bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of the Developed Solar Powered Poultry Egg Incubator for Chicken
Authors: Fe Alin T. Dalangin  , Adolfo C. Ancheta
Published: November 2023

A Solar Powered Poultry Egg Incubator (SPPEI) was developed and tested to evaluate its performance, and it was compared to an existing incubator that can incubate chicken eggs within the temperature range of 35◦C to 40◦C. The main components of the developed incubator are the incubating unit, the temperature device and the photovoltaic (PV) system. The developed incubator had 73% hatchability, 71% vigorous chicks and fewer dead embryos compared to the existing incubator that had 60% hatchability, 58% chick vigor and more embryos. The developed incubator hatched chicks starting on the 18th day until the 21st day of incubation, while the existing incubator hatched chicks on the 18th day until the 22nd day of incubation. The average temperatures in the developed incubator were within the acceptable incubation temperature range: at 37.72◦C (99.89◦F) in the morning, at 37.94◦C in◦ the afternoon (100.29◦F), and at 37.83◦C (100.09◦F) in the evening, while with the existing incubator, it is within 38.67◦C (101.6◦F), 38.74◦C (101.7◦F) and 38.52◦C (101.3◦F). The average relative humidities in the developed incubator are 60% in the morning, 60.3% in the afternoon and also 60.3% in the night while that of the existing incubator are 60%, 57.33% and 59%, respectively. The egg incubator was able to maintain the optimum conditions for the hatching of the chicken eggs, and was capable of incubating and hatching the chicken eggs effectively.
Diffusion of Nanotechnology Knowledge in Different Continents
Authors: Ma. Leah M. Borines  , Val Anthony M. Borines
Published: November 2023

Nanotechnology or the design, characterization, production, and application of materials at the scale of 10−9 m is an emerging field and has many potential applications that piqued the interest of scientists. The diffusion of knowledge in nanotechnology was quantified by modeling it as a Bass diffusion process. The numbers of ISI-indexed journals from 2000-2019 and the numbers of patents granted in USPTO from 2015-2019 were collected from statnano.com and loaded in a statistical software, which was modeled from the Bass equation. Nanotechnology studies diffuse more rapidly in Africa, Europe, and North America than Oceania, South America, and Asia as projected by the Bass diffusion curve of the ISI-indexed journals. The diffusion of nanotechnology is relatively the same for all agents as projected using the USPTO patent data. As a result of this similarity in the patents’ Bass curve, no direct correlation between the number of ISI-indexed journals and patents can be implied. Nevertheless, the Bass graph was able to extrapolate and predict which year one continent will potentially overtake another in terms of nanotechnology diffusion, its specific percentage of adoption at a particular year, and also the years required to reach the inflection point.
Requirement for Metabolizable Energy of Philippine Black Tiaong Native Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) from 20 to 40-Kilogram
Authors: Jesse Jay O. Villanueva
Published: November 2023

The objective of the study was to determine the ME requirement of growing Philippine black tiaong native pigs from 20 to 40-kg. Twenty growing Philippine black tiaong native pigs were blocked by initial weight and gender and were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments using a randomized complete block design. There were 5 replicate pigs per treatment. Diets were formulated with 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 Mcal ME/kg, respectively, corresponding to a standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys:ME ratio of 2.97 g/Mcal. Overall (d 0 to 35), ADG and final BW was unaffected by ME level; however, there was a tendency (P=0.07) for a linear decrease in ADFI and a linear improvement in F/G with increasing ME. Average backfat thickness and 10th rib fat depth linearly increased (P<0.02) with increasing ME of the diet. A linear (P<0.02) decrease in SFFL was observed as ME level increased from 3,100 to 3,400 kcal/kg. There is, however, a tendency (P=0.09) for an increase in marbling score as diet ME levels increased and an increase (quadratic, P<0.05) in L* value. Overall, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) observed in absolute and relative organ weights as the ME levels increased from 3.1 to 3.4 Mcal/kg. In conclusion, the ME requirement for maximum F/G for growing Philippine black tiaong native pigs between 20 to 40 kg is 3.4 Mcal ME/kg, when diets are formulated at standardized ileal digestible Lys:ME ratio of 2.97 g/Mcal.
Effects of Temperature to the Collector Urchin Tripneustes gratilla (Linnaeus, 1758) Two-Armed Larvae
Authors: Jason G. Tuang-tuang  , Maria Lourdes F. Llana  , Beverly E. Mercado  , Janine C. Dimzon
Published: November 2023

Shallow-water populations might be at particular risk with the predicted drastic global water temperature rise, which could cause high mortality rates among organisms at their early life stages, thereby limiting their distribution, growth, and survival. Recent studies about the thermal tolerance of the embryonic and larval stages of collector urchin highlighted the need to determine the thermal tolerance of T. gratilla larvae in the tropical region, particularly in the Philippines. In this study, the survival rates of the two-armed larvae of T. gratilla were investigated at various temperature ranges (low temperature: 19-23◦C; ambient temperature: 26-29◦C; and high temperature: 30-33◦C) under laboratory conditions. The survival of T. gratilla at two-arm larval stage was significantly lowest (15% ± 0.45 SEM at p<0.05) at high temperature range compared with the other treatments, suggesting that T. gratilla have limited thermal tolerance during the early stages of their life cycles. Findings of this study are important in determining the optimal temperature in the culture of T. gratilla, specifically in the early larval stage, and provide more insights on its thermal tolerance and sensitivity.
Potential of Organic Waste Substrates as Attractants in Log Traps for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros L.)
Authors: Roxan D. Pille  , Ma. Juliet C. Ceniza
Published: November 2023

