bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel mechanism of PHB2-mediated mitophagy participating in the development of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zhang Yongjiang , Yin Shiyi , Song Run , Lai Xiaoyi , Shen Mengmeng , Wu Jiannan , Yan Junqiang
Published: November 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202408000-00037/figure1/v/2024-02-22T141052Z/r/image-tiff

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play important roles in Parkinson's disease, but the regulatory mechanism remains elusive. Prohibitin-2 (PHB2) is a newly discovered autophagy receptor in the mitochondrial inner membrane, and its role in Parkinson's disease remains unclear. Protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) is a factor that regulates cell fate during endoplasmic reticulum stress. Parkin is regulated by PERK and is a target of the unfolded protein response. It is unclear whether PERK regulates PHB2-mediated mitophagy through Parkin. In this study, we established a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease. We used adeno-associated virus to knockdown PHB2 expression. Our results showed that loss of dopaminergic neurons and motor deficits were aggravated in the MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Overexpression of PHB2 inhibited these abnormalities. We also established a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+)-induced SH-SY5Y cell model of Parkinson's disease. We found that overexpression of Parkin increased co-localization of PHB2 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, and promoted mitophagy. In addition, MPP+ regulated Parkin involvement in PHB2-mediated mitophagy through phosphorylation of PERK. These findings suggest that PHB2 participates in the development of Parkinson's disease by interacting with endoplasmic reticulum stress and Parkin.
Growth hormone promotes the reconstruction of injured axons in the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system
Authors: Li Kai , Feng Zhanpeng , Xiong Zhiwei , Pan Jun , Zhou Mingfeng , Li Weizhao , Ou Yichao , Wu Guangsen , Che Mengjie , Gong Haodong , Peng Junjie , Wang Xingqin , Qi Songtao , Peng Junxiang
Published: November 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00026/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff

Previous studies have shown that growth hormone can regulate hypothalamic energy metabolism, stress, and hormone release. Therefore, growth hormone has great potential for treating hypothalamic injury. In this study, we established a specific hypothalamic axon injury model by inducing hypothalamic pituitary stalk electric lesions in male mice. We then treated mice by intraperitoneal administration of growth hormone. Our results showed that growth hormone increased the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 and its receptors, and promoted the survival of hypothalamic neurons, axonal regeneration, and vascular reconstruction from the median eminence through the posterior pituitary. Altogether, this alleviated hypothalamic injury-caused central diabetes insipidus and anxiety. These results suggest that growth hormone can promote axonal reconstruction after hypothalamic injury by regulating the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor 1 axis.
Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the retina under acute high intraocular pressure
Authors: Wang Shaojun , Tong Siti , Jin Xin , Li Na , Dang Pingxiu , Sui Yang , Liu Ying , Wang Dajiang
Published: November 2023

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High intraocular pressure causes retinal ganglion cell injury in primary and secondary glaucoma diseases, yet the molecular landscape characteristics of retinal cells under high intraocular pressure remain unknown. Rat models of acute hypertension ocular pressure were established by injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel (Healaflow®). Single-cell RNA sequencing was then used to describe the cellular composition and molecular profile of the retina following high intraocular pressure. Our results identified a total of 12 cell types, namely retinal pigment epithelial cells, rod-photoreceptor cells, bipolar cells, Müller cells, microglia, cone-photoreceptor cells, retinal ganglion cells, endothelial cells, retinal progenitor cells, oligodendrocytes, pericytes, and fibroblasts. The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the retina under acute high intraocular pressure revealed obvious changes in the proportions of various retinal cells, with ganglion cells decreased by 23%. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and TUNEL staining confirmed the damage to retinal ganglion cells under high intraocular pressure. We extracted data from retinal ganglion cells and analyzed the retinal ganglion cell cluster with the most distinct expression. We found upregulation of the B3gat2 gene, which is associated with neuronal migration and adhesion, and downregulation of the Tsc22d gene, which participates in inhibition of inflammation. This study is the first to reveal molecular changes and intercellular interactions in the retina under high intraocular pressure. These data contribute to understanding of the molecular mechanism of retinal injury induced by high intraocular pressure and will benefit the development of novel therapies.
Glycolysis and acute lung injury: A review
Authors: Yi Yang , Chen Jun , Li Nan , Huang Yue , Peng Jichao , Liu Xiaoran
Published: November 2023

