bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformasi Digital Teknik Telekomunikasi Dasar Dan Sistem Telekomunikasi Lanjut
Authors: Bonok Zainudin , Abdussamad Syahrir , Mohamad Yasin , Junus Alya Pratiwi Putri
Published: February 2024

Tujuan Penelitian ini untuk mengoptimalkan   transformasi digital media pembelajaran   Teknik Elektro dan Komputer. Sehingga proses pembelajaran yang lebih fleksibel karena bisa offline dan juga online dan hibryd, serta membantu mahasiswa untuk tetap terus belajar secara mandiri dan termotivasi belajar terus. Selanjutnya pada Transformasi Digital perlu  dikembangkan lebih lanjut agar lebih interaktif. Teknologi transformasi digital merupakan pengembangan teknologi masa depan dengan adanya digitalisasi. Penerapan teknologi digital dapat memfasilitasi mahasiswa untuk tetap terus meningkatkan belajar secara mandiri. Metode yang digunakan adalah perancangan media pembelajaran. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh, transformasi digital media pembelajaran Teknik Elektro dan Komputer   dapat lebih optimal sebab dengan adanya pemanfaatan transformasi digital  maka diharapkan terjadinya digitalisasi dalam proses pembelajaran pada Jurusan Teknik Elektro dan Komputer, sehingga di implementasi transformasi digital pada media pembelajaran Teknik Elektro dan Komputer dapat meningkatakan  motivasi dan kemandirian belajar. Pemanfaatan transformasi digital pada  mata kuliah Teknik Telekomunikasi Dasar dan Sistem Telekomunikasi lanjut.The aim of this research is to optimize the digital media transformation of Electrical and Computer Engineering learning. So the learning process is more flexible because it can be offline as well as online and hybrid, and helps students continue to learn independently and be motivated to continue learning. Furthermore, Digital Transformation needs to be developed further to make it more interactive. Digital transformation technology is the development of future technology with digitalization. The application of digital technology can facilitate students to continue to improve their learning independently. The method used is learning media design. The research results obtained show that digital media transformation for Electrical and Computer Engineering learning can be more optimal because with the use of digital transformation, it is hoped that digitalization will occur in the learning process in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, so that the implementation of digital transformation in Electrical and Computer Engineering learning media can increase motivation. and learning independence. Utilization of digital transformation in Basic Telecommunication Engineering and digitalTelecommunication Systems courses.
Infraestrutura e produtividade no Brasil : análise e recomendação de políticas
Authors: Kubota Luis Claudio , Silva Filho Edison Benedito da , Silva Rogério Diogne de Souza e , Turolla Frederico Araujo , Morais José Mauro de , Rosa Mauricio Benedeti , Paula-Fernandes Maria Eduarda de
Published: February 2024

O capítulo está organizado em seis seções, além da introdução. A seção 2 apresenta tópicos relevantes para a redução do custo com energia elétrica e impacto na eficiência produtiva: abertura do mercado livre de energia elétrica, o papel dos recursos energéticos distribuídos (REDs) e a digitalização do setor de distribuição de eletricidade e os novos modelos de negócio. A seção 3 traz uma análise a respeito do transporte rodoviário. A seção 4 apresenta as iniciativas para a IoT no Brasil. A seção 5 traz uma análise sobre petróleo e gás. A seção 6 traz uma caracterização do ambiente atual de contratualização da prestação dos serviços de infraestrutura no Brasil. A seção 7 contém as recomendações de políticas referentes à energia elétrica, ao transporte rodoviário, à IoT, ao petróleo e gás e à PSP.
CEERS Key Paper. VIII. Emission-line Ratios from NIRSpec and NIRCam Wide-Field Slitless Spectroscopy at z > 2
Authors: Backhaus Bren E. , Trump Jonathan R. , Pirzkal Nor , Barro Guillermo , Finkelstein Steven L. , Arrabal Haro Pablo , Simons Raymond C. , Wessner Jessica , Cleri Nikko J. , Bagley Micaela B. , Hirschmann Michaela , Nicholls David C. , Dickinson Mark , Kartaltepe Jeyhan S. , Papovich Casey , Kocevski Dale D. , Koekemoer Anton M. , Bisigello Laura , Jaskot Anne E. , Lucas Ray A. , Jung Intae , Wilkins Stephen M. , Yung L. Y. Aaron , Ferguson Henry C. , Fontana Adriano , Grazian Andrea , Grogin Norman A. , Kewley Lisa J. , Kirkpatrick Allison , Lotz Jennifer M. , Pentericci Laura , Pérez-González Pablo G. , Ravindranath Swara , Somerville Rachel S. , Yang Guang , Holwerda Benne W. , Kurczynski Peter , Hathi Nimish P. , Rose Caitlin , Davis Kelcey
Published: February 2024

