bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comorbidities Associated With Increased Risk of Death among Children Aged 2-59 Months with Severe Pneumonia in Western Kenya
Authors: Akoo Timon Kwach , Awandu Shehu Shagari , Oluoch Felix , Kemunto Lorine , Ochung Antony , Ayodo George
Published: June 2023

Background:  Globally, severe pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of death in children younger than 5 years. Comorbidities increase the risk  of death among children with severe pneumonia across age groups and regions; however, the data is scanty on specific comorbidities. The study,  therefore, was aimed at improving an understanding of the risk of death due to different comorbidities among children with severe pneumonia. The  findings will not only inform the clinical practices but also improve the interventions.

Methodology: We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 141 children aged 2-59 months in Bondo Sub-County hospital in Western Kenya  using inpatient data health records of children admitted to the pediatric ward. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to determine the  occurrence of comorbidities and the risk of death due to comorbidities.

Results: The findings show that 57.5% of the children had at least one type of  comorbidity including 36.5% malnutrition, 28.6% HIV exposed uninfected,  25.4% sickle cell disease, 7.9% HIV infected and 1.6% other comorbidities. Our findings showed that a child admitted to the hospital with comorbidities  had six times increased risk of death compared to a child with severe pneumonia only [OR 6.06 (1.32-27.78) P = 0.02]. We also observed four times increased risk of death among HIV-exposed uninfected children [OR 3.92 95% CI (1.18- 13.04) P = 0.03] and the risk of death increased six times when  children had both HIV-exposed uninfected and malnutrition as comorbidities [OR 6.02 95% CI (1.61-22.58) P = 0.008]

Conclusion: High comorbidities  among children with severe pneumonia and increased risk of death, in HIV-exposed uninfected and malnourished children. There is a need for improved clinical practice and intervention for severe pneumonia, HIV exposed uninfected children. There should be a review of the immunization schedule for  pneumonia among HIV-exposed uninfected children.
Assessing Association between Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) Initiative and Alcohol Abuse among Youth in Murang’a County, Kenya
Authors: Njoroge Susan M. , Muniu Erastus M. , Odero Merab C.
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Alcohol abuse and its associated disorders have been a public health challenge, especially among youth resulting in serious psycho-social- economic problems worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess the association between the Youth Enterprise Development Fund initiative and  alcohol abuse among youth in Murang’a County, Kenya.

Method and Materials: This was a comparative cross-sectional study design with the application of both quantitative and qualitative data collection  methods carried out in 2019. A sample size of 141 YEDF beneficiaries and 141 non-beneficiaries was determined. The systematic sampling method was  applied in selecting YEDF beneficiaries with a random start. YEDF beneficiary participants identified non-beneficiaries using non-relative matching peers. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was administered through a questionnaire while Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth  Interviews were applied in qualitative data collection. Quantitative data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 22 and a p-value of < 0.05 was  considered significant while Manual thematic analysis was applied to the analysis of qualitative data.

Results: The prevalence of alcohol use was 21.3% while the prevalence of alcohol abuse among study participants was 7.4% with a significantly higher  percentage in YEDF beneficiaries (10.6%) compared to non-YEDF beneficiaries (4.2%), (p=0.041). Among those who were consuming alcohol, 34.9% of  YEDF beneficiaries and35.3%of YEDF nonbeneficiaries were alcohol abusers (p=0.976) with no statistically significant difference. Qualitatively, the study  indicated that alcohol abuse among youth has significantly decreased since the YEDF initiative was introduced among the youth.

Conclusion: The study  concludes that alcohol abuse among youth has significantly dropped since the YEDF initiative. According to the participants, the small-scale enterprises  put up by the funds beneficiaries have contributed to this decrease. For a better outcome, there is an urgent need to step up awareness and sensitization  of the YEDF initiative since most youths within the lower age bracket were not aware of the loan funds as well as more input in training the  youth in matters regarding business planning and management.
Cholera: A largely preventable infectious disease
Authors: Lodenyo Hudson A.
Published: June 2023

No abstract.
Physicochemical Characteristics of a Tropical Seasonal Water Body: Ikoro Stream, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Akhere M. A. , Kadiri M. O.
Published: June 2023

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of a tropical seasonal water body- Ikoro stream, Edo State, Nigeria using standard methods. The results obtained from the physical and chemical analyses showed that the range of values were: 23oC - 30oC for air temperature, 22oC - 29oC for water temperature, 1.28NTU - 14.48NTU for turbidity, 1mg/l - 10mg/l for total dissolved solid, 4.01 - 6.43 for pH, 2.3µScm-1 - 21.7µScm-1 for conductivity, 4.00mg/l - 13.00mg/l for dissolved oxygen, 0.005mg/l - 0.227mg/l for Sulphate, 0.004mg/l - 0.047mg/l for nitrate, 0.05mg/l - 0.15mg/l for phosphate, 0.49mg/l - 2.43mg/l for magnesium, 2.41mg/l - 8.02mg/l for calcium, 0.19mg/l - 8.71mg/l for ammonium, 14.3mg/l - 22.3mg/l for chloride, 1.33mg/l - 2.57mg/l for sodium, 0.76mg/l - 1.46mg/l for potassium, 10.18mg/l - 26.88mg/l for silicate, 18.30mg/l - 42.70mg/l for total alkalinity 2.90mg/l - 9.64mg/l for total hardness. The parameters fluctuated in all three stations throughout the period of study while only turbidity showed a seasonal pattern of increasing trend from dry season to rainy season. The stream had low nutrients level but high ammonium in one of the stations which clearly exceeded the WHO guideline for drinking water.
In vitro Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Activities of Extracts of Senecio Abyssinicus Leaves
Authors: Egharevba G. O. , Dosumu O. O. , Evbuomwan I. O. , Njinga N. S. , Oluyori A. P. , Hamid A. A. , Afolabi Y. T.
Published: June 2023

