bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep problems in patients with diabetes mellitus during the pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Sinuraya Boby , Sriyono Sriyono , Armini Ni Ketut Alit , Santosa Dhania A. , Acob Joel Rey
Published: July 2022

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic have a negative impact on sleep in people with diabetes mellitus, which can lead to other health problems. The aimed of this study is to synthesize the available evidence regarding sleep problems in people with diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: We performed a systematic search of five databases: Science Direct, EBSCO, Scopus, Sage, and ProQuest, to identify previous studies. Studies that enrolled adults with diabetes mellitus, sleep problems, and COVID-19 were published between 2019 and 2021, and used English or Indonesian were included. Results: We identified 819 articles, and fourteen studies met the review's inclusion criteria. The prevalence of sleep disorders ranged from 19.2% to 74.2%. Sleep disturbances have been shown in the majority of studies to have an effect on glycemic control in people with diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Sleep disorders in people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic were caused by physiological factors and had a negative impact on glycaemic control. In summary, during the COVID-19 pandemic, sleep disturbances were extremely common in people with diabetes. To address sleep disturbances, specific health strategies should be implemented.
Formulation and evaluation of microemulsion containing ketoprofen
Authors: Dhepe Sayali , Veer Vikram , Kasabe Amit , Awatade Prajakta
Published: July 2022

Ketoprofen microemulsion is presently considered as the novel drug delivery system. It shows prolonged action. Ketoprofen is a BCS II class drug. It is a highly lipophilic poorly soluble drug with low oral bioavailability. The present aim was to increase the solubility by a microemulsion system for topical delivery. Microemulsions are clear, stable and isotropic liquid. They show advantages such as spontaneous preparation, scale up, ease of preparation, improving drug solubility of hydrophobic drugs. It is also used to increase the bioavailability of drug. These also aim at controlling the bioavailability of various drug molecules. The review put forward the development in a microemulsion-containing system. They improve solubility, chemical stability and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. There is a formulation of four different batches. The batches differ in the quantity of surfactant and co-surfactants.
Analytical method development and validation of rivaroxaban in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form by using RP-HPLC
Authors: Awatade Prajakta R. , Veer Vikram S. , Kasabe Amit  J. , Dhepe Sayali D.
Published: July 2022

A simple, specific, accurate, and precise reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC0 method was developed and validated to analyse Rivaroxaban bulk dosage form. Using  Sun Q C18  HPLC column separation was carried out. This was maintained at ambient temperature. During separation mobile phase consist of Acetonitrile : Buffer(sodium acetate buffer) 80:20 was delivered at a flow rate of 1mL/min. Using UV detector analysis was carried out at the wavelength 249 nm. RP-HPLC method was validated by using various parameter like system suitability, linearity, specificity, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification and robustness. The RP-HPLC method was found to be linear over the concentration range from 5-30 µg/mL (r2 =0.994). Retention time for bulk rivaroxaban was found to be 3.69 min. LOQ of method was 1.331 µg/mL and LOD 0.439 µg/mL. Thus the developed RP-HPLC method was found to be robust which can be applied for the regular analysis of Rivaroxaban in the bulk as well as pharmaceutical dosage form
efficacy and prevalence of montelukast therapy in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ismaeel Mustafa Abdulrahman , Shaban Thamer Adnan , Sulaiman Layth Adnan
Published: July 2022

Allergic rhinitis is the most common atopic disorder seen in the outpatient clinic. Montelukast, is a novel medication, is an antagonist to the leukotriene receptor. The aim of this work was to identify the improvement in the severity of symptoms of child with AR treated with Montelukast. A cross-sectional study was conducted among fifty-patients with a chronic cough and (sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and postnasal drip) at least eight weeks using Montelukast between the periods of January 2019 to March 2019. By using the symptom severity score for AR, that calculated. Data including (age, gender, associated disease, exacerbation factors, and classical therapy). The dose of 10-mg Montelukast once daily was prescribed. On follow-up, after four-weeks, compliance was ensured and then the symptom severity score was recorded again. Most of patients aged above 40 years. Males to females ratio was 1:1.5. Most of patients (40, 80%) lived in urban regions. There was a reduction of the symptoms associated with RA after treatment with Montelukast.
Evaluating antimicrobial efficacy of bovine colostrum in patients suffering from periodontal disease
Authors: Pandya Maitri Ketan , Panchal Anita , Khan Faizan Ather , Pandya Rachana K. , Khandhadia Dinesh
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Bovine Colostrum is the first milk, a mammary secretion produced by all cows for their babies during the first 24–48 hours after birth. Bovine Colostrum contains immunoglobulins and lactoferrin that help in bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects against microorganisms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of bovine colostrum at different concentrations in patients suffering from chronic periodontitis. Methodology: Plaque and calculus samples were obtained from 15 patients aging from 30 - 60 years. The collected samples were then poured on agar plates and different strains of Gram -ve bacteria were obtained. The streak plate method was adopted. For the anti-microbial susceptibility test, a solution of Bovine Colostrum Powder was prepared in Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at various concentrations (50 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, and 200 µg/ml). Result: A minimal zone of inhibition was seen at 50 µg/ml with a mean of 3.8. Proper inhibition zones were seen in 100 µg/ml and 200 µg/ml with means of 9.9 and 12.7 respectively. One-way ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in the values between the groups (p<0.01). Tukey HSD Post Hoc Test showed a statistically significant difference in the values between all the pairs of groups (p<0.01).
Effect of diaphragmatic anterior expansion training versus diaphragmatic breathing exercises on ventilatory function on postmenopausal kyphotic women
Authors: Aziz Khadiga S Abd El , Awad Mohamed A. , Osman Ahmad M , Elkholy Eslam A
Published: July 2022

