bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the potential distribution of floristic assemblages of high Andean wetlands dominated by Juncaceae and Cyperaceae in the Argentine Puna
Authors: Casagranda Elvira , Izquierdo Andrea E.
Published: February 2023

Aims: The aim of this work was to model the distribution of suitable environmental conditions of vegas with specific floristic characteristics. Vegas are high Andean wetlands that represent the main sequestered carbon stocks, biodiversity hotspots, and water regulating systems in the region. In these wetlands, plant communities are the main biological factor that determines functional processes, and plant species assemblages are associated with different ecogeographic features. Study area: Argentine Central Andean Puna ecoregion. Methods: For two different floristic assemblages of vegas, we develop ecological niche models of n-dimensional minimum volume ellipsoids through NicheToolBox, then obtain potential distribution maps. One floristic assemblage was dominated by the cushion-structured plant Oxychloe andina (Juncaceae) and the other by plants of the Cyperaceae family. Results: Elevation and precipitation were the main environmental factors determining the distribution of the two floristic assemblages. Juncaceae dominated vegas tend to be located in high, humid, and cold places, while Cyperaceae vegas are found at a lower elevation, with less humidity, and higher temperatures. According to the dominant climatic gradient in the region, potential distribution maps show that vegas of Juncaceae are commonly found towards the Northeast of the Puna while Cyperaceae vegas are more frequent at lower elevations to the South of the region. Conclusions: This study represents the first approach to niche modeling based on plant communities in vegas of the Argentine Puna, providing knowledge on the environmental factors that limit their distribution. This information could serve as a planning tool in a region exposed to growing perturbations such as mining and climate change.

Taxonomic reference: Zuloaga et al. (2019).

Abbreviations: AUC = Area Under the ROC Curve; NDVI = Normalized Difference Vegetation Index; ROC = Receiver Operating Characteristic.
A space-time model for analyzing contagious people based on geolocation data using inverse graphs
Authors: Merino Salvador , Doellner Juergen , Martínez Javier , Guzmán Francisco , Guzmán Rafael , de Dios Lara Juan
Published: February 2023

Mobile devices provide us with an important source of data that capture spatial movements of individuals and allow us to derive general mobility patterns for a population over time. In this article, we present a mathematical foundation that allows us to harmonize mobile geolocation data using differential geometry and graph theory to identify spatial behavior patterns. In particular, we focus on models programmed using Computer Algebra Systems and based on a space-time model that allows for describing the patterns of contagion through spatial movement patterns. In addition, we show how the approach can be used to develop algorithms for finding "patient zero" or, respectively, for identifying the selection of candidates that are most likely to be contagious. The approach can be applied by information systems to evaluate data on complex population movements, such as those captured by mobile geolocation data, in a way that analytically identifies, e.g., critical spatial areas, critical temporal segments, and potentially vulnerable individuals with respect to contact events.
Quasi $ M $-metric spaces
Authors: Ayoob Irshad , Chuan Ng Zhen , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we introduce quasi $ M $-metric spaces as a generalization of $ M $-metric spaces. We establish some fixed point results along with the examples and application of our results to integral equations and system of linear equations.
Mean-field limit of a hybrid system for multi-lane car-truck traffic
Authors: Chiri Maria Teresa , Gong Xiaoqian , Piccoli Benedetto
Published: February 2023

In the present work we model multi-lane traffic flow in presence of two population of vehicles: cars and trucks. We first develop a finite-dimensional hybrid system which rely on continuous Bando-Follow-the-Leader dynamics coupled with discrete events motivated by the lane-change maneuvers. Then we rigorously prove that the mean-field limit is given by a system of Vlasov-type PDE with source terms generated by the lane-change maneuvers of the human-driven vehicles.
Research, Development, and Innovation Capability Maturity Model Reference for European Projects
Authors: Diana Cozmiuc Claudia , Herman Liviu , Pitic Cristian , Bozesan Andreea , Galceava Sinel
Published: February 2023

Capability maturity and capability readiness models are designated management tools in scholarly literature. One of their applications is in shaping roadmaps, projects, and programs. Typically, individual articles tackle the two topics separately and the way the two management tools are intertwined. Scholarly literature shows the need to link the two tools. These tools tend to refer to digital transformation or include digitalization in their construction. A specific example is the TRL1-TRL9 capability maturity model used by NASA and by the European Union. This is the reference for conducting research, development, and innovation activities at the European Union. It models roadmaps and all project management techniques. A specific case study is considered in this chapter. Findings show the reference to manage research, development, and innovation activities at the European Union and NASA is a capability maturity model, a project management tool, and includes digitalization business information systems as the tools for business activity and business process management.
The Long-Term Washback Effect of University Entrance Exams
Authors: Keleş Ufuk
Published: February 2023

