bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrategia de marketing de contenido y la relación con la experiencia del cliente en “H Sport café” de Bahía de Caráquez
Authors: Andrade Alvarado Dayanara Monserrathe , Herrera Bartolomé Jenny Carolina
Published: April 2024

En la actualidad los negocios de restaurantes buscan alternativas de sostenibilidad bajo el contexto de marketing de contenido para lograr mejores resultados económicos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue direccionado a determinar estrategias de marketing de contenido en función del alcance y de los medios digitales para lograr mayores niveles de afluencia de clientes. La metodología empleada desde el orden investigativo fue cuantitativa la cual contribuyó al análisis estadístico e interpretación del objeto y campo de estudio investigativo, que a través del método analítico descriptivo permitió generar criterios que contribuyeron a la toma de decisiones de contenidos efectivos. Se aplicó una encuesta constituida por 10 preguntas en la escala de Likert realizadas en una muestra de 96 clientes por medio de un muestreo aleatorio no probabilístico. Se utilizó el software estadístico SPSS v.26 para procesar la encuesta cuya fiabilidad arrojó el resultado .805 del alfa de Cronbach. Entre los resultados más relevantes se obtiene que las estrategias de marketing de contenido fortalecen la relación con los clientes que frecuentan en H Sport Café.
Deteksi Trypanosoma sp pada Sapi Bali (Bos sondaicus) Menggunakan Metode Ulas Darah Di Stasiun Karantina Pertanian Kelas 1 Sumbawa Besar
Authors: Fatoni Dimas Tri , Ningtyas Novarina Sulsia Ista'In , Rahmawat Septyana Eka
Published: April 2024

Infeksi Trypanosoma sp merupakan infeksi menular yang dapat menyebabkan infeksi pada sapi, kuda, dan kerbau. Infeksi ini di sebabkan oleh parasit Trypanosoma yang di tularkan melalui gigitan lalat dan serangga perantara lainnya. Trypanosoma sp dapat menimbulkan kerugian ekonomi karena kematian hewan, terhambatnya pertumbuhan pada anak sapi, penurunan berat badan, penurunan produktivitas dan penurunan potensi produksi. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Sapi Bali (Bos sondaicus) yang terjangkit Trypanosoma sp. Penelitian ini berjenis studi deskriptif. Pengambilan sampel pada penelitian ini menggunakan metode Random sampling, Seluruh anggota populasi menjadi anggota dari kerangka sampel, sampel yang di gunakan pada penelitian ini sebanyak 19 sampel darah. Penelitian ini di lakukan pada bulan September tahun 2023 di Stasiun Karantina Pertanian Kelas 1 Sumbawa Besar. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa dari 19 sampel darah yang diperiksa di Stasiun Karantina Pertanian Kelas 1 Sumbawa Besar tidak ditemukan yang terjangkit Trypanosoma sp.
In Vivo Human Lacrimal Gland Imaging Using an Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Authors: Park Chanjoon , Kim Da Ran , Yoon Young Chae , Yang Soonwon , Whang Woong-Joo , Byun Yong-Soo , Hwang Hyung Bin , Na Kyung Sun , Lee Hyun Soo , Chung So Hyang , Kim Eun Chul , Cho Yang Kyung , Kim Hyun Seung , Hwang Hosik
Published: April 2024

Purpose: In the present study, we introduce human lacrimal gland imaging using an ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) with a soft cover and show their findingsMethods: The representative UBM findings of palpebral lobes in seven subjects (four with non-Sjögren dry eye syndrome, one with Sjögren syndrome, and two healthy subjects) were described in this study. To prolapse the palpebral lobe, the examiner pulled the temporal part of the upper eyelid in the superotemporal direction and directed the subject to look in the inferonasal direction. We scanned the palpebral lobes longitudinally and transversely using UBM. We used an Aviso UBM with a 50 MHz linear probe and ClearScan.Results: In UBM of two healthy subjects, the echogenicity of the lacrimal gland was lower than that of the sclera and homogeneous. But the parenchyma of a patient with Sjögren dry eye syndrome was quite inhomogeneous compared to the healthy subjects. In two patients with dry eye syndrome, we were able to observe some lobules in the parenchyma. We could find excretory ducts running parallel at the surface of the longitudinal section in some subjects. In the longitudinal UBM scan of a subject, we observed a tubular structure at a depth of 1,500 μm that was considered a blood vessel. It ran from the superonasal to the inferotemporal direction. In a subject, we observed a large cyst beneath the conjunctiva.Conclusions: Lacrimal gland imaging using UBM has both advantages of optical coherence tomography and sonography, and could be useful for evaluating dry eye syndrome.
Quo Vadis, Historical International Relations? Geopolitical Marxism and the Promise of Radical Historicism
Authors: Von Pfaler Lauri , Teschke Benno
Published: April 2024

