bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotechnological Advancements for Environmental Conservation in East Africa
Authors: Said Mohamed , Isack Ahmed Dahir , Hassan Faiz Ul
Published: March 2024

The environment serves as a critical lifeline for both humanity and diverse biotic organisms, necessitating the imperative of Environmental conservation to safeguard the natural world from the deleterious impacts of human activities. This paper explores the intersection of environmental sustainability and biotechnological advancements in East Africa. In the face of global environmental challenges, the study accentuates the importance of transitioning to eco-friendly industrial processes, with biotechnological tools emerging as sustainable alternatives to traditional methods. The research delves into the multifaceted applications of biotechnology, showcasing its potential to revolutionize the preservation and rehabilitation of contaminated environments, particularly in soil and water. Groundbreaking techniques such as in vitro culture and cryopreservation are highlighted for their efficacy in collecting and conserving genetic resources, particularly for species that pose challenges when conserved as seeds. Plant biotechnology emerges as a singular solution capable of addressing agricultural and food security concerns while simultaneously mitigating environmental issues in East Africa. A pivotal aspect of the examination is the emphasis on multidisciplinary infrastructure, recognizing the need for collaborative efforts to maximize the impact of biotechnological interventions. The paper explores diverse applications, including the role of plant biotechnology in enhancing agriculture, the contributions of bioremediation in ecosystem restoration, the transformative impact of genetic engineering on agriculture, and the potential of synthetic biology in providing renewable energy solutions. The results underscore the critical role played by biotechnology in promoting environmental conservation, fostering sustainable development, and addressing the unique challenges faced by East Africa. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the nexus between biotechnological innovations and environmental sustainability, providing insights that can inform policies, strategies, and collaborative initiatives aimed at achieving a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural world in the East African context.
Monsoon Season Spatial Distribution of Particulates Concentration in the Road Intersection Area of Different Land Use in Major City in South Asian Countries
Authors: Majumder Ahmad Kamruzzaman , Akbar A. T. M. Masudul , Rahman Marziat , Patoary Md. Nasir Ahmmed , Islam Md. Rakibul , Majumder Rasheduzzaman
Published: March 2024

Air pollution has become one of the most significant issues in the metropolitan area of Dhaka in recent years. There are various sources of air pollution in Dhaka city, among them, unfit vehicles and industries are notable with under construction work done by Dhaka city Corporation. With regard to various land uses in the Dhaka metropolitan region, this study intends for monitoring the Particulate Matters (PM2•5 and PM10) concentrations and its relationship to the various types of land use in the region. This investigation was carried out in 82 different places throughout the Dhaka metropolitan area by using instrument named Aeroqual S-500. Study found that the average concentrations of PM2•5 and PM10 in these locations were 31.10 and 72.03 g/m3, respectively. The average concentration of PM2•5 and PM10 across all land uses was found to be 1.4148 and 1.7082 times higher than the WHO standard threshold, respectively. It is estimated that the average PM2.5/PM10 was 46.32%. It also revealed that the concentrations of the parameters do not change significantly with land use as the p values are greater than 0.05. Average concentration of PM2•5 & PM10 follows as mixed area > residential area > commercial area > silent area > industrial area.
Complexity of Some Types of Cyclic Snake Graphs
Authors: Mohamed Basma , Amin Mohamed
Published: March 2024

The number of spanning trees in graphs (networks) is a crucial invariant, and it is also an important measure of the reliability of a network. Spanning trees are special subgraphs of a graph that have several important properties. First, T must span G, which means it must contain every vertex in graph G, if T is a spanning tree of graph G. T needs to be a subgraph of G, second. Stated differently, any edge present in T needs to be present in G as well. Third, G is the same as T if each edge in T is likewise present in G. In path-finding algorithms like Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm and A* search algorithm, spanning trees play an essential part. In those approaches, spanning trees are computed as component components. Protocols for network routing also take advantage of it. In numerous techniques and applications, minimum spanning trees are highly beneficial. Computer networks, electrical grids, and water networks all frequently use them. They are also utilized in significant algorithms like the min-cut max-flow algorithm and in graph issues like the travelling salesperson problem. In this paper, we use matrix analysis and linear algebra techniques to obtain simple formulas for the number of spanning trees of certain kinds of cyclic snake graphs.
Smallholder Sesame Producers’ Adaptation Decisions to Climate Change and Its Determinants in Western Ethiopia
Authors: Debela Gemechis Mersha , Lemma Engdasew Feleke
Published: March 2024

