bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cetacean evoked potential audiometry by stranding networks enables more rapid accumulation of hearing information in stranded odontocetes
Authors: Houser D. , Moore K. , Sharp S. , Hoppe J. , Finneran J.
Published: January 2023

Knowing the hearing range and sensitivity of a marine mammal is fundamental to determining its potential for being impacted by ocean noise. Enabling stranding responders to perform hearing tests on stranded odontocetes is the most likely means by which most odontocete species will be tested and by which population-level variability in hearing will be determined. A portable auditory evoked potential (AEP) system was modified for use by stranding response teams and optimised to test odontocete hearing. Stranding responders were trained on the system and deployed it to strandings from 2010–2013. Eighteen partial or complete audiograms from common dolphins (n = 15) and Atlantic white-sided dolphins (n = 3) were obtained. Both species demonstrated typically delphinid audiograms with upper frequency limits of hearing between 113–160kHz; however, the region of best sensitivity in the Atlantic white-sided dolphin (28–56kHz) was 18–28 dB less sensitive than that of the common dolphin. A single common dolphin presented with severe hearing loss consistent with presbycusis in delphinids, but with undefined etiology. The number of audiograms obtained during the study greatly increases our knowledge about hearing in these species, neither of which are common to managed care facilities. In the case of the common dolphin, the number of animals tested allows a first estimate of population-level variability. Continued use of AEP systems by stranding responders will expedite the collection of audiometric information for previously untested species and permit sufficient sample sizes to determine population-level variability in the hearing of tested species.
Confirmation of a new breeding area for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the central South Pacific
Authors: Irving R. A. , O'Keefe S. , Warren P. , Koldewey H. J. , Dawson T. P.
Published: January 2023

Small numbers of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae, Borowski 1781) have been visiting Pitcairn Island in the central South Pacific annually since the early 1990s. The whales have been observed between the months of June and November in mixed groups including adult males, mothers with calves and escort whales. More recently, similar small groups have also been observed at neighbouring Henderson Island, 200km ENE of Pitcairn. The sightings of mothers with very young calves, the observations of surface-active behaviours and the witnessing of (unrecorded) singing bouts, strongly suggest that the waters around these two islands are being used as calving and mating habitats during the austral winter and spring. Recent photographs and videos taken during visits to both islands confirm that calves are of a size that would suggest they have been born at either Pitcairn or Henderson Islands. Further work is required to assess how these small breeding whale groups may relate to larger groups further west, centered on Mo’orea and Rurutu in French Polynesia, which constitute part of the Cook Islands-French Polynesia Breeding Stock F. As no identification of individuals has yet been undertaken at the Pitcairn Islands, it is too early to determine whether there is any exchange of individuals with these more established groups.
Migratory destinations and timing of humpback whales in the southeastern Caribbean differ from those off the Dominican Republic
Authors: Strevick Peter T. , Bouveret Laurent , Gandilhon Nadege , Rinaldi Caroline , Rinaldi Renato , Broms Fredrik , Carlson Carole , Kennedy Amy , Ward Natalie , Wenzel Frederick
Published: January 2023

Humpback whales wintering in the entire West Indies chain are widely treated as comprising a single breeding population. However, most areas outside of Silver Bank and Samana Bay, Dominican Republic, are poorly and sporadically studied. Data is presented on the timing and movement patterns of 262 whales from the southeastern Caribbean, extending from Antigua in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south. Whales from the area were re-sighted in all of the major North Atlantic feeding grounds. However, of the 43 individuals re-sighted in feeding areas, animals from eastern feeding grounds were significantly over-represented, while those from western feeding areas were under-represented. This is in direct contrast to the pattern previously demonstrated in the Dominican Republic. Supporting this finding, the proportion of whales showing visible scarring on the flukes from non-lethal attack by killer whales was similar to that previously shown for Norway; yet lower than that presented from western feeding areas. The seasonal pattern of distribution in the southeastern Caribbean shows a peak of occurrence about six weeks later than in the Dominican Republic, and there is little overlap in the periods of greatest use. Sightings are uncommon before February. The peak in abundance occurs during March and April, declining during May, with some sightings extending into June. This is consistent with the pattern of sightings from historical whaling records in the southeastern Caribbean. These results suggest that the humpbacks mating and calving in this region are not a representative subset of those that winter in the Dominican Republic. Further studies will be needed to examine the spatial nature of the pattern shown here and define the nature and limits of this group, but these results suggest that some part of this breeding area represents a previously un-described distinct population segment within the North Atlantic. Given this, the widely held idea that there is a single West Indies humpback whale distinct population segment is in need of reconsideration.
Sperm whale ship strikes in the Pelagos Sanctuary and adjacent waters: assessing and mapping collision risks in summer
Authors: Di-Meglio Nathalie , David Lea , Monestiez Pascal
Published: January 2023

