LAVVR are more likely to develop LAVVR in the late follow-up and also have a more risk to need a reoperation in their midterm follow-up.

Conclusions

Patients who had preoperative and early postoperative more than mod LAVVR are more likely to develop LAVVR in the late follow-up and also more likely to need reoperation.
Implementation and evaluation of axillary reverse mapping technique in breast cancer patients using patent blue dye
Authors: Khallaf Emad , Mokhtar Sherif M. , Mikhail Bishoy , Ali Mahmoud
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among Egyptian women. Following axillary lymph node dissection, arm lymphedema can develop in 7–77% of cases. To detect and preserve upper-limb lymphatics and lymph nodes after axillary surgery, the axillary reverse mapping (ARM) technique was developed. This procedure may help avoid arm lymphedema.

Aim of work

To establish the ARM-node involvement of cancer cells and study their location to assess the effectiveness of ARM using patent blue dye.

Methodology

At Kasr Alainy University Hospital, this prospective randomized controlled study was carried out. There were 42 breast cancer patients in total, including 21 each in the study group and the control group. Following dye injection, stained ARM lymph nodes and lymphatics were preserved in the study group during axillary lymph node (ALN) dissection if grossly negative and removed if grossly positive, whereas individuals in the control group had the standard technique. After 1 month, all subjects underwent a second evaluation, during which the arm circumference was measured and recorded at a point 10 cm near the medial epicondyle.

Results

In the study group, in 18 patients (85.7%) their lymph nodes were stained. Six patients had suspiciously colored lymph nodes that were surgically removed, but no metastatic disease was apparent in the rest of the group. Early upper-limb lymphedema was not detected in the study group (0%), with 9.5% in the control group.

Conclusion

Arm lymphedema can be avoided by doing ARM while performing ALN dissection. Future research should be conducted on more patients and for a longer length of time, according to the findings of this study.
Outcome of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors at National Cancer Institute, Cairo University
Authors: Shaeir Sayed S. , Fouad Mohamed T. , Shafeik Fady , Sobeih Mohamed E. , Negm Dalia , Mamdoh Sara , Eltohamy Mahitab I. , Hussein Mostafa A. , Abdelkader Haytham , Hussien Alaadin
Published: December 2023

Background

The purpose of this research was to inspect the tumor landscapes, surgical particulars, and survival distribution of patients of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that were surgically removed at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University.

Materials and methods

Patients who submitted an application to our clinic and were ultimately diagnosed with gastric GIST were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients’ ages and sexes were recorded, as well as their original tumor sites, histological features, staging, treatments received, treatment methods, and survival rates.

Results

There were a total of 23 patients, with a female to male ratio of 1 : 3, who had a diagnosis of gastric GIST. They averaged 56 years of age. Tumor sizes, on average was 11.2 cm. In 18 (78.3%) cases, the tumor was located at the distal end, whereas in 5 (21.7%) cases it was located at the proximal end. 19 patients underwent first surgery, whereas only 5 got neoadjuvant treatment focused on the primary tumor. 17 (73.9%) individuals (73.9%) had sleeve gastrectomy, making it the most prevalent operation. 7 days was the typical duration of stay in the hospital. Two patients showed postoperative gastric leakage; the first was treated conservatively, while the second was treated surgically and resulted in a total gastrectomy. With regard to risk categorization, 10 (43.5%) patients had tumors with a high level of risk, 9 (39.1%) had tumors with an intermediate risk, whereas just 4 (17.4%) had tumors with a low risk (Table 3). 16 (69.6%) patients received supplemental targeted treatment. The median duration of patient follow-up was 42.6 months, and all patients were tracked. The cumulative overall survival at 5 years was 82.1%, while the cumulative disease-free survival was 65.4%.

Conclusion

For individuals who need their gastric GIST removed, extensive local resection that preserves the stomach yields excellent functional and oncological results.
Traveling fronts for Fisher–KPP lattice equations in almost-periodic media
Authors: Liang Xing , Wang Hongze , Zhou Qi , Zhou Tao
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the existence of almost-periodic traveling fronts for Fisher–KPP lattice equations in one-dimensional almost-periodic media. Using the Lyapunov exponent of the linearized operator near the unstable steady state, we give sufficient conditions for the existence of a minimal speed of traveling fronts. Furthermore, it is shown that almost-periodic traveling fronts share the same recurrence property as the structure of the media. As applications, we give some typical examples which have minimal speed, and the proof of this depends on a dynamical system approach to the almost-periodic Schrödinger operator.
Speedy Hierarchical Eco-Planning for Connected Multi-Stack Fuel Cell
Vehicles via Health-Conscious Decentralized Convex Optimization
Authors: Khalatbarisoltani Arash , Han Jie , Liu Wenxue , Hu Xiaosong
Published: December 2023

