bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelatihan Konten Kreator Meningkatkan Kreatifitas Komunitas Disabilitas Mata Hati
Authors: Dwi Prasetyo  , Ryo aldyanto
Published: December 2023

This fieldwork study program aims to explore the impact of content creator training on enhancing creativity within the Blind Heart Disability Community. This community consists of individuals with various visual impairments who often face difficulties in expressing themselves and sharing their stories with the outside world. The research methodology involves implementing content creator training that includes theoretical approaches, skill development, and the use of current technology in creative content production. The training participants are members of the Blind Heart Disability Community who have an interest in developing their creative skills. The research findings indicate that content creator training has a significant positive impact on enhancing individual creativity within the community. Participants reported an improvement in their ability to express ideas, tell stories, and produce creative content relevant to their life experiences. They also reported increased self-confidence and social engagement within the community. Additionally, this training enables members of the Blind Heart Disability Community to utilize existing technology to expand the reach and impact of their creative work. By combining theoretical knowledge and technical skills acquired through the training, they are able to create inspiring and positively impactful content for the broader society.This study demonstrates that content creator training can be an effective tool in enhancing the creativity of individuals with visual impairments and strengthening their community. The increased creative skills and social engagement of the participants can bring about positive changes in how they interact with the world and expand their opportunities to create social impact through their creative works.
Pemberdayaan Pemberdayaan Kelompok Tani Desa Semanggi dalam Pemanfaatan Limbah Pertanian Berupa Janggel Jagung Menjadi Briket
Authors: Fitriani Anis
Published: December 2023

Desa Semanggi adalah desa yang berada di Kecamatan Jepon, Kabupaten Blora, Jawa Tengah. Desa Semanggi memiliki potensi pertanian jagung yang cukup besar, namun limbah pertaniannya sendiri tidak termanfaatkan dengan baik seperti janggel jagung yang hanya dibuang begitu saja di lingkungan tempat tinggal masyarakat. Hal ini akan berdampak buruk bagi lingkungan jika tidak dimanfaatkan. Oleh karena itu, tim KKNT Desa Semanggi membuat program SKS (Sesarengan Kumpul Sedulur) yang menjadi wadah bagi masyarakat Desa Semanggi untuk menambah wawasan sekaligus keterampilan dalam mengolah limbah pertanian berupa janggel jagung menjadi briket ramah lingkungan. Dengan adanya program ini diharapkan dapat mengurangi dan mengatasi permasalahan limbah yang ada di Desa Semanggi dengan mengolahnya menjadi produk yang memiliki nilai jual serta dapat meningkatkan perekonomian masyarakat sekitar.
Interview with Prof. Piet Meiring
Authors: Laubscher M
Published: December 2023

Professor Piet Meiring was born in Johannesburg in 1941. He studied at the University of Pretoria, and at the Free University, Amsterdam. He was ordained to the ministry of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in 1968 and served in three congregations in Pretoria. His academic career includes the chair in Missiology and Church History, University of the North (Turfloop); a parttime lectureship at the University of South Africa.
Nkunimdie Christology: An Akan contextual expression of the Christus Victor motif of atonement
Authors: Boaheng I.
Published: December 2023

The Akan community of Ghana has a large Christian following. Nonetheless, many Akan believers still consult traditional priests for protection, wealth, and power. This happens not because these Christians doubt the theological fact that Christ offered an atonement, but because they do not consider the atonement as providing them with adequate protection against evil forces. This situation makes the quest to closely investigate their concept of Christ fairly urgent and useful. To address the issue, there is the need to project Christ’s power over evil forces. One of the models of atonement that is helpful in this regard is the Christus Victor which emphasises the victory that Christ won over Satan and his host through his death on the cross. This research, therefore, aims to give contextually express the Christus Victor motif of Christ’s atonement from an Akan Christian perspective. This research is based on literature involving theological and ethical analyses of, and reflections on the Christus Victor model of atonement and how it can address the Akan Christian need for spiritual protection and economic liberation. The resulting theology is a contextual theology that incorporates the biblical world view, the Akan world view, and the Christus Victor model of atonement. Thus, the article seeks to bring about positive reforms in Akan religio-ethical beliefs and practices, and hence empower Akan Christians not only to discontinue their reliance on traditional powers, but also to have complete trust in Christ’s atonement alone as means of providing them with all their physical and spiritual needs.
Faith formation in the tension interplay of tools, processes and the course for social transformation
Authors: Moyo M , Pali K.J.
Published: December 2023

