bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State Immunity from Execution under the “United Nations Convention on the Jurisdictional Immunities of States and their Property” (UN Convention) in the Process of Execution of Arbitral Awards against States
Authors: Begalishvili Nino
Published: September 2023

The present article focuses on the examination of state immunity in the process of execution of arbitral awards under the UN Convention. It studies the effectiveness of the UN Convention in the light of domestic and international laws on State immunity. Within the scope of this area of research, the article discusses the approaches of Anglo-American, French and Swiss legal systems.
On launching a new journal 'Perioperative Precision Medicine': a rapidly evolving discipline
Authors: Xiong Lize
Published: September 2023

Anesthesia is indispensable for most types of surgery and a key factor to ensure the safety and to improve the prognosis of patients. With the rapid development of science and technology and the persistent enhancement of anesthesiology expertise, it is no longer sufficient to put a singular emphasis on anesthesia during surgery. Anesthesiology is now evolving towards perioperative medicine, which involves patient-centered care and value-based multidisci-plinary management of surgical patients in the perioperative period.
Progress of end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring in non-intubated patients
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhou Miao , Li Pengxin , Gu Lianbing
Published: September 2023

End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring is an important tool for assessing respiratory and circulatory status of patients. It has become an integral component of perioperative anesthesia care in patients undergoing general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. ETCO2 monitoring can also benefit non-intubated patients. This review covers the basics of ETCO2 and methods of partial pressure of ETCO2 (PETCO2) monitoring and focuses on the literature regarding PETCO2 monitoring for non-intubated patients. Most studies explored the superiority of PETCO2 monitoring in patients under sedation outside operating room, while others investigated the potential advantages of PETCO2 monitoring in other scenarios such as post-anesthesia care unit, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and patient-controlled analgesia. As carbon dioxide detection technology and sampling circuits continue to improve, PETCO2 monitoring is expected to be used in more medical scenarios.
Optimizing electrode design to minimize thermal spread in radiofrequency-induced colonic anastomosis
Authors: Mao Lin , Xue Hanxiao , Hu Zhongxin , Zhou Zhengyue , Li Junxian , Cuschieri Alfred , Song Chengli
Published: September 2023

Objective: To study temperature distribution in different electrodes and to evaluate thermal spread during colonic anastomosis induced by radiofrequency energy through finite element modeling, aiming to provide the basis for optimizing the design of new electrodes with improved effectiveness of electrosurgical welding. Methods: Three electrodes with the feature of concave-convex (CC), rail coupled concave-convex (rail-CC), and cross rail coupled concave-convex (cross rail-CC) were designed for radiofrequency-induced serosa-to-serosa colonic anastomoses to evaluate the thermal spread process by finite element modeling using COMSOL Multiphysics. Parameters used in the modeling were set with a peak voltage of 45 V, a duty cycle of 10% and a repetition rate of 1 s. Additionally, a three-dimensional finite element model of the cross rail-CC electrode was further constructed to compare temperature variation and distribution when the voltage Fwas applied to ridges of upper electrode alternately. Results: The electrode with CC design produced similar temperature between 'gap' and 'compressed' areas, whereas the electrode with rail-CC design exhibited the highest temperature at 'gap' and 'compressed' areas compared with those with CC and cross rail-CC designs. Moreover, the cross rail-CC electrode, by tightly occluding the upper and lower electrodes, could create uniform compression and temperature variation. When electric voltage was applied to ridges of upper electrode of the cross rail-CC electrode alternately, the temperature at 'gap' was half of that at the 'compressed' section, which was comparable to the temperature at 'compressed' area in the rail-CC electrode (p=0.241). Conclusion: Alternating application of voltage to ridges of upper electrode of the cross rail-CC electrode can potentially produce an optimal fusion zone by reducing thermal damage with low 'gap' temperature while keeping the 'compressed' temperature high.
Analysis of the Hujjah Level of Sahih and Hasan Hadiths
Authors: Maheningsih Desi Dwi
Published: September 2023

Hadith is the second source of law after the Qur'an. One of the functions of Hadith is as a place of interpretation, which aims to explain the verses of the Qur'an. To understand the law based on Hadith, one must know the Hadith Hujjahan. Judging from the quality of Hadith, it is divided into three parts, namely Sahih, Hasan, and Dhaif Hadith. However, this article aims to analyze only Sahih and Hasan Hadith. This research is literature research and falls into the category of qualitative research. The results of this study show that there are several choices of hadith degrees, which can be said to be sahih and hasan. Sahih if it meets the five conditions agreed upon by the scholars of hadith and Hasan if there are conditions that are not met. The highest evidence is Sahih hadith then Hasan hadith. Sahih hadith is divided into two types, namely Sahih Li-Dzatih and li-hair. There are also two types of hasan hadith, namely Hasan Li-Dzatih, and li-hair.
Asbabun Nuzul Islamic Education Perspective
Authors: Maheningsih Desi Dwi , Rahmatsyah
Published: September 2023