We  use James Webb Space Telescope Near-Infrared Camera Wide Field Slitless Spectroscopy (NIRCam WFSS) and the Near-Infrared spectrograph (NIRSpec) in the Cosmic Evolution Early Release survey to measure rest-frame optical emission-line ratios of 155 galaxies at z > 2. The blind NIRCam grism observations include a sample of galaxies with bright emission lines that were not observed on the NIRSpec masks. We study the changes of the Hα, [O III]/Hβ, and [Ne III]/[O II] emission lines in terms of redshift by comparing to lower-redshift SDSS, CLEAR, and MOSDEF samples. We find a significant (>3σ) correlation between [O III]/Hβ with redshift, while [Ne III]/[O II] has a marginal (2σ) correlation with redshift. We compare [O III]/Hβ and [Ne III]/[O II] to stellar mass and Hβ SFR. We find that both emission-line ratios have a correlation with Hβ SFR and an anticorrelation with stellar mass across the redshifts 0 < z < 9. Comparison with MAPPINGS V models indicates that these trends are consistent with lower metallicity and higher ionization in low-mass and high-SFR galaxies. We additionally compare to IllustrisTNG predictions and find that they effectively describe the highest [O III]/Hβ ratios observed in our sample, without the need to invoke MAPPINGS models with significant shock ionization components.
Electrostatic Dust Analyzer for Dust Transport Measurements on the Lunar Surface
Authors: Wang X. , Horanyi M. , Fisher C. , Eberwein L. , Deca J. , Knappmiller S. , Hansen D. , Levin Z. , Wing R. , Summers D. , Cole W. , Buedel P. , Drouet J. , Tucker S. , Garrick-Bethell I.
Published: February 2024

Lunar dust charging and transport is a more than five-decade-old problem. A high-fidelity and flight-qualified Electrostatic Dust Analyzer (EDA) has been developed to measure the charge, velocity, mass (size), and flux of electrostatically lofted dust particles on the lunar surface. Recent laboratory findings have greatly advanced our fundamental understanding of the dust-charging and -lofting mechanisms, providing critical constraints to the design of the EDA instrument. EDA consists of two identical dust trajectory sensor (DTS) units on both ends of the instrument with a deflection field electrode (DFE) unit lying in between. When a dust particle enters the instrument, charge signals induced on four arrays of wire electrodes in the two DTS units determine the total charge of the dust particle and its trajectory passing through the instrument from which the dust velocity vector is measured. The mass (size) is derived from the deflection of the dust trajectory by the DFE. A dust campaign was performed to characterize the instrument’s performance. The results meet or exceed the requirements. EDA has achieved high Technology Readiness Level 6. EDA measurements are important for assessing the dust environment on the lunar surface and its subsequent impact on crew safety and the operation of exploration systems. Additionally, EDA measurements are expected to have important implications for the surface evolution of all airless bodies, including the Moon and asteroids, in the solar system.
Learning how to read children's books in the digital society: Book trailers as an educational tool in higher education
Authors: Tabernero Sala Rosa , Campos Bandrés Iris Orosia , Colón Castillo María Jesús , Laliena Cantero Daniel
Published: February 2024

The new multimodal reading ecosystem currently contributes to the proposal of forms of mediation that take into account the hybridization of digital and analog paradigms. In this context, illustrated books intended for children can constitute an area of interest, since their discursive and aesthetic codes contribute to the development of multimodal reading strategies and to the positioning of the child reader before the information, at the same time that they generate pleasant reading and knowledge-building experiences. Accordingly, today’s publishing market requires a learning process from the mediator in order to develop the corresponding strategies with which to approach children’s books. Previous research has focused on the book trailer as a virtual epitext for the promotion of publications, and it has analyzed the identity of this tool to demonstrate its effectiveness in the promotion of reading. Along these lines, and with the purpose of verifying how this tool behaves in the introduction of future teachers to children’s books, an intervention is proposed that is based on the creation of book trailers. A total of 860 students from the Early Childhood and Primary Education teaching degree programs participated in the intervention. It included qualitative research that analyzed the documents/epitexts created by the students, written reflections within the framework of this project and the discourse collected a posteriori in interviews and discussion groups on the experience. The results reveal the potential that creating book trailers has for introducing teacher trainees to illustrated children’s books within the framework of the digital society.
Analyzing the impact of quantum computing on IoT security using computational based data analytics techniques
Authors: Alosaimi Wael , Alharbi Abdullah , Alyami Hashem , Alouffi Bader , Almulihi Ahmed , Nadeem Mohd , Kumar Rajeev , Agrawal Alka
Published: February 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) market is experiencing exponential growth, with projections increasing from 15 billion dollars to an estimated 75 billion dollars by 2025. Quantum computing has emerged as a key enabler for managing the rapid expansion of IoT technology, serving as the foundation for quantum computing support. However, the adoption of quantum computing also introduces numerous privacy and security challenges. We delve into the critical realm of quantum-level security within a typical quantum IoT. To achieve this objective, we identified and precisely analyzed security attributes at various levels integral to quantum computing. A hierarchical tree of quantum computing security attributes was envisioned, providing a structured approach for systematic and efficient security considerations. To assess the impact of security on the quantum-IoT landscape, we employed a unified computational model based on Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM), incorporating the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Ordering Preferences by Similarity to Ideal Solutions (TOPSIS) within a fuzzy environment. Fuzzy sets were used to provide practical solutions that can accommodate the nuances of diverse and ambiguous opinions, ultimately yielding precise alternatives and factors. The projected undertaking was poised to empower practitioners in the quantum-IoT realm by aiding in the identification, selection, and prioritization of optimal security factors through the lens of quantum computing.
A new losses (revenues) probability model with entropy analysis, applications and case studies for value-at-risk modeling and mean of order-P analysis
Authors: Elbatal Ibrahim , Diab L. S. , Ghorbal Anis Ben , Yousof Haitham M. , Elgarhy Mohammed , Ali Emadeldin I. A.
Published: February 2024

