bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioimpedance Analysis: Basic Concepts
Authors: Zachariah Vidhya K , Priyamvada P. S.
Published: February 2024

Bioimpedance analyzers uses these differences in the electrical properties of the human body to analyze the cellular and water components. Human body acts as a semiconductor, with the various body compartments offering resistance (R) and reactance (X) to the passage of alternating current. The X and R thus measured can be used in validated regression equations or mathematical models to provide information on body water, fat, and fat-free mass. Depending on the number of frequencies used, the available equipments include single frequency, multifrequency and bioimpedance spectroscopy. The bioimpedance vector analysis is an alternative tool that uses the raw values of X and R, corrected to height, to categorise the hydration status as well as muscle mass.
Some examples of noncommutative projective Calabi–Yau schemes
Authors: Mizuno Yuki
Published: February 2024

In this article, we construct some examples of noncommutative projective Calabi–Yau schemes by using noncommutative Segre products and quantum weighted hypersurfaces. We also compare our constructions with commutative Calabi–Yau varieties and examples constructed in Kanazawa (2015, Journal of Pure and Applied Algebra 219, 2771–2780). In particular, we show that some of our constructions are essentially new examples of noncommutative projective Calabi–Yau schemes.
Twisted conjugacy in $\mathrm{SL}_{n}$ and $\mathrm{GL}_{n}$ over subrings of $\overline{\mathbb{F_p}}(t)$
Authors: Mitra Oorna , Sankaran Parameswaran
Published: February 2024

Let

\varphi\colon G\to G

be an automorphism of an infinite group

G

. One has an equivalence relation

\sim_{\varphi}

on

G

defined as

x\sim_{\varphi} y

if there exists a

z\in G

such that

y=zx\varphi(z^{-1})

. The equivalence classes are called

\varphi

-twisted conjugacy classes, and the set

G/{\sim}_{\varphi}

of equivalence classes is denoted by 

\mathcal{R}(\varphi)

. The cardinality

R(\varphi)

of

\mathcal{R}(\varphi)

is called the Reidemeister number of 

\varphi

. We write

R(\varphi)=\infty

when

\mathcal{R}(\varphi)

is infinite. We say that

G

has the

R_{\infty}

-property if

R(\varphi)=\infty

for every automorphism 

\varphi

of 

G

. We show that the groups

G=\mathrm{GL}_{n}(R), \mathrm{SL}_{n}(R)

have the

R_{\infty}

-property for all

n\ge 3

when

F[t]\subset R\subsetneq F(t)

, where

F

is a subfield of

\overline{\mathbb{F_p}}

. When

n\ge 4

, we show that any subgroup

H\subset \mathrm{GL}_{n}(R)

that contains

\mathrm{SL}_{n}(R)

also has the

R_{\infty}

-property.
Divisibility of spheres with measurable pieces
Authors: Conley Clinton T. , Grebík Jan , Pikhurko Oleg
Published: February 2024

For an

r

-tuple

(\gamma_1,\ldots,\gamma_r)

of special orthogonal

d\times d

matrices, we say that the Euclidean

(d-1)

-dimensional sphere

\mathbb S^{d-1}

is

(\gamma_1,\ldots,\gamma_r)

-divisible

if there is a subset

A\subseteq \mathbb S^{d-1}

such that its translations by the rotations

\gamma_1,\ldots,\gamma_r

partition the sphere. Motivated by some old open questions of Mycielski and Wagon, we investigate the version of this notion where the set

A

has to be measurable with respect to the spherical measure. Our main result shows that measurable divisibility is impossible for a "generic" (in various meanings)

r

-tuple of rotations. This is in stark contrast to the recent result of Conley, Marks and Unger which implies that, for every "generic"

r

-tuple, divisibility is possible with parts that have the property of Baire.
Review of Qualitative Research Methods in Health Information System Studies
Authors: Park Kyoungsoo , Moon Woojong
Published: February 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study was to review hospital-based health information system (HIS) studies that used qualitative research methods and evaluate their methodological contexts and implications. In addition, we propose practical guidelines for HIS researchers who plan to use qualitative research methods.Methods: We collected papers published from 2012 to 2022 by searching the PubMed and CINAHL databases. As search keywords, we used specific system terms related to HISs, such as “electronic medical records” and “clinical decision support systems,” linked with their operational terms, such as “implementation” and “adaptation,” and qualitative methodological terms such as “observation” and “in-depth interview.” We finally selected 74 studies that met this review’s inclusion criteria and conducted an analytical review of the selected studies.Results: We analyzed the selected articles according to the following four points: the general characteristics of the selected articles; research design; participant sampling, identification, and recruitment; and data collection, processing, and analysis. This review found methodologically problematic issues regarding researchers’ reflections, participant sampling methods and research accessibility, and data management.Conclusions: Reports on the qualitative research process should include descriptions of researchers’ reflections and ethical considerations, which are meaningful for strengthening the rigor and credibility of qualitative research. Based on these discussions, we suggest guidance for conducting ethical, feasible, and reliable qualitative research on HISs in hospital settings.
Technological Challenges and Solutions in Emergency Remote Teaching for Nursing: An International Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Jeon Eunjoo , Peltonen Laura-Maria , Block Lorraine J. , Ronquillo Charlene , Tayaben Jude L. , Nibber Raji , Pruinelli Lisiane , Perezmitre Erika Lozada , Sommer Janine , Topaz Maxim , Eler Gabrielle Jacklin , Shishido Henrique Yoshikazu , Wardaningsih Shanti , Sutantri Sutantri , Ali Samira , Alhuwail Dari , Abd-Alrazaq Alaa , Akhu-Zaheya Laila , Lee Ying-Li , Shu Shao-Hui , Lee Jisan
Published: February 2024

