bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Risk Associated with Drinkable Water Sources Through Analysis of Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivity Levels in Chosen Locations, Mubi – North
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmadu
Published: April 2024

Ionizing radiation refers to a form of radiation with sufficient energy to dislodge tightly bound electrons from atoms, resulting in the formation of ions. It encompasses alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Exposure to ionizing radiation, especially through ingestion, can have detrimental effects on living organisms, including humans. The primary goal of this research is to measure and analyze the levels of alpha and beta radiation in water samples, using the obtained results to evaluate radiation concentrations. Water samples were collected from five different locations within Mubi-North Metropolis and analyzed using a desktop Alpha/Beta counting machine or detector (MPC 2000B-DP). The analysis results present the alpha and beta radiation activities in each sample location. For example, alpha activities ranged from 0.009844 Bq/L to 0.1821 Bq/L, and beta activities ranged from 0.04922 Bq/L to 10.21 Bq/L across different locations. Sample D recorded the highest alpha effective equivalent dose of 0.037mSv/y, while the lowest dose of 0.002mSv/y was recorded from sample D. Sample C had the highest beta effective equivalent dose of 5.143mSv/y, and the lowest dose of 0.329mSv/y was recorded from sample E. Sample C also recorded the highest total effective dose of 516mSv/y, while the lowest dose of 0.34mSv/y was from sample E. Only sample D exceeded the recommended screening level of 0.1mSv/y for Alpha, and only sample E recorded the lowest effective dose of 0.329mSv/y below the screening limit of 1.0mSv/y, indicating potential cancer risk for all samples except sample E. In summary, the study concludes that alpha activities in all collected samples are below the recommended screening levels for drinking water radioactivity set by organizations such as EPA, WHO, and GEG-FAO. However, beta activities in the samples, except for the one from Federal Polytechnic Reservoir, surpass the recommended screening levels, suggesting a potential health risk for individuals consuming water from those sources. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into alpha and beta radiation levels in water samples from various locations in Mubi-North Metropolis, highlighting the safety of alpha levels but indicating potential hazards in beta radiation levels.
Investigation of Response of Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to Blended NPSB Fertilizer in Fogera and Libo Kemkem Districts of Amhara Region
Authors: Bekele Demsew , Getu Abebe
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was conducted for three years to evaluate and determine economic optimum rate of NPSB blended + urea fertilizers for upland rice production in Fogera and Libokemkem districts of Amhara Region. Blended NPSB fertilizer rates of 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1 were factorially combined with 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg urea ha-1. Zero fertilizer as control treatment and recommended NP as a reference treatment were included in the study. The treatments were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results show that, in Libokemikem district, the maximum grain yield of 4.9 t ha-1 was obtained from 200 kg NPSB + 250 kg Urea ha-1, while the maximum dry biomass yield of 10.2 t ha-1 was recorded from 250 kg NPSB + 250 kg Urea ha-1. In Fogera district, the maximum grain and biomass yields of 6.1 and 15 t ha-1, respectively were obtained from 250 kg NPSB + 200 kg Urea ha-1. The partial budget analysis of the pooled data indicate that at Libokemikem district, the maximum net economic return (NER) of Ethiopian birr (Birr) 48,529.70 with marginal rate of return (MRR) of 1284.9% was obtained from 200 kg NPSB + 250 kg urea ha-1. At Fogera district, the maximum NER of Birr 62,323.60 with MRR of 959.7% was obtained from 100 kg NPSB + 250 kg urea ha-1. However, it is not possible to draw conclusions that the significant yield increment recorded was due to the contribution of S and B blends in the NPSB blended fertilizer. Because, there were confounding effects of N and P nutrients in the NPSB blended fertilizer. As it is revealed in the results, the significant yield response recorded, however, was due to the increasing levels of N. Therefore, we recommend further investigation of the response of NERICA-4 (upland rice) to each nutrient (P, S and B) through nutrient omission studies.
Research on the Supply of Shared Bicycles in Subway Hub Stations-Taking the Subway Station of Zhengzhou People 's Hospital as an Example
Authors: Wang Jihua , Chen Yan
Published: April 2024

In recent years, with the rapid development of shared bicycles, it has played a great role in alleviating urban traffic pressure and facilitating residents to go out to a certain extent. However, while solving the problem of the last kilometer of travel, the uneven distribution of shared bicycles in subway hub stations is becoming more and more serious, which has a certain impact on the quality of residents ' travel. This paper takes the supply of shared bicycles in urban subway hub stations as the research object, and observes and summarizes the characteristics of slow traffic flow near the entrances and exits of subway hub stations in the morning and evening peak hours. On the premise of ensuring the right of way for pedestrians, the supply and demand of shared bicycles in the subway hub station and the configuration of shared bicycles in the surrounding space of the subway hub station are comprehensively considered, and the supply of shared bicycles is predicted by the estimation model and the field data of the subway hub station are investigated, taking the subway station of Zhengzhou People 's Hospital as an example to carry out field research and predict the actual demand and supply of shared bicycles in the subway hub. Finally, the problems existing in the research on the supply of shared bicycles in metro hub stations and possible future research directions are summarized.
Diagnostic Survey of Honeybee Diseases, Pests and Predators in Selected Districts of West Hararghe Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Dawud Sudi , Dugda Damma , Giza Birahanu
Published: April 2024