Theological commentators indicate that the church in Africa faces the challenge of converting the Christian faith into practice. This calls for reconsidering the practice of forming faith among African churches. According to Astley (2018:16), in Christianity, faith formation is more than learning about Christ; it is about “learning” Christ. Learning Christ as Christian formation constitutes the shaping of the dimensions of faith, namely orthopraxis, orthopatheia, and intelligentia (Maddix et al. 2020:6). This article discusses Gadamer’s conversation theory as the means to inform and form these dimensions of faith. This entails that, for faith to be informed and formed in its dimensions, there is a need for an effective conversation among tools, processes, and contexts. The discussion revolves around the following question: How can the tools and processes of faith formation effectively converse with context in order to facilitate the learning of Christ in terms of informing and forming these dimensions of faith? Using conversation theory and literature review, this article discusses the tension interplay of tools, processes, and discerning contexts for a holistic approach to informing and forming the dimensions of faith.
A post-colonial political theology of care and praxis in Ethiopia’s era of identity politics
Authors: Terefe N.A.
Published: December 2023

This book is a revised version of the author’s PhD thesis that was submitted to Denver University and the Iliff School of Theology. In the introductory section, the author discusses how her social location motivated her to research the topic of identity politics in Ethiopia. She argues that identity politics has been a major factor in Ethiopia’s political instability and violence. Ethiopia experiences frequent identity-based violence. Molla indicates that identity politics has divided Ethiopian society and eliminated in-between spaces where people can coexist in equality, solidarity, and justice. She proposes a post-colonial political theology of care and practice to reframe hegemonic and fragmented identities and create new in-between spaces for dialogue and cooperation. She contends that post-colonial discourse and the praxis of in between pastoral care can disrupt and challenge hegemonic definitions of culture, identity, home, and subjectivity.
Reviewers of articles received for publication in 2023
Authors: Hoffman L.
Published: December 2023

Reviewers of articles received for publication in 2023
Decolonising Bibles? Image, imagination, and imagin(in)g in the postcolonial academy
Authors: Punt J.
Published: December 2023

The complicity of the Bible in the colonial endeavour is no longer seriously disputed. However, efforts to decolonise the Bible, biblical studies and their roles in colonising theology, that start with accounting for interpreters’ social locations, remain few and limited in scope. Ensconced in the image of ideologically secure and contented intellectual space, epistemological and hermeneutical approaches which explicitly involve the social location of interpreters and academic discourses are still viewed with concern if not suspicion. Antipathy towards cultural studies approaches such as postcolonial theory on the one hand is born from ideological preoccupation, intellectual comfort and turf-protection, but on the other hand deprives the biblical studies guild (and associated studies in theology and religion) from a broader spectrum of resources and reimagined engagements with biblical texts and their colonialist-infused legacies.
Biblical discourses and the subjugation of Africa: A Decolonial-Foucauldian perspective
Authors: Shingange T.
Published: December 2023

The Western missionaries and colonialists pushed a similar agenda of subjugating the receptor’s core aspects of life. Among their targets were aspects of culture, religion, gender, and sexuality. This trend continues in the contemporary era within different global spaces. In Africa, the Americas, and Asia, missionaries promulgated colonial ideologies through the transmission and reception of biblical discourses. This was done under the guise of civilisation, Christianisation, and evangelisation of Africans who were and are still perceived and portrayed as primitive, savages, and pagans. This article argues that biblical resources served as modalities of power in the colonial subjugation agenda. The article uses the transmission and reception of biblical discourses as lenses for examining how coloniality targeted these aspects. The de-colonial motif was used to problematise these discourses. On the other hand, Foucault’s perspective on discourses andpower shed some light on how colonial power dynamics were at play in this context. A clarion call was then made to shift Christianity’s centre of power from the Northern continents to the South.
The coloniser or the missionary? Identity crisis as a conflict in Biblical reception among the Agikuyu of Central Kenya
Authors: Muya R.
Published: December 2023

The Bible was a new phenomenon among African cultures that treasure the oral traditions governing their moral and spiritual life. Many African communities were reluctant to welcome the biblical discourse because it not only disagreed with traditonal African religious practices, but it was also imposed on them by foreigners laden with negative political motives. This article examines the difficulty of distinguishing between the coloniser and the missionary as an initial conflict in biblical reception among the Agikuyu of Central Kenya. The article analyses how the missionaries inculcated the biblical message and how the Agikuyu gradually shifted from their initial belief that "there is no difference between a White coloniser and a White missionary" to a friendly relationship with missionaries and acceptance of Christianity. To explore these dynamics, the article employs witness accounts from African scholars, intertextual analysis of texts regarding Agikuyu because of the initial challenge of distinguishing British colonialists from missionaries. The results will contribute to understanding the dynamics of conflict in the reception of the biblical discourse and the reception of people by others in the world nowadays.
THE ROLE OF STRATEGIC MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIPS IN REDUCING FOOD LOSS AND WASTE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Selebi Olebogeng , Slabbert Criska , Van Niekerk Elizma
Published: December 2023

