bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temozolomide and capecitabine regimen as first-line treatment in advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors at a Latin American reference center
Authors: Cruz-Diaz Wagner Eduardo , Paitan Victor , Medina Jersinho , Flores Raymundo , Haro-Varas Juan , Mantilla Raul , Castro-Oliden Victor 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND
Numerous studies have indicated that the temozolomide and capecitabine regimen (TEMCAP) exhibits a certain level of efficacy in treating advanced, well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET). However, published data from Peru are limited. We hypothesize that this regimen could be a viable therapeutic option for advanced GEP-NET in the Peruvian population.
AIM
To evaluate overall survival (OS) in patients diagnosed with advanced GEP-NET treated with TEMCAP at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN) in Lima-Perú.
METHODS
A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients with GEP-NEN treated with the TEMCAP regimen between 2011 and 2021 at the INEN. A total of thirty-eight patients were included in the final analysis: Thirty-five received TEMCAP as a first-line treatment, and three as a second-line treatment. The primary objective was to evaluate OS. The efficacy and safety of TEMCAP were assessed until the occurrence of unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Survival outcomes were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.
RESULTS
The median age of the patients was 52 years (range 24-77 years), and 53.3% were female. The most common symptoms at diagnosis were abdominal pain in 31 patients (81.6%). Primary tumors included 12 in the rectum (31.6%), 11 in the pancreas (28.9%), 3 in the ileum (7.9%), 2 in the mesentery (5.3%), 2 in the small intestine (5.3%), 1 in the appendix (2.6%), 1 in the stomach (2.6%) and 6 cases of liver metastasis of unknown primary (15.8%). Five were neuroendocrine tumors (NET) G1 (13.2%), 33 were NET G2 (86.8%), five had Ki67 < 3% (13.2%), and 33 had Ki67 between 3% and 20% (86.8%). TEMCAP was administered to 35 (92.1%) patients as first-line treatment. OS at 12, 36, and 60 months was estimated in 80%, 66%, and 42%, respectively, with a median OS of 49 months.
CONCLUSION
TEMCAP therapy is a viable first-line option regarding efficacy and tolerability in areas where standard therapy is inaccessible.
Sciatic nerve variations around the piriformis muscle and bifurcation level: An anatomical study
Authors: Habumuremyi S. , Kubwimana O. , Archibong V. , Gashegu J. 
Published: November 2024

Background: The ventral rami from the fourth lumbar to the third sacral spinal nerves form the Sciatic Nerve (SN). SN exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen at the inferior border of the Piriformis Muscle (PM), and then it bifurcates into the common fibular and tibial nerves in the popliteal fossa, however it may present different patterns.
Objectives: To identify the SN relation to the PM and the level of bifurcation.
Method: Twenty-two lower limbs were dissected to expose the SNs, then the SN position to the PM were studied, and then the levels of the SN bifurcation from the inferior border of the PM were measured and compared to the thigh lengths.
Results: SN patterns to PM were as follows: 4% were type B in which one component of the SN passed under the PM, while the other component passed through the piriformis muscle. Twenty three percent were type G in which the divided SN components pass under the PM, and 73% were type A in which the undivided SN passed under the PM. SN bifurcated at the following levels: 18% in pelvic region, 14% in the upper 1/3 of the thigh, and 4% in the middle 1/3 of the thigh. Two SN (9%) showed different patterns where one bifurcated in the pelvis, reunited in mid-thigh, and bifurcated again in the inferior 1/3 of the thigh. Another one bifurcated in the gluteal region at the inferior edge of the piriformis muscle, reunited in upper one third of the thigh, and then bifurcated again in popliteal fossae. The remaining 12 (55%) SN bifurcated in the popliteal fossae.
Conclusion: Knowledge of the variants of the SN is needed for the accuracy and the safety of the procedures in this area.
Factors associated with favourable short-term non-operative treatment outcomes among patients with degenerative cervical spine disease at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute
Authors: Mutagwaba M.C. , Itaru F.F. , Assey A.B. 
Published: November 2024

