bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF POTATO PLANTING MATERIAL TECHNOLOGIES IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adamu, M. M.  , Sani, M. H.  , Bose, A. A.  
Published: April 2023

The study examined the factors influencing the adoption of potato planting material technologies in the central agricultural zone of Plateau State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 306 potato farmers randomly from the study area. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, adoption index, logit regression and factor analysis. The result revealed that 74.8% of the potato farmers were males, with a mean age of 40 years. The study further revealed that majority (91.2%) of the respondents had a form formal education with a mean household size of 6 persons. The results from the adoption index showed that seed tuber technology was highly adopted with an adoption score of 5.96, cutting seed technology with 2.52 and true potato seed technology with adoption score of 1.81. The results of logit regression revealed that household, labour and other occupations other than potato farming all significantly influenced adoption of potato planting technologies. The result of factor analysis revealed the major constraints faced by farmers to include poor technical information, economic problem, inadequate resources, environmental problem, pathological problem and technological problem. The study concluded that seed tuber potato planting technology was the most highly adopted in the study area. The study recommended that the dissemination of technical information should be increased by ensuring more contacts with farmers by extension agents; and proper soil, water, pest and disease management practices should be intensified among farmers.
PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF SORGHUM SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Tugga, S. E.  , Hassan, A. A.  , Ojeleye, O. A.  
Published: April 2023

The study aims at estimating the profitability of small-scale farmers in sorghum production, using the gross margin model of determining profitability in some selected Local Government Areas of Gombe State, Nigeria. Primary data was used for the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire administered to 234 sorghum farmers in the study area. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and gross margin. The average age of sorghum farmers was found to be 40 years implying that farmers can make positive contribution to agricultural production. Household size is between 11-15 persons in their family with average of 12 persons. 48 percent of the farmers had no formal education. The total variable cost (TVC) incurred and revenue obtained per hectare for sorghum was estimated to determine the profitability of sorghum production in the study area. The total revenue (TR) was ₦354,946.6 while the total variable cost (TVC) was ₦167,188.6. The gross margin was therefore ₦187,758. The rate of return on investment (return per Naira invested) was ₦2.12 indicating that for every ₦1 invested in sorghum production in study area; a profit of 1.12 kobo was made. The eight major constraints associated with sorghum production ranked in order of importance were cost of fertilizer, inadequate capital, cost of labour, inadequate improved seed, pest and diseases, weed infestation, inadequate extension workers and inadequate storage facilities. The constraints were reported by 80%, 76%, 51%, 46%, 36%, 35%, 30% and 13% of the sorghum farmers, respectively. It was recommended that farmers should be encouraged to join cooperative societies in other to enhance loan accessibility to increase production and to have market linkages to commercialize their output thus increasing the profit level.
ASSESSMENT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES ADOPTION AMONG ACADEMIC STAFF OF AGRICULTURE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ahmed, M.  , Murtala, N.  , Abu, I. A.  
Published: April 2023

The study examined the information and communication technologies adoption among academic staff of agriculture in tertiary institutions in Katsina State, Nigeria. The population of the study consisting of 122 academic staff teaching Agriculture in tertiary institutions in Katsina State and entire population was used for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result reveals that 37.2% of the respondents were within age bracket of 41-50 years with a mean of 51 years. Majority (94.2%) of the lecturers were married and 44.5% of respondents had 1-5 in their household with a mean of 8 persons. More than half (53.2%) of respondents had a Bachelor Degree. The result further revealed that 43.4% of the lecturers had a teaching experience of 16-20 years with a mean of 15 years and 21.3% are assistant lecturers. The results further revealed that, GSM had high adoption level in the study with a mean of = 3.00, search engines = 2.94, E-mail = 2.84, computer = 2.91 and printer = 2.65. The regression analysis result reveals that age of the lecturers and teaching experience were positive and significant (P≤0.01), Household size and educational level were also positive and significant (P≤0.05). The major constraints that hinder adoption of ICTs in the study area were computer Illiteracy = 3.75, unstable power supply = 3.76, poor economic conditions of the academic staff = 3.56, changes in Government policies = 3.66, limited technical support from institution = 3.54, Internet and electronic insecurity = 3.64. The study concluded that, socio-economic characteristics of academic staff play a significant role on the adoption of ICT facilities for lecturing, research and records management in Tertiary Institutions in Katsina State. It is recommended that, there should be a policy of continuous training of academic staff on the use of modern ICTs for improved job performance and delivery, relevant government agencies should make effort at ensuring steady power supply to increase the effective use of ICT facilities by the academic staff in the study area.
Analisis Persediaan Stok Obat Di Apotek RSUD HAMS Kisaran Dengan Metode SCM
Authors: Reza Nanda Nugraha  , Guntur Maha Putra  , Rika Nofitri  
Published: April 2023

