bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnographic Reflections of Return Migration in a Romanian Rural Community
Authors: Scarneci Domnisoru Florentina , Csesznek Codrina
Published: February 2022

The objective of the research is to describe the return migration process in a Romanian rural community; we will focus here on the identity changes experienced by community members who recently returned from Italy. We conducted this instrumental case study in Drăguş, Brasov County, where we performed extensive observations. We identified all the persons who have permanently returned from Italy and studied the perceived identity effects of their migration experience. We also collected data through narrative interviews; the data was analyzed by means of coding techniques, and the results are ethnographic reflections of return migration focusing mostly on the way the identity of our participants was shaped by the experience of migration and returning to the original community.
Alojzij Geržinič, Od Save do Srebrne reke
Authors: Švent Rozina
Published: February 2022

.
Development of magnetic flux leakage device as a non-destructive method for structural reinforcement detection
Authors: Bektaş Ö. , Kurban Y.C. , Özboylan B.
Published: February 2022

Non-destructive measurement techniques are used to identify engineering construction components without causing any negative effects on their use as construction components in the future. Contrary to this, conventional techniques cause damage to the structure. The magnetic flux leakage (MFL) method is a non-destructive test technique commonly used to assess the physical status of construction materials. Within the framework of this study a magnetic flux leakage device was produced to detect the properties of reinforced concrete construction elements. The produced magnetic flux leakage device was used for measurements in 4 different test systems created in the laboratory environment and the results were interpreted. Thus, it was revealed that the detection of reinforcement in structures can be performed more rapidly and without damage with the MFL method.
A Hybrid Approach for Enhancing the Classification Accuracy for Diabetes Disease
Authors: Al-Nussairi Maryam Mohammed , Eljinini Mohammad Ali H.
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a new training algorithm for artificial neural networks based on an enhanced version of the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm. The proposed model is used for classifying the patients of diabetes disease. The results showed that the proposed training algorithm enhanced the performance of ANNs with a better classification accuracy as compared to the other state of art training algorithms for the classification of diabetes on publicly available “Pima Indian Diabetes (PID) dataset”. Several experiments have been executed on this dataset with variation in size of the population, techniques to handle missing data, and their impact on classification accuracy has been discussed. Finally, the results are compared with other nature-inspired algorithms trained ANN. EGWO attained better results in terms of classification accuracy than the other algorithms. The convergence curve proved that EGWO had balanced the local and global search abilities because it was faster to reach better positions than the original GWO.
A New Fast Intersection Algorithm for Sorted Lists on GPU
Authors: Manseur Faiza , Zekri Lougmiri , Senouci Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Set intersection algorithms between sorted lists are important in triangles counting, community detection in graph analysis and in search engines where the intersection is computed between queries and inverted indexes. Many researches use GPU techniques for solving this intersection problem. The majority of these techniques focus on improving the level of parallelism by reducing redundant comparisons and distributing the workload among GPU threads. In this paper, we propose the GPU Test with Jumps (GTWJ) algorithm to compute the intersection between sorted lists using a new data structure. The idea of GTWJ is to group the data, of each sorted list, into a set of sequences. A sequence is identified by a key and is handled by a thread. Intersection is computed between sequences with the same key. This key allows skipping data packets in parallel if the keys do not match. A counter is used to avoid useless tests between cells of sequences with different lengths. Experiments on the data used in this filed show that GTWJ is better in terms of execution time and number of tests.
Research of Self-Attention in Image Segmentation
Authors: Cao Fude , Zheng Chunguang , Huang Limin , Wang Aihua , Zhang Jiong , Zhou Feng , Ju Haoxue , Guo Haitao , Du Yuxia
Published: February 2022

Although the traditional convolutional neural network is applied to image segmentation successfully, it has some limitations. That's the context information of the long-range on the image is not well captured. With the success of the introduction of self-attentional mechanisms in the field of natural language processing (NLP), people have tried to introduce the attention mechanism in the field of computer vision. It turns out that self-attention can really solve this long-range dependency problem. This paper is a summary on the application of self-attention to image segmentation in the past two years. And think about whether the self-attention module in this field can replace convolution operation in the future.
Temperature fluctuations along food supply chain: A dynamic and stochastic predictive approach to establish the best temperature value in challenge tests for Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Giarratana Filippo , Nalbone Luca , Ziino Graziella , Donato Giorgio , Marotta Stefania Maria , Lamberta Filippa , Giuffrida Alessandro
Published: February 2022

