bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting tuberculosis: rapid tools but slow progress
Authors: England K. , Masini T. , Fajardo E.
Published: November 2019

The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends Xpert® MTB/RIF as the initial test for all people with presumptive tuberculosis (TB). A number of challenges have been reported, however, in using this technology, particularly in low-resource settings. Here we
examine these challenges, and provide our perspective of the barriers to Xpert scale-up as assessed through a survey in 16 TB burden countries in which the Médecins Sans Frontières is present. We observed that the key barriers to scale-up include a lack of policy adoption and
implementation of WHO recommendations for the use of Xpert, resulting from high costs, poor sensitisation of clinical staff and a high turnover of trained laboratory staff; insufficient service and maintenance provision provided by the manufacturer; and inadequate resources for sustainability
and expansion. Funding is a critical issue as countries begin to transition out of support from the Global Fund. While it is clear that there is still an urgent need for research into and development of a rapid, affordable point-of-care test for TB that is truly adapted for use in low-resource
settings, countries in the meantime need to develop functional and sustainable Xpert networks in order to close the existing diagnostic gap.
Clinical and operational factors associated with low pediatric inpatient HIV testing coverage in Mozambique
Authors: Nhabomba C. , Chicumbe S. , Muquingue H. , Sacarlal J. , Lara J. , Couto A. , Buck W. C.
Published: November 2019

Setting: Eleven pediatric wards in Maputo Province, Mozambique.Objective: 1) To determine provider-initiated testing and counseling (PITC) coverage, the rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity, and the clinical and facility-level variables associated
with PITC; and 2) to assess the care cascade for HIV-exposed and -infected children.Design: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective review of inpatient charts, selected via systematic randomization, of patients aged 0–4 years, admitted between July and December 2015.Results:
Among the 800 patients included, the median age was 23 months and median duration of hospitalization was 3 days. HIV testing was ordered in 46.0% of eligible patients (known HIV-infected at admission excluded), with results documented for 35.7%, of whom 8.3% were positive. The patient hospitalization
diagnoses with the highest PITC rates were malnutrition (73.8%), sepsis (71.4%) and tuberculosis (58.3%), with positivity rates of respectively 16.1%, 20.0%, and 28.6%. Longer hospitalization, weekday admission, and PITC training for staff were significantly associated with better PITC performance.
Antiretroviral treatment was initiated during hospitalization for 29.6% of eligible patients.Conclusion: PITC coverage was low, with high HIV positivity rates, highlighting missed opportunities for diagnosis and linkage to treatment. Strengthened routine testing on wards with consideration
of inpatient ART initiation are needed to help achieve pediatric 90–90–90 goals.
Fall and Elevation
Authors: Stiegler Bernard , Maruzzella David ,   DePaul University
Published: November 2019

In this brief essay Stiegler synthesizes his critical approach to Simondon’s philosophy of individuation. He states his debt toward Simondon’s concept of a systemic indeterminacy in the processes of transindividual individuation, and focusses on his underdeveloped intuition concerning the role played by technics in anthropogenic processes. Situating himself in the phenomenological lineage of Husserl through Derrida, Stiegler explains his own “pharmacological” understanding of “technical individuation” as, at the same time, the intrinsic condition of individuation and the inevitable risk of disindividuation defining the political as such. On this basis he critically extends Simondon’s understanding of religion and psychanalysis. This allows him to move beyond the political optimism implicit in Simondon’s “theoretical indecision” concerning the binding power of technical individuation yet relying on his very study of the question of individuation, which “is political through and through.”
The châtelperronian Neandertals of Cova Foradada (Calafell, Spain) used Iberian imperial eagle phalanges for symbolic purposes
Authors: Rodríguez-Hidalgo Antonio , Morales Juan Ignacio , Cebriá Artur , Courtenay Lloyd A. , Fernández-Marchena Juan L. , García-Argudo Gala García , Marín Juan , Saladié Palmira , Soto Maria , Tejero José-Miguel , Fullola Josep-María
Published: November 2019

Evidence for the symbolic behavior of Neandertals in the use of personal ornaments is relatively scarce. Eagle talons, which were presumably used as pendants, stand out due to their abundance. This phenomenon seems to appear concentrated in a specific area of Southwestern Europe during a span of ca. 80 Ka. Here we present the analysis of one eagle pedal phalange recovered from the Châtelperronian layer of Foradada Cave (Spain). Our research broadens the known geographical and temporal range of this aspect of Neandertal symbolic behavior, by providing the first documentation of its use among Neandertals in Iberia, as well as of its oldest use in the peninsula. The recurrent appearance of large raptor talons throughout the Neandertal timeframe, including their presence among the last Neandertal populations, raises the question of the survival of some cultural elements of the Middle Paleolithic into the transitional Middle to Upper Paleolithic assemblages.
THE DESTRUCTION OF FAMILY INSTITUTION IN THE FILM Coming Home（归来 Guilai）by Zhang Yimou（张艺谋）
Authors: Ashari Sonia , Wuryandari Nurni Wahyu
Published: November 2019

