bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterización florística y pisos de vegetación en los andes de Santiago, Chile central
Authors: Muñoz-Schick Mélica , Moreira-Muñoz Andrés , Villagrán Carolina , Luebert Federico
Published: October 2023

Se presentan los resultados de un estudio florístico y vegetacional realizado en la cuenca superior del Río Maipo, Andes de Chile Central (33°34'-34°14' S, 69°48'-70°30' O). Se efectuaron tres transectos altitudinales, en las laderas de los siguientes cajones: Río Maipo (1.200-3.400 msnm), Río Yeso (1.200-4.000 msnm) y Estero El Sauce (800-2.200 msnm).

El análisis de la flora vascular comprende un total de 357 especies, agrupadas en 209 géneros y 75 familias. La mayor parte de las especies corresponde a nativas no endémicas (54%), aunque el porcentaje de endemismo también es alto (29 %.) Se aprecia una paulatina disminución del nivel de endemismo a medida que se asciende en el transecto altitudinal, debido a que los pisos más altos reciben una mayor influencia de especies provenientes de la vertiente oriental de la cordillera.

Para la vegetación zonal se identificaron cinco pisos vegetacionales que se suceden en el gradiente altitudinal: a)Matorral Esclerófilo, b) Matorral Subandino, c)Matorral Andino, d) Estepa Altoandina, e) Desierto Altoandino. La cobertura media de la vegetación tiende a disminuir a medida que se asciende en el transecto altitudinal, desde 100%a 800 msnm hasta 5% a 3.400 msnm. Al comparar los límites altitudinales que presentan estas unidades en los diferentes transectos, destaca la extensión del Matorral Andino en el Río Maipo, dependiente más moderada, en que dominados especies arborescentes raras en Chile, Adesmia obovata y A. pinifolia.

El análisis de la distribución geográfica de las especies muestra que los elementos andino-mediterráneos predominan en los pisos superiores de los transectos, mientras que los elementos chileno-centrales predominan en los pisos bajos. El análisis comparativo en el transecto altitudinal, confirma el carácter de transición del Matorral Subandino, en que los elementos chileno-centrales son reemplazados por los andino-mediterráneos.
A Double-layered Paper-based Analytical Device for Determination of Iron in Water Samples based on Standard Addition Method
Authors: Srikritsadawong Pongpichet , Sookpotarom Punyapat , Thongchan Surachet , Choengchan Nathawut
Published: October 2023

A simple method for the determination of iron involved a novel paper-based analytical device (PAD) was developed.  The PAD was composed of two layers. Each layer contained a circular hydrophilic reservoir (10 mm Ø) that was situated in a rectangular filter paper (25 Î 25 mm2). The hydrophobic area was created by painting the paper with a “waterproof” glue. The top and the bottom layers were assigned as “the filtration” and “the detection” platforms, respectively. The procedure was started by pipetting an aliquot of bathophenanthroline (Bphen) onto the hydrophilic zone of the bottom layer followed by spiking of standard solutions (0.1-0.5 mgL-1 Fe2+). The red complex was developed. Then, the top and the bottom layers were assembled by two-sided mounting tape. Later, a water sample was dropped onto the top layer, which removed (filtered) any suspended particles in the water sample. When the filtrate was exposed to the bottom layer, a further colored product formed. The bottom layer was removed and placed in a light-controlled box, and the optical image of the product was captured using a smartphone. Its intensity was evaluated through ImageJTM. Linear standard addition plots were obtained (r2 > 0.99). The PAD provided high precision (RSD < 6%) with good recovery (92.6-102%). It was applied to the analysis of drinking, tap, canal and river water samples without any prior filtration. The iron amounts were compared to the results obtained by the spectrophotometric method, and there was not significantly difference at 95% confidence (Paired-t test, n = 5 samples, tstat = 2.68, tcri = 2.78).
TNF-α versus IL-6 Genes Expression levels in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical and Laboratory Determinants
Authors:   Department of Rheumatology & Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt., Abdelhady Enas
Published: October 2023

