bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Willingness of Voluntary Counseling and Testing Among Long Distance Truck Drivers: A Window of Opportunity in Control of Retroviral Disease
Authors: Arodiwe I. O.  , Arodiwe E. B.  
Published: October 2023

Objective: To evaluate the factors influencing the practice of voluntary counselling and testing among long-distance truck drivers as it affects the spread of retroviral disease.
Design: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in the major bus terminals in Enugu State, Nigeria. A questionnaire-based tool was used to collect data from a population of adult bus drivers.
Setting: It was conducted at the 3 main motor parks in Enugu metropolis from January 2019 – March 2020.
Participants: 500 long-distance truck drivers aged 19-65 years.
Intervention: The knowledge and practices of the participants were assessed using a semi-structured interview guide. They were interviewed on various aspects of HIV/AIDS.
Main Outcome Measures: Knowledge and practices. On Knowledge and practice performance scale rating; < 50% is poor, 50 -75% is fair, and > 75% is good.
Results: Among the five hundred (500) long-distance truck drivers (LDTD) studied 68.0% showed a fair knowledge of HIV/AIDS. The prevalent high-risk behaviour was multiple sexual partners (73.2%). The practice of voluntary counselling and testing was poor, as (17.0%) had practised it; however, their risk perception was high at (76.0%). Fortunately, there was also a high willingness to screen 302 (60.4%) which was significantly higher in those with a tertiary level of education (100%) and the married participants (75.8 %) (χ2=174.4, p < 0.01).
Conclusion: There was a high-risk perception in this study population with a high willingness to be tested. We hereby recommend regular screening service at the motor packs of truck drivers in Enugu State.
Formal Fashion Education and Business Performance: An Exploration of Small-scale Fashion Designers in Ghana
Authors: Appiah Ninette Afi , Zanu Joana Akweley , Glover Adukwei 
Published: October 2023

Aims: This study explored the impact of formal fashion education on business performance among small-scale fashion designers in Ghana.
Study Design: This research adopted a survey design approach.
Methodology: Drawing upon Human Capital Theory (HCT) and using data collected from a survey of 398 small-scale fashion designers in Ghana, we employed a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the relationships between formal education, business size, and business performance.
Results: The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between formal education and business performance, suggesting that education plays a pivotal function in enhancing the performance of small-scale fashion designers. However, the study did not discover a significant relationship between formal education and business size, suggesting other factors, such as access to capital and market opportunities, may be critical for business expansion.
Conclusion: These findings have critical implications for policymakers, stakeholders, and industry practitioners in the fashion industry, particularly in Ghana.
Enhancing Blackgram Yield through Optimized Irrigation Scheduling and Integrated Nutrient Management: Growth Characteristics and Yield Components
Authors: Singh Vikas , Kumar Kaushal , Kumar Sarvesh , Kumar Munish , Kumar Sanjeev , Rajput Divya , Warsi Athar Husain , Yadav Sanjay 
Published: October 2023

A field experiment was carried out at Soil Conservation and Water Management Farm of C S Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during Zaid seasons i.e. 2022 and 2023 to assess the effect of irrigation scheduling and integrated nutrient management on blackgram.The experiment consisted of three irrigation schedulesviz.I1:0.4 IW/CPE, I2:0.6 IW/CPE, I3:0.8 IW/CPE, along with five integrated nutrient management options viz.F1: 100% RDF, F2:125% RDF.F3: 75% RDF + 2.5 ton FYM/ha,F4: 50 % RDF + 5 ton FYM/ha.F5: 50% RDF + 2.5 ton FYM/ha + 1 tonvermi-compost. The experiment was conducted in Split Plot Design replicated thrice irrigation scheduling systems in main plots and integrated nutrient management in sub plots. The result clearly revealed that significantly higher growth attributes viz plant height (35.25 cm and 37.56 cm), number of branches plant-1 (8.87 and 9.21), number of plant leaves (19.96 and 20.29) at harvest and yield attributes viz number of pod per plant (27.80 and 30.10) no of seed per pod (6.62 and 6.91) and also higher seed yield (9.30 q ha-1 and 9.90 qha-1 ), stover yield(23.21 q ha-1 and 24.03 q ha-1) were recorded with I3: 0.8 IW/CPE compared to I1: 0.4 IW/CPE and I2: 0.6 IW/CPE. Among the integrated nutrient management significantly higher growth attributes viz plant height (36.12 cm and 38.07 cm), number of branches plant-1 (9.01 and 9.32), number of plant leaves (20.05 and 20.45) at harvest and yield attributes viz number of pod per plant (28.44 and 30.17) no of seed per pod (7.05 and 7.37) and also higher grain yield (9.73 q ha-1 and 10.27 qha-1 ), stover yield(23.55 q ha-1 and 24.76 q ha-1) were recorded with F5:50% RDF + 2.5 ton FYM/ha + 1 ton vermi-compost as compared to other integrated nutrient management protocol.
Drought Forecasting Using Standard Precipitation Index Based on Rainfall of Western Region
Authors: Mishra Deepak Kumar , Kumar Ram , Singh B. R. , Singh P. V. 
Published: October 2023

