bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comportements sexuels à risque d’infections sexuellement transmissibles / VIH chez les élèves du secondaire du Collège d’Enseignement Général1 de Natitingou
Authors: Atade Raoul Sèdjro , Dangbemey Patrice , Klipezo Roger , Kpanhoun Marleine , Kpokoun Ernest , Togbenon David Lionel , Salifou Kabibou
Published: December 2022

Contexte et objectif. L’éviction des infections sexuellement transmissibles et du VIH (IST/VIH) chez les jeunes et adolescents passe par l’adoption de comportement sexuel sain. L’objectif était de décrire les comportements sexuels à risque d’IST/VIH chez les élèves du secondaire du CEG1 de Natitingou en 2020. Méthodes. Il s’est agi d’une étude transversale à visée analytique qui s’était déroulée au CEG1 de Natitingou. Ont été inclus dans l’étude, les élèves régulièrement inscrit au CEG1 de Natitingou. Résultats. Les élèves du CEG1 de Natitingou avaient des comportements sexuels à risque dans 28,71%. Ils fréquentaient les professionnelles de sexe dans 5,9 % et le préservatif était utilisé occasionnellement (55 %). Les élèves filles (17 %) avaient des rapports sexuels, en compensation de l’argent. La partouze a été pratiquée dans 9,9 % des cas. Le sexe masculin (p= 0,011), l’âge (p< 0,0001), l’auto prise en charge des frais d’étude (p= 0,037) et la méconnaissance des élèves sur les IST/SIDA (p= 0,041) étaient associés de manière indépendante à l’adoption d’un comportement sexuel à risque. Conclusion. Les adolescents du CEG1 de Natitingou ont des comportements sexuels à risque d’IST/VIH. L’école, l’environnement religieux et les parents doivent s’unir pour amener les jeunes à réduire les comportements à risque.

English title: Sexual behaviors at risk of sexually transmitted infections /HIV among secondary school students at the Natitingou General Education College

Context and objective. The eviction of sexually transmitted infections and HIV (STIs/HIV) among young people and adolescents requires the adoption of healthy sexual behavior. The objective was to describe the sexual behaviors at risk of STIs/HIV among secondary school students of General Education College (CEG1) in Natitingou in 2020. Methods. This was a cross-sectional analytical study which took place at the CEG1 in Natitingou. Were included in the study, students regularly enrolled in CEG1 Natitingou. Results. Natitingou CEG1 students (28.7 %) had risky sexual behavior. They frequented sex workers (5.9 %) and condoms were used occasionally (55 %). Female students (17 %) had sex as compensation for money. Orgy was practiced in 9.9 % of cases. Male sex (p= 0.011), age (p= 0.000), self-payment of study costs (p= 0.037) and students' unknowledge of STIs/HIV (p= 0.041) were statistically associated with engaging in risky sexual behavior. Conclusion. Teenagers of the CEG1 of Natitingou have sexual behaviors that put them at risk of STI/HIV. Schools, church leaders and parents need to come together to help students reduce these behaviors.

Keywords: sexual behavior, adolescents, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS
Adénocarcinome du col utérin au Gabon : caractéristiques clinico-pathologiques d’une série des cas
Authors: Likonza Dadou Lokengo , Engohan – Aloghe Corinne , Bigoundou-Nzamba Stéphane , Revignet Rose , Mabika Barthélémy Mabika
Published: December 2022

Contexte et objectifs. L’adénocarcinome du col utérin a fait l’objet de peu de publications notamment en Afrique. L’objectif de la présente étude était de décrire les aspects cliniques, pathologiques et évolutifs de ce cancer au Gabon puis d’évaluer la reproductibilité du pattern d’invasion (PI) afin d’améliorer le choix thérapeutique. Méthodes. Il s’agissait d’une série des cas d’adénocarcinomes du col utérin confirmés histologiquement en 8 ans. Les données clinico-pathologiques et le suivi ont été enregistrés à partir des dossiers médicaux. 3 pathologistes ont évalué le PI de chaque cas puis, la reproductibilité a été réalisée. Résultats. Sur les 378 cas recensés, 16 ont été retenus. Leur âge moyen était de 57 ans. Les femmes étaient de grandes multipares (68,7 %) et ayant consulté pour des métrorragies (87,5 %). Elles étaient récués à un stade clinique avancé (62,5 %) et l’évolution était défavorable dans 81,25 % des cas. Le type endocervical et le grade intermédiaire étaient les plus fréquents. Le niveau de concordance du PI était faible (28,6 %). Conclusion. L’adénocarcinome du col utérin au Gabon survient chez la femme d’âge jeune, grande multipare, est de diagnostic tardif et d’évolution péjorative d’où l’intérêt d’assurer un dépistage précoce et une prévention. Par ailleurs, la reproductibilité du PI devrait être réévaluée par des études supplémentaires.

