bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Non-Coding RNA Function in Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Maegdefessel Lars , Fasolo Francesca
Published: December 2024

In the healthy mature artery, vascular cells, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and fibroblasts are organized in different layers, performing specific functions. SMCs located in the media are in a differentiated state and exhibit a contractile phenotype. However, in response to vascular injury within the intima, stimuli from activated endothelial cells and recruited inflammatory cells reach SMCs and induce a series of remodeling events in them, known as phenotypic switching. Indeed, SMCs retain a certain degree of plasticity and are able to transdifferentiate into other cell types that are crucial for both the formation and development of atherosclerotic lesions. Because of their highly cell-specific expression profiles and their widely recognized contribution to physiological and disease-related biological processes, long non-coding RNAs have received increasing attention in atherosclerosis research. Dynamic fluctuations in their expression have been implicated in the regulation of SMC identity. Sophisticated technologies are now available to allow researchers to access single-cell transcriptomes and study long non-coding RNA function with unprecedented precision. Here, we discuss the state of the art of long non-coding RNAs regulation of SMC phenotypic switching, describing the methodologies used to approach this issue and evaluating the therapeutic perspectives of exploiting long non-coding RNAs as targets in atherosclerosis.
SGK1-Mediated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Transformation Promotes Thoracic Aortic Dissection Progression
Authors: Leng Shuai , Li Haijie , Zhang Pengfei , Dang Zhiqiao , Shao Baowei , Xue Shishan , Ning Yansong , Teng Xilong , Zhang Leilei , Wang Honglu , Li Na , Zhang Fengquan , Yu Wenqian
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

The occurrence of thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is closely related to the transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. The role of SGK1 (serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1) in VSMC phenotypic transformation and TAD occurrence is unclear.

METHODS:

Four-week-old male Sgk1
F/F
(
Sgk1
floxed) and Sgk1
F/F
;Tagln
Cre
(smooth muscle cell–specific
Sgk1
knockout) mice were administered β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate for 4 weeks to model TAD. The SGK1 inhibitor GSK650394 was administered daily via intraperitoneal injection to treat the mouse model of TAD. Immunopurification and mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins that interact with SGK1. Immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence colocalization, and GST (glutathione S-transferase) pull-down were used to detect molecular interactions between SGK1 and SIRT6 (sirtuin 6). RNA-sequencing analysis was performed to evaluate changes in the SIRT6 transcriptome. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine the target genes regulated by SIRT6. Functional experiments were also conducted to investigate the role of SGK1-SIRT6-MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9) in VSMC phenotypic transformation. The effect of SGK1 regulation on target genes was evaluated in human and mouse TAD samples.

RESULTS:

Sgk1
F/F
;Tagln
Cre
or pharmacological blockade of Sgk1 inhibited the formation and rupture of β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate–induced TADs in mice and reduced the degradation of the ECM (extracellular matrix) in vessels. Mechanistically, SGK1 promoted the ubiquitination and degradation of SIRT6 by phosphorylating SIRT6 at Ser338, thereby reducing the expression of the SIRT6 protein. Furthermore, SIRT6 transcriptionally inhibits the expression of MMP9 through epigenetic modification, forming the SGK1-SIRT6-MMP9 regulatory axis, which participates in the ECM signaling pathway. Additionally, our data showed that the lack of SGK1-mediated inhibition of ECM degradation and VSMC phenotypic transformation is partially dependent on the regulatory effect of SIRT6-MMP9.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings highlight the key role of SGK1 in the pathogenesis of TAD. A lack of SGK1 inhibits VSMC phenotypic transformation by regulating the SIRT6-MMP9 axis, providing insights into potential epigenetic strategies for TAD treatment.
Cost-Effectiveness of Intensive Blood Pressure Control in Youth With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Vincent Carol L. , Poehling Katherine A. , Rigdon Joseph , Schaich Christopher L. , South Andrew M. , Downs Stephen M.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Intensive blood pressure (BP) control in youth with chronic kidney disease (CKD) slows progression, delaying the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Most youth with CKD have hypertension and BP control is difficult to achieve outside of controlled experimental settings. Implementing effective BP control strategies in this population may be cost-saving despite requiring additional resources. Our objective was to determine the economic and clinical impact of intensive versus usual care for BP management in youth with CKD in a microeconomic model.

METHODS:

We developed a decision tree from the US payer perspective to estimate the total costs and clinical effect of an intensified BP intervention over 5 years, modeled after the ESCAPE trial (Effect of Strict Blood Pressure Control and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme [ACE] Inhibition on Progression of Chronic Renal Failure in Pediatric Patients) protocol. We compared this intervention to usual care in a hypothetical population of youth with mild-to-moderate CKD. Probabilities were informed by published literature; cost estimates were informed by publicly available data. Our outcomes were the net discounted cost of an intensive BP intervention, number needed to treat with the intervention to prevent 1 KRT episode, and incremental cost per KRT episode avoided.