Connected fuel cell vehicles (C-FCVs) have gained increasing attention for
solving traffic congestion and environmental pollution issues. To reduce
operational costs, increase driving range, and improve driver comfort,
simultaneously optimizing C-FCV speed trajectories and powertrain operation is a
promising approach. Nevertheless, this remains difficult due to heavy
computational demands and the complexity of real-time traffic scenarios. To
resolve these issues, this article proposes a two-level eco-driving strategy
consisting of speed planning and energy management layers. In the top layer, the
speed planning predictor first predicts dynamic traffic constraints using the
long short-term memory (LSTM) model. Second, a model predictive control (MPC)
framework optimizes speed trajectories under dynamic traffic constraints,
considering hydrogen consumption, ride comfort, and traffic flow efficiency. A
multivariable polynomial hydrogen consumption model is also introduced to reduce
computational time. In the bottom layer, the decentralized MPC framework uses
the calculated speed trajectory to figure out how to allocate the power
optimally between the fuel cell modules and the battery pack. The objective of
the optimization problem is to reduce hydrogen consumption and mitigate
component degradation by focusing on targets such as the operating range of
state of charge (SoC), as well as battery and fuel cell degradation. Simulation
results show that the proposed decentralized eco-planning strategy can optimize
the speed trajectory to make the ride much more comfortable with a small amount
of jerkiness (−0.18 to 0.18 m/s3) and reduce the amount of hydrogen
used per unit distance by 7.28% and the amount of degradation by 5.33%.
Mapping cholera risk in Nairobi County, Kenya: a comprehensive analysis of environmental, socio-economic, and WASH factors
Authors: Manaseh Bocha A. , John Gachohi , Simon Karanja , Christine Mwachari
Published: December 2023

Background : Cholera, a globally prevalent waterborne disease, is closely monitored in Kenya as part of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response strategy. Understanding regional variations in cholera risk factors and trends is crucial, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to construct a risk map for cholera outbreaks in Nairobi County, based on the spatial-temporal dynamics of environmental and socio-cultural factors, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) conditions, and historical cases reported between 2009 and 2019.

Methodology : We retrospectively analyzed historical cholera cases in Nairobi, employing spatial analysis to map the spatiotemporal variations in factors associated with cholera outbreaks. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted to investigate the relationship between WASH conditions and cholera outbreaks. Stratified random sampling selected 399 respondents from all 85 wards in Nairobi County. We employed descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies) and inferential statistics (Chi-square) to assess variable relationships.

Results : Cholera cases are concentrated in densely populated, especially informal, settlements. Population size significantly correlated with cholera cases (p-value=0.03). Dumping sites in Nairobi emerged as potential cholera sources within residential areas, with the vicinity showing a slight association with reported cases. Rainfall patterns and humidity levels across Nairobi County also influenced cholera risk.

Conclusions : Areas within 400 meters of rivers and sewage lines faced elevated cholera risk. Most cases occurred in slum or regular residential areas. Proximity to dumping sites increased the risk of cholera outbreaks. These findings offer valuable insights for cholera prevention and control strategies in Nairobi County.
Reference values of abdominal aorta wall thickness and Doppler indices in a Nigerian population
Authors: Okpaleke Michael Sunday , Ugwuanyi Daniel Chimuanya , Ogolodom Michael Promise , Anyanwu Chinedu E. , Ikegwuonu Nwamaka Chizube , Eja-Egwu Nathaniel , Christain Anayo Okwo
Published: December 2023

Introduction : There is a paucity of data on the association between Doppler indices, the wall thickness of the abdominal aorta and the development of atherosclerosis in Nigeria. This study aimed to establish reference data of the abdominal aorta wall thickness and their selected Doppler indices in Abuja, Nigeria.

Methodology : This cross-sectional prospective study enlisted volunteer healthy subjects who consented and met the inclusion criteria by convenience sampling. The abdominal Aorta wall thickness (AAWT), as well as selected Doppler indices which are: the resistivity and pulsatility indices (RI & PI) of the abdominal aorta (AA) of four hundred and twelve male and female volunteer healthy subjects, were measured sonographically using standard protocols. Data was analyzed using SPSS v 23 and inferential analysis was done with a level of significance set at 5 %.

