bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metaverse
Authors: Sindiramutty Siva Raja , Jhanjhi Noor Zaman , Ray Sayan Kumar , Jazri Husin , Khan Navid Ali , Gaur Loveleen , Gharib Abdalla , Manchuri Amaranadha Reddy
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the concept of the metaverse has garnered substantial attention as an emerging digital realm that combines virtual reality, augmented reality, and various interactive technologies to create immersive and interconnected digital spaces. As traditional fitness routines and sports activities transform due to technological advancements, virtual gyms and sports have emerged as innovative solutions to engage individuals in physical activities within the metaverse. Dive into the dynamic realm of the metaverse with this chapter on virtual gyms and sports. The metaverse's business models, user experience design, and scaling strategies are explored, as are its applications in healthcare, therapy, and sports training. As the curtain falls, the authors delve into virtual fan engagement, community building, and future trends. The dynamic landscape of the metaverse awaits your exploration within these pages. Join the researchers in navigating the boundless possibilities of virtual gyms and sports, unraveling their impact on society, industry, and beyond.
Metaverse
Authors: Sindiramutty Siva Raja , Jhanjhi Noor Zaman , Ray Sayan Kumar , Jazri Husin , Khan Navid Ali , Gaur Loveleen
Published: November 2023

The rise of the metaverse as a digital domain for diverse activities has birthed an innovative application known as ‘metaverse virtual meditation.' This concept seamlessly merges technology and mindfulness, employing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to craft serene digital landscapes. These immersive settings, ranging from natural vistas to abstract spaces, enable users to overcome physical constraints and distractions, facilitating mindfulness, stress reduction, and emotional resilience. The chapter navigates the fusion of technology and contemplative practices, from traditional meditation to modern VR and AR experiences. Stress reduction, heightened focus, and inclusivity are among the advantages highlighted. The convergence of visuals, biofeedback, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), and AI-driven personalization is explored for tailored meditation. Design principles, interactive elements, and natural components play a crucial role in shaping tranquil virtual environments.
Metaverse for Healthcare
Authors: Asif Hafiz , Zahid Rabia , Bashir Uzma , Afzal Waseem , Firdous Misbah , Zahid Ahsan , Hasnain Muhammad
Published: November 2023

2021 is known as the first Year of the Metaverse, and around the world, internet giants are eager to devote themselves to it. Metaverse is the augmented virtual world formed by convergence of virtual and physical space. Users interact within this created world, meeting each other virtually, immersing themselves in performing virtual activities, which subsequently could lead to real experiences. Conventionally, the healthcare “industry” is conservative in deploying future ready technology. Demonstrating significant improvement in healthcare outcomes using the metaverse will be difficult to prove. This overview discusses the untapped potential of metaverse applications in healthcare, and also points out the advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and challenges in actual deployment of the metaverse in clinical practice in the real world. This alone will ultimately lead to the development of a business model, insurance reimbursement, and behavioral modification necessary for accepting and using a hitherto unused method in patient care.
A Systematic Review of Home-Office-Related Studies in the Business Context During the COVID-19 Pandemic Term
Authors: Cicek Isik
Published: November 2023

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, organizations in many sectors switched to the remote working system in order to maintain social distance among people. With the increase of home-office working in management literature, examining how useful the home-office working model as an example of smart working systems has gained importance to ensure the continuity of the systems. After the pandemic, some organizations did not return to their physical working environments and preferred completely online or hybrid business models. What kind of study is being executed is an important question for the realization of new research. In these studies, revealing how effective home-office research is and how much they can provide the expected benefit will be useful information for business human resources management in the strategy development processes. The purpose of this study is to investigate home office-related studies conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic and to reveal pros and cons of the home-office working in management literature.
Usefulness of antenatal care handbook: a cross-sectional study of mothers' perspectives
Authors: Anak Luta Queenita , Haji Abdul Mumin Khadizah , Abdul Rahman Hanif , Haji Hashim Sarena
Published: November 2023

In 2016, the Ministry of Health Brunei Darussalam introduced the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook, replacing the card-type record. Despite its implementation, the handbook's utility remains unexamined. This study aims to evaluate the community's usage of the MCH handbook and explore the connections between age, education, and handbook utilization. A cross-sectional study employed an online self-administered survey among pregnant women attending routine antenatal checkups at 32 weeks gestation between December 2020 and January 2021. The survey used the MCH Usefulness Questionnaire, and subgroup analysis was conducted. The study included 73 mothers. Most participants reported having sufficient time to read the handbook (95.9%), being familiar with its content (89.0%), and feeling satisfied with its usage (93.2%). Reasons for not using the handbook included "online availability of the same information" (20.5%), difficulty in understanding certain words (17.8%), preference for more visual content (12.3%), and inadequate encouragement from healthcare providers (12.3%). The majority of mothers perceive the handbook as useful. Nonetheless, further investigation is necessary to delve into their perceptions and ensure the handbook's sustained relevance and effectiveness over time.
Development and evaluation of a plant-based Nutri beverage: A healthy drink for lactose-intolerant athletes
Authors: Jegatheesan Sai Laavanya , Kumbamoorthy Silambu Selvi
Published: November 2023

