bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative Learning in Small Groups in an Online Course – A Case Study
Authors: Haugland Mildrid , Aasekjaer Katrine , Rosenberg Ivar
Published: October 2021

Background: The ability to learn collaboratively and work in teams is an essential competency in both educational and healthcare settings, and collaborative student activities are acknowledged as being an important part of the pedagogical approach in higher education and teaching. The course that was the focus of this research, a 15-ECTS-credit online course in the philosophy of science and methods, was offered online as part of 11 master’s-level health programmes at a university in Norway. Collaborative learning in combination with digital teaching tools, was the preferred pedagogical approach in the online course. The aim of the study was to explore, describe and discuss factors influencing small group learning in this online course.Methods: We performed a qualitative case study, collecting data through both individual and focus group interviews between February 2018 and May 2019 of master’s-level students who had participated in the online course. We performed six focus-group and 13 individual interviews, and a total of 30 master’s students participated in the study. Data were analysed using content analysis.Results: The results showed that three different processes were used to facilitate completion of students’ course assignments and learning outcomes. These three working processes were not dynamic, with different groups changing working processes throughout the course, but static and constant. The names of the different working processes reflect the main characteristics of each one: 1. joint responsibility – flexible organization; 2. individual responsibility – flexible organization; and 3. individual responsibility – unorganized.Conclusions: Planning online learning requires a focus on how students collaborate and learn online, so that they can gain in-depth knowledge and understanding. This study shows that even if contextual factors are the same (e.g., group size, relevant assignments, and student autonomy in terms of group organization), the way in which students collaborate and work together differs. Although the identified working processes promoted collaboration and learning, the first process (joint responsibility, with flexible organization) was the only working process found to promote in-depth learning. Future online teaching might require an even stronger focus on students’ internal motivation for learning and the importance of teacher presence and teachers’ ability to facilitate online learning.
Downregulation of CD44 Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion and Migration of Osteosarcoma Cells by Regulating the Expression of Cathepsin S
Authors: Kong Lingwei , Ji Hairu , Gan Xintian , Cao Sheng , Li Zhehong , Jin Yu
Published: October 2021

BackgroundOsteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumour of mesenchymal origin. These tumours are characterised by rich vascularisation, therefore promoting rapid proliferation and facilitating metastasis. CD44 has been reported to be involved in OS, but its role and molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of the disease are not fully determined. MethodsIn this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of CD44 on the development of OS and further explored the molecular mechanisms. The expression of CD44, cathepsin S and MMP-9 was detected by Western blot (WB) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in different cell lines (MG63, U2OS OS and hFOB 1.19). To elucidate the role of CD44 in OS, MG63 and U2OS cells were treated with small interference RNA (siRNA) to knock down CD44, and the knockdown efficiency was validated with GFP and RT-qPCR. Furthermore, cell proliferation was assayed using Cell Counting Kit‑8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays, and cell migration and invasion were assayed by transwell and wound-healing assays. ResultsWe found that CD44 expression in the MG63 and U2OS OS cell lines was markedly increased compared to that of the human osteoblast hFOB 1.19 cell line. Knockdown of CD44 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of MG63 and U2OS cells, possibly by regulating the expression of cathepsin S in OS. Conclusion﻿Taken together, our data reinforced the evidence that CD44 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells accompanied by altered expression of cathepsin S. These findings offer new clues for OS development and progression, suggesting CD44 as a potential therapeutic target for OS.
The Rumen Microbiome and Its Metabolome Together With the Host Transcriptome Act to Regulate the Cold Season Adaptation Mechanism of Grazing Tibetan Sheep
Authors: Liu Xiu , Sha Yuzhu , Lv Weibing , Guo Xinyu , Pu Xiaoning , Wang Jiqing , Li Shaobin , Hu Jiang , Luo Yuzhu
Published: October 2021

