ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | April 1, 2024
Analysis of the Socio-Health Situation of People in Humanitarian Crisis ″Case of Repressed from Congo-Brazzaville″
Yves Mokili Sambwa Ndonga, Franck Kabambi, Aimé Munanga Kabasele, Dieu-Merci Kasau Kasau, Pascal Atuba Mamenepi, Erick Panzi Kalunda, Augustin Tshitadi Makangu
Page no 130-136 |
DOI: 10.36348/sijlcj.2024.v07i04.001
Context: The returnees from Congo Brazaville were received by the town hall of Kinshasa which brought them to Maluku. From there, those with closer family members went home, but the others and their children settled around the Cardinal Malula stadium for lack of accommodation. Purpose: This study is carried out with the aim of analyzing the socio-sanitary situation of people expelled from Brazzaville based around the municipality of Kinshasa. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey made it possible, by interview and direct observation with the support of an interview guide, to collect information from 321 Congolese from the DRC expelled from the Republic of Congo, living in the commune of Kinshasa. This information was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. Results: It emerges from the descriptive analysis that the majority of respondents, ie 68.2%, were housed in tents. 84.4% experienced both physical and moral violence. 62.6% had an altered physical state. The most frequent problems include: lack of access to health care (100%); insalubrity (80.9%); malaria associated with other pathologies (80.8%) or alone and lack of access to drinking water (74.7%). From the inferential analysis, it emerges that the factors associated with the state of health of the repressed were: poor bowel management resulting in the use of stage [RR = 3.4 (1.70-6.69); p ˂ 0.000] or open air [RR = 2.93 (1.38 – 6.23); p ˂ 0.005] instead of a latrine; violence [RR = 2.91 (2.07 – 4.08); caring for at least 5 children [RR = 1.71 (1.21–2.41); p ˂ 0.002] as well as divorce [RR = 1.49 (1.16 – 1.92); p ˂ 0.002]. Conclusion: The socio-sanitary situation of those expelled from Brazzaville was not favourable. The direct involvement of the political and health authorities of the DRC with the support of national or international organizations would allow the proper management of humanitarian crises in the country.
REVIEW ARTICLE | April 1, 2024
Some Reflections on the Regulatory Constraints to Labour Malpractices in Cameroon
Dr. Tasiki Desvarieux Ntobengwia, Kwenkam Patrick Kwenkam
Page no 137-144 |
DOI: 10.36348/sijlcj.2024.v07i04.002
The rapid drop in the standard of Fair Labour Practices in the private sector of Cameroon is so disturbing. Generally, the recognition of the basic right of each citizen such as the right to work and the security of employment is of paramount importance to a worker because work brings wages by which workers and their families depend on, works gives dignity and meaning to the life of a worker and make the world economy run accordingly. That is why the Cameroonian labour legislator has made much effort in addressing the situation of workers who have been unlawfully dismissed from work by malicious employers or workers whose basic rights to work and security of employment may be threatened. The aim of this study therefore, is to ascertain the regulatory Constraints to labour malpractices in Cameroon. These Labour malpractices mostly committed by profit conscious employers of Labour in Cameroon are characterized amongst others by; the imposition of standard form contracts on their workers, discrimination in the private sector employment, subjecting workers under unsafe working environment and deplorable conditions of work, wrongful discharge of employment, the practice of divide and conquer style of management, gross violations of workers fundamental human rights, arbitrary variation of substantial terms of employment contracts, the questionable practices of labour inspectors, unreasonable restraint clauses in the private sector employment contracts, non-respect of government-mandated minimum guarantee wage, non-conformity of internal rules and regulations to national standard, wrongful suspension of contract of employment etc. These deviant dispositions of employers of Labour, although contrary to deontology, are so embedded in the Cameroonian Labour market causing private sector workers to remain at the same level from January to December every year of their life. In a bid to attain the overall purpose of this study, this research adopts the qualitative research methodology which involve an in-depth content analysis of both primary and secondary data. Findings, therefore, reveal that despite the regulatory, institutional and policy framework put in place to protect private sector employees against any form of labour malpractices, private sector employees are not adequately protected because of gaps in the labour legislation, conflicting interests, economic impact, low Scholarisation of workers, political impact, ineffective implementation of prevailing regulations, the introduction of powerless staff representatives, laxity on the part of some Labour Inspectors to ensure the respect of labour legislation etc constitutes the basis for the multiplication of gross violation of employment rights in the private sector within the