Despite advancement in technology and healthcare delivery, infectious diseases still ravage humanity, plants-based remedies still remain our major kick back against them. The phytochemical screening, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-hyperglycemic activities of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanolic extracts of Senecio abyssinicus leaves were investigated in this study, in line with SDG 3, 9 and 12 goals, following standard methods. The in vitro antioxidant properties were tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2ʹ-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS·+) radical scavenging assays. Agar diffusion-pour plate methods was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of the extracts. The phytochemical evaluation of the extracts unveiled the presence of polyphenols, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides. The methanol extracts showed varying degrees of antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial: Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi at concentrations between 6.25 – 200 mg/mL relative to Gentamycin. Furthermore, it showed significant activity on the tested fungal strains: Rhizopus stolons,, Aspergillus niger, Pneumonae notatum, and Candida albicans between 12.5 – 200 mg/mL, with regards to Tioconazole. The methanol extract had the greatest inhibitory effect (IC50, 26.59µg/mL) on α-glucosidase enzyme, with respect to Acarbose (IC50 11.31 µg/mL). Similarly, it showed low ABTS·+ and DPPH antioxidant activity (IC50 ˃50 µg/mL) when compared to the standard Trolox (IC50 5.91 µg/mL) and Ascorbic acid (IC50 12.24 µg/mL) respectively. These findings demonstrated that S. abyssinicus leaves exhibits moderate to significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. Thus, could be considered as a good source of antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and antimicrobial agents for good health and well-being.
Geospatial Assessment of Urban Flood Susceptibility Using AHP-Based Multi-Criteria Technique: Case Study of Musanze, Rwanda
Authors: Hirwa Hubert , Ngwijabagabo Hyacinthe , Minani Marc , Tuyishime Simon Pierre Cardinard , Habimana Innocent
Published: June 2023

Over the last decade, flood events in the northern and western urban areas of Rwanda have increased due to anthropogenic activities and the effects of  climate change. This study aims to use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) geospatial multi-criteria technique to identify flood susceptibility areas and  exposed assets in Musanze City. Seven factors were considered such as Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Rainfall, Land Use Land Cover (LULC), Slope,  Soil Texture, River, and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to create a flood susceptibility map with 5 classes (from very low to very high). To validate the final  map, 26 GPS points were collected from areas with a history of flooding, and the susceptibility classes were compared. Results showed that 33% of the  area (~2367 ha) was classified as high to very high risk, 23% (~1645 ha) was classified as moderate, and 44% (~3113 ha) was classified as low and very low susceptibility. The study also identified physical infrastructure and land use exposed in high and very high flooding areas, including 24 schools, 2  markets, and 1 health facility, 18668 km of roads, and 3400 buildings that are highly exposed to flooding. The applied methods in this study are useful for  urban planners and government officials in developing flood mitigation policies, strategies, and plans.
Antibiotic resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from spent engine oil contaminated soil
Authors: Ughala E. , Osaro-Matthew R.C.
Published: June 2023

Spent engine oil contaminated soil not only harbors bacteria resistant to heavy metals but also to antibiotics. This study investigated the antibiotic resistant profile of bacterial isolates from spent engine oil contaminated soil. Two soil samples one each was collected from 10 years old mechanic workshop and pristine environment. Bacteria were isolated using pour plate method. The isolates were identified based on their physiological and morphological characteristics using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiogram studies were carried out by disc diffusion method and results interpreted based on the CLSI guidelines. The isolates were identified as members of eleven genera (Bacillus, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Klebsiella, Escherichia, Providencia, Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium, Serretia and Proteus). Results obtained revealed that all the bacterial isolates obtained from the contaminated soil exhibited antibiotics resistance, these bacterial isolates were highly resistant to cefoxatime (82.4 %) and ceftriaxone (82.4 %). Furthermore, the pristine soil isolates were highly resistant to cefoxatime (88.9 %) and ceftriaxone (88.9 %) and ceftazidime (88.9 %) these are all members of the beta-lactam class cephalosporins. The presence of antibiotics resistant bacteria in spent engine oil contaminated soil as seen in this study shows that it can be a medium of antibiotics resistance spread. Thus, stringent measures on the disposal of spent engine oil should be enforced.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy and antibacterial activity of stem bark of Terminalia glaucescens on some multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Agu G. C. , Onabanjo A. M. , Efuntoye O. M. , Banjo A. O. , Sossou I. T.
Published: June 2023