Coconut rhinoceros beetle is an important agricultural pest that is prevalent to cause serious damage on coconuts. One of the control methods for this pest is by using different potential breeding sites/substrates. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of organic waste substrates as trapping media for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB). The organic waste substrates tested were the saw dust (control), corn cobs, rice straw, decaying vegetables, decomposing banana stumps and leaves and animal manure as CRB attractant in log traps. Among the six organic waste substrates tested, animal manure and rice straw were the most promising substrates that can be used as CRB trapping media in terms of the number of eggs collected, with 56 and 19, respectively. Also, high mortality of developing larvae was observed in these substrates compared to saw dust.
Performance Efficiency Evaluation of a Modified Laboratory-scale Process for Rubber Wastewater Treatment Using Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor)
Authors: Bui Dinh Ninh  , Nelfa C. Gil  , Dewoowoogen P. Baclayon
Published: November 2023

Industrial effluents such as wastewaters from rubber processing plants contain organic matter which favors growth of microorganisms and emits gases that have adverse effects on the environment. In this study, a modified model of treating rubber wastewater was developed. The performance of the model was evaluated and compared to the recommended standards. Effluents/outputs from the modified model were subjected to laboratory procedures and the data were analyzed using efficiency formula. Important chemical and physical properties of the effluents/outputs were determined. It was found that the performance efficiency of the modified rubber wastewater treatment process using moving bed biofilm reactor K1 in terms of COD removal, ammonia removal, total nitrogen content, and total suspended solid content met the suggested standards. Furthermore, the modified process demonstrated faster microbial growth and higher biomass in the aerobic tank than in the anoxic tank, but the overall combination of microbial growth and biomass in the anoxic and aerobic tank was responsible for the efficiency of the modified model.
Bathymetric Profile off the Waters of Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte
Authors: Anacleta L. Dagaas  , Melvin G. Obus  , Julius O. Paler  , Norberto O. Labata, Jr.  , Francis Ann R. Sy
Published: November 2023

This paper attempts to produce a geo-referenced 3D bathymetric profile off the coastal waters of Limasawa Island. It is located 4 miles (6 km) from the southern tip of the island of Leyte just outside the mouth of Sogod Bay. This study used an experimental design. Field measurements were gathered using a fish finder and chart plotter. A total of 1,627 waypoints were marked and processed using QGIS. Findings revealed that the western side of the island is relatively deep with readings not exceeding 100 meters, while the eastern side specifically at the northern edge is deep enough for port construction with readings exceeding 150 meters. The bathymetric profile of the coastal waters of Limasawa Island was georeferenced, wherein the numerical values were very consistent with the 3D visualizations. Percentage error is well within tolerance.
Forskning i ‘gode eksempler’
Authors: Fink-Jensen Kirsten
Published: November 2023

I 2005 gennemførtes projektet “De gode eksempler” på foranledning af Undervisningsministeriet. Undersøgelsen omfattede forskellige metoder, såsom surveys, spørgeskemaundersøgelser, klasserumsobservation og interviews. Ønsket var at udvikle nogle kriterier for god praksis i skolen, som kunne vise sig i elevernes præstationer efter 9.klasse samt i deres lyst til at gå videre i uddannelsessystemet. Jeg deltog sammen med tre andre forskere i den delun- dersøgelse, der omfattede klasseobservation og interviews på tre udvalgte skoler.
I udførelsen af dette empiriske arbejde vi- ste det sig nødvendigt at stille spørgsmålstegn ved det praksisbegreb, som lå implicit i “De gode eksempler”, og som er inspireret af en skoleforskning i “Best practice”, som er af angloamerikansk oprindelse. I denne tradition er praksis i skolen reduceret til en række målbare faktorer, således at det er muligt generelt at pege på bestemte metoder og undervisningsformer, som virker.
I vores klasserumsundersøgelse så vi prak- sis i skolen som beroende på mange forskellige faktorer. Det blev således nødvendigt at opstille en forståelsesramme for praksis, som kunne reflektere de komplekse forhold, der gjorde sig gældende i de udvalgte klasser. Et sådant praksisbegreb indgår i den model for et pædagogisk genstandsfelt, som delundersøgelsen blev baseret på, og som hidrører fra en kontinental/didaktisk tilgang til empirisk pædagogisk forskning.
I artiklen holdes den kontinentale/didakti- ske tilgang til pædagogisk forskning op imod det koncept, der ligger til grund for forskning i “De gode eksempler”. Det diskuteres og vi- ses i et eksempel fra delundersøgelsen, hvilke typer af resultater, det bliver muligt at udvikle inden for den valgte forståelsesramme. Endelig diskuteres, hvad forskningen i det hele taget kan bidrage med i forhold til udvikling af god praksis i skolen.
Konklusionen var, at det er problematisk at forske i god praksis ud fra et stærkt redu- ceret praksisbegreb og et instrumentelt syn på undervisning. Det blev således nødvendigt at omformulere forskningsspørgsmålet fra at omhandle, “hvilke generelle kriterier, det er muligt at stille op fr god praksis i skolen” til “hvilke forhold og processer i skolepraksis, der kan fremme/hæmme de enkelte elevers faglige kompetencer”. Det, en pædagogisk forskning af denne art kan, er at være med til at ændre nogle rutine- mæssige antagelser hos læreren, synliggøre lærerens ubevidste måder at forholde sig på samt pege på nogle årsagssammenhænge, hun ikke har været opmærksom på. Formidlingsprocessen i form af dialoger med de professionelle praktikere er en vigtig del af denne proces.
Misundelse, skam og uskyld
Authors: Staunæs Dorthe
Published: November 2023

