bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performing the ‘Invisible’ in Yemoja and ‘Our Family Secret’ through multimedia and virtual theatre
Authors: Adumati Abiola Olubunmi
Published: March 2024

Modern technology has necessitated the digitalisation of stage performances, especially in the 21st century. Although, technology applies to many industries as it enhances productivity and creativity, however, theatre industry seems to benefit from technology more than other industries as the use of digital devices has boosted the industry beyond the physical stage and it has also given stage theatre popularity in the media space. It is on this premise that this study examined the exploration of “Multimedia Theatre and Virtual Theatre” towards making the invisible visible in the performances of Ahmed Yerima’s Yemoja and ‘Biola Adumati’s ‘Our Family Secret.’ The findings from the study revealed that many play directors on the Nigerian stage have experimented with multimedia and virtual theatres in the process of play directing which have enhanced the quality of their works. These production techniques have been employed by some artistic directors to tell flashback stories by projecting them to the audience during live performances, some explored the same technology to create scenes that seemed impossible on stage such as sea or fire scenes. Hence, this paper concludes that the art of play directing can be a lot easier with the use of multimedia theatre technique to tell the hidden stories within the play and making the invisible visible.
Theories, concepts and classifications of African costumes, dress culture, make-up and body designs in the 21st century
Authors: Utoh-Ezeajugh Tracie Chima
Published: March 2024

Scholarly interrogations of African dress culture and body designs have mostly engaged non-African experiences and theories in  interrogating indigenous practices. This has placed a limitation on cultural expressions of identity and inadvertently exposed the need to  frame discourses around traditional African design engagements and indigenous conceptual models. The study employs the analytical,  descriptive and interpretative approach of the qualitative research methodology to conceptualise, classify and describe the indigenous  and contemporary practice of dressing, costuming and make-up and body designs in Africa. The emphasis is on attires/dresses/clothing,  body designs, costumes and make-up practices utilised in everyday life; on special occasions; on stage; in films; carnivals; street  performances and traditional communal performances. In this study, the researcher deconstructs the term ‘costume’ as currently used  in describing African dressing. It attempts an understanding and classification of costumes from three levels of artistic and historical  distinctions which are; indigenous traditional designs (indigenous trad.); modern traditional designs (modern trad.); and contemporary  traditional designs (contemporary trad.). Given the identified gaps in existing scholarly presentations on traditional dress culture and  body adornment, it maintains that African scholars should be encouraged to expand the scope of discourse through further  constructions of identity for indigenous cultural products.
Theatre without borders: Evaluating e-book publication of play texts in the Nigerian educational space
Authors: Iweha Iheanacho C.
Published: March 2024

The theatre ecology had embraced digital technology long before the Covid-19 pandemic entered our lives. The orange economy, as we  know it, is driven by creativity from the arts and humanities as well as the sciences. Playwriting pedagogy, as was traditionally taught, pointed to the stage, printing press and elitist publishers as windows to the world. The theatre arts is a discipline that has a value chain of  products and services. Adopting the survey and historical-analytic methods, this paper focuses on playwriting and the playwrightpreneur’s options to the conventional style of publishing for product spread and economic empowerment. The excitement and  apprehensions of digitisation on this venture are interrogated via an online survey on consumers of play texts, on the one hand, and playwrights on the other hand. The researcher argues that the availability of online stores does not necessarily translate to the availability  of e-books. The results show that even though we are in the digital era, the acceptability of e-books is low compared to hard- copy books. It also reveals that knowledge of online publishing is poor. The gains of digitising theatre projects are illuminated.  Furthermore, teachers and students of theatre arts studies will find this option complementary to the age-long style of hard copy  inventories as institutional or personal collections. The paper concludes that adequate information on how to publish play texts online is  urgently needed especially for writers of dramatic texts. It recommends that workshops on online publication be organised for teachers  and students of playwriting.
Changing with changing times: A peep into Nollywood physical film markets in the era of online marketing
Authors: Ihentuge Chisimdi Udoka
Published: March 2024

At the early stages of Nollywood (the film industry in Nigeria), names of physical film markets were regular in thrillers and posters of  films. These include the markets at Upper Iweka Onitsha, Alaba International Lagos, Idumota Lagos, Pound Road Aba and Milverton Avenue Aba. These markets handled the general marketing of the industry. In the present day Nollywood, most of the marketing in the  industry are done online. Yet, the names of these physical markets still suffice on the thrillers and posters of Nollywood films. This paper  attempts to take a look at the state of the physical film markets in Nigeria in contemporary times. The markets surveyed are the film  markets in Electro-Mart Market Onitsha Anambra State (which is a re-location of the market at Upper Iweka Onitsha), Alaba International  Market and Idumota Market both in Lagos, and Pound Road and Milverton Avenue both in Aba Abia State. The work is approached  through documentary research, observation and interview sessions with the marketers in, and leaders of the markets. It is concluded  that despite the fact that activities have grossly dwindled in these physical film markets, they are still very relevant to Nollywood for some  other vital functions they perform for the industry. What is missing in these markets is the suitable political environment for the  industry. The paper recommends the provision of the enabling economic, natural and, most importantly, political environment for the  industry to thrive better in this highly digital era.
Postdigital theatre: Beyond digital alienation of live theatre on the Nigerian performance space
Authors: Ojoniyi Bode
Published: March 2024