Collisions with large vessels potentially present a major conservation issue for sperm whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. The exact numbers and locations of ship strikes remain largely unknown at present. In this study, sightings of sperm whales in summer (June–September) were gathered for the period between 1998 and 2008 from nine French and Italian organisations, together covering an area of more than 68,000km. Working on a regular grid of 0.1° × 0.1° latitude/longitude cells, approximate surface density of the whales was calculated using kriging methods. A database of shipping lanes of ferries and merchant vessels was assembled, and traffic density was mapped (kilometres travelled per cell). The data was overlayed and multiplied, using ArcGis, to create a relative density surface map of sperm whales correlated with the relative density of maritime traffic. Several maps of collision risk were drawn up according to the speed class of the vessels. Of living animals that had been photo-identified, 9% had scars attributed to ship strike. Results show that sperm whales are at high risk from merchant vessels along the French and Italian continental coasts and at risk from conventional ferries on the east side of the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. It was calculated that 74 animals could be in a ship strike risk situation during the summer period in the Pelagos Sanctuary. Based on these results, mitigation measures already in place were reviewed and new measures to reduce ship strike risk are suggested.
Large mass strandings of selected odontocete species: statistics, locations, and relation to earth processes
Authors: Hamilton L.J.
Published: January 2023

Larger mass strandings of open ocean odontocetes (toothed whales) of 10+ animals are examined with a compilation of 710 worldwide events. Sixspecies form 96% of events (false killer, long-finned pilot, melon-headed, short-finned pilot, sperm and white whales), with beaked, killer, andpygmy killer whales forming 4%. Site type was determined for 630 events – three-quarters (76%) are in bays, 14% in shallow topographicallycomplex areas (estuarine environments, straits, keys, reef and coastal lagoons), 8% on relatively unindented coasts, with ice entrapment (of killerwhales) and miscellaneous categories being 2%. For the 76% of events in bays, sites with headland-bay character make up 42%, spit-bays 20%(even though there are only four of them), indented bays 9% and unspecified bay types 5%. Headland-bays and spit-bays become stranding sitesthrough the properties endowed them by their mechanisms of formation and maintenance, but these mechanisms differ greatly for the two.Breakwaters, groyne series, tides, partial burial, and violent storms also appear as themes. Nearshore slopes are less than 1° for 94 of 105 siteshaving bathymetry information, with only two reaching or exceeding 3°. Some types of potential stranding sites can be identified by simplequantitative specifications for planform, sediment size, and seabed slope, although strandings will not necessarily occur there. There is an indicationthat larger strandings are globally correlated with areas of higher oceanic primary productivity near landmasses and oceanic islands, but quantitativestudies are needed to clarify any such possible relationship. There is also an indication that larger strandings are associated with plate tectonics,with few events being seen on the steeper swell resistant active western margins of South America and South Island (New Zealand) in particular.In contrast several larger events are recorded for the relatively older passive margins of the south-eastern sides of these two landmasses, putativelybecause waves and swell have had time to construct stranding sites on them. Similarly, few larger events are seen for steeper shores adjacent tocoastal highlands, such as those of South Africa and Brazil. These observations indicate previously unsuspected relations between the phenomenonof odontocete mass strandings and global scale earth and ocean processes, but they are essentially hypotheses in need of more quantitativeexamination.
Effect of Shirodhara with Ksheerbala oil in stress induced insomnia (Anidra): A Case study
Authors: Harit Vishnu , Gupta Arvind , Bohra Mohita
Published: January 2023

Sleep is counted as one of the three pillars of a body. Any disruption from normal sleep patterns affects physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Kapha Dosha is responsible for Vata's sound sleep and aggravation, and Pitta Dosha is responsible for Anidra. Shirodhara therapy is among the widely prescribed Panchakarma procedures for treating Anidra. This is a case of a thirty-six years old male patient who was suffering from difficulty in falling and staying asleep along with associated complaints like excessive yawning, drowsiness, giddiness, heaviness in the head, body stiffness, and indigestion for a year. Covid 19 pandemic acted as a stress trigger in the patient. Signs of any other systemic illness were absent. The patient was treated with Shirodhara with Ksheerbala oil for fourteen days. The insomnia severity index score reduced from 15 to 5 after treatment and the associated symptoms grading score reduced from ten points to two points. Shirodhara therapy not only reduces insomnia severity index score but also improves the quality of sleep and provided relief to associated complaints.
Acute toxicity study of hydroalcoholic extract of two Indian medicinal plants Alternanthera ficoidea and Ludwigia octovalvis
Authors: Pandey Stuti , Kumar Ajay , Singh Ambrish K , Sahu Alakh N , Nandi Manmath K
Published: January 2023

