bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimum planning use of equipment in agriculture
Authors: Zaynagabdinov Rishat , Gabitov Ildar , Bakiev Ilshat , Gafurov Ildar , Kostarev Konstantin
Published: October 2020

Purpose: to reduce operating costs when performing agricultural mechanized work.Design/methodology/approach: The development of the desired economic and mathematical model of the optimal MTA distribution by type of work is based on the above condition it is necessary to plan the work of not tractor brands indicating their number, but each tractor individually.Findings: It is known that the availability of equipment varies during the season, so it was studied in dynamics. In this regard, to solve this problem, neural-network simulation was first used. As a result of the search, a network of the type of radial basis function was obtained that best describes these dependenciesResearch limitations/implications: the authors developed a fundamentally new mathematical model for optimizing the use of technology, which, unlike existing ones, allows to:- plan the operation of each tractor individually;- designate the so-called “mandatory tractors”, that is, those that the user, at his discretion, would like to assign to a particular operation or vice versa, would like the tractor operator not to work on this operation.Originality/value: Thus, the scientific novelty of the work performed are:- a technique for operational planning of work and increasing the efficiency of using the MTA, taking into account the technical condition of the tractors, the specific conditions for their functioning and the work experience of the machine operator.- a mathematical model for solving the problem of the optimal distribution of MTA by type of work and the mathematical apparatus for its implementation;- a technique for adjusting the performance of the MTA, taking into account the experience of the tractor driver, the service life and technical readiness of the tractor.
Auge y decadencia del sistema misional franciscano en florida durante el primer periodo español (1565 - 1763)
Authors: Arenas Frutos Isabel
Published: October 2020

No disponible.
El altar mayor y el de los reyes de la catedral de Valladolid, Morelia
Authors: Mazín Óscar
Published: October 2020

No disponible.
El impuesto del 1% sobre la plata de Indias (1779-1792)
Authors: Sanz Tapia Ángel
Published: October 2020

No disponible.
Superheavy nuclei VIII: 1200≤A < 1300 systems
Authors: Bevelacqua J. J.
Published: October 2020

Binding energies of nuclei are calculated in the mass region 1200 ≤ A < 1300. The calculations are performed using the adjusted Rost interaction, which suggests that a new island of stability exists forZ = 354 and neighboring systems. Enhanced stability occurs in the    X     354   1226     872    system.
The essence of everything
Authors: De Koning W. L. , Van Willigenburg L. G.
Published: October 2020

This short paper argues that energy, the potential to realize change, taking place through interaction, is the essence of everything. Nonduality and emergence play a key role in explaining why energy should be conceived as the single source of everything. The very nature of space and
time also follows from it. The whole universe is just energy, and everything emerges from this energy. So the essence of everything is energy.
Liver Disease Detection Using Grey Wolf Optimization and Random Forest Classification
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Singaravelan , M. Parameswari
Published: October 2020

Utilizing machine learning approaches as non-obtrusive strategies is an elective technique in organizing perpetual liver infections for staying away from the downsides of biopsy. This chapter assesses diverse machine learning methods in expectation of cutting-edge fibrosis by joining the serum bio-markers and clinical data to build up the order models. An imminent accomplice of patients with incessant hepatitis C was separated into two sets—one classified as gentle to direct fibrosis (F0-F2) and the other ordered as cutting-edge fibrosis (F3-F4) as per METAVIR score. Grey wolf optimization, random forest classifier, and decision tree procedure models for cutting-edge fibrosis chance expectation were created. Recipient working trademark bend investigation was performed to assess the execution of the proposed models.
A Fully Automated Crop Disease Monitoring and Management System Based on IoT
Authors: Seetharaman K.
Published: October 2020

In recent years, the IoT has evolved and plays a significant role in many fields like smart city, precision farm, traffic signal control system, and so on. In this chapter, an IoT-based crop disease management (CDM) system is proposed that adopts statistical methods for identifying disease, recognizing a right pesticide, and recommending a right pesticide to farmers. The proposed CDM system monitors the agricultural crops with the help of a CCD camera. The camera continuously photographs the crops and sends them to a Raspberry PI processor, which is placed at a workstation and it is connected to the camera with the help of IoT components. The proposed CDM system analyses the crop leaf images, such as removes noise; segments region of interest (RoI), that is, diseased part of the leaf image; extracts features from the RoI; and identifies the disease and takes appropriate measures to control the disease. The proposed IoT-based CDM system was experimented, and the results obtained encourage both the farmers and the researchers in this field.
A Walk Through the World of Data Analytics
Authors: Vohra Manisha , Patil Bhushan
Published: October 2020

Data analytics is used to extract necessary information from a given data or data set. It is a concept of technology which can be implemented in various applications and is evolving rapidly. Data analytics analyses the whole data set completely and provides important information from it to the users. In this chapter, a brief description of data analytics is provided. Different types of data analytics are also explained. Along with it, various different aspects of data analytics are described. As the chapter title suggests, this chapter is a brief walk through a brief insight of data analytics is provided in this chapter.
A Survey on Intelligence Tools for Data Analytics
Authors: Singh Shatakshi , Gautam Kanika , Singhal Prachi , Jangir Sunil Kumar , Kumar Manish
Published: October 2020

