bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling Rare Events in an Adaptive Cluster Sampling Design with Heterogeneity among Networks and within the Network Units
Authors: Wale-Orojo O. A. , Olayiwola O. M. , Apantaku F. S. , Omoniyi I. T. , Ajayi A. O.
Published: September 2022

Rare events population (φ) is hard-to-reach, sparsely distributed and clustered; an Adaptive Cluster Sampling (ACS) is the design to collect information from φ. Researchers and Policy Makers have modelled φ in ACS design with homogeneity assumptions. This study modelled φ with heterogeneity among networks and within the network units. Data from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture on Culcasia Scandens, an understory plant and simulation were used to validate the model. Estimators for total and average number of rare events were derived and their statistical properties were examined. Bayesian Model was embedded in the designed ACS to develop the model for predicting the total number of rare events. Parameters α, β and λ were used in the model to control the expected number of grid cells with rare events, the conditional expected number of sub-network and expected number of rare events in each sub-network respectively. Markov Chain Monte-Carlo Algorithm with R and Winbugs software were used to estimated these parameters. The robustness of the model was examined and its Sensitivity Analysis was carried out. Diagnostic checks were done and the proposed model was compared with the existing model. The samples converged and represented the target posterior and the total number of rare events estimated lies within the 95% HPD credible interval. The derived estimators were unbiased, consistent and efficient. The model was criterion and inference robust with a good fit. The results revealed that rare event was best modelled under heterogeneity assumptions.
Behavioural studies on crude Ethanol leaf extract of Cadaba farinosa Forssk. in mice
Authors: Tijjani Muhammad Awwal , Magaji Mohammed Garba , Yaro Abdullahi Hamza , Usman Hamidu , Muhammad Aishatu , Bello Sani Sa'idu , Egwu Chinwe Euphemia , Chellube Zainab Mohammed
Published: September 2022

Cadaba farinosa Forssk. (Capparaceae) is found all over the world, mostly in tropical and subtropical areas. It is used to treat pain, dysentery, rheumatism, cough, and fever, as well as an antidote and in the treatment of neurological disorders. In mice, the median lethal dose (LD50) of Crude Ethanol leaf Extract (CEE) of Cadaba farinosa was found to be 2154.1 mg/kg body weight. The presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and tannins was discovered during a preliminary phytochemical analysis of the dark gummy mass crude extract. The CEE was then put through pharmacological testing on mice. In mice, diazepam-induced sleep, beam walking, and hole-board assays were used to investigate behavioral activities. CEE of Cadaba farinosa had no effect on the onset of sleep in mice when given at the tested doses of diazepam. In contrast, it significantly increased sleep duration at all doses tested (75 mg/kg p 0.001, 150 mg/kg p≤0.05, and 300 mg/kg p≤0.01). The CEE significantly (p≤0.01) increased the number of foot slips in the Beam walking assay at a dose of 150 mg/kg. Similarly, diazepam at 0.25 mg/kg increased the number of foot slips significantly (p≤0.001). The extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg and diazepam increased the time required to complete the task significantly (p≤0.05). At 150 mg/kg (p 0.01) and 300 mg/kg (p≤0.05), the hole-board experiment significantly reduced the number of head dips. In contrast, the standard drug (diazepam) had no discernible effect on the number of head dips. These findings suggest that CEE and Diazepam at the highest dose significantly affected the behaviour of mice in the beam walking assay. Thus, the extract showed no activity on the onset of sleep but significantly prolong duration of sleep at the tested doses. The CEE significantly produced a decrease in the exploratory behavioural pattern, indicative of the fact that CEE possesses sedative property.
GeneXpert rollout in three high-burden tuberculosis countries in Africa: A review of pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis and outcomes from 2001 to 2019
Authors: Williams Victor , Calnan Marianne , Edem Bassey , Onwuchekwa Chukwuemeka , Okoro Chika , Candari Christine , Cruz Rhodora , Otwombe Kennedy
Published: September 2022

Background: The rollout of GeneXpert aimed at increasing early diagnosis of tuberculosis to improve treatment outcomes and global tuberculosis targets.Objective: This study evaluated trends in tuberculosis diagnosis and outcomes pre- and post-introduction of GeneXpert in three African countries – the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria and South Africa.Methods: Data from 2001 to 2019 were extracted from the World Health Organization’s data repository. Descriptive analysis, paired t-tests and interrupted time series models were used.Results: Estimated tuberculosis incidence decreased from 327/100 000 to 324/100 000 in the DRC, and from 1220/100 000 to 988/100 000 in South Africa. Incidence remained at 219/100 000 in Nigeria. The tuberculosis case notification rate did not change significantly. Increases in the new case treatment success rates were statistically significant (DRC: p = 0.0201; Nigeria: p = 0.0001; South Africa: p = 0.0017); decreases in mortality were also statistically significant (DRC: p = 0.0264; Nigeria: p = 0.0001; South Africa: p  0.0001). Time series models showed insignificant increases in new tuberculosis cases in DRC (n = 1856, p = 0.085) and Nigeria (n = 785, p = 0.555) from 2011 to 2019; and a statistically significant decrease in South Africa (n = 15 269, p = 0.006).Conclusion: Improvements in tuberculosis treatment outcomes were achieved, but little progress has been made in new case notification due to varied implementation and scale-up of GeneXpert across the three countries. Implementation barriers need to be addressed to achieve the required tuberculosis targets.
Schopenhauer and religion: Translating myth into metaphysics
Authors: Northover Richard A.
Published: September 2022

