ABSTRACT Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection rate and mortality among Nigerian health care workers appear to be on the increase. Aside from health workers, it has caused millions of infections and deaths worldwide. This study determined the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of nursing and midwifery students towards COVID-19 in a North-Eastern Nigerian state. Methods: A total of 156 respondents were involved in this institutional-based cross-sectional study, conducted after the lockdown period. A total of 17 questions were used to assess the KAP with knowledge appraised with 12 questions, attitudes with 2 questions, and practices with 3 questions. Results: The majority of the students (53.80%) possessed a good level of knowledge regarding COVID-19, while 40.4% had fair knowledge regarding COVID-19 with only 5.80% having poor knowledge of COVID-19. The mean knowledge of COVID-19 in this study was 9.40±1.353 with an overall 78% correct answer rate. A vast majority of the respondent (82.7% and 98.1%) had strong confidence in Nigeria and believed that the pandemic will soon be over, respectively. Only a few avoided large gatherings of people (30.8%) with the vast majority reporting to have worn a mask when going out (84.6%) and washing their hands with running water and soap frequently as recommended (73.1%). In multiple logistic regression analyses, the COVID-19 knowledge score (OR: 0.39-0.40, 95%CI: 0.26 – 0.62, P<0.05) was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of negative preventive practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions: The participants in this study showed good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices toward COVID-19. There is still a need to strategize and implement periodic educational interventions and training on infection control practices among healthcare workers including students.
Background: Hyoscine N-butylbromide (HBB; Buscopan) is commonly used in obstetric practice to accelerate labor and facilitate cervical dilation, yet variability in knowledge, attitude, and clinical usage persists among practitioners. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and usage patterns of HBB among medical practitioners at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 2024 and April 2025 among 102 medical practitioners directly involved in labor care at ABSUTH. A structured, self-administered questionnaire, validated through expert review and pilot testing (Cronbach’s α = 0.78), was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge, attitude, and usage patterns. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and Pearson correlations, were performed using SPSS v. 25.0. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Among 102 respondents, 93.1% had heard of HBB, and 70.6% correctly identified it as an antispasmodic. While 69.6% recognized its primary mechanism as cervical relaxation, 48% were aware of contraindications. The majority agreed that it is effective (mean = 4.12) and improves maternal outcomes (mean = 4.01). About 85.3% had administered it during labor, mostly in the active phase (64.7%), with the intravenous route being most preferred (56.9%). Statistically significant associations were observed between knowledge and attitude (χ² = 18.442, p = 0.001), specialty and frequency of use (χ² = 12.695, p = 0.048), and formal training with dosage knowledge (χ² = 15.210, p = 0.002). Knowledge, attitude, and usage scores were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Conclusions: While the majority of practitioners at ABSUTH are familiar with and frequently use HBB in labor management, knowledge gaps and variations in practice remain. Strengthening formal training and incorporating standardized protocols could improve evidence-based usage and maternal outcomes.
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with headquarters in Bangalore to assess and accredit higher education institutions (HEIs) in India. Its objectives are to evaluate and accredit institutions of higher learning, enhance the quality of teaching, learning, and research, and offer financial support for workshops, conferences, and seminars. India is regarded as one of the biggest college and university systems in the entire globe, and fixing today's problems would require competent administration of these kinds of institutions. The purpose of the National Academic Accreditation Council (NAAC) is to ensure that higher education is of a high caliber. This was the driving force behind the NAAC's creation. Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are evaluated and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an independent organization created by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The socioeconomic and cultural growth of any country is greatly influenced by higher education. With an increase in both the number of educational institutions and learners enrolled in various programs, higher education in India has grown significantly in recent years. This report presents policy recommendations for education systems to help all children succeed in their schooling, focusing on system and school-level policies to promote equity and quality. In order to support all students toward academic success, this study offers suggested solutions for education systems that center on system- and school-level policies that uphold quality and equity. Additionally, since expanding chances helps both the educational system and society at large, it offers proof on how to assist underprivileged kids and schools. It also provides evidence on how to support disadvantaged students and schools, as improving opportunities benefits the education system and societies as a whole.