Background: The ethano-pharmacological survey on two Indian medicinal plants Alternanthera ficoidea and Ludwigia octovalvis revels that both plants are biologically potential and effective in the management of various diseases. Despite the both the plants as whole are used traditionally by the local people in Indian subcontinent but the toxicity studies on whole plant extract of both plant has not explored scientifically. Objective: The toxicity study was designed to explore the toxicity potential associated to hydroalcoholic extract of whole plant of Alternanthera ficoidea and Ludwigia octovalvis according OECD guidelines. Material and methods: Healthy Charles Foster albino female rats of 8-12 weeks’ old were divided in 3 groups. Group I, group II, and group III received vehicle (0.5% CMC, p.o., single dose), hydroalcoholic extract of whole plant of Alternanthera ficoidea (HAF) (Single dose of 2000 mg/kg, given orally), and hydroalcoholic extract of whole plant of Ludwigia octovalvis (HLO) (Single dose of 2000 mg/kg, given orally), respectively. After 14 days, all rats were anesthetized with chloroform and blood were collected by retro-orbital capillary puncture for the study of haematological and biochemical parameters. After blood collection, rats were sacrificed; organs were carefully collected, weighted and examined for changes. Results: The acute toxicity study on Charles foster female rats showed that there was no sign and symptoms of toxicity were seen in rats of all group. Haematological parameters, biochemical parameters and histopathological architectures of various organs of treated groups were found to be non-significant and normal in range when compared with normal control groups. Conclusion: The study found that no mortality occurred at a dosage of 2 g/kg of HAF and HLO, and it came to the conclusion that the IC50 of HAF and HLO was higher than that level.
Pharmacopoeial Standards for Venpucani Ilakam - A classical Siddha medicine
Authors: Mandal Achintya Kumar , Ramachandran Shakila
Published: January 2023

Belief on the therapeutic values of herbal medicine is in increasing trend and the consumption of traditional medicine is also in upward trend.  The quality control and assurance of these traditional medicines is a prime criterion for any herbal drug manufacturer. Venpucani ilakam (VPI) is a classical poly herbal Siddha medicine under the category Ilakam (Legiyam in Ayurveda). This poly herbal medicine is a combination of 18 ingredients of plants and animal origins. An attempt was made to prepare the drug with authenticated ingredients and subjected to physicochemical analysis, thin layer chromatographic photo documentation and high performance thin layer chromatographic finger printing. The TLC photo documentation of defatted chloroform extract showed nine spots under UV 254, ten spots under UV 366 nm and eleven spots after derivatization with vanillin sulphuric acid; defatted success ethanol extract showed five spots under short wavelength, six spots under long wavelength and seven spots after derivatization. HPTLC finger printing recorded eleven peaks under 254 nm, seventeen under 366 nm and fifteen peaks after derivatization in defatted chloroform extract; nine peaks under 254 nm, eleven peaks under 366 nm and eight peaks after derivatization in defatted ethanol extract. About twenty three percent loss in weight was observed on heating at 105oC and drug was acidic nature. Not less than fourty percentage of the drug was soluble in alcohol and also in water. This drug has wide therapeutic use and the derived results may serve as reference standards.
Una revisión crítica sobre el Capm en Mercados Emergentes
Authors: Sosa Mora Eduardo
Published: January 2023

Este artículo expone los resultados de una revisión de la literatura relacionada con la pertinencia del modelo de valoración de activos de capital (CAPM, por sus siglas en inglés), en los mercados emergentes. Se pone de relieve que este modelo parte de ciertos supuestos sobre el funcionamiento de los mercados financieros y sobre el comportamiento de los inversionistas, cuya validez ha sido objeto de debate en el mundo académico. Esto ha dado espacio al surgimiento de diversas propuestas para adaptarlo a la realidad de los mercados emergentes. que se circunscriben al introducir cambios operativos, pero están lejos de trascender sus fundamentos epistemológicos.
El Modelo de Indagación como Metodología de apoyo en un Curso de Inglés Integrado
Authors: Navas Brenes César Alberto
Published: January 2023

Este artículo presenta los resultados de un estudio llevado a cabo en un curso impartido por dos docentes de inglés integrado de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR). Se basa en la implementación de clases semipresenciales para elaborar una propuesta de secuencias didácticas por medio de metodologías activas mediadas con las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC). El elemento tecno-pedagógico espera generar un cambio en la metodología tradicional del curso, y que los nuevos docentes en servicio puedan implementar exitosamente estrategias de enseñanza centradas en el estudiante y mediadas por las TIC, para lograr así un curso más enriquecedor, dinámico y retador. Se presentará un ejemplo de secuencia didáctica, la cual combina los recursos de la plataforma institucional Mediación Virtual y una serie de herramientas digitales basada en los fundamentos del Modelo de Indagación. Asimismo, se presentarán los resultados de un instrumento recopilatorio de percepciones estudiantiles acerca de la actual modalidad de instrucción, la implementación de actividades mediadas por las TIC y el entorno virtual de aprendizaje, así como sus opiniones en cuanto a las estrategias docentes que se adaptarían mejor al curso.
Mortalidad de mamíferos silvestres por atropellamientos en un agropaisaje de Balsa de Atenas, Costa Rica
Authors: Carvajal-Sanchez José Pablo , Cambronero-Peña Elizabeth , Sibaja-Umaña Jonathan , Espinoza-Muñoz Deiver
Published: January 2023