Objectives: With the sudden global shift to online learning modalities, this study aimed to understand the unique challenges and experiences of emergency remote teaching (ERT) in nursing education.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive online international cross-sectional survey to capture the current state and firsthand experiences of ERT in the nursing discipline. Our analytical methods included a combination of traditional statistical analysis, advanced natural language processing techniques, latent Dirichlet allocation using Python, and a thorough qualitative assessment of feedback from open-ended questions.Results: We received responses from 328 nursing educators from 18 different countries. The data revealed generally positive satisfaction levels, strong technological self-efficacy, and significant support from their institutions. Notably, the characteristics of professors, such as age (p = 0.02) and position (p = 0.03), influenced satisfaction levels. The ERT experience varied significantly by country, as evidenced by satisfaction (p = 0.05), delivery (p = 0.001), teacher-student interaction (p = 0.04), and willingness to use ERT in the future (p = 0.04). However, concerns were raised about the depth of content, the transition to online delivery, teacher-student interaction, and the technology gap.Conclusions: Our findings can help advance nursing education. Nevertheless, collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are essential to address current challenges, achieve digital equity, and develop a standardized curriculum for nursing education.
Prediction of Diabetes Using Data Mining and Machine Learning Algorithms: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shojaee-Mend Hassan , Velayati Farnia , Tayefi Batool , Babaee Ebrahim
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a model to predict fasting blood glucose status using machine learning and data mining, since the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes can improve outcomes and quality of life.Methods: This crosssectional study analyzed data from 3376 adults over 30 years old at 16 comprehensive health service centers in Tehran, Iran who participated in a diabetes screening program. The dataset was balanced using random sampling and the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE). The dataset was split into training set (80%) and test set (20%). Shapley values were calculated to select the most important features. Noise analysis was performed by adding Gaussian noise to the numerical features to evaluate the robustness of feature importance. Five different machine learning algorithms, including CatBoost, random forest, XGBoost, logistic regression, and an artificial neural network, were used to model the dataset. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, the F1-score, and the area under the curve were used to evaluate the model.Results: Age, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, and systolic blood pressure were the most important factors for predicting fasting blood glucose status. Though the models achieved similar predictive ability, the CatBoost model performed slightly better overall with 0.737 area under the curve (AUC).Conclusions: A gradient boosted decision tree model accurately identified the most important risk factors related to diabetes. Age, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, and systolic blood pressure were the most important risk factors for diabetes, respectively. This model can support planning for diabetes management and prevention.
Research on the Control Strategy for Handling Stability of Electric Power Steering System with Active Front Wheel Steering Function
Authors: Wei JinCheng , Zheng Zhu’An , Chen JiaLing
Published: February 2024

Due to the presence of uncertain disturbances in the actual steering system, disturbances in the system may affect the handling stability of the vehicle. Therefore, this article proposes an integrated steering system control strategy with stronger anti-disturbance performance. When disturbances exist in the system, the proposed control strategy effectively reduces the attitude changes during the vehicle steering process. In the upper-level control strategy, a variable transmission ratio curve is designed to coordinate the high-speed handling stability and low-speed steering sensitivity of the vehicle. On this basis, a sideslip angle observer is proposed based on the extended state observation theory, which does not depend on an accurate system model, thus determining the intervention timing of the active front wheel steering system. In the lower-level control strategy, DR-PI/DR-PID controllers are designed for the integrated steering system. Finally, experiments are conducted in the CarSim/Simulink joint simulation environment. The results indicate that compared to traditional PI/PID controllers and advanced ADRC controllers, DR-PI/DR-PID controllers can effectively suppress step disturbances, sinusoidal disturbances, and white noise disturbances while ensuring the dynamic response characteristics of the system. Under double-lane conditions, the root mean square values of the yaw rate and sideslip angle decrease by 4.35% to 12.3% and 3.21% to 7.72%, respectively. Therefore, the designed control strategy can improve handling stability while ensuring the robustness of the system.
Evaluation of Exhilarating Engine Sound by Randomized Controlled
Trial
Authors: Kondo Takashi
Published: February 2024

