bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loyal Customer Classification Using Fuzzy Logic Inference System
Authors: Rosena Shintabella  , Imma Ismaniar  , Muhammad Fikry Januar  , Zulfikar Fauzi
Published: January 2025

A company will be better if it can maintain its existence in the community, then the company is more oriented to acquire new customers.But one day it will lose customers if it is not managed properly. In this case there is a customer satisfaction variable that affects customer loyalty in a company. In this study apply fuzzy logic inference method to select customers with the highest level of loyalty. The extraordinary value of a customer towards a company certainly cannot be declared with certainty or exactness. So that the decision making is very suitable when using the concept of fuzzy logic, because it can represent variables that are vague or not exact. The case study in this study was conducted in a trading company or supermarket. The result of its implementation is that the system can determine who is the most loyal of several selected samples of customers.
The Concept Of Legal Norms Of Personal Data Protection Related To Data Processing In The Form Of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Yalid
Published: January 2025

Issues examined in this study: first, How is the protection of personal data related to data processing in the form of artificial intelligence in Indonesia. Second, what is the concept of the existing legal norms of personal data protection related to data processing in the form of artificial intelligence. The method of research is carried out in literature with the type of normative legal research, according to dogmatic issues related to the emptiness of norms. Findings in this study found the protection of personal data related to data processing in the form of artificial intelligence in Indonesia there are two views. In this regard, the protection of personal data in data processing through artificial intelligence in Indonesia has no legal certainty to be protected. Because legal certainty refers to the application of clear, fixed, consistent and consequent laws whose implementation cannot be influenced by subjective circumstances. The concept of existing legal norms for personal data protection related to data processing in the form of artificial intelligence special arrangements stipulated in Law Number 27 of 2022 can be said to have accommodated personal rights. However, the existing condition of artificial intelligence norm is only legally domiciled as a legal object, because it is needed by the party responsible for the actions of artificial intelligence. Legal liability for the actions of artificial intelligence can be charged or imposed on the organizers of artificial intelligence.
Strength tests of the Polish knot
Authors: Belica Ondřej , Smolek Jan
Published: January 2025

Although the Polish knot is often used for anchoring in rope access, rope rescue and caving due to its advantages, there is a lack of information about its strength. The article deals with the strength and efficiency of the Polish knot, both when loading the front and rear strands of the rope coming out of the knot. It shows that the difference between the individual strands is insignificant. And although the Polish knot shows lower strength than the figure-eight loop, it offers other advantages.
The interdisciplinarity of the publications of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice based on the analysis of the co-occurrence of issues specific to medicine and computer science
Authors: Paluch Ewelina , Mikulska Marcela
Published: January 2025

Over the years, the study of the interdisciplinarity of publications has taken various forms, from its identification based on the disciplines represented by the authors, through the examination of citations used when writing the article, to the analysis of the publication text itself. The last of these approaches seems to be the most reliable in the context of verifying the real integration between disciplines in a specific text. The approach utilized in the conducted research facilitates a deeper analysis of integration not only between disciplines in general but also between specific issues within their domains, aiding the examination of the intensity of such connections. The research was aimed at analyzing publications affiliated with the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice in terms of their connection with issues included in the area of Computer Science. OpenAlex, a bibliographic database supported by data mainly from Scopus, WoS and Google Scholar, which uses concepts that make up the Wikidata knowledge base to describe the content of publications was used. A list of 14,136 publications from the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice was downloaded from the OpenAlex bibliographic database including such data as: publication id, title, author, abstract, journal, date of publication, ISSN number or concepts. Overall, the most prevalent concepts in the publications were concepts regarding the field of the medicine (medicine, internal medicine, cardiology). The most prevalent concepts concerning computer science in the publications were: computer science, logistic regression and artificial intelligence. The strenght of the connections between concepts regarding medicine and computer science was calculated by calculating the arithmetic mean of the score value for each pair of IT and medical concepts contained in a single publication. The study showed the importance of computer Science issues in the medical publications and highligted the growing importance of AI in the field of medicine.
Evolution, subcellular distribution, and function of Rcor2
Authors:   , Verbel Vergara Daniel Eduardo
Published: January 2025

