bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ferdo Lupša (1882–1945) – one of the first Western researchers of caves in Thailand
Authors: Kranjc Andrej
Published: June 2021

Ferdo (Ferdinand) Lupša was born in a small village Drakovci, near the town of Ljutomer, in the North-western part of the nowadays Slovenia, in those times in Austro-Hungarian Empire. Upon concluding his studies, he became an engineer of geodesy. During his stay in Vienna, when he tried to persuade government to finance a polar expedition, he met Lange, a consul of Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand). The consul advised him to visit Siam. Six months later he visited Vienna again to sign the contract with “Siam Canals Land and Irrigation Company”. The contract obliged Lupša to stay for six months in Siam to study various places and environmental conditions.
L’étonnement : un vecteur didactique en formation professionnelle
Authors: Thievenaz Joris , Piot Thierry
Published: June 2021

Alors qu’en philosophie la démarche d’étonnement est depuis toujours considérée comme le préalable de tout acte de pensée et de production de nouveaux savoirs, cette notion demeure curieusement à l’écart du champ de la formation. Nous montrons dans cette contribution comment « susciter et accompagner l’étonnement » constitue pourtant un puissant levier didactique permettant d’encourager l’émergence de nouveaux apprentissages chez l’apprenant. Il s’agit d’étudier plus spécifiquement les usages concrets qui découlent de cette notion. Nous inscrivons pour cela cette réflexion dans une approche pragmatiste de l’expérience (Dewey, 1938) et appuyons nos propos sur des études de cas issues de dispositifs d’accompagnement d’élèves-stagiaires lors du débriefing du retour de stage en Institut de Formation en Soins Infirmiers (IFSI).
Quelles dimensions didactiques dans quelques travaux empiriques se réclamant de la didactique professionnelle ?
Authors: Métral Jean-François
Published: June 2021

La didactique professionnelle exprime une visée didactique dans sa dénomination. Or plusieurs auteurs font le constat que la dimension didactique serait en fait limitée dans les travaux empiriques dans ce champ de recherche. Dans ce texte, nous utilisons les propositions de Jean-Louis Martinand pour caractériser une didactique afin d’analyser des travaux empiriques significatifs en didactique professionnelle et montrons comment ils abordent et traitent des problématiques propres aux didactiques : étude du point de vue des contenus ; question de la référence et de la transposition didactique ; approche épistémologique et obstacles à l’apprentissage.
Retratos sociais do quotidiano de homens com 80 e mais anos
Authors: Bárrios Maria João , Faustino Cláudio
Published: June 2021

O processo de envelhecimento suscita alterações nas rotinas diárias e familiares. Viver mais anos exige que se considerem essas implicações nas fases mais avançadas, contemplando dificuldades e necessidades à medida que a vulnerabilidade aumenta.Esta pesquisa centrou-se num conjunto de homens 80+, em contexto urbano (município português de Odivelas), objetivando identificar e analisar as suas estratégias de ocupação do tempo e participação social. Foi realizado um inquérito por entrevista e efetuado o mapeamento dos roteiros relativos à utilização de serviços e recursos, através do software ArcGIS. Verificámos que os níveis de participação social e a perceção do processo de envelhecimento eram condicionados por hábitos, rotinas e práticas individuais ao longo da vida ativa. Os inquiridos com práticas saudáveis, que mantêm os índices de participação social, revelam uma manutenção dos objetivos, encaram o futuro com otimismo e efetuam uma melhor autoavaliação da saúde. Por sua vez, a rede formal/informal, as condições habitacionais e a deslocação por meios próprios levam a uma maior autonomia e independência.
Sex, Scholarship, and Service
Authors: Lynch Erin
Published: June 2021

In the global context, women are 49.6% of the total population, and in what history has categorized as the “elite professions,” there is near equal parity between male and female-identifying persons. In American Higher Education, parity has nearly been met with female-identifying academicians comprising of 47% of the professoriate, yet 65% of the senior ranks of the professoriate are still male. Women are less tenured and less promoted than males. Globally, women are less published. In the American academy, women are invited to present less and are recognized less for their accomplishments. While the disparity numbers in research or scholarly productivity have been reported for decades, an examination of the systemic factors contributing to the disparities has not. This chapter seeks to present the overwhelming intersectionality of gender and scholarly productivity in the academy through the lens of intersectionality theory and the implications for a continued need for sweeping reforms in the practices exacerbating the inequity in higher education for women.
Shifting to Online Learning Through Faculty Collaborative Support
Authors: Fraga Lucretia M. , Hall Susan , Bottaro Kathy
Published: June 2021

