bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Cost and Time Performance of Tertiary Educational Trust Fund (TETFund) Construction Project in South-West Nigeria
Authors: Ijigah E.A. , Ojo O.J. , Lawal A.F. , Olowokere E.N.
Published: October 2023

Funds have been allocated to TETFund annually for infrastructural development in Nigeria to address decays of educational facilities and  create an enabling environment for teaching and learning. This study evaluates time and cost performance of public building  construction projects funded by TETFund in South-West Nigeria. The study adopted questionnaire survey by self-administering two  hundred and fifty (250) questionnaires to project clients, consultants and contractors engaged in TETFund projects in South-West Nigeria.  One hundred and eighty-six 186 (74.4%) of the questionnaires were retrieved from the respondents and were used in the study.  Also, record of project cost and duration were purposively obtained from two hundred and fifty-four (254) TETFund sponsored projects  from Institutions in South-West Nigeria. Mean Score (MS) was used to rank the various items and components while regression analysis was used to forecast future project cost and time. The top three factors that influence cost and time based on the perceptions of the  respondents are client satisfaction with the project (MS= 3.86), construction time predictability (MS= 3.85) and construction cost  predictability (MS= 3.83). From the TETFund project records analysed, a total sum of ₦10,856,167,497.14 was spent on TETFund building  construction projects in South-West Nigeria from 2003-2013 with a contingency sum of ₦163,248,265.44. The average percentage cost  overrun for TETFund projects was 1.62% and that of time overrun was 112.23%. Regression analysis of the predicted project time and cost  was significant and can be used to forecast time and cost of future TETFund projects. Therefore, it was recommended that accurate  cost estimate, adequate project planning and good specification should be carried out by project stakeholders before contracts are  awarded to enhance construction project performance. Also, the developed regression model of estimated project cost and time can be  used to predict cost and time of future construction projects.
Cushioning the Impact of COVID-19 on Livelihoods: Africa's Socio-Economic Policies so far
Authors: Mensah Bismark , Damte Felix Kofi , Okyere Emmanuel Yeboah , Andoh Isaac , Poku Adjoa Afriyie , Gyabaah Kojo Oppong Yeboah
Published: October 2023

The devastating impacts resulting from the coronavirus pandemic cannot be underestimated. The economies of most countries on almost all continents have been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). With Africa's existing socio-economic challenges, the emergence of the pandemic has further weakened and worsened economies and livelihoods within the sub-region. Dwelling on secondary data sources, including journal articles, online news items, and reports, this paper examines socio-economic support programmes implemented by African governments to cushion the pandemic's impact on the already-vulnerable livelihoods in Africa. The study establishes that several successful and some ineffective socio-economic interventions have been implemented so far by countries, including but not limited to Ghana, Botswana, Kenya, and Morocco. These interventions include suspending public gatherings, lockdown regimes, strengthening healthcare systems through increased investment, cash transfers to the most vulnerable groups, free food distribution, reduction of different tax forms and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) to households. However, implementing these measures has put high economic burdens on governments due to their associated cost. It is therefore projected that, beyond the COVID-19 regime, most African governments will pursue internal economic policies to chart the course towards economic recovery. The paper recommends that case-by-case empirical studies be conducted to gauge the level of impact the identified COVID-19-driven socio-economic policies had on livelihoods within the African context.
The effects of prenatal exposure to varying doses of pantoprazole on the maternal and fetal outcomes in albino rats (rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Nyaga Anne Njoki , Kweri Joseph Kariuki , Kanyoni James Mwangi , Mwangi Ann Wairimu , Sigei Caroline Chepng’eno , Segut Jennifer Chepkemoi , Kuria Jane Wanjiru
Published: October 2023

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used in the management of hypergastric secretions and gastroesophageal reflux during  pregnancy. However, its prenatal effects on maternal and fetal outcomes are not well reported when administered at varying doses and  at different gestational periods. A post-test-only experimental study design was adopted in conducting this study. A sample size of 30  female albino rats was used for the study. The 30 albino rats were grouped into two broad study categories: 3 control rats and 27  treatment rats. The 27 treatment rats were subdivided into three study groups of nine rats each according to the doses administered as  follows: 9 low-dose rats, 9 medium-dose rats, and 9 high-dose rats The nine rats assemblies were further divided up into three  subgroups, each of three rats, according to the time of exposure, as follows: three rats for trimester one, three rats for trimester two, and  three rats for trimester three. Daily maternal weights were recorded every morning, and then at gestation day 20, all animals were  humanely sacrificed and the fetuses harvested. Continuous data included the maternal and fetal weights, and discrete data included the  litter sizes, number of devoured fetuses, resorbed glands, and number of embryolithalities. Data was recorded, coded, and entered in the  computer using MS Excel spreadsheets version 13, and analyzed using the SPSS programme for Windows version 25 (one-way  Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc multiple comparisons test). The results were expressed as means ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Results with a P < 0.05 were considered significant in the study. This study observed that pantoprazole, at high  doses, was associated with a decrease in the mean maternal weight gain, reduced litter sizes with increased numbers of resorbed  endometrial glands, and devoured fetuses.
Determination of gold nanoparticles sizes from their plasmon resonance within the optical spectrum
Authors: Gitonga Mbae John , Mugo Simon Waweru , Ngaruiya James Mbiyu
Published: October 2023

