bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public-Private Partnerships as a Way of Financing and Supporting Utility Companies
Authors: Stojanova Pavlina , Petreska Lence
Published: June 2023

In the last two decades, the public utility companies in North Macedonia are becoming more and more dysfunctional, and the services they offer are continuously of lower quality. Subsequently, they became a training ground for political-party employment and calculations. Hence, there is a need to find an efficient model that will overcome the problems faced by public utilities. The purpose of this chapter is to give an overview of the possibilities for public-private partnerships as a solution for improving the services and efficiency of utility companies. Finding an efficient solution for managing public utility companies is of great importance, both for citizens who regularly pay for utility services and do not receive them with adequate quality and for the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, which at certain intervals must intervene financially with funds from the budget to be able to discharge the over-indebted utility companies.
Evolving Role of Instagram as a Digital Marketing Tool in Libraries
Authors: Jain Sanmati Jinendran , Anil Kumar T.
Published: June 2023

The role of social media in libraries has been gaining attention in recent years as libraries look for new ways to connect with users and promote their services. This chapter assesses the use of Instagram, a popular photo and video-sharing platform, by libraries as a means of outreach and engagement. Through a literature review and case studies of library Instagram accounts, the chapter explores how libraries use Instagram to showcase their collections, promote events and services, and create a sense of community. It also examines the benefits and challenges of using Instagram as a digital marketing tool and the implications for library practice. The chapter explains that Instagram can effectively reach and engage with users, particularly younger generations.
A Study on Dissemination of Information for Teaching and Research Competence Among Faculty Members in the Deemed Universities in the Coimbatore Region
Authors: Ramesh P.
Published: June 2023

The chapter examines the dissemination of information for teaching and research competence among the faculty members in the Deemed Universities in Coimbatore region by a questionnaire-based survey. The result finds out of 364 respondents, a majority of 26.92% reported from Karunya University. The Boolean searches for access to e-resources by the respondents in the Deemed Universities. The majority 147 (48.8%) of respondents preferred Boolean search technique to very large extent while 74 (20.32%) respondents preferred the large extent. The majority with 132 (36.26%) of the respondents have noticed preferred e-books among the deemed Universities in the Coimbatore region as Excellent towards preferred e-book.
Information Literacy Competence on Social Media Use Against Scholarly Communication
Authors: Baskaran C.
Published: June 2023

The chapter examines information literacy competence on social media use against scholarly communication. A case study among faculty members and scholars in the faculty of management of Alagappa University, India. 340 respondents participated from eight departments, with the majority of them 51(15%) of them from Alagappa Institute of Management. sex and Age wise respondents of study, the higher potion of population being male with 238 (70%), less than half in the respondents 102 (30%) were female. The study witnesses the multiple responses about usage the different social Medias listed in the table. Majority of 324(95.29%) of them preferred face book. The respondents 11.47%, 10%, 0.35%, 0.41%, 0.35%, 0.32% and 0.55% of them have witnessed as ‘'Not Satisfied'' with Academia, LinkedIn, Research Gate, Mendeley, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus respectively.
Preference and Opinion on Social Media for Disseminating Scholarly Information Among Research Scholars in the Universities in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Pitchaipandi P.
Published: June 2023

The chapter explores how social media and networks disseminate and share scholarly information among the research scholars in the selected state universities of Tamil Nadu in India. The researcher has adopted a questionnaire method in order to collect data from respondents in the Universities, entertaining only the full-time research scholars. The result of the study demonstrates a majority 87 (14.0%) of them responded from Annamalai University. 47(14.0%) of them were male and 40 (13.9%) of them female. Of a total of 623 respondents, 44 (10.8%) of them responded from Annamalai University in the age group 26-35 years. The majority 594 (95.3%) of the respondents preferred to use “Google Chrome” to search various types of research information; the majority 571(91.7%) of the respondents use of WhatsApp; 499(80.1%) of the respondents used YouTube..
The Conception of the First Bilingual Education Course for the Deaf in Higher Education
Authors: Galasso Bruno , Esdras Dirceu
Published: June 2023

In this chapter, the authors explore the development of the first bilingual education course aimed at deaf people in higher education in Brazil, exploring the pedagogical model that guided the course conception. The design process of the first bilingual learning platform accessible through sign language is presented, including learning tools specifically developed to support the experience of deaf students. Additionally, it describes the organizational and methodological principles, including the preparation and production of teaching materials and the bilingual virtual learning platform for deaf students, which were part of an innovative educational model capable of bringing deaf and non-deaf students together in a single ecosystem.
Advancing Equity and Inclusion Through Educational Technology
Authors: Alkhatib Omar J.
Published: June 2023