The article assesses Arthur Schopenhauer’s reinterpretation of religious myths, particularly those of Christianity, in terms of his philosophical system, and applies his ideas to the mythical cosmology of shamanistic and animistic religions. Schopenhauer, a 19th-century Romantic philosopher, although an atheist himself, took religious myths very seriously, translating them into the terms of his metaphysical system. His view was that Roman Catholicism, for him the true form of Christianity, shared the pessimism and the focus on suffering of Hinduism and Buddhism, rather than the alleged optimism of Protestantism, Judaism and Islam, excepting the myth of the Fall. For Schopenhauer, this pessimism was evident in the central symbol of Christianity, the figure of the crucified Christ. Schopenhauer put forward his ethic of compassion (and asceticism), aligning him, despite his atheism, with the altruistic ethics of the major world religions. The article also explores the extent to which Schopenhauer’s philosophy as, arguably, a form of panpsychism can be applied to shamanistic and animistic religions. While Schopenhauer translated religious myths into his metaphysical terms – based ultimately on Kant’s distinction between phenomena (things as they appear) and noumena (things as they are) – his understanding of the noumenon as the universal will to life was itself an explanatory myth for an essentially unknowable reality. Therefore, the attempt of Schopenhauer’s philosophy to translate myth into metaphysics in turn contained a myth at its very core. Nonetheless, the article argues that Schopenhauer’s argument may satisfy those dissatisfied with materialism’s shortcomings yet not willing to subscribe to a supernatural order.Contribution: The article applies to shamanism and animism the neglected philosopher Schopenhauer’s method of interpreting religious myths in terms of his metaphysical system, relating this very briefly to current philosophical debates on panpsychism.
Πάτερ, ημων ο εν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς (Mt 6:9a): Reading the Lord’s Prayer with insight from Ewe cosmology
Authors: Sakitey Daniel , Van Eck Ernest
Published: September 2022

This article seeks to interpret the phrase Πάτερ, ημων ο εν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς in the invocation of the Lord’s Prayer in the light of Ewe-Ghanaian cosmology. The article employs a combination of the historical-critical and indigenous mother tongue biblical hermeneutical approaches to explore the implication of the invocation for Ewe-Ghanaian Christian spirituality today. The article firstly discusses the various theological and hermeneutical positions of the invocation in dialogue with Ewe-Ghanaian concept of God and the plurality of his dwelling place. The article argues that Matthew’s use of οὐρανοῖς to suggest a plurality in God’s dwelling place resonates with Ewe cosmology, where it is believed that there are seven states of existence and that Mawugã, the Supreme Being, dwells in the first – the absolute state. Thus God exists in ‘seven heavens’ in Ewe cosmology, with the highest heaven being the eternal state of abode. On the other hand, the inclusive interpretation of the fatherhood of God in Ewe cosmology is discontinuous with the exclusive interpretation in the works of the church fathers such as Cyprian, Origen, Gregory of Nissa, Augustine and Clement of Alexandria. This hermeneutical position, the article observes, was responsible for the theological tensions that characterised the encounter between missionary Christianity and Ewe indigenous religion in the middle of the 19th century. However, the introduction of social services as evangelisation strategy, the legacy of the Ewe Bible and liturgy and the handing over of the Ewe church to the indigenous coworkers may have contributed to a large extent in ensuring religious tolerance among followers of the two religions. Today, Ewe-Ghanaian popular Christianity has shifted from its apologetic stance to a more liberal stance and employs indigenous religious and cultural categories in theologising.Contribution: Matthew’s rendition of the invocation of the Lord’s Prayer in the context of Ewe-Ghanaian cosmology is the focus of this article. The article forms part of the researcher’s contribution to the academic knowledge on the Lord’s Prayer and inspires the use of mother tongue biblical hermeneutics in the development of theological materials for the Ewe-Ghanaian Christian communities in Ghana and Togo.
Examining the autonomy of Zulu Ingoma from the 1930s to present: Image or authentic experience?
Authors: Yende Sakhiseni J. , Ngema Vusabantu
Published: September 2022

