bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the position of hand from bunch of Musa spp. on the expression of number of intraclonally cross-pollinated seeds
Authors:   General Direction of Technological Innovation, Ministry of Scientific Research, Congo-Brazzaville, phone: 00242 06 456 52 87, email: ongagnalphonse@gmail.com, Ongagna A. , Issali A.E. ,   National Higher School of Agronomy and Forestry, Marien NGOUABI University, Congo-Brazzaville, Phone: 00 242 06 575 99 06, Email: issaliemma@yahoo.com, Mpika J. ,   Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Marien NGOUABI University, Congo-Brazzaville, phone: 00 242 06 527 42 46, Email: jmpika@yahoo.fr, Youmbi E. ,   Biotechnology and Environment Laboratory, University of Yaounde-Cameroon, Phone; 00237 677 54 73 11, E.mail: Emmanuelyoumbi@yahoo.fr
Published: February 2025

This study assessed the ability to yield the intraclonally cross-pollinated seeds of clones Honduras (HON) and Cameroon (CAM) from Musa balbisiana (M. balbisiana) and THA018-THA, Calcutta4 (CAL), Microcarpa (MIC), Zebrina (ZEB) and Truncata (TRU) from Musa acuminata (M. acuminata). Ten variables were measured. Anova and two-sample Student’s t and Z tests were applied. Results shown that M. acuminata differ in M. balbisiana. The latter is more vigourous and productive in seeds than the former. Clones HON and CAM expressed the highest values of vegetative and seeds yielding in fruit. They might be used, not only in the conservation of genetic resources of banana in the form of seeds in laboratory, but also in hybridisation programme. Nonetheless, in hybrids dedicated to trade, such ability to yield seeds must be eliminated by successives back crosses in the view to releasing edible fruit. In clone HON, the distal hand is more productive in seeds than the medium and proximal ones. In contrast, in clone THA, all the three positions yield the same number of seeds. Their uses must take into account such particularity.
Growth and Yield Response of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) to Different Rates of NPK, Cattle Dung and Poultry Droppings in Mubi Adamawa State Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Botany Adamawa State University P.M.B 25 Mubi Adamawa State Nigeria, Timon D. , Zakawa N.N. ,   Department of Botany Adamawa State University P.M.B 25 Mubi Adamawa State Nigeria, Yusuf C.S. ,   Department of Botany Adamawa State University P.M.B 25 Mubi Adamawa State Nigeria, Aisha A. ,   Department of Botany Adamawa State University P.M.B 25 Mubi Adamawa State Nigeria
Published: February 2025

A field experiment was conducted at Teaching and Research Farm, Adamawa State University, Mubi, in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria during the 2017 growing season June to December 2017, to investigate the response of tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) to NPK, Cattle dung and Poultry droppings with the objective of selecting the best fertilizer combinations that can boost the yield of tiger nut. The treatments consisted of T1=240kgha-1 NPK, T2= 240kgha-1 Poultry droppings (PD), T3= 480kg-1 Cow dung (CD) T4=177.5kgha-1 NPK+62.5kgha-1 Poultry droppings (PD), T5=177.5kg-1 NPK +302.5kg-1 Cow dung (CD) T6=100kgha-1 NPK+ 140kgha-1 Poultry droppings (PD)+240kg-1 Cow dung (CD) T7= Control (no fertilizer treatment). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), in three (3) replicates data was collected on Plant height, Number of leaves, Days of 50% flowering, Days to 90% maturity, Number of tuber per plant, 100 tuber weight, tuber yield per plot and tuber yield kg/ha. Data collected was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using MINITAB computer software program, significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at P ≤ 0.05. Simple Pearson correlation was also conducted to show the relationship between these observed characters to yield. The result revealed that, the soil treated with the mixture of 100kgha-1 NPK+ 140kgha-1 Poultry droppings (PD)+240kg-1 Cow dung (CD) recorded the fastest growth, yielded the highest number of leaves, produced the heaviest tuber weight, highest number of tuber per plan, tuber yield per plot and tuber yield in Kgha-1 compared with the other treatments. The findings from this research revealed that a mixture of 100kgha-1 NPK+ 140kgha-1 Poultry droppings (PD) + 240kgha-1 Cow dung is the best fertilizer combination and rate that can enhance the yield of tiger nut. Significant positive correlation between tuber yield and plant height number of leaves, hundred tuber weights, number of tuber per plant, and tuber yield per plant suggest that increase in these characters will lead to increase in tuber yield of tiger nut, hence these are important characters to be considered when planning for hybridization involving tiger nut for yield improvement.
Fungal Pathogens Associated with Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Fruit and Efficacy Determination of Annona senegalensis Leaf Extract Against The Fungal Isolates
Authors:   Department of Botany, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria, Tizhe Tari Dlama , Yusuf S. Comfort ,   Department of Botany, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria, Zakawa Ngida Ndale ,   Department of Botany, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria, Dagze John Kagana ,   Department of Laboratory Science, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Nigeria, Emmanuel Abigail ,   Department of Botany, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria
Published: February 2025