Hypertension is a public health issue that significantly increases the risk of health problems and decreases health quality of life of the patients. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are used to control hypertension by preventing production of angiotensin II in turn decrease blood pressure, thus it may enhance the quality of life. This study aims to assess the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on the quality of life of patients with hypertensive aging 40 years or older in Benghazi city in comparison with other classes of hypertension medications. A case control observational study was conducted, adopting the structured face-to-face interviewing survey technique. Over 150 patients who visited Benghazi medical center during the study period (November, 2019 to March, 2020), to follow up their chronic disease. The investigators used a pre-validated, pre-piloted questionnaire that has been adopted from SF 36 and modified according to the updated literature review; responses to each question were coded and analyzed. The results display that antihypertensive medications were found to be significantly related to the limitation on the physical activity domain and found that medications decrease the limitation on the activity with about 20% of the patients who taking angiotensin receptor blockers (20%) and 30% of the patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, 40% of the patients had no limitations on bending kneeling and stooping. Moreover, on the limitations on walking more than one kilometre, the results were about 15% of the patients taking angiotensin receptor blockers and 30% of the patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors had a slightly or no limitation on walking more than a kilometre. Thus, the findings indicate that antihypertensive medications have a positive effect on quality of life of the patient in limitation on activity domain but no conclusive difference was found between angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers medications.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
2-Pyrazolines are well known, and important nitrogen-containing five-membered heterocyclic compounds which belong to the family of azoles and have been found to possess considerable activities, like anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, immunosuppressant and antiamoebic activity. In the present work, ten novel pyrazolines were prepared from chalcones, characterized and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using Ciprofloxacin as standard and using DMSO as a solvent. Their activity was evaluated by measuring the zone of inhibition in mm. All the compounds exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Among ten derivatives of compounds synthesized, the derivative with 2-chloro and 4-chloro substituted phenyl rings attached to pyrazolines exhibited the highest activity against both types of organisms. The derivatives with an unsubstituted phenyl group attached to pyrazolines exhibited comparatively less activity. Thus it can be concluded that pyrazolines containing substituted phenyl groups are effective broad spectrum antibacterial agents, and they can be developed as effective antibacterial agents.
Background: Perforation is the most serious surgical complication of peptic ulcer disease due to its attendant high morbidity and mortality. Hypovolemia, a consequence of gastro-duodenal perforation, is considered to be a cause of renal hypo perfusion with accompanied decreased clearance of urea and creatinine. The aim of this study was to determine the preoperative baseline serum urea and creatinine profile among patients with perforated peptic ulcer disease and the relationship of serum urea and creatinine with the outcome of care. Methods: A retrospective study of patients who had operation for perforated peptic ulcer disease over a 5-year period at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, lafia, North-central Nigeria was conducted. Results: Sixty-four patients were studied with a mean age of 36.6 ± 12.3 years. Majority of the patients were males, 59 (92.2%). While 38 (59.3%) patients had elevated preoperative baseline urea levels, 37 (57.8%) patients had elevated creatinine levels. Out of 29 patients who had surgical site infection, 16 (55.2%) had elevated serum urea (p = 0.535) while 19 (65.2 %) had elevated serum creatinine (p = 0.579). An overall in-hospital mortality rate of 14.1% was recorded. There was statistically significant relationship between elevated serum urea and inhospital mortality (p = 0.007). Conclusion: This result showed that preoperative baseline serum urea and creatinine levels were elevated in majority of the patients. In addition, the result of this study suggests that elevated baseline serum urea level has considerable relationship with in-hospital mortality
All the people who need loan may turn to their local banks, credit unions or peer to peer lenders. Every lending institution has its own advantages and drawbacks. In this scenario credit risk management becomes increasingly important element as the same is concerned with managing the financial debts and safeguarding the interest of the banks. The purpose of credits given by banks is to earn interest and make profits. The important function of credit management is to decide how much credit should be given to the borrower and ensuring compliances with the credit terms of repayment and avoid Non-Performing Assets (NPA) to the banks. Credit risk is the biggest risk the bank faces by the virtue of nature of business, inherits. The ability of commercial banks to formulate and adhere to policies and procedures that promote credit quality and curtail non-performing loans is the means to survive in the stiff competition. Inability to create and build up quality loans and credit worthy customers leads to default risk and bankruptcy as well as hamper the economic growth of the country
The planned opening of foreign universities will foster cultural exchange, expose Indian students to diverse perspectives and promote international understanding, according to Gedam Kamalakar. Foreign university campuses have the potential to attract foreign investment, create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy through increased spending on infrastructure, accommodation and services. Partnerships with foreign universities on joint research projects will enhance knowledge exchange and technological advancements. Nevertheless, the influx of foreign universities can pose a threat to domestic educational institutions by alienating talented students and faculty and exacerbating inequalities in access to quality education. There is hence a danger of cultural imperialism. Indigenous knowledge and traditions may be marginalised due to the dominance of Western educational systems and values. Increasing opportunities to study abroad may also increase brain drain.