BackgroundTibetan sheep are important ruminants on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. They can maintain a normal life and reproduce in harsh environments under extreme cold and low oxygen. However, the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying the adaptability of Tibetan sheep during the cold season are still unclear. Hence, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of rumen epithelial morphology, epithelial transcriptomics, microbiology and metabolomics in a Tibetan sheep model to understand the interaction between the rumen host and microbiota and their metabolites and to explore the potential regulatory mechanism of Tibetan sheep adaptability to the cold season of the plateau. ResultsMorphological analysis showed that the ruminal muscle layer thickness and nipple width of Tibetan sheep increased significantly during the cold season ( P <0.05), and the thickness of the stratum corneum, stratum granulosa and stratum spinous of the rumen epithelium increased significantly ( P <0.05). Transcriptomics analysis showed that the differential genes were primarily enriched in the PPAR signaling pathway (ko03320), legionellosis (ko05134), phagosome (ko04145), arginine and proline metabolism (ko00330), and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 (ko00980). Unique differential metabolites were identified in cold season, such as cynaroside A, sanguisorbin B and tryptophyl-valine, which were mainly enriched in arachidonic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism and linolenic acid metabolism pathways, and had certain correlation with microorganisms. Integrated transcriptome-metabolome-microbiome analysis showed that epithelial gene- GSTM3 expression was upregulated in the metabolism of xenobiotics by the cytochrome P450 pathway during the cold season, leading to the downregulation of some harmful metabolites; TLR5 gene expression was upregulated and CD14 gene expression was downregulated in the legionellosis pathway during the cold season. A large number of metabolites, such as glucosidic acid and vitamin A, were produced in the steroid hormone biosynthesis and retinol metabolism pathways. ConclusionThis study comprehensively described the interaction mechanism between the rumen host and microbes and their metabolites in grazing Tibetan sheep during the cold season. Under the stimulation of the cold plateau environment, the morphological structure of the rumen epithelium of Tibetan sheep undergoes adaptive changes. Rumen epithelial genes, microbiota and metabolites act together in some key pathways related to cold season adaptation.
Antibacterial activity of chitosan-based nanohybrid membranes against drug-resistant bacterial isolates from burn wound infections
Authors: Amiri Pouya , Kardan-Yamchi Jalil , Kazemian Hossein , Rezaei Faranak
Published: October 2021

Biocompatible and non-toxic properties of chitosan make it a candidate with excellent application prospects in developing wound dressing conjugate compounds. Six different chitosan-based nanohybrid membranes were evaluated against multi-drug resistant bacterial isolates. Twenty-seven drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa species were isolated from burn wound infections. Different combinations of chitosan, ciprofloxacin (CIP), biofunctionalized montmorillonite (MMT), and montmorillonite with sulfate chains (SMMT) were provided, and their antibacterial activity was assessed using the colony count method. Six Methicillin-resistant S. aureus, seven vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis, four A. baumannii, and 10 P. aeruginosa multi-drug resistant were identified. Chitosan and montmorillonite did not show significant antibacterial effect but, chitosan/SMMT/CIP was the most effective nanocomposite. Chitosan-based nanocomposites with ciprofloxacin could effectively reduce the susceptibility of drug-resistant bacterial isolates. Bacterial targeting using nanosystems provides an opportunity for effective antibiotic treatment by improving antibacterial efficacy.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution of the Coupling Coordination Relationship between Urbanization and Atmospheric Environment in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
Authors: Deng Yuxia , Wang Xianglian , Huang Ting , Liu Ya , Zeng Lian , Zhang Xiangwen , Wu Daishe , Huang Shan
Published: October 2021

Based on the coupling coordination degree model and the exploratory spatial data analysis method, we established the coupling coordination relationship between urbanization and atmospheric environment and explored the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics of the coupling coordination degree of 11 provinces in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB) from 2003 to 2017. The results indicated the following: (1) The level of urbanization increases linearly, and the atmospheric environment level shows a fluctuating upward trend. (2) The types of coordination gradually change from “Seriously uncoordinated development with urbanization lag” to “Superiorly coordinated development with atmospheric environment lag”. The spatial distribution of coordination shows the characteristics of “high in the eastern region and low in the central and western region”. Regarding temporal evolution, the coupling coordination degree of the region gradually increases, and the spatial differences between provinces gradually narrow. (3) Significant spatial autocorrelation is observed between the coordination of urbanization and atmospheric environment, which weakens over time. The local agglomeration mode shows that the “High-High” cluster areas are in the lower reaches and the “Low-Low” cluster areas are mainly in the middle or upper reaches. This study contributes to promoting the sustainable development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and provides basic data and research perspectives for further investigation of the relationship between urbanization and atmospheric environment.
Collatz conjecture(3X+1)There is a hidden theorem ω1: If α Establishment, necessity (3α+ 1) Established
Authors: Ling Xie
Published: October 2021

From a number theory “Collatz conjecture (3X+1)”, Human beings use a large amount of computer data, so far no counterexample has been found. Does mathematical logic support " Collatz conjecture (3X+1)? Collatz conjecture (3X+1) There is a hidden theorem ω1 : If x holds, it must be (3X+1). In reality, human beings will only (3X+1) deduce that x holds.Example: an integer a, and a = 3b +1, b∈N. If b→3x +1 holds. There must be: a→3x +1 is established.In this way, there is no need to deduce (3b + 1).
Geometrical properties of underutilized cereal varieties of Himalayan origin for the development of future processing equipments.
Authors: Jhan Faiza , Gani Adil , Shah Asima
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the database of physical and engineering characteristics of grains and flours of five underutilized cereal varieties viz sorghum, buck wheat, pearl millet, proso millet and barley of Himalayan origin. The results revealed a significant difference in width, length and breadth of these cereals. The sphericity value of cereal grains showed significant difference (p≤0.05) in the range 97.42 to 137.25.84% which was found to be highest for sorghum grain while as aspect ratio was found highest for proso millet grain. The static coefficient of friction samples was found maximum on corrugated board for the flour and grain. The hausner ratio and compressibility index indicated poor flowability of the sorghum flour. The bulk density, tapped density and porosity values of cereal grains varied significantly for cereal grains as well as flours. ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) confirmed the different types of linkages present in the flour samples found within the absorption bands of 3500-993 cm-1.
Document Localization in Images Taken by Smartphones Using a Fully Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Baniadamdizaj Shima , Soheili Mohammadreza , Mansouri Azadeh
Published: October 2021

