bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology on Aircraft Maintenance
Authors: Shaukat Syed , Wu Cheng-Lung
Published: March 2023

The aviation industry is adopting a promising approach to decarbonize the aviation sector dramatically by incorporating hydrogen fuel cell technology and expects to start some commercial services as early as 2035. The authors estimate the aircraft operating cost to become less expensive eventually with this forthcoming fuel cell technology, and the total maintenance cost of hydrogen-powered aircraft to come down in the long run for all segments of the aviation sector, from short haul to long haul services. With the possible incorporation of a new superconducting electrical system, a pneumatic power system, and a fully integrated electrical drive train system, additional maintenance will be required due to their cryogenic factors and associated safety issues. This chapter focuses on the potential impacts of hydrogen fuel cell technology on aircraft maintenance reliability, cost, and safety across the wide range of commuter, regional, short, medium, and long-haul segments of the aviation industry.
An Analysis of Factors Influencing Green Purchase Intention in Airlines
Authors: Bakır Mahmut , Mkedder Nadjim
Published: March 2023

This chapter intends to investigate the factors influencing the green purchase intention of passengers in the context of the airline industry and to develop a hierarchical interdependencies model among these factors. To this end, consensus-based interviews with academic experts were conducted. Drawing on a total of 8 factors defined, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) created a hierarchical model. The Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC) analysis was additionally applied to validate the ISM model and determine the driving and dependence power of each factor. In terms of influencing green purchasing intention, the results demonstrated that perceived consumer effectiveness, subjective norm, environmental knowledge, environmental awareness, and environmental concern were at the root of the hierarchical model, and green image was at the top. In order to manage passengers' green purchase intentions, policymakers and marketers could benefit from the ISM model designed to comprehend the interdependencies between factors.
The Effective Occupational Commitment of the Employees in the Aviation Industry and the Suggestions for the Future
Authors: Zeynel Esra
Published: March 2023

The technological change in the industrial field, which started with Industry 1.0, called the “Industrial Revolution,” is now moving towards a new era called Industry 4.0. With the pandemic process that started in 2020, remote working systems have become widespread and remote working has been carried out mostly with digital tools. In the continuation of the process in which the pandemic was experienced very intensely, a process accepted as the new normal took place This change and development in the industrial field also affects the workforce behaviorally. This research examines the occupational commitment levels of the employee in the aviation industry during the post-pandemic period and offers suggestions for the future. Participants consist of airport employees operating in Turkey. According to the results of the research, the occupational commitment levels of the participants was high.
Sustainable Development Method in Healthcare Systems After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kailay Manpreet , Paposa Kamalpreet Kaur , Chhibber Priyanka
Published: March 2023

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented shock to the entire economy, majorly the hospital sector. In the existing situation, embedding sustainability in the hospital sector is the most crucial aspect for reducing harm to the environment. Thus, the question is aroused in front of researchers to study more about the health care sector and to find out certain practices that emphasizes on the sustainability of hospitals sector. During research it has been identified that one of the most important factors known as information technology is playing a very vital role in the success of heath care sector and specially in the era of pandemic. Various technological advancements like digital health care, internet of medical things, smart health monitoring, telemedicine, chatbot systems, emotive sensory web and robotics can play a huge role towards strengthening the healthcare sector leading to sustainability of the entire world economy, paving a way towards better well-being of health care professionals.
Effectiveness and Evaluation of Online and Offline Blended Learning for an Electronic Design Practical Training Course
Authors: Sui Jinxue , Yang Li
Published: March 2023

It is imperative to bridge the disparity between college students' practical capabilities and professional expectations. To help facilitate such a progression, an electronic engineering course oriented around the Creative Innovation Practice project has been designed with the objectives of student-centric instruction, integration of both theoretical and practical components, and application of knowledge through project case studies. Adopting the open engineering education approach, there has been an initiation of project-driven blended teaching centered on “constructivism,” constituting a model that joins online and offline instruction, in-class and out-of-class tasks, activities inside and outside the laboratory, coursework, and contests. This amalgamated mode of learning has had a beneficial outcome in enhancing learners' self-learning capabilities, hands-on practice, as well as their inventive aptitude. According to an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) evaluation and assessment, blended teaching could effectively augment participants' eagerness to learn and motivation.
A Deep Learning Approach for Loan Default Prediction Using Imbalanced Dataset
Authors: Owusu Ebenezer , Quainoo Richard , Mensah Solomon , Appati Justice Kwame
Published: March 2023

Lending institutions face key challenges in making accurate predictions of loan defaults. Large sums of money given as loans are defaulted and this causes a substantial loss in business. This study addresses loan default in online peer-to-peer lending activities. Data for the study was obtained from the online lending club on the Kaggle platform. The loan status was chosen as the dependent variable and was classified discretely into “default” and “fully paid” loans. The dataset is preprocessed to eliminate all irrelevant instances. Due to the imbalanced nature of the dataset, the adaptive synthetic (ADASYN) oversampling algorithm is used to balance the data by oversampling the minority class with synthetic data instances. Deep neural network (DNN) is used for prediction. A prediction accuracy of 94.1% is realized and this emerged as the highest score from several trials with variations in batch sizes and epochs. The result of the study clearly shows that the proposed procedure is very promising.
Detection of Peer-to-Peer Botnet Using Machine Learning Techniques and Ensemble Learning Algorithm
Authors: Baruah Sangita , Borah Dhruba Jyoti , Deka Vaskar
Published: March 2023