Drought has always been one of the most dangerous natural disasters for manhood. Due to the continuous global climate change, drought occurrences have become more frequent and severe, affecting human existence and long-term social progress. PIStandard values are a measure of the probability of a given precipitation event occurring. They are calculated using a statistical distribution of precipitation data. The three statistical distributions that are most commonly used to model precipitation data are the gamma distribution, the normal distribution, and the log-normal distribution. Therefore, utilising all three of the above-mentioned theoretical probability distributions, the drought index PIStandard has been computed. PIStandard range more than 2 (extremely wet) to less than -2 (extremely dry), with 0.99 to - 0.99 considered the near-normal range. PIStandard is calculated at different time scales which can be 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, time scales. The temporal trends of SPI at the stations were identified using the Mann-Kendall test. PIStandard were computation at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24-month time scales. PIStandard provides a better analysis of meteorological drought at multiple different timescales for short- and long-term planning because it uses the running sum of rainfall values at 1 to 24 months and more parameters for the statistical distribution used. For short-term drought monitoring and agricultural crop planning, a 1- to 3-month PIStandard can be utilized; however, long-term hydrological drought monitoring and water management planning require PIStandards of 6 to 9 months and 12 to 24 months, respectively. Drought analysis using PIStandard results can be used to design rainwater harvesting and storage structures in drought-affected areas for appropriate crop planning.
Physicochemical Properties of Long-term Rice-fallow Cultivation and Uncultivated Soils of Nalbari, Assam, India
Authors: Chakravarty Manashi , Nath Dhruba Jyoti , Sarma Utpal Jyoti 
Published: October 2023

We aimed to assess the changes in physical and chemical properties of soils due to long-term continuous cultivation of rice under a rice –fallow system and that was compared with adjacent uncultivated soils. Soil samples were collected from respective sites and some soil physical (bulk density; BD, water holding capacity; WHC, and moisture content; MC) and chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity; EC, organic carbon; OC, available N, available P, available K, exchangeable Ca, exchangeable Mg, available S, available Zn and available B) analyzed were evaluated using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that the soils under cultivation with rice- fallow were significantly (P<0.05) higher in BD (1.40 Mg m-3) and lower in WHC (41.34%) than the adjacent uncultivated soils (BD=1.34 Mg m-3 & WHC=42.26%). Soil’s chemical properties were significantly (P<0.05) lower in cultivated rice-fallow soils than the uncultivated soils (pH=5.51 and 5.93, OC=0.63 and 0.89%, available N=245.56 and 418.37 kg ha-1, available P= 31.27 and 42.62 kg ha-1, available K=120.98 and 145.90 kg ha-1, exchangeable Ca=5.35 and 5.93 C mol (p+) kg-1, available S=53.42 and 61.14 kg ha-1, available Zn=0.31 and 0.39 mg kg-1 and available B=0.41 and 0.48 mg kg-1) respectively. Continuous cultivation of crops without adopting proper management practices leads to decline in soil physical and chemical properties and proper management practices have to be adopted to sustain the properties of soil and crop productivity.
Estimation of Response to Selection in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Dayal Rameshwar , Yadav G. C. , Singh Himanshu , Maurya Hareesh Kumar , Singh Pan , Kumar Dharamraj 
Published: October 2023

