bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adoption and User Behaviour Towards Digital Payments by Millennial
Authors: Sundararaj J. , Meera R.
Published: November 2024

The rapid adoption of digital payment systems has transformed the financial landscape, particularly among millennials, who are at the forefront of this technological shift. This study explores the adoption and user behaviour of digital payment methods among millennials in India. The research aims to identify the key factors influencing the decision to use digital payments, including convenience, security, trust, and government initiatives. Additionally, it examines how socio-cultural influences, mobile payment applications, and peer networks impact the payment choices of this demographic. Through a survey of 250 millennials, the study reveals that ease of use, trust in security features, and promotional incentives are the primary drivers of digital payment adoption. It also identifies challenges such as concerns over data privacy and digital literacy. The findings suggest that while millennials are increasingly adopting digital payment systems, their behaviour is shaped by a complex interplay of technological, economic, and social factors. The study provides insights into strategies for improving the digital payment ecosystem and encourages further research into the evolving behaviour of young consumers.
Binary of Major Character and Minor Character in Amruta Patil’s Graphic Novel Sauptik: A Deconstructive Study
Authors: Sumbria Sonia , Rana Dr. Meenakshi
Published: November 2024

A novel is an organic whole and even its smaller components have significant roles to play. The bigger body components in a human are the head, the heart, the arms, and the legs. Minor parts include the fingers, ears, and eyes. A man who is blind, deaf, or without fingers may live a long life, but he will undoubtedly be inferior to a person with a well-built body. The same is true of a novel. It cannot gain a great readership if the smaller characters are missing or are not properly recognised. Minor characters are often not the main focus of a literary work, but they are crucial to a story’s advancement since they make the narrative move. By spurring the primary characters’ behaviour, they can influence how the story of the novel develops. They occasionally contribute to the novel’s central conflict, but they also frequently aid in its conclusion. There are a number of supporting characters who contribute to the development of Amruta Patil’s Sauptik. This paper demonstrates the significance of all secondary characters in this work, in addition to the main ones, for the unfolding of the story. For meeting this purpose this paper employs Jacques Derrida’s concept of deconstruction to deconstruct the binary of major characters and minor characters.
Kesar Saga: A Critical Perspective of Ladakh
Authors: Angmo Rinchen , Rana Dr. Meenakshi
Published: November 2024

Ladakh is bounded by rich folklores, folktales, and folk ballads. Out of all the stories, the Kesar saga is the most popular and loved by one and all. All the people of the Ladakh region have grown up listening to the Kesar saga. The epic Kesar has influenced both the Buddhist and the Muslim communities of the region of Ladakh. Though it is the dominating folktale of the region, yet not much research has been done on the subject till date and hence, it needs to be studied properly. In this connection, I am attempting to reimage this heroic tale from the Ladakhi perspective and also to preserve it in the changing times especially when folk narratives are snatched by modern technologies. The attempt is also to make the lesser-known Himalayan regional literature known to a larger audience. Generally, the tradition of storytelling is an important part of Ladakhi culture and tradition, but today due to modern technology like mobile gadgets, television, etc. people are seen drifting away from their traditions keeping themselves busy in their own world of modernism. As a result, today this important practice of oral storytelling is fast vanishing. Therefore, bringing the stories in writing is becoming more urgent than before. So, in the future with technological development; the stories may stay as a source of entertainment and knowledge to the book readers.
Prognostic Value of Red Cell Distribution Width in Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sreekanth Parimi , Vithiavathi S. , Balaji I.
Published: November 2024

