bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons Learned From Three Months of Pharmaceutical-Care Digital-Education at the University of Basel, Switzerland
Authors: Arnet Isabelle , Baumgartner Pascal C. , Bernhardt Vera , Lampert Markus L. , Hersberger Kurt E.
Published: October 2021

An acceptable degree of digital literacy has always been present among the pharmacy teaching staff in Basel, with PowerPoint being the main vehicle to present teaching materials in front of full or half classes. Because cell phones became inseparable from students over the past years,
mobile voting (movo.ch) or e-quizzes (mentimeter.com) have been regularly used to hold the attention of all students during collective teaching. Moreover, e-assessment on iPad® with the software BeAxi (www.k2prime.com) was introduced in 2012 and is currently used for all evaluations
and exams. Suddenly over the night of March 16, 2020, our university, as all universities around the world, had to transfer all courses to an online format and to empower lecturers to teach from their home. This paper offers one perspective for how this digitial experiment unfolded at the
University of Basel in Basel, Switzerland.
Responding to the Series "Education in the Time of COVID-19"
Authors: Bicer Elizabeth
Published: October 2021

The increasing awareness of the importance of patient-centered care reflects the need of educators to design experiences that both simulate care and stimulate problem-solving. Kudos to all the educators out there who are re-examining their approach to learning.
Editorial: TB on the rise: but researchers are not sleeping
Authors: K Tumwine James
Published: October 2021

Nil.
Interface between biomedical and traditional systems of treatment and care among HIV positive fisher folk in two fishing communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda
Authors: Tumwine Christopher , Aggleton Peter , Bell Stephen
Published: October 2021

Background: Fisherfolk have been identified as a key population in the HIV response in Uganda due to high HIV preva- lence and low engagement in HIV services. While studies have examined lifestyles and risk, much remains to be understood about help and health seeking experiences, including the combined use of biomedical and traditional health care.

Objective: To examine the use of biomedical and traditional health care in two fishing communities around Lake Victoria in Uganda.

Methods: Exploratory, in-depth qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 42 HIV positive fisherfolk.

Results: Prior to HIV diagnosis, participants who described becoming ill sought different forms of help including biomedical treatment prescribed by health workers or self-prescribed; biomedical and herbal medicines together; herbal medicines only; or no form of treatment. Following HIV diagnosis, the majority of participants used ART exclusively, while a smaller number used both ART and traditional care strategies, or reported times when they used alternative therapies instead of ART. Prior to HIV diagnosis, fisherfolk’s health care seeking practices inhibited engagement with HIV testing and access to biomedical HIV treatment and care. After HIV diagnosis, most resorted only to using ART.

Conclusion: Study findings provide insight into how fisherfolk’s use of biomedical and traditional care prior to diagnosis influences subsequent engagement with HIV treatment. Efforts are needed to reach fisherfolk through everyday health seeking networks to ensure HIV is diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Keywords: HIV care; fisherfolk; HIV; Uganda; traditional healers; anti-retroviral therapy.
Adolescent girls’ perception about their ability to safely offer HIV self-test kits to sexual partners: a feasibility study in Siaya County, Kenya
Authors: Wango Gift-Noelle , Agot Kawango , Ogolla Henry , Ochillo Marylyn , Ohaga Spala , Thirumurthy Harsha
Published: October 2021

Background: Adolescent girls (AG) in sub-Saharan Africa are at elevated risk of acquiring HIV, yet few know the HIV status of their sexual partners. Interventions to promote testing among partners are urgently needed.

Objectives: To explore AG’s perceived ability to safely distribute HIV self-tests to their partners, if partners would self-test, and how to minimize partner violence.

Methods: We recruited HIV-negative AG ages 15-19 years with a partner of unknown HIV status or who tested negative >6 months previously. Using mixed-methods for data collection and regression and inductive thematic analysis for quantitative and qualitative analysis, respectively, we determined factors associated with the study objectives.

Results: We enrolled 101 AG, median age 17.3 years, sexual debut 15-16 years, and 54.5% reported ≥2 lifetime partners. Most participants (95.0%) would offer self-tests to their partners and 95.1% reported high-to-moderate chance their part- ner would self-test. No participant attribute was associated with perceived ability to offer self-test or likelihood of partner testing. To avoid violence, AG recommended politeness, indirect approach, voluntariness, and highlighting advantages of self-testing.

Conclusions: AG believe they can safely distribute self-tests to their partners, and most partners would self-test, expanding utility of HIV self-tests to include partners of AG.

Keywords: HIV self-testing; partner testing; couples testing; adolescent girls; Kenya.
A novel survival algorithm in COVID-19 intensive care patients: the classification and regression tree (CRT) method
Authors: Dağıstanlı Sevinç , Sönmez Süleyman , Ünsel Murat , Bozdağ Emre , Kocataş Ali , Boşat Merve , Yurtseven Eray , Çalışkan Zeynep , Güven Günver Mehmet
Published: October 2021

Background/aim: The present study aimed to create a decision tree for the identification of clinical, laboratory and radio- logical data of individuals with COVID-19 diagnosis or suspicion of Covid-19 in the Intensive Care Units of a Training and Research Hospital of the Ministry of Health on the European side of the city of Istanbul.

