bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Tigecycline in Monotherapy or Combination with Cefoperazone/sulbactam for Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii-Associated Pneumonia: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Tian Xiaotong , Lin Jing , Zhou Menglan , Ge Ying , Li Taisheng , Zhang Li , Liu ZhengyL
Published: April 2024

Objective We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes and safety in tigecycline (TGC) monotherapy or in combination with cefoperazone/sulbactam (CPS) treatment for patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) infected by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB). Methods This was a retrospective analysis of multicenter data from patients with CRAB HAP in 62 Chinese hospitals. Risk factors of receiving TGC with CPS therapy and predictors of mortality were used multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Propensity score matching (PSM) evaluated the efficacies and safety of antimicrobial regimens. Results 180 patients included in our study, 95 used TGC monotherapy, and 85 used TGC with CPS therapy. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors were significantly associated with TGC with CPS therapy included the older age [P = 0.011], intensive care unit (ICU) admission[P = 0.007]. The multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that there was a significantly higher risk of 90-day mortality [P = 0.031] among subjects in TGC-CPS group. The subgroup of patients who received Standard dose TGC (SDT) plus CPS had a significantly higher rate of SOFA score ≧ 7(P = 0.009), and the 30/90-day mortality rate of patients was also higher. The variation of ALT, TBIL, Cr, Hb, and PLT did not differ between different antimicrobial regimens after PSM. Conclusion The severity of patient conditions and TGC doses were significantly associated with mortality. HDT combined with CPS was the prior treatment option for patients with CRAB HAP who were elderly, had ICU admission. We observed that different antimicrobial regimens had similar safety in liver/kidney/coagulation.
Effect of heat treatment time in oxygen atmosphere on the stabilization of magnetite NPs: synthesis, characterization, and magnetic response
Authors: Perdomo Claudia Patricia Fernandez , Caseiro Ana Laura , Togashi Marina Magro , Kiminami Ruth H.G.A.
Published: April 2024

This study describes the synthesis of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) using the sol-gel method with ethylene glycol as a chelating agent. The use of this agent allowed for the complete crystallization of pure magnetite phase at 200°C, without atmosphere control during the thermal treatment for crystallization. Different thermal treatment times (4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 hours) and their effects on the structure, microstructure, and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles were evaluated. The results showed that the magnetite phase remained stable and pure up to 8 hours of thermal treatment in an air atmosphere, with nanoparticles exhibiting a crystallite size of 30 nm and saturation magnetization of 57 emu/g. After 16 hours, the presence of a magnetite/hematite heterostructure was observed, with approximately 22.5% hematite (α-Fe2O3). The presence of hematite increased with the thermal treatment time, reaching 25.4% at 48 hours, and the saturation magnetization decreased with the reduction of magnetite phase in the nanoparticles. Additionally, the NPs dispersion in different liquid media (isopropyl alcohol, distilled water, and ethylene glycol) was verify to evaluated suspension stability and total magnetic collection time, aiming for potential applications as a magnetic fluid.
Side Channel Based Substitute Adversarial Attack on Deep Learning Models
Authors: Chen Zuohui , Hu Jinxuan , Lu Yao , Zhang Dan , Xiang Yun , Xuan Qi
Published: April 2024

Deep learning models are highly susceptible to adversarial perturbations. Among model attackers, the black-box assumption, where no prior knowledge of the victim model is available, is the most common and practical scenario. Substitute attack, as a mainstream black-box attack method, involves training a surrogate model and leveraging the transferability property of its generated adversarial examples to attack the target model. However, existing approaches typically require a large number of queries to the victim model, resulting in reduced attack efficiency and performance. In this work, we propose an effective side channel attack method to estimate the fine-grained structure of the victim model. We leverage the adjacent intermediate layer perturbation technique to enhance the performance of adversarial attacks. Specifically, we demonstrate that the model structure at the layer level can be analyzed and revealed through a power side channel attack. Our experimental results indicate that the structure information can be successfully restored with an average success rate of 94\%, leading to a significant improvement in the attack success rate across multiple classic datasets.
LULC Dynamics and the effects of Urban Green Spaces in cooling and mitigating micro-climate change and Urban Heat Island Effects: A case study in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia
Authors: Demisse Mulugeta , Hishe Solomon , Getahun Kefelegn
Published: April 2024