RESULTS:

An intensive BP intervention, with a goal of an average 24-hour mean arterial pressure <50th percentile, improved outcomes with net cost savings of $9440 per participant over 5 years compared with usual care. To prevent 1 episode of KRT over 5 years, 13 participants need to receive intensive BP intervention.

CONCLUSIONS:

Routine use of the ESCAPE protocol for intensive BP control in youth with CKD could save overall costs for the payer and improve clinical outcomes.
Biafran Separatism in Post-War Nigeria: Religious Identity, Intergroup Threats, and the (In)compatibility of Christianity and Islam
Authors: Ossai Emmanuel Chiwetalu , Okwueze Malachy Ikechukwu
Published: December 2024

The Republic of Biafra was created out of Nigeria on May 30, 1967. Consisting mainly of Igbo Christians, Biafra officially ceased to exist on January 15, 1970, following a 30-month war. Most studies of the contemporary demand among some Igbo people for Biafra’s restoration do not examine its religious dimension, and the minimal research on its religious drivers has paid less attention to the Igbo Christian identity, despite the significant position of Christianity in Igboland and Eastern Nigeria more broadly. Data obtained from July to October 2020 through 21 key informant interviews and 229 questionnaire respondents from Nigeria indicates that the present-day support for Biafra’s restoration is partially motivated by Christian identity, perceived realistic and symbolic threats from Islam and northern Nigerian Muslims, and a notion that Christianity and Islam are incompatible. To address separatism in Nigeria, a strategic response should take its religious drivers into account.
Challenging the Narrative
Authors: Gupta Vishwas , Yadav Prashant Dev
Published: December 2024

This article delves into the complex issues surrounding majoritarian fundamentalism and minority insecurity in contemporary India. It carefully examines the various ways in which majoritarian influence manifests in Indian society, including electoral trends, legislative decisions, and public discourse data. Rather than presenting a simplistic view of majoritarianism as a uniform and unchanging force, the article argues that it is a contested terrain shaped by historical, socio-political, and economic factors. The analysis highlights instances where majoritarian policies have been challenged and minority rights upheld, demonstrating the resilience of democratic principles and social movements. The article also critiques sensationalist media portrayals that perpetuate stereotypes and divisive narratives, advocating for responsible journalism that fosters understanding and empathy across communities. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the importance of inclusive leadership, dialogue, and collaboration in building cohesive societies, drawing on successful inter-community harmony and grassroots cooperation models. It underscores the need for nuanced discourse and evidence-based analysis to address systemic injustices and promote social cohesion in India.
Sinful Worlds, Divine Purposes, and Justifications of Slavery in Alonso de Sandoval’s De instauranda Aethiopum salute
Authors: Clay George
Published: December 2024

To twenty-first-century eyes, the question of how Jesuits could minister to enslaved people, while simultaneously enslaving them, can seem hard to resolve. This article examines the work of the Jesuit Alonso de Sandoval (1576–1652), De instauranda Aethiopum salute, as a window into the worldview of a Jesuit who was also an enslaver. The apparent tension between the two Jesuit activities of ministry and slaveholding has often led to distorted representations of Sandoval as a humanitarian or proto-abolitionist. This article seeks to resolve the apparent tension by examining Sandoval as a religious thinker who articulated justifications of transatlantic slavery. It argues that in De instauranda a view of the temporal world as inherently sinful, and a faith in God’s ultimate plan for the salvation of the fallen world, combined to justify and celebrate transatlantic slavery as an instrument of salvation. Sandoval’s faith in divinely ordained hierarchies meant that he saw no contradiction between Christian charity and colonial slavery. This worldview deserves further attention from scholars who wish to understand the mentalité of the seventeenth-century Society of Jesus on its own terms.
Sola voce triumphat: Festivities for the Beatification of Ignatius of Loyola in Goa in 1610
Authors: Teles e Cunha João , Pereira Coutinho Maria João
Published: December 2024

A rare manuscript kept in Torre do Tombo (Lisbon, Portugal) preserves the memory of several celebrations of the beatification of Ignatius of Loyola, which took place around the realms of the Spanish Habsburgs in 1609–11. Among these, there is the account of those organized in Goa in 1610, whose narrative reveals the cultural hybridization of European and Indian influences, in a nod to the local population to make readable the Jesuit message to a wider audience. Such Indian influences also reflected the origin of the craftsmen employed in constructing vehicles, decorations, and machines, whose cultural background conditioned the final result. The Jesuit narrative, however, depicted Indians either as props (used in procession for their exoticism) or as bystanders (as no one is individualized in the narrative, except key official figures invited by the Society to participate in the celebration).
An Imagological Analysis of the Video Game Black Myth: WuKong
Authors: Yuan Wenjie
Published: December 2024

