bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Hybrid Preprocessing Technique for Effective Segmentation of Wheat Canopies in Chlorophyll Fluorescence Images
Authors: Gupta Ankita
Published: January 2024

Precision agriculture heavily relies on accurately segmenting wheat canopies from chlorophyll fluorescence (CHF) images. However, these images often face challenges due to inherent noise and illumination variations, primarily induced by the thermal activity of photons emitting a fluorescence effect. The unique nature of fluorescence introduces variations in illumination, especially during the crop's dark adaptation before experimentation. This adaptation aims to capture the full fluorescence effect, starting from minimum fluorescence and progressing to maximum fluorescence. In the initial stages of fluorescence, images tend to appear darker compared to those progressing towards maximum fluorescence. This variability necessitates the development of a sophisticated hybrid approach to eliminate noise and enhance contrast collaboratively, maximizing the benefits derived from CHF images. This paper introduces a novel hybrid preprocessing approach designed to address these challenges. The proposed method integrates five denoising techniques, namely Discrete Cosine Transform, Block Matching-3D, Low-Rank Matrix Approximation, Wiener Filtering, and Median Filtering, to mitigate the impact of noise in CHF images. Simultaneously, two enhancement techniques, Adaptive Histogram Specification and Gamma Correction, are employed to accentuate critical features, compensating for inherent variations in illumination during the fluorescence process. The hybrid preprocessing technique was proposed after analysing different combinations of denoising and enhancement techniques. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results, it was observed that Block Matching-3D denoising with Gamma Correction produced the best output, with an Average PSNR of 0.54 and Average MSE of 0.07. This cascaded approach not only emphasizes noise reduction but also prioritizes the enhancement of crucial information within CHF images. By synergistically combining denoising and enhancement methods, the proposed approach optimizes the overall quality of the images, laying a foundation for improved wheat canopy segmentation. This research contributes a comprehensive and innovative solution to the challenges associated with CHF images in precision agriculture. The proposed hybrid approach holds promise for advancing the accuracy and reliability of wheat canopy segmentation, thereby enhancing the efficacy of precision agricultural practices.
Mobile Learning for COVID-19 Prevention
Authors: Wang Zhiyi
Published: January 2024

In recent years, due to the explosion of COVID-19, people's expectation for accessing personalized learning resources anytime and anywhere has become stronger. The features of m-learning such as accessibility and personalization greatly satisfy people's needs and are therefore widely used. In this paper, a study was conducted to investigate and analyze how m-learning can help prevent COVID-19. The study shows that m-learning can help disseminate outbreak-related messages and provide people with personalized knowledge, so that it can enhance public health and community safety. While there are still many challenges, m-learning remains a valuable tool for preventing and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 globally, and provides a solid reference for deepening m-learning development in the future.
On the Consistency of 360 Video Quality Assessment in Repeated Subjective Tests: A Pilot Study
Authors: Elwardy Majed , Zepernick Hans-Juergen , Chu Thi My Chinh , Hu Yan
Published: January 2024

Immersive media such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and 360◦ video have seen tremendous technological developments in recent years. Furthermore, the advances in head-mounted displays (HMDs) offer the users increased immersive experiences compared to conventional displays. To develop novel immersive media systems and services that satisfy the expectations of the users, it is essential to conduct subjective tests revealing users’ perceived quality of immersive media. However, due to the new viewing dimensions provided by HMDs and the potential of interacting with the content, a wide range of subjective tests are required to understand the many aspects of user behavior in and quality perception of immersive media. The ground truth obtained by such subjective tests enable the development of optimized immersive media systems that fulfill the expectations of the users. This article focuses on the consistency of 360◦ video quality assessment to reveal whether users’ subjective quality assessment of such immersive visual stimuli changes fundamentally over time or is kept consistent with each user having their own behavior signature. A pilot study was conducted under pandemic conditions with participants given the task of rating the quality of 360◦ video stimuli on an HMD in standing and seated viewing. The choice of conducting a pilot study is motivated by the fact that immersive media impose high cognitive load on the participants and the need to keep the number of participants under pandemic conditions as low as possible. To gain insight into the consistency of the participants’ 360◦ video assessment over time, three sessions were held for each participant and each viewing condition with long and short breaks between sessions. In particular, the opinion scores and head movements were recorded for each participant and each session in standing and seated viewing. The statistical analysis of this data leads to the conjecture that the quality rating stays consistent throughout these sessions with each participant having their own quality assessment signature. The head movements, indicating the participants’ scene exploration during the quality assessment task, also remain consistent for each participant according their individual narrower or wider scene exploration signature. These findings are more pronounced for standing viewing than for seated viewing. This work supports the role of pilot studies being a useful approach of conducting pre-tests on immersive media quality under opportunity-limited conditions and for the planning of subsequent full subjective tests with a large panel of participants. The annotated RQA360 dataset containing the data recorded in the repeated subjective tests is made publicly available to the research community.
On the Extension of Bounded Holomorphic Maps from Gleason Parts of the Maximal Ideal Space of
$H^\infty $
Authors: Brudnyi Alexander
Published: January 2024