Nanoparticles have exciting properties that can be tailored by altering their size, density, and shape. A number of important properties of  the nanoparticles have been investigated for various applications. One such property that is strongly affected by nanoparticle size is  localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The resonance from metal nanoparticles has been used in dye-sensitised solar cells to  improve their performance. In this work, the dependence of plasmonic properties on nanoparticle sizes is shown. The gold nanoparticles  were prepared using a reduction process where hydrogen tetrachloroaurate acid was used as the base gold salt and reduced by sodium  citrate at different molarities ranging from 0.015 to 0.035 mol/L. The method produces monodispersed nanoparticles whose sizes are  sensitive to the concentration of chemicals used and the completeness of the reduction process. The process took approximately 18  minutes, and the colour changed from pale yellow to wine-red. The absorbance of the resulting gold nanoparticles was determined using  a UV-Vis spectrophotometer within the range of 300 nm to 800 nm. The LSPR peaks were found to occur within 518 nm to 520 nm,  and from a Gaussian fit, the FWHM ranged from 45.5 to 51.0 nm. The absorption peaks had a narrow range of 14 nm over the range of  molarity of sodium citrate. A high molarity concentration of 0.035 mol/L produced a small particle with a diameter of 17.04 nm, while a  low concentration of 0.015 mol/L produced a size of 26.55 nm. The interaction of electrons in the specific orbitals, sp- and d-, of  nanoparticles exhibited pronounced multiple resonances with the reduction of nanoparticle sizes.
Augmenting climate-resilient energy infrastructure through National and International Standards for Renewables
Authors: Ochieng Francis Xavier , Kamau Joseph Ngugi , Kamweru Ephantus Mbugua
Published: October 2023

Kenya’s Energy sector has an installed capacity of 3.601 GW (grid-connected 3.321 GW and captive 280.76 MW), with 80.48% coming  directly from Renewable energy sources. This huge percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix, however, is not reflected in the  adoption or development of Standards. Standards help enhance the safety and efficiency of products, security, and quality assurance  while ensuring interconnectivity and interoperability of components. Standards enable the dissemination of new technologies, good  practises, and ultimately a climate-resilient energy infrastructure (CREI). To achieve CREI, standards act as a catalyst for advancing the  attainment of economies of scale for renewables while also providing technical specifications to accelerate their deployment. This study  thus addresses the ominous gap that exists due to the lack of a proper standard inventory across all renewables. In this way, this work  addresses the irregular and at times inconsistent gap between the direct causal link between policy and standards on the one side and  application areas such as management, information systems, and social use of renewable energy on the other. The study employed the Mixed Methods Research (MMR) approach to enable an understanding of the Renewable Energy (RE) standards environment in Kenya. In  addition, realistic literature reviews and metaanalysis literature reviews were employed to deal with complex standards within the  renewable energy sector. The study demonstrated that in the majority of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs), major gaps in terms of  standards exist for various RETs, the import of this being that the majority of RETs cannot be manufactured locally. The study also  concludes that a low awareness exists of standard implementation, and further, due to a lack of awareness of technological innovations  on the global level, the development of national standards and capacity building of competent staff (including techno-financial support  for renewable energy technologies) have been significantly hampered. Subsequently, the study does appreciate the role of universities and higher educational institutions as being central in the research and analysis of renewable energy technologies as well as the  adaptation and/or adoption of local and international standards.
Digital Citizenship as a Requisite competence for Teacher Educators in Malawi
Authors: Gondwe Foster , Mwakilama Elias , Maseko Bob
Published: October 2023

This paper explores digital citizenship, defined as norms of behaviour regarding technology use, as a technology competence for teacher  educators in Malawi. Developing teacher educators as digital citizens is essential as teacher education institutions change, such as transitioning to online instruction following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We reviewed the research literature and teacher  education policy documents to show how teacher educators can facilitate the development of ethical use of educational technology in  Malawi. Theoretically, by foregrounding the ethical use of digital technology in education, we join critical scholarship that reflects on the  socio-political implications of digital technology and imagine the future of education through technology. We have proposed professional development activities and content areas for teacher educators. We have also discussed further research that can advance scholarship on  the role of teacher educators in facilitating the development of ethical use of educational technology in Malawi.
Investigation of electric field enhancement and effects of discharge severity in an insulated power cable with multiple gaseous cavities
Authors: Musa U. , Mati A. A. , Mas’ud A. A. , Shehu G. S. , Sulaiman S. H. , Rodriguez-Serna J. M.
Published: October 2023

