bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) using Sawdust supplemented with Waste Human Hair
Authors: Obuekwe Ifeyinwa Sarah , S Odemwingie O.
Published: December 2023

Waste human hair (WHH) is a part of municipal solid waste generated from salons that may lead to clogging of drainage pipes ensued with flooding. Pleurotus ostreatus (mushroom) is capable of utilizing several organic substrate types due to its enzyme secretions. This study determined the potential of WHH in cultivating edible mushrooms P. ostreatus (Oyster mushroom). WHH from males was collected from two (2) barbing salons in Benin, Edo state. Microbial analysis was based on standard methods while pulverised WHH samples (pasteurised and unpasteurised) were mixed with sawdust in varying concentrations (5, 10, 15 and 20% WHH) and used in monitoring the growth of P. ostreatus for 100 days. Growth of P. ostreatus in sawdust and rice bran was used as control. The total bacterial and fungal counts obtained from WHH samples were 4.50 ± 1.00x102 cfu/g and 0.61 ± 0.05 x102 sfu/g respectively. Among identified bacteria and fungi were Bacillus sp, Citrobacter sp. Penicillium sp. and Alternaria sp. Mycelium complete run observed in the pasteurised samples gave rise to mushrooms with the exception of the 20% WHH sample. However, the control had the largest total yield (355 g) and Biological Efficiency (51%). Mycelium complete run and produced mushrooms in pasteurised samples could be attributed to lack of competing microorganisms. The yield and efficiency observed in the control could be because of established mycelium-substrate relationship spanning several generations. The potential for recycling WHH provides an avenue for the promotion of the circular economy in Nigeria.
Prognostic and predictive value ofTTF-1 expression in patients with recurrent or advanced lung adenocarcinoma without sensitizing EGFR mutations or ALK translocation treated with platinum-based chemotherapy
Authors: Sugai Mayu , Yanagawa Naoki , Katagiri Hiroshi , Yakuwa Kazuhiro , Owada Yoshihisa , Hashimoto Tatsuya , Cho Katsuya , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: December 2023

Background
Pemetrexed (PEM) is an effective treatment for adenocarcinoma of the lung. Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) has been proposed as a predictive biomarker of cancer sensitivity to PEM.
Methods
We retrospectively screened 197 cases of recurrent or advanced lung adenocarcinoma without sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocation who underwent first-line platinum-based chemotherapy with or without PEM, and investigated the relationship between TTF-1 expression and treatment outcomes using propensity score matching.
Results
Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that TTF-1 expression was an independent prognostic marker of progression-free survival (PFS) in all patients. After propensity score matching, 136 patients (102 TTF-1-positive patients and 34 TTF-1-negative patients) were selected. Among the 102 TTF-1-positive patients, the median PFS was 239 vs. 124 days in patients treated with PEM vs. non-PEM combination therapy (hazard ratio: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.35–0.79; p = 0.002). The median overall survival (OS) was 496 vs. 404 days in the patients treated with PEM vs. non-PEM combination therapy (hazard ratio: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.47–1.15; p = 0.1763). On the other hand, in the TTF-1-negative patients, the median PFS and OS were not significantly different between the PEM and non-PEM combination therapy groups.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that TTF-1 expression is a prognostic factor in patients with recurrent or advanced lung adenocarcinoma without EGFR or ALK alterations. In addition, PEM combination therapy prolonged PFS in these TTF-1-positive patients.
Palliative Care progress in Benin: a situation analysis using the WHO development indicators
Authors: AGBODANDE Kouessi Anthelme , GNANGNON Freddy , ASSOGBA Mickael , AVAKOUDJO Josué , KOUANOU Angèle AZON , ODOULAMY Lisette , DAHO Jean , ZANNOU Djimon Marcel , SALIFOU Sourakatou , Ali IMOROU BAH CHABI , SAIZONOU Raoul , Issimouha DILLE MAHAMADOU , Fernanda BASTOS , GARRALDA Eduardo , Centeno Carlos , TRIPODORO Vilma
Published: December 2023

Context
Palliative care (PC) situation in most African countries remains underdiagnosed. Benin has piloted the implementation of a set of indicators proposed by the WHO to measure PC development.
Objectives
To examine the current state of PC in Benin.
Methods
A workshop with stakeholders was organized to validate the WHO indicators in the Beninese context. Indicators were rated by relevance and feasibility, data sources were agreed, and a survey adapted. Data were collected between March and May 2023.
Results
There is emerging community involvement in PC through the presence of patients' rights promoters, as well as a political commitment expressed in the National PC strategy, the inclusion of PC services in the list of basic health services, and an assigned national authority –within the Ministry of Health- responsible for PC. While no PC-oriented research is documented, the celebration of the National PC Conference represents a first step to ground PC delivery in evidence. Reported annual consumption of opioids is 0.18 (ME) milligrams per capita, 34% of healthcare establishments have essential medicines for pain and PC and 16.5% of patients with palliative needs have access to oral morphine. To date, none of the medical or paramedical schools offers PC training and there is no official specialization in palliative medicine for doctors. PC is provided by 11 specialist teams (0.08/100,000 inhabitants) none of which provide pediatric care.
Conclusion
Despite growing political, professional, and community commitment, there are challenging shortcomings in education, research, essential medicines, and access to PC services.
First report and genetic characterization of Aeromonas dhakensis in Aldabra giant tortoise
Authors: Zhao Chenxu , Li Shuai , Chen Zilu , Wang Tianliang , Liang Qunchao , He Weishi , Qin Panpan , Peng Zeyu , Yang Yurong , Peng Zhifeng , Li Yongtao
Published: December 2023

