bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advantages and disadvantages of working online with a view of mental health consequences: Experiences gained during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Milić Jelena , Šapić Rosa
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 pandemic has put traditional forms of work and education on hold for many institutions. The impact of the transition to "online" work and education mode on mental and education on mental health is particularly interesting. The primary objective of this paper was to to identify advantages and disadvantages of transition to the online work regime that were additionally exacerbated by the pandemic (managerial aspect). The secondary objective was to consider this impact on the mental health of the individuals (socio-psychological aspects). A review of the literature published so far related to the work and teaching process in the Covid-19 pandemic recommends an online regime whenever possible. The results in the labor market domain indicate that if a person is self-disciplined, does not require supervision, has clear tasks and motivation, the online regime provides a number of benefits to such an employee, and consequently to the employer. On the other hand, for people who find motivation to work primarily in contact with colleagues, require supervision, lack self-discipline, as well as for those who aspire to managerial positions, teleworking does not give favorable results. In the field of teaching, in online education, quantitative analysis shows an improved success of pupils and students, but raises the question of whether this success is backed by real knowledge. The identified health consequences for individuals exposed to long-term online interaction regimes are, primarily: burnout syndrome, isolation from friends, problems in family relationships, experience of reduced happiness at home, general poor health and lack of sleep. It is likely that this regime will continue to some extent in the foreseeable future; work organizations and educational institutions will need to implement formalized policies that take into account support for managing the boundary between work and home activities, role clarity, workload, performance indicators, technical support, facilitating networking and training for managers.
Permanent bacteriological stations in Serbia 1919-1925
Authors: Đurić Dušan
Published: April 2022

Up until 1919, the work of bacteriological stations on the territory of modern-day Republic of Serbia was sporadic. In the period immediately after the Great War - from the establishment of the Department of Hygiene within the newly founded Ministry of Public Health in 1919, until the beginning of the work of the Central Institute of Hygiene at the end of 1924 - a network of permanent bacteriological stations and epidemiological institutes was created in a relatively short period of time systematically covering the territory of the entire country. With its mobile auxiliary units, this network soon started producing results. Although permanent epidemiological service in Serbia started as a branch of the wartime military medical service in spring 1915, it was the civilian institutions of the newly established Ministry of Public Health after the war that prevailed in supressing infectious diseases.
Investigation of the relation between the type and titer of antiphospholipid antibodies and the clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Stankić Dunja , Miljić Predrag
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder manifested by arterial or venous thromboses and/or spontaneous abortions associated with a persistently elevated level of antiphospholipid antibodies. To date, no clear relationship has been established between levels and types of autoimmune antibodies and clinical manifestations of APS, which can range from mild coagulation disorders to life-threatening conditions. Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the relation between antiphospholipid antibody type and titer and the most common clinical manifestations of APS. Materials and methods: The retrospective study included 32 patients with a confirmed laboratory finding of elevated antiphospholipid antibodies, who came for follow-up examinations to the Hemophilia Unit of the University Clinical Center of Serbia, between June 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. Data on patients were taken from their medical records. Basic demographic data, type and titer of antiphospholipid antibodies, and their association with the present clinical manifestations of APS were analyzed using standard statistical methods. Results: There was no significant difference regarding the frequency of positive results for lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin, and anti-beta-2-GP-I antibodies, between the symptomatic and asymptomatic group. The percentage of persons with simultaneous positivity for two or all three antiphospholipid antibodies was the same in both groups of subjects. Conclusion: As opposed to previous studies, our study did not demonstrate a correlation between the titer of antiphospholipid antibodies and the clinical manifestations of APS. Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients did not significantly differ in the frequency of elevated antibodies. These results indicate that the presence of other factors, which are as yet little-known, is necessary for the clinical manifestations of APS.
Prognostic risk factors for early death in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Juga Marijana , Virijević Marijana
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Early death is a known complication in the treatment of patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It has been defined as death occurring within 28 days of the initiation of induction chemotherapy. Aim: Determining the clinical characteristics of the patient, the risk factors, the frequency, and the most common causes of early death in AML patients. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 248 patients with diagnosed AML. At diagnosis, the following demographic and clinical-laboratory characteristics were recorded: sex, age, general functional status, i.e., performance status according to the ECOG scale, complete blood count, LDH level in the blood, percentage of blasts in peripheral blood and bone marrow, fibrinogen, PT, aPTT, D-dimer, and BMI. Patients were treated with induction and reduction chemotherapy and palliative therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using the data from the discharge summaries taken from the registers of the Clinic for Hematology of the Clinical Center of Serbia. Results: Early death occurred in 53 (21.4%) patients. The prognostic risk factors for early death were the following: age (p = 0.047), ECOG ≥ 2 (p = 0.001), leukocyte count ≥ 30 x 109 /l (p = 0.022), LDH level ≥ 450 U/l (p = 0.022), the percentage of blasts in peripheral blood (p = 0.005) and the percentage of blasts in bone marrow (p = 0.003), PT (p < 0.001), as well as the ISTH score (p = 0.018). The most common cause of early death in patients aged 40 - 65 years was sepsis, while in patients older than 65 years it was respiratory failure. Conclusion: The study showed that age, the leukocyte count, the percentage of peripheral blood and bone marrow blasts, the ECOG score, LDH, PT, and the ISTH score were significant prognostic risk factors of early death in patients with AML, and that the most common cause of early death in patients aged 40 - 65 years was sepsis, while in patients older than 65 years it was respiratory failure.
Influence of the timing of hip fracture surgery on final treatment outcomes
Authors: Dabetić Uroš , Grupković Jovana , Zagorac Slaviša , Simić Marko , Tulić Goran
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Globally, the incidence of hip fractures has had an increasing trend, due to longer life expectancy. It is estimated that, by 2050, it will have reached 6.26 million cases a year. The aim of our review is the analysis of available literature on the relationship between the timing of hip fracture surgery and its impact on morbidity and mortality. Results: Over 85% of patients who suffer hip fracture are individuals older than 65 years with existing comorbidities. Even with adequate and optimal treatment, age and comorbidities predispose these patients to a worse prognosis and higher morbidity and mortality, as compared to the general population. The official position of AAOS is that patients who are operated on within 48 hours of hospital admission have a better treatment outcome. The reasons for delaying surgical treatment can be divided into medical and nonmedical. A large number of published studies support the claim that patients who are operated on 24 hours within hospital admission have a better outcome in terms of complications and mortality (after 30 days and after one year) than patients who are operated on later. On the other hand, several retrospective studies and meta-analyzes have shown that there is no significant difference in mortality between patients operated on 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h after admission. However, in these studies, surgical treatment within 4 days of admission has been identified as the most significant factor correlating with reduced mortality. Conclusion: Patients with hip fractures should be operated on within 24 hours of admission unless they have an acute medical condition that prevents surgery. If there is a medical condition that can be corrected, this window is prolonged to 48 hours, but the waiting time for surgical treatment should not be longer than 4 days.
Anticoagulants and corticosteroids in COVID-19: What do we know so far?
Authors: Milenković Marija , Dukić Marija , Rović Ivan , Šijan Đuro , Hadžibegović Adi , Popadić Višeslav , Klašnja Slobodan , Brajković Milica , Zdravković Marija
Published: April 2022