The challenges of studies in humanities in the wake of the ongoing digital revolution in science and technology sum up the crisis of the  place of live theatre in response to skit making on social media apart from the traditional film medium like cinemas and home videos.  There are perhaps arguments around the presumed effectiveness of digital theatre in terms of its ability to reach wider audiences across  the globe at once through the deployment of technology. Nevertheless, it is clear from my experience of live theatre as recent as May 15  and June 19 2022 by the House of Arimata Theatre Studio in Osogbo, that digital theatre cannot take the place of a live theatre. The  communal ritual essence of live theatre, its liminal phases, the necessary separation, the shattering of the performers in the limen, their  re-assemblage/merging with the audience, and the communal re-emergence with a new consciousness, all in the transitions and the  festivity of a live theatre, cannot be captured in/by a digital theatre. Thus, the lacuna is clear even in the rate at which humanity is  commoditised with its knowledge and cultural productions monetised in most digital theatre productions. It is on the basis of the  argument of postdigitalism that this paper uses direct observation and historical-analytic methods to argue that while live theatre retains the power to humanise through communal participation, digital theatre can only continue to commoditise/zombiefy humanity with its  focus on traffic generation and advert placements essentially for materialism.
Nollywood and the challenge of digital archiving and preservation in the digital era
Authors: Ademiju-Bepo Adediran Kayode , Idyo Solomon
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses digital archiving and preservation as a challenge that Nollywood must grapple with in the digital era. The paper  argues that, in other climes, filmmakers have since understood archiving and preservation as the last steps in the life of a movie; unlike in  Nigeria, where many a filmmaker have no plan beyond marketing and distribution. The methodology adopted for the research is the  qualitative method, with use of documents and visual media research instrument utilized. This study is anchored on the theory of functionalism to establish the paper’s strong position that, in this era of transition to digital filmmaking, it has become rather pertinent  for Nigerian filmmakers to factor in the archiving and preservation of their films as the final phase of the production process, in view of  the all-important role it plays in the life of their works. Findings reveal that once the current film is distributed, filmmakers tend to move  on with planning for the next big project. Thus, they fail to spend quality time to grapple with the reality of where the product of their  hard work will end up in the future. This study concludes that filmmakers should be sensitized to appreciate the gains of the future life of  their films that archiving and  preservation offer. The National Film, Video and Sound Archive (NFVSA) in Jos should be strengthened and  well-positioned to harvest the offerings of Nigerian filmmakers for posterity through digital archiving and preservation is our  recommendation.
Network pharmacology and molecular docking studies on the mechanism of action of moist exposed burn ointment for treatment of diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Zhou Yu , Li Yi , Zhang Tianqi , Luo Ting , Liu Ying , Wu Biaoliang
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To investigate the bioactive components and mechanism of action of moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO) for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers using network pharmacology (NP) and molecular docking technology

Methods: Through pharmacology database of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) systems (TCMSP), analysis platform and symptom mapping (SymMap) database, the bioactive components of MEBO were screened for and protein binding to bioactive components was predicted. Proteins related to Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) were collected from GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGkb and TTD disease databases. With R language software, the binding proteins of bioactive components of MEBO intersected with the proteins related to occurrence of DFU. Proteins of DFU linked to treatment with MEBO were subjected to analysis using gene ontology (GO) and KEGG with R language software. AutoDock and PyMOL software were employed to dock active components of MEBO and major proteins of DFU. Targeted binding potential of bioactive compounds in MEBO to core proteins of DFU was analyzed.

Results: One hundred and five (105) bioactive ingredients and 246 likely therapeutic proteins were obtained. Proteins were mainly involved in biological processes in wound healing, oxidative stress, and lipopolysaccharide. The enriched signaling pathway focused on lipid metabolism and the process of atherosclerosis which involved PI3K and Akt, advanced glycation end-products (AGE)-receptor (RAGE) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The absolute values of these proteins were screened out with a docking score greater than 5 kcal/mol.

Conclusion: The biological effects of MEBO are related to multiple proteins and multiple signaling pathways. Therefore, healing effect of MEBO on DFU occurs via multiple pathways. The biological characteristics of MEBO need to be fully elucidated in further studies.
Evaluation of propofol and remifentanil combination for controlled hypotension during anesthesia in pediatric nasal endoscopic surgery
Authors: Li Siyao , Ye Min , Wang Xingxu
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To investigate the safety and efficacy of propofol in combination with remifentanil for controlled hypotension during pediatric nasal endoscopic surgery.

Methods: The study involved 30 patients who underwent controlled hypotension measures with remifentanil during the operation (study group), and 30 patients who did not receive controlled hypotension measures (control group). Various parameters including vital signs, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, surgical field quality, anesthesia quality, postoperative recovery time, adverse reaction rate, pain scores, and serum C-reactive protein levels were compared between the two groups.

