bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An e-Monitoring System for Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases: A Case of Beni County in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Heri Josiane , Omondi Allan
Published: January 2023

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. 80% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries whose fragile health systems are still grappling with a heavy burden of infectious diseases resulting in a duo burden of disease. While early detection increases the survival rate and ensures a favorable prognosis for most NCDs, about 80% of reported cases are detected at an advanced stage when little can be achieved in treatment. A few such patients are directed to palliative care in hospices. Some challenges include low awareness of NCDs' signs and symptoms, poor treatment, and inadequate early detection and monitoring services. Data collection was done through observation, personal experience, and interviews in the Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo population. The collected data was analyzed to identify the system requirements for a computer-based information system that supports the management of NCDs in rural areas. The findings propose an analytical application software that applies correlation and regression analysis techniques to analyze patients' vitals. This is to be used by community health workers/volunteers, administrators in health care facilities, and medical doctors to support the implementation of early interventions to prevent NCDs from getting worse at an avoidable rate. The system was developed based on an Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) approach using the V-Shaped system development methodology. Functional testing was conducted to test the system, and the result for each functionality was successful.
The Role of Using Thinking Aloud Pairs Problem Solving (TAPPS) Strategy in Teaching Reading Comprehension to EFL Preparatory School Students
Authors: Hameed Dunia Tahir , Al-Jubouri Hussam R.
Published: January 2023

Thinking Aloud Pairs Problem Solving has been used as a strategy  in teaching reading comprehension. Students should read, re-read silently, think aloud, verbalize what they think, and discuss and share information (work in pairs) to solve problems that are related to the reading passage .This strategy helps students to evaluate their reading which leads them to produce a better comprehension of the text. These aims are supposed to be achieved as follows:

Finding out the role of using (TAPPS) strategy on EFL preparatory school students' achievement in reading comprehension.

Finding out if there is any significant difference between the experimental group's achievement at the recognition and production levels.
الانحياز المعرفي وعلاقته بسمات الشخصية لدى طلبة الجامعة
Authors: Manookh Al-Obaidi Sabah Marshod , Rasheed Al-Shujairi Omar Khalaf
Published: January 2023

يستهدف البحث الحالي معرفة الانحياز المعرفي وعلاقته بسمات الشخصية لدى طلبة جامعة تكريت ، وكذلك التعرف على دلالة الفروق على وفق متغير النوع (ذكور – إناث). فضلًا عن العلاقة الارتباطية بين المتغيرين ، ومن أجل التحقق من ذلك ، وقد تبنى الباحثان مقياس الانحياز المعرفي المعدّ من (عبد الامير, 2018) إذ بلغ عدد فقراته بصيغتها النهائية (31) فقرة ، وتبنى مقياس سمات الشخصية المعد من قبل (كوستا وماكري 1992). والمعرب من قبل (الانصاري 1997) ، إذ بلغ عدد فقراته بصيغتها النهائية (35) فقرة. وقد تم التأكد من خصائصهما السايكومترية وتم تطبيق الأداتين على عينة بلغت (120) طالبًا تم اختيارهم بالطريقة العشوائية من ثلاث كليات في جامعة تكريت هي (كلية العلوم ، وكلية الآداب ، وكلية التربية للعلوم الإنسانية) للعام الدراسي 2020- 2021 وقد استعانا بالحقيبة الإحصائية للعلوم الاجتماعية (SPSS) في معالجة المعلومات  وأظهرت نتائج البحث الآتي:

إن عينة البحث من طلبة جامعة تكريت ليس لديهم انحياز معرفي.
لا توجد فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية بين (الذكور والإناث) في الانحياز المعرفي.
إن عينة البحث من طلبة الجامعة يتمتعون بسمات الشخصية.
توجد فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية بين (الذكور والإناث) في سمات الشخصية ولصالح الذكور.
أظهرت نتائج التحليل الإحصائي أنه توجد علاقة ارتباطية سالبة دالة بين متغير البحث الحالي (الانحياز المعرفي وسمات الشخصية) تبعًا للعينة ككل.
Rapid Suboptimal Low-Thrust Space Trajectory Design
Authors: Schimke Benjamin , Abdelkhalik Ossama
Published: January 2023

The finite Fourier series shape-based approach for fast initial trajectory design satisfies the equations of motion and other problem constraints at discrete points by using a nonlinear programming solver to design the Fourier coefficients. In this paper, the finite Fourier series approach is extended to account for the necessary conditions for optimality during the Fourier coefficient design. The proposed method uses the approximate trajectories to analytically estimate the costates at these discrete points by employing a finite difference technique on the adjoint differential equations. Lagrange multipliers associated with any terminal state constraints are determined using an auxiliary function. Residual errors in the stationarity condition are reduced through the objective function, with the Legendre–Clebsch condition enforced as a nonlinear inequality constraint; applying these two conditions finds suboptimal solutions without an excessive loss of computational efficiency. Test cases use steering angle and thrust acceleration magnitude controls and span Earth-escape spirals, geostationary spacecraft rendezvous, and phasing maneuvers. The presented results demonstrate the proposed method’s ability to achieve trajectories closer to the optimal solution.
Wagar and Motley “Archaic” Vestiges: A Postmodernist Reading of Contemporary Somali Fiction
Authors: Nyongesa Andrew
Published: January 2023