The present study evaluates the efficacy of Vilanterol-Fluticasone Furoate (VI-FF) versus Formoterol-Budesonide (FM-BD) combination therapy in stable asthma. Both regimens led to significant improvements in asthma control, as evidenced by marked increases in FEV1 (% predicted) and ACT scores over time. The demographic characteristics, baseline respiratory symptoms, and treatment outcomes were similar between the groups, indicating that both strategies were equally effective for managing asthma. The findings indicate that both VI-FF once daily and FM-BD twice daily therapies enhance lung function and asthma control. Significant improvements in FEV1 (% predicted) and ACT scores were observed in both groups, as confirmed by intention-to-treat (ITT) and perprotocol (PPA) analyses. The equivalent efficacy of VI-FF and FM-BD, combined with the convenience of once-daily dosing, suggests that VI-FF may be preferable for patients who struggle with a twice-daily regimen. These findings highlight VI-FF as a convenient and reliable treatment, particularly can benefit patients with adherence challenges. In conclusion, our study's findings align well with other studies regarding demographic characteristics, baseline symptoms, exacerbation history, hospitalization history, and spirometry results. This consistency reinforces the validity and reliability of our results, suggesting that both VI-FF and FM-BD are effective options for stable asthma. The comparable efficacy supports flexibility in treatment choices, allowing for personalized asthma management. Future research should explore the long-term benefits and adherence patterns associated with these treatments to further optimize asthma management.
Behavioral finance theory highlights how psychological factors can lead to poor investment decisions, which may threaten investors' trust in the stock market, discourage investments, and hinder economic growth. This study aims to examine how behavioral finance factors, particularly herding bias and overconfidence bias, influence investment decision on the Indonesia Stock Exchange through risk perception. The research was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to 120 Gen Z stock investors and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results show that herding and overconfidence biases have a significant positive influence on risk perception. Both herding and overconfidence biases have indirect positive influences on investment decision through risk perception. Although overconfidence bias and risk perception can directly affect investment decision, herding bias fails to do so. These findings highlight the importance of considering an individual's behavioral biases and risk perception, while policymakers should devise strategies to mitigate their impacts; so that investors can benefit from investing, which may eventually lead to the growth of the national economy.
Recession affects many factors; it affects the export, Slowdown of the industrial production, which result into slowdown of growth. Human resource management is responsible for how people are treated in organizations. It is responsible for bringing people into the organization, helping them perform their work, compensating them for their labours, and solving problems that arise. Recession presents a very difficult time for any existing organization in today’s corporate world and no company is exempted from this truth. The biggest challenge for companies and especially Human Resource in this economy downturn is to survive and to remain competitive, companies reorganized and reengineered to reduce waste. Recession poses unique challenges to the HR department. HRM strategies & innovations providing a wide selection of employees, employers, customers, suppliers etc. in all ranges This paper outlines the transformation of HRM strategies and innovations in Asia. Beginning with its inception, the paper is progresses towards its various HRM functions like recruitment and selection of employee, training and development, compensation and benefits, growth of Human communication, This paper also highlights HRM strategies to counter intensified competition and external conditions like global economic recession, the resultant credit crunch and its impact on employee performance.
The need for renewable energy sources in addressing global energy demands is growing, especially in Nigeria where electricity demand often exceeds supply. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have become a viable solution, with federal universities in Nigeria, as major electricity consumers, recognizing their potential. However, determining the right size of PV systems for individual faculties within these universities is a complex task. This study attempted to simplify this process by introducing an innovative approach to size PV systems in these faculties. The research method used the Extended Kalman Artificial Neural Network (EKF-ANN) and the Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) to enhance the accuracy of PV system sizing. Data was collected on the study site, load demand, weather conditions, system components, and operational control and systems models to establish sizing criteria. The study focused on the optimal size of a solar PV system at the Faculty of Law building, University of Port-Harcourt, and how to improve its accuracy. The results showed that using global solar insolation parameters, EKF-ANN predicted values for global temperature, flock size, and maximal iteration. This optimized system could generate surplus power for effective grid supply. The study found that the optimal size of the series-connected panels for the Faculty of Law building was 96, 83, 73, and 65 units, with corresponding insolation values ranging from 3.737 to 4.368 kW/m2. It was concluded that the combination of CSA and EKF-ANN in solar PV sizing is suitable for achieving optimal outcomes for energy storage and grid supply. Nonetheless, the study recommended additional investigation into real-time and grid-connected solutions to enhance the proposed approach's effectiveness.