This study focused on the Isolation of fruit-rot fungal pathogens of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and the efficacy determination of Annona senegalensis leaf extract against the fungal isolates. A total of ten (10), each of the spoilt and healthy watermelon fruit from among the samples collected from the four different markets within Mubi were randomly selected for the isolation of fruit-rot fungal pathogens. The collected A. senegalensis fresh leaves were air-dried, pulverized and extracted using maceration method of extraction. The extract was then screened for the presence of phytochemicals and antifungal activity test. The study indicated the presence of only two fungal species such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger associated with the fruit-rot of watermelon. Terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins were the phytochemicals discovered present in the ethanolic leaf extract of A. senegalensis. The antifungal activity test of the extract showed an inhibitory effect against all the fungal isolates with statistically highest diameter zone of inhibition of 17.50 mm and 20.85 mm and lowest zone of 7.80 mm and 3.15 mm on A. fumigatus and A. niger respectively. Fungal species such as A. niger and A. fumigatus were responsible for the fruit-rot of watermelon fruit obtained from Mubi region. The ethanolic leaf extract of A. senegalensis was effective against A. fumigatus and A. niger.
Access to extension and advisory services by emerging livestock farmers in uThungulu district municipality of KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Maake M.M.S. , Nkosi N.Z. , Antwi M.A. , Masafu M.M. , Rubhara T.T.
Published: February 2025

Lack of access to agricultural extension and advisory services has been identified as one of the major challenges facing emerging farmers in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of access to these services by emerging livestock farmers in uThungulu District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal. A survey design was used with face-to-face interviews to collect data using a semi-structured questionnaire. A sample of 1 437 was randomly selected from 4 792 emerging livestock farmers in the district. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 software. The results show that more than 90% of emerging livestock farmers in the district had high access to public extension and 14% had access to private extension, in addition. About 32% of the respondents also had access to extension and advisory services from agricultural cooperatives. There was an improvement in access to these services by emerging farmers compared to the past. The involvement of the private sector and cooperatives in rendering extension and advisory services to emerging livestock farmers shows that various stakeholders are involved in improving emerging livestock farmers in the province.
Investigating process skills and competency gaps in undergraduate agricultural extension curriculum in selected South African Universities
Authors: J.A. van Niekerk  , Von Maltitz L. Maltitz , K. Davis
Published: February 2025

The Michigan State University Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) launched a multi-country study to contribute to upgrading and tailoring the agricultural extension curricula at participating institutions. The first phase of primary data collection consisted of focus group discussions. The focus groups were structured around a specific objective: gathering information around specific questions. Focus group discussions were followed by an online survey of Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) role players, of which the results will be discussed separately. It was concluded from the focus group discussions that the AEAS workers in South Africa lacked the critical skills to perform their responsibilities efficiently. Several required skills were singled out during the focus group discussions. It was concluded that it is vital for agricultural development in the country to ensure that these skills and competencies are included in all South African teaching institutions' curricula. It is therefore recommended that it is critical for each institution offering agricultural extension training to keep the curriculum relevant so that it meets the needs of the profession. Keeping the curriculum relevant includes participatory curriculum development (PCD), regular review of the curriculum by all the stakeholders of the profession, and the necessary collaborations with professional bodies to regulate the curriculum. The efficiency in the sector will be enhanced if AEAS qualifications at the various training institutions cater to the profession's demands.
Exploring the Role of Indigenous Vegetables in Rural Livelihoods: Perceptions from the Ntuze Community
Authors: Qwabe Q.N. , Pittaway T.
Published: February 2025

An increasing number of countries face growing food insecurity levels, severely impacting rural livelihoods. South Africa is no exception, mainly because it meets the worst forms of socio-economic issues: the triple challenge of poverty, the inequality gap, and non-inclusive economic growth. Influenced by a growing number of people in underprivileged communities who face food poverty, the researchers bring to the fore the value of wild indigenous vegetation, which is often neglected and perceived as food for the poor. To articulate this, data was collected from participants who utilise indigenous vegetables. Among the themes that were inductively identified were (i) household food security, (ii) the perceived medicinal benefits to improve their health conditions, and (iii) the source of income. The study proposes that promoting the production and utilisation of indigenous vegetables be considered an approach to raising awareness to dismantle the stigma around these foods and to further respond to the food insecurity crisis in underprivileged communities. There is an underappreciation of local varieties such as imifino yasendle (wild leafy vegetables) and stigmatisation of utilisation of these foods. This study re-imagines a renewed perception of indigenous vegetation in the quest to contribute to livelihood development and improve food security in underprivileged communities.
Livelihood Analysis of Gasela Community in Amahlathi Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province
Authors: Mkhungela M.N. , Khwidzhili R.H.
Published: February 2025