This study intended to compare the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) genes in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who were receiving conventional synthetic disease-modifying drugs (csDMARDs) and to find the clinical and laboratory determinants affecting TNF-α and IL-6 genes expression levels among active RA patients. This was a cross sectional study that included 108 active RA patients who were receiving csDMARDs. A detailed history was reviewed for all patients in addition to a complete physical examination and assessment of the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28). Some laboratory measures were recorded as C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum rheumatoid factor (RF). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure expression levels of TNF- α and IL-6 genes. In active RA patients, TNF-α and IL-6 genes expression levels were significantly correlated to each other (p<0.001, r=0.788). Also, both had positive correlations with the age and DAS28 among RA patients (p<0.001). IL-6 and TNF-α expression levels were significantly higher in RA patients with high DAS28 scores (p<0.001). Most RA patients (81.5%) had relatively higher IL-6 gene expression levels than TNF-α. RA patients with relatively high IL-6 expression levels were younger in age and had shorter disease duration and less DAS28 than RA patients with relatively high TNF-α gene expression levels. In addition, they had higher CRP and RF levels. Young age was detected as a significant predictor for relatively higher IL-6 gene expression levels than TNF-α. In conclusion, most active RA patients had higher IL-6 gene expression levels than TNF-α. Young age could be considered a significant predictor for relatively high IL-6 gene expression levels among active RA patients.
Assessment of chemokines MIP-1α and MIP-1 βin Iraqi women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors:   Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq., Alsaffar Sura
Published: October 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic disorder affecting females. The pathology of PCOS is complicated and associated to chronic low-grade inflammation, this includes a disruption in pro-inflammatory factor production, leukocytosis, and endothelial cell dysfunction, also associated with high level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and leukocyte count. In addition, PCOS is characterized by hormonal and immunological dysfunction. Inflammation of the ovary affects ovulation and induces or aggravates systemic inflammation. Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1), a pro-inflammatory chemokine, is crucial in the recruitment of inflammatory and immunological cells to the place of inflammation or infection, T- and B-lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, dendritic cells and natural killer cells are all capable of producing large amounts of MIP-1. The current study aimed to investigate the role of MIP-1α and MIP-1β in Iraqi patients with PCOS and their correlation with obesity and other demographic parameters. This study included two groups, 60 women with PCOS and 30 control women, conducted during the period from October 2022 to January 2023. The diagnosis of PCOS women was based on two out of three of the following diagnostic criteria (hyperandrogenism – oligo or anovulation – polycystic ovaries). MIP-1 alpha and Beta levels were determined by ELISA. The outcomes revealed that the group with PCOS showed significant increase in the level of MIP-1α (635.28 ±20.58) than in the control women, (571.20 ±25.92), (p<0.05). Although there was an increase the level of MIP-1β in women with PCOS (191.85 ±17.54) than in the control group (165.31 ±11.01), the difference did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, based on our findings, that MIP-1α and MIP-1β increased in PCOS cases, this may indicate that PCOS is low grade chronic inflammation.
Cluster of differentiation 4/cluster of differentiation 8 ratio of T-lymphocyte subsets in Egyptian patients with severe pre-eclampsia
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt., Karkour Tarek
Published: October 2023

This study was designed to evaluate the immunological role of CD4+Tcells, CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of severe pre-eclampsia. Consequently, we estimated their blood levels and the CD4+/CD8+Tcells ratio among patients with pre-eclampsia. The study included 50 primigravid patients in third trimester, recruited from El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital. After obtaining informed written consents, they were divided into two groups: Group A included 25 patients with severe pre-eclampsia, and Group B included 25 normal pregnant women. All patients underwent thorough history taking, complete clinical examination and ultrasound evaluation for fetal condition. Then the percentages of blood CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were estimated via flow cytometry and CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio was calculated. Patients with severe pre-eclampsia in Group A revealed an increase in CD4+ T cells and a decrease of CD8+ T cells together with an increase in CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio in comparison with the normal pregnancy (Group B). These differences were statistically significant (p=0.041, p=0.0001 and, p=0.0001, respectively). In addition, there was a positive correlation of blood CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4/CD8 T cells ratio and severe pre-eclampsia. In conclusion, estimation of the percentage of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and their ratio may be used as a marker to predict pre-eclampsia and confirm its severity.
Effect of obligatory Hepatitis B vaccination program on the prevalence of occult hepatitis B among pregnant women in Egypt: A cross sectional study
Authors:   Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt., Youssif Rehab
Published: October 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem. HBV is of intermediate endemicity in Egypt. “Occult” HBV (OBI) indicates replication of HBV-DNA in the liver of individuals with negative serum HBsAg. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OBI among pregnant women in Egypt and to compare this prevalence among HBV vaccinated and unvaccinated women (received obligatory vaccination). This cross-section study included 474 pregnant women in the third trimester divided in two groups. Group I: (n=247) assumed received obligatory hepatitis B vaccination and group II: (n=227), did not receive HBV vaccination. Study participants were screened for HBsAg, anti HBs, anti HBc total, anti HBc IgM, HBeAg, anti HBe, HCV Ab, and HIV Ab by immunoassays and HBV-DNA by Real-Time PCR. Anti HBs was detected in 65 (13.7%) of pregnant women, 36 (14.6%) in the vaccinated group and 29 (12.8%) in the unvaccinated group. The anti HBs levels were significantly higher in the unvaccinated group. HBc Ab showed positive results in 6 cases (2.4%) in the vaccinated group, and 14 cases (6.2%) in unvaccinated group. HBcAb and/or HBsAb were detected in 72 (15.1%) of pregnant women, 39 (15.8%) in the vaccinated group and 33 (14.5%) in the unvaccinated group. HBV-DNA was detected only in one vaccinated pregnant woman. HB vaccination program in Egypt, since 1992 affected the frequency of OBI in pregnant women (p=0.04). In conclusion, HBV infection may persist lifelong in the hepatocytes even when viral functions are suppressed, HBsAb and anti-HBc-positive individuals are present. The levels of HBsAb were higher in unvaccinated pregnant women compared to vaccinated pregnant women. HBV infection in OBI pregnant women may not transmit to the new-born.
Actualización en el uso de corticoides como terapia de mantenimiento en pacientes con Pancreatitis Autoinmune
Authors: López López Sofia Monserrath , Orellana Bernal Paola Verónica
Published: October 2023

Introducción: la pancreatitis autoinmune (PAI) tiene una prevalencia de 4.6/100,000 y una incidencia de 1.4/100,000 en Japón. El tipo 1 predomina en oriente, siendo el 96% de casos en Japón y 80% en Europa y EE. UU.

