bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Digital Interventions and Social Media on Maternal Health amongst Pregnant Women and New Mothers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Alnughaymishi Refal , Alsaeed Noor , Alharbi Rawan , Alqahtani Nourah Mushabab , AL-Zeair Seba , Essa Shahd , Alshulah Zainab , Alawad Fatema Hani , Ahmed Rufaida Alhafiz Alsayed M.
Published: January 2025

Background:

With the increasing use of digital technologies, such as social media and mobile health applications, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate their impact on maternal mental and physical health during pregnancy.

Methods:

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, we analysed clinical randomised trials assessing the effectiveness of social media and mobile health apps. Nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1273 participants were included, focusing on mental health parameters (depression and anxiety) and physical health outcomes (birth weight, gestational weight gain, large for gestational age [LGA], small for gestational age [SGA] and neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] admissions), along with secondary outcomes (macrosomia, gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] and vacuum extraction).

Results:

The meta-analysis showed no significant difference in depression (mean difference [MD] = −0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.9–0.78, P = 0.74) and anxiety levels (MD = −0.03, 95% CI: −0.84–0.78, P = 0.94) between intervention and control groups. Birth weight analysis across five studies with 930 participants also showed no significant difference (MD = 0.04, 95% CI: −0.012–0.04, P = 0.33). However, gestational weight gain showed a significant difference in four studies involving 707 participants (MD = -2.60, 95% CI: −3.16 to − 2.04, P < 0.0001). No significant associations were found LGA (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.34–1.1, P = 0.10), SGA (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.54–1.4, P = 1.39), NICU admissions (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.63–1.4, P = 0.76), hypoglycaemia of newborn (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.13–3.4, P = 0.63), macrosomia (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.15–1.85, P = 0.31), vacuum extraction (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.42–1.63, P = 0.58) and GDM (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.63–1.61, P = 0.97).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that digital interventions, specifically social media and mobile health apps, show potential in reducing gestational weight gain but have a limited impact on other maternal health parameters. The small sample size of the included studies highlights the need for larger-scale research. Future studies should explore various types of digital interventions to provide more definitive conclusions on their impact on maternal health.
The Link between Insufficient Sleep and the Onset of Obesity as well as the Efficacy of Sleep Interventions in Mitigating Weight Gain amongst Pre-school-aged Children – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Alsultan Leyan Sultan , Aljawaied Raneem Abdulrahman , Althubyani Shatha Ali , Almalki Shahad Nawaf , Alothman Atheer Othman , Khuzayyim Ahmed Ali , Sultan Khawla Siddiq , Alawad Fatema Hani , Al Mohaini Mohammad
Published: January 2025

Objective:

The objective of this research is twofold: first, to ascertain whether insufficient sleep correlates with the occurrence of obesity and second, to explore whether interventions aimed at improving sleep patterns can mitigate weight gain in preschoolers.

Methods:

A thorough search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases was conducted up to 9th December 2019. For the first objective, prospective studies with a follow-up period of at least 1 year were included, assessing sleep duration at baseline alongside relevant outcome measures. For the second objective, intervention trials implementing sleep-focused interventions and measuring indicators of overweight or obesity were considered. Data extraction followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

Results:

Children with shorter sleep durations were found to be at a higher risk of developing overweight or obesity, as indicated by a pooled analysis of 13 studies involving 42,878 participants (relative risk: 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–1.77; P < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant association between sleep duration and changes in body mass index (BMI) Z-score, based on the data from 10 studies across 11 cohorts with a total of 29,553 participants, showing a mean difference of − 0.02 units per hour of sleep (95% CI: −0.03 to − 0.01; P < 0.001). Moreover, four out of five intervention studies reported positive outcomes, demonstrating improvements in BMI (−0.27 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.50 to − 0.03; P = 0.03) and BMI Z-score (−0.07 units; 95% CI: −0.12 to − 0.02; P = 0.006), suggesting that enhancing sleep quality may help reduce weight gain in pre-school children.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that insufficient sleep duration is a significant risk factor for the development of obesity in pre-school children. In addition, intervention studies imply that enhancing sleep quality may be linked to a reduction in weight gain amongst these young children.
Safety and Efficacy of Vilazodone in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Aleid Abdulsalam Mohammed , Alhiqwi Ibrahim Jaber , Alessa Abdullah Ahmed , Alzahuf Shuruq Mohammed H. , Alzahrani Hessah , Al-Ramadhan Ahmed Mohammed , Alharthi Abdulaziz Matar , Kariri Atyaf Ali , Alzubaidi Amirah Saleh , Alharbi Ghaiah Jaber , Qrmli Abdulaziz
Published: January 2025

Background:

Vilazodone is an antidepressant commonly used in the management of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, optimal dosage regimens, comparative effectiveness and long-term safety of vilazodone remain areas of ongoing research and debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vilazodone in patients with MDD.