To realize the dynamics concept “enjoy driving” of new-model cars, engine sound
was based on the concept of “exhilarating.” To achieve “exhilarating,” we
compared current models with competitor cars to understand the countermeasure
sound characteristics. As a result, it was found that the rumble noise at
low-RPM medium load needs to be reduced. To reduce rumble noise, the crankshaft
system and power train stiffness were refined. As a result, we were able to
achieve our goal of exhilarating engine sound. However, as the evaluation of
sound after a vehicle is sold is generally left to the user, there are few
studies that examine whether a car is more highly evaluated based on the sounds
it creates. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate concept
compatibility and loyalty in relation to exhilarating engine sound in the U.S.
market for Generation Z, the target group for the new car. The reason we
surveyed loyalty was because it was a fair evaluation indicator when examining
the value of a car from the user’s perspective. Three loyalty items, purchase
intention, recommendation intention, and willingness to pay, which are commonly
used in marketing to investigate product attractiveness, were used in the
survey. For the evaluation, randomized controlled trials, which are considered
to have a high level of evidence and are used in medical and pharmacological
trials, were applied. As a result, it was found that the engine sound created
this time conforms to the concept of “exhilarating,” is attractive to users, and
increases car loyalty.
Public Speaking and Career Advancement: Experiences of Past Student Leaders from Ghana Institute of Journalism
Authors: Essandoh Mavis , Da-Costa Caroline Aboagye
Published: February 2024

Public speaking is a relevant skill, especially for those who aspire to be leaders, including student leaders. Being able to communicate effectively, eloquently, making meaningful statements as well as persuading people to agree to your opinion cannot be taken for granted for anyone who aspires to take a public leadership position. Similar to any democratic political system, winning leadership position in institutions of higher learning requires persuasive skills to make colleagues buy into your vision to win. Though some people have the natural ability to speak eloquently and communicate their thoughts publicly, others learn to do that, fostering the incorporation of public speaking into the curricular for Public Relations students at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ). Using the Theory of Communicative Action and a qualitative methodology, this study sought to understand how student leaders in GIJ came by their public speaking skills and how it impacted their career choices. Findings indicate that students who took up leadership positions had mastered the public speaking skills through social institutions before entering GIJ, partly because they had the leadership aspiration. The curriculum training was seen as a supplement to harness that skill, and the art of public speaking greatly influenced their career choices.
Covid-19 Containment Measures and their Effect on Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Uasin Gishu County Government Staff, Kenya
Authors: Wanda Matinde , Wamalwa Fred K , Omundi Esther
Published: February 2024

COVID-19 was a major health emergency worldwide; countries were forced to adopt quarantine measures and other restrictions because of the highly infectiousness nature of COVID-19. It is in this context that the study sought to investigate the Effect of the containment measures on socio-economic wellbeing of Uasin Gishu County Government Staff, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the influence of implementation of COVID-19 behavioural protocols on socio-economic wellbeing of staff of Uasin Gishu County Government; to assess the impact of implementation of COVID-19 fiscal measures on socioeconomic wellbeing of employees of Uasin Gishu County Government; and to determine the influence of implementation of COVID-19 macro-financial measures on socioeconomic wellbeing of employees of Uasin Gishu County; The study adopted explanatory mixed method research design. The target population comprised 6,400 employees in Uasin Gishu County. The study employed stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques to select the respondents. The sample size consisted of 10 heads of departments and 198 employees of Uasin Gishu county government. The data collection tools were questionnaire and interview guide. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics including mean, percentages and frequencies; chi-square was used to test the hypotheses. Inferential statistics was also used. Analysis by the implementation of COVID-19 behavioural protocols as a containment measure shows that the P-value = .000 was less than the Alpha level 0.05. Therefore, there was statistical significance relationship between behavioral COVID-19 containment measures and socio-economic wellbeing of employees of Uasin Gishu County Government. Behavioural measures such as lock down highly disrupted businesses’ sourcing and distribution functions, which in turn affected the socio-economic wellbeing of the local population. The study recommended that financial organizations should offer trainings to the masses to embrace saving and empower them to participate in multiple economic activities; this would ensure that in any of any occurrences such as COVID 19, the businesses would have the resilience to cope.
Evaluation of Strategic Options for Enhancing Community Resilience to Drought in Kitui County, Kenya
Authors: Kithikii Agnes K , Mugalavai Edward M , China Samuel S
Published: February 2024

