bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teneligliptin-Induced Polyarthritis
Authors: Agrawal Prabhat Kumar , Pursnani Nikhil , Gautam Ashish , Singh Boentika , Yadav Asvini
Published: March 2023

Rationale:

DPP4 inhibitors are very important armamentarium for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Usually, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DDP-4) inhibitors are free from side effects.

Patient Concern:

We report a case of teneligliptin-induced polyarthritis.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis is teneligliptin-induced seronegative, non-erosive, polyarthritis.

Intervention:

We stopped teneligliptin.

Outcome:

On stopping teneligliptin, arthralgia was relieved.

Lesson:

Acute joint pain (arthralgia)/arthritis can be an adverse effect of teneligliptin or DPP-4 inhibitors. Arthritis, as an adverse effect of teneligliptin, is first such case report to the best of our knowledge.
Research on Type 2 Diabetes in India During 1982 to 2019
Authors: Dayal Devi , Gupta Brij M. , Raviteja K. V. , Pal Rimesh , Dhawan Surinder M.
Published: March 2023

Background:

India has an enormous burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and this plays an important role in global T2DM research. However, the quantity and quality of Indian T2DM research remain largely unexplored.

Objective:

To provide a detailed analysis of Indian T2DM research output during 1982–2019 using select bibliometric indicators.

Materials and Methods:

Data on T2DM publications were retrieved from the Scopus database. The analysis focused on the quantitative output of Indian authors and organizations. The qualitative performance was assessed in terms of relative citation index, citations per paper, and highly cited papers.

Results:

Globally, 157 countries participated in T2DM research, producing 208902 publications during 1982–2019. India ranks in the ninth place in global output, with 7844 publications (3.75% share). Only 19.06% of papers had international collaboration, whereas 12% received funding. The leading productive organizations were the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh; whereas King Edward Memorial Hospital, Pune, AIIMS, New Delhi, and Fortis Healthcare, Gurgaon were the most impactful. The most productive authors were V. Mohan, S. Kalra, and A. Ramachandran. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome Clinical Research and Reviews, and Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research were the leading productive journals. Only 2.23% of publications were highly cited.

Conclusions:

Considering the burden of T2DM, India's research is lagging behind. Increasing national and international collaborations, active involvement of national and international funding agencies, and prioritizing research on youth with T2DM is the need of the hour.
Practice Patterns Among Healthcare Professionals for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in Selected Countries of Asia, Africa, and Middle East
Authors: Masood Shabeen Naz , Bhavadharini Balaji , Mohan Viswanathan
Published: March 2023

Background:

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) face several challenges while treating women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and often get confused by the different diagnostic criteria recommended by different scientific organizations. A survey was carried out to understand the practices of physicians and obstetricians in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, to identify the screening methods and diagnostic criteria used by them for managing women with GDM in the respective countries.

Materials and Methods:

HCPs across three different regions including South Asia, Middle East, and Africa were contacted through professional diabetes organizations. An online survey designed with Google Forms was created. The link to the survey was shared with HCPs, and the responses were collected and stored in the Google Sheets which was later downloaded for analysis.

Results:

A total of 356 doctors participated in the survey. The survey covered a total of 18 countries: 3 in South Asia, 5 in Africa, and 10 in the Middle East. The vast majority of the HCPs (64.6%) screened all pregnant women for GDM. About 42.4% of them screened for GDM between 24 and 28 weeks, 21.1% screened before 12 weeks, and the rest carried out screening at different time points. With regard to the screening method, 58.5% of the HCPs responded that they followed the two-step process. However, when asked about the criteria used, the responses were inconsistent. The criteria of the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) were used by 36.5% doctors and the 1999 criteria by the old World Health Organization (WHO) were used by 27.2%, and only 23.9% reported following the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria.

Conclusion:

This large international survey shows that there are still considerable inaccuracies in doctors following the recommended guidelines for GDM diagnosis. This reiterates the fact that more education and training will help HCPs to manage GDM better.
Impact of Yoga Intervention on Physical and Mental Health of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Poongothai Subramani , Vidyulatha Ashok , Nisha Thameem , Lalasa Mokkapati , Bhavani Sundari Balasundaram , Karkuzhali Kulasegaran , Thanujah Muniyandi , Latha Satish
Published: March 2023

Objective:

The aim of this study was to discuss the components of yoga intervention and experimental design used to assess its effectiveness in diabetes care centers in Chennai.

Materials and Methods:

An interventional, randomized prospective study design was adopted. The study was conducted over a 6-month period. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, participants were selected from Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre. Informed consent was obtained, and participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the intervention group underwent yoga training every 2 weeks for up to 3 months. Each yoga session lasted 35 min and included a variety of asanas and pranayama techniques. Participants were also given an audio recording (CD) of the yoga instructions, and they were encouraged to practice yoga at home and advised to keep track of their progress in a dairy provided. Diabetes care was provided to the control group on a routine basis. In addition to biochemical parameters, mental health parameters were also assessed. Independent t-test was performed using SPSS 24.0.

