bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct STAT3 and STAT5 Inhibition Overcomes Treatment Resistance in a Murine Derived In Vitro Model of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia driven by ETV6::JAK2
Authors: Thompson Jane Frances , Grose Randall , Yeung David , White Deborah L.
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
ETV6::JAK2 is a fusion known to drive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in the presence of other genomic lesions which define the JAK/STAT class of Philadelphia-like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (Ph-like ALL). Ph-like ALL comprises approximately 15% of ALL. Patients with mutations or gene fusions signaling through the JAK/STAT pathway have particularly poor prognosis. Emerging treatments targeting JAK2 fusions and mutations are promising and phase 3 clinical trials are in progress. However, with widespread use of JAK2 inhibitors, it is important to anticipate and manage resistance mechanisms. The JAK2 p.G993A mutation confers resistance in vitro, even to high dose JAK2 inhibitors such as ruxolitinib. We postulated that direct inhibition of STAT3 and STAT5, downstream from JAK2, may overcome resistance.

METHODS
Murine derived IL-3 dependent Ba/F3 cells transfected with ETV6::JAK2 containing a p.G993A mutation were used in this study. These cells were confirmed to demonstrate IL-3 independence and ruxolitinib resistance prior to use in experiments. An inhibitor-response assay was conducted using differing concentrations of SH-4-54 and pimozide (STAT3/5 inhibitors) applied to ETV6::JAK2 p.G993A cells and two control cell lines.

RESULTS
SH-4-54 and pimozide were effective against ETV6::JAK2 p.G993A cells with median lethal doses (LD50) of 296nM for SH-4-54 and 455nM for pimozide. Both drugs demonstrated a lesser effect on empty vector Ba/F3 cells, with an LD50 of 371nM for SH-4-54 and 596nM for pimozide. Neither drug demonstrated significant effect on non-JAK/STAT activated KG-1a myeloid cells at doses near the LD50.
CONCLUSION
SH-4-54 and pimozide both overcame treatment resistance in our in-vitro model of JAK/STAT driven Ph-like ALL with a mutation conferring JAK2 inhibitor resistance. While SH-4-54 demonstrates greater potency than pimozide, pimozide may be a more promising option given its demonstrated safety profile in humans. Direct STAT3 and STAT5 inhibition may be an effective approach for overcoming inevitable JAK2 inhibitor resistance-conferring mutations in patients with the poor prognostic subtype of JAK/STAT class Ph-like ALL.
Deficiency of Endothelial
Piezo2
Impairs Pulmonary Vascular Angiogenesis and Predisposes Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Wei Feng , Lin Ziying , Lu Wenju , Luo Haiyun , Feng Huazhuo , Liu Shiyun , Zhang Chenting , Zheng Yulin , Jiyuan Chen , Mo Shaocong , Wang Chen , Zhang Zizhou , Feng Wei , Zhu Junqi , Yang Qifeng , Du Min , Kong Weiguo , Liu Aofeng , Lai Jiaxuan , Li Xiang , Wu Xuefen , Lai Ning , Chen Yuqin , Yang Kai , Wang Jian
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel plays a key role in pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the role of Piezo2 in PH remains unclear.

METHODS:

Endothelial cell (EC)–specific
Piezo2
knockout (
Piezo2
flox/flox
, Tek-Cre
+
;

Piezo2
EC−/−

) rats and primarily cultured pulmonary microvascular ECs were used to determine the role of Piezo2 in PH.

RESULTS:

Data analysis of publicly accessible single-cell RNA-sequencing data sets uncovered significant downregulation of Piezo2 in lung ECs from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, which was verified in the lungs/ECs from PH rat models induced by hypoxia or monocrotaline. Comparing to wild-type rats,
Piezo2

EC

−/−

rats exhibited exacerbated PH in both hypoxia-induced PH and monocrotaline-induced PH, characterized by the worsened hemodynamical and histological changes.
Piezo2

EC

−/−

rats showed dramatic loss of pulmonary microvessels, in association with the decreased intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca
2+
]
i
) and downregulation of VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) and phosphorylated SRF (serum response factor) in pulmonary microvascular ECs. Knockout of
Piezo2
or treatment with a calcium chelator, EDTA, impaired the ability of tube formation and migration in pulmonary microvascular ECs, which was restored by supplementation of extra calcium. A safflower oil diet rich in linoleic acid, which can enhance the stability and function of Piezo2, effectively alleviated PH development in a hypoxia-induced PH rat model.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrates that EC-specific knockout of
Piezo2
exacerbates PH pathogenesis, at least partially, through the suppression of [Ca
2+
]
i
/phosphorylated SRF/VEGFR2 signaling axis in pulmonary vascular ECs. Targeted activation of Piezo2 could be a novel effective strategy for the treatment of PH.
Uneven Shifts: The Geography of Occupational Change in France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom 1992–2018
Authors: Morris Katy , Oesch Daniel
Published: January 2025