It is prudent to highlight that Ingoma has played an essential role in the transformation of amaZulu. The Ingoma’s story is of dramatic socioeconomic changes in Zulu society after the final ‘downfall’ of the independent kingdom. It is the decade in which amaZulu entered the migrant labour system in greater proportions than ever before. As expected from any African society, the narrative for this decade could well be expressed in music, song, dance and some other forms of performances, which could be collectively called Ingoma. Sentiments arose around this period in the history of Zulu Ingoma, whereby some felt it as negative, while others saw it as positive. As such, this article set out to examine the story of Ingoma during the decade between 1929 and 1939. This article adopted an ethnomethodological approach within an interpretive paradigm to understand the impact of Ingoma musical and/or dance performance tradition. The results of this article reveal that Ingoma musical and/or dance performance traditions of the 1920s and 1930s represented the less continuity of precolonial musical and/or dance performance traditions of amaZulu expressions of power and warfare than the complex interaction of dance traditions, labour migration and missionisation. This article concludes by affirming that people continuously construct their cultures to reflect their identities. These results imply two things: firstly, amaZulu migrants were not just passive recipients of cultural changes at that time, and secondly, they were consciously responsible for the transformation of Ingoma dance songs as they reflected on the socioeconomic changes they found themselves in.Contribution: This study contributes by establishing the factual impact of this transformative period on Ingoma musical and/or dance performance tradition and on the broader cultural expression of amaZulu as a society in developing South Africa.
A comparative approach to the theistic proofs of Anselm of Canterbury’s ‘Monologion’
Authors: Di Falco Alberto
Published: September 2022

The four theistic proofs of Monologion are based on the categories of being per se and being per aliud. This article analyses them through a comparative approach. The categories of per se and per aliud are compared with the categories of substance (ti) and function (yong) as touched on the first chapter of the Rectifying Ignorance (正蒙 Zhengmeng) of Zhang Zai (1020–1077), an exponent of neo-Confucianism. In fact, the two pairs of categories explain the relationship between an absolute, the supreme nature (summum) or the Great Void (太虚 taixu) and the sensible world. Through the comparison, this article highlights the fundamental function of being per aliud in the rational knowledge of the supreme nature that exists per se and provides new insights into the process of derivation of being per aliud from the being per se.Contribution: This article, through the comparison with the Chinese philosophical tradition, intends to offer a new perspective on the understanding of the Anselmian categories of being per se and being per aliud.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of chronic malnutrition amongst children under five in Eswatini
Authors: Dlamini Glorious H. , Tlou Boikhutso
Published: September 2022

Background: About 20 million children under fi-ve in Southern Africa have chronic malnutrition. This study determines the prevalence of chronic malnutrition and associated risk factors amongst children under five.Aim: To determine the proportion of children with chronic malnutrition and investigate associated risk factors of chronic malnutrition.Setting: The study was conducted in communities in the four regions of Eswatini.Methods: This study is a retrospective cross-sectional study that used data from a Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2014. The study involved 3261 children who are under 5 years of age. Data on nutritional status and household characteristics were used. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with chronic malnutrition in the univariable and multivariable models, respectively.Results: Results showed that 18.1% (confidence interval [CI]: 18.5–21.5) of children under five have chronic malnutrition. The highest prevalence was 20.8% (CI: 17.4–24.7) in the Shiselweni region, followed by the Manzini region with 17.6% (CI: 14.5–21.1) and the Lubombo region with 17.2% (CI: 13.9–21.2). The lowest prevalence of chronic malnutrition at 16.7% (CI: 13.6–20.3) was the Hhohho region. The results indicated that low birth weight (odds ratio [OR] = 4.63, CI: 1.12–19.2), mothers’ lack of education (OR = 1.50, CI: 1.04–2.17) and children aged 12–24 months (OR = 1.28, CI: 0.88–1.87) were significantly associated with chronic malnutrition.Conclusion: The findings showed that malnutrition is an important public health problem in children under five and needs a multisectoral response. Low birth weight, mothers’ education and the child’s age are risk factors associated with chronic malnutrition.Contribution: The results inform evidence-based programming for the prevention of chronic malnutrition in children thus assist the country to meet sustainable development goals.
The experiences of speech-language therapists providing telerehabilitation services to children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Karrim Saira B. , Flack Penelope S. , Naidoo Urisha , Beagle Stephanie , Pontin Abigail
Published: September 2022

