bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Liquidity, Solvency, Activity on Profitability in the Cement Sub-Sector Manufacturing Industry Listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (Bei) for the Period 2018-2022
Authors: Sutisna Eka
Published: December 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of Liquidity (Current Ratio), Solvency (Debt to Equity Ratio), and Activity (Total Assets Turnover) on profitability with measuring instruments (Return on Assets) in the cement sub-sector manufacturing industry in 2018- 2022. The data used in this study are annual financial report data on 6 cement companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2018-2022. The research method is quantitative with descriptive analysis. The classical assumption test performed includes multicollinearity test, autocorrelation test, and heteroscedasticity test. The results of the analysis use and hypothesis testing which includes determination analysis, partial test (t test), simultaneous test (F test) and uses multiple linear regression models. The results of this study indicate that, simultaneously Current Ratio, Debt to Equity Ratio, Total Assets Turnover affect Return on Assets sig value 0.000, with an Adjusted R-square value of 51.6%. Partially, Current Ratio has a positive but insignificant effect on ROA, Debt to Equity Ratio has a positive and significant effect on ROA, and Total Assets Turnover has a positive and significant effect on ROA.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Concentration Process of Solar Radiation
Authors: Petela Ryszard
Published: December 2024

Extremely rarefied but high-temperature solar radiation energy is nowadays commonly concentrated to produce a high-temperature heat source. The article is a contribution to theoretical considerations on the process of concentration of solar radiation. The process of concentration of extraterrestrial solar radiation was subjected to thermodynamic analysis and the energetic, entropic and exergetic points of view were taken into account. An imaginary model of concentration was defined, which allowed the development of thermodynamic analyses of the concentration process. In the model, concentrated solar radiation irradiates the absorbing surface, the temperature of which is controlled by the intensity of cooling. The newly revealed values of temperature (7134 K) of the Sun's surface and its energetic and exergetic emissivity (0.431 and 0426, respectively) were used in the analyses. With the use of model equations, the relationship between the ratio of radiation concentration, temperature and emissivity of the absorption surface, cooling intensity, absorbed heat, ambient temperature, and energy and exergetic efficiency of the concentration process was determined. Entropy analysis confirmed that the concentration limit temperature is equal to the temperature of the Sun's surface. Examples of energy and exergetic balances of the concentration process, illustrated by band diagrams, showed the percentage share of energy and exergy fluxes. In contrast to the energy balance showing no energy loss, the exergy balance showed a significantly large loss of exergy due to the irreversibility of the process. The components of this irreversibility have been identified, which are the absorption of solar radiation and the much lower irreversibility of the emission of the heated surface.
The Impact of Asset & Liability Management on Profitability: Evidence from Selected Private Commercial Banks in Ethiopia
Authors: Roba Hussein , Legass Habtamu
Published: December 2024

This research meticulously investigates the intricate interplay between Asset and Liability Management (ALM) practices and the profitability dynamics of selected private commercial banks in Ethiopia over the period spanning 2011 to 2023. Employing a comprehensive fixed effect balanced panel regression analysis across a time horizon of 13 years and encompassing data from ten meticulously chosen banks, this study sheds light on critical aspects of financial management in the banking sector. Utilizing a quantitative approach and an explanatory design rooted in secondary data extracted from audited financial statements, the study rigorously examines a spectrum of key variables. These variables include income diversification, liquidity, bank size, GDP, asset quality, capital adequacy, loan and advance, and operational efficiency, all meticulously analyzed using E-view 12 econometrics software. The research findings underscore the pivotal significance of certain factors in enhancing bank profitability. Notably, asset quality, liquidity ratio, GDP, loan and advance, and bank size emerge as positive influencers on bank profitability, exhibiting statistically significant impacts. Conversely, operational efficiency and income diversification were found to exert negative effects on profitability. Surprisingly, capital adequacy was established as statistically insignificant in this context. This study accentuates the critical importance of asset quality, operational efficiency, liquidity management, bank size, GDP, income diversification, and loans as fundamental drivers of banks' return on assets. By accentuating the strategic significance of these variables, bank managers are equipped to navigate the complex financial landscape, leveraging effective ALM strategies to optimize profitability and ensure sustained financial viability.
Katherine Mansfield & the Trauma of Fractured Intimate Bonds
Authors: Mahmi Najah
Published: December 2024