The advent of the modernist dream resulted in the universalisation of culture, which entails deliberate effort to abandon traditional ways of life that foster difference and instead embracing national cultures to bring different communities together. Colonialism in the Horn of Africa, for instance, brought different Cushitic communities under single political entities and most of them adopted Islam to find a common ground. Other communities in East Africa had to convert to Christianity to find a universal cultural bridge. This has resulted in the assumption that most African peoples are homogeneous given that past traditions that elevated difference have been eradicated by unifying factors such as modern states and conventional religions such as Islam and Christianity. A critical reading of some literary texts, however, demonstrates that such claims are partly unfounded because there exist aspects of pre-Islamic Somali religion along with the fundamental beliefs of Islam, which bolster difference. This article is a postmodernist reading of selected contemporary Somali fiction to investigate the influence of pre-Islamic Somali religion on contemporary Somali culture. Using the ideas of Jacques Derrida and Joseph Campbell, the study demonstrates the impact of myth and the ancient traditions on migration and contemporary culture in Nadifa Mohamed’s Black Mamba Boy and Nuruddin Farah’s Secrets.
Ecojustice: Reframing Climate Justice As Racial Justice
Authors: Nkrumah Bright Kojo
Published: January 2023

Climate change poses a considerable threat to the young generation. While the youths from Africa are less responsible for air pollution, prominent projections indicate that they are likely to be the most disadvantaged by the results of global warming, such as deluge, drought, and heat waves. Unlike those in China and countries in the Global North with the capacity to adapt to anticipated warming, Africa’s young generation is more susceptible as it lacks the capacity to cope with the socio-economic challenges that climate change brings, including food price hikes, heat stress, and water shortages. Thus, although it has been nearly two decades since the adoption of the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a disproportionate percentage of countries in the Global North are yet to fully comply with the provisions of the instrument that aims to cap rising greenhouse emissions (GHGs). The article argues that racial injustice is perpetrated by the highest emitters of GHGs since Africa, which is noted as the least emitter, will be hit the most by climate change. It is against this backdrop that the article considers the prospects and challenges of Africa’s youths filing an application with the Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination to hold the highest emitting states accountable for the serious harm that their actions might have on the youths’ livelihoods.
Political Prisoners: A Comparative Critical Reading of Gramsci’s Prison Notebooks, Rahman’s Prison Diaries, and Mandela’s Conversations with Myself
Authors: Islam Rama
Published: January 2023

Political leaders who fight against the abuse of power are frequently imprisoned for their political activities. Their voices challenge the existing autocratic rulers and their experiences inside and outside prison are essentially emblematic. This article explores power, politics and the prison life of three famous politicians of three continents: Antonio Gramsci from Italy (Europe), Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from Bangladesh (Asia), and Nelson Mandela from South Africa (Africa). Prison Notebooks by Gramsci, Prison Diaries by Rahman, and Conversations with Myself by Mandela are extraordinary works, which contribute immensely to the shaping of prison literature. These authors wrote about loneliness, hegemony, state repression and their resistance against power to establish human rights. Focusing on Michel Foucault’s concept of power, domination and the systematic reformations to treat prisoners more humanely, this article undertakes a comparative critical reading of these three prison narratives about the imprisonment of the three politicians. The analysis explores their protest against power abuse and struggle for humanity, justice, equality and dignity, which make them icons of leadership in the world.
Guidelines for Screening Prospective Foster Parents: A Scoping Literature Review
Authors: Manthosi Frans Lesetja , Carelse Shernaaz
Published: January 2023

The process of screening prospective foster parents is a requirement before a child in need of care and protection is placed in foster care. This is to ensure that the prospective foster parents fit the criteria for fostering children. The aim of this scoping review was to review current literature on guidelines for the screening of prospective foster parents. The six steps of Arksey and O’Malley’s framework was used. A total of 13 databases were searched, resulting in the retrieval of 75 studies, 11 of which met the inclusion criteria: English, full text, peer reviewed, open access studies conducted between 2017 and 2021 on guidelines for screening prospective foster parents. The data were analysed thematically. This study revealed six key components that are included in the screening of prospective foster parents, namely, personal factors relating to values and beliefs, social networks, interpersonal communication, personality characteristics, prospective foster parent–foster child relationship and the child’s background information. We deduce that the screening process is complex and time-consuming and that there is a need to develop a standardised screening process for screening prospective foster parents in South Africa. This study is confined to the screening of prospective foster parents by the government and child protection organisations in South Africa. None of the studies reviewed included the views of foster children. In this study, we recommend further scoping review research to include children’s views on the screening of prospective foster parents.
Occupational Stress and Coping Strategies in Health Professions Academics at a Historically Disadvantaged Institution in South Africa
Authors: Munnik Erica , Smith Mario , Simons Abigail
Published: January 2023

