Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis: Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Exercise among Pregnant Women in a Selected Nigerian Community

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Pregnancy induced decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) often occurs at the femoral necks, lumbar spine and other sites during the second or third trimester of pregnancy leading to pain in the hips, pelvis, low back etc and sometimes fractures even with mild trauma/falls. Exercising during pregnancy has been known to offer several benefits including improving bone health. However, there is paucity of studies investigating the knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women towards exercising to minimize the risk for osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of exercise for the prevention of pregnancy associated osteoporosis among urban and rural dwelling pregnant women in a selected Nigerian community. A total of 258 (168 urban dwelling and 90 rural dwelling) pregnant women were recruited and subjected to interview using a pre-validated questionnaire on KAP of exercise in the prevention of Pregnancy associated osteoporosis. The urban and rural dwelling women had moderate and poor knowledge of exercising for osteoporosis prevention respectively. Both groups of women had moderately positive attitude towards exercising for osteoporosis prevention. Also both groups of women had poor practice towards exercising for osteoporosis prevention. A significant association was only found between having another source of income in the family and the women’s attitude towards exercise.

Anti-Tumor and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Epipremnum Aureum Linn. Leaves against DAL Induced Tumor in Swiss Albino Mice

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Neoplasia literally means the process of “new growth,” and a new growth is called a neoplasm. The term tumor was originally applied to the swelling caused by inflammation. Neoplasms also may induce swellings, but by long precedent, the non-euplastic usage of tumor has passed into limbo; thus, the term is now equated with neoplasm. Oncology (Greek oncos = tumor) is the study of tumors or neoplasm’s. Cancer is the common term for all malignant tumors. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-tumor activity of ethanolic leaves extract of Epipremnum aureum Linn. and evaluated by in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models. To achieve objectives, EEEA was subjected to phytochemical screening and tested for oral toxicity test. The in-vitro study was carried out by means of MTT assay and Trypan blue dye exclusion assay using DAL cell lines. The in-vivo anti-tumor activity was evaluated against DAL tumour bearing mice by liquid tumour models. Preliminary phytochemical screening was confirmed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, phenolic, steroids, and triterpeniods etc. EEEA showed good cytotoxic effect on DAL cell line in MTT assay and Trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Oral administration of EEEA in tumour bearing mice for 14 days, showed significant reduction in the percent increase in body weight, tumour volume, tumour weight, viable cell count when compared to the untreated mice of the DAL control group. The restoration of the haematological parameters towards the normal control was also observed. The results suggested that the EEEA exhibits significant anti-tumor activity towards both methods. The DAL-bearing mice orally administered leaves of Epipremnum aureum Linn., at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight showed significant change in the average life span compared to animals of the tumor control group. The percentage increase in body weight, tumor cell volume, and number of viable tumor cells were found to be significantly less than the tumor control animals, indicating the anti-tumor nature of the extract.

Entrepreneurial Capabilities of Women Entrepreneurs and Their Contributions to Entrepreneurship Development

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Women play significant roles in entrepreneurship development in the country, particularly in the province of Camarines Norte. This study determined the entrepreneurial capabilities of women entrepreneurs and their contributions to entrepreneurship development in Camarines Norte. It employed a descriptive method of research in assessing the profile of women entrepreneurs; their entrepreneurial capabilities along identifying business opportunities, running a business, driving innovation and adapting to economic conditions; their contributions to entrepreneurship development and the problems commonly encountered by them.

Findings revealed that respondents mostly were 41 to 50 years old age bracket, married, with a baccalaureate degree, have been running the business for five to ten years as a small-type of enterprise, with an initial capital of ₱100,000 and below, and employed five and below employees. The entrepreneurial capabilities of women entrepreneurs were interpreted as much capable of identifying business opportunities, running a business, driving innovation, and adapting to economic conditions. The contributions of women entrepreneurs to entrepreneurship development were interpreted as much evident in terms of income generation, job creation, innovation, and environment protection. Also, the most common problem encountered by women entrepreneurs is business competition. Given the results of the study, a proposed training design was developed to help women entrepreneurs strengthen their entrepreneurial capabilities.

