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Background: Healthcare workers have a higher risk of SARS CoV2 infection with implications for transmission of infection and the safety of workers and patients. Objective: To assess knowledge on COVID-19 and the safety practices among selected healthcare workers in southwest Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 210 workers providing direct care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Respondents were recruited through simple random sampling of members of online platforms of healthcare workers in Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of PPE and safety practices was obtained through a close-ended questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 36.5±7.5 years. About 29% and 30% of respondents were from the State and Federal Government-owned Teaching Hospitals, respectively. A little above half (58.1%) had good knowledge of COVID-19, while 62.1% used PPE always when attending to suspected COVID19 cases. More than half (53.8%) had been trained on infection prevention and control (IPC), but only 34.3% adhered to good safety practices. Healthcare workers in State government-owned teaching hospitals had lower odds of good safety practices than those in Federal Teaching Hospitals (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.19-0.93, p = 0.031). Conclusion: The knowledge of appropriate PPE and practice of safety precautions among healthcare workers is sub-optimal. This may predispose to increased COVID-19 transmission among healthcare workers, patients, and their families. Training and retraining healthcare workers, especially those from hospitals identified by the study as having poor safety practices, should be encouraged.

Oladele Simeon Olatunya,1,2 Adefunke Olarinre Babatola,1,2 Adewuyi Temidayo Adeniyi,1,2 Olubunmi Adeola Lawal,3 Alaba Olanrewaju Daramola,4 Tosin Anthony Agbesanwa,5 Temitope Olumuyiwa Ojo,6 Paul Oladapo Ajayi,7 Adeleke Ajayi Ibijola,8 Akinwumi Kolawole Komolafe,2 Adekunle Adekile9 1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria; 2Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria; 3Department of Paediatrics, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 4Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 5Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 6Department of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; 7Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 8Department of Hematology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti/Afe Babaloa University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 9Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, KuwaitCorrespondence: Oladele Simeon OlatunyaDepartment of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaTel +2348038617705Email ladeletunya@yahoo.comBackground: Due to the chronic nature of sickle cell disease (SCD), affected individuals may seek help from diverse places thus raising the need to understand their health-seeking behavior (HSB) in order to design an appropriate management policy for them.Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the HSB among pediatric SCD patients relative to their non-SCD counterparts attending a tertiary facility in Southwest Nigeria and identified predictors of poor HSB among SCD patients.Methods: A total of 110 children with SCD were recruited and studied for their HSPs which were compared with 110 non-SCD patients with other chronic medical conditions. Questionnaires were used to obtain self-reported information on participants’ socio-demographic data and HSB. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of poor HSB among the SCD cohort.Results: More SCD patients received treatments at private hospitals, patent medicine stores and faith-based centers compared to their non-SCD counterparts (p=0.0052; 0.006; and 0.007), respectively. No difference was observed in the patronage of traditional care centres 10 (9.1%) vs 6 (5.5%). More SCD patients 61 (55.5%) vs 35 (31.8%) exhibited poor HSB (p=0.0004). SCD patients who were not enrolled on health insurance scheme were 18 times more likely to have poor HSB (OR=18.38, 95% CI (4.41– 76.57), p value= < 0.0001) while absence of VOC within the preceding year reduces the risk of poor HSB by 91.5% (OR=0.085, 95% CI (0.028– 0.258), p value= < 0.0001).Conclusion: SCD patients in the study locality had poor HSB. This raises the need for their education on proper HSB. More enrollment into health insurance scheme and the prevention of VOC will lessen the burden of poor HSB. The high patronage of non-hospital care facilities in this study raises the need for stakeholders to monitor activities and train the operators at these informal care centres.Keywords: sickle cell disease, health-seeking behavior, non-orthodox care, Nigeria