In this paper, an analytical approach is applied to the globally acclaimed game, Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by the classic novel Journey to the West, which stands out in the transmission of Chinese culture. A model is proposed, taking into account four basic concepts: proto-image, image ontology, image realization, and image reception, tracing the literary sources manifested in the game. The exploration covers how narrative structures, multimodal systems, and gameplay change during the transition from text to game. Finally, the reception and evaluation of these changes are examined, illustrating the interactive process between game developers as image creators and players as image receivers. The formation of images in the digital era is viewed as distinct from traditional media and urgently needs attention.
AI-Driven 5G Network Optimization: A Comprehensive Review of Resource Allocation, Traffic Management, and Dynamic Network Slicing
Authors: Bikkasani Dileesh , Yerabolu Malleswar
Published: December 2024

The rapid advancement of 5G networks, coupled with the increasing complexity of resource management, traffic handling, and dynamic service demands, underscores the necessity for more intelligent network optimization techniques. This paper comprehensively reviews AI-driven methods applied to 5G network optimization, focusing on resource allocation, traffic management, and network slicing. Traditional models face limitations in adapting to the dynamic nature of modern telecommunications, while AI techniques—particularly machine learning (ML) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL)—offer scalable and adaptive solutions. These approaches facilitate real-time optimization by learning from network conditions, predicting traffic patterns, and managing resources intelligently across virtual network slices. The integration of AI into 5G networks enhances performance, reduces latency, and ensures efficient bandwidth utilization, which is essential for supporting emerging applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous systems, and augmented reality. Furthermore, this paper highlights key AI techniques and their applications to 5G challenges, illustrating their potential to drive future innovations in network management. By laying the groundwork for autonomous network operations in 6G and beyond, this research emphasizes the transformative impact of AI on telecommunications infrastructure and its role in shaping the future of connectivity.
Role of Bioelectrical Signaling Networks in Tumor Growth
Authors: Yusifov Taleh , Qudretova Fidan , Aliyeva Aysel
Published: December 2024

The ion channels are distributed in all cells and promote the rapid influx of ions that underlie the formation of cellular bioelectrical signals. Bioelectrical signals coupled with other regulator mechanisms provide fundamental physiological cellular processes, such as cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, which are strongly associated with the manifestation of cancer hallmarks. Alterations in the bioelectrical signaling mechanism underlie the unusual bioelectrical features of cancer cells. Investigating the role of bioelectrical signals in tumor growth provides fundamental insights into cancer diagnosis and tumor-targeted treatment. Hence, this field of research is becoming one of the frontrunners of cancer medicine, and advances in biophysical tools are enabling progress in understanding this biological phenomenon. Recent studies have revealed that bioelectrical signals represent a promising target in cancer therapy. It is becoming increasingly convincing that cancer conditions can be reversed to normal by regulating the bioelectrical signaling mechanism of cells. Herein, we provide a brief review of the role of bioelectrical signals in cancer pathophysiology and provide data on the manipulation of this signaling mechanism as a novel approach to preventing malignant growth.
Gardnerella-associated Vaginosis Among Women of Child-Bearing Age Attending a Tertiary Hospital-Cameroon: Prevalence and Predicting Factors
Authors: Nsongmayi Ekwi , Ngwa Ambe , Bruno Ebong , Isabelle Lendem , Carole Edima-Durand , Emmanuela Ntemun
Published: December 2024

