bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FOREIGN TRADE OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA FROM 2004 – 2018
Authors: Resić Emina , Rahimić Zijada
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper is to identify the basic characteristics of foreign trade of Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of determining the volume, trends, geographic orientation, production structure and level of concentration of export-import flows in the selected time period, with emphasis on its trade with major partners, such as the EU and CEFTA. A special emphasis has been placed on exports as a driver of growth and development of the domestic economy. In order for the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina to grow, creating jobs and increasing economic welfare of its citizens, it must focus on international trade, particularly the increase in the volume and value of exports. To say that the export is a requirement for survival may sound dramatic, but there can be no doubt that our country needs to improve its trading result. This reflects the importance of foreign trade. The focus of the analysis is placed on the dynamics and structure of the total exchange of BIH in the period from 2004 to 2018. Analysis was done using the appropriate method of dynamic analysis (index methods, average annual growth rate). The main results indicate not so positive trends for international trade of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FEATURES OF THE REGULATORY REGIME OF BANKS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Authors: Miljković Strahinja , Danilović Damjan
Published: June 2021

Social relations, economic development and capital concentration have conditioned the development of legal science in the field of companies. Few legal areas have been so susceptible to legal evolution, especially in the last few decades, where the tendency for permanent changes remains to be seen. Through its development, the company law has expressed its own legal institutes, and the legislature has a number of different legal relationships and facts. In particular, banks with their many personalities are singled out within companies. The credit deposit business conditions specific legal relations, which again affects the creation of a special legal framework. Corporate governance systems are characteristic of the steak-holder approach, which stems from the fact that banks have other people's money, and potential losses are made up of state funds, or budget funds. Banking operations, i.e. the management system thus becomes the public interest. This is especially manifested in the creation of a control framework, in order to preempt the development of systemic risks, which are very emphasized by the banks. These risks may be at both the international and national level, subject to both international and national regulatory control. All this affects a range of personalities in the internal organization of banks, and overall the creation of a special legal framework.
Modelling Students’ Preferences for Mobile Telecommunication Plans: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Otekunrin Oluwaseun A. , Oliobi Chidimma E.
Published: June 2021

Aims: We employed a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to investigate students’ preferences for mobile telecommunication plans in a South African University.

Study design: Locally optimal DCE were constructed for our choice sets using readily available ideas from blocked fractional factorial designs. This is in contrast to other approaches that may be more complex practically especially when the number of attributes is large.

Place and duration of study: The study was conducted in August 2017 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood Campus, Pinetown, South Africa.

Methodology: Four hypothetical mobile telecommunication companies were considered and the selected attributes were call rate, data speed, customer service, premiums and network coverage. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 180 respondents from the student population and data were collected via face-to-face interview. A  blocked fractional factorial design in  blocks each of size four was used to generate the choice sets used to obtain information from the respondents. An extra choice set was included to ascertain the consistency of the choices. Proportion of rational respondents was computed. Multinomial logit model was used to analyze the data and marginal willingness to pay estimates was obtained for the attributes.

Results: The proportion of “rational” respondents was 74%. At 0.1% level of significance, the students valued all the attributes except data speed in the process of choosing a particular mobile network. Furthermore, marginal willingness to pay estimates showed that students preferred to pay 51 cents more per minute to have very good customer service. They also preferred to pay extra 13 and 45 cents per minute for more premiums and better network coverage respectively.

Conclusion: The results provide empirical evidence of what students perceive as the most important factors influencing their choice of mobile network service providers and these may have decision-making implications for South African-based telecommunication companies.
The Mycotoxin Risks Lurking in Breads Sold in Abuja Metropolis
Authors: Olukotun G. B. , Labbo Z. , Abakpa O. G. , Adamu B. B. , P. N Ajulor,
Published: June 2021

Bread is one of the most essential food products that is universally accepted as a very convenient form of food that has desirability to all population rich or poor, rural or urban dwellers. A staple food prepared by baking dough of flour, water and/or sugar. It is a good source of nutrients, such as macronutrients and micronutrients that are all essential for human Bread like other bakery products are subject to microbial contamination and spoilage by molds irrespective of the intrinsic composition of the product. The present study was carried out to identify the fungi associated with bread spoilage sold in Abuja metropolis, Nigeria and the possible health risks. Twenty-four (24) bread products from different locations within FCT, Abuja, Nigeria covering the six regions; Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali were sampled and the molds associated with them were isolated using spread plate method. Based on the cultural and morphological characterizations using standard identification techniques, the mold namely Aspergillus sp. (29.7%), Mucor sp. (17.4%), Penicillum sp. (17.1%), Fusarium sp. (14.7%), Rhizopus sp. (8.0%), Cladosporium sp. (7.4%) Alternaria sp. (3.4%) and Geotricum sp. (2.3%) were found. The presence of mold is a signal to the possibility of mycotoxin build-up and other food safety risks. Therefore, bread manufacturer and distribution vendors need to periodically validate their preventive measures to control potential hazards associated with fungi-laden breads.
Financial Feasibility of Poultry Layer Farms in Chittoor District, India
Authors: Soumya P. , Reddy B. Pratap
Published: June 2021