The agricultural sector remains the main source of livelihood for rural communities in Ethiopia, but the challenge of changing climate continues to pose a serious threat to its development. This study investigated factors affecting smallholder farmers’ decisions to adopt adaptation options to climate change in West Ethiopia using data collected from 400 sampled households. The Rainfall Satisfaction Index and Multinomial Logit Model were used to analyze farmers’ exposure to climate variability and factors that shape farmers' adaptation strategies. The findings of the study showed that the majority of farmers are experiencing high exposure to climate change both in terms of variable rainfall and rising temperature. In response, to adapt to the impact of climate change farmers were participating in agronomic practices, livelihood diversification, soil and water conservation, and small-scale irrigation as the dominant adaptation options. It is also observed that adopting agronomic practices was significantly impacted by social capital, crop failure experience, and access to early warning. Gender of the household, education, and livestock ownership were found to have a negative relationship with livelihood diversification. The study further revealed that soil and water conservation measures are positively affected by perception of temperature increment, exposure to early warning systems, and larger size of cultivated land. In addition, the adoption of small-scale irrigation was significantly influenced by access to credit, social capital, and the educational status of household heads. Consequently, the result implies that programs and policies designed to curb the calamities of climate change should emphasize creating effective early warning systems to increase farmer awareness, reach farmers with effective microfinance institutions, and encourage farmers’ ties to many social cooperatives.
Influence of Mid-Infrared Irradiation on Amla’s (Phyllanthus emblica) Physicochemical Properties and Acceptability Index
Authors: Umakanthan NULL , Mathi Madhu , Umadevi NULL , Sivaramakrishnan NULL
Published: March 2024

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), commonly known as Indian gooseberry, is highly esteemed for its nutritional and medicinal properties. It possesses a rich abundance of bioactive compounds and exhibits a wide range of health benefits, including anti-hyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, anticancerous, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Amla lends itself to the production of diverse value-added goods such as powder, candy, juice, soup, and oil, offering a convenient and nutritious means of incorporating this fruit into one's daily regimen. Earlier studies suggest that irradiation can have both positive and negative effects on amla, depending on the specific parameters and doses used. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study was to positively enhance the inherent characteristics of amla by employing the safe and effective 2-6 µm mid-infrared rays, thereby further augmenting its value. Our research utilized a water-based atomizer known as the 2-6µm mid-infrared radiation generating atomizer (MIRGA), which was recently developed by us. A panel of sensory experts conducted a thorough assessment of amla both before and after the application of mid-IR radiation. In addition, various analytical techniques, including FTIR, PXRD, TEM, and H1NMR, were employed to further characterize the irradiated amla. The results demonstrated that the application of mid-IR radiation positively influenced the sensory attributes of amla, enhancing its palatability. Furthermore, the findings revealed significant transformations at the atomic, bond, and compound levels. Hence, it can be inferred that the utilization of mid-IR radiation through an economical, easily accessible, and safe technology holds immense potential for elevating the quality of amla.
Household Hazardous Materials Identification and Management Practices Among Residents of Irewole Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Mumuni Adejumo , Oyedunsi Olaniyi Maryam , Chandra Sridhar Mynepalli Kameswara
Published: March 2024

Most emerging world contaminants have been linked to improper management of household hazardous materials and are currently receiving global attention due to the threat they pose to public health and the environment. There are guidelines for the entire management of household hazardous materials, but there exist inadequate information on its identification and management practices at household level. Therefore, the present study was conducted to fill the gap. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 346 randomly selected households in Irewole Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. A validated semi-structured questionnaire and observational checklist were used to gather information. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square at p<0.05. Respondents’ mean age was 34.5±12.8 years, 54.3% were female while 66.8% had attained tertiary education. The major hazardous materials observed in most of the houses were laundry and dish washing detergents (94.1%), insecticide (90.7%) and household disinfectants (88.3%). Fifty-nine percent of the participants mentioned open burning as the most preferred method of disposal of household hazardous materials. The mean practice score was 6.4±1.9, 62.0% had inappropriate practices towards household hazardous materials management. Significantly, 78.5% of the respondents with tertiary education had appropriate practice towards managing household hazardous materials than those who had attained secondary (16.9%) and primary education (4.6%). Laundry and dish washing detergents, insecticide and household disinfectants were observed in most of the houses. Also participants were engaged in inappropriate practices for the management of household hazardous waste. Households should have access to hazardous waste management facilities, and educational information and communication materials to improve their management practices.
The Role of Egyptian Family in Confronting COVID-19 (Field Study of Some Recovered Patients)
Authors: Malak Nabila Tager KhirAlla
Published: March 2024

