Enhancing hydro power plant efficiency through hybrid optimization approach

The inclusion of hydroelectric power is crucial to Nigeria's overall energy mix, playing a significant role in electricity generation. However, the Shiroro hydro plant, one of the main facilities located on the Kaduna River, is currently facing operational obstacles due to deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate maintenance practices. To overcome these challenges and improve efficiency within Nigeria's hydroelectric power sector, a hybrid-optimization approach has been proposed. This study sought to enhance the efficiency of the Shiroro hydro plant by implementing this innovative method. To achieve our objectives and address pertinent research questions, a mixed research method combining primary and secondary data was employed. The analysis included hydropower modeling and hydro-turbine input-output modeling. Three optimizer models, namely the particle swarm optimizer (PSO), Ant colony optimizer (ACO), and Artificial bee colony optimizer (ABCO), were utilized to formulate objective functions and task representations. The study involved comparing the daily output and fitness response of the Shiroro hydro plant through swarm optimizer iterations. The findings revealed a clear correlation between the turbine's power output and the water flow rate and water column height, suggesting that altering these factors could significantly improve the plant's performance. The comparison of the PSO, ACO, and ABCO models demonstrated that PSO and ABCO generated optimal or near-optimal solutions, while ACO produced suboptimal results. Consequently, the study concluded that enhancing the Shiroro hydro plant's output was feasible by increasing the water flow rate and column height. Additionally, the utilization of PSO and ABCO models proved to be an effective means of accurately predicting the turbine's output. As a result, the study recommended the integration of hybrid optimization techniques to monitor and identify any deviations in the Shiroro hydro plant's daily power output. This approach would enable prompt maintenance to be carried out, preventing significant damage to the plant. Ultimately, this research contributes valuable insights into improving the efficiency and performance of Nigeria's Shiroro hydro plant.

FXintegrity Publishing Fxintegrity publishing

Laboratory findings of libyan patients with covid-19 in intensive care unit

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared by the World Health Organization as a pandemic on 11th March, 2020 which spread rapidly all over the world. COVID-19 disease has different clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic to severe symptoms. Laboratory findings are important in determining which therapeutic strategies to seek and to identify severe cases initially. In this study, we compared the results of C-reactive protein, D-dimer, blood electrolytes and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration between survivors and non-survivors of 22 Libyan patients with COVID-19 present in the intensive care unit at Maitika Isolation Center (Tripoli, Libya) in the period of January to June 2021. We could not detect any significant difference in C-reactive protein between survivors and non-survivors but a significant difference in D-dimer level was observed. Non-survivor COVID-19 patients have a higher level of D-dimer. Moreover, a statistical significant difference in chloride and sodium levels but not in potassium level were detected. A marked lower of mean corpuscular hemoglobin in non-survivor than survivor COVID-19 patients was shown. Thus, these parameters could act as biomarkers for COVID-19 patients.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

The effect of formaldehyde on the liver of adult male albino rats and possible protective role of vitamin c

Background: Formaldehyde is found in different kinds of medicine and industrial products, cigarette smoke, and even numerous vegetables, fruits and seafood that have been illegally preserved with formalin. The water soluble vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and other reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. Even in small amounts, vitamin C can defend nucleic acids, lipids and proteins against oxidative damage. Objectives: the aim of this study is to elucidate the possible changes that take place in the liver of adult male albino rats after intraperitoneal injection of formaldehyde and the possibility of oral vitamin C’s hepatoprotectivity against it. Design: forty-five adult male albino rats were utilized in this work. These animals were allocated randomly into three main groups. Group I (control groups) included 3 subgroups each contained 9 rats : –ve control received no treatment , +ve control which were injected intraperitoneally by 1 ml of distilled water for 10 days and vit.C +ve control group which received a daily dose of ascorbic acid (100mg/kg bw) dissolved in distilled water by gavage for 10 days. Group ΙΙ: contained 9 rats, which were injected intraperitoneally with a daily dose of formaldehyde (10mg/kg BW) for 10 days. Group IΙΙ: contained 9 rats that were injected intraperitoneally with a daily dose of formaldehyde (10mg/kg BW) concomitantly with daily dose of ascorbic acid (100mg/kg BW) by gavage for 10 days. By the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical study of ALT (Alanine aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) and albumin and all animals were anaesthetized by ether inhalation. Liver specimens were dissected out and weighed then subjected to histopathological, immunohistochemistry, and morphometrical examination. Results: Administration of formaldehyde at a dose of 10 mg/kg caused increase in serum activities of ALT and AST ,but regarding albumin ,it remained unaffected .It caused increase in the liver weights and induced several histopathological changes in the liver of adult male albino rats as congested dilated central veins, portal veins and blood sinusoids with increase in the thickness of the wall of the portal vein. Meanwhile, some hepatic lobules showed multiple necrotic foci around central and portal veins. On the other hand, vit.C partially improved the state of oxidative stress as evidenced by iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) immunohistochemistry. It also reduced the degree of hepatic fibrosis as evidenced by Mallory trichrome histochemical staining. Conclusion: Exposure to formaldehyde led to pronounced hepatic damage which is partially limited by vit.C coadministration. Recommendations: Many special precautions should be taken to limit the occupational and environmental exposure and the level of food and water contamination with formaldehyde and use vit.C as a supplement to limit the toxic effects on the liver.