Background: Milk is an effective post-workout recovery drink for athletes but cannot be used by lactose-intolerant athletes, and seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients that are often underutilized. A plant-based beverage enriched with seeds will be an ideal post-workout supplement for athletes. Objective: The aim of the current study is to develop a nutritious alternative drink for lactose-intolerant athletes. Materials and Methods: A Nutri beverage was developed using coconut milk and a mixture of seeds. Sensory analysis of the control and three variations of the Nutri beverage (A1, A2, and A3) was performed by 30 semi-trained panel members using a 5-point hedonic scale. The best accepted beverage was analyzed for moisture, total ash, energy, total carbohydrate, protein, total fat, zinc, magnesium, iron, and calcium using standard procedures. Results: The sensory analysis of the control and Nutri beverage variations showed that Nutri beverage (A3) was the most acceptable beverage, with a higher average score for aroma and taste and a good product acceptability index of 81%. The moisture and ash content of the Nutri beverage was found to be 79.4 and 0.96 g, respectively. The nutrient analysis of the beverage showed an energy value of 116 kcal, 8.48 g carbohydrate (CHO), 3.65 g protein, 7.5 g fat, 0.95 mg zinc, 42.4 mg magnesium, 77.7 mg calcium, and 1.25 mg iron per 100 g. Conclusion: The Nutri beverage is well acceptable and richer in micronutrients and protein compared to cow’s milk alone. Hence, it can be a healthy post-workout alternative drink for lactose-intolerant athletes.
Comparison of efficacies of azithromycin & doxycycline as local drug delivery agents in treatment of chronic periodontitis − A clinical and microbiological study
Authors: Rao Deepika Pawar Chandrashekara , Reddy YV Nagarjuna , Nisha Swet , Balaji Samyuktha , Venkatesh MP , Rajeshwari KG
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Periodontitis causes tissue destruction and host-microbial interactions can lead to dysbiosis. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy helps in eliminating microbial insult and adjunctive therapies like local drug administration comprising of antibiotics, pre- and probiotics and herbal therapy helps in better periodontal tissue healing.The present study aims at evaluation of efficacy of 0.5% azithromycin (AZM) and 5% doxycycline (DOX) as local drug delivery agents in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods: A total of 66 subjects diagnosed with chronic periodontitis were enrolled in this study. The subjects were randomly allocated into three groups. Group A consisted of 22 subjects who received full-mouth scaling and root planing with 0.5% AZM gel, Group B consisted of 22 subjects who received full-mouth scaling and root planing with 5% DOX gel, and Group C consisted of 22 subjects who received only full-mouth scaling and root planing. Results: 0.5% AZM and 5% DOX gel as local drug administration after scaling and root planing significantly reduced clinical and microbiological parameters as compared to only scaling and root planing group (p < 0.05%); however, intergroup comparison between the two drugs didn’t show any significant difference (p > 0.05%). Conclusion: The adjunctive use of 0.5% AZM and 5% DOX as drug delivery agents had enhanced clinical and microbiological results as compared to scaling and root planing alone.
Vitamin B-12, Homocysteine, and Hematological Parameters in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Isaac Jane Betsy , Raghavan Vijayashree
Published: November 2023

Background: A cerebrovascular accident or stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the world. Several risk factors have been detected and extensively studied and are part of preventive strategies. Emerging risk factors for ischemic that have recently acquired interest are vitamin B-12 and homocysteine levels. A study has been conducted in a tertiary hospital in Chennai to evaluate the levels of vitamin B-12, homocysteine, and hematological variables. Aims: The objective of the study was to estimate the serum levels of homocysteine and vitamin B-12 in patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack and to analyze hematological parameters, including complete blood counts and peripheral smear and correlate with vitamin B-12. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 individuals with either ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were included in the study. Vitamin B-12, homocysteine, complete blood counts, and peripheral smear were analyzed for the patients. Results: Either frank or subclinical vitamin B-12 deficiencies were noted in 59 (73.8%) of the study population. Fifty-seven (71.2%) of the study population had elevated homocysteine. Fifty (62.5%) had a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N:L) ratio and 52 (65%) had elevated red cell distribution width. Conclusion: High homocysteine levels are prevalent among ischemic stroke patients and this elucidates that homocysteine has a role in the thrombus formation and is a risk factor for the development of the stroke. It was also noted that vitamin B-12 deficiency, either frank or subclinical, is prevalent among these patients and can be a target for supplementation strategies.
Ethical Challenges in Clinical Care of Suicidal Patients
Authors: Sharan Pratap
Published: November 2023

Suicide management is attended with ethical dilemmas. Philosophical positions like respect for life (which generally accords with the theological position), autonomy, duty to others, and utilitarianism; as well as legal requirements provide a context for ethical decision making. Ethical principles involved are duty to others, autonomy (including informed consent and confidentiality), beneficence and non-maleficence. The application of these principles are considered in various clinical situations related to acute care (advanced directives, withdrawal of or withholding life-sustaining treatments, surrogate decision makers, informed consent, no-suicide contracts, involuntary hospitalization) as well as long-term care in mental health settings (acutely and chronically suicidal patients, patients with suicidal behavior who are not in a suicidal crisis, and therapeutic relationship). Organizational issues (legal statutes, institutional preparedness) and cultural issues (family ties, religiosity) relevant to ethics related to suicidality are also discussed. It is emphasized that professional bodies should appreciate the difficulties faced by health-care professionals in the ethical decision making related to suicide and develop instruments to support them.
Prophylaxis Effect of Metronidazole Vaginal Gel in Decreasing the Risk of Surgical Site Infections after Elective Hysterectomy
Authors: Sabet Fahimeh , Ravan Sara , Shahraki Azar Danesh
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality after hysterectomy. Here, we aimed to investigate and evaluate the beneficial effects of metronidazole vaginal gel on the rate of surgical site infections in women undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy.