The study was conducted to distinguish the livelihood activities that need sustainable development intervention in the Gasela rural community. A sample survey procedure was done on a population of 77 community household heads. A sample size of 65 was randomly selected. It was found that cabbage, spinach, and potatoes were the most crops produced by the community. Wattle forest was used for cooking, housing, and kraal fencing. The households were affected mostly by pests, diseases, environmental stresses, and weather-related shocks. These sources of vulnerability are cited to limit sustainable crop production. Therefore, the recommendations were interventions for the sustainable production of cabbage, spinach, and potatoes. A further suggestion was to investigate the alternative resource for wattle that will provide the same livelihood outcomes for the Gasela rural households when biological control of this invader species is implemented.
Impact of a Multi-Stakeholder Approach on Rural Livelihood and Socioeconomic Status of the Farming Community at Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme, Amahlathi Local Municipality, Eastern Cape
Authors: Dumani A. , Mbangcolo M.M. , Mpambani B. , Mpengesi X. , Titimani M.
Published: February 2025

Access to finance and production inputs are some of the challenges that dominate the small-scale farming sector in South Africa. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are among some of the alternatives that could be utilised to assist small-scale farmers. An informal partnership was initiated between the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR), Rance Rural Development (RRD), and the farmers of Sidalukukhanya Agriculture Co-op (SAC) for pepper production at the Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme. A study was conducted to evaluate the socioeconomic impact of this partnership. A questionnaire was administered to the members of SAC for data collection. Results showed that this PPP significantly improved the livelihood and socioeconomic Status of SAC members farming at the Zanyokwe Irrigations Scheme. Through this partnership, approximately 13% of jobs are created in the field for the co-op members, while 6% are permanently employed in the processing factory. Similarly, 56% of seasonal employment intake occurred during planting and harvesting s in the cropping fields at Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme in Keiskammahoek. A further 25% of seasonal jobs were created through the processing of produce at the agro-processing factory in Stutterheim. Most farmers increased their business by 20% and production skills by 80%. Therefore, this partnership has shown the potential to improve the livelihood and socioeconomic Status of Zanyokwe farmers.
A Review of the Agroecological Farming System as a Viable Alternative Food Production Approach in South Africa
Authors: Rudolph M. , Muchesa E.
Published: February 2025

Input-intensive production systems characterise industrial agriculture as an unsustainable means to address food and nutrition security and sustainable livelihoods. Extensive empirical evidence supports the diversification and reorientation of industrial agriculture and incorporates ecological practices, viewed as essential for achieving balanced and productive farming systems. An agroecological farming system is a viable alternative approach that can improve food production, especially for the most vulnerable communities and households. Furthermore, substantial proof and supporting evidence show that such a system is key to increasing dietary diversity at the local level and reducing the multiple health and environmental risks stemming from industrial agriculture. This paper, therefore, aims to demonstrate the benefits of the agroecology food system through an evidenced-based approach that shows how the broader agricultural network structures can play a meaningful role, particularly for impoverished households in today’s reality. The methodology is centred on a structured literature review that analyses urban agriculture, agroecology and food insecurity. Notably, ground-truthing, practical experiences and field observation of agroecological farming were deployed. This paper emphasises the practical application of the agroecological approach in urban and peri-urban settings. Several evaluation reports on local and provincial initiatives show that very few households engage in food gardens and urban agriculture. These households do not use their backyards or nearby open spaces for  several reasons, such as stringent city by-laws, restricted access to land, little or no knowledge of innovative or alternative farming practices, and a general lack of interest. Furthermore, limited resources such as water and energy and lack of capacity building and training implementation are additional constraints hampering small-scale food gardens and farms in other settings. The Agroecology systems approach is viewed as one of the key solutions to tackling these problems.
Measuring Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture in the Gauteng Province of South Africa
Authors: Thobejane K. , Swanepoel J.W. , Van Niekerk J.A. , Van der Merwe H.
Published: February 2025

Commercial restrictions limit the extent of women's participation in the South African economy despite gender equality being valued. Since the implementation of The Women Empowerment Project in 1999, the agricultural sector's contribution has not yet been fully quantified. Women’s opportunities, challenges, and roles in agriculture must be explored further by evaluating resource management strategies and policies. This study aimed to quantify women's empowerment in agriculture using descriptive research methodology. Data were collected and statistically analysed using the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) to identify the origin and extent of female farmers' difficulties. Satisfactory outcomes in production, leadership, assets, income, and time usage were more strongly associated with empowerment than demographic variables, and time available contributed the most to women feeling disempowered. Overall, women reported feeling more empowered compared to men. Disempowerment in male respondents as the control group was attributed to time, workload, and resources. In future studies, gender policies should be further developed to incorporate gender dimension, gender budgeting and sex-disaggregated data administration.
Strategies for Climate-Change Resilience Among Maize Farmers in Lesotho
Authors: Bengeza Z.D. , Manenzhe T.D. , Zwane M.E.
Published: February 2025

