bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notas sobre la primera jornada del manuscrito de Troya abrasada de Calderón (¿y Rojas Zorrilla?) Res. 78 de la BNE
Authors: Hernando Morata Isabel
Published: July 2024

La segunda y tercera jornadas del manuscrito de Troya abrasada (Res. 78 de la BNE) son autógrafas de Calderón, mientras que la primera, atribuida por la tradición filológica a Juan de Zabaleta, fue copiada por tres amanuenses. Este artículo se propone detectar las intervenciones de los censores en la primera jornada, así como de Calderón, que realizó varios atajos y modificó drásticamente el final.
El laboratorio creativo de Juan Bautista Diamante, entre la escritura en solitario y la escritura en colaboración
Authors: Vaccari Debora
Published: July 2024

En el artículo se estudian los autógrafos del dramaturgo Juan Bautista Diamante (1625-1687). Dos son de comedias escritas en solitario, El veneno para sí (1653) y La cruz de Caravaca (1664), y dos escritas en colaboración: la segunda mitad de la segunda jornada de Vida, muerte y colocación de San Isidro (1669) y la segunda jornada de El vaquero emperador y gran Tamerlán de Persia. Primera parte (1672).
«Las figuras de esta comedia»: hacia una fenomenología de las dramatis personae en los autógrafos teatrales de Lope
Authors: Crivellari Daniele
Published: July 2024

A través del análisis de las dramatis personae contenidas en todos los autógrafos dramáticos de Lope de Vega –cuarenta y una comedias y dos autos sacramentales–, este artículo se centra tanto en la información que transmite esta sección de los manuscritos como en su utilidad para la comprensión del proceso de composición de las listas de personajes en el teatro del Fénix.
Eclecticismo en el imaginario de «A un poeta muerto (F.G.L.)» de Cernuda
Authors: Insausti Gabriel
Published: July 2024

«A un poeta muerto (F. G. L.)» ofrece, junto con los ecos clasicistas y neopaganos que proceden de la tradición bucólica, elementos de intertextualidad que remiten al mundo judeocristiano y que caracterizan la elegía como una suerte de tragedia pseudocrística, que bebe de fuentes románticas. Con su imaginario ecléctico, el poema se alzaría como una declaración heterodoxa en la Valencia de 1937 y señalaría la transición desde el helenismo hölderliniano de Invocaciones (1935) hacia la poesía del exilio de Cernuda.
The Lessons We Still Have to Learn from Nomima
Authors: Osborne Robin
Published: July 2024

The two volumes of Nomima, published in 1994–5, were of great scientific importance. With a total of 211 inscription, they enabled new questions to be raised. This valuable work illuminates a range of themes from the archaic Greek world, including: civic identity, interactions with the gods in sanctuaries, Greek laws and also relations between cities. Nomima’s methodology is also innovative because it tries to understand archaic Greece through the historical perspective of the inscriptions. Thus, it offers a history of this period through the words of the inhabitants of Greek cities, evoking the problems of their daily lives that got inscribed. This article treats about Nomima’s organization, detailing their contribution volume by volume. Although now dated, there is still much to learn from Nomima.
The Public and the Private: kitharistai and a kerameus in Archaic Crete
Authors: Oikonomaki Niki , Tzifopoulos Yannis Z.
Published: July 2024

This article presents two archaic inscriptions from Crete: a public contract from Eleftherna and a potter’s signature from Prinias. The reading of the kitharistas inscription offers new readings that were facilitated by a recently developed method of 3D imaging of squeezes. The potter’s signature discusses broader issues of private epigraphy in archaic Crete that seems to follow the epigraphical habits evident in other parts of the ancient world.
Le cautionnement est‑il mentionné dans les lois de Gortyne ?
Authors: Loginov Alexandr
Published: July 2024

Cet article se focalise sur la signification des mots ἀν[δ]εκσάμ̣[ε]νος, ἀνδοκάν, ἀνδοκᾶδ, ἀνδέκσεται et [ἐν]κ̣οιοτάνς, ἐνκοιοτᾶν dans les lois de Gortyne du ve siècle av. J.‑C. Plusieurs chercheurs ont supposé que ces mots désignaient le cautionnement. Cette recherche a pour but de démontrer que cette supposition est plutôt erronée et que le cautionnement est difficile à imaginer dans les lois de Gortyne du ve siècle av. J.‑C. En plus, le cautionnement de l’époque classique n’était pas bien élaboré. Cette institution mettait en danger le créditeur et surtout la caution. Probablement c’est pour cette raison que le cautionnement ne se rencontre qu’à partir du ve siècle av. J.‑C. (il y a même des témoignages que la sûreté réelle était pour les athéniens plus préférable même au ive siècle av. J.‑C.). Il est difficile de trouver le cautionnement dans le droit civil des lois de Gortyne, qui est moins élaboré par rapport à celui des discours des orateurs athéniens.
Archaic Cretan Inscriptions: Texts or Things?
Authors: Whitley James
Published: July 2024

