bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elderly Abuse and Quality of Life
Authors: Joshi Mahendra Raj , Chalise Hom Nath
Published: August 2021

Background:

The abuse and neglect of older people in the family context are emerging as a significant social, as well as a public health concern that is affecting the overall quality of life (QOL) of the elderly.

Aims:

The main objective of this paper was to study the experience of abuse and its relation with QOL of older people in rural Nepal.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional, community-based survey carried out in the Kailali district of Nepal. The total sample size for this study was 547 people aged 60 years and older selected randomly. QOL was measured using the World Health Organization QOL scale popularly known as WHOQOL-BREF. Elderly abuse was measured by asking questions related to elderly abuse in the last 1 month. The descriptive technique is used to analyse the data. Descriptive, chi-square tests and F-test was used to analyze the data.

Results:

The findings show that about one-sixth of males (15.6%) and one in every seven females (14.3%) have faced any type of abuse in the last 1 month. This study found that overall QOL score of the Nepalese elderly was moderate (12.92 ± 1.75). The mean scores of the overall QOL index of people experiencing abuse were observed significantly low (12.28 ± 1.74) compared to those who did not experience any abuse (13.04 ± 1.73).

Conclusions:

Elderly experiencing abuse have significantly low QOL compared to not abused elderly in Nepal. The experience of abuse was elicited in the last 1 month. This study was carried out in specific rural area and cannot be generalised to all Nepali older people. Local activities and awareness to discourage older person's abuse should be encouraged that may help to enhance the QOL of older people.
Prevalence of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in India
Authors: Dhinwa Manisha , Gawande Kanchan , Jha Nishu , Anjali M. , Bhadoria Ajeet Singh , Sinha Smita
Published: August 2021

Background:

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is one of the major health problems leading to maternal mortality. Globally, one woman dies every 7 min due to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDOP). Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia contribute majority of maternal, perinatal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension in India.

Methods:

A systematic search was done through PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus for studies conducted on HDOP. All studies that met inclusion criteria published till January 2020 were included and analysed. The analysis was done using STATA 20.0 software (STATA Version 20.0 is sufficient). The pooled prevalence of hypertension in pregnancy was estimated using both mixed-effects and random-effects models.

Results:

A total of 18 studies with 92,220 study participants (pregnant women) were included in this review. The estimated overall pooled prevalence of HDOP in India was found to be 11% (95% confidence interval, 5%–17%). Most of the included studies were cross sectional and from the southern zone of India.

Conclusions:

The overall pooled estimate shows high prevalence, i.e., 1 out of 11 women suffers from pregnancy-induced hypertension. High prevalence of hypertension in the study population demands the attention of policymakers and healthcare professionals. Better implementation of early screening of hypertension during pregnancy should be undertaken.
Micro-Nutrient Deficiencies Among Children in India
Authors: Gawande Kanchan , Jha Nishu , Bhadoria Ajeet Singh , Saxena Gaurika , Yadav Sweta
Published: August 2021

The article provides a comprehensive review of the current situation of micronutrient deficiencies (MND) among children in India. It provides information of common MND with its prevalence and geographical distribution. The review includes a nationally representative survey, nutritional reports and studies conducted in the different regions of India. Iron deficiency anaemia, Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and iodine deficiency disorder are found to be the most prevalent MND among children. The prevalence of anaemia ranging from 21% to 59.2%, VAD reported as a maximum of 10.2% in one of the recent Indian studies while the total goitre rate of highest as 21.9%. With the implementation of various nutritional programs for children, these deficiencies are found to be significant mainly among pre-school children. The recommendation on strengthening existing nutritional health programmes with some new intervention strategies to improve the micronutrient status among children and to reduce the economic burden to MND in the coming years.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Individual Hand Hygiene Infection Control Practices Among Healthcare Workers
Authors: Sharma Prakhar , Gangakhedkar Mihir Raman , Bahurupi Yogesh Arvind , Gupta Puneet Kumar , Prakash Vipul , Dua Ruchi , Sharma Kashmi , Saini Lokesh Kumar
Published: August 2021

Background:

COVID-19 is primarily transmitted by droplets, aerosols and fomites. While adequate hand hygiene (HH) practice has already been proven to reduce transmission of pathogens and prevent infection, its role in checking cross-contamination with SARS-CoV-2 appears paramount.

Aim:

To assess the impact COVID 19 has had on individual HH practices among health care workers (HCW) at a tertiary health care center.

Patients and Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCWs for a period of 15 days from May to June 2020. The survey was distributed online via Google Forms after acquiring permission from Institutional Ethics Committee.

Results:

Two hundred and three completed survey questionnaires were received, primarily from nursing officers (42.4%) and residents (38.9%). Comparison of pre- and post-COVID-19 habits revealed a significant change in awareness regarding hand washing steps (87%–100%), practicing all steps of hand washing (66%–99%), washing hand before and after touching patient (55%–92% and 77%–100%, respectively), washing hands before going home (30%–91%), washing hands despite wearing gloves (21%–80%) and after touching patient's surroundings (46%–92%). Another significant finding observed was that almost 72% of the respondents took time to educate someone close by in HH and washing steps.