The study was conducted in Darolabu, Ciro and Gemechis Districts of West Hararghe Zone with the objective of determining the occurrence and prevalence of honeybee diseases, pests and predators and their effects on honeybee colonies and bee products in selected districts of West Hararghe Zone. Three districts were purposefully selected based on their relative beekeeping potentials in highland, midland and lowland agro–ecologies. Three Kebeles from each district and ten beekeepers from each Kebeles were selected for the interview. For major honey bee diseases and pest examination, a total of 68 suspected bee colonies were sampled. Out of the total respondents, 58% and 77.4% of beekeepers replied that honeybee colonies and honey yield, respectively, were decreasing from time to time. The respondents listed a lack of bee forages, disease, pest and predators as the major constraints of beekeeping in the study area in their decreasing orders. Wax moth, honey badger and hive beetles were more commonly occurring pests and predators, while nosema and amoeba were among the important diseases. The prevalence all bee diseases and pests including nosema, amoeba, varroa mite, bee lice, wax moth, and small hive beetle, was not associated with either agro-ecology or hive type. The factors contributing for their prevalence across all agro-ecologies and hive types need further study.
Sub Chronic Toxicity Study of Aqueous Leaves Extract of Maytenus Gracilipes on Some Biochemical Parameters and Histopathology of Liver and Kidneys in Mice
Authors: Ayele Mengistu , Afework Mekebeb , Makonnen Eyasu , Ergete Wondwosen , Debella Asfaw , Tolessa Tesfaye , Fekadie Minale
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Traditional medicine is an ancient medical practice that is still widely used in prevention and treatment of various health problems worldwide, including Ethiopia. M.gracilipes is one of medicinal plant in Ethiopia used for treatment of various ailments still is very common. This study evaluated the sub-chronic toxic effects of M. gracilipes aqueous leaves extract on biochemical parameters and histopathology of liver and kidneys. Methods: For sub-chronic toxicity study a total of 30 mice were used, three groups (I–III) of mice (10 animals each) were used. Group I served as control and received a vehicle while groups II and III daily administered with 700 and 2100 mg/kg extract respectively orally by using oral gavage for 90 days. At the end of the experiment, the mice were sacrificed by using diethyl ether; blood was collected for assessing biochemical parameters and histopathological evaluations on liver and kidneys were performed. Results: Sub chronic treatment of extract for 90 days, at 700 and 2100 mg/kg body weight did not induce any sign of illness and /or death and had no adverse effect on biochemical parameters and blood parameters. Liver and kidney sections also revealed normal architecture, except some pyknotic nuclei and focal mononuclear leukocytic infiltrations observed in some of the liver and kidney tissues at higher dose (2100mg/kg). Conclusion: The results of this sub chronic toxicity study showed that M. gracilipes aqueous leaves extract is safe at daily doses of 700 mg/kg body weight, even when taken for longer period. At higher doses, however, the extract may induce mild hepatorenal toxicity.
Detection of Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Nancy Gwimo , Madoshi Philbert , S. Katakweba , Mecky Matee
Published: April 2024

Background: Hospital settings are associated with constant introduction of pathogens which can be transmitted among workers by patients, and visitors, resulting into potential nosocomial infections. This study compared the carriage and pattern of drug resistant S. aureus among patients and on equipment in hospital setting at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted by collecting samples from the anterior nares using sterile cotton swabs from patients. Furthermore samples were collected from inanimate surfaces, ward door handles; wheelchairs; and trolleys. The samples were incubated on mannitol salt agar plates aerobically at 37°C for 24 hours. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using; erythromycin, azithromycin, ofloxacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and cefoxitin. Clindamycin inducible resistance was tested by D test as per CLSI (2019). Data analysis was carried using SPSS where Chi – square was used to compare the association of occurrence of resistance and source of isolation. Results: Out of 200 samples, 54 tested positive for S. aureus were from human while the prevalence of S. aureus in inanimate objects was high in beds 10 (40%). The AMR was observed more in azithromycin (26.3%) than other antimicrobials. The D-Test showed inducible clindamycin-resistant phenotype in 57.1% of the MRSA isolates. The maternity ward had the highest risk of being exposed to S. aureus contamination [OR = 9.9 (95% CI, 2.0-19.30), p = 0.01] and tables [OR = 4.6 (95% CI, 1.22-1.89, p= 0.03)]. The recovery wards were least likely to be contaminated with the result of four times likely to be contaminate for both patients and surfaces [OR = 5.1 (95% CI, 1.3-8.6), p= 0.04] when compared with other wards. Conclusion: This study presents some important findings on MRSA which is a global concern, the authors encourages more researches are done in MRSA for efficient availability in the AMR database.
Demographics and Pathomorphology of Ameloblastoma: A 9 Year Retrospective Review at a Tertiary Health Care Centre in North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Akpa Philip , Emmanuel Innocent , Kwaghe Barka , Okwudire-Ejeh Ijeoma , Dauda Ayuba , Silas Olugbenga
Published: April 2024

Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally invasive neoplasm that arises from odontogenic epithelium of the dental lamina. It is classified into the conventional, unicystic, extraosseous/peripheral and metastasizing variants. It is the most common odontogenic tumour in Nigeria and other developing countries. It affects individuals of all ages, has a peak of occurrence in the fourth and fifth decades with no sex predilection. The Mandible is the most commonly affected site and the conventional variant is predominant. The aim of this study is to document the demographics and Pathomorphology of ameloblastoma diagnosed at the Jos University Teaching Hospital over the past nine years. There is no previous documentation of the pattern of this tumour in the North-central region of Nigeria making this study relevant. This is a retrospective observational review of all cases of ameloblastoma diagnosed histologically at the Jos University Teaching Hospital between January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2023. Materials utilized consisted of patient clinical case files, electronic histopathology result records, histopathology glass slides and formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks. The patient age, sex, anatomic location of tumour in the Jaw/face and pathomorphological features were recorded for all cases. The data obtained was analysed using Epi-info 7 (version 3.5.4) and Microsoft-Excel. Results were presented in tables and charts. Fifty one cases of ameloblastoma were diagnosed during the 9 years of review. Their ages ranged between 6 and 65 years with a mean age of 30.9±13.8 years and a peak of occurrence in the third decade. There were 29 males and 22 females with a male to female ratio (M:F) of 1.3:1. Ninety-two percent of cases occurred in the mandible and 8% in the maxilla. The conventional variant accounted for 72.5% of cases and the unicystic variant 27.5%. The follicular type accounted for 64.8% of cases of conventional ameloblastoma. Ameloblastoma occurred more commonly in males with a peak in the third decade. A vast majority of cases involved the mandible and the conventional type was predominant. This demographic pattern supports existing evidence that ameloblastoma occurs more commonly in males and in relatively younger patients in Africa.
Profile of Homosexuals, Bisexuals, and Transgender People in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kamuanga Michael , Lubaki Jean-Pierre , Ngangu Patrick , Natuhoyila Aliocha , Kiswaya Ernest , Ngwala Philippe
Published: April 2024

Introduction: It has been established that homosexuality plays a considerable role in the persistence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections, but data related to their extent remains paradoxically fragmentary. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of viral infection (Human Immunodeficiency Virus and hepatic viral infections) among homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgenders in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: Between February 1 and March 30, 2022, an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among Kinshasa's homosexual, bisexual, and transgender populations. The snowball method was used to choose participants from homosexuals’ organisations. Sociodemographic information and the prevalence of viral infections (HIV, HBV, and HCV) were included as study parameters. The determinants of viral infections were found using multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 555 participants (mean age: 28.5±7.8 years, unmarried: 44.9%) were enrolled. Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infection rates were, respectively, 31.5%, 6.3%, and 9.7% prevalent. HIV-HCV, HIV-HBV, and HIV-HBV-HCV coinfection rates were 4.7%, 4.1%, and 0.7%, respectively. HIV and HBV infection had the same risk factors namely piercing, incarceration, prostitution, and non-condom usage. HCV infection was more pronounced among individuals with piercing, STIs and a previous occurrence of jaundice. Conclusion: In Kinshasa, HIV, HBV, and HCV infections were widespread among homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgender people. Actions targeting LBGTs are essential to reduce HIV, HCV and HBV infections transmission in the community.
A Corpus-Based Study of “V + Dào” Constructions as Temporal Contouring Events in Mandarin
Authors: Yu Lin , Jiang Xuehan
Published: April 2024

The temporal contouring event is a hot topic in Talmy’s linguistic typology, and the “V + Dào” construction is one of the prototypes of Chinese compliments with its typological disputes, which lie in its event integration patterns. According to the corpus-based and correlational analysis of “V + Dào” constructions as temporal contouring events in Mandarin, this paper aims to explore their event integration patterns and reveal their event integration degrees in terms of event semantics, and syntactic properties. The research results are found that: IEI_V can conflate 2 conceptual primitives;  IEI_D consists of two conceptual primitives; EEI_VD contains 2 combinations of IEI_V and IEI_D, which can be formularized as “2+2”;  the value of EEI_Type refers to the verb-phase construction (VPha); the hierarchy of correlated variables in IEI_V and IEI_D is ranked as “(ActiPro > AssoFun) > (SynType_VD > SynTyp_X) > (FigEnt_Anim)”; Chin_VD is only weakly correlated with SynType_VD and SynTyp_X. This study can provide insights to reveal the lexicalization and grammaticalization processes of “V + Dào” construction or even the verb complement construction in Mandarin.
Leader Readiness in Facing the Challenges of a VUCA Business Environment: Case Study of Generation Z
Authors: Ardi Ardi , Meilani Yohana , Berlianto Margaretha
Published: April 2024