Medical research is defined as "all scholarly activities that deal with any of the areas of studies being conducted in the pre, para, and clinical areas being taught in a medical school". Such a definition is somewhat arbitrary, as medical research covers a much larger field and ultimately affects every individual. The results of research activities are directly translated into social action, such as pollution control, vaccinations, mass fluoridation and nutritional improvements. The eradication of diseases like smallpox, poliomyelitis and plague, the decline in the death rate from infectious and cardiovascular diseases, and the diagnosis of genetic disorders are some examples of how medical research helps to provide improved health care. Thus, the wealth of medical knowledge that grows through the process of discovery and research development becomes part of daily living. The aim of scientific research is always to extend the frontiers of knowledge and to discover rational correlations and principles [1, 2]. Medical research can be divided into biomedical (basic medical), clinical, and health science research. The areas overlap each other and health science research has a component of social research. Experimental research covers areas such as physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology and pathology and is relatively easy to conduct. If adequate financial support is obtained, the necessary infrastructure for laboratory research could be built and experimental animals maintained in an animal house. For clinical research, the patients with a particular disease are the direct object of study. This type of research involves dealing with the clinical picture, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of the disease. Dealing with human beings requires stringent regulations and precautions to be observed. It requires setting up a research team in the hospital to monitor and chart out guidelines involving the ethical dimension of the problem to be studied and maintain a systematic medical recording system. Moreover, it is through a prolonged study of a large number of cases of the same disease that clinical research learns to predict the likely prognosis and judge the efficacy of the treatment. This type of research activity has limitations in the form of having a restricted number of cases of the disease under investigation, a need to update one's knowledge concerning laboratory techniques from which he obtains his 'cues', and the longer time interval required to complete the work. Health science research is a recent development of medical research due to the demands placed on many health services. More often basic medical and clinical research go hand in hand and are inseparable. Furthermore, clinical research workers often conduct studies on experimental animals, due to either the limited number of human cases or for ethical considerations.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Type 2 Diabetes mellitus contributes to the development or progression of many chronic and age-related pathological processes. One of the major risk factors for morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes is renal and vascular disease as well as heart disease. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with a significantly increased age of kidney disease with higher urea and creatinine levels. 76 Libyan subjects participated in the study. The subjects were divided into three categories. One group hosts diabetes case (n=40) while the other group serves as a control (n=12) and the other group has no type 2 diabetes mellitus but urea and creatinine levels are elevated (n=36). After oral informed consent of the study participants, 5 ml of venous blood was drawn under sterile conditions for whole blood analysis. Fasting blood sugar was analyzed. Urea and creatinine levels were compared between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. However, a statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26 where the correlation between parameters was analyzed by an independent samples t-test. In this study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus caused a significant increase in urea and creatinine compared to the control group. The study indicated that type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the damage to the kidney function.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
This study outlines the different kinds of information resources available, the current situation of digital preservation, the requests of librarians and users, and offers recommendations, although limited, for future research on storage mediums, transfers, conversions, and general management techniques. Libraries worldwide have had to address a number of concerns related to digital information preservation, including organizational, resource, legal, and technical ones. Despite the fact that libraries have been exploring a variety of preservation techniques, including emulation, migration, and technology preservation, there is still a need for a preservation approach that is both financially realistic and widely accepted. Digital content access is ensured over time through a combination of rules, strategies, and actions known as digital preservation. An information resource is any component of a computer system that is only partially available; an electronic resource is information that can be stored as electrical signals; and a web resource is a data source that is accessible over the World Wide Web. It is important to preserve information of long-term value so that future generations can access it. This is the goal of information source preservation. Formal preservation programs have been launched for conventional resources in document, microform, photographic, and, to a lesser extent, audio-visual formats by numerous large libraries, information centers, and archives in recent decades. The field of digital preservation is still quite experimental and fraught with the dangers of using unproven techniques. The introduction of digital preservation adds to the challenge facing documents and library services in maintaining a legacy of documents in traditional formats.