This research was conducted to analyze asbabun nuzul from the perspective of Islamic education. An in-depth study of asbabun nuzul from the perspective of Islamic education is rarely carried out in a learning process, moreover it will analyze the educational values contained in the asbabun nuzul. This study uses a library research approach (library research). The results of this study are asbabun nuzul as an event that causes the decline of one or several verses of the Qur'an, or an event that can be used as a legal guide regarding the revelation of a verse. How to find out asbabun nuzul through authentic history, namely history based on the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Asbabun nuzul consists of several types which in general are asbabun nuzul based on responses to events and asbabun nuzul based on questions to the Prophet SAW, the benefits and educational values in asbabun nuzul broadly teach humans to be able to take lessons from the cause of the incident.
Socio-demographic characteristics and ocular status of participants attending world glaucoma week screening
Authors: Abraham EG  , Megbelayin EO  , Ndubuisi C
Published: September 2023

Background: A large and growing body of evidence shows that socio-demographic factors – age, race, ethnicity and language as well as socioeconomic status (SES), such as income and education, can influence health seeking behaviours and thus health outcomes. Worldwide, the pattern of ocular diseases varies from one location to another. However, cataract, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, refractive errors, pterygium are considered the common ocular disorders. This study is aimed at finding the socio-demographic characteristics and ocular status of participants at a screening programme.Methods: A cross sectional population-based study conducted among individuals who voluntarily sought to be screened for glaucoma and ocular conditions during the 2020 World Glaucoma Week. Pre-validated self/interviewer administered questionnaire was used for socio-demographic information while clinical data was obtained from eye examination. Data so obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 25.Results: There were 139 (60.2%) female participants and 92 (39.8%) male participants in the ratio 1.5:1. Age group 31-40 years was the highest. Participants with post-secondary education only was 80 (34.6%) while 64 (27.7%) had primary education only, civil/public service was the highest occupation 72 (32.9%).The commonest diagnosis were presbyopia ±refractive error 56 (20.1%) and cataract 52 (18.6%). One hundred and sixty three (70.5%) had a VA of 6/18 or better while 39 (16.9%) had a VA of ≤3/60(CF) in the RE. Twenty one (10.4%) participants had a VCDR.>0.7 RE.Conclusion: Uncorrected refractive errors/ presbyopia remains the predominant cause of visual impairment. Cataract and glaucoma are still the commonest causes of preventable and avoidable blindness respectively.
Common Adverse drug reactions to First line drugs in Tuberculosis care and the role of m-Health in patient self-reporting and pharmacovigilance in Nigeria: A Narrative review
Authors: Edward E  , Ekanem US  , Ekanem AM
Published: September 2023

The treatment of tuberculosis requires the use of First line drugs that often cause adverse drug reactions (ADR) in some patients and this is capable of affecting adherence to the treatment. Many patients do not report these ADRs even though technologies are available at their disposal. The objectives of this review are to assess the common adverse drug reactions reported during the care of patients on First line anti-TB drugs and the use of m-health in self-reporting the ADRs by patients receiving anti-TB care. A literature search was conducted using key words on PUBMED and GOOGLE SCHOLAR. The commonest ADRs many patients presented with were gastrointestinal symptoms and symptoms of drug induced hepatotoxicity. The use of m-Health as an intervention for reporting ADRs is poor in sub-Saharan Africa, however in spite of some challenges, it is seen as a veritable opportunity for patient reporting of ADRs and the improvement of outcomes of Directly Observed Therapy Short course, (DOTS) for tuberculosis management.
Timeliness of Bacilli Calmette-Guérin vaccination among infants in a tertiary health facility in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ekop EE  , Akor AA  , Oyari F
Published: September 2023

Context: Administration of a single dose of Bacilli Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine at birth is a key component of pillar one in the End Tuberculosis strategy and has been shown to be a cost effective tuberculosis preventive intervention. However, the proportion of children vaccinated at birth varies within and across countries.Objective: To determine the proportion of infants vaccinated with BCG at birth, identify factors associated and barriers to vaccination at birth.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study carried out among infants aged 0 – 12 months attending the immunization clinic at a tertiary health facility in Abuja. Frequency tables, chi square and logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis.Results: Among 414 caregiver participants, 100%, 75.8% and 97.1% were females, with tertiary education and married, respectively. Majority (53.1%) of infants were male. Almost all (99.5%) had received BCG but only 35.3% received at birth. No association was found between receipt of BCG at birth and socio-demographic factors or maternal obstetric history. The commonest barrier to receipt at birth was the vaccine not given to infants at health facilities on birth date (p = 0.0001 OR= 14.56 CI 8.077-26.248).Conclusion: Majority of the infants had received the BCG vaccine, however, only a small proportion had received it at birth. There is an unmet need of ensuring infant vaccination with BCG occurs daily including weekends and public holidays while increasing public awareness especially through antenatal clinics. This may help reduce child mortality and morbidity from tuberculosis.
Sexual and reproductive health awareness and practices among the deaf/speech-impaired secondary school students in two cities in Nigeria
Authors: Idiong U  , Akwaowo CD  , Umoh I
Published: September 2023