La familia Correpresores de Rest (Rcor) tiene tres miembros Rcor1, Rcor2 y Rcor3, los cuales se han caracterizado como correpresores transcripcionales. Los miembros de la familia Rcor han sido llamados parálogos por su homología de secuencia pero también por compartir ciertas propiedades bioquímicas. Sin embargo, no se han realizado estudios filogenéticos para establecer su relación evolutiva. En cuanto a sus funciones, todas las proteínas de esta familia regulan la expresión génica mediante la formación de distintos complejos, pero, poco es conocido acerca de otras actividades que puedan realizar. Teniendo en cuenta que la distribución subcelular de cada proteína está estrechamente relacionada con sus funciones, esta tesis se centra en comprender la evolución, distribución subcelular y función de Rcor2, un miembro de la familia Rcor. En el primer capítulo de esta tesis, nos enfocamos en comprender la historia evolutiva de la familia de proteínas Rcor y su interacción con la Desmetilasa Específica de Lisina 1 (LSD1). Descubrimos que los genes Rcor son el resultado de dos rondas de duplicación del genoma completo (WGD) en el ancestro vertebrado, por lo tanto, son genes ohnólogos. También predijimos las secuencias ancestrales de Rcor y LSD1 presentes en los vertebrados mandibulados ancestrales y determinamos que su interacción precede a la diversificación de la familia Rcor. El segundo capítulo abordó la caracterización de la localización subcelular de Rcor2 en células en interfase, enfatizando su distribución en speckles nucleares (NS). Como resultado, identificamos que la distribución de Rcor2 varía según el tipo de célula. En las células neurales, Rcor2 fue predominantemente nuclear, mientras que en las células renales tiene una distribución homogénea. Rcor2 colocaliza e interactúa con SRRM2 (un componente de los NS) en células PC-12, HT22 y N2A. Consistentemente, la sobreexpresión de Rcor2 recapitula la distribución endógena. Respecto a su función en los NS, identificamos que Rcor2 regula su morfología. En el capítulo final de esta tesis, caracterizamos la distribución de Rcor2 y sus isoformas durante el ciclo celular, investigando más a fondo su localización en diferentes estructuras mitóticas. En este sentido, identificamos que Rcor2 se localiza en centrosomas y midbodies durante la mitosis. Además, establecimos que las dos isoformas de Rcor2 difieren en su región C-terminal, en particular, la isoforma 2 carece del dominio SANT2. En cuanto a su distribución, las isoformas sobreexpresadas pueden integrar los polos del huso mitótico y el midbody. No obstante, solo epítopes correspondientes a Rcor2.2 son detectados en el midbody. En conclusión, Rcor2 es una proteína de vertebrados con una distribución subcelular diversa entre líneas celulares y durante el ciclo celular.
Modelo de propensión de fuga y optimización de las acciones comerciales para créditos de consumo de una institución financiera
Authors:   , Navarrete Hernández Martín Edgardo
Published: January 2025

El objetivo general del presente trabajo fue construir y validar un modelo matemático que permita detectar anticipadamente intenciones de fugas de clientes de créditos de consumo. El modelo asigna a cada operación cursada, la probabilidad de que el cliente se fugue a otro banco con la deuda. Con esta información, se entrega una priorización de los clientes de la cartera que permita optimizar esfuerzos de gestión, maximizando así la rentabilidad retenida. El estudio fue realizado a partir de operaciones entre los años 2015 y 2019, en las cuales se consideró el estado mensual de estas, y las características crediticias de los clientes que contrajeron la deuda. Para desarrollar lo anterior, se realizó en primer lugar, una limpieza y estructuración de los datos, con tal de que un registro (o fila de dato) represente las características de una operación y cliente en un mes en particular. Posteriormente, con la información ya estructurada, se entrenó un modelo Logit y uno Probit que entregase como output la probabilidad de que el cliente prepague la operación. Finalmente, una vez teniendo la probabilidad de fuga de cada operación, se planteó una serie de metodologías de priorización de la cartera buscando la que permitiese retener la mayor rentabilidad posible. Los resultados observados muestran un mejor desempeño en el modelo Probit, con un score F1 de 39,2% versus un 37,8% del modelo Logit, al considerar que las operaciones “en riesgo de fuga” son aquellas que presentan una probabilidad de fuga por sobre el 15 %. Respecto a la priorización de cartera, se observan los mejores resultados al momento de priorizar a los clientes en base a la combinación de la probabilidad de fuga del modelo, la rentabilidad del cliente, y costos asociados a la gestión. Para el mes de testeo, se obtuvo las mayores utilidades al gestionar el 31% de la cartera de clientes priorizada, con lo que se lograría retener un 30% de la rentabilidad fugada durante dicho mes.
Determinación de retardos en una red inalámbrica
Authors:   , Espinoza Henríquez Miguel Antonio
Published: January 2025

La probabilidad de acceso al medio es un indicador necesario para estimar las distribuciones de probabilidad de retardos asociados a un protocolo de acceso al medio, las que entregan información relevante sobre el desempeño de una red inalámbrica. Sin embargo, los modelos clásicos de acceso al medio presentes en la literatura asumen que intentos consecutivos de acceder al medio son estadísticamente independientes, lo cual pierde validez en escenarios donde los paquetes que se propagan en el aire presentan una duración similar o superior a la duración máxima de las contenciones establecidas por el protocolo de acceso al medio, lo que induce un efecto de correlación que reduce la precisión de los modelos clásicos. Los modelos de red inalámbrica pueden ser centralizados, donde se estiman las distribuciones de retardo con cadenas de Markov que asumen la presencia de un nodo coordinador. Por otro lado, existen modelos de red inalámbrica que son descentralizados, donde las distribuciones de retardo se estiman a partir de parámetros que no requiere de un nodo coordinador. Ambos enfoques no consideran el efecto de correlación mencionado previamente. El trabajo realizado considera una red descentralizada que sigue el protocolo Beacon-less IEE 802.15.14 CSMA-CA, para el cual se desarrolla un modelo probabilístico basado en contribuciones relativas que estima la probabilidad de acceso al medio que considera el efecto de correlación por la duración de los paquetes que se propagan en el aire. El modelo desarrollado se utiliza para reformular y recalibrar las curvas de distribución de retardo de los tres eventos de interés que provienen del protocolo considerado: Channel Access Failure, Frame Transfer Failure y Frame Transfer Success. Los resultados se validan con simulaciones que muestran que las curvas teóricas recalibradas predicen con mayor precisión la distribución de retardos obtenida por simulación al incorporar el efecto de correlación mencionado, donde las diferencias en la forma de las curvas debido a la acumulación de paquetes en la capa NET de los nodos que componen la red inalámbrica.
La palabra visible : la tensión entre historia y poesía en el estilo narrativo de Amiano Marcelino
Authors:   , Alonso Gutiérrez Francisco José
Published: January 2025

