bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Surfactants on Biological, Physiological, and Histological Performance of Mahseer Seeds, Neolissochilus soro
Authors: Rizkiya Iffi , Juliandi Berry , Nirmala Kukuh , Puspaningsih Dewi , Taufik Imam
Published: December 2023

Mahseer (Neolissochilus soro) grows and develops in Indonesian lakes and rivers. However, in line with the increase in population, the pollution load that enters water bodies is increasing due to anthropogenic activities along the river. One of the chemicals that can potentially be a source of water pollution is Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS). This study aims to determine the lethal toxicity of LAS surfactant to mahseer and to analyze the sub-lethal effect of this surfactant on the biological, physiological, and histological conditions of mahseer seeds. Parameters studied included lethal toxicity (LC50), sub-lethal toxicity, and biological, histological, and hematological conditions. The results showed that the LAS surfactant had an LC50-96 hour value of 6.14 mg/L in mahseer and was classified as highly toxic. Fish exposed to LAS for 40 days experienced a decrease in specific growth rate and feed efficiency as the surfactant concentration increased. Exposure to LAS also decreases the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and blood sugar levels while increasing the number of leukocytes. There was also damage to the gills of fish exposed to LAS. In general, the sub-lethal concentration of LAS negatively affected mahseer seeds.
Politicization of the Security Agencies and its Implication on the Electoral Processes: 2019 General Elections in Perspective
Authors: Elechi Aja , Nwodom Uchennna , Ohazuruike Kennedy
Published: December 2023

Since the return of democratic governance in Nigeria, elections have remained controversial and involve high levels of violence and other electoral malpractices. Hence, emphasis is placed on the need to provide adequate security in order to guarantee credible, free and fair elections. While previous studies have focused on the roles of security in the electoral processes, the implication of their roles (security agencies) have not been central to the existing debates. This paper examines the implications of politicizing the security agencies in the electoral process with special regards to the 2019 general elections. The paper employed a documentary analytical technique as our method of data collection, while qualitative descriptive method was used for the analysis. Anchoring our discuss on the structural functional theory, findings amongst others revealed that politicization of the security agencies by desperate politicians undermines the principles of credible, free and fair elections in the 2019 general elections; also the professional dispositions of some security agencies in the electoral process negates their role of maintenance of law and order which are an important tenets of the protection of lives and properties that enhances the need for credible and impartial electoral governance in Nigeria. The paper recommends amongst others that; security agencies need to be well trained on basic tenets of elections before their involvement in the electoral processes; politicians should avoid desperation and learn to play by the rules of the game; and all security agencies involved in the electoral malpractices should be punished according to the law so as to serve as deterrence to others.
Effects of Political and Socio-economic Dynamics on Library Development and Utilization in Nigeria
Authors: Chimah Jonathan
Published: December 2023

This paper presents qualitative analyses of case study discussions on the importance of libraries and the effect of political and social-economic dynamics on libraries in Nigeria with particular reference to public, national and academic libraries. It traces historical antecedents of selected libraries with a view of buttressing the point of libraries’ relevance from the ancient times to the modern information society.The article adopted an exploratory research design. Secondary data were obtained using a desk review of existing literature on state of Nigerian public, national and academic libraries. Theoretical framework based on library social responsibility and the role of government in the provision of library and information needs of the people is employed and discussed. They include planning process and critical discourse and informational justice (as part of social justice). Challenges facing libraries in Nigeria are identified to include adverse policies, paucity of funds and general government apathy to library development. As a panacea to the identified challenges confronting most Nigerian libraries, the paper recommends that librarians should continue to play their advocacy roles for their libraries, by continual soliciting for increased percentage of funds through budgetary allocation of both the federal and state governments.Also, good reading habit should be inculcated among pupils and students in order to increase the number of library patronage which would in turn encourage support for library development by the stakeholders.
Service Compact (SERVICOM) and Service Delivery in the Nigerian Public Sector: A Study of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki
Authors: Nwokwu Monday , Nwambe S. N, , Nwankwo Linda
Published: December 2023

This study was carried out to examine the effect of SERVICOM on service delivery in public institutions in Nigeria with particular reference to Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. Specifically, the research among others sought to ascertain the extent to which SERVICOM has enhanced timely response to patients’ complaints in AE-FUTHA; to examine the extent to which SERVICOM has improved quality healthcare delivery in AE-FUTHA. The study was anchored on New Public Management Theory by Hood (1991). A descriptive survey design was adopted with a sample size of 380. Data for the study were obtained from the structured questionnaire, which were presented in frequency distribution tables for purpose of analysis. The findings of the study revealed among others - that there was significant positive relationship between SERVICOM and timely response to patients’ complaints in AE-FUTHA; that there was significant positive relationship between SERVICOM and improved quality healthcare delivery in AE-FUTHA. The implication of the findings is that SERVICOM is very strategic to entrenching efficient service delivery in the health facility. Therefore, the following recommendations among others were proffered: that SERVICOM unit in the health sector should be strengthened to always ensure reduction to delays in addressing the health and other related complaints of patients in the hospital; that there should be regular capacity building of the staff of the SERVICOM unit in the health institution to enable them sustain quality healthcare delivery in the hospital
Unemployment, Inflation and Economic Growth: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Nnachi Nwaonuma , Ebubechima Ugochukwu
Published: December 2023