Results : The mean ± SD of the AAWT in the volunteer healthy subjects were 1.54 ± 0.33mm and 1.29 ± 0.32mm in male and female healthy volunteers respectively. The mean ± SD of the RI and PI for male volunteer healthy subjects were 0.81 ± 0.06, and 1.09 ± 0.20. Also, the mean + SD of the RI and PI for female healthy volunteers was 0.59 ± 0.06, and 1.10 ± 0.21 respectively.

Conclusion : The reference AAWT, RI and PI in the locality were 1.51 ± 0.33mm, 0.6 ± 0.06 and 1.02 ± 0.19. The RI, PI and AAWT values were higher in males (p >0.005) than in female volunteer healthy subjects.
Barriers to Climate Change Communications
Authors: Boakye Godfred Osei , Wiafe Joseph Oppong , Frimpong Foster
Published: December 2023

This study employed narrative review to discuss three main barriers that constrain a change from climate change-related behaviours to pro-environmental behaviours. After reviewing 100 environmental communication and climate change scientific papers (1990–2022), the study found that conflicting values and social dilemmas, psychological denial, and the absence of emotional engagement are major barriers affecting the smooth dissemination of climate change-related messages. The study aimed to create awareness of how these barriers occur and the best solutions to deal with them. From the results, the mismatch of values between climate message and its audience leads to conflicting values and social dilemmas. Additionally, lack of goal specifications, fear, blaming, and negative criticism also cause psychological denial and the rejection of climate change messages. The study recommends the need for action-directed messages that will identifyand resolve specific causes, effects, and outcomes of behaviours causing climate change. Also, the application of strategies such as appropriate frames and goal specifications are recommended.
Multi-stakeholder approach for dealing with Trafficking in Persons: The case of Ghana
Authors: Kandilige Leander , Ampah Geraldine Asiwome
Published: December 2023

Trafficking in persons has posed challenges to governments and security agencies globally. Advocacy, investigative and prosecutorial attempts have been deployed by specialised agencies in an attempt to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks that perpetuate trafficking. However, the ‘silo’ approach has yielded limited results. Using mainly qualitative research methods among representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies as well as officials from non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and development partners, we argue that multi-stakeholder collaborations are essential for the co-creation of a coherent solution to the menace of Trafficking in Persons (TIP). We conclude that multistakeholder collaborations and the ‘4 Ps’ strategy of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership within the Ghanaian context have shown that adequate resourcing of the national plan and close monitoring and evaluation of implementation activities could provide the best possible pathway to dealing with these seemingly intractable societal problems. Moreover, we conclude that the multi-stakeholder approach potentially offers access to more resources by drawing on the full range of technical, human, knowledge, physical and financial resources embedded in all sectors and among all actors.
Effect of processing methods on the nutritional quality of Solanum aethiopicum and Colocasia esculenta leafy vegetables commonly consumed in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Maduforo Aloysius , Ngene Blessing , Chikwendu Justina , Okorie Josephine , Ugo Chinemerem , Aloysius-Maduforo Miracle
Published: December 2023

Background: Green leafy vegetables provide many health and nutritional benefits to mankind. Processing to prolong the shelf-life of vegetables goes through several stages, though it might affect the nutrient composition.

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of the processing method on the nutrient, anti-nutrient, and phytochemical composition of commonly consumed green leafy vegetables in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.

Methodology: The study adopted an experimental design. Three hundred grams (300 g) of each of the leafy vegetables (Solanum aethiopicum and Colocasia esculenta) were cleaned, washed, and divided into three equal portions (100 g, each). One portion each was retained raw (served as a control); the others were processed by steaming and shade-drying methods and were later analyzed in the laboratory for nutritional, anti-nutrient, and phytochemical content using standard methods. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the data obtained. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Result: The steamed samples had higher moisture content than a shade-dried sample. Similarly, steamed Colocasia esculenta had the highest vitamin C among the processed leaf samples. Also, steamed Solanum aethiopicum had the highest value of vitamin E when compared to other processed samples. Shade-dried samples of Solanum aethiopicum had higher values of mineral content than its steamed counterpart while steamed Colocasia esculenta had higher potassium/magnesium content and lesser sodium/phosphorus than shade-dried Colocasia esculenta leaf. Steamed leaf samples had higher carotenoids and flavonoids with lesser alkaloid levels than shade-dried samples. Steamed Colocasia esculenta leaf had higher saponin and oxalate content than shade-dried Colocasia esculenta leaf, while shade-dried Solanum aethiopicum leaf had higher oxalate, phytate, and saponin level than the steamed Solanum aethiopicum.