This chapter describes the process of supporting faculty as they moved their classes online during the pandemic. It describes how a range of professional development experiences fostered a sense of community among participants, as well as supporting their transitions to online teaching. These virtual communities enabled faculty members both to exchange information and to offer one another peer support. This experience of teaching online also prompted changes in pedagogical practices. Informed by social cognitive theory, these conclusions are supported by survey data as well as case studies.
Accessing Learning Management Systems With Smartphones
Authors: Miller Bret , Thomas Michael
Published: June 2021

Smartphones have many qualities that have made them potentially useful for learning (e.g., connectivity, interactivity, and personalization) but few studies have considered their role in understanding learning behavior and student engagement. This study investigated differences in the way students approach online learning, comparing those who use smartphones to access their online classroom with students who use more traditional tools, such as desktop and laptop computers. Specifically, the study was designed to investigate the use of smartphones and their effect on learning behavior and student engagement at a regionally accredited university in the United States. The chapter analyzes the quantitative data arising from the study and discusses why the results identified statistically significant differences in the ways students approached their own learning. Moreover, it also explores the engagement patterns which revealed that the type of tasks online students performed with a smartphone varied significantly from the tasks that students performed when using a desktop or tablet.
Impact of Digital Marketing on the Buying Behavior of Youth With Special Reference to Uttarakhand State
Authors: Painoli Arun Kant , Bansal Rohit , Singh Ram , Kukreti Ankur
Published: June 2021

The buying behaviors of the consumers are changing very rapidly in the today's consumer-oriented market. New technologies are evolving in the market to attract the customers. Smart phones have become necessities to cope with the changing dynamics of the market and society as a whole. Due to competitive price offer by the various cellular operators, it has become easy for all to reach the internet. Due to ease of use, the young generations are using the application of internet for various uses especially for purchasing goods and services. Today, every company is applying the digital marketing tool to attract customers, especially the young generation. As per a report published in Economics, the internet users in India are expected to reach 627 million by the end 2020. Due to the digital marketing, a new concept of shopping has evolved in the market, which the authors call off-the-shop retailing.
OYO (The Journey)
Authors: Bhardwaj Ruhi , Sandhu Namrata
Published: June 2021

From a humble beginning in 2013, OYO is today the world's second-largest hospitality chain of franchised and leased hotels, living spaces, and homes. OYO has a global presence with large-scale operations in many countries. This case outlines OYO's complicated growth journey from a rapidly growing startup to an ethically maligned business venture. It also underscores OYO's business and revenue model, work culture, and growth strategies. It also provides a sneak peek about the major problems faced by OYO and how OYO should cope with these challenges.
Assessing the Competitiveness of Sri Lanka's Tourism in the COVID Period by Porter's Diamond Model
Authors: Fernando Imali
Published: June 2021

Tourism, one of the foremost services in the global economy, is a multi-complex system with travel, food, accommodation, leisure, and events. Tourism competitiveness is diverse, where each destination is enriched with unique resource endowments and strategies to enlighten. Within this notion, the COVID-19 pandemic is an external shock affecting global economies. This chapter applies Porter's diamond model to the tourism sector in Sri Lanka to enhance the competitiveness within the COVID-19 pandemic. A study sample has been derived by prioritizing locked-down areas due to COVID-19 by targeting key stakeholders. Within the light of scholarly works-based diamond model, six facets have been qualitatively discussed. As findings, stakeholders' vulnerability to external shocks is highlighted as the most vital facet. Main recommendations include (1) minimizing economic leakages, (2) destination re-branding, (3) product differentiations, (4) entrepreneurship development, (5) domestic eco-friendly travels, (6) special interest tourism (SIT), and (7) e-promotions.
Collective Approach and Best Practices to Develop Skills for the Post-COVID Era
Authors: Dieguez Teresa
Published: June 2021

Around the globe, societies are in lockdown, and citizens are asked to respect the social distance and stay at home. The COVID-19 outbreak brought enormous financial pressure, and all activity sectors were affected. There are an endless number of questions regarding this rather abrupt close-down. One of them is linked to the way academies, companies, and even countries are using the current situation to enhance their competitive situation. The purpose of this chapter is to share the Portuguese project “Link Me UP Action Plan - 1000 ideas,” a national support system for the co-creation of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Having as a main goal the increasing cooperation between all the Portuguese public polytechnics, it aims to develop a new mindset between teachers, staff, and students. It also seeks the promotion of qualified entrepreneurship while co-creating innovation within the business community, generating ideas, and creating new companies.
Impact of COVID-19 on Indian SMEs and Survival Strategies
Authors: Baragde Dileep Baburao , Jadhav Amit Uttam
Published: June 2021