Methods:

Multiple databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for randomised controlled trials following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcome measures included efficacy in reducing Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA) scores and safety profiles, particularly adverse events (AEs) leading to discontinuation.

Results:

The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in HAMA scores at the 20 mg dosage of vilazodone (mean difference: 0.13 with 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.01, 0.25], P = 0.04) compared to placebo. However, no significant differences were observed at the 40 mg dosage or in other efficacy outcomes. Safety analysis indicated higher rates of discontinuance due to AEs (risk ratio [RR]: 4.49 with 95% CI [3.05, 6.62], P < 0.001), dizziness (RR: 1.32 with 95% CI [1.00, 1.74], P = 0.05), dry mouth (RR: 1.38 with 95% CI [1.00, 1.89], P = 0.05), headache (RR: 1.22 with 95% CI [1.01, 1.46], P = 0.03), nausea (RR: 2.62 with 95% CI [2.19, 3.14], P < 0.001) and vomiting (RR: 2.10 with 95% CI [1.34, 3.28], P = 0.001) compared than the placebo group.

Conclusion:

Vilazodone demonstrates efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms in MDD patients at 20 mg dosage but shows no significant differences at higher doses. Safety concerns, higher rates of discontinuation due to AEs, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, nausea and vomiting in the vilazodone group.
Efficacy of Aripiprazole in Enhancing Cognitive Functions in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Alnajjar Ghadi Eyad , Alsalamah Renad Khalid , Aldughayim Sultan Sulaiman , Alhodibi Mostafa Habeeb
Published: January 2025

Background:

Psychiatric disorders have many symptoms including decline in cognitive symptoms. Parkinson’s disease significantly affects the patient quality of life. Aripiprazole, which is atypical antipsychotic, has a unique mechanism of action that may improve cognitive functions due to its activity at dopamine D2 receptors.

Materials and Methods:

We adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines and conducted a comprehensive search across many databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. We focused on randomised controlled trials and cohort studies that investigated the cognitive effects of Aripiprazole. Data from selected studies were extracted and analysed using RevMan and we used ROB2 and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale tools for quality and bias assessment.

Results:

Our meta-analysis included 751 patients from nine studies. Results indicated that Aripiprazole significantly improved working memory (standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.18, 0.78], P = 0.002) and cognitive flexibility as measured by Trails A (SMD − 0.27, 95% CI [−0.49, −0.05], P = 0.02) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Perseverations errors (SMD − 0.42, 95% CI [−0.69, −0.15], P = 0.003). However, no significant changes were observed in verbal learning (SMD 0.15, 95% CI [−0.10, 0.40], P = 0.23), verbal fluency (SMD − 0.05, 95% CI [−0.32, 0.22], P = 0.71) or performance in Trails B (SMD 0.10, 95% CI [−0.25, 0.45], P = 0.58). The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Digit Symbol test also showed no significant improvement (SMD − 0.02, 95% CI [−0.28, 0.24], P = 0.86).

Conclusion:

Our findings demonstrated that Aripiprazole has a significant positive effect on specific cognitive functions such as working memory and cognitive flexibility in psychiatric patients. This supports its role in utility as a cognitive enhancer.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Comparing between Surgical and Non-surgical Management of Acute Tendon Achilles Rupture
Authors: Aleid Abdulsalam Mohammed , Alhassoun Reefal Ali , Bakr Muneer Ahmad , Ahmed Shahda , Aljefri Shatha Hassan , Alaried Badur Meshal H. , AlAidarous Hasan Ali Abdullah , Aldanyowi Saud Nayef Salem
Published: January 2025

Background:

An Achilles tendon injury affects 31.17 out of 100,000 people annually, and it significantly lowers the quality of life for those who suffer from it–mostly young, energetic people. There are various choices for therapy, from conservative measures to open or percutaneous surgical repair. There is not been an agreement on which every patient has a chosen method of treatment. For the purpose of this study, we thoroughly examined the literature to find the best available data on the treatment of acute Achilles’ tendon rupture.

Methods:

We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions as well as adhering to the recommendations set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement.