In this chapter, the author explores the long-term washback effects of taking the nationwide university entrance exam (UEE) on his L2 socialization. He scrutinizes how he used his agency to break away from such effects in his later life. His theoretical framework incorporates L2 socialization theory and the concept of “desire” in TESOL. Methodologically, he employs critical autoethnography of socialization. The findings reveal that his L2 socialization was shaped by studying for and being taught to the test (aka the UEE), which greatly helped him earn a place at a top-notch university yet created many obstacles in his undergraduate studies and professional life. The findings further showed that the UEE's format was, to some extent, egalitarian in that it provided high schoolers from low socio-economic status families with the opportunity to study in prestigious universities.
Evaluation of ESL Teaching Materials in Accordance With CLT Principles through Content Analysis Approach
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Shakir Aleem , Siddique Ali Raza
Published: February 2023

Owing to the rising needs of English language for communication at a global level, experts have stressed the significance of teaching English supported by materials based on communicative language teaching (CLT) principles to facilitate the development of communicative competence. This study, therefore, aims to evaluate ESL teaching materials to check their suitability to develop learners' communicative competence. The study, for this purpose, employs content analysis approach for the analysis of text of English designed for class two in the light of a checklist devised on CLT principles. The results reveal that the content of the said textbook does not conform to the CLT principles. Therefore, it is not suitable to facilitate the development of communicative competence in the learners. The study suggests either to improve/revise the textbook or to replace it by another suitable one.
Language Assessment
Authors: Kalay Dilşah , Can Esma
Published: February 2023

Teachers/instructors have the critical role of bridging teaching and assessment, meaning the more knowledgeable the teachers/instructors are, the more effective the assessment becomes. This results in that language instructors are to integrate various assessment strategies into their teaching to make better decisions about the learners' progress, which highlights the term “assessment literacy.” Besides language instructors' being knowledgeable, what they do in classrooms deserves attention. Language assessment practices are strategies/methods instructors use in classrooms to reach to-the-point and objective evaluations of students' language development. Within this scope, the purpose of the current study is two-fold: first, to investigate the language assessment knowledge of language instructors and, second, to identify their language assessment practices in classrooms. Based on the findings, it is critical to understand not only what language instructors know but also what they do in classes. As a result, the ultimate goal of standardization in language assessment could be attained.
Development of New Energy Vehicles in Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Under the Carbon Neutrality Policy in China
Authors: Yu Poshan , Chang Xiaochang , Mandizvidza Kudzai
Published: February 2023

This chapter aims to study how the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) industry is developing in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, under the Carbon Neutrality policy in China. This chapter explores the role of the Chinese Government, post the 14th Five-year plan period, in promoting sustainable development of new energy vehicles. This work also sheds more light on China's policies and how these institutions promote the development of environmental awareness in various industries. The overall effect on the environment of these developments, as well as the impact of China's environmental research and institutional changes of enterprises under the sustainable aims of carbon neutrality, will be discussed. This chapter also collates statistical information mainly on the carbon neutrality, carbon trading market, development of new energy vehicles and ESG investment. Cases from China are presented for deeper and funneled insights. The chapter also provides suggestions for the development of new energy vehicles and investment under China's environment-based ecosystems.
On Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Authors: Monteiro Joana Moniz , dos Muchangos Nicole Agostinha , Szczygiel Nina
Published: February 2023

The aim of this chapter is to analyze the extent to which resource efficiency can be considered an economic opportunity to businesses, and to discuss the benefits and limitations of resource efficiency as perceived by companies. Based on established methodology, the authors performed literature review on benefits and limitations of improving resource efficiency, and opportunities resource efficiency could bring to businesses, and carried out interviews with six SMEs entrepreneurs. Results suggest the need to innovate in production and consumption and call for a more rigorous, science-based approach in decision making, especially when it comes to natural resources. International cooperation is seen as a means to making a transformation to resource-efficient future. The interviews also show that components most appreciated in promoting the efficient use of resources are (actual) financial aid and tax benefits, as well as education for sustainability and resource efficiency.
DE FORA DA SALA DE AULA PARA DENTRO DA REDE
Authors: Ferreira Arthur Vianna , Teixeira Ariel Pimenta Baptista , Sirino Marcio Bernardino
Published: February 2023

O presente relato de pesquisa tem como objetivo mostrar as práticas extensionistas realizadas pelo Projeto de Extensão Fora da Sala de Aula, da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, dedicado à reflexão das práticas educativas não escolares e sua relação com as camadas empobrecidas da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro. Nesse tempo de Pandemia da COVID-19, as ações extensionistas continuaram regularmente sendo realizadas por meio de plataformas digitais comuns e gratuitas disponíveis. Dessa forma, o presente texto vem demonstrar a nova organização do grupo de bolsistas que fazem parte desse projeto de forma a dar continuidade aos seus trabalhos de formação continuada. Ao mesmo tempo, mostrar que, ao utilizar os recursos digitais gratuitos disponíveis, de forma democrática na internet, ampliou-se o seu alcance a outros sujeitos da educação de forma a favorecer a formação contínua de muitos educadores sociais. Assim sendo, o referido projeto, e suas ações extensionistas, ganham uma nova forma de (re)existência e de transposição dos muros da academia para entrar na rede crescente de sujeitos que buscam a formação continuada, através da educação remota, em tempos de isolamento/distanciamento social.
PERFIL DA FORMAÇÃO DIDÁTICO-PEDAGÓGICA EM PROGRAMAS BRASILEIROS DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO STRICTO SENSU EM QUÍMICA
Authors: Soares Carla , Souza Francisco , Angelo Monique , Augusto Reinaldo
Published: February 2023