The recent development in artificial intelligence is quite astounding in this decade. Especially, machine learning is one of the core subareas of AI. Also, ML field is an incessantly growing along with evolution and becomes a rise in its demand and importance. It transmogrified the way data is extracted, analyzed, and interpreted. Computers are trained to get in a self-training mode so that when new data is fed they can learn, grow, change, and develop themselves without explicit programming. It helps to make useful predictions that can guide better decisions in a real-life situation without human interference. Selection of ML tool is always a challenging task, since choosing an appropriate tool can end up saving time as well as making it faster and easier to provide any solution. This chapter provides a classification of various machine learning tools on the following aspects: for non-programmers, for model deployment, for Computer vision, natural language processing, and audio for reinforcement learning and data mining.
Review of Big Data Applications in Finance and Economics
Authors: Basdas Ulkem , Esen M. Fevzi
Published: October 2020

Massively parallel processors and modern data management architectures have led to more efficient operations and a better decision making for companies to process and analyse such complex and large-scale data. Especially, financial services companies leverage big data to transform their business processes and they focus on understanding the concepts of big data and related technologies. In this chapter, the authors focus on the scope of big data in finance and economics. They discuss the need for big data towards the digitalisation of services, utilisation of social media and new channels to reach customers, demand for personalised services and continuous flow of vast amount of data in the sector. They investigate the role of big data in transformation of financial and economic environment by reviewing previous studies on stock market reading and monitoring (real-time algorithmic trading, high-frequency trading), fraud detection, and risk analysis. They conclude that despite the rapid development in the evolution of techniques, both the performance of techniques and area of implementation are still open to improvement. Therefore, this review aims to encourage readers to enlarge their vision on data mining applications.
Machine Learning and Its Application in Monitoring Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kalra Vandana , Kashyap Indu , Kaur Harmeet
Published: October 2020

Data science is a fast-growing area that deals with data from its origin to the knowledge exploration. It comprises of two main subdomains, data analytics for preparing data, and machine learning to probe into this data for hidden patterns. Machine learning (ML) endows powerful algorithms for the automatic pattern recognition and producing prediction models for the structured and unstructured data. The available historical data has patterns having high predictive value used for the future success of an industry. These algorithms also help to obtain accurate prediction, classification, and simulation models by eliminating insignificant and faulty patterns. Machine learning provides major advancement in the healthcare industry by assisting doctors to diagnose chronic diseases correctly. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas cells are damaged and do not secrete sufficient amount of insulin required by the human body. Machine learning algorithms can help in early diagnosis of this chronic disease by studying its predictor parameter values.
Information Technology Act 2000 and the Potential Use of Data Analytics in Reducing Cybercrime in India
Authors: Dixit Anjali
Published: October 2020

Cybercrime is increasing rapidly in this digitized world. Be it business, education, shopping, or banking transactions, everything is on cyberspace. Cybercrime covers a wide range of different attacks such as financial cybercrime, spreading computer viruses or malware, internet fraud, pornography cybercrime, intellectual property rights violation, etc. Due to increased cyber-attacks these days, the online users must be aware of these kinds of attacks and need to be cautious with their data online. Each country has their own laws for dealing with cybercrime. The different measures taken by the government of India to combat cybercrime are explained in this chapter. How the potential use of data analytics can help in reducing cybercrime in India is also explained.
Clustering by K-Means Method and K-Medoids Method
Authors: Önay Onur
Published: October 2020

Data science and data analytics are becoming increasingly important. It is widely used in scientific and real-life applications. These methods enable us to analyze, understand, and interpret the data in every field. In this study, k-means and k-medoids clustering methods are applied to cluster the Statistical Regions of Turkey in Level 2. Clustering analyses are done for 2017 and 2018 years. The datasets consist of “Distribution of expenditure groups according to Household Budget Survey” 2017 and 2018 values, “Gini coefficient by equivalised household disposable income” 2017 and 2018 values, and some features of “Regional Purchasing Power Parities for the main groups of consumption expenditures” 2017 values. Elbow method and average silhouette method are applied for the determining the number of the clusters at the beginning. Results are given and interpreted at the conclusion.
C - reactive protein of cerebrospinal fluid, as a sensitive approach for diagnosis of neonatal meningitis
Authors: Javadinia Shima , Tabasi Mohsen , Naghdalipour Mehri , Atefi Najmosadat , Asgarian Ramin , Khezerloo Jamil Kheirvari , Tabatabaei Azardokht
Published: October 2020