Background: Non-operative treatment of cervical degenerative spine disease involves pharmacotherapy and physical therapy. Favorable Short-term treatment outcomes include pain reduction and sensory-motor recovery, with an eventual return to normal daily activities as a longterm outcome. Several factors have been attributed to early pain relief and sensorimotor recovery; these include early diagnosis and combined therapy.
Objective: This prospective study was carried out from June to December 2022 and was carried out to determine factors associated with favourable short-term treatment outcomes among patients with degenerative cervical spine disease treated non-operatively at Muhimbili Orthopaedics Institute (MOI).
Methods: This prospective study involved 78 individuals diagnosed with chronic degenerative cervical spine disease, undergoing six weeks of non-operative treatment. Patient data, including gender, age, occupation, and symptoms, were collected via a questionnaire. Disease severity and treatment outcome were assessed using the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS) and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA).
Results: Out of 78 patients, most were female (71.79%) and over 60 years old. Axial neck pain and radiculopathy were common clinical presentations, with moderate severity at presentation predominating. Combined therapy was frequently used and showed better pain reduction than pharmacotherapy alone (p = 0.002) also initial disease severity significantly influenced pain reduction (p = 0.02).
Conclusion: The study findings indicate that non-surgical treatments at MOI can notably alleviate initial pain in degenerative cervical spine disease patients, with initial severity significantly influencing short-term outcomes. However, sensorimotor improvements from non-operative methods were insufficient, warranting additional research for validation.
Closed reduction of a hip dislocation following total femoral replacement using a traction table: A case report
Authors: Ekwe K. , Ogedegbe F. , Akinola B. , Abudu A. 
Published: November 2024

Hip dislocations are relatively common complications following arthroplasties. In majority of cases closed reduction is the first option for treating this significant complication. Regular reduction techniques place a great strain on the surgeon physically and also significant strain on the implants. We present an easier option for closed reduction with traction table under image guidance that may be useful in difficult cases. A 72 year old, obese lady presented with an infected distal femoral replacement and had a total femoral replacement. This was done in two stages 12 weeks apart. An unconstrained liner was used. She suffered recurrent hip dislocations (4 episodes) afterwards within 5 months of the surgery. Each episode was reduced successfully by closed reduction using a traction table under C arm guidance. With physiotherapy and better patient education she is currently community ambulant with a walking stick and has not dislocated in the last 27 months. Reduction of hip dislocation especially following an arthroplasty or femoral replacement can be effected successfully using a traction table. This can be one of the options for closed reduction of dislocation following arthroplasty.
Application Of Information Communication Technology (Ict) In General Office Administration
Authors: Paul Enebeli John 
Published: November 2024

Information Communication Technology has enhanced the daily office routines and had even contributed to their effectiveness and accuracy when handling administrative duties. This study focuses on how Information and Communication Technology has improved the method of office administration in the present dispensation. This study has proven that new technologies remain important for the improvement of performance in organisations. The study had already seen the usefulness of ICT in administration. This study is advocating for possession of standard and befitting ICT skills that will lead to the effective and efficient information processing, storage and dissemination of information in all works of life, for which usefulness is not limited to private and government establishments. This study recommends increasing awareness of administrators towards ICT tools such as smart phones, faster Windows operating systems (e.g. Windows 10), laptops and tablets for effective use in word processing, database management, desktop publishing, micrographic, reprographic, emailing, scanning, graphics and office communication. It also recommends that administrative staff should possess and keep improving on their ICT skills for efficient and effective discharge of administrative duties. Our findings from this research show that ICT makes collaboration much easier among administrators. Administrators who are not physically present in the office can communicate more easily and their duties can go unhindered; we cannot bridge activities as a result of distance from office because ICT will make communication to be a continuous process. Businesses can maintain accurate records of their communication, transactions, and interactions by using ICT tools such as databases or accounting software.
Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Women’s Farming Activities on Some Selected Food Crops in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Wole-Alo F.I , Agbomuserin G.E. , Aromolaran A. K 
Published: November 2024

This study was carried out to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's farming activities on some selected crops in Delta State. A multistage sampling procedure was used to randomly select 120 cassava and maize female farmers.
The major effect of COVID-19 on women’s farming activities identified in the study was a reduction in crops produced and sold =2.51). There was a -27.59% and -17.64% decrement in the output of cassava and maize respectively and an increase in the respondents’ income as the cassava farmers incurred a 28.7% increment in their income while the maize farmers had 28.5%. There was a significant difference in the income generated from cassava production (t=-3.54, p=0.00) and maize production (t=-2.83, p=0.01). It was concluded that the effects of COVID-19 on farming activities were a decrease in the quantity of crops produced and sold, huge cost of farm input, low profit from crops sold, increase in post-harvest loss due to lack of storage, high standard of living, high cost in labour, cost of production and farm input. Subsidy should be placed on farm inputs like fertilizers, seedlings, pesticides and herbicides to reduce the cost of production for the farmers and provide an avenue for the farmers to be able to make a profit from their farms
Differences in Female and Male Farmers’ Participation in Arable Crop Production Activities in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Akinwalere Bosede Olufunmilayo , Bayedo Olasehinde Pius 
Published: November 2024

