ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 9, 2024
Comparative Demographic and Clinical Profile of Preeclamptic and Normal Pregnant Women in the Third Trimester
Nasima Akhter, Md. Azharur Rahman, Ashik Mahmud, Saima Rahman, Rabab Sultana
Page no 84-87 |
DOI: 10.36348/sijog.2024.v07i03.001
Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific, multi-system disorder characterized by elevated blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Its exact etiology remains unknown, and globally, it stands as a prominent cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the comparative demographic and clinical profile of preeclamptic and normal pregnant women in the third trimester. Methods: This case-control study took place in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, spanning from July 2011 to June 2012. The study enrolled 100 pregnant women, with 50 cases diagnosed with preeclampsia and 50 controls representing normal pregnant women. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The mean ages of cases (25.8 ± 4.4 years) and controls (27.1 ± 3.1 years) were similar (P=0.177). A predominant proportion of cases (74%) and controls (66%) belonged to a lower social class (P=0.383). BMI assessment showed no significant difference (P= 0.645). Most participants in both groups were preterm (P=0.235) and primigravida (P= 0.422). The case group exhibited significantly higher mean serum ferritin than the control group (P<0.001). Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels showed no significant differences (P=0.761 and P=0.231, respectively). Elevated serum ferritin (>20 ng/ml) was prevalent in 76% of cases and 44% of controls (P=0.001). The odds of elevated serum ferritin in preeclampsia were approximately 4 times higher than in normal pregnancies (95% CI=1.7–9.5). Variations in serum ferritin levels across gestational ages are illustrated. Conclusion: The study found no significant correlation between preeclamptic and normal pregnant women's demographic and clinical status in the third trimester, except for serum ferritin levels. Further research is needed to obtain a clearer understanding of these relationships.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 9, 2024
IoT-Machine Learning-Based Structural Health Monitoring System for Detection of Cracks in Bridges
Neha Sadaf Attar, Aarif Makandar, Mohammad Ziaullah, Saba Fatima, Nyamatulla Patel
Page no 28-32 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjbr.2024.v09i02.001
The deteriorating condition of infrastructure, particularly bridges, poses significant challenges to public safety and necessitates the development of advanced monitoring systems for early detection of structural defects. This paper proposes a novel approach by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology with machine learning (ML) algorithms for real-time structural health monitoring, focusing on the detection of cracks in bridges. The proposed system employs a network of IoT sensors strategically deployed on the bridge structure to collect diverse data related to environmental conditions, strain, and vibrations. These sensors provide a continuous stream of data, creating a comprehensive dataset for analysis. Machine learning algorithms, specifically designed for anomaly detection, are applied to this dataset to identify patterns indicative of potential structural issues. This system is designed and implemented using ML and IoT. The excitation results shows that the designed system accuracy and efficiency of crack detection is improved and further enhance overall structural resilience. Furthermore, the integration of a real-time alerting mechanism allows for immediate notification of detected anomalies.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 9, 2024
Performance Evaluation of Strengthened Scrapped Mating Rings of Face Seals Used as Single Point Turning Tool
Ipilakyaa, T. D, Tuleun, L.T, Gundu, D. T, Oshuoha, I. C
Page no 142-149 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjet.2024.v09i03.004
The scrapped mating ring of face seals has been studied and recycled into single point turning tools (SPTTs) and performed comparably with standard turning tools. Three sets of tools, namely, standard tungsten tool, strengthened and unstrengthened scrapped ring, have been studied and performed satisfactorily as SPTTs. Standard tungsten tool, strengthened and unstrengthened scrapped mating ring of face seal respectively. The tools were configured with a nose radius 2mm, positive rake angles of 3o, 5o and 8o and used to perform turning operations on mild carbon steel (CS1030) with surface roughness measured. The results showed that the strengthened tools generated the best surface finish for mild carbon steel among all three tools under consideration. The statistical analysis showed that surface finish, the model, cutting speed and feed rate are significant with their P-values < 0.0001 but the depth of cut, rake angle and tool have no significant impact on surface finish at 95% confidence level. This research will provide the machine tools shop with more durable SPTT and enhance reliability, quality, minimize downtimes and accidents in machining processes.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 9, 2024
Mentorship and Professional Development of Young Academic Staff in Some Selected Universities in North-West, Nigeria
Dr. Julius Elizabeth, Wakkala Garba Tumburku, Dr. Danjuma Mairo
Page no 156-167 |
DOI: 10.36348/jaep.2024.v08i03.003