It has been a year and a half since the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic started. In today's protocols for the treatment of COVID-19 and the prevention of its complications, corticosteroid therapy and anticoagulant therapy have a crucial part. The goal of this article is to show, based on available data, both the benefits and the disadvantages of corticosteroid and anticoagulant therapy in treating the infection caused by the Sars-CoV-2 virus. At the very onset of the pandemic, an increased frequency of thrombotic events negatively impacting the course and outcome of the disease, was registered. It has been observed that increased values of D-dimer in patients with COVID-19 do not correlate with the presence of venous thrombosis and are not reliable in the detection of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. According to the National Protocol for Treating COVID-19 (Version 12), anticoagulant therapy is recommended in hospitalized patients. Due to the risk of different side effects, such as bleeding and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a careful use of anticoagulant therapy is necessary, as well as close monitoring of its effects. With respect to corticosteroids, their efficacy in patients with moderate and severe clinical presentation of COVID-19, who are in need of oxygen support, was analyzed. Corticosteroids have proven efficient in decreasing mortality, decreasing the need for mechanical ventilation, decreasing the length of stay in intensive care units, as well as in shortening the length of hospital stay. Assessing the individual benefits and risks before introducing these drugs into the therapy of a patient with confirmed COVID-19 is of vital importance for achieving the desired effects of the therapy.
Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and the efficacy of vaccination in patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Marković Olivera , Divac Anica , Bukurecki Ilija , Branković Marija , Jovanović Igor , Đuran Predrag , Zdravković Marija
Published: April 2022

