bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lignocaine in femoral nerve block to position fracture femur patients for central neuraxial blockade in Indian population
Authors: Seth Manik , Kohli Santvana , Dayal Madhu , Choudhury Arin
Published: May 2024

Background: Patients with a fractured femur experience intense pain during positioning for neuraxial block for definitive surgery. Femoral nerve block (FNB) is therefore often given prior to positioning for analgesia. In our study, we compare the onset and quality of block of 0.25% bupivacaine, 0.5% ropivacaine and 1.5% lignocaine for FNB in fracture femur patients.Methods: Seventy-five adult femur fracture patients were equally and randomly divided into three groups to receive 15 ml of either 0.25% bupivacaine (group B), 0.5% ropivacaine (group R), or 1.5% lignocaine (group L) for FNB prior to positioning for neuraxial blockade. Onset and quality of block were assessed, as well as improvement in visual analog scale (VAS) score, ease of positioning, and patient satisfaction. Results: Percentage decrease in VAS was found to be highest in group R (82.8%) followed by groups L and B. Time to achieve a VAS of less than 4 was found to be 26.2±2.4 minutes in group B, 8.5±1.9 minutes in group R, and 4.1±0.7 minutes in group L (P<0.001). In group B, 12 patients required additional fentanyl to achieve a VAS <4. Patient positioning was reported to be satisfactory in all patients in group R and L, while in B it was satisfactory in 13 (52%) patients only. Patient acceptance of FNB was 100% in group R and L, but only 64% in group B.Conclusions: Based on our findings, 0.5% ropivacaine is a favorable choice for FNB due to early onset, ability to yield a good quality block, and good safety profile.
More than to the west, islamic terrorism and Islamism is of immense threat to Africa
Authors: Theophilus Makama Funom
Published: May 2024

There are already many academic papers on terrorism in Africa, the dynamics of terror and how this has affected the political and socioeconomic structure of African societies. The aim of this review, therefore, is to see the terror threats from Islamism and Islamic extremism from the lens of their anti-western and anti-American ideologies and activities. Since Africa is heavily influenced by western cultures, values and lifestyle, it will always be a target locus for international terror groups to settle and operate. The west African  region and the Sahel geographic area of Africa have particularly been of interests to these terror groups of late and their increasing activities in these regions is worrisome. If not checked and urgently addressed, it will grow to be a difficult monster to stop. Therefore, the researcher will go through the dynamics of their operations from ideology to attack tactics from Al-Qaeda ideological and political legacies to radicalization, relating each of these to the practicality of Islamic terrorism to African societies. After which recommendations will be given which include data mining in counterterrorism to detect unusual patterns, fraudulent behaviours and typical radical characteristics as highlighted in this  study. Also whistle blowing and integration strategies are essential to establish and strengthen diverse but thriving heterogenous African communities to avoid divisions, sectionalism and the dangers of extremism that usually lead to terrorism.
Consumers’ willingness to pay for quail eggs in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ayodeji O.O. , Oni T.S. , Afolayan S.O. , Akinyinka S.O. , Akintobi H.I.
Published: May 2024

Rising demand for animal protein has necessitated the need to establish additional sources of protein. However, poultry products such as quail eggs or its meat, offer excellent nutritional benefits compared to chicken eggs. The study investigated consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for quail eggs in Ogun State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain information from 200 consumers through a wellstructure questionnaire. The analytical techniques used were descriptive statistics, double-bounded dichotomous choice model and ordered logit regression. Findings revealed that majority (67.7%) of the respondents were willing to pay more for quail eggs with a mean willingness to pay (MWTP) of ₦3,141.50 per crate of quail eggs. Factors such as awareness of quail eggs nutritional benefits (p < 0.05), sex (p < 0.10), marital status (p < 0.05), age (p < 0.01), years of education (p < 0.05), household size (p < 0.01) and income (p < 0.05) significantly influenced WTP. The study concluded that a significant proportion of the respondents were willing to pay an extra amount for quail eggs in order to maintain a healthy life. Therefore, the study recommends that raising public awareness about the nutritional benefits of quail eggs would encourage people to diversify their protein sources and consume more of quail eggs.
Agronomic performance of maize of contrasting maturities at varying rates of nitrogen fertilizer application in a tropical rainforest agroecology
Authors: Aigbe U.D. , Ewansiha S.U. , Osaigbovo A.U. , Meseka S.
Published: May 2024

