bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PROMOTING HAUSA CULTURE, LITERATURE, AND TRANSLATION
Authors: AMINU SAEED HARUNA  , SHITU ABDULLAHI LAME  , BAPPALE BAPPAYO
Published: February 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a powerful opportunity for preserving and promoting Hausa culture, language, and literature. This paper explores AI's role in safeguarding and promoting Hausa heritage through machine translation, speech recognition, and AI-generated content. It reviews the current state of AI applications for Hausa, addressing challenges such as limited datasets and the effectiveness of existing tools. The study proposes several AI-driven approaches for enhancing Hausa culture, including translation, content generation, cultural archiving, language learning, and sentiment analysis. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical considerations in developing culturally sensitive AI solutions. Future directions focus on creating representative datasets, developing tailored tools, and fostering partnerships to ensure AI's positive impact on Hausa cultural preservation.
INVESTIGATION OF THE DIFFICULTIES FACED BY SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (SSS) STUDENTS IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, REGARDING MAP-READING
Authors: OSUDANJUMA JOB  , ILIYA FIDELIS GYANKUN
Published: February 2025

Map-reading has been regarded as one of the intricate, hardest and broadest aspect of geography by many students, teachers, readers and critics who consciously or unconsciously struggle with one map-reading phenomenon or the other without accomplishing the goal in mind. This among other reasons prompted the research into investigating the perceived difficulties associated with map-reading so as to provide remedial solutions in respect of the map-makers, teachers, students and other readers who find geography interesting. The research investigates the difficulties in map-reading in senior secondary schools in Lafia Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa, State. The population size of the study comprises of 10 geography teachers and 100 randomly selected students from the sampled schools. The data used in the analytical procedures were collected from 10 sampled senior secondary schools located within and around Lafia LGA Headquarters. Hypotheses were generated, analysed and tested through applying simple percentages. The acceptance or rejection of the Null (Ho) hypotheses was based on the results that were computed and then compared to the critical table values at α0.05 significant level of judgement certified by natural, social and applied scientists and engineers. Percentages were used based on “the higher the result of the computation, the lesser the intensity of the problem”.
RELEVANCE OF LEADERSHIP ABILITIES ON TEACHERS JOB PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BAYELSA STATE
Authors: IGWELE NEWTON UTAVIE  , OLADUNJOYE PATRICK
Published: February 2025

This study examined relevance of leadership abilities on teachers’ job performances in public secondary schools in Bayelsa State. One research questions and one null hypotheses guided the study. Correlational survey design was used for the study. The population of the study was 4015 students’ of public secondary schools teachers in Bayelsa State during the 2022/2023 academic session. The proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to draw up 384 teachers made up of 204 male and 180 female teachers respectively. A self developed instrument containing 45 items titled Administrators Competence and Teachers Job Performance Questionnaire (ACTJPQ) was used for data collection. The data generated from the trial testing were analyzed using Cronbach Alpha statistics and the reliability scores is made up of instructional materials, .797; decision-making, .785; reward system, .737; in-service training, .803, teachers’ job performance, .789 and the entire instrument, .886. Simple regression analysis was used to answer the research questions while Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMC) was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings of the study showed that  leadership ability is significantly associated with teachers’ job performance in secondary schools in Bayelsa State. Conclusively, this study offered significant understanding of the primary factors influencing teachers' job performance. This knowledge can help shape the creation of continuous professional development programmes for teachers, thereby fostering academic achievement for all students. Based on the findings, the study recommended that teachers’ should depend on leadership ability as a result of their ability to enhance their job performance in secondary schools.
AI-BASED RESERVATION SYSTEMS FOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: A PREDICTIVE APPROACH TO MANAGING SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS AND VISITOR FLOW
Authors: L. T. OYETORO  , K. J. ADEDOTUN  , J. A. ADEKUNLE  , AHMED BOLA KHADIJAT  , A. K. RAJI
Published: February 2025