Conclusion: The study showed that leafy vegetables contain appreciable levels of nutrients and the different processing methods either increased or reduced the nutrient present in the leaves.
Zidovudine reduces ketamine-induced psychotic symptoms in mice
Authors: Ahmadu P.U. , Ejiofor J.I. , Chindo B.A. , Husseini I.M. , Fidelis S.A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Infection with human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) is associated with several neurological disorders including psychotic symptoms. Treatment or therapeutic management of these symptoms with conventional anti-psychotic drugs (APDs) is associated with drug-drug interaction and side effects that may cause treatment failure. Zidovudine (AZT) an anti-retroviral (ARV) drug, is a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) with highest CNS penetrating ability, but few or nothing is known about its CNS effects.

Objective of study: To evaluate the effect of AZT on ketamine-induced depression, hyperkinesia, and cognitive function in mice.

Method: Acute toxicity was conducted for oral and intraperitoneal administration using Lorke’s (1983) method. Acute zidovudine alone and its concurrent (AZT + Ketamine) sub-chronic (7 days) administration was investigated using forced swim test, open field locomotor test and Y-maze test. Olanzepine (5mg/kg), Haloperidol (1 mg/kg) and Eserine (0.03 mg/kg) were used as standard controls respectively with saline as normal control. Eserine was administered intraperitoneal 30 minutes before the test, while the 5 tested zidovudine doses (12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered singly orally for 60 minutes prior to the acute test while ketamine 30mg/kg intraperitoneal administered concurrently for 7 days for the sub-chronic test

Result: The LD50 for oral and intraperitoneal administration were determined to be 3807.88 mg/kg and 2154 mg/kg respectively. Concurrent AZT administration with ketamine for 7 days, significantly (p<0.001) reduced immobility time at AZT doses of 25 mg/kg and 12.5 mg/kg compared to the control. The 7-days AZT concurrent treatments with ketamine reduced locomotion at all AZT test groups, compared to normal control group. The mean percent alternation was severely reduced in acute AZT treatments, but increased in concurrent AZT-ketamine administration.

Conclusion: AZT ameliorate ketamine-induced psychotic-like symptoms in mice, but was found to cause cognitive deficits in normal controls.
La maîtrise des eaux autour des abbayes cisterciennes d’Auvergne et du Velay : réflexion méthodologique
Authors: Bouvard-Mor Emma
Published: December 2023

Le propos, en guise d’introduction au séminaire « Ville et eaux en milieu alpin » s’inscrit en contrepoint des contributions constitutives de cette rencontre scientifique. En effet, l’aire et les objets d’étude ne concernent ni les Alpes, ni la ville. Sont abordés les équipements hydrauliques sur les sites occupés par les cisterciens et les cisterciennes des anciens diocèses de Clermont et du Puy, données issues d’une thèse de doctorat soutenue en 2016. Le sujet est traité d’un point de vue méthodologique ; il questionne les données de terrain, des modes de collecte à l’interprétation fonctionnelle et chronologique. Il est ponctuellement illustré par quelques exemples mettant en lumière la notion de systèmes hydrauliques dont la portée dépasse largement le seul usage vital et économique des communautés, puisqu’elle tend à nourrir l’histoire de la fabrique des paysages sur le temps long.
A Brief Study Report on the Applications of Chaos Theory in Real Life
Authors: Lal Dr. Babu
Published: December 2023

The mathematical field of chaos theory has become a valuable resource for understanding complex systems that exhibit sensitive dependence on initial conditions. The creation of chaos theory, which has applications in a wide range of scientific domains, involved many scientists and mathematicians. It was originally created in the physical sciences to describe the behavior of dynamic systems. Applications of the chaos theory can be found in many different domains including economics, biology, social sciences and meteorology. This study investigates the basic ideas of chaos theory and its application in real life scenarios. It highlights the impact of chaos theory on various domains, emphasizing its relevance in predicting, understanding, and controlling complex systems and also presents an overview of chaos theory. In this study, we will go over chaotic systems, real-world uses for chaos theory, and chaos theory's drawbacks. We ultimately determine the chaos theory study report's conclusion.
Robust weighted ridge regression based on S – estimator
Authors: Fayose Taiwo Stephen , Ayinde Kayode , Alabi Olatayo Olusegun , Hamidu Bello Abimbola
Published: December 2023