Atualmente, para que um docente atue no Ensino Superior não é necessária nenhuma formação específica para tal exercício; existe apenas a exigência de que estes profissionais tenham passado por cursos de Pós-graduação na modalidade stricto sensu, como mestrado e doutorado. Todavia, esses cursos estão focados na realização de pesquisas em áreas e campos específicos de conhecimento, formando, assim, uma equipe de profissionais altamente qualificados para a pesquisa, mas não para a docência. O objetivo deste trabalho é de investigar quais cursos de Pós-graduação em Química do Brasil ofertam disciplinas voltadas para a área pedagógica. Para isso, foi feita uma pesquisa na plataforma Sucupira da CAPES, de forma a observar a presença ou não de disciplinas voltadas para o Ensino Superior de Química. Constatamos que apenas 22% dos programas ofertam esse tipo de disciplina e que os estudos e pesquisas nesta área realmente precisam se intensificar para evidenciar a importância de uma formação de cunho pedagógico para a atuação no Ensino Superior.
Enhanced Malware Detection Using Deep Learning with Image Processing Techniques
Authors: Benny King Destin A. , Prabhath P. , Durgadevi P.
Published: February 2023

Cyber security is a major worry for anyone with an internet-connected gadget in today's ever-changing environment. Cyber security has become a nightmare due to numerous issues such as intrusion detection, virus categorization, spam analysis, and phishing prevention. Our paper proposes a feature image generation and augmentation method that is integrated with a static analysis of harmful code using convolutional neural networks to address these difficulties (CNN). With the use of this approach, we are able to not only reduce the risk of letting the malware executing on our host system, also have a better availability of features due to the image augmentation that is applied to the feature images. When compared to previous methods, this CNN technique uses less resources and gives a more accurate output.
Decentralized E-Voting System Using Ethereum Blockchain Technology
Authors: Ahad Shaik Abdul , Sangra Sarthak , Saini Jitender , Deepa R.
Published: February 2023

Due to the increase in the use of internet web applications in today's world, multiple new ways have been brought in to change existing methods to make them hassle-free and efficient.E-Voting systems are one new change that has been brought over and is also being used in multiple countries as it is both cost and time-efficient when compared to the traditional voting systems. For an E-voting system the user, who in this case is the voter, requires a web browser and server for the user's verification and authentication. Usually, the voter can access a centralized database where he casts his vote and the result for the vote that has been cast is also not shown. Other security issues are also encountered when one uses a centralized database as data manipulation remains a possibility.The main focus of this paper is to develop an E-voting system that is made on a blockchain with a decentralized model to ensure that the whole process is reliable, efficient, flexible, and most importantly transparent.
Sign Language Detection Application Using CNN
Authors: Rao Garimella Mohan , Reddy B. Aseesh , Jayashankar Akaash
Published: February 2023

Deaf or mute persons frequently use sign language to communicate, but it takes a lot of practice to learn. Principal mode of communication of the Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf community is sign language. Autism, Apraxia of speech, Cerebral Palsy, and Down syndrome are just a few of the disorders that may benefit from sign language. We're utilizing ASL (American Sign Language) for this project. Although ASL uses the same alphabet as English, it is not a dialect of English. American Sign Language is a separate language with its own linguistic framework. Signs are not expressed in the same order as words are in English. This is due to sign language's distinct grammar and visual aspect. In the United States, around half a million people use ASL. We will develop and implement a mobile application that will serve as a translation system to enable people communicate more efficiently using signs in this project. We will demonstrate a real-time sign language recognition system that uses existing datasets to transform a video of a user's signs into text.
Brain Tumor Segmentation Using Modified Double U-Net Architecture
Authors: Shaji Thejus , Ravi K. , Vignesh E. , Sinduja A.
Published: February 2023

Children and the elderly are most susceptible to brain tumors. It's deadly cancer caused by uncontrollable brain cell proliferation inside the skull. The heterogeneity of tumor cells makes classification extremely difficult. Image segmentation has been revolutionized because of the Convolution Neural Network (CNN), which is especially useful for medical images. Not only does the U-Net succeed in segmenting a wide range of medical pictures in general, but also in some particularly difficult instances. However, we uncovered severe problems in the standard models that have been used for medical image segmentation. As a result, we applied modification and created an efficient U-net-based deep learning architecture, which was examined on the Brain Tumor dataset from the Kaggle repository, which consists of over 1500 images of brain tumors together with their ground truth. After comparing our model to comparable cutting-edge approaches, we determined that our design resulted in at least a 10% improvement, showing that it generates more efficient, better, and robust results.
Early Wheat Leaf Disease Detection Using CNN
Authors: Vedika R , Lakshmi M.Mithra , Sakthia R. , Meenakshi K.
Published: February 2023