India has been affected by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, which is dispensing two sorts of stuns on nations: health stun and a monetary stun. Given the idea of the infection, which is exceptionally infectious, the ways to contain the spread incorporate strategy activities, for example, burden of social removing, self-seclusion at home, closure of foundations and offices, limitations on versatility, and even lock-down of a whole nation. These activities can prompt desperate ramifications for economies around the globe. In other words, effective control of the infection requires the economy of a nation to stop its typical working.
Innovative Government-Backed Policy Measures in Nigeria for Sustaining MSMEs Post Pandemic
Authors: Raimi Lukman
Published: June 2021

This chapter investigates the adequacy of the innovative government-backed policy measures as a sustainability plan for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the post-COVID-19 era in Nigeria. From a target population of 2,300 MSMEs, a sample of 729 companies was drawn using the sample determination formula of Parten. The 729 sampled MSMEs were randomly administered web-based questionnaires through their emails. In the end, the 169 responses received were analysed and the results presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that the lockdowns had adverse effects on production and supply turn-over, sales, profits, customer patronage of MSMEs. With regards to the government fiscal stimulus, it was found that the relief materials and cash assistance, tax relief, debt rescheduling, and support incentives were inadequate to forestall the adverse effect of COVID-19 on the business operations of MSMEs. In practical terms, the chapter confirms a strong readiness in Nigeria to sustain MSMEs in the post-COVID-19 era.
Interventions and Practices to Mitigate COVID-19's Impact on SMEs
Authors: Akino Susan
Published: June 2021

SMEs are at the centre of tough times, facing a raging COVID-19 virus that is wreaking havoc on economies and businesses the world over. This chapter explores interventions and practices that mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs that act as accelerators towards business recovery. It also deliberates on different government interventions that are in place. The chapter highlights the importance and contribution of different interventions towards continuity of businesses as they try to stay afloat in the middle of a global pandemic. It conveys contextual insights from different entrepreneurs operating SMEs in five sectors of the economy, that is manufacturing, hospitality, education, construction, and in wholesale and retail trade.
Leading Innovation to Endure COVID-19
Authors: Atiku Sulaiman Olusegun
Published: June 2021

Many SMEs have failed due to loss of sales revenue and regulatory disruption associated with the pandemic. The surviving SMEs and new entrepreneurs still face the challenge of adapting to the new normal and meeting expectations in the post-pandemic period. This chapter examines the role of innovative leadership in enduring the COVID-19 impact on SMEs. This chapter adopted a literature review approach to establish the relationship between innovative leadership and sustainability through workforce creativity and business process innovation. Leading innovation to endure COVID-19's impact on SMEs has to do with being conscious of the business opportunities and developing internal capabilities for innovative performance. Capabilities such as emotional intelligence, management innovations, innovative organisation, and excellent interactions with the stakeholders are essential for entrepreneurs in leading innovation in the post-pandemic period.
How Statistical Analysis Tools Can Be Used to Effectively Plan and Execute a Strategic Plan for an Organization
Authors: Galli Brian J.
Published: June 2021

However, pre-existing literature does not show how these variables, their concepts, and models help in strategic planning, which has resulted in a research gap. Thus, this study addresses the most current variables, their concepts, and models within operations and project management. With a design-science-investigate strategy, we approve a valuable growth reveal for reasonable and hypothetical application. Thus, we create a suitable assessment model to fill the research void, as well as to contribute to the engineering field by improving the project success rates and helping with team communication.
Assessing Business-IT Alignment Maturity at a Colombian University
Authors: Torres-Moreno Miguel Eduardo , Aponte-Melo Jairo Hernán
Published: June 2021

Over the last decades, the role of the IT department within an organization has gradually gained importance. Technology has permeated all areas within organizations and nowadays is the cornerstone of almost all business processes. Thus, business-IT alignment (BITA) is considered an essential success factor for almost any organization. Consequently, the evaluation and improvement of this alignment have been a growing concern among researchers and organizations. This study assessed the BITA maturity in a Colombian university, applying Luftman’s SAM (Strategic Alignment Maturity) model. The conducted assessment collected, analyzed, and contrasted perceptions of business and IT personnel. Similarly, we investigated the personnel’s perceptions at the strategic, functional, and operational levels regarding the SAM factors. Furthermore, we compared our results with other BITA assessments in educational institutions, Latin American organizations, and worldwide results. Finally, we drew some conclusions that can be useful for practitioners who seek to apply Luftman’s assessment.
The Role of Customer-Task Fit Between Service Interaction and Value Co-Creation
Authors: Hong Liang , Yu Hongyan , Yu Yubing , Liang Peipei , Xu Junjie
Published: June 2021