Maize is a staple crop in Lesotho; hence, it can be vital in improving food security and strengthening the economy. However, climate change necessitates the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the growing of maize. It is assumed that small-scale maize farmers lack awareness of climate change and mitigation strategies. This hypothesis has not yet been assessed in Lesotho, especially in the study area; hence, this study is conducted to evaluate it. One hundred small-scale maize farmers from Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek Districts were selected to participate in the study. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The results show that small-scale maize farming in Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek is dominated by older women (54%) who are within the age group 56 to 65 years (32%) with a low level of formal education (33%). 70% of farmers have been in farming for more than 20 years. Most (70%) of farmers indicated that their maize production is negatively affected by climate change, and 51.7% of farmers experienced poor yield, maize quality, and rainfall. This has led to food insecurity (44%). Therefore, 89% of farmers want to increase fertiliser use to maximise production and improve food security. 37% of farmers desire to switch to CSA, and the majority (83%) intend to adopt CA systems to mitigate climate change. Further studies are recommended to identify LikotiLikoti’s system’s ability to boost agricultural yields and increase food production, combat soil erosion, and enhance fertility and to assess if Machobane system - Mantsa Tlala, or “expeller of hunger leads to a rise in per capita food production and overall land productivity.
The Operational Elements of the Vegetable Cooperatives: The Case of Agricultural Cooperative Societies in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
Authors: Sohuma A. , Yusuf S.F.G. , Popoola O.O.
Published: February 2025

Cooperatives are typically established to help create jobs and improve their members' economic and social conditions, among various other roles. Farmers’ cooperative societies play a vital role in enhancing the livelihood of resource-poor farmers.  The government has initiated various support programmes to assist agricultural cooperative societies to remain viable; however, many cooperatives continue to flounder while some have collapsed. This study identifies operational components like members' roles, cooperative constitutions and decision-making processes, record-keeping, education and training of members, farm and financial management and level of extension service involvement as critical roles in sustaining agricultural cooperatives. Therefore, this study's objective was to assess the key operational components of vegetable cooperative societies and the level of extension support provided to the cooperatives in the study area. Ten functional vegetable cooperatives in the municipality were purposively selected for the study. At the same time, data for the survey was obtained from the board of directors and members of the cooperatives. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires consisting of closed and open-ended questions. The presentation of results was done using simple descriptive statistical tools. The study outcome shows that about 50% of the cooperatives noted that members were largely involved in the daily running of the cooperatives, governance, and decision-making processes. However, many cooperatives are constrained by the lack of training of its members on conflict resolutions (90%), with about 30% and 40% not receiving training on record keeping and financial management, respectively. The role of extension services towards the sustainability of the cooperatives is crucial. Most (80%) of the cooperatives indicated some level of interaction between the cooperatives and extension personnel, albeit the need to improve the frequency of extension visits, training, and follow-up appointments. The result of this study implies that cooperatives in the region need to improve in key operational areas. Extension personnel need to be more available to support cooperative activities effectively.
Creating Livelihoods Through Land Redistribution: Evidence from the One Household - One Hectare Programme in Kokstad
Authors: Zantsi S. , Mgidi S.
Published: February 2025

The South African land redistribution programme has been criticised for solely focusing on redistributing land for commercial farming while ignoring land demand for small-scale farming and settlement. This study reports on implementing the One Household-One Hectare (1HH-1H ) programme in two Kokstad beneficiary villages. The study's first objective was to understand how the programme implementation works on the ground. The other objective was to assess the capacity of the programme to create livelihoods. Our analysis was based on household survey data from 20 beneficiary household heads and two agricultural advisors. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings show that the programme implementation was need-based and was a joint effort by various government departments. The implementation led to a village setup, where each beneficiary household has a residential area for buildings, kraals and a garden in their one-hectare plot. The remainder of the land was shared as grazing common and forest, while the other arable land was used for cooperative farming and individual arable field lands. In general, beneficiaries were content with the programme’s implementation and reported a significant increase in their livestock herd and crop outputs. Additionally, beneficiaries now enjoy access to clean drinking water, irrigation water, and primary healthcare, among other benefits.
Traffic Jerk Effect From Non-motor Automobiles and Velocity Prediction Effect in Car-Following Model Under V2X Environment
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, MD University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India, Dangi Raveena , Redhu Poonam , Kumari Vijeta
Published: February 2025