This study aims to evaluate the behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes under fluctuating temperature comparing the efficacy of deterministic and stochastic methods for its prediction. In the first part of the study, a strain of L. monocytogenes was maintained at two different fluctuating temperature regimes both from 2 to 8 C and regularly sampled for the quantitative determination. The first temperature regime lasted 204 hours with a fluctuation length of 12 hours whereas the second lasted 167 hours with a fluctuation length of 24 hours. A dynamic predictive model was implemented for the reproduction of the observed data. Model resolution has been carried out by using values of the recorded temperature as well as the value of the mean temperature, the kinetic mean temperature, the 75th and 95th percentile of the temperature. A stochastic resolution was also performed considering the mean temperature and Standard Deviation as stochastic variable. In the second part of the study, a temperature mean curve was constructed by monitoring temperature of 8 refrigerated conveyances, 10 display cabinet and 15 domestic refrigerators. This curve was used to obtain predictive scenarios for L. monocytogenes based on the above and also considering temperature regime suggested by the EURL Lm TECHNICAL GUIDANCE DOCUMENT on challenge tests and durability studies for assessing shelf-life of ready-to-eat foods related to Listeria monocytogenes (Version 4 of 1 July 2021). All predicted behaviours were compared to the observed ones through the Root Mean Squared Error. Firstly, dynamic predictive model as well as the stochastic one, provided the best level of reproducibility of the observed data. The kinetic mean temperature reproduced the observed data better than the mean temperature for the 12 hoursregime while for the 24 hours-regime was the opposite. The 75th and 95th percentile overestimated the observed growths. Secondary, predictions obtained with the mean temperature, kinetic temperature and stochastic approach well fitted the observed data. The 75th and 95th percentile of Temperature and the “Eurl LM” temperature regimes overestimated the observed prediction. Dynamic approach as well as the stochastic one allowed to obtain the lowest values of Root Mean Squared Error. The mean temperature and kinetic mean temperature appeared the most representative values in a deterministic “single-point” approach.
Ultrasounds in cancer therapy: A summary of their use and unexplored potential
Authors: Frutos Díaz-Alejo Jesús , Gonzalez Gomez Iciar , Earl Julie
Published: February 2022

Ultrasounds (US) are a non-ionizing mechanical wave, with less adverse effects than conventional pharmacological or surgical treatments. Different biological effects are induced in tissues and cells by ultrasound actuation depending on acoustic parameters, such as the wave intensity, frequency and treatment dose. This non-ionizing radiation has considerable applications in biomedicine including surgery, medical imaging, physical therapy and cancer therapy. Depending on the wave intensity, US are applied as High Intensity Ultrasounds (HIUS) and Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasounds (LIPUS), with different effects on cells and tissues. HIUS produce thermal and mechanical effects, resulting in a large localized temperature increase, leading to tissue ablation and even tumor necrosis. This can be achieved by focusing low intensity waves emitted from different electrically shifted transducers, known as HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasounds). LIPUS have been used extensively as a therapeutic, surgical and diagnostic tool, with diverse biological effects observed in tissues and cultured cells. US represent a non-invasive treatment strategy that can be applied to selected areas of the body, with limited adverse effects. In fact, tumor ablation using HIFU has been used as a curative treatment in patients with an early stage pancreatic tumor and is an effective palliative treatment in patients with advanced stage disease. However, the biological effects, dose standardization, benefit-risk ratio and safety are not fully understood. Thus, it is an emerging field that requires further research in order to reach its full potential.
Influence of Severity and Duration of Anterior Knee Pain on Quadriceps Function and Self-Reported Function
Authors: Kim Sungwan , Park Jihong
Published: February 2022

Context

Little is known about how the combination of pain severity and duration affects quadriceps function and self-reported function in patients with anterior knee pain (AKP).

Objective

To examine how severity (low [≤3 of 10] versus high [>3 of 10]) and duration (short [<2 years] versus long [>2 years]) of AKP affect quadriceps function and self-reported function.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

Sixty patients with AKP (mean pain severity = 4 of 10 on the numeric pain rating scale, mean pain duration = 38 months) and 48 healthy control individuals. Patients with AKP were categorized into 3 subdivisions based on pain: (1) severity (low versus high); (2) duration (short versus long); and (3) severity and duration (low and short versus low and long versus high and short versus high and long).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Quadriceps maximal (maximal voluntary isometric contraction) and explosive (rate of torque development) strength, activation (central activation ratio), and endurance (average peak torque) and self-reported function (Lower Extremity Functional Scale score).

Results

Compared with the healthy control group, (1) all AKP subgroups showed less quadriceps maximal strength (P < .005, d ≥ 0.78) and activation (P < .02, d ≥ 0.85), except for the AKP subgroup with low severity and short duration of pain (P > .32); (2) AKP subgroups with either high severity or long duration of pain showed less quadriceps explosive strength (P < .007, d ≥ 0.74) and endurance (P < .003, d ≥ 0.79), but when severity and duration were combined, only the AKP subgroup with high severity and long duration of pain showed less quadriceps explosive strength (P = .006, d = 1.09) and endurance (P = .0004, d = 1.21); and (3) all AKP subgroups showed less self-reported function (P < .0001, d ≥ 3.44).