Patients with hematologic malignancies are at increased risk of severe forms of COVID-19 and have higher mortality, compared to patients with COVID-19 in the general population. The reasons for this include immunosuppression caused by the underlying hematologic disease and/or anticancer therapy received by these patients, advanced age, but also low levels of seroconversion after vaccination. These patients are also at a higher risk of getting infected because of frequent visits to health care facilities and high exposure to other patients. Results from published studies highlight the importance of prevention strategies in these patients, based on infection control measures and physical distancing, but also on well-timed vaccination. Risk factors which have proven to be crucial for severe forms of COVID-19 are age, the presence of comorbidities, malignancy type, progressive disease, and the type of oncologic therapy that these patients receive. Therefore, patients with hematologic malignancies represent a priority group for vaccination, which is recommended by all international professional associations. Considering that these patients are at risk of not developing an adequate immune response to the vaccine, the issues of determining the optimal time period for receiving the vaccine, the optimal dose, and the capacity of developing an immune response to the vaccine in specific groups of patients with hematologic malignancies, are questions that remain unresolved. Studies have shown that, despite the weak immune response to the vaccine, the mortality of vaccinated patients with hematologic malignancies is significantly lower than the mortality of unvaccinated patients. This article provides a review of relevant studies which analyze the characteristics, morbidity and mortality of patients with hematologic malignancies and COVID-19 and the role of vaccination in these patients.
Radiological finding of pneumomediastinum as a rare complication of emphysematous pyelonephritis
Authors: Mijović Ksenija , Stanišić Nevena , Mašulović Dragan , Šaponjski Dušan , Bogosavljević Nikola , Vasin Dragan , Mitrović-Jovanović Milica
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare, acute, and life-threatening necrotizing renal infection caused by gas-producing facultative anaerobes, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus, most commonly in the setting of underlying diabetes mellitus. Pneumomediastinum is a rare imaging finding in this disease, and a high index of suspicion is required for diagnosing emphysematous pyelonephritis in patients presenting with pneumomediastinum, in the right clinical setting. Case presentation: We present the case of a middle-aged female patient with symptoms and laboratory findings indicating infection, renal failure, and hyperglycemia, and a personal history of diabetes mellitus. The imaging procedures revealed findings of a severe and advanced necrotizing renal infection with parenchymal destruction and intraparenchymal gas collections extending into the perirenal and pararenal spaces. We established the diagnosis of emphysematous pyelonephritis accompanied by perirenal abscess formation and pneumoretroperitoneum, with gas collections propagating into the mediastinum. In the setting of such a severe form of infection, the patient underwent immediate surgery with left nephrectomy. Despite prompt and intensive treatment, the patient unfortunately succumbed to the disease during the postoperative period. Conclusion: Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of retroperitoneal processes, and, when present, indicates their extensiveness, often being an ominous prognostic sign. By presenting this case, we aim to highlight the severity of this form of renal infection and the unequivocal need for immediate response, as well as to emphasize the significance of imaging findings, which are somewhat unusual, but should raise suspicion of an insidious and serious retroperitoneal infection.
SPECIFICS OF THE BRANDING AND COMMUNICATION PROCESS OF LUXURY HOTELS
Authors: Pleša Stela , Dabo Krešimir
Published: April 2022

The aim of this paper is to present a complex branding process, and to present the framework of the branding concept on the example of luxury hotels. Tourism tries to provide people with what they want, within the framework of meeting the needs of travel, while branding gives a distinctive value in the market because of which the tourist will choose a specific destination, attraction or in this case the type of accommodation. The process of branding a hotel, like any other product and service, is a demanding and time-consuming process. However, the creation of a tourist brand, or in this case a hotel, is specific due to the characteristics of the tourist product, and these characteristics are: intangibility, inseparability, variability and transience. Although there are necessary steps that must not be avoided when forming a brand development strategy, taking all these steps does not mean creating a successful and recognizable brand in the market, but it certainly gives it a greater opportunity to become one. In this paper, a primary qualitative research was conducted through an in-depth interview that attempted to clarify branding steps on the example of two atypical examples of luxury hotels. A secondary survey was conducted through a questionnaire, which examined the success of the branding process of selected hotels in the general public as well as the effectiveness of hotel communication on websites and social networks. The survey also examined public perception of general associations associated with strong brands. The research showed that the respondents prefer branded hotel accommodation over the non-branded ones and that the respondents recognize the characteristics and advantages of luxury hotels. The answer to the research question about the steps of brand formation was obtained through in-depth interviews and confirms how hotels go through the same stages of brand formation. At the same time, research has shown that respondents prefer branded hotel accommodation to non-branded, that the logo and name of the hotel are sometimes, but sometimes not enough to recognize the type of hotel and that respondents recognize the characteristics and benefits of luxury hotels. The topic of luxury hotel branding provides further research opportunities that can significantly advance the luxury industry, as the demand for luxury goods will always exist. The topic of luxury hotel branding provides further research opportunities that can significantly advance this specific industry, given the growing interest in luxury hotels. This paper was created as part of the research for the final work of Stella Pleša at the undergraduate study of Tourism at the University of Vern‘.
Increasing the positive attitude of young people to physical culture and sports as the basis of personal education (on the example of cadets of the East Siberian Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia)
Authors: Struganov Sergei Mikhailovich , Grushko Vitalii Mar'yanovich , Glubokii Vladimir Anatol'evich
Published: April 2022