Results: The results revealed a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure and heart rate in the study group during the operation compared to control group. Moreover, study group exhibited improved operation time, reduced intraoperative bleeding, and better surgical field quality compared to control group. Pain scores and serum C-reactive protein levels were also lower in the study group. However, there were no significant differences in recovery time, anesthesia quality, postoperative adverse reaction rate, or cognitive function between the two groups.

Conclusion: Propofol in combination with remifentanil for controlled hypotension is a safe and effective anesthesia approach for pediatric nasal endoscopic surgery. Future studies will require larger sample size from different study centers to improve the robustness of the findings of this study.
Effect of dapagliflozin on blood glucose control, cardiac function, and myocardial injury markers in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhao Yingxin
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To investigate the impact of dapagliflozin treatment on blood glucose control, cardiac function, and myocardial injury markers in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure.

Methods: In a retrospective analysis of clinical data for 132 patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure admitted to Beijing Tongren Hospital, China from January 2020 to June 2021, these patients were stratified into two groups (66 patients each). Control group received conventional pharmacotherapy and study group received additional treatment with dapagliflozin. Both treatment courses lasted for 6 months. The levels of blood glucose control, cardiac function, and myocardial injury markers before and after 6 months of treatment were compared between the two groups, as well as safety during treatment.

Results: After 6 months of treatment, both groups exhibited significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial glucose (2 h PG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme activity (CK-MB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, with study group showing a greater improvement (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Dapagliflozin enhances blood glucose control and cardiac function, improving quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure. Furthermore, Dapagliflozin demonstrates a safe and well-tolerated profile. Future studies will require establishing the mechanism of dapagliflozin action in a larger and more diverse population.
Circ_0011385 increases cisplatin resistance in breast cancer via miR-615-5psuppression
Authors: Hu Yiyi , Ye Xiaojing , Xiang Feng , Chen Lei , Chen Peizhen
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in chemo-resistance among different cancers, containing breast cancer (BC). Herein, this project aimed to investigate the role of circ_0011385 on cisplatin (DDP) resistance in BC cells.

Methods: circ_0011385 and microRNA (miR)-615-5p content in DDP-resistant BC cells and their parent cells (MCF-7) was calculated by RT-qPCR. CCK-8 assessed inhibition rate, and further to calculate half inhibitory concentration (IC50). Clone formation and flow cytometry experiments detected clone numbers and apoptosis rate. Dual-luciferase reporter system validated targeting between circ_0011385 and miR-615-5p.

Results: circ_0011385 was upregulated, whereas miR-615-5p was decreased in MCF-7/DDP cells. Silencing circ_0011385 or miR-615-5p overexpression enhanced BC cell sensitivity to DDP, repress proliferation, and expedite apoptosis rate. Circ_0011385 directly targeted miR-615-5p.

CONCLUSION: Silencing circ_0011385 increases DDP sensitivity by targeting and up-regulating miR-615-5p expression in MCF-7/DDP.
Efficacy of cerebroxin capsules combined with aspirin in prevention of post-ischemic stroke in patients treated with thrombolysis
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Tan Hong
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To analyze the efficacy of Cerebro-Cardiac capsules combined with aspirin for secondary prevention in post-ischemic stroke patients treated with thrombolysis, and also to explore its clinical application value.

Methods: 224 ischemic stroke patients in the outpatient clinic of Changsha First Hospital, China from June 2022 to December 2022 were randomly divided into treatment and control groups, with 112 patients per group. Both groups were given oral aspirin (100 mg/daily) but treatment group received cerebroxin capsules (four capsules, three times daily) in addition. The types of recurrent strokes, clinical efficacy, NIHSS score scale, modified Barthel index, levels of fibrinogen and plasma viscosity, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol were assessed and compared between the groups.

Results: During the 6-month follow-up, 10 patients in treatment group and 12 patients in control group experienced dislodgment, and 202 cases completed treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Treatment group showed a higher effective rate (92 %) compared to control group (75 %), with a statistically significant difference in clinical symptom efficacy (p < 0.05). Hemodynamic parameters were significantly better in treatment group than in control group (p < 0.05). Both groups exhibited improved total cholesterol levels, triacylglycerol levels and modified Barthel index post-treatment. Treatment group had better NIHSS scores and Barthel index than control group (p < 0.05), while their triacylglycerol levels were lower (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Cerebroxin capsules combined with aspirin improve the symptomatic effect of thrombolytic therapy in patients after ischemic stroke with high safety profile. Analysis of the effect of this combination in an increased sample size and a longer follow-up period will be required in the future.
Comparative renoprotection: Sacubitril/valsartan versus ACEI or ARB -A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Jingtao , Li Chen , Lu Cong , Cheng Jun
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the renoprotective effect of sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) against angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB).