This study assessed gender differences in farmers’ participation in arable crop production activities in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A total of 144 arable crop farmers comprising of 72 male and 72 females were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and analysed using frequency and percentage, Mean statistics and linear regression. Results showed that factors that influenced the male’s participation were age (t=-6.090) and household size (t=3.529) whereas only age (t=-2.164) influenced the female’s participation in the process. Furthermore, a significant difference exists in the level of participation (t=13.684) and constraints faced (t=-10.326) by male and female farmers. The study deduced that male farmers participated more in arable crop Production activities than their female counterparts. Training aids should be tailored to meet the specific needs of female and male farmer
Use of climate-smart agricultural practices among smallholder farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojo Ibukun Elizabeth , Kolawole Ayorinde Ebenezer , Owolabi Ayotunde Olayinka , Obaniyi Kayode Samuel , Ayeni Matthew Durojaiye , Adeniyi Victoria Abosede , Ogundipe Kanyinsola Racheal 
Published: November 2024

The study assessed the use of climate-smart agricultural practices among smallholder farmers in Ogun state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 180 respondents. Data collected were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, and Pearson product-moment correlation. The majority (70.6%) of the respondents indicated that the source of information on climate-smart agricultural practices was extension agents. All (100.0%) indicated they use minimum tillage, crop rotation, and mulching respectively, cover crop (81.1%), mixed cropping (82.2%), and integrated pest management (80%). Constraints limiting the use of climate-smart practices were: lack of supportive government policy ( = 2.69), insufficient access to credit ( = 2.60), lack of finance to adopt technology ( = 2.27), and lack of information ( = 2.28). Annual income (p= 0.028), education (p= 0.000, and contact with extension services (p= 0.000) had significant and positive correlation with the use of climate-smart agricultural practices by the farmers. The study recommends that the government should implement policies that support CSA practices and improve extension service delivery to increase farmers’ use of climate-smart practices.
Willingness to Pay for Private Extension Services among Yam Farmers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Yakubu Danlami Haruna , Douseifa Gumugumu Godknows , Ango Adamu Kamba , Alhassan Jazuli 
Published: November 2024

This study assessed the willingness to pay for private extension services among yam farmers in Nassarawa State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 295 respondents. An interview schedule was used to obtain data, which were analyzed using percentages and chi-square statistics. A significant majority (72.20%) of yam farmers are willing to pay for private extension services, with a willingness to pay, significantly associated with education (X2 = 12.1; p < 0.001), income (X2 = 14.5; p < 0.001), access to credit (X2 = 16.3; p < 0.001), age (X2 = 4.2; p < 0.05), marital status (X2 = 3.8; p < 0.05), and membership of association (X2 = 4.5; p < 0.05). The findings also highlight the crucial role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private sources in providing extension services, with 55.25% and 40.68% of farmers receiving services from these sources, respectively. In contrast, only 4.07% of farmers received extension information from government sources, indicating a gap in government-led extension service delivery. The study recommends strengthening government extension service delivery systems, collaboration with NGOs and private sources and targeted extension programs to improve yam production and sustainability.
Tertiary Agricultural Students’ Perception of Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoronkwo Ifeanyi Ernest , Yahaya Mohammad Kuta 
Published: November 2024

This study investigated tertiary agricultural Students’ perception of Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 210 students were selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data on respondents' perceptions, benefits, predisposing factors, and constraints to use SM were collected through a questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and mean. Most respondents (68.0%) had a positive perception of SM, while 74.5% derived high benefits from the use of SM during the COVID-19 pandemic. The quest for agricultural information (=1.82) constituted the most predisposing factor to use SM, while the high cost of devices (=1.74) was the most constraint to use SM. The students were favourably disposed to SM during COVID-19 pandemic era in Oyo State, Nigeria. Educators should consider integrating SM as a digital platform into their teaching strategies, providing training and resources to students to ensure that they are using social media in a responsible and effective manner.
Assessment of Spatial-temporal Lake Victoria Shoreline Variations using Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Kayondo Lydia Mazzi , Ikoba Shafiyu , Bamweyana Ivan 
Published: November 2024