Aeromonas dhakensis (A. dhakensis) is becoming an emerging pathogen worldwide, with an increasingly significant role in animals and human health. It is a ubiquitous bacteria found in terrestrial and aquatic milieus. However, there have been few reports of reptile infections. In this study, a bacterial strain isolated from a dead Aldabra giant tortoise was identified as A. dhakensis HN-1 through clinical observation, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS), and gene sequencing analysis. Subsequently, to evaluate its pathogenicity, the detection of virulence genes and mice infection experiments were performed. A. dhakensis HN-1 was found to contain seven virulence genes, including alt, ela, lip, act, aerA, fla, and hlyA. Mice infected with A. dhakensis HN-1 exhibited hemorrhage of varying degrees in multiple organs. The half-maximal lethal dose (LD50) value of A. dhakensis HN-1 for mice was estimated to be 2.05×107 colony forming units (CFU)/mL. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that A. dhakensis HN-1 was resistant to rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin, and erythromycin. This is the first report of A. dhakensis in Aldabra giant tortoises, expanding the currently known host spectrum. Our results highlight the emergency of One Health surveillance and extensive research to minimize the transmission of A. dhakensis among the environment, humans, and animals.
Gallic acid - polyethyleneimine modified UHMWPE fibers with Epoxy Resin for Investigating Interfacial Properties
Authors: Wang Ziming , Zhu Xinyi , Yu Qiang , Feng Xia , Zhao Yiping , Chen Li
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a safe, non-toxic, and low-cost method was adopted to modify ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. gallic acid (GA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were co-deposited on the surface of UHMWPE fibers by Michael addition and Schiff base reaction in an alkaline solution with pH 8.5. The structure and properties were analyzed and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TG), etc. The morphology of the UHMWPE fibers and the degree of firmness of the surface coatings were observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and the effects of different mass ratios of GA-PEI on the UHMWPE fibers were investigated. The results showed that the surface active functional groups of the modified UHMWPE fibers increased, and the bending properties and interfacial shear strength of the composites with epoxy resin were significantly improved, with the bending strength and interfacial shear strength increased by 33.1 % and 45.9 %, respectively.
Nuclear expansion drives chromatin structure remodeling in aging neurons
Authors: Toiber Debra , Kruikov Dmitrii , Eremenko Ekaterina , Smirnov Dmitrii , Stein Daniel , Tsitrina Alexandra , Golova Anastasia , Einav Monica , Khrameeva Ekaterina
Published: December 2023

Aging, particularly in the brain, involves impairments in multiple cellular and molecular functions, many of which are regulated at the nucleus. Chromatin structure plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of genomic stability. During differentiation, chromosomes acquire their unique topology depending on the cell type that should be kept for a lifetime, but this may deteriorate as we age. However, the effects of aging on the chromatin 3D structure of neurons remain largely unknown and much has been inferred from senescent cells. By combining chromosome conformation capture and microscopy techniques, we investigated cortical neurons of young and aged mice and discovered neuronal nuclear expansion during neuronal aging, leading to increased distances between chromosomes. This expansion alters the topology of compartments, topologically associating domains (TADs) and chromatin loops. While larger TADs tend to dissociate, smaller TADs and loops exhibit strengthened interactions to maintain the cohesiveness of chromatin in aged neurons. These topological changes impact the borders of TADs, resulting in their overall weakening. Interestingly, we attribute these alterations to changes in the physical forces of an expanding nucleus, filling a growing nuclear area, affecting downstream gene expression and chromatin topology, further contributing to the functional declines observed during aging.
The efficacy of Levonorgestrelintrauterine system, Drospirenone & Ethinylestradiol Tablets(II) and Dydrogesterone in preventing the recurrence of endometrial polyps
Authors: Jiang Yao , Li Xiumei , Wu Jun , Jiang Chen , Yang Yanhua , Wei Hui
Published: December 2023