Las carreteras son una amenaza significativa para la vida silvestre, ocasionan que muchos animales mueran en Costa Rica cada año, aún así se desconoce el nivel del impacto en las comunidades de mamíferos en la región. Objetivo. Determinar la incidencia de atropellamientos de mamíferos silvestres en la ruta 720 y su relación a variables topográficas de la carretera, en Concepción de Balsa de Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica en los últimos 7 años (2015-2022). Metodología. Se analizó la muerte de mamíferos en la ruta 720, en Concepción de Balsa de Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, del 2015 al 2022. La mayor incidencia de muertes en la carretera ocurrió en tramos de línea recta y curvas abiertas, donde la carretera está próxima a las cercas vivas que son utilizadas con frecuencia por animales de vida silvestre como refugio y sitios de paso. Resultados. En total se registraron 13 individuos muertos por atropellamiento, la especie con mayor frecuencia de eventos fue el zorro pelón (Didelphis marsupialis), lo que concuerda con otros estudios. Conclusión. Es necesario realizar estudios en agro-paisajes rurales similares que son atravesados por rutas viales, ya que estos mosaicos paisajísticos de diferentes usos de la tierra son importantes para el mantenimiento y persistencia de la vida silvestre.
Rupturas coloniales, formales y patriarcales en el discurso poético de tres contemporáneos en Centroamérica
Authors: Montero Corrales Cristopher
Published: January 2023

Objetivo. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar el discurso poético contemporáneo en Centroamérica del siglo XX, a partir de la interpretación de tres discursos poéticos estéticamente de los libros  El sol púrpura (2018) de Alejandro Marín, Central América (2013) de Julio Serrano y Entre una y tres de la mañana (2008) de Johanna Raabe. Indagará las especificidades formales, decoloniales y de género de los tres libros y sus relaciones con la tradición literaria centroamericana y la cultura. Metodología. Utiliza una metodología comparativa, para establecer rupturas y gestos experimentales como parte de una neovanguardia en Centroamérica. Conclusión. Se evidencian las rupturas con los estados nación centroamericanos.
Bureaucratic Pathology In Sumalata District Office, North Gorontalo Regency
Authors: Mohi Widya Kurniati , Suprapto Srihandayani , Yusuf Liska
Published: January 2023

This research aims to determine the pathology of bureaucracy at the Sumalata District Office, North Gorontalo Regency. The research method used is a qualitative with a descriptive approach. The results showed that the Bureaucratic Pathology had not run according to the rules that had been set. From the four indicators to measure the level of bureaucratic pathology, there was one indicator that worked well enough, namely the indicator Due to the internal situation (services). Meanwhile, for the three that have not gone well, it is the perception of managerial style, where the placement of positions is not in accordance with their respective duties. Then the indicators of low knowledge and skills, the existence of an employee’s educational background that is not in accordance with his position. Indicators The actions of officials who violate the law still need to increase awareness in terms of employee discipline at the Sumalata District Office.
Parasitoides de Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Nativos del sur de Veracruz
Authors: Golpe-Quevedo Aldair , Quevedo-Guerrero Aldrin , Velázquez-Silvestre María Gisela , Castillo-Capitán Guadalupe , Rodríguez-Lozano Astrid
Published: January 2023

Con el objetivo de identificar a los insectos parasitoides del gusano cogollero del maíz (S. frugiperda) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) en los municipios de Acayucan, Hueyapan de Ocampo y Soteapan del estado de Veracruz. Se realizó la colecta de 600 larvas de instares L1-L3, durante los primeros 20 días después de la siembra del cultivo, en los meses de julio y agosto de 2019. Las muestras se observaron cada 48 horas hasta la obtención de parasitoides y adultos de gusano cogollero. Se identificaron 8 especies de parasitoides: Diptera: Tachinidae (Lespesia archippivora); Hymenoptera: Braconidae (Aleiodes laphygmae, Cotesia marginiventris, Chelonus (Microchelonus) cautus y Chelonus insularis); Ichneumonidae (Eiphosoma vitticole y Pristomerus spinator) y Eulophidae (Euplectrus sp.). Se obtuvieron 268 larvas parasitadas, mostrando un parasitismo natural del 54.47%. El parasitoide Chelonus insularis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) mostró el 31.7% del parasitismo total ya que se obtuvieron 156 especímenes. Se concluye que existen enemigos naturales de importancia económica para el control biológico natural del gusano cogollero en los municipios de Acayucan, Hueyapan de Ocampo y Soteapan del estado de Veracruz.
Parásitos gastrointestinales en ungulados silvestres del Norte de Veracruz
Authors: Alarcón Zapata Marco Antonio , Romero Salas Dora , Ojeda Chi Melina Maribel , Chaparro Gutiérrez Jenny , Serrano Solis Arturo
Published: January 2023

Las infecciones parasitarias representan un problema emergente en ungulados silvestres, sin embargo, existen pocos estudios sobre las infecciones parasitarias en estos animales. Se realizo un estudio para conocer los géneros de parásitos gastrointestinales que infectan a ungulados silvestres de febrero a  septiembre de 2021 en una Unidad de Manejo para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre ubicada en la laguna de Tamiahua en la zona Norte de Veracruz, México. Se obtuvieron muestras fecales de nueve especies de ungulados de vida libre. Las muestras de excremento se analizaron mediante las pruebas de Flotación Centrifugada para conocer los géneros de parásitos que afectan a los ungulados. En el presente estudio se identificaron los géneros Giardia, Strongyloides y Eimeria. Se encontró que el 32% de ungulados silvestres estaban infectados con una o varios géneros de parásitos. Se concluye que los ungulados silvestres evaluados estaban parasitados con nematodos gastrointestinales y/o protozoos del orden Eucoccidiaria y del orden Diplomonadida.
Examining the Woman’s Linkage Between Their Income and Expenses in Afghanistan Along with Some Case Examples in Takhar Provinces
Authors: Aiuby Hafizullah , Danishwar Deyana , Anwari Gulaqa
Published: January 2023

