bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation with E-test of the meropenem/vaborbactam association in carbapenem-resistant and sensitive negative control strains isolates of samples processed at the Laboratory of the Rivoli Hospital
Authors: Amarù Giuseppina , Scoppapietra Lara , Crocillà Cristina , Salafia Marika , Finotti Mara , Schiavo Vittorio , Granero Valentino
Published: May 2022

Background and aims: Meropenem (Mer) and vaborbactam (Vab) is a combination of a carbapenem and a new β-lactamase inhibitor used in adults to treat different types of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. This combination is chosen as an alternative in infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria when carbapenem-only therapies are unsatisfactory.

Materials and methods: Based on this, we report our assessment of such meropenem/vaborbactam association through the E-test and the Microscan routine automated system. This evaluation was performed on 22 samples, carbapenem-resistant strains of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from different types of biological material. Five E. coli and 1 P. mirabilis were respectively susceptible to both carbapenems and Mer/Vab, 6 P. aeruginosa and 2 A. baumannii were respectively resistant to both carbapenems and Mer/Vab and out of 8 K. pneumoniae which were resistant to carbapenems only one was resistant to the Mer/Var combination.

Results and conclusions: From the data obtained, it can be seen that resistance to carbapenems is 72%, and drops to 36% with the combined use of Mer/Vab. However, this combination cannot be used in the treatment of patients with diseases caused by P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp., resistant to meropenem.
Baseline electrocardiographic findings as predictors of outcome in hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Authors: Abdelwahab Heba W. , Arafa Sherif , Shaltout Shaker W. , El Hoseiny Mahmoud , Alemam Doaa S. , Elmaria Marwa O.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on the heart is variable, but cardiac damage is associated with a bad prognosis. The mechanism behind the association between COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases is not clear, but most of these patients reported with diseased immune system.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study included 70 hospitalized (moderate and severe) RT-PCR-positive COVID-19 patients. Data were retrieved from Mansoura University quarantine records from October 2020 to December 2020. The 12-lead channel conventional ECG collected at the first time after the patients were admitted to the hospital was used.

Results

About 94.3% of studied patients were in sinus rhythm, premature ventricular contractions were found in 2.9%. Atrial fibrillation was present in 4.3% and multifocal atrial tachycardia in 1.4%. Ischemic changes were found in 25.7% of the studied patients. About 14.3% had conduction defects. In this study, ECG ischemic changes only were significantly correlated with progress of respiratory support needed during hospitalization (44.4% of mechanically ventilated patients had ECG ischemic changes), mortality (P=0.04), and higher D-dimer level.

Conclusion

Baseline ECG ischemic changes associated with worse outcome of moderate and severe COVID-19 patients. Continuous monitoring of ECG changes in COVID-19 patients is recommended as it can provide an important assessment of COVID-19 severity.
Coronavirus disease 2019-associated pneumonia
Authors: Farghaly Shereen , Hassany Sahar , Abdeltawab Doaa , Abdelaal Azza , Bakkar Lamees M.
Published: May 2022

Context

Since the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Wuhan, China, it has spread aggressively around the world. There is the need to perform several studies from different populations to identify the risk factors.

Aims

To distinguish patients at risk of severe COVID-19-associated pneumonia and to identify early clinical and laboratory predictors for severe pneumonia.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with confirmed COVID-19. Patient data including demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological were collected from stored computer data and patients’ medical records. Clinically, in this study patients have been classified into severe and nonsevere patients.

Results

Out of 108 included patients, 57 were severe cases. Obesity was also an independent risk factor of severity in age less than 60 years. Inflammatory indices [C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, ferritin) were also significantly elevated in the severe group at initial presentation (P<0.001, 0.001, 0.001, respectively). The optimum cutoff of CRP, D-dimer, and ferritin to predict COVID-19 severity was more than or equal to 20.76 mg/l, more than or equal to 0.51 μg/ml, and more than or equal to 338.25 ng/l, respectively.

Conclusion

Male sex, old age, obesity, and multiple comorbidities are independent risk factors for COVID-19-associated severe pneumonia. Elevated inflammatory indices (CRP, D-dimer, and ferritin) are independent laboratory predictors for COVID-19 severity. So careful monitoring of male, obese, and old age with multiple comorbidities with regular monitoring of inflammatory markers is recommended.
Efficacy of ivermectin in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia with severe and critically ill status
Authors: Elesdoudy Ahmed A.
Published: May 2022

Aim

The aim was to assess the efficacy of ivermectin in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia with severe and critically ill status.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study was performed on 50 patients admitted in ICU and high-dependency unit of Ibrahim Bin Hamad Hospital, United Arab Emirate. All patients were subjected to the following on admission: careful history taking, general and local examinations, routine laboratory studies (complete blood count, liver function tests, and kidney function tests), other laboratory tests such as C-reactive protein and D-dimer, and chest radiography. All patients received ivermectin in doses of 0.2 mg/kg on first and third days.