This study sought to examine the relationship between mentorship and professional development of young academics staff in selected universities in Northwest, Nigeria. Using a quantitative approach, the study employed descriptive correlational design. The sample size of 185 respondents was used, which was selected using purposive sampling technique. The objectives were: to determine the level of mentorship; to determine the level of professional development of young academics; to examine the relationship between mentorship and professional development of young academics staff; and to examine the influence of mentorship on professional development of young academics in the selected universities. Data was collected using a questionnaire which validity and reliability were confirmed through computation of content validity index (CVI) and Cronbach Alpha test which were found to be 0.79 and 0.85 respectively. The quantitative data was analysed using mean, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that the level of mentorship in the selected universities is good; the level of professional development is also good; the association between mentorship and professional development is positively significant; and mentorship is a significant predictor of professional development of young academic staff. The study concludes that professional development of young academics can be enhanced through mentor-mentee relationship. The study recommends among others, university managements should invest into mentoring programmes as a strategic priority for the development of quality human resource and capacity building needed for the achievement of their vision and mission.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 8, 2024
Comparative Studies of the Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Ugwuoba Clay with Admixtures of Corncob and Sugarcane Bagasse Ashes
Ifeanyichukwu B. J, Eze S. E, Ozoekwem R. O, Nwangbo, T. N, Idenyi N. E
Page no 17-29 |
DOI: 10.36348/sijcms.2024.v07i03.001
An investigation into the effects of combustible materials on the refractory properties of Ugwuoba clay, using sugarcane bagasse ash and corncob ash has been undertaken. Ugwuoba clay was sourced from Ugwuoba town in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State. Sugarcane bagasse were collected at Lokpanta, a Fulani settlement in Okigwe Community, Imo State, while corncobs were collected at New Artisan Market in Enugu Metropolis. The clay was processed using standard beneficiation and purification procedures at the Ceramics Department of Projects Development Agency (PRODA), Enugu. The sugarcane bagasse and corncobs were each and separately calcined into amorphous ash by heating in a furnace at 650oC. The refractory blends were compounded at the ratio of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 for Ugwuoba clay (UGC) to Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SBA) and Ugwuoba Clay (UGC) to Corncob Ash (CCA) separately and respectively. These blends were subsequently molded into the standard test pieces for the various properties determination and subjected to firing at temperatures of 900oC, 1000oC, 1100oC and 1200oC. Thereafter, the fired samples were characterized for fired shrinkages, total shrinkages, apparent porosities, water absorption coefficients, apparent densities, bulk densities and moduli of rupture. The results obtained for each of the blends showed that the values were within the tolerable limits for industrial refractories with the 10%SBA and the 20%CCA blends showing the best results. Comparatively however, the 10%SBA produced the better of these properties than the 20%CCA. A conclusion is drawn to the effect that both sugarcane bagasse ash and corncob ash can serve as good organic admixtures for refractory bricks production for the lining of melting furnaces in the metals industry, hence opening new frontiers for recycling of these agricultural wastes for environmental safety and economic development in Nigeria.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 8, 2024
Design Some Stem Topics Integrating AI & IoT Technology in Teaching Informatics and Technology Grade 10
Phạm Thị Kim Huệ, Nguyễn Thị Thanh Hoà
Page no 135-141 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjet.2024.v09i03.003
According to the current general education program in Vietnam, in addition to the clear goal of program development, STEM education is specifically oriented to be applied at all levels of high school education to develop qualities and abilities. students have promoted interdisciplinary education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In addition, according to Official Dispatch No. 3089/BGDDT-GDTrH, dated August 14, 2020 of the Ministry of Education and Training on implementing STEM education in secondary education [5]. STEM education content is an educational method to equip students with scientific knowledge associated with their application in practice, thereby contributing to the formation of students' qualities and abilities. In particular, for the subject of Informatics and Technology, which converges all four elements of STEM education, the subject of Informatics and Technology plays a central role in connecting other subjects. In particular, designing STEM topics that integrate AI & IoT technology will help you understand real-world applications and understand the operating principles of control circuits, understanding automation to help monitor equipment well. more, career orientation and training creative thinking skills and capacity development for students. In particular, to achieve this content, the authors would like to sincerely thank Hung Vuong University, Phu Tho for creating conditions for the author to conduct research on this article under the topic code HV24.2023.
