bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural Counties of the United States are Underrepresented in Measures of Consumer Broadband (Preprint)
Authors: Bogulski Cari A , Rabbani Maysam , Hayes Corey J , Cengil Aysenur Betul , Shoults Catherine C , Eswaran Hari
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Patients in rural and underserved communities lack access to specialty care, preventive care, and even emergency care. Telehealth has the potential to mitigate this lack of access; however, many telehealth services are only viable where broadband internet is available. Existing data sets measuring broadband access may underrepresent the state of broadband in rural and underserved communities

OBJECTIVE

We examined three consumer broadband data sets from two organizations to see if the number of user-generated internet speed tests per 1,000 residents varied across county-level rurality.

METHODS

We analyzed data at the county level from Measurement Labs and Ookla for Good (fixed and mobile) across calendar years 2020 and 2021. We used the number of tests conducted per 1,000 residents within United States counties as the outcome variable, and Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC) as the main independent variable of interest. Included covariates were year/quarter, percent non-Hispanic White, percent non-Hispanic Black or African-American, percent Hispanic, average household size, percent of adults with a high school diploma, unemployment rate, percent persons in poverty, percent population over 65 years of age, percent female, percent non-English-speaking household, and percent of households that have a computer and broadband connection.

RESULTS

Using OLS models with robust standard errors, we found the number of speed tests per 1,000 residents was smaller in counties with fewer than 20,000 residents relative to counties with over 1 million residents for all three data sources. However, patterns of association with other covariates emerged as significant in some models and not others, suggesting key differences among users generating speed tests in all three data sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate a consistent underrepresentation of residents from very rural counties in three large, publicly available data sets of user-generated internet speed tests. Additional data collection is needed to inform broadband infrastructure investment to identify those communities most left behind by broadband expansion efforts.
Innovación en lugares reales. Estrategias para la prosperidad en un mundo implacable
Authors: Santiago Luis Enrique
Published: January 2023

La principal contribución del libro es ofrecer un marco de análisis que amplia, en términos funcionales, sectoriales y espaciales, las posibilidades para analizar el proceso de innovación y definir políticas dirigidas a hacer de esa actividad un eje del desarrollo local. La presente reseña se centra en resaltar los dos ejes conceptuales que articulan el contenido del libro: i) “etapas de la innovación” y ii) “sectores económicos”. La combinación de ambos ejes permite formar una matriz analítica de doble entrada que es utilizada de forma implícita para estudiar las políticas y mecanismos de innovación que han llevado al éxito o el fracaso a distintas comunidades (ciudades y/o regiones) en el norte y el sur global. Dicha matriz es una herramienta que permite ampliar el espectro de posibilidades en las que una comunidad puede enfocar o diversificar sus esfuerzos para hacer de la innovación un motor de su economía local. En términos prácticos, la obra es de utilidad tanto para investigadores interesados en el tema como hacedores de política pública preocupados por impulsar el desarrollo económico y social de sus comunidades a través de la generación de innovación en algún sector económico.
THE IMPACT OF PEER FEEDBACK ON HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS’ ORAL PRESENTATION: A CASE STUDY
Authors:   Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat, Suharni Suharni , Imelwaty Sri ,   Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat, Sesmiyanti Sesmiyanti ,   Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat, Perpisa Lili ,   Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat
Published: January 2023

Peer feedback on oral presentation is still an unexplored area. Much research has been conducted on peer feedback in various teaching and learning contexts, only a few about how peer gives feedback on his/her partner’ oral presentations. The study described here focuses using peer feedback on oral presentations. Analyzing data from semi-structured interviews, this case study investigated impact of giving peer feedback on oral presentations used by English as Foreign Language (EFL) college students on other student’s oral presentation tasks. Data analysis revealed that the peer gave oral feedback mainly focused on content-related criteria (quality of introduction, structure, and conclusion). Most of the peers focused on the nature of the delivery (eye-contact, vocal delivery, enthusiasm, interaction with the audience and body-language), and a few focused on a general quality and on the design of the students’ PowerPoint (PPT) slides.
The Role of an Information and Communication Technology in Smart City
Authors: Rai KM Manisha , Vijayalakshmi Dr. S.
Published: January 2023

Abstract: Smart City is a concept which has a provisional structure and circular organization. The phenomenon of a smart city is generally used in the planning of urban development. The impression of a smart city is more like a digital city where day-to- day life running factors are closely bound with the technology. In the whole phenomenon of the smart city the word ‘smart' shows the progress of information and communication technology (ICT). The development in the field of ICT is capable to provide global access to users from a fixed remote location. Whether in a traditional system fixed amount of data is stored in a centralized system and it's not easy to use for everyone but with the increment of globalization data is increased by day-to-day and we need a more reliable and easily accessible system. So, in the smart city use the technology of big data and IOT for the growth of information and communication technology. In this paper, we are going to discuss the several fields of a smart city where we can use modern technology for the development of urban life.
Postcolonial Epistemology: African “Registers”
Authors: Gavristova Tatyana M. , Khokholkova Nadezhda E.
Published: January 2023

