On 18 March 2020, all South African universities and colleges were closed due to the COVID-19 virus. By early April, 10 universities announced that they were planning to resume teaching and learning online, including the University of the Witwatersrand (i.e., Wits University), Johannesburg, which is the joint highest ranked university in Africa. Therefore, the purpose of this editorial was to examine the perceptions and attitudes of these students regarding online learning in an era of disruption of COVID-19, uniquely using both multi-mixed methods research approaches (i.e., involving the partial integration of multiple methods research approaches and mixed methods research approaches) and meta-methods study approaches (i.e., involving the full[er] integration of multiple methods research approaches and mixed methods research approaches). A total of 4,419 Wits University students completed an online survey. A principal components analysis of one of survey’s scales, namely, the Attitude of Students Towards COVID-19 and its Impact on Higher Education scale, revealed 2 subscales, namely, Students’ Self-regulation Towards COVID-19-Based Higher Education and Attitudes Toward Teaching, Learning, and Assessment in COVID-19-Based Higher Education. Nonparametric analyses revealed that scores on these measures discriminated gender, age group, level of student (i.e., undergraduate vs. postgraduate), locality status (i.e., local vs. international student), and registration status (i.e., full-time vs. part-time). A multiple analysis of the open-ended responses by the VOSviewer 1.6.14 text mining software program led to the identification of 6 metathemes. Similarly, WordStat 8.0.29 topic modeling yielded 5 metathemes that mapped onto VOSviewer’s 6 metathemes, indicating triangulation of findings. A sentiment analysis revealed negative sentiments that identified not only the biggest challenges for students but also the characteristics of students who experience these challenges. Finally, a cluster analysis, combined with chi-square analyses, led to the identification of 4 clusters of students who differed with respect to their attitudes and online experiences. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Dr emmanuel ojo

Use of chemical fungicide to control plant diseases causes several adverse effects such as, development of resistance in the pathogen, residual toxicity, pollution to the environment etc. So an alternative way to overcome the usage of dreadful chemicals is very important. The use of plant extracts as biofungicide is one of the popular and effective method. Araucaria columnaris is a commonly seen ornamental plant known as Christmas tree. It’s a South African species, under the family Araucariaceae. Hence, in the present study, the plant resin extract was tested in-vitro against major plant pathogensby preliminary bioassay. It was found that up to 95% reduction of mycelium growth was observed against major phytopathogens such as Fusarium oxysporyum, Rhizoctoniasp, Cylindrocladiumsp, Alternariasp, and Colletrotricum sp., causing tomato wilt, damping off, foliage blight, and leaf blight diseases in economically important plants. Up to our knowledge it is the first report showing the antifungal activity of Araucaria columnaris resin as antifungal agent. By using this valuable tree, further work will be done to formulate commercial biofungicide.

Dr. saranya devi k

Production process in the manufacturing industries has proven wasteful of the resources in the production process over time. integrating of lean principles in the manufacturing activities has brought notable success in a complex and slow production process in an industry. This study aims at integrating of lean principles to a product development process to eliminate break down cases as it makes the process easy as well as speeding up the product development in an automotive industry. Three major phases are applied in product development namely; the early concept phase, middle core design and the launch phase. An exceptional definition of products development of lean principles are applied to come up with an analysis framework. Through interviews, observations, documentation and experience barriers that causes large number of wastes can be established. Lean principles will then be applied to eliminate such causes in the product development and then derive conclusion that shows the industry the process of lean in product development in the entire process

Levi p. cheworei

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are interconnected metabolic disorders with significant health implications. However, a comprehensive understanding of the extent of their co-occurrence in Africa is lacking. The aim of this review was to determine the prevalence of MAFLD and its association with glycemic control (HbA1c) in persons with T2D in Africa. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Global Health, and Web of Science from their inception to December 6, 2023. Data on MAFLD prevalence and correlation coefficients regarding its association with glycemic control were pooled through random effect meta-analyses. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. A total of 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis of MAFLD prevalence, while 2 were incorporated in the analysis of the association between MAFLD and glycemic control. The pooled prevalence of MAFLD in persons with T2D was 48.1% (95% CI: 36.1–60.3). The subgroup analysis revealed regional variations in MAFLD prevalence, with rates of 44.7% (95% CI: 28.7–62.0) in sub-Saharan Africa and 55.3% (95% CI: 36.2–73.0) in Northern Africa. Additionally, we observed an increasing trend in MAFLD prevalence, recording 55.1% (95% CI: 43.6–66.1) in the recent five years. There was a weak positive correlation between MAFLD and HbA1c (r = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18–0.47). The findings of this study highlight a high prevalence of MAFLD in persons with T2D in Africa, with a suggested link between MAFLD and suboptimal glycemic control. Therefore, healthcare providers should prioritize the screening and management of MAFLD in individuals with T2D to enhance their metabolic health.