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the difference between the effect of anterior diaphragmatic training and diaphragmatic breathing on ventilatory function in post-menopausal kyphotic women. Subjects: Sixty women complaining from post-menopausal kyphosis participated in this study. They were selected randomly from Tanta University Hospital in Tanta. Their ages were ranged from 50 to 60 years old. Their body mass index was ranged from 25-30 kg/m2. Their degree of kyphosis was moderate degree of kyphosis according to block method. They did not receive any medical treatment during the research period. Women with mild and severe degree of kyphosis according to block method, cardiovascular conditions (Those with a known history of uncontrolled hypertension, ischemic attacks, stroke and congestive heart failure), severe pulmonary disease (Restrictive lung disease or obstructive lung disease) and musculoskeletal disorders (Severe osteoporosis or severe osteoarthritis) were excluded from the study. Design: Design of the study was randomized controlled study (Pre and post experimental study). They were divided into two equal groups (A&B). Group A consisted of thirty postmenopausal kyphotic women and treated by diaphragmatic breathing exercises, 3 times per week for 16 weeks.
Interleukin-6 serum levels in metastatic breast cancer and non-metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Adhiatma Dimas , Ali Iskandar , Ghoib Husnul
Published: July 2022

Introduction: This study has investigated the correlation between IL-6 serum levels with distant metastatic breast cancer incidence. Methods: We recruited female breast cancer patients at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital from March until May 2022. The sample was divided into 2 groups that consist Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) and non-MBC. After the stage, the IL-6 serum levels were measured. The study design was an observational analytic study, comparative analytics by comparing IL-6 serums levels in both groups: MBC and non-MBC. Results: Sixty patients, with the Non-Specific type being the common histopathology type found in this study (85%). We found 29 patients with metastases and 31 patients without metastases. Overall analyses identify Patient with high IL-6 serum levels had a 2.54 times higher chance of having a metastasis than patients with low IL-6 serum levels (95% CI = 1.39-4.63). Conclusions: Subjects with IL-6 serum levels >15.495 pg/mL had a higher risk for incidence of metastatic. The IL-6 serum levels may be a potential biomarker to predict metastases in breast cancer patients.
Bacteriological profile of osteomyelitis patients in government hospital, Ambikapur
Authors: Gundala Obulesu , Murthy Ramanesh , Murthy Madhumita , Agrawal Parmanand , Mahaboob R. Salma
Published: July 2022

Osteomyelitis is an infection and inflammation of the bone. Bacteria are the primary cause of osteomyelitis. Infections with fungi and viruses can also cause it.It usually affects children and others who are immunocompromised. Although bacteria cannot colonise bone ordinarily, events such as trauma, ischemia, surgery, the presence of foreign particles, or the insertion of prostheses can disrupt bone integration, eventually leading to infection.AIM :  To study Bacteriological profile of osteomyelitis patients in Government Hospital, Ambikapur. Material And Material: During the study period of April2021 to Oct 2021 for this study 30 patients who were diagnosed clinically and radiologically as a case of Chronic Osteomyelitis are participating  in this study. The risk factors for Chronic Osteomyelitis were obtained from patient case sheets with the help of orthopedic surgeons in the department of orthopedic RSDKSGMC and Hospital.In this study, the total number of cases Chronic Osteomyelitis considered was 30.with age group of 1-60 years and both the sexs. Conclusion: Chronic osteomyelitis is a chronic disease that affects the long bones, particularly the femur and tibia, and is most common in adults. Haematogenous Osteomyelitis is becoming less common as antibiotics become more widely available and children's growing bones have a higher vascular metaphysis.
Self-cleaning and antibacterial activities of natural rubber latex ergonomic pillows
Authors: Sinworn Surachat , Viriyawattana Nuttabodee
Published: July 2022