Acute lung injury is featured as diffuse pulmonary edema and persistent hypoxemia caused by lung or systemic injury. It is believed that these pathological changes are associated with damage to the alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium, recruitment of inflammatory cells, and inflammatory factor storms. In recent years, the metabolic reprogramming of lung parenchymal cells and immune cells, particularly alterations in glycolysis, has been found to occur in acute lung injury. Inhibition of glycolysis can reduce the severity of acute lung injury. Thus, this review focuses on the interconnection between acute lung injury and glycolysis and the mechanisms of interaction, which may bring hope for the treatment of acute lung injury.
Sowing the seeds of millet revolution: The extraordinary odyssey of architect of the millet revival movement–– Dr. Khader Valli Dudekula
Authors: Saniya C K , Nair Parvathy G , Karthika A P , Remya E
Published: November 2023

This article highlights the extraordinary odyssey of Dr Khader Valli Dudekula, a visionary driving the Millet Revival Movement. Set amidst the backdrop of the International Year of Millet, the article aims to inspire and motivate readers by exploring the legacy of this millet reviver. Khader passionately propagates and preaches the manifold health benefits of millets, the significance of good agricultural practices, and the transformative power of a wholesome lifestyle. His life is an exemplary model, with 30 years of dedicated experiments with millets and advocacy, earning him the prestigious Padma Shri award.

Data collected from online sources, newspapers, and government sites reveal the significant contributions of Dr Valli. Through his dedicated work, he explored the medicinal properties of various grains, which he named “Siridhanyalu.” This concept closely aligns with Ayurveda's ideology that “ahara” (food) acts as medicine, which is central to promoting overall health.

Incorporating Dr Khader Valli Dudekula's wisdom reinforces the potential of traditional practices and millets to promote health and well-being. By embracing this perspective, it ignites the resurgence of millets and underscores disease-specific dietary plans. This integration yields remarkable healing outcomes, fostering a healthier, happier world through the potential of Ayurveda.
Traditional and common millet-based food recipes of the tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Bhardwaj Yashpal , Taboh Mumtam , Pulicherla Yugandhar , Cheemanapalli Srinivasulu , Bhuyan Birina , Mathapati Shiddamallayya
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Millets have been cultivated in Arunachal Pradesh for generations, vital to the state's food security and dietary practices. Preserving and promoting culinary traditions not only benefits the local communities but also contributes to the global movement towards a more sustainable and diverse food future. The present study aims to document the common millets based food recipes traditionally prepared in Arunachal Pradesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The millet-based food recipes were documented from the ethnic tribal people. This study documented different types of millet-based recipes including millet type, ingredients, recipe type, method of preparation, recipe name in the local languages, and nutritional benefits of millet recipes.

RESULTS:

The study documented 11 types of millet-based food recipes from the ethnic tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, such as Adi, Apatani, Nyishi, Monpa, and Idu Mishmi. Finger millet is predominantly used to prepare food recipes followed by sorghum and kodo millet. Various ingredients, including local vegetables, milk, egg, ghee, coconut, sugar, etc., are used along with millet flour for food preparation. Various types of cooking techniques, such as steaming, frying, and boiling, have been adopted to prepare these dishes. Apong, a type of alcoholic beverage commonly served during tribal festivals in Arunachal Pradesh, is the most common item prepared mostly with rice and finger millet.

CONCLUSION:

The present study revealed that various millet-based food recipes are used by local tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
Consumption and perceptions associated with Nutri-Cereals: Major, minor, and pseudo millets—A study of urban households in Delhi, India
Authors: Kapoor Charvi , Sondhi Akash , Jamir Chubbamenla , Kumar Chandan
Published: November 2023

Worldwide, millets, also known as nutri-cereals are regarded as nutritionally rich grains, but they are less explored. Millet grains have nutrient-dense properties and immense health benefits to offer. The emphasis on nutri-cereals is particularly relevant in the case of urban population due to changing dietary patterns and rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. The millet-based foods can play a crucial role in providing health benefits to urban communities facing such health challenges. To understand the consumption pattern and associated factors in the urban context, a cross-sectional study was conducted covering 574 middle-income households in different localities of Delhi, India. It was found that consumption of nutri-cereals was substantially lower, except for pearl millet and buckwheat. Most nutri-cereals, including finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet, little millet, amaranth, and sorghum, had a consumption rate below 50% (ever consumed), indicating their limited inclusion in household diets. The two prominent factors associated with household millet consumption include the health benefits and cultural significance of these nutri-cereals, as well as the practice of cooking and serving them at home, along with other health considerations.
Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis of Unilateral Pulmonary Agenesis
Authors: Reyna-Villasmil Eduardo , Briceño-Sanabria Liliana , Briceño-Sanabria Juan Carlos , Briceño-Pérez Carlos
Published: November 2023