This study introduces the Inverse Burr-X Burr-XII (IBXBXII) distribution as a novel approach for handling asymmetric-bimodal claims and revenues. It explores the distribution's statistical properties and evaluates its performance in three contexts. The analysis includes assessing entropy, highlighting the distribution's significance in various fields, and comparing it to rival distributions using practical examples. The IBXBXII model is then applied to analyze risk indicators in actuarial data, focusing on bimodal insurance claims and income. Simulation analysis shows its preference for right-skewed data, making it suitable for mathematical modeling and actuarial risk assessments. The study emphasizes the IBXBXII model's versatility and effectiveness, suggesting it as a flexible framework for actuarial data analysis, particularly in cases of large samples and right-skewed data.
SoftVoting6mA: An improved ensemble-based method for predicting DNA N6-methyladenine sites in cross-species genomes
Authors: Yin Zhaoting , Lyu Jianyi , Zhang Guiyang , Huang Xiaohong , Ma Qinghua , Jiang Jinyun
Published: February 2024

The DNA N6-methyladenine (6mA) is an epigenetic modification, which plays a pivotal role in biological processes encompassing gene expression, DNA replication, repair, and recombination. Therefore, the precise identification of 6mA sites is fundamental for better understanding its function, but challenging. We proposed an improved ensemble-based method for predicting DNA N6-methyladenine sites in cross-species genomes called SoftVoting6mA. The SoftVoting6mA selected four (electron–ion-interaction pseudo potential, One-hot encoding, Kmer, and pseudo dinucleotide composition) codes from 15 types of encoding to represent DNA sequences by comparing their performances. Similarly, the SoftVoting6mA combined four learning algorithms using the soft voting strategy. The 5-fold cross-validation and the independent tests showed that SoftVoting6mA reached the state-of-the-art performance. To enhance accessibility, a user-friendly web server is provided at http://www.biolscience.cn/SoftVoting6mA/.
A novel model for malware propagation on wireless sensor networks
Authors: Rey Angel Martin-del
Published: February 2024

The main goal of this work was to propose a novel mathematical model for malware propagation on wireless sensor networks (WSN). Specifically, the proposed model was a compartmental and global one whose temporal dynamics were described by means of a system of ordinary differential equations. This proposal was more realistic than others that have appeared in the scientific literature since. On the one hand, considering the specifications of malicious code propagation, several types of nodes were considered (susceptible, patched susceptible, latent non-infectious, latent infectious, compromised non-infectious, compromised infectious, damaged, ad deactivated), and on the other hand, a new and more realistic term of the incidence was defined and used based on some particular characteristics of transmission protocol on wireless sensor networks.
Unamuno y la experiencia del mar. Un recorrido poético
Authors: Fernández Urtasun Rosa
Published: February 2024

Miguel de Unamuno tuvo durante muchos años una visión del paisaje impregnada de mediaciones históricas y literarias. Así puede verse en sus escritos teóricos sobre el tema y también en sus primeros libros de poesía. Esta mirada dio un giro durante su destierro en Fuerteventura, donde tuvo una experiencia profunda del mar, de alcance metafísico, que le llevó a cambiar no solo su mirada sobre la naturaleza, sino también sobre la religión, la escritura y la historia. Siguiendo este proceso se produce también una evolución en su estilo poético, que va abriéndose cada vez más al ritmo y a la rima hasta culminar en los versos de Cancionero, a los que dedica los últimos años de su vida.
Diez cartas inéditas de Vicente Aleixandre a Guillermo de Torre
Authors: Rojas Pablo
Published: February 2024

Aunque breve, Guillermo de Torre y Vicente Aleixandre mantuvieron entre sí un diálogo epistolar entre 1948 y 1966 que gira en torno a asuntos literarios y editoriales. Aleixandre se preocupó porque su obra se difundiera por Hispanoamérica y también realizó gestiones ante Losada en favor de su amigo Miguel Hernández. Por otra parte, las cartas revelan el común fondo liberal de ambos corresponsales y el intento de edificar un puente de diálogo entre los miembros menos sectarios del exilio interior y exterior. Aunque de forma elíptica, Aleixandre muestra su satisfacción por la caída del régimen peronista y su deseo de que algo similar ocurriera en España.
Implementing the Flipped Classroom Model in Science Lessons for Junior High School Students
Authors: Bessas Nikos , Tzanaki Eleni , Vavougios Dionisios , Plagianakos Vassilis P.
Published: February 2024