Conclusion:

The pandemic has seen an improvement in practices of HH. This change will not only impact the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but every infectious disease spread similarly. Moreover, educating the general public would help in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Factors Influencing the Success of Faculty Development Programme
Authors: Vathulya Madhubari , Rao Shalinee , Kathrotia Rajesh , Naithani Manisha , Bisht Manisha , Varshney Saurabh , Negi Gita , Mohan Latika , Gupta Pratima , Kant Ravi
Published: August 2021

Background:

The success of any training program is influenced by factors such as the course facilitator, learner and learning environment. Faculty Development Programs are conducted in institutes from time to time to train the trainer.

Aims:

The article aims to evaluate two Faculty Development Programs conducted at a tertiary care institute and address the concerns and suggestions as educationists.

Subjects and Methods:

Data generated from the 4-day workshop on Faculty Development Course conducted in two subsequent programmes in the year 2019 were reviewed. The performance of participants was analyzed based on their performance in pre-test and post-test administered through a set of pre-validated questionnaires. Participant feedback as well as their response to facilitatory and hindering factors was evaluated.

Results:

A total of 57 participants attended the workshop (cumulative both FDP). Pre-test post-test scores were 7.55 ± 2.2 and 12.5 ± 1.87, and improvement in knowledge was statistically significant with P < 0.0001. Overall, FDP was rated very good to good by 97% of the participants. Interactive sessions, group activity and discussions facilitated learning, while prolonged and hurried up sessions as well as non-availability of prior reading material were major hindrances.

Conclusion:

A low baseline knowledge of participants emphasizes the need for an early introduction to FDP with interactive sessions, good time management and a non-threatening environment to maintain the interest of learner and facilitates learning. The article in addition also discusses about the inadequacies and lacunae of the existing programme.
Internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Shah Omair Ashraf , Shera Tahleel Altaf , Bhat Mudasir , Choh Naseer Ahmad , Gojwari Tariq Ahmad
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of internal derangement and to assess the complimentary role of MRI and clinical assessment in prognostication. To assess the role of MRI in demonstrating disc displacement and reduction.

Methods:

A total of 34 patients (28 cases and 6 controls) with clinical features of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement underwent a dedicated MRI at our institution. MRI was assessed for disc displacement, morphology, and reduction on open-mouth imaging. For analysis, the patients were divided into those with disc displacement with reduction (WR) and those without reduction (WOR). Clinical and MRI grading of internal derangement were done in all patients and correlated with each other. Prognostication was attempted using the clinical and MRI features, and patients were followed up over a mean period of 6 months.

Results:

Most of the patients were females (n = 20 71%) in the child-bearing age group (third decade). MRI demonstrated disc displacement in all but two patients in whom disc was not visible. Fourteen (54%) patients were placed in WR group, whereas 10 (38%) were in WOR group. In two (8%) patients, stuck disc was diagnosed. Patients in WR group responded to conservative treatment alone while those in WOR group needed conservative management in some (n = 8 57%) and surgical intervention in others (n = 6 43%). Both patients with stuck disc failed conservative management.

Conclusion:

MRI is an essential component of TMJ evaluation and helps in diagnosing and staging internal derangement together with disc assessment. Patients with disc displacement WOR and those with higher grades of derangement on MRI including stuck disc require surgical intervention if conservative management fails.
Epidemiological trends of oral squamous cell carcinoma – An institutional study
Authors: Babu Cathy , Pereira Treville , Shetty Subraj , Shrikant Gotmare Swati , Anjali A. K. , Vidhale Rutuja Gajanan
Published: September 2021

Background:

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with an incidence rate that varies widely by geographic location. Even within one geographic location, the incidence varies among groups categorized by age, gender or race. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify the trends in the age, gender, habits, sites involved and the histopathological grading which are given to patients diagnosed with OSCC in D.Y. Patil University School of Dentistry, Navi MumbaI.

Materials and Methods:

The study covered a period from July 2003 to July 2019. OSCC cases were retrospectively analysed for age, gender, habit, site of the lesion and histopathological grading given to patients diagnosed with OSCC. Charts were made, analysis was done and the results were formulated. Correlation was also done comparing gender vs habit, gender vs site of the lesion and gender vs histopathological grading given to the OSCC cases to check for statistical significance.

Results:

The study revealed a male to female ratio of ~ 0.7 : 0.3 with the largest number of OSCCs developing in the fourth and sixth decades of life. Overall, Buccal Mucosa (40%) was the most common site involved while floor of the mouth (2.8%) showed the least incidence. Other sites involved were gingiva (34%), tongue (12%), palate (4%) and labial mucosa (3%) respectively. Smokeless tobacco habit was more prevalent than smoking tobacco in both men as well as women. We even observed that 58% of cases were diagnosed with Well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC), 39% with Moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (MDSCC) and 2% with Poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (PDSCC). Correlation between gender vs habit, gender vs site of the lesion and gender vs histopathological grading of OSCC was done using chi square test and all the three parameters turned out to be statistically significant.