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of Levonorgestrelintrauterine system, Drospirenone & Ethinylestradiol Tablets(Ⅱ), and Dydrogesterone in preventing the recurrence of endometrial polyps after hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy.
Methods: 170 patients who underwent hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy in the Gynecology Department of Tianmen First People's Hospital in Hubei Province from January 2022 to June 2023 were randomly divided into the Levonorgestrelintrauterine system group, Drospirenone & Ethinylestradiol Tablets(Ⅱ) group, Dydrogesterone group, and a control group. The recurrence rates, endometrial thickness, and menstrual volume changes at 6 and 12 months post-operation were compared among these four groups.
Results: The recurrence rates in the Levonorgestrelintrauterine system group, Drospirenone & Ethinylestradiol Tablets(Ⅱ) group, and Dydrogesterone group were lower than the control group, with statistical significance (P < 0.01), with the Levonorgestrelintrauterine system group having the lowest recurrence rate. The endometrial thickness at 6 and 12 months post-operation in the Levonorgestrelintrauterine system group, Drospirenone & Ethinylestradiol Tablets(Ⅱ) group, and Dydrogesterone group was thinner than that of the control group and thinner than pre-operation, with statistical significance (P < 0.01). The menstrual volume at 3 months post-operation in the Levonorgestrelintrauterine system group, Drospirenone & Ethinylestradiol Tablets(Ⅱ) group, and Dydrogesterone group was significantly less than the control group, and less than the pre-operation volume.
Conclusion: Dydrogesterone, Drospirenone & Ethinylestradiol Tablets(Ⅱ), and Levonorgestrelintrauterine system all play a role in preventing the recurrence of endometrial polyps, but Levonorgestrelintrauterine system is significantly better than Dydrogesterone and Drospirenone & Ethinylestradiol Tablets(Ⅱ) in terms of post-operative recurrence rate, endometrial thickness, menstrual changes, and compliance, and is worth promoting in clinical application.
A cross-sectional study on the Arabic Version of the Adjustment Disorder–New Module20 for Cancer Patients: Tool Validation, Prevalence, and Risk Factors
Authors: Almaghrebi Asma H , Alhajjar Lynn , Alkusayer Asma , Zahrani Saeed Al , Jumah Mohammed Al
Published: December 2023

Background
Adjustment disorder (AjD) is a common mental health condition whose symptoms include the development of a group of emotional and behavioral disturbances caused by inadequate adaptation to stressors. Adjustment Disorder – New Module 20 (ADNM-20) is a tool used to assess the new diagnostic concept of AjD according to the International Classification of Diseases 11 (ICD-11). This study aimed to evaluate the validity of the Arabic version of the ADNM-20 and investigate the risk factors for and prevalence of AjD among cancer patients.
Methods
A total of 146 adult cancer patients were recruited from cancer societies in Saudi Arabia (SA) and King Saud Medical City, a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Test–retest stability, internal consistency, and item-total correlations were used to assess the reliability and validity of the ADNM-20. A cutoff score of 47.5 with the ADNM-20 scale was used to determine the prevalence of AjD, and the characteristics of the group at high risk of AjD were highlighted.
Results
The Arabic version of the ADNM-20 has shown high reliability, with Cronbach’s α = 0.92. The test-retest correlation coefficient was 0.76, and the correlation between the subscales of ADNM-20 and the total scale was high. We found that 43.84% of adult cancer patients were at risk of AjD, and there were no significant differences between the scores of the hospital and community cancer patients. The risk factors in this study were being female, unemployment, exposure to multiple stressors or financial difficulties, and receiving chemotherapy.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that ADNM-20 is reliable, valid, and applicable for clinical use and research into AjD in cancer patients. Additional research is needed to validate a structured assessment of AjD symptoms in Arabic culture.
Pattern of Physical Growth and Pubertal Changes in Adolescent Girls with Systemic Lupus Erthythematosus
Authors: Nori Harshita , kaur harvinder , Singh Surjit , Bhalla Anil
Published: December 2023

Background
To study the pattern of physical growth and pubertal changes in adolescent girls with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Methods
Weight, height, BMI, waist and hip circumference among 50 adolescent SLE girls (aged 8-17years), was cross-sectionally studied using standardised techniques and instruments. Breast development stage, presence or absence of pubic and axillary hair and age of attainment of menarche were also noted.
Results
With advancement of age, mean weight and height of SLE girls increased but they were lighter and shorter compared to normal Indian peers. 18.4% of study girls were short-statured while, only 1 participant was underweight. As per mid-parental height, 34.3% were predicted to have shorter final heights. BMI demonstrated an inconsistent trend with 12.3% and 9.2% being obese and overweight, respectively. Interestingly, 10.7% of SLE girls were at risk of metabolic syndrome (waist circumference > 70th centile). About 50% of study girls had attained menarche (mean age: 13.04 ± 1.38years). Appearance of pubic and axillary hair occurred around 1 year later than attainment of menarche. 33.80% of study subjects were in prepubertal stage of breast development and rest 66.20% were in advanced stages of breast development. SLE girls who had younger age at diagnosis and longer duration of therapy had significant delay in breast development and attainment of menarche.
Conclusions
SLE girls show delayed growth and pubertal attainments compared to their normal Indian and western counterparts. The data presented will provide understanding of the auxological dynamics and pattern of pubertal changes among adolescent girls with SLE living in north-western India.
The valuation of double barrier options under mixed fractional Brownian motion model with transaction costs
Authors: Rezaei Maryam
Published: December 2023