Food loss and waste is a wicked problem (a problem with no single solution). This problem is addressed by SDG 12. Solving this wicked problem in South Africa requires the collaboration of a variety of stakeholders, all with their own organisational interests. Therefore, multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSP) are imperative to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which focuses on the reduction of food waste. This qualitative case study unpacks the necessity for the use of multi-stakeholder partnerships (SDG 17) in achieving SDG 12.3. The South African Food Loss and Waste Voluntary Agreement (SAFLWVA) is the multi-stakeholder partnership being studied in this article. Multi-stakeholder partnerships cannot be effective without strategic communication. Therefore, the barriers and enablers of strategic communication, within a multi-stakeholder partnership of this nature, are explored. The was conducted in South Africa, with stakeholders involved with the SAFLWVA. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants. The findings indicate that strategic communication is one of the pillars of a successful multi-stakeholder partnership. Additionally, the following enablers for successful communication in MSPs were identified: trust, information sharing, education about benefits, receiving value, and gaining ownership. The study contributes to our understanding of communication barriers and enablers within multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Dynamics of Social Media Metrics and Fashion Subculture Among South African Young TikTok Users
Authors: Chabata Tatenda , Gouveia Savanna
Published: December 2023

The effect of TikTok globally has resulted in an increase in literature pertaining to the platform. Despite wide acknowledgment in social media, TikTok metrics and how they formulate fashion sub-cultures remains underexplored. This study explored TikTok metrics that resultantly formulate fashion subculture amongst Generation Z (Gen Z) TikTok users. The proposed conceptual framework was developed to assist marketing managers explore fashion subculture interest via various TikTok metrics. This research followed a qualitative approach. Data was collected through structured interviews, using convenience sampling among five Gen Z participants. Thematic analysis procedure was adopted and findings revealed that engagement metrics indicate strong potential in enabling fashion subculture among TikTok users. Furthermore, metrics enabled Gen Z users to discover fashion subculture content through hashtags, engagement in social exchanges through likes and comments, store digital fashion inspiration through saves and spread information through shares. These findings also allow for future studies to explore the limitation(s) phenomenon highlighted in this study. Recommendations were provided for fashion brands and practitioners. As this research suggests, can result in more refined trend analysis procedures as well as applicable direct marketing strategies through TikTok.
Investigating nomophobia as a possible mental health disorder in Gauteng public schools
Authors: Botha Nico , Matwadia Zyliekha Julie
Published: December 2023

A person’s fear of not having a mobile phone on hand may inhibit certain aspects of a person’s life. This study sought to investigate nomophobia (the irrational fear of not having access to mobile devices) as a possible mental disorder in the Gauteng education sector. To address nomophobia as a possible mental health disorder in Gauteng schools, one needs to understand the usage of mobile devices by both educators and learners in the classroom context. A mixed-methods, single-case research study (MMSCR) was adopted with two phases. In the quantitative phase, data were collected using a close-ended questionnaire, while in the qualitative phase, data were collected using open-ended questions during face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. The data obtained revealed that respondents displayed mild to severe nomophobia; in some cases, educators displayed even higher levels of nomophobia, compared to learners. The findings of the study indicate, inter alia, that educators feel uncomfortable without access to their mobile devices, while learners admit being addicted to playing games and spending time on social media on their mobile devices. Although both educators and learners use their mobile phones to access resources for schoolwork and to keep in touch with family and friends, they also agree that they constantly use their mobile devices for other, non-education purposes. Recommendations include that the Department of Education must recognise that nomophobia does affect teaching and learning and must provide counselling therapists for educators and learners. Furthermore, a policy for the use of mobile phones must be introduced for both educators and learners.
Ooencyrtus mirus (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae), discovered in Europe parasitizing eggs of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)
Authors: Fusu Lucian , Andreadis Stefanos S.
Published: December 2023

Ooencyrtus mirus Triapitsyn & Power (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae) is recorded for the first time in Europe. It was found parasitising eggs of the invasive true bug Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae). This parasitoid is part of the Ooencyrtus telenomicida species complex where accurate species identification requires molecular data. Using morphology, the identification of the Ooencyrtus species parasitising brown marmorated stink bug eggs in Greece is ambiguous, but the sequences of the standard DNA barcode region (COI) and ITS2 place them in O. mirus.
Black People, Spirituality, and Mental Health
Authors: Pederson Aderonke Bamgbose , Pederson Nathan
Published: December 2023