Health professions academics experience additional profession-related stressors that negatively affect health and performance outcomes. Understanding these stressors in the context of the institution where the health professions academic is employed was recommended. Historically disadvantaged institutions reportedly experience additional stressors, such as resource constraints, which may further affect occupational stress. In the study, we examined the relationship between sources of occupational stress and coping strategies among health professions academics. An online survey was conducted with 51 health professions academics employed at a historically disadvantaged institution. A demographic questionnaire, the Sources of Work Stress Inventory and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory were used for data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlations. The findings indicated that the respondents experienced moderate levels of stress across all nine sources of occupational stress. Work/home interface, workload and general work stress were the three highest ranked sources of stress. The respondents responded more frequently with problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, although maladaptive coping, including avoidance, venting, self-blame and denial, was also reported. The results suggest that health professions academics use expressive maladaptive coping strategies pervasively when stressed, albeit less so than adaptive coping strategies. An understanding of the relationship between sources of occupational stress and coping strategies can inform intervention and improve health and performance outcomes in health professions academics.
Crime and Desistance: Exploring the Perceptions of Detained Youths Regarding the Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Misconduct in Kimberley, South Africa
Authors: Phillips Ashwill Ramon
Published: January 2023

Owing to large-scale disorganisation, family turmoil and social exclusion, South African youths often experience marginalisation, consequently amplifying their risk to transgress. Many youths have also been affected by poverty, substance abuse and violence, thereby impeding the development of morally acceptable behaviour. Although some research on the factors that perpetuate youth misconduct exists, much of this pertains to the international context and limited local studies are available. There is also a lack of research exploring the unique experiences of youths regarding the factors most closely associated with delinquency and the protective factors which buffer risk exposure and reduce the proclivity to transgress. Accordingly, a qualitative study was conducted with 20 male youths, exploring their perceptions of the factors associated with misconduct and those with the potential to safeguard against risk exposure in their social milieu. The data obtained through purposive sampling and analysed using thematic analysis revealed several key risk factors including substance abuse, gang membership and community disorganisation. Parental attachment, community support, employment and drug rehabilitation were highlighted as vital protective factors. It is envisaged that these findings will stimulate further research focused on developing intervention strategies and adapting local policies, with the ultimate aim of advancing youth desistance from crime.
South African Social Workers’ Lived Experiences of Client Violence
Authors: Pretorius Luce , Herbst Alida Glaudina
Published: January 2023

Studies on the workplace protection of social workers indicate that this group is at high risk of being subjected to client violence during their careers. In this article, we report on the qualitative phase of a larger study investigating client violence among South African social workers. The objective of this study was to explore South African social workers’ experiences of client violence. We used a purposively selected sample to identify participants for semi-structured qualitative interviews. The data were analysed by implementing Tesch’s approach of thematic analysis. The primary themes that emerged are normalising client violence, identifying precursors to violence, defining elements in the process and the aftermath of client violence. These themes and related subthemes were used to construct a conceptual model to better understand the client violence in the delivery of social work services in South Africa. We conclude with recommendations for further research in this area.
A Community Engagement Model for an Inclusive Just Energy Transition in the South
Authors: Taliep Naiema
Published: January 2023

Within a dynamic global political arena, the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, energy impoverishment, ever-increasing global awareness of climate change, energy justice and just energy transition have emerged as important aspects that require critical reflexive deliberation to ensure that those on the margins of the energy divide do not pay the price for such a transition. Existing models to ensure energy justice were described as failing to consider stakeholder perspectives and needs. It was therefore proposed that such models be inclusive and reflective of diverse stakeholders, including local households, communities, utilities and governments. To this end, the University of South Africa’s Institute for Social and Health Sciences has developed a Transformational Model of community engagement in collaboration with communities which can be applied to articulate and guide the community engagement processes in an inclusive just energy transition. In this article, I present the model which offers opportunities to integrate multiple perspectives, prioritise the needs of diverse community stakeholders, interrogate power imbalances, and enhance working collaborations and partnerships, while also facilitating ongoing oversight and sustainable programme implementation. This model is a viable framework to achieve energy justice through an inclusive equitable transition to renewable energy technologies and by extension to reduce energy poverty. It has been applied in diverse community contexts across two provinces (Gauteng and the Western Cape) to engage with and build lasting community–institutional relationships. It has also been used to design, develop and evaluate contextually applicable sustainable initiatives, including a community-wide campaign.
Nigeria’s Energy Crisis and the Sustainability Question
Authors: Jack Jackson , Jack Better
Published: January 2023

Nigeria’s deepening energy crisis will continue to pose a challenge to the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 despite being the largest producer of oil and gas resources in Africa. With an expanding population of over 200 million people and a rapidly growing economy, the demand for energy has significantly increased over the last decade. However, with a meagre electricity generation capacity of 3 500 to 5 000 MW, only about 53% of Nigeria’s population is connected to the national electric grid accounting for a per capita electricity consumption of 144 kWh, one of the lowest in Africa. To bridge the widening gap between energy demand and supply, millions of Nigerians have continued to rely on unsustainable alternatives such as petroleum-based electricity generating sets to meet domestic, commercial and industrial energy demands. It is against this backdrop that we, by relying on a critical analysis of secondary sources, examined the nature of Nigeria’s energy crisis, the emergent coping behaviour in response to the energy crisis and its impacts on sustainability. We submit that the perennial energy crisis in Nigeria undermines inclusive energy transition and stifles socio-economic growth in the country. Consequent upon this is the emergence of other forms of negative coping behaviour such as artisanal crude oil refining in the oil rich Niger Delta region in which the attendant economic, social, health and environmental implications are most manifest.
Ardahan İli Büyükbaş Hayvancılık Sektöründe Kayıt Dışı İstihdam Bilinç Düzeyi
Authors: EŞTÜRK Özlem , MERT Nilcan
Published: January 2023