This study was aimed to explore the synthesis of sol titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles (TiO2-AgNPs) to develop rubber latex pillows according to ergonomics so that they possess self-cleaning properties and antibacterial activities to relieve acid reflux and enhance the ability to remove any dirt or bacteria. TiO2-AgNPs at AgNP concentration of 10 ppm coated on the surface of rubber latex ergonomic pillows were found the most suitable concentration that was effective for self-cleaning and MRSA inhibition. Self-cleaning properties were measured by the degradation of methylene blue for 90 minutes, TiO2-AgNP coated samples at AgNP concentration of 10 ppm degraded 44.2% of methylene blue under UV-A light, while samples not coated with TiO2-AgNP degraded 2% of methylene blue. Samples coated with TiO2-AgNP at AgNP concentration of 10 ppm were tested for inhibition of MRSA by the agar well diffusion method. Results showed the highest inhibition radii of 4.5 mm. Skin contact allergy patch tests in 20 volunteers showed no skin symptoms. According to the satisfaction analysis, the use of self-cleaning and antibacterial anti-reflux rubber pillows yielded a relatively high level of satisfaction (  = 4.19, S.D. = 0.46), compared with that of general rubber pillows.
Evaluation of science communication on social media
Authors: Pandey Bandana , Shalini Shalini , Kumar Guarav
Published: July 2022

Worldwide social media platforms are used for communication purposes apart from entertainment. One of the most widely used social media sites in the world is Facebook. With 2.85 billion monthly active users as of 2021, Facebook is the most popular social media network on the planet. This platform has now become an important avenue for raising awareness. The way society utilizes these platforms is a matter of study. There is a lot of research on how politicians and celebrities throughout the world used it for communication. On the other side, there is a scarcity of studies on the use of social media for science communication. With the growing importance of social media as a source of knowledge, it's become a matter of whether these online platforms can present science news in a way that even non-scientists can grasp. The present study is fruitful in gaining knowledge that how science communicators used Facebook pages as a tool to reach a massive following. The researcher selects the most popular science communication facebook pages from the Google web browser. Later, through purposive sampling researcher select six popular pages. The study is based on the method of content analysis.
Costs for carbapenem-resistant versus carbapenem-sensitive acinetobacter baumannii infections
Authors: Lashari Yasmeen , Rochmanti Maftuchah , Purba Abdul Khairul Rizki , Notobroto Hari Basuki , Sarassari Rosantia , Kuntaman Kuntaman
Published: July 2022

The emergence and spread of Gram-negative bacteria namely Acinetobacter baumannii, is a serious public health challenge worldwide due to antibiotics resistance. Infections caused by this bacterium demonstrated significantly high economic burden. Nevertheless, economic burden of carbapenem resistant-Acinetobacter baumannii (CR-AB) and carbapenem susceptible -Acinetobacter baumannii (CS-AB) infections in Indonesia remain unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cost of hospitalized patients associated with CR-AB and CS-AB infections. Methods: In a retrospective observational case control study, we evaluated the medical records of patients with CR-AB and CS-AB infections hospitalized in the Dr. Soetomo Hospital Surabaya, Indonesia between 2018-2021. Also, we retrieved the data of sex, clinical specimen, dates of admission and discharge. The study outcome was hospital costs such as antibiotic and diagnostic costs including radiology and lab investigations charges from the payer perspective. Results: The antibiotic and diagnostic costs for CR-AB infection was higher than CS-AB infection, US$ 1039.3 versus US$ 492.2 (p < 0.001). It showed that the CR-AB antibiotic cost was higher than CS-AB, US$ 77.2 versus US$ 19.7 (p < 0.001), and the CR-AB diagnostic cost was higher than CS-AB, US$ 882.1 versus US$ 463.1 (p < 0.05).
study of surgical management of pilonidal sinus
Authors: Rambabu S. P. , Puvvala Prasad Manipal Kumar , Kumar G. Bharath , Ramu P.
Published: July 2022

Background: Pilonidal sinus literally means a cavity or sinus containing hairs it is minor disease process has baffled physician, as demonstrated by the multiple theories of its aetiology and management. Numerous surgical techniques are employed for postnatal sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. The exact procedure is determined by nature of disease presentation and the surgeons choice. Aims: Study aimed in Pilonidal sinus and different predisposing factors and the various surgical procedures with regards to Duration of hospital stay, time taken wound healing, recurrence, wound infection and time taken for return to work. Materials and methods: Observational descriptive study done in 31 patients who had pilonidal sinus. But one female patient was hypothyroid and was receiving thyroxine supplements and was operated and followed up in an euthyroid state. Results: In the present study 31 cases of pilonidal sinus were studied. The commonest age of presentation was between 16 – 25 years. sex ration: M:F = 6.75:1. Majority were students (35.48%) and auto drivers (48.38%). Majority were individuals (74.19%) and 25.81% were non hairy.
Prognostic value of COMP a comparison with ACCP in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Iraq
Authors: Oglah Ali AbdulAmeer , AbidMohammed Khalil Ismail , Alosami Mohammed Hadi.
Published: July 2022