The present study refers to the idea of the flipped classroom. The flipped or otherwise called inverted classroom is a modern teaching concept, which essentially reverses the terms of the traditional learning method. The students study the lesson beforehand, outside the classroom using new technologies, while the time inside the classroom is mainly devoted to discussions and solving questions by the educator, hands-on activities that stimulate the students’ interest and connect the acquired knowledge with everyday problems. Reversing the traditional teaching process appears to be paying off for students, as since utilizing classical teaching techniques, their performance seemed to decline over time. For this purpose, the flipped classroom method was applied in a junior high school class in Athens, Greece, for Physics lessons during the 2022–2023 school year. At the end of the school year, the students that participated in the flipped classroom completed a survey that was developed jointly with the cooperation of the respective teachers who taught the course in order to establish the degree of the students’ acceptance of the specific method. The results of the survey and a correlation of the students’ performance who participated in the flipped classroom with the performance achieved by the rest of the students that followed traditional teaching methods, as well as with the previous year’s students’ performance who also followed the classical teaching model, are analyzed and discussed.
A retrospective analysis of Ki-67 proliferation index in breast cancer: a single centre
Authors: Asanthi N. J. , Wijesinghe H. D. , Jayawardena M. P.G. N.S. , Adikari A. A. T. I. , Bandaranayake V. , Joseph M.
Published: February 2024

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Histopathological features associated with c4d positivity in post-transplant renal biopsies with features suspicious of acute or chronic antibody-mediated rejection
Authors: P.G.N.L. Chandrasiri  , Wijesinghe H. D. , Priyani A. A. H. , De Silva M. V. C.
Published: February 2024

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Correlation of salivary gland cytology with the evaluation of the Milan system for risk of malignancy: an institutional prospective study
Authors: Gupta A. , Chandra S. , Anand N.
Published: February 2024

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Continuous grading of postgraduate trainees’ performance reflects their success at the end of training formal assessment: a single-centre experience
Authors: Mahendra B. A. G. G. , Ediriweera D. S. , Hettiararchchi W. G. , De S. Hewavisenthi S. J.
Published: February 2024

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Clinicopathological spectrum of native renal biopsies in paediatric population: a five-year review from a single institute in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rahubaddha L. N. , Baranasuriya C. M. , Wijesinghe H. D. , De Silva M. V. C.
Published: February 2024

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Clinicopathological spectrum of lupus nephritis in a sample of Sri Lankan patients
Authors: Ranathunga U. V. V. , Wijesinghe H. D. , De Silva M. C. V.
Published: February 2024

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Evaluation of tumour-stroma ratio as a prognostic marker for oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Valsan A. , Goel G. , Soni D. , Mukhopadhyay S. , Joshi D. , Gupta V. , Das S. , Kapoor N.
Published: February 2024

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Comparison of tumour budding in invasive breast carcinoma-no special type, using 20x and 40x microscope objectives
Authors: Vinothika A. S. , Wijesinghe H. D. , Lokuhetty M. D. S. , Constantine S. R.
Published: February 2024

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Does hunted wild boar meat meet modern consumer nutritional expectations?
Authors: Di Bella Sara , Branciari Raffaella , Haouet Naceur M. , Framboas Marisa , Mercuri Maria Lucia , Codini Michela , Roila Rossana , Malimpensa Alessandra , Ranucci David
Published: February 2024

The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of hunted wild boar (WB) meat and compare them with those of meat from analogous domestic animals (pigs) reared in two different rearing systems: indoor-intensive (PI) and outdoor-extensive (PO). WB meat showed a lower amount of lipid content compared to pork and a higher antioxidant activity compared to PI and PO. The comparison of the fatty acid composition of WB and domestic pig reveals significant differences in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), with WB having the highest PUFA level and the lowest SFA. The omega 6/omega 3 (n-6/n-3) PUFA ratio, PUFA/SFA, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices (AI and TI), as well as the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index (h/H), were calculated. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was higher in pork independently of the rearing system. The PUFA/SFA ratio of WB meat was above the minimum ratio of 0.40 recommended to contribute to a reduction in the risk of coronary diseases in pork from both rearing systems. AI and TI were lower in meat from hunted wild boars compared to commercially reared pigs, while h/H was higher in WB in comparison with pork meat. WB meat shows good nutritional quality; therefore, the use of game meat as a food source could be appropriate and could benefit contemporary consumers looking for “green” and high-nutritional products.
Association of malnutrition status with 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis using objective nutritional indices: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Baek Moon Seong , Kwon Young Suk , Kang Sang Soo , Shim Daechul , Yoon Youngsang , Kim Jong Ho
Published: February 2024