The subject of the study is physical training in educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, its place in the educational process and its importance in professional activity. At the same time, the article raises the actual problem of physical fitness of the younger generation, which currently leaves much to be desired. Therefore, the state policy is constantly aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among the population and introducing them to regular physical education and sports. First of all, the implementation of the tasks set is aimed at modern youth, who are the future support of our state and, undoubtedly, should show the health of our nation. The author's special contribution to the study is the attitude of young people, on the example of cadets of the East Siberian Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, to physical training classes. A survey was conducted on the distribution of disciplines by popularity rating among students of the first courses of the Faculty of training investigators and forensic experts. A comparative analysis of the free time spent by students from training sessions, in educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, according to the daily routine, with their preferences and interests, i.e. what they would like to do more and pay attention to in their free time. A survey was conducted on the quality of the educational process and its effectiveness in the discipline "Physical training" among cadets and students of the Institute.
The leading financial centers of the Russian Empire at the end of the nineteenth century according to interregional bank transfers statistics: network and geoinformation aspects
Authors: Salomatina Sofya , Garskova Irina Markovna , Valetov Timur Yakubovich
Published: April 2022

The article examines the financial system of the Russian Empire in the form of money flows between the largest centers, implying that these flows were opposite to the flows of goods and services. The resource allocation pattern is thus revealed in aspects of the markets’ geography and hierarchy, which clarifies the capacity of the financial system to support economic growth. The source for this study is the statistics of the commercial transfers of the State Bank of the Russian Empire for 1898 (excluding treasury transfers), processed through network and geoinformation analysis. The study results show that the highest level of the payment network in the financial system topology of the Russian Empire was located around St. Petersburg and Moscow, which indicates a strong centralization of national money flows. To a great degree, Moscow was a nationwide wholesale center for the sale of goods and services, while St. Petersburg developed into the principal center for resource allocation throughout the country, implying various forms of investment in the economy. In such a centralized system, there was no great need for second-level interregional ties. For regional payment networks (the third level, around Odessa, Warsaw, Kiev, Riga, Baku, Nizhniy Novgorod, Kharkov, and Rostov-on-Don), closer and more intensive financial ties are revealed in the west, in the Odessa-Kiev-Warsaw “triangle”, which indicates a greater saturation of the western and southwestern regions with financial resources.
Historical Computer Science today: "ambiguous understanding"? (contemporary discussions)
Authors: Borodkin Leonid
Published: April 2022

The article contains a critical analysis of two theses presented in a recently published monograph on historical information systems. The book contains a lot of useful information, including a description of the author's experience in developing such systems. Both theses discussed are related to the authors' assessment of the evolution of an interdisciplinary field focused on the use of information/digital technologies and data analysis methods in historical research. We are talking about historical computer science, which has passed a 30-year path in our country. The first controversial thesis of the authors of the book boils down to the statement that "historical informatics has not found sufficient and deserved recognition among traditional historians." В  The first controversial thesis of the authors of the book boils down to the statement that "historical informatics has not found sufficient and deserved recognition among traditional historians." In the second thesis, we are talking about the fact that in many ways the field of research and development, previously related to historical computer science, is now being considered in line with digital history. Both theses are disputed in the article, the corresponding arguments are given. The specificity of the Russian model of historical informatics, which distinguishes it from the relatively recent versions of digital history, is shown. This specificity is determined by the balance of the structure of historical informatics, combining its "resource" component with an analytical one aimed at obtaining meaningful meaningful results (and with an emphasis on the second component).
Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease PatientsA Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Geetha M Bagavad , Logesh R , Jayakumar M , Santhosh S , Silambanan Santh I , Devanand Viji
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Vascular Calcification (VC) is considered as a cardiovascular risk marker in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. VC is a process characterised by thickening and loss of elasticity of muscular arteries walls. The three pathological forms of cardiovascular disease in CKD are cardiac geometry, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis of the large vessels (carotid artery or aorta). Aim: To evaluate VC as a cardiovascular risk marker in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Nephrology Department at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from November 2019 to December 2020. The study included 27 CKD patients who were on maintenance haemodialysis. The participants were 20 to 70 years of age, and of both genders. The Intima Media Thickness (IMT) was assessed by ultrasonography. Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) measurement was done using doppler ultrasonography. Both the measurements were done on common Carotid Artery (CCA), and Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) on both sides of the neck. Student’s t-test and Chi-square test was used in this study. Data were expressed as mean±SD. The p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 27 study participants, 20 (74%) were male and females were 7 (26%), with mean age of 48 years. There was significant increase in IMT of the ICA on the right side of the neck compared to left side (p-value=0.01). Also, there was significant increase in PSV of ICA on the right side compared to left side of the neck (p-value=0.04). There were no statistically significant differences in IMT and PSV when CCA on the right side was compared to that of the left side of the neck. Conclusion: The IMT was increased in ICA and CCA. But there was statistically significant difference only in ICA, where it was more prominent on the right side compared to left side. CKD patients on haemodialysis management could have the risk factors in the form of increased IMT predisposing them to early mortality from cardiovascular complications.
A REVIEW ON DERIVATIVE UV SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: Sri R Swetha , Sowmya G , Bhavyasri K , Sumakanth Mogili
Published: April 2022