Background: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a haematological parameter that indicates the range of sizes of red blood cells. It is now widely acknowledged as a prognostic indicator for ischaemic stroke. Aim and Objective: To Study theprognostic value of red cell distribution width (RDW) in outcome of acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Method: The cross-sectional study was undertaken at Aarupadi Veedu Medical College in Puducherry. It included 61 patients, aged 18-80 years, who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke within 48 hours. Clinical assessment of patient by NIHSS Score and measuring the outcome by modified Rankin scale. The study took place in both the Outpatient and Inpatient in Department of General Medicine. Results: The study indicates a notable proportion of male more than female ,older participants (64.0% aged 56 years and above), There is a significant occurrence of hypertension (62.3%) and diabetes mellitus (63.9%) a substantial frequency of individuals who do not smoke (63.9%), and a majority of participants who do not use alcohol (77.0%). Levels of RDW exhibited significant positive relationships with stroke severity. Conclusion: The study highlights the potential of Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) as a helpful predictive indicator in outcome of ischemic stroke. Increased RDW levels were observed to have a substantial correlate with more severe stroke and disability, as indicated by strong associations with NIHSS and mRS scores. The study emphasizes the usefulness of RDW in assessing the severity of ischaemic stroke and emphasizes the need for additional research to improve its clinical use.
Foot Progression Angle in Relation to Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Elsawy Hisham Mohamed , Salem Elham Elsayed , Sayed Asmaa Osama
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the difference in the foot progression angle and measure spatiotemporal parameters of gait of children with diplegic cerebral palsy and to examine the relation among foot progression angle of right and left lower limb and spatiotemporal parameters of gait. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and Correlation study. SUBJECTS: Sixty children with spastic diplegia, aged 5 to 8 years. The participants were categorized into 3 age groups of equivalent number: group A (5 to 6 years), group B (6 to 7 years), as well as group C (7 to 8 years). METHODS: Foot progression angle and spatiotemporal parameters of the gait for both feet were evaluated utilizing a dynamic footprint. RESULTS: a moderate negative significant correlation was noted among left FPA and right step length, and right stride length. There was moderate positive significant correlation among left FPA and cadence . A weak non-significant correlation was observed among right and left FPA and gait parameters among three groups. CONCLUSION: foot progression angle assessment and spatiotemporal measurements and the correlation among them can give objective and quantitative data that could be utilized in rehabilitation and clinical evaluations to identify functional deficiencies.
Why Capable People Are Reluctant to Lead
Authors: Westover Jonathan
Published: November 2024

This article explores reasons why capable individuals hesitate to step into formal leadership roles, despite having the skills and abilities to lead effectively. Through a review and synthesis of relevant psychological and organizational behavior literature, common factors contributing to reluctance are identified. Key psychological reasons include concerns about work-life balance under increased demands, as well as fears of failure or criticism in leadership positions. Social barriers include a lack of encouragement from senior leaders, ambiguity about leadership expectations, and politicized organizational cultures. To overcome reluctance, the article recommends practical strategies for organizations, such as providing leaders with support structures, coaching, and role modeling. Communicating realistic expectations and definitions of leadership, as well as fostering collaborative cultures, are posited to help motivate capable individuals to accept leadership potential. An industry case study example from Aflac illustrates how addressing work-life concerns can successfully tap new leadership potential.
EDUCATION-DEVELOPMENT NEXUS: THE NIGERIA’S EXPERIENCE
Authors: MUDDASSIR AHMAD GADO  , MUDDASSIR AHMAD GADO
Published: November 2024

Development as a concept and a process transcends individuals and society, thus, considered as a multidimensional process of change and transformation manifesting in economic growth, progress and prosperity in environmental, social, psychological, political and demographic components of society. It is about increasing the chances and improving the well-being of every individual to attain their full potentials in society, through human capital investment. Education has been equated to be the indisputable means of investing in people in order to explore their potentialities, creativity, innovation and self-consciousness. This conceptualises the concept of development as growth in the nation’s or societal income and economy with corresponding enhancement of material well-being of individuals in terms of basic necessities of life such as education, food, clothing, shelter, skills, freedom, self-discipline. It showcases some development issues in Nigeria and argued that provision of qualitative education to citizenry directly affects the level of society’s growth and development. The growth theory however lays emphasis on growth rate differentials across countries, the role of externalities in determining the rate of return on capital investments, and assuming that both public and private investments in human capital help in generating external economies and productivity improvements.
SOCIETAL INFLUENCES AND ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT AS DETERMINANTS OF MORAL DECADENCE AMONG STUDENTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (SPECIAL), OYO
Authors: ADEOLU A. ADELEYE  , KOLAWOLE T. WAHAB  , KABIR M. ATEERE
Published: November 2024

The research entitled "Societal Influences and Academic Environment as Determinants of Moral Decadence among Students with Hearing Impairment in Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo" investigates the effects of societal and academic factors on the moral conduct of students with hearing impairments. The study adopted a descriptive survey research approach, sampling 300 students using purposive sampling and utilising three measures to assess moral decay, societal values, and academic influences. The findings indicated a significant prevalence of moral decline, characterised by behaviours such as academic dishonesty and substance addiction. The research indicated that societal values exhibited a negative correlation with moral decay, whereas the academic environment demonstrated a substantial positive impact. Statistical investigations, encompassing Pearson’s correlation and multiple regressions, validated a significant combined effect of societal and academic influences on students’ moral behaviour, explaining 98.4% of the variation. The study finds that addressing these elements is essential for mitigating moral decline among students with hearing impairments.
BASIC EDUCATION: THE MOST CHALLENGING OF THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDGs) IN NIGERIA
Authors: MUDDASSIR AHMAD GADO
Published: November 2024

