bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B coverage and its awareness among medical, dental, and nursing students of a health university in Tumkur Karnataka – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Krishna Chandana , Babu B Manoj
Published: January 2025

Background:

Hepatitis B is a well-known global public health problem. Globally, 360 million people are chronically infected, of whom almost one million people die annually of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver disease. Health care workers are at high occupational risk of HBV infection due to their potential contact with blood or body fluids and possible needle stick injuries. Since students of health professions (medical, nursing, and paramedical) are future health care workers that are early exposed to the risk of HBV infection during their clinical training, it is essential to know their vaccination coverage and awareness regarding hepatitis B infection.

Objective:

(1) To assess the coverage of hepatitis B vaccination among medical, dental, nursing, and paramedical students of Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education. (2) To find out the reason for their non-vaccination/or partial vaccination. (3) To assess the awareness regarding hepatitis B among study subjects.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study among the medical, dental, nursing, and paramedical students of Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education between February 2021 and August 2023. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection through an online survey method. A total of 554 students responded to the online survey.

Results:

Hepatitis B coverage among the study subjects was 29.4%. 28.2% were partially immunized and 42.4% were unimmunized. Reason for not immunizing was lack of awareness regarding the need for vaccination (40.3%) and postponement till another time (40.3%). Awareness regarding hepatitis B was 89.9%.

Conclusion:

Coverage of hepatitis B vaccination was poor. Even though the awareness of hepatitis B was good, practice was poor.
Cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus – Cause or consequence of drug non-adherence
Authors: Perabathula Sreya Chinmaya , Chitti Anusha , Veeramani Kartheek A. S.
Published: January 2025

Context:

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for cognitive impairment in India. Screening for cognitive impairment is necessary in diabetic patients as it may pose risk of non-adherence to medication, which may lead to grave consequences.

Aims:

The objectives of the study were to estimate the cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using Mini-Cog as a screening tool, to assess medication adherence using the Morisky Medication Adherence scale (MMSA-8), and to determine any association between drug adherence and cognitive impairment.

Settings and Design:

Hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study.

Methods and Material:

A 3-minute Mini-Cog screening test was performed on patients with T2DM in the age group of 35–70 years attending the General Medicine Outpatient Department of Government General Hospital during the study period (3 months). Self-reported medication adherence was measured using the MMAS-8.

Statistical analysis:

T test and Pearson correlation test were used to find the association between the variables and cognitive impairment. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Out of the 100 participants, about 10% had cognitive impairment (Mini-Cog score ≤ 2). About 38%, 44%, and 18% of the study population had high, medium, and low adherence, respectively, using MMAS-8. The mean MMAS-8 score was significantly higher (lower adherence) among participants with cognitive impairment (P = 0.012).

Conclusions:

Routine screening of cognitive impairment in diabetic patients using a simple 3-minute screening tool such as Mini-Cog test may assist in early detection, prompting necessary steps for evaluation and referral.
Effect of topical application and local infiltration of anesthetic agent on pain associated with wedging and matrix placement during proximal restoration
Authors: Tanikonda Rambabu , Mamidibathula Sri Devi , Malkapuram Rani Sirisha , Koneru Suneetha
Published: January 2025

Aims:

To evaluate the pain perceived by the patient during the secured placement of the matrix and wedge under different anesthetic conditions using a visual analog scale.

Methods and Material:

Ninety patients with proximal surface lesions were included and assigned to three groups (n = 30). Before the matrix and wedge placement, the patient received either the anesthetic or placebo agents. VAS score measures the pain the patient perceives after the matrix and wedge placement.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS package, and the results were subjected to the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups who received one of the anesthetic agents. However, a statistically significant difference was present between the two anesthetic groups and the control group, which was chlorhexidine gel.

Conclusions:

Topical anesthetic gel effectively reduces pain during the placement of the matrix and wedge, resulting in better matrix band adaptation and, ultimately, the restoration’s good marginal adaptation.
Effects of erector spinae block on the postoperative quality of recovery after gender reassignment chest surgeries: A prospective randomized double-blinded study
Authors: Dinesh K R , Anand R Shankar , Priyadharsini K Soundarya , Prasad T Krishna
Published: January 2025

Background:

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) improves postoperative analgesia and significantly enhances the quality of recovery (QoR) after thoracic and breast surgeries. However, it is not known whether this block is beneficial in chest reassignment surgery in transgender patients. Regarding sexual reassignment surgeries, there is no data on appropriate and safe postoperative analgesia, especially in chest surgeries. ESPB may be an important part of postoperative analgesia application in such surgeries.

Objectives:

The objective is to determine whether ESPB could provide effective postoperative pain control in chest reassignment surgeries. The primary objective is to check for effective pain control in the postoperative period using pain scores. The secondary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided ESPB on postoperative QoR using recovery and sedation scores.

Methods:

A randomized prospective double-blinded study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital. Eighty-two patients scheduled for elective chest reassignment surgeries were included in the study. Patients were randomized into the ESP group or the control group. The quality of recovery after surgery was measured using the 40-item quality of recovery (QoR-40). Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and then at coughing, analgesic requirements, and occurrences of nausea and vomiting were recorded.

Results:

Intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption, rescue analgesia requirement, and resting and dynamic NRS scores were significantly lower in the ESP group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the presence of dynamic pain after the first postoperative hour. While all patients in the control group had nausea and vomiting, 24% of the patients in the ESP group did not have nausea and vomiting.