Archaic Crete has recently received much attention from historians and epigraphers (Seelentag, 2015; Gagarin & Perlman, 2016). Both these works recognise that Cretan legal inscriptions are both things and texts: what matters is not only what the Greek words on the inscriptions say but also how and where they were set up (in or near sanctuaries, sometimes forming part of the fabric of temples) and what the words are written on (generally stone). This paper explores further the role of inscriptions as things and considers the “biography” (sensu Kopytoff, 1986) of three of them: the Dreros kosmos inscription (Gagarin & Perlman, 2016, 200–7); the Praisos Eteocretan inscription (IC 3.6.1); and the Gortyn Law Code itself (IC 4.72). In all cases the archaeological context matters. In both Praisos (Bosanquet, 1902) and Dreros (Gaignerot Driessen, 2013) the inscriptions were deliberately destroyed when their respective political communities were brought to an end in the 2nd century BCE—a fact which demonstrates their symbolic importance for these two political communities. The Gortyn Law Code however was not destroyed but later incorporated into a Roman Odeion. This surely has implications for our understanding of social memory in ancient Crete.
Nomima and the Laws of Ancient Crete: A Personal Memoire
Authors: Gagarin Michael
Published: July 2024

My paper discusses the influence Nomima had on The Laws of Ancient Crete c. 650–400 BCE, a collection of inscriptions I produced together with my colleague Paula Perlman. Nomima influenced both the format and the content of our work. I also discuss the benefits of this format, which I feel is a model for epigraphical publication. I also describe the influence Henri van Effenterre had on me and my career and relate a few of the memorable episodes during the course of our thirty‑year friendship.
Local Scripts and State Formation in Northern Greece and the Northern Aegean
Authors: Boufalis Angelos
Published: July 2024

Beyond the colonial city-states on the coast and their immediate vicinity, several local scripts are attested across the Thracian and Macedonian hinterland in the Archaic period. These are not only different to one another but also foreign to the area, coming either from the colonies or from other parts of Greece. Having demonstrated that a uniform script is characteristic of a state, it is argued that the lack of local scripts among the ethnê implies not just lack of a developed epigraphic habit, but also lack of developed political institutions. It is further argued that the earliest evidence of an epigraphic habit in Macedonia occurs in the latter half of the 4th century BCE, concurrently with the socio-political transformation of the kingdom following the consolidation of Macedonia in the mid‑4th century BCE.
« […] ces incendies de livres que je vais avoir tant de plaisir à filmer ». Fahrenheit 451 par François Truffaut
Authors: Saignes Anna
Published: July 2024

Cet article se propose de réfléchir sur les raisons profondes qui ont pu inciter François Truffaut à adapter le roman de Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451. Il avance l’hypothèse que dans le roman de science-fiction le réalisateur emblématique de la Nouvelle Vague a trouvé matière à travailler l’idée d’une opposition entre les livres et les écrans (de télévision ou de cinéma) et à s’interroger sur la valeur rédemptrice de la littérature.
De la relégation à l’appropriation : (re)lire la citadinité à Khartoum au prisme de la transformation matérielle, sociale et symbolique de ses périphéries
Authors: Pérez-Houis Corten , Franck Alice
Published: July 2024

Dans le contexte du conflit en cours au Soudan depuis avril 2023, cet article propose d’analyser les citadinités qui se sont construites dans les périphéries de Khartoum durant les deux dernières décennies. En partant des transformations matérielles et morphologiques de la capitale soudanaise, nous proposons d’étudier le rapport de ses habitants au logement et à la ville, à l’intersection de processus de production de la ville par le haut (logiques des plans d’aménagement, construction de logements sociaux, stratégies de sociétés immobilières…), des pratiques des habitants (stratégie d’accession à la propriété, trajectoires résidentielles…) et de revendications populaires. Elle repose sur la convergence de deux enquêtes longitudinales qualitatives menées entre les années 2000 et 2022 sur le logement, le foncier et les matériaux de construction à Khartoum.
Déguerpissements et déplacements forcé à Addis-Abeba
Authors: Tamru Bezunesh
Published: July 2024

Addis-Abeba, la capitale éthiopienne, est depuis quelques années le théâtre de grandes opérations d’embellissement et de promotion immobilière. Menées dans une ambiance de libéralisation économique, celles-ci sont liées à un discours de communication politique sur la ville moderne et intelligente. Ces aménagements exigent des emprises foncières importantes et le déplacement forcé de milliers de citadins. Notre étude analyse les évictions dont sont victimes les habitants du Nord-Est de la capitale dans le secteur boisé de Yéka et interroge l’évolution de leurs citadinités. Les entretiens révèlent des pratiques urbaines passées entre les marges forestières et les marchés centraux, fondées sur une économie semi-rurale. La construction de nouvelles routes, désenclavant ces districts, avait permis aux habitants une certaine amélioration de leurs conditions de vie. Cependant, les déplacements forcés et la destruction de leurs quartiers sont non seulement sources de déclassement social mais également de remise en question d’une citadinité qu’ils croyaient acquise, ce qui les conduit à des stratégies de survie urbaine, en particulier pour les plus jeunes.
Negotiating a place in town. Street vending in Thika (Kenya)
Authors: Kariuki Nathan Mwangi , Racaud Sylvain
Published: July 2024