The classical teaching and learning process has been undergoing significant changes in the past three years. The changes are a result of a number of factors and have affected many aspects of learning, including cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. Among the most significant issues affecting learning is the sudden move to online learning. A number of severe effects are noted here, including learning loss, physiological effects on students, changes in student performance, and tension resulting from the integration of technology into education. Due to the rapidly changing world of education, many instructors find themselves forced to choose between compromising, trading off, or remaining steadfast in their approach. Teachers have a traditional role in society which involves the preservation of human and moral values, and this is a reflection of their ethical responsibilities. Teachers are ethically committed to addressing many emerging issues in education by promoting equity. In this chapter, a number of approaches are outlined for ensuring and promoting equity in education.
Using Analogue Game Mechanics to Reduce Gender Inequality and Exclusion in Technology Education
Authors: Mattsson Sandra , Palmquist Adam , Ulvenblad Pia
Published: June 2023

Technology education has traditionally been male dominated, and many educator providers struggle to both attract and keep females related to education. Gamification, the use of game elements in a non-game context, has been shown to increase student engagement and inclusion in the learning environment. However, the gamification design and development process has been declared resource-demanding, which has reduced the more tailored approaches resulting in more generic ones. This is contradictory to the findings that gamification designs, especially in instruction, are context dependent. Therefore, this chapter displays an analogue gamification approach that is applied in a real-life environment, a technology vocational school, supporting the teachers' combat of gender inequality and expediting diversity and inclusion.
Integrating Universal Design of Learning Principles to Teach Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Khazanchi Pankaj , Khazanchi Rashmi
Published: June 2023

A growing number of students with disabilities are seeking services in inclusive classrooms. Sixty-six percent of students with disabilities spend 80% of their time in general education classes, and 12% of students receiving special education services have autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Teachers face challenges in effectively teaching students with ASD in inclusive classrooms and struggle to create an inclusive education environment meeting the needs of all students. In inclusive classrooms, teachers collaborate to implement inclusive teaching practices to engage students. Inclusive teaching practices improve student engagement in social interaction, academic growth, and positive behaviors in inclusive classrooms. One inclusive practice widely used is the universal design of learning. This chapter highlights the principles of the universal design of learning and its role in effectively teaching students with ASD in inclusive classrooms.
A Former Special Educational Needs Teacher's Critical Reflections About Lesson Plans and Adjustments
Authors: Klefbeck Kamilla
Published: June 2023

This chapter engages in a retrospective analysis of a teacher's previous teaching experiences at a Swedish special-needs secondary school for pupils with intellectual disabilities. The chapter aims to explore the potential of reflective practice in supporting the professional development of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) teachers, with the goal of improving the education and outcomes of their students. The chapter evaluates lesson plans centered on democratic values and student agency, using critical reflection within a step-by-step approach. Through this evaluation, the chapter presents implications for practice that illustrate how self-reflection and teacher-researcher collaboration can serve as practical tools for sustainable improvements in special-needs schools for pupils with intellectual disabilities, particularly with a focus on advocacy and conditions for learning. Through this evaluation, the chapter presents implications for practice that illustrate how self-reflection and teacher-researcher collaboration can serve as practical tools for sustainable improvements in special-needs schools for pupils with intellectual disabilities, particularly with a focus on advocacy and conditions for learning.
Subject Knowledge in Grade 3 After an Inclusive Mathematics Intervention in Preschool
Authors: Vennberg Helena
Published: June 2023

This chapter is an analysis and comparison of students' subject knowledge in mathematics in Grade 3 (Age 9) after an extensive whole-class intervention using the teaching material think, reason, and count (TRC) during the preschool-class year (Age 6). The national test (NT) reveals that the TRC-group (n = 79; 4 classes) performed better than the control group (n = 55; 3 classes), and a significant difference is shown on two of the subtests. This chapter shows that inclusive mathematics education in preschool-class focusing on reasoning about representations of numbers develops good mathematical knowledge and is especially supportive for students at-risk. Correlation of the tested areas of mathematics to TRC reveal that at-risk-students perform better in all areas of TRC.
I Don't Know What to Say, I Have No Words
Authors: Armstrong Kerry
Published: June 2023

This chapter invites readers to consider a series of books with educational resources embedded to support the principle of UDL: multiple means of engagement. The team of educators wanted to create new resources for inclusion that use the principles of UDL, especially the principle of engagement. The metaphor of the tree and its parts creates a common language that each member of a learning community can use to create a safe learning community where everyone belongs. Belonging to a learning community is essential for engagement, and a feeling of belonging with dignity comes when we are seen and heard without judgment for who we are. This series of four books offers a metaphor to explicitly teach the social-emotional skills needed to achieve a learning community where every learner belongs and is able to help others to feel that they are also welcome.
A protocol on patient satisfaction in three national hospital settings: an observational cross-sectional multicentre study
Authors: Bolgeo Tatiana , Di Matteo Roberta , Gatti Denise , Gardalini Menada , Iacorossi Laura , Ruta Federico , Grassi Elena , Fadda Barbara , Roberti Erica , Porcari Arianna , Pisani Carla , Dealberti Davide , Maconi Antonio
Published: June 2023