El trabajo aquí ofrecido analiza la obra del historiador grecorromano Amiano Marcelino (siglo IV) bajo una perspectiva literaria. Específicamente, se argumenta que la tradición historiográfica de la Antigüedad grecorromana en la que el autor se inscribe ha pretendido que el discurso histórico representa los hechos narrados de forma transparente, es decir, ha invisibilizado la palabra. Sin embargo, como se defiende en la tesis, el estilo de Amiano Marcelino pone en tela de juicio la posibilidad de lograr esta invisibilización, al combinar elementos historiográficos con elementos que la tradición grecorromana consideraba extraños a la escritura de historia y propios de géneros poéticos o ficcionales como la tragedia o la novela. De esta manera, el estilo literario y narrativo de las Res gestae de Amiano Marcelino expone de forma consciente la tensión latente entre historiografía y poesía, pues muestra el aparato discursivo de la historiografía, que la aproxima a la poesía. Este estilo es una característica identitaria de la obra y no una marca de la torpeza de Amiano y, además, tiene como resultado un trabajo aporético, irónico y contradictorio que en ocasiones manifiesta el escepticismo epistemológico del autor respecto del discurso histórico. Para llevar a cabo este trabajo, se ha seguido una metodología variada. Por un lado, para la reflexión teórica, se utilizan algunas ideas de la filosofía hermenéutica de Gadamer, además de reflexiones metacríticas sobre los géneros literarios. Por otra parte, para el análisis textual, se utilizan estrategias intertextuales y narratológicas, en función de las necesidades y desafíos que plantea cada uno de los pasajes seleccionados.
Propuesta de un modelo de evaluación basado en la perspectiva de usuarios/as para una estrategia de multimorbilidad del sistema público de salud en Chile
Authors:   , Soto Pimentel María Gabriela
Published: January 2025

El diseño, implementación y evaluación de servicios centrados en las personas, requiere del involucramiento sistemático de los/as usuarios/as en sus distintas etapas. El presente proyecto propone un modelo preliminar de evaluación centrado en el reporte directo de las personas con multimorbilidad que sea pertinente al contexto del sistema de salud en Chile y que complemente los marcos tradicionales de evaluación. A partir de una revisión de la literatura y del análisis secundario de datos cualitativos provenientes de encuestas a usuarios/as con multimorbilidad de alto riesgo de una intervención en la Región Metropolitana, se propone un modelo preliminar de evaluación compuesto por cinco dimensiones: 1) acceso a la atención de salud; 2) Atención personalizada; 3) Rol activo del paciente; 4) Coordinación y continuidad; 5) Resultados en salud. Este modelo pretende ser un primer paso para avanzar en el fortalecimiento de la participación sistemática de los/as usuarios/as en la evaluación continua de intervenciones centradas en las personas.
Validez Predictiva del Modelo Alternativo de Trastornos de la Personalidad (AMPD) sobre el Funcionamiento Diario en Dimensiones del Self y Funcionamiento Interpersonal en Pacientes Diagnosticados con Trastorno Límite de la Personalidad
Authors:   , Egenau Dell Orto Colomba Valentina
Published: January 2025