country. This research conclude theoretically that the Cameroon Labour Legislation to an extent, guarantees the protection of private sector employees but practically it effective implementation and enforcement leaves much to be desired. This has necessitated the suggestion of some policy recommendations for the way forward. In this regard, in order to attain an effective regulatory, institutional and policy framework which guarantees the protection of workers against any form of labour malpractices in the private sector, we recommends a review of the 1992 Labour Code to better handle any form of labour malpractices affecting private sector employment in today’s era and the Labour Inspectorate being the central state institution charged with the enforcement of employment rights should not only be found seating at the regional and divisional headquarters, they should equally be established in each sub-division in other to take justice nearer to workers who are mostly employed by employers of unskilled labour in the country.
REVIEW ARTICLE | April 1, 2024
Local Governance and Transformative Initiatives in Kumbo Municipality (Cameroon): 1977-2013
Aloysius Nyuymengka Ngalim, Tatah Emmanuel Mengnjo
Page no 126-137 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjhss.2024.v09i04.001
The study examines the pivotal role of local government in fostering transformative initiatives in Kumbo Municipality and their broader developmental impact. Despite numerous studies on local governance, there is limited established information on transformative initiatives. The study employs qualitative methods, including interviews and desk research. While acknowledging certain accomplishments in life-transforming endeavours, the paper contends that these achievements remain quantitatively inadequate relative to the pressing needs of the community, and the pace of progress is notably sluggish. The findings reveal that certain projects have proven ephemeral due to issues in conception, implementation, and maintenance. Additionally, the study reveals a significant gap between the idealized vision of decentralization enshrined in Cameroon's 1996 constitution and the reality on the ground, as local government institutions haven't been effectively empowered. Urgent reforms are imperative for local governance to catalyze positive change, necessitating a steadfast adherence to the autonomy principles articulated in the constitution. Only through such comprehensive reforms can local government evolve into an effective instrument for transformative development in Kumbo Municipality.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 30, 2024
Assessment of Blood Gas Pattern amongst Artisanal Refinery Operators in Rivers State, Nigeria
Tamuno-Opubo, A, Chris-Biriowu, H, Dienye, Zosa U, Stanley, Rosemary O, Wihioka, Joy O, Dede, Siyeofori B, Bekinbo, M.T, Odimabo, M
Page no 73-78 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjm.2024.v09i03.001
Some identified setbacks of the legitimate and illegitimate explorations/exploitations of crude oil and its derivatives in the Niger Delta are degraded environment, weak economy, and deteriorating health of the populace. Therefore, the current study evaluated the effect of artisanal refinery operation on respiratory blood gases and renal functions of its workers in Rivers State. As a cross-sectional investigation with sparse population, the multistage sampling technique (including purposive and snowball tools) was adopted to recruit 203 (including 120 operators of artisanal refinery―OAR-actively exposed and 83 non-OAR- actively exposed) willing and apparently healthy male and female adult subjects. Following receipt of ethical approval and consent, five milliliter of blood was taken from each subject from their antecubital vein after sterilizing the portion of the cubital fossa. The sample was then put into plain sample bottle and centrifuged to recover serum. Thereafter, the automated blood gas analyzer was used to measure the arterial blood gases of the subjects. The result showed marked (P<0.05) reductions in the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) and oxygen saturation (SO2) levels in artisanal refinery operators (actively exposed) when compared to that of the passively-exposed subjects. Again, there were marked (P<0.05) elevations in the plasma pH and bicarbonate ions (HCO-3) levels in the actively exposed subjects compared to their passively-exposed counterparts. In conclusion, there could be adverse impact on respiratory blood gases and incidences of metabolic alkalosis over chronic exposures to the OAR activities.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 30, 2024
Alfred Baeumler: 'Alfred Rosenberg and the Myth of the 20th Century'
Juan Sebastián Gómez-Jeria
Page no 197-233 |
DOI: 10.36348/jaep.2024.v08i03.007
Following one of our research topics we present here the first English translation of the text 'Alfred Rosenberg and the Myth of the 20th Century', written by the philosopher Alfred Baeumler. In addition to the research it may lead to, it seems important to read it before reading the book written by Rosenberg.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 30, 2024
Assessment of the Performance of Crushed Cow Bones as a Partial Replacement for Coarse Aggregate for Concrete