Gaseous cavities in the insulation of high voltage (HV) cables affect the electric field distribution and increase the electrical stress. This accelerates material ageing and creates partial discharge (PD) regions, which can cause cable failure. In this study, a simulation approach using a Finite Element Method (FEM) has been deployed to evaluate the discharge activity and electric field variation in cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated power cables. 2-Dimension models corresponding to sections of a practical three-core XLPE insulated cable were developed using COMSOL Multiphysics. Multiple cavities of different dimensions and configurations were considered. The results show that the electric field varies depending on the configuration and dimensions of the cavity. It was found that maximum field strength magnitude depends on the cavities, arrangement and location; an increase of up to 68.7% when compared to the case without cavities.
Effect of electric potential on the structure and yield of graphene oxide using electrochemical exfoliation method
Authors: Adigun O. D. , Umoru L. E. , Iwatan T. N.
Published: October 2023

Optimization of the electrochemical exfoliation of graphene oxide synthesis was investigated in this report using varying potentials. Graphite from waste lithium-ion batteries was used as the electrodes for the DC (direct current) electrochemical set-up. Electric potentials of 7.5 V, 12 V, and 15 V were applied for 225 minutes using 0.2M H2SO4 as the electrolyte. The characterization of the produced graphene oxide was done using Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) attached to the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results obtained showed that both the rate of graphene oxide yield and the C/O ratio increased correspondingly with the increase in electric potential. However, the structure of graphene oxide produced at 7.5 V was of superior quality compared to others produced at higher potentials with regards to the crystallite lattice characteristics such as defects, lateral dimensions, thickness, and the number of graphene layers. Consequently, tailor-made graphene oxide properties (and yield) for target applications may be achieved using the electrochemical exfoliation method via the choice of the electric potential.
25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations negatively correlated with HbA1c in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a cross-sectional study in Mampang, South Jakarta
Authors: Alvina  , Pusparini
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION: Insulin resistance plays a central role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Another possible cause of T2DM is a deficiency o f 25-hydroxy vitamin D [ 25(OH)D], although the underlying mechanism is not yet clearly understood. The most frequently used laboratory parameters for monitoring T2DM are fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c. Determining any association of vitamin D with HbA1c and FBG in T2DM.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 100 T2DM patients with the following characteristics: 18-year and older persons of both genders, not having kidney and liver disease, not on insulin therapy, not pregnant or lactating, a nd n ot consuming vitamin D i n t he last three months. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was use d to test any association of 25(OH)D with HbA1 c and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p<0.05).

RESULTS: Subjects comprised 74 females and 26 males with a median age of 56 years. Median HbA1c, 25(OH)D, and FBG were 8.05%, 11.2 ng/mL, and 127 mg/dL, respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficient for vitamin D and HbA1c was r=-0.217 (p=0.03), and for vitamin D and FBG,it was r =-0.153 (p=0.128).

CONCLUSION: There was a significant negative correlation of vitamin D with HbA1c but not with FBG. Administration of vitamin D should be considered for additional treatment of T2DM.
Use of pain assessment tools and associated factors among nurses caring for hospitalized children in District Hospital in Rwanda
Authors: Mukaziboneye T , Uwimana P. , Gakende G.
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION: The majority of children will experience pain in their childhood. Nurses play a crucial role in caring for children in pain. Pain assessment tools aid nurses in providing effective care for these children. This study aimed to assess the use of pain assessment tools and associated factors among nurses caring for hospitalized children at a selected district hospital in Rwanda. METHOD: This descriptive cross-sectional study occurred at Kabgayi District Hospital in Southern Province, Rwanda. 153 nurses caring for children below 15 years were sampled. Pretested and validated questionnaires, in addition to patients' files, were used as data collection tools. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: At Kabgayi District Hospital, the majority (60.4%) of nurses used pain assessment tools, mostly the verbal pain rating scale. More than eighty percent (83.8%) cited inadequate resources hindering tool utilization. A high workload for nurses made performing appropriate pain assessment procedures difficult. The use of pain assessment tools was associated with the nurses' working shifts (p=0.022). Day-shift nurses implemented tools more than their night-shift counterparts.

CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that there are still barriers to the use of pain assessment tools among nurses caring for hospitalized children at Kabgayi District Hospital. Reducing a high workload for nurses will improve the effective use of pain assessment tools. Training for nurses in the form of continuing professional development (CPD) using other appropriate types of pain assessment tools, such as Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC), and Wong-Baker Faces pain rating scale, should be enhanced.
Hoarseness of voice and accompanying symptoms among patients at a tertiary hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Richard Enica , Ndasika Jonas William
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Hoarseness of voice is a common complaint in otolaryngological practice and is an early manifestation of a large variety of  conditions directly or indirectly affecting the larynx, ranging from inflammatory to malignant. Hoarseness has a prevalence of 6% in the  general population, rising to 11% for professional voice users (30% of the patients whose work requires excessive voice use). Despite the  high prevalence many people are unaware that persistent hoarseness may be a red flag indicating cancer. Any patient with hoarseness  lasting longer than two weeks, in the absence of an apparent benign cause, requires a thorough evaluation of the larynx by direct or  indirect laryngoscopy. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hoarseness among patients attending  otorhinolaryngology services at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 427 patients were recruited. Standard questionnaires were used to  collect clinical and socio-demographic information. If hoarseness was identified, further evaluation was carried out including indirect and  direct laryngoscopy. Biopsies were taken from the patients with laryngeal mass after direct laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia.  Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Confidentiality was maintained.