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware of the combined effect of severity and duration of pain and incorporate both factors into clinical practice when rehabilitating patients with AKP.
Centre de réduction des risques de catastrophes (RRC) de la Colombie-Britannique : travailler ensemble pour bâtir des communautés résilientes en Colombie-Britannique, note sur le concept
Authors: Safaie S , Journeay J M , Ulmi M
Published: February 2022

BC Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Hub Design Concept outlines the purpose, objectives, role, and institutional structure for the proposed secretariat to be established at provincial level to facilitate connections and collaboration between science and policy
actors for the common goal of disaster and climate risk reduction. The role of DRR Hub includes 1) responding to priority demands of practitioners and policy designers for risk data management and production of relevant risk information and 2) enabling its use in design of policies and investments
that build resilience of the communities in BC. The proposed design of DRR Hub is based on inputs and consultations with a wide range of provincial and local level actors in disaster and climate risk management convened through DRR Pathways project led by Natural Resources Canada. The Hub will
enable collaborations and connections between science and policy researchers, designers, and decision makers to work together in enhancing the governance of disaster and climate risk information and building resilient communities in BC aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
and BC Emergency Program Act Modernization.
Policy coherence between food security, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in South Africa: A summative content analysis approach
Authors: Zembe Annegrace , Nemakonde Livhuwani D. , Chipangura Paul
Published: February 2022

Climate change through extreme weather events threatens food security (FS) and the eradication of poverty. Thus, improving FS will require adapting to the impacts of climate change as well as reducing the risks of disasters. However, the nexus between FS, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) is not always reflected in policies, resulting in fragmented implementation. The purpose of this article is to evaluate if there is coherence in the policies for FS, DRR and CCA in South Africa. A qualitative research design was applied, and data were collected through a summative content analysis on 34 policy and legislative documents and 24 key informant interviews (KII). The study found that there are still incoherencies between the current main policy and legislative documents that address CCA, DRR and FS. This study recommends a review of old policy and legislative frameworks promulgated in the 1990s to incorporate cross-cutting issues such as DRR, CCA and FS. This will enhance and strengthen synergies and interconnections between the three policy areas.
Learning at home for Grade 1 learners in disadvantaged communities: Insights from the Sandbox@Home COVID-19-response intervention
Authors: Moodley Cathryn , Seerane Thato , Gravett Sarah
Published: February 2022

Background: The spread of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has escalated the need for studying the home learning environment (HLE). With learners spending more time at home, understanding about learning at home, especially in disadvantaged communities, is paramount.Aim: The aim of this research study was to explore the HLE for foundation phase learners by analysing data from an intervention that aspired to support organised learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.Setting: This research study was conducted telephonically with families from 11 schools (10 in the Waterberg district, Limpopo and one in Soweto, Gauteng).Methods: Qualitative data (recorded phone interviews) were collected from caregivers and learners from 17 households. The interview recordings were transcribed and translated into English. The constant comparative method of data analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts.Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) challenges of learning at home, (2) perceived benefits of learning at home and (3) the desire to continue with the programme even after schools re-opened. The data showed that having access to learning material facilitated learning at home. Additionally, caregivers noted benefits to learners from engaging in learning activities. However, there were also challenges in facilitating learning at home. These include caregivers not following the learning guidelines provided.Conclusion: Caregivers appreciated having access to learning material and were willing to facilitate learning at home. However, the challenges they faced resulted in them not executing the programme effectively. Future studies and interventions should explore how to provide adequate and accessible support to caregivers.
Community mental health literacy in Tshwane region 1: A quantitative study
Authors: Madlala Dumisile , Joubert Pierre M. , Masenge Andries
Published: February 2022

Background: Although mental health literacy is a major determining factor of mental health outcomes and functional capacity of individuals, there is dearth of research on the issue in South Africa.Aim: To assess the literacy of three mental disorders, namely major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and to compare the resultant assumed literacy level between urban and townships participants.Setting: Five clinics of region 1 in Tshwane, South Africa.Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed between November 2019 and January 2020. A total of 385 questionnaires were distributed equally in all five clinics. By means of questions about three fictive cases with clinical pictures indicative of MDD, schizophrenia and GAD the following were assessed: recognising a mental disorder, identifying the cause and knowledge about what would help best.Results: The majority of participants (67.3%) recognised the clinical picture indicative of schizophrenia as a mental disorder, almost half of the participants (49.9%) recognised the clinical picture indicative of MDD as a mental disorder, whilst just more than one third (36.3%) of participants recognised the clinical picture GAD as a mental disorder. Concerning the causes for the clinical pictures, most participants indicated that stress was the cause for MDD and GAD (77.4% and 68.1%, respectively), whilst indicating that biological or psychological (59.5%) causes are relevant to the clinical picture indicative of schizophrenia symptoms. Fewer participants indicated supernatural causes for any of the clinical case (MDD: 2.6%; schizophrenia 15.3%; GAD 4.2%). Most participants chose professional help as the best option for all three cases (MDD 81.3%, schizophrenia 82.2%, GAD 66.1%). The indicators for health literacy in this study show that urban participants had better knowledge than township participants across all questions about the cases.Conclusion: Overall, the study indicated a variable knowledge regarding the three mental disorders in region 1 of Tshwane and variable literacy levels in townships compared with urban settings. The results indicate that awareness campaigns should focus on the deficient areas.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Mabusela Mfundo , Tomita Andrew , Paruk Saeeda , Paruk Farhanah
Published: February 2022