The influence of spirituality and religiosity in the Black community has historically been significant. While spirituality and religiosity are important for the majority of Americans, compared to other races/ethnicities, Black people report the highest valuation for religion in their individual lives. Spirituality and religiosity have known protective effects on health, although, compared to the general relationship between these factors and general health care, the role of spirituality and religiosity within the mental health system is not well characterized. In significant ways for the Black community, while serving a protective and positive function, spirituality and religiosity can also create tensions for patients within mainstream mental health care systems that emphasize a biopsychosocial framework, leaving out key dimensions of spiritual well-being and formation. The complexity of the relationship between Black people's mental health and their religion and spirituality also has roots in a history of colonialism and racism. In this article, we describe some ways in which religion and spirituality have been important to the health and well-being of the Black community, as well as certain ways these factors have created tension within the community.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2023;53(12):540–544.]
Impacts of the Koka hydropower dam on macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Awash River Basin in Ethiopia
Authors: Getachew Melaku , Mereta Seid Tiku , Gebrie Geremew Sahlu , Mulat Worku Legesse , Kelly-Quinne Mary
Published: December 2023

The Koka hydropower dam is one of the oldest large dams in Ethiopia. Damming is one of the anthropogenic activities impacting the distribution of aquatic life forms. However, to date, little attention has been focused on the dam’s impacts on the river macroinvertebrate assemblages in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was, therefore, to assess the impacts of the Koka hydropower dam on macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Awash River basin in Ethiopia. In the three river reaches on the Awash River (upstream near the source of the river, midstream above the dam, and downstream below the dam), a total of 15 sites were selected for sampling. The statistical analysis tested the null hypothesis that there are no differences in macroinvertebrate assemblage patterns or a range of univariate metrics between the three river reaches. Additional analyses involved the identification of taxa responsible for significant differences in macroinvertebrate structure (e.g., percentage similarity) and an exploration of the variables that structure macroinvertebrates (e.g., canonical correspondence analysis). In the upstream, midstream, and downstream reaches of the Awash River, we recorded a total of 73 taxa belonging to 43 families and 12 orders. Trichoptera was the dominant order in the upstream river reach, whereas Diptera dominated the midstream and downstream river reaches. The diversity of macroinvertebrates decreased from upstream to midstream and downstream. The three river reaches differed significantly in Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, % EPT, EPT taxa abundance, total taxa richness, evenness index, % collectors, and % scrapers. In this study, we observed that macroinvertebrate assemblage differences and spatial patterns were significantly associated with values of river flow changes (velocity), phosphate concentration, and substrate index. The findings of this study have broad implications for the assessment of the impacts of dam construction on the rivers of the studied region in the future.
Griburius leonardii, a new species from French Guiana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae)
Authors: Sassi Davide
Published: December 2023

A new species of Griburius Haldeman 1849 is described from French Guiana. In some respects, the new species is similar to Griburius errans (Suffrian 1852), distributed in Mexico, but it differs in the details of the dorsal pattern, the narrower interocular distance, and the size.
Intranasal insulin – effects on the sense of smell
Authors: Sienkiewicz-Oleszkiewicz B , Oleszkiewicz A , Bock M A , Hummel T
Published: December 2023

Intranasal insulin (IN) administration is a promising way to deliver the peptide to the central nervous system (CNS), bypassing the blood-brain-barrier and gastrointestinal absorption inhibition. IN receptors are localized in the olfactory mucosa and the brain, mainly in the olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. The pleiotropic mechanism of insulin action is characterized by its anti-inflammatory properties, antithrombotic, vasodilatory, and antiapoptotic effects. It prevents energy failure and has regenerative properties, affects neuro-regeneration and counteracts insulin resistance. Hence, insulin has been suggested for various pathological states including neurocognitive disorders, obesity, and as a therapeutic option for smell loss. A sharply increased prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was observed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic also emphasized the lack of therapeutic options for smell loss. Intranasal insulin administration has therefore been suggested to serve as potential treatment, influencing the regenerative capacities of the olfactory mucosa. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on possible effects of intranasal insulin on the sense of smell.
Patients with olfactory loss exhibit pronounced adaptation to chemosensory stimuli: an electrophysiological study
Authors: Li Z , Salloum R , Hummel T
Published: December 2023