Tourism is one of the most dynamic industries globally, yet it faces significant challenges, particularly in managing visitor flow during peak seasons. Overcrowding not only negatively impacts the visitor experience but also places immense pressure on infrastructure, resources, and service quality. This paper investigates the potential of AI-based reservation systems as a predictive approach to managing seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers at tourist attractions. The system utilizes machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics to forecast visitor demand, taking into account various factors such as historical attendance data, weather conditions, special events, and other relevant variables. By analyzing these factors, the system can predict the number of visitors for a given period, allowing for more accurate and dynamic adjustments to reservation availability. The AI-based system enables real-time monitoring of visitor capacity, helping to optimize ticketing, scheduling, and crowd management strategies. It allows for adaptive reservations, where entry times can be adjusted to avoid congestion, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience for visitors. Furthermore, the integration of solar-powered infrastructure ensures that the system operates sustainably, reducing the carbon footprint of tourist operations while maintaining high energy efficiency. The use of renewable energy sources supports eco-friendly tourism practices, aligning with growing sustainability goals in the industry. Through case studies and simulation models, this research demonstrates the effectiveness of AI-powered reservation systems in managing fluctuating visitor attendance. The findings highlight not only the operational benefits, such as reduced overcrowding and resource optimization, but also the enhancement of customer satisfaction. By ensuring that attractions can handle peak periods efficiently, the proposed system contributes to the long-term sustainability and success of tourist destinations.
GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACTS OF FLOOD VULNERABILITY ON LAND USE LAND COVER CHANGES IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS
Authors: ABDULLAHI MOHAMMAD ALHAJI
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the geospatial impacts of flood vulnerability on land use and land cover (LULC) changes within Bauchi Metropolis. Using a combination of satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and statistical analyses, the research identifies flood-prone areas and their correlation with various land cover types. The study reclassifies LULC into flood vulnerability categories, highlighting areas with very high, high, moderate, low, and none vulnerability levels.Results indicate that 5.87% of the area falls into the very high vulnerability class, predominantly comprising urban and built-up zones. Conversely, 52.11% of the area is moderately vulnerable, representing mixed land uses with moderate flood susceptibility. The analysis further reveals the critical role of farmlands and woodlands in mitigating flood risks. High-risk zones, including Baraya, Gwallagan Mayaki, and Zango, require immediate intervention to prevent severe flood impacts. Moderate and low-risk areas demand proactive urban planning and sustainable land management to prevent escalation in vulnerability.The study employs advanced geospatial techniques to classify flood risks and presents actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and disaster management agencies. By identifying flood-prone areas and their specific LULC types, the research provides a foundation for targeted flood mitigation strategies, such as enhanced drainage systems, improved land management practices, and the preservation of natural vegetation. This comprehensive geospatial analysis underscores the necessity of integrating land use planning with flood risk management to enhance the resilience of Bauchi Metropolis to future flooding events.
ASSESSING THE STRENGTH OF SOME KEY NUMERIC METRICS USED FOR GLARE EVALUATIONS IN DAYLIGHTING
Authors: SAMUEL PETER
Published: February 2025

Both natural and artificial lightings can cause glare in poorly-lit indoor spaces. Many metrics have been developed to solve glare from artificial lighting. Until recently, many scholars have used artificial lighting indices to evaluate glare from natural lighting. Recently, some numeric metrics have been developed for predicting discomfort from glare as a result of daylighting. The two most used indices are Daylight Glare Index (DGI) and Daylight Glare Probability (DGP). Each of the two has it strengths and weaknesses. This research set out to assess the two metrics. Rubrics for the assessment were developed using criteria like relevance, accuracy, interpretability, robustness, Contextual Validity and practicability. The outcomes from the evaluations show that DGI scored 15 out of 24 while DGP got 18 out of 24. This result indicates that Daylight Glare probability metric performed better than Daylight Glare index. Despite the good performance, DGP has its weaknesses as it requires large amount of computational resources for the evaluations.
EXTENT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN NASARAWA STATE
Authors: JOSEPHINE EGBOR ODEY  , SOLOMON, CRESCENT ONYEMA  , SAMBO MUHAMMED ALHAJI HUDU  , AKINBOBOYE JOSEPH TAIWO
Published: February 2025

The study examined the extent of Information and Communication Technology integration in the teaching and learning process among secondary school teachers and students in Nasarawa State. A mixed-method research approach with a concurrent design was employed. The study's population comprised 4,560 senior secondary school teachers and 71,471 senior secondary school students. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique, resulting in a sample of 292 teachers and 414 students. The sample size was determined using Taro Yamane's formula, and the instruments for data collection were questionnaire and observation checklist. Two categories of questionnaires were developed: one for teachers (TICTIn) and another for students (SICTInt). The instruments were validated by two experts in ICT from the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, and the reliability of the TICTIn and SICTIn were determined using Cronbach alpha, yielded 0.87 and 0.83 respectively. The reliability of the observation checklist (ObCList) was determined using Cohen’s Kappa, yielding a Kappa value of 0.78. A pilot test was also conducted with 20 senior secondary school students and 10 teachers from two schools in Lafia. The questionnaires were administered using KoboCollect form while the checklist was conducted manually at various participating schools. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency distribution and percentage count) while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that ICT integration in the teaching and learning process among senior secondary school teachers and students in Nasarawa State is low; that teachers lack competence in ICT; and there exists critical lack of basic ICT infrastructure and resources for teaching and learning across secondary schools in the State. Based on these findings, the study recommended the provision of critical ICT infrastructure, such as well-equipped computer labs, provision of internet services and subject specific software; implementation of regular ICT training for teachers; and the inclusion of digital literacy as a criterion for teacher recruitment and promotion.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) ATTRIBUTES AND SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE
Authors: MONDAY OLADE, IZEVBEKHAI  , AFEIDIA KOFI IWEOKHAI
Published: February 2025