John Maclean’s 1988 call “Marxism and IR: A Strange Case of Mutual Neglect” has generated a rich bounty of Marxist studies and paradigms in International Relations (IR). This cross-pollination merged in the 1990s with the “historical turn” and shaped the sub-fields of International Historical Sociology and International Political Economy. But has it left its mark on how IR is practised today? We argue that while Marxism has spoken significantly to the discipline, mainstream IR, even Historical IR, has been largely impervious to Marxist arguments, drawing the standard charge of economism and structuralism. Rectifying these critiques, we suggest that conventional historical studies of “the international” remain methodologically and substantively impoverished. We exemplify this by showing how leading Historical IR studies of “systems change” fail to explain the inside/outside and public/private differentiations constitutive of the modern international order and to integrate the “levels of analysis” they presuppose. We further argue that this rejection has been facilitated by influential Marxist IR paradigms, which ultimately privilege structuralism over historicism: While Neo-Gramscians initially mobilised “historicism” to dissolve claims about the “sameness” of international relations across time and space, the approach became identified with the reified master-category of “hegemony”. Uneven and Combined Development, in turn, has gravitated towards matching Neo-realism’s claim to theoretical universality by insisting on transhistorical model-building and nomological “grand theory”. Both approaches remain over-sociologised and fail to address international politics. Drawing on radically historicist Political Marxism, this article shows how its substantive socio-political premises explain the historical formation of the contemporary international order and re-unite the “levels of analysis” theoretically to provide a framework for non-reductionist and non-economistic accounts of historical international relations. This requires an answer to the agentic challenge of Neo-Classical Realism by reincorporating grand strategy, diplomacy, and international politics into a reformulated perspective of Geopolitical Marxism to track the full historicity of the making of international orders.
Indonesian Business Competition Law post the enactment Government Regulation in Lieu of Law on Job Creation Regulation into Law
Authors: Gusliadi Gusliadi , Purnama Nur Aziziyah , Pamungkas Rizaldi Tri , Muhammad Azimuddin Mohamed
Published: April 2024

This study aims to find out the development of business competition law in Indonesia as stipulated in Law Number 5 of 1999 on the Prohibition of Monopolistic Practices and Unfair Business Competition and its impact on the dynamics of business competition in Indonesia after the enactment of Law Number 6 of 2023 on Stipulation of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Government Regulation in Lieu of Law) Number 2 of 2022 concerning Job Creation into Law. This study uses a normative method with a statute approach and a library research approach. The formulation of the problem in this study is the development of business competition law in Indonesia after the enactment of the Government Regulation in Lieu of Law on Job Creation into Law and the impact of the enactment of Law Number 6 of 2023 on the dynamics of business competition in Indonesia. The results showed that the Business Competition Law in Indonesia experienced the first change in terms of substance after the enactment of Law Number 6 of 2023 on the Stipulation of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 2 of 2022 concerning Job Creation into Law. These changes then led to a shift in the dynamics of the Competition Procedure Law, which was considered regressed.
Keywords : Business Competition Law, Business Actors, and Unfair Competition
A Novel Approach to Investigate Thermal Protection Systems Materials
Authors: Koo Joseph H. , Bernstein Samantha , Pilato Louis
Published: April 2024

The Koo Research Group (KRG) at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) and KAI has specialized in “Ablation Research” for more than fifteen years. Recently, the group has developed several incredibly unique capabilities that can advance “Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Materials Research & Development” using an integrated experimental and numerical approach. The paper aims to introduce the methodology KRG has developed to solve this challenging problem. It will discuss how the KRG develops “Process-Properties-Performance” relationships of novel TPS materials in a systematical approach using (a) processing and fabrication, (b) thermal characterization of properties, (c) aerothermal testing, (d) microstructures characterization and analysis, and (e) numerical modeling. Progress and challenges of this research will also be discussed.
GIDA İŞLETMELERİNİN ÜRETİM VE PİYASA AĞ ETKİNLİKLERİNİN ENFLASYONLA İLİŞKİSİ: BİST GIDA İMALAT ENDÜSTRİSİ İŞLETMELERİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: Doğan Murat Ahmet , Kalaycı Cem
Published: April 2024

Gıda endüstrisi uluslararası alanda ve ülkelerin ekonomilerinde önde gelen imalat endüstrilerinden biridir. İnsanların yaşamlarını sürdürmeleri için temel ihtiyaçlarını kapsayan bir endüstri olması da bu önemliliği daha da artırmaktadır. Bu kapsamda, Türk imalat endüstrisinin gıda, içecek ve tütün sektöründe yer alıp borsada işlem gören 23 işletmenin etkinlikleri iki aşamalı ağ veri zarflama analizi (Network DEA) yöntemiyle incelenmiştir. Çalışma, işletmelerin finansal verileri referans alınarak 2017/12-2023/06 dönemlerini kapsamaktadır. İki aşamalı etkinlik analizinin birinci aşamasında üretim etkinliği ve ikinci aşamasında da piyasa etkinliği hesaplanmıştır. Üretim etkinliği sonuçları değerlendirildiğinde etkinlik ortalamaları en yüksek çıkan işletmeler sırasıyla ULUUN, BANVT ve DARDL’dir. İkinci aşamada incelenen piyasa etkinlik skorları genel olarak üretim etkinliği skorları ile karşılaştırıldığında oldukça düşük oluşmuştur. Piyasa etkinliği analizindeki etkinliği en yüksek işletmeler KENT, ERSU ve PINSU’dur. Çalışmanın ikinci analiz kısmında, elde edilen üretim ve piyasa etkinliklerinin Üretici Fiyat Endeksi (ÜFE) ile uzun dönemli ilişkisinin tespiti için, Johansen eş bütünleşme testi ve Granger nedensellik testi uygulanmıştır. Bunun sonucunda, etkinlik skorları ile ÜFE arasında uzun dönemli bir eş bütünleşme ilişkisinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Nedensellik testi, ÜFE ve piyasa etkinliği arasında, üretim etkinliği ile piyasa etkinliği arasında nedensellik olduğunu ortaya koymuştur.
Analysis of energy potential for grid-tied solar energy systems for medium industrial applications
Authors: Kasau M. A. , Nyenge L. R. , Munji K. M.
Published: April 2024

