bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trap States in p-NiO/n-Ga2O3 Heterojunctions on Czochralski β-Ga2O3 Crystals
Authors: Nikolaev V. I. , Polyakov A. Y. , Krymov V. M. , Saranin D. S. , Chernykh A. V. , Vasilev A. A. , Schemerov I. V. , Romanov A. A. , Matros N. R. , Kochkova A. I. , Gostishchev P. , Chernykh S. V. , Shapenkov S. V. , Butenko P. N. , Yakimov E. B. , Pearton S. J.
Published: December 2024

Heterojunctions (HJs) of p-NiO/n-Ga2O3 were prepared by deposition of thin films of p-NiO by ion beam sputtering on bulk nominally undoped (100) oriented n-Ga2O3 samples cleaved from Czochralski-grown (010) oriented crystal. Electrical properties and deep traps spectra were studied and compared with those obtained for similar samples with Ni Schottky diodes. Characteristic features of the NiO/Ga2O3 HJs are the built-in voltage of over 2 V compared to 1 V in Ni Schottky diodes, a strong frequency dispersion of capacitance due to the presence of high density over 1018 cm−3 of Ec-0.16 eV traps in the thin region adjacent to the NiO/Ga2O3 interface. For heterojunction diodes the strong increase of reverse current occurs at a much higher voltage than for Schottky diodes (120 V versus 60 V).
Comparative Analysis of Time‐Fractional Coupled System of Shallow‐Water Equations Including Caputo’s Fractional Derivative
Authors: Ganie Abdul Hamid , Khan Adnan , Alharthi N. S. , Tolasa Fikadu Tesgera , Jeelani Mdi Begum
Published: December 2024

Mathematical replication of nonlinear physical and abstract systems is a very dynamic progression for calculating the solution nature of fractional partial differential equations (FPDEs) corresponding to numerous applications in science and engineering. The goal of this work is to solve the time‐fractional coupled system of shallow‐water equations (SWEs). The SWEs are helpful in clarifying the mechanics of water movement in marine or oceanic applications. Furthermore, the previously indicated system is characterized by a thin fluid layer with a uniform density that preserves the hydrostatic equilibrium. The vertical dimension of shallow‐water flows is much smaller than the normal horizontal dimension. In the present study, we derive the solutions for these fractional systems by using three novel and efficient techniques: the variational iteration method, the homotopy perturbation method, and the Adomian decomposition method with the Yang transformation. Fractional derivative is taken in the Caputo sense. The comparison of these solutions with the actual solutions and the outcomes then proved the ease of use, effectiveness, and high degree of precision of the used techniques. Tabular and graphical simulations are used to demonstrate the outcomes of the suggested approaches. The existing framework describes the behavior of various fractional orders quite well. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested approach. At the end, the applied procedures are the most widely used and convergent techniques for resolving nonlinear FPDEs.
Short- and Long-Term Prognoses After Tissue-Negative Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Purroy Francisco , Gallego Yhovany , Gil-Villar M. Pilar , Begue Robert , Arque Gloria , Quilez Alejandro , Sanahuja Jordi , Vazquez-Justes Daniel , Mauri Gerard
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

The tissue-based definition of transient ischemic attack, which requires the use of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), has limitations in its applicability to clinical practice. This contributes to the limited evidence regarding the risk of subsequent stroke and the associated predictors in the group of patients who are tissue-negative on DWI. Our aim was to assess the early and long-term prognoses of consecutive patients with tissue-negative transient ischemic attacks attended at an emergency department.

METHODS:

We performed a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with neurologist-confirmed transient ischemic attack who were DWI-negative from January 2006 to June 2010. All patients underwent DWI on magnetic resonance imaging (4.0 [SD, 1.8] days) after the index event. The risk and predictors of stroke recurrence (SR) were determined at 1 year and after a median follow-up time of 6.6 (interquartile range, 5.0–9.6) years.

RESULTS:

A total of 370 patients were included. Previously, 244 patients with positive DWI results and 109 patients without magnetic resonance imaging performed were excluded. ABCD2 score >5 was determined in 95 (26.2%) patients; 15 (4.1%) patients experienced SR at 1 year and 18 (4.9%) beyond 1 year. Predictive models for short- and long-term prognoses were different. Large artery atherosclerosis cause (hazard ratio, 3.7 [95% CI, 1.2–11.0]) was the only predictor of 1-year SR. In contrast, male sex (hazard ratio, 4.17 [95% CI, 1.14–15.23];
P
=0.031), speech impairment (hazard ratio, 4.90 [95% CI, 1.05–22.93];
P
=0.044), and the presence of chronic microangiopathy expressed as Fazekas score of 3 (hazard ratio, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.15–2.97];
P
=0.012) were predictors of long-term SR follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with DWI-negative have a clinically important risk of recurrent vascular events and SR during medium- and long-term follow-ups. These patients warrant optimized secondary prevention to reduce their risk of recurrent vascular events over time. Predictors of SR varied over the follow-up.
Self-regulation as a Basis for Psychological Adaptation to Digital Risks
Authors: Karabanova Оlga A. , Molchanov Sergey V. , Tikhomandritskaya Olga A.
Published: December 2024