Hypertension during pregnancy poses a substantial risk to maternal and fetal health. This systematic review aims to synthesize the existing literature on the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of hypertension during pregnancy. To comprehensively assess the global landscape of hypertension during pregnancy by identifying and analyzing eligible studies. We systematically searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science, from inception until December 2023. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined criteria. Data were extracted, and the quality of included studies was assessed. Meta-analysis was performed where appropriate. Among the 56 eligible studies, the pooled prevalence of hypertension during pregnancy was 12.3% (95% CI: 10.1%–14.5%). Common risk factors included maternal age >35 years (33.5%), obesity (27.8%), and previous hypertensive conditions (18.6%). Maternal complications were observed in 45.2% of cases, with preterm birth (23.7%) and low birth weight (18.9%) being predominant adverse outcomes. Variations in prevalence and risk factors were noted across geographic regions. This systematic review underscores the global burden of hypertension during pregnancy and its association with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Key risk factors highlight the importance of targeted interventions and antenatal care strategies. Further research is needed to understand regional disparities and improve prevention and management strategies.
SUBJECT CATEGORY: ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION IN EDU | March 6, 2024
Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education – The Case of Greek University Students
Pela A. Stravakou
Page no 70-79 |
DOI: 10.36348/sb.2024.v10i03.003
Assessment, in the context of the educational process, is a necessary condition, since through it improvement of the educational work is achieved, with the aim of improving the education provided and, ultimately, students’ progress. In this paper, postgraduate students’ opinions regarding their assessment during their undergraduate studies are explored. From their answers, it can be concluded that assessment is a complex and multifactorial process for them since the elements that influence its application are many and varied. Postgraduate students consider the application of assessment beneficial because it contributes to the development and cultivation of their personal skills, but they emphasize that specific conditions, techniques, and methods should be applied for its results to be objective and impartial.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 6, 2024
Clinical Population about Diabetes during Pregnancy: A Systematic Literature Review
Oula Souhail Tayar
Page no 157-163 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjmps.2024.v10i03.004
Diabetes during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-existing diabetes, presents significant challenges to maternal and fetal health. Clinical populations encompass diverse pregnant individuals, each with unique risk factors and outcomes related to diabetes in pregnancy. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize findings from eligible studies conducted between January 1, 2020, and December 30, 2023, sourced from Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Database of literature Reviews, to comprehensively examine diabetes during pregnancy within clinical populations. We followed established systematic review methodologies, including study selection, data extraction, and analysis. Eligible studies underwent rigorous screening to ensure relevance and quality. Data were systematically extracted to identify trends and patterns in epidemiology, risk factors, clinical management, and outcomes. Among the 15 eligible studies, our analysis revealed variations in the prevalence of diabetes during pregnancy across clinical populations, ranging from 5% to 15%. Socioeconomic factors, ethnicity, and maternal age were significant risk factors. Clinical management strategies varied, with insulin therapy predominant in pre-existing diabetes cases (68%) and dietary interventions in GDM (45%). Fetal macrosomia occurred in 18% of cases, while neonatal hypoglycemia affected 14% of infants born to mothers with diabetes. This systematic literature review highlights the multifaceted nature of diabetes during pregnancy in clinical populations. Variations in prevalence and risk factors underscore the importance of tailored healthcare interventions. Diverse management approaches necessitate individualized care plans. The prevalence of adverse outcomes necessitates vigilant monitoring and timely interventions. Our findings inform evidence-based practices research priorities, and support improved care for pregnant individuals with diabetes in clinical populations.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 6, 2024