Isaac Oludare Oluwayemi,1 Olusola Adetunji Oyedeji,2 Emmanuel Oluwatosin Adeniji,2 Adebukola Bidemi Ajite,1 Adefunke Olarinre Babatola,1 Adewuyi Temidayo Adeniyi,1,2 Ezra Olatunde Ogundare,1 Oladele Simeon Olatunya,1 Temitope Opeyemi Ayeni,3 Ayotunde Emmanuel Ajibola4 1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 2Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Science, LAUTECH, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; 3Department of Paediatrics, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; 4Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaCorrespondence: Isaac Oludare OluwayemiDepartment of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaTel +2348034052536Email isaac.oluwayemi@eksu.edu.ngBackground: Childhood diabetes mellitus is a poorly researched topic in Nigeria. Its contribution to morbidity and mortality is vague. This study intends to provide additional information to the background data in Nigeria and hopefully proffers strategies to improving the outcome of this disease.Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of all children managed for childhood diabetes mellitus at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital (LTH), South West Nigeria, over a 10 year period. Relevant information was obtained from the case notes of all affected children. Data obtained were analysed with SPSS version 20 software.Results: A total of 20 children were treated for diabetes mellitus (DM); there were 7 (35.0%) boys and 13 (65.0%) girls giving a M:F ratio of 1.0:1.9. Age range at presentation was 5 to 16 years and the mean age at presentation was 12.7 ± 2.89 years. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was the most common form of presentation in 13 (65.0%). Most [18 (90.0%)] of the patients had type 1 DM. Type 2 DM and glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus were recorded in a case each, Eighteen (90%)patients had not been previously diagnosed by any form of screening prior to their presentation and admission in the hospital. Seven (35.0%) of the patient’s care were affected by parental financial constraints. Five mortalities were recorded and one left against medical advice while the majority [14 (70.4%)] were discharged well and alive. The association between the greater numbers of deaths recorded in children with financial constraints was statistically significant (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Type 1 DM remains the most predominant form of diabetes in children and most of the patients presented in DKA. The proportion of deaths in this study is unacceptably high. There is a need to proffer strategies for earlier detection and management of children with diabetes mellitus prior to the onset or development of DKA and there is a need to assist with the funding of the care of children with diabetes mellitus.Keywords: pattern, outcome, childhood diabetes, Nigeria

Adefunke Olarinre Babatola,1,2 Oladele Simeon Olatunya,1,2 Ezra Olatunde Ogundare,1,2 Adebukola Bidemi Ajite,1,2 Isaac Oludare Oluwayemi,1,2 Awolowo Anthony Thomas,3 Adekunle Bamidele Taiwo,2 Odunayo Adebukola Fatunla,2 Akinwumi Kolawole Komolafe,2 Airemionkhale Alfred21Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 2Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 3Department of Radiology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaAbstract: Vitamin A supplementation program where single high-dose vitamin A supplements are provided to the qualified (infants and children) at regular intervals is operational in Nigeria as a public health initiative to control vitamin A deficiency which is prevalent in our country in accordance with the WHO recommendations. Reports of symptomatic acute hypervitaminosis A are scarce. We report a case of acute hypervitaminosis A resulting from accidental ingestion of vitamin A supplement capsules. This is to reiterate the need for caregivers to keep drugs out of the reach of children. Clinicians should also have a high index of suspicion.Keywords: vitamin A supplementation, malaria, accidental ingestion, raised intracranial pressure

Background: Severe neonatal jaundice (NNJ) remains a leading cause of preventable brain damage, mental handicap, physical disabilities, and early death among infants. Methods : Using a descriptive cross-sectional study design, information was gathered using a structured, pretested questionnaire from 518 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic at a tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria. Results : Most (77%) of the respondents have heard about NNJ prior the survey. Most respondents (69.5%) demonstrated poor knowledge of the causes of NNJ. The majority, 98.4% had good attitude toward treatment of NNJ. Most respondents (72.1%) demonstrated poor knowledge of the correct treatment of NNJ. A quarter of the respondents knew no danger sign of NNJ. Conclusion : There is serious knowledge gap among the respondents about the causes, treatment, dangers signs and complications of NNJ. There is need for increased awareness campaign using every available means of reaching women of reproductive age group to reduce the consequences of this common neonatal problem.

