bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Selected Lifestyle Factors on Semen Quality in Iraqi Men
Authors: Nsaif Ali Izdihar
Published: August 2023

Background: Millions of people in their reproductive years are affected by infertility around the globe, which has consequences for their families and communities. Presently, various factors related to lifestyle (such as age, BMI, and smoking) are greatly responsible for male infertility. The primary goal of performing a semen analysis is to evaluate a man's ability to fertilize, estimate his fertility, and this process is comparatively easier, less invasive, and cheaper than examining the female. Objectives: In Iraqi males of infertile couples, this study aims to establish the correlation between paternal age, body mass index, and smoking habit, and its impact on semen parameters. Materials and Methods: During their attendance at a private infertility clinic from July 2021 to October 2022, a total of 120 couples struggling with infertility took part in the study. The males were subjected to semen analysis, following the guidelines set by WHO-1999. The study aimed to assess the impact of factors such as paternal age, body mass index, and smoking habits on semen parameters. These factors were then subjected to statistical testing to determine their significance. Results: Secondary infertility, the most prevalent among all infertile couples (n=69), is characterized by inversely related sperm parameters when considering the duration of infertility. The decrease in sperm concentration, rapid progressive motility, and normal morphology resulting from the impact of aging process, body weight, and smoking habit was found to be statistically significant (p-value
Detection of Toxoplasma Gondii DNA in Uterine and Malignant Prostate Tissues of Cancer Patients
Authors: Saeed Rana Essam , Majali Alaa Abd al-Hussein
Published: August 2023

The current study aimed to find the Toxoplasma gondii parasite in uterine and prostate tissue models infected with cancer, which were collected from the cities of Kut and Nasiriyah, and to identify infected organs using Real-time PCR based on (B1) gene and histological examination, and the other is to identify histological changes in tissues. Cancer as a result of infection with the parasite. By examining the histological sections of samples positive for the parasite, (120) hundred and twenty tumor tissue samples fixed with formalin as well as embedded with paraffin wax were collected from incoming patients and subjected to surgical intervention for samples located in the tissue laboratories of Al-Zahra and Al-Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital and previously diagnosed with prostate and uterine cancer a month ago October 2022 to January 2023 in my province of Wasit and Dhi Qar / Iraq, whose ages ranged from (25-93 years), as it included (40) samples of the prostate for males and (80) samples of uterine tissue from females. Positive samples were taken using real-time PCR technology, and tissue sections were prepared to diagnose parasite presence and to identify histological changes in infected tissue models. The total number of samples positive for T. gondii parasite, based on the tissue sections, was 53 (44.16%) distributed according to organs, the percentage of infection was recorded in the prostate 5 (35.71%) and the uterus 19 (48.71%). These results indicated the possible role of infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite in causing different types of infection cancer. It is concluded that infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite and its presence inside the cells has a role in the development of different types of histopathological changes, which in the future turn into possible cancers in the affected organs
Kingsley Amis and the Movement Poetry
Authors: Bila Marwa
Published: August 2023

The Movement literary movement is known for how it caused so many debates concerning its existence in the 1950s. This is due to the fact that the poetry of this movement is known as a break from the old traditions of poetry and a step toward the Post-Modern themes and techniques. The subject matter of this literary movement is human experience, which makes its poetry more understandable by the majority of people, unlike the difficult language that marked the poetry of the other schools that came before. Thus, it is fair to say that the poetry of the Movement literary movement tackles the socio-cultural matters that dealt with the mass that the post-modern societies faced back then during the 1950s.
Strategic Intelligence and its Impact on Development of Tourist Guide: An Analytical Study for Opinions of a Sample of Managers at Travel and Tourism Companies in City of Baghdad
Authors: Alwan  , Ridha Nawfal Abdul , Rabie , Zeina Moahmmed
Published: August 2023

Both of researchers aim through the research to clarify the relationship between Strategic Intelligence and its impact on Development of Tour Guide , invest research in the tourism companies active in the tourism sector to show the added value achieved by the tour guide in the companies surveyed, and to identify the extent to which the criteria for developing the skills of the tour guide are implemented by the surveyed community, The researchers started with a major problem represented by the limited ability of these companies to provide long-term plans for the development of their tour guides, and the research came to determine the relationship and impact between strategic intelligence as an independent variable and its impact on the development of the tour guide as a dependent variable. Research and answering questions and testing the validity of hypotheses, the analytical descriptive approach was adopted as a scientific methodology in the current research, and the research was adopted on the basis of (questionnaire), which is the main tool for data collection and personal interviews, so the research included analyzing the opinions of a sample of some company managers Tourism and travel in the city of Baghdad by (210) a questionnaire distributed to all directors of tourism companies, and the use of a set of statistical measures and methods. Partnership and strategic alliances.
Strategic Sensitivity and Firm Competitiveness in Selected Deposit Money Banks in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Authors: Ekanem Uforo Akpan , Iko Emilia John , Ekanem Glory Uforo , Ajibade Felicia Olufunmilayo
Published: August 2023