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a thorough search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was performed up to May 18, 2023. Eligibility criteria included prospective, randomized, controlled trials comparing sac/Val and ACEI/ARB with regard to renal outcomes. Data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken independently by two reviewers. Fixed or random effects models were used depending on the heterogeneity among studies. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the presence or absence of heart failure.

Results: Eleven trials with varied patient populations and clinical settings were included. The meta-analysis revealed that Sac/Val exhibited a significantly reduced risk of renal function decline compared to ACEI/ARB (Risk Ratio (RR) = 0.86, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) (0.78, 0.96), p = 0.016). Subgroup analysis showed that the renoprotective effect was significant in patients with heart failure (RR = 0.84, 95 % CI (0.75, 0.94), p = 0.011), but not in non-heart failure patients (RR = 1.04, 95 % CI (0.80, 1.37), p = 0.66).

Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that Sac/Val confers substantial renoprotective effect compared with ACEI/ARB, particularly among heart failure patients. However, further research is required to elaborate on the full potential of Sac/Val as a nephroprotective agent.
Efficacy of sodium creatine phosphate in pediatric viral myocarditis and cellular immune functions
Authors: Liu Xinhong , Li Junhua , Li Rui , Zhang Hongbo , Chen Keya
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of sodium creatine phosphate (SCP) in pediatric viral myocarditis, and cellular immune functions.

Methods: Clinical data of 83 children with viral myocarditis admitted to Dezhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, China between May 2019 and June 2021 were collected and randomly assigned to control (n = 41) and study groups (n = 42). Control group (CNG) received conventional treatment for 14 days, including intravenous drip of sodium fructose diphosphate, vitamin C, and ribavirin, with the addition of prednisone if necessary. Study group (SG) received SCP in addition to conventional treatment for 14 days. Clinical efficacy, cardiac function, inflammatory and immune markers, myocardial injury, and adverse effects at the end of treatment were determined.

Results: Results indicated a significantly higher total effective rate in study group (95.24 %) compared to control group (78.05 %) (p < 0.05). Study group demonstrated significantly lower heart rates and improved cardiac output, stroke volume, and left ventricular ejection fraction after 14 days of treatment compared to control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, study group exhibited significant reduction in levels of inflammatory markers (p < 0.05), enhanced cellular immune markers (p < 0.05), and reduced myocardial injury and remodeling markers (p < 0.05). Both groups showed similar incidence of adverse reactions.

Conclusion: Sodium creatine phosphate (SCP) is effective in treating pediatric viral myocarditis, enhances cardiac function, restores cellular immune function, reduces inflammation, and minimizes myocardial damage and remodeling. There will be need to evaluate the long-term efficacy and prognosis of SCP in treating pediatric viral myocarditis in the future.
Kaempferol inhibits the proliferation and migration of Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells
Authors: Lu Suli , Wang Zhen , Yang Dae-jung
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To assess the effect of kaempferol on the growth, apoptosis, and motility of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells, and to elucidate its mechanism of action.

Methods: Human DLBCL cells were used to generate EBV-positive (EBV +) cell line Pfeiffer. CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry (FCM), and immunoblot assays were employed to determine the effects of kaempferol on the growth and apoptosis of EBV + DLBCL cells. Cell motility was evaluated by Transwell and immunoblot assays. Immunoblot assay was further conducted to unravel the mechanism of action.

Results: Kaempferol inhibited the growth of EBV + DLBCL cells. It also enhanced the apoptosis of EBV + DLBCL cells, but inhibited the motility of the cells. Furthermore, kaempferol inhibited PI3K/AKT axis, thereby suppressing DLBCL.

Conclusion: Kaempferol inhibits the growth and motility of EBV + DLBCL cells via PI3K/AKT axis. It is therefore a potential drug for the treatment of DLBCL.
MiR-1224-5p reverses gefitinib resistance in non-small-cell lung cancer cells by modulating RFX5/YAP1/HIF1α axis
Authors: Tang Hanxu , Liu Chunhua , Yu Xiangchun , Zhao Weiwei , Gu Zexin , Liu Ying , Zheng Xin , Meng Xiangru
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To investigate the molecular pathways by which miR-1224-5p modulate RFX5/YAP1/HIF1α pathway, thereby promoting gefitinib tolerance within non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: To screen differentially expressed miR-1224-5p in NSCLC samples and predict its downstream target gene – RFX5 – by bioinformatics analysis, 60 NSCLC tissues and their corresponding paraneoplastic tissues were collected. Dual-luciferase assays were performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR-1224-5p and RFX5. Four NSCLC cell lines (A549, H1299, H2170, and H1975) and BEAS-2B normal lung epithelial cell lines were used for in vitro experiments. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and Western blotting after cycloheximide (CHX) treatment were used to determine the regulatory interaction between YAP1 and HIF1α, with YAP1 modulating HIF1α protein stability.