Results:

A total of 152 participants were screened and randomized with 76 in the intervention arm and 76 in the control arm. There were no challenges in participants recruitment and retention. Data were collected during enrollment, 13 and 26 weeks. At baseline, the intervention arm's mean HbA1c (%) was 8.4 ± 1.1%, whereas in the control arm, it was 8.3 ± 1.1% (P = 0.290), and fasting blood glucose levels were 142± 27 mg/dL in the intervention arm and 141 ± 29 mg/dL in the control arm (P = 0.811). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of lipid profile or mental health parameters at baseline.

Conclusion:

There is a major lacuna for controlled trials with methodological rigor in yoga intervention; this study may contribute to fill this requirement by systematically elucidating the role of yoga in the management of diabetes and to prevent complications. This study will provide a cost-effective care for people with diabetes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

CTRI/2018/04/013169
Self-perceived anxiety symptoms in school students with borderline intellectual functioning: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Karande S , Gogtay NJ , Shaikh N , Sholapurwala R , More T , Meshram P
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives:

Students with borderline intellectual functioning (“slow learners”) underperform in all school subjects. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the self-perceived anxiety symptoms of slow learners. Its secondary objective was to analyze impact of sociodemographic variables on their symptoms.

Settings and Design:

Cross-sectional single-arm questionnaire-based study was conducted in the learning disability clinic of a public medical college in Mumbai.

Subjects and Methods:

One hundred slow learners aged ≥8 to <18 years were recruited by non-probability sampling. Their anxiety symptoms scores were measured using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders-Child version (SCARED-C) instrument.

Statistical Analysis:

Multivariate regression analysis was performed for determining the “independent” impact that variables had on the SCARED-C (“individual subscales” and “overall”) scores.

Results:

Symptoms of “separation anxiety” were present in 40%, followed by “social anxiety” in 32%, “generalized anxiety” in 31%, “panic” in 26%, “significant school avoidance” in 24%; and “overall anxiety” in 38% of slow learners. Multivariate analysis revealed that: (i) co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was significantly associated with having panic symptoms (P = 0.040), and, (ii) studying in a Secondary School Certificate or Higher Secondary Certificate educational board-affiliated school was significantly associated with having symptoms of “generalized anxiety,” “social anxiety,” and “overall anxiety” (P = 0.009, P = 0.026, and P = 0.046, respectively).

Conclusions:

Many slow learners in our city have symptoms of anxiety disorders and overall anxiety. There is an urgent need to screen them for anxiety disorders to facilitate their optimum rehabilitation.
Removal of fluoxetine from water by nanofiltration and reverse osmosis
Authors: Dalbosco Talita , Cadore Jéssica Stefanello , Pezzini Alessandra , Bandeira Nelson Miguel Grubel , Giubel Guilherme Otávio Moraes , Lazzari Tauane , Barbizan Luiza Desengrini , Novello Dominique Trindade , Brião Vandré Barbosa
Published: March 2023

This paper explores the use of nanofiltration (NF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) to remove the pharmaceutical Fluoxetine (FLX) from water. This substance can be found in rivers and lakes and requires studies involving the application of efficient technologies for its removal or mitigation. The study evaluated NF and RO membranes as an alternative to remove Fluoxetine from water. NF removed fluoxetine within the range between 50 and 60%, and RO demonstrated higher efficiency in removing the drug (98.8%). RO is a suitable method as a complementary treatment of water to ensure a lower concentration of FLX in water.

Keywords: emerging pollutants, environment, membrane technology, water treatment.
Minimal homeomorphisms and topological $K$-theory
Authors: Deeley Robin J. , Putnam Ian F. , Strung Karen R.
Published: March 2023

The Lefschetz fixed point theorem provides a powerful obstruction to the existence of minimal homeomorphisms on well-behaved spaces such as finite

CW

-complexes. We show that these obstructions do not hold for more general spaces. Minimal homeomorphisms are constructed on compact connected metric spaces with any prescribed finitely generated

K

-theory or cohomology. In particular, although a non-zero Euler characteristic obstructs the existence of a minimal homeomorphism on a finite

CW

-complex, this is not the case on a compact metric space. We also allow for some control of the map on

K

-theory and cohomology induced from these minimal homeomorphisms. This allows for the construction of many minimal homeomorphisms that are not homotopic to the identity. Applications to

C^*

-algebras will be discussed in another paper.
Isolation of Aspergillus flavus strains from Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt) seeds and screening for the production of aflatoxin B1 and B2
Authors: Ouili Amidou S. , Maiga Ynoussa , Nikiema Mahamadi , Ilboudo Inoussa , Nikiema Fulbert , Ouoba Adjima , Nandkangre Hervé , Compaore Cheik Omar Tidiane , Kabre Elie , Ouedraogo Mahama , Ouattara Aboubakar Sidiki
Published: March 2023