Background: The World Health Organization estimates that 5% of the world’s population has disabling hearing impairment. This subpopulation experiences significant healthcare barriers for various reasons including poor communication and risk of embarrassment among others.Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the awareness, sexual abuse, and the behavioral risk factors for HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections among Deaf secondary school students in two cities in Nigeria.Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among the Deaf students in two government special schools in Akure and Calabar. All 112 consenting students were recruited into the study. Data analysis was carried out using GraphPad prism software and statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results: A total of 112 Deaf students participated in the study (53males and 59 females), with mean age of 17.8years (17.1 years for males and 18.4 years for females). Majority (n=91; 81.2%) had ever had sex (mean age at sexual debut 11 years), while over a third of them (35.7%) had been raped: 57. 7% of females and 11.3% of males. A vast majority of the girls (74%) had exchanged sex for money or gifts. Furthermore, 24.4% of the females had been pregnant with 47% of the pregnancies ending in induced abortions. Only 20 (18%) of the students knew how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections.Conclusions: There was poor awareness of sexual and reproductive health issues and high rates of high-risk sexual behaviors and sexual abuse among the Deaf sub-population in these secondary schools. This calls for urgent designing of appropriate awareness interventions for this group of vulnerable people. This is key to achieving the SDG goal of leaving no one behind.
Awareness and Enrollment into the National Health Insurance Scheme among Federal Civil Servants in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeniji FO  , Adebiyi O
Published: September 2023

Background: The increasing cost of health care services and development is a major concern to the government in developed and developing countries, hence the need for Health Insurance. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) of Nigeria was established about ten years ago to achieve universal health coverage within ten years of inception. Currently, the population coverage is less than 10%. Formal sector employees are the primary beneficiaries.Aim: This study seeks to determine the level of awareness and enrolment, factors associated with enrolment, and identify reasons for non-enrollment into the NHIS among federal civil servants.Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A multi-stage sampling method was used. Questionnaires were self-administered, data was collated and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. The Chi-square test was used to test for statistical significance variables. The level of Confidence was set at 95%, and the level of significance was predetermined at a p-value of 0.05.Results: Out of the 335 respondents interviewed, 334 (99.7%) said that they had heard about NHIS and 280 (83.8%) respondents were enrolled for NHIS. Age was found to be statistically associated with enrollment. Among non-enrollees, the most prevalent reason given was a lack of understanding of the scheme.Conclusion: Awareness and enrollment into the NHIS by the federal civil servants, in this study were very high. There is a need to improve access to information about the scheme to the populace.
health impact and lung function indices of adult residents of Ibeno Community exposed to gas flaring in south-south Nigeria
Authors: Ekwere ME  , Bandele EO  , Peters GE  , Umoh VA  , Peters EJ
Published: September 2023

Background: Epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to air pollution caused by gas flaring may have an association with an increased risk of adverse respiratory effects. This study investigates the effects of gas flaring on the lung health of Ibeno community residents, Akwa Ibom State focusing on respiratory symptoms and lung function indicesMethods: A total of 386 adult resident in Ibeno for at least two years and 386 age, sex and height matched controls resident in Etinan, also for at least two years were recruited to a cross-sectional survey comparing their respiratory symptoms and lung function indices. The study was conducted between March and May 2014 using spirometer and questionnaire as investigative tools. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.Results: Most of the respondents in both exposed and control communities were aged 18-30 years, with a height range of 161-170cm. Both exposed and controls subjects experienced similar symptoms suggestive of respiratory disorders, however the prevalence was higher among exposed subjects than controls: cough- 57(14.8%) vs. 39(10.1%); breathlessness 58(15%) vs. 28(7.3); wheezing 22(5.7) vs. 12(3.1). The respondents from the exposed community were mostly traders and fishermen while the controls were predominantly farmers. The PEFR, FVC and FEV1 (mean ± SD) for the subjects were 300.6±2.15 l/min, 2.58±8.43 and 2.01±0.76 respectively; while the PEFR, FVC and FEV1 for the controls were 342±2.16l/min, 2.27±0.82 and 2.13±0.75 respectively.Conclusion: In view of these findings, there is evidence that prolonged exposure to air pollution from gas flaring impacts negatively on lung function reflected as reduced PEFR, FEV1, and worsening respiratory symptoms among residents in the exposed community. There is need for the government to speed up the implementation of polices regarding the reduction of flaring of natural gas associated with oil production. There is also a need for further research to be carried out on the long term effects of chronic exposure to gas flaring on lung health and methods of interventions to minimize or possibly eliminate these effects.
Assessment of the perception of the public on the impact of the lockdown due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Awofisayo O  , Ologunagba MO  , Williams FE  , Joda AE  , Ibrahim MB  , Olugbake OA  , Ayeni FA  , Oyetunde OO  , Mosanya AU
Published: September 2023

