bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing and Assessing Climate Change Education in a Pediatrics Residency Curriculum
Authors: McShane Mark , Kumar Shelley , Zuniga Linessa
Published: December 2024

Background For physicians to effectively combat the growing health crisis that is climate change, they should begin learning during medical training about its health implications. However, there is little data on residents’ knowledge of the climate crisis, and even less data regarding the effectiveness and acceptability of climate change education in graduate medical training programs.

Objective To incorporate a new educational session on the health implications of climate change into a residency curriculum and evaluate the acceptability of the session and its effects on residents’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the topic.

Methods In July 2021, a 90-minute, interactive, small-group format educational session on the health implications of climate change was incorporated into the first-year curriculum of a pediatric residency program. From July 2021 through June 2023, resident participants completed pre- and post-session surveys that assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding health implications of climate change. Likert scale data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Results Of the 109 residents scheduled to participate, 50 (46%) completed both the pre- and post-session surveys. Session participation increased residents’ self-reported knowledge of how climate change impacts health and how physicians can act as climate advocates. Ninety-eight percent of all post-session respondents (58 of 59) agreed that they would recommend the session to other residents. With 3 facilitators, the monthly session required ≤4 hours of preparation and ≤12 hours of direct teaching time per facilitator each academic year.

Conclusions A single educational session improved residents’ self-reported knowledge of the health implications of climate change and was well-received by participants.
Development and Implementation of a Climate Change and Health Curriculum Into Pediatric Residency Education
Authors: Padgett Christina L. , Ventre Sarah J. , Orrange Susan M.
Published: December 2024

Background There is an increasing body of evidence demonstrating the impacts of climate change on health. Physicians recognize the significance but feel unprepared to address it. Despite a call to action from prominent medical organizations, climate change and health (CCH) education has remained sparse.

Objective To describe the development and feasibility of a formal climate change curriculum tailored to pediatric residency programs and to assess residents’ pre-intervention knowledge and self-reported comfort with this topic.

Methods We created a longitudinal, single-institution CCH curriculum for pediatric and combined internal medicine-pediatrics residents. Implementation and evaluation began in May 2023 and is ongoing. Several educational strategies are utilized, and assessment tools include knowledge- and attitudes-based assessments, case-based exercises, reflective writing, grading rubrics, and patient encounter assessments. Feasibility was tracked.

Results Sixty-one residents were eligible for participation at the beginning of the study. Pre-intervention knowledge-based assessments were completed by 14 of the 61 residents (23.0%), and attitude-based questions were completed by 12 residents (19.7%). Baseline knowledge assessment showed varied proficiency in CCH topics, and attitudes data showed that while most respondents felt CCH education was important (11 of 12, 91.7%), no respondents felt “very comfortable” discussing these topics with patients. In the first year of the curriculum, after residents applied knowledge in a small-group, case-based exercise, most groups were graded as “not yet competent” in all categories utilizing a rubric.

Conclusions This study demonstrates that a CCH curriculum can be feasibly designed and implemented.
Sustainability in Action: A Financial Incentive for Trainees Embracing Environmentally Friendly Quality Improvement Projects
Authors: Chen Esther H. , Fuentes-Afflick Elena
Published: December 2024

Background Engaging and motivating busy trainees to work on reducing the climate impact of their clinical practice is challenging. To our knowledge, there are no published studies of graduate medical education (GME)–wide, institutional efforts to engage residents in implementing climate sustainability improvement projects.

Objective We piloted a novel, institution-wide, pay-for-performance (P4P) sustainability quality improvement (SusQI) program in 2023-2024 that enabled residents from all GME programs to implement SusQI projects with practice-changing improvement goals for a financial incentive.

Methods Project leaders were provided an opportunity to implement a project by identifying a SusQI problem and collaborating with stakeholders toward meeting environmentally friendly monthly improvement goals for an incentive payment. Eligible residents who reached their monthly goal for 6 months of the academic year would receive $400.

Results Of the 4 SusQI projects approved for the P4P program, 3 remained active after 6 months. One project stalled because of institutional barriers. Two hundred and ten residents participated. Environmental impacts included an increase in low anesthetic gas flow use in operating room cases (mean [SD] 25% to 53% [0.1]), increase of radiology workroom waste sorting into recycling and composting bins (mean [SD] 20% to 58% [0.1]), and increase in emergency department instruments recycled (mean [SD] 9% to 24% [0.2]). Two hundred and ten residents are set to receive $84,000 at the end of the year for meeting their SusQI goals.

Conclusions We were able to integrate sustainability into QI programs by implementing an institution-wide pay-for-performance SusQI program that encouraged residents to develop and implement environmentally friendly practice projects.
Adapting the Planetary Health Report Card for Graduate Medical Training Programs
Authors: Schear Sarah , Hampshire Karly , Diedrich Taylor , Waters Isabel , Barber Aisha
Published: December 2024

Background Leading medical organizations recognize climate change as an urgent threat to public health and social justice. Medical students created the Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC) to evaluate and spur climate action in medical schools. Graduate medical trainees lack a similar tool to evaluate and improve their training programs and institutions.