Let
$H^\infty $
be the algebra of bounded holomorphic functions on the open unit disk, and let
$\mathfrak M$
be its maximal ideal space. Let
$\mathfrak M_a$
be the union of nontrivial Gleason parts (analytic disks) of
$\mathfrak M$
. In this paper, we study the problem of extensions of bounded Banach-valued holomorphic functions and holomorphic maps with values in Oka manifolds from Gleason parts of
$\mathfrak M_a\setminus \mathbb {D}$
. The resulting extensions satisfy the uniform boundedness principle in the sense that their norms are bounded by constants that do not depend on the choice of the Gleason part. The results extend fundamental results of D. Suárez on the characterization of the algebra of restrictions of Gelfand transforms of functions in
$H^\infty $
to Gleason parts of
$ \mathfrak M_a\setminus \mathbb {D}$
. The proofs utilize our recent advances on
$\bar \partial $
-equations on quasi-interpolating sets and Runge-type approximations.
Diagnostic value of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen and cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 for sinonasal inverted papilloma: an exploratory study
Authors: Zhang Z , Xu B , Wang L , Yan X , Li S , Jiang Y , Yu L
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Serum tumor markers have not yet been developed for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP), one of the most significant sinonasal tumors. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) and cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) for SNIP. METHODS: Clinical data were obtained from 101, 56, and 116 patients with SNIP, sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC), and unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), respectively. Preoperative serum SCCA and CYFRA 21-1 levels were compared, and logistic regression analyses were performed to screen serum tumor markers, which may be used to diagnose SNIP. Diagnostic cut-off values were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and their diagnostic power was verified. RESULTS: Serum SCCA and CYFRA 21-1 differentiated SNIP from CRS with the cut-off values of 1.97 ng/mL and 2.64 ng/mL and the areas under the ROC curves (AUC) of 0.895 and 0.766, respectively, and the AUC of the combination of the two markers was 0.909. CYFRA 21-1 differentiated SNIP with malignant transformation from that without malignant transformation with a cut-off value of 3.51 ng/mL and an AUC of 0.938. CYFRA 21-1 distinguished SNIP with malignant transformation from SNSCC with a cut-off value of 3.55 ng/mL and an AUC of 0.767. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel potential diagnostic tools for SNIP by demonstrating the use of serum SCCA and CYFRA 21-1 in the diagnosis of SNIP.
Cross-species Application of a SNP array: Application for Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Populations
Authors: Kim Min Sung , Kwak Ju Ri , Han Jae Yong , Park Ji Been , Kang Ju Yeong , Lee Woo-Jai
Published: January 2024

We tested the cross-species application of the Coho salmon SNP array on two populations of Chum salmon from South Korea. Of the 203,077 SNPs, 1,838 (~1%) only represented common SNPs between the two populations. Diversity analysis showed salmon in the ND region formed a narrow cluster, whereas salmon in the TW region formed another cluster more widely distributed than the ND cluster. It seems obvious that the cross-species application of a SNP array can be limited in terms of the available SNPs for most studies such as breeding purposes and target gene identifications, but still worth trying for local population studies.
Impact of Curcumin Supplementation on Sperm Characteristics and Gene Expression in Fish Sperm Freezing Medium
Authors: Doğu Zafer , Aral Faruk , Şahinöz Erdinç , Temiz Ebru , Koyuncu İsmail
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to determine whether curcumin addition in freezing media affected the ability of trout semen to resist cryodamage. Fish semen was collected and cryopreserved in a curcumin-supplemented freezing medium at 20 μM. Sperm motility parameters, and nuclear factor 2 gene expressions (NRF-2 and Keap-1) were assessed following freezing and thawing. Adding 20 μM curcumin to the sperm extender increased the rate and duration of motility, as well as the percentage of live sperm at 277 mOsm with a 1:3 dilution. However, the sperm quality decreased at 135 and 365 mOsm with 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 dilutions. Following cryopreservation, curcumin-supplemented frozen-thawed semen exhibited significantly elevated levels of NRF-2 and Keap-1 gene expressions. The findings demonstrated that adding curcumin to freezing media protected fish and motility parameters against damage induced by the freeze-thawing process.
Combined Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Screening Using Point-of-Care Testing and Ultrasound in a Tanzanian Emergency Department
Authors: Ford James S. , Kayandabila Johnstone , Morrison Joseph C. , Seth Samwel , Lyimo Benson , Mukhtar Aliasghar , Schick Michael , May Larissa , Debes Jose D.
Published: January 2024