Basic or primary education is the foundation upon which all other levels of western education are built. It is considered basic as it is the first level of education a child receives before proceeding to the next level of education. In Nigeria, this type of education has been made a nine-year free and compulsory for all the school going age children with six years of primary and three years of junior secondary schools. Coincidently, it is the second goal of the Millennium Development Goals for development adopted by the United Nations in the year 2000. This paper examines the importance of basic education in achieving the Millennium Goals for development in Nigeria. The country has a robust and well-articulated policy on education but the major issue has been implementing the policy for desired progress in the education system. Problems such as indiscipline, inadequate access to schools, poor funding have been found to be affecting the provision of qualitative and accessible education in Nigeria. This is in addition to other internal and external challenges faced by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies responsible for the provision and monitoring of the system. The paper therefore recommends collective efforts by all stake holders in ensuring provision of quality education for all citizens through appropriate funding and effective supervision for achieved millennium goals for overall Nigeria’s development.
STRUCTURAL DIMENSION OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING SMES IN LAGOS AND OYO STATES, NIGERIA
Authors: OJOKUKU, R. M.  , OLOMU, J. B.
Published: November 2024

This study analyses the effect of structural dimension of social capital on the performance of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in Lagos and Oyo states, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design, and data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire, copies of which were administered to 914 purposively selected out 3200 manufacturing SMEs in Lagos and Oyo States, Nigeria. Multi-Linear Regression was used to analyse the effect of structural dimension of social capital on performance of the manufacturing SMEs. Findings showed that there is a positive relationship between structural dimension of social capital and manufacturing SMEs performance (p=0.000). The result further showed that structural dimension (p<0.05) has a statistically significant effect on manufacturing SMEs performance.
EFFECT OF FINTECH EXPENDITURE ON RETURN ON ASSET OF NIGERIAN DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS
Authors: AKINTUNDE H. A.  , OLADEJO M. O.  , AZEEZ J. A.  , OYELEYE K. W.
Published: November 2024

In the last decades, financial markets and the economy have been experiencing an explosion of innovation and technologies modifying financial services and products, especially banking services. In the context of Nigeria's banking sector, previous studies centered around financial technology (FinTech) deployment whereas the current study focused on the critical issues surrounding the determinants of fintech expenditure and its consequential impact on the profitability listed deposit money banks (NDMBs). Primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire. Secondary data were extracted from abridge annual reports of selected NDMBs for the period 2008 to 2023. The population of the study according to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) 2023 consists of 14 NDMBs out of which 9 were selected. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive, inferential statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and panel regression analysis. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage were used to analyse the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents while inferential statistics such as ANOVA was used to evaluate factors influencing fintech expenditure in NDMBs. Result of regression analysis on the extent to which fintech expenditure affect return on asset showed that there is a significant relationship between CoS and ROA (p = 0.0208). It is therefore concluded there is significant relationship between fintech expenditure and return on asset of Nigerian deposit money banks. The study recommends that Nigerian deposit money banks should leverage scalable solutions and negotiate better terms with vendors to enhance the cost-effectiveness of their technology investments.
EFFECT OF PAYE AND OTHER INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE TAXES ON EXPENDITURE OF GOVERNMENT IN SOUTHWEST STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: FASINA H. T.  , ADEKUNLE O. O.  , OYELEYE K. W.
Published: November 2024

A tax is a compulsory charge on income, consumption and production imposed upon an individual, Partnership or companies by the government of a nation in order to fund various public expenditures. The intricate relationship between the collection of PAYE and other internally generated revenue taxes and the allocation of funds towards public services, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs poses a complex challenge. The study therefore examines the tax revenue and government expenditure in Southwest, Nigeria. The study adopts ex-post facto research design while data was sourced secondarily from the audited annual financial reports and budgets of southwestern states governments for the period of forty (40) years 1982-2022. The population of the study were the entire six (6) states of south west Nigeria. Analytical techniques used in the study involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics include minimum, maximum, mean and standard deviation values. Variance Decomposition Analysis (VDA) and Impulse Response Function (IRF) as components of time series regression analysis was used in assessing all the study variables at 5% significant level. Regression analysis was used to examine the effect of PAYE and other internally generated revenue taxes on expenditure. The result of the regression analysis implies that four explanatory variables INT and COT were significant in explaining variation on the effect of PAYE and other internally generated revenue taxes on expenditure of government in southwest state with p values of (0.0202 and 0.0116). The study concludes that Pay AsYou Earn (PAYE) and other internal generated revenue taxes has significant effect to government expenditure in southwest states, Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommends that Government in the southwestern states should develop and implement effective strategies to further boost revenue generation, especially from internal sources like Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and other internally generated taxes..
IMPACT OF FARMERS PERCPTION OF USING ORGANIC MANURE ON THE ONION PRODUCTION IN KUDAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: SADDIQ, N. M.  , BURABE, B. I.  , SULEIMAN, M.
Published: November 2024

