An Overview of Attitudes Toward Mathematics Across Different Disciplines, Gender and STEM

/in /by

In this research study, the aim is to inspect the attitudes toward mathematics amongst disciplines, gender, and STEM and non-STEM students. To attain this objective, a questionnaire-based research was chosen; this instrument with 20 items in total consisted of four components, namely, self-confidence, enjoyment, motivation, and value. A total of 391 university students answered the questionnaire; the data is tested and analysed using SPSS 20. Since the data was not normally distributed, the Kruskal-Wallis Test for each factor was performed to check for significant differences across disciplines and post hoc tests in all cases to confirm which pairs have differences. Results of pair comparison revealed that a significant difference in all factors exists between Math Education (with higher mean rank) and other disciplines. To provide evidence of the possibility of group differences between STEM and non-STEM students in self-confidence, value, enjoyment, and motivation, the Mann-Whitney U Test is used. Findings detected slightly more positive attitudes among STEM students than non-STEM students. Performing the Mann-Whitney U Test for each factor revealed a significant difference between them with a medium effect size. Related to gender, no significant difference was detected. Whereas a significant difference was detected regarding gender among students in STEM disciplines. Evaluating attitudes of the respondents towards mathematics revealed that students had a moderately high level of enjoyment, self-confidence, and motivation in learning mathematics.

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Nanoparticles Using Cow Urine, Cow Dung and Vermiwash: Review of Article

/in /by

Green synthesis has recently drawn significant interest as a viable, evolving, and environmentally friendly method for synthesis of variety of nanomaterials, including metal/metal oxide nanoparticles. In this review, we summed up the general protocols and mechanism of green synthesis and mechanism of green synthesis routes, especially for Silver(Ag), Silver oxide(Ag2O), Cadmium(Cd), Copper(Cu), Copper ferrite(CuFe2O4), Palladium(Pd), and Graphene nanomaterials/nanoparticles using cow urine[1] and Zinc oxide(ZnO), C dots and Amorphous Nano-silica and other nanoparticles using cow dung extract and Copper oxide, silver, gold, molybdenum doped TiO2 nanoparticles from vermiwash. We carefully examined the primary function of biological elements found in cow dung, cow urine and vermiwash. Vermiwash is the leachate that comes from vermicomposting units. Because it is a natural substance with brown colour and contains a lot of nutrients for plants, it can be used as liquid fertilizer. Additionally, the humic acid it contains aids in the growth of plants. In the solvent system, these basic biomolecules serve as stabilizing and reducing agents[2]. Characterization techniques are also used to discuss surface shape, phase development, and nanoparticle stability. Lastly, we talked about the potential applications of these synthesized nanoparticles as an anticancer agent, antimicrobial activity, photocatalyst and a drug delivery system.

Effect of Condensed Molasses Soluble (CMS) as a Feed Ingredient on the Characteristics, pH and Intestinal Viscosity, and Intestinal Microba in Hybrid Ducks

/in /by

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using Condensed Molasses Soluble (CMS) on the gut microba, pH and viscosity of hybrid ducks.  One hundred and sixty hybrid ducklings (Day Old Duck) initial body weight 55 grams were randomly divided into 5 treatments with 4 replicates (8 each) in a Completely Randomized Design. The treatments were basal feed without CMS as control treatment (T0), basal feed supplemented with 2.5% CMS (T1), basal feed supplemented with 5% CMS (T2), basal feed supplemented with 7.5% CMS (T3), basal feed supplemented with 10% CMS (T4). Parameters measured were analysis of Lactobacillus sp, and Escherichia coli, pH and viscosity of hybrid ducks. There was a very significant difference (P<0.01) on the microba, with the highes results Lactobacillus sp (200±95,68) Escherichia coli (289±22,00) and pH (6,5±0,58) and viscosity (3,6±0,11) of hybrid duck intestinal digesta. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the use of CMS with a maximum percentage of 7.5% had a positive effect on the health of the intestinal digesta of hybrid ducks due to reduction of the population of pathogenic microba (Escherichia coli).