Today integration of facts from virtual and paper files may be very vital for the expertise control of efficient. This calls for the record to be localized at the photograph. Several strategies had been proposed to resolve this trouble; however, they may be primarily based totally on conventional photograph processing strategies that aren't sturdy to intense viewpoints and backgrounds. Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), on the opposite hand, have demonstrated to be extraordinarily sturdy to versions in history and viewing attitude for item detection and classification responsibilities. We endorse new utilization of Neural Networks (NNs) for the localization trouble as a localization trouble. The proposed technique ought to even localize photos that don't have a very square shape. Also, we used a newly accrued dataset that has extra tough responsibilities internal and is in the direction of a slipshod user. The end result knowledgeable in 3 exclusive classes of photos and our proposed technique has 83% on average. The end result is as compared with the maximum famous record localization strategies and cell applications.
Characteristics of genitourinary tuberculosis in Sri Lanka: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Gunawardena Milan , Willaraarachchi Munipriya , Chandrasiri Shirani , Udayakumaran Perumal , Sosai Cherine , Abeygunasekera Anuruddha
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAlthough genitourinary Tuberculosis (GUTB) is the second commonest source of extrapulmonary TB in most countries, the reported rate of GUTB in Sri Lanka remains very low. Furthermore, the characteristics of GUTB in Sri Lanka have not been published due to paucity of data. Therefore, we aimed to study the clinical and imaging characteristics, treatment modalities and outcomes of GUTB in Sri Lanka. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed based on patients treated by a single urological surgeon in two consecutive centres over a period of 21 years. All patients (n=82, males = 45 (54.9%), median age: 51 years; range: 26 - 75) with a microbiological and/or histological diagnosis of GUTB were included. Median duration of follow-up was 24 months (range: 6- 96). Data were obtained from direct patient interview, hospital notes and clinic files. ResultsCommonest prominent symptoms at presentation included haematuria (n=13, 15.8%) and scrotal manifestations (n=12, 14.6%). Mantoux was either positive (>10mm) (n=62/70) or equivocal (>5mm) (n=8/70). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was available in 69 patients and was >30 in 54 (78.3%) patients. Chest x-ray and x-ray kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) abnormalities were detected in 9 (11%) and 6 (7.3%) respectively. CT-urography was performed in 72 patients and abnormalities were detected in 57 (79%) patients. Forty-two patients underwent a cystoscopy and 73.8% (n=31) had abnormal findings. Microbiological diagnosis was feasible in 42 (51.2%) and rest were diagnosed histologically. Commonest organs involved were kidney (64.6%, n=53), ureters (51.2%, n=42), bladder (43.9%, n=36) and testis/epididymis (14.6%, n=12). One patient had prostate TB. All were treated primarily with anti-TB drugs however, 50 (61%) had indications for some form of therapeutic intervention. The majority of interventions were reconstruction surgeries (n=20, 24.4%) followed by excision surgeries (n=19, 23.2%) and drainage procedures (n=11, 13.4%).Seven patients developed serious adverse reactions to anti-TB drugs. Five patients developed a thimble bladder and 3 patients developed end-stage renal failure. Two patients had relapse of infection. ConclusionCT-Urography, cystoscopy and histopathology are essential adjuncts to diagnose GUTB. Most ureteric strictures, non-functioning kidneys and epididymal masses needed surgical treatment. Long-term follow up is essential to detect progressive renal dysfunction.
The Role of Institutional Quality in Oil Price-Unemployment Nexus in African and Asian Oil-Exporting Countries
Authors: Raifu Isiaka Akande
Published: October 2021

This study adopts panel OLS and panel ARDL to examine the role of institutional quality in institutional quality in oil price-unemployment nexus in African and Asian oil-exporting countries. The POLS results reveal that an increase in oil price does not reduce unemployment in African oil-exporting countries whereas it reduces unemployment in Asian oil-exporting countries. However, interaction of oil price with institutional quality variables such as democratic accountability and rule of law leads to reduction of unemployment in African oil-exporting counties while the interaction of control of corruption and government stability with oil price leads to a further reduction in unemployment in Asian oil-exporting countries. The panel ARDL results, however, show that an increase in oil price leads to a reduction in unemployment in African oil-exporting countries only in the short run while it leads to a reduction in unemployment in Asian oil-exporting countries only in the long run. The effect of the interaction of institutional quality with the oil price, even though slightly changes when PARDL is employed, it largely remains ditto when compared with POLS. Given our results, we conclude that each of the oil-exporting countries needs to strengthen some aspects of their institutional quality apparatuses to ensure that an increase in the oil price brings about the desirable effect on unemployment. Precisely, the fight against corruption and government instability must be given the utmost attention in African oil-exporting countries while the rule of law and democratic accountability must be prioritised in Asian oil-exporting countries.JEL Classifications: C33; E24; L71; O17
Photonic microwave and RF programmable true time delays for phased array antennas using a soliton crystal Kerr micro-comb source
Authors: Moss David
Published: October 2021