Smart farming is an innovative technology that aids in the improvement of the country's agricultural produce quality and quantity. Wheat is the most important crop in most parts of India. Wheat leaf diseases have a significant impact on production rates and farmer earnings. It poses a significant danger to food security because it affects crop productivity and degrades crop quality. Accurate and precise disease detection has posed a significant challenge, but recent advances in computer vision enabled by deep learning have paved the road for camera-assisted wheat leaf disease diagnosis. Using a CNN trained with a publicly available wheat leaf disease model, several machine learning algorithms and neuron- and layer-wise visualization methods are applied.
One-Week versus Two-Week Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Curative Surgery in Rectal Cancer: Long-Term Comparative Pooled Analysis of Two Prospective Multicenter Phase II Trials
Authors: Sung Soo-Yoon , Kim Dae Yong , Jang Hong Seok , Kim Tae Hyun , Park Hee Chul , Chie Eui Kyu , Nam Taek-Keun , Kim Sung Hwan , Lee Jong Hoon
Published: February 2023

Purpose The optimal short-course chemotherapeutic regimen for rectal cancer has not been clearly defined until now. KROG 10-01 and KROG 11-02 prospective trials investigated the efficacy and safety of 1- and 2-week chemoradiotherapy (CRT), respectively.Materials and Methods Patients eligible for KROG 10-01 and KROG 11-02 involved those with clinical T3-4N0-2M0 rectal cancers. They received preoperative CRT and total mesorectal excision. Patients in KROG 10-01 received radiation of 25 Gy in 5 fractions during 1 week with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin. Patients in KROG 11-02 received radiation of 33 Gy in 10 fractions for 2 weeks with oral capecitabine.Results A total of 150 patients consisting of 70 patients from KROG 10-01 and 80 patients from KROG 11-02 were collectively analyzed. With a median follow-up time of 89.2 months, the 5-year overall survival rate was 86.5% in 1-week CRT and 85.3% in 2-week CRT (p=0.841). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 83.5% in 1-week CRT and 77.1% in 2-week CRT (p=0.448). One patient (1.4%) in 1-week CRT and 11 patients (13.8%) in 2-week CRT exhibited pathologic complete regression (ypT0N0M0) after radiotherapy (p=0.006). One-week CRT had significantly higher acute hematologic (12.8% vs. 3.8%, p=0.040) and nonhematologic (38.6% vs. 16.3%, p=0.002) toxicity than 2-week CRT.Conclusion Both 1- and 2-week schedules of CRT showed favorable survival outcomes after 7 years of follow-up. But, 2-week course achieved more increased tumor response and decreased acute toxicity than 1-week course.
The Oncologic Implications of Tumor Multiplicity in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Its Prognostic Value Might Be Underestimated
Authors: Yoon So Jeong , Park Sunghae , Kim Hongbeom , Shin Sang Hyun , Heo Jin Seok , Rhu Jinsoo , Choi Gyu-Seong , Kim Jong Man , Joh Jae-Won , Han In Woong
Published: February 2023

Purpose In the latest staging system of the American Joint Committee on Cancer for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCCC), solitary tumors with vascular invasion and multiple tumors are grouped together as T2. However, recent studies report that multifocal IHCCC has a worse prognosis than a single lesion. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for IHCCC and explore the prognostic significance of multiplicity after surgical resection.Materials and Methods A total of 257 patients underwent surgery for IHCCC from 2010 to 2019 and the clinicopathological data were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factor analysis was performed to identify variables associated with survival after resection. Survival outcomes were compared between patients with solitary and multiple tumors.Results In multivariable analysis, the presence of preoperative symptoms, tumor size, lymph node ratio, multiplicity, and tumor differentiation were identified as risk factors for survival. Among 82 patients with T2, overall survival was significantly longer in patients with solitary tumors (sT2) than in those with multiple tumors (mT2) (p=0.017). Survival was compared among patients with stage II-sT2, stage II-mT2, and stage III. The stage II-sT2 group showed prolonged survival when compared with stage II-mT2 or stage III. Survivals of stage II-mT2 and stage III patients were not statistically different.Conclusion Tumor multiplicity was an independent risk factor for overall survival of IHCCC after surgical resection. Patients with multiple tumors showed poorer survival than patients with a single tumor. The oncologic significance of multiplicity in IHCCC should be reappraised and reflected in the next staging system update.
Taxonomic revision of the Lake Pannon cockle subgenus Lymnocardium (Budmania) Brusina, 1897
Authors:   MOL, Hungary ELKH-MTM-ELTE Research Group for Paleontology, Budapest, Magyar Imre , Katona Lajos ,   Natural History Museum of the Bakony Mts, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Zirc
Published: February 2023