Land Surface Temperature (LST) increment and Urban Heat Islands (UHI) variability are the major urban climatology problems arising in the urban development. Greening urban environment play vital role to combat the effects of micro-climate change. This study attempts to assess the effects of Urban Green Spaces in cooling and mitigating micro-climate change in Addis Ababa City. Three different dates of remotely sensed data from Landsat5 TM (1990) Landsat7 ETM+ (2005) and Landsat8 OLI/TIRS (2021) were used for the study. LST were retrieved from Landsat5 TM and Landsat7 ETM+ using mono window and Landsat8 OLI/TIRS were used split window algorithms. Regression and correlation analysis of LST, Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI) were performed in SPSS V23. The Results from this study have shown that the proportion of Urban Green Space (UGS) to other LULC were reduced from 120.4 Km2 in 1990 to 76.26 Km2 in 2021. The Result of multiple linear regression analysis clearly indicates that built up and green vegetation contributed 92.2% of the LST variations in Addis Ababa City. The Cooling Efficiency (CE) and Threshold value (TVoE) of green space in Addis Ababa City were calculated as 4.5 ± 0.5 ha. This finding indicated that the city municipality implements urban planning, allocating a green space area of 4.5 ± 0.5 ha is the most efficient to reduce heat effects of the study area. The result of the study indicates that, strengthening of public participation in urban greening as an important strategy to mitigate the effects of micro-climate change and it is important to sustain urban development as well as to provide better quality of life on the urban population.
n-Alkanes hydroisomerization on Ni-HMFI zeolites of different preparation methods
Authors: Patrylak Lyubov , Voloshyna Yuliya , Pertko Oleksandra , Yakovenko Angela
Published: April 2024

A range of bifunctional catalysts based on MFI zeolite was synthesized. The aim of this research was to compare the performance of Ni-HZSM-5 zeolites of different methods of nickel loading in the n-hexane hydroisomerization. It is found that impregnation with nickel salt is more suitable method which allows to obtain active and selective catalysts for hydroisomerization.
Does Financial Development Reduces Poverty Level in Nigeria? (1980-2020)
Authors: RAUFF SALIU ADEJARE , ADEGBOYE ABIODUN ADEWALE
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the effect of financial development on poverty level in Nigeria. This paper deviated from extant studies by adopting a more robust measures of financial development which disaggregated into three for in-depth analysis sourced from International Monetary Fund’s, International Financial Statistics database making the overall financial development index (FD) as baseline model to serve as key independent variable while indices of financial institution (FI) and financial market (FM) served as key independent variables for robustness checks. These were with a view to do in-depth analyses to establishing which index of financial development reduces poverty level in Nigeria covering the period between 1980 and 2020. The result of the overall financial development index and poverty level is statistically significant and positively related (t = 3.3583, p < 0.05) Also, a negative and statistically insignificant relationship was established between financial institution index and poverty level (t = -1.3725, p > 0.05) while a statistically insignificant positive relationship was established between financial market index (t = 0.3785, p > 0.05) and poverty level. The study therefore concludes that poverty level could only be reduced when financial development is promoted in Nigeria.
A Multi-Center Evaluation of a Novel IVF Cryostorage Device in an Active Clinical Setting
Authors: Collins Michael , Bailey Jessica , Tremont Jordan , Laasch Natalee , McDonough Cali , Dufault Andrea , Martin Jessica , Li Albert , Pitts Stefan , Kontaxis Emma , Slifkin Richard , Lee Joseph , Reed Laura , Swain Jason , Schoolcraft William , String Ellen , Woodhull Robert , Souza Ashley
Published: April 2024

Purpose
To evaluate the safety, function, and integration of a novel automated software-guided cryostorage system in an active IVF laboratory setting.
Methods
The Investigational Device (ID) was installed at 3 IVF laboratories (sites: α, β, and γ). A total of 15 embryologists were trained to use the ID. Mock patient specimens containing mirrored live patient data were handled using the ID. Temperature readings were recorded every minute. Successful identification, storage, and retrieval of patient specimens by the ID were evaluated. To assess an LN2 pressure builder, the frequency of use and events of workflow interruption were logged. Student’s t-test was used to determine statistical significance.
Results
The ID was in active use for 164 days total. During this time, 329 mock patient egg and embryo cohorts were handled by the ID. The mean ± SD temperatures during active use were: α, -176.57 ± 1.83OC; β, -178.21 ± 2.75OC; γ, -178.98 ± 1.74 and did not differ significantly. The highest recorded temperatures were: α, -165.14OC; β, -157.41OC; γ, -164.45OC. A total of 1064 automation transactions on 409 specimen vessels were performed. Data was managed on 1501 eggs and embryos. The ID did not lose or misplace any specimen data or vessels, and no specimen was exposed to a detrimental (>-150OC) temperature excursion. Over the 25 LN2 pressure builder usages during 99 total days, there was 1 occurrence where usage interrupted workflow due to a lack of LN2 pressure.
Conclusions
The ID has advantages over the current manual-based cryostorage systems, including radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking, automation of manual tasks, and software guidance to ensure accurate specimen storage and retrieval. The results of this study indicate that the ID can be easily integrated into active IVF laboratories.
Update on the Detection of Frailty in the Older Adult: A Multicenter Cohort Big Data-Based Study Protocol
Authors: Fernández-Carnero Samuel , Martínez-Pozas Oliver , Pecos-Martín Daniel , Gómez Armando Pardo , Cuenca-Zaldívar Juan Nicolás , Sánchez-Romero Eleuterio A.
Published: April 2024