Apotek RSUD HAMS Kisaran sering terjadi kehabisan stok obat, dikarenakan banyaknya permintaan dari konsumen, serta sering terjadi pesediaan obat yang berlebihan, sehingga terjadi penumpukan obat yang dapat menyebabkan terjadinya kadaluarsa pada obat yang ada dan menimbulkan kerugian karena obat yang kadaluarsa harus dimusnahkan. Demi mengatasi masalah diatas, penulis menuangkan ide untuk merancang sebuah sistem terkomputerisasi yang didukung dengan metode penunjang yang dipilih dalam proses persediaan obat di Apotek RSUD HAMS Kisaran untuk memastikan agar persediaan dapat memenuhi kebutuhan yang ada. Penelitian ini merancang suatu sistem persediaan stok obat yang dapat membantu dalam mengoptimalkan aktivitas pergudangan yang dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode Supply Chain Management (SCM) yang merupakan suatu pendekatan yang digunakan untuk mencapai pengintgrasian yang lebih efisien dari distributor, retailer dan pasien. Supply Chain Management (SCM) merupakan pendekatan integrative untuk mengelola aliran produk, informasi dan uang secara terintegrasi yang melibatkan pihak-pihak mulai dari hulu ke hilir yang terdiri dari pemasok, pabrik, jaringan distribusi maupun jasa-jasa logistik. Supply Chain Management (SCM) mampu mengatasi masalah persediaan agar produk dalam keadaan tersedia dan layak. Manfaat penerapan Supply Chain Management (SCM) yaitu untuk memenuhi kepentingan dalam pemenuhan persediaan barang yang mempunyai sifat cepat habis, persediaan barang merupakan hal yang sangat penting bagi perusahaan atau instansi.
PILAR GÓMEZ, EULÀLIA VINTRÓ, Luciano. Obras VII, Madrid, CSIC (Alma Mater, colección de autores griegos y latinos), 2021, 720 pp. [ISBN 978-84-00-10892-2]
Authors: Grau Sergi 
Published: April 2023

PILAR GÓMEZ, EULÀLIA VINTRÓ, Luciano. Obras VII, Madrid, CSIC (Alma Mater, colección de autores griegos y latinos), 2021, 720 pp. [ISBN 978-84-00-10892-2]
MARÍA DOLORES GARCÍA DE PASO CARRASCO, TRINIDAD ARCOS PEREIRA, MARÍA ELISA CUYÁS DE TORRES, GREGORIO RODRÍGUEZ HERRERA, Los principios de retórica de Aftonio con anotaciones de Juan de Mal Lara, Madrid, Ediciones Clásicas, 2021, 363 pp. [ISBN: 978-84-7882-876-0]
Authors: SBAI BELMAR KHALID 
Published: April 2023

MARÍA DOLORES GARCÍA DE PASO CARRASCO, TRINIDAD ARCOS PEREIRA, MARÍA ELISA CUYÁS DE TORRES, GREGORIO RODRÍGUEZ HERRERA, Los principios de retórica de Aftonio con anotaciones de Juan de Mal Lara, Madrid, Ediciones Clásicas, 2021, 363 pp. [ISBN: 978-84-7882-876-0]
Análise da aplicação de estratégias de marketing de conteúdo em redes sociais: uma pesquisa-ação
Authors: Galante Maria Eduarda Alves , Pakes Paulo Renato , Da Rocha Tiago Soares 
Published: April 2023