Peer-to-peer (P2P) botnet is one of the greatest threats to digital data. It has become a common tool for performing a lot of malicious activities such as DDoS attacks, phishing attacks, spreading spam, identity theft, ransomware, extortion attack, and many other fraudulent activities. P2P botnets are very resilient and stealthy and keep mutating to evade security mechanisms. Therefore, it has become necessary to identify and detect botnet flow from the normal flow. This paper uses supervised machine learning algorithms to detect P2P botnet flow. This paper also uses an ensemble learning technique to combine the performances of various supervised machine learning models to make predictions. To validate the results, four performance metrics have been used. These are accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Experimental results show that the proposed approach delivers 99.99% accuracy, 99.81% precision, 99.11% recall, and 99.32% F1 score, which outperform the previous botnet detection approaches.
Optimization of the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Lightweight Concrete Reinforced with Date Palm and Sisal Fibers
Authors: Chakhari Maher , Salem Nawel , Neji Jamel
Published: March 2023

This work investigates the influence of date palm and sisal fibers on the mechanical and physical behavior of lightweight concrete based on expanded clay aggregates. The choice of these fibers types is aimed at the recovery of agricultural waste in Tunisia. Their exploitation serves to improve the mechanical and physical properties of a new material dedicated to filling and insulation in buildings. In this context, series of tests were carried out using untreated short fibers in lightweight concrete. The evaluation of the mechanical and physical behavior of the material was obtained by determining the compressive strength, bending strength and thermal conductivity. The results obtained showed the influence of the fibers volume fraction. For mechanical behavior, the optimum of fibers volume fraction was estimated at 1% for lightweight concrete with date palm and sisal fibers. The thermal conductivity is inversely proportional to the fibers volume fraction, which justifies the use of this composite as a filling and insulation material.
Effect of Propylene Glycol on Supercooling NaCl-H2O Solution as PCM to Reduce Energy Consumption in Hybrid Reefer Container
Authors: Rokhim Imam Nur , Fitri Sutopo Purwono
Published: March 2023

In its use, reefer containers require a lot of energy to operate to cool the cargo inside. Because the cooling system in the reefer container must operate continuously to maintain the temperature in the container. To reduce the operation of the cooling system, reefer containers are equipped with PCM (phase change material) as thermal energy storage which can store heat energy longer to create a lag time for the operation of the cooling system. In previous research, the use of PCM in cold storage can save the cost of using cold storage. From this research, the use of PCM in reefer containers was developed. The eutectic mixture used as PCM is NaCl-H2O with additional ingredients is propylene glycol. Before being applied to the reefer container, the mixture was tested using the cooling chamber methods to determine its thermophysics. The presence of additives in the PCM eutectic mixture is expected to reduce the supercooling phenomenon, reduce corrosive properties and increase the use of PCM based on NaCl-H2O.
The Impact of Vaccination to Clinical Severity and Mortality of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Purnamasidhi Cokorda Agung Wahyu , Januraga Pande Putu , Sukmawati Ni Made Dewi Dian , Gayatri Anak Agung Ayu Yuli , Utama I Made Susila , Somia I Ketut Agus , Merati Ketut Tuti Parwati , Suteja Richard Christian , Purnama Giovanca Verentzia
Published: March 2023

Background:

SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in December 2019 and later become global pandemic. Preliminary studies stated that broad vaccine coverage will suppress mortality and incidence of COVID-19. Therefore, we conduct a cross-sectional study to assess the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination.

Materials and Methods:

We collected secondary data from electronic medical records of 343 COVID-19 positive patients confirmed via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction from July 2021 to December 2021. We analyzed epidemiologic data, vaccination history, baseline symptoms, comorbidity, baseline vital signs, and outcome using hypothesis testing χ
2 and logistic regression.

Results:

Sex had an χ
2 of 9.34 (P < 0.001) while type of vaccine had an χ
2 of 1.49 (P = 0.22) to clinical severity. Age, pulse rate, respiration rate, body temperature, and Glasgow coma scale were found to be significant risk factors to clinical severity. Number of vaccines previously received was found to be a protective factor to clinical severity (odds ratio (OR) = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32–0.74, P < 0.001). We also found that sex (χ
2 = 10.42, P < 0.001) was a predictor to discharge condition. Moreover, age was also found to be a significant predictor (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.03–1.05, P < 0.001), as well as number of symptoms (OR = 0.66, P < 0.001), comorbidities (OR = 1.64, P < 0.001), pulse rate (OR = 1.04, P < 0.001), respiration rate (OR = 1.17, P < 0.001), and Glasgow coma scale (OR = 0.72, P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Age, sex, number of vaccines received, number of symptoms, number of comorbidities, pulse rate, and respiration rate were significant predictors of clinical severity and outcome in COVID-19 patients. In addition, body temperature was also a predictor for clinical severity, while Glasgow coma scale was a predictor for outcome.
Combining serum uric acid and fatty liver index to improve prediction quality of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ding Yajie , Tang Zongzhe , Wang Minxian , Wang Min , Zhang Ru , Zhang Liuxin , Zhang Mengting , Guan Qing , Wang Jie
Published: March 2023