Emmanuel ekpor

Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas. is used traditionally to treat hypertension and chronic venous insufficiency. The high prevalence of hypertension and the side effects of antihypertensive drugs potentiate us to evaluate Melilotus officinalis. The hypotensive effect of Melilotus officinalis butanol fraction (MOBF) was investigated in anaesthetised normotensive rats. The doses of 60, 80 and 100 mg/kg, i.v., produced a significant (P <0.05) decrease in blood pressure. The statistically non substantial reduction in blood pressure was shown by 20 and 40 mg/kg, i.v. These results suggest that Melilotus officinalis exhibited a hypotensive effect in normotensive rats. However, further evaluation of compound-related activity is required.

Dr. salman ahmed

This exploratory case study employed Appreciative Inquiry Framework in answering the following questions: 1) What are the expectations set by the following to the student homosexuals; a) Self, b) Parents and c) Teachers; 2. What are the positive and negative effects of these expectations to the student homosexuals? and 3) How do these expectations affect the process of identity development of the student homosexuals?. The participants are five college students who identified themselves as homosexual. Written consent was secured to ensure that the research abides to the ethical standards. The data was triangulated through analysing the point of view of the student participants, their parents and their teachers. Results revealed that expectations set by the student homosexuals, their parent and teachers are all contributory factors that affect the identity development of student homosexuals. Moreover, it was revealed that those who have problems in their identity development experienced difficulties in their performance in school. Positive and negative effects of expectations were also noted as the participants shared their stories. With the results, it was recommended that teachers must treat all their students equally regardless of their gender preferences in life. Activities that support the holistic personalities of students must be given emphasis. The parents must support their children in whatever endeavour they take and provide them guidance to be successful in their academic pursuits. Lastly, a model of counselling procedure for student homosexuals was proposed.

Darrel ocampo

Financial literacy education is a lifelong asset that every individual needs to function and fit well in modern-day society. It provides the financially savvy better decision making, best investment alternatives and family wellbeing. Unfortunately, most consumers especially in this part of our world appear relatively less active and less confident in participating meaningfully in the financial sector due to a lack of knowledge about the complex nature of financial products and services and indeed the risk that goes with them. As a contribution in addressing this problem, this study looked at financial literacy education and its implication on the economic and social life of the teacher in the Upper East Region of Ghana. With a descriptive survey design, 118 participants responded to questionnaires. Results showed low levels of financial literacy among participants which can negatively affect their daily financial management. It is therefore definite that the financially literate has the advantage to undertake prudent alternative investment decisions and is able to make informed retirement planning. Being financially illiterate adversely affects one’s life in relation to the culture of savings, expenditure pattern, investment decisions and budgeting skills, making the individual economically insecure. The study has policy frontier implications; policymakers in the financial sector, governments, non-governmental organisations and equity owners are encouraged to come to the aid of consumers, especially teachers, by way of introducing professional teacher development programmes specifically tailored at uplifting their financial literacy knowledge and skills.

Juabin matey

The maximum H. armigera and M. vitrata infestation was recorded in Pusa-992 (3.72% and 7.90%) and in D2 (1st week of July) sown crop with infestation of 4.54 and 13.08 per cent, respectively. Whereas, the infestation of pod fly, M. obtusa was maximum in Manak (2.72%) and 2.58 per cent pod infestation in D2 (1st week of July) sown crop. The infestation of pod borer complex was negatively associated with pod wall thickness (-0.909**, - 0.739*, -0.870*, -0.834*, -0.840*, -0.705* and -0.745*) and non-glandular type A (-0.730*, -0.945**, -0.768*, -0.766*, -0.923** and -0.728*) and (-0.751*, -0.759*, 0.766*, -0.852*, -0.802*, -0.895** and -0.832*) glandular type B (-0.864*, -0.734*, -0.871* and -0.858*) and (-0.729*, -0.705*, -0.730* and -0.845*) density of pod trichomes of top and middle canopy of the plant. Fat (-0.884**, -0.754*, -0.743*, -0.871* and -0.750*) phenol (-0.900** and -0.806*) and tannin (-0.792*, -0.812* and -0.763*) content showed negative correlation with the pod infestation, whereas, crude protein (0.740*, 0.881**, 0.734*, 0.810*, 0.823*, 0.856*, 0.844* and 0.711*) and total soluble sugar (0.738*, 0.792*, 0.793*, 0.898**, 0.714*, 0.816*, 0.888** and 0.819*) showed positive association. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the variety Pusa-992 and Manak was most susceptible to the pod borers.