With global digitalization and the resulting intensification of communication processes, the accumulation and retransmission of ideas and their connotations have accelerated. The academic environment has changed in the course of updating the research field and building up a new picture of the world, complex and diversified. The accumulation of “critical mass” of talented intellectual scholars based both in Africa and within the African Diaspora, focused on “breakthrough” in philosophy and epistemology, was reflected in an attack on the theoretical principles of postmodernism and Postcolonialism and a dynamic transformation of the conceptual principles and content of African studies. Contrary to Eurocentrism, Africa has become an epistemological laboratory, where the developing theories claiming to become metanarratives, within which new metalexemes and metagenres are emerging. Postcolonial discourse contains elements of metascience, a universal system of knowledge production. The interrelation of facts and methodology in their framework fully corresponds to the trends of the time in the era of algorithms, and their choice both forms the mechanisms of scientific knowledge, but also ensures success in the fight against stereotypes, not only racial and ethnic. The theoretical and methodological significance of postcolonial studies refers to the actualization of the “crossroad” problems in the history of Africa and the Diaspora, such as colonialism and decolonization, ethnicity and identity, hybridity and otherness, essentialism and transcendence, exodus and exile. In the present article the authors focus on the results of the interaction of researchers of African descent with postcolonial theory, as well as on the ideas of postcoloniality and decoloniality, which to a certain extent oppose each other. Particular attention is paid to the development of an updated epistemology of knowledge in the process of the formation of the “postcolonial library,” which includes the works of many scholars from Franz Fanon and Leopold Senghor to Kwame Anthony Appiah and Achille Mbembe.
Book review: Pieper, M. (2022). The Making of Eurasia. Competition and Cooperation Between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Russia. London, New York: I. B. Tauris, 168 p.
Authors: Ismagulov Nurzhan N.
Published: January 2023

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Caffeine in Tablet Dosage Form: Analytical Method Development and Validation by Using U.V. Spectroscopy
Authors: Kumar Kumawat Dr. Mukesh , Tewatia Sumit , Ajmal Gufran , Mittal Pooja
Published: January 2023

Abstract: Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylpurine 2,6 dione) is a CNS stimulant. Caffeine is used as a drug having drug-addicted properties having a U.V. cutoff in the range of 272 nm to 297 nm in the U.V. spectrum. In this paper, we took a tablet with Caffeine as a single dose in solid dosage form with excipients that do not have a sharp peak in the U.V. spectrum range from 200 nm to 400 nm. The solvent used as a vehicle is a simple polar solvent with a U.V. cutoff at around 189nm to 191 nm. The U.V. spectrophotometer that we used is of Shimdzu having a double beam, which has two provisions to keep reference and sample at a time to complete sample analysis. Firstly we make a calibration curve of Caffeine with a polar solvent. For the research, development, and production of medicines, analytical technique related to creation and validation are essential. Therefore, in this study, a readily reproducible, straightforward, and quick technique of U.V. spectrophotometric quantitative measurement of Caffeine in the form of tablets is adopted. According to ICH criteria, the parameters to be examined include linearity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. Purified/deionized water was used as the diluent for the drug quantification at the wavelength of 248.5 nm. Beer-law Lambert's applies to Caffeine at concentrations between 10 and 50 g/ml. Recovery was used to test the method's accuracy, and the results ranged from 99.46 to 100.67%. This approach was used for routine analysis of Caffeine in tablet dosage form.
Intestinal Enterokinase Deficiency in Pediatrics
Authors: Abdelsamie Fadl Ahmed , Ahmed Alabdullatif Abdulhalim , Moluk Nabeel S Aldebani , Mohammed Abdullah S Alqahtani , Ebrahim Khalil Maki Dania , Maryam Eyadah Alharbi , Yahya Sufi Waleed , Saleh A Alharbi Abdullmajeed , Mohammed J Alzahrani Nada , Ali A Alshamrani Mohammed , Abdullah Bugshan Ahmed , Ibrahim A Altowairqi Abdulrahman , Mohammed A Alsameen Jallal , Musayid B Alsaedi Waad
Published: January 2023

Abstract: Congenital enteropeptidase deficiency (CEP), also known as enterokinase deficiency. CEP is an uncommon autosomal recessive genetic disorder mostly characterized by severe chronic diarrhoea after delivery, hypoproteinemia, and failure to grow. Enteropeptidase activity is anticipated to play a significant role in protein digestion. For growth and appropriate development in newborns with a congenital lack of the enzyme, pancreatic enzyme replacement treatment or an amino acid combination must be given. Only 13 cases of enterokinase insufficiency have been recorded since it was originally characterized in 1969. Couples should be informed that prenatal screening is an option and that EKD has a favourable prognosis. However, if an EKD patient is born, parents should be aware of the feeding issue and offer the proper pancreatic exocrine secretion medication. One research found that all patients had been diagnosed as newborns 25 years ago. Even when the pancreatic-enzyme replacement was stopped, they appeared to lead regular lives as adults, free of gastrointestinal issues and with normal body weight. This can be explained by the fact that trypsin, once liberated from its precursor, encourages additional trypsinogen activation in a positive-feedback manner. Better pharmaceutical preparations such as enteric-coated minimicrospheres and delayed-release capsules are used for better results as it maintains the enzyme and prevents its breakdown by stomach acidity. This review aims to summarise current knowledge of pathophysiology, causes, and treatment of Intestinal Enterokinase Deficiency in Pediatrics
Pediatric Fulminant Hepatic Failure: Systematic Review
Authors: Abdelsamie Fadl Ahmed , Musaad Masoud A Almuthaybiri , Lama Kamal S Kabrah , Amjad Abdullah H Assiri , Khalid Mohammed M Alahmadi , Bala Babkir Abd Alla Yousra , Mohammed Darwish Yassir , Ali Alaamree Mohammed , Faroug Ahmed Abdelaal Ahmed , Sulaiman Aljabarah Norah , Abdulrahman Alwayli Amaal , Helal Alazmi Badriah
Published: January 2023