Background: Meningitis, is a potentially life-threatening condition that can rapidly progress to permanent brain damage, neurologic problems, and even death. Bacteria and viruses cause the great majority of meningitis disease in infants and children. CRP is used mainly as a marker of inflammation.Objective: This study was conducted to assess the diagnostic value of CSF-CRP levels for differentiating between septic (bacterial) and aseptic infantile meningitis.Methods: 49 hospitalized infants aged less than two months with suspected meningitis were enrolled in a cross-sectional analytic study. All of patients underwent lumbar puncture to obtain CSF. smears, cultures, cytological and biochemical analysis and latex agglutination testing were carried out on all CSF samples. Latex agglutination test was carried out on all CSF samples using a commercially available kit. CSF-CRP level of all infants was measured using the immunoturbidometric technique.Results: Of 49 infants in this study, 20 and 29 cases were diagnosed as septic and aseptic meningitis, respectively. The CRP levels were obtained as 0.95±0.68 mg/L in septic and 0.16±0.36 mg/L in aseptic meningitis groups and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.001) between the two groups (0.79±0.32 mg/L). Based on the ROC curve, cut off levels for CRP was obtained 0.17 mg/L. At this level, there was 95% sensitivity and 86% specificity to differentiate septic and aseptic meningitis.Conclusion: CSF-CRP has suitable diagnostic value in distinguishing between infantile bacterial from aseptic meningitis especially in cases of negative bacterial culture of the blood and spinal fluid.Keywords: C-reactive protein, cerebrospinal fluid, septic/aseptic meningitis, infant, diagnostic value.
Isolation of Janthinobacterium lividum from early onset neonatal sepsis patients in Malaysia
Authors: Shinkafi Sa’adatu Haruna , Umar Shu’aibu , Neela Vasantha Kumari , Noordin Sabariah Moh’d , Noordin Syafinaz Amin , Hudu Shuaibu Abdullahi , Zainudin Zurina
Published: October 2020

Background: The term early onset neonatal septicaemia (EONS) refers to invasive bacterial infections that primarily involve the blood stream of neonates during the first 3 days of life. Although early onset neonatal septicaemia is relatively uncommon, it may be associated with case fatality rates of 15-30% and substantial morbidity in surviving infants.Objectives: This study describes an unusual septicaemia cases with Janthinobacterium lividum in neonatal Intensive Care Units.Methods: Bacterial causes of early onset neonatal sepsis in Kuala Lumpur Hospital Malaysia were investigated using broad range 16S rDNA PCR and sequencing. The bacterial DNA was isolated directly from blood without pre-incubation. All samples collected were equally cultured and incubated in automated BACTEC system.Results: Two hundred and fifty two neonates were recruited in this study with mean (SD) gestational age of 35.9. Neonates with J. lividum infection lacked microbiological evidence of septicaemia as their blood culture yielded no bacterial growth. However, the PCR analysis of these samples yielded 1100bp corresponding to bacteria species.Conclusion: This study demonstrates the value of PCR in detecting bacteria where special growth requirement is involved.Keywords: Janthinobacterium lividum, neonatal septicaemia, neonatal intensive care units.
Demographical and population dynamics impact on public health of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Al-Madinah Almonawra, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdalla Nazar M , Abdelgani Abdelgani M , Osman Amani A , Mohamed Mohamed N
Published: October 2020

Background: A cross-sectional study conducted in Al-Madinah Almonawra in KSA held during the period from March 2014-March 2015.Aim of the study: This study aimed at analyzing the effect of population dynamics on the current situation of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Al-Madinah Almonawarah area, a holy city that attracts millions of muslims annually.Methodology: Epidemiological and clinical data were collected by especial questionnaire and laboratory specimens were collected using skin scraping and needle aspiration. Staining and direct microscopy were done. LST was conducted. Analysis was done using SPSS program.Results: The study included 164 patients, all of them were men. Saudi nationality comprised around 20% of the study group, the majority were Egyptians, 26.2%, followed by Pakistani, 21.3%.Conclusion: The presence of non-Saudi nationality as foreign workers, immigrants and refugees has worsened the current situation of the disease.Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, refugees, immigration, L. tropica, L. major. Sandfly.
Behavioral factors contributing to the transmission of HIV and AIDS amongst young women of Mbabane in Swaziland
Authors: Belle Johanes A , Gamedze Nokuthula N
Published: October 2020