Results and Conclusion:

In summary, the main result of this meta-analysis was that there was a statistically significant difference between surgical versus non-surgical in terms of re-rupture rate and no statistical difference in terms of deep-vein thrombosis.
Introduction
Authors: Vampelj Suhadolnik Nataša , Motoh Helena
Published: January 2025

Recent decades have brought the topic of researching East Asian collections in Europe and the world to the forefront of research and academia. The colonial and postcolonial frameworks of collecting practices, the cultural and socio-political settings in which the collectors assembled their collections, as well as the history of displaying East Asian objects in museums and other institutions, were researched both in the political centres of those practices and on their peripheries. In a differently structured approach, the collections of objects themselves came into the focus of the research, including their materiality and their “biographies”, providing a novel perspective on the historiography of collections.
The Department of Asian Studies at the Faculty of Arts (University of Ljubljana), Science and Research Centre Koper, Celje Regional Museum and the Mari­time Museum of Piran hosted an international symposium entitled Orphaned Objects: Theoretical and Methodological Approaches to the Research of East Asian Objects at the Faculty of Arts on 18 September 2023. The symposium was organised as part of the project Orphaned Objects: Examining East Asian Objects Outside Organised Collecting Practices in Slovenia (J6-3133, 2021–2025), funded by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency. This volume includes most of the papers presented during the symposium.
Determinants of Enrolment Rate Decline in Higher Learning Institutions: A Case of the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy
Authors: Juma Hemed
Published: January 2025

The decline in the enrolment rate is not an uncommon trend in most higher learning institutions, and the reasons for this have never  been common to all universities. This study contextually identifies the key determinants of enrolment rate decline for procurement and  logistics management (PLM) programs in public higher learning institutions using the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA) as a case  study. This study adopted a cross-sectional research design to collect empirical data from 302 respondents pursuing various programs  offered by the institute, including Accountancy (ACC), Business Administration (BA), Marketing & Public Relations (MPR), Human Resource  Management (HRM), and Public Sector Accounting and Finance (PSAF). Data were analysed using SPSS 24, where a multiple  regression model was developed to determine the linear effects of the nine determinants of enrolment rate decline. The results show  that the key determinants of enrolment decline include entry qualifications, lack of information about the PLM program, lack of passion  for the PLM program, negative community myths, and lack of social support. Other determinants, such as students’ ambitions, lack of  funds, lack of information about the labour market, and inadequate training facilities, have an insignificant influence on enrolment rate  decline. This finding implies that information regarding the PLM program is very important. Therefore, it is important to disseminate  information about the PLM program’s structure, cost, and duration to potential applicants.
Challenges Facing the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tanzania: A Case of Mbeya’s Mwanjelwa Market
Authors: Tonya Emmanuel M. , Samwel Emmanuel
Published: January 2025

The study investigated the challenges hindering the growth and sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania,  focusing on implementing the SME Policy 2003. The main objective was to assess the effectiveness of SME policy in fostering business  growth, particularly in the Mwanjelwa Market in Mbeya City. The study employed a descriptive design with a sample size of 90 respondents, selected using convenience sampling. The key findings indicate that SMEs face significant challenges related to access to  finance, complex regulatory environments, limited market access, inadequate skills and training, and slow technological adoption. The  under-utilization of government-built infrastructure and insufficient implementation of supportive policies exacerbate these challenges.  The study found that the underutilization of storey buildings for small businesses is that business people and customers do not prefer  searching for or buying upstairs. The study concludes that, although the Tanzanian government has supported SMEs, more must be done  to address these barriers effectively. It recommends enhancing financial literacy programs, simplifying the regulatory framework,  improving market access through infrastructure development and ecommerce, investing in business management training, and  promoting technology adoption among SMEs. These measures would be essential for creating a conducive environment for SME growth  and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Prevalence and phenotypic characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from critically ill patients in two healthcare facilities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna O. , Onuoha S.C. , David I.E. , Onwa C.N. , Eromonsele B.O. , Ogbu O.
Published: January 2025

Background: The intrinsic property of Acinetobacter baumannii to survive in harsh conditions on environmental surfaces and its ability  to resist commonly used antibiotics in hospitals make this pathogen to be one of the most prevalent causes of hospital infections. The  present study was aimed at determining the prevalence of A. baumannii among critically ill patients in two tertiary hospitals; Alex  Ekwueme-Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA) and Mater Misericodiae Hospital Afikpo (MMHA) in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria.
Methodology: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 300 consecutively selected critically ill hospitalized patients in the two  hospitals over a period of 6 months, from whom a total of 300 different clinical samples were collected. The specimens were processed by  standard microbiological culture methods at the Applied Microbiology Laboratory Unit of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki. All  isolated bacteria from cultures were phenotypically screened for A. baumannii by conventional biochemical test scheme and antibiotic susceptibility of test (AST) of confirmed isolates was done using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion technique, with AST results interpreted  according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline.
Results: Of the 300 critically ill patients, clinical samples of  21 (7.0%) were positive for A. baumannii, with 20 (10.0%) of 220 samples from AE-FUTHA and 1 (1.3%) of 80 samples from MMHA. Analysis  of the different isolation sites showed that catheter urine (16.0%, 11/70) from AE-FUTHA and (2.0%, 1/50) from MMHA was the most  frequent site of A. baumannii isolation. A. baumannii isolates showed high resistance rates to tetracycline (100.0%), trimethoprim- sulphamethoxazole (100.0%), ceftriaxone (81.0%) and amikacin (81.0%), while low resistance rate was demonstrated to meropenem  (14.3%), imipenem (19.0%) and polymyxin B (33.3%). The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) of the A. baumannii isolates was 12.1,  with average MARI value of 0.57.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis of infection caused by A. baumannii and its treatment with meropenem,  imipenem or polymyxin B can reduce the risks of mortality and morbidity in A. baumannii infection of critically ill patients.
Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV: A 10-year review of data from a tertiary health facility in northcentral Nigeria
Authors: Audu E.S. , Bello S.O. , Ablaku A. , Audu A.A. , Bako I.A. , Mathew M. , Anazodo M.C.
Published: January 2025