Background: Gardnerella vaginalis being one of the major causes of bacterial vaginosis poses serious health problems by causing damage to the vaginal epithelial cells and disrupt the protective barrier of the mucosa, thereby increasing susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases, and complications during pregnancy. Objective: This descriptive cross-sectional study was aimed at determining the prevalence and predicting factors for the occurrence of Gardnerella-associated vaginosis among women of reproductive age attending a tertiary hospital in Cameroon. Methods: The study was performed on 200 women, randomly selected and of reproductive age, who attended the Buea Regional hospital from April to June 2024. A well-structured and pretested questionnaire was used to obtain demographic and clinical data from volunteers. Sterile swabs were used to collect vaginal samples which were inoculated on Colombia agar with 5% sheep infusion and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Gram staining, microscopy, biochemical testing and presence of Clue cells were used to identify Gardnerella vaginalis infection. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS version 22.0 and Odd Ratios to determine the relationship among variables at a significance level P<0.05. Results: Results showed that 124 cases were positive for Gardnerella vaginalis infection (62.0%). The mean age of participants was 25.15±0.731 years and patients between 16-25 years recorded the highest prevalence (39%) of Gardnerella vaginalis infection. Socioeconomically, unemployed participants showed the highest prevalence (65.3%), although the difference was not significant (P=0.49). Abnormal vaginal discharge was significantly (P=0.02) associated with the highest prevalence (75%) among other clinical parameters. This study revealed significant associations of the use of antiseptic soap while douching (OR: 4.92; 95% CI: 1.4–13.66; P=0.026), being sexually active (OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.1-10.06; P=0.04), as well as diabetes (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.99–9.43; P=0.041) and regular intake of anti-inflammatory drugs (OR: 4.01; 955 CI: 1.2-13.01; P=0.038), which strongly predicted occurrence of Gardnerella vaginalis infection. Conclusion: Mindful of the above analyses, it is important that women of reproductive age must be promptly checked for bacterial vaginosis and determine predicting factors for its occurrence, which will help policy makers to put in place appropriate preventive and treatment measures to curb complications during pregnancy and transmission of STDs.
Knowledge Exchange Between Neural Network Toward Dawn of Language
Authors: Yanagawa Seisuke
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the nervous system is composed of a combination of common structure components, indicating that the hierarchical structure may lead to a great evolution to cognitive function extending eating behavior. The common component (basic unit) is a set that combines neural circuits to cylindrical forms, and the basic unit has an affinity with the structure of pillars, barrels, or blobs in neuroscience. Use multiple input and output to achieve a variable value function. By connecting a basic unit in a hierarchically, it can be done more complex time -series data process and can be add almost unlimited. Time series data is saved by repeating judgment and action. Save data includes not only food and other objects, but also surrounding situations. If the new situation resembles the elements of the time that is already recorded, the approximation element becomes active and the activation spreads throughout the past time series data. Time series data is constantly updated with processing. As example, reality turns into a new cause, and prediction turns into a new reality. If the two areas are often active at the same time, even if only one area becomes active, the corresponding areas will also change. This learning function corresponds to Hebb's law in neuroscience. This feature is the basis of imitation and conditional learning, enabling people to communicate with fellows and enabling collective actions. This ability is an indispensable ability to build a society and is the beginning of a language. Languages can express events not only in the past or future events, but also in places where sensory organs cannot reach. It has been inherited for generations as a culture. In this paper, a new layer is proposed at the top of the neural network that has evolved from eating behavior. The processing of the new layer is asynchronous with the lower layer, but it performs a complementary process and enables event communication with friends. This ability is the basics of language. The process of forming common knowledge exchanging questions and teachings between two neural networks is shown a simple example.
Difficulty of Announcing Congenital Heart Disease in a Child in a Hospital Setting in our Context
Authors: Salimi Soundousse , Kibangou Angela , Marzouki Nisrine , Moboula Chrislaine , Hajjaji Salima
Published: December 2024

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is synonymous with a frequent, serious, very long-lasting disease. It is necessary throughout the child's development phase and conditions his or her lifestyle. This is due on the one hand to the physical health problem, but also to the appearance of secondary psychological and social disorders, the possible course of the child's life conditions the quality of it, his future autonomy is therefore the total success of the treatment. The problems of the child and his or her family must be addressed in a comprehensive manner by the paediatrician and the attending physician, who must accompany them in facing the obstacles of society. The pediatric cardiotrician and the attending physician must inform the parents of the diagnosis, although it is difficult, and endeavour to give all the required information and clear, precise recommendations, adapted to the specific situation of the child. In this work we report a prospective study on a series of 51 children and their parents over a period of 5 months in a hospital setting, while performing a bibliographic search in the main search engines and research in the field of psychology.
Effects of Prolonged Screen Time on Children Aged 1-5 Years – A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Jesmine Jakiya , Sultana Ajmiri , Jui Farjana , Sonia Umme , Thakur Mukta , Shaon Mohammad , Ahmed Shakil
Published: December 2024

Introduction: With the advancement of digital technology, people are enjoying the benefits of it in the context of information gathering, entertainment, saving physical time, and advertisement. Yet with good outcomes many undesirable side effects happen not only in adults but also in children. The prolonged use of screen time for children's physical, mental, and social health and development has now become a concern. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of prolonged screen time and its impact on children aged 1-5 years. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January, 2020 to July, 2020. This study included 150 children aged between 1 -5 years who used various screen devices daily. Children were divided into two groups – Group A (Children used screen time >2 hours/day) and Group B (Children used screen time <2 hours/day). Result: The mean age was 3.6 ±0.04 years and most of the children were male (60%). During meal time, 86% of children showed adverse effects like aggressiveness and stopped eating in group A, and 28 (37%) & 21 (28%) children demanded devices at sleep time in groups A & B respectively. Regarding nutritional effects, 26(35%) children of group A were overweight and 16(21%) were underweight. In group B, it is 28% and 20% respectively. Conclusion: The findings showed that using devices for more than 2 hours per day by children aged 1-5 years, was detrimental in regards to sleep disturbance, eating behavior, and nutritional condition.
Design and Construction of Analog Water Heater Chamber (AWHC) for Sma Rod and Spring Tensile Testing
Authors: Abubakar Rabiu
Published: December 2024