In Kenya, Arid and semi-arid Lands are more affected by drought due to their fragile ecosystems, unfavourable climate, and historical marginalization. Kitui County is one of the counties that have been hit hard by protracted droughts over the past decades. This study aimed at addressing the increasing global, regional, and national attention on building community resilience to disasters. The overall objective of the study was to evaluate the strategic options for enhancing community resilience to drought in Kitui County. The study was conducted in Mwingi North and Mwingi West Sub-Counties which were selected using purposive sampling technique. The study utilized data collected from 385 households sampled using simple random sampling technique. Descriptive, correlation, and evaluation research designs were employed. Data was collected using structured questionnaires; focus group discussion guides; key informant interview guides and observation checklists and analysed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) software Version 28, STATA Version 15 and MS Excel. The results based on Spearman’s weighting revealed support for more sustainable water sources had the highest rank 34.4%; followed by increased access to credit facilities 15.1%; livestock/crop insurance schemes 11.9% and support for food storage facilities 11% among others. R =0.534 and R2 = 0.286 revealed that the contribution of strategic options to community resilience to drought was significant. The study recommends use of both ex-ante and ex post strategies to enhance community resilience to drought. These findings will be beneficial in guiding the policy makers in improving strategies for enhancing community resilience to drought.
Edible insects as an alternative protein source in human and animal nutrition
Authors: Chukwudi P. , Udeh V.C. , Owolabi S.J. , Dahunsi P.O. , Ikeh N.E. , Ogwuegbu M.C.
Published: February 2024

Entomophagy has received widespread attention in both developed and underdeveloped nations. However, the exponential increase in demand for the few available conventional food and feed ingredients that are limitedin supply and production has spurred the interest of food scientists and researchers to scale up their efforts to attain a more sustainable food ecosystem. This review, however, focuses on the current state of knowledge and the prowess of entomophagy to provide global faunas (micro and macro) with more extensive food and feed options. Edible insects potentially satisfy human dietary protein demands compared with other protein sources such as beef, chicken and pork. Unlike other animal-based proteins, edible insects contain higher protein levels, reaching 30% to 85% on a dry matter basis, and can quickly transform low-quality organic waste into edible protein. More so, studies have shown that replacing fishmeal with insect meal is a suitable alternative protein source for farm animals. Insect farming refers to the practice of raising and breeding insects as mini-livestock for the purpose of producing food or feed products that can be consumed directly by humans or animals. Insect farming is environmentally friendly due to its low ecological impact and the minimal need for arable land and water resources compared to other livestock species using about 80% of available agricultural land worldwide. When globally accepted, entomophagy and commercial insect farming have the potential to ease the hunger threat for the predicted world population, expected to be between 9.4 to 10.1 billion people in 2050.
TVET SI: Evaluating Boundary Crossing Social Learning in Vocational Education and Training: A value creation approach
Authors: Lotz-Sisitka Heila , Sisitka Lawrence , Chakona Gamucharai , Matiwane Mandilive , Matambo Chamu
Published: February 2024

This article focuses on the development and application of an evaluation model and approach for evaluating boundary crossing social learning in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) learning network in South Africa, with an emphasis on a Training of Trainers (ToT) course that helped to catalyse and strengthen this learning network via two iterations of the course over an eight-year period. The article shares how we adapted the value creation framework (VCF) of Wenger, Traynor and De Laat (2011; Wenger & Wenger-Traynor, 2020) in the evaluation of a VET Training of Trainers (ToT) programme and learning network that focussed on the uptake and circulation of rainwater harvesting and conservation (RWH&C) knowledge in a particular formal and informal VET context in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, where smallholder farmers were struggling to find water for producing food. The evaluated ToT course was catalytic in establishing a boundary crossing social learning network approach in a VET context that linked formal and informal VET (Lotz-Sisitka et al., 2016; Lotz-Sisitka et al., 2022; Pesanayi, 2019); hence we found it important to develop adequate tools for its evaluation. The focus of this article is to share how we developed an evaluation approach to this work. We share insights on the indicators developed for diff erent types of value created, and also insights gained into the use of this evaluation approach in a boundary crossing VET social learning project that took a ToT course as focus. In short, evaluation findings show that the boundary crossing ToT course off ers strong immediate, potential and applied value that can lead to realised and reframed value, especially if supported by ongoing learning network activities that follow the initial engagement in the boundary crossing ToT course. Th is leads, over time, to transformative value which is important in achieving the overall objective of such social learning, namely making knowledge more co-engaging, accessible and useful in the context where improved food security via better use of rainwater harvesting and conservation amongst smallholder farmers and household food producers is a necessary form of sustainable development. Orientation value, and enabling value were found to be vital for the emergence of other kinds of value. The evaluation model also allows for the lifting out of strategic value which points to wider uptake potential. All this creates the possibility for indicator development that can help inform iterative development of boundary crossing VET courses used to stimulate the co-construction of learning networks and ongoing social learning for sustainable development.

Keywords: Vocational Education and Training, evaluation, social learning, value creation framework
TVET SI: Designing the Future - Youth innovation, informality and transformed VET
Authors: Monk David , Muhangi Sidney , Akite Irine , Adrupio Scovia
Published: February 2024

This article argues that Vocational Education and Training (VET) can be a valuable space to develop the innovation required to deal with the wicked problems of the world; however, radical and rapid transformation in approaches to VET is needed. While we use a case study from Gulu, Uganda, the fi ndings can be applied more broadly. A new approach cannot be taken in isolation from other social circumstances, and desperately needs to include epistemic contributions both in relation to content and approach so that it bolsters and supports the initiatives, designs and dreams of the intended participants, especially women. We argue that epistemic injustice is a major limiting factor for environmental learning and innovation. We share potential opportunities from our research to shift towards a climate and socially conscious social skills ecosystem capable of designing a positive future.

