bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management and associated outcomes of COVID-19 infection among Ghanaian autoimmune rheumatic disease patients
Authors: Dey Dzifa , Katso Bright , Nyame Derrick , Issaka Saudatu , Adjei Partrick
Published: October 2024

Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of infection, management strategies and associated disease outcomes of COVID-19 among Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease (AIRD) patients in a teaching hospital in Ghana.Design: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study.Setting: Rheumatology Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.Participants: Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease patients.Results: Thirty-one (31) out of approximately 1700 AIRD patients in the unit tested positive for COVID-19, registering a COVID-19 prevalence of 1.82%. The majority, 25(80.6%), were females with a mean ± SD age of 41.7 ± 12.8 years. Systemic lupus erythematosus was the most affected autoimmune rheumatic condition, reporting fever as the commonest COVID-19-related symptom. Most participants, 22(71%), were managed by the “self-isolation”/home management” strategy. In comparison, 7(22.5%) were monitored at the hospital, with both strategies having resulted in complete recovery. The remaining 2(6.5%) patients who managed under “intensive care unit” strategy resulted in mortality.Conclusion: These findings highlight the relatively low frequency of COVID-19 infection among AIRD patients, the encouraging recovery, and the low severe disease rates observed within this cohort. Additionally, the outcome of self-isolation and home management strategies underscore the importance of personalised approaches to COVID-19 management in this population.
The risk perception of COVID-19 and vaccine uptake among patients with chronic illnesses at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria
Authors: R. Aibinuomo Oluwatoyosi , M. Fasiku Mojirola , Akande Oluwatomi , G. Kayode Tolulope , O. Aliu-Ayinde Medinat , A. Adejoro Ige , A. Jimoh Maryam , M. Akande Tanimola
Published: October 2024

Objectives: This study assessed the risk perception of COVID-19 and the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among patients with chronic illnesses in a tertiary health facility.Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.Setting: The outpatient clinics in a tertiary health facility in Ilorin, North-Central NigeriaParticipants: Patients with chronic diseases attending outpatient clinics in UITH, Ilorin from November- December 2022, excluding patients under 18 years of age, using simple random sampling by balloting for outpatient clinics, proportional allocation for participants from each clinic, and systematic sampling method for eligible respondents.Main outcome measure: Risk perception of COVID-19 and vaccine uptake among patients with chronic illnesses in NigeriaResults: Respondents believed that older people were most at risk of COVID-19. Over two-thirds, 278 (69.5%) of the respondents had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Fear of the unknown (36.0%) and fear of side effects 30 (24.6%) were the most common reasons for not taking the vaccine. Those married were more likely to have received at least one dose of the vaccine (p=0.007).Conclusion: COVID-19 risk perception and COVID-19 vaccine uptake were relatively above average. Fear of the unknown and side effects were significant reasons for not taking the vaccines.
Nocturnal blood pressure dipping and left ventricular hypertrophy among hypertensive outpatients in a Ghanaian hospital
Authors: Yakubu Abdul-Subulr , A. Akoto Frederick , Agyekum Francis , Doku Alfred , A. Akamah Joseph
Published: October 2024

Objectives: To investigate the association between the extent of nocturnal systolic blood pressure decline and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with primary hypertension who were receiving antihypertensive drug therapy.Design: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study from November 2020 to March 2021.Setting: The study was conducted at the Polyclinic of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana.Participants: Outpatients ≥18 years old with primary hypertension who were receiving antihypertensive drug therapy.Interventions: Each participant underwent a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and a transthoracic echocardiogram.Main outcome measures: Left ventricular hypertrophy and the extent of mean systolic blood pressure decline during sleep.Results: 180 participants were recruited, comprising 110 (61.1%) females. The participants’ mean (±SD) age was 57.6 ± 11.0 years. 80% had a non-dipping blood pressure pattern, and 43.9% had left ventricular hypertrophy. Uncontrolled office blood pressure was an independent predictor of left ventricular hypertrophy in these patients (AOR 2.010, 95% CI 1.048-3.855, p=0.036); however, a non-dipping nocturnal systolic blood pressure status was not (AOR 1.849, 95% CI 0.850-4.022, p=0.121). 61.1% had abnormal left ventricular geometry, with concentric hypertrophy being the predominant geometric pattern.Conclusion: Left ventricular hypertrophy and non-dipping nocturnal blood pressure were common in these hypertensive Ghanaian patients on antihypertensive therapy. Left ventricular hypertrophy was associated with uncontrolled office blood pressure but not the extent of nocturnal systolic blood pressure declines during a single 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure recording.
Sum of defects (SOD) chart for joint monitoring of the two parameters of a zero-inflated Poisson process
Authors: Pal Surajit , Gauri Susanta Kumar , Muniyan Subhradeep
Published: October 2024