In Burkina Faso, Bambara groundnut is the second most important food legume after cowpea, especially in rural areas. However, this crop, due to certain conditions of production, storage or preservation is susceptible to be contaminated by potential mycotoxin producing fungi. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aflatoxinogenic capacity of Aspergillus flavus isolates isolated from Bambara groundnut seeds produced in Burkina Faso. Thus, 198 isolates of fungi belonging to section Flavi were isolated from 99 samples of Bambara groundnut seeds collected in the three agro-ecological zones of Burkina Faso. From the 198 isolates, 28 were identified as Aspergillus flavus. Then, we investigated their potential for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and B2 (AFB2) production by growing them on rice at 25°C for 7 days. AFB1 and AFB2 were extracted and quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All of the strains (28) produced AFB1 at concentrations ranging from 46.987 μg kg–1 to 1080.320 μg kg–1. However, AFB2 was produced by 26 strains with concentrations ranging from 47.200 μg kg–1 to 1760.240 μg kg–1. Globally, most of the tested strains produced higher levels of AFB1 than AFB2. The results obtained point out the risk associated with post-harvest fungi and the need for the development of storage technics to control them, for food security.
Durabilité agricole des exploitations d’oignon dans les communes de Malanville et de Karimama au Nord-Bénin
Authors: Akpo Ibidon F. , Dohou Modeste D. , Kakpo Salim O.
Published: March 2023

Au Bénin, l’oignon est un légume qui est majoritairement inclus dans le régime alimentaire de la population. Son importance sans cesse croissante amène les producteurs à faire usage à outrance des pesticides chimiques dans le but d’avoir plus de gain. La présente étude s’est intéressée donc à l’analyse de la durabilité agricole des exploitations d’oignon dans les plus grandes zones de production d’oignon que sont les communes de Malanville et de Karimama. Sur la base d’un échantillon aléatoire de 120 producteurs, constitués suivant une approche participative basée sur des indicateurs (PIB), la durabilité agricole des exploitations d’oignon a été mesurée suivant trois dimensions : économique, environnementale et sociale. Les résultats ont révélé des valeurs de 71 pour la durabilité économique, de 59,56 pour la durabilité sociale et de 43,57 pour la durabilité environnementale. Ces valeurs montrent que la dimension environnementale impacte négativement la durabilité des exploitations car la valeur seuil de durabilité était de 50. La faiblesse de ce score de durabilité impose la nécessité de mettre en place des actions et réformes pour améliorer le niveau de durabilité général des exploitations d’oignon dans une dynamique d’agroécologie.

In Benin, onion is a vegetable that is mostly included in the population's diet. Its increasing importance leads producers to make excessive use of chemical pesticides in the aim of obtaining more profit. The present study therefore focused on the analysis of the agricultural sustainability of onion farms in the largest onion production areas, namely the municipalities of Malanville and Karimama. Based on a random sample of 120 producers, constituted following a participatory approach based on indicators, the agricultural sustainability of onion farms was measured along three dimensions: economic, environmental and social. The results revealed values of 71 for economic sustainability, 59.56 for social sustainability and 43.57 for environmental sustainability. These values show that the environmental dimension negatively impacts the sustainability of the farms, as the threshold value for sustainability was 50. The weakness of this sustainability score imposes the need to implement actions and reforms to improve the general level of sustainability of onion farms in an agroecological dynamic.
Phytodiversity, structure and carbon sequestered by avenue trees in the Municipality of Sèmè-Podji, Southern Benin
Authors: Osseni Abdel Aziz , Gbesso Gbodja Houéhanou François , Assongba Yédjanlognon Faustin
Published: March 2023

The importance of plants in the urban environment is sufficiently demonstrated by their potential and the ecosystem services they generate for the environment and populations. The present work aimed at assessing the contribution of avenue trees to carbon sequestration in the municipality of Sèmè-Podji in Benin. The methodological approach used has allowed making the inventory of trees along 26 kilometers of managed roadways. The diversity and structure parameters were computed to assess the floristic potential, the diameter and height structure of the trees, then the sequestered carbon from the allometric equations established for urban environments. The results revealed 19 species grouped into 12 families and 17 genus along the explored streets. Shannon's average diversity index (3.25±0.13 bits) and Pielou's equitability (0.76±0.04) explain the dominance of a few species, among which the most representative are Terminalia catappa (33.79%), Delonix regia (12.5%), and Khaya senegalensis (9.72%). The diameter and height structures are irregular, with average of 46.75 ± 33.46 cm and 10.35 ± 5.33 m respectively. The aerial biomass for the inventoried streets is 756.16 t/ha, corresponding to a carbon stock of 378.17 t/ha, that is the equivalent of 102.09 t of CO2 per hectare. It appeared from this study that the floristic procession and the structural characteristics of the avenue trees are limited to ensure the socio-ecological functions in the municipality of Sèmè-Podji. However, this information could encourage decision-makers to take reforestation measures to increase the vegetation cover of the streets and for better management of the city's urban forestry.
A review on dietary fiber: definitions, classification, importance and advantages for human diet and guidelines to promote consumption
Authors: Compaore-Sereme Diarra , Tapsoba Fidèle Wend-bénédo , Zoénabo Douamba , Compaoré Clarisse S , Dicko Mamoudou H , Sawadogo-Lingani Hagrétou
Published: March 2023