The present study attempts to assess the financial feasibility of layer farms of poultry birds in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. In total, 60 farms were considered for the study, with 20 each for small, medium and large size. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from poultry farmers. The Net Present Worth is highest for large farms followed by medium and small farms at both 12 and 16% discount rates, proving the economic viability of farms. The Benefit-Cost Ratio and farm size were positively related and the large farms were economically more viable. The internal rate of return is higher than that of the discount rate for all sizes of farms which implies that investment is feasible. Even though the returns are decreased by 10% (Case I) or costs increased by 10% (Case II), the small, medium and large poultry layer farms are economically feasible at both 12% and 16% discount rates as NPV is positive and BCR is greater than 1. But if the returns are decreased by 10% and Costs increased by 10% (Case III), the small farms become financially infeasible at both discount rates, whereas medium farms become financially infeasible at a 16% discount rate only. The large layer farms are economically feasible at both discount rates if the returns are decreased by 10% and Costs increased by 10% (Case III). Based on NPV, BCR and IRR, large layer farms were most profitable followed by medium and small layer farms. The benefits per bird were highest and cost of production was lowest in case of large farms. The study revealed that poultry layer farming is a profitable business in Chittoor district.
Demographic and Socio-Economic Status of the Farmers of North Eastern Part of Country: A Case Study
Authors: Vanlalhmuliana H. , Rachael C. , Sehgal Mukesh , Malik Meenakshi , Chander Subhash
Published: June 2021

A socio-economic study of farmers from Siaha district was conducted with the objectives to know the socio-economic status of Siaha district farmers, to study the availability of resources, to locate the specific socio-economic weaknesses in their production organization, and to find the constraints that inhibit the popularisation and adoption of modern technologies.  Siaha district is comprised of numerous hills and valleys and is rich in vegetation and forests. Jhum cultivation is still widely practiced as the traditional farming system. The cropping pattern of the Siaha district is characterized by the predominance of rice as the lead crop. Agricultural crops account for more than 65 percent of the gross cropped area which indicates the prevalence of subsistence agriculture and lack of crop diversification. It was observed that these farmers are socio-economically backward. Agriculture of the primary source of livelihood for the overwhelming majority of the farmer’s population. It is mandatory to identify and quantify the socio-economic factors which are key factors that are inhibiting their growth and development.
The Contribution of Agricultural Manufacturing in the Egyptian Economic Growth: Kaldor's Hypotheses
Authors: El-Rasoul Ahmed Abou El-Yazid , Morsi Mai Mustafa Hassan , Younis Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: June 2021

This research uses a Kaldor’s hypotheses to estimate the contribution of the agricultural manufacturing sector to increase the economic growth of the Egyptian agricultural sector during the period 1997-2018. It based on the three "hypotheses" of growth. Kaldor model depends on three hypotheses related to the relationship between the growth of manufacturing sector and the economic growth. The study used the growth rate, dummy variable, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) test, and used CUSUM squares test and Chow breakpoint test. In addition to, testing the stability of time series depended on E-view 11.0. The food, beverage, tobacco industries and textiles industry are the largest two sectors in the Egyptian agricultural manufacturing industries, as they represent about 83.58% of the total value of the agricultural manufacturing industries output during the period 1997-2018. The results shows that the increase of real growth rates of food, beverage, tobacco industries and textile production lead to increasing in the real growth rate of agricultural output. According to CUSUM Sq test and Chow test, the year 2003 is considered as the switch point for the study variables. Also, if the real agricultural manufacturing production growth rate increases, the real agricultural manufacturing labor productivity growth rate will increase. And if the real growth rate of agricultural manufacturing production value increases, the real growth rate of agricultural non-manufacturing labor productivity will increase. The results of the research assist decision-makers in the field of manufacturing industry and agriculture in Egypt, especially in the stages of economic development.
Assessment of Household Water Quality from Selected Storage Vessels used in a South-Western Rural Community, Nigeria
Authors: Olawade David Bamidele , Wada Ojima Zechariah , Asogbon Omotayo , Owojori Grace O. , Adewole Adesina Olufemi
Published: June 2021