The research aims to identify whether leadership in various styles contexts such as entrepreneurship, empowering, operational, and architectural leadership impacts Generation Z's ability to deal with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) in their work environment. The research method in this study is a literature review to identify dimensions of the competence of Generation Z in the four leadership styles in the VUCA context. The results of this literature review research indicate that empowering leadership plays a significant role in strengthening the skills of VUCA Generation Z. This approach encourages delegation of authority, supports development skills, and empowers Generation Z individuals to interact effectively within a VUCA environment filled with uncertainty and complexity. Apart from that, entrepreneurial leadership has also been proven to impact the abilities of VUCA Generation Z with a focus on innovation, controlled risk-taking, and exploration of new opportunities. Operational leadership emphasizes efficiency and orderliness and positively contributes to Generation Z's VUCA skills, although the VUCA environment is often uncertain. Lastly, architectural leadership focusing on organizational design and strategic vision helps Generation Z individuals understand the big vision and adapt to changes in the context. The implication is that by integrating these four leadership philosophies into the analysis, the study will aid in gaining a more accurate understanding of Generation Z's mentality. Organizations can be better equipped to handle the difficulties of the volatile and uncertain business climate by learning about the traits and expectations of Generation Z and cultivating the right kind of leadership. The mindset of Generation Z can be better understood. In addition, Generation Z must arm themselves with greater creativity and innovation to meet the challenges of an increasingly complicated business environment.
Developing a Model for a Distance Learning Environment to Confront Crises and Disasters
Authors: Mansour Neveen , Elsayed Aliaa , Alashka Samah , Khatib Mona
Published: April 2024

The current era is characterized by many accelerating events that directly affect education, most of which have a negative impact. Natural disasters, epidemics, wars, and other events are among these events. In recent years, the world has witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it clear beyond doubt that institutions' educational systems were not prepared with alternative educational systems to confront such disasters, and thus, education was greatly affected, the effects of which are still present today. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare for such events by designing and developing electronic learning environments through which learning can be transferred safely and effectively. Such environments are comprehensive and self-sufficient to transfer learning in its three aspects: cognitive, skill, and psychological aspects of the learner. Considering this, the current research was interested in designing a model for an e-learning environment for distance learning that provides everything the learners may need. It includes scientific and health knowledge, mental and physical exercise, and educational platforms for interaction. This is considering a survey study of students at Ain Shams University, one of the largest universities in Egypt, in several faculties to determine the extent of the shortcomings in the electronic platforms used during and after the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of one of the most dangerous disasters that the world has witnessed in contemporary times, which directly affected education in all educational institutions. The results revealed a clear need for improvement in these platforms regarding general design, communication tools, strategies, educational activities, and feedback. Hence, there is an inevitable need to develop a model for an e-learning environment for distance education that can be used effectively to transfer learning, especially in crises, disasters, and epidemics.
Rousseau's Natural Education Thought and Its Practical Significance Are Revealed -- Take Emile as an Example
Authors: Shi Wen
Published: April 2024

Rousseau's birth of natural education was a landmark event in the birth of modern education. Rousseau's natural education believed that attention should be paid to the natural changes in students' physiology and psychology, in accordance with their nature. This educational ideology has had a huge impact on the history of world education, influencing the emergence and development of a series of educational ideas by educators. It still has certain significance and value in the current era of education system reform. Rousseau's natural education philosophy advocates blaming nature, cultivating natural individuals, and respecting individual natural instincts, which has had a profound impact on the development history of Western society. This article combines Rousseau's work "Emile" to deeply analyze the connotation and characteristics of his natural education thought, interpret Rousseau's natural education thought, and elaborate on the practical significance of Rousseau's natural education thought to contemporary education from the aspects of respecting and adapting to students' natural nature, respecting and highlighting students' subjectivity, respecting and paying attention to students' individual differences, and paying attention to and promoting students' comprehensive development. The aim is to provide important reference and inspiration for the development of education and the development of education at all stages.
Building Structural Design Innovation and Code Development
Authors: Lian Wei , Sen Wang
Published: April 2024