One of the phenomena observed in the real market is long-range dependence. Mixed fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameter can be a suitable tool to capture it. The main objective of this work is to numerically evaluate the double barrier options base on the fractional Black-Scholes equation under mixed fractional Brownian motion model with transaction costs and time-dependent parameters in a discrete-time setting when the change in the option price with time follows a fractal transmission system. We solve the fractional Black-Scholes equation by using an implicit difference scheme. Also, we numerically investigate the influence of model parameters on the double barrier option price. Numerical results are presented to confirm the theoretical findings.
Mathematics Subject Classification. 60G22, 91G20, 91B25.
Particle Flow Numerical Simulation Model for Coal and Gas Outburst and Its Microscopic Outburst Mechanism Description
Authors: Jiao Huice , Song Weihua
Published: December 2023

The finite difference model and particle flow model were constructed to reproduce the process of coal and gas outburst in front of the tunnel. The reliability of the particle flow model was verified by studying the internal stress, gas pressure, and related parameters of gas and coal two-phase flow. Then the process of coal and gas outburst is described from a microscopic perspective. The results show that the particle flow numerical model of coal and gas outburst is in line with reality and can intuitively and conveniently monitor relevant parameters; The concentrated stress caused by excavation of tunnels can reach 1.2 times the in-situ stress; High stress causes the adhesion between coal particles to break down, which is the main reason for the initiation of coal and gas outbursts; The intermittent breakthrough of gas on the coal particle collection that blocks the release channel has caused pulsating characteristics of coal and gas outbursts.
Analyzing the Influence of Clostridium butyricum on Liver Health in Spotted Sea Bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) via Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Authors: Kong Lumin , Ma Jianrong , Lin Hao , Zhou Sishun , Long Zhongying , Qin Huihui , Lin Yi , Liu Longhui , Huang Zhangfan , Li Zhongbao
Published: December 2023

Clostridium butyricum (CB) has received much attention as a probiotic; however, few studies have focused on its effects on liver health. Here, we studied the influence of CB on the liver health of spotted sea bass through transcriptomic and metabolomic studies and preliminarily explored its molecular mechanisms. This study showed that CB significantly reduced hepatic aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and increased alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activity (P < 0.05). CB has demonstrated significant effects in strengthening liver immunity and can increase hepatic amylase and trypsin activities and promote hepatic catabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. Integration of the liver Transcriptomics and metabolomics showed altered transcript levels of mainly gluconeogenic, lipogenic, and amino acid metabolic pathways. It regulated the abundance of metabolic biomarkers such as arachidonate, crotonyl-CoA, and D-glucose 1-phosphate. Our findings support that CB can reduce liver damage in spotted sea bass, enhance liver immunity, and improve liver metabolism.
M2 macrophage-derived exosomal miR-26b-5p regulates macrophage polarization and chondrocyte hypertrophy by targeting TLR3 and COL10A1 to alleviate osteoarthritis
Authors: Qian Yufan , Chu Genglei , Zhang Lei , Wu Zhikai , Wang Qiuyuan , Guo Jiong Jiong , Zhou Feng
Published: December 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent chronic musculoskeletal diseases among the elderly population. In this study, macrophage-derived exosomes were isolated and identified. Exosomes were subjected to microRNA (miRNA) sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, and differentially expressed miRNAs were verified. miR-26b-5p target genes were confirmed through target-site mutation combined with a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The effects of miR-26b-5p on macrophage polarization and chondrocyte hypertrophy were assessed in vitro. miR-26b-5p agomir was applied to mice with OA induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). The therapeutic effects of miR-26b-5p were evaluated via pain behavior experiments and histological observations. In vitro, miR-26b-5p repolarized M1 macrophages to an anti-inflammatory M2 type by targeting the TLR3 signaling pathway. miR-26b-5p could target COL10A1, further inhibiting chondrocyte hypertrophy induced by M1 macrophage-conditioned medium (M1-CM). In vivo, miR-26b-5p agomir ameliorated gait abnormalities and mechanical allodynia in OA mice. miR-26b-5p treatment attenuated synovitis and cartilage degeneration, thereby delaying OA progression. In conclusion, M2 macrophage-derived exosomal miR-26b-5p could protect articular cartilage and ameliorate gait abnormalities in OA mice by targeting TLR3 and COL10A1. miR-26b-5p further affected macrophage polarization and chondrocyte hypertrophy. Thus, this exosomal miR-26b-5p-based strategy might be a potential method for OA treatment.
A mixed-methods evaluation of neurosurgical care in the public sector in Peru
Authors: Garcia Roxanna M , Williams Anna Larson , Niquen-Jimenez Milagros , Benllochpiquer Victor , Durand Walter , Reynolds Rebecca , Swaroop Mamta , Garcia Patricia J
Published: December 2023