The study ascertained chief executive officer (CEO) attributes and share price performance of listed firms in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to investigate whether CEO ownership has significant effect on share price performance. The secondary source of data collection was adopted in the study where the purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of ten (10) selected firms for the study. Least Square regression analysis was used in this study and the findings revealed that CEO ownership have no significant effect on share price performance of listed firms in Nigeria. It was concluded that CEO as one of the critical players in the corporate sector and sitting in the top position of the management teams, are able to guide the firms to actively pursue opportunities and control the structures and strategies of the firms. Finally, it was recommended that the concentration of share ownership to the chief executive officer should be encouraged so as to maintain its positive impact on the performance of the listed firms in Nigeria.
AN ANALYSIS OF BLOCK CHAIN TECHNOLOGY'S ROLE IN NIGERIAN GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES: A REVIEW OF ITS USES AND CONSEQUENCES
Authors: BUHARI GARBA J.
Published: February 2025

This research looks at block chain implementations in Nigerian government systems and evaluates how well they work for administration and government. Block chain technology has attracted a lot of interest due to its potential to revolutionise a number of industries, including government processes. It was first presented as the foundation for crypto currencies. The uses and effects of block chain technology on the political environment in the United States are thoroughly reviewed in this article. Block chain emerge as an innovative force that has the potential to transform administrative systems as governments across the globe look for creative ways to improve transparency, efficiency, and security. The research highlights the decentralised and tamper-resistant features of block chain technology while clarifying its basic concepts. Additionally, it examines a variety of uses for government systems, from voting and identity management to supply chain tracking and public financing. Examining certain use cases in depth, the report shows how block chain improves data quality, lowers fraud, and expedites bureaucratic procedures. The report evaluates the potential advantages of block chain implementation for government operations, emphasising improved public confidence, better accountability, and cost savings. To provide a fair assessment of the technology's limits, issues and factors such as interoperability, scalability, and regulatory frameworks are examined. Examining pilot programmes and current implementations that use block chain in domains including property registers, medical information administration, and acquisition, the assessment covers federal and state-level activities in the United States. A closer look at the joint efforts of both the government and privatizes sector is taken, providing insight into the frameworks that must be in place for effective block chain integration. Block chain initiatives for administration are discussed in the context of ethical issues and privacy concerns, highlighting the need of strong security measures to secure private data while using the technology's transformational potential. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the uses and implications of block chain computing in Nigeria government systems by synthesising its present status. This assessment provides insightful information for policymakers, academics, and practitioners as block chain technology develops and gains acceptance. It also helps people understand how transformational block chain technology may be in reshaping government processes in the future.
Nexus between Standardizing Procurement and Performance of County Governments in Kenya
Authors: Lagat Jael , Osoro (Ph.D) Dr. Anthony , Wachiuri (Ph.D) Dr. Elizabeth
Published: February 2025

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between standardizing procurement and performance of county governments in Kenya.
Methods: The study used a descriptive research design. The target population of this study was 384 respondents drawn from all the 47 counties in Kenya which included the staff from the procurement, ICT, finance and administration, and audit departments. The study sample size was 188 respondents and both stratified random sampling technique and simple random sampling techniques were adopted to get the sample of respondents to be included in the study. Data analysis was done with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science version 28. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis.
Results: The study findings indicated that standardizing procurement had a positive significant effect on performance of county governments in Kenya
Implication: This study recommends that county managers should fully adopt practices designed in their county process through counties. The county professionals should establish strategic collaborative working partnerships and agreements with industry players and experts ranging from seasoned global freight forwarders, ocean carriers, airlines, and overland transporters to critical suppliers and all other County processes through county actors to allow expertise and near precision responsiveness to needs of vulnerable people in an efficient and coordinated manner. Each one of these players applies their operational expertise, assets, and networks to what they do best hence creating an integrated county that is responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Mort de Dieu : comment comprendre l’existentialisme sartrien à partir du péché originel ?
Authors:   Université Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY (Côte d’Ivoire), M’BOUA Olivier
Published: February 2025

L’existentialisme est un courant de pensée qui tire ses racines depuis Kierkegaard, considéré comme le père en titre. Sartre lui, est présenté comme le chef de file de ce mouvement au XXe siècle. Si Kierkegaard adopte une démarche religieuse, Sartre s’est chargé de porter à son paroxysme l’existentialisme dit athée. Ainsi, le rejet du déterminisme et la négation de Dieu sont au cœur de la philosophie de l’existence chez Sartre. De ce fait, il proclame la liberté absolue de l’homme contre un Dieu transcendant. Cependant, par observation, on peut percevoir dans les écritures saintes une certaine une justification de la philosophie sartrienne, plus précisément à partir du péché originel. À cet effet, l’objectif de ce travail est de montrer au travers du péché originel, le sens de la philosophie de Sartre. Alors, par les méthodes démonstratives et justificatives, nous procéderons dans un premier temps à la désacralisation du concept de transcendance ; puis à la justification de l’hypothèse selon laquelle le péché originel serait l’un des fondements de l’existentialisme athée.
La femme et la transformation numérique des entreprises
Authors:   Université Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY (Côte d’Ivoire), KONATÉ Djakaridja
Published: February 2025