Amid renewed interest in geographical inequalities in life chances and an ongoing debate about occupational upgrading versus polarisation, we investigate how the occupational structure changed across NUTS-2 regions in France, Italy, Spain and the UK between 1992 and 2018. Against the expectation that national upgrading trends may mask a diversity of regional upgrading, downgrading and polarisation experiences, EU Labour Force Survey data show clear and unambiguous upgrading. In every region, employment in high quality jobs grew while employment in low quality jobs shrank. These shifts were often large in magnitude: the proportion of employment in high quality jobs increased by more than 10 percentage points in two thirds of the regions studied. However, there was considerable heterogeneity in the rate and type of occupational upgrading. Strong upgrading and employment growth in the economic capital regions of Île-de-France (Paris), Lombardy, Madrid and London contrasted with weaker upgrading and sluggish (or even negative) employment growth in regions like Lorraine, Sicily, Extremadura and the West Midlands. That these and many regions have yet to achieve the same proportion of high quality jobs that the economic capitals possessed in 1992 highlights the greater relative difficulty of ascending to the top of the occupational structure in some places than others.
‘Escape’ from Home? The Moderating Role of Sexual Orientation on the Association Between Social Origin and Educational Attainment
Authors: Kasprowski David , Boertien Diederik
Published: January 2025

Previous research has documented that sexual orientation relates to educational attainment, and that it might do so differently for men and women. In this paper, we investigate to what extent sexual orientation moderates the relationship between social origin and educational attainment and whether the educational premium among LGB people might be concentrated among individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. We propose, elaborate, and provide a theoretical underpinning for the ‘Queer Habitus’ hypothesis which states that having an LGB identity can lead to weaker family-of-origin ties and disrupt people's class habitus. These factors can lead LGB people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue higher levels of education as compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Empirically, the paper takes advantage of the oversampling of LGB individuals in the 2019 wave of the nationally representative probability-based German Socio-Economic Panel study (SOEP; N = 15,746; LGB = 589). The findings challenge the idea that educational premiums are limited to gay men by showing that both LGB men and LGB women have higher educational attainment than their straight counterparts in Germany. Further, this educational ‘advantage’ is moderated by social origin. The higher education of LGB people is concentrated among those with disadvantaged social origin compared to straight individuals from similar social backgrounds. Overall, this lends support to the ‘Queer Habitus’ hypothesis which argues that the disruption of the heterosexual habitus by an LGB identity causes a weaker association of the social origin on educational attainment.
A Preliminary Survey of Rock Art and Early Powers in the Lower Nile Valley during the Late 4th Millennium bc
Authors: Vanhulle Dorian
Published: January 2025

This paper is investigating the use of rock art by local/regional powers in the Lower Nile Valley in the late 4th millennium bc. It situates the rock art record in its historical and archaeological settings and proposes methodological options (which are, in some cases, still theoretical) to elucidate it further in its social context. Two research questions are addressed: the first one discusses the existence of rock art commissioned by authorities and the criteria that could help identify them. The second deals with the ways in which rock art may express political power. The iconographic and technical aspects of rock art are discussed. This preliminary survey suggests that rock art specialists appeared at the end of the Predynastic period and that rock art may have been a strategic element in the competition between the polities that were rising in the Lower Nile Valley at that time.
Taxonomic and phylogenetic overview of the genus Volvariella (Volvariellaceae), with a focus on European species
Authors: CABALLERO FERNANDO , JUSTO ALFREDO , PARRA LUIS A. , ANGELINI CLAUDIO , CONSIGLIO GIOVANNI , DOVANA FRANCESCO , FERISIN GIULIANO , KAYGUSUZ OĞUZHAN , KNUDSEN HENNING , LLIMONA XAVIER , MUÑOZ GUILLERMO , DANIËLS PABLO P. , PÉREZ-DE-GREGORIO MIQUEL À. , ŠEVČÍKOVÁ HANA , VALVERDE ANDRÉS , VIZZINI ALFREDO
Published: January 2025

We present a comprehensive nrITS phylogeny of the genus Volvariella, with a focus on European species. Detailed descriptions and nomenclatural and taxonomic comments are provided for fourteen Volvariella species originally described from Europe (V. bombycina, V. caesiotincta, V. clavocystidiata, V. dunensis, V. hypopithys, V. latispora, V. murinella, V. pusilla, V. reidii, V. strangulata, V. surrecta, V. taylorii, V. terrea, and V. volvacea). Fourteen European species are described as new: V. cordispora, V. cryptica, V. deceptiva, V. glaucocephala, V. globifera, V. graminicola, V. izmirensis, V. mediterranea, V. neoparvula, V. nodosicystis, V. pilosipilea, V. ranulicystis, V. siquieri, and V. sylvipraticola. Full descriptions and illustrations are provided for all species.
Description of a new species of Aphlugiolopsis (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from southwestern China
Authors: ZHANG HUI , BIAN XUN
Published: January 2025

One new species of the endemic Chinese genus Aphlugiolopsis Wang & Li, 2015 is described based on the male specimen collected from Gaoligong Shan, Yunnan, China: A. gaoligongshanensis sp. nov. A key to the species of the genus is provided. The type specimen is deposited in Guangxi Normal University (GXNU).
List of species records of enchytraeids (Enchytraeidae, Clitellata, Annelida) in China
Authors: CHEN JUANJUAN , ZHANG JUNQIAN , XIE ZHICAI
Published: January 2025