English title: Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix in Gabon: clinico-pathological characteristics of serial cases

Context and objective. Little has been published on cervical adenocarcinoma, especially in Africa. The objective of the present study was to describe the clinical, pathological and follow-up aspects of this cancer in Gabon, then to evaluate the reproducibility of the invasion pattern (IP) in order to improve the therapeutic choice. Methods. It was a series of histologically confirmed cases of cervical adenocarcinoma over 8 years. Clinicopathological data and follow-up information were collected from medical records. 3 pathologists evaluated the IP of each case and then the reproducibility was carried out. Results. Of the 378 cases identified, 16 were selected. The average age was 57 years. The women were large multiparous (68.7 %), consulted for metrorrhagia (87.5%), had an advanced clinical stage (62.5 %) and evolution was often unfavourable (81.25%). Endocervical type and intermediate grade were the most frequent. The level of concordance of the IP was low (28.6 %). Conclusion. Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix in Gabon occurs in young, multiparous women, is diagnosed late and has a poor outcome, hence the interest of prevention. In addition, the reproducibility of the IP should be reevaluated by additional studies.

Keywords : adénocarcinoma- clinico pathological aspects- uterine cervix Gabon
Exploring the effects of the withdrawal of the capitation policy on Cesarean rates in public hospitals in Ghana: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Yambah John Kanyiri , Kuunibe Naasegnibe , Laar Kindness , Mensah Kofi Akohene , Apawu Jones , Titigah Abraham Babatiuamo , Saanwie Aiden Suntaa , Sopiimeh Edgar Lierdong
Published: December 2022

Context and objectives. In Ghana, CS rates have increased by 2% since 2014 even though the World Health Organization has called for the procedure only for medically justifiable cases. Provider payment  mechanisms such as capitation have been used to moderate CS rates in some settings. We explored the effects of the withdrawal of the capitation policy on the Cesarean Surgery (CS) rate in public primary care hospitals together with vaginal delivery (VD) and antenatal care for women with 4+ visits (ANC4+) rates. Methods. An interrupted time-series analytical design was used to assess the effects of the withdrawal of capitation on selected variables from the secondary District Health Information Management System (DHIMS 2) of public hospitals between January 2015 and December 2019. Results: The results show that after the policy withdrawal, the trend and level of provision of CS and VD were not significantly altered. Significant declining trends of ANC4+ reversed with significant positive trends after the policy removal. Conclusion. We conclude that the withdrawal of the capitation policy may not have impacted the CS rate significantly in public hospitals. Enhanced capitation payment mechanisms and specific policies aimed at limiting CS are needed to curtail the rise in Ghana.
Alterations in the histology of the prostate of Sprague-Dawley rats treated with oxytocin
Authors: Odetola Amos Amoo , Idaguko Chika Anna
Published: December 2022

Background: The role of oxytocin in female reproductive system has been well studied. Very little is known about the long-term administration of  oxytocin in prostatic tissues. This study aimed to assess the histological effects of prolonged administration of exogenous oxytocin on prostate in the  male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods: Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 180-250g were randomly distributed into four groups A, B, C and D of five rats each. Group A served as the control while groups B to D were the treated groups. Oxytocin was administered intramuscularly two days per week at the doses  of 1, 2 and 3 IU/kg/b.w. to groups B, C and D respectively while 0.5ml of physiologic saline was administered to the control. The treatment was carried out  over a period of 8 weeks (one spermatogenic cycle). At the end of study, blood was collected for testosterone assay and the prostate was also  harvested for histological procedure.

Result: Result showed significant decrease in the prostatic weight of all the treated groups. However, testosterone significantly increased in group D and  the histology revealed moderate to severe stroma fibrosis, high vascularization with vascular congestion which was due to severe infiltration of  inflammatory cells in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusion: Prolonged administration of exogenous oxytocin could led to a decrease in prostatic weight. Hence, clinician prescribing oxytocin for the treatment of oligozoospermia should be conscious of the risk of exogenous oxytocin in inducing prostatic disorders.
Quartz, glass, and glass-ceramic matrix nanocomposites; containing carbon nanotubes: a review
Authors: Tijjani Y
Published: December 2022

Various concepts of techniques for incorporating carbon nanotubes in quartz, glass and glass-ceramic matrices are overviewed. Mechanical; in particular fracture toughness, hardness and strength, physical; density and microstructures, and functional; thermal and electrical conductivities of the fabricated CNT-loaded nanocomposites via different processing route and measuring techniques were compared and reported. Processing challenges such as the homogenous dispersion of the CNTs in the quartz, glass and glassceramic matrices and the loss of graphitic nanotubes during the consolidation process are still the major impending issues in CNT-quartz/glass/glass-ceramic matrix nanocomposites. There is need to explore in-situ production techniques, spark plasma sintering consolidation method, and controlled colloidal/sol-gel processes for CNTquartz/glass/glass-ceramic matrix nanocomposites.
The facile synthesis of cationic ru(ii)-hydrazine and hydrazone complexes containing ethyldiphenylphosphine and methyldiphenylarsine ligands
Authors: Owalude S.O. , Adimula V.O. , Tella A.C. , Eke U.B.
Published: December 2022

This report demonstrates a simple procedure for the preparation of three Ru(II) hydrazine and hydrazone complexes formulated as [Ru(NH2NH2)2L4][BPh4]2 (L = ethyldiphenylphosphine (3), and [Ru(NH2:CMe2)2L4][BPh4]2 (L = methyldiphenylarsine (4), L = ethyldiphenylphosphine (5). The complexes were characterized by IR, elemental analysis and 1H NMR spectroscopy. All the three complexes show N−N absorption in the range between 1031 – 1029 cm-1 indicating the presence of coordinated hydrazine. Evidence of ethyldiphenylphosphine coordination to the Ru(II) centre was further established by 31P NMR spectroscopic analysis of 3. The obtained complexes could have potential applications in other fields such as catalysis and synthesis of nanomaterials.
Evaluation of bacteriological contamination of palms of pupils in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Staff School, Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Sagay M.O. , Idemudia I.B. , Imarhiagbe E.E. , Ekhaise F.O.
Published: December 2022