The agronomic response of maize (Zea mays L.) to nitrogen (N) fertilizer depends on the cultivation conditions. However, there is a knowledge gap on the optimal rates of N fertilizer application for cultivars with different days to maturities in the tropical rainforest agroecology. Field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Benin, Benin City, which lies in the tropical rainforest of Nigeria in 2019 and 2020, to evaluate the agronomic performance of maize of contrasting maturities at varying rates of nitrogen fertilizer application. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot fitted into a randomized complete block design having three replications. The main plot treatment was N rate (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha–1) and sub plot treatment was maize variety (extra-early maturing (TZEE-Y POP STR C4); early maturing (2008 DTMA-Y STR); intermediate maturing (BR. 9928 DWRSR) and late maturing (TZL COMP.4 C4). Results showed non-significant N rate × variety interactions for measured traits except 1000-seed weight. However, optimum grain yield was achieved at 60 kg N ha–1 beyond which rate, additional N did not cause any significant increase, suggesting that application of N above this optimum rate to maize plants may result in fertilizer wastage. The intermediate and late maturing varieties out-yielded the extra-early and early maturing varieties, indicating better utilization of available N. Therefore, in the rainforest agro-ecology, intermediate and late maturing maize varieties should be grown at 60 kg N ha–1 for optimum yield.
The efficacy of selected local pesticides in prevention of leaf damage and improvement of yield in Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis L. (Chinese cabbage)
Authors: Mganga Nyatwere D. , Sanga Robin E.
Published: May 2024

Vegetable constitutes a healthy diet which is rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. However, production of vegetable is currently hindered  by several factors including pest infestation/pathogen infection. Pests and pathogens affect vegetable by interfering with growth and  yield. The impacts may be manifested in holes on leaves or reduced numbers of leaves that subsequently affect the yield. To overcome  problems associated with pests and/or pathogens synthetic pesticides are widely used. However, synthetic pesticides are blamed to be  costful and environmentally unfriendly. As a result vegetable growers in many countries have decided to rely on local pesticides in  attempt to improve growth and yield of crops. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a mixture of wood ash and soil, cow urine,  pawpaw seeds, chilli fruits and neem leaves for growing Chinese cabbage which is widely consumed in Tanzania. Standard methods were  used to prepare extracts of the aforementioned local materials and later on sprayed on growing Chinese cabbage. Normal water was  used for control plots. The results of One Way ANOVA revealed significant difference in leaf damage and yield of Chinese cabbage (p <  0.05). The order of increasing effectiveness of the local materials in protecting leaves of Chinese cabbage was: mixture of wood ash and soil > cow urine > pawpaw seeds > chilli fruits > neem leaves > control. A similar trend was obtained for improvement of yield of Chinese  cabbage. Intactness of leaves and improved yield of Chinese cabbage can be attained by spraying a mixture of wood ash and soil, and  cow urine. Further studies are recommended on the efficacy of the studied local materials in other horticultural crops. Also isolation of  active compounds in mixture of wood ash and soil, and cow urine for development of cheap and environmentally friendly pesticide is  recommended.
Affordable cost techniques for growing edible mushrooms
Authors: Washa Washa Bugalama
Published: May 2024

Mushrooms are nutritious foods with medicinal value. Cultivation of mushrooms is hindered by poverty in Tanzania communities. A study  to establish mushroom cultivation techniques at affordable cost was conducted at Kinyerezi Dare s Salaam Tanzania in 2022. Three  replicate comprising greenhouse setup and substrate ratios comprising saw dust, banana leaves, grain chaff, lime and sugar were  established and tested their production ability. Substrates were packaged in 100 bags of 2 kg each in their respective ratios  30:30:15:15:15, 25:25:10:10:10 and 20:20;5:5:5 where mushroom spores were inoculated and sparingly watered for 30 days to allow  germination. Mushrooms were harvested twice a week for three months to record germination number and percentage. Data were  analysed using SPSS version 16 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Obtained data were summarized into tables for interpretation  and discussion. Woody greenhouse of palm frond created the most optimal conditions for mushroom growth which were 75% humidity,  250C and 7.5 pH. Substrate combination in a ratio of 20:20:5:5:5 with additional of extra 2 kg sugar produced highest germination  percentage and number which were 17% and 172.8 respectively and indicated a significant difference between trials in germination  percentage P=0.002248, df=2 but not significantly different in germination number P=0.25246, df=2. It was concluded that, edible  mushroom can be grown at an affordable cost using woody greenhouse which influence optimal growth conditions, but also researchers  on future should think on using constant substrate ratio while assessing the others to see if can alter germination number and  percentage. It was recommended to the community to acquare the techniques so as to produce mushroom for health and economy.
Fab labs and digital manufacturing in Cameroon - Minimising work accidents through JSA and AS/NZS 4360:2004 standard
Authors: Tsapi K.T. , Kuiate G.F. , Fotsing B.D. Soh
Published: May 2024