Denne artikel er en redigeret version af min professor-tiltrædelsesforelæsning den. 15. september 2017 ved Aarhus Universitet, Danmarks Institut for Pædagogik og Uddan- nelse (DPU). I artiklen præsenterer jeg en art metodologisk program for postpsykologisk forskning i subjektiveringseffekterne af aktuelle selvledelses- og motivationsteknologier. I artiklen bruger jeg misundelse som eksempel, men det er en mere grundlæggende analytisk ambition, der driver teksten. Derfor viser jeg, hvordan teoretiske begreber om affekt og diversitet er to frugtbare og sammenhængende nedslag for postpsykologisk forskning i de performative subjektiveringseffekter af nye motivationsteknologier. Det ene nedslag handler om affekt og følelsesøkonomi og især de ‘grimme’ følelser (fx misundelse, forfængelighed og skam), som motivations- teknologierne baserer sig på og medproducerer. Det andet nedslag drejer sig om de upåagtede affektive stemninger, der dukker op, når motivationsteknologierne opererer i krydsfeltet køn, etnicitet og race. Postpsykologisk betyder ikke, at teorierne ikke beskæftiger sig med psykologi, dvs. den videnskab, der handler om, hvordan mennesker oplever, tænker, handler og føler. Selvom postpsykologi på den ene side afmonterer en række psykologiske fænomener (som f.eks. motivation) viser den på den anden side netop, hvordan motivation bliver til. Postpsykologi er ikke et farvel til psykologi, men en gentænkning af psykologi – ud fra en ny sammenhæng og ikke mindst i lyset af den komplekse samtid, som psykologien i dag spiller sammen med og leverer input til. Det stiller så også krav om at udvikle begreber som tænketeknologier snarere end repræsentative og mulighed for en mere eksperimenterende forskning baseret på en gentænkning af laboratorie-metodologier og affirmativ kritik. Det er vigtige nedslag og metodologier, hvis man er interesseret i at sige mere end teknologierne siger om sig selv og i at undersøge de udfordringer, de rummer, men også hvis man er interesseret i mere end bare at sige nej til dem.

1 Forelæsningens teksten har i sin oprindelige mundtlige form været offentliggjort på websitet lederliv.dk samt som videoforelæsning på DPU’s hjemmeside.
Metodoloģija ilglaicīgo deformāciju ietekmes novērtēšanai uz ģeopolimēra kompozīta mikrostruktūru
Authors:   , Gailītis Rihards
Published: November 2023

Promocijas darbs veltīts metodoloģijas izstrādei ar šķiedrām stiegrotu un nestiegrotu ģeopolimēra kompozītmateriālu mikrostruktūras izpētei pēc šļūdes un rukuma īpašību noteikšanas spiedē, stiepē un trīs punktu liecē. Darbā testēti spiedē, stiepē un trīs punktu liecē ģeopolimēra kompozīti gan nestiegroti, gan ar tērauda, polivinilspirta, polipropilēna un oglekļa šķiedrām stiegroti paraugi. Šļūdes īpašības noteiktas lineārajā stadijā. Paraugiem rukuma deformācijas noteiktas vienlaikus ar šļūdes deformācijām. Mikrostruktūras analīzei sagatavoti un izmantoti pulētās virsmas paraugi, kas pētīti skenējošajā elektronu mikroskopā. Darba izstrādes gaitā iegūts viens nacionālais patents un iesniegts viens patenta pieteikums, kas atspoguļo mikrostruktūras izpētes metodes cementa kompozītiem un ilglaicīgo īpašību noteikšanai.
Jūrmalas kūrortu arhitektūras attīstība
Authors:   , Vērpe Baiba
Published: November 2023