Cet article montre comment, dans un contexte précaire et conflictuel, des vendeurs négocient leur place en ville en s’appropriant des rues. Les rues marchandes sont l’objet de lutte de pouvoir entre les autorités locales et les vendeurs qui légitiment leur présence en s’appuyant sur des textes de lois nationaux. L’empilement et la discordance de textes caractérisent la régulation publique et un cadre institutionnel ambigu, avec des contradictions entre des textes locaux et des textes nationaux. Cette ambiguïté génère des conflits, également nourris par des écarts entre les textes et les pratiques quotidiennes, notamment illustrées par la petite corruption. Ces rues marchandes « informelles » illustrent la confrontation entre deux types de légitimité : celles des acteurs aux petits revenus et celle des promoteurs d’une modernité urbaine « globale ». Le vente de rue est un moyen de construire des identités, une vie sociale et un sens d’appartenance dans l’environnement précaire de villes africaines.
Une oraison mobile : itinéraire d’un Notre Père en « langue des Sauvages »
Authors: Simon Fabien
Published: July 2024

Le texte de huit lignes apparaît dans le Thresor de l’histoire des langues de cest univers de Claude Duret (1613). Il est intitulé « Oraison dominicale en langue des Sauvages ». Nous souhaitons ici en suivre l’itinéraire, en amont – la prière étant prélevée, par l’humaniste de Moulins, dans la Cosmographie universelle d’André Thevet (1575) – et en aval de l’ouvrage de Duret, jusqu’au début du xixe siècle, avec le Mithridates d’Adelung et Vater (1806-1817). Le texte connaît, en effet, de multiples reprises, le Notre Père circulant d’un ouvrage à un autre, pendant près de deux siècles. Or, au cours de cet itinéraire, l’oraison se voit transformée d’une prière en tupi, langue amérindienne du Brésil, en oraison « en langue mexicaine ». L’enjeu de l’étude de ce quiproquo linguistique de longue durée est double : il s’agit, d’une part, d’y voir les effets concrets du copier-coller, y compris au sens propre, en jeu dans la fabrique des textes et donc dans la matérialité de ce savoir. D’autre part, tout circonscrit qu’il soit, le cas du Notre Père « en langue des Sauvages » permet de réfléchir, plus largement, aux formes de réception offertes aux langues américaines, entre xvie et xixe siècle : en quoi cette prière en tupi, devenu du mexicain, pourrait-elle constituer l’illustration d’une forme d’angle mort linguistique, dans lequel seraient confinées les langues américaines, du moins dans ce genre d’ouvrages particuliers que sont les collections de Notre Père, notamment à partir de la fin du xviie siècle ?
Unraveling the impact of metacognitive planning on writing performance through willingness to write in Pakistani ESL learners: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Razzaq Shazma , Hamzah Mohd Hilmi
Published: July 2024

Despite the extensive focus by the Pakistani government on improving English language skills among English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, their writing performance in English remains unsatisfactory. To address this issue, this study aimed to examine the role of planning as a metacognitive strategy in writing performance, along with the indirect effect of willingness to write. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data through a survey questionnaire and a writing performance test administered to 145 students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in English at Pakistani universities, and qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with selected participants. The Partial Least Square (PLS) Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and thematic analyses were employed for quantitative and qualitative data analysis, respectively. The findings revealed that planning as a metacognitive strategy can enhance the writing performance of Pakistani ESL learners. Planning was found to promote willingness to write, subsequently contributing to increased writing performance. Willingness to write emerged as a mediating variable between planning and writing performance. The findings of the study carry practical implications for universities to enhance students’ writing performance by implementing planning strategies and improving their willingness to write.
Adipose mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles exert their preferential action in damaged central sites of SOD1 mice rather than peripherally
Authors: Turano Ermanna , Virla Federica , Scambi Ilaria , Dabrowska Sylwia , Bankole Oluwamolakun , Mariotti Raffaella
Published: July 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving motor neuron (MN) loss in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord leading to progressive paralysis and death. Due to the pathogenetic complexity, there are no effective therapies available. In this context the use of mesenchymal stem cells and their vesicular counterpart is an emerging therapeutic strategy to counteract neurodegeneration. The extracellular vesicles derived from adipose stem cells (ASC-EVs) recapitulate and ameliorate the neuroprotective effect of stem cells and, thanks to their small dimensions, makes their use suitable to develop novel therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases as ALS. Here we investigate a therapeutic regimen of ASC-EVs injection in SOD1(G93A) mice, the most widely used murine model of ALS. Repeated intranasal administrations of high doses of ASC-EVs were able to ameliorate motor performance of injected SOD1(G93A) mice at the early stage of the disease and produce a significant improvement at the end-stage in the lumbar MNs rescue. Moreover, ASC-EVs preserve the structure of neuromuscular junction without counteracting the muscle atrophy. The results indicate that the intranasal ASC-EVs administration acts in central nervous system sites rather than at peripheral level in SOD1(G93A) mice. These considerations allow us to identify future applications of ASC-EVs that involve different targets simultaneously to maximize the clinical and neuropathological outcomes in ALS in vivo models.
Investigation of landscape risk factors for the recent spread of varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in European honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Phaboutdy Emily , Ward Michael
Published: July 2024