The lymnocard subgenus Budmania is characterized by the most unusual and spectacular morphology in the endemic mollusc fauna of the late Miocene – Pliocene Lake Pannon. Budmania possessed extremely high, hollow, irregular keels on its ribs, a pattern that was long considered an adaptation to the fluid, muddy substratum. Eight species were described with this pattern between 1874 and 1973. Our revision, based on the type materials and a large number of other specimens from several collections revealed, however, that only two species can be distinguished with certainty: Lymnocardium (Budmania) ferrugineum (Brusina, 1874) and L. (B.) cristagalli (Roth, 1878). The former lived in the littoral zone of Lake Pannon, on sandy substratum, whereas the latter inhabited the sublittoral zone with muddy substratum. This habitat partitioning challenges the interpretation of the high, hollow keels as an adaptation to soft, muddy substratum. The occurrence of both species seems to have been restricted to 7.5-7.15 Ma.
Топологические и гомологические свойства пространства орбит
простой трехмерной компактной линейной группы Ли
Authors: Styrt Oleg Grigoryevich
Published: February 2023

Работа посвящена вопросу о том, является ли пространство орбит
компактной линейной группы топологическим многообразием и
гомологическим многообразием. В данной работе рассмотрен
случай простой трехмерной группы. Получена верхняя оценка
для суммы целых частей половин размерностей
неприводимых компонент представления, фактор которого является
гомологическим многообразием, что усиливает прежний результат,
дающий ту же оценку в случае, если фактор представления является
гладким многообразием. Большинство представлений,
удовлетворяющих данной оценке, также разобраны ранее.
В рассуждениях использованы стандартные соображения
линейной алгебры, теории групп и алгебр Ли и их представлений.
Библиография: 10 названий.
Risk factors for hospital mortality in intensive care unit survivors: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: e Silva Luiza Gabriella Antonio , de Maio Carrilho Claudia Maria Dantas , Talizin Thalita Bento , Cardoso Lucienne Tibery Queiroz , Lavado Edson Lopes , Grion Cintia Magalhães Carvalho
Published: February 2023

Background: Deaths can occur after a patient has survived treatment for a serious illness in an intensive care unit (ICU). Mortality rates after leaving the ICU can be considered indicators of health care quality. This study aims to describe risk factors and mortality of surviving patients discharged from an ICU in a university hospital.Methods: Retrospective cohort study carried out from January 2017 to December 2018. Data on age, sex, length of hospital stay, diagnosis on admission to the ICU, hospital discharge outcome, presence of infection, and Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS 3) prognostic score were collected. Infected patients were considered as those being treated for an infection on discharge from the ICU. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors on leaving the hospital. The association between the studied variables was performed using the logistic regression model. Results: A total of 1,025 patients who survived hospitalization in the ICU were analyzed, of which 212 (20.7%) died after leaving the ICU. When separating the groups of survivors and non-survivors according to hospital outcome, the median age was higher among non-survivors. Longer hospital stays and higher SAPS 3 score values were observed among non-survivors. In the logistic regression, the variables age, length of hospital stay, SAPS 3, presence of infection, and readmission to the ICU were associated with hospital mortality.Conclusions: Infection on ICU discharge, ICU readmission, age, length of hospital stay, and SAPS 3 score increased risk of death in ICU survivors.
Users’ Satisfaction of Facilities in Mowe Market along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
Authors: Alade A , Unuigboje R , Olufadeju A , Umaru E. T
Published: February 2023

User requirements are a basic principle in the planning and design of urban facilities. They strongly relate to the users' satisfaction, particularly with traditional markets and modern shopping facilities. The study examines the users' (buyers and sellers) satisfaction with facilities in the Mowe market along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The sampling frame for the buyers (1392) and sellers (754) emanated from market management. The sample size emerged from a 10% sample of the buyers and sellers, utilising a simple random sampling technique to collect data from (n=145) respondents using a structured questionnaire. The study utilised a 5-point Likert summation scale and multiple linear regression for data analysis. Findings reveal that 59% of the respondents are between 30-49 years, 36.3% have attained secondary education, and 71.9% are employed and largely in the informal sector. The Likert scale of satisfaction reveals that the buyers are moderately satisfied with safety and security (2.83), firefighting (2.80) and spaces for buying and selling (2.73) and these are the least three factors in that category. In contrast, the sellers are dissatisfied with the condition of the shops and stalls (2.48), cleanliness (2.33) and noise levels (2.02). Inferential evidence reveals that both age (t= - 2.706; β = -0.091, sig = 0.008 < 0.05) and level of education (t= -0.698; β = -0.028, sig = 0. 486 > 0.05) have negative prediction for satisfaction. The study concludes that apart from the general market condition, safety and security is the most critical factor to consider in the management plan for the Mowe market. The study recommends a regeneration plan towards improving the general conditions of the market to enhance users' satisfaction.
Simulation of Window-to-Wall Ratio for Thermal Comfort of Fully-Enclosed Courtyard Residential Buildings in Kafanchan
Authors: Markus B.
Published: February 2023