Materials and methods: The present study, which had a retrospective and sectional design, covered all the 97 patients treated with Covid-19 diagnosis or suspicion of COVID-19 in the intensive care unit between 12 March and 30 April 2020. In all cases who had symptoms admitted to the COVID-19 clinic, nasal swab samples were taken and thoracic CT was per- formed when considered necessary by the physician, radiological findings were interpreted, clinical and laboratory data were included to create the decision tree.

Results: A total of 61 (21 women, 40 men) of the cases included in the study died, and 36 were discharged with a cure from the intensive care process. By using the decision tree algorithm created in this study, dead cases will be predicted at a rate of 95%, and those who survive will be predicted at a rate of 81%. The overall accuracy rate of the model was found at 90%.

Conclusions: There were no differences in terms of gender between dead and live patients. Those who died were older, had lower MON, MPV, and had higher D-Dimer values than those who survived.

Keywords: Survival algorithm; COVID-19 intensive care patients; CRT method.
Diabetes and COVID-19 in Congolese patients
Authors: Poaty Henriette , Emergence Poaty Guy , NDziessi Gilbert , Godefroy Ngakeni Emile , Doukaga Makouka Tatiana , Soussa Gadoua René , Ondzé Regis , Kitembo Lambert , Jeanel Msengui Presley , Massala Peya Jethro , Gbala Sapoulou Michel , Ibata Pascal , Germain Monabeka Henri , Elira Dokekias Alexis
Published: October 2021

Background: The global pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is reported to be potentially severe in patients with morbid conditions. One common reported comorbidities is diabetes. We aimed in this study to precise the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a series of congolese diabetic patients affected by COVID-19 infection.

Patients and methods: We retrospectely studied from 256 COVID-19 patients, a cohort of 30 persons with previously known diabetes. The glycaemia controls have been obtained by plasma glucose assay. All patients have been tested positive to SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR method.

Results: The COVID-19 diabetic patients represented 11,7% of all COVID-19 patients with confidence interval of 95% [7,77-15,65]. Older individuals and male sex were predominent. Dyspnea and sauration of oxygen < 90 were significatives and added risk factors were noted in 63.3% of patients, particulary hyperglycaemia with hypertension or obesity. The mortality rate at the percentage of 36.7% was more prevalent in patients with added comorbidities (30%) versus without comorbidities (6.7%).

Conclusion: Congolese COVID-19 diabetic patients of male sex and older age exhibiting arterial hypertension and obesity are the most exposed to severe COVID-19 and increasead mortality rate.

Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, diabetes, Congolese patients.
Evaluating the Novel Coronavirus infection outbreak surveillance results in a state hospital: a retrospective study
Authors: Dirgar Ezgi , Tosun Betül , Berşe Soner , Tosun Nuran
Published: October 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has raised the global public health concern and has been declared a pan- demic by the World Health Organization.

Objectives: This study was aimed to examine the clinical course and outcomes of the patients with COVID-19 in the south- eastern part of Turkey.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on the files of 173 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19. The “COVID-19 Case Information Form” in the patients’ medical records was used.

Results: Of the patients with COVID-19, 64.2% were male and 16.2% had a chronic disease. Their mean age was 34.76±25.75 years. Cough and fatigue were the most common clinical symptoms at admission with 38.7%. The patients at the age of 65 and over were treated mostly in the intensive care unit, and the symptoms associated with the cardiovascular and nausea and vomiting were observed more often (p<0.05).

Conclusions: It was found that the majority of the patients were male and there were differences between the age groups in terms of transmission route, the clinic where they were being followed-up, some symptoms, and clinical status outcome. It is recommended that multi-center, prospective, experimental, or observational studies with larger samples should be and the patients should be followed-up for longer periods.

Keywords: COVID-19; coronavirus; surveillance; retrospective study.
Early detection of Pre-XDR TB with line probe assay in a high TB burden country
Authors: Madukaji Laura , Okohu Isaac , Usman Saheed , Oyedum Uche , Enagi Abdullah , Usman Abubakar , Adedeji AS , Owolagba Femi , Ofuche Eke , Osi Samuels Jay , Jolayemi Toyin , Okonkwo Prosper
Published: October 2021

Background: Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death. Drug resistant tuberculosis has lately become a major public health problem that threatens progress made in Tuberculosis (TB) care and control worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Pre-extensive drug resistant TB among MDR TB in North Central of Nigeria.

Methods: This study was conducted from October, 2018 to August, 2019 with 150 samples. In Nigeria, guidelines for DR-TB as recommended by WHO is followed. All the samples from the patients who gave their consent were transported to a zonal reference TB laboratory (ZRL).

Results: Mean age was 38.6 ± 13.4 years with peak age at 35-44. Out of these 103 samples processed with LPA, 101(98%) were rifampicin resistant and 2 were rifampicin sensitive, 99(96%) were INH resistant and 4 (4%) were INH sensitive, 5(5%) were fluoroquinolone resistant, 98(95%) were fluoroquinolone sensitive, 12 (12%) were Aminoglycoside + Capreomycin resistant, 91(83%) were Aminoglycoside + Capreomycin sensitive.