Water is an important requirement for life but its contamination via natural and anthropogenic activities is of great concern. This study determined some physicochemical parameters of drinking water from the main source (borehole), and selected storage vessels in Abimbola, Ayedaade Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. About 10 household water samples were collected randomly from the 70 households in the village. The major water storage vessels used by the villagers were clay pots. Only about one-fifth of the households used plastic containers. All the physico-chemical parameters assessed were within permissible limits of the World Health Organization and Standards Organization of Nigeria’s drinking water guidelines except for Lead and nitrite. Furthermore, water stored in clay pots had significantly higher levels of Nitrate (p=0.04), Nitrite (p=0.04), Sulphate (p=0.04), Lead (p=0.03), Iron (p=0.04), and Manganese (p=0.04) than those stored in plastic containers. Results suggest that the type of storage vessels used could influence the physicochemical quality of the water stored in them. Also, basic water quality monitoring needs to be conducted routinely to ascertain and maintain high quality water supply per time.
The Implication of Autism on Families: A Study at Savar, Dhaka City Bangladesh
Authors: Suborna Taherun Nesa , Masud Nuruddin Ahmed , Hasan Mahmudul
Published: June 2021

This study works to identify the effects of autism on parents, siblings, and teachers. How autism affects a family and its members, how friends react to their autistic friend, neighbor’s perception, and teachers' behavior towards autistic children. After some previous studies, an empirical efficacy framework was created and tested through quantitative techniques. In-depth interview questions were set for conducting a survey with the Parents, Siblings, and Teachers. The results were examined using Cronbach’s α, Pearson's correlation and regression analysis strategies. The study examines the relationship between the impact of autism on parents, siblings, and teachers showing various impact by autistic children through the different phases of his life and with his association with different people in society. The study presents a comprehensive and recent review of the effects of autism. Parents who are the primary caregivers of these children were interviewed about their child's autism detection, access to services, and the impact of their family being affected by autism. The findings of the research can aid practitioners in the autism sector in focusing their efforts on areas that can be taken under observations for the improvement of autistic children as well as society.
The Factors Related to Death of Trauma Preventable Death Patients in Rajavithi Hospital
Authors: Nopmanee T. , Sukrom C. , Teerachai U. , Jirapong D. , Nirutchara K.
Published: June 2021

Aims: To study the factors related to death of traumatic preventable death patients with probability of survival score more than 0.75

Methodology: A 1:4 case-control study was conducted on traumatic preventable death patients with probability of survival score more than 0.75 who received treatment at the Emergency Department and was admitted in Rajavithi Hospital between 2015 and 2018. Data were retrieved from Rajavithi trauma registry. Statistical analysis using Chi-square test, student t-test, and Multiple logistic regression was employed for factors associated with death of trauma.

Results: There were 36 cases (death) and 150 controls (survivors). In cases group, 21 (61.1%) were male with mean age of 61.36±20.23 years. 26 (72.2%) had underlying diseases. 22 (61.10%) of these injuries occurred at home. The cause of accidents are categorized to fall injury occurring 21 (58.3%), and blunt mechanism of injury 35 (97.20%). The mean Injury Severity Score was 17.81±9.66. Factors significantly associated with increased death are age (Adjust OR: 1.05 (1.01-1.08), P = .02), pulse rate (Adjusted OR): 1.05 (1.01-1.08), P = .01), underlying disease (Adjusted OR): 12.0 (2.29-62.88), and Injury Severity Score (Adjusted OR): 1.29 (1.16-1.43), P < .001)

Conclusion: The factors related to death of traumatic preventable death patients with probability of survival score more than 0.75 were age, pulse rate, underlying disease, and Injury Severity Score.
Acute Onset Flaccid Paralysis as Presentation of Combined Central and Peripheral Demyelination in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Das Avishikta , Nandy Arnab , Gupta Dipankar , Mondal Rakesh
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Inflammatory demyelinating disease like combined central and peripheral demyelination (CCPD) could have varied clinical presentation depending upon the topographical distribution of neural involvement.

Case presentation: A seven-year-old child had presented with fever followed by acute onset flaccid paralysis and urinary retention. Weakness in the lower limbs as reported was ascending and symmetric in nature, while no history of trauma, band-like sensation or altered sensorium were documented. Superficial and deep tendon reflexes of both the lower limbs were absent. Routine blood investigations had revealed neutrophilic leucocytosis only. Serum IgM antibody for scrub typhus was found positive. CSF study didn’t show cyto-protein dissociation. NCV had demonstrated absence of F wave and H reflex in the peripheral nerves of lower limbs. Anti-ganglioside antibody profiles were negative. Subsequent investigations including MRI brain and spinal cord had revealed acute onset CCPD.