The literature has revealed that relationship between the courtyard and the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) is paramount to thermal comfort of fully-enclosed courtyard residential buildings. This study, therefore, seeks to determine the optimum WWR for fully-enclosed courtyard residential building typology for Kafanchan and its environs. The Integrated Environment Solution and Virtual Environment (IES-VE) simulation software was used to simulate five typologies of WWRs for four typologies of room area(s) in fully-enclosed courtyard residential buildings in Kafanchan. The IES-VE software was used for the simulation experiment. WWRs were developed into five models which were simulated to determine the optimum. The results revealed that, WWR4 (window size of 1.44m2) has better air temperature condition in all the room areas than all the remaining WWRs. This suggests that it is the best, followed by WWR3, 2, 1 and 5 respectively. Conclusively, WWR4 is the optimum. However, further simulation studies are required to understand optimum location of windows for improved airflow in the fullyenclosed courtyard building.
The Holy Communion as Case Text in Grammatical Transitivity in Religious Discourse
Authors: Dada Charisa , Adagbonyin Asomwan A.
Published: February 2023

This article examines grammatical transitivity in religious discourse through Halliday's grammatical system of transitivity under the ideational metafunction - one of the three metafunctions that together characterise the passage of discourse in systemic functional linguistics. Halliday's transitivity theory provides a useful linguistic framework for uncovering the main linguistic features of religious discourse because given meanings inhere in given structures. The data for the analysis is the communion service with Pastor Chris in April 2013. The paper contributes towards an understanding of how the grammatical system of transitivity can be used extensively to clarify features and meanings in any religious discourse whether the patterns are conventional or non-conventional. The analysis reveals that the three main process types in this paper in order of hierarchy are material, verbal, and relational in the Holy Communion as against Halliday's three principal processes of material mental and relational in any discourse.
Impact of Covid-19 Social Distancing Protocol on the Private Sector Dance Troupes in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Udoka Arnold B.
Published: February 2023

The conrmed case of Covid-19 in Lagos State made it the epicentre of the virus in Nigeria. To this end, the federal government adopted public health protocols to curb its spread which included social distancing at the end of March 2020. The response measure of social distancing had grave consequences on the services of the private sector dance troupes in the state. This study adopted the exploratory research design. The population comprised private dance troupes based on a random selection of troupes that could be reached through mobile phones and other social media platforms. The objective of the study was to provide data on the impact of the social distancing measure on dance service providers in Lagos State and to establish the place of dance in the state’s political economy. The findings showed that the Covid-19 social distancing measure impacted negatively on 100% of dance service providers in the private sector during the period under review and that this sector was neglected as a matter of the socio-economic policy of the state. It was recommended that the policy of the government should not be discriminatory against dance operators in the private sector; a policy that addressed the plight of such operators should be formulated; alternatives that leveraged digital technology should be explored to scale up modes of dance presentations that guaranteed job and social security for all times in the sector. The study concluded that the deleterious impact of the measure of social distancing on the dance economy of the private dance troupes of Lagos State could have been mitigated if there was a policy framework that guaranteed culture security which would have benetted both the private dance troupes and Lagos State economy during the first four months of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
Health Information and Users’ Beliefs: A Study of Herbal Medicine Users’ Attitudes to Efcacy of Herbal Medicine
Authors: Kenechukwu Stephen Afam , Ogah Abari , Ifeanyichukwu Aloysius Chukwuebuka
Published: February 2023

The study examined the correlation between herbal users’ beliefs and the efficacy of herbal medicine based on health information. The study was anchored on the Health Belief Model which predicts health behaviours by focusing on the attitudes and beliefs of individuals. Using survey design, the study was carried out in select towns of Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi which represent three senatorial zones in Anambra State, Nigeria. The sample size of 400 respondents was randomly selected. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. Major findings revealed that users’ beliefs do not necessarily add to the potency of herbal drugs. It also revealed that interpersonal communication is most effective through testimonials/referrals by users. Social media is equally effective for an online audience but there is minimal use of mainstream media. Based on the findings, it is recommended that health education and health information should be emphasised. Equally, regulatory bodies in Nigeria such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) should ensure strict adherence to standards on herbal products and the nature of information and claims.
Organizing, Planning and Developing Visual Style in Screen Directing during Pre-Production
Authors: Babalola Oluyinka Smart
Published: February 2023