The democratization of industrial processes, fueled by the proliferation of fabrication laboratories (Fab Labs), is gradually paving the way  for the accelerated development of the use of advanced manufacturing technologies in African countries. However, a comprehensive  study that provides a holistic view of the contributions of the Fab Labs in Cameroon is lacking. Therefore, this paper presents a critical  analysis of the state of Fab Labsdevelopment in Cameroon.A case study was used to analyze the occupational health and safety (OHS)  risks at the laser cutting and milling operator workstations at XYZ Fabby using the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to identify hazards and the AS/ NZS 4360:2004 standardto calculate the risk score.The results showed that the Fab Lab ecosystem in Cameroon consists of 10 active labs,  with universities hosting 40% and private companies and social enterprises hosting 60%. Through their various activities, these Fab Labs  collectively empower user communities and bridge the digital divide, enabling economic and industrial development through innovative  projects and better access to cross-cutting science, technology and engineering practices. The results of the risk analysis showed that the  risk level of each hazardous activity of the laser cutter operator workstation consisted of two levels, i.e., substantial with 75.0% and acceptable with 25.0%. Meanwhile, the risk level of the milling machine operator workstation consisted of three risk levels, i.e., acceptable  with 69.2%, priority 3 with 7.7% and substantial with 23.1%. Recommendations were made to reduce or eliminate the effects  of hazards associated with machine use, such as proper training and adherence to clear safety policies and procedures to be  implemented.University-industry partnerships were recommended to strengthen and expand the number of Fab Labs in Cameroon,  promote rapid prototyping, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship from universities.
Adsorption and Kinetic Studies for Removal of Fluoride in Aqueous System by Activated Carbon Produced from Lemon Peels
Authors: Amaibi P. M. , Egong J. F. , Iwe C. R. , Obunwo C. C.
Published: May 2024

Globally, fluoride contamination in drinking water has been a major environmental problem, imposing severe threat to human health through various disease conditions. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to investigate the adsorption and kinetic studies for the removal of fluoride in aqueous system by activated carbon produced from lemon peels using appropriate standard procedures. Adsorptive efficiency of the lemon peel powder for fluoride ions in water was 94.90% at an optimum contact time of 100 minutes. The fluoride ions removal efficiency of the activated carbon was considered favourable and the data fitted-well to Langmuir and isothermal model with the regression coefficients (R2) of 0.992 respectively. The adsorption capacity was 0.02 mg/g. From this study, the defluoridation occurs through a chemisorption process when the adsorbent adsorbed fluoride ion from water. The adsorption kinetics studies were best described by pseudo-second order kinetics; the result obtained suggests an endothermic process with a strong regression coefficient (R2) of 0.998. The adsorbent used exhibited an excellent adsorption capacity due to its internal pore size, wide surface area and chemical nature. These findings reveal that lemon peel powder has the potential to effectively remove fluoride ions from aqueous solution and can be used to provide safe drinking-water.
Prevalence and Distribution of Falciparum malaria in Orita Obele and Gbogi Communities of Akure, South-western Nigeria
Authors: Awosolu O. B. , Oluokun D. I.
Published: May 2024

Malaria is a devastating parasitic disease across the world particularly in Nigeria. This study investigates the prevalence and distribution of falciparum malaria in Orita Obele and Gbogi communities of Akure, Southwestern Nigeria. Standard parasitological method of thick and thin smear was employed and the malaria parasites were identified through microscopy. Overall prevalence of 171 (57.0%) was recorded. Sex related prevalence showed that more males were infected with 79 (60.8%) than females with 98 (57.6%). The differences in prevalence between males and females was significant (P<0.05). Individuals within the age group of less than 10 had the highest rate of infection 38 (76.0%) while individuals within the age group of 51 to 60 had the least rate of infection 10 (37.0). Furthermore, Orita Obele had a higher malaria prevalence (58.6%) compared to Gbogi (53.9%). Conclusively, there is need for sustainable interventions and awareness campaign among the residents of Orita Obele and Gbogi in order to enhance reduction of malaria parasite to the desired zero level.
Review Assessment of Current Status, Challenges, Opportunities, and Implications of Liquified Natural Gas Supply Infrastructure Development in the Nigerian Maritime Sector
Authors: Osuji J. N. , Agbakwuru J.
Published: May 2024

The maritime sector in Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the country's economic growth and trade activities. As part of Nigeria's commitment to clean energy and sustainable development, the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply infrastructure has emerged as a critical component of the nation's energy and transportation strategy. This article reviews an assessment of the current status, challenges, opportunities, and implications of liquified natural gas supply infrastructure development in Nigeria's maritime sector by qualitatively harvesting secondary data from several sources. The paper recommends the provision of LNG bunkering facilities at Lekki deep seaport.
Measurement and Comparison of Total Electron Content for Assessment of Ionospheric Models during April 7, 2000 Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Kayode Y. O. , Ajose A. S. , Onori E. O. , Alomaja A. J. , Offor P. C. , Okedeyi S. A. , Ikuemonisan F. E. , Fakunle A. O. , Adeniji-Adele A. R. , Adegbola R. B.
Published: May 2024