Rapid technological advancements and automation in today's world have led to many high quality manufacturing processes, where most  of the products are free from defects. The defects data from high quality processes are commonly modeled by twoparameter zero- inflated Poisson (ZIP) distribution. Most of the existing control charting procedures for ZIP processes are developed assuming that all the  manufactured units are inspected one by one, and most often separate control charts are proposed for monitoring the two parameters  of a ZIP process. However, joint monitoring of the two parameters in a single chart can offer significant operational advantages because  one needs to focus on a sole chart and a single charting statistic. Again, in many manufacturing set ups 100% inspection may not always  be feasible. Recently, a few one-chart schemes with group inspection of small samples are reported in literature, and all these schemes  require estimation of the two parameters based on accumulated samples till the current sampling stage for computation of the  monitoring statistics. This accumulation of samples introduces several limitations in these schemes. In this paper, probability mass  function and the cumulative distribution function (cdf) of the sum of defects (SOD) in a sample of size are defined, and a control chart for  SOD is proposed. Both the parameters of a ZIP process can be jointly monitored using the SOD chart. Again, since no accumulation of  the samples is required for application of the SOD chart, it is free from all limitations of the existing one-chart schemes with group  inspection. Two case studies based on past data are presented. The performance of the SOD chart is found to be very encouraging.
Performance of an ideal reheat–regenerative Rankine cycle power plant utilizing solid waste incineration
Authors: Manyele Samwel Victor
Published: October 2024

The performance of a100-MW reheat regenerative Rankine cycle steam power plant utilizing incinerator flue gas is reported in this  paper.A computer model was created using mass and energy balances. The plant was simulated at three boiler pressures (15, 10 and 5  MPa). High- and low-pressure turbine stages were studied. Before reheating, steam was bled after high-pressure turbine and along the  low-pressure stage for regeneration. Superheating the steam up to 1200oC increased thermal efficiency (based on heat input and  turbine work, Eth and nth) from 35 to 67% and 55 to 77%, respectively, and the total workdone from 1000 to 3,500 kJ/kg. Superheating  reduced steam and fuel requirements from. Reheating the steam increased the boiler heat load and the total work done by the turbine,  while the contribution of low-pressure turbine was increased from 50 to 83%, and increased Eth and nth from 35 to 55%. Increasing the  regeneration intensity (y and z from 8 to 28% and 12 to 15%, respectively) increased the boiler heat duty, lowered and increased the  condenser duty, was but increased and lowered total work done, respectively. Similarly, regeneration increased Eth and nth from 25 to  57% and 35 to 52.5%, respectively. Lower boiler pressure led to lower steam mass flow rate for the same power generation capacity, high  heat requirements from the boiler, high total work done on the turbine, but lower contribution of low-pressure turbine to the total work  done (50 to 72% compared to 65 to 83% at 15 MPa).
Effect of vapor-bleeding and its configurations on multiple-effect sugarcane juice evaporator performance
Authors: Kitalekwa Fredrick , Maronga Savinus , Manyele Samwel
Published: October 2024

Improving process performance is always important in any processing industry with the aim of reducing operation costs and improving  the profit.Vapor bleeding may be used in processing industries using multiple-effect evaporatorsto reduces steam consumption and  increases steam economyThe effect of vapor bleeding on separation performance using multiple-effect sugarcane juice evaporator was  analyzed. The effect of increasing percent of vapor bled and determination of the most effective bleeding configuration in terms of  energy efficiency and operating costs. The performance factors assessed were: steam requirement, total heat transfer area (At), steam  economy, total utilized heat (Qt), mass flow rate of bottoms (Bi), percent solids in the bottoms (XBi), and mass flow rate of vapors. To  carry out this work, a five-effect evaporator, forward feed computer model was developed based on mass and energy balance equations,  calibrated by data from steam tables. Simulations incorporating different configurations of vapor bleeding were carried out. Bleeding  from each of the first four effects, Ei , and from a combination of effects (E1&E3, E2&E4) were carried out. The E1&E3 configuration  showed a highest decrease in steam consumption by 23.73% and improved steam economy by 31.28%. Also, vapor bleeding reduced At and XBi while increasingBi. This work suggests that to improve energy efficiency during separation of mixtures using evaporators, vapor bleeding should be practiced while maintaining a balance between vapors used to preheat the feed and that used for heating the  subsequent effects.
The Praxis of Gender Responsive Lawmaking in Ethiopia: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Anchinesh Shiferaw Mulu
Published: October 2024

The law plays an important role in shaping the norms, values, behaviors, actions and practices of the state and its citizens. This is, inter alia, observed in the realm of setting gender roles and expectations. Based on the extent to which the law addresses gender issues, it can be categorized as gender regressive, gender blind, gender neutral, or gender responsive. This article underlines the normative role of the law in achieving gender equality by examining the practice of gender responsive legislation in Ethiopia. It also discusses the approaches, techniques, tools and methods of gender responsive legislative drafting. For the purpose of conducting this research, reviews of laws, expert interviews and literature review have been undertaken. The finding of the research demonstrates that there is a strong legislative and institutional backing to integrate gender in the legislative drafting process and there are promising practices to integrate gender in the legislative drafting process. However, capacity gaps, lack of accountability mechanisms and gaps in the participation of women and women’s organizations in the legislative drafting process have resulted in irregular and inconsistent practices in adopting a gender responsive legislative drafting process. There is thus a need for regularized and institutionalized approach to ensure that laws contribute toward gender equality in Ethiopia.
Comment: Proposed Amendments to the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No. 1064/2017 from Gender and Child Rights Perspective
Authors: Meron Aragaw
Published: October 2024