The definitions of dietary fiber are based on scientific and regulatory purposes, mainly with emphasis on its functional impact and benefits to the organism. The aim of this review was to present dietary fiber classification, benefits and importance for human diet and recommendations to promote its consumption. The methodology used in this review is a drawn perspective from recently available classification and no attempt was made to make an exhaustive review of all articles related to dietary fiber. In the results, the structure, characteristics, the content of various food products on dietary fiber with a focus on cereal grains and benefits are presented; global guidelines and recommendations are included in this review. The link between dietary fiber intake and the prevention of various diseases such as cardio vascular disease, type 2 diabetes, digestive diseases, and some cancers, is plausible pertaining to the literature. Dietary guidelines in some countries recommend, on average, the consumption of 3 to 8 servings/day or 300 to 500 g/day of cereals and legumes in total (depending on age, gender or caloric needs) with at least half of your grain products as whole grains each day to meet daily dietary fibre requirements and reduce disease risk.
Impact d’une décharge urbaine sur la contamination métallique des sols : cas de la décharge de Mbeubeuss (Dakar)
Authors: Diop Tidiane , Diarra Abdoulaye , Diallo Mouhamadou Abdoulaye , Dione Mame Mor , Diop Abdoulaye
Published: March 2023

La contamination des sols par des éléments traces métalliques est l’un des problèmes environnementaux les plus pressants. La mise en décharge d’ordures ménagères est une source de cette contamination. La présente étude a pour objectif d’évaluer l’impact de la décharge urbaine de Mbeubeuss (Dakar) sur la contamination en Éléments traces Métalliques (ETM). La méthodologie consiste à prélever cinq (5) échantillons de sols retenus en fonction de leur proximité au point central de la décharge afin de caractériser les paramètres physico-chimiques (pH et conductivité électriques) et les teneurs en Éléments Traces Métalliques (ETM). Les valeurs des pH, comprises entre 6,5 et 8,1, montrent que les sols sont neutres ou légèrement alcalins avec des conductivités électriques élevées [0,98-0,11ms/cm]. Les résultats des analyses des teneurs en ETM par XRF montrent que les sols de la décharge de Mbeubeuss sont riches en Cu (16,97-216 ppm), Fe (4250-12500 ppm), Zn (45,04-279,88 ppm), Pb (ld-322,78 ppm), Mn (652,11-803,25 ppm), Cr (37,52 – 67,17 ppm) et Ti (515,4-3753 ppm). L’évaluation de la contamination a été faite en calculant les indices de pollution et de géo accumulation. Cette étude montre une diminution de la pollution au fur et à mesure que l’on s’éloigne du point central et une accumulation de Zn et Pb à proximité de la décharge.

Contamination of soils with trace metals is one of the most pressing environmental problems. The dumping of household waste is a source of this contamination. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the impact of the urban landfill of Mbeubeuss (Dakar) on the contamination of Trace Metal Elements (TME). The methodology consists of taking five (5) soil samples selected according to their proximity to the central point of the landfill in order to characterize the physico-chemical parameters (pH and electrical conductivity) and the levels of Trace Metal Elements (TME). The pH Values, between 6.5 and 8.1, show that the soils are neutral or slightly alkaline with high electrical conductivities [0.98-0.11ms/cm]. The results of XRF analyses of TME content show that the soils of the Mbeubeuss dump are rich in Cu (16.97-216 ppm), Fe (4250-12500 ppm), Zn (45.04-279.88 ppm), Pb (ld-322.78 ppm), Mn (652.11-803.25 ppm), Cr (37.52-67.17 ppm) and Ti (515.4-3753 ppm). The contamination assessment was done by calculating the pollution and geo accumulation indices. This study shows a decrease in pollution as one moves away from the central point and an accumulation of Zn and Pb near the landfill.
Caractérisation biochimique de la pulpe et de l’amande des fruits murs de Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. consommées au Niger
Authors: Halidou Moussa Arohalassi , Elhadji Gounga Mahamadou , Issa Ado Rayanatou
Published: March 2023