Objective To adapt the PHRC to graduate medical education (GME) contexts and report preliminary validity evidence.

Methods In 2023, based on literature review, we adapted the 2022 undergraduate medical PHRC metrics on curriculum and sustainability. We modified keywords in all PHRC domains to apply to GME. We recruited participants with expertise in planetary health, sustainability, and health equity affiliated with GME. Using a modified Delphi Panel method, we surveyed participants on adapted metric validity. We determined percent agreement among participants.

Results We recruited 45 eligible participants, of whom 20 (44%) completed a first-round survey. Participants included a senior medical student, residents, fellows, faculty, and program directors from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Participants had a high level of agreement on metrics in the domains of curriculum, support for trainee-led initiatives, and sustainability. Some metrics in research and community engagement domains fell below the agreement threshold.

Conclusions In the first round of a modified Delphi Panel survey, trainees and faculty agreed that metrics adapted from the PHRC are relevant to evaluating GME programs on planetary health, sustainability, and environmental justice.
Understanding ACGME Standards for Simulation: A Document Analysis of Institutional and Program Requirements
Authors: Scott Alexis E. , Campbell Krystle K. , Carey Jeanne , Velez Larissa , Ambardekar Aditee , Scott Daniel J.
Published: December 2024

Background Our institution has established priorities for graduate medical education (GME) simulation which include increasing adoption of, garnering additional financial support for, and creating a core simulation curriculum. Better understanding of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) simulation requirements will inform our efforts and serve as a guide for other institutions.

Objective The purpose of this study was to perform a structured review of ACGME simulation standards using a document analysis to guide GME simulation activities at an institutional level.

Methods A document analysis was performed from May 2023 to June 2024 to select and search ACGME Institutional and Program Requirements corresponding to the primary specialties for 21 clinical departments that financially support our simulation center. Content relevant to simulation was identified, and iterative coding with investigator team consensus was performed to assign categories, characterize the requirements, and interpret the findings.

Results Twenty-four documents included 120 simulation requirements that were assigned to 12 categories; 70 (58%) requirements were mandatory whereas 50 (42%) were not, and 48 (40%) were simulation-specific, whereas 72 (60%) were simulation-optional. All reviewed specialties had simulation requirements (average 5.4, range 2-12), but the ACGME Institutional Requirements did not. Moderate to strong evidence supported (1) simulation usage by all 21 departments; (2) the need for institutional resource support; and (3) institutional-level patient safety simulation curricula.

Conclusions This study identified a large number of simulation requirements, including mandatory patient safety curricula requirements, for all specialties analyzed.
Just-in-Time Simulation Training to Augment Overnight ICU Resident Education
Authors: Rabinowitz Raphael , Drake Carolyn B. , Talan Jordan W. , Nair Sunil S. , Hafiz Ali , Andriotis Anthony , Kogan Rebecca , Du Xinyue , Li Jian , Hua Wanyu , Lin Miao , Kaufman Brian S.
Published: December 2024

Background Patients who decompensate overnight experience worse outcomes than those who do so during the day. Just-in-time (JIT) simulation could improve on-call resident preparedness but has been minimally evaluated in critical care medicine (CCM) to date.

Objective To determine whether JIT training can improve residents’ performance in simulation and if those skills would transfer to better clinical management in adult CCM.

Methods Second-year medicine residents participated in simulated decompensation events aligned to common medical intensive care unit (MICU) emergencies predicted to occur overnight by their attending intensivist. Simulation faculty scored their performance via critical action checklists. If the event occurred, MICU attendings rated residents’ clinical management as well. At the rotation’s conclusion, a variant of one previously trained scenario was simulated to assess for performance improvement. Resident perceptions were surveyed before, during, and after completion of the study.

Results Twenty-eight residents participated; 22 of 28 (79%) completed the curriculum. Management of simulated decompensations improved following training (initial simulation checklist completion rate 60% vs 80% final simulation, P≤.001, Wilcoxon r=0.5). Predicted events occurred in 27 (45%) of the 60 shifts evaluated, with no observed difference in faculty ratings of overnight performance (median rating 4.5 if trained vs 3.0 if untrained; U=58.50; P=.12; Mann-Whitney r=0.30). Residents’ self-reported preparedness to manage MICU emergencies improved significantly following training, from a median of 3.0 to 4.0 (P=.006, Wilcoxon r=0.42).