Pulmonary agenesis (PA) is a rare developmental malformation, with a frequency of approximately 1 in 10–15,000 pregnancies. Unilateral PA is often associated with other congenital anomalies, whereas bilateral PA is fatal. Prenatal diagnosis is rare and is diagnosed more frequently in the postnatal period than in the prenatal period. Is a challenge that may be difficult as it shares similar features with other more common pathologies. Ultrasound plays a crucial role in early diagnosis and management. Ultrasonographic findings for a correct prenatal diagnosis include mediastinum displacement with the absence of parenchymal or cystic tissue, decreased thoracic volume, an elevated diaphragm, cardiac axis deviation, and a hemithoracic cavity largely occupied by the heart. Cases of right PA have a worse prognosis compared to left PA, probably due to higher frequency of cardiac and great vessel abnormalities. A rare case of early prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of unilateral fetal PA, at 18 weeks of gestation, is reported.
Analysis of Student Conceptions and Conceptional Changes about Chemical Equilibrium Materials in Concentration Factors
Authors: Novita Dian , Suyono Suyono , Suyatno Suyatno
Published: November 2023

Objective: This study aims to determine the conception and changes in the conception of the concentration factor in chemical equilibrium material. Method: The method used in this study is a mixed method, which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, namely the Concurrent Embedded Strategy, which is a combination of qualitative methods and quantitative methods carried out at the same time. Results: The test instruments provided can reduce the misconceptions that exist in students when viewed from a comparison of the number of students who experience misconceptions from 13.33% in the first stage to 7.00% in the last stage. Students understand enough about chemical equilibrium shifts but still need clarification, especially in writing down changes in reaction equations when chemical equilibrium is disturbed and analyzing phenomena using metacognitive examples of a concept in their surroundings. Novelty: This research reveals that students' misconceptions can be reduced using worksheets with five processing stages. This novelty can provide (1) solutions related to identifying students' misconceptions and (2) reducing students' misconceptions regarding chemical equilibrium concentration factors.
Why Gender-Responsive Agricultural Adaptation Is Underfunded
Authors: Elwell Natalie , Shrestha Rajat , Martinez Anamaría , Trivedi Ayushi , Ding Helen
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the challenges that limit the ability and willingness of funders and implementers to deliver gender-responsive programming that would change the circumstances of women who are particularly vulnerable to climate change. It investigates what is happening within funding and implementing institutions that prevents gender policies and strategies from manifesting in more gender-responsive climate funding and draws from examples to offer recommendations for influencing the gender responsiveness of funding decisions.
Keselarasan Implementasi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi dengan Visi Pedagogis Ki Hajar Dewantara dalam Mewujudkan Merdeka Belajar
Authors: Yuli Risvi Revita , Munandar Kukuh , Salma Intan Maulidah
Published: November 2023

The "Kurikulum Merdeka" is understood as the freedom of thought that must begin with the teacher, who plays a pivotal role in all educational activities. This is because no matter how ideal the curriculum is planned, if it is not followed by the teachers' ability to implement it, it will not have a significant impact on improving the quality of education. The research method used in this study is a literature review (library research). The researcher collects and analyzes various credible and relevant literature on the topic to provide explanations that are easier to understand. Based on the literature review, it is found that there is alignment between differentiated learning and the pedagogical vision of Ki Hajar Dewantara in achieving free learning. Therefore, it can be concluded that the implementation of differentiated learning is in line with Ki Hajar Dewantara's pedagogical vision, where both refer to education centered on learners and prioritize the inherent abilities as the core essence of learning freedom. With the implementation of differentiated learning, with teachers as guides, it is hoped that learners can truly be facilitated in their learning needs, making them individuals who are free and independent in developing their natural potential according to their inherent abilities.
WEB BASED MEDICAL CONSULTING INFORMATION FLOW FOR HOSPITAL OUT-PATIENTS USING MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
Authors:   Lecturer,Department of Computer Science, Caritas University, Amorji Nike Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria, U. C. Nwankwo, , N.J. Ngene, ,   Lecturer, Department of Computer Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria, L.C. Ezekeke, ,   Lecturer, Department of English, Caritas University Amorji-Nike,Enugu State, Enugu State, Nigeria, J.N. Onuora, ,   Lecturer, School of General Studies, Caritas University Amorji-Nike, Enugu State, Enugu State, Nigeria, J.N. Obi, ,   Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Caritas University Amorji-Nike, Enugu State, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Published: November 2023