Conclusion: Acute onset combined central and peripheral demyelination in a child had presented as acute flaccid paralysis of the lower limbs and the condition was temporally association with scrub typhus.
The Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Challenges of National Security in Nigeria: A Case Study of Adamawa State
Authors: Samuel Umaru Tsaku
Published: June 2021

The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) is a major national security challenge in Nigeria. The insecurity resulting from insurgency, banditry, militancy, kidnapping, armed robbery, ethno-religious and communal conflicts have become worrisome in Nigeria. All this, are perpetrated with small arms and light weapons, which are easily concealed and used to unleash violence in the society. There is hardly any week that passes by, without a report of one attack or the other somewhere in Nigeria. Adamawa state is not different as security challenges perpetrated with SALWs have destroyed lives and properties, and displaced a lot of people many of whom are farmers thereby, threatening food security. Again, Boko-Haram insurgency has over the years increased the availability of SALWs in the state. Porosity of Nigerian borders in Adamawa state axis has equally made it much easier for criminals to smuggle in SALWs into the state from neighboring Cameroon. The security agencies that are saddled with the responsibility to check this are complicit, as the bad ones facilitate the smuggling or are themselves sources of SALWs. Today, there is mutual distrust and deep seated grievances among the various ethnic groups co-habiting the state due to injustice. The deep seated grievances have made groups to acquire SALWs for self-help and retaliation. Furthermore, suspicion is commonplace and many people have lost trust and faith in the security architecture of the state government. Thus, people have resorted to the acquisition of SALWs for self-defense. Above all, politicians procure arms for the youths during elections. These arms are never returned as they are used to make ends meet due to poverty and unemployment ravaging the country. It is within the context of this broad narrative that the proliferation of SALWs is situated in Adamawa state nay Nigeria. Therefore, to check this menace, there is need to rejig the security architecture of Adamawa state and indeed Nigeria. Border security must be strengthened through cross-border security arrangement with Nigeria neighbors. The culture of violence in politics must be de-emphasized and the premium attached to political office should be reduced. Poverty and unemployment should be reduced and Justice should be served to all who deserve it. Finally, mutual trust should be encouraged by the government to foster inter-ethnic and religious co-existence and harmony among the diverse people in the state.
Spatio-temporal Brusselator Model and Biological Pattern Formation
Authors: Hossine Zakir , Khanam Oishi , Adan Md. Mashih Ibn Yasin , Kamrujjaman Md.
Published: June 2021

This paper explores a two-species non-homogeneous reaction-diffusion model for the study of pattern formation with the Brusselator model. We scrutinize the pattern formation with initial conditions and Neumann boundary conditions in a spatially heterogeneous environment. In the whole investigation, we assume the case for random diffusion strategy. The dynamics of model behaviors show that the nature of pattern formation with varying parameters and initial conditions thoroughly. The model also studies in the absence of diffusion terms. The theoretical and numerical observations explain pattern formation using the reaction-diffusion model in both one and two dimensions.
Electrochemical Detection of 4-Nitrophenol on a Nanoporous Gold Electrode Prepared by One-Step Anode Potential Step Method
Authors: Lai Dongsheng , Chen Lin , Liu Yuqing , Huang Wei
Published: June 2021

The wastewater containing nitrophenol compounds is discharged into the water and soil environment, causing severe environmental pollution problems. In this paper, a one-step anodic potential step method involving Au(I) disproportionation was used to prepare nanoporous gold (D-NPG) electrodes for the electrochemical detection of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The D-NPG electrode has a high current response to the oxidation peak of 4-hydroxylaminophenol, a product of 4-NP electroreduction. This peak is used in the 4-NP detection. Under the optimized conditions, the resulting detection range is wide (0.01~20 µM) and the detection limit is low (3.5 nM), and its anti-interference ability is good. It can be used for the electrochemical detection of 4-NP in real water samples.
Characteristics of Cerebrospinal Meningitis Cases in 2017 Outbreak, Sokoto State, Nigeria: A Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Abubakar Auwal Usman , Raji Ismail Abdullateef , Kaoje Aminu Umar , Ango Umar Mohammed , Abdulkarim Mohammed Abdullahi , Abdulaziz Mohammad Danmadami , Danmafara Abubakar A. , Mohammed Yahaya
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis (CSM) is an acute illness affecting surrounding layers of the brain and spinal cord, mostly caused by bacterial infection. The disease is responsible for the occurrence of epidemic meningitis in the African Meningitic belt. For many years, this region has experienced a large serogroup A epidemic every 7-10 years. A sharp decrease in the number of reported cases was demonstrated in countries where Men Afrivac has been introduced. However, serogroup replacement with serotype C was noted in the region, which has posed a serious threat to eliminating CSM epidemics. We describe the characteristics of cerebrospinal meningitis cases in the 2017 outbreak in Sokoto state, Nigeria.

Methodology: We obtained CSM data from the state epidemiology unit from 7th February to 24th May 2017. We extracted data on demographic characteristics, clinical features, case management and outcome of cases. We used Microsoft Excel and SPSS to analyze the data for proportions, cross-tabulations and chi-square test to find associations between variables.