Background: The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) have emerged as important nutritional indices because they provide an objective assessment based on data. We aimed to investigate how these nutritional indices relate to outcomes in patients with sepsis.Methods: Data were collected retrospectively at five hospitals for patients aged ≥18 years receiving treatment for sepsis between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021. Serum albumin and total cholesterol concentrations, and peripheral lymphocytes were used to calculate the CONUT score and PNI. To identify predictors correlated with 30-day mortality, analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results: The 30-day mortality rate among 9,763 patients was 15.8% (n=1,546). The median CONUT score was 5 (interquartile range [IQR], 3–7) and the median PNI score was 39.6 (IQR, 33.8–46.4). Higher 30-day mortality rates were associated with individuals with moderate (CONUT score: 5–8; PNI: 35–38) or severe (CONUT: 9–12; PNI: <35) malnutrition compared with those with no malnutrition (CONUT: 0–1; PNI: >38). With CONUT scores, the hazard ratio (HR) associated with moderate malnutrition was 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–1.87, P<0.001); for severe, HR=2.42 (95% CI, 1.95–3.02, P<0.001). With PNI scores, the HR for moderate malnutrition was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.09–1.53, P=0.003); for severe, HR=1.88 (95% CI, 1.67–2.12, P<0.001).Conclusions: The nutritional indices CONUT score and PNI showed significant associations with mortality of sepsis patients within 30 days.
Impact of Rotaviral Diarrhea on Child Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia in the Global Enteric Multicenter Study
Authors: Sobi Rukaeya Amin , Sultana Al-Afroza , Khan Soroar Hossain , Haque Md. Ahshanul , Nuzhat Sharika , Hossain Md. Nasif , Bardhan Pradip K. , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Chakraborty Subhra , Ahmed Tahmeed , Das Rina , Faruque Abu S. G.
Published: February 2024

Rotavirus is the leading cause of dehydrating diarrhea among children in developing countries. The impact of rotaviral diarrhea on nutritional status is not well understood. We aimed to determine the association between rotavirus-positive moderate-to-severe diarrhea and nutrition in children under 5 years of age. We analyzed data from the Global Enteric Multicenter Study on children 0–59 months old from South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The relationships between explanatory variables and outcome variables were assessed using multiple linear regression; the explanatory variable was the presence of rotavirus in the stool sample, and the outcome variables were z scores [length/height-for-age (LAZ/HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-length/height (WLZ/WHZ)] at follow-up (∼60 days). The prevalence of rotaviral diarrhea was 17.3% (905/5,219) in South Asia and 19.95% (842/4,220) in sub-Saharan Africa. Rotavirus was associated with higher LAZ/HAZ (β: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.26; P <0.001) and WAZ (β: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.22; P <0.001) in sub-Saharan Africa and with lower WLZ/WHZ (β coefficient: −0.08; 95% CI: −0.15, −0.009; P = 0.027) in South Asia. Our study indicates that rotaviral diarrhea is positively associated with nutritional status in sub-Saharan Africa and is negatively associated with nutritional status in South Asia. An expedited implementation policy of ongoing preventive and control strategies, including vaccination against rotavirus, is necessary to reduce the burden of rotaviral diarrhea, which may further help to reduce the potential nutritional ramifications.
Detection of Artemisinin Resistance Marker Kelch-13 469Y in Plasmodium falciparum, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2022
Authors: van Loon Welmoed , Bisimwa Bertin C. , Byela Valéry , Kirby Rebecca , Bugeme Patrick M. , Balagizi Aimé , Lupande David , Malembaka Espoir B. , Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Bahizire Esto
Published: February 2024

Partial artemisinin resistance has emerged in East Africa, posing a threat to malaria control across the continent. The Democratic Republic of the Congo carries one of the heaviest malaria burdens globally, and the South Kivu province directly borders current artemisinin resistance hot spots, but indications of such resistance have not been observed so far. We assessed molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance in 256 Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected in 2022 in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. One isolate carried the P. falciparum Kelch-13 469Y variant, a marker associated with partial artemisinin resistance and decreased lumefantrine susceptibility in Uganda. In addition, the multidrug resistance-1 mutation pattern suggested increased lumefantrine tolerance.
PRELIMINARY ASSESSEMENT OF AKEREBIATA CLAY DEPOSIT, ILORIN SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA
Authors: OLATUNJI J.A. , OMONONA O.V. , FATOYE O.V. , ANIKOH A.G. , IHOGBETEIN F.F.
Published: February 2024