The film Coming Home（归来 Guilai）tells a story about a prisoner, Lu Yanshi, returning home. He returns home twice. Firstly, he returns home by escaping prison because he misses his family. Secondly, Lu comes home after receiving a notice of rehabilitation from the Government. Neither of his coming home makes him happy. He finds his family unable to be whole as it used to be. How did the destruction of Lu Yanshi family happen, and what are the reasons? To answer this question, the film was examined in three ways, by discussing the setting of the story, by revealing the characters and the characterizations in the film, and by uncovering how the story of Guilai was told. These three ways may expose the main story of the film and can help us understand Lu family’s suffering. Essentially, the film was dissected using intrinsic approach; meanwhile, the story and the dialogues presented in the movie would be interpreted to reveal meanings. The findings of the research suggest that the condition suffered by Lu Yanshi family is caused by the policy implemented during Cultural Revolution. Even though the Cultural Revolution is over, Lu Yanshi family cannot be whole and happy as it was before the Cultural Revolution in China.
WORKERS IN NUTMEG PLANTATIONS AND THE TOWN OF NEIRA IN THE BANDA ISLANDS DURING THE 17-19TH CENTURY (A DISCIPLINARY PANOPTICON MODEL)
Authors: Sarjiyanto Sarjiyanto , Marwoto Irmawati
Published: November 2019

Nutmeg plantations in the Banda Islands, Central Maluku, had an important value in the early history of industrial development in Indonesia. The operational management of planting, maintaining, picking, processing, distribution and exercising power are some lessons learned. Plantations at that time also required various forms of human resource management, ranging from recruitment, division of labor, supervision and discipline of its workers. In this case the material culture reflects the mindset of the builders and managers of the time. Through descriptive qualitative methods, disciplinary problems related to the management of the nutmeg plantations are discussed by linking the concepts of technofact, sociofacts, ideofacts in archeology with the concept of panopticon as a disciplinary model proposed by Foucault. The goal is to explore the values that can be applied to the present from the remnants associated with the nutmeg plantations of the Banda Islands. The results obtained are related to the discipline model with archeological remains related to the management of nutmeg plantations. The concept of panopticon is still relevant today, with necessary modifications in the form of cultural products, and adjustments in the development of technology and information.
HIGHS AND LOWS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HAMKA AND MUAHAMMADIYAH DURING THE PERIOD OF GUIDED DEMOCRACY
Authors: Akmal Akmal , Abdurakhman Abdurakhman
Published: November 2019

Following the dissolution of Masyumi in 1960, the political climate was rather unfriendly for the Islamic movement in Indonesia. Since 1959, Muhammadiyah had given up its special membership status in Masyumi, while some of its administrators pursued political careers elsewhere. Muhammadiyah maintained good relations with Soekarno, notably after Soekarno’s speech in Muhammadiyah’s 35th National Congress in 1962. Hamka, a devoted member of Muhammadiyah, was stuck in a rather unique position due to this progress of events. This study aims to describe the highs and lows of the relationships between Hamka and Muhammadiyah during the Guided Democracy era (1959-1966). Literature study will be conducted by examining official Muhammadiyah documents, Soekarno’s speeches, Hamka’s writings and other materials available. Evidently, at one point, Muhammadiyah gave Soekarno the title of ‘The Faithful Member’ (Anggota Setia) and ‘The Great Protector’ (Pengayom Agung) of Muhammadiyah, and the Muhammadiyah University awarded him with the title of honorary doctorate in the Philosophy of Tawheed Science field. Hamka then launched harsh criticisms to Muhammadiyah regarding its attitude and closeness towards Soekarno which he considered to be rather unnatural. Nevertheless, Muhammadiyah never revised its actions, while Hamka continued to be one of Muhammadiyah’s lifelong devoted member.
MUSLIM DIASPORIC IDENTITIES IN KAMILA SHAMSIE’S HOME FIRE (2017)
Authors: Rivaldy Padel Muhamad Rallie , Budiman Manneke , Tambunan Shuri Mariasih Gietty
Published: November 2019

Beside accepted with surprise across the world, the winning of Brexit referendum also brings up the tangled web into the United Kingdom’s political and cultural realms. Recent studies mention there is correlation between the voting behavior and issues of identity, immigration, and Islamophobia. Kamila Shamsie alludes these issues in her latest novel, Home Fire (2017). By focusing on three main protagonists, this close-textual analysis examines how Pakistani diasporic community construct their identities within the novel. To support the analysis, this article draws upon Hall’s identity theory (1990) and Bhabha’s Unhomely (1992). Research findings show how Shamsie’s novel represents heterogeneity within Pakistani Muslims diasporic identities, rather than frame them within single collective identity. Therefore, the novel criticizes Eurocentric biases point of view by portraying Muslim female protagonists’ fluid identities while defending their Muslimness by using veil and praying to God. On the other hand, the novel maintains established stereotype by drawing Muslim male protagonist’s affiliation with Daesh as representation of radical group to problematize the notion of radicalism.
PRAGMATIC MEANING OF BABY CARE GUGON TUHON IN JAVANESE
Authors: Kurniawati Devi , Widhyasmaramurti Widhyasmaramurti
Published: November 2019