Conclusions JIT simulation training improved residents’ performance in simulation.
Bacteriological profile of carious lesions in Kinshasa: a series of 50 cases from the Boyambi Dental Clinic and the Camp Kokolo Military Hospital
Authors: Bopili Bile Gabriel , Mashi Longokolo Murielle , Kasongo Onokodi Jacques , Kavuka Mardochée , Isouradi Sekele Jean Paul , Bukama Kayembe Jean Marie , Alifi Leta Bobe Paul , Tshimpangila Disashi Albert
Published: December 2024

Context and objectives. Although dental caries is very common in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the germs involved. The aims of the present study were to identify the nature and determine the antibiotic susceptibility of carious lesion germs in hospital settings. Methods. This was a descriptive series of cases with carious lesions aged at least 16 years, carried out at the Camp Kokolo Central Military Hospital and the Boyambi Dental Clinic in Kinshasa, between August 15 and September 15, 2022. The parameters studied were age, sex, nature of germs and antibiogram. Results. A total of 50 patients were examined. The most common age group was between 20 and 30 years, and females predominated (60%), with an M/F sex ratio of 1:1.5. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most isolated germ (14%), followed by Kocuria kristinae (12%) and Rothia dentocariosa (8%). Of the germs identified, 9 out of 17 (52.9%) were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, while total resistance to tetracycline was noted. Conclusion. The bacterial ecology of carious lesions is highly varied and could provide a therapeutic guide for these lesions.
Received: October 31th, 2023
Accepted: July 5th, 2024
https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v17i4.11
Crohn's disease revealed by duodenal stenosis: About one case
Authors: Chetibi Abdelkrim , Ghazali Malika , Kadem Said , Ghemit Rachid , Lamine Abbou Mohamed , Saidani Mustapha
Published: December 2024

Crohn's disease can affect the entire digestive tract; however, it is rare to be presented with a duodenal involvement complicated by stenosis. Here, we report a case of a 27-year-old woman who began her Crohn’s disease with symptomatic duodenal stenosis, with repercussions on the general condition. The diagnosis was confirmed by gastrointestinal endoscopy and the patient was operated on after failure of medical treatment. She has benefited from a gastroenteroanastomosis and the postoperative follow-up was favourable.
Received: November 15th, 2023
Accepted: June 20th, 2024
https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v17i4.14
Dysphagia as dominant symptom of posterior circulation stroke: a case report illustrating the diagnostic difficulty
Authors: Mahavivola Ernestho-ghoud Indretsy , Rasolonjatovo Emilson Charles , Lova Hasina Rajaonarison Ny Ony Narindra , Abdou Soilihi Moustafa , Ahmad Ahmad , Enintsoa Raveloson Nasolotsiry , Andriamamonjy Clement , Danielle Vololontiana Hanta Marie
Published: December 2024

Posterior ischemic strokes are relatively rare and difficult to diagnose. Its main differential diagnosis is made with cerebral neoplasia. In the present article, we report an atypical case of a 70-year-old man, who presented with dysphagia as a dominant symptom with right facial palsy and right hemiparesis, associated with a chronic biological inflammatory syndrome. A brain cancer cause would be the most expected diagnosis. Brain MRI revealed multiple foci of bilateral posterior ischemic stroke suggestive of an embolic cause. Medical investigations allowed excluding cardioembolic disease, infectious, malignancies and other rheumatic affections. The only cause highlighted was a significant bilateral atheromatous spinal stenosis.  
Received: March 7th, 2024
Accepted: July 25h, 2024
https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v17i4.15
Extradural hematoma at the Kinshasa University Hospital: clinico-scannographic profile and post-treatment evolution
Authors: Mayindou Ketani Teddy , Londa Panzu Marthe , Muana Kabongo Jean-Richard , Mpoyi Tshiunza Chérubin , Eba Ntsambi Glennie
Published: December 2024

Context and objective. The advent of two-wheeled vehicles has led to an increase in head injuries in Kinshasa. The objectives of the study were to describe the clinical profile of consequent extradural haematomas (EDH) and to investigate the determinants of post-therapeutic outcome. Methods. This was an analytic series of EDH cases followed up at Kinshasa University Hospital between January 2002 and December 2018. Variables of interest included clinical and therapeutic data as well as therapeutic course. Chi-square tests and linear regression were used, to compare proportions and establish the relationship between variables, respectively. Results. One hundred and two patient records (mean age 28.3 ± 15.2 years, male sex 92%) with EDH were compiled.  Traffic accidents were the main etiology (70.6%). Focal and lateral signs were observed in 57.8% and 46.1% of cases, respectively. Head injuries were considered mild in 61.8% of cases, and severe in 18.6%. The median diagnosis time was 3 days, with 59% of associated intracerebral lesions and 75.5% of cranial fractures. Median operating time was 2 days. The mortality rate was 14.7%, and the median hospital stay was 21 days (1 and 119 days). Mortality was related to Glasgow coma score on admission (p<0.0001), delayed management (p=0.02), polytrauma context (p=0.021), existence of associated brain lesions (p=0.018), anisocoria and tight miosis (<0.0001). There was an association between hematoma volume, location (y=0.0026x+29, 713 / R2=3E-05) and time to management (y=1.1852x + 44.396/R2=0.0522).  Conclusion. Diagnostic and therapeutic delays in EDH are long, justifying the high mortality, especially in cases of polytrauma and pupillary anomaly.
Received: February 3rd, 2024
Accepted: June 28th, 2024
https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v17i4.4
An investigation into the underlying causes of socio-economic challenges faced by Congolese refugees in Nairobi.
Authors: Wema Toywa Sylvia , Mwatela Raphael
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the underlying causes of socio-economic challenges faced by Congolese Refugees in Nairobi. The research uses a qualitative approach on focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. This research was conducted in six locations in Nairobi County, Kenya; Zimmerman, Kayole, Kasarani, Roysambu, Eastleigh, and Umoja. The Nairobi suburbs were sampled on purpose because Congolese refugees and other refugees are rarely seen there. The Congolese was studied as a minority group of refugees because little research has been done onthem. This study used stratified random sample and purposive sampling the research diverse subgroups based on gender, age, level of income, occupation from the host community, and refugees. The researcher employed both primary and secondary sources. In primary data, the researcher was using interviews and open group discussions. Multiple regression analysis was adopted to examine data with inferences. The study concluded that Congolese refugees in Nairobi face formidable challenges in accessing suitable housing, including affordability issues, discrimination from landlords, overcrowding in informal settlements, and insecurity of tenure.These housing challenges exacerbate refugees' vulnerability and perpetuate their marginalization in the urban environment. These challenges underscore the urgent need for policies that increase affordable housing options, enforce anti-discrimination laws, and enhance security measures in informal settlements.
Decision-making in local government authorities, Tanzania: a case of Hanang District
Authors: Alphonce Mwakiluma Lusako
Published: December 2024