Objectives: Health hazards such as adverse drug reactions and prolonged morbidity are fallouts of self-medication among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, practice, determinants, and adverse effects of self-medication among young people living in a suburban community of Ekiti, Nigeria. Methods: This survey was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of 602 young people aged 16–24 years., who were randomly selected in the community. A predesigned self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The study was conducted from 1st March to 31st May 2023. The independent variables measured include the sociodemographic characteristics, while the dependent variables are the practice of self-medication and factors that predisposes to self-medication. The general characteristics of the participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The categorical variables were reported as frequency distribution and proportions with 95% confidence intervals and were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. A p -value of

Introduction: Pediatrics and adolescents are susceptible to illnesses that often necessitate emergency attention. Morbidity and mortality from illnesses in these ages have attracted much interest globally, particularly in Africa. Knowledge of pattern and outcomes of admissions may guide policy and interventions especially in resource constrained settings. The study aimed to determine the pattern of admissions, outcomes and seasonal variations of conditions that presented at the children emergency of a tertiary health institution over a four-year period. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of children emergency admissions from January 2016 to December 2019. Information obtained included age, diagnosis, month and year of admission, and outcome. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic characteristics and Chi-squared test to assess their associations with the diagnoses made. Results: There were 3,223 admissions. There were more males (1866; 57.9%) and more toddlers (1181; 36.6%). The highest number of admissions were observed in the year 2018 (951; 29.6%) and during the wet season (1962; 60.9%). There was an overall mortality rate of 7%; complicated malaria, gastroenteritis and meningitis were the leading causes of death. Malaria (χ2 = 135.522, p value < 0.001), and gastroenteritis (χ2 = 130.883, p value < 0.001) were predominant among the toddlers while sepsis (χ2 = 71.530, p value < 0.001) and pneumonia (χ2 = 133.739, p value < 0.001) were more among the infants. Typhoid enteritis (χ2 = 26.629, p value < 0.001) and HIV (χ2 = 16.419, p value = 0.012) were commoner among the early adolescents. Conclusion: The major causes of death in the study area are preventable with more of these amongst the children under the age of 5 years. There are seasonal and age-related patterns to admissions and the need for policy formulations and emergency preparations to be tailored towards these observed patterns through the year

To support Black students in earning undergraduate science degrees, faculty need to understand the mechanisms that Black students use to succeed. Following an anti-deficit achievement approach, we used the community cultural wealth framework to investigate the strengths that Black undergraduates bring to their science majors. Community cultural wealth consists of capital or "knowledge, skills, abilities, and contacts" that students of color can use in their education. Through participatory action research, we studied academically successful Black science majors in the final year of their undergraduate degrees at a research-intensive predominantly white institution (PWI; n = 34). We collected data using a demographic survey and two semistructured interviews. Three themes emerged from content and thematic analysis. First, Black science majors use their capital to navigate the racial climate at a PWI. Second, Black students use internal strengths as capital to succeed in their science majors at a PWI. Third, Black science majors create virtual and physical spaces where they can share their capital and thrive at a PWI. We use our results to offer suggestions for researchers and instructors who want to take action to support the success of Black science majors.

This qualitative, participatory action research study used interviews and visual data to explore the aspirations of Black undergraduate students in their final year of science degree programs at a predominantly white institution, and the assets and resources that supported persistence in pursuing their aspirations. While students experienced academic stress, including feelings of having to positively represent all Black people, they described how several influences supported their persistence: (1) aspirations to give back to their families and Black communities; (2) faith; and (3) changes in academic approaches. Findings provide insights for higher education leaders to better promote equity in the sciences.

This research investigated the extent of heavy metals present in the groundwater due to its contamination by petroleum hydrocarbon. Ten hand-dug wells were sampled within the test area and tested for 23 selected heavy metals. A carefully selected well at the upstream with no history of contamination was selected for the control samples. Concentrations of heavy metals were found to be lower in the Control Well compared to the petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated wells. The Contaminated wells are dominated by B, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Ni in order of B>Zn>Fe>Mn>Ni respectively. Other metals were found in very low concentrations and largely below maximum acceptable concentrations by World Health Organization and United States Environmental Protection Agency. A comparison between the low concentration of heavy metals observed in the Control Well and the relatively high concentrations in contaminated wells showed strong indications of petroleum-hydrocarbon pollution.