Gugon Tuhon (GT) is a Javanese proposition found in the community as a learning tool. This study explains baby care GT in the village of Bulurejo, Kediri, East Java. Currently, GT is poorly understood and obsolete. Therefore, the research problem of this paper is how can the meaning of GT be understood by mothers in the village of Bulurejo and what does the effect of understanding GT? This study used 8 GT from www.sastra.org, and an interview was conducted with a dhukun (traditional healer) to get in-depth data. This study uses qualitative method and Speech Act theory by Austin (1984) on locutionary act, illocutionary act, and perlocutionary act to identify the meanings of GT understood by mothers, and the theory of language attitudes by Triandis (1971) and Knops (1987) to explain the effects. The hypothesis of this paper is that the understanding of baby care GT as an illocutionary act is less understood, compared to the meaning of locution and perlocution. GT is understood and done by mothers as means of self-defense of fear and gaining knowledge of parents who convey GT. This research is expected to provide knowledge about GT baby care for mothers and support GT preservation.
GERMAN ENTRIES IN KAMUS BESAR BAHASA INDONESIA V
Authors: Wulandari Julia , Kiasati Shabrina Nabila
Published: November 2019

Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI) is an official Indonesian defining/monolingual dictionary. In the KBBI V offline language features, there are 27 German entries have been absorbed into Indonesian. Hence, this research focuses to analyse which German entries contained in KBBI V, does the lexical meaning of those entries in KBBI V differ from the German defining dictionary, and what characters of Germany is represented in those entries. This research applies qualitative method, and the lexical meaning of the 27 German entries in the KBBI V are compared to the German defining dictionary as the ground to analyse the experience alteration. Furthermore, this paper examines the characters of the Germany appear in those entries and what their importance to Indonesian. The results of the research demonstrate that there are semantics shifting and narrowing of those German entries in KBBI V compared to the German monolingual dictionary, caused by a change in the concept of words related to the meaning of the words in a reference, associative, and contextual manner. Another result indicates a change occurs in the fields of German history, politics, and philosophy strengthening the characters of Germany which grow and widely known in Indonesia.
MISTERI LEMBAH HANTU: HORROR NOVEL AND VIOLENCE IN FAMILY RELATION
Authors: Nariswari Fitria Sis , Yoesoef M.
Published: November 2019

The talk on horror stories never ceased to be discussed, as ones will find any topics regarding horror stories, even in daily conversation. The horror stories permeated in Indonesia during the period of 1970-1990s were considered as a third-rate literature, even though it had a considerable amount of readers who were fans of these stories. During the period, Abdullah Harahap came into the spotlight and became the most productive horror writer compared to his colleagues. However, Abdullah Harahap, who were prominent among readers during 1970-1990s, turns to be a less-known writer when it comes to academic research. This research examines Misteri Lembah Hantu (1988), a novel written by an Indonesian writer Abdullah Harahap, that the novel is regarded to sufficiently represent the stories in other novels that exhibit the elements of violence, abnormal sexuality, and the troubled nuclear family relation. The novel be will analyzed from its plot to understand the narrative pattern. Plot and character analysis will be used to comprehend how violence and abnormal sexuality described in Misteri Lembah Hantu (1988). Additionally, a horror story can also show how it is used to confront anomaly, anxiety, and fear which is different compared to the everyday life. Fear and anxiety are impossible to be expressed in the real world, but they can be manifested through a literary work. The violence and abnormal sexuality in Misteri Lembah Hantu also can be concluded as the symbol that improper parenting from the nuclear family will impact the chaos happened in the broader community, for instance the society.
DIALOGUE BETWEEN ISLAM AND ENVIRONTMENTAL ETHICS THROUGH THE SEYYED HOSSEIN NASR THOUGHT
Authors: Nugraha Aulia Rahman , Naupal Naupal
Published: November 2019

Islam is often regarded as a religion that teaches anthropocentrism through the concept of the caliph in which humans occupy a central position on earth. However, the concept of the caliph itself is a complex concept where the special status of humans always implies a moral obligation. Through alternative explanatory methods and critical reflection, the authors try to clarify the concept of the caliph and show the teachings of Islam that are environmentally friendly through the thought of Seyyed Hossein Nasr. Philosophy and environmental ethics of Nasr have two major projects, namely the resacralization of nature and the clarification of the concept of the caliph through Insan Kamil. For Nasr, man has the ability to control nature, and therefore he must increase his spirituality in the light of monotheism to understand nature holistically. A holistic understanding of nature opens the awareness that humans and nature have intimate, anthropocosmic relationships in which both share the same archetype. The Islamic environmental ethics approach of Nasr seeks to show that Islamic teachings maintain human and natural values without reducing one of the two. The conclusions in this paper show that Islam is compatible with environmental ethics insofar as the interpretation is aimed at this. Islam teaches respect for nature since the concept of the caliph shows that humans have responsibilities and intimate relationships with their environment.
PREFACE SPECIAL ISSUE OCTOBER 2019
Authors: Tambunan Shuri Mariasih Gietty
Published: November 2019