Conclusion: Multidrug resistant TB and its severe forms (Pre-extensive & extensively drug resistant TB) can be detected early with rapid tool- Line Probe Assay rapid and prevented timely by early initiation on treatment.

Keywords: Pre-XDR TB; line probe assay in a high TB burden country.
Gut permeability is associated with hypertension and measures of obesity but not with Endothelial Dysfunction in South African youth
Authors: E Ntlahla Ezona , MO Mfengu Mvuyisi , A Engwa Godwill , N Nkeh-Chungag Benedicta , R Sewani-Rusike Constance
Published: October 2021

Background: Though gut permeability has shown to be associated with measures of obesity and hypertension, its relation- ship with endothelial dysfunction, an early predictor for cardiovascular diseases remains unknown.

Objective: This study assessed the relationship between hypertension, measures of obesity, gut permeability and endothelial dysfunction.

Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study which enrolled 151 South African youths was conducted. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed. Zonulin, a marker for gut permeability; adiponectin, an anti-inflamma- tory molecule, as well as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and Nitric oxide (NO) which are markers for endothelial- function were assayed.

Results: Approximately eighteen percent (17.88%) of the participants were hypertensive while 40.4% were pre-hyperten- sive. Adiponectin significantly increased in hypertensive subjects and negatively correlated (p<0.05) with measures of obesity but was not associated with gut permeability and endothelial dysfunction. Increased body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat (VF) predicted reduced adiponectin (inflammation). Zonulin was significantly higher (p<0.05) in hypertensive subjects and positively associated (p<0.05) with systolic blood pressure (SBP) in females. A positive relationship (p<0.05) was observed between zonulin and measurements of obesity. Moreover, zonulin negatively associated (p<0.05) with ADMA but positively associated (p<0.05) with NO in males. Increased VF and waist circumference predicted gut permeability.

Conclusion: Gut permeability was associated with hypertension and measures of obesity but not with markers of endothe- lial dysfunction in a South African youth population.

Keywords: Gut permeability; hypertension; obesity; endothelial dysfunction; inflammation.
Reported self-management of hypertension among adult hypertensive patients in a developing country: a cross-sectional study in a Nigerian tertiary hospital
Authors: E Omoronyia Ogban , Okesiji Idowu , H Uwalaka Chiamaka , A Mpama Enagu
Published: October 2021

Background: Sustained control of blood pressure, is dependent on degree of self-management, which includes self-inte- gration, self-regulation, self-monitoring and adherence to regimen. We assessed the pattern of self-management of hyper- tension among adult hypertensive patients in a developing country.

Methods: Cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling, was used to recruit adult hypertensive patients, attending Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on self-management components. SPSS version 21.0 was used to analyze data, with p-value set at 0.05.

Result: One hundred and seven (107) respondents, had mean age of 49.0 ± 12.0 years. Mean value for self-management was 3.15 ± 0.55, comprising self-integration (3.06 ± 0.36), self-regulation (3.32 ± 0.63), self-monitoring (3.29 ± 0.84) and adherence to regimen (3.15 ± 0.55). Most components of self-management, had high levels of mean score. Respondents that were less than 40 years, compared with those that were more than 40 years, had greater mean values for self-integration (3.37 vs 3.05), but significantly lesser values for all other components (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Young hypertensives had poor levels of most components of self-management. There is urgent need for health educational programs on self-management of hypertension among young people in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Hypertension; self-management; self-integration; self-regulation; adherence; Nigeria.
Comparison of survival models and assessment of risk factors for survival of cardiovascular patients at Addis Ababa Cardiac Center, Ethiopia: a retrospective study
Authors: Yeniew Enyew Belaynesh , Gashaw Asfaw Zeytu
Published: October 2021

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is disorders of heart and blood vessels. It is a major health problem across the world,and 82% of CVD deaths is contributed by countries with low and middle income. The aim of this study was to choose appropriate model for the survival of cardiovascular patients data and identify the factors that affect the survival of cardiovascular patients at Addis Ababa Cardiac Center.

Method: A Retrospective study was conducted on patients under follow-up at Addis Ababa Cardiac Center between Sep- tember 2010 to December 2018. The patients included have made either post operation or pre-operation. Out of 1042 car- diac patients, a sample of 332 were selected for the current study using simple random sampling technique. Non-parametric, semi-parametric and parametric survival models were used and comparisons were made to select the appropriate predicting model.

Results: Among the sample of 332 cardiac patients, only 67(20.2%) experienced CVD and the remaining 265(79.8%) were censored. The median and the maximum survival time of cardiac patients was 1925 and 1403 days respectively.The estimated hazard ratio of male patients to female patients is 1.926214 (95%CI: 1.111917-3.336847; p = 0.019) implying that the risk of death of male patients is 1.926214 times higher than female cardiac patients keeping the other covariates constant in the model. Even if, all semi parametric and parametric survival models ﬁtted to the current data well, various model comparison criteria showed that parametric/weibull AFT survival model is better than the other.

Conclusions: The governmental and non-governmental stakeholders should pay attention to give training on the risk fac- tors identiﬁed on the current study to optimize individual’s knowledge and awareness so that death due to CVDs can be minimized.