Background: There has been an increased emergence of the use of telerehabilitation by speech-language therapists (SLTs) in South Africa since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.Objectives: To explore the criteria that SLTs use when recommending telerehabilitation for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the technical skills required, strategies used by SLTs, the restrictions encountered when conducting telerehabilitation and the views of SLTs on telerehabilitation in comparison to face-to-face therapy for children with ASD.Method: A descriptive, phenomenological, qualitative study design was utilised. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed. Six SLTs from the private sector, who had experience providing telerehabilitation to children with ASD, were recruited from three provinces in South Africa. Data were gathered via semistructured online interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Two out of five themes that emerged from this study are presented in this paper, i.e. approaches to telerehabilitation and the benefits of telerehabilitation. Results revealed that telerehabilitation was used to provide assessment and therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns as an alternative method of service delivery. Assessment and treatment strategies included synchronous and asynchronous methods, family collaboration, social stories, frequent breaks and interactive sessions. Telerehabilitation reduced the client’s and SLT’s travel costs and increased caregiver and clinician satisfaction. Client progress and increased awareness of SLT were viewed as further benefits.Conclusion: Telerehabilitation was found to be beneficial to most children with ASD, and in most cases, the benefits far outweighed the challenges encountered. Clinical implications included the need for caregiver support in facilitating effective carryover, an increase in SLTs’ knowledge and the opportunity to provide services to a broader geographical range. Limitations of the study are included.
Teachers’ perceptions of ability grouping in the face of policy on inclusion: A case of Johannesburg metropolitan mainstream primary schools
Authors: Hove Nilford , Phasha Nareadi T.
Published: September 2022

Background: This article reports findings of a qualitative study that investigated teachers’ perceptions on the use of ability grouping as a classroom pedagogical practice at selected primary schools in South Africa in the wake of the inclusive education movement. Ability grouping is one of the most used grouping practices in South African schools, but little is known about how teachers view it in the wake of the policy on inclusion.Aim: This study was aimed at exploring the mainstream classroom teachers’ perceptions about the use of ability grouping in the classrooms and how it reflects on principles of inclusive education.Setting: A total of ten teachers from ten different primary schools, two from each district, were purposefully selected to participate in the study.Methods: A qualitative approach was used in this study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, which were conducted on two occasions with each participant at their respective schools. Data were analysed thematically for content and returned to participants for accuracy checking.Results: Findings revealed that teachers perceive ability grouping as capable of facilitating interactions of learners with learning disabilities, offering opportunities for differentiated instruction and facilitating proper use of teaching and learning media. Despite its benefits, ability grouping can be viewed as contrasting with the ideals of inclusive pedagogy and perpetuating exclusion, as diverse learners are not given opportunities to learn together in the same groups.Conclusion: The article recommends that ability grouping should be withdrawn as it perpetuates incidents of learner labelling. Differentiated instruction and the provision of varied teaching/learning media should be carried out within inclusive settings to prevent incidents of learner labelling. A model for an inclusive grouping practice is proposed.Contribution: The study findings will help in improving teachers’ competencies and understanding of inclusive classroom pedagogic practices that benefit all learners at primary school levels despite their differences.
The language of instruction in mathematics teacher education for the early grades
Authors: Shuukwanyama Tulonga T. , Long Caroline , Nkosi Absalom David , Maseko Jeremiah
Published: September 2022

Background: Teaching mathematics in junior primary classroom requires an understanding of concepts and knowledge to communicate them applicably. The role of language of instruction is thus deemed significant in creating adequate insight into mathematical content. Teacher training institutions are therefore required to produce skilful teachers to utilise the mother tongue (MT) as medium of instructing mathematics.Aim: Lecturers’ perceptions on the use of MT in the teaching of mathematics is viewed crucial in determining the values and emphasis they place on the preparation of student teachers to effectively teach mathematics in MT. The study aims at uncovering the perceptions of mathematics lecturers regarding MT instruction in the University.Setting: The study was conducted at one of the University of Namibia campuses which train teachers.Methods: Purposive sampling was used to select four lecturers. Semistructured individual interviews were used to obtain lecturers’ perspective on the stated issue.Results: Findings indicated that although lecturers were aware of the benefit of teaching mathematics in MT, not all were in agreement with teaching in MT especially at the university. Findings further indicated that there are various impediments for teaching mathematics in MT at the university including students’ background and the lack of resources, including lecturers who speak the MT.Conclusion: A recommendation deriving from the study is that two parallel policies for language in education are implemented, one pertaining to the school environment, under the control of the Ministry of Education, and one pertaining to the tertiary education, under the auspices of the university. For tertiary education it is advocated that courses embrace both the official English language, as well as the Mother Tongue, in equal proportions.
Using Big Data analytics tool to influence decision-making in higher education: A case of South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges
Authors: Selowa Kleinbooi T. , Ilorah Appolonia I. , Mokwena Sello N.
Published: September 2022