Este estudio examina el Modelo de Nivel de Funcionamiento de la Personalidad (LPF) dentro del Modelo Alternativo para Trastornos de la Personalidad (AMPD) a través de la herramienta del LPFS, evaluando su capacidad para diferenciar individuos diagnosticados con Trastorno Límite de la Personalidad (TLP) de un grupo de control en función de su funcionamiento diario, evaluando si predice variabilidad momento a momento. Mediante la Evaluación Ecológica Momentánea (EMA), se midieron fluctuaciones en el funcionamiento del self e interpersonal en una muestra clínica de pacientes diagnosticados con TLP (n=45) y un grupo de controles sanos (n=58) permitiendo comparaciones en las dimensiones de self y relaciones interpersonales, centrales en la LPFS. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas en self (claridad de auto-concepto, autodirección, auto-odio y desilusión) y funcionamiento interpersonal (rechazo, crítica, incomprensión y conflicto), con la muestra clínica exhibiendo mayor inestabilidad. Las correlaciones de Spearman entre LPFS y variables EMA mostraron asociaciones sólidas, sugiriendo que el LPFS puede capturar aspectos dinámicos del funcionamiento de la personalidad en condiciones momentáneas, especialmente en sensibilidad al rechazo y desilusión personal. Sin embargo, surgieron discrepancias al evaluar el Criterio B del AMPD, donde se observaron rasgos de personalidad, como la anankastia, no tradicionalmente asociada con el TLP en el AMPD. Estos hallazgos cuestionan la aplicabilidad del modelo estrictamente categorial, subrayando las limitaciones del modelo híbrido para captar la complejidad de los síntomas del TLP. El estudio respalda el enfoque dimensional propuesto por la LPFS, defendiendo su integración en evaluaciones clínicas para capturar perfiles de personalidad más matizados.
Middle Cerebral Artery Pulsatility Index for Prediction of Successful Induction of Labour in Postdated Pregnancy: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Nagar Yashi , Bharti Rekha , Baleja Kajal , Malik Amita , Pandey Divya , Suri Jyotsna
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Postdated pregnancy is the most frequent indication for Induction of Labour (IOL). The foetal Middle Cerebral Artery Pulsatility Index (MCA PI) is assessed to predict foetal wellbeing in cases of late foetal growth restriction. It has also been studied as a predictor of IOL and is reported to be more sensitive than the conventional Bishop score.

Aim: To evaluate the MCA PI as a predictor of successful labour induction in postdated pregnancy.

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in obstetrics wards of Safdarjung Hospital over a period of 15 months, including 296 nulliparous women with singleton postdated pregnancy admitted for IOL. After obtaining a detailed history and conducting a physical examination, per vaginal examination for Bishop’s score and transabdominal ultrasound for foetal MCA Doppler was done. Women were followed for progression to active labour, and mode of delivery was noted. Primary outcome measure was successful IOL, defined as women entering active phase of labour, which is defined as cervical dilation of >5 cm. Other outcome measures studied included the induction to active phase interval, induction to delivery interval and mode of delivery. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve was used to find out Area Under Curve (AUC) for MCA PI and Bishop score for predicting successful IOL. De Long et al., test was used to compare AUC. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the predictors of successful labour induction. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Out of 296 women enrolled in the study, 285 women (96.3%) had successful IOL. Around 281 (98.9%) women with successful IOL had a vaginal delivery. At a cut-off of <1.67, MCA PI had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 99.3%, a Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 84.6%, a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 100%, and diagnostic accuracy of 99.3%, for prediction of successful IOL. MCA PI had almost perfect reliability for predicting the outcome of labour induction, Kappa=0.91 and Youden index score of 99.3.

Conclusion: MCA PI is a good predictor of successful labour induction in nulliparous women with postdated pregnancy
Drug and Substance Abuse in Relation to Behavioral Disorders among Adolescents in Shikusa Borstal Institution, Kakamega, Kenya
Authors: Ngubo Edward Moracha
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of global conduct disorder (CD) among juvenile offenders’ ranges from 2 to 10%, making it a significant problem. This highlights the largest health and social issue facing the world's nations. Over 60% of inmates at Borstal institutions exhibit various forms of delinquency, and the estimated rate of CD in Kenya is 31.4%. This study sought to investigate the influence of drug and substance abuse on conduct disorder among the young offenders. The study incorporated Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory and Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory. Shikusa Borstal Institution was the study area. The study used descriptive research design. There were 250 target population. 68 juvenile offenders were chosen as the sample size using basic random and census sampling techniques. A modified CDS questionnaire and interview guide aimed at FGDS participants and key informants were used to collect primary data. Descriptive accounts were supplied verbatim and as narratives and STATA software version 15 (SSP) was used to analyze all of the raw data gathered for this investigation. The information was calculated and displayed as frequencies along with the corresponding percentages. Because they were skewed, continuous variables, such age and grade, were displayed as medians and interquartile range (IQR). Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze quantitative data, and tables and figures were used to display the findings. The study's findings, the majority of participants (68.3%) were first-time offenders, they hardly ever shown symptoms of a serious conduct issue. However, there was a substantial, positive, and significant (p<0.05) association between CD and familial variables (r=0.797), drug and substance misuse (r=0.906), ADHD (r=0.895) among juvenile offenders, the results also showed that conduct disorder was positively and statistically significantly impacted by the independent variables that were utilized in the study, including drugs and substance misuse. The study recommends that in order to help young people modify their social conduct, the government and other policymakers should develop strategies and policies to counsel and advise juvenile offenders to behave well. Parents should receive training on how to recognize the symptoms of comorbid psychiatric disorders.
Building Academic Resilience through Positive Thinking: A Study of University Students in Syria
Authors: Alabdullah Muna , Agha Qamar Qasim , Abdullah Mohamad Abo
Published: January 2025