The study aimed To investigate prognostic ability of Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)a comparison with Anti citrullinated peptide antibody (ACCP)and explore response to Methotrexate (MTX) , Etanercept  and without treatment patients , with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis Iraqi patients.Method of studywasCasecontrol. Measurement levels of biomarkersby ELISA.Results of ACCP and COMP levelsin RApatients highly significantly thanhealthy controlp< 0.001.highly significant ACCP and COMP levels in active diseasethan moderate and low activityp < 0.001 .Without treatments Patients ACCP and COMPlevels highly significant than onMTXor etanercept p<0.001, Statistically non-significant between on MTX andetanerceptp>0.05 .Significant positive correlation between ACCP and COMP(r =0.53,p<0.001) ACCP and CDAI (r =0.459,p < 0.001) COMP and CDAI(r =0.519, p<0.001) ACCP and COMP cutoff <)13.13 U / ml,< 0.21 ng / ml) Sensitivity (72 %,78 %) Specificity (98%,84%respectively).SuggestionCOMP has potential prognostic abilitya comparison with ACCPand to differentiation between RA patients andhealthyand predict severity of disease with response to MTX or etanercept.
Effect of yoga rehearses on selected physiological variables among the obesity men
Authors: Ramkumar NR. , Suresh R.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of yoga rehearses on selected physiological variables among the obesity men. Total 15 obesity men were taken as subjects at randomly for the study. All the subjects were selected by their respective from AMET University, Chennai and age group between 35 and 45. The study was formulated as a single group design consisting of a pre-test and post - test. The groups were assigned as experimental group (Yoga rehearses) respectively.  Pre tests were conducted for all the 15 subjects on selected physiological variables. After the experimental period of twelve weeks post-test were conducted and the scores were recorded. The subjects were tested on physiological dimensions such as Resting heart rate and Blood pressure. Post test was conducted after twelve weeks of training Pre and Post test data were analyzed by applying Mean, SD and Paired samples ‘t’ test. The level of confidence is fixed at 0.05 levels as the number of subjects was limited. The training effects of yogic practices evidenced significant influence over the physiological related variables of obesity men, Chennai. Particularly by Resting Heart Rate and Mean Arterial Blood Pressure levels were decreased.
Detection and determination of poly aromatic hydrocarbons in vegetable and tree leaves, Baghdad city, Iraq
Authors: Ali Wesal Saadi , Salman Sarhan Ali , Ali Abdalgabbar , Mohammed Safa
Published: July 2022

Vegetables and tree leaves are an important part of healthy diet due to their nutritional value, so contamination of vegetables and tree leaves  may be dangerous for the population. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds that are widely distributed in the environment and many of them exhibit carcinogenic effects. PAHs can enter the food chain in a variety of ways; hence the examination of PAHs in food is important. The current study examines the amounts of PAHs for ten of these compounds which are  acenaphthene (Ace), acenaphthylene (Acy), fluorene (Flu), naphthalene (Np), anthracene (An), phenanthrene (Ph),  benzo[α]anthracene (B[α]An), chrysene (Chry) , pyrene(Py), benzo[α]pyrene (B[α]Py) , In the following samples ( celery , watercress , cress , Eucalpt , mandarin , orange). The current study showed the presence of naphthalene in all samples, and the highest concentration was recorded in the Eucalyptuse leaves sample from the Doura region (19.433ppm) and the lowest concentration recorded in the Taji watercress sample (0.0785ppm). It was noted that the presence of pyrene by 66.66% and benzo-a-pyrene by 77.77%, while chrysene did not appear in any of the samples.
Carbopol thickened nanoemulsions of chemotherapeutics to treat DMBA-induced breast cancer
Authors: Meena Vineeta , Mathur Rajani , Gull Azka , Jain Neha , Madan Swati
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer is the most frequent invasive malignancy in women globally. The goal of this study was to prepare mitoxantrone and 4-methyl umbelliferone nanoemulsions followed by hydrogel preparation viz. MTO-NE-Gel and 4-MU-NE-Gel and characterized for various parameters like visual assessment, pH, rheology, ex vivo studies, and in vivo studies in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced breast cancer in swiss albino mice. The pH, viscosity, and spreadability were found to be 5.62±0.05, 13107 cP ±658, and 5.3 g.cm/s ±0.28 for 4-MU-NE-Gel and 5.75±0.03, 13025 cP ±705, and 4.06 g.cm/s ±0.45 for MTO-NE-Gel. The percent cumulative amount of drug permeated for 4-MU suspension, MTO Solution,4-MU-NE-Gel, and MTO-NE-Gel were found to be 51.26% ±5.22, 15.54% ±3.91, 89.093% ± 6.8, and 97.242%±4.51 respectively after 8 h which was significantly higher in hydrogel formulations. The outcome of pharmacodynamic studies reveals a significant reduction in tumor weight and tumor volume for MTO-NE-Gel and 4-MU-NE-Gel treated mice as compared to MTO-Gel and 4-MU-sus-Gel. Histopathological evaluation of mammary tumors indicates improvement in the tissue anatomical features and a significant decreasing trend in levels of tumor marker CA15-3 was also observed. Based on the promising results of this investigation,,,
Effect of LULC changes on surface runoff in Brahmani river basin using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)
Authors: Raviteja Karanam , Pujari Manoj Kumar
Published: July 2022