The amendment of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No.1064/2017 is a good opportunity to address gender equity-related matters between civil service employees. The amendment is expected to contribute to maternal and child health issues through adequate maternity/paternity leave, to keeping workforce safety through mitigating workplace gender-based violence (GBV) in the required manner and towards ensuring that affirmative measure privileges of women are applicable throughout the employment, promotion, and capacity building processes and procedures. Limitations in the Ethiopian Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No.1064/2017 in relation to the duration and the type of maternity/paternity leave during birth and miscarriage of pregnancy, and with regard to adoptive parents/guardians are addressed in this comment. Moreover, the application of childcare facility in public institutions, addressing workplace GBV (gender-based violence) in an inclusive manner, ensuring employment, on-the-job trainings and educational opportunities in public institutions are aligned with affirmative measures (that women are entitled to) are addressed. Thus, bridging these gaps in the process of amending the Proclamation is believed to result in gender and child rights inclusive public serving space.
Comparative Radiographic Mapping of the Skeletal System of Male and Female Savannah Monitor Lizard (Veranus Exanthematicus)
Authors: Lawal Maruf , Agboola Abdulwahid Abdulrafiu , Bappah Nuhu Muazu , Abodunrin Abdulwaheed Adegoke , Abdurrahman Mohammed , Bada Abdulaziz Abdullahi , Aliyu Abdullahi , Mustapha Rashidah Abimbola , Chom Nuhu Dong , Muhammad Saidu Tanko , Obalowu Abdulrauf Mohammed , Ahembe Richard Terna , Hambali Abdulhakeem bin
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study is to establish the radiographic mapping of the skeletal system of the male and female Savannah Monitor lizards  since there is a dearth of information on them. Radiographs of various parts of the skeletal system of a male and female monitor lizards  were taken and their measured anatomic parts were compared. The Lizards were hand-captured and anesthetized with atropine sulfate  (0.02 mg/kg), chlorpromazine (10mg/kg), and ketamine (15 mg/kg) for restaint and positioning for x-ray exposures. Using a portable X- ray machine, radiographs were obtained with the following exposure settings: for the body, KVP = 75, MA = 50, and mAs = 10; for the tail,  KVP = 70, MA = 50, and mAs = 10. With the lizards on sternal recumbency, the radiographs of head to caudal abdomen including the limbs  and tail were obtained. The number of vertebral bones, snout-totail length, vertebral length, horizontal and vertical rib lengths, and  appendage lengths were obtained and images analyzed. The male lizard weighed 1.4 kg with a body length of 102 cm, while the female weighed 1.7 kg and had a body length of 105 cm. Comparison of the skeletal measurements revealed that both lizards had similar  dimensions in terms of snout-to-tail length and the number of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae. However, the female had more  coccygeal vertebrae (45) compared to the male (43). Additionally, the female had longer horizontal ribs (6 cm vs. 4 cm) and vertical ribs (3 cm vs. 2 cm) compared to the male. In conclusion, the female monitor lizard exhibited greater body length, body weight, and rib  dimensions, likely due to being older than the male as there is very little difference in rate of growth of both sexes when young.
The utilization of family planning among women of reproductive age attending a teaching hospital, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olajide Adetunmise Oluseyi , Isiaka Modupe Sidikat , Adeniran Ganiyat O. , Omolara Fafowora Rosemary
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION: The utilization of family planning services among women of reproductive age is essential and underscores the need for comprehensive health education and accessible family planning services. This study assessed sociodemographic factors influencing the utilization of family planning among women attending a teaching hospital in Oyo State, Nigeria. 
METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used, and a systematic random sampling technique was used to select 326 respondents. The data collection instrument was a pretested questionnaire with a reliability index of 0.79. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to test for association between variables. 
RESULTS: In this study, 45.7% of respondents used family planning, while 54.3% of respondents did not utilize family planning. There were significant differences between the family planning use group and the non-use group in marital status (P=0.03), women’s occupation (P<0.001), husband’s occupation (P=0.01), parity (P<0.001), age (P<0.001), women’s level of education (P=0.03), husband’s level of education (P=0.03), and husband’s monthly average income (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in religion (P=0.73), ethnicity (P=0.10), monthly average income (P=0.39), and type of marital status (P=0.16) of respondents between the family planning use group and the non-use group. 
CONCLUSION: It is therefore recommended that women should be educated on the need to make use of modern family planning, and they should be empowered.
Distribution of Ten Virulence Genes Along the Chromosome of Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Various Clinical Samples
Authors: Ghaydaa M.A. Ali , Mohammad Ghada A.
Published: October 2024