Frequent antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens has led to a search for plant origin to synthesize new drugs. Hence, the antibacterial potential of the stem bark part of Terminalia glaucescens plant needs to ascertain. The 162 pure bacteria isolated from the patient’s clinical samples were confirmed using standard procedures to be Escherichia coli (65), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (52), and Klebsiella pneumonia (45). The isolates were tested against seven commonly available antibiotics and the extracts. The identified bark of T. glaucescens was prepared for qualitative analysis using standard methods and also analyzed quantitatively using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, steroids, tannin, terpenoid, and phenol were identified. The GC-MS analysis revealed 13 bioactive constituents with Neophytadiene, Squalene, 3, 7, 11, 15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol and 9-eicosyne as active components. Antibiogram study revealed that most isolates, especially E. coli and P. aeruginosa, were 100% resistant to more than two antibiotics. The antibacterial activity of the stem bark of T. glaucescens was reflected by inhibition zones, ranging from 5.5 mm to 12.5 mm; Escherichia coli had the highest zone of inhibition (12.5 mm). The presence of phytochemicals and bioactive components in this stem bark suggests its effectiveness in treating infections and producing pharmaceutical products.
Hepatosomatic index and haematological profile: A bio monitoring tools for assessing african catfish juveniles (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to dimethoate 40% EC toxicity
Authors: Okoboshi A.C. , Agaoru C.G. , Ezea J. , Ibeh R. , Udeme J. , Ike K.E.
Published: June 2023

Organosomatic and Haematological Indices are commonly reported in fisheries studies because they are easily determined and can be excellent predictors of adverse health in fish. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity effect of an organophosphate (dimethoate 40% EC) on  catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juvenile using majorly two indices Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) and Haematological parameters. The fishes were exposed to  three sub lethal concentrations 0.01 mg/l, 0.15 mg/l and 0.29 mg/l and monitored for 28 days. Result showed a significant decrease in the Hepatosomatic  Index (HSI) of the treated groups when compared with the control recording 2.36g, 2.49g and 2.47g for 0.29mg/l, 0.15mg/l and 0.01mg/l  respectively. Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exhibited alteration which was significant (P<0.05) in the total white blood cell count amongst other checked  parameters such as Red Blood Cell Count, Packed Cell Volume and Haemoglobin. Result of the study indicates potential toxicity of Dimethoate to  juveniles of Clarias gariepinus for which aquatic environment must be continuously monitored.
Dark clouds gather – The development of cloud gaming, and competition agencies’ efforts to enable it on mobile app stores
Authors: Geradin Damien , Huijts Stijn
Published: June 2023

Cloud gaming represents a new model of video game distribution. It involves playing games that are streamed from a remote server (the cloud), and has the potential to revolutionize gaming as it is, at least in theory, device-agnostic, allowing high-end or ‘AAA’ games to be played on any device with a connection to the internet. However, Apple blocks the emergence of cloud gaming apps on its Apple App Store, and Google, although not completely blocking them, still imposes restrictions on them. Apple’s prevention of cloud gaming apps has led the UK Competition and Markets Authority to make a Market Investigation Reference, which could lead to remedies being imposed on Apple. However, Apple subsequently successfully appealed the decision to make the Reference.

This article provides an introduction to cloud gaming and explains why it is an important development that offers huge potential for competition and innovation in digital markets. It then discusses Apple’s prevention of cloud gaming apps and examines Apple’s stated rationale for this policy, after which it also touches on Google’s approach. This is followed by a section that sets out other reasons why it may be in Apple’s commercial interest to block the emergence of cloud gaming apps, looking in particular at whether this may be linked to a desire to protect its position in the distribution of apps on iOS devices and its revenues from the sale of hardware. After this, the article discusses how these restrictions have led to the UK Market Investigation Reference, and how they may be treated under the forthcoming EU Digital Markets Act.
CONCEPTUAL OPTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICAL SCIENCE AND PSYCHOLOGY
Authors: Vladlenov Denis , Alieva Munira , Nadzhmutdinova Nozima , Abdukayumov Abdumannon , Inoyatova Flora , Musaev Muhammadjon , Abdullaeva Malika , Khimion Liudmyla , Goryainova Nadiya , Vydyborets Stanislav , Kucher Olena , Derpak Yuriy , Rusnak Ilona , Kulachek Veronika , Kulachek Yaroslav , Akentjev Serhij , Rovinskyi Oleksandr , Карімулін Руслан Фанісович , Belikova Natalia , Belikov Olexandr , Belikova Ludmila , Bereziuk Oleg , Horbatiuk Svitlana , Klymchuk Iryna , Sprut Olha , Сергета Ігор Володимирович , Чорна В.В. , Васенко Т.Б. , Спрут О.В. , Хлєстова І.В.
Published: June 2023

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, or stored in a data base or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The content and reliability of the articles are the responsibility of the authors. When using and borrowing materials reference to the publication is required.
Generación Millennials: perspectivas profesionales de los sucesores de pequeñas propiedades rurales en Brasil
Authors: Lorenzi Pinto Giovanna , Almeida Gabriel Filho Luis Roberto , Dias Baptista Renato
Published: June 2023

