This study examined the level of physical access of pupils to lower basic schools in Rivers State. One research question guided the study. The descriptive research design was used. The population for the study was the 942 public lower basic schools in Rivers State. A sample of 289 schools was used for the study. Stratified random sampling was used to draw the sample. Document analysis was the instrument used for the study. The instrument was validated by five experts. Mean statistics was used to answer the research question. Findings revealed that the radius per child for pupils in Rivers State lower basic schools is unsatisfactory high. It was therefore recommended among others that the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education should ensure that schools are properly sited in such a way that it will adhere to the 2-kilometre standard distance for developing countries. The Ministry of Education should ensure strict compliance with the policy provision on the maximum distance a child could cover to access the nearest school by re-mapping the current school network.
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) disproportionately affect conflict zones like Yemen, where diagnostic limitations persist. This meta-analysis evaluated the global prognostic utility of the red cell distribution width (RDW) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as predictors of CVD and aimed to establish region-specific thresholds for low-resource settings. Methods: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and MOOSE (Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines, we analyzed 75 prospective cohort studies (2014–2025) that included 201,604 adults from 142 countries. Random-effects models were used to pool hazard ratios (HRs) and the area under the curve (AUC). Results: NLR > 3.0 (HR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.8–2.7]) independently predicted an elevated CVD risk (p < 0> 14% was associated with increased CVD risk in unadjusted analyses (HR, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.9–2.8]), this association became non-significant after adjusting for ferritin (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.98–1.07]). This indicates that RDW primarily reflects iron status, emphasizing the need to measure ferritin before attributing high RDW to CVD risk. The combined RDW + NLR showed superior discriminative power (AUC, 0.82 vs. 0.71–0.74 for individual markers). Subgroup analyses revealed higher NLR cutoffs (>3.8) in HIV-endemic African populations (reflecting chronic immune activation). Sensitivity analyses revealed attenuated NLR effects in rural populations (HR, 1.9) and non-significant RDW-CVD associations when adjusting for ferritin (HR, 1.02), highlighting contextual limitations. Conclusions: While NLR stands as an independent CVD predictor, RDW > 14% must be interpreted with concurrent ferritin measurement. This is crucial to avoid misattributing CVD risk in malnutrition-endemic regions, such as Yemen, where an RDW > 15% is common. The RDW primarily reflects iron status and requires iron-status validation, especially in these high-malnutrition areas. However, caution is warranted when generalizing findings to rural settings where the CVD burden is rising fastest, given the underrepresentation of rural populations (only 16% of included studies). We strongly recommend standardized automated hematology analyzers (k > 0.85).
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.
A performance analysis on a vapour compression refrigeration system with various refrigerants mixture of R152a, RE170, R600a, and R290 were done for various mixture ratios and their results were compared with R134a as possible alternative replacement. The results showed that all of the alternative refrigerants investigated in the analysis except R431A, [R 152a (29%), R290 (71%)] have a slightly higher performance coefficient (COP) than R134a for the condensation temperature of 500C and evaporating temperatures ranging between -300C and 100C.Refrigerant blend of R152a/RE170 (20/80 by wt%) instead of R134a was found to be a replacement refrigerant among other alternatives. The effects of the main parameters of performance analysis such as refrigerant type, degree of sub cooling and super heating on the refrigerating effect, coefficient of performance and volumetric refrigeration capacity were also investigated for various evaporating temperatures.