The WHO aims to detect 90% of global cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa carries a disproportionate burden of HBV and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we sought to assess the utility of a combined HBV and HCC screening program in Tanzania. We conducted a prospective, serial cross-sectional study of patients who participated in a combined HBV and HCC screening program at a regional referral hospital emergency department (ED) in Arusha, Tanzania, between April 19, 2022 and June 3, 2022. All patients completed a study questionnaire and were tested for HBV surface antigen. Patients who were HBV positive were screened for HCC via point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). The primary outcome was the number of new HBV diagnoses. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. A total of 846 patients were tested for HBV (primary ED: 761, clinic referral: 85). The median age of patients was 44 ± 15 years, and 66% were female. Only 15% of patients reported having a primary care doctor. Thirteen percent of patients had been previously vaccinated for HBV. There were 17 new HBV diagnoses (primary ED: 16, clinic referral: 1), which corresponds to a seroprevalence of 2.0% (95% CI: 1.2%, 3.2%). No patients had liver masses detected on POCUS. An ED-based, combined HBV and HCC screening protocol can be feasibly implemented. This study could serve as a model for HBV/HCC screening in regions with high HBV endemicity and low rates of community screening.
Methodology for virtual analysis of dynamic behavior for tubes and flexible hoses associated with suspension kinematics
Authors: Tognolli André , Utiyke Fernando , Paiva Yasmin , Costa João , Grespan Roger
Published: January 2024

Nowadays the automotive market is reducing product development time and launching more technological vehicles, always focusing on having even more safety with better customer experience which generates big competitiveness and requires more accurate and faster development, the virtual simulations make it possible to meet this new reality with a high confidence level.

This work comprises the validation of a methodology to analyze the design confidence level for flexibles associated with suspension kinematics. To validate the methodology, the scanned physical model was compared with the virtual simulations using the Simcenter 3D Flexible Pipe software.

As inputs data for simulation, it is used geometrical, physical, and chemical information.

Through the suspension kinematics study was establish possible movement situations to obtain the flexibles deformations attending to all suspension positions.
Data Analytics Applied to Automotive Wiring Harness (Electrical Distribution Systems)
Authors: Silva J. , Silva L. , Barros M. I. , Santos T. , Julião G. , Santos J. , Ferreira F.F.V.M.
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the development of a tool for automatic analysis and evaluation of vehicle electrical and electronic systems projects based on data science, in order to detect and suggest optimization opportunities related to cost, weight and efficiency of the electrical distribution circuits of developed or under development projects. On the cost side of vehicular electrical distribution cabling, the project has the potential to bring a great financial return, as it is not uncommon for the responsible company, be it the supplier or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), to err on the side of caution and oversize the project. This approach is often taken as a preventive measure to mitigate any potential design problems that may arise from a leaner design. Considering all challenges inherent to harness development process as electrical harnesses manufacturing complexity and the material amount that is often oversized in design, respecting all the development phases, it is recommended to develop an optimized electrical distribution tool.
Path planning development for human-like virtual driver
Authors: de Carvalho Pinheiro Henrique , Lubertino Salvatore , Carello Massimiliana
Published: January 2024

Virtual simulation is a fundamental tool for the development of new vehicles, both for individual components and for complete subsystems and full vehicles. Many software tools exist in the automotive sector to assess full-vehicle behavior and performance, including multibody software and algorithms based on 14 (or more) degrees-of-freedom vehicle dynamics models. In order to reproduce the testing maneuvers and typical vehicle mission, a key part of such simulation tools is the virtual driver algorithm. It is essential to implement a control logic that reproduces the handling response of the driver, so that the closed-loop maneuvers can be evaluated. However, the response of typical virtual drivers is not always similar to the human driving characteristics. Virtual driver algorithms can perform very fast, precise, and smooth steering and pedal actions, while humans display a more variable, delayed and often not optimal actions.

The aim of this article is to describe the concept and implementation of a novel human-like path planning model. The algorithm is developed in MATLAB environment, creating a function that obtains a human-like path and vision logic by setting some key-parameters. They are: Distance Factor, Widening Factor, Cutting Factor, Inner Smoothing Factor and Outer Smoothing Factor.

The parameters - essential to alter the shape of the trajectory described in a track - have their values attributed by fitting experimental data gathered during test sessions in a driving simulator. The vehicle model used to implement the path planning system is based on the VI-Grade CarRealTime environment, in co-simulation with MATLAB/Simulink, and the results indicate that the novel algorithm has a closer correlation with the DiL tests than the original virtual driver. The stronger correlation is confirmed also in the comparison between different human drivers, showing that the proposed strategy is robust to driving styles.