Conclusion:

This study showed that ESPB can be used as a sole analgesic agent, with the benefit of reducing opioid consumption and postoperative nausea and vomiting in sexual reassignment surgery in the chest.
Tribal preventive practices toward malaria in East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Krishnababu G , Sravana Kumar G. , Amaranath Reddy MC , Sowmyasudha K.
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Malaria is one of the world’s important parasitic diseases. Malaria deaths reached 445,000 in 2016, a similar number (446,000) to 2015. In 2017, India contributed to 633,481 malaria cases and 103 deaths due to malaria. In Andhra Pradesh, among five endemic districts, East Godavari is one. We made an attempt to report tribal preventive practices toward malaria in this district.

Materials and Methods:

Using a multistage random method, a total of 1136 participants were interviewed from four tribal P.H.C areas of East Godavari district. Semistructured questionnaires, which consist of questions on preventive practices of malaria, were used as a tool to interview them. Data were entered into Excel sheets and analyzed by using SPSS 17.

Results:

93.04% ensure treatment for fever, 21.47% boil water to prevent the cause of malaria. 17.25% maintain a clean environment, 7.74% use nets to prevent disease transmission, 28.87% always approach health workers for malaria, 90.31% contact MPW-M for smear collection for fever, 42.07% never apply minor engineering measures, 22.35% clear bushes, 15.99% remove broken pots, and 39.26% cover the water containers with lids to prevent mosquito breeding. Prior to my visit, 67.34% stayed for a night in the forest, and 72.53% use a net while sleeping. All of them had IRS to their houses only for external walls and cattle sheds.

Conclusion:

To come to a conclusion, our tribal participants have poor practices toward malaria disease prevention. Use of nets and IRS is to be improved.
A rare case of histoplasma and cryptococcus coinfection in an apparently immunocompetent child
Authors: Pal Nupur , Sinha Rituparna , Ray Raja , Chakraborty Arunima , Banu Hasina , Dutta Supratim
Published: January 2025

Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptococcus neoformans fungal infections are mainly found in immunocompromised individuals, especially in patients with HIV/AIDS. However, histoplasma-cryptococcus coinfection in immunocompetent hosts is very rare. This rarity increases the chances of underdiagnosis and poor outcomes. From extensive literature search, 15 cases have been found till now. Among them only one immunocompetent case was reported from Brazil. In Asia, only one case was reported in an AIDS patient from India. Here we report a case first time from India where a six-year-old apparently immunocompetent girl presented with histoplasma-cryptococcus coinfection.
Smoking and COVID-19 search engine trends: An explanatory study
Authors: Chatti Prathyusha , Reddy Vamsi Krishna , Parlapalli Vineela , Pydi Siva Kumar , Rachuru Yaswanth Sai , Pottem Nagarjuna
Published: January 2025

Background:

Smokers are generally more susceptible to infectious respiratory diseases and are at higher risk of developing severe complications from the infections. SARS-Cov-2 is a new virus, which was first identified in December 2019, and has rapidly spread into a global pandemic of primarily respiratory illness designated as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Smokers are at greater risk for respiratory infections and were expected to be at increased risk for COVID-19 as well. Conflicting reports exist regarding the impact of smoking on the risk of COVID-19.

Aim and Objectives:

To conduct the exploratory analysis of Internet search volumes of smoking and COVID-19 using Google trends.

Methodology:

The aim of this research is to see if there is a correlation between global search patterns and smoking and COVID. The time frame can range from November 2019 to March 2021, which can be divided into months or days. Seven different search terms have been explored and compared based on the highest related search volume and comma related search volume to obtain the highest search traffic.

Results:

The search volume measured over time noted “smoking and COVID” to be the most searched term in South Africa and least in France. The years of the search terms are high when there is a surge in the COVID cases.

Conclusion:

The result from the present study offers an insight into a competent tool that can analyse and compare oral diseases over time. This tool can be utilised in forecasting, modulating marketing strategies and planning disability limitation techniques.
COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in adults aged 60 years and older: A case-control study in south India
Authors: Thomas Shilpa Babu , Nujum Zinia T , Ramakrishnan Devraj , Paul Lipsy , Divya Somasekharan Nair
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing symptomatic and severe diseases among the adults aged 60 years and older, identify key risk factors that influence infection and severity, and explore strategies to enhance the protection for this high-risk group.

Methods:

A test-negative case-control study was conducted among individuals aged 60 years and older, comprising 300 COVID- 19-positive cases and 300 COVID-19-negative controls. Data on vaccination status and other variables were collected via telephone interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire. Vaccine effectiveness was calculated as 1 minus the crude odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence interval (CI). Additionally, univariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity.

Results:

Among 600 participants, 13.7% (82/600) were identified as unvaccinated individuals. Multivariable analysis revealed that vaccinated status was the only factor determining both the infection of SARS-CoV-2 (adjusted OR 2.63; 95% CI: 1.57-4.41) and severity of COVID-19 (adjusted OR 1.85; 95% CI: 1.00-3.62). The estimated vaccine effectiveness was 68.0% (95% CI: 0.45-0.82) for fully vaccinated individuals and 59.0% (95% CI: 0.30-0.76) for partially vaccinated individuals. Of the cases, 22.0% (66/300) were identified as severe. The vaccine demonstrated an effectiveness of 73.0% (95% CI: 0.47-0.86) against severe COVID-19 among fully vaccinated individuals and 68.0% (95% CI: 0.44-0.83) for partially vaccinated individuals.