Objectives : To enhance traffic flow stability and alleviate congestion, a car-following model that incorporates velocity prediction and traffic jerk is developed. Methods: A car-following model that considers the traffic jerk impact and velocity prediction is presented. The impact of the model on traffic stability and congestion is assessed using linear stability analysis in conjunction with the reductive perturbation technique for deriving mKdV equation and nonlinear calculations. Numerical simulations under periodic boundary conditions are used to validate theoretical results further. Findings: Using linear stability analysis, it is demonstrated that velocity prediction significantly expands the stable region of the phase diagram as compared to the optimal velocity model, whereas jerk behavior expands the unstable region. A “modified Korteweg-de Vries” equation (mKdV) is implemented to identify areas where congestion is most severe, indicating heavy traffic near the critical point. Based on nonlinear calculations, it has been demonstrated that traffic jerk effects from non-motor automobiles enlarge unstable regions on phase diagrams, while velocity prediction enlarges stable regions. Traffic flow is improved by this combination strategy, particularly in locations close to the main bottleneck point. Given that drivers are better equipped to modify their conduct in response to traffic circumstances, the results imply that drivers' behavior toward non-motor vehicles has a differential effect that directly reduces traffic congestion. The model's relevance to actual traffic situations is further supported by numerical simulations, which are applied using periodic boundary parameters that validate these theoretical solutions' practical efficacy. Novelty: The model integrates traffic jerk effect and velocity prediction, expanding traffic stability and mitigating congestion more effectively than existing models.

Keywords: Traffic flow, Traffic jerk, Velocity prediction, Simulation, Car-following model
Primary Neuron Extraction v1
Authors: Fan Yujie , Steele Chelsie
Published: February 2025

Procedure to extract primary neurons from a pregnant mouse on day 17 of her pregnancy
Reporting of Older Subgroups in FDA/EMA Registration Trial for DLBCL, 2018-2023 v1
Authors: Rosa Neuendorff Nina
Published: February 2025

Reporting of Older Subgroups in FDA/EMA Registration Trial for DLBCL, 2018-2023
Immunostaining Mouse Tissue v1
Authors: Steele Chelsie , Fan Yujie
Published: February 2025

This protocol describes immunohistochemical and immunoctyochemical methods to analyze protein expression in mouse brain. In the protocol, we describe the fixation of tissue or cultured neurons, the immunostaining procedure, and collecting images for analysis.
A PCR primer design method for identifying spider mite species using k-mer counting v1
Authors: Matsuda Tomoko
Published: February 2025

This protocol uses a bioinformatics approach to extract species-specific primer candidate sequences (i.e., single primers unique to a specific species) from RNA-Seq datasets of spider mite species (Acari, Tetranychidae). Such species-specific primers may be used for practical species discrimination by optimizing multiplex PCR. Our primer design method is expected to be applicable to other taxa.The primer design methods are illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2.
Blockchain-Powered Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading: A Comprehensive Framework for Secure, Transparent, and Direct Transactions in the Energy Sector Optimization Algorithm
Authors: He Shaowei
Published: February 2025

While blockchain technology is viewed to revolutionize the energy sector by its cryptography-based, open, and direct peer-to-peer energy trading (P2PET) from producer to consumer, the current paper focused on the blockchain framework developed that allows for P2PET in the retail electricity market. The platform makes sure that there is proper supply-demand matching, transaction streamlining, and increased need for direct interaction, hence reducing the need for brokers on the platform. Its design monitors the entire energy trading process, with smart contracts automating payments and transactions to ensure security and fairness. Tests in a private Ethereum environment demonstrate benefits like accurate market pricing, fair profit distribution, and better renewable energy integration. It also incentivizes the participation of stakeholders in the P2PET through high-value information on gas usage, introducing computational efficiency. Besides, this proposed model adopted a consensus mechanism that would guarantee the permanence, scalability, and robustness of transactions across ...
Integrated Multi-Energy Hub Optimization: A Model for Reliable, Economically Efficient, and Sustainable Energy Systems
Authors: Chen Qiuju , Wang Jungang
Published: February 2025

This study developed a multi-objective optimization framework for configuring independent multi-energy hubs (MEHs) that integrate electricity, heat, and hydrogen systems. The model addressed uncertainties in renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, using a hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO) and grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) to achieve high levels of reliability, economic efficiency, and renewable energy utilization (REU). A robust capacity configuration strategy was designed to focus on balancing economic and environmental goals while enhancing system reliability. The integration of hydrogen storage and methanation systems minimized the curtailment of renewable energy and improved energy flexibility. The proposed approach employed stochastic optimization techniques with scenario generation and reduction to model uncertainties effectively. Advanced coordination between renewable energy sources, combined heat and power (CHP) units, and energy storage systems ensures efficient dispatch of electrical, thermal, and hydrogen energy under dynamic operating ...
DEFEAT OF A TEENAGER DURING A SHOT FROM A GRANO LAUNCHER IN A CLOSED SPACE
Authors: Okunev Nikolai , Okuneva Alexandra , Kalabkin Nicolay , Kopeikina Anastasia , Babaniyazov Agadgan
Published: February 2025