Hands are the chief organs for physical manipulation of the environment. As a paired organ, the hand is controlled by the opposing brain hemisphere and enables one to all manner of conscious and unconscious activities. The hand serves as a medium for the propagation of microorganism from place to place and from one person to another. A well-structured questionnaire bothering on age, sex and parental social status of the pupils was administered to three hundred and sixty (360) respondents recruited for the purpose of this study in University of Benin Teaching Hospital Staff School (UBTHSS). The mean heterotrophic Bacterial Count ranged from 2.10±0.19 x 106 to 3.77±0.26 x 106 cfu/cm2. Total coliform count ranged from 0.88±0.08 x 106 to 2.08±0.18 x 106. November recorded the highest heterotrophic and coliform counts ranging from 2.70±0.24 x 106 to 3.77±0.26 x 106 cfu/cm2 and 1.14±0.11 x 106 to 2.08±0.18 x 106cfu/cm2. The male pupils had the highest Heterotrophic and coliform counts of 4.132 x106cfu/cm2 and 2.273x106cfu/cm2 against the female of 1.433x106cfu/cm2 and 0.667x106cfu/cm2. The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts of parental status ranged from 2.78±0.10 x 106 to 2.83±0.08 cfu/cm2 and total coliform counts of 1.24±0.05 x 106 to1.35±0.15 x 106. The mean Heterotrophic barial and coliform counts of age ranged from 2.51±0.74 x 106 to 3.38±0.15 x 106 cfu/cm2 and 0.59 -3.43 x 106 to 0.35 - 2.62 x 106cfu/cm2. A total of ten (10) Gram positive and negative bacterial were isolated in this study. The bacterial isolates with the highest frequency of occurrence were staphylococcus aureus and E.coli (12.00%), E.coli and the least frequency was salmonella enterica (7.3%). The antimicrobial sensitivity pattern showed that the bacteria isolates exhibits varying degree of resistance to the antibiotics before and after curing. The isolates were found to harbor plasmid of different sizes but below 1000bp.There was no plasmid after curing.
Immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities of methanol extract of Uvaria chamae leaves in rats
Authors: Enabulele O.I. , Ifeka L.J.
Published: December 2022

The immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects of methanol extract air-dried, powdered leaves of methanol extract of Uvaria chamae (MEUL) was evaluated in this study using standard methods. Graded doses (50 mg/kg body weight, 100 mg/kg body weight, 200 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight) of the extract were administered to winster rats. The control group was given dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). Immunomodulatory effect was assessed by delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and haemagglutination. Antimicrobial activity of the extract against some clinical bacteria isolates was also conducted. The phytochemicals, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, steroids and terpenoids were detected. The extract showed dose related increase in cellular immunomodulatory activity as assesed by inflammed foot pad of the experimental animals with mean diameter ranging from 2.60±0.95 to 4.90±1.04 mm as against the control group which was 1.30±0.14 mm, (p<0.05). There was significant increase in haemagglutinating antibody titre against sheep red blood cells which ranged from 272±21.27 to 1344±160.64 as against the control group which was 80±10.63 (p<0.01). The methanol extract of Uvaria chamae leaf showed inhibitory activity against the test bacteria isolates. This work indicated that methanol extract of Uvaria chamae leaf has potential immunostimulatory and antimicrobial activity.
Correlation of Vitamin D deficiency with chest X-rays severity scores and different inflammatory markers in severe and critical COVID-19 patients
Authors: Ali Sajjad , Ashraf Ashraf , Rahman Nabi , Nasir Jamal , Akbar Nelofer
Published: December 2022

Objective: To determine the relationship between Vitamin D deficiency with Chest X-Rays severity score and Different Inflammatory Markers in Severe and Critical COVID-19 Patients.Design: A cross-sectional studySetting: The study was conducted in COVID-19 isolation units at Mardan Medical Complex Teaching Hospital (MMCTH) and Bacha Khan Medical College, PakistanParticipants: 206 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 by PCR were included in the final analysis.Data Collection/Intervention: We collected demographic, comorbidity, laboratory, and clinical outcome data from the electronic records of admitted, deceased, or discharged patients.Main outcome measure: Frequency of symptoms, comorbidities, mortality and morbidity, chest x-ray severity scores, different inflammatory markers in Vitamin D deficient Covid-19 patientsResults: 128(62.14%) were severe and 78(37.5%) were critical COVID-19 patients. The whole cohort had 82(39.80%) males and 124(60.20%) females, with a median age of 55 IQR (50-73). Study participants' median Vitamin D level was 14.01ng/ml, with a minimum of 7.5ng/ml and a maximum of 70.8ng/ml. 67/206 patients died, with a fatality ratio of 32.5%. 54/67(80.59%) suffered from one or more comorbid conditions.Conclusion: Low Vitamin D levels were linked to a higher risk of death, higher x-ray severity scores, and different inflammatory markers. Vitamin D levels greater than 30ng/ml for older patients and greater than 40ng/ml in older patients with comorbidities were associated with reduced severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19.
A spectrum of findings on computed tomography in paediatric abdominal and pelvic tumours in a Ghanaian teaching hospital
Authors: Gbadamosi Hafisatu , B. Mensah Yaw , A. Appau Andrea , A. Renner Lorner
Published: December 2022

