bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate Effects of Ankle Eversion Taping on Balance and Gait in Recovering Stroke Patients: A Pre- Post Experimental Study
Authors: Shah Grishma , Shah Chaitali
Published: August 2024

Background:

Poststroke decrement in balance and gait ability disturbs daily routine of patients and increases the risk of falling. Several factors contribute to it, foot drop being one primary cause. Therefore, treating foot drop seems to be a representative approach to retain balance and gait, and the most common available options of treatment are first functional electrical stimulation (FES) and second ankle foot orthosis (AFO). However, FES and AFO are costly, inconvenient, and unattractive. Hence, to avoid these reasons, taping as an ailing method is used, because it is easily applicable and inexpensive.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to study and compare the effect of ankle eversion taping (AET) on balance and gait ability before and after its application.

Settings and Designs:

This study was conducted in the outpatient department of physiotherapy (O. P. D. 16) S. S. G. hospital, Vadodara, A pre-post experimental study.

Subjects and Methods:

Stroke diagnosed 50 patients participated in this study. AET consists of two stages: first of which is the application of tape for posterior talar glide and second stage is eversion taping which places ankle in more everted (neutral) position. Pre- and post-intervention assessment after an hour of an intervention scores of Berg Balance Scale and dynamic gait index were assessed and analyzed.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Paired t-test was to find out the efficiency of AET on balancing and gait ability in recovering patients of stroke.

Results and Conclusions:

Obtained P value for both the two outcomes was P < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval, suggesting high significant effect. AET is effective in improving balance and gait and its parameters in recovering stroke patients.
Percussion Gun and Scapular Stabilization Exercises versus Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Participants with Upper Cross Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Motimath Basavaraj , Narvekar Shivani , Narulkar Rakshanda , Mehta Nikita
Published: August 2024

Background:

Upper cross syndrome (UCS) is a muscle imbalance caused by a postural problem. This needs correction to improve the posture and help to regain muscle strength. Scapular stabilization exercises are the exercises that positively help to prevent UCS.

Aim:

The purpose of the study was to investigate if there was a difference in the effect of percussion gun and scapular stabilization exercises versus only scapular stabilization exercises in participants with UCS within the age group of 19–25 years.

Settings and Study Design:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on collegiate students between the age group of 19–25 years.

Methodology:

Individuals with UCS (n = 40) were randomly allocated to experimental (Group A) and control groups (Group B). Participants in the experimental group were treated with percussion gun and scapular stabilization exercises, while participants in the control group were given only scapular stabilization exercises. Outcome measures used were craniovertebral angle (CVA), shoulder angle (SHA), cervical range of motion (ROM), and the strength of cervical flexors, which were assessed.

Results:

Participants in both the groups showed a significant improvement in CVA, SHA, cervical ROM, and strength of cervical flexors. However, the experimental group revealed a more significant increase in CVA, SHA, cervical ROM, and strength of cervical flexors than the control group.

Conclusion:

Both the experimental and control groups have shown improvements in ROM, CVA, SHA, and muscle strength. However, the study concluded that the percussion gun, along with scapular stabilization exercises, revealed better results than only scapular stabilization exercises.
Effect of Thoracic Mobility with Breath Stacking Exercise on Chest Expansion in Postsurgery Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bhambure Malti Vijay , Yadav Trupti S.
Published: August 2024

Context:

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women accounting for nearly 14% of all types of cancer for which the therapeutic procedure modified radical mastectomy is frequently performed on patients. Postsurgery patients are prone to having incision or suture site pain that will interfere with chest expansion.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of thoracic mobility exercises along with the breath stacking technique on chest expansion in breast cancer patients.

Settings and Design:

It was an experimental study carried out in an outpatient hospital setting.

Subjects and Methods:

A total of 46 participants eligible as per inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into 2 groups using a simple random sampling method. During the study period, Group A, the experimental group (n = 23), received thoracic mobility and breath stacking technique and the conventional group (n = 23) received thoracic mobility exercises alone. Pre- and postchest expansion was determined using a tape measure at the axillary and xiphisternum levels.

Statistical analysis used:

Data were analyzed using MS Excel on Windows 10 and usingStatistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Baseline data for participants in the experimental and comparison groups were summarized using descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation.