Keywords: Cardiovascular patient; survival analysis; non-parametric; semi-parametric; parametric.
Effect of different cold application materials on pain during chest tube removal: three-arm randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Soydan Dilara , Altun Uğraş Gülay
Published: October 2021

Background: Chest tube causes severe pain during removal because it attaches to the endothelium in the chest cavity.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cold application with ice pack and gel pad in the control of pain experienced during chest tube removal.

Methods: The sample of prospective, parallel three-arm (1:1:1), randomized controlled clinical trial consisted of 180 patients in two experimental groups (ice pack/gel pad) and one control group. The primary outcome was effect of cold application materi- als on severity of pain during chest removal. Secondary outcomes were duration of cold application and analgesic requirements of the patients.

Results: The study found that the cold application using either of the materials reduced the severity of pain and the need for analgesics after the removal of chest tube compared to the control group (p<0.05). But cold application with ice pack allowed the skin to drop to the temperature effective in pain control in a shorter time than gel pad application (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Despite entirely covering the area around the chest tube, the gel pad was more disadvantageous than ice pack in pain control due to the longer duration of cold application.

Keywords: Chest tube removal; cold application; pain; nurse.
Evaluation of PCR pncA-restriction fragment length polymorphism and PCR amplification of genomic regions of difference for the identification of M. bovis strains in lymph nodes cultures
Authors: Bouzouita Imen , Draoui Henda , Mahdhi Samia , Essalah Leila , Slim Saidi Leila
Published: October 2021

Background: A rapid accurate identification of Mycobacterium bovis is essential for surveillance purposes.

Objectives: A PCR pncA-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and a multiplex PCR based on the detection of 3 regions of difference (RD-PCR): RD9, RD4 and RD1 were evaluated for the identification of M. bovis in lymph nodes cultures, in Tunisia, during 2013-2015.

Methods: Eighty-two M. tuberculosis complex strains were identified using the biochemical tests, GenoType MTBC assay, PCR pncA-RFLP and RD-PCR.

Results: The PCR pncA-RFLP showed that 54 M. bovis strains, identified by GenoType MTBC, had a mutation at position 169 of pncA gene. Twenty-eight strains did not show any mutation at this position 27 M. tuberculosis isolates and one M. caprae. The PCR pncA-RFLP had a sensitivity of 100.0% (95%CI: 93.3 -100.0) and a specificity of 100.0% (95%CI: 87.9- 100.0) for identifying M. bovis. The RD-PCR showed that all M. bovis strains had the RD9 and RD4 deleted but presented RD1. RD-PCR also presented high sensitivity and specificity in detecting M. bovis strains (100.0%).

Conclusions: PCR pncA-RFLP and RD-PCR represent very accurate and rapid tools to identify M. bovis. They can be easily implemented in each laboratory due to their low cost and easy use.

Keywords: GenoType MTBC; lymph nodes; Mycobacterium bovis; PCR pncA-RFLP; RD-PCR.
Prevalence of pre-diabetes and risk factors among secondary school adolescents in Osogbo Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: O Akintayo-Usman Nafisat , A Okanlawon Funmilayo , O Usman Saheed
Published: October 2021

Background: Pre-diabetes is an emerging public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objectives: To estimate prevalence of pre-diabetes and assess its associated factors among adolescents. The risk factors were divided into individual, interpersonal and community factors, adapting socio-ecological model.

Methods: This study utilised a cross-sectional descriptive survey. The target population was secondary school adolescents of Osogbo Local Government. Questionnaire was used to interview 405 participants through multi-stage sampling. Predia- betes was measure through fasting blood glucose.

Results: Findings revealed prevalence rate of 9.4%. Individual factors identified to be significant include age, religion and family history. Further analysis showed adolescents with normal BMI and high BP are likely to develop pre-diabetes when compared to those with underweight and normal BP respectively. Among interpersonal factors, parents’ dietary habit was significant. Also, adolescents with employed parents were likely to develop pre-diabetes compared to those with unemployed parents. Lastly, availability of healthy food in school was the only statistically significant community factor. Hence, the more availability of food, fruits and vegetables in schools, the less likelihood of developing prediabetes.

Conclusion: These findings affirmed that prediabetes is becoming common problem among Nigerian adolescents. There is therefore need for stakeholders to face this challenge before it becomes endemic.

Keywords: Pre-diabetes; adolescents; individual factors; interpersonal factors; community factors.
Perspectives of skilled birth attendants and pregnant women regarding episiotomy: a quantitative approach
Authors: Tex-Jack Dokuba , Eleke Chinemerem
Published: October 2021

Background: The World Health Organization recommended less than 10% episiotomy rate for Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs) and hospitals in 1996. More than two decades afterwards, some health facilities are still grappling with meeting the set target.

Objectives: This study assessed the perspectives of SBAs and pregnant women regarding episiotomy in a Nigerian univer- sity teaching hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed. Census sampling was used to select 19 SBAS and 973 vaginal birth re- cords from 2019, while consecutive sampling technique was used to enrol 134 consenting pregnant women obtaining ante- natal services in the facility. Data was collected using a three part instrument involving a data extraction sheet, episiotomy practice questionnaire for SBAs, and feelings about episiotomy questionnaire for pregnant women. Assembled data were summarised with descriptive statistics.