PREFACE SPECIAL ISSUE
Preventing Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria: The Health Workers’ Perspective
Authors: Ashipa Temitope , Ngozi Ofili Antoinette
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Mother-to-child transmission of HIV threatens the survival of children of below five years of age. Health workers play an important role in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the programme for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) in Benin City, Edo State from the perspective of the health workers involved in the programme.

Methodology: This was a qualitative study evaluating the PMTCT programme in Benin City from the perspective of health workers and PMTCT programme officers. Data was collected through key informant interviews held with health workers at seven health facilities providing comprehensive PMTCT services. Key informant interviews were also held with government officials supervising the PMTCT programme in the state.

Results: Fifteen key informant interviews were conducted with health workers and PMTCT programme officers in the state. The key informants had been involved in the PMTCT programme for between three years and eight years. The respondents identified several benefits of the PMTCT programme during the course of the study. The benefits included reduction in stigmatisation, improved quality of life for HIV positive mothers and reduction in mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Several challenges to the implementation of the programme were identified by the respondents including inadequate manpower, stock-outs of antiretroviral medications and patients’ preference for home deliveries. Recommendations to overcome these challenges included increased programme funding, training and re-training of health workers, sustained mass media campaigns to reduce stigmatisation of persons living with HIV among others.

Conclusion: The health workers were generally positive in their perception of the programme for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Benin City, Edo State as the programme had provided numerous benefits for the patients, the community in addition to upgrading existing health facilities. Factors hindering the implementation of the programme from the health workers’ perspective were staff shortages, inadequate supply of drugs and other commodities and poor adherence by patients. Achieving the goal of reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Benin City and Nigeria as a whole requires combined efforts by all stakeholders including patients, health workers, members of the community, non-governmental organisations and the various tiers of government.
Towards Greener Preservation of Edible Oils: A Mini-review
Authors: Tapera Masimba
Published: November 2019

Edible oils like sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, cotton seed oil and olive oil are necessary components in human diet and are extensively utilized in the food trade. Safe storage of edible oils has perpetually been a haul within the food industry since the oils can easily endure oxidative deterioration. Studies specializing on polyphenols as a supply of natural antioxidants of plant origin to delay oxidative deterioration of food products have increased worldwide. Both natural and synthetic antioxidants are widely used in protecting oils against oxidative deterioration. Natural antioxidants are greener preservatives because they are known to be safer than their synthetic counterparts. Currently there is an increased interest in sources of natural antioxidants to enrich oils towards shelf life enhancement. This review highlights some research works in which natural antioxidants from plant materials have been used to preserve edible oils. Most of the natural compounds extracted from medicinal plants were found to be able to preserve edible oils against oxidative deterioration. The potential of most of the natural antioxidants from plant materials to preserve edible oils was found to be comparable to that of synthetic antioxidants in all the reviewed researches. Use of natural antioxidants from plant materials for preservation of edible oils is a promising approach that can be adopted by edible oil manufacturers.
Growth of Tourism and Hospitality Industry: Impact on Environment and Demographic Trend of Chittagong Hill Tracts
Authors: Chakma Saptarshi , Chakma Gourab , Chowdhury Nani Neingmraching
Published: November 2019

This paper tries to focus on environmental impact and the demographic phenomenon of tourism. Bangladesh is now on the highway to achieve the Sustainable development goals by 2030 after fulfilling significant achievement of Millennium Development Goals. The government has made some ambitious targets to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. It is important to note that sustainable development comprises several criteria. There is a significant need for environmental protection which is one of the three pillars of sustainable development. The other two are economic growth and social progress. Tourism and hospitality sector is seen to have emerged as a new area of sustainable development in recent time to contribute to social development. The scope of the positive contribution of tourism and hospitality is ample and relates to several dimensions such as earning of foreign exchange, employment generation, increasing productivity, hotel accommodation and transportation etc. However, the recent studies reveal that tourism has dramatically affected social, cultural, economic and environmental aspects of hospitality. Especially in Chittagong Hill Tract area; which is a great tourist attraction of the country; experiencing the impacts of unfair practice of tourism. The lack of proper policy and lack of awareness about sustainable growth of tourism activities is profoundly effecting the environment and life of the local ethnic groups of that area. Nevertheless, with proper planning and implementation of rules & regulations, the scenario can be shifted to the positive side. The paper attempts to analyze the contribution of tourism and hospitality as a weapon of sustainable development agenda and to assess how it effects on the environment and demographic pattern or local communities of Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Biotolerance of Orechromis niloticus to Nickel (Ni) Inside the Agodi Reservoir at Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Peter Ogungbile , John A. Akande , Ogunbode T. O. , Odekunle O.
Published: November 2019