Methods:

This is a randomized prospective, double-blind controlled clinical trial performed in 2020 in Isfahan on 108 candidates for elective hysterectomy. At the beginning of the study, we completed a checklist of the patient’s characteristics (patient age, body mass index [BMI], and history of medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, anemia, and immune deficiency) and the cause of hysterectomy. All patients were randomized into two groups. The first group received a lubricant vaginal gel single dosage, and the second group received a 0.75% metronidazole vaginal gel single dosage the night before surgery. Patients were visited up to 6 weeks after surgery, and the frequency of infection at the surgical site was determined.

Findings:

The rates of infection were lower in patients who received metronidazole vaginal gel (5.8%) compared to the control group (11.6%) (P = 0.03). Patients with an estimated blood loss volume of more than 500 mL had higher rates of infection (13.46%) compared to patients with a bleeding volume of fewer than 500 mL (1.9%) (P = 0.001). We also found that patients with diabetes (13.5%) and patients with BMI more than 30 kg/m2(13.5%) had higher rates of infection compared to patients without diabetes (5.8%) and patients with BMI <30 kg/m2 (11.5%) (P = 0.001 for both). Patients with higher hospitalization duration had higher infection rates (P = 0.009).

Conclusion:

Administration of a single dosage of metronidazole vaginal gel before abdominal hysterectomy may reduce surgical site infection and have clinical values.
Morse theory for discrete magnetic operators and nodal count distribution for graphs
Authors: Alon Lior , Goresky Mark
Published: November 2023

Given a discrete Schrödinger operator

h

on a finite connected graph

G

of

n

vertices, the nodal count

\phi(h,k)

denotes the number of edges on which the

k

-th eigenvector changes sign. A
signing

h'

of

h

is any real symmetric matrix constructed by changing the sign of some off-diagonal entries of

h

, and its nodal count is defined according to the signing. The set of signings of

h

lie in a naturally defined torus

\mathbb{T}_{h}

of “magnetic perturbations” of

h

. G. Berkolaiko
[Anal. PDE 6 (2013), 1213–1233] discovered that every signing

h'

of

h

is a critical point of every eigenvalue

\lambda_{k}\colon \mathbb{T}_{h} \to \mathbb{R}

, with Morse index equal to the nodal surplus. We add further Morse theoretic information to this result. We show if

h_{\alpha}\in \mathbb{T}_{h}

is a critical point of

\lambda_{k}

and the eigenvector vanishes at a single vertex

v

of degree

d

, then the critical point lies in a non-degenerate critical submanifold of dimension

d+n-4

, closely related to the configuration space of a planar linkage. We compute its Morse index in terms of spectral data. The
average nodal surplus distribution
is the distribution of values of

\phi(h',k)-(k-1)

, averaged over all signings

h'

of

h

. If all critical points correspond to simple eigenvalues with nowhere-vanishing eigenvectors, then the average nodal surplus distribution is binomial. In general, we conjecture that the nodal surplus distribution converges to a Gaussian in a CLT fashion as the first Betti number of

G

goes to infinity.
Absence of excited eigenvalues for Fröhlich type polaron models at weak coupling
Authors: Seiringer Robert
Published: November 2023

We consider a class of polaron models, including the Fröhlich model, at zero total momentum, and show that at sufficiently weak coupling there are no excited eigenvalues below the essential spectrum.
Sharp spectral stability for a class of singularly perturbed pseudo-differential operators
Authors: Cornean Horia D. , Purice Radu
Published: November 2023

Let

a(x,\xi)

be a real Hörmander symbol of the type

S_{0,0}^0(\mathbb{R}^{d}\times \mathbb{R}^d)

, let

F

be a smooth function with all its derivatives globally bounded, and let

K_\delta

be the self-adjoint Weyl quantization of the perturbed symbols

a(x+F(\delta{} x),\xi)

, where

|\delta|\leq 1

. First, we prove that the Hausdorff distance between the spectra of

K_\delta

and

K_{0}

is bounded by

\sqrt{|\delta|}

, and we give examples where spectral gaps of this magnitude can open when

\delta\neq 0

. Second, we show that the distance between the spectral edges of

K_\delta

and

K_0

(and also the edges of the inner spectral gaps, as long as they remain open at

\delta=0

) are of order

|\delta|

, and give a precise dependence on the width of the spectral gaps.
Nodal domain theorems for $p$-Laplacians on signed graphs
Authors: Ge Chuanyuan , Liu Shiping , Zhang Dong
Published: November 2023