Las generaciones millennials se han destacado por su afinidad con las nuevas tecnologías y la gran cantidad de información a la que están expuestas. Considerando el desafío para los agricultores, el objetivo de la investigación fue analizar las sucesiones familiares en pequeñas propiedades rurales pertenecientes al municipio de Tupã - SP. Más específicamente, buscamos relevar el estado del arte de la teoría de las generaciones y el proceso de sucesión familiar en la agroindustria y explorar las características generacionales de los propietarios y sucesores naturales que viven en el campo. Para alcanzar este objetivo, se utilizó como método de investigación un estudio de caso exploratorio en el área rural del municipio de Tupã - SP, que frente a la región de la Alta Paulista posee el mayor número de pequeños productores. Ante ello se realizaron 98 entrevistas y luego la sucesión familiar en las pequeñas unidades productivas, la disparidad de comportamiento entre generaciones, así como las expectativas de futuro de las generaciones contemporáneas relacionadas con la vida en el campo. Se realizaron un total de 98 entrevistas y luego se verificó la sucesión familiar en las pequeñas unidades productivas, la disparidad de comportamiento entre generaciones, así como las expectativas de futuro de las generaciones contemporáneas relacionadas con la vida en el campo.
EDUCATION, WOMEN AND ART Unprocessed Education
Authors: Ernesto Bonicatto
Published: June 2023

The text gives an account of a post-graduation journey, which concludes with a proposal for the thesis in progress for the Doctorate in Education. In this way, each research work and its results have led to thinking of being able to show the ways in which women have been valued in artistic productions, that is, in the world of the cinema and the lyrics of the first Argentine rock music so as to be able to consider the urgent need to think about education as a whole and to propose the inclusion of Sentimental Education and the Pedagogy of Affection. That step should not be retroactive or or false as in the fake news. Nothing that is invented or created is innocent.
Seasonal variation of phytoplankton in My Thanh River, Mekong delta, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi K. L. , Au Van H. , Phan Thi C. T. , Tran Trung G. , Huynh Truong G. , Vu Ngoc U. , Nguyen Thanh P.
Published: June 2023

A study on the seasonal variation of phytoplankton composition was conducted at the upper, middle, and lower parts of the My Thanh River, which supplies an important source of water for aquaculture. Qualitative and quantitative samples of phytoplankton were collected monthly at both high and low tide. The results showed that a total of 171 phytoplankton (algae) species were recorded, belonging to 59 genera and 5 phyla. Diatoms were the most abundant group with the highest species number, followed by green algae. The other phyla possessed a lower number of species. The species composition was more diverse in the rainy season and at high tide at most of the sampling sites. The mean density of algae varied from 30,900-43,521 ind.L-1. The density of diatoms was higher in the middle and lower parts. At the same time, euglenoids displayed the highest density in the upper part, showing a difference in the dominant algae group under the influence of salinity. Salinity was found to be significantly positively correlated (p<0.01) with diatoms, whereas it was negatively correlated (p<0.05) with blue-green algae and euglenoids. The algae composition was quite diverse, with the H’ index ranging from 2.0-3.3, showing the water quality was slightly to moderately polluted.
Impact of Feed Point Position on Patch Antenna’s Return Loss and Bandwidth for UWB Applications
Authors: Ahmed Md. Firoz , Kabir Md. Hasnat , Islam Abu Zafor Md. Touhidul
Published: June 2023

The demand for compact, lightweight, and high-performance antennas has increased in recent times in the communication industry. Microstrip patch antenna (MPA) becomes a better choice to effectively fulfill these requirements. In this study, hybrid techniques of partial ground plane, slotted patch, and defective ground structure are employed in MPA design to reduce the return loss, good impedance matching, and increased the bandwidth, gain, and efficiency of the antenna. This research demonstrates the impact of altering the feed point position, a crucial phenomenon of antenna design, on the patch antenna and determines the proper feed point location by comparing a minimum return loss (S11) which achieves the highest performance for the designed antenna. High-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) software is used to design and simulate the patch antenna. The operating frequency of the antenna is 6.85 GHz for UWB applications (3.1–10.6 GHz). A FR4 epoxy substrate material with dimensions of 30 mm × 20 mm is used to design the antenna. It has a dielectric constant of 4.4, a thickness of 0.8 mm and a tangent loss of 0.02. Multiple resonant frequencies are observed with different return losses for each feed location. The analysis shows that the finest feeding point is found at the center of the patch (9, 0) with a very low return loss (-28.35 dB), and a high impedance bandwidth (19.7 GHz). The antenna also achieved a gain of 4.46 dB, a directivity of 4.6904 dB, and a radiation efficiency of 95.90%. Hence, the location of the feed point can be considered as an influential factor in the antenna design.
Analisis Kajian Etnomatematika pada Bangunan Istana Langkanae
Authors: Baharuddin Muhammad Rusli , Yanti Rosmalah , Wafda Andi
Published: June 2023

This study aims to determine ethnomathematics studies on the Langkanae palace building in the city of Palopo. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. The main instrument is the researcher and the instruments used are interview guidelines, literature and documentation. The research technique used was through interviews, literature study, and documentation with qualitative data analysis consisting of 3 stages, namely data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions, while to test the validity of the data using the triangulation method by comparing data from documentation with literature and data from interviews with literature study data. After this research was carried out, two ethnomathematics study results were obtained, namely (1) The concept of two-dimensional shapes found in the Langkanae palace building contained 7, namely triangular shapes, square shapes, rectangular shapes, rhombus shapes, trapezoidal shapes, hexagon shapes, and octagon shapes. (2) The concept of arithmetic operations on the Langkanae palace building is on the concept of the history of the establishment, the number and height of the parts of the Langkanae palace building. The finding in this study is that there is a difference in the year of establishment between sources from the palace and sources from literature.
Inteligensi Kultural Berbasis Etnomatematika pada Ragam Perlengkapan Tradisi Pernikahan Enis Konjo Sulawesi Selatan
Authors: Busrah Zulfiqar , Buhaerah Buhaerah , Aras Andi
Published: June 2023