Orechromis niloticus (Tilapia) that was rarely found in feeder Ogunpa River was more invasive in the receiving Agodi Reservoir and this provoked an examination of the remote causes. .Sampled water temperature and pH were measured with standard analytical methods while Ni, Co and Cr concentrations in water and fish were selectively tested using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and linear regression to establish clear relationships. On the average, temperature was 27.15ºC, pH 7.56, Ni 0.27 mg/L, Co 0.75 mg/L and Cr 0.005 mg/Lin Ogunpa River, while in Agodi Reservoir, temperature was 27.42ºC, pH 7.57, Ni 0.17 mg/L, Co 0.19 mg/L and Cr 0.005 mg/L. The temperature and pH values were higher in Agodi Reservoir than in the Ogunpa River but only the concentrations of Ni and Co in Ogunpa River were higher than in Agodi Reservoir. Using the FAO/WHO permissible limits, only the Ni concentration appeared potent in influencing Tilapia eco-dynamics. Ni accumulation could be lethal and must have affected the fish relocation and distribution, thus, a conclusion that Ni concentration and its synergistic effects with temperature could be responsible for the migration of the fish into the Agodi Reservoir.
Effect of Concept Mapping Instructional Strategy on Students' Conceptual Change in Physics
Authors: Adonu Ifeanyi I. , Anih Joy O. , Madu B. C.
Published: November 2019

This study focused on the Effect of Concept Mapping Teaching Strategy on students’ conceptual change in physics. Two research questions guided the study. Two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at the probability of 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design. The study was carried out in Agbani Education zone of Enugu State. One hundred and nineteen students consisting of 63 boys and 56 girls from three co-educational schools were selected through purposive sampling for the study. Two intact streams of SSS 2 students in each of the secondary schools were used. The experimental group was taught concepts/principles involving refraction of the light wave using concept mapping while the control group was taught the same topics in optics using the conventional method. Thirty items on Test on Physics Concept (TPC) were developed by the researchers. The items were validated by three experts, one in measurement and evaluation and two in the Department of Science Education with a physics background, all from the Department of Science Education University of Nigeria Nsukka. Content validation was also carried out based on the table of specification. The reliability of the items was tested using the Kendall coefficient of concordance (W) with a coefficient of 0.81. Data on students' conceptual change in physics were collected using TPC. Pre-test scores were collected before the treatment while the post-test was administered after the treatment. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results of data analyzed revealed that there exists a difference between the mean scores of physics students in Test of physics concepts when taught using concept mapping and lecture methods in favour of the group taught light waves using concept mapping strategy. That there exists no significant difference between the mean scores of male and female physics students in a test of physics concepts when taught using concept mapping and lecture methods. The recommendations among others are that concept mapping and lecture methods should be used interchangeably in the teaching of physics to breach the gap in performance between male and female students and concept mapping instructional strategy should be used to promote conceptual change in physics.
Assessment of French Beans Production at Kariua in Kandara, Murang’a County- Kenya
Authors: Mwangi Wangui Patrick , Otieno Argwings , Anapapa Ayubu
Published: November 2019

A sample survey research was conducted in November 2017 to January 2018 at Kariua area in Murang’a county, Kenya, with a sole aim to assess the current situation experienced by the French bean farmers in the area as well as form basis for further research, in which 43 farmers were interviewed. The parameters of interest were the average input levels of various factors (manure, fertilizers and water), average spacing of the crops in the field, the average output of the beans, the general plants’ health- all these were per crop point, land sizes under French beans cultivation as well as the demographic factors like age, gender and family size. The questionnaire was the main data collecting tool. Analysis of the data collected was carried out using both descriptive and inferential statistics: Using both R software and Ms-Excel. The results showed that farmers are experiencing very low yields at peak on average and poor plant health (harvest=13.4 g, infected leaves= 8 and immature pods= 15, all per crop point). Average land size under French beans farming, D.A.P and C.A.N fertilizers applied, manures applied, crop spacing and water for irrigation were found to be approximately 79.80 m2, 4.75 decigrams, 2.49 decigrams, 24.69 grams, 9.81 cm by 27 cm and 4.38 litres respectively. Low yields and poor crop health, scarce resources, pests, infections, diseases and intercropping and were also evident in the region.
Reducing Post Harvest Loss of Maize by Manufacturing and Introducing of Air Tight Silos Grain Storage in Selected Areas of Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Hadera Dawit
Published: November 2019

The economy of Ethiopians depends chiefly on agriculture. The major staple grains are the most important field crops and the chief element in the diet of most Ethiopians. Maize is the largest and most productive crop in Ethiopia. In 2007/08, maize production was 4.2 million tons, 40 percent higher than teff, 56 percent higher than sorghum, and 75 percent higher than wheat production. Postharvest losses are major problem in enhancement of maize production. The main controlling mechanism to avoid these losses is using appropriate grain storage. As FAO introduced  stated household metal silo is a key post-harvest technology in the fight against hunger and for food security. The house hold air tight metal silos generally hold between 100 and 3 000 kilos. The objective of this activity is to minimize post-harvest losses of maize grains by introducing this airtight silos in selected wordea’s of the region.