In recent years, Some new structural systems and design difficulties of high-rise and super high-rise buildings were emerged in Shenzhen, such as forced displacement and non-forced displacement, story lateral stiffness calculation method, frame-core wall structures with partial perimeter frame beams missing, super high-rise structure with great height-width ratio, high-rise less shear walls in one direction structure, conjoined tower structures, high-rise structure with inclined column, mega structure with belt truss, rare earthquake design method etc. The emergence and solution of these problems reflect the innovation of the structural design of high-rise buildings. Meanwhile, Structural design has encountered many difficulties and new problems. The solutions to these problems sometimes conflict with the current Chinese code, or there are no relevant provisions in the Chinese code. The current Chinese code is the basis for designing of high-rise buildings, which is the crystallization of the wisdom of previous generations, but the emergence of various new types of building structures has brought about numerous difficulties in structural design. Therefore, during the design process, it is necessary to conduct research, innovation, supplementation, and development of the current code. In view of this situation, this paper combines the previous engineering practical experience and introduces some structural design points of complex super high-rise buildings located in Shenzhen. It is for designers' reference, which also provides content for the revision of the specification.
Emerging Problems in Language and Translation, and Related Solutions During Epidemics
Authors: Al-Shawi Muna
Published: April 2024

Healthcare, societal structures, the economy, education, and communication have been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, its impact extends to the various language aspects. This study aims to explore how the pandemic has influenced language use in communication, education, and technology, especially in Arabic language. The research investigates the semantic changes that occur in certain expressions due to the pandemic. Moreover, this study examines how translators navigate challenges when translating new English terms and expressions into Arabic using the Skopos Theory. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data were collected from various social and mass media sources. In conclusion, the research findings suggest the creation of new vocabulary and semantic shifts. Additionally, Arabic, like all languages, evolves in translation, leading translators to use various methods for accurate rendering of terms and expressions.
Survival and Development of in Vivo Produced Boran and Boran* Holstein Cross Embryos
Authors: Dire Mosisa , Ali Sayid , Funga Asnaku , Yeshaneh Asmarech , Mohammad Ayida , Degefa Tamrat
Published: April 2024

One of biotechnology technique that is frequently used to enhance the number of animals with superior genetic ability and high productivity is embryo transfer. Embryos can be obtained in vivo or in vitro, and they can be frozen and then thawed before being delivered to the recipient animals. Conception rates are influenced by a number of variables, including the quality and developmental stage of the embryo, the location of the embryo's deposit in the uterus, the degree of difficulty of the transfer, whether to use a fresh or frozen embryo, the operator's experience, the corpus luteum's quality, whether to use a heifer or a cow, and the time of year the transfer occurs. The fertility of domestic animals is severely impacted by early embryonic death. For this reason, this study was carried out to gather data on early embryonic development that is normal, the amount and timing of embryonic mortality, potential endogenous and exogenous causes of embryonic loss, and to develop strategies to lower embryonic mortality. A total of 40 embryos (20 fresh and 20 frozen, 26 quality grade 1 and 14 quality grade 2, 29 compact Morula stage and 11 early Blastocyst stage) were transferred to 40 recipient cows (22 Boran and 18 H-B cross) with different body condition score. Return to heat was used as method of pregnancy diagnosis and all recipients were followed around day 14 post embryo transfer and 14 animals were shown heat sign, the rest 26 animals were suspected for pregnancy (65%). Using ultrasound, a pregnancy diagnosis was made on day 45, and 20 recipient animals were found to be 50% positive for PD. On day 60, PD positive animals were re-examined with ultrasound and only 10 were confirmed as PD positive (25%). The PD negative on day 45 and day 60 were suspected to be early embryonic mortality. Other pregnancy loss occurred in this study was abortion nearly after five month of pregnancy. It is not doubtful that, the technique of embryo transfer is utilized to increase the reproductive rates of important female animals. However, it needs proper management for both donor and recipient animals. Therefore, for the successful application of the technology optimum level of feeding both quantity and quality, health management and conducive environment should be fulfilled for all animals.
Therapeutic Potential of Persea americana Stem Bark in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Induced Hepatic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice
Authors: Oluwatoyin Babatunde , Olasunkanmi Amuda , Ayokanmi Ore
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the potential of Persea americana stem bark for the treatment of inflammation and oxidation in mice. Oxidative stress occurs in the body when there is serious imbalance between the generation of free radicals and the antioxidant defense system, inflammation is a natural defense mechanism against pathogens and it is associated with many pathogenic diseases such as microbial and viral infections, exposure to allergens, radiation and toxic chemicals, autoimmune and chronic diseases, obesity, consumption of alcohol, tobacco use, and a high-calorie diet. Plants offer significant potentials for development of new anti-inflammatory therapies and treatment of diseases associated with inflammation and Oxidation. Stem bark of Persea ameriacna was extracted using EtOH/H2O (80:20 v/v), the extract obtained was subjected to maceration using 3 different solvents, hexane fraction (PAHF), Ethyl-acetate fraction (PAEF) and methanol fraction (PAMF). The methanol fraction came out with the highest yield and was used for the animal study, 30 male mice was divided into 3 different groups, LPS was introduced in one of the groups, PAMF was later administered to the same group, The experiment shows that the extract was able to demonstrate significant reduction in inflammation and also ameliorate oxidation in mice. In conclusion the methanolic fraction of Persea americana stem bark might contain beneficial phytochemicals that can be explored as potential anti-inflammatory and oxidative therapy.
Utilizing Intraoral Scanning and Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing for Creating a New Dental Crown to Match an Existing Removable Prosthesis: A Case Report
Authors: Apinsathanon Pongsakorn
Published: April 2024