Results

The age range of the studied group was from 35 and 107 years, with a mean age of 61.8±14.07 years. The sex distribution of the studied group was 29 (58%) males and 21 (42%) females. The clinical condition deteriorated in 18 (36%) patients, improved in eight (16%) patients, and remained the same in 24 (48%) patients. Three (6%) patients had bronchial asthma, eight (16%) patients had chronic kidney disease, 20 (40%) patients had diabetes mellitus, 20 (40%) patients had hypertension, two (2%) patients had hypothyroidism, seven (14%) patients had ischemic heart disease, and 14 (28%) patients did not have any comorbidities. Regarding the progress of patients’ symptoms, shortness of breath deteriorated in 18 (36%) patients, improved in eight (16%) patients, and remained the same in 24 (48%) patients. The cough symptom deteriorated in 18 (36%) patients, improved in eight (16%) patients, and remained the same in 24 (48%) patients. Radiology (chest radiograph) showed deterioration in 18 (36%) patients, improvement in eight (16%) patients, and remained the same in 24 (48%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference before and after using ivermectin with respect to temperature (P=0.058), pulse (P=0.101), respiratory rate (P=0.054), white blood cell count (P=0.058), lymphocyte count (P=0.09), C-reactive protein (P=0.177), and D-dimer (P=0.087).

Conclusion

The use of ivermectin did not significantly improve resolution of symptoms, outcome, radiology, or laboratory markers. The findings do not support the use of ivermectin for treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019.
Could chest ultrasonography replace chest radiography in outpatient chest clinic?
Authors: Ahmed Mostafa K. , Bayoumi Hassan A. , Abdelaleem Nermeen A. , Mohamed Marwan N.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Plain chest radiography is the commonest ordered investigation in chest outpatient clinic; however, it is time consuming and may be expensive in some settings. With the availability of chest ultrasonography (CUS) at bedside, CUS might be used instead of plain chest radiography in outpatient settings. Still there is controversy regarding CUS as the primary investigation in outpatient chest clinics.

Patients and methods

Consecutive patients referred to the outpatient chest clinic of Assiut University between March 2018 till June 2020 who were proposed to have computed tomography (CT) chest after plain chest radiography were asked to participate in the study. The included patients had CUS with a pulmonologist who was blind to the chest radiography and chest CT results. CUS was done using a convex probe of ultrasonography in all chest anatomical planes for any finding that may help in the diagnosis. The plain chest radiography results also were recorded. Both results were compared with chest CT results as the gold standard investigation.

Result

A total of 101 patients were included in the study. There were 18% female patients, with mean age of 49.4±17.9 years. The final diagnosis was lung malignancy, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive lung diseases, pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, interstitial lung disease, and other miscellaneous causes. CUS were normal in 14 cases, with a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 80%, whereas chest radiography was normal in 20 cases, with a positive finding in 81 cases, with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 80%, in comparison with chest CT.

Conclusion

CUS may be the primary investigation in chest outpatient clinic with good accuracy and rapid patient diagnosis.
Semiquantitative Chest computed tomography score in novel coronavirus-infected patients
Authors: Arora Abhishek J. , Komatlapalli Srirammurthy , Thakur Rajani
Published: May 2022

Context

Quantitative and semiquantitative indicators of lung involvement in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could help to stratify patients and thus help in triaging and speeding up the entire workflow in hospitals as patients with higher severity scores require early therapeutic intervention and critical care.

Objective

To calculate computed tomography (CT) severity score for COVID-19 infection based on lobar involvement by the disease and correlate this score with oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) of the patients and to further predict oxygen therapy requirement in patients with various scores.

Settings and design

This was a prospective study.

Patients and methods

This was a prospective study on 154 RT-PCR-proven novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)-infected (COVID-19) patients. SpO2 values of all the patients were obtained within 6 h of scan. All of the scans were reviewed, and the degree of lobar involvement was used to produce a semiquantitative CT score.

Statistical analysis used

Scatter plot correlation and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis were performed.

Results

CT score and SpO2 values of patients were plotted in the scatter plot chart, and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was calculated, which was −0.836, suggesting a strong negative correlation. A total of 46 patients were given oxygen therapy, and they had SpO2 value less than or equal to 94%, with CT score ranging from 10 to 22. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was done to determine and reach an optimum cutoff value of 11 for oxygen therapy requirement, with a sensitivity and specificity of 95.83 and 95.58%, respectively.