La digitalisation en entreprise a transformé les habitudes et la transformation est irréversible. Alors qu’elle doit être inclusive, certains pensent encore que la transformation paraît venir de l’homme seul, et pourtant elle nécessite aussi les apports de la femme. Car, le niveau de développement d’une société se mesure aussi par l’inclusion des femmes. L’objectif de ce travail est de montrer que la construction d’une nouvelle image de la femme est un pilier de la transformation numérique en entreprise. Il s’agit de montrer comment s’approprier une nouvelle image de la femme comme un atout pour réaliser la transformation numérique en entreprise. De là, il convient de découvrir aussi que les femmes peuvent contribuer à promouvoir les avancées des technologies transformatrices en entreprise. Et comme l’éducation en tant qu’outil de changement est indispensable, elle permettra de transformer les femmes supposées victimes en vue de les impliquer et de les faire entrer dans une dynamique qui vise le bien commun de l’entreprise.
La gestion des fichiers Excel avec WEBDEV
Authors:   Université Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY (Côte d’Ivoire), KOUASSI Kpa Yao Raoul
Published: February 2025

L’autonomisation et l’utilisation de la communication entre Excel et WEBDEV mises sous silence dans les parutions PC SOFT au profit de WINDEV qui intègre déjà le tableur Excel, doivent être surmontées par une exploitation plus efficiente de WEBDEV en vue de la valorisation de la connexion d’une base de données avec les fichiers au format XLSX. Nous voulons montrer ici que WINDEV est important pour manipuler les fichiers XLSX, mais on peut le faire aussi avec WEBDEV pour valoriser à la fois WEBDEV et la nécessité d’exploiter les fichiers au format XLSX en ligne. La force de cette approche est facilitée par les fonctions d’importations et d’exportations élaborées par PC SOFT pouvant être exploitées pour donner une nouvelle force à WEBDEV et montrer que cette force est incontournable dans la mesure où, en prenant en compte les fichiers Excel au format XLSX, WEBDEV permet de communiquer ce format avec une base de données prise en compte par WEBDEV et de l’exploiter aussi en ligne. Cet atout considérable met WEBDEV en avance sur les autres outils qui limitent l’exploitation des fichiers Excel et restent dépendants du format CSV.
Rethinking Italian inner areas: lessons from the potential demography
Authors: Bitonti Francesca , Mazza Angelo
Published: February 2025

The National Strategy for Inner Areas (NSIA) categorizes Italian municipalities based on their distance from "poles", i.e. centres providing essential services. Inner areas (IAs) are municipalities located within a certain distance from the poles. Although the NSIA aims to counteract depopulation and ageing processes affecting IAs, traditional demographic indicators, as the ones officially released by Istat annually, have not been considered to identify them.
For this reason, we aim to provide a demographically nuanced representation of IAs. In particular, we exploit the concepts of potential demography to delineate a demographic profile of the Italian IAs, both in actual and predictive terms. The idea of Potential Years of Life is used to assess the future economic potential of the IAs' population.
The preliminary application shows a complex situation that the NSIA classification failed to capture. A discrepancy between the IAs experiencing the strongest demographic distress and the territories receiving national funding has emerged.
Robustness techniques for the evaluation of municipal data: an example on the "A misura di Comune" information system
Authors: Carucci Agata Maria Madia , Marzocca Valeria , Palumbo Roberto Antonello
Published: February 2025

The “A misura di Comune” information system is the result of the “Misure di benessere e programmazione a livello comunale” project started in 2016 and it was created with the explicit objective of supporting public decision-makers in intercepting the needs of a territory. Through a complex set of indicators useful for the planning, programming and management tasks of Local Authorities, it is also a support tool for the preparation of the Single Programming Document (SDP).
In this work, after having presented the main methods of collecting statistical information, the robustness techniques of the proposed indicators will be analysed.
From 2022, the indicators are widespread in a time series and therefore alignment with the new geography and robustness analysis of the indicator are necessary annually not only in cross-sectional terms but also longitudinally. In particular, the robustness tests of the indicators depend on the type of indicator produced and three examples will be presented in this work.
Investigating the relationship between material deprivation and household context among older people in Italy
Authors: Carella Maria , Misuraca Roberta , Paterno Anna
Published: February 2025