We establish various nodal domain theorems for

p

-Laplacians on signed graphs, which unify most of the existing results on nodal domains of graph

p

-Laplacians and arbitrary symmetric matrices. Based on our nodal domain estimates, we obtain a higher order Cheeger inequality that relates the variational eigenvalues of

p

-Laplacians and Atay–Liu's multi-way Cheeger constants on signed graphs. In the particular case of

p=1

, this leads to several identities relating variational eigenvalues and multi-way Cheeger constants. Intriguingly, our approach also leads to new results on usual graphs, including a weak version of Sturm's oscillation theorem for graph

1

-Laplacians and nonexistence of eigenvalues between the largest and second largest variational eigenvalues of

p

-Laplacians with

p>1

on connected bipartite graphs.
Exponential moments for disk counting statistics at the hard edge of random normal matrices
Authors: Ameur Yacin , Charlier Christophe , Cronvall Joakim , Lenells Jonatan
Published: November 2023

We consider the multivariate moment generating function of the disk counting statistics of a model Mittag-Leffler ensemble in the presence of a hard wall. Let

n

be the number of points. We focus on two regimes: (a) the “hard edge regime” where all disk boundaries are at a distance of order

\frac{1}{n}

from the hard wall, and (b) the “semi-hard edge regime” where all disk boundaries are at a distance of order

\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}

from the hard wall. As

n \to + \infty

, we prove that the moment generating function enjoys asymptotics of the form

\exp (C_{1}n + C_{2}\ln n + C_{3} + \frac{C_{4}}{\sqrt{n}} + \mathcal{O}(n^{-\frac{3}{5}}))

for the hard edge,

\exp (C_{1}n + C_{2}\sqrt{n} + C_{3} + \frac{C_{4}}{\sqrt{n}} + \mathcal{O}(\frac{(\ln n)^{4}}{n}))

for the semi-hard edge.

In both cases, we determine the constants

C_{1},\dots,C_{4}

explicitly. We also derive precise asymptotic formulas for all joint cumulants of the disk counting function, and establish several central limit theorems. Surprisingly, and in contrast to the “bulk”, “soft edge”, and “semi-hard edge” regimes, the second and higher order cumulants of the disk counting function in the “hard edge” regime are proportional to

n

and not to

\sqrt{n}

.
Weyl asymptotics for Poincaré–Steklov eigenvalues in a domain with Lipschitz boundary
Authors: Rozenblum Grigori
Published: November 2023

We justify the Weyl asymptotic formula for the eigenvalues of the Poincaré–Steklov spectral problem for a domain bounded by a Lipschitz surface.
On generalized Wilf conjectures
Authors: Can Mahir Bilen , Sakran Naufil
Published: November 2023

We investigate complement-finite submonoids of the monoid of nonnegative integer points of a unipotent linear algebraic group

G

. These monoids are in general noncommutative but they specialize to the generalized numerical monoids of Cisto et al.. We show that every unipotent numerical monoid has a unique finite minimal generating set. We propose a generalization of the Wilf conjecture in our setting. We contrast our Wilf conjecture against the generalized Wilf conjecture. Then we isolate two new families of unipotent numerical monoids called the
thick
and the
thin
unipotent numerical monoids. We prove that our Wilf conjecture holds for every thick (commutative) unipotent numerical monoid. Under additional assumptions on the conductors, we prove that our Wilf conjecture holds for every thin (commutative) unipotent numerical monoid.
How is a graph not like a manifold?
Authors: Ayzenberg Anton Andreyevich , Masuda Mikiya , Solomadin Grigory Dmitrievich
Published: November 2023

For an equivariantly formal action of a compact torus $T$ on a smooth manifold $X$ with isolated fixed points we investigate the global homological properties of the graded poset $S(X)$ of face submanifolds. We prove that the condition of the $j$-independency of tangent weights at each fixed point implies the $(j+1)$-acyclicity of the skeleta $S(X)_r$ for $r>j+1$. This result provides a necessary topological condition for a GKM graph to be a GKM graph of some GKM manifold. We use particular acyclicity arguments to describe the equivariant cohomology algebra of an equivariantly formal manifold of dimension $2n$ with an $(n-1)$-independent action of the $(n-1)$-dimensional torus, under certain colourability assumptions on its GKM graph. This description relates the equivariant cohomology algebra to the face algebra of a simplicial poset. This observation underlines a certain similarity between actions of complexity $1$ and torus manifolds.
Bibliography: 27 titles.
Numerical analysis of quantization‐based optimization
Authors: Seok Jinwuk , Cho Chang Sik
Published: November 2023

We propose a number‐theory‐based quantized mathematical optimization scheme for various NP‐hard and similar problems. Conventional global optimization schemes, such as simulated and quantum annealing, assume stochastic properties that require multiple attempts. Although our quantization‐based optimization proposal also depends on stochastic features (i.e., the white‐noise hypothesis), it provides a more reliable optimization performance. Our numerical analysis equates quantization‐based optimization to quantum annealing, and its quantization property effectively provides global optimization by decreasing the measure of the level sets associated with the objective function. Consequently, the proposed combinatorial optimization method allows the removal of the acceptance probability used in conventional heuristic algorithms to provide a more effective optimization. Numerical experiments show that the proposed algorithm determines the global optimum in less operational time than conventional schemes.
Editorial: Metabolomics in chronic hepatitis C: Decoding fibrosis grading and underlying pathways
Authors: Quarleri Jorge , Delpino M Victoria
Published: November 2023