This study details the design and construction of an Analog Water Heater Chamber (AWHC) specifically tailored for tensile testing of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) rods and springs. The AWHC is designed to simulate various temperature conditions, enabling precise control over the thermo-mechanical behavior of SMA specimens. Energy conversion from the electrical to heat form is achieved using an electrical heating element of 1000 watts. This heat is transferred to the SMA spring/wire using convection using a water medium, and phase transformation occurs. The chamber's unique design allows for real-time monitoring of deformation and recovery processes under controlled temperature and loading conditions. Different test results for both the SMA rod and SMA spring at various loading rates and constant temperature, and continuous loading rate and different temperatures showed a good thermo-mechanical coupling result The AWHC's performance was validated through tensile testing of SMA rods and springs, demonstrating its efficacy in evaluating the mechanical properties and phase transformation temperatures of these materials. The results show excellent correlation with theoretical predictions, confirming the AWHC's suitability for characterizing SMA behavior under diverse thermal and mechanical conditions. This research contributes to the development of efficient testing protocols for SMA components, paving the way for their enhanced integration into various engineering applications, thus the aim of which AWHC is designed for is achieved.
The Little Prince of Saint Exupery: A Mourning Work
Authors: Morin Michelle
Published: December 2024

Antoine de Saint Exupery writes The Little Prince in 1943. He lives in New York with his wife Consuelo. He draws little fellows on table cloths and napkins and his editors suggest him to write a tale for children illustrated by him. The Little Prince is the story of a little fellow coming from an asteroid, who becomes the friend of an aviator who crashed in the desert with his plane just like Saint Exupery. The little fellow dies at the end of the tale, bitten by a snake and returns to his asteroid. I. asked myself like Freud for Gradiva, if Saint Exupery had not lost a brother or a friend in his childhood. Yes he did, like Jensen the author of Gradiva, the story of a young girl who relives in Pompei. The tale of the Little Prince repeats a great friendship of the childhood and is a mourning work. The Little Prince reminds me the Gradiva of Jensen and the link made by Freud between the revival of a young girl in Pompei and the life of the author. The function of writing is to symbolize, to recreate, to repair. In the Little Prince there is also a mourning work.
A Geospatial Assessment of Campus Growth on the Urbanization of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria
Authors: Oluwole Ogunlade , Gbenga Oyewunmi
Published: December 2024

This study examines the influence of campus growth on the urbanization of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, focusing on metropolitan urban sprawl. Utilizing both primary and secondary data, the research sources original data from the Ekiti State Office of the Surveyor General, which includes boundary point coordinates for three major institutions: Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), and Ekiti State University (EKSU). Complementary satellite imagery data were obtained from Landsat 7 ETM (2004), Landsat 8 OLI-TIRS (2014), and Landsat 9 OLI-TRIS (2024), with a resolution of 30 meters. A fundamental aspect is the identification of changes in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) over time, analyzed through remote sensing and GIS methods using Landsat imagery from the founding years of the campuses. The methodology involved preprocessing steps such as mosaicking and photo editing, followed by image enhancement techniques like histogram equalization. Supervised classification, particularly Maximum Likelihood Classification, was employed to categorize land cover into built-up areas, vegetation, and water bodies across the years 1998, 2004, 2014, and 2024. Buffer zones of one, two, and three kilometers were created around each campus using ArcMap’s "Buffer" feature. The findings reveal that all three campuses significantly influence the local urban landscape, with ABUAD showing the most rapid expansion since its establishment. This study underscores the relationship between campus growth and urbanization dynamics in Ado Ekiti, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and strategies to mitigate the effects of urban expansion in metropolitan areas.
Assessing the Quality of Ordinary Least Squares in General Lp Spaces
Authors: Hoffman Kevin , Montesinos-Yufa Hugo
Published: December 2024

In the context of regression analysis, we propose an estimation method capable of producing estimators that are closer to the true parameters than standard estimators when the residuals are non-normally distributed and when outliers are present. We achieve this improvement by minimizing the norm of the errors in general Lp spaces, as opposed to minimizing the norm of the errors in the typical L2 space, corresponding to Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). The generalized model proposed here—the Ordinary Least Powers (OLP) model—can implicitly adjust its sensitivity to outliers by changing its parameter p, the exponent of the absolute value of the residuals. Especially for residuals of large magnitude, such as those stemming from outliers or heavy-tailed distributions, different values of p will implicitly exert different relative weights on the corresponding residual observation. We fitted OLS and OLP models on simulated data under varying distributions providing outlying observations and compared the mean squared errors relative to the true parameters. We found that OLP models with smaller p's produce estimators closer to the true parameters when the probability distribution of the error term is exponential or Cauchy, and larger p's produce closer estimators to the true parameters when the error terms are distributed uniformly.
Call for Peace and National Cohesion: Reading from Selected Arabic Literary Texts of Nigerian Authorship
Authors: Yusuf Tajudeen
Published: December 2024