This clinical report demonstrates the successful dental crown treatment for a 39-year-old female patient with a fractured posterior lower right second molar wearing a removable partial prosthesis and refusing to make a new one. The patient's preference for a new dental crown on her lower right second molar was respected, and an intraoral scanner (IOS) was employed to capture the fractured abutment's anatomy, which also serves as part of her removable denture. Following abutment preparation, a second IOS scan recorded the modified abutment. A temporary crown of the abutment was fabricated and secured to protect the prepared abutment. Comprehensive data, including an intraoral scan with an existing removable denture file, an intraoral scan without a removable denture, an intraoral scan of an unprepared abutment file, an intraoral scan of prepared abutment, and a digital photo of shade selection were transmitted to the dental laboratory. Utilizing computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology, a new dental crown compatible with the existing removable prosthesis was created. After fitting the new crown, occlusion, aesthetics, function, and attachment assessments were conducted to ensure optimal results. Subsequent follow-ups confirmed the patient's satisfaction with the functionality, aesthetics, and fit of her removable partial denture with the new dental crown.
The Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on the Hedging Islamic and Conventional Stock Markets with Financial Assets
Authors: Hamma Wajdi , Ghorbel Ahmed , Jarboui Anis
Published: April 2024

This study investigates optimal hedging ratios for Islamic and conventional stock markets during the COVID-19 pandemic using the DCC (Dynamic Conditional Correlation), ADCC (Asymmetric Dynamic Conditional Correlation), and GO-GARCH (Generalized Orthogonal GARCH) models. The effectiveness of various financial assets as hedges is evaluated, and findings indicate that the DJCOM (Dow Jones Commodity), VISTOXX (Euro STOXX 50 Volatility Index), and VIX (Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index) indices exhibit superior effectiveness across both market types, particularly DJCOM showing exceptional performance during the COVID-19 period. The hedging analysis indicates that the hedge ratios vary and depend upon the hedge instrument included in the portfolio. Furthermore, the empirical results indicate that the global impact of the pandemic diminishes the viability of one of the six assets as a safe haven instrument. In conclusion, these findings provide valuable insights for investors and portfolio managers aiming to utilize Gold, Brent, VISTOXX, VIX, CDS (Credit Default Swap), and DJCOM for portfolio rebalancing to mitigate risks associated with volatile Islamic and conventional stock returns. These conclusions contribute significantly to helping investors adjust their investment strategies more effectively and adapt to changing market conditions.
Building Customer Loyalty in Online Business Models
Authors: Xing Yuhang , Gao Ke , Zhou Leyi
Published: April 2024

Online business models are developing rapidly and market competition is intensifying. Customer loyalty and consumer willingness are declining across many industries. Customer loyalty is a decisive factor affecting a company's long-term profits. Market share measured by customer loyalty is more meaningful than market share measured by the number of customers. At the same time, corporate managers have shifted the focus of marketing management to improving customer loyalty, allowing companies to gain advantages in fierce competition. To build customer loyalty, it is important to use the right customer loyalty tools, which means the significant question for companies is which tool to choose. Therefore, this paper aimed to address the issues that how to design customer loyalty in online business models. To achieve this goal, this paper first illustrated the basics of customer loyalty and online business models. Then, relevant customer loyalty tools were selected and evaluated from contracts, products, communication and distribution policies to better build customer loyalty in online business models. This paper found that customer analysis and competitive analysis can also be evaluated as customer loyalty-oriented theories. Finally, the case of Amazon was also studied in the paper specifically, combining theory with practice to build customer loyalty in an online business model.
Long Term Forecasting of Peak Demand and Annual Electricity Consumption of the West African Power Pool Interconnected Network by 2032
Authors: Prodjinotho Ulrich , Chetangny Patrice , Agbomahena Macaire , Zogbochi Victor , Medewou Laurent , Barbier Gerald , Chamagne Didier
Published: April 2024