In June 2022, an exotic pest of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera), the varroa mite (Varroa destructor), was detected in surveillance hives at the Port of Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW). Previously, Australia remained the only continent free of the varroa mite. In September 2023, the National Management Group decided to shift the focus of the response from eradication to management. It is estimated that the establishment of varroa mite in Australia could lead to more than $70 million in losses each year due to greatly reduced pollination services. Currently, there are no reported studies on the epidemiology of varroa mite in NSW because it is such a recent outbreak, and there is little knowledge of the factors associated with the presence of V. destructor in the Australian context. We sourced publicly available varroa mite outbreak reports from June 22 to December 19, 2022, to determine if urbanization, land use, and distance from the incursion site are associated with the detection of varroa mite infestation in European honeybee colonies in NSW. The outcome investigated was epidemic day, relative to the first detected premises (June 22, 2022). The study population was comprised of 107 premises, which were declared varroa-infested. The median epidemic day was day 37 (July 29, 2022), and a bimodal distribution was observed from the epidemic curve, which was reflective of an intermittent source pattern of spread. We found that premises were detected to be infected with varroa mite earlier in urban areas [median epidemic day 25 (July 17, 2022)] compared to rural areas [median epidemic day 37.5 (July 29, 2022)]. Infected premises located in areas without cropping, forests, and irrigation were detected earlier in the outbreak [median epidemic days 23.5 (July 15, 2022), 30 (July 22, 2022), and 15 (July 7, 2022), respectively] compared to areas with cropping, forests, and irrigation [median epidemic days 50 (August 11, 2022), 43 (August 4, 2022), and 47 (August 8, 2022), respectively]. We also found that distance from the incursion site was not significantly correlated with epidemic day. Urbanization and land use are potential factors for the recent spread of varroa mite in European honeybee colonies in NSW. This knowledge is essential to managing the current varroa mite outbreak and preventing future mass varroa mite spread events.
Cape dovecots and fowl-runs
Authors: Van der Waal G-M.
Published: July 2024

No abstract available.
Some attitudes in Grahamstown towards the advent of the second Anglo-Boer War
Authors: Hummel H.C.
Published: July 2024

In October 1899 the Anglo-Boer War broke out. This article looks at how so quintessentially English speaking a community as late-Victorian Grahamstown (especially some of its local newspapers) reacted to the gathering crisis. Underlying the most obvious - but certainly not entirely representative - outburst of popular jingoistic feeling, was the sense that Grahamstown was in a state of limbo: it was no longer of commercial or military importance and it had not yet found its sense of identity as a university centre. In such circumstances, Grahamstonians looked essentially to their own interests. Theirs was a "tightfisted" response even to the plight of their own compatriots who fled the "Boer North".
Warrenton 1884-1984
Authors: Snyman P.H.R.
Published: July 2024

No abstract available.
Waiting for the boom
Authors: Liebenberg M.M.B.
Published: July 2024

No abstract available.
The construction and use of Grahamstown cathedral's towers
Authors: Berning J.M.
Published: July 2024

By the mid-1840s attempts were being made to adapt the square tower of St George's Church to contain a public clock. After the church had become a cathedral in 1853, there were serious attempts to transform the building into a typical Gothic style. When the plan to build a tower containing a public clock failed in 1860, the existing tower was adapted to house a clock purchased by public subscription. These alterations, however, contributed to the collapse of the tower and the removal of the clock. Eventually a new tower was built to designs by Sir Gilbert Scott as a combined cathedral and public clock tower.
Pieter Jacob Marais' search for gold in the Transvaal
Authors: Coates P.N.A.
Published: July 2024

On 7 October 1853 the prospector and adventurer P.J. Marais documented his first discovery of gold near the confluence of the Crocodile and Jukskei Rivers in the Transvaal. This article outlines his route from Potchefstroom to the Magaliesberge where he made his important discovery. Although his story is quite sketchy, Marais still succeeds in giving an impression of the country through which he travelled, as well as the people he met.
Die rol van sendelinge, die owerheid en ekonomiese faktore in die onstaan van Kuruman, 1886-1913
Authors: Snyman P.H.R.
Published: July 2024

It has never been easy to fix criteria for determining when a South African town was founded. A study of a few Northern Cape districts reveals that only one town in this region does not trace its date of establishment back to the installation of local government. The reasons why Kuruman developed at a snail's pace - from the time when the town's establishment was approved (1886) and erven were surveyed (1887) - before it was granted local government almost 30 years later, are analysed in Kuruman' s centenary. The study indicates that between 1886 and 1903 the actions of missionaries and the government, as well as economic factors, were to a great extent responsible for this state of affairs. As these restrictions disappeared, and as a result of the population growth and economic revival since 1903, Kuruman developed into an important service centre within a decade. In 1913 a village management board was formed, and three years later Kuruman was granted municipal status.
Propiedades de suelos distribuidos en un transecto longitudinal del Sur de Chile
Authors: Zúñiga F. , Leiva C. , Rivano F. , San Martín M. , Toledo P.
Published: July 2024