Strategic sensitivity is keeping connections with a number of different people and organizations in order to be as open to information, intelligence, and innovations as feasible. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between Strategic Sensitivity and Firm Competitiveness of Deposit Money Banks in Akwa Ibom State. three research hypotheses were formulated to guide the conduct of the study. The survey research design approach was adopted for the study. The target respondents were staffs of 11 Deposit Money Banks operating within the study area. A sample size of 180 employees were adopted for this study and were assessed using the systematic sampling technique. The main data used were from primary sources gathered with the use of a likert scaled questionnaire. Data gathered were analyzed with the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) Analysis at a 0.05 significant level. It is concluded that there is a significant relationship between strategic sensitivity and firms’ competitiveness. Since the relationship of strategic sensitivity is significant, it is a good predictor of firm’s competitiveness. It is recommended that Deposit Money Banks in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State need to build strong capabilities. Have the strategic foresight, proactivity and adaptability and flexibility to analyze the dynamic business environment and constantly in addition to mitigation strategies, carefully analyze opportunities and threats. Lower production costs than other competitors.
Exploring The Barriers to Global Trends in The Real Estate Development Industry: A Focus On Nigeria
Authors: Ozigbo Ikechukwu William-Johnson , Nnamani Obinna Collins , Onyekwelu Ezinne Ifeoma
Published: August 2023

This general review paper explores current global trends in the real estate development industry as well as identifies the barriers to the growth and development of these industry trends in Nigeria. This study adopts the desk research approach using secondary information sourced from diverse databases. Content analysis of the secondary data show that advanced and some emerging markets have made tremendous progress in sustainable real estate development, disruptive technologies application in real estate development, real estate transparency, and development laws and regulation compared to Nigeria an emerging market. Barriers to the growth and development of the global trends in Nigeria’s real estate development industry were identified and grouped into eight sub-categories. Understanding these barriers and means to address them by policymakers, built environment experts and developers will result to sustainable growth and expansion of Nigeria’s real estate development industry. Further quantitative survey should be conducted to rate these factors in their order of significance.
Evaluación sensorial de hamburguesa con carne de soja como sustituto parcial de la carne de vacuno
Authors: Balarezo Carolina Beltrán , Carchi Tandazo Tanya Alexandra , Yánez Romero María Elena , Chérrez Neocato Angélica Estefanía , Bravo Bravo Verónica Patricia
Published: August 2023

La presente investigación se enfocó en la evaluación de aceptación sensorial de carne de hamburguesa formulada con carne de soja como sustituto parcial de la carne de res. El diseño experimental aplicado fue un diseño factorial completo 2^2, con factores que incluyen el porcentaje de carne de soja en niveles del 40% y 50%, y la cantidad de condimento en dos niveles del 2% y 2.5%. La caracterización bromatológica involucró determinar los porcentajes de proteína, grasa, nitritos, nitratos y realizar análisis microbiológicos para coliformes totales. La evaluación sensorial incluyó pruebas múltiples de comparación hedónica, que se aplicaron a consumidores regulares de hamburguesas. Un número significativo de jueces, específicamente 30 panelistas, participaron para garantizar objetividad en los resultados. Los atributos evaluados en estas pruebas fueron color, sabor y textura, lo que permitió la identificación de cambios organolépticos en la sustitución de la carne a base de plantas. El análisis estadístico indicó que la sustitución de carne de soja no fue aceptable; sin embargo, la formulación 1 recibió evaluaciones favorables. Los criterios de evaluación de calidad se midieron utilizando una escala de gusto o disgusto, dependiendo del atributo evaluado.
MESSENGER Observations of Multiple Magnetic Energy Releases during Mercury’s Substorm
Authors: Shao Peng , Ma Yonghui , Zeng Gang
Published: August 2023

Substorms are energy storage and dissipation processes that occur in planetary magnetospheres accompanied by numerous phenomena, such as magnetic dipolarizations, plasma sheet thinning and thickening, magnetic flux ropes, and plasmoid ejections. Recent MESSENGER observations have revealed substorm activity in Mercury’s near magnetotail, with average durations of 2–3 minutes for both the growth and expansion phases. Herein, we report MESSENGER spacecraft observations of sporadic and short-term energy dissipation processes during the substorm expansion phase in Mercury’s magnetotail. Three magnetic dipolarizations lasting for ∼4 minutes were detected during the expansion phase and manifested as step-like enhancements in the northward component of the magnetic field. The magnetic field strength decreased during each dipolarization, indicating an intermittent release of magnetic energy. They arise owing to multiple magnetic pileup effects caused by planetward bursty bulk flows ejected from distant magnetotail reconnections. Additionally, in close proximity to each dipolarization, we observed the occurrence of pulse-like fluctuations in the B

y
component. These new MESSENGER observations suggest that during the expansion phase of Mercury’s substorm, the energy dissipation can be caused by multiple local transient processes, although the duration is much shorter than that of Earth.
The Ecosystem of Linked Biodiversity Publications: General Picture of Tools and Services Created by Plazi, Pensoft, MNHN, CETAF, Zenodo, and SIBiLS
Authors: Agosti Donat , Penev Lyubomir , Ruch Patrick , Benichou Laurence , Ioannidis-Pantopikos Alexandros
Published: August 2023