This experiment was conducted at Main Experiment Station of Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during Rabi 2019-20. The objective of the experiment was to estimate the correlation coefficient among yield and yield attributing traits in available genotypes of chilli. There were 35 genotypes and one check (KA-2) used in study as an experimental material.
The investigation was carried out in Randomized Completely Block Design with 3 replications. Observations were noted on 10 traits viz. days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches per plant, plant height (cm), and days to maturity (Red Ripe Stage), average fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), days to maturity (Mature Green Stage), fruit diameter (mm), and fruit yield per plant. Fruit yield/plant was significantly and positively associated with average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant while primary branch per plant, fruit length and plant height showed negative and significant correlation with fruit yield per plant. Thus, selection for these parameters with positive correlation would be effective for yield improvement in chilli.
Determination of Some Heavy Metals Concentrations in Water and Irrigation Farms along Wulmi River in Pankshin Local Government, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Bakij G.  , Shibdawa M. A  , Kolo A. M.  , Mahmoud A. A.  , Gambo N. N.  , Lubis S.  , Apagu N. T.  , Denji  B. K.  
Published: October 2023

Levels of four heavy metals (Co, Cu, Pb and Cd) and three physico-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, total dissolved solids) were determined from Wulmi River at five sampling points (S1-S5) at an interval of 200m between points using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and approved standard procedures respectively, and the control site located about 1000 meters away from the study area. Sampling was done monthly in wet season from May-December 2017. The weighted means of physico-chemical parameters determined at each sampling point in the river were in the range 6.53±0.21 - 6.85±0.17 for pH. 25.35±0.79 0C - 25.92±2.310C for temperature which is within the permissible limit of 300C (USEPA,2002), 9.43±3.90 mg/l - 26.71±2.75 mg/l for TDS which is also within the permissible limit of 1000 mg/l (USEPA,2002). The weighted mean of heavy metal concentrations in water at sampling points in the river ranged between 0.11±0.07 mg/l - 0.29 ± 0.19 mg/l for copper, 1.17±0.39 mg/l - 1.76± 0.31 mg/l for cadmium, 0.08 ± 0.05 mg/l - 0.91±0.03 mg/l for lead, 1.53± 0.39 mg/l - 6.48± 3.36 mg/l for cobalt. The soil samples from five irrigation farmlands (F1-F5) around the Wulmi River were also analysed for the heavy metals concentrations. The heavy metals concentrations in the soil ranged between 12.27 ± 3.46 μg/g - 28.05 ± 1.99 μg/g for copper, 5.49 ± 3.09 μg/g - 17.92 ± 2.18 μg/g for cadmium, 2.24 ± 0.02μg/g - 9.85 ± 1.43 μg/g for Lead, 13.48 ± 3.72 μg/g - 27.82 ± 2.65 μg/g for cobalt .Lead and cobalt concentrations in the soils are within the permissible limit set by USEPA (2002) and WHO [1] of 10μg/g and 50μg/g respectively. All the metals under investigation have geo-accumulation input in soils around Wulmi River, except in irrigation farms 2 and 4 which have geo-accumulation input of Pb to be 0.00. Analysis of variance indicates that there is significant difference in pH, concentrations of TDS, Cd, and Co from one sampling point to another throughout the periods of analyses. The data generated will be used to develop a computer based time series model, which can be used to predict the concentrations of the heavy metals in the near future at these sampling points in Wulmi River.
Correlation between Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Auditory Brain-Stem Response Audiometry in Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy in Full Term Neonates
Authors: Zidan Lamiaa Khaled , Rowisha Mohamed Ahmed , Elshafey Rasha Ahmed , Elmehallawi Trandil Hassan , Elmahdy Heba Saied 
Published: October 2023