The current study focused on Acinetobacter baumannii because of its increasing importance as a causative agent of infection in hospitals and its resistance to many antibiotics. A total of 204 samples were collected from various cases from main hospitals in Mosul City (Iraq) and were cultured on selective media (HiCromeTM Acinetobacter Agar Base and MacConkey Agar). Bacteria were identified by conventional and molecular methods by detecting the blaOXA-51-like gene, which is genetically considered a diagnostic gene because it is present in all strains of A. baumannii. Results: A total of 18 sample isolates of A. baumannii were positive out of the 204 collected samples distributed in burned skin, respiratory tract infections, wounds and urine. Ten virulence genes (las I, lasR, RhlI, RhlR, cvaC, iutA, kpsMTII, PAI, ibeA, traT ) were also detected in our local A. baumannii, the results showed the presence of Quorum Sensing genes (lasI, lasR, RhlI, RhlR) with percentages 84.2%, 84.2%, 89.4%, 26.3%, respectively. PAI gene showed in the 19 bacterial strains (including the standard) with 94.7%. kpsMTII, traT, and iutA genes with percentages of 31.5%, 26.3%, and 5.2% respectively, while cvaC and ibeA genes were not recorded in any of the isolates under study.
Tokophobia experience and willingness to seek professional care among antenatal women in an urban metropolis of Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Esan Deborah Tolulope , Olabisi Oluwatoyosi Elizabeth , Sokan-Adeaga Adewale Allen , Muhammad Fatimah , Olajide Adetumise Oluseyi , Osagie Folasade , Adedeji Peter , Oyama Blessed Obem , Olabisi Oluwaseyi Isaiah
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND: Tokophobia affects many women before and during pregnancy and after childbirth, and it is accompanied by drastic birth outcomes. This study assessed the experience of tokophobia in expectant mothers and their propensity to seek medical attention from a professional. 
METHODS: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design. Antenatal mothers were selected using a simple random sampling technique through the antenatal clinic register. An adapted pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and results were presented using descriptive statistics. 
RESULTS: The age range of the respondents was 15–36 years old, with a mean age of 27.4±1.8 years. Most respondents were multiparous women, with a greater proportion in their third trimester (48.6%) and second trimester (48.2%). From the overall analysis of pregnant women's experiences with tokophobia, 11.5% of them have an intense fear of childbirth, 48.5% have a moderate fear, 30.4% have a significant amount of fear, and just 9.6% have none. Regarding seeking professional care, above a quarter (38.2%) would also like to seek professional care for their tokophobia, while 30.5% were unsure of whether to seek professional care/assistance. Moreover, no statistically significant association was found between gestational age, parity status, previous mode of delivery, and tokophobia prevalence among the respondents. 
CONCLUSION: Tokophobia was prevalent among antenatal women in this study, and over a quarter of them would like to seek professional care for their tokophobia. Prenatal education should include childbirth-related fears and strategies to overcome them.
Nesting of an Alien Invasive House Crow Corvus splendens in Verges along Arterial Roads in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: John Jasson R.
Published: October 2024

In most cities where little of the original natural vegetation remains, road verges act as home to many urban wildlife. However, the use of road verges for alien avifauna such as House Crow (Corvus splendens) has not been fully documented. This study, conducted between June and July 2021 investigated nesting preferences of the House Crow with particular regards to different verge subdivisions of arterial roads and tree species in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Nests were searched in 1813 trees (=42 species) along a stretch of 20 km, and 159 trees (=15 species) were nested with C. splendens. Overall, a total of 257 nests were found on site of which 127 were active. The mean number of nests per tree crown did not vary significantly among the road subdivisions. Nests were positioned between 4 and 16 m above ground in trees with 7.71±2.56 m canopy spread and a mean height of 9.97±2.28 m. For nesting, three tree species were dominant, eight were common, and 31were rare. However, majority of the tree species with the highest nest use ratio were not dominant indicating nesting preference. It is therefore important to consider the influence of tree species on the population of the House Crow during planning for urban verge development. Additionally, managing tree crown is among the best practices to discourage House Crow nesting in urban road verges.
Concentrations of Rare Earth and Valuable Elements in Mkuju Uranium Cores for Recovery
Authors: Ndalusanye Joshua , Mazunga Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Rare earth elements and valuable elements within Mkuju uranium core samples were analysed using EDXRF. Mean elemental concentrations for selected elements including Al, P, K, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Y, Mo, Ag, Ba, La, Ce, and U were determined as 96445.79 μg/g, 547.19 μg/g, 25296.88 μg/g, 5926.33 μg/g, 116.26 μg/g, 455.02 μg/g, 60.1 μg/g, 142.34 μg/g, 15.8 μg/g, 493.98 μg/g, 67.53 μg/g, 118.68 μg/g, and 128.37 μg/g respectively. The Rare Earth elements: Y, La and Ce and valuable elements: Mo, Ag and U have enrichment factor of EF >1.5 which indicates that, these elements were formed from rocks through geological processes and can be mined at a profit. The valuable elements AL, P, K, Ti, V, Mn, Fe and Ba have enrichment factor of EF ≤ 1.5 which indicates that, these elements were formed from natural weathering processes. It is concluded that, despite the low concentration of the Rare Earth and valuable elements, the possibility of recovering both valuable and Rare Earth elements in Mkuju deposit is significant.
Keywords:    Rare Earth; Valuable Elements; Mkuju; EDXRF
Performance of a Bipolar Output Voltage DC-DC Converter for Voltage Regulation for Solar PV System Application
Authors: Stephano Stampinus M. , Justo Jackson. J. , Mwinyiwiwa Bakari M. M.
Published: October 2024