In “Loneliness,” [1910] as in most of her writings, Katherine Mansfield voices out the darkness and coldness of her nights, because of an extreme feeling of loneliness; thus the silence of life. A great degree of sorrow is explicitly expressed hroughout her short story writing journey in which she expresses her estrangement towards life and agony due to her loneliness and permanent hanger for love. With an impressionistic style, polished satire, and an explicit feminist tone, Katherine Mansfield’s characters debate the human existence within the barriers of emptiness and affliction, usually resulted in alienated disproportioned grotesques who are struggling for survival. They are neither alive nor dead. In this context, this paper highlights Mansfield’s representation of traumatic love in male-female relationships. The main focus is on the painful love politics that characterize couples’ lives inside and outside the marital institution, and the way they shape and reshape the modern human experience. Through questioning Mansfield’s incongruous couples’ interactions, the paper envisions the couple’s life question in relation to men and women’s conceptualisations of love that abide by their advanced civilised past, present, and future, amid dark shadows of beginnings and endings which shape its psychological and social poisoning features. The scrutiny portrays the painful life of Katherine Mansfield’s lost miserable characters who endure hollowness and emotional withdrawal, suggesting a comparative study of “Mr Reginald Peacock’s Day,” [1917] “Poison” [1920] and “A Married Man’s Story” [1923] written by Katherine Mansfield.
Reflections of an Otorhinolaryngologist Based on Genetics Concepts
Authors: Benitez-Lorenzo Candido
Published: December 2024

Otorhinolaryngology is rich in a large number of hypothetical approaches related to anatomical and functional concepts as well as in theories concerning the etiopathogenesis and physiopathology of various diseases. The function of the paranasal sinuses, the pneumatization of the temporal bone and the factors that predispose to the appearance and evolution of otitis media, mainly. Following the path of the nonconformists and with the aim of presenting new concepts based on the principle that Genetics as the universal science capable of explaining everything related to life in the animal and plant kingdoms, we present our concepts. This paper is composed of a compendium of 3 articles created by the author with the aim of presenting a new theory of the etiopathogenesis and physiopathology of otitis media, taking as its main element the genetic factors as the only elements capable of explaining its appearance, development and evolution, mainly its transition to chronicity. In addition, the current paper includes reflections related to the “Auditory System” and the elements that influence individual constitutional characteristics that could help to understand the enormous variety in auditory quality, including gifted ears. Criteria related to the controversial, mysterious and still unresolved “Havana neurosensory syndrome” are also included with the intention of contributing to solving a health problem.
Relationship Between Sleep Position and Glaucoma Progression
Authors: Islam Mohammad , Hossian Md. , Raina Md. , Jabbar Zahida , Hossain Md. , Mahfujullah Afzal
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is strongly influenced by intraocular pressure (IOP), with recent studies suggesting that nocturnal IOP fluctuations and body position during sleep may play a critical role in disease progression. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between sleep position and glaucoma progression. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between sleep position and glaucoma progression. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, over a 1-year period from mid-2023 to mid-2024. A total of 40 patients were included. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records, focusing on demographic characteristics, sleep position preferences, and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests used for data analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Result: Among the patients, 35.00% were aged 60-70 years, with a significant male predominance (87.50%). The most preferred sleep position was the right lateral decubitus position (LDP), chosen by 45.00% of patients, and it was associated with a mean intraocular pressure (IOP) increase of 1.8 mmHg and a 50.00% progression rate of glaucoma. Notably, patients with higher baseline IOP, representing 30.00% of the sample, experienced a mean IOP increase of 2.0 mmHg. Conclusion: The study highlights that the right lateral decubitus position is strongly associated with increased intraocular pressure and higher glaucoma progression, emphasizing the need to consider sleep position and individual risk factors in glaucoma management.
Geotechnical and Geophysical Characterization of the Aklesal Dablyang Landslide: Implications for Slope Stability
Authors: Bhandari Khomendra , Joshi Bhishma , Rokaya Devendra , Dumre Pawan , Sapkota Shankar , Ghimire Anil , Shrestha Prabin , Dhakal Sandesh
Published: December 2024