The uneven distribution of primary sources of electric power generation in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) compelled the heads of states to create the West African Power Pool (WAPP). The vision of this system is to set up a common electrical energy market to satisfy the balance between supply and demand at an affordable price using the interconnected network. Forecasting maximum power demand and energy consumption is essential for planning and the coordination of new power plant and transmission lines building. This work consists of predicting maximum power demand and total energy that must transit through the WAPP interconnected network by the year 2032. We compare the performances of three time series models namely the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Fb Facebook Prophet. Electric power and energy data used for training the systems comes from the WAPP authorties. The results show that, for monthly peaks, the Facebook (Fb) Prophet model is the best, with a MAPE (mean absolute error percentage) of 3.1% and a low RMSE (root mean square error) of 1.225 GW. For energy prediction, ARIMA performances are the best compared to others with (RMSE 1.20 TWh, MAPE 1.00%). Thus, the forecast for total annual energy consumption and annual peak demand will be, respectively, 96.85TWh and 13.6 GW in 2032.
The Extent to Which the Fault Is Required as a Basic Element of the Tortious Liability in the Iraqi Civil Law: An Analytical Comparative Study
Authors: Ali Younis
Published: April 2024

The Author has done his utmost to draw distinctions between the Iraqi civil law No. (40) of 1951 from one hand and the Islamic jurisprudence, the English common law and some other Arab comparative laws. Although the Iraqi civil law is affected by the Islamic jurisprudence, and borrows the term of guaranteeing the harmful act from the juristic maxims of this jurisprudence. But it adopts impliedly the concept of the fault in the first paragraph of the article (186), by stipulating the willfulness or encroachment of both the perpetrator and the abettor. Thus confusing between the system of the guarantee and that of the liability. Unlike the Islamic jurisprudence which adopts the idea of guaranteeing the harmful act, and distinguishes obviously between the guaranteeing of the perpetrator and that of the abettor. Or between the act done directly by perpetration and indirectly by causation, and does not recognize the idea of the fault. As far as the English common law is concerned, it adopts the fault-based liability as a general principle, the same is true for the Egyptian civil law No. 131 of 1948. Whereas both the Jordanian Civil Law No. 43 of 1976, and the Federal civil transactions law No. 5 of 1985 of the United Arab Emirates adopt the idea of guaranteeing the harm rather than the fault. The problem of the research lies in the confusion, embarrassment and perplexity in the situation of the Iraqi civil law concerning the basic element of the fault in the tortious liability. Therefore the author tries hard to solve confusion, remove both the embarrassment and perplexity by analyzing the true situation of the Iraqi civil law towards this basic element, and comparing it with the Islamic jurisprudence, which is considered as its original historical source, by which it is highly affected. As well as the English common law, considered as the leading legal system within the Anglo-American legal system, and different from the civil law system, led by the French civil code, by which the Iraqi civil law is indirectly affected, through being affected by the Egyptian civil law. The author suggests some relevant recommendations, the most important of which is thedistinction between the system of the liability and that of guaranteeing the harmful act, and adopt the former in the case of the damage done by perpetration, and the latter in the case of the damage done by causation.
The Outstanding Excellences of Interactive Energy Density Topology Change Method
Authors: Yang Yang , Sasaki Toshie , Abe Aya , Hagiwara Ichiro
Published: April 2024

It has not been solved that the fruits, vegetables, strawberries, cells, blood and a bottle of liquor are damaged, broken during transportation. It is the greatest factor in this situation that there is a danger vibration frequency band where these are easy to scratch and are prone to death. If there are eigen frequencies within this danger frequency band, it needs that those eigen frequencies within this danger frequency band are moved out of the band. In the former paper, it was shown difficult to apply the existing topology optimization methods using homogenization method or density method to control plural eigen frequencies for solving this problem. Therefore in the former paper, it was proposed the so called “Interactive Energy Density Topology (IEDT) change method” that is a new high precision and high efficiency method for controlling plural eigen frequencies simultaneously referring to the kinetic and the strain energy density distributions. Here it is discussed more about the IEDT change method and show that it is sometimes difficult for the traditional methods to get solutions because especially in the dynamic problem, eigen frequencies may go up or down depending on its size even if reinforcement or hall for change topology is applied at the same location. But with the proposed IEDT change method, always it can be realized because the proposed method has wider solution spaces than the traditional one. Lastly, it is shown that this IEDT method is also very effective to reduce the integral value of response curve by frequency.
Computed Tomography Aspects of Hemorrhagic Strokes in the Northen Region of Burkina Faso
Authors: Marouruana Some , Ali Ouedraogo , Ida Tankoano , Bassirou Kindo , Moussa Zanga , Nina-Astrid Ouedraogo , Léonie Lougue , Rabiou Cisse
Published: April 2024