Results: A total of 4969 CSM cases were recorded, with 283 deaths (case fatality rate: 5.7%). The cumulative attack rate was 96.4/ 100,000 populations. The highest proportion of cases was among ≥ the 15-year age group 2063(41.5%), and males were more affected, 2843(57.2%). Of the total 4969 suspected CSM cases, specimens were collected for only 225 (4.4%) cases, of which 58 (25.8%) were positive. Most 48 (82.8%) of the positive specimen were of NmC serotype. Only age was found to predict outcome (aOR: 1.52; 95% CI= 1.18 – 1.97).

Conclusion: Sokoto State outbreak of Cerebro-spinal meningitis in 2017 was huge and largely caused by NmC. Those aged less than 15 years might be at higher risk of dying from CSM and we therefore recommend that specific preventive interventions such as vaccination and awareness creation should target this age group.
Evaluation of the Immunological Status in Occult Hepatitis B Virus-infected Patients Attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Koate Baribefe Banavule Daniel , Didia Blessing , Monsi Tombari Pius , Jeremiah Zacchaeus Awortu
Published: June 2021

Background: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is a rare form of infection that is characterized by the presence of replication-competent HBV DNA in the liver but without detectable HBsAg in the serum.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the comparative levels of immunological variables particularly CD4 counts and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts in occult hepatitis B and HBsAg positive subjects among prospective blood donors in Port Harcourt Metropolis in Nigeria.

Methods: The CD4 count and total and differential WBC counts were analyzed with automated techniques using BD Fascount and Sysmex XP-300 respectively. Data were analyzed as mean (standard deviation) and significance was assumed at 95% confidence interval using student t-test and one-way ANOVA on GraphPad prism.

Results: The mean values for CD4, WBC, LYM (lymphocyte), MXD (differential mixed cells), and NEU (neutrophils) were 607±286 µ/l, 16±24 /l, 1.8±0.55 %, 0.46±0.15 % and 3.1±1.1 % respectively for occult hepatitis B subjects; 609±222 µ/l, 5.4±1.7 /l, 2.3±1.2 %, 0.54±0.31 % and 2.7±1.2 % respectively for HbsAg positive subjects and 823±256 µ/l, 10±5.4 /l, 2.4±1.6 %, 0.69±0.49 % and 6.4±4.7 % respectively for hepatitis B negative subjects. CD4 levels for male and female occult hepatitis B subjects are 729±309 µ/l and 461±190 µ/l respectively; 582±210 µ/l and 643±250 µ/l respectively for HBsAg positive subjects while that of hepatitis B negative subjects were 824±305 µ/l and 821±199 µ/l respectively. OBI showed a significant negative association between differential mixed cells and lymphocytes (r= -0.89 and p= 0.001) alone signifying that increment in former could reduce the latter. Only the HBsAg positive subjects showed a significant positive correlation of age to differential mixed cells (r=0.94 and p=0.000) which imply as the age increase the level of differential mixed cells will rise. Again, the HBsAg positive subjects showed a significant positive correlation between the differential mixed cells against neutrophil and WBC (r=0.53 and p=0.050), (r=0.56 and 0.036) respectively. Smoking and alcohol consumption caused raised levels of CD4 cells in OBI.

Conclusion: This study revealed a significant decrease in CD4 count, increase in total WBC and neutrophil counts while lymphocyte counts were decreased in occult hepatitis B subjects. Gender difference affect the level of CD4 cells and significant correlation were observed especially with the differential mixed cells.
Knowledge on Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls Studying in Grade 8-10 in Private School of Dailekh District, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Harikala , Oli Madan Kumar , Adhikari Saroj
Published: June 2021

Background: Adolescence is a significant period in the life of a woman. The beginning of menstruation represents the girls' mild stone of pubertal development or maturity. Good menstrual hygiene is crucial for health. Lack of proper menstrual hygiene in adolescent period can have an effect on their health. (Abisola Monisola Oladimeji, 2014) Menstrual health issue has remained in dark for a longer period of time in Nepal. Lack of proper education and socio cultural barriers has led to knowledge gap on menstrual hygiene and health amongst adolescent female in Nepal.

Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the knowledge on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls studying in grade 8 to 10.

Methodology: This study was conducted in Nayaran Municipality, Dailekh. Study design was descriptive cross-sectional study. The study population was adolescent girls studying in grades 8 to 10 in selected private schools of Dailekh district, Nepal. The sample size in this study was 173 subjects. Data was taken by self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis was done by SPSS, version 21.0.