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 started in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and was declared pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. Globally, majority of nations worldwide with Nigeria inclusive were on lockdown. Variations exist in the way the public responded to the lockdown.Objective: The study is to determine the public perception on the impact of the lockdown due to COVID-19Methods: Pretested survey form prepared using the Google form app and distributed via social media - WhatsApp, Facebook, email and Instagram. Sample size was determined as 510. The data collected was exported to Microsoft Excel. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Inferential analysis was done using chi square, and fisher exact test at 95% confidence interval. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Health Research and Ethics Committee, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.Results: A total of 510 respondents participated in the study. The results revealed 52.2% female respondents. The data revealed 60% were employed with majority residing in the South Western part of Nigeria and are in a relationship. While self-employed participants comprised 25.9%. Respondents aged between 40-49 years were 28.6%, while 61.57% were postgraduate degree holders. The current data showed that 59.6% of the respondents think that the lockdown, irrespective of the dimension taken prevented the spread of the diseaseConclusion: A significant percentage of the public are of the opinion that the lockdown was effective.
Prevalence and determinants of foetal outcome among teenagers delivered in a tertiary health facility in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Abah MG  , Edu EB  , Abah IG  , Motilewa OO
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Teenage pregnancy is considered a high-risk pregnancy associated with foeto-maternal complications arising from biological and socioeconomic factors. The foetal outcome may be affected by factors yet to be studied in our environment.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of 101 teenage pregnancies admitted for delivery into the maternity unit of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo over a 5-year period.Results: The number of deliveries per year range between 320 and 2052, with teenage birth between 3 and 40 per year giving a teenage delivery rate of 0.9 to 1.9%, with a mean prevalence of 1.34%. Their ages range between 13 and 19years, with the majority, 90(89%) of them being between 16 and 19 years old; and a median age of 18 years. Eighty-five (84.2%) of them were primiparous. The majority (56.4%) of the pregnancies was booked and the Caesarean section rate among the teenagers was 41.6%. Having the pregnancy booked and receiving antenatal care (Df=1, P value=0.002+), Apgar score at 1 minute (X2=-5.558, P value> 0.0001+) and placental size above 500g (X2 =5.2017, P value=0.023+) were associated with babies being born alive.Conclusions: The teenagers delivered during the study period were mostly in their late teen ages, booked/received antenatal care and had surgical intervention for delivery of mostly live fetuses of normal weight related to placental weight and Apgar score at one minute.
Severe preeclampsia in a non-proteinuric patient
Authors: Utuk N  , Abasiattai A
Published: September 2023

We present a 57year old now Para 2+0 lady who conceived through assisted reproductive technology and subsequently presented to us at 12weeks of gestation for antenatal care. Her antenatal period was uneventful until the 32nd week of gestation when she suddenly developed hypertension without any proteinuria. On admission, renal and liver function tests were found to be grossly deranged. She was stabilized with anti-hypertensives and given a course of steroids for fetal lung maturity. She subsequently had an emergency lower segment caesarean section at 33 weeks of gestation and was delivered of a live male baby weighing 1.8 kilograms. A high index of suspicion for pre-eclampsia is very important in the management of patients with hypertension in pregnancy, even in the absence of proteinuria.
Heterotopic pregnancy in natural conception – A case report
Authors: Abah IG  , Nwafor NN  , Abah MG  , Ben I
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Heterotopic pregnancy is the coexistence of living or dead intrauterine pregnancy, single or multiple, and extra-uterine pregnancy located in the oviduct, ovary, uterine cornua, cervix or peritoneal cavity. Heterotopic gestation, although common with assisted reproductive techniques, is very rare in natural conception. A high index of suspicion can help in timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention.Case report: A 37- year-old primigravida lady with spontaneous pregnancy presented with amenorrhoea of 5 weeks, sudden and increasing lower abdominal pains of 5 days, dizziness of 2 days and vaginal bleeding of 4hours. Transabdominal and Transvaginal ultrasound scan was performed and revealed a non-viable intrauterine gestation at 6 weeks and 3 days, associated with a heterogenous complex right adnexal mass. Laparotomy was done, it revealed a ruptured right fallopian tube with remnant products of conception and hemoperitoneum; and right salpingectomy was done. The specimen was sent for histopathology. The patient tolerated the procedure well, though was resuscitated with normal saline and blood transfusion; she was taken to the recovery room in stable condition. The histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.Conclusion: Despite the rarity of heterotopic pregnancy it should be suspected in patients with hemoperitoneum and an adnexal mass, even in the absence of risk factors, and should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in the first trimester. The patient should be thoroughly investigated using abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound to exclude this rare diagnosis and allow on-time proper management.
Scourge of Peripheral Artery Disease in a Low-Income-Setting: The Role of Vascular Surgery
Authors: Nwafor IA  , Onoh US  , Nsude IO
Published: September 2023