Los cambios en la condición climática, topográfica y vegetacional pueden ser detectados a través de los transectos de suelo. Esta comunicación explora la variación de propiedades del suelo en un transecto longitudinal. Se colectaron muestras de suelo en 5 sitios distribuidos entre Coñaripe (A) y Mehuín (E) en la región de Los Ríos. Se determinaron propiedades como: i) densidad aparente (ρb), ii) carbono orgánico del suelo (COS), iii) Al extractable (Ala) y iv) pH; además se calculó el stock de C. Se realizaron análisis de correlación (r-Pearson) y regresión simple entre las propiedades de los suelos. La relación entre pH y COS fue inversa (r = -0,86) y directa entre Ala y ρb (r = 0,83) pero no implicó causalidad. La función de acumulación de C en el suelo aumentó desde la precordillera de Los Andes hacia la Depresión Intermedia, alcanzando su máximo en la serie de suelo Pelchuquín (Eutric Fulvudand).
Titanium Alloy Direct Deposited Products 6Al - 4V Annealed
Authors:   AMS AM Additive Manufacturing Metals
Published: July 2024

This specification covers metal products fabricated by direct metal deposition.
Gas Turbine Engine Performance Presentation and Nomenclature For Object-Oriented Computer Programs
Authors:   S-15 Gas Turbine Perf Simulation Nomenclature and Interfaces
Published: July 2024

This document provides standards for several aspects of aero-thermal system performance modeling using object-oriented programming systems. Nomenclature, application program interface, and user interface are addressed with the emphasis on nomenclature. The Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) modeling environment is frequently used in this document as an archetype. Many of the standards are derived from NPSS common practice. NPSS was chosen because it is an available product. The standards described herein may be applied to other object-oriented systems.

While this document applies broadly to any gas turbine engine, the great majority of engine performance computer programs have historically been written for aircraft propulsion systems. Aircraft and propulsion terminology and examples appear throughout.
Aircraft Ground Deicing/Anti-Icing Training and Qualification Program
Authors:   G-12T Training and Quality Programs Committee
Published: July 2024

This document establishes the minimum training and qualification requirements for ground-based aircraft deicing/anti-icing methods and procedures. All guidelines referred to herein are applicable only in conjunction with the applicable documents. Due to aerodynamic and other concerns, the application of deicing/anti-icing fluids shall be carried out in compliance with engine and aircraft manufacturers’ recommendations. The scope of training should be adjusted according to local demands. There are a wide variety of winter seasons and differences of the involvement between deicing operators, and therefore, the level and length of training should be adjusted accordingly. However, the minimum level of training shall be covered in all cases. As a rule of thumb, the amount of time spent in practical training should equal or exceed the amount of time spent in classroom training.
Hernie inguino-scrotale géante à l'Hôpital La Charité à Mbandaka : à propos d'un cas rare pris en charge plus de 30 années après le début de l’affection
Authors: Mosolongo Tresor Yebe , Mongondi Landry Egbende , Punga-Maole Augustin Monga Lembe
Published: July 2024

La hernie inguino-scrotale géante est irréductible par perte de droit de cité. La gravité de cette entité pathologique est liée à  l’hyperpression intra abdominale des viscères lors de la cure. Nous décrivons un cas rare d’une hernie inguino-scrotale géante traitée  plus de 30 ans après le début de l’affection. La particularité de ce cas est caractérisée par sa prise en charge tardive sans complication, la  réparation pariétale sans usage d’une prothèse ainsi que la prise en charge simultanée de la grosse hernie et l’hydrocèle. Les suites opératoires ont été simples.
 
English title: Giant inguino-scrotal hernia at the Charity Hospital in Mbandaka, the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a case report
The giant inguino-scrotal hernia is irreducible by loss of right of way. The intra-abdominal hyperpressure induced by the reintegration of the viscera during the cure makes it serious. We report an observation of giant inguinoscrotal hernia lasting more than 35 years  associated with hydrocele recently treated in a hospital in Mbandaka. The particularity of this case is characterized by its late  management without complications, the parietal repair without use of prosthesis as well as the simultaneous management of the large  hernia and the hydrocele. The surgical aftermath was simple.
Evaluation of the local knowledge in the production and consumption of commercial soy cheese skewers as a street food in the West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Nguepi Solefack Elsa , Bernard Tiencheu , Tazoho Maffo Ghislain , Foffe Kohole Arantes Hermann , Djikeng Tonfack Fabrice , Zokou Ronice , Tsopbeng Tsopzong Alex Blairio , Klang Julie Mathilde , Womeni Hilaire Macaire
Published: July 2024