Results:

Chest circumference score at axillary and xiphisternum levels significantly improved in the intervention group after 4 weeks of the rehabilitation program (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The present study concludes that thoracic mobility exercises along with the breath stacking technique are beneficial for improving chest expansion in postsurgery breast cancer patients.
Family and societal factors associated with school bullying among teenagers within the Greater Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Al-Hussein Alyaa , Shahba Mohamed
Published: August 2024

Overall family stability factors in addition to the societal factors are affecting children’s development and personality which may or may not result in bullying behavior. The objective of this work was to investigate family and societal factors in creating bullies to prevent and/or reduce bullying behavior among school teenagers within the Greater Cairo area, Egypt. A total of 500 teenagers (388 males and 112 females) were selected from public schools in the Greater Cairo area. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics correlated with bullying. Pre-coded data were used in the statistical analyses. Differences among groups were tested. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify the significant predictors of bullying behavior among students. Violence in the family and other societal factors were associated with teenagers' tendency to be involved in bullying. Younger teenagers were more likely to be associated with being victim or being bully-victim while older age was significantly associated with being bully. The independent predictors for being bully-victims were age, gender, watching violent movies, fights in the family, witnessing fights and insulting words among family members, insulting words in streets and physical violence in the streets. Social and governmental organizations' programs should focus on promoting happy family life and preventing domestic violence by striking a balance between work and home so that parents can show their love for one another, as well as take part in their adolescent children's problems, take care of them, plan their lives, set limits and regulations, communicate with them, spend quality time with them, and share opinions when making decisions. Family therapy programs focusing on the relationship between parents and kids will have a positive effect on vulnerable teenagers.
HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWNET STYLEAl-Hussein, A. & Shabba, M. (2024). Family and societal factors associated with school bullying among teenagers within the Greater Cairo, Egypt. African Journal of Social Work, 14(2), 70-82. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i2.3
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
Natural homes or not: investigating drivers of child delinquency as perceived by caregivers in Zimbabwe’s residential care facilities
Authors: Gozho Charles Simbarashe , Muzingili Taruvinga , Muridzo Noel Garikai
Published: August 2024

The study sought to investigate the perspectives of caregivers regarding the occurrence of delinquent behaviours among children residing in care facilities. The research aimed to uncover the factors that caregivers believe contribute to delinquent actions in children placed in residential care institutions. The study used a qualitative research methodology, specifically a phenomenological research design, to collect data from purposefully selected caretakers and key informants. The study included semi-structured interviews as a means of gathering data from both participants and key informants. The research made use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis for analysing the generated themes. The factors contributing to delinquent behaviour were insecure attachment, single parenting, psychological suffering, emotional resentment, physical abuse and violence, protracted institutional care, and spirit possession. The study’s findings have implications for child protection and care, necessitating the creation of a national parenting manual for residential care institutions. This manual should be based on indigenous parenting practices and legal frameworks. Therefore, the results necessitate a revision of existing parenting systems, aiming to strike a balance between the inherent freedom of parents in raising their children and the guidance provided by professional parenting.
HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE
Gozho, C. S., Muzingili, T. & Muridzo, N.G. (2024). Natural homes or not: investigating drivers of child delinquency as perceived by caregivers in Zimbabwe’s residential care facilities. African Journal of Social Work, 14(2), 92-100. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i2.5
 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
Evaluation of awareness and adoption of green computing in the banking sector of Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Bello Muhammad Muhammad , Enem Theophilus Aniemeka
Published: August 2024

Green computing is a new Information Technology (IT) innovation aimed at protecting the environment and health while utilising computing devices. Related works reviewed in this study exposed that there is insufficient information on green computing among computer users. This study determines the level of awareness and implementation of green computing practices in the banking industry in Kaduna state, Nigeria. Four research questions and four null hypotheses were constructed to guide the study. Quantitative research methodology was used in this study. The population of the study; which is 361 was chosen using purposive sampling and simple random sampling was used to select the sample of 186 bankers. Data were collected from the respondents using a closed-ended questionnaire. The two research questions formed were answered using mean and standard deviation based on the decision mean of 2.50 and the null hypotheses were tested with the One Sample t-test statistics at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings of this study revealed that awareness and implementation levels of bankers on green computing practices are appreciably high with cumulative means of 2.77 and 3.13 respectively. Also, the levels of awareness and implementation are both significant as all the null hypotheses were rejected with p values less than 0.05. Therefore, it is concluded that the banking industry in Kaduna state makes a lot of contributions in promoting a greener environment that is eco-friendly, sustainable and responsible through effective implementation of green computing practices.
Effects of sales promotional strategies on marketing of apple fruits in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Ja'afar-Furo Muhammad R. , Ldama John , Abdullahi A'ishatu
Published: August 2024