Among the potential applications of this new “human-like virtual driver” approach is the ability to better predict human driver response during tuning and optimization of vehicles and control systems, apart from a further understanding of human driving behavior useful for tasks like ADAS and autonomous driving.
Road Tires Use inAgricultural Areas is Possible by Maintaining Soil Biomass
Authors: Filho Aldir Carpes Marques , Sartorio Simone D. M. , Martins Murilo B. , Lanças Kléber P.
Published: January 2024

Brazil has a robust agricultural sector; however, the mechanization of crops causes several problems in the physical soil structure, including surface compaction. Compaction reduces crop productivity and producer profits. The intensity of compaction varies depending on the wheelset model used, tire type, water content, and soil load applied. Recent studies have shown that soil compaction in sugarcane can be attenuated by maintaining the vegetation cover (straw biomass) on the surface after harvesting. The present study used different tire models to evaluate the interaction between wheelset-soil as a function of different amounts of biomass left over from the sugarcane harvest. A physical simulation system (fixed tire testing unit) was used for the tests. The wheelsets were subjected to controlled loads on tanks with confined and standardized soil samples. The treatments consisted of 3 tire models (p1: road radial, composed of double wheelset - 2×275/80R22.5; p2: agricultural radial - 600/50R22.5; and p3: agricultural diagonal - 600/50-22.5) and three contact surfaces (s1: without vegetation cover; s2: soil with straw cover equivalent to 15mg ha-1; and s3: soil with 30Mg ha-1 vegetation cover), considering three replications. We performed principal component analysis (PCA) and regression analysis to results. We verified tire-soil contact area (CA) increased with the increase straw coverage and was inversely proportional to soil resistance penetration (PC). The highest resistance to soil penetration was obtained with the p1 tire on uncovered soil (s1). Road tires cause intense impact when no vegetation covers. We verified that intensity impact caused by the wheelsets in the crop would be determined by cover straw and tire model. For better results to soil preservation, it must maintain a minimum of 15Mg ha-1 of coverage biomass.
Polyurethane foam coated with organic filers for sound absorption: A briefre view
Authors: Lazzari Lídia K. , Kerche Eduardo F. , Figueiredo Fábio R. , de Albuquerque Ricardo F. C. , Bortoli Bruna , Polkowski Rodrigo D. O.
Published: January 2024

Polyurethane (PU) foams are versatile in automotive applications for sound absorption, due to their superior acoustic-absorbing properties, vibration damping and robustness, and seat cushioning products due to their easiness of manufacturing process and cost-effectiveness. In recent studies, micro- and nano-particles were used to improve sound absorption efficiency, these fillers help to form interconnected pore structures in the foam matrix, and this interconnection of pores is advantageous in dissipating heat generated from wave friction with the air. Some of the micro- and nano-particles used are natural fibers (like cellulose, fir, palm), silica, clay, graphene and derivatives, zeolite, and others. This review is an overview of recent advances in the incorporation of fillers in PU foams and the influence they have on the sound absorption capacity of the foams. We used the systematic review methodology to compile recent studies in this area, using some search filters such as keywords and year of publication. The results found will be presented throughout the article with a discussion of the main points.
El poder encubierto: Juan Francisco Manzano y la fe católica
Authors: Camacho Jorge
Published: January 2024

Partiendo de ideas que he planteado en libros anteriores sobre la importancia de la religión católica en la crítica antiesclavista cubana,  este ensayo analiza los poemas de Juan Francisco Manzano y su representación de la esclavitud. Destaca cómo Manzano, al igual que  Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, recurre a narrativas bíblicas para mostrar su rechazo del poder esclavista. El ensayo señala, además, que estas narrativas estaban en contradicción con el apoyo que le dio la Iglesia católica a la esclavitud en Cuba, ya que ponían énfasis en la  justicia, el amor y el trato recíproco al prójimo; es decir, del esclavo como hijo también de Dios. Como resultado, mantiene que el uso de  dichos conceptos por parte de los escritores antiesclavistas muestra la pugna por el conocimiento y la verdad de los textos religiosos,  algo que puso al des- cubierto las contradicciones de la Iglesia y permitió un uso subversivo y antihegemó- nico de la doctrina cristiana.  

 

English title: The Hidden Power: Juan Francisco Manzano and the Catholic Faith

Based on ideas that I have raised in previous books on the importance of the Catholic religion in Cuban anti-slavery criticism, this essay  analyzes Juan Francisco Manzano’s poems and his representation of slavery. It highlights how Manzano, like Gertrudis Gómez de  Avellaneda, resorts to biblical narratives to show his rejection of slave power. The essay also points out that these narratives were in  contradiction with the support that the Catholic Church gave to slavery in Cuba, since they emphasized justice, love, and reciprocal  treatment of others; that is, of the slave as also a son of God. As a result, the essay maintains that the use of these concepts by anti- slavery writers shows the struggle for knowledge and the truth of religious texts, something that exposed the contradictions of the Church and allowed a subversive and antihegemonic use of Christian doctrine.
Competence of pediatric residents and nurses in metered-dose inhaler techniques for asthma patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital
Authors: Tafa Getu , Etissa Eyob Kebede , Kebede Rahel A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: A Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) is a device containing dissolved or suspended drugs to deliver drugs for pulmonary diseases efficiently. However, studies in Ethiopia show low competency among health professionals. Thus, we assessed the competency of residents and nurses working in a tertiary hospital.