Studies show that loneliness was higher during the pandemic than in the pre-pandemic periods, with negative consequences on individual happiness. This study extends current knowledge by investigating the indirect effects of somatic symptoms and psychological distress in the loneliness-happiness relationship during the COVID-19 lockdown. The cross-sectional sample comprises 538 Nigerian adults (Meanage = 36.48 ± 12.03) with 43% females. Data were collected using structured self-report instruments and subjected to path analyses in SPSS AMOS. Results showed that loneliness and happiness were negatively related. Loneliness and happiness were indirectly related through the successive association between somatic symptoms and psychological distress. Specifically, greater loneliness was associated with increased somatic symptoms, which in turn were associated with greater psychological distress and reduced happiness levels. Clinicians can manage the decline in happiness from loneliness during the pandemic lockdown by administering treatments that mitigate somatic symptoms and psychological distress in concerned clients.

Abstract Background Research shows that trust in government is associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. However, there is no empirical evidence suggesting the pathway by which this association is formed. This study examines how dimensional attitudes towards vaccination explain the relationship between mistrust in government and COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. Methods The study was an online cross-sectional survey involving 1026 adults (of which 58.9% are female) resident in Nigeria with a mean age of 26.09 (±8.46) years. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing the level of mistrust in government, dimensional attitudes towards vaccination, and acceptance to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. Results Results show that 56.8% of participants mistrust the government, while COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rate was 28.2%. Mistrust in government was significantly associated with low acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, mistrust in the government was predictive of negative attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination which include worries about unforeseen future effects of vaccines, mistrust of vaccine benefits (MVB), concerns about commercial profiteering (CCP), and preference for natural immunity. The outcomes of indirect effect analyses indicated that mistrust in government was associated with high mistrust in vaccine benefits (MVB) and increased concerns about commercial profiteering (CCP), which in turn lead to low acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions Mistrust in the government was high and was coupled with low vaccination acceptance. It is important to initiate culturally relevant awareness programs aiming at combating false notions about COVID-19 vaccination such as MVB and CCP arising from mistrust in government.

Background: Small intestine volvulus occurs more commonly among younger children. It often poses diagnostic challenges when it occurs in older children and adults. For good clinical outcomes, it is essential to have prompt presentation, diagnosis and early intervention. Anasarca is not a common clinical manifestation of small intestine volvulus. Case Presentation: We report this unusual presentation of small intestine volvulus in an 11-year old Nigerian boy who first presented only with anasarca. While being investigated for the cause of the anasarca, he developed features of acute abdomen thought to be spontaneous bacteria peritonitis initially. He had surgery where the diagnosis of small intestine volvulus was made. Conclusion: The diagnosis and management of both anasarca and small intestine volvulus could be fraught with challenges. It is possible that anasarca can be the first manifestation of small intestine volvulus.

Pipeline transportation of resources is considered a vital method due to low operational cost, and simple design and implementation. However, the presence of leakages within pipeline networks gives rise to noteworthy jurisdiction regarding environmental impact, economic implications, and safety considerations. The prompt identification and precise localization of such leakages are of utmost importance in order to get rid of their potential consequences on human existence. This project aims to detect leakages in a pipeline network based on hydraulic laboratory modelling with artificial intelligence systems. The dataset from both the hydraulic laboratory network and EPANET simulation respectively were used to train and test a model, then validate using for leakage prediction and localization using artificial neural network. The results shows that pressure is a more valid parameter to detect leakages to flowrate in a pipeline network. Also, artificial neural network developed model performed very well in predicting leak sizes with an accuracy of 96.89% respectively. The model developed based achieved validation accuracies which vary broadly between about 85% and 90%. Also, the F-score ranged between 80% and 91% which makes the model is valid to be used to predict and localize the leaks in real time.