The research assessed the effects of sales promotional strategies on gross receipts of apple fruits in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Multi-stage, purposive and random sampling methods were used to select four Local Government Areas, four wards and 170 apple fruits marketers or sellers for the research. Descriptive statistics, a 3-point Likert Scale, regression analysis and marketing efficiency tool were employed for data analysis. Findings showed that most (91.18%) of the marketers were male, married (51.76%), within the age of 21-40 year (71.76%) and possessing secondary school education (42.40%) with fair marketing experience of 1-5 years (38.82%). Marketers perceived roadside display (63.53%) as the most viable sales promotion strategy in the marketing of apple in the State. Similarly, roadside display (0.0492) had a significant (p <0.05) influence on the gross receipts of apple fruits in the study area. Further, an ME of 115.34% indicated a highly efficient marketing system for apple fruits, signifying a profitable venture. Major challenges experienced were the high cost of apple fruits (85.88%), inadequacy of finance (78.82%) among marketers and high cost of sales promotion (52.94%). Conclusively, middle-aged married male with secondary education and fairly experienced marketers formed the majority of the respondents in Adamawa State. Roadside display was the most influential sales promotion strategy identified. The main challenge reported by the marketers was the high cost of apple fruit. Institutions that intend to improve apple fruits marketing and consumption in the area should encourage the production of the crop and lessen the tax placed on the importation of the fruits in the country.
Magnetized oscillatory Jeffrey fluid flow in a porous channel with unequal wall temperature
Authors: Ahmad S. K. , Muhammad H.A. , Hamza M. M. , Ojemeri G. , Usman U.
Published: August 2024

The performance assessment of Jeffrey fluid impact on hydromagnetic oscillatory flow along a permeable plate immersed in porous medium is analysed in the optically thin thermal radiation regime. The exact solutions of the dimensionless equations have been determined. In view of the assumed oscillatory pressure gradient, the resultant linear partial differential equations were reduced to a boundary-valued-problem where the unsteady flow is superimposed on the mean steady flow. The influence of controlling parameters dictating the flow behaviour have been demonstrated graphically and explained thoroughly. It is established from the computational analysis that the function of Jeffrey fluid parameter is to increase the fluid velocity. Also, the shear stress is enhanced at both walls as the suction/injection parameter is increased. Interestingly, the results obtained for limiting case in this research is consistent with previous literature, thereby establishing the accuracy and correctness of the present analysis.
Toxicological consequences of microplastics pollution on aquatic Li Ving organisms: a review
Authors: Zahradeen Nasir Nabila , Bawa Usman
Published: August 2024

Plastics are used all around the world and so often that their pollution is becoming a concern. The global demand on microplastics has increased because plastics have light weight and low production cost. Microplastics affect the aquatic environment; aquatic organisms and subsequently through food web bioaccumulation human beings. This study review the scientific literature on the current trend of toxicological consequences of micro plastics, sources of micro plastics, their toxicity to different aquatic organisms. Microplastics cause toxicity to humans through accumulation which includes health implications of Microplastic pollution. The most common microplastics found in aquatic environments are Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyprophylene (PP), Polyvinylchloride (PVC), and Polyehylenetetraacetate (PET.) The effects of Microplastics on aquatic fishes and invertebrates include blockage of the digestive system, weight loss, depletion of energy reserves, disruption of reproduction, change in the ratio and distribution of cholesterol, nutritional shortage, reduction in growth, decline in fertility, abnormal behavior, lesions and internal wounds. Through Bioaccumulation the health effects caused by Microplastics to human beings include oxidative stress, cell damage, inflammation, hepatic lipid disease, skin irritation, breathing issues, cancer risk, cardiovascular illness, reproductive issues, disruption in oxidative stress and immune responses, diabetes, obesity, endocrine disturbance, cancer, cardiovascular, reproductive and developmental problems. Researchers have identified biological remediation and use of bio-plastics as the major methods used for mitigating Microplastic pollution, however the use of bioremediation methods have proven effective and environmentally friendly.
Preparation and characterization of activated carbon derived from Typha latifolia (cattail grass) using H3PO4 and KOH as impregnating agents
Authors: Adebayo Adelomo Deborah , Nasir Salisu , Yakasai Saminu Murtala , Idris Mustapha Balarabe , Alibe Ibrahim Mustapha , Musa Ya'u
Published: August 2024

In this study, activated carbons were successfully prepared from typha latifolia. The Activated Carbons were produced using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as the impregnating agents and carbonized for 1h in a flow of N2 gas at 700oC using tubular furnace. The Activated Carbons were analyzed by various characterization techniques such as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques . The BET results shows that the activated carbon impregnated with H3PO4 gives a surface area of 1083.733 m2/g with a pore volume of 0.988 cc/g, followed by KOH activated carbon with surface area value of 501.999 m2/g with a pore volume 0.253 cc/g. Lower surface area (352.490 m2/g )with a pore volume (0.217 cc/g) were observed from the untreated activated carbon. The SEM micrographs of the activated carbons (Acs) revealed a heterogeneous surface structure with different pore sizes. The XRD analysis results depicted the amorphous carbon structure of the produced Acs with a broad peak at around 2θ = 25, 26 and 27 degrees. The TGA shows a major weight loss of about 73% for TLP-AC and 81% for TLK-AC. The functional groups present on the Acs were determined by FTIR analysis and the presence of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups confirms the presence of the anticipated functional groups in the as-produced materials.
Antifungal potentials of ten selected plants against fungi associated with postharvest spoilage of fruits
Authors: Ewekeye Tolulope , Yakub Ganiyat , Oloyede Olanrewaju , Adebayo Abdulrazak , Oke Oyedamola
Published: August 2024