Methods: From June to September 2022, 181 pediatrics and child health department residents and nurses participated in a pretested questionnaire and MDI technique practice. The knowledge score for residents and nurses was determined based on correct answers to questions from 0 to 6 for residents and 0 to 5 for nurses. Good knowledge was defined as a score of 80–100%, moderate knowledge from 60–79%, and poor knowledge from <60% of the total score. The good practice was ≥7 from 11 and all essential steps, while the poor practice was <7 of the total score and skipped essential steps. The chi-square or Fisher exact test was employed to compare groups as appropriate. The 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05 were used to determine statistical significance. .

Results: Of the 181 study participants, 103 (56.9%) were residents. The participants' mean age was 32. MDI technique knowledge was poor for more than half of the residents (52.4%) and 46.4% of the nurses. Twenty-six (14.4%) of participants practiced the MDI technique steps, scoring 7 out of 11 steps. However, only 3.3% practiced the technique correctly. Whereas only 5.8% of residents and 0% of nurses practiced the essential steps of the MDI technique. When using a new inhaler drug, nearly half of the participants (47%) did not assess the patients' practice.

Conclusion: Healthcare professionals' competency in performing the MDI technique is low. Appropriate training programs are needed to enhance their ability to use inhaled devices and ensure successful drug delivery.
Effects of Cohesion Analysis-Based Instructions (CABI) on English as Foreign Language (TEFL) Students’ Reading Comprehension and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Kebede Mengistie Shiferaw , Mezegebu Yoseph , Gidey Getnet
Published: January 2024

This study examined effects of CABI on grade 11 EFL students’ reading comprehension and self-efficacy using reading self-efficacy as mediating variable at Azezo Secondary School, Gondar City Administration. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with quantitative approach. Thus, intact groups were selected using simple random sampling technique, and one out of these groups was assigned as an experimental group (n=52) while the other as a control group (=52) by lot; both of them were selected using lot method. Then, the experimental group was taught using CABI, whereas the control one was taught using conventional way of teaching reading. In order to collect the data, reading comprehension test and reading self-efficacy questionnaire were used as data collecting instruments. The data were analyzed using chi square, independent samples t-test and SEM. The results of the study indicated that there was a direct significant difference (B = 1.781, CR = 5.844 (>±1.96), p < .05) between the control and experimental group students’ reading comprehension posttest scores in favor of the experimental group participants. Besides, the result showed that there is significant effect (β = .533, CR = 4.630 (>±1.96), p < .05) of CABI on experimental group students’ reading self-efficacy beliefs posttest score in comparison to the control one. In the same vein, the result (β = .825, CR = 3.855(>±1.96), p < .05) unveil that CABI had positive effect on experimental group participants’ reading comprehension posttest score through reading self-efficacy compared to the control group students. Hence, the instruction has a positive effect on reading comprehension both directly and indirectly (through reading self-efficacy). This implies that reading self-efficacy partially mediates the causal relationship between CABI and reading comprehension.
Influence of Socialization Experiences on the Learning of Diverse Groups of Students at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Ayalew Mulusew Berhanu , Mengiste Missaye Mulatie , Taa Busha J.
Published: January 2024

The major relevance of socialization in higher education institutions relies on its contribution to students’ success. Accordingly, this research was aimed at examining the influence of socialization experiences on diverse groups of undergraduate students’ learning at the University of Gondar. In order to achieve the research objectives, a mixed-methods approach was used: data were collected by using questionnaires, semi-structured and key informant interviews. The semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposefully selected eight full time third year undergraduate students. Similarly, key informant interviews were conducted with six purposefully selected department heads, the dean of students and teachers who work in the University of Gondar. Finally, the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as one sample t-test and multiple linear regression tests whereas the qualitative data were analyzed by applying deductive thematic analysis strategies. The findings of this study showed that the socialization process has a significant effect on the students’ learning process, (R2 = .34, F (9, 371) = 14.15, p< .05). In addition, the study showed that there is a statistically significant socialization problem among undergraduate students, (t=10.46, p<.05). The University of Gondar should build strong interpersonal atmosphere to encourage faculty members and administrators to create conducive environment for all students.
Comparative studies on the use of activated snail (Achanita fulica) and periwinkle shells (Typanotonus fuscatu) in the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Nwajei B. A. , Jacob J. N. , Okuo J. M.
Published: January 2024