Amino Acid Content in Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Oil in the Larval, Prepupal and Pupal Phases as a Feed Additive in Broiler

/in /by

The global livestock sector is facing mounting pressure to adopt sustainable and efficient feed alternatives that can meet the growing demand for animal protein. Among the emerging options, Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly, BSF) oil presents a promising candidate due to its bioactive compound richness and capacity to upcycle organic waste into nutrient-dense biomass. This study investigates the essential and non-essential amino acid composition of BSF oil extracted from larvae (8 days), prepupae (14 days), and pupae (28 days) stages and evaluates its potential as a feed additive in broiler production. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) revealed significant variations across developmental phases, with larval oil exhibiting the highest lysine (4,467.56 mg/100g) and glutamic acid (7,564.45 mg/100g), while pupal oil was enriched in leucine (5,670.76 mg/100g) and tryptophan (4,356.79 mg/100g). The dynamic amino acid profile supports the inclusion of BSF oil as a stage-specific supplement in poultry feed, offering both nutritional and economic advantages. Findings from this study contribute to the growing body of knowledge on insect-based feed ingredients and provide critical insight for formulating phase-targeted broiler diets with optimized functional performance. However, essential amino acids such as leucine, lysine, and tryptophan remained stable or even increased. Among all stages, larval oil exhibited the richest amino acid composition, suggesting its suitability for use in high-performance starter feeds for broilers.

Analysis of Cash Expenditure Accounting Information Systems to Improve Internal Control Activities at Medan Plus Rehabilitation Center Foundation

/in /by

This study aims to analyze the accounting information system for cash disbursements in enhancing the effectiveness of internal control activities at the Medan Plus Rehabilitation Foundation. Financial management, particularly in cash disbursement, is a crucial aspect in ensuring accountability and operational efficiency within the organization. The current financial recording system, which relies on Microsoft Excel, has several limitations such as a high risk of input errors, absence of audit trails, weak access controls, and delays in financial reporting. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis methods. Data collection was conducted through interviews and documentation involving four key respondents in the foundation’s finance department. The results indicate that the current accounting information system for cash disbursement does not fully support optimal internal control activities. Authorization, segregation of duties, supervision, accounting records, access control, and independent verification still require improvement. An integrated and automated accounting information system is needed to enhance transparency, accuracy, and reliability of financial information, as well as to strengthen the overall internal control system.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis Revealed by A Fusiform Coronary Aneurysm in A Patient with Acute Myocardial Infarction

/in /by

Background: Coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) are rare (0.3 – 4.9 % of angiograms) and most often due to atherosclerosis. Granulomatous infections such as tuberculosis (TB) are an exceptional cause.

Case summary: A 53-year-old Mexican man presented with an extensive anterior ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed an 8-mm fusiform aneurysm in the proximal left-anterior-descending artery with preserved TIMI III flow and no obstructive lesions. Targeted history uncovered a two-year chronic cough and weight loss. Serial sputum smears were negative, but GeneXpert MTB/RIF was positive, confirming pulmonary TB. First-line antituberculous therapy was initiated; the patient remained hemodynamically stable without recurrent ischemia.

Discussion: In TB-endemic regions, Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be considered when a CAA lacks an atherosclerotic explanation. Advanced imaging plus microbiologic testing allows accurate diagnosis and may avert unnecessary coronary intervention, as antituberculous therapy alone can lead to aneurysm regression.

Learning points: Non-atherosclerotic CAAs mandate a broad etiologic work-up, including infections. Pulmonary TB may present solely with cardiovascular complications. GeneXpert MTB/RIF is a rapid, sensitive tool in acute settings. Multidisciplinary management (cardiology + infectious diseases) could optimize outcomes.

An Audit to Compare the Availability and Distribution of Human Resources for Eye Care in Orlu and Owerri Metropolis in South-Eastern Nigeria Using Vision 2020 Standards as Benchmarks and Literature Review

/in /by

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the availability and distribution of the various cadres of eye care workforce in Orlu, a sub-urban setting and Owerri metropolis, an urban setting in Imo State, in South Eastern Nigeria, using Vision 2020 standards as benchmarks with Literature review.

Methodology: Two areas in Imo State, namely Orlu and Owerri metropolis were used in this study. This was both a quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional survey. The quantitative data was assessed by distributing interviewer-administered questionnaires to the different categories of eye care workers (ECWs) in the various public health care facilities used in the study. The questionnaires contained sub-sections on the subjects’ sex, age, religion, marital status, level of education, years in service, location of residence, and training in eye care. The qualitative research covered training in eye careappropriateness to job postings as well as sponsorship to updates and workshops/refresher courses  by the various cadres  of eye care workers in the health care facilities under study, using focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) .The qualitative interviews of the participants covered the state of study, the study area, type of health facility, sex, type of interview and the category of eye care worker (ECW) and the serial number of the interviewed participant.