Results: In NSCLC, downregulation of miR-1224-5p was observed, which resulted in the decrease of RFX5 levels. This reduction in miR-1224-5p levels leads to a decrease in RFX5 levels. Furthermore, restoring miR-1224-5p expression in NSCLC cells made them more sensitive to gefitinib. In vitro, RFX5 elevates YAP1, which in turn boosts the stability of HIF1α. However, miR-1224-5p disrupts this mechanism by influencing the RFX5/YAP1/HIF1α pathway, thus mitigating resistance to gefitinib.

Conclusion: The findings show that miR-1224-5p targets RFX5 to suppress YAP1 transcription, thereby diminishing HIF1α stability and overcoming gefitinib tolerance in NSCLC. These findings identify miR-1224-5p as a promising approach to address gefitinib tolerance in NSCLC.
Effect of Jiawei Tangzhiqing granules on JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway and Th17/Treg ratio in diabetic nephropathy mice
Authors: Yu Yechen , Wang Xu , Yang Fan , Xing Ke , Ren Lihong , Xu Guangfei
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Jiawei Tangzhiqing granules on JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and Th17/Treg ratio in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice.

Methods: Selected 60 male SPF C57BL/6N mice, divided into control group and DN model group; the latter was further further split into model control, Western medicine group, and three Jiawei Tangzhiqing granule groups (high, medium, and low doses). Treatments were administered orally for 12 weeks. Key health indicators and renal tissue pathology were analyzed. Th17 and Treg levels in CD4+ T cells were quantified, and JAK2 and STAT3 protein expression in renal tissues was determined via Western blot.

Results: Model group showed a significant decrease in body weight and increases in 24-h urine volume, food, and water consumption compared to the control group. Th17 cell count increased, and Treg cell count decreased, leading to a higher Th17: Treg ratio. Conversely, Jiawei Tangzhiqing granules reduced this effect dose-dependently, with the highest dose being more effective than irbesartan. JAK2 and STAT3 protein expressions, elevated in model group, were significantly reduced in the granule-treated groups.

Conclusion: Jiawei Tangzhiqing granules alleviate renal damage in DN by suppressing JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and correcting the Th17: Treg ratio imbalance. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for these granules in managing DN. There is a need to find out if there is a correlation between Th17/Treg balance and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Effect of cinnamaldehyde on nesfatin-1 levels in diabetic rats
Authors: İğci Nazlıcan , Akkececi Nurten , Boşnak Mehmet , Yoldaş Atila , Eser Nadire
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of cinnamaldehyde (CA) on fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, lipid profile, and nesfatin-1 levels in healthy and diabetic (DM) rats.

Methods: Ten groups with eight rats per group were used. Healthy and diabetic sham groups were administered 1 mL of saline for 28 days by intragastric gavage. Healthy and diabetic control groups were administered 1 mL 0.5 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 28 days by intragastric gavage. Other diabetic and healthy groups (HG) received 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg CA for 28 days by intragastric gavage, once daily. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg intraperitoneally). Rats were defined as diabetic when FBG was > 250 mg/dL. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess serum nesfatin-1 concentrations. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) values were evaluated with a glucometer.

Results: Day 28 weights of all DM and HG + 40 mg/kg CA groups were lower than day 1 weights (p < 0.05). Triglyceride values of DM + 40 mg/kg CA group were lower than DM sham and control group (p ≤ 0.001). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol levels of the CA-administered healthy groups were higher than healthy control groups (p ≤ 0.001). Nesfatin-1 levels of all DM groups were lower than all healthy groups, and nesfatin-1 levels of all CA-administered healthy and DM groups were lower than healthy and DM sham and control groups, but these were not significant (p > 0.001).

Conclusion: Although not significant, the decrease in nesfatin-1 level is evidence that CA has an anti-obesity effect in both healthy and diabetic rats. In contrast to its antihyperlipidemic effect in diabetic conditions, CA has hyperlipidemic effect in healthy conditions.
Insect diversity and abundance in three forest areas of Lagos State
Authors: Alafia A. O. , Ajelara K. O. , Onyema H. E. , Reis G. A. , Ogun M. L. , Anikwe J. C. , Denloye A. A. , Makanjuola W. A.
Published: March 2024

Mangrove forest ecosystem preserves diversity of species, which includes insects. Insects serve as bioindicators, pollinators and nutrient recyclers in the forest. However, the number of insects decline as the forest fades. We conducted this field survey to assess the diversity and abundance of insect species in three selected mangrove swamp forests located in Lagos State, Nigeria. Samples were collected fortnightly using different techniques, for a period of three months. Insects collected were preserved in 70% alcohol, but butterflies and moths were preserved dry. Representative samples were identified with picture insect mobile application V1.0.8 and confirmed using standard identification keys. Vegetation cover was quite similar in all the areas sampled comprising of Alchornea cordifolia, Eragrosis racemose, Paspalum dilatatum and Avicennia germania. A total of 182 insects were collected belonging to seven Orders, 18 Families and 38 species. The most dominant Order was Coleoptera with relative abundance of 66.48% and the least was Hemiptera (0.59%). The Order Odonata was the most diverse (HꞋ=1.09), and the most dominant species were Pantala flavescens and Sympetrum fonscolombii, having relative abundance of 8.24% each, followed by Palpopleura lucia (7.69%), Ceriagrion glabrum (7.14%) and Lestinogomphus africanus (6.04%). Psedagrion kersteni was rare with relative abundance < 0.5%. Iba site had the highest species diversity (HꞋ=1.24) but lowest number of individuals. This study documents the diversity and abundance of insects in the fast-disappearing mangrove forest of Lagos State, Nigeria.
Developing the child’s potentials through play: The police children’s college, Oji River experience
Authors: Iroh Emmanuel O.
Published: March 2024