Results: The episiotomy rate was 345(35.5%). About 266 (77.1%) of first time mothers (primips) and 79(22.9%) of non- first time mothers (multips) received episiotomy. Ten (52.6%) of the SBAs were unsure of any evidence supporting routine episiotomy. All the 19(100%) SBAs reported that there was no existing facility-based policy regarding routine episiotomy. Seventy five (56%) of the pregnant women reported feeling generally bad about episiotomy. One hundred and one (82.3%) of them hinted that they will not feel satisfied if they were given episiotomy with the reason that it ensures quick vaginal birth.

Conclusion: The rate of episiotomy was higher than global recommended standards and primips are disproportionately af- fected. If organised by professional societies, more scientific conferences on limiting episiotomy might remedy this situation.

Keywords: Episiotomy; birth; pregnant women; vagina; Nigeria.
Prevalence and socio-economic factors affecting the use of traditional medicine among adults of Katikekile Subcounty, Moroto District, Uganda
Authors: Logiel Annie , Jørs Erik , Akugizibwe Pardon , Ahnfeldt-Mollerup Peder
Published: October 2021

Background: In Uganda generally and in rural areas in particular, use of traditional medicine is a common practice, yet there remains lack of evidence on the overall utilization of traditional medicine and there are many aspects that remain unclear.

Objective: To determine the use of traditional medicine and factors associated with this among the adults of Katikekile Subcounty in Moroto district.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative methods. Interviews among 323 respond- ents, and focus group discussions were carried out among village traditional birth attendants, village health team members, and traditional health providers.

Results: Use of traditional medicine among the adults of Katikekile Subcounty was 68%. Usage was more prevalent among older people, and the majority of the adults used traditional medicine often as their first line-treatment for any illness. Herbs used for traditional medicines are usually locally available and free-of-charge. Long distance to health-facility based health care services, and medical fees contributed to the use of traditional medicine.

Conclusion: Use of traditional medicine among adults of Katikekile Subcounty in Moroto in the Karamoja region in Uganda was high, and majority of the adults often used traditional medicine as first line-treatment. Both socioeconomic and health sector factors were associated with use of traditional medicine.

Keywords: Intercultural medicine; indigenous; herbalists.
Output response at the farm level: Maize supply and input demand in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Mani J.R. , Abdussalam Z. , Damisa M.A.
Published: October 2021

The degree of responsiveness of agricultural supply to input either in the short or long-term production decision is crucial in understanding the role of price and non-price factors in increasing supply. This study analysed output supply and input demand of maize production using a farm survey data of 600 randomly selected maize farmers from all agricultural zones in Kaduna State of Nigeria. Data were analysed using a modified Nerlovian model and set of input demand equations. The results showed that in all estimates (yield and hectarage) long run estimates are greater than the short run values and both were inelastic. The elasticity for lagged own price of maize was 0.23% in the short run and 0.17% in the long run were positive, marginal and inelastic. The hectarage elasticity of supply response for maize is 1.04 in the short run and 0.78 in the long run. The result of the input demand equations showed that the coefficients cost of agrochemical and farm size statistically affect seed, fertilizer and labour demand. The study portrayed that the most critical issues in maize supply are the lack of improved production technology, poor capital investment, land unavailability or poor land tenure system and poor policy incentives. The study recommends that, there is a need for State policy on agricultural research and extension, and adequate input price policies. The government is advised to dissolve the agricultural extension service system to local governments. This will allow agricultural extension system to be more location specific.
Effect of a communication programme on dietary behaviour of Beninese female handball players
Authors: Kiki S.M. , Bio-Nigan I. , Tonon B.A. , Gouthon G. , Gouthon P. , Quenum C.
Published: October 2021

Dietary behaviour in humans is often influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. During training camps, elite female handball players from different parts of the country are subjected to the same diet. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of a communication programme proposed in 2019, to the cadet and junior female handball players, on their dietary behaviour in Benin. This is an intervention study, with 36 cadet and junior female handball players selected to participate in the two training camps in 2019. Data on the physiological, social, cultural and psychological determinants of eating behaviour were collected through observation and questionnaire, as appropriate, before and after the intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and McNemar's test was used to analyze the contingency tables. Fifteen players significantly improved their eating behaviour from zero at baseline to good (p = 0.0001). The physiological, social, cultural and psychological determinants of eating behaviour were all improved at p = 0.0001. The proposed communication programme induced a significant improvement in the eating behaviour of the handball female players studied. Nutrition education sessions and the integration of the players' food preferences into diets may have a more significant impact in a future study.
Relationships between body weight and some linear morphometric traits in Nigerian Nsukka ecotype local hens
Authors: Ikeh N.E. , Okwesili O.R.
Published: October 2021