Different air tight silos were manufactured according the SDC Manual for Manufacturing Metal Silos for Grain Storage in MAMRERC workshop. Preliminary test was conducted to check air leakage and strength of welding of the silo. Farmers were selected based on the willingness and resource they have. Weight loss, relative humidity, temperature, moisture content, count breakage from 1000kernel and insects occurred and farmer’s perception was collected in compiring with tradition silo and plastic bag.

From these the air tight silo has low weight loss form 125gm initially and after recorded for six months the weight reduces to 122.6, 114.35, and 112.25gms respectivly.  The moisture of maize grain decrease  from 13% have different in the three containers 26.48, 28.72 and 27 and difference of  -0.52, 1.72, and 0 and average Relative humidity's are 7.96, 4.96, and 3.96 for metal silo, traditional Gottera and plastic bag respectively.  The counted and damaged from 1000 kernels are high in plastic bag and traditional silo. the farmers perception in relative advantage and characteristic of the silo are good.
Hyers-Ulam-Rassias Instability for Linear and Nonlinear Systems of Differential Equations
Authors: Qarawani Maher Nazmi
Published: November 2019

This paper considers Hyers-Ulam-Rassias instability for linear and nonlinear systems of differential equations. Integral sufficient conditions of Hyers-Ulam-Rassias instability and Hyers-Ulam instability for linear and nonlinear systems of differential equations are established. Illustrative examples will be given.
Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvotomy and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Left Anterior Descending Artery in Combined Procedure
Authors: Jain Akshat , Singh Gurkirat , Gupta Aditya , Patil Vishal , Bansal Narendra Omprakash
Published: November 2019

In countries like India rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is still a common problem, and with improvements in diagnosis and treatment, the lifespan of these patients is increased. With increase in the lifespan, these patients may develop coronary artery disease (CAD) and present as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In some cases especially RHD with severe mitral stenosis (MS), thrombus that develop in left atrium may embolize in one of the coronary arteries, leading to acute coronary syndrome. We report a case of 51 year old female who was a known case of rheumatic heart disease and now presented with acute coronary syndrome. Patient was hemodynamically unstable and underwent percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) simultaneously. We here discuss the possible complications that need to be addressed in such scenario and how can we approach such cases. This is first of such intervention at our institute and also there are very few such records available online. Patient tolerated the procedure well with significant clinical improvement.
Evaluation of Background Ionizing Radiation Level of Selected Oil Spill Communities of Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Audu M. U. , Avwiri G. O. , Ononugbo C. P.
Published: November 2019

Study of the terrestrial Background Ionizing Radiation levels of selected Oil Spill Communities of Delta State, Nigeria have been carried out using Digilert 200 and Radalert 100 nuclear radiation monitor and a geographical positioning system (Garmin GPSMAP 76S). The exposure rates of the five communities ranges from 0.016 to 0.030  at Jones Creek, 0.014 to 0.034  at Opuwade Community, 0.015 to 0.037   at Okpare community, 0.007 to 0.029  at OtuJeremi community and 0.011to 0.040  at Otor-Edo community. The obtained mean exposures rates were higher than ICRP standard limit of 0.013. The absorbed dose rates calculated ranged from 139.2 to 261 (Jones Creek), 121.8 to 259.8 nGyh-1 (Opuwade Community), 130.5 to 321.9 nGyh-1 (Okpare community), 60.9 to 252.3 nGyh-1 (OtuJeremi community) and 95.9 to 348 nGyh-1 (Otor-Edo community). The estimated annual effective dose equivalent varies from  0.21 to 0.40 , 0.19 to  0.45 , 0.20 to  0.49 , 0.09 to 0.39  and  0.15 to 0.53  for Jones Creek, Opuwade Community, Okpare community, Otu Jeremi community and Otor-Edo community respectively while the excess lifetime cancer risk calculated for Jones Creek varies from (0.75  to 1.40)  x 10-3, Opuwade community (0.65 to 1.59 )×, Okpare community (0.70 to 1.73 ) x , OtuJeremi community (0.33 to 1.35)× and Otor-Edo community (0.51 to 1.87)×. All the mean values of absorbed dose, annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk exceeded their recommended safe values. The results obtained in this work may not constitute any immediate health risk to the residents of the selected oil spill communities but long term exposure in the area may lead to detrimental health risks.
The Dynamic Relationship between Crude Oil Prices and Stock Market Price Volatility in Nigeria: A Cointegrated VAR-GARCH Model
Authors: Kuhe David Adugh
Published: November 2019