The research topic emerged in an attempt to observe the role of Egyptian family in confronting COVID-19 pandemic. Through revealing the health habits and behaviors in confronting this virus, and identifying its concept, sources of knowledge (traditional and modern sources). The study also identified causes of infection with study cases, its symptoms and repercussions resulting from infection, family role towards the infected member, and reveal the impact of gender, age, and social class dimensions in confronting COVID-19. The study depended upon socialization theory and social role theory. The anthropological approach and its tools, which is observation, thorough interview, and fieldwork guide was used to collect data. A purposive sample of 30 COVID-19 recovered individuals was selected, considering the diversity in gender, age, education, social class, and rural-urban divide. The most important finding of the study was the family role towards the infected member, whether it be a positive or negative role, support and cooperation, or withdrawal and neglect. The family was not the main source of knowledge about COVID-19. Social media was the best and fastest source, followed by specialists, either from relatives or through the media. Initially, the majority of thoughts about the virus were contradictory, which led to anxiety in majority of the study cases. The family acted a crucial role in providing health and psychological support. The causes of infection and its repercussions varied. The family acted a role towards the infected member, either by following healthy behaviors or by confusion due to ignorance and poverty.
Relevancy of Modern Agriculture Education on Students’ Farming Practical Skills in Secondary Schools of Kabujogera Town Council, Kitagwenda District
Authors: Everest Turyamureba , Ssemakula Edward , Nuwemuhwezi Gershom
Published: March 2024

Despite the importance of agriculture education, it has recently been approved that agriculture students still lack practical skills and this could be attributed to poor delivery of methods on modern agriculture education and other numerous challenge like retention rates of students, lack of interest from the learners, lack of practical time/opportunities, limited funding for agriculture practicals, and low passion by agriculture teachers. The study was about the relevancy of modern agriculture education on students’ farming practical skills in secondary schools in Kabujogera Town council, Kitagwenda district. It was guided by three specific objectives which were to; examine different methods of modern agriculture education taught in secondary schools, identify the challenges experienced in modern agriculture education in secondary schools, evaluate the strategies to enhance modern agriculture education in order to improve practical skills among secondary students. The study employed a cross-sectional study design that used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study used a sample size of 248. The study used questionnaires and interview guide to collect data. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists. The study concluded that modern agricultural education methods had significant relationship with improving students’ farming practical skills. These included; utilization of modern agricultural inputs (x2 = 8.305, p=0.005), Use of improved farm machines (x2 = 6.048, p=0.001), Pre and Post-harvest handling (x2 = 4.985, p= 0.026), and use of modern resistant crop varieties (x2 = 4.120, p=0.004). The study concluded that there were significant challenges experienced in modern agriculture education. These included; limited modern agricultural in puts at [p = 0.001], lack of resources to use [p = 0.005], poor motivation among students and teachers [p = 0.003], limited school farm size [p = 0.001] and poor learning environment [p = 0.004]. The study finally concluded that strategies to enhance modern agriculture education had significant association with improving student’s farming practical skills. Such as; agriculture tours and field trips (p=.027), class discussion student involvement (p=.029), use of practical demonstration method (p=.004) and recruitment of experienced agriculture teachers (p=.028). The study recommended that; there should be training and re-training among teachers and students of agricultural science on use of modern agricultural education technology. Secondary schools should ensure establishment of enough demonstration farms that students would constantly visit in order to copy much on how to do agriculture practical work to improve their skills and experience.
Proposal of the Theory of Anti-Lethargy of Small Farmers Based on the Analysis of Sustainable Governance Peru 2022
Authors: Vela Ana Luisa Mendoza
Published: March 2024

This research aimed to examine the sustainable governance applicable to small organic agriculture in Peru by 2022. The qualitative methodology was employed in the case study, enabling the acquisition of concrete, contextual, and comprehensive knowledge regarding the environmental governance that Peru has been experiencing. The study subjects comprised 15 representatives of producer organizations from the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon, as well as 5 representatives of institutions associated with the agrarian and environmental governance of Peru. The semi-structured interview was conducted with them, complemented by a documentary analysis of the primary agricultural and environmental public policies. The results indicate an enormous gap in environmental governance between the three levels of government (national government, regional governments and municipalities) and between multisectors (the ministries dedicated to the themes are given: agrarian, environmental, social, and production) It has been concluded that there is no comprehensive vision for organic agriculture as an environmental sustainability strategy. The 'Theory of Anti-Lethargy of Small Farmers in the Face of Sustainable Governance' is proposed, which encompasses strategies to encourage agrarian participation, given that more than two million farmers are awaiting the government's intervention, i.e. citizens who have not comprehended the importance of being involved, active, and committed. This approach has the potential to generate economies of scale, enhance opportunities, and elevate living standards for the next generation.
The Beneficial Impact of Iron-Fortified Complementary Feeding in the Burden of Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) in Children of Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Ayub , Rahman Ziaur , Akter Muslima , Uddin Mohammed Jamal , Das Juwel , Uddin Golam Moin
Published: March 2024