Abstract: Fulminant hepatic failure FHF in children is a rare but often fatal condition. Our understanding of this disorder is limited due to the disorder's rarity. The majority of FHF cases in children have no known cause. The mechanisms by which hepatocytes undergo cell death are unknown. The aetiology and degree of CNS involvement influence the outcome. The study aims to summarize current evidence on the prevalence, risk factors and management approaches of irritable bowel syndrome in Saudi Arabia. For article selection, the PubMed database and EBSCO Information Services were used. All relevant articles relevant to our topic and other articles were used in our review. Other articles that were not related to this field were excluded. The data was extracted in a specific format that the group members reviewed. Seven studies were included and affirmed that mortality of fulminant hepatic failure is high, and the commonest aetiology is viral infections, particularly HAV. The peak level of total serum bilirubin, the rate of change of the prothrombin time/daily and ammonia level were significant predictors of mortality.
Pertumbuhan Dan Hasil Tanaman Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Terhadap Pemberian Bokashi Limbah Sayuran
Authors: Millah Rona , Irianto Irianto , Arzita Arzita
Published: January 2023

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) adalah tanaman yang termasuk dalam famili malvaceace (kapas-kapasan), yang tersebar di daerah tropis dan sub-tropis. Okra memiliki nilai ekonomi yaitu pada buah dan biji, serta memiliki banyak manfaat. Salah satu upaya untuk meningkatkan produktivitas okra yaitu dengan cara melakukan pemupukan. Pupuk yang digunakan adalah bokashi limbah sayuran. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Teaching and Riset Farm Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Jambi, Desa Mendalo Indah, Kecamatan Jambi Luar Kota, Kabupaten Muaro Jambi. Penelitian dilaksanakan selama 3 bulan dimulai dari bulan Oktober sampai dengan Desember 2019. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) dengan satu faktor yaitu bokashilimbah sayuran yang terdiri dari 5 taraf perlakuan, yaitu p0 = tanpa pemberian bokashi limbah sayuran (kontrol); p1 = 100 gram per tanaman Bokashi Limbah Sayuran; p2 = 200 gram per tanaman Bokashi Limbah Sayuran; p3 = 300 gram per tanaman Bokashi Limbah Sayuran; p4 = 400 gram per

tanaman Bokashi Limbah Sayuran. Setiap perlakuan diulang sebanyak 5 kali sehingga di peroleh 25 satuan percobaan. Setiap satuan percobaan terdiri dari 4 tanaman, sehingga jumlah tanaman seluruhnya 100 tanaman. Setiap satuan percobaan diambil 2 tanaman sampel, sehingga jumlah tanaman sampel 50 tanaman. Variabel yang diamati yaitu tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, diameter batang, umur berbunga, jumlah buah per tanaman, panjang buah, diameter buah, dan bobot per buah. Data hasil pengamatan diinpertasikan melalui analisis sidik ragam dan untuk melihat pengaruh rata- rata perlakuan dilanjutkan menggunakan uji Beda Nyata Terkecil (BNT) pada taraf p = 0.05. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberian bokashi limbah sayuran dapat meningkatkan pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman okra. Aplikasi bokashi limbah sayuran dengan dosis 100 gram per tanaman sudah mampu meningkatkan pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman okra.
Training Students as Navigators for Patients Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Liu Alison , Suarez Arlen , Lehnen Jamie , Mitchell Dalia , Ray Garrett , Lanier Heather , Golla Chandana , Bonner Natalie , Rossopoulos Thanos , Barrie Umaru , Pagels Patti , Day Philip , Gimpel Nora
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Despite the significant effects of homelessness on health, medical and health professions students rarely receive formal education in caring for individuals experiencing homelessness. We describe the implementation and evaluation of a novel student-run Patient Navigator Program (PNP) and its prerequisite elective that trains students in patient navigation principles specific to homelessness in the local community.
Methods: We analyzed pre- and postsurvey matched responses from students immediately before and after course completion. The survey utilizes the externally-validated instruments Health Professional Attitudes Toward the Homeless Inventory (HPATHI) and the Student-Run Free Clinic Project (SRFCP) survey. We examined differences using paired t tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Students also completed separate end-of-curriculum evaluation forms assessing satisfaction with the course.
Results: After completing the elective, students (n=45) demonstrated improvement in self-assessed attitude towards individuals experiencing homelessness (P=.03), specifically an increase in reported social advocacy (P<.001); and an increase in self-perceived knowledge about (P<.001), efficacy in working with (P=.01), and skills in caring for (P<.001) underserved groups. The elective also received high student satisfaction ratings.
Conclusions: Formal education in patient navigation and caring for individuals experiencing homelessness improves self-assessed preparedness of future health care providers in serving homeless and underserved populations.
Educational Podcast Impact on Student Study Habits and Exam Performance
Authors: McCarthy James , Porada Kelsey , Treat Robert
Published: January 2023