Major Finding: Only 40.6% of respondents had good knowledge on ideal time to change absorbent. 75.8 % respondents were aware of the importance of bathing during menstruation. Around 83.9 % respondents had good knowledge on significance of using clean clothes during menstruation and more than 88 % respondents had good knowledge on menstrual blood. 40% responded that menstrual blood is unhygienic. Out of five menstrual hygiene related questions, good knowledge was found among 48 % respondents while 52 % had poor knowledge. 10-19 age-group girls had good knowledge on menstrual hygiene than 10-15 years age group. Students of grade 10 had better knowledge among the respondents. Hindu girls had more knowledge than girls of other religion. Similarly, respondents from nuclear family had better knowledge than those of joint family. Higher the monthly income of family, better the knowledge about menstrual hygiene was observed. Girls of parents having higher secondary level education had better knowledge on menstrual hygiene than illiterate, primary and secondary level educated parents.
Impact of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Cultivation on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Food Security of Rural Households within Mundemba Sub-division, Cameroon
Authors: Ajonina Usongo P. , Okanyene Bekumaka B.
Published: June 2021

Oil palm cropping is rapidly expanding within Mundemba. Although they have the potential to contribute to employment and economic development, the effect of their rapid expansion on soil properties and food security is largely unknown. The objective of the study is to analyze the trend in the surface area occupied by palms and farmlands between 1980 to 2020, assess the impact of oil palm cultivation on soil properties and food security. Ground Control Points (GCPs) were taken to evaluate land-use changes and soil samples were collected from palm plantations for analysis. Interviews and questionnaires were administered to household heads to gather information on food security. Results revealed that palm plantations experienced a rapid increase from 35.52ha in 1980 to 119,171.49 in 2020. Arable land also shows a progressive increase of 101.39 ha in 1980 to 518.55 ha in 2020. A significant deterioration of soil nutrients status under palm plantations compared to the adjacent farm lands was observed. Palm cultivation has resulted in food security issues in the area due to its lucrative nature and impact on soils properties. To improve food security farmers should be educated on sustainable crop production methods and soil management techniques.
Fermat’s Last Theorem and Related Problems
Authors: Cox Darell , Ghosh Sourangshu , Sultanow Eldar
Published: June 2021

Empirical evidence in support of generalizations of Fermat’s equation is presented. The empirical evidence consists mainly of results for the p = 3 case where Fermat’s Last Theorem is almost false. The empirical evidence also consists of results for general p values. The \pth power with respect to" concept (involving congruences) is introduced and used to derive these generalizations. The classical Furtw¨angler theorems are reformulated. Hasse used one of his reciprocity laws to give a more systematic proof of Furtw¨angler’s theorems. Hasse’s reciprocity law is modified to deal with a certain condition. Vandiver’s theorem is reformulated and generalized. The eigenvalues of 2p x 2p matrices for the p = 3 case are investigated. (There is a relationship between the modularity theorem and a re-interpretation of the quadratic reciprocity theorem as a system of eigenvalues on a finite-dimensional complex vector space.) A generalization involving generators and \reciprocity" has solutions for every p value.
Derivation of Minimal Cutsets from Minimal Pathsets for a Multi-State System and Utilization of Both Sets in Checking Reliability Expressions
Authors: Rushdi Ali Muhammad Ali , Amashah Motaz Hussain
Published: June 2021

This paper addresses two important useful extensions of binary reliability techniques to multi-state reliability techniques, namely: (a) the problem of complementation or inversion of the function of system success to that of system failure (or equivalently, of deriving the logical minimal cutsets in terms of the logical minimal paths), and (b) the associated problem of hand-checking of a symbolic reliability expression. The paper deals specifically with the reliability of a multi-state delivery network. It presents two complementation procedures, one via the application of multi-state De Morgan’s rules, and the other via the multi-state Boole-Shannon expansion. The paper also illustrates one case in which this complementation is needed, as it outlines a method for checking the reliability of the multi-state system in terms of its logical minimal paths and logical minimal cutsets.
Frequency of Different Bacterial Species and their Antibiogram among Patients with Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Bhutta Mohammad Farooq , Hussain Ashfaq , Baig Salman , Ullah Asad , Fatimee Sarwath , Zafar Urooj
Published: June 2021

Aim: To find out the frequency of different bacterial species and their antibiogram among the patients of chronic suppurative otitis media.

Study Design: Descriptivecross-sectional.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the ENT department of Bahawal Victoria hospital between July to December 2020.

Methodology: About 50 patients presented with unilateral or bilateral ear discharge and diagnosed as a case of chronic suppurative otitis media were included in the study. The disk diffusion method was used on Mueller-Hinton Agar to detect antimicrobial susceptibility. Multipledrugs were tested for checking antimicrobial susceptibility. The data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results: The mean age of the study participants was 13.89 ± 12.37 years. The majority of participants were froma younger age group i.e. less than10 years of age with female predominance. It had been found that the majority of cases (51%) were having Staphylococcus aureus infestation followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and very few with Proteus mirabilis. On the other hand, multiple drugs were tested to find out the antimicrobial susceptibility among the cases of chronic otitis media and the results reported that all the bacterial species were susceptible to Ceftriaxone while the other antibiotics were havinga variable response for different strains of bacteria.