Nigeria has continued to grapple with rising unemployment amidst high inflation and slow growth of Nigeria’s gross domestic product. This precarious situation has become worrisome as it remains unabated not minding all the efforts of policy makers. The study evaluates the effect of unemployment and inflation on economic growth of Nigeria for the period between (1981-2021). The study used standard econometrics techniques such as autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) to measure the degree of effect of inflation and unemployment on economic growth. It also deployed the Pesaran and shin bound testing procedure to determine the short run and long run relationship of the variables under study. The findings revealed that inflation and unemployment have long run relationship with economic growth. It further revealed that unemployment is inversely correlated with economic growth whereas inflation is positively related to economic growth. In specific terms, one per cent increase in GDP resulted to a fall in unemployment rate by -0.019. The result also shows R2 value of about 0.61 percent indicating that gross domestic product accounts for about 61 per cent of the variation in unemployment rate in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that the government should tailor policies that can spur economic activities which in turn will reduce unemployment rate and stabilize prices.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Electronic Voting Systems in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Oyelude Olufunmilayo , Olojede Ibukunoluwa
Published: December 2023

In many countries, Electronic voting systems have gained significant recognition as a potential solution to enhance electoral processes' transparency, efficiency, and credibility. Elections in Nigeria have been fraught with anomalies even before the advent of the fourth republic, the 2023 general elections inclusive. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of electronic voting systems in Nigeria by examining the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation. Methodologically, the explanatory research design was adopted whereby a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and case studies was carried out.  This study beamed light on the key issues faced in adopting electronic voting systems in Nigeria and explores their potential benefits. The findings of this research contribute to the current discourse on electoral reforms and provide insights for policymakers, electoral commissions, and stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the future of electronic voting systems in Nigeria.
Attitude and Involvement of Local Communities in Nature Conservation around Idanre Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Amoo G. O. , Tunde-Ajayi O. A. , Yusuf A. O.
Published: December 2023

This objective of this study was to assess the attitude and involvement of the local communities on nature conservation around Idanre Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria using structured questionnaire. The study revealed the socio-demographic characteristics of community members of Idanre Forest Reserve. Data obtained shows that majority of the community members were aware of Idanre forest reserve and the attitudes and involvement of the local community towards conservation at Idanre forest reserve was negative. Factors that determined local people’s attitudes include assess to benefits obtained from the park. The impact of these benefits on attitudes was shown by the willingness of the people to assist the park management in promoting wildlife conservation. It was concluded that the factors responsible for the negative attitudes and involvement of local members towards nature conservation of Idanre Forest Reserve were majorly the lack of substantial benefits from the reserve and also the unfriendly nature of management. A bottom-top approach is hereby recommended, through regular involvement of local community leaders in major aspect of decision making.
Assessment of Marketing Practices and Strategies of Smoked Fish within Selected Markets in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Abolagba O. J. , Ogboru R. O. , Joshua D. K. , Amadin D. A.
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the marketing practices of smoked fish within selected markets in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research findings highlight a predominant presence of married female marketers in the 25-30 age bracket, primarily equipped with secondary school education. Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) emerge as the favoured fish species, and the primary mode of transportation to these markets is public. Notably, refrigeration stands as the preferred storage method for unprocessed fish, with peak sales occurring in the afternoons during the dry season. Among the key discoveries, inadequate financial resources surface as the predominant external challenge faced by marketers, impacting the efficiency of their operations. To address these findings, we recommend the formation of cooperatives to facilitate access to financial resources through banks and government agencies. Additionally, investments in essential infrastructure such as smoking facilities (smoking kilns) are essential to mitigate adverse health effects on marketers. Furthermore, government intervention through educational seminars and awareness programs is suggested to empower smoked fish marketers to enhance their marketing strategies. Lastly, the implementation of price control measures is advised to mitigate price fluctuations faced by producers, retailers, and consumers, fostering a more stable and equitable market environment.
Energy Sustainability: Bridging the Gap between Oil and Gas Operations and Community Well-Being in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria
Authors: Chijioke-Churuba J.
Published: December 2023