This study examined the role of positive thinking and academic resilience in academic success among Syrian university students. A quantitative research design was utilized, with data collected from 384 students (50% male, 50% female) through stratified sampling. The study measured academic resilience and positive thinking using validated scales that assessed optimism, self-efficacy, and social support. Descriptive analysis showed high levels of academic resilience and positive thinking. Gender differences were non-significant, while academic year, living situation, and academic performance were associated with variations in resilience and positive thinking. A significant positive correlation was found between academic resilience and positive thinking. The findings highlight that students with higher resilience and positive thinking exhibited greater academic persistence and success. Optimism and self-efficacy emerged as crucial factors, while social support, especially from family and peers, played a key role in sustaining academic efforts. These results underscore the importance of fostering supportive learning environments to enhance students' resilience and overall academic achievement in conflict-affected regions like Syria.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Deep Vein Thrombosis with Acute Stroke: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Islam Md. Aminul , Khurshid Md. Rownak , Rahman Mahfooj , Saha Shuvro , Nilave Md. Niaz Anam , Alam Shoaeb Imtiaz
Published: January 2025

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious complication in stroke patients and may lead to the devastating consequences of a pulmonary embolism. The risk factors for DVT in acute stroke are advanced age, high National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, hemiparesis, immobility, female gender, atrial fibrillation. The present study is aimed at identifying the prevalence and risk factors for DVT in acute stroke patients.
Methods: This was a prospective cross sectional study conducted in of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023. Data was collected in a preformed questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26.0. Continuous variables were analyzed in the form of the means with standard deviations (Mean ± SD). Categorical variables were shown as numbers and proportions. Continuous data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test. Categorical data were analyzed using the chi-squared test. Univariate variables with a p-value of <0.05 were retained in a binary logistic regression model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed by identifying the area under the ROC curve (AUC) to evaluate the performance of the logistic regression model. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of < 0.05.
Results: A total of 106 patients with acute stroke (AS) were included in the study. The included patients were divided into two groups: DVT and non-DVT group. Out of 106 patients, 34(32.07%) patients presented with DVT. Patients with DVT were older than those without DVT (62.7 ± 10.7 vs. 56.5 ± 11.9 years, p < 0.05). Females were more affected by DVT (58.88% vs. 26.85%, p<0.05). In the DVT group, the level of D-dimer was significantly higher than that in the non- DVT group (2.2 ± 1.7 vs. 0.45 ± 1.1, p < 0.05). Elevated CRP and low serum albumin level were also observed in DVT group which was statistically significant. (p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age>60years, NIHSS score>25 and a D-dimer level of ≥ 1.52 μg/mL and caprine score >6 were independent factors for the presence of DVT at the time of stroke admission. Odds ratio for age, Caprini RAM score, NIHSS score and elevated d-dimer were 1.043(1.000–1.075, p=0.029),1.43(0.85-0.1.96, p=0.001),1.266(1.168-1.284, p=0.008) and1.446 (1.130–1.849, p=0.003) respectively.
Conclusion: The present study has showed that advanced age, high NIHSS and caprini score and raised serum D-dimer levels are independent predictors of DVT in stroke patients. A further large multicenter study should be done to provide a better management to the patients of DVT in stroke patients.
Effect of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Terminalia ivorensis on Ethanol Induced Infertility in Male Rats
Authors: Celestine Ugwu Obiora , Doris Umeakuana Chidinma , Gloria Ogbonna Chidera , Presca Ude Ogochukwu , Chekwube Adonu Cyril , Keneolisa Asogwa Felix , Casmir Uzoefuna Chima , Onyebuchi Idokoja Levi , Kingsley Nwokedi Chukwuebuka , Raymond Offia Ogbonna , Assumpta Anosike Chioma
Published: January 2025

Background: This research investigates the Effect of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Terminalia ivorensis on Ethanol Induced Infertility in Male Rats. Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse for couples under 35, or after six months for those over 35. It affects both men and women, with various factors contributing to the condition. Terminalia ivorensis has been claimed from traditional healers for the treatment of infertility hence the study.
Method: Quantitative phytochemical analysis, toxicity test and other biochemical analysis was carried out using standard method.
Results: Seven hundred grammes (700 g) of dried crude sample of   Ethyl acetate Fraction of Terminalia ivorensis leaves powder gave a percentage yield of 6.28%. The study revealed that flavonoids, tannins, and phenols were present in high concentration, alkaloids, terpenoids and glycosides were present in moderate concentration, whereas saponins, steroids and hydrogen cyanide were present in low concentration.  The toxicity result showed that the extract was not toxic even at the highest dosage (5000 mg/kg body weight) administered, indicating that the extract is safe for consumption. The results shown in the Table 3 indicates that groups treated with 200mg/kg,400mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight of extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased in testosterone level when compared to positive control; whereas groups treated with 200mg/kg,400mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight of extract showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher in LH and FSH when compared with positive control. The results in the Table 3 showed that groups treated with 200mg/kg,400mg/kg and 600kg/kg body weight of extract significantly (P < 0.05) decreases in sluggish, and dead sperm level when compared with positive control whereas groups treated with 200mg/kg,400mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight significantly (P < 0.05) increased active, sperm count and normal sperm when compared with positive control.
Conclusion: The plant extract has ant infertility properties and can be recommend as an alternative therapy for infertility in male.
Antimalarial Susceptibility Profile of Plasmodium falciparum Isolated from Human Population in Selected Health Facilities in Keffi Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: IN Igbawua , YB Ngwai , IH Nkene , I Yahaya , E Timshana , T Ibrahim
Published: January 2025