The enchytraeid fauna of China is reviewed based on published records and unpublished theses. According to the up-dated checklist, there are 106 species belonging to 21 genera. The enchytraeid fauna of China is characterized by a large number of endemic species: 46 species have been recorded only in China, accounting for almost half of the total number of species. The endemics include 18 species of Mesenchytraeus, 7 species of Fridericia, 4 species each of Marionina and Hemienchytraeus, 3 species each of Bryodrilus and Grania, 2 species each of Enchytraeus and Oconnorella, 1 species of Xetadrilus and two endemic genera, Sinenchytraeus and Isosetosa, each containing 1 species, the latter however with doubtful taxonomic status. New records are included as well, and 8 species are recorded for the first time from the country. We also provide comments on doubtful species records.
Revolutionary Steel Structures: A Comprehensive Review of Current Trends and Future Directions
Authors: Azanaw Girmay
Published: January 2025

For decades, steel construction has formed the contours of modern architecture, offering unrivaled strength, flexibility, and stability. On the go its required solution by zone of steel construction the demand for more intelligent and flexible infrastructure has seen many revolutionary developments. This review discusses recent trends of the construction steel structures of the future, where innovations of the emerging materials and constructions, as well as challenges, are presented. Recent developments in high-performance steel alloys have significantly improved the material's durability and strength, making steel a more efficient choice for building larger, more complex structures. In parallel, prefabrication and modular construction techniques have gained popularity, offering the potential to speed up construction timelines, reduce labor costs, and minimize material waste. These advancements not only improve efficiency but also contribute to sustainability by optimizing the use of resources. AI-driven Digital Twin technologies are revolutionizing the design, construction and maintenance of the steel structure using advanced tools. Digital Twins as virtual replicas of physical structures allow real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, leading to the improved longevity and overall performance of steel structures. Furthermore, with advances in self-healing materials and robotic construction methods, crucial problems like corrosion and fire resistance are being tackled, here paving the way for innovation in aerospace, renewable energy, and smart cities. In conclusion, the ongoing evolution of steel construction is reshaping the future of architecture, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and resilience. These advancements are poised to drive the development of smarter, more eco-friendly infrastructure that meets the needs of future generations.
Determinants of Farm Credits Access by Cereal Farmers in the Ghanaian Economy
Authors: Obuobi Nana
Published: January 2025

Farm credit is one of the major boosters to agricultural productivity among cereal farmers. Cereals contribute immensely to the staple foods in Ghana. In view of this, higher productivity in cereal production addresses the food security issues in the country largely. Despite the impressive performance, yet Cereal farmers experience bottleneck issues in relation to farm credit. These further results in stifling cereal productivity in Ghana. This study seeks to underscore the importance of farm credit among cereal farmers in Ghana. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence cereal farmers’ access to farm credit in Ghana. The study employed the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS7) of 8,520 households conducted in 2017 by the Ghana Statistical Services (GSS). The ordinary Probit regression was used to estimate the determinants of access to farm credits. The results revealed that farmers’ age, marital status (married), religion (Christian), education (tertiary), residence (rural) are all significant positive factors that influence cereal farmers access to farm credits. In view of this, the study recommends that financial institutions disburse credits to Cereal farmers in Ghana based on the education of farmers to the tertiary level. Having said this, it is imperative for many unemployed graduates to venture into cereal farming particularly in rural areas since they are likely to acquire farm credits unlike cereal farmers in peri-urban areas.
Quality and Chlorine Demand of Private Raw Borehole Water in the City of Kara, Togo
Authors: Dougna Akpénè , Kolani Jeff , Akpataku Kossitse , Tchakala Ibrahim , Tampo Lallébila , Seyf-Laye Alfa-Sika , Bawa Moctar
Published: January 2025

The reliance on borehole water necessitates a thorough understanding of its quality. Due to water shortage, many households in the city of Kara use water from boreholes directly supplied untreated in the dry and wet seasons. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the chlorine demand of raw water from private boreholes and perform a spatiotemporal evaluation of the water quality in the city of Kara, Togo. Two sampling campaigns spread over dry (DS) and rainy (RS) seasons in April and August 2023, were carried out to capture seasonal and spatial differences across various boreholes (n=32) in the study area. The physicochemical parameters and germ indicators of fecal contamination were assessed via the standardized method (AFNOR) and WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality (GDWQ). The correlation matrix analysis revealed a complex effect from the dissolution of local rocks (amphibolites, pyroxenites, etc.) and anthropogenic activities. Water was noncompliant concerning faecal contamination in 84.3% of the cases in the dry season (DS) and 96.37% of the cases in the rainy season (RS). The color, TH, TAC, turbidity, FeT, nitrate ion, and electrical conductivity values for some boreholes were outside the GDWQ values. Boreholes F8, F9, and F25 have very high Larson corrosion index (LR>1.2). The chlorine demand varies according to the season, ranging from 0.25 to 6.0 mg/L in DS and from 0.25 to 2.45 mg/L in RS. Regular monitoring is needed to ensure safe drinking water from boreholes in Kara.
Analyzing Tourism Discourse: Linguistic Dimensions and Translation Issues
Authors: Karimalievna Gulrukh
Published: January 2025