This study seeks to identify traditional games, its uses and importance to the overall development (physical, mental, social, moral and intellectual) of the child. The study is participatory in approach and qualitative in nature. The work is based on the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud who opined that during play, the child expresses negative emotions which they have no control in their everyday lives. Freud sees play in terms of catharsis- purgation of emotions. It is his contention that playing provides a safe haven for the child to discharge these emotions and gain control, since play is intrinsically motivated. It is supported by the psychosocial theory of Lev Vygostsky, who views play as a significant tool for children’s development. According to him, children make meaning of their environment through play and that play helps to develop 85% of a child’s brain during the first five years of their life. The data for the study were collected using two methods, namely: practical experiment with the pupils and the participatory approach involving the researcher and primary three and four pupils of Police Children’s School, Oji River, Enugu State. The data from the various games played were assessed and analyzed using explanation analysis from the different practical sessions. Ten traditional games were selected and used by the researcher for the experiment. The researcher concludes that a child’s imaginative and problem-solving abilities are enhanced when they participate and play together as a group. The work therefore recommends the application and use of the traditional games in the education of the child as this will invariably lead to the production of a sound individual capable of contributing to the growth of our nation, Nigeria.
Teilhardian Evolutionism: A philosophical reconsideration
Authors: Ezebuilo Hyginus Chibuike , Iwuogu Dominic Chigozirim
Published: March 2024

Philosophers, right from the Classical Greek period, have grappled with the problem of the origin, nature, and future of the universe. On one pole of the debate evolutionists who see the universe as an organism in the process of cosmic evolution. On the other pole of the debate are creationists who hold that reality was created by a supreme being. Interestingly, this debate has led to heated disagreements between these two rival camps. In the face of this problem, this work explores the view of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, who proposes a unique theory of evolution which integrates some ideas of the creationists. This cosmic evolution, according to him, is the ongoing and unfolding process of the creative impulse, which is personalized in the human person until it reaches its apex in personal relationship with the transcendent at the Omega Point. This work attempts to expose Teilhard de Chardin’s entire theory of cosmic evolution; the stages of the process of cosmic evolution, the laws which govern the process and the end to which it tends, that is, the Omega Point. It points out the strengths and weaknesses of his arguments as well as the implications of his entire theory for the present human society. In the final analysis, this research work maintains that despite its obvious downsides, Teilhard de Chardin’s Evolutionism is remarkable for its synthesis of science with religion, its revelation of the uniqueness of the emergence of internet in the evolutionary continuum and its prognostication of a glorious future predestined for the cosmos from the very onset of evolution. Analytic method of research was employed.
A government phonology analysis of assimilation in AnakỤ Igbo expressions: “ǹgịvụ” and “gbaa egbè”
Authors: Uwaezuoke Aghaegbuna Haroldson
Published: March 2024

Assimilation, no doubt, is a major co-articulatory feature of human language involving two segments in binary asymmetric relation. In the Igbo language, there are vowel-vowel assimilation, vowel-syllable assimilation, syllabic nasal-consonant assimilation, vowel-consonant assimilation, and consonant-vowel assimilation. Using the Government Phonology framework, this paper analyses assimilation in Anakụ Igbo expressions, ǹgịvụ ‘you’ and gbaa egbè ‘shot gun’, which are examples of syllabic nasal-consonant assimilation and vowel-vowel assimilation respectively. The results reveal a relation of government existing between the sounds in the context of assimilation in the two words, whereby one of the sounds is the governor that has charmed the other sound as its governee. It is confirmed that assimilation in Anakụ Igbo variety adheres to the tenets of the Government Phonology.
Age, growth and mortality characteristics of the Thumbprint Emperor (Lethrinus harak) in Zanzibar
Authors: Mussa Tumu Ali , Yahya Saleh A.S , Castro Jose J , Chauka Leonard J
Published: March 2024