A goal of natural history institutions is to contribute to the understanding of biodiversity and disseminate this knowledge through scholarly publications and other public activities. In today’s world, it is expected that this knowledge, imprisoned in separated silos of millions of publications scattered through ca. 500 million published pages, is readily available for exploring and reusing by humans and artificial intelligence tools. The goal of the BiCIKL project and its key product, the Biodiversity Knowledge Hub (BKH), is to put together novel tools and services to publish and extract data from publications to create findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR) corpus of digital data, and establish explicit links between the data in publications and cited data types (taxonomic names, gene sequences, occurrences, images). This corpus of data is made available to the researchers and practitioners through the Biodiversity Literature Repository (BLR), the “Biodiversity PMC” digital library, Synospecies, and the OpenBiodiv knowledge graph through analytic tools, including artificial intelligence, and to a large extend through the re-use by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and ChecklistBank (CLB).

This presentation will focus on the entire ecosystem of interlinked services created by Plazi, Pensoft, the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (Science Press), the Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities (CETAF) e-publishing working group, the Zenodo repository at the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Literature Services of the Swiss Insitute of Bioinformatics (SIBiLS) to enforce both novel methods for prospective semantic publishing and text and data mining of legacy literature. In the end, all knowledge, published in various journals by many publishers in different parts of the world, comes together into a standardized and re-usable open and linked FAIR data pool for the benefit of the researchers and society.
Improving Collection-Based Biodiversity Research in Chile: Digitisation and Implementation of Web Portals
Authors: Segovia Ricardo , Guerrero Pablo , Squeo Francisco , Saez Juan
Published: August 2023

Biodiversity portals are emerging as some of the most powerful tools for scientific research and management based on scientific collections. We discuss the importance of web portals in biodiversity research and highlight the commendable progress made by two digitisation projects in Chile: herbariodigital.cl and the Atlas of Chilean Biodiversity. The aim of herbariodigital.cl and ALA-Chile is to take advantage of technological advances to improve the digitisation of biodiversity data. Using cutting-edge methods, herbariodigital.cl has successfully digitised an extensive collection of plant specimens and associated data from Chilean herbaria (>25,000 specimens), promoting a more accessible and inclusive platform for researchers, educators and decision-makers.

Recognising that the complex nature of biodiversity information requires a careful approach to data storage and organisation to ensure efficient exchange across different platforms, we discuss our experience of using the Darwin Core standard (Darwin Core Task Group 2009), a widely accepted data standard in the field of biodiversity informatics. In turn, we discuss the incongruence that arises from adopting different global taxonomic checklists, such as the GBIF taxonomic backbone (GBIF Secretariat 2022) and World Flora Online (WFO 2023), in addition to a localised community catalogue. Using these different taxonomic frameworks is a significant challenge, as discrepancies and inconsistencies can arise, leading to potential under- or over-estimation of biodiversity indicators. By addressing these challenges, we believe that both herbariodigital.cl and ALA-Chile will prove to be invaluable assets for scientific research, educational initiatives, and environmental monitoring and assessment.

The comprehensive digitisation of biodiversity information will make it easier for researchers to conduct interdisciplinary studies and formulate evidence-based conservation strategies. In addition, educators will be able to use these web portals to develop interactive teaching materials, fostering a deeper connection between students and the natural world. Stakeholders in both the public and private sectors can also make informed decisions about biodiversity offsetting.

In conclusion, we highlight the transformative impact of web portals in the field of biodiversity research. The remarkable progress made by herbariodigital.cl and ALA-Chile in digitising Chile's biodiversity information is opening up unprecedented opportunities for scientific research, education and environmental management. By overcoming the challenges of data standardisation and taxonomic harmonisation, these projects are paving the way for a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to understanding and conserving Chile's biodiversity.
Research on crude oil price forecasting based on computational intelligence
Authors: Li Ming , Li Ying
Published: August 2023