This study assessed the impacts of farmers’ perception of using organic manure on the onion production in Kudan Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of onion farmers, assess the impacts of using organic manure on income and productivity, and perception of farmers in using organic manure. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 200 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were male (89.5%) with a mean age of 40.76 years, and most households comprised 10-15 members. Compost manure (53%) was the most widely used organic input due to its availability and effectiveness in enhancing soil fertility. The results indicated that the use of organic manure had a positive impact on the productivity and income of onion farmers. Key socio-economic factors influencing productivity and income-included education, access to extension services where farmers received training on organic manure use, farming experience and the quantity of manure applied. For sustainability and continuous use of organic manure in Kudan LGA. Improving access to organic inputs, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and providing targeted education and training on organic farming practices are critical. These recommendations align with recent policies promoting sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF REGIONS OF Dioscorea bulbifera (L.) and Dioscorea rotundata (L.) TUBER DURING STORAGE
Authors: EKEOMA, C.J.  , IZUNDU, A.I.
Published: November 2024

There has been so much speculations about the nutritional quality of yams at different stages of storage. Sometimes tubers at post sprouting stages are crudely rejected for food without scientific evidence. This study was therefore designed to ascertain the proximate composition of two species of yam; Dioscorea bulbifera L. and Dioscorea rotundata L. during storage. The objectives of the study included to ascertain the composition of the proximate in white and aerial yams. There was also the objective of finding out the value and mobilization of the nutrients within the three regions of both yam species. Yams used for the study were harvested the same day under special arrangement with a farmer. The tubers selected were closely of the same size, healthy looking and unbruised. Each tuber for analysis was divided into three regions as the head, the middle and the tail parts. The tubers were analyzed at three stages of storage as: initial stage (immediately after harvest); pre-sprouting stage (midway through storage before sprouting), and post-sprouting stage (after sprouting). Proximate assay was carried out using standard methods. At each stage of storage, three tubers of each species were used for each assay and the analysis was replicated three times. A completely randomized design was used for the experiments. Results showed that at harvest the moisture content was highest at the tail region (66.19% and 64.83% respectively for white yam and aerial yam). At harvest, the carbohydrate composition of both white yam and aerial yam were highest (82.96% and 78.91% respectively) at the tail region. At post-sprouting stage, protein content of the head region of aerial yam was significantly highest as 7.44%. In all, the nutritional value of yam during storage is species dependent. White yam remains satisfactorily nutritious even at post-sprouting stage and the head region proved to be the most valued part. In the aerial yam, the nutritional value reduced substantially at post-sprouting although the differences were not significant.
FACTORS INFLUENCING INVESTMENT IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE IN JOS PLATEAU STATE
Authors: GBOKSON ABEL PETER  , MARYAM SALIHU MUHAMMAD  , MOHAMMED ISHAQ MOHAMMED
Published: November 2024

The investors in real estate are faced with challenges as often stated of knowing if the investment they make will generate returns. The paper aimed to analyse factors influencing investment in commercial real estate in Jos Plateau State, with a view to determining the level of returns of real estate investment. The study adopts survey method using quantitative approach and survey strategy was adopted and data were collected through questionnaire survey. The study adopts multistage sampling because the sampling technique involves taking samples in stages from smaller sampling units. The study revealed that factors that influence residential and commercial real estate were availability of social amenities, return and profit from real estate investment, availability and cost of acquiring land for investment and location advantage of the area. Urban planners and developers should prioritise the inclusion of social amenities in new developments. Collaborate with local communities to identify their specific needs and preferences. Government agencies should invest in infrastructure and programs that support the development and maintenance of social amenities. This includes funding for schools, parks, and public transportation. Real estate investors should consider social amenities as a primary factor when evaluating investment opportunities. Conduct thorough research on the availability and quality of amenities in target neighborhoods.
APPLICATION AND PERFORMANCE OF PENSION FUND IN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT FINANCING IN NIGERIA
Authors: OKEAHIALAM, CHUKWUNYERE OBINNA  , EZEMA, CAJETHAN CHIDI
Published: November 2024