Ordinary least squares (OLS) estimator performance is seriously threatened by correlated regressors often called multicollinearity. Multicollinearity is a situation when there is strong relationship between any two exogenous variables. In this case, the ridge estimator offers more reliable estimations when such scenario occurs. Outliers can have significant impact on the estimation of regression parameters leading to biased results. However, both OLS and Ridge estimators are sensitive to outlaying observations (outliers). The outlier – prone dataset in the endogenous variable has been efficiently solved utilizing the Robust M estimator in our recent paper. In recent studies, Robust M estimator has some drawbacks despite its efficient performances with outlier – prone dataset in the dependent (endogenous) variable hence the consideration of the Robust S estimator. The Robust S estimator is less sensitive to outliers in both endogenous and exogenous variables and utilizes standard deviation rather than the median in the case of Robust M estimator to handle outliers in the endogenous variable. The Robust ridge based on the S estimator was well suited to model dataset with multicollinearity and outliers problems in the endogenous variable. Also, it was noted in literature that outliers are one of the causes of heteroscedasticity and non – robust weighted least squares were initially employed to figure out for them. In this study, we introduced proposed Robust S weighted ridge estimator by adding a novel weighting method to address the three problems in a linear regression model. The selected Ridge estimators and Robust S estimator in two weighted versions (True weight (Wo) and suggested new weight (W1)) were combined to respectively develop the Robust S Ridge and Robust S Weighted Ridge estimators. Monte – Carlo simulation experiments were conducted on a linear regression model with three and six exogenous variables exhibiting different degrees of Multicollinearity, with heteroscedasticity structure of powers, size of outlier in endogenous variable and error variances and five levels of sample sizes. The Mean Square Error (MSE) was used as a criterion to evaluate the performances of the new and existing estimators. Simulation findings show categorically that the new approach is preferred over previous approach and hereby recommended.
PERENCANAAN AUDIT TATA KELOLA TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI MENGGUNAKAN FRAMEWORK COBIT 2019 (STUDI KASUS: PT. LAZ COAL MANDIRI)
Authors: Muh Wal Ikram  , Winarno Wing Wahyu , Arief Muhammad Rudyanto
Published: December 2023

Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui dan merencanakan audit tata kelola TI untuk menunjang proses bisnis perusahaan PT. Laz Coal Mandiri. Dalam mencapai tujuan, perusahaan harus menyinkronkan antara penerapan teknologi informasi dengan fokus perusahaan sehingga dibutuhkan adanya perencanaan audit tata kelola TI pada PT. Laz Coal Mandiri selaras dengan penggunaan teknologi informasi pada perusahaan. Tujuan audit tata kelola teknologi informasi adalah mengetahui ketidaksesuaian pengelolaan, mengoptimalkan kinerja dan untuk mencapai visi dan misi perusahaan. Penelitian ini didukung dengan belum adanya penilaian rancangan tata kelola teknologi informasi pada perusahaan tersebut. COBIT 2019 sebagai framework edisi terbaru dari ISACA melakukan perbaikan menggunakan faktor desain. Metode penelitian yang dilakukan yaitu deskriptif kualitatif dengan melakukan wawancara kepada stakeholder. Diperoleh hasil penelitian berdasarkan pengukuran objektif APO12 memiliki tingkat kemampuan pada level 2 sedangkan APO13 memiliki  tingkat kemampuan pada level 1.
PENGARUH ARSITEKTUR CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK UNTUK KLASIFIKASI PENYAKIT DAUN TOMAT
Authors: Rizky Arya Kurniawan  , Sunyoto Andi , Nasiri Asro
Published: December 2023