Landslides constitute one of the principal perils in Nepal, particularly within its hilly and mountainous terrains, where a confluence of geological fragility and climatic extremities engenders precarious landscapes. Such hazards precipitate considerable loss of life and property. This investigation centers on the Aklesal Dablyang landslide in Baglung district, a potent menace to local infrastructure, agricultural domains, and human lives. By deploying a synthesis of geotechnical (laboratory-based soil analysis) and geophysical (Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)) methodologies, the intrinsic properties of the soil and rock substrata within the landslide precinct were meticulously examined. The findings reveal that the landslide comprises predominantly loose colluvial deposits with elevated moisture levels, resulting in reduced shear strength and heightened failure susceptibility. The study accentuates the pivotal influence of hydrological phenomena such as surface runoff and groundwater seepage in aggravating slope destabilization. These results underscore the exigency for efficacious risk mitigation strategies to diminish landslide impacts on vulnerable communities. The Aklesal Dablyang landslide exemplifies the intricate interplay of geological and hydrological dynamics within Nepal’s complex topographical context. This research delineates the geotechnical and geophysical determinants of slope stability, highlighting the prevalence of loose colluvial deposits exacerbated by substantial moisture content, which attenuates shear strength and heightens vulnerability to mass movement. ERT analyses divulged a stratigraphy dominated by clayey sand interspersed with cobbles and boulders, which exhibit pronounced susceptibility to mass displacement during intense monsoonal precipitation—a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change. Anthropogenic interventions, including deficient drainage systems and substandard construction methodologies, further destabilize slopes by escalating pore-water pressure and diminishing soil cohesion. The study accentuates the imperative for integrative risk management paradigms, encompassing resilient engineering solutions, hydrological controls, and community collaboration, to bolster resilience against such geo-hazards.
Studies and Research on an Inverted Pendulum-Type Mobile Robot
Authors: Dinulescu Dorin-Mihail
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the development and analysis of a mobile robot based on the inverted pendulum concept, a challenging system due to its inherent instability and non-linear dynamics. The primary objective of the research is to design and implement a control system that ensures the robot's balance and mobility in real-time environments. The inverted pendulum model, commonly used in robotics to test control algorithms, is employed due to its simplicity yet high sensitivity to control inputs. A dynamic model of the system is derived, and various control strategies are explored, including Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control and state-space representation. The robot's mechanical structure, sensor integration, and actuation are designed to support the complex control requirements. Simulation and experimental testing are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithms, highlighting their performance in maintaining balance under various conditions such as external disturbances and uneven terrain. Results demonstrate that the implemented control system successfully stabilizes the robot, achieving a high degree of accuracy and responsiveness. The article contributes to the field of mobile robotics by providing insights into the control of highly unstable systems and offer potential applications in areas such as autonomous transportation, robotics education, and dynamic balancing devices.
Prelacteal Feeding and Associated Factors Among Mothers of Children Aged Less Than Six Months in Gozamen District, 2019: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Gebreslassie Maezu , Nugusie Zelalem , Shishay Niguse , Mulugeta Kiflay
Published: December 2024

Background: Prelacteal feeding (PLF) is administration of any food or fluid other than breast milk before initiation of breast feeding. Optimal breastfeeding including discouraging prelacteal feeding could save 823,000 lives per year among children ages five years old and younger. Despite of this mothers give prelacteal feeding to their child in different part of Ethiopia. However, there is a paucity of information on prevalence of prelacteal feeding and associated factors in the study area. Thus, the current study aimed at determining of the prevalence of prelacteal feeding and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than six months in Gozamen district, East Gojjam zone, North West Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among seven hundred forty-one (741) mothers of children aged less than six months in Gozamen district from August 1 to September 12 /2019. Stratified cluster sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected by face to face interviewer-administered, pretested and semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression model were employed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to identify factors associated with prelacteal feeding. Results: In this study the prevalence of prelacteal feeding was found to be 17.1%with 95%CI [14.3, 20]. Mothers who had no ANC follow up [AOR: 7.53, CI; 3.32, 17.05], those mothers who did not discard colostrum [AOR: 0.12, CI; 0.07, 0.12] time of breast feeding initiation [AOR: 3.53, CI; 2.05, 6.11] and mothers who had single ANC visit [AOR: 2.98, CI; 1.52, 5.85] were significant independent factors associated with prelacteal feeding. Conclusion: This study concluded that prelacteal feeding was high in the study area. Therefore, in order to tackle this problem strengthening antenatal follow up, timely initiation of breastfeeding, health education and awarenes creation of the communities are recommended interventions.
Mahatma Gandhi's Leadership Blueprint: Fusing Servant Leadership with Authentic Integrity
Authors: AlAqra Maria
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the leadership blueprint of Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on the integration of servant leadership principles with authentic integrity. Leadership has evolved through numerous models, but the frameworks of servant and authentic leadership are distinguished by their emphasis on ethical conduct, personal integrity, and a commitment to the well-being of followers. Gandhi's journey from humble origins to a central figure in the Indian independence movement exemplifies a visionary leadership style that not only catalyzed India’s quest for freedom but also contributed to global leadership paradigms. This study seeks to address key research questions regarding the defining characteristics of Gandhi's leadership, the extent to which he embodied principles of servant and authentic leadership, and the lessons contemporary leaders can derive from his integrated approach. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research involves a thorough review of primary and secondary sources, including Gandhi's writings, biographies, and historical records, alongside case studies that illustrate the application of his leadership philosophy in various contexts. The hypothesis posits that Gandhi's distinctive leadership model, characterized by selfless service, moral integrity, and an unwavering commitment to social justice, offers enduring insights for today’s leaders. Through thematic analysis, the study reveals key themes such as humility, self-sacrifice, and relational transparency that illustrate the convergence of servant and authentic leadership in Gandhi’s life, reinforcing the relevance of his philosophy in contemporary leadership discourse.
Prospects of Nuclear Energy for Clean and Sustainable Energy Development in Rwanda
Authors: Butera Yves , Nshimiyimana Jean
Published: December 2024