This research is focused on exploring the concepts of geometry and algebra on the equipment used in Konjo ethnic weddings which are categorized in the aspects of artistic tools, sandan, boards and food. This research is a qualitative research with an ethnographic approach whose stages include determining the scope, determining and interviewing informants, documenting and recording, domain analysis, taxonomic analysis and ethnographic writing. Based on the exploration results it is found that the observed customary equipment can be modeled into a relationship between polynomial functions, such as the relationship of two parallel lines and two perpendicular lines in the balli' and kanre anak, a quadratic function rotated about the x-axis represents the gandrang pannahan model. The  relationships of constant, linear and quadratic functions which are rotated about the y-axis produce the form of the gandrang jong. Furthermore, the concept of geometry can also be explored in the songkok recca as a sandan requirement whose surface is elliptical and the volume can be approximated using the concept of volume calculation using the slab approach. Whereas in the food aspect, there are beng-beng as dumplings for cucuru which can be represented as a constant function which is rotated around the x-axis. In the process of making the equipment explored it shows the ability, skills and mathematical activities in the form of counting, designing, measuring, locating and explaining. Mathematical concepts identified in customary equipment can be used as contextual learning resources in learning mathematics in formal education.
Peranan Kualitas Layanan dan Harga Dalam Meningkatkan Kepuasan Pelanggan PT. Balina Agung Perkasa
Authors: Saepuloh Irpan , Permata Widiana Indah
Published: June 2023

This study aims to determine the Role of Service Quality and Price in Increasing Customer Satisfaction of PT. Balina Agung Perkasa. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods. The informants in this study were 8 informants who were customers of PT. Balina Agung Perkasa and owned a shop. The data collection methods used are observation, interviews, and documentation. The data collected were analyzed descriptively by reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results of research conducted by conducting interviews show that the Role of Service Quality and Price in Increasing Customer Satisfaction of PT. Balina Agung Perkasa is very good as evidenced by every purchase of an item or product, PT. Balina Agung always provides products according to customer demand, PT. Balina Agung Perkasa is very responsive to customers, PT. Balina Agung Perkasa provides excellent guarantees to customers, customers always receive empathy from PT Balina Agung Perkasa such as attention and care. Balina Agung Perkasa such as attention and care, tangible owned by PT. Balina Agung Perkasa is very good, the products sold at PT. Balina Agung Perkasa have a very affordable selling price, the selling price of PT. Balina Agung Perkasa is very competitive in the market, the selling price of the product with the quality of the product is appropriate, and PT. Balina Agung has a price that is in accordance with the benefits of the products provided to customers.

Keywords:  Service Quality, Price, Customer Satisfaction
RADYOLOJİK OLARAK COVID-19 PNÖMONİSİ DÜŞÜNÜLEN HASTALARDA ANTİKOR DÜZEYLERİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: ÖKSÜZLER KIZILBAY Gözde , ARGUN BARIŞ Serap , AZAK KARALİ Emel , KARADENİZLİ Aynur , UZUNER Hüseyin , DOĞAN Sevtap , BOYACI Haşim , BAŞYİĞİT İlknur
Published: June 2023

AMAÇ

Bu çalışmanın amacı, üst solunum yolu örneklerinde COVID-19 RT-PCR tetkiki negatif bulunan fakat tipik radyolojik bulguları nedeniyle COVID-19 pnömonisi olarak kabul edilen hastalarda COVID-19 antikor tetkiki sonuçlarının değerlendirilmesidir.

GEREÇ VE YÖNTEMLER

Hastanemizde yatırılan COVID-19 pnömonisi açısından tipik bulguları olan 28 hastadan periferik kanda ELISA yöntemi ile SARS-CoV2 Total (IgM + IgG) ve IgG antikor düzeylerinin çalışıldı. 10 hastanın yatış sırasında PCR tetkiki pozitif (kesin COVID-19 pnömonisi), 18 hastanın ise PCR tetkiki negatif (olası COVID-19 pnömonisi) olduğu görüldü. Kontrol grubu olarak Kasım 2019-Mart 2020 tarihleri arasında, ülkemizde ilk COVID-19 hastası tespit edilmeden önce yatırılan ve radyolojik bulguları COVID-19 pnömonisi ile uyumlu olarak değerlendirilen 10 hasta alındı (kontrol).

BULGULAR

Kontrol grubu olarak alınan hastaların hiç birinde COVID-19 antikoru tespit edilmezken, radyolojik olarak COVID-19 pnömonisi tanısı alan 28 hastanın 22 tanesinde (%78.6) antikor pozitif bulundu. Kesin COVID-19 pnömonisi olan hastaların sadece 1 tanesinde antikor negatif bulundu. Bu hastanın yaygın Non-Hodgkin Lenfoma tanısı ile halen kemoterapi almakta olduğu tespit edildi. Olası COVID-19 pnömonisi grubunda 5 hastada antikor tespit edilmedi (%27.7). Bu hastaların ikisinin multipl miyelom tanılı olduğu, üç hastanın ise 75 yaş üzeri olduğu dikkati çekti. Kesin ve olası COVID-19 grupları arasında ortalama total ve IgG antikor düzeyleri açısından anlamlı fark tespit edilmedi (IgG düzeyleri 2.57 ± 1.08 vs 2.84 ± 0.9, p=0.6).

