ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 19, 2024
Local Authorities as Agents for Mobilising Citizen Participation in Development within Bamenda Municipalities: An Analysis from the Participatory Democratic Theory
E. A. Akam, N. K. Takor, T. T. Mengnjo
Page no 392-404 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2024.v09i12.002
This study examines the impact of local authorities on citizen participation in social and economic development in the Bamenda municipalities of Cameroon. The problem addressed is the limited mobilization of citizen involvement despite an established legal framework. The study aims to assess local authorities' roles as mobilizers and identify factors hindering effective participation. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 400 residents and 80 council officials through standardized questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using Chi-Square tests to evaluate the significance of local authority mobilization on citizen engagement. Findings indicate a strong positive perception of local authorities' influence on social development, with 172 agreements and a Chi-Square value of 22.45. In contrast, economic development participation received 118 agreements and a Chi-Square value of 18.67, reflecting skepticism regarding local authority effectiveness. Despite some skepticism, a majority acknowledge the positive role of local authorities in fostering citizen involvement. The study recommends enhancing communication and engagement strategies to improve citizen participation in economic initiatives and addressing resource shortages in healthcare and education. By strengthening citizen engagement, local authorities can significantly contribute to sustainable development in Bamenda.
CASE REPORT | Dec. 19, 2024
Vulvo-Vaginal Thrombus about a Case at the Fousseyni Daou Hospital in Kayes (Mali)
DIASSANA Mahamadou, MALCALOU Ballan, DEMBELE Sitapha, SIDIBE Alima, GOITA Lassina, DIARRA Samou, DAO Seydou Z, HAIDARA Mamadou, KANE Famakan, CAMARA Fantamady, TRAORE Soumaila
Page no 642-644 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sijog.2024.v07i12.009
Puerperal hematomas are a rare cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Their adequate management requires expertise and an adapted technical platform. To our knowledge, no case has been published in Mali. We report the case of a 38-year-old woman, multiparous 6th procedure 5th par with 5 living children, evacuated from a community health center located 90 km away, in a state of hemorrhagic shock occurring one hour after a home birth. She was surgically treated for an expansive vulvo-perineal hematoma. This case allows us to draw the attention of practitioners to the seriousness and singularity of this highly morbid pathology.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 18, 2024
Analytical Overview of the Prevalence of Malaria in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja Nigeria
Ihekuna, C, G. O Omeiza, Kawe Melang, Tatfeng Mirabeau, Emmanuel Sunday Badung, Martha Chituru Egesimba, Chinwe Ndidi Ugwu, Nyiri Miriam Gyang, Nanpon Miri, Mangpin Leviticus Dansura, Amos Dangana
Page no 197-204 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2024.v09i09.002
Background: Malaria continues to be a significant public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions with high endemicity. Despite ongoing efforts to control the disease, the malaria parasite remains a global health issue, presenting persistent challenges for individuals and healthcare systems in affected areas. Methods: This study investigated the distribution, prevalence, and molecular characteristics of Plasmodium falciparum among febrile patients in various healthcare facilities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. A combination of retrospective and cross-sectional designs was employed to analyse 428 blood samples collected from febrile patients across selected government hospitals. Malaria parasitaemia was detected through Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears, with parasite density calculated per 200 leukocytes. RDT-prevalence wax determined using a rapid lateral flow. Result: A total of 428 individuals participated in the study, comprising 49.0% males (n=210) and 50.9% females (n=218), with no statistically significant difference in gender distribution (p>0.05). The age distribution showed that participants aged ≥41 years represented the largest group at 34.3% (n=147), while those aged <10 years accounted for 14.0% (n=60), 11–20 years for 16.1% (n=69), 21–30 years for 19.2% (n=82), and 31–40 years for 16.4% (n=70). Microscopic examination revealed a malaria infection rate of 32% (n=137) among participants, with the highest prevalence in those aged <10 years (33.6%, n=46) and the lowest in the 31–40 age group (8.8%, n=12). Gender-based analysis indicated a higher prevalence in males (52.6%) compared to females (47.4%). Facility-based prevalence was significantly higher in Wuse (30.0%, n=41) compared to other locations, with Zuba showing the lowest prevalence (8.0%, n=11). Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) results indicated a prevalence of 20.1%, with Wuse again exhibiting the highest rate at 38.6% (n=27/70). Age-related RDT prevalence showed the highest seroprevalence in the <10 years age group (65.0%, n=39/60), followed by 11–20 years (24.6%, n=17/69), 21–30 years (12.3%, n=10/81), and ≥41 years (8.8%, n=13/147). Conclusion: The findings reveal a slight predominance of females over males, indicating that women may be more inclined to seek medical attention for malaria-related symptoms. The malaria prevalence rate of 32.0% underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to combat the disease.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 18, 2024