Kayıt dışı ekonomi ve istihdama yansıması olarak kayıt dışı istihdam tüm dünya ülkelerinin karşılaştıkları önemli makro ekonomik problemler arasında yer almaktadır. Türkiye’de kayıt dışı istihdam denildiğinde ağırlıklı olarak tarım sektörü akla gelmektedir. Tarım işletmelerinin kendine has yapısı gereği küçük aile işletmelerinden ve mikro işveren piyasalarından oluşması, yüksek girdi maliyetleri, kırsal alanlarda istihdam imkanlarının kısıtlı olması, kırsalda düşük eğitim düzeyi gibi etkenler tarım sektöründe kayıt dışı çalışma koşullarını yaygınlaştırmıştır.

Kayıt dışı istihdam ülkemizde olduğu gibi Ardahan ili için de önemli meselelerden biridir. Sorunun çözümünde uygulanacak ulusal ve yerel politikalar önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışma ile Ardahan İlinde büyükbaş hayvancılık sektöründe faaliyet gösteren çiftçilerin kayıt dışı istihdam konusunda farkındalıklarının artırılması, sosyal güvenlik kurumuna kayıtlı olmanın avantajları hakkında bilinç düzeylerinin artırılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu kapsamda 330 kişiye anket yapılarak tam negatif binom regresyon modeli uygulanmıştır. Çalışmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre cinsiyet, yaş, gelir, hanedeki birey sayısı, medeni durum ve hayvancılıktan gelir etme değişkenlerinin bilinç düzeyi üzerinde etkileri olduğu saptanmıştır.
Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Bağlamında Küresel Çevresel Yönetişim
Authors: TEMİZEL Özlem
Published: January 2023

Günümüzde küreselleşen çevresel sorunlar tüm insanlık için yaşamsal bir tehdit haline gelmiş, başka bir ifadeyle kriz boyutuna ulaşmıştır. Bu farkındalık doğrultusunda uluslararası topluluk XX. yüzyılın ikinci yarısından itibaren çevresel sorunlarla ne şekilde başa çıkılacağına yönelik bir arayış içerisine girmiştir. Bu çerçevede çevre sorunları ile mücadelede yeni bir paradigma olarak, uzun zamandır dünya gündeminin kalbine yerleşen çevresel, ekonomik ve toplumsal değerleri ortak paydada birleştiren sürdürülebilir kalkınma kavramı ortaya çıkmıştır. Sürdürülebilir kalkınmanın hayata geçirilebilmesi için yeni bir yönetim modeli olarak katılımcı ve çok aktörlü yönetişim yaklaşımı benimsenmiştir. Bu bağlam içerisinde çevresel yönetişim, çevre sorunları ile mücadelede, sürdürülebilir kalkınma ve yönetişim kavramlarına atıfta bulunularak geliştirilen bir konsept olarak gelişim göstermiştir. Bu çalışma bu bakış açısından yola çıkılarak biçimlendirilmiştir. Bu çerçevede Birleşmiş Milletler öncülüğünde gerçekleştirilen bir dizi uluslararası toplantı ve bu toplantılar sonucunda yayımlanan sonuç bildirgeleri araştırılmıştır. Birleşmiş Milletler, çevresel yönetişimin yerel, ulusal, bölgesel ve küresel düzlemde uygulanabilir olduğunu kabul etmektedir. Bu kapsamda çalışmada küresel çevresel yönetişime odaklanılmıştır.
Türkiye’de Tekstil, Giyim Eşyası ve Deri Sektöründe Kârlılığın Makro ve Mikro Dinamikleri
Authors: YILDIRIM Hakan
Published: January 2023