Rwanda, just like many other developing countries, still faces challenges in the energy sector. The country is still not able to supply reliable and affordable electricity to meet the current and future energy needs, as a result of rapid economic growth, increasing population and urbanization. Rwanda currently has limited generation resources, particularly during the dry season, when several hydropower stations are experiencing water shortages. Sometimes, leased diesel generation is needed to meet peak demand, which comes at a hefty cost. Efforts are being made to determine the true number of existing resources in the country for energy generation. Diversifying sources of energy inevitably becomes a strategic option. Rwanda has decided to embark on an ambitious programme for nuclear development as one of the alternatives to tackle energy challenges. This paper briefly presents plans featuring in the nuclear science and technology programme with the ultimate goal to leverage nuclear applications for sustainable social-economic development. A review of the country’s energy sector status is presented with focus on prospects of the nuclear programme as the solution to the country’s high energy demand and applications in different socio-economic sectors. In efforts to join the rest of world in the “net zero” greenhouse gas emission by 2050, Rwanda embraces the perspective under which nuclear energy is foreseen as a source of energy that most supports the efforts.
Predicting Nigerian Stock Market Returns Based on Daily Business News Headlines
Authors: Ayantse Cornelius , Yaya OlaOluwa , Joseph Okeke , Arawomo Damilola
Published: December 2024

This study predicts daily returns of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) using Nigerian daily news headline. The Vanguard newspaper is used as the source of information, to collate 11 years (2February 2, 2012 to September 29, 2023) of daily news headlines and data on the daily returns All-Shares Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Stock Exchange NSE was collared from the website https://ng.investing.com/indices/nse-all-share-historical-data. Text mining techniques such as Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) are applied to pre-determine important words and sentences and their influences on daily market returns. N-gram sentences are used to build bigrams and trigrams, which helps us determine their positive and negative returns. The result shows that when words such arabia, crypto, renewal, paris, and tradermoni appear in news headlines, there is negative returns in the stock market, but when words such as lawmakers, multinationals, ebonyi, constraints and double appear in the news headline, there is positive return. For bi-gram sentences when sentences such as price dip, earning rise, tax compliance, and econbank partners appear, there is often negative return, on the other hand when sentences such as trustfunds pensions, inter agency, business insurance, index rise and forex supply appear in the news headline, there is often positive return. And for tri-gram sentences, when sentences such as profit taking NSE, government private sector, cross boarder trade, cargo tracking note, and capital market sec, there is often negative return in NSE, on the other hand, when sentence such as poor purchasing power, naira watch cbn, mtn google empower, google empower smes and external reserve hit appear in the news headlines, there is often a positive returns in the stock market. Three machine-learning models were used to build the predictive models. The models were logistic regression with a prediction accuracy of 0.52, Support Vector Machine (SVM) with an accuracy of 0.51, and K-nearest Neighbour (KNN) with an accuracy of 0.99, indicating higher prediction evidence of news headlines by the KNN model for the NSE index over the alternative models. We limited fitting the models using only unigrams and left fitting models using bigrams and trigram sentences for future research.
Decreased Collagen Xii Expression and Increased Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Levofloxacin-Treated Tendon
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi , Sato Tsuyoshi , Isozaki Yuta , Okubo Masahiko , Asoda Seiji , Iwai Toshinori , Nogami Shinnosuke , Ito Ko
Published: December 2024