As a new value creation phenomenon, value co-creation has been widely concerned by academia and industry. Companies begin to invest significant resources and build information exchange platform to interact with customers in order to gain competitive advantage. However, prior research has ignored the underlying mechanism by which service interaction might improve value co-creation. Based on the person-environment fit theory, an attempt is made to investigate the intervening role of customer-task fit, which include demand-ability fit and needs-supply fit to explain the above linkage. With 509 customer questionnaires collected from China, the results showed that service interaction has both direct and indirect effect on value co-creation, and needs-supply fit partially mediate the relationship of service interaction and value co-creation. In addition, results supported the serial mediation model where service interaction was found to exercise its influence on value co-creation via demand-ability fit and needs-supply fit in a sequential manner.
Two-Dimensional Steady-State Analysis of Selected Wastewater State Variables Using ASM3
Authors: Mostafa Nagwan G. , Radwan Ahmed G. , Galal Mona M.
Published: June 2021

Performance of activated sludge wastewater treatment plants are mainly dependent on bacterial growth, which is limited by many factors. These factors include availability of suitable substrate, limiting nutrients, environmental conditions, and energy. In activated sludge model no. 3 (ASM3), constituents in wastewater are divided into two main categories: carbonaceous compounds and nitrogenous compounds, which are further subdivided depending on their solubility and biodegradability. These compounds are not mutually independent; hence, the fate of one compound in the biological processes is affected by one or more of the other compounds. In this study, a steady-state analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of initial readily biodegradable substrate, oxygen, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite plus nitrate, and heterotrophic organisms’ concentrations on the effluent concentrations of readily biodegradable COD and nitrogen compounds. The studied ranges of the selected wastewater state variables were identified based on literature surveys including previous studies concerning domestic, industrial, and synthetic wastewaters. The results proved that the effluent readily biodegradable substrate and ammonia nitrogen concentrations are reduced as the initial dissolved oxygen and nitrite plus nitrate concentrations are increased. Moreover, better nitrification-denitrification process is achieved at lower initial readily biodegradable concentration leading to lower nitrite plus nitrate concentrations.
Proof of Laugwitz Conjecture and Landsberg Unicorn Conjecture for Minkowski norms with -symmetry
Authors: Xu Ming , Matveev Vladimir S.
Published: June 2021

For a smooth strongly convex Minkowski norm$F:\mathbb {R}^n \to \mathbb {R}_{\geq 0}$, we study isometries of the Hessian metric corresponding to the function$E=\tfrac 12F^2$. Under the additional assumption thatFis invariant with respect to the standard action of$SO(k)\times SO(n-k)$, we prove a conjecture of Laugwitz stated in 1965. Furthermore, we describe all isometries between such Hessian metrics, and prove Landsberg Unicorn Conjecture for Finsler manifolds of dimension$n\ge 3$such that at every point the corresponding Minkowski norm has a linear$SO(k)\times SO(n-k)$-symmetry.
DIMENSIONAL AND PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION FOR AFTER-MARKET GASOLINE ENGINE OIL FILTERS
Authors:   USCAR
Published: June 2021

This specification defines the dimensional and performance requirements for aftermarket spin-on oil filters intended for use on gasoline engines. Filters meeting this specification may also be suitable for use on some diesel applications.

Filters meeting these dimensional limits are intended to meet the oil filter fit and package requirements for engine and vehicle designs.

Filters meeting the performance requirements are intended to maintain sufficient durability to support typical 10000 mile oil change intervals. Some OEM engines may require special filters for which this specification would not support.

Filters that meet or exceed this specification requirements for both dimensional and performance can claim “Conformance to SAE/USCAR - 36 Specifications.” Filters that meet just the performance specifications (ie. may have different thread) can claim “Aligns to SAE/USCAR - 36 Performance Specifications.”
Youth clubs’ contributions towards promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Machinga District, Malawi
Authors: Muula Adamson , Lusinje Alinafe C. , Phiri Chetimila , Majawa Prisca
Published: June 2021

Background: In Malawi more than 50% of the population are young people less than 24 years old. Adolescents and young people face a lot of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges such as unplanned and early pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS and abusive intimate relationships. Provision of SRH services through Youth clubs is one strategy that has potential to contribute to addressing the SRH challenges. We conducted a study in Machinga district, southern Malawi to assess the contributions of youth clubs towards promotion of SRH services.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 2014 among youths aged 15 – 24 years. The participants were drawn from Machinga boma and Liwonde Township. We used both quantitative and qualitative methods.  Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires, while Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key informant interviews were used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed by estimating proportions and Chi square tests while thematic content analysis was used for qualitative data.  The study was approved by University of Malawi’s College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC).Results: Frequently offered services in youth clubs were HIV and AIDS education reported by 48.4% of the study participants, STI education (16.7%), family planning(16.7%) and life skills education (9.7%). On service utilisation there was no association between attendance to youth clubs and HIV Testing Counselling (χ2 =0.76, p=0.4) and there was no association between attendance to the youth clubs and family planning utilisation (χ2 =3.1, p=0.3). Condom use was the most used contraceptive method among the study participants. Misconception, accessibility and poor attitude of health workers were some of the factors reported as contributing to low utilisation of family planning methods. All youth club participants, reported  by 89 study participants and only 29.4% of club non-attendees had adequate SRH knowledge. The services  provided by health workers to youth clubs reported by study participants were HIV and AIDS education, HIV testing and counselling (HTC) and condom distribution.Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need of youth clubs to promote SRH services.Efforts should be made to ensure that the identified challenges are dealt with to ensure effective participation of youth clubs.
Short-term outcome of patients with closed comminuted femoral shaft fracture treated with locking intramedullary sign nail at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in Tanzania
Authors: Haonga Billy T. , Mrita Felix S. , Ndalama Edmundo E. , Makupa Jackline E.
Published: June 2021