The screen director is the originator of the artistic vision and a repository of requisite knowledge and craft needed to bring all the arts and technology of filmmaking together. To be effective, the screen director must master the technology of film and learn how to manipulate the essential elements of the film form across the different stages of production. This paper outlines the processes and personnel needed to help the director achieve his/her duties optimally during the preproduction stage of filmmaking. This study from a participant-observer point of view developed as a result of years of experience in film production and pedagogy, describes practically, the various aspects of pre-production planning. From the shooting plan, which is a practical expression of the director’s vision of the script, to the creative decisions that emanate from that vision through a deep understanding of the theme or subject matter, the director creates a shooting script from the screenplay that is used by the producer and all departmental heads. The actordirector relationship is also very important to film production and this starts from the point of an actor auditioning for a role in a film. The rehearsal, which is the final stage of pre-production, is very crucial to filmmaking and every reasonable director rehearses the cast before principal photography. Working with colour, contrast, tone, pattern, etc., in choosing fabrics and materials, the costume, makeup, hairdressing and props team keys into the overall look of the film, in consultation with the director and the producer. This guide also explains the aspects of the schedule, budget, location, crewing and how it concerns the screen director. Everything about the film is concluded on paper well before production. From screenplay/rewrites, shooting script, floorplans, shooting plans, shot list, design sketches, lighting plots, camera movements and angles, through hiring crew; selecting and testing equipment, to location recce; auditioning and casting etc., a hardworking director makes adequate preparation at the pre-production stage.
The Print Media and the Evolution of Third-Generation Nigerian Poetry
Authors: Olusunle Tunde
Published: February 2023

Previous literary scholarship and critical allusions to the evolution of Nigerian literature have unanimously acknowledged the emergence of a third generation of Nigerian poetry. This development which gained accentuation between 1980 and 2000, threw up an avalanche of successors to the second-generation poets, notably: Odia Ofeimun, Tanure Ojaide, Niyi Osundare, Okinba Launko, Catherine Acholonu and Omolara Ogundipe-Leslie. Despite the visible numerical strength of this new generation of writers; their aggregate prolificity and their gross contribution to our national creative output, adequate seminal attention has not been paid to the role of the print media in the catalysation of this milieu. This study, therefore, situates the third generation of Nigerian poets and their works, within the context that they are bonafide products of the print media. They sprouted and flourished in an era where creative activity, triggered by national socio-economic realities, bloomed without collateral and commensurate outlets for the expression of this creative outburst. They have continued to sustain the richness and robustness of Nigeria’s poetic traditions. Their continuing commitment to socio-political engagements has reinforced the enterprise of preceding generations. This study will constitute a veritable reference material on the emerging corpus of critical discourse on the evolution of Nigerian poetry, deriving from the pages of Nigerian newspapers, en route to the 20th century.
Reasserting Tunde Kelani’s Auteurism: A Review of his Artistic Signature in Arugba
Authors: Nyarko Nyamekye , Aketema Joseph
Published: February 2023

Tunde Kelani (TK) is one of the few astute filmmakers of the African continent whose cinematic works defy laid-down artistic styles and conventions. He expresses his cinematic language and narrative styles, which famously pay high credence to Yoruba cosmology, beliefs, and poetic and folkloric narrative elegance. Tunde Kelani’s auteurial and linguistic styles reflect every other artistic work he produces. Apart from giving his audience something of traditional and Afrocentric worth, he heightens themes of corruption and its devastating consequences on society through his films. Through content analysis, this article considers the thematic concerns of Tunde Kelani’s Arugba (2009). The term, auteurism is not a new concept when it comes to appraising the works of Tunde Kelani but new in the filmic discourse of Arugba (2009). Tunde’s cinematic signature is expounded to give insight into the themes raised as a means of explication. The conclusion reached is that TK exudes ideological, cultural, poetic and metaphysical motifs in the film Arugba (2009) in ways that intensify his concerns about the decaying political and societal rot within African society.
A Contrastive Analysis of Word Formation Processes in French and Yorùbá: Areas of Convergence and Divergence
Authors: Lateef Ajani Akinwumi
Published: February 2023

The paper attempts to find answers to the following questions: are there areas of convergence/divergence in the word formation processes in French and Yorùbá? In what areas are the convergence and divergence? And if there is divergence, does it possess any learning difficulty for Yorùbá learners of the French language? To answer the questions, the paper ventures into the contrastive analysis of word formation processes in French and Yorùbá. Adopting the literary and historical-analytic methods, it takes a close at the various processes of word formation in both languages and points out areas of convergence and divergence. The paper further analyses the import of divergence regarding the mastery of the word formation process in French by the Yorùbá French learners and concludes by offering some didactic approaches that could make the wordformation process in French easier for the Yorùbá learners of the French language.
Advancing Indigenous African Values and Ethos for Film Directing and Production in Nollywood
Authors: Balogun Olusola Kayode , Adeseke Adefolaji Eben
Published: February 2023

For several decades, African film narratives and directorial approaches have been tailored towards the western modes of theoretical postulations and production patterns. This is due to the widely accepted conventional training modules and curricula which were and still are based on European ideas, values and styles, with little or no regard for the unique African theatrical and performative styles. This study, therefore, aims at investigating certain indigenous cultural and historical activities such as folktales, myths and legends that can provide raw materials for film and video drama in Africa; and thus serve as a basis for the evolution of new theoretical standpoints for producing works in the motion picture industry on the continent. Using the cultural norms and agenda-setting theories as frameworks, the study focuses on Nigeria, drawing relevant data from selected ethnic groups across the country, such as Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa/Fulani, Benin, etc. The study is expected to evolve relevant indigenous theories on African oral tradition, folktales, myths and legendsas parameters for creating and producing films and video works that are authentically African.
Nigerian National Theatre and the New Economy
Authors: Yerima Bridgette R. , Ohenhen Stanley
Published: February 2023