Emek yoğun bir üretim yapısına sahip olan tekstil, giyim eşyası ve deri ürünleri sektörü (TGD); özellikle gelişmekte olan ülkelerde sanayileşme, üretim hacmi ve istihdam üzerindeki potansiyel etkisi nedeniyle ülke ekonomileri için oldukça önemli bir sektör olarak kabul edilmektedir. Son yıllarda dünya TGD sektörü içerisinde önde gelen ülkelerden biri olan Türkiye, dünya pazarı içerisindeki konumunu gün geçtikçe sağlamlaştırmaktadır. Bu sektörün gelişimi adına sektörde bulunan işletmelerin istikrarlı bir finansal performans göstermeleri gerekmektedir. Finansal performansın en önemli belirleyicilerinden biri kârlılık göstergeleridir. Bu sebeple sektördeki gelişimin devam etmesi için sektördeki işletmelerin kârlılıkları ve kârlılık üzerinde etkili etmenlerin belirlenmesi önem kazanmaktadır. Bu etmenler içsel olabildiği gibi dışsal da olabilmektedir. Dolayısıyla çalışmanın amacı, 2013-2020 yılları arasında BİST bünyesinde işlem gören, tekstil, giyim eşyası ve deri (TGD) sektöründe faaliyet gösteren firmaların kârlılıkları üzerinde etkili olan etmenlerin tespit edilmesi olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda ilgili dönemde Borsa İstanbul’da işlem gören 20 adet tekstil işletmesinin yıllık finansal verileri ve makroekonomik göstergeler Arrellano-Bover//Blundell-Bond (1998) İki Aşamalı Sistem GMM tahmincisiyle analize tabi tutulmuştur. Yapılan analizler neticesinde kârlılık ile kârlılığın gecikmeli değeri, finansal kaldıraç oranı, firma büyüklüğü, ekonomik büyüme, imalat sanayi kapasite kullanım oranı ve enflasyon oranı arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ilişkiler tespit edilmiştir. Analiz bulgularına göre, ilgili dönemde kârlılığın gecikmeli değeri, firma büyüklüğü, ekonomik büyüme ve enflasyon oranı kârlılık üzerinde pozitif; finansal kaldıraç kullanımı ve faiz oranı ise negatif bir etkiye sahiptir.
Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Sürdürülebilir Kalkınmaya Yönelik Farkındalıklarının Demografik Özelliklerine Göre Farklılıkları
Authors: ÖRMECİ GÜNEY Gülay
Published: January 2023

Gelecek nesiller ve sürdürülebilir kalkınma olgusunun, başta gençler olmak üzere bütün toplumu içeren bir fenomen olduğu gerçeği her geçen gün biraz daha anlam kazanmaktadır. Yalnızca kendi toplumlarımızı değil, tüm dünyayı ve geleceğin dünyasını etkileyen üretim ve tüketim için her gün önemli kararlar alır ve uygularız. Bu kararlarımız içerisinde bireysel ve toplumsal olarak sosyo-ekonomik çevremizi etkileyen davranış biçimlerimizde çevresel duyarlılığı ve sürdürülebilirliği dikkate alabilmek için ortak ve bilinçli çaba harcamamız kaçınılmazdır. Bu bireysel ve toplumsal olarak hepimizin sorumluluğundadır. Gelişen, değişen ve dönüşen dinamik bir yapı olan toplumun sosyo-ekonomik faaliyetlerindeki bu sorumluluk ekonomik büyüme ve kalkınma konusuna yaklaşımı zamanla daha bilinçli/farkındalıklı yapmayı gerektirmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı sürdürülebilir kalkınma farkındalığına yönelik üniversite öğrencilerinin demografik özelliklerine göre farklılıklarının var olup olmadığının tespit edilmesidir. Çalışma kapsamında nicel veri toplama yöntemlerinden biri olan anket tekniğinden yararlanılmıştır. Hazırlanan anket formları, Google Forms dijital platformuna yüklenmiş dijital ve sanal ortamlarda; WhatsApp ve online formlar aracılığı ve gönüllü katılım esası ile üniversite öğrencilerine ulaştırılmıştır. Sosyal medya ve internet uygulamaları aracılığıyla kolayda örnekleme yöntemi ile ulaşılan ve çalışmanın anketine katılmayı kabul eden üniversite öğrencileri çalışmanın örneklemini oluşturmuştur. Araştırmanın amacı doğrultusunda hazırlanan ankete gönüllü katılımlar ile toplanan verilerden hatalı, eksik anket formlarının ayıklanması sonrası kalan 599 öğrenciden elde edilen verilere Kruskal Wallis ve Whitney U testleri yapılmıştır. Yapılan testler sonucunda “öğrencilerin sürdürülebilir kalkınmaya yönelik farkındalıkları istatistiksel olarak demografik özelliklerine göre anlamlı farklılık gösterir” ana hipotezi sosyal, ekonomik ve çevresel faktörler çerçevesinde kabul edilmiştir.
β-Thalassemia - Call for Restoration of Normal Vitamin E Status
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, P Wilairat , S Auparakkitanon ,   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, P Wilairat ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Published: January 2023

A recent review of β-thalassemia pathophysiology discussed several drugs (old and new) for treating anemia and concomitant iron overload [1], but an obvious consequence of the presence of unmatched a-hemoglobin (Hb) in β-thalassemia red blood cells (β-thal RBCs) is systemic oxidative stress, first noted by reduced plasma vitamin E (vit E) levels and increased sensitivity of β-thal RBCs to H2O2-induced lysis in β-thalassemia subjects [2]. This led to numerous clinical trials in β-thal subjects of vitamin E supplementation (alone or combined with other anti-oxidants, e.g., N-acetyl cysteine), ranging from 300 mg/day for 15 days to 600 mg/day for nine months, which produced improvements in β-thal RBC parameters of oxidant damage but not in Hb levels, dampening this “quick fix” approach [3]. This is not surprising given recent understandings of the complex changes to erythrocyte plasma membrane (including intracellular membranes of erythroid progenitor cells) caused by bound unmatched a-Hb and consequent heme-dependent oxidative damage to both membrane lipids and proteins, affording an explanation for ineffective erythropoiesis (due to apoptosis/autophagy) and premature eryptosis [4]. Although the exact mechanisms by which aged RBCs are removed by the body reticuloendothelial system remain unclear, in the case of β-thal RBCs, oxidative damage to plasma membrane proteins is accepted as the primary etiology.
Anal Cancer
Authors:   Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center at Wise Health System, Decatur, Texas, USA, M Neelima , M Abhinuta ,   Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center at Wise Health System, Decatur, Texas, USA, D Claressa ,   Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center at Wise Health System, Decatur, Texas, USA
Published: January 2023