Ionospheric modelling is a major approach to predicting the behavior of the ionosphere particularly in regions where Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are not readily available. Hence, the objective of this paper is to measure and compare Total Electron Content (TEC) for Assessment of Ionospheric Models during April 7, 2000 Geomagnetic Storms. Measured Total Electron Content (TEC) from experimental records (April 5 - 9, 2000) were compared with those predicted by the improved versions of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2012 and IRI-Plas2015) and the NeQuick models. The mean values of TEC in five days of the months were plotted against the hours of the same day and the root mean square error of the models which shows their deviations from the GPS data were used to observe the diurnal variations in TEC and the performances of the ionospheric models respectively. The data obtained confirmed that TEC has their highest values during the midnight period and lowest values during the sunset period at the Australian stations and we also confirmed that European stations had their highest TEC values during the daytime and their lowest values during the night time. We affirmed that the North American station in USA had its highest TEC values during the night time and lowest values during day time. The Asian station had its highest TEC values during the day time and lowest values during the midnight period. However, NeQuick, IRIPlas2015, and NeQ-IRI produced better estimate of TEC than the IRI-2001 and IRI-2001COR at all locations during the phases of the geomagnetic storm.
Use of Geographic Information System for Selection of Sustainable Waste Disposal Site in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ahuchaogu U. E. , Duru U. U. , Okoroji A. C.
Published: May 2024

One of fundamental problem in waste management is to identify suitable locations for refuse dump. This is because it requires integration of numerous economic and environmental factors. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to use Geographic Information System (GIS) for the selection of sustainable waste disposal site in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria. Data used include shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM DEM) data of 3 arc seconds, LANDSAT satellite data of 30m resolution, geological data, google earth satellite imagery, administrative map of the study area and ground control point (GCP) collected by ground point survey (GPS). These datasets were populated in ArcGIS 10.5 window and harmonized in a common coordinate system. Six factors which include nearness to river and road, settlement, land use, slope and elevation were considered as waste dump siting constrains. These factors were weighted, reclassified and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS over lay analysis were combined in selecting optimal and sustainable waste dumping locations. The results of the study are categorized into highly suitable, suitable, moderately suitable and unsuitable. Field observations also confirmed suitability of the selected sites. The highly suitable locations are those that possess the optimal quality and characteristics for sustainable waste disposal while the suitable sites can be kept as back up for future use.
Maintenance Culture and Socio Economic Development in Enugu State Nigeria
Authors: Udechukwu Ishiwu Mascus , Okwueze Osondu Felicia , Udenta O. Jude , Eze Chukwukadibia Chimauzom
Published: May 2024

Maintenance culture refers to the act of regularly or promptly carrying out intermittent checks and repairs on assets or infrastructures to  allow the facility to be sustained over a considerable period. Hence, the broad objective of this study was to investigate how maintenance culture affects socioeconomic development in Enugu state. The study adopted the descriptive research design and survey method for  data collection. The population of the study was 278. The study adopted census study because the population is manageable. The  instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Hypotheses were tested using t-test. The result revealed that the nature of  maintenance culture significantly affects positively the life span of facilities, and is highly impeded by corruption, poor patriotism; poor  budgetary allocation for maintenance etc. That maintenance culture has a significant positive effect on quality of lives and sustainable  development, ensuring optimum functioning of public facilities, fostering sustainable socioeconomic development, and creating a  conducive environment for residents and businesses. And that government maintenance policies and programmes do significantly affect  positively maintenance culture in Enugu state as it plays a pivotal role in shaping proactive maintenance culture. The study, therefore,  recommends that; Enugu state government should invest in training and empowering maintenance personnel through building technical  skills to enhance their ability to independently and effectively contribute to infrastructure upkeep; shun corrupt practices; and  increase maintenance budgetary allocation; both government and ministries should promote community/public involvement in  maintenance initiatives by encouraging citizens to take ownership of public space to foster a collective responsibility and thereby  contributing to sustained infrastructural optimum performance and sustainable development; and that Enugu State, should fortify  maintenance policies, ensuring clarity, enforcement strategies, and public awareness with a clear guideline to instil a sense of  responsibility, fostering a proactive maintenance culture among the residents and government in the state.
209 Understanding Perceptions of Climate Stressors and Mitigation Measures Employed by Women Seaweed Farmers in South District of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Authors: Kalumanga Venance E.
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to understand the perceptions of women seaweed farmers on climate stressors and mitigation measures  employed to moderate them. The study was carried out in two villages found along the coast in the south district of Unguja Island (Paje,  and Jambiani). The villages were chosen because they have the majority of women who engage in seaweed farming. Surveys were  conducted to collect quantitative data whereas Focus group discussion and observation methods were employed to collect qualitative  data. A total number of 128 women seaweed farmers were used as the sampling frame in the study. Results revealed that seaweed is  widely practiced by the majority (87.5%) of married women with (54.7%) of them who had primary education, and (53.3%) of them aged  between 29-38 years old. In the same vein, the majority (58%) were aware of the climate stressors which impede seaweed production.  The common climate stressors that were reported were increasing seawater temperature (33%), high wind (27%), and irregular rainfall (20%), disease outbreak (ice-ice) 17%, and salinity (3%). The common mitigation strategies employed were; the adoption of deep water  farming (30%), improving farming facilities (22%), engaging in other income-generating activities (16%), increasing the frequency of  farming (12%), mobilizing men to engage on seaweed farming (9%), and decreasing farm size (5%). The government and other  stakeholders need to invest more in the highlighted mitigation measures for the sake of improving seaweed production. Investing more  in research and development of improved innovative interventions such as; adoption of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)  system to support the seaweed sector is of utmost importance in the economic development of Zanzibar and other coastal communities  in the country and the global.
Enhancing Women’s Livelihoods through Development Funds: Evidence from Babati District Council, Tanzania
Authors: Genda Elizabeth Lulu
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to assess the impact of Women Development Funds scheme on women's livelihood in Tanzania. A cross-sectional  research design was employed, and data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentary review from a sample of  85 respondents including, beneficiaries of women development fund loans and key informants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS  version 25, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated that women development funds significantly supported  the beneficiaries who obtained loans. These beneficiaries were engaged in various small businesses such as tailoring,  livestock keeping, and horticulture, leading to increased income and improved livelihoods. Notably the efforts and outcomes of women  who received loans from the women development funds contributed to attitudinal change among men, as they recognized women’s dual  role in household chores and their contribution to household livelihoods, challenging stereotypical gender roles. Despite these  positive outcomes, beneficiaries of the loan encountered challenges, including lengthy loan access times, insufficient loan amount,  limited entrepreneurship skills, and balancing household and businesses responsibilities. To enhance entrepreneurial success, it is  recommended that relevant government institutions increase the loan amount and grace period, provide entrepreneurial skills training,  and create a supportive business environment.
Association between choroidal thickness and interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaymaz Serdar , Savurmuş Nilüfer , Karasu Uğur , Kaya Hüseyin , Ufuk Furkan , Rüksan Ütebey Ayşe , Çobankara Veli , Yiğit Murat
Published: May 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls and to determine its relationship with RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).