Com o avanço da tecnologia, os hábitos de consumo e estratégias de marketing mudaram, o que exige dos empreendimentos novas abordagens para o ambiente digital. Nesse contexto, este estudo utilizou a pesquisa-ação para aplicar estratégias de marketing de conteúdo em 2 empreendimentos em um canal digital e analisar seus resultados. Os principais resultados indicaram um aumento significativo nos indicadores de desempenho da página, principalmente quando combinados com estratégias de marketing digital. Como conclusão, observou-se que o Instagram é um meio promissor para negócios, permitindo um contato mais próximo com clientes e aumentando a visibilidade da marca. Além disso, foi sugerida a melhoria da identidade visual das empresas e a utilização de métodos que comprovem a relação entre o uso das redes sociais e o aumento das vendas de negócios.
A Case Study on Sustainable Production and Use of Compressed Air in European Industrial Sites of Medium-sized
Authors: Thomas Bryan 
Published: April 2023

Due to the urgency in climate change, the industry is mobilized to reduce its greenhouse gases. Compressed air represents nearly 10% of electricity used in industry. The research was carried out in an industrial food site in Europe. This research includes a case study and gives a specific approach and methodology to optimize environmental and economic impact of compressed air production and uses in an industrial site. The installation of this case study contains different type of compressed air, dryers, and filters. Each equipment has been subject to specific monitoring and analysis. Several actions have been identified for reducing carbon emissions by 69 tons such as: reduction of the compressed air pressure of the system, isolation of packaging lines when they are not running, implementation of pumps for vacuum generation on packaging lines, installation of smart management device and a heat recovery system. Financial savings are around 44 000 euros, and the average payback is below 3 years.
Out of Pocket Expenditure on Hypertension among Patients Attending at Tanta University Hospitals
Authors: Abdelkarem Amira Ahmed , El-Kafas El-Sayed Abd El-Rahman , Kabbash Ibrahim Ali , Abuzeid Mohammed Salama 
Published: April 2023

Aims: Determine the level of out-of-pocket expenditure incurred by hypertensive patients at Tanta University Hospitals. Identify different determinants of out-of-pocket health expenditure among hypertensive patients in Tanta University Hospitals.
Study Design: A cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted from July 2020 up to July 2022, at Tanta University Hospitals, Cardiovascular medicine department.
Methodology: Collection of data was conducted by a questionnaire-based interview. The study included 195 hypertensive patients attending outpatient clinics. Their ages ranged from 36.0 to 75.0 years old. Males represented 57.4% while females’ percentage was 42.6%. Expenditure was estimated over the last three months, then the monthly average was calculated.
Results: All included patients incurred out of pocket expenditure on medications. Their cost had a mean of 550.4±325.0 and ranged from 45 L.E up to 1215.0 L.E. As regards outpatient visits’ cost, more two third of the patients (69.2%) incurred cost for physicians’ visits with a mean of 98.1±80.6 and ranged from 50.0 L.E. Concerning investigations’ cost, (61.0%) of the study patients incurred investigations’ cost that ranged from 65.0 to 150.0 with a mean of 115.0±21.8 L.E. Overall direct OOP expenditure had a mean of 682.4±283.8 with a markedly wide range from 60.0 to 1550 L.E. Regarding the factors affecting the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure, those who were unemployed, or housewives represented had the highest level of CHE (70.3%) with a statistically significant differences in CHE regarding the employment status (p=.001). Patients without regular fixed income had higher CHE (58.9%) than patients with regular monthly salary (16.7%) with a statistically significant difference (p=.001).
Conclusion: Hypertensive patients incur substantial direct and indirect costs. High rates of catastrophic costs illustrate the urgency of improving financial risk protection of these patients and strengthening primary care to ensure affordability of hypertension care.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for the Management of Recurrent Clostridium Difficile Infections: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nwankwo Chinanu Ihuoma , Yousaf Salman , Oboli Victor N , Sharaf Farzeen , Khalid Komal Naz , Erhiawarie Franca , Tejere Ejiroghene , Latif Aqsa , Chioma Ogochukwu Ekpeleamaka , Ikekpeazu Chidinma Vivian , Rahim Omar , Nazam Imtiaz , Balogun Toluwani , Chukwuneta Chidera Precious , Ndubuisi Chinonso 
Published: April 2023