Background: Emerging technologies, trainees’ proficiency with digital resources, and the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the role of mobile and asynchronous learning methods in medical education. Educational podcasts have gained popularity in both formal curricula and independent learning, but their impact on educational outcomes has not been well studied.
Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of third-year medical students during pediatrics clerkship. An educational podcast series titled “Peds Soup” was introduced to students as a voluntary study resource. We surveyed students at the end of the rotation to assess study habits and perceptions of the podcast. We compared survey responses from podcast users and nonusers, and used standardized pediatrics subject examination scores to measure knowledge differences between groups.
Results: Eighty-three students participated in the study. Peds Soup listeners (n=43) reported spending significantly more time studying during clerkship (M=16.5, SD=9.0 vs M=12.4, SD=9.2 hours/week, P=.009) than nonlisteners. Users expressed positive views toward the podcast’s impact on introducing, reinforcing, and helping apply knowledge, and endorsed that Peds Soup made it easier to find time to study. Examination scores did not differ between the two groups.
Discussion: The podcast demonstrated a reaction-level impact, with users reporting positive attitudes toward the podcast’s impact and spending more time studying during pediatrics clerkship. Podcasts have strong potential as a supplement to existing curricula, where they can fill a need for interested learners. Future research should focus on the relationship between time spent and knowledge gain or utilize alternative measures of knowledge.
Soft computing - Fuzzy Logic: An overview
Authors: J. Kamble Avinash , P. Rewaskar Ravindra
Published: January 2023

Soft computing is an emerging field of computational intelligence, which deals with approximate models & seeks solution to complex problems. It replaces the traditional time-consuming and complex techniques of hard computing with more intelligent processing techniques. Soft Computing is an umbrella term for a collection of computing techniques comprises Fuzzy logic, Artificial Intelligence and Genetic algorithm. Fuzzy logic is the building blocks of soft computing, can deal with information which is, uncertain, imprecise, vague, or partially true. The broad objective of this paper is to discuss the concept of soft computing by means of Fuzzy logic and to revisit some of its notable applications in the areas like image processing, medical diagnosis and education field.
The Development of Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) in Air Conditioning System Using Several Types of Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Islam Md. Azharul , Hossain Md. Sahadat
Published: January 2023

This is the age of modern science where different kinds of gadgets are used for the betterment of humanity. A variety of Electronics, Intelligence systems are invented via modern technology where FLC (Fuzzy Logic Controller) is used to develop their intelligence system. Nowadays, FLC is widely used in uncertainty and a robust development system. With the invention of the Air Conditioner, we live a much easier life than we used to live before. In this paper, we will discuss the way of how we can develop the FLC (Fuzzy Logic Controller) of an air conditioner system using a triangular and trapezoidal fuzzy number. Four input parameters are User Temperature (UT), Temperature Difference (Tdf), Dew Point (Td), and Number of Peoples (NP). However, Compressor Speed (CS), Fan Speed (FS), and Fin Direction (FD) are used as outputs. The simulation of this paper is carried out by using MATLAB.
P53 reactivator PRIMA-1 MET synergizes with 5-Fluorouracil to induce apoptosis in pancreatic tumor cells
Authors: Alhammer Ali Haider , Mohammed Ibtehal , Arif Inam Sameh
Published: January 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of top deadliest cancer types, p53 was
found mutated in about 75% of PC patients. Hence, mutant/wild-type p53
protein may represent a unique therapeutic target. Interestingly, a
p53-reactivator (PRIMA-1 ) was recently approved by
FDA and showed promise in hematological malignancies, therefore,
warrants an in vitro evaluation in PC cell lines. The aim of this study
was valuation of the antiproliferative effects of PRIMA-1
single or combined with an essential chemotherapy
5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in both mutated and wild-type p53 PC cell lines.
In this study, p53-mutant (AsPC-1) and p53-wild type (Capan-2) PC cell
lines were used. In vitro cytotoxicity of PRIMA-1
was evaluated single or combined with 5-FU by MTT
assay. The Chou and Talalay approach was employed to evaluate synergism
by calculating the combination index (CI) by CalcuSyn software.
Apoptosis was analyzed by fluorescent microscopy following Acridine
orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. Morphological changes were
investigated by inverted microscope. Real-time quantitative PCR
(RT-qPCR) was used to measure gene expression. Both PC cell lines
(p53-wt and p53-mut) have shown sensitivity to PRIMA-1
monotherapy. Furthermore, adding PRIMA-1
to 5-FU was synergistic (CI<1) and this
enhanced effect was reflected in greater induction of apoptosis and
morphological changes. Moreover, RT-qPCR results indicated increased
expression of Noxa and TP73 genes in combination treated
cells. Our data suggested that PRIMA-1 , whether
single or combined with 5-FU, have an antiproliferative impact on PC
cell lines regardless of p53 mutational status. Synergism was allied
with significant apoptosis induction through p53-dependent and
p53-independent pathways. Preclinical confirmation of these data in
in vivo models is highly recommended.
Neural-Network-based Event-triggered Adaptive Security Path Following Control of AGVs Subject to Abnormal Actuator Signal
Authors: Sun Hong-Tao , Zhang Pengfei , Peng Chen
Published: January 2023