Patients and methods: A total of 63 patients with RA and 36 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited in the cross-sectional study. Serological findings, Disease Activity Score-28, disease duration, and medical treatment of patients were recorded. Patients with RA were subdivided into two groups: patients with RA-ILD (Group 1) and patients with RA but without ILD (RA-noILD; Group 2). CTs were measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. CT was measured at five points: the subfoveal region, 750 μm nasal and temporal to the fovea, 1500 μm nasal and temporal to the fovea. Patients with RA-ILD were evaluated with delta high-resolution computed tomography (ΔHRCT) and pulmonary function test to determine the severity of interstitial lung disease.

Results: Four of 63 RA patients were excluded due to comorbidities. Thus, 59 RA patients, 20 in the RA-ILD group and 39 in the RA-noILD group, were included in the analyses. The RA groups were similar in terms of clinical characteristics and laboratory findings. There were statistically significant differences between Group 1, Group 2 and healthy controls (Group 3) compared to all CT values (p<0.05). The mean CT measured at 750 μm and 1500 μm nasal to the fovea was lowest in the RA-ILD group, followed by the RA-noILD and healthy groups (p<0.05). CT measurements did not correlate with the pulmonary function test and ΔHRCT.

Conclusion: RA-ILD patients had a thinner CT measured at nasal points. However, there was no association between CT measurements and the severity of ILD.
Secukinumab after first-line tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor therapy in psoriatic arthritis: A real-world retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ak Tumay , Mustafayeva Leyla , Yagiz Ayla Ali , Celik Yeliz , Can Gunay , Ugurlu Serdal
Published: May 2024

Objectives: This study compared the secukinumab treatment responses and adverse effects in psoriatic arthritis patients who received secukinumab as second-line with those that received secukinumab after two or more tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors.

Patients and methods: The retrospective study included 68 psoriatic arthritis patients followed up between October 2018 and October 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to their anti-TNF-α treatment history. Group 1 consisted of 29 patients (11 males, 18 females; mean age: 45.3±13.3 years; range, 21 to 69 years) who had previously received one anti-TNF-α agent, while Group 2 included 39 patients (18 males, 21 females; mean age: 46.4±13.0 years; range, 24 to 70 years) who had been treated with two or more anti-TNF-α agents. Treatment responses of the groups were measured and compared using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A posttreatment BASDAI score ≤4 was used as a criterion for remission.