Olugbenga Babajide Soyemi, Aanuoluwapo Soretire
Page no 49-57 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjce.2024.v08i03.001
Researches have been geared at not only ameliorating the rising cost of providing affordable housing units to the ever increasing populace but also tackling global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, pollution, biodiversity and others concerns and animal bones which have posed challenges through its disposing, treating and processing is the focus of this research by investigating the possibility of its use as coarse aggregate in concrete. Animal bones were crushed in sizes ranging from 10-20mm, these crushed cow bone (CCB) aggregate, were used in concrete specimens as a partial replacement for conventional aggregates in percentages 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. The particle size distribution of fine aggregates, granite, and cow bone aggregate will be determined in line with BS EN 933-2:2020. Slump test was executed in line with the provisions of BS EN 12350 Part 2: (BSI, 2019). The compressive strength test was carried out using concrete cube (150 mm) specimens in line with the provisions of British Standard codes for concrete (BS EN 12390-3 (BSI, 2019) and cured by immersion for 7, 14, and 28 days. The results of the compressive strength of the concrete made with different percentages of CCB showed very promising strengths between 5- 15% but with optimal strength values at 15% replacement. This implies that CCB can be used to ease the cost of construction in the use of coarse aggregates provided its use is limited to 15% replacements.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 30, 2024
Cameroonian Mining Milieu and the Situation of the Health and Safety of Mineworkers: The Legal Implications and Emerging Challenges
Dr. Tasiki Desvarieux Ntobengwia
Page no 118-129 |
DOI: 10.36348/sijlcj.2024.v07i03.003
From time immemorial and even as it is nowadays, mining operations has been coined as one of the world’s most dangerous activities that are associated with a lot of high risks including loss of lives and untold accident and diseases. This issue of the protection of the health and safety of mineworkers in Cameroon in particular and the world at large has been a called for concern for quite some time and even as we speak. Mining being relatively a new field, the Cameroonian Government still has so many things to put together, especially in the domain of it legislation. One of such is the protection of workers therein. Given that the 1992 Cameroonian Labour code on the one hand has no express or specific provisions for the health and safety of mineworkers and the newly 2016 mining code of Cameroon on the other hand which is the main piece of legislation governing mining operations has not done any better, especially as the protection of the health and safety of such categories of workers in the national territory is concern, and even as a member of the ILO, she has failed to ratify some important ILO Conventions, especially Convention no 176 concerning safety and health of workers in mines, whose purpose is to ensure the social protection of workers and to safeguard fundamental human rights in the mineral exploitation sector. This paper adopts a purely qualitative research method involving an in-depth content analysis based on primary and secondary sources of data collection, this paper questions the effectiveness of the protection of the health and safety of mineworkers in the Cameroonian mining milieu and challenges encountered.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 29, 2024
Antagonistic Effect of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Nerium olender against Rhizoctonia solani
Ghofran A. Mousa, Adel H. Alwan
Page no 71-78 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjls.2024.v09i03.004
Objective: To investigate the population of endophytic fungi accompanying to Nerium olender plant. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on three different sites in two governorates for three consecutive months with five samples from each site. The identification of the fungi was carried out using microscopic and molecular methods while the isolation, identification of fungal pathogen and preparation of aqueous extract were also successfully done. Results: 14 species of fungi (Penicillium notatum, Rhizopus nigricans, Rhizopus stolonifera, Fusarium Solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria sp., Cladosporium sp .and Curvularia sp.), while the other sex species were identified by DNA investigation method and where (Aspergillus spp. (40%), Penicillium spp. (20%), Rhizopus spp. (12%), Fusarium spp. (10%), Alternaria sp. (4%), Mucor circinelloides (4%), Neurospora Crassa (3%), Cladosporium sp. (1%) and Curvularia sp. (1%). Conclusions: The highest percentage of inhibition was for fungi Aspergillus Flavus, Penicillium commune and Mucor circinelloides which amounted to 100% and from the third day of growth until the completion of the control dish, then Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifera, with a 90% on the seventh day of growth, and Penicillium commune, Rhizopus nigricans with a rate ranging between 82-68%, while the rest of the fungi showed an antagonistic effect, but with rates less than 50%.