Dr. babu lal jat

The current study used the chick emesis model to explore the anti-emetic effect of the methanolic extract of Acalypha ornata Hochst—roots. Emesis was induced by the oral administration of copper sulfate to male chicks. Acalypha ornata root extract (150 mg/kg orally) showed an anti-emetic effect and was compared with the reference drug chlorpromazine

Dr. salman ahmed

Neurological illnesses are multifactorial incurable debilitating disorders that may cause neurodegeneration. These diseases influence approximately 30 million people around the world. Despite several therapies, effective management of such disorders remains a global challenge. Thus, natural products might offer an alternative medicine for treating neurological disorders. Polyphenols, such as curcumin, resveratrol, myricetin, mangiferin, and naringin (NRG), have been shown to possess promising potential in treating neurogenerative illness. In this review, we have targeted the therapeutic potential of naringin as a neuroprotective agent. The overall neuroprotective effects and possible underlying mechanisms related to NRG are discussed. In light of the strong evidence for the neuropharmacological efficacy of NRG in various experimental paradigms, it is concluded that this molecule should be further considered and studied as a potential candidate for neurotherapeutics, focusing on mechanistic and clinical trials to ascertain its efficacy.

Dr. salman ahmed

Pharmacoeconomics (PE) is a relatively newly developed and fast-changing discipline [1]. PE plays a crucial role in healthcare decision-making by evaluating the costs and outcomes of different treatment options. In Libya, however, the implementation of PE evaluations faces various challenges that hinder its effective integration into healthcare systems. This communication analyses the current needs and prospects of PE by examining the challenges in its implementation, the benefits of integrating it into healthcare decision-making, and strategies to enhance its utilization in the country's healthcare landscape. By exploring these different aspects, it is possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of Libya's status and potential advancements in PE. In Libya, the earliest records related to PE trace back to the late 19th century, specifically around 1835 during the Turkish colonization. During that time, various documents documented details such as drug prices, direct costs associated with specific diseases, expenditures on essential pharmaceuticals, and annual inventories of health and pharmaceutical institutions [2]. Over the past 80 years since modern Libya’s establishment after the colonial era, Libyan authorities have consistently published annual statistical reports. These reports cover expenditures on medicines, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutic materials, as well as the stock levels in healthcare facilities [3]. However, despite this data, there remains a significant lack of literature on PE, with a few exceptions that do not meet the standards expected of PE studies.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Library automation is just not a book inventory where hold, issue and receiving of books by using technological tools and services. Our applied research was found that most of the library administrative functionalities such as ‘Acquisition and Accessioning’, ‘auto Indexing & Classification’ and auto Cataloging (Books & Non books materials)’, inventory with real-time OPAC facilities and many more library science concepts are still missing constructs in Universities/College libraries across the country. In this modern era the concept of eLibrary is more popular because availability and accessibility of digitized content sharing through IT/ICT infrastructure is huge. During our research we found that cognizance of Library automation was completely ignored and focused on only talking and establishment of eLibrary. As we all know that “Physical Library” is not a substitute for “eLibrary”. In fact eLibrary is part of a Physical Library to share authenticated digitized content through IT/ICT infrastructure. After a decade of our applied research in the area of Library science, eventually we recorded a lot of findings based on our survey and discussion with senior researchers and Librarians. Our serious and consistent effort makes to succeeds in designing comprehensively effective and efficient operational strategies to build a “world class Library Automation and Paper less Library Management System” for Universities/College libraries. This paper emphasizes about the comprehensive real-time architecture and operational modules and their effectiveness to achieve the user’s satisfaction (flow of functionalities as per the exact need of the Library Management system). This dealt with how emerging technological tools and services are effectively integrated for designing new strategies in the area of library science includes various automation process and security concepts (using Barcode/RFID). Eventually, our dream comes true in building Use of Emerging Technological Tools and Services to building world class Paper less Library Information &Management System [LIMS]. presently deployed and use of this software product in more than 300 satisfied and client locations in INDIA, this product popularly named as “eLib” by AarGees Business Solution, Hubli, India. Though, our research is still on and continuing for further development to build “Global knowledge sharing Centre”.