Background. In modern psychology, the study of factors and conditions for successful adaptation of an individual to the risks of digitalization in society is of particular importance.
Objective. The study examined the connections of psychological adaptation to digital risks with personal characteristics: dispositional optimism, resilience, personal identity styles; as well as with self-control as a part of goal setting, subjective control, and coping strategies.
Study Participants The sample included 408 respondents aged 18 to 55 years, including 49.7% of men and 50.3% of women.
Methods. The questionnaire “Psychological adaptation to the risks of digitalization”, dispositional optimism test (DOT), Hardiness survey, identity styles questionnaire, “Life Goals Change Scale” test, “Level of Subjective Control” (LSC) technique, Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), “Proactive Coping” questionnaire. For quantitative analysis, methods of mathematical statistics were used: Kolmogorov — Smirnov test, analysis of variance ANOVA, Mann — Whitney U test. The statistical package SPSS.18 was used.
Results. Three groups have been identified that differ in the nature of adaptation to digital risks: “adapted”, “anxious-maladapted”, and “non-adapted”. Significant differences were found between groups in resilience, dispositional optimism, identity styles, goal setting, subjective control and coping strategies.
Conclusions. A high level of psychological adaptation to the risks of digitalization is associated with a high level of dispositional optimism, resilience (involvement, control, and risk acceptance), informational and normative identity styles, a combination of ease at rearranging life goals and focus on achieving them, internality of subjective control and the use of constructive types of coping.
Use of Mobile Applications for Memory and Attention Training in Extreme Profile Specialists (Firefighters as an Example)
Authors: Marchenko Ekaterina V. , Issar Alyona D.
Published: December 2024

Relevance. Cognitive functions are professionally important qualities, which are an essential part of professional requirements to specialists of extreme profile. Firefighters have to remember building plans of protected objects and their characteristics, to focus on incoming information, to work in multi-tasking mode, etc. These functions can be reduced under the influence of a professional stress and age-related changes. Thus, it is important for specialists to maintain and develop them.
Objective. The aim is to explore possibilities for training certain attention properties of extreme profile specialists by means of mobile applications.
Study Participants. 80 specialists of Federal Firefighting Service, EMERCOM of Russia, who perform the duties of inspection and provide fire protection of Government buildings, took part in the research. Their age ranged from 24 to 37 years (М = 30, ơ = 3.53); work experience was more than three years; 26 women and 64 men participated.
Methods. The forming experiment as well as methods “Landolt Ring”, “Numerical Square”, “Münsterberg’s Test”, “Memory for Numbers”, “Methods of Studying Spatial Visual Memory” (Diagnostics of Cognition, 2020) were used to assess the effectiveness of a mobile application and change in indicators of attention and memory.
Results. Certain indicators of attention and memory increased for those who practiced using a mobile application (the scope of attention, its sustainability, distribution, and selectiveness; the scope of short-term memory and spatial visual memory) and for those who perform their usual duty (the scope of attention, its sustainability, distribution, and selectiveness). However, the comparison of improvements in both groups showed more significant difference in the indicators for the scope of attention, its span, sustainability, distribution and selectiveness, the scope of short-term memory, and the level of visual-spatial memory.
Conclusions. Regular cognitive training with a mobile application proved effective. However, performing professional duty by firefighters also helps maintain those processes.
Practical application. The results of the research were used as a part of psychological training for EMERCOM of Russia specialists. They may also be used as an effective instrument for cognitive training.
Psychophysiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Mechanisms, Diagnostics, Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Chernorizov Alexander M. , Shkurinov Alexander P. , Isaychev Sergey A. , Pilecheva Adita V. , Ozheredov Ilya A. , Petrov Alexander V. , Manaenkov Alexander E.
Published: December 2024

Background. Up to 30% of combatants are diagnosed with combat syndrome (post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD), and 15% of veterans show symptoms even 10 years after the end of the war. Not only during hostilities, but also in peacetime, about 60% of people at different periods of their lives encounter traumatic events that can provoke a disorder that, in its totality of symptoms, resembles “combat syndrome”.
Objective. PTSD is a multimodal disorder, the diagnosis and treatment of which requires an interdisciplinary approach. The article is devoted to a brief review of methods of psychophysiological (instrumental) diagnosis and neurorehabilitation of PTSD.
Results. The key areas of psychophysiological research into the mechanisms of PTSD formation are highlighted. A review of the achievements and prospects of clinical psychophysiology in the development of instrumental methods for the diagnosis and neurorehabilitation of PTSD is presented.
Conclusions. Methods of psychophysiology in combination with methods of psycho- and pharmacotherapy increase the effectiveness of treatment of PTSD and are indispensable in situations where patients do not trust the methods of conventional medicine or show insensitivity to traditional therapy. The most promising directions in the development of methods for instrumental diagnosis and correction of PTSD are the development of neurofeedback techniques and adaptive neural interfaces, TES and TMS methods, and the study of the contribution of genetic and epigenetic factors to the etiology of PTSD.
Research on the Evolution of Neo-Confucianism in Chinese Ming Dynasty and the Restoration of Literature
Authors: Zhu Wenwei , Zhu Ke
Published: December 2024