L’arbre de Sclerocarya birrea ou Marula est une espèce forestière aux usages multiples très répandue en Afrique, mais peu étudiée au Niger. L’objectif général de cette étude est la caractérisation des fruits de l’espèce S. birrea afin de mieux contribuer à sa valorisation. Les échantillons ont été collectés au niveau de 7 sites de deux régions et analysés au laboratoire pour déterminer la composition biochimique selon les méthodes AOAC (1990). La caractérisation de la pulpe montre des teneurs moyennes en eau variant de 80,3 à 86%, celles en protéines, lipides et glucides sont respectivement de 3,12 ± 1,48%, 2,78 ± 0,74% et 86,30 ± 2,55% respectivement avec une valeur énergétique de 382,68 ± 7,56 Kcal. L’amande est composée en moyenne de 6,08 ± 1,74% d’eau et 3,96 ± 0,39% de matières minérales. Elle est cependant assez riche en protéines (35,2 ± 2,47%) avec un taux important de matières grasses (46 ± 5,97%), de glucides de 14,8 ± 6,50%. L’énergie moyenne calculée est de 614 ± 29,3 Kcal. Il n’y a pas de différence significative de la composition des fruits. S. birrea démontrent ainsi une grande potentialité qui nécessite une meilleure valorisation et une vulgarisation pour contribuer à la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle.

The Sclerocarya birrea or Marula tree is a multipurpose forest species widespread in Africa, but little studied in Niger. The general objective of this study is the characterization of the fruits of the species S. birrea in order to better contribute to its valorization. The samples were collected at 7 sites in two regions and analyzed in the laboratory to determine the biochemical composition according to AOAC (1990) methods. The characterization of the pulp shows average water contents ranging from 80.3 to 86%, those of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates are respectively 3.12 ± 1.48%, 2.78 ± 0.74% and 86, 30 ± 2.55% respectively with an energy value of 382.68 ± 7.56 Kcal. The kernel is composed on average of 6.08 ± 1.74% water and 3.96 ± 0.39% mineral matter. It is however quite rich in protein (35.2 ± 2.47%) with a high rate of fat (46 ± 5.97%), carbohydrates of 14.8 ± 6.50%. The calculated average energy is 614 ± 29.3 Kcal. There is no significant difference in composition depending on the origin of the fruits. S. birrea thus demonstrate great potential that requires better development and popularization to contribute to food and nutritional security at the level households.
Comparative evaluation of spectrum occupancy of the broadcasting bands in urban, sub-urban and rural environments
Authors: Ubom E. A. , Ukommi U. S.
Published: March 2023

Wireless services are at high demand all over the world, leading to increased bandwidth requirement and exhausted spectrum. In response, efforts are on-going to find ways to allow secondary access to spectrum without causing unacceptable interference issues to the Primary Users. In the fore-front of these efforts is the attempt to allow for secondary access on the TV spectrum, hence this analysis on spectrum usage measured outdoors in three locations namely Calabar in Cross River State representing an urban environment, Eket and Asong in Akwa Ibom State representing semi-urban and rural communities in Nigeria respectively. The UHF band percentage utilizations for the three locations were 98%, 76% and 33% with available cumulative bandwidths of 8MHz, 96MHz, and 264MHz respectively. Further validation of urban spectrum condition was done at Uyo in Akwa Ibom State. Findings showed that the spectrums are relatively busy in the urban and semi-urban areas whereas the economically challenging rural areas have free spectrum that can be deployed to enhance cellular broadband services at affordable rates to uplift the living standard of the dwellers.
An android based home automation system with Internet of Things
Authors: Adepoju T. M. , Orimogunje O. K. , Akanni A. A. , Oluwuyi D. O.
Published: March 2023

Home automation is the introduction of technology within the environment to provide convenience, comfort, security and energy efficiency to its occupants. The management and control of our home appliances is germane to living and having a better quality of life, hence the need to design a system that automates the control of home appliances to ease the stress of having to manually control household appliances. An Android based home automation system with Internet of Things (IOT) was designed and implemented to control electrical appliances The hardware module consists of the power and control sections. The system draws power from the mains outlet and is converted to 5V by the AC-DC converter circuit. The software section comprises of the ESP8266 WiFi Microcontroller code, the Android application which controls the microcontroller wirelessly, the web server and WiFi connection. The designed home automation system was effective in remotely controlling electrical appliances. It also displays the weather information in the application in digital format. The system is portable and practicable due to its compact size. The system can be used to ensure efficient usage of electrical energy as well as maintain a good atmospheric condition.
Statistical analysis of strength properties of reactive powder concrete produced from unrefined metekaolin and gear inner wire
Authors: Ibrahim A. G. , Mu’azu U. , Usman J. , Gambo S. , Ibrahim M. M. , Sani A. M.
Published: March 2023

Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) is one of the latest developments in the field of concrete technology and contains about 20% to 25% silica fume and fibre which are not readily available in Nigeria. The research aims at evaluating the effect of incorporating unrefined metakaolin (MK) as substitute of silica fume and gear inner wire (GIW) as fibre on the properties of the RPC using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The quantity of the GIW was fixed at 0.25% (by weight of concrete) while that of MK was 10%, 20% and 30% of the cementitious materials. The study considered GIW and MK as factors while compressive, tensile and flexural strengths as responses. The ANOVA of test results depicted that the two factors (unrefined MK & GIW) have significant effect on compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strengths of the RPC. Moreover, there are substantial influences of interaction of two factors on the selected properties of the RPC. Therefore, unrefined MK and GIW are suitable in the production of RPC.
Effect of bond surface area on the shear strength of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthened reinforced concrete beams
Authors: John A. T. , Osuji S. O. , Nwankwo E.
Published: March 2023

The use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) for shear strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) elements has grown significantly over the last few decades. The effectiveness of a CFRP strengthened system depends primarily on the bond strength between the CFRP and RC substrate. Since cost of CFRP and bond materials (epoxy adhesive) is relatively high, it is important to reduce CFRP bond surface area to RC when carrying out structural strengthening. This paper reports the effect of bond surface area on the shear strength of RC beams externally bonded with CFRP. Seven RC beams were investigated. One of the beam specimens was not strengthened and was used as a reference. The remaining six beams were strengthened with 200 g/m2 and 300 g/m2 CFRP fabrics with three different bond surface areas, i.e., 0.15 m2, 0.2 m2 and 0.25 m2 in a U-wrap configuration. Static bending tests were performed on all the beams. Results show that the CFRP's contribution to shear strength increases as the bond surface area increases. Results also show that the shear strength of the RC beam was increased by 45% due to the presence of CFRP. Fundamentally, this work presents a parametric study to guide engineers on how shear strength and corresponding ductility of beams can be increased with an optimal configuration of the bond surface between CFRP and RC elements. An optimal and cost-effective configuration is proposed for carrying out nominal shear strengthening of RC elements after construction, especially in cases where the construction engineer has concerns about the shear stirrups provided before casting.
Determination of supply conditions, scenarios and pay-off for industrial machinery supplier selection post economic and engineering considerations
Authors: Aninkan A. S. , Akinnuli B. O. , Adeyeri M. K.
Published: March 2023

Supply conditions after economics and engineering considerations is important for consideration because machinery and equipment procurement is a tripod of which supply conditions is one. This study identified the attributes of supply conditions, different ways of combining the attributes using simple permutation and combination theories and determined the pay-off as well as the opportunity lost to every scenario used by method of Expected Decision Value (EDV). The attributes were identified as: Due Date of the Supply (A); Technical Capability of Vendor (B); After Sales Services (C); and Vendor’s Experience (D). Total number of scenarios were 15 of four (4) options. The pay-off with the opportunity lost to each selected option are: Option1 (25% against 75%); Option2 (50% against 50%); Option3 (75% against 25%); and Option4, 100% where the four (4) strategic decisions were all considered for selecting the supplier turns out to be optimum and in favour of purchaser. Further research in the area of development of a Surrogate Model for Industrial Machinery Supplier Selection Post Economics and Engineering Considerations is recommended.
Microbiological profile and antibiotic resistance pattern of urinary tract isolates in febrile under-five children in North-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ahmed H. , Adedoyin O.T. , Ojuawo A. , Zamo A.B.
Published: March 2023

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain a common cause of childhood morbidity, if poorly treated or undiagnosed, could result in long-term  morbidities e.g. hypertension, failure to thrive and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). An appropriate antimicrobial susceptibility pattern is essential.

Objective: The study determined the profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of bacterial strains isolated from febrile under-five children in Azare, North-Eastern Nigeria.

Methods: 145 febrile under-five children seen in Federal Medical Centre Azare over six months(March to August 2008)were enrolled in a hospital-based prospective study. Urine obtained by midstream and suprapubic bladder aspiration was subjected to urinalysis, urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity.

Results: Of the 145 subjects enrolled, 34(23.4%) had UTI;24(70%) males and 10(30%) females .Gram-negative organisms accounted for 67.6%, Gram-positive organisms 32.4% of isolates; Escherichia coli in 12 (35.3%) cultures; Staphylococcus aureus; 11 (32.4%); Klebsiella species; 8 (23.5%).The gram-  negative enteric bacilli had a high prevalence of resistance against ampicillin, amoxicillin, nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin and co-trimoxazole.