Background: Depression affects 14.8% – 38.8% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in developed countries. The prevalence and risk factors for depression in patients with RA in sub-Saharan Africa is not well established.Aim: To determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with RA.Setting: Public sector regional hospital in South Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken with 110 adult RA patients. A structured socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, the modified health assessment questionnaire (mHAQ), the simplified disease activity index (SDAI) for RA, the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Household Food Insecurity Access scale (HFIAS) for nutritional status, were used. Correlates of depressive symptomatology in participants with RA were identified using t-tests and regression analyses.Results: Most of the participants were women (90.9%), 67% had moderate to severe RA disease on the SDAI score, 92.7% reported functional disability (HAQ score of ≥ 1), and 87.2% reported mild to severe depressive symptoms. Unemployment (p 0.01), severe food insecurity (p 0.01) and functional disability (p = 0.02), were significantly associated with the depressive symptoms, but not with disease activity (p = 0.8) or inflammatory markers (p = 0.63). Unemployment (adjusted β = −5.07, p 0.01) and severe food insecurity (adjusted β = −4.47, p 0.01) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, based on the adjusted regression model.Conclusion: As RA effects functional status, with the impact of the resulting unemployment and food insecurity being associated with depression, affected people should be screened for depression and managed using a multidisciplinary approach, especially considering the role of social determinants in RA patients with depression.
The effect of structured psychoeducation on caregiver burden in carers of patients with schizophrenia in Nigeria: A 12-week follow-up investigation
Authors: Iyidobi Theclar O. , Onu Justus U. , Iteke Obiora , Unaogu Ngozi N. , Uwakwe Richard
Published: February 2022

Background: Despite robust evidence of the huge burden of caregiving amongst caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, there is a paucity of data in Africa on the interventions to address this enormous burden of caregiving.Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of structured psychoeducation intervention on the burden of caregiving in comparison with ‘care as usual’ in a Nigerian Psychiatric Hospital.Setting: This study was done at the out-patient and in-patient units of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.Methods: Caregivers of inpatients who fulfilled the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) criteria for diagnosis of schizophrenia were recruited for the study. The caregivers were then allocated into two groups (Group A received structured psychoeducation intervention in addition to ‘care as usual’ whilst group B received only ‘care as usual’). After the baseline assessment, the caregivers were followed up every 4 weeks for a period of 12 weeks. At each interval of follow-up, caregivers were assessed for caregivers’ burden using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Repeated measures analysis of variance (mixed type) was used to determine the effects of the interventions on caregivers’ burden in the two arms of the study across the intervals of follow-up.Results: The attrition rate at week 12 was 10.7%; leaving 130 for the assessment of outcome variable at the end of follow-up. Structured psychoeducation intervention was significantly better than ‘care as usual’ in ameliorating caregivers’ burden [F (1, 123) = 21.75, p 0.001, Partial Eta Squared = 0.39].Conclusion: These findings seem to suggest that caregivers who received structured psychoeducation intervention experienced a greater reduction in caregiver burden than those who received ‘care as usual’. Whilst the study addressed short-term effect, the findings of this study are in accord with other studies that have supported the impression that psychoeducational family-based intervention is useful with regard to caregiver burden.
Trends in Trauma Services
Authors: Dabkana Theophilus Maksha , Nyaku Friday Titus , Onuminya John Enekele , Shobode Mutaleeb
Published: February 2022

Trauma care has been ongoing in Nigeria since the Colonial period when wounded soldiers from World War II were rehabilitated at a hospital in Lagos. This has evolved into a point that we now train specialists in trauma care in many hospitals in the country. In spite of progress made, trauma remains a neglected disease in Nigeria, organized trauma services remain a mirage and traditional bone setter's practice prevails with dismal outcomes. The purpose of this review is to appraise how Nigeria as a country has fared in the provision of trauma services and the way forward.
Evaluation of the Pattern and Quality of Referrals from Inpatient Wards to Hematology Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Ugwu Angela Ogechukwu , Anigbogu Ikechukwu Okwudili
Published: February 2022

Background:

The overall quality of care may be hampered by poorly written referrals. Referral letters should be detailed to elicit prompt response by the invited unit. This will enhance ideal management of cases that are referred.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to determine the quality (content and usefulness) of referral letters received from inpatient clinical wards of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla by hematology department of the hospital.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study of all referral letters received in hematology department of the hospital over a 1-year period (January to December, 2019) using a validated questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 231 referral letters were received and evaluated. The median age of the patients was 35 (range: 20–59) years with male-to-female ratio of 1:1.3. Initial statement identifying the reason for the referral was observed in 88.7% (n = 205). Majority (176/213, 82.5%) of the referrals did not include the results of investigations the patients did before the referral. Less than a quarter of the referrals (41/231, 19.3%) contained information on the treatment given to the patient. More than one-tenth (24/231), 11.3%) of the referrals were unhelpful while 13.6% (n = 29) were helpful.