The main purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between women's income and their expenses in Afghanistan with the case example of Takhar Province and show: how much of women's income is directed to which type of expenses, do women contribute to family expenses or No. The method of the research depends on the field study, and its statistical term consists of Takhar's population and (the government's staff). The sample size used by YAMANI methods, among 14443 employees 380 of them have been selected as a sampling size. The tools of data collection are the questionnaires, along with 14 specific enquires the individual's specification is also added to the questionnaires. The collected data has been analysed through the program of the SPSS24 and some multiple tests being applied.  Cronbach's alpha for the variables is equal to (0.724), the multiple correlation coefficient (R) is more than 1, and (0.103) shows that the dynamic process is better and there is also a strong correlation between the variables. The significant level is less than (0.05) which shows a successful model. The result of the research indicates, an increase of one percent of the woman's income (5.7%) consumed on cosmetic and luxury expenses (fashion, and makeup) (7.4%) allocated to families, accommodation of food items, (7.9%) spent on textile and fabrics, (8%) put to the housing, (7%) gold saving, (9.2%) goes to their children education cost, (7.5%) family’s loan payment, (7.6%) on woman’s parties, (7.5%) spent on gifts, and (5.9%) is re-invested by women. Also, with the increase of every percent in women’s income (7.9) % of them goes to the parent’s households, and (9%) is consumed by the head of the families. As briefly, that only one percent increase of the woman income 91% of them consumed in above-mentioned line.
DETERMINANTS OF MALNUTRITION AMONG UNDER FIVE AGE CHILDREN IN ETHIOPIA
Authors: Aman Hulle Hassen
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Childhood stunting is one of the most significant impediments to human development. Stunting is a major health problem in children under-five years in many low and middle income countries around the world. Wasting is sometimes referred to as acute malnutrition because it is believed that episodes of wasting have a short duration, in contrast to stunting, which is regarded as chronic malnutrition.Methodology: The data for the study were taken from the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey of year 2011. Three models, random intercept only model, random intercept and fixed slope model and random coefficient model compared based on the AIC value for stunting and wasting. Random coefficient model has a significant deviance chi-square and the value of AIC are less than from the random intercept with fixed slope model and random intercept only model so, the random coefficient model is a good fit.Results: Age of children, region, place of residence, wealth index, mothers BMI, the incidence of diarrhea in the last two weeks before the survey and mother and husband/partner educational level were found to be significant predictors for stunting. For wasting age of child, region, wealth index, mothers BMI, sex, incidence of diarrhea and fever and husband/partner education are significant predictor.Contributions to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study shows that age of children, region, place of residence, wealth index, mothers BMI, the incidence of diarrhea in the last two weeks before the survey and mother and husband/partner educational level were found to be significant predictors for stunting. For wasting age of child, region, wealth index, mothers BMI, sex, incidence of diarrhea and fever and husband/partner education are significant predictor. The study also shows that there is heterogeneity or cross-regional variation in stunting and wasting. Further, this study shows that there exist considerable differences in stunting and wasting among regions and random coefficient model is more appropriate to explain the regional variation than a model with fixed coefficients or empty model with random effects. Since there are variations in stunting and wasting across regions the concerned body should give special attention to regions like Affar and Ben-gumuz.
EXPLORING THE PROBATIVE ROLE OF SOME UNDERUTILIZED ‘FORENSIC MARK EVIDENCE’ IN SAFE JUSTICE DELIVERY: A GOLD MINE FOR THE DEFENCE LAWYER?
Authors: Kwakye-Nuako Charlotte Omane Kwakye-Nuako , Abedi Maxwell Abedi
Published: January 2023

Forensic evidence such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), fingermarks, anthropological evidence, and often document-related evidence is consistently used in Ghana’s criminal jurisprudence. However, the forensic application of some impression/trace-related evidence notably lip print, ear print, and footprint in the Ghanaian criminal justice system is challenging. The recent mention of footprint evidence in the ongoing case involving the death of a Member of Parliament in Ghana, Mr. J. B. Danquah, opens a new vista for the use of such underutilized forensic evidence in Ghanaian courts. This paper discusses some selected impression-related evidence, highlights their potential application in forensic investigation and safe justice delivery, and further informs defence lawyers on what to look out for when evaluating such forensic evidence to avoid the miscarriage of justice in criminal cases.
BEARING OF SCIENTIFIC DATA ON LEGAL REASONING
Authors: Tuffour Kwadwo Addo Tuffour
Published: January 2023