Conclusion:

An alarming rise in the number of OSCC cases over the years was observed from this 15-year retrospective study. Measures must be taken to make people aware about the ill effects of tobacco and the prolonged usage & the availability of treatment options should be made known to the affected individuals. Race, ethnicity and age cannot be altered; however, lifestyle behaviour such as use of tobacco and alcohol are amenable to change.
Bilateral same session renal stone surgery tolerance and complications
Authors: Addar Abdulmalik , Aljuhayman Ahmed , Ghazwani Yahya , Al Khayal Abdullah , Alasker Ahmed , Emiliani Esteban , Hamri Saeed Bin
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

The prevalence rate of upper urinary tract calculi in Saudi Arabia is one of the highest globally. Bilateral renal stone management is an option but is still controversial.

Methodology:

The study was a retrospective study, including 31 patients with bilateral renal or ureteric stones who underwent bilateral same-session ureterorenoscopy (BSS-URS). The data collected included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), stone burden bilaterally, operative time bilaterally, hospital stay, stone location, type of anesthesia, stone history, renal anomaly as well as pre- and postoperative JJ stenting. In addition, data related to complications (ureteric injury, renal failure, urinary tract infection, pain requiring an emergency department visit within 1 week of the procedure), the stone-free rate (defined as £ 3 mm asymptomatic stone fragment identified with computed tomography Kidney, Ureter and Bladder 3 months after surgery was also collected. The data were collected from the electronic patient record system, entered in an Excel spreadsheet, and descriptive analysis was done.

Results:

In total, 31 patients were included, with the majority (80.6%, n = 25) male. The mean age was 41.6 years, the mean BMI 28.7 ± 5.59, the mean operative time for each renal unit 46.53 ± 25.69 min, and the mean hospital stay 17.87 ± 8.43 h. The majority (96.7%, n = 30) received general anesthesia. Less than half (40.3%, n = 25) of the renal units had stones in multiple calyces and the majority (90.3%, n = 56) of the renal units were stone free at the 3-month follow-up. A small proportion (3.2%, n = 2) of the renal units were polycystic. Prestenting was documented in 40.3% (n = 25) of the renal units and the majority (95.2%, n = 59) were stented postoperatively.

Conclusion:

BSS-URS is a safe and a highly effective management option for bilateral renal stones.
Postoperative infective complications following percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Kumar G. Manoj , Nirmal K. P. , Kumar G. Sathish
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is recommended as the first choice of therapeutic strategy for patients with renal stones larger than 2 cm. It is reported that up to one-third of patients might have some perioperative complications, especially fever and urinary tract infections, which constitutes about 21%–39.8% of all the complications.

Primary and Secondary:

The primary aim of the study was to study about the proportion of patients getting post-operative infective complications following PCNL. The secondary aim was to study the patient, stone and procedure related risk factors associated with the infective complications.

Settings and Design:

This is an institution-based observational study.

Materials and Methods:

All patients who underwent PCNL in the Department of Urology, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, during 3 years from September 2016– to August 2019, were included in the study. In this study, the demographic factors and factors related to the patient, stone, and the procedure were collected and analyzed.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results:

During the 3-year period, a total of 201 patients with renal stones were treated with PCNL in our hospital. Of this 190 cases were taken for analysis. The mean age of patients was 47.7 years, 148 (77.9%) were male, 42 (22.1%) were female, The final outcomes evaluated were episodes of fever, documented urinary tract infection (UTI), pyelonephritis, and sepsis. Thirty-six (18.9%) patients had fever, of which 21 (11.1%) had UTI, 6 (3.1%) had pyelonephritis and 5 (2.6%) developed sepsis.

Conclusions:

Post-PCNL complications are more commonly found in patients with history of preoperative UTI, previous history of renal surgeries, large stone burden, operative procedure more than 90 min, and presence of residual calculi.
Combined Effects of Citric Acid and Phytase Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Body Composition of Labeo rohita Fingerlings
Authors: Iqbal Maryam , Afzal Muhammad , Yaqub Atif , Anjum Khalid Mahmood , Tayyab Komal
Published: September 2021

Aquaculturists have been concentrating their efforts to design aquafeeds using agro by-products to reduce feed costs. However, the presence of a wide variety of antinutritional factors (ANFs) in plant materials is one of the major obstacles. For this purpose, a 2x2 factorial experiment was established to evaluate the suitability of canola meal with citric acid (CA) and phytase (PHY) supplementation for growth performance, nutrient digestibility and body composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings. Five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets; D1 (control; without CA and PHY), D2 (CA 15 g/kg+PHY 1000 FTU/kg), D3 (CA 30 g/kg+PHY 1000 FTU/kg), D4 (CA 15 g/kg+PHY 2000 FTU/kg) and D5 (CA 30 g/kg+PHY 2000 FTU/kg) were fed to fish (mean initial weight 7.61±0.31 g) in triplicates for 90-days. The growth performance was significantly increased while feed conversion ratio was decreased with D3 compared to control and other CA and PHY supplemented groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, higher digestibility (%) of nutrients (dry matter, crude protein and ash) and improved whole-body composition was also exhibited by fish fed with D3 (P<0.05). Hence, the above results elucidate that supplementation of 30 g/kg CA with 1000 FTU/kg PHY could be a useful approach for improved growth performance, nutrients digestibility and body composition of L. rohita.
Data Link Layer
Authors:   Truck Bus Control and Communications Network Committee
Published: September 2021