Samar Mortada Mahmoud Samar mortada mahmoud

The community radio in kashmir, a way forward

In India, the campaign to legitimise community radio began in mid-1990s, soon after the Supreme Court of India ruled in its judgment of February 1995 that “airwaves are public property. Though the approval for setting up of Community radio stations in India was granted in 2002, it is yet to develop in the valley of Kashmir. Till now, the valley has not established any community radio station, but the first effort to use radio for the development of the community was made in 2009 when Panos South Asia, in collaboration with the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), a rural University in Awantipora (Kashmir) started a community radio program in the Awantipora community. The program named “Pesh Kadam” meaning “Step Forward” started in 2009 and completed 350 episodes in 2018. This paper is aimed to study the reasons for absence of community radio stations in Kashmir. It also documents the efforts made to bring this medium to Kashmir and understand the evolution and challenges of first ever community radio program in Kashmir, study its content, analyse its popularity and efficacy. Both qualitative and quantitative research techniques are deployed in this study.

Ruheela hassan

Bacterial load on suture material after surgical removal of third molars – a comparative clinical studies between silk suture vs antibacterial suture

Oral cavity harbors a complex network of microorganisms which are in steady state of equilibrium with another microflora. Surgical removal of third molar is a very common procedure in oral surgery and suturing of surgical site is a crucial component determining success of wound healing. These suture materials sometime act a nidus of infection because of potential adherence of bacteria to its rough surfaces which may lead to surgical site infection. AIM- The aim of this study was to compare bacterial load on normal silk suture over antibacterial suture following third molar removal in 50 healthy individuals free of any systemic and local pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS – A microbiological analysis using culture sensitivity test of distal most suture was evaluated after 7 days of procedure. RESULT - In relation to the colony count silk group showed higher number of colonization with a median of 80,000 cfu/ml. Relatively on the other side, antibacterial showed significant decrease in number of colonization with a median of 11,000 cfu/ml (p value < 0.0005). CONCLUSION – Antibacterial sutures group showed statistically significant reduction in bacterial count and can be possible alternative in patients who are unable to maintain good oral hygiene.

Manish anand

Effects of thermal processing on the nutritional and antinutritional properties of african yam bean (sphenostylis stenocarpa) seed flours