Background: Levofloxacin (LVFX) is widely used for many respiratory, urinary, and oral infections. Although rare, tendinopathy and tendon rupture have been reported in patients treated with LVFX as adverse effect. However, the exact mechanism is not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of LVFX on tendon cells and tendon tissue. Method: Murine tendon cell line TT-D6 cells were treated with LVFX. Total RNA was extracted from the treated cells and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). LVFX-treated TT-D6 cells were subjected to cell proliferation assays and reactive oxygen species production assays. In addition, LVFX was administered to rats, and total RNA was extracted from tendon tissue and quantitatively analyzed for mRNA expression using quantitative RT-PCR. Results: Proliferative capacity in TT-D6 cells treated with various concentrations of LVFX showed no significant differences in any of the group comparisons. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis in TT-D6 cells showed that collagen 12a1 (COL12A1) expression was significantly decreased in the LVFX-treated group compared with the control group. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 was significantly increased in the LVFX group. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in mRNA expression of decorin, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and Collagen1a1. ROS production was significantly upregulated in LVFX-treated rats, and COL12A1 expression was significantly decreased in LVFX-treated rats compared with controls in tendons collected from LVFX-treated rat models. Conclusions: Taken together, COL12A1 reduction may be involved in tendon injury and tendon rupture in LVFX administration, suggesting that increased ROS production may be involved.
Pedagogical Strategies for Enhancing Physics Education for Pre-Physical Therapy Students
Authors: Du Xin
Published: December 2024

This study explores instructional strategies designed to improve engagement and learning outcomes in introductory physics courses for non-science majors, focusing on pre-physical therapy (pre-PT) students. Given that many of these students lack a robust mathematical background, the teaching approach aims to bridge this gap through structured problem-solving frameworks, hands-on activities, and contextual applications that link physics principles to health sciences. To address this, a teaching approach was developed over three years in two courses at Widener University in Pennsylvania: College Physics I (Mechanics and Heat) and College Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism). This approach combines structured problem-solving frameworks, real-world applications, hands-on activities, and active learning techniques. By emphasizing the relevance of physics concepts to health sciences, such as using examples from biomechanics and neuroelectric signaling, students are encouraged to connect theory with practical applications in their future careers. The structured problem-solving framework simplifies complex physics problems into manageable steps, fostering both computational and conceptual understanding. Interactive assignments and discussion threads further enhance engagement, while activities focused on scientific communication help students articulate complex ideas clearly. These methods helped students to approach physics as an interconnected field relevant to their future careers rather than isolated quantitative challenges. Assessments, including course evaluations and student feedback, indicate that this approach not only enhances conceptual understanding but also fosters scientific communication skills critical for healthcare professions. The findings contribute to a growing body of research suggesting that tailored physics curricula can significantly improve engagement and success among non-science majors pursuing professional healthcare pathways.
A New Approach to Integrating Renewable Energies in the Design of a Shea Kernel Solar Mill
Authors: Soulama Yamako , Bationo Frederic , Boroze Tchamye
Published: December 2024

The development of the agri-food sector in West African countries is limited by energy and technological factors. As a result, the main shea nut producers in these countries, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Mali, export their production to the benefit of large industries in northern countries. One of the most difficult operations involved in transforming shea nuts into shea butter is grinding. Processing shea kernels into shea butter requires a mill or grinder. The types of energy (diesel and electricity) used by these mills are fossil-based, difficult to access and pose huge environmental issues. The objective of this work is to design a mill, operating with photovoltaic solar energy as an energy source, in a design approach using design rules and industrial engineering tools. To this end, a survey on the practices of the networks of agri-food equipment stakeholders on the use of renewable energy and the characterization of the network of solar mill stakeholders were carried out. The results of the surveys and the network characterization of the stakeholders, combined with those of the literature review, made it possible to define rules for integrating renewable energy into the design of the solar mill. The use of functional analysis and a tool to help choose energy-efficient technological solutions enabled to apply the rules for integrating renewable energy into the design of the shea kernel solar mill for validation purpose. The results of the functional tests of the solar mill showed a production capacity of 270 Kg of shea kernel paste, a solar energy consumption of 11,532 kWh equivalent to an energy consumption of 1.82 USD in 6 hours operational time per day.
The Dowry and Its Securing According to the Josephine Code of 1787
Authors: Savuliak Roman
Published: December 2024

The study is dedicated to highlighting the provisions on the legal regime of dowry (the so-called marital property) and its security, enshrined in the third chapter "On the rights of spouses" of the first part "On personal law" of the Josephine Code of 1787, which regulated marital relations in the Habsburg monarchy. First of all, the author analyzed the state of scientific research of the specified problem both in the European science of the history of law, and in Ukrainian in particular. The main attention of the study is focused on the characteristics of the features of the legal regime of dowry, as well as the conditions for its securing according to the Josephine Code. The article sets out provisions on the persons obliged to provide dowry, on the type and size of dowry property, on the terms of its provision, on the procedure for using it, including the husband's right to usufruct, on compensation for damage caused to dowry property, on the conditions of return dowry, etc. Norms on the procedure and conditions for securing of dowry, on the persons obligated to such securing, on the terms of its securing, on the amount of such securing, etc. were also considered. In conclusion, the author substantiates the historical and legal significance of the Josephine Code. It was found that the provisions of the Josephine Code on dowry and its securing were the basis of the corresponding norms of the following civil codes of the Habsburg Monarchy – the Civil Code for Galicia of 1797 and the General Civil Code of the Austrian Empire of 1811.
Prevalence and Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in a Healthcare Setting in Bauchi State, Northeastern Nigeria: Outcome of a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Garkuwa Hassan , Kyamru James , Garkuwa Usman
Published: December 2024