SONUÇ

Pandemi döneminde radyolojik olarak COVID-19 pnömonisi düşünülen hastalarda geçirilmiş COVID enfeksiyonu tanısı için COVID-19 antikor düzeyleri kullanılabilir. Fakat, yaşlı ve hematolojik malignite başta olmak üzere immunsupresyonu olan hastalarda yeterli antikor yanıtı oluşmayabileceği, bu nedenle geçirilmiş enfeksiyonu göstermenin güç olabileceği akılda tutulmalıdır.
Information and communication technology adoption and electronic information resource usage among university-owned senior secondary school students in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Oguntoye Folasade Busayo , Aramide Kolawole Akinjide
Published: June 2023

Electronic information resources (EIRs) usage by students involves accessing and utilizing electronic sources and services for knowledge acquisition, entertainment and learning purposes. However, extant literatures have shown that most of the students in Nigeria do not use these information resources adequately. Previous studies focused largely on accessing and utilisation of IRs among students in tertiary institutions with little emphasis on secondary school students, particularly those in university-owned secondary schools. This study, therefore, was carried out to examine the adoption on EIRs usage among students in Federal university-owned senior secondary schools in southwestern Nigeria. The survey design of ex post-facto type was utilised. The university-owned senior secondary schools from five federal universities in southwestern Nigeria were purposively selected. Six hundred and seventy- four Senior Secondary School II students in the five schools were enumerated. The instruments used were: Information Communication Technology Adoption (r=0.70) and IRs Usage (r=0.77) scales. This was complemented with a focus group discussion session with 10 students in each school. Quantitative data were subjected to descriptive analysis, Pearson’s product moment correlation at 0.05 level of significance, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. The respondents’ age was of 16.0±2.0 years, 50.6% were males and 68.1% were from the sciences. The ICT adoption level was high ( ̅=2.90) against 2.50 criterion mean. Information resources were used on a regular basis within the interval of 26-50 on the test of norm table. The sources of accessing the IRs were Internet (85.4%), mobile phone (77.8%), television (71.5%), e-books (50.9%) and educational software (49.1%). The ICT adoption (r=0.58), correlated significantly with IRs usage. ICT adoption predicted IRs usage (F(3;670) =24.26; Adj. R2=0.366), accounting for 36.6% of its variance. The ICT adoption (β=0.52) contributed to IRs usage. Instability of network services, information overload, inadequate technical support and restrictions of ICT tools use were challenges facing IRs usage among the students. Information and communication technology adoption influenced information resources usage among students of university-owned senior secondary schools in southwestern Nigeria. Therefore, there is need for the provision of functional and effective network services and enactment of flexible rules on information and communication technology tools.
Adoption and use of electronic-mail by staff in Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe
Authors: Yunusa Hauwa Musa , Liman Yakubu Attahiru
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the adoption and use of electronic-mail by staff in Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe. The objectives of the study include: to assess the level of usage of e-mail among staff of Federal College of Education, Gombe, to determine the impacts of adoption of e-mail among staff in the College and to identify the challenges associated with the use osf e-mail among the staff of the College under study. This study was guided by descriptive research design. The population of this study consisted of 1449 academic and nonacademic staff across various departments and units in the College. Simple random sampling in probability sampling techniques was used for this study and the sample size of the study was 302. The findings of the study revealed that respondents used email to share information faster than the conventional mail. The study also revealed that the adoption of email enhanced efficiency and promotes productivity in service delivery among the staff. The study concluded that though not all the public higher institutions in Gombe Staff participated in this study, the use of email were found to be useful among the staff. The study recommended that the adoption and use of e-mail should be given priority as a means of communication to enhance productivity in the delivery of information. Also, there is also the need to facilitate easy access to information as a means of enhancing impacts to improve public information system among the staff.
Blended and non-blended learning strategies on students’ academic achievement in Internet and electronic libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Ndanwu Angela Ifeoma , Onwudinjo Oliver T. , Ezejiofo Victoria
Published: June 2023

The study aimed at investigating the effects of blended strategies on students’ academic achievement in Internet and Electronic libraries course. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The research adopted quasi-experimental design of pre-test post-test control group. A sample of sixty-six (66) students from two multistage selected public tertiary institutions out of a population of three hundred and ten(312) third year students from four public tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was the Internet and Electronic Libraries Achievement Test (IELAT) with the reliability value of 0.86 using Kuder-Richardson (KR-21). The research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA).The result of data analysis showed that blended learning strategy enhanced students’ academic achievement in electronic libraries. Blended learning is more effective in enhancing female students’ academic achievement in electronic libraries. It was recommended that electronic libraries lecturers should adopt blended learning strategy as an effective strategy for teaching electronic libraries, Lecturers in tertiary institution should endeavor to attend workshops, seminars to acquire instructional pedagogical strategy skills.
Social media use and information seeking behaviour of library and information science (LIS) undergraduates in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Nwachukwu Ruth Ngozi , Babarinde Bilikis Adefunke
Published: June 2023