Understanding the rainfall-runoff process is critical for estimating water availability. The study's major goal is to use a hydrological model (Arc SWAT) to calculate an estimate and surface runoff the influence of  LULCC  (Land Use Land Cover Changes) in the Brahmani River Basin from 1983 to 2019. Two distinct loss models were used to simulate runoff: the Green-Ampt model (GA) and the Soil Conservation Services Curve Number  (SCS-CN) model. As input data to the model, different maps such as the elevation map, drainage map, slope map, land cover map/land use, and soil map of the watersheds are created using GIS technologies and remote sensing. At five observing stations in Keonjhar, Swampatana, Rengali, Akhuapada, and Indupur, the runoff was simulated. Due to a decrease in infiltration rate, runoff increased by 6.06 percent during this period. In the SCS-CN and GA approaches, the coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.89 and 0.87and  the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) is 0.86 and 0.85, respectively, when comparing observed and calculated data. In the Brahmani River Basin, the SCS model performed better than the GA model.
long-term impact of COVID-19 infection on semen quality of the COVID-19 survivors
Authors: Sunnu Christian Christopher , Tribowo Jefry Albari , Juwita Widya , Rezano Andri , I’tishom Reny , Supardi Supardi , Margiana Ria
Published: July 2022

Background. Several studies have shown the short-term effects of COVID-19 on semen quality, but not as many for the long-term effects. This follow-up study aims to explore the long-term effects of COVID-19 on male fertility by comparing semen parameters of patients recovering from COVID-19 infection. Methods. Fourteen subjects aged >18 years old who had a history of resolved COVID-19 infection with previous evidence of laboratory-confirmed positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal PCR swab result, and had a previous history of infertility after COVID-19 infection based on the evidence of the semen analysis within 6 months or longer were recruited in this study. Analysis of the semen parameter of all fourteen subjects was performed, including semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, total, progressive, non-progressive, and immotile motility percentage, morphology percentage, leukocyte, erythrocyte, and immature sperm cells parameters. The semen analysis obtained from this current semen analysis was compared with individual baseline semen analysis results, which were obtained in the resolution phase of COVID-19 infection, 6 months or longer from the current semen analysis. Results. Mean pH decreased significantly in follow-up semen analysis, with baseline vs. follow-up 7.9 vs 7.4 (p=0.002; 95%CI=0.3-0.67).
Reading in Baccalaureate students in the educational unit Carlos García: Junín
Authors: Alcívar-Cedeño Laura Cecilia , Andrade-Zambrano Carmen Dolores
Published: July 2022

The objective of this research is to analyze the reading in the comprehension of texts in high school students in the "Carlos García" Educational Unit of the Junín canton, this situation occurs because the students have as main difficulty to read the text of a book fluently, because they do not have an established reading frequency; Usually the books that are worked on by teachers during class time are not of their interest and in many cases they are difficult to understand. The methodology used had a correlational approach, with inductive, deductive, analytical, synthetic, and statistical methods. The result was that the student does not develop skills and abilities that lead him to perform a better reading comprehension process. Teachers do not innovate in the application of reading strategies, so it is important to get them used to reading
Learning in language and literature in the development of phonological awareness in elementary school
Authors: Zambrano-Romero Ana Lucía , Andrade-Zambrano Carmen Dolores
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the research was to know the learning in language and literature in the development of phonological awareness in the students at the elementary school of the Educational Institution " October 9”. methodology used had a quantitative approach, with the application of inductive and deductive methods and field techniques: interview, survey, and observation guide, with a sample of 85 people. The results were that the methodological strategies used in phonological reading such as reading aloud, the use of word games are part of traditionalist didactics and that the pre-reading process, the use of vocalization exercises and the application of the method syllabic alphabetic or spelling are not the best that can be used to achieve comprehensive, efficient, and meaningful reading and writing with text comprehension.
Evaluation of microRNA and some immunological factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: AL-Masudi Hadeel Salah Mahde , Abid Abdalnabi J. , Al-Mammori Raheem Tuama
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus (CoV) is a family of RNA viruses that cause disease in humans and other animals by entering the body via ACE2 receptors found in various organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system. Coronaviruses are large particle viruses that are enveloped, spherical, have surface protrusion-forming spikes, and have a large positive- sense single-stranded RNA genome. A total 90 samples were collected from people suspected of being infected with SARSCoV-2, 50 blood samples were collected from patients, and 40 samples were collected from healthy individuals as a control group, who aged 20-80 years and carried out during September (2020) to January (2022) at Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital. All were checked by using real- time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) technology. Evaluations of miRNAs were performed in a group of newly infected patients with the SARSCoV-2 virus and healthy individuals who were cured, the result found MiRNA -192 gene have 84 % positive RT-PCR result in comparison with 16 % in which have negative result , while the other gene MiRNA - 31 have 36% positive result in comparison with 64% as a negative result, as well as 100 % of H.K. gene.
CULTURAL COMPETENCE OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS: A STUDY OF SASARAM/BIHAR
Authors: NARULA Vani , PRAKASH Rajan
Published: July 2022

