This study was conducted to optimize the integration of solar-photovoltaic-distributed energy resources (SPVDERs) within the Nigerian power system networks using an AI-based Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Algorithm. By employing a mixed research method, primary and secondary data were gathered to calculate flow analysis, NR method's equations, PSO's position update model, particle swarm optimizer algorithm, and application modeling including Solar-PV DER modeling. The AI-based PSO algorithm design was developed for optimizing SPV-DER integration in Nigerian power system networks, and key parameters and variables that needed consideration were identified. The study also established how the performance of the AI-based PSO algorithm could be evaluated and compared with other optimization techniques for SPV-DER integration within Nigerian power system networks. The study's results showed that voltage limits were within acceptable ranges, and solar power contributions were estimated at 880.10MW with 46,718 panels needed. The study concluded and recommended that investing in AI-powered tools for efficient power distribution; monitoring and resource optimization for sustainable energy sources would optimize performance and unleash Nigeria's sustainable energy potential.
Recently, the definition of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS), a condition with a complicated pathogenesis, has been revised. Logically, CRS syndrome should be classified according to the initial organ that is injured, resulting in damage to another organ. Hence, there are only three main categories of CRS. Category one includes acute and chronic CRS. Category two involves renal-cardiac syndrome (RCS), which can be classified as acute or chronic. The third category represents secondary CRS, referred to as cardio-reno-cardiac syndrome (CRCS), which can be subdivided into acute and chronic CRCS. In this part of our series, we will discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute CRS. We retrieved articles published on acute CRS using different keywords and phrases between January 2019 and June 2025 to achieve these goals.
A 55‑year‑old male patient who has undergone physiotherapy sessions on and off for about 6 months has been admitted to the hospital for the recurrence of back pain along with it he has slight breathing issues while performing day‑to‑day activities, especially in forward bending activity and has been treated with pain killers and muscle relaxants during the medication periods. The patient is feeling better again, but his symptoms continue to worsen. Later, he was referred to a pulmonologist for additional evaluation after presenting with decreased diaphragm excursion, which was causing a disordered breathing pattern. He was treated with medication and referred to additional rehabilitation for low back pain management after a thorough physical examination that also included checking the patient's core and deep breathing muscles Activities of Daily Living (ADL) activities. Keywords: Chronic low back ache, diaphragm excursion and lumbar mobility, diaphragmatic breathing exercise
This research was conducted at SD Darus Sholah, Jember which aims to answer the main problems related to the implementation of the Student Team Achievement Divisions learning strategy in integrated thematic learning. The problem studied in this research is the Implementation of the Student Team Achievement Divisions Strategy in integrated thematic learning at SD Darus Sholah, Jember. This research approach uses a qualitative approach with the type of phenomenological research. Methods of data collection using interviews, observation and documentation. Data analysis used the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, with the process of data collection, condensation, data display, and data verification. To test the validity of the data using triangulation. The results of this study indicate that: 1) At the presentation stage, the teacher starts with story material, reviews previous material, and learning activities in teams. 2) The teacher prepares a worksheet as a guide for group work and each member can contribute, the teacher makes observations, provides guidance, motivation, and assistance if needed. 3) Individual tests in groups. 4) Score development for individuals, the teacher combines the previous score with the final score. 5) Appreciation for the team is based on the assessment of individuals in the group so that the process of group assessment recapitulation is based on individual assessment of each group. Penelitian ini dilakukan di SD Darus Sholah Jember yang bertujuan untuk menjawab pokok permasalahan berkaitan dengan penerapan strategi belajar Student Team Achievement Divisions dalam pembelajaran tematik terpadu. Permasalahan yang dikaji dalam penelitian ini, Implementasi Strategi Student Team Achievement Divisions dalam pembelajaran tematik terpadu di SD Darus Sholah Jember. Pendekatan penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian fenomenologis. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Analisis data menggunakan model analisis interaktif Miles dan Huberman, dengan proses data collection, condensation, data display, and data verifiying. Untuk menguji keabsahan data menggunakan trianggulasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: 1) Pada tahap presentasi, guru memulai dengan materi cerita, mereview ulang materi sebelumnya, dan kegiatan belajar dalam tim. 2) Guru menyiapkan lembaran kerja sebagai pedoman kerja kelompok dan setiap anggota dapat berkontribusi, guru melakukan pengamatan, memberikan bimbingan, motivasi, dan bantuan jika diperlukan. 3) Tes individu dalam kelompok. 4) Skor pengembangan bagi individu, guru menggabungkan skor nilai sebelumnya dengan skor akhir. 5) Penghargaan bagi tim mendasarkan kepada penilaian terhadap individu dalam kelompok sehingga proses rekapitulasi penilaian kelompok, didasarkan kepada penilain individu masing-masing kelompok.