Dr. chandrashekhar uppin

Rationale: Trisomy 18, often known as Edwards syndrome. It is a common chromosomal disorder characterized by the presence of an extra chromosome 18. Unfortunately, survival past the first year is quite rare, and there are only a few reports of individuals living long-term without needing corrective surgery. This case sheds light on an unusual situation where a patient survived for an extended period despite having severe congenital heart defects. Patient concerns: A 5-year-old girl, already diagnosed with trisomy 18, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing a cough and diarrhea that started after she began taking a nutritional powder supplement. The patient had a history of admission to neonatal intensive care for 1 month due to transient tachypnea of the newborn, mild retractions, and grunting. Additionally, she had intrauterine growth restrictions, dysmorphic features, and hypotonia. Diagnoses: Clinical examination revealed dysmorphic features, hypoxia, and a cardiac murmur. Chest radiography reveals central infiltration with cardiothoracic ratio 60%. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of trisomy 18, and an echocardiogram showed multiple congenital defects with significant right ventricular hypertrophy. Interventions: Initial management began with administering oxygen, performing metabolic tests, and a chest x-ray. However, because of ongoing low oxygen levels linked to her heart defects and pulmonary hypertension, long-term home oxygen therapy was initiated. A comprehensive supportive care with multidisciplinary team support was the main management. Outcomes: Throughout her treatment, oxygen saturation did not exceed 85%, and the patient’s development has remained severely delayed, with no significant motor or cognitive milestones. The patient had a long life expectancy for her complex heart defects, but eventually died of cardiac arrest. Lessons: This case shows the possibility of prolonged survival in trisomy 18, even with severe congenital heart defects, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary management and family-centered counseling. Documenting such cases expands understanding of this syndrome and guides long-term care strategies.

Mohamad banat

Nine fruit morphological traits were studied in ten stands of Jatropha curcas spread in eight forest divisions of Uttarakhand. Variation was examined at stand level as well as at tree level. Significant differences were found among stands for fruit length, fruit diameter, pericarp weight per fruit, seed: fruit weight ratio, kernel: fruit weight ratio and pericarp: fruit weight ratio traits while all morphological traits showed significant differences among trees within stands. The estimation of the variance components, however, revealed that the fruit traits, especially weight traits viz. fruit weight, total seed weight per fruit and total kernel weight per fruit have negligible contribution from stands and small contribution from trees. Maximum variation was found among fruits within trees (i.e. at fruit level or error). Pericarp weight per fruit and fruit ratio traits (i.e. seed: fruit weight ratio, kernel: fruit weight ratio and pericarp: fruit weight ratio) were affected to small extent by stand per se. The repeatability of all fruit traits at tree level were also low to moderate (0.105 to 0.278)

Kshitij malhotra

The present study is designed to determine the types of secondary metabolites in three selected seed powders using a fast, reliable, and non-destructive Near Infra Red spectroscopic analytical technique. NIRS analysis of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn., seed flours were used to qualitatively evaluate secondary metabolites. The fine powder of crude drug was directly applied to FOSS XDS near the infrared Rapid Content Analyzer. The adequately filled powdered sample in a disposable glass silicate vial closed with a plastic lid was centrally placed onto the Foss Rapid Content Analyzer sample presentation glass. The scanning of samples at ambient temperature gives NIR spectra within 30 seconds. The major proposed compounds in M. uniflorum were 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, linolenic acid, niacin, quercetin, sinapinic acid, syringic acid, and vanillic acid. Whereas coumaric acid, fructose, galactose, L-serine, raffinose, stachyose, sucrose, threonine, and tyrosine were detected in P. lunatus, and the NIR suggested the presence of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, sinapinic acid, phytic acid, leucine, and valine in P. vulgaris. NIRS is an advanced innovative technology extensively used in chemical, food, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries for rapid and reliable standardization. The present study revealed an excellent correlation to conclude that flour samples of all three legume seeds could be added to the food system to achieve nutritional and functional benefits.

Dr. salman ahmed

Cloud computing is a technology of delivering resources such as hardware, software (virtual too) and bandwidth over the network to the consumers worldwide. All the services are requested and accessed through a web browser or web service. The main advantage that cloud is provided to the nation worldwide is that it is not so easily affordable to one and all. Multi-conglomerate companies invest a lot of money on the cloud and let people access it for a smaller cost and even free at the lowest level of the consumer chain. In this paper we address to the problems that the cloud technology faces and how it can be overcome.