Conclusion:

The referrals sent to the hematology department were deficient in quality. These deficiencies could be ameliorated by tutoring the younger doctors on the content of an ideal referral letter. Furthermore, a well-structured “referral form” with prompts for easy filling could be designed by hospitals as a guide to physicians for writing appropriate referral letter.
Clinical Status of Sickle Cell Anemia and the Impact on the Caregivers Finances at a Tertiary Hospital, North-West Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Ramatu , Dabo Habibatu Zubairu , Badamasi Samira Muhammad , Abubakar Aishatu Kabir
Published: February 2022

Background:

Chronic condition like sickle cell anemia (SCA) is known to deplete family resource. The clinical status of children with SCA affects finances of the caregivers.

Aim:

The study aimed at determining the clinical impact of children with SCA on their caregivers' finances with the view to reduce the disease-associated financial burden.

Patients, Materials and Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study of 133 caregivers and their children with SCA managed at the sickle cell disease (SCD) clinic of the Paediatric Department of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, North-Western Nigeria conducted between February and April 2016. A structured SCD burden interview was used. It has a total of 16 questions for four domains. The domain on the family finances has 3 questions each with a score ranging from 0 to 3. The clinical status of children with SCA was assessed using clinical parameters such as number of painful crisis, hospitalization, blood transfusion, and school absenteeism over the previous year.

Results:

About 63 (47.4%) of the caregivers were more than 35 years of age. Eighty-four (63.2%) were Hausas, 100 (75.2%) were Muslims, and 114 (85.7%) were married. Those with secondary education were 45 (33.8%), 43 (32.3%) were unemployed, and 42 (31.6%) were unskilled laborers. Source of their health-care financing was mainly out of pocket in 126 (94.7%) while 47 (35.3%) had an average monthly income between N20,000 and N50,000. More than half of the caregivers 82 (61.7%) were not member of a social group. The statistical analysis of the clinical status of the children with sickle cell anemia on their caregivers finances revealed significant relationship between number of school absenteeism of the children and finances of the caregivers (P = 0.010).

Conclusion:

Clinical status of children with SCA affects caregivers' finances.
Derangements of Liver Enzymes in a Study of 201 COVID-19 Patients in Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory
Authors: Oreh Adaeze Chidinma , Akerele Isaac Olubanjo , Nnabuchi Chidi Valentine , Obazee Dorcas Yetunde , Onyegbutulem Henry Chijioke
Published: February 2022

Background:

Several studies reveal abnormalities in liver function tests of COVID-19 patients. However, there are little data on African patients.

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate liver function tests (LFT) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients admitted in Asokoro COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Centre in Abuja, Nigeria.

Patients, Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study of 201 laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected patients hospitalized in Asokoro District Hospital COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Centre between April 10 and July 31, 2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained, and the outcome measure was LFT abnormalities at presentation. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Version 24, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:

Patient median age was 39.3 years (IQR: 26–52); 65.7% were males and 33.8% were health workers. Approximately 49.2% of patients were overweight or obese. Hypertension (22.9%) and diabetes mellitus (7.5%) were the most common comorbidities and only 1% had a known history of liver disease. Abnormal LFTs were observed in 53% of patients (n = 106), most frequently elevated direct bilirubin (78.3%) and alanine aminotransferase (38.7%). Comorbidities were not found significantly associated with LFT abnormalities. Females (odds ratio [OR] = 0.367 P = 0.004 confidence interval [CI] 0.186–0.724) and patients aged 20–29 years (OR = 0.067 P = 0.043 [CI] 0.005–0.916) were found less likely to have abnormal LFTs.

Conclusion:

Regardless of clinical status at presentation, about half of SARS-CoV-2 patients admitted at the Asokoro Isolation and Treatment Centre in Abuja had abnormal LFT results. It is therefore recommended that LFT is included as a part of baseline investigations during the management of COVID-19 for improved outcomes.
National Survey on Discharge Against Medical Advice among Patients with Musculoskeletal Trauma in Nigeria
Authors: Madubueze Christian Chukwuemeka , Madubueze Ugochukwu Chinyem , Omoke Njoku Isaac , Una Alfred F.I. , Babalola Oladimeji Ranti , Alabi Sikiru , Dim Edwin Maduakonam
Published: February 2022

Background:

Patients in our environment sometimes discharge themselves against medical advice. Many of them do this due to the cost of treatment and a belief in the efficacy of traditional bone setters (TBS). This is the first multi-center study in our environment comparing the differences across ethnic groups, religions, and geographical regions.