Background: Big data analytics in education is a new concept that has the potential to change the decision-making landscape in South African Colleges. Higher institutions of learning, including Technical and Vocation Education Training (TVET) colleges like all other organisations, rely on data for their decision-making. These decisions affect the way pedagogy and student management is administered. Colleges collect huge quantities of data in different formats from students, staff and stakeholders for different reasons and occasions.Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate how Big Data analytics and their tools may improve decision making in TVET colleges in South Africa through the lens of actor-network theory (ANT).Method: A qualitative, interpretive inquiry was undertaken. A case study using focus group was conducted. The data collected through interviews were arranged into themes and a thematic approach was employed to analyse these themes using QDA Miner Lite software.Results: The results from focus group interviews revealed that TVET colleges collect an enormous amount of data. These data are extracted for different reasons, yet there are no Analytics used for decision-making. Decisions are made by the highest-paid individuals (HiPPO) in colleges.Conclusion: This dissertation recommends that the TVET colleges invest in data science skills for their staff, and Big Data infrastructure. Big Data technologies such as Mongo DB and Hadoop are recommended as the most commonly and advanced tools that can be used for Big Data analytics.
Use of Simulation among Nursing Students in Learning the Management of Common Pediatric Conditions
Authors: Joshi Poonam , Das Smita , Sharma Rimple , Cecilia M S , Dhochak Nitin , Goel Prabudh
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is aimed to assess the impact of simulation in addition to conventional training on knowledge and self-efficacy of the nursing students in handling common pediatric conditions covered under integrated management of neonatal and childhood illnesses.

Methods:

In a pretest–posttest control group design, 61 nursing students were randomly assigned to an experimental and control groups. The intervention for the control group consisted of 30 h conventional teaching on the management of common pediatric conditions, while the experimental group received additional simulation training of 5 h duration along with conventional teaching.

Results:

Both experimental (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30) were similar in demographic characteristics and baseline academic qualifications. There was a significant increase in knowledge and self-efficacy scores in both the groups (P < 0.001) with postintervention scores being significantly higher for knowledge (17.8 [2.1] vs. 15.5 [1.9], P < 0.001) and self-efficacy (34.4 [2.5] vs. 32.3 [2.9], P = 0.004) in the experimental group.

Conclusion:

An add-on simulation-based training to conventional teaching led to better knowledge and self-efficacy level in handling common pediatric conditions.
“Chronic Refractory Cough with Dyspnea” as Presenting Feature of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Patil Shital , Deshmukh Atul , Gundawar Rupesh
Published: September 2022

Cough is the most common respiratory symptoms with infective and noninfective etiological factors involving upper and lower airways. Chronic refractory cough (CRC) has limited etiology and associated symptoms play a crucial role in differentiating it from underlying benign to malignant pathology. Computed tomography (CT) thorax has a vital role in evaluating “CRC with dyspnea” and findings like interlobular septal thickening with nodules will be good answer to etiology. “Beaded interlobular septum with nodules, and enhancing cannonball like nodule” clinching causative factor may be malignant process outside the thoracic cavity. In this case report, a 52-year male presented with CRC and documented lymphangitis with nodule on high-resolution computed tomography thorax and CT abdomen documented right renal mass, ultrasound-guided right renal biopsy documented renal papillary carcinoma. Renal metastasis which predominantly involves both lymphatic and hematogenous route, and propensity of these metastases are hyper-vascular type and presenting with lymphatic interlobular septal dissemination with lymphatic edema resulting in refractory chronic cough with dyspnea which is refractory to steroids and bronchodilators.
Combined Spinal-Epidural for Emergency Cesarean Section in a Multiparous Parturient with Achondroplasia
Authors: Lye Siyu , Au Yong Phui Sze
Published: September 2022

Parturients with achondroplasia post unique challenges to the anesthetist. Term achondroplastic parturients may have cephalopelvic disproportion resulting in lower section cesarean section (LSCS). Premature ossification of bones results in characteristic craniofacial abnormalities and is associated with atlantoaxial instability and macroglossia leading to a difficult airway. With pregnancy, airway edema and reduced functional reserve capacity further complicate intubation. Central neuraxial blockade (CNB) is challenging due to potential kyphoscoliosis, spinal stenosis, the unpredictable spread of local anesthetics in central neural space, and uncertainty of dose due to disproportionate spinal column to overall height. We present the challenges in a multiparous achondroplastic parturient coming in for emergency cesarean section done under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia technique.
Internet Traffic Prediction Using Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Dodan Mircea Eugen , Vien Quoc-Tuan , Nguyen Tuan Thanh
Published: September 2022

Network traffic prediction (NTP) represents an essential component in planning large-scale networks which are in general unpredictable and must adapt to unforeseen circumstances. In small to medium-size networks, the administrator can anticipate the fluctuations in traffic without the need of using forecasting tools, but in the scenario of large-scale networks where hundreds of new users can be added in a matter of weeks, more efficient forecasting tools are required to avoid congestion and over provisioning. Network and hardware resources are however limited; and hence resource allocation is critical for the NTP with scalable solutions. To this end, in this paper, we propose an efficient NTP by optimizing recurrent neural networks (RNNs) to analyse the traffic patterns that occur inside flow time series, and predict future samples based on the history of the traffic that was used for training. The predicted traffic with the proposed RNNs is compared with the real values that are stored in the database in terms of mean squared error, mean absolute error and categorical cross entropy. Furthermore, the real traffic samples for NTP training are compared with those from other techniques such as auto-regressive moving average (ARIMA) and AdaBoost regressor to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. It is shown that the proposed RNN achieves a better performance than both the ARIMA and AdaBoost regressor when more samples are employed.
The Problem of Ground in Comparative Philosophy
Authors: Ott Margus
Published: September 2022