Fortifying food with iron is the most cost-effective way to avoid iron deficiency anemia, a global public health crisis. In addition to choosing the appropriate dietary context for ingestion, it is critical to choose the appropriate iron form and food carrier. Among the increased hazards include low birth weight and preterm delivery. Children with IDA have slower development, worse cognitive performance, and lower levels of physical activity. In women, it also raises the risk of morbidity and death. The amount of iron required in the diet, one's socioeconomic status, and overall health are all crucial factors to take into account. To combat IDA, a variety of dietary approaches, iron-fortified foods, supplements, and disease management techniques have all been employed. Nowadays, food fortification with iron is seen to be a long-term, sustainable solution. To be effective, the iron fortification program's food transporters and fortificants must be deemed safe, pleasant, and acceptable by the target population. It also shouldn't have a detrimental effect on the stability and acceptance of the finished product. This article provides a thorough summary of the current state of iron deficiency in women and children in Bangladesh. This study addresses current issues as well as the efficacy of current therapeutic strategies. Prevention-focused treatments ought to take precedence over treatment-focused ones in high-risk populations. Unknown are the long-term benefits, and unfavorable outcomes are possible. Despite the tremendous progress made, several plans and initiatives are still being supported. These issues are to coverage, quality, and compliance. The findings suggest that iron deficiency and anemia are still major problems in Bangladesh, despite the fact that certain severe deficiencies have been addressed by current intervention efforts. There is a need for more integrated solutions to assist current intervention efforts. Furthermore, new approaches to the management of certain types of iron deficiency anemia are proposed.
The Sensitivity of Supercell Cold Pools to the Lifting Condensation Level and the Predicted Particle Properties Microphysics Scheme
Authors: Murdzek Shawn S. , Richardson Yvette P. , Markowski Paul M.
Published: March 2024

Previous work found that cold pools in ordinary convection are more sensitive to the microphysics scheme when the lifting condensation level (LCL) is higher owing to a greater evaporation potential, which magnifies microphysical uncertainties. In the current study, we explore whether the same reasoning can be applied to supercellular cold pools. To do this, four perturbed-microphysics ensembles are run, with each using an environment with a different LCL. Similar to ordinary convection, the sensitivity of supercellular cold pools to the microphysics increases with higher LCLs, though the physical reasoning for this increase in sensitivity differs from a previous study. Using buoyancy budgets along parcel trajectories that terminate in the cold pool, we find that negative buoyancy generated by microphysical cooling is partially countered by a decrease in environmental potential temperatures as the parcel descends. This partial erosion of negative buoyancy as parcels descend is most pronounced in the low-LCL storms, which have steeper vertical profiles of environmental potential temperature in the lower atmosphere. When this erosion is accounted for, the strength of the strongest cold pools in the low-LCL ensemble is reduced, resulting in a narrower distribution of cold pool strengths. This narrower distribution is indicative of reduced sensitivity to the microphysics. These results suggest that supercell behavior and supercell hazards (e.g., tornadoes) may be more predictable in low-LCL environments.

Significance Statement

Thunderstorms typically produce “pools” of cold air beneath them owing in part to the evaporation of rain and melting of ice produced by the storm. Past work has found that in computer simulations of thunderstorms, the cold pools that form beneath thunderstorms are sensitive to how rain and ice are modeled in the simulation. In this study, we show that in the strongest thunderstorms that are capable of producing tornadoes, this sensitivity is reduced when the humidity in the lowest few kilometers above the surface is increased. Exploring why the sensitivity is reduced when the humidity increases provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between humidity and cold pool strength, which is important for severe storm forecasting.
Optimization and Impact Assessment of Technology Management of Solar Energy in Rwanda
Authors: Ihirwe Jeanne Paula , Li Zibiao , Jin Nie , Sun Keyuan , Asemota Godwin Norense Osarumwense , Yuanyuan Liu , Dushimimana Jean De Dieu
Published: March 2024