This research investigated the potential of using solar photovoltaic (PV) energy to support small-to-medium size industries without the need for energy storage. The peak industrial production hours from morning to evening were investigated and the average daily power required was compared with the available solar power, in order to determine the amount of power that can be recouped from solar-grid hybridization over one year. The available zero-upfront cost plans in Kenya were investigated and the payback rate and benefits to both the buyer and the investor were analyzed. The peak hour power demand and solar potential were compared to determine to what extent battery elimination can be used efficiently during production. The solar power without batteries was found sufficient to be used interchangeably with utility power maximizing on the times of peak solar power. The purpose of the derived report is to help in saving running costs since the cost of battery banks can be partially eliminated and reliance on grid power can be minimized. It also helps an investor to make an informed decision on the zeroupfront cost plan. It was found that, on average, a saving of 8.9% is feasible, with a potential of 23% – 30% if the maximum dependence on PV is employed. The cost of the 15kW plant was found to be recoverable in an average of 10 years for the full power uptake
Electron impact elastic scattering by a calcium atom using the first order distorted wave method with a complex potential
Authors: Waswa V. E. , Jobunga E. O. , Kariuki P. K.
Published: April 2024

Electron-atom scattering data is required in diverse fields of physics. In particular, inelastic collision cross sections data are needed in photonics and radiation physics. Elastic collision data, on the other hand, are useful in material science for surface analysis. There is a lack of accuracy and completeness of atomic data obtained using theoretical methods relative to experimental techniques. Furthermore, the distorted wave Born approximation method with a complex potential is yet to be applied in calculating cross sections. Differential and total cross sections have been calculated for electron-calcium scattering in the impact energy range 10 – 100 eV. There is good shape resonance between the present results with a complex potential and experimental values as well as other theoretical results
Toxicological Evaluation of Cod Liver Oil-Enriched Vernonia amygdalina Leaf-Based Diet in Wistar Rats
Authors: Soji-Omoniwa O , Oyindamola E. O. , Ogunbanwo S. O. , Obasawo S. O. , Akinleye E. O. , Ogunbayeje M. P. , Taiwo B. O. , Odoh M. U. , Odejayi H. O. , Oluwadamilola S. O. , Sanusi R. O. , Oba A. M. , Salawu A. O. , Salihu L. U. , Odewole M. A. , Obe D. A. , Salaudeen I. O.
Published: April 2024

Cod Liver Oil-Enriched V.amygdalina Leaf-Based Diet in our previous study elicited wound-healing effect in Type 2 diabetic rats. As part of the safety evaluation of this nutraceutical formulation, it is important to evaluate it toxicity profile. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the toxicological effect of cod liver oil-enriched V. amygdalina leaf-based diet (CLVA) in Wistar rats. Acute oral toxicity (limit test) and sub-acute toxicity (repeated dose 28-days oral toxicity) tests were carried out using Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. For acute toxicity experiment, 2000 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) single dose administration was given to 5 overnight-fasted female rats. This was done sequentially in an interval of 48 hr. While for the sub-acute study, 30 male and 30 female rats were assigned randomly to 6 groups constituting 4 main and 2 reversal groups, each containing 10 rats (5 male and 5 females). CLVA at the following doses; 0, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.wt. were administered daily to Wistar rats for 28 days. Rats in the Main groups (G1, G2, G3 & G4) were sacrificed at day 29 while the reversal groups (G1R & G4R) were monitored for another 14 days without CLVA administration. Data were analysed using the 20th version of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results showed that the lethal dose of CLVA in Wistar rat was above 2000 mg/ kg b.wt. Water, feed intake, liver function indices (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, total protein and total bilirubin), kidney function indices (alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, urea, and electrolytes), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides), glucose concentration and haematological parameters were not altered significantly (p > 0.05) in CLVA-fed groups. Histopathological examination of kidneys and livers did not show any treatment-related changes as well. In conclusion, administration of CLVA at the studied doses is safe for consumption and can therefore be recommended for use by patients suffering from diabetes with delayed wound healing.
Design and Fabrication of Greenhouse Monitoring and Control System Based on Global System for Mobile Communication and Bluetooth
Authors: Nyaga S. G. , Munji M. K. , Nyenge R. L.
Published: April 2024