The Ming Dynasty was an important period of cultural flourishing in Chinese history, with the evolution of Neo-Confucianism and the literary revival being the two major factors shaping thought and literary development during this period. This paper explores systematically the gradual evolution of Neo-Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty, particularly the dominant position of the Cheng-Zhu School of Neo-Confucianism in the early Ming Dynasty and its subsequent diversified transformations, such as the rise of Wang Yangming’s School of Neo-Confucianism and its emphasis on individual moral cultivation and social practice. At the same time, the literary revival movement in the Ming Dynasty aimed to revive ancient classics and styles. The trend of “literature must be Qin and Han, poetry must be prosperous Tang” has been sparked, injecting classical spirit into literary creation. The moral education of Neo Confucianism and the literary revival movement had a profound interactive impact on the ideological and cultural level, jointly promoting the development of Ming Dynasty’s social culture. This article analyzes the influence of Neo Confucianism on social ethics and political education, as well as the shaping of the spiritual outlook of literati through the literary revival movement and explores the historical contributions and limitations of both. This article also evaluates the status of Neo Confucianism and literary revival in Ming Dynasty culture and their profound influence on future generations. It is believed that both are not only important manifestations of Ming Dynasty cultural characteristics, but also provide key perspectives for understanding traditional Chinese thought and literary evolution.
Gullbúluskrá, a Multilingual Compound
Authors: de Leeuw van Weenen Andrea
Published: December 2024

The word gullbóluskrá occurs only in ‘Sverris saga’. It is used for a letter with a golden seal from the emperor in Constantinople. Its arrival would have been at the centre of a ceremony where the envoy called it a chrysobull, a gullbúlu-skrá. As ‘Sverris saga’ was written during the king’s lifetime, one can be sure that gullbúlu- was used in the original version. The form gullbólu- may have resulted from a scribe misunderstanding the -búlu- part. The word skrá has various senses in nineteenth-century dictionaries, suggesting a development from ‘dry skin’ via ‘parchment’ to ‘document’. The meaning ‘dry skin’ is given for only a single passage in ‘Hávamál’. However, this interpretation is debatable. Krijnie Ciggaar suggests that skrá could be a loan from Greek sakra, denoting a document used in correspondence with other countries. The loss of the first vowel in sakra can be explained because the pattern sVkrV in Old Norse occurs only in a few Latin loanwords, while the pattern skrV is frequent. The unshortened form sacra for sakra is found in various stories of Western European origin. It seems that sakra reached Europe in two forms: shortened skrá in Scandinavia and as sacra in Western Europe.
Ecological Crisis and Strategy in the Jesuit China Mission
Authors: Parr Adam
Published: December 2024

In Laudate Deum (2023), Pope Francis calls on those negotiating today’s climate emergency to be “strategists.” No organization has a longer history of strategy-making than the pope’s alma mater, the Society of Jesus, whose China mission was founded during an ecological crisis. No Jesuit is more celebrated as a strategist than Matteo Ricci (1552–1610), who observed the effects of that crisis in 1604 and praised the emperor’s response but noted its inadequacy. As a result of this, and the influence of Xu Guangqi (1562–1633), the idea of introducing European science to China materialized as the final strand of the China mission’s strategy. Xu’s own career was dedicated to preserving Ming China through agricultural and military reform, and his ideas are present in Ricci’s work. Thus, Ricci’s strategy-making was forged in the context of challenges recognizable today, and its strengths and limitations represent a resource for the strategists addressed by Pope Francis.
Martyrdom, Rhetoric, and the Affective Remainder
Authors: Dunn Mary
Published: December 2024

This article takes as its subject a document known as the precieux manuscrit, assembled by Paul Ragueneau, superior of the Jesuit mission in New France, in 1652 as an aid to the canonization of the eight Jesuit missionaries who would come to be known as the North American martyrs. I situate the precieux manuscrit, a text dense with elaborately wrought descriptions of torture, endurance, and expiration, within the context of early modern Jesuit rhetorical theory. I argue that the precieux manuscrit is a persuasive text designed affectively to interpolate its readers into the plurisensorium of Jesuit martyrdom by means of rhetorical strategies of embellishment, amplification, and hypotyposis, harnessing the emotions it provokes to prove the conceptual argument at stake—that the Jesuit missionaries had been killed in odium fidei.
Cinematic Chengdu: Generational Shifts and Spatial Dynamics in Jia Zhangke’s 24 City
Authors: Zou Hongyan
Published: December 2024