In comparative philosophy, there arises the problem of ground for comparison. Qualitative comparison is based on a certain qualitative ground for comparison, e.g., weight. Quantitative comparison brings more clarity into the qualitative comparison, introducing discrete and homogeneous units: how much does it weigh? How much does it cost? Both qualitative and quantitative comparison start from a ground that is already given and clear; they simply apply it to the case at hand (Is this one heavier than the other? If so, by how much?). In other—and more interesting—cases, the common ground is obscure: we have the feeling that A and B can be compared, but how exactly? The inability to immediately proceed to application creates a tension, and this opens the intensive dimension of comparison. The intensity has two sides: obscure and clear. The obscure side has its articulations, but they interpenetrate each other. Our task is to unfold, unravel, unpack. Then we will bring something to clarity where the elements do not interpenetrate so much but are juxtaposed (in different qualities and quantities). This will give rise to new tensions and new unfolding. The obscure articulations do not resemble the clear ones, and their unfolding is a creative process.
Informed consent for surgical case reports
Authors: Onyango Mohamed , Kariuki Brian
Published: September 2022

No Abstract.
Optimizing Clinical Outcomes of Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Munguti Cecilia , Mugambi Stanley , Abdallah Abdulkarim
Published: September 2022

Background: Appendectomy is a common emergency procedure in general surgery. The objective of this study was to identify factors that impact on outcomes following appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Methodology: A chart review of all patients with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis who underwent appendectomy at Aga Khan University Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019 was performed. Results: Most of the patients (male-tofemale ratio, 2:1; mean age, 35±15.6 years) presented with acute uncomplicated appendicitis within an average of 2.98 days from symptom onset. The most common clinical sign was right lower quadrant tenderness. Abdominal ultrasound had a low sensitivity (33%), but computed tomography of the abdomen, which is the preferred imaging modality, had a high sensitivity (93%). The overall complication rate was 10.9%, with no statistically significant difference between open and laparoscopic appendectomy in terms of duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and complication rates. The negative appendectomy rate was 6%. Conclusion: The complication rates of acute appendicitis in this setting are within international rates, but the negative appendectomy rate remains high. A more accurate interpretation of available imaging modalities is needed to improve this rate.
Infected Bronchogenic Cyst with Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a Cause of Respiratory Distress: A Case Report
Authors: Ogunleye Ezekiel Olayiwola , Adekola Oyebola Olubodun , Olusoji Olugbenga Oluseyi , Olugbemi Augustine Jeremai , Sanni Saheed Babatunde
Published: September 2022

Bronchogenic cyst is a common primary cyst of the mediastinum, and it is usually located in the middle mediastinum and intrapulmonary regions. Bronchogenic cysts are lesions of congenital origin that occur due to abnormal budding from the primitive ventral foregut. They are common in the pediatric age group and have symptoms of respiratory distress, recurrent cough, wheezing, and stridor. Definitive management involves surgical excision. We herein report our experience of a bronchogenic cyst complicated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in an 8-month-old infant. The patient underwent a right posterolateral thoracotomy, and an intrapulmonary bronchogenic cyst filled with purulent fluid was excised. The patient was given antituberculous medication, and the post-operative outcome was good.
Negative attitude of youth towards african traditional values and socio-economic implications for nigeria
Authors: Isokon, Brown Egbe,  , Archibong, Esther Patrick,  , Tiku, Oru Takim,  , Tangban, Egbe Ebagu,  , Edet Anthony Francis,
Published: September 2022

The negative attitude of youth towards African traditional values has to a great extent imprisoned the psyche of most Nigerian youth to the extent that a lag is created with concomitant socio-economic implications. We live in a world where the youth pursue fashions and values that are alien to Africa’s normative customs. Some of these youth condemn African traditional values as archaic, demonic, timid and of no relevance in the present dispensation. It is also obvious that many youth pursue values without knowing whether they are right or wrong and sometimes ignorant of their implications. In a bid to appear “civilized” or “modern”, some youth find themselves entrapped in a world of confusion. The paper employed qualitative research, involving published data and it was observed that factors such as western ideology and the dilemma of globalization as well as western educational system, social media and the family have influenced youth’s negative attitude towards African traditional values. Indeed, these factors have greatly influenced the youth to undermine the African traditional values. For example, a greater number of youth perceive African traditional values to be inferior compared to foreign values. It was further observed that the craze for western values also resulted to the adoption of strange criminal behaviors such as scam, hate speeches, kidnappings, terrorism, fraud, corruption, youth restiveness, drug abuse, cultism and conflicts among the youth. It is therefore recommended among others that government should introduce policy measures that will promote African traditional values, norms and culture among youth. This can also be done effectively through social work counseling, sensitizations, behavior change processes and advocacy by Non-Governmental Organizations, faith base organizations and social workers. Word count: 274
Geospatial assessment of land suitability for oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) growing in Northern Uganda.
Authors: Abraham Anjo , Bamweyana Ivan
Published: September 2022