This study aims to examine the influence of Human Resource Information Systems HRIS on effective decision-making in local government authorities in Hanang District. Specifically, the study aims to determine the influence of HRIS usefulness, HRIS attitude HRIS ease of use, and HRIS trust on organizational decision-making at Hanang District Council. About 344 copies of questionnaire were distributed using a stratified simple random sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using a multiple linear regression model. The results indicate that perceived HRIS usefulness was positive and significantly influenced organizational decision- making at Hanang District Council (p=0.018). The findings also show that perceived attitude was statistically significant in influencing organizational decision-making (p=0.000). Together, the results highlight a strong and favorable influence of perceived HRIS ease of use on organizational decision-making (p=0.000). However, the results demonstrate a statistically significant and negative influence of perceived HRIS trust on organizational decision-making (p=0.000). Therefore, this study recommends that the organization should enhance HRIS usability and user- friendly interface for optimal organizational decision-making.
Influence of man management approaches on deviant behaviour of employees in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
Authors: Blessing Abang, Ojong , L.C Okafor , Emmanuel A. Arisi-Nwugballa , G.O.C Udu , Sussan Ndidi Ngwuta
Published: December 2024

This study explores the link between human resources practices and staff deviant behavuours: Evidence from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki". The objective are to find out the relationship between deduction of lecturers' salary and boycott of lectures, ascertain the extent to which lack of academic staff promotion leads to disruption of academic activities and to find out the extent to which non-gazetting of Academic Staff affect academic calendar in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. Descriptive survey design was used while a sample of 260 respondents out of the 306population of the study we're drawn using the Taro Yameni formula for sample size determination. Data collected were presented in tables and analysed using the five Likert Scale while the Pearson Moment Correlation Technique was used to test the hypothesis of the study. Findings show that deduction of Lecturers' salary result to boycott of lecturers in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. Inability to promote academic staff as at when due leads to disruption of academic activities, and that non-gazetting of academic staff affect academic calendar in Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. The implications of the findings are that proper management of Ebonyi State University(EBSU) lecturers through promotion, timely payment of salary and gazetting of staff is critical in avoiding deviant behaviours at work. Based on the findings, it is recommended that University management and Ebonyi State Government should stop the practice of deduction of lecturers' salary so as to avoid boycott of lectures in EBSU Abakaliki., There should be regular promotion exercise in order to stop the disruption of academic activities in Ebonyi State University Abakaliki and there should be timely gazetting of academic staff in order to promote smooth academic calendar in Ebonyi State University Abakaliki.
The role of women in the maintenance of international peace and security in the United Nations
Authors: Emmanuela Idongesit NTA-WILSON
Published: December 2024

This article explores the crucial importance of women in upholding global peace and security as part of the United Nations framework. It delves into the development of women's involvement in peacekeeping and security initiatives, reviews historical contexts, evaluates the impact of women’s participation, discusses barriers, and highlights policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing gender equality in peacekeeping and security. Through the case studies and theoretical insights, the article underscores the necessity of women’s involvement in sustainable peace and security, underscoring the importance of gender equality in international relations and providing recommendations for enhancing women’s roles in global peace and security, such as increasing the representation ofwoman in leadership positions within peacekeeping missions to improve the inclusivity and effectiveness of peace processes.
Impact of school feeding program on students' performance in Nyamasheke District of Rwanda
Authors: Bikorimana Gerald , Celestin Bimenyimana Pierre , Karemera Noella Josiane Umuhoza , Dusabirema Theogene , Mukunde Francoise , Safari Kambanda
Published: December 2024