Background: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the use of short-term antiretroviral therapy  (ART) following a single risk exposure to a potential source of HIV infection. If commenced within 72 hours following exposure, PEP has  been reported to be very effective in preventing replication and spread of the virus and therefore prevent acquisition of infection. PEP is  recommended for exposures occurring in both occupational and non-occupational settings. The objectives of this study are to review the  profile of patients and determine the reasons for accessing PEP services in our facility with a view to recommending evidence-based  solutions and ultimately contributing to achieving zero transmission of HIV.
Methodology: A retrospective review of records of patients  who received PEP for HIV in our facility over a 10- year period was carried out. Demographic and clinical variables of interest were  extracted from the medical records and the PEP register of 252 eligible patients. Data were presented as frequencies, means,  percentages and range. Bivariate analysis to determine association of clinical and demographic variables was carried out using the  Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) with p<0.05 considered as statistical significance.
Results: The mean age of the 252  patients studied was 26.25±11.81 years, and females accounted for 52.7%. The commonest reason for seeking HIV PEP was occupational  exposure from sharps or needle sticks or splashes in 43.3% (109/252), while rape/sexual assault was the most common non-occupational  reason for PEP in 29.0% (73/252) cases. Most (72.6% and 95.2%) of the patients presented within 24 hours and 72 hours respectively following exposure. While females accounted for 98.6% of cases of rape and sexual assault, children aged 10 years and below made up  28.8%.
Conclusion: Although most patients sought PEP for HIV due to occupational exposure, majority of those who came for non- occupational exposure were due to rape or sexual assault, most of which occurred in children and adolescents. There is need to institute  measures aimed at reducing the menace of rape and sexual assault especially of minors in our society and for health facilities to have  psychosocial support mechanisms for these patients.
Automated blood culture systems for isolation of bacterial pathogens of bloodstream infection: The experience of Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital, Burkina Faso
Authors: Nagalo A. , Kabore O.D. , Koulbou M. , Sanogo B. , Yehouenou C.L. , Traore I. , Zoungrana J. , Poda A. , Ouedraogo A-S.
Published: January 2025

Background: Identification of the causative agent is an essential requirement for better treatment of bloodstream infection. The  BacT/Alert 3D (BioMérieux, Marcy l’Étoile, France), is a blood culture system equipped with CO2 sensors to monitor the growth of  microorganisms in blood culture bottles designed to optimize bacterial growth. The aim of this study was to determine the performance  of this equipment in detecting bacterial pathogens from patients with bloodstream infection in the context of low-and-middle-income  countries (LMICs), with Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital as a case study.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 5 months at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital, Bobo-Dioulasso,  Burkina Faso, a low-income country. Blood samples from a total of 231 patients with clinical suspicion of bloodstream infections were  collected and processed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Results: Sixty-nine of the 231 blood culture samples of patients were positive, giving a bacteriological yield of 29.9%. Escherichia coli,  Salmonella spp, and Staphylococcus aureus were the top three bacterial species isolated.
Conclusion: The implementation of the  BacT/Alert 3D system has significantly enhanced the diagnosis of bacteraemia in the Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital. This  enhancement is marked by time savings in patient care, reduced staff workload, and an increased bacteriological yield over time.
Food safety knowledge and hygiene practices among food handlers in Nnewi metropolis, southeast Nigeria
Authors: Okwuanaso C. B. , Onyemelukwe N. F. , Ofodile C. A.
Published: January 2025