54-year female presented with a lesion on her left buttock and perineum for approximately 18 months prior to seeking evaluation. It has grown gradually over this period of time. She presented with constipation, perineal bleeding, pain, and weight loss of approximately twenty pounds. CT of abdomen and pelvis showed a large mass in the perineum extending into anus with enlarged lymph nodes. PET showed intensely hypermetabolic mass involving the anal canal, mildly FDG avid left inguinal, left iliac chain, inferior mesenteric artery chain and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Perineal mass was biopsied and pathology consistent with invasive and well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, extending to deep margins. HPV was strongly positive.
Central Pontine Myelinolysis Complicating Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Case Report & Review of Literature
Authors:   Departments of Hematology and Pathology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, Garg Akansha
Published: January 2023

Central Pontine myelinolysis is a demyelinating disorder generally caused by rapid correction of hyponatremia and is a debilitating condition. Here we describe an interesting case of a 38 year old man diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma who developed CPM prior to start of the first cycle of chemotherapy with no antecedent hyponatremia and had complete neurological recovery.
Disseminated Strongyloidiasis in a Patient Treated with Rituximab and Ibrutinib, a Case Report
Authors:   Service d’hématologie Clinique, CHU de Rennes, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France, S Vic , S Belaz ,   Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU de Rennes, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France, O Decaux ,   Service d’hématologie Clinique, CHU de Rennes, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France, F Robert-Gangneux ,   Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU de Rennes, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France, M Revest ,   Service des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU de Rennes, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France
Published: January 2023

We report the case of a woman treated by rituximab and ibrutinib for a marginal-zone lymphoma, presenting diarrhea, dyspnea, retiform purpura, hemolytic anemia and hypereosinophilia revealing a disseminated strongyloidiasis. Diagnosis was done by stool parasitic examination, serology was negative. She was treated by ivermectin. All the symptoms disappeared, including hemolytic anemia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a disseminated strongyloidiasis in a patient treated by ibrutinib. Hemolytic anemia was not immune-mediated, and possibly related to the infection as it regressed under anti-parasitic treatment.
A mechanistic model explaining ligand affinity for, and partial agonism of, cannabinoid receptor 1
Authors: Shahbazi Fred , Meister Daniel , Mohammadzadeh Sanam , Trant John
Published: January 2023

CB1, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor class, is the putative protein target of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. To better identify new synthetic cannabinoids with increased activity, all cannabinoids with reported experimental binding to the CB1 receptor were modelled in silico to build a predictive model for CB1 affinity of small molecules. Computationally derived affinity is not sufficient in and of itself to predict binding, but coupled with the experimental evidence that ligands enter the receptor from the membrane rather than solvent, we provide a model that accurately describes the binding of these molecules by incorporating a correction factor for relative hydrophobicity. In addition, we propose a mechanism of action for partial CB1 agonists based on molecular dynamics simulations of THC homologues, modelling long time scale structural changes in the CB1 receptor. Together, the affinity model, and the mechanism of agonism/antagonism can allow for the computational prediction of both the effective behaviour and potency of novel cannabinoids, and several such predictions are made.
An “Ideal” Bioisoster of the para-substituted Phenyl Ring
Authors: Mykhailiuk Pavel , Levterov Vadym , Panasyuk Yaroslav , Sahun Kateryna , Stashkevich Olexander , Badlo Valentyn , Shablykin Oleg , Sadkova Iryna , Bortnichuk Lina , Klymenko-Ulianov Oleksii , Holota Yuliia , Bas Julia
Published: January 2023

The phenyl ring is a basic structural element in chemistry, and we learn about it already in school. We have developed an “ideal” saturated bioisoster of the para-substituted phenyl ring, - 2 oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. Its incorporation into Imatinib drug led to dramatic improvement of all physicochemical properties. This study opens new horizons in science, given the commonplace of the phenyl ring everywhere.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE HYDRAULIC PROPERTIES OF SALINE-SODIC SOIL EXPOSED TO FREEZING-THAWING USING SEWAGE SLUDGE AND WETTING-DRYING PROCESS WITH WASTEWATER
Authors:   Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey, ALTUN Mehmet , DAN BADAOU Abdoul Nasser Aboubacar ,   Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey, DOGAN DEMIR Azize ,   Department of Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Bingöl University, Bingöl, Turkey, SAHIN Ustun ,   Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey, KIZILOGLU Fatih Mehmet ,   Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey, DILER Serap ,   Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
Published: January 2023