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a progressive disorder characterized by stenosis and/or occlusion of large and medium-sized arteries, other than those that supply the heart (coronary artery disease, CAD) or the brain (cerebrovascular disease). It is increasingly becoming a challenge in developing countries owing to poverty and ignorance.

Objective: To review the scourge of peripheral artery diseases in our institution in a low-income setting with a view to determining the role of a vascular surgeon.Materials and method: Over a period of 15 years (2006 to 2021), patients with documented PAD were reviewed. Data of the patients were retrieved from the record department and such data included demography, aetiology/risk factors, clinical features and investigative parameters as well as modes of treatment especially vascular surgery.

Results: There were 35 patients which comprised 20 males and 15 females with male to female ratio of 4:3. Age range affected most was 71-80 years. Aetiologically, artherosclerosis was dominant. Leriche Fontaine classification used in clinical evaluation showed that type III was dominant. 6 Ps (pain, pulselessness, paralysis, paraesthesie, pallor and poikilothermia) of vascular ischemia were evident. Doppler/duplex ultrasound and computer angiography were used in diagnosis. Medical and or surgical treatments were used in patients’ management. Vascular and or orthopedic surgery played significant role.

Conclusion: PAD affects the lower extremities more commonly than the upper extremity vessels especially in the elderly leading to intermittent claudicationn which is the most recognized symptomatic subset of lower extremity PAD. Morbidity and mortality emanating from inadequate revascularization are burden to emerging economy like ours.
Psychological consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on doctors
Authors: Buowari DY
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world. The pandemic has had several impacts on healthcare workers who are at the frontline of screening, triaging and caring for both suspected and confirmed cases, no matter if they are asymptomatic or symptomatic. This has therefore affected the mental health of doctors. Several studies have found that mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic distress syndrome, and insomnia just to mention a few are on a rise among healthcare workers including doctors. This is a review article on the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Surface anatomy as a relevant tool in contemporary medical education and clinical practice
Authors: Dim EM  , Edagha IA  , Mbadugha CC  , Peter AI  , Oforjigha-Dim CW  , Dim UME
Published: September 2023

The study of human surface anatomy is largely descriptive with interest on the form, proportions of the human body, and the surface landmarks which correspond to deeper structures hidden from view, both in static pose and in motion. From the point of view of first principles in establishing diagnoses and planning appropriate treatment, it is difficult to divest anatomy from clinical medicine. The advent of contemporary, modern and state of the arts diagnostic aids appears to be eroding the relationship between surface anatomy and the teaching and practice of clinical medicine. The aim of this work is to re-emphasize the role of surface anatomy in the teaching and practice of clinical medicine. This is especially relevant at a time like this, when state of the arts imaging techniques seem to be making clinical skills acquisition and demonstration unpopular. A systematic review of the literature on the subject of surface anatomy as it relates to clinical medicine was done. Perspectives on surface anatomy in relation to the teaching and practice of clinical medicine were extracted and presented.
Coronavirus Disease Pandemic and the Basic Reproduction Number (R0) in Nigeria: What Does the Data Reveal?
Authors: Onwube O  , Ohalete P  , Yakubu JA
Published: September 2023

Nigeria continues to record increasing number of persons infected with the coronavirus disease. Within the African region, Nigeria has the second-highest number of infected persons after South Africa, representing 9.95% of the region’s total coronavirus disease cases as at June 1, 2020, despite its strict containment measures. With the fears of a second wave of the coronavirus (the COVID-19 Delta Virus), another lockdown might likely be. But can we establish a correlation between infected persons and those prone to infection (susceptible) as well as the correlation strength in Nigeria? Using both a descriptive and econometric technique, the study analyzed the reality of the transmission rate and the rising figures of the coronavirus infections and found that there exists a weak correlation between the infected and the susceptible and that the basic reproduction number (R0) is less than 1 suggesting that the rate of transmission is low and the virus might not be endemic. The study, therefore, recommends that the containment measures of sanitizing/washing hands, physical distancing, and using face coverings are just enough to stem the tide. However, sustained lockdown measures will be too costly for the economy and a second lockdown will be highly unnecessary.
Prevalence of pain among adult patients living with HIV in Uyo, South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Ettah OE  , Edoho I  , Kalu Q
Published: September 2023

Background: HIV infection is a major global public health issue. Pain is a common and debilitating symptom of HIV disease which is gravely underestimated and treated.