Soy cheese (tofu) skewer is a ready-to-eat meal, sold as street food in many cities of Cameroon and locally known as “soybean soya”. It is a rich source of plant proteins being produced locally for commercial purposes. This practice is considered as a job and source of revenue for individuals who partake in it and food for consumers. The aim of this study was to determine the current level of knowledge on the production conditions and the consumption habits of soy cheese skewers, commercialized in the streets of the West region of Cameroon. The survey consisted of using questionnaires to interview producers and consumers. Producers and consumers were randomly chosen to participate in this study. Results showed that about 81.63% (40) of producers were females, the majority had at least secondary level of education (57.14 %), the main age group 31 and 40 years (34.69%). The production conditions varied from one person to another, but the main steps were the same and included sorting, soaking, washing, draining, grinding, filtration, heating, coagulation, pressing, slicing, frying, stewing and packaging on skewers. Spices were mainly used for flavouring (100%) and the storage of unsold leftovers was done mostly at room temperature (65.31%) for less than 1 week (75.51%). Consumers of soy cheese skewer were of different age groups, gender, educational level, marital status and cultural background. Most often, it was purchased from the street (87.2%) at the price of 50 XCFA (87.66%). Many consumed it for its taste (75.32%) and very few for its nutritional value (8.44%). The texture appreciated by consumers and producers was tender (72.09%). The production and consumption of soy cheese skewer involves a series of steps whose application conditions vary from one producer to another, which may lead to variability in the products proposed to consumers.
Susceptibility of two cowpea varieties (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) to fungal infection in field in the western highlands (Dschang)
Authors: Nsangou Kone Abdou Nourou , Mboussi Serge Bertrand , Heu Alain , Agyingi Ambang Lucy , MBainarem David , Ngoh Dooh Jules Patrice
Published: July 2024

Cowpea is an important food and socio-economic crop in West Africa. However, its yield is low due to biotic and abiotic constraints. The present work was carried out in the field and in the laboratory at the University of Dschang, Cameroon, with the general aim of identifying disease symptoms on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in the field during the growth stages.  Two varieties were used (MTA-22 and TN5-78) in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The various symptoms of the diseases identified were described, their incidence and severity assessed, and a morphological characterization of the pathogens responsible for fungal diseases based on microscopic observation of fruiting bodies was carried out. At the end of this work, seven fungal diseases were identified and described. Four (4) fungal disease pathogens were clearly isolated and characterized: Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium moniliforme, Cercospora canescens and Rhizoctonia solani These results will contribute to the development of a control program and the improvement of cowpea productivity with a view to combating malnutrition and reducing poverty in rural areas.
Exploration of thyromental distance variation in relation with the height, body weight and sex in two ethnic groups of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Ekanem Akpan Udo , Edem Gabriel Donatus , Inoh Mfon Ime , Okon Kingsley Akaniyene , Eto Fortune Udeme
Published: July 2024

The study aimed at investigating the thyromental distance variation in relation with the height, body weight and sex among adults of the  two major tribes (Ibibio and Annang) of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. This is to ascertain the possible difficult intubation that could be  experienced by any of the two tribes. Additionally, the study also aimed to examine the eventual medical and/or anthropological  repercussions of this variation. A total of 300 volunteers within the two tribes consisting of 48% males and 52% females, aged between  18-50 years were measured. Results showed a progressive increase in the thyromental distance (TMD) as age increases within the age  brackets of 26-30 and 31-35 years respectively, and a decrease within the age bracket of 46-50 years. Notable variation was seen across  the ethnic groups. Annang males within the age grade of 21-25 years had the highest thyromental distance greater than 6.5 cm.  Moreover, our result revealed that, Annang males have a higher thyromental distance than the Ibibio males, while Ibibio females have a  higher thyromental distance than the Annang females. However, there was a large percentage difference between the sexes and the  thyromental distances varied across the ethnic groups, with significant differences between ages, height and body weight observed within the Ibibios and Annangs. Conclusively, our findings revealed that the Annang citizens are taller and heavier than their Ibibio  counterparts.
Cheng Ho's Visits to Sri Lanka and the discovery of Oldest Arwi Script Found in Galle Trilingual Inscription
Authors: Marikar Faiz , Karunathilaka Manjula
Published: July 2024

The study of history has traditionally been centered on Europe, and it is widely acknowledged that modern civilization represents the  pinnacle of Western scientific and cultural traditions. Most people thought that Asia was a colossus that had been sleeping and had only  recently woken up by contact with the West. There has been a significant shift in historical perspectives regarding the genesis of  modernity. Recent studies have shown that non-European nations have had high levels of intellectual and cultural success as well as  rapid economic expansion. With a magnificent trilingual inscription, Cheng Ho traveled to Sri Lanka in the fifteenth century. This amazing  work provides the earliest record for Arwi, which was mistakenly thought to be Persian. Together with Chinese, it further emphasizes the  significance of Tamil and Arwi. It will be seen that, a few centuries later, the extent of invention in medieval China amounted to an  economic and social upheaval similar to that in Western Europe.
Akan concepts and proverbs on abusua, ‘family’
Authors: Agyekum Kofi
Published: July 2024

The paper explores the Akan concept of family based on their cultural ideologies and proverbs. The paper adopts the framework of language ideology that looks at how a people rationalise their language and culture based on their worldview, religious beliefs and anthropological notions. The data for this paper is collected from library studies on books on Akan proverbs and other literary books. Part of the data is collected from Akan folksongs, folktales, interviews and discussions with some renowned Akan scholars. The proverbs collected are subjected to semantic, stylistic and pragmatics analysis. The paper will find out whether the proverbs that relate to family are still applicable in modern times where globalisation, westernisation, modernisation and foreign religion are taking over the Akan family system and some of the aspects of Akan culture and beliefs. This paper is a follow up of other papers I have done on the Akan concept of face, poverty, marriage and death.
Evaluation of MgO-ZnO-Crab Shell Biofillers as Reinforcement for Biodegradable Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composite
Authors: Ogunsanya A.O. , Iorohol E.B. , Arinze D. , Ogundoyin O.
Published: July 2024