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate dynamics of tourism discourse, exploring its evolution amidst rapid technological advancements, societal changes, and global shifts. It examines the emergence of neologisms and innovations within tourism discourse, shedding light on their lexical, grammatical, and stylistic implications. By analyzing promotional discourse and its linguocognitive persuasion techniques, the study unravels the intricate relationship between language, cognition, and tourism marketing. Moreover, it investigates the nuanced distinctions between discourse and text, highlighting the fluidity and context-dependency of communication in the tourism industry. The paper also addresses the challenges faced by translators in effectively mediating cultural nuances and linguistic features in tourism texts, emphasizing the importance of specialized training and expertise in achieving accurate and culturally-sensitive translations. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving dynamics of tourism discourse, highlighting how language has transformed alongside rapid technological, societal, and global shifts. It examines the introduction of new terms (neologisms) and language innovations within tourism, exploring their impact on the lexicon, grammar, and style used in the field. By focusing on tourism marketing, particularly promotional discourse, the research sheds light on the linguocognitive techniques employed to persuade and attract potential tourists. The study explores how language influences cognition and decision-making in tourism, making it an essential part of marketing strategies. In addition to this, the study distinguishes between discourse and text, emphasizing that communication in the tourism industry is both context-dependent and fluid. It recognizes that the way language is used can change based on the context and the medium, such as digital platforms versus traditional print. The paper also considers the critical role of translation in tourism, specifically the challenges translators face when conveying cultural and linguistic nuances across languages. This underscores the need for specialized skills and cultural awareness to ensure accurate and culturally sensitive translations, which is essential for maintaining the authenticity and effectiveness of tourism-related communication.
Conservation Agriculture Effects on Crop and Moisture in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfa Yaya , Abdulahi Jemal
Published: January 2025

Cropping systems of maize-legume crops which mostly practiced under conventional practice has resulted in soil degradation and loss of crop yield in Ethiopia. This practice may be inversed by Conservation Agriculture. Optical sensor techniques particularly normalized difference vegetative index is immediate, non-devastative and quantitative assessment method; which opposes conventional plant tissue sampling analysis which is devastating and needs more time. CA practice may enhance soil water and crop yield. CA can improve soil health and crop productivity. It was suggested that CA should be studied by considering both crop and soil parameters in Ethiopia. By considering this field experiment was done at Melkassa agricultural research center during the rainy season of 2018 and 2019 to study the impacts of conventional practice and conservational practice under different cropping systems. Split plot treatment design with 3 replication was used. Two tillage levels were assigned to the main plots and four maize-legume systems were assigned to the sub plots. Results implied that conservation agriculture plot was early in maize emergence and late in maize tasseling, silking and physiological maturity than conventional practice. Maize bean intercropping under conservational was better in maize yield, biomass and harvest index than maize bean intercropping under conventional practice. High normalized difference vegetative index value was recorded under conventional practice for the earlier periods and low value was recorded under conservational practice during earlier periods of maize growing periods. However, Normal difference vegetative index was become higher for conservational practice during grain filling maize grain filling stage. Better soil moisture content at various soil depth was obtained from maize rotation system under conservational practice than cropping system under conventional practice.
Assessment of Forest Carbon Sequestered in Dead Wood from Secondary Forest, Wildlife Reserve, Lefini Republic of Congo
Authors: Mbete Pierre , Mankou Guénolé , Mavoungou Alain , Ekandja Franck , Koubouana Félix
Published: January 2025

Dead wood, referred to here as necromass, is considered to be an important reservoir of forest carbon. In Congo, studies on the estimation of carbon in deadwood are scarce, so very little data exists that could contribute to the reflection on the national forest carbon measurement and monitoring program. It is in this context that this study on the estimation of forest carbon stored in dead wood from a secondary forest, in the "Bateke Plateau" landscape, was conducted. One hundred and three (103) standing deadwood samples and thirty-two (32) ground-lying deadwood samples, all ≥ 10 cm in diameter, were recorded over 1.79 km of transects, using the linear intersection sampling method. These deadwoods are mostly not in an advanced stage of decomposition, and are most abundant in smaller diameter classes. On average, the total carbon stock contained in the necromass is 0.067 t. ha-1 (±0.08). This carbon stock does not represent a significant share (0.01%) of the total above-ground carbon for trees ≥ 10 cm in diameter in plot 1. This study also showed that the carbon stock in the necromass varies very little between the study plots but not according to the type of dead wood considered. These results suggest that it is very important to reduce anthropogenic pressure on the forests of the Léfini Wildlife Reserve in order to strengthen carbon sinks.
Assessment of the Quality of Traditionally Produced Honey in Borana Rangelands, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Borde Gayo , Teklemichael Tamirat
Published: January 2025