A combined Single-Ended Primary-Inductor Converter (SEPIC) and Cuk DC-DC converter that provides a bipolar outputs voltage at the DC bus is widely used in applications especially solar photovoltaic (SPV) system. Maintaining constant output voltages at the DC bus under variable loads and input voltage from SPV is of great interest to many researchers. This paper presents a 400 W mathematical model of a combined SEPIC and Cuk DC-DC converter through state space averaging (SSA) in a continuous conduction mode (CCM). A nested voltage and current control loops are used to regulate voltage and increase the performance of the converter. These controls use Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers to track the desired input reference signal and eliminate any disturbance from the load. The entire model with its control algorithm was modelled in MATLAB/Simulink environment and validation results to evaluate its performance are presented. The controller was able to maintain required bus voltage of 24 V DC and -/+12 V at the output DC bus. DC bus voltage regulation was tested at varying input voltages and varying loads connected at the output, where, in all those scenarios, the converter could regulate its output voltage to required value.
Exergy analysis and performance testing of a gravitational water vortex turbine runner for small hydropower plants: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Faraji Adam , Jande Yusufu Abeid , Kivevele Thomas
Published: October 2024

their low initial investment, simple design, ease of maintenance, and low head utilization. However, the technology suffers from poor performance issues caused by the non-optimized parameters of its crucial components, such as the runner. In this study, the performance of a runner (16° blade-hub angle, six blades, and a curved blade profile) for a GWVPP was experimentally examined. The study also employed an exergy analysis. The experimental results revealed that the efficiency of the GWVPP system was in the range of 9.84% to 25.35%, the torque was in the range of 0.08 to 0.23 Nm, and the output power was in the range of 2.96 to 7.33 W. Furthermore, an exergy analysis of the system showed an exergy efficiency of 43.58%. Additionally, the error analysis of the GWVPP revealed ranges of 0.1 - 0.5 W for power, 0.01 - 0.03 Nm for torque, and 1.3–3.1% for efficiency, suggesting that the experimental setup and instrumentation of this study were reasonably accurate. Based on the results, the new vortex runner and GWVPP system are recommended for energy generation in low-head, low-flow small hydropower plants.
Keywords – Micro-hydropower; gravitational water vortex; runner; exergy efficiency; test rig
Effect of Alkali Treatment on the Chemical Composition and Dyeability of Sisal Fibers
Authors: Kindole Cosmas F , Bigambo Pendo N
Published: October 2024

Recently, natural fibers have gained significant attention from many researchers due to the global demand for natural products with low environmental impacts. Sisal (Agave Sisalana), is among the important natural fibers with substantial potential to flourish due to their outstanding properties, including high strength, good absorbency, and abundant availability. However, utilization of these fibers is yet to be fully explored, probably due to their stiff and coarse nature, which limits the overall applications of this sustainable fiber. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of alkali treatment on the chemical composition and dyeability of sisal fibers as a way of adding value to the fiber and potentially broadening their applications. The findings of this study have shown that alkali treatment decreased significantly the amount of hemicellulose and lignin from 10.6% and 10.7% to 4.9% and 6.4%, respectively. However, the cellulose content slightly increased from 64.6% to 64.7%. The decrease in amounts of hemicellulose and lignin was thought to be due to their high sensitivity to the action of alkali. Furthermore, the chemical treatment improved the dyeability of sisal fibers when both reactive and vat dyes were used, resulting in fibers with higher levels of dye exhaustion and improved wash fastness properties. Overall, the results suggest that alkali treatment not only modified the surface structure of sisal fibers but also improved their dyeability with both reactive and vat dyes. This will contribute to expanding the practical applications of sisal fibers, making them more viable for use in sustainable textile production in future
Keywords:    Sisal fibers, Alkali treatment, Reactive dyes, Vat dyes, Colorfastness
Multi-criteria Analysis of Municipal Solid Wastes Treatment Scenarios: The Case of Arusha City, Tanzania
Authors: Richard Edwin N.
Published: October 2024