Legal reasoning and its associated dialectical features generally provide the dimensions and contours for the jurisprudence that govern international, municipal as well as verdicts reached by the courts. Policy makers, international organisations together with the legal systems of various countries take a number of decisions on both the drafting and the conclusion of agreements based on multiple factors. One of these important factors to be taken into consideration is the impact of these agreements, conventions and decisions on humanity in general. Will it affect the security of mankind, will it have effect on the ecosystem-both flora and fauna, biodiversity, climate change and a host of others. With modern advancements in science and technology, scientific assessments have also become one of the biggest considerations on agreements as well as verdicts reached by courts. Studies abounds that reinforce the evidence that “scientific data has a huge bearing on legal reasoning.” The first section of the paper looks at the parameters between the law and science. The next examines the theoretical conceptions of the scientific process followed by the explanation of key concepts. Philosophical analysis of the concept of reasoning together with its foundational principles are also discussed. Finally, the paper highlights the synergy between scientific data and legal reasoning. The socio-legal methodology is used to undertake a contextual analysis of some international agreements and their implications, as well as the jurisprudence reached by some courts with the aid of scientific knowledge. Conclusion is then drawn based on the discussion.
DEATH PENALTY AS AN AFFRONT TO HUMANITY AND GLOBAL CIVILISATION: NIGERIA AS A CASE STUDY
Authors: Olawoye Taiwo Lawrence Olawoye
Published: January 2023

The death penalty in Nigeria and indeed all over the world has become a subject of perpetual discourse. This is because protagonists and antagonists are at each other throats on the need for its retention or abolition. It is a thorny and emotional controversy that has not shown any sign of abating. The issue of death penalty transcends regional divide, political ideology, race and civilisation. This piece is an appraisal of death penalty application in Nigeria and its continued relevance in view of the dominant global pulse of human rights, recent positive developmental strides in the areas of civilisation and the error prone criminal justice system. The paper using doctrinal research methodology finds that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) does not prohibit its application. The study however finds that there is changing perception of crimes and punishment globally. As a result, international law is becoming paternalistic-moving towards the abolition of death penalty. The study therefore is a clarion call to the law makers to roll back the provision of death penalty and adopt life jail as a viable alternative. By so doing, Nigeria will not trail behind international trends in human rights and civilization. It will also make her stand on a higher pedestal than the depraved offender.
PROTECTING CIVILIANS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: THE OBLIGATION TO RESPECT BASIC PRINCIPLES OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW
Authors: Nwotite Anita Nwotite
Published: January 2023

Records, as of 26th June 2022 show that at least 4,731 civilians have lost their lives, 5,900 civilians injured, more than 12.8 million civilians displaced, and many towns and cities leveled in the Russia-Ukraine war. This is a large-scale violation of the basic principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) that facilitate the protection of the civilian population. The situation raises serious concern for IHL against the backdrop that IHL exists to among other things protect the civilian population against the effects of armed conflicts. Adopting doctrinal methodology and the review of relevant literature, this paper examines the protection of the civilian population in the Russia-Ukraine war and the obligation of the parties in effecting this protection; with the view of making recommendations geared towards strengthening the protection of the civilian population. This paper identifies the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution as important means of ensuring human protection. It posits that these basic principles are being fragrantly violated in the Russia-Ukraine war. The paper argues that the protection of the civilian population is an obligation imposed on the parties to the Russia-Ukraine war under IHL. The paper further argues that this obligation can be discharged through respect for these basic principles. Thus, the extent to which the parties to the conflict respect these basic principles, determines the extent to which the civilian population will be protected in the said war.
NIGERIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM’S ABUSE OF CONFESSIONAL STATEMENTS: A CALL FOR JUDICIAL POLICY REFORM
Authors: Toju Akujobi Alero Toju
Published: January 2023

The prosecution’s responsibility to prove the guilt of an accused person in Nigeria has, over the years, been watered down by the practice of the police extracting confessional statements from accused persons by extrajudicial means. The courts which are supposed to be the last hope of the common citizen or justice appear to be in synergy with the police in its interpretation and application of relevant provisions of statutes geared towards admissibility of coerced confessional statements. This article is a strident call for a reform of the judicial policy with regards to the admissibility of confessional statements in a manner which would clearly discourage the police from abusing the fundamental rights of accused persons in their bid to score a conviction on a coerced confessional statement. The paper adopted the doctrinal methodology by examining confessional statements in Nigeria through the Evidence Act 2011, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and relevant Judicial interpretation. Relevant legal articles and news reports online which deal with confessional statements in Nigeria and detail abuses of fundamental rights of accused persons were referenced to show documented and prevalent police abuses and violation of citizens’ rights. It concludes with recommendations.
APPRAISING THE DYNAMICS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS JURISDICTION OF THE NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT OF NIGERIA: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Awhefeada Ufuoma Veronica Awhefeada , Okenema Nitebhar Ambi Okenema
Published: January 2023