The study focused on the preliminary assessment of Akerebiata clay deposit Ilorin south western Nigeria. The mineralogical and elemental compositions of the clay sample were determined using X ray diffraction (XRD) and X ray refractory fluorescence (XRF) techniques respectively while the probable reserve of the deposit was estimated using vertical electrical sounding (VES) and horizontalelectrical profiling (HEP)(dipole-diploe). Interpretation of results from XRD and XRF revealed that Kaolinite is the dominant clay mineral in the deposit while quartz is the dominant silicate mineral and this indicates that the deposit could be of residual origin. Chemical analysis revealed the predominance of SiO2, Al2O3 with values 61.73 % and 27.01 % respectively, and low CaO, MgO, K2O and Na2Oindicates that the clay is probably non expansive and with low feldspar content. Results of the VES shows three geo-electric layers which include: topsoil, clay and basement rocks. The average thickness of the clay layer is inferred to be 6.87m while the area of the deposit is calculated to 42,416.873 m2. With a specific gravity of 2.70, the inferred reserve of the deposit is 781,048 tons. These results will be of utmost importance to stakeholders and explorationists in the solid mineral sector.
MOBILE ATTENDANCE SYSTEM USING GPS AND FACIAL AUTHENTICATION
Authors: E.E. Aigbokhan , J.O Adigun , O.N Lawal , F.M. Okikiola , I.O. Onadokun , E.O Oladiboye
Published: February 2024

Student attendance in any educational institutions is a critical content of the administration of school and the major task of the course lecturer who maintain attendance. The conventional method of monitoring students' attendance in the classroom typically involves requiring students to physically record their attendance. Initially, this process was carried out manually using pen and paper. However, as the student population grows, this approach becomes increasingly burdensome, time-consuming, and susceptible to mistakes. To avoid these challenges, this paper proposes a Mobile attendance system using GPS locator and facial authentication algorithm to monitor students’ attendance using android mobile devices. The mobile attendance app is based on Client-Server Architecture where the server is hosted in the cloud and clients are with mobile devices with in-built GPS Locator. To secure the integrity of the attendance, the GPS locator helps in locating the precise geographical position of the students present, a mock detector is also integrated into the app to detect fake location of the students in the classroom meeting and the facial image used by the student at runtime support startup camera.
Assessing the Phonological Processes in Akan Child Language
Authors: Nyarko Isaac , Adomako Kwasi , Odoom John
Published: February 2024

This paper seeks to examine the phonological processes embedded in the speech errors of child phonology in Akan, a Niger-Congo (Kwa) language. The study has become necessary because cross-linguistically, several works have been undertaken on child language acquisition but very little or no attention has been given to that of Akan. Most of these works on African languages have centered on the acquisition processes with little on the phonological processes underpinning child language. Therefore, this study bridges the gap by providing a discussion of some phonological processes that underline the acquisition of Akan children. In the course of the phonological development of the Akan child as part of language acquisition, these processes occur as phonological simplification strategies to resolve relatively challenging natural adult forms of Akan expressions. This is either due to an articulatory accident or a defect in the speech organ. It is against this backdrop that Fromkin (1973) opines that a slip of tongue is evidence of a phonological process in action. Hence, this paper concludes that the inadequacies in child language acquisition trigger various phonological processes such as vocalization, stopping, de-affrication, anteriorization, fronting, cluster reduction, reduplication as a phonological simplification strategy in the acquisition of Akan.
Place-name lexicalization in Akan: on the segmental and prosodic processes and constraint
Authors: Ofori Seth Antwi
Published: February 2024

A significant condition for place-name formation in Akan is the preservation of marked, lexically-significant, segmental and prosodic items over their unmarked counterparts. Much of the alteration processes are at the stem-stem boundary where these two inputs are joined into a single word. It is observed that, in principle, there is a four-syllable requirement on partative-based place-names. Also,*[+high][-high]and*[-high][-high]are impermissible vowel-sequences that output forms must avoid. These requirements underlie observed segmental and prosodic processes in place-name lexicalization. Lexicalization involves processes such as deletion, compensatory vowel lengthening, vowel and consonant assimilation and glide/onset formation. These processes apply and interact significantly in ways that sustain marked sonorous segment over their unmarked counterparts, and unpredictable units over predictable units. A constraint-based account of the phenomenon reveals this interaction of constraints in partative-based place-name lexicalization in Akan:*[-hi][-hi], [+low/+RT/+LEX], *x<3ơ >> (*[+hi][-hi]),[1][+low/-RT/-LEX], [+high/+RT/+LEX] >> [-hi/-lo/+RT/+LEX] >> [-hi/-lo/-RT/-LEX].The ranking argument shows, in a vowel-sequence, the preference for: (i) a low root-vowel over a low affix-vowel; (ii) a low (root or affix) vowel over a non-low (root or affix) vowel) such that a mid-vowel deletes (either as V1 or V2). A high vowel as V1 instigates a glide-onset to insulates itself from deletion with the low vowel (i.e., [-Hi]) being the immediately succeeding sound.
Utilization of blockchain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in South-East, Nigeria
Authors: Obim Ify Evangel , Ukwueze Perpetua Onyinyechi , Nwadike Chika
Published: February 2024