Keywords: Transformative Vocational Education and Training (VET), social skills ecosystem, epistemic justice, environmental sustainability, intersectionality and VET
Africanising Distributed Leadership in Environmental Education Curriculum Management
Authors: Shabalala Nonkanyiso Pamella , Gumbo Mishack
Published: February 2024

Distributed leadership (DL) is a collaborative leadership approach that involves sharing decision-making and responsibilities among multiple individuals or groups within an organisation or institution. In the context of environmental education (EE) curriculum management, DL holds signifi cant relevance and can bring several benefits to stakeholders. This article critically examines the concept of DL in EE curriculum management and argues for an Africanised approach. It is focused on but not limited to institutions of learning. Managing EE curricula shows minimal consideration of Africanised DL. Drawing on an African philosophy of ubuntu, the article argues that an Africanised approach to DL can better serve the needs of African communities and promote sustainability in the region. As a conceptual article, we explore relevant literature to advance the idea of DL from an African perspective. In an era of environmental crisis and degradation in South Africa and other parts of the continent, an Africanised DL on EE curriculum management has the potential to off er relevant solutions. The article concludes by refl ecting on the Africanisation of DL and making recommendations for implementing an Africanised approach to DL in EE curriculum management.
Keywords: Africanised distributed leadership, distributed leadership, environmental education, environmental education curriculum management, ubuntu
Immunostimulating potentials of methanolic extract of Plectranthus parviflorus in chickens vaccinated against Newcastle disease and Infectious bursal disease
Authors: Esan O.O. , Abiola J.O. , Aliyu V.A. , Egbuejeh C.R. , Adewuni T.
Published: February 2024

Outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) and Infectious Bursal disease (IBD) have been reported in vaccinated poultry flocks in many  countries highlighting the need for the administration of immunostimulants to improve immunity in such birds. The immunomodulatory  effects of methanol leaf extract of plectranthus parviflorus on ND and IBD antibody titre was investigated. One hundred day-old cockerels  were randomly assigned into five groups each, A-E and A1-E1 for Newcastle disease and Infectious bursal disease studies  respectively. Groups A and A1 were control groups and received water only while groups B and B1 received LaSota and IBD intermediate  plus ® vaccine respectively. Groups C and C1, D and D1 were administered 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of Plectranthus parviflorus orally for  three days before vaccination respectively, while groups E and E1were given 100mg/kg of the extract orally three days post vaccination. Blood samples were obtained via jugular vein at day-old and 14 days as well as on days 7, 14 and 21 post vaccination. Haemagglutination- inhibition (HI) test and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to assay the antibody titre against ND and IBD respectively. A decline in maternal antibody over 14 days was observed for antibody titre against Newcastle disease and infectious bursal  disease from 6.1 to 1.8 geometric mean (log2) and (1043.37±2.1) to (524.48±2.7) respectively. Group D was observed to have a significant  titre value of 2.3 and 3.7 geometric mean (log2) 14 and 21 days post ND vaccination while group D1 also had a significant increase  (1037.90±3.6) titre 14 days post-vaccination. This study showed that plectranthus parviflorus extract had a significant effect on Newcastle  disease and Infectious bursal disease humoral response when administered orally at 200mg/kg before vaccination with ND and IBD  vaccines respectively.
Efficacy of tacrolimus capsules in patients undergoing high-risk keratoplasty
Authors: Zhang Xiaorong , Yao Jia , Ma Tengfei , Chen Haoyu , Xu Hengju , Ye Yinghui , Zhai Liying
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus capsules in patients undergoing high-risk keratoplasty.

Methods: 40 high-risk patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty at The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, China  between January 2016 and December 2021 were included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups based on the specific  immunosuppressant administered post-surgery. Twenty patients were administered oral tacrolimus capsules in conjunction with 0.1 % tacrolimus eye drops, constituting the combination with systemic treatment group (group 1), while another twenty patients were solely  administered 0.1 % tacrolimus eye drops, forming the topical treatment group (group 2). The occurrence of rejection, corneal  neovascularization, corneal graft edema and visual acuity were documented in both groups.