This study aimed at determining the effects of the application of real estate investment instruments on the performance of pension fund in real estate investment financing in Nigeria with the view of making recommendations for improved investing. The two real estate investment instruments studied were Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and investing in Direct Real Estate Property (DREP). Three objectives were set to achieve this aim. First, to determine the application of real estate instruments in the investing of pension fund in Nigeria. Second, to determine the performance of pension fund in real estate investment financing in Nigeria. Third, to establish the relationship between application of real estate investment instruments and performance of pension fund in real estate financing in Nigeria. Secondary data from National Pension Commission (PenCom) was used to do this research and the study period was 2012 to 2021. Data were analysed using percentages and Multiple Regression Analysis. Findings showed that, the application of the investment instruments is poor with REIT and DREP asset classes having respective averages of 0.064% and 0.009%. Findings showed that, the performance of pension fund in real estate financing is poor with the average of 13.15%. The regression result showed that, the application of REIT has negative relationship with performance while that of DREP has positive relationship with correlation coefficients of –0.543 and 0.794 respectively. Based on findings it is concluded that, REIT asset class impacted negatively on performance while DREP asset class impacted positively. For there to be improved participation of pension fund in real estate financing it is recommended that, there must be increased investments in REIT and that, the range of investments in DREP should be maintained or most pleasantly increased. For there to be improved investing, it is further recommended that more real estate investment instruments be introduced.
DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FEMALE GENDER IN THE PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR IN IBADAN, NIGERIA
Authors: ADEBISI OLUWASOLA STEPHEN  , ADEOLA TAIWO OLUSOLA  , ADENIJI TOLULOPE RACHAEL
Published: November 2024

The private rented sector in Nigeria has been bewildered by non-lease performance, and the tenant selection process has been the center of attraction for proffering solutions to this menace. The Data for this study were obtained from sixty-eight (68) Estate Surveying and Valuation firms in Ibadan and two hundred and seventy (270) female tenants in their management portfolio. The data gathered by the researcher were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency distribution table, weighted mean score, and factor analysis). The result of the study revealed that 29 (42.6%) of the sampled estate surveying and valuation firms were rarely disposed to giving accommodation to female prospective tenants, while 14 (20.6%) and 10 (14.7%) were occasionally and never disposed to providing accommodation to female tenants. Sampled female tenants opined that discrimination against female tenants by property agents, marital status, and low income were the major factors causing delays in getting accommodation in the Ibadan private rented sector. Landlord discriminatory attitudes, property agent consideration, and security factors were the significant factors influencing discrimination against the female gender in tenant selection in the study area, as opined by the respondent Estate Surveyors and Valuers. The study underscores the crucial role of government and non-governmental organizations' intervention in sensitization against gender discrimination in Nigeria, developing and implementing a clear policy against female gender discrimination in the private rented sector, and the economic empowerment of the female gender.
DIMENSIONS OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING SMES IN LAGOS AND OYO STATES, NIGERIA
Authors: OJOKUKU, R. M.  , ANDOLOMU, J. B.
Published: November 2024

This study analyses the collective joint effects of social capital dimensions on performance of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in Lagos and Oyo states, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design, and data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire, copies of which were administered to 914 purposively selected out 3200 manufacturing SMEs in Lagos and Oyo States, Nigeria. Multi-Linear Regression was used to analyse the joint effects of social capital dimensions on performance of the manufacturing SMEs. Findings showed that there is a positive relationship between the dimensions of social capital and manufacturing SMEs performance (p=0.000). The results of the joint effects of the dimensions showed that relational dimension (p<0.05) and cognitive dimension (p<0.05) have statistically significant joint effects on manufacturing SMEs performance while structural dimension (p>0.05) do not have statistically significant joint effect on manufacturing SMEs performance. Manufacturing SMEs should give priority attention to relational and cognitive dimensions of social capital due to its ability to predict customer satisfaction and market size.
LEVERAGING INTERNAL AUDITING TO ENHANCE STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING AND BOOST MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY, NIGERIAN BREWERIES ABA ABIA STATE
Authors: CONFIDENCE ADIMCHI CHINONYEREM
Published: November 2024

This research deals with leveraging internal Auditing to enhance strategic decision-making and boost management efficiency. It aims to discover the role of internal audit in organizational management decision-making. It is survey research. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources, including questionnaires, personal observations, textbooks, journals, and the Internet. A sample of 92 was collected by random sample method. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using Z-test statistics, while questionnaires were analyzed using simple percentages. We discovered among other things that internal audit assists management in managerial decisions. Were commended among other things that the auditors be trained in forensic accounting to enable them to be more effective in their duties.
DISCURSIVE DYNAMICS OF ETHNOSENTENTIAL STRATEGIES IN SELECTED AFROCENTRIC HYMNODY
Authors: OJO AKINLEYE AYINUOLA Ph.D  , KEHINDE OMOWUMI LANRE-ATOYEBI
Published: November 2024