Biodegradable polyester obtained from renewable, eco-friendly materials, and natural additives made from debris of production of  seafood to create biocomposites is nowadays a possibility. This paper evaluates the physical, morphological, and chemical properties and  the degradation stability of polylactic acid/biofillers (magnesium oxide/zinc oxide/crab shell particles) composite as a viable  biocomposite material in bone engineering applications. The biofiller showed hygroscopic characteristics. Surface morphology of the  composite showed fractured surfaces with interconnected pores suitable for bone cells’ implantation enhancement and propagation.  Biofillers effect accelerates the precipitation of calcium apatite formation after 28 days of immersion. The XRD spectra confirmed high  composite crystallinity structure of 93.4% due to the nucleation effects of the biofillers. The beneficial role of reinforcing polylactic acid  polymer with biofiller showed average pH value of 7.36 and apparent porosity of 40%. Findings from this paper have revealed that the  use of crab shell debris such as crab shell can become a resource in biocomposite fabrication. The addition of biofillers provided an  effective reinforcement in polylactic acid polymer matrix and hence contributed towards sustainable developments of natural resource  materials and biodegradable and bioresorbable material without polluting the environment.
Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella in chicken eggs from farms in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Kura FP , Agada AC , Usman UB , Luga II , Ikyetor MP , Ijoh BB , Ogbu GJ
Published: July 2024

The research was a cross-sectional study conducted from June to December 2021 within Zaria metropolis which aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella isolated from chicken egg shells and their contents. A total of 240 egg samples were collected from farms that operated on either battery cages or deep litter-rearing systems. The samples were transported in ice packs to the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for laboratory procedures. Salmonella was isolated, identified and confirmed using standard techniques as outlined by the International Organization for Standardization while antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disc diffusion method as described by Kirby-Bauer. Out of the 240 eggs sampled, 12 Salmonella isolates were confirmed positive by amplifying the genus-specific invA gene. A Salmonella prevalence of 4.6% was calculated to be from the egg shells while 0.4% prevalence was from the egg contents. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that there was resistance by Salmonella isolates to almost all the 14 antimicrobials used across 8 different classes of antibiotics except for Imipenem in which the isolates exhibited absolute susceptibility. A Fisher’s exact test was used to test the association between the variables. There was a significant association (P< 0.0059) between the difference in the prevalence of Salmonella on eggshell and egg content but there was no significant association (P>0.7689) between the battery cage and the deep litter systems of rearing. The study highlights the prevalence and the importance of continuous monitoring and surveillance for pathogenic Salmonellae.
Seroprevalence of infectious bronchitis in chickens in three south-western states of Nigeria
Authors: Jolaoso TO , Oladele OA , Omotosho OO , Shima FK , Fagbohun OA
Published: July 2024

Infectious Bronchitis (IB) is a viral respiratory disease of chickens that is associated with huge economic losses. This study was designed to investigate its seroprevalence in unvaccinated exotic and indigenous chickens in some States of South-western Nigeria. Sera samples (n=750) were obtained from unvaccinated, intensively reared, exotic chickens (n=450) and unvaccinated extensively reared indigenous chickens (n=300) from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States. The antibodies to the IB virus were detected in serum utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and an independent t-test were used to analyze the data. On average, 81.1% were seropositive to IB virus, distributed as 78.0%, 86.8%, and 78.4% in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States, respectively. Seroprevalence was high in both exotic (82.4%) and indigenous (79.0%) chickens, while mean antibody titres were significantly higher in exotic (49.74 ± 2.50 and 43.25 ± 4.64) than in indigenous chickens (24.71 ± 2.02 and 31.85 ± 2.24) in Lagos and Oyo states, respectively. Indigenous chickens raised in south-western Nigeria are likely exposed to infectious bronchitis virus in the environment and the presence of the antibodies in these chickens is an indicator of the endemicity of the virus. This also identifies a possible role for indigenous chickens in the dissemination of the virus. There is a need for continuous surveillance, improved vaccination, and stricter biosecurity measures in poultry production for optimal control of infectious bronchitis in Nigeria.
Effect of Increasing Amount of Sisal Fabric on Density, Compressive Strength and Flexural Strength of Sisal Fabric Reinforced Concrete Composite
Authors: Makunza John K , Towo Arnold N
Published: July 2024

This study examines the impact of adding plain-woven sisal fibres on the mechanical characteristics of sisal reinforced concrete composites. Analysis of the mechanical strength was done in relation to their density, compressive strength, and flexural strength. The sisal fabric composite matrix contained up to four layers of sisal fabric, which was either NaOH treated or untreated. The properties of sisal fabric reinforced concrete were compared to those of steel reinforced concrete. With addition of layers of sisal fabric, the flexural strength of both NaOH-treated and untreated concrete composites increased to a maximum of 18.2 MPa, which was less than steel reinforced at 20.59 MPa. As the number of fabric layers increased, both NaOH-treated and untreated composites’ compressive strength decreased. Although the compressive strength for treated sisal fabric composites decreased by 14.6%, it remained above the desired level of 30 MPa. For untreated sisal fabric composites compressive strength decreased by 18.0% and decreased below the target compressive strength of 30 MPa for up to four layers of fabric added. In comparison to control concrete, the density of concrete with treated sisal fabric decreased to up to 6.05% while for concrete with NaOH treated fabric decreased by 4.90%.
Effects of Urea Fertilizer on Yield and Water Productivity of Amaranthus viridis in the Tropical Rainforest and the Derived Savanna of Nigeria
Authors: Kabiru A Shittu  , Adeboye Omotayo B , Oyedele Durodoluwa J , Murtadha Abdul-Salam M , Lamidi Wasiu A
Published: July 2024