Conclusions:

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among the adults aged 60 years and older is lower than anticipated. In addition to the administration of booster doses, other interventions such as using higher doses, adjuvants, and intradermal routes should be evaluated to protect this highly vulnerable group that is at the greatest risk of adverse outcomes.
Molecular Mechanisms of Ligusticum wallichii and Its Components in Attenuating Acute Cerebral Vasospasm
Authors: Wu Bo-Wen , Yan Pei-Yu , Wu Mi-Shan
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Acute cerebral vasospasm (aCVS) is a severe complication commonly occurring after subarachnoid hemorrhage, leading to significant morbidity and mortality despite current therapeutic interventions. This study aims to elucidate the potential therapeutic mechanisms of Ligusticum wallichii against aCVS through an integrated approach of bioinformatics, meta-analysis, and network pharmacology.

Materials and Methods:

Studies related to L. wallichii and aCVS were systematically retrieved from public databases, followed by a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of L. wallichii extracts in treating or preventing aCVS. Major components were identified through the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Systems Pharmacology database, with their three-dimensional structures obtained from PubChem. Target predictions on human proteins were performed using PharmMapper, and these were complemented by ribonucleic acid sequencing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis of the dataset GSE37924. An intersection analysis was performed to explore the overlap between predicted targets. Protein–protein interaction, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted, followed by the construction of a pharmacological network using Cytoscape. The key components and their predicted targets were further analyzed and validated through molecular docking simulations.

Results:

The meta-analysis revealed that tetramethylpyrazine, a key component of L. wallichii extracts, showed significant potential in alleviating and preventing symptoms of aCVS. Key components, such as beta-sitosterol, folic acid, mandenol, myricanone, perlolyrine, senkyunone, and wallichilide, were linked to 414 potential target proteins. From the GSE37924 dataset, 22 candidate target proteins were identified, with folic acid, myricanone, and perlolyrine playing central roles in the network, potentially targeting Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase 1, Adenosine diphosphate-ribosylation factor 1, Casein Kinase 1 Gamma 2, among others, to mitigate aCVS.

Conclusions:

L. wallichii and its key components demonstrate potential therapeutic effects in treating aCVS. These findings provide scientific support for the potential therapeutic application of L. wallichii in aCVS treatment, demonstrating the direct value of TCM in modern medical applications.
Caracterización del compostaje de residuos de palma canaria en la Ciudad de México
Authors: Alvarado D. , Saavedra L.L. , Mares S. , Mares O. , Rodríguez O. , Maldonado J.
Published: January 2025

El mayor problema que enfrenta la Ciudad de México, es la enorme cantidad de residuos orgánicos que produce diariamente, y que se ha incrementado recientemente con la declinación y muerte de cientos de palmas canarias. Como alternativa para disminuirlos,  está el  compostaje,  un  proceso  cuyo  producto  final,  la  composta,  debe  garantizar  inocuidad  para  plantas y humanos. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la madurez de la composta de palma canaria (Phoenix canariensis L.) mediante pruebas de fitotoxicidad y otros parámetros físicos y químicos. Durante el proceso de compostaje se realizaron cinco muestreos y bioensayos de fitotoxicidad con semillas de lechuga en extractos acuosos de la composta y se determinó el Índice de Germinación (IG). Al inicio y al final del proceso se realizaron los análisis físicos y químicos que indica la Norma Mexicana de Compostaje 2018 (NMC). Hubo un incremento en la germinación de 39% en mayo a 96% en septiembre, lo mismo ocurrió con el valor del IG. Después de 124 días de compostaje, el producto alcanzó madurez y estabilidad, es decir, libre de fitotoxicidad, alcanzando un IG de 135.1 y propiedades organolépticas adecuadas. El 89.27 % del volumen de composta tuvo calidad Tipo 1 (tamaño de partícula ≤10 mm), libre de impurezas, metales pesados y patógenos. A excepción de la relación C/N, y porcentaje de P y K, el resto de los parámetros se encontraron dentro de los límites reportados en la NMC. Esta investigación explora por primera vez el compostaje de residuos de P. canariensis en México.
Assessment of knowledge, practice, and barriers regarding neonatal pain care among pediatrics and pediatric surgical residents at a Tertiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mechal Desalegn , Demtse Asrat
Published: January 2025