Background:

The significant association between serum uric acid (SUA) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is well documented. In this report, we tested the hypothesis that SUA might improve the widely studied fatty liver index (FLI) to predict NAFLD.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was performed in a community of Nanjing, China. The population data on sociodemographics, physical examinations, and biochemical tests were collected from July to September 2018. The associations of SUA and FLI with NAFLD were analyzed using linear correlation, multiple linear regressions, binary logistic analyses, and area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results:

A total of 3,499 people were included in this study, of which 36.9% had NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD increased with the increase of SUA levels (all P <.05). Logistic regression analyses revealed that SUA was significantly associated with an increased risk of NAFLD (all P <.001). The NAFLD predictive value after combining SUA with FLI was superior to FLI, especially in females (AUROCSUA + FLI = 0.911 vs. AUROCFLI = 0.903, P <.05). The reclassification of NAFLD also significantly improved, based on net reclassification improvement (0.053, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.022–0.085, P <.001) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.096, 95% CI: 0.090–0.102, P <.001). A regression formula of this combined algorithm was proposed as: The novel formula = 0.032* waist circumference + 0.303* body mass index + 1.301* natural logarithm of triglyceride + 0.478* natural logarithm of glutamyl transpeptidase + 0.002* SUA- 18.823. At the cutoff value of 13.3, the sensitivity and specificity of this model were 89.2% and 78.4%, respectively.

Conclusions:

SUA level was positively associated with NAFLD prevalence. A new formula combining SUA with FLI may serve as a better indicator to predict NAFLD compared to FLI, especially in females.
Evaluation of intestinal ultrasound for disease activity assessment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary centre in Malaysia
Authors: Lim Kuan Yee , Raja Ali Raja Affendi , Wong Zhiqin , Mohd Zaki Faizah , Maktar Juliana Fairuz , Nawawi Khairul Najmi Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Background:

The use of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is emerging. We aim to determine the performance of IUS in the assessment of disease activity in IBD.

Methods:

This is a prospective cross-sectional study of IUS performed on IBD patients in a tertiary centre. IUS parameters including intestinal wall thickness, loss of wall stratification, mesenteric fibrofatty proliferation, and increased vascularity were compared with endoscopic and clinical activity indices.

Results:

Among the 51 patients, 58.8% were male, with a mean age of 41 years. Fifty-seven percent had underlying ulcerative colitis with mean disease duration of 8.4 years. Against ileocolonoscopy, IUS had a sensitivity of 67% (95% confidence interval (CI): 41-86) for detecting endoscopically active disease. It had high specificity of 97% (95% CI: 82-99) with positive and negative predictive values of 92% and 84%, respectively. Against clinical activity index, IUS had a sensitivity of 70% (95% CI: 35-92) and specificity of 85% (95% CI: 70-94) for detecting moderate to severe disease. Among individual IUS parameters, presence of bowel wall thickening (>3 mm) had the highest sensitivity (72%) for detecting endoscopically active disease. For per-bowel segment analysis, IUS (bowel wall thickening) was able to achieve 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity when examining the transverse colon.

Conclusions:

IUS has moderate sensitivity with excellent specificity in detecting active disease in IBD. IUS is most sensitive in detecting a disease at transverse colon. IUS can be employed as an adjunct in the assessment of IBD.
Assessment of Biosafety and Fillet-Residues After Florfenicol Exposures in Trachinotus Blochii to Ensure Safe-Applications in Disease Incidences
Authors: S.R. Krupesha Sharma , T.G. Sumithra , P. Rameshkumar , K. Anikuttan , Gop Ambarish P. , R. Ratheesh Kumar , Joshy Aswathy , Prasad Vishnu , G. Suja , R. Rajisha , S.K. Panda , G. Tamilmani , M.K. Anil , Patil Prasanna Kumar
Published: March 2023