Background: While osteoporosis increases the risk of fragility fractures, bisphosphonate has been proven to increase bone strengthand reduce the risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. In addition to its efficacy, substituting the brand with generic medication isa strategy to optimize healthcare expenditures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of generic alendronate treatment and assesspotential adverse events in patients with osteoporosis.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 120 patients who met the indications for osteoporosis treatment,received weekly generic alendronate (70 mg) for >1 year, and underwent evaluation through standard axial dual-energy X-rayabsorptiometry (DXA). The outcomes of this study were the percent change in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine,femoral neck, and total hip after one year of treatment. The major adverse events occurring during medication that led to thediscontinuation of drug administration were documented.Results: Most patients were female (96.7%) with an average age of 69.0 ± 9.3 years. The percent change in BMD increased at all sitesafter one year of generic alendronate treatment (lumbar spine: 5.6 ± 13.7, p-value <0.001; femoral neck: 2.3 ± 8.3, p-value = 0.023;total hip: 2.1 ± 6.2, p-value = 0.003), with over 85% of patients experiencing increased or stable BMD. Three patients discontinued themedication due to adverse effects: two had dyspepsia, and one had persistent myalgia.Conclusion: Generic alendronate may be considered an effective antiresorptive agent for osteoporosis treatment with a low incidenceof adverse effects
Human resource management is critical for hospitals but is frequently disturbed by employee retention issues. This research aims to determine the influence of compensation, organizational commitment, and work motivation on employee retention at Malahayati Medan. The research method applied is quantitative research by collecting data through questionnaires distributed from July to October 2022. The sampling method used is purposive sampling, with 78 employees as the sample. The data analysis method used is descriptive statistics, coefficient determination, multiple linear regression analysis, and hypothesis testing with t-test and F-test. The results of the t-test are compensation, organizational commitment, and work motivation partially influence employee retention. The results of the F test showed that all independent variables simultaneously influence employee retention and 61.1% of employee retention is influenced by compensation, organizational commitment, and work motivation. It is recommended for companies in similar industries pay attention to the results of this research.
Since 2006, multiple outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) have been reported in Nigeria involving different subtypes. Surveillance and molecular epidemiology have revealed the vital role of live bird markets (LBMs) in the dissemination of AI virus to commercial poultry farms. To better understand the ecology and epidemiology of AI in Nigeria, we performed whole-genome sequencing of nineteen H9N2 viruses recovered, from apparently healthy poultry species, during active surveillance conducted in nine LBMs across Nigeria in 2019. Analyses of the HA gene segment of these viruses showed that the H9N2 strains belong to the G1 lineage, which has zoonotic potential, and are clustered with contemporary H9N2 identified in Africa between 2016 and 2020. We observed two distinct clusters of H9N2 viruses in Nigeria, suggesting different introductions into the country. In view of the zoonotic potential of H9N2 and the co-circulation of multiple subtypes of AI virus in Nigeria, continuous monitoring of the LBMs across the country and molecular characterization of AIVs identified is advocated to mitigate economic losses and public health threats.
Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection often linked to direct or indirect exposure to animals or unpasteurized dairy products. Atypical presentations in patients without classical risk factors pose significant diagnostic and management challenges. A 68-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of burning pain involving cervical and lumbar regions, associated with weight loss, decreased appetite, and subjective fever. Examination revealed paravertebral tenderness and left knee swelling with effusion. Previous MRI showed multifocal marrow edema and soft tissue thickening in the lumbar spine, suggesting infection or inflammation. The patient denies exposure to unpasteurized dairy products, raw meat, or animals. Brucella serology revealed positive IgG with Brucella melitensis titer 1:160, later confirmed by blood cultures. PET imaging demonstrated multifocal metabolically active arthritic changes involving the spine, shoulders, and knees. Arthrocentesis confirmed inflammatory arthritis due to brucellosis. The patient was started on doxycycline, rifampin, and a 14-day course of intravenous gentamicin. During hospitalization, management was complicated by persistent knee pain and swelling requiring multimodal analgesia. Spinal brucellosis in the absence of classical risk factors is an odd presentation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion in endemic regions. Advanced imaging and microbiological confirmation are pivotal procedures in diagnosis. Early recognition of atypical brucellosis is critical to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
The kidney stones are one of the most widely spreading disorders in the world. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Didymocarpuspedicellata and Ashwagandha for its antiurolithiatic activity in rats. Urolithiasis was induced in adult male albino wistar rats by 0.75% of ethylene glycol for 28 days. The effect of the oral administration of the ethanolicextracts has been studied and is compared with the effect of oral administration of Cystone(Himalaya) as a standard on Wistar rat. Ethylene glycol feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria as well as increased renal excretion of calciumand phosphate. Supplementation with ethanolic extract of the plants significantly reduced the elevated urinary oxalate, showing a regulatory action on endogenous oxalate synthesis. Both the plant extract showed significant antiurolithiatic activity
Impurity is something that is impure or makes something else impure. An impure substance may be defined as follows: a substance of interest mixed or impregnated with an extraneous or usually inferior substance, from the standpoint of its usage, the drug substance is compromised in terms of purity even if it contains another material with superior pharmacological or toxicological properties. The impurity may be developed either during formulation, or upon aging of both API’s and formulated API’s in medicines. The presence of these unwanted chemicals, even in small amount, may influence the efficacy and safety of the pharmaceutical products. The impurities are not necessarily always inferior. Highly sophisticated instrumentation, such as mass spectra meters attached to a Gas Chromatography or HPLC, are inevitable tools in the identification of minor components (drugs, impurities, degradation products, metabolites) in various matrices. Present article reveals different impurities found in the API’s, methods for identifying them and the possible measures to deal with the interferences caused by them in pharmaceutical analysis.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder that causes repeated unwanted thoughts or sensations, or do something over and over again. It is affecting all ages in the world. It is unusual for symptoms to begin after the age of 35 and half of people develop problems before 20. This making university students a target of OCD. This study investigates the prevalence of symptoms of OCD and identifies possible risk factors among pharmacy students of University of Tripoli, Libya. 80 pharmacy students registered in the final academic year 2019/2020 were enrolled in this study. All the participants were females ranging of 22 to 24 years old of a same environmental background. This study is based on a validated questionnaire for screening of OCD as mentioned by the American Psychiatric Association without modification. A total of 63 students have returned the questionnaire (response rate, 78.8%). The study shows that OCD symptom is relatively common among pharmacy students. The most common symptoms are losing something of importance (71%) and checking things over and over or repeat actions many times to be sure they are done properly (63%). Among OCD symptoms, the most common associated trigger factors were stress and phobia which representing 62% of the participated students. This study indicates that pharmacy students are at risk of being susceptible to getting OCD. OCD affects academic performance and quality of student life, therefore, a psychological and health services for university students should be implanted.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The aim of the present study was to explore the nature of visual representations in biology textbooks across five educational boards across Asia through quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Descriptive statistics was used during the quantitative analysis. Qualitative content analysis involved a deductive approach where visuals in these textbooks were examined and categorized into different categories based on a newly developed typology and taxonomy of visual representation (coding scheme). Under this newly developed typology and taxonomy (coding scheme), visuals in biology textbooks can be categorized into 19 different categories. The findings of the study summarized the characteristics of visual representation usage in these textbooks in terms of their prevalence, distributional differences and trends. Through this study, a new perspective on the taxonomy and classification of visual representations, especially for biology textbooks, has been proposed. Biology teachers and textbook authors can gain insights through the findings of the study. Subjects: General Science; Biology; Secondary Education
Education is power. It constitutes the foundation of all the multidimensional socio-economic development of a country. In the present context, we need manpower or human capital for generating the growth and development in a country. The Government of India has taken several many initiatives for promoting education at all the stages i.e. Primary, Secondary and Higher. But still, we find such issues as a high dropout rate at all the stages of education, rural-urban disparity, gender disparity, interstate variations pose as some of the problems that impedes the development of human resources in our country. Even the work participation rate in India indicates the necessity of proper planning of skill training and employment opportunity. Most interestingly, the existing general and conventional higher educational institutions have not effectively been able to cope with the contemporary challenges and changes with the result that the nature of curriculum which is by and large in place tends to create only degree inflation in our country. So, we need such institutes and institutional arrangement that can cater to the contemporary challenges so as to upgrade the quality of education as well as to provide need based educational programmes that can develop human power in the society. Effective or quality education especially at higher level can play a vital role in bringing around multifaceted human resource development, enabling the learner’s absorption in the job market and selfemployment. This paper will discuss how the accessibility of education can be promoted to all through a convenient mode of education system and how the disparities in education can be minimized, and also focus on the various strategies for strengthening higher education system in the country.