The study was carried out to evaluate the effects of thermal processing treatments on nutrient and antinutrient contents of African yam bean seed flours. The African yam bean seeds were sorted, cleaned and divided into five equal lots of one kilogram each. Four lots were processed into boiled, blanched, roasted and autoclaved African yam bean flours, while the last lot was processed raw and used as control. The flour samples obtained were analysed for proximate, mineral, vitamin and antinutrient contents using standard methods. The proximate composition of the samples revealed that the flours had a range of 6.14-11.24% moisture, 8.18-14.37% crude protein, 3.06-4.61% fat, 2.04–3.32% ash, 3.18–3.56% crude fibre, 62.90–76.98% carbohydrate and 350.57–368.50 kJ/100g energy, respectively. The mineral composition of the samples showed that the flours contained 128.81–174.16 mg/100g calcium, 88.86–212.20 mg/100g, potassium, 134.71–166.77 mg/100g phosphorus, 89.17 – 122.76 mg/100g, magnesium, 14.28–18-11 mg/100g iron and 3.24–5.59 mg/100g zinc, respectively. The vitamin composition of the flours were 1.15–1.37 mg/100g ascorbic acid, 1.15–135 mg/100g thiamine, 1.19–1.55 mg/100g niacin, 1.34–1.85 mg/100g riboflavin, 1.09–1.29 mg/100g folic acid, 1.37–1.95 mg /100g vitamin A and 1.27–1.66 mg/100g vitamin E, respectively. The results showed that the roasted and autoclaved African yam bean flours generally had higher crude protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, mineral and vitamin contents than the boiled and blanched flour samples compared to the raw sample. The antinutrient composition of the flours also showed that the levels of trypsin inhibitor activity, tannin, phytate, oxalate, saponin and haemagglutinin of the samples were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by boiling, autoclaving roasting and blanching treatments compared to the raw sample. However, the study revealed that the processed African yam bean flours have the potentials to be used as nutrient dense ingredients in the preparation of a wide range of food products than the raw sample especially in both underdeveloped and developing countries where the problems of protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies are prevalent.

OKECHUKWU OBED CHUKWUEMEKA Okechukwu obed chukwuemeka

The role of high-performance liquid chromatography in the pharmaceutical analysis

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a frequently utilized analytical method that has numerous characteristics, including high selectivity, sensitivity, and a reduced time requirement. Upon using this fabulous technique, the limit of detection is reduced, and the accuracy, precision, reliability, and specificity can be expanded. This technique plays a crucial role in both qualitative and quantitative analysis throughout the various stages of drug production, from the initial discovery of the drug to its excretion from the body. The role of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in pharmaceutical analysis during various stages of drug discovery, production, and clinical use, including drug pharmacokinetics, is reviewed and discussed in detail. This provides an overview of the benefits of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography from the chemical, pharmaceutical, and clinical perspectives.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Assess the prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome among adolescent girls.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimation disclosed over 116 million girls (3.4%) area unit stricken by PCOS worldwide. The predisposing risk factors embrace genetic science, system, lifestyle/environment, fatness that contributes to the event of PCOS. it's calculable that between 5 to ten % of U.S. girls of childbearing age have PCOS. that is regarding five million girls, which makes the condition one among the foremost common secretion endocrine disorders among girls of generative age. A study to assess the prevalence of PCOS among adolescent women at hand-picked setting, Chennai. Objective: to assess the prevalence of PCOS among adolescent women. Methodology: A non-experimental descriptive analysis style was adopted during this study. The non-probability convenient sampling technique was accustomed choose the sample size of two hundred adolescent Girls. The assessment of the prevalence of PCOS was administrated employing a self-reported check list through a Googletype. A survey link was sent to the respondents, via email and WhatsApp& teams. knowledge was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: our Majority (36.5%) of the samples had gentle & moderate PCOS symptoms and twenty-sevenths had severe symptoms. relating to physical activity, the bulk (38%) of the samples had gentle physical activity, thirty-fourth had moderate physical activity and twenty-eighth had severe activity. There was a direct correlation between PCOS symptoms and Physical activity. There was a statistically vital relationship between PCOS symptoms with age, religion, academic standing, dietary habits, previous information, supply of data, the cycle of emission and BMI and there was a statistically vital relationship between physical activity with age, Religion, academic standing, monthly family financial gain, age at the time of start, previous information, supply of data, variety of family, Cycleof emission & BMI. Conclusion: PCOS among adolescents is a rising problem that wants careful assessment, timely intervention, and appropriate treatment. Diagnosis of PCOS in adolescence remains a challenge attributable to overlapping symptoms of PCOS with traditional time of life changes in adolescents. life-style modifications for weight reduction and dietary modifications and psychological content plays vital role in these young ladies for preventing long run complications. Keywords: Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Prevalence, PCOS symptoms, Physical activity, Adolescent Girls.