Background: to assess, using the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales (NSNS) questionnaire, the degree of patient satisfaction with healthcare services, in patients who were admitted to three obstetrics and gynaecology wards in three different Italian public hospitals. The aim of the study was to understand the correlations between basic organisational characteristics and the perceived quality of care. Materials and Methods: an Italian multi-centered cross-sectional observational study of female patients aged 18 or older with good Italian language skills is ongoing between June 2022 and June 2023.The study excludes patients who access the facility exclusively for outpatient services and visits. The tool in use is a validated questionnaire translated into Italian, already tested internationally; the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales (NSNS) questionnaire. The tool guarantees the anonymity of data, a minimum sample size of 465 women is expected, and the ethics committee of the promoting hospital has approved the study. The nurses deliver the questionnaire to all inpatients upon admission, and the completed forms are placed exclusively by patients in a sealed urn on the ward, at discharge. Conclusions: assessment using the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales (NSNS) questionnaire, in its validated Italian version, can enable improvements in healthcare processes through important innovations and organizational changes. This study, using the translated and validated questionnaire can add knowledge for a better understanding of the correlations between basic organizational features and the perceived quality of services.
Complexity: Tending to the Medication-Related Needs of Older People
Authors: Alderman Chris
Published: June 2023

The solutions to reduce the prevalence of medication-related harm in aged care are just as multifaceted as those that can be used in other industries where processes are complicated and complex. Designing safe systems is a key element of these efforts, with factors such as automation, electronic medication management systems, and the emergence of artificial intelligence all supplementing other aspects of safe health delivery such as appropriate environmental design and safe staffing levels. Nevertheless, as any experienced health practitioner will readily confirm, there is both art and science involved in the processes of safely delivering care for patients, particularly people of advanced age.
Evaluation of the Safety and Tolerability of Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors in the Older Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Edwards Sarah , Lam Christine , Thomas Lindsay
Published: June 2023

Objective The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate adverse effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in older people. Data Sources Articles in PubMed and EBSCOhost-Medline databases between January 2011 and 2021 were
analyzed. Search terms were SGLT2 inhibitor, SGLT2 inhibitors, geriatric/elderly/older people, and safety/ adverse drug reaction/tolerability. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, review articles, journal clubs, articles that did not address the research question, excluded patients 65 years
of age and older, had an updated article available, did not stratify by age group, or were a commentary on a cohort study were excluded. Data Synthesis The search resulted in 113 articles. There were 62 duplicates removed, and 30 excluded based on the abstract. Of the 32
articles remaining, 19 were removed for not meeting the research question or meeting exclusion criteria. A total of 13 studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case reports, were assessed. Conclusion Current evidence demonstrates that patients
taking SGLT2 inhibitors and diuretics were more likely to experience volume depletion. Findings suggest that risk of UTI was highest when the patient’s age is 75 years or older. Some studies indicated that risk of genital mycotic infection is prevalent in older people. Use of SGLT2 inhibitors
in the older population was not associated with a higher risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis. Use of SGLT2 inhibitors appears to be relatively safe in older people. The risk of side effects may be decreased by considering concomitant medications. Randomized controlled trials assessing
safety of SGLT2 inhibitors in the older population is still warranted.
Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Case Series: Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Pharmacotherapy Optimization in Older People
Authors: Pogge Elizabeth K. , Trevino Marrisa , Matsunaga Kurt
Published: June 2023

This case illustrates the pharmacist’s role in the outpatient management of heart failure with reduced ejection fracture in a community-dwelling older person. In this case, the patient has a long-standing history of heart failure because of ischemic causes. Relatively active and
working full-time, he presented to the pharmacist clinic for optimization of heart failure therapy. This case focuses on the role of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction management.
A Novel Formulation: Donepezil Patch
Authors: Adelman Megan , Louis Lora
Published: June 2023

Prevalence of dementia continues to increase with limited pharmacotherapy options available. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors remain a mainstay of treatment. The US FDA has approved three oral medications within this class— donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine. In 2022, the
US Food and Drug Administration approved a novel patch formulation for donepezil that could be beneficial for patients with dysphagia as well as potentially decreasing the side effect burden. The purpose of this analysis is to review the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and clinical considerations
related to this novel formulation.
Some asymptotic formulae for torsion in homotopy groups
Authors: Boyde Guy , Huang Ruizhi
Published: June 2023

Inspired by a remarkable work of Félix, Halperin, and Thomas on the asymptotic estimation of the ranks of rational homotopy groups, and more recent works of Wu and the authors on local hyperbolicity, we prove two asymptotic formulae for torsion rank of homotopy groups, one using ordinary homology and one using K-theory. We use these to obtain explicit quantitative asymptotic lower bounds on the torsion rank of the homotopy groups for many interesting spaces after suspension, including Moore spaces, Eilenberg–MacLane spaces, complex projective spaces, complex Grassmannians, Milnor hypersurfaces, and unitary groups.
An Assessment of Agenda 2063’s First Ten-Year Implementation Plan and its Implication on the African Continental Free Trade Area
Authors: Mosala Seshupo
Published: June 2023

Trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) began on 1 January 2021. The AfCFTA intends to bring African countries closer in terms of  economic integration and has numerous potential gains for state parties and the continent at large. However, the policies on continental integration are  not new to Africa. To improve continental economic integration, the Organisation of African Unity and its successor, the African Union, adopted the Abuja  Treaty, the Action Plan for Boosting Intra-African Trade, and the Tripartite Free Trade Area. These policies have not been implemented yet, which creates  uncertainty regarding the implementation of AfCFTA. To achieve its objectives, the AfCFTA requires member states to implement a complementary set of  measures as part of Agenda 2063’s First Ten-Year Implementation Plan ranging from 2014 to 2023, which seeks to accelerate structural transformation in  Africa. The implementation will ensure that some non-tariff barriers are eliminated to facilitate intra-African trade. However, the low aggregated  implementation score of 51 per cent against the 2021 targets might have negative implications for the AfCFTA. The member states and regional  economic communities are far from meeting the 2023 targets. There is low progress for Aspiration 1 of Agenda 2063 with an overall score of 37 per cent against the 2021 targets. Therefore, the article analyses the implication of the implementation or lack thereof of the First Ten-Year Implementation Plan  on AfCFTA.
‘Good’ Aid Conditionality for the African Continental Free Trade Area
Authors: Mjimba Vuyo , Muavha Azwidivhaho
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a broad set of conditions for effective foreign aid that can promote sustained economic growth and development in Africa in line  with the African Continental Free Area (AfCFTA) programme of “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want”. It argues that lenders should insist on guarantees that  borrowing African countries will use loans, grants and technical assistance for projects and programmes that advance regional economic linkages –  tacitly the AfCFTA programme. The assertion is that this ‘good’ aid conditionality ensures discernible economic diversification that creates sustainable and  decent employment – the essence of economic development. The proposed form of aid conditionality carries broad theory, policy, and practice  lessons to the development aid discourse.
The Politics of Translation Towards Centring African Languages
Authors: Segalo Puleng
Published: June 2023

Many scholars have argued that translation is more than just understanding words in one language and rendering them into another. While the process  of translation may be perceived as a form of empowerment that brings to the greater public experiences that would otherwise remain in the private, it  should also be acknowledged that the shift in voice through this process can be a form of silencing. This paper re-asserts the importance of taking the  role played by language seriously in our meaning-making processes and understanding of the world. In particular, the paper engages the role of  translation as violence in our research endeavours. The paper further points to the need to strive towards acknowledging how realities may be understood through multiple lenses, i.e., the pluriversal notion of knowing and being and the critical role that African languages can play towards re- defining the academic project.
Assessment of fish distribution, composition and abundance in Otamiri River, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ohaturuonye S.O. , Okeke P. A. , Ukagwu J. I.
Published: June 2023

Study on the fish distribution, composition and abundance in Otamiri River was carried out between January and December, 2021. Three sampling points (Stations 1, 2 & 3) were selected along the stretch of the river and used for the study. Fish population was assessed using different fishing gears such as hooks and lines, gillnets, cast nets and traps while one-man dugout and planked canoes were the crafts used. Species diversity indices were estimated using standard procedure. Results revealed a total of 757 fish samples comprising of 15 species, 10 genera, 9 families and 4 orders. The family Cichlidae ranked the highest as the most abundant fish species having 363 samples, while Distichodontidae ranked the lowest with just 5 fish specimen. The highest species richness (15) was recorded between the months of January and March while the least value (11) was obtained between April and June. Simpson`s Index (D) value ranged from 0.02 between July and September and 0.005 between the months of January and March. Results of Simpson`s Reciprocal Index (1/D) showed that fish species caught between May and August were not as diverse as those obtained between September and December. This may indicate that some anthropogenic activities (agricultural/crop farms, construction sites, sewage discharges, timber harvesting, industrial discharge, mining and sand dredging) observed at the study sites tended to increase during raining season which subsequently led to the decrease in fish diversity. These activities could be said to have some deleterious effects on fish distribution, composition and abundance in Otamiri River. Thus management strategies should be put in place by relevant authorities to check human activities in the area.
Comparative study of harvested surface and ground water for aquaculture usage In Imo State.
Authors: Ukagwu J. I. , Orgi M.C. , Ohaturuonye S.
Published: June 2023