Soil improvement practices are needed to protect weakly aggregated saline-sodic soils in cold regions from the negative effects of freezing-thawing events. Amelioration of these soils by adding sewage sludge and applying wetting–drying process with wastewater can be a practical application due to aggregation to be increased with increase in organic matter. Therefore, a laboratory experiment has been conducted to determine the effects on soil properties with three stabilized sewage sludge doses (0, 50, 100 Mg ha−1), two freeze-thaw cycles (5 and 10 times), two wetting-drying intervals (4 and 8 days) and two water types (freshwater and recycled wastewater). The negative effects of freezing-thawing on organic matter and aggregate stability were determined. However, while sewage sludge increased organic matter, aggregate stability, salinity, exchangeable K and Ca+Mg contents, cation exchange capacity (CEC), it was instrumental in inducing a lower pH, exchangeable Na, CaCO3 and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and thus improved field capacity and hydraulic conductivity. Wetting-drying with 8-day intervals and wastewater improved organic matter also. Therefore, it could be concluded that the improvement of hydraulic properties can be attributed to achieving better aggregate stability with increased organic matter in soil from sewage sludge. Long intervals of wetting-drying and recycled wastewater can promote good results as well. However, improving the findings with the proposed treatments in the outer field conditions of the regions exposed to freezing-thawing events will provide more practical use.
ASSESSMENT OF FARMING HOUSEHOLDS’ ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO INSECURITY IN EKITI STATE NIGERIA
Authors: Damilola Samuel Sharon , Tosin Bamigboye Oluwaseun
Published: January 2023

The study investigated adaptation strategies employed by farming households to insecurity in Southwest Nigeria. Fifty farming households were selected through a multi-staged sampling technique. Data were gathered through interview schedules, described with frequencies, percentages and mean; and presented in tables and figures. Chi-square test of independence was used to check for statistical significance between dependent and independent variables. Results revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 41 years, while 58% were females. Seventy six percent of sampled farming households often witnessed attacks by Fulani herdsmen. These incessant attacks majorly affected the health and economic assets of the respondents. There were less extension visits in communities affected by insecurity. Of the adaptation strategies, majority of them erect high gates and fences to prevent further attacks. Based on the result from the Chi-square test, selected socio-economic characteristics of farmers had a positive influence on adaptation strategies used. It is therefore recommended that extension agents need to intensify the use of social media since physical contact seems challenging in the face of insecurity. Government and private organizations should set up and equip local security outfits in rural areas to stop frequent attacks by herdsmen.
FACTORS AFFECTING WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR ORGANIC VEGETABLES IN NEPAL
Authors: Pandit Januka , Prasad Regmi Punya , Paudel Bikash , Kumar Karki Yogendra , Bahadur K.C. Gopal
Published: January 2023

Consumers are more conscious for their health; as a result, demand of organic vegetables has been increasing. The objective of this study was to assess factors affecting the willingness to pay (WTP) for premium price for organic vegetables in Nepal. A sample of 720 respondents, surveyed at four markets in Nepal, analysed by descriptive statistics and Probit model under Dichotomous Choice Contingent Valuation Method. Overall, the average premium price that consumers were willing to pay for organic vegetables in country was 26.4%. Age, education, and knowledge-related variables were important determinants at lower premium price while affordability factors such as income, expense on vegetable, marital status, and family size appear to be important determinants of WTP at high premium price for organic vegetables. Income was strongly significant and positively influencing WTP at 30% or higher premium levels. Family size was significant and negatively associated to WTP at all levels of premium price. The result suggests to invent cost-saving policy at producer level for reducing the requirement of high premium price.
POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A SUCCESSFUL APPROACH
Authors: Okon Jacob Augustine
Published: January 2023

Microcredit has shown to be an effective tool for fighting poverty in underdeveloped countries. Microcredit may be traced back to the middle of the 1800s, thanks to the great achievements of the Grameen bank, which was created in Bangladesh in 1983. In poor nations, microfinance success stories have a big influence. This study endeavour looks at whether microcredit is an effective technique for poverty alleviation in emerging nations. Microcredit has a favourable link with poverty reduction, according to the study, and is thus an essential instrument for alleviating poverty in several nations, notably Bangladesh, Bolivia, and others. Nevertheless, there really are concerns about its potential to have a large-scale impact. The research also reveals that the impacts of microcredit on poverty reduction are a hotly discussed topic, with the broad consensus being that it is not a panacea. In general, it has fallen short of expectations. When microcredit is skillfully implemented and maintained, and services are tailored to fit the requirements of customers, it has a significant influence not just on clients, but also on their families and the wider society. It is important to stress that greater efforts should be directed toward institutional development, including adequate group strengthening, particularly for self-help groups (SHGs). The development of an efficient managerial improvement system (MIS) to support the stabilization of long-term functional delivery of services via high-performing self-help groups should be prioritised. It will also be significant. Microcredit programmes in underdeveloped nations will benefit from proper monitoring, oversight, and counselling.
PM SVANIDHI AND ITS ROLE IN RESURRECTING THE SELF-EMPLOYED INFORMAL BUSINESSES AFTER THE COVID -19 CRISIS
Authors: Angoori Sukhvinder , Dhankhar Saurabh , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: January 2023