There is a rarity of research about technology management in the solar energy industry in Rwanda and very little analysis is available on the effectiveness of the technology used in solar home systems (SHSs). Using a binary logistic regression to primary data collected through Kobo Collect, this study assesses the factors that are involved in SHS business in Rwanda. The findings reveal a difference in successfully collecting money from customers who purchase SHSs on an installment payment plan concerning the type of SHS (i.e. pay-as-you-go (PAYG) and non-pay-as-you-go (non-PAYG)). In terms of the odds ratio concept, a statistical interpretation was provided. If the customer has a non-PAYG SHS, getting a reminder from the solar energy company’s agent will increase by 9.52 times. That means, it is 9.52 times higher for the non-PAYG SHS as compared to a customer with PAYG SHS. The results also show that the multicollinearity assumptions for the economic, social, technological, and management models are not violated and are optimal because each of the variance inflation factors (VIFs) was close to unity. However, only the socialization predictors were not significant enhancements in the goodness-of-fit relative to the intercept-only model. The Nagelkerke R2 indicates only an average (49.5%) relationship between the prediction and grouping of the modified economic pricing model. The Hosmer–Lemeshow measures indicate that the models in this research are optimal and good fits for the data studied. Furthermore, the predicted success overall performance for the economic, social, technological, and managerial models was 73.2% on average. The Wald criterion equally demonstrated that only the monthly installment amount (with and without outliers), type of SHS, and payment channel made significant contributions to the prediction optimization problem. Therefore, the solar energy companies in Rwanda need to rely on the findings of studies like this to successfully manage customers’ accounts optimally.
Global Coloniality and Ecological Injustice in Imbolo Mbue’s How Beautiful We Were (2021)
Authors: Nare Motsusi , Moopi Peter , Nyambi Oliver
Published: March 2024

Postcolonial environmentalism in Africa explores interactions between humans and nature in the context of intensifying ecological violence in the aftermath of formal colonialism and its trademark violence of extractive power. As a critical approach that stresses the influence of colonial remains in everyday socio-political processes and relations, postcolonial environmentalism has been widely deployed to examine the interconnected relationship between the environment, materiality, and humans, with a focus on how one impacts and define the others. This study invokes, in a broad sense, African postcolonial ecocriticism to explore how creative literature is being used as a strategy of negotiating ecological violence in the era of global multi-national corporatism. The study adopts Grosfoguel’s idea of global coloniality as a conceptual framework to examine how Imbolo Mbue’s novel How Beautiful We Were (2021) portrays a Cameroonian postcolony where transnational corporations and corrupt governments perpetuate colonial machineries of extraction, ecological devastation, improvisation, dehumanization and violence. The article argues that Mbue symbolically uses decolonial environmental motifs to illustrate what is lost when symbiotic bonds between communal African societies and their natural environments are sacrificed for corporate profits that leave exploitation, environmental degradation and moral debauchery in their trails.
Structure, performance, and crystallization behavior of Turkey leonardite and raw kaolin added polylactic acid composite films
Authors: Şen İbrahim
Published: March 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) film composites filled with two clays, Raw Kaolin (KAO), an inorganic structure, and Leonardite (LEO), an organic structure, as well as KAO/LEO mixtures, were prepared via solvent casting method. The main aim of this research was to investigate both the individual and the synergetic effects of LEO and KAO; they are incorporated together into a PLA matrix. The influence of these fillers content on the morphological and structural characteristics of the composites was investigated by the DSC, TGA, FT-IR, SEM, XRD, color, haze, and opacity analysis. According to the TGA analysis, significant decreases in Tmax2 were observed with the addition of LEO in PLA. It is also seen in films with KAO/LEO that support this result. Utilizing the solvent casting method, two melting points were formed in PLA films. The P0 film has lower Tg, Tcc, and Tm1 values than other films. However, there were small changes in Tg and Tm2 values in all films. Up to 7.5% amount of LEO and KAO, the mechanical properties of the films improved. The 3L film exhibited the best mechanical properties. The filler materials used were mostly homogeneously distributed, according to the SEM analysis, and as the amount increased, agglomerations were observed in the fillings on the surface. The addition of LEO and KAO changed the surface color, visual appearance, and opacity significantly. The haze values of films are near 100. These film composites have been shown to improve many properties of the P0 film.
‘I was just left to get on with the job’: Understanding grief and work through a relational lens
Authors: Reed Kate
Published: March 2024

Although grief can have a profound effect on the workplace, the long-term lived experience of working after bereavement remains under researched. But how is grief experienced at work? And to what extent does this experience vary according to type of loss and form of work? Drawing on data collected through a qualitative online survey (n = 220), this article provides a sociological exploration of experiences of work after bereavement. The article will argue that while grief can be silenced in the workplace, work can also provide an important source of relational connection for bereaved individuals. It concludes by reflecting on the need to move beyond linear approaches to grief and work, highlighting the important intersection of social relations and place. By analysing experiences through a relational lens, this article seeks to offer an original contribution to the sociology of work, and to grief theory as applied in the workplace.
The role of heterogeneity in autonomous perimeter defense problems
Authors: Adler Aviv , Mickelin Oscar , Ramachandran Ragesh K. , Sukhatme Gaurav S. , Karaman Sertac
Published: March 2024