24 City’s narrative spans three generations of workers, with each reflecting the affinity between space, personal, and collective memories in an urbanising Chengdu. The first generation, involved in the factory’s establishment, experiences a close-knit community life centred around the factory. The second generation faces the factory’s decline and the shift to a market economy, leading to varied degrees of connection with Chengdu. The third generation embodies increased social and spatial mobility, moving beyond the factory’s confines and engaging with the broader urban landscape. 24 City strategically uses distinct interview locations to link personal narratives with broader social realities, illustrating the complex interplay between historical memory, personal experiences, and spatial dynamics. The film documents Chengdu’s transition from a production-focused space to a consumption-oriented space, reflecting China’s rapid urbanisation and marketisation. Through its multi-generational portrayal, 24 City reveals the nuanced impact of these transformations on individual lives and collective memory.
New genera and species of deep-sea Goniasteridae (Asteroidea) from the North Pacific
Authors: MAH CHRISTOPHER L.
Published: December 2024

The North Pacific is a vast region, and undiscovered taxa from deep-sea habitats (>200 m), especially from below 1000 m continue to be described based on in situ and museum collections. The Goniasteridae is the most diverse of Asteroidea and further discoveries continue to be made. Here, one new genus and seven new species are described and novel occurrences recorded. In situ observations from R/V Nautilus and MBARI permit further insight into goniasterid ecology and morphology in deep-sea settings.
Culex sarpangensis, a new species of the subgenus Culiciomyia Theobald of the genus Culex Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Bhutan
Authors: SOMBOON PRADYA , SAINGAMSOOK JASSADA , NAMGAY RINZIN , HARBACH RALPH E
Published: December 2024

A new species of the subgenus Culiciomyia Theobald of the genus Culex Linnaeus is described from larvae found in a stream margin in Umling Gewog, Sarpang District of Bhutan. Based on morphology, the larvae are sufficiently distinct from the larvae of other species of the subgenus to be described and formally named here as Culex sarpangensis Somboon, Namgay & Harbach, sp. nov. The species is a member of the Fragilis Group. The fourth-instar larva is described, illustrated and compared with similar larvae of other species.
Clinical Study of Psycho-cardiology Combined with FNS in the Treatment of SCAD with Depression
Authors: Zhang Heng , Zhu Binxia , Zhang Runfeng
Published: December 2024

To investigate the effects of psycho-cardiology combined with fastigial nucleus stimulation (FNS) on patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) complicated with depression, we observed the changes of concentrations of N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and depressive symptoms in these patients. One hundred and fifty patients, who were hospitalized the Department of Cardiology at the Third People's Hospital of Mianyang from February 2020 to October 2021 with a confirmed diagnosis of SCAD combined with depression, were selected as study subjects. Patients were randomly divided into a control group, a psycho-cardiology treatment group and a combined treatment group. The control group was given conventional treatment of SCAD and pseudo-stimulation of the fastigial nucleus, the psycho-cardiology treatment group was given conventional treatment of SCAD, psychological interventions and pseudo-stimulation of the fastigial nucleus, and the combined treatment group was given conventional treatment of SCAD, psychological intervention and FNS. The changes of concentrations of TNF-α, NT-proBNP, 5-HT and DA were observed in the three groups of patients, and the changes of the state of depression were assessed by Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Serum NT-proBNP and TNF-α concentrations decreased significantly after treatment in the three groups. Especially, the decrease in the combined treatment group was the most significant(p<0.05). Serum 5-HT and DA concentrations were not statistically different in the three groups before and after treatment (p>0.05). However, they were significantly higher in the psycho-cardiology treatment group and the combined treatment group(p<0.05) and the increase in the combined treatment group was more significant than in the psycho-cardiology treatment group. In the control group, the difference of HAMD scores was not statistically significant before and after treatment (p>0.05), in the psycho-cardiology treatment group and the combined treatment group, the scores decreased significantly after treatment compared to before treatment (p<0.05). Furthermore, compared to the psycho-cardiology treatment group, the decrease was more significant in the combined treatment group (p<0.05). Our data suggested that Psycho-cardiology medicine combined with FNS can effectively reduce the level of serum NT-proBNP and TNF-α, increase the serum concentrations of 5-HT and DA and improve the symptoms of depression in patients with SCAD complicated with depression.
Energy Recovery of Waste (Banana Peels, Mango Peels and Orange Peels) for the Production of Ecological Charcoal in the Republic of Guinea
Authors: Sakouvogui Ansoumane , Guilavogui Wogbo , Sakho Adama , Kante Cellou , Camara Aly , Keita Mamby
Published: December 2024