We demonstrate significantly improved performance of a microwave true time delay line based on an integrated optical frequency comb source. The broadband micro-comb (over 100 nm wide) features a record low free spectral range of 49GHz, resulting in an unprecedented record high channel number (81 over the C band) – the highest number of channels for an integrated comb source used for microwave signal processing. We theoretically analyze the performance of a phased array antenna and show that this large channel count results in a high angular resolution and wide beam steering tunable range. This demonstrates the feasibility of our approach as a competitive solution towards implementing integrated photonic true time delays in radar and communications systems.
SHiMMer: Privacy-Aware Alignment of Genomic Sequences with Secure and Efficient Hidden Markov Model Evaluation
Authors: Kim Miran , Song Yongsoo , Jiang Xiaoqian , Harmanci Arif
Published: October 2021

As the cost of DNA sequencing is decreasing, personal genomic data is becoming more abundant. Genomic data is known to be very identifying; even a few genetic mutations can identify an individual. Therefore, leakage of genetic information and the associated metadata create privacy risks. While these risks are well-known, most of the basic methods are not privacy-aware. One of these fundamental methods is the Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), which are especially important for comparative genomics because genetic data are sequential in nature, e.g., DNA/RNA nucleotides sequences and protein residues. HMMs are used mainly for comparing and aligning DNA/RNA and protein sequences, such as viral genomes or gene sequences, whereby similar portions of sequences are identified and they are defined to be conserved throughout evolution, whereas non-matching portions of the sequences indicate a divergence. HMM-based inference of sequence alignment is therefore a vital component of sequence analysis. Here, we describe SHiMMer, Secure HMM evaluation method that can guarantee cryptographic security while HMMs are used for sequence comparison. We used simulated data for alignment of genomic sequences to demonstrate that SHiMMer can perform sequence alignment efficiently. We present the scaling of time/memory requirements with increasing numbers of alignment states and lengths of sequences.
From their Southwell to ours
Authors: Smith Rob
Published: October 2021

Rob Smith of Southwell, Notts, England first happened upon the link between Nottinghamshire and our Ndlambe area while researching the history of the County House of Correction in the Notts Archives. Intrigued by the story of the Southwell 1820 settlement, he visited S Africa in 2016, meeting the Stirks of Southwell and some LAHS members.
member remembers
Authors: Matthews Rolfe
Published: October 2021

Rolfe Matthews, an Honorary Member of LAHS, joined the Society on his retirement in 1997 and now lives in Bathurst. He is probably a descendant of William Matthews, the 1820 Settler who settled at Salem and was its schoolmaster, but Rolfe feels this lineage has not been properly confirmed. However, behind the church in Salem is a graveyard where a lady called 'Min' is buried. “Aunt Min was my Dad’s aunt and I think I still remember her,” says Rolfe. It seems too coincidental that the famous teacher Matthews and his wife are buried there, too.
Bicentennial Commemoration at Seven Fountains
Authors: Gordon Sue
Published: October 2021

On 27 September 2020, along with representatives of local farming families and wellwishers, we were drawn to this Church to celebrate perhaps the only public settler Bicentennial Commemoration that took place in 2020, the year of Covid pandemic and lockdown. The event had been planned and organised by Graham Dickason, a direct descendant of widower Robert Dickason of the 1820 Latham Party.
bridges over the river Kei
Authors: Martinson William
Published: October 2021

The article is the outcome of the author's long-standing interest in the number and variety of bridges that were built within a short section of the Great Kei River at Victoria Drift - in close proximity to the village of Komgha - over a 100-year period. The particular bridges under scrutiny - with their dates of construction - are as follows:

Temporary Military Bridge, 1877 (no longer extant)

Lattice Girder Wagon Bridge, 1879

Timber Railway Bridge, 1905 (only foundations remaining)

Relocated Lattice Girder Railway Bridge, 1948

N2 SANRAL Concrete Bridge, 1977.
Validating brand identification and personality scale within the South African retail-banking context
Authors: van Deventer Marko
Published: October 2021