Background: Comminuted femoral shaft fractures are complex to treat because of increased risk of limb length discrepancies and mal-rotation deformities. Currently the interlocking intramedullary nail using image intensifiers is a suggested treatment for comminuted femoral shaft fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term outcome of patients with closed comminuted femoral shaft fracture treated with locking intramedullary SIGN nail without image intensifiers at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) in Tanzania.Methods: A prospective hospital base study was conducted on patients with closed comminuted femoral shaft fractures admitted at MOI from March 2011 to February 2012. A total of 91 adult patients (18 to 84 years) were enrolled in the study. Of the total patients, 80 (88%) patients were male, 11 were lost to follow-up, and 80 patients completed follow-ups of 18 weeks post operatively. Structured questionnaires and checklist forms were used to collect information. Operations were carried out either by antegrade or retrograde SIGN nail. Post operatively control radiographs, the lower limb length and mal-rotation deformities were assessed.Results: Comminuted femoral shaft fracture accounted for 20.3% of all adult femoral shaft fractures admitted at MOI. Deep wound infection occurred in 2.5%. Shortening of 2-3cm was seen in 3.8% of the patients. No patient had shortening of more than 3cm. External rotation deformity of more than 20 degrees occurred in 6.3% of the cases. Internal rotation deformity of more than 15 degrees was seen in 7.9%. Knee flexion of less than 90 degree was encountered in 7.5% of patients. By 18th week 95% of the patients had callus formation. Conclusion: SIGN nail appears to be an effective treatment for comminuted femoral shaft fractures in settings where image intensifiers and fracture tables are not readily available. They have excellent to good outcomes in rate of callus formation, limb length and limb alignment outcomes.
Trauma admissions among victims of domestic violence at a tertiary care hospital in north-western Tanzania: an urgent call to action
Authors: Chalya Phillipo L. , Massinde Anthony N. , Kihunrwa Albert , Kayange Neema M , Hauli Kiyeti A. , Kapesa Anthony , Ngallaba Sospatro E. , Mweteni Wemaeli , Gilyoma Japhet M.
Published: June 2021

Background: Despite the growing recognition of domestic violence as a public health and human rights concern, it remains rampant in developing countries and has a negative impact on the victim’s health. This study describes the injury characteristics and treatment outcome of trauma associated with domestic violence in north-western Tanzania.Methods: This was a descriptive prospective study of patients who were managed for domestic violence related trauma at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania from April 2009 to March 2014.Results: A total of 324 patients (M: F = 1: 10.6) were studied. Majority of the patients were in the second and third decades of life. The perpetrators were mainly husbands and ex-partners (55.5%). Suspecting sexual partner being unfaithful was the most common reason given by victims for domestic violence in 63.4% of cases. Blunt and sharp objects (56.8%) were the most common weapons used. Gunshot injuries were recorded in 0.6% of cases. The head/neck was commonly affected in 68.5%. Soft tissue injuries (77.8%) were the most frequent type of injuries. The majority of patients (65.4%) sustained mild injuries. Twenty-three (7.1%) patients were HIV positive. Surgical treatment was performed in only 34.6% of cases.  Complication rate was 26.8%. The median hospital stay was 12 days. Mortality rate was 6.5%. The main predictors of mortality were advanced age (> 60 years),  late presentation,  severity of injury, severe head injury, HIV seropositivity, low CD 4 count (<200 cells), surgical site infection (p<0.001). More than two-thirds of patients were lost to follow up.Conclusion: Domestic violence related trauma remains rampant in northwestern Tanzania and contributes significantly to high morbidity and mortality. Urgent preventive measures targeting at reducing the occurrence of domestic physical violence is necessary to reduce the morbidity and mortality resulting from these injuries.
Prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm infections among pre-school and school-aged children in Ilemela District, north-western Tanzania
Authors: Ndokeji Samuel D. , Mazigo Humphrey D. , Temu Mansuet , Kishamawe Coleman , Malenganisho Wabyahe , Todd Jim , Changalucha John
Published: June 2021