Greenhouse technology should be embraced as a way of minimizing food insecurity in Kenya. Greenhouses have attempted to solve this problem by enclosing crops in a climatically controlled environment. In the past, greenhouses utilized electromechanical devices such as thermostats to monitor and control the greenhouse environment. Mechanical systems lack the flexibility and precision required for greenhouse control. Some modern greenhouses use computers -based controllers, which are station- based, bulky and costly. In this study a wireless prototype greenhouse monitoring and control system that is flexible, cheap, easy to maintain and easy to assemble was developed and implemented. The hardware consisted of ATmega328 microcontroller, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) SIM800L module, HC05 Bluetooth module, HD44780U Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) module, 5 volts 4 channel relay module, Light dependent resistor (LDR) sensor and digital humidity and temperature (DHT11) sensor. The DHT11 and LDR sensors, the relay, the LCD, the GSM and the Bluetooth modules were interfaced to the ATmega328 microcontroller, through Arduino software, a program was written in C language, developed and uploaded to the ATmega328 microcontroller to run the greenhouse prototype. The designed prototype system is able to measure temperature, humidity, and light illuminance levels in the prototype greenhouse and display the values on the LCD. The system also transmits the measured values to owner’s phone via Bluetooth or GSM and keeps these parameters at optimum levels by use of two fans, a heater, a bulb and a sprinkler. From results, when the actuators were on, the average internal temperature was 24.5 ºC while the average external temperature was 31.43 ºC. The average temperature control effect and cooling efficiency per hour for the designed prototype were 6.9 ºC and 75.9%, respectively. At stable cooling state, the maximum cooling efficiency was 78%. This project therefore provides a cost effective and efficient means of monitoring and controlling greenhouse parameters. In addition, the system allows mobility during monitoring and control process. The agricultural sector in Kenya, can apply the designed prototype in the design and implementation of greenhouses.
Effect of Absorption and Polarization Potentials in The Distorted Wave Calculation of Positron Impact Excitation of Autoionizing State of Rubidium
Authors: Opungu Zakayo Kitui , Kariuki Peter Kinuthia , Singh Chandra Shekhar
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on the scattering of positrons and rubidium atoms. We utilized the distorted wave approach to compute the cross sections and alignment parameter from near excitation threshold up to 1500 eV. Our system employed Clementi and Roetti (1974) multi-zeta Roothan-Hatree-Fock wave. We employed a complex distortion potential comprising static, absorption, and polarization terms to calculate cross sections and the alignment parameter. Our results were compared with other available studies, and we found that including polarization and absorption potentials significantly affected the cross-sections and the alignment parameter, especially at low-impact energies. These two potentials enhanced the accuracy of both the cross-section and alignment parameter results.
Evaluating the Presence and Depletion of Residual Ivermectin in Milk Following Subcutaneous Injections on Lactating Cows
Authors: Njau Z. W. , Mwangi H. M. , Ng’ang’a M. M.
Published: April 2024

Dairy farming industry in Kenya has experienced significant growth due to the rising consumption of milk and dairy products. Consequently, to improve output,veterinary drugs were administered prophylactically and/or therapeutically to dairy cattle. Commonly used drugs included beta-agonists, anthelmintics, antibiotics, and steroid hormones. Parasitic diseases more so tick infestations hindered production. Chemical methods were primarily used in tick management however, the technique proved expensive and developed resistance. Conversely, ivermectin effectively controlled ecto- and endoparasites in livestock, hence gaining popularity in tick management. Nonetheless, its residues accumulated in animal tissues, rendering it unacceptable on animals that produced milk for human use. Apparently, farmers in tick-infested areas in Nyandarua County, Kenya used ivermectin, but there lacked adequate evidence to show that it occurred in milk. Thus, this study examined the performance of Liquid Chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) in order to analyse the presence and depletion pattern of ivermectin residues after it excreted in cow milk following subcutaneous treatment of dairy cows. Between day 0.5 and day 57 following treatment, 24 milk samples were purposefully collected and stored at -20°C.. The samples were prepared using QuEChERS, a solid-phase extraction technique.Further, positive Electrospray ionization (+ESI) LC-MSMS qualitative analysis identified a precursor ion with the mass number of m/z 897.5 and corresponding product ions—m/z 897.5 > 329, m/z 897.5 > 240, and m/z 897.5 > 183—within a retention time of 8.782-8.858 (mean = 8.362±0.002) minutes. The solvent and matrixmatched calibration curves displayed satisfactory linearity with r=0.998 and 0.993 as their respective correlation coefficients. Additionally, the limit of detection was 2.5 ng/ml and limit of quantification reached 10 ng/ml. The analyte recovery ranged from 74.977% to 101.435%, within satisfactory limits. Hence, ivermectin residues were quantified in milk samples from the 0.5th to 17th day. The highest concentration (60.90±0.98 ng/ml) was observed on 2nd day. No traces of the residue were detected beyond day 18 and as a result, the study recommends a withdrawal period of 18days after subcutaneous ivermectin treatment. It is therefore important to perform further research on other dairy and animal products that people consume.
Acculturated Internal Quality Assurance as an Enabler as Well as a Product of Integrity, Efficiency and Effectiveness in Higher Educational Institutions
Authors: Wokabi Francis Gikonyo
Published: April 2024