The study examined the utilization of block chain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 472 librarians in 10 federal and state-owned universities in South-East, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used to study the entire population of librarians in the study area. Online structured questionnaire was used to collect the opinions of the librarians due to the constraint of distributing and accessing the respondents physically as a result of the ASUU strike. WhatsApp Groups of the various state chapters of Nigerian Library Association (NLA) in South-East Nigeria were used as method of sharing the link of the online questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed among other things that, there was no extent of utilization of block chain technology among the university libraries studied for record keeping, tracking of transactions of users, reservation of resources, charging and discharging of information resources in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria as there was a mean score of 1.61 for keeping and tracking records of registered users. However, it was agreed that, utilization of blockchain technology will facilitate effective circulation control in the university libraries. Lack of awareness, technophobia, inadequate skills and competence and inadequate technological facilities are the major challenges associated with the utilization of block chain technology in university libraries. The study recommended among other things that; university management should organize in-house training of librarians in the use of blockchain technology. Also, adequate technological facilities should be acquired and the work environment in the university libraries should be conducive for librarians.
Internet adoption in select Nigeria university libraries
Authors: Bamgbose Augustine Adeoye
Published: February 2024

The paper examined the Internet adoption in Nigerian university library with emphasis on the extent to which computer networks aid the use of the internet to obtain academic information within the university library. It also determined the extent at which students use the internet to obtain academic information within the university library and to determine the cost, labour and maintenance of Internet adoption in the university library. A descriptive survey design was employed and the convenience sampling method was employed to select 132 samples for analysis. The analytical tools employed are simple percentages, frequency counts, Pearson Correlation and regression analysis via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, Internet, Campus Area Network, and Networks were the existing computer networks available in selected Nigerian university libraries. The information services provided using internet include; digital library/ repositories, searching library data, searching scholarly content, file storage, building community power and library automation. The paper recommended that university libraries should be proactive. More academic research could only be achieved with effective internet adoption and integration into university libraries.
Employment Equity in the Poultry Value Chain of Commercial Agricultural Development Project in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Udoye Charles Ekene , Okoro John Chukwuma , Dimelu Mabel Ukamaka
Published: February 2024

The study examined employment equity among actors in the poultry value chain of the Commercial Agricultural Development Project (CADP) in Enugu State. Seventy-one core actors (service providers, producers, processors and marketers) in the poultry value chain were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using percentages, charts and mean scores. Results show that the mean number of males and females employed by the producers on a full-time basis was two persons each for the 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 production seasons. In 2010, the mean monthly payments for males and females employed by the producers on a full-time basis were ₦8,171.43 and ₦8,466.67, respectively. The majority (62.5%) of the producers were poor. Service providers’ perceived benefit of the poultry value chain includes employment creation (=2.00) while processors indicated sustainability of agricultural projects (=3.00). The poultry value chain approach of CADP was sensitive in their employment structure and was beneficial in terms of poverty eradication through job creation. The government should support the actors in the poultry value chain financially specifically the producers through the provision of credit facilities such as loans to bring about positive change in their wealth status.
Livelihood Diversification among Sugarcane Farmers in Makarfi Local Government Area, Kaduna State
Authors: Yusuf Hannatu O , Jumare Alhassan , Suleiman Rabiu , Oladimeji Yusuf U
Published: February 2024

An Assessment of livelihood diversification among sugarcane farmers was conducted in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling procedure was used in the study. The first stage was the random selection of three wards (Makarfi, Tudunwada and Gubuchi) while in the second stage, two villages were also randomly selected from the three wards. Finally, random sampling was employed in selecting a total of one hundred and five (105) farmers from the three wards. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected. The result of the study showed that about 39% of the farmer`s income ranged between N110,000 - N150,000 and 46% cultivated below 1ha of land. Furthermore, the study revealed the diversified activities the farmers engage are of agricultural (e.g. livestock production) and non-agricultural forms (e.g. Okada/ tricycle commercial transport). It was found that the primary reason for the diversification is the non-stability of income from sugarcane production. The farmers’ major constraint was a lack of credit facilities to support their livelihood activities. Therefore, the study recommended the government and NGOs revive the rural financial system and provide a conducive policy for rural livelihood.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to Extension Service Delivery in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Tafida Ibrahim , Bulus Timdir Vondun , Nazifi Buhari
Published: February 2024

This study examined strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats within the extensionservice delivery in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The total population (130) of extension agents was used for the study. A structured questionnaire and focus group discussion schedule were used to elicit information. Percentages, and mean were used to analyse the data collected. The findings showed Insecurity, high farmer-to-extension agent ratio and inadequate training facilities as challenging factors that affect extension service delivery. The study concluded that extension service delivery was highly ineffective because of the low extension-farmer ratioand low motivation among the agents. It is recommended that the government employ more extension agents to reduce the possible imbalance in extension service delivery to farmers.
Reviving BaTonga culture to support community development: A case of Zambezi Valley communities, Zimbabwe
Authors: Muntanga Willard
Published: February 2024