Conclusions

CT score in COVID-19-infected patients has a strong negative correlation with SpO2, and it definitely helped to predict the requirement of oxygen therapy in our study.
Assessment of the diaphragmatic mobility by chest ultrasound in patients with chest deformities before and after pulmonary rehabilitation program
Authors: Saeed Adel M. , Nofal Ahmed A.G. , Gomaa Ashraf Adel , Ezzelregal Hieba Gamal
Published: May 2022

Context

Chest wall malformations (CWMs) are a broad group of elevated-morbidity anomalies that were classified by Acastello into kyphoscoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and pectus excavatum. The diaphragm, as the major respiratory muscle, is affected by these CWMs, leading to respiratory insufficiency and failure. Ultrasound is the modality of choice used in assessing diaphragmatic mobility and monitoring its effects in the four mentioned diseases.

Aims

In this study, an assessment of the diaphragmatic mobility via chest ultrasound was performed in patients with chest deformities before and after a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Settings and design

This was an observational comparative study.

Patients and methods

This study included 40 patients with acquired and developmental chest wall deformities, nonsmokers and individuals with no cardiopulmonary disorders. Chest wall deformity was diagnosed by chest radiograph posteroanterior and lateral views, whereas the severity of the deformity was detected by calculating Cobb’s angle in comparison with the severity of spirometry with respect to the forced vital capacity. Spirometry was performed in these patients before and after the pulmonary rehabilitation program, along with a chest ultrasound, to follow up their diaphragmatic excursion and compare the results.

Statistical analysis used

SPSS program (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), software, version 20, was used.

Results

A marked decrease in the right range of movement (ROM) of the diaphragmatic copula (P=0.001) as well as a marked decline in the left ROM of diaphragmatic copula in the patient group (P=0.029) were detected. Moreover, a marked improvement in the right as well as the left ROM, diaphragmatic thickness and maximal inspiratory pressure was detected after rehabilitation (P=0.001). Cobb’s angle higher than 43° has been statistically proposed as a cut-off value for predicting mortality, while maximal inspiratory pressure less than 55% has been statistically proposed as a cut-off value for predicting mortality after the operation.

Conclusions

CWMs restrict the chest wall skeletal structure as well as the spine, with its joints, and thus interfere with diaphragmatic mobility. Ultrasound represents a good, reliable, and real-time tool for assessing diaphragmatic mobility and monitoring response to rehabilitation programs.
Liquid Biopsy-Detecting Molecular Targets in Cancer Management
Authors: Ravindran Nithya
Published: May 2022

Liquid biopsies are newer diagnostic tests conducted on blood samples to detect biomarkers shed by tumors, such as cancer cells or portion of tumor DNA. Liquid biopsies are not to replace surgical biopsies but are complementary in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The circulating tumor DNA and intact circulating tumor cells are the two main components that are targeted during a liquid biopsy. Information from the liquid biopsy is used to determine the best-individualized cancer therapy to track how a patient is responding to treatment, or to discover whether there is recurrence of cancer. This review summarizes the main techniques and applications of liquid biopsy in cancer.
Evaluation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 in patients with alopecia areata
Authors: Bakry Ola A. , El Hefnawy Sally M. , El Naggar Doha , Seleit Iman
Published: May 2022

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common dermatologic disease with autoimmune etiology. Systemic and tissue oxidative stresses are present in AA. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that stimulates transcription of antioxidant genes.

Objective

To investigate the role of Nrf2 in systemic oxidative stress in AA.

Patients and methods

A case–control study was designed. A total of 30 cases with AA and 30 age-matched and sex-matched healthy participants were included. Cases were diagnosed clinically and by dermoscopy and evaluated according to the severity of the alopecia tool score. Nrf2, total oxidant capacity (TOC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated.

Results

Serum Nrf2 and TAC were significantly lower in AA than the control group (P<0.001 for both), whereas TOC and OSI were significantly higher in AA than the control group (P<0.001 for both). There was a significant negative correlation between TAC and age (r=–0.5, P=0.004). High Nrf2 serum level was significantly associated with positive hair pull test (86.7%), whereas low Nrf2 was significantly associated with alopecia totalis (P=0.02 for both). There was a significant positive correlation between Nrf2 and TAC (r=0.4, P=0.01) and a significant negative correlation between Nrf2 and TOC (r=–0.3, P=0.01) and between Nrf2 and OSI (r=–0.4, P=0.01).