Background: Pronounced chemosensory adaptation affects many patients with olfactory loss. The study aimed to investigate adaptation to olfactory and trigeminal nasal stimuli in patients with olfactory loss in comparison to controls using electrophysiological measures. Methodology: Thirty-four patients with olfactory loss (mean age ± SD = 59 ± 16 years) and 17 healthy volunteers (mean age ± SD = 50 ± 14 years) were recruited. Sniffin’ sticks test was used for evaluation of olfactory function and EEG-derived chemosensory event-related potentials were recorded. Intranasal stimuli were presented using high-precision, computer-controlled stimulators based on the principles of air-dilution olfactometry. Data were analyzed in two different approaches according to the relatively short or long inter-stimulus interval. A decreased peak amplitude or a prolonged latency was considered as an expression of adaptation. Results: The majority of participants (88%) responded reliably to chemosensory stimulation. Patients with olfactory loss exhibited pronounced olfactory and trigeminal adaptation within the long-term design, without such effects in healthy controls. Odor sensitivity correlated with both olfactory and trigeminal amplitude changes: the worse the olfactory sensitivity, the more pronounced chemosensory adaptation. Conclusions: The results help to explain the patients’ complaints in terms of the fast adaptation towards chemosensory stimuli, for example during eating and drinking. The differences in adaptation in patients with olfactory loss and healthy controls could serve as a clinical criterion to gauge olfactory dysfunction.
Variations of olfactory function with circadian timing and chronotype
Authors: Mai Y , Rosbach M C , Hummel T
Published: December 2023

Background: Cumulative animal studies have suggested that olfaction can be regulated by circadian clock. However, human studies on the topic are relatively limited. The present study thus aimed to investigate diurnal variation in olfaction in healthy adults while examining potential modulating factors. Methods: We conducted four rounds of testing on 56 healthy adults (32 women) aged 31 ± 12 years, throughout a single day, during morning (8:00-10:00 h), noon (12:00-14:00 h), afternoon (16:00-18:00 h), and evening (20:00-22:00 h). At the first appointment, participants completed full olfactory function testing using the Sniffin’ Sticks, questionnaires on medical history, nasal symptoms, sleep quality, and chronotype, and were assessed for blood pressure, heart rate, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), attention level, and rated their smell ability, nasal patency, wakefulness, and concentration level using visual analog scale (VAS) ratings. Subsequent appointments measured olfactory threshold, attentional level, PNIF, blood pressure, heart rate and VAS ratings repeatedly. Results: Olfactory threshold (OT) scores varied significantly between different times of the day, with the highest score in the evening and the lowest in the morning. Similar differences were also observed in PNIF, with the highest value in the evening and the lowest in the morning. However, there were no significant correlations between OT score and PNIF across all four-time testing, as well as between differences in [OT evening – OT morning] and [PNIF evening – PNIF morning]. Furthermore, a generalized linear mixed model indicated that the testing time of the morning, evening chronotype, self-reported body mass index (BMI), rated smell ability, and rated nasal patency significantly predicted the Sniffin' Sticks OT score. Conclusions: Olfactory function fluctuates throughout the waking hours of the day, with the highest olfactory sensitivity observed in the evening and the lowest in the morning. This pattern is also seen in nasal patency. However, it appears that the circadian changes of nasal airflow may not significantly depend on the circadian changes of the olfactory sensitivity. In addition, chronotype and BMI may regulate such olfactory-circadian variation. These findings provide important insights for future research on the accurate diagnosis and treatment of olfactory dysfunction.
The efficacy of full-thickness endoscopic resection of subepithelial tumors in the gastric cardia
Authors: Xu En-Pan , Qi Zhi-Peng , Li Bing , Ren Zhong , Cai Ming-Yan , Cai Shi-Lun , Lyv Zhen-Tao , Chen Zhang-Han , Liu Jing-Yi , Shi Qiang , Zhong Yun-Shi
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) may harbor potential malignancy. Although it is well recognized that large SETs should be resected, the precise treatment strategy remains controversial. Compared to surgical resection, endoscopic resection (ER) has many advantages; however, ER of SETs in the cardia is challenging.

AIM

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) for the treatment of gastric cardia SETs.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from all patients with SETs originating from the muscularis propria layer in the gastric cardia that were treated by EFTR or submucosal tunneling ER (STER) at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University between November 2014 and May 2022. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes, including procedure times and complications rates, were compared between groups of patients receiving EFTR and STER.

RESULTS

A total of 171 tumors were successfully removed [71 (41.5%) tumors in the EFTR and 100 (58.5%) tumors in the STER group]. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) were the most common SET. The en bloc resection rate was 100% in the EFTR group vs 97.0% in STER group (P > 0.05). Overall, the EFTR group had a higher complete resection rate than the STER group (98.6% vs 91.0%, P < 0.05). The procedure time was also shorter in the EFTR group (44.63 ± 28.66 min vs 53.36 ± 27.34, P < 0.05). The most common major complication in both groups was electrocoagulation syndrome. There was no significant difference in total complications between the two groups (21.1% vs 22.0%, P = 0.89).