Background: COVID-19 has been a deadly disease in the last three-four years with huge economic impact globally. Although it does not seem to be severe in our environment, but the aftermath is devastating. Public health preventing measures like limiting social gatherings, maintaining social distance, isolating infected persons, and lately vaccines were promising in controlling the spread of the infection and pandemic. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to select samples of healthcare professionals who made the inclusion criteria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select samples of 226 healthcare workers present at the clinics and offices. Data extracted were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square test at 95% CI and a level of significance of 0.05. Result: The finding showed; the prevalence rate of vaccine acceptance is 82.3% and the chi-square tests analysis revealed a statistically significant association between vaccine acceptance and age (p-value=0.034), professionalism (p-value= <0.001), educational level (p-value=0.047) and year of working experience (p-value= 0.023). Conclusion: Prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination is generally high. However, a significant number of healthcare workers were hesitant to take it if not for government command. Sociodemographic factors were statistically associated with vaccine acceptance. We recommend healthcare workers across the state to be exposed to training on immunization and how to improve vaccine acceptance in the community.
Real-Time In Vivo Human Skin Testing Using a Handheld Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer with a Three-Bounce Two-Pass Attenuated Total Reflection Interface
Authors: Williams Samuel F. , Chittock John , Brown Kirsty , Kay Linda J. , Cork Michael J. , Danby Simon G.
Published: December 2024

Attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is used to characterize a vast array of materials at the molecular level in various industry types. Here we compare the performance of a portable spectrometer with a novel three-bounce–two-pass (3B2P) ATR scanning interface to the same device with a standard one-bounce (1B) ATR, and to a benchtop spectrometer with a 10-bounce (10B) ATR, in ideal sample–interface conditions and an applied dermatological study setting. In both application settings, the benchtop 10B ATR interface showed the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), however, the novel 3B2P produced a six-fold increase in the sensitivity of the portable spectrometer when analyzing isopropanol and showed the greatest consistency of SNR of all devices when analyzing isopropanol and in vivo skin samples. Spectral data were sourced from a recently undertaken dermatological study involving a cohort of 180 healthy, full-term babies, using both 1B and 3B2P interfaces. Use of the 3B2P interface resulted in a 55% greater successful high-quality spectrum collection rate, compared to the 1B, and showed significantly superior SNR at both observed study time points, i.e., birth (1B: 68.37; 3B2P: 77.37), and at four weeks (1B: 74.53; 3B2P: 80.22). The utility of ATR FT-IR spectrometers as a dermatological clinical tool was also exemplified here, by quantifying the moisture level of newborn skin. By gathering rich spectroscopic data on the molecular structure of the skin, this technique holds great promise for the quantification of skin disease-specific biomarkers.
The Impact of Child Social Grant in the Livelihood of Households in a Rural Constituency in Namibia
Authors: Valombola Aune Tuyakula , Omomowo Kolawole Emmanuel
Published: December 2024

Article 95 of the Namibian constitution guarantees the socioeconomic welfare of citizens; however, the political economy of the country continues to be characterised by high rate of poverty, unemployment and social inequality. The Child Social Grant (CSG) is a social protection cash transfer targeted at vulnerable children. We used a case study research design and qualitative research method to study the contribution of the CSG to livelihood activities of a rural community in Namibia. We argue that, beyond supporting vulnerable children, the CSG contributes to the sustenance of rural households’ livelihood and alleviate rural poverty.
Optimal condition confirmation of treatment conditions through analysis of intratumoral apoptotic temperature range of microwave ablation for various microwave frequencies and antenna insertion depth
Authors: Kim Donghyuk , Kim Hyunjung
Published: December 2024