Kegiatan keagamaan merupakan kegiatan yang amat penting di MI Negeri 3 Jember, mengingat masih banyak peserta didik yang membutuhkan bimbingan guru untuk memiliki karakter yang sesuai dengan tuntunan Islam, di zaman teknologi initidak bisa dipungkiri bahwa anak-anak zaman sekarang sudah mengenal yang namanya internet. Maka dari itu pendampingan orang tua dan guru sangat dibutuhkan dalam perkembangan anak-anaknya. Salah satu pendidikan yang diajarkan guru kepada peserta didiknya sejak dini adalah pengajaran tentang al-Qur’an.Oleh karena itu darus keliling (darling) merupakan kegiatan yang tepat dalam proses membelajarkan al-Qur’an dalam rangka menanamkan karakter religius kepada peserta didik. Fokus penelitian yang dikaji adalah: Bagaimana peran guru sebagai pembimbing dalam menanamkan karakter religius peserta didik melalui kegitan ekstrakurikuler darus keliling (darling) di MI Negeri 3 Jember tahun 2019? Penelitian ini memperoleh kesimpulan: Peran guru sebagai pembimbing dalam menanamkan karakter religius peserta didik melalui kegiatan ekstrakurikuler darus keliling di MI Negeri 3 Jember dalam hal ini adalah guru yang senantiasa membimbing anak-anak anggota darling untuk belajar al-Qur’an. Darling ini adalah sebuah wadah yang diberikan oleh guru untuk mengembangkan potensi peserta didik. Karakter religius pun terbentuk yakni sikap patuh dalam menjalankan agama Islam, misalnya membaca al-Qur’an. keliling di MI Negeri 3 Jember dalam hal ini menggunakan instrumen penilaian yang memiliki 3 aspekpenilaian yakni aktif, kurang aktif dan tidak aktif.
Strain improvement studies were conducted for the production of L-asparaginase from a marine fungus Beauveriabassiana SS18/14 by employing physical and chemical mutagens, in a systemic manner to obtain mutants that have higher L-asparaginase production. The wild strain produced 6.32 IU/mL of L-asparaginase activity while the UV mutant UVF-4 yielded 8.34 IU/mL and nitrous acid mutant UVF4-N-2 exhibited 10.44 IU/mL enzyme activity. The overall strain improvement programme increased L-asparaginase activity 1.65 times with respect to the parent wild strain.
To acquire algorithmic thinking is a long process that has a few steps. The most basic level of algorithmic thinking is when students recognize the algorithms and various problems that can be solved with algorithms. At the second level, students can execute the given algorithms. At the third level of algorithmic thinking, students can analyze the algorithms, they recognize which steps are executed in sequences, conditions or loops. At the fourth level, students can create their algorithms. The last three levels of algorithmic thinking are: the implementation of the algorithms in a programming language, modifying and improving the algorithms, and creating complex algorithms. In preliminary research related to algorithmic thinking, we investigated how first-year undergraduate computer science students of J. Selye University can solve problems associated with the second, third and fourth level of algorithmic thinking. We chose these levels because these levels do not require to know any programming language. The tasks that students had to solve were for example: what will be the route of a robot when it executes the given instructions, how many times we need to cross a river to carry everyone to another river-bank. To solve these types of tasks requires only good algorithmic thinking. The results showed that students reached 81.4% average score on tasks related to the execution of given algorithms, 72.3% average score on tasks where they needed to analyze algorithms, and 66.2% average score on tasks where students needed to create algorithms. The latter type of tasks were mostly various river-crossing problems. Even though, that students reached a 66.2% average score on these tasks, if we had accepted only solutions with the optimal algorithms (minimal number of river crossing), they would have reached only a 21.3% average score, which is very low. To help students find the optimal algorithms of river crossing puzzles, we developed several interactive web-based animations. In the last part of this paper, we describe these animations, we summarize how they were created and how they can be used in education. Finally, we conclude and briefly mention our plans related to our future research.