The study investigated the impact of the school feeding program on students' performance in twelve years of basic education in the Nyamasheke District of Rwanda. It specifically examined the influence of the school feeding program on the student's performance, explored the level of effectiveness of the program, examined the contribution of the policy to learners' social cohesion and determined the level of students' academic performance. To reach the above objectives, a descriptive study was designed. The quantitative approach was adopted and structured questionnaires were administered to 100 respondents selected using purposive and network sampling techniques. The study found that the program is generally appreciable. It also found that the program contributes to students' cohesion, cooperation, and communication, thus helping them improve their performance. However, the study suggests several challenges to the program, including a lack of proper implementation. The study recommends that some issues must be tackled, including reviewing the investment in the program, hence proper implementation.
Green synthesis and characterization of Iron and Zinc nano particles using grape extract
Authors: Lere Hauwau S. , Wyasu Gideon , Abechi Stephen E.
Published: December 2024

This study focused on the synthesis and characterization of Iron and Zinc nanoparticles using grape extract.. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-VIS, FTIR, SEM-EDX and XRD spectroscopies. The UV-VIS spectroscopy of iron indicates that the iron nano particle absorb light at 770nm while the zinc nano particle absorb light at 380nm. The utilization of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy of iron revealed distinctive peaks at 3287 cm-1, 2926 cm-1, 1889 cm-1, 1945cm-1, 2012 cm-1 to 2072 cm-1, 1919 cm-1 and 1817 cm-1, 1379 cm-1 and 1038 cm-1, 700 cm-1 corresponding to phenol, alkane, A hydride, A hydride, alkyle amine and Fe-bond functional groups respectively. These groups were identified as being responsible for the capping and stabilization of the nanoparticles. That of Zinc revealed distinctive peaks at 3276 cm-1 2922 cm-1, 2113 cm-1, 1636 cm-1, 1543 cm-1, 14011 cm-1, 237 cm-1, and 1028 cm-1corresponding to phenol, alkane, alkyne, alkene, aromatic compound alkene, inorganic carbonate, amine and alkyl amine respectively. Furthermore, EDX analysis confirmed the presence of iron with atomic and weight concentrations of (51.93 and 68.99), and zinc at (20.58 and 35.65) respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs illustrated a uniform distribution and agglomeration of the synthesized iron nano particle (FeNPs) and zinc nano particle (ZnNPs), portraying a near-flat and plain shape with an average particle size of 100 nm. The XRD result revelled that the synthesized iron nano particle (FeNPs) has a crystalline structure with grain size of 23.5nm, while the synthesized zinc nano particle (ZnNP) has a hexagonal structure with grain size of 21.3nm.
Khaya Senegalensis inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase
Authors: Onu Andrew , Musa Amina Rabe
Published: December 2024

α-glucosidase is an enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of oligosaccharides to simple absorbable sugars. The inhibition of the enzyme is implicated in the management of postprandial hyperglycaemia. The current study evaluates the α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of Khaya senegalensis stem bark. The result of an in vitro analysis using α-glucosidase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and p-nitrophenyl α-D-glucopyranoside as substrate showed that the stem bark extract of K. senegalensis (IC50 = 7.7 ± 0.02 μg /ml), had a significant inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase in a concentration dependant manner. From the study of the enzyme kinetics, the stem bark extract of K. senegalensis exhibited a non-competitive inhibition with a Ki of 0.33μg/ml. In an in vivo study, using Wistar albino rats, the extract significantly attenuated postprandial hyperglycaemia of area under glucose curve (AUCGlucose) following maltose administration. Two hitherto unknown bioactive compounds with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were obtained from the methanol partition of the aqueous extract. The study concludes that the blood glucose-lowering effect of K. senegalensis is partly mediated by inhibiting the α-glucosidase activity in the intestine.
Comparative evaluation of physicochemical, phytochemical and FTIR analysis of pure and leached ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Dinawa Abdulhamid M. , Hamza Aisha , Uba Ahmad , Hassan Lawal G. , Biambo Aminu A.
Published: December 2024

The emerging global significance and faster rate of increase in interest on herbal drugs for treating various illnesses cannot be underestimated. This research is aimed to evaluate physicochemical, phytochemical and FT-IR spectroscopy to identify leached ginger with pure ginger. The physicochemical parameters were determined using standard analytical methods, phytochemical screening was determined using standard method and the FT-IR analysis was conducted using an agilent microlab 4000 (Agilent Technology). The results shows that fat contents is 3.97% and 0.00%, moisture contents 11.40% and 2.40%, ash value 8.20% and 2.50% and acid-insoluble ash 11.30% and 2.20%. Moisture contents, ash value and acid-insoluble ash of leached ginger suggested some level of adulteration, and that of pure ginger were found to be of acceptable limits for powdered medicinal plants prescribed by European pharmacopoeia. The results also revealed the presence of phytochemicals tested in pure ginger but only flavonoids and alkaloids were present in the leached ginger. The results of FT-IR revealed different characteristic peak values with various functional compounds such as alcohols, alkanes, carbonyl, and aromatic ring. The research has suggested that, the result of physicochemical and phytochemical analysis indicated that pure ginger is a good source of micronutrients and it could be useful in medicinal herb.
Photon attenuation properties of samarium-doped zinc bismuth silicate glass: A study using Cs-137, Co-60, and Na-22 Radiation Sources
Authors: Iliyasu Usman , Bature Mukhtar , Umar Muttaka , Abubakar Usman , Shehu Anas
Published: December 2024