Background: World Health Organization have recently recommended the inclusion of pre-school children in the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) against schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in endemic areas. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm infections among pre- and school going children in Ilemela District, north-western Tanzania.Methods: This cross-sectional study included pre- and school going children aged 4-14 years. A single stool sample was collected from each child and processed using Kato Katz thick smears and examined microscopically for presence of S. mansoni and hookworm eggs. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic information of the study participants.Results: Overall, prevalence of S. mansoni was 80.0%; with pre-school children aged 4-6 years having the point prevalence of 60.6%. The overall prevalence of hookworm infection was 18.7%; with age group 4-6 years having the prevalence of 14.1%. The intensity of hookworm infection was light in all age groups.  The intensity of infection of S. mansoni increased with age. Using lake water for domestic purposes (OR=3.09, 95% CI: 1.93-4.95, p<0.001), for bathing (OR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.66-4.23, p<0.0001), and for washing purposes (OR=3.08, 95% CI: 1.90-4.97, p<0.0001) remained independently associated with S. mansoni infection. Children who reported to swim in the lake and involved in paddy farming had 1.84 and 1.95 times odds of being infected than those who did not, respectively.Conclusion: These findings indicate that S. mansoni and hookworm infections are common among pre-school children as well as in school going children. These findings call for the need to urgently include the pre-school age children the MDSA programme.
Knowledge and utilization of preventive measures in the control of neonatal malaria in south-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Chukwuocha Uchechukwu M. , Nwakwuo Geoffrey C. , Alinnor Lawrence O.
Published: June 2021

Background: The burden of neonatal malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria receiving less attention. Knowledge and awareness of preventive measures of neonatal malaria is still very low. This study aimed at assessing the Knowledge and utilization of preventive measures in the control of neonatal malaria in South-eastern Nigeria.Methods: Structured pretested questionnaires were used to collect data from 230 consenting pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria. These women were followed up until delivery and blood samples were taken from their new born for malaria parasite tests. Using SPSS, qualitative variables were summarized with proportions and chi-square test was used to investigate associations between qualitative variables.Results: There was high level of awareness on the use of malaria preventive measures by pregnant women in the control of neonatal malaria. A significant relationship between the use of malaria preventive measures and neonatal malaria was also shown. Over three-quarters (79.7%) of women had knowledge of malaria preventive measures during pregnancy. Use of anti-malarial prophylaxis (91.8%) followed by the use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) (49.5%) were practiced. ITNs were less (19.6%) used during pregnancy.  Most of them (57.8%) received single dose of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) using sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy, while 37% received two doses of IPT.Conclusion: More effort need to be made and support provided to women during pregnancy to encourage usage of preventive measures. There is also need to develop a health promotion package to eliminate factors discouraging the use of specific preventive measures like IPTp and ITNs.
Relationship between glycated haemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose among diabetic out-patients at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Musenge Emmanuel M. , Manankov Alexey , Michelo Charles , Mudenda Boyd
Published: June 2021

Background: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement provides an accurate result of glycaemic levels from blood drawn at any time of day without reference to prandial state. We established the relationship between HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in diabetic out-patients among diabetic outpatients in Lusaka, Zambia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the University Teaching Hospital diabetic clinic, Lusaka, Zambia. A total sample of 198 consenting participants was selected randomly from diabetic out-patients between September and December 2013. A structured interview schedule was used to capture data on socio-demographics and laboratory examination results. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Student’s t-test and Paired Samples t-test were used for data analysis.Results: A total of 198 patients (mean age+SD= 53.19±13.32 years) were involved in the study. Majority (60.10%) of the patients were females while 39.90 per cent were males. The mean±SD of FPG of the patients slightly increased from the previous 10.75±7.78 mmo/L to the current 11.09±6.23 mmo/L (p = 0.592). The mean±SD of HbA1c of the patients was 54.77±17.12 mmol/mol. There was a statistically significant weak and moderate positive correlation between HbA1c and the previous and current FPG (r = 0.282, P = 0.001 and (r = 0.385, p = 0.001), respectively. However, there was a statistically significant but weak negative correlation between HbA1c and age (r = -0.163, p = 0.023).Conclusion: We found evidence of an association between HbA1c and FPG proposing that as the FPG levels increase, the HbA1c levels also increase in a predictable way. There is need to sensitise more especially the major stakeholders in the management of diabetes mellitus to consider FPG as an alternative in glycaemic control monitoring in the absence of HbA1c.
Domestic unintentional injury of 1 to 5-year-old children in a rural area of West Bengal, India: a community-based study
Authors: Banerjee Sitikantha , Paul Bobby , Bandyopadhyay Kajari , Dasgupta Aparajita
Published: June 2021