Aim: This study was aimed to determine the susceptibility profile of Plasmodium falciparum to antimalarial drugs to assess the efficacy of the ones in use.
Study Design: This is a hospital-based descriptive study design.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, between December, 2023 and April, 2024.
Methodology: A total of 385 blood samples were collected and screened for malaria parasites by microscopy. Species-specific screening was done using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). Stock/working solutions of selected antimalarial drugs were prepared using standard protocols. The parasite cultivation and its susceptibility to selected antimalarial drugs was determined using the WHO protocol. Matured schizonts were quantified. The degree of antimalarial drugs inhibition of scizonts maturation was determined and the drugs 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) required to prevent parasite schizont maturation indicating resistance was determined.
Results: Malaria prevalence by microscopy was 29.9% (95% CI = 25.34 to 34.71%) and 26.7% by RDT. The RDT had a sensitivity of 89.6% (95% CI = 82.48% to 94.49%), specificity of 100.00% (95% CI = 98.64% to 100.00%), Positive Predictive Value of 100.00% (95% CI = 96.48% to 100.00%); and Negative Predictive Value of 95.8% (95% CI = 92.94% to 97.46%). The accuracy of the RDT was 96.88% (95% CI = 94.62 to 98.38%). Six out of the 35 isolates showed 17.1% resistance to Artemether + Lumafantrine.
Conclusion: Malaria is present in the study population and is resistant to some of the antimalarial drugs in use. The need for periodic antimalarial drugs surveillance to determine the efficacy of drugs in use is highly recommended.
AI-Driven Open Source Intelligence in Cyber Defense: A Double-edged Sword for National Security
Authors: Kolade Titilayo Modupe , Obioha-Val Onyinye Agatha , Balogun Adebayo Yusuf , Gbadebo Michael Olayinka , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji
Published: January 2025

This study explores the dual implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) in enhancing cyber defense capabilities. Using publicly available datasets, including IBM X-Force breach metrics, MITRE ATT&CK adversarial tactics, GDPR privacy violations, AI-driven phishing incidents, and case-specific data from the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and Russia-Ukraine conflict, the research employs multivariate regression, logistic regression, and K-Means clustering. The findings indicate that AI investments improve detection time (-0.68), accuracy (+2.09), and resolution rates (+1.55) with statistical significance (p < 0.001). However, risks associated with algorithmic opacity, weak regulatory frameworks, and reactive AI systems pose ethical and operational challenges. Clustering reveals variability in AI applications, with optimized systems achieving 95.2% detection rates and 5.5-hour response times. Recommendations include investing in scalable tools, strengthening regulations, fostering public-private collaborations, and enhancing reactive AI oversight. The results highlight AI’s transformative potential in cyber defense while emphasizing the need for ethical and regulatory alignment. Future directions include testing these models in diverse operational environments to validate effectiveness and exploring hybrid AI approaches to balance proactive and reactive capabilities, ensuring robust and adaptive defense mechanisms.
Exponential almost Sure Stabilization of Nonlinear Delay Differential Systems under Stochastic Optimal Control Driven by Ito Brownian Noise
Authors: Anonwa Ijeoma Donatus , Atonuje Augustine Omoghaghare , Igabari John Nwabueze
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the role of Brownian white noise in stabilizing nonlinear optimal control delay differential equations (OCDDES) that are typically unstable in their deterministic form. The technique applied involves the use of Lyapunov sample exponent and a specialized partial differential equation suggested by Mao, (1997). It is demonstrated that if the noise scaling parameters of the stochastically perturbed equation is finite, then the new stochastic optimal control delay differential equation (SOCDDES ) is self - stabilized in an almost sure exponential sense. This phenomenon does not occur in deterministic optimal control delay differential equations where noise is absent.
Contribution to the Identification and Study of the Pathogenicity of Bacteria Responsible for Cassava Root Rot in Côte d'Ivoire Production Zones
Authors: Jacques-Edouard YAO Kouadio , Henoc KOUADIO Kouadio Y. , Didier KOUAME Konan , Jean-Martial KASSI Koffi F. , Noël KONE K. , Fatogoma SORHO , Daouda KONE
Published: January 2025

Background and Objective: Cassava is an important crop for the Ivorian population. However, yields are relatively low. This low productivity is due to cassava root rots, which are sometimes caused by bacteria. The general objective was to identify the main bacterial diseases responsible for cassava tuberous root rot in production areas in Côte d'Ivoire. Specifically, to identify pathogenic bacteria and then to assess the pathogenicity of the bacterial strains isolated.
Material and Methods: The plant material consisted of tuberous cassava roots affected by rot. Decay-causing bacteria were isolated on YPGA (Yeast extract Peptone Glucose Agar) culture medium. Strain identification was carried out using the API 20 E and 20NE gallery. Tuberous cassava roots were perforated with a punch and inoculated with bacterial inoculum calibrated to an optical density of 0.2 at a wavelength of 600 nm, corresponding to 108.
Results: 174 strains were isolated. The highest proportions of strains were obtained in the localities of Ferké and Man, with 19 and 26% respectively. The bacterial species identified were Roualtella planticola, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia marcescens, Burkholderia cepacia, Chromobacterium violaceum, Erwinia spp, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebseilla pneumoniae spp ozaenae and Raoutellia ornithinolytica. The Erwinia species was the most frequent in five localities, with proportions of 100 and 71.4% respectively in Agboville and Yamoussoukro. Results showed that 91.5% of bacterial strains tested caused rot (soft or dry). On the other hand, 52.4% of bacterial strains induced dry rot and around 39% induced soft rot.
Conclusion: Various bacterial species were identified in this study. In addition, these species vary in their germinative capacity.
Metritis in Dairy Cattle: Diagnostic Challenges, Economic Impacts, and Emerging Insights
Authors: S. L. Gayathri , M. Bhakat , T. K. Mohanty
Published: January 2025