Body weight (BW) and linear body measurements of 120 Nigerian Nsukka ecotype local hens in terms of body length (BL), chest girth (CG), thigh circumference (TC), thigh length (TL), and shank length (SL) were taken and subjected to Pearson correlation analysis to obtain the relationship between these growth traits. Multiple Linear Stepwise Regression procedure was used to find the best linear combination of the linear body measurements that can best predict BW. The findings showed that linear body measurement traits of Nigerian heavy ecotype local hens were strongly (p < 0.01) and positively correlated (0.5 < r) except thigh length which recorded a moderate value (0.3 < r > 0.5). The regression equations of linear body measurement traits with BW were positive with coefficient of determination ranging from 60.5-74.6%. The stepwise analyses showed shank length as best single measurement with R2 = 0.605, while inclusion of our five predictors in an equation resulted in R2 = 0.746. Thus, the following equation was generated: BW = – 1485.70 + 82.06 SL + 58.34 BL + 38.70 TC + 8.39 CG + 3.85 TL. This showed that they accounted for 74.6% of the variations in the BW of Nigerian heavy ecotype local hens. The prediction equations generated from linear body measurement traits are positive and strong, therefore can accurately be employed to predict the relative BW of Nigerian heavy ecotype local hens during selection programs as well as in the market with the use of measuring tape.
The effect of mechanization on labour employment and cropland expansion in northern Nigeria
Authors: Shani B.B. , Musa A.
Published: October 2021

The study investigated the effects of mechanized agriculture on farm labour employment and cropland expansion due to the incursion of tractors into the country. Primary data were collected using specially design pretested schedule by interview method and using panel survey data, to analyze the effects of mechanization on labour employment and cropland expansion in northern Nigeria, respectively. A sample of 240 farmers were taken for the study. Tabular, percent and linear regression analysis were done. The study found that labour employment per cropped hectare showed a declining trend with increase in farm group size under different categories of mechanization. The inverse relationship revealed between labour employment and farm size hold true in case of operation like sowing, intercultural operation and irrigation. Hired labour and family labour both had positive and negative relationship, respectively with farm size in each category of mechanized farm. Findings also show a positive correlation between farm mechanization and cropland expansion during the survey period. Two interaction terms were introduced in the model to assess whether there are differential effects of mechanization on cropland expansion across the three districts. The results show that the effect of mechanization on farmland expansion is significantly higher among farmers in Igabi compared to Zaria. This result may be driven by the differences in access to tractors in the districts with Igabi having the highest access, then followed by Zaria.
Production and evaluation of breakfast meal using blends of sorghum, bambara nut and date palm fruit flour
Authors: Olurin T.O. , Abbo E.S. , Oladiboye O.F.
Published: October 2021

Breakfast meals are described as any food obtained with or without supplementation through swelling, roasting, grinding, rolling, or flaking of any cereal. This study is aimed to produce and evaluate the functional, pasting, proximate composition and sensory properties of a breakfast meal made from blends of sorghum, bambara and date flours. Gruels were made using composite flour (450 μm) in ratio of 80:15:5, 70:20:10, 60:25:5 and 100:0:0 for sorghum, bambara and date palm respectively. Samples were assessed for functional, pasting, proximate and sensory properties using standard procedures. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p = 0.05. The functional properties of the flour blends were significantly (p = 0.05) affected by the increasing level of supplementation of bambara and date palm flour. There was a decrease in gelatinization temperature and viscosity as the level of supplementation of bambara nut and date palm flours increased. The gruel from 100% sorghum flour (control) had the highest pasting properties. Proximate composition of the gruels was as follows: moisture, 10.79-9.22%; crude protein, 4.50-10.37%; crude fat, 1.56-2.12%; ash, 2.86-1.76%; crude fibre, 0.10-0.88% and carbohydrate, 80.33-75.15%. Samples made from 60:25:15 flour blends showed significantly (p = 0.05) highest sensory qualities while gruel from 100% sorghum was lowest. The use of bambara nut and date palm fruits at various substitution levels in the formulation of sorghum breakfast gruel significantly (p = 0.05) enhanced their quality characteristics.
Cussonia arborea Hochst (Araliaceae): Ethnobotany, Pharmacology and Phytochemistry
Authors: Kayangar Modjinan , Nono N. Raymond , Fouedjou T. Romuald , Tchegnitegni T. Billy , Ponou K. Beaudelaire , Teponno B. Rémy , Siems J. Kristina , Melzig F. Matthias , Barboni Luciano , Tapondjou A. Léon
Published: October 2021

Background:  C. arborea belonging to Araliaceae family is used traditionally to cure many alien diseases including gonorrhoeae infection, diarrhea, malaria, and diabetes mellitus. The plant has been examined on the basis of scientific in vitro and in vivo evaluations possessing the major pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antibacterial, antihyperglycemic,  antiplasmodial and anticancer properties.

Aim of the study: In the present paper, we reported the isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites from the methanol extract of the stem bark of Cussonia arborea Hochst after a short review of the traditional and pharmacological studies done on this important medicinal plant.

Materials and methods: MeOH extract of stem bark of C. arborea was suspended in water and successively extracted with EtOAc and n-BuOH. The EtOAc extract (18 g) was subjected to repeated column chromatography to yield seven (1-7) compounds. Their structures were determined by means of NMR, and published data.