This research aimed at the production of ecological charcoal from banana, mango and orange peel waste. These wastes were collected among the household solid waste of the city of Kindia, 135 km from Conakry. The methodology approach consists of: sorting and identifying the types of waste, producing ecological coal through the following steps (waste drying, carbonization, grinding, sieving, mixing, adding binders, molding, compacting and drying coal briquettes). The manufactured coal briquettes were characterized for the determination of moisture content, ash content, volatile matter content, carbon content and calorific value). The main results obtained are: (i) For the initial masses of waste, banana peels (5 kg), mango peels (2.532 kg), orange peels (1.68 kg); we obtained the masses of coal briquettes made from banana peels (0.328 kg), from mango peels (0.123 kg) and from orange peels (0.237 kg); (ii) the physicochemical characterization of the charcoal briquette samples gave a carbon content of charcoal briquettes made from mango peels (45.47%), charcoal briquettes made from orange peels (44.49%) and charcoal briquettes made from orange peels (29.95%); the humidity content of banana peel briquettes is 30.74%, briquettes made from mango peels (12.19%) and briquettes made from orange peels (12.33%); the ash content of charcoal briquettes made from banana peels (17.74%), from banana peels (9.67%) and orange peels (11.14%); the volatile matter rates of charcoal briquettes made from mango peels (90.33%), orange peels (88.86%) and banana peels (82.21%); the calorific value of charcoal briquettes made from banana peels (6580.8 kcal/kg), from mango peels (7226.4 kcal/kg) and from orange peels (7108.8 kcal/kg). Ecological charcoal briquettes are produced locally using less expensive materials and tools, which is an advantage for households in terms of energy, environment and economy.
Effect of Social Media on Students' Academic Performance in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria: Social Media and Its Impact
Authors: Munang Micah
Published: December 2024

Social media is a web-based service that gives individual the opportunity to create either a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, furthermore it’s add a list of others with which they share a connection, view their list of connections and those made within the system. Therefore, this study is aim at examining the impact of use of social networking on students’ academic performance in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. There is an increase of in used of social networking and some of the teachers in the department are raising the concern that when lectures is going some students are involved in social networking or sleeping. The teachers can’t verify their claim, because some student will argue that they are using the softcopy of the materials in the phones. The second hypothesis of the teachers concerning those sleeping during the lectures must have been spend time during the night socializing and so does not have enough rest. The necessity to carry out a research in that area to check mates the heavy users of social media, the time of day spend socializing and the purpose of the of social media of each students. In other to measure social media platforms a questionnaire was developed based on past literatures. The independent variables includes: time appropriateness, time duration, Nature of Usage and type of social networking, while the dependent variable is student CGPA. The sample of 130 students from Department of computer science was selected using convenient sampling method. The data collected was analyzed using description means python programming. Thus considering the abnormal use of Social networking platforms by students, it is expedient that Ahmadu Bello University educate their students to positively use these platforms for educational purposes which will eventually result in a positive impact on their academic performance.
Study of the Biomass of Macrophytes Presumed to Be Phytopurators in Wastewater Treatment in Brazzaville (Republic of Congo)
Authors: Gavin-Rolin Dielé , Bertrand Madiélé , Molingo Mbemba , Jeannette Louboungou , Jean-Maurille Ouamba
Published: December 2024

The aim of this work is to study the biomass of macrophytes during the wastewater phytoremediation process. To do this, a physicochemical characterization of these waters, including temperature, pH, EC, COD, NH4+, NO3-, and PO43- was carried out and first revealed the very high concentrations. Then, a treatment was done with two types of macrophytes (Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam) Hutch and Cyperus Alternifolius L) which showed a significant reduction in these physicochemical parameters at the exit of the basins. When comparing the two treatment ponds, the Echinochloa pyramidalis pond performed better on the removal of pollutants from wastewater than the Cyperus Alternifolius pond. Finally, the study of the growth of these two types of macrophytes showed that Echinochloa pyramidalis grows faster than Cyperus Alternifolius and is almost double that of the latter. This study shows that the two macrophytes cannot be together in a filter to treat wastewater because the biomass of Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam) Hutch is higher than that of Cyperus Alternifolius L and the two will compete against each other, Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam) Hutch will hinder the growth of Cyperus Alternifolius L and lead to the gradual disappearance of the latter and this competition makes the macrophyte inefficient that seeks to defend its territory and gain space instead of eliminating pollutants.
Spatial Assessment of Soil Erosion Risk Using RUSLE and GIS in Dhumuga Watershed, Ambo, Ethiopia
Authors: Soboka Diriba , Mohammed Mekin
Published: December 2024