Comparative study of harvested surface (rain) and ground (borehole) water was carried out in the three agricultural zones of Imo State, namely: Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri. Water samples were collected using standard sampling methods from the different locations and examined for suitability for aquaculture use. Physico-chemical parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, hardness and chlorine were analyzed in-situ and in the laboratory using standard methods. Results obtained were analyzed statistically using ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance. Results obtained from the study showed that the physico-chemical parameters of surface and ground water were not significant (p>0.05) except conductivity which was higher in ground water samples. The ground water temperature recorded during the study period was within the range of 26.55±0.55oC (Okigwe) and 26.78±0.57oC (Owerri) and between 26.78±0.57oC (Okigwe) and 30.3±0.85oC (Owerri) for surface water. The overall mean water temperature for Okigwe was 28.18±1.87oC, 28.6±1.9oC fort Orlu and 28.8±2.21oC for Owerri. The highest dissolved oxygen content (6.9±0.50mg/l) was recorded in the surface water at Okigwe while the least DO value (5.3±0.33mg/l) was observed in the ground water at Orlu. The pH values for the different water samples varied between 6.63±0.15 and 6.96±0.11 for surface water and between 6.83±0.45 and 7.23±0.5 for ground water with an overall mean of 6.91±0.33 in Okigwe samples, 7.1±0.16 in samples from Orlu and 6.91±0.33 from Owerri. In general, all the water parameters tested were within the normal limits for use in aquaculture activities. Thus, fish farmers may utilize both borehole and rain water to grow fish in these different locations.
Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in gills and muscles of selected fish species from Owerrinta section of Imo River
Authors: Ikwuemesi J..C , Egesi C. , Irozuru O. , Ezeamaka S. N.
Published: June 2023

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in aquatic organisms had been known to occur naturally. Over the years the levels of these accumulations keep increasing due to various human activities which make it detrimental to the life of aquatic organism and humans. The study assessed bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in the gills and muscles of some fish species. Fish samples were collected for a period of 4 months, identified and stored for further analysis. The following heavy metals: Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb) and Cadnium (Cd) were assessed on the fish gills and muscles using standard procedure. Results showed that the fish species sampled (Clarias gariepinus, Tilapia zilli, Oreochromis niloticus, Alestes baremose and Pareutropius buffei) showed some levels of metal accumulation both in the gills and muscles. Levels of Zn in muscles of A. baremose, P. buffei, C. gariepinus, T. zilli and O. niloticus were 3.63±0.12, 1.45±0.26, 4.27±0.15, 4.03±1.42 and 2.00±0.15mg/kg respectively. The highest level of Zn (3.44±0.15mg/kg) in the gills was observed in T. zilli. Other results showed that P. buffei had the highest Pb concentrations (0.48±0.22mg/kg in muscle) and (0.17±2mg/kg in gills) while T. zilli had 2.24±0.54mg/kg and 1.46±0.65mg/l as the highest concentration of Fe in muscles and gills respectively. The levels of Zn, Cu, Fe and Pb recorded in the fish muscles where below the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) standards while Cadmium levels in all the fish sampled were above the recommended standard of 0.5mg/kg. This high cadmium accumulation in fish samples calls for concern considering the adverse effect it may cause if transferred to humans through fish consumption. There is therefore need to intensify efforts in mitigating some of the activities that amplify the levels of bioaccumulation of these metals in the aquatic environment towards a healthier environment.
Impacts of mycotoxin on cultured fish
Authors: Ilesanmi A.I. , Bubu-Davies O. A. , Dan-Ologe I. A. , Abu O.M.G.
Published: June 2023

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that could cause toxic responses when ingested by animals. The extent of production varies with geographic location, feed storage practices and processing methods. In the tropics, improper bagging, transport, storage and use of feeds with inferior quality of ingredients are ways in which mycotoxin is produced and is a great challenge that threatens life of culture fish. Mycotoxins in feeds are a problem of significant concern as farmers are taking steps to overcome the challenge of feed supply. The effects result in teratogenic, carcinogenic, oestrogenic or immune-suppressive effects, poor growth, low apparent digestibility, physiological disorders, histological change and death. The expression of mycotoxin impacts is influenced by factors such as age, nutrition, sex, species and the possibility of concurrent exposure to other toxins. The main target organ in animals is the liver; therefore, mycotoxin disease is primarily hepatic. Conditions increasing the likelihood of mycotoxin impacts in aquatic organisms include limited feed availability, environmental conditions that favour mould growth on feedstuffs, and lack of regulatory systems for aflatoxin monitoring and control. Mycotoxin's effect on these organisms is not only on health problems in exposed fish but also represents a high risk to consumers through residues in fish musculature. Therefore, control and prevention measures are needed to sustain the aquatic resources. However, several effective ways to prevent and control hazardous fungi and their dangerous mycotoxins have been presented.
Editor’s notes
Authors: Ekpenyong Bernadine Nsa , Ekpenyong Bernadine Nsa
Published: June 2023

No Abstract
Glaucoma - A disease of multiple pressures; new glaucoma pressures discovered
Authors: Philips Ebisike
Published: June 2023