Pētījumā analizēta Latvijas lielākā kūrorta – Jūrmalas – apbūves un arhitektūras ģenēze un transformācija kopš 19. gs. sākuma līdz mūsdienām. Darbā analizēta kūrorta terminoloģija, Jūrmalas teritorijas attīstības plānošanas dokumentācija un identificētas apbūves teritorijas, kas kādā no laika periodiem izmantotas kā kūrorti. Noteikta kūrorta objektu tipoloģiskā daudzveidība un attīstība, kā arī laika gaitā notikusī to funkcionālā un būvtehniskā transformācija. Apskatīta atsevišķu stilu vai stilistisko virzienu izplatība apbūvē. Formulētas Jūrmalas kūrorta arhitektūras attīstības galvenās likumsakarības. Pētījums ievada zinātniskajā apritē jaunu faktoloģisko un grafoanalītisko materiālu.
Nebulised dornase alfa reduces inflammation and improves clinical outcomes in severe COVID-19: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Porter Joanna C. , Inshaw Jamie , Solis Vincente Joel , Denneny Emma , Evans Rebecca , Temkin Mia I. , De Vasconcelos Nathalia , Aramburu Iker Valle , Hoving Dennis , Basire Donna , Crissell Tracey , Guinto Jesusa , Webb Alison , Esmail Hanif , Johnston Victoria , Last Anna , Rampling Thomas , Helbig Elisa Theresa , Lippert Lena , Kurth Florian , Williams Bryan , Flynn Aiden , Lukey Pauline T , Birault Veronique , Papayannopoulos Venizelos
Published: November 2023

Cell-free (cf)-DNA, from cellular sources, including Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), is found in the circulation of COVID-19 patients and may contribute to immune dysregulation. This study determined whether pulmonary administration of the endonuclease, dornase alfa, reduced systemic inflammation by degrading local and systemic cf-DNA.Eligible patients were randomized (3:1) to receive twice-daily nebulised dornase alfa in addition to best available care (BAC) or BAC alone for seven days or until discharge. A 2:1 ratio of matched contemporary controls (CC) provided additional comparators. The primary endpoint was improvement in C-reactive protein (CRP) over time, analysed using a repeated-measures mixed model, adjusted for baseline factors.Between June 2020-October 2021 we recruited 39 evaluable patients: 30 randomised to dornase alfa; 9 randomised to BAC; with 60 CC. Dornase alfa reduced CRP by 33% compared to BAC. Least squares (LS) mean post-dexamethasone CRP fell from 101.9mg/L to 23.23 mg/L in the BAC+ dornase alfa group versus a fall from 99.5mg/L to 34.82 mg/L in the BAC group at 7 days; P=0.01. This effect of dornase alfa on CRP was confirmed with subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Dornase alfa increased the chance of live discharge by 63% (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.61, P=0.03), increased lymphocyte counts (LSmean 1.08 vs 0.87, P=0.02) and reduced circulating cf-DNA and the coagulopathy marker D-dimer (LS mean: 570.78 vs 1656.96 μg/mL, P=0.004). Dornase alfa was well-tolerated.We provide proof-of-concept evidence that dornase alfa reduces pathogenic inflammation in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
The magnitude and time course of pre-saccadic foveal prediction depend on the conspicuity of the saccade target
Authors: Kroell Lisa M , Rolfs Martin
Published: November 2023

We previously demonstrated that during the preparation of a large-scale saccadic eye movement, defining features of the eye movement target (i.e., its orientation) are anticipated in pre-saccadic foveal vision (Kroell & Rolfs, 2022). In this Research Advance, we show that the conspicuity of orientation information at the saccade target location influences the magnitude and time course of foveal enhancement. As in our previous study, observers prepared a saccade to a peripheral orientation signal (the target) while monitoring the appearance of a second orientation signal (the probe) in their pre-saccadic center of gaze. The probe appeared in 50% of trials and either had the same orientation as the target (congruent) or a different orientation (incongruent). In the current study, we manipulated the opacity of the target against the 1/f background noise in four logarithmic steps from 25% to 90%. An increase in opacity translated to an increase in luminance contrast and the signal-to-noise ratio of orientation information within the target region. We made three main observations: First, foveal Hit Rates for target-congruent
and
incongruent probes decreased as target opacity increased, presumably since attention was increasingly drawn to the target the more salient it became. Crucially, foveal enhancement defined as the difference between congruent and incongruent Hit Rates increased with opacity. Second, the time course of foveal enhancement appeared to show an oscillatory pattern that was particularly pronounced at higher target opacities. Interestingly, the temporal frequency of these oscillations corresponded to the frequency range typically associated with neural feedback signaling. Third, unlike the difference in Hit Rates, the difference in False Alarm Rates did not vary with opacity. Instead, reverse correlations suggest that at higher target opacities, False Alarms were increasingly triggered by signal, that is, by incidental orientation information in the foveal noise. Beyond providing new mechanistic insights into active foveal processing, these findings are relevant for researchers planning to adapt our paradigm to study related questions. Presenting the saccade target at a high signal-to-noise ratio appears beneficial as congruency effects, especially when time-resolved, are most robustly detectable.
The magnitude and time course of pre-saccadic foveal prediction depend on the conspicuity of the saccade target
Authors: Kroell Lisa M. , Rolfs Martin
Published: November 2023