Sustainability is an important issue in energy provision for meeting increasing needs. However, harvesting energy resources in communities while protecting the ecosystem and reducing issues of environmental degradation to the barest minimum are the ideal target for stakeholders, but usually not always attainable. The objective of this paper is therefore to review the sustainable energy arrangements with ambitions to significantly bridge the gaps between oil and gas operations of firms and improved community well-being in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria using secondary information and data harvested from previously published studies found Online. Specifically, the paper will examine some effects of oil and gas exploration in communities, examines metrics that can be used to track community well-being, the possible conflicts of interest that could occur between firms and host communities in oil and gas operations as well as measures in the past to ameliorate these challenges and improve the community well-being in issues pertaining to oil and gas operations of firms. The study recommends that continuous stakeholder engagement be carried out in order to make for smooth oil and gas operations. Furthermore, it makes for proffers workable solutions to the challenges that accentuate possible conflicts. The study also identifies different key stakeholders in this gap-bridging process and their various roles.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria from Root Nodules of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Seeds Planted at Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ejeagba T. E. , Obi C. C. , Umanu G.
Published: December 2023

In line with the race to increase worldwide food production to cater to the growing world population, there is a growing interest in exploring the plant growth-promoting attributes of rhizobia. This is in a bid to curb environmental and health damage arising from the use of chemical fertilizers. Hence, the objective of this work was to isolate and characterize phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from root nodules of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds planted at Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria using standard techniques. The 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing of the organisms identified the 2 isolates which were positive for phosphate solubilization as Pseudomonas straminea and Ralstonia mannitolilytica. Their sequences were deposited to GenBank with the assession numbers MK590690 and MK590695 respectively. Isolate Pseudomonas straminea was more efficient and produced a halo zone (16mm) with a phosphate solubility index (PSI) of 2.0 while isolate Ralstonia mannitolilytica produced a halo zone (14 mm) with PSI of 1.6 after 7 days of incubation. The results obtained from this study indicate that these organisms could be potential candidates to be used as biofertilizers to improve crop yield.
Sorption of Congo red Dye from Aqueous Solution by Mercerized and Benzoylated Sugarcane Bagasse: Isotherm, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Samuel A. E. , Idris U. , Samaila D. S. , Alfa T. A. , Kamba S. Y.
Published: December 2023

The use of large quantity of synthetic dye in process industries to colour products amongst other things has given rise to aqueous effluents containing high level of this pollutant. This paper therefore evaluates the use of isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic to study the sorption capacities of congo red dye by mercerized sugarcane bagasse (MSB) and benzoylated sugarcane bagasse (BSB) in aqueous solution using batch experimental protocol. Data obtained show that MSB was the most effective adsorbent material, with equilibrium sorption (qe = 13.64 mg/g) after 50 minutes. The optimum pH and dosage for dye uptake were 3.0 and 3.5 g respectively. Sorption of dye by the modified surfaces decreases with increasing temperature and ionic strength.  The 4% NaOH presented the best desorption of dye on the adsorbents. Kinetic studies showed pseudo second-order model fit for the experimental data. Adsorption of the anionic dye on the modified surfaces fits the Langmuir isotherm model based on the R2 values. Thermodynamic results showed ∆Go values (-12.42 to -4.16 KJ/mol) for MSB and (-15.13 to -7.55KJ/mol) for BSB, consistent with the spontaneity and feasibility of the sorption process. The uptake of dye by the modified surfaces depicts a random nature at the solid-solution interface and showed that the sorption is exothermic as evidenced by value (0.256-0.334KJmol/K) and (-18.41 to -10.17 KJ/mol) for ∆So and ∆Ho respectively. The results present MSB and BSB as effective sorbent materials for removal of anionic dye from waste effluents.
Oral Vitamin C Intake Ameliorates Crude Oil-Polluted Water-Induced Jejunal Contractile Dysfunctions in Wistar rats
Authors: Salami S. A. , Oyemakinde A. J. , Allen M. O. , Salahdeen H. M. , Olatunji-Bello I. I. , Murtala B. A.
Published: December 2023

Inhabitants of rural Niger-Delta oil communities in Nigeria often, unintentionally, consume crude oil polluted water (COCW) due to crude oil spills in the region. The impact of vitamin C supplementation during COCW ingestion on the contractile mechanism of the jejunum is not fully known. Hence, this study investigates the outcomes of COCW water and vitamin C intake on the smooth muscle activity of the jejunum in Wistar rats using standard techniques. Data obtained showed that jejunal tissue SOD concentration was significantly reduced, while jejunal tissue MDA concentration was significantly increased in the COCW-only treated group. Contraction mediated by acetylcholine was significantly increased in the COCW-only treated rats. Calcium and potassium ion influx significantly increased jejunal contraction in the COCW-only rats. Incubation of the jejunal tissue in nifedipine, indomethacin, and L-NAME significantly increased acetylcholine-mediated contractions in the jejunal tissue of the COCW-only treated rats when compared to other groups. COCW causes free radical-induced jejunal damage that results in impaired jejunal contractile activity mediated by the M2 muscarinic receptor, nitric oxide synthase activity, voltage-gated large-conductance calcium channels, potassium channels, and prostaglandins. However, the oral intake of Vitamin C supplementation significantly ameliorated impairments by enhancing jejunal antioxidant activity.
Assessment of Growth Characteristics, Diversity and Structure of Tree Species in Opara Forest Reserve, Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ogidan O. A. , Aderounmu A. F. , Ekaun A. A. , Ogundana O. A. , Afolabi R. T.
Published: December 2023