Beekeeping has long been a vital sideline activity for agro-pastoral communities in the Borana rangelands, primarily aimed at income generation. This study aimed to assess the impact of beekeeping practices on honey production in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was employed to collect the data from traditional beekeeper households (HHs). The collected data encompassed the socio-economic characteristics of households, land and livestock holdings, and honey production practices, types of honey forages, honey yields, the contribution of honey to household income, as well as the constraints and opportunities associated with honey production. A total of 70 distinct types of nectar and pollen sources were identified that serve as major forages for bees in the area. The migration of honeybee colonies occurred in different months of the year, predominantly in December (75.9%), followed by January (11.7%) and February (6.8%), as reported by respondents. The average honey yield was 12 kg annually, with a peak yield of 21 kg. The occurrence of migration occurred in December and January, respectively, with an average of 75.9% of respondents reporting erratic and uneven rainfall. The findings of this study highlight the importance of modernizing traditional methods by integrating advanced technologies to enhance honey production and significantly increase production. To effectively mitigate migration and reduce the rate of absconding, it is essential to implement strategic supplementary feeding and improved pest control methods.
Challenges, Opprtunities and Management of Faba Bean Chocolate Spot (Botrytis Fabae Sard.) Disease in Ethiopia: Review
Authors: Anega Dinku , Berihane Zemed
Published: January 2025

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a vital pulse crop globally, with significant importance in Ethiopia. However, its production is threatened by various biotic stresses, particularly chocolate spot disease caused by Botrytis fabae Sard., which is one of the most damaging and prevalent diseases in the country. This review aims to assess the opportunities and challenges related to the management of chocolate spot epidemics and to explore the resistance potential of faba bean cultivars in Ethiopia. Chocolate spot disease can cause substantial yield losses, ranging from 34% to 67%, and its severity is influenced by cultivar susceptibility, environmental conditions, and agronomic practices. The disease's incidence varies across districts, years, growth stages, and climatic conditions, with more severe outbreaks occurring under favorable conditions such as high humidity and moderate temperatures. The disease tends to exacerbate as the plant progresses through its growth stages, especially when inoculum accumulation and its timing in relation to crop development align with conducive weather conditions. Key epidemiological components in the resistance of faba beans to chocolate spot include infection efficiency, the extent of visible symptoms, and the latent period of the pathogen. Effective management of this disease is crucial for maintaining faba bean production, and several strategies can help mitigate its impact. Late sowing, mixed cropping with cereal crops, the application of fungicides, and crop rotation have been identified as effective practices for reducing disease incidence and enhancing grain yield. Furthermore, an Integrated Disease Management (IDM) approach, combining these methods, provides a comprehensive solution to control chocolate spot and reduce its severity. This review underscores the importance of integrating multiple disease management strategies to safeguard faba bean production in Ethiopia, ensuring sustainable cultivation of this critical crop.
Seismic Risk Assessment for Sreemangal Town: Exploring the Use of Reliability-Based and RVS-FEMA 154 Methods for Building Safety in Bangladesh
Authors: Kairi Ashish , Ahmed Mushtaq , Nath Sumitra
Published: January 2025

In the present study, the vulnerability of the building stock of a small but important town (Srimangal Municipality under the Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh), located in the most earthquake-prone Sylhet region, was assessed. Besides, the applicability of two methods of vulnerability assessment (Reliability-Based Method and FEMA 154) for Bangladesh was also checked. 17.5% of the studied buildings were found vulnerable, and 65% of buildings were safe according to both methods. Most of the masonry buildings (85.71%) are at risk, as they are old and constructed before introducing Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) in 1993. For Bangladesh context, the Cut-Off Score of FEMA 154 was proposed as 1.5 instead of 2.0 in this study. The comparison between the two methods shows that the results obtained from the analysis were close enough to each other and both models gave reliable results. However, the lack of sophisticated damage data for the Reliability-Based Method could lead the results to be varied from the results obtained from another method. On the other hand, Basic Scores and Score Modifiers in FEMA set for developed countries might be calibrated for Bangladesh to decrease the result gaps. In conclusion, both methods were found suitable to use for vulnerability assessment of buildings in Bangladesh.
Evaluation of Micro-dosing Lime Application on Selected Soil Chemical Properties and Barley Crop Performance at Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Yacob Abreham
Published: January 2025

Liming acidic soil on smallholder farms is one of the major challenges to enhance crop yields in Ethiopian highlands. To address the problem associated with the high cost of liming, a precision technique referred to as lime micro-dosing, which involves application in small and affordable quantities of lime was evaluated on acid soil of the central highlands of Ethiopia from 2019/20 to 2020/21. The objective was to evaluate the effects of lime micro-dosing on selected soil physicochemical properties and yield and yield components of barley on farmers’ field in suko and sika districts. The treatments consisted of 5 lime rates of (T1) 0%, (T2) 6.25%, (T3) 12.5%, (T4) 25%, and (T5) 33.3% of the recommended lime rate. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The result showed that application of lime significantly (P<0.01) affected selected soil chemical properties and yield and yield components of barley. Soil pH was significantly increased from 5.0 to 5.8 and available P from 9.0 to 14.53 mg kg-1. Exchangeable acidity decreased from 1.5 to 0.90 Cmol (+) kg-1 due to lime application. Significant higher grain yield of barley was obtained from application of 25 and 33.3 % of recommended lime. Grain yield was increased by 100.5 and 110.2 % through application of 25 and 33.3 % of the LR of soils. Thus, application of 25 and 33.3 % of the LRs acid soils on spot at planting was found to be agronomically efficient and economically viable management option for barley production in the central highlands of Ethiopia.
Comprehensive Study of Population Based Algorithms
Authors: Poudel Yam , Phuyal Jeewan , Kumar Rajiv
Published: January 2025