Objetivo: describir el uso de corticoides como terapia de mantenimiento en pacientes con pancreatitis autoinmune.

Desarrollo: Los estudios revelan la eficacia de los corticoides en la terapia de mantenimiento de la PAI, logrando hasta un 92.6% de remisión. Se asocian con una disminución significativa del diámetro del quiste pancreático, tasas de respuesta más altas y mayor desaparición de quistes en un año. Las tasas de recaída varían con la duración del tratamiento, siendo menores con tratamientos prolongados y uso rutinario de tratamiento de mantenimiento con glucocorticoides.

Concusiones: Los estudios revisados destacan la eficacia de los corticoides en el tratamiento de la PAI. Los pacientes tratados con corticoides muestran una menor proporción de cambio en el diámetro del quiste, una tasa de respuesta más alta y una rápida desaparición de quistes en comparación con aquellos sin corticoides.
Communicative and Sociocultural Features of the Perception of Success among Digital Consumers in Bulgaria
Authors:   Русенски универститет ", Соколова Христина ,   Ангел Кънчев"
Published: October 2023

Abstract: The paper presents the results of a survey among digital consumers in Bulgaria. The text proposes a concept of a four-dimensional model of the perception of success among digital consumers in the country. The model includes four sociocultural categories: well-being, happiness, achievement and social capital. The hypotheses are, first, that the sociocultural notion of success includes concepts belonging to at least one of the four dimensions of the success model; second, that the notion of success is associated with topics in respondents' daily lives, such as income size and employability. The aim of the study is to approbate whether and how many of the replicated associations fall into the four sociocultural categories. The study was conducted from January to June 2023, it covers 265 Bulgarian citizens who use the social networks Facebook (Meta) and LinkedIn. The methodology includes a combined questionnaire of a free association experiment and a close-ended questionnaire. The paper communicates some of the results of the free association experiment. According to the results the respondents’ answers belong to all four categories of success. There is a significant difference in the total number of reactions, produced by men and women, which belongs to the social capital category. The following conclusions are drawn at the end of the paper: the digital generation needs to understand its own values and attitudes to have a better quality of life; knowledge of notions of success is useful for team managers and HR professionals; and the new digital generation’s motivation differs from that of the so-called analogue generations. Keywords: success, sociocultural feature, digital users, associative experiment, achievement, well-being.
Legal Status of Wasteland and Government Control and Use of Wasteland
Authors: Yani Ahmad
Published: October 2023

Background: Abandonment of land is an act that is unwise, uneconomical, unfair, and also a violation of the obligations that must be carried out by the right holders. The problem of abandoned land is one of the problems that needs to be quickly addressed in the land sector because it has many negative impacts.
Aim: This study aims to analyze the Legal Position of Abandoned Land Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency Number 20 of 2021 and the Control and Utilization of Abandoned Land by the Government.
Method: The normative juridical research approach was adopted for this study. The researcher examined legal sources, including books, journals, and laws, that dealt with the legal issue of wasteland. The descriptive qualitative technique was then used by the researcher to analyze them.
Findings: After the evaluation results come out and declare the land identified as abandoned, the Head of the Regional Office will give a warning to the rights holder. If after the third warning is given but the right holder still does not comply with the warning, the Head of the Regional Office may propose to the Head of the Agency to designate the land as wasteland.
Development of a Grit Measurement Scale for Thai Dramatic Arts Students
Authors: Posamak Tanapot , Songchan Satayu , Narkprom Nateethorn , Yotha Nattapon , Pommarang Wuthikrai
Published: October 2023

The present study aimed to achieve two main objectives: 1) investigating the components and predictors of grit among Thai Dramatic Arts students, hereafter referred to as TDART students, in a Thai college; and 2) establishing and validating a grit scale specifically designed for TDART students. A total of three hundred and forty-five TDART students were selected using the Multi-stage Random Sampling method to participate in this study. The research instrument used was a grit measurement survey comprising 60 rating-scale items. Mean and standard deviation were employed for data analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess construct validity. The findings revealed two distinct components of TDART students’ grit: passion and perseverance, forming a five-dimensional structure for the scale. The grit scale exhibited strong reliability with a value of 0.946, and the power of discrimination (rxy) ranged from 0.247 to 0.586. The results indicated acceptable construct validity for the grit scale, as evidenced by goodness of fit indices meeting criteria (Chi-Square=23.768, df=23, X2/df=1.033, p-value=0.417, CFI=1.000, TLI=1.000, RMSEA= 1.000, and SRMR=0.028).
Enhancing Cybersecurity Defense of IoT Ecosystem Using Blockchain
Authors: Setia Prashant , Sandosh S
Published: October 2023

The expansion of IoT devices over the past years has led to the development of smart ecosystems susceptible to cyberattacks. These ecosystems include smart industries and smart home security systems. However, when these devices are widely deployed and generate significant amounts of data, this data must be securely stored on the cloud to prevent it from being compromised by serious cyber attacks. Although traditional security methods partly meet the need to protect the privacy and security of smart IoT ecosystems, their centralized structure and limited computing power make them inefficient. However, recent advancements in blockchain technology have made it possible to employ decentralized architectures to enhance the cybersecurity defense mechanisms of IoT ecosystems. The utilization of blockchain-enabled methodologies is considered one of the most auspicious advancements in the domain of the IoT. These techniques offer a secure and decentralized mode of communication among internet-connected devices.