The photon attenuation properties of the samarium-doped zinc bismuth silicate (ZBSS) glass series were investigated, revealing a strong composition-dependent behavior. The ZBSS10 sample, with the highest Bi2O3 content, demonstrated the highest linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of 2.829 cm-1 at 0.284 MeV. However, the LAC decreases with increasing photon energy, as higher-energy photons penetrate deeper into the glass. The Mean Free Path (MFP) increases as Bi2O3 content decreases, allowing photons to travel farther before interaction with atoms. At 0.284 MeV, ZBSS10 (0.931 wt% Bi2O3) had the shortest MFP of 0.353 cm, while ZBSS50 (0.741 wt% of Bi2O3) had MFP of 0.455 cm, representing a 28.9% increase. The elastic moduli enhanced with increasing SiO2 levels, and Poisson's ratio showed a significant increase with rising SiO2 content, indicating an improved mechanical property. The sample ZBSS50, with the highest SiO2 level, shows an enhanced fast neutron effective removal cross-section, surpassing other samples in the series. Both ZBSS10 and ZBSS50 provide excellent photon and neutron shielding, making them superior to some standard shielding materials and ideal for radiation protection applications.
Assessing the determinants of rural energy transition in Cameroon
Authors: Nguiffo J.S. , Etoa E.B.
Published: December 2024

The demand of energy in rural Cameroon has been mainly met by traditional energy sources despite the availability of health and environmentally friendly clean energy options internationally. This study empirically analyses the determinants of the rural energy transition in Cameroon. The data used in this study come from the National Institute of Statistics (INS), namely ECAM (Enquête Camerounaise auprès des ménages) 3 and 4, and we therefore first resorted to the Markov Transition Matrix in order to estimate the probabilities of transition between the different states of energy well-being, and secondly to an ordered logistic regression in order to highlight the determinants of these different transitions. The results show us firstly that there is a strong transition between the states of energy well-being (the rate of sedentarization for the period 2007-2014 is 32.97%). The positive transition rate is 55.43%, while the negative transition rate is 11.6%. We can therefore conclude that there were more positive transitions than negative transitions. Secondly, it shows that the energy transition of rural households in Cameroon is linked to the characteristics of the household, the quality of service, the status of housing, the initial situation of the household, and finally the level of household income. Based on these results, we recommended Cameroonian Government to bring electricity production and distribution points closer to rural populations through a decentralized approach, and to ensure the good quality of energy services offered by the national operator.
Legal frameworks for the implementation of electronic governance in Nigeria and matters arising
Authors: Okeji S.M , Adedoyin-Raji J.O. , Isa Y.I.
Published: December 2024

The increasing use of the Internet has accelerated this widening of the scope of privacy to the protection of private information as well. The exponential growth of electronic usage in global transactions has created new challenges to existing laws. Some of the legal solutions still lag, because of the unique complexities attached to e-activities. Electronic evidence is subject to the same evidentiary rigours as its paper –based counterpart. Electronic evidence as with other evidence, must be both material and relevant to the issues as defined by pleadings, must not be subject to any other exclusionary rule and must be ultimately possess greater probative value than prejudicial effect to be received. There exists no legislation on electronic signature in Nigeria which is vital for authentication of electronic evidence or digital evidence to determine its genuineness and reliability. The paper examined the implementation of electronic governance in Nigeria thus the issues arising therefrom towards an improved e-governance system. The paper relied on doctrinal analytical method of research by which primary sources of enabling legislations were consulted and relevant secondary materials /treaties for ease of comparison. There exists inadequate legislation that will boost the confidence of the citizenry on implementation and integrity of the system because of these inadequacies. It is in this light the paper concludes that tackling the obstacles to e-governance adoption is key to the citizen centric quality service delivery. The paper recommends a strengthened and gazette critical information infrastructure, enactment of digital signature law, forensic/digital laboratory, and establishment of National Data bank.
Assessment of barriers and strategies to sustainable property management in Jos, Plateau State
Authors: Sakariyau J.K. , Ayuba B. , Abdulkareem S.Y. , Agboola S.A. , Dauda M.K. , Jegede V.O.
Published: December 2024