Background: This research aimed to correlate between MRS and ABR to see whether MRS offers new perspectives on the pathophysiology of hyperbilirubinemia and the early diagnosis of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) in full-term neonates.
Methods: This observational cohort study was done at Tanta University Hospitals between March 2019 and March 2021. It enrolled 26 newborns with ABE who were diagnosed with BIND-M score (Modified Bilirubin Induced Neurological Dysfunction Score), In addition, 20 healthy, age-matched neonates were enrolled as control subjects. Brain MRS and ABR were done to all enrolled neonates. Ethical committee approval and parent consent were taken prior to the start of the research.
Results: Regarding MRS, a significant negative correlation was detected between NAA/Cr, and NAA/Cho ratio and total plasma bilirubin levels, while only NAA/Cr had a significant positive correlation with the age on admission. On the other hand, Lac/Cr ratio had a significant positive correlation with total plasma bilirubin levels. As regards ABR, there was a significant positive correlation between wave V peak latency, I-III and I-V interpeak intervals, and bilirubin level. There were significant negative correlations between NAA/Cr and wave III peak latency, wave V peak latency, I-III, and I-V interpeak intervals. Significant negative correlations were determined between NAA/Cho and wave V peak latency, I-III, and I-V interpeak intervals. Finally, correlation between MRS and ABR revealed a significant positive correlation between Glx/Cr and I-V interpeak interval. Also, there were significant positive correlations between Lac/Cr and wave III peak latency, wave V peak latency, I-III, and I-V interpeak intervals.
Conclusion: MRS data especially NAA/Cr and Lac/Cr correlated with wave V and I-V interpeak of ABR.
Relationship between Fetal Heart Rate, Cardiac Index and Maternal Blood Pressure in Second Trimester of Pregnancy between 14 to 20 Weeks of Gestation in Yobe State Specialist Hospital Damaturu
Authors: Bukar I. A. , Ibrahim S. A. , Mahdi D. G. , Yarube I. U. 
Published: October 2023

Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between fetal heart rate, fetal cardiac index and maternal blood pressure at 14-20 weeks of gestation among antenatal clients attending Yobe state specialist hospital, Damaturu.
Study Design: The study is a cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Yobe State specialist hospital Damaturu between June 2021 and November 2021.
Methodology: The samples were selected using a purposive sampling method where 150 pregnant women were selected, and group into three categories (hypertensive, hypotensive and normotensive). Subjects undergo ultrasound scan imaging. The data was analyzed using software program SPSS statistical package (IBM Corp. IBM SPSS Statistics for Macintosh, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY, USA).
Results: A statistically significant relationship was observed between maternal blood pressure and fetal heart rate (p=0.000), but no significant relationship observed between maternal blood pressure and fetal cardiac index (p=0.476), and also between maternal age and the fetal heart rate (p=0.533) or between maternal age and fetal cardiac index (p=0.528).
Conclusion: Fetal heart rate has shown a significant correlation with maternal blood pressure. Thus maternal blood pressure changes can serve as a highly valuable parameter in providing vital information on fetal condition during pregnancy
Enhancing Upper Limb Performance in Sub-acute Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review of Combined Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy and Mirror Therapy Interventions
Authors: Sahoo Debasish , Jain Neha , Meena S. K. 
Published: October 2023

Objective: Sub-acute stroke is a common condition that often results in upper limb impairments. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combined modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) and mirror therapy on upper limb performance in patients with sub-acute stroke. The review also aimed to identify gaps in the existing literature and provide recommendations for future research.
Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and AJOT. Studies published between 2010 and 2022 were included in the review. Qualitative studies that investigated the effects of combined mCIMT and mirror therapy in patients with sub-acute stroke were included. The PRISMA flow diagram was utilized to track the study selection process. Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of the studies and extracted relevant data using predefined criteria.
Results: Out of the initial 250 articles, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Published between 2010 and 2022, these studies utilized various research designs, including quasi-experimental studies, randomized controlled trials, and pilot studies. The majority of the studies were conducted in hospital settings and involved patients with sub-acute stroke. The findings of the included studies suggest that combined mCIMT and mirror therapy have positive effects on hand functions, motor recovery, functional outcomes, and activities of daily living in patients with sub-acute stroke.
Conclusion: This systematic review provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of combined mCIMT and mirror therapy in improving upper limb performance in patients with sub-acute stroke. These interventions have the potential to enhance motor recovery and functional outcomes in this population. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal duration, intensity, and timing of these interventions. Standardized outcome measures and larger sample sizes should be considered in future studies to strengthen the evidence base.
Visual Outcomes of Cataract Surgery at the Eye Foundation Community Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Bogunjoko T. J.  , Hassan A. O.  , Akinye A.  , Maji C. S.  , Olowolaiyemo M.  , Idris O.  
Published: October 2023