Pavan m

Introduction: Augmented Reality (AR) technology is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance various aspects of dental practice, including treatment planning, patient education, and training. Despite this potential, the understanding of dental professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AR technology remains underexplored. The objective of this research is to examine the experience, perceived advantages, and real application of augmented reality (AR) Technologies of dental faculty and students. Methodology: A sample of 132 dental students, some integrated into the workforce as part-time private dentists, and faculty members of a single dental school, completed a self-administered online survey. Knowledge and application of AR technology in dentistry, and Experience with AR practice, were the constructs of the study. An administered questionnaire, partially digital and partially paper and pencil, was divided into two parts: Knowledge Assessment and Practice Assessment. The survey results were analyzed using reference statistics. Results: Knowledge Assessment respondents confirmed understanding Augmented Reality (AR) technology (69.7), and AR technology in dental training/education was recognized (65.9). 57.6% of the participants in the Practice Assessment declared absence of AR in their educational and/or professional practice, but an AR technology practice was wanted (67.4). The self-rated proficiencies that 44.47% of the respondents professed were in the range of self-score 3 in the application of AR (moderate). A small fraction (16.7) declared their AR application self-score was above the higher order. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this work that AR technology in academic and practical dentistry is vastly underutilized, notwithstanding the high realization and appreciation for its application.

Oral sphere journal of dental and health sciences

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury is caused by an external physical force which may result in altered level of consciousness with or without impairment of cognitive and physical functions in individuals. It is neither congenital nor degenerative in nature. The impairments can be permanent with partial or total functional disabilities or psychosocial maladjustment. The Intensive rehabilitation with multiple health disciplinary teams can improve a certain extent of physical and cognitive aspects of brain injury patients. Case Report: In this case report we are presenting a 19 year old boy diagnosed as diffuse axonal injury with Glasgow coma scale (GCS ) Score of 4/15 (E1M2V1) at the time of incident has come to our department after 8 months with no head control, no cognitive and no voluntary attempts to do functional activity. The main objective of management is to improve mobility, communication, perception and cognitive functions with minimum period of time by working as a health team. Conclusion: After 14 months post incident with intense rehabilitation of six months his GCS score is improved with scoring of 13/15 (E4M6V3). The improvement seen may be partly attributed to the coordinated work of the team members who meet in the case conference every two weeks to review & revise the treatment protocol. Such that common and individual goals are shared and total therapy time is managed, to incorporate all goals by team members

Nagarjuna narayanasetti

Learning is a conscious effort made by individuals to acquire various kinds of abilities (competencies), skills (skills), and attitudes (attitudes) through a series of learning processes that will ultimately result in behavioral changes in the individual. The learning process in schools tends to emphasize the achievement of changes in cognitive (intellectual) aspects which are carried out through various forms of approaches, strategies, and certain learning models. Learning systems that specifically develop affective abilities have received less attention, affective abilities are only used as a nurturing effect. This study aims to (1) find out whether online learning is able to bring out the affective abilities of prospective study program teachers (2) analyze the affective abilities of prospective teachers in online learning. The data used in this study is qualitative data. The technique used is a questionnaire. This questionnaire was given to respondents, namely students of PGSD teacher candidates at Muhammadiyah University of Pringsewu. The results of the study indicate that affective abilities can appear in online learning as evidenced by the results of the questionnaire that has been given to respondents. The indicators of affective ability in this study include attitudes, interests, self-concept, values, and morals, all of which are in the good range. This means that the results of students' affective abilities can be said to be valid or appear in online learning

Educare: journal of primary education

Provision of clean water is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Water quality assessment as an ongoing exercise, in view of the threat of contamination from natural sources and human activities, plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management of water resources. Potable water samples were collected from Enugu Metropolis for water quality assessment. The physicochemical parameters were determined using APHA (1995 - 1998) protocols, and the presence of 7 heavy metals (Chromium, Zinc, Manganese, Silver, Cadmium, Iron and Lead) in the waters were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of the physicochemical analysis of the four samples show a pH range of 8.60 - 8.95mg/l; this result showed that pH of the water samples were slightly alkaline and above the WHO stipulated range of 6.50 - 8.50. Acidity ranged from 5.00 - 6.88mg/l, while alkalinity values were between 7.52 - 13.00mg/l. The total dissolved solid (TDS) and total solids (TS) was present in very minute quantities and below their permissible limit of 0.45mg/l; while total suspended solid (TSS) was not present at all. The heavy metal analysis showed that all but 2 heavy metals (Cadmium and Lead) were below the permissible standard set by the WHO in all four samples. Cadmium was present in samples A and C with values 0.021mg/l and 0.006mg/l respectively, which is above its WHO limit of 0.005mg/l; while Lead was present in samples A, B and C with values of 0.021mg/l, 0.011mg/l and 0.015 mg/l respectively, which were above the WHO limit of 0.010mg/l. Given the well-documented toxicity of certain metals, there is a need for safety checks to be carried out in potable water companies to address the source of this contamination and ensure production of safer drinking water.

Okechukwu obed chukwuemeka