Background
In Andean Latin America, an estimated 60% of the population is without access to surgical care. Neurosurgical conditions are a leading cause of disability and mortality. The purpose of this study was to perform national evaluation of neurosurgical services within the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA), which provides healthcare to over 70% of the population.
Methods
This cross-sectional, descriptive study included site visits at MINSA facilities between 2019 to 2020. A quantitative survey of hospital resources was administered and semi-structured interviews with neurosurgeons were conducted. Hospital characteristics were descriptively summarized, and a qualitative analysis using grounded theory was performed in Nvivo software.
Results
A total of 25 (93%) of 27 facilities were visited nationally. Twenty recorded interviews were conducted and identified 170 neurosurgeons, resulting in 1 neurosurgeon to 172,835 patient population. Hospitals in Lima had mean higher numbers of hospital beds, operating rooms, and access to post-operative recovery, but over 42% (n = 5) reported greater than 4 hours to reach the operating room for emergent surgery once the patient was determined to need a neurosurgical intervention after arrival at index hospital. Twenty-eight percent (n = 7) lacked access to computed tomography scanner, and 76% (n = 19) lacked access to magnetic resonance imaging. Significant themes influencing access to neurosurgical care were lack or poor maintenance of basic materials, equipment and supplies, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and poor financial prioritization. Consequently, delays to life-saving intervention and poor patient outcomes were common occurrences.
Conclusion
This study serves as a baseline evaluation of neurosurgical capacity for MINSA facilities. Context-specific factors were identified to help inform future interventions and policy decisions for neurosurgical preparedness.
Ovarian Cancer Management in an ESGO Ovarian Cancer Center of Excellence: A systematic case study of the interprofessional and interdisciplinary interaction
Authors: Krankenberg David , Muallem Mustafa Zelal , Pietzner Klaus , Chekerov Radoslav , Armbrust Robert , Beteta Carmen , Schöning Wenzel , Lee Marlene , Klews Ina , Sehouli Jalid
Published: December 2023

Purpose. With growing knowledge about ovarian cancer over the last decades diagnosis, evaluation and treatment in ovarian cancer patients has become highly specialized, and an individually adapted approach should be made in each woman by interdisciplinary cooperation. The present study aims to show the variety and extent of medical specialties involved at our institution according to the European Society of Gynecologic Oncology (ESGO) Quality indicators (QI). Methods. A woman, diagnosed with a high-grade ovarian cancer International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) IIIb was selected for a single case observational study. The observation period (total = 22d) comprised preoperative diagnostic procedures, including imaging, the in-patient stay for cytoreductive surgery, and the postoperative course and case discussion at our interdisciplinary tumor board. Data were obtained by self-reporting and by patient file review. Results. Patient-tracking demonstrated an interdisciplinary cooperation of 12 medical specialties (62 physicians [63% male, 37% female]) 8 different types of nursing staff (n = 59 [22% male, 78% female]) and 9 different types of peri-operative/administrative staff (n = 23; male 17,4%, female n = 19, 82,6%]). Contact with the patient was direct (n = 199; 76%) or without face-to-face interaction (n = 63; 24%). Conclusion. The present study demonstrates the high diversity of physicians and the affiliated medical staff as well as interdisciplinary intersections within teams of specialized hospitals. according to the ESGO QIs. This report underlines the requirement of an adequate infrastructure for the complex management of advanced ovarian cancer patients. Future prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the specific procedures and actions to optimize the interprofessional and interdisciplinary workflows.
Gendered Experiences of Water Shortages in Chegutu, Zimbabwe: A Participatory Action Research Investigation
Authors: Shayamunda Ruvimbo , Bhanye Johannes , Kachena Lameck , Matamanda Abraham , Jombo Simbarashe
Published: December 2023

This paper examines the complex dynamics of women and girls as primary custodians of household water supply, sanitation, and health in the face of escalating water stress in low-income regions, with a specific focus on Chegutu, Zimbabwe, a secondary urban area grappling with water scarcity. Employing the innovative Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, the study engages the affected women to co-create new knowledge and insights. The findings reveal a precarious water situation, delineating diverse socio-economic impacts on women, including heightened susceptibility to water-borne diseases, restricted access to fundamental sanitation and hygiene, persistent gender disparities, elevated risks of abuse and harassment during water collection, compounded health challenges, and enduring conflicts and discrimination. Women’s adaptive capacity is exemplified through diverse coping strategies, such as rainwater harvesting, borehole utilisation, and wastewater recycling, facilitated by interactive sessions. However, most of the strategies are palliative and just measures of last resort. The study highlights the necessity of gender-responsive water and sanitation facilities and gender-sensitive local water management practices to mitigate the disproportionate burdens borne by women and girls. Addressing their unique challenges is central to achieving gender equity and Sustainable Development Goal 6.1, which strives for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030, thus emphasising the collective effort required to ensure equitable access to clean water, leaving no one marginalised in the pursuit of this fundamental human right.
Gearing Powers of Supply Chain Integration Practices on Firm Performance and Competitiveness: (Case of Ethiopian Textile and Apparel Industry)
Authors: Damtew( Alie Wube
Published: December 2023