The SAE J1939 documents are intended for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles used on or off road, as well as appropriate stationary applications which use vehicle derived components (e.g., generator sets). Vehicles of interest include, but are not limited to, on- and off-highway trucks and their trailers, construction equipment, and agricultural equipment and implements.

The purpose of these documents is to provide an open interconnect system for electronic systems. It is the intention of these documents to allow Electronic Control Units to communicate with each other by providing a standard architecture.

This particular document, SAE J1939-21, describes the data link layer using the Classical Extended Frame Format (CEFF) with 29-bit IDs, as defined in ISO 11898-1, December 2015. For SAE J1939, no alternative data link layers are permitted.
Librarians’ Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Management in Private University Libraries in South-West and South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Williams-Ilemobola Olajumoke Bolanle , Adetayo Adebowale Jeremy , Asiru Mufutau Ayobami , Ajayi Jide Lawrence
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the influence of librarians„ emotional intelligence on conflict management in private university libraries in South-West and South-South, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population comprises 200 librarians in South-West and South-South, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument was tested for reliability, yielding Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.87 to 0.95. Descriptive & inferential Statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that intrapersonal, interpersonal, intragroup, and intergroup conflicts as predominant in libraries. Collaborating, accommodating, sharing, avoidance and competing were prevalent techniques for managing conflicts in libraries. Librarians were found to be highly emotionally intelligent. The study concluded that librarians‟ emotional intelligence influenced conflict management. The study recommended that there is a need for private University Libraries to tackle misunderstandings among librarians while at the same time ensuring librarians are constantly emotionally intelligent.
Development and Testing of Instrument to Assess Preterm Infant Care Practice in Neonatal Care Units
Authors: Shrestha Tumla , Pandey Bista Archana
Published: August 2021

Background: Preterm infants (PTIs) are vulnerable to morbidity, mortality, disability. They require special treatment and care in neonatal care units (NCUs) for survival and developmental potential. Nurses have the significant responsibility for providing quality care to these infants. To find out the care status, it is necessary to have a valid and reliable instrument.Objective: The study was conducted to develop and test an instrument to assess PTI care practice by nurses in NCUs.Methods: The instrument was developed based on literature review and the finding of the focus group discussion (FGD). The instrument was developed in August 2020 and pretested among 30 nurses working in NCUs of two private teaching hospitals of Kathmandu during September 2020. Measures were used to ensure the validity of the instrument. The content validity index (CVI) scores for items and scale were calculated from the scores given by the eight experts. The Cronbach alpha (α) was calculated considering the acceptable α-value > 0.7. Results: The instrument having four domains, 47 items and 5 sub-items was developed to assess PTI care practice. The instrument had a satisfactory CVI score for each item (>0.75) and overall scale (>0.9). The Cronbach alpha value for the subscales were between 0.79 and 0.88 and the overall scale was >0.93. Conclusion: The instrument to assess preterm infant care practice provided by nurses in NCU was developed with adequate theoretical and contextual background. Necessary validity and reliability processes and criteria were also employed. Therefore, the instrument might be useful to assess the PTI care practice of nurses in NCUs in Nepalese context.
Review of Evidence of Aerosol Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Particles
Authors: Aladodo Shehu Sharafadeen , Akoshile Clement Olufemi , Otu J. O.
Published: August 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through multiple transmission routes and understanding the mode of transmission is very important for its containment and prevention. Consequently, inadequate attention has been given to the spread of respiratory droplets in indoor conditions under microclimatologic turbulent wind promoted by aerosol from talking (loud), coughing, sneezing, toilet flushing of an isolation room, and resuspension of the settled virus from the surfaces. To this end, this study is presenting an early review of the process and evidence of aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 particles. There are significant results of many studies including those under peer review that support aerosol and airborne transmission which government agencies should consider for reducing the transmission rate.
Bayesian Multilevel Models for Count Data
Authors: Adesina Olumide Sunday
Published: August 2021