The growth parameters of Lethrinus harak were studied in Zanzibar water from 308 samples collected between June 2019 to May 2020 at Unguja Ukuu and Mkokotoni landing sites. The annulus count indicated that the majority of fishes captured were of three and four years old and very few were five, six, and seven years of age with a mean length of 17.69 cm, 21.04 cm, 24.18 cm, 25.86 cm, and 28.15, respectively. The number of rings was counted on the whole otolith and the growth rings were revealed to be formed annually, with the opaque margins generated from December to February and the hyaline ones during the rest of the year. The growth parameters were estimated as L∞=34.22cm, K=0.25 year-1, and t0=0.00. The total mortality (Z) was estimated as 0.68 year-1 and natural mortality (M) was estimated using Pauly's equation, as 0.65 per year-1 and fishing mortality (F) was 0.03 year-1, which gives an exploitation rate (E) of 0.04 year-1. Although these values indicate the species to be underexploited, the absence of older individuals 15 years and smaller below three years might have affected our findings.
Molecular Property Diagnostic Suite for COVID-19 (MPDSCOVID-19): an open-source disease-specific drug discovery portal
Authors: Priyadarsinee Lipsa , Jamir Esther , Nagamani Selvaraman , Mahanta Hridoy Jyoti , Kumar Nandan , John Lijo , Sarma Himakshi , Kumar Asheesh , Gaur Anamika Singh , Sahoo Rosaleen , Vaikundamani S. , Murugan N. Arul , Priyakumar U. Deva , Raghava G. P. S. , Bharatam Prasad V. , Parthasarathi Ramakrishnan , Subramanian V. , Sastry G. Madhavi , Sastry G. Narahari
Published: March 2024

Molecular Property Diagnostic Suite (MPDS) was conceived and developed as an open-source disease-specific web portal based on Galaxy. MPDSCOVID-19 was developed for COVID-19 as a one-stop solution for drug discovery research. Galaxy platforms enable the creation of customized workflows connecting various modules in the web server. The architecture of MPDSCOVID-19 effectively employs Galaxy v22.04 features, which are ported on CentOS 7.8 and Python 3.7. MPDSCOVID-19 provides significant updates and the addition of several new tools updated after six years. Tools developed by our group in Perl/Python and open-source tools are collated and integrated into MPDSCOVID-19 using XML scripts. Our MPDS suite aims to facilitate transparent and open innovation. This approach significantly helps bring inclusiveness in the community while promoting free access and participation in software development.

Availability & Implementation
The MPDSCOVID-19 portal can be accessed at https://mpds.neist.res.in:8085/.
Estrategias metacognitivas para la enseñanza de las matemáticas en educación secundaria
Authors: Ordóñez-Barberán Plutarco Severo , Sánchez-Godoy Darwin Daniel
Published: March 2024

Las estrategias metacognitivas están asociadas a los procesos de aprendizaje significativo mediante los cuales las personas y estudiantes son conscientes de los usos y aplicaciones que poseen los saberes que construyen intersubjetivamente en el aula de clases. En este sentido, estrategias de metacognición como las decisiones fundamentadas, el pensamiento crítico y asociativo y el razonamiento matemático tienen repercusiones directas en el logro de un tipo de educación al servicio del desarrollo de las capacidades humanas, capaz de crear en cada momento puentes epistemológicos entre la educación formal y los desafíos de la vida cotidiana. En este contexto, el objetivo de la indagación fue describir algunas estrategias metacognitivas para la enseñanza de las matemáticas en educación secundaria en Ecuador, específicamente en el Bachillerato General Unificado de Ecuador. Metodológicamente se hizo uso de la herramienta de la observación participante en el contexto del bachillerato general unificado. Los resultados obtenidos permiten concluir que las estrategias metacognitivas desarrollan personas más inteligentes en el logro de aprendizajes significativos y más comprometidos con la gestión de los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje en los que participan como sujetos conocedores con autonomía para mejorar su vida.
FIERCE Patient Care Model: Navigating Through Unfavorable Communication Pathways in Healthcare
Authors: Dica Aznida A. Alauya
Published: March 2024

Communicating unfavourable information is an unavoidable fact that is often confronted by healthcare practitioners. This practice model provides a new perspective for caring which can be applied in nursing situations and environments for health and well being. Conceptualizations for the practice model are influenced by Nightingale Environmental Theory, Relationship Based Care (RBC) model and Peplau theory of Interpersonal Relations. This practice model aims to prepare patients to become Fully Informed, Equipped, Ready, Committed, and Empowered (FIERCE). This highlights the significance of establishing a strengthened relationship between nurse and patient to effectively navigate challenging communication situations. Hence, it is an important addition to nursing knowledge since it possesses a significant potential to enhance health outcomes, feelings of satisfaction and quality of life by encouraging nurses to have the potential to deliver unfavourable information to patients in a more fulfilling manner while ensuring that patients are fully informed, equipped, ready, committed and empowered individuals.
TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN ALUMINIUM PRODUCTION: ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF REVOLUTIONARY INERT ANODE TECHNOLOGY
Authors:   Azerbaijan Technological University, HASANOV RAMIL I.
Published: March 2024