Results: The prevalence of hoarseness was 65 (15.2%),  which was more common in males 40 (17%) and the age group above 60 years. Common laryngoscopic findings among patients with  hoarseness were laryngeal mass 47 (63%) and the leading accompanying symptom was difficulty in breathing 25(32%).

Conclusion:  Hoarseness of voice is a common complaint and accompanies various symptoms. It can also be a red flag for upper aero-digestive malignancies. Therefore, these patients should be evaluated with a high degree of suspicion.
Sample size simulation for unit root, structural break and regime shifts
Authors: Micheal V.A. , Adenomon M.O. , Nweze N.O.
Published: October 2023

Unit root test is an important means to determine the integration order of a variable which has involved different methods of testing for stationarity. Simulation method is adopted in this study to verify whether unit root, structural breaks and regime shifts exist in the sample considered. For sample sizes of 20 and 50 as small, 100 and 250 as medium, and 2500 and 5000 as large, the enhanced Dickey-Fuller test and Zivot-Andrews test were used. The experiment was conducted 5000 times for each sample size, and the results demonstrated that there is presence of unit root at level for all sample sizes taken into consideration, but they were integrated of order 1. This implies that they are stationary at first difference. The results also showed that there are structural breaks at various levels depending on sample size, but it was noted that the breaks remained stable regardless of size when the sample size was large. The MSVAR results demonstrated that regime 1 is more resilient than regime 2, and that regime 1 is projected to last longer than regime 2. As a result, we draw the conclusion that simulation can be utilized to verify a real-world situation.
Factors and determinants of housing choices in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Saleh Y. , Dabo A.A. , Tanko A.S.
Published: October 2023

The study examined the factors and determinants of housing choices in Kaduna metropolis. Respondents were selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive techniques. Also, data for the research adopt the use of Key Informant Interview (KII), questionnaire and field observation. The result shows the various types of houses that includes 3 Bedrooms Detached (66.7%), 2 Bedroom Detached (11.4%), 3 Bedrooms Semi Detached (9.8%) as types of housing residence. Also, the findings revealed that aluminum roofing was the major roofing material used for the houses (48%). In addition, the major sources of water supply in the study area were borehole (72.4%). Also, the distance from house to school shows that half of the respondents covered almost less than 10km. The studies revealed that MPH estate was the major housing private partnership provider with 33.3% and preferred choice followed by Tripple A, while the Tapiddac was the least private partnership provider. Despite the preferences of private partnership providers, the respondent preferred affordability of houses (43.1%) rather than housing quality (29.3%), security (15.4) and housing accessibility (12.2%) was the lowest reason for the choice of houses. The result also revealed that too much bureaucratic process as one of the major challenges during acquiring of a house unit followed by a long waiting period. Also, the findings revealed that beneficiary must be an active civil servant with monthly salary or a registered business to serve as one of the criteria to be fulfilled before he/she can own a house.
The use of Acalypha Wilkesiana plant for phytoremediation of heavy metals from landfill soil
Authors: Iya Naseer Inuwa Durumin , Jume Binta Hadi , Assim Zaini
Published: October 2023

The effective elimination of heavy metals from a polluted environment is of utmost significance, particularly in cases where soil contamination is induced by the discharge of landfill leachate. The contamination of landfill soil with heavy metals has been one of the major concerns for decades. Therefore, identifying potential plants for phytoremediation of landfill soil is unavoidable. This research aimed to analyze soil of an abandoned landfill from Matang Malaysia and to conduct phytoremediation of landfill metal-contaminated soil using the Acalypha wilkesiana plant. Analyses shows that Cd, Pb, Cu, As, Mn, Ni, and Cr were higher than the Environmental Quality Standard of Malaysia. While Zn was found less than the standard, Fe was not detected by the plant. The removal of heavy metal by A. wilkesiana was higher compared to unexposed plants. The highest removal occurred on Mn, Cr, Cu, and Ni with concentrations 10.93, 1.50, 1.30, and 1.10 mg/kg, respectively, which was achieved in 6 months harvesting period. The results also revealed that the bio-concentration and translocation factors of Cu, Cd, Ni, and As were above 1, which means the plant has the ability to accumulate and transfer metals to the shoot of the plant. The plant has the capability to be used in the phytoremediation of heavy metals from landfill soil.
Subsurface investigation for groundwater potential of biu plateau basalt north eastern Nigeria, using vertical electrical sounding
Authors: Bello S.
Published: October 2023