Retrospective Analysis of Malaria Prevalence Trends in the Six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria (2020–2022)
Ihekuna, C, G. O Omeiza, Kawe Melang, Tatfeng Mirabeau, Emmanuel Sunday Badung, Martha Chituru Egesimba, Nyiri Miriam Gyang, Eugene Bwede Samuel, Chinwe Ndidi Ugwu, Helen Daniel Nanbol, Nanpon Miri, Amos Dangana
Page no 271-279 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjpm.2024.v09i12.004
Background: Malaria, caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium and highly endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, continues to be a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children and pregnant women, though it affects all age groups. Despite ongoing efforts to curb malaria, the parasite remains a global health issue, posing persistent challenges to people and healthcare systems in endemic regions. Method: This study employed a retrospective descriptive survey to assess malaria prevalence between January 2020 and December 2022. A total of 28,077 hospital records were analysed, encompassing 9,901 from AMAC, 5,394 from Kuje, 5,275 from Abaji, 1,601 from Kwali, 4,793 from Bwari, and 1,113 from Zuba, all within the Federal Capital Territory, over the three-year period. Result: This study revealed a total malaria prevalence of 37.2% from 2020 to 2022 across major hospitals in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The highest prevalence was observed in Wuse (46.2%) and the lowest in Bwari (26.5%). Yearly prevalence peaked in 2021 (41%), followed by 2022 (36%) and 2020 (32%). Malaria prevalence showed seasonal peaks, particularly in June and August, with variations across the regions. Age-dependent analysis indicated the highest prevalence among children aged 0-5 years, while pregnant women exhibited a 58.1% prevalence, with significant regional differences, particularly in Wuse (77.3%) and Kwali (63.7%). Statistical analysis highlighted significant differences in prevalence across regions between 2021 and 2022 (p<0.0347) and in pregnant women across regions (p=0.0035), though yearly trends were not statistically significant (p=0.075). Conclusion: This study underscores malaria's ongoing impact as a critical public health concern in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, revealing significant variations in prevalence across different regions, age groups, and seasons between 2020 and 2022. This study highlights the continued susceptibility of children under five to malaria and the disease's pronounced seasonal patterns, especially during the rainy months.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 18, 2024
Impact of Skill Development Training in the Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage
Snigdha Rai, Sandesh Poudel, Shree Prasad Adhikari, Kirtipal Subedi, Preetam Chandra Upadhyaya, Pushkal Shah
Page no 634-641 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sijog.2024.v07i12.008
Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is blood loss of 500 ml or more following birth of the baby. This study aimed to determine the impact of skills development training in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: It was an observational before-and-after study that was conducted in Paropakar Maternity and women’s Hospital. Training regarding management of PPH was given to 65 doctors from July to September 2020. Pre and post-training analysis of the trainees was done. Utilization of the skills that participants gained during training, and the changes in maternal morbidity and mortality related to PPH in the year prior to the training (year 2019) and after the training (year 2022) were recorded. A Chi square test was done to evaluate the p- value and value of <0.05 was considered significant. Odds ratio was calculated. Krickpatrick four level model was used to evaluate the impact of training. Results: There was a vast improvement in pre and post-training scores (29.5% vs 72.5%). A significant reduction in the rate of blood transfusion (41% vs 17.2% p= 0.0001, OR= 0.29), ICU admission (7%vs 1.7%, p=0.0001, OR=0.20) and peripartum hysterectomy (1.3 vs 0.04%, p=0.03, OR=0.28) was found. Similarly, condom tamponade placement, bimanual compression and application of compression suture increased post-training (67 vs 167, 56 vs 108 and 5 vs 12). Most importantly, maternal mortality due to postpartum hemorrhage dropped from 75% to 0%. Conclusion: The skill development training for health care workers was associated with a reduction in morbidity and mortality in patients with postpartum hemorrhage.