Conclusion

Nrf2 is lower in AA than control, indicating that systemic oxidative stress may be, at least in part, owing to low Nrf2. The use of Nrf2 activators may be beneficial in the treatment of AA, which needs further studies.
Study of prevalence of skin prick test positivity for food allergens in chronic urticaria patients attending a tertiary care center in South India
Authors: Itty Abin Abraham , Sridharan Rajiv , Thyvalappil Anoop , Sudhamani Bindurani , Divakaran Binoo
Published: May 2022

Background

Skin prick testing (SPT) provides information about the presence of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) to protein and peptide antigens and maybe helpful to identify the triggering food items in chronic urticaria.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of food allergy among chronic urticaria patients, by doing SPT with commercially available 20 food allergens.

Patients and methods

All consecutive patients with recurrent urticarial wheals of more than 6 weeks of duration and age more than 12 years and were included. SPT was done using 20 allergens in the study patients after detailed examination. Complete blood count and total serum IgE were checked.

Results

In all, 62.9 % of chronic urticaria patients had positive SPT to food allergens. No statistically significant association was found between SPT results and demographic parameters, duration of disease, urticaria activity score, or serum IgE levels. In 31.46% (28) patients who had suspected food allergy, only 7 (25%) had a positive SPT result to the corresponding allergen.

Conclusion

SPT s may be used as a screening test to evaluate food allergy in chronic urticaria patients. The results should better be validated with specific IgE and food challenge tests.
Newly introduced repurposing topical ozenoxacin against grade-II acne vulgaris
Authors: Jena Ajaya K. , Sahoo Alaka , Panda Maitreyee
Published: May 2022

To assess the efficacy and safety of a newer fluorine-free quinoline class topical antibiotic, ozenoxacin (1%), as a topical monotherapy in grade-II acne vulgaris (AV). Five female patients between the age group of 18–25 years with grade-II AV were prescribed twice daily topical ozenoxacin (1%) in cream formulation as a monotherapy. The efficacy was analyzed using the visual analog scale and investigator global assessment scoring system. At 4 weeks of treatment follow-up, we observed that the pretreatment and posttreatment visual analog scale and investigator global assessment scores showed remarkable differences with excellent response in all five patients without any adverse effects. The above case series concluded that 1% ozenoxacin could be used as an alternative, potential, and safer topical treatment modality in grade-II AV patients.
Onychomycosis in chronic liver disease
Authors: Elmansoury Eman Adel , Ebrahim Adel Ali , Othman Talaat Abdelrazek , Hamed Ahmed Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Background

Nail changes including onychomycosis are clues to many systemic diseases. The prevalence of this disease is variable worldwide and in different patient groups.

Objective

To study the prevalence of onychomycosis among chronic liver disease (CLD) patients, the association of risk factors in that patient category with onychomycosis, the causative fungal species, and antifungal susceptibility of the most common species isolated.

Patients and methods

Six hundred and eighty patients with CLD were screened for nail abnormalities clinically suggestive of onychomycosis. Demographic data and risk factors associated with CLD were investigated. Samples were mycologically identified, and antifungal susceptibility was tested for the most common isolated species.

Results

Prevalence of onychomycosis among CLD patients was 9.4%. Advancing age, low platelet count, positive Hepatitis C virus (HCV) or Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level showed significant association with onychomycosis in CLD patients. Dermatophytes were the most common cause (57.7%) of onychomycosis in CLD patients. Terbinafine was the most potent antifungal, as 80% of dermatophytes were susceptible to it.

Conclusion

Patients with CLD are at risk of developing onychomycosis especially with the following risk factors: advancing age, decreased platelet count, testing positive for HCV or HBV, and high ALT. For onychomycosis in patients with CLD, dermatophytes were the most common cause, and terbinafine was the drug of choice in treatment.
Double-loop reconstruction after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Giordano Alessio , Giudicissi Rosina , Vellei Samantha , Cantafio Stefano
Published: May 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) constitutes a major health problem. In addition to the popularity of laparoscopic gastrectomy, many reconstructive procedures have been reported in the literature. Surgical resection and lymphatic dissection determine long-term survival; however, the election of a reconstruction procedure determines the postoperative quality of life for patients with GC. At present, no consensus exists regarding the optimal reconstructive procedure. A new reconstructive approach was recently adopted at our center. Laparoscopic distal or total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and a so called ‘double-loop’ reconstruction method with intracorporeal mechanical anastomosis was performed in our patients and we describe the technical note and outcome. The intuition in its use comes from the packaging of gastric bypasses in bariatric surgery. The double-loop method is a valid simplification of the traditional technique of construction of the Roux-limb that could increase the feasibility and safety in performing a full laparoscopic intracorporeal reconstruction with greater ergonomics for the surgeon.
Nutritional Supplements
Authors: Saoji Ajeet , Saoji Prachi Ajeet , Hajare Shilpa , Dharmadhikari Pranita
Published: May 2022

Background:

The haphazard use of supplements without proper consultation from a health expert can lead to side effects, especially in youngsters. These supplements have very few regulations nationwide, and practically, no effort has been taken to make the public aware of its ill effects, besides warnings issued by the manufacturing companies on the products.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study among 2nd -3rd MBBS students studying in a medical college was carried out to study the prevalence of use of supplementary nutrition, its type, source of information, and preferred type of supplements.