This study presents a blockchain-based novel framework to enhance the cybersecurity measures of smart IoT ecosystem installations. The proposed framework prioritizes the immutability of devices and users present in such environments and incorporates smart contracts to ensure their overall security. Furthermore, the system includes a module for regularly verifying the firmware of connected devices by comparing them to the valid firmware hashes present in the smart contract's storage. The proposed approach has also come up with the idea of blacklisting the malicious IP addresses trying to connect with IoT ecosystems network.
Incidencia y mortalidad por neumonía en mayores de 50 años con enfermedad respiratoria crónica (póster)
Authors: Torras Vives Verónica , Satué Gracia Eva M.ª , de Diego Cabanes Cinta , Forcadell Peris M.ª José , Vila Córcoles Ángel , Ochoa Gondar Olga
Published: October 2023

OBJETIVOS
Analizar la incidencia y la mortalidad de neumonía por todas las causas en personas con enfermedad respiratoria crónica.

MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS
Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo, de base poblacional, que incluyó todas las personas mayores de 50 años con diagnóstico de enfermedad respiratoria crónica (códigos CIE-10) registradas en Sistema de Información para el Desarrollo de la Investigación en Atención Primaria (SIDIAP). Fueron seguidas entre el 1 de enero de 2017 y el 31 de diciembre de 2018, hasta la aparición de eventos de estudio: neumonía (hospitalizada) por cualquier causa (NCC), neumonía neumocócica (NN) y muerte por NCC y por NN. Los eventos se consideraron según códigos CIE-10 de informes de alta hospitalaria asociados a cohorte de estudio. Se calcularon tasas de incidencia (por 100.000 personas/año) con intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95%, e índices de letalidad. Para el análisis estadístico se usó SPSS V26.

RESULTADOS
Se incluyeron 200.696 personas (47,2% mujeres), con edad media de 70,7 ± 11,46 años. Durante el seguimiento se registraron 7.735 casos de NCC (1.169 [15,1%] fueron neumocócicas [NN]) y 681 muertes por NCC (66 [9,7%] por NN). La incidencia global de NCC fue 2.082,6/100.000 personas/año (IC 95%: 1.955,6-2.215,9) y la de muerte por NCC 183,4/100.000 personas-año (IC 95%: 170,2-197,7). El índice de letalidad fue 8,8%. En el caso de NN, la incidencia fue 314,7/100.000 personas-año (IC 95%: 295,5-334,8) y la de muerte por NN 17,8/100.000 personas-año (IC 95%: 14,0-22,6). En el caso de la NN, el índice de letalidad fue de 5,6%. Como limitación, no se ha realizado análisis en función del estado vacunal.

CONCLUSIONES
En personas con enfermedad respiratoria, la incidencia de hospitalización y muerte por neumonía es elevada. La mayoría de NCC son no neumocócicas; por tanto, la vacunación solo protegería frente a un porcentaje pequeño de NCC. Además, el índice de letalidad es mayor en neumonías no neumocócicas. Posteriores investigaciones centradas en NCC podrían contribuir a disminuir su incidencia y mortalidad, especialmente en grupos de riesgo.

CEI
20/065-PCV.
Recuperación del cribado y control de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 tras la pandemia (póster)
Authors: Mora Fernández Núria , Fábregas Escurriola Mireia , Benítez Camps Mencia , Cantenys Sabà Roser , Moreno Millán Nemesio , Coma Redon Ermengol
Published: October 2023

OBJETIVOS
Durante la pandemia se ha observado una reducción en el seguimiento y control de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). El objetivo del estudio es analizar si estas reducciones se han recuperado tras casi 3 años de pandemia.

MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS
Estudio descriptivo de la evolución anual del resultado y de la variabilidad de tres indicadores de calidad asistencial sobre cribado y control de los pacientes con DM2 que se calculan en 287 equipos de Atención Primaria (EAP) de una comunidad autónoma. Los indicadores son: control de la hemoglobina glicosilada, cribado del pie diabético y cribado de la retinopatía diabética. El período de estudio fue de 2019 a 2022.