Results: The isolated compounds were identified as: protocatechuic acid (1), mixture of 3,23-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (2a) and 3,23-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (2b) in ratio 5/4, 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosylolean-12-en-28-oic acid (3), 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosylolean-12-en-28-oic acid (4), β-resorcylic acid (5), mixture of 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-23-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (6a) and 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-23-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (6b) in ration 4/1, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-3β-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (7). Compounds 3, 4, 5, 7, 2b and 6b are herein reported for the first time in this plant
Cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of phytoconstituents of the stem bark extract of Psychotria djumaensis
Authors: Tameko Mbasso Joseph Eric , Nono Ngansop Raymond , Frese Marcel , Chouna Jean Rodolphe , Lenta Ndjakou Bruno , Nkeng-Efouet-Alango Pépin , Tapondjou Azefack Leon , Sewald Norbert
Published: October 2021

Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark extract of Psychotria djumaensis led to the isolation of ten known pentacyclic triterpenoids among which one lupane-, three oleanane-,  and six ursane-types. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by means of spectroscopic methods and by comparison with previously reported data. The isolated compounds were tested against five strains of bacteria, and the cytotoxicity against the human cervix carcinoma KB-3-1 cell was evaluated. The isolates exhibited weak antibacterial activity against the five strains. The cytotoxic activity exhibited by 3β,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (5) (IC50 5.9 µM) was about three times more significant than that of the reference [(+) griseofulvin, IC50 17-21 µM].
Occurrence of some campanian-maastrichtian organic-walled microfossils from Enugu Shale, Anambra Basin, Southeastern nigeria: Implications for age and paleoenvironments
Authors: Ikegwuonu Okechukwu Nicodemus , Chiaghanam Osita Igwebuike , Nwakoby Nnamdi Enock , Aniwetalu Emmanuel Ude , Chiadikobi Kingsley Chukwuebuka
Published: October 2021

Detailed geological field mapping and sampling of the Enugu Formation in the Anambra Basin has been carried out in order to re-examine the age of sediments and reconstruct their paleoenvironments of deposition. A total of ten (10) outcrop samples of shale were subjected  to palynological laboratory examination, using conventional method of acid demineralization and maceration techniques for recovering acid-insoluble organic-walled microfossils from sediments. Two main lithological units were distinguished: - carbonaceous fissile shale and siltstone. A late Campanian - Earliest Maastrichtian age was assigned based on index palynomorphs marker taxa Longapertites   marginatus (overwhelming abundance), Monocolpites marginatus, Zlivisporis blanensis, and Echitriporites trianguliformis. The age designation was strengthened by the occurrence of a well-known stratigraphic age-diagnostic organic-walled microplankton Coronifera tubulosa, Senegalinium spp. and Andalusiella polymorpha. Palynomorphs of environmental value include Cyathidites minor, (a tree fern of wet, forested, tropical to temperate regions, usually most developed in mountainous / highland terrains under moist and equable climate); Spinizonocolpites baculatus/echinatus, Longapertites marginatus, Mauritidites crassibaculatus and Moncolpites marginatus, which are palm pollen that inhabit similar brackish water as the mangrove. A non-marine to marginal marine depositional setting has therefore been proposed for the Enugu Formation.
Bio-electrosequence interpretation of late cretaceous sediments of the Southern Bornu Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Bamidele Samuel Oretade
Published: October 2021

Integrated analysis that involves physical sedimentological, standard palynological and electrofacies analyses on ditch cuttings and suite of wireline logs from Gaibu–1 Well, southern Bornu were examined to identify critical sequence elements and construct a bio-sequence stratigraphical framework. Four (4) palynozones consisting of Triorites africaensis, Cretacaeiporites scabratus - Odontochitina costata, Droseridites senonicus and Syncolporites/Milfordia spp Assemblage Zones construed to be Late Cretaceous – younger successions. Nine (9) depositional sequences each with candidate maximum flooding surfaces (375, 900, 1875, 2250, 2600, 3050, 3400, 3800, 4300 m) marked by marker shales with high abundance and diversity of palynomorphs. Thus, equate with the local lithostratigraphy and global large-scale depositional cycles with candidate sequence boundaries (50, 725, 1625, 2175, 2490, 2850, 3300, 3610, 3960, 4470 m) ranging about 96.28 to 70.07 Ma. The delineated transgressive surfaces along the built sequences mark the subjected onset of marine flooding characterised with interchange of progradational to retrogradational facies. Delineated sequence elements generally show up-hole from progradational to retrogradational and aggradational that represents Lowstand Systems Tracts (LSTs), Transgressive Systems Tracts (TSTs) and Highstand Systems Tracts (HSTs) respectively. The LSTs are seen in form of prograding complex and slope fans, suggestive of good reservoirs. The TSTs consist of channel sand units and shales that depict retrogradational marine units, which could serve as both seals and source rocks for the sand units. The HSTs are made up of interplay of aggradational to progradational sediment packages that could serve as a potential source rock. The palaeoenvironmental indices depict the successions are deposited within continental to open marine settings.
Stochastic dominance rankings of consumption expenditure amongst arable crop farming households in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojogho O. , Imade S.O.
Published: October 2021