Background: Food-borne illnesses are a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide, and food safety and hygiene play a critical role in maintaining and improving consumer health. One significant factor in the prevalence of food-related illnesses associated with unclean food is the way food vendors handle their inventory. As a result, this study evaluated the level of food handlers' adherence to cleanliness and safety standards, as well as the variables affecting them in the city of Nnewi. This study evaluated degree of safety and hygiene practices, as well as the factors influencing them, among food handlers in the Nnewi metropolis.Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 428 consenting food handlers was carried out in Nnewi metropolis utilizing quantitative data gathering methodologies and non-probability method of sampling. A well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was interviewer-administered to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, food safety and hygiene practices, knowledge of food safety, and observational checklists that covered cleaning, sanitation and personal hygiene. Evaluation of safety and hygiene practices was done using a four-point scale of responses from participants, with scores equal and above the 50th percentile classified as good practices, while scores less than the 50th percentile as poor practices Data were analyzed using Minitab version 21.2 and SPSS version 27.0. P value < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The mean age of the 428 food handlers who responded, was 33.89±10.29 years, with female preponderance (83.4%, n=357). A total of 217 (50.7%) respondents were adjudged to be of good practices of food safety while 211 (49.3%) were of bad practices. Statistical analysis showed that food safety and cleanliness habits were significantly associated with age, marital status, and gender (p<0.05). The presence of running water and the type of vending establishment (branded and unbranded) were also significantly associated with food safety practices while factors such as education level of respondents, prior training in food safety, knowledge of food safety policy in Nigeria, and duration of employment as food handlers, were not significantly associated with food safety practices (p>0.05).Conclusion: The data indicate that certain demographic factors significantly impact food safety practices, pointing to potential areas for intervention, such as enhancing training and monitoring, particularly among younger, married, and less-educated food handlers, and ensuring the presence of running water in the vending premises. Food safety and cleanliness standards need to be raised because maintaining and enhancing health depends on food's wholesomeness and maximum safety.
Nutrient evaluation, minerals quantification and antibacterial potential of Mentha longifolia (L.) flower, leaves and stem against foodborne bacterial pathogens
Authors: Ali Javid , Hussain Arshad , Ur Rahman Zia , Ur Rehman Inayat
Published: January 2025

This study was conducted for the assessment of the nutrition, minerals and antibacterial activities of leaves, stem and flower of Mentha  longifolia (wild mint). Proximate compositions were carried out using standards methods, mineral analysis were determined using  Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Flame Photometer, antibacterial activities were assessed using Zone of Inhibition Assay.  Broth dilution method was used to determine the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration  (MBC). The proximate composition of Mentha longifolia observed that moisture was found in the range of 2.3-2.8%, ash was 2.5-7.5%,  crude fat was 0.5-2.1%, crude fiber was 8.5-22.5%, protein was 2.1-4.5%, carbohydrate was 69.6-78.7% and energy was 291.3-347.7  Kcal/100 g dw. Sodium concentration was found in the range of 1250-1590 mg/kg, Potassium was 3240-4820 mg/kg, Calcium was  12400-24000 mg/kg, Magnesium was 4800-9600 mg/kg, Zinc was 32-64 mg/kg, Iron was 140-498 mg/kg, Manganese was 32-107 mg/kg  and Chromium was 3-6 mg/kg in Mentha longifolia leaves, flower and stem. The highest zone of inhibition (23±0.2) of Mentha longifolia  leaves extract (tincture) was calculated against Bacillus cereus. Similarly the highest zone of inhibition of Mentha longifolia flower and  stem was noted against Bacillus cereus in tincture extract were 17±01 mm and 16±01 mm respectively. The Mentha longifolia leaves MIC range was 40–120 mg/mL and MBC 60–200 mg/mL. The flower extracts MIC range 70–220 mg/mL and MBC 110–300 mg/mL. Generally  the antibacterial activities of wild mint leaves extracts were higher as compared to flower and stem extracts (p<0.05). The results  commonly observed Gram-negative bacteria are typically high opposed to the Mentha longifolia extracts as compared to Gram-positive  bacteria. The proximate and minerals analysis concludes that this herb is used to formulate nutraceutical products and their extracts can  be used against multi drug resistance bacteria accomplished of causing foodborne diseases.
On the one-chart schemes for joint monitoring of the two parameters of a zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) process
Authors: Pal Surajit , Gauri Susanta Kumar
Published: January 2025

One-chart scheme for joint monitoring of two parameters allows the practitioners to focus on a single chart and thus, it offers significant operational advantages. Recently, four one-chart schemes are reported in literature for joint monitoring of the two parameters (Φ, λ) of a zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) process. One of these schemes, namely - Gamma chart, is developed assuming samples of large size will be inspected and other three charts, namely DS-chart, Max-chart and LR chart, are developed assuming samples of small size will be inspected after every certain interval. The plotting statistics of these three charts are computed using the estimated ZIP parameters. However, unless the sample size (n) is sufficiently large, the excessive number of zeros in the ZIP process may offer a sample of zeros only. Therefore, these three schemes require estimation of ZIP parameters and subsequent computation of the plotting statistic based on the accumulated samples till the sampling stage. Because of the accumulation of samples, these schemes suffer from several limitations. In this paper, these one-chart schemes are modified for large sample size to make them free from their limitations. Subsequently, the performances of the four one-chart schemes are evaluated extensively using simulation studies. The results reveal that among the three modified charts likelihood ratio (LR) chart is the most preferable with respect to in-control and out-of-control average run length (ARL) performances. However, all these three modified charts give false alarms when the process parameter(s) shift towards desirable direction(s) implying process improvement. On the other hand, the Gamma chart is slightly inferior with respect to out-of-control ARL performances. But it does not give false alarm when there is a process improvement. Further, since Gamma chart directly monitors the average number of defects, it offers significant advantages in terms of implementation and interpretations.
Insiders on the Margins: A Conversation with Susan Barry
Authors: Sepuru Phuti
Published: January 2025