Background: HIV and AIDS remains a pandemic that has greatly affected many regions and countries in the world. Africa is the hardest hit region by tthis disease while southern Africa appears to be the melting pot for HIV and AIDS. The HIV and AIDS pandemic remains the greatest sustainable human development and public health challenge for Swaziland. Swaziland is the world’s worst affected country with the youth the most vulnerable group to HIV and AIDS due to many factors.Objectives:’Methods: This study investigated the behavioral factors that contributed to the transmission of HIV and AIDS among female youth of Mbabane in Swaziland and to suggest measures that could encourage positive female youth behavior change in order to mitigate the spread and impacts of the pandemic. The study used a qualitative research approach in order to gain an in-depth experience of female youths in Mabane. Data were collected using a questionnaire, which were distributed to 210 randomly sampled females aged 16 to 24 years in Mbabane and who attended Mbabane Public Health Unit. The Behavior Change Communication (BCC) theoretical framework was usedin order to contextualize the study.Results: Most respondents were female-single youth (64%), almost half (45%) had a high school education and most were unemployed (57%) with little or no source of income. The majority (88%) were sexually active and the main sources of HIV/AIDS transmission was through sex. For many (52%) health facilities were their main source of HIV and AIDS information. The majority (97%) were knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS, but casual sex, inconsistent condom usage and early sexual debut among others were still prevalent indicating resistance to behavior change.Conclusion: The findings indicated that though the majority of the respondents had knowledge of HIV and AIDS, positive behavior change remained a challenge. Most respondents (88%) had one sexual partner with 38% reporting condom use during their last sexual encounter. HIV/AIDS awareness was widespread. However, there were still characteristics of resistance to behavior change, because there was evidence of underestimation of HIV risk through engagement in behavior, which contributed to HIV infection and spread.Behavioral change measures using the BCC model is proposed.Keywords: BCC Model, behavior change, HIV, AIDS, youth, Swaziland.
Review of immunohistochemical typing of endometrial carcinoma at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Dawodu Olayemi Olubunmi , Okunade Kehinde Sharafadeen , Daramola Adetola , Banjo Adekunbiola Aina Fehintola
Published: October 2020

Background: Categorization of endometrial carcinomas as type I and II provides useful insights into their different risk factors, pathogenesis and biologic behaviours.Aim: To determine the immunohistochemical classifications of endometrial carcinomas in Nigerian women.Design: A retrospective review of histopathologic slides of cases of endometrial carcinomas seen at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) over a 5-year period. The slides were reviewed, and the diagnoses made according to the WHO nomenclature. The classification of endometrial carcinomas into Type I and II was made by immunohistochemistry using antibodies to ER, PR, p53 and Ki-67.Results: Eight cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma were reported accounting for 53.3% of all endometrial malignancies. Of these, only 1 case showed the classic type I immunophenotype while type II staining pattern was seen in 4 cases. The remaining 3 cases had equivocal immunophenotypes: one was p53+ but showed ER+, PR+ and high Ki-67 index; the second was p53-, ER+, PR+ but had a high Ki-67 expression; while the last was p53-, but ER-, PR- and had high Ki-67 expression.Conclusion: Endometrial carcinomas in Nigerian women are more likely to be type II carcinomas. A reasonable proportion of the cases were equivocal thus requiring further categorization with molecular studies.Keywords: Endometrial carcinomas, immunohistochemistry, LUTH, Nigerian.
Utilization of safe male circumcision among adult men in a fishing community in rural Uganda
Authors: Lubogo Mutaawe , Anguzu Ronald , Wanzira Humphrey , Shour Abdul R , Mukose Aggrey D , Nyabigambo Agnes , Tumwesigye Nazarius M
Published: October 2020

Background: In Uganda, most-at-riskpopulations(MARPs) such as fishing communities remain vulnerable to preventable HIV acquisition. Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) has been incorporated into Uganda’s HIV prevention strategies. This study aimed at determining SMC utilization and associated factors among adult men in a rural fishing community in Uganda.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural fishing village in central Uganda. Stratified random sampling of 369 fishermen aged 18-54 yearswas used according to their occupational category; fish monger, boat crew and general merchandise.The dependent variable wasutilization of SMC.A forward fitting multivariable logistic regression model was fitted with variables significant at p≤0.05controlling for confounding and effect modification.Results: Respondents’mean(SD) age was 30.0(9.3) years. Only8.4%hadSMC and among non-circumcised men, 84.9% had adequate knowledge of SMC benefits while 79.3% did not know were SMC services were offered.Peer support(AOR0.17;95%CI0.05-0.60) and perceived procedural safety (AOR6.8;95%CI2.16-21.17) were independently associated with SMC utilization.Conclusion: In this rural fishing community, SMC utilization was low. These findings underscore the need to inform HIV preventionstrategies inthecontextof peer support and perceptionsheld by rural dwelling men.Keywords: Safe male circumcision, utilization, fishing community, Most-at-risk populations, Uganda.
Socio-economic, cultural and demographic profile of a group of Moroccan anaemic pregnant women
Authors: Ouzennou Nadia , Amor Hakima , Baali Abdellatif
Published: October 2020

Background: Anemia is a major public health problem in Morocco especially among vulnerable groups including pregnant women. Several studies have confirmed that anemia is associated with demographic, socioeconomic and cultural factors.Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the socioeconomic, cultural and demographic profile of a group of anemic pregnant women and to determine the conditions influencing the development of anemia in the Moroccan contextMethods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by structured interview among a group of Moroccan pregnant women (300 of anemic women and 425 of non-anemic). Data were collected on biodemographic and socio-economic variables, the socio-cultural conditions of the women, the characteristics of the pregnancy and information relating to anemia.Results: Using the WHO classification criterion according to the severity of anemia, 40.6%, 56.6% and 2.8% of anaemic women were respectively mildly, moderately and severely anemic. Primiparity, unemployment, lower socio-economic level and illiteracy, were found to be associated with the development of anemia in pregnant women.Conclusion: In Morocco, nutritional problems hamper human development and improvement of health status. Knowledge of the strictness of deficiencies and factors associated are necessary to develop adapted strategies intervention to the national context.Keywords: Anemia, pregnant women, socioeconomic factors, Morocco.
Antibiotics prescription pattern and determinants of utilization in the national health insurance scheme at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Okoro Roland Nnaemeka , Nmeka Chijioke , Erah Patrick O
Published: October 2020