Finessing the question on household settlement choice is to enquire the income/consumption expenditure distribution that either makes her better-off or worse-off. Using 430 household-level micro-data from a three-stage sampling procedure, the study ranked consumption expenditure by household attributes in Delta state, Nigeria on axiomatic poverty measure. Results showed that household heads in the widowed and 0<𝑎𝑔𝑒≤20 years categories in Delta-North first-order stochastically dominated Delta-South (𝑁≻𝑠=1𝑆), 20<𝑎𝑔𝑒≤40 years household heads in 𝑆≻𝑠=1𝐶 and 𝑁≻𝑠=1𝐶, household heads in the widowed, vocational education holder and 0<𝑎𝑔𝑒≤20 years, 20<𝑎𝑔𝑒≤40 years and 𝑎𝑔𝑒>60 years categories in 𝑁≻𝑠=1𝐶, while household heads in the vocational education holder, 0<𝑎𝑔𝑒≤20 years, 20<𝑎𝑔𝑒≤40 years and 𝑎𝑔𝑒>60 years categories in 𝑆≻𝑠=1𝐶. Household heads in the female, single, medium household-size, tertiary education holder and 0<𝑎𝑔𝑒≤20 years categories in 𝑁≻𝑠=2𝑆 and 𝑁≻𝑠=3𝑆. Household heads in the single, medium-size, 20<𝑎𝑔𝑒≤40 years and tertiary education holder categories in 𝑁≻𝑠=2𝐶 and 𝑁≻𝑠=3𝐶. Household heads in the separated spouse and small household-size categories in 𝐶≻𝑠=2𝑁 and 𝐶≻𝑠=3𝑁 while household heads that are in the single category in 𝐶≻𝑠=2𝑆 and 𝐶≻𝑠=3𝑆. There is, generally, no stochastic dominance between pairwise comparisons by district in the state, in terms of consumption expenditure, except by other household attributes.
The role and impact of environmental class actions in Australia
Authors: Dellavedova Brooke
Published: October 2021

Class actions provide a mechanism for grouping together like claims; and, in doing so, can enhance access to justice and the integrity of our democratic processes. Environmental class actions have an important role to play in environmental governance including by providing compensation and remediation, shaping norms of conduct and promoting accountability. There are, however, various limitations on the usefulness of class actions in achieving environmental objectives. In particular, the class actions regime is procedural rather than substantive (it does not overcome limitations on the availability or utility of causes of action for addressing environmental harm); it attracts the operation of additional rules and jurisprudence which may make some actions more difficult or not well suited to being brought as class actions; and class actions tend to be expensive and risky. Accordingly (and notwithstanding a recent flurry) we are unlikely to see the opening of the dreaded floodgates. Rather, environmental governance will most likely continue to be supported by the appropriate and considered commencement and conduct of meritorious actions.
FEMINIST LITERARY CRITICISM
Authors: N. A. Dhivya
Published: October 2021

Feminist literary criticism arose thirty years ago, and became widespread in Western Europe and the United States. Today, there is practically no large American university where there would be no courses on female / feminist literature and criticism, as well as gender aspects of literary work. In this study the general concept of criticism over literature by feminism outlined.
SOCIAL AND LEGAL STATUS OF US WOMEN: HISTORY OF THE XX CENTURY
Authors: Isabella Lindberg
Published: October 2021

American women in society. 200 years after the US War of Independence, a peaceful revolution for women's independence took place. The efforts of several generations were required for the struggle for equality to succeed. Modern young American women can afford to skeptically or negatively speak about feminism, while they are ambitious, striving for social, political and economic positions, fundamentally inaccessible to women 30 years ago.

When creating the American Republic, the Declaration of Independence proclaimed that "all people are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, which include life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness".
ГЕНДЕРНАЯ ЧУВСТВИТЕЛЬНОСТЬ К МЕДИЦИНЕ И ЗДОРОВЬЮ
Authors: Е. ЛОПАТКИНА  , Г.ИВАНОВ
Published: October 2021

В учебники по здравоохранению включены такие разделы, как «заболеваемость женщин ­и детей» и подразделы «заболеваемость женского населения». Женщины рожают детей в медицинских учреждениях, и в СССР всегда уделялось внимание охране здоровья «матери и ребенка» (Охранмлад), а в национальном проекте «Здоровье» 2010-х гг. разрабатывались специальные меры для улучшения медицинской помощи женщинам в период беременности и родов. Однако в отношении здоровья в целом и общество, и медицина, и исследователи долго оставались гендерно нечувствительными. В этой статье приведены примеры гендерно окрашенного взаимодействий врача и пациента и социальной роли больного, в каких ситуациях и контекстах становится значимым гендерное измерение взаимодействий.
ДИСКУСР ГЕНДЕРНЫХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ
Authors: Н. А. СЕМЕНОВА
Published: October 2021

Создание нового аналитического языка было связано с заимствованием в начале 1990-х – в рамках изменяющегося институционального и политического контекста – в русский язык, а также в другие языки постсоветского пространства термина «гендер» как ключевого означающего иного дискурса. Впервые, как установила недавно исследовательница из Новосибирска Татьяна Барчунова, он был употреблен философом Ольгой Ворониной в начале 1990-х: именно из московского (кон)текста – а не из англоязычных изданий, к которым у большинства не было доступа, – он был впоследствии перенесен и стал общепринятым.
Processamento Básico de Texto em R
Authors: Arnold Taylor , Tilton Lauren
Published: October 2021

Aprenda a usar o R para analisar padrões de alto nível em textos, aplicar métodos estilométricos ao longo do tempo e entre autores, assim como a usar métodos para resumir informações para descrever um corpus