Background: The growing knowledge in medicine has shown newborns can feel pain and that treating pain has benefits for the  neonates in the short- and long-term. Despite the presence of expert consensus on neonatal pain scoring methods, neonatal pain  remains unnoticed and under treated. Among others, effective pain management requires that the physicians caring for neonates be well  informed, keen-eyed and amenable to ensure that neonatal pain care is multi-tiered and multifaceted.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, practice and barriers regarding neonatal pain management among pediatric and pediatric surgical  residents at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital.
Methods: Institution based cross sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was employed from June 01- July 15, 2020  among all pediatrics and pediatric surgical residents. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 software. One way ANOVA was used to  determine differences in means. Statistical, significance was set at p≤0.05.
Results: Response rate was 96 % (104 out of 108 participants).  The maximum and minimum score for the knowledge questions were 10 and 4 out of 10 respectively. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 8.5 (±1.4). Only 15.8% of residents reported using neonatal pain assessment tools on daily practice. The frequency of analgesia and  non-pharmacologic measures for common neonatal procedures were sub-optimal and varied with the procedure. One-way ANOVA found  no significant difference in neonatal pain care by specialty, knowledge status, experience, and residency year (P>0.05). Most residents cited inadequate staff training (88.4%), absence of local neonatal pain guidelines (87.4%), and lack of pain assessment (63.2%)  as barriers to optimal neonatal pain care. 
Conclusion: Despite the high knowledge score achieved by most of the residents, the use of  analgesia and comfort measures for common neonatal procedures were not optimal, indicating a need for supervised practical  application.
Delay in treatment for childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Eyuel , Ayalew Mulugeta , Birhan Mastewal , Gelaw Aschalew , Gelaw Aschalew , Gidey Abdulkader Mohammedsaid , Tilahun Degalem , Abebe Heyaw , Mekonnen Awol , Mekonnen Awol , Teklehaimanot Ermias , Berhane Nega
Published: January 2025

Background: Despite the critical importance of early blood cancer diagnosis in children for timely treatment, late presentation, delayed  diagnosis, and delayed treatment initiation remain significant issues in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Addressing these delays  requires improving healthcare infrastructure, public awareness, provider training, and reducing financial barriers. This study aimed to  assess referral delays, diagnostic delays, and overall treatment delays among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the  University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients under 18 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to primary caregivers from December 29, 2022, to January 30, 2024. During the study, 90 ALL cases were included using a consecutive sampling technique. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS  version 25 software, with results presented through descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, graphs, and tables. Binary  logistic regression examined associations between sociodemographic factors and treatment delays among childhood ALL patients.
Results: A total of 90 children participated, 63 (70.0%) male. Median time from first symptoms to medical consultation was 9.7 days,  referral delay 51.3 days, diagnosis delay 3.2 days, and treatment initiation delay 4.6 days. Total delay to treatment was 69 days, with  induction mortality at 22%. High-risk ALL, malaria, and delays of 30–90 days increased induction mortality risk.
Conclusion: The study  revealed significant delays in childhood ALL treatment, contributing to high mortality rates. Timely diagnosis and treatment initiation are  critical, particularly for high-risk patients and those with malaria. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, awareness, and provider   training is vital to improve outcomes.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of malaria among under-five years children in Ilugalan district, Oromia Region, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Kedida Lelisa Fikadu , Zenebe Mengistu Hailemariam , Lemma Solomon Asnake
Published: January 2025

Background: Under-five children are at high risk of malaria-associated morbidity and mortality, however studies on community-based  malaria in under-five children in Ethiopia are limited. Hence this study was conducted to investigate prevalence and associated risk  factors among under-five children in the Ilu Galan district.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023. Among five Kebeles selected by random  sampling, 557 under-five children were chosen using systematic sampling. Malaria presence was assessed by microscopic examination  and rapid diagnostic tests. Data on sociodemographic and risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and  multivariable logistic regression identified predictors with adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and P < 0.05 as statistically  significant.
Results: The prevalence of malaria among under-five children was 5.2% (95% CI = 3.5-7.4). The majority (71.4%) were infected  with P. falciparum, followed by P. vivax (25%), and mixed infection (3.6%). Staying outdoors at night (AOR=3.09; 95% CI=1.01-9.48), ITN  utilization (AOR=0.26; 95% CI=0.07-0.94), presence of eaves (AOR=4.08; 95% CI=1.20-13.44), less than 1 km distance from the river  (AOR=4.32; 95% CI=1.19-15.62), and stagnant water nearby (AOR=11.40; 95% CI=3.71-35.02) increased malaria odds.
Conclusion: This  study found a 5.2% malaria prevalence among under-five children, mainly caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Key risks included outdoor  exposure, proximity to rivers, stagnant water, and poor housing. Promoting ITN use and addressing environmental risks are essential for  pre
Childhood pulmonary paragonimiasis - a diagnostic conundrum: a case series from a tertiary care hospital in Kohima District of Northeast India
Authors: Das Prarthana
Published: January 2025

Infestation by Paragonimus westermani is an emerging health concern in Northeast India. The infection is acquired by consuming raw or semi-raw freshwater crabs and crayfish contaminated with Paragonimus. Human pulmonary paragonimiasis often mimics pulmonary  tuberculosis due to similar clinical and radiological features and may lead to diagnostic dilemmas. Though it is a common condition in  this part of the country, a lack of awareness among the medical fraternity occasionally leads to misdiagnosis and mismanagement.  Moreover, there is a dearth of research on this topic. Therefore, we present 3 cases of pulmonary paragonimiasis from the paediatric age  group treated in a tertiary care hospital that masqueraded as pulmonary tuberculosis. This might be the one of the very few reported  case series on this condition from Northeast India.
Characterization of 20 Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) genotypes in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ibellow S. C. , Agbim J. U.
Published: January 2025