The crude oil market, as a complex evolutionary nonlinear driving system, is by nature a highly noisy, nonlinear and deterministic chaotic series of price series. In this paper, a computational intelligence-based portfolio model is constructed to forecast crude oil prices using weekly price data of West Texas intermediate crude oil (WTI) crude oil futures from 2011 to 2021. First, the WTI crude oil price series are decomposed using the ensemble empirical modal decomposition method (EEMD) and the set of component series is reconstructed using the cluster analysis method. Second, the reconstructed series are modeled and predicted using neural network models such as time-delay neural network (TDNN), extreme learning machine (ELM), multilayer perceptron (MLP) and the GM (1, 1) gray prediction algorithm and the output of the model with the best prediction effect for each component is integrated. Finally, the EGARCH model is used to further optimize the predictive power of the combined model and output the final predicted values. The results show that the combined model based on computational intelligence has higher forecasting accuracy than single models such as GM (1, 1), ARIMA, MLP and the combined EEMD-ELM model for forecasting crude oil futures prices.
Enhancing sensor linearity through the translinear circuit implementation of piecewise and neural network models
Authors: Seenivasaan Sundararajan , Madhusoodanan Kottarthil Naduvil
Published: August 2023

The performance of the control system relies on the linearity of the sensor, which can be influenced by various factors such as aging and alterations in material properties. However, current sensor linearization techniques, such as utilizing neural networks and piecewise regression models in the digital domain, suffer from issues like errors, excessive power consumption, and slow response times. To address these constraints, this investigation employs a translinear based analog circuit to realize neural networks and piecewise regression models for the purpose of linearizing the selected sensors. A conventional feed-forward back propagation network is constructed and trained using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. The developed linearization algorithm is implemented using a translinear circuit, where the trained weights, biases, and sensor output are fed as input current sources into the current-mode circuit. Further in this work, the piecewise regression model is designed and implemented using a translinear circuit and the breakpoint is determined using 'R' language. The simulation results indicate that the implementation of the current-mode circuit with metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) for the neural network algorithm leads to a substantial reduction in full-scale error as compared to the piecewise current mode model. Additionally, a performance analysis was conducted to compare the utilization of current-mode circuits with digital approaches for the linearization of sensors. The proposed translinear implementation surpasses the other researcher's work by delivering notable results. It showcases a significant improvement in linearity, ranging from 60% to 80%, for the selected sensors. Furthermore, the proposed implementation excels not only in linearity but also in terms of both response speed and power consumption. The improvement in the linearity of the sensor can be enhanced further by replacing the MOSFETs with bipolar transistors or any versatile materials such as gallium arsenide or gallium nitride-based transistors.
Redesigning of Mobile Content to Enhance Learning Activities Preparation by Preschool Experts
Authors: Ismail Irwan Mahazir , Sanmugam Mageswaran , Hassan Hadi , Nadzeri Mohamad Basri , Abdul Rahim Azwin Arif , Khamis Nor Yazi
Published: August 2023

Mobile content provision at the preschool stage has grown after the post-pandemic Covid-19.Preschool teachers face varying degrees of mobile technology literacy to prepare learningactivities that enhance children’s understanding and acquisition of knowledge and skills.Nevertheless, these teachers have minimal exposure and input to mobile content elementsthat can enhance learning. This study aims to redesign the mobile content model by redefiningthe required elements to improve learning activities preparation for preschoolers’basic problem-solving skills in mathematics. This case study involves seven preschool expertswhose data was collected using the Nominal Group Technique approach. Then, InterpretiveStructural Modelling was applied to develop the model through a voting process. The techniquewas used to rank the data from the experts before running the voting session. Thefindings revealed eleven principal elements for the mobile content model that can be dividedinto three content execution streams. The results offer several implications and benefitsto the mobile learning arena, particularly in early childhood education, due to its potentialto enhance engagement, interaction, and personalized learning experiences for younglearners. These outcomes provide insights into the best practices, strategies, and pedagogicalapproaches that can optimize the use of mobile devices in early childhood education, hence,promoting effective learning outcomes.
Teachers’ Perspectives on the Development of Augmented Reality Application in Geometry Topic for Elementary School
Authors: Nadzeri Mohamad Basri , Musa Muzirah , Chew Cheng Meng , Ismail Irwan Mahazir
Published: August 2023

Augmented Reality (AR) is a new evolving technology that can enhance the learning experienceby making learning more engaging, has a beneficial influence on teaching and learning,and assists in comprehension, specifically when it comes to abstract concepts. Teachers playa pivotal role in accelerating the widespread use of AR in education, making it crucial toget their thoughts and perspectives. Based on the perspectives of mathematics teachers, thisresearch aims to determine the necessity for developing an augmented reality learning applicationin the geometry topic for elementary school students through a questionnaire that hasbeen answered by 52 elementary mathematics teachers from Northern State Malaysia. Thefindings of this study were analyzed using descriptive analysis with a value of Cronbach alpha(α = 0.98). The findings of the study indicate three main elements that need to be emphasizedfor the AR development process, namely learning strategy design, presentation design, andinteractivity design. Based on the mean of the research conducted, the findings of the threeelements indicate a significant necessity. The development of AR applications must incorporatethese three elements in order to assist elementary school mathematics teachers in designingAR learning applications that maximize student achievement.
Mapping the notions of the self and the world in the works of Henri Bergson and Nishida Kitarō
Authors: Abrol Mohit
Published: August 2023