Results:

The overall proportion of dietary supplement use among medical college students participated in this study was 29.4%. Multivitamins, protein powders, and energy drinks were the most preferred type and the reasons mentioned for intake were for general well-being to avoid future illness and muscle-building purpose.

Conclusion:

More awareness among frequent and haphazard users who are on supplementary nutrition without any medical opinion should be incorporated to avoid side effects created by unregulated nutritional supplements available in market.
Equivalence of critical and subcritical sharp Trudinger–Moser inequalities in fractional dimensions and extremal functions
Authors: de Oliveira José Francisco , do Ó João Marcos
Published: May 2022

We establish critical and subcritical sharp Trudinger–Moser inequalities for fractional dimensions on the whole space. Moreover, we obtain asymptotic lower and upper bounds for the fractional subcritical Trudinger–Moser supremum from which we can prove the equivalence between critical and subcritical inequalities. Using this equivalence, we prove the existence of maximizers for both the subcritical and critical associated extremal problems. As a by-product of this development, we can explicitly calculate the value of the critical supremum in some special situations.
The Neolithic dualist scheme
Authors: Bodet Cédric
Published: May 2022

The monumental twin steles of Göbekli Tepe are one in a long series of isomorphic compositions in Neolithic symbolism. Seemingly tracing back to the Palaeolithic, symmetry likely played a fundamental role for prehistoric societies. Ethnographers showed how hunter-gatherer ideology (mythology, totemism, etc.) is often structured around a dualistic worldview (male/female; summer/winter etc.) taking root in the kinship system through a division of the community into exogamic subgroups. It is this dualism that is argued to be embodied in the twin steles. The advent of autonomous agricultural lineages could explain why this timeless principle appears with such prominence in the Neolithic.
Pattern and Variation in Jewellery Production Sequences
Authors: Bērziņš Valdis , Čakare Agnese
Published: May 2022

This study considers the production sequences of amber jewellery from Sārnate and Siliņupe, at the coast of present-day Latvia. Differences between the two sites in terms of the relative frequency of items discarded in various production stages may be related to the degree of integration into exchange networks. Within-assemblage variation in terms of the point within the processing sequence when perforation was performed indicates a strong element of heterodoxy with respect to amber processing within the communities, congruent with a domestic setting of production, even though the output consisted of a rather standardized range of forms.
Agricultural Extension Services amidst COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: Policy Options
Authors: Issa Fadlullah Olayiwola
Published: May 2022

The paper explored the policy options targeted at preventing extreme hunger after surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 15 key informants across five purposively selected Local Government Areas in Kaduna and Ogun States for this study. Checklist (administered through recorded telephone calls) was used to elicit responses (qualitative data) on the impacts of COVID-19 on the food system. This paper concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted on the food system thus challenging the AES to employ more innovative and pragmatic approaches to reach the farmers. Major impacts of COVID-19 on food system were disruptions in agricultural production, limitation of field visit by extension personnel and distortion of technology delivery system. Major recommendations include: in response to the stay-at-home order in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Agricultural extension services (AES) should explore virtual means to reach the clientele. To this end, farm operations and new techniques should be packaged into short clips and shared via various platforms. Also, legislative means to consider AEAS as essential services should be sought; and extensionists should be trained and provided with personal protection equipment (PPE) to enable them reach farmers. Such field officers should be insured and provided with adequate tangible mobility.
Poultry Farmers Adaptation Strategies to Consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeniyi R.T. , Adetunji T.A. , Olumoyegun B.A. , Fanifosi G.E. , Odozi J.C.
Published: May 2022