The global emphasis on ensuring sustainability across all industries will inevitably have an impact on the real estate sector. This study examines the state of sustainable property management practices in Nigeria, with a focus on the strategies and challenges encountered by property managers in Jos, Plateau State. This study looks at the methods and challenges of sustainable property management in Jos, Nigeria, by distributing a structured questionnaire to 20 estate surveying and valuation companies. Of the responses, 19 were helpful. Purposive sampling is used in this study, which focuses on registered companies in the Jos branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. Binary Logistic and descriptive statistics were employed in the data analysis to gauge the perceived importance of the variables affecting sustainable practices. The findings indicate that technological expertise (mean value 4.05) and economic stability (mean ranking 4.26) were two major barriers to sustainable property management in the study area. Important sustainability strategies like increasing waste recycling and reducing water waste are highlighted in the study. The logistic model explains about 50% of the cases of no barriers on sustainable property management practices, 72.7% for its significance effect, and it correctly classifies 63.2% of the included cases. Major barriers to sustainable property management (SPM) were found by the binary logistic regression to be sustainable building design, financial constraint and lack of awareness. Promoting sustainable management in the real estate industry requires addressing these issues with focused interventions, like financing and training.
Assessment of BIM-based maintenance management practices in Lagos State Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Salisu H. , Faremi O. , Adenuga O. , Odeniran O. , Soneye O. , Shodiya A.
Published: December 2024

Tertiary institutions, with their extensive building portfolios, face unique challenges in managing maintenance operations effectively. BIM technology serves as a central repository of building information, consolidating data on design, construction, and operation, thereby revolutionizing traditional maintenance practices. This study assessed the state of Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based maintenance management practices of higher education institution buildings in Lagos State focusing on maintenance staff perspectives in public universities. The research evaluates the level of usage of BIM-based maintenance practices and recommend strategies to enhance BIM integration in maintenance. Targeting federal and state-owned universities in Lagos State, the study employs a quantitative approach, gathering data through structured questionnaires distributed via purposive sampling. Responses from two hundred and ninety-six (296) maintenance technical staff were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that preparation of maintenance codes that regulate minimum safety requirements for facility maintenance (RUI –0.52; RK -1), basic sketches and notes for maintenance works of building elements (RUI – 0.51; RK – 2), producebasic digital drawings of building elements not generated from 3d dimensions (RUI -0.50; RK -3) were ranked high in the level of usage of BIM. The study concludes that many of the institutions have high awareness of BIM, its implementation in maintenance is limited, underscoring the need for policy advancements to strengthen maintenance management quality and optimize facility maintenance management system. It is recommended that the management of the university should invest on training of maintenance staff in BIM software tools for improved and efficient facility and maintenance management of institution buildings.
Impact of slum growth on climatic elements in Kuje Urban Area, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Authors: Ishaya S. , Yusuf S. , Tochukwu I.
Published: December 2024

This study assessed slum growth and its impact on climatic elements in Kuje urban area of Nigeria. Multi-criteria and quantitative research design were adopted in this study. This study adopted the supervised classification method that uses the spectral signatures obtained from training samples to classify an image. With the aid of ground truth, a signature file was created by training samples cells, which was used for the multivariate classification tools to classify the image. The climatic data were subjected to time series analysis, coefficient of determination (R2) was carried out from the trend line equations. One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Test was used to test variation of climatic elements from the land use/land cover in Kuje urban slum over study period. Between 2012-2022 agricultural land use, bare surfaces and vegetal land cover were loss to urban slums. Bare surface and built up area had the highest temperature values compared to that from vegetal cover and agricultural land uses. Relative humidity is higher on vegetal covered areas and agricultural land used areas and slum growth negatively affects relative humidity in the Kuje slum area. There is less difference in the mean values of surface soil moisture over the land use/land cover but the soil moisture is higher in vegetated area and agricultural land use area but lower at built up slum areas and bare surfaces with a significance rise over study period of 2002 to 2022. ANOVA result shows that earth's surface temperature is not significantly different across the four land uses. It was recommended that slum need to be incorporated into Kuje urban area planning through gentrification of buildings since demolition is not an option due to large concentration of indigenous people within the slum.
Sustainable development of cement-bonded boards: evaluating physico-mechanical properties of waste paper and bagasse composites
Authors: Ogunsuyi J.A. , Ajayi B. , Ogunrinde Y. , Olonisakin K.
Published: December 2024

The overexploitation of forest resources for construction purposes has led to the utilization of waste materials for recycled composites. This study examined the sustainable development of Cement Bonded Board from bagasse and waste paper. Three levels of mixing ratios (MR) 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1, were used for this study. Particles from these wastes were milled, pre-treated, and dried, after which they were weighed and put in polythene. Particles were mixed with a mixing machine and the mould was spread on plates which have been previously covered with polythene sheets. The plate is then transferred to the wooden press to press at a pressure of 1.23N/mm2. After pressing for 24 hours, the mould plate is removed from the press and mould and allowed to set for 28 days. Boards produced were cut into test samples. Test were done according to ASTM D 1037-06a and ASTM D 7519-11. The results showed that MOE and MOR increased with an increase in MR. For paper, the MOE recorded showed that 4:1 has the highest value of 4154.97 N/mm2 and 2:1 with the lowest value of 2173.93 N/mm2 while for MOR 4:1 also has a value of 4.74 N/mm2 and 2:1 has the lowest value of 9.07 N/mm2. For bagasse, the MOE recorded showed 4:1/486.06 N/mm2 and 2:1/271.53 N/mm2 while for MOR 4:1/ 2.05 N/mm2 and 2:1/ 0.82 N/mm2. However, TS and WA had an inverse relationship MR for bagasse (2:1/ 6.11 %, 4:1/4.8 %) while for paper TS (2:1/2.24 %, 4:1/1.75 %). WA for bagasse (4:1 /28.30 %, 2:1/ 35.56 %) while for paper (4:1 /25.60 %, 2:1/ 39.02 %). The strongest and most dimensionally stable boards were produced at the highest mixing ratio of bagasse and paper. These two waste materials can be utilized in the production of sustainable materials that can be used in eco-friendly construction.
Influence of sulphate attack on compressive strength of millet husk ash as an alternative to silica fume in internally cured high performance concrete
Authors: Onogwu C.M. , Bukar A. , Magaji A.
Published: December 2024