The Tonga culture in the Zambezi Valley has lost some value due to various driving factors which speeded the atomisation of culture amongst BaTonga people in North-Western Zimbabwe. The main thrust of the paper is to identify major causes of cultural decay in the Zambezi Valley communities, assess the impact of cultural decay and suggest solutions that are aimed at preservation of BaTonga culture in ways that promote community development This study was carried out in the Zambezi Valley communities of Binga, Nyaminyami, and Hwange with a sample size of 30 people targeting Tonga people. Mixed methods and simple statistics were used to quantify the data collected during the research. Ethically, local leadership (chiefs and village heads), heads of departments in the districts were consulted to seek permission to carry out the research. The key informants and focussed group discussion participants were carefully selected to include old men and women who were displaced from Zambezi River during the construction of the Kariba dam in 1950’s as well as group of able-bodied men, women and youth to obtain detailed information on the phenomenon which is under review. The need for this research therefore arose due to unbridled increase in disappearance of cultural values and norms among BaTonga people along Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe.
How to cite this article using ASWNet style
Muntanga W. (2023). Reviving BaTonga culture to support community development. A case of Zambezi Valley communities, Zimbabwe. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(4), 121-126. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i4.4                            
Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net
Kuumba/Mentoring future leaders in social work and development
Authors: Mugumbate Rugare
Published: February 2024

The Africa Social Work and Development Network (ASWDNet) creates, aggregates and disseminates information and resources to facilitate social work and development on the African continent. It was formed in 2020. The pan-African focus that the Network adopted has its history in the work of the Association of Social Work Education in Africa (ASWEA) which was formed in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1965 and operated from 1973-1989. The ASWDNet has developed ways of moulding and mentoring young people, for, they are the future of social work and development. These are the Kuumba | Mentoring Group (K|MG) and the Social Work and Development Student Conference (SWDSC) held annually on the Day of the African Child, beginning 2023. Kuumba (mentoring) means transferring knowledge and skills to muumbwi (mentee), usually younger that the muumbi (mentor) in a manner that is appropriate and acceptable to a cultural, natural or artificial setting. Kuumba mentoring services are for students or upcoming professionals who will work with established senior professionals in mentoring focused on learning, research, practice or careers in general. The mentor and mentee/s establish a mentoring relationship that allows the mentee/s to grow professionally and to be confident in their practice. The Ubuntu mentoring model is used. The elements of this model are (1) critical mentoring, a commitment to Africanism and decolonization (2) organic mentoring - as much as possible, organic mentoring is promoted, which is mentoring relationships grow naturally, on their own (3) continuum of mentoring - we build on the past and contribute to the anticipated future because mentoring is not a once-off thing (4) family and community focused mentoring (5) group mentoring and (6) age group or peer mentoring. This presentation will provide information about these two programs and how they contribute to the future of social work and development in Africa.
 
How to cite using ASWNet style
Mugumbate, R. (2023). Kuumba/Mentoring future leaders in social work and development. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(4), 93. Social Work and Development Student Conference (SWDSC), 16 June 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i4.5         
Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net
Reference intervals for serum creatinine and urea in the adult western Sudanese population
Authors: Mohammed Muaath Ahmed , Ali Ibrahim Abdelrhim , Abeadalla Abdarahiem Alborai , Musa Omer Abdelaziz
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Serum creatinine and urea levels are affected by numerous factors such as ethnicity, environment, age, sex, and  anthropometric measurements. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommends that each laboratory should establish  its own reference intervals for biochemistry and haematology. There are no local reference intervals for serum creatinine and  blood urea in Sudan; instead, intervals derived from worldwide research are used. The purpose of this study was to determine the blood  urea and serum creatinine reference intervals for healthy adults in the Western Sudanese population.

Method: Randomly selected adult Sudanese residents of Al Fashir City who were from the Western Sudan states of Kordofan and Darfur  were the subjects of a cross-sectional study conducted in September and October 2018. We recruited 153 participants. After giving their  consent, they were evaluated using a questionnaire that collected medical history and demographic information. We used standard  techniques to measure blood pressure, body mass index, urea, and creatinine. Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were used to assess the  distributions of the creatinine and urea values, and reference intervals calculated. T-tests were used to investigate differences of mean  creatinine and urea levels by sex and age. IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 was used to analyse the data and p ≤ 0.05 was considered  significant.

Results: Overall, the reference intervals (Mean±1.96*SD) for serum creatinine and urea levels were 0.45-0.92 mg/dL and  7.6-27.9 mg/dL respectively, compared to international reference intervals adopted from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)  serum creatinine (males 0.7-1.3, females 0.5-1.1 mg/dL) and blood urea (17.12-42.8 mg/dL for both sexes) and The Western Sudanese  population’s mean serum creatinine and urea levels were, respectively, 0.69 mg/dL and 17.8 mg/dL. Male sex was associated with higher levels of both creatinine and urea (p<0.001).

Conclusion: This study documented lower reference intervals for creatinine and urea in the  Western Sudanese population.