Engendering Immersion for International Low-Income Muslim Students in United States of America: Morgan State University as Case Study

As education becomes more globalized, many universities are welcoming a diverse student body from various cultural and religious backgrounds. International low-income Muslim students, on the other hand, frequently face unique challenges when pursuing higher education abroad. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the barriers that these students face at Morgan State University (MSU) and to propose strategies to improve their immersion experience. MSU can create a more welcoming and supportive educational environment for international low-income Muslim students by addressing their specific needs and fostering an inclusive campus environment. Keywords: Muslim Students, International Muslim Students, Low Income, Engender, Immersion DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/13-6-04 Publication date:September 30th 2023

Diploma Mills: A Historical Foundation

In the context of the digital age, this paper discusses the issue of diploma mills, which are fraudulent institutions that grant unearned academic degrees for a fee. The study traces the history of diploma mills back to John Cook Bennett's early practice of awarding degrees based on untested hypotheses of experience rather than curriculum-based learning. It provides a thorough understanding of the operation and classification of these institutions, emphasizing the importance of financial gain and social prestige as key motivators for their continued existence. The paper goes on to investigate the impact of these fraudulent activities on the credibility of higher education, labor markets, and public safety in various industries. Additionally, it describes the typical traits and critical thinking techniques of diploma mills, emphasizing naming conventions, unconventional curricula, quantity over quality methods, and structural flaws. The presentation of notable diploma mill examples and the industries in which they operate serves to highlight the size and complexity of the issue. The paper highlights the significant drawbacks, such as deception, lack of recognition, and the breeding of mediocrity, while acknowledging the potential benefits of honorary degrees as a positive offshoot of the diploma mill concept. In its final section, the paper makes a plea to decision-makers in government, higher education, and business to work together and raise awareness to preserve the credibility and value of educational credentials. Keywords: Diploma mills, For-profit, certificate, fake, degree, educational institution DOI: 10.7176/HRL/54-02 Publication date:September 30th 2023

Exploring factors influencing patient mortality and loss to follow-up in two paediatric hospital wards in Zamfara, North-West Nigeria, 2016-2018

Introduction Child mortality has been linked to infectious diseases, malnutrition and lack of access to essential health services. We investigated possible predictors for death and patients lost to follow up (LTFU) for paediatric patients at the inpatient department (IPD) and inpatient therapeutic feeding centre (ITFC) of the Anka General Hospital (AGH), Zamfara State, Nigeria, to inform best practices at the hospital. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort review study using routinely collected data of all patient admissions to the IPD and ITFC with known hospital exit status between 2016 and 2018. Unadjusted and adjusted rate ratios (aRR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using Poisson regression to estimate the association between the exposure variables and mortality as well as LTFU. Results The mortality rate in IPD was 22% lower in 2018 compared to 2016 (aRR 0.78; 95% CI 0.66–0.93) and 70% lower for patients coming from lead-affected villages compared to patients from other villages (aRR 0.30; 95% CI 0.19–0.48). The mortality rate for ITFC patients was 41% higher during rainy season (aRR 1.41; 95% CI 1.2–1.6). LTFU rates in ITFC increased in 2017 and 2018 when compared to 2016 (aRR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2–2.0 and aRR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1–1.8) and patients in ITFC had 2.5 times higher LTFU rates when coming from a lead-affected village. Conclusions Our data contributes clearer understanding of the situation in the paediatric wards in AGH in Nigeria, but identifying specific predictors for the multifaceted nature of mortality and LTFU is challenging. Mortality in paediatric patients in IPD of AGH improved during the study period, which is likely linked to better awareness of the hospital, but still remains high. Access to healthcare due to seasonal restrictions contributes to mortalities due to late presentation. Increased awareness of and easier access to healthcare, such as for patients living in lead-affected villages, which are still benefiting from an MSF lead poisoning intervention, decreases mortalities, but increases LTFU. We recommend targeted case audits and qualitative studies to better understand the role of health-seeking behaviour, and social and traditional factors in the use of formal healthcare in this part of Nigeria and potentially similar settings in other countries

Multi-drug resistance and high mortality associated with community-acquired bloodstream infections in children in conflict-affected northwest Nigeria