RESULTADOS
En 2019, los resultados de los tres indicadores eran altos y con poca variabilidad entre los EAP: resultado del 70,9% en el indicador de control de la glicada, 72,2% en cribado del pie y 81,7% en cribado de retinopatía. En 2020 se observa una gran reducción de los resultados. El indicador de control de la glicada cayó a 55,8% (reducción de -26%) y aumentó un 142% la variabilidad entre los EAP. La mayor disminución del resultado se observó en el indicador de cribado del pie diabético (reducción del -51% con aumento de la variabilidad del 511%). Finalmente, en los dos siguientes años se observa una recuperación de los resultados, que a finales de 2022 vuelven a situarse en valores algo por encima de los de 2019: 71,1% y 82,8% respectivamente para los indicadores de control de la glicada y del cribado de retinopatía. Sin embargo, el cribado del pie diabético aún se sitúa algo por debajo (69% en 2022 versus 72,2% en 2019).

CONCLUSIONES
A pesar de que en 2020 se redujo de forma drástica el cribado y el control de los pacientes diabéticos, en los siguientes años se ha observado una recuperación de estos indicadores, llegando a situarse en valores similares a los de antes de la pandemia.

CEI
CEIC aprobado por el Comité Ético del IDIAP Jordi Gol (project code: 20/172‑ PCV).
Inventory of road arborization on the urban section of BR-153 Gurupi-TO
Authors: Ferreira Bárbara Gomes , Aguiar Bruno Aurélio Campos , de Carvalho Liliane Coelho , Silva Marcos Vinicius Cardoso , Monteiro Alexandra Pedrosa , Guimarães Maristela Lima Figueiredo , Dos Santos André Ferreira , De Souza Priscila Bezerra
Published: October 2023

Roadside tree planting involves integrating the road into the landscape. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the tree vegetation in the urbanized, duplicated section of BR-153 highway in Gurupi, Tocantins. Permanent plots were systematically established along the central and lateral medians, each measuring 10x10m (100m²) in size, totaling 146 plots in the central median (CM), 54 in the right lateral median (RLM), and 49 in the left lateral median (LLM). Within these plots, all tree individuals with a minimum height of 4.0m from the ground and a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5cm were sampled.In the inventory, a total of 260 individuals were counted in the central median, distributed across 24 species and 7 families, with a Shannon diversity index (H') of 1.98 and Pielou's evenness index (J') of 0.62. In the right lateral median, 92 individuals were recorded, representing 13 species and 5 families, with (H') of 2.13 and (J') of 0.83. In the left lateral median, 68 individuals were registered, comprising 15 species and 6 families, with (H') of 2.06 and (J') of 0.76, which is consistent with studies conducted in the region. The average height of the vegetation was 6.6m, and the mean diameter along the stretch was 29.99 cm. The species with the highest importance values were Tabebuia roseo alba (Ridl.) Sandwith, Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., and Syagrus harleyi Glassman. The families with the highest importance values were Bignoniaceae, Anacardiaceae, Fabaceae, and Arecaceae. Of the species found, 57.14% are recommended tree species for highway tree planting. However, it is worth noting that the high number of individuals of the exotic species Delonix regia (flamboyant) may be considered a negative aspect, as it may compromise the diversity of the Brazilian flora by outcompeting native species.
Caracterização morfométrica da bacia hidrográfica do Ribeirão do Chiqueiro, Gouveia-MG, para o entendimento da dinâmica ambiental local
Authors: De Freitas Allison Augusto Gonçalves , Matosinhos Cristiano Christofaro , Baggio Filho Hernando , De Freitas Lilian Gabriella Batista Gonçalves
Published: October 2023

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de caracterizar a morfometria da bacia hidrográfica do ribeirão do Chiqueiro, Gouveia-MG a partir de alguns parâmetros físicos, de modo a gerar informações para a compressão da dinâmica ambiental que ocorre neste local. A partir dos cálculos dos parâmetros morfométricos, constatou-se que a bacia do ribeirão do Chiqueiro é do tipo dendrítica, com um formato alongado e hierarquia fluvial de quinta ordem. A área de drenagem encontrada foi de 507,73 km² e o perímetro 110,069 km; gradiente de canais de 38%; relação de relevo de 13,35; coeficiente de compacidade de 1,38; fator de forma de 0,37; índice de sinuosidade de 1,32; índice de circularidade de 0,58; e densidade de drenagem obtida foi de 0,58 km/km-2. Os resultados de QM,10 e Q10,7 obtidas foram de 1,42 m³/s e 1,29 m³/s.
Aproximações entre famílias, leitura e letramento: uma relação partilhada
Authors: De Oliveira Rejane Sandra Dantas , Coenga Rosemar Eurico
Published: October 2023

Esse artigo tem como objetivo apresentar algumas considerações referente a parceria entre a escola e a família, no contexto do letramento, pensando assim sobre a relevância   dessa parceria na alfabetização dos nossos alunos. Uma vez que essa parceria traz contribuições para a avanço das crianças na construção do processo de ensino – aprendizagem, na consolidação das habilidades e competências. Assim partiu – se dos questionamentos: qual a importância da família na vida da criança em período de alfabetização? Que conceitos embasam o letramento e a relevância da família no contexto escolar? Para explorar algumas teorias a respeito desse tema, a pesquisa foi bibliográfica, com análise qualitativa. Os autores tomados como base metodológica foram Soares (1998), Colomer (2021), Coenga (2010), Cosson (2020) Balça (2017). Percebemos que a participação da família na trajetória escolar da criança, contribui de modo significativo, a interação família e escola são imprescindível para que a educação aconteça com qualidade. A escola como detentora dos conhecimentos, e a família como base na construção do ser social, precisam mutuamente desenvolver uma parceria a fim de contribuir no desenvolvimento integral do estudante.
Oral Communication Skills Among English-Majored Graduates: A Survey of Those at Companies in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Du Thanh , Mai Ngan Thi Ngoc
Published: October 2023

Background: This study examines the oral communication skills of English-majored graduates and addresses the challenges they encounter in effectively communicating in English.
 
Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 150 graduates from a university in Binh Duong province, yielding valuable insights into their language proficiency and practical experience since graduation. The majority of participants had less than four years of real-world experience, with varied levels of English oral communication development.
 
Results: Linguistic problems identified included pronunciation errors, ambiguous sentences, and inappropriate sentence structures. Non-linguistic challenges included a lack of interest, shyness, difficulty finding ideas during conversations, nervousness, feeling uncomfortable, and concern about maintaining face. Interviews with ten graduates further confirmed these issues, highlighting limited specialized vocabulary, pronunciation difficulties, and self-confidence as common challenges. Strategies proposed for addressing these challenges include dedicating more time, using subtitles while watching movies or listening to music, and engaging with foreigners for practice.
 
Conclusion: This research contributes to the understanding of oral communication challenges faced by English-majored graduates and provides recommendations for improving their skills.
Impact Digital Banking Development on the Business Efficiency: A Case Study of Commercial Banks in Vietnam
Authors: Nga Lu Phi , Tam Phan Thanh
Published: October 2023

Objective: The article's goal is to explore the policy factors affecting the development of digital banking to improve the business efficiency of commercial banks and policy recommendations for developing digital banking services.
 
Method: The study applied qualitative and quantitative approaches to process data through SPSS 20.0 and Amos software. The authors surveyed 750 staffs working for 25 commercial banks in Vietnam. This study used descriptive statistical tools, measuring scales with Cronbach's Alpha for structural equation modeling (SEM).
 
Results: the article's value is to measure the policy factors affecting the development of digital banking to improve the business efficiency of commercial banks. From that,. The article's novelty has three key factors influencing the development of digital banking and business efficiency, with a significance of 1.0 percent.
 
Conclusions: The Fourth Industrial Revolution substantially impacted all aspects of life, and the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide catalyzed the demand for services. The digital platform has been increasing rapidly. As one of the fields that soon caught up with the change of technology, banks quickly approached, changed their business models, organized business, and provided innovative products and services to bring about innovative products and services. Finally, the study's original is to support policymakers and managers of banks in developing digital banking.
Las cinco fundacionales del mantenimiento planeado como alternativa para gestionar el mantenimiento en una industria de producción pesquera.
Authors: Anchundia-Hidalgo Publio David , Brito-Jordan Danny Paul
Published: October 2023

El objetivo del presente trabajo es presentar una propuesta metodológica para gestionar el mantenimiento en una industria de producción pesquera en Ecuador, describe una alternativa diferente que comprende la implementación de las cinco fundacionales del pilar mantenimiento planeado del TPM. La metodología comprende cinco fases, la primera fase es la caracterización de la industria objeto de estudio, la segunda fase es el diagnóstico de la situación actual de la gestión del mantenimiento, la tercera fase corresponde a la identificación de falencias en procesos de gestión del mantenimiento, la cuarta fase conlleva la implementación de las cinco fundaciones del mantenimiento planeado: estructura de activos fijos, gestión de análisis de averías, gestión de ordenes de trabajo, gestión de almacén técnico y desarrollo de expertos técnicos, finalmente la quinta fase es el seguimiento y mediciones de impacto. Los resultados obtenidos de la implementación se determinarán del análisis de resultados de los indicadores base de mantenimiento y el indicador OEE los cuales permitirán determinar si la metodología propuesta se ajusta a este tipo de industria y logrará mejorar su situación actual.
The Nexus Between Public Revenue and Government Expenditure in Nigeria
Authors: Udoh IME Isaiah , Moses JONAH Ngbomowa , Nyema CHINDA Godstime
Published: October 2023

This study examined the effect of government revenue on government expenditure in Nigeria. The study used a retrospective research design and data was obtained from a statistical bulletin from the OECD, CBN, IFRS and National Bureau of Statistics for the period 1981 to 2020. Descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data based on SPSS 20.0 and the Advanced Excel Analytical Toolkit 2018 package. The result revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between corporate income tax (CIT) and Government Capital Expenditure (GCE). The relationship between Value Added Tax (VAT) and Government Capital Expenditure (GCE) is also positive and statistically significant. Furthermore, CIT and VAT have been shown to have a positive and statistically significant relationship with government recurrent expenditure (GRE), respectively. Thus, the study reveals a significant relationship between government revenue and government expenditure in Nigeria. Among other things, we recommend that the government increase the number of goods on which Nigeria is subject to VAT to expand net VAT revenue as well as the collection of other indirect taxes to improve all public spending on Nigeria's economic growth - in line with Keynesian theory of expenditure and economic growth. Furthermore, in order to increase revenue for the CIT, according to Adolf Wagner's law of increasing public spending, the government must use tax money to create a favorable economic environment that stimulates high levels of industrial activity, thereby greatly affecting corporate performance and profits.
Board Characteristics and the Value of Quoted Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Davies Stanley Diepiriye
Published: October 2023