The aluminium industry currently produces significant greenhouse gas emissions and relies on energy-intensive production technology, substantially burdening the environment. The primary goal of aluminium production is to achieve expertise in carbon-free technologies and alternative energy sources. Global business companies and scientific foundations are crucial in driving progress towards sustainability objectives. Reducing the average 16 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 14,000 kWh of electricity required for every tonne of primary aluminium production presents a significant challenge. Traditional aluminium production can incur environmental costs of up to $1,000 per tonne. Addressing this issue is unfeasible without revolutionary scientific and technological innovations. The development of inert anode technology is considered one of the greatest innovations of the 21st century, potentially transforming the aluminium industry fundamentally. Due to the threat of global climate change, green strategies have become a top priority on the world’s political and economic agendas, with many areas setting net zero CO2 targets for 2050. This scientific study highlights the importance of integrating inert anode technology into the green platform of the aluminium industry as a crucial step towards achieving long-term sustainability.
Trayectorias
Authors: Palacios Boix Alberto A.
Published: March 2024

Las décadas recorridas me han enseñado mayor humildad y mejor calidad de escucha, lo que redunda en cobijo afectivo frente al dolor y mesura en el uso de antiinflamatorios y fármacos biológicos. Si bien la inmunosupresión ha sido el sustrato terapéutico de los fenómenos autoinmunes, como resulta obvio, su exceso conlleva resultados catastróficos y efectos indeseables con los que la cuesta se hace más azarosa.
Trajectórias
Authors: Palacios Boix Alberto A.
Published: March 2024

As décadas que percorri me ensinaram maior humildade e uma melhor qualidade de escuta, o que resulta em apoio emocional diante da dor e moderação no uso de anti-inflamatórios e medicamentos biológicos. Embora a imunossupressão tenha sido o substrato terapêutico dos fenômenos autoimunes, como é óbvio, seu excesso leva a resultados catastróficos e efeitos indesejáveis que tornam o caminho mais assustador.
Comparación educativa e impacto cultural a través del proceso de movilidad internacional estudiantil
Authors: Silva Weisman Adrián Hernández , Perez Angel Alberto Triana , Puerta Gloria Luz
Published: March 2024

El presente documento da a conocer la experiencia del proceso de internacional de un estudiante del programa Administración en Salud Ocupacional, realizada en la ciudad de Mendoza Argentina. Enfocándose en aspectos como Análisis de los modelos educativos de argentina y Colombia, impacto que genera un proceso de internacionalización en un estudiante en aspectos culturales, educativos  y personal, similitudes y diferencias en los programas de Administración en Salud Ocupacional (Colombia) y Licenciatura en Calidad, Medio Ambiente e Higiene y Seguridad en el trabajo (Argentina),se mencionara el desarrollo histórico de educación en cada país, posicionamiento a nivel suramericano en cuanto educación (educación segundaria como superior),metodologías de estudio universitarias y numero de deserción, Síndromes de internacionalización y cambios que se producen en los estudiantes después de la experiencia. El proceso de internacionalización logra el crecimiento cultural, educativo, profesional y cultural de un estudiante, generando nuevas habilidades para ser más competitivo en un futuro. La experiencia de internacionalización te enriquece al comprender como funciona los diferentes mecanismos sociales, culturales, profesionales y económicos, permitiéndote acoplarte a nuevos estilos de vida e ideales, aprendiendo y creciendo día a día en todos los aspectos anteriormente mencionados. Por lo anterior se puede decir que la migración temporal de estudiantes con el propósito de adquirir formación profesional y obtener títulos y credenciales educativas se considera en la actualidad como una de las dimensiones del proceso de internacionalización de la educación superior, y se ha afirmado que en el contexto de la globalización el número y la proporción de estudiantes en el extranjero ha alcanzado el mayor valor en la historia contemporánea (Rodríguez, 2005). Esta Sistematización brindara conocimiento a futuros estudiantes que deseen realizar un proceso de internacionalización y podrán conocer cuáles son las características diferenciales entre dos modelos de educación, cultura y costumbres, además de las vivencias de un estudiante de internacionalización y así crear una idea de lo que es el proceso en sí y motivar a la realización de este.
De las variables de estado a las variables lingüísticas
Authors: Torres Gustavo Mendoza , García Yolanda Elinor Bravo , Lara Edmundo Reynoso , Pintle José Antonio Dávila
Published: March 2024

En este trabajo se describe la relación entre las variables de estado de la teoría de sistemas dinámicos y las variables lingüísticas de la lógica difusa que forman parte del control difuso. La teoría de sistemas dinámicos surge y se desarrolla en el siglo XX, basándose en los trabajos de Poincare y Birkhoff. El control es la estrategia usada para manipular un sistema dinámico de forma que su comportamiento siga patrones deseados en el tiempo, un sistema dinámico es un conjunto de ecuaciones diferenciales cuyas variables cambian con el tiempo, el cual describe el comportamiento de algún sistema mecánico, eléctrico, electrónico, etc. Una base variable es una variable en el sentido clásico, como ejemplo y aplicación tenemos las variables físicas (temperatura, presión, velocidad, voltaje, humedad, etc.) así como cualquier otra variable numérica (edad, tiempo de funcionamiento, sueldo, confiabilidad, etc.). En el control difuso, la variable lingüística y los estados de estas, representan valores aproximados de una base variable, relacionados con una aplicación en particular, los cuales son representados por los conjuntos difusos apropiados.