Trachinotus blochii is a promising mariculture fish species. Scientific data on biosafety and fillet residues of florfenicol exposure, one recommended amphenicol antimicrobial for aquaculture use, remains unknown in T. blochii, despite its criticality for prudent application. Accordingly, the paper evaluated the safety (regarding mortality, symptoms, weight gain, and histopathology) of dietary florfenicol after therapeutic (10 mg Kg-1 for ten days) and excessive (three, five, and ten times the therapeutic dose for 10, 20, and 30 days) exposures. There was no mortality in any group. The clinical abnormalities were noted only in 10X group from the 25th exposure day, which disappeared on the fourth day after withdrawal. Reduced growth was recorded at 5X and 10X groups from 20 and 30 exposure days, respectively. Histological lesion`s severity was in the liver > kidney > gill > spleen > muscle > intestine. The lesion severity relied on the quantity and duration of exposures, with maximum severity in 5X and 10X groups on the 30th day. After recommended therapeutic exposure, fillet residues were below the maximum residual limit accepted by the European Union (1000 μg Kg-1) from day three of the withdrawal, showing a minimum three-day is necessary to reach a safe, acceptable level.
Pandemija covida-19 in njeni učinki na turistično ravnanje slovenskega prebivalstva
Authors: Cigale Dejan , Lampič Barbara
Published: March 2023

Pandemija covida-19 je pomenila velik pretres za turizem po svetu in v Sloveniji. Prišlo je do močnega zmanjšanja števila turističnih potovanj in prenočitev ter preusmeritve turističnih tokov. Prispevek predstavlja rezultate anketne raziskave, katere namen je bil poglobiti poznavanje učinkov pandemije covida-19 na turistično ravnanje slovenskega prebivalstva. Rezultati so pokazali, da je pandemija vplivala na manj pogosta in krajša turistična potovanja ter izbiro drugačnih turističnih destinacij. Pri sprejemanju potovalnih odločitev je bila pomembna tako vloga epidemioloških omejitev in zaznavanja varnosti različnih oblik turističnih potovanj kot tudi običajnih dejavnikov turističnega odločanja.
Bloodstream infection in cancer patients; susceptibility profiles of the isolated pathogens, at Khartoum Oncology Hospital, Sudan
Authors: Mohammed Zain Omeima , Yousif Elsayed Mohimmen , M Abdelkhalig Sozan , Abdelaziz Manal , Yahia Ibrahim Safaa , Bashir Tahane , Hamadalnil Yassir
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Bloodstream infection is one of the major causes of mortality in patients with malignancies. This study aimed to determine the local profile of blood culture isolates and their antibiotic sensitivities in febrile neutropenic cancer patients and todecide if any modifications to antibiotics policies are necessary.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted between the first of October to the end of December 2018 at KhartoumOncology Hospital, Sudan. Blood samples from febrile neutropenic patients were collected for culture. Isolates were identified,and their antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by standard laboratory procedures.

Results: Bloodstream infections were confirmed in 12 % (n = 69/569) of total blood cultures. Gram negative bacilli were the dominant causative agents (63.8%) while (36.2%) of infections were caused by gram positive cocci. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate (30.4%).The proportions of resistance among gram negative bacilli were high for cefuroxime, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, Ceftazidime,and ceftriaxone. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing isolates were identified in 34.1% of the positive cultures. Grampositive cocci showed high resistance to tetracycline, penicillin and erythromycin but were completely sensitive to vancomycinand gentamicin. Most of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were methicillin resistant.Conclusion: Gram negative bacilli were the predominant etiologic agents of bloodstream infections in our patients. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria showed high levels of resistance for most of the common antibiotics used for empiric treatment. Regular surveillance to study bacterial resistance patterns must be conducted to modify antibiotics stewardshipin our institution.Keywords: Blood stream infection; malignancy; antibiotics sensitivity; Sudan.
Assessing attitude towards condom use among truck drivers at transhipment location, Meerut District, India, using multidimensional condom attitude scale
Authors: Pundhir Ashish , Shukla Arvind , Kumar Gupta Manoj , Dhanesh Goel Akhil , Parashar Pawan , Mohan Varshney Amit
Published: March 2023

Background: In India, unsafe sex has been documented among truck drivers. This study explores the factors influencing their attitude of trucker towards condom use.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adapted for this study in which 25 factors were chosen to assess attitude toward condom use on 7 point validated Likert scale UCLA Multidimensional Condom Attitude Scale on 5 subcomponents –Reliability, Pleasure, Stigma associated with condom use, embarrassment about negotiation and use of condom and about purchasing condom. Hundred truck drivers were recruited using convenient sampling and Mann-Whitney U and Kruskall Wallis Test were used to validate the subcomponents among those practicing unsafe sex.

Results: Positive attitudes regarding reliability and effectiveness of condom were significantly higher among adult entrants and those resting more than 10 hours during journey whereas positive attitude regarding pleasure associated with condoms and stigma towards it is significantly higher among truck drivers travelled long distances and resting more than 10 hours.

Conclusion: Adolescent entrants, those who have not travelled long distances and not rested more than 10 hrs requires improvement in the attitude towards condom use.

Keywords: Unsafe sex; condom use; India.
Breast cancer knowledge and screening practices among undergraduates in a Nigerian tertiary institution, Southwest Region
Authors: Yusuf Abayomi , Okafor Ifeoma , Olubodun Tope , Onigbogi Olanrewaju
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most diagnosed female malignancy in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening among female undergraduates in a tertiary institution in Southwest Nigeria.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 350 female undergraduates of a public university in southwest Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling method involving simple random sampling. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Epi info 7 was used for data analysis, level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05).