Since ancient times, literature has served as a mirror reflecting society and its progress, often engaging with themes of morality, compassion, unity, and peaceful coexistence within human communities. Literature, through both poetry and prose, communicates ethical values that encourage and educate for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and harmonious social relationships. This study utilizes a descriptive approach to examine the contributions of Nigerian authors in Arabic literature to the promotion of national integration, harmony, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of diverse ethnicities and constituencies. By selecting specific literary texts, especially poetry, from the works of three prominent Nigerian literary figures, this paper investigates how Arabic literature of Nigerian authorship has fostered ideals of unity, harmony, and peaceful cohabitation within Nigeria’s highly heterogeneous socio-political landscape. Findings from the study reveal that numerous Nigerian Arabic literary scholars have significantly contributed to the advocacy for national integration and peace. Their literary productions emphasize the importance of unity among Nigerians, despite the multitude of languages, rich cultural diversity, and varied practices across the country. These literary works serve as powerful tools for promoting tolerance, understanding, and unity, highlighting literature’s essential role in reinforcing shared national values, fostering patriotism, and enhancing collective consciousness in Nigeria’s complex and multicultural society.
Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Among Breastfeeding Women in Abidjan, in 2023
Authors: Douba Alfred , Aka Nicaise , Ahoussou Eric , Akani Christian , Ano Marie , Djoman Christiane , Boa Assemien , Ekra Daniel , Issaka Tiembre
Published: December 2024

Background. In 2022, the WHO recommended the vaccination of breastfeeding women against COVID-19. In the same year, the Minister of Health sent a referral to the National Committee of Independent Experts for Vaccination and Vaccines of Côte d'Ivoire (CNEIV-CI) for its opinion on the vaccination of breastfeeding women against COVID-19 in the country. The CNEIV-CI recommended the vaccination of breastfeeding women against COVID-19. Objective. To identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination among breastfeeding women. Method. We conducted a cross-sectional survey. The study population consisted of breastfeeding women. Data were collected, using a questionnaire, in health centers during a direct interview with breastfeeding women who came for their child's vaccination. The dependent variables were COVID-19 vaccination status and vaccination intention after weaning, and the independent variables were age, education level, religion, living with a partner, and district of residence. A multivariate analysis, by logistic regression, was performed to search for factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination status, on the one hand, and with vaccination intention after weaning, on the other hand. The measure of association was the adjusted Odds Ratio (ajOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and a degree of significance p < 0.05. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Results. A total of 1009 breastfeeding women were surveyed. The respondents median age was 29 years; the minimum age was 16 years and the maximum age was 44 years. 49 % of respondents were vaccinated. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination status among breastfeeding women were education level (ajOR = 8.57; 95 % CI: 4.92 – 14.94), living with a partner (ajOR = 4.75; 95 % CI: 3.34 – 6.76), and age group (ajOR = 1.63; 95 % CI: 1.02 – 2.6). Conclusion. Awareness-raising among women on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination must continue. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination status were living with a partner, education level, and age group. Qualitative studies could be carried out to understand the underlying reasons behind non-vaccination among breastfeeding women.
Exploring Spatial and Temporal Temperature Trends and Characteristics for Sustainable Agricultural Planning in Southern Taraba
Authors: Asa Patrick , Yohanna Luka
Published: December 2024

Knowledge of the past, present and current temperatures in all parts of the atmosphere are crucial for weather forecasting and agricultural practices. Air temperature is one of the most sensitive indicators of the dynamical and physical processes in the atmosphere. It is affected by interactions between air and land or ocean, by the radiation received from the Sun and emitted by the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface, by chemical interactions among others. This paper examined trends and characteristics of temperature in Southern Taraba. Temperature data for the period 1993-2022 were obtained from WorldClim.org. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences was used to determine descriptive statistics of the temperature; linear trend analysis was used to determine the trend of the changes while Fisher's F-test was employed to determine the statistical significance of the changes. The result of the study shows that average values of mean temperature for the period 1993-2022 vary from 27.64°C at Ussa station to 28.17°C while average mean temperature range for the period of study was 2.60°C. Linear trend analysis results of temperature shows positive values indicating a significant general rise in temperature over the study period in all the stations. The study recommends proper dissemination of agro-climatic information for appropriate adjustment and adaptations by farmers in the study for sustainable agricultural development.
Food Safety, Isolation and Antibiogram Escherichia Coli Along Beef Value Chain in Chelenko Town, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Abnet , Mumed Bayan , Dawed Abrahim
Published: December 2024