We previously demonstrated that during the preparation of a large-scale saccadic eye movement, defining features of the eye movement target (i.e., its orientation) are anticipated in pre-saccadic foveal vision (Kroell & Rolfs, 2022). Here, we show that the conspicuity of orientation information at the saccade target location influences the magnitude and time course of foveal enhancement. As in our previous study, observers prepared a saccade to a peripheral orientation signal (the target) while monitoring the appearance of a second orientation signal (the probe) in their pre-saccadic center of gaze. The probe appeared on 50% of trials and either had the same orientation as the target (congruent) or a different orientation (incongruent). In the current study, we manipulated the opacity of the target against the 1/f background noise in four logarithmic steps from 25–90%. An increase in opacity translates to an increase in luminance contrast and in the signal-to-noise ratio of orientation information within the target region. We made three main observations: First, foveal Hit Rates for target-congruent
and
incongruent probes decreased as target opacity increased, presumably since attention was increasingly drawn to the target the more salient it became. Crucially, foveal enhancement defined as the difference between congruent and incongruent Hit Rates increased with opacity. Second, foveal enhancement emerged earlier as target opacity increased, likely since the peripheral target was processed faster at higher contrasts. Third, unlike the difference in Hit Rates, the difference in False Alarm Rates did not vary with opacity. Instead, reverse correlations suggest that at higher target opacities, False Alarms were increasingly triggered by signal, that is, by incidental orientation information in the foveal noise. Beyond providing new mechanistic insights into active foveal processing, these findings are relevant for researchers planning to adapt our paradigm to study related questions. Presenting the saccade target at a high signal-to-noise ratio appears beneficial as congruency effects, especially when time-resolved, are most robustly detectable.
Circuit-based intervention corrects excessive dentate gyrus output in the Fragile X mouse model
Authors: Deng Pan-Yue , Kumar Ajeet , Cavalli Valeria , Klyachko Vitaly A.
Published: November 2023

Abnormal cellular and circuit excitability is believed to drive many core phenotypes in fragile X syndrome (FXS). The dentate gyrus is a brain area performing critical computations essential for learning and memory. However, little is known about dentate circuit defects and their mechanisms in FXS. Understanding dentate circuit dysfunction in FXS has been complicated by the presence of two types of excitatory neurons, the granule cells and mossy cells. Here we report that loss of FMRP markedly decreased excitability of dentate mossy cells, a change opposite to all other known excitability defects in excitatory neurons in FXS. This mossy cell hypo-excitability is caused by increased Kv7 function in
Fmr1
KO mice. By reducing the excitatory drive onto local hilar interneurons, hypo-excitability of mossy cells results in increased excitation/inhibition ratio in granule cells and thus paradoxically leads to excessive dentate output. Circuit-wide inhibition of Kv7 channels in
Fmr1
KO mice increases inhibitory drive onto granule cells and normalizes the dentate output in response to physiologically relevant theta-gamma coupling stimulation. Our study suggests that circuit-based interventions may provide a promising strategy in this disorder to bypass irreconcilable excitability defects in different cell types and restore their pathophysiological consequences at the circuit level.
A new strategy for cardiac protection
Authors: Bouhamida Esmaa , Chaudhry Hina W
Published: November 2023

It may be possible to treat cardiac hypertrophy and injury by using drugs that inhibit a protein called SIRT2.
Improvement intervention proposal for a small clothing company: airtable software
Authors: Ferreira Felipe Facco Mendes , Soares Evandro Bezerra , Barbosa Priscila Pasti
Published: November 2023

The basis for any industry to achieve high growth potential and, consequently, profitability, comes from organization, efficiency, standardization, quality, among other factors. Entrepreneurs are often unable to pinpoint how damaging the disorganization of a production process is, poor programming and development can suck up all the company's profits, and due to the lack of planning and production control this situation can be imperceptible in the final process. All of these points can be resolved with good company organization aligned with good production planning and control. However, every optimization process requires everyone's involvement and commitment, that is, everyone needs to be willing to donate to achieve process improvement that brings positive impacts to both the worker and the company. In this work we observed the importance of developing and implementing Production Planning, Programming and Control (PPCP) software on an online platform called Airtable. With the software it was possible to access the company's entire data history, making the information easily accessible for everyone in the company. As a result, it was possible to see a significant improvement in the company's organization, a reduction in lead time and consequently a significant growth.
The Effect of Operational Strategy on Organizational Performance of Commercial Banks in Meru County, Kenya
Authors: Ibrahim Gonjobicha Adan , Obuba Robert
Published: November 2023

Achieving optimal organizational performance is a concern for businesses, and it largely hinges on how well they adapt to the dynamic business landscape. Currently, this landscape is marked by significant turbulence in organizational performance, particularly posing challenges for managers in the banking sector. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable decline in the growth rate of most commercial banks in Meru City County, Kenya, leading to diminishing profit margins. Consequently, the implementation of functional level strategies has become crucial for banks aiming to achieve objectives such as customer retention, profit growth, increased sales, operational efficiency, and expanded market share. This research study primarily aimed to investigate how operational strategy impact the organizational performance of commercial banks in Meru County, Kenya. To conduct this research, a theoretical framework, resource-based view was used. The study utilized a descriptive research design, and a census approach was employed, targeting 19 branch managers, 19 operational managers, 19 marketing managers, 19 chief accounting officers, and 19 human resource managers in Meru County. A total of 95 respondents were selected for the sample, and data were collected using questionnaires with close-ended questions. Content validity was established through consultations and discussions with experts, academicians, and the supervisor. Reliability was assessed using the Cronbach Alpha method, and data analysis was conducted through the utilization of both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, facilitated by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The presentation of data took the form of frequency distribution tables and graphical charts. The consensus among respondents was that operational strategies exerted an influence on the organizational performance of commercial banks. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing operational strategies as they have a positive impact on the organizational performance of commercial banks in Meru County, Kenya.
The Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Information on Project Success in Teacher Colleges in Tanzania
Authors: Joseph Bugendi , Pallangyo William A. , Kapaya Saganga
Published: November 2023