Pediatric community-acquired bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs) in sub Saharan African humanitarian contexts are rarely documented. Effective treatment of these infections is additionally complicated by increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance. We describe the findings from epidemiological and microbiological surveillance implemented in pediatric patients with suspected CA-BSIs presenting for care at a secondary hospital in the conflict affected area of Zamfara state, Nigeria. Any child (> 2 months of age) presenting to Anka General Hospital from November 2018 to August 2020 with clinical severe sepsis at admission had clinical and epidemiological information and a blood culture collected at admission. Bacterial isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. We calculated frequencies of epidemiological, microbiological and clinical parameters. We explored risk factors for death amongst severe sepsis cases using univariable and multivariable Poisson regression, adjusting for time between admission and hospital exit. We included 234 severe sepsis patients with 195 blood culture results. There were 39 positive blood cultures. Of the bacterial isolates, 14 were Gram positive and 18 were Gram negative; 5 were resistant to empiric antibiotics: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; n = 2) and Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase positive enterobacterales (n = 3). We identified no significant association between sex, age-group, ward, CA-BSI, appropriate intravenous antibiotic, malaria positivity at admission, suspected focus of sepsis, clinical severity and death in the multivariable regression. There is an urgent need for access to good clinical microbiological services, including point of care methods, and awareness and practice around rational antibiotic in healthcare staff in humanitarian settings to reduce morbidity and mortality from sepsis in children

Assessment of treatment pattern of uncomplicated malaria in under-fives in a paediatric unit of a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Malaria remains a very important health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under five years of age. Definitive diagnosis is very necessary in order to ensure appropriate treatment of malaria in this vulnerable group. The study examined the diagnosis and treatment pattern of uncomplicated malaria in under-five children in the Paediatric Unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for the period between January 2014-January, 2016. Five hundred case notes of the children who were treated from January 2014-January 2016 were examined. Data extracted include the diagnostic procedure, screening and laboratory investigation, and the pattern of prescription of antimalarial drugs in addition to the demographic information of the patients. Co-morbidities associated with malaria as well as coprescribed drugs were also investigated. Results obtained show that only 30.8% (154) of the diagnosis were based on microscopic examination of thick/thin blood film of malaria parasites. ACT drugs were found to be prescribed in 62.4% cases while the rest (37.6%) were non-ACT drugs. The prescribing of non-ACT drugs which is contrary to the current national guidelines for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria calls for urgent evaluation of treatment policy in the health facility.Keywords: Malaria, diagnosis, under-fives, treatment pattern, ACT

Significant Increase in Fuel Efficiency of Diesel Generators with Lithium-Ion Batteries Documented by Economic Analysis

As the global diesel generator market grows and generators gain wider use, various methods are being developed to increase their energy efficiency. One of these methods entails integrating a Li-ion battery with diesel generators (DGs). This method did not attract attention until recently because it was economically unappealing. A significant decrease in the price of Li-ion batteries in recent years has made hybrid diesel generator/Li-ion battery systems more viable. We present a model-based economic analysis of a hybrid DG/Li-ion battery system with the aim of increasing the energy efficiency of diesel power generators. Special blocks were developed for calculations and comparisons with a MATLAB Simulink model, including 457 kW DG operating modes with/without a Li-ion battery. We simulated the system in order to calculate the conditions required to achieve savings in fuel and the level of savings, in addition to the payback time of the Li-ion battery. Furthermore, we present the additional savings gained by postponing the investment in a new diesel generator thanks to the Li-ion battery. Based on our findings, the payback period of the Li-ion battery system varies between 2.5 and 4 years. According to our 12-year economic analysis, the cost savings resulting from postponing new investments can reach 40% of the profit gained from the savings during such a period