Aim:

The study aimed to hightlight the burden of DAMA among patients with musculoskeletal injuries.

Patients, Materials and Methods:

This was a health facility-based cross-sectional study of patients with musculoskeletal injuries who presented to the Accident and Emergency departments of five selected health facilities across Nigeria over a six-month period.

Results:

A total of 601 patients were enrolled in this study. One hundred and ninety-four (32.3%) respondents discharged themselves against medical advice and the major reason given for the discharge against medical advice (DAMA) was the cost of treatment (49.1%) and a preference for the care given by TBS by relatives (33.5%) and the respondents (29.8%). The educational status of respondents, ethnic group, and access to health insurance, duration of admission, and frequency of fractures were predictors of DAMA. Respondents with postgraduate qualifications were much less likely to DAMA, adjusted odds ratio 0.36; confidence interval: 0.15–0.86, P = 0.021. Furthermore, respondents from Ibibio, Fulani, and Tiv ethnic groups were 3.79, 2.58, and 2.56 times more likely to DAMA, respectively. Respondents with health insurance coverage were less likely to DAMA.

Conclusion:

The prevalence rate of DAMA amongst patients with musculoskeletal trauma in Nigerian tertiary hospitals is relatively high. The predictors of DAMA identified in this study call for improvements in education and mandatory health insurance cover. From the findings in this study, reducing out-of-pocket costs to patients may be the most important step in improving access to orthodox treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Further studies are suggested to determine why some ethnic nationalities had a higher prevalence of DAMA.
Pattern of Blood Component Request and Utilization in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Ibijola Ajayi Adeleke , Adegbamigbe Oluwafemi Johnson , Okunlola Abiodun Idowu , Durowade Kabir Adekunle , Adebara Idowu , Fasakin Kolawole Asimiyu
Published: February 2022

Background:

Blood transfusion being a life-saving procedure plays a vital role in the management of patients in the clinical practice. The challenges of inadequate voluntary blood donors and poor storage facilities made availability of sufficient safe blood difficult in developing countries. All efforts should therefore be put in place to ensure judicious use of the available blood by separating each unit of blood donated into components and giving individual patient only the required blood component rather than giving whole blood.

Aim:

This study was conducted to look into the pattern of blood components request and utilization in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria to assess its effectiveness in reducing blood wastage.

Materials and Methods:

This is a hospital-based retrospective study. Blood Bank registers for blood component request and utilization were analyzed over a period of 20 months. Units of blood products requested and units used were considered during this period with emphasis on request to transfusion ratio.

Results:

Highest blood product request was from pediatrics ward. Total blood product request for male was higher than for female. Highest blood product request was packed cell with request to transfusion ratio of 1.01, followed by fresh-frozen plasma, request to transfusion ratio 1.0 and platelet, request to transfusion ratio 1.14.

Conclusion:

Appropriate blood product request maximizes utilization, minimizes wastage, thereby increasing efficiency of the blood bank staff by reducing the unnecessary workload of cross matching, issuing of blood and wastage of reagents.
The medium-term consequences of a COVID-19 lockdown on lifestyle among Spanish older people with hypertension, pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disease, depression, and cancer
Authors: Rodríguez-Gómez Irene , Sánchez-Martín Coral , García-García Francisco J. , García-Esquinas Esther , Miret Marta , Vicente-Rodriguez Germán , Gusi Narcís , Mañas Asier , Carnicero José A. , Gonzalez-Gross Marcela , Ayuso-Mateos José L. , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Rodríguez-Mañas Leocadio , Ara Ignacio
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the associations of chronic diseases with changes in lifestyle and health behaviours in older people following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown in Spain and compared the differences in changes over time.METHODS: 1,092 participants (80.3±5.6 years; 66.5% female) from 2 Spanish cohorts were included. Telephone-based questionnaires were conducted to evaluate lifestyle and health risk behaviours at the end of lockdown and 7 months post-lockdown. Participants were classified as having physician-diagnosed chronic diseases based on self-reported data. Cox proportional models adjusted for major confounders were used.RESULTS: Compared to those without the corresponding chronic diseases, older people with hypertension were less likely to report increased alcohol consumption (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 0.99). Pulmonary diseases were associated with lower risks of increased sedentary time (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.86) and worsened sleep quality (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.87), while cardiovascular diseases were associated with a lower risk of decreased sedentary time (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.88). Depression was linked to a higher likelihood of improved diet quality (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.36). Cancer pacients were less likely to have worsened sleep quality (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.89) but more likely to have reduced their frequency of social contact (HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.05 to 3.99).CONCLUSIONS: Older people with chronic diseases showed beneficial changes in lifestyle and health risk behaviours after the COVID-19 lockdown. In particular, older people with hypertension, pulmonary disease, and cancer tended to make beneficial lifestyle and health behaviour changes. However, older people with cardiovascular disease and depression engaged in more health risk behaviours.
COVID-19 related chemosensory changes in individuals with self-reported obesity
Authors: Bhutani S. , Coppin G. , Veldhuizen M.G. , Parma V. , Joseph P.V.
Published: February 2022