Results: The majority, 316(90.3%) had poor knowledge of breast cancer and screening and 340(97.1%) had positive attitude towards screening. Only 185(52.9%) had done breast self-examination and 16(4.6%) had done clinical breast examination. The student’s year of study was significantly associated with knowledge of breast cancer (p = 0.002) Marital status (p=0.039) and attitude towards breast cancer screening (p<0.001) were significantly associated with breast self-examination. Students in their third year were 6 (2 – 16) times more likely to have good knowledge of breast cancer (Adjusted Odds Ratio 5.87, ConfidenceInterval 2.17 – 15.86).

Conclusion: Overall knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening were poor, but students’ attitude towards screening was positive. Health education on breast cancer and screening is recommended.

Keywords: Knowledge; practice; breast cancer; screening; young people; Nigeria.
Pattern of cesarean deliveries among women in an urban and rural district in Egypt
Authors: M Gad Monira , A Mohamed Amina , M Abd El-Galil Heba , M Mahgoub Marwa , M Ghazy Shaymaa , SE Elsafty Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Aim: to compare patterns of delivery at an urban and a rural district in Egypt over 3 years.

Methods: This retrospective study included 500 women and 50 obstetricians from each district from January, 2013 till December, 2015. Women answered a questionnaire about their deliveries. Obstetricians answered a questionnaire about their practiceof CS.

Results: CS rate in the rural district was 57.2% compared to 54.8% in the urban district in 2013. In 2014 and 2015, CS rates increased to 65.3% and 69%, respectively in the rural district compared to 56% and 57.7%, respectively in the urban district. 66% of obstetricians in the rural district performed CS for more than 50% of their patients compared to 76% of obstetricians in the urban district. 52% and 4% of obstetricians in the rural and urban districts, respectively, performed CS upon maternal request. 70.3% of women in the rural district who delivered by CS preferred to deliver vaginally. 51.4% of urban women who delivered by CS preferred to deliver vaginally. Level of education was the only factor showing statistical significance.

Conclusion: CS rates increased over time with higher rates in the rural area. Level of women's education was the only factor affecting delivery choice.

Keywords: Cesarean sections; CS rate; urban area; rural area; Egypt; obstetricians.
HIV genotypic resistance among pregnant women initiating ART in Uganda: a baseline evaluation of participants in the Option B+ clinical trial
Authors: Amone Alexander , Wavamunno Priscilla , Gabagaya Grace , Rukundo Gordon , Namale-Matovu Joyce , S Malamba Samuel , Lubega Irene , Homsy Jaco , King Rachel , Nakabiito Clemensia , Nolan Monica , Glenn Fowler Mary , Musoke Philippa
Published: March 2023

Background: Pre-treatment HIV drug resistance is a threat to elimination of mother to child HIV transmission and could lead to virological failure among HIV-positive pregnant women. We analysed genotypic HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) of baseline samples of participants enrolled in the Option B+ clinical trial in Uganda.Methods: HIV-infected pregnant women attending antenatal care were enrolled from Uganda’s National Referral Hospital (Mulago) and Mityana District general hospital and surrounding health centers (HCs). Genotypic HIV testing was performed on blood samples from the first 135 enrolled women out of a subset of 136 participants (25%) who had a baseline VL>1000 copies/mL as one sample failed to amplify.Results: 159/540 (29.4%) had a VL < 1000 copies/ml and 381/540 (70.6%) had a VL >1,000 copies/ml. Of the women with VL>1000 copies/ml, 32 (23.7%) had resistance mutations including 29/135 (21.5%) NNRTI mutations, 6/135 (4.4%) NRTI mutations and 3/135 (2.2%) had both NNRTI and NRTI mutations. The most common NNRTI resistance mutations were: K103KN (5), K103N (5), V179T (4) and E138A (4).Conclusions: One quarter of the HIV-infected pregnant women in this trial at baseline had NNRTI genotypic resistance mutations. Our findings support new WHO guidelines for first-line ART that were changed to dolutegravir-based regimens.
The association between different blood group systems and susceptibility to COVID-19: a single center cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Y Hakami Nora , J Al-Sulami Afnan , A Alhazmi Wafaa , M Sindi Mamdouh , F Alotaibi Ohoud , A Badawi Maha , I Felimban Raed , M Shinawi Thoraia , Qadah Talal
Published: March 2023

Background: Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, many associated factors have been investigated to clarify the susceptibility and severity among the affected individuals. Biological markers can play an important role in identification of individual susceptibility to such pandemic. Growing evidence suggest the influence of different blood group systems on susceptibility to COVID-19 virus, with a particular blood type conferring selection advantage.

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the association of ABO, Rhesus (D) and P1 blood groups with COVID-19 susceptibility in Taif city, Western Saudi Arabia.

Methods: ABO, D and P1 blood antigens were determined in 104 blood samples of COVID-19 patients versus 100 control samples using either automated immunohematology analyser or test tube method. Statistical differences between patients and control samples were calculated based on p-value where results of ≤ 0.05 were considered significant.