Groundwater is a very important component of water resources in nature. Since the demand of groundwater increases with population growth, it is necessary to explore groundwater more intensively. The importance of groundwater cannot be overemphasized. For this reason, the exploration for water is therefore a vital aspect of Geophysics. The resistivity method of surveying was carried out for the study of Groundwater potential in Biu town, Borno State, Nigeria. Data were acquired using the ABEM Terrameter 300C using the Schlumberger array. The data obtained were subjected to interpretation by partial curve matching and then by computer iteration and the results correlated with records from existing wells. A total of four geologic layers namely; top soil, weathered basalt, fractured basalt and fresh basement was delineated in this study. Results showed that the aquifer is located within the second and third layers comprising mainly of weathered and fracture materials. The first aquifer is the weathered basalt with resistivity ranging from 11.5 to 106.8 Ωm and thickness ranges from 2.73 to 31.32 m. while the second aquifer is the fractured basalt with resistivity ranging from 16.5 to 372.2 Ωm with thickness from 2.9 to 11.17 m. Appropriate depths to which potable water can be obtained from the various locations varies from 21.89 m to 38.33 m are recommended in this study. While depths in VES 6 and VES 7 are 10.45 m and 14.97 m are not good for groundwater exploration.
Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Neem, and a Tomato Intercrop on Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya
Authors: Ngugi Ceciliah N. , Mbaka Jesca N. , Muthengi Hellen W.
Published: October 2023

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important crop in Kenya, ranked 3rd among the exotic vegetables. Diamondback moth (DBM) is a major cabbage pest that can cause a 100% loss in yield if not well managed. Farmers indiscriminately use synthetic pesticides associated with environmental, health, and pest resistance concerns to manage the DBM. To increase the availability of technologies for effective management of DBM in Kenya, three biopesticides; BioPower (Beauveria bassiana 1.0 x 108 CFUs/g), Dipel DF® (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki), Neemraj Super 3000 (Azadirachtin 0.3% EC), and a tomato intercrop were evaluated. Cabbages (30 plants) spaced at 40 cm x 60 cm were established in 6 m x 6 m plots in 3 replicates per treatment. The treatments applications were; B. bassiana 100 g/20 L, B. thuringiensis 20 g/20 L, and neem 20 mL/20 L. A row of tomato intercrop was established in every two rows of cabbage and distilled water was used on the untreated control.  Data on the number of damaged leaves, live larvae, and marketable yields for two seasons was collected from five leaves of ten randomly selected cabbage plants. Results showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between the control and treatments in the mean number of live larvae and the number of damaged leaves. However, there were no significant marketable yield differences between the treatments (P ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, the three bio-pesticides and the tomato intercrop were effective against the DBM damage on cabbage leaves and can be part of integrated pest management (IPM) packages for DBM management on cabbage. There is a need to determine why the treatments did not result in meaningful outcomes against the DBM population and cabbage head weights. In addition, a cost-benefit analysis of each treatment is necessary.
Experimental Measurements of Ignition Delay Times of Iso-octane/n-Butanol Blend Mixtures in Rapid Compression Machine (RCM)
Authors: Materego Myeji , Bradley Derek
Published: October 2023

Among oxygenated alternative fuels, n-butanol is considered as a promising alternative biofuel which can partially (or fully) replace conventional transportation fuels currently in use. However, before n-butanol can be commercially utilised, its fundamental combustion characteristics need to be fully understood. In this work, the effect of adding n-butanol on autoignition property of iso-octane was studied. Measurements of ignition delay times for the two blends of n-butanol proportions of 30% and 50% by mole weight were made in a Rapid Compression Machine for stoichiometric mixtures at 2.0 MPa and temperature range 651-918 K. n-butanol increased ignition delay times of iso-octane at lower temperatures and hence acted as an octane enhancer, while at higher temperatures delay times were reduced. In the intermediate temperatures there was visually no difference in delay times between the two blends. Throughout the temperature range studied, the delay times of both blends were much closer to those of pure n-butanol which suggests that the combustion chemistry of n-butanol was dominant over that of iso-octane. These results have shown that n-butanol can enhance fuel octane rating and therefore can potentially improve thermal efficiency of SI engines, whilst CI engines can benefit from the reduced delay times at higher temperatures.
Optical Characterization of Photocatalytic Tungsten Oxide/Tin Oxide (〖WO〗_3/〖SnO〗_2) Thin Films for Use in Degradation of Water Pollutants
Authors: Isahi Victor , Maghanga Christopher , Mwamburi Mghendi , Munyati Onesmus , Hatwaambo Sylvester , Akoto Emmanuel , Isoe Wycliffe , Alam Mir Waqas
Published: October 2023

