bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Open-air Defecation in Tribal Villages of Dhamni and Dhodani in Raigad District of Maharashtra: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tawde Ashlesha , Kulkarni Noopur 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives:
The burden of poor sanitation, particularly in India, is exacerbated by challenges in infrastructure and education. Previous studies reveal unsatisfactory sanitary conditions, the association between low standard of living and open defecation, the need for collective effort, the positive impact of improved sanitation on child height, and factors hindering latrine adoption. This study aimed to identify factors influencing open-air defecation in tribal villages of Dhamni and Dhodani in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India.

Subjects and Methods:
Data were collected through a door-to-door survey using a pretested questionnaire from December 2019 to February 2020, covering sociodemographic information, personal and family history, and environmental factors. Out of 130 willing participants, 112 were included in the final analysis. Descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to analyze the data. The Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables.

Results:
The study found that a significant majority of the subjects (75%) engaged in open field defecation (OFD), whereas a smaller proportion used household latrines (25%). Among those practicing OFD, a considerable portion (46%) defecated in agricultural fields, and a notable percentage (27%) preferred defecating near water sources.

Conclusion:
The study revealed unsatisfactory sanitary conditions in the research area. It was observed that rural areas with higher levels of literacy exhibited a lower prevalence of OFD and higher rates of sanitary latrine utilization.
The Psychological Impact of the Pandemic on Primary Health-care Providers: Perspectives from a Primary Care Clinic
Authors: Lintz Joe 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be an issue worldwide, the foregoing phenomena are especially problematic for those in community health and rural clinics with limited funding available; such providers markedly reported that the pandemic negatively impacted their quality of life (QOL). Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary health-care providers at a primary care clinic. In addition, the research gathered information about respondents’ characteristics vis-à-vis the work-related psychological impact among providers.

Subjects and Methods:
A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 62 primary health-care providers at a Primary Care Clinic in North Texas, with a 69% response rate (n = 43). In addition to descriptive statistics, multiple logistic regression was conducted to determine characteristics related to the presence of work-related psychological impact among providers.

Results:
Results revealed that the main psychological manifestations perceived by providers were work-related stress (77%), depression (51%), and anxiety (40%). In addition, the results showed that those subspecialists and chiropractors were less likely to report that the pandemic negatively impacted their QOL because they have previous exposure to similar traumatic events.

Conclusion:
The pandemic has led to relatively higher levels of psychological impact among primary health-care providers and chiropractic professionals at the clinic. The findings suggested that it is necessary to offer providers the necessary support to reduce the psychological impact derived from the pandemic. Future studies should include providers from diverse geographic locations in their sample for a better understanding of this phenomenon.
Fracture Neck of Femur fixed by Biplane Double Support Screw Fixation (BDSF) Technique; A Case Series of 12 Cases
Authors: Shanbhag Aravind , Shenoy B. Ramdas , Babu BC Santhosh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Internal fixation of femoral neck fractures has been always debatable. Parallel screws though are a frequent modality of fixation, they have a poor outcome in 46% of cases clinically. The fixation failure can be reduced significantly by optimizing the primary stability of the internal fixation construct. We treated 12 patients who presented with fracture neck of the femur by biplane double support fixation (BDSF) technique. All patients achieved fracture union without any complications and were followed up for 12 months. The results with BDSF are far more successful than the conventional method of fixation. There were no instances of fixation failure in our series of 12 cases.
Exploring different methods for assessing anchorage loss during orthodontic space closure: A narrative review
Authors: Mehta Ushmita , Reddy C. Munish , Khera Amit Kumar , Raghav Pradeep , Arya Sukanya , Jaiswal Anusha 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
To ensure successful treatment and to prevent undesired tooth movements, it’s essential to manage reciprocal forces effectively. Anchorage control becomes particularly crucial in cases involving extractions, where it can help prevent unwanted tooth movement. However, during treatment, there’s a risk of anchorage loss, which can undermine the treatment objectives. Therefore, it’s imperative to monitor molar movement and assess for anchorage loss throughout treatment. Research publications were searched on search engines such as Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, and articles with terms such as “anchorage management, assessment of anchorage loss, anchorage loss, space closure , en masse retraction and canine retraction” were collected. Various methods for evaluating anchorage loss are dental casts, 3-Dimensional assessment and lateral cephalogram superimposition. Dental casts works well for assessing anteroposterior anchorage loss in maxillary first molars. However, their utility in the mandibular arch is limited due to the absence of a stable reference point. Lateral cephalometry faces the challenge of superimposing bilateral structures. The recent introduction of 3D superimposition techniques offers a potential solution for assessing anchorage loss in the vertical dimension using dental casts.
On Some Demographic Structures and Economic Growth in Nigeria (2003–2022)
Authors: Abdulazeez Sikiru Adeyinka 
Published: April 2024