This article explores the influence of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) information on project success in teachers’ colleges in Tanzania. To attain the intended objectives five hypothesis were developed and tested by using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The study applied descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational survey design within the framework of a mixed methods approach. Census technique was applied to include public teacher colleges and all College Management Team (CMT) members in the study. Either, Ministerial Education Officials and Zonal Quality Assurance Officers were involved in the study as key informants. The result of hypothesis testing revealed that M&E information was positively related to project success. Availability of clear data collection system, regular conducted meeting with stakeholders, community involvement in project M&E and information to team members were all positive and significantly related to project success. It was revealed that regularly prepared and disseminated M&E reports were not significantly related to project success. The study recommends that teacher colleges should employ modern information and communication tools in collecting project data, also teacher colleges should ensure that involvement of the community adds value economically, it is gender and social responsive as well as it focuses on capacity building and improving social well-being of the entire community.
Effects of Marital Divorce on Children's Well-being in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania
Authors: Malema Augustino A. , Msomba Given , Phillip Frank
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of marital divorce on children's well-being in Iringa Municipality under the specific objective named; to assess the psychological effects on children's well-being. The study used a Qualitative approach and descriptive research design. Data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed through a thematic approach. The findings indicated that there are direct relationship between the style of life the parents were living before divorce and the style their children live after divorce which in turn affects them and they may cause another divorce to their child in the future. Moreover, divorced marriages were found to have negative psychological effects on children either mentally or physically, misconduct behaviour, social interaction and becoming street children. The study recommends that parents must rethink critical before deciding to divorce on the future development of their children.
Influence of Starch Content on the Sensory and Rheological Quality of Fermented Soy Milk
Authors: Degbeu Kouadio Claver , Kouadio Kouadio Olivier , Adjouman Yao Desiré , Amani N’guessan Georges
Published: November 2023

Fermented soy milk is depreciated by consumers for its poor consistency and vegetable aroma. To rectify this deficiency, starch of traditional sweet cassava variety, was used at different rates as thickening agent as well as four aromas (mint, strawberry, banana and pineapple), to enhance the taste in the production of fermented soy milk. The viscosity measurement was done with a Programmable BROOKFIELD DV III. The descriptive sensory analysis were carried out with 15 trained panelists. The hedonic test was conducted with 50 untrained consumers. The viscosity of fermented soy milk increase with the starch concentration. The fermented soy milk with 3% of starch has the highest viscosity with 813.4 cP than the control one with 207.4 cP. The fermented soy milk incorporated with 0.5, 1 and 1.5% starch are less consistent in the mouth. For thickness, samples with 1, 1.5 and 2% starch were judged moderately thick than 2.5 and 3% of starch. Panel appreciated the thickness, ropiness and mouth-coating character of fermented soy milk with 2 and 2.5% starch. The mint and strawberry aromas were the most appreciated. Fermented soy milk incorporate of 2, 2.5% of starch with mint and strawberry as aroma could be marketed.
A Comparative Study of Various Substrate Combinations on Mass Multiplication of Trichoderma lexii (T-94a)
Authors: Dhruw Smriti , Kotasthane A. S. , Shukla Akanksha
Published: November 2023

The high cost of raw materials has long hindered the large-scale commercialization of Trichoderma sp. conidiophore formulations. This study addresses the need for affordable, nutrient-rich alternatives by exploring the use of lignocellulosic residues, comprising lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, as a carbon source for cultivating Trichoderma. These fungi possess unique attributes, such as filamentous growth and prolific spore production, which make them valuable for composting lignocellulosic waste. Using different substrates with a combination of straws effectively helps in the decomposition of straw and enhances the mass multiplication of Trichoderma lexii (T-94a). Different substrates such as broken rice, grounded maize, gram flour, sorghum & broken wheat were used in combination with paddy straws. A combination of Maize + straw induced an early response in the mycelial growth of Trichoderma lexii (T-94a). After 5 and 10 days of inoculation, physical parameters such as growth and sporulation characteristics of T. lexii (T-94a) show highly uniform growth and profuse sporulation on maize and straw combination as compared to broken rice & straw, sorghum, and straw combinations. This finding has promising implications for improving agricultural practices and waste management. Further research can fine-tune the optimal substrate ratios to enhance the efficiency of biocontrol agents and waste decomposition. Scaling up the application of these substrate combinations in real-world farming scenarios and assessing their long-term environmental impact will be essential for realizing the full potential of these sustainable agricultural practices.
A Study about Temperature Induction Response (TIR): Novel Physiological Approach for Thermotolerant Genotypes in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Surekha S. , Dhanoji M. M. , Meena M. K. , Kuchnoor P. H. , Patil Ayyangouda
Published: November 2023