Results: The mean duration of secukinumab treatment was 16.6±12.7 months for Group 1 and 16.0±11.6 months for Group 2 (p=0.84). Both groups responded significantly to secukinumab in terms of BASDAI and VAS scores (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Group 1 had a greater decline in BASDAI and VAS scores than Group 2 (p=0.045 and p=0.032, respectively). Furthermore, the remission rate was greater in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (58% vs. 34%, p=0.03). The adverse effects of secukinumab treatment were an allergic reaction in Group 1 and one case of ulcerative colitis in Group 2.

Conclusion: Second-line secukinumab treatment resulted in a greater decline in BASDAI and VAS scores. Moreover, secukinumab achieved a significantly higher rate of remission when it was used as second-line therapy after one anti-TNF-α agent.
Left ventricular systolic function assessed by standard and advanced echocardiographic techniques in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gegenava Maka , Kirtava Zviad , Kong William KF , Gegenava Tea
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Aim of the study was to perform a systemic review and meta-analysis of the current case-control studies based on the assessment of the left ventricular (LV) systolic function with standard and advanced echocardiographic methods.

Materials and methods: Objectives of the study, methods of statisticalanalysis, literature search strategy, inclusion andexclusion criteria, and outcome measurementswere defined according to Cochrane Collaborationsteps, 13 including recommendations for metaanalysisof observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE).

Results: A total of 850 papers were collected. Of those, eight papers (10 groups) including 174,442 SLE patients and 45,608,723 controls with heart failure (HF), 20 papers including 1,121 SLE patients and 1,010 controls with an evaluated LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and eight studies (nine groups) including 462 SLE patients and 356 controls with a measured LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) met the predefined inclusion criteria. HF rate in SLE patients was 2.39% (4,176 of 174,442 patients with HF), and SLE patients showed a 3.4 times higher risk for HF compared to controls. SLE patients had a lower LVEF compared to controls. LVGLS was more impaired in SLE patients compared to controls, irrespective of two-dimensional or three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

Conclusion: Heart failure rate in SLE patients is high, and SLE patients showed a 3.4 times higher risk in patients with SLE compared to controls. LV systolic function, as measured by LVEF and LVGLS, is significantly affected in SLE patients, and LVGLS potentially represents a new tool for the early assessment of LV function.
An investigation of the relationship between Behçet’s disease and tenascin-C
Authors: Kaplan Haydar , Yalcin Kehribar Demet , Okuyucu Muhammed , Ozgen Metin
Published: May 2024

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate serum tenascin-C levels and its relationship with pathogenesis of Behçet’s disease (BD) with inflammatory processes.

Patients and methods: This prospective and analytical study included 34 BD patients (19 males, 15 females; mean age: 31.5±8.2 years; range, 18 to 48 years) who met the 2014 International Criteria for Behçet's Disease and had no comorbidities and 37 healthy volunteers (21 females, 16 males; mean age: 29.6±5.3 years; range, 21 to 45 years). Sex, age, age at diagnosis, clinical and laboratory data, medication use, and smoking history of the participants were recorded. Serum tenascin-C levels were measured using a commercially available tenascin-C enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age (p=0.262) and sex (p=0.287). Serum tenascin-C levels were significantly lower in the BD group (10,824±7,612 pg/mL) compared to the control group (27,574±14,533 pg/mL, p<0.001). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis performed for the diagnostic value of tenascin-C level in BD, the sensitivity was determined as 79.4% and the specificity as 82.5% (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed in tenascin-C levels in correlation with clinical characteristics, laboratory values, medication use, and smoking in the BD group.

Conclusion: In contrast to other chronic inflammatory diseases, lower levels of tenascin-C were observed in patients with BD than in the healthy individuals, which can be attributed to the absence of prolonged chronic inflammatory course in BD. The fact that tenascin-C levels are high in other rheumatic inflammatory diseases but low in BD may be useful in the differential diagnosis of BD.
Conocimientos sobre infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud y su prevención en estudiantes de una institución de Educación Superior en Cuenca
Authors: Valarezo Chicaiza Gabriela del Cisne , Criollo Cabrera Cesar Arturo , Burgueño Alcalde Francisca
Published: May 2024

El estudio se centró en el problema de las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud (IAAS), un desafío persistente en el ámbito de la salud pública que compromete la calidad de la atención y la seguridad del paciente. Frente a esto, el objetivo principal de la investigación fue evaluar el nivel de conocimientos sobre IAAS y su prevención entre los estudiantes de último semestre de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de una Institución de Educación Superior del Austro. Mediante una metodología cuantitativa, descriptiva y transversal, se administró un cuestionario validado a una muestra censal de 80 estudiantes, logrando recabar datos de 76 participantes. El principal hallazgo del estudio indicó que, si bien un 72.36% de los estudiantes demostraron una comprensión general aceptable sobre las IAAS, solo el 47.36% poseían conocimientos básicos sólidos sobre estas infecciones, y solo el 55.26% pasaron la sección de higiene de manos. Estos resultados sugieren deficiencias en áreas críticas de conocimiento que son fundamentales para la prevención efectiva de las IAAS en entornos de atención médica. La conclusión del estudio destaca la necesidad de reforzar la enseñanza de los fundamentos de las IAAS y las prácticas de higiene de manos en la formación de los profesionales de salud. Se subraya la importancia de revisar y adaptar los currículos educativos para mejorar la capacitación teórica y práctica en estas áreas clave.
Efecto del sector agropecuario en el crecimiento económico. Caso ecuatoriano
Authors: Landaburu Mendoza Jimmy Rafael , Guillin Llanos Ximena Minshely , Pulla Gómez Carlos Eduardo , Rodríguez Tubay Merly Lissette
Published: May 2024