Due to the difficulties in maintaining failing concrete structures built with normal concrete (NC), high-performance concrete (HPC), which is extremely dense and has a low water-binder content, has been developed. However, it has been observed that inadequate internal curing in HPC can lead to autogenous shrinkage and micro-cracking. Previous research has indicated that internal curing (IC) agents, such as pre-saturated lightweight aggregate (LWA) and superabsorbent polymers (SAP), are frequently used to address this issue. It is also noteworthy that the production of HPC necessitates the use of additional supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), particularly silica fume, which is not easily accessible in Nigeria or other Sub-Saharan African countries. This article presents the report of an effort to replace silica fume in HPC with millet husk ash (MHA) as a SCM material. The HPC specimens produced was internally cured with pre-soaked pumice as LWA and SAP respectively, with the view to establish the effectiveness of MHA for production of HPC. The results of 28, 56 and 90 days for concrete specimen immersed in ordinary water and in 5% of MgSO4 for C55/67 HPC mixtures for 100 mm concrete cubes having 7.5% silica fume content is compared with MHA based HPC of varied MHA contents of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 15%).The results reveal 2.5%MHA performed best when compare with the control (i.e 7.5%SF) in resisting 5% MgSO4 attack with a strength loss factor of 1.89, 1.81 and 1.31% at 28, 56 and 90 days of age and was recommended for use as SCM and IC-agent in HPC.
Assessing dimensions of resilient safety culture in construction firms in Abuja
Authors: Shehu I.U. , Bala K. , Aliyu S.S. , Muhammad S. , Kado D.
Published: December 2024

A resilient safety culture e involves continuous improvements in safety performance and the ability to foresee and anticipate the changing nature of safety risks in complex sociotechnical systems. This study aims to assess the dimensions of resilient safety culture (RSC) in Nigerian construction firms. A total of 132 questionnaires were distributed to medium and large construction firms within Abuja metropolis. The study found that construction firms in the area studied have implemented eight ( 8) safety practices each for psychological resilience and behavioural resilience. The implementation of these safety practices showcases the construction firms’ commitment to enhancing both the mental well well-being of employees and the behavioural aspects that contribute to overall safety. Additionally, nine ( 9) safety practices have been implemented for managerial resilience, emphasising the critical role of top management in fostering a resilient safety culture. These findings collectively suggest that the construction firms are actively striving  to foster a resilient safety culture throughout their organisations. Based on these findings, the study recommends that construction firms can define, assess, and enhance their RSC by implementimplementing psychological, behavioural and managerial resilience framework . The assessment of these three dimensions suggests that maintaining consistently high safety performance in  construction firms requires addressing not only project-specific hazards but also unexpected events, such as human error and unforeseen hazardous situations. The outcomes of this research contribute to  construction safety management knowledge by advancing a theoretical foundation and empirical basis for defining and assessing resilient safety culture within the construction firms.
Effects of standard fish processing practices on livelihood status of fish processors in Lagos and Osun States
Authors: Olaitan T.R. , Adefalu L.L. , Jimoh W.A. , Aderele S.A. , Adeoti J.T. , Adeoti V.I.
Published: December 2024

Notwithstanding the advantages that go with utilization of improved fish processing technologies and practices, many fish processors still do not use the improved technologies optimally. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Standard Fish Processing Practices (SFPP) on the livelihood status of fish processors in Lagos and Osun States. Users and non-users of SFPP were sampled in Lagos and Osun States. Sampling of users involved a random selection of 70% from the trained 150 fish processors per state to give a sample size of 105 respondents per state and 210 users for the two states, while snowballing technique was employed to select 150 non-users per state and 300 non-users for the two states to give a total sample size of 510 respondents for the study. Data used for this study were collected through an interview schedule and analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, and T-test. The findings of the study revealed that; higher proportion of SFPP users and non-users were female (67.1%) and (68.3%) respectively. Majority (74.3%) of SFPP users had a high livelihood status whereas above average (56%) of non-users revealed a low livelihood status. There was a positive significant difference (p<0.05) in the livelihoods of users and non-users of SFPP. The study concluded that the usage of SFPP has significantly improved the livelihood status of fish processors in Lagos and Osun states, Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that efforts should be intensified by agricultural extension organizations to increase dissemination of SFPP among non-users in Nigeria.