Conclusion: Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterial organisms isolated. Others were Klebsiella, Proteus and Pseudomonas species with  Staphyloccocus aureus the only Gram-positive. The most effective agents were ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. A higher prevalence of UTIs was  found in boys.
Communique Issued at The End of the 62nd Annual General Conference & Delegates’ Meeting (AGC/DM) of The Nigerian Medical Association Held at The Eui Event Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State from 15th- 22nd May, 2022
Authors: Adedoyin O.T.
Published: March 2023

No Abstract.
Determinants of Household Poverty in South Korea
Authors:   The Korean-Japanese Economics & Management Association, Kang Woo-Jin
Published: March 2023

Purpose: As household characteristics are differently associated with poverty within population sub-groups, the present study examines the determinants of household poverty by gender and age of a household heads in Korea.
Research design, data, and methodology: The present study examines the association between a vector of household demograpic and socioeconomic characteristics and poverty. Specifically, sample household survey is decomposed into male and female headed households, and elderly and non-elderly headed households to assess how attributes to poverty vary depending on population sub-goups. For empirical analysis, this study draws upon the recent national representative household data, survey of household finance and living conditions (SFLC) 2021 collected by Korea Statistical Office.
Results: Three findings are highlighted; (1) household head’s age is prone to poverty for the non-elderly male-headed households but not for the non-elderly female headed households, partly reflecting relative weakness in earning power of female in labour market.; (2) the type of Job occupation of a household head has different effects on the elderly male and the elderly female households; (3) a hump-shape relationship between a household head’s age and poverty, partly capturing the life-cycle income hypothesis, is only observed from the non-elderly households whilst the relationship was linear for the elderly household. Finally we found that education played a role for the elderly household from anti-poverty perspective but not for the non-elderly household.
Implications: Some findings suggests policy implication related to poverty relief. For example, the different age effect of poverty between the non-elderly male and the non-elderly female headed households for partly implies the weakness of earning power in income generating activities and suggests a government anti-poverty intervention should be taken into account wage differential stemming from gender discrimination in labour market.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF STRUCTURES FOR THE PROTECTION OF POPULATION
Authors:   KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKY UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN, 9700, SHUMEN, BULGARIA, Dimanova Donika
Published: March 2023

In recent years, in Bulgaria often arise disasters caused by nature or by human activity. They have a significant adverse effect on the population and the national economy. Therefore reducing the risk of disaster is essential for sustainable development of the country. The likelihood that this trend will deepen is large and there is a need for the establishment of effective governance structures.
Retrograde Tibia Intramedullary Nailing in Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis
Authors: Jenkinson Richard
Published: March 2023

Background: A case series demonstrating the use of a tibia intermedullary nail placed in a retrograde fashion through the calcaneus and talus as a Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis salvage technique in three separate patients.

Case Presentation: The first case, an 80-year-old female with a previous Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and ipsilateral open tibia shaft fracture developed a septic non-union with hardware failure. Given her multiple comorbidities, she was treated with a long TTC arthrodesis using a retrograde tibial nail to preserve her soft tissue and encourage earlier mobilisation. The second case, was a 55-year-old male with an open right pilon fracture and multiple surgeries due to non-union of his fracture, including failed TTC with hindfoot nail, he was salvaged with a TTC arthrodesis using a long TTC arthrodesis with a retrograde tibial nail. The last patient, a 30-year-old male who fell 25 feet and suffered a right open pilon fracture required multiple surgeries due to septic non-union, and eventually achieved union after a TTC arthrodesis with osteotomy for deformity correction, both of which were stabilized using a retrograde tibial nail.

Conclusion: In this case series, the patients underwent revision surgery for non-union using a long TTC arthrodesis construct with a retrograde tibial nail ultimately achieving union. We found that for select patients, a retrograde tibial nail for TTC arthrodesis was a useful option to reduce complications, achieve union, and help to encourage early mobilization and return of function.
The Relationship of the Role of Parents in Dental and Oral Hygiene in Class IV-VI Students of SDN Nogosari 2 in Jember Agroindustry Area
Authors:   Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Budirahardjo Roedy , Setyorini Dyah ,   Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Pangestu Luke Pandu ,   Dentistry Study Program, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Kiswaluyo Kiswaluyo ,   Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Astuti Pudji ,   Department of Biomedic, University of Jember, Sulistiyani Sulistiyani ,   Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Sumono Agus ,   Department of Dental Material, Universitas of Jember
Published: March 2023