This study aims to investigate the impact of supplier, customer, and internal company integration on firm performance and global competitiveness in the manufacturing industries. In particular, the performance in terms of production capability, raw material capability, import-export, quality, financial, demand-supply, and job creation potentials of textile industries in the Ethiopia scenario were studied. Regionally, because of weak and infant supply chain integrations, there were problems in resource utilization, poor production processes, poor information flow, infant technological capability, problems in infrastructure, problems in warehouse systems, and infant logistics infrastructure. As a result of this, the performance and competitiveness of local textile and apparel industries were poor and weak at national, regional, and global levels. The study also reveals important findings about the substantial and highest positive relationships between firm performance and internal, supplier, and customer integrations, from the highest to the lowest level, respectively. Based on our findings, the highest internal, better supplier, and good customer and fair government support integrations have a positive impact on the performance and global competitiveness of the textile and apparel manufacturing industries. Field observations, questionnaires, interviews with company representatives, company reports, and data were gathered from 33 Ethiopian textile and apparel industries, with 175 respondents included in the study. The primary and secondary data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis, the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), and FAHP tools. Finally, the implications for policy on the supply chain integration capability of supply chain strategies were shown, and the future research agenda was presented.
Enhancing Yam Quality Detection through Computer Vision in IoT and Robotics Applications
Authors: Audu John , Adegbenjo Adeyemi , Ajisegiri Emmanuel , Irtwange Simone
Published: December 2023

This study introduces a comprehensive framework aimed at automating the process of detecting yam tuber quality attributes. This is achieved through the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and robotic systems. The primary focus of the study is the development of specialized computer codes that extract relevant image features and categorize yam tubers into one of three classes: "Good," "Diseased," or "Insect Infected." By employing a variety of machine learning algorithms, including tree algorithms, support vector machines (SVMs), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN), the codes achieved an impressive accuracy of over 90% in effective classification. Furthermore, a robotic algorithm was designed utilizing an artificial neural network (ANN), which exhibited a 92.3% accuracy based on its confusion matrix analysis. The effectiveness and accuracy of the developed codes were substantiated through deployment testing. Although a few instances of misclassification were observed, the overall outcomes indicate significant potential for transforming yam quality assessment and contributing to the realm of precision agriculture. This study is in alignment with prior research endeavors within the field, highlighting the pivotal role of automated and precise quality assessment. The integration of IoT devices and robotic systems in agricultural practices presents exciting possibilities for data-driven decision-making and heightened productivity. By minimizing human intervention and providing real-time insights, the study approach has the potential to optimize yam quality assessment processes. Therefore, this study successfully demonstrates the practical application of IoT and robotic technologies for the purpose of yam quality detection, laying the groundwork for progress in the agricultural sector.
Graph Neural Networks for Text Classification: A Survey
Authors: Wang Kunze , Ding Yihao , Han Soyeon Caren
Published: December 2023

Text Classification is the most essential and fundamental problem in Natural Language Processing. While numerous recent text classification models applied the sequential deep learning technique, graph neural network-based models can directly deal with complex structured text data and exploit global information. Many real text classification applications can be naturally cast into a graph, which captures words, documents, and corpus global features. In this survey, we bring the coverage of methods up to 2023, including corpus-level and document-level graph neural networks. We discuss each of these methods in detail, dealing with the graph construction mechanisms and the graph-based learning process. As well as the technological survey, we look at issues behind and future directions addressed in text classification using graph neural networks. We also cover datasets, evaluation metrics, and experiment design and present a summary of published performance on the publicly available benchmarks. Note that we present a comprehensive comparison between different techniques and identify the pros and cons of various evaluation metrics in this survey.
Through the Population of Waste Materials Detection of Images in Smart Cities using Internet Drone
Authors: Sharma Nirmla , Alhasan Fatma Dafallah Mohamed , Said Olfa Ben , Aldhawi Ashwaq
Published: December 2023