While marketing experts agree that brand personality is important for brand identification, there is no evidence of a validated brand-identification-and-personality scale in the context of retail banking in South Africa. To address this literature gap, this study’s purpose was to explain the process used to validate brand identification and personality within the retail-banking context of South Africa. A convenience sample of Generation Y banking consumers was selected, and a descriptive and single cross-sectional research design was followed. Self-administered questionnaires were used as a data collection tool and a sample size was chosen (N = 235). Data analysis entailed descriptive and confirmatory factor analysis. The confirmatory factor analysis results validated brand identification and brand personality in retail banking as a five-factor structure that includes bank identification and brand personality dimensions such as successfulness, sophistication, sincerity and ruggedness. Furthermore, the results of the study indicate the internal consistency and composite reliability of the measurement model, as well as construct, convergent, discriminant and nomological validity. In addition, the measurement model revealed no signs of multicollinearity between the factors, and the model fit index values of IFI, TLI, CFI, SRMR and RMSEA showed a good fitting model. This study concluded that this five-factor model is a reliable and valid instrument of brand identification and personality in retail banking and is the first validated brand-identification-and-personality scale within the retail-banking context of South Africa.
The Impact of Bank Indonesia Regulation No. 17/3/2015 on Exchange Rate: Analysis Using Vector Error Correction Model (VECM)
Authors: Setiawan Muhamad Yudi , Novianti Tanti , Najib Mukhamad
Published: October 2021

The weakening of the Rupiah against the US dollar has encouraged Bank Indonesia to issued Bank Indonesia Regulation (Peraturan Bank Indonesia - PBI) No. 17/3/2015. The research aimed to analyze the factors that affected the Rupiah exchange rate, the effect of PBI No. 17/3/2015 on the movement of the Rupiah exchange rate, and the behavior of exchange rate movement to the shocks on the variables that influenced it. The research applied secondary data, namely monthly data from January 2008 to April 2019 taken from reliable sources such as National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Bank Indonesia (BI), and Statistics Indonesia (BPS). It was explanatory research with a quantitative approach. The studied data were processed with the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) method to identify long and short-term effects. The results of the long-term equation show that export-import has a negative effect on the exchange rate. Similarly, inflation has no significant effect on the exchange rate. Then, the money supply has a significantly negative effect on the exchange rate. However, the interest rate of Bank Indonesia positively affects the exchange rate. Next, the implementation of PBI No. 17/3/2015 has a significant and positive impact on the exchange rate. Last, the crisis condition does not affect the changes in exchange rates.
The Determinant of Whistleblowing Intention in the Case of Bank Fraud
Authors: Shonhadji Nanang
Published: October 2021

Banking transactions in Indonesia have experienced very rapid development in line with the need for financing in the real sector. However, along with this rapid development, fraud is still a classic problem in the banking sector. The research aimed to empirically prove the effect of professional commitment, moral courage, idealism, and altruistic values on the intention to do whistleblowing. In addition, the research also investigated whether the locus of control was a variable that moderated the relationship. A quantitative research method using questionnaire instruments was used for data collection. The population was all employees of banks operating in Surabaya. The research sample included the employees of national private banks operating in Surabaya. The data analysis technique was the path analysis test with the WarpPLS program. The results show that professional commitment, moral courage, and idealism have a significant effect on the intention to do whistleblowing. Meanwhile, altruistic values do not affect the intention to do whistleblowing. The results also indicate that locus of control is a moderating variable that strengthens the relationship of professional commitment, moral courage, and idealism in affecting the intention to do whistleblowing. Professional commitment, moral courage, and idealism have become strong awareness for bank employees to participate in eradicating corruption, white-collar crime, and all forms of fraud in the organizational environment.
The Existence of Affine Structures on the Borel Subalgebra of Dimension 6
Authors: Kurniadi Edi , Carnia Ema , Napitupulu Herlina
Published: October 2021