Objectives: To review the Computed Tomography( CT )features of pediatric oncological patients with abdominal and pelvic tumours and correlate these findings with their histopathological diagnosisDesign: This was a retrospective cross-sectional facility-based study.Setting: This study was conducted in the Pediatric Oncology Unit and Radiology Department of the Korle Bu Teaching HospitalParticipants: Fifty-six pediatric oncology patients with contrast-enhanced abdominal and pelvic CT scans.Data Collection: The abdominal and pelvic CT scans findings, patient biodata, and histopathology reports of oncology patients over four years were reviewedStatistical analysis: Simple descriptive statistics using frequency distribution, percentages, means, and standard deviation were used to describe the various variables and presented tables. Results: The four commonest tumours were nephroblastoma, neuroblastoma, lymphoma, and hepatoblastoma. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.8 years, with a slightly higher male predominance. The majority of the tumours were extremely large at presentation. Overall, the CT – histopathology concordance was 79.2%.

Conclusion: Abdominal and pelvic CT scans play an important role in the diagnostic workup of pediatric malignancies by ensuring early and accurate diagnosis of these tumours
Early Growth Response of Persea americana Seedlings to Interaction of Soil Collected under Tree Plantations with Fertilizer Combinations
Authors: Olayiwola V. A. , Abiodun F. O. , Musa F. B. , Salaudeen G. T. , Amao A. O.
Published: December 2022

The greatest problem of most tree species is to have good planting material or seedlings, and one of the means to achieve this is by fertilization of the seedlings. This study was aimed at determining the influence of organic and inorganic and organomineral fertilizers on the early growth response of Persea Americana in interaction with soils collected under four forest plantations of Terminalia superba, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis and natural forest using standard methods. Plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves were assessed at two weeks intervals starting from two weeks after transplanting while plant dry matter yield was determined at the end of the experiment. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) while means were separated using Duncan’s multiple Range test at 5% level of probability. Results showed that at 4, 6 and 10 WAT, there was a significant increase in plant height at interaction of S1 and T4 (Terminalia superba  Ikija and FRIN compost @ 50 kg N/ha) with the highest height of 50.33cm while the control had the least height of 19.22cm. Also, at 16 WAP, the interaction of S2 and T5 gave the biggest stem diameter of 10.50mm, while the S1and T5 gave the smallest diameter of 2.14mm. S4 performed better than the other the soils from other sources while the effect of the amendment on the leaves showed that T3 gave the best leaves dry matter yield of 10.19g. It was concluded that the combination of S4 and T5 was found to be the best soil type and treatment for growth of Persea Americana. However, T5 and T3 are recommended as the best fertilizer to grow Persea americana with soils under the selected plantations as shown in this study.
Effect of Maize Husk Treatment of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil on Morphological and Biochemical Indices of Cowpea Seedlings
Authors: Aruoren O. , Onakurhefe P. , Onyeukwu O. B. , Ohwokevwo O. A. , Achuba F. I.
Published: December 2022

The ameliorative potential of maize husk on crude oil impacted soil had been documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maize husk treatment of crude oil contaminated soil on morphological and biochemical indices of cowpea seedlings. Treatment of soil with maize husk significantly (p< 0.05) increased the morphological and biochemical indices comparable to control seedlings. On the other hand, exposure of cowpea seedlings to crude oil-contaminated soil caused significant (p< 0.05) decreases in both morphological and biochemical indices compare to values in control seedlings. However, these values were restored close to control values   by treatment of crude oil-contaminated with maize husk. The treatment of soil with maize husk caused improvement of morphological parameters and alteration of biochemical indices of cowpea seedlings grown in uncontaminated and crude oil-contaminated soils. This has affirmed the use of maize husk as possible soil conditioner.
Application of Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network for Prompt Segmentation between Infected Cucumber Leaves and Healthy Cucumber Leaves
Authors: Bello R. W. , Adipere G. F.
Published: December 2022

Plant diseased leaf image segmentation plays an important role in the plant disease detection through leaf symptoms, and early separation of infected and healthy plant leaves from each other can prevent horticulture loss. To achieve this goal, Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) for prompt segmentation between infected cucumber leaves and healthy cucumber leaves was proposed and applied. A whole color cucumber leaf image is inputted into the convolutional neural network of the Mask R-CNN model, thereafter, the extracted features in their map are passed to the region proposal network for region proposals, the proposed regions of interest in their unaligned form are aligned before passing them to the fully connected layers in a fixed size feature map for the following actions: (1) bounding boxing, classification, and masking. The experimental results obtained in this work are on a par with the results obtained in literature, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method and high practical value for plant growth monitoring.
Prevalence and Determinants of Medication Adherence in Patients with Multi-morbidities attending General Outpatient Clinics in Secondary Health Care Facilities in Kaduna State
Authors: Usman NO , Muhammad MI , Nwankwo B , Usman OA
Published: December 2022

Background: Multi-morbidity is a global public health issue which requires medication adherence to aid in the management. Poor adherence could lead to reduced quality of life, and mortality. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and determinants of medication adherence among patients attending the general outpatient clinics in secondary health facilities in Kaduna State.

Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out among 119 patients attending the general outpatient clinics in secondary health facilities in Kaduna State. Respondents were selected via multistage sampling technique. Data was obtained from the respondents using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Medication adherence was assessed with eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05.

Results: Seventy-four (62.2%) of the respondents were aged at least sixty years. The mean age of respondents was 60.3±13.6 years. Seventy-six (63.7%) of the respondents had low medication adherence. The older age (≥60 years) of the respondents (AOR=6.19, 95%CI=1.42-4.81, p=0.001), lack of education (AOR=5.74, 95%CI=1.39-3.42, p<0.001), out-of-pocket spending (AOR=5.29, 95%CI=1.41-3.53, p<0.001), low monthly income (AOR=3.39, 95%CI=1.53-4.81, p=0.004) and taking over 4 medications (AOR=8.25, 95%CI=1.26-5.13, p=0.002) were found to be predictors of low medication adherence.

Conclusion: The finding of low adherence among majority of the respondents highlights the fact that achieving desired health outcomes will be a challenge. Improving this situation would require government interventions which are focused on social drivers of health as well as improving healthcare financing.
Predictors of Willingness to Use Modern Contraceptives among female undergraduate students in a tertiary institution in Nigeria: The Health Belief Approach
Authors: Fehintola FO , Okoro NE , Adedibu DO , Adeniyi KA , Adeniyi CL , Folorunso OE
Published: December 2022

Background: More than half of unintended pregnancies in Nigeria end in induced abortion. Unsafe abortion from unintended pregnancies contributes significantly to maternal mortality in Nigeria. Modern contraceptives have proven useful in preventing unintended pregnancy. The health belief model is a comprehensive tool that can be used to predict contraceptive behaviour. It provides a theoretical framework that gives better understanding of how individual beliefs affect contraceptive behaviour. This study determined the predictors of willingness to use modern contraceptives among female undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife from the perspective of the health belief model.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 female undergraduates selected by multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested self-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Version 25. Chi square test was used for association while logistic regression was used to determine the predictors. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.4±2.4 years. The prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 9.2%. Majority of the respondents 268 (79.3%) were willing to use contraceptives. The most commonly used modern contraceptive was oral pills 289 (68.5%). Perceived benefit (AOR=0.32, 95%CI=0.17-0.63, p=0.001), perceived severity (AOR=0.48, 95%CI=0.44-0.89, p=0.004) and perceived self-efficacy (AOR=0.41, 95%CI=0.22-0.78, p=0.006) were predictors of willingness to contraceptive use.

Conclusion: Although willingness to use modern contraceptives was high, the actual use of contraceptives was low. Health education programs and improvement of access to different contraceptive methods can improve un-met need for contraception among respondents.
Clinical applicability of peak expiratory flow measured with peak flow metre compared to spirometer in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Jumbo J. , Onini E.N. , Ikuabe O.P.
Published: December 2022

Background: Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) is the maximum flow produced during a forced expiration following a full inspiration. It is useful in the  management of lung diseases especially the domiciliary assessment of disease control in patients with Asthma. PEF can be measured with either a peak  flow meter or a spirometer. We aimed at comparing PEF measured using a Mini Wright peak flow meter with PEF measured using Spirolab III spirometer  in order to assess its clinical applicability in resource-limited settings.Method: A method-comparison study with records of PEF values at the Niger-Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri. Hypotheses were formulated  and tested after data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25 software.Results: PEF readings of a total of 100 adults were analyzed. Mean age was 48.90 ± 19.77 years. Males (51%) were slightly more than females (49%). One-  sample t-test showed no statistical difference in the mean PEF values measured with the two devices (p = 0.295). There was significant correlation  between the PEF values measured with the two devices (p<0.0001) with demonstration of agreement and absence of proportional bias in the PEF values measured by the two methods following linear regression analysis (p = 0.959).Conclusion: PEF values obtained from the Mini wright PEF meter and the Spirolab III spirometer are comparable. Therefore, the Mini Wright peakflow  meter may be effectively used in the diagnosis and monitoring of Asthma and other lung diseases in resource-limited settings.
Profile of limb amputations in UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, South- Western, Nigeria
Authors: Adedire A. , Olarewaju S. , Yusuf A.O. , Oluwabukola A.A.
Published: December 2022

No Abstract.
Searching for simpler sensitive diagnostic methods for assessing malaria prevalence during pregnancy in resource constrained setting
Authors: Ihemanma C.A. , Melariri P.E. , Sibanda W.O. , Etusim P.E.
Published: December 2022