Based on social practice, it can be seen that university education culture is an important part of the social culture of each country and nation. Accordingly, university education culture has a great responsibility in training, educating, shaping personality, ethics, lifestyle and thinking of people corresponding to the educational philosophy of the university, as well as having a certain influence on the views, thoughts, behaviors and values of learners towards political and social issues in each country. In recent years, many universities in Vietnam have carried out comprehensive educational reforms in all aspects so that the university education environment becomes a space for training and cultivating the ethics, personality and lifestyle of learners, in which the responsibilities and tasks of teachers are extremely important in contributing to the orientation and setting an example for learners to practice and follow in order to create the necessary spiritual values in teaching and learning activities in the university education environment.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Dec. 18, 2024
Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors and Angiographic Profile of Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography-A Review Article
Dr. Syeda Masuma Kawsar, Dr. Amirul Islam Bhuyan
Page no 947-952 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2024.v10i12.010
Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in both developed and developing countries. Coronary artery disease (CAD) tends to present at a younger age and has more extensive angiographic involvement, resulting in genetic, conventional, metabolic and non-traditional risk factors. This systematic review provides a qualitative overview of the risk factors, angiographic features, treatments, and complications of Bangladeshi youth with coronary artery disease (CHD). Search PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar for studies published between the year 2004 to 2022. Identified the paper. Studies conducted in Bangladesh and other countries in patients aged 25 to 65 years were published in English and included information on patients' clinical profiles and risk factors for early-onset CAD. Smoking, dyslipidemia, high BMI, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and hyperhomocysteinemia are frequently observed in young CAD patients. Among young patients with coronary artery disease, single-vessel disease was more common than multivessel disease. Complications of coronary artery disease, such as arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and heart failure, are also more common in young patients. Coronary angiography findings revealed that more than one-third of the patients had normal coronary arteries, but in the majority of patients they were found to have SVD, DVD, and TVD. In some cases, "TVD & LM" and mild CAD were also detected by her CAG.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Dec. 17, 2024
A Systematic Review of AI-Driven Smart Bandages for Dynamic Wound Monitoring and Automated Healing Support
Pranita Niraj Palaspure, Shahid D, Suchit, Suma Subramanya, Tejas S
Page no 556-561 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2024.v09i12.005
Advances in biomedical engineering and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have resulted in the creation of smart bandages that can monitor wounds in real-time and treat them automatically. These intelligent systems combine ultra-low-power machine learning models, wireless communication, and smart sensors to monitor wound parameters like pH, temperature, and moisture continuously. Deep learning algorithms such as Efficient-Net and YOLOv8s-cls allow for precise wound classification and predictive analysis, while biocompatible materials such as chitosan-infused bio-patches allow for natural healing. Remote monitoring and on-demand drug delivery are also provided by the bandages, and they are hence ideal for telemedicine and chronic wound care. Though integration challenges, cost issues, and privacy concerns regarding data pose challenges, these technologies present a scalable, energy-efficient, and patient-friendly solution to wound care. Through the convergence of diagnostics, treatment, and connectivity, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled smart bandages are a promising move towards more individualized, effective, and accessible healthcare interventions. This paper gives a comprehensive review of the technologies, applications, and future directions of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered smart bandages.
The tourism and hospitality industry plays a vital role in the global economy, and service quality is a key factor in the success of this sector. A menu is a carefully designed list of food and beverage offerings provided by a restaurant or hotel, serving as both a functional guide for customers and a powerful marketing tool. This study examines the role of menus as a marketing tool for promoting tourism and hotel products in Libya, with objectives aiming to investigate the impact of various menu elements on consumer attitudes toward restaurants and their subsequent behavioural intentions. A quantitative approach is adopted for this descriptive research, with a sample size of 300 consumers with SEM PLS as data analysis technique. This study contributes to the understanding of the significance of menu design and content in shaping consumer perceptions and behaviour within the hospitality industry he conclusion of this study based on the research results state both of Design, Attractiveness, and Professionalism positively influences Customer experience. Design, and Professionalism are not positively influencing Satisfaction, Attractiveness positively influences Satisfaction. Design, attractiveness, professionalism not positively influences loyalty intention with customer experience as a mediating variable and Design, attractiveness, professionalism not positively influences loyalty intention with satisfaction as a mediating variable. The implication of this study underscores the need for appealing, culturally authentic menus to enhance customer experience and satisfaction in Libya's hospitality industry. While menu elements influence perceptions, additional strategies are needed to build loyalty. The findings offer practical and strategic insights for improving marketing and customer engagement.
