A 3 Year Review of Spine Surgeries in a New Neurosurgery Centre in an Urban Specialist Health Facility in Southeast Nigeria

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Background: The Imo State Specialist Hospital (IMSSH) commenced neurosurgical services in April 2021 and spine procedures in August 2021. This is an audit of spine pathologies surgically managed in the hospital in her first 3 years since spine surgeries were commenced.

Aims: The study aims to look at the pattern of spinal pathologies surgically managed in the hospital from the commencement of spine services, including their age and sex distribution, the pathologies and their spinal distribution.

Methods: Neurosurgery operating room records were utilized to retrieve the case files of all spine patients who had surgical operations at IMSSH from August 2021 to July 2024 (36 months), and these were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: One hundred and fifty-seven (157) spine patients had surgical operations during the study period (an average of 4 spine surgeries per month). The mean age of patients was 54±16.03 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1. The mean age for male patients was 53±17.18 years while that of female patients was 55±14.05 years. The peak age range at presentation was in the elderly age group, 60 – 79 years (n=68, 43.3%), followed by the middle age group, 40 – 59 years (n=58, 36.9%). The highest frequency of spine surgeries was performed in the lumbar (n=43, 27.3%), lumbosacral (n=42, 26.8%) and cervical spines (n=42, 26.8%) almost in equal proportion. This was followed by thoracolumbar junction (n=13, 8.3%) and thoracic spine (n=8, 5.1%), while cervicothoracic junction, sacral and lumbosacropelvic accounted for 1.9% (n=3) each. Degenerative spine diseases (71.9%) accounted for the highest number of spine surgeries, followed by spinal trauma (19.7%) and spinal tumours (3.9%).

Conclusion: The study showed a male preponderance for spinal pathologies surgically managed in the hospital, and most of the pathologies were due to degenerative spine diseases. It also highlights the fact that spine pathologies are not rare in our environment, and more doctors should be encouraged to become spine surgeons to help in tackling these pathologies in our environment.

Energize Distribution Transformer 1 at Electrical Engineering Workshop State Polytechnic of Samarinda

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Distribution transformers play a vital role in the electrical infrastructure by converting high voltage from the primary voltage source to a voltage suitable for use by end consumers. The energizing process, which is connecting the distribution transformer to the power source, is a critical stage in the implementation and operation of the electrical network. However, a thorough understanding of the factors that affect the efficiency, safety, and reliability of energizing is needed to ensure optimal transformer performance. The transformer energizing process begins with the secondary side of the transformer being given a voltage of 220/380 V 3 phase 50 Hz as input and making the secondary polarity of the transformer primary. Then the primary side of the transformer changes to the secondary side which outputs a voltage of 20 kV 3 phase 50 Hz. During the energizing process, the current flowing on the input or source side was measured at ± 5 A for each phase, 16.83 A at neutral, and 0.06 A at ground. The results of this process successfully energized the 25 kVA distribution transformer to a step-up with a note of the loss for the induction process indicated by the current flowing on the input side under no-load conditions.

The Relationship between Ethnoscience and Creative Thinking Skills to Support 21st Century Learning for High School Student in West Sulawesi: Literature Review

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21st century learning is student-centered learning that emphasizes improving creative thinking skills. This study was conducted with the aim of examining the relationship between ethnoscience and creative thinking skills in supporting the learning process in the 21st century for high school students in West Sulawesi. Based on a comprehensive literature review, this study identifies and analyzes the contribution of ethnoscience to the development of creative thinking skills that are important in the context of modern education. The results of the study obtained indicate that the integration of ethnoscience into the curriculum can improve students’ creative thinking skills by linking the relationship between local knowledge and modern science. This approach allows students to better understand scientific concepts through their own cultural context, which in turn increases their engagement with and understanding of the subject matter. This study suggests that educators and policymakers in West Sulawesi consider the application of ethnoscience in teaching strategies to create a more effective and meaningful learning environment.

Value Vs Growth Stocks: A Literature Survey

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Over the years, investors have resorted to various strategies to beat the market and obtain superior gains. Value investing is one such strategy. The principal objective of value investing is to find undervalued stocks and invest in them with the hopes of them eventually rising to their potential value. The undervalued stocks can be identified by analysing the company’s fundamentals. Moreover, a carefully carried out analysis of the company’s fundamentals can lead to the investor ending up with two different types of stocks i.e. value stocks and growth stocks. This paper examines the literature on the comparative performance of value and growth stocks. Evidence suggests that though there is a consensus among the researchers regarding the outperformance of growth stocks by value stocks there remains controversy regarding its underlying reasons.

Trends in the Development of Interactive Flipbooks in Physics Learning in the 2014-2024 Time Range: Literature Review

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The history of developing a research topic is significant to study at the beginning of the research. This will assist researchers in shaping current field exploration and future research. This research examines the development trend of using interactive flipbooks in physics learning over the last decade (2014-2024). Through a literature review method from various academic sources, both national and international journals, this article will explore various studies conducted regarding the use of interactive flipbooks in physics learning and the learning theories that underlie the use of interactive flipbooks. The study results found that interactive flipbooks have experienced a significant increase in their use at various levels of physics learning, especially in increasing concept understanding, student involvement, and learning effectiveness. In addition, this literature review also shows a significant increase in the adoption of interactive flipbooks driven by technological advances and the need for more exciting and interactive learning methods. The conclusion is that the development of interactive flipbooks in physics learning has been very significant in the last five years. However, no use of interactive flipbooks has been found in modern physics lectures at the university level.