The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have become very contributory to the development of most economies, both in the developed and the developing worlds. They form the bedrock of the economies of modern societies. The contribution of national theatres of nations across the world, in the component of the creative industry and its contributions to the 21st century economy or new economy is expectedly, immense. More so, as the institution represents a critical phenomenon in the arts and culture sectors. It is against this background that this paper examines the quintessential role of the national theatre (NT) in Nigeria in the overall involvement of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) to the 21st century economy, with a view to establishing how impactful the institution has been in the dispensation of such roles, identifying its challenges and making helpful recommendations. One-on-one in-depth interviews, focused group discussions and archival resources are largely relied upon, and data obtained subjected to content analysis. Indeed, the national theatre of Nigeria represents, like its counterpart in the developed nations of the world, an iconic pedestal for the CCIs and, therefore, contributes immensely to the Nigeria’s economy.
Anitfungal and Phytochemical Screening of Carica Papaya Seed Extract
Authors: Achukwu Ngozika O. , Aniobi Charles C. , Isiofia Peace O. , Ajare Chidinma A. , Agu Adaora N.
Published: February 2023

Carica papaya is a plant known globally for its nutritional properties. The various part of the plant has therapeutic potential. The seed was analyzed to determine its proximate, phytochemical in-vivo activity against fungi isolates using methanol, n-hexane, ethanol and aqueous extract of the seed. The proximate analysis showed that the seed contains protein, carbohydrate, fiber, ash. The phytochemical contents tested were alkaloids, saponin, phenol, flavonoids, glycoside, tannin, anthraquinone and steroid. The in-vitro antifungal analysis activity of Carica papaya seed was determined using agar well diffusion method. The fungal isolates tested were Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium and Penicillium. All the isolates were sensitive to both extracts at different concentration. The highest zone of inhibition recorded was against Candida albicans and the least was against Fusarium 6mm. The methanol and ethanol extract had a better zone of inhibition as antifungal at the 100mg/ml than the n-hexane and aqueous extract. The seed of Carica papaya has abortifacient, emmenagogue, counter irritant and vermifuge (Singh and Ali, 2011). The seed of carica papaya has both nutritional and therapeutic benefits (Joachim et al., 2013). The seed is reported to have antibacterial and antifungal properties (Kanadi et al., 2021). Kanadi et al. (2019) in their report wrote that C. papaya seed possesses preventive measures against potassium bromated induced renal toxicity in rats.  It is of great importance to assess the nutritive and medicinal use of this plant for improved usage. Fungi causes harm to different parts of the human body such as the foot, tongue, skin, nail, cardiovascular, nervous digestive and system (He et al., 2017).  Fungal infections like candidiasis can be very severe and even fatal in immunocompromised patients (Wirth et al., 2008, Morace et al., 2014). There has been an increasing report of resistance of drugs to fungal infections due to drug abuse and wide usage of antifungal drugs broad spectrum like fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole (Sheikh et al., 2018). Most antifungal agents are antifungal property and could serve as alternative antifungal agent.
Serum Glutathione Peroxidase and Superoxide Dismutase Levels in Young Adult Active Smokers and Non-Smokers in a Southwest Based Tertiary Institution
Authors: Oladunjoye Z.M , Adejumo E.N. , Ganiyu A.O , Quadri J.A.
Published: February 2023

Cigarette smoking is still a major public health issue, as it is the primary cause of various preventable diseases and premature deaths around the world. Previous studies have shown that tobacco components aggravate respiratory burst thus increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This case-control study is to examine glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels among young adult active and non-active cigarette smokers at a tertiary institution in South West, Nigeria. This descriptive comparative study was carried out to compare the levels of serum glutathione peroxidase by Paglia and Valentine method and Nebot method of superoxide dismutase estimation in young adult active smokers and non-smokers in Ogun state based tertiary institution, between February and June, 2021. There was a significantly higher level (p = 0.000) of glutathione peroxidase in the case (55.39 ± 2.87) compared to the control (42.59 ± 2.41). There was no significant difference in the level of the measured antioxidants at different categories of years of smoking among the group of smokers. There was no significant difference in the level of the measured antioxidants at different quantities of cigarettes smoked by the participants. This study revealed that there was no significant difference in the level of the measured antioxidants at different categories of years amd quantity of cigarette smoked among the group of smakers. Prolonged exposure and quantity of cigarette smooke by smokers did not cause depletion of antioxidants among active smokers. However, smoking was associated with a higher level of oxidative stress marker.