Background/objectives: Self-reported smell loss is a prominent symptom of COVID-19 infection and a potentially useful clinical tool for remote pre-screening of this disease. However, pre-existing chemosensory dysfunction with obesity may diminish the usefulness of self-reported smell loss in this vulnerable group. Here we aim to compare COVID-19 related chemosensory alterations in participants with and without obesity and determine if self-reported smell loss is predictive of lab-based COVID-19 diagnosis in both groups in the context of restrictive clinical data collection. Subjects/methods: In this secondary analysis of a cross-sectional global dataset, we compared self-reported chemosensory ability in participants with a respiratory illness reporting a positive (C19+; n = 5156) or a negative (C19-; n = 659) COVID-19 laboratory test outcome, who also self-reported to have obesity (C19+; n = 433, C19-; n = 86) or not. Results: Participants with obesity and without obesity reported a similar decline in smell, taste, and chemesthesis during illness. In C19+ participants with obesity, we observed a greater relative prevalence of non-chemosensory symptoms, including respiratory and GI symptoms. Critically, we found that the model previously proposed also predicts C19+ diagnosis in participants with obesity. Conclusions: We conclude that COVID-19 respondents with obesity experience a similar self-reported chemosensory loss as those without obesity. In both groups self-reported chemosensory symptoms are similarly predictive of COVID-19 infection, thus highlighting the potential of collecting self-report of symptoms and comorbidities remotely when clinical observations are restrictive.
Effect of temperature and pH variation on anaerobic digestion for biogas production
Authors: Zainudeen M. N. , Kwarteng M. , Nyamful A. , Mohammed L. , Mutala M.
Published: February 2022

A comparative analysis study of pH and temperature effects on the anaerobic digestion process of different agricultural wastes was carried out during the production of biogas. The investigation was in two phases. Phase one involved the use of a single substrate of cow dung, cassava peels, yam peels and pineapple peels while the second involved co-digestion of the substrates with cow dung. The composition of gas produced by a single substrate and a mixture of these substrates were determined. The feedstock for each experiment was a 1:1 mixture of the substrates with water. For the co-digestion, one part of the substrate and one part of cow dung were used with two parts of water, making the ratio 1:1:2. Routine measurements of pH and temperature of the feedstock were taken and the composition of the produced biogas was determined. It was deduced that cow dung co-digested with cassava peels gave a higher yield with methane content of 65.3% followed by cow dung only, co-digestion of cow dung and yam peels, cassava peels only, yam peels only and pineapple peels with 63.4%, 51.4%, 46.2%, 42.3% and 0.0%, respectively. Therefore co-digestion, with cow dung and cassava peels is most efficient for biogas production.
The relationship between psychological capital, organisational commitment and job satisfaction in the fisheries sector - A case study of fisheries sub-department of Thai Binh Province
Authors: Nam Nguyen Danh , Lan Uong Thi Ngoc
Published: February 2022

The study is done to analyse the serious relationship between psychological capital, organisational commitment, and job satisfaction in the fisheries sector, a case study of Fisheries Sub-Department of Thai Binh Province. The empirical data collects through 237 questionnaires surveyed by civil servants working at the Fisheries Sub-Department of Thai Binh Province. The study applies exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling to evaluate the relationship between psychological capital, organisational commitment, and job satisfaction of civil servants. The analysis results show a direct impact of psychological capital on organisational commitment, and psychological capital has an indirect effect on job satisfaction. The results also show a correlation between organisational commitment and job satisfaction. The study suggested significant policy implications for the Fisheries Sub-Department of Thai Binh Province to increase organisational commitment and job satisfaction.
PLANEACIO?N COMO ESTRATEGIA PARA ENFRENTAR LA PROBLEMA?TICA DE FINANCIAMIENTO EN EL EMPRENDURISMO
Authors: Durán Acosta Martín Guillermo , Zolano Sánchez María Lizett , Leyva Carreras Alma Brenda , Encinas Meléndrez Leticia Del Carmen
Published: February 2022