This article manages the parts of hypothetical Derivative UV Spectroscopy. By utilizing this technique first and second subsidiary transmission spectra with importance, frequency is acquired. This strategy gives an important understanding of utilizations and restrictions of substance analysis. This Application of UV subsidiary spectroscopy for assurance of multi and single-component investigation is shown. It works on the awareness and selectivity for determination. Measurement techniques and techniques for getting spectra are examined.
EVALUATION OF NEWER POLY HERBAL FORMULATIONS FOR WOUND HEALING AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY
Authors: K Soujanya , Mazin Mohammad , . Teja , Parveen Ifaaf , . Ravikumar
Published: April 2022

According to Herbalism, independent medicinal herbs are not sufficient to obtain the required pharmacological effect, but when we use these herbal compounds in combination at appropriate proportions will help to obtain maximum pharmacological effects with minimal toxic effects. In this present study, efforts were made to develop an intervention with a poly herbal formulation which was prepared from ethanolic leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata, Tridax procumbens, Euphorbia hirta Linn. The impact of poly herbalism is assessed for its wound healing property by using excision wound model and anti-inflammatory property by using formalin induced paw oedema model. For wound healing assessment two polyherbal formulations F1 and F2 are prepared with 2% and 4% W/W. These formulations were examined for stability studies. F1(*p<0.005) and F2 (**p<0.001) have shown significant wound closure and faster epithelialisation when compared to standard Povidone-Iodine (5%) ointment (**p<0.001). For assessing anti-inflammatory activity, the poly herbal formulations are prepared as 2% (F1) and 4% (F2) solutions. The doses from each formulation are given as 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg to different groups of animals. Both the poly herbal formulations have shown significant results F1(*p<0.05, **p<0.005) and F2 (***p<0.0005, ****p<0.0001) respectively when compared to standard Indomethacin 4 mg/kg dose (****p<0.0001). This study has revealed that poly herbal formulations have shown better anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties due to the synergism of the phytochemicals present in these plant extracts which may lead to future developments of potential poly herbal formulations in the treatment of wounds and inflammatory mediated diseases.
EFFICACY OF UNANI FORMULATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NON-HEALING ULCER: A CASE SERIES
Authors: Tabassum M Rabba , Alam Saiyad Shah , Sofi Ghulamuddin
Published: April 2022

Non-healing ulcers are defined as ulcers that do not heal in 6-9 weeks. Non-healing ulcers are a serious health issue that impacts people all over the world. They have a significant influence on people's lives on a personal, professional, and social level. They come at a high cost in terms of human and material resources. There is a direct impact on quality of life and individual impacts too (poor work capacity and lack of morale), physical (restricted activity and disability due to amputation), psychological (depression or anxiety), social (disconnection from family and associates), and economic effects (costly treatment). In view of the common prevalence and non-availability of affordable treatment of non-healing ulcers, Unani pharmacopeial formulation (Marham-e-Khal), with easy affordability and availability, was used on the non-healing ulcer to find out its effect in two patients.
A case study on Participatory Health Planning and Budgeting in Somali Region of Ethiopia
Authors: Olusola Oladeji , Sharif Mahamed , Omer Mohammed , Robins Ann
Published: April 2022