Background This study aims to investigate the relationship between muscle activation variables assessed via ultrasound and the comprehensive assessment of geriatric patients, as well as to analyze ultrasound images to determine their correlation with mobi-mortality factors in frail patients. Methods The present cohort study will be conducted in 500 older adults diagnosed with frailty. A multicenter study will be conducted among the day care centers and nursing homes. This will be achieved through the evaluation of frail older adults via instrumental and functional tests, along with specific ultrasound images to study sarcopenia and nutrition, followed by a detailed analysis of the correlation between all collected variables. Discussion This study aims to investigate the correlation between ultrasound-assessed muscle activation variables and the overall health of geriatric patients. It addresses the limitations of previous research by including a large sample size of 500 patients and measuring various muscle parameters beyond thickness. Additionally, it aims to analyze ultrasound images to identify markers associated with higher risk of complications in frail patients. The study involves frail older adults undergoing functional tests and specific ultrasound examinations. A comprehensive analysis of functional, ultrasound, and nutritional variables will be conducted to understand their correlation with overall health and risk of complications in frail older patients. Trial registration The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain (Act nº 18/2023). In addition, the study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06218121).
A Keep-It-Simple embolisation approach to treat Pelvic Congestion Syndrome without compromising clinical effectiveness.
Authors: Liang Eisen , Wong Wai Yan Timothy , Parvez Razeen , Chan Michael , Brown Bevan
Published: April 2024

Background:
There are two approaches to treat Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS): 1. the Keep-It-Simple (KIS) approach, embolising only the refluxing vein(s), typically only the left ovarian vein (LOV), unless right ovarian vein (ROV), left or right internal iliac vein (IIV) tributaries were also refluxing; and 2. the extensive (EXT) approach, embolising empirically almost all of the LOV, ROV, left and right IIV tributaries.
The aim of the study is to show if the KIS approach is sufficient to effectively treat PCS, minimising the number of veins treated and number of coils used, and without injecting sclerosing agents into the pelvic veins or the use of occlusion balloons.
Materials and Methods:
This is a single institution retrospective cohort study. Our records identified 154 women who had undergone venogram for possible PCS, with a view to proceed with embolisation. Refluxing veins were treated with the KIS approach, using minimal number of coils “sandwiching” sclerosing foam. Short term follow up was conducted at 6 weeks; long term follow-ups (between 12-60 months) were conducted by an electronic survey consists of 19 questions, assessing pelvic pain/ pressure, leg and back pain, fatique, bladder and menstrual symptoms.
Results:
Most women (73.4%) required unilateral OV embolisation only; just 14.4% required bilateral OV embolisation; and only 12.2% required pelvic vein embolisation. Most cases required only 4 pushable coils. Clinical success was 89.1% at 6 weeks and 83.7% at 1-5 years. VAS drop of 5.2 (7.8 to 2.7) was achieved. There was no coil dislodgement or other complications.
Conclusion:
The KIS approach embolising only the refluxing veins can achieve similar effective clinical outcome for PCS as the EXT approach. This carries implications for potential savings in procedure time, cost, and radiation does. The EXT approach of empirically embolising all 4 sets of veins may not be necessary to achieve an effective outcome.
Effects of Quarry Dust on the Engineering Properties of Lateritic Soils for Highway Construction in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Njoku Fidelis Chidiebere , Onyemaechi Abigail Amarachi , Ibearugbulem Owuamanam Mathias , Okere Chinenye Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the impact of quarry dust on the engineering properties of lateritic soils with a focus on its potential application in highway construction within Imo State, Nigeria. Lateritic soils, widely used in road projects due to their availability, often exhibit suboptimal engineering properties such as low strength and high plasticity, posing challenges to highway performance and durability. From a borrow pit in Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, a soil sample was taken at a depth of 2m below the surface, and subjected to laboratory tests which include; Specific gravity, Particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, Compaction test and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, all in accordance to British Standard 1377-2:1990. The results from the tests carried out revealed a specific gravity of 2.52, coefficient of uniformity of 3.15, plasticity index of 16.72%, and a CBR value of 3.16%. These findings indicated that the soil was unsuitable for road construction due to its high plasticity and low CBR value. To mitigate these shortcomings, the soil was stabilized with varying proportions of quarry dust (ranging from 15% to 75%). The addition of quarry dust resulted in reduced plasticity indices (ranging from 16.19% to 12.40%) and increased CBR values (ranging from 3.51% to 9.44%). However, even with the highest 75% quarry dust addition, the transformed soil still fell short of highway construction standards, highlighting the need to explore alternative materials or more effective soil stabilization methods to meet the required engineering specifications.
Characterizing the Dynamics of Multi-Scale Global Severe Weather Events
Authors: Frank Lawrence R. , Galinsky Vitaly L. , Zhang Zhenhai , Ralph F. Martin
Published: April 2024