Background: Subsidizing the cost of medicines through insurance schemes increases consumption of medicines and may contribute to irrational use of antibiotics. Objectives: To describe the systemic antibiotics prescriptions patterns and analyze the determinants of their utilization in the National Health insurance Scheme (NHIS).Methods: Established WHO guideline was followed to conduct this cross-sectional retrospective study at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data were collected from randomly sampled prescription sheets of one year duration. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of antibiotics prescriptions.Results: The results are based on 802 sampled out-patients NHIS prescriptions. Average number of medicines per encounter was 4.0 ± 1.8, whereas 46.9% of antibiotics were prescribed by generic name. Penicillins (most frequently amoxicillin/clavulanate), and nitroimidazole (most frequently metronidazole) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics with percentage share of 43.3% and 22.2%. Being <5 years old, and taking more than 4 medicines (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.37-3.55) were the factors associated with the highest risk of antibiotics exposure.Conclusion: There were poly-pharmacy, and non-adherence to generic antibiotic prescriptions. Penicillins (amoxicillin/clavulanate) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotic class. Being < 5 years old, and taking more than 4 medicines were significant predictors of antibiotics exposure.Keywords: Antibiotics; national health insurance scheme; Nigeria; poly-pharmacy; prescription.
A cross-sectional study to determine the use of alternative medicines during pregnancy in the district hospitals in Manicaland, Zimbabwe
Authors: Dimene Liphapang , Fadzai Mutseyekwa , Chifamba Jephat , Nyakatawa Gerald , Mahachi Carol , Marume Amos , Bhebhe Michael , Taderera Tafadzwa
Published: October 2020

Background: Traditional medicines are widely used in the rapidly growing health system and are of economic importance. The study aimed at determining the frequency, pattern of use and factors that influence traditional medicines use during pregnancy.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at four district hospitals in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, using questionnaire based convenience sampling.

Results: Traditional medicines use was found to be high with 54% (n = 337) of pregnant women using traditional medicines during pregnancy. The major purpose of use of traditional medicine was found to be preparation for delivery; cervical dila- tion in particular. The following factors showed a significant statistical association for use of traditional medicines: previous mode of delivery (p = 0.006), level of education (p = 0.016), family income (p = 0.007), and residential settlement (p = 0.026). Some of the common traditional medicines used during pregnancy include Camellia sinensis, Aloe, Spirostachys Africana, Thumbergia lancifolia, Dalbergiella nyasae, Steganotaenia oraliacea, Stomatostemma monteiroae and Cussonia arborea.

Conclusion: A number of pregnant women use traditional medicines as partus preparators (labour aids) throughout the entire pregnancy period. This calls for obstetricians, general practitioners and midwives to inquire about use of traditional medicine in history.

Keywords: Traditional medicines; pregnancy; Zimbabwe.
Magnitude of Cryptococcosis among HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alemayehu Tsegaye , Ayalew Sosina , Buzayehu Temesgen , Daka Deresse
Published: October 2020

Background: Cryptococcus is encapsulated opportunistic yeast that causes life threatening meningoencephalitis of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The magnitude of Cryptococcosis among HIV patients varies from 1-10% in Western countries as opposed to almost a one third of HIV-infected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa where it is associated with high mortality.

Methodology: By using key terms “Cryptococcosis among HIV patients in sub-saharan Africa countries”, articles that published in different journals from 2010-2017 searched on Pub-Med and Google scholar database. Those freely accessible and included the prevalence of Cryptococcosis in the result section, their PDF file was downloaded and the result extracted manually and presented in table. Articles that did not report the prevalence of Cryptococcosis, with a study design otherthan cross sectional, or a sample size less than 100, and those duplicated in the same study area and period by the same authors were excluded. The article selec- tion followed the PRISMA guidelines and meta- analysis was performed using OpenMeta(analyst).

Results: The overall pooled magnitude of Cryptococcosis among HIV patients in sub saharan African countries was 8.3% (95%CI 6.1-10.5%). The highest prevalence was from Uganda (19%) and the least was from Ethiopia at 1.6%. There was 87.2 % of substantial heterogeneity among the studies with p-value<0.001. The symmetry ofthe forest plot showed that there was little publication bias. The most commonly used method for diagnosis of Cryptococcosis was lateral flow assay and latex agglutination test and culture was the least method employed.