Internal quality assurance (IQA) structures and practices exist in many higher educational institutions (HEIs) globally. However, the existence of IQA mechanisms, though necessary, is insufficient to guarantee excellent delivery of quality products and services. There is need to acculturate internal quality assurance in order to realize and sustain excellence, efficiency and effectiveness in HEIs. Acculturated IQA refers to a consistent and shared commitment and adherence to relevant standards and requirements that is demonstrated not merely by documented information in an organisation but also through actual work performance and service delivery. What is stated or professed is followed through in practice. When IQA is acculturated, concern with quality becomes intrinsic and an ongoing process rather than an external imposition by quality assurance agencies. Alignment to goals, planning, monitoring and evaluation and use of objective evidence to guide decision making are cherished as efficient and effective tools for enhancing excellence. This paper utilizes philosophical methods of analysis and argumentation as well as internal quality assurance experiences and practices to clarify the concept of acculturated quality assurance and demonstrate how it both enables and reflects organisational excellence, efficiency and effectiveness.
Free Primary Education, Gender and Intersectionality
Authors: Wawire Violet K
Published: April 2024

Free Primary Education (FPE) program was introduced in Kenya in 2003 by the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) Government to abolish primary school fees. Recent evidence indicates that a substantial number of children, especially girls are still out of school and that initial gains from the program have been eroded by wastage issues within the system. Specifically, girls from poor, rural and marginalized backgrounds are most affected. The study employed the critical social theory, from a gender perspective, to interrogate the concept of gender and intersectionality in education provision. The challenges that girls face due to social circumstances they find themselves in because they have a disability or where they come from either rural, urban slum, or marginalized region intersect with gender to exacerbate their exclusion in education. This study analyzes the 2019 basic education statistical data from Kenya and supplements it with evidence from qualitative data from four case schools representing rural, slum, pastoralist and disability categories of marginalization in the Kenyan context to highlight the multiple marginalizations that girls from these backgrounds face of girls. In confirming that gender intersectionality is a reality in gender neutral policies like the FPE, the study reports that girls from poor and marginalized communities have lower educational participation outcomes compared to their affluent counterparts due to social, cultural and economic factors. It suggests strategies of enhancing their status to enable them benefit from FPE and related interventions.
Determinants of Stress among Undergraduate Students at the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim Ologele , Mojisola Abdulraheem Adijat , Garba Isiaka
Published: April 2024

Stress has become part of students’ academic life due to the various expectations placed upon their shoulders. Undergraduate students are particularly vulnerable to the problems associated with academic stress. It is essential to comprehend the factors that determine stress among undergraduate students if we are to gain sufficient and proficient intervention strategies. Therefore, the study investigates the factors that determine stress among Undergraduate students at the faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design method was adopted for the study. The Undergraduate students at the faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria constituted the study population. Two hundred and forty (240) Undergraduate students formed the sample size. The respondents were selected for the research using a multi-stage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire that had been validated by 3 experts from the related fields was used as a research instrument. Consistency of the instrument was established through a test-retest approach and the result of 0.86r was obtained. Inferential statistics of chi-square were used to analyze the outcomes of the data collected. The findings revealed that academic, environmental and personal factors constitute stress among undergraduate students. The researcher recommends among other things that the university authority should reduce the number of elective courses allocated for undergraduate students to ease their stress exposure to excess academic workload.
Impact of Covid-19 on the Wellbeing of School Going Children in Kibra Slum, Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Kiruthu Felix , Omala Hillary , Muna Wilson , Kungu Ann , Babamaragana Abba
Published: April 2024

The scourge of Covid-19 has led to loss of livelihoods and disruption of social life and economic activities globally. Government containment measures, like travel restrictions and lockdowns have adversely affected urban communities, particularly those living in slum areas. The study examined how the pandemic has impacted on the wellbeing of school going children in Kibra, the largest informal settlement in East Africa. It interrogated how the closure of schools has disrupted their normal life, including learning, diet, care and protection by caregivers. The effect of the pandemic on parents was also interrogated for the same purpose. The research collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Semi-structured questionnaire was administered among 52 parents and 132 school going children randomly selected from both primary and secondary schools. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data while thematic analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data. Results from the study showed that school closure due to restrictions imposed following the threat of COVID-19 revealed unprecedented threats and vulnerabilities among children, including physical and emotional abuse, sexual harassment, neglect, and lack of proper diet, attributed to lack of income among parents. The study recommends increased government action in designing intervention policy measures to remedy the situation.
Assessment and Implications of Waste Transportation and Disposal Practices of Rural and Urban Dwellers in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: ABDULRAHEEM Adijat Mojisola
Published: April 2024