Information seeking behavior is considered very important as it entails how people interact with information, in particular, the ways in which they seek and utilize information. Studies have however shown that some people including students do not seek information appropriately. Several factors, one of which include social media use, have been suggested to be responsible for this. This study therefore examined social media use, and information seeking behaviour of library and information science (LIS) undergraduates in southwestern Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design of the correlational type was adopted for this study. The population consisted of 463 LIS undergraduates in three universities in Southwestern Nigeria. Stratified random sampling technique was used to arrive at the sample size of 277. Data was collected with the aid of questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics such as Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis were used in presenting the data. The findings of the study revealed that the most used social media platforms by LIS undergraduates were WhatsApp ( ̅ ), Facebook ( ̅ , YouTube ( ̅ and Instagram ( ̅ .Most of the LIS undergraduates 218 (87.6%) and 122 (49.0%) revealed that they made use of WhatsApp and Facebook on a daily basis. Majority of the respondents used the social media for information dissemination ( ̅ , communication ( ̅ , and assignment completion ( ̅ . The most prominent information sources used by the respondents were online databases ( ̅ . Majority of the LIS undergraduates sought information to be outstanding academically ( ̅ . Most of the respondents accessed the needed information on the Internet through their smart phones ( ̅ . The major factor affecting information seeking by majority of the respondents was slow internet connectivity ( ̅ .the study also revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between social media use and information seeking behaviour (r = .342, p< 0.05). The study concluded that social media use is critical to information seeking behaviour in this digital era, and therefore recommended that lecturers in the library schools should create social media groups in which all the students will be encouraged to join and marks awarded for level of interaction and participation.
Rethinking Hunger, Food Insecurity, and Malnutrition in the Age of Inequality
Authors: Söylemez Nagihan
Published: June 2023

İklim değişikliği nedeniyle ortaya çıkan şiddetli hava olayları, Covid-19 küresel salgını, Ukrayna’da savaş ve temel gıda fiyatlarının hızla artması, 2022 yılında 3,1 milyar insanı sağlıklı gıdayı karşılayamaz hale getirmiştir. Artan küresel eşitsizlikler, yoksulluk ve insan hayatının hemen her alanına yayılan sosyal güvensizlikler nedeniyle toplumsal sözleşme yeni meydan okumalar ile karşıya karşıyadır. Herkes için insana yakışır bir yaşamı garanti altına almanın asgari şartı olarak, eşmerkezli çemberlerin karşılıklı yükümlülüklerine dayanan yeni bir toplumsal sözleşme tasavvuru, mevcut tarımsal gıda sisteminin kırılganlıklarına ve savunmasızlıklarına nasıl yanıt verilebileceğine ilişkin somut bir çerçeve sunabilir. Bu çalışma, yeni bir toplumsal sözleşmenin, toplumun tüm bileşenlerinin ve daha geniş anlamda insanlığın refahını göz önünde bulundurarak devlet ve gıda şirketleri arasındaki ilişkileri yeniden tanımlaması gerektiğini savunmaktadır. İkinci olarak, çifte standartlı küresel ticaret sistemini ortadan kaldırmak için kuralların, normların, ilkelerin ve karar verme prosedürlerinin reforme edilmesi gerekliliğini vurgular. Son olarak, daha fazla tarımsal üretim tuzağına düşmek yerine, “birbirimize borçlu olduğumuz şeyin” açlığı, gıda güvensizliğini ve yetersiz beslenmeyi ortadan kaldırmak için kolektif olarak dayanıklı, sürdürülebilir ve eşitlikçi politikalar benimsemek olduğunu iddia ediyor.
Deprem Bölgesinde LGBTİ+ Olmak
Authors: Ekinci Başak , Doğan Meriç G. , Göçer Atalay , Elva Loren
Published: June 2023

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Karşılaştırmalı Edebiyatın Deniz Feneri'ne: Jale Parla'ya Armağan
Authors: Kaya Nilay
Published: June 2023

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OPTIMALISASI PENGGUNAAN ENZIM PROTEOLITIK DALAM PEMBUATAN MINYAK KELAPA
Authors: Saparuddin Saparuddin , Irawan Anry , MgB A Fadilah , Niswatussyakira Niswatussyakira
Published: June 2023

Naiknya harga jual minyak kemasan di kolaka membuat warga daerah setempat menjadi resah, karena untuk membeli satu liter saja harus menmgeluarkan uang sebesar Rp. 75.000,00 oleh sebab itu kami berinisiatif membuat produk minyak kelapa yang murah dan berkualitas sebagai alternatif dalam menghadapi permasalahan yang kini telah terjadi sehingga dapat membantu mengatasi masalah perekonomian warga setempat. Adapun langkah-langkah pembuatannya: 1) disiapkan wadah untuk memasak beserta api yang sudah sedia, 2) dituang santan kedalam wajan secara perlahan-lahan, 3) diberikan kulit buah papaya muda 5-6 irisan, 4) diaduk secara bertahap hingga santan menjadi  minyak, 5) ketika blondo (ampas minyak) sudah agak mengeras itu menandakan minyak telah matang dan diberi garam sekitar satu sendok teh, 6) dikemas dan dipasarkan. Minyak kelapa yang kami buat memanfaatkan enzim proteolitik, dimana enzim ini dapat memecah ikatan protein antara minyak dan air yang merupakan emulgator dalam santan kelapa sehingga menghasilkan warna kuning bening pada minyak dan mempercepat terbentuknya minyak, juga meningkatkan mutu minyak kelapa yang dibuat. Tujuan dari pembuatan produk minyak kelapa murni dengan memanfaatkan enzim proteolitik pada kulit buah papaya ini dimaksudkan sebagai alternative dalam menghadapi naiknya harga sembako berupa minyak goreng kemasan yang dimana membuat warga setempat mengalami kelangkaan minyak goreng, juga pengeluaran biaya rumah tangga yang lebih besar hanya karena  membeli minyak goreng kemasan.
Strategy in Conserving and Marketing Songket Woven Fabrics at Kota Daro I Village
Authors: Pemayun I Dewa Gede Ari , Ridwan H. Wawan Ahmad , Sholihah Khairiyatun , Nasrullah Nasrullah , Pebriana Putri Hana
Published: June 2023