Aging seldom comes alone and it is considered to be the major factor for many diseases and comorbidities and disabilities. The objectives of the study are to examine demographic characteristics and prevalence of comorbidities and polypharmacy of elderly patients who were admitted at Sebha Medical Center according to the selected period. This study is descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in Sebha during 2021. From 195 participants of the study, the highest rate of patients was from the age group of 65 - 74 years which accounted for 86 participants (44%) and followed by those age group of 75 - 84 years which was reported by 65 participants (33%). The majority of elderly patients have hypertension, (n = 116, 59%) and over one-third of the patients (n = 73, 37%) have diabetes mellitus while nearly one-quarter of patients have both diseases at the same time (n = 47, 24%). Nearly, three-quarters of patients have electrolytes imbalance (n = 142, 72%). Nearly, two-thirds of the patients had three to five comorbidity diseases (n = 122, 63%). Whereas, over one-third of the patients had just one or two comorbidities (n = 70, 36%). Almost all the participants have polypharmacy (n = 187, 96%). Just above half of the patients have five - ten medications (n = 100, 51%) compared with 45% of the patients from those who have more than ten medications (n = 87). This study showed that there is a strong relationship between the prevalence of polypharmacy and the number of comorbidities. A Spearman correlation test indicated that rate of comorbidities was related to polypharmacy with a significant correlation (P < 0.01). The present study found high prevalence of comorbidities and polypharmacy among elderly inpatients. Based on this high prevalence, practicing pharmaceutical care could play an effective role to reduce the risk of inappropriate polypharmacy among hospitalized elderly patients through encouraging clinical pharmacist to engage in clinical activities in hospitals.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Viral hepatitis is one of the main public health concerns around the world. Even though infection management techniques have been implemented over the last few decades, eradication or significant reduction has remained a mystery. The purpose of this study is to look into the prevalence of acute infectious hepatitis in the East of Libya and how the type of virus, age, gender, clinical manifestations, and outcome are related. This is a hospital-based retrospective study. The data on the frequency and distribution of viral hepatitis based on age, gender, seasonal, clinical, and ultrasound findings, and the outcomes during a period of two years from January 2020 to December 2021 were collected and analyzed. Of the 0.39% (72 cases) of total hospital admissions (18340) under the age of 15 years old for acute infectious hepatitis patients, the most common age group was 5-12 years (79.6%). Winter accounted for 41.6% of all the cases. Females made up 65.3% of the cases. Jaundice was the most prevalent presentation (87.5%). Hepatomegaly was seen in 83.3% of the patients. Most of the cases have mild hyperbilirubinemia (5-9 mg/dL, 75.0%). Approximately 1/5th of the patients' serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGPT), and nearly 1/3rd of the patients' SGPT levels were in the range of 1000-2000. One patient's hepatitis C was positive, one patient's hepatitis B was positive, and 97.2% were positive for hepatitis A. 88.8% of the individuals recovered without complications, whereas 11.1% showed symptoms of hepatic failure but recovered. The present study indicates that acute hepatitis A is more prevalent, especially in the winter. Those who are females and 5-12 years of age were more affected by acute viral hepatitis in Libya.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Phycochemical and pharmacological studies were carried out on Ulva fasciata Delile. The ash content was found to be 20.4812 % dry weight, moisture content 14.5514 %, and total fat content as 0.1878% and 0.49341 %. Total carbohydrate was found to be 54.5301-54.2246% dry weight, phenolic content was found to be 0.022%, flavonoids were found to be 0.0313%, and tannins were 0.00003 %. Ulva fasicata showed central analgesic activity and significant anti-inflammatory activity at 400 mg/kg bw.
Background: Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is the second most common nerve entrapment syndrome of the upper extremity after carpal tunnel syndrome. In situ decompression (ISD) and ulnar nerve transposition (UNT) are the major surgery methods in practice for the treatment of CuTS. However, controversies exist over the efficacy and safety of these methods. Aim: The objective of the study was to compare the short- and long-term clinical outcomes in patients treated with ISD and UNT surgery. Method: This was a retrospective study comprising 56 patients who underwent either ISD or UNT at Naresuan University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. Data on age, sex, hand involved, duration of the surgery, duration of the symptoms including the clinical outcomes such as elbow range of motion (ROM), quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH), McGowan grade (MGG), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain scores, motor and sensory conduction velocity (MCV1, MCV2, and SCV), and Tinel's sign were collected during the two-week, one-month, three-month, and six-month follow-ups post-surgery. Results: Of the 56 patients in the study, 62.5% were female. The number of patients aged <60 years was higher in both groups. The mean age of patients in the ISD group was 49.07±6.13 years, while in the UNT group, it was 51.5±7.04 years. After one month, 53.57% and 32.14% of the patients recovered to MGG 1 in the ISD and UNT groups, respectively. The majority of the patients had MGG 1 six months after the surgery. The QuickDASH score and pain scores of the patients improved during all follow-ups, but no statistical significance was revealed when the two techniques were compared. Conclusion: The study found that both the ISD and UNT were efficient and safe in treating CuTS. Further study with the inclusion of parameters such as revision surgery and complications would be vital.
Augustine University Ilara Epe, Lagos, Nigeria
Jntua, Aicte
Banasthali Vidyapith