The experiment was conducted using a lysimeter in June, 2014 in Saki (Derived Savanna) and Ile-Ife (Tropical Rainforest) to determine the crop coefficients and the effects of Urea fertilizer on the yield and water productivity of Amaranthus viridis in Nigeria. The loamy sandy soil in the top 15 cm was sampled, air-dried and analysed. Eighteen (18) kg of the air-dried and sieved soils were weighed into the thirty-two (32) lysimeters. Drill method was used for the sowing and the seeds were spread within 2 cm in the lysimeter. Urea fertilizer was applied at 0, 40, 80 and 160 kg N/ha twice during the growing season. The crop coefficients at the initial, mid, and late stages ranged from 0.15 to 0.41 in Ile-Ife, while in Saki, they ranged from 0.29 to 1.15 under Urea fertilizer. In Saki, the peak crop evapotranspiration was 1.21 mm/day for 0 kg N/ha of Urea while in the Ile-Ife, the crop evapotranspiration was 1.83 mm/day for 160 Kg N/ha of Urea. Water productivity in Saki and Ile-Ife were 45.47 kg/ha mm and 18.58 kg/ha mm respectively for 160 kg N/ha. This implies that Amaranthus viridis required more water during canopy expansion and flowering in Ile-Ife than in Saki.
Malaria parasitaemia among residents attending selected secondary health facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Angaticha Richard , Nduka F. O. , Abah A. E.
Published: July 2024

Malaria is an urgent public health priority due to its high cause of morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia in Rivers State, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was used. A total of 1200 samples were collected; thick films (stained with Fields stain A&B) and thin films (stained with 3% Giemsa) were examined microscopically. Out of these samples, 530 (44.16 %) were infected, with total parasite density of 2107518/µl. Plasmodium falciparum was the only species found. The highest infection 61 (61%) was in General Hospital (GH) Abua with statewide infection, 61 (5.08%) and parasite density 248616/µl followed by GH Ahoada East, 59 (59%) with statewide infection of 59 (4.92%) and parasite density 203540/µl and the least was GH Isiokpo, 24 (24%) with statewide infection of 24 (2%) and parasite density, 137696/µl (p<0.05). Rivers West had the highest infection rate, 215 (53.75%) with statewide infection of 215 (17.92%) and parasite density, 802100/µl whereas the least was recorded in Rivers East 134 (33.5%) with parasite density 685600/µl and statewide infection of 134 (11.16%). Consistent statewide investigation and sustained awareness should be carried out to track progress and identify areas of data driven intervention needs for smart decisions to combat malaria.
National treasures (国宝, kokuhō) in Japanese law: From Zen Buddhism to Living National Treasures
Authors: Bretel Ronan
Published: July 2024

Pojęcie „skarbu narodowego” (國寶, kokuhō) pojawiło się w japońskim prawie w 1897 r. Jednak dopiero w ustawie z 30 maja 1950 r. zostało wsparte przez ujęcie go w prawdziwym systemie prawnym. Ta transliteracja jest zmodernizowaną wersją 國寶, wywodzącą się z chińskiego buddyzmu, w której tradycja Sōtō mówi o 重國寶, Jūkokuhō, „ważnym skarbie kraju”. Związek między ruchomym dziedzictwem kultury a narodową historią Japonii obraca się również wokół centralnej roli odgrywanej przez „trzy święte skarby Japonii” (三種の神器). Od 1950 r. koncepcja ta, która jest obojętna na opozycje między dziedzictwem ruchomym i nieruchomym, materialnym i niematerialnym, została opracowana w świetle nowych kategorii dziedzictwa. Wyrażenie to opuściło nawet ścisłe granice prawa i weszło do języka potocznego, w którym odnosi się ono do „konserwatorów ważnych niematerialnych dóbr kultury” (重要無形文化財保持者), powszechnie znanych jako „żywe skarby narodowe”.

The concept of ‘national treasure’(國寶, kokuhō) appeared in Japanese law in 1897. But it was not until the Law of 30 May 1950 that it was backed by a real legal regime. This transliteration is the modernised version of 國寶, originating in Chinese Buddhism, in which the Sōtō tradition speaks of 重國寶, Jūkokuhō, ‘important treasure of the country.’ The link between movable cultural heritage and Japan’s national history also revolves around the central role played by the ‘three sacred treasures of Japan’ (三種の神器). Since 1950, the concept, which is indifferent to the oppositions between movable and immovable, tangible and intangible, has been developed in the light of the new categories of heritage that have emerged. The expression has even left the strict confines of the law and entered everyday language to designate ‘conservators of important intangible cultural property’ (重要無形文化財保持者), commonly known as ‘Living National Treasures.’