Medical consulting today is characterized by numerous demanding tasks that are prone to illness and need to be efficiently managed by medical practitioners using emerging techniques and solutions. Although there are concerted efforts by both the doctors and other medical stakeholders aimed at improving the condition, human errors abound. Sequel to this, the level of management bottlenecks recorded in the hospitals on a daily basis abound, such as the unordered information flow in the outpatients department (OPD); thus, effective health service delivery is being stifled. In this regard, the application of natural language-based medical consulting information flow cannot be undermined. This work seeks to develop a natural language-based medical consulting information flow for hospital outpatients using machine learning techniques. The architecture of the system was modeled using universal modeling language (UML) tools. The medical information flow is processed using machine learning techniques (MLT), which are named Word Rank. The word rank positions and sorts all sentences accordingly in an input corpus of a patient case report and is presented in a summarized version of the word. So, the word-rank algorithm generates a summary of the patient’s record based on the input corpus. The implemented system can be deployed in the Nigerian Electronic Health Records (NEHR) used in hospitals to ensure efficient information flow for patients in the outpatient department of every hospital. The system would therefore reduce the effort expended by the medical practitioners in comprehending a case report and offering various medical services since it would be very easy to view the salient parts promptly, resulting in a reasonably smooth information flow, an easier consultation process, and a reduction in patient waiting time. Cosine similarity Identify the applicable funding agency here. If none, delete this. is used as the metric to evaluate the accuracy of the output from the algorithm when weighted against the traditional information flow in the outpatient department.
Informal Sector Workers: Economic Activities and Survival Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   First Mathematics Department, Udayana University, Badung, Bali, Indonesia, Nilakusmawati Desak Putu Eka , Srinadi I Gusti Ayu Made ,   First Mathematics Department, Udayana University, Badung, Bali, Indonesia, Suciptawati Ni Luh Putu ,   First Mathematics Department, Udayana University, Badung, Bali, Indonesia, Susilawati Made ,   First Mathematics Department, Udayana University, Badung, Bali, Indonesia, Tri Martini Desak Ketut ,   Indonesia Defense University, Sentul, Bogor, Indonesia
Published: November 2023

The aim of this research is to determine the economic activities of informal sector workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the survival strategies of informal sector workers during the pandemic, a comparison of the welfare of informal sector workers before and during the pandemic, and the association of survival strategies with economic activity. It is hoped that the research findings can provide recommendations for stakeholders for evaluating policies regarding improving the welfare of informal sector workers in the future. The research was conducted in four sub-districts in Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia. Data collection in the field was carried out using survey methods. The variables used include Socio-economic characteristics of informal sector workers, economic activity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, survival strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, and welfare. The data analysis method uses descriptive analysis and association analysis uses chi square analysis. The survival strategy of informal sector workers in this study was dominated by respondents' answers with the strategy of taking loans from informal lenders (30.7%). The strategy of relying on/applying for government social assistance programs (direct cash assistance, necessities, and other assistance programs) was answered by 14.7% of respondents. There were no respondents who implemented a survival strategy by switching to other types of work in the informal sector. The change in respondents' income during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic was obtained by the majority (90.0%) stating that income from working in the informal sector had decreased compared to before the pandemic. The results of the association test show that there is a significant association between survival strategies and employment status, presence/absence of labor assistance, and physical facilities.
Agroforestry and its vital role in climate change mitigation in the tropics
Authors: Razz Rosa , Leon-Medina Larry
Published: November 2023

The activities developed by human society cause transformations on the Earth's surface and have the capacity to affect the functioning of the planet. One of the main effects has been climate change, which affects the entirety of the planet, its ecosystems, and society. The objective of this work was to carry out a bibliographic review through the compilation of scientific articles, book chapters, and reviews from reliable documentary sources. The review focused on the factors that influence climate change and its consequences. Additionally, this work presents an alternative: the implementation and use of agroforestry systems to mitigate climate change. This is not only because of their potential to capture and store carbon but also to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere through the growth of trees and shrubs. Agroforestry systems also have significant implications for sustainable development due to the social, economic, and environmental benefits they provide.
A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Art Creativity in China: Torrance Test Creative Thinking
Authors: Wang Lei , Ismail @ Kamal Julina
Published: November 2023

Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking is an important method for testing creativity in education. It was developed in 1966 and has gone through five revisions. It has become a highly reliable and widely used important measure of creativity. With society's development, students' creativity has received widespread attention. Educators are also very interested in the creativity of university students. Nevertheless, in the teaching process, it is found that the creativity of university students' works is not high, especially for university students majoring in animation; if there is no creativity, there will be a lack of good work. The study adopts qualitative research by interviewing 12 Chinese university teachers on their experience of using TTCT-Figural. Furthermore, special interviews on its sub-item functions, usage methods, and applicability are also conducted. The MAXQDA software will summarize the data. Thus, the results show that TTCT-Figural has high applicability and practical significance to measure and evaluate university students' artistic creativity. At the same time, it also provides valuable experience for further improving university students' artistic creativity in animation courses.
Reflections on Recruitment Mode Innovation in the Context of the Digital Era
Authors:   The East Asian Trade Association, Lu Jian , Kim Yeonggil
Published: November 2023