When is heterogeneity in the composition of an autonomous robotic team beneficial and when is it detrimental? We investigate and answer this question in the context of a minimally viable model that examines the role of heterogeneous speeds in perimeter defense problems, where defenders share a total allocated speed budget. We consider two distinct problem settings and develop strategies based on dynamic programming and on local interaction rules. We present a theoretical analysis of both approaches and our results are extensively validated using simulations. Interestingly, our results demonstrate that the viability of heterogeneous teams depends on the amount of information available to the defenders. Moreover, our results suggest a universality property: across a wide range of problem parameters the optimal ratio of the speeds of the defenders remains nearly constant.
External validation of the PC-ECMO score in postcardiotomy veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Biancari Fausto , Juvonen Tatu , Cho Sung-Min , Hernández Pérez Francisco J , L’Acqua Camilla , Arafat Amr A , AlBarak Mohammed M , Laimoud Mohamed , Djordjevic Ilija , Samalavicius Robertas , Alonso-Fernandez-Gatta Marta , Sahli Sebastian D , Kaserer Alexander , Dominici Carmelo , Mäkikallio Timo
Published: March 2024

Reliable stratification of the risk of early mortality after postcardiotomy veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A-ECMO) remains elusive. In this study, we externally validated the PC-ECMO score, a specific risk scoring method for prediction of in-hospital mortality after postcardiotomy V-A-ECMO. Overall, 614 patients who required V-A-ECMO after adult cardiac surgery were gathered from an individual patient data meta-analysis of nine studies on this topic. The AUC of the logistic PC-ECMO score in predicting in-hospital mortality was 0.678 (95%CI 0.630–0.726; p < 0.0001). The AUC of the logistic PC-ECMO score in predicting on V-A-ECMO mortality was 0.652 (95%CI 0.609–0.695; p < 0.0001). The Brier score of the logistic PC-ECMO score for in-hospital mortality was 0.193, the slope 0.909, the calibration-in-the-large 0.074 and the expected/observed mortality ratio 0.979. 95%CIs of the calibration belt of fit relationship between observed and predicted in-hospital mortality were never above or below the bisector ( p = 0.072). The present findings suggest that the PC-ECMO score may be a valuable tool in clinical research for stratification of the risk of patients requiring postcardiotomy V-A-ECMO.
Hyperbranched polyglycidol grafted with rosin by a natural catalyst under ultrasound: Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Mostefai Amina , Belalia Mahmoud , Harrane Amine , Hamed Djahira , Bezzekhami Mohammed Amin , Belkacemi Louiza
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to apply a novel green polymerization process to produce a new copolymer with potential antimicrobial activity for industrial application. The glycidol was polymerized into hyperbranched polyglycidol (HPG) polymer which in turn has been esterified with rosin to produce hyperbranched copoly(glycidol-Rosin) (HPGR), a new co-polymer. The process used Maghnite-H+, a montmorillonite silicate sheet clay, as an eco-catalyst and ultrasound was applied to enhance the interaction during polymerization. Different catalyst amounts were tested to assess their effects on the polymerization process. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were used to analyze the polymer products. The antimicrobial activity of HPGR was assessed against six human standard microbial strains using the agar disc diffusion method. The catalyst percentage of 10% resulted in the best yield for HPGR (35%). Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) revealed a best thermal stability of HPGR compared to that of HPG. The HPGR co-polymer displayed the best antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, producing inhibition zones of 12.33 ± 0.57, 11.00 ± 1.00, 10.66 ± 1.15, and 10.33 ± 1.15 mm, respectively. The hyperbranched copoly(glycidol-Rosin), an eco-catalyst-synthesized co-polymer, displayed interesting physical and antimicrobial properties for industrial application.
Occupation of vacant buildings in central districts by social movements as a means to deal with climate change in an inclusive way: the cases of cities São Paulo and Natal
Authors: Moretti Julia Azevedo , Cavalcanti Emanuel Ramos , Brasil Amíria Bezerra , Moretti Ricardo De Sousa
Published: March 2024

People’s organized struggles for housing challenge Brazil’s exclusionary urbanization. Occupations of vacant buildings by social movements have been pressing municipalities to guarantee the right to the city. Climate change accentuates the risks associated with exclusionary urbanization, and responses to its impacts demand mitigation and adaptation measures that support transformations tackling inequalities and vulnerabilities. This paper highlights the dimensions of inequality, as well as the role of social movements in setting an agenda on climate justice while reducing vulnerability and creating housing alternatives in vacant central buildings of São Paulo and Natal. To this end, we conducted a review of relevant literature along with participatory action-research on insurgent practices of housing social movements in both cities.
Simultaneous inference procedures for the comparison of multiple characteristics of two survival functions
Authors: Ristl Robin , Götte Heiko , Schüler Armin , Posch Martin , König Franz
Published: March 2024