Patients And Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the HIV Clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, after obtaining approval from the Research Ethical Committee. Data was obtained using a Data Sheet and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) questionnaire. Information obtained included demographic characteristics, duration of infection, clinical stage and treatment. The BPI asked patients to report if they experienced pain, pain score, treatment and interference with their quality of life.

Results: A total of 210 patients participated in the study, 60 males and 150 females, the prevalence of pain was 29.5%, and the average duration of pain was 4-9 months. The commonest site of pain was waist (39.3%), followed by headache (13.1%), neck (11.5%) and Knee (11.5%). Majority of the patients (53.4%) rated their average pain between 1 – 4 on the numerical rating scale. Most of the patients received over the counter analgesics (29.5%) while 27.9% did not take any medication at all. Majority of the patients with pain had mild interference with their quality of life.

Conclusion: The Prevalence of pain among adult HIV Patients is high and grossly undertreated. Training of health workers in pain management may improve the situation.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in Nigeria: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Buowari DY  , Worgu GO  , Somiari A  , Osi CU  , Onyeaghala C  , Ogbonna VI  , Joshi S  , Inimgba T  , Agiri (Jr) UA  , Abaate TJ  , Maduka O
Published: September 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant change in society. Healthcare workers are at risk of contracting the novel virus while at work as it becomes a hospital-acquired infection, starting from the first wave of the pandemic. Healthcare workers can acquire and transmit the virus from the medical workplace to their households. Hence they must receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, some healthcare workers have refused to get inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine, exhibiting vaccine hesitancy. There are several reasons healthcare workers knowledgeable about vaccines refuse to receive them—this protocol is for a systematic review of hesitation towards the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in Nigeria.

Aim and Objectives: To investigate vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in Nigeria.

Methods and Analysis: This protocol followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA-P) 2015 guideline and is registered with PROSPERO. The registration number is CRD42022365489. We will conduct an electronic search for pertinent papers in several databases, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Library, Scopus, web of Science Citation Index, and African Index Medicus. The search period will be between March 7, 2021 to March 27, 2023, for published articles on healthcare professionals' hesitation to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Three independent reviewers will select the articles based on strict eligibility criteria, and a fourth reviewer will address any disagreement.

We will use the New Castle Ottawa scale to assess the risk of bias in the included studies and perform quantitative and qualitative synthesis. The former is for sufficiently similar studies, using Review Manager Version 5.3. While the latter will be conducted where variabilities exist among the studies.

Conclusion: Even though healthcare workers have more knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine compared to the members of the public, some of them exhibit hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine.
Sonographic Measurement of the Liver in the healthy adult Nigerian Population
Authors: Obiozor AA
Published: September 2023

Background: This study is on sonographic measurement of the liver in the healthy adult Nigerian population. The objective of the study is to determine normal lengths of the liver and to correlate the measurements with the sex, age, height, weight and body mass index, in the adult Nigerian population.

Materials and Methods: A sample size of five hundred (500) was used for the study and the individuals were not less than twenty (20) years as at the time of data collection. A questionnaire was used for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Consent was obtained from the individuals before the study and strict confidentiality was maintained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were deployed to realize the objectives.

Results: The mean length (L1) of the liver was 117.2±12.5mm for males and 119.2±13.3mm for females with P values of 0.087 which is not significant. More so, the mean length (L2) of the liver was 133.1±10.1mm for males and 134.5±10.8 for females with P values of 0.133 which is not significant.There is positive correlation of the liver lengths (L1)with age P values 0.000, height P values 0.006 and width with P values 0.019.

Conclusion: Liver size is affected by many variables such as age and weight in both genders. Liver length decreased with age, and size of the liver in males was greater than in the females. Also, there is a significant positive correlation with liver dimensions and the variables studied.
DESAFIOS DA SEGURANÇA PÚBLICA: O IMPACTO DO ORÇAMENTO ESTATAL NO COMBATE À CRIMINALIDADE
Authors: Melo Junior Mário de Oliveira
Published: September 2023