The traditional Poisson regression model for fitting count data is considered inadequate to fit over-or under-dispersed count data and new models have been developed to make up for such inadequacies inherent in the model. In this study, Bayesian Multi-level model was proposed using the No-U-Turn Sampler (NUTS) sampler to sample from the posterior distribution. A simulation was carried out for both over-and under-dispersed data from discrete Weibull distribution. Pareto k diagnostics was implemented, and the result showed that under-dispersed and over-dispersed simulated data has all its k value to be less than 0.5, which indicate that all the observations are good. Also all WAIC were the same as LOO-IC except for Poisson in the over-dispersed simulated data. Real-life data set from National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was used for further analysis. Seven multi-level models were f itted and the Geometric model outperformed other model.
An Investor’s Investment Plan with Stochastic Interest Rate under the CEV Model and the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Process
Authors: Akpanibah Edikan E. , Ini Udeme O.
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to maximize an investor’s terminal wealth which exhibits constant relative risk aversion (CRRA). Considering the fluctuating nature of the stock market price, it is imperative for investors to study and develop an effective investment plan that considers the volatility of the stock market price and the fluctuation in interest rate. To achieve this, the optimal investment plan for an investor with logarithm utility under constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model in the presence of stochastic interest rate is considered. Also, a portfolio with one risk free asset and two risky assets is considered where the risk free interest rate follows the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (O-U) process and the two risky assets follow the CEV process. Using the Legendre transformation and dual theory with asymptotic expansion technique, closed form solutions of the optimal investment plans are obtained. Furthermore, the impacts of some sensitive parameters on the optimal investment plans are analyzed numerically. We observed that the optimal investment plan for the three assets give a fluctuation effect, showing that the investor’s behaviour in his investment pattern changes at different time intervals due to some information available in the financial market such as the fluctuations in the risk free interest rate occasioned by the O-U process, appreciation rates of the risky assets prices and the volatility of the stock market price due to changes in the elasticity parameters. Also, the optimal investment plans for the risky assets are directly proportional to the elasticity parameters and inversely proportional to the risk free interest rate and does not depend on the risk averse coefficient.
Assessment of Excess Gamma Dose Exposure Level in Typical Nigeria Commercial Building Materials Distribution Outlets
Authors: Asere A. M. , Owolabi T. O. , B. D. Alafe B. D. , Alabi O. P. , Alimi M. B.
Published: August 2021

The gamma dose rate exposure levels from different brands of building materials at commercial distribution stores/shops in two major cities in Ondo State, Nigeria, were measured using a well calibrated Inspector 1000 scintillator detector. The results showed that the different brands of building materials which are Corrugated iron sheet, Aluminum roofing sheets, Conduit pipes, Paints, Cement, PVC pipes, Wash hand basin, Bath tub, Water closet, Kitchen zinc, Asbestos, Floor tiles, Wall tiles, Bullet proof door, Binding wire, rings and rods, Red bricks, Galvanized pipes, Copper pipes, Water tanks contributed excess annual effective doses of 0.332 mSv/y and 0.311mSv/y to store keepers in Ikare Akoko and Akure cities respectively. The indoor and outdoor annual effective dose of each of the investigated two cities are correlated using simple linear regression equations. The results of the modeling and experiment show that annual effective dose received by the occupants of these shops/stores was about 12 % higher than what could be received in a typical natural radiation environment in the two cities because the building materials acts as a source of radiation indoor. The research indicated that the typical habit of using poorly ventilated and confined space as stores/shops by the sales men might subject them to internal exposure through inhalation of radon gas and its short-lived decay products. Implementation of the developed equations would definitely promote rapid determination of outdoor annual effective dose through indoor annual effective dose and ultimately save time and other valuable resources.
Novel developments of ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite: a nanotechnological approach towards insect vector control
Authors: Abba Ezra , Shehu Zaccheus , Lamayi Danbature Wilson , Poloma Yoriyo Kennedy , Dogara Kambel Rifkatu , Nsor Ayuk Charles
Published: August 2021

Recently, there is increasing efforts to develop newer and effective larvicides to control mosquito vectors. This study was carried out to examine the efficacy of ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite synthesized using Gum Arabic against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. The elemental composition, morphology, functional groups and surface plasmon resonance of the ZnO@SiO2 nanocomposite was analyzed by Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR and UV-Visible spectroscopy respectively. In bioassay, larvae were exposed to three different concentrations of synthesized ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite. The mortality rates at concentrations of 10, 20 and 25 were found to be (70%, 80%, 86%), (56%, 64%, 84%) and (44%, 48%, 76%) for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instar respectively. This study revealed that the synthesized ZnO@SiO2 nanocomposite exhibit high larvicidal activity; 1st instar (LC50=4.024, LC90= 39.273 mg/l), 2nd instar (LC50=8.767, LC90=51.069 mg/l) and 3rd instar (LC50=13.761.LC90=81.809 mg/l).
Synthetic characterization and structural properties of nanocellulose from moringa oleifera seeds
Authors: Afolabi A. F. , Oluyamo S. S. , Fuwape I. A.
Published: August 2021