This study investigates the dynamic relationship between crude oil prices and stock market price volatility in Nigeria using cointegrated Vector Generalized Autoregressive conditional Heteroskedasticity (VAR-GARCH) model. The study utilizes monthly data on the study variables from January 2006 to April 2017 and employs Dickey-Fuller Generalized least squares unit root test, simple linear regression model, unrestricted vector autoregressive model, Granger causality test and standard GARCH model as methods of analysis. Results shows that the study variables are integrated of order one, no long-run stable relationship was found to exist between crude oil prices and stock market prices in Nigeria. Both crude oil prices and stock market prices were found to have positive and significant impact on each other indicating that an increase in crude oil prices will increase stock market prices and vice versa. Both crude oil prices and stock market prices were found to have predictive information on one another in the long-run. A one-way causality ran from crude oil prices to stock market prices suggesting that crude oil prices determine stock prices and are a driven force in Nigerian stock market. Results of GARCH (1,1) models show high persistence of shocks in the conditional variance of both returns. The conditional volatility of stock market price log return was found to be stable and predictable while that of crude oil price log return was found to be unstable and unpredictable, although a dependable and dynamic relationship between crude oil prices and stock market prices was found to exist. The study provides some policy recommendations.
Poisonous and Narcotic Flora in the Gaza Strip-Palestine / A Review
Authors: Atalla Akram , Dardona Ayman
Published: November 2019

There are numerous known medicinal plants in the Gaza strip flora, some of them are used in the traditional medicine but despite extensive studies of plants either wild or cultivated in Palestine, only a few articles are reported with the phytochemistry of these plants especially the poisonous flora. The current article presents the most common and important poisoning plants in the Gaza strip flora which are therefore important for the public to know and for research and awareness. This review is considered the first study that working in some details with the poisonous plants in the Gaza strip flora in terms of botany, phytochemistry and herbal medicine. These plants are distributed in several habitats in the Gaza strip, including Wadi Gaza, coastal areas, dunes, roadsides, national parks and the botanical garden in the University of Palestine.
Influence of Soil Amendment Practices on Soil Physicochemical Properties, Growths and Edible Leaf Yield of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) in Enugu South Eastern Area of Nigeria
Authors: Ngwu O. E. , Edeh V. N.
Published: November 2019

The effect of inorganic fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15), mulching materials (plant residue), poultry manure (droppings) and lime (CaCO3) on soil physicochemical properties, growth and edible leaf yield of fluted pumpkin it was studied in 2019 in farming seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management Enugu State University of Science and Technology. A Randomized Complete Block Design with five (5) treatments and four (4) replications were used for the experiment. The result of this experiment showed that inorganic fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15), produced significantly (P=0.05) 250 kg/ha, increased leaf area index (LAI), higher number of branches, highest fresh weight and gave longer vine length than line (CaCO3) 250 kg/ha, mulching materials (plant residue) 250 kg/ha and poultry manure (droppings) 250 kg/ha.
Malaria Parasite Infection in Some Periurban and Rural Communities in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Olorunniyi O. F. , Idowu O. A. , Idowu A. B. , Pitan O. R. , Babalola A. S.
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Malaria is one of the leading parasitic diseases worldwide with Nigeria ranked the topmost country in the tropical Africa where the disease is prevalent. This study was designed with the aim to determine the prevalence of malaria parasite (MP) infection in some periurban and rural communities of Ekiti State being one of the 36 states of Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Three periurban and rural communities were randomly selected in Ekiti State for the study. Blood samples were collected and examined microscopically for the presence of MP in dry and raining seasons among human volunteers in each community. Prevalence of MP infection was determined.

Results: Overall prevalence of MP infection was 26% in dry season and 38% in raining season (P = .001). In dry season, prevalence of MP infection was 22.3% in periurban communities and 31.3% in rural communities (P = .001). During the raining season the prevalence was 39.8% in periurban and 35.9% in rural communities (P = .12), with Plasmodium falciparum being the dominant species. Children of 0-5 years had the highest prevalence of infection (61.1%) during raining season while teenagers between 16-20 years had the highest prevalence of infection (31.5%) in the dry season. Generally, there was an increase in malaria parasite density during raining season.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the existence of MP infection in Ekiti State. The distribution of MP infection in both periurban and rural communities was affected by season with higher prevalence occurring during the raining season.
KAP Study of Tobacco Users among the Garment Workers at Dhaka City in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Khan Md. Aynul , Islam Khan Masuda , Jahan Israt , Alam Sarker Mohammad Jahangir , Islam S. M. Shahidul , Ar Rashid Harun , Muraduzzaman S. M. , Ahmed Md. Ranzu
Published: November 2019

The readymade garment (RMG) industry is a key sector of Bangladesh economy. This sector brings in about 78% of the country’s total merchandize export earnings. More than 3.2 million people are working in this sector and mostly females from underprivileged social classes. Employment in this Ready-made garment sector in Bangladesh provides workers with economic benefits and some empowerment.

A descriptive cross-sectional study followed by a qualitative approach was utilized. Through proportionate quota sampling, 560 garments workers were recruited from 6 (one large, two medium, and three small) garment factories in Mirpur area of Dhaka city.