Background: Malaria infection during pregnancy causes maternal mortality with severe consequences for the foetus and infant. This research was aimed at assessing prevalence and clinical symptoms via urinalysis among pregnant women.Method: A cross-sectional study involving 300 pregnant women purposively selected from six health care centres was conducted. Data were analysed  using SPSS version 26.Results: The overall malaria prevalence rate was 48% (n=143). Age group ≤25 years had the highest prevalence rate of 55.8% (n=68). Pregnant women in  their first and second trimester had prevalence rate of 49% (n=101) and 49% (n=77) respectively, while the primigravidae recorded the highest prevalence  rate of 56% (n=91). Logistic regression revealed that women younger than 30 years old had lower odds of being malaria negative OR 0.96(95%Cl  0.56-1.65), P=0.87. Women in their first trimester had higher odds of being malaria negative by 1.01 (95%Cl 0.41-2.46), P=0.99. Women who used LLINs had higher odds of being malaria negative OR 4521746.902, P=0.0000.Conclusion: Urinalysis revealed highest prevalence rate of 27.3% (n=82) for bilirubinuria (+) samples. Bilirubinuria in pregnancy could serve as a good  indicator for malaria.
Sero-prevalence and risk factors for cytomegalovirus infection among pregnant women in a teaching hospital in Ogun state, Nigeria
Authors: Elikwu C.J. , Otaigbe I. , Oluwole T. , Shonekan O. , Nwadike V. , Tayo B. , Okangba C. , Omeonu A. , Faluyi B. , Umebuani S. , Aluko M. , Idowu O. , Okhagbuzo M.J. , Alabi B.
Published: December 2022

Background: Infection with cytomegalo virus is usually asymptomatic however in pregnant women the risk of congenital infection and foetal  abnormalities makes antenatal screening for CMV infection necessary. The aim of this study was to determine the sero-prevalence and risk factors for  CMV infection among pregnant women in Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted between January and May, 2017 on patients attending the antenatal clinic of  Babcock University Teaching Hospital. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Kits were used to determine IgM and IgG anti CMV antibody titresinvenous blood samples obtained from study participants.Results: A total of 80 patients were recruited into the study. The mean age was 30 years.All (100%) respondents were sero-positive for anti CMV IgG  antibodies while 28.75% of respondents were seropositive for anti CMV IgM antibodies.Conclusion: There was a highsero-prevalence rate of CMV infection in the study. Screening of pregnant women for CMV infection is necessary due to the  risk of congenital infection and fetal defects.
Pour une histoire des réseaux préhistoriques franco–israéliens: Jean Perrot et la genèse du Centre de Recherche français à Jerusalem (CRFJ)
Authors: Rosner Chloé
Published: December 2022

Cet article débute en retraçant le parcours de l’archéologue français Jean Perrot (1920–2012) qui arrive en Palestine à la fin de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. En examinant sa participation au façonnement du champ préhistorique au cours des premières années formatrices de l’État d’Israël, nous présentons les institutions et réseaux israéliens sur lesquels il s’appuie. Ceux–ci nous conduisent ensuite à remonter le temps de la présence préhistorienne française en Palestine et à son développement lors de la période mandataire. Cette approche contextualisée, nous permet enfin d’aborder la création d’une nouvelle structure de recherche française dédiée à la préhistoire à Jérusalem, l’actuel Centre de Recherche Français à Jérusalem et de présenter les réflexions qu’elle suscite.

A History of French–Israeli Prehistoric Connections: Jean Perrot and the Origins of the French Research Center in Jerusalem

This article begins when Jean Perrot (1920–2012), a young French archaeologist, arrives in British Mandate Palestine, at the end of the Second World War. Retracing his career and presenting the Israeli institutions and networks he relied on allows us to measure his role in the shaping of the field of prehistory during the formative years of the State of Israel. This takes us back in time, to the origins of the French prehistoric–presence in Palestine in the 19th century and its evolution during the British Mandate times. Lastly, this contextualized approach, on the longue durée, contributes to the history of the establishment, in Jerusalem, of a new French research structure dedicated to prehistory in the second half of the 20th century.
Możliwości wykorzystania katalogów studenckich Nationale do badań nad zmianami tożsamości narodowej w XIX wieku
Authors: Lis Tomasz
Published: December 2022

Opportunities for Using Nationale Student Catalogs to Study Changes in National Identity in the 19th Century

In the article, the author would like to present the analysis of a historical source – a student catalog from the Law Faculty of the University of Vienna. We research how to change the Croatian students’ religion and language from the Austro-Hungarian lands in the 19th century; Banovina, Slavonia, Dalmatia, Istria, Bosnia, and Hercegovina. On the basis of these catalogs, we look to answer how to create Croatian nationality in the second half of the 19th century, because this process was different in all these lands, such as Bosnia and Hercegovina where we have Muslim people with Croatian nationality or Croatian people in Dalmatia who think of themselves as Yugoslavs.
Zmiany ludnościowe jako determinanta w polityce przyszłości na przykładzie Unii Europejskiej i Organizacji Paktu Północnoatlantyckiego
Authors: Łukasik Przemysław
Published: December 2022

Population Changes as a D eterminant in the Politics of the Future on the Example of the European Union and North Atlantic Pact Organization