Este artigo científico aborda a relação entre o orçamento público e o combate à criminalidade pelos estados, utilizando uma perspectiva de direito comparado. O objetivo é analisar como diferentes países têm alocado recursos financeiros para a segurança pública e quais os reflexos dessas decisões no enfrentamento da criminalidade. Por meio de uma análise comparativa dos sistemas jurídicos, políticas e práticas orçamentárias, este estudo busca fornecer insights sobre como a alocação de recursos impacta a eficácia das medidas de segurança pública. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os impactos do orçamento público na capacidade dos estados em implementar políticas de segurança eficazes, com base em uma abordagem de direito comparado por meio de uma revisão de literatura. A análise comparativa dos sistemas jurídicos e práticas orçamentárias revela a importância da alocação adequada de recursos para o combate à criminalidade pelos estados. Por meio do estudo de casos e da identificação de lições aprendidas, este artigo destaca a necessidade de compromisso político, transparência e participação da sociedade civil na definição e execução do orçamento público para a segurança pública.
Obtaining high retention and completion rates in a New Zealand ODL environment: A case study of strategies employed by Information and Library Studies Faculty at the Open Polytechnic
Authors: Maathuis-Smith Sandra Elizabeth , Wellington Shannon , Cossham Amanda , Fields Alison , Irvine Jan , Welland Sarah , Innes Mary
Published: September 2023

Open and distance learning (ODL) provides unique challenges for student retention and course completion. In an increasingly competitive educational environment, measures such as retention and completion form the basis for the evaluation of institutional and student performance. Information and Library Studies (ILS) faculty at the Open Polytechnic achieve and maintain consistently high retention and completion rates across their faculty-taught ODL courses. This research documents the development and application of strategies that contribute to these high success rates.Information and Library Studies faculty, through a framework of action research, undertook an analysis of implementation strategies designed to support student retention and completion. This framework provided a methodological foundation for focus-group discussion. The faculty evaluated and disseminated the strategies derived from these focus-group discussions across other ILS courses in an iterative process of application and analysis.Strategies for retention and completion in this research are discussed in the context of course selection, orientation, layered support, communication between students and faculty, support between student and faculty, social interaction, and community building in an ODL environment.
Re-inventing PLD: Ensuring relevance and building resilience
Authors: Owen Hazel
Published: September 2023

Innovation may best be considered as reinvention rather than invention. This observation is supported by a gradually accelerating change in how professional learning and development (PLD) for education practitioners and leaders is being offered, designed, facilitated, and evaluated. The reinvention of PLD includes shifts towards contextualised, personalised, selfpaced learning that build resilience because they are underpinned by the development of a professional social identity within an online community of practice—shifts that arguablychallenge notions of what actually comprises PLD provision.However, what might such reinvented PLD ‘look like’? And what are the implications for professional practice and student learning in terms of building resilience, ensuring relevance, and driving reform? This paper provides an insight into the features of, and findings from, the Virtual Professional Learning and Development (VPLD) programme initiated by the New Zealand Ministry of Education in 2010. The providers have worked mainly with primary and secondary school leaders and teachers, although one tertiary teacher has participated. The VPLD has been designed to exploit a range of affordances that in turn provide flexibility of choice, time, and approach for participants, enabling them to build and shape their knowledge and skills, all within the framework of mentoring and an online community of practice (CoP).This paper illustrates some of the dynamics and possible results of the VPLD programme by presenting two vignettes (in part drawn from the associated research study), along with other illustrative data. The vignettes and following discussion clearly indicate the value of the VPLD model by demonstrating changes in the practitioners’ roles which have resulted in, for example, increases in the development of students’ metacognitive skills. There is also anecdotal evidence of improvements in student achievement of learning outcomes.
Two frameworks for preparing teachers for the shift from local to global educational environments
Authors: Stevens Ken , Craig Barbara
Published: September 2023

The research outlined in this paper is based on the convergence of two conceptual frameworks that guide the transfer of knowledge and skills from traditional teacher education, which focused on teaching in single classrooms, to open networked learning environments that include both inter-institutional teaching and learning and local and global community engagement. Through these frameworks, schools can be extended in terms of time, space, organisation, and capacity. This will be demonstrated on the basis of New Zealand research in inner-city urban environments and Canadian research in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. There are implications for the professional education of teachers from schools that have the capacity to engage with global learning environments including new ways of relating to learners, learners’ parents, networks and communities. Several of these implications will be analysed in the conclusion of the paper and should generate discussion that will inform current and future research.
Engaging learner support: An investigation of faculty-library collaboration to provide live course-specific learner support within the online classroom environment
Authors: Fields Alison
Published: September 2023