Organic pollutants in water have been a challenge and pose significant risks to human health. As a result, research efforts to eliminate these pollutants have been on the rise. Photocatalysis has shown incredible potential in water treatment containing organic pollutants since it is affordable and utilizes solar energy. Tin oxide ( ) has ardently been investigated as a photocatalyst for water treatment due to its remarkable properties such as; non-toxicity, and stability. However, its wide band gap and the tendency for some electrons and holes to recombine during its use have been cited to be among limiting factors affecting its effectiveness. This study, therefore, aimed to optimize  thin films by doping it with varied proportions of Tungsten oxide ( ) using Sol-gel technique and investigating the effects of  doping on the optical and photocatalytic properties of the prepared films. From the results, the calculated rate constants for  and (1.5%wt.) were 0.00256 min-1 and 0.00519 min-1, respectively, and the corresponding band gaps were 3.82 and 3.03 eV, suggesting that doping improved the optical absorbance of the films and caused a red shift of the absorption edge of the films. These results show  is a good candidate for photocatalytic water treatment.
Two Key Narrative Strategies in Approaching Historiography on the Path of Historians in Space and Time
Authors: Chekanov Vsevolod
Published: October 2023

The subject of the study is the distinctive approaches to the formatting of spatial and temporal structures in historical texts. The main methods for historians belonging to a particular tradition to move through historical space and time in the process of creating discourse are highlighted, affecting a distinctive relationship in the representation of past events and structures, chance and regularity. For the sake of clarity, examples are taken of little-known sites (e.g. the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom of Hellenistic period), for which historians face not only the problem of generalising factual material, but also the problem of incorporating such sites cumulatively, without destroying discourse, into the existing structure of historical knowledge. In line with the opposing approaches developed in both historiographical traditions, the author of this study have outlined and for the first time identified the methods that have been used in these traditions to achieve the objective: the method of frontal approximations (in Soviet historiography) and the ‘historian’s wings’ method (in Western historiography). The study presents examples of applying both methods, identifies their shortcomings and advantages, in accordance with which the specific features inherent in both historiographical traditions are specified, and indicates their significance for an adequate presentation of the historical past.
Działalność Pracowni Wiedzy o Dawnej Książce Instytutu Historii Nauki PAN w 2022 r.
Authors: Kaliszuk Jerzy
Published: October 2023

Research Activity of the Old and Rare Book Studies Research Unit at the Institute for the History of Science PAS in 2022

The article presents the achievements of the Old and Rare Book Studies Research Unit in 2022 in the scope of documentation, scientific, and popularization activities. The research conducted by the Unit members primarily focused on the Manuscripta.pl project, which led to new and significant discoveries concerning medieval manuscripts, the history of book collections and individual codices. In addition to the work related to the implementation of the NPRH project, team members also participated in other scientific projects and carried out individual research activities, resulting in the publication of scientific articles and presentations at academic conferences. Significant efforts were also made in the area of science popularization.
Działalność Pracowni Dziejów Oświaty i Antropologii Kultury Instytutu Historii Nauki PAN w 2022 r.
Authors: Schiller-Walicka Joanna
Published: October 2023

Research Activity of the History of Education and Anthropology of Culture Research Unit at the Institute for the History of Science PAS in 2022

The article presents the research areas, scientific achievements, popularization efforts, and organizational accomplishments of the members of the Research Unit in 2022. The conducted research covered the period from the mid-18th c. to almost modern times, with the majority of the Unit members focusing on research related to the 20th c.
„Polskie Łużyce” – próba literackiej rewitalizacji. O powieściach Haliny Barań
Authors: Browarny Wojciech
Published: October 2023

"Polish Lusatia" – An Attempt at Literary Revitalization: On the Novels of Halina Barań

The article "Polish Lusatia" – An Attempt at Literary Revitalization: On the Novels of Halina Barań describes the collective memory and the regional identity field of the contemporary inhabitants of the area between Kwisa and Lusatian Neisse. „Polish Lusatia” is a borderland and polycentric area, therefore the author of the article takes into account it’s relationship with Polish and Sorbian national identification, "post-German" traces in the local landscape and regionally dominant (Lower) Silesia. From this perspective, he discusses Halina Barań's novels about Lusatia, analyzing the historiosophy and geopolitics of her fiction, as well as popular tropes used by the Bogatynia’s writer, including the "sack" (panhandle) and "tripoint" metaphors.
Topofrenia – wina – enoengram. Zielona Góra jako miejsce „schowane, zasłonięte”
Authors: Mikołajczak Małgorzata
Published: October 2023

Topophrenia – Guilt – Enoengram. Zielona Góra as a “Hidden, Covered” Place In the contemporary prose of Zielona Góra, which is focused on the experience of the post-war past of the city, the sense of place-consciousness is topophrenic. Topophrenia, a concept introduced by Robert Tally as a notion of affective geography, provides a compelling explanation of feeling of the disorder, anxiety and dis-ease that exist between locals and the post-German town, which turns out to be the “hidden, covered” place. The concept of topophrenia is used to describe the dynamic, recursive interactions between the affected and the place understood as a “guilty city.” The associations revealed in the semantic game illustrate the transposition of “feeling guilty” into “connected with wine” (in Polish the word “winny” has two meanings: “being guilty” and “connected with wine”). Hence, the key figure of the contemporary Zielona Góra prose is the enographic mnemotopos – it transmits precognitive experiences and acts as an enoengram, transferring the “hidden, covered” into symbolic imagination.
Entre espaços públicos e privados
Authors: Ferreira Freitas Ricardo , Melo de Aguiar Brennand Jorgiana , Fort Mônica Cristine
Published: October 2023