Effective development planning necessitates the integration of sound social and economic planning strategies. In Nigeria, demographic and population data play a crucial role in shaping these plans. This research investigates the impact of demographic structure on the country's economy, with a specific focus on key characteristics such as population size, birth rate, mortality rate, growth rate, GDP growth rate, and fertility rate. The study analyzes demographic features alongside GDP growth rate data spanning from 2003 to 2022. The findings reveal a robust correlation between birth rates and GDP growth, indicating that population dynamics significantly influence economic development. Additionally, positive relationships are identified between death rates and GDP growth, underscoring the impact of mortality issues on economic outcomes. The regression model demonstrates that demographic factors collectively mold Nigeria's economic growth trajectory, shedding light on the intricate dynamics between demography and economic development. Through time series analysis, the model exhibits low errors and high explanatory power. However, residual analysis highlights serial association, emphasizing the temporal demographic effects on economic growth. Ultimately, the study underscores the potential contributions of demographic characteristics to Nigeria's economy. Policymakers and economists keen on leveraging demographic shifts for economic advancement will find valuable insights in this research. As demographic considerations increasingly play a pivotal role in Nigeria's economic growth, strategic planning and decision-making must take these factors into account.
Paddy Rice (<i>Oryza sativum</i>) Production and Processing in Nigeria: A Review
Authors: Musa Mustapha Hauwa , Agomuo Jude Kelechi , Dandago Munir Abba , Atanda Kazeem Sogunle , Nahemiah Danbaba , Terpase Amon 
Published: April 2024

Rice stands as a crucial staple in Nigeria, where its substantial population renders the country and the region as the largest rice consumers. The demand for rice has surged in recent times, transforming it into both a vital food supply chain and cash commodity crop for the developing world. Virtually ubiquitous applied in daily food menu’ of Nigerian diet, the high demand for milled rice in Nigeria is significantly increasing with the increasing population which was estimated at 5.2 million tonnes with an average national production of 3.3 million metric tonnes. These results showed a supply and demand gap average of 1.9 million metric tonnes which necessitating rice imports. While rice processing capacity in Nigeria reaches 2.8 million metric tonnes for paddy rice annually, which covers half of the annual requirement, survey indicates that quality of domestically processed rice is inferior to imported varieties, marked by broken rice, foreign matters, stones, dirt and debris. This led to diminished quality interest in local rice preferring the imported with international quality. An uncompetitive standing of domestic rice both local and global markets present a significant challenge to rice production in Nigerian industries. Consequently, this review aims to assess paddy rice production, processing, consumption, as well as postharvest handling and storage methods in Nigeria. The full mechanization of riceprocessing operations is advocated to reduce paddy rice handling time and minimize deterioration, a key factor contributing to subpar milled-rice quality. It is imperative for both the private and public sectors to intensify efforts toward local rice production to meet citizens' demands. Urgent investments into the production machinery, methods of processing, infrastructure and the policies set by the Nigerian Government and its agencies in rice processing chain are necessary to enhance the quality of processing paddy rice, which will ultimately elevate the quality of domestic rice products.
Screening for Potential Antioxidants from <i>Chrozophora senegalensis</i> Crude Extract
Authors: Andrew Kwaji , Yunana Saminu , Samaila Abubakar , Rejoice Atiko , Elnafaty Aliyu U. 
Published: April 2024

Numerous reports have indicated oxidative stress as the under-laying factor or associated with the onset or progression of numerous human ailments and disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer disease, diabetes, macular degeneration and aging. Chrozophora senegalensis (C. senegalensis) is a plant used in traditional medicine to cure both infectious and non-infectious diseases. This research was aimed to carry out the antioxidant activities guided isolation and characterization of phytocompounds from C. senegalensis methanol crude extract. The plant sample was extracted using maceration and concentrated on a rotary evaporator at 45oC. Three different but complementary methods; Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activities of C. senegalensis crude extracts. Column chromatography was used to isolate and purify the compounds from the most active n-hexane fraction and coded as CSC-1, CSC-2 and CSC-3. The compounds were characterized using NMR (1H & 13C), GC-MS, melting point determination and in comparison with literature. The percentage free radical scavenging activity for FRAP, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide assays were 94.51%, 92.38% and 91.67% respectively while that of ascorbic acid standard was 95.43±0.76%. The isolated compounds were identified as 1- hexacosanol (CSC-1), 1-triacontanol (CSC-2) and oleic acid (CSC-3). The isolation and characterization of these bioactive compounds from C. senegalensis crude extract validates its usefulness in traditional medicine practice.
Facial Morphometry of the Mwaghavul Ethnic Group in Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Gudaji A. , Panshak L.Y. 
Published: April 2024