Survival time is the primary endpoint of many randomized controlled trials, and a treatment effect is typically quantified by the hazard ratio under the assumption of proportional hazards. Awareness is increasing that in many settings this assumption is a priori violated, for example, due to delayed onset of drug effect. In these cases, interpretation of the hazard ratio estimate is ambiguous and statistical inference for alternative parameters to quantify a treatment effect is warranted. We consider differences or ratios of milestone survival probabilities or quantiles, differences in restricted mean survival times, and an average hazard ratio to be of interest. Typically, more than one such parameter needs to be reported to assess possible treatment benefits, and in confirmatory trials, the according inferential procedures need to be adjusted for multiplicity. A simple Bonferroni adjustment may be too conservative because the different parameters of interest typically show considerable correlation. Hence simultaneous inference procedures that take into account the correlation are warranted. By using the counting process representation of the mentioned parameters, we show that their estimates are asymptotically multivariate normal and we provide an estimate for their covariance matrix. We propose according to the parametric multiple testing procedures and simultaneous confidence intervals. Also, the logrank test may be included in the framework. Finite sample type I error rate and power are studied by simulation. The methods are illustrated with an example from oncology. A software implementation is provided in the R package nph.
The Effects of Intermarriages Versus Intramarriages on Intergroup Relationships Among Kurdish Tribes
Authors: Akdoğan Nuri , Kuşdil M. Ersin
Published: March 2024

The present study investigated the effects of intermarriages versus intramarriages on intragroup and intergroup relationships in terms of evaluation, perceived similarity, social distance and social contact. For this purpose, data were collected from 200 members of the Ertushi and Pinyanishi Kurdish tribes living in Hakkari, Turkey who practiced intramarriage ( n = 108) or intermarriage ( n = 92). Results show that intermarried participants assessed both tribal identities not only positively but also similar to themselves, whereas intramarried participants assessed their tribe more positively and similar to themselves than the other tribe. Also, intermarried participants were significantly different from intramarried participants in terms of contact frequency with ingroup, contact frequency and quality with outgroup and social distance towards outgroup. These findings imply that social identity acquired through marriage affects one’s perception and attitude towards members of that identity positively, as well as reducing social distance and increasing contact frequency/quality with them.
Use of Health Care Services and Its Associated Factors Among People With Type 2 Diabetes in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Grish , Vandelanotte Corneel , Dahal Padam Kanta , Rawal Lal
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to assess the utilization of health care services and its associated factors among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nepal. Data on the utilization of health care services were assessed in 481 adults aged 30 to 70 years with T2DM in Nepal. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with the utilization of health care services. Over 6 months, 66.1% of participants visited health care facilities or health service providers, followed by specialist visits (3.5%), hospitalization (2.1%), and emergency department visits (1.9%). Visit to health care facilities was significantly higher among those aged 50 to 59 years old (ORA: 1.64), practicing Hinduism (ORA: 2.4), and earning NRs ≥30 000 (≥USD 226.10) (ORA: 1.82) as compared to those aged ≥60 years old, practicing other religions, and with monthly family income NRs ≤10 000 (≤USD 75.37), respectively. The utilization of health care services among people with T2DM in Nepal was reasonably low. Identifying the underlying causes of low use of health care services is of great importance to bridge the gap in using health care services for management of diabetes.
The Transformative Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Shaping Gender Norms and Empowering Women: Evidence From Pakistan and Nepal
Authors: Islam Md Jahirul , Broidy Lisa
Published: March 2024

This study explores how information and communication technologies (ICTs) influence transforming attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV) and women's empowerment in Pakistan and Nepal. By analyzing data from married women using recent Demographic and Health Surveys, the research reveals that owning multiple ICTs is associated with decreased experiences of physical IPV and reduced acceptance of wife-beating. Notably, increased ownership of ICTs corresponds to heightened participation in household decisions. Furthermore, regular internet use further diminishes the likelihood of experiencing physical IPV and justifying wife-beating. These findings underscore ICTs’ potential to empower women, reshape gender norms, and enhance decision-making autonomy. The study advocates for gender-inclusive policy interventions that leverage the transformative influence of ICTs in fostering positive sociocultural changes.
Smoking among immigrants in Norway: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kjøllesdal Marte K.R. , Indseth Thor
Published: March 2024

Background:

Smoking among immigrants varies by country background and is high in some groups. More detailed information about smoking prevalence by country background and sociodemographic factors is needed to target interventions.