Results: O+ve blood group constituted the predominant type among the studied samples. Determination of P1 antigen showed significant association where Anti-P1 was positive in 76.9% of patients compared to 61.0% of controls with a P value of 0.01 conferring the susceptibility of P1+ve patients to COVID-19.

Conclusion: Although our study showed no significant association between ABO and D, and susceptibility to COVID-19, there was a significant association between P1+ve and COVID-19. P1+ve participants were 2.131 times more associated with the risk of COVID-19 infection than those with Anti P1-ve. Thus, P1 antigen can be used as a biological marker for identification of individuals susceptibility to COVID-19. It is strongly advised that such individuals should consider extra protective measures.Further studies on other contributing factors should also be considered for more scientific clarity.

Keywords: ABO Blood group; Rh(D); P1 antigen, COVID-19.
Knowledge and its factors associated towards the prevention of COVID-19 among pregnant women in Ethiopia
Authors: Argaw Eniyew Muche , Mesfin Yibeltal , GezeTenaw Shegaw , Tefera Bitew
Published: March 2023

Background: COVID-19 is caused by a single-stranded novel coronavirus that severely affects the respiratory system. The first human COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan city, China, in December 2019. Closing the gap and enhancing knowledge of pregnant women on COVID-19 prevention methods is crucial. However, the studies conducted in Ethiopia were inconsistent and non-conclusive. So, this review aimed to estimate the pooled knowledge prevalence on prevention of COVID 19 and factors associated among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Methods: The data were extracted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We accessed studies through electronic web-based search from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. We did all statistical analyses using STATA version 14 software with a random-effects model.

Results: Seven studies with 2,594 participants were included in this systematic review and the overall estimated status of assessment of knowledge towards prevention of COVID-19 among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 52.27% (31.60, 68.94). According to the region subgroup analysis, the highest ad the lowest estimated status of the knowledge is 85.34% in Jimma town and 19.01 in Metu town respectively in the Oromia region.

Conclusion: This systemic review showed that only half of the pregnant women in Ethiopia had good knowledge about COVID-19, and urban residence was significantly associated with knowledge towards the prevention of COVID-19 among pregnant women in this review. So, the responsible body better strengthen their awareness creation among rural residents and old-age pregnant women.

Keywords: COVID-19; pregnant women; knowledge; prevention.
High burden of pulmonary tuberculosis and missed opportunity to initiate treatment among children in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Kizito Samuel , Nakalega Rita , Nampijja Dorothy , Atuheire Collins , Amanya Geofrey , Kibuuka Edrisa , Nansumba Hellen , Obuku Ekwaro , Kalyango Joan , Karamagi Charles
Published: March 2023

Background: There is uncertainty about the actual burden of childhood TB in Uganda, but underestimation is acknowledged. We aimed at determining prevalence, factors associated with PTB among children attending PHC facilities in Kampala.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 255 children, with presumed TB, attending six health facilities in Kampala, Uganda, in March 2015. Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected using a questionnaire. TB was diagnosed using “Desk Guide” algorithms. Sputum based on ZN/FM and/or Gene-Xpert. Logistic regression was used to assess associations with outcomes.

Results: Overall, prevalence of PTB 13.7 % (2.6 – 24.8). Among HIV-positive, the prevalence of PTB was 41.7%, while among malnourished children, 21.7% and contacts, 89.3%. The factors that influenced PTB included: tobacco smoker at home (OR =1.6, 95 % CI: 1.07 – 6.86), stunting (OR = 2.2, 95 % CI: 1.01 – 4.15). Only 5.3% of the smear-negative TB children and 81.3% of the smear-positive children were initiated on treatment within a month of diagnosis.

Conclusion: Clinical TB among children is underdiagnosed and undertreated. There is a need for more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests, need ways to disseminate and promote uptake of standardized clinical algorithms. Also, contact TB tracing should be strengthened so that such cases can be actively detected even at community level.

Keywords: Pediatric; pulmonary; tuberculosis.
Chemical and microbiological assessment of drinking water quality
Authors: Mursaloğlu Kaynar Pınar , Demli Figen , Orhan Günnur , İlter Hüseyin , İlter Hüseyin
Published: March 2023

Background: Access to an adequate amount of water is restricted because of the increase in the use of natural resources, which is caused by the rapid growing in world population and the climate change that global warming brings, and the development in the industry. Investigating the causes of water pollution, creating solutions for the problem, taking the control of the pollution, and maintaining monitorability are necessary.Objectives: This study was carried out in order to determine microbiological and chemical characteristics of drinking water and their compatibility for human consumption with the aim of providing safety of drinking waters.Methods: Thirty-four drinking water samples obtained from different sampling points in Ankara, Turkey, in 2019 were subjected to microbiological analysis and chemical analysis in terms of anions (bromide-Br-, chloride-Cl-, fluoride-F-, nitrate-NO3-, nitrite-NO2-, sulfate-SO4-2) by ion chromatography. Microbiological analyses were applied according to the international standards.Results: None of the samples contained coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci. It was established that concentrations of the specified anions in tested waters were within the acceptable levels of with the Council Directive 98/83/EC.Conclusions: The determined chemical and microbiological qualities of these samples are suitable for drinking, and do not poseany threats to public health.Keywords: Drinking water; analysis; chemical; microbiological; quality.
Prevalence and risk factors of diarrhea among children less than five years of age in the rural suburbs of Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia; Robust Poisson Regression Analysis
Authors: Tefera Solomon Ephrem , Robele Gari Sirak , Mengistie Alemu Bezatu
Published: March 2023