The exponential growth of industrial enterprise has highly increased the demand for effective and efficient optimization solutions. Which is resulting to the broad use of meta heuristic algorithms. This study explores eminent bio-inspired population based optimization techniques, including Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Spider Monkey Optimization (SMO), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), Cuckoo Search Optimization (CSO), Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA), and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). These methods which are inspired by natural and biological phenomena, offer revolutionary problems solving abilities with rapid convergence rates and high fitness scores. The investigation examines each algorithm's unique features, optimization properties, and operational paradigms, conducting broad comparative analyses against conventional methods, such as search history, fitness functions and to express their superiority. The study also assesses their relevance, arithmetic andlogical efficiency, applications, innovation, robustness, andlimitations. The findings show the transformative potential of these algorithms and offering valuable wisdom for future research to enhance and broaden upon these methodologies. This finding assists as a guiding for researchers to enable inventive solutions based in natural algorithms and advancing the field of optimization.
Formation of Large Amplitude Solitons and Small Amplitude Double Layers in Two-temperature Non-isothermal Electron Plasma
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sankar
Published: January 2025

Propagation of large amplitude ion-acoustic solitary waves and small amplitude double layers have been investigated in a two-temperature non-isothermal electron plasma consisting of warm positive ions, warm negative ions and warm positrons by Sagdeev pseudopotential method (SPM). Small amplitude double layer solution (ϕDL) is also discussed theoretically in this paper for further investigation. Fully non-linear large amplitude compressive solitary waves and small amplitude compressive double layers are presented graphically by the corresponding figurs 1 – 14 under the variation of different values of the mass ratios (Q) of negative to positive ions, phase velocities (V) of solitary waves, negative ion concentrations (njo), positron densities (χ) and temperature ratios (σp) of electrons (Te) and positrons (Tp). Consequently this large amplitude electrostatic solitary waves and small amplitude electrostatic double layers in complex plasmas have broad applications in space plasma Physics, Astrophysics, Fusion technology, Plasma – based devices and Fundamental wave research, offering tools for exploring wave-particle interactions, stability and energy transfer in multi-species plasmas.
Optimization of Conventional Radiology Doses During Adults Chests Examinations
Authors: Alain Ouattara , Leopold Oka , Issa Konate , Antonin Koua , Gerald Dossa , Firmin Gnahore
Published: January 2025

The aim of this work is the implementation of an optimization process for the doses delivered to patients during frontal chest exams. The study was conducted at the clinic call Polyclinic of Deux Plateaux and involved 300 patients for the chest exam. For each patient exposed to X-ray, we recorded the exposure parameters (kV, mAs, focus-film distance), when the radiological images were acceptable for diagnosis. Then, the entrance dose (De) for each patient and the Dose-Area Product (DAP) using a formula has been calculated. The optimization processes involved modifying the exposure parameters (kV and mAs) while ensuring an acceptable image quality for diagnosis and a second dosimetric evaluation was done in the same manner as before. The median of the distribution of De and the DAP are respectively 0.60 mGy and 613.80 mGy.cm2 with 112.12 kV and 6 mAs. After optimization, the results were 0.28 mGy and 286.31 mGy.cm2 with 115 kV and 3.19 mAs. We observe that the medians of De and DAP have been approximately halved. This study has enabled a significant reduction in doses for the frontal chest exam performed in adults simply by acting on exposure parameters. The quality of the radiological images was maintained at a level allowing the examination to be carried out and interpreted.
Evaluating Hallucinations: An Instructional Case Report on Common Mistakes in Developing a Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Watcher Michael , Coyne Nick , Shychuck Emma , Arivalahan Thivijiana , Chalia Ankit , Ang-Rabanes Michael , Mogallapu Raja
Published: January 2025