The notion of affine structures arises in many fields of mathematics, including convex homogeneous cones, vertex algebras, and affine manifolds. On the other hand, it is well known that Frobenius Lie algebras correspond to the research of homogeneous domains. Moreover, there are 16 isomorphism classes of 6-dimensional Frobenius Lie algebras over an algebraically closed field. The research studied the affine structures for the 6-dimensional Borel subalgebra of a simple Lie algebra. The Borel subalgebra was isomorphic to the first class of Csikós and Verhóczki’s classification of the Frobenius Lie algebras of dimension 6 over an algebraically closed field. The main purpose was to prove that the Borel subalgebra of dimension 6 was equipped with incomplete affine structures. To achieve the purpose, the axiomatic method was considered by studying some important notions corresponding to affine structures and their completeness, Borel subalgebras, and Frobenius Lie algebras. A chosen Frobenius functional of the Borel subalgebra helped to determine the affine structure formulas well. The result shows that the Borel subalgebra of dimension 6 has affine structures which are not complete. Furthermore, the research also gives explicit formulas of affine structures. For future research, another isomorphism class of 6-dimensional Frobenius Lie algebra still needs to be investigated whether it has complete affine structures or not.
Validity of Ziehl-Neelsen and LED Fluorescence Microscopy Technique in the Diagnosis of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection among HIV Patients in Lafia, Nigeria, 2017
Authors: Okon Ubong Akpan
Published: October 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health problem caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. An estimated 70% of TB patients living with HIV are from sub-Saharan Africa largely depends on direct smear microscopy light microscopy for TB diagnosis, which has low Sensitivity, especially among HIV patients. Hence, we conducted this study to evaluate the Performance of Auramine O LED Fluorescence microscopy and the Ziehl-Neelsen technique in Tuberculosis among HIV-positive patients. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design among 107 consecutively selected HIV/AIDS patients with presumptive Tuberculosis attending ART clinic in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia, Nasarawa State. Three samples were collected from each patient in two visits. Each sample was examined using ZN, LED FM, and Gene-Xpert. Data on socio-demographic characteristics was collected from the subject participant. Univariate and bivariate analyses were done using MS Excel and Epi Info. The Sensitivity and Specificity were compared using McNemar’s chi-square. Seventy-three (68%) patients were female, 33 (30.8%) were in the age group 28-32 years, and 61 (56%) were employed. Ziehl-Neelsen and LED fluorescent microscopy respectively yielded 11 (10.3%) and 15 (14.0%) positive results, while Gene-Xpert gave 18 (16.3%). The Sensitivity for direct ZN and LED FM were 61.1% and 83.3 %, respectively (P-value 0.01) with 100% specificity for both methods. LED microscopy has a much higher sensitivity than ZN microscopy and would be a better alternative in the diagnosis of Tuberculosis in high HIV settings where the use and expertise with culture and Gene-Xpert are limited. Keywords: HIV, LED Fluorescence, Sensitivity, Specificity, Ziehl-Neelsen.
Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting among Health Professionals in Government Hospitals in Katsina State, Nigeria
Authors: Daniel Ayuba
Published: October 2021

Medicines have the potential to cause Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and therefore the need for health professionals to detect and spontaneously report to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further actions to ensure patients and public safety. The study was conducted to ascertain the proportion and reporting procedures of ADRs reported by health professionals in the Government Hospitals in Katsina State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional survey of 392 health professionals randomly selected from the 19 secondary hospitals in Katsina state. Data were collected through a self-administered structured questionnaire from 18th January to 19th February 2021 with a 98.7% and 1.3% response rate. Data were analyzed using STATA software Version 15.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the background characteristics of respondents, and the outcome, such as the proportion of ADR reported summarized in percentages, frequencies, and charts. There was only a 28.3% ADRs reporting rate, and 25.1% of health professionals who saw an ADRs case reported it by completing the ADRs form. The level of knowledge on ADRs reporting procedures was 58.3% among respondents. The main systemic challenge with ADRs reporting was the lack of access to the reporting form for ADRs. Therefore, there is a need to improve access to the reporting form in all the hospitals. Keywords: Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting, Government Hospitals, Health Professionals, Katsina state, Nigeria, Reporting Rate.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region of Ghana
Authors: Lopez Aquel Rene
Published: October 2021

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a condition in which urine culture reveals the presence of more than 105 bacteria per millilitre but without the patient showing signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). In many of the health care facilities in Ghana, routine screening for ASB among pregnant woman is not done despite overwhelming evidence clearly demonstrating its benefits in preventing UTI and the associated adverse pregnancy outcome. It is a common problem in pregnant women, which usually results in maternal and fetal complications. The majority of the participant were in the age range of 25 years to 34 years, and all the participants had basic education. Out of the 134 sterile urine samples cultured, 11 of the participants had bacteria isolated from their urine, given a prevalence of 8.2%. Escherichia coli were 63.6%, Nitrofurantoin was 81.8% sensitive to all bacteria isolated, and Cotrimoxazole was the most resistant antibiotic with 72.7%. Factors associated with ASB in Akuapem North District were toilet facility, multiple pregnancy, and any medical condition, which were statistically significant at the bivariate analysis level. After adjusting these factors with the multiple logistics regression, only multiple pregnancy was statistically significant. The study revealed an 8.2% prevalence of ASB among pregnant women with E. coli, the predominate bacteria with 63.6%. Nitrofurantoin, 81.8% sensitive, and Cotrimoxazole was the most resistant antibiotics with 72.7%. Multiple pregnancy was associated with Asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women at Akuapem North District. Keywords: Asymptomatic Bacteriuria, Pregnant Women, Urine Culture, Urinary Tract Infection.
Antibiotics Resistance, Sensitivity Pattern and Development of Antibiogram to Support Empirical Prescription in Health Facilities in South Senatorial District of Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Solomon Joseph Gbenga
Published: October 2021

