Sort by
Assessment of the nutritional quality of weaning food prepared from fermented blends of sorghum (Ogi) and soybean

This study investigated the nutritional quality of weaning food prepared from fermented blends of sorghum (ogi) and soybean. The raw samples were processed into flour and were mixed in ratio of 60:40 and 70:30 respectively. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fermented ogi and were accessed for their technological properties. The pH and total titratable acidity of the ogi was accessed, proximate composition and shelf-life of the weaning blends were determined by standard methods. A total of 10 LAB isolates were obtained, characterized and identified as L. plantarum (50%), L. fermentum (30%), L. delbrueckii (10%), and L. brevi (10%). Lactic acid, diacetyl and hydrogen peroxide produced by the LAB isolates ranged from 1.203 ± 0.006 - 3.410 ± 0.010, 1.21 ± 0.02 - 3.63 ± 0.05 and 0.650 ± 0.060 - 1.910 ± 0.040 (mg/mL) respectively. The fermentation of the ogi resulted in pH reduction from 4.5 ± 0.01- 2.40 ± 0.01 and increased titratable acidity 12.49 ± 0.01 - 23.00±0.01 g/L. The 60:40 weaning blend of sorghum ogi flour and soybean improved protein, ash, crude fiber, moisture, fat, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and beta carotene content compared to a 70:30 blend. The blend also showed improvements in mineral content, with a significantly higher overall nutritional value compared to the 70:30 blend. Coliforms were not observed during the shelf-life monitoring. This study concluded that these blends meet daily nutritional requirements, provide health benefits, and meet recommended standards for weaning.

Open Access Just Published
Relevant
Computed Tomography- Based Maxillary Sinus Morphometry: A Tool for Gender Differentiation in Libyan Population

Introduction: In forensic contexts, gender identification is a multifaceted process that involves examining various anatomical characteristics to determine an individual's gender. Recent advancements in medical imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scans have provided researchers and healthcare professionals with more detailed insights into anatomical differences between genders such as the dimensions of paranasal sinuses. Aim: This study aimed to compare the maxillary sinus (MS) dimensions between genders in a Libyan sample using CT scans. Materials and methods: One hundred consecutive Libyan patients, comprising 50 women and 50 men, were included in the study. The Width, height, and length were determined based on CT images. Additionally, the perimeter, area, and volume of the MS were calculated mathematically. The collected data analyzed to compare the MS parameters between genders in both sides. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05. Results: Statistically we found that the length, width and length of the MS were significantly different between male & female in both sides, while there was no significant difference in case of sinus area and volume. The accuracy level for correctly classifying gender based on width of right MS was 91.8%, demonstrating strong predictive power of this parameter. The result showed also that 94 % of males and 90% of females were sexed correctly with an overall accuracy of 92%. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of understanding sinus morphology in forensic anthropology for gender determination.

Open Access Just Published
Relevant
Enhancing consumer protection in cryptocurrency transactions: Legal strategies and policy recommendations

Enhancing consumer protection in cryptocurrency transactions presents a critical challenge due to the decentralized and often opaque nature of the cryptocurrency market. This abstract explores the legal frameworks and mechanisms aimed at safeguarding consumers engaging in cryptocurrency transactions, focusing on key issues, challenges, and recommendations for improvement. Consumer protection in cryptocurrency transactions is a pressing concern due to the prevalence of fraud, hacking, and market manipulation. The lack of regulatory oversight and the pseudonymous nature of transactions make it challenging for consumers to seek recourse in cases of fraud or misconduct. To address these challenges, legal frameworks have been developed at both national and international levels. At the national level, some countries have implemented consumer protection laws that apply to cryptocurrency transactions, such as requiring exchanges to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. However, the effectiveness of these laws is limited by the global nature of the cryptocurrency market and the difficulty in enforcing regulations across borders. Internationally, organizations like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have issued guidelines to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in the cryptocurrency sector. These guidelines recommend that countries implement AML and KYC measures for cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet providers. While these recommendations are a step in the right direction, implementation remains a challenge, particularly in countries with limited regulatory capacity or political will. To enhance consumer protection in cryptocurrency transactions, several recommendations can be considered. These include increased collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders, the development of international standards for consumer protection in cryptocurrencies, and the establishment of a regulatory framework that balances innovation with investor protection. Additionally, consumer education and awareness campaigns can help individuals make informed decisions when engaging in cryptocurrency transactions. In conclusion, enhancing consumer protection in cryptocurrency transactions requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses regulatory gaps, promotes international cooperation, and empowers consumers through education and awareness. By implementing these recommendations, policymakers and industry stakeholders can work together to create a safer and more transparent cryptocurrency market.