The quantitative characterization and prediction of localized severe weather events that emerge as coherences generated by the highly non-linear interacting multivariate dynamics of global weather systems poses a significant challenge whose solution is increasingly important in the face of climate change where weather extremes are on the rise. As weather measurement systems (multiband satellite, radar, etc) continue to dramatically improve, increasingly complex time-dependent multivariate 3D datasets offer the potential to inform such problems but pose an increasingly daunting computational challenge. Here we describe the application to global weather systems of a novel computational method called the Entropy Field Decomposition (EFD) capable of efficiently characterizing coherent spatiotemporal structures in non-linear multivariate interacting physical systems. Using the EFD derived system configurations, we demonstrate the application of a second novel computational method called Space-Time Information Trajectories (STITs) that reveal how spatiotemporal coherences are dynamically connected. The method is demonstrated on the specific phenomenon known as atmospheric rivers (ARs) which are a prime example of a highly coherent, in both space and time, severe weather phenomenon whose generation and persistence are influenced by weather dynamics on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. The EFD reveals how the interacting wind vector field and humidity scalar field couple to produce ARs, while the resulting STITS reveal the linkage between ARs and large-scale planetary circulations. The focus on ARs is also motivated by their devastating social and economic effects that have made them the subject of increasing scientific investigation to which the EFD may offer new insights. The application of EFD and STITs to the broader range of severe weather events is discussed.
Post-Translational Modification Prediction via Prompt-Based Fine-Tuning of a GPT-2 Model
Authors: Shrestha Palistha , Kandel Jeevan , Tayara Hilal , Chong Kil To
Published: April 2024

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are pivotal in modulating protein functions, influencing key cellular processes such as signaling, localization, and protein degradation. The complexity of these biological interactions necessitates efficient predictive methodologies. In this work, we introduce PTMGPT2, an interpretable protein language model that utilizes prompt-based fine-tuning to improve its accuracy and generalizability in precisely predicting PTMs. Drawing inspiration from recent advancements in GPT-based architectures, PTMGPT2 adopts an unsupervised learning approach to identify PTMs. It utilizes a custom prompt to guide the model through the subtle linguistic patterns encoded in amino acid sequences, generating tokens indicative of PTM sites. To provide interpretability, we visualize attention profiles from the model’s final decoder layer, elucidating sequence motifs essential for molecular recognition and modification variability. Furthermore, we conducted analyses to investigate the effects of mutations at or near PTM sites, thereby offering deeper insights into protein functionality. Our analysis encompasses a comprehensive dataset comprising 3,88,084 modification sites across 19 distinct PTM types, facilitating the identification of novel PTM sites. Comparative assessments reveal that PTMGPT2 outperforms existing methods by an average 5.45% in MCC, underscoring its potential in identifying novel therapeutic strategies, disease associations, and drug targets.
Оптимизация терапии у пациентов с впервые диагностированной диффузной В-крупноклеточной лимфомой: эффективность и безопасность программы R-SD-EPOCH ± HDMTX в рамках одноцентрового нерандомизированного проспективного клинического исследования (предварительные результаты)
Authors: Мингалимов Марат Альбертович , Барях Е. А. , Мисюрина Е. Н. , Поляков Ю. Ю. , Желнова Е. И. , Яцков К. В. , Макешова А. Б. , Толстых Т. Н. , Чуднова Т. С. , Иванова Д. Д. , Кочнева О. Л. , Зотина Е. Н. , Гаглоева Д. Э. , Стрюкова В. В. , Герасимов Г. Д. , Самсонова И. В. , Лысенко М. А.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To assess clinical efficacy and safety of the intensified program R-SD-EPOCH ± HDMTX (R-split-dose-EPOCH ± high-dose MTX) in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Materials & Methods. From October 2022 to August 2023, 25 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients were enrolled into the trial protocol. Data of 23 patients were analyzed. The age of patients was 46–70 years (median 63 years); there were 13 women and 10 men. Stage II with bulky tumor lesion was registered in 7 patients; 16 patients showed advanced stages (III and IV). The IPI stratification yielded 13 high-risk, 7 intermediate-high risk, and 3 intermediate-low risk patients. In accordance with the CNS-IPI criteria, 14 patients were listed as high-risk. All 23 patients were treated with R-SD-EPOCH (rituximab, prednisolone, and cyclophosphamide; etoposide, vincristine, and doxorubicin were administered in fractionated doses). High-dose methotrexate as part of R-SD-EPOCH (continuous 3 g/m2 infusion over 12 hours) was administered exclusively to the CNS-IPI high-risk patients. They received it on Day 16 of R-SD-EPOCH ± HDMTX cycles 2, 4, and 6.