In this research, nanocellulose is isolated from Moringa oleifera seed using acid hydrolysis and the structural properties were determined. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used for the characterization of the isolated nanocellulose. The most noticeable peak is observed at  and the value of the crystallinity index () from the XRD pattern is 63.1%. The calculated values of  hydrogen bond intensity (HBI), lateral order index (LOI) and total crystalline index (TCI) are 0.93, 1.17and 0.94 respectively exhibited high degree of crystallinity and well arranged cellulose crystal structure. The isolated nanocellulose has an average length and diameter of 14.3 and 36.33 respectively. Furthermore, the FTIR peaks revealed the presence of C-H bending, C-O stretching and O-H stretching functional groups.
Analysis of Indoor Radon Level and its Health Risks Parameters in Three Selected Towns in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Aloysius Ndubisi Orlunta , Briggs-Kamara Margaret Apaem , Sigalo Friday Barikpe , Iyeneomie Tamunobereton-Ari
Published: August 2021

Analysis of indoor radon level and its health risk parameters has been carried out in Borikiri (BT), Diobu (DR), and Rebisi (RB) towns in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A pocket sized Corentium Arthings digital radon detector meter was used to record the indoor radon concentration levels. The geographical coordinates were recorded using a hand-held geographical positioning system (GPS) for the various sample points. A total of ten houses were measured for each town making a total of 30 sample points for the three communities. The results obtained show that for Borikiri town, the concentration level varied from 30.7100 - 19.9800 Bqm-3 with an average of 11.32 ± 2.59 Bqm-3 . The annual absorbed dose varied from 7.7478 - 1.1202 mSv/yr with a mean value of 2.59 ± 0.65 mSv/yr while the annual equivalent dose rate varied from 0.829 - 0.336 mSv/yr with an average of 0.69 ± 0.16 mSv/yr The excess life time cancer risk calculated for seventy years (70yrs) varied from 6.510 - 0.941 with an average of 2.45 ± 1.71. The results of the indoor concentration level for Diobu town ranged from 37.74 - 5.9200 Bqm ?3 with a mean value of 12.95 ± 2.91 Bqm-3 . The annual absorbed dose for the area ranged from 9.5214 - 1.1494 with an average of 3.26 ± 0.73 mSv/yr, the annual equivalent dose rate varied from 0.694-0.359 with a mean of 0.78±0.8, the excess life time cancer risk calculated for seventy years ranged from 8.000-1.725 with a mean of 2.91±0.61. The indoor concentration level for Rebisi town ranged from 12.9500?4.0700 Bqm-3 with an average of 8.55 ± 1.00, the annual absorbed dose ranged from 3.2671 - 1.0268 mSv/yr, the annual equivalent dose rate varied from 0.784 - 0.269 with an average of 0.52 ± 0.06, the excess life time cancer risk of 2.745 - 0.863 with an average of 1.82 ± 0.21. The results of the indoor concentration levels, the annual absorbed dose and the annual effective dose rate are all below the ICRP safe limit. However, the results of the excess life time cancer risk are all higher than the ICRP safe standard limit of 0.029 × 10-3 .
Synthetic Characterization of Cellulose from Moringa oleifera seeds and Potential Application in Water Purification
Authors: Afolabi A. F. , Oluyamo S. S. , Fuwape I. A.
Published: August 2021

The use of Moringa oleifera seeds for purifying water has been attempted locally in various forms without putting scientific potency of the material into consideration. The cellulose sample isolated from Moringa {oleifera} seed was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The value of the crystallinity index (CIr ) from the XRD pattern is 63.1%. The high degree of crystallinity obtained is attributed to the high percentage of crystallinity index, CIr (i.e. 63.1%). The morphology revealed aggregates of conical and needle-like structure. The FTIR revealed O-H stretching, C-H stretching vibration, and C=O bond stretching functional groups. These characteristics are indicative of the potential of the material in water purification.
Optimal representation to High Order Random Boolean kSatisability via Election Algorithm as Heuristic Search Approach in Hopeld Neural Networks
Authors: Abubakar Hamza , Masanawa Abdu Sagir , Yusuf Surajo , Boaku G. I.
Published: August 2021

This study proposed a hybridization of higher-order Random Boolean kSatisfiability (RANkSAT) with the Hopfield neural network (HNN) as a neuro-dynamical model designed to reflect knowledge efficiently. The learning process of the Hopfield neural network (HNN) has undergone significant changes and improvements according to various types of optimization problems. However, the HNN model is associated with some limitations which include storage capacity and being easily trapped to the local minimum solution. The Election algorithm (EA) is proposed to improve the learning phase of HNN for optimal Random Boolean kSatisfiability (RANkSAT) representation in higher order. The main source of inspiration for the Election Algorithm (EA) is its ability to extend the power and rule of political parties beyond their borders when seeking endorsement. The main purpose is to utilize the optimization capacity of EA to accelerate the learning phase of HNN for optimal random k Satisfiability representation. The global minima ratio (mR) and statistical error accumulations (SEA) during the training process were used to evaluate the proposed model performance. The result of this study revealed that our proposed EA-HNN-RANkSAT outperformed ABC-HNN-RANkSAT and ES-HNN-RANkSAT models in terms of mR and SEA.This study will further be extended to accommodate a novel field of Reverse analysis (RA) which involves data mining techniques to analyse real-life problems.
Implementation of Modified Differential Evolution Algorithm for Hybrid Renewable Energy System
Authors: Venkatakrishnan G. R. , Rengaraj R. , Sathish K. K. , Dinesh R. K. , Nishanth T.
Published: August 2021