Having information about the existing stands and their structure within a forest is important, as it helps in understanding the biodiversity depth and climate change adaptation potential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the growth characteristics, diversity and structure of tree species in the Opara Forest Reserve on the Nigeria-Benin Republic Fringes in Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. A total of 218 trees were enumerated and assessed.  The results indicated that the forest reserve is primarily characterized by the prevalence of savanna species. The dominant species within the study area consists of 80 stands of Anogeissus leiocarpus; Vitellaria paradoxa exhibits the highest mean diameter at breast height (dbh), measuring 100.09 cm and Acacia faidherbia had highest value in height. The forest reserve is characterised by the dominance of trees within the 6-10 metre height range. In conclusion, the forest reserve exhibits a moderate level of species variety with favourable growth characteristics and the average height of the trees are typical of a savanna forest.
Pattern and predictors of antibiotic prescriptions by physicians to paediatric outpatients in a Nigerian Tertiary Care Hospital: A call for antibiotic stewardship
Authors: Amuzie CI , Kalu UK , Onyeonoro UU , Izuka MO , Iwegbulam CC , Metu K , Ossai UF , Chigbata EO , Achara KE
Published: December 2023

Background: Irrational antibiotic use for childhood illnesses is prevalent, especially in developing countries. There is a need to provide evidence-based data for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASP) in healthcare facilities. This study was conducted to describe the pattern and predictors of antibiotic prescriptions to paediatric patients at the outpatient clinic of Federal Medical Centre Umuahia Abia State, Southeast Nigeria.Method: We conducted a retrospective review of patients’ encounters in one year at the outpatient paediatric clinics (2022). An electronic data extraction form was used to collect information from patient’s case notes. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using SPSS version 26. The level of significance was set at 5%.Results: Records of 722 encounters were retrieved. A total of 694 antibiotics were prescribed. The antibiotic prescription rate was 74.4% (95% CI: 71.2–77.6). The most frequently prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (34.9%). Most prescribed antibiotics (53.6%) were in the ‘access’ group of antibiotics. The commonest indication for the use of antibiotics was the treatment of respiratory infections (28.1%). The predictors of antibiotic prescription included younger age (aOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.50–3.80), four or more drugs prescribed (aOR = 9.43; 95% CI: 3.90 - 22.10), and therapeutic treatment type (aOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.10–9.40).Conclusion: Irrational prescriptions of antibiotics by physicians were prevalent in the  paediatric outpatient  clinic of the facility. We recommend the implementation of the ASP in the hospital to address irrational antibiotic prescriptions in line with rational drug policy.
Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Concentration Levels in Selected Hospital Environments in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Korukire Noel , Kwizera Jean claude , Duhekunyurwa Cynthia , Makaka Sandra , Kitema Felix R. , Irafasha Felicien , Muhire Jean , Dukuziyaturemye Pierre , Musabwa Edith , Banamwana Celestin , Karakwende Patrick
Published: December 2023

BackgroundExposure to polluted air is a significant cause of negative health effects. Air quality is crucial in hospital environments as patients and healthcare workers spend more time in such settings for treatment where they experience prolonged and repetitive exposure; however, comprehensive studies on air quality in hospital environments in Rwanda are scarce.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the indoor and outdoor air quality concentration levels in selected hospitals and investigate potential sources of air pollution.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in two public and two private hospitals in Kigali that were randomly selected using a simple random sampling technique. Real-time particulate matter (PM), PM2.5 and PM10 were measured using calibrated Purple Air PA-II sensors. An observation checklist was used to identify potential sources of air pollution. One way ANOVA and t-tests were performed.ResultsAir quality levels in selected hospitals exceeded acceptable limits. The daily average indoor PM2.5 concentration ranged from 23.52 μg/m³ to 121.60 μg/m³, and the PM10 levels varied from 25.98 μg/m³ to 131.17 μg/m³. In all hospitals, the difference in average indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were not statistically significant. ConclusionAll recorded concentrations exceeded the WHO air quality guidelines. The study calls for strategies to improve air quality in hospitals.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(3):389-397
Global View of Clinical Guidelines on Prevention of Surgical Site Infections for Health Care Professionals: A Scoping Review
Authors: Niyomugabo Aloys , Mukeshimana Madeleine , Collins Anita , Chironda Geldine
Published: December 2023