Purpose - Through the comparative analysis of digital recruitment mode and traditional recruitment mode, to explore how to use digital technology better to complement and improve the traditional recruitment mode, to improve the recruitment efficiency of enterprises, to match the required talents for enterprises more accurately, and to improve the competitiveness of enterprises in the market.
Design/Methodology/Approach - This paper mainly collects and reads literature through online resources, books, and other means to obtain information on enterprise recruitment digital transformation and other relevant research information, and through the study of the literature, learn the practical methods of recruitment digital transformation, and provide ideas and references for the countermeasures of enterprise recruitment digital transformation
Findings - In the context of the era of digitalization, the traditional recruitment model is no longer applicable. Digital recruitment is the inevitable trend of the times, and digital recruitment can help companies reduce recruitment costs, improve recruitment efficiency, and more efficient, accurate recruitment to the target talent.
Research Implications - The gradual rise of digital recruitment so that enterprises gradually realize that digital recruitment in talent recruitment has great advantages, but also to the traditional recruitment mode of supplementation and reform, this paper in the recruitment management work-related concepts, principles of the premise, combined with the actual development of recruitment management work, the actual development of recruitment management at the moment. Through the relevant data, specifically analyzing the digital transformation of recruitment compared with traditional recruitment in terms of time, efficiency, information, and other dimensions of the difference, and the impact of the transformation on the enterprise, the digital transformation of the recruitment of enterprises has a certain practical reference significance.
Effects of Corona Virus (COVID-19) on seafarers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Efe Sunday Ighovie
Published: November 2023

The study evaluates the effects of COVID-19 on seafarers in Port Harcourt. The study administered questionnaire to seafarers at Port Harcourt Tourism Beach, Nigerian Port Authority and those found at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) offices. The data obtained were presented with statistical diagram and analysed with multiple linear regression. The findings showed that COVID-19 had an adverse effect on seafarers. It has led to social deprivation, psychological and mental disorder, drastic reduction in immune system of individual seafarers, and a general economic quagmire. In order to manage these effects, the following measures were advanced: NPA suspend fees, medical fitness certificates' expiration dates extended, and suspension of terminal storage charges among others.
Legal implication of the use of extrinsic evidence in construing the contents of a will in Nigeria
Authors: Bekederemo Disckson B.
Published: November 2023

The right to acquire property whether real or personal is incidental to the right to dispose of the property by a testator to persons of his choice. The right to freely dispose property is, however, limited by status enacted by various jurisdictions. Situation arises where the Will of a testator is a subject of litigation as a result of either patent or latent ambiguity involving the content, language or uncertainty as to the intention of the testator. Usually, the Court is called upon to arbitrate and construe the content of the Will. The judiciary in exercise of its authority sometimes applied extrinsic evidence in order to give true meaning to the content of an ambiguous Will. This paper is set to examine what is extrinsic evidence under Nigeria law of Evidence, admissibility of it in construction of the content of ambiguous Will and its legal implication on the right of a named beneficiary not listed as one of the beneficiaries in the Will.
Think–Pair-Share instructional method: A pedagogical tool for enhancing students’ academic achievement in cataloguing and classification
Authors: Ndanwu Angela Ifeoma , Ezejiofor Victoria Obianuju , Esimone Ruth Oluchukwu
Published: November 2023

The study investigated the effect of Think-Pair-Share (TPS) instructional method on students’ academic achievement in cataloguing and classification course in tertiary institutions in Anambra State with emphasis on gender.Quasi- experimental design was adopted. Out of three federal tertiary institutions in Anambra State two were selected using purposive random sampling technique. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The instrument used for data collection was Cataloguing and Classification Achievement Test (CCAT).The results show that think-pair share instructional teaching method enhanced academic achievement of students in Cataloguing and classification course. Again, the finding revealed that gender was not significant on student overall achievement using think-pair share and lecture method. The researchers recommended that think pair share instructional method should be adopted as an effective strategy for teaching cataloguing and classification course.
Automated number plate recognition system
Authors: Etomi Emina E. , Onyishi Donatus U.
Published: November 2023