The problem of protein deficit in the diets of individuals in South-eastern Nigeria led to exploring affordable plant-based protein sources, hence, the introduction of Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) to curb this issue. Mung bean seeds were sown on ridges and the experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated thrice. Data generated on agronomical and morphological characters were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) which revealed significant differences (p<0•05) amongst characters and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was utilized for the separation of means. Results showed higher variations existed in agronomic characters like: days to 50% seedling emergence, seedling vigour, number of pod cluster, plant height at maturity, 10 pod weight(g), 100 seed weight(g), seed yield/plant(g), yield/plant(g) and yield in kg/ha. Considerable variations subsisted for characters including: number of primary branches, plant height at maturity, pod length, and number of seeds per pod. However, low to no variation was present in days to 50% seedling emergence, days to 50% flowering, days to first pod maturity, primary leaflet length and width and terminal leaflet length and width. Euclidean Distance Cluster Analysis grouped the genotypes in six clusters; Cluster IV had maximum genotypes (six), while Clusters V and VI possessed only one genotype in each. The closest intra-cluster distance was observed between Tvr1172 and Tvr125 and the maximum inter-cluster distance existed between Tvr10 and Tvr161. We recommend that more research should be done in other agricultural areas to give more universally acceptable findings.
Effect of varied flour composition on some nutrient characteristics of cookies from Akidi, wheat and yellow maize composite flour
Authors: Linus-Chibuezeh Adindu , Adindu-Linus Chidiamara Onyinyechi , Okoye Chinwendu Elizabeth , Ejeh Florence Elesunachi
Published: January 2025

The effect of varied flour composition on the proximate and anti-nutritional properties of high fibre cookies from flour blends of wheat, akidi (black bean) and whole yellow corn was studied using D-optimal mixture design of response surface methodology (RSM) of which ten (10) experimental runs were generated while 100% wheat flour served as control. The cookies were subjected to proximate and anti-nutrient analysis using standard methods. Statistical analysis and optimization of mixture components were carried out using Design-Expert software version 6.0.8 while means were separated using ANOVA. Significant differences were accepted at p<0.01 for regression analysis and p<0.05 for mean separations. The results of proximate composition of the cookies showed significant (P<0.05) difference among the cookies with the ranged of 5.12-6.49% for moisture, 3.53-4.93% for ash, 3.82-5.44% for fibre, 9.84-11.69% for fat, 10.32-18.47% for protein, and 54.28-65.04% for carbohydrate. The anti-nutrients factors of the cookies ranged from 0.07-0.35% for saponin, 0.21-0.56 for phytate, 0.05-0.41% for Trypsin inhibitor and 0.17-0.50 for tannin content. The study revealed that quality and nutrient-dense cookies can be processed from blends of wheat, cowpea and whole yellow corn flour of the proportion (10:50:40) which exhibited high level of fibre, fat, protein and lower level of anti-nutrients as evaluated. Optimization of mixture variables showed that optimal response is generated for flour mixture comprising 10% wheat, 10.89% akidi and 79.11% whole yellow corn with desirability of 55.80%.
Linking the lack of tactile sensory cues to consumers’ emotions in e-commerce clothing purchases: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Peters C , Mielmann A , Du Preez M , Brits C
Published: January 2025

This paper explores consumers’ emotions related to a lack of tactile sensory experiences during e-commerce clothing purchases in a cross-cultural study between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Data was collected from a structured, self-administered electronic questionnaire. Respondents were provided with pictures of clothing garments from which their need for touch (NFT) and emotional responses were predominantly determined. The UAE respondents tend to display generally higher levels of NFT than South Africans, with higher levels of instrumental NFT found in UAE respondents. South Africans displayed a higher emotional response than UAE respondents. The international gap in existing research regarding a lack of tactile sensory cues in e-commerce clothing purchases is addressed in this study as it highlights the importance of NFT in e-commerce clothing purchases, and the effect thereof across cultural boundaries, providing insight into the effect of tactile sensory cues on consumers’ emotions, which directly affects their purchase intention.
Athari za Kinyarwanda katika Ufundishaji na Ujifunzaji wa Kiswahili katika Shule Teule za Sekondari Wilayani Gakenke, Rwanda
Authors: Ikuramutse Martin H. , Niyotugira Vivens , Sebazungu Pascal
Published: January 2025

Makala hii inachunguza jinsi Kinyawanda kinavyoathiri ufundishaji na ujifunzaji wa Kiswahili. Watoataarifa 24 ambao ni wanafunzi 18,  walimu 3 pamoja na wakuu wa masomo 3, walitumiwa kuwa vyanzo vya taarifa. Data hizo zilikusanywa kupitia mahojiano, ushuhudiaji  pamoja na udurusu wa nyaraka. Nadharia ya Utabia iliyoasisiwa na Skinner mwaka 1950 ndiyo iliyoongoza utafiti huu. Matokeo  yanaonesha kwamba wanafunzi wanachanganya Kinyarwanda na Kiswahili kwa kuwa lugha hizi zina mfanano wa karibu kimatamshi,  kiotografia na kisemantiki. Hivyo basi, makala hii inapendekeza yafuatayo: mosi, kuwe na vitabu vya ziada na kiada shuleni. Pili,  ufundishaji wa Kiswahili uwe wa lazima kuanzia shule za chekechea hadi vyuoni. Tatu, Kiswahili kifundishwe katika michepuo yote kama  ilivyo kwa lugha ya Kiingereza. Mwisho, kuwe na mijadala na midahalo shuleni ili kuboresha kiwango cha lugha ya Kiswahili miongoni   mwa wanafunzi.
The Interface between Intellectual Property Rights and Linguistics under the Laws of Tanzania
Authors: Mwakaje Saudin J.
Published: January 2025