Few questions have been discussed more frequently throughout the history of philosophy and across cultures as what it means to realize the self and the world. From the long history of philosophers in both Western and Eastern traditions, there are two figures who notably stand out for their intuitive philosophies of consciousness to grasp the ultimate meaning of the self and the world — Henri Bergson and Nishida Kitarō. Both Bergson and Nishida used the intuitive method which resolutely oriented their philosophies towards the understanding of a unified whole. In this article, I will explore the similarities and points of difference in Bergson and Nishida’s philosophical projects in their attempts to explain the self’s connection with the world. Furthermore, I aim to establish a global history of Bergsonism which shares affinities with the Eastern traditions of thought and religious experience. The notions of duration and absolute nothingness, which Bergson and Nishida both used to express diverse perspectives on the nature of the self and the world, are presented to show how similar their stances are to one another even if the two conceptions have significant differences.
Sur la coexistence des plans de mémoire pure chez Bergson : discussion
Authors: During Élie , Miravete Sébastien , Nagano Takuya
Published: August 2023

This dialogued text stems from a live discussion that took place in Tokyo on September 29, 2019, as part of the international workshop “Bergsonian duration: its mathematical ranges”. Sébastien Miravete’s presentation on “the Bergsonian and geometric structure of memory” triggered questions from Elie During regarding the status of “pure memory” and its relation to a process that Bergson sometimes describes as a continuous “recording” of lived experience. At stake is Deleuze’s interpretation of pure memory in terms of a virtual multiplicity of coexisting “planes” of past. The debate is introduced by Takuya Nagano.
L’intuition, la vie : Réception et influence du bergsonisme dans la philosophie chinoise
Authors: Deng Gang
Published: August 2023

This article examines the reception of Bergsonism in Chinese philosophy from the 1920s to the present day. We first examine the reception of Bergson in China during the period 1920-1949 and then in the period 1980-2020. Secondly, the method of intuition is examined. Intuition, as Bergson's philosophical method par excellence, is also preferred by Chinese philosophers. Thirdly, it is the notion of life that is examined, in its ontological and metaphysical dimensions, in both Bergsonian vitalism and Chinese vitalism.
Technologies for Intelligent and Inclusive Education
Authors: Terzieva Valentina T. , Ilchev Svetozar , Ivanova Tatyana , Todorova Katia , Savov Teodor
Published: August 2023

The chapter presents the main functionalities of an Intelligent Educational System (IES) that enables a personalized and adaptive learning process matching the requirements of inclusive education and discusses corresponding pedagogical and technological approaches. Effective ways of organizing the tutoring process using intelligent technologies are proposed based on a comprehensive analysis of inclusive education approaches. The authors show how ontological models can be used to develop and recommend suitable adaptive learning content and to support the personalized tutoring process. This chapter also discusses the design and implementation of laser projection systems to increase learning efficiency. The goal is to raise students' engagement and ensure a more authentic learning experience by employing these systems as augmented reality displays. Knowledge gained from industry, entertainment, and show business is utilized to create hardware and software for the practical implementation of a laser projection system targeting education.
Inclusion Must Be Inferred by the Reader When Digitalizing Elementary Schools
Authors: Karlsson Josefine
Published: August 2023

Digital tools shift pedagogical dimensions which have consequences for education with learning opportunities and sense of belonging for all students. Digital teaching tools have possibilities to adapt to students' needs and create inclusive schools. The aim of this text analysis is to characterize how inclusion is considered in four Swedish school developing projects that digitalize teaching. Inclusion did not have a prominent position. Accessibility was discussed regarding having or not having devices, not how they were used to achieve learning for all students. Descriptions of adapting tools to students are sweeping and general. Students' needs are vaguely described and secondary to teachers' needs. Collaborations between student peers and several professions provided support for learning. Although scientific or theoretical models had shortcomings, research provided support for learning and implementing digital tools in education. Suggestions are made to bolster models to provide further help in developing inclusive digital education.
Problems of Digital Aids Design for Speech Development of the Students With Autistic Disorders
Authors: Gryzun Liudmyla
Published: August 2023

In accordance with the objectives of the chapter, there are formulated core features of the design of special software for training students with autistic disorders. They are shaped coming from the analysis of the learning and social difficulties of the students, their strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their psychological differences. Special focus in the theoretical background was made on the problems of design of e-simulators with national localization for the young autistic students' speech encouragement. The formulated features and requirements essential in the process of the digital aids design are specified on the example of the elaboration of speech development e-simulator for young students. The main phases of its design are characterized. There are also suggested proper learning activities in the different training modes of the e-simulator for young autistic students' speech development. It is concluded that due to its functionality, the simulator helps to overcome some difficulties faced by this kind of student and is able to stimulate their speech development.
Citizens' Intentions to Adopt Innovative E-Government Services
Authors: Adeel Ahmad , Sajid Mohy Ul din  , Ahmed Kaleem , Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Hanif Hafiz Muhammad , Daghriri Yahya Qasim
Published: August 2023