Open Access Just Published
Relevant
Knowledge and personal hygiene behavior during menstruation among adolescent girls in various regions: A literature review

Personal hygiene is still a public health issue in Indonesia. Menstrual hygiene is the management of hygiene and health when women experience menstruation as part of a personal hygiene care routine with the concept of clean. Personal hygiene during menstruation plays an important role in a person's health status in avoiding functional disorders of the reproductive organs. Knowledge in Indonesia states that poor personal hygiene behavior during menstruation of adolescent girls is a major concern because it has a health impact. The method used was literature review by searching articles through Google Scholar and Pubmed databases. Selection stages were carried out to obtain articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 6 articles were obtained that could be analyzed. The results showed that knowledge has a significant role in determining menstrual hygiene behavior in adolescent girls, there are also differences in knowledge and behavior when performing personal hygiene behavior during menstruation in urban and rural areas. To improve knowledge and behavior of personal hygiene during menstruation, especially in various regions, it can be done with various strategies such as promotion, education, collaboration, improving service quality, and increasing accessibility.

Open Access Just Published
Relevant
Metabolite profiling of butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) in the flowering development phase

The butter pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) has long been known as a medicinal plant because it contains various metabolite compounds, the content of metabolite compounds that are influenced by plant development. So it is necessary to conduct metabolomics profiling research to determine the metabolite compounds found in butterfly pea flowers in the flower bud, blooming, and wilting phases. Metabolite profiling from ethanol extract in the development phase of butterfly pea flowers in the bud, blooming, and wilting phases using GC-MS analysis identified 20 metabolite compounds each with butterfly pea flowers in the bud phase having the dominant compound Dihydroxyacetone, blooming flowers found the compound 3-O-Methyl-d-glucose, and n-Hexadecanoic acid compound withered flowers. Three dominant compounds were found in all development phases, namely 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl; Dihydroxyacetone; Benzoic acid, ethyl ester; and Dehydroxyacetone. The unique metabolite compound 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl is included in the flavonoid group, especially anthocyanin which has the potential to be an antioxidant, antibiotic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory so it can be used as a natural coloring agent for functional foods or drinks and herbal medicines.

Open Access Just Published
Relevant
The use of modern family planning among couples of reproductive ages in Indonesia from 2021-2023

Reproductive health is essential for individuals, couples, families, and societies, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being related to the reproductive system. Contraceptive use plays a crucial role in addressing reproductive health issues, including unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Despite advancements, challenges persist in ensuring universal access to modern contraception, particularly in low-resource settings like Indonesia. This descriptive study analyzes the utilization of modern family planning methods among couples of reproductive ages in Indonesia, using secondary data from the Health Statistics Profile Volume 7 of 2023 published by the Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) of Indonesia. The results show that Rural areas have a slightly higher percentage of modern contraceptive users compared to urban areas, while the highest percentage of modern contraceptive users is among couples with primary school education. The lowest percentage is among those with university education level. The age group with the highest percentage of modern contraceptive users is the 35-39 age group, while the lowest percentage is observed among the 45-49 age group. The highest percentage of modern contraceptive users is observed in quintile 1, while the lowest percentage is observed in quintile 5.

Open Access Just Published
Relevant
A Retrospective Database Analysis to Investigate if Electrolytes in Venous Blood are Equivalent to the Levels in Arterial Blood.

In a critically ill patient, when an arterial blood sample is processed on an arterial blood gas (ABG) analyzer, it also measures electrolytes apart from analyzing the blood gases. The turnaround time for ABG analysis is way too less compared to the conventional electrolyte analysis with a serum sample. This study intends to investigate whether values of electrolytes estimated in arterial blood can substitute the routinely practiced method. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. The source of data is patients' reports of serum electrolytes and ABG analysis from the Clinical Biochemistry laboratory, CIMS Teaching Hospital, Chamarajanagar between January and June 2021. The electrolytes report of 200 patients from whom both arterial and venous blood samples were sent to the Clinical Biochemistry laboratory on the same day and at the same time for analysis were selected. The data was compiled, compared, and correlated using a suitable statistical tool. The mean and standard deviation of sodium (135.62 ± 5.20 in venous vs 134.08 ± 8.49 in arterial blood), potassium (4.20 ± 0.64 vs 3.80 ± 0.75), and chloride (102.28 ± 4.99 vs 96.33 ± 8.11) were observed. However, when the concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot analysis were made there was no agreement between electrolytes analyzed on serum in an autoanalyzer with that of ABG analyzer. We conclude that the electrolytes measured by a conventional autoanalyzer on a serum sample cannot be replaced by values analyzed on a blood gas analyzer. Devaki RN, Kasargod P, Roopa Urs AN, Chandrika N. A Retrospective Database Analysis to Investigate if Electrolytes in Venous Blood are Equivalent to the Levels in Arterial Blood. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(5):442-446.

Open Access Just Published
Relevant