Background . The affordability of health care services by households within a country is determined by the health care financing methods used by her citizens. In accordance with World Health Organization (WHO), health services must be delivered equitably and without imposing financial hardship on the citizens. Aim . This study aimed to determine the pattern of households health care financing method and relate it to the social-background, economic implication and clinical outcome of care in pediatric emergency situations. Method : It is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Result . 210 children from different households were recruited. Majority (75.9%) of the children were aged 0 to 5 years, males (61.2%) and belonged to the low socio-economic status (95.7%). The overall median (IQR) cost of care, income and percentage of income spent on care were ₦10 700 (₦7580-₦19 700), ₦ 65000(₦38000-₦110 000) and 17.6% (7.1%-39.7%) respectively. Though 70 (34.8%) of the respondents were aware of health insurance scheme, only 12.8% were enrolled. There were significant differences in the households’ health care financing methods with respect to the socioeconomic status ( P = .010), paternal level of education ( P

Introduction: Infection prevention and control remains very key to safety in healthcare settings and community. The use of personal protective equipment is now more relevant especially with the advent of COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and technique of wearing facemask among healthcare workers at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study explored knowledge, attitude and reported practice on the use of facemask. Also, a checklist was used to directly observe how participants put on and remove facemasks. Results: Of the 450 respondents, 316 (70.2%) had good knowledge score. Only 255 (56.7%) had good attitude and barely half of the respondents 229 (50.9%) had good practice. However, the majority of those who were observed had good technique of wearing facemask 387 (86.4%). Also, 188 (41.8%) of the healthcare workers believed that face shield alone offers adequate protection against transmission of COVID-19. Conclusions: Our finding suggests that knowledge does not translate to good practice. Furthermore, the fact that two out of every five healthcare workers held erroneous belief about face shield, and another one-third had poor knowledge points to the need for training and retraining of healthcare workers with the aim of reinforcing the need for consistent and correct use of facemasks. This should have a salubrious effect on the community knowledge of COVID-19 prevention as healthcare workers are believed to be the most common sources of health information to the lay public

Introduction. Mother-to-child transmission remains an important mode of transmission of hepatitis B infection particularly in endemic areas. The knowledge and practices of pregnant women about mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) may influence the uptake of strategies to reduce mother-to-child transmission of infection. Objectives. This study assessed the knowledge and willingness to uptake hepatitis B virus infection preventive services among pregnant women in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study that involved 373 pregnant women at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and Maternal Child Specialist Clinics, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge, practices, and perceptions about MTCT of hepatitis B infection. Results. Only 52.5% (196) of the respondents had good knowledge, although the majority 290 (77.7%) had heard of hepatitis B infection prior to the survey. Only 147 (39.4%) of the respondents had ever had hepatitis B screening. More persons with professional jobs had good knowledge about hepatitis B infection compared with other occupations (p

Background: Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (aSAH) is a vascular injury with significantly high mortality, especially when poorly managed. This study seeks to outline the experiences in setting up a neurovascular service in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A series of 45 patients were operated after aSAH over a period of 10 years. Patients consecutively were recruited following computed tomography angiography (CTA) diagnosis of aSAH. Clinical data were recorded on a predesigned form after obtaining informed consent; aSAH was classified using the WFNS classification, intraoperative findings were documented. Challenges in the management were analysed in a post-operative root cause analysis (RCA) review. Outcomes and factors responsible for the observed outcomes and actions taken were recorded. Results: Forty-five patients were operated after aSAH was confirmed; there were 29 females and 16 males. (M:F 1:1.8), the age ranged from 14 to 76 years (mean 49.1±13.58). All the aneurysms were on the anterior circle of Willis, mainly on Anterior Communicating Artery aneurysm (18/48).Thirty-eight patients (84.4%) survived and were discharged within an average of 10 days after surgery. Lower GCS at presentation was associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.026); however, data analysis demonstrated that other factors (financial issues, lack of appropriate instrumentation and equipment, experience of the surgeon) played a significant role in determining the outcome. Conclusions: Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (aSAH) is a challenging pathology and its management may be further burdened in resource constrained countries, as shown by the data analysed in this study from Lagos, Nigeria. Specialized and well-funded Neurovascular centres are needed to overcome the challenges faced and to improve care for aSAH patients in Nigeria.