Participatory planning and budgeting aims to democratically allocate public money for local services, enabling communities to decide how public funds are spent and the monitoring of the services. This case study described the process and outcome of a pilot project on participatory planning and budgeting in the health sector in 6 project woredas (districts) in Somali region of Ethiopia. The Social Accountability Committee members were selected using the World Bank’s framework on accountability. The community members represented by the actively participated in all stages of the planning and budgeting process leading to the development of woreda health Joint Action Plans (JAPs) which are community prioritized health activities. Eighteen (49%) of the 37 activities in the Joint Action Plans were included in the woreda annual health budget which ranged from 29% to 80% across the 6 woredas. In addition, during the first half of the fiscal year, implementation has started in 10 (56%) of the 18 JAPs activities budgeted in the annual health woreda plans and ranged from 0% to 75% across the 6 woredas. The study highlighted the feasibility of engaging the community in participatory planning and budgeting process which resulted in allocation of woreda annual health budget to some of the prioritized items in the Joint Action Plans. In the bid to ensure sustainability, government ownership and ensure citizens’ participation, the fund for the participatory budgeting process should be included in the woreda annual budget and proportion of the annual budget should be designated to the implementation and monitoring of the Joint Action Plans through appropriate legislation.
Socio-economic Important of Beekeeping in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim I. O. , Hudu A. B. , Ismail H. A.
Published: April 2022

The study assessed the socio-economic important of beekeeping in Lafia local government area of Nasarawa state, using structured questionnaires and interview schedule. Sample of 29 respondents were selected for data collected based on the 2019/2020 production season. The data include socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, their management practices, input and output level of honey production, cost and return analysis of beekeeping in the study area. Descriptive statistics and gross margin analytical tools were utilized to analyze the data. The result revealed that majority (93.1%) of those who participated in beekeeping where males and only 6.9% were female, 69% of the respondent were married while 31.0% were singles. All the respondents 100% got their hives themselves. 100% of the respondent harvest honey, 74.4% of the respondent harvest Beeswax and other bee product for commercial purposes. The average variable cost and gross return were ₦2,927 and ₦11,152.65 respectively. The gross margin was ₦8,265.09; major constraints faced by the respondents were inadequate capital, Bee aggressiveness, theft, marketing, landownership and lack of modern equipment.
Constraints Faced by the Farmers in Adoption of Recommended Practices of Rice (Oryza sativa) Cultivation in Nagaland State
Authors: Khuvung Z. , Mishra P. , Naik B. J.
Published: April 2022

Agriculture serves as a backbone for Nagaland’s economy where more than one-third of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. About 85 per cent of the cultivable land is occupied by cereals where rice, maize and millet are the major variants produced in the state. There are two methods of cultivation mostly practiced in the state i.e., jhum (shifting cultivation) and terrace which makes about 86 per cent of the total cultivable area. With the soar in population and the growing demands for food, there is a need to improve the farming systems so as to increase the production and productivity of agriculture to meet the growing demands, which can only be achieved by adopting improved and radical farming practices by the farmers. With a sample size of 300 rice farmers, a study was conducted in six districts of Nagaland to identify the constraints faced by the farmers while adopting recommended cultivation practices of rice (irrigated and upland). An open-ended questionnaire was administered to the respondents where ranking was done for each of the constraints based on the frequency and percentage. Findings revealed that the major constraints faced by the farmers while adopting recommended cultivation practices of irrigated rice were non-availability of quality seeds, lack of proper financial assistance/subsidies and non-availability of timely farm inputs and machineries whereas major constraints for upland rice were non-availability of quality seeds, lack of proper financial assistance/subsidies and lack of marketing facilities and channels.
The Relationship between Drug Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and Viral Load in Children Living with HIV
Authors: Sangwan Aditya , Hemal Alok , Dharmaraj Patra G. , Kumar Nitish
Published: April 2022

Introduction: HIV infection is one of the major public health issues in India and globally. Adherence to ARV drugs is important for optimal virological suppression and should be assessed routinely and strictly reinforced. There is limited information on adherence patterns and its determinants in children in resource-constrained countries because these countries have limited options if viral resistance develops. The objective of our study was to determine the relationship between viral load and drug adherence in children living with HIV and to determine socio-demographic factors affecting adherence and reasons for non-adherence.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 70 children on ART were enrolled after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All clinical, demographic details and investigations available were noted. Adherence was assessed by the pill counting method. Caregivers who reported missing doses were given the pediatric nonadherence questionnaire. Blood sample was analyzed for viral load estimation. Appropriate statistical tests were used and analysis was done.