Maternal Characteristics and Iron Intake as a Factors of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Pregnant Women

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Pregnancy is a critical period for fetal growth and development, nutritional issues can significantly affect both maternal and fetal health. This phase is marked by increased nutritional needs to support fetal development and maintain maternal well-being. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women in Parung Panjang District Health Center, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 92 pregnant women, examining various maternal characteristics and nutrient adequacy levels. The prevalence of anemia was found to be 36%. Parity emerged as a significant factor, with primipara mothers showing a higher anemia rate (46%) compared to multipara mothers (23.8%). Iron intake adequacy was also significantly associated with anemia status (p = 0.050). Women with insufficient iron intake had a higher rate of anemia (45.7%) compared to those with sufficient intake (26.1%). Other factors such as maternal age, education, and vitamin C intake did not show significant associations with anemia. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions for primipara mothers and emphasize the crucial role of adequate iron intake during pregnancy. The study underscores the need for comprehensive anemia prevention strategies in prenatal care.

Measurement of Science Literacy Skills of Elementary School Teacher Education Students: Development and Validity Testing of Assessment Instruments

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This study aims to develop and test the validity and reliability of a scientific literacy instrument for students of the Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD) Program. The instrument was designed to measure three dimensions of scientific literacy: content knowledge, procedural knowledge, and epistemic knowledge, focusing on Earth and Space Science topics. A total of 18 questions were constructed based on indicators that assess the ability to explain scientific phenomena, evaluate scientific investigations, and interpret scientific data. The instrument was tested on 33 PGSD students at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) and analyzed using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and reliability tests via SPSS software.

The results indicated that most items were valid, with an S-CVI/Ave value of 0.981 and an S-CVI/UA value of 0.8333. However, one item was found invalid with an I-CVI score of 0.67. The reliability test showed that some questions had a good level of reliability, while others required revision due to low reliability. Additionally, analysis using the Item Response Theory (IRT) revealed that the questions varied in difficulty and discrimination, with most questions having positive discrimination values and a range of difficulty levels. Overall, the instrument was found to be valid and reliable for assessing the scientific literacy of PGSD students, although some questions need revision to improve consistency and accuracy.

MPOX (Monkeypox): Current Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Advances in Treatment and Prevention Strategies

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MPOX (formerly known as monkeypox) has emerged as a significant public health concern in recent years, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment options, prevention strategies, and global health impact. This literature review synthesizes the latest data on the spread and incidence of MPOX, with a focus on geographic distribution, affected populations, and emerging trends in transmission. The clinical presentation of MPOX, including symptoms, disease progression, and complications, is explored, with particular attention to variations across different demographics. Recent advances in the treatment of MPOX are analyzed, covering current antiviral therapies, the role of supportive care, and the potential of new treatments under investigation. Prevention strategies are also examined, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccination efforts, public health measures, and containment and control strategies. The review further considers the broader impact of MPOX on global health, discussing its implications for public health policy and pandemic preparedness. Through this comprehensive analysis, the review aims to provide a robust foundation for understanding MPOX and inform future research, clinical practice, and public health initiatives.

Forecasting High-Order Multifactor Cross Relations Using Fuzzy Time Series and Frequency Density

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The forecasting technique frequently employed for decision-making, initially presented by Song and Cissom utilizing fuzzy logic principles, is Fuzzy Time Series (FTS). The FTS forecasting approach comprises fundamental steps: identifying the conversation universe, segmenting the conversation universe, fuzzification, constructing the fuzzy logic relationship (FLR), and defuzzification. This study involved the modification of the existing methodology to ascertain and categorize the conversational universe, fuzzy logic relationships (FLR), and historical data variations, each utilizing distinct frequency density partitions and cross-relationships, specifically with Indonesian rubber production data. Altering the frequency density partition algorithm to achieve partition universality, followed by fuzzification, cross-relationship analysis, and concluding with the defuzzification procedure. The degree of forecast precision uses the Average Forecasting Error Rate (AFER) to evaluate the revised outcomes against the traditional method. Simulations utilize Indonesian rubber production data from 2000 to 2023, exhibiting an AFER of 3.901%, below 10%, indicating robust forecasting criteria. The forecasting technique frequently employed for decision-making, initially presented by Song and Cissom through the principle of fuzzy logic, is Fuzzy Time Series (FTS). The FTS forecasting approach comprises fundamental steps: identifying the conversation universe, segmenting the conversation universe, fuzzification, constructing the fuzzy logic relationship (FLR), and defuzzification. This study involved the modification of the existing methodology to ascertain and categorize the conversational universe, fuzzy logic relationships, and historical data variations, each employing distinct frequency density partitions and cross-relationships, utilizing Indonesian rubber production data. Altering the frequency density partition algorithm to achieve partition universality, followed by fuzzification, cross-relationship analysis, and concluding with the defuzzification procedure. The degree of forecast precision uses the Average Forecasting Error Rate (AFER) to juxtapose the revised outcomes with the traditional methodology. Simulations utilize Indonesian rubber production data from 2000 to 2023, exhibiting an AFER of 3.901%, below 10%, indicating robust forecasting criteria.

Cancel Culture: Unveiling the Dark Side of Social Media for Brands – A Systematic Literature Review

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The phenomenon and terminology of cancel culture are proliferating with the increasing use of social media in Indonesia. Through these platforms, the cancel culture movement is widespread and poses a significant threat to brands and products. However, research related to cancel culture in marketing is still limited. This research aims to describe the cancel culture phenomenon in marketing through a systematic literature review of 53 articles published from 2014 to 2024, with sources from ABDC and Scopus-indexed journals (Q1-Q4). The research identified relevant themes, methodologies, theories, variables, antecedents, consequences, and existing research gaps through this analysis. Based on these findings, the research proposes an integrative framework that describes the influence of cancel culture on brands, particularly the role of social media. The results also identify future research directions, including knowledge gaps in theory, methodology, and research context. The implications of this research are expected to contribute to developing marketing theory and practice related to cancel culture.