Soil erosion has become a critical problem leading to land degradation and environmental risks globally. To grasp the rates of soil loss and identify the main factors driving these issues, it is vital to examine the specific impacts of soil erosion across different locations. Therefore, between 2021 and 2023, a research initiative was undertaken to assess, rank, identify, and map sections of the watershed that are particularly susceptible to soil erosion. The RUSLE components for factors R, K, L, S, C, and P were integrated using the ArcGIS 10.4.1 spatial analyst's raster calculator tool to calculate and create maps that illustrate the risk and intensity of soil erosion in the Dhumuga watershed. The Dhumuga watershed was categorized into five groups based on average annual soil loss: 0–5 ton/ha-1 year-1 (very slight), 5–10 ton/ha-1 year-1 (slight), 10–20 ton/ha-1 year-1 (moderate), 20–50 ton/ha-1 year-1 (high), and > 50 ton/ha-1 year-1 (very high). The assessment of soil erosion severity was influenced by factors such as rainfall, soil type, DEM, land use, and land cover, employing the GIS-based RUSLE equation. The spatial risk of soil erosion was sorted into five categories based on severity, with 11.58% of the area categorized as very high risk (>50 ton ha-1 year-1), and 54.2% in the very low to low-risk category. On average, the watershed yielded an annual sediment production of up to 13.94 tons/ha/year, which is within an acceptable range. Considering these research findings, GIS-based analyses can be utilized to pinpoint areas at risk of soil erosion and identify vulnerable zones, offering crucial insights for future soil conservation and model enhancement.
Diagnosis for the Implementation of the Management Strategy in the Basic Cooperative Production Unit "MICONS" in the Trinidad Municipality
Authors: Zayas Delvis , Llorens Lenier
Published: December 2024

The implementation stage of the management strategy of any organization is a complex process and is conditioned by a series of factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic to the context where the organization itself is developed. The agricultural sector of the Trinidad Municipality, Sancti Spiritus Province, Cuba faces a series of problems, both organizational, structural, leadership and economic, where the lack of existence and application of management tools that facilitate the efficiency of the processes themselves The management problems are currently limitations that prevent the desired progress towards sovereignty and sustainability of the agricultural sector at a territorial level. The UBPC "MICONS" is a productive form that among its limitations are the management problems, achieving in a first stage the elaboration of a management strategy; however, it has not been possible to implement it, with the realization of this work it is intended to: Diagnose the conditions by area of key results that appeared in the Basic Unit of Cooperative Production MICONS in order to implement the management strategy allowing the achievement of the proposed objectives and reach higher levels in its development as an organization, for this it was necessary to apply scientific research tools that would allow to diagnose the real conditions existing in the four areas of key results declared in its management strategy, in order to establish a set of actions that would allow its implementation, showing the research that in all areas of key results there are serious limitations that prevent a correct implementation of the strategy.
Soil Test Crop Response Based NPS Fertilizer Rates Determination for Maize (Zea mays L.) Production at Sibu Sire District, Western Oromia Region
Authors: Chimdessa Temesgen , Desalegn Mintesinot , Takale Chalsissa , Regassa Chaltu
Published: December 2024

The use of improper fertilizer type and amount, the cultivation of unimproved, low-yielding varieties and poor soil fertility are among the main obstacles limiting the productivity of maize in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. A field trial was therefore initiated to identify economically justifiable amount of NPS fertilizer in Sibu Sire district. The treatments consist of 100% Pc from TSP and 100, 75, 50, 25% Pc from NPS fertilizer with all recommended N fertilizer and control (no fertilizer application). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Limu seed variety was used for the trial. The results of soil samples collected before sowing showed a deficiency in soil chemical properties. Results of agronomic data showed that all Pc rates significantly increased the plant height, cob length, Seeds per cob and grain yield over control. Phosphorus critical level rate of 100% Pc from NPS gave grain yield (7057 kg ha-1), which is not statistically not different from the application of 50, 75 and 100 % Pc from NPS and also 100% Pc from TSP. The application rate of 75% Pc from NPS offered net return of 130045 ETB ha-1 which was substantially greater than the rest of the fertilizer application. Hence, fertilizer application rate of 75% Pc from NPS is more economically beneficial and recommended for maize production in Sibu Sire district. It is important to deal with further awareness creation and demonstrating of the technology for wider popularization.
Self-Exciting Threshold Autoregressive (SETAR) Modelling of the NSE 20 Share Index Using the Bayesian Approach
Authors: Muindi Jacinta , Muhua George , Wanyonyi Ronald
Published: December 2024

The analysis and interpretation of time series data is of great importance across different fields, including economics, finance, and engineering, among other fields. This kind of data, characterized by sequential observations over time, sometimes exhibits complex patterns and trends that some commonly used models, such as linear autoregressive (AR) and simple moving average (MA) models, cannot capture. This limitation calls for the development of more sophisticated and flexible models that can effectively capture the complexity of time series data. In this study, a more sophisticated model, the Self-Exciting Threshold Autoregressive (SETAR) model, is used to model the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) 20 Share Index, incorporating a Bayesian parameter estimation approach. The objectives of this study are to analyze the properties of the NSE 20 Share Index data, to determine the estimates of SETAR model parameters using the Bayesian approach, to forecast the NSE 20 Share Index for the next 12 months using the fitted model, and to compare the forecasting performance of the Bayesian SETAR with the frequentist SETAR and ARIMA model. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques, that is, Gibbs sampling and the Metropolis-Hastings Algorithm, are used to estimate the model parameters. SETAR (2; 4, 4) model is fitted and used to forecast the NSE 20 Share Index. The study's findings generally reveal an upward trajectory in the NSE 20 Share Index starting September 2024. Even though a slight decline is predicted in November, an upward trend is predicted in the following months. On comparing the performance of the models, the Bayesian SETAR model performed better than the linear ARIMA model for both short and longer forecasting horizons. It also performed better than its counterpart model, which uses the frequentist approach for a longer forecasting horizon. These results show the applicability of SETAR modeling in capturing non-linear dynamics. The Bayesian approach incorporated for parameter estimation advanced the model even further by providing a flexible and robust way of parameter estimation and accommodating uncertainty.
Probiotics Application in the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases and Enhancement of Efficacy Through Genetic Engineering
Authors: Kebede Betemariam , Tilahun Adeba
Published: December 2024