Metritis, an inflammatory uterine disorder occurring within 21 days postpartum, poses significant global challenges to dairy herd management. This review comprehensively examines the incidence, diagnostic criteria, clinical manifestations, economic implications, and emerging management strategies for metritis in dairy animals. The classification of metritis, distinguishing between puerperal metritis and delayed uterine involution, is discussed alongside diagnostic approaches such as vaginal discharge scoring, cytology, and rectal temperature evaluation. Metritis incidence varies widely, ranging from 10% to 36%, with early postpartum diagnosis being critical to minimizing its impact. The economic burden of metritis is profound, with affected cows experiencing reduced milk yield, impaired reproductive performance, extended calving intervals, and increased culling rates. Despite its clinical significance, diagnosing metritis remains challenging due to inconsistent presentation of fever and subjective assessment of clinical signs. Non-invasive diagnostic techniques, such as infrared thermography (IRT), are highlighted as promising tools for early detection, offering a stress-free and practical approach to monitoring rectal temperature and systemic health. Recent advances in molecular research have uncovered genetic variants and regulatory pathways, such as cholesterol metabolism and the PI3k-Akt signalling pathway, associated with disease susceptibility and progression. These insights provide potential therapeutic targets and opportunities for precision management strategies. The present review accentuates the critical need for standardized diagnostic criteria, innovative non-invasive technologies, and integrative management approaches to address metritis effectively. Continued research and the application of cutting-edge technologies are essential to mitigate the economic and welfare impacts of metritis, ultimately improving herd health, productivity, and sustainability in the dairy industry.
Effect of Climate on Physiological and Quality Parameters of Kinnow Mandarin under North Western Himalayan Region
Authors: Dolkar Disket , Bakshi Parshant , Sharma Veena , Tundup Punchok , Hussain Anwar , Spaldon Sonam , Angmo Kunzes
Published: January 2025

Climatic factors are normally important in the development, yield and quality of fruits leading to commercial value. A field experiment was executed to evaluate the impact of weather parameter on physiological aspect and quality aspect of Kinnow mandarin, these were subjected to drip-irrigation starting from the first year of planting. Results showed positive correlationof peel per cent, peels thickness and pulp percent of kinnow mandarin fruit with minimum temperature and rainfall at K4 stage while evaporation was the only climatic factor that showed positive correlation withpeel per cent and pulp per cent of kinnow mandarin fruit at K4 stage. Similarly maximum and minimum of both temperature at K1 and K3 stage along with relative humidity at K1stage positively favour the content of number ofseed per kinnow mandarin fruit moreover evaporationalso exhibited a positive effect on number of seed per kinnow mandarin fruit at K2 and K3 stage.Stock: Scion ratio were found positively influence by only evaporation at K4 stage.
Long-Term Effect of Different Cropping Systems on Soil Physico-chemical Properties of Soil: Environmental Implications and Sustainability
Authors: Kaur Tejinder , Singh K.B. , Rani Neeraj
Published: January 2025

Rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) a dominant cropping system in Punjab Region, Northwestern India, overtime is believed to have negative effect on the soil and water quality. The present study was conducted in an ongoing long-term experiment at the research farm of the School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to compare the effect of different cropping systems on soil physico-chemical properties. Ten treatments (cropping systems) were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments were rice-wheat (CS1), maize-wheat (CS2), basmati rice-wheat-cowpea green manure (CS3), maize-mustard-cowpea green manure (CS4), maize-potato-spring groundnut (CS5), maize-peas-spring groundnut (CS6), maize+ cowpea (fodder)-maize fodder-oats fodder-sathi maize fodder (CS7), sorghum multicut fodder-barseem fodder (CS8), maize (cobs/fodder)-potato-onion (CS9), and baby corn-potato-okra (CS10). Soil samples were collected from four soil depths (0-7.5, 7.5-15, 15-22.5, and 22.5-30 cm) under each cropping system and analyzed for particles size, soil pH, EC, soil organic carbon, aggregate associated carbon, bulk density, porosity, water stable aggregates, MWD, and penetration resistance. Significantly lower soil pH was reported in CS4 and CS8 compared to other cropping systems. Soil EC was significantly higher in CS5 and CS10 while lowest in CS4. Soil organic carbon (SOC), aggregate-associated carbon (AAC), and mean weight diameter (MWD) were significantly higher in CS7 and CS4. Soil bulk density (BD) and penetration resistance (PR) were significantly higher in CS1 and lowest in CS4. SOC was 19% higher in CS7 and BD was 16% lower in CS4 compared to CS1. Soil porosity and water-stable aggregates (WSA) were also found significantly higher in CS4 and CS7 whereas lowest in CS1. The increase in soil depths significantly increased the soil pH, BD and PR, whereas decreased the soil EC, SOC, AAC, porosity, MWD, and WSA. The cropping systems (CS4, CS7, CS8, CS6, CS5, CS3) with green manure/legume/fodder crops in rotation resulted in better physico-chemical properties through the addition of organic matter to the soil compared to cereal-cereal rotations.
Biomedical Waste Management at Sokponta Healthcare Facility in Benin
Authors: Théodore Soussia , Lisia Moudila-Mankassa , Hervé Bokossa , Bonaventure Kpamegan Boniface , Charles Sossa Jérôme , Jacques Vigan , Lisette Odoulami , Lamine Saïd Baba-Moussa
Published: January 2025