In the management of the growing population of hepatitis C virus-infected patients, a significant clinical challenge exists in determining the most effective methods for assessing liver impairment. The prognosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C depend, in part, on the evaluation of histological activity, specifically cell necrosis and inflammation, and the extent of liver fibrosis. These parameters are traditionally obtained through a liver biopsy. However, liver biopsy presents both invasiveness and potential sampling errors, primarily due to inadequate biopsy size. To circumvent these issues, several non-invasive markers have been proposed as alternatives for diagnosing liver damage. Different imaging techniques and blood parameters as single markers or combined with clinical information are included. This Editorial discusses the identification of a set of six distinctive lipid metabolites in every fibrosis grade that appear to show a pronounced propensity to create clusters among patients who share the same fibrosis grade, thereby demonstrating enhanced efficacy in distinguishing between the different grades.
Budd-Chiari syndrome in children: Challenges and outcome
Authors: Samanta Arghya , Sen Sarma Moinak , Yadav Rajanikant
Published: November 2023

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon disease of the liver, characterised by obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow tract. The etiological spectrum of BCS as well as venous obstruction pattern show wide geographical and demographic variations across the globe. Compared to adults with BCS, children have primary BCS as the predominant etiology, earlier clinical presentation, and hence better treatment outcome. Underlying prothrombotic conditions play a key role in the etiopathogenesis of BCS, though work-up for the same is often unyielding in children. Use of next-generation sequencing in addition to conventional tests for thrombophilia leads to better diagnostic yield. In recent years, advances in radiological endovascular intervention techniques have revolutionized the treatment and outcome of BCS. Various non-invasive markers of fibrosis like liver and splenic stiffness measurement are being increasingly used to assess treatment response. Elastography techniques provide a novel non-invasive tool for measuring liver and splenic stiffness. This article reviews the diagnostic and therapeutic advances and challenges in children with BCS.
Percieved Correlates Of Athletic Participation And Academic Achievement Of Universities Athletes In South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Ayibeya Apie Martina , Odey Ogabor Joseph , Nsagha Nkang Osaji , Ekawu Ogar Emmanuel , Owogoga Aduma Peter , Agbor-Obun Dan Felicia , Agbor-Obun Dan Felicia
Published: November 2023

It is a truism that the participation of athletes in athletics could exert some influence in their academic achievements but a careful balancing of their involvement in the two important activities could reveal some associations. The study determined the relationship between university athletes’ participation in athletics and their academic achievement in south-south, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design and was targeted at 156 athletes that were all involved in the study. The instruments for data collection were a 15-item structured questionnaire constructed on a four-point scale and 20-item academic achievement test in Human Kinetics and Health Education. The instruments were validated by three experts. Two in Human Kinetics and health Education and one from Test and Measurement unit of the department of Educational Foundations, University of Calabar. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach’s Alpha reliability method and a coefficient of 0.77 was obtained. Data collected was analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) at 0.05 level of significance. It was found out that a significant relationship exists between coach’s role, team mates’ influence and parental support and academic achievement of athletes in the study area. It was recommended among others that coaches should continue to mentor athletes and encourage them to study hard for greater academic achievement.
Influence Of Provision Of Incentives By Head Teachers On Teachers’ Work Performance In Public Primary Schools In Nakuru County, Kenya
Authors: Kamba Malebe Christine , Nyabisi Emily , Ochieng Pamela
Published: November 2023

Recent reports on education in Kenya underscore the importance of head teachers adopting effective instructional leadership practices and teachers enhancing their pedagogical knowledge and skills in order to guarantee high-quality education and academic achievement within the country's school systems. One of the instructional leadership practices that can be adopted by headteachers is the provision of incentives to teachers. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of provision of incentives by the head teachers on teachers’ work performance in public primary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. Hallinger and Murphy's (1985) Model of Instructional Leadership and Campbell et al.'s (1993) Theory of Job Performance informed the study. The study used mixed methods research approach, and adopted the convergent parallel design. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods simultaneously to collect and analyze data from a target population of 57,800 pupils, 7,741 teachers, and 680 head teachers from 680 schools, and 11 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs). A sample of 68 primary schools were selected for the study using cluster sampling. From these sampled schools 60 pupils and 329 teachers were selected through simple random sampling. Purposive sampling was also used to select 68 head teachers and 9 QASOs. The research instruments used were a focus group discussion guide, questionnaire, interview schedule, and document analysis checklist. A pilot study was conducted in 7 public primary schools in Baringo County with a sample size of 35 teachers. Descriptive and inferential statistics specifically frequency counts, percentages, Spearman rank correlation, and regression analysis, were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative dat was analysed using textual analysis approach. The hypothesis was tested at a significance level of 0.05 using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings were presented as frequencies and percentages using tables. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in narrative forms. The study established that provision of incentives by the head teachers had a statistically significant positive influence on teachers’ work performance in public primary schools in Nakuru County. The study highlights the importance of teachers' work performance for overall school outcomes, providing valuable knowledge for head teachers and education stakeholders to focus on initiatives for provision of incentives for teachers and policies that support such initiatives. This will create an enabling environment for maximizing teachers' efficiency and effectiveness, leading to improved pupil performance in KCPE examinations in public primary schools.
Conformation traits of crossbred dairy cows in the South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Biks Mequanint , Tassew Asaminew , Moges Fisseha
Published: November 2023