In the context of their dynamic and linear character, shorelines feature as among the most important features on the earth’s surface. They change shape and position over multiple spatial and temporal scales, with their water levels serving as a key indicator to characterize the expansion or shrinkage of the water body in question. In the context of Lake Victoria, the central focus of this article, there has been an uncontrolled increase in its water levels which has ultimately contributed to variations in the lake shoreline. This variation has in turn led to unpredictable flooding along the shores of the lake, claiming human property. Therefore, environmental management authorities, such as NEMA, require accurate and up-to-date information about shoreline changes. The main objective of this study was to assess the spatial-temporal variations of the Lake Victoria shoreline in the Southern Buganda sub-region for the period 2015 - 2021, by employing microwave remote sensing. Sentinel 1 and Sentinel 2 imagery were used. The study also assessed the performance of HH and VH polarizations in shoreline delineation. Different image processing techniques such as thresholding and band math were used in both SNAP and ArcGIS software. Based on the DSAS evaluation statistics, VH polarization performed a better delineation of the shoreline than HH polarization. The study also found that the lake shoreline in the Southern Buganda sub-region was subject to entirely low erosion rates, ranging from 0.5m/yr to 2m/yr, as observed in the sub-counties of Buwunga, Kyanamukaaka, and Kabira. High erosion rates of above 5m/yr were observed in some areas in the Bukakata and Kyebe sub-counties. This study recommends that VH polarization be used. Further studies could integrate predictive analytics to attain future shoreline positions.
Knowledge, prevalence, and risk factors for self-reported sexually transmitted diseases among University Students in Sierra Leone
Authors: Osborne Augustus , James Peter Bai , Bangura Camilla , Williams Samuel Maxwell Tom , Wadsworth Richard , Lebbie Aiah 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a worldwide health concern. Students often engage in sexual acKvity while away at college, puVng themselves at risk for STDs, unintended pregnancies, and unsafe aborKons because of their lack of parental supervision. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of STDs and the variables that contribute to their spread among Sierra Leonean University students.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 Njala University students selected using the multistage sampling technique in August 2022. The data were collected using a structured, pre-tested self-administered quesKonnaire. Multinomial logistic regression analyses and Pearson chi-square were employed through SPSS version 26 to identify factors associated with sexually transmitted infections. The odds raKo with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of associaKon. In the regression analysis, variables with a p-value of less than 5% were considered statically significant associations between covariates and sexually transmitted infections.
Result: The prevalence of a posiKve test for STIs among the sexually acKve respondents was found to be (33.6%). The knowledge of STIs among the respondents was very high (90.6%). All respondents in the various age groups (16-20, 21-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40 and 41-450) were likelier to have good knowledge of STIs with OR >1 and p < 0.05.
Conclusion: Self-reported STI infection rates among Sierra Leonean University students were relatively high. Therefore, it is crucial to educate students about the dangers of sexual promiscuity and the need to continue using condoms.
Goat ownership pattern and effects of goat mortality on owners in Ghana
Authors: Adu-Bredu Febroina Afriyie , Asare Derrick Adu , Fiadjoe Ruth Auntie Afua , Dogbe Belinda , Opoku-Bamfoh Obadiah , Emikpe Benjamin Obukowho 
Published: November 2024

A cross-sec?onal study was employed to obtain data on goat ownership and the effects of goat mortality on some psychosocial and socio-economic determinants of goat owners in the Ashan? region of Ghana. Data was obtained using pretested ques?onnaires with a total of three hundred and eighty-four (384) goat owners randomly selected from the study area. Data collected included demographic informa?on on the respondents, management prac?ces, herd size, choice of the management system, sources of feed and stock, goat mortality as well as psychological and economic effects on goat owners. Results showed the majority of goat owners (83.3%) were males, and 77.1% were married. Most of the goat owners were between 18-25 years old (42.2%). Majority of the goat owners (63.3%) had primary-level educa?on. Majority of the respondents (89.1%) had herd sizes varying between 1 and 10. Management system was mostly semi-intensive (95.8%). Sources of feed for goats varied from purchased feed (8.9%) and a combina?on of crop residue which are ogen purchased (91.1%). Most (99.5%) obtained their stock through purchase while 60.9% indicated frequent loss of goats. Goat mortality was mostly ahributed to diseases by 67.5% of the goat owners. All of the goat owners indicated that goat mortality affects them economically whilst 95.57% indicated the death of their goats affects other people in their household. Despite the economic and social effects of the death of their goats, majority of the goat owners (95.57%) were not psychologically affected by the death of their goats. Conclusively, goat rearing in the Ashan? Region of Ghana is prac?ced by all age groups and gender, most of whom were literate. Management system was mostly semi-extensive due to its convenience in terms of labor and capital requirements. Goat mortality existed; however, the economic effects of goat mortality were strongly agreed upon by the goat owners as compared to the psychological effects.