The face is the most striking feature which distinguishes an individual. Human body dimensions are affected by ecological, biological, geographical, racial, gender, age and nutritional factors. Anthropometrics vary from tribe to tribe, and from race to race and, also differs amongst different age groups and between the two sexes of a given population. The aim of the study was to determine the facial morphometry of the Mwaghavul ethnic group of Plateau State, Nigeria. The objectives were to determine facial dimensions, facial index and facial types of Mwaghavul ethnic group. Four hundred and five (405) participants (231, males; 174, females) aged 18-30 years were involved in this study. The study was carried out on Mwaghavul students of College of Education Gindiri, Mangu LGA of Plateau State in Nigeria. The photographic setup consisted of a tripod stand and digital camera. The participants were positioned at a distance of 120 cm from the camera. The camera was raised to the ear level of the participants to provide good quality of image and to prevent distortion of the face. The photographs were captured at a standard resolution of 12.1 megapixels. A digital vernier caliper was then used to measure the facial linear dimensions. The photographic records were analysed using a bioanalyser (version 6). The program was customized with the landmarks used in this study. Facial width higher in females than in males (p=0.047) while facial and lower facial indices were higher in males than in females (p<0.001) respectively. The facial type of Mwaghavul ethnic group was found to be dominantly hyperleptoprosopic in both sexes. These variations were possibly due to age, inter- and intra-ethnic, nutritional, socio-economic, genetic, gender, racial and climatic factors
Evaluation of Indoor and Outdoor Radiation Levels and its Health Hazard at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Esi E.O. , Nwabuoku A.O. , Oduah E.C. , Ugbede F.O. , Okpilike J.C. 
Published: April 2024

This research designed at evaluating the indoor and outdoor background ionizing radiation dose equivalent levels at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba Delta state. The study was carried out at fifteen different locations around the university campus using a portable GQ GMC-320 detector to measure outdoor and indoor equivalent dose rate of the university campus. The mean values of outdoor and indoor equivalent dose rate obtained are 0.135 μSv/hr and 0.142 μSv/hr respectively. These mean values are vaguely lower compared to 0.274 µSv/hr world average limit. The mean values of annual effective radiation equivalent (AEDE) of outdoor and indoor are 0.788 mSv/y and 0.142 mSv/y respectively. Similarly, 2.153 and 0.716 are the obtained values for excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) outdoor and indoor around the university respectively. The calculated dose to organs showed that the testes have the highest organ dose of (0.533 and 0.039) mSv/y for indoor and outdoor respectively. The estimated AEDE around the university are below the permissible limit, while ELCR average values for both outdoor and indoor around the university exceeded the standard value. The implication of equivalent dose rate, AEDE and ELCR values is that the university environment appears to be safe from immediate radiation-related health effects due to BIR exposure. Nevertheless, the possibility that an individual may develop cancer over their lifetime within university environment.
The Influence of Solar Irradiance and Temperature on The Pll-Synchronized Inverter Within Grid-Connected PV Systems
Authors: Sisa A.A. , Ali M.H. , Ahmed A.B. 
Published: April 2024

This study assesses the influence of solar irradiance and temperature on αβPLL synchronized inverters by investigating their intricate relationship within grid-connected PV systems. The intermittent nature of the DC side of these systems can significantly impact their performance. However, the extent of this impact remains uncertain when employing the stationary reference frame PLL (αβPLL) algorithm for synchronization with the utility grid. Employing simulation in MATLAB 2020a and a Model Based Design approach in the Simscape toolbox of SIMULINK, we conducted this investigation through two test scenarios: one with constant solar irradiance and varying temperature, and the other with varying solar irradiance and constant temperature. Our results indicate that fluctuations in solar irradiance and temperature have minimal effects on the output parameters of grid-connected PV systems when synchronized with the stationary reference frame PLL (αβPLL) algorithm. This conclusion is supported by the total harmonic distortion values, which all fall within the specified limits of IEEE Standard 929- 2000. These findings underscore the potential of αßPLL synchronization as a promising technique, capable of effectively synchronizing grid inverters even in the presence of DC input distortion. This proficiency in grid integration holds promise for enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, thereby bolstering power availability for household distribution.
Socio-Demographic Factors Affecting the Prevalence of Typhoid Fever Among Febrile Patients in Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Faruku N. , Sarkinfada Farouk , Hafiz Taysir R. , Magaji U.F. , Idris Auwal Kabuga , Musa S. , Umar K. , Khalid Iman Maikano , Nura Mujahid Sani , Sani Nura Muhammad , Yusuf Mohammed , Abbas Muhammad Adamu 
Published: April 2024