Conformational variations between and within crossbred dairy cattle populations have significant economic and socio- cultural implications for producers. Therefore, this study was conducted to characterize conformation traits of crossbred  dairy cows in the South Gondar zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. A total of 204 lactating crossbred dairy cows  were selected for measurement purposes. The independent variables considered were location, stage of lactation,  genotype level, and parity while linear body conformations (Stature (STA), Chest Width (CW), Body Depth (BW), Body  Length (BL), Rump Length (RL), Heart Girth (HG), Neck Length (NL), and Neck Circumferences (NC)), linear udder  conformation traits (Rump Width (RW), Udder Depth (UD), Udder Width (UW), Udder Circumferences (UC), Rear Udder  Height (RUH), Teat Length (TL)), non-linear body conformations (Angularity (ANG), Rear Legs Rear View (RLRV), Rear  Legs Side View (RLSV), Body Condition Score (BSC)) and non-linear udder conformation traits (Fore Udder Attachment  (FUA), Rear Teat Placement (RTP), Front Teat Placement (FTP)), Teat Thickness (TT)) were the dependent variables. Data  was analyzed using the General Linear Models procedure (GLM) of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2004). The overall  STA, CW, BD, BL, RL, HG, NL, NC, RW, RUH, UD, UW, UC and TL were 127.81±5.4 cm, 23.1±3.1cm, 99.2±4cm,  120.45±4.6cm, 32.2±3.9cm, 168.32±5.1cm, 56.7±3.2 cm, 92.88±3.6cm, 17.39±2.65cm, 14.27±1.8cm, 18.02±2.7cm,  16.85±2.5cm, 59.16±4.3cm and 4.65±0.88cm, respectively. Parity had a significant effect on linear conformational trait  characteristics of crossbred dairy cows at (p<0.01) and (p<0.001) significant levels except for CW, BD, RL, and RUH.  Similarly, genotype level had a significant effect on linear conformational trait characteristics of crossbred dairy cows at (p<0.05), (p<0.01), and (p<0.001) significant levels except for CW, RL, NL, and RUH but the stage of lactation had no  significant effect (p>0.05) on linear body conformation except STA and had a significant effect (p<0.01) on linear udder  traits except UD and TL of crossbred dairy cows. Therefore, selecting dairy type traits could be an ideal option to  improve cow productivity and enterprise profitability. However, future studies with large populations and various  genotype levels are required to associate conformation with reproductive and productive traits.
Serological Markers of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Truckers Transiting Gusau Town, Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Aguh B. I. , Sani Z. R. , Agba A. A. , Mohammed A. , Ayodele S. B.
Published: November 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one that attacks the liver and could results in both acute and chronic diseases. Hepatitis B serologic testing amongst the truckers will help identify asymptomatic HBV carriers towards assisting WHO global hepatitis strategy aimed at reducing new infections. The truckers as a result of long delivery routes often sleep away from home making them more prone to unhealthy reckless living. The objective of this work therefore was to evaluate serological markers of HBV infection among truckers transiting Gusau town, northwestern Nigeria using standard methods. Of the 264 truckers screened for different serologic markers of HBV infection, 55 (20.8%) of them were positive for HBsAg, 173 (65.5%) were susceptible to infection, 12 (4.5%) had previously healed HBV infection, and only 6 (2.3%) had received vaccination and thus immuned to the infection. Out of the 55 HBV positive cases, 30 (54.5%) were HBeAg-negative and anti-HBe-positive and are therefore inactive carriers with low infectivity. However, 10 (18.2%) were positive for HBeAg but anti-HBe negative indicating presence of active HBV replication and high infectivity. In fifteen (27.3%) of the HBV cases, HBeAg and anti-HBe were both absent and could be as a result of HBV mutants that are unable to secrete the pre-core protein (HBeAg). The large number of infectious (18.2%) and susceptible cases (65.5%) amongst the truckers calls for concerted efforts in upscaling public health campaigns and routine vaccination schedule aimed at elimination of the disease as a public health burden.
Perceived Quality and Satisfaction with Oncology Nursing Care Among Patients with Cancer in University College Hospital, Ibadan Oyo State Nigeria
Authors: Oyekale A. O. , Uthman-Izobo O. S. , Adetoyi T. , Bobo M. E. , Oyekale A. O.
Published: November 2023