The piles of solid waste that have accumulated across the cities of Kwara State, Nigeria, pose a serious threat to public health. The implications of waste disposal and transportation practices on the health of people cannot be undermined, which may include environmental health issues such as outbreaks of cholera, lassa fever, malaria and other diseases which have been frequently experienced in the study area. In order to avert such incidences in the nearest future, this study assessed solid waste disposal and transportation practices and its implications on the health of the people in rural and urban areas of Kwara State. Three research questions and two hypotheses were tested for the study. An ex-post facto research design was used. The sample for the study was chosen using a multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 754 questionnaires were given to household heads who were chosen at random from six Local Government Areas in Kwara State. For research questions, mean, standard deviation and percentages were used, and the study hypotheses were analysed using an independent sample t-test. Findings revealed that rural and urban dwellers in Kwara State use similar methods of solid waste disposal (P-values= 0.99>0.05, 0.99>0.05) and transportation (P-values=0.13>0.05, 0.07>0.05). Most of the disposal methods used are unhygienic and not environmental friendly (open burning, dumping on bare floors and drainages, and use of pits dug at the backyard). Also, majority of the respondents do not transport their wastes, some of the respondents give to children to dispose off on the streets, some take it along to dispose illegally when going to work, while a few patronize government and commercial waste collectors). The implications of such practices were found to be too important to be neglected such as unpleasant odour, disease outbreaks and loss of aesthetic value of the streets. It was suggested among others that household members should try to use accessible healthy waste disposal options such as composting, sanitary landfill and recycling of waste in order to prevent environmental health diseases and degradation.
Implications of Government’s Sanitary Towels Initiative on Curricular and Co-Curricular Participation of Secondary School Girls in Nakuru County, Kenya
Authors: Chepkoech Diana , Mbirianjau Lucy Wandiri , Gathara Peter Mugo
Published: April 2024

The government of Kenya is committed to end disparity in education by ensuring equity of access and participation of all girls and boys in education. This is evidenced through education policies in place such as the Government’s Sanitary Towels Initiative (GSTI) whose aim is to minimize barriers to education for girls and put them at par with the boys. This study sought to explore the efficacy of GSTI on educational access and participation of secondary school girls in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study employed Descriptive Survey design. The sample size was 329 respondents comprising of 316 secondary school girls, 6 class teachers, 6 principals and 1 education officer. Questionnaires, interviews and documentary analysis were utilized as data collection tools. Data was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study findings revealed that lack of sanitary towels has been a major issue affecting girls’ access and participation in education. GSTI has impacted the girls’ educational access and participation through enabling them to be always present in class, freely stand and answer questions, mingle freely even among boys, concentrate in study activities, volunteer to dust the board and feel comfortable in class during their menstruation period. The findings also indicated that through GSTI the girls have comfort, confidence, motivation and dignity leading to increased participation. In conclusion, GSTI has had a positive impact on girls’ access and participation in education and strategies should be put in place to ensure its sustainability.
Influence of Mentoring Newly Employed Teachers on their Performance on Curricular Activities in Public Secondary Schools in Thika East and West Sub-Counties, Kiambu County, Kenya
Authors: Okello Pamela Akinyi , Kombo Kisilu , Mandela Rubai
Published: April 2024

The first year of teaching is one of the most challenging and critical periods in a teacher’s career. Newly employed teachers begin experiencing challenges such as workload pressure, lack of appreciation andsupport from colleagues, work-leisure spillover and discipline and behavior problems of students, burnout and conflict with other colleagues and other school stakeholders. This leads to low performance of newly employed teachers, as 40% of newly employed teachers do not meet the performance appraisals targets as set by TSC. This study’s objective was to determine the impact of mentoring on the job performance of newly employed teachers in public secondary schools in Thika East and West Sub-Counties, Kiambu county, Kenya. Feldman’s model of organizational socialization and social exchange theory informed this study. The study used a descriptive design and adopted a mixed methodology approach where qualitative and quantitative data were used. The study population was 568 participants comprising of 148 newly employed teachers, 378 experienced teachers, 21 principals, and 21 deputy principals. The study used stratified random sampling to sample 60 newly employed teachers, 153 experienced teachers, 17 principals, and deputy principals; thus, the total sample size was 230 respondents. The study collected data usingan interview guide for newly employed teachers, questionnaires for experienced teachers, principals, and deputy principals, and FGD for students. The researcher also carried out observation, document analysis, and other relevant secondary data. The researcher carried out mixed analysis. The study results indicated that there is a positive and statistically significant influence of mentoring (β=0.628, p=0.039<0.05) on the performance of newly employed teachers. The study concludes that having proper and effective mentoring led to better job performance of newly employed teachers. The study recommends improving on mentoring so as to boost the job performance of newly employed teachers in Kenya.
Assessments of Principals’ Communication Procedures on Female Teachers’ Progression to Management Positions of Public Secondary Schools: Case Study of Kajiado County, Kenya
Authors: Ndiso Titus Mutiso , Kalai Jeremiah M. , Mugambi Mercy M.
Published: April 2024