Elsi Queen Elsi queen

Rice bean (vigna umbellata) the forgotten gold: unraveling the commercial, nutritional and medicinal value

Rice bean (Vigna Umbellata), a traditional crop cultivated across South, Southeast, and East Asia, is characterized by its wild variety spanning the tropical monsoon forest climatic zone. Despite its vast nutritional and production potential, falling within the leguminous family Fabaceae, the rice bean represents one of many underutilized crops. Indigenous to South and Southeast Asian regions, particularly hilly areas, rice bean is cultivated alongside crops like maize, forming an integral part of impoverished farming communities' livelihoods. Despite its extensive utilization in traditional practices, its commercial significance remains largely unrecognized. However, recent attention has been drawn to the rice bean's nutritional richness, bioactive compounds, and various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects. This significant attention underscores its potential for commercialization and contribution to improving the livelihoods of underprivileged populations. Furthermore, its cultivation and processing give rise to diverse products, reflecting its cultural significance and adaptability across different regions.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Chapter 4.23 - vitamin e (tocopherols and tocotrienols) (natural-occurring antioxidant; bright and dark side). in: antioxidants effects in health. edited by seyed mohammad nabavi and ana sanches silva

Vitamin E is extensively available in the natural world and is produced by prototrophs such as plants, algae, and blue-green algae. Vitamin E is used as a dietary supplement, an antioxidant food stabilizer, a pharmaceutical additive, and a preservative in livestock feed. Several types of vitamin E can be differentiated by the position and number of the methyl functional group, and each form has a unique biological role. The function of antioxidants such as vitamin E is to defend cells from the effects of oxidative stress. Vitamin E is a free radical scavenger converted to vitamin E radical, then converted back to vitamin E by ascorbic acid. Vitamin E was discovered by Evans and Bishop in 1922; it has proved to be an effective nutrient for reproduction. It is also possible for vitamin E to act by a mechanism not directly linked to the inhibition of oxidation. Such non-antioxidant actions of vitamin E may result from gene regulation and specific cell signalling. The function of vitamin E in cellular signalling, especially its biological impact, is undoubtedly an imperative subject for future studies. The explicit roles of the several isomers and esters of vitamin E analogues should also be the subjects of future studies.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Immunohistochemical expression of progesterone receptor and b-cell lymphoma-2 antigen in uterine leiomyomas in a southwestern nigerian teaching hospital

Background: Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign smooth muscle tumor of unknown aetiology. Progesterone may contribute to leiomyoma growth through the induction of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) protein in leiomyoma cells. This study aims to determine the patterns of Bcell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in uterine leiomyomas seen at LTH, Ogbomoso, over a five-year period using immunohistochemical techniques.Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective study of histologically diagnosed leiomyomas in the histopathology department of a teaching hospital between January 2012 and December 2016. A total of 141 cases of uterine leiomyomas were semi-quantitatively analysed immunohistochemically for PR and BCL-2 antigens. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that out of 141 cases studied, 74 (52.5%) and 118 (83.7%) were positive for BCL-2 and PR, respectively. Among the 141 cases, 23 (16.3%) were negative for both PR and BCL-2. There was a moderate positive correlation between the immunohistochemical expression of BCL-2 and PR antigens, with a p-value < 0.001 (Pearson correlation = 0.563). Conclusion: This study showed that the majority of women with leiomyomas expressed both progesterone receptor and B-cell lymphoma-2 antigens. Therefore, selective women with leiomyomas could benefit from progesterone receptor modulators instead of undergoing invasive procedures such as myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Karishma Karishma

Evaluation of okra (abelmoschus esculentus l. moench) genotypes for important quantitative characters

An experiment was carried out during kharif 2017 at Zonal Research Station, Chianki using sixteen promising genotypes of okra with three replications in randomized block design. Observations on ten important quantitative characters were recorded. Analyzed data revealed that all characters showed significant effect. The genotype Ajeet-121 gave significantly highest yield with the yield of 135.12 q/ha followed by NS-862 and Super green with the yield of 134.75 q/ha and 134.02 q/ha, respectively. Average fruit weight (15.33 g) and yield of fruits per plant (245.67 g/plant) were recorded significantly highest in the genotype Ajeet-121. On the basis of these observations, it may be concluded that the genotype Ajeet-121 was found most suitable okra genotype for kharif cultivation in the western plateau region (sub zone-V) of Jharkhand.