No abstract
Prevalence of visual impairment among primary and secondary school children in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Moyegbone John Esim  M , Nwose Ezekiel Uba , Anowa Edmond Ifeanyi , Clarke Amatoritsero , Odoko Joseph Onyedenyifa , Agege Emmanuel Agbonomhen
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Visual impairment (VI) being a state of physiological or pathological disorders of vision posesa burden on human activities globally. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of VI among school children in Delta State.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 201 respondents aged 6 to 19 years were randomly selected from primary and secondary schools in the three senatorial districts of Delta State. Participants were evaluated using a structured questionnaire, distance Snellen chart, ophthalmoscope, and torchlight. Vision status was defined using World Health Organization categories of visual impairment based on presenting visual acuity (PVA). Data were presented in frequency tables, charts and analysed with Chi-Square statistics. All p-values reported were two-tailed and statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of participants was 12.30± 3.14 years, while 118 (58.7%) were females. The overall prevalence of VI (PVA of <6/18 in the better eye) was 58 (28.9%). The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe VI was 40 (19.9%), 13 (6.5%), and 5 (2.5%) respectively. Refractive error 47 (23.4%) was the leading cause of VI. The prevalence of VI was higher in females, children 13-19 years, and respondents whose parents’ income per month was >100,000. These observed differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05)

Conclusion: Untreated refractive error was the leading cause of VI among school children in Delta State. This is an avoidable cause of VI that can be treated with spectacle prescription to ease the burden of visual loss.
Synergistic interaction between Bambusa arundinacea and Euphorbia hirta leaf extract on antioxidant, antiglycation and DNA protective properties.
Authors: Dipeksha Macwan , Patel Hiteshkumar V.
Published: June 2023

Oxidative stress and enhanced non-enzymatic protein glycation result in the pathogenesis of various disorders in humans, including diabetes mellitus. This study examined the synergistic action of Bambusa arundinacea with Euphorbia hirta leaf extract for anti-oxidant potential, antiglycation effect on fructose-mediated proteins, and DNA-protective properties. The methanolic extract shows significantly (P<0.01) higher total phenolic and flavonoid content when compared with ethyl acetate and hexane extract in both plants. The combined methanolic extract (CME) of both plants exhibits higher antioxidant potential, as indicated by the lower IC50 values obtained for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (4.82 μg/ml) and NO (nitric oxide) scavenging activity (3.94 μg/ml) with stronger Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity when compared to B. arundinacea and E. hirta individually. The antiglycation analysis revealed that CME is more potent to inhibit fructose-mediated glycation of human serum albumin (HSA) at the early and middle stages. In addition to this, CME more effectively inhibits protein glycation in the late phase, which was confirmed by declining fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, a high degree of positive correlation was obtained between antioxidant and antiglycation capacities through Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results also demonstrated that CME displays a synergistic effect in protecting DNA from oxidative damage and preventing the formation of glycation of DNA.
Objective assessment of the variation in number of doses of generic timolol eye drops along with their cost effectiveness.
Authors: Isaac Johnson Ajeh , Galadima Isa Hayatu , Kazeem Toyosi Olatunji
Published: June 2023

First, this study aims to ascertain if truly the generic timolol eye drops circulating in Abuja and it environ are interchangeable. Secondly, we explore their cost effectiveness in naira based on the dispensing position. Using official guidelines, we assessed seven generic timolol ophthalmic preparations for organoleptic, pH, viscosity, sterility, and assay test. After this, they were tested in the vertical (90 ⁰) and horizontal (30 ⁰) positions for filled volume in a bottle, the total number of drops per bottle, drops per mL; and eventually the total number of bottles needed per year, cost per year and their cost effectiveness per mmHg were extrapolated. All brands were colorless and devoid of particulate contamination. Assay, pH, and viscosity values were within the compendia specification (BP and USP) for eye drops. The sterility assay showed no evidence of bacterial or fungi growth. All brands had actual filled volume less than or equal to the stated label claim. Their drops per 5 mL bottle range from 141-169 and 122-139 when dispensed in vertical and horizontal positions respectively; while for brands with 10 mL label volume, they range from 305-321 and 299-309 drops per bottle for vertical and horizontal dispensing respectively. Brand T1 (which is the most expensive) would need two bottles less in a year if the medication were to be dispensed vertically, amounting to N 3,200.00 ($ 7.04) reduction in treatment cost and a 45 % improvement in cost-effectiveness per intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction per year. In conclusion, the dispensing technique played a significant role in the number of drops per bottle, this would however impact on the treatment cost of glaucoma patient placed on timolol eye drop.
Cuteneous and diphtheritic forms of avian pox infections in a juvenile ostrich
Authors: Waziri M.I. , Saidu L.
Published: June 2023