The aim of this research was to screen selected plants for their antifungal activities against some fungi commonly associated with post-harvest spoilage of fruits. Nine (9) selected fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium oxysporum, Mucor sp., Penicillium digitatum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichoderma texanum) were isolated from some diseased fruit crops collected from local markets in Lagos, Nigeria. The antifungal potentials of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Aframomum melegueta, Allium cepa, A. sativum, Capsicum annum, Curcuma longa, Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum basilicum, Piper guinensis, Syzygium aromaticum and Zingiber officinale were investigated on the growth of these fungi using the agar well diffusion method. The treatments were carried out in triplicates and the antifungal activities were measured on the basis of the diameter of zone of inhibition. Sterile distilled water and ketoconazole were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Every fungus examined at varying concentrations showed different degrees of inhibitions as a result of antifungal constituents present in the plant extracts. Aqueous extracts of O. basilicum and P. guinensis showed growth inhibition against most of its tested fungi, with Colletotrichum sp. being the most inhibited by ethanolic extraction of the former. Also, ketoconazole inhibited the growth of these fungi while the negative control did not show any inhibition. Thus, the usage of these spices could help to improve food safety and reduce the risk of spoilage.
Involving Children in Clinical Research: Ethical Dilemmas and Perspectives
Authors: Lulseged Sileshi
Published: August 2024

No Abstract
Caregivers’ knowledge and practice regarding hypoglycemia prevention in children with type one diabetes mellitus at Saint Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Fantahun Bereket , Mohammed Nesredin , Yesuf Aman
Published: August 2024

Background: Achieving optimal glycemic control with a stringent preventive interventions targeting hypoglycemia is at the core of diabetic care. Caregivers for pediatric diabetic patients are the primary providers. Therefore, enabling them to have adequate knowledge  about hypoglycemia and its prevention is critical.
Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of preventing hypoglycemia among caregivers for diabetic patients on follow-up at a  tertiary care at a pediatric endocrine clinic in Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on caregivers for children with type one diabetes patients attending follow-up visits at a  tertiary care with a pediatric endocrinology clinic in Ethiopia, from August 16 to October 10, 2021. We collected relevant data using  interviews and pretested questionnaire. We analyzed the collected data using statistical Package for Social Science Software.
Results:  From a total of 101 caregivers, 76.2 % were females, and 23.8% were males. 64.4 % had good knowledge about hypoglycemia. Among 19  caregivers whose child was less than four years old, 10 caregivers had a good practice and 9 had poor hypoglycemia practice and from 75  caregivers whose child was four years and above, 31 caregivers had a good practice and 44 had poor hypoglycemia prevention  practice. Overall, 43.6 % had good hypoglycemia prevention practices.
Conclusion: Caregiver's knowledge regarding hypoglycemia was  satisfactory, but the hypoglycemia prevention practice was poor. Therefore, education about hypoglycemia and its prevention practice  should be emphasized during the regular clinic follow-up.
A Comprehensive Kinetic Study of Bida Oil Shale Kerogen Pyrolysis through Isoconversional and Distributed Activation Energy Modeling
Authors: Peters Victor , Makwashi Nura , Olugbenga Adeola , Abba Muhammad , Ibrahim Abubakar , Garba Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Oil shale kerogen pyrolysis is typically crucial for optimizing production efficiency. This research investigates the thermal degradation behavior of Bida oil shale kerogen using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at varying heating rates (10, 20, 30, and 40 °C/min) . This study employs kinetic analysis methods including Kissinger (K), Flynn–wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose, (KAS) and Distributed Activation Energy Model (DAEM) to elucidate the complex decomposition behavior. The research provides novel insights into the temperature-dependent variations in oil shale pyrolysis, revealing significant impacts of heating rates on decomposition temperatures and kinetics. Notably, increasing heating rates led to a shift in decomposition temperatures, attributed to differences in heat transfer efficiencies within the sample. Distinct stages of decomposition were observed, with devolatilization initiating around 260°C and progressing rapidly until approximately 526 °C, followed by a gradual decline in decomposition rate. Kinetic analysis using KAS, and FWO provided valuable insights into activation energies (Ea) and pre-exponential factors (A). Ea ranged from 64.945 to 86.94 kJ/mol, indicating a complex decomposition mechanism influenced by varying conversion levels. The DAEM further elucidated the kinetics of oil shale decomposition, highlighting the heterogeneity of pyrolytic processes under different heating rates.  The average Ea and frequency factor calculated using the DAEM method were 64.95 kJ mol-1 and 1.87 × 105 min-1. It was observed that the results obtained from the methods differed from each other due to the complex mechanism of reaction occurring during the pyrolysis process and the effect of different heating rates. The findings contribute to refining kinetic models for oil shale pyrolysis, shedding light on critical factors shaping thermal degradation behavior.
Feature Selective Validation Application to Effect Analysis of Coiling on the Impedance Profiles of Augmented Cables for IoT Infrastructure
Authors: Ogundapo Olusegun
Published: August 2024

