Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

IMPACT OF INSURGENCY ON INCOME OF SCAVENGERS OF SOLID WASTE IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE –NIGERIA

The study assessed the impact of insurgency on income of scavengers of solid waste in Maiduguri, Borno State. The population of the study comprised the residents within Maiduguri, Borno state Nigeria out of which 385 persons were sampled, purposively. Three hundred and eighty-five (385) copies of questionnaire were administered and all were retrieved, making 100% return rate. The study employed inferential statistics (Logistic regression) and descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) for data analysis. Results were presented in tables and discussed according to the research objectives. The findings reveal a significant decrease in the income of the scavengers after insurgency in the study area; thus, insurgency has negative impact on the income of scavenger of solid waste in Maiduguri. The study recommends that Federal Government should intensify the fight against Boko Haram insurgency. This will restore normalcy and help many businesses recover in Borno state

Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Based Approaches in Website Quality and Usability Evaluation: A Systematic Review

Websites are important in every organisation and tremendous effort is made to design websites that not only look and feel good, but are usable and of high quality. Nevertheless, one critical task is how to evaluate these websites to ensure that users are satisfied with its quality and usability. Although a variety of methods and approaches have been proposed, there is currently an increase in research efforts to model website quality and usability evaluation from the point of view of decision-makers which existing methods do not handle. Thus, this has led to the application of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches in the evaluation of websites to handle complexity in decision-making. This paper, therefore, provides a review of the various MCDM methods that have been used in the usability and quality evaluation of websites. The search strategy which was adopted identified a total of 63 published articles in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences between 2005 and 2017. From the research questions formulated for the study, the papers were classified into various MCDM approaches, website genre, number and list of criteria used over the years and the localization of websites based on country. Some of the findings showed that the Analytical Hierarchy Process approach integrated with fuzzy logic has been the most common method over the years. In addition, e-commerce websites make up the most common website genre. Besides, currently most active websites are from Turkey and five is the average number of criteria for the evaluation of website quality and usability

Some Elements in The Fruit: An Assessment of Gingerbread Plum from Sokoto, Nigeria

A region like Sokoto that is been challenged by series of problems such as double burden of diseases, malnutrition, and food insecurity should utilized the available fruits for their inherent nutrient’s compositions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the proximate and elemental contents (sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) in gingerbread plum (Neocarya macrophylla) fruit which are essential for normal growth and development of body tissues for the human health. Neocarya macrophylla fruit is screened for certain nutritionally needed elements and proximate compositions using standard methods. Results obtained show that, crude protein with (2.70 ± 0.0057%) has the lowest concentration, the moisture content was 5.83 ± 0.57 percent, ash content was 5.33 ± 1.54 percent, crude lipid was 5.23 ± 0.15 percent, and crude fiber was 13.33 ± 4.48 percent. The determined levels of mineral elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium) reveal 30.25000 ppm, 4.9001 ppm, 90. 1000 ppm, 40.563 ppm, and 67.5601 ppm, respectively. Therefore, the plant is nutritious and vital for metabolic processes

Antibiotic resistance and the COVID‐19 pandemic: A dual crisis with complex challenges in LMICs

Abstract Background and Aims Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health crisis of mounting urgency, has been further complicated by the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. The intricate relationship between these two phenomena is especially pronounced in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) due to the distinct obstacles encountered by their healthcare systems and policy structures. This study aims to explore the complex challenges arising from the coexistence of these two crises in LMICs and proffer specific recommendations for holistic management. Methods An exhaustive bibliographic survey was executed, employing search queries in specialized databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science's SCI‐EXPANDED index. The timeframe for the literature search extended from January 2020 to January 2023. The search strategy employed key terms including antibiotic resistance, AMR, COVID‐19 pandemic, low‐ and middle‐income countries, SARS‐CoV‐2, and LMICs. Results The pandemic has aggravated various drivers of AMR in LMICs, including limited capabilities, weak frameworks, and socioeconomic factors. New challenges have emerged, such as disruptions in the antibiotic supply chain and an increased risk of healthcare‐associated infections. The interaction between these drivers presents a complex problem that demands a coordinated response. Specific recommendations include strengthening health systems, funding research and innovation, and enhancing infection prevention control measures. Conclusion The coexistence of AMR and the COVID‐19 pandemic in LMICs demands an integrated approach involving multiple stakeholders. Emphasis must be placed on constructing aligned regulatory frameworks, nurturing regional collaborations, and focusing on accessible therapeutic options. The study underscores the necessity for actionable strategies to achieve sustainable access to clean water and sanitation and also highlights the importance of long‐term planning, funding, and specialized expertise in emerging modalities like phage therapy

Neonatal Tetanus Immunity in Nigeria: The Effect of HIV Infection on Serum Levels and Transplacental Transfer of Antibodies

Background. Tetanus toxoid immunisation of pregnant mother has remained the most effective strategy in eliminating neonatal tetanus. Impaired production and/or transplacental transfer of antibodies may affect the effectiveness of this strategy. We studied the effect of maternal HIV infection on serum levels and transplacental transfer of anti-tetanus antibodies. Methods. A total of 162 mother-baby paired serum samples were taken and analysed for anti-tetanus antibody levels using ELISA. Maternal HIV status was also determined by double ELISA technique. Maternal TT vaccination status was also documented. Results. Thirty-eight (23.5%) mothers and 41 (25.3%) babies were seronegative, out of whom 8 mothers were HIV positive and 9 babies were HIV exposed. HIV infected mothers and HIV exposed infants were, respectively, 16.27 times (OR = 16.27, 95% CI = 3.28 to 80.61) and 33.75 times (OR = 33.75, 95% CI = 4.12 to 276.40) more likely to be seronegative for anti-tetanus antibody. Similarly, HIV positive mother-newborn pairs were 7.46 times more likely to have a poor transplacental transfer of tetanus antibodies (OR = 7.46, 95% CI = 1.96 to 28.41). Conclusions. Maternal HIV infection is associated with impaired maternofoetal transfer of anti-tetanus antibodies and seronegativity among mothers and their newborns. Hence, this may hinder efforts to eliminate neonatal tetanus

L-Arginine Grafted Chitosan as Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel Protection

Corrosion prevention has been a global phenomenon, particularly in metallic and construction engineering. Most inhibitors are expensive and toxic. Therefore, developing nontoxic and cheap corrosion inhibitors has been a way forward. In this work, L-arginine was successfully grafted on chitosan by the thermal technique using a reflux condenser. This copolymer was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion inhibition performance of the composite polymer was tested on mild steel in 0.5M HCl by electrochemical methods. The potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results were consistent. The inhibition efficiency at optimum concentration rose to 91.4%. The quantum chemical calculation parameters show good properties of the material as a corrosion inhibitor. The molecular structure of the inhibitor was subjected to density functional theory (DFT) to understand its theoretical properties, and the results confirmed the inhibition efficiency of the grafted polymer for corrosion prevention