A hybrid renewable energy system, which could provide a reliable energy alternative for conventional Battery systems is implemented in this paper. The primary requirement is that the hybrid energy system should be cost-effective while meeting the energy demand. The hybrid system is implemented to a area located in Uttarakhand, India using solar photovoltaic cells to supply power during hot and humid conditions and using wind turbine generators to supply power during windy conditions. The wind turbine generators and photovoltaic cells are used in a combined manner along with the diesel generators as in case if it fails to meet the demand. In order to meet the requirements, modified Differential Evolution (DE) Algorithm is being implemented. Moreover, the effectiveness of the performance is evaluated by comparing the results obtained from modified DE with other optimization algorithms. In comparison with other optimization algorithms, results indicate that the implementation of the modified DE algorithm helps in obtaining the best cost effective solution for the system along with meeting the energy demand.
A New Multi-Step Method for Solving Delay Differential Equations using Lagrange Interpolation
Authors: Shaalini V. J. , Fadugba S. E.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents 2-step p-th order (p = 2,3,4) multi-step methods that are based on the combination of both polynomial and exponential functions for the solution of Delay Differential Equations (DDEs). Furthermore, the delay argument is approximated using the Lagrange interpolation. The local truncation errors and stability polynomials for each order are derived. The Local Grid Search Algorithm (LGSA) is used to determine the stability regions of the method. Moreover, applicability and suitability of the method have been demonstrated by some numerical examples of DDEs with constant delay, time dependent and state dependent delays. The numerical results are compared with the theoretical solution as well as the existing Rational Multi-step Method2 (RMM2).
Preliminary Investigation of Microplastic as a Vector for Heavy Metals in Bye-ma Salt Mine, Wukari, Nigeria
Authors: B. N. HIKON , YEBPELLA GARY G , JAFIYA LAMI , Ayuba S.
Published: August 2021

This study is aimed at the preliminary investigation of microplastics as carrier of heavy metals pollution in surface sediment. Heavy metals concentration was determined by FAAS while microplastics characterization was analysed by ATR-FTIR spectrophotometer. The results obtained showed high level of lead (Pb) concentrations which ranged from 21.37 - 32.80 mg/kg across the sampling sites while Cd has the least concentration between 0.04 - 0.80 mg/kg. The concentration of Pb and Cd were above the USEPA permissible limit in sediment. The following absorption bands; 2978.19, 1728.28 and 1458.23 cm-1 with the functional groups; C-H stretch, C=O stretch and CH2 bend indicates the presence of Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) in site S2 and S4 respectively. Other microplastics found in the sampling sites are Nylon, Nitrile, Polycarbonate and Poly propylene. This indicates that there is identical distribution of the microplastics in the sampling sites. The quantities of microplastics isolated ranged from 8.11 - 8.16 g across the sites. Aquatic organisms fed on these polymeric materials because of their unique appearance. Hence, heavy metals adsorption will lead to higher concentrations on microplastics which could be ingested and lead serious complication in their intestine.
Goodness of Fit Test of an Autocorrelated Time Series Cubic Smoothing Spline Model
Authors: Adams Samuel Olorunfemi , Obaromi Davies Abiodun , Irinews Alumbugu Auta
Published: August 2021

We investigated the finite properties as well as the goodness of fit test for the cubic smoothing spline selection methods like the Generalized Maximum Likelihood (GML), Generalized Cross-Validation (GCV) and Mallow CP criterion (MCP) estimators for time-series observation when there is the presence of Autocorrelation in the error term of the model. The Monte-Carlo study considered 1,000 replication with six sample sizes: 30; 60; 120; 240; 480 and 960, four degree of autocorrelations; 0.1; 0.3; 0.5; and 0.9 and three smoothing parameters; lambdaGML= 0.07271685, lambdaGCV= 0.005146929, lambdaMCP= 0.7095105. The cubic smoothing spline selection methods were also applied to a real-life dataset. The Predictive mean square error, R-square, and adjusted R-square criteria for assessing finite properties and goodness of fit among competing models discovered that the performance of the estimators is affected by changes in the sample sizes and autocorrelation levels of the simulated and real-life data set. The study concluded that the Generalized Cross-Validation estimator provides a better fit for Autocorrelated time series observation. It is recommended that the GCV works well at the four autocorrelation levels and provides the best fit for time-series observations at all sample sizes considered. This study can be applied to; non –parametric regression, non –parametric forecasting, spatial, survival and econometric observations.
Influence of Silicon Nanoparticle on the Electrical Properties of Heterostructured CdTe/CdS thin films based Photovoltaic Device
Authors: Faremi A. A. , Oluyamo S. S. , Adedayo K. D. , Odusote Y. A. , Olusola O. I.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the influence of silicon nanoparticles at the interface of heterostructured Cadmium telluride and cadmium sulfide thin films based photovoltaic device with improved electrical parameters leading to tremendous improvement in CdS/CdTe thin f ilm based solar cells performance. The films of CdTe, CdS and Si were electrodeposited using electrodeposition technique to form a heterostructured CdTe/Si/CdS/FTO. The films respective structural properties were also examined using X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) before forming a heterostructured material. The heterostructured CdTe/Si/CdS/FTO and the structure without the inclusion of silicon nanoparticle were examined using electrometer for the extraction of electrical parameters such open circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current density (JSC), and fill factor (FF). Although a large body of experimental results are available to date on the optoelectronics properties of the materials. However, there is relatively low research studies or works on the electrical properties of the materials. Therefore, we formed heterostructured based photovoltaic device and characterized the structure to determine useful electrical properties. The value obtained for VOC, JSC and FF are 418 mV, 25 mA/cm2 and 0.72 which are indicative of pin holes free semiconductor materials and no leakage path emerging from high-grade materials used in the deposition of heterostructured CdTe/Si/CdS.
Corrigendum to "Numerical Simulation of Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide Solar Cells Using One Dimensional SCAPS Software [J. Nig. Soc. Phys. Sci. 3 (2021) 48–58, https://doi.org/10.46481/jnsps.2021.133]"
Authors: Lawani C. O. , Ibeh G. J. , Ige O. O. , Danladi Eli , Emmanuel J. O. , Ukwenya A. J. , Oyedare P. O.
Published: August 2021