Conclusion: The overall pooled magnitude of Cryptococcosisis high among HIV patients in sub-Saharan African countries. The studies showed substantial heterogeneity, and little publication bias. Most of the studies relied on LFA & LA that showed the scarcity of facilities for fungal culture. Therefore, paying attention to screening HIV patients; those with signs and symptoms of meningitis may help to reduce the loss of HIV patients.

Keywords: Cryptococcosis; sub-Saharan African; HIV; meta-analysis.
High viral suppression and low attrition in healthy HIV-infected patients initiated on ART with CD4 above 500 cells/μL in a program setting in Uganda
Authors: M Byonanebye Dathan , C Semitala Fred , Katende Jackson , Bakenga Alex , Arinaitwe Irene , Kyambadde Peter , Musinguzi Patrick , Andia Biraro Irene , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , R Kamya Moses
Published: October 2020

Background: The World Health Organization recommends antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-infected patients at all CD4 counts. However, there are concerns that asymptomatic patients may have poorer viral suppression and high attrition.

Objectives: We sought to determine attrition and viral suppression among healthy HIV-infected patients initiated on ART in program settings.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled ART-experienced patients attending two PEPFAR-supported, high-volume clinics in Kampala, Uganda. Eligible patients were >18 years and had completed at least six months on ART. Participants were inter- viewed on socio-demographics, ART history and plasma viral load (VL) determined using Abbott Real-time. Predictors of viral suppression (<75 copies/ml) were determined using multivariate logistic regression.

Results: Overall, 267 participants were screened, 228 were eligible and 203 (89%) retained in care (visit within 90 days). Of the 203 participants, 115 (56.7%) were key-populations. Viral suppression was achieved in 173 patients (85%; 95% CI, 80.3%- 90.1%). The factors associated with viral suppression were prior VL tests (AOR 6.98; p-value <0.001) and receiving care from a general clinic (AOR 5.41; p=0.009).

Conclusion: Asymptomatic patients initiated on ART with high baseline CD4 counts, achieve high viral suppression with low risk of attrition. VL monitoring and clinic type are associated with viral suppression.

Keywords: Key populations; viral load; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Seroepidemiology of human fascioliasis and its relationship with anti-Fasciola IgG and liver enzymes as biomarkers of pathogenicity
Authors: Afshan Kiran , Kabeer Saman , Firasat Sabika , Jahan Sarwat , Qayyum Mazhar
Published: October 2020

Background: Fascioliasis has never been considered a public health concern in Pakistan, although the increasing numbers of human cases reported in south Asia need a re-consideration in the country. The current study aimed to find the seroprevalence of human fascioliasis, associated risk factors and its relationship with liver enzymes as biomarkers of pathogenicity.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in different districts of Punjab region from May 2014 to August 2016. A total of 546 respondents were screened by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serum biochemical tests.

Results: Higher seroprevalence was recorded in Muzaffargarh (6.2%) and Bhara kahu (5.9%), while low infection rate in Gu- jranwala (1.1%) and Islamabad (1.5%). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed rural inhabitants (OR=7.9, 95%CI: 2.5-24.8), females (OR=3.5, 95%CI: 1.7-7.1), family size 3-7 (OR=1.7, 95%CI: 1.0-2.9) and socioeconomic condition (OR=3.9, 95%CI: 1.5-10.4) were the significantly (p<0.005) associated risk factors with disease. The results of liver enzymes i.e. aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and cholesterol levels were significantly (p=0.001) elevated and associated with fascioliasis pathogenicity.

Conclusion: The higher prevalence recorded may explain with Fasciola IgG antibodies for both active and past infections and cross reactivity of the assay with other helminthes.

Keywords: Human fascioliasis; immunodiagnosis; liver enzymes; Pakistan.
A review of the safety of vaccines used in routine immunization in Africa
Authors: Yamoah Peter , Bangalee Varsha , Oosthuizen Frasia
Published: October 2020

Background: Despite the significant role played by vaccines in global health, concerns over vaccine safety have increased tre- mendously over the years. There have been occasions where vaccines have caused rare, adverse reactions some of which have led to hospitalizations and even death. It is therefore important to establish the safety profile of routinely used vaccines in order to allay fears pertaining to their use.

Objectives: This review was aimed at pooling together the safety data of selected vaccines used for routine immunization in Africa, a region of the world with paucity of vaccine safety data.

Methods: Adverse Events Following Immunization safety data was searched for rotavirus, yellow fever, measles, rubella, tuber- culosis (Bacillus Calmette Guerin-BCG), pneumococcal, Haemophilus Influenza type b, polio, meningococcal and the influenza A (H1N1) vaccines in PUBMED, Google Scholar, Clinical trials.gov and Cochrane controlled register of trials databases.

Results: A total of twenty-four serious AEFIs and twenty-three minor AEFIs were identified from the review. The strength of association between AEFIs and vaccine was high for tuberculosis vaccine and moderate for all other vaccines.

Conclusion: Even though AEFIs (including mild and severe) were identified in the review, all the vaccines studied were gener- ally well tolerated.