Administering medication to children at home presents substantial challenges for caregivers. Errors in dosage, timing, or administration method could be harmful. A key contributor to such errors is inadequate knowledge of pediatric medication. The objective of this study was to explore how parents in Libya administer oral medications to their children and the self-care therapies they use for them. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-designed questionnaire consisting of yes/no and multiple-response questions. The sample size was 523 parents with valid questionnaires. Inclusion criteria were being a parent of children aged six months to 10 years and consent to participate. The data were analyzed by the Chi-square test was employed to examine associations between demographic characteristics and parental behaviors and techniques of medication administration. One-third of parents used inappropriate tools to administer liquid medications to their children. When children resisted medication, 49.3% of parents insisted on administering it, 10.7% mixed it with milk or other drink, 5.2% mixed it with food, and 9.2% dissolved solid forms in water or another drink. Additionally, 9.4% of parents admitted to giving doses higher than prescribed, trying to achieve rapid recovery. Furthermore, 82.0% of the parents engaged in self-medication of children, mostly with antipyretics (86.4%) but also with antibiotics (2.5%). We concluded that knowledge of the correct practices for administering oral medication to children was inadequate. It is suggested to develop educational programs for parents on correct practices.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The leaves of khat (Catha edulis) are chewed as a social habit for the central stimulant action of their cathinone content. There is growing concern about the health hazards of chronic khat chewing. Many authors have addressed the adverse effects of khat chewing on the cardiovascular and other systems. Based on a limited number of case reports and few prospective controlled studies, associations between khat chewing and the occurrence of myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and vascular diseases such as hypertension and cerebrovascular ischemia have been proposed. This review outlines the current knowledge on the adverse health effects of khat chewing on the cardiovascular system, assesses the strength and the limitations of the studies, and identifies the questions that the future studies should address.
There are several significant assays including bioavailability, Toxicity, high clearance, and further current therapies require higher and frequent dosing to gain desired therapeutic effects for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nanoparticles have beenwidely investigated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Though, higher doses of Nanocarriers also increase the incidence of dreadful adverse effects. Wherever, nanocarrier properties are most populated by the use of different approaches like targeting ligands, to change the physicochemical properties including higher encapsulation, better penetrating ability in cells etc. The main advantage of the nanocarrier that they provide longer circulation which enhances drug localization at the inflamed site and selective targeting to enhance the therapeutic index of anti-arthritic drugs. However, the optimal properties of nanocarrier also depend on the route of administration and size of particles, thus larger size show more retention upon local injection and smaller sized ones are more optimal for passive targeting. The present article discusses the emergence of nano-carriers for antirheumatic drugs, which delivers drug molecule to the inflamed site by topical, intra-articular (i.a) and intra-venous (i.v) administration to take advantage of therapeutic efficacy by passive and active drug delivery. Advancements have been made extensively but still better investigations are needed to achieve the risk-benefit ratio for the development of safe, stable and effective targeting nanocarriers for the e treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Cystic fibrosis is a challenging disease which creates many complications. The impact caused from cystic fibrosis on an adolescent is a challenging phase for their lives. Negative impacts like the society’s pressure, anxiety and depression are few common reasons that are being unspoken and ignored due to complexity of the disease. This study is aimed to identify the necessary gaps and educate the necessary policy makers and CF center health care team to have a better understanding about the context of the aftermath of cystic fibrosis and enhance better patient care. More over this systematic review also points out the main trends in this field of study. Qualitative study and quantitative are prominently used research methods to gain an understanding the about the gaps in the research. However, there is still a scarcity of quantitative and mixed research methods. Furthermore, limitations such as language, cultural influences were identified whilst going through the analysis. Overall through the information given in the following in this study more information regarding that warrants answers can be identified which will lead to proper care towards the teenagers who suffers from cystic fibrosis
Introduction: Use of endotracheal tube (ETT) has many limitations. There is a need for an airway device with similar safety and good side effect profile. In this prospective observational study, the oxygenation and ventilation parameters between patients who were inserted Proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) or ETT for laparoscopic surgeries were compared. Materials and Methods: After ethical committee approval, informed consent was obtained from sixty patients (thirty in each group) posted for elective laparoscopic surgery. Following induction of general anaesthesia and paralysis, PLMA or ETT was inserted and pressure control mode was used for ventilation. The following parameters were measured: a. Oxygen saturation and changes in FiO2 needed to ensure a target SpO2> 95%, EtCO2 and changes in respiratory rate and inspiratory pressure needed to ensure a target EtCO2 between 35-45 mmHg. b. Insertion characteristics of airway device and gastric tube, hemodynamic responses, incidence of complications. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used to analyze qualitative data. Independent t test was used to assess quantitative variables. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the outcome measures over time adjusted for duration of surgery and anaesthesia. P values<0> Results: Both groups were comparable with respect to age, gender and weight. Oxygenation and ventilation parameters achieved with both ETT and PLMA were comparable and satisfactory. Haemodynamic parameters increased significantly in ETT group compared to PLMA group during airway insertion and removal. Also, postoperative sore throat was comparatively less in the PLMA group. Conclusion: Hence we conclude that PLMA may be considered as an alternative to ETT in airway management of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries with comparable oxygenation and ventilation parameters and improved side effect profile.