The aim of this research is to understand role of citizens' perception of legitimacy and trust on the government on the relationship between perceived usefulness of innovative e-government services and citizens' intentions to adopt innovative e-government services in Pakistan. The authors used both qualitative and quantitative methods in two studies and collected data with mixed survey technique for the inclusion of the perception of the citizens from both sample groups. Data collected in both of the studies was then analyzed with KH Coder 3 for co-occurrence network and with Mplus 7.0 for random coefficient models. Results shown that trust on the government as affected by perception of legitimacy emerged as moderators of the relationship between perceived usefulness of innovative e-government services and intentions to adopt innovative e-government services in addition to simple moderation and mediated moderation, joint effect of perceived usefulness of innovative e-government services, trust on the government, and perception of legitimacy, found for intentions to adopt innovative e-government services. This research will help policy makers and government officials to understand, what might be hindering citizens' adoption of innovative e-government services and what they need to focus on in addition to useful features of the digitalized government services.
A Literature Review of E-Government Research in Mexico Utilizing the PRISMA Methodology
Authors: Verastegui Marcela Diaz-Guzman , Sandoval-Almazan Rodrigo , Medina-Quintero Jose Melchor
Published: August 2023

This research aims to understand the state of the art in Mexico's e-government research field, research trends, empirical research, e-government access, adoption, and availability of online services. Through a systematic literature review using preferred reporting items for systematic literature reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) methodology, 19 articles were identified from 2000-2020. The findings show that research trends contribute to the study of factors influencing e-government research in Mexico. Additionally, the insufficient number of publications and reports in scholarly journals related to this topic in Mexico supports this claim. It is essential to foster future studies in several areas to address this gap and understand the factors influencing e-government research by citizens in Mexico.
Nursing Competencies in the Nursing Curriculum
Authors: Talsma AkkeNeel
Published: August 2023

Florence Nightingale is the modern founder of nursing and professionalized nursing by creating training programs for aspiring nurses. Nursing standards for education started in the early days of nursing education, beginning in the late 1800s. National accreditation standards shape nursing educational programs and clinical practices; however, state-level boards of nursing establish and monitor practice standards. Nursing education accreditation agencies recently shifted their focus to competency-based education, including core abilities required to function as a nurse, provide comprehensive care, and meet patients' complex and diverse needs in every setting. This manuscript reviews the state of current competencies that educational institutions are adopting. A relationship between competencies, standards of practice, and emerging opportunities is needed to develop further education programs that address current clinical practice needs in today's technical and post-pandemic work and clinical environments.
Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea risk and quality of sleep in chronic liver cell disease patients admitted to a tertiary care centre
Authors: Pathirana N. S. W. , lndrakumar J. , Matthias T. , Priyacharana P. , Wijekoon S. L. , Yashodara B. M. A. C. , Ranasinghe T. A. B.
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Cirrhosis and associated complications result in significant morbidity and mortality. In the absence of a liver transplant, the prognosis, and the quality of life of decompensated cirrhosis patients are dismal. Hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis; defined as potentially reversible neuropsychiatric abnormalities seen in patients with liver dysfunction, has sleep disturbances as an integral part. But cirrhosis patients also suffer from various other sleep disorders including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which are independent of hepatic encephalopathy manifestations. But diagnosing OSA is challenging in this patient population. But when diagnosed early OSA can be treated successfully preventing further complications and improving the quality of life of cirrhotic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among cirrhosis patients admitted to Colombo South Teaching Hospital using investigator administered questionnaires to assess the risk of OSA. Internationally validated STOP­Bang and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to screen for OSA and sleep quality respectively.Results: Out of 42 participants, two-thirds were males, and the mean age of the study population was 58 years. Most of the patients were in Child-Pugh class C (76.2%) Of the study population, 38.1 % were having high STOP­Bang scores (>5) and were in the high-risk group for obstructive sleep apnea. The percentage of poor sleepers with PSQI scores of more than 5 was as high as 85.7%. Higher severity of cirrhosis was associated with high PSQI scores and high-risk STOPBANG scores. Having ascites conferred a high risk for OSA. Conclusions: Higher severity of cirrhosis is associated with poorer sleep quality as well as increased risk for OSA.
Tuberculosis-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Janya J. , Amarasingha A. , Jayawardene H. , Dissanayake D. M. K. P. , Mihiranga E. A. D. , Jayanaga W. W. L. A.
Published: August 2023