Penyakit tanaman menjadi salah satu factor yang krusial dalam keberlangsungan hidup tanaman. Pada tanaman tomat juga dibutuhkan identifikasi awal untuk dapat menangani masalah penyakit. Salah satu organ tanaman tomat yang biasa diserang penyakit adalah daun. Dengan melakukan identifikasi sejak dini maka dapat mencegah terjadinya gagal panen. Tentu dengan adanya system yang terlatih dapat mengurangi biaya seorang petani dalam menangani penyakit tanpa bantuan ahli. Pada penelitian ini akan dilakukan uji kemampuan arsitektur CNN untuk mengklasifikasi citra penyakit daun tomat. Dataset yang digunakan  berjumlah 4079 data citra yang terbagi menjadi 3 kelas penyakit. Dari hasil percobaan yang telah dilakukan arsitektur InceptionV3 mendapatkan hasil terbaik dengan tingkat akurasi sebesar 100%, ResNet50 memiliki akurasi 97,36% dan MobileNet 85,81%.
PENGEMBANGAN WEBSITE MANAJEMEN TUGAS BERBASIS WEB UNTUK PENGUKURAN KINERJA SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA
Authors: Budi Pratomo Arief
Published: December 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan sebuah website manajemen tugas berbasis web yang dapat digunakan untuk mengukur kinerja sumber daya manusia. Website ini dirancang untuk meningkatkan efisiensi dan efektivitas proses penugasan dan pemantauan tugas di dalam sebuah organisasi. Manajer atau administrator dapat dengan cepat dan efisien menugaskan tugas kepada staf melalui website ini. Di sisi lain, staf dapat mengakses daftar lengkap tugas yang telah ditugaskan, melacak kemajuan tugas, dan mencatat waktu yang diperlukan untuk menyelesaikan tugas-tugas tersebut. Fitur tambahan seperti notifikasi otomatis, prioritas tugas, dan penugasan ulang juga disertakan. Pengembangan website ini mengikuti pendekatan siklus hidup perangkat lunak yang terdiri dari tahap analisis, desain, implementasi, dan evaluasi. Data penelitian dikumpulkan melalui observasi partisipatif, wawancara dengan staf dan manajer, serta analisis data kinerja sebelum dan setelah implementasi website. Metode statistik deskriptif digunakan untuk menganalisis data yang terkumpul dan mengukur efektivitas website dalam meningkatkan kinerja sumber daya manusia. Temuan dari penelitian ini akan memberikan wawasan berharga tentang dampak sistem manajemen tugas berbasis web terhadap kinerja sumber daya manusia. Diharapkan bahwa website ini akan meningkatkan efisiensi penugasan tugas, meningkatkan komunikasi dan koordinasi antara manajer dan staf, serta berkontribusi pada produktivitas organisasi secara keseluruhan. Penelitian ini menjadi sumber informasi yang berharga bagi organisasi yang ingin mengoptimalkan proses manajemen sumber daya manusia mereka melalui solusi berbasis web.
IMPLEMENTASI METODE EXTREME PROGRAMMING PADA SISTEM INFORMASI REPOSITORI SKRIPSI DI PERPUSTAKAAN UNIVERSITAS PRABUMULIH
Authors: Illahi Kur Niayu , Suhartini Suhartini , Fajriyah Fajriyah
Published: December 2023

Sistem informasi repositori adalah suatu sistem yang digunakan untuk mengatur pengarsipan koleksi skripsi mahasiswa agar menjadi lebih rapi, aman, mudah dikelola dan diakses kembali. Pada Perpustakaan Universitas Prabumulih, proses untuk mengakses skripsi masih dilakukan secara manual yaitu dengan mencari dan membaca skripsi yang tersedia di Perpustakaan Universitas Prabumulih. Hal inilah yang menjadi latar belakang bagi penelitian ini. Dalam mengumpulkan data, peneliti menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif diantaranya melakukan observasi langsung, wawancara dan studi pustaka. Sehingga diperoleh data bahwa belum tersedianya akses yang memudahkan mahasiswa untuk membaca skripsi fulltext secara online. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah berupa rancangan sistem informasi repositori skripsi berbasis web yang diharapkan dapat membantu menyelesaikan kendala yang terjadi. Dengan menggunakan sistem informasi repositori dapat membantu staf perpustakaan dan mahasiswa dalam mendapatkan dan mengelola koleksi skripsi mahasiswa dengan cermat, tepat dan dalam waktu yang lebih cepat. Dalam perancangan sistem ini menggunakan metode Extreme Programming (XP) dengan alat bantu pemodelan sistem Unified Modeling Language (UML). Sistem ini dibuat dengan menggunakan bahasa PHP dan server database MySQL.