Results. The methotrexate-free R-SD-EPOCH regimen was administered throughout the whole program to 9 patients, whereas 14 patients received R-SD-EPOCH ± HDMTX (methotrexate was administered only in cycles 2, 4, and 6). Overall response in the whole cohort (n = 23) was 95 %. Interim PET-CTs were performed after chemotherapy cycles 2 and 4 in 21 patients. Complete metabolic response was achieved in 20 (95 %) patients, whereas partial metabolic response was registered in 1 (5 %) patient. One of the remaining 2 patients was undergoing initial treatment by the time of analysis. The other one with partial response assessed by contrast-enhanced CT, died after surgery for colon perforation followed by localized peritonitis. The patients in the present trial showed equal 10-month PFS and OS rates of 85 % (median not reached; 95% CI 66.4–100.0 %). Hematologic toxicity grade 3/4 was identified in 14 (60 %) patients, and non-hematologic toxicity was observed in 9 (35 %) patients.

Conclusion. The preliminary results of the present clinical trial of the intensified program R-SD-EPOCH ± HDMTX as the first method for the drug treatment of DLBCL demonstrate high efficacy and acceptable safety profile. The data obtained point towards the feasibility of continuing this clinical trial.
Dental Caries and Salivary Immunoglobulin A in Down Syndrome
Authors: Najmuddin Mohammed , Devang Darshan , Sola Arulogun Oyedunni
Published: April 2024

Down syndrome (DS) is defined as trisomy chromosome 21, which is observed to be the most prevalent autosomal genetic anomaly. Salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) plays an important role in defence mechanism against the microbial pathogens that can invade the surface of mucosa. In children with DS, raised sIgA levels cause an increase in immune mechanism against dental caries. The evidence about the salivary IgA levels in children suffering from Down syndrome is contradictory and limited in the literature. Thus, there is a terrible requirement to conduct more longitudinal prospective studies on saliva of DS patients taking large sample sizes to assess the molecular interactions. The present review is aimed to evaluate the association of Dental caries and salivary immunoglobulin A in Down syndrome individuals. The sources were searched from a database of PubMed from 2004 to 2023 (last 19 years). The inclusion criteria included key words of microdontia, delayed eruption, dental anomalies, retained teeth, anodontia, fissured lip and tongue, macroglossia, hypodontia in Down syndrome. The 22 articles that met the selection criteria (most of them were review article and some observational studies) were included to this review, of which some of the studies have been conducted to assess the role of sIgA in relation to dental caries and observed that increased sIgA levels decrease the rate of incidence of dental caries. The present review revealed that patients suffering with Down syndrome are at an increased risk of dental caries because of impaired motor activities, malocclusion and affected quality of life.
An Assessment of Knowledge of Health Workers in Hospitals of Southern Province of Zambia, Towards Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes Regulations
Authors: Muleya Siafwa Sikazwe Chipo
Published: April 2024

Background: Optimal breastfeeding practices have been undermined by unregulated marketing of breastmilk substitutes worldwide, resulting in about 820, 000 preventable deaths per year among children under five years globally. The International Code (thereafter called the Code) of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes was developed by the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund and stakeholders to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Member states are expected to domesticate the Code. Zambia enacted Statutory Instrument No. 48 of 2006, Regulations on marketing of breastmilk substitutes. Successful implementation calls for a good level of knowledge among health workers. However, we found no study, in Zambia on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes Regulations. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of health workers on Zambia’s Regulations on marketing breastmilk substitutes. Study design and methods: A mixed-method cross-sectional study. Data was collected online and in person. Probability proportional to size calculation yielded an estimated sample size of 384. A sample size of 410 after adjusting upwards assumed non-response rate, 401 participants responded. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Social Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Knowledge results were described by frequencies and percentages. Tests were conducted using univariable linear and multivariable regression analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. Results: The mean overall level of good knowledge of health workers was 0.339 or 34% [SE: 0.0221; 95%CI: (0.2959, 0.3828)]. Conclusion: The level of knowledge among health workers in hospitals of Southern Province, Zambia was poor.
Knowledge of Hypertension among the Civil Servants in Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Abiodun Akeem AKANDE,
Published: April 2024

Hypertension, a pervasive cardiovascular condition, remains a significant public health concern globally. There is strong evidence to suggest that hypertension and its associated complications are major health challenges of the 21st century. This is a disease that imposes on multi-systems. Failure to control hypertension leads to end up with unavoidable complications, including deaths. Understanding the knowledge base is crucial for developing targeted interventions to enhance awareness and promote preventive measures within this specific demographic group. This research paper aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge about hypertension among civil servants in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining the use of clinic registers and interviews, to comprehensively assess hypertension awareness, risk factors, and preventive measures among civil servants. A total of 1124 participants visited the clinic from various Ministries /Departments/Agencies /Parastatals and sectional units within the Secretariat. This approach proved to be highly efficient in terms of time and resources, allowing for the rapid surveying of a large number of participants. However, level of education and knowledge of risk factors significantly influenced awareness of complications at 0.05 using SPSS. The findings of this research have contributed valuable insights for policymakers, and public healthcare professionals and facilitated the development of tailored strategies to mitigate the impact of hypertension within the State workforce. The majority of the respondents knew about hypertension but refused to control the hypertension. On-the-job screening and educative programmes are fundamental ways to improve knowledge about hypertension in the workplace.
Comparative Assessment of Health Status and Health-Seeking Behaviour of Household Heads in Rural and Urban Areas of Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Ukweh I. H , Ukweh O. N , N Iya-Benson J. , O Oku A.
Published: April 2024