The distinctive nature of hymnody in Christian religious worship has made it a rich and limitless subject for scholarly examination, offering a unique form of communication that continues to fascinate and inspire academic inquiry in Africa, especially in Nigeria. Existing studies in Christian hymns have examined the contents of hymns as music forms with little or no scholarly considerations on the ethnosentential strategies employed by the hymnists. This study, therefore, intends to fill this gap with the view to identifying and discussing discursive dynamics of ethnosentential strategies in Afrocentric hymnody. This study utilizes relevant insights from Teun van Dijk’s socio-cognition model of Critical Discourse Analysis to explore the strategies in the selected hymns. The data were purposively derived from the two hymnists: Bola Ilori and Esther Laosebikan, one hymn each titled “Lord, let your blessings attend us” and The Lord is King arrayed in majesty”, was purposively selected with the discuss issues of supplication and praise/worship respectively. The analysis revealed that ethno-sentential strategies such as Africanized imagery, collectivization, language indigenization, culturocentrism, hybridization among others characterized African hymns. The findings further revealed that both hymnists use almost similar structural elements such as imperative sentences and comparative phrases, but different in tone, emphasis and imagery. This study concluded that there is an intersection of linguistic features, ethnosentential strategies and discursive dynamics in religious discourse, with focus on hymnody to uncover the complex ways in which language shapes and reflects cultural, social and theological identities.
EFFECT OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY: A STUDY OF ADAMAWA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT
Authors: AMEH ABRAHAM  , DALATU DEARSLEY  THEMAN
Published: November 2024

The paper examined the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the Nigerian Economy: A study of  Adamawa Central Senatorial District. The economic development of a society is vital for the welfare, and satisfaction of the needs of members of the society. Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 to the current political dispensation, several efforts were made to accelerate economic development. However, in spite of several policies initiated and implemented in Nigeria, the country appears to be at the economic crossroad and faces a dilemma of economic development. Fuel subsidy is one of such policies initiated and implemented in Nigeria. The federal government operated fuel subsidy with the aim of making petroleum products available to cushion the effect of actual market prices of the product on the general populace for several decades. Recently, the removal of fuel subsidy has generated mixed reactions in the political process. The study utilized primary and secondary sources of data generation. Data were obtained from published and unpublished materials like books, magazines, journals, newspapers etc. The study revealed that the removal of the fuel subsidy has been met with considerable skepticism and concern among the public because government has not adequately addressed the implications of this policy change, particularly regarding transparency, social equity, and its economic benefits. The study therefore recommends the need to conduct comprehensive impact assessments before implementing policy changes, like subsidy removal, is essential. These assessments should involve stakeholder consultations, particularly with communities that would be directly affected. Understanding the potential socio-economic implications of such changes can help the government make informed decisions and develop strategies that mitigate negative impacts on vulnerable populations.
ALADURA IN THE CITY: EXPLORING HOW THE CHERUBIM AND SERAPHIM NAVIGATES CITY DYNAMICS IN NIGERIA
Authors: DR. TIMOTHY O. BAIYEWU
Published: November 2024

This paper discusses how the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) navigates the complex city dynamics within the context of time and space and how both the church and the city shape and reshape one another in Nigeria. The C&S is a major brand of Aladura Christianity, which emerged as a prayer group and metamorphosed into major and countless number of minor strands of churches that bear the name “Cherubim and Seraphim” as prefix or suffix. The C&S navigates a diverse, competitive, and dynamic religious landscape where the changing city life of modernisation and globalisation influence how the church practices its faith. Such influence offers the church a wide range of opportunities and challenges in every city where it exists. Education, media technologies, social services, security challenge and economic depression are major indicators of how the church negotiates its relevance and visibility within the city. The paper posits that the interaction between the C&S and its cities of existence stimulates considerable resilience and positive impacts on the both sides.
Axiological Review on The Source of Knowledge for Students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Yasua Pilangwetan
Authors: Ni’amah Maysurin
Published: November 2024