Background: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising therapeutic option for managing Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). CDI is a significant health concern, particularly in antibiotic-resistant cases impairing the quality of life among the patient population. This systematic review aims to pool current clinical trial evidence of FMT (RBX2660) success rates when used for recurrent CDI in the clinical trial setting.
Methods: In accordance with PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines, the following databases were systematically searched: Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. There were no time or language restrictions. The following keywords were used in all the databases: fecal, microbiota, transplantation, recurrent, Clostridium difficile, infection, and antibiotic-resistant. Only clinical trials, controlled or single-arm, were included in this systematic review.
Results: A total of five clinical trials, of which four were phase II, and one was phase III, were included. Seven hundred ninety-five participants were pooled across all trials. Patients were included in the trials with 1-2 recurrent CDI. In most cases, they had undergone standard antibiotic therapy before enrolling. The treatment success rate in the RBX2660 intervention group was 69.5% (335/482) compared to 49.6% (123/248) in the placebo group. The intervention was safe and effective, with no grade III or higher adverse events reported in treating recurrent CDI.
Conclusion: RBX2660, recently approved as a therapy for recurrent CDI in the United States, is a significant milestone in expanding treatment options. This study reports the potential benefits of FMT and other microbiota-based therapies. While many challenges require addressing, including sample control and patient compliance, FMT is heading toward ongoing acceptance in the broad medical community.
Comparative Study of the Prevalence of Syphilis among Pregnant Women and Prospective Blood Donors in Ekiti State, South Western Nigeria
Authors: Ibijola A. A. , Ajayi O. D. , Onyema M. I. , Adebayo A. , Muhibi M. A. , Obazee Y. , Okunlola A. I. , Ajetunmobi O. A. , Yusuf M. , Onyema C. E. , Ajetunmobi W. A. , Bolaji O. B. , Ogundare E. O. , Babatola A. O. , Adebara I. O. , Adeyemo O. T. , Adewara O. E. , Awoyinka B. S. , Bakare A. , Adeniyi A. A. , Ayankunle O. M. , Aduloju O. P. , Adefisan A. S. , Olofinbiyi B. A. , Jeremiah Z. A. , Fasakin K. A. 
Published: April 2023

Background: Syphilis is a highly contagious, systemic bacterial illness that poses a serious public health threat on a worldwide scale. In addition to being spread sexually, the illness can also be contracted through blood donation. To accurately evaluate the epidemiological pattern and community impact of the disease, this research sought to ascertain the seroprevalence of syphilis among pregnant women and potential blood donors. In Ekiti State, southwest Nigeria, a comparative study was conducted to determine the frequency of syphilis among expectant mothers and potential blood donors.
Materials and Methods: For this comparison research, which was conducted over a 12-month span, 370 potential blood donors and 300 antenatal enrolees were both selected. After getting each participant's full permission, a questionnaire comprising socio-demographic data was given, and 5 ml of whole blood was drawn by venepuncture into an EDTA bottle. Within seconds, plasma was extracted into a clear receptacle using spinning at 2500g for 5 minutes. ELISA-based fast test tools from Diaspot and Lab Acon were used to find Treponema pallidum. Each sample's reactivity to the two test instruments was read as a positive result, while each sample's lack of reactivity was interpreted as a negative result.
Results: Syphilis seroprevalence among expectant mothers was 2.0% and 0% among female blood donors. Male blood donors had a syphilis seroprevalence of 2.1%, which was comparable to the seroprevalence of 2.0% observed in expectant women.
Conclusion: The screening of potential blood donors and pregnant women for syphilis must be required, available, and cheap as this will improve early detection of the disease for proper therapy. There is a significant correlation between syphilis infection and pregnancy and blood donors.
Strength and Deformational Characteristics of Concrete Beams Reinforced with Steel Bars Locally Produced from Recycled Metal Scrap in Ghana
Authors: Junior John K. Quarm , Kankam Charles K. , Tudagbe-Obuor Prosper , Akortia Vincent K. , Banini Emmanuel K. , Biney Evans , Adzakey Peter K. , Dzivenu Christopher Kofi 
Published: April 2023