Hallucinations are perceptual experiences occurring without external stimuli, presenting in auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory forms. These symptoms are linked to various psychiatric, neurological, and medical conditions, often complicating diagnosis. In this case report, we describe a 67-year-old female with a week-long history of visual hallucinations and cognitive decline. Initial workup, including CT, chest X-ray, CBC/CMP, ECG, and urine drug screen, showed no significant abnormalities except for hyperglycemia and hypomagnesemia. The absence of acute findings, coupled with psychosocial stressors, led to a suspected psychiatric etiology, prompting the emergency department to consult the psychiatric term for primary management. However, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach—including neurology and medicine consultations—revealed a much more complex picture. It was discovered later that the patient had a seven-year history of tremors and progressive memory decline, alongside neurological findings such as truncal ataxia, poor coordination, and a wide-based gait during the present hospitalization. Brain MRI later demonstrated cerebellar atrophy and chronic microvascular ischemic changes, leading to a diagnosis of neurocognitive disorder, with a high suspicion for vascular dementia. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when evaluating visual hallucinations, as attributing them prematurely to psychiatric causes can result in delays in appropriate treatment. In cases where the etiology of hallucinations is uncertain, obtaining a detailed history is vital in providing clinicians with the necessary pieces to elucidate the underlying etiology. Recognizing the multiple etiologies of visual hallucinations and remaining meticulous when managing patients with this symptom is essential to prevent diagnostic errors and improve patient outcomes.
Impact of ENSO on Drought in Borena Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Tullu Gezahegn , Habtegebriel Abebe , Agboka Komi
Published: January 2025

Drought is one of the most frequent natural disasters in the world, droughts has a significantly negative impact on social, economic, and environmental situations. The goal is to assess and define the spatiotemporal analysis of meteorological droughts across ENSO (neutral, El Niño and La Niña) events and provided the guidance of the study area. CHIRPS data gathered from CHG-UCSB for spatial analysis and USGS FEWS NET for temporal analysis, respectively, for the time periods 1981 2020 and 1991–2020. For spatial and temporal analysis SPI was selected due to better for rainfall input over the study area, we employed Python tools and GeoCLIM data analysis methodologies. The findings of this study demonstrate that the Borana zone experienced an increase in droughts during the El Niño, La Niña, and neutral events between 1981 and 2020. The frequency and duration of the dryness were displayed in time steps across short-term drought indices. The extent, duration, and frequency of meteorological (deficit of precipitation) droughts varied, as shown by the time-scale temporal meteorological drought indices in the range of three to twelve months. For the remaining woredas of investigation between the SPI3 and SPI6, SPI6 and SPI12, and SPI9 and SPI12 indices, significantly an increase in the correlation values over short to long durations over the study area was the dominant factor in the meteorological drought severity of the correlation. It is also necessary to conduct additional research on how droughts spread, including the use of various drought indices to gauge the frequency, length, and intensity of droughts over time at the woreda, regional, and national levels. This study will help for different sectors, for knowledge’s and references to better manage irrigation, crop variety selection (drought tolerant seeds), soil conservation, crop production, and better awareness on meteorological droughts over study area.
Assessment of Biological Effectiveness of Infant Flours on the Iron Status and Speed of Recovery of MAM Children Admitted to HNDA Hospital at N'Djamena (Chad)
Authors: Kayalto Barnabas , Kimassoum Djimadoum , Otchom Brahim , Soubeiga Emilienne , Traore Alfred
Published: January 2025

Previous study was designed in two steps: flours formulation, improvement to traditional manufacturing processes and fortify five infant flours produced locally in Chad in vitamin A and zinc, iron and vitamin C. This study aimed to assess biological effectiveness of four improved and enriched experimental flours produced with local products on the iron status and speed of recovery in weight, height and MUAC of MAM children aged 6 to 59 months admitted at the Supplementary Nutrition Unit (UNS) of Notre Dame of Apostles Hospital (HNDA) at N'Djamena. The results of this study, which included 416 children, showed that moderately malnourished children under experimental flours enriched with dried Moringa leaf powder took a maximum of three weeks to recover from malnutrition. The Pennisetum typhoides flour with Moringa gave the best results, with 96% of children recovering after a duration of recovery of 17.5 days. Children under red sorghum flour from Bongor without Moringa showed the highest daily weight gain in the study, at 8 g/kg-body weight per day. The same flour with Moringa showed the highest hemoglobin gain of 13.5 g/dl. Children under maize flour without Moringa took the longest to recover in the study, an average of 32.7 days. In conclusion, Pennisetum typhoides and red sorghum flours with Moringa can make a valid contribution to reducing the prevalence of malnutrition in children.
Exploring the Antimicrobial Properties of Some Selective Mushroom Mycoflora
Authors: Singh Balwant , Dwivedi Sneha , Barwant Mukul , Singh Vinay , Singh Alok , Kumar Shailendra , Dar Mudasir
Published: January 2025

Mushrooms have long been recognized for their nutritional and medicinal properties, but their potential as sources of antimicrobial agents remains underexplored. This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of various wild mushroom species against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Specifically, the study focused on the inhibition zones of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium proliferatum when exposed to extracts from twelve different mushroom species, including Schizophyllum commune, Laeiporus sulphureus, Pleurotus pulmonarius, and others. The results revealed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities, with Schizophyllum commune showing the highest inhibition against Fusarium oxysporum (71.42 ± 0.28 mm) and Microporus xanthopus demonstrating strong inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (8.46 ± 0.11 mm). Additionally, Pleurotus sajor-caju exhibited notable antifungal activity against Fusarium proliferatum (76.06 ± 0.14 mm), suggesting its potential as a source of novel antifungal compounds. The study observed a varied range of inhibition zones across different mushroom species, emphasizing the diverse antimicrobial potential within mushroom mycoflora. These findings underscore the importance of further research into the bioactive compounds of mushrooms, which could contribute to the development of new antimicrobial agents. The study not only highlights the significance of mushrooms in combating microbial resistance but also opens avenues for their inclusion in future pharmaceutical applications.
Determination of Heavy Metal Contaminants in Leafy Vegetables (Ethiopian Cabbage) Cultivated Around Dilla Town
Authors: Mekuria Ayalew , Gemeda Samuel , Ture Elias , Getachew Bilise
Published: January 2025