Microwave ablation is a therapeutic technique that kills tumors by inducing heat generation in biological tissue through microwave emissions. Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive treatment technique, which has the advantage of treating deeply located tumors with less bleeding than traditional surgical techniques. In this study, the therapeutic effect of microwave ablation was analyzed from the perspective of the temperature range where apoptosis and necrosis occur. Through the numerical modelling, the tumor located inside the liver tissue was implemented, and the temperature distribution in the hepatic tissue was calculated by varying value of the microwave frequency, microwave antenna input power, and the insertion depth of the microwave coaxial antenna. Microwave frequencies were selected as 915, and 2450 MHz, and the insertion depth of the microwave coaxial antenna was set at a distance difference between the tumor tip and the slot of 4 to 16 mm. In addition, the microwave antenna input power was set to a range of 0 to 60 W. Based on the obtained temperature distribution, the apoptotic variables, which are parameters specifically defined apoptosis ratios that can quantitatively verify the therapeutic effect, were calculated to derive the microwave ablation treatment condition that maximizes the therapeutic effect for each microwave frequency. Through the quantitative analysis of apoptotic variables, the optimal conditions for maximum therapeutic effect were derived for each microwave frequency analyzed in this study. For frequencies of 915 MHz, the optimal insertion depth of the antenna is 8 mm above the bottom of the tumor, and the optimal microwave input power is 40 W. For 2450 MHz, the optimal insertion depth and input power were found to be 4 mm and 4 W, respectively. Ultimately, it is expected that the results presented in this study will lead to more improved treatment of microwave ablation in practice.
HXK, SnRK1, and TOR signaling in plants: Unraveling mechanisms of stress response and secondary metabolism
Authors: Eom Seung Hee , Kim Eunhui , Hyun Tae Kyung
Published: December 2024

As sessile photoautotrophs, plants constantly encounter diverse environmental stresses. Recent research has focused on elucidating sugar and energy signaling mediated by hexokinase (HXK), sucrose non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1), and the target of rapamycin (TOR) and assessing its intricate interplay with hormones and secondary metabolism. HXK serves as a pivotal regulator of glucose sensing and metabolism. It affects plant growth and development in response to nutrient availability. SnRK1 acts as a vital energy sensor that regulates metabolic adjustments during stress to bolster plant resilience. Moreover, TOR integrates nutrient signals to finely modulate growth and development, balancing cellular metabolism and resource allocation. Understanding the functions of HXK, SnRK1, and TOR can provide profound insights into plant adaptation mechanisms and open promising avenues for leveraging biotechnological strategies to enhance the stress tolerance and nutritional value of crops. This narrative review focuses on recent advancements in the molecular mechanisms of HXK, SnRK1, and TOR and explores their potential applications in agricultural biotechnology.
The Global Union Federations and their affiliates: Constrained agency in action
Authors: Ford Michele , Gillan Michael
Published: December 2024

Global Union Federations (GUFs) pursue their agendas in ways that are both enabled and constrained by their relational interactions with affiliates. These interactions have been primarily understood in terms of the principle of subsidiarity – a perspective that positions the GUFs as playing a residual, passive role in global labour governance rather than as organisations with the potential for autonomous action and strategic agency. Drawing on data gathered at the headquarters level, in the GUFs’ Asia-Pacific regional offices, and from GUF affiliates in the Asian region, this article argues for the utility of the concept of ‘constrained agency’ as a more useful way of analysing the tensions between GUFs’ desire to act strategically at the global scale, their duty to respond to the needs and agendas of their affiliates, and their reliance on the varying effectiveness and capacities of those affiliates to achieve their strategic aims.
Implementation and investigation of a solar and wind energy-based grid-connected hybrid system with nine switch converter
Authors: Datta Subir , Das Sumana , Samanta Soumya , Chhangte Lalremruati , Deb Subhasish , Singh Robert , Adhikari Shuma , Hassan Abdurrahman Shuaibu , Ustun Taha Selim
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a hybrid, comprising of solar-PV and wind energy sources, grid-connected system with nine-switch converter (NSC) instead of a back-to-back (BtB) converter (comprising 12 switches) is proposed and a control scheme is also proposed for NSC. NSC is the potential substitute for the current BtB converter, which uses 12 switches. The NSC uses nine switches, that is, three less active switches than BtB converter therefore the system efficiency is increased by lowering component costs, counts of components, and switching losses. Vector control concept is considered to design the proposed control scheme for NSC to provide both supply power generation to the utility grid at unity power factor and variable speed constant frequency operation under fluctuating wind velocity and solar irradiance. In addition, 120° discontinuous modulation concept is integrated with the control scheme of NSC for reducing the switching losses of the system. Moreover, maximum power point trackers are used for capturing maximum power from wind and solar-PV, and blade pitch angle algorithm is also considered to restrict the generation from wind to its rated power level while speed is more than its rated level. The proposed system along with its control scheme is implemented in OPAL-RT lab to investigate its performance thoroughly under real-life scenarios (i) constant solar irradiance and variable wind velocity and (ii) variable solar irradiance and wind velocity. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme on the system and it has been observed that the proposed scheme provides good dynamic responses in terms of less oscillation during transient, almost negligible (i.e. 0.0001 approx.) steady-state error etc. to the variation of input sources.
Assessment of wind energy resources in Chad, Central Africa, using 100-m wind data from ERA5 reanalysis
Authors: Younous Ali Ahmat , Niang Serigne Abdoul Aziz , Sarr Astou , Drame Mamadou Simina
Published: December 2024