The relevance of the study is associated with the growth of terrorist acts with the use of explosive devices (VU) in relation to the civilian population, as well as explosive trauma is one of the types of damage to the population in wartime conditions.
The purpose and objectives of the study: To analyze the case of treatment of a teenager in the conditions of the Children's Republican Clinical Hospital (DRCB) in Saransk, who was injured when fired from a grenade launcher, which was in a confined space.
Materials and methods of research: Description of the clinical case of a boy AA, 17 years old. delivered to the Saransk DRCB with a combined open craniocerebral injury, non-penetrating mine-explosive damage to the scalp, barotrauma, thermal burn of the scalp and the left half of the face, received by a child when fired from an RPG-18 grenade launcher found in the basement of a residential building. The shot was fired inside the car.
Conclusion: Knowledge of the features of injuries resulting from explosive trauma is necessary for the correct construction of diagnostic search, diagnosis and therapeutic measures.
In this clinical example, a patient with an explosive injury was discharged with recovery, the course of treatment was 55 bed days. The successful outcome of treatment in this clinical case, in our opinion, allowed to achieve:
- rapid transportation of the victim to the nearest medical institution of the State Medical Institution of the RM MRTSKB (which provides assistance to the adult population), where a comprehensive examination was performed as soon as possible and adequate treatment was started;
- quick transfer of the patient from the State Medical Institution of the RM MRTSKB to a specialized pediatric surgical department, where a complete and high-quality diagnosis of the injuries was performed, strengthening and continuation of all medical measures in full according to the standards of specialized medical care;
- continuity and consistency of conservative and surgical treatment measures and timely correction of emerging problems.
A retrospective analysis of vaginal birth after caesarian-predictors of success and its outcomes
Authors: Gautham Kavitha , Thiruvengadam Nalini , Vishwanathan Ramya , Jeeshiya  , Ganesh Swarna
Published: February 2025

Background: A repeat caesarian delivery (C-section) after a previous C-section increases maternal and foetal complication and poses an enormous burden on the economy of nations and individuals. The success of vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is affected by various antepartum, intrapartum factors as well as the difference in the obstetric population.  This study aims to analyse the maternal and neonatal outcomes and factors associated with successful VBAC.
Methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of 12 months hospital data conducted at BloomLife hospital, a private multispeciality hospital at Chennai during September 2022 to September 2023. The inclusion criteria were pregnant women with gestational age of 37±40 weeks who had intention for vaginal delivery, previous non recurrent indicating pregnancy, inter-delivery interval of at least 2 years, cephalic presentation, low risk pregnancies. High risk maternal and fetal factors were excluded from the study.
Results: Among 204 women who had previous history of LSCS, 124 women were offered a trial of labour after caesarean (TOLAC) among which 56 (45%) of them successfully delivered through VBAC. Out of 124 women, 44 women out of 124, had opted for holistic approach during antenatal and intrapartum period among which n=27 (67.5%), had a statistically significant successful VBAC (Chi-square statistic is 6.25 p=0.012, significant at p<0.05). The most common reason for repeat C-section after TOLAC were labor dysfunction and fetal distress (n=2, 3.5%). Incidence of maternal complications in the study was atonic postpartum hemorrhage (n=7, 12.5%) that was well managed medically. All the babies had an Apgar >7 at 5 minutes. There was no maternal or neonatal mortality.
Conclusions: Statistically significant rate of success was found in women who went into spontaneous labor and had antenatal and intrapartum holistic interventions. The study results demonstrates that an integrated approach with qualified birth support team will improve the success rate as well as reduce the maternal and fetal morbidity.
In memory of Yanina Vladimirovna Blagosklonnaya
Authors: Parfenova N. S.
Published: February 2025

The paper has been written in memory of professor of Pavlov First State Medical University of St. Petersburg Yanina Vladimirovna Blagosklonnaya. Presented are her most famous investigations, which enriched Russian and the world science.
As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para a Educação das Relações Étnico-Raciais e a Educação Infantil na produção científica brasileira
Authors: Cruz Rosimeire Costa de Andrade , Colares Maria Lília Imbiriba Sousa , Pereira Jorgiana Ricardo
Published: February 2025