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening public health disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. The disease is a significant health concern in underdeveloped and most developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa (including Nigeria). The study was aimed at determining the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with typhoid fever among febrile patients attending three selected hospitals in Kebbi State, Nigeria. A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out among 406 febrile patients suspected of typhoid fever aged 1-70 years (mean age 34 years) in three selected health facilities of Kebbi State, Nigeria from February2021 to October, 2021. Approximately 20 ml and 10 ml of venous blood was collected from adults and children respectively. Blood culture and biochemical tests were carried out. Patients were administered structured questionnaires to evaluate the level of knowledge and practice toward the disease. Data obtained from respondents was analysed by descriptive statistics. In this study, the culture identified Salmonella Typhi prevalence of typhoid fever among febrile study subjects in Kebbi State was 6.4%. A higher prevalence was recorded among males (7.5%) than in females (5.0%) participants. Patients within the age range of 11- 20 years had the highest prevalence (14.8%), those with informal education recorded 11.2%. It was observed that rural area dwellers had higher prevalence (9.4%). Out of 26 isolates, 25 were susceptible to cefotaxime, 11 isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin-clavulanate antibiotics. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is an important and common cause of febrile illness in our population. Lack of good quality drinking water in rural areas has a greater impact on the burden of typhoid fever among study participants. Cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin therapy are suitable treatments for typhoid fever. The identification of sociodemographic characteristics associated with the disease are of great importance in providing holistic preventive approach and control strategies of the disease.
Biosynthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles using <i>Pennisetum Purpureum</i> and Application in Removal of Cadmium Contaminant from Water
Authors: Ebiaguanye I.T. , Emeribe F.O. 
Published: April 2024

This study evaluated an innovative approach to synthesize magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) through a green synthesis method using Pennisetum purpureum extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The green synthesis of MgO NPs is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful synthesis of nanoparticles with unique properties. Debye-Scherrer equation is used for the determination of particle size, which was found to be 15.7nm. The potential application of MgO NPs in the removal of cadmium (Cd) contaminant from water sources was investigated through batch adsorption experiments. Cadmium pollution poses a severe threat to ecosystems and human health due to its toxic nature and persistence in the environment. MgO NPs, with their high surface area and reactivity, efficiently adsorbed and immobilize cadmium ions from water. Adsorption isotherm models indicated that Langmuir isotherm is the best model to describe the adsorption of Cd2+ on magnesium oxide nanoparticles prepared by elephant grass extracts. It was found that a removal of greater percent of Cd2+ could be accomplished through adsorption with 0.05g of magnesium oxide nanoparticles, an initial concentration of metal at 5ppm pH of 10 and at contact time of 65minutes.
Evolution of Energy Efficient Wireless Sensor Network: A Survey on Energy and Clustering Issues
Authors: Bagiwa M.A. , Ishaya N. , Obiniyi A.A. 
Published: April 2024

In different fields of human endeavor, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are being developed to collect, aggregate, fuse, and send data collected by a wide range of sensors in real-time. When developing a wireless network's data transmission routing system, energy consumption is among the most essential components. Designing an energy-efficient (WSN) routing framework is challenging. Several energyefficient routing algorithms exist for effectively transferring data packets between cluster members (CM) and cluster heads (CH). Some suggest the change of state of the nodes that made up the network from active to sleep in the event where the nodes are not sensing of sending data as a method of energy optimisation while others reduce the distance between the nodes because the distance between nodes is directly proportional to the amount of energy use during data transmission. Whatever the method may be, achieving reduced energy consumption in a WSN environment is an enormous task due to the need for both long network life and network efficiency. This paper reviews some research and energy saving techniques that had been carried out on WSN over a period of time.
Developing Exp-FIGARCH Hybrid Models for Time Series Modelling
Authors: Jibrin Sanusi Alhaji , Osi Abdulhameed Ado , Shehu Shukurana 
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we introduced a new hybrid model namely Exponential Autoregressive-Fractional Integrated Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (ExpAR-FIGARCH) model and study financial data. The Daily Nigeria All Share Stock Index that exhibit nonlinear, volatility and long memory effect were analyzed in the study. The existing ExpAR-Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (ExpAR-GARCH) model were estimated and compared with the proposed ExpAR-FIGARCHmodel. Results showed that the new hybrid model is better based on efficient parameters, serial correlation analysis and forecast measures of accuracy. Therefore, as a conclusion, the current study indicates that the ExpAR-FIGARCHmodel performed better compared to the ExpAR-GARCHhybrid model. Therefore, the ExpAR-FIGARCHmodel is a better option for modeling nonlinear, volatility and long memory characteristics of time series. Future study should focus on the application of the developed hybrid ExpAR-FIGARCHmodel using health, meteorological and economic data.