A large body of literature has delved into socioeconomic inequalities, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of deprivation. However, previous research has only considered deprivation in additive terms and has not adequately combined the variety and intensity of different deprivation indicators. Using data from the 2018 Multipurpose Survey on Households, Aspects of Daily Life (Italian National Institute of Statistics), we conducted a Latent Class Analysis to identify distinct deprivation profiles based on gradual patterns of hardship. This method allows for a better understanding of the interplay between varying degrees of severity across different deprivation indicators. In a second step, probit regression analyses were used to examine the impact of diverse living arrangements on latent deprivation classes among older individuals. Our findings reveal that older people living with others experience higher levels of housing deprivation but lower overall material deprivation than those living alone. Furthermore, living with family members, whether a spouse or descendants, is associated with higher levels of housing deprivation than cohabiting with strangers, while the reverse is true for overall material deprivation. These results underscore the need for further research to explore the varying degrees of deprivation across subpopulations, highlighting the importance of nuanced investigations in this field.
Fragility and anti-fragility of Italian volunteering in the polycritical context
Authors: Di Maggio Umberto , Della Queva Stefania , Nicosia Manuela , Notarstefano Giuseppe , Stoppiello Sabrina , Terzo Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Volunteering is a multifaceted phenomenon of great relevance to the social sciences. Several studies confirm how it significantly contributes to mitigating and partially alleviating the effects of crises (Guo et al., 2021; Della Porta, 2020) and, more generally, the distorting effects of capitalism and the market (Rago & Venturi, 2020). Despite the fact that crises increase the range of social needs to which institutional welfare alone cannot respond, it is noted that Italian volunteering has changed during the Covid pandemic, experiencing a crisis due to a reduced capacity to involve and activate individuals willing to engage in activities of general interest (Eurispes, 2022).
In 2021, there were about 360,000 non-profit institutions (NPIs) active in Italy and about 261,000 with volunteers (76.1% of the total NPIs). The aim of this paper is to describe the different forms of “organised volunteering” and to analyse specific contexts in order to identify the factors that, at territorial level, could influence the traditional way of volunteering and allow new forms of engagement and civic participation to emerge.
Specifically, we analyse the data collected by the permanent censuses of non-profit institutions  in order to classify NPIs according to structural characteristics, human resources, activities carried out, and other qualitative information such as scope (mutual versus public benefit), target of mission (individuals versus community), network of stakeholders, and category of vulnerability addressed. This analysis makes it possible to identify different types of volunteering and their changes over time, providing the empirical basis for new reflections on the fragility (or not) of organised volunteering in Italy.
Fisioterapia Domiciliar Para Idosos: Impacto Na Funcionalidade, Prevenção De Complicações E Promoção Da Autonomia
Authors: Langowski Débora Silvério , Lira Itallo Thiago Santos de , Bertolini Beatriz de Souza , Souza Victor Tavares de , Ramos Magno Oliveira , Mesquita Fillipe Eduardo Amorim , Meira Leidiane Muniz , Junior Haylmer Cozer de Melo , Batista Wagner Henrique Santos , Neto Joaquim Silva Jó
Published: February 2025

Population aging demands strategies that promote functionality and quality of life for the elderly. Home physiotherapy has been shown to be an effective approach for preventing complications associated with ageing, improving mobility and encouraging autonomy. This study, based on a narrative review of the literature, analyzed the impact of this model of care on the functionality and well-being of the elderly. The results indicate that home physiotherapy reduces the risk of falls, improves muscle strength and motor coordination, and contributes to maintaining independence. In addition, adherence to treatment tends to be higher when compared to traditional rehabilitation models. However, challenges such as the need for greater government support and the inclusion of new technologies in physiotherapy practice still need to be overcome. It can be concluded that home physiotherapy is a valuable alternative for healthy ageing, and that it needs to be improved and more widely disseminated in the context of geriatric care.
Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Uptake of Routine Immunization in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Mukanda Saleh , Mapesa Job , Kyulu Teresia
Published: February 2025

Routine immunization processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo are supported by the government, as a strategy to protect vulnerable children below two years. The government strives to improve immunization processes and maintain them in spite of the context. However, with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not easy to know the extent to which immunization processes were disrupted. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pandemic’s effect on vaccination uptake in terms of coverage, sequence, and timing of the vaccines at Mabanga in Goma City, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study sought to compare vaccination uptake before and during the COVID-19 period. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in August 2021, among 423 children aged 12-23 months which were from the two-stage cluster sampling. Paired T-test, Chi-square, and logistic regression were used to determine the Mean values, independence, and measures of association, respectively, at a significance value of p <0.05. The full and partial immunization coverages were 97% and 99% respectively, during COVID-19. There was a drop of 69% in the number of vaccinations done in the first three months after the onset of COVID-19. Later it increased to 82% in the ninth month following the COVID-19 pandemic. A similar observation was made for untimely doses, which dropped for the first three months of vaccination to 59%. The out-of-sequence mean doses of the vaccines increased by 72%. The study concludes that COVID-19 disrupted the vaccine uptake, untimely and out-of-sequence vaccination trends. If the out-of-sequence and untimely vaccinations go unchecked, it may increase the morbidity and mortality caused by some preventable childhood illnesses.
Statistical Analysis of Yttrium-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles for Gas Sensing Applications
Authors: Kumar Satender , Nehra Ankur
Published: February 2025