This research was conducted to provide information on how to preserve and market songket woven fabrics so they can be widely spread in various cities and abroad. Based on the results of the research conducted, the results show that there are three strategies in preserving songket woven fabric in Kota Daro 1 Village, namely 1) successive strategies, namely efforts to preserve and respect traditional wisdom and local cultural values; 2) educational strategies, namely strategies that produce social actors who are appropriate and able to receive the inheritance of social groups, and can improve hierarchical levels; and 3) economic investment strategy, namely efforts to maintain capital or increase various types of capital, namely the accumulation of economic capital and social capital. Meanwhile, in marketing, songket has woven fabric in Kota Daro 1 Village; the artisans carried out a marketing strategy through promotions on social media and word of mouth. However, due to the limited Internet network and the ability of artisans to use social media to market songket woven fabrics, the marketing was not optimal
Fungsi dan Peran Pemerintah Desa dalam Pengelolaan Dana Desa Berdasarkan Prinsip Akuntabilitas (Studi di Kabupaten Lombok Tengah)
Authors: Lahyati Lahyati , Wibowo Gatot DH , Purnomo Chrisdianto Eko
Published: June 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui dan memahami fungsi dan peran pemerintah desa dalam pengelolaan dana desa berdasarkan prinsip akuntabilitas dan Untuk mengetahui dan memahami upaya yang dilakukan pemerintah desa dalam pengelolaan dana desa berdasarkan prinsip akuntabilitas di Kabupaten Lombok Tengah. Jenis Penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian empiris, penelitian empiris adalah penelitian yang merupakan sumber bahan kepustakaan sebagai data sekunder untuk dijadikan data awalnya, yang kemudian dilanjutkan dengan data primer atau lapangan. Pendekatan yang digunakan Pendekatan konseptual (konseptual approach) dan Pendekatan Sosiologis (Sociological Approach). Adapun hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu: Fungsi dan peran pemerintah desa dalam pengelolaan dana desa berdasarkan prinsip akuntabilitas, yaitu: a) Fungsi dan Peran Sebagai Regulator; b) Fungsi dan Peran Sebagai Dinamisator dan c) Fungsi dan Peran Sebagai Fasilitator dan Prinsip Akuntabilitas Pemerintah Desa Dalam Pengelolaan Dana Desa meliputi Efisien dan Efektifitas (kegiatan Pemerintah Desa), Laporan Keuangan (pertanggungjawaban), Kinerja Finansial Organisasi (pengukuran dan penilaian kinerja).
Penyuluhan tentang Kesehatan Reproduksi Remaja di Posyandu Remaja Puskesmas Tabalagan
Authors: Apriani Waytherlis , Sari Ruri Mayseptia , Ningsih Dewi Aprilia , Oklaini Suitha Tri
Published: June 2023

The problems of youth can occur in connection with the differences in the needs and actualization of the ability of adolescents to adapt to the environment in which they live. This period is very critical for adolescents, because at this time there is a desire to be independent from parental dependence, excessive curiosity and starting to be vulnerable to risky behavior. Teenagers are the next generation of the nation, where the good or bad of a nation in the future depends on how the condition of the youth of the younger generation is today. The problems faced by teenagers are increasingly diverse in various aspects, juvenile delinquency is no longer limited to skipping school or violating school rules, but has penetrated into criminal behavior, violence, use of narcotics, and even promiscuity/free sex. Abstrak: Problematika kaum remaja dapat terjadi sehubungan dengan adanya perbedaan kebutuhan dan aktualisasi dari kemampuan penyesuaian diri remaja terhadap lingkungan tempat hidupnya. Masa ini amat kritis bagi remaja, karena waktu ini muncul keinginan lepas mandiri dari ketergantungan orang tua, rasa ingin tahu yang berlebihan dan mulai rentan terhadap perilaku beresiko. Remaja adalah sebagai generasi penerus bangsa, dimana baik buruknya suatu bangsa ke depan tergantung bagaimana kondisi remaja generasi muda saat ini. Problematika yang dihadapi remaja semakin beragam dalam berbagai aspek, kenakalan remaja bukan lagi sebatas bolos sekolah atau melakukan pelanggaran terhadap peraturan sekolah, namun sudah merambah ke arah tindak perilaku kriminal, kekerasan, penggunaan NAFZA, dan bahkan pergaulan bebas/sex bebas.