This study examined the adaptation strategies to the consequence of COVID-19 pandemic on Poultry Farmers in Oyo State. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select five Key Informants and five Focus Group Discussion from the respondents respectively. Data on effects of lockdown, coping strategies and role of PAN were collected and analysed using constant comparison analysis.The effects of pandemic in severity order include, poor marketing due to collapse of the standard delivery system (85%); glut of the poultry products (80%), laying stock reduction (25%)and folding up of the enterprise (15%) burying of unsold bad eggs (5%).Coping strategies employed were sourcing financial support from cooperative societies (85%), sold produce on credit (75%) and sourcing ICT-based marketing information (70%). The role played by PAN include taking exemption letter from police (Police wireless message) to move poultry products for sale; mediating unfavourable government taxation and relevant information dissemination via WhatsApp group platform. There is the need to develop an emergency’s-smart resilience programme for the poultry industry. Measures adopted to manage emergencies such as COVID-19 should not impede the flow of agricultural products and inputs from the onset.
Perceptions of People Towards Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability in North Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Abdulkadir T. Darma , Abubakar M. Abdullahi
Published: May 2022

This paper examined people’s perception towards youth with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. In-depth interviews were conducted separately with a with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Intellectual disabilities (ID) While their mothers were thoroughly investigated in order to ascertain the level of victimization in the form of bullying on these categories of youth constructs from the interview were utilized to compare groups on the frequency type and impact of victimization. The outcomes of the interview conducted reveals that youth with ASD are being victimized more frequently than their ID peers and that the form of bullying being subdued differs from each group to another. In view of submission our findings show that higher internalizing problem and conflicts in relationship are found to be a significant predictor of victimization. The paper, therefore, recommends among others that observation of extrinsic and intrinsic behaviors for proper adjustment in a classroom setting should be taken care off.
Biology Students’ Questioning Behaviour in Relation to Their Achievement in Biology in Barkin Ladi, Local Government Area, Plateau State
Authors: Ezekiel D.P. , Yilshik O.M. , Joseph M.
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the relationship between senior secondary two students’ questioning behaviour and their achievement in Biology in Barkin  Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The research  design was partly an ethnographic research design through observation and narrative  survey. The study  also incorporated a correlational research design in which the correlation coefficient was computed to  determine the  relationship between the variables. The population of the study comprised all the fifteen  (15) senior secondary schools in Barkin Ladi. A sample of  two senior secondary schools out of fifteen  senior secondary schools was selected using purposive sampling technique. Blooms’ category system  was used to transcribe students’ questions. The research instruments were observation using Audiotape recorder and Biology Achievement Test (BAT). The audiotape recorded students’ questions were coded  by two science education specialist in University of Jos while the test items were also  scrutinized by two  biology teachers at the secondary school level. The reliability of the BAT was determined using split-half method and it  yielded 0.80. The research questions were answered using descriptive statistics while  Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used in testing the  Null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significant.  The findings indicated that a high positive linear relationship exists between the raw number of  students’  questions and their achievement scores in Biology. The findings equally showed that students asked  mostly low level questions and the  types of questions that students ask during biology lesson does not depend on gender. Consequently, the study recommended among other things, the training and re-training of teachers as well as students on how to ask thought provoking questions to facilitate students’ performance, teaching and learning of Biology in Senior Secondary schools.
Assessment of Business Education Physical Learning Resources for The Implementation of Activity-Based Learning in Bauchi State Colleges of Education
Authors: Gambo Kulu , Hamisu M. , Umar B. Abdulmutalib
Published: May 2022

The study assessed business education physical learning resources with a view to be upgraded to support the use of Activity-based learning strategy in Bauchi state colleges of education. Two objectives and two research questions were formulated. Survey design was adopted. The population of the study was 36 business educators from colleges of education Azare and Adamu Tafawa Balewa college of education Kangere. Total population sample was used in the study. The instrument used for data collection was Business Education Resource Upgrade Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The study revealed that physical facilities were moderately upgraded to support the use of the Activity-based learning strategy at COE, Azare and ATBCOE, Kangere. Also, equipment and supplies were less upgraded in COE Azare and ATBCOE, Kangere to support the use of Activity-based learning strategy. It was recommended that management of COE Azare should strive through public-private partnership with industries, philanthropist, international donor agencies and their internally generated revenue for sustainability to keep the program up-to-date to the tune of time. Bauchi state government should also partner for additional funding in addition to internally generated revenue from ATAP and ATBCOE in order to provide them with adequate physical facilities, equipment supplies and consumables for business education program effectiveness in order to successfully implement Activity-based learning strategy in the school.
Perceived Impact of Vocational Skills Acquisition On Reformation and Reduction of Recidivism by Ex-Convicts of Gombe Central Correctional Centre
Authors: Inusa Diana
Published: May 2022