Results: In comparison to patients in group  2, patients in group 1 exhibited a significant reduction in rejection rate (p < 0.05). Additionally, the average time of neovascularization in  group 1 was delayed and the number of cases was lower (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a smaller proportion of patients in group 1 experienced  corneal graft edema (25 vs 60 %, p < 0.05), while a higher percentage of patients in group 1 demonstrated improved visual acuity (90 vs 60  %, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Concurrent administration of tacrolimus eye drops and capsules orally effectively mitigates anti-rejection  reactions, regulation of neovascularization, management of graft edema and enhancement of visual acuity in high-risk keratoplasty  patients when compared to the use of tacrolimus eye drops as a standalone treatment. These results have the potential to stimulate  novel avenues of investigation in future clinical research.
Content analysis of articles in the University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal
Authors: Kassim Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Using Zin’s Classification Scheme of Information Science, this study seeks to analyze the content of articles published in the University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal (UDSMLJ). All the analyzed articles were retrieved from the African Journals Online (AJOL) platform. A content analysis approach was used to analyze the collected data. Notably, a majority of the analyzed articles focused on three LIS research areas: information use and users; LIS activities; and LIS application areas. A growing trend in the publication of articles related to metrics, evaluation, and research, and a decline in the publication of articles pertaining to information use and users was also noted. Only a moderate number of articles incorporated theoretical frameworks. The majority of the articles employed a mixed-method approach for data collection and analysis. The study found limited international contributions in the journal, as the majority of contributing authors were from Tanzania. The study concludes that the published articles reflect the state of LIS scholarship in the country, given that they predominantly originate from Tanzanian contributors. The study recommends the journal enhances its promotional strategies to attract potential contributors from around the world. Additionally, journal's editors should encourage the submissions of articles that incorporate theoretical perspectives, thereby fostering theoretical advancements in the field of LIS.
Africa's Data Privacy Puzzle: Data Privacy Laws and Compliance in Selected African Countries
Authors: Kaddu Sarah , Ssekitto Francis
Published: February 2024

This study sought to give a thorough analysis of data privacy legislation, compliance rates, enforcement strategies, and related issues in seventeen (17) African countries that were chosen for the study.  The study's objectives were to assess the state of data privacy laws in selected African countries, analyse levels of compliance among entities operating within these countries, assess the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms, and identify and analyse the common challenges African countries face in complying with and enforcing data privacy laws. Researchers conducted a systematic review of 48 data privacy publications to gain a deep understanding of the complex data privacy landscape. This involved rigorous criteria for inclusion/exclusion, comprehensive search strategies, quality assessment, and data extraction/synthesis. While 15 African countries have implemented comprehensive data privacy legislation, two (Ethiopia and Burundi) rely on general regulations. The analysis found that regulatory bodies significantly enhance compliance, and highlighted recurring challenges such as insufficient public awareness, resource limitations, and complex governance structures. The research underscores the crucial role of dedicated legislation, public education, empowered regulatory authorities, and regional collaboration in guaranteeing data privacy rights in the digital age across Africa.
Applying ADDIE Model to Develop Multimedia Lessons for Adolescent Reproductive Health Education in Uganda
Authors: Bada Joseph Kizito , Atcero Milburga , Dopia Brendah Amah , Ayikoru Maureen , Asianzu Elizabeth , Abima Bonface
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a multimedia application intervention for adolescent sexual reproductive health education in secondary schools in Uganda. The lack of access to quality reproductive health education and services, exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, contributes to unplanned pregnancies, health complications, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among adolescents in Uganda. Researchers and teachers collaborated to create multimedia lessons covering topics such as sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and SGBV for adolescents in participating schools. The educational content and format were co-designed to better incorporate the local context and address priority issues by involving end users of the software (adolescents and their teachers) as content contributors during the development phase. The innovative multimedia application was developed using the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model. A student manual was also created as a teaching tool, providing educators with lesson introductions and guiding questions for post-lesson group discussions. The manual includes a simplified print version of the educational content, ensuring that students and teachers in schools without ICT resources can benefit from the intervention. Questionnaires were developed and administered to 14 Results indicate that all 14 trained teachers demonstrated improved knowledge about the use of multimedia applications to deliver adolescent-friendly sexual reproductive health (SRH) education. Additionally, all 14 teachers self-reported that the multimedia application is a feasible and acceptable method to deliver adolescent-friendly SRH education.
Kryzys przywództwa politycznego w twitterowej komunikacji wyborczej na przykładzie samorządowej kampanii prezydenckiej
Authors: Mazur Marek
Published: February 2024

The Crisis of Political Leadership in Twitter Electoral Communication on the Example of Local Government Presidential Campaign

The aim of the study is to consider whether Twitter’s electoral communication reflects a crisis of political leadership. After analysing the content of tweets published by candidates in the 2018 election of the mayor of Warsaw and measuring the degree of engagement of their followers, the answer to this question is ambiguous. The existence of a leadership crisis is supported by the emphasis of politicians on image issues (presentations of campaign activity focused on the person of the candidate with the important role of the politician’s commentary) and the high degree of supporters’ engagement in non-programme content compared to programmatic content. On the other hand, significant differences in the level of occurrence of program topics between candidates show that Twitter does not determine the resignation from the strategy of building relationships with supporters in the context of program goals.
Paralelizm polityczny jako koncepcja teoretyczna i jej zastosowanie na przykładzie Brazylii
Authors: Kamińska-Korolczuk Katarzyna
Published: February 2024