Tuberculosis-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is commonly seen among patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome either as a paradoxical worsening of an already diagnosed disease or as an uncovering of a dormant infection. There is evidence of paradoxical worsening of central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB) once the treatment is instituted even among immunocompetent patients leading to significant morbidity. We report a case of a previously well young woman with paradoxical worsening of CNS-TB after commencement of treatment. This case highlights an important possible clinical sequelae of CNS-TB, a practicing physician should be aware of.
Picture quiz- key
Authors: Mayurathan P.
Published: August 2023

No abstract available
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as the first presentation of a connective tissue disorder: A case report
Authors: Soysa W. L. M. , Sivagnanam F. G.
Published: August 2023

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiological diagnosis. Although hypertension is the main cause of this condition several secondary causes have been identified. Here we discuss a 53-year-old woman with a history of hypertension who presented with sudden onset of headache, seizures, and bilateral cortical blindness. MRI was suggestive of PRES. She had minimal blood pressure fluctuations. Antinuclear antibodies were significantly positive and a history of symmetrical polyarthritis was revealed. As the criteria for a particular connective tissue disorder were not fulfilled, the diagnosis of an undifferentiated connective tissue disease was made. In the presence of classical symptoms and imaging, PRES should be suspected even amongst patients without blood pressure fluctuations. Secondary causes should be identified and corrected in such patients.
α-d-Glucose-1,6-Biphosphate Induces Dendritic Cell Homing to Enhance the Antitumor Effect of Neoantigen Vaccines
Authors: Zhang Rui , Tang Lin , Wang Yusi , Li Qing , Yang Li
Published: August 2023

Neoantigen vaccines have achieved good therapeutic effects in animal experiments and early clinical trials on certain malignant tumors. However, their overall objective effectiveness in clinical trials still needs to be improved. Low-efficiency dendritic cell (DC) migration (<5%) to lymph nodes is one of the factors that limits vaccine effectiveness. For neoantigen vaccines, improving the homing efficiency of DCs is expected to further improve the immunotherapeutic effect. In this study, we used α-d-glucose-1,6-biphosphate (α-d-Glu), a metabolite that successfully enhanced C57BL/6J mouse bone marrow–derived DC homing induced by neoantigen peptide, mRNA, and DC vaccines during the administration process and improved the antitumor effects in the mouse C57BL/6J model with a neoantigen vaccine. We clarified that α-d-Glu activated MAPK8IP1 by inhibiting the expression of microRNA-10a-5p, thereby activating the MAPK signaling pathway to promote DC homing. Excitingly, the efficiency of α-d-Glu in promoting DC migration is not weaker than that of PGE2, which is the gold standard used to promote DC migration in clinical trials of DC vaccines. Thus, this study lays the foundation for further enhancing the objective clinical response rate of neoantigen vaccines and overcoming the limitation of an insufficient clinical response rate for neoantigen vaccines caused by low DC homing efficiency.
Intestinal IL-1β Plays a Role in Protecting against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Lücke Jöran , Heinrich Fabian , Malsy Jakob , Meins Nicholas , Schnell Josa , Böttcher Marius , Nawrocki Mikolaj , Zhang Tao , Bertram Franziska , Sabihi Morsal , Kempski Jan , Blankenburg Tom , Duprée Anna , Reeh Matthias , Wolter Stefan , Mann Oliver , Izbicki Jakob R , Lohse Ansgar W , Gagliani Nicola , Lütgehetmann Marc , Bunders Madeleine J , Altfeld Marcus , Sauter Guido , Giannou Anastasios D , Krasemann Susanne , Ondruschka Benjamin , Huber Samuel
Published: August 2023

The intestine is constantly balancing the maintenance of a homeostatic microbiome and the protection of the host against pathogens such as viruses. Many cytokines mediate protective inflammatory responses in the intestine, among them IL-1β. IL-1β is a proinflammatory cytokine typically activated upon specific danger signals sensed by the inflammasome. SARS-CoV-2 is capable of infecting multiple organs, including the intestinal tract. Severe cases of COVID-19 were shown to be associated with a dysregulated immune response, and blocking of proinflammatory pathways was demonstrated to improve patient survival. Indeed, anakinra, an Ab against the receptor of IL-1β, has recently been approved to treat patients with severe COVID-19. However, the role of IL-1β during intestinal SARS-CoV-2 infection has not yet been investigated. Here, we analyzed postmortem intestinal and blood samples from patients who died of COVID-19. We demonstrated that high levels of intestinal IL-1β were associated with longer survival time and lower intestinal SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads. Concurrently, type I IFN expression positively correlated with IL-1β levels in the intestine. Using human intestinal organoids, we showed that autocrine IL-1β sustains RNA expression of IFN type I by the intestinal epithelial layer. These results outline a previously unrecognized key role of intestinal IL-1β during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Sotho-Tswana mythic animals: Stratagem for environmental conservation
Authors: Kgari-Masondo Maserole C.
Published: August 2023