The development of multidrug resistance in most pathogenic microorganisms and the rapidly increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases are becoming major health concerns worldwide. Among non-communicable diseases, autoimmune diseases are caused mainly by imbalances in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis). Gut microbiota colonization and immune system establishment started in the early years of life. A defect in the gut microbiota predominantly affects the proper functioning of immune cells. Hence, restoring gut dysbiosis has received considerable attention for the last few decades as a potential therapeutic option. In this regard, probiotics have been the focus of research during recent decades because of their safe history of use along with fermented foods and beverages. Currently, advanced research is being conducted on the use of probiotics as immunomodulatory mediators and for the amelioration of gut dysbiosis as therapeutic adjuncts in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In addition, probiotics are genetically engineered to enhance treatment efficacy and to develop live biotherapeutics (LBP). In this review, research articles summarizing findings in autoimmune disease treatment via probiotic strains, emphasizing type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves' disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and inflammatory bowel disease in both clinical trials and animal models, were reviewed. Finally, promising results of genetic engineering of probiotics for use as biosensors, delivery of therapeutic proteins, and diagnosis of infections were reported.
Sero- Epidemiological Survey on Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in the Pastural Area of Borana Zone, South West Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Moti Teferi , Bulbula Abdela , Kinfe Getachew , Abera Shubisa
Published: December 2024

Contagious caprine pleuro-pneumonia, or CCPP, is a highly contagious respiratory disease of goats that is considered one of the most severe diseases for this species. Infected animals become very sick, and most will die. The bacteria Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae causes the disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four districts (Yabello, Elwaye, Dubuluk, and Moyale) between September 2022 and November 2023 G. C. The goal was likely to be to assess the prevalence and distribution of CCPP in this important livestock-rearing region. Sero-epidemiological surveys involve testing blood samples using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (cELISA) to detect the presence of antibodies against Mycoplasma capricolum, subsp. Capripneumoniae, which indicates prior exposure and infection. Goats that are infected usually show signs including a high fever, coughing, dyspnea, and nasal discharge. The most popular techniques for diagnosis are bacterial isolation from clinical samples, such as lung tissues or nasal swabs, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and the serological method. A multi-phase random sampling technique was employed, and 1007 samples from non-immunized goats were collected. The overall seroprevalence of CCPP was 39% (393/1007) at the individual animal levels. A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that there was no significant correlation between sero-positivity by age category or sex, with odd ratios of OR (95% CI) 0.6 (0.6–9) and 1.3 (.7–2.3), respectively. This type of survey can provide insights into the overall disease burden and dynamics within a population. A study of this nature in the Borana pastoral area would be valuable for understanding the CCPP situation and informing disease control efforts in that region. Pastoralist communities heavily dependent on goat production would be greatly impacted by outbreaks of this economically-important livestock disease. The disease can be effectively reduced by a variety of control methods, including immunization, restricted movement, quarantine, and culling of sick animals.
Investigating the Influence of Fertilizer Application Rates on Soybean Yield Across Diverse Locations
Authors: Bounbandit Nelamith , Phommalath Siviengkhek , Phommachan Bouakhai , Phviseth Kito , Latvilayvong Paphatsone , Thavonesack Thiphakone , Symoukda Kongmy
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the impact of varying fertilizer application rates on soybean yield and agronomic characteristics in three distinct locations within Lao PDR (Laos People’s Democratic Republic-Lao PDR): the Rice and Cash Crop Research Center (RCCRC), the Faculty of Agriculture Nabong Campus (National University of Laos, NUoL), and the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment Nongpheu Campus (Savannakhet University, SKU). The field experiment was conducted during the 2022 growing season (August to December) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Five fertilizer treatments were applied to a total of 15 experimental units, encompassing varying combinations and rates of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Agronomic traits, including plant height, number of branches, pods per plant, individual plant weight, 100-seed weight, and grain yield, were measured at maturity. Data analysis was performed using Statistix 10.0 software with a significance level of 95% (P < 0.05). Significant differences (P < 0.01) were observed among the fertilizer treatments for the number of branches, pods per plant, individual plant weight, and ultimately, grain yield. However, plant height and 100-seed weight were not significantly affected by the different fertilizer applications (P > 0.05). The highest grain yields were achieved with the application of organic fertilizer at a rate of 2,000 kg/ha (2.48 t/ha) and a combination of organic fertilizer at 1,000 kg/ha with inorganic fertilizer at 100 kg/ha (2.57 t/ha). Conversely, the control treatment, which received no fertilizer, resulted in the lowest grain yield. These results highlight the importance of fertilizer management strategies in optimizing soybean production in Lao PDR. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of these fertilizer regimes on soil health and environmental sustainability.
Additive and Non-additive Genetic Effects on Growth and Egg Production Performance of Crossbred Chicken in Ethiopia
Authors: Taye Shambel , Dawit Mahilet
Published: December 2024