Political Parallelism as a Theoretical Concept and its Application on the Example of Brazil

Political parallelism is one of the theoretical categories used to classify media systems and summarise the relationships occurring in the media under the influence of politics and in politics under the influence of the media. The aim of the article, a review work, is to analyse the issue of political parallelism concerning the classic concepts of C. Seymour‑Ure, J.G. Blumler, and M. Gurevitch, as well as D.C. Hallin and P. Mancini, and to present different positions criticising the usefulness of these theories for the study of countries other than Western European ones. The study also presents the adequacy of applying the classic concepts of political parallelism to analyses regarding the Federative Republic of Brazil. The thesis of this case study is that the classic theories of political parallelism do not fully allow for determining the relationships between the sphere of politics and the media in this country. The thesis was adopted as a result of long-term and holistic analyses of the characteristics of Brazil’s political and media systems. A systematic literature review was used (Fink 2005, p. 17), which makes it possible to learn the essence of the phenomenon and formulate conclusions, and the qualitative methods used, despite their problems (Flick 2002, pp. 5–24), as well as systemic analysis, complete the whole.
Conceito de tensegridade na transferência de energia da unidade músculo tendínea. Revisão de literatura
Authors: Oliveira Nícolas Lourenço de , Pereira Beatriz Magalhães
Published: February 2024

A tensegridade é uma propriedade presente nos sistemas estruturais e pode ser compreendida através do estudo das forças que atuam sob uma determinada estrutura. O entendimento sobre a transmissão da força que se dissipa pelo corpo até a unidade músculo tendínea (UMT) é importante para os profissionais da saúde e esporte, especialmente para os que atuam na avaliação, treinamento, prevenção e recuperação do movimento humano. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar como o conceito de tensegridade se aplica na análise da transmissão de força mecânica na unidade músculo tendínea durante o movimento humano. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura sistematizada utilizando descritores (Tensegridade e Energia elástica) nas línguas Portuguesa, Inglesa e Espanhola, em 4 bases de dados (Google Acadêmico, PUBMED, Scielo e Lilacs), e selecionados 10 estudos. Baseado nos achados dos estudos selecionados, foi possível verificar que o corpo humano funciona baseado nos princípios da tensegridade, e a tensão é transmitida principalmente pelas fáscias corporais. A participação da tensão passiva, assim como a capacidade de armazenamento de energia elástica e transferência de energia cinética, permite que o movimento seja realizado com menor custo metabólico, tal como ocorre no ciclo de alongamento e encurtamento durante movimentos cíclicos como correr, saltar e caminhar.
Historia, simbología y sentidos de las mascotas de los Juegos Olímpicos de verano
Authors: Pérez Restrepo Eduardo Antonio
Published: February 2024

El reconocimiento de la simbología olímpica como parte relevante del Olimpismo moderno y elemento clave en la promoción de los valores del deporte y los valores olímpicos (Excelencia, Respeto y Amistad) debe constituirse como conocimientos importantes en la formación de toda persona vinculada con la educación física, el deporte, la actividad física y demás áreas afines. En esta ocasión, el foco del artículo se concentra en las mascotas olímpicas como elementos que reflejan la cultura y rasgos particulares de la ciudad escogida como sede olímpica, además de ser estrategias que acercan las poblaciones más jóvenes al mundo del deporte y se constituyen en herramientas financieras que posibilitan un mayor ingreso de capital. El objetivo de este escrito corresponde a la difusión de la información necesaria para la comprensión del papel de las mascotas olímpicas como símbolo, haciendo énfasisen esta ocasión, en aquellas que fueron diseñadas para los Juegos Olímpicos de Verano.
Intervenções para estimular o desenvolvimento motor infantil no contexto escolar. Uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Moron Victória Branca , Barbosa Débora Nice Ferrari , Sanfelice Gustavo Roese
Published: February 2024

Introdução: O movimento é uma tarefa fundamental para a adaptação física, mental e emocional de um indivíduo. Na infância é necessário oportunizar à criança experiências em que desenvolva suas habilidades motoras e domínio do corpo para enfrentar as mais diversas situações. Um ambiente propício para este desenvolvimento é o escolar. Objetivo: Analisar a produção científica dos últimos 5 anos sobre intervenções para estimulação motora de crianças com desenvolvimento típico no contexto escolar. Os estudos envolveram a análise em quatro bases de dados: MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scopus, Web de Ciências e BVS. Após o processo de seleção, 12 artigos que apresentavam o tema central do estudo foram escolhidos. Resultados: (1) o teste mais utilizado foi TGMD-2; (2) a duração média das intervenções foi de 15 semanas; (3) a maioria dos estudos realizaram atividades para desenvolver as habilidades motoras fundamentais; (4) a maioria dos estudos demonstrou efeitos significativamente positivos após a intervenção; (5) algumas limitações como: a maioria dos estudos não realizou testes após um período do encerramento das intervenções, medindo a longo prazo a eficácia deles. Conclusões: Em termos gerais, as intervenções para estimular o desenvolvimento motor de crianças típicas, levou a melhorias significativas, principalmente em relação às habilidades motoras fundamentais, porém, são pouco estudadas. Devido ao baixo número de estudos realizados e à variação na condução das intervenções, mais estudos são necessários.
Flexibilidade dinâmica de ombro e quadril em escaladores do Boulder indoor
Authors: Godoy Andria Watanabe de , Deprá Pedro Paulo
Published: February 2024