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system is an automated mass surveillance method that uses several Digital Image Processing (DIP) technique and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on images to read and identify vehicle registration plates. ANPR has yielded multiple positive results in practical applications such as: access control, traffic law enforcement, inventory and property management, security systems surveillance, parking space allocation, and road traffic surveillance. The automatic number plate recognition system (ANPR) developed in this research work focused mainly on number plate localization and licence plate extraction from an image for possible application in different areas. It achieves this by using several OpenCV digital image processing (DIP) technique developed with python to bring about image segmentation from which some image segments were tested for characters, so that the length of character found on each segment with similar properties becomes the key towards localizing and cropping off the region with the actual vehicle licence plate. Some properties of characters that was used to isolate the possible licence plate are the fact that characters of the licence plate have corresponding image height, width, aspect ratio etc. using these pixel properties it was possible to filter off unwanted contour lines/curves that stands out as noise while localizing the actual region of the image having the plate number. Once the region was obtained OCR was used via a trained template for several character styles to obtain the text format of the licence plate. The work developed had a plate localization accuracy of 100% and 90% read accuracy.
The effect of transmission and distribution losses on daily electricity supply in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Onyishi Donatus Uchechukwu , Ejofodomi Otega
Published: November 2023

It has been reported that Nigeria requires a daily generation of 470,000 MWH (or 19,583 MWH/H) to provide constant electricity to its 36 states and its capital city and is currently generating only 17% of the electricity required to meet the demands of her citizens. However, little or no in-depth analysis has been performed on the performance of the electricity transmission and distribution systems and to determine their impact on the availability of electricity for consumers. This paper explores the effect of transmission and distribution losses on the availability of electricity in Nigeria. The Nigerian National Electricity Grid was able to provide an average of 9.99 ± 0.54 hrs of electricity to the 13 LGAs of Ebonyi State for each day in July 2020. For the case where there were no transmission losses, each LGA in Ebonyi State would have received 10.79 ± 0.58 hrs of electricity each day in July 2020. Where no distribution losses were present, each LGA in Ebonyi State would have received 23.23 ± 1.25 hrs of electricity each day in July 2020. Where there were no transmission or distribution losses, each LGA in Ebonyi State would have received 25.09 ± 1.35 hrs of electricity each day in July 2020. These results indicate that elimination of the distribution losses presently experienced by the electricity distribution companies could ensure constant electricity supply for the 13 LGAs in Ebonyi State. Based on this, the power distribution sector, and not the power generation sector, is the major reason for the electricity shortage in Ebonyi State, and possibly for other states in Nigeria. It is recommended that more emphasis should be on distribution infrastructure now before focusing on improving the country's power generation capacity.
Experiences of structural neglect by scavengers and pickers of waste products on work- life balance in South-West, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbu Emmanuel Elijah , Ojedoyin Oluwaseyi Emiola , Bakare Ayoyinka Ayobomi , Olujimi Victoria Atinuke , Aliu Aderonke Omotayo , Odunola Bukola Omolara
Published: November 2023

Health is wealth, but relative risks and environmental challenges have negatively affected the health of scavengers and pickers of waste products in several ways in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. There were over one thousand deaths during the coronavirus pandemic in southwest Nigeria, and some of the treatment pathways waste management workers used were not hygienic to treat, cure, or prevent potential contracted illnesses. The purpose of this research was to examine how precarious employment in waste cycle practices affects the work-life balance of scavengers and pickers of waste products in Nigeria. To pay close attention to the experiences of scavengers and pickers of waste products, we used a health belief model. In Lagos and Oyo State, Nigeria, eleven unstructured, structured interviews with these waste management workers were conducted using the snowballing technique and purposive sampling to recruit them. Braun and Clark's (2006) six steps for thematic analysis guiding data analysis and the Pivot- table analytical tool were used to interpret the data. The study's outcome shows that these waste management workers faced health crises and financial crises during difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. We identified knowledge gaps in the impact of health hazards on their safety and the need for adequate training of the workers during times of these difficulties. The part reason was that while the waste workers lacked policies for good hygiene behaviors, many residents developed the attitude of purposefully littering public spaces. As a result, most scavengers and pickers of waste products became subject to harsh environmental conditions and poor health outcomes daily, which are not primary concerns to them. Because of these effects, their productivity, mental and physical health, and the surrounding people are all potential targets for health problems.
Medicinal Uses of Nitrogen Group Containing Secondary Metabolites: A Review
Authors: Ushie O. A. , Ochepo E. O. , Nkom P. Y. , Ago M. A. , Gani J.
Published: November 2023

In the history of humanity plants have always existed as a source of health benefits to living things. These plants produce non-nutritive chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. These plants produce a necessary wide range of primary and secondary metabolites that have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The primary metabolites prominently function in the growth, development, and reproduction of cells. The primary metabolites perform their functions as molecules signaling to trigger defense response. The secondary metabolites are produced by plants and used as their defense mechanism and harnessed by humans for medicinal use because of their unique pharmacological properties. The secondary metabolites are generally small organic molecules produced by plants that are not essential for their growth, development and reproduction but are used as defense mechanism by these plants. Although these secondary metabolites are not essential for plant growth, they are very essential for the health, nutrition, and economics of human societies, the main secondary metabolites are nitrogen group compounds found are in alkaloids, glycosides and non-protein. Alkaloids play a very important role due to their medicinal properties and can be used as analgesic, stimulants, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents etc.
Divine revelation in the Judeo-Christian tradition
Authors: Morcov Elena
Published: November 2023