The increasing demand for Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) applications in Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure has led to a rise in the use of augmented cables as it is cost-effective.  Augmented category 6 (Cat 6a) cable is now the standard for new installations requiring the aforesaid functions. Cat 6a cables for POE applications are required to be able to withstand the effects of repeated coiling they would be subjected to during installation. There is a paucity of literature on the effect of coiling on the impedance profiles of augmented cables across their length. The drawback of the available pieces of literature is that the effect of coiling is based on the frequency of operation. Examining the effect of coiling on the impedance profiles of Cat 6a cables across their length can help determine their physical integrity and aid fault location.  Therefore, a method that can be used to examine the effect of coiling on impedance profiles of augmented cables across their length using the Feature Selective Validation (FSV) technique is provided. The ability of the FSV to accurately present the comparison between two data sets as a comprehensible output makes it better than other common methods. Three Cat 6a cables from different manufacturers were selected for the experiment. The Cat 6a cables were exposed to two rounds of coiling and uncoiling to imitate the stress anticipated from handling during installation. The FSV results revealed the cables with the lowest and highest impedance profile variations from the stress tests. The approach presented showed that it can be used to undertake an objective quantification of the effect of coiling on the impedance profiles of the cables across the length.
Enabling Social Interaction: A Face Recognition System for Visually Impaired People using OpenCV
Authors: Sobowale Adedayo A. , Abdul-Hameed T. A. , Sobowale Peace O. , Johnson Bolaji V.
Published: August 2024

Over the last few decades, there have been substantial developments in a variety of domains, including computer science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, which has accelerated the evolution of intelligent systems. Examples include speech recognition system, face recognition. This research work developed a method to assist blind and visually impaired people in the aforementioned forms of social interactions in order to address all these deficiencies. A facial recognition system for visually impaired people is a technology designed to help individuals with vision impairment identify people through their facial features. This device can recognize faces of individuals by silently broadcasting their names over speakers using face recognition technology. The system uses a camera to capture an image of a person's face, which is then processed to extract key features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. The extracted features were compared to a database of known faces to identify the person in the image. Blind and visually impaired individuals encounter significant challenges in identifying people during social interactions. Traditional methods like speech recognition might not be reliable in all situations, such as with silent group members. This social isolation can hinder their participation in professional and educational settings. This research proposes a novel face recognition system to address these challenges. The system utilizes a camera to capture a person's face. Key facial features are then extracted using the Open Computer Vision Library (OpenCV). These features are compared against a pre-enrolled database of known faces for identification. Upon successful recognition, the system discreetly announces the person's name through audio output. This system empowers visually impaired individuals to navigate social interactions more confidently. By providing a reliable method for facial recognition, the system promotes greater social inclusion and participation in various environments. The model shows excellent performance, consistently achieving high accuracy, peaking at 89.1% on the 69th epoch, and consistently maintaining high validation accuracy, reaching 91.2% in the 67th epoch, indicating its ability to function effectively.
Knowledge of routine eye examination in children and associated factors: A parents’ perspective
Authors: Obarisiagbon O.E. , Kayoma D.H.
Published: August 2024