Communication is a very important tool in the success of Educational Institutions. The study examined the influence of principals’ communication procedures on Female Teachers’ progression to Management Positions of Public Secondary Schools in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study assessed how communication on availability of management positions influence the number of Female Teachers’ Progression into Management of public secondary schools in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study was guided by Theories of Human Communication. Data was collected using questionnaires administered to 419 public secondary school teachers holding management positions of Heads of departments, senior teachers, deputy and principals managing public secondary schools. Interview schedule was used to collect data from the five TSC sub-county directors of education in Kajiado County. Stratified sampling technique was used in sampling 205 public secondary school teachers in management positions in Kajiado County while 4 TSC Sub-county directors of Education were purposively sampled. The qualitative data collected from the interviews was analyzed using content analysis, presented in a narrative form and the findings of quantitative data were presented by use of tables and charts. The study used Pearsons correlation analysis to test if there is a linear association between independent variables and the dependent variable where null hypothesis was tested. The data analysis software used was statistical package for social sciences. The study assessed on the principals communication procedures on female teachers’ progression into management of public secondary schools. Some of the communication procedures used included circulars, staff briefs by principals, use of newspapers, reports from higher education offices and recreation facilities interactions. From the study, it was established that staff briefs by principals was the main channel of communication to teachers which updates them on when to prepare for promotional interviews which are often delayed before teachers get the invitations. The study suggested that principals should communicate the available management vacancies to female teachers in good time so that the teachers can prepare adequately for the promotional interviews. Through personal emails and direct messages, principals should directly communicate the available management vacancies to the teachers other than waiting for forums like staff briefs which may take long especially when the principals are away on other school activities.
Cross-curriculum Teaching and Learning in the Secondary School: Geography, History, Religious Education and Mathematics in Kenya’s Competency Based Curriculum
Authors: Mwangangi Leonard , Ondigi Samson R. , Puotier Zutaah
Published: April 2024

Inadequate learners’ engagement in Geography, History, Religious Education, and Mathematics (GHREM) can lead to a lack of knowledge and appreciation for the importance of these learning areas in various careers. This has the potential to have far-reaching implications for a country’s need for well-educated graduates in Geography, History, Religious Education, and Mathematics to ensure socioeconomic, cultural, and political development. The implication is that there will be a lack of personnel to take up a career in these learning areas in the future. This study looked into the importance of GHREM in the National Curriculum as well as their relationship. The study relied on library research and a qualitative research design to examine published articles related to the research objectives from 1945 to 2023. From the over 100 articles accessed, this investigation purposefully sampled 25 published articles. Content analysis was used to validate the articles. Data was collected through documentation and analyzed through content analysis. The analysis of 25 related articles revealed that the GHREM learning areas are interconnected and interdependent. Geography teaches learners about their surroundings and helps them understand them. History helps learners understand the evolution of various human endeavors. Religious education helps learners understand various religions and their practices while also promoting tolerance and respect for diversity, as well as ethical and moral behavior. Mathematics introduces learners to concepts such as numbers, algebra, geometry, and statistics, while also encouraging abstract thinking and problem-solving abilities. These learning areas are related because they are all required for learners to understand and interpret their surroundings, as well as to succeed in a variety of careers. Overall, each learning area helps to develop a well-rounded education that prepares learners for careers and beyond. According to the study’s findings, these learning areas should be integrated across the curriculum.
Could bacteriophages be used as a novel pest management tool to control gut endosymbionts in Western Flower Thrips?
Authors: Krueger Stephanie , Kroj Andrea , Lehnherr Tatiana , Lehnherr Hansjörg , Stuiver Maarten
Published: April 2024

Several species of Thysanoptera are considered agricultural pests, especially Frankliniella occidentalis (Western Flower Thrips, WFT). The damage WFT causes to plants can either be direct by feeding and oviposition activity or indirect by WFT serving as vectors for several plant viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Properties of WFT like polyphagy, cryptic lifestyle, fast reproduction and the ability to quickly develop insecticide resistance make them difficult to control. Alternative pest management tactics are thus in high demand. Potential targets are the facultative or obligate endosymbionts that affect the life history parameters of WFT. The known endosymbionts of WFT: BFo1/BFo2 (B = bacteria, Fo = Frankliniella occidentalis, number indicate different types) positively influence their fertility and development. Elimination of these endosymbionts could result in a decreased individual reproduction level and decreased population growth. Bacteriophages specific against BFo1/BFo2 were isolated and characterized and were applied in a no-choice feeding assay to female WFT. Antibiotic and sugar solutions served as controls. Phage-treated thrips showed no significant difference in survival, fecundity, oviposition rate or developmental time of the progeny compared to the control, whereas antibiotic treatment caused a decline in survival, fecundity, and oviposition rate, but not in the developmental time of offspring. The results showed a rapid decline of the bacteriophage concentration in the feed solution, which the WFT salivary gland products might cause. The complex relationship between thrips, endosymbionts and bacteriophages, needs further attention before bacteriophages could be used as potential management tools.
Utilization of a highly adaptable murine air pouch model for minimally invasive testing of the inflammatory potential of biomaterials
Authors: Woitschach Franziska , Kloss Marlen , Kischkel Sabine , Macháček Tomáš , Reinholdt Cindy , Senz Volkmar , Schlodder Karsten , Löbermann Micha , Grabow Niels , Reisinger Emil C. , Sombetzki Martina
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The biocompatibility of an implanted material strongly determines the subsequent host immune response. After insertion into the body, each medical device causes tissue reactions. How intense and long-lasting these are is defined by the material properties. The so-called foreign body reaction is a reaction leading to the inflammation and wound healing process after implantation. The constantly expanding field of implant technology and the growing areas of application make optimization and adaptation of the materials used inevitable.