Keywords: Safety of vaccines; immunization; Africa.
Incidence and impact of hyperviscosity on sperm parameters of Malawian men seeking assisted reproduction
Authors: Lampiao Fanuel , Chisaka Joseph
Published: October 2020

Background: Seminal hyperviscosity has been shown to be associated with male infertility. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hyperviscosity in semen of Malawian males seeking infertility treatment.

Methods: A total of 120 men visiting our laboratory for fertility assessment donated semen samples. The semen samples were assessed for hyperviscosity, volume, concentration, total motility, progressive motility, viability, and morphology.

Results: Out of the 120 samples analyzed, 34 samples were hyperviscous representing 28.3%. No significant statistical differ- ence in semen volume between samples with normal viscosity compared to those with hyperviscosity (p>0.05). Sperm concen- tration, progressive motility, total motility, viability, and normal morphology were significantly higher in the normal viscosity group when compared to the abnormal viscocity group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Hyperviscosity affects a significant number of men in Malawi and may be the cause of decreased fertility as it was associated with poor sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, viability, and morphology.

Keywords: Viscosity; sperm motility; accessory sex glands; infertility; semen; semen analysis; spermatozoa.
Effects of second-hand smoking on lung functions in athlete and non-athlete school-aged children – observational study
Authors: A Elshazly Fathi , K Abdelbasset Walid , K Elnaggar Ragab , A Tantawy Sayed
Published: October 2020

Background: Second-hand smoking or environmental tobacco smoke is a critical health risk. Children are the most vulnerable to second-hand smoking because of their small bronchial ducts, less developed immunity, and low-physical activity.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of second-hand smoking on lung functions in athlete and non-athlete school-aged children.

Methods: This observational study included forty-six school-aged children, their age was 8-15 years, assigned to three groups; 2 study groups and 1 control group (n=15). The study groups comprised of 16 football players, and of 15 cyclists. Lung func- tions were evaluated recording forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow using digital spirometer.

Results: All measures were recorded in definite values and the children were also classified into second-hand smoking (SH), or non-exposed to tobacco smoking (NE). The findings presented a significant increase (p<0.05) of the study groups in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow solely for the non-exposed children. However, there were non-significant differences between the cyclists and football players or between the passive smoking children and non-exposed children in any of the two study groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The outcomes of this study suggest beneficial influences of the sports activity on the lung functions, without dif- ferent influences of the cyclists and football players on the lung functions.

Keywords: Children; second-hand smoking; lung functions; athlete.
Perceived stigma and school attendance among children and adolescents with epilepsy in South Western Uganda
Authors: Kirabira Joseph , Jimmy Forry Ben , Fallen Robyn , Sserwanga Bernard
Published: October 2020

Background: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that has a high worldwide prevalence with eighty percent of the global burden being in low and middle-income countries. There is a high level of perceived stigma among children and adolescents with epi- lepsy, which has severe debilitating effects and affects school attendance.

Objective: To assess the effect of perceived stigma on school attendance patterns among children and adolescents with epilepsy.

Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study among 191 children and adolescents aged from 6-18 years with epilepsy at one large semi-urban hospital and a small rural health center in SouthWestern Uganda. Epilepsy-related perceived stigma was measured using the adapted Kilifi Stigma Scale of Epilepsy and school attendance patterns were assessed using a piloted inves- tigator-designed questionnaire.

Results: Children with high-perceived stigma were more likely to have never attended school (13.8%) or started school late (average age 5.7 years) compared to those with low-perceived stigma (average age 4.9 years). Additionally, those with high epilep- sy-related perceived stigma repeated classes 2.5 times more compared to those with low-perceived stigma.

Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest correlation between high-perceived stigma and disrupted school attendance patterns among children and adolescents with epilepsy, hence the need to address this social challenge.

Keywords: Epilepsy; perceived stigma; school attendance; children; adolescents; Uganda.
Prevalence and risk factors of gallstone disease in patients undergoing ultrasonography at Mulago hospital, Uganda
Authors: Nimanya Stella , Ocen William , Makobore Patson , Bua Emmanuel , Ssekitooleko Badru , Oyania Felix
Published: October 2020

Background: Gallstone disease (GSD) is the most prevalent medical condition in the pancreatobiliary system. The burden of GSD and its complications are major public health issues globally. It is a common cause of surgical intervention, contributing substantially to health care costs. Most patients are asymptomatic, however 20% become symptomatic after 10 years. Its preva- lence differs among populations and remains unknown in Uganda.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of GSD in patients undergoing abdominal ultrasonography at Mulago hospital, Uganda.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study at the Department of Radiology in Mulago hospital. Convenient sampling was used to recruit individuals having an abdominal ultrasound scan. Questionnaires were used to assess risk factors, and an abdominal exam was performed for individuals with gallstones to assess symptomatology.