Pulses have been described as a "poor man's meat and affluent man's vegetable" in India. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most legume crop grown during rabi season under receding soil moisture. Chickpeas is known to flourish in drought-prone conditions, but it seems to be sensitive to heat stress exceptionally during reproductive development, resulting in considerable yield loss. The performance of chickpeas under heat stress is more variable. It is crucial to develop screening tools to identify thermotolerant chickpea genotypes because of the increase in average global temperatures. In this view, a lab experiment was conducted to standardize the temperature induction response (TIR) protocol for chickpea seeds. The 70 % hydrated seeds were used for the experiment. This technique can be used as a potential tool to identify and select temperature tolerant lines at the seed stage itself from a large population. A set of six chickpea genotypes were screened for intrinsic tolerance using the standardized Thermo Induced Response (TIR) protocol. Among the genotypes JG-14, JG-11 and A-1 showed highest thermo tolerance in terms of higher survival of seeds (germination percentage) and seedlings with less per cent reduction in seedling survival, root and shoot growth. The genotypes with intrinsic heat tolerance can be explored for the development of varieties suitable for late sown conditions in Karnataka where chickpea is prone to terminal heat stress. The results of the study concluded and standardized the sub lethal temperature as 32 ºC to 50 ºC for 5 hours and 30 min, lethal temperature i.e., challenging temperature as 58 ℃ for 3 hours and LD 50 as 52 ℃ for 3 hours at seed level itself.
Effect on Yield, Attribute Character and Economics of Various Treatment in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop
Authors: Kumar Anil , Dwarka  , Nayak Kratika , Kumar Kailash , Kumhare Alpana , Tekam Yagini
Published: November 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Faizabad (U.P.) during Rabi season of 2014-15 to study the response of late sown wheat varieties to doses of nitrogen application. Eighteen treatment consisted of six doses of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg N ha-1) and three varieties of wheat (PBW-373, HD-2327, and NW-1014). The experiment was carried out  in Randomized Block Design R.B.D. (factorial) with three replications on silt loam having low organic carbon (0.37%), nitrogen (194.25 kg ha-1), medium in phosphorus (15.25 kg ha-1) and potassium (250.25 kg ha-1). All the growth and yield parameters increased significantly with increasing nitrogen doses up to 200 kg ha-1. The maximum net return (Rs. 40712ha-1) was obtained at 160 kg N ha-1 with NW-1014 and B:C ratio 1.19 followed by same variety at 120 kg N ha-1. Thus it may be concluded that application of 160 kg N ha-1 proved appropriate levels of nitrogen for exploration of the yield potential of the late sown wheat varieties. Among the varieties NW-1014 was found the most suitable for cultivation under late sown condition for Northern East Plain zone.
Effect of Bio-Agents and Organics Against Fusarium Wilt of Ashwagandha
Authors: Mishra R. S. , Bahadur Raj
Published: November 2023

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) roots are the major source of alkaloids including tropine,  pseudotropine and somniferine.  Production of Ashwagandha root is less as compared to other medicinal plants because of wilt disease caused by Fusarium solani. The wilt infected plant has fully disturbed and finally whole plant is wilted. Therefore bio-agents and bio-fumigants (crusiferea plants) were evaluated. All treatments were significantly reduced the disease infection from 13.79 % - 90.8 %, 11.08 % - 72.44 %, 15.36 % - 68.48 % and 14.04 % - 61.44 % at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after sowing. The per cent disease control was maximum 90.86 % in Trichoderma harzianum @ 2.0 %. The highest plant growth was observed in Trichoderma harzianum such as plant height (42.87 cm), stem length, (39.52 cm) and root length (12.07 cm). Highest seed yield per pot was recorded in T1- Trichoderma harzianum (1.95 g) which was statistically at par with T5 (1.87 g) and T2 (1.65 g).
Serological Evaluation of a Cohort of Patients with Chronic Chagas Disease Treated with Benznidazole in a Low Endemic Area of Central Brazil
Authors: Casé-Leite Alinne R. , Camarço Willian R. , Carvalho-Campos Samuel N. M. , Hofmeister Georges B. , Fontes Cor J. F. , Gomes Luciano T.
Published: November 2023

Background: The most widely accepted criterion for assessing the cure of chronic Chagas disease after etiological therapy is the negativization of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies long after the completion of treatment.

Materials and Methods: We employed various serological antibody detection techniques to ascertain whether benznidazole treatment successfully cured chronic Chagas disease in a retrospective cohort of patients in a low-endemic area in central Brazil. Antibodies were assessed using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) before treatment and 1-18 years post-treatment. A reevaluation of 89 patients was conducted in 2018, which included indirect hemagglutination (IHA), chemiluminescence (CL), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses.

Results: Seventeen patients were monitored for 15 years or more, seven for 10-15 years, 50 for 6-10 years, and 17 for 1-5 years. Only two patients who received treatment tested PCR-positive at reevaluation, indicating treatment failure. Both patients discontinued treatment early due to benznidazole's side effects. The incidence of serological test negativization was 10.1%. However, antibody levels determined by ELISA decreased with the increased duration of follow-up (p=0.002). Similarly, antibody titers of IIF-positive sera were lower in post-treatment reevaluations than those in pre-treatment titers, indicating reduced levels of anti-T. cruzi antibodies. These levels decreased in a duration-dependent manner during follow-up.