International journal of agricultural and applied sciences (ijaas)

In-silico drug design, synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of 2-azetidinone derivatives for antileukemic activity

2-Azetidinone shows biological activities like anti-bacterial, anti-microbial activity, anti-tubercular activity, and anti-cancer activity. 2-azetdinone derivatives were synthesized by simple procedures. The first step is synthesis of benzohydrazide through nucleophilic substitution reaction between methyl benzoate and hydrazine hydrate. The above formed compound is then treated with substituted aromatic aldehydes in the presence of catalytic amount of concentrated hydrochloric acid with stirring for one hour to give benzohydrazone which results in the formation of Schiff bases.Schiff bases undergone cyclisation in the presence of chloroacetylchloride and diethylenediamine by using ethanol as a solvent upon stirring for 4 hour’s yielded 2-azetidinone derivatives. The in-silico anti-leukemic activity was determined by using the computational tools i.e. “PASS Online”, “AutoDock4.2” and “ADMET” properties by online software’s. Among these six derivatives compounds (AZT-6) was shown more activity when compared with the other five compounds.

M. yaswanth

La surenchère lexicale dans le ventre, le pain ou la cendre de tchicaya u tam’si

Cet article porte sur l’ouvrage Le ventre, le pain ou la cendre de Tchicaya U Tam’si. À partir des approches linguistique, stylistique et sémiotique, nous avons tenté de montrer, dans notre analyse, en quoi l’écriture de ce recueil construit des stratégies discursives propres à retenir l’attention du récepteur. À cet effet, nous avons relevé deux principales figures de rhétoriques à savoir, l’emphase et l’hyperbole. Ces deux procédés de style produisent d’une part un effet d’insistance du procès poétique ; et de l’autre, un effet d’amplification du langage poétique.

Assanvo

Impact of front line demonstrations on the production and productivity of pulses in arid regions of nagaur district of rajasthan

Background: Pulses are well known richest source of vegetable protein and is known as poor man’s food because of its essential component in diet. The frontline demonstrations of pulses were carried out on 311.8 ha area with 694 demonstrations in different clusters of Nagaur district of Rajasthan. Methods: Front line demonstrations on chickpea, mung bean and moth bean crop were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nagaur-I, Agriculture University, Jodhpur during rabi and Kharif season of 2011-12 to 2019-20. Result: In demonstrations up to 29.43%, 30.29% and 35.22% yield increase of chickpea, mungbean and moth bean crop was observed over the farmer’s practices in the year 2011-12, 2017 and 2016. The yield gap between improved technology and conventional farmer’s practices was ranging from 1.98 to 4.54 q/ha, 0.61 to 2.55 q/ha and 0.6 to 1.68 q/ha, respectively. Whereas, the highest net returns of ` 71,881 ha-1 , ` 45,884 ha-1 and ` 14,315 ha-1 was observed in the year 2019-20, 2014 and 2016, respectively with the highest incremental cost benefit ratio of 1:3.71, 1:3.95 and 1:1.97 under demonstrations practices.

DR. BABU LAL JAT Dr. babu lal jat

In vitro urolithiasis models: an evaluation of prophylactic management against kidney stones

Urolithiasis is a global health problem with a high recurrence rate. Different in vivo and in vitro models have been successfully used to evaluate the antiurolithiatic potential of medicinal plants. In vitro models study renal stone formation, and in vivo models reveal the pathological effects of urolithiasis. Thus, in vitro models are significantly and effectively used to evaluate prophylactic management, and in vivo models direct urolithiasis treatment. This paper describes the advantages, limitations and applications of both models, especially the role of in vitro studies in the evaluation of prophylactic management.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Cardiopulmonary endurance in post covid-19 patients

Long periods of free-movement Restrictions may negatively affect Cardio-Pulmonary fitness and health. As, the COVID-19 virus primarily affects Respiratory system, and also associated with cardiovascular disease, can induce the following complications like thrombosis, myocardities, Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, diffuse alveolar damage and persistent decline in lung function, as the lung capacity decreases it may results in decrease in Cardio Pulmonary endurance. The Present study investigated changes after the COVID-19 confinement in total distance covered in 6 minutes by patients and correlation between 6 minutes walk test vs. oxygen saturation; Results suggest that the Mean ± SD of age is 43.4 ± 10.8years. Male: Female 1:0.5.Mean ± SD of total distance walked in 6 minutes by patients is 443.5 ± 55 compared with Hypothetical mean (normative value) is 571 ± 90.Correlation between Total distance walked in 6 minutes vs. oxygen saturation is r = 0.055.