Results: The prevalence of GSD was 22%. Statistically significant factors associated with GSD were a history of hormonal contraceptive use OR 3.2 (1.88-5.41) and a history of previous biliary symptoms OR 2.9 (1.68-4.91). Ninety-four percent of individuals with gallstones had epigastric/right upper quadrant pain.

Conclusion: The prevalence of GSD is high in Mulago hospital; use of hormonal contraceptives and a previous history of biliary symptoms were significant risk factors for GSD in this study. Majority of patients with GSD were symptomatic with epigastric pain as the cardinal symptom. We recommend a countrywide screening program using abdominal ultrasonography to determine the prevalence of GSD in the general population. There is need to study further the risk of hormonal contraceptive use and GSD. Women on these contraceptives should be informed of the potential risk, and offered alternative options where feasible.

Keywords: Gallstone disease; ultrasonography; Mulago hospital; Uganda.
A multi-year analysis of kangaroo mother care outcomes in low birth weight babies at a Nyakahanga Hospital in rural Tanzania
Authors: A Winkler Linda , Stypulkowski Agnes , Noon Shana , Babwanga Theophila , Lutahoire Jesca
Published: October 2020

Background: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) requires few specialized resources, reduces mortality, and can be implemented in low resource environments. It is now recommended for implementation around the globe.

Objectives: This paper discusses KMC use with low birth weight newborns at a Tanzania hospital providing valuable outcomes assessment of KMC use in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: The research used retrospective records (136 Low Birth Weight (LBW) and 33 Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) ne- onates) supplemented by observations. Data included weights (longitudinal), survival period, and cause of death if it occurred. This hospital’s KMC use and study data began when the mother-baby dyad was referred, usually birth day.

Results: This KMC group demonstrated 70% survival, but 77% of deaths occur within 24 hours. After the first 24 hours, KMC survival rate was 92%. Even VLBW neonates (<1000 g) had 37.5% survival among the KMC program. Prematurity and respi- ratory distress caused nearly half of the deaths, but hypothermia (19% of deaths) and infection were factors also.

Conclusion: Our study indicates the value of KMC in rural low resource environments. Results are comparable to KMC pro- grams in urban areas where newborns begin KMC after stabilization and better than outcomes reported for comparable popu- lations not practicing KMC in rural sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Kangaroo mother care; low birth weight; neonatal mortality; premature infant.
Comparison of digital subtraction angiography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in assessment of carotid stenosis
Authors: Liu Ronggui , Yan Zhimei , Zhang Guijun , Ding Zhaoyan , Li Yunping , Jiang Zhirong
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The performances of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were used to establish an efficient as well as non-invasive clinical technique for the diagnosis of extra-cranial internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis.

Materials and methods: Thirty-six successive patients (11 women and 25 men, mean age: 65.0 ± 9.2, range: 43–78 years) with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis were tested by CEUS and DSA. These tests were carried out by means of Hitachi Preirus ultrasound machine for CEUS and Allura Xper FD20 system (Philips Medical Systems, Nederland B.V.) for DSA. 1.2 ml Son- oVue (Bracco, Switzerland) was used a s contrast agent.

Results: The results clearly indicated that there were no noteworthy variations among the distributions recorded by CEUS as well as DSA for the four tested groups. The percentage of diameter stenosis calculated by CEUS was clearly in accordance with the DSA images. CEUS showed accurate results with good specificity and sensitivity at 50%, 70%, and 100%. Also, CEUS per- formance was relatively better than DSA in the diagnosis of ICA and suitability of CEA.

Conclusion: CEUS proved to be a precise non-invasive testing method for the diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis which is more feasible and well-tolerated in patients with various stages of carotid stenosis.

Keywords: Carotid artery stenosis; CEUS; contrast-enhanced ultrasound; digital subtraction angiography.
Resistance in Digitaria to Yellow Sugarcane Aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes) as Related to Temperature and Rainfall
Authors: Oakes A. J. , Sierra-Bracero A.
Published: October 2020

Differential resistance to yellow sugarcane aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes), exists among Digitaria species. Differential resistance among species is expected on the basis of interspecific variation. Differential resistance to aphid damage exists among clones within species. Differences in insect resistance among clones within species are expected on the basis of intraspecific variation. Clones superior in insect resistance were delineated in this trial. The superior performance of phenotypes within species is masked by the average performance of the species. Significant negative correlations were found between insect resistance ratings and the number of rainy days and average temperature during a 28-day interval prior to rating. A model was calculated for the average behavior of species; it includes infestation expected on the basis of the number of rainy days and average temperature during the 28-day interval before rating. The model accounted for approximately 66 percent of the variability present.
Preparation of Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Flakes
Authors: Rodríguez-Sosa E. J. , González M. A.
Published: October 2020

Dehydrated yam flakes to be prepared as instant mashed yam were produced from lye-peeled tubers steam-cooked for periods of 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes. The longer the cooking period, the higher the damage suffered by the cells, as evidenced by the free starch available in the flakes. Mashes prepared from the reconstituted flakes showed an increased degree of stickiness in samples with higher levels of free starch. All samples were found acceptable.