BackgroundEven though there may be clinical guidelines for surgical site infections prevention, no review has been conducted on them. Therefore, a scoping review was undertaken to map and synthesize the available surgical site infections prevention guidelines. MethodologyA scoping review methodology as defined by the Joanna Briggs institute was conducted. Eligible English and French published articles with guidelines were identified from data bases, search engines, and websites of professional organizations. The Search terms included: "health care professionals AND guidelines for surgical site infections prevention OR clinical practice guidelines". First level selection was based on title and abstract while full text for second level. ResultsOut of the 106 articles with guidelines, 7 were selected for the period 1999 to 2021. Four showed methods used to formulate guidelines. Five guidelines comprised recommendations for surgical site infections prevention for pre, intra and post-operative phases. WHO guideline appeared to be robust as it contained all the characteristics. ConclusionOf all the guidelines identified, the WHO guideline indicated population used to develop guidelines; method used and set recommendations, validation including all phases of surgical management. Hence, a recommendation to adapt WHO guideline to health care settings of low resources countries like Rwanda. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(3):398-410
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Health Care Providers towards Disaster and Emergency Preparedness in Mtwara, Tanzania
Authors: Walles Silvester , Z. Chona Emmanuel , Ndile Menti L. , Ramadhani Fatina B.
Published: December 2023

BackgroundOver the past decade, the magnitude and intensity of reported natural and human-made disasters have been rising globally with substantial mortality and long-term morbidity. ObjectivesTo assess the health care providers´ knowledge, attitude and practices towards disaster and emergency preparedness at Ligula Regional Referral Hospital in Mtwara, Tanzania.MethodsA descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 94 health care providers; and a stratified sampling technique was employed to recruit the participants. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 25.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) to determine the association between independent and dependent variables. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results More than half 50 (53.2%) and more than three-quarters 75 (79.8%) of the participants had adequate knowledge and positive attitude towards disaster and emergency preparedness respectively. Younger participants aged 20–29 years had 5.252 (95% CI 1.313–21.016) times higher odds of having adequate knowledge of disaster and emergency preparedness than the older groups. ConclusionsMore disaster and emergency preparedness training programs and clinical simulations are needed to enhance the competencies of health care providers in handling disastrous events efficiently.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(3):303-314
Obciążenie strefy brzegowej jezior infrastrukturą turystyczną i rekreacyjną na przykładzie Pojezierza Olsztyńskiego
Authors: Furgała-Selezniow Grażyna , Jankun-Woźnicka Małgorzata
Published: December 2023

The impacts of tourism and recreation on lake shores: A case study of the Olsztyn Lakeland

The tourist attractiveness of many regions depends on the lakes. The lake ecosystems and the surrounding ecotone zone are among the most vulnerable systems, and tourism development negatively affects them. The aim of this study was to assess the load on the shore zone of the lakes of the Olsztyn Lake District by tourism and recreational infrastructure. The assessment was performed using two indicators. Topographic maps and orthophoto maps were used in the study. Land use and land cover (LU/LC) in the study area was verified through field studies in the summer seasons of 2018 and 2019. The tourism load indicators were positively correlated with the share of the built-up area in the lakeshore zone, although some lakes with a built-up shore zone of more than 25% did not have tourism and recreational facilities. The share of forests in the lakeshore zone was negatively correlated with the values of the tourism load indicators. Tourism infrastructure in the study area was developed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. The additional load on the lakeshore was found to be caused by private recreational infrastructure related to the settlement process in the lakeshore zone.
Between Veneration and Destruction: The Venus of St. Matthias
Authors: Radermacher Martin
Published: December 2023

This article discusses the so-called “Venus of St. Matthias,” a former Roman statue of the goddess Venus that has, throughout its history, been embedded in diverse contexts of use. It has been venerated, criticized, rejected, and (almost) destroyed until it found its way into a museum where it is kept to this day. Outlining some of the central stages of this history, the paper intends to illustrate and discuss some of the various types of anti-iconism as outlined in the introduction to this special issue. The object serves as a promising case to elaborate on the possible relations of religion and images and is a good example to explain the heterogenous constellations of iconic and anti-iconic attitudes towards specific objects. The Venus of St. Matthias has been entangled with both iconic and anti-iconic discourse, thus producing a narrative that is inextricably linked with its material substance.
COVID-19 Lockdown Impact to Electricity Consumption and Generation: The Case of Turkey
Authors: Baran Burhan
Published: December 2023