Kata Kunci: Extreme Programming, Sistem Informasi, Repositori, Skripsi.
SISTEM KONTROL SUHU DAN KELEMBAPAN OTOMATIS PADA BUDIDAYA JAMUR TIRAM BERBASIS IOT UNTUK MENDUKUNG SMART FARMING SYSTEM
Authors: Muhamad Maksum Hidayat  , Nur Fitrianingsih Hasan  , Intan Maya  , Martalina Wakerwa
Published: December 2023

Budidaya jamur terutama jenis jamur tiram, semakin populer dalam sektor pertanian di Indonesia. Kesuksesan dalam budidaya jamur tiram sangat dipengaruhi oleh faktor lingkungan, terutama suhu dan kelembapan, yang harus dijaga dengan konsisten. Untuk mengatasi tantangan ini, penelitian ini memfokuskan diri pada perancangan dan implementasi sistem kontrol suhu dan kelembapan otomatis berbasis IoT yang bertujuan untuk mendukung konsep house smart farming. sistem yang dikembangkan dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari sensor suhu dan kelembapan yang terhubung dengan mikrokontroler ESP32. Selain itu, sistem ini juga dilengkapi dengan antarmuka pengguna berbasis aplikasi mobile yang dapat diakses melalui perangkat Android. Dengan sistem ini, petani dapat memantau kondisi lingkungan tempat pertumbuhan jamur secara real-time dan mengatur suhu serta kelembapan dengan mudah melalui aplikasi mobile. Keunggulan sistem ini terletak pada kemampuannya untuk memantau kondisi lingkungan secara real-time. Dengan sistem ini, petani dapat dengan mudah mengamati kondisi suhu dan kelembapan di fasilitas budidaya jamur mereka dari jarak jauh. Selain itu, sistem ini juga mampu menyesuaikan suhu dan kelembapan secara otomatis melalui aplikasi mobile. Hasil penelitian yang dilakukan membuktikan bahwa sistem ini dapat menjaga suhu dan kelembapan pada tingkat ideal yang diperlukan untuk budidaya jamur tiram.
MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN INTERAKTIF CANDI BERSEJARAH BUDHA DAN HINDU MENGGUNAKAN ADDIE
Authors: Andi Andi , Deli Deli
Published: December 2023

Ilmu sejarah adalah ilmu pengetahuan sosial yang mempelajari tetang peristiwa yang penting yang telah terjadi di masa lalu. Indonesia dikenal dengan memliki beragam peninggalan sejarah dan budaya yang dapat menjadi modal pembelajaran. Salah satu peninggalan sejarah di Indonesia adalah candi. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk membuat media pembelajaran yang interaktif bertema candi yang dapat membantu para pelajar untuk membantu meningkatkan minat belajar dan menambah pengetahuan pelajar tentang candi. Dalam pengembangan media pembelajaran peneliti menggunakan metode ADDIE. Pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini yaitu menggunakan pengumpulan data Kualitatif yang dilakukan dengan cara wawancara dan penyebaran kuesioner. Hasil dari penelitian ini menyatakan bahwa media pembelajaran yang telah dikembangkan dapat menambahkan minat belajar dan mudah digunakan oleh pelajar.
SISTEM PENDUKUNG KEPUTUSAN PENERIMAAN BANTUAN PROGRAM KELUARGA HARAPAN (PKH) DI DESA LEKOR MENGGUNAKAN METODE SIMPLE ADDITIVE WEIGHTING (SAW) BERBASIS WEB
Authors: Lalu Puji Indra Kharisma  , Sahni Kusmayanti  , Yudi Sutaryana
Published: December 2023

Lekor village is one of the villages in janapria district, central Lombok regency, which is located in the southernmost area directly adjacent to east lombok. Currently, lekor village is being shocked by social assistance, especially the family hope program which still uses a manual system, making it difficult to find proper and targeted acceptance. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a Decision Support System as an alternative solution, so as to increase efficiency and ef- fectiveness in the selection and improve quality in determining proper acceptance of assistance. The decision support system for determining accepting PKH assistance uses the SAW (simple additive weighting) method based on predetermined criteria and weights. The criteria used as indicators are the condition of the house, income, the presence of pregnant women and children, the presence of the elderly, and the presence of school children. The SAW (simple additive weighting) method was chosen because it is able to select the best alternative from a number of alternatives. This research was conducted by looking for the weights on each attribute, then ranking to determine the acceptance of the hope family program assistance.

   In this study using the Waterfall methodology, which is a software development method that begins with ana- lyzing company needs, designing, building applications, to conducting trials. The results of this study are in the form of a decision support application, which can recommend for receiving assistance from the hope family program in lekor village.