The malicious physical attacks from both sensor and actuator side make
real threats to the security and safety of autonomous ground vehicles
(AGVs). This paper focuses on the problem of neural-network-based
event-triggered adaptive security control (ET-ASC) scheme for path
following of AGVs subject to arbitrary abnormal actuator signal.
Firstly, we assume that an arbitrary abnormal signal is caused by
arbitrary malicious attacks or disturbances from actuators. Then, radial
basis function neural network (RBF-NN) is used to reconstruct such
abnormal actuator signal. Secondly, modelling issues on security path
following control of AGVs with Sigmoid-like ETC scheme are shown when
the AGV is suffering from abnormal actuator signal. In what follows, an
ET-ASC scheme is developed to mitigate the adverse effects of abnormal
actuator signal with the reconstructed abnormal signal based on a novel
Sigmoid-like event-triggered communication scheme. By using the proposed
RBF-NN-based ET-ASC scheme, H ∞ control performance can be guaranteed
under arbitrary malicious actuator signal rather than such attacks
following a specific probability distribution. Finally, some simulation
experiments are provided to verify the effectiveness of proposed ET-ASC
scheme.
Influence of some factors on fertility and weight if sheep and body weight development of lambs
Authors: Lecic Nemanja , Caro-Petrovic Violeta , Ruzic-Muslic Dragana , Maksimovic Nevena , Cekic Bogdan , Cosic Ivan
Published: January 2023

The research included a total of 921 lambs, 474 ewes and 8 sjenicke sheep
rams from 4 different farms. The aim of the research was to examine the
influence of the farm, cultivation technology and the influence of rams
within the farm on production indicators. Statistical analysis showed that
the body weight of lambs at birth ranged from 3.37 to 4.03 kg (average 3.68
kg), at 30 days from 11.51 to 12.41 kg (average 12.07 kg) and from 90 days
from 27.82 to 29 kg (average 28.65 kg). A statistically highly significant
influence of the farm was determined (P<0.01) on the body weight of lambs in
all three control periods, as well as on the body weight of sheep and on the
fertility of sheep. The influence of the ram on the body weight of the lambs
at birth was statistically very significant within the farm (P<0.01). When
it comes to the percentage share of birth type by farm, farm 1 had the most
singletons (59.13%) both within the farm and in comparison between other
farms, while there were fewer twins (40.87%), and triplets were not
identified. On the other farms, the percentage of twins was the highest, and
triplets were also present, while on farm 4 there were also quadruplets,
lambs born as quadruplets (3.28%).
Gastrointestinal parasite infections in small ruminants relative to host sex, age and husbandry system under the guinea savannah vegetation
Authors: Abdul-Rahman Ibn , Fuachie Paintsil , Tati Makija
Published: January 2023

Despite raising animals mostly as scavengers in the guinea savannah zone of Ghana, there is still scanty scientific information on the effects of this system on the health of these animals. A study was conducted to document factors influencing the prevalence rate of gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites and their loads in 500 small ruminants (250 each of sheep and goats). Prevalence rate of about 86% was recorded in small ruminants. Sheep, however, had higher (P<0.05) overall GIT parasite burden than goats. In sheep, significantly (P<0.05) more females harboured strongyles than males. Similarly, tapeworm and GIT parasites in general, were more prevalent (P<0.05) in younger than older sheep. Strongyle population was higher (P<0.05) in growers than adults, while Eimeria spp populations were higher (P<0.05) in lambs and adults than growers. The overall GIT parasite load, however, was higher (P<0.05) in lambs than all other age groups. In goats, Eimeria spp infections, coinfections of Strongyloides spp/Eimeria spp, tapeworm/Emeria spp, and overall GIT parasite load were much higher (P<0.05) in the extensive than the semi-intensive systems of management. The overall parasite population was also higher (P<0.05) in growers than adults and kids. Coinfections of tapeworm/ Strongyloides spp increased (P<0.05) with increasing age. The prevalence rate of GIT parasites in small ruminants is high. However, higher GIT parasite burden was found in sheep than goats. Younger small ruminants and goats kept in the extensive system of management are more prone to GIT parasite infestation than those kept in the semi-intensive system and older ones, respectively.
DNA methylation Dependent Restriction of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Contributes to Pancreatic β-cell Heterogeneity
Authors: Parveen Nazia , Wang Jean Kimi , Bhattacharya Supriyo , Cuala Janielle , Rajkumar Mohan Singh , Butler Alexandra E. , Wu Xiwei , Shih Hung-Ping , Georgia Senta K. , Dhawan Sangeeta
Published: January 2023