This research aims to identify the foundation of truth as a source of knowledge for students in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Yasua Pilangwetan from an axiological perspective. This research is a case study using a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques through data triangulation techniques.  Data analysis through reduction, presentation, and verification techniques. The results showed that Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Yasua Pilangwetan has designed a curriculum and implemented teaching methods that reflect the values of truth. Teachers act as behavioral models, guides, and mentors, helping students to understand, appreciate, and apply truth values in their daily lives. The process of internalizing such truth values also affects students' moral and intellectual development, helping them to become responsible, moral, and critical-thinking individuals. Meanwhile, the challenges in integrating truth values require a holistic and sustainable approach, and collaboration between the school environment and the community plays an important role in supporting the cultivation of truth values to Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Yasua Pilangwetan learners. This research contributes to the understanding of Islamic education practices and their implications for the character building of learners in Madrasah.
Corps combattant, corps sportif, corps traumatisé
Authors: Augé Axel
Published: November 2024

L’état de stress post-traumatique des militaires revenant des opérations extérieures de l’armée française a, depuis vingt ans, durablement marqué les combattants. Ces blessures diminuent les avoirs guerriers rendant inapte au combat le corps physique du soldat. L’armée, ses organes et les associations spécialisées dans l’accompagnement post-traumatique proposent des activités sportives pour aider le blessé à retrouver sa place dans la société militaire et civile. Or, la pratique d’un sport pour se reconstruire relève de dynamiques sociales hétérogènes. Les manières d’exercer une activité sportive font ressortir des motivations différenciées qui discriminent les militaires entre « pur utilisateur » en reconstruction physique dans un continuum thérapeutique, « ultra sportif » en quête d’adrénaline dans une morale de l’endurance et du dépassement, et « pratiquant individualiste » voulant se réaccorder avec soi dans une recherche de confiance. Basée sur une méthodologie compréhensive et qualitative, cette recherche revient sur les usages sociaux du sport dans la reconstruction post-traumatique du militaire blessé en opération.
Targeting IRE1α improves insulin sensitivity and thermogenesis and suppresses metabolically active adipose tissue macrophages in obesity
Authors: Wu Dan , Eeda Venkateswararao , Maria Zahra , Rawal Komal , Herlea-Pana Oana , Undi Ram Babu , Lim Hui-Ying , Wang Weidong
Published: November 2024

Overnutrition engenders the expansion of adipose tissue and the accumulation of immune cells, in particular, macrophages, in the adipose tissue, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. In obesity, several proinflammatory subpopulations of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) identified hitherto include the conventional “M1-like” CD11C-expressing ATM and the newly discovered metabolically activated CD9-expressing ATM; however, the relationship among ATM subpopulations is unclear. The ER stress sensor inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) is activated in the adipocytes and immune cells under obesity. It is unknown whether targeting IRE1α is capable of reversing insulin resistance and obesity and modulating the metabolically activated ATMs. We report that pharmacological inhibition of IRE1α RNase significantly ameliorates insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in diet-induced obesity mice. IRE1α inhibition also increases thermogenesis and energy expenditure, and hence protects against high fat diet-induced obesity. Our study shows that the “M1-like” CD11c
+
ATMs are largely overlapping with but yet non-identical to CD9
+
ATMs in obese white adipose tissue. Notably, IRE1α inhibition diminishes the accumulation of obesity-induced metabolically activated ATMs and “M1-like” ATMs, resulting in the curtailment of adipose inflammation and ensuing reactivation of thermogenesis, without augmentation of the alternatively activated M2 macrophage population. Our findings suggest the potential of targeting IRE1α for the therapeutic treatment of insulin resistance and obesity.
A General Framework for Characterizing Optimal Communication in Brain Networks
Authors: Fakhar Kayson , Hadaeghi Fatemeh , Seguin Caio , Dixit Shrey , Messé Arnaud , Zamora-López Gorka , Misic Bratislav , Hilgetag Claus C
Published: November 2024

Communication in brain networks is the foundation of cognitive function and behavior. A multitude of evolutionary pressures, including the minimization of metabolic costs while maximizing communication efficiency, contribute to shaping the structure and dynamics of these networks. However, how communication efficiency is characterized depends on the assumed model of communication dynamics. Traditional models include shortest path signaling, random walker navigation, broadcasting, and diffusive processes. Yet, a general and model-agnostic framework for characterizing optimal neural communication remains to be established.Our study addresses this challenge by assigning communication efficiency through game theory, based on a combination of structural data from human cortical networks with computational models of brain dynamics. We quantified the exact influence exerted by each brain node over every other node using an exhaustive multi-site virtual lesioning scheme, creating optimal influence maps for various models of brain dynamics. These descriptions show how communication patterns unfold in the given brain network if regions maximize their influence over one another. By comparing these influence maps with a large variety of brain communication models, we found that optimal communication most closely resembles a broadcasting model in which regions leverage multiple parallel channels for information dissemination. Moreover, we show that the most influential regions within the cortex are formed by its rich-club. These regions exploit their topological vantage point by broadcasting across numerous pathways, thereby significantly enhancing their effective reach even when the anatomical connections are weak.Our work provides a rigorous and versatile framework for characterizing optimal communication across brain networks and reveals the most influential brain regions and the topological features underlying their optimal communication.
From histology to macroscale function in the human amygdala
Authors: Auer Hans , Cabalo Donna Gift , Rodriguez-Cruces Raul , Benkarim Oualid , Paquola Casey , DeKraker Jordan , Wang Yezhou , Valk Sofie , Bernhardt Boris C , Royer Jessica
Published: November 2024