Methods:

Data from the Survey on Living Conditions among immigrants 2016 were used, including immigrants from 12 countries and with ⩾2 years of residence ( N = 3565). Data on smoking (daily and occasional) by country of birth, sex, age group, education, duration of residence, age at immigration, proficiency in the Norwegian language, and social support were reported.

Results:

The highest proportions of daily smokers were seen among immigrants from Turkey (36%), Poland (34%), and Vietnam (29%) for men, and from Turkey (22%), Bosnia-Herzegovina (18%), and Poland (17%) for women. Differences in smoking by sociodemographic factors varied with country background, but for several groups of men, the lowest proportions of smokers were seen among those with the highest educational level, those who were employed, and those who immigrated during childhood or adolescence.

Conclusions:

Policies are warranted that target smoking among immigrant men in general, and particularly among men from Turkey, Poland, and Vietnam, as well as for women from Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Poland.
Metallurgical, mechanical, and corrosion behavior of AISI 304L joints welded using variable arc energy inputs and subjected to thermal aging
Authors: Kumar Subodh , Shahi Amandeep S , Sharma Varun , Malhotra Dikshant
Published: March 2024

The effect of three levels of welding arc energy input on the metallurgical, mechanical, and corrosion behavior of AISI 304L stainless steel was studied with the aim of investigating and recommending the most useful range of process parameters for improved performance of engineering structures made from this industrially important alloy. The gas tungsten arc welding process was employed, and all the joints were butt-welded using a single-V groove design. With an increase in heat input, the δ-ferrite phase changed from lathy to vermicular, besides the heat-affected zones of all the welds exhibiting grain coarsening effects. Postweld thermal aging led to the preferential occurrence of carbides in the interdendritic regions, which degraded their corrosion performance. Thermal aging did not affect the tensile strength of these welds, but their ductility was significantly impacted. The extent of segregation of Cr and C, especially, was observed to be the least in the case of low heat input welds. This study establishes that while designing welding procedures for AISI 304L structures, low welding arc energy should be used as it promotes better mechanical as well as corrosion properties.
The effect of trilogues on the European Commission's success in legislative negotiations: A reappraisal
Authors: Laloux Thomas
Published: March 2024

Informal negotiations have become the norm in the European Union legislative process. Yet, researchers are divided over the effects of this change on the European Commission's ability to defend the content of its proposals from modifications by the co-legislators. This article addresses this puzzle by using a fine-grained measure of whether informal negotiations took place which includes trivial agreements, namely legislation adopted in first reading because the co-legislators agree on the content, as a specific category. The results suggest that informal negotiations do not lead to more changes to the Commission's proposals than the formal process. This calls for a better consideration of trivial agreements in studies of the European Union legislative process.
Your Home Made Perfect
Authors: Smitheram Jan , Nakai Kidd Akari
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates a new, popular, award-winning reality television show, Your Home Made Perfect. Drawing on insights from Sara Ahmed’s work on the promise of happiness, our thematic analysis of nineteen episodes of Your Home shows how architectural entertainment is uniquely positioned through its use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology to circulate happiness and uplifting emotions and to critique the power imbalances of architect-client relationships. The paper argues how Your Home foregrounds happy emotions to the re-design of homes, where emotions are mobilized through design visualizations that turn both home and architects into “happy objects.” Moreover, through “happy objects,” this property television show seeks to deflect anxieties of housing precarity and growing wealth disparity. Finally, the paper reveals how architectural TV entertainment reinforces regressive ideas of identity and home ownership.
The impact of socioeconomic factors, social determinants, and ethnicity on the utilization of glucose sensor technology among persons with diabetes mellitus: a narrative review
Authors: Been Riemer A. , Lameijer Annel , Gans Reinold O. B. , van Beek André P. , Kingsnorth Andrew P. , Choudhary Pratik , van Dijk Peter R.
Published: March 2024

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) usage has been shown to improve disease outcomes in people living with diabetes by facilitating better glycemic management. However, previous research has suggested that access to these devices can be influenced by nonmedical factors such as socioeconomic status and ethnicity. It is critical that equitable access to CGM devices is ensured as people from those groups experience poorer diabetes-related health outcomes. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the various healthcare systems worldwide and how socioeconomic status, social context, and ethnicity shape device usage and the associated health outcomes. In general, we found that having a lower socioeconomic status and belonging to an ethnic minority group negatively impact CGM usage. While financial means proved to be an important mediator in this process, it was not the sole driver as disparities persisted even after adjustment for factors such as income and insurance status. Recommendations to increase CGM usage for people of a lower socioeconomic status and ethnic minorities include increasing the availability of financial, administrative, and educational support, for both patients and healthcare providers. However, recommendations will vary due to local country-specific circumstances, such as reimbursement criteria and healthcare ecosystems.