The socio-cultural diversity within our society poses challenges for the healthcare professional to ensure the quality of health care services. Addressing the cultural competencies of the health care professional is the strategic approach to improve the quality and effectiveness of the health care services for socially and culturally diverse groups. Cultural competence is the ability of the professional to recognize, appreciate, and respect the values, preferences, and expressed needs of patients seeking health care services under their care. In Rural health care settings, the ethnics and cultural differences based on caste, class and gender create severe challenges for the health care professional to address the expectation and needs of the patients which leads to miscommunication and dissatisfaction among the patients which even challenges the ethical values of the health care professionals. Therefore cultural competence has to be integrated into health care practices very effectively. Evidence from various studies showcases that cultural competence training of the health care professional is quite effective in promoting the knowledge, attitudes, skills of the profession on cultural sensitiveness and practices which can be effective in fulfilling the goal of health for all. Therefore this study emphasized understanding the issues associated with the cultural competence of the healthcare professional in rural healthcare settings by outlining the concept of the cultural competence from rural healthcare settings and by exploring the existing consequence of deficiencies in cultural aspects in health care. It is evident from the study that many staff engaged in the rural health care setting recognise the importance of the issues and opinion that the issues must be addressed so that the health practices can be enhanced. Based on the opinion of the respondents finally through the study effort has been made to propose the possible social work intervention to address the issues and promote cultural competencies among the health care professionals. The social work intervention focused on intensive training on cultural competence and cross-cultural issues for health professionals and ensuring multidomain teams work so that the cultural barrier can be overcome effectively.
Performance Appraisal and Service Delivery in Huduma Centres in Nairobi County
Authors:   The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Otonda Annette , Kyule Dr. Alexander ,   The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Mwangi Dr. Elias ,   The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Published: July 2022

Performance appraisal is a formal management system by which the job performance of an employee is examined and evaluated, with the intent of identifying their strengths and weaknesses for improvement in future. In today’s difficult economic context, one of the main challenges for managers is to execute an effective human capital strategy to increase general performance. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of performance appraisal on service delivery in Huduma Centres in Nairobi County. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of appraisal feedback, performance rewards and appraisal method on service delivery in Huduma Centres in Nairobi County. Appraisal Theory, Performance Feedback Theory and Expectancy Theory informed this study. The study carried was out at 5 Huduma Centers in Nairobi County as they serve the highest number of citizens in the country and also because this is the total number of Huduma Centres within Nairobi County. The study adopted a descriptive approach on the 5 Huduma Centres; Huduma GPO, Huduma City Square, Huduma Eastleigh, Huduma Kibra and Huduma Makadara. The sample size was 250 staff members. The study used quantitative methods and the data collection tool was a questionnaire. The data was then analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The descriptive statistics included the frequencies and the means. The regression of coefficient results show that appraisal feedback and service delivery is positively and significantly related. The results further indicated that performance rewards and service delivery is positively and significantly related. Lastly, results showed that appraisal method and service delivery is positively and significantly related. The study recommends that supervisors should provide regular and timely feedback to staff. The supervisors should ensure that appraisal feedback is free from errors based on personal bias such as stereotyping to have positive effect on staff delivery. The study recommends that rewards systems used should be regularly reviewed with the changing times. Remuneration of the staff should be reviewed according to human resources policy. Keywords: Appraisal feedback, performance rewards, appraisal method & service delivery
Recreational physical activity in Brazilian older adults: secondary analysis of the 2018 Vigitel survey
Authors: Lima Dartel Ferrari , Lima Lohran Anguera , Sampaio Adelar Aparecido
Published: July 2022

Objective: To assess sociodemographic data and patterns of leisure time physical activity in older adults (≥ 60 years of age). Methods: This descriptive study analyzed secondary data from older adults interviewed for the 2018 Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey. Results: Of 53395 adults who completed the survey, 20981 were aged ≥60 years (6468 men and 14 513 women). Walking was the most prevalent physical activity. Most older adults engaged in physical activity 3-4 days per week for 30 minutes or longer. Sessions lasting more than 60 minutes were reported by 54.33% of participants. The rate of older people engaging in leisure time physical activity decreased with age and low education. Older adults engaging in physical activity were more optimistic about perceived health status and were less likely to be smokers than their inactive peers. Conclusions: In this sample, older adults with a higher level of education were more active in their leisure time and were more optimistic about their health status; however, the level of physical activity decreased with age in both sexes.
BUS RAPID TRANSIT AND THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN TRANSPORTATION IN METROPOLITAN KANO, NIGERIA
Authors:   Kano State Urban Planning & Development Authority, Adebayo Ganiyu M , Kawu Aliyu M
Published: July 2022