The Usefulness of Non-Invasive Liver Stiffness Measurements by Fibroscan in Predicting Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension in Cirrhotic Patients
Fatiha Bouhamou, Mouna Salihoun, Ilham Serraj, Nawal Kabbaj
Page no 148-151 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjmps.2024.v10i03.002
Background: Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) has proposed as a non-invasive method for estimating the severity of fibrosis and the complications of cirrhosis. Measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the gold standard for assessing the presence of portal hypertension, but its invasiveness limits its clinical application. The aim of our study is to investigate if LSM could predict the size of Esophageal varices (EV) in patients with liver cirrhosis to limit upper endoscopic procedures only to those patients that really need it (patients with large EV or EV at risk for bleeding). Methods: Our retrospective study includes 46 cirrhotic patients over a period of 40 months between January 2019 and April 2022, at the Service of Digestive Functional Explorations of Hepato-gastroenterology of the University hospital Ibn-Sina of RABAT, all patients underwent a liver stiffness measurement by Transient elastography FibroScan. Results: Of the 46 cirrhotic patients included in this study, with a mean age of 58.5(21-90) years, 18 (39.1%) of patients were male and 28(60.9%) were female. the predominant etiology of cirrhosis was chronic viral hepatitis C 20 (43.5%). The area under the ROC curve of the diagnosis of large EVs (EV≥II) was 0.724 (95%CI). The optimal cut-off of elasticity was 20.5 for this purpose, with a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 94.74%. Conclusions: these results indicate that Transient elastography FibroScan is a reliable, non-invasive method to assess portal hypertension and can be used for the screening and diagnosis of clinically significant portal hypertension.
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) represents a complex endocrinopathy with significant metabolic implications. The Rotterdam criteria establish the diagnosis based on the presence of two of three criteria: ultrasound-confirmed polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism, and persistent anovulation. Objective: Our objective was to investigate hormonal and anthropometric parameters in PCOS patients compared to controls, aiming to elucidate predictive markers and metabolic aberrations. Method: A case-control study comprising 50 PCOS subjects and 50 controls was conducted, focusing on females aged 18-40 attending an obstetrics and gynecology department, Tertiary hospital. Hormonal assays and anthropometric measurements were performed following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Significant differences emerged between PCOS and control groups across various parameters. PCOS individuals displayed elevated levels of TSH, LH, FSH, and prolactin, coupled with increased BMI and altered waist-to-hip ratio, indicating early metabolic disruptions. Notably, the LH:FSH ratio was lower in PCOS subjects, suggesting hormonal imbalances. Conclusion: High levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, LH, FSH, and prolactin, coupled with elevated body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio, served as indicators of PCOS and early metabolic irregularities.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 6, 2024
‘Nietzsche, the Philosopher and Politician’, By Alfred Baeumler
Juan Sebastián Gómez-Jeria
Page no 107-155 |
DOI: 10.36348/jaep.2024.v08i03.002
Following one of our research lines, we present here the first English translation of ‘Nietzsche, the philosopher and politician’, one of the masterpieces written by Professor Dr. Alfred Baeumler. We repeat what Baeumler said in this text: I have tried to lay bare the ground plan of a buried temple and roll some column drums on top of each other. I hope others will undertake the reconstruction of the complete building. This task continues.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 5, 2024
Prevalence of Drug Abuse and its Risk Factors among Attendees of Healthcare Centers in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review
Ahmed A. Alsayed Alhashim, Jamal Khaled S. Aljamal, Ahmad Khalid AlKhayyal, Abdulluh Aljasim, Nora Alkhatam, Abdulrhman S AlTuraif, Ahmed A. Alazmi, Dalal Abdullatif Alkhateeb, Khallad Tariq Abdulaziz Alsahalwi, Hamad Abdulaziz AlSubaie, Fatima Almulhim, Marzooq Alshammary
Page no 142-147 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjmps.2024.v10i03.001
Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of drug abuse among the Saudi population. Methods: To locate relevant material, we searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Science Direct thoroughly. The Rayyan QRCI was used during the procedure. Results: We included six studies with a total of 33222 patients, and 20,803 (62.6%) were males. Drug abuse prevalence ranged from 2.4% to 58.8%. The most common drugs used were amphetamine-cannabis benzodiazepine, Amphetamines & cannabis, Stimulants & cannabis, Heroin & alcohol, Khat chewing, and Marijuna & narcotic drugs. Patients' age, smoking habits, past medical history, and age at the beginning of drug use, male gender unmarried people, and Saudi nationals, used drugs at substantially greater rates. Interestingly, participants with higher education levels were more likely to use drugs such as amphetamines and cannabis while lower educational attainment were more likely to use Khat. Conclusion: When it came to substance misuse, the general Saudi population that visited health facilities had a pretty high rate. In light of these findings, we recommend carrying out additional research to obtain more precise and pertinent information about the incidence of substance usage in Saudi Arabia. To determine the incidence of morphine abuse across various populations, including healthcare professionals and people with chronic pain—such as sickle cell patients—we advised conducting additional research.
SUBJECT CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY | March 4, 2024
Technological Innovation: New Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Target Tracking Technology
Jun Zhu, Zhi-Zhuang Duan, Chen Yao
Page no 68-69 |
DOI: 10.36348/sb.2024.v10i03.002
This article mainly discusses a new type of unmanned aerial vehicle target tracking technology, comprising a drone using a built-in GPS module and a device with a built-in GPS module worn by a human body. When the human body is in motion, the device worn by the human body and the drone generate pseudocodes; Perform pseudorange measurement at a certain moment in GPS time; Obtain a nonlinear equation system related to pseudorange, repeat iterative calculations to obtain accurate coordinates, use Dijkstra algorithm to calculate the shortest path in a weighted directed graph, and the drone flies according to the shortest movement trajectory from the starting point to the human target point; The drone and device of the present invention perform pseudorange measurement at a certain moment in GPS time, and repeat iterative calculations to reduce errors, which is conducive to obtaining accurate coordinates of the device and drone; Based on weighted graph search, the coordinates of the drone and the human body are treated as two endpoints, representing the starting and ending points. The algorithm calculates the shortest trajectory in the graph.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 4, 2024
Evaluation of Some Selected Medical Equipment in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital for Staphylococcus aureus of Nosocomial Threat
Okunye Olufemi Lionel, Ade-Adekunle Olusegun Ayo, Kotun Bunmi Comfort, Omolanke Temitope Oyedemi, Oyinloye Oladapo Elijah, Caroline Olufunke Babalola, Kolade Titilayo Teniola, Olutayo Ademola Adeleye
Page no 57-62 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjpm.2024.v09i03.001
Hospital is an establishment where patients that are diseased, infected, ill or injured receive medical care. A medical staff and equipment are required for the task of medical care delivery. The equipment that are employed in hospital could be classified as critical, semi-critical and non-critical depending on their design and tasks. A total of Eighty-five (85) samples of hospital equipment swab were obtained from Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital of which 40 samples of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated. The isolates were Gram stained followed by conventional biochemical test for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiogram of the isolates was determined. The isolates exhibited resistance to ampiclox (87.5%), zinnacef (92.5%), amoxicillin (92.5%), rocephin (80%), and septrin (55%), while susceptible to pefloxacin (77.5%), gentamicin (80%), streptomycin (72.5%), and ciprofloxacin (52.5%). Some of the resistant isolates were exposed to plasmid DNA analysis and were found to be plasmid borne of varied molecular weight, which could be responsible for resistance to the antibiotics observed. There is therefore a need for regular disinfection, properly sterilization and preservation of medical equipment before and after use, which could curtailed or reduce the spread of equipment borne nosocomial infection.