Considerando que as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para a Educação das Relações Étnico-Raciais e para o Ensino de História e Cultura Afro-Brasileira e Africana - DCNERER (Resolução nº 1, 2004) destinam-se a toda educação básica e que a Educação Infantil (E.I.) figura apenas duas vezes neste documento, o artigo objetiva responder a indagação: “a quase ‘invisibilidade’ da E.I. nas DCNERER encontra equivalência nas pesquisas produzidas nos cursos de pós-graduações stricto sensu no Brasil?”. A fonte dos dados foi o Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo “Estado da Arte”, com inspiração em Silva, Régis e Miranda (2018); Abreu e Mattos (2008); e Gomes (2012). Seus resultados confirmaram a equivalência da “quase invisibilidade” da Educação Infantil na produção acadêmica e apontaram a fragilidade na formação dos docentes e a ausência de “vontade política” como principais obstáculos à implementação da lei. Tendo em conta a quantidade de pesquisas identificadas no banco de dados consultado, as publicações que compõem o corpus desse texto evidenciam vários desafios para a academia, a legislação e as instituições de Educação Infantil e de formação de professores.
Health risks associated with eating meat: a comparative analysis of American, British and Italian online information (Preprint)
Authors: Di Gennaro Gianfranco , Licata Francesca , Pittore Paolo , Bianco Aida
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

The quality of online information regarding the risks associated with meat consumption could play a crucial role in shaping consumers' behavior.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the quality of Italian, British, and American websites (WSs) addressing this topic.

METHODS

The top 100 British, Italian, and American webpages on the risks attributable to meat consumption were downloaded and assessed for trustworthiness using the “JAMA benchmarks” tool, whether certified professionals authored the content, and whether it included guidelines and potential meat substitutes. The coverage of issues such as diet sustainability, cancer, cardiovascular, and chronic disease prevention was also examined and WSs classified according to their judgment towards meat consumption (neutral, promoting, demonizing).

RESULTS

American and British WSs were classified as high-quality in 61% and 78.1% of cases, while only 22.3% of Italian WSs were. Multinomial regression revealed that Italian WSs compared to American WSs were less inclined to demonize meat and to be authored by certified health professionals. Italian WSs less frequently mentioned risks to the environment and the development of chronic diseases associated with excessive meat consumption. Compared to American counterparts, British WSs exhibited a lower frequency in promoting meat consumption and in content being written by qualified professionals. In British WSs, the reporting of chronic disease risks was less common, while the mention of cancer risks was more prevalent.

CONCLUSIONS

The widespread prevalence of poor online information quality, especially in certain countries, demands action. Promoting user education in assessing WB's reliability and involving health
professionals in this educational effort may represent viable strategies.

CLINICALTRIAL

NA
Prompt Engineering in Clinical Practice: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Jialin , Wang Changyu , Liu Siru
Published: February 2025

UNSTRUCTURED

Large language models (LLMs) present a promising avenue for improving healthcare by enhancing clinical decision making. However, their effectiveness heavily relies on the accurate prompt engineering. This review focuses on understanding and optimizing prompt engineering techniques to guide LLMs in producing clinically relevant and accurate responses. The aim is to provide clinicians with the tools to fully utilize LLMs in practice, ensuring patient-centered care and addressing ethical and operational challenges. Key principles of prompt engineering, such as specificity, contextual relevance and iterative refinement, are essential for the effective use of LLMs. Techniques such as zero-shot, few-shot and chain-of-thought prompting are analyzed in detail to provide clinicians with practical insights into how these approaches influence LLM outcomes. The review also introduces a classification system for prompts - manual versus automatic and discrete versus continuous - to help clinicians apply these models more effectively in different clinical scenarios. Despite advances, challenges remain in ensuring data privacy, maintaining clinical accuracy and handling multimodal data. Effective prompt engineering can significantly improve the performance of LLMs in clinical practice by optimizing input design to provide more accurate, contextually relevant and patient-specific outputs. These improvements enable more efficient clinical decision making. Clinicians need to consider privacy, ensure clinical accuracy and integrate adaptive, contextual and personalized prompts into real-time workflows. By refining prompt engineering practices, clinicians can take full advantage of LLM capabilities, ultimately improving patient outcomes and supporting ethical integration into healthcare.
Enhancing surgical safety and efficiency: A systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis of surgical data recorders (Preprint)
Authors: Siegel Niels , Rotärmel André , Polychronidis Georgios , Salg Gabriel , Klotz Rosa , Probst Pascal , Pausch Thomas
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Recently surgical data recorders comparable to flight data recorders also known as black boxes in the aviation industry have been developed to improve patient safety and performance in surgery. These devices allow for unique insights in the operating room by providing new data capture capabilities. No systematic review has been carried out to evaluate the areas of application of surgical data recorders to date.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis aimed to assess which aspects of the operating theatre environment surgical data recorders are used for. And to make a preliminary assessment of the quantifiable data that can be collected compared to traditional collection methods.

METHODS

The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases were lastly systematically searched for papers that focused on a clinical use case for surgical data recorders on February 10th 2025. Not relevant papers in particular papers focusing on implementation of surgical data recorders were excluded. Title, abstract and full-text screening were completed to identify relevant articles. The included studies were analyzed descriptively using data extraction forms. Where possible, quantifiable data was also analyzed. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-E tool.