In order to reduce the negative impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which first emerged in Wuhan, China measures such as distance education and curfews were taken by governments to reduce the negative impact on human health. These precautions had an impact on electricity consumption. Turkey was one of the countries adversely affected by COVID-19. Therefore, the objective of this paper analyze the variation of electricity consumption and generation in Turkey depending on the COVID-19 outbreake. For this purpose, residential, industrial, business and total electricity consumption of six provinces was analyzed in order to examine the variation in electricity consumption in Turkey. Considering the ten months of the year, with March when the first case occurred in 2020 compared to 2019, it was observed that residential electricity consumption increased in the six provinces studied. Industrial electricity consumption decreased in March and the following months, but increased in the following months. On the other hand, it was observed that there was a decrease in the business electricity consumption in almost all ten months. In the per capita electricity generation estimation study in Turkey, it was calculated that the electricity generated in 2020 is 5.89% more than the estimated value obtained by the curve fitting method. In addition, according to the study of coverage the electricity consumption and generation per capita for the years 2019 and 2020, it was calculated that generation could not coverage the consumption by 0.22% in 2019 and 0.27% in 2020.
IDIOLEKT DOBRILA NENADIĆA U KONTEKSTU NOVIJIH LINGVOSTILISTIČKIH ISTRAŽIVANjA SRPSKE PROZE
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Philology and Arts, Petković Jelena
Published: December 2023

On the corpus of 18 linguistic papers dealing with certain aspects of the language and style of Nenadić’s novels, the present study reviews the achievements of linguistic research on the language and style of Nenadić’s novels. An attempt is made to propose a concept for the linguistic and stylistic description and interpretation of Nenadić’s idiolect, referencing to the previous results, and in the context of recent linguistic and stylistic research of Serbian prose. Since, from the thematic aspect, the works of this writer relate to Serbian medieval his- tory, Serbian modern history, as well as the life in today’s Serbian small towns, it is expected that the writer use different linguistic and stylistic resources, in accordance with the theme of the novel. Thus, harmonisation of the linguistic and stylistic description and interpretation of Nenadić’s prose with the theoretical-methodological concept of integral stylistics was per- formed in the current paper.
KVANTITET VOKALA U KOSOVSKO-RESAVSKOM DIJALEKTU: ANALIZA SPONTANOG GOVORA
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Philology and Arts, Janevska Marija N.
Published: December 2023

The current paper presents the results of an acoustic analysis pertaining to the duration of vowels in spontaneous speech of 10 male speakers of Kosovo-Resava dialect. Monosyllabic and disyllabic words demonstrating the long and short realizations of stressed vowels were extracted from the spoken corpus. The observed vowels preceded voiceless plosives and fric- atives. Besides controlling for the number of syllables, as well as the phonetic context, accent quantity, the position of a word within a sentence, and speech tempo were also taken into consideration. The obtained results substantiate the widely held view that there is a correlation between vowel quality and vowel duration. Namely, the long realization of the low central vowel in our corpus had the longest duration, while the high front vowel proved to be the shortest in the speech of our participants. Also apparent was the speakers’ tendency to produce the short realizations of the mid vowels with a high degree of openness, which then led to a longer duration of the vowels in question. However, such a tendency was not surprising, given that the more open realizations of /e/ and /o/ are, in fact, a characteristic of Kosovo-Resava speech. The smallest quantitative difference was observed for the long and short realizations of the mid vowels /e/ and /o/, while the short/long realizations of the high vowel /i/ exhibited the smallest durational difference.
KRITIKA SREDNjOVEKOVNOG ZAPADNOEVROPSKOG DRUŠTVA U FILMU „NEBESKO KRALjEVSTVO“ RIDLIJA SKOTA
Authors:   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philology, Petrović Goran J.
Published: December 2023

This paper shows how Kingdom of Heaven, a 2005 film by Ridley Scott that gives a fiction- alized account of the events leading up to the outbreak of the Third Crusade, criticises the medieval society of Western (Catholic) Europe. The paper contrasts the film’s positive charac- ters with the negative ones and thus yields the conclusion that Kingdom of Heaven denounces the grave perversities of medieval European society – the sacral (the values advocated by the Pope and the Catholic clergy, such as religious hatred, manslaughter as a way to spiritual sal- vation, and hypocritical and egotistic materialism) as well as the secular ones (feudal heredi- tary aristocratism). The author of this paper points out that, in criticising the medieval society of Catholic Europe, Scott does not only aim to point to the improprieties of this social system, but with his film he also implicitly alludes to the contemporary political conflicts in the Mid- dle East, expressing the hope that Baldwin IV’s fictional „kingdom of conscience” as charac- terized by high morality, tolerance, open-mindedness and meritocracy will, one day, be truly realized not only in the Levant but also throughout the world, wherever there are conflicts between different religions and nations. The film Kingdom of Heaven, therefore, does not only have a medievalist but also a universal, timeless significance.
RAZVOJ METODA REFERENCIJALOSTI U SAVREMENOJ PROJEKTANTSKOJ I DIDAKTIČKOJ PRAKSI ARHITEKTURE
Authors:   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Mačkić Tijana J.
Published: December 2023