This study seeks to compare the application of activated snail and periwinkle shells in the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. Snail and periwinkle shells obtained from local markets in Warri, Nigeria, were carbonized, activated and characterized. Batch adsorption experiment was carried out to determine the effect of pH, concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time on the adsorption process. Data obtained were examined using adsorption isotherms. Characterization result showed that activated carbon obtained from periwinkle shells had higher values of pH, pore volume, moisture content and porosity than the values obtained for activated snail shells. The maximum pH obtained for the adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions using activated  periwinkle shell carbon (APSC) and activated snail shell carbon (ASSC) were 7 for Pb2+ and 4 – 10 for Cd 2+ . The percentage adsorption of these ions onto APSC were 96.70% Pb2+ and 100% Cd2+ while that of ASSC were  95.00% Pb+2 and 68.80% Cd2+ . The optimum adsorbent dose and contact time for the removal of these ions, using both adsorbents, were 3 g and 90 min, respectively. Results revealed that APSC had better adsorption capacity than ASSC for most parameters studied. Of the four adsorption isotherms models used for this study,  Langmuir had the highest regression coefficient (R2 = 0.9852 for APSC and 0.8950 for ASSC). Data for adsorption kinetics exhibited a good  compliance with pseudo-second order kinetic model
Geophysical and geotechnical investigations of the site of a collapsed two-storey building in Modomo, Ile-Ife, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi O. , Salami B. M. , Olapade T.M. , Alao O. A.
Published: January 2024

Geophysical and the geotechnical methods were used to study the site of a collapsed two-storey building in orderto determine the sequence and competence of the subsurface layers and determine the cause of the collapse of the building. The geophysical method employed the electrical resistivity method involving one dimensional (1D) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and the two dimensional (2D) imaging techniques. Three VES stations were occupied using Schlumberger electrode configuration. 2D imaging data were acquired along four traverses using dipole-dipole electrode configuration. The geotechnical method involved Cone Penetration Test (CPT). CPT data was acquired at two points with the aid of 2.5 ton Dutch CPT machine. The results showed four subsurface layers based on the 1D VES results and 2D imaging results namely: topsoil, weathered layer, fractured basement rock and fresh basement rock. The topsoil resistivity varied from 116 Ωm to 191 Ωm and has thickness of about 1.5 m. It was classified as moderately competent. The second layer is weathered rock with resistivity varying between 92 Ωm and 327 Ωm and of about 8 m to 13 m thickness. This layer is also moderately competent. The third layer is fractured basement rock. It underlies the weathered rock and have resistivity varying from 391 Ωm to 405 Ωm. Its thickness varied from about 2 m to 20 m. This layer is competent. The fourth layer is the fresh basement rock having resistivity varying from 1365 Ωm to 12348 Ωm and is highly competent. The subsurface materials in the area are competent and can sustain the foundation of the building. Hence, the study concluded that the building collapse did not result from incompetent subsurface materials. Factors other than incompetent subsoil material that is human factors are believed to be responsible. This study has demonstrated the effectiveness of geophysical and geotechnical investigations in determining the competence of subsurface materials at engineering sites.
Determination of near-surface turbulent fluxes at a tropical location: an evaluation of flux-profile technique
Authors: Babatunde O.A. , Olufemi A.P. , Sunmonu L. A. , Abiye O.E. , Omokungbe O.R. , Toyeje A. B. , Obisesan O. E.
Published: January 2024

An experimental site at Obafemi Awolowo University's Teaching and Research Farm, in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, was used to conduct multilevel measurements of meteorological parameters, and turbulent fluxes of sensible and latent heat in the atmospheric surface layer (ASL) between June 1 and July 31, 2016. The framework provided by Monin-Obukhov Similarity Theory (MOST) for estimating the turbulent fluxes of sensible and latent heat through existing empirical flux-profile relationships was employed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the flux-profile technique based on direct measurements of turbulent fluxes obtained from an eddy covariance (EC) system set up at the same location. The results showed that the diurnal patterns of both sensible and latent heat fluxes estimated from flux-profile technique compared relatively well with the direct measurements of the EC system. Nighttime estimations under stably stratified conditions of the atmosphere strongly correlated (R = 0.98) with the directly measured values. However, during the daytime convective conditions, there were some consistent discrepancies in the performance of the flux-profile technique with errors in some of the estimated fluxes well within the uncertainty range of the EC measurements. For sensible heat flux estimates; the coefficient of determination, R2 (0.71), the mean biased error, MBE (15.1 W/m2) and the percentage error determined for the period averaged values of the daytime estimates indicated that the sensible heat flux was only overestimated by up to 20%. On the other hand, a negative MBE 2 2 (-28.2 W/m2), weak coefficient of determination, R2(0.58)and negative percentage error obtained for the period averaged values of the latent heat flux indicated there is an underestimation of up to 45%. It can be concluded the flux-profile relationships can be employed within certain limits of confidence interval at tropical locations especially for the estimation of sensible heat flux.
Land-based investment implications on land use land cover change and livelihood of the local community in Northern Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulaw Assefa Belay , Birhanu Tadesse Amsalu , Moges Melkamu Belachew
Published: January 2024