The intellectual property rights (IPR) system transcends many socioeconomic aspects ranging from human creative processes and themanner they are expressed, and thereby, new words are formed for newly created products. Nevertheless, the operational intersections  of IPR and linguistics have not been fully explored and elaborated on in the national laws. Under the patent law, generating new technical  ideas and products necessitates creating new words or expressions. The contexts for using certain words to indicate the source  of products and services have a regulatory effect on trademark law. Equally important are the translation rights under copyright  law, which contribute to the development of new terminologies. This article explores the linkages of IPR and language development  using a qualitative assessment model to examine the interplay of IPR and language development in the context of the laws of Tanzania. It  addresses the inherent linguistic mischiefs and controversies arising from a misalignment of the etymological conception of words as  they are perceived under the lens of IPR and linguistics. Consequently, it establishes that there is a significant contribution of IPR in  language growth and that the operational and regulatory proximity of the two seemingly distant fields requires a reexamination.  Ultimately, this article underscores the necessity of including IPR modules in language studies and engaging language experts during the IPR registration process and dispute settlement.
Uchambuzi wa Mashartizuizi katika Muundo wa Silabi za Kichasu
Authors: Fadhili Rabiel , Mwendamseke Faraja
Published: January 2025

Makala hii imechunguza muundo wa silabi za lugha ya Kichasu kwa kuzingatia uchambuzi wa mashartizuizi ya Kichasu. Lengo la makala hii ni kubainisha miundo ya silabi za lugha hiyo. Utofauti wa udhihirikaji wa miundo ya silabi katika lugha mbalimbali za Kibantu ndio  umechagiza kufanyika kwa utafiti huu. Kutokana na tafiti mbalimbali, kila lugha huwa na mpangilio tofauti wa mashartizuizi na ujitokezaji  wa miundo yake huweka mipaka katika miundo ya silabi zake katika maneno. Data zilikusanywa kwa kutumia upitiaji  maandiko pamoja na masimulizi kutoka kwa watoataarifa. Data zilichanganuliwa kwa mkabala wa kitaamuli ambapo mbinu ya  uchanganuzi kimada imetumika. Uchanganuzi wa data uliongozwa na misingi ya Nadharia ya Umbo Upeo (1993). Matokeo yanaonesha  kwamba Kichasu kina jumla ya miundo kumi na mmoja ya silabi inayokubalika kisarufi. Miundo hiyo ni ya silabi nyepesi na ya silabi nzito.
Matumizi ya Fantasia katika Fasihi ya Kiswahili Yanavyoibua, Kujenga na Kuwasilisha Dhamira
Authors: Mwangosi Gerephace
Published: January 2025

Makala hii imechunguza namna kipengele cha fantasia katika fasihi ya Kiswahili kinavyoibua, kujenga na kuwasilisha dhamira. Lengo la makala hii ni kuchunguza namna kipengele cha fantasia kinavyotumika kuibua, kujenga na kuwasilisha dhamira katika riwaya ya  Kiswahili. Data za msingi zilipatikana katika riwaya teule ya Kusadikika kwa mbinu ya usomaji makini. Nyaraka zilizotumika kufafanua na kuthibitisha data za msingi zilipatikana kwa mbinu ya kielektroniki na kimaktaba. Uchambuzi na mjadala wa data uliongozwa na Nadharia  ya Semiotiki. Msingi mkuu wa nadharia hii ni kushughulika na ishara pamoja na uashiriaji katika kazi za fasihi. Matokeo ya  utafiti yamewasilishwa kwa mbinu ya kimaelezo. Matokeo yameonesha namna msuko wa fantasia katika kitabu teule unaivyoibua  dhamira zinazolenga kuifunza, kuiimarisha na kuiweka jamii pamoja katika misingi imara ya utamaduni, siasa na uchumi. Dhamira  zilizoibuliwa zinawasilisha matendo ya msingi ya binadamu yanayojidhihirisha katika nyanja zote za maisha na maendeleo yake. Kwa  hiyo, makala hii inapendekeza kuwa utafiti ufanyike zaidi katika tanzu za fasihi simulizi ya Kiswahili kuhusu matumizi ya fantasia  yanavyofumbata masuala ya uchumi, siasa, utamaduni, falsafa na itikadi za jamii.
The History of Kaimosi Friends Hospital, 1902 - 1996
Authors: Amatsimbi Herbert
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the history of Kaimosi Friends Hospital, located in western Kenya. Established in 1903 by the Friends African Mission (FAM), the hospital was a key component of the Friends Church’s secular departments that supported the primary objective of converting Africans to Christianity. The main purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the hospital’s history. Literature review was undertaken to identify knowledge gaps and collect pertinent written materials for the study. The analysis revealed that the hospital’s history can be interpreted throughtwo lenses: success and failure. The hospital experienced steady growth during the colonial era and even established satellite clinics.Following Kenya’s independence, the management of the hospital was transferred toEast African Yearly Meeting (EAYM) leaders. However, under African leadership, the hospital became a focal point of conflicts and disputes. Ultimately, the hospital ceased operations in 1996.
Work Flexibility Schedule and Employee Commitment at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki Ebonyi State
Authors: Agha Chinwe , Nweze Chinwe , Chukwujama Ngozi , Eke Ifeanyichukwu
Published: January 2025