This paper found that 35% of Adivasis have health problems, and 73% said that they are getting treatment with RMP. 87% have toilet facility and more than 12% still defecate openly. 18.3% said that they faced different problems at open defecation, and 50% of women not using sanitary napkins. Nearly 90% of respondents wash their hands after toilets and coming from outside of the home. Ten per cent of respondents said that they do not have an awareness of sanitation. Therefore, the study confirmed that the sanitation facilities considerably made the women's dignity and quality of life better in the study area. Moreover, four case studies also focused on open defecation problems in the study area.
The recent boom in Android mobile device usage has caused a shift in the information technology and has affected the way how information and data are stored, shared among the mobile users. The advent of social networking applications also demands the availability of resources that can be shared among the authentic users. This paper reviews and compares the available techniques and solutions for detecting Unexpected Permission Authorization to Mobile Apps. It is observed that malware for the android system is also growing significantly, current solutions for detecting malware on smartphones are still ineffective.
This case report presents a rare instance of solitary endobronchial plasmacytoma in a 58-year-old male, who had progressively worsening shortness of breath and a productive cough. The patient, who had a smoking history, was found to have a large, hypervascular mass completely obstructing the right main bronchus, confirmed as a plasma cell tumor via endoscopic biopsy. Further diagnostic imaging, including positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and chest CT, revealed a mass measuring 1.7 cm with abnormal fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. The bone marrow biopsy ruled out multiple myeloma. The patient underwent challenging endoscopic debulking of the tumor, although margins were not well defined due to its size. Post-operatively, the patient showed significant symptomatic improvement and was discharged home on post-operative day 4. Two months after the procedure, follow-up with a chest CT scan and bronchoscopy showed no evidence of residual tumor or local recurrence, and the patient reported significant respiratory improvement. The literature review revealed that extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is uncommon and often occurs in the upper aerodigestive tract. The diagnostic workup generally involves histopathological analysis, bronchoscopy, and imaging studies. Treatment is tailored to the patient’s condition and the characteristics of the tumor. This case underscores the need for a high index of suspicion and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of patients presenting with obstructive bronchial mass. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of considering endobronchial plasmacytoma in the differential diagnosis of obstructive bronchial masses and the value of early intervention in achieving favorable outcomes. Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor recurrence and ensure ongoing patient well-being.
This study investigated the practice of artificial fruit ripening among fruit vendors of banana, plantain, mango and pawpaw in Rivers State. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Two objectives, corresponding research questions and null hypotheses guided the study. The population for the study comprised all the accessible 1,810 fruit vendors in Rivers East senatorial district. A sample size of 472 fruit vendors was drawn using multi-stage sampling procedure. A validated self-structured questionnaire titled ‘Practice of Artificial Fruit Ripening’ with inter-scale reliability co- efficient of 0.896 was used as instrument for data collection. The descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics of Z-test and One-Way Analysis of Variance were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. It was found that fruit vendors in Rivers State sometimes practiced artificial fruit ripening using chemical and non-chemical methods. It was also discovered that regardless of their level of education and years of experience in the fruit business, the fruit vendors sometimes indulged in unhealthy practice of artificial fruit ripening. More so, the study revealed significant difference in practice among the fruit vendors in Rivers State based on level of education and years of experience. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the current practice of artificial fruit ripening in Rivers State is not in tandem with global best practices and therefore portend danger to the wellbeing of Rivers people and other Nigerians. The study therefore recommended among others that; community health workers should carry-out regular and effective health awareness campaigns concerning the dangers of using chemicals to ripen fruits. The Government of Rivers State through the Ministry of Agriculture should organise training programmes for fruit vendors on faster, safer, and economically feasible methods of fruits ripening and other post-harvest management techniques
This study reviews indicators of poverty and the government policies and strategies to reduce and alleviate poverty in Jordan and investigate the effects of information technologies (ITC) on the poverty in Jordan, Population growth rate, GDP at current prices, consumer price index, and human development index in addition to percentage of population use internet, percentage of export and import of ITC of the total trade are used as dependent variables. Data from different resource is collected from 1999 in which the internet started in Jordan till 2018 on the abovementioned variables. The results show that there are negative impacts of the percentage of population using internet on the poverty rate while there are positive effects of human development index and consumer price index on poverty