No Abstract.
Land marks and quantity of 2% lidocaine for thoracolumbar paravertebral nerve block in west African dwarf goats (Capra hircus)
Authors: Nev T.O. , Kisani A.I. , Byanet O. , Elsa A.T.
Published: June 2023

No Abstract.
Clinical and hemato-biochemical profiles of dogs diagnosed of natural trypanosomosis at university of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Nsukka
Authors: Umeakuana P.U. , Takeet M.I. , Udeani I.J. , Idika I.K. , Emejue N.T. , Akpa P.O. , Chechet G.D. , Balogun E.O. , Ezeokonkwo R.C. , Anene B.M.
Published: June 2023

Hematological and serum biochemical profiles of animals are reflections of physiological disposition to their health status and production potentials.  Findings in experimental studies on trypanosomosis may not translate directly to the expected findings in natural infections because of the effect of  some variables like species and infecting dose of the parasite, nutritional status of the animal, concurrent infections, and stage of the trypanosomosis at  the time of presentation to the clinic. Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense infections in dogs have grave prognosis especially if the cases are not  detected at their early stages. Clinical presentation, survivability of dogs treated with Diminazene aceturate as well as haematological and serum biochemical aberrations caused by natural infections with different Trypanosoma species were investigated with the view to identifying a variable or  factor that could be used for prognostic evaluation in the treated dogs. Telephone numbers of the clients for dogs diagnosed with and treated against  natural trypanosomes infections were collected and used to monitor the therapeutic outcomes. The clinical signs observed suggestive of late stage  trypanosomosis were matched with the revelations from the case history. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) reductions in PCV, HB, absolute neutrophil, and significant  (p ≤ 0.05) increase in monocytes count, serum urea, and creatinine were recorded in trypanosome infected dogs. Inability of clients to note the early  clinical signs of infections with trypanosomes could have contributed to the low survival rate of the trypanosome-infected dogs even when treated.
Gynaecological Pan-endoscopy (Hystero-laparoscopy) in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria: A ten-year clinical audit
Authors: Fehintola A.O. , Omitinde S.O. , Archibong M.S. , Ayegbusi O.E. , Abimbola J.A. , Loto O.M.
Published: June 2023

Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence, indications, common findings, challenges, and complications of gynaecological pan-endoscopy in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Osun State.

Methods: It was a retrospective study. Records of patients who had gynaecological hysteroscopy and (or) Laparoscopy from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2021 were retrieved, and relevant data were extracted and analyzed using the SPSS version 21.0

Results: There were 2125 gynaecological surgeries within the study period, with 207 endoscopies giving a prevalence of 9.7%. Infertility 100 (51.5%) was the most common indication. Common findings were tubal block 45(33.6%) and intrauterine adhesions 19 (31.7%). The most common complication and challenge were shoulder tip pain 35(18.0%) and instrument failure 76 (39.2%), respectively. There is a statistically significant relationship between the occurrence of complications during Endoscopy and duration of surgery (X2 = 25.693, P= 0.000), endoscopy type (X2=21.636, P=0.000), and hospital stay (X2 = 63.213, P=0.000)

Conclusion: The utilization rate of gynaecological pan-endoscopy could be higher and shows more skills, logistics, and staffing. Therefore, efforts should be intensified towards training and provision of up-to-date facilities for endoscopic surgery in our setting.
Field test and sensitivity of Onchocerciasis rapid test in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Surakat O.A. , Sam-Wobo S.O. , Golden A. , De Los Santos T. , Adeleke M. A. , Faulx D. , Ademolu K.O. , Bankole S.O. , Kalnoky M. , Stevens, E. , Yokobe L.
Published: June 2023

Objective: This study, conducted between March 2015 and July 2016, investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the OV-16 RDT and Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for skin snip microfilaria (MF) detection in Ogun State.

Methods: Five hundred and eighty-eight (588) members of 16 first-line communities in 8 endemic Local Government Areas (LGAs) provided fingerstick whole blood specimens examined for IgG4 antibodies against the O. volvulus antigen OV-16, using DBS OV-16 ELISA and OV-16 RDT. In consort with these specimens, 162 study participants consented to be evaluated by skin snip.

Results: Results showed a seroprevalence of 106(18.0%) using ELISA and 102(17.3%) by RDT, with 92.2% agreement. The OV-16 RDT demonstrated a positive and negative agreement of 76.4 (95% CI 67.2 to 84.1%) and 95.6% (95% CI: 93.4 to 97.3), respectively, to the OV-16 ELISA results from the concordant dataset. Against the 64 positive skin snips microscopy results, sensitivity of the RDT was 79.7% (95% CI 73.43% to 85.27) and the ELISA was 70.3% (95% CI 64.72% to 75.37%).