This study examined the effect of board size on the value of quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The purpose is to examine the relationship between board size and value. Panel data was sourced from financial statement of the quoted firms from 2011 to 2020. Market value and equity value were modeled as a function of board size, board composition, board independence and board gender diversity. Panel data Ordinary least square method was used as data analysis technique. The study found that 53 percent variation in market value of the quoted firms can be explained by variation in the board characteristics. The results indicated that board independence and board composition have positive but no significant effect on the market value of the quoted manufacturing firms while the results indicates that board size and board gender diversity have negative and no significant effect on market value of quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria. 31 percent variation in equity value of the quoted firms can be explained by variation in the board characteristics. The results indicate that board independence and board composition have positive but no significant effect on the equity value of the quoted manufacturing firms while the results indicates that board size and board gender diversity have negative and no significant effect on equity value of quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria. From the findings, the study concludes that board characteristics have greater impact on market value than equity value. It recommends that board diversity components of Nigeria food and beverage firms which include gender diversity, board size, board independence, and board-director duality need to be strengthened to positively affect value of the firms and the need for managers to ensure that the size of the board is also congruent to organizational needs, such that the board size, competencies, skills and ability advance organizational quest for increase value of the firms
Newspaper Coverage of the Impact of G5 Governors in Nigeria
Authors: Alawa Louis
Published: October 2023

This paper is an exploration of the way newspapers report the activities of the G5 governors in Nigeria. The paper shows from previous studies that the media is a crucial part of the democratic process in that almost everything that happens within the political circle is projected or deemphasized by the media. The media have the tendency to make a political idea or candidate popular and the G5 governors are well aware of this fact and are utilizing this advantage significantly. It is however important to note that this awareness and utilization of the media seem not to have garnered the needed benefit which is to ensure the removal of the PDP national chairman. However, the G5 movement seems to have posed a challenge to the political focus of the PDP as it has led to a division of supporters on loyal lines.
The Imperatives of Media Convergence
Authors: Alawa Louis
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the intricacies of media convergence from a journalistic perspective. The paper first looks into the definitions of media convergence and introduces the processes of media convergence from the views of different scholars. This paper was exploratory thus it examines the reasons for media convergence anchoring its theoretical basis on the media convergence theory. The merits and demerits of media convergence were highlighted and the paper concludes that the Internet has unified all media forms such that any medium that has not fully converged on the Internet can be said to be lagging behind. However, this is not to affirm that the media cannot survive without converging on the Internet but it is safe to say that such mass media that are absent on the new media might have reduced its essence of being a conduit for mass communication because the idea of mass communication is mass reach and the Internet offers that mass reach directing the attention of media owners in that direction. The media survives mainly on advertisements and advertisements are audience-oriented implying that advertisers go where the audiences are hence media convergence offers a great opportunity for the audience and advertisers to meet
Online Political Advertising and Voting Decisions during the 2019 General Elections in Akwa Ibom State
Authors: Wilson Eneh John , Udoudo Aniefiok , Ohiagu Oby
Published: October 2023

The study set out to investigate if the voting decisions of voters in Akwa Ibom in the 2019 general elections were based on exposure to online political advertisements. Specific objectives of the paper examined if voters in Akwa ibom State were exposed to online political advertising during general elections in Akwa Ibom State and also ascertain the predominant online platforms with political advertisements that appealed to voters during the general elections in Akwa Ibom State. The study was anchored on the technological determinism theory. The survey research design was adopted, with the questionnaire serving as instrument for data collection from 400 sampled respondents. Findings from the study showed that majority of the respondents were exposed to online political advertising messages, which had contributed to their decisions in making a choice of candidates. Facebook, Twitter, Websites, Whatsapp and Instagram were predominant online platforms with political advertising messages that had appealed to Voters during general elections in Akwa Ibom State. Findings also showed that respondents had a far reaching exposure to online political advertising through online platforms, with Facebook, being the most predominant platform that offered the most exposure to respondents during general elections in Akwa Ibom State. The study recommended that political parties should channel resources to online political advertising practitioners through engagement of more online platforms and not a selective predominant platform to reach a wider targeted audience.
Big Data Features As Crucial Concept which Effects Data Interoperability
Authors: Shatwan Sana Ibrahim , Elsaghair Weiam S.
Published: October 2023

Big data has become an exciting term in the last decades, and it conducts a significant rate of data with different features of velocity, variety, value, volume, and veracity. Those features describe big data identity. Think about the data generated by social media websites and apps, such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp…...Etc. This data is crucial because of the amount, variety, and growth acceleration, but it is exhausting to manage. Big data interoperability indicates the capability to interchange and share the data, information, and knowledge between organizations and devices that knowledge and information were extracted from different data sources. This complex mutual process grows an organization's performance. According to the previous, big data and its five features are essential because of its usability and analytics. Organizations need to extract the expected benefit from preserving and retrieving data. We develop a data interoperability concept, which is improved as data exchangeability can be enriched. In this study, we will discuss the impact of big data feature's value, volume, variety, velocity, and veracity on the interoperability of the data and data exchangeability feasibility and how these features affect the prediction of future decisions in the institution, as well as the interaction and exchange of data between the organizations.
Staged Beefing in the Music Industry in Ghana: Perspectives of Selected Entertainment Bloggers and Music Artistes
Authors: Sem-Ackah Kate , Asemanyi Abena Abokoma , Osei-Mensah Belinda
Published: October 2023

This study explores staged beefing in the music industry for entertainment bloggers and music artists in Ghana. This qualitative case study focuses on capturing detailed information from participants using structured interviews. Through a purposive selection technique, ten participants were chosen and interviewed to learn about their personal experiences with the phenomena of staged beefing in the music industry and its ramifications for both bloggers and musicians. The participants' responses were analysed using the thematic analysis approach, which was based on Agenda Setting and Framing Theory. Participants identified implications of staged beefing to both bloggers and musicians as fake feuds, collaboration, and controversy, monetary gains, and clout. The data capture that some musicians and entertainment bloggers collaborate to create ‘fake’ feuding scenarios and that the phenomenon of ‘fake feuds’ is real event that happen. The result also shows that entertainment bloggers and musicians present information in such a way as to market the artiste and connect with the audiences during the process of opinion formation, which subsequently influences attitudes and behaviours. Based on the outcome of the interview, supported by the literature it became obvious that both bloggers and musicians who consent to create fake feuds do so to promote their brand visibility and relevance to attract large corporations for endorsement deals and or boost sales of their music
Determination of Total Antioxidant Activity & Target Micronutrient Contents of the Selected Nutri-Medicinal Plants
Authors: Nakibuuka Mary Magdalein , Mugabi Robert
Published: October 2023

Nutri-medicinal plants may have a big role to play in the intervention to improve the nutritional status and manage immunosuppressive disorders in HIV/AIDS patients as well as the opportunistic ailments that arise from the same. These plants are readily available and affordable in our ecosystems and also contain micronutrients which in themselves may have antioxidant properties that are needed in the management of ailments in HIV/AIDS patients. The use of such plants rich in phytochemicals, as supplements and herbal remedies may slow down oxidative stress and the progression of HIV/AIDS. In this study, fifty randomly selected plants collected from four parishes of Namayumba sub-county, Wakiso district, Central Uganda were evaluated for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using two assays 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), and for micronutrients namely Zinc, Iron and Selenium. The results from TAC-DPPH ranged from 30.63±0.21% to 1.59±0.06% for Annona muricata and Spathodea campanulata respectively, and TAC-FRAP recorded a range of 5.16±1.39 mM/l to 0.08±mM/l for Amaranthus lividus and Spathodea campanulata respectively. Amaranthus lividus registered the highest Zinc content as 6567.65±20.81 mg/kg with Erythrina abyssinica exhibiting the lowest at 0.39±0.03 mg/kg. The leaves of a commonly consumed tuber Manihot esculenta had the highest Iron content at 1289.54±0.14 mg/kg and Kigelia africana with the lowest at 3.23±0.37 mg/kg. The study indicated that selenium is present in small amounts compared to Zinc and Iron; however, Amaranthus lividus and Spathodea campanulata registered the highest of 8.18±2.46 mg/kg and lowest of 0.20±0.004 mg/kg respectively. The study showed a wide range of antioxidant and micronutrient content in the plants studied indicating that a wide choice of nutri-medicinal plants is available with a large potential to provide nutritional and medicinal interventions to manage nutritional disorders and manage opportunistic ailments in HIV/AIDS patients
Perceptions on Community Forest Management Practices and Protection of Kwonga Clan Forest, Kabwoya, Kikuube District, Uganda
Authors: Angeline Mugenyi Christine , Taddeo Rusoke , Mukasa Athieno Petrolina O.
Published: October 2023

The study investigated how community forest management practices enhanced the protection of the Bakwonga Clan Forest in Kabwoya Sub-County, Kikuube District Western Uganda. The Bakwonga clan is an indigenous tribe in Uganda who live by the Kwonga clan forest. The study adopted a descriptive research design to collect data through self-administered questionnaires from 181 respondents. Interviews and reviews of documentary sources complemented data collection. Using descriptive statistics, the study reveals practicing sustainable livelihood projects by Bakwonga clan protects the forest by 41.4% (M=3.71, SD=1.43), participation in conservation awareness meetings improved knowledge of forest protection by 44.8% (M=2.1; SD=1.01), and promoting sustainable forest resource use protects the clan forest by 42.6% (M=3.81, SD=1.2). Community participation in forest management moderately contributed to the protection of the Bakwonga Clan Forest in Kabwoya Sub-County, Kikuube District. Bakwonga clan members in collaboration with the Kikuube District Forest department should develop and implement a robust conservation education strategy to build capacity for Bakwonga and Non-Bakwonga to protect the clan forest.