Aims: To determine the visual outcome of cataract surgeries postoperatively at first day, one and three months.
Study Design: Retrospective, case series study.
Place and Duration of Study: Eye Foundation Community Hospital, Ilese-Ijebu-Imushin, Ogun state of Nigeria. 3-month duration from June 1st 2019 to August 31st 2019.
Methodology: All patients 18 years and above operated for cataract surgery without comorbidity were included in the study. Type of surgery done were manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) and phacoemulsification. Patient data were entered into excel spread sheet created for the study. From where it was cleaned up and exported in to statistical package for social sciences 20. Visual outcome was assessed on the first day, first month and at third month post operatively. Snellen visual acuity was converted to log MAR. P value = 0.05 is determined as statistically significant.
Results: Two hundred and fifty (250) patients or eyes were analysed in this study. Two hundred and twenty patients (88%) had MSICS, 30 (12%) had phacoemulsification. Preoperatively, majority (150, 60%) presented with visual acuity less than 3/60 followed by patients with visual acuity between 6/18 to 6/60 (76, 30.4%). Nineteen patients (7.6%) had visual acuity of 6/18 or better. Mean preoperative log MAR was 1.6 ± 0.8 (equivalent to count finger). 3-month post op, two hundred and fourteen (85.6%) had uncorrected visual acuity of 6/18 or better while 231 patients (92.4%) had best corrected (with pinhole) visual acuity of 6/18 or better. (P=0.004 and 0.038 respectively).
Conclusion: There is an appreciable improvement in the visual outcome following cataract surgery.
Small-Volume Blood Collection Tubes to Reduce Transfusions in Intensive Care
Authors: Siegal Deborah M. , Belley-Côté Emilie P. , Lee Shun Fu , Hill Stephen , D’Aragon Frédérick , Zarychanski Ryan , Rochwerg Bram , Chassé Michaël , Binnie Alexandra , Honarmand Kimia , Lauzier François , Ball Ian , Al-Hazzani Waleed , Archambault Patrick , Duan Erick , Khwaja Kosar , Lellouche François , Lysecki Paul , Marquis François , Naud Jean-François , Shahin Jason , Shea Jennifer , Tsang Jennifer L.Y. , Wang Han Ting , Crowther Mark , Arnold Donald M. , Di Sante Emily , Marfo Gladys , Kovalova Tanya , Fonguh Sylvanus , Vincent Jessica , Connolly Stuart J. 
Published: October 2023

ImportanceBlood collection for laboratory testing in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is a modifiable contributor to anemia and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Most blood withdrawn is not required for analysis and is discarded.ObjectiveTo determine whether transitioning from standard-volume to small-volume vacuum tubes for blood collection in ICUs reduces RBC transfusion without compromising laboratory testing procedures.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsStepped-wedge cluster randomized trial in 25 adult medical-surgical ICUs in Canada (February 5, 2019 to January 21, 2021).InterventionsICUs were randomized to transition from standard-volume (n = 10 940) to small-volume tubes (n = 10 261) for laboratory testing.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was RBC transfusion (units per patient per ICU stay). Secondary outcomes were patients receiving at least 1 RBC transfusion, hemoglobin decrease during ICU stay (adjusted for RBC transfusion), specimens with insufficient volume for testing, length of stay in the ICU and hospital, and mortality in the ICU and hospital. The primary analysis included patients admitted for 48 hours or more, excluding those admitted during a 5.5-month COVID-19–related trial hiatus.ResultsIn the primary analysis of 21 201 patients (mean age, 63.5 years; 39.9% female), which excluded 6210 patients admitted during the early COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant difference in RBC units per patient per ICU stay (relative risk [RR], 0.91 [95% CI, 0.79 to 1.05]; P = .19; absolute reduction of 7.24 RBC units/100 patients per ICU stay [95% CI, −3.28 to 19.44]). In a prespecified secondary analysis (n = 27 411 patients), RBC units per patient per ICU stay decreased after transition from standard-volume to small-volume tubes (RR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.77 to 1.00]; P = .04; absolute reduction of 9.84 RBC units/100 patients per ICU stay [95% CI, 0.24 to 20.76]). Median decrease in transfusion-adjusted hemoglobin was not statistically different in the primary population (mean difference, 0.10 g/dL [95% CI, −0.04 to 0.23]) and lower in the secondary population (mean difference, 0.17 g/dL [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.29]). Specimens with insufficient quantity for analysis were rare (≤0.03%) before and after transition.Conclusions and RelevanceUse of small-volume blood collection tubes in the ICU may decrease RBC transfusions without affecting laboratory analysis.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03578419