The original content of this published Article has an error in the name of one of the co-authors Eli Danladi which was written incorrectly as D. Eli. We highly regret this.
Reagent Activated Cotton Fiber for Rapid Determination of Aldehydes in Diverse Matrices
Authors: Tantry S. Tantry , Tharpa K. , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Arun , Thimmappa B.H.S.
Published: September 2021

A method to capture and analyze aldehydes in either solution or gas samples on cotton fiber, activated with O-benzyl hydroxylamine (OBA), is developed. The stability of the reagent activated cotton fiber (RACF) with and without capturing aldehydes was 17 days and 24 Hrs, respectively, qualifying the technique for field applications. Thus the aldehyde capturing can be done outside the lab using RACF in any closed environment and bring back to the lab for the quantitative analysis.. The analytical method is based on the gas chromatographic analysis of aldoxime formed between aldehydes and OBA on RACF. Optimized experimental conditions required 50 mg of RACF to capture aldehydes with a reaction time of 15 minutes. The technique detects aldehydes much below the permissible exposure limits of 25 ppm for acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and 0.75 ppm for formaldehyde (HCHO). The method’s detection limits are 4 ppb of HCHO, 8 ppb of CH3CHO in the gas sample, and 1.5 ppb of HCHO, and 19 ppb of CH3CHO in the solution or aqueous sample. The analytical method was validated within the established quantitation ranges as per the required International Council for Harmonization Guidelines (CPMP/ICH/381/95). The RACF is a quick tool to measure aldehydes in a polymer sample, laboratory cupboards or refrigerators, and chemical products. The method described here complies with green analytical chemistry principles such as reduction in a solvent, chemical sample size and waste generation, cost-effectiveness, and usage of a biodegradable substrate.
Experimental Investigation on Concrete with E-waste - A Way to Minimize Solid Waste Deposition
Authors: Muthupriya P. , Vignesh Kumar B.
Published: September 2021

In recent years, the generation of Electronic waste (E-waste) has increased to a greater extent worldwide. The use of electronic devices has proliferated in recent decades and proportionality, and the quantity of electronic devices that are disposed of is growing rapidly throughout the world. Electronic waste (E-waste) typically includes general household electronics, discarded electronic gadgets, and circuit boards. With the growing use of consumer electronics, there is a huge generation of E-waste every day. Reuse of E-waste plastics as aggregates or filler in some or other forms of in construction industry may be considered as economical and technically viable for solving the disposal of a large amount of waste and this can be used as aggregates and fine filler in concrete or the construction of flexible pavement. The idea was to determine whether E-waste plastic components can be used as an alternative to conventional material like bitumen, filler in the bituminous mix in a flexible pavement structure. This is an effective alternative solution to reduce the growing quantity of E-waste.
Fabrication of Ag/TiO2 Cotton Fabric to Enhance Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic Dye
Authors: Fu S. , Dong Y. , Liang L. , Meng X.
Published: September 2021

Ag/TiO2 composite fabric was prepared by coprecipitation with TiCl4 as a titanium source and AgNO3 as a silver source. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analyzer (TG) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The photocatalytic activity of synthetic fabrics was measured by the degradation of anion dyes under ultraviolet light. The effects of silver loading concentration, fabric area, initial concentration, and photocatalytic time on photocatalytic activity were investigated. The experimental results showed that the degradation rate of Ag/TiO2 composite fabric on anion dyes could reach 70.76% in 50 minutes, indicating that the prepared Ag/TiO2 composite fabrics had high photocatalytic activity.