The fundamental idea of ​​God's revelation to people is expressed from a theological and semantic perspective through the concept of Revelation. The revelation of the Old Testament must be interpreted in a missionary vision with a universal character, especially when it comes to the fields of theology, anthropology, and ecclesiology. Here, messianism, that is, the expectation of God's salvation for all peoples, finds fulfillment in the historical context. The Old Testament is presented as the main way God communicated with the patriarchs and prophets using various means. This communication was achieved through theophanies, that is, visible manifestations of His presence in the form of phenomena such as fire or wind, but also through dreams, visions and by supporting the Israelites in their liberation from Egypt and in the conquest of the promised land.
A Random Forest Regressor Model for Forecasting Air Quality Index from Particulate Matters
Authors: Tamunopiriye Israel-Nyemeche , O.E Taylor
Published: November 2023

Air pollution is a growing concern in urban areas, including Port Harcourt City, Nigeria. Air quality index (AQI) is a numerical scale that is used for accessing and analyzing day to day air quality pattern of any place. It is projected to express the probable severity of the adverse health impacts on living organisms, most especially humans. It is however particulate matters (PM) that pose the greatest risks human health and the immediate environment. In this dissertation, a Random Forest Regressor model was used to forecast Air Quality Index. The data of the average diurnal values of PM10 and PM2.5 from Rivers State Ministry of Environment, Port Harcourt City over a long period (2017 to 2022) was evaluated. Additional meteorological and environmental variables, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation, were also collected as features for the prediction model. Data preprocessing techniques (MinMax Scaler) were applied to ensure data quality and consistency. The Random Forest Regressor was trained using 80% of the dataset, and the remaining 20% was used for validation. The model was evaluated using mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and R-squared (R^2). The results obtained showed that the Random Forest Regressor performed well in forecasting Air Quality lndex with a high R^2 value of 97% and low errors (MSE: 5.2, RMSE: 7.25, MAE: 3.54). The Air Quality Index outcome shows that PM10 and PM2.5 across Port Harcourt metropolis are observed to be more noticeable during the periods of dawn than the afternoon. The Air Quality Index results reveals areas with Hazardous, moderate, good, bad and very good air quality.
Management paradigm improving the productivity of farms based on the principles of agricultural consulting
Authors: Trusova Natalia , Boltianska Larysa , Syrotyuk Hanna , Utechenko Daria , Byba Valentyna
Published: November 2023

The agro-industrial complex, and farms in particular, is one of the riskiest types of business activity. To obtain high yields and increase production efficiency, reasonable and balanced decisions based on highly specialised knowledge and practical experience are necessary. The purpose of the study is to identify the role of consulting in the system of agricultural management paradigm. The study uses general scientific methods of cognition: logical and structural analysis, comparison, theoretical modelling, abstraction, induction and deduction, and statistical methods, concretisation, generalisation, formalisation, and tabular and graphical interpretation of theoretical information. In the course of the study, the current state of agricultural production in the sector of farms, infrastructure, and information support for agricultural producers are examined. It is determined that effective consulting in the field of agro-industrial complex is a basic prerequisite for intensifying the productivity and competitiveness of farm production. Priority vectors of agricultural consulting activities are highlighted. The specific features of the process of managing the productivity of farms with the involvement of agricultural consulting opportunities are examined, and further prospects for its development are outlined. The main measures to optimise the situation in the industry under study are proposed. The practical importance of the results is considered in the possibility of their application in developing appropriate programmes aimed at improving farm management efficiency, increasing production productivity, and product competitiveness, and forming a stable and effective agricultural consulting system in Ukraine
Indicators of reproduction when using complex use of drugs for spontaneous manifestation of heat in cows for mycotoxicosis
Authors: Chekan Oleksandr , Nechyporenko Oleksandr , Ulko Larysa , Kysterna Olesia , Musiienko Oleksii
Published: November 2023