Nagarjuna narayanasetti

Assessment of knowledge and awareness of community pharmacist toward epilepsy

Community pharmacist plays an essential role in educating the epileptic patients about their disease and medications. Improving the patient’s awareness may lead to improve their compliance and decrease drug-drug interaction and ultimately improve their quality of life. Pharmacist can detect the emergence of health problems and can help prevent progression of comorbidities. Considering the complexity of treating epilepsy and the lack of information about pharmacists’ contributions to epilepsy management, pharmacist performed pharmaceutical counselling, pharmaco-therapeutic follow-up and systematic measurement and evaluation of findings and increase medication adherence of patient with epilepsy. This study was aimed to assess the community pharmacist's knowledge about epilepsy and their treatment by antiepileptic drugs in Libya. The design of the study is a cross sectional study. The knowledge was collected through a questionnaire which included 35 questions divided into three sections: demographic data, general information about epilepsy and information about epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs. The questionnaire was prepared and validated by consultant training in Ali Omer Asker Hospital in Tripoli for two months. The findings indicate that over 200 patients are altered viewed, of whom, only epileptic patients were observed. The majority of the participants were female, qualification degree BSc and years of experience from one to five years. Unfortunately, some of the participants (40.0%) had poor knowledge and about 60.0% of them had good knowledge. This study indicates that the importance of community pharmacist in Libya requires more improvement to achieve the existing function and that the impact of continuous study of everything related to diseases and medicines is important to obtain a qualified pharmacist who can become an effective agent for a change.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Risk factors associated with preterm birth of women who gave birth in abia state university teaching hospital, aba, southeast, nigeria

Background: Preterm birth remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identifying its risk factors is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health. This study investigated the sociodemographic, obstetric, medical, and lifestyle risk factors associated with preterm birth among women who delivered at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at ABSUTH. The study population comprised all the women who gave birth at the facility who met the criteria. Data were collected through structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and medical record reviews. Key variables included maternal age, education level, socioeconomic status, obstetric history, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and antenatal care utilization. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 9125 deliveries were recorded during the period of this study, including 1,962 cases (preterm births, <37 weeks gestation) and 7,163 controls (term births, ≥37 weeks gestation). Chi-square analysis showed significant associations between preterm birth and maternal age (p < 0.05), low education level (p < 0.001), low socioeconomic status (p = 0.0351), previous preterm birth (p < 0.001), short pregnancy interval (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), diabetes (p < 0.001), infections (p < 0.001), smoking (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p < 0.001), and inadequate antenatal visits (p < 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed that hypertension, diabetes, infections, previous preterm birth, and inadequate antenatal visits were independent predictors of preterm birth. Conclusion: The findings highlight the multifactorial nature of preterm birth, with medical conditions, lifestyle behaviors, and inadequate antenatal care playing crucial roles. Early identification and management of these risk factors through improved maternal health services and health education may reduce the burden of preterm birth in the study setting.

Karishma Karishma

Library knowledge: the nigerian student perspective

This paper examines Nigerian students’ perception or approach to libraries. It cuts across the primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. The reason for the laxity in library real time usage is the primary driving force that led to the research. The research method adopted for this study was longitudinal method to get the right place of the actual issues without official cover-ups where necessary. Secondary data were also used to buttress the position of the research. The population approached for the longitudinal method was randomly picked at the different levels of schools. Parents were also in place at some point to drive home the true intent they have about their children and the use of libraries. Findings revealed that seeming laxity of both undergraduate and graduate students’ perception and attitude about the library is primarily because of the lacuna in their other levels of education before coming to the university. This served as a useful yard stick for the researchers developing workable recommendations that in their opinion will be of immense help to solving it. Index Terms— Library Knowledge, Nigerian Student, Primary School Library, Secondary School Library, Tertiary Library.

Emmanuel Musa Emmanuel musa

‹ First  < 50 51 52 53 54 >  Last ›