SUBJECT CATEGORY: ZOOLOGY | March 29, 2024
Recent developments in genetic engineering in the CRISPR Technology and plant sciences with modern applications
Maira Munir, Muhammad Bilal, Ummee Kalsoom, Fazeela Zaka, Tehreem Fatima, Muhammad Amir, Iqra Uzair, Abdul Jawad, Usman Ahmed
Page no 102-107 |
DOI: 10.36348/sb.2024.v10i03.007
The CRISPR toolbox can perform precise programmable genetic sequence insertions to the development of new technologies. The Cas9 nuclease is one of the proteins that make up the so-called genetic scissors, a system of directed cutting of foreign DNA and, RNA that is the subject of extensive research among all known Cas proteins. The correction of alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency and cancer immunotherapy are two important therapeutic development scenarios where HDR-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 editing has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the clinical testing. Protospacers are DNA segments that are targeted by the prokaryotic immune system and resemble the corresponding spacers at the CRISPR locus, with the exception of the PAM motif. The transpiration is the loss of water by a plant, mostly through the stomata on its leaves. Drought is a dangerous occurrence that significantly affects how well plants perform. It sets off physiological and biochemical processes that help the plant withstand drought by lessening its impacts. Medicinal plants and other soil-grown agricultural goods are often impacted by oil pollution. The existence of hazardous heavy metals in the soil, such as cadmium, mercury, lead, chromium, arsenic, nickel, copper, and zinc, is one of the many other explanations for why some bacteria and germs have become resistant to medications this century.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 29, 2024
Effect of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Extract on the Teratogenecity in Female Wistar Rats
Shailesh A. Tawade
Page no 200-208 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjmps.2024.v10i03.011
The raw fruit extract of Morinda citrifolia plant and its commercially available formulation in the market as Noni max (Best-selling brand of Brihans pharmaceutical in India and abroad) were obtained from Brihans Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. Mulund, Mumbai, India. 80 Wistar rats of either sex weighing between 200 to 250 gms were used for experimentation. In the present study, it was found that the Morinda citrifolia fruit extract and its formulation found safe for the developmental stages of foetus. It was also found that there was no significant difference was noted in body weight and the relative weight of the ovary, uterus and placenta of female rat. There was no structural and functional manifestation was noted in the developing foetusin the pregnant female rats. From the present study it is confirm that, both Morinda citrifolia fruit extract and its formulation (Noni max) did not produce any teratogenic effect in rats up to 1000 mg/kg and 40 ml/kg respectively.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 28, 2024
Prevalence of Ear and Nasal Diseases in Bangladeshi Patients
Dr. Md. Mahmudur Rahman, Dr. Sabina Parveen, Dr. Sabrina Sarah Alam
Page no 196-199 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjmps.2024.v10i03.010
Background: The magnitude of health problems related to ear and nose in Bangladesh has not been estimated in a larger scale and very little is known about the prevalence and types of ENT diseases. Commonest cause of hearing impairment in our country is middle ear infection. Conductive type of deafness mostly occurs due to otitis media with or without its complications. Goal of primary health eare services is to achieve "Sound hearing by 2030" will never be achieved if we could not find out possible association of middle ear disease with other health conditions. Objective: To determine the prevalence of ear and nasal diseases in Bangladeshi patients. Methods: Two hundred patients complaining of middle ear discharge and or nasal symptoms were included in this study, to see the association of COM with nasal disorders. This cross sectional study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July 2012 to June 2014.Sample was taken by purposive sampling. Sample was divided into four groups as exposed and diseased, exposed and not diseased, not exposed diseased and not exposed and not diseased. Results: Two