Conclusion: Results concluded that the Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and very few with Proteus mirabilis. It is important to identify the pathogenic organism and its sensitivity pattern before prescribing any antibiotic.
Improvement of Infection Control Measures during Dental Manipulations
Authors: Fundovnaya Alexandra Andreevna , Noskova Daria Alexandrovna , Dorofeev Yuri , Egorova Irina Sergeevna , Dubinin Alexander Olegovich , Masaeva Danizat Zaurovna
Published: June 2021

When performing dental manipulations, infection control plays a special role, since its violation will negate all the efforts of the dentist, as well as allow various infectious and bacterial complications to develop in the body, as a result of which the patient's health will be significantly harmed.

Infection control in dentistry is especially important at the present stage, when the spread of coronavirus infection has not yet been stopped, and the world is already experiencing the third wave of COVID-19. So, today it is very important to evaluate the existing infection control measures taken in dental health organizations, both private and public, and to investigate the measures proposed in the literature to reduce the transmission of both the new coronavirus and other infectious diseases to patients.

Infection control measures in dentistry are aimed at minimizing the cross-transmission of mainly blood-borne pathogens. However, the high degree of contagion of the new coronavirus, as well as the possibility of the appearance of such viruses in the future, makes specialists already think about the need to improve infection control measures in order to preserve the health of patients and make dental manipulations as safe as possible for them. This is especially important for elderly patients, in whom complications from coronavirus-like infectious diseases can be fatal.

In dental practice, many people are at risk, such as the practitioner, assistants, patients, administrative staff, cleaners, and possibly accompanying people. Standard precautions are usually not sufficient during the active spread of infections, so it is important to use proper PPE and follow hand hygiene. The sequence of consultations and scheduling of appointments with patients, as well as making changes to the waiting area, are also important. To minimize aerosol contamination, mouthwash should be performed before treatment. It should be taken into account that fans with NERA filters can significantly reduce the number of aerosols and, accordingly, reduce the level of pathogenicity of viruses.

The aim of the work is to consider the measures proposed in the publications aimed at improving the measures of infection control during dental manipulations.
Assessment of Different Technique of Eliciting the Planter Reflex in Term Neonates
Authors: Taksande Amar , Rao Rupesh , Yedve Sachin , Jameel Patel Zeeshan , Meshram Revat
Published: June 2021

Background: Planter reflex is still an essential part of the neurological examination. The usual plantar reflex involved bending of the big toe or no response. There is a positive Babinski signal with corticospinal dysfunction, which involves big toe dorsal flexion and the accompanying fanning of the other toes. It’s one of the infant reflexes that disappers as the infant nervous system grows. The plantar reaction is primarily extensive in stable, term neonates. Many have researched this reflex's accuracy but very few studies have analyzed the various techniques of the planting reflex.

Objective: To assess the five different technique of eliciting the plantar reflex in newborn babies.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the eligible healthy newborn will be given the different methods for the elicitation of the plantar reflex i.e. Oppenheim sign, Gordon sign, Gonda’s sign, Chaddock sign, and Schaefer sign. During this procedure, we will record  the baseline RR, HR, and SpO2 before, and after the procedure. Three pediatric residents of the different years will be selected for examining the newborn reflexes throughout the study period.

Results: After completion of the study, we will come to know the negative likelihood ratio, negative predictive value, positive predictive, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and sensitivity of the Oppenheim sign, Gordon sign, Gonda’s sign, Chaddock sign, and Schaefer sign.

Conclusion: The study will probably give us information about the sensitivity and specificity of the Oppenheim sign, Gordon sign, Gonda’s sign, Chaddock sign, and Schaefer sign for the elicitation of the plantar reflex in the neonates.
Importance of Risk Communication and Risk Analysis in Medical Device Industry
Authors: Sharma Akash , Luthra Gaurav
Published: June 2021

In medical device industry the risk management plays a very vital role. There should be proper communication from each and every stakeholder related to risk management of each respective department, it can be Production, Design and Development or Quality Control and all other  departments. In this current research work the role of risk analysis which   had been done accordingly ISO 14971 for risk management of medical device using FMEA is implemented. FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) plays important role in risk analysis by having several steps for mitigation of risk. Also it had been used for identifying hazard of each risk throughout the lifecycle of the medical device. Risk communication should be advanced so, that the risk identified can be easily controlled by taking appropriate risk control measures. In any medical device industry risk analysis should be done properly and as well the risk communication channel should be strong for proper and immediate action. In this research paper practically the role of Risk communication and risk analysis is covered. Risk management of any of the organization can only be effective if the risk analysis is done strongly and the communication related to risk is proper. In this research    FMEA analysis for risk analysis is done on a medical device and also the communication from risk manager to the other entire stakeholders of the risk management from various departments are fully taken into the consideration.
Recent Advances in Elastic Liposomes: Current Status and Future Perspective
Authors: Nanda Ravika , Narang Raman Deep Singh , Kaur Anmoldeep , Mehak . , Karanbir . , Narang Jasjeet Kaur
Published: June 2021