From the time of its establishment in 1976, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria suffered from a number of constraints and jurisdictional crises. Foremost among these was its non- recognition as a superior court of record as well as the fact that it had no exclusivity of jurisdiction with regards to labour related matters. The passage of the Third Alteration Act to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria came as a ground breaking intervention by firmly entrenching the status of the court as a superior court of record as well as conferring on it exclusive jurisdiction on labour matters. The expansion of the jurisdiction of the court to include among others, human rights issues that have a bearing on labour disputes also carried with it diverse thorny issues that need to be properly addressed and resolved. This paper therefore, attempts to comprehensively identify and analyse these issues bordering on the jurisdiction of the court with special focus on the boundaries of its special human rights jurisdiction as touching on the employer employee relationship. The paper adopts the doctrinal research method in undertaking this research and finds that the expansion of the jurisdiction of the court and the exclusivity of jurisdiction in all such other matters has the potential of restricting access to justice. It calls for the removal of exclusivity of jurisdiction in non-labour related matters, with state high courts having concurrent jurisdiction as well as the creation of additional divisions of the National Industrial Court.
THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION: BETWEEN SYMBOLISM AND REALISM
Authors: Aremo Joseph Igbekele Aremo
Published: January 2023

The people are the reason government exists, hence, without any equivocation; the people are the principal while the government is a mere agent. This underscores the reason for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN), 1999 (as altered) declaring that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through it derives all its powers and authority. In this paper, it is argued that, in practice, popular sovereignty termed as the consent, will, and participation of the people has no similarity with the exact popular will and participation expressed by the Constitution. The accentuation of this assertion is predicated on the notion of the general will of the people as reflected in the spirit of the Constitution. Thus, this paper aims at deconstructing the theoretical principle of popular sovereignty and its impact on Nigerian polity as well as investigating the relationship between it and the Constitution. While adopting the doctrinal approach, this paper found that the express mention of the people as the ultimate authority by the Constitution is a welcome idea, but this is nonetheless respected by the Government except perhaps during elections. To strengthen this provision, a full fledge autochthonous Constitution that reflects the will and aspirations of the various nationalities is recommended.
RETHINKING LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR SURROGACY THROUGH ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN GHANA AND NIGERIA: LESSONS FROM THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SURROGACY ACT 2019
Authors: Adewumi Tayewo Adetiboye Adewumi
Published: January 2023

Surrogacy issues have been on the front burner of the international community, and many countries in the world (including African countries) are making efforts to regulate surrogacy through assisted reproductive technology. Nigeria’s National Health Law 2014 does not have any provision for surrogacy through assisted reproductive technology and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill which is at the Nigerian National Assembly since 2016 is yet to be passed into law. Recently, Ghana attempted this through the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 2020 (Act 1027). The law aims to provide for the registration of births, foetal deaths, and death in the country. It officially recognised surrogacy through the assisted reproductive system. Though Ghanaian law only provided for the registration of birth of children born through surrogacy, it recognises the existence of parties to surrogacy. There has been fear that surrogacy practice can turn into modern-day slavery, and human trafficking, putting the lives of the surrogate mother and child in danger if not properly regulated. This article considers the legal framework for surrogacy through assisted reproductive technology in Nigeria and Ghana through doctrinal research methods. The article examines the South Australian Surrogacy Act 2019 and observes that the law is a model law for surrogacy regulation in Nigeria and Ghana. This article in its recommendation suggests that the South Australian Surrogacy Act 2019 should be used as a model for making surrogacy laws for each of the African countries.
Hydrogen Generation During Thermal Processes of Water Decomposition on the Surface of Nano-ZrO2+3mol.%Y2O3
Authors: Imanova Gunel , Asgerov Elmar , Jabarov Sakin , Mansimov Zaur , Kaya Mustafa , Doroshkevich Aleksandr
Published: January 2023

The study of physicochemical properties of nano-ZrO2+3mol.%Y2O3 was determined. The X-ray diffraction spectrum of the nano-ZrO2 and system nano-ZrO2+3 mol.%Y2O3 compound was drawn by the Ritveld method and the crystal structure was determined at different temperatures (T = 373, 473, 573, 673 K) and under normal conditions. The energy of the arrangement of H2 as a result of the decay of H2O, on the surface of nano-ZrO2+3mol.%Y2O3 was considered. Impacts of adsorption and desorption preparation of ZrO2+3mol.%Y2O3 nanoparticles were considered at diverse (T = 373, 473, 573, 673 K) temperatures. The thought of H2 in warm forms at nano-ZrO2+3mol.%Y2O3 framework expanded. This tells about hydrogen era by water part in close future. Nano-ZrO2 and system nano-ZrO2+3mol.%Y2O3 with the temperature range of T = 373, 473, 573, 673 K have been studied by SEM analysis. These results are promising of hydrogen generation by water splitting in near future.
HIGHLIGHTS

First innovative research article in this area
Importance of the thermal in water splitting for hydrogen generation
Design and optimization of water splitting for hydrogen generation
Future of hydrogen generation at a large scale economically

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Importância do instrumentador cirúrgico na visão da equipe de cirurgia plástica
Authors: Melo da Silva Kelly
Published: January 2023

O estudo descrito neste artigo tem a função de descrever qual a importância do instrumentador cirúrgico (IC) para o cirurgião e demais profissionais envolvidos no ato cirúrgico, quais as qualidades mais importantes na visão do cirurgião e como a atuação do IC aumenta a segurança do paciente e de toda a equipe médica. Foram ouvidos 98 profissionais, dentre eles 65 são médicos cirurgiões plásticos e 33 são médicos anestesiologistas. Por meio deste estudo chegamos à conclusão de que 95,92% dos entrevistados priorizam a presença do IC em seus procedimentos. O conhecimento das técnicas assépticas e habilidade do manuseio dos materiais, foram as qualidades mais citadas pelos profissionais, além da organização e pontualidade, apontados como as qualidades imprescindíveis pelos entrevistados.
Los apellidos de San Pablito Su estructura en el tiempo (1874-1970)
Authors: Peral Rabasa Francisco J.
Published: January 2023