This study was conducted to examine the structural behavior of concrete beams reinforced with local steel bars available in Ghana. The concrete was prepared from conventional materials of ordinary Portland-limestone cement, pit sand and granitic stones. Steel bars of sizes 12mm, 10mm, and 8mm from different millers used to reinforce the concrete beams were tested to study the stress-strain relationship of the bars. The main reinforcing steel bars in the concrete beams comprised 12mm high tensile and 12mm mild steel bars produced by four different companies. The four companies from which these steel bars were obtained are Ferro Fabric Limited (FFL), United Steel Company (USC), Sentuo Steel Limited (STS) and Fabrimetal (FAB). The specific objectives of this study were to determine the actual strength and sizes of steel bars used to reinforce concrete (steel bars of nominal sizes 12mm, 10mm and 8mm from different millers), to study the stress- strain relationship of the bars, to study the ultimate limit state characteristics of beams reinforced with different bars and to investigate the deformational behaviour of concrete beams reinforced with different bars (i.e., cracking, deflection).
Data collected were analyzed using theoretical and experimental approaches. The experimental results confirmed theoretical analysis that indicated that governing failure loads of the beams were due to steel yielding first with the exception of one beam in which the governing failure load was by shear. On average the experimental cracking and failure loads in the beams reinforced with high-yield steel bars were slightly higher than the theoretical loads, while they were observed to be slightly lower in the beams reinforced with mild steel bars. With regard to cracking, the beam reinforced with FFL ribbed mild steel developed the highest number of cracks at failure which represent a very good bonding between steel and concrete as compared to the other companies. Beams reinforced with FAB high-yield steel had the highest failure load as compared to the other steels. It is important to ensure standardization of the rebars in the Ghanaian market such as the size of the bar, the rib spacing, and the rib height through the dissemination of information to stakeholders including structural and material engineering manufacturing companies and contractors.
VE303, a Defined Bacterial Consortium, for Prevention of Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Louie Thomas , Golan Yoav , Khanna Sahil , Bobilev Dmitri , Erpelding Nathalie , Fratazzi Candida , Carini Meg , Menon Rajita , Ruisi Mary , Norman Jason M. , Faith Jeremiah J. , Olle Bernat , Li Minran , Silber Jeffrey L. , Pardi Darrell S. 
Published: April 2023

ImportanceThe effect of rationally defined nonpathogenic, nontoxigenic, commensal strains of Clostridia on prevention of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of VE303, a defined bacterial consortium of 8 strains of commensal Clostridia, in adults at high risk for CDI recurrence. The primary objective was to determine the recommended VE303 dosing for a phase 3 trial.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsPhase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study conducted from February 2019 to September 2021 at 27 sites in the US and Canada. The study included 79 participants aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed CDI with 1 or more prior CDI episodes in the last 6 months and those with primary CDI at high risk for recurrence (defined as aged ≥75 years or ≥65 years with ≥1 risk factors: creatinine clearance &amp;lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2, proton pump inhibitor use, remote [&amp;gt;6 months earlier] CDI history).InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned to high-dose VE303 (8.0 × 109 colony-forming units [CFUs]) (n = 30), low-dose VE303 (1.6 × 109 CFUs) (n = 27), or placebo capsules (n = 22) orally once daily for 14 days.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary efficacy end point was the proportion of participants with CDI recurrence at 8 weeks using a combined clinical and laboratory definition. The primary efficacy end point was analyzed in 3 prespecified analyses, using successively broader definitions for an on-study CDI recurrence: (1) diarrhea consistent with CDI plus a toxin-positive stool sample; (2) diarrhea consistent with CDI plus a toxin-positive, polymerase chain reaction–positive, or toxigenic culture–positive stool sample; and (3) diarrhea consistent with CDI plus laboratory confirmation or (in the absence of a stool sample) treatment with a CDI-targeted antibiotic.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar across the high-dose VE303 (n = 29; 1 additional participant excluded from efficacy analysis), low-dose VE303 (n = 27), and placebo (n = 22) groups. The participants’ median age was 63.5 years (range, 24-96); 70.5% were female; and 1.3% were Asian, 1.3% Black, 2.6% Hispanic, and 96.2% White. CDI recurrence rates through week 8 (using the efficacy analysis 3 definition) were 13.8% (4/29) for high-dose VE303, 37.0% (10/27) for low-dose VE303, and 45.5% (10/22) for placebo (P = .006, high-dose VE303 vs placebo).Conclusions and RelevanceAmong adults with laboratory-confirmed CDI with 1 or more prior CDI episodes in the last 6 months and those with primary CDI at high risk for recurrence, high-dose VE303 prevented recurrent CDI compared with placebo. A larger, phase 3 study is needed to confirm these findings.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03788434