Reformation of prison inmates is one of the most utmost functions of the Nigerian Correctional Service. The main focus of this study was to assess the perceived impact of vocational skills acquisition on reformation and reduction of recidivism by ex-convicts of Gombe Central Correctional Center, Nigeria. The study used 30 ex-convicts who were jailed between six months and eight years. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire which was validated by specialized in measurement and evaluation, and reliability test conducted in Faculty of Education, University of Maiduguri. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that most of the ex-convicts were male, with informal education and age range of between 21 and 40 years. The respondents engaged more in carpentry (37%) and Welding (33%). The vocational skills acquired by inmates had great and positive impact on their reformation. The study therefore recommends that: there is need for the Nigeria Correctional Service authorities to introduce more vocational skills acquisition programmes in Gombe Central Correctional Centre; Collaborative provision should be made between the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) and other agencies as well as other Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) centres towards promotion of rehabilitation of prison inmates through vocational skills acquisition programme.
Impact of Government Expenditure on Public Primary Schools Teachers’ Welfare in Jos-South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Azi A.S. , Shikdima V.A.
Published: May 2022

This study examined the impact of Government expenditure on public primary school teachers’ welfare in Jos-South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. One research question was answered to achieve the objective of the study. Descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The population of the study consisted of 36 supervisors and 139 teachers in public primary schools in the study area. The sample size was made up of 27 supervisors and 91 teachers. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed for selecting the sample. The instruments for data collection were self-structured questionnaires titled Government Expenditure and Primary Education Development Questionnaire for Teachers (GEPEDQT) and Government Expenditure and Primary Education Development Questionnaire for Supervisors (GEPEDQS). The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach alpha method which yielded 0.89 and 0.87 respectively, it was found to be reliable. The study employed the use of mean and standard deviation in analysing the data. Findings from the research question indicated that government expenditure for teachers’ welfare in public primary schools in the study area was inadequate. Based on this finding, it was recommended among others that government should increase the expenditure of the educational sector in line with the recommendations of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which is 26 percent for developing countries.
Adoption of National Language for Teaching and Learning Vocational Education for Sustainable Devlopment In Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf S.S. , Muhammad Z.R. , Ukwumaka K. O. , Haliru A. , Duze D.A.
Published: May 2022

Naturally, language is the human vocal sounds or the arbitrary graphic representation of these sounds in writing used systematically and conventionally bya speech community for the purposes of communication, Osinsanyo (2007). On the other hand, education is seen as the overall round development of individuals, their economic, cultural and spiritual being. The process of molding and shaping personality is facilitated through the use of language as a vehicle; language plays vital roles in most known formal educational systems. This paper among other things discuss the concept of language education, proficiency, vocational achievement, vocational trainning, multilingualism and its challences, language skills in vocational education and sustainable national development. It features as a subject in the school curriculum and is used to serve as the medium of instruction in all the subjects globally. Thus, this paper seeks to consider ‘adoption of national language education for sustainable development in Nigeria’ and made the following recommendations: There is the need to develop a good language education programme for vocational school level in Nigeria ,Teachers should jointly help the pupils to develop competence in the use of their language and that of the immediate environment of schooling, and the government should make adequate funds available for the provision of regular and intensive professional capacity development for classroom teachers in the Universal Basic Education.
Perceived Challenges of Start Up of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Among Business Education Graduates in Federal Colleges of Education in North-East, Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed H. Amin , Adamu I. Alhaji
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the Perceived Challenges of Start-up of Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) among Business Education graduates in Federal Colleges of Education in North-East Nigeria. The study was guided by the following research questions: To what extent does Startup capital constitute a challenge in setting up of Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) among business education students in Federal Colleges of Education in North-east, Nigeria? To what extent does Inadequate Entrepreneurial Skills constitute a challenge in startup of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) among Business Education graduates in Federal Colleges of Education in North-east Nigeria? The design of the study was descriptive survey. The area of the study was North-east, Nigeria; population of the study comprises 639 final year Business Education graduates of Federal Colleges of Education who are trained in Entrepreneurship Education as a course, stratified proportionate random sampling technique was used. The instrument for data collection in the study was a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher. The instrument was validated by two experts from the Department of Vocational and Technology Education, Faculty of Technology Education, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. Reliability coefficient of 0.81 was obtained which indicates that the instrument was highly reliable. The researchers used a research assistant for administering of the questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, version 23. The result of the study revealed that graduates of Federal colleges of education were faced with the challenges of start-up capital in setting up of Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs), also the study revealed that there are inadequate Entrepreneurial skills training in setting up of SMEs among Business Education graduates. Based on the findings it was recommended that Government should increase support given to federal colleges of education in order to boost training of entrepreneurial skills and to provide financial support to students of Business Education to start-up SMEs after graduation.
Implication of Agricultural Science Education on the Development of the Nigerian Economy
Authors: Innocent-Ene E.O. , Suleiman A.D. , Sanni J.
Published: May 2022