The aim of this paper is a better understanding of the transformation of the reference-based design process in relation to different stylistic determinants and cultural circumstances that accompany the development of architecture in Central Europe from the mid-twentieth century to the present and the role of rationalism as a unifying character of these stylistic expressions. The subject of the paper is based on the analysis of the use of references in the process of architectural design, through parallel reflections on design, theoretical and didactic approaches in the works of Aldo Rossi, Miroslav Šik, and Valeri Olgiati. The methodological differences of the mentioned authors are observed both in relation to the continuity in the use of the analogous method in mentoring (Rossi and Šik) and specific dislocations in relation to the given positions in their theoretical and design work. The research follows three methodologies developed at the ETH University of Zurich in the period from 1972 to the present: the analogous architecture of Aldo Rossi, the analogous old-new architecture of Miroslav Šik, and the non-referential architecture of Valeri Olgiati. Within this topic, the intention is to understand the different approaches in the selection of references, and their role and meaning in the intertextual relationship that is formed. The paper starts from the assumption that the structure of the source of reference in contemporary architecture is transformed in relation to the postmodernist conceptions, and that this trans- formation is reflected in the shift from referential-authorial to extensive-cultural sources. The final assumption is that in interpreting the methodological approaches of the three authors one can recognize the continuous influence of rationalism, as a unifying expression, which, due to its simplicity and adaptability, serves as an anchor for various explorations in theory and design.
Lifestyles That Impact The Choice To Visit A Café In The Northern Area Of Bandung City At West Java Province
Authors: Priansa Donni Juni , Hanifa Fanni Husnul
Published: December 2023

The trend of the growth of café in the North Bandung City Area is increasing, along with increasing mobility and the need for people to enjoy coffee in beautiful nature. The growth of the café is also in line with the growth of nature-based tourist destinations, which are increasingly attractive to visit. This study analyses how lifestyle influences the decision to visit café in North Bandung City, West Java Province. The research method used qualitative with a descriptive survey approach of 100 respondents who visited café in North Bandung City, West Java Province. Simple linear analysis is the data analysis method employed. The results showed that lifestyle positively and significantly affected the decision to visit café in North Bandung City, West Java Province. This influence is in a robust classification. Thus, the implication of this research is the need for café in the North Bandung City area of West Java Province to organize café oriented towards visitors' needs and lifestyle desires, mainly when associated with social media. This research needs to be continued by involving other aspects as variables studied, for example, social media.
Analysis Of The Level Of Integration And Spatial Connectivity In The Space Configuration Of Bongkasa Pertiwi Tourism Village Based On Space Syntax
Authors: Prabawa Made Suryanatha , Widanan I Wayan , Wiguna Made Mas Surya , Ilham Lalu Attaridji , Krisnantara Gede
Published: December 2023

As a quite popular Tourism Village, Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, located in Badung Regency, Bali Province, has experienced many spatial developments within its territory. The development was based on the findings of prior investigations show the phenomenon of spatial transformation of residents' houses both as a place for tourist accommodation and the economy. The spatial transformation that occurs increases the density of buildings and changes the spatial layout of the village area, so that in the future as a tourism village that will continue to grow, To find out, more research is require to measure the optimal level of spatial configuration in terms of inter-spatial connectivity and integrity in village spatial planning. The importance of this research is that the findings can be utilized as guidelines for village spatial design, making it more efficient and improving the quality of interaction between space users (residents and tourists). This study uses a Quantitative - Experimental method based on Space Syntax analysis. The results showed that the average level of connectivity was 2.19407 (highest "5"), integrity 0.286216 (highest "2.11"), and intellibility at R2: 0.0107275 (best close to "1"), The analysis' findings reveal a limited amount of connection between locations (space / area), so that social interaction that occurs between actors in village spatial planning is also low. These results indicate that the development of interaction center points is very much needed in the current Village Spatial Planning. The development must be based on the highest spatial connectivity-integration points based on space syntax analysis (found 4 area points) in order to obtain optimal results.
Efficiency of Series APF based on Nine-level NPC Inverter Compared to Seven-level Configuration
Authors: CHENNAI Salim
Published: December 2023