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common bacterium that can cause significant diseases in both humans and animals. The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses serious risks to public health and food safety, contributing to treatment failures, increased morbidity, and rising healthcare costs. This study, conducted in Chelenko town, Ethiopia, aimed to isolate E. coli and assess its antimicrobial resistance along the beef value chain. The cross-sectional study, carried out from March to September 2022, sought to isolate and identify E. coli in beef samples and evaluate the hygienic practices in abattoirs and butcher shops within Chelenko town, East Hararghe zone, Oromia State, Ethiopia. A total of 384 samples were collected, including 78 beef meat samples, 36 feces samples, 36 water samples, and 234 swab samples from abattoir and butcher staff. Additionally, semi-structured interviews and site observations were used to assess hygienic practices. E. coli was detected in 33 (8.6%) of the total samples, with 16 (7.41%) positive samples originating from abattoirs and 17 (10.12%) from butcher shops. In abattoirs, E. coli was isolated from 2.8% of meat, 2.8% of hand swabs, 2.8% of knife swabs, 19.44% of feces, and 2.8% of water samples. In butcher shops, it was detected in 21.4% of meat, 2.4% of hand swabs, 2.4% of knife swabs, and 11.9% of feces samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high resistance levels, with 97% of isolates resistant to Enrofloxacin, 78.8% to Oxytetracycline and Streptomycin, 72.8% to Tetracycline, and 63.6% to Gentamycin. All E. coli isolates showed complete resistance to Amoxicillin. The study also highlighted poor hygiene practices in both abattoirs and butcher shops, emphasizing the urgent need for improved food safety training and infrastructure to ensure better hygiene in the beef supply chain.
Take "Service Management" as an Example to Explore How to Cultivate College Students' Service Innovation Ability Under the Background of New Quality Productivity
Authors: Shi Yunxia , Zhang Bu
Published: December 2024

In the era of vigorous development of new quality productive forces, the training of service innovative talents has become the key to enhance the competitiveness of the service industry and promote high-quality economic development. The new quality productive forces is reshaping the economic structure and social form, which puts forward higher requirements for college students' service innovation ability. However, at present, there are some problems in the cultivation of service innovative talents in higher education, such as unclear path and insufficient coordination of environment. Based on this, the paper puts forward specific measures from four aspects: curriculum system reconstruction, teaching method innovation, practice platform construction and evaluation system reform, in order to build a service innovative talent training path that meets the requirements of new quality productive forces. Through reconstructing the curriculum system, integrate the advanced theory; Innovative teaching methods to stimulate students' enthusiasm for independent learning; Build a practice platform to strengthen students' practical ability; Reform the evaluation system to fully reflect the cultivation of students' ability. The research not only provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the teaching reform of service management course, but also provides beneficial exploration and enlightenment for the innovation of college talent training mode, which is of great significance for promoting the integration of education and industry.
Impact of Climate Change on Millet and Maize Yields in the Agroecological Zones of Senegal
Authors: Gueye Mame , Tandjigora Amadou , Sy Thierno , Ngom Elhadj
Published: December 2024

Climate change poses a major threat to agricultural productivity, especially in regions where crops are vulnerable to climate variations. This article examines the impact of climate change on millet and corn yields in Senegal by focusing on various agro-ecological zones and using a multiple regression model. The study analyzes the influence of specific climate variables – evapotranspiration, soil temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation – on crop yields. Results show that the model is effective for corn in eastern Senegal, where the coefficients of determination are significant, indicating predictive reliability. However, for millet, coefficients are low across all zones, reflecting limited model quality for this crop. Furthermore, findings reveal that evapotranspiration and soil temperature negatively affect corn yields in eastern Senegal, highlighting the crop’s sensitivity to heat and drought conditions. These findings contrast with some previous research that, by not disaggregating crops, arrives at less specific conclusions. This study advocates for a disaggregated approach in analyzing climate impacts, enabling a more nuanced understanding of effects by crop and zone. It also emphasizes the need to adapt agricultural practices and public policies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, ensuring the resilience of Senegal’s agricultural sector. This research ultimately recommends tailored agricultural practices and policies to mitigate negative climate effects on yields and bolster the sustainability of Senegalese agriculture.
Effects of Time Based Integrated Organic and Mineral Fertilizer Rate Application on Improved Coffee Cultivar Yield at Awada South Ethiopia
Authors: Gebisa Leta
Published: December 2024