Background: Routine eye examinations form part of the scope of the health care plan for children to prevent avoidable causes of  blindness. This study assessed parents' knowledge of routine eye exam in school children in Evbuomore community and how this affects  access to eye examinations.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in the  selection of 380 participants in Evbomore community in Edo State. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: Atotal of 308 parents  with a mean age of 37.4 ±6.1 years participated in this survey. There was poor awareness 46.3% and knowledge 57.9% of routine eye  examination in children. Religion (p=0.02), skill level (p<0.01), level of education and monthly income (p<0.01) positively influenced  knowledge.
Conclusion: The knowledge of parents regarding routine eye examination in children was poor. Increasing household  income, socio-economic status and higher skill levels were significant determinants of good knowledge. These factors can be harnessed  by stakeholders in the planning and implementation of health education programs for parents in order to improve knowledge of routine   eye examination in children.
Clinico-pathologic Features of Germ Cell Tumours of the Ovary in Gombe, North-East Nigeria
Authors: Abba K. , Halima F. , Aliyu I.L. , Yusuf M.A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Germ cell tumours are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms derived from primitive germ cells of the embryonic gonads.  They mainly affect the young, reproductive population, hence the need to report and state their characteristic features for a better  understanding of this important disease entity. In this study, we describe the clinicopathologic features of these tumours in patients  presenting to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.
Methodology: This was a 10-year retrospective descriptive study where clinicopathologic data on histologically diagnosed germ cell tumours were retrieved from the records of Department of Histopathology.  They were classified according to the 2020 WHO classification of ovarian tumours.
Results: Germ cell tumours constitute 40.4% of all  ovarian tumours. Benign cases represent 83.6%, while 16.4% were malignant. Mature cystic teratoma was the most common type, while  dysgerminoma was the commonest malignant tumour. The modal age group was 21-30 years. These patients presented with varying  symptomatology of unilateral tumours with different sizes.
Conclusion: Mature teratoma is the most common germ cell tumour while dysgerminoma is the most common malignant counterpart. Common clinical presentations are abdominal swelling and pain.
Pattern of co-morbidities in chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis in Delta State, Nigeria: a retrospective study
Authors: Odonmeta A.B. , Awunor N.S. , Uniamikogbo E.J. , Ucho E.C.
Published: August 2024

Background: Chronic kidney disease is regarded as a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in this current century, with a  prevalence rate ranging between 1.6% and 12.4% in Nigeria.
Objective: To identify the prevalence rates of the various co-morbidities in CKD patients undergoing haemodialysis in a private centre in  Delta State, Nigeria.
Methods: This study is a 6-year retrospective study, which reviewed all records of chronic kidney disease patients who visited the private  centre in Delta State from 2016 – 2021. The variables accessible and retrieved from the registry were: age, sex, and co-morbid conditions.  Data obtained were entered and analysed using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results.
Result: Of the  7490 patients who received care for chronic kidney disease within the period under review, 1940 patients had 7262 sessions of haemodialysis and were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 50.36±17.16. About 1222(63.7%) are males while 718(36.3%)  are females. The prevalence rate of the various co-morbid conditions identified were: hypertension (96.1%), diabetes (67%), HIV (14.4%),  Hepatitis C (8.8%), Hepatitis B (6.9%), and obesity (5.2%).
Conclusion: Majority of CKD patients present with various co-morbid conditions,  with the most frequently occurring condition being hypertension. It is recommended that CKD patients should be evaluated  for other conditions with increased likelihood of occurrence.
Predictors of Adolescent Pregnancy among 13-19 Years Old Girls in Karongi District: unmatched case-control study, 2021
Authors: Niyomugabo Jean Paul , Nsanzabaganwa Christian , Muhawenimana Sonia , Benemaliya Noella , Mukamurigo Judith
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent pregnancy is a global public health challenge, and in Rwanda, though the percentage of adolescent girls experiencing pregnancy has decreased slightly, it remains a concern, particularly in Karongi District, with high incidences. This study aims to identify the risk factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Karongi district. 
METHODS: A case-control study design with a 1:2 ratio of adolescent girls aged 13-19 years was carried out in Karongi District, Western Province, Rwanda. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with adolescent pregnancy. The findings were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). 
RESULTS: A total of 522 adolescent girls participated in the study. In bivariate analysis, the majority of variables were significantly associated with adolescent pregnancy. In multivariable analyses, significant factors independently associated with adolescent pregnancy were low socioeconomic status [Ubudehe category 1 (aOR = 4.6, CI = 1.47-14.28), and Ubudehe category 2 (aOR = 5.6, CI = 2.06-14.61)], lack of sexual education from parents/guardians [aOR = 4.5, CI = 1.71-11.82], peer pressure to engage in sexual intercourse (aOR = 3, CI = 1.23-7.32), first sexual intercourse at ≥ 16 years old (aOR = 32, CI = 5.98-88.52). 
CONCLUSION: Low socioeconomic status, lack of sexual education from parents/guardians, peer pressure, and first-sex intercourse at ≥ 16 years old were found to be positively associated with adolescent pregnancy. Interventions focusing on increasing parental involvement in sexual health education, supporting low-income families, and addressing peer influence may play a vital role in preventing adolescent pregnancy.
Concurring the Silent Killer: How to improve hypertension management through Innovative Knowledge Systems in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda
Authors: Josue Ukuri Sincere , Rugamba Winny Anne Gisele , Ndagijimana Valens , Umuhoza Venantie , Mngomezulu Khumo , Uwinkindi Francois , Nsanzabaganwa Christian , Musanabaganwa Clarisse , Mutesa Leon
Published: August 2024