This article ameliorates the dearth of literature devoted to South African women in jazz placing a lens on the lived experience of  influential pianist, composer, and educator, Susan Barry. I first interviewed Barry in March 2018 for my doctoral research and was  enamoured by the rich legacy of South African music within her shared narratives. I resonated with her story, despite our differences –  her experiences as a white female musician during apartheid and mine as a black woman in jazz in post-apartheid South Africa. This  resulted in a second in-depth interview in October 2021, where I probed further to unpack the untold parts of her story. This interview brings to the fore Susan Barry’s biography, philosophies, musical history and encounters with seminal figures in South African music and  jazz. The interview also touches on her musical style, contributions and experiences as a female instrumentalist in South African jazz/ music.
Sex Machines: Performing and Critiquing Masculinity in the Music of Stereo Zen
Authors: Röntsch Marc
Published: January 2025

Throughout its history, popular music has in ways both challenged and reinforced traditional perceptions of masculinity. With sexual  themes as arguably core to its construction, funk music has continued to portray a more traditional notion of masculine sexuality and  hypervirility. This trend was set through the traditional masculine imagery of funk musicians James Brown and George Clinton, as well as  through the lyrical content of their music. South African funk-rock band Stereo Zen were heavily influenced by Brown and Clinton, as well  as later funk-rock bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Active from 2004-2014, Stereo Zen’s musical and lyrical imagery aligns itself  with the aforementioned artists’, yet their version of funk masculinity is mixed with insecurity and uncertainty over their position within  this performative gendered framework. This insecurity is voiced at times through honest portrayals of feelings of inadequacy, as well as  blustering postures of masculinity and offensive language. This paper reads the music of Stereo Zen through the lens of hooks’s concept  of hypermasculine black male sexuality, in parallel with the history and development of funk, arguing that Stereo Zen’s music allows for  nuanced interpretations of formations of masculinities, and their portrayal of these performative gendered structures speaks to a unique  historical moment within South African history.
Assessing Practice Strategies in First-year South African Music Students: Considering the Value of a Standardised Practice Questionnaire
Authors: Panebianco Clorinda , Rhoodie Tessa
Published: January 2025

Tertiary music studies place a huge amount of pressure on first-year music students who generally battle with the transition between  school and university and, most particularly, the increased technical demands for their practical instruments. This study considers the  value of using a standardised practice questionnaire to explore and understand first-year students’ practice strategies, organisation of  practice, levels of concentration and attitudes toward practising. The practice questionnaire was administered to a total of 143 first-year  music students over a period of six years. Students were enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts and Music (BA Mus) and Bachelor of Music  (BMus) degrees at the University of Pretoria. A further goal was to explore differences regarding gender and instrument groups. The  results reveal that overall first-year music students do make use of effective systematic practice strategies. Organisation and planning  strategies, however, could be further developed. Concentration levels and attitudes towards practising were overall favourable. The  article discusses the viability of this practice questionnaire as a diagnostic tool for first-year music students.
Book review: Playing the Changes at an African University and on the Road
Authors: Robinson
Published: January 2025

No Abstract
Book Review: Lion’s Share: Remaking South African Copyright
Authors: Leal
Published: January 2025

No Abstract
Ethical Values for Future Leaders in Higher Learning Institutions in South Africa: A Cogent Scoping Review on Academic Jealousy
Authors: Pakiso Moses Pakiso Moses , Tshepo Tshepo , Khetsha Zenzile
Published: January 2025

This review examines the critical importance of ethical values for future leaders in South African higher learning institutions, focusing on academic jealousy. Higher Education (HE) institutions play a pivotal role in shaping society; therefore, future leaders need a strong ethical foundation to navigate academic complexities. Academic jealousy, characterized by undermining peers due to envy, threatens academic integrity and progress. The authors conducted a desktop and literature study using a scoping review approach, emphasizing cognitive distortion variables contributing to academic envy and key global ethical leadership principles. The literature revealed the roots, manifestations, and detrimental impacts of academic jealousy on individuals and institutions. The review underscores the necessity of fostering a culture of ethical conduct, transparency, and mutual respect among academics. It advocates for leadership development programs prioritizing ethical training to cultivate leaders who are academically competent and morally grounded. The review concludes with strategies for HE institutions to address academic jealousy, promoting an ethical and collaborative academic environment, ultimately advancing South Africa's educational landscape.
Dirección Departamental Universitaria en España y México: Logros, Preocupaciones y Valoración del Cargo en Departamentos de Educación
Authors: Álvarez-Álvarez Carmen
Published: January 2025