hundred patients were studied in the department of ENT and Head Neck Surgery of Dhaka Medical College Hospital complaining of either COM or Sinonasal disease. Among them 107 were female and 93 were male and male female ratio was 1:1.15. On analyzing age distribution it was ranging from 10 years to 50 years with mean age 30±7.86% clustering around 25 years. This study revealed that 65 % of COM is in the age group of 10-30 years. Conclusion: A study on the prevalence of the Ear Nose throat and Head and Neck diseases in developing country like Bangladesh can provide basic data which can be relevant and beneficial to the development of medical ENT curriculum in the regional setup and subsequent medical practice.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 28, 2024
A Clinical Study on Feto-maternal Outcome of Severe Pre-eclamptic Patient
Dr. Roksana Nazim, Dr. Rezoyana Nazim, Dr. Syeda Meherunnesa, Dr. Tahmina Akter
Page no 138-147 |
DOI: 10.36348/sijog.2024.v07i03.009
Background: Pre-eclampsia is a multisystem disorder of pregnancy characterized by Hypertension and proteinuria. It is a common pregnancy related disorder that originates in the placenta and causes variable maternal and fetal problems. Objective: To find out the feto-maternal outcome of severe pre-eclamptic patient. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study among the pregnant woman who were admitted with severe pre-eclampsia in labour and in antenatal ward in the hospital during the study period in Department of Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka from July 2015 to January 2016. A total of 50 pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia were included in the study. After detailed history, clinical examination, blood pressure measurement and bedside urinary protein levels, patients were diagnosed as severe pre-eclampsia. The data were analyzed by SPSS. Results: Commonest age group of the patients suffering from severe pre-eclampsia was found to be ranging from 15-35 years of age and the mean age was 26 years. Majority of the study, patients were primiparous (56%) coming from rural areas (56%). Literacy has a great impact on the incidence of pre-eclampsia which was reflected from the study of educational status. The study revealed that 40% of patients were under secondary school level and only 28% of them were graduates or above HSC. Data was collected regarding their occupation, which showed 80% of them were house-wives and 12% were day laborer. Most of them gave a positive family history of hypertension and 32% of them gave no relevant history. Incidence of antenatal care was assessed which showed majority (60%) were on irregular antenatal care which again contributes to the progress of severity of the disease. 92% of severe pre-eclamptic patients were found to be present in last trimester. Blood pressure levels were assessed and 80% of patients had systolic pressure more than 160 mmHg and 76% had diastolic pressure more than 110 mmHg. Among the various symptoms of severe pre-eclampsia most common symptom were Oedema (76%), headache (40%), epigastric pain (12%) and Insomnia (32%). Study of blood biochemistry levels showed high levels of uric acid (72%) and raised serum creatinine levels (26%). Caesarean section rate was found to be extremely high. 72% of the patients underwent caesarean section and rest was delivered vaginally. Overall neonatal outcome was- healthy babies 40%, premature 20%, IUGR 20% and IUD was 8%. Most of them had average birth weight (56%). And overall maternal outcome was Eclampsia 4%, HELLP Syndrome 4%, Abruptio placenta 4%, Renal Insufficiency2% and maternal death 2%. Conclusion: The incidence of morbidity and mortality related to sever pre-eclampsia are remarkably higher in developing countries like Bangladesh. Therefore, measures should be taken to control this deadly condition through Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) regarding antenatal care, danger signs, delivery plan etc. involving public and private sector.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 27, 2024
Significance of Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Carcinoma- A Complete Review
Dr. Muthu Venkat T, Dr. Vijayalakshmi, Dr. Pramila
Page no 71-74 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjpm.2024.v09i03.003
The microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colorectal tumors recently have been reported that can benefit from immunotherapy, and MSI can be used as a genetic instability of a tumor detection index. Many studies have shown that there are many heterogeneous phenomena in patients with MSI tumors in terms of immunotherapy, prognosis and chemotherapy sensitivity. Here we mainly review the research results of MSI detection methods, its mechanisms, occurrence and its relationship with related tumors, aiming in such a way for brief analysis of the micro satellite instability. Microsatellites (MS) are the repeated sequences of DNA that play an important role in maintaining the tissue morphology. Any mutation of the DNA or chromosomes, lead to the instability of the microsatellites, thereby causing the microsatellite instability. There are three types of microsatellite instability (MSI). High microsatellite instability (MSI-H), low microsatellite instability (MSI-L) and microsatellite stability (MSS). Recent clinical research tends to classify MSS-L and MSS as similar. Microstaellite instability plays an important role in colorectal carcinoma. Based on different molecular mechanisms, MSI in colorectal cancer can be divided into colorectal cancer (CRC) with no obvious family genetic history and Lynch syndrome with non-polyposis with family genetic history. Lynch syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder and syndrome caused by mutations in MMR strains, and it can also cause tumors in other parts of the colon and rectum. With the recent development of MSI detection technology and immunosuppressant in tumor therapy, researchers found that MSI-H tumors respond well to immunotherapy. There are several methods to detect the microsatellite instability. 1. Next Generation sequencing (NGS), 2. Fluoresence multiplex PCR and capillary electrophoresis. 3. Immunohistochemistry. 4. Single molecule- molecular inversion probes (SmMIP). The main mechanism of MSI includes, Slipped strand mispairing, MMR deficient.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 27, 2024
Interdisciplinary Case-Based Teaching Promoting the Integration of Physical Education and Health Curriculum in China
Katherine Ning Li
Page no 53-58 |
DOI: 10.36348/jaspe.2024.v07i03.003
Against the backdrop of quality education, integrating physical education and health courses in China has been regarded as essential to fostering students' comprehensive development. This study explores leveraging interdisciplinary case-based teaching to promote the in-depth integration and fusion of physical education and health courses in China. The research systematically reviews the theoretical foundations of integrating physical education and health courses, interdisciplinary teaching, and case-based teaching methods in China. The study summarizes the comprehensive cases for conducting interdisciplinary case-based teaching while also pointing out the challenges in the implementation process, such as teachers' professional development lag, deficiencies in the evaluation system, and the scarcity of high-quality case resources. Finally, the study proposes strategies and recommendations in management, teacher development, and evaluation for promoting integrating physical education and health courses through interdisciplinary case-based teaching. This research provides a new practical path for optimizing physical education and health courses in China. It offers valuable insights for the integration of other disciplines, possessing both theoretical value and practical significance.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 27, 2024
Analysis of Politeness Strategies from the Perspective of the Interpersonal Function of Language in Systemic Functional Grammar
Ying Hu, Yuan Zhou
Page no 96-100 |
DOI: 10.36348/sijll.2024.v07i03.006
Politeness strategies play a crucial role in maintaining social harmony and establishing interpersonal relationships. The interpersonal function of language in Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) provides a framework to analyze how language is used to interact with others. Our research aims to analyze the interpersonal functions of politeness strategies in conversation from the perspective of mood, modality, and person in SFG, with a focus on politeness theory, face theory, and politeness strategies. It shows how language is used to manage social relationships and establish social hierarchies in communication, and how understanding politeness strategies can help communicate more effectively and respectfully in different contexts.