Kano metropolitan area is witnessing increasing population growth with transportation problems that has continued to pose serious mobility crisis of ever-increasing congestions on her roads. With growing inadequacy of public transport services, benefits of efficient planning for sustainable transportation system for a city like Kano cannot be overemphasized. This research assessed the likely challenges and opportunities of proposed Bus Rapid Transit Operations in Kano Metropolis. Through quantitative data survey and analysis, the study revealed that Kano metropolis public transport are commonly used by the low-income city residents and often fall short of demands. Although, the Kano State Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) has been managing traffic problems in the metropolis, introducing BRT can further accelerate successful realization of the goals of 21st urban transport services that can become model for similar cities in Nigeria and beyond. Even though Kano is ancient city, it is anticipated that there would be little challenges in the introduction, building and operations of the proposed BRT in regards to structural construction and similar road expansion exercise. Generally low-income level of the city residents and the equally low revenue base of the state are also issues that, although, important but, can hardly derail the present and future prospects of the project. We concluded that, just as the pre-colonial Trans-Sahara trades and the 20th century north-south movements were aided by camels and trains for the city of Kano, this same ancient city is yet on the verge of receiving another veritable impetus of urban and regional economic development in this 21st century of urbanization through the BRT.
THE INTERFACE BETWEEN THE LASSA VIRUS EPIDEMIC, THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, AND THE FOOD ENVIRONMENT IN NIGERIA: A ONE HEALTH APPROACH
Authors:   Independent Consultant, OLUFEMI O , JOE-IKECHEBELU N ,   Social Dimensions of Health Program, School of Public Health and Data Driven https://doi.org/doi/10.54030/2788-564X/2022/v2s3a2  Social Policy, Faculty of Human & Social Development, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, OLUFEMI O ,   MPH, Sydney, Australia, ONABOLA C O ,   Candidate, School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Canada, OGUNDEJI Y ,   Postdoctoral Fellow Community Health Science, University of Calgary, AKANWA A ,   Head of Department of Environmental Management, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus, PMB 02, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Published: July 2022

For the Nigerian populace, social and health inequities continue to be disproportionately heightened due to the triad of Lassa virus epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, and worsening food environment. This review uses secondary data sources to examine the interface of the Lassa virus (LASV) epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and its impact on the food environment. This paper adopts One Health as a conceptual framework and takes an integrative lens to understand the interconnections and parallels between the scourges of LASV and COVID-19 on the food environment. Significant challenges relating to hunger, poverty, food insecurity, food loss and malnutrition regarding both Lassa virus and COVID-19 were uncovered. The spread of zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans are worsened by unplanned urbanization, urbanization of poverty, insufficient management information systems, population increase, and climate change. The paper discusses practical measures to preparedness and response and suggests that priority should be placed on the strengthening local food environment to encourage better food diversity, access, and affordable options. A One Health approach is holistic and contingent on an informed, inclusive, community-driven, and sustainable infrastructure as well as on healthy biodiversity and functioning ecosystems, which are necessary for human and environmental health.
DEVELOPING PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR POVERTY AND COVID-19 INCIDENCES IN NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Nigeria, USMAN M Y , MATINS V I ,   Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, AKANDE S O ,   Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, Abd'Razack N.T. A ,   Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Legacy University, The Gambia
Published: July 2022

Poverty is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. This is because it is a major cause of ill-health by forcing people to live in dirty environments and a barrier to accessing health care, especially in the developing world. As a result of these, it was predicted that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic will pose a devastating impact on households living beneath the economic, social, health and educational services thresholds. This impact will stem from the direct and indirect effects of the illness and the transmission control policies of governments. Consequently, this study assessed the COVID-19 preventive strategies adopted as well as the statistical relationship between the pre and post-lockdown household income poverty in Minna, Nigeria. The study similarly developed a predictive model for the nexus between poverty headcount ratio and the incidence of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Both the primary and secondary sources of data were employed for this study and the data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (t-Test and regression techniques). The outcome showed that there exists a statistically significant difference between the pre-lockdown poverty rate and the post-lockdown poverty rate in Minna. The study also revealed that for each unit increase in poverty headcount ratio, the incidences of COVID-19 cases and its fatalities decreases by -42.5625 and -0.56077 units respectively. The study, therefore, recommended the domestication of the existing social intervention programmes of the Federal Government, by States Governments in order to enhance the standard of living of more households. It was also recommended that all stakeholders most partake in enlightenment and sensitization programmes on the need to adopt preventive measures to guard against the transmission of the virus.
EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY STRATEGY ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION: A PANACEA FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION IN INKOSI LANGALIBALELE MUNICIPALITY
Authors:   UKZN, MOLOI M N
Published: July 2022