Background: Childhood unintentional injury, a major public health problem in India, is largely preventable. The aim of this study was to determine the burden and determinants of unintentional injury of 12 to 59 months old child at household level.Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted at Singur block, Hooghly district, West Bengal, India among randomly chosen children using a predesigned and pretested interviewer administered questionnaire and a checklist for assessing household level injury hazard during the period of November 2015 to February 2016. Parental supervisory behaviour was assessed using PSAPQ questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was performed using SPSS 19.0 software.Result: A total of 163 were involved in the study. Over one-third (37.4%) of the children underwent any type of injury during last 3-month time period, predominant body part being upper limb. Parental supervisory behaviour [AOR-2.6, (95% CI-1.2-4.9)] and household level injury hazard (AOR-1.55, 95% CI- 1.3-1.7)] were found to be significant predictors of unintentional injury.Conclusion: Unintentional injury among children is prevalent in West Bengal in India. Dissemination of injury prevention information with special focus on household modification and increased parental supervision are effective strategies to prevent unintentional injury.
Complete haematological response to Imatinib in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients attending the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania
Authors: Tebuka Erius , Makubi Abel , Maunda Khamza
Published: June 2021

Background: There is limited information on clinical characteristics, diagnosis and response to therapy of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in Tanzania. This hospital-based retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics, time to diagnosis and response to first line therapy with imatinib in Philadelphia chromosome positive CML.Methods: The study was conducted at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were sequentially recruited from the outpatient clinic where a structured questionnaire was employed seeking details socio-clinical features of the disease. Haematology indices at baseline and at three months of treatment was obtained from patient’s medical records. Haematological response was determined at three months of imatinib use using leukaemia net definition.Results: Of 127 study participants, 63% were males. The mean (±standard deviation) age at diagnosis was 40 (±16) years, majority being in the third decade of life. Abdominal distention (88%) and symptoms of anaemia (84%) were the most frequent complaints. Splenomegaly (92%) and pallor (82.7%) were the common physical findings. The mean duration from consultation to diagnosis was 3(±0) weeks and mean duration from diagnosis to imatinib therapy initiation was 3 (±0.9) weeks. A total of 116 (91.3%) of patients had complete haematological response to imatinib therapy three months after therapy. There was significant decline in total white blood cell counts, basophils count, platelets and increase in haemoglobin at three months after imatinib therapy initiation.Conclusion: Majority of patients were young with clinical and laboratory findings of severe disease. Patients presented late to hospital and there was a considerable long time to reach a final diagnosis and yet haematological response was still achieved in majority of these patients with imatinib therapy. The elucidated clinical and laboratory findings should advocate early CML diagnosis and immediate referral to a tertiary hospital.
Prevalence and factors associated with neonatal sepsis among neonates in Temeke and Mwananyamala Hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Jabiri Asia , Wella Herman L. , Semiono Avelina , Saria Adellah , Protas Joyce
Published: June 2021

Background: Neonatal sepsis contributes significantly to neonatal mortality. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and factors associated with neonatal sepsis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted at Mwananyamala and Temeke hospitals in Dar es Salaam, during August-September, 2015. A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain demographic, obstetrics and clinical information. Diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was done clinically. Relationship between outcome variable and exposure variable was done using Chi square test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to measure association after controlling for confounders.Results: A total of 220 neonates were recruited, 69 (31.4%) had sepsis. The risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis were maternal age of >35 years (AOR=6.7; 95%CI 2.1-20.1; p-value-0.001) and resuscitation at birth (AOR=1.25195%CI1. 22-3.88; p-value=0.025).Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis among neonates in Dar es Salaam is associated with maternal and health services related factors. The findings underscore the importance of routine assessment and close monitoring of neonates. It is therefore recommended to have more skilled health personnel and advanced equipment while providing maternal and new-born health care services.
Social capital and self-rated health: experiences from Makete district, Tanzania
Authors: Frumence Gasto , Nyamhanga Tumaini M.
Published: June 2021