Collaboration between faculty and learner support can create platforms for delivering seamless services for e-learners. Providing access to learning materials and activities with collocated tailored learner support creates an environment where e-learners are able to easily access everything needed for an enhanced, supported and more focussed learning experience. The emerging practice of embedding live librarians within online tertiary classrooms provides a new avenue for such learner support, and forms a natural extension of the library links and resources which are routinely found in online campuses, library websites and some online course pages. Embedded librarians can actively direct students to tailored library resources and tutorials and assist students directly, often in a library discussion forum, with their specific information and referencing questions. This paper reports on research in progress into the nature and effectiveness of using embedded librarians within online classrooms in New Zealand. It takes a multi-faceted view of this emerging practice, investigating the experience of students, faculty and the embedded librarians within the online classroom setting, and also considers how the library forum discussions operate and evolve over a trimester and what value they may have to the students in that class. Embedded librarians have been appearing in a small but growing number of online classrooms around the globe for the past decade, and in New Zealand are still the exception rather than the rule. Best practice has not yet been standardised globally and in the New Zealand environment has not yet been identified. There is opportunity to maximise the benefits of this new form of e-learner support and avoid potential pitfalls to enhance the learners’ experience and achievement by increasing engagement with relevant and pertinent information resources to support their learning.
Editorial: Prizing Equity in Education and Research in the Field of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning
Authors: Davis Niki , Fields Alison , Hartnett Maggie
Published: September 2023

Valuing more open and equitable approaches to practice and research in the field of flexible, open, and distance learning enables the editors of the Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning (JOFDL) to better describe the distinctive mission for the journal, which is uniquely situated in a bicultural nation where complementary approaches of indigenous cultures and western science are best braided. Three of the four research papers introduced for this issue provide answers to the DEANZ 2014 conference question of “Where is the ‘e’ in engagement?”, which referred to engagement of students from organisational and faculty perspectives. Bonk and Khoo’s (2014) recent text book on that conference topic is also celebrated in a book review. In contrast, the fourth paper identifies the possibilities for increased engagement between administrators and the staff that they lead in virtual charter schools. The editorial also describes the increasing visibility of JOFDL in collections worldwide.
Editorial: Back to the Future—Predicting Possibilities in Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning
Authors: Hartnett Maggie , Davis Niki , Fields Alison
Published: September 2023

In 2010 Ako Aotearoa, the national centre for tertiary teaching excellence, prompted DEANZ, our national association for open, flexible, and distance learning, to look towards the future in 2016. Reminiscent of the 1985 movie Back to the Future, the scenario set produced foresaw a range of practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. Papers in this issue describe and illustrate the scenario set and related trends. These include our increasing cultural diversity and adoption of social media to offer more learner-centred education that also increases engagement with employers, professions, and iwi. A review of Dron and Anderson’s (2014) book supports our view of the trends and is recommended to readers.
Keynote: Going to university - Blended strategies for learning and teaching in a modern tertiary context
Authors: Forbes Dianne
Published: September 2023

This 'thinkpiece' is a follow up to the keynote talk delivered at the biannual DEANZ Conference, at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand in April 2016. It explores Mixed Media Pathways: Bringing teacher education to your home town. Starting by pondering my own experiences as a tertiary student, I consider some of the changes and challenges facing universities today, and pose one response to these changes in the form of blended learning. The Bachelor of Teaching, Mixed Media Presentation (MMP), an initial teacher education degree at the University of Waikato, is used to illustrate the benefits and challenges of blended learning, for students and lecturers. It is proposed that students based on campus can benefit from blended learning, just as geographically dispersed students can. Going to university can be about active learning partnerships across a range of physical locations.
Social media and e-learning in response to seismic events: Resilient practices
Authors: Tull Susan P. C. , Dabner Nicki , Ayebi-Arthur Kofi
Published: September 2023

The motivation to adopt innovative communication and e-learning practices in education settings can be stimulated by events such as natural disasters.  Education institutions in the Pacific Rim cannot avoid the likelihood of natural disasters that could close one or more buildings on a campus and impact their ability to continue current educational practices. For one university, the impetus to innovate was a series of seismic events. This paper presents findings from studies that identified resilient practices within this ‘late adopter’ university in New Zealand. The findings indicate that the combined use of social media and e-learning to support teaching, learning, communication and related organisational practices fosters resilience for students, staff and organisations in times of crises. Recommendations are presented that have relevance to all educational organisations which could be impacted by similar events.
Increasing Online Information Retention: Analyzing the Effects
Authors: Zeglen Eric , Rosendale Joseph A.
Published: September 2023

While online education offerings continue to grow in the higher education marketplace, issues of student achievement and course rigor remain challenges to the underlying instructional model and alignment with institutional missions. Pedagogically, instructors and course designers can mitigate these issues by leveraging technology to further enhance students’ cognition and knowledge retention within the online domain. This study analyzed the effects of visual hints and elaborate feedback embedded in serious educational games to determine the effects on student learning and information recollection. Using a quasi-experimental design and quantitative testing methods, significant differences were found among 3 groups of students within an online educational environment based on differing forms of feedback within the game.  Supporting information processing theory, mean scores on comprehension tests indicated that participants exposed to elaborate feedback and visual hints performed better than control groups in an online learning environment.