CONCLUSION

EFTR of gastric cardia SETs is a very promising method to facilitate complete resection with similar complications and reduced operative times compared to STER. In cases of suspected GISTs or an unclear diagnosis, EFTR should be recommended to ensure complete resection.
Combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade restrains hepatocellular carcinoma development by facilitating CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses
Authors: Zhang Xu-Sheng , Zhou Hong-Cai , Wei Peng , Chen Long , Ma Wei-Hu , Ding Lin , Liang Shi-Cai , Chen Ben-Dong
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) are beneficial to the resumption of anti-tumor immunity response and hold extreme potential as efficient therapies for certain malignancies. However, ICIs with a single target exhibit poor overall response rate in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients due to the complex pathological mechanisms of HCC.

AIM

To investigate the effects of combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade on tumor development in an HCC mouse model, aiming to identify more effective immunotherapies and provide more treatment options for HCC patients.

METHODS

The levels of PD-1 and TIM-3 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from tumor tissues, ascites, and matched adjacent tissues from HCC patients were determined with flow cytometry. An HCC xenograft mouse model was established and treated with anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and/or anti-PD-1 mAb. Tumor growth in each group was measured. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate T cell infiltration in tumors. The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tissue samples from mice was tested with flow cytometry. The percentages of PD-1+CD8+, TIM-3+CD8+, and PD-1+TIM-3+ CD8+ T cells was accessed by flow cytometry. The levels of the cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 in tumor tissues were gauged with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

RESULTS

We confirmed that PD-1 and TIM-3 expression was substantially upregulated in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells isolated from tumor tissues and ascites of HCC patients. TIM-3 mAb and PD-1 mAb treatment both reduced tumor volume and weight, while combined blockade had more substantial anti-tumor effects than individual treatment. Then we showed that combined therapy increased T cell infiltration into tumor tissues, and downregulated PD-1 and TIM-3 expression on CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues. Moreover, combined treatment facilitated the production of T cell effector cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ, and reduced the production of immunosuppressive cytokines IL-10 and IL-6 in tumor tissues. Thus, we implicated that combined blockade could ameliorate T cell exhaustion in HCC mouse model.

CONCLUSION

Combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade restrains HCC development by facilitating CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses.
The Financial Relationship Between the Medical Industry and Residency Leadership in OB/GYN and Urology
Authors: Burgard Iris , Palmere Laura , Altshuler Paulina , Tummala Shilpa , Muffly Tyler
Published: December 2023

Background Industry payments to physicians exceed millions of dollars. Payments can influence physicians’ practices and potentially impact trainees.

Objective To examine the magnitude of industry payments to obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and urology residency directors and department chairs in the United States.

Methods For this retrospective cross-sectional study, program directors and department chairs of OB/GYN and urology residency programs were identified in December 2021. Nonresearch payments between August 1, 2013, and December 31, 2020, from drug or device manufacturers to program directors and department chairs of OB/GYN and urology residency programs were compiled from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments Database. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test and a linear mixed-effects model.

Results A total of 19 903 payments, totaling $6,041,585, were provided to 396 physicians, with a median of $232.62 per physician over the 6 years analyzed. Urologists received more payments and higher amounts per payment than OB/GYNs (7820 vs 12 083, P<.01; $1,689,519.48 vs $4,352,066.40, P<.01). Department chairs received more payments per year than program directors (8 vs 4, P<.01). There were also geographic differences, with higher payments in the Northeast US region ($131.10 more, P<.01). Based on the linear mixed-effects model, 3 variables predicted the magnitude of industry payments received: physician age, number of years in leadership position, and geographic location.

Conclusions Urologists and OB/GYN US residency program directors and department chairs received considerable nonresearch industry payments from 2013 to 2020.
Growth and Development Performance of Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Larvae on Fermented Palm Kernel Meal (PKM) Substrate
Authors: Damanik Naomi Florenata , Putra Ramadhani Eka , Kinasih Ida , Permana Agus Dana
Published: December 2023

Larvae of Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly/BSF) are considered agents of bioconversion of organic waste, including by-products of agroindustrial waste. Palm kernel meal (PKM), a palm oil mill waste contains high lignocellulose, making it difficult for BSF larvae to digest in which pre treatment process is required. This study aims to analyze the growth and development performance of BSF larvae in fermented PKM waste using EM4 and molasses as the pretreatment process. Five (5) days old BSF larvae were reared in PKM waste, which was fermented with EM4 and molasses for 2, 3, and 4 days (F2, F3, and F4) and with water for four days (FA) while chicken feed (PA) applied as control. During this study, growth rate, average weight, developmental period, survival rate, and larval development period. Feed efficiency and feed reduction analyzed by efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), feed conversion ratio (FCR), waste reduction index (WRI) and substrate consumption rate (SCR). The growth and development performance of F2 group was the best among other treatment groups which is similar to larvae fed on chicken feed as a control. All treatments showed high larval survival rates (99.72-100.00%). On the other hand, the best best reduction efficiency recorded in F3. Based on these result it can be concluded that pretreatment of PKM by EM4 and molasses is applicable to be improve the quality of PKM as feeding material for BSF larvae.
Implementing History Education as Strategic National Framework for Strengthening Intergroup Relations
Authors: Oyibode Gabriel Chukwuma Eta oghenevwegba , Erunke Esidene , Kigbu Hafsat , Abdullahi Mohammed
Published: December 2023