Background: Diarrhea is the second leading cause of under-five mortality in Ethiopia. Information on the prevalence and the impacting factors of diarrhea in the rural suburbs of Dire Dawa is inadequate.Objective: This study was aimed at determining risk factors of diarrhea among children less than five years of age in the rural suburbs of Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 02 May 2018, to 31 May 2018. The required 1146 children for this study were selected from the rural suburbs of Dire Dawa using multi-stage sampling. Both bi-variable and multivariable Robust Poisson regressions were used for identifying the risk factors. Explanatory variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered as independently associated with diarrhea.Results: The prevalence of diarrhea among the children was 23% (95% CI: 20.7 - 25.4). The type of house floor (aPR [adjusted prevalence ratio] = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84 - 0.95) and sharing latrine with neighbours (aPR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.09 - 1.26) were the significant factors associated with childhood diarrhea.Conclusion: Earthen house floor and shared use of latrine were the risk factors associated with childhood diarrhea. Hence, improving the house floor condition and construction of private latrine together with health education are recommended.Keywords: Prevalence; diarrhea; rural Dire Dawa; Robust Poisson Regression.
Predictors of alcohol consumption among adolescents and young adults in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Mungandi Kasoka , Ndonyo Likwa Rosemary , Euphemia Hamoonga Twaambo , Banda Jerry , Zyambo Cosmas
Published: March 2023

Background: Alcohol consumption among young people in schools and communities presents a major problem of public health concern. We determined the predictors of alcohol consumption among adolescents and young adults in Lusaka, Zambia.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted. A total of 196 participants took part in the quantitative study. For the qualitative part, there were 13 participants. The study used multistage and purposive sampling methods. A semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA version 14. Ordered logistic regression analysis was used to assess the actual predictors, with confidence interval set at 95% and p-value at 0.05. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.Results: The older age category (20-24) had a greater prevalence of alcohol consumption (63.3%) than the younger age category (36.7%). Age, being employed, unconducive learning environment, limited recreation and sports activities, and adult alcohol drinking culture decreased the odds of consuming alcohol. Limited parental care support increased the odds of alcohol consumption [AOR= 4.21; 95% CI: 1.32-13.45, p=0.015]. Futile alcohol regulatory measures were cited to be contributing to alcohol consumption.Conclusion: Alcohol consumption was highly prevalent among young adults aged 20-24 years. There is need for continuous sensitization on substance abuse and its adverse effects in schools and communities at large. The strengthening, reviewing and amendment of the alcohol regulatory measures and policies should be considered.Keywords: Alcohol; adolescents; young adults; predictors; Zambia.
Guidance counselling and social studies education: impetus for national rebirth in the wake of social milieu in Nigeria
Authors: Tinja R. Maina , Tijani O. A. , Ishaq Y.
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses Guidance and counselling; and Social Studies Education in relationship to national rebirth and nation building viz their roles in sensitizing the Nigerian students on the need for behaviour modification and general attitudinal restructuring for the main purpose of nation building and national transformation. In the context of this, the paper is centred on the concept of guidance and Counselling, Social Studies Education national rebirth, nation building, behavioural factors that negate nation building and the place of Guidance Counselling and Social Studies as well as the various strategies applicable to the two subject areas in preparing the learners nation building. On the basis of the issues discussed, the paper made recommendations that Government at all levels should be committed to education development through the employment of qualified counsellors and social Studies educators for effective citizenship orientation in Nigeria to achieve the desired result, provision of office accommodation and other working tools to the counsellors, adequate funding of education by government at all levels, etc.
Integration and utilization of e-learning: an approach to curriculum implementation in schools amidst Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Msheliza I. Adamu , Sabo Umar , Lazarus J. Goje
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study is to see in to the need for integrating and utilizing the E-learning platforms as an alternative means of curriculum implementation at the classroom level amidst COVID-19 pandemic and to a likely situation of similar effects henceforth. In spite of the numerous challenges hindering the implementation of the curriculum in our schools, it was therefore found that, the outbreak of Corona Virus Disease in 2019 has posed a great setback to effective curriculum implementation at the school level since the containment of community transmissions of the pandemic is achieved by a total closure of educational institutions among others. It is undoubtedly true that the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted on the country’s educational system hence the forceful banned on social gathering which is very common and unavoidable to our traditional system of education in Nigeria and the country is lagging behind in terms of its capacity to switch to E-learning. Schooling system was suspended for a period of time which is against the claim that learning is a continuous process and should not be interrupted. It is therefore concluded that in spite of its disadvantages and some challenges as barriers to effective integration and utilization, E-learning remains the only alternative option to curriculum implementation amidst this kind of pandemic, which may lead to school closure similar to that of Covid-19 era.
Effect of high fructose consumption on plasma levels of leptin, adropin and insulin, and serum biochemical parameters in mature adult rats
Authors: Eğritağ Hale Ergin , Haliloğlu Seyfullah
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To determine the effect of high-fructose consumption on plasma levels of insulin, leptin, and adropin, as well as serum biochemical parameters in mature adult rats.