Human papillomavirus vaccination uptake in Canada: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection in the world and the primary cause of cervical cancer. Canada introduced publicly funded HPV vaccination programs in 2006. The objectives of this study are twofold and aim to (1) determine the levels and (2) examine the various factors influencing vaccine uptake among the general Canadian population. A literature search was conducted on seven databases, followed by screening, methodological quality review (using modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale), and data extraction. Pooled meta-analysis and a subgroup analysis were conducted stratifying by a number of variables (age, sex, type of program, and method of payment) determined apriori. A total of 718 peer-reviewed articles were initially identified with 12 remaining after screening and underwent methodological quality review. HPV vaccination uptake in Canada varied from 12.40% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.77–20.26) to 88.20% (95% CI 85.72–90.39). The pooled random effects model showed the HPV vaccination uptake to be 55.92% (95% CI 44.87–66.65). The subgroup analysis showed that vaccination uptake was 66.95% (95% CI 55.00–77.89) in participants ≤ 18 years as compared to 13.58% (95% CI 10.93–16.46) in participants > 18 years. Uptake for females was higher 57.23% (95% CI: 45.40–68.66) when compared to that of 47.01% (95% CI: 0.82–97.75) in males. HPV vaccine uptake among school-based programs was 69.62% (95% CI 57.27–80.68) as compared to 18.66% (95% CI 6.66–34.92) for community-based programs. Vaccination uptake for publicly funded programs was significantly higher 66.95% (95% CI 55.00–77.89) when compared to 13.58% (95% CI 10.92–16.46) for programs where participants had to pay out of pocket. To prevent infections and reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases (including cervical cancer), communities should be made aware and encouraged to vaccinate their children. There is a documented need to direct effort and focus interventions toward improving HPV vaccination uptake in Canada

Prevalence and characteristics of flavoured tobacco use among students in grades 10 through 12: a national cross-sectional study in Canada, 2012–2013

Introduction Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Canada and the world. Despite documented decreases in the prevalence of smoking in Canada, increases in flavoured tobacco use by its youth poses a serious public health concern. This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of flavoured tobacco use among a national sample of Canadian students in grades 10 through 12. Material and Methods This study used a cross-sectional design on a nationally generalizable, school-based, Youth Smoking Survey (YSS), 2012–2013. It incorporated data from a representative sample of 19,979 students in grades 10–12 from across Canada. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine differences in flavoured tobacco use (menthol cigarettes, flavoured little cigar or cigarillo, flavoured cigar, flavoured tobacco in water pipe [hookah]) by demographic (sex, grade and ethnicity) and social characteristics (friends, siblings, parents/guardians who are smokers and weekly personal spending money). Results This study found that 14.8% of the participating students used flavoured tobacco in the past 30-days. Results of the logistic regression analysis show that flavoured tobacco use was significantly higher among male students [(OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.36–1.95)], who had at least one friend or sibling who smoke [(OR = 2.20; CI = 1.62 to 2.99) and (OR = 1.51; CI = 1.22 to 1.88), respectively] and who received greater than $20/week in personal spending money [(OR = 1.76; CI = 1.26 to 2.45)]. Conclusions The results of our study indicate that flavoured tobacco use is a growing public health concern and has a strong appeal among youth in Canada. This is a particularly troubling finding, especially in light of the fact that there is a national ban on certain flavoured tobacco products. To be effective, strategies specifically tailored for youth using flavoured tobacco would require appropriate educational/prevention initiatives, more comprehensive legislation and better regulatory mechanisms

Enhancing Academic Motivation and Ethno Racial Identity Development Through Ethnic and Racial Coalition in Minority Serving Institutions

This study examines how ethnic and racial coalitions can encourage academic motivation and the growth of ethno-racial identities in Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). It makes the case that coalitions can foster conditions that encourage academic engagement and identity affirmation by drawing on empirical data and theoretical viewpoints. The need to pay maximum attention to education at higher level especially in Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) cannot be over emphasized. The study aimed at ascertaining the roles of ethnic and racial coalition in enhancing academic motivation and ethnoracial identity development amongst students in Minority Serving Institutions. This study makes a persuasive case for the use of such coalitions as an effective means of reducing educational inequities by evaluating quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of these institutions. Two research questions were raised and answered and two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at .05 level of significance. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. The sample consisted of 22 African students and 15 Non-African students. The instrument used for data collection is a structured questionnaire. The reliability indices of the instrument were found to be .90 and .91. The data collected was analyzed using mean to answer the research questions and Analysis of Variance to test the null hypotheses. The findings illuminate the potential of ethnic and racial coalitions to foster positive academic outcomes, cultural affirmation, and increased self-identification among ethnic and racial minority students. Findings also revealed among others that provision of adequate career orientation, and encouraging belief in the value of education are roles of ethnic and racial coalition in enhancing academic motivation as well as holding cultural celebrations, providing support for group identification and cohesion are roles of ethnic and racial coalition in enhancing ethnoracial identity development amongst students in MSIs. The study recommended among others that the management of the Minority Serving Institutions should provide administrative support for ethnic and racial coalition on MSI campuses for enhancing the academic motivation and ethno racial identity development amongst students. Keywords: Academic Motivation, Ethno Racial Identity Development & Ethnic and Racial Coalition DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/70-01 Publication date:June 30th 202

MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF THE JUGULAR FORAMEN IN DRY NIGERIAN SKULLS. Estudio morfométrico del foramen yugular en cráneos nigerianos secos

Jugular foramen is a hiatus in the posterior cranial fossa that transmits the internal jugular vein among other structures. The knowledge of the jugular foramen is important in neurosurgical procedures. The objective of the study was to characterize the morphology and the dimensions of jugular foramen in dry Nigerian skulls. One hundred and seventy jugular foramens from 85 dry adult skulls of unknown sex were studied. Morphology was studied by observation and measurements were taken with Venier caliper. The parameters that were studied included the shape, septation, medio-lateral diameter, antero-posterior diameter of jugular foramen, and the dome, width and depth of jugular fossa. Oval shaped foramen (77%) was more prevalent than round shaped foramen (23%). Complete septation was found in 19.4% of skulls, while incomplete septation was found in 41.2% of skulls. Absence of septation was found in 39,4% of skulls. Dome over the jugular fossa was present in 67,6% and absent in 32,4% of the skulls. The antero-posterior diameter (right - 13,20mm±2.8, left - 11,72±2.8) and medio-lateral diameter (right – 18.73mm±3.5, left – 17,33mm±3.1) were significantly higher on the right side than on the left side. The depth of jugular fossa was significantly higher on the right side (12.38mm±2.4) than on the left side (10.95mm±2.8). The width of jugular fossa was higher on the right (12.06mm±3.6) than on the left (11.80mm±3.3) but the difference was not significant. The present study demonstrated right sided dominance in the metric parameters of the jugular foramen in our environment.   El foramen yugular es un hiato en la fosa craneal posterior que transmite la vena yugular interna entre otras estructuras. El conocimiento del foramen yugular es importante en procedimientos neuro-quirúrgicos. El objetivo del estudio era caracterizar la morfología y las dimensiones del foramen yugular en cráneos nige-rianos secos. Cientos y setenta forámenes yugulares a partir de 85 cráneos secos del adulto de sexo desconocido fueron estudiados. La morfología fue estudiada por la observación y las medidas fueron tomadas con el calibrador de Vernier. Los parámetros que fueron estudiados incluyeron la forma, la tabicación, el diámetro medio-lateral, el diámetro anteroposterior del foramen yugular, y la bóveda, la anchura y la profundidad de la fosa yugular. El agujero de forma oval (el 77%) era más frecuente que el agujero de forma redonda (23%). La tabicación completa fue encontrada en 19,4% de cráneos, mientras que la tabicación incompleta fue encontrada en 41,2% de cráneos. La ausencia de tabicación fue encontrada en 39,4% de cráneos. La bóveda sobre la fosa yugular estaba presente en 67,6% y ausente en 32,4% de los cráneos. El diámetro anteroposterior (derecho: 13,20 mm±2,8, izquierdo: 11,72±2,8) y el diámetro medio-lateral (derecho: 18,73mm ±3,5, izquierdo: 17,33mm±3,1) eran perceptiblemente más altos en el derecho que en el lado izquierdo. La profundidad de la fosa yugular era perceptiblemente más alta en el derecho (12,38mm±2,4) que en el lado izquierdo (10,95mm±2,8). La anchura de la fosa yugular era más alta en la derecha (12,06mm±3,6) que a la izquierda (11,80mm±3,3) pero la diferencia no era significativa. El actual estudio demostró la dominación del lado derecho en los parámetros métricos del foramen yugular en nuestro medio