Health status of a nation is closely linked to the health seeking behavior and its economic growth. Therefore, this study aims to examine the health status and health-seeking behaviour of household heads in urban and rural areas of Abia State, Nigeria using a mixed model approach. An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed where the quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire to compare the health status and health-seeking behaviour of urban (n=450) and rural household heads (n=447). For the qualitative arm of the study, data was collected through focus group discussions using an interview guide. The results show that a significantly higher percentage of rural household heads (10.3%) perceive their health status as ‘very good’ compared to their urban counterparts (4.2%), p-value <0.05. Additionally, urban household heads reported a higher incidence of illness (85.2% vs. 36.2%), where malaria (70.9% vs. 9.9%) and typhoid (34.3% vs. 4.3%)ranked highest. Regarding their health seeking behavior, urban household heads were first sought care from to private hospitals (n=102, 26.6%) followed by chemist shops (n=212, 55.2%), while their rural counterpart first sought treatment from primary health centres. To conclude, these findings suggest that although urban household heads have seemingly better health-seeking behaviour than the rural, the effect of urbanization has negatively affected their health status. Therefore, more concerted efforts should be geared at designing health promotion campaigns to improve the health status of the population whilst addressing barriers to seeking health care such as financial constraint and cost of transportation.
Viral Load Suppression Among HIV Infected Adults On Antiretroviral Treatment In Rural Settings Of The Centre Region Of Cameroon: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zachary Pangwoh Yokyu , Etah Junior Ewane , Tshuma Ndumiso , Akoa Anicet Onana , Fang Ebua Athanasius , Thalut Nashipu , Wung-Buh Amos , Ndibi Abanda Jean , Ahmed Chafa Ndundat , Jerimiah Mbogwe Ndimumeh , Malanpa Florentine Touo , Kouanfack Charles
Published: April 2024

The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) set ambitious targets known as the 95-95-95 goals, aiming for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on sustained ART, and 95% of those on ART to have viral suppression by 2030. This underscores the significance of viral load (VL) monitoring and suppression as crucial components of the HIV care continuum towards reaching epidemic control. This study was meant to explore viral load suppression among HIV-infected adults on ART in the rural areas of the Centre Region of Cameroon. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on all HIV-infected adults who were initiated on ART between June 2020 and May 2021 in ten rural ART clinics. Patients’ medical records were reviewed for data collection. Of the 2 591 HIV-infected adults on ART whose medical files were reviewed, 1 727 (66.7%) had documented viral load (VL) results at 12 months post-ART initiation giving a viral load coverage of 66.7%. Among the 1,727 documented VL, the proportion of participants that achieved viral suppression (viral load <1000 copies/mL) was 1 654, representing 95.8%. Occupation at initiation (aOR: 0.416, 95% CI: 0.196–0.885, p=0.023) and disclosure of HIV status to partners (cOR: 0.557, 95% CI: 0.317–0.978, p=0.042) emerged as significant predictors of VL suppression. Findings from this study show that as HIV care continues to evolve, interventions tailored to individual needs and context-specific challenges should be prioritized to optimize treatment outcomes.
Evaluation of Smoking and Alcohol Consumption as Determinants of High Blood Pressure among People Living with HIV Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Zamfara
Authors: Bala Zurmi Nasiru , Arkilla Magaji Bello , Luximon-Ramma Amitabye
Published: April 2024

Non-communicable diseases have been reported among people living with HIV (PLWH). This cross-sectional study evaluated the role of smoking and alcohol consumption as potential determinants of high blood pressure among 424 PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Zamfara. The study involved participants aged 18-60 years and above, with a higher female (70.3%) representation. Current smoking and alcohol use were recorded at 7.1% and 2.8% respectively, with higher rates among males. Meanwhile, the use of smokeless tobacco and exposure to second-hand smoke stood at 2.4% and 13.0% respectively. On average, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was found to be higher in males (128.8 and 86.1 mmHg respectively) than in females (125.0 and 85.3 mmHg respectively). Interestingly, raised blood pressure, defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, was observed more frequently in females (23.4%) than males (11.7%). This discrepancy may be due to a higher number of female participants or other unidentified factors. The data suggest that while smoking and alcohol consumption among the PLWH under ART in Zamfara are not rampant, there is a mild association with high blood pressure. Further research is required to clarify the relationships between these behaviours and high blood pressure in this population. Public health strategies targeting modifiable risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption may assist in managing high blood pressure among PLWH receiving ART.
Assessment of Health Workers’ Awareness of Infection Prevention and Control Preparedness Levels in Isolation Centers and Secondary Hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: TOLULOPE TOMMY
Published: April 2024