Selection of the most effective municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment option is crucial for sustainable MSW management, but it remains a challenge in most cities of developing countries. More often, the decision-makers make the selection of the treatment options without economic (ECs), and environmental (ENCs) cost evaluations. Consequently, the selected technologies fail to suit the local conditions of the concerned areas and they become a high burden activity to manage. Therefore, this study aimed to use the multi-criteria analysis approach based on the ELECTRE method to analyse the most effective MSW treatment option in terms of ECs and ENCs costs in Arusha City Tanzania. A study involved the design of 54 treatment scenarios and identified six initial acceptable scenarios for ELECTRE analysis. The ELECTRE analysis results indicated that the scenario which suggests the use of composting options for organic wastes, recycling options for glass, metals, paper and plastic wastes and the use of a landfill for other wastes emerged as the dominant scenario. This scenario had the daily ECs of US$11,178 while avoiding about 124 tons of CO2 emissions daily. A sensitivity analysis results with different criteria weights also indicated the selected scenario outranked other alternatives. The findings from this study can be applied by the decision-makers to improve MSW management in study areas and cities with similar MSW conditions.
Keywords:    Municipal solid wastes; Multi-criteria; ELECTRE; Treatment option; Arusha
An Age-Structured Model for the Effects of Temperature and Rainfall on the Transmission Dynamics of Malaria
Authors: Mapunda Alanus , Mureithi: ewambui02@gmail.com Eunice , Shaban Nyimvua
Published: October 2024

This study has investigated the impact of temperature and rainfall on the transmission dynamics of malaria using an age-structured population model, with a class of pregnant women.  The equilibrium solutions have been analyzed, and numerical simulations carried out. The results show that there are significantly high rates of malaria infections for the temperature and rainfall ranging between (23.53 0C − 39.80 0C) and (14.82 mm − 38.44 mm) respectively. The results have shown that, the most affected populations are children up to five years old and pregnant women, and that decreasing the rate of transplacental transmission increases the number of children born free of malaria infections. Therefore, this work recommends human individuals to be aware of the variations of temperature, rainfall, and their corresponding ranges at which malaria transmission occurs most, so that they can take precautions.
Age-structure; Pregnant women; Temperature and rainfall; Malaria dynamics; Transplacental transmission
PROBLEMS OF MARKETING DEVELOPMENT AT AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES
Authors: Bondarenko Valerii , Riabchyk Alla , Lutsii Alexander , Lutsii Ivan , Nikishyna O. , Tarakanov M. , Sokolyuk K. , Barylovych Olena , Ryabchevska Anastasia , Lazebnyk Viktoriia
Published: October 2024

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, or stored in a data base or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The content and reliability of the articles are the responsibility of the authors. When using and borrowing materials reference to the publication is required.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE 'BANYU BIRU ANDARU' CLEAN WATER EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM: A CASE STUDY OF PT BORNEO INDOBARA'S INITIATIVE IN ANGSANA SUB-DISTRICT, TANAH BUMBU
Authors: Makinudin Dindin , Aditia Silvyna , Nabila Bilqis , Zakaria Muhammad Rifqi
Published: October 2024

This qualitative descriptive study provides a comprehensive examination of the effects of PT Borneo Indobara's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, "Banyu Biru Andaru," on enhancing clean water access and fostering community well-being within the villages of Banjarsari and Mekarjaya. Employing a methodological approach centered on document analysis through extensive literature review, the research delves into third-party evaluation reports and internal data extracted from annual reports, shedding light on the multifaceted impact of the program. Noteworthy findings reveal significant strides in addressing the critical issue of clean water scarcity through the implementation of various sub-programs, alongside the introduction of an innovative business model aimed at empowering communities to independently manage water resources. Furthermore, the program emerges as a driving force for social transformation, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6 and catalyzing shifts in societal dynamics. Notably, the calculated Social Return on Investment (SROI) value of 3.10 underscores the tangible benefits generated by the initiative, including reduced household expenditures and enhanced environmental sustainability, reflecting the substantial returns on investment and the commitment towards sustainable clean water solutions
OPTIMALISASI HIGIENITAS PADA UMKM DI KECAMATAN SUNGAI RAYA KABUPATEN KUBU RAYA
Authors: Widiyastuti Sri , Yaniza Tiza , Rachmawati Rachmawati , Karlina Dina , Rohani Siti , Asikin Uti
Published: October 2024

The lack of partner knowledge regarding packaging, labels and hygiene that partners need to pay attention to makes the implementation team feel they have to provide education regarding matters regarding hygiene to partners and the surrounding community. The method of implementing activities is legal counseling and technical training on product packaging in accordance with statutory provisions as well as increasing the production capacity of household businesses. The obligation to meet food packaging standards in order to create safe food products is closely related to food labeling obligations. This PKM activity is an effort to empower MSME business actors in food production. So that MSME business actors can produce and package food according to food packaging and labeling standards, they are provided with training on packaging and making food labels that comply with regulations. Apart from that, MSME players are also given equipment assistance that can support and increase their production, but still taking into account statutory provisions. In the future, it is hoped that more MSME business actors will have legal awareness regarding food packaging and labels when carrying out their business activities
STRATEGI PEMBERDAYAAN DALAM MENGOPTIMALKAN POTENSI AGRIBISNIS DI PEDESAAN KABUPATEN HALMAHERA BARAT PROPINSI MALUKU UTARA
Authors: Mahmud Haris , Fatmawati Mila , Sidayat Mardiyani , Djumadil Nurdiyanawati , Basuki Natal , Kaddas Fatmawati
Published: October 2024