The present study is based on the awareness and understanding of street vendors towards the Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi. This scheme was aimed at resurrecting the businesses of street vendors who were drastically affected by the covid-19 related measures i.e., lockdown. The purposive sampling technique was employed for data collection in Hisar city of Haryana state and 100 street vendors were selected randomly. The descriptive statistics results show that the awareness and reach of the PM SVANidhi scheme among street vendors was poor. Only 26 per cent of respondents got the loan under this scheme. Achieving eligibility criteria for availing the credit under this scheme seemed almost impossible. Lack of awareness about the scheme and difficulties in meeting the eligibility conditions, made difficult to the street vendors to avail the scheme. The vendors were harassed by the long process of obtaining the loan. Further remedial measures are required to rebuild self-employed informal businesses sustainably.
EFFECTIVENESS OF AGRO-DEALERS SERVICES ON FARMERS’ ACCESS TO AGRICULTURAL INPUTS IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA
Authors: Tosin Bamigboye Oluwaseun , Bolaji Adeniji Oladimeji
Published: January 2023

Over the years, extension agents are seen as officers who provide inputs and advice farmers on the best agricultural practices to give them high yield, however agro-dealers compliment these services. The paper assessed the effectiveness of agro-dealers’ services on farmers’ access to agricultural inputs in South-West Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the services rendered by agro-dealers, their challenges and the level effectiveness of agro-dealers’ services on farmers’ access to agricultural inputs in Ekiti, Osun and Oyo States. Multistage and proportion sampling procedures were used to select 360 farmers and 122 agro-dealers. Agro- dealers provide advisory (x̅ =2.30), linkage (x̅ =1.47) and vaccination services (x̅ =1.24) to farmers. ANOVA results indicated that a significant difference (F= 14.065, F= 24.873 and F= 16.623) exists between the effectiveness of agro-dealers’ services on farmer’s access to seeds, herbicide and Equipment in Ekiti, Osun and Oyo States. However, fertiliser with F= 2.740 was non-significant. The study concludes that agro-dealers perform effectively to farmers’ access to seeds, herbicides and equipment which were in high demand by the farmers while they stock fewer fertilisers.
Diseño de una cadena de suministro agroalimentaria integral de productos perecederos en el departamento de Cundinamarca
Authors: Bejarano Martínez Carlos Alberto
Published: January 2023

El objetivo del proyecto es diseñar una Cadena de Suministro Agroalimentaria que mejore la integración de los participantes, reduzca la pérdida de alimentos en poscosecha y reduzca los costos de intermediación, en productos perecederos representativos del departamento de Cundinamarca. En el desarrollo de la investigación se identificó un vacío en el conocimiento a nivel científico, empresarial y de política pública, sobre la aplicación de tecnologías digitales en la medición y seguimiento en tiempo real de propiedades fisicoquímicas en la determinación de la vida útil restante (RSL) de los alimentos. Para cubrir éste vacío se propuso como primera etapa un modelo predictivo con base en imágenes reales de frutos de fresa y un algoritmo de Machine Learning con el fin de predecir el tiempo después de cosecha. Con ésto se facilita el cálculo del RSL en tiempo real y la toma de decisiones sobre la articulación de operaciones logísticas. Los resultados muestran que el modelo predictivo presenta una exactitud del 40.15% en prueba, lo que demuestra que el algoritmo funciona, aunque hay que perfeccionar más la asignación de los parámetros de entrada y la arquitectura de la red neuronal.
Sistema de gestión de energía para una microrred que considera la generación de electricidad a partir de biomasa
Authors: Deluque Pinto Albert , Pérez González Ernesto , Gutiérrez Ramírez Gail
Published: January 2023

El uso de las fuentes renovables no convencionales de generación de energía tales como la fotovoltaica, la eólica y la biomasa, han tomado mucha importancia, no solo porque se consideran de cero emisiones de gases contaminantes, sino también porque su aprovechamiento se puede realizar en zonas con alto potencial en este tipo de fuentes donde el sistema de interconexión eléctrico convencional no llega. Para obtener mayor provecho de estas fuentes se implementan las llamadas microrredes con penetración de fuentes de energía que incluyen renovables y no renovables en conjunto con sistemas de almacenamiento, controladas por sistemas de gestión de energía que busca la operación económica del sistema de generación. Una de las fuentes de generación de energía que más ha llamado la atención es la biomasa dado que en algunos países, como Colombia, existe una gran variedad de fuentes de biomasa residual en los contextos agrícola e industrial que potencia su implementación, por medio de un proceso de gasificación y con el uso de un generador eléctrico de combustión interna, para la generación de electricidad. Sin embargo, la calidad del gas, producto de la gasificación, depende de diferentes variables como la humedad de la biomasa o el agente de gasificación, entre otros, que incide directamente en la generación de energía por parte del conjunto gasificador – generador. Considerando el potencial que tiene Colombia en fuentes como la solar fotovoltaica y la biomasa, en el presente trabajo se propone el desarrollo de un sistema de gestión de energía para una microrred con integración de fuentes renovables, almacenamiento en baterías y conexión a la red eléctrica convencional que considera el comportamiento del gasificador, para un tipo de biomasa, en la generación de energía eléctrica.