Nursing care of cancer patients has been described as stressful, challenging and emotionally demanding and have significant impact on overall quality of care among cancer patient. This study assess perceived quality and satisfaction with oncology nursing care among patients with cancer in university College Hospital, Ibadan Oyo State Nigeria using standard techniques on a total of 100 oncology patients who met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that larger percentages of the respondents are within the age range of 30-34 years, 66% were females. Majority of the respondents have good perception of oncology nursing care and larger percentage of the oncology patient (87%) are satisfied with oncology nursing care, socio demographic variable based on gender, religion, ethnicity, educational level and occupation show a significant association with overall level of satisfaction with healthcare services at (χ2=7.698, P=0.006), (χ2=30.338, P=0.000), (χ2=4.215, P=0.040), (χ2=10.820, P=0.004) and (χ2=100.000, P=0.000) respectively as p<0.05 and non-significant association with age and marital status of the respondents at (χ2=2.588, P=0.629) and (χ2=4.215, P=0.004) as p<0.05. In conclusion, more than two-thirds of participants were satisfied with healthcare services, with socio demographic characteristics such as age, gender, religion, marital status, and education playing a significant role in overall satisfaction with oncology nursing care. Healthcare providers should prioritize effective communication, provide clear explanations, and listen to patients' concerns to improve understanding and satisfaction. Consistent information and patient education materials can aid in understanding diagnosis, treatment options, and care processes.
Evaluation of Pollen Grains and Spores Potential in Revealing Vehicle Travel History on the Ife-Ondo Road, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Walter O. J. , Adekanmbi O. H. , Onuminya T. O. , Olowokudejo J. D.
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the significance of airborne pollen grains and spores as markers for tracking vehicles along specific routes. Using standard methods, the research examined monthly pollen distribution and its correlation with meteorological data. Dust and soot samples were collected monthly from the car air filters of commercial vehicles traveling on the Ife-Ondo road and subjected to palynological analysis for a period of 24 months. The findings revealed a total of 393 pollen grains and 131 spores, representing 40 pollen and 22 spore types from 27 and 17 families, respectively. Notable markers among these include Hagenia abyssinica, Podocarpus milanjianus, Theobroma cacao, Cannabis sativa, and Myrianthus arboreus, among others. These markers serve as crucial identifiers for vehicle-related investigations. The study revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between monthly total airborne pollen concentrations and relative humidity, rainfall, and wind speed. In a practical context, the study has created a valuable dataset and monthly atlas of pollen and spore types. This resource can be instrumental for security agencies in their efforts to investigate vehicle-related crimes and monitor vehicular movements along the Ife-Ondo road.
Monocrystalline Photovoltaic Panel Response Pattern to Relative Humidity and Temperature under Distinct Wavelengths in Mangrove Swamp Environment in Calabar, Cross River States, Nigeria
Authors: Njok A. O. , Kamgba F. A.
Published: November 2023

A meticulous experimental investigation was conducted to study the response pattern of monocrystalline photovoltaic technology to relative humidity and temperature under distinct wavelengths under the mangrove swamp atmosphere in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, by in-situ measurement approach using a precision digital hygrometer, precision digital infrared gun thermometer and an intelligent photovoltaic panel maximum power point tracker (MPPT) to track and determine the maximum power, voltage and current produced by the photovoltaic (PV) technology at a particular panel temperature and humidity level. The result reveals that 100% efficiency from the PV technology may not be possible with the various wavelengths aside from the natural spectrum because the humidity level will have to drop below 10% for 100% efficiency to be achieved. However, under the natural spectrum the results revealed that the PV technology could attain 100% efficiency at a humidity level of 35%. The results also reveal that an increase in efficiency as temperature rises is not indefinite as there is a threshold temperature above which the efficiency will begin to drop for all wavelengths. Results of the study reveal that under the natural and red wavelengths, the maximum efficiency that could be attained is 62% and 41% respectively at a threshold of 440C. With the orange wavelength, 46% efficiency is possible at a threshold of 44.70C. With the lemon, green and violet wavelengths, the maximum efficiency that could be attained is 50%, 40% and 44% respectively at a threshold of approximately 430C. While 43% and 48% efficiency is possible with the blue and peach filter at a threshold of 40.50C and 42.30C respectively.
Toxicity of Paraquat-Based Herbicide on Survival of African Catfish Clarias Gariepinus Fingerlings
Authors: Ikhuoriah S. O. , Ejomah A. J. , Uyi O.
Published: November 2023

Paraquat is a toxic chemical used as a broad spectrum, contact herbicide for aquatic weed control in many countries including Nigeria that has been implicated in many non-target effects in the environment. Clarias gariepinus, an important fish in aquaculture in Nigeria is also used as a bio-indicator species, as it plays an increasing important role in the monitoring of water pollution because it responds with great sensitivity to the changes in the aquatic environment. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of paraquat-based herbicide on the survival C. gariepinus fingerlings. Fingerlings were exposed to three concentrations of paraquat viz 3.44ml, 6.88ml and 13.75ml in tanks of 5 replicates. Percentage mortality was recorded after 24, 48 and 72-hour exposure. Paraquat exhibited a high degree of mortality against fingerlings, but the observed mortality was observed to be concentration and exposure time dependent. All concentrations used were below the manufacturer’s recommended concentration for aquatic weed control and they caused between 85 to 100% mortality after 72-hour exposure. Results from this study suggest that paraquat is highly toxic to C. gariepinus fingerlings and can therefore serve as reliable indicators of toxicity in environmental impact assessment programmes. Studies focusing on the effects of paraquat on aspects of the behaviour and physiology of juvenile stages of C. gariepinus are needed to fully understand the effects of this herbicide as results like this study show that paraquat can affect food supply (protein) and income to fish farmers.
Petrophysical Evaluation and Seismic Interpretation of Geowil Hydrocarbon Bearing Reservoir in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Osisanya O. W. , Ogugu A. A. , Saleh A. S. , Eyankware O. M. , Oyanameh E. O.
Published: November 2023