The main objective of this study is to examine the increasing socio-political, cultural and economic problems that have militated against the progress of African continent, and demonstrate the extent to which the re invigoration of history in school curriculum can strengthen development practice in the continent. Africa generally has been plagued by several social problems ranging from insecurity, ethnic-religious conflicts, post-election violence and a number of other socially motivated crises. Thus from the western African region to the south, Central Africa; East and North, the evidence of conflicts have been reported. The conflicts arising from clash of group interests, and particularly, among contending forces and several belligerent groups have unarguably, been the bane of economic and political development. To most critics, the arguments have continued to hinge of the relegation of history subjects in schools-high schools and tertiary institutions such as universities, polytechnics, among others. The multiplier effect of this is the huge gap that has been created between the past and contemporary age where a vast majority of the people are unarguably isolated from the mainstream culture of unity and common African cultural heritage. Again, with the rising wave of globalization and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the orientation of the average African child is more or less greatly influenced by western culture and exposure. What we now experience in most African societies (Nigeria inclusive), is a system where people are hardly conscious of the Pan-African spirit of brotherhood which finds expression in collective interest as well as love and care. The consequence of this development is fast staring the continent in the face, while the sub-region constantly gravitate with numerous challenges raging from lack of community bonds, conflicts, violence, terrorism, kidnapping(as in the case of Nigeria);child trafficking, banditry, proliferation of small arms and light weapons; drug peddling ,among others. This paper is an exploration of some of the strategies that can be employed in order to mitigate social problems that have continued to fester among groups and sections of the African society using history subject as a point of departure. The study is essentially an archival work, and hence, relies on existing works of experts for its investigation. The method of data collection is therefore secondary in nature. The paper recommends that to effectively contain the challenges confronting the continent, there is the urgent need to reinforce the teaching and learning of historical narratives having to do with African culture and principles, especially among teenage population in African schools. This way, the much sought-after nation-building, peace, stability and viable inter group relations would be realized.
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Sit at Home Order: Its Socio-Economic Implications on Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Elem Obona
Published: December 2023

Nigeria is rated as one of the poorest nations in the world as over 80 % of its citizens live below poverty level. This percentage of the citizens depend on their daily earnings to be able to take care of their family members in terms of feeding, health care services, payment of school fees among others. This daily earnings were shortened by the Indigenous People of Biafra with their mandatory sit at home order on Mondays and every other day that their leader would be appearing in court in the whole of five South East States. This followed the arrest and detention of the leader of IPOB; Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government of Nigeria. The broad objective of this paper is to examine the socio- economic implications of this sit at home order on the poor citizens of South East States of Nigeria with focus on Ebonyi State; a state rated as the poorest among the five states of the South East. The theory that anchored the study is the optimal constraint theory while quantitative research design which made use of survey method was employed to accomplish the purpose of the study. The data for the study were collected through structured questionnaire items and focus group discussion. 400 respondents were purposively selected from the study area. Four points Likert type scale was employed in data collection and to measure the magnitude of the responses. Data collected were analyzed using percentages. The three formulated hypotheses were tested using Chi-Square. The findings show that the sit at home order has made the people of South East States especially Ebonyi State poorer with its chain effect on school drop-out, joblessness and increased insecurity. The paper recommends among other things that Governors of the five South East States should discuss with all the different groups and factions of IPOB to understand the implications of their order on the people they meant to protect and call off the order, while the governors should as well dialogue with the federal government for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Modeling Perennial Communal Land Conflict in Nigeria: A Study of Nchoko Igbeagu Izzi, Ebonyi State
Authors: Lawrence Okafor , Nwangele Sunday
Published: December 2023