Under the second phase of the National Oil Palm Project, the Government of Uganda plans to extend the oil palm project to Northern Uganda. According to the Final Project Design Report (2017) of the National Oil Palm Project, and based on the rainfall, soil and temperature of the region, areas in Northern Uganda have already been mapped for the project. However, no detailed information on the degree of suitability of the areas has been provided. In this research, other parameters such as land cover, elevation and slope were identified through the literature review. Furthermore, on the basis of the reclassify tool in ArcMap 10.8, the data were then reclassified into four classes, namely, highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3) and unsuitable (N.) With the aid of the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP), pairwise comparison matrices were constructed and the weight of each parameter was computed. The suitability map obtained from a weighted linear combination identified 38.18%, 35.54%, 21.41% and 4.87% of the land area as highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable and unsuitable, respectively. A geospatial assessment of the suitability of the land for oil palm growing was carried out. It was based on only the soil types, but excluded the chemical properties of the soil. Therefore, further research on the chemical properties of the soils at suitable sites should be carried out. In-depth research should be carried out While considering social and economic factors among the criteria to determine the willingness and financial capability of the people to venture into oil palm growing as a source of income, Oil Palm Uganda Limited should conduct in-depth research into this issue.
Awareness of people living in Sagure District, Arsi, Ethiopia about ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea) and ergotism
Authors: Desalegn Asnake , Abate Dawit , Teshome Birhanu
Published: September 2022

Ergot is a plant parasitic fungus that belongs to the genus Claviceps, and ergotism is a poisoning caused by secondary metabolites produced mainly by the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea). The presence of ergot fungi in the farmers’ field was surveyed, and ergot sclerotia were clearly observed in the farmers’ fields on wild oat plants. A cross-sectional study was therefore conducted in three Kebeles of the Sagure District (Kechema Murkicha, Digelu Kidame and Mankula Negele), near Asela town, Ethiopia, to assess awareness of the residents about ergot fungus and ergotism. From a total of 385 study participants only 100 (26%), knew what ergot and ergotism stand for. Thirty-one percent of the study participants described the most common symptoms of the ergot poisoning as ‘cutting off legs’ and removing wild oats (Avena abyssinica), the host for the ergot fungus, as the main method of prevention of the disease. Among the socio-demographic factors, education level was found to be significantly associated with the knowledge of ergot (p < 0.001), where participants from secondary education and above had better knowledge about ergot fungus and ergotism (cor: 2.5, 95% CI:1.34 – 6.22). From binary logistic regression model fitted, study site has statistically significant association with knowledge about ergot (AOR: 5.34, 95% CI:3.25 – 8.43, p< 0.001). In conclusion, though the fungus was prevalent in the farmers’ fields, majority of the study participants were not aware of ergot fungus and ergotism, thus there is a need to create awareness about the fungus and the disease in order to prevent possible future disease outbreaks.
Population dynamics of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L. 1758) stock in Lake Langeno, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Genanaw , Tesfaye Gashaw , Getahun Abebe , Tadesse Zenebe , Workiye Getinet
Published: September 2022

Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, is a widely distributed and economically most import fish species in Ethiopia. Effective management is essential to sustain their fisheries and the benefits for the local communities. However, little is known about the population dynamics of the Nile tilapia stock in Lake Langeno. Vital parameters of its population were determined using length frequency data collected from 5,949 specimens ranging from 8.5 to 35.7 cm total length (tl). These specimens were collected from August 2017to July 2018. The population parameters were determined using the elefan I routine in FiSAT software. Estimated von Bertalanffy growth parameters were asymptotic length (L∞) = 35.70 cm, growth curvature (K) = 0.32 yr-1, age at length zero (to) = -0.49, and growth performance index (Փ') = 2.61. Instantaneous total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) rates were determined from length-converted catch curve and empirical models, respectively, and their values obtained were Z = 2.31 yr-1, M = 0.82 and F =1.56 yr-1, respectively. The exploitation rate (E) of Nile tilapia computed from its mortality rates was 0.67 yr-1, suggesting state of overfishing. The size at first capture (Lc) was estimated at 14.0 cm which is much lower than the size at first maturity (Lm=16.62 cm), which further substantiated the state of overfishing. The results of the study are very useful for fishery managers and scientists who wish to manage and further explore the Nile tilapia stock in Lake Langeno.
Optimization of Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and Neochetina bruchi Hustache for the management of water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms in the Central Rift Valley lakes through the use of different nutrient levels in Ethiopia
Authors: Kassu Tatek , Getu Emana , Muleta Diriba
Published: September 2022

Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, is an alien invasive weed in Ethiopia that has been established in freshwater bodies. Eichhornia crassipes negatively affects water transportation, fishing and biodiversity among others. Hence, implementation of eco-friendly management option such as biological control is a mandatory. The weevils, Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and N. bruchi Hustache, are the principal biocontrol agents against E. crassipes in their native ranges and have been introduced to Ethiopia for the management of the weed. The weevils and their host are affected by the nitrate and phosphate contents of the water body. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of N. bruchi and N. eichhorniae in relation to water nutrient contents in the management of E. crassipes. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in a 4x4x3 factorial arrangement. Eight weeks after the treatments’ application, the population of the weevils and E. crassipes growth parameters were recorded. The larval population was significantly (p < 0.05) affected only by the interaction effect of N. bruchi and the nutrient levels. Among the treatments, the highest mean number of larvae was found on the plants given high and medium nutrient levels. There was also a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between the two weevils adult density. The mean number of emerged adult density of the weevils increased with increasing nutrient levels. The nutrients and weevils exhibited a significant interaction effect on E. crassipes leaf scarring and petiole tunnel. Leaf scarring at the highest weevil density and nutrient level was sixfold greater than that at the lower nutrient level and weevil density. The tunnel length of the weed was threefold higher at the highest nutrient level regardless of the weevil density. The growth parameters of E. crassipes were found to be greater at high nutrient level, except for the mean number of flowers. Conversely, the growth parameters showed a non-uniform trend with the increasing density of the weevils. The current result suggests reduction in E. crassipes could be achieved by lowering the water nutrient levels and use of N. bruchi and N. eichhorniae.
Updates on Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis
Authors: Oh Ju Heon , Jung In Ho , Park Eun Woo , Cho Jang Hyuk
Published: September 2022

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint is a common disorder characterized by a gradual increase of pain and limitation in range of motion of the shoulder joint. The pathophysiological process involves fibrous inflammation of the capsule leading to capsular thickening and contracture. Intra-articular corticosteroid injection is commonly performed in patients with adhesive capsulitis. However, there is no consensus as to the best injection site. Corticosteroid injection sites for the treatment include posterior capsule approach, rotator interval approach, multi-site, and subacromial injection. All injection methods lead to improvement in adhesive capsulitis cases. In this review article, we provide an overview of current corticosteroid injection methods for adhesive capsulitis.
The role of fetal adipose tissue thicknesses measured ultrasonographically in the prediction of gestational diabetes
Authors: Altekin Yasin , Üstünyurt Emin , Karaşin Süleyman Serkan , Keskin Ömür
Published: September 2022

AIM

This study aims to investigate whether second-trimester fetal adipose tissue components reflect glycemic control in diabetic pregnancies and their role as an auxiliary method in predicting gestational diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was designed prospectively, cross-sectionally in 300 pregnant women 24-28 weeks of gestation between April 2020 and July 2020. The adipose tissue thickness of the humerus, femur, scapula, and abdominal circumference was examined by transabdominal ultrasound. The age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, and diabetes history in previous pregnancies of the groups were questioned.

RESULTS

The anterior abdominal wall adipose tissue thickness of the fetuses we included in the study was 5 ± 0.8 mm, femur adipose tissue thickness was 4 ± 0.7 mm, humerus adipose tissue thickness was 3.7 ± 0.7 mm, scapula adipose tissue thickness was 4.1 ± 2,2 mm. The total adipose tissue thickness was 16.9 ± 2.9 mm.

A statistically significant correlation was found between femoral adipose tissue thickness (p = 0.001) and humeral adipose tissue thickness (p = 0.023) in gestational diabetes groups.

Patients with a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (n = 60) constituted the first group, patients without GDM (n =240) constituted the second group. In our independent analysis of two groups, femur and humerus adipose tissue thickness were found to be statistically significantly different between both groups (p= 0.002, p = 0.043, respectively). Other parameters did not differ significantly between groups.

Between three groups (healthy, impaired glucose tolerance, and gestational diabetes groups). Femoral adipose tissue thickness was statistically significant among the three groups (p = 0.005). As a result of binary logistic regression, if the femoral adipose tissue thickness was above 4.1 mm, the possibility of developing GDM was observed with 63.8% sensitivity and 65% specificity.

CONCLUSION

In the prediction of gestational diabetes, fetus femoral adipose tissue thickness may be significant