Yttrium-doped ZnO (YZ) thin films were synthesized using sol-gel spin coating technique on planar glass substrates. Their optical and electrical properties were analyzed to assess their potential for O₂ gas detection. XRD analysis confirmed a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure, while FE-SEM images revealed a network of spherical nanoparticles. Optical transmission spectra showed that increasing Y-dopant concentration widened the bandgap from 3.27 eV to 3.30 eV. Electrical measurements indicated that YZ3 exhibited highest conductivity. Gas sensing performance was evaluated for YZ2 and YZ4 at an O₂ flow rate of 450 sccm and an operating temperature of 70°C. Among them, YZ4 demonstrated the highest response, reaching a value of 1, with a fast response time of 2 seconds and a recovery time of 4 seconds. Statistical analysis suggests that YZ thin films hold promise for efficient gas sensing at lower operating temperatures.
ОЦЕНКА СКОРОСТИ И МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ РАЗРУШЕНИЯ АРХЕОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПАМЯТНИКОВ ПРАВОБЕРЕЖНОГО ХОРЕЗМА
Authors: Антонова Наталья , Болелов Сергей , Никифоров Михаил
Published: February 2025

С помощью сравнения исторических и современных спутниковых снимков получены оценки ско-рости деградации пяти монументальных сооружений Правобережного Хорезма и определеныприблизительные даты их разрушения. Показано, что явление разрушения памятника связано сдвумя процессами, которые условно можно назвать «медленный» и «быстрый».Первый – постепенное медленное разрушение объекта в течение столетий под действием ат-мосферных осадков, ветра и перепадов температур. Второй процесс – быстрое разрушениепамятника, наблюдаемое в течение нескольких последних десятилетий, связан с хозяйственнойдеятельностью человека – мелиорацией пустынь. Установлено, что основным фактором, вли-яющим на быстрое разрушение памятника, является близость его основания к уровню грунто-вых вод. Чем выше уровень грунтовых вод, тем интенсивнее происходит деградация стен.Предложена математическая модель, позволяющая описать процесс разрушения памятника,сделанного из пахсы и сырцового кирпича. С помощью данной модели можно получить числен-ную оценку, какой глубины нужно сделать дренаж, чтобы полностью нивелировать процессдеградации памятника под действием грунтовых вод. Предложенная модель может быть по-лезна для принятия решений по методам реставрации и консервации объекта.Отметим, что близость высоты основания памятника к уровню грунтовых вод является оченьсущественным фактором, влияющим на быстрое разрушение памятника, но вероятно не един-ственным.
Teaching Controversial Issues in a Populist and Post-Truth Context
Authors: Stitzlein Sarah M.
Published: February 2025

Many teachers and education scholars are quick to endorse discussing
controversial issues in classrooms, especially in the context of “divisive concept”
legislation that proposes bans or limitations on how contentious matters are taught in
schools. This approach, however, may not be the best choice in a post-truth and populist
setting that challenges the values of liberal democracy and the norms of discussion that are
endorsed in deliberative democracy. Rather than recommending doubling down on traditional
approaches in this new context, this article proposes a form of pragmatist inquiry as a
better pedagogical method. Pragmatist inquiry shares some tenets with aspects of populism
and post-truth, yet heads off some of their worst tendencies. It offers a more suitable
pedagogical approach than the liberal democracy approaches more closely aligned with typical
classroom discussion and related forms of deliberation and debate.
Democracy, Human Capital, and the Neoliberal Arts
Authors: Brooks Ryan , Mueller Laura
Published: February 2025

It is no secret that humanities professors find themselves disenchanted by the current state of neoliberal universities; as the story goes, jobs are scarce, enrollment continues to drop, and students seem increasingly disconnected from the value of humanities-based classes. Universities and departments strive for new ways to respond to the current “crisis” in higher education internally, by appealing to the usefulness of the liberal arts, and structurally by institutionalizing the diversity of universities via DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) requirements and offices. On the surface, such measures seem “Deweyan” in spirit, by increasing social diversity, by removing class barriers, and by removing “waste” in the divisions between vocational and humanities studies. However, such responses to neoliberal institutions reproduce the very logic to which they respond and reflect a refusal to think institutionally. Using Dewey’s theories of democracy, growth, and waste, as well as contemporary literatures on the neoliberal university and virtue hoarding in education, we argue that these seemingly Deweyan measures reproduce the problems which they purport to resolve.
The Legacy of A Common Faith in the Thought of Philip H. Phenix
Authors: Scribner Campbell
Published: February 2025

The following article traces the legacy of John Dewey’s A Common Faith (1934) and Dewey’s concept of “the religious” in the thought of Philip H. Phenix, a prominent philosopher of education during the 1950s and 1960s. Phenix frequently cited A Common Faith and echoed Dewey’s commitments to naturalism, creativity, and ethical commitment, all of which he associated with transcendent sources of meaning. In this respect, Phenix’s position was almost identical to Victor Kestenbaum’s subsequent interpretation of Dewey in The Grace and the Severity of the Ideal (2002). Unlike Kestenbaum, however, Phenix found no trace of transcendence in A Common Faith and repeatedly criticized Dewey on the point. This article ascribes Phenix’s attachment to the transcendent and his interpretation of A Common Faith to contemporary changes in science and religion, particularly the intellectual influence of theoretical physics and existentialist theology, with implications for our understanding of religious and educational thought at midcentury.
Influence of Natural Farming Practices in Different Crops at West Central Table Land Zone of Odisha
Authors: Behera R. D. , Biswal S. , Priyadarshini S. , Das Ipsita , Mishra P. J. , Barik N. C. , Sahu S. , Mohanty P. , Jena D.
Published: February 2025