This article argues that pre-colonial indigenous knowledge placed restrictions on the use of certain animals and perceived them as sacred. This policy was often successful as several species of wildlife are to be found “in many black African areas” today. Communities with chiefs worked together to ensure preservation of sacred animals. Such sacred animals had mythological connotations attached to them – with the purpose of preservation of such fauna. The article deals with the mythic animals among the indigenous Sotho- Tswana group of South Africa and expounds their roles and how they were perceived by the community under study throughout history in a dynamic manner. The article proposes the defiance of some colonial-time interpretations of mythic animals as “superstitious” and “a belief in magic”. It contends that journeying back to the colonial and apartheid era by retelling, reinterpreting and redefining mythic animals showing the history in a changing historical manner will be a step towards a dynamic study of socio-environmental history of sacred animals. The approach of the article is multi-disciplinary drawing from religion, environment, history, linguistics, philosophy, psychology and Africanist genre to show that, mythic animalistic history is not a closed official document as received in the frontier but is dynamic.
Churchill’s British atomic relations with Malan’s government in South Africa, 1951-1954
Authors: Lucky Asuelime E.
Published: August 2023

In 1951 Churchill assumed office for the second time as Prime Minister of Britain and renewed the effort to sway once again a Commonwealth sentiment on a Nationalistic DF Malan in their atomic relations. The period marked the beginning of an increased quest for uranium residue for peaceful and military purposes by the principal state actors in the World Wars. It is suggested that Britain used its Commonwealth links with the Union of South Africa to gain an edge in the atomic field for the first decade after the Second World War, and became a gatekeeper through which the United States had to seek authorisation. After consulting multi-archival sources in Britain, Canada and South Africa, I argue against this assertion by Richie Ovendale. The British Commonwealth connection was not so imperative in the late 40s and between 1951 and 1954, It was not so much a Commonwealth instinct that saw to collaboration between Britain and South Africa, but rather Malan’s decision to use its uranium as political leverage, particularly when global attention was shifting to Australia as an alternative uranium supply.
Mandela and the last Afrikaner leaders: A shift in power relations
Authors: Giliomee Hermann
Published: August 2023

The stability of the apartheid system and the Afrikaners’ monopoly of power have been the subject of exhaustive scholarly analyses; by contrast, there have been few in-depth analyses of the unexpected transfer of power by the National Party government between 1989 and 1994.There is a strong tendency to present the Afrikaner leadership from Hendrik Verwoerd to PW Botha as being so beholden to the apartheid ideology and so intransigent that they missed all opportunities to negotiate a more balanced political settlement. Virtually no attention has been given to the informal attempts the leadership on both sides made to initiate talks about an alternative to white supremacy. The treatment of Nelson Mandela in the literature represents almost the complete opposite to that of the NP leaders. He has been presented as strongly committed to a non- racial democracy and a market-oriented economy. A reassessment of Nelson Mandela’s career has only just begun.
Memories of a Soulmate: A tribute to Robert Shell ~ 13 February 1949-03 February 2015 ~
Authors: Shell Sandy
Published: August 2023

No abstract available.
The forgotten Effendi: Ottoman Muslim theologian, Mahmud Fakih Emin Effendi, and the real story of the Bo-Kaap Museum, c.1894-1978
Authors: Gençoĝlu Halim
Published: August 2023

This article attempts to re-present the religious and educational activities of a forgotten Muslim scholar, Mahmud Fakih Effendi, in Cape history. The subject of the article is related to this Ottoman scholar, as well as the story of his house at 71 Wale Street in Cape Town, which is the Bo-Kaap Museum at present. In 1894, fourteen years after the death of Abu Bakr Emin Effendi, the Ottoman Caliphate in Istanbul appointed another Muslim scholar at the Cape, Mahmud Fakih Effendi. He resided at 71 Wale Street, living there until his death in 1914. After his death, his son, Muhammad Dervish Effendi, followed in his father’s footsteps as a Muslim scholar and also stayed in the same residence in the Bo-Kaap. Muhammad Dervish Effendi died in 1940 and left behind eight children. His widow, Mariam, along with the children continued to live in the house at 71 Wale Street. By 1978, when their house was converted into the Bo-Kaap Museum, it was identified as the house of Abu Bakr Effendi in error instead of as the former residence of Mahmud Effendi. This is because Mahmud Effendi did not leave behind any substantial written legacy as his predecessor Abu Bakr Effendi did, and therefore he and his son, Muhammad Dervish Effendi, became forgotten figures in Cape history. This article sheds new light on this matter as a result of new readings of Turkish and Cape archival documents. It aims to correct the historical inaccuracy of the origins of the Bo-Kaap Museum and to highlight the noteworthy activities of a forgotten Ottoman scholar and his family in Cape history.