Methods: In this study, modified liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and two of the most commonly used thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) were compared in terms of induced inflammatory response in the body. We evaluated the production of inflammatory cytokines, infiltration of inflammatory cells and encapsulation of foreign bodies in a subcutaneous air-pouch model in mice. In this model, the material is applied in a minimally invasive procedure via a cannula and in one piece, which allows material testing without destroying or crushing the material and thus studying an intact implant surface. The study design includes short-term (6 h) and long-term (10 days) analysis of the host response to the implanted materials. Air-pouch-infiltrating cells were determined by flow cytometry after 6 h and 10 days. Inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis markers were analyzed in the capsular tissue by qPCR after 10 days.

Results: The foreign body reaction was investigated by macroscopic evaluation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Increased leukocyte infiltration was observed in the air-pouch after 6 h, but it markedly diminished after 10 days. After 10 days, capsule formations were observed around the materials without visible inflammatory cells.

Discussion: For biocompatibility testing materials are often implanted in muscle tissue. These test methods are not sufficiently conclusive, especially for materials that are intended to come into contact with blood. Our study primarily shows that the presented model is a highly adaptable and minimally invasive test system to test the inflammatory potential of and foreign body reaction to candidate materials and offers more precise analysis options by means of flow cytometry.
Performance of removing aqueous contaminant by zirconium based adsorbents: a critical review
Authors: Zhao Dandan , Yang Yi , Chen J. Paul
Published: April 2024

The studies on materials for decontamination in aqueous solutions have increasingly received greater attentions. Such contaminants as heavy metals, arsenic, fluoride and phosphate are harmful to humans and aqueous species due to higher toxicity. Zirconium based adsorbents have become more attractive due to outstanding performance in decontamination. This article provides a comprehensive review of the performance and mechanisms of five types adsorbents: zirconium (hydro)oxides, zirconium hydrogen sulfate, zirconium based multiple metal typed adsorbents and zirconium impregnated complexes. The pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order equations and the intraparticle diffusion model can be applied in describing the adsorption kinetics, while Langmuir and Freundlich equations are the most commonly used adsorption isotherms. The important mechanisms for uptake of contaminants are: ligand exchange between adsorbate and adsorbent, surface complexation formation, and Lewis acid–base and electrostatic interactions. A series of successful studies demonstrate that the adsorbents are promising for removing aqueous contaminants.
Gut microbiota composition in travellers is associated with faecal lipocalin-2, a mediator of gut inflammation
Authors: Gandasegui Javier , Vergara Andrea , Fleitas Pedro , Rubio Elisa , Fernandez-Pittol Mariana , Aylagas Cristian , Alvarez Míriam , Zancada Noelia , Camprubí-Ferrer Daniel , Vila Jordi , Muñoz José , Petrone Paula , Casals-Pascual Climent
Published: April 2024

Introduction

We examined the gut microbiota of travellers returning from tropical areas with and without traveller’s diarrhoea (TD) and its association with faecal lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels.

Methods

Participants were recruited at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain, and a single stool sample was collected from each individual to perform the diagnostic of the etiological agent causing gastrointestinal symptoms as well as to measure levels of faecal LCN2 as a biomarker of gut inflammation. We also characterised the composition of the gut microbiota by sequencing the region V3-V4 from the 16S rRNA gene, and assessed its relation with the clinical presentation of TD and LCN2 levels using a combination of conventional statistical tests and unsupervised machine learning approaches.

Results

Among 61 participants, 45 had TD, with 40% having identifiable etiological agents. Surprisingly, LCN2 levels were similar across groups, suggesting gut inflammation occurs without clinical TD symptoms. Differential abundance (DA) testing highlighted a microbial profile tied to high LCN2 levels, marked by increased Proteobacteria and Escherichia-Shigella, and decreased Firmicutes, notably Oscillospiraceae. UMAP analysis confirmed this profile’s association, revealing distinct clusters based on LCN2 levels. The study underscores the discriminatory power of UMAP in capturing meaningful microbial patterns related to clinical variables. No relevant differences in the gut microbiota composition were found between travellers with or without TD.

Discussion

The findings suggest a correlation between gut microbiome and LCN2 levels during travel, emphasising the need for further research to discern the nature of this relationship.