Tanto España como México en sus universidades tienen departamentos universitarios que actúan como órganos intermedios en los procesos de toma de decisiones a medio camino entre los equipos de gobierno (rectorados) y los equipos docentes. En los departamentos se toman numerosas decisiones que afectan al presente y futuro de las universidades y los/as directores/as tienen una gran responsabilidad. En este artículo se ha indagado mediante entrevistas en profundidad sobre las percepciones que tienen directores/as de departamentos en ambos países para identificar sus logros, preocupaciones y la valoración que hacen del cargo. Fue posible contar con la participación de 17 directores/as de departamentos de Educación en España y 14 en México. Se analizan los factores coincidentes y divergentes entre países y se obtienen resultados de interés, tales como: (1) los logros en materia relaciones humanas, la gestión del cambio o la comunicación; (2) las preocupaciones por los procesos de toma de decisiones y la gestión administrativa y económica; y (3) numerosas valoraciones positivas y negativas del cargo, mostrando la complejidad de ocupar el mismo. La investigación permite corroborar los resultados de los estudios previos sobre los logros, preocupaciones y valoración del cargo, pero ampliándolos muy notablemente, poniendo de relieve paralelismos en los modelos de gestión de ambos países respecto a las relaciones humanas, los procesos de gestión y los cambios, la comunicación, la toma de decisiones, la administración y economía, el personal docente, y el equipo de dirección.
The strong chromatic index of 1-planar graphs
Authors: Wang Yiqiao , Song Ning , Wang Jianfeng , Wang Weifan
Published: January 2025

The chromatic index $\chi'(G)$ of a graph $G$ is the smallest $k$ for which $G$ admits an edge $k$-coloring such that any two adjacent edges have distinct colors. The strong chromatic index $\chi'_s(G)$ of $G$ is the smallest $k$ such that $G$ has an edge $k$-coloring with the condition that any two edges at distance at most 2 receive distinct colors. A graph is 1-planar if it can be drawn in the plane so that each edge is crossed by at most one other edge. In this paper, we show that every graph $G$ with maximum average degree $\bar{d}(G)$ has $\chi'_{s}(G)\le (2\bar{d}(G)-1)\chi'(G)$. As a corollary, we prove that every 1-planar graph $G$ with maximum degree $\Delta$ has $\chi'_{\rm s}(G)\le 14\Delta$, which improves a result, due to Bensmail et al., which says that $\chi'_{\rm s}(G)\le 24\Delta$ if $\Delta\ge 56$.
A new Maxwell-Log logistic distribution and its applications for mortality rate data
Authors: Panitanarak Uthumporn , Ismail Ishaq Aliyu , Adewole Abiodun Alfred , Daud Hanita , Abubakar Suleiman Ahmad
Published: January 2025

In this research, we extended the Log-Logistic distribution by incorporating it into the Maxwell generalized class, resulting in the Maxwell-Log Logistic (Max-LL ) distribution. The probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the proposed distribution have been defined. The proposed distribution’s density shapes can be left or right-skewed and symmetric. The failure function of this distribution might be increasing, decreasing, or inverted bathtub forms. We discussed some essential properties of the Max-LL distribution, including moments, moment generating function, probability weighted moments, stress-strength, and order statistics. The efficiency of the model parameters has been evaluated through a simulation study utilizing a quantile function. To assess the proposed distribution’s adaptability, we applied it to two lifetime datasets: global COVID-19 mortality rates (for nations with more than 100,000 cases) and Canadian COVID-19 mortality rates. The Maxwell-Log Logistic distribution outperformed other distributions on both datasets, as evidenced by several accuracy measures. This shows that the proposed distribution is the best fit for COVID-19 mortality rate data in Canada and around the world.
Efectos de la violencia armada en Guatemala
Authors: Estrada Flores América
Published: January 2025