Internet drone, in modest things, is a kind of rapid automaton that is remotely organized by human beings. It is in machinery relations also known as Unmanned Floating Automobile (UFA). By numerous innovative developments in drone equipment, it has predictable that drones grow additional to contain analytical skills, specifically in the waste materials detection of images in smart cities. The drone offered in this article will be applied for the distribution of waste materials detection of images. Through a security system executed on the vessel involved, it confirms the protection of the waste materials detection of images till they get the correct place. The planned structure is an internet-based drone consuming the values of Internet of Things. Still, the procedure of drones’ desires trained control and appropriate setup. Waste materials detection of images by internet drone are misguidedly measured as security drones, therefore has been criticized by prepared services. Without the use of internet drones, operators are accountable for conveying things at a high cost. The goal of this internet drone is to monitor waste materials detection of images in smart cities. It is to detect waste material images and send them to administrator (Municipality). The internet drone is accomplished of finding these services and detected images statistics in a 360-degree cycle inside the smart cities. When broadcast is problematic, the self-maintaining internet drone are the ready for rapidly moving one location to another detect waste material images.
Overcoming Adversity, Embracing Change: Addressing Challenges in Language and Culture in Asia
Authors:   English Language Studies, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Abdul Rahim Hajar , Low Nurul Farhana ,   English Language Studies, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: December 2023

The notion of adversity is inherently negative, yet it can be a positive force for change. Inspired by this and in relation to the recent pandemic which saw the lives of the global community disrupted and challenged, the 6th International Conference on Linguistics, Literature and Culture (ICLLIC 2022) chose “Overcoming Adversity, Embracing Change” as the main conference theme. This article is an overview of selected articles from the conference that address issues in language and culture in the Asian context, emerging from the pandemic and contemporary social factors such as globalisation, diaspora and modernity. They include examination of innovations, adaptations and new practices in language, literature and culture that demonstrates Asian linguistic and literary dynamism and resilience in embracing change in the face of adversity.
Factors Behind Women’s Decision Making Autonomy: An Analysis from Nationally Representative Survey
Authors: Mallick Rahul , Mondal Sabbir , Majumder Koyel , Sarkar Mithun , Chouhan Pradip
Published: December 2023

The socioeconomic variables have a strong impact on the decision-making and physical movement of women, worldwide studies suggest the same. In this study, we have tried to know the various determinants of women’s autonomy. We have taken the data from the fourth round National Family Health Survey (NFHS) (2015-16), published by the International Institution on Population Sciences (IIPS). For the statistical analysis, we used basic descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation between the socioeconomic variables and autonomy responses. Later to predict the occurrence of various autonomy aspects, binary logistic regression has been used with various socioeconomic variables. After getting the results, it has come to know that women’s decision-making and freedom of movement-related autonomy are largely influenced by socioeconomic variables. Major findings stated that with increasing age of women, autonomy increases. Women who belong to the rural setup have a low level of autonomy. From a religious perspective, women from the Muslim community have lower autonomy. Apart from these women have higher education, employed and in rich households have a higher likelihood of autonomy. Based on the outcomes, it is clear to us that women’s autonomy is largely influenced by their socioeconomic condition.
Understanding The Importance of Job Satisfaction for Female Motorcycle Taxi Drivers
Authors: Agustina Tri Siwi , Putri Radhiyatul Hayati
Published: December 2023

This study aims to find out more about the effects of the implementation of work flexibility on loyalty and job satisfaction, with work-life balance as mediation among female motorcycle taxi drivers especially in Surabaya, Indonesia. This study is a cross sectional quantitative study with the data collection technique using an instrument in the form of a questionnaire administered to 127 female XYZ’s motorcycle taxi drivers. This study used the path analysis as the data analysis technique to test the research hypothesis. The results showed that work flexibility has significant direct effects on loyalty, job satisfaction and work-life balance among women as motorcycle taxi drivers. The work-life balance did not mediate the effect of work flexibility on the loyalty and job satisfaction among women as motorcycle taxi drivers.
Making-Present of Memories and the Function of Negative Symbols in Kim Myung-In’s Poetry Collection Dongducheon
Authors:   Dong Nam Eo-Mun-Hak-Hoi, Lee Kanglha
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to analyze the phenomenon of transition of “us” in Kim Myung-In’s first poetry collection, Dongducheon, from the perspective of liminality. It seeks to elucidate how the author, Kim Myung-In, personally confronts and overcomes his wounds and the contemporary issues of his time. Research on Dongducheon has been bifurcated into a psychoanalytic approach focused on his personal history and a historicist methodology centered around diagnosing societal issues in the 1970s. The “us” to which the poetic subject belongs encompasses orphanages, hometown friends, and a group of teachers. Among these, first, the violent environment of “us” stimulates the suppressed memories of the teacher group’s “us.” The purpose of transitions occurring in liminality is to confront those memories and reconcile with the others involved in a conflicted relationship within those memories. The poetic subject confesses the suppressed guilt from the past through the theatrical act of articulating negative symbols in the rituals. As a result of this transition, the pre-existing “us” of the teacher group is reintegrated into a newly formed “us,” which includes mixed-blood students. The societal position of this reintegrated “us” is a more fundamental stage of life than the violent “us” to which they originally belong. Since this group is virtual, the only reality is the imagination of liminality that enables such virtuality. This imagination is a movement of identification towards the lowest level of social status from their present social position. This identification movement is a social phenomenon of the 1970s that aimed for a class identity with the masses.
Block-level long-term rainfall variability using trend analysis in a state of central India
Authors: Sahu Kamlesh Kumar , Chandniha Surendra Kumar , Nema Manish Kumar , Das G. K. , V. Haritha Lekshmi , Warware Pratibha
Published: December 2023