16.8% of the Rwandan population have hypertension, with the middle-aged being mostly affected. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Rwanda as the first country with the lowest hypertension treatment rate 10.5%. Controlled hypertension can reduce premature death through complications such as Cardiovascular diseases, Kidney failures, and Stroke. When healthcare providers are continuously exposed to refresher training, the hypertension control rate will rise from 37.8 to 50.1%. Increasing community NCD knowledge will be an innovative way to increase the hypertension control rate from 37.8 to 48.7%.
The place of spiritual discernment of private revelations in the current formation program of Redemptorists in the Vice-Province of Nigeria
Authors: Nwokoro Henry Ifeanyichukwu , Muasa Dr. Wambua Pius
Published: August 2024

Priests and Religious minister to people with different spiritual concerns, including the spiritual discernment of private revelations (dreams, visions, apparitions, locutions, and prophetic messages). The initial formation of Priests and Religious is to prepare them to effectively deal with the pastoral concerns of the laity. This study sought to find out if spiritual discernment of private revelations has a place in the current formation program of Redemptorists in the Vice-Province of Nigeria. The study adopted exploratory research design. Indepth interview Guide was used for data collection. Using purposive method, 16 Redemptorist formators were selected for the study. By way of thematic analysis, data was transcribed, organized into themes, and coded. Findings reveal that through freedom of expression, development of reasoning capacity, the study of Biblical Theology and Exposure through pastoral work, candidates are being trained towards spiritual discernment of private revelations. However, this is not enough, considering the fact that issues concerning private revelations are met with rationalization and suspicion, which creates fear among candidates in terms of discussing private revelations. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhancing the formation program for spiritual discernment of private revelations.
Penegakan Hukum Terhadap Pelaku Pencurian Di Wilayah Hukum Kepolisian Sektor Pinggir Kabupaten Bengkalis
Authors: Sari M Ayu Novita , DM Yusuf , Pardede Rudi
Published: August 2024

Pelaku pencurian di Kabupaten Bengkalis tidak melakukan pencurian di atas Rp. 2.500.000,00  sehingga tidak bisa dilakukan penahanan. Tujuan dilakukannya penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis bagaimana Penegakan Hukum Terhadap Pelaku Pencurian Di Wilayah hukum Kepolisian Sektor Pinggir Kabupaten Bengkalis dilihat dari hukum sosiologis. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa Penegakan Hukum belum berjalan dengan baik karena masih terjadinya tindak pidana pencurian, karena pelaku pencurian mengetahui adanya batasan pencurian minimal Rp. 2.500.000 (dua juta lima ratus ribu rupiah), sedangkan yang dicuri dari barang emas dan uang tersebut berkisar Rp. 1.000.000 (satu juta rupiah) hingga Rp. 2.000.000 (dua juta rupiah). Hambatan dalam Penegakan Hukum Terhadap Pelaku Pencurian yaitu minimnya jumlah personil petugas kepolisian, kurangnya sarana dan prasarana, dan minimnya kesadaran masyarakat tentang pengetahuan hukum. Upaya Mengatasi Hambatan tersebut bahwa Perlunya penyesuaian aturan hukum dengan perkembangan zaman, Perlunya jumlah personil petugas kepolisian, Perlunya sarana dan prasarana, dan Perlunya kesadaran masyarakat tentang pengetahuan hukum.
Safety Assessment on the Safety and Efficacy of an Additive of Chromium Propionate (KemTRACE Chromium) as a Feed Additive for All Growing Poultry Species (RP634)
Authors: Food Standards Agency  , Food Standards Scotland
Published: August 2024

An application was submitted to the Food Standards Agency in March 2021 from Kemin (‘the applicant’) for the new authorisation of an additive (KemTRACE Chromium) containing chromium propionate, under the category ‘zootechnical’ additive, functional group ‘other zootechnical additives’. The additive is proposed to be used at an inclusion rate of 0.2 – 0.4 mg/kg of complete feed (12% moisture) for all growing poultry.

The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) was asked to review the dossier and the supplementary information submitted by the Applicant, and to advise the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland (FSA/FSS) in evaluating the dossier.

The FSA/FSS concluded, based on the ACAF’s advice, that the additive was correctly characterised, and that it is stable for 24 months at 25oC at 60% humidity, for 6 months as part of a premixture. Homogeneity in feed was also demonstrated. The mixture was pelleted at 90oC, but retention time was not given by the applicant, therefore no conclusion could be drawn on pelleting stability. No further concerns were raised for the identity section, Section II, of the dossier.