Shopping centers fazem parte dos cenários das cidades brasileiras. Hábitos de consumo em espaços privados relacionam-se à conveniência, oportunidade e segurança. Este texto visa a discutir sobre espaços de consumo públicos e privados com ênfase em malls. Emprega pesquisa bibliográfica e exploratória, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e aplicação de questionário com consumidores que frequentam shopping centers e o espaço público da rua. Trata-se de relato parcial de estudo desenvolvido sobre cidades e consumo. Observa-se que espaços privados se tornam armadilhas de consumo em nome da segurança que a indústria do medo orquestra em grandes centros urbanos. O quadro teórico se baseia em pesquisadores das Ciências Sociais e da Comunicação Social, como Georg Simmel, Roger Caillois e Muniz Sodré.
Políticas Públicas de Combate à Insegurança Alimentar e à Fome: a comunicação pública como fator estratégico para a cidadania
Authors: Krohling Kunsch Margarida Maria , Gardinali Navacinsk Simone Denise
Published: October 2023

Este artigo tem como foco situar o papel da Comunicação no âmbito das demais áreas do conhecimento relacionadas com a questão do combate da insegurança alimentar e da fome no contexto da realidade brasileira. Para contextualizar esta problemática, apresenta-se inicialmente uma análise descritiva sobre questões da alimentação e da fome, a partir de dados da ONU-Organização das Nações Unidas. Em seguida trata sobre a necessidade do estabelecimento de políticas públicas para combater a gravidade da fome e da insegurança alimentar. Tendo como referência um caso propositivo descreve sobre os trabalhos desenvolvidos pelo  Grupo de Trabalho-GT “USP Políticas Públicas de Combate à Insegurança Alimentar e à Fome”(2021-2022), criado pela Universidade de São Paulo que culminou com a entrega do relatório final em 2023 com 39 proposições. Destaca a Comunicação Organizacional como estratégica e abrangente e  apresenta as principais concepções sobre Comunicação Pública e suas aplicações como fator essencial  na defesa do interesse público. Com base  na pesquisa bibliográfica e na  metodologia adotada do processo do planejamento estratégico de comunicação, descreve como foram realizadas as atividades de Comunicação Pública em conexão com as demais áreas de conhecimento deste GT para difusão de políticas públicas ligadas aos temas da alimentação saudável, insegurança alimentar e combate à fome. Demonstra como as ações comunicativas contribuíram para que a Universidade de São Paulo, tornasse público  para a sociedade, os poderes públicos e outros organismos institucionais públicos e privados os resultados dos trabalhos do GT USP Políticas Públicas e suas proposições. Esta experiência busca demonstrar como a Comunicação Pública, entendida como fator estratégico, pode fazer a diferença na defesa do interesse público e do direito à alimentação como um direito de cidadania.
TEORIAS E PRÁTICAS AFETIVAS: FORMAS HETERODOXAS DE VER E LER O MUNDO
Authors: Silva Leonardo Luiz Silveira da
Published: October 2023

Este texto é a transcrição da palestra de abertura do II Encontro Luso-brasileiro de Geografias Emocionais (II ELGE), ministrada pelo Prof. Dr. Leonardo Luiz Silveira da Silva (IFNMG campus Salinas) em 30 de agosto de 2023. O evento é relevante em um contexto global onde as desigualdades socioeconômicas, as mudanças climáticas e a geopolítica se entrelaçam, ameaçando a saúde humana, os ecossistemas e as comunidades. Reconhecendo a necessidade de uma transformação social e política, o evento destaca a importância do engajamento com as emoções. Por um lado, enfoca a materialização dos direitos fundamentais na vida das pessoas e sua percepção. Por outro lado, ressalta que os fatos por si só não são suficientes para mudar mentalidades e que a transformação social requer uma compreensão mais profunda de como as emoções, valores e experiências moldam a agência humana. O II ELGE, organizado pelo Centro de Estudos Geográficos da Universidade de Lisboa (CEG-IGOT-ULisboa/Portugal) e pela Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT/ Brasil), visou aprofundar a discussão sobre as geografias emocionais no espaço lusófono, celebrando e explorando as abordagens dos geógrafos e geógrafas desses países em relação às emoções em suas pesquisas. Em 2023, o evento ocorreu em formato híbrido na Universidade de Lisboa, e representou um passo adiante no desenvolvimento desse campo de estudo.
Optimization Studies of Mg/Al-NO3 Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles by Hydrothermal Treatment
Authors: BAL Kevser , ŞENTÜRK Sema , KAPLAN Özlem , GÖK Mehmet Koray , PABUCCUOĞLU Saadet Kevser
Published: October 2023