Background: It is almost two decades since various research works started documenting the debate surrounding the role of social capital on individual health outcomes in different contexts. However, in Tanzania there is a dearth of empirical evidence showing how social capital influences health outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the links between individual social capital and self-rated health by selected socio-demographic factors.Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study in Makete district in the south-western Tanzania. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data using face to face interviews with the study participants. We collected information on individual structural social capita, which include memberships in organizations, giving social support, receiving social support and participation in voluntary activities. We also collected information on individual cognitive social capital including visiting neighbour, trusting neighbour, interaction with neighbour and ability to influence in decisions.Results: A total of 862 individuals from four villages participated in the study with the mean age of 31.3 years. Factor analysis (using principal components analysis) with varimax determined four domains of structural social capital: participation in collective activities, giving social support, membership in formal and informal organizations and receiving social support (factor loadings: 0.65 to 0.55). Four domains of cognitive social capital were also identified: visiting a sick neighbour, trusting a neighbour, and interacting with neighbour and ability to influence decisions (Factors loadings: 0.78 to 0.52). The multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that individuals with access to medium and high levels of structural social capital were almost 2 and 3 times more likely to report good health than individuals with low social capital [OR 2.3 (CI: 1.6-3.4)] and [OR 3.4 (CI: 2.3-5.1)], respectively.Conclusion: Our study findings support the argument that high level of structural social capital has positive health outcomes in rural Tanzania’ setting. Therefore, village leaders in particular and community members in general should promote social capital in their communities as one of the health interventions towards improving individual health.
Quantification of pregnant mothers’ intention towards infant and young child feeding: a clinic based study in rural West Bengal, India
Authors: Dasgupta Aparajita , Maharana Swanya P. , Paul Bobby , Garg Shobhit
Published: June 2021

Background: Malnutrition has become the biggest contributor to child mortality in recent years accounting for about half of all child deaths. The most important way to prevent this dismal status is by promoting optimal breastfeeding and infant feeding to all the babies. Intentions have been considered the strongest factor to influence one’s behaviour.Objectives: To assess the intention of pregnant women towards infants and young child feeding (IYCF) and the factors associated with it. Methods: A clinic based cross-sectional study was conducted in an antenatal unit of a primary health centre in Singur block of Hooghly district in West Bengal, India. A total of 137 pregnant women were interviewed using a questionnaire to assess their intention towards IYCF after taking their written informed consent. Descriptive characteristics, univariate and hierarchical logistic regression were used to analyse the data.Results: All the women (137) intended to breastfeed their future offspring. Only 88 (64.2%) intended to feed colostrum whereas 112 (81.75%) had intention to breastfeed exclusively. The majority (82.5%1) answered correctly when asked about the timing of initiation of complementary feeding. Overall 83 (60.58%) had favourable intention towards IYCF. The significant covariates of favourable intentions towards IYCF were higher socio-economic status [OR (CI); 4.4 (1.7-11.6)], working mothers [OR (CI); 4.3 (1.03-18.3)] and multigravida [OR(CI) ;9.7(2.2-42.7)].Conclusion: Focusing on developing favourable intention towards IYCF during every antenatal visit of every pregnant woman and counselling will be a cost-effective intervention to ensure excellent growth and development among children and it is a well-established that healthy children will give forth to a healthy nation.
Infant and young child feeding practices on Unguja Island in Zanzibar, Tanzania: a ProPAN based analysis
Authors: Kinabo Joyce L. , Mwanri Akwilina W. , Mamiro Peter S. , Kulwa Kissa , Bundala Nyamizi H. , Picado Janeth , Msuya John , Ntwenya Julius , Nombo Aneth , Mzimbiri Rehema , Ally Fatma S. , Salmini Asha Hassan , Macha Elizabeth , Cheung Edith
Published: June 2021

Background: Undernutrition in children has remained a challenge despite the success achieved in reduction of other childhood diseases in Zanzibar. Most empirical studies on infants and young child feeding (IYCF) have examined nutritional value of foods fed to the children in terms of energy and micronutrient content. Little is known on the role of culture, traditions and social norms in influencing IYCF practices. This study aimed at assessing the existing IYCF practices and socio-cultural factors influencing these practises using ProPAN tool to get an in-depth understanding of the mothers’ practices with respect to exclusive breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding.Methods: A cross sectional study involving mothers/caregivers was conducted using semi-structured interviews and opportunistic observations on Unguja Island, Zanzibar. A random selection of 36 Shehias and 213 households with children 0 – 23 months old was done proportional-to-size of Shehias and children. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using the ProPAN tool and embedded software for analyses.Results: A total of 213 of mothers/caregivers were involved in the study. Almost all new-borns were fed colostrum (96%). Proportion of mothers who   initiated breastfeeding within one hour after giving birth was 63%. About 24% of the women practiced exclusive breastfeeding and 21% of the children were given pre-lacteal feeds 2-3 days after birth. The mean age of introduction of complementary foods was four months. Responsive feeding was not practiced by some mothers as 31% of the children 12-23 months of age were left to eat alone without any support from caregivers. The common reasons for non-adherence to the recommended feeding practices were related to income and socio-cultural norms which are strong in the community and supported by other family members.Conclusion: Infant and young child feeding in Unguja was suboptimal. Inadequate care practices, use of pre-lacteals, early introduction of complementary foods, low rate of exclusive breastfeeding and low meal frequency were among the common practices. The main causes of the observed feeding practice were related to socio-cultural norms and beliefs. There is a need to strengthen IYCF education into the antenatal clinic regime.