Several medical models have consistently shown that infectious diseases will continuously evade the human race. With the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria and beyond, there is the need for every nation to upscale their level of preparedness. It is against this backdrop that this paper sought to assess level of health workers’ awareness of Infection Prevention and Control Preparedness levels in the Isolation centers and secondary hospitals. A mixed method research design was utilized. The study made use of questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews as the main sources of data collection. The study found out that 42% of the facilities were found to be at “basic readiness level”, another 41% of the facilities whose healthcare workers were found to be at “intermediate readiness level, while the remaining 16% facilities were at “advanced readiness level of awareness of Infection Prevention and Control preparedness. Furthermore, the study also confirmed that appropriate practices of COVID-19 preventive measures impact positively on the control and spread of COVID -19. The results also indicated that there were gaps in the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). The study recommends amongst others that Infection, Prevention and Control team and other stakeholders should have the capacity and knowledge to deal with infectious diseases.
Awareness and Perception of Sepsis Among the Urban and Rural Population in India
Authors: Bhooshan Priyankar , Kapadia Kaushal
Published: April 2024

Traditionally, immunity has been defined as a defence against, or as a resistance to, contagious and infectious diseases. However, in modern understanding, it has become apparent that the immune system's mechanisms that protect against disease can also react against harmless substances. In some instances of severe infection, it's important to be aware that the immune response generated may have unintended adverse consequences. These conditions are associated with sepsis and may even turn out to be life-threatening in certain cases. Sepsis is a whole spectrum of diseases with a systemic and dysregulated host response to an infection. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to investigate and understand the level of awareness among the general public regarding this condition. This study aimed to understand the level of awareness about sepsis among the general population and to compare the perspectives of urban and rural populations. This study revealed that the awareness among both populations is low. Efforts should be made to increase awareness in India.
Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Consumers and Stakeholders on Counterfeit Drugs and Anti-Counterfeit Technology in Nigeria
Authors: Daniel Olaniran Olakunle , Olaniyi Sanni Felix , Akintunde Yusuf Azeez
Published: April 2024

The threat of counterfeiting medicines is probably growing, particularly in poorer countries with weak regulatory mechanisms and poorly monitored distribution networks. Various interventions, including innovative technologies, have been used to solve problems. The study used a quantitative design method adopting a hybrid quantitative method such as desk, online and physical interviews approach. The selected states for the study are Lagos, Kano, Anambra and FCT Abuja. Data were obtained using structured questionnaires with mainly closed-ended questions and analysed using SPSS (IBM-SPSS version 21). The findings show that the highest proportion of consumers who have heard about counterfeit or fake drugs before was from Lagos (97.1%). The study also found that stakeholders know highly about fake/counterfeit drugs (94.3%). The results show that 62.0% of consumers knew about drug anti-counterfeiting technology, and most stakeholders (79.0) knew about NAFDAC Anti- Counterfeiting Interventions. However, respondents from Lagos had the highest level of awareness (77.3%) of the Anti-Counterfeiting Interventions. The results also revealed that stakeholders exhibited a positive perception of NAFDAC’s innovative techs., (TruScan, RFID, GPHF MINILABS, Black Eye, Others) to curb fake drugs. The findings emphasise raising awareness, implementing effective anti- counterfeiting strategies, and addressing financial limitations to protect public health and combat Nigeria’s growing threat of fake drugs.
Methodology of Applying Inverse Distance Weighting Interpolation Method in Determining Normal Heights
Authors: Moussa Hiba , Abboud Mohammad
Published: April 2024

This article explores the application of the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method in determining normal heights, utilizing a network of points with measured ellipsoidal and normal heights by the use of GNSS/levelling method. The IDW method, which assumes that points closer to each other are more alike, is employed to locate points within the correct quadrant and calculate their normal height based on the determined average height anomaly across the entire area. The accuracy of this method is validated using check points. The article further discusses the methodology of normal height determination at a country level by using generated coefficients, representing the average difference between various height-systems, which could be used as an integral to the interpolation methods used for generating a refined Digital Elevation Model (DEM) across the country. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the effective use of interpolation methods in geospatial analysis and DEM generation. It provides valuable insights into the practical application of the IDW method and its potential for enhancing the accuracy of normal height determination and DEM refinement. Importantly, such methods hold significant value for countries lacking gravimetric data, as they provide a viable means of determining normal heights in the absence of a local quasi geoid model.
Towards A Smart City Concept - Machine Learning Smarts for the Estimation of Future Temperature Rise in Tabuk City
Authors: Albalawi Eman
Published: April 2024