Este estudo de caráter descritivo teve como objetivo geral analisar a flexibilidade dinâmica de ombro e quadril de atletas escaladores da modalidade Boulder indoor. Como método utilizou-se a cinemetria bidimensional. Os participantes selecionados para o estudo constituíram-se de 15 atletas amadores da modalidade. Para avaliação os escaladores realizaram uma escalada para uma trajetória tipo Boulder idealizada por um Route Setter. O cálculo dos ângulos relativos das articulações de ombro e quadril foram calculados através de funções trigonométricas. A amplitude dessas articulações foi calculada a partir dos picos máximos e mínimos apresentados em função do tempo da prova. A performance dos atletas foi determinada pelo tempo da prova. Os resultados demonstraram que somente a articulação do ombro apresentou diferença significativa, sendo o valor de amplitude maior do ombro direito em relação ao esquerdo. Observou-se que há correlação negativa entre a amplitude da articulação do ombro e a amplitude da articulação do quadril, como uma correlação positiva entre a amplitude do ombro com o tempo de prova e amplitude do quadril com o tempo de prática. Também se observou que existe apenas uma correlação negativa que é entre a amplitude da articulação do ombro com o tempo de prática. Conclui-se que a via foi determinística na cinemática angular do ombro; a amplitude do quadril e ombro foram importantes para o desempenho da modalidade e o tempo pode ser uma variável de controle no processo de análise de desempenho.
Tolerância de dor à pressão, estresse e estilo de vida em docentes do ensino superior
Authors: Höring Andressa Carolina , Lima Bruna de Oliveira , Simão Silvana , Alfieri Fábio Marcon
Published: February 2024

Estresse, sobrecarga e estilo de vida dos docentes do ensino superior podem causar alterações na tolerância de dor à pressão, portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi observar a relação entre o nível de estresse, estilo de vida e limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão em docentes do ensino superior. Este foi um estudo transversal observacional no qual participaram 28 indivíduos de ambos os sexos. Os voluntários responderam ao questionário EPS-10 para avaliar o estresse, Questionário Estilo de Vida Fantástico, para avaliar o estilo de vida e realizaram avaliação por meio da algometria para avaliar limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão no músculo trapézio superior, na espinha da escápula, músculo esternocleidomastóideo, músculos paravertebrais T6-T7, músculos paravertebrais L4-L5 e base do occipital.  Foram estabelecidos os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson (r) ou Spearman entre as variáveis citadas. Apenas houve uma correlação moderada e estatisticamente significante entre o estilo de vida e o nível de estresse. As demais foram fracas ou muito fracas. Diante dos resultados obtidos neste estudo com docentes do ensino superior conclui-se que o estilo de vida está relacionado com o nível de estresse destes profissionais.
Criminal Application by Judges Against Defendants of Mining Without Permits in Forest Areas
Authors: Jacob Lidya Ari Vega , Gunadi Ariawan
Published: February 2024

The use of criminal law in dealing with criminal acts of mining without a permit certainly does not always involve criminal sanctions, but sanctions can also be applied which have the same status as criminal sanctions. This research was conducted to determine the validity of the law related to criminal acts of mining without a permit in forest areas, to determine the criminal liability of defendants in criminal acts of mining without permits in forest areas according to Indonesian law and to find out the application of criminal penalties by judges to defendants of criminal acts of mining without permits. in forest areas (Study Decision No. 53/Pid.Sus/2021/PN Wgw). This research method uses normative juridical research with a statutory approach and a case approach (the cash approach). The research results show that the legal validity related to criminal acts of mining without a permit in forest areas has been stated in Law Number 4 of 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining (UU Minerba) and other applicable legislation where perpetrators who commit violations without permits will be given administrative sanctions. in the form of compensation according to the level of damage caused to the state. As well as criminal liability for defendants of criminal acts of mining without a permit in forest areas according to Indonesian law, they will be subject to criminal action in accordance with applicable legislation, such as being subject to sanctions in the form of administrative sanctions. And the application of punishment by the judge to the defendant for the crime of mining without a permit in a forest area (Study Decision No. 53/Pid.Sus/2021/PN Wgw) has been carried out as stated in Law no. 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management by applying other appropriate legal bases from the laws and regulations that regulate the criminal act of mining without a permit in forest areas.