Results: The mean age of diagnosis in study subjects was 8.13 ± 3.89 years and mean duration of treatment was 4.24 ± 3.05 years. Majority, 61(87.1%) patients had adherence more than 95%. Among 9 non-adherent children, the main reason was that they forgot to take medicine in 8(88.9%) cases. The adherent group had significant virological suppression and higher CD4 count. Mean viral load in the adherent group was 2379 ± 5996.74 copies per ml against 46529.22 ± 86633.12 copies per ml in the non-adherent group.

Conclusion: We found that adherent group had a higher CD4 count and a suppressed viral load and adherence to ART was unrelated to age, sex, duration of HIV infection and treatment, socioeconomic status, and route of transmission.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of COVID-19 among Health Care Workers of Bhaktapur, Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Kriti , Acharya Aashish , Khanal Sudip , Prasad Sapkota Krishna
Published: April 2022

Background: To identify the association between different factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice among the health care workers of Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 354 Health Care workers of Bhaktapur. The major objective of the study was to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of COVID-19 among the health care workers of Bhaktapur, Nepal and direct face to face interview method was carried out for this study. Chi-square test was applied to find the association between various demographic variables and knowledge attitude and practice.

Results: Nearly, three fourth (74.4%) of the male had good knowledge and the female with good knowledge were 47.5%. But the percentage of female with positive attitude (80%) and good practice (67.5) were higher as compared to that of male. There were significant association between gender, years of schooling job description, and family type with the knowledge of the respondents.

Conclusion: The study concluded that female, individuals with the basic and the secondary level of schooling and cleaners/others have a very less good knowledge percentage. Positive attitude among Pharmacists was low as compared to other profession. Similarly, percentage of female with good practice was higher than male and the respondents with years of experience. Among the different measures taken to prevent COVID-19, most of the health care workers said, not touching eyes, nose or mouth without washing hands can prevent COVID-19.Besides this, majority of the respondents said, use of PPE while handling the patients, avoiding close contact  with the sick and washing and sanitizing hands also play the crucial role in prevention of spread of the virus.
Thirteen Year Long Term Fertilization Effect on Soil P Balance and Sustainability of a Double Crop of Rice Grown in an Acidic Inceptisol under Sub-Tropical Climatic Situation
Authors: Shivhare Sugyata , Karna Rout Kumbha , Mandal Mitali , Kumar Samant Prasanna , Majhi Pradipta , Phonglosa Amit , Dash Abhiram
Published: April 2022

The goal of the study was to determine how long-term fertilizer management of a rice-rice production system affected the buildup or depletion of surface soil phosphorus (P) in a subtropical climate. The results showed that using FYM @ 5t ha-1 season-1 in conjunction with optimal NPK doses (80-40-60 kg ha-1season-1) resulted in significantly higher grain yield than using fertilizer alone at optimal, super optimal, or sub-optimal doses or optimal level along with lime/Zn/Zn+B/Zn+S. The use of NPK and FYM together resulted in the highest yield sustainability. Phosphorus balance measured by indirect method (apparent P- balance) and direct method (true P-balance) was positive in all the fertilized treatments and negative in control and 100% N treatment that received no P. High yielding treatments (NPK + FYM or NPK + FYM + Lime) maintained a relatively lower P balance than optimal or super optimal doses because of more removal through higher biomass production. The addition of 50% more phosphorus in 150% NPK treatment caused 9.77% more P accumulation than 100% NPK treatment. Between the two methods, the direct method registered more depletion in the two minus P treatments and less accumulation in all P-treated soils than the indirect method. In soil with a super optimal dose (150% NPK), there is the highest positive balance (25.18 kg ha-1 year-1) as compared to 16.5 kg ha-1year-1in the true method. Seasonal wet and dry grain yield and P uptake poorly correlated with apparent P balance, true P balance and total stock of P. Whereas, sustainability of dry season, wet season and system yield strongly correlated with apparent P balance (r=0.587*, 0.690** and 0.604*), true P balance (r=0.681**, 0.781** and 0.693**) and total stock of P (r=0.680**, 0.780** and  0.692**). Thus true P balance and the total stock of P in surface soil are better indicators of yield sustainability of each season and system as a whole; whereas, available P is closely related to the amount of residual fertilizer P in the soil. Consistent availability of the nutrient depends upon its total stock which in turn depends upon its balance. Knowledge of total stock and nutrient balance is very important for the sustainability of a particular cropping system and evaluating various nutrient management practices for their suitability. Further study on the composition of the total stock of P with respect to various P fractions and their relative contribution to P uptake will be useful for identifying the suitable management practice for P nutrition.
Assessment of the Microbial Quality of Mekocin, Goko Cleanser and Omega Roots Commercially Sold as Liquid Herbs in Nigerian Markets
Authors: Sornka Doneh Linda , Lawson Stephenson , Wachukwu C. K. , Abbey S. D.
Published: April 2022