In Dilla area, vegetables like cabbage can be grown in a variety of methods and are eaten in large quantities. Of the several green leafy vegetables that are acceptable for eating by humans, some are only found in a certain area, while others are found all over the world. The latter category, which includes the Brassica family, includes cabbage. The aim of this study was to use the technique known as flame atomic absorption spectrometry to investigate the levels of specific harmful heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Ni, Cd, and Pb) that are detected in the vegetables. To remove the metals from the samples, the most effective wet digestion technique was used. Heavy metal buildup in the body can result in a number of health risks. Therefore, accurate identification of these pollutants is necessary to ensure safety. Zn and Ni were discovered for the kinds of cabbage examined, according to the analytical results from this study. Zn (47 to 114 mg/kg), Ni (28.6 to 39.7 mg/kg), Cr, Pb, and Cd are below the detection limit, and other metal concentrations (mg/kg) were discovered in the edible sections of cabbage. The level of Zn in cabbage from Andida farm was found to be higher and nickel is lower than the permissible value recommended by FAO/WHO. The values of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the mean values of Zn and Ni between Andida, Darra, Oddo Miqee, and Guangua cabbage samples. The samples in Ni and Zn exhibited the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.76) in the study's sample correlation coefficient matrices. Thus, it is crucial to regularly check vegetables in order to avoid an excessive accumulation of harmful heavy metals in meals.
Effect of Chomo Grass (Brachiariahumidicola) and Vetiver Grass (Vetiveriazizanioides) on Selected Soil Properties in Mana Sibu District, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Jawi Tola
Published: January 2025

Biological SWC practices of chomo grass, vetiver grass are the most productive, easy to accept and effective at reducing soil erosion and increasing soil organic matter. The objective of this research was to evaluate their effect on some selected soil physicochemical properties in Mana Sibu area. The land treated with chomo grass, vetiver grass, and adjacent untreated lands, as well as the three age groups of these grasses, young (0-10), middle (10-20), and old (20-30) years were considered. A total of 27 soil samples were collected from the subsurface of 0–20 cm soil depth in a 'zigzag' design because of vetiver strips impractical for means. The gathered soil samples were evaluated using laboratory procedures, and the general linear model included a total of 8 variables. The dry sieving analysis was carried out to separate the soil aggregate stability. Chomo and vetiver grasses effect on soil physicochemical properties, the clay soil texture was statistically highly significant at p < 0.001 following the treatments and at p < 0.01 along with age categories, while silt was not significant. The highest mean value of clay (72.67%) in the chomo grass treatment and age category (73%). The soil aggregate stability was shown to have statistical significance at p< 0.01 in the soil dry aggregate stable size fractions of > 2 mm, 0.075-0.425 mm, and 0.075 mm. Results for SOC were statistically significant at p< 0.05, while TN was at p < 0.05, soil PH at P < 0.01, and CEC at p <0.01.
The Role of Initial Financial Resources in Students’ Time Allocation – An Empirical Analysis for 25 European Countries
Authors: Gwosć Christoph
Published: January 2025

Students in higher education spend their time on a plethora of different activities such as taught studies, self-study, employment, volunteering, caring for relatives or leisure activities. Regarding the determinants of students' time allocation, this analysis investigates the rarely asked question whether students’ base income, which is the sum of transfers from the state and the family, has an impact on students’ time allocation for studies (taught studies and personal study time) and gainful employment in Europe. In addition, it is examined how satisfied students are with their time allocation. The theory of rational choice serves as a theoretical framework, whereby Becker's time allocation theory is used as a special form to model the behaviour of students. For the empirical analysis, the data set from the sixth round of the EUROSTUDENT project is used that provides data for up to 25 countries of the European Higher Education Area. Apart from all students, three student groups are in the focus that differ by their dominant source of income, i.e. self-earned income, public support, and support from the family/partner – such an analysis has not yet been conducted. As the data set contains only aggregate data, analysis is limited to descriptive statistics using mean values for various uses of time and income variables. It appears, among other things, that students with own earnings as dominant source of income have the lowest base income and they differ significantly from the other groups in their time allocation: In all countries, students depending on self-earned income have the largest total time budget (consisting of study time and employment time) of all student groups considered. They spend the least time on taught studies and personal study time and by far the most time on employment. They are also the group that most frequently wishes to reduce their working hours and to extend their study-related times for courses and self-study. As part of a concluding normative discourse on justice, it can also be stated that these students are at a disadvantage compared to their peers who depend either on public support or familial support.