Activities of Pancreatic Enzymes and Anthropometric Indices in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, South Eastern, Nigeria

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Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes, having high blood glucose, reduced insulin secretion and / or inadequate glucagon secretion. The study is to assess the activities of pancreatic enzymes and anthropometric indices. 81 participants comprised 38 diabetic and 43 control were randomly recruited. Informed, oral and written consent was obtained from the participants. Ethical approval was obtained.6mls of fasting blood samples were collected. Plasma glucose; amylase and lipase activities were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Body mass index (BMI) of participant was determined from height and weight. The results showed significantly increased plasma glucose level in the diabetic participants than in control at p=0.000 and in male diabetics than in female diabetics at p=0.048 in each case. But the activities of lipase, amylase, the mean age and BMI level were the same in both diabetic and control groups at p>0.05 respectively. BMI level, lipase and amylase activities were the same in both genders (p>0.05). Stronger positive correlation exist between Weight Vs BMI (r=0.834; p=0.000), followed by Lipase Vs Amylase (r=0.767; p=0.000), least between Age Vs BMI (r=0.353; p=0.022) but weaker negative associations exist between Height Vs BMI (r=-0.490; p=0.001) and Weight Vs FBS (r=-0.325; p=0.036) in the diabetic subjects. The significant higher level of blood glucose; stronger positive correlation between Lipase and Amylase; Weight and BMI may likely revealed pancreatic exocrine function abnormality in diabetes mellitus type 2.

Compost of Yellow Creeping Daisy (Wedelia Trilobata, L.) Weed to Increase Organic Tomato Yield

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Numerous weeds, including Yellow Creeping Daisy (Wedelia trilobata) are sources for compost.  Compost efficacy is dependent on several factors, including the source of organic matter, the dosage, the application method, and the period of the application. The purpose of this study was to compare tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum, Mill) growth and yield at various Yellow Creeping Daisy (YCD) compost doses and application times. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with a factorial arrangement consisting of two factors. The treatment combinations were repeated three times. The first factor was the timing of compost application, which were two and one weeks prior to planting, and on planting day. The second factor was the dosage of compost, which was 0, 10, 20, or 30 tons/Ha. Application of YCD compost 1-2 weeks before tomato planting provided greater yield than at planting, as indicated by number of fruit, fruit diameter, and fruit weight per plant. Higher dose of YCD compost application increased the yield of tomato. Application of the compost 2 weeks before planting at 30 tons/ha resulted in the highest yield of tomato.

Operational Strategies of Online Food Delivery Businesses in Camarines Norte, Philippines

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This research determined the operational strategies of online food delivery businesses in Camarines Norte, Philippines. It assessed the profile of the online food delivery businesses in terms of number of riders, initial capitalization, form of business organization, commonly used digital platform and average weekly deliveries; the operational strategies being implemented and the problems encountered on the aspects of resources and processes. Findings revealed that majority of online food delivery businesses have 11 to 15 riders, under sole proprietorship, uses social media platform, with 201 and above weekly deliveries. The operational strategies of online food delivery businesses include: monitoring of riders’ performances, use of cellular phones, desktop, tablet and laptop for monitoring customer needs; optimizing marketing budget through utilization of low-cost marketing campaigns and promotions; promotion using various social media platforms; and updating customers with their transactions from time-to-time via chat or Short Message Service (SMS).  The problems encountered by online food delivery businesses are  shortage of available riders during peak hours  and  threat of new entrants. The study recommended for food delivery business owners to revisit the human resource plans and create operations manual to provide clear guidelines and processes in implementing their operational strategies which are significant to their daily operations.

Estimation of Terrestrial Solar Radiation and its Variation with other Meteorological Parameters over Lokoja, Nigeria

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The yearly and monthly estimation of terrestrial solar radiation over Lokoja using meteorological parameters of temperature and relative humidity during the period of twenty two years (July 1983 – June 2005) was investigated. The monthly variation of terrestrial solar radiation with meteorological parameters of global solar radiation, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric pressure were investigated. The results indicated that high values of terrestrial solar radiation were observed during the rainy season than in the dry season. The highest yearly average values of terrestrial solar radiation observed during the period under investigation were found to be in the year 2005 and 1983 with 378.3521 Wm^(-2) and 368.3232 Wm^(-2) respectively. The highest and lowest monthly values of terrestrial solar radiation were estimated during the rainy and dry seasons in the months of May and January with 385.6133 Wm^(-2) and 358.5111 Wm^(-2) respectively. High values of terrestrial solar radiation with relative humidity and atmospheric pressure were observed during the rainy season and low values during the dry season. The reverse is the case for terrestrial solar radiation with global solar radiation and temperature.