This study provides a climatological assessment of wind resources in Chad using 100-m wind data from the ERA5 reanalysis. The results highlight spatio-temporal variations in wind potential, Enabling the identification of climate zones suitable for wind farm development. Wind speeds range from 1.5 to 11 m/s, with increasing gradients from south to north. Maximum wind speeds are observed between autumn and spring, particularly from October to April, while minimum speeds, below 5 m/s, occur during the wet season. A distinct diurnal cycle is noted, with nighttime wind speeds averaging 26% higher than daytime speeds. Winds predominantly blow in favorable directions, primarily toward the northeast. The study indicates that almost the entire northern region of Chad (north of 15°N latitude) is particularly favorable for wind farm installations, except for areas around the Tibesti mountain range, where wind speeds remain low due to the presence of a permanent anticyclone. Three zones are identified as particularly promising: the region around Faya, the far northeastern part of the country, and the area around Amjarass. Additionally, long-term analysis reveals a slight decrease in 100-m wind speeds, possibly linked to the increased frequency of La Niña events over the past decade. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of Chad's wind potential, emphasizing that the most suitable areas are located between the Saharan and Sahelian zones.
Influencing Factors of Hypoparathyroidism After Thyroidectomy in Children
Authors: Yuwei Liu , Ting Long , Wei Pang , Yanzhen Li , Xuexi Zhang , Qiaoyin Liu , Zhiyong Liu , Nian Sun , Xiaodan Li , Yuanhu Liu , Xin Ni , Shengcai Wang
Published: December 2024

Objective: Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to summarize the recovery of HP in children after total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer and to explore the related influencing factors. Methods: HP was identified in children who underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer between 2016 and 2020. Clinical characteristics, tumor stage, intraoperative parathyroid identification, and protection, lymph node metastasis, etc, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed up for more than 1 year, and the recovery time of the parathyroid gland was recorded. The independent risk factors for HP recovery were determined by multivariate regression analysis. Results: In 121 cases of total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, 34 cases (28.1%) of HP occurred after surgery. The average age was 10.34 ± 3.01. Twenty-five cases of pattern of parathyroid hormone (PTH; 73.5%) recovered within half a year after surgery, 2 cases (5.9%) recovered after 1 year, and 2 cases (5.9%) were still not recovered after 2 years of follow-up. Univariate analysis suggested that PTH ≤ 1 on the first day after surgery and bilateral VI region lymph node metastasis were risk factors affecting the recovery of HP ( P < .05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that PTH≤1 on the first day after surgery was an independent risk factor for HP recovery (OR = 0.092, 95% CI: 0.009-0.966, P = .047). Conclusion: Bilateral central lymph node metastasis and PTH ≤ 1 on the first day after surgery were the risk factors for HP recovery. In addition, HP may still recover more than 6 months after surgery, so the timing of diagnosis of permanent HP still needed to be discussed.
Emotion Regulation During Hostile Interactions: Optimizing Regulation Profiles for Event Performance and Well-Being
Authors: Melloy Robert C. , Sayre Gordon M. , Grandey Alicia A.
Published: December 2024

When employees face hostility from others, emotion regulation is needed to perform effectively but can be personally costly. On the basis of current evidence, employees both perform better and avoid well-being costs with engagement-focused regulation (i.e., modifying feelings through deep acting) rather than with disengagement (i.e., modifying or faking expressions through surface acting). Yet, emotion regulation theorizing suggests this good–bad dichotomy is an oversimplification, and no known work has simultaneously considered the performance and well-being consequences of emotion regulation strategies at the event level. To address these issues, we apply the comprehensive six-strategy emotion regulation framework to identify emergent combinations of regulation strategies used in response to hostile events. Across two studies, we find six emotion regulation profiles, with the pattern of these profiles largely replicating across samples. Study 2 reveals that profile enactment is driven by the intensity of the event and has distinct consequences for employees’ event performance and well-being. We also find the first known evidence of a trade-off, where profiles that result in the highest negative affect were also the most effective for episodic performance. Meanwhile, profiles that maintained low levels of negative affect were linked with lower event performance ratings. Thus, in contrast to the good-bad strategy dichotomy common in the emotion regulation literature, we find that enhancing event performance comes at a cost to affect, and vice versa. This high-hostility work context points to a no-win situation for employees, who must choose between maximizing event performance and minimizing personal costs.