Background: Measurement of patient health status, or quality of life, has become an important end-point in clinical studies as it represents in part the patient perception of their outcome of care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemic dexmedetomidine on intraoperative hemodynamics, postoperative quality of recovery and analgesia. Materials and Methods: 90 subjects posted for elective lower abdominal surgeries under general anesthesia were randomized to receive infusion of dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg over 15 minutes followed by a 0.06 mcg/kg/h infusion until the end surgery) (Group 1) or Normal saline (10 ml over 15 minutes followed by infusion @1ml/kg/hr till end of surgery) (Group 2). Intraoperative hemodynamics, extubation variables, postoperative analgesic requirement and quality of recovery score were evaluated. Results: Intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine resulted in maintained hemodynamics, achieving early extubation parameters. Time for first postoperative analgesic requirement was increased while total analgesic requirement was decreased with use of dexmedetomidine. Median QoR-40 score was better with the use of dexmedetomidine compared to control group. Conclusion: Use of Intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine was associated with early recovery, decreased postoperative analgesic requirement better Quality of Recovery score signifying greater patient satisfaction. Keywords: Dexmedetomidine, Quality of recovery-40, Postoperative analgesia, hysterectomy, General anesthesia
For banking employees around the globe, stress on the job can be a challenge; stress can be sometimes positive and sometimes negative. Positive stress leads to productivity and negative stress leads to loss for the organization. There is already a certain level of stress in Banking employees work life and then encounter even more stress arising from the work pressure that Banking employees face on the job. Many employees cannot cope with such rapid changes taking place in the jobs. Role conflict, Service for customer, contribution, rapid technological change, lack of customer response is the great transaction of stress for the banking workers. The aim of this research is to understand roots and outcomes of job stress on the employee performance in banking sector.
Worldwide, the focus on online learning during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic faced many challenges. The present study aimed to evaluate the preferences, perceptions, and attitudes of university students toward various strategies of learning. A pre-piloted cross-sectional survey was posted on the internet in Arabic and English language. Questions covered the demographical characteristics of the participants and their preferences and perceptions of various learning strategies. We received 270 questionnaires from various countries. The majority (n=199, 73.7%) of respondents were from the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, with n=125 (46.3%) participants from the College of Pharmacy. The majority (n=198, 73.0%) of respondents were females, Arabs (n=262, 97.0%), living with their families (n=208, 77.0%), and with only the father working (n=174, 64.0%). Preference was, for online learning (n=145, 53.7%) as compared to in-class learning (n=119, 44.1%). More students (n=110, 40.7%) claimed improvement in their grades with online learning but 62 of students (23.0%) stated that their grades were worsened. Student’s performance in online exams was similar to that in paper exams. The majority (n=168, 62.2%) of students claimed that their overall expectations of online learning were not the same as those for in-class learning. 50.0%-60.0% of respondents believed that in-class learning allows them to learn more effectively, and achieve the best work preparation, best exam performance, and best education value, and they were more likely to recommend it. Despite the disadvantages of online learning, it remains the future strategy for higher education. Appropriate planning of courses, and helping students by reducing digital inequity, if any, would certainly prove satisfactory for the millennial generation of students
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The construct of Leadership entails the process of influencing other people to accomplish specific objectives. However, like love, the construct of Leadership is a universal desire that is virtually difficult to define explicitly (Klingborg, Moore and Varea-Hammond, 2006, p.280). It is characterised by the idea of an individual charisma capable of recruiting followers towards his or her path, promoting team-based problem-solving. Conversely, the concept of Leadership is based on many factors such as; "leaders are made not born", "he was a leader since he was a kid" and "if you have the will power, you can become an effective leader" (Klingborg, Moore and Varea-Hammond, 2006, p.280). However, scholars and organisations tend to focus on Leadership and how leaders impact an organisation. The leadership process entails how an individual influences other(s) to achieve a common goal or mission.
Social bots are computer programs created for automating general human activities like the generation of messages. The rise of bots in social network platforms has led to malicious activities such as content pollution like spammers or malware dissemination of misinformation. Most of the researchers focused on detecting bot accounts in social media platforms to avoid the damages done to the opinions of users. In this work, n-gram based approach is proposed for a bot or human detection. The content-based features of character n-grams and word n-grams are used. The character and word n-grams are successfully proved in various authorship analysis tasks to improve accuracy. A huge number of n-grams is identified after applying different pre-processing techniques. The high dimensionality of features is reduced by using a feature selection technique of the Relevant Discrimination Criterion. The text is represented as vectors by using a reduced set of features. Different term weight measures are used in the experiment to compute the weight of n-grams features in the document vector representation. Two classification algorithms, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest are used to train the model using document vectors. The proposed approach was applied to the dataset provided in PAN 2019 competition bot detection task. The Random Forest classifier obtained the best accuracy of 0.9456 for bot/human detection.