Stroke is a major public health problem worldwide, the third leading cause of death, and the leading cause of acquired physical disability in adults. Compared with cerebral infarctions, hemorrhagic strokes tend to occur earlier in life and have a poorer prognosis. We aim to study the computed tomography aspects of hemorrhagic strokes in the CHUR-OHG imaging department. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection, from 29 September 2022 to 31 August 2023. It concerning patients with hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by brain scan. The mean age of 58 included patients was 59 ± 15 years and the sex ratio was 1.23. Acquisition without injection of contrast medium was performed in 98.28% of cases. Intracerebral hemorrhage was the most frequent lesion (98.28%). It was isolated or associated with ventricular flooding (36.21%) or meningeal hemorrhage (12.07%). It was divided into capsular hematomas in 84.21% of cases with mainly lenticular and thalamic extensions in 49.12% and 36.84% of cases respectively. A mass effect was found in 43.10% of cases on the ventricles and 44.83% on the midline, which was deviated by an average of 6.75 ± 3.1 mm. Cerebral involvement and edema were present in 34.48% and 6.90% of cases respectively. Hemorrhagic strokes is a serious and fatal disease. Primary prevention focusing on risk factors, early diagnosis using Computed tomography or, at best, magnetic resonance imaging, and appropriate management are essential to improve the prognosis.
Clinical and Ultrasound Aspects of Neonatal Hypoxia Ischaemia at the Regional University Hospital of Ouahigouya
Authors: Marouruana Some , Ali Ouedraogo , Ida Tankoano , Adama Savadogo , Bassirou Kindo , Saga Ouermi , Nina-Astrid Ouedraogo , Abel Bamouni , Ousseini Diallo
Published: April 2024

Neonatal hypoxia ischaemia (HI) is the third leading cause of neonatal death worldwide. Medical imaging plays an important role in its diagnosis and monitoring. We aim to analyze the clinical and ultrasound aspects of neonatal HI at the Ouahigouya Regional University Hospital (CHUR/OHG). This was an analytical cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection covering the period from 1 January 2017 to 30 April 2019. During the study period, neonatal HI for 20.12% of pediatric admissions, of which 33.7% underwent Transfontanellar ultrasound (7.31% of all ultrasounds). The sex ratio was 1.6. The majority (85.81%) of children were born at term. According to the Sarnat classification, mild distress predominated (66.89%), followed by moderate distress (27.03%) and severe distress (6.08%). Transfontanellar ultrasound was abnormal in 71 patients (47.97%). Typical brain lesions found were hemorrhage (27.70%), anoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (18.24%), and periventricular leukomalacia (2.70%). The outcome was normal in 81.08% of patients, with a mortality rate of 6.08%. In view of the seriousness of neonatal brain damage, it is necessary to improve diagnostic methods (MRI) and treatment (hypothermia) to limit the sequelae.
Challenges in Conducting Cerebral Scanning for Stroke in a Hospital in Sub-saharan Africa
Authors: Marouruana Some , Ida Tankoano , Ali Ouedraogo , Bernard Gbangou , Honore Konate , Nina-Astrid Ouedraogo , Zakari Nikiema
Published: April 2024

Stroke, due to its magnitude and mortality, is a real public health problem. To diagnose them, the Souro Sanou Teaching Hospital is equipped with a computed tomography (CT) scanner, to which access remains limited. So, it seemed important to study epidemiological aspects and conditions for carrying out CT scans in patients with stroke. This is a projective descriptive study. Data were collected over 6 months (1 December 2013 to 30 June 2014). Patients admitted to the Souro Sanou Teaching Hospital with clinical suspicion of stroke were included. We collected 153 cases of stroke. The mean age of the patients was 62 ± 15 years, and the sex ratio was 1.43. The mean consultation time was 2.05 ± 1.36 days with a range of 0 to 45 days. Approximately 68.63% of patients underwent brain scanning. The most common reasons for not having a brain scan were death before the scheduled date of the brain scan (41.67%) and lack of financial resources (39.58%). The mean delay for brain scans was 08 ± 06 days. Mortality rate was 31.37%. In the management of stroke, the performance of brain scans is of great interest. However, several factors, including the high cost of a CT scan, may sometimes limit its accessibility.
Importance of the Food Issue in Algeria's Economic Policy
Authors: Khelifa Horri
Published: April 2024

The issue of food security has been taken very seriously by the public authorities since the country's independence in 1962. This major social and political concern was manifested in the various political speeches of leaders and in the national charter which proclaims this universal right of the population to healthy, varied, sustainable and accessible food for all. To achieve this, a decisive role was given to the national agricultural sector to ensure the supply of basic foodstuffs to the population at accessible prices, particularly for disadvantaged social groups. Thus, agricultural and agri-food policies were designed and implemented to achieve the objective of food security and preserve national sovereignty. In this article, we will try to provide some answers on the main axes of this food policy adopted by the State. First, we briefly present the characteristics of the consumption model of Algerians, then, we expose the importance of the means and actions implemented to achieve these objectives through in particular the recommended subsidy and import policies for basic foodstuffs. by the state. Finally and thanks to the statistical data available, we deduce some aspects of the limits and constraints of this food policy before suggesting some recommendations to strengthen its reliability in the face of the country's economic constraints.