Methods: Sixteen (16) mature adult rats were assigned to control group (CG) and fructose group (FG). The CG was fed ad libitum with standard rat feed and drinking water, while FG was fed standard rat feed and 20 % fructose in drinking water for 8 weeks. Plasma hormonal analyses for insulin, leptin and adropin were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while serum biochemical analysis was carried out with an autoanalyzer.

Results: In FG, plasma levels of insulin and leptin significantly increased, while adropin levels decreased, when compared to CG (p < 0.05). On the other hand, while serum glucose and triglycerides were significantly increased by fructose feeding, total cholesterol, HDL-C and ALT levels were decreased (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: High fructose consumption triggers metabolic syndrome in mature adult similar to young rats, resulting in hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia. Moreover, high fructose consumption decreases plasma adropin levels.
Development of a modified hard gelatin capsule for colon-targeted drug delivery of hydrogel-based piroxicam microparticles
Authors: Ugwu Calister E , Agubata Chukwuma O , Chime Salome A , Obitte Nicholas C , Onyishi Ikechukwu V , Onunkwo Godswill C , Ofoefule Sabinus I , Chukwu Amarauche
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To develop modified hard gelatin capsules (MHGCs) for colon-specific delivery of hydrogel-based piroxicam microparticles.

Methods: Solvent evaporation technique was adopted for the microencapsulation of piroxicam using liquid paraffin (PL.MPs) and soybean oil (PS.MPs) which were subsequently encapsulated in MHGCs (water-impervious). Anti-inflammatory and in vitro dissolution studies were conducted on the unencapsulated microparticles (MPs). Furthermore, in vitro colon-specific sequential drug release from impervious capsules was carried out for 2 h at pH 1.2 and 3 h in 6.8, and ≥ 5 h in 7.4, to simulate drug release in the stomach, small intestine, and colon environment, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was also conducted on the formulations.

Results: Edema inhibition of PL.MPs and PS.MPs were within the range of 51.0 – 64.0 and 58.0 – 69.0 %, respectively. In vitro colon-specific drug dissolution studies revealed absence, minimal, and highest amounts of drug release from MHGCs in pH 1.2, 6.8 and 7.4 media, respectively. Decreased crystallinity of the microparticles was indicated by a broad endothermic peak.

Conclusion: The MHGCs hold promise as a potential alternative delivery system for hydrogel-based piroxicam microparticles designed for colon-targeted drug delivery. However, clinical development studies are required.
Instagram jako przestrzeń wymiany informacji przez matki na temat powrotu do pracy – analiza postów oznaczonych #mamawracadopracy
Authors: Krasnova Anna , Mizera-Pęczek Patrycja
Published: March 2023

The article is devoted to the issue of mothers returning to work, after being on parental leave due to the birth of a child. The theoretical part presents the specifics of the Instagram social network, which was used by women who have children, as well as the results of secondary research on searching for the source of origin and work. The research part presents the results of the analysis of the content communicated on Instagram by mothers returning to work. The results of the research show that for many ‘instamothers’online activity is a substitute for social relation, and makes them willing to share their observations also regarding the topic of returning to work. Moreover, the analysis of the posts showed that some mothers perceive motherhood as a limitation in shaping their professional career, while other mothers are convinced that it is their work that limits them in fulfilling the role of mother.
Wybrane media społecznościowe w komunikowaniu rządowym w dobie pandemii COVID-19
Authors: Lusińska Anna , Miłoszewska-Podrażka Ewa
Published: March 2023

Selected Social Media in Government Communication in The Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Given the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused global social and economic disruptions, including the largest global recession since the Great Depression, and therefore the lack of reliable information on the situation related to the spread of the virus, Polish authorities in government news releases, through social campaigns, reached for social media. The article aimed to identify and analyze selected media tools used in government communication during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, as well as an attempt to assess this type of communication. The text uses methods such as case study, desk research, and media content analysis. The following research questions were posed: how did the Polish government try to inform the public opinion about the dangers of the pandemic? What content was the government communicating to the Poles through social campaigns regarding the pandemic? What was the reaction of Polish society to crisis government communication? What picture is emerging from the crisis government communication using social media in Poland during the pandemic, and what are the conclusions of this? Research has shown that the crisis communication of the Polish government sparked a discussion of a confused society on social media. At the same time, it showed the inability of the Polish government to use social media to communicate with society in a life- and health-threatening situation. The article joins the discussion on the methods and quality of government communication in Poland during the greatest crisis of the 21st century.