A Correlational Study on the Effect of National Crisis on the Mental Health of Students at the Faculty of Nursing, Tripoli Libya and their Academic Performance

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The study aimed to determine the relationship of the effects of the national crisis on the mental of the students and their academic performance. Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following questions: 1.)What are the effects of the National crisis on the Mental Health of the students per semester level? 2.)What are the academic performance of the students per semester level? 3.)Is there a significant relationship between the effect of the national crisis on the mental health status of the students at the Faculty of Nursing and their academic performance? The findings that the researcher was able to extract from the study were: 1) The effects of the National crisis on the mental health of the students disclosed the same verbal interpretation of “A good bit of the time” for all semester levels. It is surprising to note that the summary from all semester levels is the same. Indeed it can be said that the mental health of the students although not greatly affected, there’s still some effects that could be seen and that it doesn’t matter which semesters they are currently in. 2) The academic performance of the students disclosed that semester 8 have a verbal interpretation of “Very Good”, semesters 3, 5, 6 and 7 as “Good” and semesters 1, 2 and 4 as “Fair”. The academic performance of the students are not the same for semester 1-8. It is more difficult for the lower years like semester 1, 2 and 4 to adapt as they revealed an overall interpretation of “Fair”. And only students at the last semester was able to get the verbal interpretation of “Very Good”. It is worthwhile to note that as the student progresses, the more likely for them to cope with their academic performance. 3) Statistical evidence shows that an r= 0.26 shows a positive weak relationship among variables. Though it’s not that high, indeed, the mental health of the students can be a predictor to their academic performance.

Perception of University of Tripoli, Faculty of Nursing Students on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Curriculum

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The study aimed to determine the perception of University of Tripoli, Faculty of Nursing Students on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum. Specifically, this study answered the following questions:   1) What are the Students’ perception on the Basis of Curriculum Construction? 2) What are the Students’ perception on the Basis of Curriculum Content? 3) What are the Students’ perception on the Basis of Strategies?

The findings that the researcher was able to extract from the study were: 1) that the overall mean shows 3.92 which has a verbal interpretation of “Agree”. The students should demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement, an understanding of various cultures, and the ability to apply ethical reasoning.

2) that the overall mean of 3.90 shows that most of the respondents had a verbal interpretation of “Agree” on the basis of curricular content from sequence to relevance in the nursing profession.  3) Most of the respondents with an overall mean of 3.69 and has a verbal interpretation of “Agree” on the basis of Teaching Strategies shows a wide range of instructional activities to facilitate learning. Based on these findings, the researcher was able to conclude that the University of Tripoli – Faculty of Nursing incorporated the principle on curriculum construction on its existing curriculum. However, All of the indicators on each component of the curriculum showed a verbal interpretation of “Agree”, which allows for further enhancement of the curriculum.

A Study on the Level of Awareness of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWS) At Tripoli, Libya on the Myths & Facts on Corona Virus (Covid – 19): Basis for Program Planning

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The study aimed to determine the level of awareness of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) of Tripoli, Libya on the myths & facts on corona virus (COVID – 19). Specifically, this study answered the following questions:1) What are the Demographic Profile of the respondents in terms of Gender, Educational Background and Occupational Background?? 2) What are the Overseas Filipino Workers level of awareness on the myths & facts on corona virus (COVID-19)? 3) Based on the results of the study, what measures can be formulated to increase the level of awareness of the Overseas Filipino Workers on corona virus (COVID-19)? The findings that the researcher was able to extract from the study were: 1) the frequency and percentage of the Overseas Filipino Workers demographic profile in terms of Gender, shows that female are mostly dominant which is 29 or 66.25% while male is 17 or 36.91%. In terms of Educational Background, results reveals that mostly are on the College level which accounts to 29 or 63.04%, Bachelor degree holder, 11 or 23.91%, Masters 3 or 6.52%, Doctorate 1 or 2.2% and College Undergraduate 2 or 4.3%. Occupational Background of the respondents reveals that Predominantly, 26 or 56.5% belongs to the Health sector, Oil & Gas 7 or 15.2%, Education, 1 or 2.2%, Others like those of the Embassies 8 or 17.4%, Not applicable 4 or 8.7%. There was a “Not Applicable” response as there were participants on the symposium who are dependents of the Overseas Filipino Workers and are not currently employed in Tripoli, Libya.  2) Detailed analysis of Table 3 reflecting the results of the frequency and percentage of the Overseas Filipino Workers level of awareness on the Facts and Myths of COVID-19 reveals that mostly 91.31% are aware of the facts on COVID-19, 5.70% unaware and 2.98% undecided. Predominantly, 53.07% of the Overseas Filipino Workers are aware on Myths on COVID-19 as reflected on the “NO” responses on questions on MYTHS, however the 40.75% results on the “YES” responses showed only a difference of 12.32% which is quite alarming and 2.98% are undecided.3) The measures that could be formulated to increase the level of awareness of the Overseas Filipino Workers are to conduct information dissemination campaign through symposiums, research forums and the use of Information Education Campaign (IEC) materials. Based on these findings, the researcher was able to conclude that the Overseas Filipino Workers in Tripoli, Libya are aware of both the FACTS & MYTHS on COVID-19, however, it is worthwhile to note that there is small difference in the figures reflected on the MYTHS aspect, thus there is still a need to correct these misconceptions so as to contribute on measures to end this pandemic.