A major concern in public health is Antibiotic resistance among pathogenic microorganisms. There are several organisms developing resistance to commonly used antibiotics in different locations and time. This study assessed patterns of antibiotic resistance in line with the WHO classification of antibiotics. A cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2020 to January 2021 in 4 randomly selected hospitals. Of all 442 patients recruited for this study, twenty-seven percent (122) were randomly selected for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing using the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and SPSS version 23 was used for analysis. The most predominant isolate was Staphylococcus aureus. Resistance by Staphylococcus aureus was noted against Amoxicillin, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Amoxicillin clavulanic acid, Gentamicin, and Cefuroxime. Resistance by E. coli against Chloramphenicol 80%, cefuroxime 100%, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole 83.3%, Resistance by Klebsiella spp; against Ampicillin Second and third-generation cephalosporin and Gentamicin 100%. Resistance by Streptococcus spp; Ampicillin 100% and Ampicillin cloxacillin 100%, cefuroxime 100%, and Ciprofloxacin 100%. Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin were active against Salmonella species, Pseudomonas species, klebsiella, and Escherichia coli. Azithromycin, imipenem, and meropenem with high susceptibility to local bacterial isolates sample tested. The access group antibiotics showed a low susceptibility rate to local bacteria isolate with increase resistance to the watch group. Antibiogram was developed to guide empirical treatment type that is predominant in the district. Most bacteria isolated from health facilities in Kwara South were resistant to the access group. The resistance to watch a group of WHO antibiotics classification is building very fast. Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance, Empirical Treatment, Susceptible.
Review and Critical Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Precious Azubuike Chidozie
Published: October 2021

This systematic analysis seeks to describe the evidence regarding cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the recent, published, professional literature. This systematic review addressed the question of the efficacy of and evidence for CBT for the treatment of PTSD. The review incorporates a comprehensive literature review, addresses the methodological quality of the papers, and synthesizes the results by themes. After evaluation of the published and professional literature, five themes; Result of CBT for PTSD, Alternatives to CBT for PTSD, CBT in practice, Treatment of children, and CBT in tandem with medication. 11 published studies including qualitative interviews, randomized control trials, and meta-analyses were examined. CBT proved to be instrumental in alleviating PTSD symptoms in men who have been exposed to combat trauma, women who have experienced violence, veterans who have gone through combat trauma and also have disorders due to addictions, and young adults and children who have experienced trauma. Studies have shown that CBT works quite well in the case of couples where one has been diagnosed with PTSD. CBT for PTSD can be delivered face-to-face or by using telepsychiatry. CBT tends to have a higher success rate when carried out while administering appropriate drugs. Also, carrying out CBT for PTSD can bring about stronger relationships and post-traumatic stress growth. Keywords: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Treatment.
Knowledge, Perception, and Practice of DMPA-SC/Self-Injectable Contraceptive among Women: Findings from Mixed-Method Study in South-West and North-Central, Nigeria
Authors: Osinowo Kehinde
Published: October 2021

Depot-Medroxyl-Progesterone-Acetate-Subcutaneous/Self Injection (DMPA-SC/SI) is an intentional approach used by the Nigerian government to improve the coverage rate of contraceptives method-mix. In this study, the knowledge, practice, and determinants of use of DMPA-SC/SI among women in North-Central and South-West, Nigeria, was assessed. A cross-sectional health facility study was conducted across four Nigerian states. Structured pretested questionnaires were used to elicit information from 844 women within reproductive age. Twenty focused group discussions and 40 In-depth interviews (IDIs). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the characteristics of the women. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the determinants of the current use of DMPA-SC /SI. Statistical analyses were set at 5%. Recorded voices were transcribed in full and analyzed using literary methods. About 89.5% of respondents reported ever heard family planning; 97.6% reported heard DMPA-SC; 83.2% reported ever use family planning; 95.7% reported current use of family planning; 94.3% reported ever use DMPA-SC, and 46.5% reported ever use DMPA-SC/SI. The reason for the use of DMPA-SC/SI was because it was easy to use, effective and self-administered. The factors that discourage women from using DMPA-SC/SI were mainly fears associated with side effects, for and fear of SI-self-injury. The logistic regression results showed that those residing in a rural part of the country were less likely to use DMPA-SC/SI. The government should scale up this model nationally, including rural and hard-to-reach communities with public awareness programmes, public sensitization, and refresher training to improve on Provider’s counselling skills. Keywords: Knowledge, Practice, Self-injectable contraceptive.
In Hypertension Patients is Diet and Exercise more Effective in Lowering High Blood Pressure Compared to Exercise Alone
Authors: Gift Himwaaba
Published: October 2021

The objective of this systematic review was to explore ways of using diet and regular exercise as a means of reducing of reducing high blood pressure levels the world over. High blood pressure is fundamentally associated with high morbidity, mortality rates, and disability. Generally, lifestyle modifications such as exercise and a healthy diet have been seen to lower blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive. A search of the literature was conducted on the Medline database to identify articles related to the research question. We also obtained the primary studies from the reference list of the retrieved review articles. The search was performed using the following key terms combination; hypertension, diet, and exercise, regular exercise, exercise alone, and lowering high blood pressure. For this project, the Medline database was searched under EBSCO host on 29th of April 2013, and there was no restriction on the years covered by the search. A total of eight articles were found to be relevant. Of all these articles reviewed, three addressed the issue of diet, and the other five addressed the issue of exercise as an intervention. Lifestyle modifications using exercise and diet was found to have a great effect in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients and normotensive in all the reviewed articles. There is evidence that diet and exercise have a substantial effect in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients and the normotensive in all the reviewed articles. Keywords: Diet and Exercise, Exercise alone, Hypertension, Lowering High Blood Pressure.
Access to Healthcare and Health Seeking Behaviour among Female Head Porters in Kumasi, Ghana: The Impact on Public Health
Authors: Amoah Justice Ofori
Published: October 2021