El sector agrícola dentro del contexto económico ecuatoriano es uno de los más influyente en el país, así mismo, el mismo ha incidido en el crecimiento económico ecuatoriano generando ingresos económicos y plazas de trabajo. El presente trabajo de investigación indaga acerca de la relevancia para el crecimiento económicos ecuatoriano del sector agrícola planteándose el objetivo de analizar la evolución e interrelación del PIB agrícola, el número de empleados en el sector y el gasto agropecuario en el crecimiento económico. Para la exploración de los datos se prioriza una metodología de dos fases que consisten en un estudio descriptivo destinado a definir las características de las variables y en la elaboración de un modelo econométrico de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios que permita estimar efectos de las variables predictoras por sobre la variable independiente. Los principales resultados mostrados por el modelo planteado fueron que la variable PIB agrícola es la única variable significativa del modelo, dejando al número de empleados en el sector y el gasto agrícola como irrelevantes, además, a través de análisis de correlación de Spearman se encontró que la tendencia correlativa de las variables es positiva y tiende a ser muy significativa.
IDENTITY AND MEMORY IN THE EARLY SORROWS BY DANILO KIŠ (INTERPRETATIVE AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS)
Authors:   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Education, Serbia, STOJANOVIĆ Lola D.
Published: May 2024

Part of Kiš’s family trilogy, Early Sorrows (Rani jadi), will open a thread of interpretation in this work that will develop the motifs of memory, past, and identity. In the identity formation of Andreas Sam, the individual and collective past are intertwined in the traumatic and post-traumatic historical moment before, during, and after the Second World War. The focus of the work will be the interpretation of the temporal crack that exists in memory, that is, in the moment when Andreas himself remembers (his present) and the moments he remembers (his past), and this is connected anew by the process of storytelling, which finally leads to the identity constitution of the main character. In this way, individual memory is transformed into a cultural one whose carrier is a literary text that further ensures the functional memory of a society, which is most thoroughly realized in the teaching of literature. Andreas Sam’s identity self-writing produces and ensures the collective memory of readers in the encounter with the literary text.
VERBAL-VISUAL DISCOURSES OF PROBLEM PICTURE BOOKS DEALING WITH EMOTIONS
Authors:   University of Rijeka, Faculty of Teacher Education Rijeka, Croatia, VERDONIK Maja S. , SEREKI Marija Eliza R.
Published: May 2024

A picturebook is a multimodal work of art that a child encounters already in early childhood. The paper analyzes the problem picturebooks by the authors Tatjana Gjurković, Tea Knežević, and Jelena Brezovec, which thematize children’s challenges of dealing with emotions such as disappointment, guilt, shame, and humiliation. The aim is to determine which characteristics of this type of picturebook’s verbal and visual discourses help children overcome problems arising from the mentioned emotions. Narrative parts of picturebooks were analyzed concerning the narrative perspectives and the narrators’ roles in the verbal and visual discourses according to the narrative level and extent of participation in the story. The results of the analysis show that, in the verbal and visual discourses of the analyzed picturebooks, the stories are mediated by extradiegetic-heterodiegetic narrators, with zero focalization of narration applied. The naive illustration style prevails in the visual discourse of picturebooks, along with elements of comic style and the use of complementary colors on certain double spreads.
THE ETHNOPEDAGOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NATIVE LANGUAGE AS A SOCIOEDUCATIONAL CONTEXT OF INCLUSION
Authors: KADRIBAŠIĆ Šejla I.
Published: May 2024

The native language (“mother tongue”) as a special bond between a mother and a child is a significant indicator that empathy is present at the very core of language learning, whether it’s learning within the family environment or during schooling at all levels. As emotional competences are an integral part of ethnopedagogical determinants, and speech/language is considered the most important factor of folk pedagogy, the aim of this paper is to present it more comprehensively, to raise awareness of the importance of the native language for members of national minorities and to offer the possibility for using elements of traditional culture in the construction of modern multicultural curricula. Since national minorities are most often discussed from the perspective of legal science, we consider it necessary to contribute to this sensitive issue through ethnopedagogy. By applying qualitative methodology, we come to know about the importance of traditional culture for the mental and emotional development of national minorities’ children. The results show that folk literature is the most meritorious for preservation, nurturing, and transgenerational cultural transmission through the native language as the custodian of a nation’s overall culture.
Generalisation of Companion of Ostrowski’s Type Inequality Via Riemann-Liouville Fractional Integral for Mappings whose 1st Derivatives are Bounded with Applications
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Samarkand State University, Uzbekistan, MEHMOOD FARAZ , KHAN ASIF R. ,   Department of Mathematics, University of Karachi, Pakistan, SHAIKH MUHAMMAD AWAIS ,   Department of Mathematics, University of Karachi, Pakistan, ALOMARI MOHAMMAD W. ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, Jadara University, Jordan
Published: May 2024