Contemporary analyses of the international reality allow it to be seen as more and more complex. Globalization, new wars and failed states are examples of challenges faced by individual actors and the entire international community. The interdependence of phenomena in their global scope necessitates the creation of international coalitions of states and organizations as part of creating resourcesin the global management of these problems. The steady growth of China’s power and the prospect of a return to global competition between superpowers complicates this picture even more. Heads of state and international organizations set ambitious goals for their organizations in the face of emergingchallenges. They assume the strengthening of unity, adaptation to the changing international reality and expansion of resources. Plans to meet the challenges of the present, go together with a demographic determinant. The low birth rate associated with the aging of the population is likely to increase social benefits in the general budget balance of countries. The article aims to analyze the development of the situation of EU and NATO countries from the perspective of the demographic challenges that they and the whole world will face in the first half of the 21st century. The text will take into account both the presentation of demographic changes from the past and in the present in the theoretical (Malthusianism, Neo-Malthusianism) and practical (population policy) dimensions.
Common Buzzard, Buteo buteo, nest site selection pattern in relation to stands and their location factors in Central Lithuania, Central Eastern Europe
Authors: Kamarauskaitė Aušra , Dementavičius Deivis , Skuja Saulis , Treinys Rimgaudas
Published: December 2022

Environmental changes are expected in Europe due to ongoing timber harvesting in forests and changes in agriculture practices in cultivated areas. This study aimed to determine whether the nest site characteristics of the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo – a generalist raptor – have changed over time due to ongoing changes in forests and agricultural areas that are highly important for its breeding. A comparison of Common Buzzard nest sites occupied in 2002–2004 with nest sites occupied in 2017–2018 in commercially managed forests indicated certain changes. Common Buzzards preferred to nest in more mature stands with the higher proportion of deciduous trees in composition of the first tree layer. The location of stands in regard to agricultural areas did not shape habitat choice. The oak was most important nests tree. The nest sites of the Common Buzzard remained similar in terms of location within the landscape, however, age of stands used for nest significantly increased. In summary, these results suggest that Common Buzzard nest site selection pattern was driven by stand level decisions, but were not shaped by the landscape features. These findings indicate that behavioural plasticity typically assumed for this ubiquitous raptor may not necessarily act at the all levels of nest site selection process, which may further indicate species potential sensitivity to the changes in forest utilisation intensity.
Keywords: habitat selection, raptor, forestry impact
Using Feedback Control to Control Rotor Flux and Torque of the DFIG-Based Wind Power System
Authors: Ali Nadhim Jbarah Almakki
Published: December 2022

Direct torque control (DТС) is a method of controlling electrical machines that are widely used, and this is due to its simplicity and ease of use. However, this method has several issues, such as torque, rotor flux, and current fluctuations. To overcome these shortcomings and improve the characteristics and robustness of the DTC strategy of the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), a new DTC scheme based on the feedback control method (FCM) and space vector modulation (SVM) is proposed. In the proposed DTC technique, a proportional-integral controller based on feedback control theory is used to control and regulate the torque and rotor flux of the DFIG. On the other hand, the SVM technique is used to control the rotor side converter (RSC) to obtain a high-quality current. The simulation result shows that the proposed DTC technique has the advantages of faster dynamics and reduced harmonic distortion of current compared to the ‎conventional technique.‎
Evaluation of Antibiotics and Clinical Outcomes along with Various Other Factors in Critically Ill Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors:   Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan, Ali Muhammad , Shahnaz Saira ,   Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nazeer Hussain University, Karachi, Pakistan, Jamal Muhammad ,   Jinnah College of Pharmacy, Sohail University, Karachi, Pakistan, Gul Sabiha ,   Jinnah College of Pharmacy, Sohail University, Karachi, Pakistan, Leghari Qurratul Ain ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, Sahar Tuba ,   Department of Pharmacy, Nazeer Hussain University, Karachi, Pakistan,   Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Pakistan, Zafar Iqra ,   Department of Pharmacy Practice, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan, Khan Quratulain ,   Sindh Government Dispensary, District Central, Karachi, Pakistan
Published: December 2022

Intensive care units (ICUs) are special hospital wards that provide desired treatment and close monitoring of patients who are critically ill. Drug Utilization Reviews (DUR) is an authorized, structured, ongoing review of patient medication to ensure appropriate and rational medication use to yield positive outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibiotics and clinical outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This study was cross sectional retrospective (cohort), descriptive and clinical study including patients admitted in ICU of tertiary care hospitals. A total 400 patients (Male 53%) and (Female 47%) were admitted in ICU were analyzed in this study. Majority of patients were from age group between 41 to 60 years i.e., 50.2%. Patients evaluated in this study were suffering from many diseases and comorbidities majorly including respiratory, infectious, nephrology and urology diseases. Antibiotics, majorly penicillins were administered to 185 (46.2%) patients, flouroquinolones 162 (40.5%), cephalosporins 287 (71.8%), carbapenems 102 (25.5%), vancomycin 61 (15.2%) and metronidazole 217 (54.2%) patients. Total 52 (12.5%) patients underwent culture sensitivity test. Significant drug-drug interactions were seen in 64% patients. High mortality rate (72.8%) was seen in this study. It was observed that presence of NI and lack of CST enhanced mortality rate. CST is very important regarding choice of ICU patient’s antibiotic therapy. Current study identified factors affecting the clinical outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality in the ICU patients. Antibiotics are prescribed in ICU abundantly. Due to presence of drug-drug interactions, nosocomial infections, comorbidities, not having culture sensitivity test (CST) and adverse reactions mortality rate was enhanced. Pharmacist led medication review will help in avoiding all these issues.
Устойчивость по Уламу - Хайерсу четырехточечной краевой задачи для дифференциальных уравнений дробного порядка Капуто с параметром
Authors: Castro L.P. , Silva A.S.
Published: December 2022