Biomedical Waste emanating from healthcare activities remains a major public health and environmental issue. The boom in world population saw a sharp rise in healthcare requirements and subsequent accumulation of Biomedical Waste in and around hospitals. The problem is much more pronounced in Africa, where proper disposal seems abstruse in many circles. This treatise highlights the management of biomedical waste at the Sokponta health center. Sokponta is a far-flung area located among the highlands of "Collines", one of the twelve (12) regions of Benin, a small West-African country bordering Nigeria.
The outcome was affected through a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from March 11 to May 11, 2024 in the Sokponta health facility. Incineration is the adopted method for biomedical waste treatment at Sopkonta. Our study hones in on the collection, handling, segregation, transportation and disposal of Biomedical Waste.
Proper biomedical waste management at Sopkonta is elusive. There is a lot of room for improvement. More staff training on the subject wouldn't definitely go amiss. Respondents' smattering of knowledge was conspicuous.
There was an urgent need to drill into staff new, more organized and well-structured strategies for sustainable and efficient biomedical waste management.
Soil Characterization and Classification in Semi-Arid Regions of Varathuru Watershed, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Leelavathy G P , Naidu M V S , Krishna T Giridhara , Ramana K V , Chandrika V , Sudhakar P
Published: January 2025

Eight typical pedons representing Varathuru watershed of Chittoor district, viz Pachigunta (P1 and P2), Kalepalli (P3 and P4), Ramapuram (P5 and P6) and Oogguvaripalli (P7 and P8) in semi-arid ecosystem were studied for morphological, physical, chemical characteristics and their classification. Results indicated that, the colour of the soils varied from dark reddish brown to strong brown with sandy loam to sandy clay loam texture. These soils were slightly acid to moderately alkaline (6.03 to 8.35) in reaction and non-saline (0.02 to 0.36 dSm-1). The bulk density, water holding capacity, particle density, organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation were varied from 1.34 to 1.61 Mgm-3, 28.44 to 48.96%, 2.24 to 2.58 Mgm-3, 0.09 to 0.74%, 3.68 to 20.32 cmol (p+) kg-1 and 51.61% to 91.86%, respectively. Due to the presence of ustic soil moisture regime, isohyperthermic temperature regime and low organic matter content, the soils were classified into Typic Hapustepts (Pedons 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8), Typic Haplustalfs (Pedons 1and 7) and Ultic Haplustalfs (pedon 5).
Bio-efficacy Studies of Unique in Relation to Growth, Yield and Shelf Life of Nanasaheb Purple Seedless Grape Variety Grown under Multilocation
Authors: Somkuwar R. G. , Landage Sadashiv , Jadhav A. S. , Karande P. S. , Kakade P. B.
Published: January 2025

Grape production, particularly seedless varieties like Nanasaheb Purple Seedless is highly valued for both domestic and export markets. However, environmental stresses such as drought and salinity often affect the quality and yield of grapes. This study explored the effectiveness of bio-stimulant (Unique) enhancing grape yield, quality and shelf life across two locations: ICAR-NRC for Grapes, Pune and Walwa, Sangli District of Maharashtra. While, bio-stimulants have shown potential in promoting vine growth and stress resilience, there is limited research on the optimal dosage and application timing for specific varieties like Nanasaheb Purple Seedless. The primary objective of this study was to identify the most effective dose and application schedule of Unique to maximize yield, berry quality and shelf life. A randomized block design (RBD) was employed with three treatment levels (20, 25 and 30 ml/L) of Unique applied through foliar spray at five key growth stages. Growth, yield, and quality parameters were measured and compared with control. Results revealed that Unique application of 30 ml/L at five critical growth stages significantly enhanced bunch weight, berry size and yield. Additionally, biochemical markers such as phenol, protein and reducing sugar levels also increased.  Leaf area and chlorophyll content in leaf also improved facilitating better nutrient absorption and photosynthesis. Shelf life was extended with reduced weight loss during storage. The foliar application of 30 ml of Unique at specific growth stages is recommended to optimize the quality, yield and shelf life of Nanasaheb Purple Seedless grapes.