A field experiment was conducted in the farmers field to study the effect of natural farming practice on different crops under the west central table land zone of Odisha. Under this experiment the Farmers practice (FP) was taken as application of soil test-based fertilizer where as recommended practice was taken as natural farming practice (NFP). From the above experiment it is concluded that the application of NFP significantly increase the crop yield in Brinjal, Toria, Ragi but non-significant in Cowpea, Field pea and pumpkin over FP where as in average net return significantly increases over all the crops except Field pea. The highest yield was shown in Pumpkin (158 q/ha) followed by other crops. The cost of cultivation was more in cowpea (Rs. 62,740) followed by pumpkin (Rs. 61,350), Brinjal (Rs. 55,396), Field pea (Rs. 43,044), Toria (Rs. 31,734) and Ragi (Rs. 28754).  Irrespective of the crops the gross income of the Pumpkin was more (Rs. 88750/-) followed by brinjal (Rs. 69404), Cowpea (Rs. 34372), Toria (Rs. 19,130), Ragi (Rs. 10906) and Field pea (Rs. 5188).
GGE Biplot Model Based Yield Stability Analysis in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Das Sujata , Sahoo Kishore Chandra , Tudu Sukumar , Ray Monika , Samantaray Subhakanta , Majhi Prasanta Kumar , Sahoo Srimanta Kumar , Swain Soudamini
Published: February 2025

The present study evaluates the yield stability of eight chickpea genotypes across three locations in two seasons to identify high-yielding, stable genotypes suitable for Odisha. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant effects of genotypes, environments, and their interactions (G×E) on the traits measured. Pooled ANOVA indicated highly significant differences for key agronomic traits such as days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of pods per plant, and 100-seed weight, while seed yield exhibited significant variation. The GGE biplot analysis was used to assess genotype stability and adaptability. Mean vs. stability analysis showed that ICCV 14102 had the highest mean grain yield, whereas ICCV 15114 was the most stable genotype. The ‘which-won-where’ biplot demonstrated three distinct mega-environments: the first, containing E6, was dominated by ICCV 15118 and JAKI 9218; the second, comprising E4 and E5, was led by ICCV 14108; and the third, covering E1, E2, and E3, identified ICCV 14102 as the best performer. When ranking genotypes in relation to an ideal genotype indicated ICCV 14108 as the most preferred, followed by ICCV 14102, ICCV 15115, and JAKI 9218. Similarly, environments were ranked based on their discriminating power and representativeness, with E4 emerging as the most ideal environment, followed by E5, E2, and others. The results highlight the effectiveness of GGE biplot analysis in genotype selection by providing insights into adaptability, stability, and performance across diverse environments. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of high-yielding and stable chickpea varieties in Odisha, with potential applications in other regions facing similar environmental challenges.
Neuronal glutathione depletion elevates the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and tau aggregation in Alzheimer's disease mice
Authors: Hashim Khairun Nisa Binti , Matsuba Yukio , Takahashi Mika , Kamano Naoko , Tooyama Ikuo , Saido Takaomi C. , Hashimoto Shoko
Published: May 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves reduced glutathione levels, causing oxidative stress and contributing to neuronal cell death. Our prior research identified diminished glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) as linked to cell death. However, the effect of GCLC on AD features such as amyloid and tau pathology remained unclear. To address this, we investigated amyloid pathology and tau pathology in mice by combining neuron‐specific conditional GCLC knockout mice with amyloid precursor protein (App) knockin (KI) or microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT) KI mice. Intriguingly, GCLC knockout resulted in an increased Aβ42/40 ratio. Additionally, GCLC deficiency in MAPT KI mice accelerated the oligomerization of tau through intermolecular disulfide bonds. These findings suggest that the decline in glutathione levels, due to aging or AD pathology, may contribute to the progression of AD.
Neuronostatin regulates proliferation and differentiation of rat brown primary preadipocytes
Authors: Krążek Małgorzata , Wojciechowicz Tatiana , Fiedorowicz Joanna , Strowski Mathias Z. , Nowak Krzysztof W. , Skrzypski Marek
Published: May 2024

Neuronostatin suppresses the differentiation of white preadipocytes. However, the role of neuronostatin in brown adipose tissue remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated the impact of neuronostatin on the proliferation and differentiation of isolated rat brown preadipocytes. We report that neuronostatin and its receptor (GPR107) are synthesized in brown preadipocytes and brown adipose tissue. Furthermore, neuronostatin promotes the replication of brown preadipocytes via the AKT pathway. Notably, neuronostatin suppresses the expression of markers associated with brown adipogenesis (PGC‐1α, PPARγ, PRDM16, and UCP1) and reduces cellular mitochondria content. Moreover, neuronostatin impedes the differentiation of preadipocytes by activating the JNK signaling pathway. These effects were not mimicked by somatostatin. Our results suggest that neuronostatin is involved in regulating brown adipogenesis.
Comprehensive characterization of circulating tumor cells and cell‐free DNA in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Bos Manouk K. , Kraan Jaco , Starmans Martijn P. A. , Helmijr Jean C. A. , Verschoor Noortje , De Jonge Maja J. A. , Joosse Arjen , van der Veldt Astrid A. M. , te Boekhorst Peter A. W. , Martens John W. M. , Sleijfer Stefan , Wilting Saskia M.
Published: May 2024

Advances in therapeutic approaches for melanoma urge the need for biomarkers that can identify patients at risk for recurrence and to guide treatment. The potential use of liquid biopsies in identifying biomarkers is increasingly being recognized. Here, we present a head‐to‐head comparison of several techniques to analyze circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in 20 patients with metastatic melanoma. In this study, we investigated whether diagnostic leukapheresis (DLA) combined with multimarker flow cytometry (FCM) increased the detection of CTCs in blood compared to the CellSearch platform. Additionally, we characterized cfDNA at the level of somatic mutations, extent of aneuploidy and genome‐wide DNA methylation. Both CTCs and cfDNA measures were compared to tumor markers and extracranial tumor burden on radiological imaging. Compared to the CellSearch method applied on peripheral blood, DLA combined with FCM increased the proportion of patients with detectable CTCs from 35% to 70% (P = 0.06). However, the median percentage of cells that could be recovered by the DLA procedure was 29%. Alternatively, cfDNA mutation and methylation analysis detected tumor load in the majority of patients (90% and 93% of samples successfully analyzed, respectively). The aneuploidy score was positive in 35% of all patients. From all tumor measurements in blood, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly correlated to variant allele frequency (P = 0.004). Furthermore, the presence of CTCs in DLA was associated with tumor burden (P < 0.001), whereas the presence of CTCs in peripheral blood was associated with number of lesions on radiological imaging (P < 0.001). In conclusion, DLA tended to increase the proportion of patients with detectable CTCs but was also associated with low recovery. Both cfDNA and CTCs were correlated with clinical parameters such as LDH levels and extracranial tumor burden.
Spliceosomic dysregulation in pancreatic cancer uncovers splicing factors PRPF8 and RBMX as novel candidate actionable targets
Authors: Alors‐Pérez Emilia , Blázquez‐Encinas Ricardo , Moreno‐Montilla María Trinidad , García‐Vioque Víctor , Jiménez‐Vacas Juan Manuel , Mafficini Andrea , González‐Borja Iranzu , Luchini Claudio , Sánchez‐Hidalgo Juan M. , Sánchez‐Frías Marina E. , Pedraza‐Arevalo Sergio , Romero‐Ruiz Antonio , Lawlor Rita T. , Viúdez Antonio , Gahete Manuel D. , Scarpa Aldo , Arjona‐Sánchez Álvaro , Luque Raúl M. , Ibáñez‐Costa Alejandro , Castaño Justo P.
Published: May 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer, characterized by late diagnosis and poor treatment response. Surgery is the only curative approach, only available to early‐diagnosed patients. Current therapies have limited effects, cause severe toxicities, and minimally improve overall survival. Understanding of splicing machinery alterations in PDAC remains incomplete. Here, we comprehensively examined 59 splicing machinery components, uncovering dysregulation in pre‐mRNA processing factor 8 (PRPF8) and RNA‐binding motif protein X‐linked (RBMX). Their downregulated expression was linked to poor prognosis and malignancy features, including tumor stage, invasion and metastasis, and associated with poorer survival and the mutation of key PDAC genes. Experimental modulation of these splicing factors in pancreatic cancer cell lines reverted their expression to non‐tumor levels and resulted in decreased key tumor‐related features. These results provide evidence that the splicing machinery is altered in PDAC, wherein PRPF8 and RBMX emerge as candidate actionable therapeutic targets.
Transforming the value chain of local journalism with artificial intelligence
Authors: Wilczek Bartosz , Haim Mario , Thurman Neil
Published: May 2024

With their advertising and audience revenues in decline, local news organizations have been experiencing comparatively high degrees of disruption in recent years. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers opportunities for local news organizations to better cope with the economic challenges they face. However, local news organizations need to carefully prioritize where AI will create the most value. After all, they serve customers in the audience and advertising markets, with external effects on society. At the same time, they are limited by scarce resources, which constrains the implementation of AI. Therefore, based on Porter's value chain, this article pursues two goals. First, drawing on previous research, we provide a systematic overview of activities for which local news organizations see the biggest potential of AI to create value. Moreover, we highlight promising AI use cases based on benchmarking with national news organizations. Second, we discuss local news organizations’ challenges in implementing AI and how they might overcome such obstacles.