RESULTS

70 studies were screened and a total of 17 studies were included. Ten of the 17 studies had a low overall risk of bias; however, confounding, selection bias, small sample sizes, short study periods, and potential Hawthorne effects were notable limitations. Only 2 studies were assessed to have publication bias. Use cases could be grouped into four categories: economic, safety, behaviour in the OR and technical skill assessment. A single-arm meta-analysis focusing on adverse events and distractions in the operating theatre could be conducted, demonstrating accurate reporting of distractions in line with the existing literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical data recorders provide an unobstructed view of various aspects of the operating theatre. Most published papers present preliminary studies on surgical data recorders, indicating the potential for further, larger-scale studies with enhanced methodological quality.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO, CRD42024527164, Registered on April 1st, 2024.
Development of MOLAH GATI Information System in Digital-Based School Administration
Authors: Fahrozi Samsul , Muntari Muntari , Mustari Mohamad , Setiadi Dadi , Fahruddin Fahruddin
Published: February 2025

This study aims to develop the Molah Gati Information System in Digital-Based School Administration using the local account and Google Workspace for Education. This study uses the Research and Development level 3 method with the ADDIE model. The research stages start from the analysis, design, development, implementation, and product evaluation stages. This study developed 10 digital-based school administration features, and the application expert validity test results obtained an Aiken V validity coefficient value of 0.94, which is a very good category. The Aiken V validity coefficient value was obtained at 0.91, with a very good category for the material expert validity test. The feasibility trial by users shows that the Molah Gati information system is very feasible to use in digital-based school administration, with a feasibility percentage value reaching 90.7%.
Khirqah in Sufi Traditions: Hadith-Based Legitimacy and Its Spiritual Transmission
Authors: AB Zuherni.
Published: February 2025

The khirqah is a significant element in Sufi traditions, symbolizing spiritual initiation and the transmission of esoteric knowledge. However, its origins remain debated, particularly regarding its connection to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Imam ‘Ali and Hasan al-Basri. Some scholars affirm this lineage, while others argue that khirqah was a later development within Sufi circles rather than a direct prophetic practice. This study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing classical Sufi literature, historical records, and hadith collections. Key hadith narrations related to the bestowal of garments, such as the Prophet (PBUH) clothing Ummu Khalid and Uwais al-Qarni receiving robes from Imam ‘Ali and Umar ibn al-Khattab, have been used to validate khirqah’s legitimacy. However, critics contend that these narrations reflect acts of generosity rather than structured initiatic bestowals. By the 14th century, khirqah evolved beyond a physical robe into a symbol of spiritual affiliation within Sufi orders (tariqas). Despite these debates, khirqah remains central to Sufi identity, signifying spiritual authority, ethical discipline, and lineage transmission. Scholars such as Ibn ‘Arabi emphasized that khirqah represents inner purification rather than merely an external garment.
Madrasah dan Jenjang Karir di Negara Usmani pada Masa Klasik (1300-1600)
Authors: Supratman Frial Ramadhan
Published: February 2025

This article focuses on history of education in Muslim world in from fourteenth until seventeenth centiuries in Ottoman state. As the most important Muslim state in the world during classical period (1300-1600), Ottoman state became the role model of education system for Muslims. Influenced by Seljuk Anatolia state, Ottoman built education through medrese system controlled by state. The system supported the state to design career development for its subject. In addition to devÅŸirme system, medrese system provided large opportunity for its subject to obtain career as teacher and professor (mÃ¼derris), judge (kadÄ±), and bureaucrat (kalemiye). Research method in this article are qualitative and bibliographical research. Author examines historical reseources to analyze research problem. The aim of research is to observe and analyze relationship between education system and career development in Ottoman state. According to this research, author concludes that medrese system in Ottoman state provided opportunity for its subject to participate in social mobility thorugh its career in government circle.
Analisis Buku Ajar Sejarah Kebudayaan Islam Menurut Badan Standar Nasional Pendidikan
Authors: Fahrudin Imam
Published: February 2025

This study was conducted to find out how the feasibility of the ministry of religius Affairs of the republik of Indonesia with the criteria of teaching book According to BNSP. This study is considered important which given the feasibility of teaching book should refer to the criteria of BNSP. The research was conductedÂ  With the qualitative approach and used literature research in data mining. The research method is conducted in three phases, they are:1) analyzing students books SKI class XIII MTS, 2) develop instrument of teaching book criteria According to BNSP, 3) relevant data collection, grouping data, provide assessment and explanation in narative. The feasibility rate of the teaching book in value with the predicate is less decent, decent enough, decent, and very decent. This study obtained the result that the conformity of Islamic cultural history book. According to BNSP has a very decent criteria to be used as teaching materials with the value of 93,02.