Coffee Production plays a significant role in Ethiopian economy, even though the productivity at farm level is among the lowest as compared to other coffee producing country. Soil degradation is one of the most challenging problems in coffee growing areas of Ethiopia. Declining soil fertility is a fundamental problem to agricultural growth and a major reason for slow growth of food production. Therefore, this activity was designed to determine optimum application time of integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers under coffee growing areas and to assess the effects of temporal application effects of integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers on coffee yield and yield stability performance of coffee cultivar. The experiment was conducted with RCBD design with four replications and ten treatments settled from integrated organic and inorganic inputs at Awada Agricultural research sub-center starting from 2013-2023 for the last 10 consecutive years. The result demonstrated that, application of 200kgha-1N, 77kgha-1P and 12.5ton ha-1 integrated nutrient application at each cropping season resulted statically significant higher yield result as compared to the other nutrient applications. The plot treated with the recommended NP + recommended decomposed coffee husk application per year (200kgha-1N, 77kgha-1P and 12.5ton ha-1) indicated over all yield advantage over the other plots by 22.07% or 345kg/ha of clean coffee yield over the recommended (200kgha-1N, 77kgha-1P) applied alone per year and 33.39% or 522kg/ha of clean coffee yield over the plots treated with recommended decomposed coffee husk (12.5ton ha-1) alone application per each cropping season.
Viability Test of Osteoblast Cells After Application of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle from Unam Snail’s Shells In-vitro Examination
Authors: Amalia Leni , Nasution Aini , Ilyas Syafruddin , Amalia Martina , Nasution Indra
Published: December 2024

The bone defect reconstruction process can use hydroxyapatite is osteoconductive and can retain the original biocompatible shape to enhance hydroxyapatite with osteogenic proteins. To analyze the most appropriate concentration of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles using the MTT Assay method and to test the viability of osteoblast cells after being given hydroxyapatite nanoparticle (nHA) derived from unam snail shells. The fabrication of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles from unam snail shells using a mechanical-chemical combination method. Osteoblast cells are obtained from Calvaria rats after being cultured in DMEM. Viability tests of osteoblast cells were done using the MTT Assay method and repeated three times, and then results were measured using an Elisa reader. Viability of osteoblast cells in nHA 1,25 mg/ml (164,60 % ± 0,096), nHA 1,5 mg/ml (151,72 % ± 0,176), nHA 1,75 mg/ml (90,55 % ± 0,243), nHA 2 mg/ml (74,23 % ± 0,301) respectively. ANOVA test shows p < 0,05. IC50 value of hydroxyapatite nanoparticle from the unam snail’s shells to viability osteoblast cells is 2,23 mg/ml. Less concentration of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles tends to increase the viability of osteoblast cells. 1,75 mg/ml and below hydroxyapatite nanoparticles derived from unam snail shells are not toxic to osteoblast cells.
Exploring Managers' Views on Government Support for Special Care Centres for Learners with Severe Intellectual Disabilities in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Zimba Zondani , Botha Renier
Published: December 2024

This study investigates managers' perceptions of the support provided by the Gauteng provincial government to Special Care Centres for Learners with Severe to Profound Intellectual Disabilities. It examines the challenges these managers face and evaluates the adequacy of governmental support from their perspective. Utilizing a Mixed Methods Research (MMR) approach with an exploratory sequential design, the research comprised two phases. In Phase 1, qualitative data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 10 managers, followed by Phase 2, where 31 participants completed a questionnaire. Out of 45 centre managers, 14 did not return the questionnaire. The findings reveal that managers struggle to obtain support from various provincial government departments. While the Departments of Education, Health, and Social Development provide assistance in accordance with policy, departments such as Transport, Cooperative Governance, and Infrastructure fail to meet their obligations. The study recommends enhanced collaboration among provincial departments to improve support for the centres, focusing on transportation for learners to and from the centres, upgrading centre infrastructure, and establishing effective communication channels between managers and government departments.
Impact of Interest Rate, Exchange Rate and Inflation on Stock Market Dynamics in Nigeria
Authors: Peter Adekunle , Olutope Olorunfemi , Muhammad Rabi'a , Ogbuehi Francisca , Amechi Igweze
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to assess the impact of inflation, exchange rate, and interest rate on stock market returns and volatility in Nigeria using data from 2000M1 to 2022M9. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model was employed to investigate the relationship between stock market returns and the independent variables, while the Generalized Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model was used to examine the impact on stock market volatility. Preliminary tests indicated no serial correlation but heteroskedasticity among the independent variables, which was addressed using the ARDL model with a HAC (Newey-West) covariance matrix adjustment. The results revealed significant stock return effects at a 10% level of significance with a lag of 4, suggesting a link to past performance up to four months. Additionally, the prime lending rate exhibited significance at a lag of 1, indicating the stock market's response to changes in the prime lending rate after one month. However, no significant response was found for changes in the exchange rate and inflation during the study period. The GARCH model showed that all variables, except inflation, significantly impacted stock market volatility. Notably, the maximum lending rate, prime lending rate, interbank rate, and Treasury bill rate had substantial effects on stock market volatility. The study suggests that the monetary authority should focus on interest rate mechanisms for more effective and responsive monetary policy decisions, particularly regarding the stock market.