The amygdala is a subcortical region in the mesiotemporal lobe that plays a key role in emotional and sensory functions. Conventional neuroimaging experiments treat this structure as a single, uniform entity, but there is ample histological evidence for subregional heterogeneity in microstructure and function. The current study characterized subregional structure-function coupling in the human amygdala, integrating
post mortem
histology and
in vivo
MRI at ultrahigh fields. Core to our work was a novel neuroinformatics approach that leveraged multiscale texture analysis as well as non-linear dimensionality reduction techniques to identify salient dimensions of microstructural variation in a 3D
post mortem
histological reconstruction of the human amygdala. We observed two axes of subregional variation in the human amygdala, describing inferior-superior as well as medio-lateral trends in microstructural differentiation that in part recapitulated established atlases of amygdala subnuclei. We then translated our approach to
in vivo
MRI data acquired at 7 Tesla, and could demonstrate generalizability of these spatial trends across 10 healthy adults. We then cross-referenced microstructural axes with functional blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) signal analysis obtained during task-free conditions, and demonstrated a close association of structural axes with macroscale functional network embedding, notably the temporo-limbic, default mode, and sensory-motor networks. Our novel multiscale approach consolidates descriptions of amygdala anatomy and function obtained from histological and
in vivo
imaging techniques.
Hierarchy between forelimb premotor and primary motor cortices and its manifestation in their firing patterns
Authors: Saiki-Ishikawa Akiko , Agrios Mark , Savya Sajishnu , Forrest Adam , Sroussi Hannah , Hsu Sarah , Basrai Diya , Xu Feihong , Miri Andrew
Published: November 2024

Though hierarchy is commonly invoked in descriptions of motor cortical function, its presence and manifestation in firing patterns remain poorly resolved. Here we use optogenetic inactivation to demonstrate that short-latency influence between forelimb premotor and primary motor cortices is asymmetric during reaching in mice, demonstrating a partial hierarchy between the endogenous activity in each region. Multi-region recordings revealed that some activity is captured by similar but delayed patterns where either region’s activity leads, with premotor activity leading more. Yet firing in each region is dominated by patterns shared between regions and is equally predictive of firing in the other region at the single-neuron level. In dual-region network models fit to data, regions differed in their dependence on across-region input, rather than the amount of such input they received. Our results indicate that motor cortical hierarchy, while present, may not be exposed when inferring interactions between populations from firing patterns alone.
Unsupervised learning analysis on the proteomes of Zika virus
Authors: Lara-Ramírez Edgar E. , Rivera Gildardo , Oliva-Hernández Amanda Alejandra , Bocanegra-Garcia Virgilio , López Jesús Adrián , Guo Xianwu
Published: November 2024

Background

The Zika virus (ZIKV), which is transmitted by mosquito vectors to nonhuman primates and humans, causes devastating outbreaks in the poorest tropical regions of the world. Molecular epidemiology, supported by clustering phylogenetic gold standard studies using sequence data, has provided valuable information for tracking and controlling the spread of ZIKV. Unsupervised learning (UL), a form of machine learning algorithm, can be applied on the datasets without the need of known information for training.

Methods

In this work, unsupervised Random Forest (URF), followed by the application of dimensional reduction algorithms such as principal component analysis (PCA), Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), and autoencoders were used to uncover hidden patterns from polymorphic amino acid sites extracted on the proteome ZIKV multi-alignments, without the need of an underlying evolutionary model.

Results

The four UL algorithms revealed specific host and geographical clustering patterns for ZIKV. Among the four dimensionality reduction (DR) algorithms, the performance was better for UMAP. The four algorithms allowed the identification of imported viruses for specific geographical clusters. The UL dimension coordinates showed a significant correlation with phylogenetic tree branch lengths and significant phylogenetic dependence in Abouheif’s Cmean and Pagel’s Lambda tests (p value < 0.01) that showed comparable performance with the phylogenetic method. This analytical strategy was generalizable to an external large dengue type 2 dataset.

Conclusion

These UL algorithms could be practical evolutionary analytical techniques to track the dispersal of viral pathogens.