A surge in land-based investment has been taking place in developing countries, including Ethiopia, with the aim to foster economic growth, enhance food security, and reduce poverty. This study sought to investigate the impact of such investments in the western Armachiho district of the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, using remote sensing data from 1995, 2010, and 2020 supplemented by socioeconomic surveys and field observation to validate the spatial data. The results revealed significant land use and land cover changes in the district over the past twenty-five years. Forest cover decreased from 60.92% in 1995 to 27.6% in 2010, while water bodies, including rivers, streams, and ponds, declined from 3.04% to 1.4% during the same period. Conversely, built-up areas, bush land, farmland, and bare land exhibited an increasing trend. The observed changes during the initial study period can be attributed to the expansion of land-based investments and illegal farmland encroachment in the area under investigation. The results further indicated that the expansion of such investments during this period had adverse effects on the local community, resulting in the loss of access to farmland, grazing land, and forest products that served as sources of income. The results also demonstrated that the delineation of agricultural investment land, the closure of unproductive land, and the issuance of land-holding certificates have prevented illegal encroachment that contributed to the improvements in forestland cover between 2010 and 2020. Hence, when granting significant amounts of land for land-based investment, it is crucial to consider not only the short-term economic benefits but also the well-being of local communities and the principles of environmental sustainability.
Characteristics of the cattle fattening system and body conformation of beef cattle in Bahir Dar Special Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuriaw Agerensh , Taye Mengistie , Tegegne Firew
Published: January 2024

The study was conducted in the urban and peri-urban areas of Bahir Dar special zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, with the objectives of characterizing the cattle fattening system and conformation traits of fattening cattle in the area. Data on the fattening systems were collected from 112 cattle fatteners (72 from peri-urban and 40 fatteners from urban areas) who have experience with cattle fattening using a semi-structured questionnaire. The beef cattle conformational traits measurement was carried out on fattening cattle on a total of 60 animals (30 from peri-urban farms and 30 from urban farms) in selected farms under the fattener’s management condition. Twelve farms were used for the body conformation measurement of the animals using ICAR guidelines. The survey data was analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics and index ranking. Conformational trait data were analyzed using the General Linear Model Procedure of SAS 9.1. The overall mean family size, age of household heads, and landholding per household were 8.43, 42.31 years, and 0.77 hectares, respectively. Most of the respondents in the periurban hold cattle for draft power (index = 0.40). The respondents prefer intact and matured bulls in the urban (100%) and peri-urban (93%) areas. The respondents, on average, fatten three times a year (47.3%) with a mean number of 8.08 fattening cattle. The main feed sources in the peri-urban and urban areas were crop residue (index = 0.26) and agro-industrial by-products (index = 0.63), respectively. Most of the cattle fatteners select their fattening cattle based on body conformation (index 0.29) and condition (index 0.21). The mean initial and final body weight of fattening cattle were 348.75kg and 425.33 kg, respectively. In general, the cattle fattening practice needs to be supported by the extension system so as to efficiently use the resources.
Resettlement and land rights: Implication on land use and land cover change in Ethiopia
Authors: Amsalu Tadesse , Kefale Berhanu
Published: January 2024

In Ethiopia, resettlement schemes have been widely implemented in response to famine and food insecurity. Since 2003, planned resettlement initiatives have been carried out, considering farm households’ willingness as a pivotal factor. To enhance the attractiveness of the resettlement program, the Amhara regional state attempted to offer resettlers dual landholding rights. These rights encompassed perpetual landholding in the new settlement and a three-year guarantee against losing their landholdings in the old settlement if they chose to leave due to discomfort. This study aimed to address conceptual and empirical gaps in understanding the relationship between the resettlement process, land rights/tenure, and changes in land use and land cover (LULC) within this new approach. The goal was to provide policy directions. Employing a socio-spatial research methodology, data was generated using GIS techniques, questionnaires, and focus group discussions. The study found that unrestricted encroachment into woodlands and grazing lands has led to severe LULC changes in the study area. The land use land cover change analysis between 2003 and 2016 indicated that the forest cover and bushland decreased by 3,879.18 ha and 2,810.16 ha respectively, and conversely farmland has increased by 5,814.09 ha. Furthermore, due to the absence of clear property rights definitions and the provision of dual land rights, many resettlers opted to maximize benefits from both land possessions rather than establishing a settled life in the new settlement area. Despite the innovative nature of the resettlement program with its focus on providing dual land rights to relieve pressure in degraded highlands and transform livelihoods in more productive lowland areas, the initiative faced challenges in controlling land rights and management issues in both the old and new resettlement areas. Observations in these areas contradicted the presumption of the new resettlement policy, aiming to bolster farmers' livelihood security and environmental protection. This study underscores the intricate and multi-dimensional nature of the relationship between resettlement, land rights/tenure, and LULC changes in Ethiopia. To ensure the success of innovative resettlement programs, robust institutions supported by policy frameworks that comprehensively consider social, economic, political, and technical elements impacting resettlement are imperative. The study also recommends the implementation of a consolidated land governance system from the outset, complemented by a strong monitoring and evaluation system, to effectively address resettlers' land rights and obligations, thereby improved livelihoods and efficient land use and management could be advanced in the settlement areas.
Citizens participation and local government responsiveness in Enugu State, Nigeria (2008-2015)
Authors: Nnamani Desmond Okechukwu , Odeh Emmanuel Sunday , Eze Obiageli Blessing
Published: January 2024