Conclusion: The results reveal a low cure rate based on antibody negativization, but antibody titers significantly decreased in all conventional serological tests. These findings suggest that decreased antibody levels may be associated with parasitological cure in patients with chronic Chagas disease after etiological treatment with benznidazole. Further prospective studies should be conducted to confirm and validate these findings.
Association between Estrogen Receptors Alpha and Beta and Developmental Defects of Enamel: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vasconcelos Katia Regina Felizardo , Fonseca-Souza Gabriela , Madalena Isabela Ribeiro , Nelson-Filho Paulo , Feltrin-Souza Juliana , Torres Carolina Paes , Matsumoto Mírian Aiko Nakane , Lepri Cesar Penazzo , Kirschneck Christian , Küchler Erika Calvano , Menezes-Oliveira Maria Angelica Hueb de
Published: November 2023

Background: The genes encoding estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ESR1 and ESR2) are expressed during odontogenesis and may be involved in developmental defects of enamel (DDEs).

Aims: To investigate the association between DDE and genetic polymorphisms ESR1 and ESR2.

Study Design:  Cross-sectional.

Place: Department of Orthodontics at School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FORP/USP).

Methodology: Ninety-one (91) patients of both sexes were included in this study (mean age 14.1 ± 5.8 years). DDEs were evaluated by a calibrated examiner using the criteria proposed by Ghanim et al. (2015) (Kappa >0.80). Genomic DNA from saliva was used to evaluate four genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 (rs2234693 and rs9340799) and ESR2 (rs1256049 and rs4986938). Genotyping was performed through Real-Time PCR. The data were analyzed using the PLINK software. Associations were tested by Chi-square or Fisher exact tests. The established alpha was 5%.

Results: A total of 38.5% of the sample presented some DDE (excluding dental fluorosis). DDE was not associated with the polymorphisms rs2234693 and rs9340799 in ESR1 and rs1256049 and rs4986938 in ERS2 (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and ESR2 were not associated with DDE.
LTE/LTE-A Based Advanced Wireless Networks
Authors: Khan Shaikhul Arefin , Chowdhury Md. Mokarram Hossain , Nandy Uthso
Published: November 2023

LTE/LTE-A is a wireless broadband standard that provides quick and reliable connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT) and other connected devices. It is the de facto standard for 4G wireless, offering high-speed communication, extensive network coverage, and low latency. LTE/LTE-A networks are crucial for real-time IoT applications, offering high-speed data transfer, extensive coverage, low latency, and scalability. However, challenges in evaluating LTE/LTE-A-based wireless networks for IoT include compatibility, cost, power consumption, network coverage, and security. Large-scale deployments are hindered by cost, power usage, real-time data transfer, security vulnerabilities, and interoperability. Network performance may be impacted by high data traffic levels, expensive setup and maintenance, and interference from other wireless devices. LTE/LTE-A networks are complex and require sophisticated network technologies and protocols, making them difficult for some IoT stakeholders to build and administer.
Streptococcus salivarius Probiotics to Prevent Acute Otitis Media in Children
Authors: Sarlin Suvi , Koskela Ulla , Honkila Minna , Tähtinen Paula A. , Pokka Tytti , Renko Marjo , Tapiainen Terhi
Published: November 2023

Importance

New approaches for the prevention of acute otitis media (AOM), the most common reason for antibiotic use in children, are needed.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of the Streptococcus salivarius K12 oral probiotics in the primary prevention of AOM.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from August 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021, at 50 day care centers in the Oulu region of Finland. A total of 827 children aged 1 to 6 years attending day care were included. The exclusion criteria consisted of ongoing antimicrobial prophylaxis or immunodeficiency. The follow-up time was 6 months and was completed on May 31, 2021. Data were analyzed from October 24, 2022, to September 16, 2023, based on intention to treat.

Intervention

Eligible participants were randomly allocated to receive 1 daily dose of a S salivarius K12 product or placebo every evening for 6 months. A daily dose was defined as 1 sachet of soluble oral powder for children younger than 3 years or 1 chewable tablet for children 3 years or older containing 1 × 109 colony-forming units of S salivarius K12.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of children with at least 1 episode of AOM requiring antimicrobial therapy within 6 months of randomization. All physician visits and purchases of antimicrobial drugs were retrieved from the electronic national medical record and prescription register. The primary outcome was met if the legal guardian had purchased an antimicrobial prescription for AOM.

Results

A total of 827 children with a mean (SD) age of 4.1 (1.6) years (433 boys [52.4%]) were randomized to S salivarius K12 oral products (n = 413) or placebo (n = 414). Thirty-four children (8.2%) in the S salivarius group and 24 children (5.8%) in the placebo group experienced at least 1 episode of AOM requiring antimicrobial therapy during the 6-month follow-up period (relative risk, 1.42 [95% CI, 0.86-2.34]; proportion difference, −2.44% [95% CI, −5.94% to 1.09%]; P = .17). Time to first AOM episode did not differ between the groups (174 [95% CI, 171-177] days in the S salivarius group vs 176 [95% CI, 173-179] days in the placebo group; P = .18).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, the daily use of the S salivarius K12 products for 6 months did not reduce the occurrence of AOM. New approaches for primary prevention of AOM among children are needed.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrialsRegister.eu Identifier: 2020-001076-14