The objective of this research was to carry out a petrophysical evaluation and seismic interpretation of Geowil hydrocarbon bearing field in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria using standard techniques. Three hydrocarbon bearing sands were identified namely reservoir R-1000, R-2000 and R-3000 from the well log data. The result showed that both reservoir R-1000 and R-2000 reveal high resistivity values and low water saturation while reservoir R-3000 indicates that the hydrocarbon contained is oil and gas. Both reservoir R-1000 and R-2000 are observed to be thinning out across the field, reservoir R-3000 is seen to be slightly undulating across the field.  The petrophysical computation obtained for the three reservoirs (R-1000, R-2000 and R-3000) revealed that they all have very good average porosity anomalies of 27%, 27% and 25% respectively as well as moderate permeability values (159.974Md, 126.9Md, and 162.02 Md respectively) rating. The hydrocarbon saturation index obtained for all the three reservoir (55%, 54% and 50%) showed that they are all good indicator of prolific hydrocarbon accumulation. The result of the volume of hydrocarbon originally in place and the volume that can be recovered estimated revealed that R-1000 has STOIIP of 262.47MMSTB, R-2000 has 2.66MMSTB and R-3000 has 42.67MMSTB. The ultimate recovery for the three reservoirs is 19.31MMSTB, 1.19MMSTB, and 19.2MMSTB respectively. This implies that the reservoir has great potential for oil resources in considerable size.
Evaluation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Sediments from Surface Waters of Igodan, Okunmo, Lebi, Idepe and OAUSTECH in Okitipupa, Ondo State Nigeria
Authors: Ediagbonya T. F. , Uche J. I. , Oghenvovwero E. E. , Akinrefon D. O.
Published: November 2023

The presence of PCBs in water bodies is an emerging issue for water quality. This is because, once PCBs reach a lake or river, they concentrate in the sediments by attaching to the organic matter. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the level of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediment from surface waters of Igodan, Okunmo, Lebi, Idepe and Oaustech in Okitipupa, Ondo State Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained reveals that in Igodan the concentration of PCBs in sediment w.as PCB 44 (5.42±0.00), PCB 18 (3.04±0.00), PCB 28 (3.27±0.07) and PCB 170 (6.60±0.00). Okunmo PCBs concentration in sediment was PCB 44 (0.67±0.00), PCB 18 (0.03±0.00), PCB 28 (0.32±0.00) and PCB 170 (0.18±0.00). Lebi PCBs concentration in Sediment was PCB 44 (0.82±0.00), PCB 18 (3.96±0.00), PCB 28 (1.12±0.00) and PCB 170 (1.08±0.00). Except for PCB 170 (0.33±0.02), the PCB concentration in sediment from the Idepe and the OAUSTECH were both below the detection limit (BDL). Correlation between Physicochemical Parameters and PCBs homologs shows a negative correlation for the relationship of EC (Electrical Conductivity), TOC (Total Organic Carbon) and pH at ( -0.283), (-0.262) and ( -0.246) respectively. According to multivariate investigation, releases from nearby factories, deterioration of electrical cables and transformers, waste from university laboratories and facilities, as well as diesel residues from lister engines could be associated with the elevated levels of PCBs in sediments collected from the five sampled sites in Ondo State. TriPCBs > tetraPCBs were in this order in which the median concentrations of PCB homologues were found in sediments from the surface water.
Thermal Behavior and Fluidity of Biolubricant Synthesized from Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Kernel Oil Blended With Cold Flow Property Improvers
Authors: Jethro Y. , Omada S. E. , Usman M.
Published: November 2023

Fossil fuel and conventional lubricant are not environmentally friendly, non-biodegradable, toxic, and non-renewable. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the thermal and fluidity of the biolubricant synthesized from Mango (Mangifera indica L.) kernel oil (MKO) blended with cold flow property improvers using standard techniques. A twostep process of esterification and transesterification was employed to produce fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) from MKO mentioned as Mango kernel methyl ester (MKME). Double transesterification of the MKME with trimethylolpropane (TMP) in the presence of sodium methoxide yielded 95 % Mango oil based trimethylolpropane ester (MOTE). Anotherof the MKME was used to synthesize biolubricant using the conventional epoxidation which yielded 70 % Mango oil based epoxidised biolubricant (MEB-L). A simultaneous SDT 2960 TG/DTA from TA instrument analysis reveals MOTE to present higher thermal stability (302 °C) with 5 % weight loss compared to MEB-L (250.5 °C) with similar 5 % weight loss. Degradation was endothermic for both MOTE and MEB-L and predominantly followed a single step of weight lost. Degradation becomes rapid at temperature above 300 °C for MOTE while for MEB-L degradation started at temperature above 250 °C. At about the temperature range of 850 - 900 °C, 95 % of MEB-L and 77 % of MOTE were lost respectively. The relative thermal stability of MOTE would be attributed to the alcohol substitution of the branch chain Trimethylolpropane (TMP) resulting into a more thermally stable Triester (MOTE). The results of the analysis of the cold flow properties reveal that various blend of MEB-L with n-BE portrays better pour and cloud point as they are lower than their counterpart (blends of MOTE with n-BE) and (blends of even MOTE & MEB-L with EAA for both cloud/pour points).