Rainfall is the key weather element which regulates the hydrological cycle, availability of water resources and crop production. In this study, spatial and temporal variability of rainfall has been investigated on seasonal and annual time scales of the 149 blocks of Chhattisgarh State using 120 years (1901–2020) of rainfall data. Non-parametric, and Theil and Sen's slope estimator were used to identify possible trends and ascertain the variability in the magnitude. The results revealed that there exists a well-marked spatial variability in rainfall over Chhattisgarh on annual and seasonal time scales. Out of 149 blocks, a significant negative rainfall was noticed in 105 blocks. Annual rainfall showed a significant positive trend in a few blocks like Bhopalpattnam, Bijapur, Usur, and Konta. A similar pattern of trend was noticed in the monsoon season. The results of the study demand the urgent need to formulate policies and strategies for water resource management and planning. The blocks which showed the positive rainfall trends can be identified to intensify the cultivation of more water-requiring crops based on the suitability for that region. The findings of this study can be used as valuable information for crop planning, policy-making and preparation of contingency plans.
Geo-physical seasonal deviations of land use, terrain analysis, and water cooling effect on the surface temperature of Pune city
Authors: Sharma Kul Vaibhav , Kumar Vijendra , Gautam Lilesh , Choudhary Sumit , Mathew Aneesh
Published: December 2023

Urban heat islands are hotter than rural places. Sustainable urban growth and improving urban environments need understanding Urban Heat Island (UHI) causes and finding effective mitigation techniques. This research examines the seasonal deviations in surface temperatures for the UHI effect in Pune, India, focusing on land use patterns and water body cooling. Land use categorization included residential, commercial, industrial, vegetation, and open spaces. The research studied the cooling potential and temperature variance by distance from water bodies in the form of lakes, rivers, and ponds. These aquatic bodies have surface and ambient temperature sensors. Roads, soil, commercial areas, residential areas, industrial areas, and vegetation have all shown increases in NDBI, ranging from 15.84 to 36.45%. Urban regions with heat accumulation and dissipation have been revealed by DEM and contour maps. The research found that the water bodies have a cooling effect on LST till the distance of 350 m. The research finds hotter places and shows how natural features mitigate UHI by analyzing land use patterns and water body cooling. The findings emphasize the significance of green areas and water bodies in urban design and development to improve Pune's climate resilience and inhabitability.
Linking catchment and hydrodynamic models for environmental flow analysis in hypersaline lakes
Authors: Sedighkia Mahdi , Datta Bithin
Published: December 2023

This research work proposes a novel method of environmental flow analysis in hypersaline lakes in which the outputs of the hydraulic rating method considering the base flow as a known approach for environmental flow assessment in rivers are analyzed in terms of providing suitable aquatic habitats in the lake by linking a continuous hydrological model and a hydrodynamic model of salinity simulation. Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) as a hydrological model was applied to simulate the natural inflow of the lake's ecosystem in the simulated period. Moreover, a hydrodynamic model was applied to simulate the salinity distribution of the lake in the same simulated period. Based on the results of the models and monthly analysis of the environmental flows, both models are robust for simulations. The Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of both hydrological and hydrodynamic models average more than 0.5, which means that they are reliable for simulating the natural inflow and salinity distribution respectively. Furthermore, outputs indicated that using the hydraulic rating method considering the base flow for assessing the environmental flow of rivers is not able to provide environmental requirements in the lake's ecosystem of the case study.
Using Plants of Novel Ecosystems as Resources to Create Green Roofs in Cities’ Adaptation to the Climate Change Process
Authors: Biela Magdalena , Sierka Edyta
Published: December 2023

Using local wild plant resources to create green roofs in urban areas is a sustainable solution that supports cities' adaptation strategies to climate change. Creating extensive green roofs, in accordance with the Nature-Based Solutions concept, supports minimizing the effects of climate change, loss of biodiversity and human health. The aim of this paper is to identify, based on an analysis of published research results, the main criteria for selecting vegetation introduced to green roofs and the role of green roofs in minimizing the effects of climate change in the context of NBS. The data were collected by analyzing the results of studies published in the last 10 years, focusing on plant selection. It was found that species selection often fails to consider plant functional traits. The potential of wild plants in urban-industrial areas for creating green infrastructure and optimizing ecosystem services remains largely unrecognized. However, certain plants with desirable functional traits, originating e.g. from habitats such as post-industrial coal mining waste heaps, show promise in providing functional support to urban ecosystems in minimizing the effects of climate change.