Background: ‘Brought in dead’ (BID) refers to the demise of an individual before presentation to a health facility. This study assessed the pattern of paediatric BID cases seen at a tertiary health facility in southwest Nigeria. Method: A cross- sectional, descriptive study was done at the Children Emergency Ward (CEW) of the hospital between January 2014 and December 2018. The patterns of BID cases and presumed causes of death were determined using a standardized checklist adapted from the WHO verbal autopsy instrument. Results: Ninety- eight BID cases were seen during the study, constituting 2.5% of total patients seen during the period. The median (IQR) age of cases was 24.0 (8.75 – 63.0) months and 72.4% were under fives. Most had symptoms related to the haematologic (36.7%), respiratory (24.5%) or digestive (20.4%) systems. Severe anaemia 31(31.6%), gastroenteritis 19(19.4) and aspiration 17 (17.3%) were the most common causes of death. The median (IQR) duration of illness before presentation was 3.0 (1.0 – 7.0) days but most presented from 4 – 7 days of illness. A significant relationship was found between the duration of illness and whether or not pre hospital treatment was received (p < 0.0001). Unprescribed drugs purchased over the counter were the most commonly used treatment in 79.1% of cases (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study has highlighted the prevalence and pattern of paediatric BID in a tertiary health facility in southwest Nigeria and the factors that were associated with it. More efforts need to be geared towards community sensitization and pediatric health care to prevent factors driving its menace.

This study looked at the behaviour of Equatorial Total Electron Content (TEC) in connection to geomagnetic storms that occurred between January and March of 2020. The data used in the study came from the Global Positioning System (GPS). Vertical Total Electron Content (VTEC) data was collected at three different ground stations to conduct the investigation: NKLG (GMAGLat. -8.04°S, GMAGLong. 81.05°E), ADIS (GMAGLat. 1.13°N, GMAGLong. 110.47°E), and DJIG (GMAGLat. 3.36°N, GMAGLong. 11457°E). The locations were carefully chosen in order to offer a comprehensive picture of the equatorial ionosphere's response to magnetic storms. The study's findings show that the equatorial region undergoes both amplification and depletion effects in the reaction of TEC to geomagnetic storms. The paper also proposed possible approaches to clarify these findings. The three stations' different latitudinal positions were recognised as the principal source of the considerable variations in GPS-TEC responses during storm periods. Furthermore, during the storm periods, the peak positive percentage deviation of TEC displayed an ascending trend with rising altitude for each monitoring station. This finding suggests the existence of complex height-related interactions between the equatorial ionosphere and geomagnetic storms. The current study examines the complicated factors that influence the behaviour of TEC in equatorial regions during geomagnetic storms. It highlights the need of adding latitudinal and altitude factors in such studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major challenge being faced by the financial related institutions, such as e-Commerce has been insecurity. Therefore, there is urgent need to develop a scheme to protect transmitted financial information or messages from getting to the third party, intruder and/or unauthorized person(s). Such scheme will be based on Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Neural Data Security (NDS) Model. Based on this background, an AES using Time-based Dynamic Key Generation coupled with NDS model will be used to develop security model for preventing e-commerce related crimes. While AES will secure users’ details in the database server and ensures login authentications, NDS model will fragment or partition sensitive data into High and Low levels of confidentiality. The sensitivity of the data will determine, which category of confidentiality the data will fall into. The fragmented data are saved into two different databases, on two different servers and on the same datacenter. In addition, an exploratory survey was carried out using different performance metrics with different classifications of algorithms. Out of the four algorithms considered, Naive Bayes performs better as it shows, out of a total of 105 instances that were observed, 85.71% were correctly classified while 14.29% were misclassified.