The introduction of agricultural education in Nigeria educational system is necessary as it helps learners acquire knowledge and skills in agriculture which will improve the quantity and quality of agricultural production with a view to better the living standard of the people. Agricultural education has been progressing overtime due to the benefits derived from agriculture. The agricultural sector is a major source of livelihood for most citizens, but the paper noted that production hurdles have significantly stifled the performance of the sector. The paper argued that if the problems bedeviling agricultural sector as well as agricultural education such as inadequate funding, low societal acceptance, lack of qualified manpower, lack of good roads and infrastructures among others can be addressed, the Nigerian economy will be in a better shape as it relates to food security, employment of the youth and provision of raw materials. The paper finally concluded that agricultural education is an innovative programme aimed at self-reliant and employment creation in the country. Apart from the income generation and economic empowerment it can give to the youths, it preoccupies them and keep their minds out of mischief and violence, thereby, enhancing peace and national security which are of utmost importance to the Nigerian economy, and recommends adequate funding to acquire necessary tools and equipment, qualified teaching personnel and in-service training for the teachers as well as incentives for learners of agricultural science.
Family Instability as a Predictor of Academic Performance Among Secondary School Students in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Alabi M.A. , Jimoh J.A. , Biwai Y. , Lasisi A.K.
Published: May 2022

The research investigated Family instability as a predictor of academic achievement of secondary school students. survey research design of expo-  facto type was used for the study. A total of 200 participants were randomly sampled for the study. Data were collected with self-developed family instability questionnaire, while the students’ scores in mathematics and English were used as academic achievement data. The reliability of the instrument was measured through pilot testing and Cronbach’s alpha test was employed to check the consistency and accuracy of the measurement scale. A reliability  coefficient of 0.73 was obtained, which indicates that the items in the instrument measured similar  concept. Three  hypotheses were raised and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The data were analyzed  using Pearson product moment statistics method. The  result of the analysis showed a significant  relationship between family instability and academic achievement of secondary school students (junior,  senior). On the basis of the findings it was recommended among others that that couples should avail  themselves of the services of marriage  counselors in the resolution of marital disputes.
Business Education a Panacea for Unemployment Among Youth in Nigeria
Authors: Umar B. Yusuf , Abdulmumini H , Bello A. , Abdullahi M. Rasheed , Adamu Zainab
Published: May 2022

The teaching of Business Education has been going in to extinction as if the subject has no importance to the youth’s employment in Nigeria. Having recognized teaching of Business Education as vanguard and elements of salvaging the current unemployment rate in Nigeria, the need to have the knowledge of Business Education is considered paramount. This paper intended to highlight the relevance of Business Education as panacea for unemployment among youths in Nigeria. The study therefore, brought to the light of relevance of Business Education, development of Business Education as well as challenges facing Business Education in Nigeria. Finally, the paper forwarded some of the recommendations in promoting Business Education in Nigeria which among others include the need of equipping Business Education Department with adequate and quality teachers with necessary materials such as model rooms, typing pools and computer lab to promote teaching and learning of the subject.
Teachers' Perception on Influence of Social Adjustment on Academic Performance of Students with Mild Mental Retardation in Gombe State Special School
Authors: Shehu Ruqaiya , Gombe S. Yakubu , Yahaya Z. Ahmed
Published: May 2022

This study focused on determining the perception of teachers on influence of social adjustment on academic performance in West African Examinations Council/National Examinations Council (WAEC/NECO) of students with mild mental retardation in Gombe state, with emphasis on special secondary school. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A total population of 37 teachers were used as respondents. Using drop and pick method, data was collected using adapted social adjustment (questionnaire) from Mei- Yin, Huei – Shyong & Cheng-Jung (2000) in Taiwan with 22 items. The instrument was reduced to 18 items. The instrument was validated by 2 experts and reliability was of 0.82 was obtained through Chronbach’s Alfa coefficient determination formula and the original reported reliability is 0.85. Data was analysed using descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean and SD) statistics. The study found that level of academic performance WAEC/NECO of mentally retarded students is moderate in Gombe state special school, while the level of social adjustment on academic performance WAEC/NECO of mentally retarded students was found to be high as perceived by the teachers. The study concludes that the teachers in Gombe state special school are heterogeneous and social adjustment has great influence on academic performance of mentally retarded students. The study recommends that government should make it a policy that, all mentally retarded persons between the ages of 5-7 are subjected to social adjustment programmes which will transit them into formal school system and parents of mentally retarded children should improve their closeness with their children and also build in hope of their rehabilitation.