The importance of herbs in trado-medicine cannot be overemphasized; however, some herbs prepared in liquid form, and sold in Nigeria markets may be contaminated by microorganisms, fumigants, endotoxin, pesticides and toxic metals, and that the presence of contaminants in herbal products can reduce or even destroy the therapeutic activity of the product, as well as causing adverse effects. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial load of some liquid herbal products sold in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Three (3) different liquid herbal products (Goko cleanser, Mekocin and Omega roots) were used for the study, and were coded as HEB B, HEB C and HEB D respectively. The liquid herbal products were analyzed for their microbiological qualities by testing for the presence of total bacterial load, isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms of the herbal products using various culture media. The microbial isolates were identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics, biochemical testing and Gram staining. The predominant bacteria isolate from Goko cleanser (HEB B) is Bacillus spp, from Mekocin (HEB C) are Bacillus spp and Aspergillus spp, and from Omega roots (HEB D) is Shigella spp. The descriptive analyses for average bacteria in colony-forming unit/ml from Goko cleanser (HEB B), Mekocin (HEB C) and Omega roots (HEB D) were 24.60±2.24, 48.00±9.08 and 50.70±44.60 respectively. The presence of these microorganisms may be attributed to the source of raw materials and possible contamination in the manufacturing process. It is therefore recommended that herbal medicine producers be properly educated on the dangers associated with intake of microbial contaminants. Also regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC should periodically access the quality of herbal products particularly in Port Harcourt Metropolis and the Nigerian markets in general.
Phytochemical Screening, Nutritional Composition, and Antioxidant Activities of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Found in Ado-ekiti, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwafemi A. G. , Ajayi O. B. , Oseni O. A.
Published: April 2022

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used in Indian cooking, likewise in Southern part of Nigeria (majorly Ekiti and Ondo state) and in herbal remedies. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been a widely used medicinal plant which belongs to Zingiberaceae family. This Study is based on the determination of antioxidant properties, proximate, phytochemical compositions, vitamins, minerals and nutritional composition of turmeric found in Ado-Ekiti Nigeria, using various standard methods. From the proximate analysis, it was discovered that turmeric contains 9.29% moisture, 7.4% ash, 12.48% crude fiber, 11.39% fat, 20.62% crude protein, and 38.29% carbohydrate. The phytochemical screening result shows that saponins, tannins, steroid, flavonoid, alkaloid, phlobatanins, and terpenoids are present while anthraquinone is absent in the rhizome. Also, mineral such as Zn, Fe, Cu, Na, K and Mg were present in considerable amount. The presence of glycoside was also determined. The free radical scavenging activities of turmeric was determined. This was carried out by determining free radical scavenging abilities using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The content of phenols and total flavonoids were determined also. The present report revealed that powdered turmeric rhizome has antioxidant potential, rich in important minerals and thus it can be good supplement in foods.
Effect of Omega-3 Supplement on Oxidative Stress Markers in Brain and Heart Tissue Homogenates of Shock Induced Albino Rats
Authors: Njogo Umezulike, Liousa , Anthony Waribo, Helen , Donatus Onwuli,
Published: April 2022

The study evaluates the effect of omega-3 supplement on oxidative stress markers in the brain and heart homogenates in male albino rats induced with shock stress using the electroconvulsive device. 25 rats weighing averagely 110g were divided into 5 groups of five rats each with different treatment regimens. Group I served as the negative control, Group II as shock control, Group III as omega-3 control, Group IV given omega-3 supplement by oral gavage method daily for the first one week and induced stress by shock for 5 days, Group V was induced stress by shock for 5 days and then administered omega-3 supplement for one week. 1 ml Omega-3 supplement equivalent to 123mg/kg body weight was given to the rats through oral gavage method. The results shows that omega-3 supplement significantly increased (P< 0.05) the superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione values while the malonaldehyde and nitric oxide values were reduced after being exposed to shock stress, then pretreatment and post treatment with omega 3 supplement in both the brain and heart tissues of the albino rats when compared to the shock control group whose values were reduced except for the value of malonaldehyde and nitric oxide which was increased. Oxidative stress is implicated in the brain homogenates than in the heart of the albino rats induced with shock stress. The study reveals that Omega-3 supplementation shows more effective protection for these organs notwithstanding the time of administration though pretreatment with omega 3 supplement shows more ameliorating effect than the post treatment. Hence intake of omega 3 might protect our organs against oxidative induced stress.