PROBLEMA:  es fundamental comprender los efectos que la violencia armada tiene en la estructura social, económica y cultural del país, para tal efecto, surge la pregunta que se origina del problema a investigar: ¿Cuáles son los efectos originados de la violencia armada que impactan en la sociedad guatemalteca? OBJETIVO: establecer los efectos que se originan de la violencia armada y que impactan directamente en la sociedad guatemalteca. MÉTODO: para el desarrollo de la investigación y verificación del objetivo presentado, se utilizó el método científico en el proceso de recolección de datos y bibliografía relacionada, y el cualitativo útil para explorar experiencias y percepciones de personas encuestadas. RESULTADOS: con la investigación realizada, se evidencia que la violencia armada genera inseguridad en la población, en virtud que, un porcentaje considerable reporta haber sido víctima de algún delito cometido con arma de fuego ya sea a través de experiencias personales o de familiares cercanos. CONCLUSIÓN: los principales efectos originados de la violencia armada se materializan en los índices de criminalidad que impactan directamente a la sociedad, sobre todo la tasa de homicidios que se reportan en el país.
Causas de la ineficacia institucional en las fuerzas de seguridad
Authors: Estrada Flores América
Published: January 2025

PROBLEMA: El problema abordado en esta investigación es la ineficacia de las fuerzas de seguridad en Guatemala. OBJETIVO: Identificar las causas que contribuyen a esta problemática. MÉTODO: Se aplicó el método científico, mediante la recopilación de datos y bibliografía relacionada, complementado con un enfoque cualitativo que exploró las percepciones y experiencias de personas encuestadas. RESULTADOS: Reflejaron que las principales causas de la ineficacia identificadas fueron la corrupción, señalada por un 71% de los encuestados, seguida de la falta de profesionalización y la debilidad institucional, ambas con un 13% de las respuestas. CONCLUSIÓN: Estos hallazgos evidencian la urgencia de implementar un enfoque integral que aborde los problemas estructurales de las fuerzas de seguridad. Se destaca la necesidad de una reforma profunda en la policía, un fortalecimiento significativo de los programas de capacitación, una mejora en la asignación y gestión de recursos, así como la erradicación de la corrupción dentro de las instituciones responsables.
Researching user experience with artificial intelligence application for customer care services on e-commerce platform
Authors: Giang Nguyen Thi Phuong , Hung Do Manh , Huong Ton Thi , Quyen Huynh Thi , Thom Nguyen Thi , Tran Tran Bao , Tan Thai Dong
Published: January 2025

This study is conducted in the context of the booming development of e-commerce shopping in Vietnam. The rising demand for online shopping has resulted in increased pressure on workforce optimization and automation of customer service processes on e-commerce platforms. To meet the need for online customer care and response, significant resources in manpower, time, and cost are required. Therefore, to optimize costs, reduce response time, and enhance customer care, applying artificial intelligence to customer service has become a top choice. The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that directly affect the customer service experience using artificial intelligence on e-commerce platforms in Vietnam. This aims to help businesses understand customer feedback and psychology to develop strategies to improve and advance this artificial intelligence application model. This study provides an overview of the factors directly influencing the customer experience in AI-driven customer service on e-commerce platforms. Based on this, it offers managerial implications to enhance the quality of customer service for online businesses operating on e-commerce platforms in Vietnam.
Traditional Jamu Trough Theme of Spices in Conceptual Still Life Photography
Authors: Tanrere Rezki Gautama
Published: January 2025

Development of technology filled with various visual media storytellings, especially photography, makes not only photographers who create still life photography works, but those involved in art and visual storytellers participate in exploring this genre which can be an effective medium for storytelling. Still life photography that prioritizes layout, properties and lighting based on the creator's idea, aims in expressing emotions because it provides flexibility in arrangement its composition elements. The purpose of this study focuses on still life photography which not only move objects into a photo, but contain meaning, messages and an artistic photo results. The research method by qualitatively through sample observation and literature theory, through the theme of spices represented in jamu as a characteristic of Indonesian identity and culture, the results can show that conceptual still life photography can become a powerful visual media in introducing Indonesian wealth of culture and agricultural. The implication is that still life photography through this theme is not just displaying objects, but creating a space for artistic experiment, understanding traditions and cultural, and providing a new dimension to everyday objects that are often overlooked in modern life.
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN RENCANA TATA RUANG WILAYAH KABUPATEN JENEPONTO
Authors: Lail Hijrah , Arief Saleh Hasrat , Irene Allorante Atta
Published: January 2025

The Implementation of Spatial Planning policy is one of the producst of the local government in city planning field. The research aims to analyze the implementation of the spatial planning policy in Jeneponto Regency. This research used qualitative approach and the data were collected through observation, interview, and documen tation. Data analysis technique consisted of processing the data, buiding general sense, and coding the data. The research result indicate that the implementation of spatial planning has not been optimumdue to: problems in communication, human resources, disposition, and bureacratic structure. Since Jeneponto Regency is still in developing stage, it is still easier to implement the policy and this becomes the supporting factor. Whereas, the inhibiting factor is the lack of similar vision among the stakeholders about the importance of spatial plan, including the SKPD in the local government that has been actively participated in implementing the spatial planning.