The present review article aims to provide an overview of the additive and non-additive genetic effects of crossbreeding and their contribution to the improvement of growth and egg production traits in chickens. It discusses the advancement in crossbreeding effects and mating design contribution to a significant rate of genetic progress in indigenous chicken. In Ethiopia, crossbreeding practice may be used to enhance the performance of local chicken ecotypes. The article extensively reviews various papers related to crossbreeding trials conducted in Ethiopia, evaluating their effectiveness in improving growth and egg production. It discusses the mating design and breeds used in these programs, such as exotic breeds like Rhode Island Red, Fayoumi, White Leghorn, Koekoek, Sasso, Kuroiler, and local Ethiopian chicken ecotypes. Among the exotic breeds involved in crossbreeding, Rhode Island Red and Sasso are considered more favorable for improving growth rate and color preference, while White Leghorn is preferred for enhancing egg production traits. In opposite to these indigenous chickens are preferred for disease resistance and product quality. Additive genetic effects are typically responsible for the genetic improvement of traits over generations through selection. In egg production, additive genetic effects influence the overall capacity of a chicken to lay eggs, affecting traits like egg number and egg size. Whereas, In growth performance, additive genetic effects influence traits like body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and overall growth rate. Non-additive genetic effects include dominance and epistatic interactions between genes. These effects can lead to genetic heterogeneity and can impact traits like egg production and growth performance besides playing a role in hybrid vigor or heterosis. In conclusion, both additive and non-additive genetic effects play a crucial role in determining egg production and growth performance in chickens. Additive effects drive genetic improvement over generations, while non-additive effects provide immediate benefits like hybrid vigor. Understanding and utilizing both types of genetic effects is essential for enhancing these traits in poultry breeding programs. Chicken crossbreeding programs are highly important in the poultry industry as they continuously improve the genetic potential of chickens, leading to more efficient production systems and higher profitability for producers.
Personal Level Drivers and Sustainability of Medium-Sized Enterprises in Sub-saharan Africa
Authors: Musyoki Edna , Senelwa Anaya , Mugambi Allan
Published: December 2024

This study aims to examine the multilevel drivers that affect the sustainability of SMEs with a critical focus on medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya, which are regulated by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). The study focused on four key levels: personal, institutional, intermediary, and macro. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design with self-administered questionnaires that were used to collect data. The study used cluster sampling to group the MSEs in clusters per economic bloc, where a sample of 298 organizations was picked using a simple random sampling technique after employing the Yamane (1967) formula to determine the sample size. A pilot test and validity and reliability tests were conducted to establish the reliability of the research instrument before use. The medium-sized enterprises targeted are operating in different sectors in 7 economic blocs, as per the information obtained from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. The statistical model used to analyze data was OLS simple linear regression, later moderated with financial characteristics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis to explain the relationship between the dependent and independent variables and the moderating effect of economic factors. 217 out of 298 filled and returned the questionnaires. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study rejected the null hypotheses. The study established that a unit change in Personal Level Drivers leads to a 46.7% increase in the sustainability of SMEs. Again, the study established that a unit change in Personal Level Drivers moderated by Financial Characteristics leads to a rise of 48.4% in sustainability. The study has implications for the government; there are managerial implications for SMEs and future researchers.
Profile of Skin Diseases in Rural Guinea
Authors: Kante Mamadou , Savane Moussa , Toure Mariam , Diallo Fatoumata , Camara Salifou , Tounkara Kade , Tounkara Thierno , Cisse Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Background: Skin diseases are diverse and constitute a major public health problem in developing countries, where they are the third most common reason for consultations. Access to dermatological care remains limited in rural communities. The proportion and type of skin pathologies vary from one country to another. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of skin diseases in Guinean communities. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study in June 2022, carried out in a community setting and included all patients with skin conditions residing in the study area aspiring to dermatological care and who were able to travel to the study site. Results: Out of a total of 615 patients consulted, 582 had a skin disease, i.e. a prevalence of 94.6%. The median age of the patients was 14 years, with a predominance of females (61.7%), mostly single (72.7%) and having attended a solar school (58.5%). Skin pathologies were dominated by infectious dermatoses (54.4%), followed by inflammatory dermatoses (23.0%). Scabies predominated, followed by ringworm, with a statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: The profile of skin diseases found is similar to that of Conakry University Hospital. The implementation of teledermatology remains an option for increasing the provision of dermatological care.