This paper focused on modeling perennial communal land conflict in Nigeria: A study of Nchoko Igbeagu Izzi, Ebonyi State The paper looked at the concept elucidation of conflict, land conflict, perennial communal conflict, conflict management and perennial land conflict management. It examined various consequences of conflict. The paper identified, developed and classified major models to conflict management approach into traditional, modern and trad-modern approaches in management of perennial land conflict in Nchoko Igbeagu Izzi, Ebonyi State. The paper was anchored on Greed-Grievance Theory. Research design adopted for the study was both qualitative and quantitative. Primary data were generated through interview and focused group discussion while secondary data was gotten from textbooks and journals. Content Analytical Approach was used to analyze the data. From findings made through oral interview, it was observed that communal land conflict usually burst during planting season of the year and that conflict occurs due to injustice and domination. The implications of this are that production is reduced, supply of goods and services are halted and a lot of attacks were witnessed. The paper concludes that leaders at all levels should be transparent and impartial in handling complaints. However, based on the findings it was recommended that leaders at all level in the community should be transparent and justly handle land complaint, negotiation instead of confrontation should be adopted in conflict resolution and mediators should avoid kick-back in conflict settlement.
Nigeria’s Contribution to Africa’s Regional Integration: Assessment of its recent Performance
Authors: Garba Dimas
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the recent performance of Nigeria towards Africa’s regional integration as a major power in Africa. The main objective of the research is to determine the extent of Nigeria’s commitment to the realization of the African Union’s vision of becoming a fully integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa; and a dynamic force at the global level. Since her independence in 1960, Nigeria has been widely acknowledged as a leading power in Africa (The Giant of Africa) by several studies because of its preponderant political, economic and militarily power; influence; and benevolent contributions regarding to the liberation and progress of Africa. However, there are hardly substantive assessments of its recent performance towards Africa’s integration. The study adopts the Hegemonic Stability Theory; and descriptive analysis method to analyze data obtained from secondary sources. Analysis of the 2016 and 2019 Regional Integration Index (ARII) reports covering the period from 2010-2019 reveals that Nigeria has performed poorly towards the continent’s integration among its peers, both at the continental and sub-regional levels. The paper concludes that Nigeria’s poor performance would significantly slow the acceleration of Africa’s integration; and the country risks losing its leadership position in Africa to its rivals, especially South Africa. It recommends that the Nigerian government should take deliberate steps in formulating and implementing policies that would improve its performance across the five dimensions of the regional integration; and it should strengthen its commitment to consolidate its leadership position in Africa, and motivate smaller countries to contribute their best.
Obidient Movement and Political Change in Nigeria: The Journey So Far.
Authors: Mokuye Onyekachukwu , Onwunyi Mmaduabuchi , Okonkwo Emmanuel
Published: December 2023

The failure of successive governments to bring about inclusive governance through credible elections has always been the bane of youth restiveness in most part of the country. This accounted for the reasons why all and sundry especially the youths have taken the bull by the horn in an attempt to change the status quo in the political landscape of Nigeria. This paper focuses on the emergence of the Obidient Movement to mobilize support for the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections and how it has altered the political trajectory in the Country. The paper relied on secondary data sources and adopted the Resource Mobilization Theory as a framework of analysis. This study found out that the emergence of Mr. Peter Obi reawakened the political interest of majority of Nigerians, especially the millennial, lead to massive mobilization of support from Nigerians at home and abroad, and that the Peter Obi effect lead to the political fortunes of many candidates that contested in the general elections on the platform of the Labour Party. Importantly, this study discovered that a mass movement with little history behind its existence could alter the political trajectory of the Country as result of the general disenchantment by the citizens towards the present crop of leaders. It was recommended amongst other things that the Obidient Movement should sustain the tempo of its activities across the country even after the general elections to keep the elected office holders on their toes, establish strong presence in every part of Nigeria to ensure a holistic restructuring of the Country leading to the emergence of new crop of leaders committed to the provision of the dividends of good governance.
Performance Appraisal and Employees Productivity in Ebonyi State Civil Service
Authors: Nwazufu Ikechukwu
Published: December 2023

Promotion of workers is a crucial factor influencing overall performance of workers and success of any organization. This study examined performance appraisal and employee productivity in Ebonyi State Civil Service. Two-factor theory of motivation was employed as theoretical framework of analysis. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Simple random and stratified sampling was employed to draw target respondents for the study. The target population of 798 drawn from 10 selected Ministries of Ebonyi State civil service with sample size of 266 was used. Data were collected from primary sources through self-structured questionnaire, on a 5-point Likert scale. Findings revealed that promotion procedures and policies are not fairly and properly implemented; that there is incessant delay of promotion; and that workers in Ebonyi State civil service are dissatisfied with their job because of non-implementation of financial benefits accruing from promotion. The study concluded that promotion is one of the key factors that motivates and stimulate job satisfaction in workers and enhance performance. The study recommends that promotion procedures and policies should be standardized, promotion of workers from one grade level to another should be conducted annually and that financial benefits of promotion should be implemented immediately promotion results are released.