Natural products play a major role in maintaining healthy people and animals and in preventing sickness. Experiments have shown that these natural compounds have several biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant effects. Using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct database searches, current recorded information was incorporated in this review. The databases listed above were searched using the following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms for data extraction: preventative, natural product, phytoconstituents, natural products for Parkinson's illness, Alzheimer's disease, and natural products for the brain. The effectiveness of natural products in a variety of preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases has been demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies. Phytoconstituents, such as polyphenolic antioxidants, are present in freshwater and marine flora, as well as in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs. These phytoconstituents may help the brain's memory and cognitive processes while preventing neurodegeneration. Moreover, they are essential in the prevention and treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological conditions. This review briefly highlights a few neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing how natural products and nutraceuticals function against neurological disorders.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
This paper examines India’s diplomatic stance towards Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, focusing on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and India’s historical relations with both sides. The issue of Israeli settlements has been an issue and a obstacle to peace in the region. As a prominent global player and staunch supporter of Palestinian rights, India finds itself in the delicate position of balancing its traditional support for the Palestinian cause with its growing strategic ties with Israel.The article delves into the evolving dynamics of India’s foreign policy and the factors influencing its stance on Israeli settlements. Analyses India’s historical suppor t for Palestinian self-determination and its voting record in international forums not supporting Israeli settlements. It also examines India’s growing economic and defence cooperation with Israel, which complicates its position on the issue of settlements.
Diaspora groups across the world have been known for adopting and inventing processes and forms of ‘homemaking’ in their host lands. This article brings into focus the methods of homemaking assumed by the Indo-Surinamese Hindustani diaspora in the Netherlands, which owes its origin to colonial dispersal. Considering their status as a ‘twice-migrant’ diaspora, the process may appear to be distinctly difficult for the Hindustanis, a position this article seeks to examine. The article interrogates the notion of homemaking in the case of the Hindustanis through ethnographic conversational interviews of Indo-Surinamese interlocutors—a unique perspective based on personal histories and everyday experiences.
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.
Now-a-days there is a renewed interest in drugs of natural origin simply because they are considered as green medicine and are always safe. The advantage of natural drugs is their easy availability, economic and less or no side effects they have been used in traditional medicine practices. In the present investigation some medicinal weeds were analyzed, it includes Centella asiatica, Phyllanthus niruri, Argemone mexicana, Amaranthus viridis, Asclepias currasavica, Cyperus iria and Portulaca oleraceae. All the eight medicinal weeds collected during field visits were subjected to study organoleptic features, macroscopic studies, powder analysis, physicochemical limits and fluorescence analysis, single and double staining techniques.
This research was carried out at SDS Harapan Jakarta. This research aims to unravel the implementation of character education’s values through thematic subject, specifically on Indonesian Language Content. This research uses qualitative descriptive approach to gather research data deeply and thoroughly regarding character education’s value. Data collection was done using interviews, observation, and documentation. Miles and Huberman method was used to analyze data collected with the process of data collection, condensation, data display, and data verification. Triangulation was used to verify the validity of the data. The result of this study revealed that 1) The implementation of character education values in the content of Indonesian Language learning in Class 3 is implemented through reading and writing activities that prioritize the five main values in education according to the Minister of Education and Culture. 2) There are still less-effective efforts to achieve learning objectives. 3) There is still a lack of learning innovations carried out to achieve learning goals. 4) No lesson plans that are not made routinely as a means of evaluating learning. 5) There is still a need for improvement in the application of character education in Indonesian content that is linked to students' real experiences, both through online and offline learning.