Fractional calculus is considered to be a powerful tool in describing complex systems with a~wide range of applicability in many fields of science and engineering. The behavior of many systems can be described by using fractional differential equations with boundary conditions. In this sense, the study on the stability of fractional boundary value problems is of high importance.\\ The main goal of this paper is to investigate the Ulam--Hyers stability and Ulam--Hyers--Rassias stability of a class of fractional four-point boundary value problem involving Caputo derivative and with a given parameter. By using contraction principles, sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee the uniqueness of solution. Therefore, we obtain sufficient conditions for the stability of that class of nonlinear fractional boundary value problems on the space of continuous functions. The presented results improve and extend some previous research. Finally, we construct some examples to illustrate the theoretical results.
Marriage and Wedding Rituals of the Sarıkamış Ossetians through the Eyes of a Turkish Ethnographer Süleyman Kazmaz (1st Half of the 20th Century)
Authors: Чочиев Г.В.
Published: December 2022

В публикации представлен фрагмент из заметок турецкого этнографа, фольклориста и краеведа С. Казмаза, характеризующий брачно-свадебную обрядность, которая предположительно до начала 1940-х гг. бытовала среди потомков осетинских переселенцев-мухаджиров в округе Сарыкамыш провинции Карс в северо-восточной Тур- ции. Описываемые обычаи и церемонии ничем существенно не отличаются от извест- ных образцов осетинского брачно-свадебного цикла. Тем не менее они информативны в качестве показателя состояния культурной и этнической идентичности сарыкамыш- ских осетин в указанный период.

The publication presents a fragment from the notes of the Turkish ethnographer, folklorist and local historian Süleyman Kazmaz, characterizing the marriage rituals that existed among the descendants of Ossetian settlers (muhajirs) in the Sarıkamış district of Kars province in northeastern Turkey presumably until the early 1940s. The described customs and ceremonies do not differ significantly from the known examples of the Ossetian marriage and wedding cycle. Nonetheless, they are informative as an indicator of the state of cultural and ethnic identity of the Sarıkamış Ossetians in that period.
The life story of Janusz Mandi in Russia
Authors: Панкин М.И. , Гугучкина Т.И.
Published: December 2022

В работе исследуется влияние исторических событий первой половины двадцатого века на жизнь подданного Австро-Венгерской империи Яноша Манди. В на- чале Первой мировой войны он оказался в Сибири в русском плену. После Февральской и особенно Октябрьской революций в России находившиеся в Сибири австро-венгерские военнопленные стремительно политизировались, чему способствовало очень благо- склонное отношение большевиков к мадьярам-военнопленным. В декабре 1919 года Янош Манди (Иван Иванович Мандий под влиянием агитации вступил добровольцем в ряды Рабоче-крестьянской Красной армии и в январе 1920 года был принят венгерской секцией Новониколаевского городского комитета партии в члены Российской коммуни- стической партии большевиков (РКП(б)). В мае 1925 года по приказу Революционного Военного Совета Республики за № 1244 был демобилизован по возрасту. Имея знания по технологии возделывания виноградников и технологии виноделия, Иван Иванович всю свою трудовую жизнь посвятил развитию коньячного производства и отрасли виногра- дарства на Северном Кавказе. Его жизненный пример в плане выбора профессии, ответ- ственного отношения к делу и своей семье оказал влияние на авторов данной статьи.

The paper examines the influence of historical events of the first half of the twentieth century on the life of a subject of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Janos Mandi. At the beginning of the First World War, he found himself in Siberia in Russian captivity. After the February and especially the October Revolution in Russia, the Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war who were in Siberia were rapidly politicized, which was facilitated by the very favorable attitude of the Bolsheviks to the Magyar prisoners of war. In December 1919 Janos Mandi (Ivan Ivanovich Mandi) under the influence of agitation, joined the ranks of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army as a volunteer and in January 1920 was accepted by the Hungarian section of the Novonikolaevsky City Party Committee as a member of the Russian Communist Party of the Bolsheviks (RCP(b). In May 1925, by order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic for No. 1244, he was demobilized by age. Having knowledge of vineyard cultivation technology and winemaking technology, Ivan Ivanovich devoted his entire working life to the development of cognac production and the viticulture industry in the North Caucasus, His life example influenced the authors of this article in terms of choosing a profession, responsible attitude to business and his family.
Traditions of formation of sacred space in Ossetia
Authors: Кулумбегов Р.П.
Published: December 2022

В статье рассматривается формирование сакрального пространства Осетии. Традиционные локусы мифологического действа представлены святилищами, священными рощами, заветными пещерами, отдельными деревьями и местами захоро- нений, получившими статус сакральных объектов. В основе сакрализации территории и заветного места лежит встреча человека с божественным, это становится побуди- тельным мотивом для создания им религиозного пространства.

The article examines the formation of sacred space in Ossetia. Traditional loci of mythological action are represented by sanctuaries, sacred groves, cherished caves, individual trees and burial places that have received the status of sacred objects. The basis of the sacralization of the territory and the covenant place is the human encounter with the divine, it becomes an impetus for him to create a religious space.