The realization of agribusiness actors is carried out through rolling agricultural strengthening facilities in the context of strengthening group institutional finances, increasing entrepreneurship and fostering productive economic businesses. The agribusiness community empowerment program through business strengthening groups is a follow-up to previous empowerment programs. In this way, it is hoped that there will be no more confusion in the interpretation of this empowerment program with direct community assistance. It is hoped that this kind of empowerment pattern can stimulate the growth of agribusiness business groups and accelerate the formation of agribusiness institutional networks in the West Halmahera region. So that agricultural development programs can be achieved and implemented carefully. The results of the service show that the strategy for empowering the agribusiness community in optimizing agribusiness potential is by using 4 strategies, namely: 1) providing support for empowering the agribusiness community in the form of procuring agricultural production facilities; 2) strive to create regional regulations that can support the empowerment of agribusiness communities; 3) empowering the agribusiness community as a whole through active participation from the local government; and 4) provide coaching or guidance to each individual/farmer group on how to properly empower the agribusiness community
WORKSHOP PENYULUHAN PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN UNTUK UMKM DESA KAPANEWON NANGGULAN
Authors: Andari Diah , Fitriana Rosa , Mulyati Yati , Purnamasari Dyah , Mariana Citra
Published: October 2024

This PkM activity is carried out in the short, medium and long term. RSP management must be able to run operational administration properly. Although there are many types of shelters in Bandung, this PkM is specialized in the Bandung Branch of RSP, West Java. Administrative management for Rumah Singgah Peduli is introduced, discussed and applied how the proper techniques in this PkM. A MS. Excel helps in the process of running the administration until a simple financial report of RSP is expected to be able to classify receipts and expenses for each transaction that occurs. The intended object for this PkM is assumed to have less administrative knowledge. This service activity provides guidance and assistance for RSP in improving the information presented in the Non-Profit financial statements. This PkM program is focused on RSP and provides understanding so that it is able to make good records. It is hoped that the management and administration of RSP will have new knowledge related to administration in running their operations and be able to improve the quality of information presented and be professional
PELATIHAN AKURASI KODING PADA KASUS-KASUS PENDING KLAIM OBSTETRI DI RSIA CICIK PADANG
Authors: Yastori Yastori , Khumaira Nurul Fitri
Published: October 2024

Pending claims cases are a problem that often occurs in hospitals, especially in the JKN era because they are related to hospital finances. Based on a preliminary survey, it is known that there are still pending claims almost every month with an average number of cases of 3-5 cases per month. Coding problems in Obstetrics cases that occur are like PROM cases which are problematic if KPD can be coded if it lasts more than 6 hours and there is no opening in the mother about to give birth. Apart from that, in cases of PEB, attention must be paid to the patient's blood pressure, the presence of 40% Magnesium Sulfate, increased proteinuria and undiagnosed hypertension before pregnancy. Pending cases that occur include confirmation regarding coding accuracy, whether the requirements and procedures provided have been met and whether the attached documents are complete. The aim of this PKM is to provide training for medical record officers so that they can optimize their ability to provide accurate codes so that pending cases can be minimized. The PKM method is the lecture, socialization, discussion and case discussion method. The activity was held on Tuesday, May 28 2024 at RSIA Cicik Padang. The activity went smoothly, and it is known that the coders have begun to understand how coding regulations are based on ICD-10, the implementation of BPJS regulations and what pending cases often occur. This can be seen from the results of discussions between coders, medical records officers and the PKM chairman. In the future, it is recommended that RSIA Cicik provide coders per inpatient and outpatient department, implement coding SOPs properly, carry out performance evaluations and organize BPJS claims and pending cases. It is recommended that future PKM activities be able to discuss pending Obstetrics cases and the amount of financing that is pending due to these pending cases
PELATIHAN PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS BAHAN DAUR ULANG
Authors: Alfahnum Mal , Masitha Astriani Maya
Published: October 2024

Early childhood and kindergarten are a unique person, who has a very large curiosity and has a strong desire to imitate and try all the stimuli or stimuli in the environment. To support child development, it is expected that teachers who have the skills and creativity to provide stimulus with learning media, this is so that children grow in accordance with their development. This community service activity aims to improve the competence of early childhood education teachers (PAUD) and kindergartens (TK) in making learning media made from recycled materials that can provide knowledge and experience for students. The method used is lecture, practice of making learning media and peer teaching using learning media. The results obtained by the teacher's creativity increased, the number of learning media in PAUD and TK institutions increased after attending the training
MENINGKATKAN KESADARAN HYGIENE DAN SANITASI MELALUI PROGRAM SOSIALISASI UNTUK PEDAGANG KAKI LIMA DI KELURAHAN SUNYARAGI
Authors: Setiawati Ety , Khalim Abdul , Hernawati Yuke , Warliati Annisaa Eka , Fitriana Dian
Published: October 2024