SUBJECT CATEGORY: BIOCHEMISTRY | Dec. 17, 2024
Chemical and Biological Analysis of Processed Cassava Garri Sold in Some Selected Local Government Areas in Kebbi State: A Food Safety Perspective
Yusuf, A.B, Abdulrauf, M.S, Shehu, A, Shehu, F, Ibrahim, G. A, Samaila U
Page no 254-266 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sb.2024.v10i10.002
Cassava garri is the most common food consumed in West Africa sub-region with more than 70% of the product harvested in Nigeria. This study was aimed to analyze the chemical and biological properties of processed garri marketing in Kebbi State for food safety perspective. Nutritional and anti-nutritional factors of the garri samples were analyzed using standards methods. Heavy metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Bacteria and fungi were also isolated and identified. DNA was extracted from E. coli and A. flavus and was successfully used for PCR. The results revealed that the proximate shows moisture (12.6±0.94 %), crude fiber (5.56±0.08 %), Ash (2.96±0.12 %) and crude protein (2.09±0.16 %) had the highest percentage whereas crude fat (0.77±0.02 %) had the least percentage. The anti-nutritional factors shows that cyanides had the highest content of (111.8±2.28 mg/100g) compare to alkaloid (10.7±3.66 mg/100g) and phytates (2.11±0.34 mg/100g), whereas the oxalates had the least contents of (0.18±0.03 mg/100g). The heavy metals shows that cadmium (Cd) 0.73±0.09 ppm, lead (Pb) 0.61±0.35 ppm and asenic (As) 0.25±0.02 ppm had the highest concentration, whereas mercury (Hg) had the least concentration 0.19±0.02 ppm. A 338 cultured (100%) of bacteria were identified: the highest frequency was recorded from Escherichia coli 136(40.2 %), Micrococcus luteus 129(38.2 %) and Streptococcus pneumonia 39(11.5%), while the least was recorded from Staphylococcus aureus 34(10.1 %). A 26 cultured (100%) of fungus were identified: with Aspergillus flavus 10(38.5 %), Aspergillus niger 8(30.8 %), Aspergillus fumigatus 3(11.5 %) and Aspergillus clavatus 3(11.5 %), had the highest frequency of isolation, whereas Rhizopus sp 2(7.7 %), had the least frequency of isolation. The amplified products obtained with primers specific for both Escherichia coli and Aspergillus flavus were 900 bp and 700 bp. The study suggests that people should avoid regular intake of garri without a proper thermal treatment so as to minimize disease/intoxication before consumption.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Dec. 17, 2024
The Influence of Social and Emotional Learning on Academic Performance, Emotional Well-Being, and Implementation Strategies: A Literature Review
Sy Van Pham
Page no 381-391 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2024.v09i12.001
Problem: Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is increasingly acknowledged as vital for educational achievement, obstacles such as inadequate resources, poor teacher training, and the necessity for cultural adaptation impede its efficient execution in several educational environments. Purpose: The objective of this literature review is to examine the fundamental elements of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), its influence on academic achievement and emotional health, and the obstacles encountered in its development and execution within various educational settings. Methods: Methods: The study consolidates information from several studies, including meta-analyses, longitudinal research, and case studies, to evaluate the efficacy of SEL programs in enhancing student outcomes. It examines obstacles to effective implementation and ways for surmounting these hurdles, including improved teacher training and resource distribution. Results: Findings indicate that the five essential abilities of social-emotional learning—self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills—are vital for improving students’ academic achievement, emotional management, and interpersonal relationships. Research indicates that social-emotional learning enhances executive skills, including attention regulation and persistence, resulting in quantifiable academic improvements. Moreover, SEL promotes emotional well-being by alleviating worry, augmenting empathy, and strengthening resilience. Nonetheless, obstacles such as insufficient finance, teacher readiness, and the necessity for cultural adaptations persist in several schools, particularly in under-resourced districts. Conclusion: Although SEL programs have advantages in enhancing academic achievement and emotional well-being, surmounting implementation obstacles necessitates systemic backing, sufficient resources, and ongoing professional development for educators. Confronting these obstacles is essential for guaranteeing the continuous and efficient incorporation of SEL into educational systems.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 17, 2024
Perception and Knowledge of Female Genital Mutilation among Indigenous Childbearing Women in Awka-South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria
Jacob Joy Nkeiruka, Chiejina Edith Nkechi
Page no 402-401 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjnhc.2024.v07i12.009
Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply rooted cultural practice with far-reaching consequences for the health, dignity, and rights of women worldwide. The study assessed the perception and knowledge of female genital mutilation among indigenous childbearing women in the Awka-South Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of knowledge and the level of perception of indigenous childbearing women in Awka, South L.G.A. of Anambra State towards female genital mutilation. The hypotheses were that there is no significant association between the level of knowledge and the level of perception of indigenous childbearing women in Awka-South L.G.A. of Anambra State towards female genital mutilation and that parity of indigenous childbearing women in Awka-South L.G.A. is not significantly associated with their perception. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The sample size was 437 indigenous childbearing women, and a multistage sampling technique was used. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The reliability test indicated 0.72. The data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS); descriptive statistics, frequency, percentage, and mean were used to analyze research questions, and inferential statistics, chi-square, were used to test hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The data were presented in tables for clarity. The findings of the study revealed that the majority, 77.2%, had a negative perception of FGM, and the majority, 64.0%, of the respondents had poor knowledge of FGM. There was no significant association between the level of knowledge and the level of perception of FGM among indigenous childbearing women, with p-value = 0.094, and the parity of indigenous childbearing women is not significantly associated with their level of perception of FGM with p-value = 0.431. In conclusion, indigenous childbearing women showed negative perceptions towards FGM, and indigenous childbearing women had poor knowledge of FG. It is recommended that healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies implement comprehensive education programs targeting indigenous childbearing women to improve their knowledge and understanding of FGM.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 17, 2024
The Influence of Lime Variations on the Unconfined Compressive Strength of Inorganic Clay Soil Stabilized with a Combination of Nickel Slag and Aluminum Hydroxide
Rafly Daeng Mangaseng, Wilanti Basir, Ichsan Rauf, Abdul Gaus, Irnawaty
Page no 246-252 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjce.2024.v08i10.002
Soil stabilization is a ground improvement technique aimed at enhancing the strength and bearing capacity of soil, particularly in road construction projects. The combination of multiple stabilization materials allows for achieving better improvements in soil bearing capacity. The use of industrial waste materials offers an eco-friendly solution while repurposing materials that are typically discarded. This study focuses on the engineering application of adding limestone as a natural pozzolanic material. The research involves laboratory testing to measure the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of stabilized clay soil samples. The addition of stabilization materials is based on weight ratios, where the ratio of nickel slag to aluminum hydroxide is 1,5, and limestone is added in varying proportions of 2%, 4%, and 6%. The curing of the test specimens is carried out over periods of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days to examine the influence of curing time on the improvement of soil UCS values. The results indicate that the addition of nickel slag and aluminum hydroxide significantly enhances the soil’s UCS. Furthermore, variations in limestone content show that increasing its concentration up to 6% yields optimal results in improving soil strength. This study concludes that the combination of waste materials and limestone can effectively enhance the mechanical characteristics of soil, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for soil stabilization in various infrastructure projects.
Syzygium cumini, a commonly found tree in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and other nations of the sub- continent, is widely studied for its nutrient and therapeutic properties. The fruits of the plant are established to posses various medicinal properties which will create a remarkable breakthrough in exploring active medicinal agents for various ailments. There are medicinal activities reported from various parts of the plant. The wide scope of medicinal research on this plant has created an ardor among phytochemical experts to focus attention on exploring more areas on this plant. The article is a review on various works reported in this plant so far. Detailed verification of works published in various journals with special focus on those holding high regard to phytochemistry was done. It was understood that there are still lot of areas remaining unexplored. The article tries to bring a summarized and comprehensive information on phytochemical works done on the plant in diverse segments.
This paper presents an adaptive traffic light control system designed to enhance traffic flow efficiency using real-time vehicle count data. Implemented in Verilog HDL, the system dynamically adjusts signal timings based on vehicle density in each lane, prioritizing heavily congested lanes to reduce delays and improve throughput. The design employs logical circuit modeling and synthesis for optimal performance. By minimizing congestion and accommodating varying traffic conditions, the proposed system demonstrates significant potential for real-world applications in urban traffic management and intelligent transportation systems.