Results: The results of the study showed that the eye care workers (n=271) working in 28 public health care Institutions included 45(16.6%) males and 226(83.4%) females with age range of 20-65years, and modal age range of 30-39years, with a mean age of 42.23±11.0 S.D. years. A large proportion 216(79.7%) of ECWs were married and most 206(76.0%) of the workers had tertiary education. A large proportion 170(62.7%) of the ECWs live in Owerri and the same number(62.7%) also work in Owerri, and 102(37.6%)were integrated eye care workers(IECWs). The qualitative survey also showed that some of the workers were not appropriately posted to their areas of specialization, not trained in eye care and were not sponsored to updates, workshops/ refresher courses and seminars.

Conclusion: The results of the study showed a skewed distribution of ophthalmic nurses, optometrists and ophthalmologists in favour of the urban, Owerri . However, the eye care personnel to population ratio could not be fully ascertained in this study due to non-contribution from privately-owned clinics which were not  included in this study. The obvious health care manpower mal-distribution gap could be urgently addressed through adequate provision of social amenities like safe water/electricity, recreational facilities, establishment of industrial estates in Orlu and other rural areas Imo State to generate employment opportunities to minimize the prevailing rural-urban drift of health care manpower. Training of eye health personnel (human resource development), one of the key goals of Vision 2020 was not met, but can be improved through re-training and in-service training with motivations and inducements in form of sponsorships to updates, workshops and refresher courses.  Additionally, the integration of primary eye care into the health care system of the state will go a long way in closing the existing health care gaps and by extension, the socio-economic gaps that exist between the more economically endowed Owerri and the rural population in Orlu, as it is popularly said that “health is wealth”.

Response to DOAC Treatment in A Patient with Biventricular Thrombus Secondary to Heart Failure with Reduced LVEF of Ischemic Etiology

/in /by

Current evidence regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the presence of left ventricular thrombus is primarily derived from observational studies with positive results in different meta-analyses that suggest a possible role for treatment.

We present the case of a 54-year-old female with a history of arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus recently diagnosed, who came for medical evaluation due to deterioration of functional class. Electrocardiogram in sinus rhythm with anterior bundle branch block.

Immunopathology and Laboratory Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of Literature

/in /by

This review explores rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder whose immunopathology involves a convergence of genetic susceptibility (notably HLA-DRB1 shared epitope alleles) and environmental exposures (smoking, infections) leading to an aberrant immune response. RA is a prevalent autoimmune disease globally, and though historically considered uncommon in Africa, emerging data show it is an important and likely under-recognized health issue in regions like Nigeria. Epidemiologically, ~0.5% of the world’s population is affected with millions suffering chronic pain and disability. In Africa and Southeastern Nigeria, true prevalence is uncertain due to diagnostic gaps, but RA cases are increasingly reported as awareness grows. Autoimmune processes – generation of RF and ACPA autoantibodies, activation of T cells and macrophages, and a cytokine-driven inflammation – result in synovial damage and systemic effects. Understanding these mechanisms explains why specific biomarkers (RF, ACPA) are useful in diagnosis and why therapies targeting cytokines (like TNF or IL-6 inhibitors) are effective. In laboratory diagnosis, we identified the core tools: RF and ACPA testing for confirming autoantibodies, ESR and CRP for gauging inflammation, and newer panels for disease activity. In resource-constrained settings, basic assays can be performed with relatively low-cost methods (e.g. ESR by Westergren, RF by latex agglutination), but introducing more specific tests like anti-CCP is vital for improving diagnostic specificity. We provided practical outlines for these assays, emphasizing adherence to SOPs and quality control to ensure accuracy of results.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS): A Review of Diagnosis, Immunological Mechanisms and Treatment Challenges

/in /by

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is an emerging and controversial condition characterized by a multi-system, multi-symptom illness triggered primarily by biotoxin exposure, particularly from water-damaged buildings (WDB). First described by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, CIRS is thought to result from a genetically predisposed individual’s inability to eliminate biotoxins effectively, leading to chronic immune activation. Despite increasing patient reports and clinical attention, CIRS remains a contentious diagnosis due to its complex symptomatology, lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, and limited recognition in mainstream medicine. This review aims to explore the underlying immunological mechanisms, examine the diagnostic challenges and controversies, and highlight the significant treatment gaps that impede effective management. A growing body of evidence supports the biological plausibility of CIRS, particularly involving innate immune dysregulation, complement activation, and cytokine imbalances. However, further research, standardized guidelines, and consensus in the medical community are urgently needed to validate and manage this debilitating condition.