The molecular and functional heterogeneity of pancreatic b-cells is well recognized, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Pancreatic islets harbor a subset of b-cells that co-express Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH), an enzyme involved in synthesis of catecholamines that repress insulin secretion. Restriction of the TH+ b-cells within islets is essential for appropriate function in mice, such that higher proportion of these cells corresponds to reduced insulin secretion. Here, we use these cells as a model to dissect the developmental control of b-cell heterogeneity. We define the specific molecular and metabolic characteristics of TH+ b-cells, and show differences in their developmental restriction in mice and humans. We show that TH expression in b-cells is restricted by DNA methylation during b-cell differentiation. Ablation of de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a in the embryonic progenitors results in a dramatic increase in the proportion of TH+ b-cells, while b-cell specific ablation of Dnmt3a does not. We demonstrate that maintenance of Th promoter methylation is essential for its continued restriction in postnatal b-cells. Loss of Th promoter methylation in response to chronic overnutrition increases the number of TH+ b-cells, corresponding to impaired b-cell function. These results reveal a regulatory role of DNA methylation in determining b-cell heterogeneity.
DNA methylation Dependent Restriction of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Contributes to Pancreatic -cell Heterogeneity
Authors: Parveen Nazia , Wang Jean Kimi , Bhattacharya Supriyo , Cuala Janielle , Rajkumar Mohan Singh , Butler Alexandra E. , Wu Xiwei , Shih Hung-Ping , Georgia Senta K. , Dhawan Sangeeta
Published: January 2023

The molecular and functional heterogeneity of pancreatic b-cells is well recognized, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Pancreatic islets harbor a subset of b-cells that co-express Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH), an enzyme involved in synthesis of catecholamines that repress insulin secretion. Restriction of the TH+ b-cells within islets is essential for appropriate function in mice, such that higher proportion of these cells corresponds to reduced insulin secretion. Here, we use these cells as a model to dissect the developmental control of b-cell heterogeneity. We define the specific molecular and metabolic characteristics of TH+ b-cells, and show differences in their developmental restriction in mice and humans. We show that TH expression in b-cells is restricted by DNA methylation during b-cell differentiation. Ablation of de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a in the embryonic progenitors results in a dramatic increase in the proportion of TH+ b-cells, while b-cell specific ablation of Dnmt3a does not. We demonstrate that maintenance of Th promoter methylation is essential for its continued restriction in postnatal b-cells. Loss of Th promoter methylation in response to chronic overnutrition increases the number of TH+ b-cells, corresponding to impaired b-cell function. These results reveal a regulatory role of DNA methylation in determining b-cell heterogeneity.
Fibroblast growth factor 6 promotes adipocyte progenitor cell proliferation for adipose tissue homeostasis
Authors: Liu Caizhi , Meng Meiyao , Xu Bo , Xu Yuejie , Li Guoqiang , Cao Yuxiang , Wang Dongmei , Qiu Jin , Yu Jian , Xu Lingyan , Ma Xinran , Hu Cheng
Published: January 2023

The de novo differentiation of hyperplastic adipocytes from adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs) is accompanied by the reduction of adipose tissue fibrosis and inflammation and improvement in insulin sensitivity in obesity and aging. However, the regulators of APC proliferation are poorly understood. Here, we show that fibroblast growth factor 6 (FGF6) secreted by adipocytes controls PDGFRa+ APC proliferation via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. Specific FGF6 overexpression in inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) improved the signs of high-fat diet- or aging-induced adipose hypertrophy and insulin resistance. Conversely, chronic FGF6 expression blockade in iWAT, mediated by a neutralizing antibody or Fgf6 expression deficiency, impaired adipose tissue expansion and glucose tolerance. Overall, our data suggest that FGF6 acts as a proliferative factor for APCs to maintain fat homeostasis and insulin sensitivity.
Minding the Archipelago: What Svalbard Means to NATO
Authors: Baudu Pauline
Published: January 2023

Although the opportunity, form and level of NATO’s High North engagement have long been a matter of debate, the renewed invasion of Ukraine by Russia and its strategic implications at the global level have dragged a reunified NATO into the Arctic as a fait accompli. Yet, the Arctic is not one uniform bloc. When pondering its involvement, the Alliance should consider the particulars of each Arctic territory in its area of responsibility. The Svalbard archipelago, under the sovereignty of Norway -the most vocal advocate of NATO’s High North increased presence- is one of the Arctic areas falling under NATO’s responsibility. Global geopolitical trends, combined with Svalbard’s specific points of contention, may exacerbate the risk of conflict affecting the archipelago. This paper argues that NATO should consider the security concerns specific to Svalbard when pondering its High North involvement and highlights two elements that should be factored in the Alliance’s strategic and operational thinking over the archipelago. The first relates to the diverging interpretations of Article 9 of the Svalbard Treaty while the second lies in Svalbard’s vulnerability to gray-zone tactics due to its particular legal and geographical features. Bearing these particulars in mind, the paper provides key recommendations for NATO to adopt a tailored approach to the archipelago.
Impactos da financeirização da educação brasileira
Authors: Blandy Beatriz Azevedo , Dowbor Ladislau
Published: January 2023

Neste ensaio, de caráter crítico e exploratório, mapeiam-se aspectos da recente reconfiguração estrutural do ensino brasileiro privado, relacionando-o à entrada de capitais internacionais, ao fortalecimento de grandes grupos educacionais e à financeirização do setor. A partir do papel central e transformador da educação em macrocenários sociais e políticos, apontam-se desdobramentos mais amplos, como a perpetuação e o aprofundamento da desigualdade estrutural brasileira. Como referencial teórico, adotam-se estudiosos da área de Educação que escreveram sobre esse tema e se fundamenta na visão de economistas e gestores, propondo uma visão multidimensional do fenômeno. Dessa forma, objetiva-se articular visões e referências sobre um processo recente em curso, construindo parâmetros para o acompanhamento desse processo, propondo caminhos e metodologias para essa linha de investigação.
Utopias Concretas para Renovar Esperanças Democráticas
Authors: Ponce Branca Jurema , Costa Thais Almeida
Published: January 2023