Alimentary infertility is becoming increasingly important due to the toxic effects of mycotoxins, especially zearalenone and deoxynivalenol, which leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the cattle breeding industry, so it is necessary to examine this problem. The purpose of the study was to identify the effect of the complex use of sorbents, acidifiers, and aromatase inhibitors on the reproductive capacity of cows in mycotoxicosis. During the study, clinical methods (general examination) and biochemical methods (serum content of calcium, magnesium, urea, total and direct bilirubin, malonic dialaldehyde, aminotransferase activity) were used. Cows were divided into two groups: the first group was a control group, where no treatment was used, and cows of the second group received a comprehensive treatment method. A decrease in the level of calcium to 1.68±0.53 mmol/L, phosphorus – 0.98±0.16, selenium – 0.64±0.1 mmol/L, an increase in the level of magnesium to 1.15±0.17 mmol/L, an increase in aspartate aminotransferase to 121.33±3.91 units, alataminotransferase to 79.31±6.53 units, and total bilirubin to 10.21±0.55 mmol/l, malone aldehyde up to 8.27±0.41 mmol/L, and ceruloplasmin up to mmol/L 2.14±0.39 in chronic mycotoxicosis caused by zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. When using a complex treatment regimen for animals, a substantial change and approximation to the reference levels of selenium, creatinine, AST, ALT, malonic aldehyde, and ceruloplasmin were established. The use of the proposed treatment regimen increases the fertilising capacity of cows after the 1st calving by 18.15%, cows aged 3-4 years – 30.12%, and cows of the older age group – by 40.47%. A complex method of treatment of cows for mycotoxicosis caused by zearalenone is proposed using an acidifier based on organic acids, a sorbent based on celeolite and an aromatase inhibitor, which can be used in livestock farms for the production of milk and meat of various forms of ownership to restore and normalise the reproductive ability of cows
Ecological Challenges in the 21st Century - Social Challenges of the Digitized World
Authors: Isha kaushik
Published: November 2023

Digital technology has a notable impact on the environment we live in. While it may be hard to imagine life without the World Wide Web, cashless payments, e-commerce, cloud computing, the significant environmental impact from digitalization is often overlooked and underestimated. Digital technologies have been in the front and centre of revamping everything in our lives and perhaps scaled more rapidly than any other innovation in all of human history. Several well documented studies showed that digitalization has created significant economic growth and transformed how industries operate. What is more, digital tech has played a vital role in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Technology leaders recognize that despite its many benefits, there is another side to digitalization. Digitalization is responsible for environmental pollution and degradation across the world
Introduction to Aerospace Structures and Materials
Authors: Alderliesten René
Published: November 2023

This book provides an introduction to the discipline of aerospace structures and materials. It is the first book to date that includes all relevant aspects of this discipline within a single monologue. These aspects range from materials, manufacturing and processing techniques, to structures, design principles and structural performance, including aspects like durability and safety. With the purpose of introducing students into the basics of the entire discipline, the book presents the subjects broadly and loosely connected, adopting either a formal description or an informal walk around type of presentation. A key lessons conveyed within this book is the interplay between the exact science and engineering topics, like solid material physics and structural analysis, and the soft topics that are not easily captured by equations and formulas. Safety, manufacturability, availability and costing are some of these topics that are presented in this book to explain decisions and design solutions within this discipline.
The Delft Sand, Clay & Rock Cutting Model
Authors: Miedema Sape A.
Published: November 2023

In dredging, trenching, (deep sea) mining, drilling, tunnel boring and many other applications, sand, clay or rock has to be excavated. This book gives an overview of cutting theories. It starts with a generic model, which is valid for all types of soil (sand, clay and rock) after which the specifics of dry sand, water saturated sand, clay, atmospheric rock and hyperbaric rock are covered. For each soil type small blade angles and large blade angles, resulting in a wedge in front of the blade, are discussed. For each case considered, the equations/model for the cutting forces, power and specific energy are given. The models are verified with laboratory research, mainly at the Delft University of Technology, but also with data from literature.
Dredging Engineering Special Topics
Authors: Miedema Sape
Published: November 2023

In dredging, production estimating is carried out mainly with analytical physical models of the different dredging processes. Slurry transport of settling slurries and cutting processes in sand, clay and rock are already covered in two other books by the author. Other processes like hopper sedimentation and erosion, water jet fluidization, cutter head spillage, pump/pipeline dynamics and clamshell dredging are covered in this Special Topics Edition.

New topics may be added in the near future.
Responsible Innovation: Ethics, Safety and Technology; 2nd edition
Authors: Groot Kormelink Joost
Published: November 2023

This textbook is based on the MOOC Responsible Innovation offered by the TU Delft. It provides a framework to reflect on the ethics and risks of new technologies. How can we make sure that innovations do justice to social and ethical values? How can we minimize (unknown)risks?
The book explains:
•The concept and importance of responsible innovation for society
•Key ethical concepts and considerations to analyse the risks of new technologies
•Different types of innovation (e.g. radical, niche, incremental, frugal)
•Roadmap for Responsible Innovation by Industry
•The concept of Value Sensitive Design (VSD)
It includes a link to all the web lectures as well as case studies ranging from care robots and nuclear energy to Artificial Intelligence and self-driving vehicles.