This article presents the performance comparison of Series Active Power Filter (Series APF) based on seven and nine multi-level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) inverters using the same control scheme. The Series APF is one of the most efficient and effective modern custom power devices used in power distribution networks to compensate voltage harmonic and all voltage disturbances. The conventional configuration based on voltage source inverter (VSI) operated at very high switching frequency presents several drawbacks and limited for low power applications. To overcome these problems and improve the output voltage different multi-level are used in various power application in particular Flying Capacitor (FC), Cascade H-Bridge (CHB) and multi-level (NPC) inverters. In this study seven and nine-level (NPC) inverters are proposed for active power filtering system; these inverters present diverse advantages include the capability to reduce the harmonic content, decrease the voltage or current ratings of the semiconductors and mainly they can work at low switching frequency. To generate switching pulses Multi-Carrier Level-Shifted Pulse Width Modulation (MC-LSPWM) control technique is adopted with modified P-Q control strategies. To verify the accuracy and the performance of the proposed Series APF models, simulation is performed using MATLAB-Simulink platform and SimPowerSystem Toolbox. The obtained results show the superiority of series APF based on nine-level in term of THDv reduction compared to the systems with seven-level inverter topology.
Electrical Noise and Semiconductor Reliability
Authors:   Prof. Eng., Doctor Honoris Causa of Military Technical Academy of Romania and of Technical University of Republic of Moldova (Chișinău), BĂJENESCU Titu-Marius ,   Romanian Academy „Tudor Tănăsescu” Prize Laureat
Published: December 2023

Low-frequency electrical noise is a sensitive measure of defects in semiconductor devices because the noise has an impact, directly or indirectly, on the performance and reliability of the device. Its measurement is particularly important to characterize noise in semiconductor devices.
LMI-based Model Predictive Control Design for Supply Manifold Pressure Improvement of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell realized through Additive Manufacturing
Authors:   School of Mechanical Engineering, Nantong Institute of Technology, Nantong 226002, China, Hai Gu  , MALEKIZADEH Hamid ,   Department of Electrical Engineering, Imam Khomeini University of Maritime Sciences, Noshahr, Mazandaran, Iran
Published: December 2023

The fuel cell is one of the renewable energy sources and proton exchange membrane (PEM) is the most common and widely used type. With the aim of increasing efficiency, this article first presents a developed PEM fuel cell with additive manufacturing (AM) process. Then, the nonlinear dynamic model describing the behaviour of the AM-based PEM cell is described, and considering the general working class, a new control method for adjusting the pressure of the supply manifold is presented. The planned control method is a combination of model predictive and LMI approaches and in addition to guaranteeing the stability of the closed loop system, it is able to adjust the pressure of the supply manifold and guarantee the optimal operation of the PEM system developed by the additive manufacturing process. The results of simulation and comparison in the MATLAB environment show the efficiency of the proposed control method in meeting the control objectives and improving the transient and permanent response.
An Ayurvedic Management of Bandhyatva due to Dhatukshya
Authors: Sanskrati Nema  , Soni Kapil  , Anil Bhardwaj
Published: December 2023

Women health is the prime concern in Ayurveda classics, all gynecological problems are described under Yonivyapada and Aartav Vikara. Due to stressful lifestyle of today’s women, many physiological changes occur that ends with the disruption of HPO axis leading to various gynecological disorders. Eventually all these factors lead to infertility. A female patient aged 21 years having BMI 18 came to OPD of Rajiv Gandhi Govt. PG Ayurvedic Hospital, Paprola, with complaint of inability to conceive since last 3 years. She was taking treatment for the same from last one year by consulting some private practitioner All the routine investigations of both partners were within normal range. Semen analysis of her husband was normal. The causative factor behind unexplained infertility was elicited as Dhatukshya Janya Bandhyatva. Aim and Objectives: To study the efficacy of Balya and Brihmana Chikitsa in case of Dhatukshya Janya Bandhyatva. Methodology: Mustadi Yapna Basti and Shatavariyadi Ghrit Anuvasan Basti given in Kala Krama followed by Phalaghrita Uttar Basti in three consecutive cycles for Kshetra preparation along with oral medication. Discussion: Vata and Dhatu Kshaya are considered as main factors of Bandhyatva in this case. Thus, the treatment is directed towards pacifying the vitiated Vata Dosha. Here Yapna, Anuvasan and Uttar Basti lead to Dhatupushti by correcting the Jatharagni and Dhatvagni. Results: After this treatment patient conceived spontaneously. Conclusion: Dhatukshya a major factor which is often ignored while treating infertility patients should be paid prime concern when no other considerable etiological factor found during investigations.
Surgical Ethics and Medicolegal Aspects - An Ayurvedic Persepective
Authors: M G Parvathy  , Padma  , K M Sweta
Published: December 2023

Surgical ethics is an essential component in the practice of specting human rights and equality. “Principlism" is an approach in Bioethics which includes Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence and Justice. In the Ayurvedic classics ethical concepts are ever-present and an ethical under stream runs through all the texts. The essence of ethics is very well described in the textbooks of Ayurveda in the form of Chatushpada, Vaidya Guna, Sadvritta and Yogya. Concept of high level ethical surgical practice was there in the time of Susrutha Acharya, which is still now applicable in the era of modern surgery. This article gives a comprehensive analysis of the surgical ethics and medico legal aspects described in Ayurveda.