The proposed level of inclusion in feed is safe for the target species, but no margin of safety could be determined.

No conclusion could be drawn on the prenatal developmental toxicity potential of the additive, and therefore, on the safety of the additive for consumers. The additive is non-genotoxic, and no concerns about its metabolism were raised, however, no conclusion could be drawn on the applicant’s proposed 0-hour withdrawal period, given the impossibility to conclude on the prenatal developmental toxicity potential of the additive.

The active substance is non-irritant to the skin, however another major ingredient, propionic acid, is corrosive to skin and eyes, and the additive should be considered as such. As the active ingredient is corrosive to skin and eyes and it may be sprayed onto the feed, it would be prudent to regard it as potentially harmful by inhalation. The additive is not a skin sensitizer.

The additive poses an acceptable risk to the environment.

Chromium propionate has the potential to be efficacious for all growing poultry at the maximum proposed dose of 0.4 mg/kg of complete feed with 12% moisture.

The views of ACAF have been taken into account in this safety assessment which represents the opinion of the FSA/FSS.
Electric School Bus Market Study and Buyer’s Guide: A Resource for School Districts Pursuing Fleet Electrification
Authors: Wang Jessica , Kothari Vishant , Werthmann Emmett , Jackson Eleanor , Henderson Lidia , Huntington Alissa
Published: August 2024

This comprehensive study and guide offer school districts and others an overview of the electric school bus market and a catalog that presents electric school bus models available today with detailed vehicle specifications.
Perancangan Aplikasi Rekomendasi Jenis Kandidat Web Programmer Menggunakan Metode Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assesment
Authors: Herman  , Didik  , Andy
Published: August 2024

Thanks to the development of technology in this digital era, web-based software has become popular and widely used in various fields of life. In order to design a good quality web, a reliable web developer is needed to perform tasks according to their respective expertise. Web developers themselves are divided into three types, namely front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers. The problem encountered is the difficulty of recommending the type of web developer candidate by manually calculating and analyzing the candidate's ability. Inaccuracy in the calculation process will affect the results of the assessment in the recommendation. Therefore, this research aims to build an application that can solve the problem of calculating and assessing the type of web developer candidate using the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) method. The WASPAS method was chosen because of its ability to combine various assessment criteria and provide more accurate and objective results. The designed application is expected to assist companies in identifying candidates that best suit their needs, reduce errors in the selection process, and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of recruitment. Thus, companies can more easily find the right and high-quality web developers, according to the expertise needed for their projects.
Implementasi Algoritma C4.5 Untuk Deteksi Dini Penyakit Diabetes Mellitus Pada Manusia
Authors: Chandra  , David  , Hendri
Published: August 2024

Diabetes is classified as one of the fastest growing life-threatening chronic diseases which has affected 422 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, in 2018. Therefore, it is very important to carry out early detection of DM disease because if the disease If left for too long without treatment, it can result in dangerous complications such as kidney failure, damage to the function of other organs to heart attacks. In this research an information system will be built by applying the C4.5 data mining algorithm for early detection of Diabetes Mellitus in humans. The dataset in this study was taken from the Kaggle Diabetes Dataset. The results of the study show that the information system built can assist the medical world in early detection of Diabetes Mellitus in humans through a predictive feature that implements the C4.5 algorithm. In addition, the results of testing the C4.5 algorithm show that the algorithm is classified as accurate in predicting early detection of Diabetes Mellitus if it follows the decision tree rules that are formed.
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Pengklasifikasian Rumah Sakit Menggunakan Algoritma K-Means Clustering
Authors: Jackri Hendrik  , Joni
Published: August 2024

Public facilities are facilities provided for public purposes such as roads, street lighting, bus stops, sidewalks, and crossing bridges. The facilities provided are facilities that provide convenience for the community so that they must be properly maintained. Pedestrian facilities function to separate pedestrians from vehicle traffic lanes to ensure pedestrian safety and smooth traffic. Hospitals have a classification according to the Regulation of the Minister of the Republic of Indonesia Number 56 of 2004 concerning Hospital Classification and Licensing. This is in line with research conducted by researchers that not all hospitals treat all problems/diseases that arise in sick individuals, there are classifications that have been stated in these regulations. Text mining is text analysis where data sources are usually obtained from documents, and the goal is to find words that can represent the contents of the document so that an analysis of the  relationships, linkages and classes between documents can be carried out. The Hospital Classification Information System created can classify hospitals based on the data entered which can be accessed using an Android-based smartphone. This Hospital Classification Information System was created using the K-Means Clustering Method in hospital classification.