A realização desta entrevista integrou as atividades do projeto (2020-2022) do Grupo de Educação e Pesquisa em Justiça Curricular (GEPEJUC), coordenado pela Professora Branca Jurema Ponce do Programa de Educação: Currículo, da Faculdade de Educação da PUC-SP. Um dos objetivos do projeto consiste em registrar experiências históricas de educação escolar, assim como práticas curriculares atuais que revelem avanços democráticos. A história de Amabília Almeida é testemunho da ação feminista rebelde contra o patriarcado, da resistência política contra o autoritarismo e do ativismo docente pela garantia do direito à educação. Com mais esta publicação, reafirma-se a essência utópica das produções acadêmicas ancoradas no conceito de justiça curricular. Histórias como essas permitem afirmar a impossibilidade de silenciar experiências emancipatórias, e elas sobrevivem nas memórias, nos sonhos, nas resistências.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Aboagye Emmanuel Mensah , Effah Kweku Obeng , Mensah Felix
Published: January 2023

The environment plays a vibrant role in sustaining human life such that without a suitable environment, humans will find it difficult to survive. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana mandates an excellent and healthy environment for all. Hence, it’s a human right that must be upheld and needs a collective effort to sustain it. Thus, the state, government, and stakeholders must protect and manage the environment to implement sustainable development. The Ghanaian environment can support Ghanaians in line with implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs have since 2015 become the regulating framework driving global development discussions. This paper examines the nexus between environmental law enforcement and implementing SDGs in Ghana. The researchers adopted a complete interpretative document analysis for this study, which showed the careful but rigorous investigation of environmental law enforcement and SDGs. This technique confirmed the genuineness of the information studied and interpreted in the study. The study found that environmental law enforcement and the implementation of SDGs in Ghana are directly linked. Thus, the regulation aligns with the goals of 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of the SDGs directly associated with environmental sustainability. Also, environmental law enforcement in Ghana through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning Environmental Protection and Management is protective and suppressive. This study further unravels that a supervisory outline is mandatory to enable sustainable development within Ghana’s environmental protection and law enforcement issues and to guarantee its alignment with SDGs. This should be established based on the participation of stakeholders. As a result, the researchers recommend that the government establish strong management and accountability in sustainable development by measuring, supervising, revising, and evaluating their growth towards meeting SDGs in environmental issues geared towards achieving SDG targets and frequently communicating their development to the public.
IMPROVING COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING THROUGH SOCIALIZATION, LITERATURE AND EDUCATION OF SHARIA BANKING IN THE CITY OF PALANGKARAYA, CENTRAL KALIMANTAN
Authors: Achmad Aditya , Sadikin Ali , Sukmana Enriko Tedja , Misra Isra , Adlina Fadiah , Hasnita  , Iqbal Muhammad , Safitri Nadia , Aldianto Asrofi
Published: January 2023

Community service focuses on the lack of public knowledge of Islamic banking in Indonesia so that socialization, literacy, and education activities are needed for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM). The expected goal is none other than to increase UMKM related to Islamic banking, both systems, products, and mechanisms so that it has an impact on public interest in using Islamic banking services in Central Kalimantan. The UMKM involved in the service activities are UMKM in Kereng Bangkirai Village as many as 55 UMKM and 5 employees of Bank Syariah Indonesia Palangka Raya Branch. The method used in this service is Community Based Articipatory Research where the service is carried out by involving stakeholders with Focus Group Discussion (FGD) activities. The results of the service show that by carrying out community-based service activities and involving stakeholders, especially banking, the public's understanding of Islamic banking is increasing. These activities also have an impact on the community, especially UMKM, to use Islamic banking services.
Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Metabolic Syndrome Criteria: Among Treated Hypertensive and Diabetic Females of Halabja
Authors: Farag Halgord Ali
Published: January 2023

Background and aim

The effect of Ramadan fasting (RF) among Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) patients is still argumentative. However, the majority of evidences demonstrated a beneficial effect on nearly most of metabolic criteria reduce the risk of MetS. Hypoglycemia is a significant consequence of diabetes that has been linked to an elevated the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertensions. However, conflicted results have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of RF on Metabolic criteria among treated hypertensive and diabetic patients.

Method

This prospective observational study was carried out in a group of 73 female patients with MetS aged (20-45) years were evaluated week before and after Ramadan month having hypertension and diabetics of more than 2 years. All attending to Halabja Hospital and were treated with one daily medication based on doctor prescription. The sample random technic was used to calculate sample size and the computed sample size. The eligibility criteria for female patients having diabetic and hypertension were based on the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) definition criteria. A fasting blood sample was obtained, blood pressure was measured and BMI was calculated, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile were analyzed on all blood sample.

Result

There was a significant weight reduction and WC decreased. This result has been reflected on BMI as well ( p ? 0.0001).  The systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed significant changes during the month of fasting.  Overall, Ramadan fasting was found to decrease fasting glucose level. With regards to changes in lipid profile, fasting Ramadan was found to significant decrease in TC, and TG level. There was no significant change in serum LDL-C after Ramadan compared to baseline, however, we found a decrease in serum HDL-C levels but this change were not paralleled by any significant changes.