Hygiene and sanitation are crucial aspects in maintaining individual and community health, especially in densely populated environments and urban areas. However, a lack of knowledge about correct hygiene practices and limited access to adequate sanitation facilities are the main obstacles in creating a healthy environment. Street vendors (PKL), as a community group that is vulnerable to hygiene problems, are the focus of attention in efforts to improve the quality of life and overall public health. A Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach was applied, actively involving street vendors in every stage of the program. Outreach and education materials include personal hygiene, safe food handling, and proper use of sanitation facilities. This service was carried out by lecturers at the Prima International Tourism Polytechnic for street vendors in the Sunyaragi sub-district. Through this community service activity, it is hoped that there will be an increase in the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of street vendors regarding hygiene and sanitation. The positive impact of this program is not only limited to improving product quality and consumer confidence, but also contributes to reducing the risk of infectious diseases.
This service also highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in overcoming urban cleanliness problems. It is hoped that similar programs in the future will be able to integrate hygiene practices into people's lives, creating a healthier and more productive environment
PEMANFAATAN BAHAN ORGANIK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KESADARAN AKAN PENGELOLAAN LIMBAH MELALUI ECO ENZYME
Authors: Arman Arman , Renaldie Bima Arya , Nurputri Dita Riska , Yudiantini Elda Mustapidah , Shahifa Ariena Rosydiena Azkiyatuz , Rahman Arif , Sulistiawati Ai , Aladawiah Ai Rosi Nur , Doni Doni , Nurealita Amelia , Nurjamil Dedi , Deviani Deviani , Sumandya I Wayan
Published: October 2024

With the increasing human population, waste production, including household waste, has also increased, creating significant management problems. Organic waste, such as vegetable and fruit scraps, decomposes easily and can pollute the environment and produce harmful methane gas. One solution to reduce the negative impact of household organic waste is by making Eco Enzyme, a fermentation product of organic kitchen waste that provides various environmental and health benefits. Therefore, this community service activity aims to raise awareness and skills in waste management through the creation of Eco Enzyme. The implementation method involves a Socialization on Utilizing Waste through Eco Enzyme, held in Dusun Cikatomas, Handapherang Village, Cijeungjing District, Ciamis Regency on Thursday, May 9, 2024. This activity was attended by several PKK members. The steps include four stages: pre-proposal, proposal, main activity, and evaluation. During the service activity, the materials presented were what Eco Enzyme is, how to make it, its benefits, and how to use it. The harvested and packaged Eco Enzyme was distributed to participants for them to experience its benefits firsthand. From the entire socialization series, it was evident that all participants were motivated to try making Eco Enzyme
PEMANFAATAN SISTEM INFORMASI KOPERASI DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEPERCAYAAN DAN LOYALITAS MASYARAKAT KOPERASI LEMBAGA KEUANGAN MIKRO AGRIBISNIS ( LKM A ) BERKAH MLATI MULYO PETEAN KENDAL
Authors: Riyanto Eko , Mashuri Agus Alwi , Mahmudi Mahmudi
Published: October 2024

The benefits of the LKMA Cooperative are felt by the local community because with this cooperative farmers can continue to produce their agricultural land without fear of lack of capital. Currently, the number of members has reached 105 customers, where transactions have reached 180,000,000. This makes both administrative and financial processes very important in serving members. Currently, the bookkeeping carried out by cooperatives is computer-based using Microsoft Excel, but it is not yet efficient because cooperative administrators can only carry out transactions at certain times, such as monthly meetings, which results in long and time-consuming transaction process queues. Apart from that, the recording process still uses a card which is proof that the customer has paid the instalments, but manual recording has many weaknesses, including being left behind, damaged and even lost. Under current conditions, technology is needed to help cooperative administrators manage their cooperatives effectively and efficiently. The STMIK Himsya Semarang community service team saw an opportunity to assist LKMA cooperative administrators in managing cooperative finances using Cooperative Information System technology. This web-based cooperative information system application is made easier both from the admin and customer side because it uses the internet which can be accessed anytime and anywhere. All transactions carried out will be recorded in the database and can be seen in real-time, such as loans, payments, deposits and withdrawals.and publisher requirements. Abstracts are typically sectioned logically as an overview of what appears in the paper
PENDAMPINGAN UMKM DALAM MENGHADAPI TRANSFORMASI DIGITAL; PEMBUKUAN KEUANGAN DIGITAL DAN METODE PEMBAYARAN DIGITAL
Authors: Olimsar Fredy , Putra Wirmie Eka , Tialonawarmi Feny , Putra Dios Nugraha , Rofikhoh Rofikhoh
Published: October 2024

Currently is the era of digitalization where all buying and selling transactions can be carried out digitally. Based on this, there is still a lack of business actors who utilize digital sales and create digital financial reports. One of the micro and small businesses in the city of Jambi that has not yet carried out digital transformation is the Salsa 717 Kerupuk & Kemplang. Business actors still use non-digital methods in their financial bookkeeping. Therefore, this service aims to provide assistance and training in creating digital financial bookkeeping, as well as digital payment methods. Planned activities that will be implemented include providing training and direct assistance to business actors. The results of this PPM activity are: UMKM business actors can face digital transformation by implementing digital financial bookkeeping and digital payment methods, and can increase the value and quality of UMKM