El uso de la planeación estratégica para lograr un acceso al instrumento financiero correcto es clave para que el emprendedor pueda progresar en el camino del emprendimiento. El trabajo de investigación se realiza bajo un enfoque metodológico transversal, tomando como referencia los emprendedores de las ciudades de H. Caborca, Santa Ana y Nogales, Sonora registrados en el SIEM. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar desde la perspectiva del emprendedor, la importancia de la planeación como una estrategia para enfrentar la problemática de financiamiento en el emprendimiento. Los principales resultados resaltan la importancia de que los emprendedores desarrollen una visión de futuro a través de la aplicación de planeación estratégica y piensen más allá del día a día, con el propósito de desarrollar una perspectiva a largo plazo y ayudar a abordar los problemas que enfrenta el uso del financiamiento.
TRADICIO?N FENOMENOLO?GICA PUNTOS DE CONFLUENCIA PARA EL DESARROLLO DE UNA PROPUESTA METODOLOGICA DE SISTEMATIZACIO?N
Authors: Rodríguez Durán Ana Rosa , Flores Ruíz Ana Lilia , Garay Burciaga Ana Elda
Published: February 2022

El propósito de este documento en un ofrecer una propuesta metodológica de sistematización alineada a la tradición fenomenológica interpretativa de Heidegger (1927) para ello se establece una discusión conceptual en torno a la sistematización, así como señalar los antecedentes y premisas de la tradición fenomenológica… pero ¿de dónde surge el interés por anclar esta propuesta de sistematización a un base teórica epistemológica? Jara (2001) ya reflexionabarespecto a cuales eran los proceso metodológico, técnicas e instrumentos en los que descansaba la sistematización, manifestaba su preocupación sobre la diversidad imprecisa y del criterio indiscriminado para emplearla, de manera que este documento establece una propuesta de sistematización alineada a un soporte epistemológico el cual muestra congruencia y hegemonía en su andamiaje técnico, así mismo la fenomenología permite a través de su tradición interpretativa establecer un acercamiento a los fenómenos sociales y consideraciones subjetivas de los elementos investigados desde una variable cognoscente de la intersubjetividad; De tal manera que está propuesta permitirá generar planteamientos de reflexión e intervención educativa a partir de un estudio adentrado en los actores que viven y construyen sus proceso reflexivos.
LA ACTIVIDAD FI?SICA COMO MEDIDA DE CONTROL DE SOBREPESO Y OBSESIDAD INFANTIL
Authors: Henry Mejía Dra. Gricelda , León Bazán Mtra. María Julia , Barahona Herrejon Mtra. Nidia Carolina , Ogarrio Perkins Mtro. Carlos Ernesto
Published: February 2022

Este documento presenta los resultados de un proyecto de investigación cuyo objetivo es determinar la importancia de implementar un programa de actividad física basada en el desarrollo de capacidades físicas condicionales y coordinativas a través de ejercicios aeróbicos y anaeróbicos como hábito saludable para el control de sobrepeso y obesidad infantil. Se utilizó un diseño experimental con pre y post prueba, basado en las observaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para determinar medidas de peso (Kg) y talla (M) y obtener índice de masa corporal (IMC) que permitiría definir los rangos de sobrepeso y obesidad en los niños. La población consistió en 315 niños y para determinar la muestra, se tomaron medidas de la cintura y pliegue tricipital clasificando a los niños de acuerdo a su estado nutricional considerando las tablas de crecimiento de la OMS y mediante el programa ANTHRO PLUS, resultado una muestra de 41 niños. Posteriormente, en el área de actividad física se aplicó un test y un pre-test, con el apoyo de dos instrumentos: el primero para la medición antropométrica y, el segundo la aplicación de la Batería Eurofit utilizada por Gálvez (2010). Los principales resultados obtenidos mostraron que los niños no bajan ni disminuyen peso porque se aumenta en su talla o estatura. Después de aplicar las pruebas físicas, fue posible verificar que la actividad física es la base fundamental para combatir el sedentarismo y lograr calidad de vida en los niños.
Ana?lisis comparativos del ranking de pobreza en los municipios del Estado de Sonora, medidos con los modelos de CONEVAL y CONAPO, 2010
Authors: García Ochoa Dr. Juan José , González Velásquez Dra. Leticia , Ochoa Vázquez Dr. Iván , Navarro Verdugo Dra. Adriana Leticia , Barrón Wilson Dr. Modesto , Yocupicio Villegas Dr. Ignacio
Published: February 2022

Se analizan los niveles de pobreza para 74 entidades conformadas por los 72 municipios, el Estado de Sonora en su conjunto y el país México, utilizando para ello los modelos de medición de la pobreza desarrollados tanto por el CONEVAL como por CONAPO. Los datos del primer modelo son analizados mediante estadística univariada, con la que se identifican los rankings y porcentaje de pobreza, los porcentajes de la población con ingresos en línea de bienestar mínima, línea de bienestar económica y el porcentaje de la población con al menos una de seis carencias sociales. Los resultados de ambos modelos coinciden en identificar a 6 de los 10 municipios más pobres de Sonora en lo general estos son: Yécora, Álamos, Rosario, San Miguel de Horcasitas, San Ignacio Río Muerto y Etchojoa.