Almost all of the garments workers knew that both smoking and smokeless tobacco (98.4%) is harmful for health. Knowledge on specific health hazards of smoking (96.96%) tobacco was relatively higher than those of smokeless (90%) tobacco. Electronic media (Radio/TV/Cinema) was the most common source of their knowledge (92.9%).  In case of smoking tobacco, cancer (63.6%) was the mostly reported disease caused by smoking tobacco, followed by lung cancer (15.7%) and heart attack (11.3%). On the other hand, for smokeless tobacco, cancer (29.8%), followed by oral cancer (26.6%) and lung cancer (15.0%) was mostly reported diseases by the garments workers. Garment workers’ knowledge on tobacco control policy was found to be very low. Only 35.0% knew about the policy. Although few garments workers know about the rules for prohibition of tobacco product in public place (25.7%) and public transport (11.3%), other specific rules under tobacco control policy were not known to majority of them.

The present study provides a scientific base regarding current tobacco using practice among garments workers in Dhaka city and their knowledge and attitude towards tobacco. Finding revealed from qualitative analysis of data suggested that now-a-days smoking is considered as a trend; people have to smoke for showing smartness or to maintain social status. Peer influence also plays an important role for initiating and maintaining smoking status. Socio-cultural influence for smokeless tobacco consumption was not well documented by this study which indicated a need for more focused qualitative study.
Optimum Manpower Allocation in Health Care Using Statistical Process Control
Authors: E. Odinikuku William , A. Ikimi Jephtah , P. Onwuamaeze Ikechukwu
Published: November 2019

In many countries manpower problems in the field of health care are regular items on the agenda of policy makers. To avoid mismatches between demand of care and supply of care on national and regional levels, manpower planning models and methods are used to determine adequate numbers of medical specialists to fulfill the future demand of care. Inadequate or inefficient allocation of manpower to various departments in an organization or workplace can lead to undesired outcomes which may include: down time, reduced productivity, workers fatigue, increased production costs, etc. As a result of the above stated problem, there is need to devise a statistical model that will ensure optimal allocation of manpower.

In this study, the optimum allocation of two hundred and fifty two general nurses to fifteen wards at a hospital code named WCH located in South-South geopolitical zone, Nigeria was achieved using statistical process control. The study involved the analysis of data obtained from our hub of study for a period of two months. The C-chart was used to check if the process of allocation was in control or not.

The result obtained from the study showed that the manpower allocation process was out of statistical control as the allocation of the children emergency ward was outside the upper control limit of the c-chart plot.
Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge and Perceptions about Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J , Abujheisha Khalil Y , Balaha Mohamed F.
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is considered one of the serious threats to global public health. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should be implemented by all hospitals to improve antimicrobial use. It is important that pharmacy students have a sound knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine pharmacy students’ knowledge and perceptions about antimicrobial stewardship.

Methodology: The study included a questionnaire that was used to assess the background knowledge of pharmacy students and their perceptions on antimicrobial stewardship.

Results and Discussion: Out of 103 students who completed the survey, 25 students (24.27%) reported that they know what antimicrobial Stewardship is, and only 39 students were familiar with antimicrobial stewardship programs in Saudi Arabia. Most of the students (95.14%) reported that they need more antimicrobial stewardship training.

Conclusion: Our results, therefore, recommend that pharmacy students should have more training on bacterial resistance, antibiotic use and antimicrobial stewardship.
Parent's Attitude, Knowledge and Belief of Child's Fever Managements in Al-Qassim - Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almogbel Yasser , Al-Qussair Jouza H. , M. Alamri Abdulrahman , Alhowail Ahmad , Mobark Mugahid A.
Published: November 2019

Background: Parent’s misconception of fever, result in increased anxiety and antipyretics are commonly used in this situation. So any lack of parent’s knowledge regarding strategies of using them raises the possibility of drug-related problems.

Objective: This study evaluated the parents’ knowledge, attitude and beliefs in dealing with the children’s fever.

Methods: An ethically approved cross-sectional study was conducted in Qassim region -Saudi Arabia.

Results: A total of 490 parents were participated in this study, 83.7% of them were mothers. Half of parents use the armpit site for measuring temperature. The majority of parents considered the temperature ≤37°C as normal and more than half of them considered ≥38°C as fever temperature. Convulsion was believed to be a complication of fever in 71% of parents and there was a significant association between the number of children and the practice of giving antipyretics. A wrong practice of assessing fever was using hand touch, and this study revealed that this behavioral was presented in a nearly third of parents. Acetaminophen was the commonly used antipyretics beside ice packs as a common non pharmacological therapy. The study also showed the majority of parents didn’t know the importance of weight in considering antipyretic.

Conclusion: Over all, parents participated in this study have inadequate knowledge about fever, its assessment and decision of giving a medication. However, past experiences and the number of sibling highly influence their practice and knowledge. Therefore, there is a need of effort to maximize parents’ information and awareness about fever.