The study explored the implications of effective utilization of work flexibility on employeecommitment at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.. Correlation design was employed while structured questionnaire designed with open-ended questions were administered to the sample drawn from the population of the study. Data collected were analyzed with Pearson Correlation Coefficient via 0.20. The findings showed that flexi-time has significant positive correlation with employee affective commitment ( r=0.72, p<0.01, n=350), that compressed work week has significant positive correlation with employee continuance commitment (r=0.52, p<0.01, n=350) and job sharing has significant positive relationship with employee normative commitment ( r=0.22, p<0.01, n=350) at federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. The implication of the findings is that as this organization continues to utilize work flexibility schedule, such operational policy-framework will reinvigorate employee psychological commitment that will improve their performance as it enables them to balance both family and work requirement-needs. The study therefore, recommended that organizations particularly Federal Teaching Hospital should always explore the opportunity of co-opting and integrating an effective work flexibility schedule among their workers to generate the desired resilient and commitment to work
Türkiye, İngiltere ve Avustralya’daki Yükseköğretim (Lisans Düzeyinde) Güzel Sanatlar Eğitimi Programlarının Karşılaştırılması
Authors: Dede Huseyin , Salderay Bulent
Published: January 2025

Çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye, İngiltere ve Avustralya’daki yükseköğrenim boyutunda Güzel Sanatlar Eğitimi lisans programlarını tanımlayıcı yaklaşımda yapısal, içerik ve uygulama özellikleri açısından incelemek, uzman görüşüne göre belirlenen başlıklar altında çeşitli verilere göre karşılaştırarak aralarındaki benzerlik ve farklılıkları ortaya koymaktır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunda Türkiye’den Güzel Sanatlar Eğitimi Bölümü Resim-iş Eğitimi Ana Bilim Dalı bulunan Gazi Üniversitesi ve Marmara Üniversitesi ele alınmıştır. Yurt dışından eşdeğer özelliklere sahip Güzel Sanatlar Bölümü lisans programları bulunan İngiltere’den University of Art London ve Avustralya’dan RMIT University alınmıştır. Verilerin toplanması sürecinde ülkelerin resmi kurumlarından ve yetkili kişilerden posta yolu ile görüşmelerden elde edilen verilerden yararlanılmıştır. Betimsel araştırma olan çalışma, doküman analiz yöntemi ile çözümlenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda, farklılık ve benzerlikler ortaya konularak Türkiye, İngiltere ve Avustralya’daki yükseköğrenim boyutunda güzel sanatlar eğitimi lisans programlarının karşılaştırılması ile elde edilen verilere dayalı içerik ve uygulama özellikleri açısından Resim-iş Eğitimi Ana Bilim Dalı için “çerçeve program” oluşturularak önerilmiştir.
The Effects of Dual Coding Theory on Social Studies Vocabulary and Comprehension in Elementary Education
Authors: Wooten Jennifer O. , Cuevas Joshua A.
Published: January 2025

The goal of this quasi-experimental study was to assess the effects of Dual-Coding Theory on domain-specific vocabulary and comprehension in a 5th grade social studies classroom. The pretest/posttest design research was conducted in a rural elementary school (N = 49). Twenty-three students participated in an intervention of dual-coding based strategies. This study sought to determine if the instructional strategies that incorporated dual coding were more effective than traditional social studies strategies to promote domain-specific vocabulary learning and academic achievement. In addition to the measures for vocabulary and comprehension, students completed a motivational questionnaire on their view of social studies to ascertain if their motivation and enjoyment changed after the experiment. ANCOVA analyses showed consistent, statistically significant results indicating that dual coding strategies benefitted students in the area of academic achievement. Dual coding strategies appeared to have had a positive impact on student vocabulary learning and academic achievement.
Synergies between Creative Strategies and Participatory Behaviors in Workplace Training
Authors: Varela Teresa
Published: January 2025

This article reflects on analyzing and understanding the articulation between creative processes in art education and the development of training for a culture of social and cultural citizenship. The methodology of projects developed in Workplace Training over two academic years involved two 12th-grade secondary specialized art classes. The realization of the projects, based on the action-research methodology, sought the student's participation and involvement in the decision-making of the activities as co-authors in their learning and cooperation with the teachers. Direct observation and interviews with the participants were the main instruments for the data collection. The analysis data used the NVivo program. This study argues on the sociocultural theories of creativity (Glăveanu, 2013; Beghetto, 2016), citizenship and educational contexts (Eça, 2010; Caetano & Freire, 2014), and the context of Art Education (Eça et al., 2012; Eça, 2014; Ramirez, 2016). The main results revealed an interdependent relationship between creative processes and citizenship practices, increased knowledge, and capacities capable of promoting collaborative creativity (Burnard & Dragovic, 2015). These results will allow this relational dynamic to develop and transform through social interactions and situated contexts, with evidence of communication between all those involved, with openness to social and cultural diversity, to generate other possibilities for synergy.
Çevrimiçi Sosyal Eğitim Platformlarının Kullanılabilirliklerinin Değerlendirilmesi: Eğitim Bilişim Ağı (EBA) Sistemi Örneği
Authors: Bertiz Yasemin
Published: January 2025