In the Middle Eastern peninsula especially in Saudi Arabia, there is a varsity temperature variation among the individual regions. As far as the city of Tabuk is concerned, no study has been conducted, regarding climate change (the temperature rise) in the Tabuk region and its implications on society and for the flagship “Future Smart Cities” concept. In this paper, machine learning algorithms are used to predict the future temperature values in the Tabuk region. The machine learning algorithms were trained on the data collected from the real-time weather radar stations of the region. Different features from the dataset are used for machine learning models to predict the future temperature. These unique features, for example, humidity and pressure, impact the accurate predictability of the temperature. Temperature prediction is modelled as a regression problem due to the nature of the data, therefore, different machine learning regression models were developed, i.e. Artificial Neural Network ANN-based techniques (Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP)), Decision Trees (DT), K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), and Support Vector Regression (SVR). Encouragingly, the preliminary model evaluations utilizing Mean Absolute Error (MAE) yielded a high accuracy of 90% on the testing dataset. The findings are envisaged to inform decision-makers in the Climate and Weather Ministry of Tabuk City, potentially contributing to the advancement of the city's "Future Smart Cities" concept.
Mediation as a method of alternative dispute resolution in the legal system
Authors: Butsukina Nikol Nikolaevna , Saveleva Angelina Alekseevna
Published: April 2024

The paper considers the basic principles of mediation, its possible goals and part in the legal system. With the help of analysis of the sources and experience of practice, the authors reveal significance of mediation in the context of the legal system and possibilities of its use for effective resolution of disputes of all kinds.
Metodologias ativas mediadas por Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação em Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação no pós-pandemia
Authors: Nascimento Karla Angélica Silva do , Fialho Lia Machado Fiuza , Neves Vanusa Nascimento Sabino , Costa Maria Aparecida Alves da , Pereira Arliene Stephanie Menezes
Published: April 2024

Objetivou-se compreender nuances que perpassam o uso das metodologias ativas mediadas por Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação (TDIC) no contexto hodierno posto para o ensino e a aprendizagem na pós-graduação stricto sensu em Educação após a pandemia de Covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo de caso com 47 doutorandos e mestrandos de Fortaleza, Ceará. Os dados foram coletados por questionário on-line e utilizou-se o programa IRaMuTeQ para processá-los, priorizando-se estatística descritiva, classificação hierárquica descente e análise de similitude. Constituiu-se quatro eixos temáticos: potencialidades das metodologias ativas por meio das TDIC; formação para docência mediada por metodologias ativas; metodologias ativas ante as demandas sociais; e experiências de implementação das metodologias ativas mediadas por TDIC. Conclui-se que a formação docente, o engajamento dos alunos e a adaptação às demandas sociais pós-pandemia não prescindem da integração crítica das TDIC nas metodologias ativas do ensino superior.
Identidad y Transformaciones: La Ciencia de la Información Documental ante los desafíos de la realidad actual
Authors: Rendón Rojas Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2024

The concept of Research Gestaltis proposed to explain the transformations that scientific theories undergo in their development without losingtheir identity. The advantages of the Gestalt of research over other approaches such as Kuhn's paradigms, Lakatos' Scientific Research Programs, Laudan's research traditions, Foucault's episteme or Feyerabend's global theories consist,in the first place,in that its application is not the product of a convention of scientists. Secondly, it handles the concept of truth as an adequacy between saying and being and not as a truth by consensus. Finally, it allows to understand the changes in scientific theories not as absolute breaks where the new theory does not contain anything of the old one, but manages to reconcile scientific tradition with innovation.
A Formação Superior Em Ciência Da Informação Face Aos Desafios Da Inteligência Artificial
Authors: Ribeiro Fernanda
Published: April 2024

The rapid technological evolution that has characterized recent times and particularly the accelerated development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that we have witnessed recently, marked by the emergence of new versions of ChatGPT, increasingly sophisticated and efficient, necessarily imply that we make a reflection on the future of Information Science and the academic training that universities are providing in this subject area. The future, which is already present, demands from us a critical, intervening and socially responsible attitude to respond to the challenges that arise in the different contexts where the information professionals we are training work.
– Problemas Y Desafíos Actuales De La Información: perspectivas académicas desde la Ciencia de la Información en Uruguay
Authors: Guilleminot Carol
Published: April 2024

Based on qualitative content analysis of in-depth interviews with academics in the fieldof Information Science, this paper focuses on the disciplinary and professional problems and challenges of information in Uruguay.The perspectives analyzedshow a clear concern for the great impact of ICTs in an information context affected by problems of reliability and quality,considered to be central, and by the degradation of the social use of information.They raise the need for an information literacythat addresses these new contexts and forinformation ethics in artificial intelligence, highlighting the importance of the role and social responsibility of libraries, archives and documentation centres as democratic spaces to embrace diversity, to help understand and interpret information and for the generation of reliable information flows that include the perspective of vulnerable sectors and minorities.