Elastic liposomse (ELs) are the flexible liposomes formulated using phospholipids as well as edge activators. Edge activators provide elasticity to the Els. Els provide advantages over other formulations and have the ability to be delivered by different routes such as topical, transdermal, nasal, ocular, etc. Potential of encapsulating not only lipophillic but also hydrophillic drugs in a single vesicle, ability to pass through channels 1/10th of their diameter, increase in drug permeation, enhanced solubility of drug, patient compliance, prevention of degradation of drug makes them efficient carriers of drugs and leads to increased interest of researchers in them. This review provides understanding of composition of Els, advantages, method of preparation and the adaptable role played by ELs in the administration of numerous drugs for different diseases.
Study on Prevalence of Hyperlipidemia among Medical Students in Wardha District – A study Protocol
Authors: Pawar Pooja , Tirpude Saroj , Parwe Shweta , Nisargandha Milind
Published: June 2021

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a therapeutic word that indicates unusually increased levels of lipids in the blood, which is generally termed as increased cholesterol. There are mainly 2categories of cholesterol known as high-density lipoprotein, also known as good cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, also called as bad cholesterol. However, hyperlipidemia can be inherited, resulting in an unhealthy lifestyle and sedentary lifestyle and regular intake of oily food, junk food , fatty food rich in cholesterol, etc.

Aim: Aim is to study the Prevalence of hyperlipidemia among medical students in Wardha District.

Objectives: To determine the dietary pattern among medical students and evaluate the level of lipid profile among medical students.

Methodology: Cross-sectional observational study will be done on medical students of the Wardha district. Based on a well-structured questionnaire on each student's dietary schedule and by collecting fasting blood sample for lipid profile test to observe the level of HDL and LDL in the blood and to observe the Prevalence of hyperlipidemia among medical students in Wardha district of 18 and above years of age group. Written consent of the subject will be taken before collecting their blood samples.

Results: The result will be analyzed statistically based on the study.

Conclusion: Conclusion will be based on observation and analyzed data.
Association of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy with Pre-eclampsia and Maternal Outcome
Authors: Abbas Sabreena , Yousfani Sajida , Shaikh Fouzia , Sultana Farhat , Shaikh Najma , Tahira Sidra
Published: June 2021

Objective: To determine the Prevalence of Pre-eclampsia in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and to compare the maternal outcome in cases of PPCM who develop pre-eclampsia with those cases who are normotensive.     

Study design: This is a prospective observational study.

Setting: Study carried out at department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Liaquat university hospital Hyderabad from 20th February 2019 to 19th February 2020.

Materials and methods:  This prospective observational study was conducted in department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and department of Cardiology Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad. Inclusion criteria were patients admitted with a diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy diagnosed clinically and confirmed by echocardiography. Exclusion criteria were cases with multiple pregnancies, smokers, those with chronic hypertension and chronic renal disease or diabetes. We assessed patients for pre-eclampsia. Outcome measures studied were serious maternal complications like Pulmonary oedema, Cardiogenic shock, intensive care unit admission, and death.

Results:  During one year study period, there were 71 cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy. The mean age of patients was 29.77±6.8 years. Pre-eclampsia was seen in 62% cases of Peripartum cardiomyopathy. Mean ejection fraction was 33.24±6.49. In patients of PPCM, serious maternal complications including cardiogenic shock 11(15.5%) cases, intensive care unit admission 10(14.1%) cases, pulmonary oedema 35(49.3%) cases and prolonged hospitalization 58(81.7%) cases. 

Conclusion: We conclude that pre-eclampsia has high prevalence in patients with PPCM. Both when combined, significantly increase the chances of serious maternal complications including death.
Perceptions of Athletes about Usage of Painkiller Medications for Fatigue Slackening during Sport Trainings
Authors: Javed Saeed , Naseer Abida , Gill Sajjad Ali , Ayub Fehmida , Shariff Abd Rahim Mohd , Din Badar Mohy ud , Sonfada Usman Ibn , Khan Imran U. , Gul Faryal , Naveed Qasid , Javed Waheed
Published: June 2021

Objective: The purpose of the present research was to find out the perceptions of athletes about the usage of painkiller medications for fatigue relief while their sport trainings.

Methodology: The data was collected from the athletes (n-80) having vast sport experiences who belonged to two public sector universities through online questionnaires. Afterwards, the collected data was edited into SPSS (v.26) and further analyzed the responses through descriptive statistics.

Results: The majority of the athletes affirmed their intake of painkiller medications for the purpose of getting relief to their working group of muscles without claiming any harm or threat physically.

Conclusion: These painkillers may be a source of less fatigue and provision of better blood flow to the working muscles of the athletes. Therefore, the athletes should use the painkillers with consultation of the doctor so that they may save themselves from their side effects if any.