Layered Double Hydroxides based nanoparticles offer significant advantages in biological applications with high biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. In this study, nanoparticles (nMg/Al-NO3-LDH) were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and synthesis optimization of the nanoparticles was carried out by hydrothermal treatment. The effect of hydrothermal treatment on Z-average and surface charge was evaluated. Experiments were performed at 80˚C and 100˚C during in the range of 2-48 h by using different stirring rates (250, 1000, and 1500 rpm) and without stirring. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) was used to assess the particle size (nm), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (mV) of the nanoparticles. The chemical structure of nanoparticles was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR). As a result, nanoparticles with an optimum particle size of 86.87 nm, a PDI of 0.132 and a zeta potential (mV) of 44.4±8.74 were obtained at 80˚C, 48h and 250 rpm. The data showed that Mg/Al-NO3-LDH nanoparticles have suitable physical properties for biological applications.
Patients’ Satisfaction with Dental Services at The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) Dental Clinic
Authors: Simon Elison NM
Published: October 2023

Background: Studies on patients’ satisfaction with dental services have been carried out around the world as a yardstick in determining the quality of service offered. The few studies on patients’ satisfaction with dental care in Tanzania were done many years ago and did not focus on the situation in the dental school.

Objective: This study aimed at determining the level of patients’ satisfaction with dental services provided at MUHAS dental clinics.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study that involved 322 patients (or guardians, for children) attending MUHAS dental clinic. The study was carried out at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) dental clinic, Ilala district, Dar-es-Salaam region in October 2018. The study targeted all patients who attended the MUHAS dental clinics during the period of the study. Information on demographics, chief complaint, diagnosis, type of treatment and level of satisfaction with services in the dental clinic was gathered through an interview. Every participant signed a consent form before participating in the study. Quality assurance was carried out by blindly repeating some of the participants every day of the study. Information gathered was entered into a computer and data was processed and analyzed using version 20 of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Percent distributions of respondents over the satisfaction scale were computed Chi-square was used to determine the significance of differences and multivariate multiple regression (MMR) was used to campare assosciation.

Results: The age group 10-29 years had the highest (120) number of participants. Dental restorations were done in 113 (35%) of the patients followed by extractions in 93 (28.9%). High satisfaction levels in over 90% of the patients were scored in reception, cleanliness and outcome of treatment. Waiting time had the highest 102 (31.7%) number of patients who were not satisfied followed by local anaesthesia and cost of treatment. Above 96% of the patients responded that they would come back for treatment if need be. Over 97% responded that they would recommend the MUHAS dental clinics to friends or relatives.

Conclusion: Generally, there was a high level of satisfaction with the services offered in the dental clinics of the School of Dentistry. The aspects that showed rather high levels of dissatisfaction were waiting time followed by local anesthesia effectiveness and cost of treatment.
Leader Communication Strategy in Implementing Digital Management
Authors: Hidayatullah Syarif , Toni Ahmad
Published: October 2023

Communication is an important part of today's industrial development. Especially with the disruption creating a new picture in managing human resources digitally. This research aims to describe how a leader's strategy internalizes digital management in his organizational communication. Data collection was carried out through descriptive analysis, with data collected through the process of literature study and participant observation. The result is that in developing a leadership communication strategy, literacy and ways of working that occur in the era of disruption are needed. The communication strategy is the use of mediums, setting organizational goals and policies, analyzing and solving problems, interactive communication, and giving proportional rewards and punishments.
Local Wisdom in Primary School Students' Directive Speech Acts
Authors: Halil Nur Ihsan , Nasir Agus , Yawan Hendri , Sarmadan Sarmadan
Published: October 2023

This research aims to investigate the directive speech acts in students’ communication of elementary schools as a form of local wisdom in the educational setting of Kolaka Regency. The interractive model proposed by Miles and Huberman was employed to analyse the data which consists of data reduction, data presentation, and a conclusion. The findings show that there are two types of directive speech atc performed by elementary school students which are 1) the speech act of commanding, and 2) the speech act of begging.  Both forms of directive speech acts are affected by the cultural context which can be found in the form of clitics. The clitics are related to the local wisdom of the elementary students’ communication in Kolaka Regency in the forms, such as -ko, –mi  and -na,  as uttered in the form of lihatko, ayomi, pindahko, biarmi, siniko, jemputna
Self Presentation of Idol K-Pop Roleplay Account in Twitter
Authors: Prasetyo Farizqi Feryadhi , Aisyah Vinisa Nurul
Published: October 2023

This study aims to find out how self-presentations are made by users of K-Pop Idol roleplay accounts on Twitter. Roleplay is the activity of someone who assumes himself as another person or in a certain role. This research was conducted concerning the dramaturgical theory of Erving Goffman. This research is a type of descriptive qualitative research. In this study, data were obtained through observation and interviews which were then analyzed using interactive data analysis techniques. The results obtained in this study indicate that the resource person's roleplay account is the front stage which contains settings, appearance, and manner. Meanwhile, the back stage of the informant is the original life of the resource person which then becomes a place of preparation to form self-concept or impressions in the world of roleplay. Self-presentation can be seen from the appearance of the speakers on the front stage. While the preparation in the back stage includes the concept of identity, reference and motivation. Apart from that, in the back stage, the informant tends to hide the fact that he is a roleplayer