Children's dental and oral hygiene is the concern and concern of parents, besides that parental knowledge affects their attitudes and actions in maintaining children's dental and oral hygiene. School-age children tend to experience dental health problems because at that age children prefer to snack on cariogenic foods and drinks. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the role of parents in dental and oral hygiene in grade IV-VI students of SDN Nogosari 2 in the Jember Agroindustry area. Methods: This type of research is analytic observational with a cross sectional approach. Results: There is a significant relationship between the role of parents on the dental and oral hygiene of grade IV-VI children at SDN Nogosari 2, Rambipuji District, Jember Regency. Coclusion: The results of the study found that there was a relationship between the role of parents in class VI, the majority of whom worked as farm laborers at SDN Nogosari 02, on dental and oral hygiene. The role of good parents does not determine good dental and oral hygiene, while the role of adequate parents can form good dental and oral hygiene of children.
Effect of Energy Intake on Percentage Body Fat as Measured by Bia and Cun-Bae Equation Formula: A Comparative Study of Body Fat Measurement Methods
Authors:   Department of Orthodontic, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia, Prijatmoko Dwi , Sulistiyani Sulistiyani ,   Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia, Alifiana Vinny Kartika ,   Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia, Kiswaluyo Kiswaluyo ,   Department Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia, Hernawati Sri ,   Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia, Dewi Leni Rokhma ,   Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia, Sutjiati Rina ,   Department of Orthodontic, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Body composition is becoming important to be taken into account, as it is not only an integral part of individual nutritional assessment but also as a biomarker in acute or chronic diseases. Percentage and distribution of body fat is clinically most interest as it play a significant role in determining cardiovascular risk. Various modern methods have been developed to determine percentage body fat for hospital setting, however, low-cost body composition technology for health surveillance is also required. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of energy intake on percentage body fat and to determine whether the CUN-BAE equation formula has an accuracy comparable to BIA, so that it can used as a low-cost body composition technology for health surveillance. Material and Method: This crossed sectional study is part of The Jember Body composition Study. This study invited 84 female dental students with an ideal range of Body Mass Index (21.06±0.17) to participate in this study. Calorie intake was calculated using the 24 hour recall method. Assessment of percentage body fat was performed using Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer (BIA) and CUN-BAE equation formula. Result: Total energy intake was positively associated with total body fat in female dental students, higher energy intake was associated with higher percentage body fat as determined by CUN-BAE equation (95% CI 16.69, 16.94) as well as by BIA (95% CI 14.11, 15.38). Percentage body fat determine by the CUN-BAE equation method was highly correlated with that determine by the BIA method (95% CI -1.07, 0.33). The average results of FM measurements by the two measurement methods are also same. Conclusion: Higher energy intake is associated with higher percentage body fat. The CUN-BAE equation method has the same accuracy as the BIA method in calculating percentage fat mass. CUN-BAE equation formula is simple and suitable for low-cost body composition assessment method to assess percentage body fat in a population based study.
Mycetoma: Management for the First Contact Doctor
Authors:   Hospital General Dr. Dario Fernandez Fierro. Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado. Ciudad de México, México., Hernández Susana González , Quej Jacqueline Edith Mut ,   Hospital General de Zona con Medicina Familiar 1. Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Campeche, Campeche, México., Luna Jaime Picazo ,   Hospital General de Zona 194 Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Naucalpan de Juárez, México., Bonilla Nayeli Guadalupe Gonzalez ,   Hospital General de Zona con Medicina familiar 1.Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. La Paz, Baja California Sur, México., Figueroa María Cristina Ponce ,   Hospital general de zona 67. Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Apodaca, Nuevo León, México.
Published: March 2023

Mycetoma is a chronic infection of the skin and underlying tissues caused by fungi or bacteria. It is endemic to tropical regions, mainly affecting men, peasants, between the third and fourth decade of life. The clinical picture is characterized by increased volume, deformity of the anatomical area, and fistulas that drain a stringy exudate with the presence of "pimples." The diagnosis and determination of the etiological agent is carried out by direct analysis and culture of the secretion.
pGReMLIN: prediction of ligands using conserved substructures in protein-protein interaction
Authors:   , Adeagbo Moruf Adedeji
Published: March 2023

One of the sources of data for the protein dataset being explored in bioinformatics is the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Searching for similar conserved structures in biological problems was an early attempt and is still a popular method widely used by researchers. In this work, a graph-based approach named pGReMLIN is proposed, which predicts similar structures in protein-protein or protein-peptide complexes using the established conserved structural arrangements of Serine protease and BCL-2. The protein-protein or protein-peptide complexes are downloaded from the PDB, and the interface between proteins at the atomic level is modeled as a graph, with atoms as nodes and the non-covalent interactions between atoms as edges. The computation of a similar pattern of structural arrangement in the data graph was achieved using a set of candidate pairs of data graph D(G) and query graph Q(G) based on state space representation and feasibility rules that embed equality of structure and attributes. pGReMLIN was able to compute, in the data graph, a conserved structural arrangement that represents highly conserved interactions at the specificity binding interface of trypsin and trypsin-like proteins. Also, our method was able to identify similar patterns with large pattern size in the data graph common to Serine protease and BCL-2 and as well as unique to Serine protease and BCL-2. Furthermore, pGReMLIN was able to present various large patterns of similar conserved patterns that can be further explored to determine their potency. Hence, the presence of similar patterns in our protein-protein dataset indicates the possibility that patterns found in our dataset have similar functions to the conserved structures. Keywords: Protein-protein interaction. Graph-subgraph isomorphism. Ligands prediction.