Given the nodality of Kumasi, the city attracts migrants from all parts of Ghana into its market space. Notable among such migrants are the female head porters popularly called “Kayayie”. As a result of the expensive rents in urban space, female head porters live in kiosks, verandas, and squatters in any available space. This exposes the porters to a myriad of environmental and health risks amidst poor health-seeking behaviour. This study sought to examine access to health and health-seeking behaviour of female head porters in Kumasi. The study adopted quantitative methods in collecting and analyzing data. The primary units of the investigation were female head porters. The study used a sample size of 250 respondents who were interviewed through self-administered questionnaires. Findings show that only 25.2% of the respondents had access to healthcare, as about 74.8% lacked access to basic healthcare. The majority of those who had access to healthcare (54%) go to the health facility by foot, while about 42.9% access the facility by car. Though 71.4% of the head porters were subscribers of NHIS, only 25.2% resort to professional healthcare givers when they are sick. Generally, access to health and health-seeking was poor among the female head porters. The study recommended the expansion of health facilities, especially in poor urban communities, and education on health-seeking among head porters. Keywords: Female head porters, Health seeking behaviour, Health conditions, Migration; Urban poor.
Partner Notification Services (PNS) Among HIV Positive Key Populations: An Important Strategy Towards Achieving UNAIDS 95.95.95 Goals by the Year 2030
Authors: Richard Ugbena, Eneojo
Published: October 2021

Key Populations are the major drivers of the HIV epidemic in most settings; thus, identifying positive KPs and their sexual partners becomes a strong strategy in the effort to achieve the first UNAID 95 goal. This study describes the level of acceptability and outcome of PNS among HIV-positive KPs using the various approaches for PNS. A descriptive study of all HIV positives KPs initiating ART in 7 One-Stop-Shop facilities that accepted PNS was conducted over 3 months. With the consent of patients who accepted PNS, their partners were reached using any of the PNS approaches. Partners who consented for HTS were tested, and positives partners were linked to ART services. Data were analyzed to describe the acceptability and outcome of PNS among KPs. Only 846/2,486 (34%) positive KPs accepted PNS. The 846 KPs elicited 941 partners, out of which 938 (99.6%) accepted HTS. 421/938 (45%) of the partners tested positive compared to PWIDF (15%), MSM (7%), FSW (4%) and PWIDM (4%). 129/421 (31%) of the positive partners were already known positives, with 61% already on ART. The commonest method of PNS accepted among KPs was the passive method (54%), followed by the contract method (22%), provider-initiated (19%), and dual method (5%). There was poor acceptance of PNS among KPs and, the HIV positivity rate was much higher among their partners than any of the KPs sub-groups. The passive approach was the most preferred method of PNS among KPs. This should be considered strongly as we scale up PNS in Nigeria. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Key Populations in Nigeria, Partner notification services, UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
Determinants of Hesitancy to Childhood Immunizations in a Peri -Urban Settlement; A Case Study of Nansana Municipality, Uganda
Authors: Kijjambu Amos
Published: October 2021

Vaccine hesitancy to immunization against the childhood vaccine-preventable diseases is increasingly becoming a concern worldwide, which negatively impacts the parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children. The objective of this study was to establish the current prevalence of vaccine hesitancy and the factors that determine parent’s hesitancy to childhood immunizations in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda. This was a cross-sectional mixed methods study, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Evaluation of the determinants of vaccine hesitancy was carried out on 344 parents of children under 24 months, using simple random sampling on pre-tested structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software. Additionally, 2 focus group discussions with parents were also conducted. Vaccine hesitancy was found to be 27.6%. Education level (AOR=4.9, 95% CI, 2.6 -29.5, p=0.01), belief in vaccine effectiveness (AOR= 0.47, 95% CI, 0.17 – 0.97, p=0.01), health workers attitude (AOR=0.22, 95% CI, 0.06 - 0.86, p=0.03), timing of immunization service clinic (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI, 1.8 – 6.4, p=0.01) and adequate information provision (AOR = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.16 – 0.99, p=0.04), were the factors that were independently determining vaccine hesitancy. The vaccine hesitancy prevalence rate is comparatively similar to previous urban area studies. Despite parents overwhelmingly believing in vaccines protecting their children from vaccine-preventable disease, these same parents, express concerns regarding timing of the clinic and the side effects of vaccines. There is a need to improve on communication and information flow to address the many vaccine safety concerns, such as side effects. Keywords: Childhood, Determinants, Hesitancy, Immunization, Urban.