We apply Riemann-Liouville fractional integral to get generalisation of companion of Ostrowski’s type integral inequality for diﬀerentiable mappings whose 1st derivatives are bounded. The present article recapture all results of M. W. Alomari’s article and also for one more article of diﬀerent authors. Applications are also deduced for numerical integration, probability theory and special means.
The Inner Aggregation Newton’s Method for Solving Nonlinear Equations
Authors:   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Serbia, Ralević Nebojša M. , Ćebic Dejan ,   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mining and Geology, Serbia, Iričanin Bratislav ,   University of Belgrade, School of Electrical Engineering, Serbia
Published: May 2024

This paper deals with the new variants of Newton’s method based on aggregation functions for finding simple real roots of nonlinear equations. Unlike some well-known two step modifications of Newton’s method based on various means, the presented methods use the same means in a different manner to achieve the third convergence order. A new general iterative scheme is analyzed in details and the theoretical results are verified on several test examples from real-life and literature.
Choreographies in the World of AI
Authors: Marx Laura
Published: May 2024

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is opening up new opportunities for the arts, including dance. Initially facilitating the practice of writing down dances, AI is now able to perform innovative choreographic tasks. Phenomenologists and technophilosophers have explored the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proliferation of this unpredictably fast-growing technology and have called for new ontological approaches, basing their AI philosophy on their knowledge and experience of real-world, corporeal dance, they have predicted the arrival of a new technogenetic era. This paper delves into these theories, providing a more detailed discussion of the innovative concept of technogenesis proposed by contemporary dance philosopher Erin Manning.
The Influence of Promotional Strategies on Sales of Household Appliances at the Hakasima Company, Lampung Branch 7
Authors: Pradita Resilia , Kusworo Ahmad Dzulfikri Budi
Published: May 2024

Hakasima is a cooking equipment and household appliance provider company that distributes products directly from Korea, Europe and China. Hakasima Lampung 7 is a subsidiary of PD Sinar Mas. A decrease in the number of sales in a certain period has an impact on sales targets. The main objective of this study to learn more about the impact of  promotional strategies on increasing sales on Hakasima Lampung 7. Using quantitative methods with 20 population sample and using Likert scale as data collection techniques with the scale of 1-5 points. Data processing with the SPSS 27 software and multiple linear regression testing. The findings indicate that Y = 1.093 + 0.191 (X1) + 0.563 (X2) promotional strategies and sales work well, and have positive impact. Particularly, promotional and sales strategies have a significant impact on total sales amount. Consider to  the f test = Fcount 24.258 ≥ 0.05%, it represents acceptance, which indicating that it has a significant impact. R Square final value shows 0.741 or 74.1%, indicates that the sales strategy carried out at the Hakasima Lampung 7  can be explained by  factors related to promotional and sales strategy variables, with the majority of the remaining  25.9% being impacted by any factor that is not addressed in this research.
Perkembangan Perseroan Terbatas Terbuka Setelah Berlakunya Undang-Undang Perseroan Terbatas dan Implementasi Undang-Undang No 28 Tahun 2004 Terhadap Hukum Perusahaan Suatu Yayasan
Authors: Solehah Siti Afifah , Dhifa Julyan Rian , Rachman Fachrur Rozi , Lukmana M. Raihan
Published: May 2024

Perkembangan Perseroan Terbatas Terbuka serta Implementasi Undang-Undang No 28 tahun 2004 tentang Yayasan memiliki dampak yang signifikan terhadap hukum perusahaan suatu yayasan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami pemahaman dan kesadaran pihak terkait terhadap Undang-Undang tersebut, efektivitas pengawasan dari pihak berwenang, serta tantangan yang dihadapi yayasan dalam mengimplementasikan ketentuan hukum tersebut. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan data meliputi wawancara, observasi, dan studi dokumen, dengan analisis data kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemahaman dan kesadaran terkait Undang-Undang tersebut masih perlu ditingkatkan, pengawasan dari pihak berwenang perlu diperkuat, dan yayasan menghadapi tantangan seperti keterbatasan sumber daya. Untuk mengatasi tantangan tersebut, kerja sama, peningkatan kapasitas, dan peningkatan transparansi diperlukan.