Conclusion: The results of this study provided information on the performance of the OV-16 RDT. This information will contribute data for comparison to studies in other areas where treatment is ongoing. In conclusion, the commercial launch of the OV-16 RDT has made available a point-of-care diagnostic tool that could serve to help local and country onchocerciasis elimination programs to measure changes and progress in onchocerciasis intervention.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of disease prevention among health talk-giving healthcare workers in primary health centres at Osogbo
Authors: Tajudeen W.A. , Adesina K.A. , Fakorede J.I. , Muraina O.A. , Ikotun B.M. , Adesiyan H.J. , Olayinka A.O. , Omisore A.G.
Published: June 2023

Background: Disease prevention measures such as creating public awareness are needed to protect the vulnerable populace from acquiring diseases. Knowledgeable health care workers are pivotal to this, and it therefore becomes imperative to assess health workers in this regard. The objective of this study was to ascertain the level of knowledge, the kind of attitude towards and practices of disease prevention among health-talk giving primary health care workers in Osogbo, south western Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study done among 204 respondents from 13 primary health care centres in Osogbo selected using multi-stage sampling technique. The research instrument used was a self-administered questionnaire analysed with SPSS 23.0. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were done as appropriate and a p-value of <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results: The results of this study revealed that at least nine out of ten respondents had good knowledge (90.2%) and positive attitude (94.1%) towards disease prevention. A greater proportion of doctors (100%) had good knowledge of disease prevention compared to other health workers while nurses took the lead in having a positive attitude (97.4%). Respondents had varying responses in their practices towards disease prevention, but generally speaking, most respondents who had good knowledge and positive attitudes also exhibited good practices. The only identifiable predictor of respondent's knowledge was level of education, (p=0.024 OR=0.157).

Conclusion: The fact that about a tenth of respondents had poor knowledge and about 5% had negative attitude towards disease prevention is a major cause for concern. Since health talk-giving health workers interact directly with the populace, the potentially huge negative effects that this minority can have cannot be underestimated. Therefore, there is a need for close-monitoring and regular review of the kind of information given to clients as well as training and re-training of health workers.
A Coinductive Reformulation of Milner's Proof System for Regular Expressions Modulo Bisimilarity
Authors: Grabmayer Clemens
Published: June 2023

Milner (1984) defined an operational semantics for regular expressions as
finite-state processes. In order to axiomatize bisimilarity of regular
expressions under this process semantics, he adapted Salomaa's proof system
that is complete for equality of regular expressions under the language
semantics. Apart from most equational axioms, Milner's system Mil inherits from
Salomaa's system a non-algebraic rule for solving single fixed-point equations.
Recognizing distinctive properties of the process semantics that render
Salomaa's proof strategy inapplicable, Milner posed completeness of the system
Mil as an open question.
As a proof-theoretic approach to this problem we characterize the
derivational power that the fixed-point rule adds to the purely equational part
Mil$^-$ of Mil. We do so by means of a coinductive rule that permits cyclic
derivations that consist of a finite process graph with empty steps that
satisfies the layered loop existence and elimination property LLEE, and two of
its Mil$^{-}$-provable solutions. With this rule as replacement for the
fixed-point rule in Mil, we define the coinductive reformulation cMil as an
extension of Mil$^{-}$. In order to show that cMil and Mil are theorem
equivalent we develop effective proof transformations from Mil to cMil, and
vice versa. Since it is located half-way in between bisimulations and proofs in
Milner's system Mil, cMil may become a beachhead for a completeness proof of
Mil.
This article extends our contribution to the CALCO 2022 proceedings. Here we
refine the proof transformations by framing them as eliminations of derivable
and admissible rules, and we link coinductive proofs to a coalgebraic
formulation of solutions of process graphs.
A History of Conceptual Parallax. A Study on the Mutual Influence between the Works of Wundt and Freud
Authors: Millán Juan David , Barria-Asenjo Nicol A. , Žižek Slavoj , Ossa Julio Cesar , Salas Gonzalo
Published: June 2023

Wilhelm Wundt and Sigmund Freud are the founders of psychological modern thought. The concept citation context method was used to analyse the mutual influence. The results show that Wundt's work was important to explain the hallucinatory character of the dream. On the other side, Wundt's quotations about Freud show his refusal to recognize the unconscious as a valid hypothesis to explain any kind of psychological phenomenon. In conclusion, the Freudian unconscious is the excess of the lack of the Wundt´s system to explain phenomena that exceed the study of normal consciousness.
The memory of Sulla in Ephesus
Authors:   Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi, Edebiyat Fakültesi, Arkeoloji Bölümü, Izmir, Laflı Ergün , Buora Maurizio ,   Società Friulana di Archeologia, Udine
Published: June 2023

In this brief paper, we focus on the monument of C. Memmius and its inscription in Ephesus in western Turkey. C. Memmius was the grandson of Sulla and was mentioned in the inscription of this Ephesian monument as the epigraph of the dedicatee. After discussing the monument’s function, dating and inscription from different perspectives, in the concluding part, we refer to the positive memory of Sulla in Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus.