bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of Lead (ii), Chromium (vi) and Manganese (ii) metal ions from water using modified Pennisetum purpureum Schumach plant stalk
Authors: Murage D. , Masika E. , Wanyonyi W. A.
Published: April 2024

Water pollution is a global problem affecting humanity. Availability of clean water is a fundamental prerequisite to public health safety and the survival of the human race as well as animals. However, pollution of river water by heavy metal ions deposition is a grave environmental problem. Presence of the heavy metals in the water, pose a serious health risk particularly to rural populations which rely majorly on the river water for domestic purposes. Several methods for elimination of the heavy metal pollutants from river waters have been previously employed. However, most of these methods are expensive and cumbersome, hence not sustainable. This research explored the potential of modified Pennisetum purpureum Schumach plant adsorbent in removal of Lead (II), Manganese (II) and Chromium (VI) ions from spiked water samples by adsorption. Surface analysis of the adsorbent using FTIR Photometer confirmed presence of functional groups such as -NH2, C=O and O-H responsible for adsorption of heavy metal ions. Concentration of heavy metal ions in water samples was determined before and after adsorption process using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and means concentration computed. Effect of changes in pH on adsorption was investigated by conducting adsorption at three different pH conditions of 5, 7 and 9. Modification of the adsorbent surface improved its adsorption capacity. For instance, at pH 5, adsorption of Cr+6 increased from 12% to 14.82% when modified adsorbent was used. The modified adsorbent achieved greater % adsorption in all the three metals. Increase in the pH of adsorption from 5 to 9 had a reducing effect on the percent adsorption. At pH of 5 the % adsorption of Pb+2 reduced from 90.26% to 73.75% at pH of 9. This reductions in percentage adsorption were recorded for Pb+2 and Mn+2 ions but not significant for Cr+6 ions. These results show the potential of P. purpureum plant for use as an adsorbent in purification/detoxification of river water which would present a cheaper and more readily available alternative to many current adsorbents and adsorption methods in use. However further research is needed to determine the optimal set of conditions as well as the most suitable modification treatment for maximum adsorption.
Application of QUAL2kw and Forecasting models for assessment of pollutants in upper Athi River catchment in Kenya
Authors: Waturu M. , Sitoki L. , Lalah J. , Mbao E. O. , Kahuthu W. D.
Published: April 2024

Water pollution in the Athi river drainage basin, the fourth largest drainage basin in Kenya, has the potential of adversely impacting the aquatic biota and communities living downstream of the river. The upper part of the basin has experienced rapid industrialization in the recent past and there has also been increased encroachment of wetlands and forests for agriculture and settlement to cater for the increased population. The objective of this study was geared towards the generation of scenarios to predict future water quality trends in the upper parts of the Athi river basin. The prediction of the future water quality trends was undertaken in two phases: (i) the development of longitudinal water quality profile using QUAL2Kw model and (ii) prediction of the future water quality trends using the SPSS Forecasting tool. The collection of water quality data in established sampling stations located in the upper parts of the basin was carried out between January and December 2018. The archival data for the period 2015-2018 was obtained from Water Resources Authority (WRA) database for the determination of future trends in selected water quality parameters. The correlation analysis between the observed and predicted water quality parameters yielded strong R2 values for temperature-0.82, electrical conductivity-0.99, total dissolved solids-0.94, biochemical oxygen demand-0.66, chlorophyll a-0.89, total nitrogen-0.75 and total phosphorous-0.94. The standard error ranged between 0.01-0.42, indicating that the model is reliable for predicting water quality parameters in the river. The available archival monthly data from 2015 to 2018 were averaged for time series forecasting to generate future water quality scenarios of the river for the period 2019-2030. The results showed that dissolved oxygen exhibit a decreasing trend in future indicating depletion of oxygen in water. There will also be significant increasing trends for Electrical Conductivity, Total Suspended Solids, Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Iron in future. There is a risk that the pollutants will increase to unsafe levels in the Athi River if appropriate management actions are not taken by the concerned agencies
Repurpose of Mefloquine-Cotrimoxazole Combination as Anti-Plasmodial Agents in Mice Infected with Pasmodium Berghei
Authors: Gboeloh L. B. , Nworgu C. O.
Published: April 2024

The keystone for the treatment of malaria is artemisininbased combination therapy (ACT). The vulnerability of parasites to ACT has, regrettably, declined. Determining new medications or drug combinations that would mitigate parasite resistance is therefore pertinent. Thisstudy assessed the antimalarial property of mefloquinecotrimoxazole in parasitized mice. Thirty adult Swiss albino mice of (18-30g) were grouped into five of 6 mice each. All the mice were inoculated with Plasmodium berghei and orally treated. Group 1 was not treated while groups 2,3, 4 and 5 were treated with chloroquine (10mg/ kg), mefloquine (10mg/kg), cotrimoxazole (10mg/kg) and a combination of mefloquine/cotrimoxazole (10mg/ kg) respectively for five (5) days. The mean survival timewas determined and blood samples were collected and evaluated for percentage parasitemia, hematological and biochemical markers. The results showed that mefloquine/cotrimoxazole combination significantly (p<0.05) reduced percentage parasitemia when compared with single doses of cotrimoxazole and mefloquine. Curatively, cotrimoxazole, mefloquine and mefloquine /cotrimoxazole combination produced 84.90%, 98.95% and 96.96% respectively, whencontrasted with the 90.84% delivered by chloroquine. Suppressively, cotrimoxazole, mefloquine, mefloquine /cotrimoxazole combination, delivered 84.62%, 90.20% and 97.55% respectively. The prophylactic test delivered cotrimoxazole (61.04%), mefloquine (75.23%), mefloquine /cotrimoxazole combination (89.94%) parasitamia inhibition for day 4. When compared to the individual doses of cotrimoxazole and mefloquine,the mefloquine/cotrimoxazole combo significantly (p<0.05) prolonged the mean survival time in the curative,prophylactic, and suppressive tests. The combination also produced significant (p<0.05) reduction in anemia characterized by increased packed cell volume, hemoglobin,red blood cells and decrease in white blood cells, neutrophils lymphocytes and monocytes when compared with single doses of cotrimoxazole and mefloquine respectively. Theresult showed that the levels of aspertate transferase,alanine alanine transferase, alkaline phosphate total protein, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine and uric acid that were slightly altered was curtailed by mefloquine/cotrimoxazole. The study showed that cotrimoxazole can be utilized as an accomplice drug with mefloquine for the management of malaria.
Response of micropropagated tissue culture banana (Musa spp.) to acclimatization using arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi
Authors: Wahome C. N. , Ombori O. , Maingi J. , Njeru E. M. , Nchore S. B. , Kimiti J. M. , Muthini M.
Published: April 2024

The production of banana seedlings through tissue culture provides a reliable source of numerous, disease free, quality plantlets. However, the micropropagation process is faced with a number of challenges. In this study we are focusing on the improvement of survival and growth of the resultant plantlets during the acclimatization process. The viability of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) symbiont in the acclimatization process was assessed. Tissue culture bananas (Kienyeji, Kiganda and Ng’ombe local cultivars) were inoculated with single species AMF Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae as well as commercial AMF Rhizatech. The survival rate was assessed and plant growth evaluated at a two week interval. Destructive harvesting was conducted followed by assessment of root, shoot and total biomass. The results demonstrated that Kiganda treated with Rhisophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mossae recorded better survival rates compared to treatments with NPK fertilizer and commercial AMF (Rhizatech). Kienyeji cultivar however had a better survival rate when treated with commercial AMF (Rhizatech). Ng’ombe cultivar was very resilient having 100 % survival rate when treated with indigenous AMF, commercial AMF (Rhizatech) and NPK. There were significant differences in the shoot dry weight, root dry weight and biomass in the three banana cultivars. Kiganda and Kienyeji cultivars had the highest biomass when treated with Funneliformis mossae of 0.52 g and 0.83 g respectively. The results in this study confirm that the use of AMF in the acclimatization process improves the overall seedling output of the micropropagation process during the nursery stage of production.
Pollinator Diversity and Floral Calendar of Forage Resources for Pumpkin, Machakos County, Kenya
Authors: Nang’oni Marystella W , Rebecca Karanja , Dubois Thomas , Guantai Mary M , Omuse Evanson R , Lattorff H Michael G , Mohamed Samira A , Kasina Muo
Published: April 2024

The abundance and diversity of bees correlate with the abundance and diversity of forage resources. Pollinator reservoirs in croplands can augment pollination of flowering crops by increasing pollinator diversity and abundance. Therefore, this study provides empirical evidence on the diversity and abundance of alternative forage resources in two landscape classes with pumpkin fields. The study was undertaken in 32 pumpkin farms; 16 for each natural difference vegetation index (NDVI classes). Flowering plants were identified and counted within and around farms at 2 m × 2 m quadrat and 4 m × 50 m belt transect from the middle of the farm towards the exit. Approximately 142 plant species were recorded and their abundance varied between NDVI classes and across months. In the 2 m × 2 m quadrat 6,765 plants were observed in May in low NDVI and 4,399 in medium NDVI were recorded in May. Abundance, diversity and annual floral resource structure for honeybees in low and medium Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) classes in Machakos County were determined. The 4 m × 50 m belt transect had the highest numbers of plants (1,434-20,825) and plant species across the months and between NDVI classes. At least 35% of plants remained actively flowering during the sampling period, therefore, can serve as alternative forage sources for pollinators. Our inventory of plants can be used to develop a floral calendar for adoption by farmers for on-farm management of pollinators. The floral calendars will be predictive tools used to detect a correlation between flowering plants, seasons and pollinators.
Robustness Analysis for a Nonlinear Gantry Crane System Using Fuzzy Logic Controller
Authors: Nguru Kenneth , Mukhongo L. , Muga J.
Published: April 2024

Gantry cranes are equipment used for loading and unloading heavy items. They are majorly used in the industries and shipyards to transport heavy loads. Generally, operational requirements for the gantry crane is to move the load with minimum swing angle, high positioning accuracy and with minimum time possible. External and environmental disturbances affects the performance of the gantry crane when in operation. Control of the gantry crane system has over many years attracted many researchers with interest in designing a robust gantry crane system free of swing motions. Several researchers have proposed the use of PID controllers. However, their control methods have limitations among them, being sensitive to disturbances. Thus, for the crane to operate effectively, trolley positioning and swing motion of the load need to be controlled. The main goal of this research is to design a robust control mechanism for the gantry crane system against swing motion due to uncertainties. The gantry crane system has been designed using mathematical modeling with assumption that the load is attached to a trolley using one rope and moves in 2D plane. The robustness analysis of the Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) has been simulated in MATLAB/Simulink environment and comparison done with auto-tuned PID controller in environment where external disturbances are present. Various transient response performance indices specifications have been used to determine the effectiveness of the controller model. The final results have demonstrated that FLC is capable of producing better results of minimizing swing motion as compared to PID controllers.
Positron and Electron Impact Elastic Scattering by Atomic Beryllium
Authors: Wechuli W. B. , Waswa V. E. , Linturi J. M. , Kariuki P. K.
Published: April 2024

Theoretical results for positron and electron elastic scattering from beryllium atom at incident energies ranging from the first inelastic threshold to 200 eVare presented. Elastic, total, momentum transfer, and differential cross sections are computed using both the first order distorted wave Born approximation andthe optical potential approaches utilizing a complex potential. We have shown that our data agree fairly well with the available data and provided the details of thePhysics in case of discrepancies. This study demonstrates the importance of accurate atomic elastic scattering cross sections.
Special Needs Education in Post-Independence Kenya
Authors: Chikati David Kavinje , Wachira Lydiah Njoki , Mwinzi Joseph Munyoki
Published: April 2024

The provision of education in any system needs to be guided by a clear policy that defines the nature and specifies the quantity and quality control mechanisms of such a system. Whereas there have been commendable developments in the provision of Special Needs Education (SNE) in Kenya since independence, such developments have been shown to be insufficient in promoting the general welfare of persons living with disabilities. It is in this regard that this article sought to analyze the various policy provisions that have governed education in Kenya and examine how such policies have affected SNE from the time of Kenya’s independence to the present. The study relied on documentary analysis of the documents that are related to education in general and SNE in particular in Kenya. The study presents different policy documents in Kenya’s post-colonial period with an analysis of how such policies have affected SNE. The Post-independence policy documents presented include the Ngala Mwenda Committee Report of 1964; the Ominde Commission Report of 1964; the Sessional Paper No. 5 of 1968; the Gachathi Commission Report of 1976; the Kamunge Report of 1988 and the Koech Report of 1999. Others include the Kochung Report of 2003; the Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2005; the SNE Policy Framework of 2009, the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, the Odhiambo Taskforce Report of 2012 and the Education Act of 2013. The writers established that whereas provisions governing SNE started to be incorporated in educational policy documents immediately after independence, such polices were not elaborate enough to sufficiently guide the provision of quality SNE . The study concludes that whereas the government of Kenya has currently embraced inclusive education through its policies whereby learners with disabilities and special needs are provided with appropriate education within the regular schools, most of the regular schools are not sufficiently equipped to deal with learners with special needs. The study, therefore, recommends that the existing SNE policy be enhanced or its implementation be interrogated so as to provide an appropriate environment for inclusive education.
Influence of Principals’ Intellectual Stimulation on Students’ Performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Public Secondary Schools, Kenya
Authors: Musyoki Judith Mbithe , Okoth Ursulla , Kalai Jeremiah , Okumbe Joshua
Published: April 2024

Transformational leadership is an ideal characteristic which enables the principals to engage with followers and raise consciousness about the significance of specific outcomes and new ways in which those outcomes might be achieved. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of principals’ intellectual stimulation on student academic performance in Kenya Certificate Secondary Examination (K.C.S.E) in Makueni County, Kenya. The objective that guided the study was to: assess how the principals’ intellectual stimulation influences students results at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, with the hypothesis that there is no relationship between principals’ intellectual stimulation and students’ mean scores at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Makueni County, Kenya. The study used Transformational Leadership Theory by Burns (1978) which has four dimensions namely idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration; all of which are critical in determining academic achievement. The conceptual framework of this study is based on the relationship between the principal transformational qualities with academic performance. The sample comprised 111 principals, 729 teachers and 12 Ministry of Education officials drawn from 388 secondary schools. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data. Validation of the questionnaires were through test retest method and use of expert judgment. The coefficient value was 0.85 at alpha = 0.05. Data was analyzed using both descriptive Pearson’s correlation coefficient that test showed a strong correlation for Intellectual stimulation and KCSE students’ mean scores. The result indicated a negative and strong correlation between intellection stimulation and students’ KCSE performance (r=-.195, p-value<0.05)respectively. It was concluded that principals collective sense of mission and valuing ideas of the followers increased performance The following recommendations were made: KEMI to carry out ransformational leadership seminars for the principals on intellectual practices. The Ministry of Education Policy makers should establish policies on transformational leadership. Teacher trainers especially the universities ought to review curriculum to include analysis of school managers and also have simulated situations.
Head Teachers’ Workload on Instructional Supervision in Integrated Islamic Primary Schools in Kenya
Authors: Digale Rahma A.
Published: April 2024

This study examined how workload implicated on head teachers’ instructional supervision in integrated Islamic primary schools in Garissa and Nairobi, Kenya. This study adapted the descriptive survey design. Stratified random sampling technique was used to randomly select 234 teachers and 86 head teachers from 86 integrated Islamic primary schools. Structured questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from sampled respondents. The questionnaire was administered among all respondents while interview guide was administered among the head teachers. Analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics, that is, frequencies, percentages, cross-tabulation and correlation to summarize the data. The results showed that there workload has a significant effect on head teachers’ instructional supervision (r=.475). Further, findings indicated that workload is high in teaching duties (M= 3.23). Based on study findings, this study recommended that managers and stakeholders in integrated Islamic primary schools in Garissa and Nairobi counties, and elsewhere applicable to reduce head teachers’ workload by employing adequate numbers of qualified teachers to improve instructional supervision.
Principals’ Involvement of Students in Decision Making and Discipline in Public Secondary Schools in Baringo County, Kenya
Authors: Kaliny Salina , Kalai Jeremiah M. , Okoth Ursila A.
Published: April 2024

The persistent student indiscipline in form of unrests in secondary schools and their never-ending desire to destroy school property probably reflects a feeling of disaffection rather than that of a sense of ownership of the schools they attend. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of principals’ involvement of students in decision making on their discipline in public secondary schools in Baringo County, Kenya. This study was anchored on Assertive Discipline Model as advocated by Canter and Canter (2001). The research employed descriptive survey research design. The study employed proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The target population was 121 principals, 920 class teachers and 242 students. Stratified proportionate random sampling was used to obtain 41 principals 292 teachers and 80 students. Questionnaires for teachers and students were used for data collection, while interview guide was used to gather data from principals. Reliability was determined through test-retest method and calculated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient resulting in coefficient value of 0.8 and 0.72 for teachers and students questionnaire respectively. Content Validity was ensured through expert judgment. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics that included mean and standard deviation while inferential statistics included correlation analysis assisted by SPSS and presented in tables and graphs. The findings showed the existence of a positive relationship between the principals’ involvement of students in decision making and students’ discipline(r=0.753; p=0.00). Most of the principals used student involvement strategies such as allowing students choice of dressing code and choice of menu decisions. This study concludes that involving students in choosing time of study, food menus and the choice of entertainment, and management of students and welfare issues influenced student discipline reasonably. Thus the study therefore recommends that secondary school board of management should actively involve students in all areas of decision-making in school with particular emphasis on decisions relating to the welfare of the student. The study recommends future research on the influence of BOM governance on students discipline in secondary schools.
Students’ Classroom Use of Information and Communication Technologies: Implication on their Digital Literacy Skills in Tanzanian Universities
Authors: Nalaila Stephano , Wawire Violet , Gathara Peter Mugo
Published: April 2024

The current literature does not adequately account for the best ICT use practices and graduates’ digital literacy skills the Tanzania’s school system embrace. This paper provides some evidence about the academic use of ICT for learning and its implication on the level of digital literacy skills among students at University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Tanzania. The paper is a product of a typical qualitative study carried out to assess University’s ICT environment for students’ learning. The study used a multistage sampling approach to select a total of 654 students from undergraduate programmes in the selected Universities. Data was collected by using Questionnaires, Documentary review and Focus Group Discussions and analysed by using descriptive, thematic and contents analyses. The findings indicated that, students struggle to use ICTs for learning and their work outputs manifest some weaknesses which suggest a low level of digital literacy skills for learning. The highlights that, unless universities amplify their support for digital literacy skills among students and instructors, the use of ICTs for learning will be a cause of students’ disengagement in learning.
Analysis of Technological Innovation and its Utilization in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, in the Light of Zedong’s Law of Contradiction in Things
Authors: Andafu Edward Maina
Published: April 2024

Despite the devastation caused by the novel COVID-19 pandemic, its outbreak ushered in an era of fortunes in the sectors of global technology, education, health and economy. This paper analyzes the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic to technological innovation and utilization in the context of Zedong’s law of contradiction in things. The law postulates that everything and even phenomenon contains a contradiction, and the struggle between the mutually contradictory aspects in things determine their existence and development. The paper argues that the outbreak of the pandemic triggered the reminiscence and actualization of human’s innate technological and innovational potential that had hitherto been untapped. Had it not been for the outbreak of the pandemic, perhaps such innovations would not have been actualized in this era. In the event of such a phenomenon, it’s devastating effects activate the human’s rational faculty to figure out measures on how to mitigate it and in the event, such endeavour sets into motion a series of activities that culminate in research and emergence of technological innovation. It is recommended that an understanding of the correlation between catastrophic phenomena and emergence of technological innovation would form frontiers of research in education, science and technology
An Evaluation of the Causes of Stress Among the Management Staff of Federal College of Education, (Technical) Umunze, Anambra State
Authors: Obiweluozor Nkechi , Ogunbiyi Oluwadare Deji
Published: April 2024

This study evaluated the causes of stress among management staff of federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State. A descriptive research design of the survey type was adopted in the study. The sample consisted of 150 respondents who occupied various administrative positions in the College. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used for the study. A self-designed Questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The validity of the instrument was established by giving the instrument to experts in the Department of Educational Management and Test and Measurement, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin-City, Edo State, while the reliability of the instrument was ensured through test-retest method. The reliability coefficient of 0.79 was obtained for the instrument which was considered high enough for reliability. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, means, percentages and t-test analysis. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and percentage scores. The finding revealed that, some of the perceived causes of stress among the management staff of Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State, Nigeria are, the non-conducive working environment, improper planning and time management, increased work load/long working hours, responsibilities for other people and inability to meet deadlines and that selfinduced stressor was the predominant among the management staff. The finding also revealed there was no significant difference in the expression of male and female management staff of Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State, Nigeria on causes of stress. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, in order to reduce stress among the management staff, they should not place too much emphasis on the need to achieve, they should manage their time properly and should not spend more than necessary hours in their places of work
Digital Media Use and Dating Abuse: An Exploration of Johnson’s Typology of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Mayoyo Nancy , Malenya Francis Likoye , Ogeno Jacktone
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the use of digital media by undergraduate students in selected universities in Nairobi City County in perpetrating different types of violence as outlined in Michael Johnson’s typology of intimate partner violence. Drawing data from a larger study, which used a cross sectional descriptiveresearch design the findings presented here reveal certain important trends and patterns relating to perpetration of Cyber Dating Abuse (CDA). Quantitative data was collected through questionnaires from 315 respondents who were randomly sampled for the study. Additionally, 48 respondents providedqualitative data through focus group discussion. In line with Johnson’s typology of intimate partner violence, data analysis reveals that while the students reportedly used a range of digital media, WhatsApp was the most used in perpetrating intimate partner violence and that the violence perpetrated covered all the four forms of abuse. Of these four, coercive control violence which involved monitoring and control was the most pervasive. The paper concludes that the proliferation and ready availability of different types of user-friendly digital technologies and social networks has enabled both males and females to easily access them and use them in ways that make it possible and, perhaps, easier to perpetrate CDA. The paper recommends the establishment of mentorship programs in universities in Nairobi City County to sensitize them on the negative social character of digital media technology particularly in relation to matters of CDA and how to prevent it.
Evaluation of the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) Programme in Kenya in the light of Knowles’ Conception of Andragogy
Authors: Andafu Edward Maina
Published: April 2024

It is a common global practice for teachers to undergo capacity building in order to enhance their professionalism and improve service delivery. In Kenya, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) launched a compulsory Teacher Professional Development (TPD) Programme in September 2021, aimed at developing the teachers’ professional outlook and enhancing their performance. However, the programme has received criticism from major stakeholders in the education sector concerning development of its content, and its implementation procedure. This study sought to analyze the TPD course’s development andimplementation processes against the established conventional procedure. The study established that TSC did not involve teachers in the preparation of the TPD’s policy framework despite being directly affected by the programme, contrary to Knowles’ conception of andragogy. As a university academic programme, the TPD was not approved by the Commission for University Education in Kenya, as required by the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012. The study recommends that TSC should halt implementation of the programme to pave way for an intensive public participation exercise involving teachers. The outcome of this exercise would inform the formulation of a proper mechanism of the TPD course development andits successful implementation.
Knowledge and Attitude of Married Women in Kwara State, Nigeria Towards Vasectomy as a Choice of Male Contraception
Authors: Adefila A. A. , Jidda K. A. , Oyeyemi A. O. , Abdulrasaq Q. O. , Gabriel Y. S. , Oyewale, E. F.
Published: April 2024

Despite the well-documented impact men have on women’s choice of contraception, it appears that women’s input into their partners’ decisions about contraception has been undervalued and underutilized. Vasectomy being one of the few options available for males, is not often used as a means of family planning. This study examined the knowledge and attitude of married women in Kwara state, Nigeria towards vasectomy as a choice of their male partner’s contraception. Specifically, differences in knowledge and attitude based on selected demographic characteristics were assessed. The study design was descriptive survey type. Six hundred married women were sampled from the six Local government areas selected across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State, Nigeria through a multistage procedure. Two research questions and hypotheses were tested for the study. Data collected were analyzed using percentage and pie-chart to answer the research questions raised while 4-way Analysis of Variance to test the hypotheses postulated at 0.05 alpha level. Results revealed that respondents had inadequate knowledge of vasectomy and negative attitudes towards it as choice of contraceptive for their partners. There was no significant difference in the knowledge of vasectomy among respondents based on years of marriage, family size and religion. However, when tested, a significant difference existed in knowledge of vasectomy based on educational level (F (8, 532) = 0.665; p>0.05). Also, no significant difference was found in the attitude of females on vasectomy as a choice of male contraception based on years of marriage, education, family size and religion in Kwara State, Nigeria (F (8, 532) = 1.047; p>0.05)The findings suggest a need for effective awareness programmes as well as improvement in health talks and counselling topics targeted to enhance their knowledge of vasectomy as well as improve their attitude towards it.
Effects of repeated alcohol abstinence on within-subject prefrontal cortical gene expression in rhesus macaques
Authors: Hitzemann Robert , Gao Lina , Fei Suzanne S. , Ray Karina , Vigh-Conrad Katinka A. , Phillips Tamara J. , Searles Robert , Cervera-Juanes Rita P. , Khadka Rupak , Carlson Timothy L. , Gonzales Steven W. , Newman Natali , Grant Kathleen A.
Published: April 2024

Male rhesus monkeys (n = 24) had a biopsy of prefrontal cortical area 46 prior to chronic ethanol self-administration (n = 17) or caloric control (n = 7). Fourteen months of daily self-administration (water vs. 4% alcohol, 22 h access/day termed “open-access”) was followed by two cycles of prolonged abstinence (5 weeks) each followed by 3 months of open-access alcohol and a final abstinence followed by necropsy. At necropsy, a biopsy of Area 46, contralateral to the original biopsy, was obtained. Gene expression data (RNA-Seq) were collected comparing biopsy/necropsy samples. Monkeys were categorized by drinking status during the final post-abstinent drinking phase as light (LD), binge (BD), heavy (HD) and very heavy (VHD drinkers). Comparing pre-ethanol to post-abstinent biopsies, four animals that converted from HD to VHD status had significant ontology enrichments in downregulated genes (necropsy minus biopsy n = 286) that included immune response (FDR < 9 × 10−7) and plasma membrane changes (FDR < 1 × 10−7). Genes in the immune response category included IL16 and 18, CCR1, B2M, TLR3, 6 and 7, SP2 and CX3CR1. Upregulated genes (N = 388) were particularly enriched in genes associated with the negative regulation of MAP kinase activity (FDR < 3 × 10−5), including DUSP 1, 4, 5, 6 and 18, SPRY 2, 3, and 4, SPRED2, BMP4 and RGS2. Overall, these data illustrate the power of the NHP model and the within-subject design of genomic changes due to alcohol and suggest new targets for treating severe escalated drinking following repeated alcohol abstinence attempts.
Atomic layer deposited TiO2 nanofilm on titanium implant for reduced the release of particles
Authors: Zhao Xiangyu , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Zhou Zilan , Meng Fanchun , Liu Ruilin , Zhang Mengyuan , Hao Yujia , Xie Qingpeng , Sun Xiaojun , Zhang Bin , Wang Xing
Published: April 2024

Objective: Titanium implants are widely used in surgeries for their biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, excessive titanium particle release can cause implant failure. This study explores Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) to coat commercially pure titanium (Cp-Ti) with TiO2, aiming to improve its frictional and corrosion resistance while reducing particle release. By comparing TiO2 films with varying ALD cycle numbers, we assess surface properties, particle release, friction, and corrosion performance, providing insights into mitigating particle release from implants.

Methods: Cp-Ti surfaces were prepared and coated with TiO2 films of 100, 300, and 500 ALD cycles. Surface characterization involved SEM, EDX, and XRD. Friction was tested using SEM, nanoindentation, and ICP-MS. Corrosion resistance was evaluated through immersion tests and electrochemical analysis. Cytotoxicity was assessed using BMSCs.

Results: Surface characterization revealed smoother surfaces with increased ALD cycles, confirming successful TiO2 deposition. Friction testing showed reduced friction coefficients with higher ALD cycles, supported by nanoindentation results. Corrosion resistance improved with increasing ALD cycles, as evidenced by electrochemical tests and reduced titanium release. Cytotoxicity studies showed no significant cytotoxic effects.

Conclusion: ALD-coated TiO2 films significantly enhance frictional and corrosion resistance of titanium implants while reducing particle release. The study underscores the importance of ALD cycle numbers in optimizing film performance, offering insights for designing implants with improved properties.
Cell-free fat extract regulates oxidative stress and alleviates Th2-mediated inflammation in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Fu Zexin , Gu Qinhao , Wang Lu , Chen Lulu , Zhou Liuyi , Jin Qiang , Li Ting , Zhao Ye , Wu Sufan , Luo Xuejiao , Jin Tingting , Guo Chengrui
Published: April 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that significantly affects patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of cell-free fat extract (FE) in AD. In this study, the therapeutic effect of DNCB-induced AD mouse models was investigated. Dermatitis scores and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were recorded to evaluate the severity of dermatitis. Histological analysis and cytokines measurement were conducted to assess the therapeutic effect. Additionally, the ability of FE to protect cells from ROS-induced damage and its ROS scavenging capacity both in vitro and in vivo were investigated. Furthermore, we performed Th1/2 cell differentiation with and without FE to elucidate the underlying therapeutic mechanism. FE reduced apoptosis and cell death of HaCat cells exposed to oxidative stress. Moreover, FE exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity and scavenged ROS both in vitro and vivo. Treatment with FE alleviated AD symptoms in mice, as evidenced by improved TEWL, restored epidermis thickness, reduced mast cell infiltration, decreased DNA oxidative damage and lower inflammatory cytokines like IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-13. FE also inhibited the differentiation of Th2 cells in vitro. Our findings indicate that FE regulates oxidative stress and mitigates Th2-mediated inflammation in atopic dermatitis by inhibiting Th2 cell differentiation, suggesting that FE has the potential as a future treatment option for AD.
Miniaturization of hiPSC-derived 3D neural cultures in stirred-tank bioreactors for parallelized preclinical assessment of rAAV
Authors: Gomes Catarina M. , Sebastião Maria João , Silva Gabriela , Moura Filipa , Simão Daniel , Gomes-Alves Patrícia , Alves Paula M. , Brito Catarina
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Engineered 3D models employing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derivatives have the potential to recapitulate the cell diversity and structure found in the human central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, these complex cellular systems offer promising human models to address the safety and potency of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), such as gene therapies. Specifically, recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are currently considered highly attractive for CNS gene therapy due to their broad tropism, low toxicity, and moderate immunogenicity. To accelerate the clinical translation of rAAVs, in-depth preclinical evaluation of efficacy and safety in a human setting is primordial. The integration of hiPSC-derived CNS models in rAAV development will require, amongst other factors, robust, small-scale, high-throughput culture platforms that can feed the preclinical trials.

Methods: Herein, we pioneer the miniaturization and parallelization of a 200 mL stirred-tank bioreactor-based 3D brain cell culture derived from hiPSCs. We demonstrate the applicability of the automated miniaturized Ambr® 15 Cell Culture system for the maintenance of hiPSC-derived neurospheroids (iNSpheroids), composed of neuronal and glial cells. Critical process parameters were optimized, namely, cell density and agitation mode.

Results: Under optimized conditions, stable iNSpheroid cultures were attained in the microbioreactors for at least 15 days, with high cell viability and astrocytic and neuronal phenotype maintenance. This culture setup allowed the parallelization of different rAAVs, in different multiplicity of infections (MOIs), to address rAAV-host interactions at a preclinical scale. The iNSpheroids were exposed to rAAV2- and rAAV9-eGFP in the microbioreactors. Transgene expression was detected 14 days post-transduction, revealing different astrocyte/neuron tropism of the two serotypes.

Discussion: We advocate that the iNSpheroid cultures in miniaturized bioreactors are reliable and reproducible screening tools for addressing rAAV transduction and tropism, compatible with preclinical demands.
Solar enhanced oxygen evolution reaction with transition metal telluride
Authors: Singh Harish , Higuchi-Roos Taishi , Roncoroni Fabrice , Prendergast David , Nath Manashi
Published: April 2024

The photo-enhanced electrocatalytic method of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) shows promise for enhancing the effectiveness of clear energy generation through water splitting by using renewable and sustainable source of energy. However, despite benefits of photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) water splitting, its uses are constrained by its low efficiency as a result of charge carrier recombination, a large overpotential, and sluggish reaction kinetics. Here, we illustrate that Nickel telluride (NiTe) synthesized by hydrothermal methods can function as an extremely effective photo-coupled electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (POER) catalyst. In this study, NiTe was synthesized by hydrothermal method at 145°C within just an hour of reaction time. In dark conditions, the NiTe deposited on carbon cloth substrate shows a small oxygen evolution reaction overpotential (261 mV) at a current density of 10 mA cm–2, a reduced Tafel slope (65.4 mV dec−1), and negligible activity decay after 12 h of chronoamperometry. By virtue of its enhanced photo response, excellent light harvesting ability, and increased interfacial kinetics of charge separation, the NiTe electrode under simulated solar illumination displays exceptional photoelectrochemical performance exhibiting overpotential of 165 mV at current density of 10 mA cm-2, which is about 96 mV less than on dark conditions. In addition, Density Functional Theory investigations have been carried out on the NiTe surface, the results of which demonstrated a greater adsorption energy for intermediate -OH on the catalyst site. Since the -OH adsorption on the catalyst site correlates to catalyst activation, it indicates the facile electrocatalytic activity of NiTe owing to favorable catalyst activation. DFT calculations also revealed the facile charge density redistribution following intermediate -OH adsorption on the NiTe surface. This work demonstrates that arrays of NiTe elongated nanostructure are a promising option for both electrochemical and photoelectrocatalytic water oxidation and offers broad suggestions for developing effective PEC devices.
Seroprevalence of the novel swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus in China assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Liu Zuqing , Zhao Ya , Yang Jingyu , Liu Xi , Luo Yun , Zhu Lili , Huang Kun , Sheng Feng , Du Xuezhu , Jin Meilin
Published: April 2024

The endemic outbreak of SADS-CoV has resulted in economic losses and potentially threatened the safety of China’s pig industry. The molecular epidemiology of SADS-CoV in pig herds has been investigated in many provinces in China. However, there are no data over a long-time span, and there is a lack of extensive serological surveys to assess the prevalence of SADS-CoV in Chinese swine herds since the discovery of SADS-CoV. In this study, an indirect anti-SADS-CoV IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the SADS-CoV S1 protein was established to investigate the seroprevalence of SADS-CoV in Chinese swine herds. Cross-reactivity assays, indirect immunofluorescence, and western blotting assays showed that the developed ELISA had excellent SADS-CoV specificity. In total, 12,978 pig serum samples from 29 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions in China were tested from 2022 to 2023. The results showed that the general seroprevalence of SADS-CoV in China was 59.97%, with seroprevalence ranging from 16.7% to 77.12% in different provinces and from 42.61% to 68.45% in different months. SADS-CoV is widely prevalent in China, and its seroprevalence was higher in Northeast China, North China, and Central China than in other regions. Among the four seasons, the prevalence of SADS-CoV was the highest in spring and the lowest in autumn. The results of this study provide the general seroprevalence profile of SADS-CoV in China, facilitating the understanding of the prevalence of SADS-CoV in pigs. More importantly, this study is beneficial in formulating preventive and control measures for SADS-CoV and may provide directions for vaccine development.
Seasonal human coronavirus NL63 epidemics in children in Guilin, China, reveal the emergence of a new subgenotype of HCoV-NL63
Authors: Zhu Renhe , Cao Rundong , Wang Lulu , Gong Yue , Cheng Qian , Long Hu , Xia Dong , Song Qinqin , Xia Zhiqiang , Liu Mi , Du HaiJun , Song Juan , Han Jun , Gao Chen
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Seasonal human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) is a frequently encountered virus linked to mild upper respiratory infections. However, its potential to cause more severe or widespread disease remains an area of concern. This study aimed to investigate a rare localized epidemic of HCoV-NL63-induced respiratory infections among pediatric patients in Guilin, China, and to understand the viral subtype distribution and genetic characteristics.

Methods

In this study, 83 pediatric patients hospitalized with acute respiratory infections and positive for HCoV-NL63 were enrolled. Molecular analysis was conducted to identify the viral subgenotypes and to assess genetic variations in the receptor-binding domain of the spiking protein.

Results

Among the 83 HCoV-NL63-positive children, three subgenotypes were identified: C4, C3, and B. Notably, 21 cases exhibited a previously unreported subtype, C4. Analysis of the C4 subtype revealed a unique amino acid mutation (I507L) in the receptor-binding domain of the spiking protein, which was also observed in the previously reported C3 genotype. This mutation may suggest potential increases in viral transmissibility and pathogenicity.

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the rapid mutation dynamics of HCoV-NL63 and its potential for increased virulence and epidemic transmission. The presence of a unique mutation in the C4 subtype, shared with the C3 genotype, raises concerns about the virus’s evolving nature and its potential public health implications. This research contributes valuable insights into the understanding of HCoV-NL63’s epidemiology and pathogenesis, which is crucial for effective disease prevention and control strategies. Future studies are needed to further investigate the biological significance of the observed mutation and its potential impact on the virus’s transmissibility and pathogenicity.