El actual sistema antroponímico de San Pablito Pahuatlán, Puebla, comunidad otomí enclavada en la Sierra Norte de Puebla, es un sistema de tres casilleros. El primer casillero es el que corresponde al llamado nombre de pila, el cual puede estar compuesto de una o más piezas léxicas; el segundo casillero es en el que se consigna el primer apellido; y el tercer casillero, el segundo apellido. Sin embargo, en su inicio fue un sistema de un casillero. El objetivo del presente artículo es dar cuenta de la evolución del sistema en San Pablito centrándonos en los nominales con función de apellido.
El periodo temporal estudiado va de 1874, cuando inicia sus funciones el Registro Civil de Pahuatlán de Valle, hasta el año de 1970. Nuestra base de datos se alimentó con los nombres de 3,094 personas nacidas en San Pablito y la fuente fueron las actas de nacimiento.
El corpus consta de un total de 334 apellidos entre simples, compuestos y múltiples. Tanto de origen indígena como no indígena.
Esta investigación hace parte de otras líneas de investigación que en su conjunto pretenden realizar la descripción del sistema antroponímico de San Pablito, Pahuatlán.
Ramazan Eğlencelerinde Ezgili Mânilerin Korunması ve Yaşatılmasının Önemi: Küpecik Örneği
Authors: İSTANBULLU Serenat
Published: January 2023

Türkiye’de her yıl Ramazan ayında gerçekleştirilen birlik, beraberlik ve eğlence amaçlı ritüeller, halk tarafından sevilen, sürdürülmek istenen geleneklerdir. Toplum tarafından hem geçmişi hatırlatma özellikleri hem de gelecek nesillere geleneği aktarma isteği ile özellikle de yetişkin kesim tarafından genç nesillere anlatılan ve uygulanmasına özendirilen bu eğlencelerin günümüzde kısmen de olsa devamlılığı sağlanmaktadır. Teknolojik gelişmeler, sosyal değişimler ve insanların daha fazla ev odaklı yaşamayı tercih etmelerinden dolayı Ramazan gelenekleri eskiden olduğu gibi coşku ile gerçekleştirilmese de halen devam etmektedir.

Ramazan eğlenceleri içerisinde yer alan geleneksel uygulamaların özgünlüğü; kültürel dönüşümler ve geleneklerin tatbikindeki birçok değişiklik neticesinde eksilmeye ve yozlaşmaya uğramış, bununla birlikte birçoğunun asıl amaçları ve biçimleri kaybolmuştur.

Bu araştırmada, Ramazan eğlencelerinde yer alan birçok mâninin ezgi ve sözlerinin değiştirildiği, basitleştirildiği, yok olduğu ve ezgiden sıyrılıp sadece söz öbeklerine dönüştürüldüğü hususlarını vurgulamak amaçlanmaktadır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda; söz konusu değişimlere örnek olan Küpecik geleneği ve Küpecik mânisinin otantik kaynaklardan alınan ezgisi notaya alınmış, sözlerde farklılıklar gösteren versiyonları sunulmuştur. Küpecik mânisindeki anlamsal, ezgisel ve ritimsel kaymalara dikkat çekilerek söz konusu mâninin yazılı kaynaklarla korunması sağlanmak istenmiştir.
Review on Novel Herbal Drug Delivery System
Authors: Praveen V. Patil  , Sanjay K. Bais  , Ganesh V. Gudge
Published: January 2023

Ayurveda, an ancient kind of medicine practised in India, Plant products have been utilised for a variety of reasons since prehistoric times. Plants are used as natural remedies for a variety of health ailments, such as allergies, wounds, burns, gastrointestinal difficulties, and even cancer. Herbal remedies are helpful but difficult to extract, process, and distribute; as a consequence, modifications are needed to solve these problems, which is what gave rise to the Novel Drug Delivery System (NDDS).In compared to traditional and other cancer treatment modalities, NDDS is also advantageous. By using different herbal excipients and API extract the sevral novel Herbal drug delivery systems are made as like liposomes, nanosomes, microsomes, Microemulsions, Phytosomes, Transferosomes, Ethosomes, Niosomes etc. Other Herbal excipients are some time used like colourents, sweetners, binders, diluvents, viscosity builder, Disintegrants, etc. These excipients may be useful in the development of stable products. Herbal medications have been altered to have a higher therapeutic value, less toxicity, a prolonged and regulated release, improved solubility, increased bioavailability, and improved patient compliance. NDDS, which contains a variety of innovative carriers include solid-lipid nanoparticles, transferosomes, ethosomes, microspheres, microemulsions, phytosomes, and liposomes. This review's goal is to introduce readers to the many herbal NDDS for the administration of herbal medications for the treatment of various illness conditions, such as diabetes and dementia.