Citizen participation entails transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, efficiency and effectiveness to enhance trust in governance through consultative and joint decision-making process in line with the wellbeing of citizens’. The paper portends that if citizens are allowed to partake in decision making, the system will respond satisfactorily to the collective preferences of its populace. Nigeria local governments are shrouded in secrecy without citizens’ involvement in government activities. The drivers of local authorities carryout their functions without any sense of loyalty, responsiveness, and accountability to people at the grassroots but to governors and godfathers in Nigeria with particular reference to Enugu state. Secondary source of data were consulted and content analysis were employed to determine the relevance of the materials, theories were used to explain the relationship of the variables. The paper recommends that Nigeria local government need a well democratic structure of local authorities to enhance citizen participation in governmental activities. There need to be some legal mechanism in place for elected officials to involve citizens in planning, execution, and evaluation of programmes and projects in their area. This will serve as a fertile ground for community leaders and traditional rulers to contribute their own quota for national development at the grassroots
Sequential histopathological changes of the lower respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts in chickens infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus
Authors: Igwe A. O.
Published: January 2024

Velogenic Newcastle disease is a highly contagious and fatal disease that affects domestic poultry, and is clinically manifested by haemorrhagic gastroenteritis and respiratory distress. This study investigated the sequential histopathogic changes in the lungs, proventriculus, and intestines of broiler chickens infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV). Fifty broiler chickens (6-weeks-old) were randomly assigned into two groups of 25 each: UC – unvaccinated with Newcastle disease (ND) vaccines and intranasallly inoculated with vNDV, UU – unvaccinated uninfected. At 4, 5 and 6 days post-infection (d.p.i) tissue samples were collected from birds in each group for histopathology. The lungs showed hyperaemia, haemorrhages, inflammatory oedema and cellular infiltrations in the secondary bronchi, parabronchi (atria, infundibular, air and blood capillaries of the exchange tissue), depletion of bronchial-asociated lymphoid tissues, loss of cilia and hyperplasia of surface epithelium of bronchi and parabronchi at 4 d.p.i. The lesions progressed to collapsed air capillaries with fibroplasia and fibrosis of the area at 6 d.p.i. Similar inflammatory changes were observed in the proventriculus, but accompanied by degeneration and attenuation of surface epithelium of proventiculus and proventricular glands at 4 d.p.i., and severe necrosis and disintegration of the proventricular glands at 6 d.p.i. The intestine showed severe inflammatory changes in the mucosa, submucosa and serosa and depletion of gut-associated lymphoid tissues at 4 d.p.i., and ulcerative enteritis at 5 d.p.i. The lumen was filled with necrotic debris at 6 d.p.i. This study reinforces the concept making pathologic animal experiments important tools for a complete characterization of strains in susceptible animals, as this information will be helpful in the accurate diagnosis of velogenic Newcastle disease in chickens.
Reconstruction of the Sexuality of Trafficked and Sexually Abused Survivors. Sexual Trauma and Sex Therapy
Authors: Malanca Denisa Cristina
Published: January 2024

This paper focuses on the intricate process of reconstructing sexuality in the case of female survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse, presenting sex therapy as an effective therapeutic method that addresses the needs of these women. This paper investigates the profound impact of sexual trauma on victims, highlighting its long-term effects. Starting from the general context of trafficking and sexual abuse, the paper reveals the characteristics of these traumatic experiences and analyzes how they influence the survivor’s subsequent sexual relationships. Through sex therapy-based interventions, ways in which these women can regain control over their own bodies and sexuality are explored. By integrating current research and clinical practices, the paper aims to contribute to understanding the reconstruction of survivor’s sexuality. Additionally, this work emphasizes the imperative of ongoing research and policy development to support these highly vulnerable victims.
THE INFL UENCE OF HYDROSTA TIC PRESSURE ON CHANGES IN THE GROUNDWATER MINERALIZATION LEVEL
Authors:   Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower and Ecology of NAST, DAVLATSHOEV S.K.
Published: January 2024

The article discusses a study on the identification of physical phenomena of desalination and squeezing of underground mineralized waters under the influence of hydrostatic and osmotic pressure? As well as the appearance of a hydroosmotic barrier between less and highly mineralized waters as a result of reaching an equilibrium state between hydrostatic and osmotic pressure.