Over the past twenty years, service delivery has increasingly received much attention to promoting positive social effects that address social inclusion and exclusion issues. A growing body of research suggests that central to the need to improve service delivery, at both national and local government level, is the need to guarantee that all groups within the community are integrated in the sustainable development effort development trajectory. This paper investigates the role of service delivery in fostering social inclusion in a typical local municipality in post-apartheid South Africa. The study used a qualitative case study approach to examine the role of service delivery in promoting and ensuring inclusive communities in Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality. In-depth interviews(n=26) including community members (n=16) and councillors (n=10) were conducted to understand the impact of service delivery towards social inclusion. The research had two main interests: (i) to unpack the service delivery strategies is implemented in the Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality; and (ii) To find out if these service delivery strategies are enhancing the prospects of social inclusion. Three broad strategies were identified from the data: increasing citizen participation, flexible response to service user complaints, and partnering with other players and outsourcing services. The results of this study reveal that, while the strategies may have enhanced the prospects of an inclusive municipality, the Ilangalibalele municipality needs to do more to ensure that their strategies are equitable and thus inclusive and foster social inclusion.
ADDRESSING INNER-CITY DECLINE THROUGH URBAN REGENERATION – THE CASE OF DURBAN POINT PRECINCT DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of the Built Environment and Development Studies, Mnikathi Z , CHIPUNGU L ,   University of KwaZulu-Natal. School of the Built Environment and Development Studies.
Published: July 2022

Most inner cities and big towns have in one way or other experienced urban decline. So many reasons can be attributed to urban decline and these include, property abandonment, crime, high unemployment and the rundown of inner-city services thereby leading to the failure to attract new investments. This study focused on exploring the extent to which inner city urban regeneration strategies impact on socio-economic issues in order to create a sustainable inner-city urban environment. This was achieved by exploring applicable inner-city planning principles and examining the role of institutions in the regeneration process. The focus was on the Durban Point Precinct which is a waterfront environment – an area which falls under the eThekwini Municipality Central Municipal Planning Region. This paper is based on empirical research whose data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative research methods such as face-to-face interviews, direct observation and household questionnaires. More so, the study was governed by the competitive city theory and neoliberalism which both speak to the emerging nature of regeneration intervention measures (as typified by mixed developments). The study concluded by noting that inner city urban regeneration strategies are an ideal approach in dealing with declining areas since they resuscitate economic and social life. In the process, such intervention measures do not only redevelop the city, but they rebrand the inner city.
EDITORIAL
Authors:   University of KwaZulu-Natal, CHIPUNGU L
Published: July 2022

The Journal of Inclusive Cities and Built Environment Issue Number 3 Volume 2 of 2022 comprises of eight (8) papers. These papers revolve around critical issues that have been trending globally and negatively impacting on cities. While some of these issues have become a perpetual negative emblem of cities (such as informal settlements and spatial exclusion); others (such as floods and covid-19) are new entrants with equally devastating effects on cities. These papers are contextually driven by imperical evidence from African cities – however, their depth of analysis goes beyond the African context. Hence cities, accross the global, can be depicted in the same context especially when observed from the maraunding effect of floods and the covid-19 pendemic.
Considering Commemoration in Latinx Communities: Notes on the Politics of Re(membering)
Authors: González-Martin Rachel Valentina
Published: July 2022

This essay examines the concept of “commemoration” in the field of folkloristics using a lens of Latinx community practice and process. The author examines how commemorative acts are more than moments of remembering, but instead are also practices of a re-animation of social presences. By centering the social locations of community actors, we can understand commemoration as an engagement with historical violence from which the traumatic impact is manifested in the present moment. Rather than documenting a specific commemorative act, this essay explores the value of commemorative processes as curated spaces of identity formation in racialized public spheres.
Disassembling and Re-membering Self: Opaquing an Enlightened Taxonomy
Authors: Cardona Otero Javier
Published: July 2022

For some, “You bring the spices” may be an innocent statement. For me, it was not. Triggered by this racialized and sexualized statement, I created Taxonomía of a Spicy Espécimen, a performance art piece as well as public pedagogy that utilizes a multimodal reflection accompanied by aesthetic moving actions. Since taxonomy has been a Eurocentric enactment through which Otherness has been constructed, this public art pedagogy cooperates with its spect-actors to challenge the learned habits of hierarchizing, categorizing, and naming Otherness. As a critical self-reflective commentary for this journal, I intend to write a textual and visual description that at moments becomes storytelling vignettes about Taxonomía. At the same time, this autoethnographic account examines Taxonomía as an intersection between performance art and public pedagogy—a decolonial tactic to denounce and disrupt capitalist commodities of Black, Brown, and Caribbean Otherness for marketable consumption.
How to Get Out of The Commercialization Maze of A Professional "Grass-Planting" Content Community
Authors: He Zongwen
Published: July 2022

With the development of Internet economy and new media technology, a number of professional content communities have emerged to provide content services for consumers, helping them make shopping decisions and nurturing users' consumption needs. This paper will take Xiaohongshu as an example and discuss its "filter" incident, find the contradiction between commercialization and market development, regulate the commercialization ecology of content communities, and realize the balance between content quality and commercialization.