Conclusions

This study shows a significant improvement in cardiovascular risk factors such as lipids profile, systolic blood pressure, weight, BMI and waist circumference in subjects with a previous history of hypertensions and hyperglycemia.
The Basic Nature of Intermolecular Attraction Forces Newtonian Gravitation Shown by Deriving ‘Diffusion’
Authors: Gupta Satyavarapu Naga Parameswara , Satyavarapu Kiron Koti Shesha Manikya , Krishna Satyavarapu Subba Vamsi
Published: January 2023

Here in this paper, we show that the basic reason for this diffusion is the intermolecular attraction forces due to Newtonian gravitational attraction forces acting in a combined way which are the vectorial sum of all the attraction forces acting on molecules as defined as SITA forces Multi Molecule Theory. Some pairs of molecules hit each other and bounce like rubber balls and diffuse because of these SITA forces. Here some of the molecules are going to higher distances from the hitting centers. Earlier we formulated and showed the three states of matter in a similar way. Here we took a Nano-drop-let of contaminated water as a container. We are calculating intermolecular attraction forces between molecules and finding the movements of molecules as a result of the attraction by all the other molecules at the molecular level.
Prevalence of Corynebacterium species among Slaughtered Ruminants in Makurdi, Nigeria: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Akwuobu Chinedu A. , Haruna Danladi D. , Iortyer Patience D. , Ngbede Emmanuel O. , Mamfe Levi M. , Ofukwu Raphael A.
Published: January 2023

Non-diphtheritic Corynebacteria have in recent times been increasingly implicated as the causative agents of various infections in humans and animals. They have also been shown to be an emerging group of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In the present study, we carried out a preliminary investigation to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of species of corynebacteria among slaughtered cattle, goats and sheep. Nasal swabs from 207 ruminants (101 goats, 91 cattle, and 15 sheep) were processed for isolation and identification of corynebacteria using standard microbiological procedures. Antibiogram of the isolates was also determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Twenty-three isolates (11.1%) distributed into six species comprising Corynebacterium xerosis (n=8), C. amycolatum (n=5) C. mycetoides (n=3) C. stationis (n=2) C. striatum (n=1) and C. efficiens (n=1) were recovered. The Corynebacterium isolates displayed high rates of resistance (31.6 – 100%) to all the antibiotics tested with multidrug resistance observed in 78.9% (15/23) of the isolates tested. Coagulase-production was also observed among 8 (34.8%) of the isolates. Our findings highlight the role of slaughtered cattle and small ruminants as potential reservoirs of multidrug resistant and zoonotic non-diphtheritic corynebacteria and thus a need for increased surveillance and characterization of this bacteria group among animals.
Moderating influence of parental engagement on impact of attention span on students’ academic achievement in Senior Secondary School Computer Studies
Authors: Saka Adewale Owodunni
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the impacts of attention span and parental engagement on students’ academic achievement in Computer Studies. It also determined the moderating influence of parental engagement on the impact of attention span on learners’ academic achievement. A descriptive research design was adopted. The study population comprised all the SS 2 students offering Computer Studies in public senior secondary schools in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State. Two hundred students were selected randomly from ten randomly selected schools. Attention Span Rating Scale (r=0.78) and Students’ Perceived Parental Engagement Questionnaire (r=0.82), and Computer Studies Achievement Test (r=0.62), were used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and multiple regression at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed significant impacts of attention span, F(1, 198)= 101.207, p<0.05, and parental engagement, F(1, 198)= 12.346, p<0.05 on students’ academic achievement in Computer Studies. The study also established the joint impact of attention span and parental engagement impacted students’ academic achievement, F(2, 197)= 59.168 p<0.05, but no significant moderating influence of parental engagement on the impact of attention span on students’ academic achievement t(196) = 0.301, p>0.05. It is recommended that teachers adopt active learning strategies for their students. Parents should dissuade their children from the extensive use of mobile technologies, which could dwindle their attention span.
A The Effect of Project-Based Microeconomics Learning on Problem-Solving Ability Viewed from Cognitive Style
Authors: Rindrayani Sulastri Rini , Hairunisya Nanis
Published: January 2023

Penelitian ini berusaha untuk mengetahui pengaruh pembelajaran berbasis proyek terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah berbasis gaya kognitif. Populasi penelitian ini adalah 70 mahasiswa Jurusan Pendidikan Ekonomi Universitas Bhinneka PGRI. Kelas eksperimen dengan 35 siswa menggunakan metode project-based dan kelas kontrol dengan 35 siswa menggunakan metode diskusi. Pengumpulan data keterampilan field independent, field dependent, dan problem solving melalui tes menggunakan instrumen tes subjektif. Anova dua arah digunakan untuk analisis data. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa: 1) pembelajaran berbasis proyek secara signifikan meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah siswa dibandingkan dengan metode diskusi. 2) Tipe kognitif Field Independent dan Field Dependent berbeda secara signifikan. 3) Pendekatan dan gaya kognitif pemecahan masalah memiliki kaitan yang kuat. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bagaimana kemampuan pemecahan masalah pada siswa Field Independent dan Field Dependent secara efisien dipupuk melalui pembelajaran berbasis proyek.