Bu araştırmanın amacı FATİH Projesi kapsamında hazırlanan Eğitim Bilişim Ağı (EBA) web portalının kullanılabilirliğinin değerlendirilmesi ve kullanılabilirlik sorunlarının belirlenerek çözüm önerileri getirilmesidir. Bu amaçla ilköğretim ikinci kademe 5. sınıf öğrencilerinin sistemi ne kadar kullanılabilir bulduğu incelenmiştir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu 2015-2016 eğitim öğretim yılı bahar döneminde, Konya il merkezinde eğitim veren bir ortaokulun 5. sınıfında öğrenim gören 60 kişi oluşmaktadır. Çalışma, kullanıcıların EBA web portalını kullanma sıklıklarını, sistemle ilgili görüşlerini ve memnuniyet düzeylerini ortaya çıkarma şeklinde tasarlanmıştır. Araştırmada nicel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Nicel yöntemler kapsamında, “genel tarama” modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın nicel verilerinin analizinde betimsel istatistikler, t-testi, frekans, yüzde, standart sapma ve tek yönlü kovaryans analizi (ANCOVA) kullanılmıştır Araştırmanın sonunda; sistemin kullanılabilir olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular doğrultusunda kullanılabilirlik sorunları belirlenmiş ve bunların çözümüne yönelik öneriler getirilmiştir.
Biyoloji Öğretmen Adaylarının Derslerde Bilim Tarihi Kullanımına Yönelik Algıları
Authors: Bakanay Çiçek Dilek , Güney Burcu Gülay
Published: January 2025

2007 yılından itibaren biyoloji öğretim programında da etkin bir şekilde yer almaya başlayan bilim tarihi; bireyler ve olayların kronolojik sıralamasını içeren bir ek kaynaktan çok kavramsal, prosedürel ve bağlamsal anlamda pek çok kazanım için kolaylaştırıcı ve etkin bir öğretim yöntemidir. Tüm bu gelişmelere karşın öğretmenler için bilim tarihi oldukça yeni bir alandır. Eğitimde, öğretim programlarında yer alan hedeflerin hayata geçirilmesinde önemli bir öneme sahip olan öğretmenlerin, bilim tarihine olan algıları bu nedenle önem taşımaktadır. Geleceğin biyoloji öğretmenleri olacak öğretmen adaylarının bilim tarihinin derslerde kullanımına yönelik algılarını incelemeyi amaçlayan bu çalışmada, biyoloji öğretmenliği son sınıfında öğretimine devam eden 25 öğretmen adayı ile çalışılmıştır.  Öğretmen adaylarının bilim tarihine yönelik algılarını belirlemek için Wang ve Marsh (2002) tarafından geliştirilmiş olan Eğitimde Bilimin Tarihi anketi uygulanmıştır. 13 sorudan oluşan anket 5’li Likert ölçeği kullanmaktadır. Anketten elde edilen veriler SPSS 15 programı ile betimsel analizleri gerçekleştirilmesinin ardından öğretmen adayları ile yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler ile bilim tarihine yönelik algıları derinlemesine analiz edilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler ışığında; biyoloji öğretmen adaylarının bilim tarihini sıklıkla kavramsal amaçlara yönelik kullanım algıları olduğu görülürken öğretimi zenginleştirici ve destekleyici bir kaynak olarak ele aldıkları görülmüştür.
Okul Öncesi Öğrencilerinin Bilimsel Süreci Becerilerinin Değerlendirilmesi İçin Bir Test Geliştirme Çalışması
Authors: Şahin Fatma , Yıldırım Mehtap , Sürmeli Hikmet , Güven İlknur
Published: January 2025

Bu çalışmanın amacı; okulöncesi döneme uygun bilimsel süreç becerilerinin kazanımları ile paralel hazırlanmış, okulöncesi dönemde ilkokula hazırlık sınıfında olan öğrencilerin BSB’lerini ölçmeye yönelik geçerliği ve güvenirliği sağlanmış bir bilimsel süreç becerileri testi (BSBT) geliştirmektir. Çalışmanın örneklemini 2015–2016 eğitim-öğretim yılında İstanbul’da bulunan dört farklı ana okulda öğrenim gören toplam 212 okulöncesi hazırlık sınıfında okuyan öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Bu araştırmada test geliştirme çalışmalarında kullanılan, test maddelerinin yazılması, pilot uygulamalar, geçerlilik, güvenirlik ve madde analizi şeklinde adımlar takip edilmiş ve sırasıyla sunulmuştur. Çalışma kapsamında ilk etapta 20 madde halinde hazırlanan, analizler sonunda toplam 16 maddeden oluşan 12’si çoktan seçmeli 3’ü açık uçlu ve 1’i performansa dayalı sorudan oluşan bir test oluşturulmuştur. Daha sonra testin geçerlik, güvenirlik ve madde analizlerini yapabilmek için dört ayrı okulda öğrenim gören; toplam 180 öğrenciye uygulanmıştır. Uygulamadan elde edilen verilere göre testin yapı geçerliğini test etmek için hipotez test tekniği ve öğelerin iç tutarlılığının güvenilirliğini test etmek için Kuder Richardson-20 (KR-20) ve Cronbach Alfa güvenilirliği kullanılmıştır. Maddelerin zorluk ve ayrımcılık indeksleri madde analizi ile hesaplanmıştır.